『You have acquired the achievement: ‘My First Production Golem’.』
『You receive 1,000 achievement points.』
『Four top-ranked Constellations are in awe of your crafted golem.』
『Donation of 10,000 achievement points is made.』
Messages popped up continuously.
Not only receiving a whopping 10,000 achievement points donation.
『You have alchemized an invaluable golem.』
『Alchemy energy increases by 10.』
『The option of the title ‘Pioneer of Alchemy’ grows.』
『Philosopher’s Stone rank rises.』
Despite the alchemy energy increasing by 10, along with the title and Philosopher’s Stone growing. Shimun could direct his gaze at the notifications.
Of course.
“Appa!”
Poko.
A small, warm body rushed into his arms right away. A soft and chubby child who playfully squirmed in his embrace. Shimun’s eyes softened as he looked down at the child. Seven years old. No, maybe six?
From the white and chubby skin reminiscent of sticky rice cakes. To the jet-black hair, dark eyes, and even the reddish lips that stood out against it. Although the features were quite distinct compared to its appearance.
“Um…..”
The action of burying her head into his arms while shaking her head was truly fitting for her young appearance. Unconsciously, Shimun ran his hand over the child’s head that had nestled into his embrace.
“Hehe!”
The child giggled and shook her head even more vigorously against Shimun’s hand.
Really.
“If it weren’t for being at the center of that explosion….”
One could easily forget that it was a golem painstakingly crafted from all sorts of precious metals, so adorable.
“Yes, yes, the match got a bit intense. Yes, but the aim was not to….”
“Seriously! And Mom, if I properly compete with Shihyuk, I’ll win, right?”
“It was just a simple match, please issue an official statement from the Association that it was just….”
From Park Jinwook to Lee Yujeong, and then to Kim Shihyuk. The top players didn’t stop their conversation for a moment. After a few minutes passed like that. The three of them finished their call and caught their breath.
***
“Phew. The attention is overwhelming.”
“It can’t be helped. This place is the Ranker’s Palace, and there was a terror incident not long ago.”
They both flopped onto the couch.
“Still, Lee Yujeong, as soon as I said it was an earthquake caused by your Hulk’s punch, everything settled down.”
“Oh, when I said I beat you to near death, they immediately understood.”
Crackle!
As soon as they sat down, sparks flew between the two. Though both were high-ranked individuals exuding a fierce aura.
“So, Shimun, are you saying that….”
Breaking through that familiar fierceness. Park Jinwook looked at the little girl in Shimun’s arms.
“That… um, no. Is that kid the golem made by Shimun?”
“Yes.”
“Is that an alchemized golem?”
“Yes.”
As Kim Shimun nodded his head, he added, almost as if in doubt, “By the way, its original appearance wasn’t like this. Even just considering the original form, it was over 3 meters tall.”
“I know. So, summarizing, an accident occurred during the creation process, and that child appeared?”
“Exactly.”
“Haha….”
Park Jinwook let out a weak laugh. It was not difficult to understand. Handling various tasks such as providing cures and guild buffs, Park Jinwook frequently visited Kim Shimun’s laboratory, except for Kim Shimun himself.
He was well aware of how large the parts of the created golem Kim Shimun was working on were. Without realizing it, he had approached Kim Shimun and said, “So, those huge parts are all compressed into this small body….”
His curious eyes examined the child from various angles. Of course, it wasn’t just curiosity.
“Look at this pretty, angelic child…!”
Bright, angelic eyes that didn’t match its previous rough appearance. Park Jinwook’s gaze was filled with affection.
However, “Umm….”
Was Park Jinwook’s gaze making the child uncomfortable?
The child, delving deeper into Kim Shimun’s embrace, cautiously glanced at Park Jinwook.
“Hey, that’s, uh….”
*Thump!*
A massive blow struck his chest.
“Hahaha! See? I told you kids don’t like senior! Come over here quickly.”
“Heh… I’m… I’m sorry, senior.”
The scene of them seemingly wanting to tear each other apart had disappeared. Kim Shihyuk and Lee Yujeong were now bursting into laughter one after another, teasing Park Jinwook.
But Park Jinwook, who had turned into stone, couldn’t move a muscle. Kim Shihyuk burst into laughter filled with acidic humor and dragged Park Jinwook away.
Quietly watching this, Go Malsuk asked, “Hey, you didn’t actually hide away a daughter somewhere, did you?”
“Malsuk, that’s the third time you’ve asked that question.”
Kim Shimun rubbed his forehead and let out a sigh.
“Think about it logically. How old am I to have a daughter this age?”
“W-Well, you never know! You’re almost in your thirties now! You could have a child like that!”
This kid?
Kim Shimun’s eyes twitched at Go Malsuk’s relentless teasing.
“Malsuk, you saw it with your own eyes. This child was at the center of the explosion.”
“W-Well, that’s true, but….”
