Trait Hoarder Chapter 51

Bet -1-

bet

Superintap 3rd floor transparent lounge.

The feeling of floating in the air is superb thanks to the magical treatment of the walls and floor.

‘It tastes good.’

I took another bite of the caviar canapé.

The soft, rich, and salty taste enriched my tongue.

It would have been nice to have a drink, but I held back.

You shouldn’t drink alcohol when you have important work to do.

After drinking and signing a contract without knowing what was going on, I became extremely wary of alcohol and people.

Instead, I sip my iced Americano like it’s a drink.

Next to me, Baek So-rin also looked at me and brought her cappuccino to her mouth.

“Superhuman, can someone like me come up here?”

“What’s wrong with Mr. Sorin?”

“But only superhumans of level 3 or higher and their companions can enter here.”

“Right now, Mr. Sorin is my companion.”

“Superman······”

“And from now on, please call me teacher, not superman.”

“Yes, sir.”

I feel your gaze.

The staff at the third floor lounge were coming and going, glancing around.

Especially Baek So-rin.

A gaze that is dripping with jealousy and envy.

No matter how kind your smile is, you can’t hide your emotions.

“That damn bitch.”

“They say the quiet cat goes up to the hut first······”

“I figured it out when I was wagging my tail at the superhumans.”

“I heard you already submitted your resignation?”

“Huh. There really is no such thing as a 21st century parasite.”

Inside the lounge, in the staff room, they are whispering among themselves, but they cannot avoid my ears.

I was using the sensitive trait because I was wondering what you were talking about.

I accepted Baek So-rin as my disciple, but I think he thought I would use her as a talisman.

Baek So-rin seemed to be thinking similarly, unable to hide her nervousness.

I ate another caviar canapé and called Baek So-rin.

“Mr. Sorin.”

“yes yes!”

“Have you ever taken superhuman classes before?”

“There are some, but they all failed.”

“What classes did you take?”

“Uh······ Magic power training method and magic power sensitivity. I gave up on the strengthening method because I was worried that I would have to modify my body.”

Magical affinity is a training method for wizards.

That is, he challenged the warrior and the wizard and failed.

“What about baptism?”

“I tried to do it, but the priest I went to asked for something a bit······ excessive······”

I know what you mean.

In this messed up world, demanding s*xual favors in exchange for superhuman awakening isn’t even worth talking about.

Baek So-rin sits down and holds her knees tightly.

Both of my hands have turned white, showing how much force I have put into them.

“How much should I pay you for tuition? I really don’t have anything······”

“I’ll pay later.”

“Postpay?”

“Yes. After you achieve superhuman awakening, at least level 3, no, level 5.”

“Level 5?”

Baek So-rin opens her eyes wide.

“I have no talent… I failed both in magical power perception and magical power cultivation. My martial arts master said that I have absolutely no talent and that even if I practiced hard my whole life, it would be difficult to even reach level 1. But is it possible to reach level 5, or rather, level 3?”

“It is possible.”

I nodded my head slowly.

Then he hardened his face and spoke in a serious voice.

“I guarantee it. Baek So-rin will definitely grow beyond level 5 to level 7 and 9. And she will rewrite the history of superhumans.”

“yes?”

Baek So-rin makes a face as if asking if he is making fun of her.

I could see the employees who were just hanging around desperately trying to hold back their laughter.

“You said even level 1 was impossible, but level 9? Don’t joke around. I’m serious.”

“I’m serious. I’m sure you won’t be able to understand it just by talking. Let’s start the class as soon as possible. Before that, you said you did some magical training, but did you learn the training method formally?”

“Yes. My parents were very hard on themselves. They even used their pension to invite my master, and he taught them the Samjae Shingong.”

Samjaesingong, or Samjaesimbeop.

Although it is the lowest level of magical power cultivation method, there is no risk of magical power overload. That is why people without money or connections often buy it as a beginner warrior method.

Even though it’s cheap, it’s easily worth hundreds of millions, but it’s not an amount you can’t afford.

I asked as if I didn’t know even though I knew everything.

“The Three Disasters Method······ You didn’t feel any magical power while training, did you?”

“yes······”

“Aside from that, didn’t you learn swordsmanship or any other martial arts?”

“You didn’t teach me. You said that at least I had to learn the Samjae Shingong and awaken my magical powers to be able to do anything. You worked hard to guide me with your magical powers, but I’m lacking······”

“All right.”

I heard there was a problem with the teaching method.

It is truly amazing that a low-level superhuman was able to inject his magical power into the magical bloodline and guide it through the magical power guide.

It must have taken a tremendous amount of mental and physical effort.

The problem is that you can’t awaken the Thousand-Slayer Spirit in that way.

‘Awakening the Thousand-Year-Old Star is a real battle.’

If Baek So-rin was a genius and not a thousand-year-old saint, he would have learned the Three Realms of Mind after hearing an explanation once, rather than relying on magical power.

