Qi and ritual magic are techniques. The characteristic of a technique is universality. Although there might be differences depending on who uses it, learning and mastering the same thing yields similar results.

In contrast, unique magic (Goyumado) is, as the name suggests, unique. It is forged through one's background, environment, knowledge, and experiences, along with a resolute will to impose one's ideology on the world.

Just as there are no identical people under the sky, unique magic is also different for everyone.

A prime example of this is the communications officers. Even though they grow up in the same space, sharing the same experiences for years, their unique magic differs. They can only communicate with each other due to the "synchronization" property, but the effects of their magic vary significantly.

In short, unique magic is unique.

"So, if you're the Human King, can you use someone else’s unique magic as your own...?"

I wish it were that simple.

I am the Human King. I can learn techniques—Qi, ritual magic, alchemy, and all the skills granted to humans. I can master them within my capabilities.

But I cannot learn unique magic because it’s, well, unique.

I can only steal and use it.

Right now, I'm not manifesting Maximilien’s unique magic but simply using a bypass route to steal it.

It may seem similar, but there’s a significant difference. The one using the unique magic is always the original wielder.

If the opponent senses that I'm stealing it and retracts their magic? Then I can't use their unique magic either. I can only steal magic that is currently "activated," making me powerless if the opponent reacts.

That’s not the only issue. Some types of unique magic benefit the user. For instance, Prelbior’s magic amplification is an example. Even if I steal it, all I do is increase Prelbior’s power. It's just doing someone else a favor.

Stealing unique magic is troublesome. Even though it puts me in a difficult position if discovered, there are too many conditions attached, and the control still lies with the opponent. For a trump card hidden by the Human King, it's far from perfect.

But...

"I’ve shown you goodwill in return for your kindness. Don’t you think we’re even now?"

"Of course! Absolutely! Haha, thank you…! There’s no need for doubt anymore!"

‘Even if you weren’t the Human King, just the fact that you can use someone else’s unique magic is terrifying! There’s no way the one who distorts the premise of unique magic isn’t the Human King!’

Maximilien was thrilled, and I was satisfied. A warm atmosphere lingered for a moment. However, Historia, who had been tortured moments ago, remained cautious.

"...Huey. I still don’t understand why the General needs you. Be careful."

"You should be the one being careful. First, you got tied up with ropes, and now you're trapped in gears. Why do you keep getting restrained? Is that your thing?"

With that, Historia smacked me on the back of the head. I saw it coming, but it was so fast and sharp that I couldn’t avoid it. It didn’t hurt much because of the lingering drugs, but it did make my head spin.

Historia looked down at the hand she had hit me with and muttered.

"I guess you can still hit the Human King."

"You hit the king’s head just to check that? You’ll be arrested for treason one day."

"If I can hit you, the General can also hurt you. Even if he seems friendly now, don’t let your guard down. There are strange rumors about him."

"You’re right. I just got hit on the head by someone I trusted."

Even though she wanted to smack me, I could feel she was genuinely concerned for me, so I let it slide. To ease her worries, I said,

"And besides, like I’ve said before, he’s not my enemy."

"Of course not! Why would I be hostile toward the Human King? It’s the opposite! Only those who need the Human King are worthy to rule! I’m no different! I merely wish to seek your approval, not harm you."

"Well, I don’t like that you tortured me, though."

"That was the Colonel’s fault. Wasn’t she acting too arrogantly in that situation? However, now that things have changed, I’m willing to answer the Colonel’s questions!"

Maximilien, anxious about possibly being disliked by me, readily explained his motives.

"I want to grant all humans a more convenient body. Using gears, of course!"

A more convenient body with gears? There’s only one thing that comes to mind.

"Are you talking about human modification?"

"Modification is an odd word. I’m talking about advancement! With my discovery, the human body can evolve!"

Now that I’ve confirmed I am the Human King, there’s no need for him to hide anything. After all, the truth would be revealed sooner or later. Having made his decision, Maximilien continued.

"The bones and muscles of the human body move in fixed positions, much like gears! So, if we replace them with gears that are much sturdier and stronger, wouldn’t the human body be vastly improved?"

