The Genius Blacksmith's Game
essence
The king of a nation that was in crisis just moments ago is now acting all high and mighty because he has overcome it.
That is correct, Lord.
How could you refuse that offer?
He is a fool.
The country of Hyun will eventually fall.
Luo of the black carriage caravan was fuming as he left the country of the county.
Countries that have experienced war are bound to run out of funds quickly.
Compensation for the bereaved families has likely not been paid yet, and they will have to sell even the food in their storehouses to pay for the repair costs of the soldiers' and knights' artifacts.
You must have needed me too!
However, he effectively turned down an amount worth perhaps hundreds of millions of gold for the sake of Alex and the Red Merchant Guild.
'Idiot, fool, idiot. What a moron… But what is this feeling?'
As Luo left the country of Hyun, he felt an inexplicable emptiness in his heart.
The moment Alex abandoned the Parion Empire, Luo danced with joy, saying that the guy had gone mad.
This is because it is a foregone conclusion that the Red Top will be weakened the moment the contract with Parion ends.
It was actually cut into pieces.
Because what was sold in the Pharion Empire and what was sold in the country of the current were strictly different matters.
Nevertheless, Alex made that decision.
How is this different from the decision he made today?
I chose the difficult path even though there was an easy one.
I mean, kings and merchants alike.
Then a merchant said.
“It seems the County’s country will never become an empire, since you have driven us out.”
After composing himself, Luo saw the truth.
“No, King Hyun-su of the Kingdom of Hyun will eventually become the Emperor.”
"yes……?"
Everyone looked puzzled. Wasn't Hyun's country currently in a bad financial situation?
Are you saying this based on his potential?
"no."
Once I calmed down, I could see many things.
“The King Hyun I saw today is a meticulous man. He foresaw that our merchant guild would try to wield power once we entered his kingdom. And he is the one who paid a massive sum for nothing but junk items. He might have had a backup plan.”
Luo guessed so.
Then, a woman appeared.
Is that really the woman in charge of finances? She is so beautiful that it makes you wonder.
The dark black eyes were like black holes.
“You saw it correctly. You truly are the greatest merchant on the continent. Of course, Lord Alex will likely take that title back, though…”
Luo's eyebrows twitched at the provocative remark.
“I heard from Your Highness about the matter with Lord Luo. To be honest, I did speak up. Given our current financial situation, I suggested that we consider receiving at least some investment. However, Your Highness truly had a second-best option. I have brought that alternative.”
“…a second-best option?”
Luo wore a very curious expression, and what Nell handed him was a parchment.
[Transcendental Grade. Jiangshi King's Summoning Scroll.]
[Transcendent Grade. Blood Wolf Sword.]
[Transcendental Grade. Wolf Transformation.]
[Legendary Grade. Siegeer's Earrings.]
[Legendary Grade. Count's Armor Set.]
[Legendary Grade… … ]
An endlessly spread list caught my eye.
Luo had heard rumors not long ago that Musashi had risen to the position of the Guild's Magic Swordsman.
That it was made possible by the great sorcerer Olio.
Why didn't I know that?
It wasn't just the Archmage Olio who was there.
Also, I heard that, ironically, strangers can obtain gold by killing someone.
"… … You must possess enormous funds. Moreover, if you combine the value of these… … ."
beginning.
Alex's balance was short by about 10 million gold.
These items alone far exceed that amount.
“Yes, that is correct. Your Highness merely wanted to sell junk items, and if their value had been insignificant, you would have paid with the money you had on hand. The perilous situation you imagine did not arise in the Kingdom of Hyun.”
“Why are you telling me this? And what is Your Highness’s intention?”
Should I say it's a shame?
“……?”
Alex will take your place back soon.
"You're bringing that up again? Are you rubbing salt in the wound?"
“No. It is reality. The reason you came here in such a rush to collect the overdue payment is likely because you concluded that if you didn't get this chance, you wouldn't be able to surpass Alex.”
“…….”
It is an accurate insight.
Luo knew that he could not defeat Alex on his own.
Alex is the type of person who makes a profit of 1 won more than himself even when selling just one apple.
Living such a life, Luo harbored envy, jealousy, and an inferiority complex for a long time.
In fact, before Alex abandoned the Parion Empire, the Black Carriage was ranked 16th on the continent.
After Alex abandoned the Parion Empire, the Black Carriage rapidly seized control of the continent. However, their method was strikingly similar to how Alex's Red Carriage had swallowed the continent in the past. Ultimately, they were acknowledging Alex.
“……That’s giving me goosebumps. What are you trying to say?”
“Is it really necessary to be the best? There are already many who want to tear you apart and bring you down just to stay in that position.”
Luo could not deny him.
As he became the greatest merchant on the continent, he was being threatened in many places.
Can I be the best forever?
Luo always carried that anxiety.
At the very least, Hyun's country can help you become the second-in-command.
The reason Nell came to visit was revealed.
If Luo tried to seize the initiative earlier, now Hyun's country is trying to take it.
Luo cannot control the Emperor like a puppet.
It becomes a symbiotic relationship.
“I wondered what you were talking about… I’m going back.”
