Genius Regressor Makes Mythic Items

『Finally, the Continental Representative Battle concludes! What are the results for each country?』

『Two to one. South Korea wins after a fierce battle!』

『The Silent 15 Minutes, a Victory in the End! Hero Kim Shimun!』

『Future Ranker Confirmed? Rising Star Go Malsuk』

『Sword Saint vs. Spear King, outcome Changed by Constellations, Emphasizing the Importance of Patrons!』

Articles poured across Asia. Most articles focused on the results of the Continental Representative Battle and the winning country. But one country had a different perspective.

『Shock! Complete Defeat of the Continental?』

『Only the Spear King Proved Himself? Mixed Feelings Among Rankers』

『Aftermath of the Continental Representative Battle? Platinum Representative Seo Wiryong in Coma!』

『Diamond Rank Representative Cheol Chunryu in Vegetative State!』

『Angry Netizens Call for Dismantling Continental Monopoly and Fostering Talent in Various Fields!』

The grand final.

– Was it because they lost in a 1-1 situation?

– How did they even manage to lose this?

– Are all of Continental’s rankers idiots? The nation’s future looks bleak!

– Seo Wiryong should be tested for drugs. No way a person becomes that stupid in an instant.

– Right! He fell into a coma right after the match. He must have taken something!

– What did Cheol Chunryu do to end up in a vegetative state?

– Public opinion in China was a raging wildfire.

Yet,

Beep.

In the place where the very participants of this Continental Representative Battle existed, only the vital sign machines of the intensive care unit could be heard.

Beep.

It felt like a completely different world from the outside, where public opinion was ablaze.

And then,

“Everything has been verified.”

A dark-skinned beauty with everything else in black stepped aside, her high heels clicking sharply.

Next to her, “The results were as expected. Nothing that was injected will be detected.”

Seo Wiryong, the tall man who had graced the first match of the Continental Representative Battle, lay there with a ventilator.

“Alright, those two? Send them to that old man who’s probably waiting with bated breath.”

At her gesture, “Yes, Miss Dephina.”

The guild members of the Continental pushed Seo Wiryong’s bed out of the room.

Then,

Thunk.

The door closed.

Click.

The sound of the lock sealing the room followed, and Dephina spoke to a man in the corner.

“How long are you going to stay like that?”

She looked at a man to whom no one had spoken so far.

And, “……”

The man said nothing, merely watching the monitor as the machines beeped relentlessly. On the screen appeared a man who seemed more machine than person, covered in medical devices.

The representative of the Diamond Rank in this Continental Representative Battle.

Cheol Chunryu.

“Sigh.”

Seeing Cheol Chunryu, Dephina sighed deeply.

“The situation…”

The man, who hadn’t spoken a word since the end of the Continental Representative Battle, finally spoke. His voice was slightly cracked, “Is exactly as you think. It’s chaos out there.”

Dephina shook her head.

“Song Ilchun, that old man, started a media attack the moment he had the chance. Of course, your uncle, the deputy guild leader, is fiercely fighting back.”

Dephina shrugged as she continued.

Click.

Dephina approached Cheol Chunryu, who was hooked up to numerous medical devices. Her white hand skillfully maneuvered through the tangled cables and felt for his pulse.

Then, “How is he?”

The man’s cracked voice came from behind her again. Dephina closed her eyes for a moment and focused on her hand.

“It’s the same as before. His mind is completely shattered, and his soul has long left his body.”

Revealing eyes as dark as her hair, she turned to the man behind her.

“His heart is pitifully still beating, but he’s practically dead.”

She looked back at Spear King Zhang Liqiu.

Was it because of Cheol Chunryu’s critical condition?

Or perhaps because he was still smiling in this situation?

Bang!

Zhang Liqiu slammed his fist into the wall.

“Wasn’t the Continental Representative Battle supposed to be outside the regular arena?”

“That’s right.”

“Then why has he lost his life?”

Nodding to Zhang Liqiu’s growling question, Dephina replied.

“As you can see, his mind and soul are gone, but his life remains.”

