Chapter 44
Chapter 44
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 44
Chapter Title: The All Master Who Regressed to Bronze
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A world message suddenly burst into view.
This was the first time it had ever happened since the Dimension Arena appeared, leaving Shin-hyeok and Se-jin utterly bewildered.
But even that bewilderment was soon swallowed up by the messages that followed.
"Whoa, they're giving me a new physique as a reward? Just for my contribution? This is insane."
Shin-hyeok had obtained a new physique as his reward.
And astonishingly, this new physique was none other than a Unique-grade one.
Considering that the Absorption Physique granted by the Heavenly Demon was Rare-grade, this was an absurd reward.
A master blacksmith must withstand even the fiercest heat.
↳ Grants powerful fire resistance.
↳ Increases fire affinity.
The abilities of the Flame-Conquering Physique weren't limited to blacksmithing alone.
Its powerful fire resistance provided solid defense against fire attributes, which ranked among the top three most destructive forces across all elements.
The fire affinity wasn't bad either.
It meant he could easily gain favor with fire-attuned beings, like fire spirits.
But that wasn't the real highlight.
"Bro. What'd you get?"
"Uh... a Legend-grade physique, for starters."
"...You're kidding. But 'for starters'? So there's more?"
"Yeah, I got a title too, and some blacksmith-exclusive equipment."
"They really went all out."
This was Se-jin's reward for his pivotal role in crafting a Legend+ grade piece of equipment.
Naturally, Se-jin's rewards dwarfed Shin-hyeok's by comparison.
A Legend-grade physique, a title, and blacksmith-exclusive gear.
The title had no grade listed, and he'd never heard of blacksmith-exclusive equipment before, but Shin-hyeok was certain.
'Both are probably Legend-grade level. So that's three Legend-grade rewards? Massive.'
All of them were Legend-grade or equivalent.
And he was right.
"With this, you're basically a factory. A factory pumping out Unique-grade gear."
"What's with calling a person a factory? Though... can't deny it."
Just the title alone proved it.
Increased success rate for Legend-grade equipment crafting.
That alone made it Legend-grade caliber, but the second effect was no slouch either.
Crafting any equipment below Legend grade was guaranteed to succeed.
In other words, Se-jin could bash out Unique-grade gear with minimal effort.
And the physique was impressive too.
A body born solely for creation.
↳ Draws out the full potential of all materials.
↳ Metallurgy proficiency increases rapidly when taught.
"Whoa, this means the artisans in the Shinwa Workshop will level up fast, right?"
"Definitely. Honestly, I wasn't cut out for teaching. I'd always think, 'Why not do it this way?' But with this, no problem."
"But what does 'drawing out the full potential of materials' mean?"
"Hm, I'd have to test it, but... I get the gist."
"What is it?"
"Even with Rare-grade materials, you can't make Unique-grade gear, right?"
"Yeah."
"But with Artisan's Physique, you can. Low odds, but the more materials you use, the higher the chance. Of course, tossing in random junk would fail..."
"You've got that title, bro. No failures from materials..."
"Makes crafting Unique-grade gear way easier."
"Whoa, this is nuts."
Artisan's Physique.
True to its Legend-grade status, its effects were phenomenal.
Combined with the title, it skyrocketed Se-jin's value.
And the finale was the equipment.
"...This for real?"
"...Yeah, it is."
"Haha, jackpot. This is a divine artifact."
"Pretty divine, yeah. Never imagined I'd hold something like this just a while ago."
The equipment Se-jin had acquired was none other than a divine artifact.
Divine artifacts literally contained the power of gods.
And they boasted power far surpassing equivalents of the same grade.
"The most famous one is America's Divine Thunder, Astrafe, used by Deitra Carlson. It's so outstanding, it's said to have carried her to Diamond solo."
"I know. Whew, nice."
It was that extraordinary—enough to propel a single person to Diamond.
Knowing this, Se-jin smiled at the ruggedly charming little hammer in his hand.
Of course, it wasn't all upsides.
"Oh! The creator of this divine item is showing interest in me? Wants me as an apostle!"
"Figured it'd happen soon, but that was fast. Probably meddled with the rewards too."
"What do I do?"
"Appreciate the interest, but decline the apostleship."
"Why? Isn't being an apostle great?"
"It is. But it ties you down. You could get dragged into constellation politics. And even if you take it, no need to now."
"Reason?"
"Your value will only go up from here."
"Ah!"
"Tomorrow's better than today, the day after better still. Others' year won't match your day. No need to accept apostleship now. Wait a bit. Later, constellations will come bearing gifts to recruit you."
"If you say so, Shin-hyeok... Got it. I'll do that."
Constellations were starting to take notice of Se-jin.
Thanks to his pre-regression experience with them, Shin-hyeok knew how to handle it and charted Se-jin's path.
By the time the thrilled Se-jin calmed down from his first constellation attention...
"Shall we check the main course?"
"...Nervous."
"It's perfect. What's to be nervous about?"
