-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 17
Chapter Title: Explosive Growth, and Opportunity - 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Lieutenant Seo Eun-ha stepped out of the driver's seat, dressed in a beige coat and jeans.
Seeing her in civilian clothes on a weekday, she was probably on leave.
"Salute!"
The second lieutenant in the passenger seat saluted her and gave a brief report on the current situation.
She glanced at the orc corpses scattered about before approaching Lee Hyun-wook and Yoo Hae-na.
At that, Yoo Hae-na smirked.
"Oh, look who it is. The Knight Commander's third daughter, isn't it? You've grown."
She acted like she knew, but she was wrong. She was the second daughter.
"...I am the Assault Platoon Leader of the 3rd Anti-Monster Brigade, 2nd Battalion."
Regardless of the familiar tone, Seo Eun-ha's response was dry and professional, and Yoo Hae-na's expression hardened in turn. There was even an out-of-place hint of disappointment...
It seemed the bad blood between them went back quite a long way.
"What kind of leader? Hmm, someone like our dear Eun-ha is too good to be rotting away in the A.M.T."
"..."
"This is perfect. Why don't you take this business card, Eun-ha? You're still young. It's a good time for a fresh start."
Yoo Hae-na fluttered the card Lee Hyun-wook had refused.
*Come to think of it, Seo Eun-ha was also one of Yoo Hae-na's obsessions.*
Initially, she had tried to conquer her, but when she couldn't have her, a twisted desire to destroy her took root, and Yoo Hae-na had targeted Seo Eun-ha.
And in the end, she would fulfill that desire.
"The authority to clear the gate that has appeared in this vicinity belongs to the 3rd Anti-Monster Brigade, 1st Battalion. Unauthorized armed Players are not permitted at this location, the 'Red Ground.' Please leave."
"Ah, you guys already rushed over and claimed it? Quick work. But..."
Yoo Hae-na sneered and pointed toward her SUV.
"...we're not interested anyway."
People who appeared to be her team members were leaning out of the vehicle.
"An Orc Gate is beneath our level. We were just passing through when we got an emergency support request, so we came up. Out of humanitarian concern."
"..."
"We came here with such good intentions, but everyone's being so cold... It's making me feel a little upset."
She was telling the truth.
Yoo Hae-na's assault team was among the best in the Cheonghwa Guild; they wouldn't normally mobilize for anything less than a Troll Gate.
"Then I ask for your understanding. Please move your vehicle from our operational area."
"Yeah, yeah, I get it! But wait a second..."
Yoo Hae-na's gaze shifted to Lee Hyun-wook.
"...You there, Corporal Lee Hyun-wook?"
Seo Eun-ha looked back and forth between Yoo Hae-na and Lee Hyun-wook with a cold stare.
Yoo Hae-na stepped very close to Lee Hyun-wook.
"My designated area is around here, so we'll probably be seeing each other when a big dungeon opens up. Wouldn't it be better for both of us if we made a good first impression? Don't regret it later."
With those words, she stuffed her business card into the front pocket of his combat uniform.
"Think it over, and if you want to call... well, go ahead. I'm not as picky as I look."
Yoo Hae-na finished, turned, and got into the SUV.
As the Cheonghwa Guild's SUV drove off, Seo Eun-ha looked at Lee Hyun-wook.
For some reason, her expression had shifted to one of subtle irritation.
Given the circumstances, it was likely because of Yoo Hae-na.
"Lee Hyun-wook... are you on leave?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"..."
A few seconds of silence...
She nodded without a word and turned away.
*It really looks like she has something to say...*
Lee Hyun-wook knew Seo Eun-ha's style well.
When she asked a perfunctory question with such a complicated expression and then hesitated, it meant she had something to say but held back.
*She'll mull it over a few times and eventually spit it out.*
She had a surprisingly timid side to her.
A short while later, the A.M.T Military Police investigation team arrived and began examining the scene of the monster attack.
The process took about thirty minutes, and only then could he truly begin his leave.
***
Two hours later than planned, Lee Hyun-wook and Choi Seon-a arrived at Seoul Station.
"Deputy Platoon Leader, I'll see you next time."
"Hm? Corporal Lee, you're not taking the train? I thought we'd ride together since we're heading in the same direction."
Choi Seon-a sounded disappointed as Lee Hyun-wook said his goodbyes.
