Genius Regressor Makes Mythic Items

In response to Nikolai’s more-than-rude intrusion.

“Nikolai, let’s calm down and have a talk.”

Shimun tried to calmly address Nikolai and soothe him.

“Shut up!!”

But despite Shimun’s efforts. Nikolai’s anger did not subside.

“The death of my brother and guild members must be related to you!”

Instead.

“Until I get to the bottom of this, I’ll break your bones one by one!”

Wooong.

Nikolai enveloped his mace with aura. To which.

“N-Nikolai!”

“Are you out of your mind?!”

“Shimun-nim has nothing to do with this assassination…”

Vasily and the host team hurriedly tried to stop him, but to no avail. After all, being non-awakened individuals, they couldn’t possibly stop Nikolai, Russia’s top promising talent.

But in this room, there were no fewer than four individuals who could not only stop Nikolai but also defeat him.

Among them.

“How dare you…”

The most terrifying figure stepped forward. In the blink of an eye.

“How dare you show hostility to orabeoni!”

Lee Yujeong appeared in front of the murderous Nikolai. Contrary to her title, the Maiden of the Iron Wall.

Swish.

Her fist drove into Nikolai’s abdomen at an incredible speed.

Crunch!

With a chilling sound of bones breaking.

Boom!

Nikolai’s massive body was slammed into one of the walls.

*

“……”

“……”

Silence filled the waiting room.

In that silence.

“Phew.”

A woman who broke the silence. Lee Yujeong raised her hand emitting a white light and let out a brief sigh. It was understandable.

“Do I really have to be the one to treat him? There should be enough high-rank healers and medical facilities in Russia.”

The most promising talent in Russia whom Lee Yujeong had just sent flying with one hit. She was now healing Nikolai Ivanov with her own power.

To which.

“That, well… It’s just that only receiving cure from the Saintess would suffice…”

Vasily, standing next to her, cautiously replied, watching her expression. Strictly speaking, as the representative of the host organization, Vasily didn’t need to be overly cautious of Lee Yujeong.

“To think she could take down Nikolai with a single hit…”

A single strike. Even considering the immense difference between a Platinum ranker and a regular one.

Lee Yujeong’s fist, which shattered Russia’s top hopeful in a single blow, possessed something that instilled fear beyond social standing.

Vasily’s shock at this was apparent.

“Yujeong.”

A clear voice called out.

“Don’t just stop halfway, heal him properly.”

Shimun, who had remained silent, finally spoke up.

“Even though Nikolai was upset, your response was a bit excessive too, wasn’t it?”

“But orabeoni…”

Lee Yujeong looked at Shimun with slightly damp, dejected eyes. Shimun, who had known her since childhood, understood that those weren’t genuine emotions.

“I really appreciate and know that you were worried about me. But right now, let’s focus on fully healing Nikolai, okay?”

Instead of admonishing her, he chose to gently persuade. Since Lee Yujeong also knew Shimun well, she relented.

“… Okay.”

She nodded and increased the divine energy in her hands. Of course, it couldn’t be helped that her face still showed some displeasure.

Next to Shimun.

“Seriously. Your kindness is a problem sometimes.”

A sharp voice interjected.

“He’s the one spouting nonsense about breaking your bones. Yujeong did a good job teaching him a lesson; why go so far as to heal him too?”

It was Go Malsuk. With her arms crossed, she seemed quite unhappy with the current situation.

“If it were me, I would have smashed his head right then and there.”

She shook her fist, which faintly emitted a dark aura, probably from her Heavenly Demon Fist, in annoyance.

“Y-You must understand, he just lost his only family and companions all at once! He’s likely very distressed and not in his right mind!”

A visibly anxious Vasily quickly defended Nikolai.

“Yeah, his actions were rash, but it wasn’t his true intent.”

Shimun added. In reality.

“If he really meant it, he would have swung the mace first without a word.”

Knowing Nikolai’s impulsive nature, if he truly wanted to harm Shimun, he would have swung the massive mace right away.

