The S-Classes That I Raised [EN]: Chapter 72

72. Blacksmith Debut (2)

“Well, I didn’t mean to deceive you. Turns out, we hadn’t met before running into each other at the Hunter Association. So, I guess I did lie, but it wasn’t intentional.”

I fumbled with the spear, rambling. I thought I could pass it off as a misunderstanding, but this level of non-reaction was unexpected. Shouldn’t you be at least a little surprised?

Myungwoo, who had been staring at me, finally spoke.

“Even if you did deceive me, it doesn’t matter.”

“…Huh?”

“If you, Yoojin, lied to me, I would thank you for deceiving me.”

Myungwoo said with a smile. Well, you don’t have to thank me that much…?

“Why are you so flustered? Look at me. Yoo Myungwoo, with an SS-Class crafting skill.”

He spread his arms wide and continued.

“Han Yoojin, you created this. You took a common F-Class Hunter and transformed him like this.”

…It’s not wrong, but my conscience pricks me if I accept it as is.

“It’s true that I helped you, but obtaining the SS-Class skill is thanks to your effort and talent.”

“What good is a jewel in the gravel? I was rolling around, about to fall into the mud.”

“Even so.”

“Don’t downplay it too much. It’s making me feel left out. No matter what anyone says, the reason I’m here is all thanks to you. Talent, effort, it’s all useless without the right conditions. Aren’t I living proof?”

With those words, Myungwoo lightly tapped my shoulder. But the force was stronger than I expected.

“Ugh, that hurts—”

– Grrr.

As I stumbled, clutching my shoulder, a chilling sound suddenly reached my ears. I quickly looked around and saw Peace baring his teeth. Blue had also half-extended his wings. Even Piak was included; all three staring intently at Myungwoo.

I had a feeling that something terrible would happen if I left them alone.

“No, it doesn’t hurt! I’m just kidding, kidding. Peace, hide your fangs, Blue, fold your wings, and Piak, what are you even trying to do? Anyway, everyone calm down.”

Especially you, Peace, it’s not like you’ve only met Myungwoo once or twice, why are you baring your teeth over something like this? It was understandable with Sung Hyunjae because he was unfamiliar.

“Myungwoo is my friend, friend.”

Fortunately, the kids soon returned to normal. I sighed and turned back to Myungwoo.

“Sorry. I think they misunderstood.”

“No, it’s my fault for not controlling my strength properly.”

“That’s what happens when you’re hammering metal all day. Take breaks.”

“It’s more because my stats increased.”

“…What?”

Seriously, his stats went up again? Does only Myungwoo have a different system? Why is it going up again? Myungwoo pointed with his chin at the spear I was holding.

“It went up as a reward for creating the first S-Class item. It also went up when I made A-Class items, but it wasn’t enough to make it hard to control my strength. This time, it went up quite a bit, so I guess I haven’t fully adjusted yet.”

There’s a reward like that? I don’t know if it’s an original system or a consideration from the senior [referring to the system administrator], but it was a cheat.

“Let’s calculate your stats.”

I added and divided the stats that Myungwoo called out. The average is…

“…C-Class.”

Did it go up to D-Class when he made the A-Class item? At this rate, if he makes an SS-Class item, he’ll become B-Class, if he makes an SSS-Class item, he’ll become A-Class, and if he makes an L-Class item, he’ll become S-Class?

I guess Myungwoo is the protagonist and I’m just a supporter. He’ll do everything with the equipment he makes.

‘I wish there was something that would raise my stats too.’

Not something I’d want even if you gave it to me, like getting stronger for a week by grinding someone else’s life and my mental state.

“Hey, aren’t you going to start as F-Class and end up as S-Class?”

“I doubt it, but who knows.”

Myungwoo looked down at his palm. When I first met him, he was pale and listless. His hands wouldn’t have been any different. At best, they would have been weak hands with pen calluses.

But now they’re tough.