“Come to think of it, the Constellation supporting Cheol Chunryu, that Immortal, also hasn’t come to his senses yet.”

“That’s right. Whatever was done, it was enough to leave both a suitable one and a Constellation incapacitated. Truly a terrifying human.”

Hearing this,

Grit!

The sound of grinding teeth echoed in the room.

“What can we do? No one could’ve guessed that even a suitable one, possessed by a Constellation, would lose.”

Dephina sighed.

“Are you mocking me now?”

Jeering, Zhang Liqiu bared his teeth.

“I took control of everything only to end up with this result?”

“Really, Zhang Liqiu? Sometimes you’re way too self-deprecating.”

Unafraid, Dephina bore a more ingrained smile and approached him with light steps.

“I told you, ‘we had no other choice’. There’s no deeper meaning.”

“… This incident has cost us greatly.”

“I know. Both you and I have lost a lot this time.”

Dephina nodded in agreement with Zhang Liqiu.

Like a prowling animal, “The Continental Representative Battle is one of the prime events leading up to the Galaxy Arena’s Dimensional Wars.”

Click.

Dephina circled Zhang Liqiu slowly.

“There were several interventions before, but this time… the investment was enormous.”

“It wasn’t just large. We sacrificed AP and items equivalent to a third of our annual budget.”

“I also invested all the materials I received from the Dragon Lord and the quarter’s experimental supplies.”

Her words made Zhang Liqiu mutter in irritation.

“And yet you speak so easily?”

“Ho ho! What’s done is done, right? Plus…”

To soothe him,

“Even though we both invested, you took a bigger hit. I can’t very well complain now, can I?”

Dephina whispered, gently stroking Zhang Liqiu’s shoulder. But Zhang Liqiu didn’t even glance at her.

“Money can be earned back, but…”

He looked at the lifeless Cheol Chunryu.

“We lost a suitable one in this.”

“I know. And the Celestial Realm, having consumed all they could and failed, now loudly bemoans the loss of Immortal’s suitable one.”

“The Celestial Realm. Those damned beings need to be dealt with immediately…”

“Calm down. They’re acting this way because they’re prickly about their failure.”

Dephina blocked Zhang Liqiu’s view of Cheol Chunryu.

“We should claim our dues, not rashly cut ties.”

“Claim our dues?”

“Absolutely. We provided everything they asked for, but Immortal Zhongli Quan failed. Push that fact.”

With a subtle smile, she caressed Zhang Liqiu’s chest.

“That way, the Celestial Realm, to protect their exalted pride, will help us without any demand for offerings next time.”

“Hah! What’s the point? Cheol Chunryu won’t come back even if they do.”

“Oh dear. Keep your wits about you, okay? Besides, my experiments are starting to show results, aren’t they?”

She smirked, like a snake in heat.

“And…”

She coquettishly wrapped her arms around Zhang Liqiu’s neck.

“We still have opportunities, don’t we?”

“Opportunities? Ah, you’re talking about the Continental Buff, right?”

“Yes. The buffs that the representative countries can choose. There are two types: focused buff for three countries and a buff for the entire continent.”

To her words, Zhang Liqiu nodded silently.

“He’ll probably choose the focused buff for three countries. The remaining two countries will likely be auctioned off.”

Dephina whispered slyly into his ear.

“So, we’re going to put a stop to that. Besides, it’s a good chance to shift the Asian public opinion in our favor.”

At the Korean Awakeners’ Association

Since the Continental Representative Battle ended with Korea’s victory, every department in the association was abuzz.

“Hey! Did you watch the broadcast?”

“Who in Korea didn’t?”

“Go Malsuk was amazing! I didn’t know she was that strong!”

“I’m worried about the Sword Saint. What if he falls into a slump?”

“I’m going to follow Kim Shimun’s broadcast from now on.”

“Me too! It annoyed me how viewers were talking among themselves, acting like they knew everything.”

“If you didn’t watch it, you missed out big time.”

“Was it you?”

Conversations about the championship were non-stop. Even the first-floor lobby was no different. Amidst the chatter, the crowd suddenly parted.

The reason was simple.

“It’s the President!”

