Chapter 87: Chapter 87: “…………….”

“…………….”

Try making magic with him.

Kang Yoo-sik gave a surprising look at the unexpected question while Ban Ye-young narrowed her eyes.

“What nonsense are you saying to him.”

“Just as you heard, I was requesting to work together.”

Flick!

Julius pulled out his lighter and lit the Hydron he had between his lips. He took a long puff out of it and the smoke of it circulated as usual.

Ban Ye-young who was watching furrowed her brows waved her hands.

“I told you not to smoke when there are people around.”

“I can’t help it. Because I will die if I don’t smoke.”

“You die when you smoke you know?”

Kang Yoo-sik stared vacantly at Ban Hye-young who gave a ridiculous look.

‘Indeed, he doesn’t know it’s Hydron.’

He figured it out through his cognitive maximization, and also because he’s smoked Hydron before too. But it would just look like an ordinary cigarette to those who don’t know.

Because Hydron was such an item.

‘It means that you cannot gain it unless you’re deserving of it.’

That was also the reason he didn’t look for Hydron after his regression. That’s because even if he wanted to look for it, he won’t be able to gain it despite having a healthy body like now.

“So, what do you think?”

Kang Yoo-sik gave it a thought at Julius’ question and questioned him in return.

“What magic exactly?”

“Looks like you’re interested. Take a seat first since this is going to take a while.”

Kang Yoo-sik nodded and took his seat. Ban Hye-young too took a seat beside him after putting a windshield around herself.

Julius met eyes with the two of them and continued his talk with the Hydron still in his mouth.

“Firstly, the standards are of the maximum. I’ve planned for the properties of the magic to be magic-oriented.”

One-shot kill without any complicated effects. Kang Yoo-sik watched in interest at the structure that portrayed Julius’ personality.

“Are you trying to simply increase the power of it, or are you trying to modify the flame itself?”

“Hmm. That’s a good point.”

He puffed out the smoke and watched with a smile.

“I’m intending to deal with two things in a complex way. I’m going to build the magic that will increase the power and also will create a new flame that will maximize it at the same time.”

“How much have you progressed so far?”

“I’ve just made the rough frame of it. You can even look at it like nothing’s done yet.”

At Julius’ reply, Kang Yoo-sik got a rough idea about the magic he was planning on making.

‘It’s Lævateinn.’

It’s Julius’ vision magic that he couldn’t complete before the regression.

After his death, the magicians of the next generations attempted to collect the data and develop it, but it was unfortunate magic that recreated only sixty percent of the power according to the records.

‘Hmm. This is quite tempting.’

By any chance, if he completes the creation of Lævateinn by helping Julius, not only he can create a debt relationship with him, he’d be able to gain the vision magi with a powerful strength too.

Of course, it may even be a little less efficient because all the magic he possesses is a one-shot blow. But if it’s Lævateinn, but once he masters it, he’ll have nothing to lose.

‘But is the issue…… Julius’ current state?’

Kang Yoo-sik looked at the Hydron that he was inhaling and gave an ambiguous look. If it was the standard before the regression, Julius could live for 10 years more.

But was it also because his body back then was able to use magic normally? Kang Yoo-sik felt ambiguous again.

‘Though he’s holding up his strength now thanks to Hydron, eventually he can’t help but get worse.’

Hydron doesn’t make things better but just extends the time.

It just means that if his time is extended like that, Julius will eventually turn into a mine.

‘The completion of Lævateinn is important, but the state of his body is more important if I want to make a debt relationship.’

Kang Yoo-sik who tried to put it all together slowly continued talking naturally.

“It’s hard…… to answer right away. I think I need some time to think over it.”

“Then take your time to think about it. Since I don’t mind even if you go back to Korea and contact me if it’s taking time to make a decision.”

“Thank you.”

Kang Yoo-sik lowered his head at Julius’ words, and Ban Hye-young who watched from beside spoke.

“So, our business is over here?”

“I think yes. For cadet Kang Yoo-sik.”

At the tone that seemed like there was something else to be discussed, Kang Yoo-sik rose from his seat.

“Then I’ll take my leave now.”

“Hmm. You go first.”

“See you next time.”

Kang Yoo-sik who bowed to Julius and headed to the entrance turned in a flash and looked at him again.

“Ah. I had something I was curious about…….”

“Hm?”

Kang Yoo-sik gave a curious look at Julius who looked with a confused expression.

“That cigarette…. By any chance, may I know the makers of it?”

At Kang Yoo-sik’s question, a slight interest appeared in Julius’ eyes, and he replied while crushing the Hydron into the ashtray.

“I made it on my own. Since I have a hobby on such things.”

“Is that so…………?”

Julius asked nonchalantly at Kang Yoo-sik who gave an ambiguous look.

