I’M A Max-Level Regressor [EN]: Chapter 242

242

‘Not at all.’

Unlike Myth’s meticulous arrangement in preparation for any contingency, Jang Dong-shik focused all his mental energy on detecting dark energy.

And as Myth had confidently asserted, he confirmed the complete absence of dark energy within Myth’s body.

For an apostle or follower from the Nas continent, as Myth was suspected to be, the presence of dark energy was an undeniable mark.

While it could potentially be concealed, persistent examination, like the one just conducted, would inevitably reveal its traces.

The utter lack of dark energy, despite Myth’s deep involvement with the apostles, served as irrefutable proof that he had no connection to the Nas continent.

‘He’s genuinely an Earthling.’

‘That’s right. One hundred percent pure.’

‘Then how does he possess so much knowledge about us?’

‘I believe we can simply attribute it to “future sight.” Do you require further explanation?’

‘Future sight… Don’t tell me he regressed from the future or something? Is that the explanation?’

‘If regression were that commonplace, wouldn’t regressors be overflowing in this world?’

Myth felt a slight pang but laughed it off, dismissing it as nonsense.

Jang Dong-shik nodded, considering the regression theory a bit far-fetched.

It was a topic Myth and Nicholas often discussed.

‘Nicholas, in the distant future, won’t a time machine capable of traveling to the past be developed?’

‘No, I disagree. If that were the case, wouldn’t countless individuals from the future be residing in the present?’

‘I suppose…’

‘The ability to regress isn’t merely special; it’s practically an impossibility.’

‘So, what are you implying? Are you suggesting that you’re extraordinary?’

‘Bingo. Praise Nicholas, the regressor. That’s precisely what I’m saying.’

‘Judging by your behavior, I have no desire to regress.’

‘Haha, really? Well, would you even have a reason to regress? Absolutely not.’

That’s what he said…

The reality is that I’m living diligently after ‘successfully’ regressing like this.

Regardless, Jang Dong-shik didn’t press further, deeming the regression hypothesis pointless.

‘Just tell me what I need to know.’

‘I am aware of the flawed future that you apostles envision. Actions must be taken to rectify it.’

‘And I’m expected to cooperate?’

‘Precisely. You have two options: assist or perish.’

‘Is that coercion? Or a request?’

‘That depends on your interpretation, Jang Dong-shik. Isn’t it subjective?’

‘It also hinges on the degree of trust and faith I have in you.’

‘Indeed. The extent to which you open your heart will influence many things, including my decisions.’

Myth spoke calmly.

Of course, Nicholas had advised him to save Jang Dong-shik and enlist his aid.

However, that didn’t imply groveling or begging for assistance.

Furthermore, he wanted Jang Dong-shik to fully grasp the disparity between his karma [destiny] and power.

‘…….’

Silence filled the room.

Myth didn’t press him.

In any case, Jang Dong-shik’s origins as an apostle were undeniable, and he had to reveal his vulnerabilities.

It would be odd if he readily divulged the information as if he had been anticipating it. His apprehension was understandable.

Gulp- Gulp-.

‘May I have another glass?’

‘You detected the expensive potions in it like a ghost. Watching you drink it so lavishly…’

‘……Show some generosity.’

‘Yeah, that’s why I poured it for you.’

Pour, pour.

Myth refilled Jang Dong-shik’s wine glass to the brim.

The value of that single glass of wine, converted to cash, would easily exceed ten million won [approximately $7,500 USD].

Gulp- Gulp-.

Jang Dong-shik drained two glasses of wine in quick succession.

He slowly began to speak.

‘That’s right. I am an apostle. My apostle name is Kasron, a being from the Nas continent. I’m unsure how you discovered it, but Recheler… no, I’m a spy dispatched by Recheler.’

‘Continue. I’m listening intently. And rest assured, I’ll listen without prejudice.’

As Myth softened the weight of his words, Jang Dong-shik began to recount his story.

He listened attentively.

Myth nodded occasionally, absorbing Jang Dong-shik’s words without missing a detail.

There were no inconsistencies.

Jang Dong-shik’s account aligned perfectly with Myth’s knowledge, and there wasn’t a single falsehood in his words.

Myth, in turn, shared some of his secrets as a reward for Jang Dong-shik’s honesty.

Regarding the Clizard Combat Unit’s ring, he explained how he encountered the three black magicians in the dungeon and acquired it.

Through future sight—actually, regression knowledge—he even knew of Pentanaz’s existence and the identities of the remaining members.

And after finishing speaking.

Myth revealed the apostle’s corpse in a small warehouse located deep within the safe house.

This was a space Myth frequently used for potion processing and trimming.

Consequently, it was well-equipped with soundproofing, odor control, and robust internal air circulation and ventilation systems.

Furthermore, thanks to being stored in a vacuum subspace, the decay was relatively delayed.

‘As you can see with your own eyes, Libein, the apostle Valcadia, met his end at my hands, and this is the remaining apostle.’

‘Hmm… Who is it? I keep up with the news of the Awakened, but I have no idea who this face is.’

‘VVIP [Very Very Important Person]. He was the head of the WSA [World Superpower Association]. A secretive individual who never revealed his face to the public.’

‘You took care of that head?’

