Su-ho bore no ill will toward Kang Seul-gi—not in this lifeti, at least.
In fact, his feelings were overwhelmingly positive.
After all, in his previous life, Kang Seul-gi had shredded cursed items into usable materials, so of which Su-ho now relied on for his gear.
“Who would’ve thought past trolling would help in the present?”
For that reason, Su-ho had already decided that Kang Seul-gi was soone he needed on his side at the Daehan Association.
Jo Geon-hyuk broke into a smile and said, “Alright, let’s get started with the second test without delay.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“The testing area is ready. The second test is divided into two parts: purification and destruction. But before that, you know what those terms an, right?”
“Yes. Purification refers to removing the curse from cursed items, making them safe for use or storage. Destruction, on the other hand, involves incinerating items that can neither be purified nor stored.”
“Exactly right. Let’s begin with the purification assessnt.”
The Purification Assessnt
The assessnt took place in an area known as the Purification Wing, where a temporary testing room had been set up.
As soon as Su-ho entered, he was given protective gear—precautionary asures in case of accidents.
“Special Team 2 is far more dangerous than most other departnts.”
Though Su-ho didn’t actually need such protection, few here were aware of his capabilities.
Once the test began, Su-ho entered the room alone, where a box containing a test cursed item awaited him. Its contents were concealed beneath a dark cloth.
“I hope it’s sothing I know.”
With that thought, Su-ho lifted the cloth.
“Oh? This is…”
Su-ho’s eyes widened slightly as he examined the item. It was sothing he recognized all too well.
A voice ca through the internal speakers—Jo Geon-hyuk’s.
“You may begin the purification process using the tools provided. Good luck.”
The ti limit was two hours. Laid out before him were 21 purification tools, each representing one of the 21 currently known thods for purifying cursed items.
“That number will exceed 50 in the future.”
Cursed item research was a global endeavor, after all.
This test item, in particular, could be purified using several thods, not just the 21 available here.
“Of course, one of these tools does work on this item. That’s why they chose it for the test.”
But Su-ho had other plans. He intended to use a purification formula that hadn’t yet been revealed publicly. It would serve as the perfect opportunity to approach Kang Seul-gi naturally.
“The reaction might be intense if I reveal this now, but…”
No matter. What mattered was sticking to his schedule.
Su-ho began by confirming the details of the cursed item.
[Hoomu Fruit]
A fruit harvested from the Hoomu Tree.
A simple description.
The Hoomu Tree, often called the Hoomu Wood, was a magical tree commonly found in gates. Its most notable trait was its frequent production of Hoomu Fruits.
Naturally, Hoomu Fruits were classified as cursed items because they grew from a magical tree.
Though the fruit appeared fresh and appetizing, those who ate it for the first ti often experienced mild to severe poisoning. Worse still, when subjected to significant impact, the fruit released toxic spores that created a venomous mist.
“That’s why it’s classified as a cursed item.”
Cursed items were simply those with harmful traits not listed in their descriptions.
Su-ho shifted his gaze to one of the tools provided—a Mana Torch, the designated purification tool for Hoomu Fruits.
The Mana Torch used mana instead of gas to generate intense heat. When exposed to such heat, the Hoomu Fruit’s toxins, spores, and explosive properties were neutralized, leaving behind only its sweet, edible flesh.
After so thought, Su-ho surveyed the room.
“Hmm. The floor will have to do.”
Taking a stance reminiscent of a baseball pitcher, Su-ho wound up and prepared to throw the fruit at the ground.
The mont Su-ho’s motion beca apparent, shouts erupted from outside the room.
“Hey! Stop!”
“What are you doing?”
“No, don’t!”
But Su-ho was faster.
BAM!!
He hurled the fruit with all his strength. The impact produced a deafening crash, and shards from the reinforced glass walls rattled from the shock.
The fruit smashed into the ground, creating a resounding noise. Though debris scattered, no dust rose—the flooring’s protective coating was too effective.
Everyone outside the room froze in shock.
