Chapter 8
“…And that concludes everything that happened in the placement test.”
“Kuhahahaha! Crushing money with even more money—and using it to crush Oseong, no less! I already knew the story, but hearing it directly from my grandson makes it feel entirely different.”
A phonograph.
No—rather, as soon as Shin-hyuk finished speaking, Choi Cheol-ho, who had already finished his meal, clapped his hands with a bright smile.
The fact that he had landed a blow on his lifelong rival, Oseong Group, clearly filled him with pride. After savoring the moment, he turned his gaze toward Shin-hyuk.
“Would you show me your status window?”
“Of course.”
Normally, showing one’s status window was considered taboo even between parent and child—an unwritten rule among players.
But Shin-hyuk revealed his without hesitation.
[Status Window]
Name: Choi Shin-hyuk
Class: X
(Stats)
Strength: 29
Stamina: 27
Intelligence: 27
Mana: 27
(Traits)
-
Versatile
(Skills)
Necromancy [C], Martial Arts [E], Shield, Comprehensive Weapon Mastery [D], Tracking [E]
“Hah… I can hardly believe it even seeing it with my own eyes. You achieved such overwhelming victories with stats not even at 30?”
“If you use your skills properly, it’s not difficult.”
“…Kuhaha! Right! Just like studying hard gets you into Seoul National University and training hard gets you medals! You’re absolutely right!”
Hearing Shin-hyuk’s calm yet confident reply, Choi Cheol-ho laughed heartily and patted his shoulder.
Watching him, Shin-hyuk smiled coldly inwardly.
‘It really is convenient that the status window concealment function isn’t known yet. Just by showing a little bit, I can buy trust.’
The truth was, the status window he had shown was full of holes from his perspective.
That was possible thanks to the concealment function—a feature that allowed him to hide anything he didn’t want others to see.
Naturally, it was a function no one knew about at this point in time.
Shin-hyuk had hidden his class and traits, and before coming to the mansion, he had even removed the Armor of Absorption and stored it in his inventory.
Everything had been prepared precisely for this situation.
And his plan worked perfectly. He earned Choi Cheol-ho’s trust without fail.
After all, he had shown something people wouldn’t reveal even to their own family.
“Well then. I can’t just sit still after seeing such a remarkable grandson. In-ho, bring ‘that’ over.”
“…Father, you don’t mean to give that to Shin-hyuk, do you? Wouldn’t it be better to give it to Ho-seong instead—”
Because of that trust, Choi Cheol-ho decided to give Shin-hyuk a gift.
At the mention of “that,” Choi In-ho—the guild master of Shinhwa Guild and Cheol-ho’s second son—turned pale and waved his hands in protest.
But—
“You yourself said everything bearing the Shinhwa name belongs to me.”
“…Yes.”
“Bring it.”
“…Understood.”
Under Cheol-ho’s stern command, In-ho reluctantly took something out of his inventory and placed it before him.
“Advanced Stat Enhancement Potion and Advanced Mana Elixir.”
“…!!!”
Advanced Stat Enhancement Potion and Advanced Mana Elixir.
These were items on an entirely different level from the low-grade versions Shin-hyuk had consumed before the placement test.
Without realizing it, Shin-hyuk swallowed nervously.
“Grandfather… are you really giving these to me?”
“Of course. I prepared them as pocket money for my precious grandson. What do you think?”
“…Truly. Thank you so much, Grandfather.”
Even someone like Shin-hyuk couldn’t help but ask twice—three times—about such priceless items.
They were absolutely indispensable in the early stages.
He immediately bowed deeply in gratitude.
Seeing Shin-hyuk express such sincere thanks—so different from his normally confident demeanor—Cheol-ho burst into pleased laughter.
“Kuhahaha! That’s right, that’s right. If there’s anything else you need, just say the word. As long as it’s within my power, I’ll grant at least one request.”
“If that’s the case, there is something I’d like to ask… may I talk to you about it later? Privately?”
“Of course. But first, take these. You’re far too skinny. Eat up and grow strong.”
“I’m not that skinny… but thank you.”
Like a grandmother stuffing her grandchildren with holiday treats, Cheol-ho practically shoved the items into Shin-hyuk’s mouth.
Shin-hyuk accepted them without complaint.
Soon, system messages appeared.
[All stats have increased by 20.]
[For the next month, your stat growth rate will increase.]