“But, why are you curious of that?”

“Since I thought it’s a little different from other cigarettes. I just asked wondering if it was something expensive.”

This was enough, without having to go deeper into it. Julius stared vacantly at Kang Yoo-sik’s reply and answered.

“Don’t show interest in me. There’s nothing good in it.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Kang Yoo-sik bowed his head and exited the café while Julius who watched his back muttered.

“He’s impressive.”

“Right? I do say this a lot, but there’s no one else as amazing as that guy.”

While listening to Ban Hye-young who was talking with all her might, Julius recalled the even from moments ago.

‘That reaction……. I’m certain that he identified Hydron.’

Figuring out about the Hydron that even S-class hunters cannot identify?

Julius completely revised his assumptions about him at the realization of his cognitive ability beyond imagination.

‘If he has that much power, I have to definitely get his help.’

If his assumptions aren’t wrong, he might even be able to complete the creation of Lævateinn in no time.

“Yeah so, firstly, let me just stop here.”

Ban Hye-young who wrapped up her praises about Kang Yoo-sik lightly tapped on the desk.

Wooooong!

At that, the air in the surrounding changed in a heartbeat and spread layering around countless tables. Julius who witnessed such colossal magic muttered in a terrified voice.

“You just laid a recognition distortion field of such a level with just a motion of your hand……? You’ve developed tremendously in the times we’ve not seen each other huh?”

“It’s all thanks to the excellent student, you know.”

“Sure enough. I’m getting more and more interested.”

“Don’t try to force him into it, since we’re busy nowadays.”

“Don’t worry about it. Besides that, …….”

Julius took a glance at the surrounding, pulled out a letter from his arms, and handed it over. A simple letter with just the H initial written on a white background.

Ban Hye-young took a look at it, put it in her sleeve right away, and questioned.

“Other than this?”

“Nothing exactly.”

“Right……. It would’ve been nice if we could meet often. What a frustrating prick.”

Julius chuckled at Ban Hye-young who was whining in dissatisfaction.

“They probably have their own reasons. Understand it.”

“Indeed, I have to. Since it always rewards me with priceless items.”

“What is it this time?”

Ban Hye-young widened her eyes slightly at his question and avoided making eye contact.

“It-, It’s just something.”

“Hmm. I see. Well, even if they’re your student, you need to repay them as much as you’ve received from them, right?”

“Wh-, what nonsense are you talking? Anyways, just bother about the presentation day!”

Ban Hye-young rose from her seat, deactivated the recognition distortion field, and left right away. Julius watched her back with a surprised look and pulled out another cigarette.

“How harsh…….”

He muttered low and continued to puff out smoke.

***

3 days after arriving in the US.

Kang Yoo-sik who returned to the accommodation after having lunch outside, looked at his reflection on the mirror while buttoning down his shirt.

‘Hmm. I think this will be okay.’

Though it’s not extremely pricey, it was a suit of a moderate brand that could save his face. Though it could look meaningless, usually putting thoughts into such trivial stuff could help things turn around.

When Kang Yoo-sik was taking a look at his outfit that somewhat looked okay.

Knock knock.

“May I come in?”

It was Cha Si-hyun’s voice. At that, Kang Yoo-sik hurriedly buttoned up and replied right away.

“Yes, come in.”

The door opened at his reply, and Cha Si-hyun who wore an outfit from the same brand entered in.

An outfit that suited her well, although she’s wearing like that for the very first time. Looking at her wearing a skirt unlike before regression where she wore only pants gave it a fresh look.

‘She even said she’d not wear anything else if not for pants.’

Cha Si-hyun looked at Kang Yoo-sik as he was slightly dazed at it.

‘Is there anything wro-…..”

“Nope. I just thought that it suits you well.”

“…… Thank you.”

Kang Yoo-sik chuckled at the sight of Cha Si-hyun who bowed while giving a shy expression.

“I’d be done if I put on my tie, so please give me just a moment.”

“Ah. If that’s so……..”

“Hm?”

“……… Please excuse me for a moment.”

Cha Si-hyun examined around slightly and approached him slowly. She took the tie from his hand and put it around his neck.

She skillfully put a tie knot and adjusted his tie length appropriately while Kang Yoo-sik silently watched.

“It’s all done.”

Kang Yoo-sik looked surprised at the neatly done necktie as if it was measured to perfection and smiled at her.

“It’s perfect.”

“Thank you.”

Cha Si-hyun gave a satisfactory smile and Kang Yoo-sik questioned while examining his outfit again.

“What about the professor?”

“She left a while ago. She will return by dawn, so she asked you to go to bed first.”

