The Return of the Transcendent Blacksmith - Chapter 102

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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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Transcendent-Grade Blacksmith’s Return — Episode 102
Shin Tae-ho was well aware that his Hammer Technique was hopelessly inadequate.
Warriors of other classes could naturally acquire Swordsmanship, Spearmanship, and the like through their Class progression.
But as a War Smith, he had no opportunity to gain techniques unless he sought them out and learned them himself.
Shin Tae-ho recalled his confrontation with Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi.
Amaterasu’s Swordsmanship with her great broadsword—long-ranged, fluid, and devastatingly swift.
Before he could even charge forward, he’d been trapped in a tempest and couldn’t execute properly, but then there was Tsukuyomi’s Assassination Technique—closing the gap with terrifying speed, driving straight for the kill points.
At the time, he’d subdued them both by summoning a maelstrom and hurling them away.
But if they fought purely hand-to-hand, the odds were high that Shin Tae-ho couldn’t defeat either of them through technique alone.
However—
‘If I add the Guardian Body Art I’m learning now, combined with the Dwarves’ Hammer Technique….’
“S-Shin Tae-ho! This! Look at this-ryong! Look-ryong!”
Shin Tae-ho snapped to attention at Yong-ryong-i’s excited cry.
Yong-ryong-i stood with an expression caught between laughter and tears, opening a large box for display.
Inside lay an assortment of chocolates, each releasing an intensely sweet aroma.
“Th-This melts the moment it hits your tongue-ryong! It’s so, so delicious-ryong!”
“Truffles, huh? Yeah, those are good. I brought plenty for you, so eat as much as you like.”
“Wow! Thank you, Bianca-ryong!”
Yong-ryong-i stuffed a mouthful of chocolate in, eyes glistening with emotion.
Shin Tae-ho sighed and gently wiped away the chocolate powder dusting Yong-ryong-i’s lips with his handkerchief.
“Thank you very much, Bianca. I understand this brand is extraordinarily expensive. You’ve been very thoughtful.”
“Once I give my name, they’ll sell to me. It’s not much trouble at all.”
Bianca shrugged and sipped her champagne.
The car came to a gentle stop, signaling their arrival at the destination.
As they stepped out, a quiet restaurant that Choi Yu-hwa had recommended came into view.
“This place? Hmm. It looks rather shabby—I’m not confident about it.”
“The Korean food here is genuinely delicious. I’m sure you’ll love it, Bianca!”
“A hidden gem, it seems. These places usually turn out to be the real deal.”
“Fine. You two know Korean cuisine better than I do.”
With their assurance, Bianca followed without complaint.
“Wow, this is delicious! Bulgogi? Eating this with kimchi is absolutely perfect?!”
“You seem to enjoy the bulgogi. Shall I order another plate?”
“No, I’m fine. I’m getting full.”
Fortunately, Bianca seemed to enjoy the unfamiliar Korean cuisine, savoring each bite with genuine pleasure.
An exhausted Pipi slept curled in Choi Yu-hwa’s lap as if unconscious, while Yong-ryong-i, having consumed considerable chocolate, sprawled across a chair in slumber, blood sugar spiked.
As they finished their dessert—sikhye and sujeonggwa—the three conversed leisurely.
“I have to say, I was really surprised. I didn’t actually expect you to come so soon after saying you would.”
“If I said I’d come, then I come. Besides, this isn’t just a pleasure trip. I have business to attend to.”
“Business? What kind?”
“Like I mentioned before. I came to acquire a new staff.”
“A staff? Couldn’t you get that in Switzerland?”
Choi Yu-hwa looked puzzled.
Of course, Korean products were world-renowned, but Tower items were another matter entirely.
Bianca explained patiently.
“Our country isn’t bad, certainly. But when it comes to the world’s largest item production hubs, the United States, China, Japan, and Korea are particularly famous, aren’t they?”
Blacksmiths weren’t rare, but neither were they particularly common.
Countries that had gathered Blacksmiths to form industrial zones
and poured resources into nurturing them—those four nations in particular had earned their reputation.
“The US and China are reluctant to craft items for other nations due to hegemonic concerns. I considered Japan, but then you two came to mind, so I came to Korea instead.”
“Ah, so that’s how it came about. Have you found a way to purchase one, then?”
At Shin Tae-ho’s question, Bianca sighed.