‘This is it. Honestly, the +20 to all stats is amazing, but the increased growth rate is even better. Aside from achievements and in-game rewards, there aren’t many ways to raise stats. Anything that improves training efficiency is priceless.’
A whopping +20 to all stats.
But Shin-hyuk focused more on the second message.
Increased growth speed.
The fact that training would now yield better results was far more valuable in the long run.
While Shin-hyuk inwardly celebrated his good fortune—
“Well, it looks like everyone’s finished eating. Shin-hyuk, stay behind for a moment and come with me.”
“Yes, sir.”
The meal had ended.
Choi Cheol-ho stood up first and motioned for Shin-hyuk to follow him to the study.
“Shin-hyuk…”
“Don’t worry, Father. I’ll be back soon.”
In-gyun’s eyes reddened as if Shin-hyuk were heading into a tiger’s den, but his son’s confident expression calmed him.
Thud!
The heavy study door closed behind them.
The moment it did—
“What exactly did you give Shin-hyuk?”
“Come on, tell us secretly.”
“Lately Hwa-yeon’s been complaining her tier-up speed is slow. You should share with family, right?”
Like starving hyenas, his siblings surrounded In-gyun with questions.
His face turned completely white.
“Have a seat. What would you like to drink? Tea? Coffee?”
“Cola. Zero Coke, please.”
“Shall I give you Pepsi?”
“…Even if you’re my grandfather, I can’t forgive Pepsi.”
“Kuhuhu, just joking. Pepsi is distributed by Oseong, after all. No one in Shinhwa drinks that. Here—Coca-Cola.”
“Thank you.”
After a bit of casual joking—
“Shin-hyuk.”
“Yes?”
“From now on, countless checks, trials, and eyes will follow you.”
“…I understand.”
“Ju-ho’s humiliation was well deserved, but thanks to that, Chairman Yong-jae of Oseong is furious.”
“I see.”
“Not surprised? You’ve fallen out of favor with the man who leads one of Korea’s two greatest powers.”
Cheol-ho’s sharp gaze bore into him.
But Shin-hyuk replied calmly.
“Even so, I’ve earned the favor of the number one in Korea, haven’t I?”
“…Hah… hahaha! Exactly! Being hated by second place doesn’t matter if you’re liked by first place. Well said!”
Cheol-ho slapped his knees laughing.
“So what was that request you wanted to make?”
“I recently obtained some excellent materials. I’d like to use them to craft a weapon.”
“Then use the Shinhwa Guild workshop.”
Cheol-ho responded naturally.
After all, Shinhwa’s workshop housed some of the finest artisans in the world.
But Shin-hyuk smiled faintly.
“The Shinhwa workshop is decent. But I need true talent—not hollow shells obsessed with appearances.”
“…Are you saying Shinhwa’s craftsmen are hollow shells?”
“Yes. You saw it yourself. I always take responsibility for what I say.”
A chilling pressure filled the room.
But Shin-hyuk didn’t flinch.
“Then what do you want?”
“I want to bring in someone of my choosing as a special hire in the Shinhwa workshop—with full autonomy. No interference from anyone. Including the guild master and the workshop head.”
“In other words, a small inviolable territory. Are you confident? I could just give you a Unique-grade weapon instead.”
“I have no intention of settling for a mere Unique weapon.”
“…What?”
“Legendary-grade equipment. Don’t you want to see the first ever crafted in the Shinhwa workshop?”
“…!!!”
At those words, Cheol-ho froze.
World’s first Legendary weapon.
Unable to resist the allure, he slowly nodded.
“…Very well.”
“Thank you, Grandfather.”
Thud!
The heavy study door closed again.
“…Shadow. What do you think?”
“About which part? That he can handle Oseong’s pressure? Or that he can truly craft a Legendary weapon?”
“Both.”
“The first seems certain. The second… I’m not sure yet.”
The man known as Shadow, who had listened to everything, hesitated.
But then—
“…Haha. It’s the first time I’ve ever been tailed.”
“What is it?”
“It seems Young Master Shin-hyuk left me a note.”
“A note… for you?”
Surprised, they opened it.
[I’ll let you off since you belong to Grandfather.]
“….”
“…I think I need to log into Dimension Arena again after a long time.”
Cheol-ho was left speechless.
But soon, laughter filled the study once more.
Laughter that echoed for a long, long time.
