Chapter 90: The Regressor Completes It All

The Madurk Mansion, which serves as the main hall of Babel and the principal's office.

In the banquet hall set up inside, two students stood side by side in front of the mansion's owner, Principal Ludwig.

"–For risking their lives to save their comrades and setting an example as heroes, I will award a certificate of commendation to these students."

After reciting the citation, Ludwig called out the names of the two students standing before him.

"Jake Myers, first-year student of the Swordsmanship Department at Akalup."

"Yes!"

"Isuhun, first-year student of the Refinement Department at Borshifa."

"Yes."

The certificates were handed to the two students in turn, and then the three of them stood side by side to take a photo together.

After the simple ceremony ended, Ludwig called the two students into the principal's office and smiled gently.

"I'm sorry to trouble you on a weekend. I rarely have time unless it's today."

"Oh, no! It's an honor just to have you take the time to see us, Principal!"

Jake, who was visibly nervous, answered, and Ludwig gave him a kind smile.

"I'm grateful for your understanding. How is your body holding up?"

"Thanks to the professors in the infirmary, I'm completely fine!"

"That's a relief. It's good to have the heart of a hero, but don't overwork yourself. Students like you are treasures to humanity."

"Principal…"

Words filled with genuine sincerity. Jake looked at Ludwig with shining eyes at the praise.

Being praised by the first complete climber, a hero revered by many, would make any student overjoyed.

'How boring…'

Except for Isuhun, who had already seen it all.

'Why is this taking so long? We just needed to take a photo and be done with it.'

He had never liked such ceremonies, and being dragged around for investigations recently had only made him more irritable.

"Oops. I didn't mean to bring this up, but it slipped out."

Ludwig, who had noticed Isuhun's attitude, smiled and continued.

"Thanks to your efforts, many students were saved, and as the principal, I want to show my gratitude. Is there anything you need?"

A presentation ceremony, much like the one at the opening ceremony.

As the main topic was finally addressed, Isuhun's eyes lit up, as if he had forgotten his irritation.

'If I use what I saved from before, I should be able to get something decent.'

Praying for Ludwig's generosity, Isuhun was about to speak when Jake suddenly interjected.

"Principal."

Jake spoke as if he had been waiting for this moment.

"I want to transfer my share to Isuhun."

"What?"

Surprised by the sudden request, Isuhun looked at Jake with a puzzled expression, and Ludwig showed interest.

"Are you sure? I heard you gave away all the Shinmok as well."

"Yes. I don't need anything right now… and I had promised Isuhun before."

Jake glanced at Isuhun and smiled.

"I'll give you more than enough compensation."

Isuhun smirked, knowing that Jake wouldn't say it was insufficient.

'Look at this guy.'

Thought it would end with the Shinmok, but I didn't expect this. Impressed by the unexpected additional reward, Isuhun looked at Ludwig, who nodded.

"If that's your wish, I'll do it. I also look forward to your performance in the Swordsmanship Department."

"Thank you!"

"Then, please return carefully."

Jake bowed and left the principal's office. Ludwig, watching him go, spoke calmly.

"Your potential has deepened since before. The sword you made for him was just right."

"It's not that great."

"Heh. Not that great? If you say so, the artisans who went through so much trouble would be ashamed to show their faces."

When the story of the Hui-gwang Sword became public, it sparked intense reactions from heroes and the artisans who had challenged to make Jake's sword.

'Babel is falsely inciting people to create heroes! How dare they look down on us!'

'The value of weapons is revealed over time. There's nothing more meaningless than claiming who is better now.'

It was surprising enough that a first-year student, with no family background, had created a hero-grade weapon, but that it was the sword they had failed to make?

Thus, the artisans claimed it was an exaggerated story, and most people trusted their side.

The story sounded too far-fetched.

'I wouldn't believe it either if I hadn't seen it myself.'

But what could he do? The item had actually been created.

"It's more about the idea than the skill. I believe everyone will understand eventually."

"That's true. Don't worry too much. Professor Ryu promised to meet and resolve the issue."

"…I see."

Isuhun momentarily thought he didn't need to worry but decided not to think too deeply about it.

Sometimes, despite his aggressive methods, Ryu Eun-ha was known for handling matters efficiently.

'She's a smart mad dog… that's the feeling.'

Ruthless but with a clear understanding of the situation. If she took charge, the noise would be quickly resolved.

"Now, let's talk about the reward… but first, I have something to show you."

Ludwig lightly waved his hand in the air, and a golden keyhole appeared, opening to reveal an item that fell down.

