novelraw Chapter 46 : Chapter 46
Chapter 46 : Chapter 46
Chapter 46: There Is No Absolute in the World (4)
The place I returned to after a meeting that was more enjoyable than expected was, as expected, the dormitory.
Since there were things I had to prepare and information I had to look into, it was only natural that I had to return to the dormitory.
Since I am a man with nothing to my name, do I not have to live twice as hard as everyone else?
With that thought in mind, I decided to start by looking into the things I needed to investigate first.
“I suppose I should start with something simple, like the points?”
I had earned a larger amount of points than expected after the Yu-hyeon incident, but I still felt a lingering sense of unease.
Influence Points are a crucial foundation for my talent, making them an incredibly important resource.
Influence Points in possession: 31,600p
The Influence Points were reflected in my eyes through the status window.
Looking at this, various thoughts flashed through my mind.
“I earned a lot through the practical exam, but it is still not enough to say I have a comfortable surplus...”
Based on the original novel, this is still the early stage of the scenario.
When focusing on that point, the amount of points I had was truly ambiguous.
If I consider this a period where I cannot yet exert a major influence on the world, it is a significant amount of points, but...
‘If I think about the latter half of the scenario, this is an infinitely insufficient amount of points.’
As I have said repeatedly, this world is a place that throws cruel trials at you as if telling you to just give up and let everything be destroyed.
Thinking about the events that will unfold in the future, I could only conclude that this amount of points was still lacking.
Furthermore, if I consider how things will deviate from the original scenario due to the intervention of an existence like 'me'...
“Phew, all I can do is sigh.”
But what could I do? That is just the way this world is.
For my part, I just have to work hard to prepare for the future scenarios.
Therefore, although I was not completely satisfied with the points I earned through the practical exam, there was no other way, so I moved on to the next item.
“The next thing would be this, wouldn't it?”
This was something I had not expected at all, making it a surprising discovery.
“I did not know it would be a growth-type talent.”
It was information regarding the talent I possessed.
I realized today that the swordsmanship talent I had considered insignificant until now was actually quite a useful one.
[Swordsmanship - Persistence (C)]
This is a swordsmanship style for those who persistently dig deep for a single opportunity.
Ability 1: Concentration increases only when the weapon is a sword.
It was a very simple and clear explanation. Also, the ability was still quite disappointing.
However, I was not particularly let down.
It is only disappointing 'for now.' Since I know it is a growth-type talent, I can have high expectations for the 'future.'
Furthermore, considering the explanation of the ability before it rose to C-rank, I could say I was grateful for even this much.
Back when it was D-rank, the ability was a truly sad description that read, ‘Understanding of swordsmanship increases slightly.’
“The drawback is that I do not know what is required for the talent to grow.”
Still, possibility has bloomed for a talent I thought would be tucked away as useless forever.
I suppose I can figure that part out gradually in the future.
Of course, it is impossible right at this moment. I want to dive into it immediately, but I have a mountain of things to do, so that is difficult.
Thus, I satisfied myself with the fact that I had achieved a good result and decided to focus on the tasks I needed to prepare for.
Yes, I was going to focus on my preparations. That was, until a sudden phone call came through.
Riiing!
It was a number that was not saved in my contacts.
However, I knew exactly who the owner of this number was.
“How on earth did he find out my number again...”
I considered ignoring it, but I could not do that since I had already accepted things from him.
And since he is someone I have to maintain a good relationship with regardless, I let out a faint sigh and pressed the call button.
Immediately, a vibrant voice echoed from across the phone.
Ahaha, Brother. Why did you take so long to answer the phone? You were not hesitating before picking up, were you?
I just answered the phone, and I already feel dizzy.
I do not know why this fanatic fellow is so energetic every single moment.
“Drop it. How did you get my number to contact me?”
Haha, Brother. While living in this world, I have found that there is almost nothing money cannot buy. It is a materialistic thing to say, but that is just how it is.
“...You are rotten to the core.”
I agree with that statement. It truly is a filthy world.
