Chapter 188
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 188
Chapter Title: The Queen's Cosmetics
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People inevitably grow accustomed to their surroundings, whether they realize it or not.
In a world where one could die at any moment from the threat of a monster appearing out of nowhere, it was only natural.
For them, a residence was more than just a place for supplies or shelter.
It was a space directly linked to their survival.
As such, with the exception of a select few, hunting weak monsters that appeared nearby was a daily routine. But now, that atmosphere had been significantly diluted.
*Bzzzz—*
*Buzzzzzzz—*
Not long ago, swarms of bees were a sight confined to only a few regions of Korea.
But now, as if that were all a story from the past, tens of thousands of bees moved busily across the sky.
Their entire bodies were, of course, encased in armor.
*Bzz— Buzzzzzz—!!!*
Amidst the countless bees were the legion commanders, massive and sometimes beautiful in appearance.
From combat-focused bees like Teunteun-i, Deundeun-i, and Ssing-ssing-i to support units like Lily and Byeolbyeor-i, who provided buffs, this was an elite swarm.
Their presence wasn't just about the individual power one could feel from their appearance.
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[Legion Commander's Command (Lv.9)]
* Category: Skill
* Mana Cost: 0
* Effect (Passive): Issues real-time commands to allied bees.
* Description: Through an innate command ability, you can issue optimal orders to the bees. As the level increases, you can issue more diverse and numerous commands.
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'Legion Commander's Command' was a common skill that every legion commander possessed from birth.
The essence of this effect was 'command.'
One might think it insignificant, but when the number of bees surpassed the tens and hundreds of thousands, it became a force that could not be ignored.
*Bzzzz!*
*Buzzzzzzz—!!!*
Under the command of their legion commanders, scout bees were the first to take the lead, flying like a highly organized army in search of flower clusters.
Once the bees found flowers, they would stop scattering, gather, and fly toward the location with a resounding buzz of their wings.
“H-Heeeik!”
“W-What is all that?”
“Oh my god…”
At first, people were left gaping in awe at the overwhelming sight, their spirits momentarily crushed.
But in just a few hours.
No, in a matter of minutes, they came to understand why Honeybee and his bees were so praised.
“Wow… It’s beautiful.”
[A flower has been discovered!]
[A flower has been discovered!]
[A flower cluster has been discovered!]
…….
Countless lives bloomed in the wake of the bees.
The flourishing of flowers and trees, nature itself, was inevitably important to humanity.
“Mmm. A refreshing environment really makes you want to fight.”
“I don’t know why, but I feel so energized just being around here.”
Trees inherently possessed the ability to purify the air.
How could anyone hate the bees when they absorbed carbon dioxide and released oxygen, essential for human life?
Honestly, this alone was enough to make everyone cheer for the bees, but the virtuous cycle created by the Albino Fruit Bats working alongside them didn't end there.
[World Tree's Embrace is now in effect.]
[Within the World Tree's domain, the growth rate of all viable natural vegetation and crops is accelerated by 280%, and the appearance rate of rare natural vegetation is greatly increased.]
[World Tree's Intimidation is now in effect.]
[While within the World Tree's domain, enemies will have their attack power and movement speed reduced by 25%.]
[World Tree's Vigorous Vigor is now in effect…….
The effects of the World Tree, bestowed by the Albino Fruit Bats that had evolved by eating its fruit.
It was a given that this would increase the survival rate of the many who fought fierce battles against monsters.
[Natural vegetation, Gerriot Stone (★★+), has been discovered!]
[A bundle of natural vegetation, King Sirbong Potatoes (★+), has been discovered!]
[A cluster of natural vegetation, Peridot Songi Mushrooms (★★+), has been discovered!]
[A cluster of natural vegetation, Peridot Enoki Mushrooms (★★-), has been discovered!]
…….
It even accelerated the growth of the numerous fruits that naturally bore from the bees' activities.