Kim Muyeol, the president of the association, had arrived. Whether because of his position or the person he was, the staff didn’t dare to approach him.

“Isn’t he in earlier than usual?”

“Probably because of the representatives from the Continental Representative Battle.”

“Right, all three of them arrived earlier.”

The staff cautiously whispered among themselves. It was only when Kim Muyeol reached the private elevator zone for the top floors that some higher-ranking officials approached him.

“Ah, President.”

“Hello, sir.”

They greeted him.

“Yes, you’re working hard.”

The unexpected response left the staff in a daze.

“Did he just say something?”

“W-What did he just say?”

The staff, who had greeted him, were left gaping, but that was all.

As always, the president walked away silently. Inside the elevator, “Um… President?”

Choi Changwook, the golem operator, pressed the button for the top floor and asked cautiously.

“Is there something good that happened?”

“What are you talking about?”

Kim Muyeol furrowed his brows in response.

“Well… you seem to be in a good mood today.”

“In a good mood? Me?”

Kim Muyeol frowned deeper at the question.

“Stop talking nonsense, Choi Changwook.”

He rebuked coldly, but that was it.

“Sorry.”

Choi Changwook bowed his head, but inwardly,

‘What’s going on? He seems oddly cheerful today?’

He couldn’t help but wonder. Didn’t his experience of serving Kim Muyeol for decades tell him so?

Especially, ‘He even acknowledged the staff’s greetings…’

Kim Muyeol had always ignored those staff members, treating them as invisible. But today, he acknowledged their greetings?

‘He never acknowledged anyone below Diamond rank…’

Vivid memories of the staff’s stupefied faces lingered in his mind.

Ding.

At the sound announcing their arrival, Choi Changwook, suddenly snapping back to reality, followed closely behind the briskly stepping Kim Muyeol. Strangely, even his typically cold steps seemed somewhat lighter.

With a puzzled expression, Choi Changwook trailed behind Kim Muyeol.

“President, you’ve arrived.”

“The representatives are waiting inside.”

“Understood.”

Kim Muyeol nodded slightly at the secretaries who greeted him, confirming Choi Changwook’s instincts.

Just like the previous executives, “……”

“…… Huh?”

The secretaries, as if spellbound, stood with their mouths agape as he entered the president’s office.

Inside, “Welcome.”

“Hmph.”

“You’re here?”

The participants of the recent Continental Representative Battle—Kim Shimun, Kim Shihyuk, and Go Malsuk—were seated.

Step.

Kim Muyeol silently made his way to the vacant head seat and sat down.

“Uncle, is something good happening?”

Kim Shimun immediately inquired. Kim Muyeol, and even Choi Changwook who stood behind, stopped their movements at this.

“Today, I’ve been hearing strange nonsense often.”

Kim Muyeol furrowed his brows just like in the elevator.

“No, it’s just that you seem to be in a good mood compared to usual.”

Kim Shimun shrugged nonchalantly.

“Hmph, nonsense.”

Kim Muyeol dismissed coldly and went straight to the point.

“So, what’s the plan regarding the reward buff?”

“I’ll follow whatever my brother decides.”

“Agreed.”

Kim Shihyuk and Go Malsuk responded promptly.

“What’s your decision?”

Kim Muyeol’s gaze shifted to Kim Shimun, who he knew would make the final call.

“Not sure yet?”

Kim Shimun responded with a subtle tone. Kim Muyeol’s brows furrowed deeper but only for a moment.

“I see. You’re waiting for Zhang Liqiu to make his move first?”

Kim Muyeol asked with a knowing look.

“Exactly, Uncle.”

Kim Shimun smiled and nodded.

“Zhang Liqiu is already aware of the details about the Continental Representative Battle. He’ll likely know about the rewards as well.”

“Yes, that’s why he had the audacity to orchestrate such assassinations.”

Zhang Liqiu had orchestrated the assassinations of the candidates from various Asian countries participating in the Continental Representative Battle.

Thanks to Kim Shimun, they had managed to catch him in the act in Korea, but not in other places.

“Although they’re feigning ignorance to the investigations, it’s not like there have been no repercussions on the Continental at all.”

