The Regressor Can Make Them All-Chapter 340

Inside Se-Hoon’s workshop halfway up an artificial mountain, an old man in a crimson martial arts uniform sat like the master of the place, staring at his hands in disbelief.

Woong-

The piece of pure white wood emitted a strange resonance, carrying an unusual energy. Still unable to believe his eyes, Li Kenxie repeatedly examined the Divine Tree Fragment that Se-Hoon had brought, carefully inspecting it with both his eyes and hands.

“...So it was real.” frёeωebɳovel.com

Not only did the fragment possess both mana and divine mana, but it could also interchangeably convert them. It was the core component of a Divine Mana Conversion Device needed, something thought impossible to create.

Li Kenxie turned his gaze to the side.

“That’s it. Good job!”

“Agh...!”

In a corner of the workshop, Li Fei was doing repetitive jumps while Se-Hoon cheered her on. The bizarre scene seemed nonsensical, but having promised not to interfere with their training earlier, Li Kenxie redirected his attention forward.

“You're Luize Valente, correct?”

“Y-Yes.”

Luize was nervous. Though she'd grown to take most situations in stride thanks to the time spent with Se-Hoon, the man before her was a different matter entirely.

What kind of monster is he...?

It felt as if she were standing before a sea of fire stretching to the horizon, or perhaps a star as bright as the sun compressed into human form. The oppressive sensation, as though the entire world itself was threatening her, made Luize unconsciously break out in a cold sweat.

So this is what it feels like when a Perfect One reveals their true strength...

Though she’d met others like Ludwig and Wurgen in the past, the difference between their presence and Li Kenxie’s was as stark as comparing a puddle to an ocean.

Luize tried to understand why there was such a vast gap, and soon, realization dawned on her.

Have my senses sharpened?

Her encounters with Ludwig and Wurgen had been two semesters ago, before Se-Hoon dragged her into the Dream Demon elimination mission. Since then, she'd undergone intense training, which included surreal guidance from a hallucination claiming to be her future self.

With such a difference in her abilities, it made sense that she could perceive much more now.

Leaving me alone with a monster like this.... I should just strangle that bastard.

Luize shot a glare at Se-Hoon, who was still playing with Li Fei.

And that action made Li Kenxie grow intrigued.

She’s keeping her composure even despite recognizing my strength. She's more remarkable than I thought.

Just as one’s view of the world shifted with their innate talent and skill, the way someone experienced the aura of a Perfect One varied. Those with dull senses might only perceive a vague impression of power stronger than an S-rank hero, while those with heightened sensitivity could glimpse the transcendental synesthetic mindscape and overwhelming energy they carried.

In the latter case, most froze in terror or fainted outright.

Yet Luize could look away, even entertaining other thoughts. Her composure was unfazed.

The resilience of her synesthetic mindscape plays a part, but the primary reason lies deeper.

Li Kenxie focused on something deep within Luize’s synesthetic mindscape. Though it seemed to mirror her inner strength, under his pressure, faint traces of sharp fangs revealed themselves.

An unknown presence within her that dares to challenge even Perfect Ones....

Wondering if it had always been there or was another of Se-Hoon’s creations, Li Kenxie glanced at Se-Hoon.

Then, refocusing on Luize, he continued. “I hear you’re the one who made this. Is that true?”

“Yes. I made it exactly as that bas... um, as Se-Hoon instructed.”

“Hmm. Did he mention what he’s going to do about it next?”

Luize readily nodded. “He mentioned a plan to collaborate with a third-year student in the Department of Enchantment, Lea Claudel, to devise an enchantment that can mass-produce this.”

“Mass produce, you say...”

Li Kenxie stared at the Divine Tree Fragment, lost in thought, before calling out to Se-Hoon.

“Come here.”

“Yes. Fei, I’ll be back in a moment. Keep your hand over your solar plexus and continue taking deep breaths like that.”

“Okay!”

Adjusting Li Fei's posture, Se-Hoon walked over to stand beside Luize.

“What exactly are you teaching her right now?” Li Kenxie asked, looking at Se-Hoon with a peculiar expression.

“Oh, it’s a Blood Art I developed. It’s the best method to enhance awareness of one’s own body.”

In truth, it was the foundation of the Soul Honing technique he had once taught Jake. He had just recently found out that it surprisingly synergized well with controlling Sacred Flames.

“...I see. Are you planning to use it as a restraint?”

Much like how consciously thinking about swallowing or breathing could feel awkward, heightened awareness of the body wasn’t necessarily comfortable. However, in Li Fei’s case, the discomfort could serve as a countermeasure and help suppress the rampage of the Sacred Flames.

