Chapter 117
Chapter 117
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 117
Chapter Title: Humanity's First Mage (4)
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On Cameron Planet, the government-run bioengineering lab in Pyongyang was at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, known only to those in the know. Flashy new tech always seemed dominated by big players like the US or China, but Korea had its share of talent too.
‘A few geniuses dragging everyone along by the collar.’
Not just Suhyun—every special forces operative from around that time had undergone body enhancement surgery under Lee Sun-hwa.
After the Dragon Slayer Project failed, the military devised a new plan utilizing their own personnel, and to boost its chances, they requested her cooperation. She accepted without hesitation.
“It’s not a simple procedure. Nor does it end in one session. The full treatment takes about a week. Then there’s adaptation training afterward. You knew that much coming in, right?”
“Of course.”
He’d already been through it once. Suhyun nodded.
“We’ll anesthetize you, but don’t lose consciousness. The second you do, we stop. Keep talking.”
“Got it.”
Surgery on a superhuman was a delicate matter. One slip, and they could accidentally trigger their power, killing the surgeons. And Suhyun’s telekinesis wasn’t exactly weak.
“Shall we begin?”
Lying on the operating table, Suhyun swallowed hard as the machinery lowered over him. He hadn’t been this tense facing a charging monster or dozens of superhumans.
‘Damn, surgery really...!’
* * *
“How do you feel?”
“Like a hangover.”
“Everyone says that. Lucky there’s no pain, though. Sometimes it flares up if you’re not compatible. Take it slow getting up. No straining.”
He could’ve jumped into a fight right then, but Suhyun followed Lee Sun-hwa’s instructions. Her words had always been hard to defy. Choi Ji-eun was one thing, but she was the one who’d treated him.
‘My power... feels refreshing.’
Those who’d undergone it often wondered how they’d ever lived with their old bodies. The enhancement was that potent. Suhyun had received the premium version—no need to say more.
It bolstered bone and muscle durability and strength, increased blood volume, natural healing, metabolism, and even fortified organs for light poison resistance and better digestion. Basic senses sharpened too. If you had the money and time, it was a no-brainer.
Suhyun instinctively sensed it. His telekinesis capacity had expanded. Like the vessel itself had grown.
‘Is it the blood? Or something else?’
“Alright, off to the adaptation training room.”
“I think I can skip that...”
“No can do. Humanity’s first mage needs to stay aware. We do it properly.”
Lee Sun-hwa patted his back lightly. Feeling a strange sense of déjà vu, Suhyun stepped forward.
* * *
Adaptation training room.
A mandatory rehab space post-enhancement. People often griped, “What kind of rehab is this?” But those who skipped it regretted it fast—tripping like total newbies due to imbalance.
The problem? It felt utterly idiotic.
“From there to there. Walk it, and training’s done for today.”
She pointed to a single rope line. Tightrope walking, basically. To calibrate suddenly boosted physical abilities.
Seeing her smile, Suhyun shook his head.
‘She really loves this stuff.’
Lee Sun-hwa got a kick out of elite soldiers falling off and flailing.
‘Sorry, but no show from me.’
Thud!
“?”
He leaped a full circle, landing perfectly on the rope. Impossible for the untrained, but feasible post-adaptation. Except Suhyun had just finished surgery.
“How?!”
“I’m a mage, remember.”
“That’s ridiculous!”
It had zero to do with magic. Pure innate body control. Superhumans who rarely used their bodies often took longer to adjust.
“You didn’t use telekinesis, did you?”
“Would I cheat rehab with that?”
“Fair point. Sorry for doubting.”
Suhyun shattered records one after another. Lee Sun-hwa’s expression soured into resignation.
“You’re free to go. Stop now.”
“Thanks.”
“Stay three days, though. We check for anomalies.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
As she turned to leave, Suhyun called out.
“Hey...”
“?”
“Can I wander the lab?”
“The lab? Nothing to see.”
“Nothing? This place is a treasure trove of tech.”
“Young man, flattery won’t work.”
She laughed.
“Wander if you want. You’re cleared, not some outsider. Just don’t touch anything. Actually, better—I’ll assign a guide. I’ll call Ji-eun. Wait here.”
‘Jackpot!’
Choi Ji-eun worked here too. Timing-wise, she’d likely come from Earth to Cameron for research. Top talent like her was rare.
“Ji-eun?”
“Right, you wouldn’t know. I keep forgetting not everyone’s up to speed on my timeline. She’s my daughter. Works here with me.”
