To have wasted such an ability for 20 years…

‘…She’s unparalleled in this field.’

It was too precious a talent.

Of course, there were many possible reasons to guess.

Unlike Seo Suji who directly possessed combat power, having too much talent as a craftsman could be more dangerous than beneficial.

Historically, exceptionally skilled craftsmen often suffered.

One could seek protection by joining a national organization, but ultimately, they would have to be continuously used by someone.

Or there could be personal reasons.

‘…What am I thinking right now. Seo Suji, get a grip.’

Seo Suji suppressed her desire to encourage the old woman to work steadily again.

How would her words now be any different from the ‘great beings’ who urged her to return to the field?

Instead of saying unnecessary things, she decided to simply be grateful that someone who had been away from work for so long had taken care of her weapons.

“It’s not just ‘not bad’. It’s amazing.”

When Seo Suji sincerely expressed her admiration, the old woman smiled proudly.

“I knew you’d say that.”

“…You won’t get into trouble for taking on my work like this, will you?”

When Seo Suji asked cautiously, the master blacksmith frowned deeply.

“You young pup who’s still wet behind the ears. Don’t carelessly worry about adults.”

“But…”

“No buts. It does feel good to hold a hammer after so long. But I’m old and might get tired soon, so I need to finish quickly. Bring up the next item.”

“I’ll place it here.”

And so, all three pieces of equipment were synthesized.

It took about 30 minutes in total.

For tier 9 equipment synthesis, probability checks occurred every 20%, and for tier 8 equipment, every 40%. Fortunately, there were no failures.

(Tier 10) has been successfully synthesized.

(Tier 9) has been successfully synthesized.

(Tier 9) has been successfully synthesized.

(Tier 10)

Imbued with the power of one who does not turn away. Serves those immersed in stillness and quiet.

Possesses the attribute of darkness.

Made by the hands of a blacksmith.

Luck +1 Strength +18 Mental Power +150 Attack Power +19,390 Push Resistance +12 Critical Hit +400

(Tier 9)

Imbued with the steps of one who endures the winter of regeneration.

Possesses the attributes of water and ice.

Made by the hands of a blacksmith.

Speed +120 Strength +11 Skill +1 Vitality +2 Attack Power +14,131 Critical Hit +200

(Tier 9)

Imbued with the heart seeking someone to rely on in a lonely desert.

Possesses the attribute of fire.

Made by the hands of a blacksmith.

Mental Power +129 Speed +30 Strength +5 Vitality +4 Attack Power +15,312 Critical Hit +238]

Not only did all weapons increase in attack power and other stats, but their weight was also significantly reduced across the board.

Watching her teammates excitedly handling their weapons, Seo Suji felt proud for no reason.

It was especially pleasant to see even Elaine, who usually doesn’t show much emotional fluctuation, constantly fiddling with her greatsword.

Seo Suji turned to look at the old woman standing with her hammer put down.

“On behalf of my companions, I express our gratitude. We will compensate you generously.”

The old woman laughed as if dumbfounded.

“You’re still just a kid, but you’ve learned to talk like adults.”

“Even so, I…”

“Enough. Daphne or whatever. Anyway, you seem to be some kind of celebrity. Having famous people in the shop just attracts useless flies. If you’re done, hurry up and leave.”

Seo Suji waved her hand.

No matter what, she couldn’t leave without paying for having someone who didn’t want to work perform a synthesis that no one else could do.

“Please don’t be like that, elder.”

Seeing that Seo Suji was determined to pay the proper price, the old woman suddenly picked up a broom from the side.

“Get out. My arms are aching from holding a hammer after so long, and you won’t even let an old woman rest?”

Honestly, it was obvious that getting hit with a broom a few times wouldn’t even hurt.

Seeing that Seo Suji still wouldn’t budge, the old woman changed her attitude. Throwing the broom down in annoyance, she said,

“Looking at people carrying such amazing items and having the luck to gather all this equipment, I doubt you’ll use what I made for any thievery.”

“Of course not.”

