The Regressor Can Make Them All
Chapter 394

Chapter 394

Within a small workshop—with an old-fashioned yet meticulously maintained interior—that was next to a house near the coastline, a special training session by the request of Li Kenxie himself was currently in progress.

“...”

Li Fei clutched her sternum with her small hands. She was attempting to manipulate the blood flowing from her heart using a newly learned technique.

Unfortunately, her blood refused to flow as intended. The sheer force of the blood surging from the heart to the rest of her body made it difficult to control, especially for someone still inexperienced in Blood Arts like Li Fei.

“Ugh...”

After several more failed attempts, her eyebrows knitted together as she clenched her hands tighter around her sternum. But just as she was about to exert far more force than before, she was stopped.

“That’s enough.”

The slime-like red familiar, Resentful Blood, swiftly latched onto her hands and pulled them away from her sternum.

“Ah...”

Blinking in surprise, Li Fei looked across the room. There, at the end of her gaze, was the woman who had been closely watching her while lazily smoking a cigarette: Meirin.

“Just now. What do you think would’ve happened if I hadn’t intervened?”

Li Fei hesitated, replaying her own actions in her mind, then lowered her gaze with a subdued expression.

“My heart... would have been injured.”

“Exactly. It was reckless to act without thinking. You understand that now, don’t you?”

“...I’m sorry.”

But despite her small, crestfallen apology, Meirin remained indifferent.

“You don’t need to apologize. I’m not here to protect you—I’m here to teach you.”

“...?”

Li Fei gave her a confused look, as if asking what the difference was.

So, Meirin elaborated. “I stopped you since you would have just gotten hurt without anything in return. But if there was something you would have gained, even at the cost of getting hurt, I wouldn’t have interfered.”

“Oh...”

“So, if you don’t want to get hurt in the future, either be more careful or—if you feel like you're onto something—just take the risk and go for it. That’s how—mmph?!”

Quickly stepping in before she could finish, Eun-Ha hurriedly clamped a hand over Meirin’s mouth.

“Professor Ryu. How many times have I told you not to lie during class?”

“Mmmph!”

Meirin protested, insisting she hadn’t lied. However, Eun-Ha continued to regard her with a stony stare.

“It’s about time we switched. Professor Ryu, take a break.”

Pushing Meirin aside before she could spout more nonsense, Eun-Ha let out a small sigh before turning back to Li Fei.

“Take the risk when I feel like I’m onto something...”

Hearing Li Fei quietly muttering the advice to herself, trying to commit it to memory, Eun-Ha knelt in front of her and met her gaze. She had to stop the dangerous mindset from taking root.

“That last piece of advice was just Professor Ryu joking around. Don’t take it too seriously.”

“Really?”

“Yes. There’s no reason for you to put yourself in unnecessary danger.”

“But... all the heroes I’ve seen were like that,” Li Fei cautiously replied after some deep thought.

She had recalled the battle recordings Li Kenxie had shown her to shape her mindscape. Initially, she had simply enjoyed watching them fight, never dwelling on the pain of their injuries or deaths.

But after meeting Se-Hoon, her perspective shifted drastically. When she watched them now, she immersed herself in their struggles as she tried to understand their thoughts and feelings.

What makes me different from them?

If other heroes took risks and moved forward despite the dangers, why was she being told not to? Doubt filled her mind, which then intertwined with her innate talent—manifesting as a translucent flame.

Fwoosh-

A faint Sacred Flame flickered to life within her. For now, it served only to calm the chaos in her mind, but if left unchecked, it could soon spread throughout her body and consume her entirely.

“...”

Eun-Ha silently observed the girl, who was unaware of the dangerous flame within her.

“Do you truly want to be like them?” Eun-Ha softly took Li Fei’s hands in her own, her voice gentle. “If your goal is to hasten your training at the cost of harming yourself and making others grieve, then I will support you in that path.”

Considering Eun-Ha’s words, Li Fei locked eyes with her before slowly shaking her head.

“...I don’t think that’s what I want.”

“Then you don’t need to go down that path. We’re here to teach you, not control you.”

Thanks to those sincere words, the fire inside Li Fei began subsiding. And upon seeing that, Eun-Ha immediately activated her Soul Furnace.

