Chapter 151

Chapter 151 Helena Hunt, once one of the world’s top hundred blacksmiths alongside In-Cheol, had been a professor of the Department of Blacksmithing who taught Specialized Grinding. Back then, she had even been designated as the next lead professor of the department, despite her prickly personality which didn’t endear her to many, for her outstanding skills. But a few years ago, she abruptly resigned from the academy and opened a hardware store in Aqar Quf that sold miscellaneous items. And consequently, she was removed from the top hundred blacksmiths. The textbook example of a retired master. Finished skimming through her profile, Se-Hoon looked up at Helena, who was sitting across from him. “...” Seeing Helena leaning back in her hair with her arms crossed and eyes closed, showing no interest whatsoever in the current meeting, Se-Hoon had to contemplate how to start the conversation. In the end, he decided to ask directly. “Are you actually going to take on the role of lead professor?” Even though In-Cheol had asked her to, she might have her own thoughts about it. Still showing no interest, Helena replied, “I already told him I would, so I will.” Noticing she was more cooperative than expected, albeit a bit curt, Se-Hoon followed up with another question. “How do you plan on handling Meisters?” “I heard there's not much to do. I'll manage it as well.” She was even willing to help manage Meisters, a task technically completely unrelated to the lead professor role. I thought her strict personality would make negotiations difficult... but she's more cooperative than I thought. What had In-Cheol told her that persuaded her to be so proactive? Intrigued, Se-Hoon pondered over it, but he came to a conclusion after only a second. She must want something from me. Just as In-Cheol had sought advice on repairing the Fire Heaven Greatsword, she must also want from him. Deciding not to beat around the bush, Se-Hoon directly asked, “So, how can I assist you?” “...You’re just as he said,” remarked Helena, finally slowly opening her eyes. Observing Se-Hoon, she then turned her gaze to Eun-Ha, who was quietly sitting beside him. “I'd like to speak alone with him. Could you step out for a moment?” “...” Instead of answering, Eun-Ha glanced at Se-Hoon. “It's alright,” said Se-Hoon. Nodding at Se-Hoon's response, Eun-Ha left the meeting room. Looking at the closed door, Helena muttered with a peculiar expression, “She didn't seem like that type of person before...” “She's probably quite shaken after the recent events.” “No, that's not what I meant... never mind; it doesn't matter either way.” Shaking her head, Helena turned back to Se-Hoon and got to the main topic. “As I said earlier, I'll handle the duties of the lead professor as well as the work you did with In-Cheol or planned to do.” “By planned, you mean...” “The joint research and such. I'll try to receive the necessary funds from the Chairman, so use that as you see fit. I don't care much about that.” Offering to handle the tedious tasks and even handing over the money? Thinking it was too good to be true, Se-Hoon became suspicious. What is she going to ask for in return? Though he tried to guess, Helena soon answered before he could with a gleam in her eyes. “However, in exchange, I want you to destroy the Barmuths for me.” He had somewhat expected it, but her request was far more extreme than what Se-Hoon had imagined. Wanting confirmation, Se-Hoon looked directly at the elderly woman before him. “And you think I can do that?” “Certainly better than a washed-up blacksmith stuck in a hardware store can. Don’t you think so?” At the self-deprecating response, Se-Hoon nodded. “That is true.” “Of course, I don't expect you to do it overnight. From how you dismantled their position in the mass-produced equipment industry before, I understand you must have your own methods and plans.” When Helena first heard about Se-Hoon from In-Cheol, she couldn't fully believe it. How could one person, in just a few days, come up with so many different blueprints that were all impressive on their own? But upon seeing the mass-produced sword aura at the expo, her doubts were immediately cleared. This guy is the real deal. She finally understood that Se-Hoon was not an overconfident fool but a true genius with an overwhelming talent that was rarely seen throughout generations. He was why she had left her hardware store and accepted the position of lead professor even though she wasn't fully prepared to avenge herself against the Barmuths. “Promise me you won't come up with any compromises and will destroy them no matter what. That's the only condition I have for this deal.” She was absolutely certain that if the person in front of her wanted to bring down the Barmuths, he would succeed, no matter how long it took. “...” Facing Helena's resolve, Se-Hoon nodded after a moment of contemplation. “Understood. Let's formalize it with a pledge instead of just making a verbal promise. Do you have something that we can write a contract on?” “I anticipated this and brought one along with me.” “Let's proceed right away, then.” While watching Helena prepare the pledge, Se-Hoon asked in a more casual tone, “Can I ask one more thing?” “What is it?” “What exactly happened between you and the Barmuths?” “...” Helena paused and looked up. Her eyes briefly flickered with agitation and her expression hardened, showing how sensitive his question was. Nonetheless, Se-Hoon didn’t retract his question and never broke eye contact. I need to know. An understanding of his client's situation often helped him effectively handle unforeseen issues. “Hmm. That's quite an interesting way of looking at them.” Although Se-Hoon often analyzed an enemy’s general movements, habits, and