Strike 45

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Hyun-soo marveled at the mineral contained in the box.

“Orichalcum?”

Orichalcum must be a mineral commonly known to the public.

“Actually, the mineral I intended to give you was mithril, as it’s a special mineral I possess.”

Hyun-soo had already made use of mithril to create Light, although he was just a beginner.

However, this was different from mithril in terms of quality.

“This orichalcum is a precious item passed down through generations by my ancestors.”

“Isn’t it a family heirloom then? Giving me something so precious…”

Noticing Hyun-soo’s worried look, Kern smiled.

“What’s the use then? It’s been neglected in the storage for centuries; even the ancestors would understand. It’s meant for a benefactor.”

“…Thank you.”

Hyun-soo smiled slightly.

He then took the orichalcum and first examined its appearance.

It looked like a mystical stone in its current form, not yet refined or smelted.

After examining its appearance, he reviewed its information.

(Lowest Grade Orichalcum)

Grade: Legendary

Restriction: Artisan blacksmith above level 300

Difficulty: High

Special Abilities

·Increases cutting power by 82% when making a sword.

·Increases penetration power by 81% when making arrows.

·Increases strength and agility by up to 35%.

·Increases attack speed by up to 70%.

·Durability increases indefinitely.

Description: Orichalcum, a mineral of legend. It is lighter than any other mineral and almost indestructible due to its superior strength.

‘It’s incredible…’

It was an exceptionally superior mineral.

What was even more astonishing was its lightweight nature combined with the highest strength, defying common sense.

The only downside was that it was the lowest grade of orichalcum.

Typically, the same mineral is classified into different grades: lowest, low, medium, high, and highest.

“I’m sorry for the small quantity.”

Indeed, it was a minuscule amount. Hyun-soo could tell at a glance that it was barely enough to make even a small dagger.

“This orichalcum is too little for that.”

“It’s alright. I can combine it with other metals.”

Then, Hyun-soo felt a chill run down his spine.

‘What would happen if I made a sword with 100% top-grade orichalcum?’

He swallowed nervously.

“…May I know where this mineral was obtained?”

“I heard it was acquired from the elves.”

“The elves?”

“Yes, it was obtained from the land of the elves by my ancestor, as far as I know. I don’t have the exact details.”

Hyun-soo looked at Kern, who appeared apologetic, and shook his head.

“Thank you for telling me.”

He noticed that Kern’s expression was not good.

“…Can’t you stay in our Cassel domain? If you stay, I’ll make sure you’re not lacking anything.”

This was a promise from the lord himself, implying that he could offer Hyun-soo a significant position.

He was a benefactor, after all.

But Hyun-soo bowed his head.

“I’m sorry. I have a place I need to go.”

“A place to go… May I ask where?”

“I intend to meet His Majesty Barad of the Goyard Kingdom. I’ve heard he’s looking for me.”

Kern’s face was filled with surprise.

‘King Barad…?’

Although not a king of the Prime Kingdom, Kern was well aware of the stories of King Barad.

‘Such an important person is looking for him?’

Kern realized that Hyun-soo, a foreigner, was beyond his ability to accommodate.

And he genuinely wished him well.

Meeting King Barad would be more valuable to him than staying here.

“I understand. I’ll prepare a carriage for you. Have a safe journey, and feel free to visit the Cassel domain anytime.”

Hyun-soo was grateful for Kern’s kindness until the end.

After saying goodbye, he boarded the prepared carriage.

“It’s a long journey to the capital of the Goyard Kingdom. You should rest.”

The coachman’s voice was kind. Hyun-soo felt the reality of being a benefactor of the Cassel domain.

Looking back, he saw the Cassel domain fading into the distance. There was a sense of regret, but meeting King Barad would be a turning point in his life.

‘A king, and one of the ten legends of the continent.’

He couldn’t yet fathom the reward he would receive if he made the sword the king desired.

Lost in these thoughts, Hyun-soo fell asleep and woke up as they entered the capital of the Goyard Kingdom.

“Thank you for the ride.”

After completing his registration, Hyun-soo immediately headed to submit his entry form for the Super Rookie Tournament.

At the registration desk, a man named Beckel from the Goyard Kingdom was accepting the applications.

“Here’s my application form.”

Beckel, upon receiving the form, nodded.

“The Super Rookie Tournament starts in two days. The winner’s prize includes 1,000 gold coins and the opportunity for further negotiation.”

1,000 gold coins.

That was a considerable amount, equivalent to about a million Korean Won.

“What does ‘negotiation in addition to 1,000 gold coins’ mean?”

“That’s a good question,” Beckel replied with a small smile.

“It means the reward can vary depending on your contribution in the tournament. Not all victories are the same. The Super Rookie Tournament has been held several times already.”

Hyun-soo listened attentively.

“The past winners each achieved different levels of contribution. The highest was 29%, and on average, about 15%.”

Hyun-soo began to understand the concept of contribution and negotiation.

“So, even if someone is a winner, if they have a higher contribution, they can negotiate for a better reward?”

“Exactly. The last winner achieved the highest contribution ever and took home 3,000 gold coins in negotiation.”

“Three times the usual prize?”

