Genius Blacksmith’s Game - Chapter 224

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Genius Blacksmith’s Game
Seeds of Life (3)
‘Merely a single year?’
Daeng and all the Tower Masters had recently accomplished Legendary Grade crafting, a lifelong aspiration.
Yet there existed a realm they could never reach, no matter how long they lived.
‘Forging a new grade of Artifact?’
They had heard that Hyeon-su had ascended to Master Craftsman.
But the Tower Masters had not known the process.
Then Nel came to find them.
From the words she casually laid out while tilting her tea cup, the Tower Masters caught on.
‘He may be someone you should serve. Shouldn’t you go as his followers even now?’
They deeply agreed, and what surprised Daeng was this.
Excluding himself and Cole, the Tower Master of the Bow Blacksmith, the other three Tower Masters had been denying mythology.
Yet they too acknowledged that mythology was beginning to unfold with the fact that they had forged a new grade Artifact.
‘The power possessed by the Successor is truly remarkable.’
What Daeng admired even more was understanding Hyeon-su’s true nature.
God Asca, the God of Blacksmith, is a stern being.
Even to a Successor, he grants no divine authority.
Daeng understood that this was precisely why Hyeon-su’s skill was his greatest power.
A courtesy of no longer denying mythology.
Daeng and the Tower Masters, who had knelt, rose to their feet.
“Successor, we can only remain here for two weeks at most.”
Essentially, they belonged to the Prime Kingdom.
Though not close to the Royal Palace, if they relocated here, diplomatic issues would arise between the Prime Kingdom and the Goyad Kingdom.
Thus, exactly two weeks.
That time alone was when the Tower Masters could lend their strength.
“More than enough and sufficient. I too must repay this debt.”
Hyeon-su gazed upon four thousand Blacksmiths.
They would become my followers, or perhaps my people.
Followers are those who serve a god.
Even if not by my side, they would serve me.
I knew the method to make them hold unwavering faith in me.
“Craft Artifacts of Farming Tools, various tools, Weapons, and Armor. Also, you must participate in constructing buildings. Those who finish crafting shall rotate with those building.”
Hyeon-su intended to supplement their lacking skills during these two weeks.
Along with him, a total of four thousand Blacksmiths and five Master Craftsman-level Blacksmiths were deployed to obtain the Seeds of Life.
Moreover, Blacksmiths had considerable expertise in building construction.
To be precise.
‘Blacksmiths obtain various Crafting as one of their Passive Skills.’
Building construction was included in that diverse Crafting.
Tower Master Daeng spoke.
“Lek, the Tower Master of the Shield Blacksmith’s Tower, was once a builder.”
“Is that so? Among my people, there is someone with considerable expertise in construction.”
That was Bark.
I could see Bark and Lek conversing as they sketched out the blueprints together.
My heart raced with excitement.
Not long ago, we were fewer than 150 people struggling to obtain the seeds of life.
Yet now, over 4,000 people were leading the charge in revitalizing the territory.
And I posed a question.
“Daeng, how significant is the difference between buildings from 800 years ago and those of today?”
“Quite substantial. Back then, architectural development was extremely primitive. But now, structures have become safer, more durable, warmer in winter, and cooler in summer.”
Buildings were the homes of the territory’s people.
They were the castle walls that protected the territory and the grandeur that displayed it.
‘It’s even possible that buildings superior to those from the Atlas era could emerge.’
If that happened, what would become of the seeds?
I grew curious.
It was then that I encountered a familiar face I hadn’t seen in some time.
He was Balam, the messenger of the God of Blacksmith Asca.
Balam was the messenger who had doubted me when we first met.
He was also the one who, upon learning that he was the only follower of the God of Blacksmith in the world, had wished to abandon his faith.
“My God, I cannot believe what unfolds before my eyes. I wish for you to advance steadily and powerfully, however slowly.”
I nodded in acknowledgment.
Whether it would take ten years or twenty years, I couldn’t say.
But he was telling me to become the most omnipotent god.
“What are the ways to become a god?”
“It is a simple matter.”
Balam smiled.
“You need to gather many followers. But they cannot be only Blacksmiths.”
