Chapter 252  

"Hold on, let's get one thing straight. Technically, you were the only one pointing the sword. I was scared to death at first," Yu-Seong confessed.

At this, Do-Jin avoided his gaze and awkwardly coughed. He said, "...I never seriously intended to kill you.”

"Even after threatening to kill me just a moment ago?" Yu-Seong asked.

"That was the first time."

"You have no conscience."

Yu-Seong chuckled and was about to click his tongue when he felt a vibration on the desk. He picked up his phone, and his eyes lit up. "Helen?"

- The Time Spell Zone has been completely created.

There was no need to ask what that meant. In fact, Helen had already explained to Yu-Seong what she was researching: 'The training room that simultaneously amplifies mana and expands time.'?

However, the research had concluded much faster than Yu-Seong had expected.

"It seems the Philosopher's Stone did its job quite well," Yu-Seong said.

- Yes, it's all thanks to you. Now, one month's time can be expanded to five years.

"Wow!" Yu-Seong couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

While somewhat inferior to the time expansion technique of his mentor, Gabriel, it still boasted impressive efficiency.

"That's incredible, Helen. You've made the discovery of the century."

- But there are still some problems.

"Even so, it's a great achievement. What's the problem?"

- Only two people can enter at a time. And I suspect that the maximum usage time is around three months. I'm not sure what might happen if you stay longer.

"Oh... So the maximum training efficiency is about fifteen years," Yu-Seong replied.

Even so, it was a tremendous accomplishment. Reflecting on the growth of his colleagues over the past three years in his absence, it became clear that this would be an enormous catalyst for their growth.

Naturally, Yu-Seong's gaze landed on Do-Jin, who was listening in on the phone call with an excited look.

"Ah, Helen. Have you decided who will be the first to enter the Time Spell Zone?" Yu-Seong asked.

- First, Bernard Yoo and Rachel are scheduled to go in tomorrow...

Helen seemed to have decided to stay outside, being the developer, just in case.

'Bernard Yoo and Rachel, huh...'?

Indeed, it was certainly an excellent pair. However, right next to Yu-Seong was someone with even greater potential.

"I'm sorry, but could we change the order?" asked Yu-Seong.

- Eh? You're not thinking of going in, are you?

"No, it's someone else."

- Someone else... Could it be...?

"Right, Kim Do-Jin has returned," Yu-Seong responded.

Across the line, a brief silence followed before Helen chuckled wryly.

- Certainly, he would be better than Rachel, that malicious woman. Do you think you can make it by 6 am tomorrow, our time?

"Of course."

After all, with a few teleportation spells, they could reach America in no time.

- Alright. See you tomorrow then. Pass on the message to Kim Do-Jin as well.

After the call ended, Do-Jin said to Yu-Seong, "It would have been better if we went in together.”

"The Time Spell Zone?"

"Since you did promise to help me, after all."

"Right. But, do I really need to be right beside you to teach you?" Yu-Seong asked.

"I do need you to be right beside me," Do-Jin answered.

"Why is that?"

"Well, of course..."

"Don't tell me you're going to forget everything I've taught you so soon?" Yu-Seong asked, eyes wide in surprise.

Do-Jin, who had momentarily closed his mouth at Yu-Seong’s question, sighed before continuing, "It's not that... What if I encounter a problem or have any difficulties?"

"Anyway, there is no definitive answer. We're different people, after all."

"Hmm..."

"In the first place, what I can teach you is basically limited to the Beast King's Instinct and my knowledge of magic."

Ultimately, Do-Jin was a swordsman, and Yu-Seong was a spearman. From the start, the weapon techniques they could learn from each other were bound to be limited. Hence, Yu-Seong imparted the Beast King's Instinct that wasn't influenced by the weapon.

‘Master Bak Ok-Rye suggested that I would learn more quickly through experiencing strikes, taking into account my lack of natural combat talent. But…’ Wouldn't Do-Jin learn faster if Yu-Seong just taught him the principles? After all, Do-Jin's combat talent was on a monstrous level. The same applied to his magic knowledge.

'Kim Do-Jin himself is already a formidable mage, after all.'