‘You’re witnessing it firsthand, aren’t you? Actually, whether this guy is a VVIP or not is irrelevant. What matters is whether he’s an apostle or not.’

‘May I take a look? Even after a black magician dies, dark energy persists until the body rots and disappears.’

‘That’s why I brought it out. Take a close look. This is a matter of “trust.”‘

The detection process was simpler than Myth’s earlier examination.

Since it involved examining a corpse, the subject couldn’t react or respond.

Soon, Jang Dong-shik’s expression turned ashen after analyzing the dark energy.

‘It’s the dark energy of the apostle Meslow. He’s a sly and sinister individual, but his combat skills were unparalleled. He was a cunning guy…’

Jang Dong-shik’s eyes, as he looked at Myth, trembled with fear before he lowered them.

It was fleeting, but he sensed a deeper, darker murderous intent than the abyss in Myth’s gaze.

It was as if that look conveyed that he could eliminate an apostle ‘like’ Jang Dong-shik as easily as he wished.

Of course, Myth himself was staring without any particular thought, but Jang Dong-shik’s mind had already taken flight with imagination.

‘Anyway, I’m dealing with the apostles in this manner. And the root cause of all this is Recheler.’

‘That’s right.’

‘Help me eliminate Recheler.’

‘How can you? Recheler exists on the Nas continent, not Earth. It’s a completely different world.’

‘Just tell me everything you know about the Nas continent. No further questions. I’ll handle it.’

‘…….’

‘You mentioned having family on the Nas continent, correct? It will take time, but someday I’ll be able to confirm their safety.’

‘Did you find the movement path?’

‘I assure you, the less you know, the better. Just know it at this level for now.’

Jang Dong-shik bit his lip.

Considering that the person named ‘Kang Shin-hwa’ is an Awakened with many absurd aspects in the first place.

It wouldn’t be strange if a few more unbelievable facts were added to it.

Whether he was a time traveler, a regressor, or a future predictor, it was undeniable that he was outside the realm of normalcy.

One thing was certain.

Shin-hwa possesses extensive knowledge of Recheler and the apostles, and his determination to rectify the situation is unwavering.

And Jang Dong-shik is an apostle who sympathizes with Shin-hwa’s thoughts and an internal ‘traitor’.

Of course, he considered it a worthwhile betrayal. Recheler’s dream was a nightmare that should never come to fruition.

‘Kang Shin-hwa.’

‘Yeah?’

‘Okay. I don’t know what knowledge you seek from me, but I’ll cooperate unconditionally to the best of my ability.’

‘What I need most is knowledge about the Reknat Order and black magic. I need all the data.’

‘Now?’

‘I want you to tell me everything you know from the moment I ask.’

‘Well, there’s nothing difficult about that.’

Jang Dong-shik nodded.

Shin-hwa intended to accelerate things.

It seemed there was a limit to solely awaiting messages delivered in the name of revelation from Nicholas.

He couldn’t rely on it unconditionally.

Because he didn’t know if Nicholas was sending the message in a stable state.

Or if he was telling him while risking his life and barely overcoming the crisis.

From now on, he would operate on two tracks.

While discovering the shortcut through Nicholas’ ‘revelation’, he decided to explore other side paths.

* * *

The next morning.

I rented Jang Dong-shik a safe house near Sadang Station and secured a suitable warehouse nearby.

The warehouse rent was quite steep, but it was insignificant compared to my income, so it was inconsequential.

And I tasked Jin Bo-mi with relocating the facilities from Jang Dong-shik’s hideout in the Black Zone.

Given the nature of the area, I requested that she provide an escort for safe transport, in addition to simple transportation.

There would be an expense, but thanks to the Yanghwa Guild’s consideration, it was safely moved without any burden.

Fortunately, there were no further signs of the Revengers.

However, recalling the memory of the three major Chinese corrupt guilds who attempted to assassinate me earlier using the assassin information network called ‘Dark Forest’.

I couldn’t guarantee Jang Dong-shik’s unconditional safety, so I decided to have him remain in his current residence for the time being.

And to Jang Dong-shik, who was awaiting the arrival of the production equipment in the still-empty warehouse.

I tossed him the highest-grade dimensional stone retrieved from the subspace.

‘W-What is this?’

‘What else could it be? It’s the dimensional stone “nim” [a respectful suffix in Korean] who will be the next generation.’

‘How can you…?’

‘I’m showing it to you because I possess it, is there anything else?’

‘…….’

‘If there’s a good artifact that you can craft with that, please do so. I’ll offer you a generous price. You’ll be bored just being there anyway, right?’

‘That’s true. I’m having all sorts of strange experiences in my life. The name written on the tooltip of the highest-grade dimensional stone is unusual.’

‘You’ll see it often in the future. Let’s stay safe here for the time being.’

‘Okay.’

Unless unforeseen issues arise, Jang Dong-shik will cooperate with me fully and remain discreet.

He prioritizes his daughter’s safety above all else, so he will be extra cautious in his actions.

‘Let’s conclude this swiftly before another variable emerges, without further delay.’

So, I decided to seize the initiative. It was a trip to Australia.

Isla Blanchette.

Or, it was a journey to eliminate the third target, the apostle ‘Lania’.

Without anyone’s knowledge.

Secretly.