episode_0032

Let’s assume that someone has achieved something great.

The reactions from those around them can be broadly categorized into two types.

The first is those who purely praise their achievements and admire them greatly.

The second is those who envy and belittle them, even going as far as taking physical actions against them.

Arguing about these reactions is meaningless.

These emotions are the fundamental, historical, and existential evidence of humanity.

The philosophy I just mentioned is not just a fancy word I threw out.

It was a phrase spoken by the GM himself on the first anniversary of the release of “Gonys Archive Life.”

He wanted these various complex emotions and factors to be revealed in the real game.

Thus, the “Reputation System” was created.

Well, even though it’s called a system, it is not displayed on the status window or anything like that.

It is estimated based on the reactions of NPCs, rumors, and attitudes that are heard.

As reputation increases, there are various benefits, and it has an impact such as giving quests that would not normally be available.

This reputation system rises through various activities, especially conquering undiscovered dungeons or trials tends to increase it rapidly.

But as they say, too much of anything is poisonous.

There are always those who appear to pick a fight, like those who are envious.

“Just like those bastards right now.”

Orange and green hair, looking at me with envy and jealousy, even though they are smiling.

I heard from a staff member that these guys barely made it to E-rank hunters.

“That’s why it’s even more intolerable.”

The lower you are, the more you can’t see the one below you climbing up.

No matter what you do, they trample over you.

Even if it doesn’t benefit them in any way.

“…Especially those who can’t touch someone who is clearly above them.”

I can assert that.

These two are like trash.

“Long time no see.”

In response to Mnyangi’s greeting, the duo looked at each other.

Then, as if in disbelief, they laughed and pushed Mnyangi’s shoulder.

My eyes narrowed involuntarily at their behavior.

“These bastards?”

How dare they mess with our Mnyangi?

“Yeah, it must have been a long time for you.”

“Always looking down and running away, right?”

“…”

The green-haired one sneered.

It seems like Mnyangi is being underestimated.

“You found a trial? Oh, are you lucky? I wonder how a dropout like you found it. Really.”

“Are you happy? Did you find a good man and settle down?”

As the two continued to speak, my hand trembled with anger.

I wanted to punch them right in the face.

“…”

But seeing Mnyangi maintain her silence without any reaction made me calm down.

If Mnyangi doesn’t step up, as her colleague, it’s only proper to respect her wishes.

However, in the midst of that, my gaze was drawn to me.

These bastards.

Why are they staring?

They scanned me up and down, then let out a short exclamation.

“Even from afar, it was impressive, but up close, it’s no joke. I should have talked to you back then, even if it was forced.”

“Hey, man. Instead of hanging out with this scrappy little kid, why not have fun with sexy older sisters? We’ll treat you well.”

Ah, this changes the story.

As the conversation turned towards me, Mnyangi next to me flinched.

Before she could say anything, I held out my hand to stop her.

“With me?”

“Yeah~ Isn’t it more enjoyable to be with us than this insignificant little brat?”

“Yeah, yeah. I don’t understand why you’re hanging out with this kid.”

The duo’s gaze wandered over my face and body.

This, two women are looking at me and laughing wickedly.

If it were my original body, I probably wouldn’t have felt this sensation even if I died.

Of course, I don’t feel happy or superior about this much.

The only thing boiling in my heart is contempt.

‘Are they thinking I’m a thief?’

I fiercely slapped the hand of the green-haired girl reaching for the square.

“Why are you reaching out your dirty hands? And why should I be with trash like you guys?”

“…What?”

“Hey, seniors. You look down on us like we’re losers. But isn’t the real loser who can’t even find his own trials over there? I heard you’re in danger of being expelled because you can’t even properly fulfill your public duties. Shouldn’t you work harder?”

The unexpected harsh words left the two stunned.

The orange-haired girl hesitantly spoke up.

“Have you said everything you wanted to say?!”

“No~? I haven’t finished yet~? Should I be honest and tell you everything?”

I placed my hand on the surprised green-haired girl’s head.

“Even if you all combine, you’re not better than my teammate here. Jealousy over such matters… it’s embarrassing even to think about it yourself, isn’t it?”

“That damn bastard…”

“Instead of doing that, why not work harder in the dungeon? Sen. iors.”

Unable to bear my provocation, the green-haired girl brandished a dagger.

“A bastard with a split face!”

Hmm, she’s slow.

I thought about dodging, but decided to take the hit.

This way, I can clearly shift the blame to them.

There are witnesses around, too.

However, even as time passed, I didn’t feel any pain.

As I looked down in confusion, I saw the Meonyangi stepping forward.

The green-haired girl was surprised by her actions.

“You, you?”

“Stop.”

Crack!

The Meonyangi exerted a surprisingly strong grip, almost unbelievable for her slender hands.

Gradually, the green-haired girl’s arm bent.

“This, this bastard…!”

Cold sweat dripped down the green-haired girl’s forehead.

It was clear from her eyes that she couldn’t believe she was being pushed back.

It was a natural occurrence.

Unlike before.

Having fought with Tojuwon and taken various potions to grow, the Meonyangi was no longer the same as before.

“Ik…!”

“It’s fine if you insult me. It’s the truth.”

The Meonyangi raised her head.

Her unique yellow eyes emitted a pure anger.

“But insulting my precious party member and benefactor Yuseha, defiling her… I can’t forgive that even if I die.”

“Ugh… Ik!”

