Round 20

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It was the unexpected appearance of an item.

I had been wondering how long it would take to level up by synthesizing the two slimes that were summoned each day, but who knew such an item existed.

‘If I grow Mark2 more and then clone it… No? If I just clone Poooh and then synthesize it, I’ll have a level 11 slime, right?’

Lost in all sorts of imagination, I held a slime model in my hand and stood still as my companions approached and asked me.

“Kyu-seong?”

“Brother!”

Ah, maybe I should look around a bit more.

I set down the slime copier and followed Han Seok-jun, laughing as if nothing had happened.

“It caught my eye because it looked cute.”

“It’s called a slime copier. I know about it. But it’s such an ambiguous item that it actually went unsold at an auction…”

It seems it ended up here because it couldn’t be included in a collection but had nowhere else to go.

I asked casually, just in case.

“Do items like the slime copier often appear at auctions?”

“As far as I know, this is the first time an item has been registered under the name ‘slime copier.'”

“Ah, I see.”

That’s a bit disappointing.

If copiers were readily available, I would have been copying slimes left and right.

We finished the first level and moved on to the second. The others seemed to think I would definitely choose something from this level, as I showed no interest in the first.

The second level definitely had more item-like items on display. Honestly, taking just one could probably fetch anything from thousands to billions.

“You can take your time looking around. We’ve set aside time especially for you, Kyu-seong.”

“Ah, thank you.”

But even in the second level, nothing particularly caught my eye. Of course, it would be nice to have, but nothing was really pulling me in.

‘It has to be the slime copier.’

Whether I use it on Poooh or later to synthesize and level up slimes, it would save an immense amount of time.

Using it on a level 10 slime would save almost years of time.

‘Time is money.’

To me now, a few years are worth more than billions.

It might even be worth more.

“I’ve made my decision.”

“Ah, you don’t need to look further?”

“Yes.”

I looked around once more just in case, but still, nothing appealed to me. Nor was there anything else there that would be more helpful to me now than the slime copier.

“I’ll take the slime copier.”

“Ah! The slime copier… Huh?”

Han Seok-jun parroted my words but then tilted his head as if he had heard something wrong. The other two also looked at me with disbelief.

“Kyu-seong! A slime copier?”

Jeong So-yeon asked incredulously, and I firmly repeated my choice.

“I have chosen the slime copier.”

“No, even if the second level was so-so, to choose that item…”

Kang Hanul seemed to think that I chose the slime copier out of defiance because I didn’t like the other items.

Towards such a Kang Hanul, I slowly shook my head.

“I really need that item. You saw it too, Hanul. I didn’t touch the other items, but I did touch the slime copier.”

“Are you really going to take that item? It didn’t even sell.”

“That’s why I think it’s fortunate. It’s like fate brought us together.”

As I shrugged and answered, everyone looked at me with a sense of disbelief.

Of course, if I could have chosen items from the third level or higher, I might have considered it more, but in the second level, I couldn’t find anything more valuable than the slime copier.

“Kyu-seong, you are quite a unique person.”

Han Seok-jun smiled faintly and led me back to the first level.

Then, returning to where the slime copier was, I surreptitiously checked everyone’s reaction.

“Is it okay if I take it?”

“Of course. That item now belongs to you, Kyu-seong.”

I picked up the item, which looked just like a simple slime model. Already, I was bombarded with all sorts of thoughts about where to use it.

* * *

After Lee Kyu-seong left.

The remaining Han Seok-jun, Kang Hanul, and Jeong So-yeon shared their opinions.

The guild leader, the first team leader, and the second team leader.

In fact, these three had been specifically prepared to meet Lee Kyu-seong.

“It’s not exactly clear what the ability is, but it seems to be related to slimes.”

Jeong So-yeon, who had experienced the item’s effects firsthand during the Yeongdeungpo dungeon raid, had become his most ardent fan.

“Whatever the ability is, our guild should scout him first.”

“I mentioned this last time, but it seemed like Kyu-seong didn’t want to join a guild yet. Do you think I wouldn’t have proposed it?”

“That’s because the second team leader was too soft on him. Can’t help it. Here, I’ll use my beauty as a seduction tactic…”

“Puhahaha! Kid, what seduction are you talking about?”

“What?! Did I say everything?”

Jeong So-yeon had been joking, but she bristled at the unexpected attack.

Amidst the usual quarrel between the two, Han Seok-jun shook his head with a troubled smile.

“Both of you, stop.”

“Ahem!”

“Yes…”

“I do agree that we need to scout Kyu-seong. Whatever the ability, whether it’s Level 1 or not, we saw potential in his item. However, I think there’s no need to rush.”

Han Seok-jun checked the data reported on his tablet.

“Both the crops and the items made from those crops… We might try individually, but it won’t be possible to replicate exactly what Kyu-seong has made.”

“Hmm.”

Kang Hanul nodded quietly in agreement.

Han Seok-jun and Kang Hanul.

Both were first-generation awakened beings.

They could boast of having more experience than any other awakened being so far, but even they felt Kyu-seong was a unique presence.

“That’s why I think we should first build a calm relationship with Kyu-seong and see if there’s anything we can help with from our side before approaching him.”

“Finding what Kyu-seong lacks or presenting what he needs first, that’s a good approach,” Han Seok-jun’s words led the other two to fall deep in thought. They didn’t know much about Kyu-seong except that he was a Level 1 awakened person with a unique ability.

