Ordinary Art Factor [EN]: Chapter 52

“Mr. Han! Mr. Han Ji-won! What on earth is going on here?”

Team Leader Go Yong-seok rushed over before the discriminator could completely flip out.

“What is it?”

“It’s already ridiculous that the stats came out as 201, but a magician-type Art Factor? Really? Does it say that on the status window? Seriously?”

*Did this guy eat something wrong? What’s wrong with him?*

Looking around, the measurer, the engineer, employee Han Tae-min, and even Han Deuk were all restless.

“Han Deuk! What are you saying? Is the measurement wrong?”

At my words, Han Deuk was startled and pointed at the monitor in front of the engineer, making strange noises.

“Hyung! Forget about the stats, your job is showing up as multiple!”

“…Are you crazy?”

At my words, everyone just stared at me.

Like *I* was crazy.

A little later.

Han Deuk and I were in the rooftop smoking area, lighting cigarettes and lamenting our lives.

“Haa… I’m exhausted. This is already the fifth re-measurement.”

“I still don’t understand it.”

“Do you think I do?”

“I guess not. Hyung, nothing was wrong at the beginning of this year, right?”

“Right. You came with me to measure it back then, too, right?”

“That’s right.”

“But why is it doing this now?”

“I don’t know. The only things that have changed for Hyung since the beginning of this year are going to Busan and clearing the Seongpanak Dungeon this time… Oh? H-Hyung!”

“What?”

“Didn’t Hyung absorb an item at Seongpanak this time…?”

“The Idea Awl? Why? It was a pretty useless item.”

“Could that be the reason? There are no other changed characteristics, are there?”

“Hmm… Just a moment. Status window!”

“[Art Factor: Han Ji-won (Lv-3)

Nationality/Affiliation: South Korea/Support Party,

Age: 40, Height/Weight: 177cm/79kg,

Agility: 3, Stamina: 3, Strength: 4,

Health: 3, Intelligence: 2, Luck: 13, Enchant: 1

Inventory: 7/9

(Awakener Boots, Gloves, Cloak,

Zulut (Speed Up +100%) (120), Drakan (32),

Minerals (5.128kg), Idea Awl),

Buildings: 8

(Forge, Battery, Gateway, Drakan Core,

Gas Extractor, Speed Up Core, Land Core, Stargate),

Crystals: 0/30, Personal Stat Points: 0,

Summon Target Stats: 201 (Probe),

Zulut’s Top Armor 1,

Possessed Artifacts: Mineral Fragment (Absorption) 210,

Gas Fragment (Absorption): 1, Idea Pouch (Absorption) 1,

Idea Awl (Absorption) 1]”

*I just thought so back then.*

*I’m not going to enchant anything, and I thought this was only necessary for real Art Factors and useless to me.*

Idea Awl… Since it’s in the inventory anyway, should I summon it?

“Idea Awl Summon!”

“[Ding! Summoning the Idea Awl.]”

“H-Hyung!”

Ah! You scared me!

“Why!”

“H-Hyung! Can you summon in reality too?!”

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

“What do you mean! You can’t summon from the inventory in reality… Ah! Is it because Hyung is an Art Factor? Like a Healer? Healers and Priests only use blessings or heals, but they don’t summon from the inventory… That’s strange.”

“You silly bastard. Anyway, you’re saying this is the problem, right?”

I stared at the small awl in my hand.

“‘Idea Awl

Source: Mech Dungeon (Grade 8), Grade: 8,

Crafting: Magic circuit production possible regardless of job,

Target: Mineral chunks (1, 3, 5, 10, 20kg, inactive),

Magic-type (Art Factor) Enchant stat availability: 1.7% increase'”

A sharply pointed awl that is less than 30cm long.

The appearance is almost the same as an ice awl used to break ice, and it only looks a little unusual with the blue light permeating the handle.

“Huh? Magic circuit?”

I noticed something strange while looking at the status of the Idea Awl.

What is this? Magic circuit production? The target is a mineral chunk?

Are you enchanting something *on* a mineral chunk with an awl?

“Magic circuit?”

“Uh. What is that?”

“Hyung, how can you not know about magic circuits when you’re a magician….”