However, Luo turned his body.
Is it impossible in the end?
I mean embracing even Alex and Luo.
However, Luo, who seemed to be leaving, said
“If Hyun’s country becomes an empire, then I will open trade relations with Hyun’s empire.”
That is what Luo, the greatest merchant on the continent, left behind.
However, Luo gave a bitter smile as he left.
Because I dismissed it as a story with no end in sight…
And all of this was actually instructed by Hyun-soo to Nell, following Alex's advice.
Hyun-su was worried that this incident might cause a falling out with the Black Carriage, but the result was completely different.
[A friendly relationship with the Black Wagon Merchant Guild is maintained.]
[Luo, the head of the Black Carriage Merchant Guild, swears to stand with the Kingdom of Hyun when it establishes an empire.]
“……You’re saying we’ll be together if it becomes an empire?”
Hyunsu was impressed.
Currently, the largest caravan outside is the Black Carriage.
Hyunsu also realized the meaning.
Climb to the summit on your own without the help of the Black Wagon Merchant Guild.
It means that if that happens, they will be together.
'possibility…….'
That alone would be more than enough for Hyunsu.
Hyun-su also received an unexpected reward.
This is the reward for Secret Quest: The Rich Man's Temptation.
(An eye that sees the essence.)
Active Skill.
Rank: Legendary.
Level: 1
effect:
You can instantly recognize the hidden power or ability that something possesses.
· One with the awakening eye can awaken that hidden power or ability.
· There is a spell.
·Example) O essence, open your eyes.
“……Hmm? Is that a good thing?”
In fact, it will be good for most users.
no……
It is a power extraordinary enough to make you stand up right then and there and do a tap dance. Especially for ordinary blacksmith users.
Being able to see the essence is that useful to blacksmiths.
I often hear such things.
When 100,000 iron ore pieces are lined up, one of them is special.
It’s just that we don’t know.
It amounts to giving you the ability to catch such things.
The same goes for artifacts.
However, from Hyun-su's perspective, it is a bit different.
I'm a real-life blacksmith, you see…
So far, Hyun-su has seen through the hidden essence several times.
Just because a sword is completely rusted does not mean its 'level of perfection' is low.
Just as the saying goes that a legendary sword cannot be hidden, Hyunsu was able to see through such things.
So, in a way, it is not that attractive to Hyun-su.
Still, the best part is…
So you're saying we don't have to remove the rust anymore?
After thinking it over carefully, this part was a scam.
You do not have to spend time restoring a rusted masterpiece sword.
You have to realize that for Hyun-su, time is money.
perhaps……
'You might be able to draw upon hundreds of essential powers in a day!'
It might have been something more amazing than I thought.
Also, the country of Hyun possesses countless blacksmiths.
Wouldn't one be able to see through the essence just by glancing at that blacksmith shop?
Hyunsu hurried toward the blacksmith's shop.
***
smithy.
The blacksmiths of the country of Hyun are working hard.
Then, a man appeared and breathed vitality into the ordinary daily lives of the blacksmiths.
It is none other than the king, Hyunsu.
“Greetings, Your Majesty!”
"majesty……!"
Some blacksmiths trembled with respect, while others froze and could not even move.
To that extent, Hyun-su had become an idol to them and the person they most wanted to emulate.
You're all working hard.
Hyunsu greeted them and went into a blacksmith's shop.
There are hundreds of different things in a single blacksmith shop.
It could be said that it included not only the items immediately used as blacksmith tools, but also 'materials' and the 'finished products' they created.
but…….
Even after entering a blacksmith's shop, the eyes could not see any change.
It's a bust.
What are you looking for?
“Well…….”
The blacksmiths were puzzled, and they had grown numb to the fact that Hyunsu had come.
Because they had to meet the delivery deadline!
Hyunsu continued to look into the blacksmiths.
Ten.
twenty.
Sixty.
I kept wandering around, and kept wandering around.
There are thousands of things scattered by eye alone.
However, there was no change.
Then, Hyunsu discovered a hammer shining brightly in a blacksmith's shop.
A hammer that scatters white light.
It is clearly a hammer harboring hidden power.
The owner of the hammer is named Carder.
“What is this hammer?”
It's a hammer I bought at the market.
“There is actually a hidden power within this hammer. I will awaken that power for you. It’s a life-changing opportunity!”
Turn your life around!
Those words made Carder's heart race. To think that I, an ordinary person, could turn my life around!
Didn't even His Highness say that?
Hyun-su awakens the essence of that hammer.
“Essence, open your eyes.”
A bright light dwells in the hammer.
[Discovering the hidden essence.]
[You have found a Hammer with an Attack Power of 2!]
“……???”
Hyun-su was flustered.
"Only 2…?"
Carder, who had dreamed of turning his life around, became dejected.
“Life is still the same…….”
Hyunsu felt sorry.
one side.
“……Of all people, did User Hyunsu have to acquire the eye to see the essence?”
Whether it's a skill or an artifact.
There exists something that suits the user.
Sejin was quite surprised.
"… … It amounts to having obtained one of the best means to reach the Empire."
Hyunsu will probably notice soon.
