Chapter 147
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 147
Chapter Title: High-Concentrate Honey
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To be different from the ordinary.
Just as every outcome has its pros and cons, using the Honey Nectar Extractor wasn't a simple affair.
[Using Capacity Charge.]
[10 honeys are required to reach 100% capacity.]
The number of honeys needed to complete just one high-concentrate batch was a staggering ten.
But it would have been a relief if it only required a lot of ingredients.
The process of high concentration didn't end with just adding the materials.
[Time remaining until high concentration is complete: 12 hours]
The time it took to finish was a full 12 hours.
A demanding half-day.
But Seong-hyeok’s reaction to this was perfectly calm.
“I’m really looking forward to the result.”
It was a fresh realization, but this bizarre world, governed by a game-like system, was remarkably fair compared to before.
Whatever the risk, the expected return was bound to increase accordingly.
The fact that it required 12 hours meant, in other words, that the value of the final product would also be higher, wouldn't it?
“I was swamped with work anyway, so this is perfect.”
Besides, who was Seong-hyeok?
He was a man who lived and breathed bees, a bee fanatic who had long since become one with them.
Having developed a mindset similar to that of his bees, Seong-hyeok never wasted a moment.
“Let’s work hard together, my little ones.”
*Bzzzz~*
*Buzzzzz~*
The thought of beekeeping immediately filled his mind, and his body was fired up with enthusiasm.
Like master, like bee.
A swarm of bees buzzed closer in response to Seong-hyeok's words, rubbing against him affectionately.
Was there any reason to hesitate?
*Bwoooong~*
*Buzzz-bwoooong-!*
As if played by a celestial instrument.
The sweet melody of wingbeats accompanied his beekeeping work.
Seong-hyeok's beekeeping proceeded, accompanied by the rhythmic sway of his captivating rump.
His stats, honed as a connoisseur of processed bee products, made his work rate and processing speed top-class, second to none on the entire bee farm.
Furthermore, when Seong-hyeok started working, it wasn't just about harvesting honey.
“Honeybee is at it again.”
“I see it all the time, but it’s truly amazing.”
“I’ve seen all sorts of people in my life, but I’ve never seen someone so crazy about work.”
“Well, it’s better than not working.”
“But isn’t it strange? The bees go wild with excitement whenever Honeybee comes out.”
As Seong-hyeok began his work, the swarms of bees started working more energetically, as if dancing.
The fervent heat generated by the joy of tens of millions of bees scattered across the bee farm.
Perhaps because this warmth spread to the many residents, regardless of distance?
“Well now. My body is getting antsy.”
“If you look closely, it seems like the bees have some kind of special effect.”
“I can’t be outdone.”
Just as watching a food show makes you hungry.
The cycle of labor was passed on through Seong-hyeok and his bees at work.
Was the land of labor ever a foundation easily built?
With the master of the land himself being a workaholic, the 10,000 residents were naturally influenced.
“Let’s get to work!”
“Hahaha! I’m looking forward to the meal after a hard day’s work.”
Normally, in a large group of people, some would slack off, thinking, ‘It’s just me…’ But here at the bee farm, everyone rolled up their sleeves and hurried to work without anyone needing to tell them.
* * * * *
Time flowed relentlessly amidst the work.
Before long, the sun that had shone so brightly had set, and the dark of night had fallen, but this was no obstacle for Seong-hyeok or the other residents to continue their work.
Why, you ask?
*Bzz~*
*Bwoooong-*
The sky was filled with the sight of honey stars.
With the addition of the Golden Rock Queen Bee, there were now eight types of bees, and a festival of colors bloomed from their rumps.
One or two lights might not be enough to illuminate the dark surroundings, but when their numbers reached the hundreds of millions, it was a different story.
“It’s always so pretty to look at.”
“You don’t even need to see the group dance during the festival. Just this is a quiet source of healing. Yep.”
“They look like jewel stars!”
A pattern like stars embroidered across the sky.
They never stood still, moving about busily, the very epitomes of diligence.
*Bzzzzzzzz~*
The movements of these creatures, called the honey stars of the night sky and the fairies of the forest.
The bees landed one by one on the flowers blooming throughout the farm, and then, like their own luscious rumps.
They plunged their heads into the flowers and began to covet the nectar.
*Quiver-quiver-*
*Shudder-*
To an onlooker, they might seem like ravenous plunderers.
However, bees and flowers exist in a strictly symbiotic relationship, so the bees never take the nectar for free.
*Bzzzz~*
Pollen dusted the bodies of the bees as they took flight once more.
Wings and diligence.
Possessing both, the bees did not hesitate to transport the pollen, no matter how far.
And so, the bountiful reproduction of flowers repeated.
With countless swarms of bees carrying out this act without rest, how could the flowers not bloom?
A forest formed within this infinite positive cycle.
The fact that these tiny creatures achieved this was more than enough reason for humanity to need bees.
“You praiseworthy little things. Without you, this farm wouldn't exist.”
*Bzz~*
And to top it off, they were armed with fluffy cuteness!
The charming actions of these creatures, who had not a single unlikable trait from head to toe, did not end here.
[The high concentration process of the Honey Nectar Extractor (★★★★-) is complete.]
[The highly concentrated honey nectar is now ready for harvest!]
For the bees, this was the alpha and omega: a honey byproduct.
A byproduct that had already undergone one aging process and was now newly high-concentrated through the Honey Nectar Extractor greeted Seong-hyeok.
______________________________
[High-Concentrate World Tree Eight-Colored Honey (★★★★+)]
* Classification: Consumable, Material
* Upon consumption, it satisfies hunger and thirst, restores 2,500 (+500) Health and Mana, and increases all stats by 1% for 120 minutes. (Cooldown: 120 minutes)
* Effect - Deeply Concentrated Aged Product (Passive): When used as a material for items that require aging, it greatly amplifies the effects of the completed item.
