The Regressor Can Make Them All
Chapter 364

Chapter 364

With the second semester evaluation exam schedule announced, the students erupted into a buzz of countless speculations.

“Do you think they’ve developed some kind of special new testing method? Like uncovering unique skills that don’t even show up in the status message?”

“Hmm, that sounds possible.”

Because Babel was unlike other academies, who would change their exams under the guise of practical training or fieldwork if internal circumstances came up, the students couldn’t help but speculate. They assumed their examiners, with their combined expertise, had prepared something extraordinary and unknown.

And to a certain extent, they were right.

“Grrk... ugh...!”

“Arghh!”

All sorts of groans and screams resounded from the testing grounds. The students of Aqar Quf, dressed in workout gear, were lifting weights in various positions.

Their repetitions with each weight were all recorded by their examiners, those responsible for grading, who even made heartless remarks as they did so.

“Don’t worry if you get injured. We will use Divine Magic to heal you immediately, so give it everything you’ve got without reservation. All of this will factor into your grades.”

“...”

Long believing they were already giving their all, the students could only make utterly exhausted expressions. While they weren’t unfamiliar with strength training—something they did regularly—the effort demanded by the examiners was particularly unsettling.

My arms feel like they’re going to tear apart, yet they want me to do more...?

Are we supposed to push ourselves until we actually get injured?

Even if they made a part of the evaluation a physical exam, there were still clear limits to how much effort could be extracted, especially with such unfamiliar methods.

The mood fell, making one of the examiners open their mouth in annoyance. “If you can’t accept this testing method, move to the next testing area. There’s no penalty, so don’t worry.”

Exchanging uncertain glances, more than half of the students took the offer, moving to the adjacent testing area. They believed that rather than risk losing points due to such unfamiliarity, attempting another option was better.

“Should we move over there too?”

“It might be better than wasting energy here...”

While students waiting their turn were quietly murmuring among themselves, a student who had finally made up their mind opened the door to the next testing area.

“Arghh!”

“Block them if you want to save yourself!!”

The screams of panicking students frantically swinging their own weapons, defending against the professors wielding weapons while radiating murderous intent, resounded. But then it swiftly disappeared once the student who opened the door was dragged inside. Though, the dying screams still lingered vividly in everyone’s ears.

“Let’s... just stick to this one.”

“Screw it. A broken bone or two isn’t the end of the world.”

Rather than putting themselves through that ordeal to push their limits, the remaining students resolved to give everything they had here.

So this is what they’re up to... measuring the growth potential.

Having observed it all, Se-Hoon became intrigued. The exam’s purpose was now clear: measure their quantifiable abilities in detail over three days, then send all the students into the Tower of Heroes on the final day. Afterward, they’d conduct another evaluation to analyze how much they had grown.

He’s probably going to compare the growth data to the data from before the restructuring.

Such an approach killed two birds with one stone—securing new research data while additionally serving as a way to evaluate the students’ talents and skills—making it a perfect exam from Ludwig’s perspective.

If that’s true, the rest will be pretty straightforward.

And the next parts of the exam unfolded just as he had predicted.

“You can use any skill you want, but use it to its fullest extent until your mana is completely depleted.”

The second day of physical evaluations involved unleashing all-out techniques within a testing ground covered by spatial magic—a means to measure the students’ mana-related abilities.

But by now, the majority had also figured out the grading criteria. Unlike their flustered selves the day before, they poured all their energy into the test. Like that, the second day’s evaluation ended without major incidents.

This much is manageable.

Considering I did well yesterday, maybe I can even aim to rank near the top...

Regardless of the reasons, the students realized the ultimate goal was to score highly. Plus, the evaluation didn’t appear to favor those with immediately noticeable talent, so the students began harboring ambitions of climbing the rankings.

However, that was when they encountered the next hurdle.

“The area ahead is a testing ground made from the darkness of the Netherworld.”

In front of the students lay a black abyss, so dark that the bottom couldn’t be seen.

“This testing ground was specially prepared by President Wurgen for this evaluation exam. Proceed inside, and we will assess the resilience of your synesthetic mindscapes.”

The skeleton explaining looked proud, as if it was boasting about Wurgen’s greatness. In contrast, the students’ faces were all deathly pale.

No matter how you spin it, this is...

Is this really okay?

Even from afar, their bodies shuddered with chills and their instincts screamed at them to stay away. The Netherworld’s darkness, where the souls of the dead lingered, made the students unable to bring themselves to step forward.

“Ah. If you’re worried about your soul being swapped or dying, there’s no need to fear. As long as you follow the rules of the test, you absolutely won’t die.”

“...”

“Of course, even if you do, the President can revive you immediately! Isn’t he incredible?”

With each boastful remark from the skeleton, the students’ faces only grew even paler, making Se-Hoon sigh in disbelief.

These undead are seriously...

Efficiency aside, their lack of empathy bordered on recklessness. If the current situation continued, Se-Hoon realized Ludwig’s research data would likely be jeopardized. So, he subtly made his move.

“Amir.”

“Oh, brother. What is it?”

“You go in first.”

“...”

