The Automatic Rooting Range Is Too Wide - Chapter 32

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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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Auto Looting Range Too Wide Episode 32

Episode 32: Please Give Me a Discount (2)

-King Burger : You know that the 10th Floor is divided into two zones, right?

-King Burger : 10th Floor Area A has a Goblin Shaman as the boss monster.

-King Burger : It’s a guy that hides behind goblins and uses curse magic. It’s dangerous, but if you prepare thoroughly, it’s not too difficult.

-King Burger : But the boss in Area B isn’t something you can beat even with preparation. It’s a monster called the ‘Masterpiece Golem,’ and it wasn’t made to be defeated in the first place.

Not made to be defeated?

It was an explanation that amplified anxiety right from the start.

-King Burger : The boss battle condition isn’t to defeat the Masterpiece Golem either. It’s to survive for a limited time.

-King Burger : You probably noticed from the fact that you just need to survive to pass, but it’s an absurdly dangerous monster.

-King Burger : Renowned skilled awakened ones challenged the Masterpiece Golem and lost their lives.

-King Burger : That’s why most awakened ones climbing Area B bring equipment and skills specialized for survival.

-King Burger : Awakened ones talented and capable enough to climb Area B chose survival over combat. Terrifying, isn’t it?

-King Burger : Of course, there weren’t no attempts to defeat the Masterpiece Golem. There were quite a few. But they all failed.

-King Burger : Even famous awakened ones, not ordinary ones, challenged it and failed. Malcolm Bernard, Michael Alzen, even Lee Dong-hwi, the legendary 0th generation.

Mincheol recalled what Lee Ji-hun had said.

Grandfather didn’t fail. He just couldn’t defeat the boss.

That must have been what he meant.

-King Burger : That doesn’t mean attempts to defeat the Masterpiece Golem have completely ended.

-King Burger : The fact that it’s a boss monster no one has conquered seems to make people’s hearts boil with excitement.

-King Burger : Above all, receiving a high grade from the Masterpiece Golem is considered a kind of test to prove one’s talent.

-Top Newbie : Grade?

-King Burger : I said the 10th Floor’s task is to endure against the Masterpiece Golem, right?

-King Burger : The grade is determined by how much damage you deal to the Masterpiece Golem during that time.

-King Burger : Malcolm Bernard, Michael Alzen, they all received SSS grades.

Ah.

Mincheol nodded.

-King Burger : Like other floors, 10th Floor Area B also gives better rewards for higher grades.

-King Burger : Plus, when you play games, you get special rewards when you defeat a boss, right?

-King Burger : The 10th Floor is the same. You can get special rewards when you clear it.

His ears perked up at the mention of special rewards.

Mincheol focused on King Burger’s explanation.

-King Burger : If you defeat the Masterpiece Golem, you’re given various options to strengthen your specialty.

-King Burger : For example, let’s say you’re a sword-and-shield warrior who uses both sword and shield simultaneously.

-King Burger : When you clear 10th Floor Area B, you can choose between shield or swordsmanship skills.

-King Burger : Through this, you can confirm your specialty. Like a job change in games.

Reading King Burger’s explanation, Mincheol couldn’t help but get excited.

An opportunity to determine his career path as an awakened one.

How could he just pass up something like this?

“The problem is the difficulty level…”

When even famous awakened ones died challenging it, would he be safe?

Of course, Mincheol was among the very strong ones among awakened ones of his level.

This was because his stats were exceptionally high thanks to continuously receiving EX rewards.

But the same would have been true for super rookies.

After pondering for a while, Mincheol typed a reply to King Burger.

-Top Newbie : But what kind of boss monster is the Masterpiece Golem that makes it so difficult?

-King Burger : There are various reasons, but the biggest factor is definitely the mineral swords.

-Top Newbie : Mineral swords?

-King Burger : Area B has lots of special metals, right? It makes them into sword-like shapes and swings them around. The problem is there are six of them and they fly through the air.

-Top Newbie : They fly through the air? Like drones?

-King Burger : Right. But they move much more freely and organically than drones. People who’ve faced them say it feels like being ganged up on by six people.

