Strike 74

Prev I TOC I Next

Before appearing on AJ Broadcasting, the subscriber count for Hyun’s Forge was about 320,000, ranking 83rd.

Hyun-soo aimed for around 370,000 subscribers, targeting the 60th spot in the rankings.

Checking the subscribers and rank after logging into Hyun’s Forge at the auction house, Hyun-soo found:

[Subscribers of Hyun’s Forge: 417,413.]

[Current rank in Korea’s Forges: 49th.]

“Wow…”

The subscriber increase was even more than Hyun-soo had expected.

‘Is this the power of broadcasting?’

Especially since AJ Internet Broadcasting had been struggling with some of the lowest viewership numbers recently.

Upon exiting the dungeon, Kim PD was there.

Kim PD had been following the current situation in real-time.

‘Unbelievable…’

It was the highest viewership in two years.

And AJ Internet Broadcasting had been considering scrapping some content and creating new ones recently.

The director had said:

‘We’re at the bottom of all internet broadcasters in viewership… I can’t show my face. We might need to make some major changes.’

Kim PD felt immense pressure from this statement, fearing for his job.

But then…

[Director Lee Taeho: This broadcast was excellent. To reverse the viewership trend of two years is something. Let’s give a bonus this time. Getting Hyun and the ‘Crazy Rookie’ was a stroke of genius.]

Kim PD, receiving this private message, felt uplifted. It was all thanks to Hyun and the ‘Crazy Rookie.’

“Crazy Rookie, the viewership was great this time. We’d love to have you again if there’s a chance. If you have any shows you want to be on or need help, please contact us.”

[AJ Internet Broadcasting PD Kim Minwoo]

Receiving Kim’s business card, Hyun-soo noticed the changed expression on Kim PD’s face compared to their first meeting.

“The total donation was 37 million Won. After fees, we’ll deposit about 25 million Won to you, along with a 1,000 Won bonus for setting a new record. By the way, where is Blacksmith Hyun?”

“Blacksmith Hyun asked to receive everything in my account and then distribute it. You’ll know if you contact him.”

“Got it. See you next time.”

After Kim PD logged out, Hyun-soo smiled contentedly.

‘Donations alone amount to 25 million Won…’

It was a significant sum. Soon after, Hyun-soo received another notification.

[Hyun’s ninth custom-made gauntlet sold for 65,000 gold to Ian.]

It was a whopping 65 million Won.

Including production time, it took about 10 days in-game to make nearly 100 million Won in revenue.

Hyun-soo then found an interesting note at Hyun’s Forge.

[I am Rowen, Guild Master of Black Anvil Forge. I want to offer Blacksmith Hyun terms for joining. You set your price. Whatever it is, we’ll meet it and promise more support than any other guild.]

Rowen.

He had previously set a mission for Hyun-soo.

His attitude seemed completely changed after watching the broadcast.

Hyun-soo, as usual, responded decisively and checked other notes.

[Hello, I’m FlyingChicken. We’re interested in advertising our brand on Hyun’s Forge.]

[Nice to meet you, Blacksmith Hyun. We are a startup company…]

These were advertising offers. Hyun-soo was now in the top 50 subscriber rankings.

Hyun-soo remembered talking with Nel.

‘Someday we’ll shoot commercials too. It’ll have a huge financial impact.’

Hyun-soo looked forward to the day of their first commercial.

He then returned to the capital of the Goyard Kingdom and submitted the guild founding document to the Guild Establishment NPC.

The guild’s name was temporary.

[You have established the Guild Bright Future.]

[You have become the Guild Master of Bright Future.]

Ding!

[You have acquired the title: Lord’s Grace.]

Hyun-soo looked at it, puzzled.

(Lord’s Grace)

Unique Title

Grade: S

Special Abilities:

· Activates with an 8% chance when someone feels they owe you a lifelong debt of gratitude.

· Upon activation, they may develop a strong desire to join you, along with high respect and loyalty, and possibly other emotions.

· They may offer to serve you as a vassal.

Hyun-soo reminisced about the time he acquired the miner Banya. Accompanied by a notification of a special event, Banya had suddenly offered to become his vassal.

The reason lay here.

Looking at his newly created guild, Hyun-soo felt satisfied.

The guild’s name could be changed.

He planned to rename it ‘Hyun’s Forge’ later, revealing that Hyun-soo and the ‘Crazy Rookie’ were the same person.

He checked the details of his guild, Bright Future.

(Bright Future)

Guild Master: Hyun-soo

Members: None

Territory: None

Achievements: None

Vassals: None

Rival Guilds: None

Description: A newly established guild named Bright Future.

It was quite modest.

But Bright Future was a bit different from other guilds just starting out.

[Nel has joined Guild Bright Future.]

[Bark has joined Guild Bright Future.]

Soon, the guild chat became active.

[Bark: ‘Bright Future,’ huh? I like the name.]

[Nel: I’m feeling good about this. Our first task as a guild should be to decide on a base and recruit a few elite members. I’ll look into potential locations for our base.]

Choosing a base was crucial.

It was where the guild would mainly operate.

Especially for a blacksmith guild like Bright Future, they needed their own forge, not just a temporary rental.

And the members.

‘We can’t just accept anyone if we’re going to be a small elite group.’

They had to be trustworthy.

And it was important that even with a small group, they could stand strong against larger threats to the guild.

[Guild Master Hyun-soo: I’m going to stop by the forge and then meet with Sword King Barad. He asked me to come see him once I’ve established the guild.]

[Nel: Looking forward to it.]

[Bark: Good luck! I’ll be leveling up in the meantime.]

