Chapter 53
Chapter 53
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 53
Chapter Title: World Tree Sprout (3)
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“Oh my god! A World Tree sapling!”
A World Tree sapling was on a whole different level from a sprout. The sprout had to overcome one hurdle to grow into a sapling.
Of course, even saplings usually lost the potential to become a full World Tree as they grew, but the fact that he had harvested one with such immense potential was extraordinary.
“How on earth did you do this?”
“Trade secret.”
Teril asked Rokan excitedly, but there was no way he’d reveal it freely unless there was a deal on the table.
‘Why would I tell anyone?’
Even if he did, it would only help others who took on the same quest later. Teril clung persistently, but Rokan’s lips remained sealed. They would’ve parted easily for proper compensation.
‘Well, can’t rule out backlash.’
Still, he hadn’t made an offer first because this method hadn’t been proven flawless yet.
What if there was some issue with this grown World Tree sapling? It’d be trouble later. Rather than chasing short-term gains, he chose to strike and fade appropriately.
“Anyway… thank you so much. You’ve given us great hope.”
[Unbelievable Achievement! You have earned the trust of the half-elves.]
[Acquired Title: ‘Half-Elf’s Friend’.]
[You are the first to acquire this title.]
[First][Half-Elf’s Friend][Unique]
You are the first human to earn not just recognition, but trust from the half-elves. Those who see you as a friend will do everything in their power to help you.
[Held Effects]
-[Half-Spirit’s Blessing] effect: All attribute defense +10%
-[Half-Spirit’s Blessing] effect: Base HP regen and mana regen +50%
‘Whoa!’
There was no special command like with the dwarves. But earning the half-elves’ trust and blessing might be even better.
Permanent buffs.
Especially magic defense, which was hard to boost later—its utility was immense. In the recent Blood Chaser fight, the mage had been the biggest headache.
Magic-type monsters would be much easier now.
“Next up, the gnomes.”
Only the gnomes’ recognition remained. And the way to earn it was ridiculously simple.
“We don’t like clumsy friends much! Here, take this.”
[Gnome’s Dangerous Device Maintenance][Quest]
Gnomes admire those with deft hands and clever ideas. Clean and repair the device they’ve given you perfectly, then return it.
-Success Condition: Perfect maintenance of Gnome’s Dangerous Device
-Failure Condition: Destroy Gnome’s Dangerous Device or incomplete maintenance
-Completion Reward: Recognition from the gnome tribe
-Additional rewards based on achievement rate
Clean and repair the dangerous mechanical device they hand over.
The problem? For some twisted reason, its durability was so worn that even slight mishandling would shatter it.
Plus, it was caked in rust and grime—you had to scrub it obsessively like a germaphobe to get proper credit.
‘That’s why it’s dangerous, huh?’
At this point, it felt less like a recognition quest and more like a prank.
Rokan wasn’t exactly handy, and his excessive strength made breakage a real risk, but he wasn’t too worried.
Instead, he carefully began assembling the parts.
[Worn-Out Old Musket][Normal]
An old musket made of rusted, worn parts. Questionable if it even works.
To use properly, clean, tighten, and oil it thoroughly.
-Attack Power: 50
-Durability: 3/100
-70% chance to explode on use
Once assembled, a rickety musket appeared. The “dangerous device” was just musket parts.
A fitting item from gnomes, masters of mechanical gadgets and weapons.
“It’s just an item, after all.”
That made the quest trivially simple.
“Please repair this for me.”
Rokan took the assembled musket to the dwarf blacksmith and handed it over. Though assembled from mechanical parts, it was ‘equipment,’ so blacksmith repairs worked.
And this wasn’t just any blacksmith—it was a dwarf, the blacksmith race.
After paying for the musket and labor, a gleaming, like-new barrel emerged soon after.
[Perfectly Repaired Old Musket][Normal]
An old musket perfectly repaired.
-Attack Power: 50
-Durability: 100/100
The name changed too—flawless work. Truly dwarf-worthy. But Rokan handed it back.
“Reinforce it too, please.”
He went further and tried enhancing.
[Acquired +1 Perfectly Repaired Old Musket.]
[Acquired +2 Perfectly Repaired Old Musket.]
[Acquired +3 Perfectly Repaired Old Musket.]
‘Up to +3? Eh, whatever!’