There were calluses, of course, and noticeably thicker fingers, and even scars that hadn’t healed properly. The color and shape were like those of a craftsman who had been hammering metal for at least a year.

“Who would have known I’d become like this? So, an F-Class can become an S-Class. You never know.”

Myungwoo, you had talent from the start, I thought, but then I remembered what the system administrator said. If there were no system restrictions, it wouldn’t be impossible for an ordinary person to grow into the strongest in the world.

The system was scheduled to disappear in about 10 years. When that happens, even if it’s not an exceptional case like Myungwoo, there may be people who become A-Class or S-Class without any particular talent.

“Yeah, you never know.”

That’s right, you never know. Did I know I would regress and become like this?

“Now, let’s show other people something they don’t know.”

I took out my phone and opened the contact list, which was full of names. A smile naturally spread across my face as I scrolled down.

* * *

The Hunter Association President couldn’t believe it when he received my call, and he made an uncharacteristic fuss, saying he would come here right away. It was an even bigger reaction than when it was me.

It was understandable. The Hunter Association’s main source of income was the production and sale of various items, including markets and potions. The items they made themselves were only related to curses, so they had nothing to do with Myungwoo, who mainly made equipment. The same goes for potions.

But the Hunter Market is different.

The auction fees for S-Class or higher equipment would be substantial, but the biggest advantage was that it would be possible to supply them regularly. Just the fact that high-level hunters from all over the world would visit and the name would become known would greatly increase its value.

Of course, whether it will go as well as the Association President hopes is unknown.

And before long, my phone started ringing and receiving texts. I don’t know how they found out so quickly, but Myungwoo’s phone was also vibrating.

“That number is the Breaker Guild Leader.”

I checked the number Myungwoo showed me, saying he kept getting calls, and told him.

“Guild Leader?”

“Yeah. It seems they heard that the weapon you made this time is a spear. He’s an S-Class Hunter who uses a great spear.”

The Ice Tree Spear wasn’t for charging. This is perfect for Yerim.

“If it’s going to be a hassle, change your number now. Even if you don’t change your number, change your phone.”

It’s probably been at least 3 years since he got that phone, so it’s time to replace it.

“Right now, only the Association and Guilds are contacting you, but once it’s broadcast, even your distant relatives will be calling.”

Myungwoo still didn’t seem to realize it. But it won’t be long.

* * *

“Uncle! And our Myungwoo oppa [term of endearment used by younger women to address older brothers or male friends]!”

Yerim, who was already getting her makeup done, opened the door to the makeup room and shouted, spreading her arms wide. Myungwoo couldn’t even answer her shout and was dragged away by the staff. The clothes he was wearing were too small, so he had to change everything from head to toe.

After chatting with Yerim for about an hour, Myungwoo appeared, looking awkward.

“Oh, he’s a completely different person. Don’t you think?”

“Yeah, he’s a complete stranger.”

I said half-jokingly, but compared to when we first met, he really was a different person. The face under the stylishly trimmed hair was similar, but the expression was completely different, and above all, his body was different. The listless appearance that looked like he would fall over if you touched him had completely disappeared. His height had increased, but the lines of his thickened forearms were clear through the fitted summer suit shirt.

His back was straight and his shoulders were broad. Even his parents wouldn’t recognize him from behind.

I’m jealous.

“They even did my makeup… Does it show? Does it look weird?”

“No, it’s fine. It looks natural. You look handsome.”

“That’s right! The best, totally handsome!”

Yerim, who was about to empty her bank account, was making a fuss. An S-Class weapon that had to go to auction without a market price was originally impossible for a fledgling hunter who had never even entered an S-Class dungeon to purchase with their wallet.

Our Yerim, how long has it been since she was so confident that she was making good money, and now she’s going to be in debt. She’ll pay it off soon, though.

“It seems like you’re all ready.”

Yoohyun came in and exchanged light greetings with Myungwoo, then gestured for me to come over. As I approached, he asked in a low voice,

“Did you tell him?”

