The Return of the Talented Monopolist is Special

Two months had passed since Eugene’s battle with the advanced class.

For a while, the Pencel family had been in turmoil because of that incident, and those who had noticed Eugene’s potential began to visit him from time to time.

However,

“It’s my break time after training. Can you just leave me alone for a bit?”

“But… we’ve been waiting for you to meet us for three days! It’s really hard for us to keep waiting…!”

“Did I entrust my time to you? If I’ve turned you down this much, at least take a hint and leave!”

Eugene shouted angrily, and the scout from a knight order left the training hall with a sullen expression.

Eldora, the Ince brothers, and even Rauler all witnessed this scene.

“Hey, Eugene. Wasn’t that guy from the Taesan Knight Order? And you just turned him down like that?”

“I don’t care if he’s from Taesan or whatever. I have places I want to go instead.”

“And where would that be?”

“It’s a secret.”

“Getting tired of your mystery.”

Everyone clicked their tongues at Eugene’s impenetrable attitude.

Just today, he had turned down offers from three different knight orders, all with a single rejection.

In the meantime,

Bang!

“What’s with him now?”

“Who knows… something feels off around here.”

Eldora continued to strike the scarecrow with even more intensity after seeing Eugene act like that.

Rauler and the Ince brothers, who had become somewhat closer, both shook their heads in unison.

Eugene followed the children’s gaze and looked at Eldora.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Eldora kept her mouth shut and repeatedly performed the basic “downward strike” technique of Pencel.

The feeling that had taken root in her mind was impatience.

‘Before the Lion’s Trial, I didn’t even think about Eugene, but now he’s already far surpassing me. No matter how hard I train, there’s always something I can’t get past…’

Since Eugene’s incredible feat of single-handedly breaking the advanced class, his position had skyrocketed, and naturally, Eldora couldn’t help but feel a sense of inferiority.

‘I need to do more. More, harder, longer.’

Rauler, too, had been spurred on by the injury he sustained from the advanced class and had been training even harder lately.

Eugene, wiping the sweat pouring down like rain from Rauler’s face, asked,

“Hyung, did you get an apology from Senior Cain?”

“Apology? Oh, he came by once, apologized for what happened last time, and promised it wouldn’t happen again.”

“Okay, good. Then.”

“Tch… the more I know, the more amazing you are.”

“What’s so amazing?”

“Starting with the fact that you went to see the senior from the advanced class, then you fought them, and ended up winning all of it.”

Looking back, Eugene thought his actions had been somewhat reckless.

Although he had acted with a thorough understanding of Pencel’s values, which were based on respecting the strong, if he had lost even once, everything would have collapsed.

It could have ended up proving his arrogance and recklessness.

Of course, because he had overwhelmed even Cain, the benefits Eugene had gained were substantial.

‘The seniors might not have wanted to acknowledge me at first, but eventually, they’ll come around to my side.’

Also,

‘Of course, I’ve proven my prowess once again to Clark, Sirius, and even Jade. This incident will help me achieve my goal of joining the Pencel Knights within two years.’

And lastly,

‘I’ve laid the foundation for my symbolic swordsmanship. The first time I used it, I almost lost consciousness because I couldn’t control the amount of aura, but that won’t happen again.’

By taking risks, Eugene gained a lot in many aspects.

At that moment.

Instructor Emacs silently walked up to Eugene.

“Eugene Robert, I have an order for you.”

“Ah, you startled me… What order?”

“You have been selected as an observer for the upcoming Black Turtle Knight Order mission. The leader of the Black Turtle Knight Order highly values you and has invited you, so consider it an honor.”

The eyes of the children around them widened in surprise.

Such opportunities to observe a knight order’s mission were rare, and it also meant that Eugene had the trust of Pencel.

To this, Eugene replied,

“Well, I don’t want to.”

“What? What did you say? You don’t want to?”

“Yes.”

Emacs was taken aback by the unexpected response and asked again with a surprised look.

“Do you not understand what it means to be selected as an observer?”

“I do, but I would rather stay here and train more with you, Instructor.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I don’t think the same way.”

“I do.”

“Huh…”

From a distance, Eldora squinted at Eugene, Rauler went silent as if stunned, and the Ince brothers only cleared their throats awkwardly.

“Is that the reason?”

“Yes. Why would I lie?”

Being selected as an observer for a mission was honorable and a way to raise one’s standing, but…

‘What’s the point of just following along like a bystander? It’d be better to practice symbolic swordsmanship one more time during that time.’

Emacs paused, sensing the sincerity behind Eugene’s serious expression.

Was it foolishness or wisdom? Judging by Eugene’s past actions, the latter seemed more likely, but since this was the first time, Emacs couldn’t help but think of something.

That kid won’t follow orders right away. If he refuses, try this method.

Emacs’ gaze shifted to the ring on Eugene’s right hand.

The ring, which shone with a blue emerald glow and had a moderate thickness, had been obtained after Eugene defeated “the young Jade’s apparition” in the Ice Cave.

It didn’t seem to have any noticeable aura or effect, but Emacs could sense something.

Eugene, noticing Emacs’ gaze, understood what he was thinking.

‘He’s looking at this ring. The mission he’s trying to send me on must be related to the secret of this ring.’

As Jade had instructed, Emacs spoke quietly to Eugene.

“If you go on this mission, you might be able to uncover something… that you’ve been curious about. Will you still refuse?”

