[Kyle-Style Magic Swordsmanship (Original) Lv. Max]
Come to think of it, even the skill level is ‘Max’.
“Huh? A skill? You’ve already got a skill? How did you do that?”
“‘Already,’ you say?”
“Skills are ridiculously hard to create and grow! How did you manage?”
“How hard are we talking?”
“I heard it usually takes months just to create your first skill.”
“Hm…”
“Wow… If you’re insanely strong, skills just come to you faster, huh…”
This is probably because of my trait, <Reincarnator>.
Even my level is weird.
Normally, you’d start growing it from Level 1.
Well, it makes sense.
It’s just… unexpected.
Kyle-Style Swordsmanship?
Of course, it’s something I’m the master and creator of.
If Kang Hyun is Level 1, who else could be Level 2?
Naturally, it had to be Level Max.
‘But what happens when it reaches Max? What’s the difference with ‘Original’?’
The system wouldn’t just label something as ‘Original’ or ‘Max’ without reason.
I’ll need to test it out soon.
“But what’s so great about having a skill?”
“Skills enhance your knowledge and actions. Even without training, as long as the skill level is high, you can reach the level of a master.”
“What? Seriously?”
I scolded.
“He!”
“Whoa, what the heck! What’s with the yelling? This isn’t some martial arts drama!”
Mastery without training?
‘Kids these days…’
How can that be possible!
“If you could become a master with just skills, why aren’t there any low-tier Perfect Clears? These so-called masters can’t even handle goblins on their own!”
“Well, that’s because you’re… an outlier, Master…”
“Outlier? Back when I was one of the seven heroes, we used to bet our dinners on who could get the most Perfect Clears!”
Hearing this, Aden narrowed her eyes.
“…Didn’t you also say recently, ‘Hooray for effortless growth,’ Master?”
“Hey, didn’t I train? I did all the training I needed!”
“Did you, though? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you train…”
“Go search the entire world. You won’t find anyone who’s trained as much as I have!”
“Well, I suppose that’s true, considering you achieved a Perfect Clear without any system assistance.”
Exactly!
“My ‘effortless growth’ is valid!”
“Huh?”
“I’ll use the system for shortcuts, but you still need to train!”
“Yes, yes…”
Aden nodded lifelessly, as if resigned, with a look that said continuing this conversation would just tire her out.
“Do you understand or not?!”
“Yes…”
She mindlessly answered while munching on snacks.
Crunch, crunch.
“That’s it. Let’s move on. Bring me the output adjustment formula for the ‘Ignis Vorax’ technique we worked on last time.”
“Huh!? All of a sudden? It’s not ready yet…”
“Throw away the snacks and get moving!”
“Why do the innocent snacks have to suffer?!”
She stuffed the entire bag into her mouth in one go.
“I can’t stand seeing my student with such a lazy mindset. Bring the formula!”
“Argh, fine—!”
At this moment, Kang Hyun had no idea.
That he, too, would soon benefit from skills.
That he would break through the limits of his hero days as Kyle thanks to a system created by an old student.
###
This time, I decided to convert the magic stones right away.
I was curious about how much I’d get in the E-rank range.
“Oh, you’ll come pick them up?”
[Of course, it’s the least we can do for you.]
The government really does treat me well.
The mana stones were collected, and the payment was deposited immediately.
‘Let’s see…’
Opening my account!
“Whoa!”
Even though I was alone, I gasped out loud at the amount.
“Five?”
That’s just for one dungeon run?
I quickly checked online.
The average monthly income for an E-rank Awakened is said to be 10 million won, shared among six people.
But here?
I pocketed 5 million on my own.
‘Wow…’
Previously, I made 12.8 million from five dungeon runs.
But that went quickly due to overdue bills, living expenses, and weapon costs.
Now, I was flush with cash again.
From just one day’s work!
‘I should send some money to my parents.’
1 for Mom.
1 for Dad.
500 for my younger sibling.
Kids who taste money too early develop bad habits.
