Genius Regressor Makes Mythic Items

Olivia’s question was full of surprise and curiosity.

In response, “Well… should I say it was intuition?”

Shimun replied with a sly smile. However, the world-renowned Winter Queen couldn’t mistake the peculiar playfulness hidden in his eyes.

“…You possess a surprisingly playful side.”

Olivia looked at Shimun with a bit of incredulity. And rightly so.

“What kind of intuition could…”

The list of villains Shimun had handed her was extensive.

“How could you be so precise about who among American Dream’s departments are villains?”

The details included names and positions within various departments, encompassing dozens of individuals. Olivia’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Do you perhaps have some ability related to that kind of intuition?”

Otherwise, it was hard to believe even when directly experiencing the current situation.

At Olivia’s words, “Ha-ha! You have quite a playful side too, Olivia. An ability, you say.”

Shimun chuckled softly. But whether he was serious, “…”

Olivia’s earnest expression remained unmoved as she continued to gaze at Shimun. Feeling a bit awkward, Shimun shrugged and said, “I can’t tell you exactly… let’s say it’s through personal informants.”

Even though she received a straightforward answer, “Personal informants…?”

Olivia’s delicate brow furrowed deeply. And understandably so.

“What kind of informants could possibly identify spies within American Dream that even the guild didn’t know about?”

The villains of Desperado hidden within American Dream. What kind of informant could provide information that even the world’s top guild was unaware of?

‘Even though Shimun is known to have close ties with the black market…’

She knew the man before her had close connections with the black market. But, ‘Such detailed information isn’t something even the black market typically knows.’

Moreover, ‘The current owner of the black market doesn’t even like Desperado.’

While this might have been true for the former black market owner, it was well-known that the current black market owner held antagonistic views towards Desperado.

Then, “Hoo.”

Olivia took a deep breath to clear her complicated thoughts.

‘Calm down. Just because I ask, it doesn’t mean Shimun has to answer.’

Shimun had mentioned “personal informants” for a reason. It was a polite way to say he didn’t want to disclose more.

‘He’s been so accommodating that I made an unintended faux pas.’

Maybe it was due to his previous kindness, Olivia, uncharacteristically, made a mistake.

“You’re not obligated to answer. I let my curiosity get the better of me and acted rudely.”

She quickly offered her apology. Before Shimun could respond, “I should have expressed my gratitude first.”

Olivia stood up and bowed respectfully.

“I am truly grateful for your help.”

In response, “Oh, come on. There’s no need for that.”

Shimun waved his hand dismissively, seemingly uncomfortable.

“No, as an executive of American Dream, it’s the proper gesture.”

Olivia’s posture remained firm. And rightly so.

“It’s not just about saving my life; Desperado has been hostile to American Dream since their infamous terror attack on the White House.”

Desperado’s notoriety largely stemmed from their attacks on the U. S., Yet, Shimun had managed to deceive the eyes of American Dream and pinpoint the villains hidden within each department.

As someone who understood the threat of internal enemies, Olivia couldn’t help but feel gratitude.

“You discovered the villains hidden in our guild.”

Expressing her gratitude felt obligatory.

“Regardless of my current situation, I sincerely thank you for your heroic actions.”

Her voice was calm and professional, but her gratitude was clear. In response, Shimun felt a bit embarrassed.

“Alright, alright. Stand up now. It’s not over yet.”

He scratched his head as he spoke.

“Indeed… it’s not over yet.”

Olivia lifted her head.

“Just as expected. Madam’s confession video didn’t have much impact, did it?”

Shimun continued in a measured tone.

“Yes.”

Olivia nodded. Madam Dayna’s confession video, despite her status as a founding member of Desperado, had only caused shock and controversy. No one had seriously questioned the content of her confession.

“I had anticipated some level of denial, but I didn’t expect not even a minor issue to arise.”

“It can’t be helped.”

Shimun shrugged.

“Besides Derick’s power and connections, there’s the image he has built over time. The image of a superhero.”

“That’s true.”

Olivia smiled bitterly. Regardless of the current situation, Derick had inherited the legacy of past heroes, done remarkable deeds, and saved people from countless awakening crimes and disasters.

Naturally, the public couldn’t easily believe a villain’s confession over such a superhero. Especially in an era where magic existed, People dismissed the video as either manipulated footage or a malicious prank by a villain.

Olivia brushed her bangs back into place.

‘Even if we released those private tapes, the public wouldn’t flinch.’

Instead, they’d cheer for seeing a superhero’s nudes or even praise it as a heroic act. That’s the kind of stature Derick, the guildmaster of American Dream, held.

However, “But if we continue to expose villains within the guild, the atmosphere will change.”

Shimun’s words quickly quelled Olivia’s previously somber mood. Regaining her usual composure, Olivia replied, “Indeed, if we can identify all the individuals on the list you provided, public sentiment may shift.”

Living up to her title as the Winter Queen, “Besides the White House attack, America is the country most targeted by Desperado’s terrorism.”

Olivia calmly analyzed the situation. Shimun nodded in agreement.

“No matter how good one’s image is, if such evidence keeps surfacing, doubt is inevitable.”

