Became a Mechromancer - Chapter 22

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 22.
Tracking (2)
Hunter Management Bureau Basement Level 2.
In a dusty corner wedged between the warehouse and machinery room, Doo-ho swept his gaze left and right like a spy thriller protagonist.
“Hawkeye, what do you think of this spot? Perfect location, right?”
Ripple~.
A distortion shimmered through the air as Hawkeye emerged from the Garage.
The creature scanned the area, zooming the scope in and out.
-A CCTV blind spot. Quite excellent.
“Okay, then set it up for me.”
Hawkeye stepped back from Doo-ho.
As the creature opened its palm, light coalesced in its hand. Soon a small pyramid materialized on the open palm.
Crack!
Hawkeye flipped the pyramid upside down and drove it into the floor tile.
Hummmmm—.
The space trembled faintly in that instant.
Coordinates etched themselves into the spatial fabric.
Hawkeye registered Doo-ho to the point.
Watching from behind, Doo-ho found it nothing short of remarkable.
‘Just embedding that tiny thing into the floor, and teleportation becomes possible.’
Then Hawkeye retracted the scope.
-Save point installation complete.
“Man, you really went above and beyond.”
-Macromanser.
“Hmm?”
-There’s no need for you to say things like thank you or good work going forward. You need only issue commands, Macromanser.
The tone differed, but Hawkeye was identical to Isto. However…
“Still, I appreciate it.”
Doo-ho chuckled as he spoke, and Hawkeye fell silent for a moment.
-…I shall take my leave.
It said curtly before retreating into the Garage.
“Kid’s feeling awkward, I guess.”
Doo-ho checked his surroundings once more.
Still no one around.
Of course.
Hunter Management Bureau staff never descended to Basement Level 2.
Doo-ho asked.
“So I just need to cross over the pyramid?”
-That is correct.
Hawkeye’s voice echoed in his mind.
Let’s go straight over the pyramid.
A secluded alley near the Moru Workshop appeared in Doo-ho’s field of vision.
Different from the Garage or the Abyss.
It felt like piercing through folded space.
-How is it?
Doo-ho answered Hawkeye’s question.
“…This is seriously incredible.”
-Hehe~ I’m glad you’re satisfied.
That was when confidence dripped from Hawkeye’s voice.
-So the old Hawkeye has some use after all. Ehehehe.
-Blockhead. It’s Hawkeye, not Hawk-old-man!
-Ohhh~ You mean Hawk-youngster?
-….
Hawkeye gave up responding.
Rather than bicker with that blockhead, he’d get Doo-ho to S-rank even a day sooner.
Doo-ho chuckled and pushed open the door to the Moru Workshop.
* * *
The hide of Drake Runner spread across the workbench.
Jang Moon-seo’s rough hand swept across the leather.
“Beast hides require reading the grain of the fibers and the direction of the force flowing through them to cut cleanly.”
The leather knife in his hand moved with a soft whisper.
The blade trembled faintly as it met resistance.
Jang Moon-seo pressed skillfully and drew a single line.
I burned every step into my eyes.
Had my gaze been that intense?
Chuckle.
“You’ll lose your eyes that way.”
I scratched my head at his joke.
“Go on, try it yourself.”
“Really?”
“Hands-on experience is what matters in this.”
The leather knife I received was heavy.
I replayed Jang Moon-seo’s movements in my mind.
Read the grain, apply force, advance.
That was the theory.
Crunch… screech.
The result was disastrous.
The cut surface was jagged.
“Not bad for a first attempt.”
Doo-ho thought Jang Moon-seo was offering encouragement.
But Drake Runner leather typically stretches and yields under a beginner’s blade work.
Yet….
‘To actually cut through it.’
It meant he possessed considerable discernment.
Jang Moon-seo smiled broadly as he observed Doo-ho’s flushed face.
“If you were skilled from the start, why would you need instruction?”
A fair point.
But.
What if I used nanobots?
“If you don’t mind, could I attempt it using my own method?”
“Go ahead.”
Thus granted another opportunity, Doo-ho extended his hand over the leather.
Silver dust flowed from his fingertips.
The nanobots traced along the leather’s surface.
Slice.
The leather parted effortlessly.
Huh?!
Jang Moon-seo’s eyes widened.
“…Are you a Wind Cutter user?”
Instead of answering, Doo-ho shook his head slightly.
There was no need to explain the nanobots.
Then.
Jang Moon-seo continued with admiration.
Remarkable.
“Wind Cutter can cut, certainly, but I’ve never seen anyone with the precision to cut exactly as they please like you.”