“Not yet. I’ve heard there’s a craftsman named Kim Jong-soo who makes excellent work, but apparently he’s affiliated with the Management Bureau and won’t take private commissions.”
At the mention of Kim Jong-soo, Shin Tae-ho felt a mild jolt of surprise.
Though it was hard to notice in everyday life, moments like these made it clear just how much Kim Jong-soo represented Korea’s master craftsmen.
“So I was thinking of staying here a bit, then heading to Japan. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to buy one there, but…”
“…Would you like me to help, perhaps?”
Watching Bianca’s disappointed expression, Shin Tae-ho made an offer.
Bianca, who had been drinking her sikhye without much thought, looked up in surprise.
“Shin Tae-ho, do you know a Blacksmith?”
“Not personally, no. But there’s a hidden Blacksmith who operates on TowerDotCom.”
“Wow, really?! What’s their user ID? Let me reach out!”
“I’m afraid I can’t share that. They’re quite the recluse, and rather eccentric. If they found out I’d given away their ID, they’d cut off contact with me.”
“Is that so? Hmm. They must be genuinely skilled then. Usually, those who’ve reached the heights of mastery are a bit loose in the head like that.”
Bianca, drawn to the assessment that they were far from ordinary, nodded.
“Fine. Tell them money’s no object, and ask if they can forge a staff of the frost lineage.”
“I understand. However, I’m quite certain this won’t be something you can simply purchase with currency.”
“Huh? You can’t buy it with money? Then what—surely they don’t want some limited-edition exclusive item?”
“They only trade for items they’re interested in. If they have no interest, the transaction doesn’t happen.”
“What?! Good grief. They’re far more eccentric than I thought.”
It would be simpler if they just asked for more money.
She’d have to reveal what items she possessed without even knowing if a deal would materialize.
Bianca stroked her chin in serious contemplation, then turned her gaze to Shin Tae-ho.
“Shin Tae-ho, I hate to keep asking, but you’re really sure their skill is solid? Solid enough to take on a request like that?”
“I’m confident. The items they craft are said to be at least of Special Tier, if not higher.”
“…What? What tier?”
“Sp-Special Tier?”
Both Bianca and Choi Yu-hwa gasped in unison.
ITRO’s item tiers consisted of seven grades: Normal, Rare, Uncommon, Special, Elite, Heroic, and Epic.
Even at the Uncommon tier alone, items were of such excellence that you couldn’t buy them for any amount of money elsewhere.
Yet the minimum was Special Tier?
Bianca leapt to her feet and grasped Shin Tae-ho’s hand with both of hers.
“I’ll do it! I’ll prepare a complete inventory list of items I can offer, so please, I’m counting on you!”
“I understand. I’ll do my best.”
“Sh-Shin Tae-ho! Could I perhaps make a request as well?!”
“If you place multiple orders at once, they might accuse us of brokering and take issue with it. Let’s try next time.”
“Oh, I see! Yes! I’ll definitely make my request next time!”
Choi Yu-hwa and Bianca eagerly discussed which items to request.
At the sight of the two brimming with excitement, Shin Tae-ho offered a faint smile.
‘I should repay Bianca for the inspiration she’s given me. And for Yu-hwa, nurturing this friendship is a good investment in the future.’
Suddenly, Park Je-hyuk’s note flashed through Shin Tae-ho’s mind.
‘After I finish their items, I could also look into fulfilling Park Je-hyuk’s request. That wouldn’t be amiss.’
Of course, that would be once a suitable target and suitable compensation were prepared.
Having made a decision he’d been mulling over for some time, Shin Tae-ho felt a sense of relief wash through him.
* * *
After parting with Bianca, Shin Tae-ho received an inventory list from her.
Though she hadn’t made it to the top of the Elf’s Tower, her list was nonetheless extraordinary—befitting a Ranker.
However, the truly useful items were limited.
And among them, only one item captured Shin Tae-ho’s interest.
-A Supreme Frost Rune?! Wait! No matter how you look at it, isn’t that asking too much?!
Through the phone, Bianca’s voice came through, trembling with astonishment.
The Supreme Frost Rune was the rune most suited to him.
It was a rune he’d been carefully preserving for the day he’d find use for it.
When Bianca hesitated, Shin Tae-ho felt equally uncomfortable.
“He insists on receiving that in particular. If it’s too much of a burden, shall I suggest an alternative?”
-…No, don’t do that. Judging from what I’ve heard, that person is meticulous and exacting. If they really can’t compromise, then I should be gracious about it too.
