Genius Regressor Makes Mythic Items

Chapter 16. Magic (1)

TL: xLordFifth
ED/PR: The reader

“… This is how you do it. This part involves knowledge, doesn’t it?”

– Oppa… You’re really good at thinking on your feet.

A stunned voice from the Philosopher’s Stone upon hearing Kim Shimun’s explanation.

“Kid, at least say something. Just acknowledge that I’m smart.”

With that, Kim Shimun chuckled and gently caressed the Philosopher’s Stone at the center of his chest.

“So, would it be possible?”

-… No, it’s entirely possible. I can’t say for certain, but there probably won’t be any rebound?

“Really?”

-Yeah. This is like the Obsidian Tablet. It’s not a tool that uses abilities.

At the Philosopher’s Stone’s words, Kim Shimun nodded.

‘Indeed, what I’m trying to create this time is a book containing knowledge.’

Just like the [Obsidian Tablet], which contains knowledge of human alchemy.

The ‘thing’ he was trying to create now also wasn’t a form that manifested abilities instantly like Astrape.

It was squarely in the form of a book containing knowledge.

-But, just like with the Obsidian Tablet, the cost for synthesizing the latter half will change drastically.

“Does that mean it’ll take a lot of achievement points?”

-As long as your alchemy energy supports it, there won’t be any issue.

“That’s what I thought, you little rascal.”

Kim Shimun was certain that what he was about to create must be of mythical grade.

To bear that with alchemy energy alone, he couldn’t even begin to estimate the necessary level of alchemy energy.

‘Even if I invest all my stats in alchemy energy and reach a ranker’s level, it still might be impossible.’

It was obvious, really.

Mythic-grade artifacts were conditionally granted only to the chosen sponsors by the Constellations.

To completely replicate such a thing.

There was no way a mere player could bear the equivalent exchange.

“So, how much in achievement points would it need for alchemy?”

-Um… Wait a moment. Let me do the calculations.

If this alchemy required more than 9,000 points, he hadn’t planned to create a magic potion.

Since his current ranking in the arena was already overwhelming.

He could simply participate more in the arena to meet the requirement, and then make a magic potion.

‘And I tend to earn achievement points rather quickly.’

Given the attitudes of Constellation Zeus and the Black Goat, they would keep an eye on him.

By performing well in Constellations’ missions or the arena, he’d inevitably earn achievement points.

-It varies depending on the completion level you aim for. Honestly, we got a bit lucky with the Obsidian Tablet last time.

“Lucky?”

At Kim Shimun’s curious glance, the Philosopher’s Stone made an affirmative sound.

-Yeah. You received a bonus because you’re an alchemist, and, am I pretty? Obsy totally fell for me and let me off cheap.

“By pretty… you mean the special characteristic of the Philosopher’s Stone as a alchemic product?”

-Ah, geez! Can’t you just say I’m pretty?

“Okay, fine. You’re pretty.”

-Ey! But if you say it that directly, I’ll blush~!

Ignoring the coquettish Philosopher’s Stone, Kim Shimun rested his chin on his hand.

‘Completion level…’

The completion level the Philosopher’s Stone mentioned surely referred to the [Grade – Replica (%)] part.

‘The lower this is, the cheaper the cost, right?’

But it wasn’t something he could carelessly reduce.

‘It might be okay for commodities like Astrape…’

Even with a low completion level, a commodity-type could still use the corresponding level of ability.

‘But knowledge is different.’

Even if a piece of knowledge was incredibly significant.

If it got cut off midway through reading, it would be utterly useless.

“Wait a minute.”

Upon reaching that thought.

“Philosopher’s Stone. Let me ask you something.”

-Uh-huh! What are you curious about?

Recalling his encounter with the Obsidian Tablet, Kim Shimun said.

“You merged with the Obsidian Tablet, didn’t you?”

-Correctly speaking, it was absorbed by me. In the end, I’m also a product of alchemy, right?

Feeling encouraged by the Stone’s response, Kim Shimun’s hypothesis turned into conviction.

Kim Shimun raised his alchemy energy with a shout of elation.

“Alright, Philosopher’s Stone? Then let’s begin the alchemy right away.”

To this, the Philosopher’s Stone inquired.

-What level of completion are you aiming for? You know, knowledge is a bit different from commodities…

“Just 10%. That should suffice.”

-Hmm. It seems you have an eye for the structure of synthesized objects?

“Roughly. I heard stories about it, actually.”

Kim Shimun reminisced about one of his few acquaintances, Go Malsuk’s rant.