“Hm. Looks like today is that busy day……”

He wished for Ban Hye-young to go with them if possible too, but he has no choice. Kang Yoo-sik was done with the preparations and looked at Cha Si-hyun by putting all his regrets away.

“Then, shall we leave?”

“Sure.”

Both of them arrived at the lobby of the hotel, got into the car waiting for them, and reached the High Coast that held a strong position in New York downtown.

A department that was glowing in a faint golden light as if it was filled with gold. Though it was a low-laid building with 6 floors in total, it was quite colossally wide enough. It was twice the size of a huge departmental store.

‘It’s unbelievable as ever huh…….’

Building such a place in New York, which is considered to be one of the Top 10 in land prices is great. But what’s greater is that protection which was so robust that it almost seemed so candid from the outside.

‘If the scale of magic is that level, it’d be hard even to take control.’

Even if he plans a way of entering by detouring as much as he can, it’d take a week at least. Considering having to enter the warehouse where the item will be stored or even the escape route afterward, it looked like it’d take a month to prepare for all that.

‘Well, the items in there are that valuable, so…”

It was somehow the obvious fact as he had to start from the basics.

When Kang Yoo-sik was sticking his tongue out at the tremendous facility. Cha Si-hyun muttered in a dazed voice from beside.

“It’s indeed…….. amazing just like what we heard.”

“Right?”

He’s seen it multiple times before his regression, but it was Cha Si-hyun’s first time witnessing it, so it’s obvious that she’d be amazed by it.

Kang Yoo-sik gave a heartwarming look at Cha Si-hyun who was looking around with an innocent look.

“One month just to sneak in…… it looks like you’ve got to prepare many folds of it if you’re going to consider the warehouse and escape route too.”

“…………”

Kang Yoo-sik gave a bitter expression at the opinion that was way drearier than he expected.

He thought she had changed, but she was sure the same as ever when it comes to these things. Though he was quite like it, Kang Yoo-sik just nodded since there was nothing bad about it anyway.

“You’re outstanding.”

“Thank You.”

Cha Si-hyun gave a satisfied smile at it and Kang Yoo-sik entered the building concluding that the compliment would be enough.

The inside of the building had a huge crowd as much as outside. Tourists and hunters crowded in not only because of the VIP auction but also because there were various stores and amenities located inside.

Kang Yoo-sik looked around for a while, spotted the VIP use elevator on one side, and pointed towards it.

“Let’s go that way.”

“Sure.”

The two of them headed towards the elevator surrounded by bodyguards and showed the invitation to the staff there.

“I hope you have a great time.”

The two of them exchanged greetings with the staff and bodyguards and got into the elevator. They arrived at the 7th floor, which was hidden above the 6th and highest floor in the building.

Ding!

The elevator door opened to a sight that was too fancy to be compared with the first floor. Cha Si-hyun widened her eyes at the sight of it.

Colorful murals carved on round ceilings and glamorous pillars erected side by side like ancient shrines.

All kinds of paintings & sculptures were exhibited here and there. They were all artworks worth billions.

“This place is truly…… amazing.”

Kang Yoo-sik nodded at Cha Si-hyun who looked amazed in the most innocent way.

“It’s indeed amazing, isn’t it?”

An overwhelming sight that made him automatically feel like it was a place where people generously spend money. He thought it was maybe a bit too much, but if you think about the amount of money that comes and goes from here, there wasn’t anything special about it too.

“Since there’s still time left to start, why don’t we go to the center hall?”

“Sure.”

The place where participants wait until the auction starts. With all the food and beverages prepared, it looked no less than that of a social event.

‘Would there be any big shots here….’

Though the main target is the object he came to buy, there was nothing bad about going around and making a connection with famous big shots.

Kang Yoo-sik entered the center hall while looking forward to it.

“I will not give anything away to you today!”

“It’s not even your item, why should I bother about giving it to you? And I already told you many times to be quiet.”

“How many times do I tell you that I was born with it!”

“What nonsense are you-……!”

A tough old man shouting and a magician like old man frowning.

Though many had their eyes on them, the two of them continued to argue without a blink of their eyes, and a young silver-haired girl who had been witnessing the whole scene all long narrowed her eyes,

“……… Both of you are so embarrassing.”

At the sight of those two who were creating a scene trying to stand out among countless participants, Kang Yoo-sik gave an expression of utter ridicule and muttered.

“What are you doing here?”

The three of them turned their heads at Kang Yoo-sik’s voice and widened their eyes in unison.

“Ohhhhmyyy……. Who knew I’d run into you here. It’s been a long time.”

“………….!!”

Heinz greeted him despite the surprise at the unexpected situation, and Wilhelmina was just frozen in surprise.

And lastly.

“It-, It’s been a long time…….”

He faced Tao Fei with the interruption of a voice.