Genius Regressor Makes Mythic Items

What did players participating in the official arena lose due to arena failure?

In truth, it wasn’t much. Their lives were relatively protected by the immunity rights, weren’t they?

Unless it was a special death with a life-or-death judgment. The cost of life in the official arena wasn’t that high.

The real reason why failing in the official arena was frightening was different. It was the outbreaks.

If players participating in the official arena couldn’t clear the respective arena, there’s a high probability that an outbreak would occur in the ‘region’ they belong to.

This is determined solely based on arena failure, irrespective of immunity rights. Naturally, the number of outbreaks generated was much higher than the number of player deaths.

But why was this an issue?

Players who barely survived thanks to immunity rights…

‘Would genuinely die due to such outbreaks.’

They were deployed to handle the outbreak in their home country. Moreover, since it was reality and not the arena, immunity rights didn’t apply.

Naturally, after an official arena, the leading cause of player deaths became these outbreaks.

Of course, in the current situation, with no official arena yet, it wasn’t a significant concern.

During the non-regular arena times, outbreaks were rarely generated, and even if they were, tablehey were mostly manageable due to their low difficulty.

However, at this moment, “Did you just say an outbreak occurred in Ukraine?”

With only about a month left until the autumn of September,

“Yes. The government is trying to conceal it as much as possible, but those who need to know are already aware.”

If an outbreak had occurred in a country like Ukraine, the situation was different. Was it because Shimun’s face suddenly turned serious?

“Why is that? Did you perhaps know about this beforehand, Shimun-nim?”

Rin asked with a curious look. The surrounding companions also looked puzzled.

With everyone’s attention focused, “Oh! No, I was just surprised. Things have been quiet lately, and suddenly there’s an outbreak.”

Shimun shook his head naturally. Did his acting work?

“Haha. Understandable~. There haven’t been any outbreaks recently, have there?”

Rin, who was not just quick-witted but almost able to read minds, nodded without suspicion.

“On top of that, trying to conceal information from even the World Awakener’s Alliance by the government is surprising.”

“Oh, aren’t you aware of everything?”

Rin replied with a characteristic mischievous smile. Seeing her fluctuating temperament, Shimun chuckled and answered, “I didn’t say I didn’t know. They probably think, ‘We can handle an outbreak ourselves’.”

Unless it was a country with a weak awakened population, countries like Ukraine with moderate awakening strength especially thought this way.

It wasn’t incomprehensible either.

“It’s the same for our country.”

Isn’t it true for South Korea now as well?

Countries with inconsistent levels of awakened individuals and clear strengths and weaknesses in the mid-tier often were highly sensitive to arena disasters like outbreaks.

Rin chuckled.

“Hoho! It can’t be helped, right? It’s a way to prove the capabilities of those in high positions and win public support.”

National pride is at stake too. As Rin murmured these words, she grabbed the teacup brought by Yujeong.

‘Huh?’

She noticed it immediately. Just enough to be visible to her keen eyes, Shimun’s face turned slightly pale.

“……”

After confirming Shimun’s expression, “Oh. It’s hot.”

Click.

She put the teacup down with an overly casual demeanor. Matching her actions, Shimun visibly showed signs of relief.

‘He almost got caught?’

Rin, grateful for her natural perceptiveness, thought, “Hoho! I should probably let it cool a bit before drinking~.”

Her exterior words were completely opposite to her internal thoughts. Then, “Still, it’s hard to compare with Korea. While South Korea’s mid to lower-tier players are somewhat lacking, the top-rank is very robust, isn’t it?”

She skillfully switched the topic of conversation. Shimun, impressed by her sly, fox-like cleverness, replied, “That’s true. We’ve only struggled with an outbreak once.”

Rin’s attempt to divert attention was accepted.

At that moment, “……”

Go Malsuk’s face grew extremely dark, ‘Hmm?’

Unfortunately, only Rin, as the owner of the black market and a naturally observant person, noticed this. Rin glanced at Go Malsuk with curious yet understanding eyes.

