The Regressor Can Make Them All

Chapter 262

Jake felt a surge of confidence.

Not only had he managed to fight his sister, who was renowned as one of the strongest students in Babel, on even ground, but he had even broken her sword in the final clash. The official result of the duel had been his loss since he fainted. Still, Jake thought reaching that point was an achievement in itself.

Moreover, Jake had even obtained a small degree of freedom from his family, which had oppressed him his entire life.

I feel like I can handle anything right now.

Thinking his newfound confidence, which bubbled up from deep within, wasn’t baseless, Jake confidently approached Se-Hoon after the engagement ceremony.

“And that’s how it is.”

“...”

Contrary to what he expected to hear, the secrets behind the engagement ceremony that Jake had heard over the last ten minutes left him in complete shock. A group was trying to create beings stronger than the Ten Evils, the Seeker's spirit was inside Se-Hoon's body, his family’s bloodline had been genetically modified, and lastly, his fiancée was part of that said group—each was so weighty that Jake had to press on his temples hard.

“Wait... is everything you just said... all true?”

“Yes.”

“Really? It’s not that I don’t trust you, but this is all just... too much.”

If he had heard just one of those secrets, he would have been shocked but would have also quickly moved on. However, with all of them hitting him at once, his brain struggled to keep up.

Observing Jake, who was failing to say anything coherent as if he had just heard a bunch of conspiracy theories, Se-Hoon calmly assured him. “There’s no rush. Take your time to think it over.”

He too knew that it wasn't the kind of information one could accept immediately, so rushing him would do no good.

As Se-Hoon waited patiently, Jake eventually managed to collect his thoughts, letting out a deep sigh when he had done so.

“It’s all too hard to believe... but it all makes sense if I think about it,” Jake muttered.

How had the Myers family continuously produced high-ranking heroes for generations? Until now, he had shrugged it off as a matter of bloodline, but the reality of an experiment creating the Essence of the Sword made it seem much more plausible.

So many people suffered because of those two...

Clench-

Jake unconsciously tightened his fists in anger.

Because of them, his family members had been sacrificed under the guise of tradition. He could no longer accept it as a matter of personal choice; he couldn’t help but feel angry that it had all been for the sake of a mysterious substance known as the Essence of the Sword.

However, Jake soon took a deep breath and loosened his fists.

At least no one outside the family was harmed.

If innocent people had been sacrificed for the power and prestige of his family, he thought he likely would have been consumed by the guilt. Regaining some of his composure thanks to the thought, Jake looked at Se-Hoon.

“Why are you telling me this all of a sudden?”

“Because Watchers have started to take an interest in your family. I just figured you needed to be aware of it to avoid getting blindsided.”

“Hmm...”

Jake frowned. He appreciated the warning, but part of him felt a little bitter since it felt like Se-Hoon hadn’t trusted him until now.

Of course, I wasn’t as reliable before as I am now...

Finally gathering his thoughts after a long pause, Jake decided to just ask. “So, you trust me now, right?”

He already knew the answer because of the timing of the conversation, but Jake thought hearing it directly from Se-Hoon would be reassuring.

“I do. If we ever have to fight the Ten Evils again, I’ll bring you along.”

Having picked up on Jake’s feelings, Se-Hoon smiled slightly.

However, even though Jake could see the trust in Se-Hoon’s eyes, he hesitated.

“...The Ten Evils?”

Even with his recent growth in confidence, Jake thought facing monsters that even S-rank heroes struggle against was perhaps still too much. It was only now that Jake felt the weight of the situation start to sink in.

Luckily, upon seeing his hesitation, Se-Hoon grinned and added, “Don’t worry about it too much. I’m not asking you to fight them head-on right away.”

“Hmm, right... Everything does have its time and place.”

“Exactly. Anyway, rather than fretting over that, why don't you show me the new sword you created? I haven’t had a chance to see it yet.”

“Oh, right. Sure.”

Quickly retrieving the new sword from his void pocket, Jake handed it to Se-Hoon.

Taking it, Se-Hoon observed it closely. The sword, with a sleek teal hilt, didn’t have a visible blade like Jake’s previous one, yet its weight was the same.

