Return of the Irregular Appraiser
Chapter 8

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – ChiSync]

Chapter 8: Appraiser (3)

[Insight Activated.]

[Triple Ring]

A bracelet with three overlapping rings. Made primarily of etherium and stardust, each ring is intricately engraved with mana circuits. While each ring can be operated separately, the amplification effect of mana increases exponentially with the number of rings. The design of mana circuits using multi-path techniques ensures rapid and precise mana flow, requiring sophisticated mana control during usage.

∥ B.CD 23rd century

∥ Mana Amplification

I checked the information on the triple ring and swallowed my saliva.

‘The year of manufacture is B.CD. Are these descriptions generated from insight based on my convenience and existing knowledge?’

B.CD is a term defined on Earth. After discovering their historical records in ancient texts, which revealed a history of 5,000 years, the Gregorian calendar was applied as a convenient system.

‘Well, it doesn’t matter.’

The B.CD 3,000s, known as the golden age of the ancient magical civilization.

The Multi-path Technique was primarily used during the B.CD 3,000s for mana circuitry.

It optimizes the movement of mana by dramatically reducing the width of the circuit and connecting the flow of mana in different directions.

Through insight, it became possible for me to manipulate mana with ease, thanks to the legacy left by Cartia, allowing me to resonate with the Triple Ring.

[Insight Activated]

While it required precise tracking and understanding of the increasingly complex mana flow when resonating each ring separately, it was not difficult for me.

“Wow…”

Once again, a word of admiration escaped from Kim Junghyun.

It was understandable. During this period, Kim Junghyun had failed to achieve triple resonance with the Triple Ring.

‘With this level of amplification, could it create a pillar of fire with Ignite?’

The true effect of the Triple Ring. It lies in the dramatic increase in mana amplification rate when all three rings resonate simultaneously.

Honestly, compared to astonishing artifacts known from the B.CD 3,000s, it was of average quality at best.

‘It’s an artifact, not a relic.’

It doesn’t have the markings that an artifact from the 3,000s should have.

Nevertheless, considering the premise of triple resonance, it was undoubtedly an artifact of S-grade.

“It’s amazing.”

“…What are you talking about?”

“I didn’t expect to see an artifact from the B.CD 3,000s here.”

“Is this really an item from the 3,000s?”

Even Kim Junghyun, who had shallow knowledge about ancient civilizations, knew that the B.CD 3,000s was the heyday of the ancient civilization. Moreover, artifacts from that era were of tremendous value.

“Yes. The mana circuitry is composed of multi-path techniques. It’s a method mainly used during the B.CD 3,000s. Of course, it cannot be confirmed solely by using this method, but the width, curvature, and fluidity of the circuits distinctly reflect the characteristics of that era.”

“I’ve had some outstanding appraisers evaluate this Triple Ring. However, none of them thought it was a work from the 3,000s B.CD.”

“That’s possible.”

I understood why those appraisers had judged it that way.

Compared to the things that represented B.CD 3,000s, the effects of the Triple Ring were very simple.

At best, it could be difficult to definitively conclude that an artifact merely amplifying mana was a work from the B.CD 3,000s.

Moreover, distinguishing the intricate details of mana circuits would be a rare skill among appraisers worldwide.

Certainly, if someone thought it was a work from the B.CD 3,000s, they would be considered top-tier appraisers or even beyond that level.

“As Hunter Kim Junghyun knows, the appraisal of items inevitably involves the subjective opinions of the appraiser. Especially when it comes to relics brought from other-dimensions, here information is still scarce and more research needs to be done.”

“You’re right. I spoke too hastily.”

“No, not at all. Whether to trust my appraisal or not is up to Hunter Kim Junghyun, but as I mentioned earlier, you must follow my decision.”

“Yes, I understand. And from the moment you successfully achieved triple resonance, I never doubted your appraisal. I just wanted to point out that’s what the previous appraisers said.”

Kim Junghyun responded calmly.

Even the appraisers known in Korea failed to discover what he had, not to mention appraising it, and he even succeeded in triple resonance right there on the spot.

I knew because it was an item I had personally used.

The fact that Mr. Woogil achieved triple resonance with the Triple Ring was surreal.