‘…Is this too sudden?’
I’d told them the academy was doing well, but they might still be surprised.
And sure enough, my phone rang almost immediately.
“Yes, Mom.”
<…What’s this about suddenly sending such a large sum of money?!>
Ah, her tone…
Last time, she was so sweet and supportive.
Now she’s trying to burst my eardrums.
‘She must’ve seen the money and thought, “Oh, he’s doing fine now.”’
Last time, her voice was calm and gentle, worried that her son was struggling.
It was worth sending the money.
“A son giving his parents an allowance—how is 1 million a large amount?”
<Even if you’ve got extra, save it!>
“Didn’t you once tell me to secretly deposit money into your account without Dad knowing?”
<Th-that was just a joke!>
I could hear my dad in the background.
‘Son! Thanks, I’ll use it well!’
Followed by the sound of him getting smacked.
Thwack!
Rest in peace, Dad.
<…Are you sure it’s okay for Mom to accept this?>
“Mom, seriously. The academy’s doing well. One of my students has really made it big.”
<If it’s a student, they’re probably your age at best. Even so, how much can a student achieve at their age?>
She still felt guilty about accepting the money.
She probably thought the academy wasn’t doing well, based on what she’d heard before.
But she wouldn’t directly say, “Isn’t your academy failing?” because she didn’t want to hurt me.
“How do I explain this… Ah!”
Right on cue, the TV in the background mentioned Aden’s name.
[Today, we’re joined by the sensational new A-rank! Aden, welcome to the show~]
###
Aden had been making good money recently.
Thanks to her appearances on TV.
Aden had been on TV continuously for the past few days, thanks to the support of Team Leader Yoo Chae-young.
Yoo Chae-young, who often spoke with Aden, had learned about her circumstances.
Aden, unable to control her immense magical power, was essentially incapable of solo missions and effectively unemployed.
Despite this, Yoo Chae-young didn’t give up on recruiting her. Instead, she extended her support—helping Aden appear on television to make some income in the meantime.
With her extensive network, she pushed Aden into the spotlight.
Being a hot topic, Aden had captured public attention.
Although somewhat overshadowed by the S-rank Word Mage and the Perfect Clear, she was still a newly minted A-rank Awakened—a rarity.
‘It must be because she’s a Support Team Leader for a major guild. Her support is no joke.’
Despite Aden not being a Seonghwa guild member yet, Yoo Chae-young went out of her way to help. Because of this, Aden grew closer to Yoo Chae-young day by day.
Chief Choi wasn’t thrilled when he heard about this development.
Aden growing closer to Seonghwa seemed to genuinely terrify him.
‘Such ambition.’
But he couldn’t tell her to stop.
Not only was it Aden’s choice, but her actions ultimately benefited the country.
The idolization of Awakened individuals was critical to national survival.
When the status of Awakened individuals was elevated, dungeon raids were encouraged, and active dungeon strategies ensured the nation’s safety.
On TV, Aden appeared.
Walking stiffly like a robot.
[We’ve finally managed to bring Aden on the show! Could you please greet our viewers?]
[Y-yes… Y-yes. I… I’ve been brought here. I’m Aden.]
[Haha! What a fun personality!]
Oh, for crying out loud.
The kid’s so nervous she’s falling apart.
How embarrassing for my parents to see this.
<Son, shouldn’t you put that money into savings…?>
My mom’s voice came through, still concerned.
I didn’t hesitate this time.
“Mom, turn on the TV right now.”
<The TV? Why? Did you find a show you like lately?>
“Just turn it on for now.”
I gave her the channel number.
“Do you know who that is on the screen right now?”
<Of course. I’ve never seen the face before, but isn’t that the A-rank who just appeared out of nowhere?>
There weren’t many people in Korea who didn’t know Aden.
She was a huge topic of conversation.
<She’s been on TV constantly for the past few days.>
“That’s her. She’s the one I taught.”
<Ekkkk?!>
After a brief silence.
