The Return of the Talented Monopolist is Special

The bodyguard of Gold Sword and Rauler were stunned by Clark’s swift actions.

“You’re just going to smash it like that…?”

“That’s intense. I didn’t expect that.”

Rauler, who was usually scared of Clark Penzel, flinched.

“I thought Sir Clark was a bit more gentle, but his methods… they’re decisive.”

Although Rauler described it as ‘decisive,’ he likely felt that Clark’s actions were too excessive.

The servants of the fallen candidates, who had been reduced to a mess, had no room to argue against Clark’s words.

“Did you understand? Stop bragging about how weak the younger members of your family are.”

“Ugh… I understand…”

“Let’s call it quits here. Go home quietly.”

Eugene could easily understand the reaction that Clark’s actions were excessive.

It’s common to find candidates upset after failing an exam, but it’s rare to encounter an examiner who resolves things so ruthlessly.

However, Eugene understood that, for someone from the Penzel family, Clark had actually been quite gentle.

“Uncle Clark is truly a bodhisattva. If Sirius or the House Law Enforcement had handled it, they’d have been much harsher.”

It wasn’t just about broken limbs; they could have crippled the person and expelled them from the family, making it impossible to carry the Penzel name. But Clark hadn’t done that.

Such a response was only possible because Clark was merciful.

However, unlike others, Eugene wasn’t focusing on Clark’s character or mercy.

His gaze was fixed on Clark’s sword.

“The Sword of Black Tortoise, that’s the real deal, the swordsmanship that made Uncle Clark who he is.”

Eugene had learned the basic swordsmanship of Penzel when passing the Lion’s Exam.

With this foundation, seeing Clark’s swordsmanship made Eugene feel a sense of anticipation.

“Since I’ve laid the foundation, I can imagine things I never could in my past life.”

The Sword of Black Tortoise.

Seeing the black tortoise’s shell briefly flash behind Clark’s back made Eugene’s heart race. That was one of the heaviest, most destructive sword styles within Penzel’s martial arts.

And the foundation of the Sword of Black Tortoise was, of course, the basic swordsmanship of Penzel.

From this foundation, each practitioner blended their unique traits, building their own powerful sword techniques.

Jade’s eldest son, Muel, had the Blue Dragon.

The second son, Sirius, had the White Tiger.

The third son, Clark, had the Black Tortoise.

The youngest, the fourth child and Eugene’s mother, Lilian, could manifest the Illusion of the Vermilion Bird.

These were the special and symbolic illusions used in swordsmanship, referred to as “Symbolic Swordsmanship.”

Symbolic Swordsmanship was far stronger and more difficult to perform than regular swordplay.

Even Gold Sword, observing Clark’s Black Tortoise, reacted similarly.

“Young master, was that really the Illusion of the Black Tortoise just now? Did I just see the Black Tortoise?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“Ohhh… To think I’d get to see the Black Tortoise…! I’m glad I came to Penzel!”

Even Gold Sword couldn’t help but express admiration with a bit of excitement.

‘If I figure out how to apply and develop the basic Penzel swordsmanship, I should be able to create my own symbolic swordsmanship.’

Clark, too, must have built his symbolic swordsmanship through years of research and training during his childhood and youth.

‘So, there’s no reason I can’t do it too. The symbol I have in mind is…’

Imagining the symbolic swordsmanship he would one day achieve, Eugene flashed a brief smile.

Rauler, noticing this, tilted his head in confusion.

“Why are you suddenly… smiling?”

“Huh? Oh, nothing.”

Rauler wanted to ask again but guessed inwardly.

‘Everyone else thinks Sir Clark’s methods were excessive, but Eugene is the only one smiling…!’

What this meant was:

‘He probably thinks this level of punishment is justifiable. Truly the cruelty of a direct descendant of Penzel!’

At this point, Eugene no longer just seemed like a brilliant younger sibling or a genius.

The Penzel family, with their belief in the Law of the Strong, had shaped Eugene, who now seemed to have fully adapted to the Penzel atmosphere as a direct descendant—becoming a true ‘Penzel person.’

There was even a sense of admiration.

“Eugene, I promised you, didn’t I? That I’d help you in the future as a reward for helping me in the Ice Cavern.”

“Oh, right. But why do you bring that up now?”

“Now that I think about it, I don’t think I’m at the level where I could help you after all.”

Eugene chuckled lightly.

“There’s plenty of time. There will be something I can help with eventually.”

“Really…?”

Eugene patted the now more subdued Rauler on the shoulder before turning to Gold Sword.

“Gold Sword, I’ll be stepping out for a bit.”

“Where to, young master? This body will accompany you.”

“No, I’ll be going alone.”

“Where are you going… Ah, are you planning to have a drink to celebrate passing the Lion’s Exam?”

“Not exactly—”

“Hahaha! If that’s the case, this Gold Sword will show you the ways of adult drinking. After all, you’re 12, aren’t you?!”

“Just rest, will you?”

“Even though I’m your attendant, at least let me do something for you…!”

Gold Sword sulked and drooped his shoulders, making Eugene pause. Was this man always so good at pretending to be pitiful?

“Hmm… Fine. How about we go to the entrance together?”