Whoosh-

Her hair and eyes flared into a brilliant crimson glow.

“Wow...”

Li Fei’s eyes sparkled.

And as she watched, Eun-Ha channeled her mana into the Primordial Ring and forged an Ore Core inside her.

Woong-

The synesthetic mindscape of the weapon she had consumed earlier settled into her hands, and moments later, a translucent flame emerged.

“Do you see the fire in my hands?”

Li Fei nodded, mesmerized.

“Think that this fire exists inside you as well. Now, take a deep breath and exhale gently—so gently that the flame doesn’t flicker,” Eun-Ha gently guided.

“Without making it flicker...”

Li Fei followed the instruction, carefully exhaling toward the flames. Her breath was so soft that it could barely extinguish a candle. Yet, under that breath, the flame in Eun-Ha’s hands slowly faded—along with the flame inside Li Fei.

“Whew...”

Having successfully prevented the rampage of the power of Anatta, Eun-Ha focused again on Li Fei’s face.

“...?”

Li Fei blinked. She seemed confused, unaware of what had just happened.

But instead of explaining, Eun-Ha let out a light chuckle before moving on. “Let’s move on to your training. First, your internal mana...”

With that, the lesson resumed. Meanwhile, in the next room, Se-Hoon observed through a camera with an impressed look on his face.

She’s surprisingly good with kids.

Before he regressed, the children Eun-Ha encountered would end up crying every time. Back then, he had thought she had a personality issue, but perhaps it was just her stiff expression and way of speaking.

Or maybe she just became like that as her emotions have deepened.

Either way, it was a positive change.

Pleased, Se-Hoon continued watching, and his gaze naturally shifted to Meirin, who was leisurely smoking a cigarette.

My master, though...

While she was skilled at teaching techniques, her unnecessary comments nearly caused an accident. Of course, there was no malice in her words, but they could still be problematic.

It wasn’t like Se-Hoon could complain to her, though, as she had given him a warning already before class.

“I’m fine with teaching, but I might make some sharp remarks along the way. Are you okay with that?”

If he had been Li Fei’s guardian, he would have shut that idea down immediately. Unfortunately, however, her actual guardian was anything but a normal person.

“Hm... So it was really possible to control it.”

Despite his granddaughter’s close call, Li Kenxie was watching with interest rather than concern.

Immediately, Se-Hoon shot him an incredulous look.

“She almost got seriously hurt, and that’s all you have to say?”

“If it were truly dangerous, I would’ve stepped in. You think this is the first time?”

“That’s not the point! Like I’ve told you before, Professor Ryu is not good for her emotional health.”

“And neither are you. So keep your mouth shut.”

“...”

...Hard to argue with that.

Grumbling inwardly, Se-Hoon changed topics. “So? Are you satisfied with the class?”

Li Fei’s training had originally been his responsibility, but Li Kenxie had objected. Because he kept running into dangerous situations, Li Kenxie insisted that someone else should take over to ensure she got proper training.

“...It’ll do. But...” Li Kenxie trailed off as he eyed Meirin on the screen. “No, it doesn’t matter. This might turn out to be a better opportunity.” He dismissed his thoughts.

“What do you mean—”

“You don’t need to know. More importantly, have you decided on a name for the technique?”

Narrowing his eyes at the dismissiveness, Se-Hoon answered, “We’ve decided to call it the ‘Defiant Ember—The Lamp That Defies Anatta.’”

“What an arrogant name.”

The powers of Perfect Ones often developed as the laws of the world itself, because they had desired it as such. To defy such a law meant denying the wish—no, the very synesthetic mindscape—of Li Kenxie himself.

It may not sound like much, but it’s a delicate matter.

Most people naturally believed their insight was right. And that belief piled up over time, solidifying into a synesthetic mindscape.

That’s why, when people express such denial, they usually lash out violently or... simply try to erase the opposition altogether.

Knowing such a fact, Se-Hoon waited tensely for Li Kenxie’s response—it was the final turning point.

“Well, I guess it wouldn’t matter.”

Li Kenxie was completely indifferent.

“It seems to live up to its name, after all.”

It was as if it made no difference to Li Kenxie whether his power was defied or not, leaving Se-Hoon slightly taken aback.

He really doesn’t care...

