An Incredible Gift
Kasumi asked me, “What about mine?”
“Bring it first.”
“Got it.”
Whoosh.
Kasumi began moving while cloaking herself, just as always. Once I reached a more refined realm, I wondered if I'd be able to sense her hidden presence.
Clank.
As soon as the artifact room door closed, I undid the buttons on my suit jacket. No one else was left here, so there was nothing to worry about. Sure, the AI Sasha was watching me with wide-open eyes in her human form, but whatever. She was just an AI.
I stripped off my top and bottoms and donned the [Hunter Factory Manager Suit Set].
◈ Enhances qi circulation and compression
◈ Stabilizes sword qi output
I glanced at Sasha, and her slightly upturned lips suddenly drooped.
“……?”
Must've been my imagination.
“Is there a problem, Manager?”
“Huh? Nah, nothing.”
Anyway, I finished dressing properly and buckled my belt.
[My Information] showed no particular changes, but in that moment, I felt a tingling sensation all over my body. My qi flow accelerated. The qi that had been wastefully flowing into unnecessary meridians compressed tightly and efficiently.
As a test, I channeled qi into the Sealed Sword.
Vmmm!
The sword qi, which had been sluggishly churning like unstable gears, now rippled like gentle waves. No more wasteful dripping like blood droplets. I smiled in satisfaction at the sight.
This was the power of an artifact! It felt like I'd gained enlightenment for free.
With this, I could handle even the 15th floor boss without issue—as long as I had my team's support.
Sasha smiled slyly and asked, “Does it suit you, Manager?”
“Like I said, it's an incredible gift. I love it.”
“That's a more heartfelt thanks. I'm thrilled that you're pleased.”
“How does it look to you, Sasha?”
“Much more handsome.”
I chuckled and told her, “What do you do when I'm not around?”
“I'll manage the entire Hunter Factory from within the main system. No need for this form.”
“I'm heading out, then. When Kasumi brings her clothes, turn them into a uniform.”
“Understood, Manager.”
I left those words behind and exited the Hunter Factory. Kasumi had been assigned as the factory overseer, so she'd stay here. Now that I had two wish tickets, I could summon her anytime I needed.
I couldn't keep lugging around my old suit, so I decided to stop by my quarters first.
“Wait, hold up.”
On my way to the quarters, a thought struck me, and I found a nearby restroom. Confirming no one was around, I pulled out Cromwell's key and inserted it into the mirror above the sink, twisting it.
Shimmer.
The surface rippled like water, opening a passageway. I dipped my hand in briefly, then tossed in a spare suit.
This could work like a personal inventory, right? That was the idea.
I needed to check if closing the passage would make the item disappear. The suit was perfect for the test—nothing too valuable, but great if it stayed.
Click.
I twisted the key to close it. As I went to reopen it, footsteps approached, so I left the restroom. Better to check back at the quarters. It might take time to vanish, if it did.
It was lunchtime anyway, so I'd eat and check after.
Entering the cafeteria, I spotted Lee Jun-yeol getting his meal.
“Section Chief Lee Jun-yeol. Having lunch?”
“Ah, Senior Kim Jeongha. Perfect timing—I had something to discuss.”
“With me?”
“Yes.”
Lee Jun-yeol and I got our food and sat facing each other. After a few bites, he spoke at the right moment.
“You look even more handsome today, Senior.”
“Pardon? What's that out of the blue...?”
Lee Jun-yeol laughed awkwardly and waved it off.
“No misunderstanding, please. I'm not like that.”
“No, just surprised by the sudden compliment. Anyway, what did you want to say?”
“I'd like to collect data on your combat style, Senior.”
“You want a spar? I'll pass. I have another duel scheduled today.”
Spar with Gwak Do-cheol, fight Kasumi. After dueling Lee Gun today, I'd head into the 15th floor raid. Fighting was my job, but back-to-back battles wore me down. Plus, it cut into training time. Real combat was practice and vice versa, but skills like Thunder Cloud Heart Knot or Blood Cycle didn't improve through fights alone.
“Watching from the side would suffice.”
For a moment, I wondered if Section Chief Lee Jun-yeol was some peerless martial genius, but then I recalled what kind of person he was.
“Nanomachines?”
“As expected, you see right through it. This data collection includes detailed analysis of others' martial arts, so I wanted to ask permission first.”
“Hmm...”
I pondered while swallowing some beef seaweed soup. Lee Jun-yeol was a soldier from a future era more advanced than the modern Earth I knew. No outward signs, but his genes were engineered at the cellular level, implanted with trillions of nanomachines—a super soldier. The only tell was the faint glow in his eyes.
He was also highly skilled in close-quarters combat. It piqued my interest.
“My martial arts aren't entirely my own. Let me check with the original owner.”
“Very well.”
I entered the Safety Planning Department training grounds with Section Chief Lee Jun-yeol. Lunchtime was nearly over, and no special news had come. The department heads' meeting must be running long.
I told Section Chief Lee Jun-yeol, “Gonna hit the restroom quick.”
“Of course, Senior.”
Every building had restrooms, perfect for checking the key periodically.
Splash!
After a staff member finished washing up and left, I quickly used the key.
Click.
I peeked into the passage and grinned.
“It's there.”
Good—it hadn't vanished. The suit was right where I'd tossed it. Not much time had passed, so I'd observe longer, but holding it for about 30 minutes was promising.
