Genius Regressor Makes Mythic Items

An unexpected message left Shimun wide-eyed. And understandably so.

『From 00:00 U. S. local time, Earth No. 274 will transition to the ‘Regular Arena.’』

“Regular Arena.”

The announcement signaling its commencement.

Due to Shimun’s unusual reaction,

-What’s wrong, oppa?

The Philosopher’s Stone in the flask at the center of the workshop approached, sensing the tension.

Moments later,

-Oh my god!

The Philosopher’s Stone’s eyes widened in shock, just like Shimun’s.

-‘Regular Arena’? Already?

Even though she was born before Earth’s destruction, the Philosopher’s Stone had extensive knowledge about pre-regression Earth, second only to Shimun.

-Oppa! Didn’t you say the Regular Arena starts early next year?

She turned urgently to Shimun.

“Yeah.”

Shimun nodded slightly.

“According to my past life, it started on January 1, 2031.”

So, ‘This message should also be announcing that date…’

The message that appeared should specifically align with January 1, 2031.

Shimun frowned.

‘Even the unofficial arena had an accelerated timeline. Why is everything happening earlier?’

Incidents like the Ukraine Outbreak made sense. Those resulted from the butterfly effects of his actions post-regression.

However, the schedules for the unofficial and regular arenas were different.

‘These should be managed directly by the Galaxy Arena, unaffected by my regression.’

Managed directly by the Galaxy Arena, naturally unaffected by any of his actions post-regression.

Upon this realization, “Ah.”

Shimun let out a short sigh.

-What? Do you have any idea?

The Philosopher’s Stone asked inquiringly, seeing Shimun’s expression. Shimun nodded slowly.

“It’s just a guess, but like the last unofficial arena, it feels like someone’s meddling.”

-Someone? Then it has to be the dragons, right?

The Philosopher’s Stone answered obviously.

“But even if it’s the dragons, meddling with the Regular Arena’s schedule is beyond them.”

-Yeah. No matter how powerful they are, the Regular Arena is different.

The Regular Arena.

The stage where participants officially compete in the Galaxy Arena. An exceptionally significant event for the Galaxy Arena. Even the dragons couldn’t easily interfere with it.

-Plus, after the Russian guild war, the influence of the dragons in the Galaxy Arena took a big hit.

Due to the aftermath of the previous Russian guild war, the influence of the dragons within the Galaxy Arena had been significantly reduced.

Naturally, internal monitoring would be stricter than before. Tampering with Earth’s Regular Arena schedule would be incredibly challenging even for the dragons.

Upon realizing this,

-So it’s not just the dragons…

The Philosopher’s Stone glanced at Shimun with a shocked expression.

“Yeah. There’s a collaborator. A powerful one capable of influencing the Regular Arena schedule.”

-Seeing your face, oppa, you seem to have an idea of who this collaborator is.

The Philosopher’s Stone squinted at Shimun’s confident expression. Shimun’s face darkened slightly as he responded.

“At first, I thought it was the giants.”

-Giants? Well, given their power and alliance with the dragons, it makes sense.

The giants, as one of the top-ranked species in the arena, Many of them were born as demigods, like Gigantes, and had substantial influence within the arena.

However,

“It’s still difficult for them to meddle in the Regular Arena schedule.”

Their combined influence, even with the dragons, wasn’t enough to alter the Regular Arena’s schedule. With Shimun’s denial came further contemplation for the Philosopher’s Stone.

-So, you’re suggesting some divine-king level Constellation is involved?

The Philosopher’s Stone furrowed its brows in thought.

Then,

-Oh my god!

The Philosopher’s Stone’s eyes widened in realization. Shimun nodded with a still darkened expression.

“Yeah. The Celestial Realm. Specifically, it’s likely involving the Jade Emperor and his associated constellations.”

-Crazy!

The Philosopher’s Stone exclaimed in shock.

-Why would those bastards be interested in Earth? Oh… Is it because of what happened with Erlang Shen?

“Probably. The only incident involving the Celestial Realm recently is that.”

-Impossible! The Buddha Himself gave permission! How can they hold a grudge! Wait, considering the Jade Emperor’s temperament…

Does the Philosopher’s Stone know the Jade Emperor personally?

She glanced around with a somber expression.

Seeing this, Shimun spoke quietly, “And considering the circumstances of my past life, it’s likely related to the Continental as well.”

-Continental?

“Yes. After the Regular Arena began, one of the deities supporting Continental in my past life was from the Celestial Realm.”

-Ha! That explains it.