He had somewhat expected it, but he still found it astonishing. And it was for good reason—someone who could accept that kind of denial so casually wouldn’t even make it to become a high-ranking hero, let alone a Perfect One.

This means... there must be something else that is more important to him.

What kind of wish did Li Kenxie have that resulted in such an extreme and unrestrained power? Se-Hoon fell into deep thought, pondering over it.

“So, what is it you want?”

“...Pardon?”

“You must have something you’re after since you made this in such a rush. I don’t like long-winded talk, so just get to the point.”

Though he spent most of his time locked away in his workshop, Li Kenxie wasn’t so oblivious that he couldn’t read the overall flow of events.

Faced with his bluntness, Se-Hoon hesitated momentarily before answering, “During the upcoming Silent Volcano subjugation mission, I’d like you to protect the Chairman so he can move freely.”

“Asking me to play watchdog, huh.... Annoying, but I suppose it’s better than running around outside. Fine, I’ll do it.”

His immediate acceptance caught Se-Hoon off guard. While he hadn’t expected Li Kenxie to outright refuse, he also didn’t think it would be so easy.

Did he actually take a liking to Defiant Ember?

If that was true, then perhaps he could ask for more. Thinking about if he needed anything, Se-Hoon suddenly remembered something.

“Ah.”

“Hm? What is it?”

“No, uh... Well...”

A necessary request came to mind, but Se-Hoon wasn’t sure if it was okay to bring it up. He hesitated, unable to get the words out.

But that just made Li Kenxie narrow his eyes in annoyance.

“Just blurt out whatever just came to your mind. I won’t even consider it in the first place if it’s ridiculous.”

At his tone that made it clear there was no need for hesitation, Se-Hoon scratched the back of his head and spoke up. “Actually, I’ve been modifying the Five Element Equipment lately.”

“Modifying the Five Element Equipment?”

“Yes. I’m using them to forge my own equipment, but the Golden Origin Armor and Verdant Lotus Spear alone feel a bit lacking. That’s why I was wondering if I could get another Five Element Equipment or something similar...”

Li Kenxie grew intrigued.

Modifying the Five Element Equipment... is he trying to recreate their past state?

The memory of Se-Hoon forging the Sin-Eclipsing Blade from months ago surfaced in Li Kenxie’s mind—which made him respond immediately.

“Show it to me.”

“...Excuse me?”

“I need to see it for myself to know what’s needed.”

Though it was clear Li Kenxie had taken an interest in the fact that Se-Hoon had modified the Golden Origin Armor and Verdant Lotus Spear, Se-Hoon looked slightly troubled.

“Well... um...”

Se-Hoon fell into thought, debating if it was okay to show Li Kenxie his workshop. And it wasn’t long before he reached a conclusion.

Well, does it matter?

Showing it to others may be risky, but Li Kenxie was, in some ways, even crazier than he was.

“Understood. Please wait a moment.”

Quickly informing Meirin and Eun-Ha that he’d be visiting the workshop with Li Kenxie, Se-Hoon promptly teleported them there.

Whoosh!

“This is...”

Li Kenxie frowned slightly, taking in the sight of Se-Hoon’s workshop after a long time.

Encircling the workshop were gray pillars and a black outline that wrapped around the entire building. From them, Li Kenxie sensed the combined presence of the power of Grace and the power of Boundaries, turning his expression unreadable.

This feels more like a seal than protection.

From what he could tell, getting out of the building was even harder than getting inside, and that seemed tough already. Just what was inside that required such measures?

“Hm... Mr. Li, could I ask for one promise before we enter?”

“What?”

“No matter what you see inside, you absolutely cannot try to burn it down. Understood?”

“The hell are you talking about—”

“I won’t show you anything until you promise.”

Though it seemed like an overreaction, Se-Hoon was serious.

And the sight of him like that made Li Kenxie reluctantly nod, despite being displeased.

“Tsk. Fine. I promise I’ll hold back.”

“Thank you. Let’s go in then.”

Partially undoing the seal around the workshop, Se-Hoon led Li Kenxie inside.

Is this... the smell of blood?

An overwhelming stench hit them the moment they stepped inside. The air was also so chilling, even considering that it was winter, that it felt like they had stepped into a freezer.

If he’s going to forge under these conditions...