“But that alone won’t be enough. You’re aware of that, aren’t you?”

“Of course. I’m already working on the next steps.”

While it could prevent the Sacred Flames from going berserk, it was unable to control it once it had already erupted. Thus, one of Se-Hoon’s goals was to refine the Blood Art so that it specialized in controlling the Sacred Flames, but such a task wasn’t easy.

I’ve brainstormed several ideas for it, but all of them failed.

Despite his considerable understanding of Soul Honing and the Blood Art, he still fell short compared to the founder—Meirin.

I’ll need to ask my master for this... though it’s going to be tricky to bring her in.

He did have her contact information, but approaching her with the matter could risk exposing his identity, given that she only knew his fake identity as the representative of Dawn.

Pondering the dilemma, Se-Hoon frowned, causing Li Kenxie to wave dismissively.

“I’m not rushing you right now, so handle it as you see fit. That aside, there’s one thing I’d like to ask about this Divine Tree Fragment.”

“Go ahead.”

“While it does function as a Divine Mana Conversion Device, its structural integrity is too weak. It’ll break after just a few uses.”

Holding up the fragment, Li Kenxie looked at Se-Hoon.

“To solve this problem, you’ll need something to protect the material’s properties and shield it from external erosion. Am I correct?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Se-Hoon readily admitted the issue with the Divine Tree Fragment. And upon seeing his lack of denial, Li Kenxie stared at him in silence for a moment.

“You intend to use the Sacred Flames for this, don’t you?”

When Sacred Flames were used correctly, they stripped away external erosion while preserving the essence, making it the ideal solution for addressing the weaknesses of the Divine Tree Fragment.

“I was going to explain it myself, but I see there’s no need.”

“You arrogant brat.... This much is obvious to me.”

Even though Li Kenxie didn’t have a deep attachment to forging, the experience he had accumulated over a lifetime wasn’t just for nothing.

However, even though he should know that, Se-Hoon gave him a wry smile, which only made Li Kenxie frown with irritation.

“So, why did you bother bringing this to me? Are you asking me to help?”

“I’d be honored if you would... but you don’t seem too inclined to cooperate.”

“You know me well.”

Although Li Kenxie did have some interest in the Divine Mana Conversion Device, he had not an ounce of passion to see it completed.

But Se-Hoon had expected that, so he wasn’t particularly disappointed.

“Then could you at least grant permission for its usage?”

“Permission?”

“Yes. The Sacred Flames are a manifestation of your power, after all.”

Since he planned to create a weapon using Li Kenxie’s power, it was only natural to seek approval directly from him. It wasn’t an unreasonable request from the common perspective, and even Luize, who had been dragged here unwittingly, thought it made sense as well.

However, when Li Kenxie heard it, he shot them an incredulous look.

“So that’s what this is about. What nonsense.”

“...Excuse me?”

“Do you ask the air for permission when you breathe? Do you seek the ground’s approval before stepping on it when you walk?”

With an exasperated look, Li Kenxie tossed the Divine Tree Fragment back to Se-Hoon.

“Our powers are not ‘owned’ by us. If I were to put it simply, it’s more like a set of laws derived from our existence.”

“...”

“Judging by your expression, you didn’t seem entirely unaware of this, though it looks like you weren’t completely certain either.”

People generally believed that the Perfect Ones’ powers could only be used by the Perfect Ones themselves, and Se-Hoon was no different before regression. Since then, however, his understanding of their powers had evolved.

Their powers can be used by anyone. It’s just that people never realized it.

The Emperor of Ascension’s Whitespace, the Eternal Nocturne’s Netherworld, the Pilgrim’s divine mana, the Sacred Craftsman’s Sacred Flames—the powers derived from them had become natural laws of the world, seamlessly integrated into its fabric.

There were some who unconsciously utilized the powers, but no one saw themselves as actually “using” them, except for Se-Hoon, that is.

That had been why Se-Hoon questioned whether his theory was wrong. But now, Li Kenxie’s statement confirmed his hypothesis.

Then what sets me apart from everyone else?

The first thing that came to mind was his regression. However, that felt more like a result than a cause. Unable to figure it out, Se-Hoon was about to ask another question, but Li Kenxie cut him off before he even could.

“Don’t ask. If a mere conversation could grant enlightenment, then all of humanity would already be Perfect Ones. From here on, it’s something you must figure out on your own,” he explained in his usual composed tone.

“...You have a point.”

Even a minor realization held no meaning unless deeply understood. Moreover, the answer could vary depending on one’s perspective, so having others answer his questions could mislead him.

Not that I ever planned on becoming a Perfect One in the future, anyway.

