Genius Regressor Makes Mythic Items

Rustle.

Dust and small debris scattered in the air.

“Cough!”

Snap.

Kim Shimun coughed and covered his respiratory tract, snapping his fingers. The mechanical arms around him transformed into propellers,

Whirrr.

Blowing the dust out through the windows and ventilation. Fortunately, there were no concerns about damage to the lab or the medication production.

-Totally caught me off guard.

The Philosopher’s Stone, having picked up on the situation.

“Hehe! I formed a protective membrane with the golems!”

Flutter.

The Mithril Golem, partnered with Shiyeon, extended into a thin film, enveloping the lab.

Despite the loud explosion, ‘The surroundings are intact.’

From the sofa closest to the blast, to the various furnishings, nothing was damaged except for slight disarray.

-Shiyeon, let’s resume the work.

“OK! Sis!”

The golems, which had turned into a protective barrier, reverted to their original forms. As if nothing had happened.

“Golem! Spin three times there!”

Thunk.

The lab resumed its operations like a factory.

Surveying the area briefly, the Philosopher’s Stone in the flask approached.

-I was really scared. Oppa, are you alright?

The large eye inside the flask blinked several times, genuinely concerned.

To that,

“I’m fine.”

Kim Shimun looked down at his chest, the center of the sudden explosion, with a bewildered expression.

“By the way, Philo. That was a Energy wave, wasn’t it?”

-Yes, I’m certain.

Energy Wave (氣波).

A wave of energy bursting forth, it could be seen as a manifestation of energy. Like a widespread magic spell, the wave had impacted everything around it.

A phenomenon that usually occurred only at ranker-level.

“Why did it burst out from you?”

-I know, right. I’m baffled too.

An energy wave emanating from the Philosopher’s Stone?

Even more peculiar, “Why am I unscathed?”

-That’s what I’m wondering. You weren’t using any human alchemy or your Dragonoid form either.

Despite the energy wave bursting, Shimun’s body was perfectly fine.

-Even with your high stamina stats, an energy wave of this magnitude should have damaged at least a few organs…

The Philosopher’s Stone scanned Kim Shimun’s chest, where it resided, with a puzzled look. Kim Shimun too, touched his chest in bewilderment.

Then,

“I’ll examine this further. Philo, prepare for any possible subsequent waves.”

Getting up from his seat, Shimun stood ready.

-Okay. Shiyeon, can you send me a few golems over here?

“Yeah!”

With Shiyeon’s enthusiastic reply,

Creak.

A few Mithril Golems positioned themselves around Kim Shimun.

-Oppa. There were no injuries this time, but be careful just in case.

“Got it.”

With a final word of caution, the Philosopher’s Stone retreated to a safer distance.

Kim Shimun closed his eyes again and slowly began to observe his internal state.

‘First of all, the total amount and purity of demonic energy have increased significantly.’

Just like when he first obtained Ars Getia, obtaining Ars Theurgia had made his demonic energy even more tyrannical and abundant.

Cautiously, he delved into the core, examining the gift from Lucifer. It was tinier than a pea,

‘Compared to my demonic energy, it’s almost cell-sized. Yet such a Energy wave burst from it…’

Furthermore, wasn’t the Philosopher’s Stone his substitute for a energy core?

‘If it weren’t the Philosopher’s Stone but a normal energy core, it would have shattered from the impact just now.’

Not only would he have lost his energy core and demonic energy, the rampaging demonic energy would have destroyed both his circuits and his body.

To say it could have reverted him back to the days of magic incapacity wouldn’t be an exaggeration.

Realizing this, ‘Damn it! What kind of “gift” was that?’

Kim Shimun envisioned Lucifer’s cunning face. Thinking he might just ask Baal to expel Lucifer,

‘Hmm.’

Kim Shimun nodded slightly as he continued examining Lucifer’s gift within his demonic energy.

‘Instead of being demonic energy, it’s something different.’