“If she’s your daughter, she must be sharp in bioengineering too.”
“Enough buttering up. She’s technically specialized in superhuman analysis. Might geek out over you.”
Suhyun knew her well enough that it wasn’t funny. Good or bad, she was a born scholar. She’d pursue knowledge relentlessly. Hard to imagine from her usual cool demeanor.
“Yeah, hold on. Come to the adaptation room. You’ve wanted to meet the mage, right?”
Soon after the call, the door opened. There stood a cool beauty with long black hair casually swept back. Her white coat suited her slender frame perfectly.
Suhyun resisted the urge to rush and hug her. Everyone from the past was welcome, but she was special.
“...Hello.”
“This is Kim Suhyun, the newly awakened mage. He’s here a few days for rehab and wants a tour. Make sure he doesn’t mess with stuff. Ask whatever you’re curious about while you’re at it.”
“Sure.”
Lee Sun-hwa left. Alone with Choi Ji-eun, she eyed Suhyun.
“What’re you curious about?”
“Uh... could we go somewhere quieter? Just the two of us.”
Her expression hardened—sharper eyes narrowing further. Suhyun realized his mistake.
“If it’s a proposition, pass. Plenty of guys outside dying to take you.”
“No, it’s not that. I just need to talk.”
“About what?”
“It’s... private. Not for here.”
“...”
Choi Ji-eun blinked, probing his sincerity. Seeing his earnest face, she sighed and shrugged.
“I’ll call for help if you try anything. Being a mage doesn’t mean carte blanche. Got it?”
“Of course.”
“Follow me.”
Suhyun knew the spot instantly. Her lab. The setup screamed her personality. She silently pointed to a swivel chair.
“Coffee? Green tea?”
“I’ll make it. Thanks for the time.”
“...”
Suhyun brewed instant coffee, dumping in four sugar cubes. Her eyebrow arched.
‘How does he know my taste?’
“So, what’s this about?”
“It’s a long story. Hear me out seriously.”
“Depends on the story.”
“I’m from the future.”
“...”
“I said hear me out!”
He grabbed her hand mid-reach for the panic button, pleading desperately.
“I’ve got the phrase you told me to use for this exact moment!”
“?”
He whispered in her ear. Her face changed instantly.
“H-how...?”
* * *
Friends with benefits, but not quite lovers. That summed up Suhyun and Choi Ji-eun. They cared deeply, like lovers, but both loved their work too much for a full relationship.
Neither minded. Their passions only drew them closer, never apart.
One day, post-sex, lying in bed chatting as usual—their talks always veered to superhumans and monsters.
-Teleport users pop up occasionally since they’re rare, but time-based? Never seen one. About time, though.
-Time? Controlling that with a power?
-Time and space are technically one concept.
-Not getting it. And wouldn’t someone die before activating something like that?
Strong powers weren’t always good—they drained you. Suhyun’s telekinesis worked because his capacity grew; otherwise, he’d be vomiting blood each use.
-True. But exceptions always crop up. Could be an artifact, not a power.
-A time artifact... mess with that wrong, and you’re lost forever? Like thousands of years back.
-Doubtful, even hypothetically. At most, years or decades.
-Hey, I’m leading a ruin expedition the day after tomorrow. Scare me like that, and I won’t touch artifacts.
-Sorry. Time artifacts aren’t common anyway. And going back isn’t all bad?
-I’d hate it. Redoing everything? Rebuilding relationships too.
-Worried I’d forget you?
-No.
-Liar. Don’t worry—I won’t forget you. I’ve got a way.
-?
-I’ve always been into time travel. So when I was little, I decided: if someone says ‘XXXXX’ to me one day, they’re from the future. Got it? If you botch an artifact and end up in a past where I don’t know you, just say it. I’ll believe you.
-That’s ridiculous.
-It’s romantic, dummy.
* * *
Suhyun never imagined that half-joking promise would pay off. Choi Ji-eun stayed stunned awhile, then nodded for him to continue.
He summarized events concisely. Skipping the obvious, explaining the key: their past relationship, his accident, how he returned.
“...I have no choice but to believe.”
“Doubt me? I can say more.”
“Like?”
“You swapping your report card at twelve, breaking Dr. Lee’s favorite pot at seventeen and hiding it... or that mole on your back, your favorite...”
“Stop, stop!”
Any longer, and bedroom secrets would spill. Blushing furiously, she waved him off.
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