The Return of the Genius Ranker of All Times - Chapter 203

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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 203

 

Episode 203.

 

I don’t know why, but somehow his sneering expression looked like a typical villain.

 

You shouldn’t judge people by their appearance alone, but that was way too much like a movie villain’s expression.

 

‘They say physiognomy is a science, so this might be similar.’

 

‘Owner, you shouldn’t judge people by their faces. Just look at me – how kind I am despite my appearance?’

 

‘Rizariza!’

 

‘…? Looking at you makes it feel more credible though?’

 

I was seriously pondering this amusing topic.

 

Fortunately (?), Dohyun’s thoughts weren’t mistaken.

 

Leon, who made eye contact with him, ostentatiously pulled out an anvil and hammer, then spat out.

 

“Rumors seem to be mostly false.”

 

“Excuse me?”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“There’s a lot of talk about how his great brothers protect him and whatnot, but it seems they can’t even introduce him to a single craftsman. Even so, to just dump him alone in an alley like that… I guess that was about his worth.”

 

As the players tilted their heads at this, Leon shrugged and gestured toward Dohyun with his chin.

 

“What’s he talking about… Huh? Gasp, th-there…”

 

“Why there… Whoa, Kaiser?”

 

“What, Kaiser’s here? Did Kaiser come to get strengthening too?”

 

“Wasn’t he hiding in Babylon? Why isn’t he getting it from an affiliated craftsman?”

 

“Did the negotiations not go well? Well, Kaiser isn’t the type to join a guild.”

 

“Then why did Babylon do that? Was it just a whim?”

 

The players who had been distracted by Leon’s appearance discovered Dohyun and started murmuring.

 

With attention suddenly focused on him, Dohyun glanced at Jihad.

 

‘Want to say that again?’

 

‘…Ahem. There are exceptions everywhere, Owner.’

 

‘Rizariza…’

 

Dohyun chuckled at Jihad and Eliza pretending not to know and playing dumb, then made eye contact with Leon again.

 

His smirking face, as if asking “how about that,” was quite unpleasant.

 

‘So this is how he’s going to pick a fight?’

 

It was a childish method, but also an effective one.

 

After all, nothing made you feel worse than these kinds of childish antics.

 

From the victim’s perspective, these primitive things were harder to endure.

 

There was a reason people got so annoyed by kids in online communities.

 

‘Why is it that nothing about Hero Guild is likeable?’

 

Those guys Jerpak and Hamode were like that too, and now even their affiliated craftsman was picking fights.

 

Well, it was natural in a way since their master Berjhe was like that to begin with.

 

After all, organizations tend to follow their leader’s tendencies.

 

And in life, it was often adults who did this kind of thing more, and Leon was one of them.

 

“Oh my, it looks like he’s struggling to somehow survive by getting strengthening… How pitiful. I heard his luck isn’t good either, so I wonder if his weapons might explode.”

 

After openly mocking him, Leon suddenly pretended to be pondering something.

 

Then what he said, claiming it was just a feeling, was quite a sight to behold.

 

“I’ll hold an event. I can’t stand how pitiful it is. Every time Kaiser breaks something while strengthening, I’ll strengthen one piece of equipment for you all as much as the strengthening stones you provide.”

 

“Whoa?”

 

“…A-are you serious?”

 

“Of course. Ah, of course it would be unfair if I only did it for you all, so if Kaiser asks me to do it for him too, I’ll do it. You can’t deliberately break things because you want strengthening, okay? Hahaha.”

 

“Puhaha!”

 

Laughter erupted among the players at the sharp mockery.

 

Toward Kaiser, who had become a laughingstock in an instant, Leon asked with a smirk.

 

“What do you think? Kaiser. Isn’t this too generous a proposal?”

 

“Ha.”

 

Dohyun let out a hollow laugh as if dumbfounded, while Leon smirked like a cat looking at a trapped mouse.

 

Some were enjoying this interesting situation, but others expressed concern.

 

“Hey hey… But is this okay? He’s being way too openly confrontational.”

 

“Why? What’s wrong with it?”

 

“It’s Kaiser. And behind Kaiser is Babylon too. Will Kashin Church stay quiet?”

 

Kaiser, who had shed the stigma of being called a cheater and was receiving overwhelming support as Kashin.

 

With his solo achievements already being phenomenal, and even receiving help from Babylon, they wondered if it was really okay to act like this.

 

No matter how great Hero Guild was, and no matter how hot a craftsman Leon was these days, they were still just a Top 100 Guild.

 

They couldn’t be better than Babylon, which was a Top 10 Guild.

 

“What are you talking about?”

 

But that concern was quickly refuted.

 

“Look at that. Does it look like Babylon is behind him? Just like Leon said, he’s been dumped alone at a strengthening station. If they were protecting him, they would have introduced him to a craftsman.”

 

“…True, they can’t make enemies of other Top 10 Guilds.”

 

“Same with Kashin Church. No matter how great a mere fan gathering place is, can it be better than a Top 10 Guild? I heard the current cafe manager hasn’t been logging in lately either.”