Mincheol tried to imagine it. The thought of six swords flying at him simultaneously was chilling.

-King Burger : How you deal with these mineral swords is the key to the boss battle.

-King Burger : Malcolm Bernard used his ice ability to freeze the mineral swords and fix them to the ground.

-King Burger : But he couldn’t freeze all the mineral swords, only four was his limit. So he couldn’t handle the remaining two and nearly died.

-King Burger : Michael Alzen fought the Masterpiece Golem by deflecting the mineral swords while using ranged skills.

King Burger : The problem was that the Masterpiece Golem itself was so tough that ranged skills couldn’t deal much damage.

Even though it was their rookie days, for world-class awakened ones to struggle this much.

These mineral swords must really be troublesome.

Then suddenly, this thought occurred to him.

“Can’t I bring them over with auto looting?”

Using auto looting, he could steal weapons that monsters were holding in their hands.

Let alone some stone chunks flying through the air.

“It would be amazing if it really works.”

Mincheol didn’t have the audacity to think about receiving an SSS grade like Malcolm Bernard or Michael Alzen.

Still, being human, he wanted to receive as high a grade as possible.

“It would be big trouble if I rely only on auto looting and it doesn’t work, so I should prepare more thoroughly.”

Mincheol searched the internet and gathered more information about the Masterpiece Golem.

“The main body has a form similar to humans. The main body doesn’t participate in combat and only controls the mineral swords…”

He was so absorbed in his research that he lost track of time.

* * *

From the next day, Mincheol began preparing to challenge the 10th Floor.

‘First, I need to get new equipment.’

According to testimonies from awakened ones who challenged the Masterpiece Golem, special grade weapons couldn’t deal proper damage.

Moreover, Mincheol himself had recently been feeling dissatisfied with his current weapons.

‘The hand axe I’m using now can’t withstand Fierce Blade Soul Severing.’

Mincheol’s recently acquired unique grade skill ‘Fierce Blade Soul Severing’ put as much strain on weapons as its power.

Just using it once was enough to crack his hand axe.

On the other hand, the rare grade Promising One’s One-handed Sword withstood Fierce Blade Soul Severing.

‘I need a good weapon to properly utilize Sacred Light Flying Heaven too.’

Moreover, Sacred Light Flying Heaven consumed a lot of mana and couldn’t be used recklessly.

So rather than buying several cheap spears, it was better to get one expensive spear.

Throwing skills had vastly different power depending on the weapon used.

‘I’ll need to buy at least five rare-grade hand axes, plus one one-handed sword and one spear.’

Actually, he needed new armor as well.

Deep gashes remained from his battle with the Phantom Knight.

But it was still usable. It wasn’t an urgent matter.

‘Well then, shall I work these eyes hard?’

Mincheol opened the Auction House and began searching for the items he needed.

【Sandelbaram Workshop’s Multi-Purpose Hand Axe】

-Grade: Rare

-Description: A hand axe crafted by Sandelbaram Workshop. No special effects, but can be used for various purposes.

-Price: 20 million won.

Finding hand axes was easy.

Perhaps because they were treated more as tools than weapons, even rare-grade ones only cost 20 million won.

‘About six should do.’

Mincheol emptied his entire fortune accumulated in his auction house account to purchase the hand axes.

He had no money left now, but he didn’t feel regretful.

‘I can always earn more money.’

Just one run through the Tower could earn him over 30 million won.

About 100 million won could be earned in a single day if he pushed himself hard.

Next, Mincheol began searching for a one-handed sword.

【DH Workshop’s Arming Sword】

-Grade: Rare.

-Description: A one-handed sword crafted by Goseong Group. Extremely flexible.

-Price: 100 million.

【Orc Warrior’s Rock Sword】

-Grade: Rare.

-Description: A sword made by an Orc warrior who personally carved rock. Extremely heavy.

-Effect: When equipped, Stamina +5.

-Price: 200 million.

Unlike hand axes, this was a popular item category, so prices were expensive.

‘The base is 100 million, double that if even one option is attached.’