"Ah, I have someone to meet in Seoul, so I'll have to head down later."
"Oh, well, can't be helped then. See you back at the base. Bye!"
"Yes, travel safely."
Lee Hyun-wook had no intention of going to his registered address in Suwon.
Long ago, after losing his parents, he had ended up living with relatives, but that time had left him with nothing but bad memories.
In other words, they were people who didn't need to be recorded in his future.
The first thing Lee Hyun-wook did was buy and change into civilian clothes.
It was less about comfort and more about formality—a blazer and slacks with some weight to them, chosen to show respect to the 'someone' he had mentioned to Choi Seon-a.
Next, he took the subway to Yeongdeungpo Station. A glance at his watch showed it was already past 11 o'clock. A series of unexpected events had wasted a significant amount of time.
"I need to move as quickly as possible to stick to the plan."
The first order of business was, of course, to acquire metal to absorb—high-quality metal, at that.
He soon arrived at a place in Mullae-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, known as 'Blacksmith Alley.'
This was once the site of the 'Steel Alley,' but after the game began, 'Blacksmith' Players had gathered one by one to start businesses in 'Magical Material Engineering' and 'Item Crafting.'
Over time, its scale had grown, and a few years ago, the 'Blacksmiths' Guild' was established to protect the interests of its members, emerging as one of the major pillars of the Player world...
*'Guild' is a nice word for it, but it's really just a corrupt cabal that only benefits a few blacksmiths with vested interests.*
Lee Hyun-wook knew it well: the Blacksmiths' Guild was a typically rotten organization.
*And I know a true master who's being crushed by that corruption, unable to show his real skills.*
Clang—! Clang—!
The sound of forging—metal being hammered and shaped—could be heard from the entrance of the alley.
Lee Hyun-wook entered the 'Guild Office' at the alley's entrance.
This was due to the ridiculous procedure of having to go through the guild—and pay a commission—to do business with a blacksmith.
"Welcome."
An employee greeted him listlessly from behind a computer.
He didn't even lift his head as Lee Hyun-wook approached.
Forcing people to use the guild counter and then providing this level of service... it spoke volumes about the guild's standards.
"Hello."
"Oh, yeah, what can I do for you?"
"One moment..."
Lee Hyun-wook pretended to look for a business card in his wallet, but instead, he took out several others one by one.
Thump— Thump— Thump—
The business card of Warrant Officer Cheon Myeong-ho, tactical instructor of the Black Tiger Unit.
The business card of Catherine Yoo, head of the Cheonghwa Guild's Seoul Assault Division.
And finally, the card that Battalion Commander Kim Kang-seok had given him, telling him to call if he ran into any trouble on leave.
As those three cards with their brilliant names were laid on the desk...
"..."
...the employee's expression changed completely.
*Huh? Who is this guy?*
he thought.
If a man holding cards like these confidently tried to present his own from the get-go, the implication was crystal clear.
*...This guy is a big shot!*
It was a perfectly natural line of thought to reach that conclusion.
The employee shot up from his chair, plastering a visible smile on his face.
"Ah, damn... I seem to have forgotten my own business card."
"Hahaha, that's quite all right, sir. Please, have a seat over here."
What did a business card matter? The employee gestured very politely to a sofa on one side of the office.
"Sir, if you tell me what you're looking for, I'll select some of our finest items to show you."
"Actually, I'm not here for an item. I'm looking for a person."
"Ah! You're looking for a personal blacksmith? In that case, may I recommend an artisan perfectly suited to your item's needs?"
The weapons that pierced monster barriers and sliced through bone and flesh, the equipment of combat-type Players, always needed repairs, and that was the job of Blacksmith Players.
High-ranking Players, in particular, wouldn't entrust their expensive gear to just anyone; they often kept a 'personal blacksmith' to professionally manage their items.
"No, I have someone specific in mind."
"Ah... is that so?"
The employee looked displeased.
The guild's power lay in its authority to recommend blacksmiths to new clients, which meant more opportunities went to the blacksmiths who kowtowed to the guild's core leadership.
"Well, may I ask the artisan's name?"
"Master Kang Jeong-du."
"..."
The employee's expression hardened even more.
*It's probably because his name is excluded from the recommendation list.*
Master Kang Jeong-du was a man who refused to meekly follow the guild's massive structure.
As a result, he had fallen out of favor with the guild and was now getting the cold shoulder.