Has the blade been absorbed inside?

Se-Hoon pulled up the sword's information message.

[Windchaser Sword]

[Tier: Hero] [Quality: Perfect]

[A sword forged by compressing a special crystal and ore infused with wind mana.

The blade can be summoned by consuming mana, its form determined by the pressure applied to the hilt and the wielder's synesthetic mindscape.

By absorbing mana and air from the atmosphere, the blade can be further reinforced. However, doing so increases the mana required, as well as the stress placed on the user’s synesthetic mindscape.

*Consumes mana to form a blade of wind

*The blade's shape changes according to the wielder’s strength and synesthetic mindscape

*Absorbs atmospheric mana and air to reinforce the blade with increasing consumption as it grows larger

*Enables the use of the skill ‘Wind Mirror’]

“Hero-tier?”

Se-Hoon couldn’t hide his disbelief. The sword had been crafted from the remains of Ewinia, a Legendary sword, yet was classified as Hero tier?

Seeing Se-Hoon’s expression getting colder as he stared at the hilt, Jake abruptly realized the reason and hurriedly spoke up. “Ah, the tier increases when you summon the blade!”

“...”

Glancing at Jake, Se-Hoon turned his gaze back to the Windchaser Sword and infused the hilt with mana.

Whirl!

Seeing the wind swirling and forming a teal blade with ease, Se-Hoon checked the tier again.

[Tier: Hero] [Quality: Perfect]

“...”

“I-I'll try forming the blade myself!”

Sensing that Se-Hoon still wasn’t satisfied, Jake quickly took back the sword and created the blade himself.

Woong!

Unlike before, a faint light enveloped the blade as it responded to its wielder’s synesthetic mindscape. In Jake’s hands, it now looked completely different.

And at the sight of it, Se-Hoon’s expression finally softened.

“This...”

Intrigued, Se-Hoon checked the sword's tier again while it was still in Jake’s hands.

[Tier: Legendary] [Quality: Average]

Rising from Hero to Legendary tier, the sword’s quality was even evaluated as an Average quality. It was practically a completely different weapon.

Fascinated, Se-Hoon gazed at the sword.

A weapon where the completion rate changes based on its wielder.... This is a rare find.

Reflecting on the process to try and find what could have led to this uniqueness, Se-Hoon summoned the Seeker to examine it as well.

“How do you find this sword?”

“It’s the one you were working on before, huh? Let me take a look...”

Curious, the Seeker inspected the Windchaser Sword for a while before she spoke up. “So the Essence of the Sword assists the wielder’s synesthetic mindscape? I didn’t expect it to be used like this.”

“Is this an uncommon feature?”

“Normally, the Essence of the Sword would try to take control of the synesthetic mindscape rather than assisting it. And judging by the structure here, the sword is quite selective about who can wield it.”

Ruminating on the Seeker’s words, Se-Hoon recalled how there hadn’t been any changes to the sword’s tier when he wielded it earlier.

So that’s why it didn’t change when I tried.

While the sword allowed him to create the blade, it offered no further assistance beyond that. Discovering that it had fluid, almost living qualities, Se-Hoon frowned.

This... anyone can tell it’s basically a bioweapon.

It wouldn't have been a problem in the previous timeline, but the current one strictly forbade the use of bioweapon, meaning there might be unnecessary trouble.

Oh well, it doesn't really matter.

The Seeker had artificially created the Essence of the Sword in the first place, so despite its similarities to bioweapons, there likely wouldn't be any legal issues.

“Go ahead and try using the weapon skill.”

Nodding to Se-Hoon, Jake activated the weapon's skill, Wind Mirror, and soon, the air around them began swirling as teal-colored sword blades formed one after another.

It’s replicating the currently formed blade with Sword Control in the air.

Observing the effect that perfectly matched the name, Wind Mirror, Se-Hoon made a satisfied expression, pleased that it was a skill befitting of a Legendary weapon.

“Okay, it looks good. This should do.”

“Phew...”

Nervous that the Windchaser Sword could potentially fall apart, Jake relaxed upon receiving Se-Hoon's approval. Perhaps it was because he had completed the weapon himself that he felt an attachment to it and didn’t want anything to happen to it.