As much as it sounded insane the first time, hearing it again didn’t make it any less so.

"It seems like you’ve already succeeded."

"I can manipulate gears with my power. Therefore, the gears I’ve embedded in my body move with exceptional strength and precision. However, that’s unique to me. To grant this gift to all humans, I need the restored Human King."

I knew he was a lunatic when I read his mind, but he’s even more insane than I anticipated. He sincerely believes that modifying humans with gears is for the greater good.

Historia’s face twisted in disgust. Confronted by this madness, she looked genuinely repulsed. I could understand why—Maximilien’s ideas were radical and extreme.

So, I responded with enthusiasm.

"Indeed. Humans are tool users. Who says we have to limit tools to the outside of the body? Tools that work inside the body could be extremely efficient."

"Exactly! I knew you’d understand!"

"But is it really possible? Everyone has a different body structure."

"Do you think I’ve been in Gun-guk for nothing? Over the past 20 years, I’ve gone through countless trials and errors and gathered meaningful data. Except for very rare cases, any human can be enhanced!"

I decided not to ask who he experimented on or how.

In any case, Maximilien’s argument had some merit. His limbs had been replaced with gears instead of bones and muscles. Through his unique magic, he controlled the gears, achieving extraordinary movement and durability.

And now, he wanted to graciously offer that to others.

"Sounds promising. How did others react?"

Maximilien grumbled, as if he had been waiting for me to ask.

"That’s the problem. Most people rejected my proposal out of vague fear. Even veterans living with permanent disabilities! They would clearly benefit, yet finding willing participants is like pulling teeth! How foolish, to let progress slip by out of baseless fear!"

He wanted to gift it to all humans, but he wasn’t confident in persuading them. It wasn’t easy to use coercive methods either, since modifying the body with gears required full cooperation.

"What a shame."

"That’s why I need the Human King! Once you awaken as the true king of humans, you’ll be able to resolve this!"

Building rapport by empathizing with the other party works well. Maximilien already had a favorable view of me, making this process even easier. As I chatted with him like an old friend, someone else—an actual old friend—grabbed my shoulder tightly.

"Huey. I think we should leave…."

"Ugh, not again!"

Why are you always standing behind me? You’re triggering my instinctive fear.

I shook my shoulder irritably. Historia stumbled back, not expecting such a strong reaction from me.

"Ah…."

Actually, now that I think about it, if Historia were in normal condition, even my full-strength kick wouldn’t have budged her. But her limbs, which had just been tested to their breaking point, still weren’t fully recovered. Even my slight push caused her pain.

I lowered my head toward Historia, who was trembling, and spoke irritably.

"I’ve said it before—he’s not my enemy. And even if he were, what could you do? You can barely move your limbs right now."

"…."

"How about you ‘advance’ yourself while you’re at it?"

I placed a hand on her shoulder and whispered mockingly. Something deep inside Historia stirred, making her flinch.

Unable to find the right words, she bit her lip and lowered her head. She clenched her teeth, then turned to approach Maximilien.

"I’ll accept it. Let’s shake hands and leave quickly. If we waste more time, Mr. Shay might arrive."

"Now that you mention it, who is that boy? He seems to harbor a blind hatred toward humanity, yet I can’t figure him out."

"Who cares? I met him in a prison cell."

Historia extended her hand toward Maximilien as she walked over. Maximilien reached out to meet her hand. Once the distance closed, we would shake hands.

Oh, right. Before the handshake, I should ask one more question while I still have time.

"Ah, Mr. Maximilien, may I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

I casually asked as I continued walking, making sure not to raise any suspicion.

"I heard something from Mr. Shay—do you know what the ‘King of Sin’ is?"

Maximilien answered without hesitation.

"King of Sin? What kind of nonsense is that? Sin is a human construct, not a beast. How could something that doesn’t exist have a king?"

"Right? That’s what I thought too."

I asked just in case.

Based on what I read, the keyword "King of Sin" didn’t exist in his memory. However, since Maximilien is a high-ranking officer in Gun-guk, I thought he might come up with new connections by hearing the term for the first time.