After ending the guild chat, Hyun-soo headed straight to the forge. His reason for going there?

‘I’ve realized, I’m still too weak.’

He was only level 100.

People like Ian and Rowen from the recent broadcast were mostly over level 300.

‘Our guild needs to stay small and elite for now.’

It was necessary.

While numerous guilds sending love calls was a good thing, not everyone viewed the world kindly.

‘There could be those wanting to take down a small but strong Bright Future.’

That’s why he created the guild secretly.

And as a guild master, Hyun-soo needed to become stronger to be prepared for any situation.

How to become stronger?

Fortunately, Hyun-soo had a relatively easy way to do so.

(Fenrir’s Damaged Helmet)

Grade: Epic, Irreparable

Durability: 500/4,000

Defense: 148

Requirement: Level 100 and above

Special Abilities:

· Strength +8, Stamina +11

· Magic Defense +12%.

· Lightning Resistance +27%.

· Active Skill: Minor Wolf’s Howling.

· Passive Skill: Ripping.

· Wearing two out of three set artifacts increases all effects by 3%.

· Wearing all three increases all effects by 10%.

Description: The damaged helmet of Fenrir, severely damaged to the point of losing its original form. Only the original creator can repair it.

(Fenrir’s Torn Cloak)

Grade: Epic, Irreparable

Durability: 1,000/8,000

Defense: 201

Requirement: Level 100 and above

Special Abilities:

· Axe Mastery Lv.2 increase.

· Magic Defense +15%.

· Lightning Resistance +32%.

· Active Skill: Wolf Charge.

· Passive Skill: Meager Wolf’s Eye.

· Wearing two out of three set artifacts increases all effects by 3%.

· Wearing all three increases all effects by 10%.

Description: Fenrir’s torn cloak, so tattered it resembles rags. If seen in the market, one might mistake it for a worthless garment. Only the original creator can repair it.

‘The effects these items have despite their damage is astounding.’

The Fenrir’s Helmet was shaped like a wolf’s head but was so damaged that its features were barely discernible.

And the Fenrir’s Torn Cloak was just as remarkable.

The red cloak looked like a patchwork of rags.

If it were displayed in a market based on its appearance alone, it would be considered trash.

But the most crucial aspect was there.

‘An irrepairable artifact.’

Hyun-soo chuckled. He already understood the concept of irrepairable artifacts.

‘Who could be the original creator?’

It was intriguing, considering that the artifacts were made using parts like Fenrir’s hide or teeth.

But he quickly dismissed these thoughts.

‘Once the repair is done, I’ll visit His Majesty Barad.’

Hyun-soo began the repair work.

***

In the Royal Garden

In the influential Balo’s recent audience with the king of the Goyard Kingdom, something noteworthy happened. The king was petting a wolf’s head, a new hobby he’d taken up since deciding to embrace life again. But this pet was no ordinary animal. The wolf, with its white fur, boasted a level of 270 and was even classified as a boss monster. Several other black-furred wolves gracefully roamed the garden.

During their conversation, Balo, known for his power to summon other nobles, asked the king about Hyun-soo establishing a guild.

“I heard you wanted Hyun-soo to visit you after founding his guild.”

The king confirmed this.

“Why, may I ask?”

“I’m thinking of offering him something that can’t be bought with money.”

Balo pondered what this could be. Then, a realization struck him.

“Your Majesty, are you considering granting him land?”

The king nodded slightly, still petting the wolf.

“That’s too generous,” Balo stated frankly, feeling it was his duty as a loyal advisor to speak his mind. “I’ve heard of him, a blacksmith and a remarkable warrior. But still…”

Balo didn’t finish his thought, implying Hyun-soo was still somewhat insignificant. He recognized Hyun-soo’s blacksmith skills but thought granting land to a blacksmith, especially one new to the realm, was unprecedented.

The king dismissed his concerns. “Don’t you know me? I don’t give such gifts lightly.”

But Balo was still taken aback. ‘How could His Majesty consider granting land to a newcomer among foreigners, even if he is exceptional?’

The king was confident in his decision. “I’m sure he’s worth it. We’ll take it step by step.”

Balo internally disagreed. This kind of decision could wait. Granting territory implied appointing him as a lord, a significant move. Balo sighed, thinking he might need to convene the dukes to oppose this eventually.

‘The king’s kindness is too great. A single sword has clouded his judgment,’ Balo thought.

Then, an announcement: “Your Majesty, a guest has arrived.”

The king, who was expecting someone, smiled and instructed to let the guest in. Balo frowned, curious about the visitor. As the door opened, the wolves suddenly stood alert, growling towards the entrance.

‘It’s not hostility, but something else,’ Balo noticed, his face contorting with apprehension. A dangerous aura emanated from the newcomer.

Then, the mysterious figure appeared, causing the wolves to step back, almost as if in reverence.

Balo trembled. ‘Who is this?’

The wolves lay down submissively, as if in worship.

Finally, Balo saw the man entering. An extraordinary figure, matching the king in stature and build, wearing a red cloak with Fenrir, the wolf king’s emblem, and a mask depicting a ferocious wolf’s head.

‘An assassin?’

Balo moved to protect the king, suspecting the guest was an assassin in disguise. But the stranger lifted his mask, knelt on one knee, and addressed the king.

“I’m here to see Your Majesty.”

The king introduced him. “Meet my friend, Hyun-soo.”

Balo reconsidered his impression. ‘He gives me the same vibe as when I first met the king.’

Yes, Balo saw something legendary in this man.

Prev I TOC I Next