Chapter 45
Chapter 45
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 45
Chapter Title: Global Frenzy and the Press Conference Bombshell
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A day had passed since the world message was broadcast across the globe.
In that time, the world had boiled over like a volcano on the verge of eruption.
The online communities of player powerhouses flipped upside down, even Japan.
Naturally, Korean media led the charge, but outlets worldwide zeroed in on Korea.
Heads of state or their equivalents had boarded planes long ago, heading for Korean skies.
Leaders from nearby nations had already arrived and were deep in talks.
"I want to meet that artisan right now."
"That's difficult. A nation can't force a private meeting."
"Word games. You're just scared we'll steal him if we see him, right?"
"I won't deny it. So please wait. We're waiting for contact too."
"Hmph. Don't test a great power's patience."
"If your great power's patience is that narrow, aren't you the small country?"
"What? You island hermit daring to tarnish our nation's honor?"
"Both of you, cut the noise. I don't want the US lumped in because of you."
"Tch."
"Tsk."
This was the scene in the meeting room with China's, Japan's, and the US's representatives alongside the Blue House Chief of Staff.
China and Japan made sense due to proximity, but the US arriving from the other side of the planet already left the Chief inwardly stunned.
'Is the magic stone industry gap really this wide... Bitter.'
The US boasted top-tier magic stone tech.
Fighters embedded with magic stones hit insane speeds.
Convenient mid-air swaps.
Combined, the US Player Minister arrived in Korea in hours.
Right around the same time as China and Japan.
Once China and Japan quieted down from growling like dogs and monkeys under the US Minister's pressure...
"Chief of Staff, we got contact."
"What'd they say?"
"Well... um..."
"? Spit it out. These people's time is worth more than gold."
"Sigh, got it. Contact from the artisan and Shinwa Group representing them..."
"And?"
"They're holding a massive press conference, so anyone who wants to see should come."
"What?"
"They'll reveal the equipment's status window there. And their future plans."
"Hmm..."
A massive press conference.
It prevented backroom deals, which suited Korea fine.
But mixing top leaders with press raised security headaches.
Moreover—
'Legendary gear is basically a strategic asset. Revealing it could cause issues later... Sigh, nothing we can do. It's not ours anyway; up to them.'
All nations hid their legendary gear options tight, so exposing this risked leaking strength.
But he couldn't do much.
"Will you go? Note: the artisan says no talks except Q&A at the conference."
"...We'll attend. But secure our seats separately."
"Japan will join too."
"US as well."
In the end, the ministers, escorts, and aides headed to the press hall.
The press conference was held inside a massive building in Seoul.
Oddly, despite being prime Seoul real estate, the place was empty.
Unthinkable given land prices, but bigger news took precedence, so dispatched reporters huddled and waited.
The hall was split in two.
Press on one side, heads of state or ministers on the other.
Hence the insane security checks—but everyone complied.
Screw up here, and you'd be eating nose soup.
Once seated...
Two people entered the hall.
'Two people?'
'Two artisans?'
'Wait, that face looks familiar.'
'That's Choi Shin-hyeok!'
Reporters who recognized one gasped.
It was none other than Choi Shin-hyeok.
People knew some link between the artisan and Shin-hyeok.
But appearing together at the conference? Different story.
Meant their bond was ironclad.
Shin-hyeok's value spiked again—briefly.
Sitting at his spot, mic in hand, he spoke.
"Keeping busy folks waiting is silly. Straight to the point: the legendary+ gear from the world message was crafted by Bang Se-jin, workshop master of Shinwa Workshop under Shinwa Group. Oh, I helped a bit."
"...?"
"Isn't Choi Shin-hyeok a combat player?"
"He seemed versatile, but crafting expertise too...?"
"Don't overthink. He's the real deal right there."
"True."
Reporters buzzed at Shin-hyeok helping craft legendary+, but it died fast.
Unverified, and even if true, the real artisan was the ordinary-faced, bronze-skinned man beside him: Se-jin.
After intro, Shin-hyeok plunked his spear from inventory onto the table like it was nothing more to see.
Thud!
The heavy thud echoed, filling the hall.
The jet-black base with red accents oozed chill just looking at it—everyone flinched.
Shin-hyeok gave a curt explanation.
"Those who know me know: my spear holds demonic energy. Reported to the state, certified, permit obtained—no issues. Crafted using Colosseum 10-win rewards, my old demonic spear, and some Shinwa Workshop materials."
He stroked the elegant shaft fondly, smiling, then displayed the status window publicly.
"Here it is."
"...The hall filled with silent shock.
Simple reason.
"Mi... insane..."
"All stats +131? Better than wearing four unique-grade pieces."
"Attack's nuts. 9k+. Nearing legendary cap."
"Skills too—five of 'em! One's rune, but still crazy!"
Choi Shin-hyeok's new demonic spear, Spear of Mortal Slaughter, packed that punch.
But fresh shock followed.
"Wait. He said that's HIS spear."
"Yeah."
"So the owner's Choi Shin-hyeok?"
"...Huh? Yeah?"
"A gold-tier player holds THAT?!"
That insane weapon went to mere gold-tier Shin-hyeok.
Key: he wasn't weak without it—10 Colosseum wins proved it.
What now with it?
"...Gold tier's done."
"Just gold? Platinum too. Maybe diamond."
"Like when the Five Emperors were active."
"Aren't they still?"
"Yeah, just saying."
Answer clear: end of gold, platinum, diamond tiers.
Shin-hyeok calmly continued.
"I won't hog this opportunity alone."
"Meaning we can commission the Shinwa Workshop master directly?"
"Exactly. But can't take all. One body, time pricier than gold, worth more than a nation."
"Ooo!!!"
Se-jin inwardly screamed in bashful flattery, but reporters didn't care.
Commission the legendary+ crafter? Huge.
Even top prospects couldn't fill uniques; one unique made you standout.
This was massive.
Questions flew.
"Where to inquire?!"
"Korean gov? Shinwa Guild?!"
"Foreign players too?!"
"Max grade?!"
"Choi Shin-hyeok, answer!"
Shin-hyeok nodded, then tilted head.
"Hm, something odd."
"Pardon?"
"Oh, foreign commissions accepted. Max legendary, obviously. But price must match."
"Thanks. What's odd?"
The odd part.
Despite earnest answers, Shin-hyeok's words puzzled all.
He innocently smacked fist to palm.
"Shinwa Workshop belongs to Almighty Guild. Contact them—not Korean gov or Shinwa Guild."
"...?"
"Guild master? Me."
"...!!!"
Casual bombshell.
Nuclear impact.
Hall erupted in shock.
The sole legendary+ workshop under a 20-year-old gold-tier's guild? Unbelievable.
Not everyone, though.
"S-so when do inquiries start?!"
One reporter stayed on task.
When for potential legendary commissions?
Hall hushed at the yell amid chaos.
Like a theater.
Shin-hyeok smirked at the silence, spread hand wide.
"5?"
"5 months?"
"Maybe 5 weeks."
"Limited window—gotta prep offers."
VIPs calculated frantically for star players.
"...Finger folded?"
Long pale finger folded.
Five to four.
Confusion.
Shin-hyeok folded again silently.
"Ah!"
"...No way!"
Four to three.
No dullards here.
Proof: two, then one.
"Ding. Inquiries open now."
"...!!!!"
The hall exploded into a flea market of ministers and leaders.