Sigh, no new clues. Oh well, it can’t be helped. The regressor saw it in a previous cycle, and I didn’t even know it existed before reading his mind. Honestly, I’m still doubtful. But since the regressor claimed to have seen it firsthand, I can’t completely dismiss it either.

Hah, how do I figure this out? Should I stick close to the regressor and dig for clues? But that’s dangerous. If I want to survive long, I’ll have to distance myself from the regressor.

‘The King of Sin, what a strange phrase. It’s not nonsense, surely. But why would the Human King ask me about it? If the King of Sin exists, it could only be the Human King himself. He would know better than anyone.’

Did I expose too much interesting information? Maximilien’s thoughts became more complicated. Before he could delve too deep, I decided to move forward with the handshake. Just as I hurried my pace, something caught Maximilien’s eye.

Aji appeared in his line of sight, cautiously revealing himself as the battle seemed to die down. The Dog King had clearly entered Maximilien’s field of view.

‘Dog. Wolf. Two beasts that are alike, yet different. Thus, only the Dog King… can find the Human King, [he] said.’

Tick. A gear clicked into place. His thoughts shifted. Realizing something, Maximilien quickly suppressed his excitement and looked at me with growing suspicion.

‘Why did he insist on shaking hands?’

Because I need to hold your hand.

‘My body is filled with gears and moves through my unique magic.’

That’s why you can’t retract your unique magic. Your body only moves because of it, and without it, you’d be paralyzed.

‘He can use my unique magic.’

What if I overload the gears in your body with your own magic? Your body could explode.

‘Danger…!’

Just before we shook hands, the sound of gears twisting could be heard.

With a loud crack, Maximilien’s arm rotated 180 degrees. Not just his hand—his entire arm twisted backward. The sight was so grotesque, it resembled a machine wrapped in human skin.

Wow, impressive. Being a gear artisan really helps. His judgment was quick, and his actions even quicker. You don’t become a Yukjangseong through card games, after all.

Maximilien, director of the Gun-guk branch.

I had obtained a clue, but in doing so, I had also revealed one to my opponent.

I lightly shook my now empty hand and said,

"…Does this mean you don’t want to work with me?"

Maximilien glared at me as he stiffly replied.

"No, it’s just…."

"Just what? A handshake is a time-honored symbol of friendship. It signifies choosing to hold the other’s hand instead of a weapon. What’s your reason for refusing?"

"There are… reasons. Let’s just talk."

"Reasons? Have you suddenly lost faith in me? Otherwise, this doesn’t make any sense."

Maximilien fell silent. He had reasons, but he couldn’t say them out loud.

Because he was afraid. Just like any other ordinary person.

"You’re afraid I’ll harm you, aren’t you?"

Taking advantage of the moment, I pierced through Maximilien’s contradiction with a sharp remark.

"You were anxious that I might damage your body, so you pushed me away with vague rejection."

Maximilien wanted all humans to "advance" like him. He desired them to implant gears into their bodies and use them much more efficiently.

As the Human King, I cannot ignore the desires of humans. Just as the King of Beasts represents the collective will of a species, I, too, respect the wishes of those before me.

As long as their wishes aren’t flawed.

"Advancement? How can you advance when you’re just like everyone else! You, and the people who rejected you, are all nothing more than beasts consumed by fear!"

Maximilien, Yukjangseong of Gun-guk, and wielder of unique magic and advanced alchemy.

Before me, he was just another ordinary human.

Maximilien’s body trembled. The gears embedded in him continued to spin furiously. The overflowing power seemed on the verge of exploding.

As he trembled with shame and rage, I revealed the truth.

"As the Human King, I guarantee! You are not special! You’ve just inserted some gears into your body, but you’re an ordinary person! There’s no way someone as common as you could change the ‘human race’!"

Maximilien raised his right hand and swept back his cloak, revealing his body, which appeared to be woven from gears.

The gears embedded in his body spun violently. Metal clashed against metal, generating heat. Overclocking his body’s processes, he let out a breath like a massive exhale of hot air.

"Did you think a Demon would be easy to face? Hahaha! Not a chance!"

My mocking laughter was drowned out by the clattering of machinery. As I turned my head, I realized that the Steel Beetle had crept up on me, its massive gears poised to strike with its colossal blades.