“Tsk!”

“…Magic circuits can be seen as a diagram of spells used by magicians. For example, it is a diagram of the Fire Wall attack magic of wisdom, and these are often used for industrial or research purposes.”

“Is it complicated?”

“Very.”

“How much?”

“Invisible to the average person.”

“Huh… Are you engraving it on the mineral?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm, that’s what it is. I see. Let’s take this out first….”

Han Deuk and I were looking into this and that for a while when suddenly the smoking room door burst open and employee Han Tae-min came in.

“The branch manager has arrived. You will be able to meet him soon. Let’s go measure one more time.”

*This bastard is crazy too!*

“I’m going to stop. I’m tired.”

“The board members of this association will be watching the measurement in real-time via video conference under the branch manager’s observation.”

“I said I’m leaving!”

*You little punk!*

*I said I wouldn’t do it!*

“If it goes well, we may be able to transfer a certain portion of the Seongpanak Grade 8 Dungeon stake we have….”

“…!”

“…!!!”

“I’ll go down in 5 minutes.”

When I didn’t say anything and stayed still, Han Deuk stepped up.

“Okay. We will start measuring as soon as you come down.”

“Yes. I’ll be down soon.”

Employee Han Tae-min closed the door and went down from the rooftop, and Han Deuk offered me another cigarette.

“Hyung. I think it’s because of that Idea Awl characteristic….”

I was struck by a strange feeling as I watched Han Deuk, who was lighting my cigarette.

*Are you telling me to smoke a lot and die of lung cancer?*

A little later.

“I am Han Tae-hwan, the Jeju branch manager of the Korea Awakened Association. Nice to meet you.”

“Yes. I am Han Ji-won.”

A dignified middle-aged man in his mid-60s offers a handshake.

*I’m not very happy about it, but I shook hands anyway.*

*Because he is the top of the top.*

I sat down and tried to wash the rough taste of the cigarette from my mouth with coffee.

“The stat of 201 is surprising, but what does it mean that multiple jobs are appearing?”

Go Yong-seok, the support team leader next to me, hands the branch manager several printed documents.

“Dual jobs are about 0.1% worldwide, but multiple jobs have not yet been reported. Here are the results of Han Ji-won’s ability measurement.”

The branch manager skimmed through several reports and let out a strange groan.

“I, is this possible? Is the measuring equipment abnormal?”

“Just in case, I measured it with another Awakened, but there was nothing wrong. And Han Ji-won’s ability measurement has already been done 5 times, and it is producing the same results.”

“Huh… Magician, Warrior, Priest and Healer, Blacksmith, Summoner… What is this? Is there even a job like this? Hunter?”

“Yes. About 0.02% of the world has the Hunter job.”

“So, all the jobs in the world appear in one person. Is that what you’re saying?”

“Yes. A total of 28 jobs, including jobs that do not exist in Korea. Han Ji-won has them all.”

“…Is that even possible!”

The branch manager finally exploded.

Like the support team leader an hour ago.

“That’s what I’m saying.”

I agreed in a small voice.

*To explode together.*

‘Woo-oong… Woo-oong….’

This is the 6th time measuring Awakened abilities today.

I’m starting to get sleepy from the vibrations of the discriminator covering my body.

If I entrust my body to the languid vibrations and send my mind to the afterlife, I will become a butterfly and fly in the sky….

‘Woo-oong… Woong. Ddiriri Ddirik.’

I almost had a pipe dream.

As expected, the Jeju branch employees gathered in front of the engineer’s monitor and the board members of the main association who were watching the current situation through a real-time video conference system.

Some were gaping, some were making strange noises, some were constantly screaming, and some were pointing fingers.

Whether they did or not, I got up from my seat and looked for Han Deuk.

“Let’s smoke a cigarette.”

“Okay.”

As Han Deuk and I were about to leave the measurement room, employee Han Tae-min followed us.

“Awakened Han Ji-won, thank you for your hard work today. Please wait a little longer. Currently, the branch manager is discussing the current situation with the board members of the main association.”

Huh? Why is he suddenly so polite?

And I have eyes too.

I can see everything being shouted in the measurement room, so there’s no need to explain it.

