BXBX NOVEL Chapter 184
Chapter 184
However, with Amir\'s sudden appearance, the arrow now pointed at Amir’s backer, the Dream Demon.
The Dream Demon was also indirectly involved last time in the incident with Yeom Jin-Hyun.
Forming his own conclusions, Se-Hoon quickly controlled his emotions and focused. He was well aware that Amir could peer into others\' emotions with his unique skill, Winter Sky Eyes.
“Hmm. You must be Amir Singh,” Se-Hoon said with a calm thoughtful nod.
At the nod, Amir raised an eye, seemingly gaining insight from Se-Hoon’s action. He then swiftly responded, “Oh, I\'m sorry. You may know my name, but I’m guessing you wouldn’t really know what I do since we operate in different areas.”
“Yes. I don\'t know who you are at all.”
“...I see. Well, to introduce myself briefly, I am an informant in the Middle East who provides various useful pieces of information to heroes.”
In response to Amir’s earnest explanation with a smile, Se-Hoon gave him a single nod.
“I see. Thank you for letting me know.”
“...”
Amir\'s eyes twitched slightly. He was just about to smoothly change the topic after introducing himself, but Se-Hoon abruptly cut it off.
No, rather than cutting it off... does he just have no interest in me at all?
Using his Winter Sky Eyes, Amir saw that Se-Hoon\'s emotions resembled a clear blue sky without a cloud in sight. In other words, Se-Hoon had no hidden agenda, at least currently.
“Well, is there something you need from me? If not, I have some matters to attend to, so I\'d like to leave...”
Trailing off, Se-Hoon glanced toward the training ground behind him.
Faced with Se-Hoon’s reasonable request, Amir pondered his options before answering after a moment, “You can go ahead. I also need to return to the training ground soon.”
“By training ground... you mean over there?” Se-Hoon asked, pointing behind him.
Agreeing, Amir replied, “Yes. I\'m here today to observe a student... oh, I shouldn’t disclose this because it’s work-related. Anyway, I\'m here for business.”
“...I see.”
Despite his similar brief responses, this time, the curiosity and caution Se-Hoon felt toward Amir were now evident. It was enough to satisfy Amir for now, so he smiled and prepared to leave.
“I\'ll be leaving then. Let\'s have a proper conversation next time if a chance occurs.”
“Sure.”
Bidding him farewell, Amir leisurely headed toward the training ground, leaving behind Se-Hoon who was watching his back with a dubious expression.
What an act.... That person is probably Sung-Ha because that way, he can attract attention to himself.
It was a commonly used method. By deliberately arousing curiosity, a connection could be established. However, if poorly executed, it would lead nowhere and waste all previous efforts. Although for Amir, who could see through others\' emotions, it was a simple tactic.
Most people, who likely wouldn’t know him, would naturally be inclined to get closer, but Se-Hoon wasn’t “most people.” Having regressed, Se-Hoon knew all of the Frost Dog’s tricks since they had once been deeply associated.
Hmm... What to do now...
If he wanted to, Se-Hoon could find out what the Dream Demon was planning immediately, thanks to establishing a certain level of cooperation with Amir during their secret meeting on the passenger ship to the Black Market. They had even set a code phrase: Cinderella.
I could force him to cooperate, but... that’ll be somewhat tricky.
The Frost Dog he knew was known for being meticulous and selfish, preferring to solve his problems alone. It was the classic lone wolf mentality, however, when it came to the Frost Dog, it was slightly different.
Rather than disliking others, the Frost Dog simply saw them all as tools and never as equals, only cooperating with them out of necessity.
If the situation became dangerous for him, he always chose to backstab.
And it was never a typical betrayal; rather, he liked to manipulate others to do the dirty work. He always maintained a neutral stance while stirring trouble among both sides.
Well, he told me himself on the boat that he justified killing the Dream Demon as a necessity, so he probably holds similar views now.
However, Se-Hoon knew he would suffer an immediate backstab if he carelessly revealed his identity from that previous encounter.
His mind racing, Se-Hoon came up with a plan.
Let\'s start by giving him some encouragement.