Go Malsuk had rushed to Kim Shimun’s lab after the sudden explosion. She had carefully checked with her own eyes. There were no signs of breakage or damage, but there were scattered papers, materials, and faint traces leading to the center of the explosion.
And there, in the midst of it all, stood the angelic child. At the same time, “So, what’s the deal with that appearance that closely resembles you!”
The child, with features distinctly similar to Kim Shimun’s, blinked innocently.
But then, “I don’t really know about that myself.”
The name of the child was also a mystery. Though it was certain that none of his blood or body parts were involved.
“Why does the kid look like me?”
With a puzzled expression, Shimun looked down at the child in his arms. Then,
“Orabeoni.”
Lee Yujeong, who had been watching with a warm smile, asked.
“Have you decided on the child’s name?”
“No, not yet.”
Come to think of it, he hadn’t named the child yet.
The word “name.”
“Name? Me name!”
The golem, or rather the child, who had been fidgeting in his arms, looked up at Shimun with sparkling eyes.
Shimun’s lips involuntarily curled up as he met the child’s gaze.
“… You’re so pretty like this.”
Originally, he had made a golem in a past life.
“It wouldn’t be right to name her something like Mk-01.”
He had considered using the name of First Guardian, but Shimun changed his mind and tapped his chin with a deeper gaze.
“Hmm. What name would be good?”
At that moment, “Shimun-nim! She looks gentle, so how about Sunja? Or maybe Yeongja, meaning intelligent, would be good too!”
The lively voice of Park Jinwook, who had suddenly regained his energy, cut through.
At the same time,
“……”
“……”
A chilling silence settled in.
“Ugh. Senior is really….”
The first to break the silence was a sigh from Kim Shihyuk.
“Senior! What’s with this unfounded naming!”
Thud.
Followed by Lee Yujeong’s retort.
Thunk!
With a loud thud, Park Jinwook was slammed against the wall. It was quite satisfying to effortlessly subdue the world’s greatest Night Hunter. Lee Yujeong simply turned her head towards Shimun without giving him a glance.
“Orabeoni, it’s best if you come up with the child’s name.”
“That’s what I had in mind anyway.”
Shimun nodded as he looked at the child with hopeful eyes. Finally, after a brief silence, Shimun spoke up.
“Since I and Shihyuk share ‘Shi,’ let’s go with Shiyeon. How about Kim Shiyeon?”
Regardless of the existence of the golem, the pretty child was calling him dad, wasn’t she?
Wanting to give her a real family-like name based on his own last name, Shimun seemed to have similar thoughts to others.
“Kim Shiyeon, nice! Does that mean I have a niece now?”
“What a pretty name! It suits her well!”
“Sounds good. Let’s go with that.”
Except for Park Jinwook stuck to the wall, everyone responded positively. As Shimun locked eyes with the child, he said, “Kim Shiyeon. Your name is Kim Shiyeon from now on.”
“Kim Shiyeon….”
The child mumbled her name.
Soon.
“Yes! I’m Shiyeon! I’m Kim Shiyeon!”
She smiled brightly and nodded her head.
『The queen’s name has been decided as Kim Shiyeon.』
『Her status window will be shared with her owner, Kim Shimun.』
『The formal name and bond are being established.』
“Huh?”
Suddenly, a series of messages appeared in Kim Shimun’s eyes.
“Huh? Hyung?”
“Oppa?”
“Hey, why are you like that!”
Aaargh.
Kim Shimun and the bright-smiling child, siyeon, were enveloped in a white light.
* * *
The Platinum Rank Debut Match.
The popularity of the Platinum Debut Match, which the whole world was paying attention to, was reminiscent of a regular sports match. It wasn’t just about dividing the lower ranks from the upper ranks.
-Hello everyone! The Platinum Rank Debut Match is finally here!
-I’m sure this Platinum Debut Match has gathered promising talents from various countries around the world!
A global match.
This was because promising talents from the top ranks of various countries around the world were participating.
-That’s right! Since it’s a stage to see the future potential of each country! We must also put in our best efforts, right?
Those who dominated the top ranks or won in the Gold Debut Match. Moreover, not meeting the MMR set by Galaxy Arena meant it was impossible to participate. It was also a place to see at least a a potential Diamond or future top ranker.
Players who could be called up from the sub-league of the national team tournament held every year. The Platinum Rank Debut Match could not help but attract global attention. Therefore, on March 1st, 10:00 AM U. S. time.
-“Jonathan? The list of participants for this Platinum Debut Match is all set, right?”
-“Of course, Michael. I have to officially retire now and keep my position as a TWC commentator.”
The World Championship.
The TWC channel, in short, which even though the players’ individual Aranea broadcasts were on, boasted tremendous viewership globally.
It was natural.
Wasn’t the U. S. always the one that never misses first place in the official Galaxy Arena competition?
Although a few other countries, including China, have secured simultaneous broadcasting rights. There was no country that consistently won broadcasting rights like the U. S. every year.
