The Only Enhancer - Chapter 50

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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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Episode 50
Episode 50 – The Enhancement Mage’s Ultimate Skill (1)
0.
I had no intention of announcing to the entire world that I was an enhancement mage.
No matter how many Level 5 hunters I defeated, revealing it globally would be dangerous.
Hadn’t I experienced enough trouble during the last level measurement?
Back then, I had announced it confidently, yet unforeseen circumstances had unfolded regardless.
I had no intention of repeating the same mistake.
‘It’s too early to go public with the media.’
My goal was to establish a guild.
Not an ordinary guild, but one where every member wore at least +5 reinforced equipment and wielded +6 weapons.
And to make that happen, I needed to level up first.
The problem was that upon reaching Level 4, I could no longer gain experience from reinforcing items below that level.
And.
‘Innate reinforced items grant more experience than reinforcing ordinary items.’
What had initially been just a feeling became certainty as my level increased.
When I reached Level 3, I hadn’t reinforced many innate items, but when reaching Level 4, I reinforced far more innate reinforced items, allowing me to level up faster than when I reached Level 3.
Having experienced this myself, it would be strange not to understand it.
If I reinforced innate +4 items, I would gain enormous experience per enhancement.
Raids followed the same principle.
It was common knowledge that defeating a single Disaster Level 4 creature granted more experience than defeating multiple Disaster Level 3 creatures.
However, even obtaining innate +4 items—or even just +3 items—was difficult.
Even if I tried to acquire them through secondhand exchanges in Oi Country, +3 items never appeared.
+4 items were out of the question entirely.
But there was a way to solve all of this.
‘First, I’ll speak with the Association Chairman and request cooperation.’
The only place that possessed the most innate +4 items and could exchange them.
The Awakener’s Association.
The question was whether I could trust the Association, but even if I couldn’t trust the Association itself, I judged that at least the Chairman was trustworthy.
Ma Hyun-seok—the Steel Hero, the man who commanded the support of an entire nation.
From what I’d heard from Jung Ji-hwan and from my own experience, he was a person worthy of trust.
He was someone I had revered as a hero since childhood.
That was reason enough to trust him.
Of course, I intended to draw up a proper contract.
Wasn’t it Ma Hyun-seok who had sent the Saint to provide me with full support?
There was no reason not to trust him.
Hadn’t he even mentioned offering support when I established my guild?
This was why I was meeting with Ma Hyun-seok privately in the Association Chairman’s Office.
“So Team Leader Jung Ji-hwan said you wanted a private meeting, which is why I called you in.”
“Thank you for accommodating my request.”
I wasn’t free from tension, but I maintained the utmost composure.
It wasn’t easy given Ma Hyun-seok’s overwhelming presence, but my equally overwhelming mana reserves were more than sufficient to overcome it.
Association Chairman Ma Hyun-seok held considerable expectations for Min-jun’s private audience request.
For him, who now wished to retire, Min-jun was his only opportunity.
‘I hear Jung Ji-hwan gave you advice about guilds?’
Those were the words Jung Ji-hwan had spoken while bringing Min-jun here.
If that were the case, the reason for coming here could be reasonably inferred.
‘You must be seeking support.’
The timing was perfect.
Wasn’t I just bickering with other congressmen about what kind of reward to give after the Gangneung Disaster raid?
I should definitely push for this opportunity.
Besides, I’ve recently acquired some new items.
Items personally delivered from China.
Using those could certainly serve as proper compensation.
As Ma Hyun-seok thought this, he looked at Min-jun.
Min-jun spoke first.
“I intend to establish a guild.”
Merely Level 3 at best.
And that from a twenty-year-old.
But why was it?
‘I sense something powerful.’
His eyes held the gaze of someone with a clear objective, not merely vague aspirations of guild creation.
Ma Hyun-seok found that gaze quite appealing.
“Hmm, you’re still Level 3, but I believe it’s sufficient. You’ve already demonstrated your prowess in the Gangneung Disaster raid and in combat against Sanryong. So you’ve come seeking support?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Admirable confidence. First, let me speak of what I can provide. I’ve already decided that the items brought from Sanryong are naturally yours, and establishing a guild requires quite a number of items. How far have you thought? I’ll assist to the extent of my ability.”