He needed to assure Amir that he could not only face the Dream Demon but also kill it. It was an absolute necessity to firmly instill such a belief in Amir to have him even consider betting his life on Se-Hoon.
I still remember how I got him to call me “big brother” by doing something similar... ah.
Realizing how he should approach Amir, Se-Hoon smirked.
I should get close to him like before... heh.
***
Clang!
The sound of metal echoed loudly on the training grounds, the result of two figures ceaselessly wielding their spears.
One figure was a young man, slightly over 190 cm, skillfully twirling two short spears. The other was a middle-aged man, around 170 cm, easily swinging a larger spear.
Clang!
The two men sparred using only minimal mana and strength, creating a simple yet impressive duel. Without any flashy sparks or gusts of wind, their continuous clashes and sparks resembled a refined martial dance.
As expected...
Amir was watching the duel between Sung-Ha, the top student in the Department of Spear Arts, and the lead professor of the department, Dominic.
...Lee Won-Ryong is persistently monitoring him for a reason.
When Amir heard of Sung-Ha\'s achievements, he thought they were embellished, but his thoughts changed upon seeing him firsthand. Sung-Ha perfectly exemplified the resolute determination often seen in those who grew to be high-ranking heroes.
To think such a person was once placed on the same level as Lee Won-Ryong’s son... is absurd.
Unlike his A-rank father, who was recognized as a semi-S-rank hero, Won-Ryong’s son had failed the A-rank promotion test three times. And such a person had been likened to Sung-Ha. Sung-Ha was someone who defeated his peers and instructors in the recent exam and was also currently holding his own against the lead professor.
Although it’s just a spar, matching Dominic, who earned his A-rank through skill rather than power, means...
It meant that if Sung-Ha was equipped with full gear, then he was already at the level of an A-rank hero.
It was utterly fascinating to Amir, who had now confirmed it in person.
He\'s a third-year student, so it won’t be long until he’ll probably consider registering as a formal hero. The latest is probably by this summer break...
Regardless of the time, Sung-Ha\'s formal registration and recognition as an A-rank hero would definitively end the Flame Sect\'s desperate struggle for succession. At that point, Won-Ryong would have two choices: kill Sung-Ha or reach S-rank himself.
The Flame Sect must be desperate right now.
Just spreading the current exam results outside was guaranteed to shake the Flame Sect\'s support base. They might have been able to endure with their influence previously, but the situation had now changed. That, on top of how Se-Hoon and many other high-ranking heroes now backed Sung-Ha, was far more than enough.
All these changes in just one semester, all being driven by one person.... It\'s truly remarkable.
Although Amir couldn\'t help but admire Se-Hoon, he also couldn’t help but be filled with doubt.
According to his investigations, Se-Hoon\'s talent was mediocre at best before entering Babel; it wasn’t even close to qualifying for Babel or even lower-tier institutions. Yet he had dramatically transformed during the entrance exam and continued to grow rapidly.
No matter what unique skills he acquired, this level of improvement is inexplicable.
Could he have a secret relationship with the Emperor of Ascension, as the Dream Demon suspected? Or was there another secret? Unable to reach a conclusion, Amir made a bitter expression.
If only Zayed were here, he might have figured it out quickly.
Shaking his head, Amir refocused on the training ground. But it wasn’t long before his focus was disturbed.
“So, what do you think?” asked Se-Hoon, sitting beside him naturally. “Looks promising, doesn\'t he?”
Briefly glancing at Se-Hoon, Amir returned his gaze to the duel.
“Rumors tend to be exaggerated... however, they genuinely undervalue Yeom Sung-Ha. Today, I once again realized the importance of verifying information through personal observation.”
“Yup. I also don\'t get a feel for what to make until I handle the materials myself. Especially...” Se-Hoon paused, continuing only when Amir entered his sight through the corners of his eyes. “...when I don\'t know what my customer wants.”
Customer, huh? Amir smiled slightly at the obvious probe.
Right. So he isn’t completely naive.
Having observed his actions, Amir had a feeling that Se-Hoon was more than just a genius blacksmith. He reclined slightly in his seat.
