Chapter 302

Words : 2661 Updated : Oct 13th, 2025

Chapter 302 The Five Element Equipment, each tailored for one of the five elements, stood apart from other Legendary equipment due to their mysterious origins. No one knew who originally forged them, and they were each found in a variety of locations around the world—from dungeons and ruins to antique shops. In fact, they were thought to be completely unrelated to each other at first. It was only after one single demon’s insight that they became recognized as a set. “These pieces of equipment are the work of a madman.” Idrable, an S-rank demon famed for their exceptional forging skills—to the point that they were often called the Tainted Sacred Craftsman—had managed to steal all five pieces that were scattered across the world. And after extensive research on them, Idrable deduced that a single individual had created them—resulting in them being collectively named the Five Element Equipment. However, they didn’t stay together for long. When Idrable was murdered by their apprentices, all five pieces of equipment were scattered across the world again. And now, one of those long-lost pieces had finally reappeared once again. “This is the Verdant Lotus Spear that vanished seven years ago.” In the Dean’s office, Se-Hoon accepted the dossier handed to him by Eun-Ha and began examining the included photographs of a green spear made entirely of wood, its shaft and blade adorned with lotus patterns. At first glance, it seemed unassuming, but its abilities were actually far from that. “Its most notable effects are regeneration and growth. It provides such a strong regeneration factor that even if half of the wielder’s body is destroyed, recovery is still near-instantaneous. There are even records of its previous wielders surviving with only their head and arms intact.” The next set of photographs documented previous wielders in dire states, yet alive nonetheless. “The growth ability enhances the wielder’s physique and boosts their inherent talents, activating in response to their needs. This has a rather fluid effect that adjusts based on the wielder.” Matching what Eun-Ha described, the last set of photographs showed former wielders growing taller and stronger after acquiring the Verdant Lotus Spear, their enhanced physiques leaving traces of destruction on battlefields. Based on the aftermath of these battles, they should be S-rank demons... but they look like A-ranks. Se-Hoon squinted at the photographs. With the unique ability to amplify the wielder’s growth, the Verdant Lotus Spear was a coveted prize for both heroes and demons alike, making it the most frequently traded out of the Five Element Equipment. “Do we know who last had it seven years ago?” “No, unfortunately. There are only rumors that suggest that it might have been acquired by the underworld.” “Hmm...” Se-Hoon flipped to the last page of the dossier, which detailed its latest wielder—a demon named Dryas. Looking like an unassuming woman with green hair, she was actually a brutal criminal responsible for tearing apart five heroes. Reading through her profile, Se-Hoon’s expression darkened. So... she was affiliated with Bellows. Bellows, a demon organization notorious for its operations in the underworld, was Se-Hoon’s sworn enemy; Immortal, the killer of his parents, was one of them. I was starting to worry about whether they had ceased activity after the elimination of the Dream Demon.... I guess they’re still around, after all. Of course, it was possible Dryas was the sole survivor, but either way, Se-Hoon was determined to verify it himself. He placed the dossier back on the desk, now thoroughly reviewed, and turned to Eun-Ha. “So, what exactly do you need from me?” “...” Eun-Ha looked down, hesitating. Though she was the one who called him to her office, she seemed reluctant to proceed to the main point. And with her unchanging expression, it was hard to discern her thoughts. However, Se-Hoon had no trouble doing so, quickly guessing her concerns. “You’re worrying if you might become a burden for me, aren’t you?” And at those words, Eun-Ha’s eyes widened briefly. “...Yes,” she said, her voice small. “I understand how you feel, but please don’t think like that. The most dangerous thing in our partnership is holding back or keeping secrets.” Leaning forward, Se-Hoon tried to make sure his words got across. He thought that even the smallest of matters should be shared between the two of them, as long as it held the slightest bit of importance. Se-Hoon was all too familiar with minor lapses in communication snowballing into disasters. Reflecting on the past, Se-Hoon smiled reassuringly. “I can handle myself now, so don’t worry about me. Okay?” Eun-Ha fell silent, contemplating his words. Then, after a moment, she slowly nodded. “...I’ll take note of it.” “Good. Now, what’s the Seraphim Guild’s stance? Are they offering to cancel your contract if you retrieve the Verdant Lotus Spear for them?” “Yes, and they also want me to test their experimental weapons during the...” Her response faltered, having belatedly realized something. “Wait, how did you know that?” “I mean, who else could give you headaches but those guys? It’s obvious what they’re up to, especially when it involves the Five Element Equipment.” “That does make sense...” Chuckling, Se-Hoon glanced at the