Episode 33

[Production Class]

Either making potions or crafting equipment.
Or creating various other miscellaneous items in a non-combat class.

Usually, these production classes take longer and were harder to grow compared to combat classes.

The reason was simple.

‘It costs too much money for any skill to grow.’

They must create something with their own hands to increase their proficiency.

Only then could the skill level rise, acquiring related [Runes] or derivative skills, enabling them to produce items commonly referred to as [Grades].

This turns into a rather paradoxical story.

To grow, one must produce a lot.

And it wasn’t just about mass production; one must handle high-grade materials to create decent items for them to grow.

But as beginners.
The likelihood that what they would make would be an ungraded item was high.

Having no grade essentially meant that the product was utterly worthless.

Since a Normal grade weapon was the minimum requirement to inflict proper damage on a ‘monster’ as recognized by the system.

Initially, the iron sword that Yu Seha had hung on the wall as if it were a sacred relic was also an ungraded item.

‘Looking back, I must have been crazy to enter the dungeon with that thing.’

In any case, not even being recognized as Normal meant it was essentially just kindling that had lost its material value.

Eventually, as money would continue to deplete, one would flounder in poverty without generating income, trapped in a vicious cycle of not being able to level up further.

The reason Im Hyeja was active as a hunter in the early days was probably because she was desperate for money.

At least she could earn the materials on her own.

Those who have endured all the hardships and blossomed brilliantly create products worthy of their names in the future.

‘And usually, the highest grade that matches their name value is typically Rare.’

Those that were difficult to produce alone would have a higher grade.

Thus, wealthy [Large Clans] would hire them for a hefty sum.

It was about forming a ‘Production’ team collaboration based on professional cooperation and research.

I’ve heard that to create a Hero-grade item, at least three skilled [Blacksmiths] were needed.

Yet, Im Hyeja did it alone.

As far as I knew, she hadn’t reached the ‘Master’ level yet.

So, logically, it was impossible for her to produce such a weapon.

But there was a phenomenon that made this possible.

“Is this… a masterpiece?”
“Meeeeeow?!”

Im Hyeja scratched her head as if embarrassed by my upfront question.

“Yes, it’s embarrassing, but… I probably won’t be able to make it again.”
“Wh-Whaaat?!”

[Masterpiece]
As the name suggested, it was a kind of ‘blockbuster’ phenomenon, known as a masterpiece, a major work that one could do.

It was a state that Production class individuals most desired to experience, and the result was evidence of one’s limits and abilities being pushed beyond 120% to 150%.

It was the highest stage that could be achieved.

And a blacksmith who had experienced a ‘Masterpiece’ even once undergoes remarkable growth compared to before.

“You’re amazing. Although I’m just a combat type, I fully understand how significant the level you’ve reached, Miss Hyeja.”
“Don’t just say nice things to–”
“I mean it.”
“…Eek. A handsome guy shouldn’t say things like that so carelessly.”

Im Hyeja scratched her cheek, seemingly embarrassed by my words.

This action was just like Meowi, a perfect copycat.

“If you continue doing this, you might really reach the ‘Master’ level.”

“Ehehe~ Even if you polish it, nothing would happen, you handsome young man!”

Smiling at that, I looked back at the armor.

‘Nice.’

The performance naturally made me nod in approval of the item.

Not only was the armor’s defense significantly strong, but it was also fully equipped with special effects all around it.

What was particularly impressive was the growth effect that it had.

There aren’t many effects that permanently increase stats.

The condition of 2 hours a day for 30 days was just something stacked on.

In essence, it continuously increases strength and durability by 1 each.

Additionally, it inherently increases strength and durability by +1.

‘Of course, since it’s growth is due to the equipment… it’s ambiguous to say it actually increases the needed stat by 1.’

Still, a numerical increase of 1 makes a big difference among hunters.

With this, the equipment barely qualified as Hero-grade.

You might think I was being too harsh about this piece of equipment, but I couldn’t help it.

Everything that comes out of gacha games is crazy, you know.

