Genius Regressor Makes Mythic Items

The anger was palpable.

“How dare they!”

Even after expressing her anger, the Second Dragon Lord continued to breathe heavily, unable to control her emotions.

-For someone known as the Second Dragon Lord and the Matriarch of Dragons, this reaction was quite unusual.

‘Well, it’s no wonder she’s this furious.’

Since Delphina knew the source of the Second Dragon Lord’s anger, her reaction was understandable.

After all, ‘Who would have thought that Kim Shimun would create a new dragon species, something even the Great Matriarch was struggling to achieve.’

The secret experiment conducted at the Cradle of the Spirit King was none other than the project spearheaded by the Second Dragon Lord, Echidna.

Even more, ‘Despite centuries of sustained research, they only managed to implant spirit energy into a hatchling’s body…’

Kim Shimun had effortlessly surpassed all their efforts with a single arena attempt, completing the experiment himself.

This meant a substantial loss both in terms of external investments and, in terms of internal pride.

“How could a mere mortal accomplish what I, Echidna, could not!”

Especially since, “If I had more time! Yes, if I had just a little more time, the glory of that achievement would belong to me, the Mother of Life!”

For her, who wielded powers related to life and nature among the Dragon Lords, it was an even more grievous blow.

However, “You’re absolutely right, Great Matriarch. But right now, dealing with the current situation matters more than a mere human.”

This was merely about Echidna’s pride. It did nothing to address the immediate crisis.

Because, “I received a message from the Naga side earlier. The Giants were utterly furious…”

The experiments and research carried out at the Cradle of the Spirit King were fundamentally initiated at the behest of the Giants.

In other words, “They were demanding all the research data immediately, saying that we were conducting unrelated research instead of their requests.”

The resources the Giants had provided—research, facilities, and knowledge of human alchemy—were being used solely for Echidna’s personal experiments.

The Giants were among the top-rank races, on par with the dragons. Often referred to as demigods, the Giants were not to be trifled with.

Unlike her usual scornful attitude, the Second Dragon Lord did not dismiss the situation lightly.

“Should we not send them the prepared data to placate them?”

She maintained a somewhat prudent tone. Despite her attempt at maintaining composure, Delphina looked worried. The reason was simple.

The data prepared for such emergencies, “We have data, but it’s inadequate to cover centuries of research.”

It fell short of substantiating centuries of research. It was inevitable. After all, this data had been hastily cobbled together to deceive the Giants, lacking any real depth.

Watching her cautiously, Delphina continued, “No matter how foolish they may seem, they won’t be fooled by such superficial data.”

Grit.

The sound of gritting teeth came through the communication device. The green-gray eyes floating above showed frustration and, a hint of anxiety.

“Useless fools!”

“I told you to always have contingency plans!”

Echidna cursed the deceased Nagas, but that was no solution to the current problem. With a thoughtful expression, the Second Dragon Lord fell silent for a while.

How much time passed?

“Inform the Naga side.”

A voice finally emerged from the previously quiet communication device.

“To send them all our research data.”

“What data are you referring to…?”

“Of course, the research on embedding the Spirit King’s power into dragon bodies. Why ask?”

Echidna’s order left Delphina visibly unsettled.

“But Great Matriarch, that data is—”

“Even if it’s crude from our perspective, they are top-rank beings. They must have realized what we were researching with their resources.”

The green-gray eyes closed briefly, only to swiftly reopen.

“They are demanding the research results knowing this. Including the knowledge on human alchemy, they must already know we control the Spirit Kings.”

The focus and intelligence in Echidna’s eyes were fitting of the Matriarch of Dragons.

With a perplexed look, Delphina inquired, “Great Matriarch, that data is specialized for dragons. It’s useless to the Giants.”

“The Nagas will modify it. Even if it’s just changing the terms from dragons to giants.”

Echidna nonchalantly blinked her eyelids. Her words made Delphina gulp unconsciously.

“Such modifications might result in the death of all the giants used in the experiments.”

“Haha! That would be even better, wouldn’t it?”

Echidna chuckled.

“If those brutes die that way, it’s only beneficial for us.”

And crucially, “They demand the data knowing it’s been tampered with.”

The Giants were likely aware that the data would be manipulated. Listening to the entire discussion, Delphina thought to herself.

‘As expected… Those who sit on the throne have a different mindset altogether.’

Unconsciously, her body trembled slightly. Although she was born a top-rank dragon, the mindset of those who oversee the future of their race,

‘Even if it’s for the prosperity of the race, they treat the lives of the populace so lightly…’

It was cruel and cold-hearted beyond her comprehension.

-Now then.

The slightly lowered tone of the Second Dragon Lord brought Delphina out of her thoughts.

-It seems we need to reconsider this human, Kim Shimun.

There was a faint murderous intent in her voice.

Sensing it, Delphina asked with uneasy eyes.

“What do you mean by reconsidering…?”

-Are you asking such an obvious question? It means Kim Shimun needs to be dealt with directly.

