Genius Regressor Makes Mythic Items

At the Korean Awakeners’ Association, the top floor wasn’t solely the domain of the president. There were also reception rooms designed to host both official and unofficial visits from far more than just VIPs.

Tap, tap.

Heading to one such unofficial reception room, Kim Muyeol subtly turned his head to the side.

“How do you know him?”

His voice was low, but in the silent corridor, it was clear.

“Who?”

Kim Shimun tilted his head in confusion.

“I mean, Song Ilchun, the former Guild Master of the Continental we’re meeting now.”

“Ah, the former Guild Master of the Continental?”

Song Ilchun, the former Guild Master of the Continental, was a significant figure in the past life. After the regular arena, he became the trigger for the purge of the moderates within the guild.

‘Even at that time, despite Seo Wiryong reaching the peak ranker status, Zhang Liqiu began the purge immediately after Song Ilchun’s death.’

Zhang Liqiu had always been a dominant figure, even more so in the previous life than now. Still, the purge of moderates happened right after Song Ilchun’s death, indicating his substantial influence within the Continental.

However, ‘Even I don’t know much about Song Ilchun…’

In his past life, Song Ilchun had withdrawn from the public eye upon stepping down as guildmaster, taking a semi-retirement. Naturally, Shimun had little information about him, unlike his successor, Seo Wiryong.

All he knew was, ‘Regardless of factions, he was respected as an elder.’

After Korea had fallen and Kim Shimun fled to China, he occasionally heard Continental guild members lament, “If only the elder were here…”

Given that this was after the moderates were purged, it indicated that Song Ilchun had some degree of influence even among the opposing factions.

Regardless, Due to not knowing much about Song Ilchun, Shimun shrugged and replied, “I don’t know much either.”

“Hmph.”

Kim Muyeol instantly scoffed.

“I know you have connections with Seo Wiryong. But.”

Unlike Kim Shimun, Kim Muyeol seemed to know Song Ilchun well.

“Song Ilchun is one of the few people Zhang Liqiu is wary of. For such a seasoned fox to reach out first and come here… And you say you have little connection with him?”

Kim Muyeol cast a skeptical glance.

What could Kim Shimun do?

“I’m telling the truth, Uncle. I don’t have any significant ties with Song Ilchun.”

Both in his past life and now, Shimun had no connection with Song Ilchun.

“Ha.”

Kim Muyeol let out a dry laugh, seemingly unconvinced. However, sensing Kim Shimun’s sincerity, he chose not to press the matter further and resumed walking.

Not long after, Kim Shimun arrived at the reception room for unofficial visits.

The 2-meter tall man, Choi Changwook, stepped forward.

“I will open the door.”

Beep beep.

After entering the security code and following several procedures next to the door,

“Please, go in.”

Grrrrrk.

The heavy door opened with a sound akin to grinding stone.
“Ah! You’ve arrived!”

Upon entering, A bright and energetic voice greeted them.

“It’s been a while, Shimun-nim.”

“Seo Wiryong-ssi, it’s been a while.”

Both in the previous life and now. Continuing, he remained the rising star of the Continental in this life, Seo Wiryong.

After exchanging a respectful greeting with a bow, Shimun turned his attention to the elderly man who slowly rose from his seat.

“Come, have a seat.”

Despite not being an immortal, the man’s white beard and penetrating gaze gave off an almost otherworldly presence. Though the numerous wrinkles on his face indicated he was well past 70 years old,

“It truly is a pleasure to meet a hero in his prime.”

His voice, steady and devoid of the typical frailty of age, and his upright posture immediately conveyed that he was no ordinary person. His aged, wrinkled lips formed a gentle smile.

“Thank you for making time for this old man’s request even when you must be incredibly busy. My name is Song Ilchun.”

Warmth and restrained dignity emanated from his smile as he extended his hand.

“I’ve been wanting to meet you as well. I’m Kim Shimun.”

Kim Shimun mirrored the smile and clasped the offered hand. Then, ‘Hmm?’

A hint of curiosity flickered in Kim Shimun’s eyes.

The reason was clear. From the hand of the elderly man, A subtle flow of energy was transmitted. Though it was a foreign sensation, ‘A probing ability?’

Kim Shimun quickly recognized the nature of the energy. And then, ‘Where do you think you’re sneaking into?’