For all her words, Bianca spent the next twenty minutes doing nothing but sighing, reluctant to let go of the rune.
But no matter how rare the rune, she needed a good staff to boost her power immediately.
-All right. If parting with this tedious high-tier staff is the price, I can bear it. But it has to be Special Tier or higher, no exceptions!
“Of course. I’ll make sure to convey that clearly.”
-Shin Tae-ho, I trust your word. By the way, when are you going into the tower? Want to meet up and go in together?
Bianca was still staying in Korea.
Since she’d have to return to Korea once the staff was completed anyway, she’d decided to rent a hotel suite and stay there from the start.
Of course, that decision was influenced by the fact that Shin Tae-ho and Choi Yu-hwa were in Korea, and
the Korean cuisine she’d eaten at first was delicious, and that Korea itself was fun—all of which played a significant role in her choice.
“That could work, though we’ll meet in the tower anyway. I’m not sure it’s necessary to arrange it. We’ll be covered in dirt coming out of the tower, and it would soil the room.”
-I could have housekeeping clean it, but bathing together here might be inconvenient. All right! Then I’ll go in with Yu-hwa instead!
“Very well. I’ll enter first and wait inside.”
After ending the call, Shin Tae-ho entered the tower with Yong-ryong-i.
[Entering Tower, Floor 4.]
The moment the message window that had appeared in his mind faded, the landscape of Dwarf Village came into view.
The clang of hammers that usually filled the village had vanished, replaced by a low murmur of voices that echoed through the streets.
Following the sound, Shin Tae-ho found dwarves in armor, weapons in hand, making their way up toward the heights of the village.
“Pardon me. Is something the matter?”
“Huh? Ah, you’re the outsider who found the Karnikhs with Orum! Thank you so much! Because of you, we can restock our depleted Karnikhs supply!”
The dwarf handed him a beer, his gratitude genuine.
Shin Tae-ho accepted it out of courtesy and drained it in one go before asking again.
“I’m glad it’s been helpful. But where exactly are all of you heading?”
“Where else? We found the Karnikhs, so we’re going to collect them! If we dawdle and those traitors find them first, what then?”
“In that case, perhaps we could—”
“No. You’ve already done more than enough for us. We’re not so weak that we’d cling to further aid.”
Zetaum appeared, cutting short Shin Tae-ho’s words.
Behind Zetaum stood Orum, who had gone to Komuto with him.
“Then what might we help you with?”
“Truth be told, you don’t need to help anymore. If anything, I’d like to ask for your protection of the village.”
[You have been offered a Trial.]
[Proposed Trial: Defend the Dwarf Village while combat forces are away.]
[Completion Condition: Protect the Dwarf Village from enemy attacks for three days.]
Shin Tae-ho felt taken aback.
Judging from Zetaum’s tone, this was a Trial offered more as a courtesy than out of genuine necessity.
‘But it’s not a bad thing.’
Shin Tae-ho’s eyes brightened as he read through the Trial details.
He already had plenty to do thanks to the idea Bianca had given him, and having time to spare was actually a welcome development.
“Understood. I’ll accept the request. Though, if I may, there’s something I’d like to ask of you in return.”
“You want to mine ore? I thought we already gave you permission for that?”
“This request is different from that.”
A thoughtful look crossed Zetaum’s face. “Well, for a man who’s already done us such service, I can accommodate most reasonable requests. Speak freely. What do you wish for?”
Zetaum leaned forward with genuine interest.
First he’d asked to use the Blacksmith Workshop, then he’d requested permission to mine ore. Shin Tae-ho was full of surprises.
Zetaum found himself genuinely curious about what he would ask for next.
And Shin Tae-ho’s words exceeded even his expectations.
“I would like to learn your Hammer Technique.”
“…What?”
Zetaum and Orum’s eyes widened in astonishment.
To be continued in the next episode ▶
The Transcendent-Grade Blacksmith’s Return
Author
Bong In Hae-je-rye
Publisher
Kim Seok-hwan, Choi Se-ra
Publishing House
Grae Publishing
Inquiries
[email protected]
Publication Date
May 26, 2026
UCI
G720:N+A327-20260227067
※ This e-book is protected under copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction and distribution are prohibited, and violations may result in criminal and civil liability.
※ Pentagram is always looking forward to receiving manuscripts from our authors.

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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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