The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player - Chapter 80

Chapter 80: The Young Blacksmith

——

The Bead of Eternity, a remarkable item, bestows stat points for killing monsters.

“While it takes on the form of a necklace; it’s made of beads. You can consider it more of a consumable item.”

You see, for every monster you kill the durability drops by one point.

And once that durability is depleted, the neckless vanishes.

That’s its one shortcoming, but only when its durability wanes.

“If one can restore durability, there’s no better stat-boosting item.”

That’s why it’s a tailor-made item for blacksmiths.

With the repair skill, you can endlessly mend durability and strive for permanent stat gains.

“But this neckless isn’t easy to acquire.”

Should you fail to defeat an Orc Shaman in the 5th round, the chance to obtain it eludes you.

Occasionally, they pop up on the ‘PLPL’ social open market, but their unreasonable prices deter most blacksmiths.

(T/N: PLPL: Player Place.)

‘But there’s no law that says only blacksmiths can benefit from it. ‘Recovering durability is possible for anyone.’

That was the reason Ryu Min wanted to go abroad.

Because there was a blacksmith overseas who would become famous for being the best.

‘I need to ask that person to fix the durability of the bead.’

With this goal in mind, Ryu Min promptly prepared for his overseas journey.

He had already procured a passport in anticipation of this moment.

“Hey, what are you up to?”

Observing Ryu Min packing his suitcase, his younger sibling inquired with curiosity.

“Where are you headed?”

“Just a quick trip abroad.”

“Suddenly?”

“I’ll be back soon. Three days should suffice.”

All he would carry were clothes and toiletries for his hotel stay. The rest he’d buy locally.

“What’s the reason for your trip? Business-related?”

“Well, you could say that.”

“I was thinking of joining you if it was for leisure, but it doesn’t seem feasible.”

“Who goes on vacation in times like these?”

“True.”

“Make sure to eat well while I’m away.”

“But where are you off to?”

Ryu Min chuckled and replied, “The UK.”

* * *

In the UK, Russell Daniel had long forsaken formal education.

For six years, he had dwelled in a rustic cabin amidst the woods, honing his blacksmithing skills.

The clang of the hammer meeting red-hot iron resonated through the air.

This was the craft of shaping and strengthening.

“This should do.”

Russell was fashioning a 15cm-long dagger, and when its shape met his approval, he used a whetstone to sharpen the blade.

Subsequently, he plunged the blade into the water after heating only its edge in the fiery forge.

A satisfying hiss followed.

This process elevated the blade’s sharpness.

A touch of iron dust on a special whetstone was the final touch, making the blade razor-sharp, and a handle was attached.

“It’s complete.”

This dagger was a product of his hobby, not intended for sale.

“Well… maybe it’s time to put an end to this.”

Gazing at the finely crafted dagger, Russell let out a wistful chuckle.

“It’d be nice if I could sell at least one a day.”

He had embarked on this journey with youthful zeal, but that was a tale of days when customers sought his craft.

Now, very few came knocking.

“All thanks to that confounded angel.”

January 2022.

Russell, as usual, was fashioning weapons for customers in his cabin when an unexpected summons transported him to another realm.

He found himself creating an avatar and banding together with others to combat goblins.

“It felt like I was plucked from my countryside abode and thrust into a war.”

After enduring through five rounds and looking back, he beheld a world in turmoil.

What began with 1.8 billion people had dwindled to 19 million, resulting in economic turbulence and a decline in customers.

“Well, I did anticipate this turn of events. After all, making a living as a blacksmith was never a walk in the park.”

The costs of blacksmithing materials were no trifling matter.

He had persevered thus far, but now he reached his limits.

His bank balance was plummeting, and he wished not to burden his parents any further.

“Perhaps it’s time to explore a different profession…”

He had hoped to continue blacksmithing for as long as possible, but that dream was unraveling.

The world was undergoing swift transformations, with players at the epicenter.

“Didn’t they mention granting a wish if we clear the 20th round?”

A wish, indeed.

Russell’s wish was simple, yet profound.

He yearned to continue his lifelong passion for blacksmithing, a craft that had captured his heart for years.

“Yes, I can’t let go of blacksmithing. What’s life without a little passion, especially when you’re young? A man needs to pursue his dreams!”

(T/N: I like Russell Already!)

With renewed determination, he cast away his despondency and set his sights on a brighter future.

He had a new objective in mind.

“I will conquer the final round and make my wish come true!”

No longer content with mere survival, Russell was ready to take an active approach to conquering the rounds.

“Being a blacksmith may not be the most combat-ready profession, but I can handle it in my current state.”

While he didn’t know the precise conditions, Russell had managed to secure a blacksmith job-change item early on.

Initially, he believed it was fate smiling upon him.

However, as the world plunged into turmoil, continuing his current profession became increasingly challenging.

“Whatever it takes, I’ll reach the 20th round. There’s no other way for me if I want to pursue the blacksmithing I love.”