You are one of the primary culprits, you bastard.
...While holding back those words, I continued the call with a calm mind.
“So, why did you call? What was so hard to believe that you had to call me?”
Ah, I did not call because I do not believe you. Seeing your name appearing in articles recently, I know you are doing well.
“Articles?”
Oh, it seems you have not seen the news about yourself yet. It is quite interesting, so you should take a look later. Hahaha!
Was there anything I did that was worth being in an article? No matter how much I thought about it, nothing came to mind.
Just as he said, I should check it out later.
“Then what is the reason you called? I do not like long-winded, useless talk, so just get to the point quickly.”
My goodness, Brother, you really are quite cold-hearted. I consider us to be partners of fate, so I am rather hurt.
What on earth is this madman talking about now?
I have only met that guy face-to-face twice so far.
But partners of fate? I was so flabbergasted that I wondered if there could be any greater nonsense than this.
Fortunately, he also seemed to feel that the 'partners of fate' talk was a bit much, as he cleared his throat and quickly moved on to the main point.
It is nothing else, but I contacted you to ask if you might have any information. Please do not push me away so much.
“Stop with the useless talk. What do you mean by information?”
Is there not something you mentioned when we first met? Information regarding that matter.
At Yu-hyeon’s words, I recalled the first time I met that guy.
At that time, it was all about proving my value with the single-minded goal of surviving and the Suppressing... ah.
“The Suppressing Blade?”
Yes. You said you would keep it since it would be stolen anyway. I wanted to get some information regarding that.
‘Is he finally starting to look for it in earnest?’
It is obvious what his words mean.
Since there will be an incident where the Suppressing Blade is stolen, he wants information on the person involved in that.
I do not know why he trusts my words more than his own organization, but it was certain that this fanatic was moving under the premise that my words were the truth.
“There is a possibility that everything I told you was a lie, you know?”
I told you. I think of you and me as partners of fate. It was not just words to flatter you; I was sincere.
“…….”
And I am not a fool, so I am capable of judging information for myself once I hear it. So do not worry and please tell me.
What exactly did he think I was worried about? No matter how I thought about it, there was not a single part of what I just said that contained any worry.
This is the third time I have conversed with this guy, but I still do not think I can get used to him.
‘Still, it is better to tell him.’
He is not a guy I particularly like, but one thing is for certain.
Even if I do not know about the others in the Reverse Heaven Sect, this guy is an absolute ally.
His personality and character might be questionable, but he is a guy who is 100% helpful to have around.
‘I also know his skills are on par with Shin Yu-hwan. He is a card I must keep.’
So, even though I do not know much, it would be better to tell him at least that.
It would be a good thing for me as well if he truly finds the traitor through this.
Think about it. Not only can he dispose of a piece of trash that might become a threat in the future, but if he finds a traitor, Yu-hyeon’s standing within the Reverse Heaven Sect will also rise, will it not?
If that happens, it will be much easier to manipulate the Reverse Heaven Sect in the future.
Anyone can see this is a low-risk, high-reward situation with almost no downside and plenty of upside.
I am not such a fool that I would keep my mouth shut in a situation where there is so much to gain.
Therefore, I slowly opened my mouth to pass on the information I knew.
“I do not know if it will be of any help, but the only thing I know is that there is a half-moon shaped scar.”
...A half-moon shaped scar?
“Yeah. I do not know anything other than that.”
It was the truth.
Even in the novel, it was only written that the guy who brought the blade had a peculiar half-moon shaped scar, and no other information was disclosed.
It means they did not provide any information on his physical description or way of speaking.
At the time, it was a scene I just passed over thinking, 'I see,' but now, it was a truly regrettable detail.
Still, Yu-hyeon seemed sufficiently satisfied with just this much information.
I understand for now. It is much better than knowing nothing. Thank you for the information.
I heard some nonsense from across the phone like, ‘I guess even with a prophecy talent, you do not know everything,’ but I did not correct his misunderstanding this time either.
