In only one year?

Dang—and every Tower Lord—had recently accomplished their lifelong dream: crafting a legend.

But there was a realm they could never reach even if they lived their whole lives.

Forging an artifact of an entirely new grade...?

They’d heard Hyunsoo had risen to the level of a master craftsman.

They just hadn’t known how it happened.

And then Nell came to see them.

As they tilted their teacups, listening to the light, casual things Nell tossed out, the Tower Lords caught on.

This might be the one you’ll have to serve. Shouldn’t you go—right now—as their believer?

They agreed completely—and what shocked Dang most was this.

Aside from Dang and Colson, the Tower Lord of the bow blacksmiths, the other three Tower Lords had been denying the very idea of a myth.

But even they had to admit a myth was about to begin, once they saw the fact that an artifact of a new grade had been forged.

The power the successor holds is just... too overwhelming.

What made Dang marvel even more was that they understood Hyunsoo’s true nature.

Aska, the god of blacksmiths, was a hardline deity.

Even to a successor, they didn’t just hand out divine authority.

Which meant Dang understood something else, too—

That the greatest power Hyunsoo possessed was simply Hyunsoo’s own skill.

Out of respect—deciding they would deny the myth no longer—Dang and the Tower Lords rose from their knees.

“Successor. We’ll only be able to remain here for two weeks.”

By nature, they belonged to the Kingdom of Prime.

They weren’t close to the royal family, but if they migrated here, it would create a diplomatic problem between the Kingdom of Prime and the Kingdom of Goyard.

So, exactly two weeks.

That was the only time the Tower Lords could lend their strength.

“More than enough. I should repay you, too.”

Hyunsoo looked at the four thousand blacksmiths.

People who might become his believers—or his people.

Believers were those who served a god.

Even if they weren’t at his side, it meant they served Hyunsoo.

And Hyunsoo knew how to make them develop blind faith in him.

“Make tools of all kinds—starting with farming implements—along with weapons and armor artifacts. And you’ll need to participate in construction. Anyone who finishes crafting, rotate out with the people building.”

For those two weeks, Hyunsoo intended to make up for their lacking skill.

And with that, an enormous workforce—four thousand blacksmiths, plus the five Tower Lords who were craftsman-class blacksmiths—was投入 into acquiring Seeds of Life.

On top of that, blacksmiths had a knack for construction.

More precisely—

Blacksmiths gain a variety of crafting abilities as one of their passive skills.

And construction was included in that variety.

Tower Lord Dang said,

“Rex, the Tower Lord of the shield blacksmiths, used to build houses.”

“Yeah? Someone among my people has a knack for buildings, too.”

That was Bark.

Hyunsoo could see Bark and Rex talking as they sketched out blueprints.

Hyunsoo’s heart started pounding.

Until now, they’d been trying to acquire Seeds of Life with fewer than a hundred and fifty people.

But now, a massive group—over four thousand—was taking the lead in saving the territory.

And Hyunsoo asked one thing.

“Dang. Do you think buildings from 800 years ago and buildings today would be very different?”

“Of course. Back then, construction development was extremely low. But now, buildings are safer and sturdier—and they’ve become warmer in the cold, cooler in the heat, too.”

Buildings were the territory residents’ homes.

The walls that would defend the territory.

The grandeur that would represent the territory.

We might end up with buildings even better than Atlas had.

If that happened... what would the seed do?

Hyunsoo found himself curious.

Then, for the first time in a while, Hyunsoo saw a familiar face he was genuinely glad to see.

It was Valam, the messenger of the god of blacksmiths.

When they first met, Valam had doubted Hyunsoo.

And after realizing they were the only believer left who followed the god of blacksmiths in the whole world, they’d even considered abandoning faith entirely.

“My god. I can’t believe what’s happening right in front of me. I hope you keep moving forward like this—slowly, but powerfully.”

Hyunsoo nodded.

Whether it took ten years, or twenty—

He needed to become the most omnipotent god.

“What are the ways to become a god?”

“That’s simple.”

Valam smiled.

“You just need many believers. And those believers can’t be only blacksmiths.”

Valam looked around.

“Exceptional powerhouses with all kinds of strengths must become believers. And as they gather, and gather... that’s when your church will finally be complete. For now, a name like the Hyunsoo Church should be enough.”

“The Hyunsoo Church...”

It was absurd. Embarrassingly cringey.

This won’t be easy—this whole ‘believer’ thing.

Hyunsoo thought about what it meant to be a believer.

Wasn’t it someone who yearned and wished, someone who respected that great power?

Hyunsoo still thought he hadn’t really gained any believers beyond the blacksmiths.

But that was wrong.

The offensive Twin Dragon Sword is the best—always a thrill!

Hyunsoo didn’t know it, but there was someone who marveled at him every day, steadily becoming a believer(?).

His name was Lee Hwan—the #1-ranked user on the Korea server.

He couldn’t forget the feel of it.