“Shimun-nim is absolutely right!”

Vasily eagerly nodded in agreement, nearly breaking his neck. It was understandable.

‘If Ivan is dead, we can’t afford to lose Nikolai too!’

With the death of Russia’s top player and the significant loss of the Czar Guild’s high-ranked players and prospects. From Russia’s standpoint, talents like Nikolai were not merely important but lifelines.

“Right, so Malsuk, lower your aura.”

Shimun, who understood Vasily’s plight well, gave a slight nod to Go Malsuk, prompting her to lower her fist.

“Ugh!”

Nikolai groaned in pain.

‘If things had gone as usual, I wouldn’t have gone so far as to heal Nikolai despite what Yujeong and Malsuk said…’

Recalling the plan that had struck him earlier.

‘But to turn the Czar Guild against the Continental, this level of investment is worth it.’

In order to drive a wedge between China and Russia. Shimun was more than willing to extend this small gesture of mercy.

Eventually.

“Wh-where am I…”

Nikolai’s eyes fluttered open. The impact of Lee Yujeong’s strike had clearly been powerful.

“Ugh!”

As Nikolai tried to rise, he groaned and clutched his abdomen.

“Your internal injuries and fractures have all healed. However, the aftereffects will linger for quite a while, so refrain from strenuous activities for about two weeks.”

With a voice devoid of emotion, Lee Yujeong delivered the diagnosis as if reading a report. She matched her tone with an equally indifferent demeanor.

“N-Nikolai!”

Vasily quickly approached Nikolai. Or rather, he tried to approach him.

“Mr. Vasily? I need to talk with Nikolai for a moment. Could you please give us some space?”

Shimun grabbed his shoulder before he could get any closer. Vasily blinked a few times. Observing Lee Yujeong and Go Malsuk standing coolly behind Shimun, as well as Park Jinwook with a troubled expression.

“Understood.”

He nodded without further comment and left the waiting room.

“Then, Shimun-nim. I’ll go ahead and meet with the host to wrap up the guild war.”

“Brother, I’ll go to the lounge to recover my divine energy.”

Park Jinwook and Lee Yujeong also stood up. As they headed towards the shattered entrance, they glanced at Go Malsuk, who remained behind Shimun.

“I’ll stay. Just in case this musclehead starts acting up again, I’ll need to reinstate some manners.”

Go Malsuk shrugged nonchalantly.

“Hah!”

Nikolai let out a hollow laugh but said nothing more. Once Park Jinwook and Lee Yujeong left.

“Alright, Nikolai.”

Snap.

Shimun snapped his fingers, repairing the shattered door.

“Let’s discuss this event you’re so curious about.”

He looked at Nikolai with eyes full of intrigue.

*

“Let’s see.”

A deep voice. Nikolai, with his muscular frame befitting it, headed towards the entrance. He paused for a moment when he saw the door he once shattered.

Thud.

Then he roughly opened the door and stepped outside. Watching his back as he left, Go Malsuk spoke.

“Hey.”

“What.”

“Do you think that musclehead will believe us?”

She only turned to Shimun after the waiting room door closed. Switching her gaze to Shimun. Shimun replied with a smirk.

“Despite appearances, he’s quite a thoughtful person.”

“B. S. Anyone would think you’ve known him forever.”

“Well… it’s not entirely wrong?”

“Cut the crap. Do you really think that musclehead will believe us?”

“Hmm, it sounds like even you find this hard to believe, which is why you’re worried?”

“That’s…”

Perhaps hitting the mark.

She opened her lips but soon let out a deep sigh.

“Listen, I trust you completely.”

“That’s an unexpected answer.”

“Damn it! Anyway, no matter how I think about it, what you’re saying is a bit much.”

The relationship between the Continental and the Czar Guild. Indeed, the deeper relationship between China and Russia was a well-known fact.

Even before the Galaxy Arena appeared on Earth. China and Russia had a friendly relationship, hadn’t they?

But now.