“Okay. I’m going to get some fresh air.”

“Let’s go together. I’ll get you a cup of coffee.”

“I’m going to stop drinking coffee. I’ve been drinking so much that my stomach isn’t feeling well.”

“Ah! How about some warm black tea? Shall I bring it?”

You should have given it to me sooner if you had it!

“Yes. That would be better.”

“Okay. Please go upstairs. I’ll take it up. The smoking room, right?”

“Yes.”

Han Deuk and I went up to the rooftop and entered the smoking room.

About 5 minutes later, Han Tae-min brought warm black tea and left the seat. It’s a little strange that he suddenly became so quick-witted.

“Hyung. How much of the Seongpanak Grade 8 Dungeon stake will they give us?”

“I don’t know. About 5%? Or 3%? How would I know that? I’ll either take what they give me or aim for something else. Anyway, tell me more about that magic circuit.”

“That’s all I told you earlier. I only know the general things….”

“Really? Hmm, then let’s test it first. Mineral Full Summon!”

“[Ding! Summons 5.128kg of minerals.]”

“Haa… It’s amazing no matter how many times I see it. Hyung. You can summon outside the dungeon! Is it an advantage only for Art Factors?”

“I’d have to see other Art Factors to know. It’s not even on the homepage.”

“Well, that’s true. But what are you going to do?”

“Just a moment, there’s something I need to check. Idea Awl Summon!”

“[Ding! Summoning the Idea Awl.]”

After summoning the Idea Awl, I held it in my right hand and carefully examined the mineral chunk.

*Are you drawing a magic circuit on this solid mineral? With this?*

“Ah! Are you going to engrave a magic circuit?”

“Magic circuit my ass. I’m just going to draw a circle. See if it works or not.”

“Of course it will….”

‘Crack… Crackling.’

As soon as I took the Idea Awl and applied force, the mineral chunk began to crack. I was surprised and pulled out the awl.

‘Crackling… Thud.’

“…It’s split.”

“It split with just a little force? How are you supposed to draw a circuit like this?”

“Aren’t you drawing on a mineral plate, like for industrial or research purposes, not on a mineral chunk?”

“Mineral plate?”

“Yes. Mineral chunks are bumpy, right? You need to be flat to draw anything. How can you draw complex formulas here?”

“Really? I don’t think so. Wait.”

“‘Idea Awl

Source: Mech Dungeon (Grade 8), Grade: 8,

Crafting: Magic circuit production possible regardless of job,

Target: Mineral chunks (1, 3, 5, 10, 20kg, inactive),

Magic-type (Art Factor) Enchant stat availability: 1.7% increase'”

I checked the characteristics of the awl in my hand.

As expected, the target is a mineral chunk and for each weight… Huh? Inactive?

“Ha, I knew it.”

“Did you find out anything?”

“It’s inactive. It seems like I don’t have enough stats.”

“Enchant stats?”

“Yeah.”

*If I had known this would happen, I wouldn’t have used all my personal stat points when I leveled up last time and saved them.*

*It’s not like they’ll rot if I leave them alone, but I went and put them all into luck for nothing.*”

No, it’s not.

I poured everything into luck, so the item drop rate must have increased a little, and because the rate increased, I was able to acquire this useless Idea Awl.

Let’s not dwell on it. It stings.

Next time I level up, I’ll have to invest everything in enchantments. I need to see how it changes.

“Damn it, I just chipped away at a valuable mineral chunk for nothing. I should put it in my inventory and take it out when I need it. But this is as good as useless….”

“I don’t think so, *hyung-nim* [term of endearment used by younger males to address older males]. From now on, you don’t have to ask Gilsu to break mineral pieces in the dungeon to absorb them, right? It looks like you can just poke at them with that and they’ll all break?”

“… Huh?”

I looked at the Idea Awl in my hand again.

Is this for splitting ice, or splitting minerals?

What an enchantment.

A little later.

I heard from an employee that the Jeju branch manager was looking for me after the meeting, so I headed to the conference room.

I don’t know what they were talking about, but the branch manager and the heads of each department were all gathered.

After briefly greeting the employees I met for the first time and sitting down, the branch manager spoke to me.

