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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 5
Chapter Title: The Rightful Heir
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Chapter 1 wrapped up without a hitch.
Both me and our author are riding high on the momentum.
Chapter 1 checked all the boxes:
#1: The regressed protagonist's temperament.
#2: The story's backdrop and the protagonist's hidden potential (a modern world blended with martial arts and fantasy).
#3: The protagonist's growth begins ① (his martial arts).
A modern era where martial arts exist alongside fantasy races like goblins living among us.
Modern + martial arts + fantasy.
And the reveal that the protagonist's techniques trace back to the legendary Heavenly Demon Lord, forged through events involving otherworldly beings like the Twelve Divine Beasts and Buddhas—all unpacked without overwhelming the reader.
So, with just a two-line prologue and one chapter done, it's too early to call if this story will be a smash hit or a total flop. But one thing's for sure.
If Chapters 2 and 3 keep the protagonist powering up, and we drop a killer hook at the end of 3...
We'll wrap up that crucial opening arc on solid ground.
In other words, my time in this story as protagonist Lee Hwan gets extended.
No aiming for the top spot or anything crazy.
That takes raw talent, skill, and luck all aligning perfectly.
A solid mid-tier run, dragging out hundreds of chapters? That's the web novel meta right now.
Mid-tier success. Steady and stable. That's the goal.
Our author nailed one thing at least: picking the right protagonist.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The next day.
First things first: get out of this one-room dump. That's what I figured, so I just went for it.
My destination? An overseas institution established in our country.
Of course, I know.
No such thing exists in the story yet.
But in a world where martial arts and fantasy have collided, with all sorts of races blending in—if there's no embassy like that, that would be the weird part.
An embassy representing martial world interests, for martial artists.
The moment I pictured the destination in my head, it became real. The backdrop materialized.
Before the worldview gets so fleshed out there's no room for me to squeeze in, I need to steer this story onto safe tracks.
Stormy growth through Chapter 3!
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ The author is adding (Nation * Martial Alliance Federation). "Unlike martial arts, humanity's overwhelming firepower forced the righteous sects and demonic outlaws to band together." Martial Alliance Federation (Nation) A nation forged by an alliance of righteous and demonic sects. ◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ ⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ The author has added (Institution * Korean Martial Alliance Federation Embassy).
...
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ The author has added (Institution * Korean Golden Clockwork Kingdom Embassy). ⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ The author is deeply immersed in world-building. "This Earth is yours."
Truth be told, I was sweating bullets that our setting-obsessed author might bog down the pages with exposition dumps.
Luckily, he seems to have bombed a few stories before and learned from it.
Hasn't even kicked off Chapter 2 yet, even now that I'm on the subway. That's when I finally relaxed a bit and took in the surroundings.
Over by the subway ads. Spotted one of our author's new settings.
30-Day Interest-Free Always By Your Side.
Golden Card Launch Big Hit Event: Zero Interest for 30 Days!
24/7, Anytime, Anywhere! Clean Inquiries, No Credit Drop Worries!
- Gold Green -
There was a 2D goblin character plastered next to it, all cute and stylized.
But from my memories, the real things look nothing like that.
Goblins aren't the only ones.
Orcs, elves, dwarves too.
Before regression, I was in a position where I had to deal with them plenty.
So I figured even running into them wouldn't faze me.
But out on these streets, not a one in sight.
Before I knew it, I was in front of the Korean Martial Alliance Federation Embassy. Gwanghwamun Street—never been here before entering this world, but finding my way was a breeze.
Probably because pre-regression Lee Hwan visited a bunch, and that setting auto-applied.
Stepped inside and headed straight for the complaints desk.
"I'd like to register as a martial artist."
This is it, author. Start Chapter 2 right here!
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ The author has begun (Paragraph #1). - A World of Pure Self-Interest: The Strongest, Chapter 2
Perfect, author!
