Chapter 34

Xiaoming stood at the classroom door, took a deep breath, and firmly gripped the secret letter from his mother.

---

"......I'll see you at the promotion ceremony."

Jang Hyunwoon handed the broken window to a disciple with a bad temper and left the training ground. When all the other disciples had left, Yeom Seongha sighed.

"Huh......"

The fatigue accumulated from the all-night training and the backlash from using the Seventh Wheel, which he was still not accustomed to, combined with the relief of successfully advancing to the Seventh Wheel.

While feeling this rare sense of exhaustion, Yeom Seongha was catching his breath with a tired expression when:

"You really made a mess of it."

Lee Sehoon, who had climbed up to the training ground, looked around the floor.

"Didn't I tell you to break it?"

"Still, shouldn't you break it more neatly? Do you know how expensive this Dragonfire Stone is?"

Most of the fragments were gone, and the rest had turned to dust, leaving no trace. As Lee Sehoon grumbled and picked up the fragments of the blade, Yeom Seongha looked at him curiously.

"But how did you know?"

"Know what?"

"That there was a problem with Jang Hyunwoon's blade."

This time, he was able to win the domain training not only because the Black Flame Wheel was specialized for the training method, but also because Jang Hyunwoon's skills were among the lower ranks of the instructors.

However, the reason he could win so overwhelmingly was thanks to the information about the blade's flaw that he learned from Lee Sehoon.

"I could tell as soon as we clashed. Even a little pressure made the weapon skill that was reinforcing the Seventh Wheel twist."

Since Jang Hyunwoon relied heavily on the weapon skill, his Seventh Wheel quickly fell apart, and Yeom Seongha's Black Flame Wheel took advantage of the gap and swallowed it in one go.

In effect, this was what decided the outcome of the domain training. Therefore, Yeom Seongha couldn't help but be amazed at how Lee Sehoon could spot the flaw just by looking.

"Hmm. To be precise, there wasn't a problem with the blade. It was in the best condition."

"......Are you telling me to believe that?"

How could a blade in the best condition fall apart so easily with just a little pressure? With a doubtful look, Yeom Seongha watched as Lee Sehoon examined the fragments he had picked up.

"I didn't see it clearly, but I think the blade was specialized for amplifying and accelerating mana. Judging by its output, it was probably at the Hero level."

"Hmm. Probably."

"But focusing on increasing the output reduced its stability. The mana leaking out when the blade was first drawn is evidence of that."

This is a phenomenon that occurs when the mana circuit is concentrated to an unnecessary degree to increase output.

While it could be an advantage depending on how it was used, in Jang Hyunwoon's case, it affected the durability of the blade.

"As a result, when it collided with much denser mana while maintaining maximum output, it broke instantly. It was like a sharp piece of glass."

Yeom Seongha looked at Lee Sehoon with a puzzled expression.

"How could a flawed item like that be rated at the Hero level?"

"If it's specialized for one-hit kills or used by someone who can protect the equipment, it can produce powerful output. The system rates it that way."

The disaster that occurred because the owner of the weapon had a poor understanding of it. Yeom Seongha looked at the fragments with a sense of wonder as Lee Sehoon explained.

"I didn't know the system worked that way."

"So be careful. If this happens in a real fight, you might lose your head too."

"I'm not that stupid."

While Yeom Seongha grumbled, Lee Sehoon looked at the fragments he had picked up.

'Even so, this is a bit much.'

Considering the characteristics of the Dragonfire Stone used as the main material, adding a cooling function would have allowed for both high output and stability.

However, the blacksmith who made this blade mixed it with other minerals to maintain high output instead of adding a cooling function.

A method that completely ignored the characteristics of the material. Whoever it was, they were not just inexperienced but completely incompetent.

'The material is wasted... tsk.'

Lee Sehoon put the fragments in his pocket and stood up.

"Anyway, what happens from now on?"

"Jang Hyunwoon will report it, and the promotion ceremony will be held soon. From then on, I'll be recognized as a formal successor and instructor of the Yeomhwa School."

"How do you become the head of the school?"

"There are two conditions. The first is to reach the Eighth Wheel. The second is to get the majority of the instructors' approval."

In addition to achieving the Black Flame Wheel, he also needed the approval of the senior members. Hearing this, Lee Sehoon had an ambiguous expression.

"Assuming you reach the Eighth Wheel, can you get the approval?"

