Genius Regressor Makes Mythic Items

Arriving at the command center set up in Hamburg, the site of the major outbreak, Shimun stepped inside.

“Outbreak Site 1 is stabilizing quickly with the support of the Sword Saint and the Saintess.”

“The core assault will begin soon!”

“Outbreak Sites 2 and 4 are still in a standoff! Outbreak Site 3 is in danger!”

“Most of the entities at Outbreak Site 3 are mid-rank or higher undead, making it hard to maintain the front lines!”

He could see the inside bustling with a mix of different races and nationalities.

“If you’ll excuse me for a moment.”

Fabian Wolf, who had been guiding him, briefly excused himself. Then, “Immediately send the standby team from Outbreak Site 1 to Site 3.”

“Understood!”

The previously elegant and tender demeanor vanished without a trace.

“Fighting undead is a battle of endurance. Exhaust all supplies, and prioritize the players’ conditions.”

“Yes!”

“And contact the Sword Saint and the Unbreakable Saintess…”

Issuing commands like a seasoned officer, Fabian Wolf. Following his orders, the busy command center quickly regained its composure.

A rough-looking man observing this, “So… Shimun-nim? It seems you received quite a grand reception.”

Night Hunter Park Jinwook carefully spoke up.

“Indeed.”

Olivia nodded in agreement. Shimun also silently concurred. The reason was simple.

‘It looks like Fabian Wolf is the overall commander…’

Even a brief absence seemed to throw the command center into chaos.

‘And he left his post just to greet me?’

In such a crucial situation, that the overall commander abandoned his post just to meet Shimun spoke volumes.

Of course, ‘Well, it is an official Korean support team, so there’s that.’

Representing the Korean association, leading many Platinum-ranked or higher players including Park Jinwook and Olivia,

‘Still, it’s a bit excessive.’

But Shimun wasn’t one of the high-profile rankers like his brother Kim Shihyuk or Lee Yujeong. Given the current circumstances, it seemed somewhat over the top.

And then, ‘He must really care about his sister.’

Shimun realized anew the reason behind this as he watched Fabian with a small smile. Fabian continued his communications despite a troubled expression.

Someone of Fabian’s caliber, essentially the European equivalent of Kim Shihyuk or Lee Yujeong, “Can’t something be done?”

Spoke in a somewhat deferential manner. It made sense. Even as the Vice-guildmaster of Valtenberg and the second top player in Germany, “If the first front line breaches, it will be hard to provide distant support, and we’ll incur many casualties.”

– We understand that. The person on the other end of the line was of similar stature. If we lose Yujeong here too, we’ll have many casualties.

Wasn’t that the Sword Saint, Kim Shihyuk?

Where had his previously childish and naive demeanor gone?

– Plus, the timing is right at the end of a wave. If we don’t push hard now, it could cause major issues in taking down the core. Kim Shihyuk responded in a somewhat cold and calculating voice.

It wasn’t just his words. Why don’t you go to Outbreak Site 3 yourself, Fabian Wolf?

“I wish I could, but… We can’t predict when the Diamond-ranked outbreak will occur…”

Ah, right. If it’s just Platinum, it’s tough enough, but if Diamond breaks out, it’ll be chaos. You do need to stay on standby.

Contrary to his usual cheerful and kind image, – But we’re only here as support. You should make the decision.

Kim Shihyuk’s voice continued, – Either accept the casualties or put out the immediate fire and leave the rest to luck.

He uttered words that could be perceived as cold and unfeeling. The unfamiliarity of it made Shimun let out a slight chuckle. But it was somewhat understandable.

‘We’re here to help, but it’s still a foreign outbreak.’

An outbreak wasn’t an Arena event but a crisis in the real world.

One death was the end.

There was no need to take on high-risk tasks in another country’s outbreak.

The same would likely be true if the situation were reversed in Korea.

When Korea fell in his previous life, everyone used their own outbreaks as an excuse to provide no support.

Of course.

‘And many countries met their end like that.’

