Genius Blacksmith’s Game - Chapter 235

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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
What Goes Around Comes Around (2)
Hyeon-su awakened 23,000 territorial residents and 4,000 soldiers using the Seeds of Life.
This was the largest number among all Users holding the rank of Count in the world.
Hyeon-su compared it against the global average.
On average, Soldiers reached level 250, while Knights averaged around level 320.
But Atlas’s Soldiers and Knights were different.
The average level of Atlas Soldiers was 265.
Though only 30 Knights had awakened, their average reached level 330.
The average level was 10 to 15 points higher.
This possessed the power to determine victory and defeat in actual combat.
Next, I checked the average military force size held by Counts.
Currently, Kali, ranked second in the world among Users holding the Count title, possessed 20,000 territorial residents and approximately 3,000 soldiers.
Moreover, Pond, whom I had competed against, also commanded considerable forces.
‘He alone commands 2,000 Guild members.’
On top of that, his NPC military force numbers around 2,000 as well.
But even combining the numbers, I held the advantage.
However, I knew one crucial fact.
‘They must be waiting for the Server Integration. Capturing me would be an opportunity to elevate their reputation.’
Furthermore.
‘They likely consider me too insignificant and pathetic in my current state.’
Of course, that had been true just days ago.
And even if I awakened much of Atlas, defeat at their hands would be inevitable.
They commanded not only NPCs but also considerable numbers of rankers and high-level Users.
‘But I will not lose.’
Most of the Blacksmiths from Balas Territory had come over.
I also summoned the Tower Lords from the Blacksmith Tower and my vassal Per before me.
Unfortunately, the 4,000 Blacksmiths the Tower Lords had brought with them had returned.
However, the hundreds of Blacksmiths I had cultivated in Balas Territory shone brilliantly anywhere they went.
I laid a massive bone before them.
Whoooosh—
“The Epic-grade bones will be used for Soldiers, while the Unique-grade bones will be used for Knights. The Unique-grade bones will be crafted by Blacksmiths ranging from Master to Artisan rank, while the lower-grade bones will be crafted by ordinary Blacksmiths.”
Per asked.
“What exactly are these bones?”
“Bone Dragon bones.”
“…!?”
“…!?”
“…!?”
The Tower Lords and Per were utterly astounded.
“Y-you’re using such magnificent bones merely for Soldiers and Knights?”
“That’s right. I have the Bone Dragon at the Legendary tier, so I’ll use this for soldiers and knights.”
“That’s extraordinary.”
It was Daeng’s honest impression.
“Surely no territory’s forces could ever equip themselves with Artifacts forged from dragon bone….”
It was the truth.
The Tower Masters spoke of the Bone Dragon’s advantages.
“Dragons are the sovereigns of magic. Even the byproducts they leave behind possess magical defense capabilities that defy common sense. Soldiers and knights clad in this will boast formidable protection against magic, Mystical Power, and skills alike.”
Another Tower Master added his voice.
“Is that all? According to legend, dragon bone is known to pierce through anything. Light yet durable, when fashioned into spears and hurled, they fly great distances and penetrate in a single stroke.”
“Even if applied to the Short Arrows favored by Hyeon-su, a descendant of the divine, they would unleash power beyond all reason.”
All they could do was marvel.
“Over the next ten days, craft Artifacts from this dragon bone, and I shall teach the Blacksmiths the method myself.”
I had already verified how to use the Bone Dragon.
Surprisingly, working with dragon bone proved no more unusual than expected.
It was identical to ordinary bone crafting. In fact, it was easier.
The ordinary Blacksmiths, too.
[The Blacksmiths’ morale surges dramatically.]
“Thank you for bestowing such an honor upon us, descendant of the divine!”
For them, merely touching dragon bone was an honor, and their motivation soared.
Having completed the first phase of preparation to face the enemies that would soon arrive, I turned my attention elsewhere.