The results weren't limited to just purifying the air or securing food; they held a much greater value.
“This is why I love gathering!”
“Hehehe! With this much, my wife won't be nagging me.”
“I made a killing thanks to Honeybee. Guess I should splurge on some honey.”
Humanity was shedding its weakness and growing stronger, gaining experience just by gathering.
They would later become customers for Seong-hyeok's processed honey products.
Was that why?
[Field Boss Monster 'Hobgoblin Chieftain Borom (★★★)' and the Hobgoblin tribe have appeared.]
“Kieeeeeek!”
“Kikikikik!”
A powerful field boss and numerous elite monsters descended upon the peaceful scene.
They were unwelcome guests who preyed on many human lives, but the moment they appeared,
*Buzzzzzzz!!!*
*Buzzzzzzzzz—!!!*
*Swish-swish-swish-swish----!!!*
“Kueeeek!”
They vanished like the wind under a barrage of body slams from the bees.
* * * * *
It bears repeating, but the bees were remarkably intelligent.
Even without Seong-hyeok's explicit commands, they used their innate hive intelligence to collect nectar on their own.
They were also brilliant at assessing the survival probability of players currently in battle with monsters.
Thanks to this sharp efficiency, they not only saved countless players' lives.
The work of purifying the withered nature while gathering honey all over the world had a direct and indirect impact on people.
“Things are finally starting to normalize.”
Not long ago, the infectious Madness Disease had run rampant due to some scheme.
As a result, most people had locked their doors and lived only in shelters, allowing monsters to respawn and multiply even more freely. But now, that problem was gradually being resolved over time.
*Bzzzz—*
*Buzzzz—*
All of this was, of course, the result of 1% of Seong-hyeok's effort,
and 99% of the bees' hard work.
*Bzz~ Bzzzz~*
“Yes, yes. You all are always the best. My proud little ones.”
They were honeybees, through and through.
He patted the heads of the little balls of honey who were acting cute, covered in flower nectar and pollen.
His energy fully restored by the bees' sweet encouragement, Seong-hyeok looked at them.
Even at this very moment, these admirable creatures were working hard without a second's rest.
The Guardian's Aura prevented them from getting tired, but that was all the more reason not to take their efforts for granted.
“I can't fall behind either.”
After all, he was their guardian and their father.
Even if he couldn't beat the bees in sheer effort, couldn't he at least struggle to get close?
Moreover, before being a beekeeper, Seong-hyeok was a mad researcher, born with the same karma as Thomas.
And Seong-hyeok didn't just have karma.
※ Madness of Inquiry (Permanent): The effects of all crafted items are slightly increased, and concentration during crafting is greatly enhanced. There is a certain chance that the power of madness will imbue the finished product.
Back when he had attained the status of a Transcendent Being for an hour.
It was a special authority he gained by consuming the essence that Bo's Gaze had brewed by infusing a fragment of its own power.
The fact that it raised all his stats by 100 was amazing, but the real prize was the effect attached to 'Madness of Inquiry.'
*Clink~*
A clear liquid sloshed in Seong-hyeok's hand.
Its sticky viscosity made it feel almost solid. Its identity was the Mokcheong, wild honey collected from the top of the World Tree, and the Tocheong, wild honey found near its roots.
It was top-quality wild honey, exuding healthiness just by looking at it.
Since it could only be obtained through the World Tree at the beekeeping farm over a long period, he couldn't afford to waste it. He always had to focus all his senses when crafting, but this time was different.
[Madness of Inquiry is now in effect.]
[Concentration is greatly enhanced during crafting.]
An increase in concentration due to the authority's effect.
One might think it trivial, but it was important to remember that the source of this authority was no ordinary being, but a 'Transcendent Being.'
“In this state, I should be able to attempt it without any problems.”
Until now, his proficiency had never been satisfactory, so he had mainly processed the wild honey into honey tea or honey wine, which had low crafting difficulty.
But from now on, that was no longer necessary.
