Genius Regressor Makes Mythic Items

“Is it… really true?”

A voice, cold as a blade.

“Did such an experiment really happen?”

The sharp voice wavered faintly. It wasn’t a mistake. The middle-aged man with the sharp features, who asked twice, was Kim Muyeol, the association president. His hand, unexpectedly, held a faint tremor.

“Yes.”

Kim Shimun lightly nodded to confirm. At that, “How could this happen…?”

Even Choi Changwook, who stood like a statue next to Kim Muyeol, covered his mouth with a trembling hand.

“This crazy old man! To conduct such a vile act as an Awakened?”

Kim Muyeol’s eyes immediately turned fierce.

“Even someone as great as Lee Suncheol can’t escape the passage of time. To commit such insane acts.”

As if ready to tear someone apart, Kim Muyeol growled. Kim Shimun watched his uncle quietly.

‘I didn’t expect Uncle to react this strongly.’

In his capacity as the association president, it was only right for him to be enraged. Matters concerning the Awakened fell squarely within his jurisdiction. To conduct such reprehensible human experiments in secret—how could the association president not be furious?

But, ‘It’s not just because of the human experiments that he’s so angry.’

Kim Shimun’s eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at Kim Muyeol.

‘Knowing Uncle’s character… yes, it’s about the authority of his position.’

Whether a country’s Awakened became a criminal or a victim, all punishments had to come from the Association’s hands. Under the guise of ‘justice’.

It had to be processed according to ‘established procedures and laws’. That’s the only way the Association of Awakened would hold its significance, and Kim Muyeol, the association president, could maintain his authority and sense of purpose.

‘Typical Uncle.’

Kim Muyeol is by no means a righteous man. He would not hesitate to do anything to achieve his goals, making him more of a villain, perhaps. Yet, Shimun didn’t see this as a bad thing. In fact, he viewed it positively.

‘Both Shihyuk and I have a few soft spots.’

It wasn’t just about a distaste for killing or specific moral codes. If they were bogged down by such things, they wouldn’t have survived that long in their previous life on Earth.

However, ‘Uncle is fundamentally different from us. That’s why his perspective on situations and the directions he explores are different.’

It’s a difference in method. Both Kim Shimun and Shihyuk would eliminate enemies, but their methods had limitations.

For instance, even if they killed an enemy, they wouldn’t extend the punishment to unrelated family members or relatives. But Kim Muyeol was different.

‘He wipes out everyone around them too, just to ensure no loose ends. Thoroughly.’

It was akin to the old practice of exterminating three generations, a harsh method but one that ensured no remnants.

‘That’s why, despite Father’s achievements, he’s held such a high position and power.’

Their father was the greatest player in Korea and the previous association president. Despite having such a formidable predecessor, never once was it mentioned that the current head was inferior to the previous one.

It wasn’t even suggested. Before considering Kim Muyeol’s influence over the media, his excessively harsh and cold way of handling matters made him perfectly suited for the Awakened Association.

And because of that, “So, Uncle, do you intend to get involved in this matter?”

Kim Shimun had personally informed his uncle about the incidents at the unregistered facility. Kim Muyeol nodded without a moment’s hesitation.

“You’re stating the obvious. This is an overreach.”

‘Overreach, huh…’

Kim Shimun repeated the word in his mind, smiling inwardly.

‘As expected of Uncle.’

Awakened criminal case.

Kim Muyeol, referring to the shocking incident of human experimentation as an “overreach”. Recalling the relationship between Chairman Lee Suncheol and his uncle made it obvious.

‘It means that Chairman Lee Suncheol encroached on his domain.’

Uncle, as the association president, guarded matters related to the Awakened. And Chairman Lee Suncheol, to protect his lucrative interests, likely formed an alliance.

In the end, it was a relationship born out of each party’s desire to fulfill their own ambitions.

‘Chairman Lee Suncheol was stepping into Uncle’s territory like this…’

Without any discussion. He kept these actions secret from his supposed partner, conducting such activities on the Awakened. Even at facilities not registered with the Association. This went beyond human experimentation.