‘Hey, smart guy. Take a look at this. Can you make heads or tails of this nonsense?’

Throwing an old, thin book in frustration, Go Malsuk vented.

‘This damn martial art is tailored for a grandmaster of 10 stars, made up of just 10 pages.’

‘But fuck! My brain’s too dumb, and I can’t get past 7 stars.’

‘You’re good at appraising, aren’t you? Can’t you interpret this formula or something?’

In his previous life, she had received a mythic-grade item from Constellation Heavenly Demon. She had once requested the translation of [Heavenly Demon Divine Arts].

Of course, thanks to the condition that only the successor could read it, Shimun couldn’t even see the characters.

‘I’m well aware that the Heavenly Demon Divine Arts is comprised of a total of 10 chapters.’

Logically dividing it, each star represents 10%.

Thus, the completion of 10% of Heavenly Demon Divine Arts would contain the essence of one star.

‘Originally, I intended to read and interpret Heavenly Demon Divine Arts myself.’

It’s the very same Heavenly Demon Divine Arts that created a high-ranking power like Go Malsuk with just seven stars.

Regardless of how long it might take.

Shimun was determined to interpret and learn the Heavenly Demon Divine Arts by himself.

He had some confidence of his own.

After all, he had somewhat observed Go Malsuk’s techniques and fighting style.

However.

‘If the Philosopher’s Stone could absorb the knowledge contained in alchemical objects, it would be a different story.’

Just like the knowledge of human alchemy contained in the obsidian tablet.

It would apply in a kind of trait format to himself.

Then, there would be no need to painstakingly interpret the essence, just preparing a body capable of utilizing the Heavenly Demon Divine Arts would suffice.

‘And the body would be sufficient with human alchemy.’

After organizing his thoughts, Shimun asked,

“How much would it cost to alchemize with a 10% completion?”

-10% wouldn’t be too expensive. Hmm, about 5,000 points?

“5,000 points? That’s cheap.”

-But the latter part is no joke. It’s mythic-grade knowledge, after all.

“Well, as long as I can master the first star. That’s enough for me.”

Shimun nodded in satisfaction.

Wasn’t it half the points required for the 20% obsidian tablet?

Considering it’s the same mythic-grade level, it was a neat calculation.

“Good. Let’s start the alchemization right away.”

-Uhm!

The worn and thin scripture of [Heavenly Demon Divine Arts] passed down by Go Malsuk

Trying to recall the interior that showed no letters when unfolded,

[You lack the Alchemy energy to achieve the desired alchemization.]

A familiar message window popped up in front of him.

[The Philosopher’s Stone requests 5,000 achievement points for an equivalent exchange.]

[Do you accept? (Yes / No)]

Without hesitation, Shimun tapped on yes and as soon as 5,000 achievement points were consumed, he flicked his finger.

Click.

Fzzzt!

A distinctive light of alchemy intertwined at the tip of his finger, eventually becoming a piece of worn paper.

Flutter.

Despite no breeze.

A piece of worn paper fluttered powerlessly in midair.

Shimun’s face brightened at the sight.

The reason was simple.

‘I can see it!’

The [Heavenly Demon Divine Arts] previously handed over by Go Malsuk.

Characters, whose identities could not be discerned, were visible on the previously blank sheet of old paper.

Shimun carefully received it and checked the information.

[Heavenly Demon Divine Arts]

Grade – Replica (10%)

The martial arts of the Heavenly Demon constellation.

It’s possible to learn, but for some reason, it can’t be fully exerted.

“Got it!!”

Without realizing it, Shimun jumped up and cheered.

Is alchemy somewhat finicky?

Even though he knew the structure, it was literally just that.

There was also the situation where it might require additional alchemy because of the quality of the initial knowledge or something.

But having extracted just one star from the ten-star Heavenly Demon Divine Arts for alchemization, how could he not be elated?

“Now, Philosopher’s Stone? Let’s absorb it right away.”

-Uhm! But oppa, you hopping around is too cute! If I alchemize bunny ears and you hop again…

“Quick.”

Cutting off the mischievously speaking entity sharply, Shimun quickly pressed the Heavenly Demon Divine Arts to his chest.

-Umm! Since it’s a constellation’s martial arts, it tastes good.

The voice of the Philosopher’s Stone seemed to mumble.

Watching the Heavenly Demon Divine Arts slowly absorb into the center of his chest, Shimun tilted his head in curiosity.

‘But, why hasn’t the constellation reacted this time?’

Honestly, he was somewhat nervous.

During the Astrape, all the constellations of Olympus.

