Bet — Part 1
Superhuman Tower, 3rd Floor Transparent Lounge.
The magically treated walls and floor made it feel like I was floating in mid-air.
‘Not bad.’
I picked up another caviar canapé and brought it to my mouth.
The soft, savory flavor combined with a slight saltiness, making it a delight on my tongue.
A drink would go perfectly with this, but I held back. Drinking wasn’t something you do when you’re handling important matters.
I learned that the hard way—signing a contract after drinking too much in the past. Ever since, I’ve been extremely wary of both alcohol and people.
Instead, I downed my iced Americano like it was barley tea.
Next to me, Baek Sorin, noticing my caution, sipped from her cappuccino.
“Sir, is it really okay for someone like me to be up here?”
“What do you mean, Sorin?”
“I mean, only Superhumans Level 3 or higher and their companions are allowed up here.”
“Right now, you’re my companion.”
“…Superhuman Sir…”
“And from now on, call me ‘Teacher,’ not ‘Superhuman.'”
“…Yes, Teacher.”
I could feel eyes on me.
The staff in the 3rd-floor lounge were glancing our way as they passed by.
Especially toward Baek Sorin.
Jealousy was practically dripping from their gazes. No matter how polite their smiles were, they couldn’t hide their feelings.
“That sly fox.”
“Who would’ve guessed the quiet cat would climb up the stove first…”
“Knew something was off when she started cozying up to the Superhumans.”
“I heard she already quit?”
“Hmph, if there’s a modern version of a courtesan, it’s her.”
They were whispering amongst themselves in the employee room, but there was no way their words would escape my ears.
I was using my [Sensitivity] trait to eavesdrop, curious about what they were saying.
They must have thought I took Baek Sorin in as some sort of plaything.
Baek Sorin was visibly tense, likely thinking the same thing.
I grabbed another caviar canapé and called out to her.
“Sorin.”
“Y-yes!”
“Have you ever taken any Superhuman training before?”
“I have… but I failed all of them.”
“What kind of training did you take?”
“Um… I tried Mana Cultivation and Mana Sensitivity. But I gave up on becoming a Reinforced since I wasn’t keen on body modification.”
Mana Sensitivity was training for Mages.
In other words, she had tried both the Warrior and Mage paths and failed at both.
“And the Blessing?”
“I tried to receive one, but the Priest I went to… had some… inappropriate demands…”
I understood immediately.
In this messed-up world, demanding sexual favors in exchange for helping someone awaken their Superhuman potential wasn’t even considered news.
Baek Sorin sat there, clutching her knees tightly. Her hands were clenched so hard they were turning white.
“Teacher, how much will I owe you for the lessons? I don’t have much…”
“We’ll go with deferred payment.”
“Deferred payment?”
“Yes, after you awaken as a Superhuman. At least when you reach Level 3—no, Level 5.”
“Level 5?”
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
“I don’t have any talent… I failed both Mana Sensitivity and Mana Cultivation. My Martial Arts teacher said I had so little potential that even reaching Level 1 would be a lifelong struggle. But Level 5? Is that even possible?”
“It is.”
I nodded slowly, then spoke in a serious tone.
“I guarantee it. You will not only surpass Level 5 but reach Level 7, maybe even Level 9. You’ll rewrite the history of Superhumans.”
“…Huh?”
Baek Sorin looked at me as if I were making fun of her.
I could see the lounge staff struggling to hold back their laughter, overhearing our conversation.
“My previous instructors said Level 1 was impossible, and now you’re talking about Level 9? Don’t joke around, I’m being serious.”
“I am serious. Though I understand that words alone won’t convince you. Let’s start the lessons as soon as possible. Before that, you mentioned doing Mana Cultivation. Was it formal training?”
“Yes. My parents went all out. They even spent their pensions to hire a teacher. He taught me the Three Powers Divine Technique.”
