Chapter 72

< Blacksmith Debut (2) >

“Well, I didn’t mean to lie. I found out that we hadn’t met before we ran into each other at the Hunter Association. I guess it ended up being a lie, but it wasn’t intentional.”

He fiddled with the window, rambling on. He thought that if he called it a misunderstanding, it would be enough to let it slide, but this level of non-reaction was unexpected. Shouldn’t he at least be a bit surprised?

“Even if you did lie, it doesn’t matter.”

“...What?”

“If you lied, Eugene, I would thank you for lying to me.”

Mingwu said with a smile. But what’s there to be grateful for...?

“Why are you so flustered? Come on, look at me. Mingwu, the famous one with the SS-grade crafting skill.”

The guy spread his arms wide and continued.

“Han Yujin, you made me. You took a common F-grade Hunter and turned him into this.”

...It’s not entirely wrong, but it feels wrong to accept it so readily.

“I did help you, but getting the SS-grade skill was your effort and talent.”

“What good is a gem in a pile of pebbles? You were about to fall into the mud."

“Still, that’s true.”

“Don’t be so modest. I’m just being honest. No matter what anyone says, I’m here because of you. Talent and effort are nothing without the right conditions. Isn’t that proof enough?”

As he said this, Mingwu patted my shoulder. But the force was stronger than expected.

“Ouch, that hurts...”

-Creak

I stumbled and grabbed my shoulder, but suddenly a hissing sound was heard. I quickly looked around and saw Pisi baring his teeth, and Blue had partially spread his wings. Even Piyao was staring intently at Mingwu.

I had a bad feeling that if I didn’t do something, things would get out of hand.

“No, it doesn’t hurt! It’s a joke, a joke. Pisi, hide your fangs. Blue, fold your wings. Piyao, what are you trying to do? Anyway, everyone calm down.”

Especially Pisi, you’ve known Mingwu for a while now, why are you baring your teeth over this?

“Mingwu is my friend, a friend.”

Fortunately, the kids soon returned to their usual selves. I sighed and turned to Mingwu.

“Sorry, the kids must have misunderstood.”

“No, it’s my fault for not controlling my strength.”

“You’ve been hammering metal all day, that’s why. Take a break.”

“It’s because my stats have gone up.”

“...What?”

Stats went up again? Does Mingwu have a different system or something? Why are they going up again? Mingwu pointed at the spear I was holding with his chin.

“It’s a reward for making the first S-grade item. My stats went up when I made an A-grade item too, but it wasn’t that hard to control then. This time, they went up a lot, so I’m still getting used to it.”

Is that a reward system? I don’t know if it’s a standard system or a favor from the senior, but it’s ridiculous.

“Let’s check your stats.”

I added up the stats Mingwu called out. The average was...

“...C-grade.”

When you made an A-grade item, did it go up to D-grade? If this continues, making an SS-grade item will get you to B-grade, and an SSS-grade item will get you to A-grade, and an L-grade item will get you to S-grade?

It seems like Mingwu is the main character, and I’m just a supporter. He’s going to do everything with the equipment he makes.

‘I wonder if there’s anything that can boost my stats.’

Not something that sacrifices someone’s life or my mental health to get stronger in a week.

“Are you going to end up going from F-grade to S-grade?”

“Unlikely, but who knows.”

Mingwu looked at his palm. When we first met, he was rather pale. His hands wouldn’t have been any different, probably just weak with some pen calluses.

But now they’re tough.

Not only calloused, but his fingers are noticeably thicker, and there are untreated scars. They look like those of a blacksmith who has been hammering metal for over a year.

“Who would have thought I’d end up like this? So, an F-grade could become an S-grade. Who knows?”

Mingwu had talent from the start, I thought, but then I remembered what the system manager said. Without the system’s limitations, an ordinary person could grow to be the strongest in the world.

The system is expected to disappear in about ten years. When that happens, even without special talent, people could become A-grade or S-grade.

“Yeah, who knows.”

It’s true. I didn’t expect to end up like this after the regression either.

“Now, let’s show something unexpected to the others.”

I took out my phone and opened the contact list, which was full. A smile naturally formed on my face as I scrolled through it.