This was true for any relationship. And such deepening suspicion would eventually,

“Then public opinion will shift, and political, media, and other connections wouldn’t be able to support Derick so freely.”

The plan was to gradually cut off Derick’s influence.

“I agree.”

Olivia nodded firmly.

“Then I must tell Andrew to expedite the process.”

She reached for her phone but paused.

“Oh! It’s better not to rush things further.”

Shimun’s intervention made her lower the phone.

“May I ask why…”

Olivia’s voice trailed off before she added,

“Pardon me.”

She apologized briefly while adjusting her glasses.

“When you gave me the list, you specifically requested that Andrew operate secretly.”

“That’s right.”

It was Andrew Burns who was currently, and covertly, identifying the internal villains being exposed by the media. The reason for Shimun’s demand was simple.

“If we push too hard, Derick will realize that Andrew is the one uncovering the internal threats.”

“And Derick won’t stay idle.”

Olivia finished, and Shimun nodded silently.

Initially, ‘The list I provided to Olivia was directly sourced from Andrew in my previous life.’

The list of internal villains given to Olivia originated from Andrew himself in their past life.

SS-ranked trait: Analysis.

He had used this trait, capable of detecting even traces of the void, to root out all the internal threats within American Dream.

‘Though back then, it was a grand-scale cleansing with Andrew directly overthrowing Derick… This time is different.’

The current Andrew was a promising player. Weaker than even Olivia, who stood before them. He wouldn’t survive Derick’s retaliation.

Thus, ‘Until Andrew reaches his past life’s level of power, his identity must remain hidden.’

Olivia, understanding Shimun’s intent, responded,

“I’m sorry. The thought of stopping Derick made me overly excited.”

She blamed herself for her uncharacteristic mistake.

“It’s okay. It happens to the best of us.”

Shimun waved his hand dismissively with a bright smile.

“And it’s not just about keeping Andrew’s identity safe.”

“Is there something more?”

“The list of villains I gave you can’t expose all the hidden villains within American Dream.”

The list from Andrew in his past life, while comprehensive in its media coverage, was still not exhaustive. True, Shimun only had a rough idea of the villains Andrew had uncovered in his previous life.

It’s not like he could remember every single name, ‘It’s not even my own country. How could I memorize such a long list?’

If it had been a Continental Guild where he emigrated, it might be different. Shimun didn’t pay much attention to American Dream’s internal news.

‘There are probably more than twice the names on the list I provided.’

Recalling the densely packed list he saw in the past, he estimated there were at least twice as many undiscovered villains.

Thus, “Let’s wait until Andrew finishes identifying everyone on the list I provided. We should also observe Derick’s reaction.”

For now, Andrew’s exposure of villains and growth, along with the subsequent destruction of Derick’s image, was paramount.

Olivia seemed to agree, “A wise choice.”

She nodded calmly.

“Then, Olivia, now we have the most important matter left.”

“The most important matter?”

“Yes, your place of residence.”

Shimun smiled brightly as he looked at her.

‘I didn’t help in order to gain something, but…’

Now that they had discovered a beneficial opportunity,

“Your branch has been destroyed, so you have no place to stay, right? Plus, Derick will be on high alert, so fleeing overseas is not an option.”

“That’s true, but…”

“Then I’ll arrange a place for you to stay temporarily.”

Why pass up the chance?

*

New York.

American Dream’s guild house.

On the floor just below the top,

“…I’m telling you! The President doesn’t trust American Dream at all…”

“We’re victims too! Who would have known such villains were hiding in the guild?!”

“Why are you publishing this kind of report?! What have you been doing with all the money you’ve received?!”

Colin, the vice-guildmaster of American Dream, wouldn’t stop shouting.

It made sense.

“Immediately link the executive team and emergency response team for internal inspections!”

“Find out who’s searching for the internal villains right now!”

“Do you think they’re trying to praise them? Of course, it’s to eliminate them! Stop with the nonsense and get moving!”

From internal and external communication phones to business and personal mobile phones, Colin’s hands and mouth moved as if they had motors attached, working tirelessly.

After a while, with the last call concluded, Colin slammed down the receiver as if to smash it and laboriously rubbed his forehead.

Slam!

“Damn it! What kind of bolt from the blue is this…”

As he muttered to himself, a voice resounded, “You seem busy, brother.”

The voice was heavy with masculinity. Despite desperately wanting a break, Colin forced his head up.

It was to be expected.

“Ah, Derick. You’re here?”

He was the guildmaster of American Dream and America’s top hero, wasn’t he?

Awkwardly, Colin managed a greeting.

“I’ve always owed you a lot. But this time, I’m truly sorry.”

Derick replied with a regretful smile, which seemed to give Colin energy.

“Hey, no need for such words between us.”

His previously deathly pale face now looked considerably brighter. Colin got up and headed toward the coffee pot.

“What brings you here so late? Want some coffee? Or maybe tea?”

“If it’s no bother, I’ll take a drink.”

“You think work hours are over, huh?”

Colin glanced at the pitch-black window outside and snickered as he quickly prepared two glasses of Arena-brand liquor and headed to the table.