That’s the nature of international relations. Domestic concerns always take precedence over foreign ones. It’s not selfish but realistic and practical.

However, ‘Still, he could have phrased it better.’

Even considering that, his brother Kim Shihyuk’s attitude was quite cold.

But was it something they were used to?

“Tch. That damn guy, always talking like…”

Park Jinwook muttered.

“Well… He’s not wrong, is he? Unfortunately, we can’t prevent all casualties.”

Olivia muttered with an unaffected expression. Also, was Lee Yujeong there with them?

– What should we do, Fabian Wolf?

Lee Yujeong appeared on the screen alongside Kim Shihyuk.

She too, – You’re the one in charge. I’ll follow your orders.

Asked in a flat voice, without proposing any solutions.

“Phew…”

Fabian Wolf let out a deep sigh. Maybe because the people in the command center were also listening to the large screen in the middle of the room?

“……”

“……”

Unlike the earlier busyness, a heavy silence fell over the command center.

They knew well too,

‘In the end, we can’t protect everyone.’

Everyone was coming to grips with the realization that they couldn’t protect everything.

‘The formal Arena hasn’t been active for long. It’s understandable that they’d find it hard to accept.’

These players had only experienced the non-formal Arena up till now. Even the temporary formal Arenas were accessible only to those with high MMR.

The sudden appearance of death penalties and outbreaks during the Ukraine incident, Made it hard to accept the reality of death coming to their doorstep.

Just like in his previous life.

‘Time is needed.’

It required time. Although the cost of that time was many lives.

However, “Wait a moment.”

There was no need to just watch. No longer being a powerless Level 1 in this life. That alone had already changed a lot for Earth.

Of course, even as a regressor,

– Huh? This voice…

There were inherent limits.

“Shihyuk, just send Yujeong to Outbreak Site 3.”

But the current situation was manageable.

Seeing Shimun approach, Fabian Wolf exclaimed, “Shimun-ssi?”

It wasn’t just him.

– Hyung?! When did you get here…

– Orabeoni?

Kim Shihyuk and Lee Yujeong’s eyes widened seeing Shimun. This also took the command center’s personnel by surprise.

“Hyung?”

“What? He knows the Sword Saint?”

Those watching with anxious eyes reacted too.

“He seems to know the Saintess as well?”

“Yeah, in Asia, it’s common to call close friends brother and sister.”

“But not all Asians do that.”

“Judging by their reactions, they seem very close…”

Gossip spread quickly.

But Shimun ignored the stares,

– Hyung, when did you arrive?

– Why didn’t you let us know?

Addressing his surprised siblings on the screen.

“I just arrived. Both of you are obviously in combat, how could I contact you?”

– Even so, we would have made time to check in…

“Really?”

With a meaningful tone, Shimun’s eyes narrowed slightly. Hidden within his gaze was, ‘So you have time for a call but not to assist elsewhere?’

Kim Shihyuk and Lee Yujeong grasped his intent.

– Uh, yes.

…

They averted their gaze naturally. Seeing his siblings’ reactions, Shimun chuckled.

‘Well, it’s not their fault. They handled it correctly.’

In the past, and in his previous life, ‘It’s ultimately a foreign outbreak. There’s no reason to risk their lives.’

Even when support was dispatched to dangerous foreign outbreaks, no one was willing to risk their lives as far as Shimun knew.

Moreover, both of them are rankers, aren’t they?

‘Death is one thing, but even a major injury could be an enormous setback.’

While the host nation might provide support funds and various compensations, Ultimately, no country would offer compensations that would put its own interests at risk.

No one could fault them for that.

It was pure business.

International relations were even more cutthroat.

From this perspective, ‘Well done.’

Kim Shihyuk and Lee Yujeong, at just 24, had handled the situation with remarkable wisdom and tact.

Seeing Shimun’s softened expression,

– H-hyung…

– Orabeoni?

Their faces also softened.

“I just arrived, but I’m well aware of the situation.”

Shimun said, wearing a small smile.

And what lay beneath that, ‘I understand your position too.’