One new issue: Did using the key like this consume a charge? If so, I'd wasted two pointlessly, but I'd have tested it eventually.
I'd asked Zhuque if she could figure it out after eating the Fire Spirit Essence, but even she wasn't sure.
“Would eating the Fire Spirit Essence let you know?”
-I can't be certain. But I can tell it's no ordinary item.
“Why's that?”
-Manipulating space-time is rare even among treasures. The company treats that key as exceptional, so it must have secrets.
Exceptional item... I agreed. No info popped up on it, after all.
Zhuque continued.
-That Cromwell guy probably never realized.
“Probably.”
-My take: the charge limit isn't as strict as you fear.
“Why?”
-He told you to use it, so it's been passed down for ages. It's still working after heavy use, right?
“True, but...”
Hard to buy that alone. What if it was fated to run out right after Cromwell? Maybe his family had a recharge method he didn't know.
Either way, the only way to know was to keep using it until it stopped. So I decided not to worry about the limit. I'd use it freely anyway. If it ran out, fine—just another reason to master Thunder Cloud Heart Knot faster.
That eased my mind. I rejoined Section Chief Lee Jun-yeol and entered the training grounds.
There, Lee Gun—the Plum Blossom Swordsman in a crisp suit—approached me, fists clasped in salute.
“Kim Jeongha. The appointed time has arrived.”
“I'm ready, but give me a moment with my comrade first.”
“Understood.”
I greeted Gwak Do-cheol.
“Do-cheol. You here?”
“Young master Kim. You look radiant today. Something good happen?”
Gwak Do-cheol said something similar to Lee Jun-yeol. Was it the new suit? Did it have a 'look more handsome' effect?
“Guess my outfit's working well today. Anyway, I have something to say.”
“Knew it. Speak.”
Black Moon Sect business, so I stepped away from Section Chief Lee Jun-yeol.
“Hmm... You want to analyze the Black Moon Tyrant Sword?”
“Yes.”
I watched for dislike, but Gwak Do-cheol surprised me.
“Then analyzing that Huashan Plum Blossom Swordsman's swordsmanship too.”
“Exactly.”
“Got a way to convince him?”
“Thought of one. Lee Gun won't refuse.”
“Ho. Young master Kim has it all planned. Huashan's Plum Blossom Sword should rival the Black Moon Tyrant Sword. Let's see it.”
I approached Lee Gun and explained.
“Plum Blossom Swordsman Lee Gun. While we duel, my comrade will analyze our martial arts. If that's fine, let's spar.”
“Hm?! Why this sudden condition?”
He looked flustered. Understandable—someone dissecting his livelihood?
I replied calmly. “In return, if you win, I'll let you wear Huashan Sect robes openly.”
“Hmph. I know you're no ordinary man, but you can't compare to a Director. How could you permit that? No offense—I'm no different...”
He trailed off bitterly, eyes distant with memories of Huashan. Nostalgia was common here; I'd seen that look often.
It was working. I spoke.
“Not permission... Doesn't matter. Key is, I can make it happen. If I lie, take my head.”
Like Kasumi taught: stake my life on my words. It hooked the righteous Lee Gun perfectly.
“Good! If you're that resolute, I trust you. But you'll need to beat me for what you want.”
I smirked. “That won't be hard.”
“Nonsense!”
Shing!
Provoked, Lee Gun drew and swung immediately. He knew my realm matched his, so he unleashed fierce purple sword qi for an early finish.
For a moment, he seemed to charge like lightning. Then he spun in place, scattering purple qi into the air.
Seven Absolute Plum Blossom Sword
Bitter Flower of Xin Mountain
Fragrance Flows a Thousand Ri
The faint plum blossom scent spread. Inhaling it, I realized: my vision was changing everywhere.
Huashan martial artists appeared in wuxia worlds occasionally, but their techniques never matched perfectly. Like how Lee Jun-yeol's and my Korea differed, the Plum Blossom Sword varied from basic forms to ultimate arts.
Felt like an illusion. From the scent onward, nothing but me was visible.
As vision cleared, countless blades surrounded me. Like petals blooming in midair—a beautiful spectacle.
Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Forms
Plum Blossoms in Full Bloom
But these flowers hid lethal daggers.
I could use a barrier, but didn't. My qi sense, pre-extended, told me which petal held the strongest scent.
One real among them. Which form to counter? Answer before petals touched.
\My answer: He'd called it the \Overlord Crimson Sword\. It was time to show the true essence of the **domineering and tyrannical** way.\
I drew a circle with my sword. Like a full moon. Scattering qi simultaneously.
Plum scent drowned in bloody reek. Purple petals soaked in gore withered gray.
Black Moon Tyrant Sword
Moon's Reflection, One Path
My blade and his turned on him. The form Gwak Do-cheol once used to protect me from Angelica. Repel with mighty inner power, counterattack—the tyrant sword's essence.
Two blades at equal speed doubled the power.
Tsss!
A soft sensation reached my fingertips; I withdrew power swiftly. Emotions surged in that exchange, but it was instantaneous.
“......Urk.”
Lee Gun stood there, face contorted. Two blade tips pricked his throat, drawing twin blood trails.
A split-second later, and they'd have pierced.
He gritted his teeth, swallowing emotions.
Stepping back, he saluted deeply.
Then roared, voice boiling: “An honor to cross blades with a Peak expert!”