“Sounds good! I don’t know where you’re going, but let’s go. I’ll perform my duty as your bodyguard!”

Eugene smiled faintly and glanced at his watch.

‘The date’s right, the time’s right. If I go now, I should be able to meet them.’

***

Carrying the bag he had prepared earlier, Eugene headed toward the back gate of the Penzel estate.

He encountered a few of the bodyguards along the way.

“Young master! May I ask where you are headed?”

Just a few days ago, these men would have ignored him or acted indifferently, but now, they were showing great respect.

It was likely that Jade had given them orders.

“I’m heading to the herb fields. Since it’s a break period, I don’t think I need any special permission.”

“Yes, understood. Young master!”

It was clear that Eugene’s position had risen.

Gold Sword chuckled with obvious delight.

“Young master, it feels like so much has changed in such a short time, doesn’t it? Huh? Haha!”

“Indeed.”

Eugene passed by the bodyguards, stifling a wry laugh.

‘This is strange.’

The fact that the Penzel estate’s servants were now saluting Eugene and listening to his words was something he could never have imagined in his past life.

There was a bittersweet feeling, but at the same time, Eugene’s resolve became even firmer.

‘In my past life, it was unbearably sorrowful, but now it’s different. I have power, and I have authority. That’s a good thing. So, I need to climb higher.’

However, climbing higher requires the help of others. What would take 12 years alone can be done in half the time with assistance.

Of course, someone like Gold Sword, who is always by your side, is great.

But if that someone is from Penzel, that would be even better.

The two walked for about twenty minutes before arriving at the entrance of the herb field, where a guard was stationed.

“This is the Penzel family’s jurisdiction, the herb field. Please present your entry pass.”

Eugene ignored the request and asked directly.

“Has anyone else entered the herb field today besides me?”

The guard, briefly scanning Eugene from head to toe, asked with a look of curiosity.

“Could it be… Young Master Eugene?”

“Yes. Do I need to show proof?”

“Oh, no. It’s certainly you. You may enter.”

The guard didn’t explain what was different about Eugene, but it seemed like they had received instructions from their superiors.

“I asked if anyone besides me entered.”

“Yes, one person entered. Why do you ask?”

Eugene shook his head, signaling that he didn’t need to know, and the guard opened the gate without further discussion.

When Gold Sword naturally tried to follow him, Eugene shook his head.

“I’ll go in alone from here. You can go back to the accommodations if you like.”

“I will wait at the entrance.”

“Do that… Gold Sword, you’ve been acting a bit strange lately.”

“What do you mean?”

“…Never mind. I’ll be back soon.”

“Understood, Young Master. Hurry back.”

Gold Sword’s loyalty seemed to have increased, as he obediently responded without any complaints.

It was a bit difficult to get used to…

But, anyway.

‘It’s been a long time, but I’ll finally meet him.’

The herb field was quite eerie.

As the name suggested, herbs were growing everywhere, and as soon as Eugene entered, the thick, bitter scent filled the air.

Various strange plants, leaves, and mushrooms were scattered around. Some of them were deadly poisonous.

A smile lingered on Eugene’s lips.

‘As expected, the North has a lot of useful herbs. Some of them will be really handy in the future… but more importantly…’

Following the dirt path, Eugene soon came to a fork in the road.

He carefully examined the marks left on the ground.

It was certain that the person he was looking for had entered the herb field today, but he didn’t know exactly where they were.

However, there was a way to figure it out.

The person Eugene wanted to meet was none other than his first uncle, Muel.

‘He’s someone who’s always taken a different path than others. Though his body is weak, he has a definite rebellious streak.’

Also,

‘The research he’s most likely doing right now is probably related to the recovery of aura, so he would have gone to a place abundant in herbs for restoring energy and vitality.’

Given that, which path should Eugene take?

Neither the left nor the right.

He took a different route.

Rustle.

He stepped onto the middle path, where there was no clear trail.

As his feet brushed against the herbs, their scent grew stronger, lingering at the tip of his nose, making his head ache.

Eugene felt a sense of sympathy.

But not for himself.

It was for his first uncle, who, while wandering this vast place, was searching for herbs to heal his own body.

In his past life, Muel had passed away early. It had been an accident.

Unlike others, who always looked down on Eugene and treated him with disdain, Muel had respected him.

Why was that?

‘He was in the same situation as me, unable to use aura. It might have been a kind of mutual understanding.’

Whatever the reason, Muel’s death had been a great sorrow to Eugene at the time.

It had also become a powerful motivator to succeed.

‘First Uncle’s papers were a big help in constructing the theory of Mukwang.’

As mentioned earlier, Muel had a rebellious streak. He had claimed that it was possible to combine the heart’s circle and the aura hall in the dantian, making a new method of cultivation.

At the time, it had been dismissed as nonsense and received little attention.

‘I drew ideas from his theory.’

From that outlandish and dangerous theory, Eugene had invented Mukwang, a cultivation method that had led him to create Atom.

Now, as he traveled back in time, Eugene wanted to return the favor.

‘First Uncle, more than anything, I want to repay you, not for profit, but out of gratitude.’

Of course, he had come here to make some necessary elixirs as well, but…

Just then.

“Huh? A kid…? Hey, over there!”

A familiar and welcome voice called out from the distance.