He refused to accept the idea of impossibility.

By the time he reached level 20, he had learned a skill called “Weapon Sharpening,” which greatly improved his axe’s performance.

Thanks to this newfound skill, taking down Orcs became a breeze.

“I don’t know how tough the 6th round will be, but I’m confident!”

Of course, he had no intention of quitting his real-life job, even if he managed to survive in this otherworldly setting.

“I’ll only take a break until I’ve saved enough money. As long as I have the funds to buy materials, I’ll return to my cabin and continue as a hobby.”

If he ran out of money, he would gracefully bow out; he had no intention of resorting to theft, unlike some players.

“After all, once you’re gone, you’re gone, and you shouldn’t harm others. Well, the massacre in the 4th round was inevitable, but…”

For now, his plan was to find a job once he had accomplished his mission.

“Finding a job might not be easy in these circumstances…”

With 23% of the global population wiped out, the economic situation was far from favorable.

“I read an article that said most shops had closed due to players looting…”

It seemed that finding a job wouldn’t be a walk in the park.

“Nevertheless, I have to give it a try! I’m not one to give up without a fight.”

If necessary, I plan to raise money by selling items in my inventory.

“I don’t know if anyone would buy something like this, though.”

With his decision made, Russell began to tidy up his cabin.

It was then that he heard footsteps behind him—carefully measured steps.

Without thinking, Russell turned around and was taken aback.

Instead of a wild animal, a person was approaching, and not just any person, but someone of Asian descent.

‘What? It’s not common to see people here…’

Russell had intentionally chosen a remote location for his cabin to avoid causing any inconvenience to others.

“What’s the matter? Are you lost?”

He wasn’t sure if they could communicate, but he decided to start a conversation.

However…

“Russell Daniel, right? The young, famous blacksmith.”

The other person spoke fluent English and even knew his name.

Russell’s expression grew cold.

“Who are you?”

“It seems I’ve found the right person based on your reaction.”

“Where did you hear about me? I don’t have any Asian customers.”

“I didn’t hear about you. I saw you.”

“Saw me?”

Ryu Min first revealed his hand.

“I’m a prophet. I can see the future.”

“A prophet? What nonsense is this person talking about…”

“Russell. Level 21. Occupation: Blacksmith. Area designation: C-EUKE008. Is that correct?”

Russell remained silent, unable to speak due to his shock.

His eyes widened in disbelief.

‘To accurately guess the area designation, even details I’ve never disclosed to anyone… It seems saying he’s a prophet isn’t just a baseless claim.’

“Can you really see the future?”

“Yes.”

“I’ve never heard of a profession like ‘prophet.’”

“That’s because it’s rare. In this otherworld, there are countless professions. Among them, there’s a unique class that only one person can have. That class is ‘prophet.’”

“Okay? And why have you come here, Mr, Prophet?”

“Don’t ridicule me like that. Russell, I’ve come because I want to strike a deal with you.”

“A deal?”

“Please use your repair skill to fix one item for me. If you do that, I’ll provide you with valuable information.”

‘Information?’

Russell cautiously asked, “What kind of valuable information?”

“It’s information about the 6th round.”

Russell’s eyes widened.

‘If I can know about the next round in advance, it will be of great help to plan ahead.’

Fixing one item?

Honestly, it wasn’t a difficult task.

It was easier than blacksmithing, as all he needed to do was touch the item and cast a skill.

‘The problem is that it’s too easy.’

The benefit outweighed the simplicity of the task.

Information about the 6th round was a significant advantage.

Being cautious by nature when it came to interpersonal relationships, Russell couldn’t help but be wary.

“Are you really offering 6th round information in exchange for repairing an item’s durability?”

“Yes.”

“Isn’t that too good to be true? Are you sure there isn’t another motive?”

As Russell looked at him with suspicion, Ryu Min chuckled.

He had expected this reaction.

‘Typical Russell.’

Even though it was a no-risk proposition, he doubted and remained cautious.

“I could have been disappointed if you had just accepted it without suspicion.”

At times like this, suspicion must not be betrayed.

One should open their heart first and proceed with the proper approach.

“May I be a bit straightforward?”

“…?”

“I want to become friends with you.”

“W-What?”

“I saw it in the future. You, reaching the pinnacle as a blacksmith.”

“Me? Reaching the pinnacle?”

Whether Russell’s eyes widened or not, Ryu Min continued.

“You survive up to the 15th round without anyone’s help. It’s an impressive feat, but that’s all it is. After that, you have no future. It’s a bleak prospect.”

“…”

“But I can help you. If you join hands with me, you can grow more easily, even beyond the 15th round. Even the blacksmithing life you desire.”

“…!”

Just a while ago, Russell didn’t believe a word this Asian man was saying.

He thought it might be a trick.

But when he accurately guessed his wish, his thoughts changed.

“…What do you want from me?”

“I don’t want much. Just…”

Ryu Min smiled warmly.

“to help each other.”

——