Kim Muyeol gestured at Choi Changwook.

“Yes. Besides Korea, countries like Japan and others with promising candidates have forced the Continental to withdraw its branches.”

Choi Changwook promptly reported.

“Oh, forcing their branches to withdraw? They’re coming down quite hard, huh?”

Kim Shimun’s eyes widened a bit.

“Even if it’s just suspicion, you gave them a solid pretext.”

Kim Muyeol muttered icily.

“Plus, with the defeat in this Continental Representative Battle, Zhang Liqiu won’t remain idle. So?”

He turned to Kim Shimun.

“What are you waiting for? In the current situation, what could he do… Ah, I see.”

Realizing something, he nodded slowly.

“He’ll focus on the Continental Representative Battle rewards, won’t he? The likely tactic is media manipulation?”

“Absolutely.”

Kim Shimun continued with a face expressing ‘as expected from the Ironwood King’.

“As reported, the Continental Representative Battle rewards are buffs. They can be designated to either a focused three-country or the entire Asia.”

“The entire Asia means a 5% increase in experience and awakening rates? Focused on three countries, it’s 15%, right?”

“Correct.”

An additional 15% experience and awakening rate.

Given the bonus from the current Ukrainian situation, these numbers couldn’t be ignored.

And,

“Especially, a 15% increase in awakening probability is a significant buff for the future.”

A 15% increase in awakening probability?

Although there’s no guarantee that all those awakeners would have high-tier traits, the sheer increase in the number of awakeners was highly valuable from a national perspective.

In fact, “With the current global increase in Outbreak occurrences, isn’t that quite significant?”

“Indeed. As previously announced, failures in the regular arena frequently lead to Outbreaks in their respective countries.”

The earlier announcement at the start of the regular arena included details stating that high failure rates in the arena often led to Outbreaks in the associated country.

So, an increase in awakeners meant that, “Countries with more awakeners would naturally handle Outbreaks more easily.”

Not only their own Outbreaks, “But also reducing the risk of arena challenges.”

“Exactly. It creates a virtuous cycle for growth.”

Continuously challenging the arena, forming a growth cycle for the awakeners.

The heads of the countries understood this well.

“So Zhang Liqiu will target that point. Since the Continental cannot be part of the three-country focused buff.”

“Yes. Unable to obtain it, they’ll try hard to prevent the 15% increase buff for the three countries.”

As expected,

Beep beep.

Choi Changwook’s phone rang from behind. He glanced at the screen and handed it to Kim Muyeol with a somewhat grim expression.

『Breaking News! National Buff Rewards for the Continental Representative Battle?!』

『Increased XP and Awakening Rates for Respective Nations?! Details of the Buff Rewards Revealed!』

『Focused Buffing on Three Countries vs. Continental Spread, what Will the Representative Nations Choose?』

『China, Asia’s Largest Power, Voices ‘Asia is a Historical Community, buff Should Be Shared’』

『Vice-guildmaster Zhang Wanchi Speaks ‘Korea Will Make a Grand Decision, not Self-Serving’, optimistic Statement!』

『Overflowing Attention from Asian Nations, what Will Korea’s Next Step Be?』

News flooded with details about the Continental Representative Battle’s buff rewards.

Also,

Beep beep.

“President, it’s a call from the heads of the Asian associations.”

Even Choi Changwook’s phone was ringing non-stop.

“Hah. They’re annoyingly quick. It’ll be tough to put a lid on this.”

Kim Muyeol scowled irritably.

‘As expected. This is how things would unfold.’

However, Shimun, the person directly involved, smiled instead.

“No surprise.”

Kim Muyeol asked after noticing.

“You anticipated this, didn’t you?”

“Well, it was obvious.”

“Obvious… So, this is what you’ve been waiting for?”

“Yes.”

Kim Shimun briefly replied.

“First, Uncle, let’s answer those calls.”

“What’s the point? They’re surely going to insist on taking the 5% buff.”

Kim Muyeol looked skeptical.

“Don’t worry. Just say exactly what I tell you to say.”

Kim Shimun assured him with a bright smile.