“It seems like the sword depends a lot on the user's skill, so make sure to train hard.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. Anyway...” Glancing around their surroundings, Jake lowered his voice before continuing. “What’s going to happen next?”

Though they had thwarted Succession’s schemes for now, there was no telling what they would try next.

Thinking, Se-Hoon remained quiet for a moment before answering, “Although their plans were disrupted, it wasn’t a total failure. They’ll probably try to use your fiancée’s position to take over your family.”

“That’s... terrifying.”

Inadvertently thinking about how he would have fallen to his demise slowly if he hadn’t known about Succession, Jake tensed.

However, upon noticing his expression, Se-Hoon just waved it off lightly.

“Again, don’t worry about it too much, I just meant that’s what they might try, but it won’t go that smoothly.”

“...Really?”

“Of course. It’s not like your father will sit back and let them take over the family so easily, right?”

Thinking about Aaron, who protected the family’s independence for quite a long time despite the Watchers’ attempts to infiltrate them before the regression, Se-Hoon was confident they didn’t need to worry about it just yet.

Jake's expression grew more complicated. He had belatedly realized Se-Hoon meant Aaron, knowing that Watchers existed, had still gone ahead with the engagement to uphold the family’s traditions by joining hands with Raphael.

Jake couldn’t understand his father’s motivations no matter how hard he tried.

Was it really just about preserving the family tradition...?

Or was there something else—something unknown to them—that drove his father's decisions?

Knock- Knock-

Jake looked toward the door, his thoughts interrupted, and once Se-Hoon dispelled the barrier magic he had cast around the room, he looked as well.

“Who is it?”

“You told me you were going to the storage earlier, right? I’m here to take you.”

Finding out that the appointed time had come from Miles’s words, Se-Hoon glanced at Jake.

“Like I said before, don’t worry about anything else. Just focus on your training. I’ll take care of the rest.”

“Ah, right. Got it.”

“Then I’m off to check out the storage.”

Giving Jake a pat on the shoulder, Se-Hoon left the room. And Jake, now alone, looked down at the Windchaser Sword in his hand.

...Yeah. I shouldn’t overthink this much.

What he needed to do now was train thoroughly so that when the time came, he wouldn’t be a hindrance to Se-Hoon. Resolving himself, Jake stood to begin his training.

But just as he was about to start, the door opened again.

“Oh, one more thing.” @@novelbin@@

Having returned, Se-Hoon popped his head back in.

“Try maintaining the blade at three times the strength of what you just made.”

“Three times...?”

Jake looked at Se-Hoon with disbelief. Fearing the Windchaser Sword would break, he had been cautious not to push it too hard. And Se-Hoon wanted him to increase its power by threefold?

It’s not like I can’t do it, but...

Was such strength really necessary to fight the Ten Evils? In the end, though, Jake still nodded with determination.

“I’ll figure it out.”

“Good. And while you're at it, make sure to create five of those floating swords.”

“...What?”

Jake couldn’t believe his ears. Se-Hoon expected him to summon and maintain five floating swords as well? Jake felt dizzy just thinking about it, but as he contemplated the feasibility of the daunting task, a glimmer of hope appeared in his mind.

“You want me to do this by the end of this year, right?”

Surely Se-Hoon could not possibly expect him to accomplish the tasks within such a short timeframe.

Yet to Jake’s dismay, Se-Hoon smiled gently in return.

“No, I meant by the end of summer break.”

***

Done assigning Jake a simple summer homework assignment, Se-Hoon walked down the stairs alongside Miles, slightly dissatisfied.

That wasn’t even a difficult task.... Why is he being so dramatic?

It sounded challenging, but if Jake could manage to control the output of his power, it was a relatively simple task. And yet Jake had looked like the world was ending, making Se-Hoon feel like he was purposely tormenting Jake.

Hmm... Now that I think about it, he couldn’t even swing a sword properly six months ago. Maybe I did push him too hard.

As Jake still hadn’t fully grasped his own potential, perhaps telling him to train alone without further instructions was a bit much.

Still, teaching him everything from the basics won’t help.... Maybe I’ll ask Kwang-Soo to train him.

