Genius Regressor Makes Mythic Items

Chapter 32. Beginning (3)

TL: xLordFifth
ED/PR: The reader

“Ah! Shimun-ssi, you’re here.”

A man with bold features.

Park Jinwook approaches with a business smile.

“Hello. How have you been?”

Shimun also responds with a joyful smile.

“Ha-ha! Thanks to you, I’ve been well. I really enjoyed your recent broadcast.”

“You watched my broadcast?”

“Since you’re a VIP.”

Shimun didn’t ask what made him a VIP for simply requesting to find someone.

‘It must be because of my brother, Kim Shihyuk.’

There’s the relationship between siblings and seniors-juniors, but fundamentally, the status a ranked player holds worldwide is beyond imagination.

Certainly, from Park Jinwook’s perspective, it would be impossible to treat a ranked player’s family lightly.

Perhaps sensing Shimun’s thoughts,

“Just so you know, I designated you as a VIP just yesterday.”

Park Jinwook said with a gentle smile.

“Yesterday?”

“Yes. After watching your broadcast yesterday, I was convinced. This person is going to make it big.”

At that, Shimun scratched the back of his head.

“That’s kind of embarrassing. I must have seemed quite lacking to a Diamond rank’s eyes.”

“Not at all.”

Park Jinwook firmly shook his head.

“Of course, if you look at play in the Bronze-Silver League, there might be some… uncomfortable aspects. But from what I saw yesterday, Shimun-ssi, you’re at least in the Platinum League.”

“Thank you for seeing it that way.”

“It’s not just lip service. Especially, seeing you easily defeat drakan while being silver ranked was shocking. It seems your basic stats are quite extraordinary…”

Park Jinwook trailed off with a peculiar tone.

“Ha-ha. My stats are indeed a bit unusual.”

Shimun smiled innocently, accepting the compliment, which seemed to whet Park Jinwook’s curiosity.

Shimun’s decision not to disclose his status window seemed to be understood.

“Anyway, seeing your skills, I thought you’d definitely be able to make the cure.”

“Excuse me? You knew and still agreed?”

“Of course, I had faith… But to be honest, I did have a tiny bit of doubt.”

Park Jinwook smiled awkwardly, and Shimun nodded.

Arena diseases could be considered incurable by modern standards.

And here’s a low-level player offering to cure it suddenly.

Would a Diamond rank player simply believe it without question?

Probably he was grasping at straws.

And having been swayed because it was Kim Shihyuk’s brother, he decided to take a leap of faith.

‘What to do now? I’ve already made it.’

Shimun thought about the cure lying quietly in his inventory and smiled.

Did Park Jinwook interpret the smile differently?

“Ah! I’ve talked too much. Here’s the information you requested.”

Park Jinwook handed over a small note from his pocket.

As Shimun closely inspected it, Park Jinwook slyly touched his smartphone in front.

“I could send it as a message if you wish… but this method is the most secure, albeit analog.”

“Indeed, that’s better. I’m okay without the message.”

With a phone, there’s always a risk of leaks.

But with a note, once it’s read and burned, that’s the end of it.

Shimun unfolded the note.

[Busan Metropolitan City, Dong District, Beom-Il….]

Besides Go Malsuk’s address, the note also contained details about her current situation, awakening status, among other things that weren’t requested.

As Shimun looked up in bewilderment,

“It’s a service. Seeing as you’re likely to visit, knowing the circumstances there would prevent any unnecessary complications, wouldn’t it?”

Park Jinwook merely smiled warmly.

‘A true professional indeed.
‘Soon after.

“By the way, she… is a player, but she’s quite infamous.”

“Yes, I’m somewhat aware of that.”

Shimun nodded slightly at Park Jinwook’s somewhat uncomfortable tone.

“Thank you for your consideration.”

Fwoosh.

Without hesitation, he flicked his finger and burnt the note.

“Eh? You’re burning it already?”

“I am quite confident in my memory, you see.”

Not just in his memory, of course.

‘You’ve memorized the Philosopher’s Stone, right?’

-Of course! Because I’m an intellectual woman, you know.

It was also an act of trust in the Philosopher’s Stone, the greatest ally.

At this, Park Jinwook looked on with interest.

“Truly fascinating. To manifest power just with a flick of a finger, without any casting or activation words.”

“You know I’m an alchemist, Jinwook.”

“That makes it even more amazing. You might not have seen it, but the chatroom went wild. I’ve never seen the magic community frothing at the mouth like that.”

