Chapter 39: Lee hyun-seung and Yoo hee-yeon. Divided forces.

“Listen carefully. I have something to say.”

As he spoke, Lee Hyun-seung gestured towards the door, indicating Jeong Eun-seo to use her magic. It was a request

to block the sounds from leaking outside.

Then, Jeong Eun-seo used her magic to silence the noise. Soon, Lee Hyun-seung addressed the gathered crowd.

“To those life losers who receive money from Yoo Hee-yeon and watch my back, and to those who act as minions

while being cautious, as well as to everyone else, I will give you a chance to change your lives.”

• Murmur
• Murmur

Naturally, the crowd began to murmur, with some shouting angrily.

“What the hell is going on here!”

“Damn, you scared me!”

“Who are you calling a loser? You arrogant bastard!”

However, Lee Hyun-seung ignored them and placed the weapons wrapped in golden cloth on the desk.

• Boom!

These were handmade weapons commissioned from the best blacksmith in the country. The weapons radiated a

splendid beauty.

“I’ll distribute these weapons to those who listen to me properly.”

In an instant, the attention of everyone in the room focused on him, and they held their breath, waiting for Lee Hyun-seung’s words.

“Honestly, I think there are many who aren’t very interested in this class extermination battle. After all, in a class

extermination battle, only the performance of a few standout individuals is highlighted, while the rest are inevitably

relegated to the sidelines. You might even resent me for this. If I had designated opponents from B, C, or D classes,

who are at least a bit closer in ability, perhaps some capable individuals from our class could have shone through.”

• Swish

Lee Hyun-seung spread out the golden cloth as he spoke.

“I know that because of me, your opportunity costs have vanished. I understand that many of you may not like me.

So, I’m going to offer you compensation. Do you know what these weapons on the table are?”

There were about 40 weapons that looked expensive at a glance. In fact, the owners of those weapons had already

been decided. Lee Hyun-seung had acquired knowledge while playing Broad Academy Online about which

individuals in F class had growth potential and which possessed unwavering loyalty. He had prepared the weapons

corresponding to the classes of those who could be valuable allies.

However, Lee Hyun-seung intentionally did not target them from the start. The reason was simple: to instill the

perception that it was not him who chose them, but that they chose for themselves.

Humans inherently dislike being forced into choices by others. Ironically, even when others limit their options, they

feel fine as long as they believe they made the choice themselves.

For example, when choosing a lunch menu. If you say, “You will have Jajangmyeon today,” it would feel unpleasant,

but if you say, “Choose anything you want from the Chinese dishes today,” they generally feel less upset.

• Although the options are limited, a choice is given.

The very fact that options are limited is a problem, but most people do not challenge this aspect. They think that

even the tiniest bit of freedom signifies their choice.

‘So, how will you respond?’

Lee Hyun-seung had just given them a choice. They could either be powerless in the face of the A-class and do

nothing or accept the weapons from him and become active in their teams. It appeared as if the decision-making

power rested with the class students, but it didn’t. For those not receiving rewards from Yoo Hee-yeon, they would

inevitably choose the latter, which, while riskier, guaranteed a return, rather than the former, which was high-risk

with no return.

• Swish

Finally, one person raised their hand.

“What does it mean to give that weapon as a reward? Does that mean we’ll get the weapon if we join your side in this

class extermination battle?”

“Of course.”

Lee Hyun-seung lifted the weapon to show the inscription on it. It bore the words crafted by the president of the SIH

Blacksmith Association. And behind that inscription was the symbol +, indicating that it was a weapon produced by

the blacksmith association, specifically marked as one made directly by Tak Woo-hyun.

“Wow—!”

“Crazy… Is that real?”

“Where did you get that?”

“…some capable individuals in our class might have had the chance to stand out.”

• Swoosh

Lee Hyun-seung unfolded the golden cloth as he spoke.

“I know that my presence has cost you your opportunity. I also understand that many of you may not like me. So, I

intend to offer you compensation. Do you know what these weapons are?”

At a glance, the 40 or so weapons looked expensive. In fact, their ownership had already been determined. Lee

Hyun-seung had leveraged the knowledge he gained while playing Broad Academy Online to identify who among the

F-class had potential for growth and who had a steadfast nature that wouldn’t betray him. He had prepared weapons

that matched the awakening or potential awakenings of those he deemed valuable allies.

However, Lee Hyun-seung deliberately chose not to mention his targets from the start. The reason was simple: he

wanted to instill the belief that it was not him who had chosen them, but rather they had chosen themselves.

