Lord of Column Small City
The next day around noon.
The village had finally expanded into a small city.
He was no longer just a village chief—he was now a lord.
Of course, the Hemil Empire's emperor still needed to formally recognize his position as lord, but that was only a matter of time.
Mu-hyuk decided to build a few more structures first to level up his architecture skill.
Inn Construction Plan
Restaurant Construction Plan
Housing Expansion Works Plan...
This should be enough to push his architecture level to 5.
"My lord!"
Rakak arrived just in time and relayed the construction plans Mu-hyuk had drawn up.
"...Is this acceptable?"
"Of course."
"Understood. We'll begin work immediately."
After sending Rakak off, Mu-hyuk headed to the Hemil Empire.
He wrapped up the chat and picked up speed.
Mu-hyuk arrived at the meeting spot right on time without being late and spotted Hyeok-su waiting.
"Over here, Mu-hyuk."
"Right."
"I'll guide you to the guild building first."
The area packed with buildings south of the square.
"Here it is."
"It's even nicer than before."
"We invested some money recently."
They had clearly poured a lot into it.
Whoa, the hall's spacious too.
Hyeok-su led Mu-hyuk to the central table in the hall.
"Something to drink?"
"Uh, just any non-alcoholic beverage."
"Sure."
Hyeok-su brought over a drink.
"Here."
"Thanks."
After quenching his thirst, Mu-hyuk spoke up.
"Let's check the items first."
He pulled out enhanced items suitable for selling to the Black Guild one by one and placed them on the table.
Hyeok-su nodded in admiration as he inspected each one, letting out gasps.
"As expected..."
He couldn't hold back his exclamations with every item.
"Whoa, these are good too."
"There's still one real standout left..."
"Pardon?"
Mu-hyuk smiled and placed the long-awaited +8 longsword on the table.
"This is it."
"A longsword, huh."
"Yeah, put some work into it."
"Let me see..."
Hyeok-su checked the options.
◈ Increased Cutting Power
◈ +20 Additional Attack Power
◈ +5 All Stats
◈ +5% Attack Speed
◈ +5% Movement Speed
◈ +2% Reaction Speed
◈ Durability 450/450
◈ Requirements: Agility 110, Stamina 100
The moment he saw the enhancement level and attack power, Hyeok-su shot up from his seat without realizing it.
"+, +8...?"
"Yes."
"And this damage... what the hell!"
"Pretty high, right?"
"'Pretty' doesn't cut it."
"It was 385 at +7, but +8 jumped it to 520."
"Ha, haha..."
He seemed at a loss for words.
It was only natural.
This was the first +8 ever. And the Black Longsword's base performance was so strong that the enhancement effects were fully shining through.
"You're selling this too?"
"If the price is right."
"I'll have to check with the guild members. Mind waiting a bit?"
"Sure."
Hyeok-su gave a light bow and stepped back.
He immediately got busy typing away.
Mu-hyuk quietly watched the guild members' real-time responses pour in.
Most were positive.
Hyeok-su returned after finishing the chat.
"We've decided to buy."
"Then let's talk price."
"Right. First, this +6 axe..."
They set prices one by one, with immediate payment and handover.
It took time, but since they were offering a bit above market rate, no losses.
"Finally, the Black Longsword..."
After some deliberation, Hyeok-su made his offer.
"9,000 gold possible?"
"9,000..."
90 million won in cash.
When he sold the first +7 weapon, he'd netted 6,700 gold after fees.
Now, enhanced weapon prices had dropped significantly compared to then.
The number of blacksmiths who learned enhancement had exploded, and top ones were occasionally producing +7s.
Of course, demand was still high, so +6 and above remained expensive, but far less than when Mu-hyuk first made a +7.
"What do you think...?"
"Hmm."
But +8 was still the first, even now with all those skilled blacksmiths.
It was possible thanks to unlimited materials back then and maxed enhancement levels.
Plus titles boosting skill levels.
No reason to sell such a sword for 9,000 gold.
With its superior base stats and insane attack power, he was confident it would fetch more.
