Seo Eunha, who got out of the driver's seat, was wearing a beige coat with jeans.
Considering it was a weekday and she wasn't in her combat uniform, it seemed she might be on a break.
"Salute!"
Sergeant Choi Seon-ah gave her a salute and briefly reported the current situation.
After checking out the scattered orc corpses around, she approached Lee Hyunwook and Yoo Haena.
Upon seeing her, Yoo Haena smirked and laughed.
"Oh, who do we have here? The third daughter of the knight commander, right? You've grown a lot."
She acted like she knew her, but she was wrong. Seo Eunha was the second daughter.
"…I'm the leader of the 2nd Battalion's Assault Team of the 3rd Cavalry Division."
Regardless of Yoo Haena's presumptuous familiarity, Seo Eunha responded in a very dry and formal manner, causing Yoo Haena's expression to turn cold as well. A sense of unexpected resentment could be felt…
It seemed the bad blood between the two went way back.
"A leader, you say? Hmm, someone of Seo Eunha's caliber is too good to be wasted at AMT."
"…"
"That's good. Do you want to take this card, Seo Eunha? You're still young; it would be a good time to start anew."
Yoo Haena waved the card that Lee Hyunwook had refused.
'Come to think of it, Seo Eunha was also one of the targets of Yoo Haena's obsession.'
Initially wanting to conquer her, but failing to do so, Yoo Haena eyed Seo Eunha with a twisted desire to break her.
And eventually, she would achieve that desire.
"The authority to capture the gates that appeared in this vicinity has been granted to the 1st Battalion of the 3rd Cavalry Division. Armed players without authority shouldn't be present at this location, that is, at the 'Red Ground'. Please leave."
"Ah, did your team already rush over and take charge? That was fast. But…"
Yoo Haena, with a hint of sarcasm, pointed towards her SUV.
"…We aren't really interested anyway."
Those who appeared to be members of her team were poking their bodies out of the car.
"An orc gate doesn't suit our level. We just happened to pass by when we received an emergency support request, we came out of humanitarian concerns."
"…"
"It feels a bit cold to be treated this way when we've come with good intentions… It's affecting my mood."
Her words were true.
The raid team that Yoo Haena belonged to consisted of the top players within the Cheonghwa Guild. They would typically engage in at least troll-level gates.
"Then we ask for your understanding. Could you please move your car away from our operational area?"
"Oh, sure, but wait a second…"
Yoo Haena's gaze shifted to Lee Hyunwook.
"…Over there, Corporal Lee Hyunwook?"
Seo Eunha alternately looked at Yoo Haena and Lee Hyunwook with a cold stare.
Yoo Haena moved very close to Lee Hyunwook.
"My assigned area covers this region, so we might see each other if a major dungeon opens. It would be better if we started on good terms, so you won't regret it later."
Saying this, she inserted her business card into the front pocket of Lee Hyunwook's combat uniform.
"If you ever consider contacting me… Well, feel free. I'm not as picky as I might seem."
With those words, Yoo Haena turned and got into her SUV.
As the Cheonghwa Guild's SUV departed, Seo Eunha looked at Lee Hyunwook.
But for some reason, her expression had shifted to a strange irritation.
It seemed likely it was because of Yoo Haena.
"Lee Hyunwook… Are you on a vacation?"
"Yes, that's right."
"…"
A few seconds of silence…
Without saying another word, she simply nodded and turned away.
'It looked like she had something to say…'
Lee Hyunwook knew Seo Eunha's character well.
When she asks formalities with such a complex expression and then hesitates for a moment, she likely has something to say but ends up holding back.
'She'll mull it over a few times and eventually speak up.'
That's just how the somewhat timid girl was.
A short while later, the AMT Military Police Investigation Team arrived to investigate the monster attack scene.
The investigation took about 30 minutes, and only after that could they truly start their break.
* * *
It was 2 hours later than planned when Lee Hyunwook and Choi Seon-ah arrived at Seoul Station.
"Captain, I'll see you next time."
"Huh? Aren't you taking the train, Corporal Lee Hyunwook? I thought we were heading in the same direction."
At Choi Seon-ah's farewell, Lee Hyunwook seemed regretful.
