Became a Mechromancer - Chapter 27

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

Chapter 27.
Fruition (4)
A production-type Awakened?
“Are you certain about that?!”
Kim Tae-sung, the Second Director, pressed the question sharply.
Na Yong-seok, the Department Head, answered carefully.
“Based on the circumstances… yes, sir.”
Thud!
Director Kim Tae-sung slammed his hand against the table with a sharp cry.
“Are you joking? A report based on mere circumstantial evidence?”
“Director Kim.”
Ma Jeong-seok’s weighty voice settled the atmosphere of the conference room.
He studied the agitated Kim Tae-sung for a moment, then turned his gaze toward Department Head Na.
“Present your evidence.”
Under Ma Jeong-seok’s gaze, Department Head Na began his report.
“Actually, upon hearing about the subject, I was reviewing employee Lim Doo-ho’s file when….”
Department Head Na paused briefly.
“However, since the employee had not consented to personal information access… I invoked the Hunter Management Bureau’s emergency authority.”
In other words, he had violated protocol.
Department Head Na bowed his head in apology.
“I will accept any disciplinary action.”
Director Kim Tae-sung waved his hand dismissively.
“You did it for the Bureau—don’t worry. I’ll take responsibility.”
He gauged the reactions of the Director and Park Soon-kwon.
Ma Jeong-seok nodded slowly.
“Continue.”
Department Head Na displayed a hologram.
『Lim Doo-ho (Age 26)
Awakening Registration: 3 months ago
Abyss Access Record: None』
Park Soon-kwon’s eyes widened progressively.
Awakened three months ago….
At age 26?
“Isn’t this itself a major incident!”
“Exactly. If he were combat-type, there’d be no reason to hide it. Rather, he should be desperate to stand out….”
He continued, observing the expressions of the Bureau’s leadership.
“Even after his Awakening, Lim Doo-ho remained in the Machine Upcycling Department. Subsequently, he submitted his work to the Skills Competition… and won the Grand Prize.”
Department Head Na enlarged the career section.
『6 years of experience in android repair and component regeneration work
Held Certifications: Hybrid Biointerface Tuner, Ultra-Precision Circuit Designer, Android Technician, and numerous others』
“Just looking at those credentials speaks volumes about his competence. And given that he’s awakened as a production-type Hunter, there’s nothing unusual about him creating such auxiliary devices.”
Kim Tae-sung, the Director, interjected with a skeptical expression.
“Isn’t it presumptuous to conclude he’s production-type based solely on that? He could have hidden his abilities out of fear of conflict.”
“…That’s a fair point.”
Na Yong-seok, the Deputy Director, displayed another document as if he’d anticipated their objections.
It was part of the paperwork Lim Doo-ho had submitted for the competition entry.
『Production Collaboration: Moru Workshop』
“This is the decisive evidence.”
“Production collaboration with Moru Workshop…?”
As the executives murmured the name, a single figure flashed through their minds.
“Jang Moon-seo!”
In that instant, the atmosphere in the conference room shifted.
Ma Jeong-seok’s eyes narrowed, and both Kim Tae-sung and Park Soon-kwon straightened in their seats.
“Jang Moon-seo… the craftsman collaborated with him?!”
“That stubborn old man?!”
Director Kim Tae-sung’s voice trembled with excitement.
“There’s no way the craftsman would let just anyone into his workshop.”
He turned to look at Deputy Director Na.
“Exactly. This alone is proof that he recognized Lim Doo-ho’s talent!”
Park Soon-kwon, who had been listening silently, rolled his eyes thoughtfully.
As if calculating something.
Then he said:
“If we secure Lim Doo-ho, wouldn’t Jang Moon-seo be drawn in as well?”
At his words, Kim Tae-sung grew excited.
Director!
“Exactly as Park Director says! We need to move before the Five Major Hunter Families catch wind of this!”
However.
Ma Jeong-seok stroked his chin, lost in thought.
Kim Tae-sung grew impatient at that silence.
“Director! Is there something else you’re considering?”
“Director Kim is right. Securing such talent requires swift action.”
Even Park Soon-kwon agreed with Kim Tae-sung on this occasion.
Ma Jeong-seok regarded both men steadily before speaking.
“Have you forgotten that I once tried to recruit Jang Moon-seo and was refused?”
“Hmm….”
“Well then, this time… I cannot afford to make a mistake. We must approach this carefully.”
Ma Jeong-seok turned his head.
“Deputy Director Na. Can you find information about Lim Doo-ho’s family relations?”
“I’ve already prepared that.”
“Let me see.”
Na Yong-seok pulled up the display.
『Residence: OO District Multi-family Villa (monthly rent)
Father: Defunct robot disposal worker
Mother: Full-time homemaker ※Vision aftereffects
Siblings: High school second-year twins』
The thing is…
“Since Lim Doo-ho is a contract employee, he’s had zero family welfare benefits.”
“I see.”
Ma Jeong-seok, nodding his head, spoke.
First of all…
“Make sure to pay special attention to family welfare.”
“Understood.”
“What if we offer Lim Doo-ho a deputy-level position?”