 

“Right, we just need to enjoy the show.”

 

An opinion that was not just reasonable but valid.

 

It was enough to make even those who had expressed concern become audience members of the show.

 

Leon, who had been listening without missing a word while pretending not to, also agreed inwardly and grinned.

 

‘Yes, this is it.’

 

This was the public sentiment and situation Leon had hoped for.

 

Leon didn’t like Kaiser.

 

If asked whether he liked or disliked him, he could say he disliked him.

 

Because he was opposing Hero Guild, which he belonged to?

 

Because he had insulted the guild?

 

‘As if I care about that.’

 

Though he was a Hero Guild affiliated craftsman, Leon didn’t have that level of belonging or affection.

 

He was only affiliated because the conditions and treatment were good.

 

As a production class, he didn’t care about Hero Guild’s reputation. Whatever happened to Hero Guild’s reputation wouldn’t affect him at all.

 

If it collapsed, he could just move to another guild.

 

Still, the reason he disliked Kaiser was simple.

 

‘The achievements buried because of that annoying bastard aren’t just one or two.’

 

Kaiser had achieved too many things in a short recent period, constantly turning the community upside down and flooding countless portal sites with countless articles.

 

Because of this, all the numerous achievements he had recently accomplished were buried.

 

From strengthening numerous high rankers’ equipment to the highest level, to proudly placing in the Top 5 at the Craftsman Tournament.

 

And even the achievement of recently succeeding in 4 consecutive +10 strengthenings and earning a Hero-grade title!

 

‘I couldn’t even get the main banner and was instantly buried. Because of that damn bastard, my position isn’t growing!’

 

Leon was very displeased with this.

 

‘Does he think he’s so great? In the end, he’s just someone who’ll come begging our craftsmen for strengthening.’

 

People always focus on the activities of combat classes rather than production classes.

 

Probably because that side is more flashy and stimulating.

 

But the most important thing in games is specs.

 

Leon thought that production classes, who could raise those specs high, were the true flowers.

 

In fact, even rankers who were praised as great couldn’t treat craftsmen carelessly and had to bow down before them.

 

‘Not even creating an affiliation and trying to reign alone? What a ridiculous act.’

 

From Leon’s perspective, Kaiser was a very irritating existence.

 

And an opportunity to torment that irritating existence had been given to him. Leon wasn’t magnanimous enough to pass up such an opportunity.

 

He would make him feel it to the bone with this chance.

 

‘You think you’re different? I’ll make you realize with this opportunity that you’re ultimately the same as them.’

 

Well… Actually, though he spoke as if he had grand intentions, it was more accurate to say it was because of venting anger and amusement.

 

Where else would you see such a sight?

 

The great Kaiser himself trembling and unable to move a muscle.

 

This would relieve his stress, and since Berjhe had been suffering quite a bit lately, it would be nice to show off a little with this.

 

‘He’s quiet. Well, even if you feel bad, it’s not a bad deal for you either.’

 

As far as he knew, Kaiser was notoriously unlucky.

 

Even though he’d been messing with him a bit, if he ended up enhancing his equipment, it wouldn’t be bad for that guy either.

 

After all, a craftsman like himself would be doing the enhancement.

 

He was so magnanimous.

 

Leon was grinning and savoring this sweet situation when he opened his mouth to say something.

 

“Sounds good.”

 

“Well, thinking about it, I do feel a bit sorry for you, so how about we do this… Huh? What did you just say?”

 

…Did he mishear?

 

No, it wasn’t a mistake.

 

“I said it sounds good. Everything’s fine, but… I can’t trust you. What if I hand it over without knowing better and my precious weapon just explodes for nothing?”

 

“…? What did you just say?”

 

“Don’t pretend you didn’t hear. I said I can’t trust you.”

 

“What…?”

 

He even wore a relaxed smile as he counterattacked.

 

Leon was flabbergasted.

 

If he couldn’t trust him, a craftsman, then who could he trust?

 

No matter how selfishly he acted, people still groveled before him because he had the skills to back it up.

 

But what was this guy saying when he couldn’t even enhance properly and had to rely on some enhancement NPC in an alley who dealt with broke players?

 

“…Can you handle the consequences of that statement?”

 

“Why wouldn’t I be able to? Human relationships require trust above all else, don’t they?”

 

“Ha. This is ridiculous. A guy who knows nothing about enhancement talking about trust…”

 

Leon gritted his teeth and spat out the words as he watched Kaiser shrug his shoulders.

 

“…So what do I need to do to fill that pathetic trust of yours? Want me to show you an enhancement?”

 

“I don’t just hand my stuff over to any player. I’d need to believe you’re at least better than me, wouldn’t I?”

 

“…?”

 

Leon paused for a moment to think about what he meant, then let out a hollow laugh.

 

“So… you’re saying you want to have an enhancement battle with me?”

 

Enhancement battle.

 

It referred to craftsmen competing against each other to see who was better at enhancement, like in craftsman competitions.

 

In other words, what Kaiser was saying was simple.