Three Powers Divine Technique, otherwise known as the Three Powers Arts. (TL Note: The Three Powers are Heaven, Earth and Human)
It was the lowest-grade Mana Cultivation method. While it didn’t cause mana to go berserk, it was often used by people without money or connections to get a foot in the door of the Warrior path.
Even though it was relatively cheap, it still cost several hundred million won—a sum that wasn’t impossible to scrape together.
Feigning ignorance, I asked her again.
“Three Powers Arts, huh… You didn’t feel any mana during training, did you?”
“No…”
“And you didn’t learn any sword techniques or martial arts?”
“No, they didn’t teach me anything else. The instructor said I had to at least awaken some mana using the Three Powers Arts for it to matter. He even did a mana induction for me, but I just couldn’t do it…”
“I see.”
From what I gathered, the problem lay in the training method.
The low-level Superhuman had expended a lot of effort and energy to induce her mana and guide it through her pathways, which was no small feat.
The issue is, such methods won’t awaken someone with the Heavenly Killing Star potential.
‘The Heavenly Killing Star awakens only through real battle.’
If Baek Sorin had been a genius, she would have mastered the Three Powers Arts just from listening to the explanation once. But she wasn’t a genius—she was a Heavenly Killing Star.
And a Heavenly Killing Star required a different method of training.
‘Heavenly Killing Star, Indomitable, Rampaging Train, Nine Lives.’
Baek Sorin’s starting traits.
Given the nervous way she kept looking at me, it seemed those traits were dormant at the moment.
If she had even the Indomitable trait active, she wouldn’t be showing this much anxiety.
At the very least, the Heavenly Killing Star potential should still be buried inside her.
‘Baek Sorin gets introduced in Episode 2, right?’
Episode 2.
The Zombie Crisis.
According to the story, Baek Sorin awakens during the chaos of a shopping mall overrun by zombies.
Afterward, through a series of personal quests, she gains a new trait.
‘Mars Swordsmanship.’ (TL Note: The god, not the planet)
One of the three greatest sword arts in Arcane Seoul.
The sharp Kalaratri, the steadfast Nephilim Sword, and the instinctive Mars Swordsmanship. (TL Note: Kalaratri refers to a fierce form of the goddess in Hindu mythology, often associated with fierce protection and the end of evil. Nephilim are the great beings from the bible)
At this point in time, no one knew it yet, but a massive Forbidden Zone was hidden beneath the shopping mall.
The zombies were unleashed by someone unlocking that seal, and similar incidents would occur all over Seoul.
It hadn’t happened yet, but it was an inevitable event—unless I intervened.
It was orchestrated by the Old Father’s Cult.
“Still, I imagine you have at least one sword at home?”
“Yes, I have a factory-made alloy longsword.”
“Good. Once you’re prepared, contact me. And don’t forget, aside from the sword, bring an appropriate protective suit. It doesn’t need to be bulletproof, just something resistant to blades. Not a vest, but something that covers your entire body.”
“By when should I have it ready?”
“I’m not sure. I need to prepare as well… But get it ready as soon as you can.”
The shopping mall she would awaken in was a multi-use complex with a cinema, indoor gym, and sauna.
The deepest part of the underground parking lot connected to the Forbidden Zone. Sneaking in without anyone noticing would be impossible.
I would need some help… but I wasn’t sure if Manager Choi could handle this.
While I was lost in thought for a moment, a lounge employee walked over quickly, hands clasped together.
“Excuse me, Warrior Kim. You’ve received an invitation.”
“An invitation?”
The employee politely held out her hand.
A magical bluebird fluttered up, gently landing before me. It popped with a puff, materializing a glowing invitation in the air.
[It’s been a while, Teacher.
How have you been?
I’m glad to see you looking well.
Thanks to you, I’ve completed my awakening and certification, and I’m living diligently.
By chance, I happened to visit the Superhuman Tower and saw you here, so I’m leaving this invitation.
