Chapter 166
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 166
Chapter Title: The Red Observer
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[Title, Gourmet - Heart Eater's awakening condition has been met. -> Consecutive Dragon Hunts]
It was no exaggeration to call dragons the pioneers of high risk, high return.
As difficult as they were to hunt, the rewards were just as great.
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[Gourmet - Heart Eater]
* Classification: Title
* Effect: Durability +5%
* Effect - Heart Revival (Passive): Resurrect immediately upon death. All currently held coins and items will not be lost. (Cooldown: 150 days)
* Effect - New Heart (Passive): For 5 minutes after revival, all stats increase by 200%.
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The benefits from dragons were so immense, it was like they were the giving tree itself.
“I’ve lost count of how many things I’ve gained from just one dragon.”
Following the awakening of Dragon Slayer came the awakening of Heart Eater.
And the changes it brought were clearly reflected in its effects.
The cooldown was shortened by 50 days, down from 200, and it boasted the game-breaking option of a 200% increase to all stats, but Seong-hyeok couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed.
“Hoo, this is more flash than substance…”
It would be fantastic if he could use it like an active skill, but unfortunately, ‘New Heart’ was a passive.
Moreover, the condition to activate it was anything but simple.
“Does it mean I have to die?”
As is true for all living things.
Death is to be feared.
And Seong-hyeok was no exception.
“Still, it’s better than nothing.”
The insurance of a resurrection would surely prove invaluable one day.
“Shall we finish up, then?”
*Bzzzz~*
With that positive thought, he finished processing the dragon’s heart.
Accompanied by the bees’ celebratory dance, Seong-hyeok immersed himself in the work of cleaning up.
* * * * *
The 5-star unique class, Mad Inquirer, had only three candidates on Earth, including Seong-hyeok.
As befitting such a rare few among the world’s vast population, once they delved into research, it didn't matter how long it took.
“How about this much? Ho? Then can it withstand this as well?”
An insatiable thirst for inquiry that drove them madly on, whether for hours or days.
Even for Thomas, who had handled various materials since the advent of this topsy-turvy world, the value of the Red Dragon’s eye was beyond compare.
“Ooh, what a truly perfect vessel!”
The material’s sturdiness, withstanding a constant barrage of his special catalysts.
Indeed, Thomas’s judgment had been correct.
Just think about it.
In the current world, who other than Seong-hyeok could so easily slay a dragon?
That was why the dragon’s eye was a priceless material that couldn’t be obtained even for a king’s ransom.
Completely captivated by its seemingly limitless durability, Thomas’s fondness for Seong-hyeok, who had provided it, skyrocketed.
“To be so remarkable at such a young age.”
Not only when he made his name known to the world as Honeybee.
His first impression upon meeting him was also thoroughly pleasing.
“It’s rare to meet someone who makes you curious about the life they’ve lived.”
Though their pursuits differed, they were kindred spirits, bound by the fate of the Mad Inquirer.
His disciple Marlon and his granddaughter Rachel were similar, but the potential Seong-hyeok held was on an entirely different level!
[The gaze of the Transcendent Being, Bo the Mad Inquirer, advises that this is a talent you should keep by your side for a long time.]
“Heh heh. I agree with that.”
For the first time in a while, the Transcendent Being’s thoughts aligned with his own.
Knowing it was for a friend, Thomas devoted himself to his research with all his might, and…
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[Madman's Red Observer (★★★★★+)]
※ Caution! Due to its extremely small size, adjustment-related systems do not apply.
* Classification: Armor
* Defense, Magic Resistance +550(+200), Movement Speed +100%, Fire Immunity +80%
※ Dragon's Eye: Can detect a vast area, doubling the effectiveness of reconnaissance.
※ Multiple Fireballs: Creates fireballs with high firepower. This effect can be cast up to 10 additional times within 5 minutes. (Cooldown: 20 minutes)
* Description: A ★★★★★+ grade Red Observer engraved with the keyword 'Madman.' It was custom-made in a mini size and, by embedding the eye of a Red Dragon, has become capable of wielding powerful fire magic.
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“It’s complete!”
At last, featuring the prominently embedded eye of the Red Dragon.
A masterpiece for a honeybee, one he could proudly display anywhere, was born.
* * * * *
Beekeeping and hunting.
In conclusion, Seong-hyeok’s plan to catch two birds with one stone was a resounding success.
[A monster has been discovered!]
[A monster has been discovered!]
[A monster has been discovered!]
…….
It was completely different from before.
Ssing-ssing-i had embarked on a distant journey, far beyond the Korean server.
Was it because the scope of the hunt had been expanded to the entire world?
A wide variety of monsters were being discovered, starting with field boss-class creatures.
However, there was a specific type of monster Seong-hyeok was hoping for.
[A monster has been discovered!]
[Giant Rattlesnake Kiron Lv. 53 (★★★★★+)] - Disaster-class Boss Monster
A single, colossal rattlesnake reigning as the solitary predator in the heart of the desert.
Having found the perfect ingredient to brew with his honey wine, Seong-hyeok took action immediately.
“Bee Teleport.”
*Whoooosh— Swish—*
He was using Bee Teleport for the first time since acquiring it.
Thanks to its effect, Seong-hyeok, who had been at the beekeeping farm, was instantly transported to Ssing-ssing-i’s location.
*Bzz-bzz!*
*Buzzzzz~*
Ssing-ssing-i approached, wiggling its bottom incessantly. Whether it was to show off its discovery or just because it was happy to see Seong-hyeok after so long was unclear.
Seong-hyeok took a moment to pat the admirable creature’s head, feeling a sense of healing from its fluffy texture.
