Strike 82

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[You have been granted a blacksmith shop by Barad.]

The Guild Bright Future needed a base of operations, and if that base could be a blacksmith shop, it would be ideal.

“The blacksmith shop can be located wherever you wish. Would you like it in Ballas Territory?”

Hyun-soo shook his head.

“No, not there.”

Barad was puzzled. If Hyun-soo had achieved a 110% development, he was a benefactor to Ballas Territory.

And wouldn’t a blacksmith territory be the perfect place for Hyun-soo?

“Is it because the territory is too small?”

Barad thought this might be the reason, but Hyun-soo just smiled slightly.

“Not at all, I just hope the blacksmiths there can spread their wings more.”

“Spread their wings?”

It was an odd remark. Wouldn’t their skills flourish more with Hyun-soo there?

“What will happen if I set up my blacksmith shop there and word gets out?”

Barad understood upon hearing this.

Many customers would be drawn to Hyun-soo.

‘He has the makings of a good ruler….’

Barad admired quietly. And indeed, considering efficiency, Hyun-soo’s point was valid.

Hyun-soo could make any blacksmith shop thrive, wherever he went.

Ballas Territory was currently a rising area.

It would be more efficient if the territory and Hyun-soo’s blacksmith shop were in different locations.

The biggest issue was that Ballas Territory was too small.

‘If Hyun-soo’s identity is revealed there….’

Numerous people would flock there, including those who might pose a threat.

The territory’s forces were too weak to handle that.

“I plan to visit occasionally and see the weapons they create.”

While saying this, Hyun-soo also mentioned maintaining constant communication with them.

“If you have a blacksmith shop in another territory in mind, let me know.”

And half of Hyun-soo’s statement was true and the other half a lie.

It was true that it was for the benefit of Ballas Territory, and he knew Barad could grant him a blacksmith shop wherever he wanted.

Moreover, it was located too far on the outskirts to be a base for a guild.

“There will be more tasks for you in the future.”

Hyun-soo didn’t know it yet, but this was still part of Barad’s test.

After bidding farewell, Hyun-soo left.

Barad watched his departing figure and nodded slightly.

‘Certainly, somewhere else would be better.’

In Barad’s mind appeared an image.

A territory.

Where Hyun-soo’s blacksmith shops, bearing his nameplate, stood in dozens.

***

[Nel: I will look for the most promising place with a good location.]

[Guild Master Hyun-soo: I’ll stay in Ballas Territory for a few days and then move once we’ve decided on the base.]

[Nel: Yes.]

The blacksmiths who returned to Ballas Territory.

Hyun-soo intended to teach them. And he planned to instruct the more skilled blacksmiths even more meticulously.

‘Then they can teach the new blacksmiths who come to the territory.’

This way, Ballas Territory could continue to grow steadily.

Although it wasn’t going to be his base, Hyun-soo was confident about this.

‘Someday, Ballas Territory will be of great help to me.’

The blacksmiths’ blind faith in Hyun-soo, almost equivalent to their respect for a lord. Its value is beyond imagination.

This is an investment for the future.

And as soon as Hyun-soo arrived in Ballas Territory, he spent a few days teaching the blacksmiths.

Late at night, intending to log out, he headed to the rented blacksmith shop prepared by Barad. 

That’s when Hyun-soo sensed an unfamiliar presence.

Turning his head, he saw someone waiting inside the blacksmith shop.

Hyun-soo was quite surprised.

It was none other than Lord Belin.

***

Belin had lost her father early on.

During her father’s time, the territory had flourished, and even after she ascended as the lord, Ballas Territory had been smoothly managed.

However, despite this, Belin had been disregarded by the lords of neighboring territories.

Because the territory was managed smoothly, but not exceptionally.

But at today’s meeting of the lords, none could hold their head high before Belin.

A message had been circulated that Barad would personally visit the territory, indicating that Ballas Territory might soon become quite significant.

Yet, Belin honestly felt uncertain.

The growth of Ballas Territory was undoubtedly a good thing.

However, it also exposed the territory to greater risks.

She needed someone.

Someone who could protect this territory her father left behind.

She cautiously broached the subject.

“You’re leaving soon.”

“Yes, I am.”

“That’s regrettable.”

Regrettable. Hyun-soo knew her words weren’t about affection.

After hesitating for a while, Belin spoke.

“I am a lord, but I am inadequate. Thanks to you, Ballas Territory will develop further, but whether I can smoothly lead this territory is questionable.”

Hyun-soo looked puzzled.

Suddenly questioning her own legitimacy as a lord?

Then, with a bittersweet smile, she said,

“Become a noble. I believe you have that power. And when you rise high enough, please return to Ballas Territory. Depending on the kind of noble you become, I will share a portion of the territory’s shares with you.”

Hyun-soo was astounded.

‘Share a portion of the territory?’

Sharing a part of the territory’s shares was a significant matter.

Being a lord means collecting taxes.

