He Became the Genius Blacksmith of the Namgung Family - Chapter 39

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 39

 

Episode 39

 

Pickaxe Battle .

 

A duel fought between miners over pickaxes.

 

The method is simple.

 

They take turns striking each other’s pickaxes, and whoever’s breaks first loses.

 

Naturally, since it’s a competition, there are benefits for the winner.

 

If money was wagered, then money; if a new pickaxe was wagered, then a new pickaxe.

 

Of course, it might seem absurd to compete over pickaxes that are like a miner’s life.

 

Originally, the true purpose of this pickaxe battle was a custom and funeral of striking down worn-out pickaxes with new ones.

 

Therefore, they usually don’t do it with pickaxes that still have life left.

 

However, aren’t there always exceptions in human affairs?

 

Though they call it a funeral.

 

Naturally, battles with pickaxes that still had life left were commonplace.

 

Most of these were caused by people unable to contain their anger toward each other.

 

The personalities of miners doing harsh mining work couldn’t be gentle.

 

When things went wrong, fists came first – such was their rough life.

 

Of course, since miners’ assets were their own bodies, how could they earn money if their bodies were damaged?

 

So, when disputes arose, settling them with pickaxe battles became natural – perhaps it was inevitable.

 

Well, this was just miners’ business.

 

When martial families and sects get involved, would there be pickaxe battles or anything?

 

Sword fights come first.

 

No matter how wrong the other party might be, when have warriors ever been reasonable people?

 

First, you have to stuff money in their hands to get them to listen.

 

In this regard, Odasoo Gwangchu is truly lucky.

 

Despite threatening the world’s greatest martial family, the Namgung Family, with a pickaxe, he kept his life.

 

Moreover, instead of settling his wrongdoing with money, it was decided to settle with a pickaxe battle.

 

Though it happened due to the other party’s provocation, didn’t he still survive against Namgung?

 

How could this not be good fortune?

 

Of course, the world’s greatest Namgung Family wouldn’t do such a thing.

 

Still, just in case, they agreed not to go back on their word.

 

“Really, you won’t go back on your word, will you?”

 

“Hey now. Have you lived being deceived all your life?”

 

“Still, I have some concerns…”

 

“The person who was about to strike my head with a pickaxe is gone, and here’s someone soft-hearted.”

 

“…”

 

“Fine. As a man, I’ll say it again – no going back on our word. A man’s word?”

 

“Is worth a thousand gold. Yes. I’ll trust you. Then, shall we start right away?”

 

“Let’s do it right away. Since I did something wrong first, you go first.”

 

At least he knows he did wrong.

 

“What’s with that look? It’s like you’re seeing me as a rogue who doesn’t even know his own wrongs?”

 

“…It’s a misunderstanding.”

 

He’s quick-witted too.

 

‘Sigh. I can’t say anything.’

 

How did things come to this point?

 

Also, why is that Namgung youth giving him this bullshit?

 

He couldn’t understand.

 

Of course, he didn’t want to understand either.

 

‘Warriors seem more unpredictable the younger and more handsome they are.’

 

But didn’t he say he was a blacksmith, not a warrior?

 

He also heard he was Master Mak Noya’s disciple.

 

‘…I must have heard wrong. It’s not like I don’t know who Master Mak Noya is.’

 

Also, wasn’t there no rumor of him taking a sole disciple?

 

Besides, why would a blacksmith do such crazy things?

 

He wondered if he heard all sorts of things due to his hangover.

 

‘I should finish this quickly and move to another inn.’

 

Staying here, he felt he wouldn’t be able to enjoy drinking, let alone feel refreshed.

 

“Seeing that you mentioned pickaxe battles, you seem to know the method, so I don’t need to explain separately, right?”

 

“Yes. Then since I yielded the first move to Master Gwangchu, I’ll place my pickaxe on the ground. Just a moment.”

 

The young, handsome Namgung youth carefully placed what he was carrying on his back on the ground.

 

Looking at the outline slightly revealed through the covering black cloth, it was definitely a pickaxe.

 

Hearing the clanking sound, there was quite a lot.

 

He wondered why a warrior would carry a pile of pickaxes.

 

Odaesu didn’t pay attention.

 

His mind was still.

 

Filled only with thoughts of wanting to escape this moment quickly.

 

However, that thought.

 

“There.”

 

“…!?”

 

Changed when he saw the pickaxe with the black cloth removed.

 

“My goodness!”

 

“To think such a pickaxe exists!”

 

“Oh my!”

 

The rumor that Odaesu would have a pickaxe battle with someone from Namgung had already spread throughout Cheonggung Inn.

 

Therefore, the training hall prepared at Cheonggung Inn for the pickaxe battle was packed with people of all ages and genders.

 

More than half of them were miners.