From the very center of Kim Shimun’s being, The tenacious and authoritative voice of the Philosopher’s Stone resounded.

‘Get lost!’

The probing energy flowing through their handshake was swiftly repelled.

As a result, ‘Ho?’

A flash of surprise appeared in Song Ilchun’s eyes.

‘He’s only recently reached the Diamond Rank…’

While any Diamond rank could block an energy probe, ‘No matter how proficient in magic, how did he notice the subtlety of my energy so quickly?’

The precision of the probing energy should have been imperceptible, even to a sensitive mage class player. Yet the probing energy barely breached his surface.

In other words, ‘His performance on the broadcast too… He’s the real deal.’

Using the experience he had accumulated as a first-generation player, Song Ilchun recognized that Kim Shimun’s rapid response showcased the qualities of a genuine player.

In simpler terms, ‘He’ll become a ranker soon.’

He concluded that Kim Shimun had the potential and assured growth trajectory to become one of the top-rank rankers.

“Ho ho! My apologies.”

Song Ilchun internalized his judgment of Kim Shimun and continued.

“When one gets old, they prefer witnessing things firsthand rather than via a screen.”

He resumed his warm, measured smile.

“It’s fine.”

Kim Shimun responded with a smile.

Then, “But…”

Song Ilchun, still smiling, spoke.

“That was not merely to assess your level.”

Even though the name Kim Shimun was already well-known worldwide, Like any guild would, Song Ilchun intended to ensure…

The Continental had been consistently gathering information on Kim Shimun. Despite being the former guildmaster, Song Ilchun surely knew Kim Shimun’s level inside out.

Kim Shimun was also aware of this.

“Could this meeting be related to that?”

While displaying respect towards the elder, he directly pinpointed the purpose of their meeting.

“Ho ho! Sharp as ever! But before we discuss that, there’s something I’d like to ask.”

Song Ilchun let out a brief exclamation of admiration before continuing.

“What is your relationship with the Dragon race?”

With a completely different demeanor, Song Ilchun erased his smile and inquired sternly. Caught off guard by the question,

“Dragon race?”

Kim Shimun asked with a hint of surprise.

“As you know, the Continental prioritizes information on you above all else.”

Song Ilchun replied with a nod.

“If it displeases you, I apologize in advance, but it’s an unavoidable aspect for any guild.”

“It’s understandable. Every guild does the same.”

With rising stars, it was only natural for any guild to take an interest. Since there was no guarantee that they would join the guild, gathering intel was a necessary precaution.

Perhaps finding his response unexpected,

“Indeed, you have a broad view even at a young age.”

Song Ilchun nodded with a satisfied look and continued.

“As you said, any guild keeps an eye on skilled individuals. In your case, something stood out.”

“Something unique?”

“Yes, what I mentioned earlier—the Dragon race.”

He clasped his wrinkled hands together and propped his chin on them.

“We know you’re the top prospect right now. But you have a particular strength against the Dragon race.”

His eyes, sharp and penetrating despite his age, fixed on Kim Shimun.

“Interestingly, your transformation appears to be of the Dragon race as well, hinting that you wield Dragon Force.”

“……”

Kim Shimun briefly met the gaze that reminded him of his uncle, Kim Muyeol.

“Are you curious about how I obtained this ability?”

“No, that’s not it.”

Song Ilchun shook his head at Kim Shimun’s low remark and extended one hand.

“I’m interested in how you handle the Dragon Force. Specifically…”

Amazingly, “Is there’s a method to remove it?”

A dark red, familiar aura emanated from his wrinkled hand.

“Draconic power?!”

Kim Shimun’s eyes widened in shock.

*

The sunset gave way to a dusky night outside. To compensate, The reception room was illuminated by additional lights.

“So, to summarize what you’ve told me…”

Despite several hours having passed, The elderly man with white hair and wrinkled face,

“You can remove the Dragon Force within me, but it’s not advisable to do so now?”

Song Ilchun’s posture remained impeccable.

“Yes.”

Kim Shimun nodded succinctly.

“I believe I’ve sufficiently explained the dangers of Dragon Force and Zhang Liqiu’s schemes regarding it…”

Trailing off, Song Ilchun asked with eyes full of curiosity,

“May I know the reason why?”

