Chapter : 71
Preparation (4)
“Do we really have to do this?”
“We have to.”
As he walked outside, Kim Chang-sik whispered desperately, taking advantage of a moment when no one else could hear. His expression, standing on the brink of humiliation, was a mix of emotions.
“Listen carefully. Don’t use all your power. Moderate it, adjust it, and make it look flashy. Make sure the direction is opposite to where people are. Don’t aim at the ground—aim at the air. And don’t forget the staggering smoke effect after you’re done.”
“…?”
Only then did Kim Chang-sik realize that Su-hyun had some hidden motive. Otherwise, there was no reason to give such detailed instructions.
“Is that really necessary…?”
“Do you think I’d do this just to mess with you?”
‘I thought as much.’
“What’s with that expression?”
“It’s nothing.”
Two black cases. Considering what was inside, the exterior felt surprisingly plain. Su-hyun walked out, glancing at Kang In-kyu. His expression looked as gloomy as Kim Chang-sik’s.
‘Choi Jae-ho must have pushed him hard.’
It was Su-hyun who had lured Choi Jae-ho. He had expected that if he pushed just enough, Choi Jae-ho would send Kang In-kyu without hesitation. Choi Jae-ho was a man who adjusted his approach according to the situation, and when persuading a rookie like Kang In-kyu, he must have used a rather forceful method.
‘Can I make good use of this guy?’
Su-hyun was still half in doubt. Giving up an artifact to bring Kang In-kyu was a decision made with the expectation of taking a loss.
Rebuilding a relationship with Jindo Dog had been the outward goal, but in reality, it wasn’t that urgent. Even if Jindo Dog gnawed at him, Su-hyun was confident he could live well without concern.
Choosing Kang In-kyu was motivated by greed—he wanted something big. Even if he failed, there was no direct loss.
‘This is when you take the gamble.’
He already had a hunch on how to awaken him, so he planned to try step by step. Before bringing Kang In-kyu, Su-hyun had worried most about this question:
How could he make him experience a powerful tragedy, even virtually?
First, there was the Ring of Confusion. It had been brought to use against large monsters, but thanks to its ability, it had versatile applications.
‘Still… I’m not completely sure.’
Even knowing how the superpower “confusion” worked, Su-hyun found it hard to be confident. Confusion was a superpower that greatly weakened the target’s judgment and thinking. On its own, it couldn’t create tragedy. Tragedy had to be experienced or suggested separately.
Time wasn’t an issue anyway. Even if it didn’t work at first, Su-hyun planned to keep trying. He was confident that he would eventually become a superpowered individual, which made the plan possible. Su-hyun looked at Kang In-kyu warmly, like a farmer eyeing his livestock.
“?!”
Kang In-kyu shivered with an inexplicable chill and glanced around.
“Let’s try it here.”
“Thank you. Now, watch.”
As Kim Chang-sik positioned himself in the open space, Su-hyun pulled the others back. It was wise to leave plenty of space just in case. Even the perceptive ones wouldn’t immediately notice.
“How wide is the range?”
“It’s not that wide, but isn’t it always best to be cautious?”
“Of course.”
Choi Jae-ho didn’t feel the need to argue, seemingly pleased. Thinking about what had been achieved today, even Su-hyun’s previously annoying face had become likable.
‘He’s recently awakened, and since there are no rumors… it’s probably nothing significant.’
Choi Jae-ho sat down and yawned lightly. As a superpowered individual himself and someone in charge of recruiting talent, exceptional superpowered individuals always caught his attention.
But truly exceptional superpowered individuals didn’t need to show off; the news spread on its own. If an outstanding superpowered individual came out of a company like Uncle Joe’s Company, they would have promoted them like Su-hyun’s healing abilities. That Choi Jae-ho hadn’t heard about it yet suggested the ability probably wasn’t that impressive…
‘?!?!?!?!?!’
His yawn froze. Before his eyes was an unbelievable sight: from Kim Chang-sik’s outstretched hands, a powerful stream of flames shot forward.
As a fellow fire-user, Choi Jae-ho could gauge just how strong Kim Chang-sik’s ability was. It wasn’t precise long-range control, but the sheer power offset that drawback.
Unknowingly, Choi Jae-ho had stood up. Just as he stepped closer for a better look, the flames stopped.
‘Enough.’
Kim Chang-sik stopped at Su-hyun’s glance. They had to stop at the exact moment the spectators were shocked by what they expected to be an ordinary ability. Going further risked exposure.
‘Right now.’
‘Ugh… must it go this far?’
As Su-hyun had instructed, Kim Chang-sik staggered, visibly showing signs of overexertion.
“Are you okay?”
Su-hyun ran to support Kim Chang-sik, who lowered his head, feeling the heat on his face.
“I told you not to use your ability so hastily!”
“Don’t scold him. It’s normal right after awakening…”
Only Choi Hyun-min, unaware of the act, was flustered and tried to stop Su-hyun.
“Sorry, Team Leader Choi Jae-ho. I was going to ask how to use the ability properly, but… after that exhaustion in one go, I guess that’s impossible.”
“Oh, no problem.”
Choi Jae-ho swallowed unconsciously. The flames he had just seen were remarkable, and for someone who had just awakened to produce that level of power, exhaustion was natural.
“I wanted to hear some tips. In Korea, no one compares to you for fire powers, Team Leader Choi Jae-ho.”