Yu-Seong merely would have to share some of the transcendent knowledge and wisdom of Green.

'And then, what’s left is the Time Adjustment I learned from Master Gabriel...'?

No matter how much of a genius Do-Jin was, it was not something he could learn in just 15 years. It was probably better for Do-Jin to find his own path.

Convinced by this argument, Do-Jin finally nodded in agreement. He said, "So, in the end, it's up to me to figure it out.”

"That's right. Unlike me, you've already established a solid foundation. Great, let's meet up later. I'll prepare the secret manual in the meantime," Yu-Seong said.

"Okay. And when I come back in three months..."

"I didn’t forget. Let's finish everything."

The same name crossed both their minds.

"I appreciate it, Choi Yu-Seong."

"Don’t mention it. See you later." Yu-Seong chuckled, shrugged his shoulders, and stood up from his seat to head inside the house.

In fact, the content was quite extensive and time was of the essence. And about 16 hours later, after seeing Do-Jin off into the Time Spell Zone, Yu-Seong returned to Korea and looked at his watch.

'Three months, huh...'?

What would Do-Jin look like when he returned?

'He will be impressive. After all, he’s the protagonist of the original novel.'?

Yu-Seong couldn't help but look forward to it.

***

As Yu-Seong awaited Do-Jin's return, time seemed to fly by. Before he knew it, the day of the live broadcast duel between Takeda Yu-Shin, Japan's top prospect, and Korea's rising star, Yu-Seong, had finally arrived.

This too was an event that Yu-Seong had been anticipating.

'If I win this, my wealth will skyrocket.'?

However, he wasn’t the only one. Jin-Hwan and Jin-Young, dedicated reporters for Yu-Seong's NewTube channel, had also been eagerly awaiting this day.

"How long has it been since we last filmed you, sir?"

"You still look remarkable as always."

To their words, Yu-Seong greeted them with a welcoming smile. He said, "I look forward to working with you today.”

Although this reunion after three years held some awkwardness, both of the reporters reacted as professionals.

"Of course. We will capture your amazing appearance," Jin-Young replied with a vibrant voice.

Jin-Hwan also nodded. However, with a faint concern hidden in his eyes, he asked, "Are you really okay?"

Unable to hold back his emotion, he had to ask Yu-Seong that question.

Yu-Seong tilted his head in response and asked, "What do you mean… Ah, you're talking about the duel?"

"Yes. After all, you've had a three-year hiatus."

It was a widely known fact that Takeda Yu-Shin was an S-rank player. On the other hand, Yu-Seong was publicly known as an A-rank, albeit with rumors suggesting he had skills comparable to S-rank.

"Those guys will deeply regret it. They have no idea who hyung is, yet they dared to challenge him to a fight."

The person who answered Jin-Hwan's question was Jin-Hyuk, who had come to the shooting location with Yu-Seong.

Wearing dark sunglasses, a deep cap, and even a mask, Jin-Hyuk was now being hailed as one of the strongest forces in Korea and was enjoying immense popularity. Thus, this get up wasn't an unexpected sight.

"Is it really to that extent?"

"Absolutely. My brother is much stronger than both me and that shortie!" Jin-Hyuk said.

At Jin-Hyuk's boastful words, both Jin-Hwan and Jin-Young widened their eyes.

"What?"

Could that even be possible? During Yu-Seong's three-year hiatus, Jin-Hwan and Jin-Young had filmed more videos with Jin-Hyuk and Ye-Ryeong than anyone else. Naturally, they had seen the pair evolve into the strongest players in Korea. Therefore, it was hard for them to believe that Yu-Seong, who had taken a three-year hiatus, could be stronger than the duo known as the strongest couple.

Finally, Jin-Hwan and Jin-Young blinked at each other and settled on a shared thought.

'Jin-Hyuk probably said that out of admiration for boss.’

It was a statement that seemed to be heavily, if not overly, embellished. However, it was also true that seeing Yu-Seong's reliable presence, much like it was three years ago, reassured them greatly.

"On the internet and in the media, many people are predicting your defeat, sir. We hope that you prove them wrong this time."

"Losing to Japan in such a game is unacceptable."

Yu-Seong nodded at their words of encouragement.