Condensed within the demonic energy, the tiny dot in the center wasn’t demonic energy.

‘I can’t quite describe it, but it’s darker and more evil.’

It was ironic to say such a thing in comparison to demonic energy, but the small dot felt darker and more malevolent than his demonic energy.

‘Trying to manipulate it like regular demonic energy with the Heavenly Demon Divine Art’s mantra caused the backlash.’

Yet another question arose, ‘Even if it’s not demonic energy, isn’t this type of energy still associated with darkness?’

Like the relationship between water-element magic and water spirits?

Different in form but similar in origin and direction. That was the commonality between demonic energy and Lucifer’s gift.

Naturally, like the correlation between water magic and water spirit arts, it should have responded somewhat to the Heavenly Demon Divine Art’s mantra, which encompasses all demonic energy.

But instead, it backfired strongly enough to cause a Energy wave.

‘Come to think of it, isn’t Lucifer not a Constellation Demon Realm?’

Of course, the Heavenly Demon wasn’t from the Demon Realm either, but Baal and others were constellations based on demonic energy.

The Heavenly Demon Divine Art was proof of that.

But Lucifer was different.

‘Unlike the Heavenly Demon, Lucifer didn’t emit any demonic energy.’

In other words, ‘Though it belongs to the demons, its essence differs from demonic energy…’

This meant the basis of their power was different.

‘Then what if I acknowledge them as separate energies and treat Lucifer’s energy independently?’

If he, who possessed both, recognized their independence and created separate realms for each,

‘I could manage them more easily and avoid backlash.’

Realizing this,

Vroooom!

The Philosopher’s Stone at the center of Kim Shimun’s chest resonated. Precisely, the demonic energy and Lucifer’s energy within it began to emit a strong hum.

Then,

Slip.

Like a seed sprouting from the ground, thin tendrils extended from Lucifer’s energy, separated from the demonic energy.

『?? reacts to the Trait Stigma.』

A series of messages floated before Kim Shimun’s eyes shortly after.

Iiiing.

『?? attempts to fuse with the Trait Stigma.』

『Title ‘X God’ strongly resists.』

『?? fails to fuse.』

Messages spooled rapidly.

Was it due to the failed fusion?

Sizzle!

Like an annoyed hiss, Lucifer’s energy twisted irritably like thin tendrils.

『?? seeks another direction.』

Gradually spreading, the tendrils reformed into a spherical shape,

Not within the Philosopher’s Stone, but at Kim Shimun’s solar plexus.

『You have acquired the Mythic Stat ‘Devil Energy (惡氣)’ .』

A series of messages appeared.

“A-A Mythic Stat?!”

Seeing this, Shimun gasped in astonishment.

Additionally,

『You have acquired the achievement ‘Acquire a Mythic Stat’.』

『You have received 10,000 achievement points.』

Despite receiving a whopping 10,000 achievement points as a reward,

‘A Mythic Stat!’

Kim Shimun’s attention was entirely on the Mythic Stat. It seemed the constellations felt the same.

『Constellation Black Goat exclaims, ‘Insane lunatic! What were you thinking?!’』

『Constellations Zeus and Odin chuckle incredulously.』

『Constellation Heavenly Demon shakes his head, muttering, ‘Hah! A scoundrel remains a scoundrel. As if his original form wasn’t torn apart enough….’』

『Constellation Ra sends an intrigued look, ‘Wasn’t he stripped of his qualifications? (Hence, the blatant transfer of his original form.)’』

『Constellation Baal sighs faintly, ‘Hmmm.’』

Each of the constellations showed their own astonished reactions.

-Oppa! What’s going on? A Mythic Stat?

The Philosopher’s Stone approached Kim Shimun with wide eyes.

-I wondered why it didn’t bind to me… Never imagined it would be a Mythic Stat!

“Same here.”

Kim Shimun nodded.

‘First, I need to check this out.’

He called up his status window.