This time, I summoned Bella, the Olympic Trio, and the members of the Swift Wind Squad.
“Intensify the soldiers’ training regimen and teach them specialized disciplines across all domains, making them excel in every field.”
Bella was impressed.
She had witnessed the power of the Olympic Trio, who trained soldiers in the Royal Capital.
‘Their skill is second to none.’
Even if they were weaker than herself, they would certainly improve the soldiers and knights’ shortcomings.
‘Their blades will grow sharper, and the accuracy and destructive power of their bows will increase.’
‘Moreover, they’ll learn hand-to-hand combat so they can protect themselves even when disarmed.’
Bella felt it anew.
‘I cannot even imagine how powerful this territory will become.’
Bella saluted on behalf of all.
“Yes, sir!”
Thus I prepared for danger, and Hyeon’s Forge readied itself for the coming storm.
Nel approached.
“We must tighten our grip further. After the server integration, territorial conflicts will erupt uncontrollably across every corner.”
It was inevitable.
People across the world were desperate to test themselves against other nations.
“Wars between kingdoms will occur with regularity, and we will face crisis—but it will also serve as another opportunity.”
I already understood what that opportunity was.
“You mean the spoils of war?”
“That’s correct.”
I was confident that victory in the territorial war would yield considerable spoils.
After Nel moved to handle her duties, I spent several days teaching the Blacksmiths how to craft bone items.
And when only a week remained until the server integration, I determined there was no need to teach any further.
Now it was time for me to focus on my own work.
My gaze fell upon Raon, who was taking Bok-deung-i for a walk.
About two months ago, Nel had spoken to me cautiously.
“There’s something suspicious about a territorial resident named Raon.”
“Yes, there is something suspicious.”
“You knew? Then why do you leave him be?”
“Because he’s on our side. And Bok-deung-i probably knows him best.”
Just before Ben had left recently, he had said this.
“For reasons unknown, your homes helped prepare gifts. Moreover, the power he harbors approaches legend.”
Ben had drawn a small smile.
“If he harbored malice, something would have happened long ago. It’s fate. Heh heh.”
I agreed with him.
It was fate.
And very good fate at that.
Moreover, whenever Bok-deung-i went for walks with Raon, this notification would appear.
[Bok-deung-i is happy.]
This mysterious figure named Raon, who appeared taciturn.
Currently presumed to be a User, a small smile graced his lips whenever he took Bok-deung-i for walks.
‘The server integration marks the beginning of many changes.’
Watching Raon treat Bok-deung-i better than usual and give him more treats, I came to understand.
‘He’s planning to leave.’
It was inevitable.
The opportunity to traverse many continents meant he could accomplish something he had yet to achieve.
‘Should I just let it be?’
If he hadn’t caused the homes to prepare gifts, Atlas wouldn’t have become what it is now.
The value of what he had done for me was beyond any monetary calculation, whether intentional or not.
‘There’s only one thing I can give in return.’
My chest swelled with emotion.
What I do best.
A way to repay a value beyond price. An Artifact, precisely.
‘He’s presumed to be an Assassin. You can tell from his gait.’
Recalling Ben’s words, I stepped into the Blacksmith Shop.
‘This will be an Artifact for a nameless friend.’
I don’t know who he is or why he’s here.
But even if he’s nameless, even if I don’t know about him, I knew we could be friends.
The material would be the bone of a legendary-grade Dragon.
Daggers don’t consume vast quantities of materials anyway.
‘I’ll craft the finest dagger possible.’
If this dagger holds immense power, I’m certain it will possess the strength to bring him back to this place.
That’s why I want to give it my all.
I begin the crafting process.
The grip will be fashioned from bone, and the blade will be forged from high-quality, exceptional ore.
For days, I repeat cycles of creation and deconstruction, envisioning what form this dagger should take.
‘This isn’t it.’
‘It’s insufficient.’
‘More exceptional.’