“Mr. Han Ji-won. Thank you very much today. Thank you for taking so much time, diligently participating in repeated ability measurements, and in many ways.”

“No. I visited this place today because the support team leader requested it. I’m tired, but there will be something beneficial for me too.”

“Hahaha! That’s right. Of course, there must be a benefit. That’s what an Awakened is all about, right? And… um… it’s getting late, so let me put it simply. Mr. Han Ji-won, or rather, Support Party Leader.”

“Yes.”

*What the heck is he trying to say, being so serious?*

“We will select the Support Party as the Jeju area defense party.”

“Yes?”

“Defense party?”

Han Deuk stood up from his seat, and I was momentarily confused.

“Isn’t the defense party the Aria Guild Jeju branch? Why our party….”

“Let me be honest. Actually, isn’t the Aria Guild owned by a large corporation? The Awakened in the Aria Guild in the Jeju branch don’t have a very good relationship with us. Well, the main guild is the same. Especially since the beginning of this year, there has been a lot of talk about commissions. Isn’t that right?”

“That’s right, Branch Manager. If you’re going to raise the commission for the Aria Guild, it would be more profitable to terminate the contract this time and select the Support Party as the defense party. But the number of people is exactly 15, so the number of Awakened to cover emergencies….”

“We will replenish new Awakened. Wouldn’t it be okay if the party has more than 30 members?”

Han Deuk gets excited and jumps in.

Well, if you are designated as a defense party, Awakened who want to join the party will line up.

A defense party refers to a party or guild that prepares for the sudden appearance of dungeons in the area and is divided into defense guilds and defense parties depending on the size of the party or guild.

Jeju has been in charge of the Aria Guild Jeju branch, which has a sponsorship contract with a large corporation.

Awakened abilities are also a problem, but the branch of the local Awakened Association judges and signs contracts based on the number of people belonging to the guild or party, and the stats and level of the Awakened.

If you are selected as a defense party, you can also secure the stake in the dungeon in the area, and unless you sell or transfer this stake to another person, a commission will be generated for the dungeon income for life.

In other words, it’s like picking up a goose that lays golden eggs, which is a very, very good thing.

It’s such a good, sweet, and attractive offer that I’m even more suspicious.

“There must be a condition, right?”

Han Deuk, who was next to me, nudged my side at my words.

*This bastard!*

“Designating a hastily formed party of 15 9th grade Awakened as a defense party? Wouldn’t you be suspicious if you were in my position, Branch Manager?”

“Hahaha… as expected. I didn’t see it wrong. That’s right. There’s a reason. Of course, there is.”

The branch manager of the Jeju branch of the Awakened Association smiles brightly.

*Did I overdo it a bit?*

*Something’s strange?*

“I gathered opinions from the board members of the main association via video conference earlier. We’ll promote your party from now on.”

Huh? What the heck are you talking about?

Is this even Korean?

I can’t understand it at all….

“The details will be discussed with Support Team Leader Go Yong-seok, how about it? It’s getting late, would you like to have a drink in Ildo-dong? I have a lot of things to ask you privately?”

Oh?

Now you’re just talking casually?

Well, now that it’s come to this, it’s better to deal with the best of the best.

“Okay. I was getting hungry anyway, so that’s good. I’ll treat you. If it’s Ildo-dong, it’s eel, right? How about it?”

“Haha, you like eel too. Good. Lead the way.”

“Okay. Han Deuk-ah. Call ahead and make a reservation there now. The full course. The team leaders are coming too, right?”

I deliberately mentioned each team leader.

If I’m buying a meal anyway, someone will get upset if I take someone and not someone else.

No, rather than being upset, they’re planning to squeeze more out of me over dinner.

The branch manager is standing right in front of them, what are they going to do?

“Of course, we all have to go together. If you don’t have dinner plans, let’s join us. Let’s have a meal bought by a 7th grade Awakened.”

“Haha. Okay. I’ll attend.”

“Everyone, get up. It’s past 7 o’clock. You have to go home.”

“Hahaha. It’s been a while since I’ve had a meal with the branch manager.”

Support Team Leader Go Yong-seok, as well as the magic team, warrior team, healer team, and priest team, all left the conference room.