"Knowing it's perfect doesn't stop the shakes!"
The demonic spear.
A full Legend grade.
And one step further: Legend+ grade weapon.
Time to inspect it.
The two took deep breaths and checked their status windows simultaneously.
"...!!!"
"...!!!"
Like mirror images, they froze in identical shock.
After an eternity in a split second, they snapped out of it.
"Sh-Shin-hyeok. This thing's broken. Balance collapse. Balcol!"
"I've got my next task set."
"What?"
Unlike the trembling Se-jin, Shin-hyeok was calm.
The moment he saw the demonic spear's details...
He knew exactly what to do.
"I'm heading to Grandfather."
Grip!
Shin-hyeok clutched the spear shaft—a paradoxical blend of brand-new shine and ancient familiarity—before leaving the workshop for the Pyeongchang-dong mansion.
"Sorry for the sudden visit."
"No matter. You must have your reasons. So, is that the world message item?"
In the grand Pyeongchang-dong mansion, built with materials worth tens of billions—nay, hundreds of billions—Shin-hyeok faced his grandfather, Cheol-ho.
Even at the abrupt visit, Cheol-ho responded calmly.
The world message that appeared before everyone's eyes globally.
Despite being certain the cause was in Shin-hyeok's hands, he stayed composed.
Shin-hyeok nodded and placed the spear before Cheol-ho.
"Let's see what made the world flip out."
"One moment. I have something to say."
"Eh? Gotta be now? It's historic. Ruining the mood like this."
"Sorry. But it has to be now."
"Tch, fine. Speak."
Shin-hyeok stopped Cheol-ho from reaching for the spear's status window.
Like a kid robbed of his marshmallow, Cheol-ho crossed his arms expectantly.
Shin-hyeok bowed apologetically and spoke.
"Se-jin bro made it. Remember what I said? We'd forge the world's first Legend-grade weapon under Shinwa's name."
"Mm, yes. You succeeded."
"Naturally, he deserves commensurate rewards."
"Hm, name them. You've proven yourself, so I'll pay up."
Cheol-ho nodded steadily in agreement.
Shin-hyeok voiced his demand.
"Give me the Shinwa Workshop."
"Hah, you rascal. Know how much that's worth? It ballooned after merging with Oseong Workshop. Add this event, and it's top ten—no, top five in the Shinwa Group. You wanna swallow it whole? Too much."
The Shinwa Workshop.
Now a full-fledged workshop village.
Cheol-ho shook his head at the request.
Expected reaction.
But Shin-hyeok wasn't done.
"Director Hong Man-seok. You're here, right? Behind the fifth pillar on the left. I know."
"...Can't fool you anymore. How much have you grown, Young Master Shin-hyeok?"
"Nothing special. Got some decent abilities."
"Why call me?"
"Obvious, isn't it? I need you."
"...!"
Hong Man-seok.
Cheol-ho's chief secretary and leader of his shadow guards.
After demanding the workshop and now Man-seok, Cheol-ho couldn't hide his disbelief.
"You punk, trying to take everything from your old grandpa? Who guards me without Man-seok?"
"Plenty can guard you besides Director Hong. But not for Se-jin bro."
"...You're assigning Man-seok to him."
"Yes. Reliable and capable people are rare. Director Hong's the best."
"Fine. He needed protection anyway. Man-seok's yours. But not the Shinwa Workshop."
Grudgingly accepting for Se-jin's sake, Cheol-ho drew the line at the workshop.
Stubborn as ever.
No give there.
Shin-hyeok played his trump card.
"People are most important. You always say that, Grandfather."
"I do."
"One question: What happens to the Shinwa Workshop without Se-jin bro?"
"...What?"
"Beanless steamed buns. Exactly."
"...Threatening me now?"
"Just facts. You seem mistaken. The Shinwa Workshop runs on one person: Se-jin bro. Korea's top facilities. Dozens of artisans from the Oseong merger. Countless clients via Shinwa ties. All pale before him. I want the workshop to save time rebuilding it. Understand?"
"You little...!"
Cold, heavy facts landed.
No rebuttal possible—just a growl.
Piercing glare.
The emperor of business crushed the mansion with his aura.
But—
Slurp!
"This tea's great. Dragon Well, right?"
Shin-hyeok, who'd faced worse, sipped the premium tea with a relaxed smile.
Unable to hold back, Cheol-ho was about to erupt—
Creak—
"You can look now."
"?"
"This'll help your decision, Grandfather."
Shin-hyeok slid the demonic spear over.
A light icebreaker.
Splitting the Antarctic chill.
Cheol-ho, timing lost, sighed out his rage and picked it up.
"Th-This!"
"Director Hong. Support Grandfather well. Wouldn't want him collapsing."
Like Shin-hyeok and Se-jin before, Cheol-ho's face filled with shock.
Shin-hyeok just sipped his pricey Dragon Well tea.
He knew the answer Cheol-ho would give the moment he saw it. No need to hear it.