Chapter 86
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 86
Chapter Title: Diamond Geumgang Queen Bee
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The reason Honeybee became a celebrity and a fixture on the Korean server.
It was for a variety of reasons, like selling processed honey products and leading the war against the Chinese server to victory.
But the single biggest factor, by far, was his activity in the auction house.
[Korea/AttentionSeeker NO.220: Honeybee's gonna raise hell at the 4th auction again.]
[Korea/Ventman: He's always listing all sorts of rare crafted items. But he buys just as much as he earns, so isn't he basically a guardian of balance?]
[Korea/Veil's Rift: lol, but isn't it a fact that he's a total sucker?]
[Korea/Hanwoo Rista: This is the K-Sucker right here.]
[Korea/MintChocoBrigade2: True that. fr lol]
The Asian server was home to many powerful nations.
For someone from Korea to dominate the auction house as both a top buyer and a top seller was a source of national pride, elevating the country's standing.
And if leveraged correctly, this was the perfect element to brandish a positive image.
Naturally, Jeongrichung, a big name on the community forums, wouldn't miss such an opportunity.
『Honeybee-nim. If it's not too much trouble, would it be possible to get information on the items you've registered for sale at today's 4th auction, as well as the types of items you purchase later on? Ah, of course, I will compensate you for the information.』
『Understood.』
From Jeongrichung's perspective, this eliminated the trouble of gathering information through Honeybee, and from Seong-hyeok's perspective, it was a mutually beneficial transaction where he could earn money from simple information.
In fact, when you looked at it, this was more advantageous for Seong-hyeok.
“I was the one who needed to ask, so this worked out well.”
If Jeongrichung compiled and posted a sales list, many of the powerhouses on the Asian server would flock to it, naturally generating publicity.
And as mentioned before, it was highly likely that Seong-hyeok's standing and image on the Korean server would improve even further.
“The most annoying competitor is gone, too.”
Moreover, the Emperor from the Chinese server had always been a competitor in every auction.
Although Seong-hyeok won most of the bids, the Emperor had forced him to pay a little extra for a few items. With that in mind, Seong-hyeok relaxed.
“Ooh, I have to buy this.”
[You will receive treatment befitting the total coins you possess. Your current status is VVVVVIP. Your virtual avatar is being moved to a ★★★★★+ grade room - Single Room (1/1).]
VVVVVIP.
Having become a penta-class VIP, he fully unleashed his modest spending power.
* * * * *
Building a proper infrastructure for the beekeeping farm.
To achieve that, a large number of people with diverse professions were needed, but in the end, what mattered most in capitalism was money.
This was true in the old world, and it was true in this topsy-turvy world governed by a game system.
The auction house offered a variety of items that could be purchased with money.
“It really pays to sell honey for a living.”
Seong-hyeok currently possessed 12 million coins.
No, to be precise, considering the royal jelly, propolis, and bee venom products that would be sold during the auction, the funds Seong-hyeok could mobilize for the 4th auction far exceeded 20 million.
And this level of financial power was simply off the charts for a single ‘individual.’
Seong-hyeok knew this, so he didn't use all that money to buy things for himself.
“A-Are you sure we can accept this?”
“T-Thank you.”
“We will never forget this kindness!”
“We will definitely repay you!”
Unlike before when there were only around 20 people, the population of the beekeeping farm had now grown to 600.
To help them grow quickly and safely, Seong-hyeok purchased expensive gear and consumables and provided them without charge.
To others, it was an incomprehensible act.
He wasn't some philanthropist, and such altruism might seem frustrating, but Seong-hyeok had his own reasons.
“This isn't all for free. I'll be collecting the cost later, so grow up fast.”
In this world, coins could be earned anytime as long as he had his bees.
However, acquiring trustworthy and reliable talent required an investment.
Of course, there would always be those who would betray him even after all this, but Seong-hyeok wasn't particularly worried about that.
‘If they repay kindness with betrayal, I’ll just take everything back.’
He knew his own strength best.
Becoming the number one ranker just by beekeeping, conquering dungeons single-handedly, and defeating the Chinese Emperor—through all this, Seong-hyeok had come to realize the physical strength he had cultivated with his processed honey products.
Besides, if anyone harbored hostile feelings toward him or the bees, the bees scattered throughout the farm would surely pick up on it.
Ultimately, Seong-hyeok was confident he could recoup his investment one way or another, which was why he decided to make it.
And was that all?
“What are you lot, *kkik*?”
“What are you doing here, then? And that thing in your hand. Give me a bite of that, *kkik*.”
“You ill-mannered brat. I’m your senior!”
“Kikikikik!”
Thanks to his vast funds, Seong-hyeok bought more than just equipment.
As the amount of ore used daily for crafting bee armor had increased, Seong-hyeok once again boldly purchased a gold mine listed by Macheti, along with other rare crops and livestock.
As a result, the beekeeping farm would not only have more minerals but also a greater variety of cooking ingredients, bringing more vitality to their daily meals.
Were Seong-hyeok's thoughts on the right track?
“Being part of a shelter like this truly feels like a dream.”