the form of their equipment, he had never tried reading their technique itself. That probably requires a bit of talent. And in his current state, talent was what he had. Examining Kwang-Soo’s injuries to try it out for himself, Se-Hoon suddenly remembered something. “How’s your sword?” Though it was his first time seeing Kwang-Soo injured, he had seen the state of his sword after his battles with Doppelganger countless times. And while Kwang-Soo could have tended to it himself, Kwang-Soo was also aware that it wouldn’t be as good as a skilled blacksmith’s work. “Why do you ask?” “Well, since I'm in the Department of Blacksmithing if it needs some repairs—” “No, thank you. It's not something to be handled by a rookie like you,” he abruptly said, cutting off Se-Hoon sharply. Se-Hoon’s eyes narrowed. If compared to his previous life, he could accept being called a rookie, but in the grand scheme of things now, he believed that he wasn’t at that level anymore. Is he worried I might steal his swordsmanship? The long-time equipment of heroes became like extensions of themselves, having their mana circuits dyed by their mana, techniques, and skills. And the mana circuits of Kwang-Soo’s sword, Celestial Night, in particular, had been dyed quite a bit. Hence, a talented individual could potentially learn his swordsmanship just by examining his sword. Nah, no way. He wouldn't be that petty. Although Kwang-Soo was an alcoholic gambling addict who often gave unsolicited advice to much younger heroes, Se-Hoon was certain he wouldn’t belittle a promising young talent out of fear. “Well, fine.” “...Are you sulking?” “Of course not. If the professor calls me a rookie, what more can I say?” Making a smile, Se-Hoon then changed the topic. “So, what did you call me here today for? I just got out of the hospital, and I'm really tired.” “Ahem. Right, I see.” Although Kwang-Soo had prevented his swordsmanship from accidentally being stolen, he had a feeling he might have lost out on a bigger opportunity. Shaking it off, he went straight to the point, “Do you remember when you asked me to protect the non-contracted blacksmiths for you?” “Yes, I remember.” “One of the people who helped me with that asked if you could meet with one of her family members.” Se-Hoon raised an eyebrow. If it was the person who had helped, it must have been the Visionary Ha Baek-Yeon. Is she interested in me for some reason? Baek-Yeon had always been selective, but she wasn’t stingy about teaching someone if they met her criteria. And if it's someone in her family... Having figured out who was waiting, Se-Hoon nodded. “Sure. Considering I owe her, that’s the least I can do.” “Then follow me; I'll introduce you to the person,” Kwang-Soo said before directly heading toward the training hall. When they arrived, Kwang-Soo opened the door with his left hand, revealing the person waiting inside: a young man with dark blue hair in a neat black suit—Ha Seon-Woo, whom Se-Hoon had met in the hospital the previous day. “Good to see you again, Lee Se-Hoon.” “Yes, Investigator.” Although Se-Hoon had felt that something was off when Seon-Woo tried to use his Enhanced Vision, he hadn't realized Seon-Woo had another agenda beyond his suspicion. Seon-Woo smiled. “You don’t need to refer to me as Investigator today. I’m here as the grandnephew of Baek-Yeon, the Visionary.” Seon-Woo was the eldest grandson on Baek-Yeon’s younger brother’s side. And since Baek-Yeon had no children of her own, she treated Seon-Woo like her own grandson, teaching him archery. Though I remember that it didn’t end well for him... Pressing down the memory of how Seon-Woo had died before the regression, Se-Hoon looked at him and asked, “Can you tell me why you called me here today?” “My great-aunt told me that she sees great potential in you. I've come to assess that talent more thoroughly.” “Hmm... How do you plan on assessing it?” It was quite different from what Seon-Woo expected. Despite being told that he was acknowledged by the Visionary, Se-Hoon showed no hint of surprise. With his curiosity about Se-Hoon’s true capability growing, Seon-Woo replied, “There’s a training method that we call ‘kite flying’ in our family. It’s a basic exercise, so it shouldn't be too difficult.” At this, Se-Hoon realized Baek-Yeon herself was testing him. And while he was unsure if he could meet her stringent criteria, he had nothing to lose regardless. Even if I fail, nothing changes. If I succeed though, I’ll earn the favor of another Perfect One. Content, Se-Hoon was about to tell Seon-Woo that he would comply, but a peculiar sense of regret stopped him. Why? Was there some additional benefit he could gain from this? Trying to figure it out, his gaze fell upon Seon-Woo. ...Wait a minute. Considering he had to track and attack various organizations from now on, including the Barmuths, having connections within the globally influential Heroes Association wouldn’t be bad. However, just any insider wouldn’t be enough; his connection needed to possess two key traits: inflexibility to the point of being uncompromising and a strong backing that made them immune to external pressure. If those were the criteria, then who would be a better fit than the kin of the Visionary? To Se-Hoon, such connections were no longer shackles; they were now high-quality restraints made of excellent material. The perfect material was right in front of me. With a newfound appreciation for Seon-Woo, Se-Hoon’s eyes sparkled as he asked, “It would be an honor... but don’t you think that might be a bit boring?” “Excuse me?” “I believe I perform best under pressure. So, I’d like to make a suggestion...” Trailing off, Se-Hoon smiled widely. “How about we make things a bit dicey with a little wager?”