It was the answer she least wanted to hear. Delphina replied hastily.

“But Great Matriarch, after the incident at the Black Forge… didn’t you inform the other Dragon Lords? That Kim Shimun should be dealt with within the arena only.”

The incident at the Black Forge, a disgrace in the history of the dragons. Not only were the key facilities of the dragons destroyed by a mere human,

The aftermath led to the Great Matriarch issuing a command prohibiting any direct threats to that human.

Though it wasn’t widely known, any ally or enemy involved with the dragonkin had heard.

And now, “And now to deal with Kim Shimun once again…”

Why such a sudden reversal?

Most importantly, ‘The First Dragon Lord specifically ordered not to directly harm Kim Shimun.’

Even though the command had been issued by the Second Dragon Lord, no dragon was unaware that it was the will of the First Dragon Lord.

‘This would be going against the First Dragon Lord’s orders. If I get entangled, I could be in trouble.’

Delphina quickly added, rather than mentioning the First Dragon Lord’s will.

“The surrounding powers will mock our dragonkin and tarnish your prestige, Great Matriarch.”

Delphina spoke of the Dragon Lord’s prestige.

However,

-Delphina, you are indeed a smart child.

As expected of the Matriarch of Dragons.

-That’s why I cherish you. But this time, you should refrain from using that wisdom.

Her words were soft yet carried a clear warning. For Delphina, who was still only a dragon and not a Dragon Lord,

“… My apologies.”

There was no choice but to bow her head.

With a satisfied look in her eyes,

-Hahaha, commendable child. By the way, I heard there’s an upcoming guild war in that dimension?

She looked at the bowing Delphina.

“Yes, in this dimension, guild wars occur every summer and fall.”

-Hmm…

The Second Dragon Lord murmured softly.

-I heard that forces allied with Cruach are among the strongest in that dimension?

“That’s correct… But…”

Delphina frowned slightly.

Not out of frustration towards the Second Dragon Lord,

“Recently, an event caused them to lose their international influence… Making it difficult to manipulate the guild war stage.”

It was due to the recent Shimdrasil growth buff incident.

The Second Dragon Lord seemed aware,

-Your expression suggests some foolish event occurred.

She laughed enigmatically.

-Even so, I must take action in this upcoming guild war.

“Great Matriarch… Isn’t this without the First Dragon Lord’s consent? If you act hastily…”

-I will handle that. Just follow my orders.

“… Understood.”

Despite her concerns, Delphina bowed her head.

No matter what she said, she couldn’t oppose the will of the Dragon Lord.

The Second Dragon Lord’s eyes softened.

-Don’t worry too much. If we completely eliminate him, even Cruach won’t scold us unconditionally.

Doesn’t he value results?

Musing aloud, “May I ask what you mean by ‘completely’?”

Delphina sought clarification on the crucial point.

Then,

-What could be the problem? I will send my second envoy, Etra, to ensure success.

“E-Etra?!?”

Delphina’s eyes widened in shock.

No wonder,

“Etra is an Ancient Dragon. Sending her over here, still outside the regular arena, entails great risk.”

An Ancient Dragon was the most powerful phase of a dragon’s life.

Despite Delphina’s shock,

-Hmph. Ideally, I’d send a squad captain or apostle. But due to the risks you mentioned, an envoy will suffice.

The Second Dragon Lord scoffed. Delphina’s eyes grew even wider.

‘Mentioning a squad captain or apostle!’

Both were top-rank entities within the Dragon Lord’s command. At the same time,

‘She is truly determined.’

A small sense of relief washed over her.

‘If Etra-nim comes, there’s no need to worry. Kim Shimun will certainly die.’

Since it wasn’t yet the regular arena, Earth, with its status window penalties, would be the setting.

Even if all rankers on Earth were assembled, they couldn’t face off against an Ancient Dragon.

No matter how talented Kim Shimun was,

– This time, he wouldn’t survive.

Feeling reassured, Delphina regained her composure.

“What should I do?”

She looked at the Second Dragon Lord with eager eyes.

***

Clatter.

Clang.

The familiar sound of work filled the room.

The only difference was,

“Kyung, fetch!”

Kyuuuuu~.

Just like a vibrant pot plant brought into a stark factory, the colorful dragon let out a clear, adorable cry.

The Faerie Dragon, no bigger than a small puppy, played around the lab with Shiyeon.

– What are you doing! I told you not to run in the lab! There’s a garden outside, play there!

The Philosopher’s Stone in the flask floated around, scolding the two mischievous ones.

Seeing this,

“So cute.”

Kim Shimun let out a soft chuckle, watching Kyung.

‘To think it could also shrink in size.’

Kyung, who had once been a massive three meters tall,

Kyuu~.

Was now reduced to the size of a small puppy.

Kim Shimun’s smile was not just due to its adorable appearance.

‘Being able to hide its full size is proof of a high-ranked dragon species.’

With luck, Kyung might be of the high rank.

Typically, only the highest rank dragons could shapeshift.

