Chapter 36: Strong connections, Spreading rumours.

“Shut your mouth. Don’t act so arrogantly.”

Tak Woo-hyun’s cold voice echoed through the hall. Just a moment ago, his expression showed no signs of tension,

but now it had become rigid and unyielding.

The secretary, taken aback by his sudden behavior, responded in confusion.

“I-I’m sorry.”

It was an incomprehensible situation. While it was true that Lee Hyun-seung had exceptional abilities, he was still

just an academy student. It was absurd to think that an insignificant academy student would demand such a one-

sided negotiation from Tak Woo-hyun, the chairman of the Blacksmith Association. The secretary, Poong Tae-ha, felt

wronged, but seeing Tak Woo-hyun’s solemn and serious expression, he couldn’t even think of making excuses and

remained silent.

Ignoring Poong Tae-ha, Tak Woo-hyun turned to Lee Hyun-seung and spoke.

“You’ve made a scene. You should apologize.”

This was unusual. Tak Woo-hyun rarely bowed to anyone.

Seeing Tak Woo-hyun’s attitude, Lee Hyun-seung grinned and thought,

‘Tak Woo-hyun. He must be quite curious about my double crafting slots if he’s coming to me like this.’

Lee Hyun-seung possessed two crafting slots.

A typical blacksmith would have only one crafting slot, meaning they could only create one item at a time and

couldn’t work on another weapon while doing so. However, since Lee Hyun-seung had two slots, he could make two

items at once, and if he wanted, he could work on a long crafting period item while keeping one slot available.

The ability that all blacksmiths dream of—double crafting slots. Tak Woo-hyun was certain that with just that, he

could break through his current limitations. No, it didn’t even matter if he didn’t break through. With that alone, he

could create unique or legendary-grade weapons without hesitation. No matter how long it took to create with one

slot, the other would still be available.

The problem was that only Lee Hyun-seung knew about the double crafting slots. Tak Woo-hyun had been a

blacksmith for over 15 years, yet he had never seen anyone use a double slot. So, it must have been a desperate

situation. There would be no chance to ask anyone else how to use a double slot.

Lee Hyun-seung thought,

‘The double slot is only available to legendary blacksmiths, but… there’s no need to be completely honest about it.’

The mere fact that one could use a double slot if they became a legendary blacksmith was significant information.

There had been no information about legendary blacksmiths available to the public until now. If Tak Woo-hyun

learned this information, he would undoubtedly strive to elevate his rank to legendary. But once he was informed,

Tak Woo-hyun would have no further questions. Therefore, it was necessary to present this in a more impressive

way.

Thinking this, Lee Hyun-seung replied to Tak Woo-hyun’s apology.

“There’s no need to apologize so much for something you didn’t do, Tak Woo-hyun.”

Tak Woo-hyun smiled, seeming relieved, and extended his hand.

“Earlier, I apologize for testing the waters unnecessarily. I’m not fond of weighing various options, so let’s speak

plainly. If I say I will protect you, we have much to lose.”

“Much to lose?”

When Lee Hyun-seung questioned, Tak Woo-hyun answered.

“Earlier, when the F-class representative selection was taking place, I looked into you. It seems you had a conflict

with the daughter of the Artemis Guild Leader, Yoo Hee-yeon.”

• Hmph!

Lee Hyun-seung was slightly surprised but tried not to show it.

‘He must have already looked into my information. There couldn’t have been much time.’

Honestly, while Lee Hyun-seung had thought it possible that Tak Woo-hyun might know about the issue with Yoo

Hee-yeon, he hadn’t expected him to be aware of all the details. Judging by Tak Woo-hyun’s complex expression, it

seemed he knew everything.

Since it was already known, Lee Hyun-seung thought there was no point in trying to deceive him and replied,

“It’s true. Yoo Hee-yeon falsely accused me. At first, it might have been a misunderstanding, but later, she made me a

scapegoat in a situation where it was clear there was another culprit. I merely resisted to prove my innocence.”

Tak Woo-hyun questioned him,

“Aren’t you afraid of the Artemis Guild? If they have it out for you, you might face pressure too severe for a mere

student to withstand. Well, they likely won’t go so far as to kill you while you’re still in the academy, but if things go

awry, who knows what could happen?”

“I’m not afraid. After enough time passes, I will have the ability that makes it impossible for them to act recklessly

against me.”

Tak Woo-hyun seemed to like Lee Hyun-seung’s intense gaze, but he shook his head and replied,

“Excessive confidence can sometimes lead to great trouble. I know that Jeong Eun-seo next to you is the daughter of

the Theo Guild Leader. It’s a bit awkward to say it right here, but even with the Theo Guild, they won’t provide

sufficient protection against Artemis. Just relying on your friend won’t solve your problems.”

Lee Hyun-seung replied,

“I know that. But it’s different if you stand with me.”

Tak Woo-hyun waved his hand in a troubled manner.

“What power do we have? We’re just people who enjoy crafting equipment. In terms of strength, we don’t have the

capability to contend with the Artemis Guild.”

Lee Hyun-seung replied as if he had been waiting for this moment,

“What’s important in a fight isn’t just brute force.”

“What do you mean?”