*Drip— Dri-ip—*
*Drizzle—*
The crafting process proceeded without the slightest tremor.
Along with the two types of wild honey, there were nine types of beeswax, royal jelly, propolis, and even the finest scented herbs obtained directly from the Golden Rock Queen Bee.
The scale of the ingredients was incomparable to anything before.
He had often mixed nine types of honey, but that was only possible because it was honey.
Royal jelly and propolis were ingredients that produced high-value results with just a single unit.
Seong-hyeok squeezed out the utmost efficiency from these materials, which could only be obtained in minuscule amounts compared to honey, without wasting a single drop.
*Drip— Drip—*
Thanks to Madness of Inquiry, a single second felt like an hour as he added the ingredients drop by drop.
Sweat beaded on Seong-hyeok's forehead as the processed item slowly took shape.
[The Transcendent Being, Bo's Gaze the Mad Researcher, nods, satisfied with the crafting.]
The result of his longest crafting session to date was nothing short of a 'masterpiece.'
[Great Success in crafting beeswax candle! The Honeybee Guardian's Blessing is engraved upon the beeswax candle.]
[Madness of Inquiry is now in effect.]
[The power of madness will imbue the finished product.]
[Mad Guardian's Queen Scented Herb Propolis Cosmetics (★★★★★+) has been crafted.]
“Excellent, just excellent.”
Did they say hard work never betrays you?
As a reward for his considerable effort, the cosmetics were born with a 5-star+ grade.
Naturally, befitting its highest grade, the effects it held were jaw-dropping.
[Mad Guardian's Queen Scented Herb Propolis Cosmetics (★★★★★+)]
* Category: Consumable
* Upon use, provides superior skincare, immunity enhancement, and other effects. The user gains 'Queen's Skincare' and 'Madness Amplification,' and all stats permanently increase by 5, up to 10 times. Current uses: 0 / 10
※ Queen's Skincare: Instantly and completely restores Health and Mana. For 180 minutes, the cooldown of all skills is reduced by 20%, and all stats are increased by 20%. (Durability -1, Cooldown 24 hours)
※ Madness Amplification: All types of damage are doubled.
* Durability: 100 / 100 (+30) - Cannot be repaired.
* Description: Top-quality ★★★★★+ grade propolis cosmetics engraved with the Guardian's keyword and imbued with the power of madness. The two types of wild honey containing the power of the World Tree, along with various other high-quality ingredients, have been flawlessly combined, resulting in astonishing skincare effects.
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The superior skincare was the basic foundation, of course.
Then there was the cooldown reduction and the fraudulent effect of increasing all stats by a percentage.
And the finishing touch was the unbelievable value of being usable 100 times.
“The permanent bonus is no joke either.”
The permanent stat bonus could be applied to a maximum of 10 people, depending on how it was used.
This massive effect was certainly astonishing, but as they say, an effect that is too powerful can paradoxically hold you back.
“…Can I even sell this?”
Given its incredible effects, would there be any player who could afford to buy it?
Frankly, even if he lowered the durability to single digits and listed it on the auction house, it would easily fetch the highest price.
Well, thanks to the existence of honey product enthusiasts, Seong-hyeok could always get the permanent bonus without worry, but the problem was the 24-hour cooldown.
It wasn't just for him to use, but also the residents of the farm.
If he used it with Yeon Su-hee or Kang Yeon-ah, who now wielded influence rivaling his own, they could use it up quickly, but…
“Still, giving them something I've already used is a bit much.”
For a moment, he thought of the two women who would have recoiled and shaken their heads had they been there.
“Hehehe. I came to see you even though you didn't call, I was in a hurry. By any chance, do you have any of that new product in stock?”
“That's right. I still have Chesyr, don't I?”
A customer who could pay the proper price for an item with such unbelievable effects.
It was none other than the master of the Golden Carriage.
The Golden Goblin, who had swapped the role of the sucker with Seong-hyeok.