『Status Window』

Title: Pioneer of Alchemy (and 5 others)

Path: Magic

Level: 169

Affiliation: South Korea

Strength: 25 (+5)

Agility: 25 (+5)

Stamina: 25 (+5)

Alchemy Energy: 314 (+5)

-Demonic Energy: 157

-Dragon Force: 157

-Mana: 157

-Spirit Energy: 157

Evil Energy: 1

Remaining Stat Points: 0

Possessed Traits: Philosopher’s Stone (A), stigma, Odin’s Eye, Dragonoid (X)

Achievement Points: 21,300

His status had changed significantly over time.

But naturally, Shimun’s eyes were drawn to the newly acquired Mythic Stat, Evil Energy, at the bottom.

‘Just 1 stat point…’

It was meager, comparable to when he had suffered from magic incapacity in his past life.

‘Even with just 1 point, it caused a Energy wave when handled differently?’

Kim Shimun wasn’t disappointed.

Rather, ‘What kind of power would it show if properly utilized?’

He was filled with expectation and excitement.

‘It initially settled within the demonic energy, suggesting it might be used along those lines…’

Resting his chin in his hand, Shimun delved into analyzing the Evil Energy.

At that moment, “Hyung! Congratulations!”

“Orabeoni, congratulations on your promotion.”

“Haha! As expected of Kim Shimun-nim. Reaching Diamond rank in just a few months! Surely that’s a world record?”

“… Congratulations.”

Led by Kim Shihyuk, the group entered.

“Thank you, everyone. You came just in time.”

Kim Shimun’s eyes sparkled as he welcomed the party.

***

“So.”

A man with a stern and rugged face.

“You want to spar with us?”

In response to Park Jinwook, the Night Hunter’s question,

“Not exactly spar. I just need to run an experiment. I figured having the three of you would be the safest option.”

Kim Shimun shook his head slightly and glanced at the two people beside Park Jinwook.

“And if possible… I’d like Kim Shihyuk or Yujeong to help.”

He cast a glance at Kim Shihyuk and Lee Yujeong.

“These two?”

Park Jinwook asked again for confirmation. Kim Shimun was quick to reply.

“It’s not that I’m overlooking you, Jinwook. It’s just that having combat experts would be safer than an assassin type…”

“Haha! Feel free to overlook me for such matters!”

Park Jinwook burst into hearty laughter. He seemed amused, if not elated.

“Well then! I’ll stay safely out of the way. Go ahead and grab one of them for your experiment!”

With light steps, Park Jinwook retreated out of the sparring arena.

“Senior…”

Kim Shihyuk sighed deeply, shaking his head.

Then, “Is it okay if I watch?”

“Of course.”

“Understood.”

Go Malsuk, looking somewhat sullen, followed Park Jinwook outside.

Noticing her demeanor, ‘Is something bothering her?’

Kim Shimun tilted his head in curiosity.

“So, what kind of experiment is this?”

His brother’s query redirected his attention.

“It’s simple. I’m going to use a technique. Just defend against it or counteract it.”

“Brother, wouldn’t it be better to just use a dummy?”

“Are you an idiot? How would you accurately check its power or performance that way?”

Lee Yujeong immediately countered Kim Shihyuk’s question.

“Come on, as if I didn’t know that?”

“Oh, I thought you didn’t. Your brain doesn’t really work beyond showing brute strength.”

“You Hulk-wannabe! You just smash everything with brute force too!”

“Thanks for the compliment.”

“It was an insult!”

As always, the two younger siblings quickly got into a fiery argument.

But as always, “Enough.”

Kim Shimun’s calm voice quickly extinguished their fight.

“Phew. Anyway, I just need one of you to help…”

With a deep sigh, Shimun alternated his gaze between his siblings.

“If possible, Yujeong, could you assist me?”

“Of course, orabeoni.”

Kim Shimun chose Lee Yujeong.

Naturally, “Wait! Why Yujeong and not me?”

Kim Shihyuk immediately objected.