‘If Uncle Kim Muyeol, sensitive about his role as association president, were aware of this, he wouldn’t be able to tolerate it.’

To Uncle Kim Muyeol, it was nothing less than an act of blatant disregard and insult towards him. Therefore, “So, did you discover anything else at that unregistered facility?”

The alliance between Uncle Kim Muyeol and Chairman Lee Suncheol was bound to break apart. Especially if it was a relationship based on mutual greed. It goes without saying.

“I heard that despite the facility being obliterated into the void, you managed to gain some information.”

Kim Shimun watched his uncle, who unusually stretched his words and repeatedly urged for an answer.

‘As expected, he took the bait.’

Soon, “Yes, of course. I do have a knack for these things, don’t I?”

Trying hard not to overdo his smile, he replied.

“Upon investigation, it turns out there are more unregistered facilities.”

“What?!”

Kim Muyeol’s eyes widened in shock. Even Choi Changwook, who stood by, looked at Kim Shimun with wide eyes.

“Is that true? Are there more such facilities?”

“I was surprised too. Secretary Choi, could you please get the map?”

Kim Shimun, about to take out his phone, pointed to a map hanging on one wall of the chairman’s office. Choi Changwook quickly took it down and placed it on the guest table.

“Let’s see. Here, and here, and…”

Kim Shimun marked various points on the map with a pen. From the southern regions like Gyeongsang-do and Jeolla-do to the central regions.

No less than five locations were marked.

“These are approximate locations. I can’t cite exact addresses, but I can give you a rough idea. I’ll send the details later via message.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Shimun pinpointed the locations.

“……”

Kim Muyeol was momentarily speechless. After all, pinpointing the exact locations meant that most of the information about the unregistered facilities had been uncovered.

Thus, “Is this information reliable?”

Kim Muyeol could only ask with a doubtful glance.

Was it not so?

After Kim Shimun escaped the facility and investigated again, the unregistered facility in the underground of Cheorwon had vanished without a trace.

It was as if the portion of the facility had been surgically removed. Naturally, the information inside the facility would have been just as, if not more, thoroughly erased.

How could Kim Shimun have such detailed knowledge of the locations of other unregistered facilities?

However, “Of course, it’s reliable. I obtained it directly from the concerned party.”

“According to Kang Dayoung, the only human there was that scumbag Dr. Choi Woosuk. Who is this ‘concerned party’ you’re referring to?”

“I can’t reveal that much. Nonetheless, what I’m saying is all true.”

Kim Shimun responded with a relaxed smile.

At this, “… You little…”

Kim Muyeol shot him a sharp glance. Kim Shimun met his uncle’s gaze head-on, not losing his smile.

‘There’s no need to mention that I extracted the information directly from the experimental subjects’ minds through Divine Eye.’

Starting with Experimental Subject M249 and several others, Kim Shimun not only controlled them through Divine Eye but also delved deep into their minds as he did with the Black Forge.

‘Perhaps due to the effects of the experiments, the mental barriers of the subjects were broken down.’

As soon as he infiltrated their minds, he was swept away by the fragments of their tumultuous thoughts.

‘I never imagined that the growth effects of the 101 stats would apply to bound stats as well.’

Achieving a total alchemy energy of 202.

The bound stats such as Magi, Dragon Force, and Death Energy, influenced by half of this total, rose to 101.

Thanks to the boost from the 100 stat threshold, known for its significant growth impact, he felt an enormous change.

‘The impact was tremendous.’

The mental fragments surged in like tidal waves driven by a hurricane. Yet, as if his two legs transformed into a breakwater, Kim Shimun could walk through the shattered minds of the experimental subjects, inspecting their memory fragments.

Thus, finding the unregistered facilities where human experiments were conducted wasn’t too difficult.

‘Perhaps because it was their most fearful memory, the fragments were exceptionally large and distinct.’

Fragments of conspicuously unusual shapes, all originated from the moments when the subjects underwent human experimentation. Although their minds were fractured, making it impossible to obtain perfect information,

Thankfully, they remembered the locations where they were experimented on in full.

‘It was quite curious. All the subjects experimented on at different facilities ended up in the facility in Cheorwon.’