“When seeking out a renowned person like you, of course, there\'s something the customer wants. There\'s so much to ask for that it becomes a matter of deciding what to request first,” Amir began leisurely.
“Is that so? That\'s a shame, though. I detest wasting time, so I tend to drive such customers away.”
“I understand. However, if you wish to acquire various clients, you might need to be a bit more accommodating. For example, consider presenting a preliminary proposal to the client or carefully considering what benefits to provide before making a decision.
Turning his head to watch the duel\'s nearing end, Se-Hoon slowly replied, “Then go ahead; how will I benefit?”
“We will provide information on promising students who plan to transfer to Babel in the second semester, as well as their respective backers. Also, their alliances and suspected objectives. And lastly...”
Amir closed his eyes.
“The ‘event’ that is being is clandestinely prepared for the college-wide exams at Babel.”
At the unexpected offer, Se-Hoon looked at Amir curiously.
“The last one doesn\'t seem particularly valuable.”
“Normally, it might not be. But this semester\'s evaluation exams are quite special especially because of the newly established year-wide honor student, no?”
“...”
Of course, an exceptional individual like you might not require it. In that case, just consider it a service.”
Amir’s way of talking was eloquent, almost as if he had prepared a script.
Hiding behind a facade, Se-Hoon pondered the offer.
Is this “event” his trump card? No, it\'s too soon to conclude.
All he could conclude from Amir’s earnest engagement was that his primary goal was establishing a connection with him. But that was enough to set the stage.
Compsing himself, Se-Hoon moved on and asked, “Fine. So, then what do you want in return?”
“I\'ll think it through and let you know once I\'ve made a decision. In the meantime, I\'ll provide the mentioned compensation upfront.”
“You\'re not trying to suggest that I must accept your condition because I received the compensation already, are you?”
Amir smiled, hearing the cynicism in Se-Hoon\'s tone.
“Of course not. If you don\'t agree with the conditions, you have the option to refuse.
So it was more of a gesture to build rapport than a formal transaction. Evaluating Amir\'s generous terms, Se-Hoon ended up nodding.
“Alright, let\'s do that then.”
“Thank you. Then let\'s move to somewhere else...”
Clang!
A sharp metallic sound from the training ground interrupted their conversation, drawing their attention.
Panting, Professor Dominic held the tip of his spear at Sung-Ha\'s neck. But despite Sung-Ha\'s defeat in the end, everyone watching was thoroughly awed.
“Huff... huff...”
“You\'ve become... truly formidable.”
Sung-Ha, drenched in sweat and breathing heavily, was equally exhausted as Dominic. It was a telltale sign that even the Department of Spear Arts lead professor couldn\'t easily defeat Sung-Ha.
“Your skill is excellent. Keep striving forward.”
“Thank you.”
“I hoped to hold out until the fourth year, but that seems unlikely now.”
Leaving Sung-Ha with those words, Dominic headed toward the assistants with a bitter smile. They were words that left the spectators in shock.
Did he just say that Yeom Sung-Ha could surpass him within this year?
If that\'s the case... even the Flame Sect’s Sect Master will be...
Realizing the gravity of the information, the expressions of those in the hero industry changed rapidly, with some quickly pulling out their phones and rushing outside.
Intrigued at the sight, Amir asked, “It’s truly amazing... How can he grow so quickly?”
“When a talented person finds the right direction, they tend to grow at an insane speed like that. Just look at me.”
Unable to deny, despite Se-Hoon mentioning himself as an example of a genius without hesitation, Amir nodded.
“That\'s true. But at this rate, I might have to trade with him rather than you.”
“Really? That\'s great. I even asked him to come over after the spar.”
“...Excuse me?”
It was so unexpected that Amir was completely taken aback.
Then, as if summoned, Sung-Ha caught his breath, scanned the surroundings, and quickly leaped into the stands to head straight for Se-Hoon and Amir.
What is this...
Sung-Ha was supposed to merely be a means of getting closer to Se-Hoon; Amir had no intention of ever meeting him directly. With things not going according to plan, Amir\'s expression tensed.
“Don\'t worry too much. He\'s a bit unhinged, but he\'ll talk fine as long as I\'m here.”
“...Alright.”
