Chapter 90
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 90
Chapter Title: The President's Gifts
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Marduk Mansion, the old main building of Babel Academy and the president's office.
In the banquet hall prepared within, two cadets stood side by side before the mansion's owner, President Ludwig.
"—Having risked their lives to save a comrade and set an example as heroes, we hereby award letters of commendation to the cadets before us."
Having read the entire commendation, Ludwig called out the names of the two standing before him.
"Jake Myers, first-year in the Swordsmanship Division of Aqar Quf."
"Yes!"
"Lee Se-hun, first-year in the Forging Department of Borsippa."
"Yes."
The commendations were handed over in order, and then the three posed together for a photo.
With the simple ceremony concluded, Ludwig, who had called the two to his office separately, smiled warmly.
"I'm sorry to bother you on the weekend. It's just hard to find time otherwise."
"N-No, not at all! We're grateful just that you've made time yourself, President!"
Ludwig gave a kindly smile at Jake's tense response.
"I'm glad you see it that way. How's your body holding up?"
"Thanks to the professors in the infirmary, I'm fully recovered!"
"That's a relief. A hero's resolve is admirable, but don't push your body too hard. Cadets like you are treasures to humanity."
"President..."
Sincere words, not empty flattery. Jake's eyes sparkled as he gazed at Ludwig, moved by the praise.
The first Summit Climber in human history, a hero revered by countless people—any cadet would be thrilled to receive such commendation from him.
'This is dragging on forever...'
Anyone but Lee Se-hun, who'd seen it all before.
'Just take the photo and be done with it. Why drag it out?'
He'd never been fond of these formal events to begin with, and after being dragged around for investigations lately, his irritation was boiling over.
"Oops. I didn't mean to let that slip."
Noticing Lee Se-hun's mood, Ludwig chuckled lightly and continued.
"Thanks to your heroic efforts, we saved countless cadets. As president, I'd like to express my gratitude. Is there anything you need?"
Like the presentation at the entrance ceremony.
Finally getting to the point, Lee Se-hun's eyes lit up as if his irritation had never been.
'If I use up everything I have coming, I should get something decent.'
Praying Ludwig's generosity would hold, he was about to speak when—
"President."
Jake jumped in as if he'd been waiting.
"Please give my share to Se-hun."
"What?"
Lee Se-hun stared in surprise at the sudden declaration, while Ludwig looked intrigued.
"You sure? I heard you already handed over the sacred wood."
"Yes. I don't need anything right now... and I promised Se-hun before."
Jake glanced at Lee Se-hun with a grin.
"That I'd give him more than enough compensation."
Lee Se-hun smirked at Jake's gaze, which dared him to complain it wasn't enough.
'Look at this guy.'
He'd thought the sacred wood was the end of it, but this was an unexpected bonus. Lee Se-hun looked at him approvingly, and Ludwig nodded.
"If that's your decision, so be it. I look forward to your achievements in the Swordsmanship Division."
"Thank you!"
"Take care on your way back."
Jake bowed and left the office. Watching him go, Ludwig spoke calmly.
"His potential has deepened even further. That sword you made him fits perfectly, it seems."
"It's not that impressive."
"Hah. Not impressive? If you say that, the artisans who failed before will hang their heads in shame."
When word of the Radiant Light Sword spread outside, it drew fierce reactions from heroes—especially the blacksmiths who'd tried and failed to craft Jake's sword.
'Babel is spreading lies to create a hero! There's a limit to mockery!'
'A weapon's true value reveals itself over time. Claiming superiority now is meaningless.'
It was shocking enough that a first-year with no background had forged a hero-grade weapon just half a year after enrolling—but the very sword they'd failed at? The artisans dismissed it as exaggeration, and most people sided with them.
The tale sounded too far-fetched.
'I'd doubt it too without seeing it myself.'
But facts were facts.
"It's more a difference in approach than skill. I'm sure they'll understand eventually."
"True enough. Don't worry too much. Department Head Ryu said she'd handle it personally."
"...I see."
He'd wondered if he could relax, but decided not to dwell. Ryu Eun-ha handled things cleanly despite her aggressive style.
'A smart mad dog... yeah, that's the vibe.'
Brash, but she grasped situations before acting. With her on it, the rumors would die down quickly.