The sight of those haughty magic users furiously spitting and getting excited?

From Park Jinwook’s perspective, knowing Shimun’s occupation, it was a very amusing situation.

“Ahem! Since we’re on the subject, Shimun.”

Park Jinwook asked in a subdued voice.

“Are you really just an alchemist?”

“Excuse me?”

“Isn’t there something like a double class or anything? I’ve met a few alchemists in the arena, but I’ve never seen anyone refine like you do.”

Was he that curious?

Shimun answered with a light smile.

“It’s not a double class, just say it’s related to my trait.”

“I knew it! It must be a high-rank trait. I’m envious.”

He himself possessed an SS-class trait. ‘Blessing of the Night.’

‘Our Philosopher’s Stone is really superior.’

Thinking of the Philosopher’s Stone that could heal magic incapabilities, perform regressions, and even refine mythical weapons.

He naturally felt pride swelling in his shoulders.

Of course.

-Ah! Oppa, really! You make me blush when you say things like that?

He pretended not to hear the quick response of the creature.

“Anyway, since you’re taking such care with my request, I’ll be able to give you something satisfactory.”

“What do you mean by that…?”

Park Jinwook blinked in confusion.

Shimun opened his inventory.

And presented a potion bottle filled with a blue liquid to Park Jinwook.

“What is this?”

“See for yourself.”

Park Jinwook took the potion with a puzzled look.

“……”

And froze on the spot.

Was the shock that big?

Park Jinwook’s silence lasted longer than expected.

3 minutes? 5 minutes?

However, Shimun just quietly waited without saying anything.

‘I know what it feels like when a patient with an incurable disease finds a cure.’

It wasn’t his intention to flaunt the cure in the first place.

Night hunter Park Jinwook was to become a close confidant to his brother.

Furthermore.

‘He could also become a good business partner.’

Before the regression.

It was a well-known fact that Park Jinwook had been managing the guild’s main operations.

Shimun had plans to borrow his exceptional ability ahead of time.

“Whew…”

Park Jinwook let out a deep sigh. Perhaps it was his appearance, reminiscent of a gangster, that made his sigh seem no different from the cloudy exhale of cigarette smoke. “This is… what should I say…” Park Jinwook struggled to continue.

Holding the [Mana Petrification Cure] in his hand, it trembled so much that it was hard to believe he was a Diamond-ranked player. Clenching his hand tightly, Park Jinwook took several deep breaths before lifting his head.

“First, I must apologize. To receive something so precious from you and not properly express my gratitude…”

“Don’t say that. We had a deal after all.”

“A deal… you say?”

“Yes, a deal. You fulfilled my request, and in return, I made the cure. That was our agreement, right?”

A weak laugh escaped Park Jinwook’s lips.

Did this immaculate man realize the true value of the cure he just handed over? The information of a major power or the assassination of someone, does he really think these equate to the price of finding a single person?

‘No, that can’t be it.’

Park Jinwook firmly shook his head. The man named Kim Shimun was anything but foolish. ‘Just the fact that he made that damned junior unable to move proves it.’

So why? Why pay with this cure, which could easily fetch a high price on the black market, as compensation for the request?

Without saying a word, Park Jinwook looked at Kim Shimun, who waited patiently.

“I see you have a favorable impression of me,” Park Jinwook finally said. Probably because of his relationship with his younger sister and their past as classmates.

However.

“That alone doesn’t explain it. So the only conclusion I can draw is that you want something from me?”

“You really live up to the name of the Night Hunter.”

Kim Shimun nodded, smiling broadly. “That’s correct. While I do look favorably upon Park Jinwook, ultimately, I have a request.”

“May I ask what it is?”

Park Jinwook didn’t refuse. In fact, looking at his utterly serious expression, it seemed like he might even acquiesce to burying a body if asked.

Choosing him was indeed a good decision.

With a satisfied tone, Kim Shimun answered, “Mr. Park Jinwook, would you consider going into business with me?”

“Business… you say?”

“Yes. Specifically, acting as a middleman, or maybe consignment is a better term.”

“What does that mean… Oh!”

Did Park Jinwook realize what Kim Shimun was suggesting?

“Could it be!”

Park Jinwook’s eyes widened in disbelief.

* * *

At sundown, on the alley steps, a man’s step was unusually lively.

-“Brother, are you that happy?”

“Of course.”

Responding to the Philosopher’s Stone’s voice echoing in the center of his chest, Kim Shimun nodded lightly.