Se-Hoon’s current goal wasn’t to conquer the Towers of Heroes but to understand what they were and how their powers influenced the world. For that end, he had no intention of involving himself with the suspicious golden ring he’d encountered, which some called a god.

“Thank you for the advice.”

“If you’re grateful, try not to bother me for a while. I’m already worn out from all this pointless talk.”

Waving his hand with a look of genuine disinterest, Li Kenxie dismissed them. It truly wasn’t out of embarrassment for helping. He had just genuinely lost interest in the Divine Tree Fragment and wanted them gone.

“Understood. I’ll come back when I’m finished with this device, then.”

“Do as you like.”

Hearing Li Kenxie's indifferent reply, Se-Hoon stood up with Luize to leave.

“Oh, one more thing.”

Called out to by Li Kenxie once more, Se-Hoon turned and Li Kenxie shifted his gaze to Luize.

“Call me when you’re going to forge her weapon.”

“...Luize’s?”

“Yes. I’m curious to see what you’ll create.”

It was an unexpected interest that caught Se-Hoon completely off guard.

He’s that intrigued?

While he’d expected Li Kenxie to recognize Luize’s talent, he hadn’t thought her weapon would pique his curiosity.

If I mess up her weapon, he might even take over just to show off his superiority.

Knowing Li Kenxie’s personality, Se-Hoon could already imagine him finishing the weapon himself while mocking Se-Hoon’s lack of skill. Because of that, Se-Hoon reaffirmed his resolve not to let his guard down and nodded.

“...Understood.”

Bowing politely, Se-Hoon then approached Li Fei, who was waiting nearby.

“Keep on practicing what I taught you today. Once you get comfortable with it, I’ll teach you something new.”

“I’ll get good at it quickly!”

“Don’t rush yourself; you might get hurt. Take it slow and steady, alright?”

“Okay!”

Seeing Li Fei nodding enthusiastically, Se-Hoon patted her head gently.

“Good. See you next time.”

With that, Se-Hoon stepped outside, followed closely by Luize, who wore a peculiar expression.

“Hm? What’s wrong?”

“...It’s just fascinating.”

She found it odd how someone normally so stern and blunt could act so gentle and kind toward a child. The contrast struck her as unfamiliar, but not entirely unpleasant.

Maybe he’d make a good father... wait. Why am I even thinking about this?!

Flustered by her own thoughts, Luize rubbed her face with both hands, her cheeks turning bright red.

...Is she losing it?

Se-Hoon gave her a puzzled look. Considering Luize’s heightened sensitivity, perhaps she might still be overwhelmed by the pressure of being around Li Kenxie? Thinking he might have pushed her too hard, Se-Hoon patted her shoulder gently.

“Sorry. I’ll be more careful—”

“Don’t.”

“Huh?”

“Don’t talk to me in that tone. Got it?”

Through her fingers, Luize’s icy blue eyes glared at him, making Se-Hoon reluctantly nod.

“O-okay...”

“...Tsk. I’m leaving for today. Call me if something comes up!”

Without wasting another second, the Ascension Ring on her left ring finger glowed before she vanished, teleporting back to her dorm.

“...She’s getting the hang of spatial magic. I suppose it’s time to let her use it freely.”

Stroking his chin thoughtfully, Se-Hoon added her newfound mobility to his plans and began examining the Divine Tree Fragment Li Kenxie returned.

“...Hmm?”

On its pristine white surface, a faint red mark now stood out—clearly something Li Kenxie had left behind.

Curious, Se-Hoon studied it carefully and soon chuckled.

Of course... he gave me all the clues already.

The mark served as an example of how to apply the Sacred Flames to the Divine Mana Conversion Device. Of course, knowing him, it wasn’t a gesture of goodwill toward Se-Hoon, but rather a subtle reward for effectively teaching Li Fei.

With this, I can complete the enchantment quickly.... Now it’s just a matter of waiting.

With his thoughts organized, Se-Hoon planned his next steps. Once the prototypes of Winterglass and the Divine Mana Conversion Device were ready, he’d use Crimson Furnace to craft his new hammer. Then he could finally fulfill his promises to the three individuals awaiting their weapons and tie up other loose ends.

After that, I’ll work on the rest of the matters gradually.... Hmmm, but what should I do with the downtime before then?

Se-Hoon mulled over it for a while until a sudden memory came to him.

“Oh, right.”

Since the timing was convenient, he decided to pay someone a visit.

Pulling out his phone, he typed a brief message to Seon-Woo: Let the Association President know I want to meet him tomorrow.

Sending the message, Se-Hoon set off to prepare for his guest.