“I did. He doesn’t mind. He said it’s okay even if it was a deception.”

“That’s a relief.”

Yoohyun nodded and looked at Myungwoo with a softer expression.

“Now, you really have to treat him well. Get close to him.”

“I’ll try.”

It was an answer with zero percent sincerity.

* * *

The Hunter Association’s conference hall, where Yoo Myungwoo’s skills would be revealed and verified, was already packed with reporters. Although the detailed information hadn’t been fully disclosed yet, word seemed to be spreading.

I saw some familiar faces in the waiting room connected to the conference hall.

“It’s been a while, Hunter Han Yoojin.”

Park Minkyu, the guild leader of Hanshin, greeted me and then turned his gaze to Myungwoo. As a defense-type hunter, he would be more interested in Myungwoo’s equipment than the ride I would raise. Still, he greeted me first.

The MKC guild leader probably didn’t have the face to show up, and Moon Hyuna was away on an urgent dungeon raid.

“Hello, Han Yoojin. How have you been?”

Kang Soyoung, an A-Class hunter from Sesung with the Dragon Rider skill, also greeted me. Behind her,

“I heard you’re having trouble with the new S-Class monster.”

The Sesung guild leader was standing there. No bouquet this time. I wondered if he would give one to Myungwoo. Sung Hyunjae approached me and slightly lowered his head. His voice reached my ear softly.

“Even if I can’t help with taking care of the young ones, I can assist with handling the old ones.”

He must have heard about what happened at the Awakening Center. I smiled back at Sung Hyunjae.

“I’m good at both.”

“It makes me want to have a calm conversation about what else you’re good at. Just you and me, Han Yoojin.”

“Are you going to invite me to your house?”

“I’ve never invited anyone before. Do you want to come?”

“I’d be uncomfortable being the first guest, so I’ll decline.”

He’s never invited anyone to his house, does he not have any friends? I guess he wouldn’t.

As soon as Sung Hyunjae stepped back, Yoohyun pulled me towards him. You don’t have to be so wary; I’m not going to Sesung.

Sung Hyunjae looked at me for a moment before turning to Myungwoo.

“Hunter Yoo Myungwoo, I’ll start by congratulating you.”

Even the great Sesung guild leader can’t ignore a blacksmith. He turned his attention to Myungwoo right after me.

Sung Hyunjae didn’t even look at Yoohyun and Yerim. Well, Myungwoo is much more important than other guild’s S-Class hunters.

“Hey, Han Yoojin.”

As Sung Hyunjae moved away, Kang Soyoung approached me again and said.

“Even with several new monsters, there are still spots left, right?”

“Yes, of course. It seems the Dark Dragon is still out.”

When I asked quietly, Kang Soyoung sighed and looked worried.

“It’s taking so long, so it seems like the nest was properly found. I hope everyone returns safely.”

“They will be fine.”

It was said to be a perfect dungeon with complete information that had been out for a while, so nothing should happen.

While I was talking to Kang Soyoung, Myungwoo, freed from Sung Hyunjae, was quickly surrounded by people. I thought about joining them but decided to leave him alone. There will be many similar situations in the future, and he decided to stand on his own, so he needs to get used to it.

‘He doesn’t seem that troubled.’

The glimpses of his face look more relaxed than I expected. Our Myungwoo has changed a lot in a short time, both inside and out. I knew from the beginning that he could have an SS-Class skill, but I never imagined he would change this much.

Watching him, I couldn’t help but smile.

“Aren’t you going to join them?”

I said to Yoohyun, who was next to me. Hunter Kang Soyoung went over there too.

“Why are you bringing that up now?”

“What do you mean, ‘now’? Do your job, guild leader.”

“It seems faster to ask you than to try to persuade Yoo Myungwoo anyway.”

What is he talking about now?

“Hey, you have to take care of your own work. Why are you asking me to do it?”

“Aren’t you going to help?”

