NOVEL NEXT Chapter 88
Chapter 88: Tanker
Yoo Ji-han’s party visited the support team within the Hero Academy Building.
They wanted to properly confirm the benefits available to the academy students.
“Here’s the information regarding equipment production support.”
“Thank you.”
The most sought-after benefits by the students were undoubtedly the activity support funds and the equipment production support system.
They could purchase desired equipment at a discounted price ranging from 30% to 40% at workshops linked with the Hero Academy.
The workshops had contracts with popular destinations frequented by heroes, and even if they weren’t affiliated with the academy, they could still receive up to 25% support on equipment purchase costs.
For a guild lacking sufficient capital, besides the office provision, this was one of the most preferred benefits.
“The maximum support amount per party is 1 billion.”
“Wow.”
The equipment production support amount provided to a single party could go up to 1 billion won.
For a total of 30 parties, that amounts to a staggering 30 billion won in support funds.
Considering the substantial amount provided without overly complex conditions, this was indeed a significant sum.
“I’m looking to choose a workshop for the support funds.”
“Please go ahead.”
“I’m planning to go with the workshop called ‘Knife Workshop,’ and the representative’s name is Nam Ho-yeol…”
“One moment, please.”
When the name of the unfamiliar workshop was mentioned, the staff tilted their head in confusion.
“Are you not using a workshop affiliated with the Hero Academy?”
“No. I have a regular supplier.”
“It’s still better to choose a well-known place… If you wish, I can introduce you to a good workshop. There’s one currently holding an event for Rank 4 parties.”
“No, we’ll stick with this one.”
Yoo Ji-han resolutely shook his head at the suggestion of introducing another workshop.
He intended to entrust the equipment production to Nam Ho-yeol, who had done him several favors without relying on the academy-linked workshops.
While the discount rates might drop a bit by not using an affiliated workshop, he wanted to continue conducting business with the blacksmith he had developed a connection with.
‘I’m a little worried about this party.’
The support team staff internally worried about Yoo Ji-han’s party.
To heroes heading into battle, equipment was as precious as another life.
However, among heroes, there were often cases where inexperienced blacksmiths lured them in, resulting in the purchase of low-quality equipment.
Conversely, the academy’s collaboration workshops were rigorously vetted and selected through numerous rounds of scrutiny.
Thus, unless they were crafting equipment within the guild, most preferred using these collaboration workshops…
Yet, they insisted on using an unknown workshop.
“Once you’ve chosen a workshop for the support funds, you cannot change it, you know?”
“I know that.”
“Phew…”
*
Yoo Ji-han’s party returned to the guild office.
Min Yu-ri, who was sitting in a vacant chair, spoke up.
“The staff just now looked really displeased.”
“Of course, they would. We said we wouldn’t use another workshop.”
Yoo Ji-han understood the staff’s concern, who had sighed deeply.
Yet, he didn’t change his decision.
“So, what do you plan to buy from the workshop?”
“Chilla’s equipment.”
“Chilla’s?”
Purchasing Chilla’s equipment—Min Yu-ri’s eyes widened at Yoo Ji-han’s unexpected answer.
‘Chilla’s skin is tough, but…’
Yoo Ji-han turned to look at Chilla.
It didn’t seem to get injured significantly by the claws or teeth of the giant cat monster.
From his judgment, Chilla could be classified as around Rank 3.
But that was as far as it went.
“I think Chilla would get hurt if it crossed the Rank 4 level.”
“Right…”
Chilla had shown a solid appearance as a tanker, but it received minor injuries from the mutation’s attacks.
While the pets of high-level tamers could handle magic and skills, Chilla was still incapable of that.
It wouldn’t have been a problem when only hunting giant cats.
However, if it continued to roam around unprotected, it might incur severe injuries someday.
“Despite considering that its movements may slow down, it definitely needs sturdy equipment.”
The role of a tanker is to protect party members.
Thus, heroes acting as tankers typically wore heavy and robust gear.
Yoo Ji-han resolved to increase Chilla’s defensive capabilities, even if it meant sacrificing one of its advantages: its flexibility.
“Have you ever tried equipping Chilla?”
“No. I’ve only dressed it in ordinary clothes…”
Min Yu-ri hadn’t yet equipped Chilla with proper gear.
“Equipment is essential for tankers. Let’s give it a shot this time.”
“I’m not sure if it can tolerate feeling cramped due to the equipment.”
While Yoo Ji-han’s party worried about Chilla’s equipment, Chilla perked up its large ears each time its name was mentioned.
*
“Welcome to the Knife Workshop!”
Nam Ho-yeol, who was inside his workshop, greeted a new customer with a cheerful voice, a somewhat different bright smile gracing his face compared to before.
Thanks to an increasing number of customers, things were looking up.
“Could you sharpen this for me?”
“Leave it to me!”
Nam Ho-yeol took the sword handed over by a hero requesting to sharpen the blade that was missing its teeth.
Although still far more heroes sought repairs than new equipment, the increase in workload allowed him to escape from worrying about this month’s rent.
‘Is it thanks to Yoo Ji-han’s party?’
The surge in visitors began after Yoo Ji-han’s party last visited.
The patrons were mostly heroes affiliated with small guilds, and several had found their way here after coincidentally watching interviews with Yoo Ji-han’s party.
‘Will they return next time?’
Nam Ho-yeol had been researching information about Yoo Ji-han’s party recently.
He knew from media reports that they had entered the Hero Academy.
However, many collaboration workshops already existed at the academy.