“The Continental colluding with the dragonkin to assassinate Russia’s top players? Does that even make sense?”

“To be precise, it was an independent action by the dragonkin, not the Continental.”

Bang.

“Damn it! Same difference!”

Go Malsuk slammed the table and stood up abruptly. She then let out a deep sigh and brushed her bangs back.

“In any case, it sounds like utter nonsense… but, sigh, since it’s you saying it, I’ll believe it.”

“Curious question. What exactly makes you trust me so much?”

“Well!”

For a moment, Go Malsuk fell silent. Her eyes, which were looking at Shimun, slightly trembled, but that was all.

“… There are just things that make me trust you.”

She answered while casting her gaze downward.

“Anyway, now that that musclehead is gone, I’ll head out too. I heard Russian street food is awesome. I’ll go check it out with Yujeong.”

She waved her hand nonchalantly and left the room. Watching her leave silently, Shimun tilted his head.

“What’s with her?”

Her unusually unfamiliar demeanor puzzled him.

‘Well, with this, the Czar Guild and the Continental will grow distant…’

He turned his attention to the message window he had set aside.

“So, have you decided on the compensation?”

Despite being alone, he spoke as if conversing with someone. Before him.

『We have decided on the compensation.』

The Galaxy Arena, which had remained silent since the guild war, finally responded. Shimun crossed his arms and nodded, indicating for it to continue.

『What transpired during that guild war is also extremely regrettable for us.』

『We extend our heartfelt apologies and condolences to the participants and the victims.』

『As compensation, we will provide double the effectiveness of the Guild Bonus.』

『Additionally, as a sign of consolation, an SSS-rank…』

Before the stream of messages completed.

“Ah, hold on.”

Shimun waved his hand irritably. And for good reason.

“You did apologize immediately, but the compensation is inadequate.”

They adhered to basic etiquette by offering an apology first. Yet, the compensation details were lackluster.

“The guild war is an event arena managed by you. Even when the regular Arena starts, participants do not lose their lives, do they?”

Instead of answering how Shimun knew this.

『Player Kim Shimun is correct.』

The Galaxy Arena affirmed.

“I was put in life-threatening danger, resulting in dozens of fatalities.”

Shimun stared at the message with a bitter smile.

“And this is the best you could come up with? You said you held a meeting to discuss compensation. What did you discuss exactly?”

Shimun was assertive.

But there was a compelling reason for his assertiveness.

『We fully agree with Kim Shimun’s opinion.』

『This is entirely our fault. We apologize.』

The Galaxy Arena lowered its head in apology.

“Enough. It seems you have no grasp of the situation, so I’ll set the guidelines myself.”

Shimun spoke firmly.

“Triple the Guild Bonus we earned from this guild war, and properly compensate me for the items I used during this incident.”

『What items were used?』

Instead of answering, Shimun extended his right hand towards the message.

『That…!』

Upon seeing his right hand, the Galaxy Arena expressed great alarm.

『We are sorry, but the item you are referring to is not registered within the Galaxy Arena.』

“I am well aware of that.”

The divine artifact given by the Weaver of Boundaries. It was a personal reward granted through Dr. Choi Woosuk’s request rather than the Arena, thus it had no info window.

Therefore.

『As you well know, we cannot compensate for items obtained through external means.』

The item had nothing to do with the Galaxy Arena. However.

“I am well aware of that. That’s why I mentioned it.”

Shimun lifted the corners of his mouth slightly.

“I never asked you to return it. I only asked for ‘proper compensation.'”

Clearly enunciating his words. Especially emphasizing the part about ‘proper compensation’.

Finally understanding what Shimun was implying.

『As you know, the item you mentioned is a divine artifact.』

“I know that very well.”

『Moreover, it is a one-time-use consumable divine artifact.』

“I am also aware of that. So, what are you implying?”

Shimun calmly responded.

“Due to the Galaxy Arena’s mistake, I had to use that consumable divine artifact, which doesn’t change the fact.”

『But this is…』

“Don’t call it unreasonable. That’s your specialty.”