“Literally. When fighting someone, the considerations go beyond mere strength. I understand that the Blacksmith

Association has numerous blacksmiths nationwide under its banner. Among them are those who create weapons, as

well as many who make potions and various artifacts. I believe you can control them all, Tak Woo-hyun.”

“What of it? That’s all it amounts to.”

“No, that’s not all. Supplies play the most critical role in war and combat. Even the strongest forces cannot continue

fighting without resources. The Artemis Guild is currently preparing for a large-scale labyrinth expedition. They need

a staggering amount of items, including numerous pieces of equipment, accessories, and various healing and status

recovery potions. Particularly, this upcoming expedition has drawn national attention. It’s not something that can be

taken lightly. However, what if you cut off their supplies in this situation?”

Lee Hyun-seung tapped the table as he spoke.

“The Artemis Guild will enter the labyrinth unprepared. This would not only lead to significant losses in their

strength but also result in poor performance in the labyrinth exploration. Additionally, they would lose opportunities

to obtain byproducts from the labyrinth. They could lose practicality, justification, and even the reputation of their

cause. All of this just from restricting their supplies.”

Tak Woo-hyun, listening to him, replied with astonishment,

“What you say is true. To be honest, at this point, the Artemis Guild cannot afford to treat our Blacksmith

Association carelessly. After the expedition, they will need a lot of resources to replenish their strength.”

Finally, Tak Woo-hyun asked a question.

“But how did you know that the Artemis Guild is preparing for the expedition? I thought only high-ranking officials

in the country and a few insiders were aware of that information. We only noticed it recently because of a large order

from the Artemis Guild, but how on earth did you come to know about it?”

I can’t just say it’s because the expedition was launched around this time in the game. So, Lee Hyun-seung

appropriately dodged the question.

“Jeong Eun-seo told me.”

“Hmm?”

Jeong Eun-seo, who was next to him, looked at Lee Hyun-seung in surprise, but he gave her a look urging her to play

along. So, she awkwardly replied,

“Y-Yeah, I told him. My father mentioned it to me. He said that the Artemis Guild would be going on a labyrinth

expedition soon.”

Of course, the Theo Guild Leader didn’t have any obligation or reason to share such information with his daughter.

However, since the person involved said so, there was no reason to raise an objection. Moreover, if that were not the

case, there would be no way a mere student could obtain secret information about the Artemis Guild, so Tak Woo-hyun accepted it.

“I see… If it’s someone like the Theo Guild Leader, he might have known in advance. It’s a bit surprising that he

shared it with his daughter, though…”

Tak Woo-hyun seemed pleased.

“To be honest, I’m the one taking a big risk here. No matter how much the Artemis Guild needs supplies, that doesn’t

mean we’re in a position of power. While they can’t openly ignore us, it’s still true that they won’t treat us as equals.

But still, it seems worth the investment. I had initially considered investing due to the double crafting slot you use,

but that’s no longer the case.”

Tak Woo-hyun extended his hand.

“Information, confidence, and the ability to make decisions using them aren’t acquired traits; they’re innate. You

clearly seem poised to create a significant impact soon. Promise me this: in exchange for our protection, you’ll teach

me how to use the double crafting slot later. Also, if you establish a guild or another organization, maintain a friendly

relationship with us.”

Lee Hyun-seung extended his hand and shook Tak Woo-hyun’s, replying,

“Of course. I will definitely fulfill both promises.”

Tak Woo-hyun, looking curious, asked Lee Hyun-seung,

“What are you planning to do now? Do you have a clear plan in mind?”

Lee Hyun-seung replied to Tak Woo-hyun,

“First, I need to make it known at the academy that the Blacksmith Association is backing me. If I don’t say anything,

it won’t have any effect.”

“Hmmm… If you express it too openly, it might backfire. If not careful, it could come off like a declaration of war, so

you need to be cautious. It would also be problematic for us if it’s perceived that way.”

“Don’t worry. I will naturally make it clear that the Blacksmith Association is on our side. So, I ask for your

cooperation. It won’t be difficult.”

“Well then, let’s hear it.”

“It’s a list.”

Swish

Lee Hyun-seung compiled a list of about 20 students from Class F.

“These are individuals not affiliated with Yoo Hee-yeon, potential recruits I plan to scout. Please craft weapons

according to the characteristics listed here. Don’t forget to stamp the SIH logo of the Blacksmith Association on each

weapon. The weapon grade can be rare or epic.”

“What do you intend to do with this?”

“I will show them what benefits they can expect by joining my side. Furthermore, I will distribute the handmade

weapons marked with the SIH logo to my future allies, naturally spreading the word that you and I have a

connection. It will resonate without me having to say anything.”

“Haha! So you came prepared with this list knowing it would come to this? You’re more clever than I expected. Did

you anticipate my arrival? That’s quite the confidence. It’s a method that doesn’t come off as a declaration of war but

can clearly appeal to them; I really like it.”

Tak Woo-hyun laughed and patted Lee Hyun-seung on the back vigorously.

“I’ll recruit the top blacksmiths immediately to start crafting those weapons. Well, if it’s only about 20, I can make

them myself.”

“Okay.”

“Thank you for that.”

As the annihilation battle between Class A and Class F approached, the news of the alliance between Lee Hyun-seung

and the Blacksmith Association began to spread throughout the academy. Eventually, that news reached Yoo Hee-

yeon’s ears as well.