‘Asking for tips after seeing that? That’s like asking a tiger how to fight wolves.’
Choi Jae-ho felt absurd. To think someone so clueless could attract such talent.
“I… will manage. Once he adapts… it’s always tough right after awakening.”
“That’s a relief.”
Now Su-hyun regretted not bringing Kim Chang-sik earlier. With abilities like that, he could be deployed to a single-digit team at full strength.
‘Lucky guy…’
Su-hyun had a reason for staging this act: for the rumors.
If people believed Kim Chang-sik’s powers were real, opportunities for using him would drop sharply. To utilize him effectively, false rumors needed to spread: that Kim Chang-sik of Uncle Joe’s Company was a powerful superpowered individual.
Bluffing or not, having a powerful superpowered individual was valuable in many ways—not only for recruiting talent but also to convince people during impossible hunts.
Su-hyun chose Choi Jae-ho as the ideal person to spread these rumors: active, influential, and interested in other teams’ superpowered individuals. Just showing him was enough for the rumors to spread.
‘Do your best.’
Choi Jae-ho was indeed helpful. Su-hyun silently expressed his gratitude.
“From now on, everyone begins training.”
The members of Uncle Joe’s Company stood in front of Su-hyun with serious expressions. They intended to secure the company’s position for the next mission, but they couldn’t start unprepared. Missions like these didn’t come easily.
After instructing Choi Hyun-min and Jo Seung-hyun to inform him if suitable missions arose, Su-hyun focused on the members’ training. He couldn’t operate as a one-man team forever.
“Superpowered individuals Kim Chang-sik and Shaina, focus on using artifacts. You must be able to switch and use them immediately if needed.”
“….”
“The same applies to non-superpowered members. Even if you can’t control them as precisely as Kim Chang-sik, try a few times to get a feel. Superpowers aren’t something you can learn instantly.”
Even ordinary members could use artifacts, though it drained stamina.
“And you…”
Kang In-kyu, still intimidated, jumped slightly when Su-hyun looked at him.
“Yes?”
“Let’s start with running.”
“Eh?”
“Run! Immediately!”
Kang In-kyu scrambled to start running. The other members watched in disbelief.
“Do you have time to watch the rookie? Once you use the artifact a few times, you’ll forget such thoughts. Kim Chang-sik, mastered the lightning axe?”
“Yes!”
“Oh, really? I didn’t expect you could do that.”
‘Damn…’
When Su-hyun returned, others had been resting, but Kim Chang-sik was diligently practicing the lightning axe, worried about getting scolded. Su-hyun’s surprise raised his blood pressure.
“I’ll handle the Ring of Confusion and Rock Spear for now, adapting as needed, but not the lightning axe. Understood?”
Kim Chang-sik’s power wasn’t easy to use casually, but a superpowered individual was a superpowered individual—that was a definite advantage.
“Uh… you’re entrusting me with it?”
“Yes. The lightning axe will be your main weapon. You need basic control over it.”
Being trusted with something worth the price of a building would excite anyone. Kim Chang-sik felt his frustration melt away.
“Shall we start then? Park Soo-yong, step forward and take the spear.”
“Ugh—”
The training ground was littered with collapsed members. Even the usually calm Lee So-hee and Park Soo-yong were sweating and sitting down, indicating the intensity.
‘A few repetitions and they’ll get the hang of it.’
Only Kim Chang-sik and Shaina were fine. As superpowered individuals, artifact use drained them less.
“Do you know how to use confusion?”
“Yes!”
“Shall I show you again?”
“No need!”
Su-hyun had intended to use the Ring of Confusion himself, but in emergencies, Kim Chang-sik would need to use it too. When asked how he would, Su-hyun immediately cast confusion on him.
It felt like a fog in the brain, making proper thinking impossible. Not a pleasant experience.
“Confusion affects resistance and intelligence, so don’t overdo it on people. Monsters aren’t as resistant.”
“So, how long will he be left like that?”
“In-kyu? He first needs to build his body.”
All Uncle Joe’s Company members were trained military personnel. Basic fitness and combat skills were solid. But Kang In-kyu was neither, so he had to start over.
‘Honestly, it’s surprising he even got into Jindo Dog’s Team 10.’
“Huff, huff…”
“How should I train him…”
“What?!”
Shaina flinched at Su-hyun’s muttering.
“No, I don’t mean to really torment him. It’s like a shock therapy. I want him to have a strong experience.”
“Why would you do that?”
“There’s a reason.”
Shaina looked puzzled but, as someone employed by Su-hyun, she should help.
“Hire actors… No, that won’t work. Maybe separate them…”
“How about hallucinations?”
“Hallucinations? VR? He’s too dumb to be fooled by that.”
“No, real hallucinations.”
“?”
“Humans use drugs, right? Something similar…”
“…That’s not something you should ask me, then.”
“It’s not drugs!”
Shaina snapped.
“Not drugs… interesting. What do you mean?”
Information from other races was always fascinating. Su-hyun’s curiosity was piqued.
“We handle a variety of plants, right?”
“Right.”
Elves and dark elves were equally knowledgeable about plants.
“Some, when burned and inhaled, create unique effects. We call them Keshika… oh wait, that won’t work.”
“?”
“Sorry, my mistake. Keshika doesn’t give intense experiences, it causes horrific visions. Humans wouldn’t buy it for that purpose.”
“…!”
