* * *

    Interpol has confirmed that a single individual is behind the civilian massacres at 22 orphanages, 3 orc villages, and 2 dwarf ghettos over the past five years.

    The perpetrator, dubbed the ‘Butcher,’ is estimated to be under the age of 20. Interpol fears the birth of a second Star Entrails Seer…

    The ‘Butcher’ was identified in the vicinity of the Dimensional Portal near Kaesong through CCTV. It is presumed that he has traveled between Earth and the Dimensional Portal multiple times…

    In the disaster in the Northwest Mountain Range, where the bodies of 1,109 monsters and 135 border guards were unearthed, traces of the ‘Butcher’ were discovered. The forensic team has secured evidence that it was the ‘Butcher’ who led the monsters…

    With the help of CCTV footage and on-site forensics, the ‘Butcher’ has been identified as a suspect in the Hilaria fire incident at the Deep Tower.

    While in the pursuit of the ‘Butcher,’ a cave believed to be the suspect’s nest was discovered. An official request has been made to the Magic Tower…

    *According to the opinion of the Magic Tower executioner Balmak, it is suspected that a substantial amount of magic items and consumables were present in the nest until recently; how such a large quantity was transported unnoticed remains unknown…

    The pursuit is met with difficulties…

    Investigation is temporarily suspended…

    Analysis of the montage of the ‘Incheon Killer’ provided by South Korean police has confirmed that he is the same person as the ‘Butcher.’

    A critical error was found in the DNA data of the ‘Incheon Killer’ provided by the South Korean police; the Korean side remains silent on whether it was a deliberate omission or a mistake. Interpol has filed a formal protest…

    Interpol suspects there may have been an inappropriate relationship between the ‘Incheon Killer’ and the South Korean police.

    South Korea claims that the term ‘Incheon Killer’ is inappropriate… A murderer from beyond the Dimensional Portal should not be associated with a Korean location…

    The ‘Butcher’ was spotted on a train entering Dreitherial illegally.

    The illegal plastic surgery and human modification Mage guild in Dreitherial has been completely destroyed. It is estimated that over 50 are dead… Through survivor testimonies, the ‘Butcher’ has emerged as a prime suspect…

    The Butcher’s unique swordsmanship was confirmed in Gemini City. The Dimensional Portal leading to Earth…

    …Yeomyeong put down the documents with a sigh.

    Every time he flipped through the papers detailing the Player’s actions, his head throbbed.

    He massaged his forehead and took a moment to gather his thoughts.

    According to the data provided by Ava, the ‘Player’ began his murder spree around five years ago.

    The first victims were the orphans from an orphanage—people at the bottom of society, weak and unprotected.

    Like leveling up in a game, he gradually raised both the quality and quantity of his victims.

    Orcs treated like livestock, lower-class dwarven citizens who were no better than refugees… and even alley janitors.

    And it was still unclear whether he committed all these acts just to become stronger through murder or if he was simply a madman.

    But one thing was certain: he had managed to acquire numerous strange-fated objects using his knowledge of the future.

    He didn’t realize it back when he was decapitated, but the ‘Player,’ who once laughed about reaching level 10, had now become a fully-fledged Superhuman. ???ОΒê????

    In fact, even among the superhuman mercenaries he met in Manchuria, he was sure that only a handful could say with certainty that they were ‘stronger’ than the Player.

    Furthermore, considering the strange-fated objects he acquired from the academy and his knowledge of the future, which allowed him to evade the pursuit of Interpol and the Magic Tower…

    …Just as he was linking those thoughts.

    A long ice spear bloomed beside Yeomyeong’s shoulder. It was an unconscious manifestation of magic.

    “…”

    Seeing the ice spear exude a coldness that was comparable to Corvus’, Yeomyeong forced a bitter smile.

    The reason he was able to create an ice spear like this in just one day came to mind.

    - *They’re just rubber bullets, so you don’t have to worry too much.*

    Those were the words the Saintess uttered while she blessed the revolver bullets.

    Ironically, her blessed rubber bullets hurt just as much as real bullets. Seeing that the spot where he was shot at was still throbbing, there was no need to say more.

    And the sparring session that followed was just as fierce. In particular, Seti’s hammering had quite a bit of emotion involved.

    The cold look on her face as she shattered the ice spear was truly terrifying.

    The spar reminded him of a real battle. Yeomyeong could only flee while launching ice spears.

    However, thanks to that, he was able to completely master the ice spear as quickly as he did.

    Yeomyeong chuckled and spun the ice spear floating in the air.

    Thinking about the Saintess and Seti lightened his heart considerably. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Of course, that sense of ease didn’t last long. The Killing Aura writhing within his chest did not allow him much time.

    Before long, Yeomyeong picked up the documents again.

    He thought he might find some clues about the ‘Player’ he had missed.

    After going through the documents three times, he paused and turned his gaze to the ceiling.