“*Hyung-nim*. What are you going to do?”

Han Deuk comes up to me and asks quietly.

“Strike while the iron is hot. Watch.”

“… Yes. I’ll hype it up based on the atmosphere.”

“Hey.”

What do you mean by hyping it up like that?

OO Eel Restaurant in Ildo-dong.

It’s a 5-minute walk from the Jeju branch office.

Han Deuk rushed ahead to secure a room, and after the branch manager and team leaders were seated, they made *somaek* [a popular Korean drink made by mixing soju and beer] with the side dishes as snacks.

As the first round went around and the eel was grilled golden brown, the branch manager, who had taken a seat in front of me, said something strange.

“What’s your hobby?”

Why do you need to know my hobby?

This isn’t a blind date.

“I do a lot of things. I go fishing, play Go….”

“Really? I also enjoy fishing and Go. Fishing is rock fishing. I had a taste of black porgy in Hagwi last time. So, how good are you at Go?”

“I’m about a 2 *dan* [a rank in Go] in Go. And, take a look at this.”

I showed the branch manager the black porgy photo saved on my phone.

“Oh, that’s a good one. How big is it? Looks like about 40 *jeon* [a traditional Korean unit of measurement].”

“39 *jeon*. Yongdam rock fishing is also good.”

“Really? Let’s go fishing or play Go together sometime. Haha… your hobby is the same as mine.”

“Okay. Don’t avoid my calls saying you’re annoyed when I call you. Haha.”

I had useless conversations with the branch manager like that, and occasionally made eye contact with the team leaders.

They added interjections to our conversation while tilting soju glasses with eel as a snack, and when they made eye contact with me, they smiled slightly or nodded.

Whether we play Go or go fishing, that’s not important. I just simply, without any ulterior motives, wanted to exchange glances with the team leaders. Right?

After some time, when everyone was tipsy, I brought up the main point.

“Will a new license be issued based on the stats measured today?”

“Isn’t that obvious? Isn’t that why we measured it?”

The branch manager looked at the support team leader, and Team Leader Go Yong-seok, who was tilting his glass, answered.

“We will issue it newly within this week.”

“Did you hear that?”

“Yes. Putting mine aside, how about re-measuring the abilities of our party members?”

“Didn’t everyone do it at the beginning of this year? I don’t think there will be much difference?”

The support team leader speaks instead of the branch manager.

“If you look at me, you’ll guess why I’m saying this.”

“That’s right. A party led by an Awakened who leveled up from 9th grade to 7th grade in such a short time. Let’s proceed that way. Oh, and don’t charge for the measurement.”

“Thank you.”

As expected, the best of the best.

There’s no harm in getting close.

“… There are 14 people to measure, so the cost….”

“I’ll pick a few people and take them with me. Actually, it doesn’t make sense for all party members to level up in those few months.”

“Well, you can figure that out with the support team leader. While we’re on the subject, can we announce your multiple classes to the media?”

“Yes? The media?”

“Actually, the opinion to select your party as the defense party is my own, but the main association is also very interested in you. Some people are saying they’ll come down tomorrow. Multiple classes are rare enough, but multiple classes… Who would believe it if you told them anywhere? So, I was wondering if we could take this opportunity….”

Oh?

Was this the original purpose?

The Jeju branch manager’s intentions became clear as the conversation progressed.

The achievement of measuring the world’s first discovered multiple classes.

It may be special, or you may feel that it is unnecessary if you don’t pay attention to it.

However, the situation changes when the words ‘first’ and ‘Jeju branch of the Korea Awakened Association’ are added.

Public officials like visible results.

Even if they say it this way or that way, if there is an issue that can attract good attention to the organization they belong to, it can be packaged.

However, the problem is that Awakened levels and stats are all personal identification information and are subject to security.

Furthermore, Awakened with multiple classes are mostly low level.

The reason is that they are not specialized in one thing, so they cannot level up both classes, but of course, there are Awakened who do.

It’s also funny for a mage to hold a greatsword and fight dungeon units.