Again, Shimun cut off the Galaxy Arena’s message. He spoke with a rare, serious expression.

“I almost lost my life because of you. And dozens of people did lose theirs. Do you still not understand the gravity of the situation?”

『…』

“And I have honored your request to keep quiet about what happened ‘within the guild war.’ Isn’t it unfair to treat me like this?”

Shimun had only hinted to Nikolai that ‘the Continental might have assassinated his brother’. He hadn’t said a word about what transpired within the guild war.

『…』

The Galaxy Arena kept silent at Shimun’s insistence. But Shimun knew they were internally coordinating to address his demands.

Understanding this, he allowed the Galaxy Arena’s silence without pressing them further.

『We will accept Player Kim Shimun’s demands.』

The Galaxy Arena promptly responded.

『A divine artifact of the same rank as the Weaver of Boundaries’…』

“Whoa there. What’s with the sudden change?”

Shimun interrupted the Galaxy Arena once more.

“You said you were going to console me. If it’s merely equivalent, it’s not really a consolation, is it?”

He glanced at the air with a deliberately disappointed expression.

“You need to give more. Increase the rank and the quantity.”

In response.

『Constellations Black Goat, Heavenly Demon, and Baal are sending murderous glares at the Galaxy Arena.』

『Constellations Odin, Zeus, and Ra are glaring sharply at the Galaxy Arena.』

Six of Shimun’s Constellations glared fiercely.

『… We will try to accommodate Kim Shimun’s request as much as possible, but the highest rank is the best we can offer.』

『Constellation Black Goat is glaring furiously, ‘Are you serious?’』

『W-We mean it! The consumable divine artifact given by the Weaver of Boundaries is of the highest rank among the highest ranks. It’s impossible for us to give more.』

The Galaxy Arena expressed its dismay at Black Goat’s increased anger. Understanding well the value of a top-rank consumable divine artifact, Shimun responded.

“Fine. But in return.”

Instead of demanding the impossible.

“Allow me to choose which Constellation’s divine artifact I receive. That will make my Constellations happy.”

He proposed a more efficient solution.

『Of course.』

The Galaxy Arena quickly agreed to Shimun’s terms.

『The compensation will be given along with the guild war rewards. Please specify which Constellation’s divine artifact you would prefer.』

In response to the Galaxy Arena’s request.

“I’ll leave that decision for later.”

Shimun answered with a bright smile. Was this an unexpected response?

『… Excuse me?』

For once, the Galaxy Arena sent a message filled with evident confusion.

“As I said, give me a high-rank consumable divine artifact, but leave whose artifact it is undecided—like a pre-release random box.”

Shimun reiterated his request.

『What does that even…』

“Is it impossible?”

『It’s not impossible.』

The Galaxy Arena confirmed.

“Then please proceed as requested.”

Shimun nodded with satisfaction.

『The six Constellations watching you are filled with deep curiosity.』

Seeing the reaction from the Constellations.

“It’s more exciting and fun this way, don’t you think? Plus, I can use it when the need arises.”

He smiled mischievously.

Of course.

‘This way, I can get a top-rank divine artifact unconditionally, regardless of who provides it… the Constellations will pay more attention and focus on me.’

He kept his strategic calculations hidden. As expected.

『The six Constellations watching you are filled with desire.』

『The six Constellations are licking their lips and eyeing each other warily.』

The six high-ranked Constellations had already started a subtle rivalry, even before the compensation had been given.

Then.

『We again extend our heartfelt apologies and condolences for this guild war incident. We shall now take our leave.』

The Galaxy Arena’s farewell message appeared. But.

“Hold on. Where do you think you’re going?”

『Excuse me?』

Shimun smiled brightly as he grabbed the Galaxy Arena’s metaphorical wrist.

“We’ve sorted out the compensation. Now, let’s address the root cause: the Ancient Dragon.”

『…』

Though there was no verbal response, the silence from the Galaxy Arena was filled with a sense of impending doom.