episode_0033

《Production Class》.

Making potions, crafting equipment.

Or creating various other non-combat items.

Typically, these production classes take longer and are more difficult to grow compared to combat classes.

The reason is simple.

‘It costs too much money.’

They must personally create something with their own hands to increase their skill level.

By doing so, as the skill level rises, they can acquire related [runes] or derivative skills to produce items commonly referred to as [grades].

This becomes a paradoxical story.

To grow, one must create a lot.

Not just producing a large quantity, but also handling high-grade materials to create decent items.

However, for beginners.

The probability of each item being non-grade is high.

Having no grade means the item essentially has no value.

Through the system’s recognition, the minimum requirement to deal proper damage to ‘monsters’ is a normal-grade weapon.

In the beginning, even the iron sword hung on the wall like a decoration by the newbie was a non-grade item.

‘Looking back now, I must have been crazy to enter a dungeon with that.’

Anyway, not even being recognized as normal essentially means wasting material costs like shooting blanks.

In the end, money keeps depleting, struggling in poverty with no profit, and falling into a vicious cycle of not being able to level up.

Perhaps the reason Im Hyeja was active as a hunter in the early days was because she needed money urgently.

At least she could earn materials on her own.

Those who go through all the patient processes and bloom gloriously create items that match their reputation.

‘And usually, the highest grade that matches that reputation is usually up to rare grade.’

It is difficult to create a grade higher than that alone.

Therefore, large clans with abundant financial resources hire them at a high cost.

Achieving collaboration of a ‘production’ team based on professional cooperation and research.

I heard that to create a Hero-grade item, you need at least three skilled blacksmiths.

Im Hyeja managed to do it alone.

As far as I know, she has not yet reached the level of ‘master’.

Therefore, it is logically impossible.

But there is a phenomenon that makes it possible.

“Is this a masterpiece?”

“Huh?!”

Im Hyeja scratches her head awkwardly in response to my question.

“Yes, so I’m embarrassed, but… I probably won’t be able to make it again.”

“Huh?!”

《Masterpiece》.

As the name suggests, it is a kind of ‘big hit’ phenomenon called a masterpiece or a magnum opus.

It is a state that production class individuals most want to experience, where their limits and abilities are pushed beyond 120% to 150%, resulting in a unique item.

And once a blacksmith experiences a ‘masterpiece’, they undergo a significant growth compared to before.

“Amazing. Although I am a combat class, I understand how impressive the stage you have reached is.”

“Don’t say such flattering things…”

“I mean it.”

“…Geez. Handsome guys shouldn’t say such things lightly.”

Im Hyeja blushes and scratches her cheek in response to my words.

This behavior is so cute and completely like a kitten.

“If you keep this up, you might actually reach the level of ‘master’.”

“Haha~ Even if you flatter me, nothing good will come out, handsome young man!”

I smiled at her reaction and looked back at the armor.

—

◉Name: Beast Armor

◉Type: Armor (Top, Bottom)

◉Grade: Hero

◉Creator: Im Hyeja

◉Special Effects:

: Strength +1, Durability +1

: Defense increases by the wearer’s durability value.

Equipping for 2 hours a day for 30 days will grant you 1 strength and 1 endurance each. It applies to only one person and cannot be used again.

◉ Detailed Information

: An armor made by pouring out the by-products of Silverback and Kappa Rhino without sparing any expense. With its ingredients being ingredients, it is a splendid armor brimming with robust durability and unique wildness.

A masterpiece meticulously crafted by ‘Im Hyeja’. An additional special effect of Wu-Gu has been added.

―――――――――――――――

“Nice.”

The performance that makes your head nod involuntarily.

The armor itself had considerable defense, and the special effects were also substantial.

Especially impressive was the growth effect.

There aren’t many effects that permanently increase stats.

The condition of 2 hours a day for 30 days is just a formality.

In reality, continuously using it will definitely increase strength and endurance by 1 each.

In addition, it also had its own strength and endurance +1.

“Of course, it’s growth through equipment… it’s ambiguous to say it really increased by 1.”

Still, numerically, having 1 more makes a big difference among hunters.

At this level, it was an equipment that could easily reach the Hero grade.

You might think it’s being stingy, but it can’t be helped.

The things that come out of gacha are all crazy, you know.

Just this much is already incredibly amazing.

“Phew.”

I took a slow breath.

Now is the time to talk about something really important.

I understand that the armor has good performance.

But it didn’t come into our Meonyangi’s hands.

“…Is this available for purchase by any chance?”

I cautiously asked.

If the wealthy members of the [Large Clan] saw this, they would probably shout ’50 billion!’ and slap Im Hyeja’s cheeks with money to reserve it.

Upon hearing this, Im Hyeja shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly.

“If that were the case, I wouldn’t have shown it in the first place. I barely finished making this in the early hours of today. The price tag isn’t even attached, and no one has come to see it yet.”

“T-then, I’ll buy it! I’ll buy it! Please sell it to me!”

“W-what?!”

This, this must be bought no matter what.

There is nothing else that can protect our adorable Meonyangi as securely as this.

“Se-sehaya! Th-this is too expensive! Even if we combine all our money, we can’t buy it!”

It’s okay. There’s one way.

“Just owe it to the guild. A-about 40 billion?”

“W-what?! N-no! If the amount is too high, the evaluation score will plummet!”

This armor is more precious than that evaluation score.

Well, whether it is or not!

It’s an item that will help our cute Meonyangi grow, so what’s there to be afraid of? Just trust the guild leader!

…Although I’m a bit scared to say that.

“Su-Suokbin, right? What if we contact the guild leader and ask for an interest-free payment?”

“They’ll probably agree!”

Me and Meonyangi cheered each other on while bickering.

