Chapter 34
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 34
Chapter Title: A Deal is Struck
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“......I'll see you at the promotion ceremony.”
Kang Hyun-woon irritably shoved the shattered spear into his disciple's hands and stormed out of the arena. Once all the other disciples had left, Yeom Seong-ha let out a sigh.
“Hoo......”
The fatigue from an all-nighter of training, the backlash from unleashing a domain duel with his still-unfamiliar Seven Rings, and the relief of successfully achieving Seven Rings promotion.
As Yeom Seong-ha caught his breath with a weary expression amid this long-forgotten sense of utter exhaustion...
“You really smashed it to hell and back.”
Lee Se-hun climbed up onto the arena and glanced around the floor.
“Didn't I tell you to break it?”
“Even so, you could have done it a bit more elegantly. Do you have any idea how expensive dragon flame stone is?”
There were barely any fragments left—most of it had been pulverized to dust, leaving no trace. As Lee Se-hun grumbled and picked up a piece of the spear blade, Yeom Seong-ha looked at him curiously.
“So how did you know?”
“Know what?”
“That there was a problem with Kang Hyun-woon's spear.”
His victory in this domain duel had come partly because the properties of his Black Flame Rings were specialized for duel-style combat, and partly because Kang Hyun-woon ranked at the bottom among the instructors.
But the overwhelming dominance he'd achieved was thanks to the flaw in the spear that Lee Se-hun had pointed out.
“I could tell the moment they clashed. Even a slight bit of pressure twisted the armament skill that was reinforcing his flame rings.”
Since Kang Hyun-woon relied so heavily on that armament skill, his Seven Rings fell into disorder in an instant, allowing Yeom Seong-ha's Black Flame Rings to exploit the gap and swallow them whole in one go.
It was essentially what had decided the domain duel. Naturally, Yeom Seong-ha found it astonishing that Lee Se-hun had spotted it just by looking.
“Hm. To be precise, there wasn't a problem with the spear itself. It was actually in perfect condition.”
“......You expect me to believe that?”
A spear in perfect condition had crumbled so pathetically from just a little pressure? Under Yeom Seong-ha's skeptical gaze, Lee Se-hun examined the fragment he'd picked up and replied.
“I didn't get a close look, but it was probably a weapon specialized in amplifying and accelerating mana. Judging by the output, it was likely Hero-grade.”
“Mm. Probably.”
“But focusing only on boosting output made it unstable. The mana leaking and rippling when he first drew it was proof of that.”
A phenomenon that occurs when mana circuits are overconcentrated in pursuit of higher output.
It could be an advantage depending on the user, but Kang Hyun-woon's spear had it so severely that it even affected the durability.
“The result? It shattered instantly when it collided with much denser mana while trying to maintain maximum output. It might as well have been a sharp pane of glass.”
Yeom Seong-ha wore a puzzled expression at Lee Se-hun's explanation.
“How did something so flawed get Hero-grade rating?”
“It's specialized for one-hit kills, or it could unleash tremendous power if used by someone who can protect their gear. That's how the system rates things.”
A catastrophe born from the owner's abysmal understanding of his own weapon. As Lee Se-hun explained, Yeom Seong-ha looked down at the fragments in wonder.
“I had no idea the system worked that way.”
“That's why you need to be careful too. In real combat, something like this could take your head with it.”
“I'm not that stupid.”
Ignoring Yeom Seong-ha's grumbling, Lee Se-hun looked down at the fragments he'd collected.
'Even so, this is a bit much.'
Considering the properties of the dragon flame stone used as the main material, just adding a bit of cooling function could have balanced high output and stability.
But the blacksmith who made this spear hadn't added cooling—instead, they'd mixed in other ores to prioritize sustaining high output.
A method that completely wasted the material's properties. Whoever it was, they were hopeless beyond saving.
'What a waste of materials...... Tch.'
Lee Se-hun clicked his tongue, pocketed all the fragments, and stood up.
“Anyway, what happens next?”
“Once Kang Hyun-woon reports it, the promotion ceremony won't be far off. From then on, I'll be recognized as an instructor of the Flame Flower Sect and its official heir.”
“How do you become sect leader?”
“Two conditions. First, reach Eight Rings. Second, get the approval of a majority of the instructors.”
Not just mastery of the Flame Ring Remnant Flower Spear, but also the consent of the executives. Lee Se-hun's expression turned ambiguous at that.
“Eight Rings aside, can you get their approval?”