[1.] Martial Alliance Federation. A massive wooden signboard, like something out of another era, greeted him in the lobby center. He was scanning the organizational chart on the embassy notice board. 'Joo Won-baek. Right on schedule, holed up here.' Lee Hwan memorized one photo from the chart, then turned toward the complaints desk. "I'd like to register as a martial artist." Lee Hwan told the desk clerk. "Here alone?" The clerk gruffly pulled a form from his desk and handed it over. Once Lee Hwan filled it out... - Martial Artist Registration & Interview Application - ... Category: ◻ Righteous Sect (Sect: ) ◻ Demonic Sect (Sect: ) ◼ Other (Sect: Unknown) 'Unknown?' The clerk frowned at Lee Hwan's form. Not unheard of, though. Sometimes folks came in clueless about their roots. Disciples picked up and raised by wandering martial eccentrics. Self-taught types with no master, scraping by on low-grade manuals.
"If this is truly the martial world, paperwork shouldn't matter much. Where do I go for the interview?"
Cut it here, author.
Short paragraph, but perfect for a scene transition.
Keep Paragraph 1 brief.
Chapters 1-3 need to zero in on my growth as protagonist Lee Hwan.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Bam!
Interviewer Joo Won-baek and Lee Hwan's palms clashed in midair. Joo Won-baek marveled at Lee Hwan's flawless counter, deciding to show some senior disciple virtue. 'A true prodigy after all this time!' No need to drag out the interview. But the youth's skills didn't hint at any sect. Still, any doubts paled next to the joy of encountering such a promising junior.
Whoosh!-
The interviewer pulled back his hand, face lit with surprise.
But only for a moment—a satisfied smile spread across his features.
⚔ STATUS ⚔ Joo Won-baek (Character) Consul at the Korean Martial Alliance Federation Embassy. Handles interviews to gauge new martial artists' talents. Role: Extra
"No sect or master's name, right?"
"Yes, Consul."
"Post-Dimensional Collision, it was chaos nonstop. Especially the first-generation folks—many couldn't adapt and passed on. The world pointed fingers, calling them freaks, vagabonds, worse. But now?"
Joo Won-baek continued.
"History proves it time and again. The Martial Alliance Federation stands because of them. Be proud of your master."
This world isn't fake.
It's a real, living one crafted by supernatural forces.
He's no NPC or actor.
When the interviewer mentioned those first-gen wanderers, real pathos laced his breath.
Moments later, he beamed at me again.
"Welcome to the fold. Dual citizenship's fine, but full commitment to the Martial Alliance Federation..."
The backstory was dragging. Save it for later.
Can't stress this enough.
Early story needs a clear goal for the protagonist: rapid power-ups.
Visit a place? Walk out stronger—or with the path to it.
I'm not here just for an ID. I want real gains, or the road to them.
"Grateful for the kind words toward this junior. Truth is, I came today not for Consul Joo Won-baek, but for True Dragon Sword Sect Leader Joo Won-baek."
As the narrative described him, fuzzy memories of the man surfaced.
Pull this my way before it sets.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ The author is reinforcing (Character * Joo Won-baek). "What? Consul and sect leader?" ⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Reinforcement Reason: "I came to see True Dragon Sword Sect Leader Joo Won-baek." Reinforcement Content: Leader of True Dragon Sword Sect.
"...The main body? I'm curious what brings you. Don't be shy—speak freely."
"Straight to the point, then."
I said it right to his friendly, smiling face.
"The True Dragon Sword Sect should be holding it right now."
What surfaced in my mind: something like the Heavenly Demon Lord's provision for the true heir of the Heavenly Demon Divine Art's lineage.
The name was...
"One Heaven Origin Fire Token."
And just like that, the moment I named it.
The man flipped 180 degrees.
Veins bulging fast on his neck.
Jaw clenched tight, face hardening in an instant. His glaring eyes sharpened into killing intent.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ The author has upgraded (Character * Joo Won-baek)'s role. Extra → Supporting ⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ The author has added (Treasure * One Heaven Origin Fire Token). One Heaven Origin Fire Token (Treasure) Bears the Heavenly Demon Lord's solemn command.
Think this ends the paragraph?
I boomed out the voice that slammed down the period.
"I've come to reclaim the One Heaven Origin Fire Token. As its rightful owner."