“I have a knack for control.”
“I’ve got some skill myself.”
Chuckle, haha.
Their laughter filled the workshop.
A week passed from that point.
Doo-ho’s initially clumsy handiwork became fluid and natural.
He learned to cut and shape leather, then integrate it with items.
“You have natural dexterity.”
Jang Moon-seo said he would teach metalwork next.
Though Doo-ho possessed metal manipulation.
‘There’s no reason to refuse an offer to learn.’
Besides, if he submitted to the competition, he needed to document where it was manufactured.
Ultimately, the auxiliary device’s frame was crafted at the Moru Workshop, while the smart actuators for the joints were made solely by Doo-ho at the Garage.
This was the moment Metal Manipulation truly shone.
A weekend afternoon.
Jang Moon-seo marveled upon seeing the framework of my auxiliary device.
You….
“This seems to suit you far better than being a hunter, doesn’t it?”
Since I had never once considered myself a hunter, Jang Moon-seo’s high praise felt absolutely wonderful.
The Drake Runner leather had been affixed smoothly to the frame, and the joint movements had become even more fluid.
Jang Moon-seo lifted the auxiliary device.
As he examined it from every angle, he shook his head in wonder.
Remarking that it was absurdly smooth.
“Truly remarkable.”
There was a hint of longing in his eyes.
“Would you give it to me once it’s complete?”
“Is that even possible?”
“Of course it is. If anything, I’d be honored if you used it.”
“Then, I’d like to request one for myself as well.”
I accepted the auxiliary device Jang Moon-seo offered with a satisfied expression.
* * *
That night, in the Garage.
I combined my masterwork, the ‘Smart Actuator,’ with the frame I’d brought from the workshop.
The Smart Actuator was the crystallization of the Design Port, metal manipulation, and the Nanobot skill.
Small, yet harboring potential incomparable to existing technology—a heart brimming with possibility.
Moreover, thanks to Jang Moon-seo’s guidance, I could perfect both the product’s completion and design.
“All I need to do is add the circuitry.”
The competition entry would use electronic circuitry.
And….
The auxiliary device for Father would proceed as planned.
‘I’ll need to inscribe a mana circuit.’
Right at that moment.

[Quest Triggered]
◈Mana Circuit Mechanic Fabrication
Condition: Operational
Time Limit: None
Reward: Dimensional Access → Dimensional Control
Accept / Decline
Doo-ho was startled by the unexpected quest.
He quickly scanned the details with his eyes.
Huh?
“Dimensional Access is… changing to Dimensional Control?”
Oh! Oh! Oh!
-It’s a skill upgrade!
Isto’s LED eyes sparkled as he bounced excitedly, prompting Hawkeye to click his tongue.
Tsk—.
-Thick-headed as an iron block.
-Huh?!
-Mecromancer, you should focus on the shift from ‘access’ to ‘control’.
“…Control?”
Dimensional Access was a skill directly tied to the Abyss.
If this meant controlling something related to the Abyss…?
The thought crystallized in my mind.
“I have to accept this.”
-A wise decision.
After accepting the quest, Doo-ho headed straight into the Design Port.
A mana circuit schematic rotated above the circular scan pad at the center.
‘I just need to draw the mana circuit according to that….’
Though not extensive, I’d gained experience with mana circuits while repairing Isto.
However.
That had been restoration work.
This time, I had to handle everything from installation to engraving.
So I examined the schematic once more.
I zoomed in on the central point of the waist support frame.
The optimal position for energy to radiate outward in all directions.
-There’s no need to burden yourself, Doo-ho. If you fail, you can simply make it again.
-Since you’ve already crafted an auxiliary device once, you’ll be able to make it faster even if you do fail.
Hawkeye added to Isto’s encouragement.
Watching the two of them, Doo-ho shrugged his shoulders.
“How disappointing.”
-Pardon?
“Why do you both sound like I’m going to fail?”
-It’s not easy. Mana circuits are difficult on the first attempt.
-Iron Head is right. That’s why the Quest rewards are so generous.
Listening to their words, my competitive spirit ignited.
“If it’s difficult, I want to do it even better.”
I concentrated mana at my fingertips and traced a blue luminous pattern through the air.
The mana circuit pattern grew increasingly complex and intertwined.
[Proficiency increases]
[Mana Circuit comprehension increases]
My hands moved ceaselessly.
Time flowed endlessly.
Beads of sweat formed on my forehead, yet my hands never stopped for a moment.
I continuously drew upon my concentration.