He is the one who misunderstood; it is not like I told him to misunderstand, right?
Then, I will do what I have to do, and I shall hope that your work goes well as well, Brother.
“What do you mean, 'hope'? You would come to kill me immediately if things went wrong and Ha Eun-ha got hurt.”
Haha! Well, that is true, but I do not think that will happen. If it is you, Brother, you will prevent such a situation no matter what.
It is true, but hearing it come from his mouth somehow makes me feel unpleasant.
“Enough, I am hanging up. I have work to do as well.”
Yes. Then let us get in touch again next time.
“Fine, now get lost.”
Hahaha! Between us, such words...
Click.
I could hear him saying something else at the end, but since it clearly sounded like it had no nutritional value, I just hung up.
A person should know how to be taciturn; I do not know why he talks so much.
“Well, at least he is not a guy who is all talk and no skill.”
Even if he talks a lot of useless nonsense, he is a capable guy.
If he were a guy without any ability, I would have killed him first at the gate that day.
I can guarantee that we would not have reached this kind of relationship.
‘So, he will do well on his own even with very little information.’
I just have to do my work while hoping he does a good job.
Of course, there is something I need to check briefly before that.
“What did he say about an article earlier?”
I absolutely need to check this.
It is not that I need to check because I am excited about becoming a celebrity.
‘If things go wrong, it might interfere with what I plan to do later.’
If my face gets sold for no reason, it will only be a hindrance later.
My goal is not to become a famous player, but to protect the heroes.
Therefore, I decided to quickly turn on the internet news and check.
“Let’s see...”
After searching for articles with my name for a few minutes.
“Found it!”
I was finally able to find an article related to me.
[The Terror of Villains, Spear God Shin Yu-hwan! He Appeared at Hero Academy "Glory" for the Practical Exam!]
[Shin Yu-hwan, a man whose name no player could fail to know, appeared at Glory's practical exam today.
This is the first time that he, who graduated at the top of his class from Glory in the past, has visited Glory again like this.
What is the reason he, who has never moved for any love calls and focused only on exterminating villains, decided to move like this?
As a result of surveying other official players, the most common opinion was that he moved simply out of interest.
However, other minority opinions also hold plausible possibilities.
That is the story that Spear God Shin Yu-hwan has taken on a disciple. In some ways, it might seem like a preposterous opinion, but at the same time, it holds credibility.
The cadet Shin Yu-hwan faced in this practical exam sparring was a certain Cadet Choi, who holds the 899th rank—a rank that does not receive any spotlight.
However, through the sparring with Shin Yu-hwan, the 899th ranked Cadet Choi showed... (omitted).]
[...Thus, the opinion is that Shin Yu-hwan appeared in person so that the certain Cadet Choi, who is not yet receiving much attention, could receive investment.
In this regard, many major figures are paying attention to the minority opinion and what kind of moves Shin Yu-hwan will show in the future. - Sunpyeong Daily Reporter Kim Cheol-su.]
“...Hmm, it is a bit ambiguous.”
There is certainly talk about me, but 95% of it is about Shin Yu-hwan.
How should I put it... it feels like I am receiving attention, yet I am not?
There is almost nothing about me, but the place that published the article is quite a major one.
It is a place operated by the Horizon Guild.
‘Still, I do not think I need to worry too much about this.’
To begin with, the only thing said about me was that I 'seemed decently useful.'
It is a bit of a disappointing statement, but thanks to that, I will not receive much attention...
“Then I can focus on my work without any problems.”
Just as Yu-hyeon said, it was interesting.
Thanks to that, I was able to laugh enjoyably while looking at the flowery words praising Shin Yu-hwan, and my condition improved as well.
I think I can focus entirely on my work now.
Yes, the work that feels like it will never be enough no matter how much I prepare.
“S-Rank Villain.”
I must not have any deficiencies in a task where I have to encounter none other than an S-Rank Villain.
With that final thought, I brushed away all distracting thoughts and began to immerse myself in thorough preparations once again.