“Hyung do you think I’m weaker than her? My level is higher too!”

“That’s funny. Do you base your prowess on arena level? Rankers should know better.”

“Talk nonsense. Yujeong, did you forget you lost to me in the last survival match?”

“Pfft! You mean when you got ganged up on 7-to-1 and I finished you off? Aren’t you embarrassed to bring that up?”

“You were almost at full health thanks to your divine energy self-heals!”

Once again, the siblings were at each other’s throats. Both having solid arguments thanks to their respective experiences as rankers.

Even after one round of intervention, the argument grew even fiercer.

“Enough. I’m really getting angry. And Kim Shihyuk, go downstairs now.”

Kim Shimun forcibly pushed his brother, separating the two.

“H-Hyung!”

Kim Shihyuk’s voice was filled with frustration.

“Do you really think I’m weaker than Yujeong? Really?”

In response:

“Haa. As you said, Yujeong uses divine energy. I chose her because she’s better at defense than you. Stop with the nonsense and get down there quickly.”

Shimun provided an excuse that Shihyuk could accept. Fortunately, it seemed to work.

“…Well, she’s like an ogre wrapped in armor who can even heal herself. She is tough. You’re right, hyung.”

Shihyuk nodded, speaking as if to himself but loud enough for Yujeong to hear.

“Damn it!”

Yujeong’s eyes flashed with anger, but that was all.

“Then Yujeong, give it your all.”

As Shimun activated the system of the training ground and took his stance.

“…Yes, orabeoni.”

After catching her breath, she pulled out a round shield from her inventory. It was a dazzling shield that looked like at least SS-Rank.

“Still, I’ll only use the shield as my equipment.”

For Yujeong, a globally recognized ranker and the Saintess of Iron Wall, the shield was as deadly as any weapon.

“Alright.”

Nodding, Shimun activated the Dragonoid.

Crack.

His whole body twisted and grew in an instant.

Then.

Hum.

With a sharp chop, Shimun condensed his demonic energy.

Yujeong, likewise.

“Raphael. Can you hear me?”

She prayed, placing her shield against her chest.

Radiance.

A clearly divine, almost sacred light emanated in front of her.

In response:

‘Raphael? She said Raphael?’

Shimun, who was condensing his demonic energy, flinched momentarily. Considering Yujeong’s traits and the backing related to divine energy, he had expected some sort of heavenly support.

‘But I didn’t expect her to be in contact with Raphael…’

In his past life, Raphael had only exerted influence through Saintess Angelica, the top healer. To think Yujeong had been in contact with Raphael since this time?

‘Well, Yujeong wasn’t around then.’

A fleeting trace of bitterness flashed by, but it passed as quickly as it came.

‘But it’s different this life.’

Yujeong’s fate, which once turned her into one of the three crazy women, had already changed.

‘Good. With Raphael’s power, I can feel at ease using my own.’

Borrowing the power of the Constellation Raphael, Yujeong relieved Shimun of any worry.

“Then, here I come.”

He raised his hand, condensing demonic energy, and using the newly obtained mythical stat. Unleashed his devil energy, and imbued it onto his hand.

As expected.

Crackle!

The demonic energy merged with the devil energy and emitted intense ringing. With that power in his hand.

He slashed through the air.

Heavenly Demon Divine Art (天魔神功).

5th technique (擊) Peerless Slash (無雙斬).

All the lights and sounds within the training ground ceased.

As if night itself had descended, engulfing the space in darkness.

In the silent expanse.

Swoosh.

Only the dreadfully black blade advancing toward Yujeong in a semicircle announced its steps.

However.

Radiance.

The holy light of the grand angel shone from one side of the training ground, illuminating the space.

As the blade grew closer to the protective barrier.

It was gradually swallowed by the bright light, losing its form.

And the moment the two forces collided.

~~~.

A sound inaudible to normal hearing erupted.

Rumble!

The Ranker’s Palace trembled.