However, Baek So-rin is not a genius, but a thousand-year-old.

Cheonsalseong had a teaching method that suited Cheonsalseong.

‘Cheonsalseong, Indomitable, Runaway Train, Narrow-Break’

Baek So-rin’s starting trait.

Looking at Baek So-rin watching me, I guess I have to assume that it’s all gone now.

Even if you only had the indomitable trait, you wouldn’t be able to make that kind of expression.

There may be a potential for a thousand-year lifespan.

‘Baek So-rin was updated together with Episode 2.’

Episode 2.

Zombie outbreak.

In the setting, Baek So-rin survives and awakens in a shopping mall that has been turned into a battlefield by a zombie outbreak.

After completing the personal quest, you will obtain a new trait.

‘Mars’s Gladiator’

One of the three major swordsmanship methods in Arcane Seoul.

Sharp Kalaratri.

The sturdy sword of the Nephilim.

The impulsive Mars fighting style.

No one knows about it at this point, but there is a sizable gold mine in the basement of the shopping mall.

The truth behind the zombie outbreak is that they put zombies in there and broke the seal.

Similar things happened not only in shopping malls but also all over Seoul.

I’m still preparing, but if I do nothing, it’s bound to happen.

By the old father’s sect.

“But you must have a black one at home, right?”

“Yes. I have a factory-made alloy sword.”

“Okay. I’ll contact you as soon as I’m ready. Then, bring a sword, or something suitable like a protective suit. You don’t need bulletproofing, just a protective suit. Something that protects your entire body, not a vest.”

“How long should I prepare?”

“I don’t know. I have to prepare too······ But please prepare as quickly as possible.”

It is a complex shopping mall with a movie theater, indoor sports field, and steam room.

It is connected to the forbidden area at the deepest part of the underground parking lot, so it is impossible to enter without anyone knowing.

Someone needs to get help······

I don’t know if Director Choi can handle it.

A moment of deep thought.

The lounge staff came walking quickly, clasping their hands together.

“Excuse me, Superman Kim. An invitation has arrived for Superman.”

“An invitation?”

The employee politely extended his hand.

The magical bluebird flew up gently.

When it reached me, it exploded with a bang, carving an invitation into the air.

[It’s been a while, teacher.]

[How have you been?]

[I’m glad to see you in good health.]

[Thanks to you, teacher, I have completed my awakening and certification and am living a faithful life.]

[I happened to visit the super tower and saw the teacher, so I am leaving this invitation.]

[If you’re done talking to the lady, can I see you for a moment?]

[The invitation contains a code to access the 5th floor lounge.]

[I would really appreciate it if you could spare some time.]

[Seo Woojin uploaded.]

“Huh!”

Baek So-rin, who had been watching quietly, shouted out.

“Why is that?”

“Seo Woojin! It’s Seo Woojin! Seo Woojin!”

“Why Woojin?”

“yes?”

Baek So-rin looked at me blankly.

Other employees also had shocked faces.

“Why is Woojin······ Ah!”

By then I had noticed it too.

5th floor. It was called the 5th floor lounge.

It’s not the 6th floor lounge.

If you came with your parents, they would have called you from the 6th floor. Since both the representative couple are level 6.

But you called from the 5th floor?

That means you are either a level 5 or you came with a level 5 superhuman.

And the conclusion that can be inferred from seeing the reactions of Baek So-rin and the lounge staff.

Seo Woojin has reached level 5.

“When did Woojin get certified?”

“It hasn’t been a few days. It hasn’t even been a week. Didn’t you notice, sir?”

“I didn’t know. It was closed.”

“Ah······ But how do you know Seo Woo-jin?”

“That happened.”

It’s really great.

There must have been the blessings he received at birth, the elixir he took as a child, and the sacrifices of the representative couple and the elders of the two great swordsmen at the moment of awakening, but he reached level 5 all at once.

Well, then it’s an SSR character and can be called a mid-episode boss.

“Let’s go up.”

Go straight to the 5th floor.

I didn’t even have to stand up and move.

The floating magic circle under the sofa you were sitting on becomes activated.

A portion of the magical energy flowing inside the tower extends out and lifts Baek So-rin up.

I passed by without even going to the 4th floor.

On the 5th floor, you enter another world inside the tower, a subdimensional space.

It’s like I’ve come up to a world above the clouds.

All sides are transparent.

High above the sky, you can see the entire city of Seoul.

The two remaining twin towers are the only ones that look similar.

Other skyscrapers also had their tops at similar eye level.

“teacher!”

Seo Woo-jin approached with a big smile on his face.

“Congratulations on your Level 3 certification! Wow, that was Black Flame earlier? That’s really amazing. I’ve never seen anyone use Black Flame so freely!”

I also smiled and shook hands with Seo Woo-jin.

“I see you’ve been certified as a Level 5. Congratulations. I heard the news late because I was closed.”

“Please speak comfortably. Although I am currently a higher level than you, you are not the type of person to stop at level 3, are you?”

