The God of War is Leveling Up

Being considered one of the top ten talents in the entire country meant that Soohyeok was now seen as a national asset.

It also meant he was someone who deserved proper treatment and recognition.

Naturally, this came with many benefits completely different from before.

First, if he wished, the Association would provide a personal secretary.

Since shinwoo was already with Soohyeok, this wasn't necessary.

He could also have a personal chauffeur.

Again, Soohyeok didn't need that yet.

Given his young age, those things wouldn't be particularly useful anytime soon.

As he was eligible for a driver, he was also provided a personal vehicle. It wasn't a vehicle made specifically for Awakened individuals but a luxury sedan that could be driven on public roads.

"I should give this to Father."

Soohyeok had no need for such a heavy and stately car yet.

But for someone older like Yang Seungbon, it would be different.

"Can the vehicle be transferred to someone else?"

"You can't transfer ownership, but you can register it for insurance and allow others to use it. We'll cover your entire family."

Oh shinwoo responded, understanding Soohyeok's intention.

"Thank you."

There were plenty of other benefits as well.

From reduced bank loan interest rates to the option to receive a subsidized house worth less than 500 million won.

All of them were incredible perks.

But there was one condition that made Soohyeok's heart race.

"No matter how much I earn, the tax is fixed at 8%."

It was the dream of all Awakened, especially hunters who entered portals directly. A way to legally avoid the crushing weight of high taxes.

Considering his improved rank and strength, and the fact that he'd be entering even higher-tier, more lucrative portals, it was truly a dream come true.

"Well then, I look forward to working with you, Mr. Yang Soohyeok."

Oh shinwoo held out his hand with a bright smile.

Soohyeok shook it and nodded.

With relationships this friendly, he was always open to collaboration.

***

? * ?

The rumor that No-Name had reached rank 12 soon spread widely.

Some people expressed doubt, but the general atmosphere was one of acceptance.

It was only natural—he had beaten Vladimir's time.

That statement alone carried enormous weight.

Soohyeok watched the reactions on TV and online.

Part of him felt deeply proud.

After all, No-Name was none other than himself.

His younger sister, Sooah, felt the same.

"You're kidding me, Oppa's rank 12?

A Ranker? Seventh place?"

After finishing her part-time shift, Sooah came home, found no one else around, kicked off her shoes, and ran over to Soohyeok, asking excitedly.

"This is real?"

"Of course it's real. You think it's fake?"

"Wow… my brother… unbelievable…

No-Name is…"

She placed a hand on her forehead, smiling in disbelief.

"I seriously want to brag about you now. What should I do?"

Then, laughing playfully, she poked Soohyeok in the side.

"Do what you want."

"Really?"

"Tell Mom and Dad first."

"And then? Can I really?"

"Hmm… no. Actually, it might get annoying."

At her surprisingly serious question, Soohyeok waved his hand with a troubled look.

Being known publicly was very different from staying anonymous.

He appreciated the positive attention, but not the hassle that came with it.

If possible, Soohyeok wanted to remain as No-Name in the public eye.

"Hehe, got it. I was just excited, that's all. But when are you going to tell Mom and Dad?"

"Soon…?"

Soohyeok had already been looking for the right time.

Though his original goal had been the Gold Rank, he had ended up with Ranker status instead.

That made him even more qualified to tell them—but also more anxious.

There was no way their parents wouldn't know that the position Soohyeok had gained came with great cost.

They would definitely be proud, but they'd also worry.

That's just the way things were between parents and children.

"Mom's off tomorrow. Try telling her then. Won't that be easier than talking to Dad?"

Sooah offered her suggestion.

Soohyeok agreed with her.

Their mother, Han Junghui, was even stronger-willed than their father, Yang Seungbon.

She also adapted quickly to change.

If she could understand and accept Soohyeok's situation, she would surely be a huge help in convincing their father too.

"That sounds like a plan."

"Need me to help?"

"You've already laid the groundwork pretty well.

That's enough."

"Really?"

"Yeah. If I had to ask for something…"

Soohyeok paused, placed a hand on Sooah's shoulder, and met her gaze.

"Sua."

"What's with the sudden tone? So awkward."

Sooah turned away quickly, sounding flustered at the sudden shift in mood.

"Don't you want to study again? Go to university and all that?"

"What are you talking about? At my age…?"

"It's a bit late, sure, but not too late to fix."

Soohyeok continued calmly.

In his memory, Sooah had been quite good at studying when they were younger.

If it weren't for his accident, and the hardships the family faced, she probably would have gone to a good university and become a strong pillar for their household.

But those difficulties had made her give up on studying. She'd claimed in the hospital that she was just tired of school—but he'd never really believed that.