 

“You’re so good at enhancement? Grab an anvil and hammer and follow me.”

 

“Ha, are you serious?”

 

Let’s have a showdown with enhancement.

 

The murmuring of players grew louder at this unimaginable statement.

 

“Holy shit, he’s crazy. He’s challenging a craftsman to an enhancement battle?”

 

“Isn’t Kaiser famous for having no luck?”

 

“For craftsmen, enhancement isn’t just about luck anymore. It’s about sense and technique. They do need luck to follow them, but they’re on a different level from ordinary people like us.”

 

“No, what’s with that confidence? His spirit is insane.”

 

Even from the players’ perspective, Kaiser seemed crazy.

 

There was a reason craftsmen were called craftsmen.

 

Craftsmen were those who had professionally learned blacksmithing techniques and reached a certain level.

 

Not only that.

 

Filled with blacksmithing-related skills, they even had special skills that could only be obtained by becoming a craftsman.

 

Even among production classes, no one could dare compare to craftsmen, let alone Kaiser who was a combat class.

 

‘Has that guy really gone insane?’

 

This system was the same whether in Demroc or here.

 

Kaiser, who had been number one in Demroc, couldn’t possibly not know this, yet he was being so reckless?

 

Could he possibly have something to rely on?

 

…No, that couldn’t be.

 

‘…Even if he had taken up a production class as a secondary job, reaching the rank of craftsman would have to be officially announced.’

 

In other words, no matter how good that guy was at enhancement, he was still below him.

 

That guy was just putting on a brave front. He was standing on his pride because he didn’t want to be overwhelmed by momentum.

 

“Look at those eyes rolling around. I can hear the gears turning in your head from here.”

 

Just then, Kaiser’s mocking voice reached his ears.

 

“What, scared? I guess craftsmen aren’t much after all.”

 

With that final statement as the finishing touch, Leon felt his thread of reason snap.

 

“You arrogant bastard… You’ll regret this. I’ll make you feel exactly who you’ve been so arrogant toward…”

 

“Man, you sure can talk. Did you become a craftsman with your mouth? Just get your equipment out already.”

 

“You piece of shit…”

 

“Hey mister, can I borrow some equipment?”

 

“…?”

 

Kaiser cut him off while picking his ear, then spoke to the enhancement NPC Kilhi and received an anvil and hammer, causing Leon, who had been grinding his teeth, to widen his eyes.

 

Then he immediately sneered as if he couldn’t believe it.

 

“Ha, a guy without even personal equipment wanted to have an enhancement battle?”

 

“I heard craftsmen don’t blame their tools, but I guess that’s not the case? Your equipment sure looks fancy.”

 

“…The more skilled a person is, the better they can draw out the performance of excellent items. Though someone like you, an outsider, wouldn’t understand.”

 

“Yeah, well. I think this will be enough for me.”

 

“I really have to acknowledge your confidence. Though you’ll soon realize it wasn’t confidence but arrogance.”

 

Leon laid out a cheap anvil and hammer that only beginners would use, along with other basic equipment, and continued speaking.

 

“I’ll use this too. We should use the same equipment so you won’t make excuses. The method will be sequential enhancement. That means we take turns enhancing. As the enhancement progresses, it’ll become higher grade and more difficult. Do you agree?”

 

“Sure.”

 

“I’ll let you go first. I’ve prepared plenty of enhancement stones, so go ahead and struggle.”

 

Meanwhile, Leon, who had prepared the weapon to enhance and enhancement stones, announced the start of the enhancement battle.

 

Dohyun nodded as he stood before the anvil.

 

‘Actually, everything that guy said is right.’

 

Annoying as it was, there was nothing wrong with what he said.

 

Not just anyone could become a craftsman, and for a regular combat class player to challenge a craftsman to an enhancement battle was tantamount to suicide.

 

Especially since Dohyun was someone born with the worst enhancement luck in history.

 

So why was Dohyun so confident?

 

[Eye of Truth is activated.]

 

[You see through hidden strike points and vital spots.]

 

‘This trait is really fucking overpowered. Who would have thought it could see this too.’

 

What Dohyun had seen during Kilhi’s enhancement process earlier.

 

That same thing appeared in Dohyun’s eyes again.

 

Red dots positioned throughout the blade of the ‘Swift One’s Green Sword’ placed on the anvil.

 

It was the moment he discovered the hidden ability of his unique trait, Eye of Truth.

 

‘…Master, isn’t this too much of a cheat?’

 

‘Risa…’

 

‘Hey now, what’s wrong with using the abilities you have?’

 

‘Right! I agree, Master. This is also Master’s special ability.’

 

‘Charlie really gets it.’

 

After the brief conversation, Dohyun grinned and gripped the hammer.

 

He could see Leon standing with his arms crossed, looking at him as if to say ‘go ahead and try,’ with a dismissive expression.

 

He was curious. Whether that guy could maintain that composure until the very end.

 

‘Shall we give him a proper lesson?’

 

Dohyun’s hammer swung down and a clear sound rang out.

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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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