His siblings grasped his meaning, nodding cautiously.

“But if we move a bit more strategically, we can minimize the bad outcomes.”

– Then… should I head to Outbreak Site 3?

– But orabeoni, if I leave here, there will still be casualties.

“Indeed.”

Shimun nodded at Kim Shihyuk’s words. Regardless of power levels, Lee Yujeong, known as the Saintess, was a player who excelled in support roles.

Her absence couldn’t be filled even by the Sword Saint Kim Shihyuk.

However, “That’s why I’m saying, Shihyuk.”

For the current Kim Shihyuk, “Use ‘that’ without holding back.”

Was there not one way to cover even the deficiency in that area?

Understanding what Shimun meant,

– Use it without holding back?

Kim Shihyuk showed immediate discomfort.

It made sense.

– But Hyung! It’s almost running out…

Mythical weapons.

The alchemical kits containing these cheat-like items were limited in quantity, weren’t they?

Precisely, the production itself was restricted.

The materials included rare and precious items as well as byproducts of the World Tree.

Even the blue leaves of the World Tree were used.

Crucially,

– And it’s Yujeong’s turn next!

Due to their limited number, even Shimun’s team was receiving them in turns.

Starting with his brother Kim Shihyuk, then Park Jinwook, and Go Malsuk recently.

The next mythical weapon kit was supposed to go to Lee Yujeong.

Olivia was waiting behind her, of course.

And now he was being told to use it generously?

– O-Orabeoni…?

Was she really looking forward to it?

Lee Yujeong’s eyes also subtly wavered as she listened quietly.

However, “It’s alright. It’ll be taken care of somehow.”

Perhaps he had a plan?

『Due to the influence of Archangel Gabriel, the blessing embedded in World Tree Shimdrasil temporarily amplifies.』

『There is a low probability that two ‘Blue Leaves of Shimdrasil’ will grow.』

Shimun glanced at the silver-blue message window and,

“Don’t worry and go ahead.”

Reassured his siblings.

Feeling bolstered by Shimun’s confident words,

– Got it.

– I’ll head to Outbreak Site 3 right now.

They erased their hesitation and immediately sprang into action.

Shimun turned to his companions.

“Jinwook-ssi, please take the support team and assist Shihyuk. Just in case.”

“And Olivia, help Yujeong. There are lots of undead, so you’ll be a huge help. You were incredible during the Ukraine incident.”

He commanded Park Jinwook and Olivia. Though they were momentarily taken aback by Shimun’s decisiveness, his role as the Guild Master of Shimdrasil and the designated leader of the European support team chosen by President Kim Muyeol justified their actions.

“Yes, understood!”

“Understood.”

Nodding without resistance, Park Jinwook and Olivia promptly exited the command center.

Thereafter,

“…….”

“…….”

Silence descended once more upon the command center. Finally, Shimun surveyed his surroundings.

“Ah… The overall commander is Mr. Fabian Wolf, isn’t it? I may have overstepped.”

He looked at Fabian Wolf with a slightly awkward expression. Fabian, who had been staring at Shimun in a daze, “Haha!”

Suddenly burst into a hearty laugh.

Then, “No, not at all! On the contrary, we’re immensely grateful.”

Collecting himself, he bowed with graceful precision.

“On behalf of the European Union, I sincerely thank you. Thanks to you, many lives were saved.”

Fabian Wolf expressed genuine gratitude.

He wasn’t alone.

“Thank you, Mr. Kim!”

“You saved my brother!”

“And my girlfriend too!”

“Thanks, we can catch a break now.”

“Let’s throw a big party once this is all over!”

The previously busy and grim command center now echoed with gratitude and cheers, bringing smiles to those present.

Unaccustomed to such gratitude, “Ahem, we’re just here to support. This is too much…”

Shimun mumbled awkwardly.

“Not at all.”

Fabian Wolf took a step closer with a serious expression.

“You’ve come to support and have acted as if it’s your own responsibility.”

“Well…”

“Shimun-ssi, besides Korea, multiple countries have sent support teams here.”