“Isn’t he perhaps weak in terms of physical strength?”

“Why would Kyu-seong need physical strength if he’s not going to fight?”

“He probably isn’t lacking money, either. A person with such abilities wouldn’t.”

“Hmm. That’s also true.”

A misunderstanding had arisen, but no one thought that Kyu-seong was poor.

“Ah, that reminds me, I first heard about him through Choi Young-seong. Maybe you know something more about Kyu-seong?”

“Last I heard, he was helping to treat Kim Si-young.”

“That’s right.”

“Wait, this is the first I’m hearing about this. Kyu-seong is treating Si-young?”

Jeong So-yeon asked in surprise, then recalled the fruit juice she had consumed.

“Ahh! That had detoxifying effects too!”

“We don’t know the results yet. I contacted Choi Young-seong this morning, and he was analyzing the juice and nearly finished. But if Kyu-seong’s item does treat Kim Si-young…”

Kang Hanul also thought of other individuals who had been poisoned that day.

“If Deputy Guild Leader Kim Si-young’s treatment is confirmed, it will shake up the awakening industry.”

Han Seok-jun’s statement was almost a declaration, given the significance of Kim Si-young, who was Choi Young-seong’s wife and the deputy guild leader of the Ara Hongryeon Guild.

“The ones who tackled the Dungeon of Sin were a multinational coalition, only notable people participated.”

“If Kim Si-young’s treatment becomes known, other countries might also seek out Kyu-seong.”

“Kyu-seong is a bigger deal than we thought.”

“We can’t just stand by and watch, then.”

Kang Hanul smiled slyly, causing Han Seok-jun to feel an ominous vibe.

“Again, no forceful methods. We need to first see what Kyu-seong wants and approach him slowly.”

“Brother! Who do you think I am! Of course, I won’t use such despicable methods! I genuinely like Kyu-seong as a person! So, getting to know him better comes first.”

Kang Hanul’s gaze then shifted to Jeong So-yeon.

“Hey, team leader! Try to get closer to Kyu-seong!”

“What, what? You were calling me a kid and dismissing me just a moment ago?”

“A kid is a kid! But isn’t it easier for someone of a similar age to Kyu-seong to get closer to him?”

“That’s… true.”

“Please, kid.”

“Alright. But first, please stop calling me a kid!”

* * *

After parting with the Ara Hongryeon Guild, I returned home before heading back to the dungeon. It had been a day filled with unexpected events. Now, only a small slime model and the potato side dish Jae-seong had packed for me remained in my heavy bag.

“Ugh!”

I stretched my aching body and examined the slime copier.

When and where to use it was the biggest issue.

“Mark2 is now level 3.”

Mark2, wearing a straw hat, was diligently tending to the field, bouncing his soft body.

If Mark2 had been level 10, I would have used the copier on him without a second thought.

It seemed I had to be cautious because of Poooh’s question mark.

“It’s a dilemma.”

Muttering, I took out the potato side dish Jae-seong had made.

“I’ll enjoy this meal.”

The potatoes were diced into bite-sized pieces and simmered in soy sauce. I picked one up and brought it to my mouth.

“Mmm!”

Indeed, the taste did not disappoint. The ingredients were so good that it seemed impossible to ruin this dish unless it was burnt.

‘The mashed potatoes made at the Ara Hongryeon Guild were delicious too.’

Although I only got to eat one bite because four of us were sharing it, it was a completely different taste from just boiled potatoes. Because of that, I had been pestered for a while about getting more potatoes.

Poooh?

Seeing me eating, Poooh wobbled over curiously.

“Right, how can I eat this tasty dish all by myself? We should all enjoy it together.”

It just so happened that there was enough for me to give each of them a piece.

I handed a piece to the approaching Poooh and then got up to go and feed the others who were working.

‘Work can’t take a break!’

The boss himself going around to give snacks to his workers. What a welfare-rich farm this was.

“Work hard. I’ll occasionally treat you to such foods.”

Wriggle! Wriggle!

Seeing them dance happily made me feel proud.

Looking at the crops that were nearing harvest, I felt a sense of abundance.

“Carrots will be ready soon, and the unharvested potatoes just about now.”

Eggplants and cucumbers, as well as Embergrills, also looked ready to be harvested soon. The only things left were strawberries and sweet potatoes.

“Strawberries and sweet potatoes are taking longer than expected.”

Especially with strawberries—I had thought they’d be quick to harvest since I had experience growing tomatoes, but they took longer than expected. Still, they were growing, so I was patiently waiting.

“Ah, I’ve decided.”

After feeding the potato side dish to the slimes, I made up my mind. While there was no need to rush, with each day being different lately, I felt the need to roll with the snowball of rapid growth.

“Using the copier on Mark2 now would be a loss.”

Wouldn’t it be more satisfying to use it after creating at least a level 10 like Poooh?

However, getting Mark2 to level 10 could take almost a year, maybe even more.

“There’s still some cooldown left, so let’s just think about it until then.”

But my mind was already half made up to use it on Poooh. If I don’t change my mind by tomorrow, I plan to clone Poooh and create a level 11 slime.

Who knows?

Maybe reaching level 11 will solve Poooh’s question mark?

It probably won’t be just an ordinary slime.

“Until then! Keep up the good work!”

Poooh!

Wriggle, wriggle—

Squish!

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