Novel

(T/N: Please deal with the change in names. Im sorry.)

Sorry for being late.

There was no need to say that actually. Nevel was only gone for five minutes after all. As always, he took a deep bow towards Sungmin and spoke.

I have come in contact with the blacksmith. The other side wished for a conversation. Is it fine right now?It does not matter.Understood, then.

Nevel raised his hand at Lee Sungmings answer. When he slashed down with one of his long fingers, the scenery cracked apart.

Ill leave this place for now, then.

After saying that, Nevel disappeared into Sungmins shadow. Sungmin didnt understand what just happened, and only blankly stared at the gap in space.

Quite young.

He heard a voice. The one who stood up from behind the spatial crack was a dark elf with murky blonde hair. At first, Sungmin didnt realize that she was a dark elf. It was the first time he saw one after all.

Dont be so surprised. Seeing Sungmins surprised expression, the dark elf laughed. She brushed her hair and spoke.

Selgerus. I dont know how many times Ill see you in the future, but we should know each others names at least. Dont you think so?Uh Im Lee Sungmin.

Sungmin stuttered his name. Elves and dark elves were classified as sub-humans beings other than humans that possess intelligence. Strictly speaking, orcs were capable of communication, and were classified as sub-humans, but most people classify orcs as monsters. After all, the term sub-human was created by humans.

What weapon do you use?

Asked Selgerus. She had baggy work clothes on, as well as a large apron. However, due to her muscle development, her body figure could be seen through the baggy clothes.

I use the spear.

He was supposed to be introduced to a blacksmith, but never did he imagine that the blacksmith would be a female, much less a dark elf. This made Sungmin surprised. In his head, the image of a blacksmith was a muscular, big male, or a dwarf if it was a sub-human. Of course, it wasnt like he saw a dwarf for real anyway. Sub-humans were small in number and were hard to find.

Spear. The spear, huh is there a particular shape you prefer?Something like this.

Sungmin took out the spear from his interspatial pocket. Selgerus nodded his head after looking at the spear.

Its the martial world style. A martial artist?Im not from the martial world though.Can you show me what spear techniques you use?

(T/N: martial world may have been translated as murim or wu lin before)

Asked Selgerus. Hearing that, Sungmin hesitated a little. Demonstrating ones martial techniques was a taboo for martial artists after all.

Why. You dont want to?Is it necessary?It is necessary.

Replied Selgerus without hesitation.

I need to know what kind of techniques you use and create a spear that matches it.You mean you can match it after seeing my martial arts?You seem to be mistaken on something.

Selgerus laughed. It was as though she was laughing at Lee Sungmins ignorance.

Im not a martial artist. Im a blacksmith. My job is not to comprehend what kind of martial arts you are using, but to comprehend you that is using the mar

Only then Lee Sungmin understand what Nevel was trying to say before. Either lower your standards, or lower your pride; that blacksmiths are all stubborn. He took a deep breath and replied.

Understood.Youre quite quick to the catch. I thought youd be more stubborn. You dont suspect me?I do not know you, but I trust a little in Erebrisa that connected you to me.

Since he hadnt used Erebrisa properly, he couldnt totally believe in it. However, Erebrisa was something that even the god of suffering and trial, Msh, was using. Although he couldnt know for sure, Erebrisa should have that much worth.

Im 400 years old.

Selgerus suddenly spoke. 400 years old. Lee Sungmins eyes trembled hearing that unrealistic number. However, he wasnt that surprised. He knew well that elves and dark elves had long lifespans.

I started hammering since I liked to. That was around 350 years ago. Of course, my starting point was different from dwarves who are innately blacksmiths, but. My 350 years as a blacksmith is definitely real. Do you know why Im saying this?I dont.What you need to trust in is not Erebrisa, but me.

Selgerus smiled bitterly.

Well, I know that its funny for me to say this to someone Ive just met.

Sungmin bit his lips after hearing that. What moved his heart was not when she told him to trust her, it was that their starting points were different.

The race of dwarves were born talented in smithing. All of their products are top-tier. Dwarves, just by being dwarves, receive the love from the god of passion and flames, Ather, and the god of the land and creation, Gan. An item created by a young dwarf was miles better than a human crafter that had practiced for decades.

Compared to that, the 350 years of hammering from the dark elf Selgerus may mean nothing. However, the 350 years of her work was the real deal. The starting point was different the talent possessed was different. This was something that Sungmin was agonized over several times.

I will trust in you.