Starting from rare grade, items came with options.

Naturally, the more options, the higher the price.

Some rare-grade items with certain options could easily exceed 1 billion won.

‘Since I’ll use dual swords, they can’t be heavy. The blade can’t be too long either or it’ll be hard to use.’

Moderately light, moderately long.

After searching for a while, Mincheol found something that caught his eye.

【Goseong Workshop’s Gladius】

-Grade: Rare.

-Description: A gladius crafted by Goseong Group. Made for close-quarters combat, so the blade is short.

-Effect 1: When swung, cutting power +10%.

-Price: 300 million.

It cost a whopping 300 million, but the option was that good.

Plus, it seemed like it would pair well with Soul Severing Blade.

‘As expected of Goseong Group.’

Goseong Group was one of South Korea’s leading conglomerates.

Originally a company focused on semiconductors, they quickly changed their business sector after the Tower appeared.

Currently, they were famous for producing Tower-related products. Every awakened one considered Goseong products the best.

‘Well then, shall I go earn some money?’

Mincheol gathered his weapons and headed to the 9th Floor.

When he found a Golem, he’d pierce a hole with ‘Carve Out’ and throw weapons to destroy the core.

When he spotted black steel ore embedded in walls while passing by, he’d mine it with ‘Carve Out’ as well.

It was the same as usual, but there was one difference.

The weapon he was using.

“Haaah!”

Mincheol thrust the short spear he held in his hand.

The protruding spearhead shattered the Golem’s core and burst out the back.

As the core was destroyed, the Golem collapsed.

“Is this the right way to do it?”

Mincheol looked down at the Golem’s remains, lost in thought.

The reason he was wielding a spear just as dual swords were becoming familiar was to practice Cardmos Dunwall’s techniques.

As the administrator had said, skills and knowledge gained from Memory Stones were useless without mastery.

So he had urgently purchased a special-grade spear from the Auction House and was practicing with it.

“I think the foot placement was a bit wrong. Like this, and move like this.”

Mincheol compared Cardmos Dunwall’s knowledge with his recent movements, reviewing them.

Only after practicing for a while did he leave to find another Golem.

Thanks to this, his speed in conquering the 9th Floor slowed, but Mincheol had no complaints.

What was currently in Mincheol’s head was the knowledge of an absolute ruler who had dominated a continent.

Not mastering this would be like letting treasure rot.

“Center of gravity on the back foot, shoulders slightly lowered.”

Mincheol wandered the Cave, muttering Cardmos Dunwall’s memories.

* * *

A week passed like that.

【You have purchased ‘Goseong Workshop’s Gladius’.】

Mincheol succeeded in purchasing weapons as originally intended.

With a pop sound, a well-packaged gladius appeared.

Mincheol unwrapped it and gripped the one-handed sword.

“Wow, it’s smooth and cool-looking.”

He had already seen it in photos on the Auction House, but seeing it in person was even more impressive.

Mincheol swung it through the air as a test.

It fit perfectly in his hand and felt excellent to swing.

“Now all that’s left is the spear…”

Mincheol’s expression slightly crumpled.

The truth was, he had been continuously searching the Auction House but couldn’t find what he wanted.

【Goseong Group’s Crescent Blade】

-Grade: Rare.

-Description: A crescent blade crafted by Goseong Group. Quite heavy.

-Price: 300 million.

【Kingdom of Isilan’s Pike】

-Grade: Rare.

-Description: A long spear used by the Isilan Kingdom Army. Quite long.

-Price: 400 million.

Perhaps because it required many materials, it was much more expensive than a one-handed sword.

Actually, the bigger problem than the price was that it wasn’t suitable for throwing.

Not only the options, but even the spear’s form was designed assuming close combat, so it didn’t suit throwing.

Since it wasn’t a cheap weapon, it seemed they made it suitable only for close combat from the start.

“I’ll have to compromise on either the options or the shape.”

Just as Mincheol was scrolling through the Auction House with a dejected face.

“Hm?”

On almost the last page, he spotted something unusual.

“What’s this?”

【Black Long Thing】

-Grade: Rare.

