SFRW-Chapter 167

Ch. 167 Sword God From The Ruined World

People couldn’t hide their surprise at Capmore retaking the Casserian Guild entrance exam.  

Why?  

What reason could Capmore—who lacked nothing—possibly have for challenging the exam again to join the Casserian Guild?  

“Failed.”  

Seo Do-jun showed no particular reaction, but Park Sung-wook tilted his head slightly at the results.  

“His score improved from the last exam. Though it’s still far from passing…”  

Typically, even when Heroes retake the Casserian entrance exam two or three times, their scores don’t change much. The system was designed that way.  

As the number of Heroes retaking the exam exploded, the exam itself underwent upgrades beyond imagination. Even existing guild members who sneakily checked the new exam papers turned pale and gasped for breath.  

“Could I even pass if I took it again now?”  

The difficulty of the Casserian Guild entrance exam had reached such terrifying levels that this anxiety was common.  

There were now five types of exam papers, each with 200 multiple-choice questions randomly shuffled with slight variations. That alone wasn’t the biggest change.  

The problem was the newly added 100 questions—all constructed-response items. These weren’t simple multiple-choice questions but essay-type questions measuring creativity, critical thinking, application, and judgment. They were further divided into restricted-response and free-response formats.  

‘The difficulty is almost excessive.’  

Even Seo Do-jun, who had reviewed the questions beforehand, clicked his tongue at their complexity. Park Sung-wook had gone through immense hardship consulting experts across fields to create these questions.  

As a result, the Casserian entrance exam earned a notorious reputation as the hardest test in history.  

Given the nature of this exam, significant score improvements were unlikely no matter how many times one retook it. Yet, Capmore’s score had risen enough to surprise Park Sung-wook.  

“Still, passing won’t be easy.”  

Though his score had improved, it remained far from the passing mark, so Park Sung-wook predicted he wouldn’t make it.  

“Is that so?”  

Seo Do-jun recalled Capmore’s determined expression—he didn’t seem like someone who would give up easily.  

A few days later, Capmore took the exam for the third time.  

“His score… improved again.”  

Park Sung-wook frowned in disbelief. The increase wasn’t as dramatic as after the second attempt, but the upward trend was undeniable.  

“Could that have had an effect?”  

Jung In-joo, standing nearby, muttered to herself.  

“What do you mean?”  

At Park Sung-wook’s question, Jung In-joo glanced at Seo Do-jun before speaking.  

“Rumor has it Capmore has been meeting with guild members one by one. Nothing major—just asking about what kind of person the Guild Master is and what life in the Casserian Guild is like.”  

This wasn’t confidential information—interviews had already covered such topics, and guild members wouldn’t spread falsehoods. Still, Jung In-joo checked Seo Do-jun’s reaction just in case.  

Fortunately, Seo Do-jun remained silent, putting her at ease.  

“But for that to boost his exam scores this much…”  

Park Sung-wook pinched his lower lip repeatedly, a habit when deep in thought.  

“If he passes, that’s his own ability. By the way, is it true Cain is preparing to retake the exam too?”  

She’d heard from Patrick. After failing the first exam, Cain had clung to Patrick, insisting he was preparing for another attempt. Remembering this, she asked if he was among today’s test-takers.  

“He should be taking the exam right about now.”  

“Let me know his results.”  

Seo Do-jun was especially curious about Cain’s performance.  

News of Capmore and Cain retaking the exam spread like wildfire among Heroes. Reactions were divided—some couldn’t understand why these already accomplished Heroes were so fixated on joining the Casserian Guild, while others claimed even they were mere fireflies before the guild’s brilliance.  

“Does retaking the exam improve your chances?”  

“I’ve never heard of anyone passing on a retake.”  

“But wouldn’t a second attempt change things? Capmore and Cain aren’t crazy enough to take that nightmare exam three or two times for no reason, right?”  

“You think so?”  

“Maybe I should retake it too.”  

“You’d subject yourself to that madness again?”  

“…Who knows? Maybe I’ll pass this time.”  

Thus, the retake trend slowly began, fueled by Capmore and Cain.  

***  

While guild members trained relentlessly, even sacrificing sleep to master their new weapons, Seo Do-jun resolved to spend as much time as possible with Eun-young.  