The Hunter Association President was incredulous when he received my call and said he would come over immediately, making a fuss that didn’t suit him. His reaction was even stronger than mine.

It was understandable. The Hunter Association’s main source of income is the production and sale of various items, including the market and potions. The items they make are mostly related to curses, so they don’t have much to do with Mingwu, who mainly makes equipment. Potions are the same.

But the Hunter Market is different.

The commission from the auction of S-grade and above equipment would be substantial, but the biggest advantage is the possibility of regular supply. The value would skyrocket just from the visits of high-level Hunters from around the world and the increased recognition.

Of course, whether it will go as well as the President hopes is unknown.

Before long, calls and messages started coming in on my phone. Mingwu’s phone was also buzzing, somehow already spreading the news.

“That number is the Breaker Guild Master.”

Mingwu showed me the number that kept calling and said.

“Guild Master?”

“Yeah. He must have heard that the weapon you made is a spear. He’s an S-grade Hunter who uses a spear.”

The Ice Tree Spear isn’t for charging. This is perfect for Yelim. The magic stat increase is also high.

“If it’s too much trouble, you might want to change your number. Even if you don’t change the number, you should at least get a new phone.”

It’s been about three years since you got that phone.

“Right now, only the Association and guilds are contacting you, but once it gets on the news, even distant relatives will be calling.”

Mingwu still looked like he didn’t fully grasp the situation, but that would change soon.

“Auntie! And our Mingwu Oppa!”

When I opened the makeup room door, Yelim, who was already getting her makeup done, spread her arms wide and shouted. Before I could respond, Mingwu was pulled away by the people there. His original clothes were too small, so he needed a complete change from head to toe.

After chatting with Yelim for about an hour, Mingwu appeared, looking awkward.

“Oh, you look completely different. Don’t you think so?”

“Yeah, I barely recognize you.”

I said it half-jokingly, but compared to the first time we met, he really did look like a different person. His face was similar under the neatly styled hair, but his expression and especially his body were completely different. The frail, pale look was gone. He had grown taller, and his summer suit shirt fit him well, showing off his thicker arms.

His back was straight, and his shoulders were broader. From behind, even his parents might not recognize him.

“They even did your makeup... Is it noticeable? Does it look strange?”

“No, it’s fine. It looks natural. You look good.”

“Yeah! You’re the best, a complete handsome guy!”

Yelim, who was about to go broke, was making a fuss. The S-grade weapon, which had to be auctioned because there was no market price, was something a rookie Hunter who had never entered an S-grade dungeon couldn’t afford.

Our Yelim, who was so confident about making money, will probably end up in debt. But she’ll pay it off soon.

“You seem to be all set.”

Yuxian came in and exchanged a light greeting with Mingwu, then called me over. When I approached, he asked in a low voice.

“Did you tell him?”

“I did. He said it’s fine. Even if you lied, it’s okay.”

“That’s a relief.”

Yuxian nodded and looked at Mingwu with a softer expression.

“Now, really take care of him. Be friends.”

“I’ll try.”

A completely insincere answer.

The Hunter Association’s press conference to reveal and verify Mingwu’s skills was already packed with reporters. The details weren’t known yet, but the news was spreading.

Familiar faces were already in the waiting room connected to the conference room.

“Brother, we meet again!”

Breaker Guild Master Moon Hyun-a and

“Hello, Han Yujin. How have you been?”

A-grade Hunter Kang So-young from Seong, who has the Dragon Rider skill, was also there. She approached me with a pretty smile.

“Our Guild Master has entered the dungeon. He’ll be out in a few days, but he’ll be disappointed. This is quite a surprise. He’ll be quite shocked when he comes out, I think.”

“That’s right. By the way, the Dark Dragon is still ongoing.”

I asked quietly, and she sighed with a worried expression.

“It seems the nest is properly formed, but I hope everyone comes back safely.”

“They’ll be fine.”

The dungeon, which had been cleared with perfect information, should be fine.

While I was talking with Kang So-young, Mingwu was quickly surrounded by people. I thought about going over but decided to let him handle it. He needs to get used to this kind of thing if he’s going to stand on his own.

‘He doesn’t seem too troubled anyway.’

