Reunion (3)
Mad Rookie was known as a Weapon Master.
It wasn't Mad Rookie himself who claimed this, but reliable experts and rankers who said it.
The reason for their statements was the Power Gauntlet he summoned during the Super Rookie Tournament held in the Goyad Kingdom.
He summoned the Power Gauntlet toward an approaching Stone Golem and blasted it away with arrows.
Of course, a small number of users questioned, "Isn't that production, not summoning?"
But those minority opinions were dismissed.
The reason they were ignored boiled down to one point.
He earned the nickname Mad Rookie for his unprecedented achievement in the Super Rookie Tournament.
A name given because he far surpassed all previous Super Rookies.
High rankers and experts chimed in.
People naturally believe those who sound more credible, expert, and superior.
Thus, the minority opinions were easily dismissed.
As a result, commentators and MCs broadcasting the Continental War also speculated he was a Weapon Master.
But the moment that massive grip was gripped in Hyun-soo's hand, the world message that appeared.
[Content revealed here]
"Wh-what is that?"
"Why a world message...?"
The timing was too perfect. It could look like weapon summoning, but the notification seemed closer to production complete.
And finally, the fact that the blacksmith Hyun (Present) was the producer.
"Bl-blacksmiiiiiith!!!"
"Wh-what does that mean!?"
"I can't believe it even seeing the alert!"
"Does that mean Mad Rookie and Blacksmith Hyun (Present) are the same person!?"
The shock wasn't confined to the Continental War.
Electronic billboards in cities worldwide where people walked.
The first breaking news flashed by at high speed.
And the second line followed with another breaking news.
"...What?"
"Holy shit!?"
"Mad Rookie is Blacksmith Hyun!?"
"No way, this can't be real?"
This massive shock was spreading across the world.
***
AJ Internet Broadcasting Station was airing in conjunction with Pureum Corp.
The Continental War viewership ratings were aggregated across all broadcasters and internet stations.
The peak rating during the Continental War reached 34.1%.
But as time passed and the war ended, viewers were draining away like a receding tide.
Down to 18.7%.
At the very end, that's how low it got.
It was inevitable.
The Continental War was broadcast worldwide.
For some countries, it was bedtime; for others, time for school or work.
Even those squeezing in time to watch abandoned it once defeat was certain, returning to their duties.
But the aftermath of multiple shocks showed in the ratings.
"Ratings broke 20% again!"
"22%...!"
"23%!"
"D-Director!"
"Viewers who left are coming back!"
"People worldwide are turning TVs back on at rapid speed!"
"This is huge!"
In AJ Internet's control room, filled with dozens of monitors.
Kim PD said in a trembling voice.
"Is this the power of Blacksmith Hyun (Present)?"
Director Lee shook his head.
"No, it's also anticipation of seeing the first Transcendent-grade artifact, and more."
"...?"
Kim PD imagined.
Himself, who had to go to work tomorrow, sleeping. Gets a call from a friend.
'Dude, first Transcendent-grade artifact dropped! Made by Blacksmith Hyun (Present)! In the Continental War!'
Would he skip it?
'...I'd watch even without sleep.'
"People are also flocking to see Hyun the blacksmith."
It was true.
There weren't many with influence like Blacksmith Hyun (Present) worldwide.
Or rather, there used to be none.
"With the first Legend user born, people come to see the first Legend's power."
Yes, a combination of reasons.
"Ratings broke 34%!"
"Surpassed the Continental War's all-time high!"
Hearing that, Kim PD marveled.
"We got completely fooled."
AJ Internet was the first to broadcast the Mad Rookie + Hyun collab.
Then Director Lee said.
"Scary."
"...What?"
"With this reaction, where will Hyun's Forge go after the war ends?"
Kim PD swallowed dryly.
He was curious too.
About Hyun's Forge after the Continental War fully ended.
***
After the world message, it wasn't just the commentators in chaos.
Viewers worldwide were shocked, posting comments.
Korean viewers stood out.
The first shock was that it wasn't the image they imagined for Hyun (Present).
The second shock—or rather, anticipation.
Becoming Legend would boost all stats and skills.
Even without Pureum Corp announcement, users were convinced Legends get stronger.
But viewer reactions took a different turn.
When a swordsman becomes Sword King, everything sword-related maximizes—eternal truth.
Thus, for a Legend Master Craftsman, that field maximizes.
But viewers didn't know.
Even with identity revealed, Hyun (Present)'s true value remained hidden.
Congratulations.
You are the world's first to reach Legend.
You will become the Legend Blacksmith, leader of them all.
You may choose a title phrase.
It must relate to blacksmithing.