"I can earn it through training. However, this time it won't be as easy as today since it will be a regular training session, not a domain training."

"Hmm......"

The instructors of the Yeomhwa School were all active A-rank heroes.

They were masters who had honed the Black Flame Wheel over a long period, and their equipment was supported in various ways, making them far from mediocre.

In a regular training session, even Jang Hyunwoon, who was in the lower ranks of the instructors, would be a tough opponent.

"It won't take long."

Lee Sehoon said nonchalantly.

"You're saying that so easily."

"I really think it will happen. Even today, for example."

Before the regression, the slump that had held Yeom Seongha back was already resolved, and he planned to continue teaching the training methods he had created in the future.

With Yeom Seongha's talent, he would grow rapidly.

'Besides, there's the Tower of Heroes.'

The pure white tower scattered around the world and located in the center of Babel. If one's abilities are solid, one can overcome the barrier of time through the power of the tower.

"As I said yesterday, I'll make you the head of the school whether you like it or not. So think about how you'll pay me back."

"......"

Yeom Seongha looked at the confident Lee Sehoon without a word.

Since entering Babel, he had never received help from anyone like this.

The help, whose intentions were unclear, was burdensome, and most of all, it felt unpleasant to admit his own weakness.

'Even now, I haven't changed my mind about it...'

For some reason, the help he received from this annoying guy in front of him didn't feel burdensome or unpleasant.

Until dawn, he couldn't understand why, but after completing the promotion and feeling lighter, he thought he understood.

"......Okay."

He couldn't accept help whose intentions were unclear.

"You'll have to give back what you've received."

A materialistic 'deal' was something he could trust in reverse.

[The affinity level with 'Yeom Seongha' has increased to Lv.2.]

[As the affinity level increases, the relationship is established. The relationship with 'Yeom Seongha' is 'Deal'.]

[Relationship: Deal]

Some might call it cold, but there is no more convenient and clean relationship than a deal where one gives back what they have received.

For someone who is still awkward in dealing with others, this kind of relationship might be more comfortable.

* A Bond Stone is created when a deal with the target is established.

* The maturation speed of the Bond Stone increases when dealing with the target.

* Currently created Bond Stones: None.

The notification windows that appeared in front of him made Lee Sehoon look surprised.

'Lv.2?'

While Lv.1 of the affinity level means remembering someone's name, Lv.2 indicates the formation of a specific 'relationship'.

It wasn't a rare level to reach, but Lee Sehoon was surprised because the target was Yeom Seongha.

'This guy is already giving me Lv.2...'

Before the regression, it took at least a year, so how could it be so fast now?

While Lee Sehoon was surprised, Yeom Seongha spoke calmly.

"Tell me what you need for this payment. Cash or materials, I'll prepare it within my means."

"......Okay. I'll send it later."

"And I have another request."

"Already?"

When Lee Sehoon looked at him with a puzzled expression, Yeom Seongha glanced at the two short blades in his hand.

These were items he had borrowed for a short time to submit for class. They weren't bad, but he couldn't say he was completely satisfied.

'If he can make something like this in a few hours, I can expect more.'

What kind of blade will he make next time?

He had never felt attached to any weapon in his life, so the anticipation was unfamiliar but not unpleasant.

Thus, without realizing it, the corners of Yeom Sehoon's mouth slightly turned up, almost imperceptibly.

"Bring a more usable weapon next time."

Crunch—

Lee Sehoon's teeth ground together with a harsh sound.

* * *

"Phew... Huh..."

Lee Sehoon, who had come out of Flavium, slowly caught his breath and focused on calming his boiling anger.

If he couldn't control this anger, he might take out the Red Blade and Black Ten Blade from his pocket dimension and stab Yeom Seongha in the stomach.

'An ungrateful bastard...'

Instead of a thank you, he asks for a proper weapon? Even a stray dog wouldn't be this rude.

'And where did he get that expression...'

Before the regression, he never even smiled, but now he was smirking, which made Lee Sehoon's neck stiff.

Despite the frustration, Lee Sehoon quickly calmed down.

He knew Yeom Seongha was always this rude, and most importantly, he wasn't entirely wrong.

'It's a weapon made with basic materials and affinity engraving. It's fine for practice, but not for serious use.'

To properly bring out Yeom Seongha's strength, he needed to make at least a high-quality Rare-grade or Hero-grade weapon.

'A proper weapon... Let's see how it goes.'

