by Park Saenal
“What?”
“Eh?”
Baron Lowe and Grid spoke at the same time. Rabbit dropped a bombshell remark, “I don’t belong to the Mero Company anymore.”
“What does that…”
“Valmont is becoming increasingly oppressive. It has become noticeable ever since he took control of Winston’s trade with your help. It’s pretty obvious that he can’t read the mood in the village and will soon fall; therefore, I have decided to leave because a dark cloud is hanging over the Mero Company’s future. And today, I am prepared to punish you and Valmont.”
Baron Lowe’s face turned red as he yelled, “You! You are just a traitor! What right do you have to punish us? You are a merchant, not an apostle of justice!”
“As you said, I am a merchant. That’s why I only move for profit. I have no sense of justice. He is why I want to kill you and Valmont.”
Rabbit pointed to Grid. Grid found it strange.
“Eh? Me?”
Rabbit bowed to Grid, who looked dumbfounded. “I’m glad you are safe, Grid. It was correct to leave this to Euphemina.”
“What is this? Why did you betray the Mero Company?”
Rabbit smiled and explained, “I saw your blacksmithing and realized a new future.”
“New future?”
“Grid, you know it yourself, but your potential is excellent. It is clear that your work will one day be traded among people at high prices. You will make a big amount of money. However, it is hard to do business with the power of an individual. There will obviously be limitations to the amount of money that can be earned. So I would like to work with you. I will help you use all the experience I’ve accumulated as a merchant, as well as the network I’ve built. I will make it so that a lot of people can use your work, from the Eternal Kingdom to other kingdoms.”
Rabbit spoke his aspirations,
“We will make the best smithy, which will have profits comparable to a small and medium-sized company. If you and I join forces, we can clearly succeed. However, in order for me to work with you, I need to reform my image and appeal to you and the residents of Winston. That is why I rescued you, and also prepared a means to take down the Mero Company and Winston’s lord.”
“Yes… so you betrayed the Mero Company because you want to work with me? That’s why you sent Euphemina to rescue me?”
“That’s right.”
“It is appreciated. But why are you trying to obtain the liking of the Winston residents?”
“Our business will be starting at Khan’s smithy. It has geographical advantages, so Khan’s smithy is the most ideal place to act as a base. In other words, I need to get a job at Khan’s smithy. But how can I get a job when I am blamed by Winston’s residents?”
“…Ahh, I understand. How exactly do you plan to do business?”
Euphemina urged Rabbit to explain quickly, “Do you have enough time to spare? We are in a hurry.”
“Yes, I understand. Mr. Grid, I’m afraid the detailed explanation needs to be left for the next time we meet. First, you only need to know one thing. I will make you rich. Then I’m going now.”
Rabbit bowed politely to Grid and turned around. The man who was an enemy was now talking about becoming a business partner… Grid couldn’t adapt to the sudden development and was confused.
“It can’t be helped. I’m tired so my head isn’t working properly. Let’s log out and take a break.”
Euphemina called out to Grid who was about to leave. “Hey Grid, did you forget something?”
‘This girl, she only saved me because of a quest so why is she acting so condescending. But well… she did rescue me and gave me back my unique dagger…’
If it hadn’t been for Euphemina, Grid would’ve failed his quest to rescue Huroi. Grid greeted Euphemina genuinely after thinking this.
“Thank you again.”
Euphemina frowned. “Did you think I called you just to hear that? Surely you haven’t forgotten?”
“What?”
“You promised to make me a unique rated orb.”
“H-How could I forget? Of course I remember.”
He had actually forgotten. The thought of forgetting and then Euphemina killing him because he didn’t keep his promise sent a chill through him.
“I will make it for you. Instead, I need a method of making orbs. Naturally, I’ll also need the materials for it.”
Grid was sincere. He intended to make the orb to fulfill his promise to Euphemina. Was it to repay Euphemina after being helped be her? No. Grid was trying to keep his promise with Euphemina for another reason.
‘This is a great chance to learn another production method for free!’
But was that all? Every time he made an item, the level of his skills related to production would increase. Wasn’t it good to raise his skill level using free materials?
“I understand. I will contact you again when I obtain them.”
Euphemina said goodbye to Grid.
Grid fell into deep thoughts once he was alone. ‘If I join hands with Rabbit, can I really become a blacksmith who earns the equivalent of a small business company?’
Grid was already aware that his class was lucrative. If he tried hard, he would be able to get rid of his debt someday. Maybe he could even buy a foreign car. But the future that Rabbit spoke about was different in scale.
The revenue from converting a small amount of gold into cash was nothing compared to the revenue of a small business company. If he could earn an equivalent amount as a blacksmith, Grid would definitely be able to buy the car.
‘No, a foreign car is nothing. I can live in a mansion with many foreign cars. If I have that much financial power, Ahyoung will be attracted to me!’
Grid shook with excitement. On the other hand, Rabbit asked Euphemina after they left Grid.
“Grid seems afraid of you. Did something happen?”
“What? Does it make sense that he is afraid of me?”