The long-awaited moment.
Hyun-soo didn't hesitate.
Recorded as 10th Legend. Master Craftsman Hyun (Present).
Acquire title: First Legend.
Hyun-soo knew that eternal truth.
Blacksmith-related skills and stats enhanced...
Then.
Unusual character window.
Almost no standard blacksmith skills compared to normal blacksmiths.
The truth the world didn't know yet.
I'm a skill-based blacksmith.
That breaks the mold, creating a new anomaly.
Blacksmith fields only basic enhancements excel.
Artifacts by Master Craftsman have 10% superior effects.
Master Craftsman's production speed reduced by 10%.
Acquire Dexterity 300.
Acquire Fame 500.
Just this much?
For the first Legend, it felt lacking.
Soon, the truth emerged.
You are a true Master Craftsman recognized by the system.
Rewards differentiated from system's standard.
System detects singularity.
You possess power incomparable to ordinary blacksmiths.
150 stat points distributed evenly for greater strength.
The system flipped the script, rewarding Hyun-soo accordingly.
Judging there was little to give as a blacksmith.
Also.
Hyun-soo's biggest worry.
It stemmed from the Twin Dragon Swords being made via Emergency Forge's mystery.
Meaning he'd lose them in 30 seconds.
However.
First of its grade does not vanish.
"...!?"
The system applauds the creator of the first.
Transcendent grade.
All stats +15 acquired.
The true Transcendent artifact, attack-type Twin Dragon Swords, shines.
Though he crafted it himself, Hyun-soo couldn't hold back admiration.
Similar to buff-type Twin Dragon Swords, but subtly different.
The indwelling power far exceeds common sense.
Hyun-soo moved toward the flag.
All Korean users were logged out; only he and Chinese users remained.
Kiiiiiik-!
Opening the door, Hyun-soo saw flustered Chinese users.
-Around 50 surviving Chinese users.
-Numbers don't matter. Many are top among China's 1,100 participants.
"You bastard..."
Fond's eyes shook wildly.
Until moments ago, he'd mocked Hyun-soo.
The guy hyped in Korea had no real skill.
But this changed everything.
"That's right."
A massive greatsword over 3 cheok long.
Hyun-soo held it perpendicular before his face, revealing the blueprint.
"I am Blacksmith Hyun (Present)."
No need to hide anymore.
His own words shattered doubts of "no way," "really," "eh."
Fond and the Chinese users' fluster was brief.
Many artifacts they possessed.
Fond had two, Riu two.
One to Chinese assassin Yongwol.
Another to mage user Hausen.
Total six Legend artifacts.
Plus ~70 Unique artifacts closest to Legend worn by the 50.
"China staked everything on the Continental War. One new sword changes nothing. You're weak, Hyun (Present). Your role is blacksmith! What can a blacksmith do here?"
Undeniable fact.
Compared to these users, Hyun-soo was frail.
"As you say, I'm a blacksmith."
Fond and Chinese users moved to attack.
But faster, Hyun-soo presented the blade before his face—the engraved Twin Dragon Swords.
[Sword name, also skill name]
Blade's name, but also a skill.
"Don't deny it. You already know."
That instant, Chinese users panicked.
Stunned.
Cannot move.
They weren't like the necromancers or summoners crushed by Hyun-soo's pressure.
Abnormally high status resistance, 3x theirs.
Yet all halted before the greatsword's majesty.
And the inscription fully revealed.
Creating Twin Dragon Swords, majestic spirit for a thousand autumns.
"One level 500 user beats ten level 400s."
Vow to mountains and seas...
"One Transcendent worth more than ten Legends."
Loyal resolve same past and present.
"A hundred Uniques cannot compare before one Transcendent."
Stunned Fond growled.
"What nonsense...!"
He agreed deep down.
All there did; Hyun-soo swung the Transcendent Twin Dragon Swords pulled behind.
"This kind of nonsense."
That instant, Chinese users panicked.
Shuwaaaaa-
Twin Dragon Swords didn't touch. But thousand-autumn majesty struck them.
Legend Artifact: Sword Emperor Volond's Bestowed Sword shattered.
Legend Artifact: Poison King Hydra's Fang shattered.
Legend Artifact: Golden Blacksmith's Armor shattered.
Legend Artifact: Failon's Dagger shattered.
Legend Artifact: Nylon's Staff shattered.
Legend Artifact: Kylan's Boots shattered.
Craaaack-!
Six Legends shattered. Further, ~70 Uniques began breaking before one sword.
As Fond said. Hyun-soo best understood his own power.
I'm a blacksmith.
Thus, he fought the blacksmith's way.