“…What exactly is the mission?”

“There have been a series of mysterious murders occurring at an ancient ruin located between the northern border of the Gyoji and the Blackland. The goal is to gather information about the murderer and, if possible, eliminate them.”

Eugene thought for a moment and then nodded.

‘This is the mission that sparked the conflict between Pencel and the Mage Tower.’

Eugene had to answer Emacs’ proposal once more.

“Alright. I’ll go.”

“Good. The exact date will be—”

“However, I have a condition.”

“…A condition?”

Eugene gave a small smile.

“In exchange for observing the mission, please allow me to carry a real sword.”

For a Pencel trainee to leave with a sword was a clear sign of being recognized by Pencel, a symbol of their high status and worth.

However,

“…It’s already rare for a trainee to observe a knight order’s mission, and no one has ever gone carrying a real sword.”

“Just because it’s never been done before doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done now.”

“That’s true, but…”

“And, although you said it’s an order, I don’t think it is.”

Eugene was already gauging who held the power in this situation, and he was certain.

The power is in my hands. Jade may be disappointed, but the decision is mine.

“Well, it’s not something I can decide on my own—”

At that moment, a sharp voice rang out in Emacs’ mind.

Allow it.

It was Jade’s voice.

Emacs, knowing Jade was in his office, was even more surprised.

To think that Jade was listening to the entire conversation from such a distance—was astonishing.

Emacs quickly hid his surprise and revised his words.

“…I’ll make sure it’s possible within my power. You…”

“Yes?”

“Nothing.”

Emacs held back the words that almost slipped out—how could Eugene receive such favor from the notoriously strict family head?

Jade has high expectations for Eugene. But with that comes an immense burden on his shoulders.

He also thought,

As expected of the Robert family, his negotiating skills are sharp… almost cunning.

Would Eugene be able to live up to Jade’s expectations?

***

After training was over, Eugene didn’t immediately return to his quarters. Instead, he went to the apothecary where Gong Gwi was located.

“Is the training already over? Weren’t you supposed to train until evening?”

“I took a short break. Think of it like a half-day off.”

“A half-day off at Pencel? And as a trainee at that…”

Gong Gwi could see how much Eugene’s position had risen within Pencel at that moment.

Eugene shrugged his shoulders and spoke.

“Don’t you have something to say to me?”

“How did you know? I was planning to tell you quietly after tonight’s training.”

“Is something suspicious going on?”

Gong Gwi shook his head at Eugene’s sharp instincts before getting to the point.

“It seems some forces are trying to track the movements of the Young Master.”

“The Red Scorpions?”

“I’m not sure, but the situation suggests that.”

Gong Gwi explained how agents of the Red Scorpions were seen moving busily at their hideout and heading north, and how information about Eugene was circulating the Pencel region.

It all pointed to one thing.

“Of course, the fact that the Young Master knocked down the upper-class trainees recently has become a hot topic, but the strange energy in their movements is a separate issue…”

“I understand. Keep monitoring them.”

“But why are we just letting those hideouts be? It makes me curious.”

Eugene smiled faintly.

“Right now, there’s no need to deal with them. It’s better to wait a bit longer.”

“Wait for what?”

“Things will become clear soon.”

Eugene was always planning something but never sharing the details, and Gong Gwi had long since gotten used to it.

Though still curious, Gong Gwi couldn’t help but ask,

“Really…”

“What’s happening? Don’t worry, you’ll know soon enough. By the way, is the medicine ready?”

“Ha, give a round of applause to Gong Gwi for working hard on this.”

“Don’t make jokes like you’re a swordmaster, or you know what I’ll do. Do you want to see it again?”

“I’ll show you right now.”

Gong Gwi handed over two boxes.

When Eugene opened one, a small glass bottle filled with purple liquid was inside.

“Is the effect certain?”

“I don’t know how many tests I had to run to make sure it works.”

“No wonder things have been quiet around here lately. And what’s in the other one?”

Gong Gwi handed over another box.

Inside was a small white pill.

“By the way, I’ve heard that being an observer in the mission is as safe as it gets, so why are you packing all this stuff? And making a bombshell declaration about taking a sword with you?”

“I have a lot to gain this time.”

Eugene silently planned the upcoming events and the rewards that would come with them.

Firstly, he could uncover the secret of the ring.

From his previous research, Eugene discovered that the ring enhanced the circulation and efficiency of his aura. However, the real secret, which he could only uncover after defeating Jade’s illusionary body and obtaining the ring, could potentially provide unknown additional effects.

“Jade’s personality is one of strict rewards and punishments. Sending me on this mission to unravel the ring’s secret means there must be something more to it.”

Secondly, if there was an opportunity to make a difference during the mission, Eugene considered taking an active role.

“If that happens, it will solidify the foundation of making Pencel’s vassals my allies.”

Thirdly, the Red Scorpions.

“The news that I’m going outside is probably good news for the Red Scorpions. It would have been difficult for them to attack me while I was inside Pencel.”

Eugene knew the Red Scorpions would likely try to track him down during this mission, and he planned to use that to his advantage by setting a trap to counterattack and track them down instead.

Lastly,

“If I can save that girl during this mission, I might be able to learn magic I haven’t been able to master until now.”

This mission represented an opportunity for Eugene in many ways.

The Return of the Talent Devourer is Special.