Chapter 26 – Rule 13: The Leader Does Not Get Ambushed by Villains (1)

 

There are certain sections in Neo Seoul, where the academy city, must remain independent, such as cultured meat and rice polishing factories essential for survival.

 

Although citizens can engage in livestock farming or rice cultivation, they cannot officially sell these products in the market.

 

Instead, they must send an official letter to the Federal Council for a marketability assessment and receive compensation. This policy prevents monopolies in key food industries in a world with limited safe zones. Despite calls for a more capitalist approach, the Federal Council maintains a conservative stance.

 

In other words, some sectors are essentially excluded from the capitalist system.

 

Of course, these items are often traded on the black market.

 

Anyway.

 

The “New Yongsan Street” where mileage can be used is also considered an independent area. While not directly linked to survival, monopolizing it could lead to significant adverse effects.

 

The Federal Council, the power group that decides the direction and key issues of the academy city, is responsible for managing these matters.

 

The Federal Council is also the entity with the authority to grant me platinum mileage.

 

However, since it would be dangerous for the Federal Council to recognize monopolies unconditionally, each major academy is granted the authority to monitor their actions and impose sanctions if deemed excessive.

 

“It’s been a while since I’ve been here.”

 

“Same for me.”

 

Vice-Leader Oh Baek-seo and I visited New Yongsan Street.

 

We were in our school uniforms, as wearing them was required for entry.

 

The romantic notion of blacksmiths’ workshops with the clanging of metal, dazzling sparks flying everywhere, and intense heat was absent here.

 

Most blacksmiths were AI, and the shops were unmanned.

 

“There are a lot of people.”

 

While platinum mileage is rare, regular mileage is commonly granted at the academy’s discretion, making New Yongsan Street crowded every weekend.

 

“Leader, be careful not to get lost.”

 

“Lost?”

 

“You can’t let your guard down. If you’re worried, I’ll hold your hand.”

 

Baek-seo mischievously offered her hand as we walked side by side.

 

I lightly slapped it like a high-five.

 

“Behave yourself. There are Ahsung High students around.”

 

“Sorry, my bad.”

 

Baek-seo covered her mouth with a lightly clenched fist, chuckling.

 

‘…She seems excited today.’

 

Though she always wore a gentle smile and carried herself with noble elegance, spending so much time together allowed me to notice her subtle changes.

 

From the smile on her face now, I could tell her lips were curved about 5 degrees more than usual. She was in a particularly good mood.

 

‘But not as much as I am.’

 

From today, a new weapon of my own would begin to be forged.

 

Plus, I was walking down a bustling street on a sunny weekend afternoon with Baek-seo, someone I liked.

 

‘I feel on top of the world.’

 

Even the warm sun felt beautiful, adding to my happiness.

 

“Have you decided where to commission the forging?”

 

Baek-seo asked.

 

Each blacksmith has unique specialties.

 

Excelling in one area often means lacking in another.

 

From the gold tier and above, the materials used are highly dangerous, so each workshop specializes in different areas.

 

This approach reduces costs and risk significantly.

 

However.

 

“Yes, this way.”

 

In the game, there are unknown master blacksmiths.

 

Platinum mileage is a rare resource.

 

When commissioning platinum-grade equipment, users tend to prefer the “safe bet” rather than taking risks.

 

They choose workshops likely to produce above-average results for their platinum mileage.

 

But I had a different advantage.

 

‘What use is game knowledge if not for this.’

 

Game knowledge.

 

The community of experienced players had revealed the efficiency of each blacksmith for different types of equipment.

 

I also referred to their guides when using platinum mileage in the game.

 

I tried to recall and note down as much as possible after reincarnating. Thanks to that, I still remembered the necessary information. Hooray for guides.

 

“This place is good.”

 

“……?”

 

A secluded location.

 

We arrived at a workshop that seemed much older than the others nearby.

 

Seeing the shabby exterior, Baek-seo looked skeptical.

 

“Leader…, are you sure about this place?”

 

It was a natural reaction.

 

Even I would find it odd from Baek-seo’s perspective if I knew nothing.

 

“Usually, places like this are hidden gems in dining districts. Let’s go in.”

 

I wasn’t sure if that saying applied here, but anyway.

 

‘This place was the best for crafting impact-type weapons.’

 

It was one of the few romantic elements that the game offered.

 

A classic cliché.

 

“Really…? Then let’s go in.”

 

Baek-seo smiled kindly and didn’t ask anything further. As always, she seemed willing to follow my wishes.

 

We entered the workshop. As expected, there were no customers.

 

Thunk, thunk!

 

Clang!

 

From the direction of the workroom, the sound of hammering metal could be heard. The scenery of the workroom was visible through the reinforced glass embedded in the wall. It was a spacious area. Every piece of machinery was automatically operating, continuing the work in progress.

 

Baek-seo and I reached the workshop’s waiting room. Then, a friendly receptionist’s face appeared on the wall-mounted TV. It was an AI avatar.

 

[Welcome to Deus Atelier. Please state the service you desire.]

 

Several icons appeared on the screen, indicating the types of services available.

 

“Weapon forging.”

 

[Alright, weapon forging. Please specify the type.]

 

“Expandable baton.”

 

An image of an expandable baton appeared on the screen.

 

[Expandable baton, accepted. Are you sure you want an expandable baton?]

 

“Yes.”

 

[You have selected an expandable baton. Next, we will present several questions to customize your weapon forging. Please answer carefully.]

 

Various questions for weapon forging appeared on the screen.

 

‘Look at the material levels… This is crazy.’

 

When the materials that could be used were listed on the screen, my tongue clicked involuntarily.

 

Scales of an Ironclad Dragon, boasting the highest hardness.

 

Leaves of the Amrdra, amplifying the power of circulating magic.

 

Breath of Black Crystal, greatly enhancing water elemental magic.
And many more.

 

There were several materials obtained from dangerous beasts in the outside world.

 

Forging a weapon with these would essentially mean acquiring final equipment right away. My lips curled up unknowingly.

 

“Baek-seo, please wait for a moment.”

 

“Take your time.”

 

Baek-seo leisurely sat down on a chair.

 

‘Since I have lightning attributes, this kind of setup would be good.’

 

Considering the cost, I selected the materials and roughly described the desired design. Several design samples appeared as holographic graphics. I was also informed that the actual result might differ depending on the forging process.

 

After adjusting the weapon’s appearance with the AI and checking off several more questions, I pressed the ‘Complete’ button.

 

[Next, we will assess whether you are suitable to use this weapon. If you do not wish to proceed with the suitability assessment, please answer ‘No’.]

 

“Of course, I have to do it.”

 

[Alright, we will proceed with the suitability assessment. Please place your hand on the panel.]

 

Suitability assessment.