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"No, I have someone to meet in Seoul, so I think I need to head down later."
"Alright, then there's no other way. Let's meet when you return. Goodbye!"
"Yes, please take care."
Lee Hyunwook had no intention of going to his home address in Suwon.
He had lost his parents long ago and lived with relatives, a time filled with only unpleasant memories.
Simply put, they were people who did not need to be part of his future.
Lee Hyunwook first purchased civilian clothes and changed into them.
It was more of a semi-formal blazer and slacks, meant to show respect to the 'specific person' he mentioned to Choi Seon-ah.
He then took the subway to Yeongdeungpo Station. Checking the time, it was already past 11 o'clock. Unexpected events had wasted much of his time.
"I need to move as quickly as possible if everything is to go according to plan."
His first task was, of course, to find metal to absorb, and of good quality.
Soon, he arrived at the 'Blacksmith Alley' in Munrae-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu.
In the past, this place had a 'steel alley'. But after the game began, 'Blacksmith' players started gathering here, starting businesses in 'Magical Material Engineering' and 'Item Crafting'.
Over time, its size grew. A few years ago, the 'Blacksmith's Association' was established, which advocated for the rights of blacksmiths. It was becoming a key player in the player's world, however…
"Despite its name, the Association is just a rotten structure that benefits only a few privileged blacksmiths."
Lee Hyunwook knew very well that the Blacksmith's Association was a typically corrupt organization.
'But I know of a truly skilled individual suppressed by that corruption.'
Ting-tang! Ting-tang!
The sound of metal being forged echoed from the entrance of the alley.
Lee Hyunwook entered the 'Association Office' at the entrance of the alley.
To deal with a blacksmith, one had to go through the association, meaning paying a fee, an absurd procedure.
"Welcome."
An employee, seated at a computer, greeted him begrudgingly.
Even as Lee Hyunwook approached, the employee didn't even raise his head.
Such poor service, especially when forcing users to go through the association counter, showcased the standard of the Association.
"Hello."
"Oh, yes, what brings you here?"
"Just a moment…"
Pretending to search for a business card in his wallet, Lee Hyunwook began to take out various cards one by one.
Thump- Thump- Thump-
A card from Cheon Myung-ho, a lieutenant and a tactical instructor from the Black Tiger Unit,
A card from Catherine Yoo, the Seoul Strategy Chief of the Cheonghwa Guild,
And a card given by Battalion Commander Kim Kang-seok, just in case he needed help during his leave,
As those three illustrious names lay on the desk…
"…"
The employee's expression changed noticeably.
'What? Who is this person?'
He thought.
If a man carrying such business cards presents his own with such confidence, the implication is clear.
'…This man is quite influential!'
Reaching that conclusion was quite a natural train of thought.
The employee stood up from his chair, wearing a noticeable smile.
"Oh, I… seem to have left my card elsewhere."
"Hahaha, that's alright, sir. Please, have a seat here comfortably."
What importance does a mere card have? The employee pointed towards a sofa in the office with utmost courtesy.
"Sir, if you let me know what you're looking for, I'll carefully select the best items to show you."
"Well, I'm not here for items, but to find a person."
"Ah! Are you looking for an exclusive blacksmith? Would you like me to recommend a craftsman perfectly suited for your item needs?"
Weapons that could pierce through monster barriers and slice through bones and flesh always needed repairs, and that was the job of a blacksmith player.
Especially top-tier players wouldn't entrust their valuable equipment to just anyone, and they often kept a dedicated 'personal blacksmith' to professionally handle their items.
"No, I'm looking for someone specific."
"Oh… is that so?"
The employee seemed a bit anxious.
This was because the guild had the authority to recommend blacksmiths to new customers. In essence, blacksmiths who supported the core power of the guild had more opportunities.
"May I ask the name of the craftsman you're looking for?"
"It's Craftsman Kang Jung-du."
"…"
The employee's expression hardened further.
'Probably a name that's been excluded from the recommended list.'
Craftsman Kang Jung-du was a figure who didn't meekly follow the large structure of the guild.
As a result, he had fallen out of favor with the guild and was now in a less favorable position.
'But he's one of the most skilled blacksmiths.'
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The employee hesitated before speaking.