Humans inherently dislike being forced into choices by others. Ironically, even when someone limits their options,

they often feel fine as long as they believe they made a choice.

For example, if someone says, “You will eat jajangmyeon today,” it can feel unpleasant, but if they say, “Choose

anything you want to eat for lunch,” people feel less bothered.

• The options may be limited, but they were still given a choice.

While limiting choices is inherently problematic, most people don’t dwell on it. They simply believe that they still

have some agency in their decisions.

“Now, how will you respond?”

Lee Hyun-seung was giving them a choice: either to be powerless in the class extermination war against the A-class

or to receive weapons from him and take action within their team.

Though it appeared that the decision-making power rested with the class students, it didn’t. Those not receiving

rewards from Yoo Hee-yeon had no choice but to pick the latter option, which, despite the risk, promised definite

returns over the high-risk, no-return former option.

• Swoosh

Then, one student raised their hand.

“What do you mean by giving us that weapon as a reward? Does that mean we’ll get it if we side with you in the class

extermination war?”

“Of course.”

Lee Hyun-seung lifted a weapon to show the inscription on it. It bore the mark of the SIH Blacksmith Association’s

president. Beneath that inscription was a + sign, indicating that it was a weapon produced by the SIH+, specifically

crafted by Taek Woo-hyun.

“Wow—!”

“Is that for real?”

“Where did he even get that?”

In an instant, the room erupted into a frenzy.

Taking advantage of the commotion, Lee Hyun-seung spoke to the seated students.

“If you want it, step forward. I’ll give you the weapon without any conditions if you agree to join me in the class

extermination war. Just so you know, Yoo Hee-yeon is aware that this weapon belongs to me. Whether you sell it or

use it, she will find out that you received it from me as compensation. Keep that in mind.”

What Lee Hyun-seung was asking was for them to side with him in the class extermination war between A and F

classes. However, if Yoo Hee-yeon discovered they had received weapons from him, they would be positioned

somewhat adversarially to the Artemis Guild. Therefore, they couldn’t simply team up for the class extermination

war and then act ignorant afterward; they had to firmly establish their stance.

Naturally, few would stake their future on a single person like Lee Hyun-seung. The value of the extraordinary

weapons before them was beyond imagination. A weapon bearing the SIH+ logo, made directly by Taek Woo-hyun,

was of rare grade and would fetch a tremendous price if sold, especially as a custom weapon that promised insane

efficiency. Even with the offer of receiving such weapons unconditionally, the hesitant looks on their faces indicated

how fearful they were of the Artemis Guild.

• Swoosh

With everyone remaining quiet, Jeong Eun-seo stepped forward.

“Does that include me as well?”

Jeong Eun-seo was already an ally. Naturally, she had her weapon prepared.

Lee Hyun-seung smiled and handed her one.

“Of course.”

• Thump

Jeong Eun-seo infused her mana into the weapon she received. An incredible light began to swirl, resembling a

dragon soaring upwards before their eyes.

Taek Woo-hyun had engraved the weapon with a visual effect that activated upon its first use. While it didn’t affect

the artifact’s performance, it provided a stunning display that was truly stylish.

“Wow….”

Some marveled at the beautiful ascent of the dragon, while others swallowed hard in awe.

‘Just a bit more.’

They were almost there. Now, all it took was one more person to lead them.

At that moment, Kim Yu-ri stepped forward, walking slowly.

“Well, I’ve decided to act with you anyway. Do I get a weapon too? I’m still an unawakened one, though.”

Kim Yu-ri had yet to awaken. However, she was about to awaken into the mage she so desired. Therefore, Lee Hyun-

seung handed her a staff.

“Are you really giving this to me?”

Kim Yu-ri thought that Jeong Eun-seo received a good weapon because she was the daughter of the Teor Guild

Master. However, when she was handed an expensive staff without any conditions, Kim Yu-ri looked bewildered, as

if trying to comprehend what was happening.

“Of course. Didn’t I mention it earlier? It doesn’t matter if you’re unawakened. I’ll give you the weapon with the

highest chance of awakening. Just so you know, I have very few of these left.”

The daughter of the Teor Guild Master and an unawakened one with no connections—two individuals with

completely different powers, inclinations, and abilities received artifacts, leading the seated students to think:

[It’s real.]

[It’s not a lie.]

They gradually felt the restraints lifting and began to rush forward.

“I’m going first!” Get out of my way!

“Move aside!”

“I need that artifact too!”