Hyun-soo’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Yes, that’s correct. Do you understand the concept of negotiation now?”

“Absolutely.”

“I’ll process this application form. The tournament will start at 9 AM in two days.”

[Your participation in the Super Rookie Tournament is confirmed.]

With his participation confirmed, Hyun-soo asked the most crucial question.

“If I win this time, will I be able to meet His Majesty Barad?”

At this question, Beckel grimaced.

“So, you’re also one of the foreigners eager to meet His Majesty Barad. Unfortunately, from this tournament onwards, His Majesty will no longer meet with the winners.”

It was a bolt from the blue.

There were essentially two ways Hyun-soo knew to meet Barad: winning the Super Rookie Tournament or using the High-Ranker Road.

With the first option potentially ruled out, Hyun-soo tried whispering to the Road.

[Hyun-soo: Hello.]

[Lord is currently in a no-whisper area.]

Hyun-soo’s face crumpled.

‘Should I use the auction house note?’

However, he realized that meeting Barad through the auction house could take a considerable amount of time.

‘Ordinary people don’t connect to the auction house unless necessary.’

People don’t access the auction house unless they need something.

Of course, he could wait. But it could be an endless wait, and for Hyun-soo, it felt like a waste of time.

“Is there no way to meet His Majesty?”

Beckel was firm.

“No, His Majesty no longer meets Super Rookie winners because he doesn’t see the value in it. He governs this country, and even if someone is a remarkable talent, they are just a fledgling in His Majesty’s eyes.”

Beckel sighed.

“Let me be frank with you,” he said softly to the shocked Hyun-soo.

“You’re still quite inexperienced. Even I or the notable nobles of the kingdom find it difficult to meet His Majesty. How could you expect to meet him? You should give up on that idea.”

But then, an idea sparked in Hyun-soo’s eyes.

“Fortunately, I just thought of a way to meet him.”

“Huh?”

Beckel looked puzzled.

The foreigner named Hyun-soo, who was now smiling faintly, asked, “Could you tell me where the rental forge is?”

“The rental forge is over that way.”

“Thank you.”

And with that, Hyun-soo, the foreigner, quickly walked away. Watching his departing figure, Beckel sighed.

“They’re all the same.”

Everyone believes they are special.

Beckel, a long-time worker in the royal household of the kingdom, knew that the only way to see the king was from a distance.

Then he frowned, wondering, ‘What method is he thinking of?’

***

Nel decided to become the first guild member of Hyun’s forge.

Although Hyun’s forge guild wasn’t officially established yet, Nel kept in constant contact with Hyun-soo through whispers.

And Nel was determined to elevate Hyun-soo’s status.

Nel knew it well.

‘Making Hyun-soo the best will be the most brilliant achievement in my career.’

Elevating him would increase her own value.

Soon, Nel frowned as she exchanged messages with him.

[Hyun-soo: …So, King Barad won’t meet the tournament winner anymore.]

“Not meeting them?”

Hyun-soo had said he would meet King Barad. Nel had felt a thrilling sensation when she heard that. But on second thought, she realized she too wouldn’t see the need to meet the winners.

King Barad was one of the top ten legends.

Sure, he created the tournament, but to him, the super rookies were just novices.

Isn’t it enough that he at least attends?

[Nel: Then, are you planning to meet with someone named Lord to see him?]

[Hyun-soo: No. I’ve just thought of a way and I’m heading to the rental forge.]

“A way you’ve just thought of?”

Could a level 50 player really find a way to meet the king?

[Nel: What’s the method?]

[Hyun-soo: The Super Rookie Tournament’s winner is determined by their contribution.]

Nel knew this.

She had thoroughly researched the Super Rookie Tournament since Hyun-soo was participating, hoping to help him even in the slightest.

[Hyun-soo: The highest contribution ever recorded was 29%.]

Nel was well aware of that fact.

[Hyun-soo: So, what if I achieve over 50% contribution?]

“Excuse me?”

What did she just hear?

Achieving 50% contribution in the Super Rookie Tournament?

[Hyun-soo: King Barad will be attending, that’s for sure.]

Nel, who was biting her nails in thought, eventually nodded.

“It’s not an impossible idea…”

After all, the Super Rookie Tournament is meant to discover talent.

It was King Barad who initiated the tournament.

The fact that he no longer meets the contestants suggests that none have impressed him so far.

‘Over 50% contribution…’

She pondered the idea.

What if he surpasses 50%? If that really happens?

“No, what if…”

What if it’s more than 50%? It could be possible, just like Hyun-soo’s idea.

‘Incredible…!’

Even Barad must be in need of truly exceptional and strong talents.

And there was something more astonishing.

“You’re a blacksmith…!”

But how will he achieve over 50% contribution?

[Nel: Do you have a method?]

[Hyun-soo: Yes, I do. :)]

[Nel: Can I know what it is?]

[Hyun-soo: It’s what I do best.]

Nel looked puzzled.

“The thing you do best? Ah…!”

What Hyun-soo excels in – artifact creation. This made Nel curious again.

“What on earth is he planning to make…?”

Her heart raced.

What this crazy blacksmith would show at the Super Rookie Tournament.

She smiled and said, “Go for it, try it. Make the king want to meet you.”

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