Even this much is incredibly impressive.

“Sigh.”

I slowly caught my breath.
Now it’s time for the really important conversation to come.

I understood that the armor was high-performance.
But it hadn’t fallen into our Meowi’s hands yet.

“…Is this available for pre-order?”

I asked cautiously.

If the wealthy [Large Clan] brothers had seen this, they would have slapped Im Hyeja’s cheeks with money shouting ‘5 billion!’ and made a reservation on the spot for this item.

Then, Im Hyeja chuckled and shrugged her shoulders.

“If that were the case, I wouldn’t have shown it to you in the first place. I just managed to make this at dawn today. It doesn’t even have a price tag yet, and no one has come to see it.”

“Then I’ll buy it! I will buy it! Please sell it to me!”

“Meow, meow?!”

I-I must buy this item

There’s nothing better than this to serve as a solid shield for our Meowi to grow up safely.

“S-Seha! Th-this is too expensive for us! Even if we combine all our money, we can’t afford it!”

It’s okay. There’s one way to get this.

“We can borrow from the guild. About… 40 billion?”
“Meow?! Ah, no! If the amount is too high, our evaluation score will plummet!”

That darn score was less precious than this armor.

Yes, exactly!
It’s an item that would help our adorable Meowi grow, what’s there to fear?! Just trust the Supervisor!

…though saying that also made me a bit nervous.

“…S-Su Ok-bin Noona… No, maybe the Guild Leader will give us an interest-free loan?”
“She might just do it!”

Meowi and I bickered and yelled at each other.

Watching us with her arms crossed, Im Hyeja suddenly laughed and waved her hands.

“I won’t sell this for money.”
“Huh? Then, what?”
“It’s a collateral disguised as a favor.”
“…Collateral?”

At my question, Im Hyeja silently looked at Meowi.

Her eyes emitted a calm light, like she had thought of something.

As if through her, she reminisced about someone dear to her, and she wore a bitter smile.

“The truth is, I still don’t quite understand it. It’s only been a week. The time it took for you to help Meowi grow this much. I’ve been a hunter for several years myself. I’ve never heard of a hunter achieving such rapid growth, even with support like this. But I do know one thing. What you’ve done for Meowi is too precious to be measured in money.”

Im Hyeja slowly walked over and placed her hand on Meowi’s head.

“…Unnie?”

“Our Meowi. I won’t make irresponsible requests like asking you to take responsibility for the life and things of our Meowi until the end.”

Just having helped her grow this much…
I feel like bowing to you in gratitude.

“Take our Meowi, Ma Hana, to the world of adventure, at least until she can go on her own. As far as possible.”

Even if it’s brief, that’s okay.

Allow this child to dream, even for a moment. Let her dream of being a ‘Hunter’.

“Don’t betray us in the end.”
“……”

Hmm, this really.

It’s been a while since I’ve been emotional.

I closed my eyes for a moment at Im Hyeja’s words.

They were quite resonant words.

Perhaps it was a moment for me, as a ‘Guide’, to reflect on myself again.

‘…I’m relieved.’

And I felt a lot relieved.

I was thankful that there was such a good person in the life of Meowi—for Ma Hana.

If I hadn’t appeared and Meowi had given up her dreams and languished.

It would have been okay if this woman had been by her side.

Of course, a Meowi whose dreams were shattered.
I could never accept it, even if it would kill me.

So, I chuckled and replied.

“Of course. Don’t worry. As long as Meowi doesn’t give up, I’ll take her to the end of the earth.”

“…Seha.”

“I swear. No one else will stand by my side as a shield except for her.”

“…”

Im Hyeja momentarily closed her mouth at Yu Seha’s words.

It was because she was momentarily speechless from the radiance emanating from him.

‘…Is it because of his looks?’

A handsome man with a mysterious aura, which is a bit both of a boy and a young man.

Among all the men she had seen in her life, he was undoubtedly the most handsome and beautiful one out there.