-“I haven’t said anything since it’s your decision, but to be honest, I don’t trust that Park Jinwook guy.”

The voice of the Philosopher’s Stone lacked its master’s brightness.

-“Apart from using night powers, he even looks like a gangster. What if he’s hiding another agenda? What then?”

‘You just don’t like his looks, don’t you?’

-“We-well, it’s not just about the looks… Eh! Honestly, he does have a fierce appearance! I tend to believe in physiognomy, you know!”

Stung to the quick, the creature raised its voice, and Kim Shimun couldn’t help but smirk.

This creature, always concerned about appearances. “Don’t worry. He’s quite capable and trustworthy.”

The Philosopher’s Stone may have hinted at his rugged appearance, but

on the contrary, Shimun knew all too well that Park Jinwook had a firm determination and loyalty as strong as steel, fitting for his looks.

Despite knowing that being by Shihyuk’s side might eventually lead to his death at the hands of the Continental Hand,

he was a man who stayed by his brother’s side to the very end.

“So don’t worry and just focus on creating the best environment for producing the treatment. The more we make, the better the lab we’ll get.”

-Yes! Got it.

As Shimun reached the top of the final staircase,

“Ah! You’ve finally arrived!”

A man’s voice came from the entrance of the studio apartment.

With disheveled hair, a plump body, and a sly smile,

Shimun tilted his head at the sight of this middle-aged man he was seeing for the first time.

“Who are you?”

“Oh, my. I was too happy to introduce myself.”

He quickly pulled a business card from his inner pocket and handed it over.

Shimun’s eyes widened slightly as he took the card.

“Holy Trinity?”

“That’s right. My name is Ahn Hojin, a manager at Holy Trinity.”

“What does Holy Trinity want with me?”

“Ha ha! Scouters are all the same. Aren’t you a rising super rookie? I’ve come to offer you a great opportunity.”

Shimun’s eyes gleamed slightly.

A scouter from the Holy Trinity Guild?

‘The personnel authority within Holy Trinity Guild is tightly held by Yujeong, isn’t it?’

If the Holy Trinity Guild was trying to recruit him,

it would be Yujeong herself taking action, not a scouter like this.

Or, even if she hadn’t come in person,

‘She would have at least contacted me…’

Given Yujeong’s personality, it was unlikely she would send someone without notice.

Moreover,

‘I don’t recall anyone named Ahn Hojin in Holy Trinity Guild.’

The fact that he mentioned being a manager only adds to the puzzle, since within Holy Trinity Guild, the only player known to hold a managerial position is Park Minchul, who’s of the diamond rank.

‘And there’s no department listed on the business card either.’

Of course, he couldn’t be a con artist.

In Korea, no one would boldly impersonate Holy Trinity.

That means,

‘He might belong to Holy Trinity Group but is not necessarily associated with Holy Trinity Guild.’

Not being a part of Holy Trinity Guild while still being affiliated with Holy Trinity,

a certain memory perfectly matched this situation.

Before regression.

‘Bro, I’ve only regretted two things in my life so far. One is that I just hid behind you that day…’

It was a conversation he had over drinks with Shihyuk in China, once upon a time.

‘The other is that I couldn’t help Yujeong. She contacted me a few times regarding guild issues.’

Shimun himself might be one thing, but Yujeong, who always appeared undefeated in front of Shihyuk of the same age,

It was shocking to hear that she had sought ‘help’ from him multiple times.

‘If I could have helped Yujeong back then, aside from the war with my uncle,… could she still be with us?’

Including high-ranking officials in Korea,

the case in which her grandfather Lee Suncheol was killed, and Yujeong herself took her life.

‘Perhaps the extreme measures Yujeong took were also related to…’

As his thoughts reached this point, he had a realization.

‘This person must be related to Lee Suncheol and also to the incident Yujeong caused.’

However,

“I can’t believe it! That Holy Trinity would come looking for me!”

He didn’t foolishly reveal these thoughts.

Instead, he reacted as if a mere player from a back alley had received an offer from a massive guild.

“Ha ha! Seeing Shimun-ssi’s reaction, it seems we’ll have a good conversation.”

After all, most scouters are sensitive to even the slightest change in emotions.

“Shimun-ssi, how about we don’t stand here and go have a coffee instead, and talk things over?”

Shimun responded with an awkwardly bright and innocent smile.

“Sounds good! There’s a place nearby that serves great coffee. Let’s head there.”