※ High-Concentrate World Tree's Aura: For 30 minutes, Attack Power and Movement Speed are increased by 30%. For bees, max Honey Storage is increased by 100, and Attack Power and Movement Speed are additionally increased by 50%. (Cooldown: 120 minutes)
* Description: A ★★★★+ grade high-concentrate honey created through a perfect high-concentration process. Its sweetness has been greatly enhanced through a long aging period. It is considered the ultimate health food for bees.
______________________________
It was the birth of the honey nectar he had set to age after a long period of work.
As they say, is there anything as valuable as a byproduct created in nature?
The result of eight different types of honey mixing together and aging.
The sight of the high-concentrate honey, stretching stickily like cheese, and the rich sweetness that stimulated the sense of smell were enough to whet one's appetite.
*Bzzzz~*
*Bzzzzzz~*
On top of that, just like the pollen cakes before, it even applied additional effects to the bees.
It was no exaggeration to call it a health food, just as the description stated!
If he had his way, he would have gladly given a handful to each of the entranced creatures, but Seong-hyeok reached out his hand and stopped the bees.
“I’m sorry, little ones. I’ll give you this later when I have a bigger supply.”
The performance was undeniable, but it required a full 12 hours.
He couldn't just use up what he had painstakingly completed as a snack, could he?
*Bzzzzz…*
First the wild strawberries, and now this; he felt sorry for controlling the bees' snacks, but this too was for their own good.
The survival of the bees was the very reason he expanded the bee farm and grew stronger.
If he succeeded in properly processing this excellent material, among the many things he would gain, he would undoubtedly be better able to protect his bees.
“More premium products are on the way.”
Off the top of his head, he could, of course, create high-concentrate versions of basic products like honey tea and honey soap.
And by using high-quality byproducts like royal jelly and propolis, he could craft even more upgraded versions.
Moreover, what Seong-hyeok was aiming for wasn't just this.
“I fully expected the effects to be incredible.”
The biggest problem with the high-concentrate honey was the long construction and concentration time for the extractor.
However, that wasn't much of an issue for Seong-hyeok.
[Honey Nectar Extractor (★★★★-) construction complete.]
[Honey Nectar Extractor (★★★★-) construction complete.]
[Honey Nectar Extractor (★★★★-) construction complete.]
…….
“Finally, the signal is here.”
The additional order for 499 units he had placed after the first extractor was built.
To others, it was mass production on an entirely different scale.
But who were the architects of the bee farm?
They were the ones who built the wild beehives, the very origin of wild honey.
Then came the wax turrets and walls that were a huge part of the farm's defenses, and the pollen cakes.
Our little honey architects had been building nonstop since birth.
What's more, the Geonchug-i didn't require any payment.
“Good job, everyone.”
*Bzzzzzz~*
As if a simple praise and a gentle pat were enough for 100% satisfaction.
The Geonchug-i danced, their rumps wiggling.
But as the Honeybee Guardian, Seong-hyeok couldn't get away with just praise.
“Just wait a little longer. From now on, I’ll let you eat snacks to your heart’s content.”
*Bzz~*
*Bzzzzzz~*
At Seong-hyeok’s declaration of snacks, not just the Geonchug-i, but all the eight-colored rumps under the night sky wiggled with joy.
* * * * *
Jeongrichung, the so-called information broker of the Korean server.
To be frank, compared to other nations with vast lands and large populations like North America or Europe, Korea, with its small peninsula and population of only about 50 million, was small.
A top info broker there would be a nobody on the world stage.
But was there such a thing as a turning point in life?
Currently, Jeongrichung's position in the world was, without a doubt, that of the world's number one information broker, no matter what anyone said.
And for good reason…
【Korea/Jeongrichung: This is Jeongrichung, bringing you news of Honeybee faster than anyone else. He was kind enough to provide the specs for the items he'll be listing at the upcoming auction, so I'm revealing them right away!】
He had a monopoly on information about Honeybee, a figure of global interest.
Among that, he was sharing the effects of the processed bee products, arguably the topic of greatest interest. How could anyone ignore that?
[Post has been listed as BEST.]
As a result, as soon as he posted, the BEST mark appeared as if it were a given.
For info brokers in other countries, it was a situation that would make them burn with jealousy, but what could they do?
Information, by its very nature, becomes more valuable the harder it is to obtain.
And its value shines even brighter the more people desire it.
Like a word that travels a thousand miles, the information that started spreading through Jeongrichung naturally caused an uproar on community forums in every country.
【France/Will of White: Holy crap! Are these effects for real? Such insane stats!】
【Germany/Franderos: This is going to be a fierce competition.】
【USA/Lucky Robert: lol, I call dibs on this one. Don't even think about touching it, you'll get hurt (:)】
From those declaring their intent to compete in the upcoming 2nd Integrated Server Auction,
【India/TakeMyRefugees: If he has the skill to make something like this, he should lower the price of honey tea. Seriously, the constant expense is putting me in the red!】
【UK/KillerBee: For real, I'm so damn jealous. Why Honey and not Killer?】
To those who harbored complaints about Honeybee, who continued to be at the center of the world's stage.
【Korea/Jeongrichung NO.300: Honeybee. Is he truly a god?】
【Korea/ToughGal: The bee rump is legendary.】
【Pakistan/HiddenCarrot: FR, it's a blessing everyone acknowledges.】
And even those who simply sang praises to the bees.
The attention of all sorts of people from all over the world.
With all eyes on Honeybee, the 2nd Integrated Server Auction became the center of immense focus.