The reason?  

“Our Shuma has grown so much, hasn’t she?”  

“…I see.”  

Seo Do-jun’s expression was stiff as he stared at the water spirit, Shuma, perched on Eun-young’s palm.  

Before the tribal invasion, Shuma had been no larger than the span of Eun-young’s hand. Now, however…  

“Handsome young man! Look at this! These shrimp are huge! They’re King Black Tiger shrimp—the biggest in the world! And their taste is out of this world! Just season them lightly with salt, sauté them in olive oil with some whole garlic, and you won’t need any fancy restaurant! Enjoy them at home with your lovely girlfriend! Even with masks on, you two are so good-looking! Hohoho! How many should I give you?”  

Shuma was now as large as the colossal shrimp an old auntie had aggressively sold to Seo Do-jun and Hyun Joo-yeon during a recent grocery trip—roughly 40 centimeters.  

Watching Shuma’s growth, Seo Do-jun sighed inwardly.  

In the ruined world, spirits varied in size, but even the smaller ones were rarely as large as Shuma was now.  

This could only mean one thing:  

‘She can wield the spirit’s power now…’  

As far as Seo Do-jun could tell, Eun-young hadn’t yet used Shuma’s abilities. Of that, he was certain.  

Those who borrowed a spirit’s power carried its essence unmistakably—a sense of fusion with the spirit itself. Once a human channeled a spirit’s energy, they couldn’t hide it from Seo Do-jun’s eyes.  

“Shuma also showed me something amazing!”  

“Something amazing?”  

As Seo Do-jun’s gaze sharpened, Shuma trembled violently, instinctively afraid.  

“Shuma, what’s wrong?”  

Eun-young worriedly stroked Shuma’s head with her finger as the spirit continued shaking, still sneaking fearful glances at Seo Do-jun.  

Only when Seo Do-jun relaxed with a sigh did Shuma’s trembling subside.  

“Shuma, are you cold?”  

Eun-young even asked if Shuma had caught a cold.  

‘A spirit catching a cold…’  

Seo Do-jun reassured her that such a thing was impossible, amused by her innocence.  

“So, what’s this amazing thing?”  

At Seo Do-jun’s question, Eun-young asked Shuma to demonstrate, just as she had for her earlier.  

But Shuma hesitated, seemingly wary of Seo Do-jun’s presence.  

“What? Are you shy because my brother is here? It’s okay! My brother wants to see it too! Right, Brother?”  

“Yeah, show me.”  

Encouraged, Shuma nodded slightly and began gathering ambient magic.  

The fact that a spirit could now actively draw magic proved how much Earth’s environment had changed.  

With the gathered magic, Shuma formed a circular water barrier large enough to envelop both Eun-young and Seo Do-jun—an Aqua Shield.  

Among spirits, water spirits created the sturdiest defenses.  

“Wow! The soap bubble got even bigger!”  

Eun-young jumped excitedly, delighted by the giant water sphere enclosing them. To her, the Aqua Shield was just a gigantic bubble.  

“Brother! Watch this!”  

As Eun-young stepped away, the shield split into two separate bubbles around each of them.  

Then—  

Boing! Boing! Boing!  

“Kyahahaha!”  

Eun-young leaped high enough to touch the ceiling before landing on her back, only to bounce harmlessly on the Aqua Shield.  

Shuma spun joyfully on Eun-young’s palm, mirroring her excitement.  

Unlike their cheer, Seo Do-jun’s face was clouded with concern.  

‘Does a spirit grow as its affinity with the user increases?’  

Seo Do-jun wasn’t a spirit mage, so he couldn’t be sure. In the ruined world, he’d only met spirit mages who could already wield their spirits’ power—he had no knowledge of early-stage bonds.  

“Eun-young, remember our promise?”  

The promise to limit her time playing with Shuma—Seo Do-jun’s attempt to suppress spirit affinity.  

When Eun-young looked blank, Seo Do-jun reminded her gently.  

“I barely played with Shuma! Just once a day! Some days, not at all! Right, Shuma?”  

Shuma nodded vigorously. Eun-young added their sessions never exceeded 30 minutes.  