"Now, about your reward... but first, something I want to show you."
Ludwig lightly swiped his hand through the air, and a golden keyhole appeared, opening to drop an object.
A fist-sized, dark red fruit with faint heat haze rising from it. Lee Se-hun narrowed his eyes.
"That's..."
"Take a look."
[Seed of the Divine Tree]
Rank:HeroQuality:Lowest
The seed of the colossal tree that sought to devour the entire forest.
Hastily created before its complete demise, all its power is imperfectly mingled.
Holding it grants resistance to spatial abilities, and its properties change based on absorbed nutrients.
* Grants resistance to spatial abilities.
* Properties transform based on absorbed nutrients.
Staring blankly at the seed in his hand, Lee Se-hun was stunned.
'This existed?'
A material he'd never heard of in his previous life.
Perhaps because it had already fully grown by then and was subjugated, or maybe someone pocketed it midway—who knew? But from the description alone, it was extraordinary.
'If handled right, I could regrow the Divine Tree... in any form I want.'
Not easy, of course, but worth the challenge. Realizing this, Lee Se-hun wondered why Ludwig was showing it to him.
"From the name, it's a byproduct of that variant monster, right?"
"Correct. Found inside a massive lotus during analysis of the remains."
Ludwig looked at him gravely.
"As you know, monster byproducts with 'revival' potential face strict regulations. Plus, traces of the puppeteer's cube and living weapon remain within."
"So that means..."
"Under the Hero Special Act, I can only offer you alternative compensation."
Just as he'd feared—Lee Se-hun felt a crick in his neck from frustration.
'To lose a material like this...!'
If he'd slain it alone, or had strength left after, he'd have smuggled it out.
As he inwardly cursed his rotten luck—
"Under normal circumstances, that is."
Ludwig smiled softly.
"...Pardon?"
"It feels wrong to take away something you earned through hardship. And above all... I'm curious how you'd cultivate it."
Caught off guard, Lee Se-hun blinked.
"So you're giving the seed to me?"
"Yes. But as it's dangerous, there are conditions."
Ludwig's two conditions:
First, publicly he'd retain ownership for contingency, and it must be grown in a Babel-designated location.
Second, once cultivation began, submit regular growth reports to him.
'Research it secretly to avoid the hassle.'
Reports were annoying, but provided space and materials made it appealing.
'Growing it outside risks constant surveillance... and more ties to Ludwig are a plus.'
His interest meant more Babel support and perks.
No downside. Lee Se-hun asked,
"When should I start cultivating?"
"Once you decide your approach, let me know. I'll select the perfect spot."
How to grow the Divine Tree.
A new puzzle. Nodding thoughtfully, Lee Se-hun agreed.
"Understood."
"Good. Now, to your reward."
Ludwig returned the seed to the white void, looking expectant.
"You have your prior share too. Name anything you need."
The reward Ludwig had promised since Mt. Silver Moon. Lee Se-hun gave his prepared answer.
"Something to protect my life in emergencies."
"How dire an emergency?"
"Dire enough to use every reward I'm owed."
Intrigued, Ludwig eyed him.
"Most would grow cautious after this... but you're preparing to roam freely."
"It might be what the enemy wants—me hiding. Better make them avoid me instead."
He'd had enough of being dragged around in his past life.
Impressed by his resolve, Ludwig smiled after a surprised glance.
"Excellent mindset."
Whoosh.
The white void approached, dropping a small ring.
"Ah."
Reflexively catching it, Lee Se-hun examined the ring etched with a pattern like Ludwig's golden keyholes.
Plain-looking, but its info was anything but.
[Ring of the Ascendant Emperor]
Rank:HeroQuality:Highest
A ring crafted by the Absolute, the first to achieve ascension: 'Ludwig Schubert.'
Imbued with the authority of spatial dominion; expend mana to wield its power.
* Expend mana to wield spatial authority.
Hero rank, yet the description seemed underwhelming. But reading between the lines, Lee Se-hun's eyes widened.
'A spatial artifact...?'
Not limited to specific skills—freely manipulable with mana.
Ultimate in convenience and versatility. As awe dawned on him, Ludwig smiled.
"What do you think?"
A question laced with certainty. Lee Se-hun looked up at him.
"You are humanity's true treasure, President."
The era's greatest hero stood before him.