He would definitely repay today's humiliation twofold. With this resolve, Lee Sehoon naturally looked to the side and asked.

"Waiting for me again?"

"No. This time, it was a coincidence."

Erica, walking naturally beside him, answered.

This was no longer a surprising sight, so Lee Sehoon asked as he reached the station and waited for the train.

"Going to the Alchemy Department?"

"No. I'm going to Borshiva's auction house."

"Why there?"

"I'm curious about the items you made."

"......Oh."

Erica's words reminded Lee Sehoon of the auction he had forgotten about.

The regular auction for the second-year students of the Alchemy Department, where his first-semester budget was at stake. Yeom Seongha's matter was resolved faster than expected, leaving him with some free time.

'Hmm. Should I go or not...'

He was tired from observing Yeom Seongha and adjusting the weapon all night, but it wasn't unbearable. Besides, the only remaining task for the day was the completed alchemy class assignment.

'Skipping class is fine... but training is tiring...'

Going back to his dorm now would just make him wake up late and feel awkward. Having made his decision, Lee Sehoon looked at Erica.

"Let's go together."

"Okay."

Upon arriving at Borshiva's auction house with Erica, Lee Sehoon glanced around.

'This is what it looked like back then.'

It was a bit smaller than what he had seen before the regression, but it was still built like a high-end department store. As he examined it, Lee Sehoon frowned.

'There was some incident that led to a reconstruction... I can't remember the details clearly.'

While this memory wasn't important now, it could be crucial later.

Reaffirming the importance of memory, Lee Sehoon recalled the Dreamer he received from Ludwig.

'I need to prepare soon.'

While planning in his head, Lee Sehoon noticed the gazes of people around him.

People who recognized him and were sending him looks. Among them were scouts looking for promising talents, and their gazes were particularly sharp.

'The opening ceremony had a significant impact, it seems.'

A few people were even circling around, as if they were about to make a deal, but none of them actually approached him.

They were wary of each other, and most importantly, Erica's presence was a strong deterrent.

"......"

Erica, who could sense people trying to approach, stared at them silently. No one who knew who she was and the status of the Inoue family would dare to approach.

Lee Sehoon, who had been worried about a crowd, smiled at the comfortable environment.

'This isn't bad.'

If he couldn't approach due to the Inoue name, he didn't need to deal with them.

As he watched people being filtered out, Lee Sehoon seriously considered using Erica as a filter in the future.

"Over there."

Erica, who had grabbed his sleeve, pointed to a door on the side.

Next to the large door was a sign that read "Hall 6," and in front of it was a small sign.

<Second-Year Alchemy Department First-Semester Regular Auction. Item: Iron Sword>

"Let's go in."

"Okay."

Quietly opening the door and entering, Lee Sehoon looked around Hall 6.

It had an incredible number of seats, capable of accommodating 1,000 people. While regular auctions were usually less than a tenth full, today almost all the seats were occupied.

'The reputation of the top student is impressive...'

He had expected people to gather, but not to this extent. Lee Sehoon, impressed, carefully looked around and quickly spotted a familiar face.

Jake, who looked tense as if he had been threatened. It was clear that someone had sent him, and Lee Sehoon smirked.

'That kid has it tough too.'

After examining everyone in the auction house, Lee Sehoon had a curious expression.

'With this level of attention, it will be difficult to openly challenge... How will he do it?'

What level of skill did Michael have to take over the Alchemy Department? As Lee Sehoon waited with interest, the sound of wheels came from behind the stage.

The sound of wheels. The cart in the center of the stage caught people's attention, and their gazes were drawn to the object on it.

A white cloth stretched taut and fixed in place. It had a mysterious appearance, feeling both soft and metallic. Those who recognized it were amazed.

"Is that it? The Hero-grade material made from the fur of the White Tiger..."

"Oh, that golden silk? But why is it here all of a sudden?"

"Maybe for some experiment. It's famous for its impact resistance."

While everyone was interested in the item that seemed unrelated to the auction, Lee Sehoon, who was looking at it, couldn't help but smile slightly.

'Indeed. That's what it is.'

He understood Michael's plan and how he intended to break the White Light Long Sword.

Having grasped the entire situation, Lee Sehoon looked at the white cloth, the Golden Silk, which seemed to be the core material.

'It's not bad.'

He twisted his lips, imagining the new form the White Light Long Sword would take.