Ma Hyun-seok’s manner was remarkably favorable.
His demeanor was gentle, as if addressing a grandchild.
How could it be otherwise when his own retirement hung in the balance?
Yet Min-jun’s expression was gravely serious.
More so than ever before.
He seemed to be asking for something quite substantial.
Just how substantial?
“Before I state what I desire, I would appreciate receiving a confidentiality oath.”
“A confidentiality oath?”
“Yes, I wish to receive an oath that you will not disclose anything discussed here to anyone.”
“Hmm.”
What on earth was he about to say that warranted such a confidentiality oath?
Ma Hyun-seok didn’t fully understand, but he nodded.
“Understood. I swear on my name.”
Ma Hyun-seok spoke with an unusually grave expression.
“…?”
Min-jun watched the Association Chairman’s response and pulled out the confidentiality agreement he’d brought along.
“…What is that?”
He wasn’t asking because he didn’t know.
He’d promised to stake his own name on this, yet he hadn’t expected Min-jun to actually produce the document.
But Min-jun answered as though it were obvious.
“It’s a confidentiality agreement, sir.”
“…Right, yes, I suppose certainty is reassuring.”
As I read through the agreement, the writing style seemed familiar from somewhere.
‘Jung Ji-hwan must have drafted this.’
Yet he belonged to the Association and didn’t even mention something like this to me.
Feeling somewhat disappointed, I examined it meticulously.
Surely because Jung Ji-hwan had prepared it? There wasn’t a single loophole.
It was such a thorough agreement that even I had to admire it.
After signing everything, I looked at Min-jun as if asking what on earth warranted such precautions.
Min-jun nodded at me, seeming relieved now.
For a moment I felt a surge of emotion at that gesture, but this wasn’t a matter separate from my retirement.
I’d let it pass at that.
Min-jun reached into some sort of belt pouch at his waist and retrieved something.
‘Hmm, is that a subspace item?’
Where did such a precious thing come from?
Was it a gift from someone?
Such thoughts crossed my mind, but the moment I saw what Min-jun was pulling out, they vanished entirely.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
Items emerging endlessly.
It was remarkable enough that so many items could fit in a subspace, but that wasn’t what occupied my thoughts now.
Every single item being withdrawn bore the faint crimson glow that marked +4 reinforced equipment.
No matter how composed I was, my eyes were glued wide open, and once the items exceeded fifty, my breath caught in my throat.
Where on earth did all these items come from!
This wasn’t a matter of receiving support from someone.
In twenty years, Korea had obtained fewer than three hundred +4 items total.
And the Association possessed roughly one hundred of those.
Yet half that amount in +4 items was emerging from a single person’s subspace?
It was impossible.
Then Min-jun spoke.
“I’d like to exchange these +4 items for the Association’s +4 items.”
Upon hearing those words, I suddenly pinched my own thigh hard.
It hurt terribly.
Which meant this wasn’t a dream.
“Heh heh heh, what in the world is all this?”
While Ma Hyun-seok still hadn’t regained his composure.
Min-jun delivered the finishing blow.
“I can enhance items.”
Faced with such a shocking revelation, Ma Hyun-seok abandoned any attempt at comprehension.
There was no point trying to understand something that defied all logic anyway.
1.
After considerable time had passed.
Min-jun had put away all the items he’d displayed, and once Ma Hyun-seok had calmed down somewhat, he finally nodded as if everything made sense now.
‘Now the pieces fit together.’
He could now understand why Min-jun had been so insistent about the confidentiality agreement from the start, and why he’d been so cautious.
But that wasn’t all.
The reports he’d received over time.
There had been countless oddities.
First, there were many items that the Association hadn’t even loaned out, and there were barely any purchase records for them either.
Moreover, hadn’t reports come in about purchasing hundreds of unenhanced items?
He’d simply assumed Min-jun had a hobby of collecting items or was planning to resell them when prices were high.
But that wasn’t the reason at all.
An Enchanter.
The trait Min-jun had revealed was certainly enough to make Ma Hyun-seok’s mind reel.
“Heh heh heh heh.”