The last part of the dragonification experiment must have taken place in the Cheorwon facility, or so he conjectured.

Perhaps it was due to Kim Shimun’s unwavering gaze, “You know as well as I do, this isn’t something we can handle lightly.”

Kim Muyeol let out a small sigh and spoke in a serious tone.

“I don’t need to explain the significance of Holy Trinity within the country.”

“Of course.”

A company that had dominated the top spot even before the emergence of Galaxy Arena, thanks to the likes of Lee Yeonhee, it maintained its position at the top despite the changes brought by Galaxy Arena.

Naturally, “No matter who I am, taking on Holy Trinity comes with many risks. They’re not a force easily shaken.”

Even for Kim Muyeol, the association president. Holy Trinity wasn’t an opponent to be taken lightly.

“If the information you uncovered is wrong, it won’t end with just a wasted effort.”

Moreover, “Chairman Lee Suncheol of Holy Trinity isn’t the type to just sit back and take it.”

This incident involved the top figure of Holy Trinity. Kim Muyeol, fully aware of what kind of person Chairman Lee Suncheol was, knew he had to be extremely cautious.

However, “I understand what you’re saying, Uncle.”

Whether out of confidence in the information or youthful impatience,

“Don’t worry. My information is never wrong. You just need to think about how to use it.”

Kim Shimun answered with a calm that bordered on excessive.

“…….”

Kim Muyeol quietly observed Kim Shimun’s eyes. Eyes without the slightest hint of doubt.

Why was it?

Sometime in the past…

A figure, one that had once turned his life upside down, came to mind.

Grinding.

His teeth clenched tightly. Kim Muyeol tried to erase the now vivid image, and quickly closed his eyes.

How much time had passed?

“… Alright. I’ll trust your information.”

When he opened his eyes again, they were filled with the familiar sharpness.

“However, if by any chance the information is wrong, I won’t bear the responsibility alone. You understand what I mean.”

“Of course. If you wish, I’m willing to sign an Arena contract too.”

Kim Shimun even brought up the Arena contract. At that, Kim Muyeol took out a cigarette from his pocket.

“That kind of contract is unnecessary. If you’ve deceived me, I’ll stake everything to kill you.”

“Why are you so unusually tense today? I told you, don’t worry too much.”

Kim Shimun chuckled despite the harsh threat.

“If it were you betraying me, that would be different. But I will never betray you, Uncle.”

With that, “…”

Kim Muyeol’s gaze turned frighteningly dark.

However, “So don’t make any mistakes, Uncle. Opportunities like this don’t come around often.”

After finishing his sentence, Shimun showed no regrets.

“Well then, I trust you will handle it well. Let me know when you find Dr. Choi.”

He stood up and left the office. Even when Kim Shimun’s figure completely disappeared, Kim Muyeol couldn’t take his eyes off him.

As the door closed, “…”

In Kim Muyeol’s vision, the figure he had tried to forget.

No, the figure he couldn’t forget and had barely managed to repress, surfaced.

‘Muyeol. I will never betray you.’

Accompanied by an unforgettable voice.

*

“… Is there nothing else?”

“No.”

A woman with a ponytail nodded.

Kang Dayoung let out a deep sigh and spoke.

“I’m sorry. I came back empty-handed.”

“No, it’s fine. It’s a relief you returned safely.”

A serene beauty smiled warmly.

At that, “Yujeong…”

Kang Dayoung’s eyes welled up.

“I haven’t reported properly for the past few months… and I messed up this task too, yet you…”

Lee Yujeong softly held Kang Dayoung’s tearful hand.

“Don’t say that. It’s not your fault.”

“Yujeong…”

“And orabeoni gave us valuable information. It’s not like we got nothing out of it.”

“Damn… That’s what makes it hurt more! I knew Kim Shimun was good, but he’s Platinum! I’m a Diamond assassin!”

Tears streamed down Kang Dayoung’s face. So different from her usual stern and professional demeanor.

“Hic! No matter how good he is, I’m a Diamond assassin! I should be better in this field!”

Kang Dayoung had always been one to shed tears easily. And, ‘Dayoung unni is more upset about the fact that she wasn’t as good as orabeoni… than not obtaining the information.’