“In contrast, Ukraine is in the opposite situation.”

She returned to the conversation with Shimun.

“That’s right. Ukraine’s mid to lower-tier players are solid, but they have fewer top-rank players.”

“And such countries are particularly vulnerable to outbreaks~.”

Shimun silently nodded at Rin’s smooth explanation.

‘It can’t be helped. In reality, players’ abilities are generally nerfed.’

While the exact criteria for the nerfing weren’t clear, even to Shimun with his past experiences, he knew that abilities could be reduced from at least half to as much as one-tenth.

Naturally, ‘An outbreak that would be insignificant in the arena can become a significant threat in reality’.

The top-rank dragon species encountered during Dr. Choi Woosuk’s incident were evidence. With mythic-grade weapons or knowledge, they wouldn’t have been much of a threat.

But with overall specs nerfed in reality, Shimun had to engage with them quite a bit.

‘Outbreaks are generally viewed as two ranks higher than the arena rank?’

For instance, if a bronze-level outbreak occurred, the players deployed there should be at least gold-rank.

Once he thought that far, Shimun’s face momentarily hardened. Although there are few top-ranked players in Ukraine, the country has a solid base of mid to lower-ranked players below platinum level.

This means that they can easily handle a Silver-level outbreak. But if the owner of the black market is giving them information about an outbreak in such a country…

“Could it be that the outbreak in Ukraine is at least Gold-level?”

Shimun’s face darkened as he considered the implications. If that’s the case, they would need to summon Diamond-ranked players, putting Ukraine in a difficult position due to its lack of top-ranked players. As expected…

“Hoho! As expected of Shimun-nim. Just one piece of information about an outbreak, and you figured it all out~,” Rin said with a characteristic laugh, affirming Shimun’s suspicion. However, Shimun’s face did not brighten. Understandably so.

‘The outbreak has already been pushed forward by a month compared to my previous life. And now, even the rank has increased?’

In his previous life, the outbreak in Ukraine around this time was Silver-level. It was not the cause of the Chernozem incident. But now, not only has the timing moved up by a month, but the rank has increased by two levels?

“According to our informant on the ground, the outbreak is Platinum-ranked.”

Not just Gold, but Platinum? Understandably, Shimun wasn’t the only one shocked.

“No way!”

“Pl-Platinum?!”

“Is that really true?”

Shimun’s companions, who had been quietly listening, were visibly taken aback. It was no wonder.

“Then we’d need at least Diamond-ranked players to deal with this…”

As mentioned before, Ukraine is known for its shortage of top-ranked players.

Especially as…

“A Platinum-ranked outbreak… and they think they could handle it alone without reporting to the Alliance?”

Go Malsuk asked in a rough voice. Although the group was familiar with Malsuk’s personality, Shimun, who could distinguish when Malsuk was genuinely angry, was confused.

‘What’s gotten into her all of a sudden?’ Shimun blinked in surprise, glancing at Go Malsuk.

Unaware of Malsuk’s subtle change, the others continued the conversation.

“I told you earlier, it’s hard to ask for help recklessly because of national pride~.”

“National pride? Ha! So it’s all about their pride?”

“Well, that’s mostly the root of the issue.”

“And that’s more important than the lives of the people?”

Go Malsuk’s anger was intensifying. Shimun, who knew that her restrained state was more dangerous, tried to defuse the situation.

“Hoho! I thought you were tough and fiery, but you have a soft side? I’ve reevaluated you.”

Shimun, who understood better than anyone, quickly tried to stop this conversation.

“Also… Ukraine isn’t just stubbornly holding onto its pride.”

Rin continued, fixing her expression.

“They are actively recruiting high-ranked mercenaries right now, through our black market, no less.”

Rin smiled warmly.

“…Tsk. At least they’re doing something,” Go Malsuk’s previously high-strung emotions quickly calmed down, and Shimun let out a sigh of relief, his eyes deepening with thought.