All that escaped him was hollow laughter.
At Ma Hyun-seok’s position, he was well-informed about news from other countries as well.
But he’d never heard of anyone possessing a trait other than Tank, Dealer, or Healer.
After all, the understanding that there were only three traits had remained unchanged for twenty years.
Yet that had just changed.
This was certainly a grave matter.
If this fact became known?
‘It would cause an enormous upheaval.’
After the level measurement, Min-jun had felt it wise not to reveal this hastily and to confide only in him—a very sound decision.
“You haven’t told anyone else, have you?”
“Of course not.”
“Phew, good call. There’s nothing to gain from letting this out. Really good judgment. And thank you for trusting me.”
At Ma Hyun-seok’s response, Min-jun felt reassured that he’d made the right choice in confiding only in him.
Usually, when someone shares such a secret, few would respond with gratitude for being trusted.
Though he had signed a confidentiality agreement, of course.
“Hmm, your desire to exchange for a 4-star item must be related to experience points, yes?”
“….”
Min-jun didn’t answer verbally, only nodding his head.
Since he’d already revealed being an Enchanter, he’d planned to disclose this as well.
Ma Hyun-seok nodded, as if satisfied.
“I’ve already signed a confidentiality agreement, but I swear on my name I won’t tell a soul. I brought it up again because I was worried you might still feel uneasy.”
“Ah, thank you.”
That certainly made me feel better.
Ma Hyun-seok continued.
“And I’ll help you with my full commitment.”
Could there be more reassuring words than that?
Until now, I’d had no one to rely on.
It felt like I’d gained a dependable grandfather.
“Then….”
“We’ll do it by exchanging items from the Hunter Association’s Tier 4 inventory.”
“Oh!”
“If we manipulate the records, it’ll be more than sufficient.”
“Pardon?”
It wasn’t my place to say anything, but was it okay to manipulate records?
I looked at Ma Hyun-seok with some anxiety.
“The higher-ups don’t even know what’s in inventory anyway. Still, to be safe, it’s better to exchange items of the same type. What do you think? If I move like this for you, wouldn’t that make me more trustworthy?”
He was absolutely right.
I couldn’t believe Ma Hyun-seok would go this far.
I’d only expected him to exchange items from his own collection.
Suddenly feeling apologetic, I asked.
“But won’t this cause trouble for the Association Chairman? Like having to step down from his position…?”
“Hehehehe! That would be nice!”
“Pardon?”
“Ahem, no, never mind. Just know that we’re in the same boat now. The reason I’m going this far is partly because I like you, but also because I hope you won’t leave this country.”
“I see.”
I nodded, understanding his meaning.
But then Ma Hyun-seok said something.
“However, if this country comes to hate you, then leave without hesitation.”
“Pardon? What do you mean?”
His words didn’t quite connect, so I looked at him in confusion.
Ma Hyun-seok scratched his cheek awkwardly as he spoke.
“These days, we don’t really concern ourselves with notions of homeland anymore. More than anything, if you find it difficult to live in this country or think somewhere else would be better for you, then leave boldly. I’m just saying you should eat well and live well.”
“….”
“If it’s hard, leaving is the right choice. Of course, I’ll help you as much as I can. Hehe, getting old makes me say strange things.”
“…Thank you. I’ll take your words to heart.”
“Ahem, then let me help you with the exchange. Shall we go?”
Ma Hyun-seok stood up, hiding his embarrassment, and led the way to the floor where the Tier 4 items were displayed.
Though I felt awkward about what he’d said, I thought he’d done well.
For some reason, he’d simply wanted to say those things.
‘Carrying so much at such a young age is a burden.’
It reminded me of my own situation, which is why I thought that way.
I wondered if Min-jun thought I was being an old fogey, but fortunately, that wasn’t the case.
And his thoughts were the opposite of mine.
‘I’ll help however I can.’
Feeling warmth from those words, Min-jun smiled with satisfaction.
And as he did, he thought to himself.
‘I should ask to exchange for the Tier 3 reinforced items too.’
Min-jun exchanged fifty Tier 4 innate reinforced items tailored to each slot and one hundred Tier 3 innate reinforced items, then left.