Lee Hyun-seung started distributing the artifacts sequentially to the students. He gave weapons to those he had

previously identified, while rationally refusing those working for Yoo Hee-yeon, systematically distributing weapons

to those he intended to bring to his side.

Eventually, only one weapon remained. Among those who had stepped forward, Lee Hyun-seung’s gaze landed on

none other than Shin Yu-seon.

The magician who had shot a fireball at Lee Hyun-seung during the F-class representative selection.

A girl born with the talent of a genius but condemned to a wretched life due to her general grade. In a tragic twist of

fate, she struggled tirelessly to obtain painkillers and rare disease treatments for her only sister until her unfortunate

end came as an extra.

Walking over to Shin Yu-seon, Lee Hyun-seung approached her.

Shin Yu-seon had stepped forward, but whether she felt it was shameless or not, she couldn’t bring herself to ask Lee

Hyun-seung for a weapon.

The reason she wanted a weapon was, of course, for her younger sister, Shin Yu-na. Shin Yu-seon knew the value of a

weapon marked with the SIH+ logo. Having failed Yoo Hee-yeon’s request, she hadn’t received the payment, and it

was clear she wouldn’t receive any requests from her in the future. Therefore, she needed more money.

In other words, it wasn’t for her own use. It was for sale. She desperately needed a weapon to alleviate the suffering

of her younger sister, who had an incurable illness.

Watching the fidgeting Shin Yu-seon, Lee Hyun-seung thought to himself,

‘This is frustrating. She’s the most important person here.’

Though she was currently a common rank, she was a genius magician who would undergo a second awakening in the

future. Shin Yu-seon had the potential to grow as much as, or even more than, Kim Yu-ri, who would awaken later.

She was one of the individuals he had to recruit.

• Thump

Lee Hyun-seung forced the last remaining staff into Shin Yu-seon’s hand.

“What are you hesitating for? Just take it.”

“But… I shot a fireball at you…”

Shin Yu-seon asked Lee Hyun-seung as if unaware of her actions. Lee Hyun-seung shook his head and replied,

“It doesn’t matter. Just take it. Or do you want me to take it back? And here, take this too.”

Lee Hyun-seung handed her a container filled with painkillers he had crafted during his grinding sessions for job proficiency.

[Powerful Painkillers Crafted by a Master Artisan]

▶Painkillers created by a high-ranking blacksmith.

▶When this painkiller is used, all pain will temporarily disappear.

• Click

Shin Yu-seon stared blankly at the painkillers in her hand. Tears began to flow down her cheeks.

“Why are you crying? Don’t sell the weapon for no reason; use the painkillers on your sister. If you need more, just let me know.”

“But… that’s… expensive…”

“It doesn’t matter since I make it myself, so it doesn’t cost much. The price increases during distribution, not because

of the materials.”

The painkillers Lee Hyun-seung created were of such high quality that they could easily be called top-tier. While they

simply eliminated pain, they were essential items for sick patients, sold at exorbitant prices in hospitals. Lee Hyun-

seung could produce them with double slots for mana, so it didn’t matter to him, but they were crucial for Shin Yu-

seon. He didn’t ask how he knew about her sister’s illness. At that moment, only overflowing tears and feelings of

guilt filled her heart.

“Thank you… I… I won’t forget this… sob…”

Shin Yu-seon, unable to articulate her gratitude as tears streamed down her face, looked at Lee Hyun-seung, who

mercifully accepted her despite her previous actions of shooting a fireball. She resolved that no matter what

happened in the future, she would not betray Lee Hyun-seung.

“Alright, I think that should be enough now.”

After handing out all the weapons, Lee Hyun-seung gestured to Jeong Eun-seo again. She then lifted the

soundproofing and visual-blocking magic spells on the door. Finally, the figures of the people waiting by the door

came into view.

Standing there was Yoo Hee-yeon. She was curious about how he intended to use the bulk of weapons he had

ordered in front of the F-class students. Of course, Lee Hyun-seung had sensed the presence following them from the

beginning, which was why he had instructed them to cast the soundproofing spell.

Gazing at her, Lee Hyun-seung coldly spoke,

“I didn’t know you had a hobby of peeking from afar. If this is what you call stalking, then aren’t you the stalker?”

• Creak

“You… What do you think you’re doing to provoke me like this? There’s only so much I can endure.”

Yoo Hee-yeon began to draw up her mana, and a chill wind started to blow through the hall.

“Are you planning to hit me right now?”

Lee Hyun-seung also began to summon his mana, raising his pistol.

“Go ahead. If you can.”