It was reported that most heroes utilize those workshops…
Would Yoo Ji-han’s party choose to use an affiliated workshop, or would they come back here again?
‘I guess directly contacting them would be too much pressure.’
Although Nam Ho-yeol had made equipment for Yoo Ji-han and Kim Si-hu, they weren’t at the stage where they would share personal contact.
It was merely a straightforward relationship between a blacksmith and a hero.
He had no idea whether reaching out to them under such circumstances would be the right decision.
And then, at that moment.
“Ho-yeol!”
“Ah! Welcome!”
Speak of the devil, and he shall appear!
At that moment, Yoo Ji-han’s party entered through the open door of the workshop.
Nam Ho-yeol greeted them with a wide grin.
“Please wait a moment.”
Nam Ho-yeol put away the sword he had received for repair and turned back to Yoo Ji-han’s party.
Kim Si-hu glanced at the stacked equipment in the shop and asked.
“What’s all that?”
“There are some people who requested repairs.”
“Are many customers coming in lately?”
“I’m making enough to scrape by. It’s all thanks to you guys.”
“No, what have we done?”
Nam Ho-yeol smiled shyly at Kim Si-hu’s modesty.
“This is our new member, Min Yu-ri.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Yes, hello! …But what’s that?!”
Inside the workshop were two familiar men and one unfamiliar female hero.
And outside, something was waiting in the narrow entrance.
“That’s my pet.”
“Oh! It’s my first time seeing a pet that large in person.”
“Actually, we came to have equipment made for this friend today.”
“You’re looking to make pet equipment?”
There are specialized workshops for making pet equipment.
Nam Ho-yeol had never made any before.
“Is it hard?”
“Uh… Let me check for a moment.”
Nam Ho-yeol stepped outside the workshop.
“Wow!”
He was taken aback when he came face to face with the colossal chinchilla right in front of him.
People doing business nearby were snapping photos of Chilla with curiosity.
‘It doesn’t seem like there will be an issue.’
Nam Ho-yeol circled around Chilla while brainstorming ideas for virtual equipment in his mind.
Though he only had experience making equipment for humans.
He quickly imagined Chilla outfitted with custom-made gear.
As a result, he determined that there wouldn’t be any significant problems in making it.
“It’s a friend active as a tanker, right?”
“Should we make armor for it?”
“Yes.”
Yoo Ji-han’s party requested pet-exclusive armor and a shield.
A chinchilla donned with armor and a shield, standing firm against monsters—that was the image Yoo Ji-han envisioned for Chilla.
“The production cost will be about 300 million. Is that feasible?”
“Considering the size of the armor… it should be possible within 300 million.”
The combined cost for Yoo Ji-han and Kim Si-hu’s equipment was 240 million.
Investing a rounded figure larger than that for the giant Chilla.
It seemed reasonable since the larger size would require more resources.
And thanks to the payments received for the Goemi delivered to the museum and the amount earned from selling Goene and Giant Pigeon Monsters, along with the Hero Academy’s support, there were no major issues.
“Let me take some measurements for a moment.”
“Chilla, sit.”
Nam Ho-yeol began measuring Chilla as it squatted down.
“I can’t reach…”
“I’ll help.”
A physique larger than that of two average adults combined, plus the added characteristic of running on four legs.
This required much more intricate design considerations than making equipment for humans.
Yet if completed successfully, it could become a more reliable tanker than a human could be.
And while Nam Ho-yeol was measuring Chilla’s head size with a measuring tape, Yoo Ji-han asked him.
“Ho-yeol, what do you need to create an artifact?”
“Out of the blue?”
“I was just wondering.”
“Typically, you need expensive materials, skilled mages, and excellent artisans.”
Creating artifacts requires many prerequisites.
In addition to the materials that shape the equipment, special materials are essential for determining the artifact’s effects.
Since the effects vary drastically based on the materials, selecting the right items is crucial.
Additionally, to ensure that the materials blend well into the equipment, magic treatment is necessary, requiring the involvement of at least one mage.
A moment of mistake can waste tens of millions worth of materials, so a wizard capable of precisely controlling magical power is essential.
‘But ultimately, the person making it is the most important.’
Lastly, an outstanding artisan is needed.
They must have complete understanding of the materials and the ability to detect subtle changes once a mage’s power melds into the equipment, thereby maximizing the resultant effects from the materials.
“How long would it take to make it?”
“How long? …Would I even be able to make it?”
Nam Ho-yeol, completing Chilla’s measurements, smiled bitterly.
As he had mentioned before, creating artifacts remained a mere dream for him.
Yet Yoo Ji-han’s demeanor was serious.
“What if we can prepare the materials and a mage?”
“Since trial and error will occur, the likelihood of expensive materials getting ruined multiple times is high.”
“Hmm.”
“The costs are also a concern, and it might take several years. Unless one is swimming in excess, very few would be willing to attempt something like that. Moreover, even when attempted, it often doesn’t succeed…”
Yoo Ji-han frowned in contemplation.
Seeing his earnest expression, Nam Ho-yeol spoke up.
“Would you like us to help later, even if just a bit?”
“Eh? Are you serious?”
“Of course, I’m serious.”
Yoo Ji-han turned to look at Chilla.
If possible, he wanted to envelop Chilla’s entire body in artifacts, turning it into a Magic Armor Chinchilla.
And…
‘It might be good to draw Nam Ho-yeol into the Sweet Fun guild too.’
A talented blacksmith whose name was still unknown.
Yoo Ji-han harbored thoughts of dragging him into the guild.