Euphemina laughed.
“Grid is the one who defeated the knight called the Northern Nova. In addition, he overwhelmed four knights with just his presence. Does such a mighty person fear anything in this world? That guy is just playing with me. He isn’t actually afraid.”
“Hoh…wait? What did you say just now?” Rabbit doubted his ears. “Grid has the power to overcome a knight?”
“Yes.”
“Isn’t Grid a blacksmith?”
“Yes, he certainly is a blacksmith. But he is also strong. I don’t know what his identity is.”
“……”
A blacksmith who could create a unique item and was strong? Rabbit was able to get a vague hint about Grid’s identity.
‘Perhaps he is…’
The legendary blacksmith. His name was Pagma. Maybe people only knew him as a great blacksmith, but Rabbit searched through related documents and found out that Pagma wasn’t exactly a blacksmith.
‘If he has inherited Pagma’s skills…not only is he an excellent blacksmith, he also has excellent combat skills. Is Grid Pagma’s Descendant? That’s right. It is the most likely option.’
He never thought that the person he decided to be his business partner would’ve been a legend’s descendant! Rabbit felt an enormous joy that was beyond words.
‘I am lucky. This is an opportunity to sell works that contain Pagma’s soul.’
If he worked with Pagma’s Descendant, he could earn a profit that was equivalent to a huge business company. Rabbit was exuberant. He hastened his steps towards the Mero Company.
“R-Rabbit! You bastard!”
Valmont and Philipson, who hadn’t yet noticed that the castle had collapsed from intruders, was caught by surprise by the attack. Philipson was murdered by a furious Euphemina after she discovered he had kidnapped a young girl.
Then Valmont and Baron Lowe were sent to Frontier and executed by Earl Steim.
But there was a variable.
“It is obvious that Rabbit saved the Winston r
esidents from the crisis, but he has noticeably been the Mero Company’s second hand man for a long time. Rabbit could be considered a felon for persecuting the residents of Winston, so I will sentence him to 10 years in prison.”
Rabbit’s mistake was to overlook that Earl Steim was a stern figure. Rabbit had expected his sins to be forgiven in recognition of his contribution to the downfall of the Mero Company and Baron Lowe, but he was unexpectedly sentenced to prison.
Rabbit was unhappy, but he had to accept it because it was the earl’s decision.
“I have formed a relationship with Mr. Grid… It is regretful, but he recognizes my merits so I should just be glad about that.”
Rabbit smiled as he went to prison. He was satisfied at just decorating one page of the biography of a future legend.
Winston entered a new era.
The village was upgraded to a city and the new lord of Winston, dispatched by Earl Steim, distributed exclusive merchandise to the residents and reimbursed the heavy debts of the residents.
The residents of Winston started talking about the heroes who freed them from their nightmare.
“Do you know the person called Rabbit? Originally, he was the second highest ranked person of the Mero Company, but he was unable to tolerate Valmont and Baron Lowe’s evil, leading to their downfall. He is currently in prison, but he is the reason we can live like this now.”
“Do you know the most beautiful woman in the world? Her heart is as beautiful as her face, and she ran alone into the castle to save the residents of Winston. She is the protagonist who caused Winston’s peace.”
“There was a young blacksmith. The young man with a strong sense of justice fought valiantly to protect the residents of Winston from the Mero Company and Baron Lowe. He tried to protect Khan’s smithy and jumped into the dungeon to rescue the man who was arrested for trying to get to Earl Steim. I am over 80 years old this year and that man is young enough to be my grandchild, but I respect him regardless of his age. Such a just and courageous person is indeed rare.”
Rabbit, the beauty and the young blacksmith.
The travellers who came to Winston were exposed to stories of the three people from the residents. This was evidence that the three people’s reputation had reached its peak in Winston.
Irene, Winston’s new lady, showed great interest in the beauty and the young blacksmith.
“Anyway, their merits should be recognized. I would like to meet them as soon as possible.”
Chapter 51
Chapter 51
The media in each country reported the news that the first second class had appeared.
South Korea.
The United States.
The United Kingdom.
China.
Japan.
People’s interest in the second class was so high that the media from all over the world organized a special program for the first second class.
On the other hand, Shin Youngwoo sighed after escaping from the dungeon, leaving Rabbit and logging out. As soon as he opened his eyes, he sat in front of the TV, boiled ramyun and trembled as he watched the news.
“I’m really envious… Getting two more stat points with every level up, isn’t that completely a scam? What bastard got a second class? Ah, damn. I’m sick from envy.”
Shin Youngwoo couldn’t even imagine that he knew the first person who acquired the second class.
***
The whole family gathered for dinner.
I declared in front of my family, “I won’t go to the labor office anymore.”
It was a bolt from the blue!
“My son Youngwoo. You finally got a job? Great, my son! I believed in you.”
“Wow, Oppa! Are you going to be an employee now? Congratulations! What should I prepare as a celebration gift?”
“Sob sob, Mother has been heartbroken in the meantime from all your suffering at the construction sites. Haven’t you gone through a lot of trouble so far?”