Since there was no dust cloud, they could clearly see Su-ho’s actions and the fruit lodged in the floor.
The stunned silence didn’t last long. Snapping out of it, Jo Geon-hyuk grabbed the mic and shouted.
“What the hell are you doing?!”
His anger was understandable. The Special Warehouse was one of the most secure facilities in the Association, on par with research labs and construction sites.
But Su-ho remained unfazed. He picked up the fruit from the floor and said calmly, “I’ve purified it.”
“What? What did you do?”
“Would you like to see?”
Su-ho offered the fruit with a bright, innocent smile, his deanor so pure and devoid of malice that those watching were left dumbfounded.
“What…?”
Jo Geon-hyuk was the first to react. Donning his protective gear, he entered the testing room to examine the fruit.
As soon as he read its updated description, his eyes widened in disbelief.
“Wh-what…?”
“See? It’s been purified, hasn’t it?”
“How… How is this possible?”
“All the curse options have been removed. It’s now safe to handle, even if subjected to physical impact or consud. Additionally…”
Su-ho brought the fruit closer, tilting it slightly in front of Jo’s eyes.
“…it now has a minor recovery option.”
Recovery!
The absurdity of that word caused everyone outside to rush into the room, eager to confirm the fruit’s details for themselves.
One by one, they read the updated description, their faces filled with shock and confusion.
“How…?”
“This can’t be real.”
“But it is!”
“Wait, wasn’t physical impact listed as a purification thod?”
They weren’t wrong. Among the 21 purification tools was a shock hamr specifically designed to purify cursed items through impact.
Su-ho explained, “The shock hamr exists, yes. But the thod I used involves applying a much greater force.”
“Greater force?”
“Yes. A shock hamr can’t unlock the Hoomu Fruit’s hidden recovery option unless the user’s strength stat is above Red Grade. Anything less won’t work.”
“Red Grade strength… Write that down! Soone, record this!”
“Get the team together! If this holds up, it’ll shake the academic world!”
Just as Su-ho had predicted, his revelation caused an uproar. Special Team 2 scrambled to docunt the new thod and verify the purified fruit’s properties.
Even Kim Seok-hoon was dumbfounded. While he’d known Su-ho was extraordinary after the first test, he hadn’t expected anything like this during the second—especially in the purification assessnt.
Approaching Su-ho, he stamred, “S-Su-ho?”
“Yes?”
“Do you realize how groundbreaking this is?”
“Is it?”
“‘Is it?’ You just added the 22nd purification thod to global research! The entire world will adopt your thod now. You’re the discoverer of a major breakthrough!”
“That’s great news. But what about my score? Am I in danger of failing for not using the standard thods?”
Before Kim could respond, Jo Geon-hyuk cut in, his voice filled with excitent. “Don’t even worry about that! As long as I’m in charge, you’re getting full marks. Hell, do you have any other thods up your sleeve?”
“Maybe. I’ll think about it.”
“Good! Let know if anything cos to mind. Oh, and once we finalize the data, I’ll send it over. If this pans out, you could make a fortune!”
Jo’s enthusiasm was so intense that his speech wavered between formal and casual, but Su-ho didn’t mind. The promise of passing the test with flying colors was all he needed.
Kim Seok-hoon sighed, smiling faintly. “Well, if the team leader says so, I can’t object.”
There was no room for concern. Su-ho was already being treated as a royal asset by the higher-ups.
Grinning, Su-ho replied, “Thank you. I’ll leave it in your hands.”
“By the way…”
Jo hesitated, glancing at Su-ho. “Would you like to move straight to the Research and Analysis Division evaluation today?”
“If it can be done quickly, I’m all for it.”
And just like that, Su-ho’s exceptional performance forced yet another schedule adjustnt. As Kim Seok-hoon rushed off to make arrangents, Su-ho found himself montarily alone. His gaze swept across the bustling scene before landing on one person.
He approached with a natural air, offering a greeting.
“Hello.”
The person Su-ho greeted was none other than Kang Seul-gi, the future Mad Disassembly Scholar.
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