If you’re free after your conversation with the lady, could we meet for a moment?
I’ve included a code that will let you up to the 5th-floor lounge.
I’d appreciate it if you could spare some time.
Best regards, Seo Woojin.]
“Huh!”
Baek Sorin, who had been silently reading, let out a gasp.
“What’s wrong?”
“Seo Woojin! It’s Seo Woojin!”
“…And?”
“You don’t know? It’s Seo Woojin!”
“Yeah, I know Woojin. What about him?”
Baek Sorin stared at me blankly.
The other staff members also had shocked expressions.
“Why is Woojin… Oh!”
At that moment, it clicked for me too.
The 5th floor. He said the 5th-floor lounge.
Not the 6th-floor lounge.
If he had come with his parents, they would have called me from the 6th floor. Both of his parents are Level 6 Superhumans.
But he called from the 5th floor?
That means he either became Level 5 himself or came with a Level 5 Superhuman.
Judging by Baek Sorin’s and the lounge staff’s reactions, the conclusion was clear.
Seo Woojin had reached Level 5.
“When did Woojin get certified?”
“Just recently. It’s been less than a week. Teacher, did you not know?”
“I didn’t. I’ve been in seclusion.”
“Oh… But how do you know Seo Woojin?”
“We’ve crossed paths before.”
Impressive, truly.
With the blessings he received at birth, the rare elixirs he consumed as a child, and the sacrifices made by the heads of both major sword sects and his parents during his awakening, he managed to reach Level 5 in one go.
Of course, that makes him a proper SSR character and the mid-boss of the episode.
“Let’s go up.”
We headed straight to the 5th floor.
I didn’t even need to stand or move. The floating magic circle under the sofa we were sitting on activated.
A flow of mana that circulated within the tower reached out, lifting Baek Sorin and me into the air.
We bypassed the 4th floor without even glancing at it.
The 5th floor—a completely different world within the tower, an extra-dimensional space.
It felt like we had ascended into the heavens.
The entire place was transparent.
From this lofty height, the whole city of Seoul was laid bare beneath us.
The only structures even remotely comparable were the other twin towers, and even the tops of other skyscrapers were around the same eye level.
“Teacher!”
Seo Woojin approached with a broad smile.
“Congratulations on reaching Level 3! Wow, was that [Black Flame] I saw earlier? That was incredible! I’ve never seen anyone use black flame with such mastery before!”
I smiled back and shook Woojin’s hand.
“I heard you’ve been certified as Level 5? Congratulations. I’m sorry I’m late hearing the news. I’ve been in seclusion.”
“Please, feel free to speak casually. I may be a higher level now, but you’re not someone who’ll stay at Level 3 forever.”
“Haha, you think so?”
“Of course! You saved my life, Teacher. If it weren’t for you, I would’ve been dragged off by the Old Father’s Cult, brainwashed, and forced into becoming a Paladin against my will. I owe you my life, and I’ve never had the chance to repay you properly.”
“I was just fulfilling a request. I got plenty out of it, too.”
“So, you weren’t just locked away in seclusion, huh?”
Seo Woojin glanced at the holy sword and magic gun hanging from my belt.
“A holy sword and a magic gun… isn’t that a tough combination to manage?”
“If you use them right, it’s a great combo.”
“Then why do you have them strapped to your belt? There are so many great sword-gun belts available these days. Ah, wait a moment.”
Seo Woojin unfastened his own belt with a flourish.
It was a refined, old-fashioned leather belt, its surface engraved with magical runes and studded with colorful gems in a neat row.
He removed only the sword from it, holding the belt out to me.
“Teacher. This is for you. Congratulations on reaching Level 3.”
“This is too much.”
“Not at all. I have plenty of these lying around at home. Compared to what you’ve done for me, it’s nothing.”
Woojin held the belt out insistently.
After a brief hesitation, I accepted it.