The familiar faces appearing here and there are surprisingly comforting. Our Mingwu has changed a lot, both inside and out, in a short time. I knew he had the potential to get an SS-grade skill, but I never imagined he would change this much.

Watching him, I can’t help but smile.

“Aren’t you going to join them?”

I said to Yuxian, who was standing next to me. Hunter Kang So-young had also gone over there.

“Why now?”

“Why now? Work, Guild Master.”

“Anyway, it would be faster to ask you to persuade Mingwu.”

What does that mean?

“Hey, you should handle your own business, not come to me for help.”

“Aren’t you going to help?”

...No, but. This kid is surprisingly shameless. Still, it’s better than just standing there.

A little later, Mingwu and the Association people went into the conference room. I couldn’t follow, so I watched through the monitor. Mingwu, you’re quite good at handling the camera.

After a short greeting and introduction, Mingwu opened his mouth with a relaxed smile.

[The skill I obtained is an SS-grade crafting skill, the Master of the Golden Forge.]

[Does that mean you can only make metal items?]

[I can make any item that contains metal.]

His answer was calm. I’m proud.

[What is the highest grade of item you can make? Can you make SS-grade items?]

Instead of answering, Mingwu took out the Ice Tree Spear of Parmine. The ominous spear, wrapped in a blue cold, made the room momentarily quiet. During this time, the Association’s appraiser picked up the microphone.

[This Ice Tree Spear of Parmine is an S-grade weapon, and it contains the Ice Attribute Enhancement S-grade skill. The Korean Hunter Association guarantees this.]

An S-grade weapon with an S-grade skill. The flashbulbs went off wildly to capture the appearance of Korea’s sixteenth S-grade weapon. After a moment, Mingwu spoke again.

[There is no limit to the grade of items I can make.]

This time, the silence lasted longer.

“Wow, crazy.”

Moon Hyun-a, who was watching the monitor with us in the waiting room, muttered. The fact that there was no limit to the item grade was not something he had told the Association. He only mentioned that he had made an S-grade item and had an SS-grade crafting skill.

I’m a bit disappointed that Seong Hyun-je isn’t here. I wanted to see his surprised face.

[So, you can make items beyond S-grade, SS-grade and above?]

[There is no skill limit, so it’s possible. However, to make SS-grade and above items, more experience and proficiency are needed. Since I made an S-grade item in a short time, it won’t be long before SS-grade items are produced. Eventually, regular supply might be possible.]

The sound of someone swallowing hard could be heard. The hearts of all Hunters, especially high-level Hunters, listening to Mingwu must be racing.

It’s an exciting story.

SS-grade weapons. Maybe even beyond. Even I, with F-grade stats, am excited. For high-level Hunters who will directly benefit, there’s no need to say more.

While small questions continued, the waiting room remained silent. Even Moon Hyun-a was deep in thought with a serious expression.

Everyone is serious and focused, but I can’t help but smile. If Mingwu’s stats were still F, I might have been a bit hesitant to reveal everything, but now they’re C. With C-grade stats, you can be well-equipped and have nothing to worry about. You can make S-grade equipment yourself and even switch to the forge if needed.

Ah, there’s really nothing to worry about. Our Mingwu is really doing great.

While I was grinning at the monitor, Yelim appeared. She is the new owner of the Ice Tree Spear of Parmine. In gratitude for the help from the Hyeon Guild, she decided to hand over her first S-grade weapon for a mere 100 billion.

It’s really a mere 100 billion. The starting price for an S-grade weapon, even a normal one without a skill, is 100 billion.

Yelim’s face, holding the Ice Tree Spear, was radiant.

[Thank you, Hunter Mingwu. And thank you, Hunter Han Yujin!]

...Why am I included? And that’s not all.

[Getting the SS-grade skill was possible thanks to the cooperation of the Hyeon Guild, but the biggest supporter was Hunter Han Yujin. The word ‘benefactor’ is not enough to express it...]

Mingwu! It’s live! Ah, someone turn off the monitor! Or the sound! No, stop talking.

I could feel sharp gazes from all around. I’m so embarrassed.

< Blacksmith Debut (2) > End

ⓒ Geunseo