The Philosopher’s Stone chuckled dryly and nodded.

Then,

-So, what will you do now? The Celestial Realm is behind Continental.

She asked with a serious face.

Unexpectedly.

“What do you mean? Just go as usual, but with more caution.”

Shimun responded calmly.

“We’re already well-informed about the basic aspects of the standard arena from the Semi-Arena. We only need to be careful about a few things.”

-For example, if you fail the arena, there could be an outbreak or something like that?

“Yes. It should be specified in detail in the notice.”

And such danger factors.

“Since uncle is the chairman, there shouldn’t be major issues in Korea.”

With the Awakener Association chairman in Korea on their side, they should be able to control the situation to some extent.

“Additionally, the Galaxy Arena will probably give us a short break now that we’re incorporated into the standard arena.”

Proving those words to be true.

『On the day of incorporation, participation in the arena is not possible until 00:00 Korean time the next day.』

『This is a break period to assist with the incorporation into the standard arena.』

『For more details about the standard arena, please check ‘Details’.』

The system announces a break period by disabling access to the arena for a day.

-Ha. It’s true…

Seeing this, the Philosopher’s Stone let out a hollow laugh.

At that moment.

Vrrrr.

A slight vibration came from the side. Turning his head.

“It’s going crazy.”

On the phone screen placed on the desk, calls and numerous messages were coming in non-stop. Shimun cleared the messages and took the call.

The person who called first, unexpectedly.

“Yes, secretary Choi. What’s the matter?”

It was Golem Choi Changwook, the secretary of his uncle, Kim Mooyeol.

-Shimun-nim. Did you see the notice in the arena?

“Yes. I just checked it.”

-Due to the importance of the issue, I wanted to discuss how to proceed, so I contacted you.

Since Shimun did not expect this call,

“May I ask why you are asking me?”

Shimun asked sincerely, with genuine curiosity.

-Well… let’s say it’s kind of an intuition.

“Intuition?”

-Yes. For some reason, it feels like Shimun-nim would know how to handle this kind of situation well.

Shimun was taken aback momentarily by the unusual statement from Choi Changwook,

‘Truly, secretary Choi. No wonder Uncle favors you so much.’

Admiring Choi’s remarkable intuition, Shimun let out a light laugh.

“I don’t know if I’ll be helpful, but I’ll wrap things up here and head to the association.”

-Yes. I’ll be waiting.

He ended the call. Tapping his phone gently,

“Intuition, huh…”

Shimun repeated Choi Changwook’s words.

‘Though he called it intuition, it’s likely based on what I’ve done so far.’

From the previous arenas to the recent Desperado situation.

Even if not as perceptive as Olivia, Choi Changwook, known for being thorough and composed, must have noticed something exceptional about Shimun.

Moreover, “It’s convenient. I was planning to head to the association anyway. Now I even have a solid reason.”

Since the other side reached out for help first, it made it easier for him to get involved, didn’t it?

‘I’ll absorb the Devil Energy and head straight to the association.’

Shimun, with a satisfied smile, opened his inventory.

Sssss.

He took out a piece emitting a dark sinister energy. The Devil Energy fragment obtained after defeating the giant Cobra Suldik.

‘Lucifer called this a fake Devil Energy.’

Lucifer, who furiously claimed it was made by the filthy traitor Solomon. Recalling that, Shimun tightened his grip.

Crush.

The Devil Energy fragment crumbled easily like dry clay in his hand.

Soon after.

『You are exposed to the Devil Energy.』

『The Devil Energy you possess is incomplete.』

A familiar message appeared before him.

“What is this?”

Shimun’s face turned blank. The reason was straightforward.

『Your Devil Energy has increased by 1.』

The following message.

Even if it’s a fake Devil Energy, “No way. Gaining just 1 stat is too stingy…”

Earning only 1 stat seemed unreasonable.

In Shimun’s mind, ‘By capturing that guy, you can gain a minuscule but present amount of Devil Energy!’

Lucifer’s words from before flashed by.

‘Ha! That guy, Lucifer.’

Shimun chuckled.

Then.

‘Though it’s a tiny amount… I’m really tempted to go hit him. Should I go smash him with the Demolition Strike?’

As his chuckle turned into a murderous intent,

Kiiiiing.

Odin’s Eye activated automatically.

Before him,

『A memory remains in the absorbed Devil Energy.』

A sudden message popped up.

Before Shimun could respond,

Flash!

His vision blacked out.