“Life is better now than it was before the apocalypse.”
“It's a shame we can't play games, but hey. If we survive, reality is the game.”
Perhaps it was because the world was in an apocalyptic state, but the splendid harmony of food, clothing, and shelter—the basic necessities of life—was all the more cherished.
Whether it was because they could see themselves growing stronger each day through their status windows, the residents couldn't help but feel a greater sense of belonging to the beekeeping farm.
At the same time, they were grateful to Seong-hyeok and the bees, the greatest contributors to this environment, and as always…
Instead of worrying about their lives and survival, they lived another rewarding and vibrant day.
* * * * *
The results of the 4th auction were a success.
Was it because, with the help of Jeongrichung's team, Seong-hyeok's crafted items fetched even higher prices?
Honeybee's existence was now so well-known that not knowing him on the Asian server, let alone the Korean server, would make you seem like a spy.
Thanks to the added firepower of publicity, the processed honey products Seong-hyeok listed on the exchange sold out not just with wings, but in the blink of an eye.
“At this rate, I can raise the prices without any problem.”
According to the law of supply and demand, it was only natural for the price of honey to rise as more people wanted it.
When the prices were listed higher, the selling speed slowed down a bit compared to before, but in the end, everything sold out just the same.
“Well then, since the work is done, shall we welcome our new family member?”
Having finished all his assigned tasks, Seong-hyeok wore a pleasant smile.
And for good reason—it was the day he could welcome a new ‘family member.’
One might think he was accepting new residents, but the reason Seong-hyeok was so delighted was that the 20-day cooldown for Dimensional Queen Bee Capture was finally over.
“I hope luck is on my side this time too…”
He had unexpected strokes of luck with both the Peridot and the Imperial Topaz Queen Bees.
On top of that, there was the grace of Insect Queen Ninekito, who had helped him, prepared to not fully enjoy the game.
Honestly, it would be great if such luck struck again, but Seong-hyeok hadn't yet formed an incarnation contract with anyone.
Naturally, he couldn't force the power of ■■■, that static-filled thing, upon the Transcendent Beings.
[The Transcendent Being, Mad Inquirer Bo, nods, asserting his invention is always the best. He sponsors a small amount of luck.]
[The Transcendent Being, Insect King Phrainkito, cheers you on, saying you can do it, and sponsors a small amount of luck.]
[The Transcendent Being, The Patient Zion, silently sponsors a small amount of luck.]
[The Transcendent Being, Golden Goblin Lord Macheti, declares that suckers must be raised tough and sponsors a small amount of luck.]
[The Korean server administrator, Riggle, wishes to forge the sponsored luck into a single mass. Will you accept the request? YES / NO]
…….
“……YES.”
[The Korean server administrator, Riggle, smiles, calling it a wise choice.]
But perhaps the bond Seong-hyeok had built with the Transcendent Beings was quite strong?
For various reasons—similar dispositions, insects, being a big spender, and so on—the Transcendent Beings sponsored ‘luck,’ and for some reason, the Korean server administrator chimed in as well.
‘Whatever happens, what’s important are the bees.’
To be honest, Seong-hyeok didn't have a very favorable impression of Riggle, who had instigated the massacre of countless people, but there was no reason to refuse a benefit that was being offered.
[For this action only, enhanced luck will find you.]
On top of this, after drinking the Augmented Potion of Luck he had purchased during the 4th auction, a fairly decent amount of luck settled upon Seong-hyeok.
[Using skill, Dimensional Queen Bee Capture (Lv.7).]
[The Honeybee Guardian's net is swung through the dimension.]
After finishing all his preparations, he swung the dimensional net.
Seong-hyeok wondered what changes this new family member would bring to the farm.
As if his hopeful, silent prayer had been answered…
Bzzzzzzzzzzzz-!!!
[Capture successful! Would you like to register Diamond Geumgang Queen Bee (★★★★) to your population? YES / NO]
※ Selecting NO will result in a failed capture.
The captured queen was a 4-star, just like the Imperial Topaz.
Moreover, was it trying to live up to its name, Diamond?
Its sturdy appearance made it seem highly likely that it had chosen ‘Physical Organs’ for its first evolution.
Kiiiing-
As if to prove it.
The Diamond Geumgang Queen Bee had another means of attack besides the stinger on its abdomen.
It was its mouthparts, which were completely different from those of other bees.
Sharp mandibles reminiscent of a giant hornet.
This slightly diminished its cute appearance, but in Seong-hyeok's eyes, even that was adorable.
[Diamond Geumgang Queen Bee (★★★★) is registered to player Yu Seong-hyeok. Current Queen Bee population: 4 / 5]
That was because Seong-hyeok's top priority was the safety of his bees.
Wheeeeeeeeng-!
He accepted the new queen, who was showing off her sparkling, pure white abdomen, into the fold.
“I'll be counting on you, Queen Deundeun.”
The newly recruited family member, the Diamond Geumgang Queen Bee.
Her arrival would signal the appearance of new little ones on the beekeeping farm, as well as new processed honey products—the alpha and omega of the bees.