“I don’t know what you’re planning to do, but go do it.”

“…Grandmother.”

“Taking petty money now would just give me bad dreams. Go do whatever and bring money later. Don’t act like some idiots who never return.”

Seo Suji lowered her hand that was about to take out gold coins from her inventory and stared blankly at the old woman.

The old woman, as if she had said all she needed to say, turned around and went into the back room.

The remaining companions exchanged glances.

When Seo Suji didn’t say anything, Saint carefully asked while reading the atmosphere.

“Shouldn’t we at least leave about 10,000 gold? It’s still cheaper than market price.”

Peace shook his head.

“Think about why the grandmother raised a skill she’d never use for synthesis. She must have felt bitter. Someone taking a sword she made and never returning.”

Seo Suji stared for a long time in the direction where the grandmother had disappeared.

She knew well enough.

The feeling of someone going to the Tower and not returning.

The grandmother must be sick of it now.

Even though they were nothing to each other, just a customer and a merchant.

‘Really… You don’t live alone.’

Such a thought suddenly occurred to her.

If it had been her former self, even if she had suddenly been burdened with the survival of humanity, she would have felt only a vague sense of duty and debt. And she would have resented why it had to be her.

But now… She realized that she was receiving invisible love even from people not directly connected to her.

Even if it wasn’t a grand and strong love.

Just maintaining courtesy, fulfilling obligations, serving others as much as one could… She was grateful for just those things. It wasn’t a bad feeling to know that many people, including the members of the fan cafe , were watching over her and caring for her.

No matter how she thought about it, it was good that she decided to rest at the 80th floor.

If not for that, she wouldn’t have gotten these weapons. And she wouldn’t have come to feel grateful for those around her like this.

Before leaving through the door, Seo Suji bowed deeply towards the inside.

“Thank you, elder.”

And only after instructing her companions to put all the equipment back in their inventories did she leave the blacksmith’s shop.

“Where do we go now?”

To Elaine’s question, Seo Suji looked around.

There were still too many people crowded around.

Not only the blacksmiths who had been watching since Seo Suji’s group entered the forge, but in that short time, people who looked like reporters had also arrived.

The grandmother seemed to just want to live quietly, but this was really becoming a nuisance.

“To the headquarters. First, I’ll meet with my aunt and have a talk, then we’ll go straight to the Tower. Those who want can go to the Tower first, and those who need additional item maintenance can do so before going.”

Peace and Saint said they would go to the Tower first, and Seo Suji decided to move with Elaine.

The moment the group split in two, reporters seized the opportunity to intervene.

“Hello, Daphne! I’m Kim Seungcheol, a reporter from RMJ! I heard you were trying to synthesize tier 8 weapons, is that true?”

“Daphne, hello! I’m Park Liz, a reporter from Taedong River News. You recently posted about a public broadcast, could you comment on that?”

“I’m Kim Hana, a reporter from the Hunter Association Newspaper. First, congratulations on conquering ! We heard that Team Daphne brought items that can’t be handled in ordinary forges. I’m sure regular hunters are curious about this. Could we ask for some information?”

Seo Suji usually didn’t respond well to interviews.

But it wouldn’t be bad to use them when necessary.

After a moment’s consideration, she signaled to Elaine, who was blocking her path, that it was okay and stepped forward.

“From now on, I won’t respond to impromptu interviews like this. Please apply through the proper channels. Right now, I have something special I want to say, so I’ll answer a few questions.”

Just the fact that Seo Suji opened her mouth made the faces of the reporters present brighten several times over. They hurriedly held out microphones with recording functions.

“First, you mentioned the broadcast I’ll be conducting. That’s correct. I’m opening the Daphne channel, please show a lot of interest.”

The reporters blinked in confusion as Seo Suji suddenly started advertising her own broadcast.

“I plan to broadcast hunting monsters in the Tower. Sometimes I’ll air recorded videos, and sometimes I’ll do live broadcasts.”

Seo Suji continued speaking eloquently, paying no mind to their reactions.