<What nonsense are you spouting now!>
“I’m serious!”
<You? Teaching an A-rank? You’re not even an Awakened! Make it make sense!>
Ah, this obsession with stats and abilities!
She’s never going to believe me unless I show her in person.
“I’ll bring her with me next time I visit. Just don’t be too surprised when you see her.”
<Take that money back and put it in savings!>
“If you send it back, I’ll just donate it. Try me.”
<You little—!>
In the background, my dad chimed in:
<Son! Donate it to your dad! I’m a struggling neighbor because your mom takes all the living expenses—>
<Oh, would you be quiet!>
Smack!
<Ow!>
Pfft!
I almost spat out my water laughing.
“Cough, cough. Anyway, just use the money. I’ll send more later.”
<…Thank you, son.>
<Thanks, son!>
“Ahem.”
This was a bit awkward.
<Subin’s been eyeing a new phone lately. Maybe I’ll use this for that.>
“Use it for yourself, Mom. I’ll take care of Subin separately.”
<You’re even taking care of Subin? Things must be going well for you lately!>
Her voice brightened noticeably.
<Alright, we’ll use it well.>
I hung up, feeling content.
‘It’s good to have a talented disciple.’
I turned back to the TV, where Aden was still on-screen.
###
Meanwhile, at <Palan>, Korea’s 5th-ranked guild.
B-rank wizard Oh Hyuk-jun, one of their top executives, sat in a dimly lit room receiving a briefing from a subordinate.
“We may need to delay Project ‘Unreal’ a bit.”
“Why?”
“We received a warning from the demons.”
Cooperation with the demons—a secret that could never be exposed.
Project ‘Unreal’ was the demons’ plan to manipulate dungeons in Korea and potentially worldwide.
And it was being discussed within Palan.
“They said anyone with experience fighting a legion commander could detect ‘Dungeon Anomalies.’”
“What?”
“They might even deduce it’s related to a legion commander based on their abilities—”
“Hold on.”
Oh Hyuk-jun frowned, his expression incredulous.
“Someone with experience fighting a legion commander? Does anyone like that even exist on Earth?”
“There aren’t many, but they’re currently all active in Thea—”
“Exactly! And you’re suggesting we delay the plan because of some absurdly unlikely possibility?”
Oh Hyuk-jun grabbed an ashtray.
“Listen, you idiot! The board is already plotting to kick me out at the next general meeting, and if we delay this—”
The subordinate flinched, but Oh Hyuk-jun stopped short of throwing the ashtray and set it back down.
“Ugh… Is your brain filled with nothing but fear?”
“…Apologies.”
“Even the demons are worrying about nonsense. For demons, no less.”
He lit a cigarette.
“Instead of that, figure out how to take down Seonghwa. Those bastards have been acting suspicious lately.”
Palan and Seonghwa had always been rivals.
Until this year, when Seonghwa overtook them and claimed the #3 spot.
“They even seem to have snatched Aden. Damn it… We should’ve grabbed her first.”
“If you keep biting your nails, the guild master will—”
“Shut up!”
“Apologies.”
He stopped biting his nails and began bouncing his legs nervously instead.
“Alright, forget Project ‘Unreal’. What about the other matter?”
“We still haven’t located the S-rank Word Mage or the Perfect Clear Awakened.”
This time, the ashtray flew.
Thunk!
“Didn’t I tell you to stop bringing me bad news?!”
“Apologies.”
“What if Seonghwa recruits them? Or if another team in our guild finds them first?”
The first option was unthinkable.
As for the second?
Recruiting those two would bring immense prestige to any faction.
Whoever succeeded would undoubtedly use it to push Oh Hyuk-jun out.
“You’d better find them. If you can’t, make something up and find them anyway!”
“…Understood.”
“No more excuses. Now get out.”
The subordinate left, and Oh Hyuk-jun sat in the dark, deep in thought.
Nervously bouncing his legs and gnawing at his nails.