Im Hyeja, watching us with her arms crossed, suddenly smiled and raised her hand.

“I won’t sell this for money.”

“W-what? Th-then?”

“This is a collateral disguised as a favor.”

“…A c-collateral?”

At my question, Im Hyeja silently looked at Meonyangi.

Her eyes emitted a calm light.

As if, through her, she was thinking of someone precious and smiling with a bitter smile.

“The truth is, I still don’t quite understand. It’s only been a week. The time it took for you to grow Meonyangi this much. I, too, have been a hunter for several years. Even with support, I’ve never heard of a hunter achieving such rapid growth. But one thing I do know. What you’ve done for Meonyangi is so precious that it cannot be monetarily valued.”

Im Hyeja slowly walked over and placed her hand on Meonyangi’s head.

“Unnie?”

“Our Myeongi. I won’t say irresponsible things like taking responsibility until the end.”

Just by helping her grow this much now.

I’m so grateful that I want to bow down to you.

“I’m fine as long as this child can move forward on her own. Take our Myeongi, Mahana, to the world of adventure as far as possible.”

Even if it’s short.

Just let this child dream of being a ‘hunter’ a little.

“And finally, don’t betray her.”

“…”

Hmm, this is quite something.

I’m getting emotional after a long time.

I closed my eyes for a moment at Im Hyeja’s words.

It was a touching statement.

It felt like looking back at myself once again as a ‘guide.’

‘…I’m fortunate.’

And I felt relieved.

I was grateful that there is such a good person for Myeongi and Mahana.

Even if Myeongi gave up her dream and suffered silently without me.

It would be okay as long as she was by her side.

Of course, I can’t tolerate Myeongi giving up on her dream.

I chuckled and replied, “You’re saying the obvious. Don’t worry. I’ll take her to the end of the world as long as Myeongi doesn’t give up.”

“I swear. Besides her, there is no one else by my side as a shield.”

*

“…”

Im Hyeja momentarily closed her mouth at Yuseha’s words.

She was momentarily speechless because of the light emanating from him.

‘…Is it because of his appearance?’

A mysterious beauty between a boy and a young man.

Among the men she had seen in her life, he was undoubtedly the most handsome and beautiful man.

But his appearance alone couldn’t captivate Im Hyeja’s heart.

‘…Am I still suspicious of him because of that?’

She doubted him.

No, more precisely, she still does.

His trust and kindness went beyond the limit.

It was an overwhelming gesture just to want to help Mahana, something she couldn’t explain.

‘…It’s like he’s been watching Myeongi for a long time.’

Yes, just like herself.

So she was wary of him, disliked him, and secretly hoped he would disappear.

She hoped he was just an ordinary man with empty words like many others.

There is nothing as disappointing as false hope.

She wanted Mahana, who was already in tatters, not to suffer any more significant wounds.

‘…No, I’m wrong.’

But he showed it not in words but in actions.

He proved it himself.

The evidence was Mahana’s smile.

Her becoming stronger.

Of course, that was important.

But more than that, Im Hyeja truly desired Mahana’s laughter and happiness.

‘…Ah.’

Im Hyeja realized clearly why she was speechless.

‘She looks like him.’

She resembles him.

Her 10-year-old self is reflected in Mahana’s smiling face.

And from Yuseha, who raises his hand above her head…

The one she loved is reflected.

‘Sunbae.’

Mahana’s father.

The person she loved.

The only precious benefactor.

Yuseha resembles him.

Of course, Im Hyeja knows that she is much more handsome than Sunbae.

Yuseha’s gaze was undoubtedly Sunbae’s.

‘Thank goodness.’

Only then could Im Hyeja completely dispel the flames of doubt that lingered like embers.

If a man with such eyes, there would be no betrayal of Mahana.

“Phew.”

Im Hyeja walked towards Yuseha.

Whack!

She put a headband, a sign of affection, on him.

“This guy! He’s a man, right? I like him!”

“Uh, uh!”

“Oh, Unnie! Our chests are touching!”

“So what, it’s not like it’s wearing out~”

*

A little later, I officially signed a purchase contract with Im Hyeja, who had stepped back.

‘I really did it for free.’

I was so grateful that I didn’t know what to say.

“Oh, but do I get paid for the socket, repair costs, and material costs? I need to make a living too…”

Ah, what an obvious thing to say.

“I have a conscience too, you know? And that part… will be taken care of by the little lady here.”

“Huh?”

Maha, walking forward hesitantly.

As she rummaged through her bag, she pulled out a thick envelope containing around 200 million won.

“Um, unni. This is for you.”

“Uh, for me?”

“It’s the money I earned. I wanted to give it to you.”

“……Really?”

“Um, well…”

Maha shyly touched her cheeks with both hands.

Soon, a bright smile appeared on her face.

“Thank you. And please take care of me in the future as well…”

“……”

As time passed, Im Hye-ja, who had been holding back tears, couldn’t hold back anymore and hugged Maha tightly as if she couldn’t let go.

“Maha!!”

“M-Maha! Se-seha, please help me dry off!”

Maha asking for help from me.

But unfortunately, I had no intention of saving her.

I wasn’t so oblivious as to interrupt such a touching scene.

Instead, I clapped my hands.

Clap clap-!

“Huhuhu! Maha!”

“M-Maha!?”

The screams echoed for a long time.

In the end, that day ended with the sorrowful ‘Maha’ of Maha fading away.

* * *

The next day.

Early morning at the guild.

“Maha, are you ready?”

“Yes, I am!”

The stern-looking female employee adjusted her glasses.

Her sharp gaze scrutinized Maha.

Swallowing nervously, Maha knew that the upcoming question was inevitable.

“I will ask again. Are you really going to take the 3★ promotion test?”