A fist-sized, dark red fruit, emitting a strange mist. Isuhun narrowed his eyes at the object.

"That is…"

"Take a look."

Isuhun, who had received the fruit from Ludwig, immediately checked the information window.

[Seed of Shinmok]

[Grade: Hero] [Quality: Lowest]

The seed of the giant tree that had attempted to engulf the entire forest.

Created hastily before its complete death, all its powers are imperfectly mixed.

Holding it in your hand grants resistance to spatial abilities, and its properties change based on the nutrients absorbed.

*Grants resistance to spatial abilities.

*Properties change based on the nutrients absorbed.

"…"

Isuhun, holding the seed of Shinmok, looked stunned.

'Such a thing exists?'

A material he had never heard of before the regression.

Whether it was because it had already finished growing and was exterminated, or because someone had taken it away, the information alone made it an incredible item.

'If used well, it could grow Shinmok again, in the form I desire.'

It wouldn't be easy, but it was worth the challenge. Thinking this far, Isuhun wondered why Ludwig had shown him this.

"From the name, it seems to be a byproduct of the new variant monster."

"That's right. It was found inside a giant lotus during the analysis of the collected remains."

Ludwig, looking at Isuhun, spoke seriously.

"As you know, items with the potential for 'resurrection' among monster byproducts are strictly regulated. Moreover, this one still contains remnants of the Puppeteer's Cube and the Bio-Weapon."

"That means…"

"According to the Hero Special Law, I can only replace it with another reward."

Hearing Ludwig's expected response, Isuhun felt a headache coming on.

'To lose such a material…!'

If he had caught it alone, or if he had any strength left after the battle, he would have secretly taken it.

Just as Isuhun was about to vent his frustration,

"Under normal circumstances."

Ludwig smiled gently.

"…Yes?"

"Isn't it a bit unfair to have the material you worked hard for taken away? And most importantly… I'm curious to see how you will grow this."

Surprised by the unexpected answer, Isuhun had a peculiar expression.

"Are you saying you'll give me this seed?"

"Yes. However, as I mentioned, it's a dangerous item, so there are conditions to follow."

Ludwig laid out two conditions.

First, the seed's ownership would be officially recorded as his, and it must be grown in a designated place in Babel to prepare for any contingencies.

Second, once the seed starts growing, regular reports on its growth must be submitted to him.

'To avoid unnecessary trouble, I'll secretly research it.'

While writing reports regularly was a hassle, the provided location and materials were quite attractive.

'Growing it outside would be too risky, and… it's good to have more connections with Ludwig.'

Receiving Ludwig's attention meant more support and benefits from Babel.

Confirming there was nothing to lose, Isuhun asked,

"When can I start growing it?"

"Once you decide how to grow it, let me know. I'll choose the perfect place for it."

How to grow the Shinmok.

With a new challenge, Isuhun nodded and decided to think it through carefully.

"I understand."

"Good. Now, let's move on to the reward."

Ludwig, who had put the seed back into the white hole, looked at Isuhun with anticipation.

"You still have some rewards left from before. If you need anything, just say so."

The reward from Ludwig after the Silver Moon Mountain. Isuhun gave his pre-planned answer.

"I need an item that can save my life in an emergency."

"What kind of emergency are you talking about?"

"Enough to use all the rewards I can receive."

Ludwig, hearing Isuhun's response, showed interest.

"Usually, after such an experience, one would be more cautious… but you're preparing to move around freely."

"It could be a trap. So, I need to make them avoid me."

He had enough of being dragged around before the regression.

Impressed by Isuhun's resolve, Ludwig looked at him with a slightly surprised expression and then smiled.

"Good mindset."

The white hole approached Isuhun, and a small ring fell.

"Ah."

Reflexively catching it, Isuhun examined the ring.

A ring with a pattern similar to the golden keyhole Ludwig often created in the air.

Checking the information window of the seemingly ordinary ring,

[Ring of Ascension]

[Grade: Hero] [Quality: Best]

A ring created by the first successful climber, the Absolute One, 'Ludwig Schubert'.

It possesses the power of the Ascension, which can manipulate space, and can be used by consuming mana.

*Can use the power of space by consuming mana.

A rather modest description for a Hero-grade item. However, Isuhun's eyes widened as he read the content.

'A spatial weapon…?'

Not limited to a specific skill, but a structure that could be freely manipulated by consuming mana.

Impressed by the convenience and versatility of the powerful weapon, Isuhun looked up at Ludwig