Chapter 68
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Translator: True Detective
Chapter: 68
Chapter Title: Busy Deals
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‘The Clairvoyance ability seems decent enough.’
It might have been passable on Channel 3, but it was worthless on Channel 4.
Drone's inferior version.
Just launch a drone 10km up in the sky.
What strategy are those bugs even using? Scouting lol.
Overhead view allows for detailed observation?
This changes at higher levels too, right? Lmao.
…………
……
Once everyone had demonstrated their abilities, the man conducting the broadcast explained the next steps.
「We plan to assemble a unit of ability users to raid the factory in the Lumen region soon.」
Factory in Lumen region?
There are tons of factories there.
It's been overrun by bugs ages ago.
Ah, so those rumors were true.
What rumors?
Don't keep it to yourself, spill it.
「It seems the bugs are evolving and have been spotted operating the factory in Lumen.」
‘A factory?’
I couldn’t wrap my head around bugs running a factory.
「If we leave it be, they’ll infect the robots produced there and march on this eternal barrier.」
Bugs running a factory?
Factory's infected, so they can run it.
Running the factory is one thing, but where do they get materials?
Are the bugs harvesting materials too?
「We desperately need your help. If you assist in destroying the factory’s key facilities, we promise Channel 3 abilities in return.」
“……?”
Why not just handle it with military personnel?
Curious why they were pulling in outsiders, I typed in the chat.
Can't the military just handle it?
A few lines later, some replies came in.
Mercs are better than military in pure skill.
Military's gear carries them; skills suck lol.
Bug infections mean they can't use gear freely now lol.
Mercs are superior in physical feats.
‘Ah.’
Apparently, mercs outclassed the military in raw physical prowess.
‘That’s why they’re asking for help?’
In any case, Channel 4 now knew they were destroying a bug-operated factory.
The problem was, even knowing that, I didn’t have anything specific to help destroy factory equipment…
‘Actually, I do.’
I recalled the Water Fiend I’d gotten back from Channel 3’s Ice Queen.
With the Water Fiend’s power, demolishing the entire factory seemed feasible.
‘Should I ask Quick Fix Doctor or Golden King?’
The moment I thought that,
Friend, ‘Ice Queen’ has requested a 1:1 chat.
‘Ice Queen?’
A 1:1 chat request from Channel 3’s Ice Queen.
No reason to refuse, so I accepted immediately.
Today's deals total three.
I’d told Ice Queen I’d buy Awakening Stones and Bloodstones.
More precisely, I’d gauge their value and buy equivalent goods.
Three deals?
Yes. All from sizable groups, so look forward to it.
If Ice Queen said to expect big things, I wondered how many Awakening Stones and Bloodstones I’d get.
‘I could get some Awakening Stones…’
Lower-grade at 1,000 points each. Mid-grade at 3,000.
‘Bloodstones are 20 points each.’
Bloodstones were essential after using so many.
So when do the deals start?
Maybe 10-20 minutes. We have long-range travel abilities now.
About 10 minutes later, as she’d said, she listed the items.
3 Mid-grade Awakening Stones. 15 Lower-grade. 800 Bloodstones. That's the deal.
“……?”
How many?
I double-checked the list and calculated the points.
‘Mid-grade alone is 9,000 points.’
Lower-grade: 15,000. Bloodstones: 16,000.
‘40,000 points total.’
Bigger than expected, but I had no other use for points.
Sounds good. What do they want?
Food... plus weapons and armor.
Weapons and armor?
Yes. Swords, spears, bows. Armor like helmets, stab-proof vests, riot shields.
Is there a war breaking out somewhere?
Something going on with that group?
World's getting rough, so preparing ahead. Raiders nearby too.
‘Raiders?’
People who've given up being human. Worse than zombies in some ways.
The world was hurtling toward doom, yet some still chased personal gain.
‘How can they?’
I couldn’t comprehend it. Without cooperation, everyone dies.
Anyway, do we deal?
Yes. Send pics and prices for weapons/armor; let them decide.
I checked my points while replying.
If not for Hero Party deals and auction listings today, it’d be over 800k.
Enough for the stones and Bloodstones, so I agreed readily.