Sungmin came to a decision and raised his spear above his head. When he started demonstrating, Selgerus was surprised instead. Until now, she had met many people through Erebrisa, but there werent many martial artists who showed their arts just because she asked.

To a martial artist, a martial art was a technique to kill the enemy, and a technique to protect oneself. Considering that, it would be difficult for them to demonstrate it to others. Selgerus did tell Sungmin to show her his techniques, but didnt expect him to actually do so.

First, he started with the three basics moves of the spear; deflect, block and pierce. Starting from the three moves, he then continued into the Nine Skies Infinity Spear. He didnt just do that though, he mixed it with Shadowless Phantom. In practice, he would use his stepping techniques along with spear techniques. After all, it wasnt like the enemy was going to stand still.

Selgerus silently watched as Lee Sungmin swung his spear. Only after a long time did his spear demonstration end. Selgerus observed all of it without blinking even once, and spoke.

You trust me?Yes.Why? Because I asked you to?Because you said your 350 years of effort was real.

Selgerus laughed at his answer.

Arent you too easily trusting?Its the first time Ive heard that. Ive always heard that Im uselessly doubtful though.I guess I cant betray your trust then.

Selegerus giggled and took out her hands from the apron.

27 million erre. Im usually strict with payments, but I feel good today, so Ill make you something worth more. Though, it would take some time.That doesnt matter to me.I think youll be a fine regular customer.

Selgerus shrugged her shoulders.

As long as you dont die, that is.

The spatial gap closed up. Not long after, Nevel appeared from inside Sungmins shadow. He took a deep bow and asked.

Is the blacksmith I mediated for you to your liking?She said Ill be a fine regular customer.Fi𝒏nd 𝒏ew upd𝒂t𝒆s on n/ove/l𝒃in(.)com

Hearing his answer, Nevel made a weird expression. After observing Sungmin for a while, he spoke. (T/N: is it he?)

There are things called first impressions, or biases. Actually, Miss Selgerus is not the style of blacksmith that people prefer.Because shes a dark elf?Yes. As I have told you, we, Erebrisa, only provide the best among the things that our members want. The best blacksmith most members think of dwarves when they think of one. A dark elf, much less a female one, is out of the question.

Nevel smield bitterly while saying that.

The reason why I connected you, sir Lee Sungmin, to Miss Selgerus, was also because of that. She is not usually preferred as a blacksmith, and is usually underevaluated compared to her skills. Thanks to that, shes also on the cheaper side compared to blacksmiths of her level.As long as her skills are real, I do not care.

Seeing Sungmin nonchalantly reply like that, Nevel giggled.

Did I not say so? That we only provide you with the best. Miss Selgeruss skils are indeed real. She is the first dark elf to earn the title of a meister. Originally, Miss Selgerus does not like customers that we bring her, but if she said that youll become her regular, then shell most definitely create the best of weapons for you, sir. Oh, under the 27 million erre line of course.You mean she wont do more than that?That is up to her to decide. After all, were only mediators.

Sungmin nodded his head at Nevels reply. After a bit of silence, he asked something else.

I wish to ask about quests that can be received as a mercenary. I heard that Erebrisa takes 5% as mediation fee, but if I accept a quest through Erebrisa, what happens to the mercenary guilds fee?It will be waived.

Nevel replied immediately.

The fee that Erebrisa takes includes the mercenary guild fee. The rewards are also given not through the tuild, but through us.What about the achievement records then?That is automatically updated on the mercenary guild. Would you like to check? No, its fine for now. I dont have a rank tile yet.Itll probably arrive soon. I will organize a list of decent S-rank quests for you.Is that for free?Youre my exclusive member, so I can do you that much. And also.

Nevel stared at Sungmins face for a while.

Somehow, the more I face you the more I feel like I should help you. Its just a feel, but this is quite strange.Its the first time Ive heard of that.Its just what I feel after all. Isnt there something called good will? It is sudden, and there is no reason for it. Its not like you feel good will towards someone because of a reason, right?

After saying that, he laughed.

Then Ill see you next time.

Nevel disappeared. Sungmin felt slightly weird after listening to Nevels words. Good will? He didnt think that Nevel was into men, but felt strange because this was the first time he heard such words.

And thinking about it.

He felt that he was strangely lucky until now. Whether it was Jack, Hans, Wiji Hoyeon, Baek Sogo, etc. the people who were quite deeply relate to him all showed him good intentions.

There are no coincidences.

What Msh told him not to forget kept rolling around in his head.