“Promoting a contract employee directly to deputy is…”
“We recognize his six years of contract work experience, and he’s received an award as a production-type Awakened One—surely that warrants special bonus points.”
Ah!
“In that case, there shouldn’t be any internal friction.”
Everyone agreed with Ma Jeong-seok’s assessment.
Then Na Yong-seok brought up another issue.
“Because of the global competition, Lim Doo-ho must choose one of the judges as his mentor. This means the judges will likely extend recruitment offers to him.”
Hmm.
“…We can’t help the mentor requirement.”
But we can’t just sit idle either.
We can’t let some undeserving person poach him.
Just as the deliberation deepened, Kim Tae-sung, a director known for his cunning schemes, grinned slyly.
“We can apply Article 47 of the Awakened One Management Act.”
Everyone tilted their heads in confusion.
He elaborated further.
“The provision states that ‘exceptional Awakened Ones’ grant the Hunter Management Bureau ‘priority negotiation rights.'”
Ah!
“At twenty-six, he qualifies as an exceptional Awakening?”
“Exactly.”
“Then corporations won’t be able to touch him!”
The two directors exchanged glances, then looked at Na Yong-seok.
As if urging him to hurry and secure Lim Doo-ho.
Greatly misunderstanding their intent, Na Yong-seok left the conference room with a solemn expression.
* * *
Doo-ho opened the front door.
“I’m home.”
Mother, who had been busy in the kitchen, turned around.
She immediately recognized her son standing in the entrance, different from usual, and smiled.
“My, you’re home early?”
“Work ended early today.”
Doo-ho’s response masked what truly delighted him—not the reward he’d received, but the fact that Mother’s treatment was progressing so well.
‘Life feels worth living.’
Then Mother asked.
“What’s that in your hand?”
“Oh, I picked up some beef.”
“Beef?!”
“I just… felt like eating it. Haha.”
Mother was about to scold him, but then she caught sight of the genuine joy on her son’s face.
‘Something good must have happened.’
Her son always wore that expression when fortune smiled upon him.
She took the meat from his hands.
.
.
.
By evening, the family had returned home.
And….
Above the grill set in the center of the low table in the master bedroom, beef sizzled to a golden brown.
Sizzle, sizzle.
Father raised his glass of soju, looking at Doo-ho.
“Let’s have a drink.”
“Of course.”
Clink!
With the sound of glasses meeting, the two downed their soju.
The room filled with the aroma of grilled meat.
Then Doo-na swiftly grabbed a piece of beef that was only lightly seared on the outside and.
“I ranked 9th!”
She popped it into her mouth as if she’d earned the right.
Mmm~~.
She smiled as though she possessed the entire world.
Doo-bin retorted bluntly from beside her.
“I’m 9th too?”
Doo-na shot him a sharp glare.
Tsk!
“You’re 9th in your class! I’m 9th in the entire school!”
Doo-bin covered his ears and chewed his meat contentedly before swallowing.
Mother, Father, and Doo-ho simply smiled.
Oh! Oh!
-Doo-ho, it’s clear you and your siblings share the same sharp minds!
Doo-ho hesitated for a moment, his expression growing stiff, but he soon relaxed.
-Why do you ask?
‘No, it’s nothing.’
Doo-ho flipped the meat and spoke to his younger siblings.
“You both did well. If you need anything, just say so. I’ll buy it for you.”
“Really?!”
“Yay~!”
The twins’ eyes sparkled as they exchanged glances, and Doo-bin spoke up.
“Brother, just… can we have another meat party next time?”
His concern for his brother’s finances was evident.
Doo-ho reached over and ruffled Doo-bin’s hair.
“Kid, I can afford to get you gifts.”
“I’m fine too.”
“Oppa, I’ll tell you when I need something.”
“Wow, Lim Doo-na, you’re betraying me like this?!”
“Hey, don’t talk to your sister like that!”
“Five minutes! You were born just five minutes before me!”
Just as Doo-bin’s lips began to pout, Doo-na snatched up a piece of meat and ate it.
You little brat!
“That was the one I called dibs on!”
After eating meat for a while, Doo-ho’s family continued their meal.
Mother looked at Doo-ho and asked.
“Son.”
“Yes?”
“Is there something you want to tell us?”
All eyes turned toward Doo-ho.
He scratched his head and opened his mouth.
“I, um… I got promoted.”
“…?”
Only the sizzle of grilling meat filled the room.
Father stopped, chopsticks in hand.
“Promoted?”
“Yes.”
The twins cried out in unison.
“Wh-brother got promoted?!”
“Oppa got promoted?!”
As Doo-ho nodded, the twins jumped to their feet and bounced excitedly.
Meanwhile, Mother’s eyes quickly grew red.
“Son… congratulations!”
Father, who had been sitting quietly beside me, placed his thick hand on my shoulder.
A firm, powerful grip.
He was so delighted that the corners of his mouth kept twitching upward.
“…I’m proud of you. My son.”
“Thank you, Father.”
A moment later.
Once the excitement had settled, Lim Doo-na asked.
“By the way, hyung. How much is the prize money?”
“100 million Coins.”
Gasp!