"Sir, his performance hasn't been very good recently. I can recommend someone more skilled…"
"No, I specifically want Craftsman Kang Jung-du."
"…"
"Did you not hear what I said?"
"Hahaha… If you insist, I understand."
The employee tried to sidestep Kang Jung-du again.
Had it not been for the business card strategy, he might have been turned away at this point.
A moment later, the inner door opened, and an elderly man with white hair appeared.
'I've heard the name Craftsman Kang Jung-du many times, but this is my first time seeing him.'
He would become famous in just 4 years, but until then, he's a true craftsman who produces incredible items.
'If I play my cards right, I could own everything he crafts.'
Seeing such a legendary figure in person was enough to make Lee Hyunwook's heart race.
"Ah, I've heard that you've been looking for this old man. My name is Kang Jung-du."
The elderly man with flowing white hair bowed deeply at a right angle.
"If it's not too forward, may we go to your workshop to discuss matters further?"
"…My residence is quite humble."
"It's fine."
The expression of the employee hardened once more.
Preferring the workshop of a blacklisted blacksmith over the guild's office was certainly not favorable. However, since he had already assumed the guest was someone significant, he didn't dare obstruct him.
Lee Hyunwook entered a dilapidated building situated in the most secluded part of the blacksmith's alley.
The half-open rusty shutter revealed a workshop containing only a small anvil, a furnace, and a rusty workbench.
"This place is humble, I must apologize. It's okay if you just take a look and leave."
"No, I can sense your experience from this place."
"I'm grateful for your kind words."
Though the place was modest, the items hung inside were not.
Right from the entrance, Lee Hyunwook spotted an incredible object.
It was a black spear.
'That's a javelin made with an Orihalcon tip.'
It was one of the javelin weapons that, in the future, the 'Dragon Knight' of Salzburg would use.
'It doesn't seem to have the barrier destruction effect yet. It'll probably be complete in about a year.'
He swallowed hard.
However, he couldn't dare to possess it right away.
To outright request to buy it would imply that even Craftsman Kang Jung-du would know its worth. Moreover, Lee Hyunwook didn't have the money for it yet.
'Even if Craftsman Kang were to sell everything, he wouldn't easily part with that.'
From what Lee Hyunwook heard, just before Kang Jung-du's death, the Austrian hero Dragon Knight personally came to him. He persuaded him for half a day to use that spear to pierce the heart of the dragon 'Tarasque' that had appeared on the European continent.
And eventually, that spear becomes the 'Dragon Slayer'.
'Sigh… For now, I need to consume metal imbued with magical properties.'
Regardless of the metal he consumes, growth would occur. But as he repeatedly reminded himself, he needed to consume high-quality metal, especially metal infused with magic.
In doing so, it's not just his metal control that improves. Not only does he gain 'skills', but he also develops 'resistance' to specific magic. At its peak, this resistance can even become 'immunity'.
For instance, continuously consuming metal enchanted with a fire attribute would make one immune to burns, even when engulfed in flames.
'I urgently need poison immunity.'
He needed it for the omen of the 4th wave event that would happen in two days.
"Sir, I don't work alone. I have an assistant. I'll introduce you."
"Haha, sure."
"Hey, Hee-seol!"
The septuagenarian had a strong voice.
Upon his call, footsteps could be heard from inside the workshop.
"Ah, what!"
The voice matched that of the old man's, but it was a high-pitched female voice.
"I was practicing my enchanting!"
The door from inside the workshop opened and out came a short-haired girl with soot smeared all over her face.
'Kang Hee-seol, she's still young.'
Estimating her age, she seemed to be in her 1st or 2nd year of high school.
'Kang Jung-du will die 4 years from now.'
It wasn't due to any specific disease but natural old age, so there was nothing Lee Hyunwook could do to prevent it.
'But that girl, Snow White (Kang Hee-seol), will continue to grow. In the future, along with seven dwarf craftsmen, she will produce the first master-class item.'
In this game, there is a system called the 'Family System'.
Simply put, a player's abilities also reflect their 'family lineage'.
For example, if a father awakens as a wizard player, there's a high likelihood that his children will inherit wizard-related traits when they awaken.
