#1

Prologue

“How can an ordinary man defeat a genius handpicked by the heavens?”

When Hyeong-un posed the question, his master didn’t hesitate for a second—he shot back with absolute certainty.

“Even if it is talent bestowed by the heavens, the vessel that holds it is still human. Therefore, the way to defeat it is to leverage what humanity has built up.”

“What humanity has built up—What is that? Is it some kind of swordsmanship superior to what a genius masters learns?”

If both were to master techniques of equal level, there was no way an ordinary man could ever defeat a genius. That was why the possibility crossed his mind, but his master just shook his head.

“No. Well, that is one means, but there is no such thing as an ‘absolutely superior’ technique under the heavens. Whether it be martial arts or Phantom arts, it is all the same.”

“Then what?”

“Money.”

“…huh?”

As Hyeong-un’s eyes widen in disbelief, his master grins with unshakable confidence and says

“Everything humanity has built is destined to be valued and traded through money. With wealth, we shall eclipse even the talents of the heavens.”

{TL Note: I will be interchanging “illusionary art” with “phantom art” this will depend whichever fits well with the translation best. They practically mean the same thing so don’t get confused if you encounter them in later chapters. I hate TL Note as much as anyone so I apologize and hope you enjoy reading!}