***

『Regular Arena Begins?!』

『Sudden Announcement Causes Global Panic!』

『Top Elites from Various Nations Flock to the World Awakener’s Alliance』

『Emergency Meeting of Major Guilds! What’s Next?』

『Spectacular Appearance of the Regular Arena! What’s Different?』

From various portal sites to news media and online communities, articles about the regular arena flood everywhere.

And then,

“Liqiu! Look at this!”

A middle-aged man with a chubby appearance and small eyes buried in his flesh,

Zhang Wanchi, the Vice-Guild Master of Continental Guild, pressed the button in his hand repeatedly with a broad smile.

Every time he pressed the button, the gigantic wall screen displayed numerous articles related to the regular arena.

“Everywhere you look, it’s all news about the regular arena!”

Was he that excited?

“Who would ever guess that you were behind all this? Huh? That you turned the world upside down!”

Spitting as he screamed, Zhang Wanchi’s demeanor contrasted sharply with his chubby appearance.

However, despite his excitement, “Uncle.”

A middle-aged man with a cold demeanor remained indifferent.

“This is a public place.”

Zhang Liqiu spoke in an unwavering tone.

At his words,

“Ah….”

Zhang Wanchi’s face momentarily stiffened.

“Haha! Yes, you’re right! I got too excited and was rude!”

Wiping his now sweat-beaded forehead,

“But anyway! You moved the Galaxy Arena with Celestial Realm’s influence! That’s truly impressive!”

Even with his characteristic hearty smile and enthusiastic reply, Zhang Liqiu seemed uninterested in Zhang Wanchi.

“Dephina. Is this sufficient?”

His gaze turned to the side.

There,

“Of course~.”

A woman in a tight black cheongsam, Dephina, was casually sitting on his desk.

“Considering the aftermath of the last guild war, scheduling the regular arena seemed impossible… but to think you would make it happen.”

With her peculiar smile, she looked at Zhang Wanchi, who turned dark.

“I never expected the Jade Emperor… Truly, as Vice-Guild Master said, it’s impressive.”

Was she defending him because he felt ignored?

“Haha! Indeed, the Black Dragoness has a keen eye! Our Guild Master has always been extraordinary since childhood!”

Answering immediately with a bright face, Zhang Wanchi nonetheless received little more than politeness.

“I had a prior connection. I only made a request.”

Zhang Liqiu remained almost emotionless, only looking at Dephina. Glancing briefly at the now frozen Zhang Wanchi, “That in itself is significant.”

She continued with a smirk.

“The Jade Emperor is the King of the Celestial Realm. His compliance with your request means the entire heavenly realm supports you.”

“That means, the Jade Emperor’s support doesn’t simply end with advancing the regular arena schedule?”

“Of course. Many heavenly deities will likely back you. However, don’t expect only goodwill. He’s known for his cunning nature.”

“Hmph. I’ve never trusted in goodwill. It’s always about mutual benefit.”

Zhang Liqiu snorted.

“At any rate. You’re a man to my liking.”

Dephina responded with a charming smile, but it did not faze him.

“So, are you certain about the schedule you mentioned post-regular arena? That’s the reason for all this, isn’t it?”

Zhang Liqiu, without a blink, continued the main topic. And with his unshakable demeanor, “Of course. First, we need to deal with the countries in Asia on this planet.”

Dephina seemed rather pleased with his firmness.

However, “Do you have the plan laid out?”

“As long as your schedule is accurate, there’ll be no issue.”

Despite Dephina’s affectionate tone,

“Focus solely on your experiments and leave this matter alone.”

Zhang Liqiu clearly drew the line.

However, “So cold. Despite our close partnership… You could at least share the broad strokes of the plan? It might help us both.”

Dephina approached him slyly. Given their past history, Zhang Liqiu realized she wouldn’t back down easily.

“Vice-Guild Master.”

He finally looked at Zhang Wanchi.

“Where are they?”

With a brief question, “Th, they? Ah! I received a message earlier that they’d arrive soon….”

Just as the bewildered Zhang Wanchi was about to answer,

Ssssh.

The space beside him distorted and split open. Through the void, dark purple smoke flowed out. From the gap filled with emptiness, “Hey~ Long time no see. Did you see the recent announcement?”

A sly East Asian man.

“Haruto! Stop blocking the entrance and move over!”

Along with the Dimensional Prankster Kamisato Haruto,

“I’ve told you countless times, I hate being in your space for even a second!”

“You’re the top user of this vile space, Jennifer. You know that, right?”

“Bullshit! Do you think I use it willingly?!”

An irate white woman.

Mirror Image Jennifer appeared.