Balam looked around at those present.
“Exceptional Strong Ones with diverse powers must become your followers, and when they gather and unite, your Church will finally be complete. For now, a name like the Church of Hyeon-su would suffice.”
“The Church of Hyeon-su…”
It was an absurd and embarrassing name.
‘Followers are not an easy thing to obtain.’
I contemplated the meaning of the word “follower.”
Wasn’t it someone who earnestly desired and longed for something, and revered that great power?
I still believed I had no followers other than the Blacksmiths.
But that was a misconception.
‘The dual-dragon offensive sword is the best—always exhilarating!’
Unknown to me, there was someone who marveled at it daily and was gradually becoming a follower.
His name was Lee Hwan, the number one ranked user on the Korea Server.
He could not forget the sensation from that time.
It was the power of the offensive Twin Dragon Sword that Nel had lent him during the Continental War.
Among legends, the highest tier.
A Legendary Grade offensive Twin Dragon Sword that harmonized perfectly with Lee Hwan’s mastery!
Though considerable time had passed since the Continental War, he still couldn’t bring himself to part with the offensive Twin Dragon Sword.
Today was no exception.
Lee Hwan, who had temporarily returned the Twin Dragon Sword due to its exorbitant rental fee, grew despondent while hunting monsters.
‘This isn’t it.’
‘It’s supposed to cut with that satisfying crunch, you know.’
‘Ugh, this damage output just isn’t enough!’
There’s an old saying about such things.
Once you start, there’s no stopping.
Using a different Legendary Artifact after returning the offensive Twin Dragon Sword, Lee Hwan despaired at the difference he felt between the two weapons.
‘My hunting speed dropped by 30%? How is this even possible?’
He had always thought the Twin Dragon Sword’s rental fee was expensive.
But today, the thought crept back in again.
‘Expensive or not, I’ve got plenty of money anyway, right?’
Rationalization.
No matter how expensive the rental fee was, Lee Hwan was the Master of the Hwarang Guild and ranked first domestically.
Moreover, the woman Nel had received 20 million won per hour during the Continental War.
But that was due to the special circumstances of the Continental War, and now she only charged 2 million won per hour—one-tenth of the original price.
Of course, burning 2 million won per hour was absurd in itself.
[Lee Hwan: I’ll rent it for just 5 hours today.]
[Nel: Starting today, the Twin Dragon Sword rental fee has increased by 30%.]
“…!?”
A sudden price hike? Where was the logic in that?
Yet Lee Hwan thought to himself.
‘Still, I have to rent it. The feeling of cutting with the offensive Twin Dragon Sword is too good. I’ll keep renting until I get a better artifact.’
It sounded like he was telling himself he’d just do it today and quit.
Soon, Lee Hwan’s expression brightened.
[Nel: By the way, Guild Master Hyeon-su asked me to apply a 10% discount for our long-term customer Lee Hwan.]
A 10% discount?
Truly, the user Hyeon-su was a person of remarkable kindness, wasn’t he?
Offering a discount despite knowing he was swimming in money?
‘Is being a loyal long-term customer really the best?’
Lee Hwan decided he would become a steadfast long-term customer.
And the rented Twin Dragon Sword arrived.
As he wielded it, watching monsters fall apart with satisfying crunches, Lee Hwan marveled.
“Hyeon-su, you’re a god!”
Hyeon-su didn’t know it, but he was already cultivating a devoted believer.
*
*
*
‘This is quite profitable, isn’t it?’
Nel, who had lent the Twin Dragon Sword to Lee Hwan—that fool(?), today—smiled contentedly.
‘I should propose starting a rental business with items that are too valuable to give away but too precious to keep.’
Renting proved far more lucrative than selling outright.
If the daily rental fee for the offensive Twin Dragon Sword was merely 15 million won, that meant 400 to 500 million won in monthly revenue.
In the long term, it was far more profitable.
Nel remained unaware of the consequences her brilliant scheme would eventually set in motion, but she had finalized her business plan—one that would steadily increase the followers of Hyeon-su’s Church.
And her unfinished tea time continued.
She had just returned from the Papal See, and the situation was unexpected.