After offering Derick a drink, Colin collapsed onto the opposite sofa.

“Chin up! Don’t worry too much.”

“The press will get over it soon enough. The real problem is politics… The President’s been quite sensitive ever since the White House attack.”

Derick took a sip of his drink and remarked,

“It seems money alone won’t fix this. It’s an opportunity to cut down my influence and that of our guild.”

Colin paused mid-swallow, taken aback.

“… What’s going on with you? How do you know all this?”

Blinking in confusion, Colin asked. Derick just chuckled.

“Brother. Even though I’m not much for this kind of thing, I have been with you for years, haven’t I?”

His words contained an unusual acknowledgment for Derick.

“It’s an honor, huh? To think that a superhero has something to learn from me.”

Colin did not hide his laughter.

“The President has always been wary of you, more influential than himself.”

With that, he downed his glass in one shot.

“Don’t fret too much. Even if it takes some time, I’ll sort it out one way or another.”

He patted his chest confidently.

Yet, “… But brother, this time, no matter how long it takes, it won’t be easily settled.”

Derick’s voice became earnest and somewhat subdued.

“I know. But what can we do? I didn’t foresee the revelation of internal villains, not to mention Madam’s confession.”

Colin tried to reassure his friend.

“What’s done is done. We just need to patch things up and return the favor, as we always have.”

He spoke with a soothing tone.

“…”

Derick silently watched Colin for a while before asking,

“Brother, you’ll always be my friend, right?”

“Of course! Why else would I stick by your side knowing you were supporting Desperado?”

Was he already tipsy?

“A hero needs a villain to exist! I understand that completely! That’s why I’ve helped you all along!”

Colin shouted with a clenched fist, his voice louder than before.

Derick, still looking at him quietly, “…Good. That’s all I needed.”

Stood up and approached Colin.

“Brother, I thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

He patted Colin’s shoulder.

“And as I said before, I’m sorry.”

“Eh? Derick, why are you…”

Before Colin could say another word, A hand pierced through his chest.

Crunch!

“To be exact, through his heart.”

The last thing Colin heard was Derick’s voice in his ear.

Thud.

Colin’s impaled body slumped onto the sofa. Then, “Well, well. Such brotherly love? Taking care of the final moments yourself.”

A sly voice commented.

“Do you have the evidence?”

Derick asked without turning around. A man of East Asian descent strode forward.

“Here~ I’ve detailed every item you’ve ever sponsored under Colin’s name and his proxy accounts.”

Haruto Kashimato, the dimension trickster, handed over a stack of documents.

“For a vice-master of a grand guild, his pockets were quite full. It made the job much easier~.”

Haruto’s lips curled up into a grin.

“He should’ve kept his hands clean. He might’ve lived even a few days longer…”

His playful remarks came to an abrupt halt as he glanced at Colin. And the reason was simple.

Whoosh!

Derick’s fist flew towards Haruto with a powerful sonic boom.

“Whoa! How scary~.”

Haruto opened a rift in space to dodge, dramatically shivering as he mocked.

“You must have been quite fond of him, huh? Getting all worked up. Oh! Could it be… you had a special kind of relationship?”

Despite the serious situation, Haruto couldn’t resist making another jab.

“If you open your mouth again, Haruto, you will die right here.”

Derick exuded a terrifying killing intent. Recognizing the seriousness of Derick’s threat, Haruto obediently covered his mouth with both hands.

“Mmmpf!”

Haruto shrugged his shoulders, still amusing himself, even though his mannerisms were annoying.

Derick, however, didn’t show any more emotion.

The office plunged into silence. Between the two men, A ripple in the air appeared.

Swoosh.

Haruto expertly grasped and sliced through the spatial fissure.

From within the rift, A woman emerged.

Step.

On her shoulders, she carried a limp black woman.

Upon seeing Colin’s corpse, with a gaping hole in his chest, she tossed the woman she was carrying aside.

“What? It’s already over?”

Was it an instant death?

The black woman’s eyes were wide open, lifeless like those of the dead.

“Mmmpf!”

Haruto mumbled through his hands covering his mouth.

“What’s your crazy act about this time?”

The woman shot him a sharp look, frowning deeply before shaking her head.

“Hey, Derick. Is this the one? Colin’s wife?”

She looked at Derick.

“Yes.”

He confirmed.

“At least they won’t be lonely together. Shall we get started?”

Without waiting for Derick’s response, she raised her hand towards Colin’s wife.

Then, Colin’s wife’s entire body was covered in mysterious particles.

Shhh.

When they dispersed, remarkably, the middle-aged black woman had transformed across racial boundaries into a middle-aged white woman.

And not just any woman, but the one who had recently stirred up the world – Madam Dayna.

“Done. Now, all we need is to dress her in Madam’s filthy dress.”

Watching the transformed corpse being dressed in new attire, Derick turned to face the window. The dazzling New York nightscape lay below.

But instead of feeling calm, Fueled by the internal heat, Derick clenched his fists tightly.

Clench.

‘Kim Shimun! You will pay for this… dearly.’

He glared at the dark night sky with bloodshot eyes.

TL’s Corner:
Derick has set his eyes on Shimun.