‘ Even I barely managed to achieve dual resonance, but Mr. Woogil… ‘

It had taken me quite some time to resonate two rings.

Even someone confident in mana control like me struggled, so just how exceptional was Mr. Woogil’s mana control ability?

‘All the top-tier appraisers are elite mages, and Mr. Woogil was no exception.’

I couldn’t help but laugh at the idea that he was this advanced at his age.

‘Come to think of it, not only did he unlock the Soul Reaper’s curse, but he was also the first to detect the monsters’ concealment.”

I wondered if he simply had a special ability that specialized in this area, but now that I think about it, that’s not the case at all.

‘I can never tell. Just when I think I know it, he shows me something new…….’

But by now, I was starting to get a grasp of the situation.

Irregular.

A being outside the standard criteria for judgment.

The true form of the man I was facing right now was precisely that.

A top-tier appraiser and a genius mage.

‘To think such a person existed in Korea.’

Kim Junghyun tried to calm his racing heart and continued.

“What do you think the appraisal value should be?”

“1.5 billion. I estimate that the Triple Ring should be worth around that much.”

“1.5 billion…”

“Do you think it’s low?”

To my question, Kim Junghyun simply nodded.

“Yes. Honestly, it is. I thought it would be around 3 billion if it’s an artifact from the B.CD 3,000s.”

“I’m not sure if it’s an artifact, but since it was made during the 3,000s B.CD and shows this level of mana amplification, in fact, it’s a slightly simpler design compared to other artifacts from the 3,000s. There’s also the disadvantage of it being difficult to achieve triple resonance.”

“I see.”

As Kim Junghyun listened to my explanation, he began to understand.

Perhaps the reason why other appraisers did not consider this an artifact from the B.CD 3,000s was also because of these reasons.

“As you said, I’ll deposit 66 million won, which is 4% of the appraisal value.”

“Thank you. I’ll write down how to achieve triple resonance separately and provide it to you.”

“Thank you. It seems additional fees will be necessary.”

“If you agree to be my broker, I’ll provide this information for free this time.”

“Even if it’s not for free, it’s something I should naturally do. It’s an honor to a broker for someone like you.”

Kim Junghyun sincerely thought so.

It was the second meeting between Mr. Woogil and me since our encounter on the Herta planet, and today was the first proper conversation we had.

One day was enough to recognize the value of this man named Kim Woogil.

If he decided right away, he could become a globally renowned appraiser.

And I was very pleased that such a man had appeared in Korea.

“I must maintain a good relationship with Mr. Woogil, no matter what.”

It’s time to stop thinking of him as just a remarkable awakened individual.

He is someone you must have as an ally for the future.

I must acknowledge his existence and establish a new relationship.

“The previous attack by the Soul Reaper turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

“I got to meet someone like you, Mr. Woogil.”

“I also consider meeting Hunter Kim Junghyun to be fortunate.”

“Don’t address me so formally as ‘Hunter Kim Junghyun’; feel free to call me by my first name.”

“Um… Junghyun?”

“That sounds much better. Woogil.”

Kim Junghyun smiled brightly at me.

“Now we are business partners.”

“That’s right.”

“Well then, since we’ve become business partners, let me offer you a service.”

Kim Junghyun tilted his head at my sudden offer.

I chuckled and pointed to the necklace he was wearing. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the Novᴇ(l)Fɪre .ɴᴇt website on G𝘰𝘰gle to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“Isn’t that necklace made by Ellaris?”

“Oh, yes. As expected, you recognized it immediately. I purchased it not too long ago. It’s an artifact with a body recovery effect, so I’m looking forward to its use in the next battle.”

To him, who was eagerly anticipating its use, I delivered a shocking appraisal.

“That’s a fake.”

* * *

“Phew… Things have progressed too quickly all of a sudden.”

Lying sprawled on the bed, I checked Kim Junghyun’s number on my phone.

The number in the business card he had received before was for business purposes, but the one he was seeing now was said to be a personal number.

Since he hardly knew anyone, he was told to always answer calls from this number.

Can I trust Kim Junghyun? I constantly pondered, but the conclusion was that he was trustworthy.

If it weren’t for that incident, I would have thought he might be faking it.

Perhaps even now, quite a few people still think of Kim Junghyun’s appearance as insincere. Many hunters did.

