Is life in a medieval fantasy world truly more boring compared to modern times?

That’s not an easy conclusion to draw.

Of course, considering the various forms of entertainment in modern civilization, people today have countless ways to enjoy themselves every day.

However, it would be a mistake to overlook the dynamic nature of a medieval fantasy world.

For example, in Korea, if a wild boar came down to a village, it would be a pretty big event reported on the news.

But here, if a wild boar shows up, people would consider it a blessing, thanking the heavens for providing their daily bread.

In a world where even monsters occasionally descend upon human villages and attack, how could life possibly be boring?

Moreover, if you consider that in this world, you could regularly witness executions by guillotine, something only seen in comics or movies in modern times, there are indeed aspects of this world that modern civilization cannot rival.

If we were to compare it to a game, medieval fantasy would be set to hardcore difficulty, while modern civilization would be filled with DLC content, making them both engaging in their own ways.

“A…no!!! This can’t be happening… You demon!!!”

In that sense, the release of The Iron-Blooded Alchemist Volume 3 sparked a reaction in this otherworld that was nothing short of adding a new DLC.

“Nana!!!” “Tucker, you bastard, you shouldn’t even exist in this world!” “What did I say? The name Chimera Alchemist was ominous from the start.”

It was already common for people to gather in groups to read the latest release of The Iron-Blooded Alchemist together, but the response to Volume 3 was on another level.

The previous volumes were already groundbreaking and filled with new delights that excited people.

But while the developments were somewhat predictable, making it hard to call them shocking, the plot of Volume 3 went beyond shock—it was as if someone had struck their heads with a lightning bolt, leaving them buzzing with excitement.

“‘Ed…mund brother?’”

With just one scene and a single line of dialogue, the people gathered to read the comic together let out collective screams.

Some cursed, some were left speechless, while others could only gasp in admiration in a chaotic scene.

As the commotion finally settled and they continued reading, exclamations and astonishment erupted again.

A new character named Scarl was introduced.

His title, The Alchemist of Dismantling, a native from the western regions, left the readers in shock once more.

“‘Alchemy is the power to create something? So, you turned that young girl into a Chimera? Is this the alchemy you worship, committing such atrocities?’”

There was something philosophical in the words of this persecuted and vengeful man that had never been felt before.

Despite being the villain who killed Nana, the Chimera, people found themselves increasingly drawn to Scarl.

And then, there was the appearance of King Brandon, the Empire’s great general.

His first appearance was brief in Volume 2 when the protagonist’s brother obtained the Imperial Alchemist certification, so he didn’t leave much of an impression.

However, when he appeared in Volume 3, swinging his twin swords at an incredible speed and forcing the powerful Scarl to flee, people were once again captivated by his unexpected charm.

And when he briefly removed the eyepatch he wore, revealing a glimpse of the eye beneath, the crowd erupted with theories.

“Isn’t that the same symbol as the one on the Homunculi?” “Yes! That same symbol was on Luxuria’s chest in Volume 2!” “Could the general be a Homunculus?”

Volume 3 was packed with scenes that constantly played with the readers’ emotions.

Usually, there are moments to catch your breath, with softer, more relaxed atmospheres, but this volume pressed the accelerator non-stop, leaving the readers sweating after finishing just one volume.

And then people realized.

They would have to wait at least another month to read the next volume.

“Doesn’t the author have the next volume ready?”

At this question, silence fell over the group.

Then, remembering that the author was a nobleman from the Count’s family, everyone came back to reality.

No matter how curious they were about the next content, it wasn’t like they could storm the noble’s mansion.

Surely, no one would be crazy enough to risk their life to break into a noble’s house just to read the next volume.

Meanwhile…

“It’s fine if you send me to prison! Just please, tell me what happens next!!!”

The man’s desperate cry echoed as he was dragged away by the guards.

Rupert watched the scene and sighed.

“I never imagined someone would actually try to break in.”

Since the Iron-Blooded Alchemist series became a massive hit, Rupert had wisely bolstered the estate’s guards and hired knights, which proved to be a fortunate decision.

If they had kept the original number of guards, this intruder might have slipped through.

“Ahhhh! How can you call yourself human?! Bring Nana back to life! What did that poor child do to deserve this?”

“Do you know how to create the Philosopher’s Stone? Please, give me a clue!”

“Why can’t I perform alchemy even though I followed the transmutation circle exactly as drawn in the manga?!”