“Haha, is that so?”

“Of course! You saved me. If it weren’t for you, I would have been dragged into my old father’s cult, brainwashed, and become a knight against my will. You saved my life, but I am truly sorry for not giving you anything in return.”

“I did it on commission, so what? I gained a lot from it too.”

“I guess you haven’t been closed for a while?”

Seo Woo-jin examined the holy sword and magic gun dangling from my waist.

“A holy sword and a magic gun… isn’t that a difficult combination?”

“It’s a good combination if used well.”

“But why are you wearing it on your belt? There are so many good sword belts these days. Oh, right.”

Seo Woo-jin loosened his belt.

Antique leather belt.

The surface is engraved with magical characters and is lined with colorful gems.

He takes the sword away from there, holds it in his hand, and hands me his belt.

“Teacher. It’s a gift. Congratulations on reaching level 3.”

“Isn’t this too much?”

“It’s not excessive at all. When I go home, I’ll have a lot of stuff like this lying around. When I think about the favors you’ve bestowed on me, it’s nothing.”

Seo Woo-jin holds out his hand as if telling her to quickly take it.

After a moment of hesitation, I took the belt.

Even though I did it on commission, I think I deserve this much, right?

Seo Woo-jin is the son of a rich family.

Swish.

The moment I picked up my belt.

Magic power rose like a blade.

Of course, it would be normal for them to lose control, but instead of running wild, they gather together and settle into their magical power.

It was too easy.

Controlling magical powers.

‘It’s concentrated magic!’

It was clear.

The [Magic Concentration] trait was contained in the belt.

That’s a pretty high rank too. Probably SR.

It’s especially good for wizards, but it’s also good for warriors who rely heavily on magic.

For warriors, the magic boost is a little better, but not bad.

Even more so when you consider the upper attribute of Magic Heart.

At this point, I can’t even refuse with humility.

I patted Seo Woo-jin on the back friendly.

“Thank you so much. I will never forget you.”

“I am grateful that the teacher writes well.”

Concentrated magic power······

As it is a high-grade equipment, it takes a long time to master it.

It would be realistic to steadily purchase and transplant diamonds from the Shinwon market.

“I guess you two are really close.”

Baek So-rin, who was standing behind me, spoke in a muffled voice.

Seo Woo-jin carefully examines Baek So-rin.

“I saw you taking the young lady to the lounge on the third floor. What is your relationship?”

Seo Woo-jin asks me with his eyes.

Did you think she was your girlfriend?

“Hello. I am your new disciple.”

“Disciple······?”

“Woojin has as much potential as you, but I don’t think he knows his own path. That’s why I’m trying to help him grow.”

“Is that so? Honestly, I don’t know. I can feel the bones and blood vessels of people who have awakened, but this person is just average. No, he seems to be far below average. To be honest, this is the first time I’ve seen someone this weak.”

Yeah, I guess so.

Seo Woo-jin would have only seen people who were somewhat trained.

Baek So-rin’s face darkens and she looks at me as if to ask if what I’m saying is true.

Is your potential really on par with Seo Woo Jin’s?

He smiled confidently once.

“You’ll know when you see it. Don’t cry when Sorin catches up to you later.”

“Haha. Teacher, you have a sense of humor?”

Seo Woo-jin just laughed off my words.

That’s nonsense.

Seo Woo-jin is a work created by the purification of two inspections, Jegeommun and Ilgemmun.

Is it possible for someone who has never properly held a sword to catch up with Seo Woo-jin?

That doesn’t make sense.

But the ability to change the absurd into something meaningful is what makes Cheonsalseong so.

If you let your guard down, you’ll really get overtaken.

“That’s interesting.”

Seo Woo-jin’s eyes sparkled.

“Teacher. If you’re really confident, what do you think? Do you want to make a bet?”

“bet?”

“Yes. If that girl… becomes level 3, or rather level 2, within 3 months, then I lose, and if she doesn’t, then you lose. If you have similar talent to me, then you should be able to do that, right?”

“Okay.”

I will definitely win this.

“So what’s the stakes?”

“hmm······”

Seo Woo-jin thinks for a moment.

“If you win, I’ll make you a suit of armor.”

“armor?”

“Yes. The best. Plate armor is good, magic uniform is good, how about the style you want, sir?”

“Okay. I wanted to get a suit of armor anyway. So what should I do if I lose?”

“If the teacher loses······”

Seo Woo-jin looks at me with a blank look.

It was all expected.

He’ll ask you to become his disciple.

When they see talented people with potential, they try to collect them in any way possible, which is a chronic disease of those in power.

But the condition that Seo Woo-jin put forth was something I had never expected.

“Please help my friends.”

“Huh? What did you say?”

“My friends. The ones with fever… I want to help them.”

A world that is harsh, even cruel.

A world where, when you close your eyes, they take out your organs instead of your nose.

I felt like a salt water arrow was passing through my heart, which had become a monster after facing a monster.