*But he's one of the most skilled blacksmiths there is.*
The employee hesitated before speaking.
"Uh, sir, his performance record isn't very good. I could introduce you to someone more skilled..."
"No, I insist on Master Kang Jeong-du."
"..."
"Did you not hear me?"
"Hahaha... If you insist, sir. Very well."
The employee had, as expected, tried to exclude Kang Jeong-du.
If not for the business card gambit, he might have been turned away at the door.
A moment later, an inner door opened and an old man with white hair appeared.
*Master Kang Jeong-du. I've heard his name countless times, but this is the first time I've seen him in person.*
He would pass away in just four years, but until then, he was a true master who would create incredible items.
*If I play my cards right, I can have everything he creates.*
Just seeing this great man in person made Lee Hyun-wook's heart tremble.
"My goodness, sir, I heard you were looking for this old man. I am Kang Jeong-du."
The white-haired old man bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle.
"Sir, if you don't mind, could we speak at your workshop?"
"...Well, this old man's place is quite humble."
"That's fine."
The employee's face stiffened once again.
The client wanted to go to the workshop of a 'blacklisted' blacksmith instead of staying in the guild office; of course he didn't like it. But having already mistaken him for a VIP, he didn't seem to dare try and stop him.
Lee Hyun-wook followed him to a shabby building in the furthest corner of Blacksmith Alley.
Inside the workshop, where a rusty shutter was half-open, there was only a small anvil, a forge, and a rusty workbench.
"It's quite shabby, I'm embarrassed. It's fine if you just want to look around and leave."
"Not at all. This place feels full of your experience, sir."
"I'm truly happy to hear you say that."
The dwelling was humble, but the items hanging inside were not.
Right from the entrance, Lee Hyun-wook spotted something incredible.
It was a black spear.
*That's a javelin made with an orichalcum tip.*
It was one of the javelins that would later be used by the 'Dragon Knight' of Salzburg.
*It doesn't seem to have the barrier-shattering effect applied yet. It'll probably be completed in about a year.*
Gulp—
He couldn't help but swallow.
But he couldn't dare to obtain it now.
Even Master Kang Jeong-du would know its value, so he couldn't just ask to buy it. Besides, Lee Hyun-wook didn't have that kind of money yet.
*Even when Master Kang sold everything else, he never easily parted with that one.*
From what Lee Hyun-wook had heard, just before Kang Jeong-du's death, the Austrian hero, the Dragon Knight, had come in person and, after half a day of persuasion, finally acquired the spear, vowing to plunge it into the heart of the dragon 'Tarasque' that had appeared on the European continent.
And in the end, that spear became the 'Dragon Slayer.'
*Hoo... For now, I need to stick to my own level and eat metal imbued with magical properties.*
He would grow by eating any metal, but as he'd reminded himself several times, he had to find and eat high-quality metal—especially metal containing magic.
In that case, not only would his metal control increase, but he would also gain 'Skills' and 'Resistance' to specific types of magic. If that resistance reached its peak, he would achieve 'Immunity.'
For instance, if he kept eating metal enchanted with the fire attribute, he could be engulfed in flames and not get burned.
*Right now, I need poison immunity.*
The precursor to the 4th Wave, an event that would happen in two days—
for that very moment, he desperately needed 'Poison Immunity.'
"Sir, I don't work alone. I have an assistant. I'll have her greet you."
"Haha, of course."
"Hey, Hee-seol!"
The seventy-year-old man had a strong voice.
At his call, footsteps could be heard from a room in the back of the workshop.
"Ugh, what!"
A voice as loud as her grandfather's, but it was a high-pitched girl's voice.
"I was practicing my enchanting!"
The inner door opened, and a girl with a short bob and a face covered in soot came out.
*Kang Hee-seol. She's still so young.*
A rough calculation of her age placed her around the first or second year of high school.
*Kang Jeong-du dies four years from now.*
It wasn't due to any particular illness, but a natural death from old age, so there was no way for Lee Hyun-wook to stop it.
*But that girl, Kang 'Snow White' Hee-seol, will continue to grow. And one day, she and seven Dwarf artisans will create the first Master-grade item.*
In this game, there's a 'Family System.'
Simply put, 'family history' is reflected in a Player's abilities.
For example, if a father Awakened as a Mage Player, his children would have a high chance of gaining Mage-related traits upon their own Awakening.