"Of course."

"I bet 10 billion won on you, hyung," Jin-Hyuk said. "You made that much money?" Yu-Seong asked.

"Hehe... If it's for Hyung, I can give it all. It's my entire fortune."

"..."

Yu-Seong couldn't help but feel strange at Jin-Hyuk's nervous laughter.

'Of course, I'll obviously win, but...'?

The audacity to bet that much money was still quite remarkable.

"Tsk, you little brat." Yu-Seong affectionately stroked Jin-Hyuk's head, and they shared a smile before continuing their brief conversation.

Just then, everything was ready at the private arena they had prepared for filming. Simultaneously, a luxury Japanese car appeared as if the protagonist had arrived, and three people got out.

'Chairman Takaku, Nioh Yamamoto Kyosuke, and Takeda Yu-Shin.'?

They entered with confident expressions and glanced at Yu-Seong before heading to their waiting area to prepare.

"They seem unpleasant. Are they glaring at hyung? Maybe I should poke their eyes out after the match?"

At Jin-Hyuk's words, which sounded too serious to be a joke, Yu-Seong stiffened his expression. He murmured, "Who told you to say such a scary thing?"

"Ah, what? Uh... I'm sorry."

"I appreciate your concern, but I'd rather not have you become a criminal or a villain."

Now, if Jin-Hyuk took the wrong path, he could really become a Catastrophe rank villain.

"Of course!"

Although he seemed a bit dejected, Jin-Hyuk quickly perked up again. Looking at him, Yu-Seong unknowingly broke into a broad smile.

"It’s ready over there," one of the filming staff ran over and reported to Yu-Seong.

"I'm ready too."

In fact, all Yu-Seong needed to do was put on some protective gear, so there wasn't much preparation required.

Then, exactly 30 minutes later, at the scheduled broadcast time, the lights on the camera turned on, and a worldwide live broadcast began. At that moment, the number of viewers skyrocketed.

Upon seeing the number, Jin-Young couldn't help but express his astonishment. "It's already over 100,000?"

"What? The broadcast hasn't even been on for a minute yet!"

Despite being a long-awaited Korea-Japan players match and a battle for national pride, the rate at which the numbers were increasing was tremendous.

'Over 1 million.'

The event unfolded less than three minutes after the broadcast started on a stage that lacked grand introductions or flashy preparations.

'Really astounding.’

Jin-Hwan unknowingly marveled inwardly as both players began their entrance.

***

Truthfully, it wasn't a show prepared with grandeur.

'Also, considering contingencies, we didn't even accept general audience members.'?

From Yu-Seong's perspective, he was naturally heading toward an effortless victory.

'I've even bet on myself.'?

Already envisioning the sweet taste of increasing wealth, Yu-Seong entered the arena.

Simultaneously, Takeda Yu-Shin, who had also entered from the other side, commented with a sharp glint in his eyes. "What a shabbier stage than expected."

"Why? You don't like it?"

"I did expect more, being that you're from Korea's top conglomerate family."

"That's my father, not me. Besides, I consider even such a stage to be excessive." Yu-Seong chuckled and shrugged his shoulders.

"What?"

"You know. The main event will last barely a minute, don't you think?"

In response to Yu-Seong's taunt, Takeda Yu-Shin, infuriated enough to have a vein pulsating on his forehead, let out a cold laugh. He threatened, "I will kill you, you insolent fool."

"Good luck. It will still be tough though."

As their mutual mind games ended, the actual match began with a powerful whistle. Then, Takeda Yu-Shin explosively approached Yu-Seong at an incredible speed.

"Die!"

The Bokken he had drawn from his robe shone a sharp silver, seemingly aiming to slice Yu-Seong's shoulder. However, Takeda Yu-Shin's offensive ended there.

Thwack-!?

With a dull thud, his once sharp nose broke into a mess, and a few teeth flew into the air, glittering under the dazzling lights. His body, not obeying his commands, simply toppled backward.

'What happened?'?

Watching the somewhat discordant scene, Yu-Seong's voice rang out toward Takeda Yu-Shin who was falling backward.

"Well, it seems luck wasn't on your side. You worked hard, my promising friend from Japan."