“Just follow my lead as much as possible.”
“Understood.”
Just as they finished their brief conversation, Sung-Ha made it one step away from them. Staring directly at the two, Sung-Ha glanced at Amir before directing his question toward Se-Hoon.
“Who\'s this guy?”
Acting completely naturally, Se-Hoon responded to Sung-Ha’s wary question saying, “This is Amir Singh. We just decided to become sworn brothers who call each other ‘Bro.’ Say hello.”
“Huh?!”
“His face doesn\'t seem to reflect that, though,” Sung-Ha indifferently pointed out, noting Amir’s large widened eyes.
“We just decided moments ago after some hesitation. Isn\'t that right, Bro?”
Signaling Amir to play along, Se-Hoon glanced at Amir. He was still lost, but Amir managed to force out a response.
“That\'s right... Bro...”
Hearing Amir call him “Bro,” a faint twitch in his eyes and cheeks instantly betrayed his struggle to maintain his composure. Remembering the first time the Frost Dog called him “Bro” before the regression, Se-Hoon smiled contentedly.
Yes. I just can’t allow myself to use honorifics for you.
Regardless of age, Se-Hoon could tolerate using honorifics for others, but never for the Three Dogs.
Se-Hoon savored the glorious moment, feeling that everything was finally falling into place.
“Hmm.”
Glancing between the two, Sung-Ha perplexedly murmured his genuine thoughts.
“He must be pretty stupid to call someone like this ‘Bro.’”
“...”
Managing to hear Sung-Ha\'s mutter, Amir was sure of one thing.
What a total bastard...
There was no way he could get along with someone like Sung-Ha.
***
“Whew...”
Returning to the luxury hotel in Babel, Amir let out a long-held sigh and ran a hand through his hair. He had successfully contacted Se-Hoon and set up future appointments. However, he was bothered by the subsequent encounter with Sung-Ha.
What a barbarian...
Every word from Sung-Ha grated his nerves, but what annoyed him even more was that his Winter Sky Eyes revealed no malice in Sung-Ha\'s remarks.
“So... um... you\'ve made a very foolish choice. Think it over again.”
Seriously thinking Amir\'s intelligence was low, Sung-Ha had condescendingly tried to explain things more simply for Amir’s benefit. Remembering it vividly, Amir\'s eyes twitched with shame and anger.
“I just... need to endure this...”
The fact that Se-Hoon had suddenly brought up the topic of sworn brotherhood also annoyed him, but he knew that achieving his goal required patience.
“Amir, chances may slip by many times, but there is always a moment when one will land right in front of you. So always wait with patience.”
If he hastily gave up and walked away, the long-awaited opportunity could slip away in his absence. Amir clenched his fists, his eyes gleaming.
No matter how formidable the Dream Demon was, the moment would come when he could drive a dagger into its neck. As he envisioned that opportunity, a soft hum interrupted his thoughts.
A jewel box on the desk was faintly vibrating.
Standing up immediately, Amir calmed his mind and opened the box. Within it were various jewels neatly arranged. And out of them, one purple gem, roughly the size of two fingers, was faintly glowing.
Taking a deep breath, Amir grasped the gem.
“How ready are you?”
The voice of the Dream Demon echoed in his mind. He was currently communicating with one of the Ten Evils in the middle of the Emperor of Ascension’s garden, but Amir was not overly concerned. The method was nearly undetectable.
“Even the Emporer of Ascension wouldn\'t imagine one would go to such lengths...” he quietly murmured to himself, thinking about his reality.
Clutching the gem tighter, he gave his report to the Dream Demon.
“I managed to establish a connection with Lee Se-Hoon. We can proceed as we had planned during the college-wide exams.”
Flowy out smoothly, Amir’s words transformed into a purple mist that seeped into the gem. Soon, a reply echoed in his mind.
“Well done. As promised, you will receive a direct promotion to Zone Chief if this mission succeeds. So do your best.”
“I will keep that in mind.”
The gem’s light then faded, and Amir placed it back in the jewel box, closing it as if nothing had happened.
“The right opportunity will land in front once...”
Amir gazed out at Babel\'s nighttime scenery.