 

That’s why they immediately recognized how amazing the Namgung youth’s pickaxe was.

 

Smooth curves.

 

A long, thick, solid and powerful pickaxe handle.

 

How beautiful was the pickaxe blade sparkling in the sunlight?

 

Cheers burst out naturally.

 

A masterpiece , a famous work .

 

That was exactly what described that pickaxe!

 

‘I, I want it!’

 

‘With that pickaxe, no coal mine would be frightening!’

 

‘Ah. My treasure was here…’

 

Everyone coveted the pickaxe.

 

Odaesu was no different.

 

His enlarged eyes.

 

His gaping mouth.

 

Looking at that pickaxe, then looking at his own pickaxe for comparison.

 

There was no comparison at all.

 

He had to strike that down?

 

Him?

 

How dare he?

 

The voice of his heart echoing throughout his mind, saying he shouldn’t do it.

 

However, the water was already spilled.

 

There was no choice.

 

He had to do it.

 

Odaesu bit his lips and.

 

He firmly grips his pickaxe with both hands.

 

Then, he lifted it high as if mining.

 

‘How dare!’

 

‘You bastard!’

 

‘This damn…!’

 

The watching miners shot killing intent with their eyes.

 

They poured out curses with their gazes.

 

‘Ugh!’

 

I know.

 

I know!

 

That I shouldn’t do this!

 

But this is a duel, isn’t it?

 

And my life is on the line!

 

Crack!

 

So as not to waver any more under the miners’ gazes.

 

Odaesu bit his lips even harder.

 

His lips burst and blood flowed down his jawline.

 

At the same time, Odaesu squeezed his eyes shut and brought down the raised pickaxe.

 

“Ah!”

 

An tremendous sigh.

 

Claaang!

 

A clear bell sound rang out together.

 

“Waaah!!”

 

And cheers erupted.

 

Opening his eyes slightly.

 

Despite striking without even an inch of error, the beautiful pickaxe was perfectly intact.

 

‘…Phew. Thank goodness.’

 

Odaesu let out a sigh of relief.

 

No, wait?

 

Why am I?

 

This is a duel, isn’t it?

 

I need to break the opponent’s pickaxe in half to win!

 

That’s how I preserve my life!

 

‘Still, I saved the beautiful pickaxe.’

 

I’m satisfied with that.

 

“Now it’s my turn, right?”

 

“…”

 

Odaesu placed his pickaxe down with a strange expression, seeming both satisfied and unsatisfied, then stepped back.

 

After that, the Namgung youth took the beautiful pickaxe and struck down hard on Odaesu’s pickaxe.

 

Craaack!

 

A clear destructive sound rang out, different from Odaesu’s attempt.

 

As if it were natural, Odaesu’s pickaxe was cleanly broken in half.

 

“Waaaah!”

 

“The Namgung Family’s premium pickaxe won!!”

 

“Long live the Namgung pickaxe!!”

 

The people cheered as one.

 

There wasn’t a single person on his side.

 

“I lost.”

 

However, Odaesu accepted the result with a peaceful expression.

 

He had no choice.

 

What would happen after breaking the Namgung pickaxe in half was more frightening.

 

Even if he survived against Namgung, he felt like he couldn’t survive against the miners.

 

Now he felt like he could sleep soundly.

 

Then what about the broken pickaxe?

 

There were blacksmith shops all around.

 

He’d get the broken one repaired and buy one that fits his hands.

 

Now there was only one problem left.

 

‘I don’t know what Namgung will want from me as the result of the pickaxe duel.’

 

Money?

 

Would Namgung really?

 

Then, myself?

 

‘They’re not really after my life, are they?’

 

Though they said that, the Namgung Family is a traditional Orthodox Faction.

 

They wouldn’t take a miner’s life over something like this.

 

‘Then? Breaking the contract and making a contract with them?’

 

No matter how much I lost in the pickaxe duel, the Upper Grade Department has its dignity.

 

Breaking the contract is not allowed.

 

Then, the ownership rights to any Seongcheol I might mine?

 

Perhaps that’s the most likely possibility.

 

Right.

 

Let’s give it up.

 

It’s more rational to preserve life and dignity while giving up the Seongcheol.

 

While thinking this.

 

Step.

 

“Hmm? What does this mean?”

 

The Namgung youth suddenly held up his pickaxe right in front of his face.

 

Seeing it up close, it was even more beautiful and magnificent.

 

Just before being intoxicated by the enchantment.

 

He barely came to his senses and asked what this action meant.

 

“You’ll definitely get that broken pickaxe repaired, right?”

 

“That’s correct, but?”

 

“Then you don’t have a pickaxe to use in the meantime.”

 

“Yes. So I plan to purchase one from a nearby blacksmith, but?”

 

“Hey. Why are you eyeing other things when there’s a fine pickaxe right here.”

