I’M A Max-Level Regressor [EN]: Chapter 179

Chapter 179

“I’ve never seen dimension stones of such high quality before. Does this surpass even top-grade dimension stones?”

“That’s right. If we were to classify it, it would be an ultra-high-grade dimension stone—a step above even the best.”

“Wow… This is probably a dimension stone that hasn’t even been documented in Awakened academia.”

“I have a favor to ask you, Artisan.”

“What is it?”

“If it becomes widely known, there’s nothing I can do, but would you consider keeping the existence of this dimension stone a secret between us?”

“Oh, my, Shinwha, you underestimate me! I have never leaked a customer’s secret without their explicit permission.”

“Hahaha, I know your reputation well.”

“Anyway, if that’s what you wish, Shinwha, I won’t breathe a word of it.”

“Good. Then, shall we discuss this dimension stone in earnest?”

“May I examine its internal structure?”

“As much as you like. We have plenty of time.”

While Hwang Seok-cheol meticulously examined the ultra-high-grade dimension stone taken from the subspace, even using a microscope, I looked around his workshop. The place showed signs of infrequent visitors.

On his laptop, which was open as if in the middle of a search, I noticed information about suits from the German Sergen Corporation.

I couldn’t help but feel concerned about those suits from a manufacturer known for its aggressively low prices.

‘Their popularity won’t last even half a year anyway, because the nature of dungeons around the world will change after the Russian Cataclysm.’

I know the future.

The dimensional energy newly imbued in monsters after the Russian Cataclysm will cause corrosion in Sergen Corporation’s suits.

Knowing this, I think it’s right to start a boycott now!

But that would be meddling. It’s best to let things flow naturally.

“The appraisal is complete. This dimension stone needs to be handled with extreme care.”

“The processing must be done with tools of ‘S1’ level or higher. Otherwise, the tools will be damaged.”

“Yes, it seems so. Now, Shinwha, how should I begin production? Please guide me.”

“From now on, you need to focus on every single detail.”

“Is there any doubt? I am Hwang Seok-cheol. Trust me and leave it to me.”

That’s how the production started.

The work, which began in the evening, continued through the night, past midnight, and into the early dawn.

Drawing on my memories from my past life, I shared blueprint knowledge with Hwang Seok-cheol to expedite the production.

Of course, I didn’t share everything. No matter how trustworthy he is, absolute trust is never warranted.

I remained silent about the most critical aspect: ‘maintenance processing.’

Special magic circle formations are required for maintenance processing, knowledge originating from the Nas Continent [a fictional continent with advanced magical techniques].

In other words, this was knowledge that wouldn’t surface for another five years, no matter how much one hurried.

It was using knowledge from an unknown world that hasn’t even been connected yet. It was a perfect safeguard.

‘Anyway, without the ultra-high-grade dimension stone, the production of the Special Suit can’t even begin. And without the maintenance processing, it will degrade into an ordinary suit in less than an hour.’

I had complete confidence in my position.

Even if Hwang Seok-cheol harbored ulterior motives, I had nothing to lose. He would ultimately pay the price. That’s all.

Tak, tak, tak. Tang, tang, tang.

As the final touches were being applied, I watched the process closely beside Hwang Seok-cheol.

As expected, the touch of an artisan possessed a dual nature—both incredibly delicate and surprisingly forceful at times.

“These days, I only hear stories about Shinwha, no matter where I go. My acquaintances have been particularly impressed with the suit reinforcement.”

“Are they finding it useful in their own work?”

“Absolutely! The durability and efficiency have increased by more than 20% for the same cost, so it’s a significant improvement.”

Hwang Seok-cheol had many acquaintances who were also ‘Artisans’ [skilled craftsmen specializing in magical items].

Their positive feedback indicated widespread recognition of its value.

“Since I provided that knowledge for public use, feel free to share it as much as you want.”

“I knew you were an extraordinary person from the moment I met you, and I’m glad my intuition was correct.”

I felt genuinely pleased that Hwang Seok-cheol acknowledged my contributions.

Sharing knowledge that could revolutionize the production methods of artisans was undoubtedly a major event.

Hwang Seok-cheol and his artisan colleagues would likely express their gratitude every time they benefited from it.

But the knowledge I’m willing to share publicly stops here. There’s no need to offer excessive favors.

“It’s done! Well, almost. It’s finished except for the final processing.”

“It’s just a test suit anyway. There was no need to make it elaborate, but you’re faster than I expected.”

“I make a living from custom orders, so I have to be efficient. Hahaha.”

Hwang Seok-cheol’s face, as he wiped away beads of sweat, was filled with pride.

The finishing touches are my responsibility.

While I handled the final processing separately, I inquired about modifying some of my other artifacts.

The first item I presented was the magic bullet gun MZ-20 that I had acquired from Jeilgun [a fictional arms manufacturer] in the past.

“I need additional processing to increase its magic storage capacity. How much more can you add to this magic bullet gun?”

“Hmm… I see some unused internal space. I can increase it to exactly twice the current total amount.”

“I also need you to slightly enhance the magic maintenance of these two swords. Is that possible?”

“We can grind down a top-grade dimension stone, attach it, and then apply a coating. Money is the only issue, but it’s definitely possible.”