“It’s simple. It will make Zhang Liqiu complacent.”

“Complacent?”

One of his white eyebrows arched slightly.

Then.

“I see, complacency, huh…”

Song Ilchun had lived as part of the existing power structure long before the emergence of the Galaxy Arena. Considering his experience over the years, it was clear that he understood what Kim Shimun was implying.

However, “And to achieve this complacency, you want this old man to carry a time bomb?”

The premise of such a request was almost laughable.

Even so, “Even if it’s a bomb, it has a ‘timer,’ doesn’t it?”

Kim Shimun shrugged nonchalantly.

“Even if it explodes, I can handle the aftermath. It’s just that the bearer may find it… a bit difficult in the meantime.”

“Hah!”

A sigh that blended astonishment and exasperation,

But unlike the sigh, “This is quite intriguing. I came to remove a burden, only to gain a different one.”

Song Ilchun’s lips curved into a fascinated smile.

Kim Shimun mirrored his smile, “If it makes you uncomfortable, I can remove it right now.”

“Ho ho! How decisive, just like a young person should be.”

Laughing heartily, Song Ilchun waved off the suggestion.

“It’s fine. If I can’t even bear a weapon against that rascal Zhang Liqiu out of fear, how could I call myself a man?”

“I knew you would understand.”

Kim Shimun offered a bright smile and took a sip of his now-cool tea.

Then,

“Well, I think we’ve covered the important topics, so I’ll be taking my leave.”

Kim Shimun said, checking his phone and placing his cup down. The reason was simple.

“The regular arena is about to open soon.”

While it might seem somewhat disrespectful given Song Ilchun’s position and age,

“Ho ho! Talented young folks are always busy. I apologize for taking up your precious time.”

Song Ilchun chuckled warmly and rose from his seat. Kim Shimun matched his movement.

“No, I found our time together quite beneficial.”

It was true.

‘I learned how Zhang Liqiu climbed to the guildmaster position and how he dealt with his predecessor.’

Much like his uncle Kim Muyeol, Song Ilchun had fallen into Zhang Liqiu’s grasp by consuming Dragon Serum, commonly referred to as DS. Song Ilchun’s death in the previous life was likely due to the same reason.

This was a significant revelation when considering the past dynamics of the Continental.

‘Used correctly, this could be a potent weapon.’

Against Zhang Liqiu, it could prove extremely effective. The man likely felt secure thinking he had shackled the previous guildmaster.

Of course, ‘And I apologize to the elder, but…’

It was also a cautious measure in the current scenario. Just like all powerful weapons, ‘I still can’t trust him completely.’

They could inflict significant damage on the enemy. But they could also turn against the user.

‘Unlike uncle, we are essentially strangers.’

Even if his relationship with his uncle Kim Muyeol was not the best, they shared blood and nationality.

Song Ilchun was different.

‘He may appear kindly, but his mind is as deep as Zhang Liqiu’s.’

There’s a reason Zhang Liqiu was wary of him. This understanding came from their brief but profound interaction.

‘So, I needed to set a backup measure just in case.’

And that backup measure was the Dragon Force now embedded within the elderly man in front of him. Kim Shimun’s eyes momentarily turned cold. But it was just a fleeting moment.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave now.”

Kim Shimun, expertly masking his true feelings, offered a polite bow.

“Of course. I am immensely grateful for today.”

Song Ilchun responded with a refined bow.

“Take care on your way back. Seo Wiryong, escort him.”

“Yes, Shimun-nim. Shall we go?”

Seo Wiryong said, bidding farewell as he accompanied Kim Shimun out. The two men departed from the reception room.

Clunk.

The door closed behind them. Though their figures were now out of sight,

“……”

Song Ilchun continued to stare at the closed door in silence.

Eventually, “Hmm…”

With his hands behind his back, he turned slowly to the now empty table.

“How does such talent emerge from this small country generation after generation…”

There sat a man with sharp, cold features.

“You’ve nurtured him well, Muyeol.”

Kim Muyeol sat there, his eyes devoid of any emotion, fixed on Song Ilchun.

“What do you mean?”

“Ho ho! Now, now, it’s just the two of us—no need to play dumb.”

Song Ilchun chuckled heartily.

“I’m talking about that young man, Kim Shimun, who just left.”

TL’s Corner:
Does the old man know something?