Along with countless low-tier reinforced items he’d taken just in case.
After receiving a promise to exchange again with newly crafted reinforced items later.
Having secured all the materials, Min-jun smiled contentedly and thought to himself.
‘Now it’s time for the experience grind.’
There were so many innate reinforced items.
This time, his level might rise even faster than last time.
Meanwhile, unlike Min-jun, who was fully prepared to return home and reinforce his items, Association Chairman Ma Hyun-seok suddenly felt an ominous premonition.
It wasn’t that something bad would happen to Min-jun.
Rather, the opposite.
‘Wait, why do I feel like retirement is slipping further away? It must just be my imagination.’
2.
Incheon International Airport.
Countless reporters gathered around a foreign visitor who had just entered the country, their shutters clicking incessantly.
People craned their necks, wondering if a celebrity had come to Korea.
There stood a middle-aged man with white hair and advanced years, smiling as he removed his sunglasses.
His image was reminiscent of a blade.
A sharp-looking, impeccably groomed middle-aged Caucasian man.
Richard Franklin, the leader of the Saint Guild, a world-renowned guild and the guild of the United States.
He had come to Korea.
“Is there a reason for your visit to Korea?”
“We heard you came to find talented individuals!”
“Franklin! Please say something!”
“What do you normally think of Korea? Would you say it’s a sufficiently powerful nation?”
“Is there a Korean food you particularly enjoy?”
“Who are these idiots asking such stupid questions!”
Some reporters asked questions that dampened the mood, causing even their fellow journalists to frown.
Franklin, for his part, smiled benevolently with an air of confidence and spoke.
“I’ve come to see the one who recently became famous.”
At Franklin’s words, everyone exclaimed in understanding!
“Ah!”
“Wow!”
“Just as I thought!”
“What are you admiring about?! If the United States takes him, it’ll shake our national prestige!”
Despite the protests of a few sensible reporters, the other journalists tried to ask more questions, but Level 5 hunters from the Saint Guild blocked their path.
The reporters retreated before the overwhelming aura that would have made any ordinary person shrink back.
“We’ll end it here for today. Then.”
Franklin moved forward as if he’d said all he needed to say, accompanied by his guild members.
They were the most loyal of his subordinates, brought along as bodyguards.
Settling into the limousine, Franklin continued to smile as he tapped away at his tablet PC.
Isabella, a Level 5 hunter who had come along for protection, asked him a question.
“You seem to be in a good mood.”
Normally, the journalists would have put him in quite a foul mood, but now he was grinning and working away.
It was a fair observation.
Franklin nodded at Isabella’s words.
“I’m simply delighted that I’ll finally be able to meet him.”
“I see.”
Isabella nodded, though she asked with some concern in her voice.
“Will you actually be able to meet him?”
If she were the Korean government, she would never allow such a meeting. Could it really happen?
But Franklin answered with complete confidence.
“Of course. Even Korea can’t ignore his wishes.”
In other words, he was certain that Min-jun would want to meet him.
It was an arrogant statement, but Isabella and another Level 5 hunter, Marco, both nodded in agreement.
After all, he was Richard Franklin, the leader of the Saint Guild.
Min-jun would likely come out of curiosity alone.
Franklin thought the same way.
And he made a bold prediction.
“Two days. I believe he’ll come find me within two days.”
And so two days passed after he said that and checked into the hotel.
Of course, Min-jun never left his room, focused on his cultivation.
Naturally, there was no contact.
“….”
“….”
When the two bodyguards stared at him, Franklin, feeling caught off guard, spoke up.
“…He must be trying to raise his asking price. Well, I was planning to treat him as best as possible anyway, but I suppose I’ll have to offer more.”
And so another five days passed.
When a week had gone by since arriving in Korea, Isabella finally couldn’t hold back and asked.
“…Is he still not coming, even with the increased offer?”
“….”
Franklin had no answer.
Meanwhile, another week had passed when the craftsman—no, Min-jun—holed up in his cramped room, let out a shout.
“Finally!”
[Your level has increased.]
[You have reached Level 5 and acquired your ultimate skill and a new ability.]
[You can now attempt +7 enhancement.]

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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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