The name clearly showed it was hastily made.

But stranger than the name was the description section.

-Description: A lump of metal created from a failed alloy-making process.

-Creator’s Note: I made this by mistake and it won’t sell! At this rate I’ll go bankrupt! Please, someone buy it!

“What, this is a weird person.”

If you made an item wrong, couldn’t you just melt it down and remake it?

As Mincheol thought this, a second note came into his view.

-Creator’s Note 2: Considering the time and consumable materials that went into making this, remaking it would still be a loss! I’ll just take the material cost and labor fee, so please let me sell it!

After reading the second note, Mincheol felt his mind go blank.

“You’re selling a failed product but still want to break even? What kind of shameless…”

He was about to dismiss it as a brief comedy and check other equipment when.

-Option 1. Throwing distance increased by 10 percent.

-Option 2. When thrown, penetration power increased by 10 percent.

“…10 percent?”

These were the throwing options Mincheol had been searching for so desperately.

Even the option percentages were incredibly high.

When other rare-grade weapons had less than 5 percent, this one had a full 10 percent.

-Price: 400 million.

With two options attached, this price was practically a steal.

“I should buy this.”

Mincheol purchased the Black Long Thing listed on the Auction House.

【You have purchased ‘Black Long Thing’.】

As soon as he bought the item, a message immediately flew in from the seller.

-Olttetiramisu: Thank you, buyer! Thanks to you I avoided a loss! If it weren’t for you, I would have had to survive on salt and water again today!

-Olttetiramisu: Since you purchased Swift Stone, can I interpret that as you needing throwing-related options?

-Olttetiramisu: I’m currently researching throwing equipment. I think I’ll be able to provide you with good equipment in the future!

-Olttetiramisu: If you’re interested, please accept my friend request!

“This guy is ridiculous.”

Mincheol burst out laughing.

To think of doing more business with someone who helped clear out bad inventory.

He was so shameless it was almost endearing.

Mincheol decided to accept the friend request.

This incident had made him painfully aware of how scarce throwing options were.

【You have accepted ‘Olttetiramisu’s friend request.】

【Some of your information will be shared with ‘Olttetiramisu’.】

-Olttetiramisu: Oh! Your nickname is Manwolsang! What a sophisticated nickname that exudes experience!

-Olttetiramisu: Can I take your acceptance of my friend request as meaning you’re thinking of trading continuously?

He was someone whose flattery flowed as smoothly as if his fingers were oiled.

-Manwolsang: Yes, that’s right. Is custom crafting also possible?

-Olttetiramisu: Of course! Just say the word and I’ll craft whatever items you need! I’ll just take the material cost and labor fee!

But wouldn’t that be taking all the money anyway?

Suddenly, Mincheol thought it would be a waste to pay full price.

The other side was the one in a hurry, not him.

-Manwolsang: Please give me a discount on the labor fee.

-Olttetiramisu: That won’t work.

Even through the message, he could tell how serious the other person had become.

Mincheol was dumbfounded. When was all that begging, and now such a sharp rejection?

-Manwolsang: Then future trades will be difficult.

-Olttetiramisu: Can’t help it. I really shouldn’t do this. I’ll give you a 2 percent discount.

-Manwolsang: 10 percent.

-Olttetiramisu: 3 percent.

-Manwolsang: 8 percent.

-Olttetiramisu: 4 percent.

Mincheol clicked his tongue at the sight of him not yielding to the end.

“Is this guy really crazy.”

Mincheol thought for a moment and decided to agree to the deal.

Judging by the ‘Black Long Thing’, his skills seemed solid.

-Manwolsang: Then I’ll request it at 4 percent.

-Olttetiramisu: Oh my, Manwolsang, that’s truly an excellent decision. You really are a wise person!

Olttetiramisu’s praise and flattery continued for over 10 minutes.

And that praise and flattery only ended after Mincheol told him to stop first.

* * *

A forge filled with the heat of furnaces and the sounds of tempering.

A small-framed woman burst through the door and shouted.

“Master! Master!”

The woman ran to the innermost part of the forge.