Other countries had also sent support teams for diplomatic reasons, but it was evident how lukewarm their support was. Not that one could blame them.

“We understand. You didn’t have to go to such lengths.”

In the same situation, the European Union would likely act similarly.

Therefore, “Your dedication to aiding in a foreign outbreak is something we must deeply appreciate.”

Offering gratitude was only right.

“Given the current situation, I cannot express our gratitude as fully as I’d like…”

But it would not be out of line to show even more appreciation later.

“After this is all over, we will surely reward you.”

Fabian Wolf showed a resoluteness in his demeanor. Shimun scratched the back of his head.

‘Refusing would be odd now.’

His actions weren’t done with rewards in mind, but with such earnest gratitude being shown, there was no reason to refuse.

“Then with pleasure. I’ll look forward to it. I’ll have to think hard about what I want.”

He lightened the serious atmosphere with a playful tone.

“Haha! As expected. No wonder Leoni spoke so highly of you.”

Fabian Wolf laughed heartily.

“Excuse me?”

“Never mind. Please forget what I just said.”

He mumbled playfully, then looked at Shimun.

“But… If it’s alright, may I ask you something?”

“Go ahead.”

“What are your plans now, Shimun-ssi?”

He continued, “Oh! I don’t mean anything specific by it. It’s just that… well, you don’t seem like someone who would just sit idly by.”

“Ah, you find it strange that after sending everyone off, I’d be sitting around doing nothing?”

“That’s… definitely not what I meant! I just…!”

Fabian Wolf waved his hands frantically. Seeing his flustered state, Shimun grinned.

“I know. I was just joking.”

He replied playfully.

“You have quite a mischievous side, indeed. This also matches what Leoni mentioned…”

Fabian mumbled with a rather serious look.

Shimun chuckled and then turned serious, “You asked at a good time. There’s something I’d like to request personally.”

He glanced towards the still unbroken Diamond-ranked outbreak.

“Anything you need. I’ll ensure it’s done.”

Fabian nodded earnestly.

*

Boom!

The sound of gigantic thunder.

Screech!

Clang!

Harsh metallic friction echoed. From gigantic saw blades to whirling knives, cannons and ballistae, and more, numerous mechanical devices imbued with various energies and attributes unleashed fierce attacks.

But that was all.

Unlike the previous intruders, they weren’t easily dealt with this time.

Instead,

Crack.

Crumble.

The mechanical devices were breaking and turning to dust one by one. Two individuals were responsible for this destruction.

“It’s annoyingly tough!”

A blonde woman spat out with frustration. It was no wonder.

“For a bunch of machines, how could they be so overloaded with enchantments!”

The time spent on these machines exceeded the time it took to trigger the four Platinum-ranked outbreaks.

“Is this really Diamond level? Not Master?”

They were taking more time on this single Diamond-ranked outbreak than the four Platinum-ranked outbreaks combined.

And they hadn’t even succeeded in triggering the outbreak yet.

At that, “This is all because of you.”

The blonde man mechanically extended his hand towards the spatial gaps.

“Milia, it’s because your ability has become useless.”

Millard wore a bored expression,

Whoooo…

His ominously humming hand continued to strike relentlessly.

“Damn it! Who knew someone would coat the spatial barrier so impeccably?”

“Haruto mentioned it before he left. He said the spatial barrier was airtight.”

“Hmph! And yet, I’m helping your cursed ability reach them.”

Milia scoffed.

“Do you know you would’ve been shredded to pieces without me?”

She pointed to the spatial gaps Millard was attacking.

“Do you want me to stop? Then go back and try to claim the mission reward without having done anything?”

“Hey! I already handled four outbreaks! You haven’t even done one! Who’s talking to whom…”

At that moment,

Tonng.

A clear chime that didn’t fit the location echoed.

“Huh?”

“Hmm?”

Before Milia and Millard could turn to look,

Boooom!!

A colossal dark explosion engulfed the two of them.

TL’s Corner:

Explosion to the face, serves you right. But I doubt it dealt damage.