Strike 70

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After the interview broadcast ended, the broadcasting company sent Hyun-soo back.

Hyun-soo immediately headed to the forge.

‘Rowen…’

Black Anvil Forge.

The top blacksmith guild in Korea.

With around 500 members, most of them were high-level blacksmiths.

That’s how rankings work.

The most outstanding guild attracts the most outstanding people.

In fact, Black Anvil was ranked first, monopolizing 40% of the country’s artifact sales market.

As Hyun-soo stood in the forge, he received a whisper message.

[Nel: I watched the broadcast, it was interesting. It’s great how Rowen is helping to promote your forge.]

[Hyun-soo: Indeed.]

It was a great opportunity for Hyun-soo.

[Nel: The three artifacts you’ll show on the broadcast will be crucial. Have you decided what to make?]

[Hyun-soo: Yes, I have.]

[Nel: Can I know what they are?]

[Hyun-soo: Repetitions.]

[Nel: Repetitions?]

[Hyun-soo: Yes, I plan to make artifacts that I’ve previously created under emergency production.]

[Nel: Ah…]

[Hyun-soo: Although they were made under emergency, they were all based on my knowledge. I have the designs ready, so I can start making them right away without any pause.]

[Nel: I see, and you know why Rowen gave you this mission, right?]

Hyun-soo chuckled.

[Hyun-soo: I’m aware.]

[Nel: Are you okay with it?]

[Hyun-soo: I don’t rely on automatic production.]

Hyun-soo was aware of the rumors about hastily made artifacts.

A user once uploaded a video comparing an artifact made in 10 days to one made in 3 days.

The 10-day artifact, made using automatic production, was significantly superior in effect and grade.

This was a clear case of the pitfalls of automatic production.

But Hyun-soo’s approach was different.

‘There’s nothing easier than remaking something you already know.’

Hyun-soo decided to focus on production.

[Hyun-soo: I don’t have much time, so I’ll start making them now.]

[Nel: Alright, good luck.]

Standing in front of the forge, Hyun-soo pondered.

He had made several artifacts through emergency production.

‘I can’t say I’ve put my best effort into them.’

Artifacts made in just tens of seconds.

Yet, their effectiveness turned out impressively well.

‘The time-attack dungeon is divided into three stages.’

He understood the broadcaster’s intention.

One artifact for each stage.

To prove their worth in the corresponding situation.

Hyun-soo decided on three artifacts, each suitable for a stage.

‘Let’s start with this one.’

[Starting Divine Customization.]

Hyun-soo quickly began his work.

***

The Ares community was buzzing.

[Black Anvil’s guild leader Rowen gave blacksmith Hyun a mission LOL.]

[For real?]

[Yeah, it’s in the preview of AJ Internet Broadcasting.]

[Wow, the preview has 70,000 views already?]

[Well, he’s ranked 41st in the country and called one of the top three craftsmen. And I heard Black Anvil is trying to recruit Hyun.]

[Haha!]

[But I feel like the mission is more about a showdown between Hyun and Rowen.]

[Agreed.]

[Same here.]

[Like they’re asking Hyun to prove himself?]

[And if he does?]

[Then Rowen will have to pay up, give him fame, and admiration.]

[And if Hyun fails?]

[Then his value might drop, he’s famous for being superior and special. If he’s not, then ordinary ranked blacksmiths might seem better.]

[Public execution LOL.]

[I bet on Rowen winning.]

[Me too.]

[Rowen is the guild leader of the top-ranked guild, even though he’s second in individual ranking. He must have anticipated this.]

[Indeed…]

At that moment.

Nel was hopeful.

‘The key is to attract many viewers to the live broadcast.’

That way, more people would be surprised and spread the word.

The problem was, even she couldn’t gauge the current interest in the preview.

But she found out about the response from nearby.

Spy(?) Nel heard from Rune, the master of Golden Shield Guild.

“I’m going to watch this broadcast too. It’s Hyun’s first official production request. And from what I heard, other rankers are also watching this time.”

Curiously, Nel asked.

“Why?”

“Hyun has been smashing all his production requests so far. Rankers are grinding their teeth saying, ‘Let’s see how good you make it.'”

“Ah…?”

Rune was also a member of a chat group with many high-ranking wizards.

“Wizard ranked 2nd, Brown, archer ranked 4th, Hansen, and the dwarf leg blacksmith guild leader. From what I heard, a lot of guild masters are planning to watch.”

And Nel saw it.

Simply by existing, Hyun’s forge subscriptions increased because of the Rowen incident.

***

“This should be enough.”

Hyun-soo smiled contentedly as he looked at the three artifacts he had crafted for the stages of the challenge.

He was aware that the broadcast time was drawing near.

‘I hope these three artifacts maximize our profits…’

Nel had mentioned that a significant number of top players might watch the broadcast.

The first step in selling these artifacts at a high price was to prove their value.

The next step was to maximize the value of those already proven.

A thought then flashed through Hyun-soo’s mind.

‘That’s it…’

A smile formed on Hyun-soo’s lips.

That idea would be enough, especially if the prideful top players were watching the broadcast, the impact would likely be maximized.

Soon, a notification appeared for Hyun-soo.

[You have received an invitation from AJ Internet Broadcasting.]

Hyun-soo was hopeful.

The more viewers the main broadcast attracted, the more impact it would have in promoting Hyun’s Forge.