"…I'll think about it."

"Okay."

Soohyeok gently lowered the hand he had placed on Sooah's shoulder.

He didn't push her for an answer.

She must have her own worries too.

But still, it wasn't exactly pleasant to see his sister's face clouded with doubt.

'How can I cheer her up a bit…?'

While he was pondering, Sooah suddenly broke into a bright, almost exaggerated smile and shouted energetically:

"Thanks for even thinking about me. You really are the best, oppa!"

"Huh? Wha—?"

"What's with the surprise? I'm just saying I like you, that's all. Come on, let's stop worrying and focus on tomorrow's plan. Don't mess up and flip the house upside down, okay?"

Putting on an overly serious expression as if to scold him, Sooah's words made Soohyeok smile as he nodded.

"Yeah, let's do that."

There was no need to rush.

It was something they could approach step by step, like assembling a puzzle.

Soohyeok decided to take his time and enjoy the moment.

****

Not long after his conversation with Sooah ended, Han Junghee and Yang Seungbon returned home later than usual.

It seemed they had run into each other on the way, each carrying shopping bags from the market.

Soohyeok had a lot he wanted to say over dinner, but he held himself back.

Just as Sooah advised—he couldn't let a careless mistake ruin the timing.

That night passed quietly, and then came the early dawn.

Soohyeok sat alone in his room.

Eyes half-closed, one leg crossed over the other with soles facing upward—he was in a lotus position, known to be the most efficient for cultivating inner energy.

At first, the position had been uncomfortable, but ever since his cultivation had reached a certain level, it became as easy and restful as lying down.

From his slightly parted lips, a faint blue energy drifted out like smoke, only to be drawn back in through his nose.

A deepening smile played on Soohyeok's face.

'Today really is an important day in many ways.'

It was the rare day his mother, Han Junghee, had a day off.

It was also the day he had resolved to finally reveal the secret he'd been hiding.

And on top of that, the inner energy he had long chased—a full cycle of 60 years—was now within his grasp.

'Took a little longer than expected… but it's fine.'

Ever since drinking the water of the Undine in the Tranon Dimension, his inner power had increased. But due to a packed schedule, he hadn't had time to properly train, causing his growth to stagnate.

However, since returning to Earth, he'd found his rhythm again, and in just a few days, he had filled the last remaining portion needed for the milestone.

Soohyeok could feel the flow of natural energy coursing through his body, circulating from his lower danjeon (energy center), to the middle, and finally to the upper danjeon, rooting itself deeply.

The portion of natural energy that had flowed freely now took residence within his body, becoming his own complete cycle of 60 years' worth of cultivated energy.

As a result, the blue aura that had once faintly surrounded him solidified into visible strands, wrapping around his body like armor.

This was the mark of a true master: Tangible manifestation of inner energy.

Ping!

Your inner energy has reached one full cycle (1 Gapja).

The special trait of [Heaven-Earth Harmonization Divine Technique], Compound Growth of Inner Energy, is now fully unlocked.

As always, the Force System, which detected growth faster than anyone, immediately notified him.

Listening to the satisfying alert, Soohyeok opened his skill window to check the details.

***

[Force Skill Interface]

SS-rank martial art Taeguk Eight-Step Flow has reached ★★★★★.

SS-rank martial art Heaven-Earth Harmonization Divine Technique has reached ★★★★★★.

Hidden trait Compound Growth of Inner Energy has been unlocked.

Current Inner Power Benchmark:

1 Gapja = 200% increase in energy accumulation

***

The simplified interface highlighted only the most important updates.

And when Soohyeok read the name of the trait attached to Heaven-Earth Harmonization Divine Technique, he couldn't help but laugh.

"'Compound Growth of Inner Energy'—now that's a name."

The ability of this martial art to generate exponentially more power as you gathered more—yes, "compound growth" was the perfect term.

'Let's see… so at 1 Gapja, it's a 200% boost…?'

As previously mentioned, this technique had lower absorption efficiency at the start, despite being classified as a supreme martial art.

Unlike third-rate methods, which required 60 years to collect a full cycle, this one only needed a bit over 10 years.

Roughly six times more efficient than low-tier inner techniques.

But most supreme martial arts had absorption efficiency 10 to 15 times better than third-rate ones.

So a "true" technique should let one gather 60 years' worth of power in about 4 to 6 years.

Now, having reached 1 Gapja, Heaven-Earth Harmonization Divine Technique had finally caught up.

It could now stand proudly as a true peak-level technique, no longer falling short of its name.

[T/L: Read extra chapters on my ko-fi page "Pokemon1920" : https://ko-fi.com/pokemon1920 ]