    It was because he heard his name being called over the academy’s internal broadcast.

    [First-year student Cheon Yeomyeong, please proceed to the airport on the northern island immediately.]

    * * *

    Even after the opening of Dimensional Portal and the existence of nuclear missiles and Superhumans, there remained one unchanging truth on Earth.

    Money made right.

    Fundamentalist superhumans who claimed that mana was the true source of the world, or romantics who believed that everything was possible through love, might try to deny it.

    However, any normal person would be left in awe of the greatness of money… especially if they saw the enormous airplane that just landed at the airport of Lord Howe Academy.

    Just like Yeomyeong who arrived at the airport after hearing the academy’s internal broadcast.

    “This crazy dwarf…”

    He muttered without realizing it.

    The massive cargo plane that had just landed on the runway had the names ‘Dungan Heavy Industries’ and ‘Cheon Yeomyeong’ taped all over prominently.

    It was a clear and blatant means of advertisement.

    While Yeomyeong was at a loss for words at that sight, an airstair took its place, and the plane’s door opened.

    Stepping out of the plane was a familiar dwarf dressed in an even fancier outfit than before.

    Wearing a luxurious suit, an expensive watch, and thick, large rings on every finger—Darulma Dune, the dwarf chaebol from Dungan Heavy Industries.

    As he clomped down the stairs, he started waving as soon as he spotted Yeomyeong.

    “Cheon Yeomyeong!”

    Only after catching sight of the approaching Darulma did Yeomyeong snap back to reality.

    “…Darulma.”

    “It’s been a while! I can’t tell you how long I’ve been waiting for you since we parted ways in Manchuria!”

    As Darulma shouted and grabbed Yeomyeong’s hand enthusiastically, the sound of camera shutters could be heard from all over the airport.

    Taking a quick look, Yeomyeong saw reporters, who had arrived without him noticing, continuously taking pictures of the two.

    Swallowing a bitter smile, Yeomyeong asked.

    “Darulma, what is the meaning of all this? The plane, the reporters….”

    “Don’t get me wrong, all that is secondary. The main reason I came here today is to give you a gift.”

    “…A gift?”

    Darulma waved at the reporters as he spoke.

    “It’s what you asked for before we parted in Manchuria—the rights to use the workshop for dragon bones and the elixir trade.”

    “…”

    “But since you hadn’t even tried to contact me… we just came here first.”

    A question mark floated over Yeomyeong’s head before disappearing immediately because the answer was too obvious.

    “…You plan to make it known that Dungan Heavy Industries is my sponsor. You just want to use my name.”

    “ come on. Using your name? It’s only exploitation if we use it for free. If we pay you, it’s called business.”

    After raising his eyebrows, Darulma led Yeomyeong towards the plane.

    Yeomyeong considered refusing but eventually followed him, pretending he had no other choice, and said.

    “What would you do if I refused after you had already pulled a stunt like this?”

    “Well, I’d probably… have to kneel?”

    Grimacing at the thought of that, Yeomyeong allowed Darulma to lead him into the plane.

    While it was obvious that the inside of a cargo plane wouldn’t have any seats, it didn’t have any cargo either.

    Instead, the interior of the plane was neatly lined with display cases. Weapon display cases, to be precise.

    Not only were there glass display cases with luxurious-looking swords, but also wall display cases filled with guns.

    The weapons inside these display cases had no commonality in terms of length, curvature, or thickness, yet they all shared one common trait: a faint trace of mana could be felt from every single one of them.

    This meant that all the weapons here were products made from mana metal.

    As he shifted his gaze slightly, he spotted the occasional pieces of armor among the weapons. Chainmail, thick plate armor, breastplates that covered the entire chest, etc.

    Some of them prominently displayed the ivory bone material, making it easy to guess that the material used was dragon bones.

    Even if they were to move an entire weapons museum here, it wouldn’t reach this level.

    True strong weapons could only reach their full potential when held by a powerful wielder, just like the famous holy sword.

    After a brief reflection, Yeomyeong turned his head and saw Darulma’s tense gaze.

    “What are your thoughts about the grandeur of the weapons our Dune family can proudly boast of?”

    Yeomyeong, who was about to express his honest thoughts, was unable to ignore the expectation sparkling in Darulma’s eyes.

    “…It’s truly awe-inspiring. You can really tell that a chaebol is indeed a chaebol.”

    Even though the praise was forced, the corners of Darulma’s mouth rose. He even wore a smile that made him seem somewhat proud.

    “Indeed, you truly have an eye for these things. So, what are you waiting for? Come on in; you have to choose the weapon you’ll be using.”

    …?

    Choose what? As Yeomyeong tilted his head, Darulma clapped his hands and said.

    “Oh my, how careless of me. I forgot to explain the most important thing. Cheon Yeomyeong-gun? All these armaments here are brought just for you.”

