Chapter 81
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 81
Chapter Title: Gift (3)
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The discussion about the custom-made equipment was over quickly.
Ill leave everything to Master Jeong Ilyong.
Oh? Everything, you say?
Yes. I feel like an amateurs opinion would only do more harm than good.
Master Jeong Ilyong was the greatest blacksmith. I figured my input would be of little help in his crafting process.
The old masters eyes widened slightly as he looked at me. He seemed somewhat surprised. Watching him, Meiden giggled.
See? Old man. This is what hes like. Once you talk to him, you cant help but like the kid.
I see.
I tilted my head.
I felt like Id earned his approval somehow.
But why?
While the two of them were excitedly talking about me, Yuhwa brought her face close and whispered in my ear.
I heard the reason Master Jeong Ilyong retired from the industry was because of the superhumans and their power-tripping.
...Power-tripping?
Yes. Demanding specific designs, insisting on certain performance specs...
Ah.
The right equipment is different for every superhuman, yet theyd just demand, This is good! Make it like this! It must have driven him mad.
I could understand.
Every superhuman probably has their own fantasy.
He especially hated it when theyd ask him to perfectly replicate a high-rankers gear. I heard hed get furious just from receiving an order like that. He said it felt like an insult to his pride as a craftsman.
A master of his temperament would certainly find creating imitations deeply unsatisfying.
Its not that I dont get it, though. How many superhumans commissioning such expensive equipment would just say, Ill leave it to you, with no conditions attached?
I see.
I understood now.
Anyway, kiddo. Good choice. Our old mans taste is a bit old-fashioned, but its got style.
Is this what they call talking behind someones back to their face?
Hey, now. Dont call it that. It was a compliment.
Meiden laughed heartily.
Watching her, Jeong Ilyong shook his head slightly before turning his gaze back to me.
You said youll entrust all the details to me. Then all thats left are the usage restrictions and your preferred equipment type.
Yes.
Alright. What level should the usage restrictions be set to?
Hmm...
I thought for a moment.
How should I answer?
If I had my way, Id tell him to ignore the restrictions and just max out the performance.
After all, I could ignore usage restrictions.
But the moment I said that, all my stats would effectively become S-rank.
Kiddo. Your information wont leak, so you dont have to worry.
Yes, I know.
Of course, Yuhwa and Meiden already thought my stats far surpassed those of a typical cadet, so it wouldnt have mattered.
I had held my own against Vagabond, however briefly.
And I had dealt with Geomryeong and Gwuiryeong by myself.
In other words, there would be no issue asking for usage restrictions of A-rank or higher.
...
The problem was Master Jeong Ilyongs close relationship with Instructor Pi Jinho.
Moreover, just a moment ago, Jeong Ilyong had stared directly at the [Pinnacle of Weaponry] under my clothes.
He most likely knew about the [Master of Weapons].
And he would surely know that the owner of the [Master of Weapons] was weak in the beginning.
In this situation, asking for A-rank or higher restrictions was a bit of a stretch.
...But I couldnt let such a good opportunity go to waste.
What should I do?
I was pondering this when he spoke.
Would you two mind leaving us for a moment? Theres something Id like to discuss with this boy alone.
Jeong Ilyong said, looking at Meiden and Yuhwa.
Hmph. Fine by me.
Yes, of course.
The two stood up without hesitation.
Well then, kiddo. Have a good talk. See you in a bit. Lets go.
Yes. Mr. Seoyul, Ill see you later.
The two left the room at a leisurely pace.
An awkward silence filled the room, now occupied by just the two of us.
I didnt know what to say first.
Master Jeong Ilyong was a character only mentioned in the original story.
I knew nothing about him. Thats why I couldnt speak recklessly.
I never thought Id see Minjis successor in my twilight years.
Master Jeong Ilyong was the first to break the silence.
So you knew.
It seemed my guess was correct.
Even now, Jeong Ilyongs eyes were fixed precisely on my chest.
I didnt. I found out today. Thanks to that Pinnacle of Weaponry.
Jeong Ilyong pointed to his own eyes. They were a peculiar shade, glowing with a mystical purple light.
My trait, Masters Eye, allows me to see information on all kinds of equipment. Even gear that isnt set to public, and even gear thats currently being worn.
...Ah.
So thats how he was able to stare right at the [Pinnacle of Weaponry] through my clothes.