‘Mercenaries… I wondered how we would enter Chernozem, but this works out well.’

Given Ukraine’s current response, it was clear that the outbreak was a nationally sensitive disaster. They had planned to enter through Russia’s Chernozem, leveraging their ties from the recent guild war.

‘This way, there’s no need for complicated maneuvers.’

Reading Shimun’s expression, Rin gleefully laughed.

“Oh my! I feel like I can be of help to our partner~.”

—

Bang!

A fist slammed violently onto the table. Even though the table was of rare grade from Arena, it barely avoided splitting in two.

Crack.

A faint crack appeared nonetheless. However, the blonde man, Oliver, could not worry about the rare table. The cause of the crack on the precious table…

“What kind of nonsense is this?!”

Oliver roared more savagely than most monsters, driven by his sister’s icy wrath. The sharpness in his sister’s eyes bore into him.

– It’s exactly as you heard, oli.

A man with a chiseled jaw, Derick’s hologram was displayed.

– We won’t be participating in this outbreak in Ukraine.

“Why not?”

Oliver inquired.

– Why? Because they didn’t ask for our help. We can’t trample on their national pride, can we? Derick shrugged his shoulders and succinctly ended his explanation.

However, Olivia, who was staring at the hologram of Derick, remained unchanged in her cold demeanor.

Responding to her icy stare, Derick continued with a sigh,

– Oli, please don’t look at me like that. That’s the scariest look you give.

Though Derick put on a pitiful face, Olivia’s unyielding silence remained.

– Haah. Okay, you’re probably right.

Derick sighed deeply.

“Does that mean we are intentionally ignoring Ukraine’s situation?”

Olivia asked firmly.

– Oh no! Ignoring? As I said, this is what they wanted, so we’re just pretending we don’t know.

“Ha! How ridiculous.”

Olivia scoffed, but her eyes remained cold as ice.

“If Ukraine doesn’t want this to become official, we can help them unofficially.”

Olivia stated firmly.

– Oli, how can we…

“You’re not telling me you don’t know that Ukraine is recruiting mercenaries through the black market, are you?”

Olivia’s eyes sharpened as she questioned Derick.

– …

Derick remained silent, unable to respond. Olivia, staring intently at the guildmaster, pressed on.

“Why?”

– What?

“Don’t make me repeat myself. Why aren’t we helping Ukraine?”

As previously mentioned, Ukraine doesn’t want the outbreak to become official, but they are actively seeking solutions behind the scenes. The fact that they requested mercenaries through the black market was proof of that.

Therefore, if the American Dream guild wanted to help, they could easily offer support. But…

“Why aren’t we even making a small gesture?”

American Dream did nothing. While this might be the same for other large guilds, American Dream’s situation was different. At least…

“Have you already forgotten why the previous guildmaster founded American Dream?”

Olivia Denson said, recalling the guild’s values.

“The guild was established to protect our country with the power of Awakening, and moreover, to safeguard the peace of the world and its weaker individuals.”

The founding members, including the previous guildmaster, instilled these ideals, which the current elders and high-ranked officials of the second generation, including Derick and Olivia, inherited.

“And Derick, you came to that position to uphold the spirit of American Dream.”

– Oli, I…

“This isn’t the only incident.”

Olivia cut off Derick mid-sentence sharply.

“The Shimdrasil buff incident was the same. You’ve changed significantly since taking over as guildmaster, and not in a way that aligns with the founding spirit.”

Her harsh gaze pierces through Derick.

– Oli, the world changes.

Derick no longer wore a sorrowful or pitiable mask.

– Not only that, but all values change, as do people. Players especially evolve.

Although not as cold as Olivia, Derick’s face was just as emotionless.

– Even if it’s different from the previous generation’s direction, I’m moving for the sake of our country and American Dream.

“Hah… You sound like a villain, calling the budding talents of other nations competitors and crushing them”, Olivia retorted.

– There’s nothing more I can say if that’s what you think, but my goal is to make our guild and nation greater.