There, a white-haired old man was hammering iron with a mallet.

“It finally sold! It sold!”

“Don’t lie to me.”

Hiss-

The old man said as he plunged the red-hot iron into water.

“It’s true! Let me show you!”

The woman opened the auction house and showed it to the old man.

The old man took out the glasses tucked in his apron and examined the auction house.

Soon he let out a chuckle of disbelief and said.

“Ha, to think there’d actually be someone who’d buy something like this.”

“Something like this! Do you know how much thought I put into making this! With just this black elongated thing, you can pierce through large monsters’ hides and deal fatal damage…”

“Yes, it was a useful item suited for its purpose.”

“Right? Deep down, Master, you also acknowledge my black elongated thing…”

“Except for the fact that there’s no way to launch it.”

It was too long to be called an arrow. Too short to be called a spear.

Such non-standard items absolutely required a dedicated launcher.

But the woman had only made the projectile; she hadn’t developed a launcher.

“W-well, I can make that from now on…”

“I have no intention of providing research funds for something with no set timeline. And there are already plenty of ways to hunt large monsters.”

The old man spoke firmly. The woman looked at the old man with a displeased expression.

“Anyway, since it sold, you’ll cancel my confinement, right?”

“Hmm.”

“Ah, why are you hesitating? Do you know how hard I worked to sell this! I even tried disguising it as an arrow, then changing it to a spear…”

“A person must keep their word. Fine. I’ll cancel the confinement.”

“Really? Then I can pick up a hammer starting today?”

“Do as you please.”

“Kyaaah! Master is the only one for me!”

The woman hugged the old man, then ran to the furnace.

As she rolled up her sleeves, burly muscles that didn’t match her small frame were revealed.

The woman quickly became absorbed in her work.

The old man watched her and muttered quietly.

“I hope this incident taught her some reflection.”

When the old man first saw the black elongated thing, he felt his head throb.

He thought she was just taking workshop materials bit by bit, but then she made something useless.

So he had imposed the harsh punishment of not allowing her to touch a hammer until she sold the black elongated thing, intending to correct her bad habits.

“But whoever bought that thing struck it rich.”

Though she often did strange things, the woman’s talent and skill were real.

The black elongated thing was also treated as a failure due to lacking a launcher, but in terms of completion alone, it was quite a high-level item.

Top-tier among rare grade equipment.

If it had been a proper weapon, it would have easily exceeded a billion won.

“If the craftsman’s name had been engraved on it, the price would have been even higher.”

This place was the Bulgasal Forge.

It was the first forge specializing in awakened ones to be established in South Korea.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that all the weapons and armor of the great First Generation Awakened Ones who pioneered the Tower were crafted here.

Even now, it was renowned as South Korea’s undisputed best forge.

And the woman, Yun Ga-yeong, though still young, was recognized as a proper blacksmith here.

High-ranking awakened ones lined up to request equipment crafting from her.

The old man picked up his hammer again.

Then, another blacksmith approached the old man.

“Chief, China made a new announcement. They’re raising the price of Demon Flame Stones again.”

The old man’s expression grew serious at the blacksmith’s words.

Demon Flame Stones were ore that granted magic resistance, essential for crafting equipment for high-floor awakened ones.

The problem was that the mining yield was woefully inadequate.

It wasn’t just Korea. Other countries also had low Demon Flame Stone mining yields.

On the other hand, China mined such large quantities it seemed like they had found a dedicated mine.

So various countries had no choice but to depend on China.

They couldn’t choose not to purchase them either.

Without Demon Flame Stones, they couldn’t craft equipment, which would limit the activities of top-floor awakened ones.

“I have no idea what methods the Chinese used to mine so many resources.”

The old man spoke as if lamenting. The blacksmith agreed with his words.

“Oh right, I heard that Black Steel supplies have been surging recently.”

“Ah, some awakened one who appeared suddenly has been flooding the market with supplies.”

“I wish that awakened one would supply Demon Flame Stones the same way.”

The blacksmith chuckled briefly at the old man’s words.

“That really would be a dream come true.”

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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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