I expected such reactions from my family. But reality was cruel.
Tak! There was a loud sound as my father placed the spoon down on the table.
“Are you going to start your life again?”
My mother sighed. “No matter how hard you work… How will you pay back the debt in the future and what will you do about marriage…?”
Sehee clicked her tongue. “How can an adult be so selfish? Are you thinking about relying on our parents until you’re old? Oppa is terrible, how pathetic.”
Unbelievable… Was this my family?
“Who is planning on playing around at home?” I exclaimed. “Why do you think that stopping the labor jobs is a sign of giving up? Why don’t you think that your son and your Oppa has found a new job?”
Sehee’s eyes widened like she was really surprised. “What? Oppa got a new job? There is a place that will accept Oppa?”
My mother spoke to herself. “Perhaps it is a job at a convenience store…? A convenience store job is easy, but the hourly rate is less than the labor jobs…”
My father asked me with a serious face. “Youngwoo, you haven’t been deceived by a friend and dragged into a multi-level company like last time?”
“Hey! It isn’t anything like that! I have an incredibly good job!”
“What is it?”
“It is a professional gamer. I will make money from the game! Don’t you know that I’m a blacksmith in the game? This is a really good job and I can sell my items for an expensive price. With a little more luck, I can earn the equivalent of a CEO salary someday. A great merchant in the game has promised to support me.”
“…”
In the sudden silence, my father spoke in an angry voice. “…So you want to stay home and play games?”
What? Why was he mad?
“It is easy to say. The more I play the game, the more money I can earn. Maybe I should live in the capsule all day. Hehe.”
Ttaak!
“Keook…!”
The spoon flew and hit my forehead. My mother gave my father a new spoon and he threw it at my forehead again.
“Ack! Why? Why all of a sudden?”
“Tomorrow, go to the labor office.”
“No, why? Didn’t you hear my words? I will make money from the game!”
My mother wiped at her tears. “Gosh, your brother is really serious. You shouldn’t be like this, Sehee.”
What was my mother saying?
Sehee bit her lip angrily and shouted, “Please grow up, Oppa! You’re going to make money from the game? Haven’t you been playing for the past year? And your debt has only increased! Face reality!”
“No… it’s different now. I have a new fate now that I’m a blacksmith… I’ve gone through a lot of things and now the best merchant will help me…”
“Stop talking about the game! The game is a joke!”
“…”
I tried to explain the details but they didn’t listen to me. As I looked at the dark scene of chaos unfolding in front of me, I realized my family wouldn’t believe me even if I explained it properly.
Then the next morning. Due to my crying mother, I had to change clothes and go to the workplace. I took a labor job and worked out the plan for the rest of my life. I needed to level up and complete the class quest, but the most important thing was making money.
‘First, let’s accept Rabbit’s proposal.’
I didn’t know yet how Rabbit would help me get rich. But I was sure that it wasn’t an exaggeration. He was the second highest ranked person in the Mero Company, so he was obviously great. It would be good to trust him as a business partner.
‘If I use Khan’s smithy as a base, I can be very comfortable… Well, I hope to have more time to play the game. But first of all, I need to make money inside the game so that my parents will apologize.’
Satisfy news could be found at any time when turning on the TV or Internet. My parents should’ve come across people who became world famous or rich through Satisfy. But ne
vertheless, they didn’t think I could make money with Satisfy. As Sehee said, it was because I spent one year… no, to be exact, I spent a year and a month already playing Satisfy.
‘It isn’t unreasonable that they don’t trust me… I need proof to persuade my parents.’
That evening. I came home from work and immediately connected to Satisfy. Then I went to Khan’s smithy.
“Ohh, welcome Grid!”
Khan greeted me with an incredibly bright expression. It wasn’t just him. The anxiety on all the faces of the residents that I passed by had disappeared.
‘Is Winston at peace? It looks like Euphemina and Rabbit did a good job.’
I asked Khan, “Has Rabbit came here?”
Khan’s expression darkened. “Um… this letter arrived for you.”
Khan handed me a letter. I read it.
[Mr. Grid.
This is Rabbit. Earl Steim couldn’t excuse all the sins I committed against the people of Winston when I was still part of the Mero Company, so I couldn’t receive a full pardon. My business plan with you is in vain. Mr Grid, with your abilities, you will become the richest person with your own strength. Please ask for Khan’s advice and make wonderful items. Khan’s artistic sense will be a great help to you. I will watch your myth from a distance and sincerely pray for your success.]
“Eh?”
What was this?
Chapter 52
Chapter 52
Perhaps I was too stupid to understand the contents of the letter? It was like how I couldn’t understand a barking dog. “Where is this person now?”
Khan carefully replied, “Earl Steim has sentenced him to 10 years in prison.”
It was ridiculous.
“No, why? Wasn’t Rabbit the one who helped Winston?”
“He is certainly a hero who saved Winston, but Winston was in this crisis in the first place due to the Mero Company. He eventually realized his sins, but the earl thinks it’s too unreasonable to completely wash away his sins.”