‘Gotta reward Ice Queen later too.’
She’s traveling the country brokering for me.
The deals took over an hour but went smoothly.
‘Two more like this…’
After two more successful trades, I gave Ice Queen about 30% of the haul.
…This much is okay?
You’re helping that much. And I want you safe too.
She’d given me Bloodstones hoping I’d stay safe. This was payback.
She went quiet, then said something unexpected.
Really. Shame we can't meet in person.
? Why meet?
You keep shaking my heart.
“…….”
Did I?
Anyway, several groups want to borrow the Water Fiend. Incheon Alliance wants the Blast Pulverizer.
Water Fiend?
Probably to hunt Stage 4 variant zombies with it.
I’d considered lending the Water Fiend for a Superior Awakening Stone but worried about risks.
‘Channel 3 folks know it’s dangerous.’
Or maybe the broadcast made it seem too impressive.
Having just heard Channel 4’s factory plan, lending it felt risky.
Can't lend the Water Fiend for a while. Why the Blast Pulverizer?
Instant Awakening Stones, Bloodstones, points. Imagine luring zombies in Seoul with noise and unleashing the Blast Pulverizer.
The Blast Pulverizer’s power could rake that in easily.
I'll think on the Blast Pulverizer.
Okay. Contact Charge Leader if interested. And thanks. Really.
We ended the 1:1 chat there.
Points spent, but tons of Awakening Stones and Bloodstones gained. I checked my inventory.
‘Including what I had…’
1 Superior Awakening Stone.
8 Mid-grade.
31 Lower-grade.
‘3,491 Bloodstones total.’
As expected, mostly lower-grade stones and Bloodstones.
Mid-grade could awaken a solid user, so not traded lightly.
“…….”
With these, I could max Telekinesis to level 30.
That’d also max Dexterity, which was tempting.
‘Telekinesis level 30…’
Plus, curious what the level 30 specialization would be.
‘But hold off.’
Hero Party needed them, and Channel 4 might too.
Even with Blast Pulverizer and Taehwa Type-9 in mind, no reason not to help Channel 4.
Friend, ‘Quick Fix Doctor☆’ has requested a 1:1 chat.
As I pondered, Channel 4’s Quick Fix Doctor messaged—right on cue.
If he’d watched the broadcast, he’d contact for Bloodstones. Spot on.
Yo, whatcha up to?
Heading deeper into the Great Labyrinth properly now.
Military wants Awakening Stones and Bloodstones. Want anything?
Sounded like they planned to pry military gear with stones and Bloodstones.
‘I thought of military gear too.’
But now I had the superior Water Fiend.
How about the Water Fiend instead?
Water Fiend? What's that?
You’d know if you saw Channel 3 broadcast. Monster made of ~100m of water.
…? Wasn't that an ability?
Quick Fix Doctor couldn’t interpret Channel 3’s voice or chat, so he thought it was a person’s ability. I corrected him.
Not an ability—a special item.
I shared everything I knew: Water Fiend core, water absorption growth, controlling necklace.
Water Fiend. Definitely key help.
Oh, can lend items up to 96 hours too.
96 hours. Should be plenty. What do you want?
Gear, probably military stuff.
“…….”
But I knew zilch about Channel 4 military gear.
‘Blast Pulverizer and Taehwa Type-9 show they’ve got all sorts.’
As I hesitated, Quick Fix Doctor spoke again.
Anything, even vague. Can make it if not in stock.
First thing that came to mind: the tent/house I’d examined yesterday.
Possible? [Soundproof, bulletproof, insulated, etc.—full list]
Channel 4’s tech seemed advanced, so I listed everything.
Need a mini fortress or what?
Labyrinth, so safer the better.
Safety? Agreed. Guess I’ll draw blueprints myself.
You personally?
Way better than average. Then get Golden King and military to build it.
Great deal for lending the Water Fiend.
But Quick Fix Doctor added more.
Extra Awakening Stones/Bloodstones? Can snag a Nano Suit if generous.
Nano Suit?
‘Saw it in comments.’
Details fuzzy, but rare. He recommended it, so no loss. I handed over extras too.