He boldly pushed to +5.
Useless even after, with attack too low to use, but he had enhancement funds to spare. Worth it for higher rewards.
Low item grade helped success rates, at least. Done with +5, Rokan disassembled in reverse order.
“Here you go.”
“Hmm, already?”
The gnomes eyed him suspiciously when he returned. No way it was properly maintained in that time.
They figured it was half-assed and yanked open the parts bag, ready to chew him out.
“Huh? What’s this?”
No wonder they panicked. Not individually +5, but assembled, it became a +5 beast.
Parts that looked years-submerged in seawater now shone mirror-slick after mere minutes.
“You…”
The gnome eyed Rokan doubtfully—maybe swapped with another musket? But no, had to concede.
This old musket wasn’t procurable nearby. How could he snag one right after the test? Crucially, the subtle scratch mark remained.
Unexplainable, but credit where due.
[Unbelievable Achievement! You have earned the trust of the gnomes.]
[Acquired Title: ‘Gnome’s Friend’.]
[You are the first to acquire this title.]
[First][Gnome’s Friend][Unique]
You are the first human to earn not just recognition, but trust from the gnomes. Those who see you as a friend will do everything in their power to help you.
[Held Effects]
-Able to learn sub-job ‘Engineer’
-50% discount on transport operated by gnome tribe
“Oh.”
Jackpot again. Half-price on pricey gnome trains, airships, and flyers was nice, but sub-job ‘Engineer’ was the real prize.
He’d expected maybe ‘Trade gnome mechanical products’ at best.
Buying mechanical products was easy but limited to low-tier stuff.
‘Engineer? Jackpot.’
With Engineer sub-job, learn secret gnome mechanical engineering—craft far superior gadgets for combat tricks.
That’s how ‘Mad Scientist Krat’ got famous. User Krat toyed with players using bizarre inventions.
Even earned a nickname from a sub-job, not main—proof of its power.
[You have earned recognition from all Golden Lion Alliance races except humans.]
[You are now a proud member of Crossroad.]
[Amazing Achievement! First visitor to become a Crossroad member.]
[Acquired Title: ‘Crossroad Honorary Resident’.]
[You are the first to acquire this title.]
[First][Crossroad Honorary Resident][Rare]
You are the first human truly recognized by the Golden Lion Alliance’s three races. Granted honorary resident status in Crossroad, entitled to equal treatment.
[Held Effects]
-Protected by Crossroad guards.
-Able to build intimacy with all Golden Lion Alliance beings.
All recognition quests done, bonus title awarded. Now the real start.
“I want to learn mechanical engineering.”
Rokan immediately requested it from the gnome. Production skills rely on grind for proficiency—start ASAP.
[Acquired sub-job ‘Engineer’.]
[Reach sufficient proficiency to learn gnome mechanical engineering.]
“Buy materials.”
He filled his last sub-job slot, then bulk-bought grind mats.
Like blacksmithing, used metal ingots—grabbed a few devices, but ample quantity. Grind whenever possible from now.
No talent? Grind through.
Low proficiency meant losses, but irrelevant. Money overflowed; daily enhancements and crafting would print more.
Plus Trinsic rent incoming, and new gigs here soon.
“Finally time to meet.”
After stocking copper ingots—easiest for auction—Rokan headed to the Crossroad guard building.
Crossroad Guard Captain Malkin.
He was part of the investigation team Steroian asked to deliver the letter to.
Normally, meet on arrival, but as a haughty half-elf, infamous for arrogance.
Skilled, sure, but no audience without half-elf recognition quest.
Now? Different. Rokan, protected as Crossroad member, could approach freely.
“From Steroian?”
“Yes. Here’s the letter.”
[Crossroad Guard Captain Malkin][Lv 200]
A level 200 powerhouse with a muscular build unlike most half-elves. Rokan felt no intimidation. Strong now, average later.
Standing tall as Malkin read, the captain finished and eyed him sharply.
“You’ve got guts. Want to join our guard?”
[Crossroad Guard Captain Malkin offers you a guard position. Accept?]
Trusted investigator? Surprisingly, Malkin recruited him outright.
Rokan grinned. Just what he waited for.
Guards had duties, but as player in a game, normal play otherwise fine.
“Sounds good.”
Thus, Rokan joined the Crossroad guard—poised to wield absolute power over new arrivals.