‘Eun-young wouldn’t lie… So even suppressing affinity can’t stop a spirit’s natural growth?’  

Alternatively, Shuma might be growing due to Earth’s changing environment.  

Whatever the reason, one fact was clear: Shuma could now wield spirit power.  

‘Can I no longer stop this?’  

Watching Eun-young playfully bounce inside the Aqua Shield, Seo Do-jun could only sigh again.  

***

Guadalajara, Mexico—the nation’s second-largest city, home to its most powerful figure.  

An extravagantly opulent mansion, guarded by over a hundred armed men.  

And that wasn’t all.  

Throughout the estate, Heroes wielding swords, axes, and spears stood watch.  

This was one of the residences of Kerzaman, the Drug King—leader of Mexico’s largest cartel.  

“Spare me! I-I’ll do anything— Mmph!”  

The man’s pleas were cut off as a filthy rag was shoved into his mouth. The men gripping his arms laughed cruelly.  

“Huuuh—!”  

The gagged man shook his head desperately, eyes locked on the figure exhaling cigarette smoke before him.  

“Sanchez! Sanchez! Our proud Sanchez! How did it come to this? You and I are brothers! We may not share blood, but we’ve shared my money! My drugs! My women! And this is how you repay me?!”  

Schlick!  

“Gggghhh—!”  

Sanchez’s right arm was cleanly severed at the shoulder. His scream was muffled by the rag as his eyes bulged in agony.  

The smoker, having sliced off the arm without hesitation, gave a signal.  

A subordinate yanked Sanchez’s hair, forcing him upright. Blood gushed from the stump, but no one moved to staunch it.  

“I shared everything with you, Sanchez, to protect what’s mine even more fiercely. So why did you betray me? Why conspire with those filthy rats to steal from me?!”  

Sanchez shook his head violently, desperate to deny the accusation, but only choked sounds escaped.  

“Sanchez, my brother…”  

The smoker pulled Sanchez close, forehead to forehead, whispering:  

“No one in Mexico can take what’s mine. Sadly, you made a mistake.”  

Sanchez nodded frantically.  

“Good, it’s never too late to realize. But… It’s too late for forgiveness. My heart is wounded. I can no longer call you brother.”  

He licked his lips.  

“Your family will join you soon. Of course, Maria will have to repay everything I gave you first.”  

At the mention of his daughter, Sanchez thrashed wildly, screaming into the gag.  

“Mmmph! Mmmph!”  

Not her! Anyone but Maria!  

His cries changed nothing.  

“Farewell, Sanchez.”  

With a cruel smile, the man slit Sanchez’s throat in one smooth motion.  

Thud.  

The headless corpse collapsed. Waving a hand dismissively, the man signaled his subordinates to remove the body.  

“Huuuh—!”  

Leaning back in his chair, the Drug King exhaled smoke and examined his bloodied blade.  

“Daring to steal from me? Keh heh heh!”  

He scoffed at the absurdity.  

“Huarez is on the line.”  

A subordinate handed him a phone.  

“My brother Huarez! Who? Sanchez? Forget him. He’s no longer family. Now, listen—you’ll be taking over as police chief of Guadalajara! Don’t worry, I’ll make it happen! Hahaha!”  

Mid-laugh, his eyes suddenly gleamed with interest.  

“The door opened? Hmm… Good. I’ll investigate. Prepare for your inauguration!”  

Hanging up, he immediately dialed another number.  

“What is it?”  

The Drug King grinned at the familiar gruff voice.  

“Hector! My brother! Huarez just informed me—the door at the Tequila Rift Zone has opened. I’ll handle it. Any objections?”  

“Already? Kerzaman, the world is on high alert after the tribal invasion. Newly opened doors require World Hero Association oversight. We need the Federation’s approval—”  

“Hector. Everything in Mexico is mine. The World Hero Association? Federation directors? Don’t make me laugh!”  

“Kerzaman, but—”  

“Hector! Answer me—do I need anyone’s permission to claim what’s mine?”  

His cheerful tone now laced with menace, Hector audibly gulped.  

“Hector?”  

“…No. You don’t.”  

Satisfied, Kerzaman smirked.  

“Then trust me, brother.”