Though it would be tough, Se-Hoon was certain that Kwang-Soo would teach Jake thoroughly enough to get him through the rest of summer break. Thinking more and more that it was a good idea, he was formulating a plan in his head—a plan Jake would have been horrified by—when Miles came to a stop.

“We’re here.”

Looking around, it was simply a second-floor corridor of the mansion, with nothing visible but the walls and the doors. However, Se-Hoon could sense something faintly out of place.

The location of the storage hasn’t changed, I see. Finding what was out of place, Se-Hoon stared silently at the blank wall.

And upon glancing at him doing that, Miles made a look of surprise, as if he had realized something.

“Wait... You can see it?”

“Not really. I can sense that there’s something here, though. It’s not that big of a deal.”

“...”

Miles swallowed the urge. He wanted to tell Se-Hoon it was a “big deal,” but he also knew there was no point in tiring himself out doing it.

Well, he’s caught the attention of four Perfect Ones, after all.

He would’ve done it if Se-Hoon had been their family's enemy, but since he was clearly helping them at the moment, especially Jake, there was no need.

Settling his thoughts, Miles moved past Se-Hoon and pressed a key from his pocket against the wall.

Whirrr-

With the pulse of a faint wave, a previously invisible door began materializing, and Miles then turned the key halfway, unlocking it.

Click!

Putting the key away, Miles gestured toward the solid, clear door now before them.

“Let’s head inside.”

Stepping through the opened door, the Myers family’s secret storage was revealed.

Lined with rows of large cabinets, each containing meticulously preserved items, the storage was filled with what appeared to be thousands of rare and valuable artifacts.

I recognize some of these objects... but there are plenty of new things.

Invested, Se-Hoon was just as he was about to step further in when Miles suddenly spoke up, having just remembered something. “Oh, I almost forgot. Aria asked me to pass on a request.”

“For me?”

Seeing Se-Hoon raise an eyebrow, Miles nodded.

“Her rapier broke during the spar, so she needs to pick out a new one. She asked if you could choose it for her.”

“...”

Se-Hoon made a slight frown. It felt like a test of his judgment, a way for Aria to assess his discernment.

She should be able to use any sword from here and be fine. Why make me go through this?

It sounded like a harmless request, but if he chose something that disappointed her, it could cause unnecessary problems. Therefore, with nothing to gain, Se-Hoon began mulling over how to refuse.

But then Miles, having seemingly anticipated his reluctance, spoke up again. “She said if you pick the sword for her, you can take one extra item from the storage.”

“...Did the Family Head approve of this?”

“He did.”

“Where are the swords stored?”

An extra item from the storage was simply too tempting to pass up.

Following Miles, Se-Hoon made his way deeper into the storage, and when they passed between two display cases, a familiar face appeared, stopping mid-step.

“Oh.”

“Hm?”

Finding Raphael, who clearly had not expected to run into them, Se-Hoon raised an eyebrow.

And it seemed Miles was just as surprised.

“What are you doing here?”

“The head of the family allowed me to take something as a gift in honor of the engagement,” Raphael explained, holding up a key to prove her words were true.

And once he confirmed it wasn’t a fake, Miles let out a strange sigh.

Considering how things have turned out, I guess this is a form of compensation.

Having understood the circumstances, Miles motioned for Raphael to go ahead. “Fine, go on.”

“Thank you.”

Nodding politely, Raphael made to move past them. At that moment, though, Se-Hoon blocked her path, intently staring at the item in her hand.

“...?”

Both Raphael and Miles looked at Se-Hoon, confused.

“Do you have something to say?”

“Is that what you chose?”

“Oh, yes.”

Raphael raised the object in her hand—a small blue crystal sphere, no larger than a fist—which didn’t seem particularly special. It was something that had sat in the storage for a long time, forgotten.

“I picked something meaningful, but not too extravagant...”

Growing uncomfortable under Se-Hoon’s continued gaze, Raphael slowly trailed off. Similarly, Caspar, the Magi inside her, also began feeling uneasy.

There’s no way he could possibly know the secret of this sphere just from looking at it, right...?

“I’ll have that.”

With his eyes gleaming, Se-Hoon pointed at the sphere in Raphael’s hand.