My limbs trembled from standing so long, numb beyond measure.
But.
The sensation of mana flowing from my fingertips and bearing fruit in the empty air.
‘I don’t want to stop.’
This moment of creating something that doesn’t exist in this world was utterly exhilarating.
Had I not been so deeply absorbed, I would have collapsed long ago.
Isto and Hawkeye watched from behind as I lost myself in my own world.
-My master, but so cool.
-For once, I agree with Iron Head.
And finally.
The mana circuit was completed in the air.
Whoosh—.
I took a deep breath.
‘I need to install it in the auxiliary device.’
Drawing the mana circuit made me acutely aware of the importance of physical stamina.
I was grateful that I’d started exercising recently.
But then again.
“If I’d designed it in parts, it wouldn’t have been so exhausting.”
-That’s true. Then you could’ve taken it easy.
“You should’ve told me beforehand if you knew.”
As I made a disgruntled expression at Isto, Hawkeye—that predatory gaze—interjected.
-I naturally assumed Iron Head would’ve informed you, Mechanomancer sir.
-You cheeky bastard!
Isto bounced indignantly, protesting his innocence.
“Isto. Bring me the auxiliary device.”
-Yes! Yes! Understood!
Since Isto had teased Hawkeye so much lately, I deliberately gave the task to Isto.
Shortly after, the auxiliary device was placed before me.
Once I installed the mana circuit blueprint onto the auxiliary device, the first phase would be complete.
Difficult as it was, I had to do it now.
‘Mana circuit blueprints suspended in empty space are volatile, after all.’
Even now, it was gradually fading.
I drew upon my mental fortitude once more.
As my hand moved, the massive mana circuit in the air compressed and sharpened.
Srrrrk….
Following my hand movements, the azure mana circuit descended like a butterfly, smooth and graceful.
The moment it touched the auxiliary device’s frame, the mana circuit blueprint settled precisely onto the surface.
Exhale….
Only then did I release a long breath and stagger slightly.
Yes!!!
The exhilarating rush of success on the first attempt!
Some time later.
After sufficient rest, I stood before the workbench.
I gazed down at the auxiliary device.
My heart was racing for some reason.
Calm yourself.
‘…I’ve done this before with Isto.’
Though back then, I was repairing something broken.
I murmured to myself, offering reassurance.
I brought my fingertips to the center of the auxiliary device.
Srrk….
Nanobots flowed from my fingertips.
Silver dust streamed down, flowing across the metal frame along the mana circuit blueprint.
I would engrave the mana circuits one strand at a time.
Click click—.
As the nanobots burrowed into the metal, azure light glowed faintly.
The sound of circuits being engraved filled the quiet Garage.
[Proficiency increases]
[Proficiency increases]
[Proficiency incre…]
How much time had passed?
With the final mana circuit complete, the nanobots returned to my fingertips.
Inhale!
I drew in a deep breath.
I immediately examined the center of the auxiliary device.
The circuits were beautifully inscribed.
Intricate and complex patterns.
But.
Compared to Isto and Hawkeye’s mana patterns, mine was still crude. I gained a newfound appreciation for just how extraordinary the Mecromancers who created those two must be.
Yet despite this, I roared with exultation.
“…I did it!”
Isto cheered in unison.
Oh! Ohhh!
-I knew you could do it!
Hawkeye expressed joy by widening those crosshair eyes beyond their usual scope.
I extended my hand.
“Isto, give me a mana stone.”
-Right away!
I accepted the mana stone and inserted it into a box designed to resemble a battery pack.
Camouflage to avoid suspicion from onlookers.
Of course, the auxiliary device I’d submit to the competition would have a genuine battery pack installed in that slot instead.
I slid the battery pack containing the mana stone into the groove at the circuit’s core.
Click—.
The moment it locked into place.
Whirrrr—.
Mana flowing from the mana stone began spreading through the circuits in a brilliant azure glow.
Like hot blood coursing through cold metal.
I immediately donned the auxiliary device.
Whirrr—.
The device activated and hugged snugly against my waist and legs.
The Drake Runner leather wrapped around my skin with such gentleness that it felt almost unbelievably comfortable.
Whoosh.
So I took a tentative step forward…
“Holy….”
Goosebumps erupted across my entire body.
I had become a Mecromancer.
Author |
Gungang E
Published |
February 25, 2026
Publisher |
TalesYX
Website |
https://talesyx.com
Email |
[email protected]
ⓒ Gungang E, 2026
This publication is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission.
UCI｜
G720:N+A277-20260210015.0022

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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