An Artifact powerful enough to bring my nameless friend back.
I want to forge a dagger—the only one of its kind in existence.
Yet as a clear answer eludes me, I recall the nature of the Assassin.
‘An Assassin lurks in shadow, a killer who strikes down the mightiest foes.’
With this in mind, I craft.
‘What if I created a dagger that grows more formidable and superior the more powerful the target it slays?’
‘If this is realized, he would need to wield this dagger for a long time.’
‘Why? Because he would find no better alternative.’
‘And when he seeks a replacement, he’ll return here. Because he’ll know only I can forge something that surpasses it.’
After three days of wandering and one day of anguish, I finally begin the creation.
The form of the Artifact taking shape.
So magnificent that I’ll never witness its equal again.
With each moment of its creation, my heart burns with fervent heat.
For me, crafting a new form of Artifact in Ares is a joy.
‘This is my first time challenging legend with a dagger.’
Knowing he hasn’t yet departed, I reach the final stages and complete it.
But the notification startled me.
[It is Unique grade.]
I asked why, and found the answer.
‘Was the ability so extraordinary that I couldn’t keep pace with it during this crafting process?’
This dagger was hastily crafted.
And to be honest, over 90% of Ares grades are determined by luck.
I was simply unlucky.
I felt a heaviness settle in my chest.
Then.
[Blacksmith’s Soul activates.]
Through the notification that reached me, I learned one truth.
[You immersed yourself more than anyone else while crafting this dagger.]
[That devotion stemmed from concern for the future of your nameless friend.]
[You obsessed over it more than any moment before, striving to create an even greater Artifact, and you finally completed it by burning your very soul for the sake of friendship with this nameless one.]
[The eleventh legend is written.]
‘It wasn’t merely a desire to bring him back.’
Hyeon-su genuinely regarded him as another friend.
That was why he felt such joy.
‘Because I could place this dagger in his hands.’
Then he sensed movement in the Blacksmith Shop and turned to discover Raon, a resident of the territory.
Hyeon-su blocked his path.
*
*
*
Kabel was astonished as he beheld the dagger resting in Hyeon-su’s outstretched hand.
‘He knew…?’
The first reason for his shock.
And he had just learned that the nameless friend the notification spoke of was himself.
“How did you know I was leaving?”
“…For the past week, you’ve been hugging Bok-deung-i every day with tears streaming down your face. Everyone in the neighborhood knows about it.”
“….”
A perfect blunder from someone so meticulous.
Then he gazed upon the dagger Hyeon-su offered.
At first glance, it was magnificent.
The blade, thick and sturdy like a Damascus longsword, was far thicker than an ordinary dagger, with its edge curved at the tip.
Upon the blade was etched a crouching dragon motif, and connected to that blade was a white grip forged from bone.
Gulp—
His breath caught.
Yet Kabel shook his head.
“I forge no connections and leave no traces behind.”
An Assassin’s creed—the absolute principle of a thorough information broker.
This place was no exception. Though Bok-deung-i might draw him back, he would not be swayed by any debt of gratitude to Hyeon.
“Shouldn’t you at least verify it out of courtesy?”
That much he could manage.
Click—
Kabel accepted the dagger with an expressionless face.
‘As an information broker, I’ve studied countless legendary artifacts. A mere legendary artifact cannot bind me to….’
Kabel was stunned. Even his rigid, poker-faced body trembled.
‘What is this…?’
He possessed knowledge of over a hundred legendary artifacts.
And recently, he had learned of the Twin Dragon Sword, the first transcendent weapon.
‘Insane… This dagger surpasses any legend. Could it even be transcendent-grade?’
His resolve began to waver.
A man with unshakeable principles.
This Artifact was so extraordinary that it shook the heart of an information broker and the greatest Assassin.
‘How could such an Artifact exist….’
He trembled at the power of Hyeon, the Master Craftsman.

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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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