‘They visit every day off?’
It seemed unnecessary to travel between two kingdoms anymore.
“Sword, go fetch some refreshments.”
“…Take it and eat it yourself, Spear.”
“Don’t you know how to respect your elders?”
“I know how to attack elders.”
“…?”
Though they bickered, the two seemed to share a genuine bond.
‘That’s the nature of kingship, after all.’
Kings found it difficult to keep close companions by their side.
Everyone bowed, everyone submitted.
Now that the two nations, once bitter rivals, had found peace, the two monarchs were finally savoring leisure.
“So what brings you here?”
Barad asked.
“In the world we come from, there exists a tradition. When someone moves or changes residence, those close and dear to them naturally observe a certain custom.”
Both kings leaned in attentively. A tradition of their own?
“It’s called a housewarming.”
“A housewarming?”
“Yes.”
Nel had no idea at that moment.
She had no inkling of the tremendous ripples a housewarming hosted by kings would create.
*
*
*
The members of Boksammo gathered in the same place once a week.
There was nothing particularly noteworthy to discuss.
Whether Bok-deung-i had issued any new quests.
Or.
“Bok-deung-i’s bowel movements have decreased and become much firmer. In other words, he’s healthier than last week.”
Bok-deung-i remained healthy this week as well.
The Boksammo members marveled at Kabel’s meticulous attention to detail.
“That’s impressive information.”
“Without you, Kabel, we would never have known such things.”
“As a pet owner, it’s unacceptable not to know whether a dog is in good or poor health due to people’s carelessness or misunderstandings.”
Kabel’s eyes gleamed with intensity—his thoroughness bordered on precision.
The Boksammo members marveled once more at Kabel’s dedication.
Of course.
‘Why am I marveling at this…?’
‘Dog feces…?’
‘The truth about dog feces that Kabel revealed…’
A moment of existential dread had struck them.
In any case, whenever they gathered, the four of them went on walks together.
Soon, those awaiting Bok-deung-i were taken aback.
“Woof!”
Bok-deung-i had arrived with a miniature Bone Dragon named Kkyu-kkyu riding on its back.
And it announced proudly.
[Bok-deung-i says this is his younger sibling.]
“….”
“….”
“….”
“….”
The four realized their walking duties had increased.
In any case, they walked together and conversed.
“Seeds of Life are being gathered in various places.”
“The Blacksmiths are lending their strength to construction and weapon crafting.”
“They’ll obtain tremendous quantities, but that will be the end of it.”
Kabel and the others understood Hyeon’s Forge’s limited workforce.
“But it’s none of our concern.”
“That’s right.”
In fact, Quests to obtain seeds had appeared for them as well.
However, the seed-gathering Quest offered them no benefit whatsoever.
Thus, they had no intention of participating.
Then.
Whoosh—!
All four locked eyes simultaneously.
The notification they had long awaited had finally appeared.
Upon confirming it, they gazed at Bok-deung-i.
‘This one remains consistent…’
‘So endearing.’
‘…If we do this, we have to participate too, don’t we?’
[Hidden Quest: Gather Seeds of Life]
Grade: S
Restriction: Those who have touched Bok-deung-i
Reward: Stats essential to your respective professions. Increases proportional to Seeds of Life gathered.
Penalty for failure: Bok-deung-i will be disappointed.
Description: Bok-deung-i hopes that you will also participate in gathering Seeds of Life.
“There’s no limit on stat acquisition.”
“So you’re telling us to gather Seeds of Life like crazy?”
“Yes, do your very best….”
The four of them watched Bok-deung-i wagging its tail. A faint smile crossed their faces, invisible to others.
“Then we’ll have to gather them with all our might.”
They each moved toward their respective destinations.
*
*
*
With Kkyu-kkyu perched on its back, Bok-deung-i watched the members of Boksammo receding into the distance.
“Kyuu?”
Its tail wagging, Bok-deung-i answered the question: ‘Are they good people?’
“Woof!”
They were good people, indeed.
Bok-deung-i knew, watching them fade away.
That each of them individually possessed strength more specialized in gathering Seeds of Life than Hyeon’s Blacksmith Shop currently did.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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