Her pride was significant. And rightly so. Both in reality and the Galaxy Arena, Kang Dayoung had always taken the elite path, excelling in various fields.

“The fact that the opponent was a step ahead and even used the Void – it was unavoidable. I would have had the same outcome.”

Lee Yujeong smiled softly and handed over a handkerchief as she comforted her.

Then, “Unni, since we’re on the subject. You didn’t tell brother what you were investigating, right?”

She smoothly changed the topic.

“Hic! Of course not!”

Kang Dayoung blew her nose loudly and replied with swollen eyes.

“Even if I wasn’t as good as a Platinum, I have that much sense. Besides, he didn’t even ask in detail why I was at the facility in the first place.”

Lee Yujeong shook her head slightly.

“That’s just like orabeoni.”

The unregistered facility of Holy Trinity. A place she had initially informed Kim Shimun about.

And yet, even after encountering her personal assistant there, he didn’t ask any detailed questions?

Lee Yujeong’s eyes softened further.

‘He’s always been that way. Orabeoni….’

Even in situations warranting questions, Kim Shimun never asked anything until the person shared on their own. It was the same ten years ago on that day.

‘He should have been furious, asking why we were wandering around a remote place without any bodyguards….’

The day that forever shattered the precious life of her brother. Despite being confirmed as incapable of using magic, Shimun did not scold or blame anyone. He simply patted their heads as they cried silently.

Of course, it might have been difficult for him to continue seeing the siblings who ruined his life, as he disappeared entirely a few days later.

Crack.

The sound of her clenched fist cracking reached her ears unexpectedly. Thinking back to that time, her head still seethed with heat.

“Yujeong?”

Noticing the concerned gaze directed at her,

‘This isn’t the time.’

Lee Yujeong quickly regained her composure, cooling her rising emotions.

With the heat dissipated, her mind cleared even further.

Naturally, “And unni? It’s not like we came back empty-handed.”

She swiftly grasped the current situation.

Moreover, “Do you remember the day we met orabeoni at the Galaxy Agora?”

The stark, cold reality of the situation she meant.

“Of course. It was the first time I met the Kim Shimun you always talked about.”

“Then do you also remember the report you gave me that day?”

“Report?”

Kang Dayoung tilted her head quizzically.

Then, “Yes, the report about someone deliberately covering up the incident from 10 years ago.”

“Oh! I remember. And the fact that this person had considerable influence in South Korea… too.”

Kang Dayoung’s expression grew clouded. A person with enough power to cover up a high-profile terror incident from ten years ago. And during their investigation, they discovered the unregistered facility of Holy Trinity.

“Yujeong.”

Kang Dayoung was no fool. She wasn’t unaware of what their investigations pointed towards.

However, “You know, even if it’s family, it’s best not to jump to conclusions too quickly… Don’t you think?”

It was difficult to accuse someone based solely on circumstantial information. What they needed was certainty. Both objectively and subjectively.

Lee Yujeong smiled weakly.

“The reason you entered the facility in Cheorwon without further reporting must be the same. Given who we’re up against, you wanted conclusive evidence. But it’s enough now.”

“Yujeong.”

Kang Dayoung tried urgently to hold onto Lee Yujeong.

But, gently, “Unni, did orabeoni mention anything about grandfather?”

Lee Yujeong firmly changed the subject. Kang Dayoung, who understood what this meant, let out a small sigh and responded.

“…No, not at all.”

“That’s just like orabeoni.”

Lee Yujeong wore a bittersweet smile. It was a facility where human experimentation took place. Even so, Kim Shimun hadn’t mentioned anything, neither to Kang Dayoung nor specifically to Lee Yujeong.

‘He’s probably trying to handle it without me knowing.’

A person who couldn’t bear to see her or Shihyuk suffer. Lee Yujeong’s expression gradually darkened.

“Dayoung unni.”

Was it anger?

Or was it despair?

It was impossible to tell.

“Tell everything we’ve learned to senior Jinwook.”

Kang Dayoung could be sure of one thing.

“I’ll inform Shihyuk.”

That it was certainly not a good sign.