Kyung’s ability to change form indicated its high rank.

‘Since it’s now my dragon, it would be better if it were a top-rank dragon.’

Kyuu~.

Kim Shimun looked at Kyung, who was playing with Shiyeon, filled with anticipation.

Then, “This isn’t the time for this.”

He shook his head slightly and opened the quest window.

‘If I remember right, it was a hidden quest?’

After linking the Spirit Realm and Shimdrasil, there was a hidden quest.

‘The Tree Connecting Dimensions,’ he verified it.

『The Tree Connecting Dimensions』 – Hidden Renewal Quest

The Shimdrasil is a tree that connects dimensions.

‘Grow the World Tree’ and ‘Connect it to other dimensions.’

Currently connected dimensions: Spirit Realm

Reward: ?

Then,

“A Hidden Renewal Quest?”

Kim Shimun tilted his head.

For a good reason.

‘This is the first time I’ve seen a Hidden Renewal Quest?’

Even though he was living his second life, it was his first time encountering a Hidden Renewal Quest.

Of course, his curiosity didn’t last long.

‘Considering the current connected dimensions, it likely renews and gives rewards each time a new dimension is connected.’

Moreover, to connect more dimensions, the World Tree’s growth was essential.

While the term ‘Hidden Renewal’ was unfamiliar, for Kim Shimun, it wasn’t a particularly complex or difficult quest.

Rather, ‘It’s like a series of linked quests, despite being labeled as hidden.’

If he continued in his usual manner, he would naturally complete it.

“Okay, enough about the hidden quest.”

Nodding, Shimun tapped his chin lightly.

‘Ernen mentioned she would request another quest after sorting out her thoughts, right?’

Ernen had been shocked by the sight of Kyung. Although she liked Kyung as much as Shiyeon did, for a High Elf, the combination of a dragon and spirit energy was quite jarring.

She hadn’t requested a follow-up quest immediately, asking for some time instead.

So, the remaining item was, “That incomplete title I gained from the bond.”

Kim Shimun immediately opened the title window.

『??? God』 – Incomplete Growth-type Title

You have qualified to occupy the current vacant throne. However, the title remains incomplete due to the lack of other qualifications.

Bonded Dragon Species: Faerie Dragon

“Hmm…”

Kim Shimun hummed softly. This title, labeled as an incomplete growth-type, was also unfamiliar. But what caught his attention was a different aspect.

‘Current vacant throne? What does that mean?’

The phrase ‘current vacant throne’ and the qualification to occupy it.

‘The fact that the Stigma reacted suggests it’s likely related to the constellations… Wait!’

A possibility, unsettling yet compelling, crossed his mind.

‘Does it mean I’m being groomed to become a Constellation related to dragons?’

Given his Dragonoid form, his possession of Dragon Force and the Insight, in terms of status, even the Dragon Lords wouldn’t dismiss him.

So, it could very well tie him to that position.

Kim Shimun’s frown deepened.

‘On the day I gained Insight, Tiamat’s memories conveyed this.’

Recalling Tiamat’s demise, and what the First Dragon Lord, Cruach, had said.

‘Even if you become a Dragon God by destroying Tiamat, you’ll still be one of us. Isn’t it a waste?’

‘Our dragon realm will revert to the time before a Dragon God existed. And then…’

‘We will seize the ‘throne’ we rightfully deserve.’

If he combined this with the current situation,

‘Could the first bond be a condition to occupy the vacant throne?’

Assuming that, things started to make sense.

‘Then, I could understand why the Second Dragon Lord collaborated with the Giants for that absurd experiment. It was to gain this qualification.’

Creating a new dragon species would allow one to attempt the first bond.

‘If all five Dragon Lords were to do this, they would need to create at least five new dragon species.’

Possibly,

‘There might be similar experiments going on elsewhere.’

Should he find and stop those as well?

“Ha!”

Kim Shimun let out a dry laugh. After all, ‘I thought I had thwarted their plans unknowingly…’

Only to find out it was even more complex than anticipated. His eyes and nose knit in frustration.

“Ugh! Forget it!”

Messing up his hair with both hands, Shimun slumped into the sofa.

‘Let’s just focus on the immediate issues.’

After all, ‘I thwarted their plans and completed the experiment.’

Although the Dragon Lords might be stronger in combat, in terms of qualifying for this position, he was ahead.

‘Yeah, this is the crucial part.’

As he nodded, his head froze. The reason was simple.

“If this is such an important matter, they wouldn’t just let it slide after this.”

Involving the Second Dragon Lord, no less. Given the incident at the Black Forge, and now this, the Dragon Lords wouldn’t overlook it.

Knock knock.

“Kim Shimun-nim, it’s Jinwook. I have urgent news.”

“Come in.”

Unsurprisingly, “You are aware that the guild war is approaching, right?”

“Yes, it’s nearly summer.”

“But the host country, Russia, has designated Shimdrasil instead of the Holy Trinity guild as the representative for Korea.”

Kim Shimun’s prediction was on point.