He could share those taxes with Lord Belin.

“If you exceed expectations, maybe it won’t just be the shares.”

Through Belin’s words, Hyun-soo was certain.

‘If I exceed her expectations, could I possibly become the lord?’

Then a quest notification appeared.

Ding!

[Hidden Quest: Nobility]

Grade: S

Requirement: To whom Belin has conveyed her wishes.

Reward: A share in the territory.

Penalty for failure: Drastically reduced favorability with Belin.

Description: The lord of Ballas Territory, Belin, has firm faith in you. Return to this territory, responding to her faith.

“I understand, my lord.”

“I will be waiting.”

As Hyun-soo replied, she gave a small smile and disappeared.

Hyun-soo was impressed. Depending on how far he climbed, the rewards could be astronomical.

‘Become a noble.’

It was an exciting proposition.

Among the high-rankers, some were already functioning as nobles.

A new goal had been set.

Then, a message came.

[Nel: We have decided on the base location, near the capital of Goyard Kingdom, in Freya Territory. Let’s accept the blacksmith shop there. And I have something important to discuss.]

Hyun-soo immediately took action.

After bidding farewell to the blacksmiths, he headed to Freya Territory.

Nel had already reserved the most promising blacksmith shop.

[You are now the owner of a blacksmith shop in Freya Territory.]

They decided not to hang a sign.

Then Nel, who had mentioned having something important to say, spoke up.

“It’s time for your real first commission.”

The first commission, meaning the first one for the users.

The recent first commission was actually a fake, when Blacksmith Hyun crafted something for CrazyRookie during an AJ Internet broadcast.

“As you know, there were hundreds of commission notes piled up. We reviewed them and selected someone who we think might be the most beneficial for you and us.”

The auction house allows multiple people to manage it with the owner’s approval.

Manager Nel had been diligently reviewing them to find the most beneficial offer.

“This is the person.”

Hyun-soo checked the first commission offer extended by Nel.

***

HanSung Group is one of the top 10 corporations in the country. Its youngest son, Lee Taeha, was practically disowned.

Chairman Lee Taesung, sitting on the sofa, looked at Taeha standing in front and said,

“Are you still wasting your time with that useless Ares game?”

“…Don’t worry about it.”

Meetings with Chairman Taesung always ended in arguments for Taeha. Taesung looked at him with disapproval.

“…Why did you call me?”

“You know your grandfather is critically ill. I heard in Ares, you have a special job as a Dragon Knight, is that right?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Your grandfather wants to see a dragon.”

Taeha didn’t respond.

His grandfather had been suffering from dementia for several years.

And he had always said he wanted to see a dragon.

Taeha had a special bond with his grandfather.

Since he was young, his grandfather used to tell him legends about dragons.

That’s why he became a Dragon Knight, thinking maybe he could show him a dragon.

But he couldn’t.

“…I haven’t acquired a dragon yet.”

Ironically, a Dragon Knight is supposed to fight with the power of a dragon, but this only becomes possible from level 500, and in Ares, dragons, who are level 600 creatures, have never been seen before.

Taesung’s brow furrowed at Taeha’s response.

“Still, try to find one, it’s your grandfather’s last wish.”

“I’m already looking.”

Taeha left abruptly.

Outside, Taeha let out a sigh.

He was the 21st ranked player in the country.

Dragon Knight Lisel.

That was Taeha’s in-game name.

‘Damn it, a Dragon Knight but can’t summon a dragon.’

It was absurd. He was desperately seeking any means to encounter a dragon, not sparing any methods.

He had even requested high-ranking summoners.

‘I’ll give whatever you want if you can summon or show me a dragon.’

‘A dragon? There are no dragons in Ares currently.’

He had also approached information guilds.

‘Based on our guild’s information, there are no quests or content related to dragons currently.’

It was the country’s top information guild.

He was grasping at straws.

What about creating one?

He had put out requests to sculptors and blacksmiths.

The sculptors.

‘A dragon? My level is too low.’

It was impossible. Finally, the blacksmiths.

‘An artifact imbued with a dragon? How is that even possible?’

Taeha felt defeated.

His grandfather had been the only friend he had in this cold, wealthy family.

“Damn it, damn it, damn it!”

Back home, Taeha despaired.

Even the top-ranked blacksmith, the top-ranked summoner, and the best information guild said it couldn’t be done.

“I’m willing to pay any amount!”

He knew he was being unreasonable.

Taeha held his head in his hands.

“Grandfather, I’m sorry…”

This was the last dream of his only friend, his grandfather.

Then.

Buzz-

His phone vibrated.

With a puzzled expression, he took out his phone.

[A note has arrived from Hyun’s Blacksmith Shop.]

Hyun’s Blacksmith Shop?

Taeha’s eyes widened.

[Hello, this is Hyun’s Blacksmith Shop. We can craft an artifact imbued with a dragon as you requested.]

‘What?’

Taeha frowned. The response itself seemed implausible to him.

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