At the blatant command, Amir’s eyes narrowed sharply. He’d been expecting advice or encouragement, only to find himself offered up as a scapegoat.

“No, no. It’s not like that,” Se-Hoon quickly denied, feeling Amir’s sharp gaze.

“Then what is it?”

“The others all seem scared, so I just want to reassure them. You’re used to this kind of thing, aren’t you?”

“...”

Despite the explanation, Amir’s icy stare grew even frostier, as if had cast Frost Alchemy on it. Seeing that, Se-Hoon paused, debating whether to continue persuading him or simply toss Amir inside.

But before he could decide, he heard a voice.

“Should I go in?”

Like always, Erika abruptly appeared beside him, sounding casual.

“Huh? You’re willing to?”

“If you need me to.”

Hesitating, Se-Hoon nodded after a moment.

“It’s probably better that you go than me. Since I’m technically involved with this test, I don’t think I can reassure them much by going.”

Given the rumors of him being Wurgen’s successor, his actions could be dismissed as insignificant. That was why he’d approached Amir in the first place, hoping someone unrelated could lead by example.

“Alright.”

With a brisk nod, Erika strode past the other students and entered the darkness without hesitation.

“Uh... uhh...”

“Wait... hold on...”

Shocked by her boldness, the students just stared as Erika calmly sank into the abyss, disappearing into the darkness. And just as Se-Hoon had hoped, her actions sparked a wave of movement among the others.

“You should’ve told me first!”

“Huh. Looks like it’s fine.”

Luize shouted at Se-Hoon as she dashed in after Erika, followed by Lea, who trudged forward with a resigned look.

“If you’re that scared, go in with her.”

“What nonsense are you spouting?”

Provoked by Sung-Ha before he left, Amir growled and followed suit. After them, others began entering as a pair or small groups as well, spurred on by the rising momentum.

“Wait, wait, sister! Hold on—!”

“See you inside.”

Aria grabbed Jake, who had been trying to listen to the explanation until the end, and dove into the darkness in one swift motion.

Despite all the unease, the testing ground swallowed those who entered one by one utterly calmly.

Having watched Aria’s bold entry into such a place, the students exchanged uncertain glances.

“Seems like it’s safe...?”

“Everyone who’s gone in so far were all honor students. Maybe that’s why.”

“Even so...”

Yet they still hesitated, unsure whether to follow or wait for more clarity.

Then, right as they were wavering, Ren, who had been quietly observing, calmly spoke up. “They might have gotten a tip from someone involved.” He then added, half talking to himself, “It doesn’t seem like this is a test of caution.”

With that mutter, Ren glanced briefly at Se-Hoon before walking into the darkness, just as Erika had earlier. His cryptic remark about “someone involved” had not gone unnoticed, leading the remaining students to interpret it in their own way.

By “someone involved,” did he mean Lee Se-Hoon?

Considering he’s rumored to be Wurgen’s successor, it’s possible he was told in advance...

Their imaginations running wild, they all stole glances at Se-Hoon. Finally, one by one, they steeled themselves and rushed toward the testing ground.

“We might lose points if we’re late!”

“Hurry up!”

Like a surging wave, the students poured into the darkness. The atmosphere had so suddenly changed that not only the skeleton who had been giving the explanation, but even Se-Hoon himself was caught off guard.

The student’s initial hesitance had taken a sharp turn into a full-blown rush.

Did Ren provoke them intentionally?

Although Se-Hoon wasn’t sure why Ren decided to help out, at least the test was progressing as planned. Satisfied, Se-Hoon blended into the crowd and walked into the darkness as well.

Consumed like everyone else, the moment he fully sank into the darkness, the other students vanished. Now, instead of their presence, all Se-Hoon felt was a suffocating cold and the weight of countless gazes pressing down on him.

It felt like being in a packed subway car, where everyone’s eyes were inexplicably locked on him. But rather than unnerving him, the eerie sensation just gave Se-Hoon insight into how the test was structured.

So they’re using the souls of the dead to evaluate our synesthetic mindscape.

Those with strong synesthetic mindscapes would be able to endure the resentment and malice of the dead. Those who couldn’t would collapse and be removed from the testing grounds.

It was a crude but undeniably effective method, so Se-Hoon accepted it as part of the process and began walking deeper into the darkness.

“As expected, this doesn’t seem to work on you.”

Just then, a calm voice emanated from the Eye of the Nether, which had appeared at some point on the back of Se-Hoon’s left hand.

“What doesn’t work?”

“The dead souls don’t dare approach you. You’ve become too accustomed to the power of Boundaries, making them instinctively afraid of you.”

His interest piqued, Se-Hoon glanced around again, focusing closer on the darkness. He had noticed the souls in the distance, but he had thought they were just watching him for the test. Upon closer inspection now, it really did seem more like they were afraid of him.

Such a revelation left Se-Hoon slightly flustered. While he knew he had grown used to the power of Boundaries, he hadn’t expected such a level of deference.

“So... does this mean the test is invalid for me?”

“No, I’ll give you full marks.”

“...Full marks?”

Se-Hoon blinked in surprise at Wurgen’s casual response. He had expected some alternative form of verification, not an automatic perfect score.