I mean, I did take the job and complete it; this much should be fine, right?
After all, Seo Woojin is the son of a rich family.
Shaa…
The moment I took the belt in hand, I felt a surge.
Mana rippled up like a blade.
Normally, this should have caused me to lose control, but instead of running wild, the mana gathered and synchronized with my core.
It was too easy.
Controlling my mana was almost effortless.
‘Mana Focus!’
It was obvious.
The belt was imbued with the [Mana Focus] trait.
And not just any low-tier version—this was high-grade. Likely SR level.
It was excellent for mages but also invaluable to warriors who rely heavily on mana.
While mana amplification would have been slightly better for a warrior, this wasn’t bad at all.
Especially when considering higher-tier core traits.
At this point, I couldn’t refuse, not even out of modesty.
I clapped Seo Woojin on the back in a friendly gesture.
“Thank you. I won’t forget this.”
“Just knowing that you’re using it is more than enough for me, Teacher.”
Mana Focus…
High-grade gear like this takes time to fully master.
It’ll probably be best to steadily purchase [Diamond] from the Shinwon Market and gradually transfer it.
“You two must be really close.”
Baek Sorin, who had been standing behind me, muttered.
Seo Woojin eyed her carefully.
“I saw you with the young lady earlier at the 3rd-floor lounge. May I ask what your relationship is?”
Seo Woojin looked at me, his gaze filled with curiosity.
Did he think she was my girlfriend?
“Introduce yourself. She’s a new disciple I’ve taken in.”
“A disciple…?”
“She has as much potential as you do, but she doesn’t know which path to take. So I’m going to help guide her.”
“That much potential? Honestly, I can’t tell. After awakening, I can usually sense people’s bones or mana pathways, but she seems entirely ordinary. Actually, she’s far below average. I’ve never seen anyone this weak before.”
Well, of course.
Seo Woojin has only ever encountered people who were already somewhat trained.
Baek Sorin’s face darkened, and she looked at me with questioning eyes, as if asking if what I said about her potential was really true.
I smiled confidently and gave her a reassuring nod.
“You’ll see soon enough. Just don’t cry when Sorin overtakes you later.”
“Haha! You’ve got a good sense of humor, Teacher.”
Seo Woojin laughed off my words.
Of course, it sounded ridiculous.
Seo Woojin was a masterpiece forged through the combined efforts of the two great sword sects.
The idea that someone who had never even held a proper sword could catch up to him?
It was unthinkable.
But unthinkable things become possible when you’re dealing with a Heavenly Killing Star.
If he lets his guard down, she really might surpass him.
“This is getting interesting.”
Seo Woojin’s eyes gleamed.
“Teacher, what do you say? How about a bet?”
“A bet?”
“Yes. If Sorin here reaches Level 3—no, even Level 2—within three months, I lose. If she doesn’t, you lose. If she’s as talented as me, that should be doable, right?”
“Sounds good.”
I was confident I’d win this.
“So, what’s the wager?”
“Hmm…”
Seo Woojin thought for a moment.
“If you win, I’ll get you a suit of armor. The best money can buy.”
“Armor?”
“Yes, the finest. Whether it’s full plate or magical clothing, whatever style you prefer.”
“Great. I’ve been meaning to get a new set of armor. And if I lose, what do I owe?”
“If you lose…”
Seo Woojin paused and looked directly at me.
I could already guess what he was going to say.
He’d ask me to become one of his retainers.
That’s what people of high standing always do when they spot promising talent—they try to collect them.
But what Seo Woojin said next was completely unexpected.
“Help my friends.”
“…What?”
“My friends, Teacher. They’re suffering from Divine Fever. I want to help them.”
This world was cruel. Cold and merciless, it tore apart those who hesitated, exploiting the weak at every turn.
For a moment, hearing his words, it felt like an arrow dipped in saltwater had pierced straight through my heart.
–TL Notes–
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