Besides, I was the one who made that necklace in the first place.
...Pardon?
Master Jeong Ilyong made the Pinnacle of Weaponry?
That was news to me.
Thats right. I gave it to Jinho as a gift when he married Minji.
A wistful light flickered in the masters eyes.
That rascal. He could have at least given me a heads-up that hed found a successor.
His lonely gaze held a hint of resentment toward Pi Jinho and a deep longing for the couple.
An old man rambling. Forgive me. Lets get straight to the point.
Jeong Ilyong stared at me with serious eyes.
How about we make this commission for a single weapon?
...A weapon, you mean?
Yes.
I tilted my head.
What did he mean?
If Im correct, you are still in the process of growing.
Yes.
In that case, I see no need to commission low-restriction equipment that forces you to compromise on performance. Youll grow stronger at a rapid pace over the next year or two, and youll have to replace it soon enough anyway.
His gaze was warm.
It was as if he was seeing someone else in me. It must have been the person named Kang Minji.
But a weapon is different. You possess the Master of Weapons.
His eyes once again turned to the [Pinnacle of Weaponry] on my chest.
This means you can be greedy when it comes to your weapon. Regardless of your current stats, youll be able to use it without any restrictions.
From the perspective of Jeong Ilyong, who knew about the Master of Weapons, his words made perfect sense.
For this reason, I recommend investing this entire budget into a single weapon.
Hmm...
I understood his thinking.
Besides, this proposal was incredibly convenient for me.
It was the perfect opportunity to commission a top-tier weapon without revealing my current stats.
...But giving up a top-tier set of armor was a shame.
You seem conflicted. How about you hear about the weapon first, then decide?
Yes, Im listening.
Jeong Ilyong rose from his seat and rummaged through a drawer.
Finding what he was looking for, he returned with a file in his hand.
With about ninety percent of the production cost that audacious kid offered, we should be able to buy some Super Shape-Memory Magical Alloy.
Jeong Ilyong handed me an old blueprint. At a glance, the yellowed paper looked to be over a decade old.
...This is?
The moment I examined the blueprint, my eyes went wide.
This is possible?
Its a piece of equipment I designed for Minji. I never imagined it would be put to use ten years later.
Jeong Ilyong smiled wryly.
The weapons name is Cheonbyeon. Its projected performance is written right there.
...S-rank.
Indeed.
Every single spec easily surpassed that of a typical S-rank weapon.
The reason was simple.
The usage restrictions were astronomical.
Required stats: All S-rank [99/99].
This was not a weapon an ordinary person could ever wield.
It was an item that was impossible to even equip unless you were a holder of the Master of Weapons, who could ignore usage restrictions, or an irregular like me who existed outside the systems laws.
Since he wouldn't have designed it with an irregular like me in mind, it was safe to say this item was literally made for the Master of Weapons.
And look at this special ability.
[Cheonbyeon ()]
[Changes into hundreds, thousands of forms according to the users will.]
From top to bottom, this was an item designed for the Master of Weapons.
That is the end of my proposal. Now, you may choose.
Jeong Ilyong smiled triumphantly.
...This isnt even a fair comparison.
I let out a bitter laugh.
You have to compare things that are actually comparable.
Ill go with Cheonbyeon.
Only a fool would refuse this offer.
***
On the way home in Meidens car.
Kiddo. Are you sure youll be okay with just one weapon?
Yes.
Even dozens of A-rank armor pieces couldnt hold a candle to a single Cheonbyeon.
If moneys the issue, I can pitch in a little more.
Unni, this is already excessive. If we attract an audit or a scandal breaks out, itll be a headache for both of us.
...Tsk. Those damn scumbag reporters.
Meiden clicked her tongue.
Its really fine. This weapon is truly incredible.
...What in the world is it?
Was I grinning too much?
Meiden asked, her eyes narrowed in suspicion.
I know. For someone who can use Ancient Artifacts to react like that...
Yuhwa was the same.
They were both looking at me, their faces screaming that they were dying of curiosity.
She may not need to know, but dont you think you could tell the one footing the bill?
Unni! Thats a low blow!
Tough luck. You shouldve been the one paying for it.
Meiden guffawed.
Yuhwa pouted.
Ill show you when its finished. Master Jeong Ilyong asked me to keep it a secret for now.
At my words, Meiden clicked her tongue.