The power of the offensive Twin Dragon Sword, which he’d rented through a woman named Nell during the Continental War.

Top-tier even among legends.

And on top of that, a legendary offensive Twin Dragon Sword that harmonized perfectly with Lee Hwan’s mastery!

A lot of time had passed since the Continental War, but he still couldn’t quit the offensive Twin Dragon Sword.

Today was no different.

After temporarily returning it because the rental fee was so brutally expensive, Lee Hwan hunted monsters and got sullen.

This isn’t it.

It’s supposed to slice like this—shhk—and cut clean.

Ahh, this isn’t even close to enough damage!

There was a saying for stuff like this.

Some things, once you start, you can’t stop.

After returning the offensive Twin Dragon Sword and using another legendary artifact, Lee Hwan despaired at the gap between the two.

My hunting speed is 30% slower. How is that even possible?

He always thought the Twin Dragon Sword’s rental fee was expensive.

But today, the thought crept back in anyway.

So what if it’s expensive? I’ve got money.

Rationalization.

No matter how expensive the fee was, Lee Hwan was the master of the Hwarang guild—and #1 in the country.

And during the Continental War, Nell had charged him 20 million won per hour.

That had been because of the war’s special circumstances—now it was a tenth of the price, only 2 million won.

Of course, burning 2 million won per hour was still insane.

[Lee Hwan: I’ll rent it for 5 hours today as well.]

[Nell: Starting today, the Twin Dragon Sword rental fee has increased by 30%.]

“......!?”

A sudden increase? What kind of nonsense was that?

But Lee Hwan thought,

Still, I have to rent it. The feel of cutting with the offensive Twin Dragon Sword is too good. Until I get something better, I’ll keep renting it.

It was exactly like saying, Just today—then I’ll stop.

And then Lee Hwan’s expression changed.

[Nell: Oh, and Guild Master Hyunsoo said to apply a 10% discount for you as a long-term customer.]

It got 10% cheaper?

So User Hyunsoo was a truly kind-hearted person, wasn’t he?

He gave a discount even though he knew Lee Hwan had more money than he could ever spend?

Long-term customers really are the best, huh?

Lee Hwan decided he’d become a steady, long-term customer.

And then the rented Twin Dragon Sword arrived.

When he swung it—watching monsters get sliced to ribbons—Lee Hwan couldn’t help but exclaim.

“Hyunsoo—he’s a god!”

Hyunsoo didn’t know it, but he was already creating one fervent believer.

*****

This is pretty sweet, huh?

After renting out the Twin Dragon Sword to today’s sucker(?) Lee Hwan, Nell smiled.

I should suggest a rental business—stuff that feels too wasteful to give away, but too awkward to keep for myself.

Renting was far more profitable than selling.

If the offensive Twin Dragon Sword’s rental fee was, say, 15 million won per day, that meant 400–500 million won in monthly profit.

Long-term, it was a much better deal.

Anyway, Nell didn’t yet realize what kind of things their own ideas would set in motion—but they finished a business plan that would increase the Hyunsoo Church’s believers.

And their tea time still wasn’t over.

After visiting the Papal Palace, Nell had been surprised.

They said they’ll come to hang out on every day off?

Looks like they wouldn’t need to go back and forth between the two kingdoms anymore.

“Sword guy, go bring out some snacks.”

“......Get it yourself, spear guy.”

“You bastard. Do you not know how to respect the elderly?”

“I know how to attack the elderly.”

“......?”

They bickered, but they looked close.

Well... the seat of a king...

Kings couldn’t keep someone close, even if they wanted to.

Everyone bowed. Everyone submitted.

And now that peace had come to two nations that once hated each other, the two of them had been enjoying their recent leisure.

“So what did you come here for?”

Barad asked.

“In the world we live in, there’s a tradition. When someone moves or changes residence, the people close to them—people tied to them—usually do it.”

Both kings leaned in. A tradition unique to their world?

“It’s a housewarming.”

“A housewarming?”

“Yes.”

At the time, Nell had no idea.

They had no idea what kind of enormous ripple effect the kings’ housewarming would cause.

*****

The Lucky Lump Lovers’ Club members met in the same place once a week.

Nothing special was discussed.

Whether Lucky Lump had given a new quest.

Or—

“Lucky Lump’s stool volume decreased and got very firm. That means it’s healthier than last week.”

Whether Lucky Lump was healthy this week.

At Kabel’s words—someone who did everything thoroughly—the Lucky Lump Lovers’ Club members were impressed.

“That’s incredible information.”

“We never would’ve known without you, Kabel.”

“Because of people’s mistakes or misunderstandings, not even knowing whether your dog is healthy or unhealthy is unacceptable as an owner.”

Kabel’s eyes gleamed—meticulous to the point of obsession.

The Lucky Lump Lovers’ Club members learned something huge and once again marveled, That’s Kabel for you.

Of course—

Why am I even marveling at this...?

Dog poop...?

The truth about dog poop, revealed by Kabel...

A moment of emptiness hit them, but still.