His steady voice made Olivia’s eyes narrow further.

“… Do you realize? You just sounded like a politician, not a player.”

– Positions shape people. You, too, know that well from dealing with people, don’t you, oli? Being a guildmaster isn’t just about…

“That’s just because you’ve always been that kind of person. Don’t forget that the previous guildmaster wasn’t like that.”

Olivia cut off Derick again, this time peeling away all pretense.

-…

Derick maintained his icy silence, his expression unmoving, creating a chilling atmosphere. Olivia, however, held her ground without flinching.

“Derick, if it weren’t for the previous guildmaster and our members, we would have all become monster fodder that day.”

-… As I said, everything changes. We must adapt to the times, oli.

“Yes, that’s true. And I’m not saying it’s wrong. But.”

Olivia paused momentarily before continuing, “you’re wrong, Derick.”

With a swift flick of her hand, she raised her middle finger.

– Oli.

For the first time, Derick’s voice held a slight hint of a growl, indicating his irritation.

“American Dream doesn’t exist for meaningless honor or personal gain. At least, that’s what I was taught.”

– So, what do you propose? I’m the guildmaster, Deputy Director Denson.

With the same authority he displayed towards others, Derick emphasized the title ‘Deputy Director Denson’ alongside his statement.

“Do you know something, Derick?”

For the first time since contacting Derick, Olivia added humor to her words.

“Lately, you haven’t felt like America’s hero. You’re starting to resemble those villain types.”

She chuckled darkly.

“Almost as if you’re one of them.”

-…

“I’m done. I have nothing more to say to an idiot like you, nor do I have any intention of following your orders.”

– Oli, I am the leader of American Dream.

“No, Derick. You are not the leader of American Dream.” she said.

“True justice is.”

– Ol…

Click.

Olivia hung up abruptly. To prevent further communication, she smashed the receiver, effectively blocking his calls.

“Phew.”, she sighed contentedly, tossing aside her square-framed glasses.

A voice from behind interrupted her relief, “Sis, I get your sentiment, but that last line… it was really cringy.”

“Yeah, I know, you brat.”

Olivia retorted, an unusual response from her. She grabbed her coat hanging nearby.

“Sis, you need to think carefully.”

Oliver said, stepping in front of her decisively.

“You know Derick best. However…”

Oliver spoke with an unexpected calm and seriousness, “This is dangerous. Derick wields the sword called American Dream.”

Taking in her brother’s warning, Olivia paused for a moment.

“I know. And I also know that it’s a sword that’s beginning to rust.”

Olivia smiled, a rare warmth compared to the tense argument with Derick. This time, it was a gentle, reassuring smile.

Oliver bit his lip.

“Sis, your life as a player could end. No, your life on this earth itself could…”

“It doesn’t matter.” she replied.

With worried eyes, Oliver looked at his sister. Olivia placed her hands firmly on his shoulders.

“Oliver, we were dead that day. But we’re alive now. Why do you think that is?”

“…”

“It’s because of justice. The justice of the heroes who sought to protect peace and the weak reached even that remote town and saved us.”

“… Sis…”

Just like when she had pushed him into an old shelter facing a horde of monsters in their childhood.

“The spirit they showed has kept me alive to this day.”

Olivia continued, pushing her brother’s shoulders gently but firmly.

“So now it’s my turn to give. No, to repay.”

Oliver, nearly six-foot-three, was pushed back without resistance. Olivia smiled warmly at him.

“Don’t worry, Oliver. Everything will be okay. Everything.”

Her hand, usually cold, felt warm as it brushed his cheek. And just like that day.

Click.

The sound of the door closing as Olivia walked out. And just like that day.

“Don’t go… Sis.” he whispered.

Transparent teardrops rolled down Oliver’s cheeks.

TL’s Corner:
Olivia is leaving for Ukraine expecting herself to die. Also, Shimun had stated it multiple times before, but Derick really isn’t a good person.