A certain forging technique came to Li Kenxie’s mind, making his expression twist as he followed Se-Hoon further inside. And there, he finally saw the modified Five Element Equipment.

The Golden Origin Armor was split open at the chest, with the Verdant Lotus Spear attached to the back like a spine. At first glance, it looked like broken armor hanging on a rack. But upon a closer look...

Squirm-

The roots of the Verdant Lotus Spear were stretched outward, connected to various materials. Some were standard ores, but the majority were byproducts harvested from monsters.

So they really did end up as a bioweapon...

From how the organs and body parts of monsters were writhing as they merged with the roots of the Verdant Lotus Spear, a careful selection process was clearly in place to prevent an overload.

This isn’t the work of an amateur.

He had sensed something odd when Se-Hoon had forged the Sin-Eclipsing Blade back then, but even then, Li Kenxie had never expected him to be that skilled. Wanting to know why he knew so much about bioweapons, Li Kenxie was about to ask when—

“Oh? You’re here sooner than I expected.”

A thin left arm floated into the room from the adjacent chamber.

“...What the hell is that?”

His first instinct was to scoff at Se-Hoon’s bizarre taste, but Li Kenxie paused. There was something about the floating arm.... He was sure he had seen its structure and mana from somewhere before...

Furrowing his brow, Li Kenxie tried to recall. Then it finally clicked: they were the remnants of someone he wished to never encounter again. His eyes widened in disbelief.

“That... No way...”

“Oh hey, it’s the Sacred Craftsman. Long time no see!”

The left arm waved cheerfully, which prompted Li Kenxie to turn immediately to Se-Hoon with a stormy expression.

“You... Where the hell did you... No, what the hell have you been doing?”

“Well... It’s a bit of a long explanation...”

Se-Hoon smiled wryly, having guessed Li Kenxie would react as such.

But just as he was about to explain, the Seeker interjected.

“Why is it so long? It’s actually very simple.”

The left arm of the Seeker floated smoothly through the air, draping itself over Se-Hoon’s shoulder as it formed a “V” with its fingers.

“I’ve decided to become Se-Hoon’s loyal servant. Yay~”

“...”

“...”

Silence.

Then, after a brief moment, Se-Hoon rushed to clarify, wanting to dispel any suspicion that he had been collecting Perfect Ones’ corpses to turn them into servitors.

“So, you fought with some guys from Dawn and ended up with the Seeker's body parts they had. And when you used the power of Boundaries to seal it, the Seeker’s consciousness suddenly came back to life?”

“That’s exactly it.”

“And that personality is actually the power of Omniscience mimicking it.... Then, now that you can handle the power properly, you can use it like a servitor. Right?”

“Yes.”

Once Se-Hoon finished explaining, Li Kenxie glanced sideways.

“Ahhh... My finger’s bending... It’s going to snap...!”

Se-Hoon had forcefully bent the Seeker’s middle finger backward and tied it to the wrist with Spirit Weaver, which caused the finger joint to creak painfully. It made for a rather unappealing sight, being just a floating left arm.

“I still can’t believe it... but I suppose I have to.”

Li Kenxie wore a complicated expression as he stared at the Seeker’s left arm. He had thought the Seeker was likely dead, given her long disappearance, but confirming it in person still felt entirely different.

“...”

His gaze lingered on the strange left arm, which was “supposedly” the Seeker.

“You said you needed something like the Five Element Equipment, didn’t you?”

“Ah, yes. That’s right.”

“I’ll ask Caden about it. He’s the one who took them, so he should know where the rest are.”

If it were Caden—who was actually from Offering—then not only would he know their location, but he was likely even using them actively, spreading them around here and there.

Yet Se-Hoon couldn’t say that, so he simply nodded in thanks instead.

“Thank you.”

“As for something similar... it seems there’s nothing suitable.”

“Ah... Well, I guess there’s no helping that.”

Se-Hoon was a little disappointed, but he hadn’t expected much to begin with.

Brushing it off, he moved on—

“So, I’ll just make one for you this time.”

“...Excuse me?”

At the sudden statement, Se-Hoon looked at Li Kenxie in confusion, not understanding.

“I just so happened to have found some good material, so...”

His gaze still on the squirming left arm of the Seeker, Li Kenxie’s eyes gleamed with a mischievous light.