"A bit low."
"Ah, well..."
"I'll sell everything except the Black Longsword."
"Up to 10,000 gold."
"Sorry."
Hyeok-su sighed, knowing he couldn't push further.
"Whew, can't be helped."
He couldn't hide his regret.
But Mu-hyuk was firm.
He sold the other enhanced items at fair prices, completely ignoring Hyeok-su's pleading eyes.
"See you next time."
"Yeah..."
After a light bow to Hyeok-su, he left the building.
*
He headed first to the nearby central auction house.
"Welcome!"
"Here to consign for public auction."
He put seven decent items and the highly anticipated Black Longsword up for the evening of the banquet in four days.
"Come back that day."
"Take care."
Next, he stopped by the mage guild to buy a magic communicator.
With everything done, but since he was already in the Hemil Empire, he decided to mention the promotion to small city status.
It was formal, but necessary to officially become a lord.
No need to meet the emperor for something this minor—likely handled by a duke or count.
Duke Amur would do.
With their connection, he'd process it quickly.
Time to visit.
Mu-hyuk entered the palace grounds and headed to Duke Amur's residence.
Not long after.
"Oh, you."
The duke approached from the front.
"Duke, I was just heading to see you."
"Ah, about the village?"
"Well, yes, but..."
Mu-hyuk eyed him curiously—how did he know?
Duke Amur chuckled.
"Heh, don't underestimate the empire's news."
"No, I wouldn't. Sorry."
"No matter. You're not used to it yet. Anyway, the village grew to small city size? Faster than expected. Your talents are impressive."
It was more the system's power than his own, but no need to deny.
"Thank you."
"His Majesty already issued an edict. Chamberlain."
"Yes."
"Have it?"
"Here."
Duke Amur handed Mu-hyuk the document from the chamberlain.
"Take it."
"This is...?"
"Read it."
He already knew what it was, so no real excitement.
Having confirmed that Column Village has developed and expanded into a small city, Viscount Mu-hyuk, responsible for it, is hereby granted the authority and position of lord.
Officially appointed as Lord.
"Now you're a lord. You'll get some benefits."
Nothing major, probably.
He expressed formal thanks anyway.
"By the way, you got an invite from the princess?"
"Yes, to attend the banquet."
"She's quite the curious one..."
Duke Amur wore an odd expression.
"Handle her carefully."
"Ah, yes."
Having already experienced her quirky personality, he nodded, taking it in stride.
"Anything else?"
"No. Oh, wait."
"What?"
"The materials you provided. Used them well."
"Heh, I already thanked you then."
"Seeing real results made me grateful again."
"Real results?"
"Yes. I can enhance gear too."
"Ah, right. So..."
"Yes."
"Can I see?"
He wanted to show the Black Longsword, but it was already at the auction house.
After a moment's thought, Mu-hyuk handed over a decent +6 sword.
Duke Amur examined it seriously, then nodded.
"Very nice."
His words said that, but his face was impassive.
Not that impressive.
"Sorry. The best one is at the public auction..."
"Public auction?"
"Yes, going up in four days."
"Hmm, how good is it?"
"A bit better than average."
"Whoa, this one?"
"Yes."
Compared to the Black Longsword, it was true, so Mu-hyuk was confident.
Duke Amur nodded, a hint of curiosity in his expression.
"Good work. Anyway, lots happening in four days. See you then."
Lots?
He tilted his head briefly but didn't dwell.
"Yes, see you then."
"Take care."
After farewells, he left the palace.
He summoned his warhorse, mounted up, and listed the +5 and +6 items on the auction system.
By then, he'd reached the warp gate.
"To Abenso Village."
"Yes."
A flash of light, and he arrived in Abenso Village.
Let's go.
He sped up and left the village. Vast plains stretched out. As always, he charged full throttle. The wind felt refreshing, but riding alone brought a wave of boredom.
"Oh."
Better price than expected.
Another message popped up.
This one's good too.
Mu-hyuk tallied his growing gold to fend off the boredom.