That grumpy old man...
Then she sighed.
Alright, fine. I guess Ill find out eventually.
I looked out the window.
The beautiful night view of Seoul was calming. Above it, the World Tree glowed faintly, and above that, the stars shone quite brightly.
It was likely because this world primarily used mana, a nature-friendly energy source, so there was no environmental pollution.
The scenery seemed to assert just how different this world was from the one I came from.
After a long drive, we arrived in front of my house.
We got out of the car.
You went through a lot today, dealing with two women. Must be completely drained, huh?
Meiden smiled mischievously.
...
I decided to make no comment.
To be honest, I was exhausted.
Then, for the grand finale.
Meiden walked past me to the trunk.
The trunk opened, revealing three carriers of different sizes.
Here. Todays final gift. I thought thered be more, but there were only three. Sorry.
Only three? This is more than enough. Thank you.
There was no way Id be disappointed after getting three Ancient Artifacts as a windfall. I was smiling brightly when she spoke.
Kang Seoyul.
Yes?
Meiden suddenly called me by my full name. I think it was the first time she had.
Life isnt just about revenge.
Meidens eyes were dead serious.
I know Im not one to talk, since Im still living for revenge myself. But this thing... its incredibly draining.
Her eyes were filled with sorrow and regret.
Hang out with your friends. Try caring about fashion for no reason. Fall in love a little. Get your heart broken after acting cocky because youre good-looking.
...
I want you to live a normal life like that.
Meidens words were slightly off the mark. I held no desire for revenge against the Seekers of Truth.
It was all a misunderstanding, but her words struck a strange chord in my heart.
A normal life.
Hearing those words, I answered without thinking.
...Yes. I think it would be nice to live like that, too.
If only I could, I would. I meant it.
If this world was one that could reach a safe future without me, I would have done just that.
Thats my dream.
I smiled wistfully.
***
After Kang Seoyul went inside his house.
Meiden and Yuhwa stood there blankly.
Hwa. Do you know what that kids weekly routine is?
Meiden said casually.
...No.
Training.
And?
Meiden sighed.
Thats it.
What?
If you really want to break it down, its training, studying, and conditioning.
Meiden looked up at the sky.
The twinkling stars were quite beautiful.
He doesnt have any real hobbies. He doesnt have any real friends besides Shin Jia and Ha Siyeon.
Kang Seoyul was an incredibly hard worker.
And the source of that effort stemmed from the emotion of revenge.
That kid... hes obsessed with revenge. Thats why he cant rest. He has to get stronger as fast as possible. To achieve his revenge.
Meiden smiled bitterly, adding, Because thats how I was.
I think theres a high probability that he approached you, Hwa, and cadets Shin Jia and Ha Siyeon, to achieve his goal of revenge.
...Yes.
Yuhwa lowered her head, her expression sinking. She had roughly expected as much.
Its probably not as simple as just using you all. I could tell that much after spending a day with him. His goal is likely mutual benefit.
Yes.
Meiden looked at Kang Seoyuls house. A light was on behind the curtain. He was probably checking the Ancient Artifacts.
Poor thing.
She smiled bitterly, recalling Kang Seoyul saying that living a normal life was his dream.
Then she let out a deep sigh.
Well, its not my place to talk, having lived for revenge for over ten years.
...Unni.
Meiden looked at Yuhwa.
Hwa. This national subjugation operation. We have to succeed.
Her gaze was intensely serious.
We cant let any more victims like that kid be created.
...Yes.
Resolve shone in both of their eyes.
***
Inside my room, I was flexing my hands while hugging Geumho.
Alright. Whats it going to be?
The random box opening.
I had already completed the fingerprint and mana recognition scans; only the open button remained.
My chest swelled with anticipation.
Okay, first, a deep breath with a reverent heart... then circle the carrier twice...
Meow!
But before I could finish my sentence, Geumho, in my arms, slammed his front paw on the button.
*Pshhh...*
With a deflating hiss, one of the carriers opened.
Geumho, you!
I gave Geumho a piece of my mind.
I wasnt even mentally prepared, and you just jump the gun like that without any...!
But once again, I couldnt finish my sentence.
...come...in...?
I picked up Geumho with a bewildered expression.
...Why is this coming out of here?
Mrow?
Looking up at my confused face, Geumho tilted his head.
< End of Chapter 81: Gift (3) >