“With that synesthetic mindscape of yours, full marks are more than fair. In the first place, how flawed could the mind of someone who killed one of the Ten Evils really be?”

“Well... that’s true.”

Truthfully, Se-Hoon was only remaining at Babel because it was a convenient base of operations. Compared to the other students in his grade, his growth was on a completely different level. And that was especially the case when it came to his synesthetic mindscape, which had already been perfected before the regression.

“By the way, what exactly did you do?”

“Huh?”

“That choice that appeared in the Tower of Heroes. Did you conspire with Ludwig on something?”

“Oh, that...”

Unsure of how to respond, Se-Hoon just scratched his cheek awkwardly. If it were his own research, he might have shared it casually. But since the Tower of Heroes was tied to Ludwig, the matter became much more delicate.

If he were to take the key...

Even if Wurgen also offered his personal vault key, Se-Hoon would still hesitate.

“You insolent brat... forget it.”

Having sensed his hesitation, Wurgen’s eye narrowed in annoyance.

“You’re not going to press further?”

“I agreed to share results, not delve into the research. No point clashing with Ludwig over some fleeting curiosity.”

Easily letting go of his curiosity, Wurgen changed the topic.

“I heard you’re entering the Tower of Heroes tomorrow.”

“Yes, most likely.”

“Do you plan to become a Perfect One yourself?”

It was an unexpected question, making Se-Hoon pause. And after thinking over it for a moment, he chose to be honest.

“If it’s necessary, then yes.”

Before his regression, Se-Hoon had attempted to fully conquer the Tower only to gain the strength needed to fight the Demon Force. But now, with sufficient strength already at his disposal, he felt no pressing need to ascend the Tower once more.

Besides, even if I tried, there’s no guarantee I’d succeed.

Se-Hoon had cleared the penultimate floor before regressing, only to realize instinctively that he couldn’t handle the last. Though much had changed since then, he still wasn’t confident those changes would ensure his success.

“...I see.”

Acknowledging his response, Wurgen’s eye then vanished as suddenly as he had appeared.

Wondering what the point of his question had been, Se-Hoon considered calling him back for clarification, but then he dismissed the thought. If Wurgen had intended to explain, he would have done so already.

Maybe even he doesn’t fully know why he asked.

Regardless of the conversation’s significance, it didn’t change what Se-Hoon had to do. With that thought, he strode forward into the darkness, his steps steady and unshaken.

***

On the dawn of the final day of the second semester evaluation exam, Se-Hoon awoke naturally before sunrise.

Is it starting?

Just like during the first-semester exams, the shift in his surroundings that he was sensing was likely Ludwig transporting him into the Tower of Heroes.

Since I cleared the first floor, I must be going to the second floor.

He still remembered how the second-floor trial had involved crafting a sword to fit perfectly into a hole in a giant boulder in a forested setting. Even the slightest imperfection had caused the sword to shatter, forcing him to survive on tree roots while retrying for three days.

It shouldn’t be too hard now.

What had once been a grueling task was now a challenge he could complete in a single attempt. Confident, Se-Hoon made preparations to clear the floor swiftly and push onto the third.

However, upon scanning his surroundings, something felt off.

“...Huh?”

The forest was there, but it was far darker and more oppressive than before. Sunlight barely penetrated the dense canopy, casting an eerie shadow over everything. Worse, strange sounds echoed from all directions.

“Ooh...”

“Ahh...”

A chorus of haunting wails filled the air, thick with resentment and hatred—the calls of the undead.

The trial on the second floor had completely changed.

Wait... where do I find the so-called choices?

While he had considered the possibility of changes after the Tower’s restructuring, he thought that, based on what Jake had told him, the trial would begin with a clear set of options. Yet it seemed the trial changed without prompts, leaving Se-Hoon perplexed.

Why didn’t the choices appear for me?

Was it because his involvement in the restructure marked him for special treatment? Or was it due to external interference?

Mulling over these possibilities, Se-Hoon soon heard footsteps approaching from ahead.

Step. Step. Step.

Initially assuming it was an undead, he tensed and prepared to defend himself, only to realize something was amiss.

Wait... a human?

He had detected not an undead but a hunched figure, their movements labored yet exuding an overwhelming presence.

Relaxing slightly, Se-Hoon stood still, waiting for the figure to emerge. Then, moments later, a man stepped out from the thicket.

“Damn it, how long... hm? Who are you?”

The man wore a black robe, and his elderly face was framed by snow-white hair and deep wrinkles. Yet, despite the clear signs of age, his piercing eyes shone with a sharpness that belied his frailty.

“...”

Though it was their first meeting, the man’s formidable aura and surly demeanor left an immediate impression. What truly shocked Se-Hoon, however, was something else entirely.

No way...

He had, in fact, seen the man’s face before in decades-old newspaper clippings and framed portraits in the UD Group’s headquarters.

“...Wurgen?”

Unable to believe his eyes, Se-Hoon stared at the man with a stiff expression.

Standing before him was not a skeleton, but Wurgen in his human form—before he conquered the Tower of Heroes.

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