 

“Excuse me? What do you mean?”

 

“Take it.”

 

“…!?”

 

As if it were nothing.

 

Words casually thrown out.

 

At those words, Odaesu’s eyes widened unprecedentedly.

 

Did I mishear?

 

Take what?

 

“Use this.”

 

Ah.

 

I didn’t mishear.

 

Really, he was telling me to use the premium, masterpiece, beautiful pickaxe before my eyes.

 

“A-are you serious?”

 

“Yes. That’s why I had the pickaxe duel.”

 

“No, if that was the case, why did you have the pickaxe duel— No, never mind. Whatever the case, if you’re telling me to use it, I will definitely use it! I’ll absolutely use it in the auction competition too! No, please let me use it!”

 

“That would be even better. I’ll also get your broken pickaxe cleanly repaired for you.”

 

“No, how could a martial artist…?”

 

“I told you I’m a superior blacksmith, didn’t I? And that I’m the sole disciple of Master Mak Noya. Don’t tell me you don’t believe me?”

 

“Oh my, of course not. I believed you completely! Of course, of course!”

 

Whether he’s a blacksmith or not.

 

Whether he’s Mak Noya’s disciple or not.

 

Does the truth matter?

 

What matters is that he can use that beautiful, powerful pickaxe that awakens the will to mine!

 

Odaesu smiled the brightest smile in the world and reached out to grasp the pickaxe.

 

Huh?

 

But why is he applying force?

 

Even pulling with all his strength, it wouldn’t budge.

 

“You said you’d give it to me, so why…?”

 

“You have to pay the price.”

 

“Ah right, of course! Look at my mind! Uh, how much would it be?”

 

How much money do I have?

 

I’ll have to empty everything.

 

If that’s not enough, I’ll have to hand over some Upper Grade Department contracts.

 

“Well, it’s not that expensive. Could you give me about 30% of the ore you’ll mine from this competition? I’d like Seongcheol too, but that seems too greedy so I’ll leave that out. Oh, of course, you’ll have to start mining immediately with this pickaxe.”

 

“30%?”

 

“Would that not work?”

 

“What wouldn’t work about it. Take it! Just in case, a contract! Let’s write up a contract!”

 

30% to use this pickaxe is practically free.

 

And mine immediately?

 

You’re telling a miner to breathe – why wouldn’t I be able to do it?

 

Odaesu volunteered to write up the contract himself.

 

“Ex, excuse me, is, is that beautiful thing for sale?”

 

Someone raised their hand high and shouted.

 

Seeing him sell to Odaesu, they asked with a hopeful heart.

 

“Yes. It’s for sale. Besides the one I’m selling to Mr. Odaesu, I have about 19 more. Right here. Same quality, of course.”

 

“…!!?”

 

“How about it, would you like to purchase one, everyone?”

 

They’re for sale.

 

There isn’t just one.

 

There are as many as 19 more.

 

“I, I’ll write up a contract too, so please, if you have any, please sell me even just one! Of course, I’ll run to the mine immediately!”

 

“Please, me too!”

 

“I’ll offer 40%!”

 

“Don’t you need future Upper Grade Department miner contracts? Half price! I’ll do it for half price!”

 

The miners who had been watching all raised their hands and shouted.

 

“Good. Those who want to purchase, please line up in front of me. First come, first served.”

 

“Waaaah!”

 

“I’m first!”

 

“Don’t push!!”

 

Cheonggung Inn’s training hall became chaos.

 

Miners pushing, shoving, wrestling as they ran to get in line.

 

Seeing their passionate determination to purchase pickaxes no matter what, the Namgung youth.

 

‘Hehe. Just as planned.’

 

Namgung Cheon-gang wore a clear but wicked smile.

 

“Now, now, don’t fight. Hey now. If you fight, I won’t sell them?”

 

Courtesy was injected into the chaotic world.

 

Thus, the plan executed smoothly.

 

In less than two days.

 

Mining experience rising steadily.

 

The status window that had appeared when cooking or sewing leveled up before.

 

“I skipped ahead and only looked at what increased. Hehe. It’s rising well. It feels good, like a stock that’s going up!”

 

“Oh. I learned a new skill too? Just looking at it, it’s clearly a mining-related ability. Very good, really good.”

 

An unexpected big catch.

 

The laughter doesn’t stop.

 

Finally, achieving the intended goal too.

 

“Good! This is it! Wow, I can feel something different from low-grade mining coursing through my whole body!”

 

It’s definitely different.

 

With this, it seems I can constantly activate Upper Grade Department-level abilities.

 

Good.

 

I’ve gotten closer to Seongcheol and destiny!

 

“Of course, I’ll have to mine directly. But still, I’m a bit relieved. At least compared to doing nothing, my chances of survival have increased…”

 

“…?”

 

What did I learn?

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