“I can earn it through spars. The difference is, it'll be standard spars instead of domain duels, so it won't be as easy as today.”
“Hmm......”
The Flame Flower Sect instructors were all active A-rank heroes.
They were masters who had honed the Flame Ring Remnant Flower Spear over long years, and their armaments received full support, so none of them were pushovers.
In a standard spar, even Kang Hyun-woon—the lowest-ranked instructor he'd just faced—would be a tough opponent.
“Won't take long.”
Lee Se-hun said it nonchalantly.
“You say that easily.”
“Because I know you'll pull it off. Look at today.”
The slump that had held Yeom Seong-ha back before his regression was already resolved, and he'd continue teaching the training methods created by his future self as the situation demanded.
With Yeom Seong-ha's talent, he'd skyrocket in no time.
'Plus, there's the Hero's Tower.'
The pure white towers scattered across the world, with one at Babel's center. If one's aptitude was certain, they could leap over years of barriers in one bound using its power.
“Like I said yesterday, I'm making you sect leader whether you like it or not. So start thinking about how you'll pay me back.”
“......”
Yeom Seong-ha silently stared at the confident Lee Se-hun.
Since arriving at Babel, he'd never once accepted help like this from anyone.
Mysterious aid felt burdensome, and above all, it grated on him like admitting his own weakness.
'I still feel the same way now......'
But for some reason, the help from this slippery guy in front of him didn't bring that unease or displeasure.
He hadn't figured out why by dawn, but now, with his promotion complete and his mind clearer, he thought he knew.
“......Fine.”
He couldn't accept goodwill whose motives were unclear.
“But you'll have to pay back what you receive.”
But a mercenary 'deal' was something he could trust.
[Target 'Yeom Seong-ha's Bond Level has risen to Lv. 2.]
[With the Bond Level increase, a relationship is established. Your relationship with target 'Yeom Seong-ha' is 'Trade'.]
[Relationship: Trade]
Some might call it cold, but no relationship is as convenient and clean as a trade where you give as good as you get.
For a target still clumsy with interpersonal relations, this kind of bond will actually feel more comfortable.
*Bond Stones are generated each time a trade with the target is established.
*Bond Stone maturation speed increases while in a trade situation with the target.
*Currently generated Bond Stones: None.
The notifications popped up one after another in front of him.
Lee Se-hun's face showed surprise at their content.
'Lv. 2 already?'
If Bond Level Lv. 1 was just remembering a name, Lv. 2 and up meant a specific 'relationship' had formed.
It wasn't rare—something reachable quickly if handled right—but Lee Se-hun was shocked because the target was Yeom Seong-ha.
'This guy giving me Lv. 2 this fast......'
Before the regression, it'd taken at least a year by his estimate. How was it possible so soon?
As Lee Se-hun reeled in shock, Yeom Seong-ha spoke calmly.
“For this payment, tell me what you need. Cash, materials—whatever I can provide.”
“......Alright. I'll let you know later.”
“And I have an additional commission.”
“Already?”
As Lee Se-hun looked at him quizzically, Yeom Seong-ha glanced down at the two short spears in his hands.
He'd borrowed them since they were for class submission. They weren't bad, but not without regrets.
'If this is what he made in just a few hours, I can expect more.'
What kind of spear would he make next?
He'd never once felt attachment to an armament in his life, so the anticipation felt unfamiliar—yet not unwelcome.
Without realizing it, the corner of Yeom Seong-ha's mouth twitched up ever so slightly, almost imperceptibly.
“Make me a more usable weapon.”
Crunch—
Lee Se-hun's teeth ground together with a vicious grind.
“Sss...... Hoo......”
Lee Se-hun stepped out of the Plavium and focused on steadying his boiling rage with slow breaths.
If he didn't get this anger under control, he felt like he'd pull out the Enemy Spear and Black Ten Spear from his subspace pocket and ram them straight into Yeom Seong-ha's gut.
'Ungrateful mongrel bastard......'
Instead of thanking his helper, he demanded a proper weapon? Even a stray mutt on the street would have better manners.
'And what was with that smirk......'
Before the regression, the guy wouldn't crack a smile if his life depended on it—now he was smirking like he was mocking him, making the nape of his neck throb.
Despite the infuriating situation that had his teeth grinding, Lee Se-hun calmed down quickly.
He already knew the guy was an arrogant prick, and more importantly, he wasn't entirely wrong.
'It's a weapon made by applying Bond Engraving to base materials. Fine for practice, but not for real use.'