‘The quality items are already prepared.’

That’s why the number of viewers was crucial.

Standing in front of the Time-Attack Dungeon, Hyun-soo could see the number of viewers in the top left corner.

[Current Viewers: 88,414.]

***

Producer Kim Min-woo was astounded.

“Crazy…?”

Viewership of 80,000.

Such numbers were only seen in the early days of the broadcast.

‘Was the impact that Rowen made that significant?’

-Blacksmith Hyun. I’m here to see if you made something good with my request.

-I’m here for that too LOL

-Me too… LOL Didn’t even get a reply.

‘No, it’s not just Rowen. The mystique surrounding Hyun also adds value.’

The real star here was the crazy rookie.

Soon, Producer Kim spoke to Hyun-soo away from the cameras with a puzzled expression.

“…You want to conduct a live auction?”

“Yes.”

“Of course, we’re fine as long as it draws viewers…”

Kim’s concern was singular.

‘What if it doesn’t live up to expectations and backfires?’

But the crazy rookie just smirked.

“Then, let them know I’ve approved, and I’ll proceed with it.”

“Ah, okay. We’re starting the broadcast now.”

The countdown began on the screen for the viewers.

-5

-4

-3

-2

-1

-The broadcast is starting.

The crazy rookie and Blacksmith Hyun’s first broadcast began.

***

The viewers soon saw the crazy rookie entering the Time-Attack Dungeon.

Below him on the hill, a dense group of monsters around levels 80-100 was visible.

Producer Kim explained beside Hyun-soo.

“The first stage is simple. There are about 40 monsters below. The goal is to break through them and destroy the red gem placed on the opposite hill, 400 meters away.”

As the crazy rookie nodded, Kim added.

“For reference, the record holder, Prow, is currently 7th in the country’s combined rankings. His record is 1 minute and 23 seconds. It has never been broken. And our broadcast offers a prize. If someone breaks the total record, they win ten million won.”

A broad smile appeared on the crazy rookie’s face.

-He’s gone crazy after hearing about the money. LOL

-Oh, a capitalist player, I like honest players.

-What’s your guess on the time cut?

-The average for people on this show is 4 minutes, so maybe 3 minutes?

-The crazy rookie is wearing artifacts made by Hyun.

-Is Rowen watching this!!!?

-Yes.

-Why is he actually appearing?

-??? LOL

-Wow, Rowen actually showed up LOL

-I guess Rowen came to see what artifacts were made.

Finally, the countdown began in the Time-Attack Dungeon.

-Don’t they usually get ready to run?

-Yeah. The crazy rookie isn’t doing it?

All viewers wore puzzled expressions.

And the record details appeared on the top left corner for the viewers to see.

[Current Record Holder: Prow. 1 minute 23 seconds.]

-Wow, Prow’s record is always impressive, regardless of when you see it.

-LOL, how is that even humanly possible?

-That’s why he’s ranked 7th overall.

-Oh, it’s starting.

As the countdown ended, all the viewers expected Hyun-soo to spring into action. However, Hyun-soo remained silently standing in his spot. Then, he did something unexpected.

Click-

-Isn’t that the arrow from the last time?

The black arrow, used in the Super Rookie competition, was fitted into his bow. Hyun-soo then drew the bowstring with all his might, aiming at the gem 400 meters away.

-???

-Is he crazy?

-Is he serious?

He released the arrow with force.

Whoosh!

The arrow tore through the air but fell short of the gem, landing on the ground.

-What is he doing?

-Such a waste of time LOL

-Unbelievable LOL. Does he really think he can hit something 400 meters away?

-But it did go quite far. Maybe around 250 meters.

The viewers were endlessly puzzled by his bizarre action. Rowen, watching the broadcast, felt the same.

‘What in the world is he doing?’

The arrow lay futilely on the ground. Then, Hyun-soo murmured, “Retrieve.”

Swoosh-

On the screen, Hyun-soo looked as if he expected this, and Rowen’s brows furrowed.

Then, Hyun-soo on the screen announced, “I’ll reveal the first artifact.”

“Could it be…!” Rowen rose to his feet.

He put on a black gauntlet on his right hand.

Click-

He fitted the arrow into the bow again.

Click-

With the gauntlet on, he drew the bowstring with great force.

Twang-

The bowstring was pulled taut. And the changes brought by the worn artifact appeared on the viewers’ screens.

[Strength increases by 111.]

[Range significantly increases.]

[With the increased strength stat, penetration and destructive power are enhanced, and range is greatly extended.]

The moment Hyun-soo released the bowstring.

Whoosh!

The arrow flew with a piercing sound, penetrating the gem 400 meters away and shattering it.

Crash!

Rowen’s eyes widened as he saw the gem completely destroyed.

“Using the gauntlet to increase range and break it?”

At that moment, Rowen saw a notification pop up for Hyun-soo.

[Congratulations.]

[You have set a new record for Stage 1 of the Time-Attack Dungeon.]

[Your record is 41 seconds.]

The shock didn’t end there.

Rowen had placed a mission for Hyun-soo: 1 million won for Rare, 3 million for Epic, and 10 million for Unique.

Soon, Hyun-soo said, “Thank you for the 10 million won donation, Rowen.”

Rowen understood the meaning of those words.

“Unique…?”

Yes, that artifact was Unique.

A grade that 95% of blacksmith players never achieve in their lifetime.

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