Seo Eun-ha, the second daughter of Army Paladin Commander General Seo Baek-jin, being a Paladin Player was one such example, and Kang Hee-seol, as Kang Jeong-du's granddaughter, had likewise Awakened with the traits of a blacksmith.
"Huh? Who's this guy?"
"He's not just some guy, he's a client!"
"Ah! A mark~"
"This brat... a, a, a 'mark'?! Your language is unbelievable!"
"But, Grandpa, you're always..."
"You little...! When are you going to grow up?"
Lee Hyun-wook chuckled.
*Just as I thought, a total brat. Not that she'll ever grow out of it.*
Lee Hyun-wook knew full well that she had learned that foul mouth from her grandfather, Kang Jeong-du.
*Kang Jeong-du. He looks gentle on the outside, but he's a stubborn and resolute old man.*
How else could he have stood up to the Blacksmiths' Guild and made an enemy of them?
"Haha, it's quite all right. I see your granddaughter is a Blacksmith Player as well."
"It seems fate has dealt her a strange hand."
"To see a family carrying on the trade like this, it makes me trust you with my business even more."
At Lee Hyun-wook's words, Kang Jeong-du showed an expression of humble gratitude.
"My, I will do my absolute best."
Lee Hyun-wook bought as much of the 'Poison Attribute' enchanted magic metal as he could from Kang Jeong-du's workshop.
It weighed a whole 11 kilograms, and the price alone was 22 million won.
In addition to that, he bought a useful dagger made of magic metal and twenty steel balls.
These 3cm-diameter steel balls, in particular, were a mithril-tungsten alloy. With their decent weight and inherent magic resistance, they would be effective at shattering a monster's 'Barrier.'
Above all, steel balls were easy metal to control, as their center of gravity was in the middle, requiring almost no effort to balance them.
*2.9 million won for 20 magic metal steel balls is a pretty good deal.*
A.M.T soldiers were allowed to purchase and bring in their own personal weapons like this.
*It's a good thing I was diligently putting money into a savings account back then.*
As professional soldiers, A.M.T members received a monthly salary comparable to an office worker's, but like most soldiers, they spent all their time on base and had few opportunities to spend money.
Thus, he currently had about 38 million won in his bank account.
"Oh, thank you so much, sir!"
Having earned several months' income in a single transaction, Kang Jeong-du was ecstatic, and Kang Hee-seol stood dumbfounded, wiping drool from her mouth.
"Wow! T-Twenty million won! Awesome... Grandpa, tonight let's get chicken and pizza and..."
"You little—! That mouth of— ahem, just keep your mouth shut!"
That tomboyish image of hers wouldn't change even when she got older.
"The items are excellent. I'll be coming by often, so please stay healthy."
"Oh, of course, sir."
"I'll see you again too, young lady."
"Yep, yep! I hope we can see each other often! Hehe!"
"Oh, this girl..."
In fact, Lee Hyun-wook was the one who would benefit more from meeting often.
And just like that, a source for high-quality metal was secured.
***
Lee Hyun-wook got a room at a nearby motel.
"Hoo..."
And now, he sat cross-legged in the middle of the room, his expression tense.
Piled before him was the 'Poison Attribute' 'enchanted' metal he had bought from Kang Jeong-du.
He had requested it be cut into pieces the size of a fingertip, so each one was small enough to swallow in one go.
He picked one up and swallowed it.
Gulp—
- Time remaining for metal absorption: (00:19:59).
Normally, it would have taken that long, but things were different now.
Lee Hyun-wook focused his energy in his lower abdomen.
Vroooom—
A vibration resonated from deep within his body.
How to describe it? It felt as if a giant machine was starting up.
The new organ created from absorbing the Demon's Medal (Inferno)—
the 'Internal Furnace'—was activating.
- The Internal Furnace activates, drastically increasing metal absorption efficiency. (+250%)
It went beyond simply digesting the metal; it was literally melting and absorbing it.
However...
- Warning! Severe pain will follow!
- Warning! Severe pain will follow!
- Warning! Severe pain will follow!
"...Ghk!"
A pain like his entire body was on fire accompanied it.
Lee Hyun-wook endured the agony, gritting his teeth.
It was maddening, but he had to bear it.
If he did...
*Eleven kilograms of metal. I will absorb it all by the end of the day!*
...The Lee Hyun-wook of tomorrow would awaken three times stronger than he was now.