He then rummaged through his inventory and brought out the Red Observer, placing it on the hardworking Ssing-ssing-i.
*Bzzzz?*
As if to ask what it was.
The bee, now wearing the Red Observer on its head, circled around Seong-hyeok.
“It’s a gift. Use it well on your reconnaissance missions from now on. For now, you’re the only one getting one, so don’t brag too much to the others.”
*Bzz!*
Its bottom wiggled even faster, seemingly delighted by the fact that it was a special gift just for it.
The charming energy the bee exuded was infectious, spreading happiness just by watching.
“Here, I’ll fill you up with nutrients and honey, so keep up the good work. If you’re ever in danger, use the fireballs to hold them off and get out of there immediately. Got it?”
*Bzzzzz~*
The clever creature understood him perfectly.
After acknowledging Seong-hyeok's words, Ssing-ssing-i set off once more on its path.
What happened next was rather obvious.
“Elder Lee Yeon-bun will be very pleased.”
*Fwoosh— Sizzzle—!*
Experience points and bountiful loot.
And, as a bonus, snake wine.
“Shaaaaaa!”
[You have hunted the Giant Rattlesnake Kiron Lv. 53 (★★★★★+) - Disaster-class Boss Monster.]
…….
Driven by various objectives and interests, the Disaster-class boss monster was thus sacrificed.
* * * * *
The Beekeeping Farm, the shelter led by Honeybee.
A land of labor where ten thousand skilled residents worked diligently.
But the number of ten thousand was a thing of the past.
One might think the population had decreased due to deaths in battle, but it was quite the opposite.
“Phew. Please let me pass the interview!”
“God, Buddha, Lord Honeybee. I beg you!”
Honeybee’s military might, proven through raids on Disaster-class boss monsters and dragons, coupled with his immense wealth, solidified by the auction house and processed honey products.
The existence known as Honeybee was a master of all trades.
Especially in a world as topsy-turvy as this.
An environment of survival of the fittest, teeming with monsters and villains, where one could easily get stabbed and die from a bit of bad luck.
It was a natural instinct for people to seek a safe haven.
As a result, a steady stream of people flocked to the farm, but…
*Bzzzz~*
*Buzzz~ Buzzzzz~*
A swarm of bees blocked their path.
The trial of the honeybee interviewers, united by their collective intelligence.
The resulting joy and sorrow were starkly divided.
“Yes!”
“Thank you!”
Some shouted with joy, following the bees up to the shelter.
“J-Just one more chance. Please, just one more look. Please?”
“N-No…”
While others despaired after failing the interview.
But the world is full of all kinds of people.
Surprisingly few simply gave up and went home after failing.
“I left my old shelter to come here. If you don’t accept me, you might as well be killing me!”
“If you can’t take me, at least take my child!”
“Are you looking down on me just because I have a 1-star class?”
Despite being rejected, they were determined to become residents of the shelter by any means necessary.
They threw tantrums.
It was true that if they weren't accepted now, their chances of survival in this apocalyptic world were slim.
A woman with a child and someone who started with a 1-star class, which anyone could get without any particular fate.
They were undoubtedly top candidates among the weak.
However, accommodating everyone just because their stories were pitiful was impossible.
Once an exception was made, there would be no end to it.
Besides, Seong-hyeok was no philanthropist, nor was he a saint.
And above all…
“I have no use for selfish people who only look out for themselves. Please leave this place.”
Seong-hyeok knew.
He knew why the bees had driven them away.
It wasn't simply because they were weak.
In fact, a quick look at the current residents of the farm would reveal plenty of people with 1-star classes.
There were even quite a few with children.
The criteria for who was accepted and who wasn't was not that complicated.
‘Their mindset is rotten to the core.’
They were the type to use their weakness as a weapon, and once inside the farm, they would freeload and act like parasites.
They wouldn't hesitate to steal and would eventually eat away at the farm from the inside.
The bees had an uncanny ability to identify such individuals.
“This is your final warning. If you approach any further, you will be considered an enemy.”
“…”
A warning from the world-renowned Seong-hyeok.
One might think they were just words, but the power they carried was not something ordinary players could simply endure.
*Hic—*
The troublemakers, pale-faced, began to hiccup.
With a warning this stern, if they valued their lives, they would know how to act.
Although the troublemakers had soured his mood, not all the news from the beekeeping farm was bad.
“Oh my goodness. Mi-yeon, congratulations on your pregnancy.”
“I knew something was going on with you and that young man Hyun-su. I knew it!”
“Thank you.”
The abundance provided by the beekeeping farm, with its bees and the World Tree.
Thanks to the processed honey products, renowned for boosting virility, one by one…
Happy news of pregnancies trickled in from time to time.
They might not become a significant force immediately, but over time, the number of residents would continue to grow.
Population is power, after all.
He couldn't just listen to such joyous news and do nothing.
Seong-hyeok brought out the wild honey he had been saving for the pregnant women and their husbands.
“C-Can we really accept something this precious?”
“Don’t feel burdened, just enjoy it. It’s been properly processed, so it’ll be good for the baby too.”
The nourishing wild honey would strengthen the growing child in the womb and give great strength to the mother.
As they experienced its heavenly taste, their skin becoming smooth and their stamina increasing, they became the envy of everyone around them.
And, like the godfather of beekeeping that he was, Seong-hyeok decided to use this to his advantage.
“From now on, whenever there’s a celebration like this, I will provide wild honey.”
“…!”
It was a declaration that he would give them wild honey so delicious you could die happy.
And so, the perfect environment for love to blossom was created at the beekeeping farm.