After Jin returned to Earth and reunited with his friends,
some time passed.
They spent a lot of time together—going out often, playing with Lily frequently, and clearing gates across Korea.
The team had just finished clearing a gate and stepped outside.
In front of the gate—
**Kevin:** Looks like we've grown a lot. A B-rank gate has become extremely easy for us.
**Rain:** Hmm… probably because Jin is back to lead the team and keep an eye on things, haha.
**Shuang & Aileen (in unison):** Yes, definitely.
**Emy** looked at them and laughed: *Hehe, those two are really funny.*
**Martin:** By the way, Jin, why do you seem distracted today?
Jin looked unfocused, then glanced down at the ground with a hint of unease and said:
**Jin:** …Nothing. I was just thinking about something.
---
### Flashback
In a café—
**Jin:** So, what is it that you wanted to talk about?
**Sylvan:** I spoke with Martin about what happened to his family in the past. I learned about what you did back then. The Magic Tower is investigating the matter, and due to my family's influence within the Tower, I managed to obtain some information. I also have a proposal for you.
**Jin:** Hmm… and why do you think I'm strong enough to get involved in something like that? What happened back then was just a coincidence.
Jin said this while fully aware that Sylvan knew how strong he truly was.
He only said it in hopes that Sylvan would understand and stop trying to drag him into the matter.
Sylvan remained silent for a moment, then spoke:
**Sylvan:** Jin, there are many differences. Martial artists and duelists of all kinds differ greatly from mages in many aspects… the most important being how they evaluate a person's strength and sense mana.
If you can conceal your level from a Seven-Star duelist… sometimes you won't be able to hide it from a Fifth-Circle mage.
**Jin:** And then?
**Sylvan:** Well… I can say that you're a complete magic swordsman.
I mean… a Seven-Star duelist, clearly proficient in numerous martial arts, with magic at the peak of the Fourth Circle.
Sylvan lowered his voice slightly.
**Sylvan:** And...… Fifth-Circle black magic.
Jin's expression changed, anger surfacing on his face. Then—
The color of his left eye turned into a dark violet.
He raised his hand and cast the spell **[Silence]**.
Sylvan was shocked and tried to speak, but no sound came out.
He lifted his gaze and looked into Jin's eye, and then—
in an instant—
His head was severed.
Sylvan's thoughts echoed in his mind as he clutched his neck:
*Huff… huff… huff… what was that? I'm certain my head was just cut off.*
*Impossible. This person… he's already in the mid-stage of Sword Master!*
*And that eye… the eyes of a black mage only change color when using the strongest Seventh-Circle spells!*
He looked at Jin again.
Jin raised his hand.
Sylvan felt his neck being crushed, as if a giant hand were strangling him.
*No… impossible. This is telekinesis using internal energy alone. It's not magic—and he's already at that level!*
Sylvan's fear intensified as he looked around.
His terror deepened.
No one else could feel the monstrous pressure of the being standing before him.
Sylvan spoke through telepathy:
**Sylvan (telepathy):** Please calm down. I don't want to cause you any trouble. This matter will truly interest you.
Jin replied through telepathy:
**Jin (telepathy):** What stops me from killing you is that you are talented and will be useful to this world.
But if you try to disturb my mood and hide what you truly want from me… I will show no mercy.
Jin released the spell and stopped applying pressure.
**Sylvan:** Huff… huff… believe me, I don't want to drag you into any trouble.
**Jin:** Get to the point… how did you discover my black magic, and what is the matter you want to discuss?
**Sylvan:** Well… the matter is…
---
### Back to the Present
The team was chatting about trivial things as usual when Jin suddenly interrupted them.
**Jin:** Guys... could you go to Astarion?
---
**End of Chapter**