Thanks to this situation pushing the TWC, the official arena channel of the World Awakened Unity. Naturally, tWC was officially recognized as a global arena channel.
-The expected number of match participants is 516. It’s 16 more than the average number in the 500s.
-Oh! Since Galaxy Arena never misses with its predictions, it looks like the participation will be exactly 516.
-That’s right! In fact, the list of participants we predicted was exactly 516! It’s always amazing at times like this. Where can we find Galaxy Arena anyway?
-Oh! Jonathan, that’s a mystery that never gets solved for me and our viewers.
The commentator Michael and the analyst Jonathan. As befitting a global arena channel, both of them were former players. Even the analyst Jonathan was a player who originated from Diamond.
-But now, rather than the true identity of Galaxy Arena, I think the viewers would be more curious about the list of participants, wouldn’t they?
-Oh no! I didn’t catch on. I’ll reveal it right away!
So, for the past few years, has it been hosting TWC broadcasts?
-As always! We will mainly focus on the key figures worth watching!
-Oh! This is the most anticipated segment for everyone. I myself am extremely nervous.
The two continued to broadcast smoothly, mixing in banter as they went.
-First, we should take a look at our American participants, shouldn’t we? The next hero of the American Dream, Andrew and Ron!
On the screen, a blond Caucasian and a muscular black man came into view on the channel’s display. Scenes of each individual’s active performance on their personal broadcasts were highlighted and edited together. Below them, like a renowned broadcaster, a series of neat graphs ascended for universal understanding regardless of nationality.
– Wow! The power graphs are truly impressive, aren’t they?
– Indeed. Andrew’s balance is as consistent as his dual profession demands, while Ron, like a tough combatant, focuses heavily on combat.
– The upcoming National Showdown Sub League will certainly become much more solid!
Leading the way are the two promising talents from the United States, followed by over ten participants from the country alone.
– Next is China’s Continental team! They seem quite sharpened for this occasion, don’t they?
– Absolutely. They have always rivaled our U. S. contenders. In fact, China has the highest number of participants this time.
Chinese players were showcased on screen with Jonathan’s commentary.
– Despite the unfortunate loss of the core prospect Kang Hwawhi, they still boast an overwhelming 23 participants.
– Oh! The ace tanker Kang Hwawhi is out! But the sheer number of participants remains overwhelming.
– Indeed. Next is Japan’s Masamune. Led by the legendary genius Yuto…
Participants from South Korea, the Middle East, Europe, southeast Asia, Africa, and beyond, the continuous flow of contestant information seemed endless. As the introductions went on, the numbers of participants dwindled.
– Phew! There are only a few countries left now. If participation were open to all nations, we would probably need more than 24 hours.
– Haha! It’s fortunate to have self-cuts for debut entrance. Next up is South Korea.
– Ah! Korea, a remarkable country. Especially during the Star Generation, didn’t they sweep the Platinum debut rounds?
– Unfortunately, it was perhaps their prime time, as afterwards there were often cases of being unable to participate in debut rounds.
The commentator Jonathan spoke in a slightly higher tone than before.
– The situation is a bit different this time.
– Oh? Jonathan rarely uses such a tone in his commentary.
It wasn’t just a casual remark. Caster Michael gazed with curious eyes at the pop-up screen.
– Firstly, in terms of background, we have Choi Jinsu, the promising talent from the Myth guild.
– Isn’t that one of the top three guilds in Korea? Looking at the power graphs, he seems quite similar to Ron, doesn’t he?
– Yes, he’s an outstanding combatant. His power graph is quite high.
Choi Jinsu proudly displayed a power graph similar to Ron, a promising American combatant.
– But the real deal is here.
With Jonathan’s words came another pop-up of information.
– Oh, wait, this is!!
Michael, the caster, widened his eyes in shock. And it was understandable.
– Jo, Jonathan? Could it be a mistake in the graph work?
– Even I pondered over the power graphs multiple times, but as I’ve watched his broadcasts, I couldn’t make any adjustments.
A distinctly handsome man with prominent features. The graph displayed below his photo was nearly at maximum levels. The issue was that it wasn’t just one or two graphs that were close to maximum.
– This is even more extreme than Andrew, right? Almost all the graphs are near maximum!
– Correct. In reality, his performances shown on the broadcast were incredibly versatile.
– Um… Could even the healing-related graphs being at their maximum be a mistake?
– Surprisingly, it’s true. He showcased healing magic skills at a level rarely seen even in Platinum rank.
– Haha… In my ten years of being a TWC caster, this is a first for me!
Michael, astonished by Jonathan’s explanation, stood there with his mouth agape. Not just Michael, but all the viewers watching the broadcast were undoubtedly in unison.
At the very top of this shocking information panel was the name 『Kim Shimun』 prominently displayed.
TL’s Corner:
Ah, my guess is correct. It was a girl. It’s a common trope by now, so I am not really surprised.
The question is, will she be joining Shimun in Galaxy Arena?