It wasn’t just people trying to steal the next volume; some came to protest about the content of the comic, while others, believing it was real, begged Rupert to share his secrets with them daily.

‘Don’t Try This At Home.’

Now Rupert finally understood why they displayed warning messages before professional wrestling matches on Earth.

He didn’t need to go as far as professional wrestling—just like the story of an actor in a morning drama being slapped with kimchi on the street wasn’t a lie.

Even people on Earth, who knew everything was fiction, would sometimes get so immersed in the story that they would act irrationally.

In this otherworld, where people couldn’t even conceive of the idea of fiction, Rupert had underestimated the impact his manga would have.

He had thought that maybe the kids would imitate some lines or actions, but he never imagined that even adults would take it seriously.

“This might get me killed when it’s released.”

Even as Rupert thought he should seal away the figure he had ordered purely out of fan enthusiasm, he couldn’t help but admire the detailed figure of Nana hugging her pet dog, Alexander, with both arms.

It was so well-made that Rupert considered selling it, but given the current reactions, there was a 99% chance it would cause a massive uproar.

Even Rupert’s father, who read Volume 3, said,

“Rupert, Nana will come back to life, right? No, I’m asking something obvious. You wouldn’t end it so cruelly since you’re not a devil, haha.”

His father’s eyes seemed to say, You’re not human if you don’t bring her back to life, and Rupert could still vividly recall that look.

The servants at the house also subtly changed their attitude towards Rupert after reading the manga.

Even Sena, who played with Ada, was startled after reading Volume 3.

“Young Master, could it be that you gave Ada Miss Rush as a gift because…?”

“It’s not like that!”

Rupert had just been watching Ada play with Poppy, but after that, she seemed terrified.

“Rupert, I believe you’re indeed the same wicked person I’ve always known.”

Even Krun, after reading the manga, praised him, saying he was indeed the most wicked human he had ever met.

If not for the money coming in from manga sales, Rupert might have collapsed from frustration.

But when he looked at the pile of money handed over by his business partner, he would drink a vitality potion, and his mood would improve as if nothing had happened.

Thanks to the addition of Krun the Dwarf, they had improved many aspects of the production process, allowing them to ensure proper rest conditions for the craftsmen.

“Everyone, please don’t stay late. Finish on time today.”

The craftsmen were shocked at the suggestion of leaving on time.

When they exchanged glances, wondering if they could really leave, Rupert decided to give everyone a bonus, encouraging them to spend time with their families.

“Then I’ll be off too.”

“Krun, you can’t leave.”

“Why? Why only me?!”

“You have to work. Don’t worry; I’ll stay with you.”

Rupert wasn’t going to let him forget the grudge over the receipts. Since the shopping-addicted dwarf could only be cured by work addiction, Rupert reluctantly decided not to let him leave.

Thanks to this, Krun produced some excellent figure goods.

It was astonishing how the dwarf, with his blunt fingers, could delicately express details that were impossible for humans to achieve.

Krun wept, saying he wanted to research golem limbs instead of dolls, but where would the research funding come from?

A good dwarf should earn his own research funds.

“At this rate, once The Iron-Blooded Alchemist concludes, we might even be able to commission research from the Magic Tower.”

The amount required was something Rupert couldn’t have imagined before, but with the increasing sales of manga and merchandise, it was becoming a feasible goal.

Of course, it would still be a significant investment.

The only reason Rupert was willing to pay such a high price to commission research from the Magic Tower was simple.

“Animation.”

Comics were great, but the joy of animation was in a league of its own.

Back on Earth, there was an anime that became explosively popular. It was called Fate or something, and fans agreed on one reason for its massive success.

It was because they could see their favorite characters come to life and move.

Characters that had only existed as illustrations in the original game were now moving and speaking, and fans were captivated by their charm, driving the anime’s tremendous popularity.

That was the power and driving force of animation.

Rupert wanted to share that moving, emotional scene with the people of this world, to show them the moments they had only imagined in comics come to life.

Of course, this was still a distant future goal.

Rupert had discussed this idea with his business partner, but the costs associated with producing animation were far higher than anticipated.

In fact, even starting the comic business would have been impossible without the support and funding from the Imperial family.

“Come to think of it, the Imperial money really was sweet.”

It felt like being a newbie in a high-level hunting ground, being carried by a max-level player.

If Rupert could suck up to the Imperial family’s money again, the animation business would proceed smoothly.

But he had to be patient. Last time, he had an impeccable reason for getting support.

If he tried to milk funds now without a valid reason, he might find himself on the guillotine.