“Then, please take care of the modifications and repairs while I complete the final processing on the ‘Special Suit.’”

“Is there any doubt? I’ll start right away!”

Thanks to visiting Hwang Seok-cheol after so long, I could address all the overdue modifications at once.

Even artifacts that I rarely use need to be carefully maintained, so I don’t regret it in an emergency.

The magic bullet gun is also useful as a powerful weapon when my magic power is depleted, and I can’t use my talent.

“Then…”

“You can do the processing in this room. It’s a secret room, and as you can see, there are no small holes. No filming equipment or ways to peek.”

“The artisan’s secret space.”

“That’s right. From now on, it will be Shinwha’s secret space.”

With Hwang Seok-cheol’s consideration, I was led to a secret room for the final, confidential processing.

Now, it was time to infuse the essence of the Nas Continent’s ‘magic engineering’ into my Special Suit.

Future knowledge from after 2025 applied in 2020. This will definitely be a crucial turning point for me!

* * *

1 hour later.

Hwang Seok-cheol’s workshop basement.

Like all artisans, the workshop naturally had facilities for measuring strength and durability.

Many customers want to verify the quality of the suits or items they purchase.

Hwang Seok-cheol was no exception, and as soon as he arrived in the basement, he brought out a model.

It was a dummy similar to the one Marina used for the utilization of Grace [referring to a previous event or character].

“You paid for all the production materials and costs, Shinwha, so I don’t mind, but are you sure about this?”

“Because of the cost?”

“I guess so. Ultra-high-grade dimension stones are expensive materials that can’t even be accurately valued, and besides…”

“I probably spent more than 1 billion won [~750,000 USD] on basic materials alone, right? Even though I only built the basic framework.”

“That’s right. If you experiment, 11 billion won [~8.25 million USD] will disappear.”

“If I think about the lives this suit will save, I would spend 110 billion won, not 11 billion won.”

Shinwha shrugged.

No matter how much it costs to conduct a meaningful experiment, there is nothing to regret.

“Then, I will really do a destructive experiment without holding back.”

“Haha, that’s what I wanted.”

My heart was pounding.

Equipment that cost more than 10 billion won to make as a prototype.

When it comes to formal production later, the production cost of one Special Suit will reach 25 billion won [~18.75 million USD].

Including the ultra-high-grade dimension stone worth 10 billion won.

It’s like carrying a high-rise building in a downtown area on your body.

It was quick to put the suit on the dummy because it was in the form of a human body.

After placing the dummy on the iron plate in the middle of the laboratory.

“Vertical pressure equivalent to the strength of a 30-ton truck will be applied.”

“Let’s start.”

The experiment started right away.

Pressure at the level of a 30-ton truck is comparable to the pressure exerted by the ‘super-large monsters’ encountered in dungeons.

In other words, if the suit can maintain its condition in this experiment?

It means that even if you are crushed by such a monster, you will not be crushed to death.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Soon, a huge iron plate descended and began to press down on the dummy’s suit.

The tonnage displayed on the measuring instrument began to rise rapidly.

‘A supply-type suit is practically a piece of cloth under this pressure, and even the suit I’m wearing now can’t last long.’

I watched the results with interest.

As the pressure from the iron plate increased, a purple aura began to emanate from the entire suit.

As it exceeded the limit of the suit, the ultra-high-grade dimension stone activated a supporting defense barrier to counter the pressure.

“Oh…! That is a phenomenon that cannot be explained without a truly special dimension stone!”

As expected, Hwang Seok-cheol, who immediately noticed, checked the activation of the ultra-high-grade dimension stone and showed a surprised expression.

That would be the case.

Dimension stones that self-activate are rare, and only the ultra-high-grade dimension stone possesses such power.

Creak. Creak. Creak.

The pressure increased further, but the more it did, the more the dimension stone created a thicker barrier and endured.

The dummy wearing the suit showed no deformation at all despite the pressure reaching ‘30T’ [30 tons].

The suit endured the pressure firmly for nearly 10 seconds.

“Wow… I really can’t believe it.”

Hwang Seok-cheol clicked his tongue.

He would never have seen such a suit before. It must have felt like encountering a new civilization.

“This time, let’s experiment with a direct facial strike. It’s a fatal weakness of all suits.”

Shinwha immediately moved on to the next experiment: facial protection.

It was one of the persistent challenges with current suits.

Even full-body suits only protect up to the neck.

That’s why Shinwha mainly targeted the face or neck area when fighting Awakened individuals.

Clever Awakened people aim for the parts that the suit cannot protect.

However, the Special Suit was completed with a special barrier to protect the face.

Following that.

“I will set all the aiming points of the magic power discharge device to the dummy’s face.”

Hwang Seok-cheol readjusted the device inside the laboratory according to Shinwha’s order.

Squeak.

He pressed the red button.

Now, it was simulating the attack of an Awakened person equivalent to the S-rank level [the highest rank for Awakened individuals].

The experiment of unleashing close-range and long-range attacks began.

The next moment.

Kwakwakwa! Kwakwakwakwa!

Faint smoke constantly rose from the face of the dummy that was standing upright.

It was a destructive onslaught that would make it difficult to leave even a trace of the face.