Su-ho bore no ill will toward Kang Seul-gi—not in this lifetime, 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, some 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 someone 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 mean, 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 assessment.”

    The Purification Assessment

    The assessment 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 measures in case of accidents.

    “Special Team 2 is far more dangerous than most other departments.”

    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 something 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 something he recognized all too well.

    A voice came through the internal speakers—Jo Geon-hyuk’s.

    “You may begin the purification process using the tools provided. Good luck.”

    The time limit was two hours. Laid out before him were 21 purification tools, each representing one of the 21 currently known methods 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 methods, 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.

    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 method?”

    They weren’t wrong. Among the 21 purification tools was a shock hammer specifically designed to purify cursed items through impact.

    Su-ho explained, “The shock hammer exists, yes. But the method I used involves applying a much greater force.”

    “Greater force?”

    “Yes. A shock hammer 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! Someone, 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 document the new method 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 assessment.

    Approaching Su-ho, he stammered, “S-Su-ho?”

    “Yes?”

    “Do you realize how groundbreaking this is?”

    “Is it?”

    “‘Is it?’ You just added the 22nd purification method to global research! The entire world will adopt your method 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 methods?”

    Before Kim could respond, Jo Geon-hyuk cut in, his voice filled with excitement. “Don’t even worry about that! As long as I’m in charge, you’re getting full marks. Hell, do you have any other methods up your sleeve?”

    “Maybe. I’ll think about it.”

    “Good! Let me know if anything comes 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 adjustment. As Kim Seok-hoon rushed off to make arrangements, Su-ho found himself momentarily 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.