…It’s not that I won’t. He’s being brazen. Still, it’s better to have his brother helping than just standing still. Well, trust your brother. Do you think I can’t get you any equipment?

After a while, Myungwoo and the association people went to the conference hall. I couldn’t go with them and watched through the monitor. Myungwoo looks good on camera.

After a short greeting and introduction, Myungwoo opened his mouth with a relaxed, smiling face.

“[The skill I obtained is an SS-Class crafting skill, Owner of the Golden Blacksmith.]”

“[If it’s a blacksmith, can you only make metal items?]”

“[I can make anything that contains metal.]”

His answers are calm. I’m proud.

“[What is the highest grade of items you can make? If it’s SS-Class, can you even make SS-Class items?]”

In response to the reporter’s question, Myungwoo took out Parmini’s Ice Tree Spear. The appearance of the unusual spear wrapped in blue chill made the audience quiet for a moment. Meanwhile, the association’s appraiser picked up the microphone.

“[In the name of the Korean Hunter Association, we guarantee that this Parmini’s Ice Tree Spear is an S-Class weapon with an S-Class ice attribute enhancement skill.]”

An S-Class weapon with an S-Class skill. Flashes burst loudly to capture the image of Korea’s sixteenth S-Class weapon. After a brief pause, Myungwoo spoke again.

“[There is no limit to the crafting grade of items.]”

This time, the silence was a little longer.

“Wow, is that real?”

Kang Soyoung, who was watching the monitor with me in the waiting room, muttered. The fact that there was no limit to the crafting grade was not even told to the association. I just told them that I made an S-Class weapon and that it was an SS-Class crafting skill.

“[T, then. Are you saying that you can make items beyond S-Class, even SS-Class or higher?]”

“[There is no limit in terms of skill, so it is possible. However, making items above SS-Class requires proficiency and more experience making items. I’ve already made an S-Class item in a short amount of time, so it won’t be long before SS-Class items come out. Someday, even regular supply will be possible.]”

The sound of someone swallowing hard could be heard. Every hunter listening to Myungwoo’s words, especially the high-level hunters, would have their hearts racing.

It was an exciting story.

SS-Class weapons. Maybe even beyond that. Even I, with my F-Class stats, am looking forward to it, so how much more would the high-level hunters who will directly benefit from it be looking forward to it?

While minor questions continued, the waiting room remained silent. Even Sung Hyunjae had his mouth shut and looked deep in thought.

Everyone is serious, but I can’t help but smile, which is a bit embarrassing, but it’s still good. If Myungwoo’s stats were still F, I would have been a little hesitant to reveal it so publicly, but now it’s C. With C-Class stats, there’s not much to worry about if you have solid equipment. You can make S-Class equipment yourself and deck yourself out. If necessary, you can run away to the blacksmith.

Ah, I really have no worries. You’re really great, our Myungwoo.

While I was grinning at the monitor, Yerim appeared. She was the new owner of Parmini’s Ice Tree Spear. As Hae Yeon Guild had helped in the past, it was decided to hand over the first S-Class weapon for only 100 billion won [approximately $75 million USD].

It’s really only 100 billion won. For an S-Class weapon, even without a skill and at an average level, the starting bid at auction is 100 billion won.

Yerim’s face was shining as she held the Ice Tree Spear in her arms. I’m happy to see Yerim happy.

“[Thank you, Hunter Yoo Myungwoo. And thank you, Hunter Han Yoojin!]”

…Why am I being mentioned? And this wasn’t the end.

“[The Hae Yeon Guild also helped me obtain the SS-Class skill, but the biggest contributor is Hunter Han Yoojin. The simple word ‘benefactor’ is not enough to express—]”

Myungwoo! This is live! Ugh, someone turn off the monitor! Or at least the sound! No, stop talking.

I could feel the stinging gazes from all directions. I’m so embarrassed. Sung Hyunjae also gave me a rather interesting look.