However, his appearance alone couldn’t have mesmerized Im Hyeja’s heart like this.

‘…Is it still because I distrust him?’

She had doubted him for sure.

No, to be precise, she still does.

The trust and favor he showed went beyond the normal bounds of a person.

It was too generous to be explained merely by a desire to help Ma Hana.

‘…It’s like he has been watching Meowi for a long time.’

Yes, just like herself.

So, I was wary of him, and I disliked him.
Deep down, I hoped he would just tuck his tail and run away swiftly.

She wished he was just like countless others—all talk and no substance.

Nothing brings about frustration quite like clumsy hope.

She hoped that Ma Hana, already worn thin, would not suffer any more deep wounds in her life.

‘…No, but I was wrong.’

But he showed it not with words, but with actions.

He proved it himself.

That proof was Ma Hana’s smile, which she was seeing now.

Her growth during this duration.

Of course, it’s important.

But more than anything, what Im Hyeja truly desired was Ma Hana’s laughter and happiness.

‘…Ah.’

Having thought up to that point, Im Hyeja realized exactly why she had lost her words.

‘You resemble him.’

You resemble him so much.

In the smiling Ma Hana, she saw herself from ten years ago, immature.

And in Yu Seha, who placed his hand above her head…
She saw the reflection of the person she had loved all this time.

‘Senior.’

Ma Hana’s father.
The person she had loved so much.
The one and only precious benefactor of hers.
Yu Seha resembled him.

Of course, Im Hyeja had eyes to see…
She knew he was fifty million times more handsome than her senior.
But Yu Seha’s gaze was unmistakably that of her senior.

‘It’s a relief, then.’

Only then could Im Hyeja completely extinguish the lingering sparks of doubt within her.

With those eyes, there was no way he would ever betray Ma Hana, not even in death.

“Sigh.”

Im Hyeja walked towards Yu Seha.

Clinch!

She then put him in a headlock, a gesture of affection for her.

“You rascal! You’re a man, aren’t you? I like it!”
“Ugh, ugh!”
“Hey, Noona! Your chest is touching me!”
“So what? It’s not like it’s gonna wear out from just rubbing~”

A moment later, having escaped from the headlock, I formally entered into a purchase agreement with Im Hyeja.

‘I can’t believe she’s actually giving it away for free.’

I was so grateful to her that it was almost indescribable.

“Ah, but what about the socket, other repair costs, and the material costs? I need to make a living too…”

Hehe, what an obvious thing to say from her.

“I do have a conscience, you know? And for that part… this little lady here will take care of it.”
“Huh?”

Ma Hana shuffled forward.
Digging into her pocket, she pulled out a thick envelope containing about 200 million won.

“Here, Unnie. Take it.”
“Uh, what is this?”
“It’s the money I’ve earned from the Trial. I really wanted to give it to you, Unnie.”
“…Meowi?”
“Um, excuse me…”

Ma Hana, seemingly embarrassed, fiddled with her cheeks with both hands.
Soon, she gave a broad smile.

“Thank you. And please continue to look after me…”
“……”

As time passed, Im Hyeja, whose tears were welling up, suddenly embraced Ma Hana as if she couldn’t hold them back any longer.

“Meow! Meowi!!”
“M-Meoow! S-Seha, please help me!”

Ma Hana asked me for help.

Unfortunately, I had no intention of rescuing her.

I wasn’t so clueless as to interrupt such a touching scene.

Instead, I clapped my hands.

Clap, clap!

“Sob! Meowi!”
“M-Meow?!”

The screamed echoed for a long time.

Eventually, that day ended with the sad ‘Meow’ of Meowi.

The next day.
Early morning on the Guild’s grounds.

“Miss Ma Hana?”
“Y-Yes!”

The stern-looking female employee adjusted her glasses.

Her sharp gaze thoroughly scrutinized Ma Hana.

Gulp! Ma Hana, swallowing dryly, felt that the inevitable question was coming.

“I will ask you once again.”

-Are you really sure you want to take the 3★ promotion exam?