The entire family’s eyes widened in astonishment.
I spoke.
“I already sent some to Father’s account earlier.”
“Son… what are you saying?”
As my parents looked bewildered, I smiled.
“40 million Coins.”
“You fool, why would you send us such a fortune!”
“Father, it’s a good day—please accept it with a happy heart. Yes?”
When Father couldn’t bring himself to accept, Mother stepped forward instead.
“Son, thank you.”
A moment of lingering emotion.
Lim Doo-na suddenly spoke up.
“Oppa!”
“Hmm?”
“…Let’s take a family photo!”
“All of a sudden?”
“Oh~ that’s a great idea! I’ll take it!”
Lim Doo-na stood up, placed his smartwatch on a chair, and pulled up a camera interface in the air.
“Hyung, bring the certificate!”
I wore an embarrassed expression.
“Do I really have to bring it?”
“Of course! That’s why I’m asking!”
In the end, I went into my room and retrieved the certificate.
“Everyone gather! Hyung, hold the certificate so it shows clearly.”
Lim Doo-na quickly positioned the family.
Ready.
“Three, two, cheese!”
Click—!
Shortly after.
Doo-bin sent the photograph file to everyone.
Father immediately opened the file on his smartwatch.
A soft hum resonated through the air.
A holographic family photo materialized in the empty space.
As Father zoomed in on Doo-ho with his finger, the text on the certificate he held became crystal clear.
『Recipient – Lim Doo-ho』
A satisfied smile spread across Father’s lips.
His younger brother’s suggestion to take a photo holding the certificate.
Only then did Doo-ho realize it.
‘Doo-bin… that kid’s better than me.’
Mother poked Father in the ribs.
“You’re just trying to show it off, aren’t you?”
“Well, of course I am.”
Chuckles, giggles, laughter…
A warm night filled with the laughter of the entire family.
-Doo-ho.
‘Hmm?’
-Is this what family truly is?
‘…Yes, it is.’
Isto seemed to be feeling something.
Doo-ho smiled and took a sip of soju.
* * *
After the barbecue gathering ended, Doo-ho returned to his room.
He collapsed onto the bed.
Settling onto the edge of the mattress.
The routine of heading to the Moru Workshop after work.
Because of that, this current leisure felt hollow and unfamiliar.

“I should head out soon.”
I rose from my seat.
Using the save point installed in my room, I teleported to the alley near the Moru Workshop.
Good grief.
‘Is it really okay to have it this easy?’
Before entering the workshop.
‘I need to clear my head from the alcohol.’
I went to the Garage to retrieve the chicken and beer I’d prepared earlier, then returned.
My mind was now crystal clear.
In my hands were piping hot chicken and an ice-cold beer.
Ah, perfect.
‘The Garage is the best!’
Truth be told.
I’d eaten only a little meat before coming here.
I opened the middle gate and stepped inside.
Clang! Clang!
The sound of a hammer striking metal echoed through the space.
Jang Moon-seo was forging while wearing auxiliary equipment.
“Boss!”
Jang Moon-seo looked up, startled.
Wait…
“Weren’t you supposed to be off today?”
“I never said I was taking the day off.”
“…I see.”
“Here, have some of this first.”
I held up the bag containing the chicken.
A wry smile spread across Jang Moon-seo’s face.
After finishing his work.
The chicken and beer were waiting on the table.
Psssht.
The refreshing sound of a beer can opening rang out.
“Let’s have a drink.”
I quickly handed the beer to Jang Moon-seo.
“Ah, this hits the spot.”
After eating a few pieces.
“Boss.”
“Hmm?”
“I got promoted.”
Jang Moon-seo stared at me intently, then broke into a broad grin.
Tap, tap!
With his rough hands, he patted Doo-ho’s back.
“Excellent, truly excellent!”
“It’s all thanks to your teachings, sir.”
“Nonsense! This is the fruit of your own hard work.”
Jang Moon-seo took a sip of beer before suddenly asking a question.
“By the way, there’s something I wanted to ask.”
“Yes?”
“How long do you plan to keep calling me ‘sir’?”
Doo-ho hesitated.
“Then… what should I call you?”
Jang Moon-seo laughed with a hint of embarrassment.
“Master, teacher… there are plenty of good titles, aren’t there?”
Seeing Doo-ho’s bewildered expression, Jang Moon-seo added.
The truth is….
“You’re my first disciple in all my years.”
My chest swelled with emotion.
Could I….
“Call you my master?”
“Ha ha, of course you can.”
I quickly stood and bowed respectfully.
“I’ll study hard under your guidance, Master.”
Jang Moon-seo laughed heartily and handed Doo-ho a beer can.
Clink!
After their cans clinked together, Jang Moon-seo took a long drink.
Ahhhh….
“The beer tastes especially refreshing tonight.”
A modest celebration between master and disciple continued.
I Became a Mechromancer
Author |
Keongang E
Published |
February 25, 2026
Publisher |
TalesYX
Website |
https://talesyx.com
Email |
[email protected]
ⓒ Keongang E, 2026
This publication is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced or copied without permission.
UCI｜
G720:N+A277-20260210015.0027

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