“Let’s check the items.”

I emptied the bag containing the items I received from him onto the bed.

Five items fell out with a thud.

Necklace, totem, old dagger, gloves, and ring.

Except for the old dagger and the ring, the rest were just ordinary items fitting E-grade.

I picked up the old dagger.

“Teikebeje (თიყბზ).”

PR/N

As I uttered those words, the switch inside the handle of the dagger closed, and the mana circuit opened.

As mana from the mana stone flowed into it, the old dagger became a key to opening a dimensional space, cutting through the air and opening a new space.

“Hmm…”

[Faded Dimensional Dagger]

It is imprinted with an overall less functional mana circuitry. The simplified mana circuitry, intended to increase stability, limits the size of the subspace. The blade has been intentionally corroded to make it less visible as a key to unlocking dimensions. The engraving has sharp curves and a hint of the unstable appearance of the era.

∥ B.CD 38th century

∥ Dimensional Connection

I had been studying mana circuits diligently, but I still couldn’t fully understand the mana circuit of this dagger.

If the Triple Ring was a case where an unremarkable technique was maximized by the extraordinary skills of the creator, then this Faded Dimensional Dagger was a case where the difficult technique of dimensional spaces couldn’t be properly realized due to lack of ability.

In terms of technique alone, dimensional space was several times more difficult than mana amplification.

‘The problem is that the dimensional space is too small.’

At this level, it’s about the size of a large suitcase.

It’s not bad for ordinary use, but it’s a bit disappointing for hunters who cross dimensions to fight.

Moreover, it’s shaped like a dagger, which is inconvenient, and the mana stone needs to be replaced periodically.

‘Around 500 million.’

This is because it’s a relic left over from the end of the 4000s, during the destruction of the ancient magical civilization, so I priced it at 500 million considering its value in that historical context.

Otherwise, it would have fallen to around 350 million.

Well, that’s not important right now.

“This is the main item.”

A ring with swirling patterns engraved on it.

The reason I asked Kim Junghyun for E-grade items was because of this.

Hmmm- Hmmm-

At that moment, when I was about to check the next item, my phone vibrated.

Seeing the name displayed on the screen, irritation surged within me.

[Asshole]

“Hello.”

– Oh, hey. What are you up to?”

The bastard asked in a friendly tone, but I felt like I was about to vomit. I forced myself to hold back.

“Just chilling.”

– Yeah? Um… By the way, you know you’re coming to our office tomorrow, right?”

“Yes. I’ll bring the artifacts.”

“Yeah, yeah. I trust you’ll handle it well. Just wanted to check in. See you tomorrow.”

He probably called because he was worried I wouldn’t bring the artifacts.

“Yeah.”

Beep.

The phone call was like a wake-up call.

Originally, one of the reasons for meeting Junghyun was to get rid of this asshole.

The fake Ellaris piece that Kim Junghyun had. I intended to use that.

Click. Click. Ding.

When I dialed Kim Junghyun’s personal phone number, it quickly connected.

– I didn’t expect you to call so soon, Woogil.

Kim Junghyun’s cheerful voice came through the receiver.

“The Ellaris necklace I bought last time, remember?”

– Oh… That fake… You mean?”

Kim Junghyun’s voice suddenly became gloomy.

As soon as I realized that Kim Junghyun’s necklace was a fake, I made a plan.

“It might reappear at the auction soon. Can you track the transaction?”

– You mentioned it was because of Mr. Kang, the CEO of your office, last time, right?

“Yes. I’m asking for your help.”

After expressing his doubts about the authenticity and providing evidence, Kim Junghyun immediately admitted it.

But since Kim Junghyun didn’t want the fake to be used for nefarious purposes, he hesitated to sell it. So, I had no choice but to tell him about Mr. Kang.

That’s how I managed to buy the ‘fake’ with the appraisal fee I received from him.

– I understand.

“I’ll make sure to repay you next time.”

– There’s no need. Mr. Kang is truly despicable. I’ll help too.”

“Thank you. See you next time.”

Beep.

Preparations were complete. All that’s left is to give the son of a bitch a nightmare.

‘I’ll make you live in pain for the rest of your life.’

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – ChiSync]

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