Anyway, on meeting days, the four of them always took a walk together.

And soon, they froze in confusion.

“WOOF! WOOF!”

Lucky Lump appeared with KyooKyoo—the mini Bone Dragon—riding on its back.

And then, proudly, it made an announcement.

[Lucky Lump says it is its younger sibling.]

“.......”

“.......”

“.......”

“.......”

The four of them realized the number of things they had to walk had increased.

Anyway, they walked together and talked.

“It looks like Seeds of Life acquisition is happening all over.”

“The blacksmiths are helping with construction and equipment crafting.”

“They’ll gather an enormous amount. But you think that’s the end of it?”

Kabel—and the others—understood Hyun’s Forge didn’t have many people.

“But it has nothing to do with us.”

“That’s right.”

In fact, quests to obtain seeds were popping up for them as well.

But a Seed of Life quest was of absolutely no benefit to them.

So they had no intention of participating.

Then—

SWISH—

All four of them met eyes at the same time.

A notification they’d been waiting for appeared.

After checking it, they looked at Lucky Lump.

This little thing never changes...

It’s too adorable.

......So now we have to participate, don’t we?

[Hidden Quest: Collect Seeds of Life]

[Grade: S]

[Restriction: Those who touched Lucky Lump]

[Reward: Essential stats for your class. Increases by the number of Seeds of Life you collect.]

[Penalty on failure: Lucky Lump is disappointed.]

[Description: Lucky Lump wants you to participate in collecting Seeds of Life as well.]

“There’s no limit on the stat gains.”

“It’s telling us to collect Seeds of Life until we go insane, right?”

“Yes. Do your absolute best......”

The four looked at Lucky Lump wagging its tail.

And they smiled—a small smile no one could see.

“Then we’ll do our absolute best and collect them.”

They moved toward the places each of them needed to go.

The Lucky Lump Lovers’ Club members met in the same place once a week.

Nothing special was discussed.

Whether Lucky Lump had given a new quest.

Or—

“Lucky Lump’s stool volume decreased and got very firm. That means it’s healthier than last week.”

Whether Lucky Lump was healthy this week.

At Kabel’s words—someone who did everything thoroughly—the Lucky Lump Lovers’ Club members were impressed.

“That’s incredible ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) information.”

“We never would’ve known without you, Kabel.”

“Because of people’s mistakes or misunderstandings, not even knowing whether your dog is healthy or unhealthy is unacceptable as an owner.”

Kabel’s eyes gleamed—meticulous to the point of obsession.

The Lucky Lump Lovers’ Club members learned something huge and once again marveled, That’s Kabel for you.

Of course—

Why am I even marveling at this...?

Dog poop...?

The truth about dog poop, revealed by Kabel...

A moment of emptiness hit them, but still.

Anyway, on meeting days, the four of them always took a walk together.

And soon, they froze in confusion.

“WOOF! WOOF!”

Lucky Lump appeared with KyooKyoo—the mini Bone Dragon—riding on its back.

And then, proudly, it made an announcement.

[Lucky Lump says it is its younger sibling.]

“.......”

“.......”

“.......”

“.......”

The four of them realized the number of things they had to walk had increased.

Anyway, they walked together and talked.

“It looks like Seeds of Life acquisition is happening all over.”

“The blacksmiths are helping with construction and equipment crafting.”

“They’ll gather an enormous amount. But you think that’s the end of it?”

Kabel—and the others—understood Hyun’s Forge didn’t have many people.

“But it has nothing to do with us.”

“That’s right.”

In fact, quests to obtain seeds were popping up for them as well.

But a Seed of Life quest was of absolutely no benefit to them.

So they had no intention of participating.

Then—

SWISH—

All four of them met eyes at the same time.

A notification they’d been waiting for appeared.

After checking it, they looked at Lucky Lump.

This little thing never changes...

It’s too adorable.

......So now we have to participate, don’t we?

[Hidden Quest: Collect Seeds of Life]

[Grade: S]

[Restriction: Those who touched Lucky Lump]

[Reward: Essential stats for your class. Increases by the number of Seeds of Life you collect.]

[Penalty on failure: Lucky Lump is disappointed.]

[Description: Lucky Lump wants you to participate in collecting Seeds of Life as well.]

“There’s no limit on the stat gains.”

“It’s telling us to collect Seeds of Life until we go insane, right?”

“Yes. Do your absolute best......”

The four looked at Lucky Lump wagging its tail.

And they smiled—a small smile no one could see.

“Then we’ll do our absolute best and collect them.”

They moved toward the places each of them needed to go.

*****

With KyooKyoo on its back, Lucky Lump watched the Lucky Lump Lovers’ Club members disappear into the distance.

“Kyoo?”

Lucky Lump wagged its tail as it answered the question—Are they good people?

“WOOF!”

They’re good people.

As it watched them go, Lucky Lump already knew.

Each one of them was more specialized at collecting Seeds of Life than Hyun’s Forge was right now.