dossier. “I think I have a rough idea of what they’re really after.” Whenever a Five Element Equipment resurfaced, factions from all over the world—including those based in the underworld—scrambled to claim it, often setting traps in the process. And while it seemed the Seraphim Guild was just doing the same, Se-Hoon suspected their true motives went deeper. If I consider how the Seraphim Guild’s leader is tied to Succession, and how Bellows, where Dryas belongs, will eventually merge with Offering, they’re practically announcing that this is a trap. And then there was the recent proposal from Dawn. Considering everything together, it was clear they were trying to use his relationship with Eun-Ha to eliminate him. I guess my infiltration did come with perks. Before the regression, he would have hurried to acquire the Five Element Equipment like everyone else. Now, however, his experience allowed him to see through the layers of deception. Looking toward Eun-Ha, who seemed puzzled by his silence, Se-Hoon decided it was about time. I should tell her. Until now, he’d kept his involvement with Watchers a secret, but with the current stakes, transparency was essential. But before telling her, Se-Hoon activated the power of Boundaries to seal their surroundings. “Dean, there’s actually something I need to tell you...” With precautions in place, Se-Hoon explained everything about Watchers and his undercover missions, omitting only the fact that he had regressed from the future. “...” Allowing him to explain, Eun-Ha listened silently, her expression unreadable. However, her brows twitched whenever he mentioned the Seraphim Guild or the times his identity was almost revealed. And when he finished, she closed her eyes and exhaled deeply. “Phew...” Her sigh carried a mix of emotions—too complex to untangle. Then, moments later, she reopened her eyes, now cold and steady. “Does this mean they might’ve used me as a test subject?” “Um...” Not expecting Eun-Ha’s straightforward question, Se-Hoon paused momentarily before nodding. “It’s definitely possible. It’s how they operate, after all.” Eun-Ha’s gaze sharpened, her hair beginning to glow a faint crimson and her expression chilling into a mask of pure detachment. Seeing her like that, Se-Hoon immediately sensed that something was wrong. “Dean!” Jolted back to her senses by Se-Hoon’s urgent shout, Eun-Ha regained control and her hair’s fiery hue faded. “...I apologize. I let my emotions slip again.” “There’s no need to apologize. Anyone would’ve reacted the same way.” Waiting for her to fully calm down, Se-Hoon resumed once she had. “This mission is a trap for either you or me. And if they’ve assumed that we’re going to move together, they’ll probably have prepared forces equivalent to two Ten Evils.” Apostate would be there for certain. And he would probably be assisted by the other Ten Evils or Watchers. But even so, Se-Hoon was confident. These guys are just as disjointed as the Perfect Ones. The Ten Evils and Watchers rarely cooperated due to conflicting agendas, and excessive deployment of forces would just leave them vulnerable to counter attacks from the Perfect Ones. “Then it would be wise for us to decline this mission with some valid excuse...” Eun-Ha suggested. But Se-Hoon shook his head. “No, we’ll take it.” “Isn’t it too risky?” “There is a risk, but since we know it’s a trap, that makes it safer. Also, it’s an opportunity to wipe out their forces completely.” “But with just the two of us...” Eun-Ha frowned, concerned. “Ah, that won’t be a problem.” “Sorry?” Se-Hoon grinned confidently. “I know someone who would help.” *** The Southern Arabian Peninsula, once a vast desert, had transformed into a dramatically different landscape. Now, an endless tropical rainforest stretched beyond the pristine white wall. The lush greenery seemed brimming with life, but what was actually within was far more sinister. Splash! Massive rivers snaked through the jungle, their currents dark and ominous. Instead of water, it looked as though dark, viscous oil flowed through them. Just the sight of it made Se-Hoon’s brow furrow slightly; he hadn’t even ventured into the jungle’s depths yet. It’s been a while since I was last here. The jungle, its air thick with demonic aura emanating from the river, rivaled the corrupted lands outside humanity’s boundaries, such as the Abyss of Demons itself. The Idigna Rainforest, an S-class Danger Zone, stretched out before him. Se-Hoon surveyed the jungle, his sharp eyes taking in the dark waters and dense foliage. It’s still a wretched place, but it’s much better now than the last time I visited. Before he regressed, the corruption had progressed much further, saturating the rainforest with demonic aura so dense it choked the air. During that time, a demonic mist veiled the entire jungle, making it nearly impossible for anyone to survive. Shaking off the haunting memories, Se-Hoon gazed down at the white barrier beneath his feet. It’s not quite on par with the Pilgrim’s Path, but it’ll do. While the Heroes Association managed most Danger Zones with walls developed by them, S-class zones required a different approach. Ordinary materials couldn’t withstand the encroaching corruption from them, so instead, the Pilgrimage Church managed them with holy barriers. Calling this “managed” is really generous. It’s