To properly draw out Yeom Seong-ha's power, he'd need at least top-tier Rare-grade—or better, Hero-grade.
'A proper weapon, huh...... Let's see about that.'
He'd repay today's humiliation twofold. With that resolve, Lee Se-hun naturally glanced sideways and asked.
“Waiting for me again?”
“No. Just passing by this time.”
Erika replied casually as she fell into step beside him.
Now such a sight barely surprised him, so as they reached the station and waited for the light rail, Lee Se-hun asked.
“Heading to the sorcery department?”
“No. To Borsippa's auction house.”
“Why there?”
“Curious how your items will do.”
“......Ah.”
Her words reminded him of the auction he'd forgotten about.
The Forging Department's second-year regular auction, where his first-semester budget was on the line. Yeom Seong-ha's matter had wrapped up quicker than expected, leaving him time to spare.
'Hmm. Go or not......'
He was tired from observing Yeom Seong-ha all night and adjusting the armament, but not to the point he couldn't bear it. His only remaining task was the smelting class, which he'd already finished the assignment for.
'Skipping class is fine...... Too tired for tempering......'
Going back to the dorm now would just mean waking up awkwardly late for dinner. Having decided, Lee Se-hun looked at Erika.
“Let's go together then.”
“Okay.”
Arriving at Borsippa's auction house with Erika, Lee Se-hun glanced around.
'So this is what it looked like back then.'
Smaller than he'd seen before the regression. Still, it evoked a luxury department store with its opulence. As he took it in, Lee Se-hun furrowed his brow.
'Wasn't there some incident that led to reconstruction......? Vaguely remember hearing it, but details escape me.'
A trivial memory this time, but forgetting something important later would be trouble.
Feeling anew the importance of memory, Lee Se-hun recalled the Dream Tusk from Ludwig.
'Need to prepare for that soon.'
As he mentally outlined plans, he suddenly felt gazes and subtly scanned the surroundings.
People recognizing him and staring. Among them were scouts from outside, hunting prospects—their eyes especially sharp.
'The entrance ceremony made quite a splash.'
A few even loitered as if about to approach with offers, but none actually did.
Partly because they were gauging each other, but mostly due to Erika's intimidation beside him.
“......”
She spotted anyone edging closer like a ghost and stared them down wordlessly. No one here didn't know who she was, and those below the Inoue family's stature backed off.
Lee Se-hun, who'd worried about crowds, smirked at the pleasantly filtered environment.
'Not bad at all.'
If they couldn't measure up to the Inoue name, he had no need to deal with them anyway.
As he seriously considered using Erika as a filter going forward...
“Over there.”
Erika tugged his sleeve and pointed to a door.
A large plaque beside it read 'Hall 6', with a small sign in front.
<Forging Department 2nd Year 1st Semester Regular Auction. Item: Iron Sword>
“Let's go in.”
“Okay.”
Lee Se-hun quietly opened the door and surveyed Hall 6 inside.
Seats for 1,000 people. Regular auctions usually filled less than a tenth, but today nearly every seat was taken.
'The top student's name value is no joke......'
He'd expected a crowd, but not like this. Impressed anew, Lee Se-hun scanned the seats and soon spotted a familiar face.
Jake, looking tense like he'd been threatened. His forced presence was obvious, drawing a smirk from Lee Se-hun.
'That guy's got it rough too.'
Having surveyed everyone, Lee Se-hun looked curious.
'With this much attention, overt sabotage would be tough...... Wonder what he'll do.'
How far would Michael Valmut's scheme to seize the Forging Department go? As Lee Se-hun waited with interest...
Rumble—
Wheels rolling from behind the stage. Eyes turned to the cart positioned center stage and the object atop it.
A pure white cloth stretched taut and fixed in place. Its soft yet metallic sheen was mysterious, and those who recognized it gasped in admiration.
“Isn't that it? The Hero-grade material made from White Tiger fur......”
“Ah, the Silver Brocade? But why's it here all of a sudden?”
“Probably testing something. It's famous for slash resistance.”
As everyone grew intrigued by the seemingly auction-unrelated item, Lee Se-hun—watching it—unconsciously let his mouth quirk up.
'As expected. So that's the play.'
He instantly grasped Michael Valmut's plan and how he intended to destroy the White Light Longsword.
Having pieced it all together, Lee Se-hun gazed at the white cloth—the core material, Silver Brocade.
'Not bad.'
Imagining the renewed White Light Longsword, he twisted his lips into a grin.