If you’re a mage, you’re a battle mage, if you’re a warrior, you’re a fighter, healers and priests are support, and they are strictly divided and faithful to their roles. No one recognizes you for playing the drum and the *janggu* [a traditional Korean double-headed drum] alone. Of course, there will be a lot of contributions.

Anyway, the branch manager’s intention is a 7th grade Awakened, who leveled up in a short time, with multiple classes, and the word Jeju branch.

He’s planning something by combining these.

I responded vaguely and said I would think about it.

Then the branch manager blurts out something absurd.

“… As you know, there’s a lot of talk in the main association right now. It’s because of the minimum number of people allowed to enter the dungeon. Large corporations, centered on Sasung and LC, are flooding us with complaints and protests, and it’s being discussed in the National Assembly. That’s why the relationship with the Aria Guild is not good… If you were you, would you be able to solo a grade 8 dungeon?”

Are you drunk?

What are you saying?

Soloing? Me? Why?

Are you telling me to go into the dungeon and die?

What is this guy talking about?

“My 7th grade license hasn’t even been issued yet. The legal provisions haven’t changed either. And I have no intention of soloing. I don’t have the ability either.”

“The rumors are widespread. They say you’re a summoner, but you can’t say that all measurements are correct.”

“They’re all correct. Has there ever been a mistake while judging Awakened for nearly 30 years?”

“Cough. That’s true, but anyway, do you acknowledge it? The rumors that are spreading now?”

“There’s nothing to acknowledge. It’s true.”

“Huh… really? If you say it’s true, then it’s true. I don’t understand it at all. Multiple classes, and summoning abilities. But a mage with an Art Factor… haha.”

What are you talking about? You’re drunk, you’re saying this and that.

Hey~ Support Team Leader!

Take care of the branch manager!

‘Buzz.’

While I was on edge, I got a KakaoTalk [a popular Korean messaging app] from my wife.

‘Honey! What’s this in my account?’

‘What?’

‘Did you get a loan? Why? But the depositor is the company that deposited last time?’

What are you saying? Make it understandable….

‘Buzz. Buzz….’

Frustrated, she called instead of KakaoTalk.

I got up from my seat and went outside, pretending to go smoke.

‘Uh. Why? What are you saying?’

‘Honey! Three hundred and fifty million is deposited!’

‘Ah, that? It’s from clearing Seongpanak this time.’

‘Is that all? Not a loan?’

‘Where would I use that money if I got a loan? I cleared a grade 8 dungeon. The contribution was high, and there was a lot of mineral….’

‘H, honey~ sob… sob sob.’

‘… Why are you crying? Don’t cry.’

‘… Sob. T, thank you.’

What are you thanking me for?

That’s my money that doesn’t feel like my money.

I was listening to my wife’s nasal voice, not knowing if she was really crying or acting, and even she was saying strange things.

‘Should I quit my office? Can’t I just stay home and take care of you?’

‘Aren’t you sad about going there until now? Considering what you studied to avoid being suspended….’

‘Do you like me going to work while being stressed?’

‘… Just go to work without being stressed. Which office worker in the world doesn’t get stressed? I’m having a company dinner with the association people right now. Let’s talk later.’

‘Okay.’

What do you mean by okay?

Then is there a second stage? Third stage?

Before going back into the room, I took out a cigarette because I was frustrated.

Han Deuk, who had come out at some point, lit it for me, watching my mood.

“Is that your sister-in-law?”

“Yeah.”

“Because of the Seongpanak dungeon clear reward last time?”

“Yeah.”

“It’s a problem even if you make a lot of money.”

“I don’t think so. Han Deuk-ah.”

“Yes.”

“Are you still seeing the girlfriend you met last time?”

“Of course. We’re getting closer and closer these days. We’re slowly thinking about the future….”

“Don’t do it.”

“What?”

“Don’t do it. No, if possible, do it really late. You’re young.”

“… So, what?”

“What you’re thinking. I’ll go in first, so smoke everything and come in. I suddenly want to drink a lot.”

I left Han Deuk, who was bewildered and seemed to understand a little, and went back into the room.

I feel strange.

I should just drink. Or should I finish here and go for a second round with Han Deuk?

The next day afternoon.

The entire Support Party gathered in the office.

I told them to gather and Han Deuk contacted them.