really just a glorified seal. Unlike lower-class Danger Zones, S-class zones had no entry points. As such, anyone wishing to enter one had to first secure special permissions from both the Heroes Association and the Pilgrimage Church. But in the first place, because the environment and monsters inside one were so hazardous, there rarely was anyone wishing to enter aside from when large-scale extermination operations occurred. However, the Idigna Rainforest recently became an exception. “I’m telling you, do you really think thirty of us cannot handle an S-class zone?! Don’t you know who we are?” Loud voices rang out at the outpost near the barrier. “Why can they go in, but we can’t?” Countless heroes had gathered to compete for the Verdant Lotus Spear, all arguing with the Pilgrimage Church administrators and Heroes Association staff when they were denied entry. “Tsk.” Watching the commotion from atop the barrier, Se-Hoon clicked his tongue. Just handling a few S-rank monsters before didn’t qualify one to wander a zone teeming with them. The rainforest wasn’t a place for groups of the strong. Rather, it was only for those with extremely overwhelming strength—minimum S-rank or equivalent. Though it wouldn’t really matter if one just sneaked in. In the first place, the holy barrier hadn’t been designed to physically prevent entry but to prevent the corruption within from escaping. Those who were determined enough could just force their way through, though they could sustain serious injuries during the process. However, those desperate for the Verdant Lotus Spear had likely packed enough potions and supplies to risk it. “Hmm...” Waiting atop the pristine barrier, Se-Hoon was observing the zone below when he noticed a presence approaching. “This is Mr. Smith, a member of my party,” Eun-Ha introduced, walking over with the newcomers. At her voice, Se-Hoon turned around to see a group of fifteen fully armed individuals, their armor shining brilliantly. And upon seeing the one leading them, a red-haired man clad in ostentatious gear, Se-Hoon eyes fixed on him. Wait, isn’t this guy... Something about the man’s hair and demeanor felt familiar, nagging at the edges of his memory. But that aside, the man’s hostile gaze was simply grating, drawing Se-Hoon’s attention. And upon noticing that, Se-Hoon just pointed at him and bluntly asked Eun-Ha, “Who’s this punk?” Hearing the insult, the red-haired man’s eyes widened in disbelief, while Eun-Ha didn’t even react, just replying calmly, as if nothing unusual had been said. “That’s Ruphael Oppenheimer, Vice Guild Master of the Seraphim Guild.” “Oh, he’s that brat?” Ruphael, the eldest son of Yuriel Oppenheimer, was notorious for constantly pestering Eun-Ha. Se-Hoon had heard the name before he regressed, from stories of Eun-Ha shattering his jaw, but he had never seen him in person until now. Curious, Se-Hoon studied him with intrigue, causing Ruphael’s face to twist in anger. “What did you just—” But just as he was about to lash out, Se-Hoon interrupted, flatly shutting him down. “Don’t even think about wasting my time. Just hand over the item.” “What—” “If someone else snatches the Verdant Lotus Spear before we do because you kept dragging your feet, it’ll be your problem, not ours. Or do you want us to just leave?” At every turn, Ruphael’s attempts to protest were cut off and shut down, each curt response from Se-Hoon deepening the fury in his eyes. This little brat... Despite Se-Hoon’s disguised outer appearance—looking as if he was in his thirties—Ruphael knew from his mother’s reports who the person in front of him was. Just the thought of that upstart trying to steal his Eun-Ha away made Ruphael grit his teeth. This will be the last time you’ll be able to act tough. Pushing down his fury, Ruphael gestured to one of his subordinates. “Bring it here.” “Yes, sir.” Retrieving a sleek black case from a void pocket, one of the Seraphim Guild members approached and handed it to Eun-Ha, who accepted it without a word. “All we need is a detailed record of the weapon’s effects during battle,” Ruphael explained. “Let us know next time if you need anything else.” But to his offer, Eun-Ha just coldly replied, “There won’t be a next time.” Facing her icy gaze, Ruphael’s face tightened before quickly turning into a smirk. “Come now. Nothing suits you better than our equipment, does it?” “...” “We’ll be entering the Danger Zone too, so if you need help, don’t hesitate to call. The case has a signal device for emergencies. And one more thing”—Ruphael turned to Se-Hoon, his lips curling into a mocking grin—“you should watch your mouth if you don't have any death wishes.” “Hey.” “Hmm?” Hearing a sudden voice, Ruphael turned in the direction it came from, confused. “Move.” And at that moment, a golden streak of light descended onto the barrier. Boom! “Argh!” “Sir!” Before Ruphael could even react, the energy from the streak of light flung him over the barrier and into the rainforest, his panicking subordinates leaping after him. Now, the once-crowded barrier was empty, save for Se-Hoon, Eun-Ha, and the newcomer. Landing gracefully where Ruphael had stood moments ago, a blonde-haired woman with a radiant aura smiled at the two. “I’m not late, am I?” Aria’s voice was tinged with amusement.

Chapter 302

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