    “…”

    Saying so, Darulma pulled out a remote from his pocket and pressed a button. With a click, the glass blocking the front of the display cases descended all at once.

    “Now then, go ahead and choose.”

    * * *

    “This sword was made by Danan Dune, the artisan of my household, three years ago. Uhm… it’s made of the same material as a stealth aircraft. Titanium alloy with a mana metal coating. Strong, yet light.”

    Darulma explained as he lifted the sword adorned with antique decorations. Yeomyeong, standing behind him, gazed at the sword in silence before speaking up.

    “Darulma.”

    “What? You don’t like it? Well, to be fair, Danan’s creations do feel a bit too much like ready-made goods.”

    “No, it’s not that… I’m just curious. Why are you going as far as making such an investment in me?”

    In Manchuria, all Yeomyeong had asked of Darulma was permission to use the Dwarven workshop.

    It was a proposal Yeomyeong had put forth after careful consideration. Refining dragon bones and using the Dwarven workshop was an opportunity that even money couldn’t easily buy.

    But this… wasn’t this a gift far beyond any proposal?

    Of all people, why was a money-driven businessman showing him this much favor? Yeomyeong couldn’t help but wonder.

    “Like I said earlier, it’s just business.”

    Putting the sword back into the display case, Darulma took out another sword from the adjacent one, and continued speaking.

    “It helps our image if a Dwarven corporation like us sponsors a human. Especially when that human is a Superhuman with proven skills—what better investment can there be?”

    “…Spare me the empty words.”

    “Empty words, you say? I’m being sincere—!”

    Darulma was about to start rambling but fell silent when he saw Yeomyeong’s eyes—those piercing golden eyes, as if they could see right through him.

    Fiddling with the sword’s handle, he paused for a moment and said.

    “…To be honest, it’s because of the Golden Seal.”

    “…”

    “Probably a few years down the line, there will come a time when I’ll need the Golden Seal. If you are not willing to lend it to me then… our clan can fall into a bit of a bind. So I’m just building some goodwill in advance.”

    Was that an honest answer? The sound of Darulma’s heartbeat said it was.

    Alternating his gaze between the sword and Darulma’s face, Yeomyeong gave him a small nod.

    “…I will trust you this time.”

    “Trust, huh. Trust is like gold to a merchant. Now then, shall we continue looking at weapons?”

    Darulma said and continued his explanations.

    Weapons made by Dwarven artisans, relics left behind by the Empire beyond the Dimensional Portal, prototype weapons from America, etc…

    Each one of them could be considered a treasure. Some of them caught Yeomyeong’s attention, but whenever that happened, Darulma would hold him back, saying there was more to see.

    Almost as if there was a weapon he truly wanted to give him.

    And just like that, after a long explanation, Darulma finally stopped in front of a display case in the center of the plane.

    Aside from the fact that its blade was a pale yellow, the sword inside didn’t look special at all.

    It was neither too long nor too short. The handle was plain to the point of being crude, and there wasn’t any decoration in sight.

    If it weren’t in a place like this, it could have easily been mistaken for an ordinary iron sword with no special properties…

    As Yeomyeong frowned, sensing something strange, Darulma slowly took the sword out of the display case.

    “This sword is called Mountain Tear. Quite a grand name, isn’t it?”

    Just by looking at it made it clear that this sword had a story. As he handed the sword to Yeomyeong, Darulma added.

    “…It’s made completely from mana metal mined from the deepest part of the Dwarven Mountain Range, which now is buried under mustard gas. It was crafted by the last artisan of the Uragan Household.”

    As soon as Yeomyeong grasped the sword, a familiar sensation ran through the handle.

    “Try infusing it with mana.”

    Yeomyeong did as instructed, and the next moment, the magic hidden within the pale yellow blade sprung to life.

    Yet, there was no sound or movement of mana.

    No sound, no trace, no smell, and… no color.

    “…Invisibility magic?”

    Yeomyeong swung his now-empty hand lightly. The sharp blade cut through the air, but even the sound of the wind being sliced was absent.

    It was invisibility magic on par or possibly surpassing that of the Invisibility Cloak.

    As Yeomyeong fiddled with the sword for a moment, a sudden thought struck him.

    “Darulma, is this sword… made for assassinations?”

    “Hmm? How did you know?”

    “I just… got that feeling.”

    Darulma stroked his beard as he watched Yeomyeong lower the sword. The sword, with its invisibility magic deactivated, seemed oddly fitting for Yeomyeong.

    “So, what do you think? Will you choose that sword? To be honest, I recommend it.”

    Yeomyeong didn’t respond to him immediately. He gazed at his reflection in the blade before nodding.

    “…I’ll take this one.”

    Was it a mere coincidence that the sword, designed to assassinate Stalin, had chosen him as its master?

    For now, it was impossible to tell, but as he wondered whether fate might really exist, Darulma clapped his hands.

    “Great, now let’s find a scabbard for it.”