When it was the obsidian tablet, the Black Goat herself showed interest.

‘It’s probably for the best.’

Not all constellations would be friendly toward him.

It was natural.

To them, it wouldn’t be easy to look favorably upon someone who arbitrarily imitates, creates their own version of their possession.

Wasn’t that the case with the Black Goat?

‘If it weren’t for the title [He Who Attracts the Gaze from Beyond]. I might have had a conflict with the Black Goat.’

And the message that it was infuriated.

Considering its temperament during its fight with Zeus, it would have been hard to see a good outcome.

-Oppa! Absorption is complete.

“Really?”

Shimun’s eyes sparkled at the Philosopher’s Stone’s words. At that moment.

-“Woah! But this is insanely complicated. It’s like grabbing at clouds…”

The words of the Philosopher’s Stone became blurred.

And that wasn’t all.

Even the sense of presence that had always been connected was no longer felt.

In the end, all senses blurred.

And such a situation had already been experienced once before.

‘This is before the regression…’

With that thought coming to an end,

Shimun’s consciousness was cut off.

* * *

“Ugh…”

Shimun’s graceful brow furrowed.

‘Where is this?’

Feeling his senses gradually return, Shimun opened his eyes and slowly got up.

The open natural landscape.

From bizarre rocks to majestic waterfalls.

This place, reminiscent of the mythical paradise, felt like a famous Eastern painting brought to life.

And right behind him,

“Hehe. Have you awakened?”

A voice that was refined yet oddly full of vigor sounded.

Turning his head,

“How is it, I wonder if your body is okay.”

An elderly man was sitting in a simple pavilion.

“Ah. I’m alright.”

Shimun quickly stood up.

Having been born and raised in Korea, if not excessive reverence for the elderly,

There was a respect imbued in him.

Perhaps liking his demeanor,

“Ha! Not like the young people these days. Have a seat.”

The elder’s smile widened as he gestured to the seat next to him.

Before Shimun could respond,

Whoosh.

He slid smoothly to the seat in front of the elder.

‘Good heavens…’

Shimun’s eyes were filled with astonishment.

How could simply inviting someone change their position so drastically?

Soon,

‘I see.’

Shimun realized.

This place was neither a mythical paradise,

Nor was the being before him simply kind in appearance.

“To meet a Constellation in person like this, I had not expected.”

“Ho, ho. You speak as if you know who I am?”

“How could I not know? Before coming here, what I cultivated was the Heavenly Demon Divine Art.”

With Zeus, a ranking member among the Constellations.

It was the ‘Heavenly Demon’ that he spoke of.

As if proving it,

“Ha! So it is. I asked a needless question. You’re right. I am indeed the Constellation, the Heavenly Demon.”

[You are the first Earthling to confront a Constellation directly.]

[Achievement points 5,000 points are awarded.]

The system handed out a whopping 5,000 points for the achievement.

Then,

[The Constellation, Heavenly Demon, is a very dangerous entity.]

[We will do our utmost for the player’s safety, but we advise against any rash provocation towards him.]

[In case of an emergency, player Kim Shimun will be immediately recalled to Earth.]

Lines that naturally roused tension followed one after another.

‘The system is warning to this extent…’

Shimun felt a slight sense of intrigue.

And for a good reason.

‘Ah, this damn old fogey again!’

‘X! Can’t you give me an easy mission for once? Huh!’

‘This mad, perverted old man, really!’

He had already vaguely known what kind of being the Constellation, Heavenly Demon, was through Go Malsuk.

Was Shimun not the only one who received the message?

“Tsk, tsk. Quite the bullshit.”

In contrast to his kind appearance, curses flowed too naturally.

The Heavenly Demon waved his hand through the air, filled with annoyance.

It must have been the system issuing warnings at that moment.

‘Like master, like disciple.’

As Go Malsuk’s figure overlapped in his mind, Shimun chuckled and said,

“You called for me because of the Heavenly Demon Divine Art, didn’t you?”

“Ha! Straight to the point, I see.”

The Heavenly Demon preferred bold and direct approaches, as Shimun had learned from Go Malsuk in a previous life.

Seemingly working as expected,

“Not frustrating at all, which I like. That’s right. Youth should indeed be spirited. But you got one thing wrong.”

The Heavenly Demon nodded with a satisfied smile.

“While passing down one-on-one is the principle, the Heavenly Demon Divine Art itself is not a big problem. My interest lies elsewhere.”

The gentle, kind face of the Heavenly Demon continued speaking,

But within that kindness, his gaze shone,

“What exactly are you?”