The helpless orange-haired girl tried to intervene.

At that moment, a female guard appeared, shouting, “What are you doing there!”

Seeing the guard, the two shouted, “You’re lucky!” like third-rate villains and ran away.

“….Oops!”

Belatedly, the Meonyangi looked at me as if she thought she had gone too far.

“S-sorry… I got carried away.”

Her large pupils looked up at me.

It wasn’t exactly adorable.

‘This is it.’

This is the true taste of ‘Gosla’.

“No, it was rather cool, actually?”

“Hehehe.”

After the altercation with the two, we headed towards Im Hyeja’s blacksmith shop.

―Welcome! A place of generosity… Oops.

Initially, Im Hyeja, who liked the Meonyangi, turned her head away when she saw me.

Feeling awkward to talk to her as well, there was a moment of ambiguity.

Im Hyeja seemed to realize that the Meonyangi had undergone unbelievable growth just by looking at her.

She asked about the events that had taken place, and I explained them carefully.

At first, Im Hyeja listened silently.

But when she heard about the discovery of the “Trials,” she swayed in her chair.

Having completely cleared it and taking ownership, she eventually stumbled.

“…Uh, are you okay?”

“…I-I’m fine…please continue.”

Next came the ordeal of selling items and various miscellaneous tasks.

Finally, she showed the equipment obtained as a reward from .

“…Unbelievable…”

Im Hye-ja muttered as she looked at the [Zara’s Longsword] and [Zara’s Shield].

“Wow, is this really amazing?”

“Of course! It’s said to have completely evolved from being inserted into the body of a dead monster to being brand new. Doesn’t that make sense?”

Indeed.

“Wow, look at the patterns engraved on the sword. I never knew they could be this beautiful. It must be a pattern made possible by inheriting the mysteries of nature…and yet it’s also good in performance and sturdy. Truly, this is what makes it a stable Rare grade.”

Finally, when she showed the [Disguise], the reaction was overwhelming.

“Uh, sis! Don’t faint!”

Hmm, I somewhat expected that reaction.

Even for a Normal, choose one skill to equip.

Later on, it’s an unbelievable performance to completely merge with the user.

Anyway, as we finished talking about everything, there was a subtle silence for a moment.

“…Mrrr.”

A cute meowing cat appeared and glanced between Im Hye-ja and me.

Hmm, I feel like I should say something.

What should I say?

Should I say something like, “I think this is not enough, so I will help you grow more”?

Fortunately, there was no need to worry.

Im Hye-ja was the first to speak.

“…I’m sorry. You were right.”

“Uh, me?”

She sighed, got up from her seat, and bowed her head in a formal apology.

“I admit it. I was wrong. I just…thought of you as a parasitic woman who seduced our cat with your good looks…I was rude.”

“Uh…um.”

“But you proved it not with words but with actions, with results. The growth of our cat now. It’s an impossible growth even if you were to die and be reborn. I know because I was a hunter too.”

Im Hye-ja clasped her hands together and raised them above her head.

“I apologize once again. My disbelief. My rude words…please forgive me.”

“Oh, no! Even if I were in your shoes, I would have thought the same.”

I quickly accepted the apology.

Then, to lighten the awkward atmosphere, I immediately got to the point.

“In fact, I have something to ask for besides reporting.”

“I know even without you saying it. You want me to create a socket slot for equipping this [Disguise], right? I’ll also make one for your sword.”

“Oh, thank you. By the way, how many slots can be created at most?”

“The key is the durability of the socket. These two are both incredibly sturdy, right? Probably two slots. If you push it, three slots might be possible. However, as a blacksmith, I recommend only two slots. If something else comes up later, you can come back then.”

Two slots are more than enough.

Our cat is special.

It’s not easy to find socket gems.

“Oh, and…I have another request-”

“-Are you talking about armor?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

I glanced at the cat.

Her leather armor was completely destroyed.

It was the price she paid with her own life to protect our cat from [Water Bomb] and [Water Breath] of Toujuwon.

“It’s perfect timing. I have something good.”

After finishing her sentence, Im Hye-ja walked over to a shelf.

Then, to our surprise, she brought out armor that would catch anyone’s eye.

It was a black leather armor designed for women.

It had smooth metal plates attached all over, showing flexibility, sturdiness, and resilience at the same time.

Huh? Wait, those metal plates…where have I seen them before?

“Could this be Kappa Rhino leather?”

“Yes, I sent the material because Meonyangi was in a tight spot. And all this black part is dyed silverback leather.”

Wow, damn.

In fact, you completely replaced the material without any leftovers, didn’t you?

Me and Meonyangi admired each other, and I asked if I could take a closer look.

In response, Im Hyeja chuckled.

Although I grinned at the words telling me not to be surprised.

I soon understood the meaning of the laughter.

◉Name: Beast Armor

◉Type: Armor (Top, Bottom)

◉Grade: Hero

I paused just by looking at the grade.

I looked at Im Hyeja with an expression that seemed to say I couldn’t believe it.

Armor of the Hero grade, one step above Rare, had come out of her hands.

Among the NPCs in the ‘Gosra’ wilderness.

The fact that an armor of a grade that few could make came out of her hands meant that she had reached a level close to that of a master.

‘…Have you reached the level of a master?’

No. It doesn’t seem like that’s the case.

Then there is only one answer.

I slowly opened my mouth.

“Is this a masterpiece?”

“M-meowww?!”