The fact that Seo Eunha, the second daughter of the Army Paladin Division Commander Seo Baek-jin, is a Paladin player is an example of this. Similarly, Kang Hee-seol also awakened with blacksmith traits, being the granddaughter of Kang Jung-du.
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"Huh? Who's this man?"
"Oh! You brat. He's not just a man, he's the boss!"
"How can you call him like that?! Really, with that language!"
"No, Grandpa always…"
"You! When will you ever grow up?"
Lee Hyunwook chuckled softly.
'She's truly immature. And it seems she'll remain that way.'
He knew very well, especially that she had picked up such audacious language from her grandfather, Kang Jung-du.
'Kang Jung-du may seem gentle on the outside, but he's a stubborn and strong-willed old man.'
To what extent would he keep his distance from the Blacksmith Association and set boundaries?
"Haha, it's okay. It seems your granddaughter is also a blacksmith player."
"It seems fate made it so."
"With the whole family engaged in the craft, I feel even more assured entrusting you."
Kang Jung-du showed a modest expression at Lee Hyunwook's words.
"Oh dear, we'll do our best."
Lee Hyunwook purchased as much 'poison-attributed' enchanted magical metal as he could from Kang Jung-du's workshop.
It weighed a whopping 11kg, costing 2,200,000 won.
Apart from that, he also bought a dagger made of magical metal and 20 steel beads.
These steel beads, 3 cm in diameter, were an alloy of mithril and tungsten. They had a decent weight and inherent magic resistance, effective in breaking down a monster's 'barrier'.
Moreover, the steel beads were very easy to control since the weight was centered, requiring almost no effort to maintain balance.
'20 magical metal steel beads for 2,900,000 won, that's quite a steal.'
AMT soldiers could purchase and bring in their personal weapons.
'It's a good thing I've been consistently saving at this time.'
AMT, being a kind of professional soldier job, receives a monthly salary akin to regular employees.
Soldiers typically don't have many expenses while stationed at the base.
As a result, his bank account currently holds about 3,800,000 won.
"Oh, thank you so much, sir!"
With just one transaction, Kang Jung-du spent several months' worth of income. Kang Hee-seol, with wide eyes, was wiping the drool from the corner of her mouth.
"Wow! Two million won! Amazing… Grandpa, today we should get chicken and pizza…"
"Hey, close that- um, just keep your mouth shut for once!"
That cheeky attitude seemed unlikely to change even as she grew older.
"The items are very good. I'll be back for more trades, so please stay healthy."
"Of course."
"I hope to see you again soon, miss."
"Yes, yes! I hope we can meet more often! Hehe!"
"Oh dear, this child…"
It seemed that Lee Hyunwook would be the one benefitting more from frequent meetings.
Thus, a reliable source of quality metal was secured.
* * *
Lee Hyunwook checked into a nearby motel.
"Sigh…"
And now, he was seated in the middle of the room, adjusting his sitting posture with a tense expression.
In front of him were metals with a 'poison attribute' 'enchanted' onto them, which he purchased from Kang Jung-du.
When he ordered, he had requested the metals to be cut to the size of a finger joint, making each piece small enough to be swallowed in one bite.
He picked up one of the pieces and swallowed it.
Gulp.
[ Time remaining for metal absorption (00:19:59) ]
Normally, it would have taken the above-mentioned time, but now it was different.
Lee Hyunwook focused energy on his core.
Whooom…
He then felt a resonance deep within his body.
How should he describe it? It felt like a massive machine starting up.
The organ newly formed after absorbing the Demon's Medal (Inferno),
The 'Internal Furnace,' had started operating.
[ The Internal Furnace is active, drastically increasing metal absorption efficiency. (+250%) ]
Instead of merely digesting the metal, it was literally melting and absorbing it.
However…
[ Warning! Severe pain will accompany the process! ]
[ Warning! Severe pain will accompany the process! ]
[ Warning! Severe pain will accompany the process! ]
"…Ugh!"
He felt as if his whole body was being consumed by flames.
Lee Hyunwook gritted his teeth, enduring the pain.
It felt maddening, but he had to withstand it.
If he could…
'I will absorb all 11kg of the metal today!'
…The Lee Hyunwook of tomorrow would wake up three times stronger than he was now.