Saying these specialized hunting parties were the best Dark Gamers and warriors was not an exaggeration. The opportunity to meet them were rare as they only stayed near the area where the monsters frequently appeared.
“There still seems to be no information about the master sculptor Zahab…”
Someone who met Zahab, or even knowing the address of the house he’s living in would be conclusive information! He could then finish the quest easily, but even without such luck it did not feel like finding Zahab would be all that difficult.
“A human staying among monsters in Grapass region would be quite noticeable. I could ride on Wyverns back and scout out the region… or if the sky is filled with monsters I could change into a crow and search like that.”
Lee Hyun praised himself. Since he accomplished impossible quests from the beginning, he was no longer hesitant or fearful in going to Grapass, one of the 10 forbidden regions.
“It’s closer and much better than sailing to Jigolaths.”
In face of any adversity, whether the sky fell or the ground collapsed, he had the amazing self-confidence he could survive!
_______________________________________
Weed called the Sculpture Lifeforms. Due to the recent hunting Bingryong, Wyvern, Phoenix, Gold Man, Yellowy, Golden Bird and Silver Bird were all exhausted. Bingryong’s level was 470, excluding the Wyverns the other Lifeforms were all around mid to late 400’s through their continous effort.
“I want to tell you some good news.”
Weed wanted to raise the morale of the tired Sculpture Lifeforms.
“For the time being let’s rest from hunting.”
“Gol Gol!”
Gold Man, although extremely happy with the news, could not show it. If he showed any signs of happiness, it could be seen as some fault or another that would cause more agony in the future.
“Moooo. If this is master’s order than I have to obey.”
Disciplined by a foul natured master, they had learnt basic pretence and treachery. Yellowy pretended disinterest as he ate some grass nearby, but his ears were flapped up to listen for any lies.
“Don’t worry. This is not a joke or empty promise.”
Up to now Weed scammed, embezzled and exploiting them hard but he was not one to lie.
“Rather, let’s go on a trip.”
A trip!
Leaving the road and meeting new people, the joy of leaving the daily routine. Phoenix sprouted fire from its beak in joy.
“Kurarara. Are we really going?”
Having not travelled much with the master and other Lifeforms, Bingryong was also happy.
“It would be good if the place had fresh grass.”
For Yellowy if his back was warm and belly was full, anywhere was heaven. It did not seem like a bad idea. Travelling around and eating delicious food while resting.
Golden Bird and Silver Bird, as they had a nature of birds were also happy that they could roam around freely.
Weed continued to speak.
“Where we are going, it’s Grapass… one of the 10 forbidden regions on the continent. So let’s all go together!”
It was not a trip, the phrase ‘leaving home is suffering’ was proven right. The Sculpture Lifeforms suddenly lost all desire to go.
“I will become strong by diligently hunting here. So master, why not go alone?”
Bingryong spoke while he blinked his eyes innocently. But to Weed it was useless.
“We have to go together. You can’t possibly skip this fun trip.”
“There are many monsters here. I think I have to protect the new land the master earned. I, Bingryong will thoroughly defend this land against the monsters.”
“You don’t need to do that. The monsters also need to eat and live. They are doing this to survive, so don’t look down on them.”
Sudden benevolence toward monsters appeared.
“Morata is well protected by the Black Imugi and the King Hydra, so I am going to call other Sculpture Lifeforms to this place.”
The Black Imugi and King Hydra was sculpted in the past to fight against the Northern coalition.
After that they cleared the monsters near Morata and silently contributed to the public order.
They quietly raised a lot of their level and also became rich.
The Black Imugi had a side of cunning and shrewdness. Silver Bird tattled everything about how the Black Imugi was using his status as a rare monster, he took over a cave and started to pile up his own treasure.
“It’s a pure, evil black snake with wings. If it was small I would swallow it whole like a worm. Cheep cheep! I thought I would gain weight so I stopped myself. When I ask him to give me some of his premium meat, he doesn’t. When I try to build a nest in his lair, he doesn’t let me in. I think he's hiding something.”
“Right, right. Golden Bird how is it?”
“I don’t really pay attention but! He treats me very well. I think he hunts monsters. Also I think Yellowy’s gotten lazy.”
“Keep me posted on your friend’s activity.”
To prevent the public order from becoming worse, it would be good to have the Sculpture Lifeforms defending Vargo Fortress. And there was no need to make new ones as he could leave it to the Sculpture Lifeforms brought from Jigolaths.
It could be permissible for them to join the residents defending on the fortress wall, rather than having them hide in isolated forests or search and destroy monster habitats.
Weed glanced at Vargo Fortress.
The fortress walls were slowly becoming firmer and thicker, with more military facilities built to protect it from siege. The soldiers were being trained to protect the fortress and drive out the monsters. Rather than developing the economy, safety was the priority right now.
The players also received hunting quests so the monsters flocking nearby would be reduced slightly. They would level up and start stacking up their drops from their adventures. And as the army readied their strength, the wastelands and mines could be conquered and developed.
At that moment Wy-Three grumbled in defiant way. It was purposefully done so Weed could hear.
“We have a desire to live freely. For how long must we follow master?”
Wy-Three spoke of his hope of wanting complete independence.
“Let’s all live happily together. Hunting and even going on a trip like this… It will be lifelong happiness. And don’t you think we should go to one of the 10 forbidden regions at least once?”
“…”
Weed was daring the Sculpture Lifeform to decline his scam.
_____________________________________________
“I heard Weed-nim was staying here these days.”
“I need to ask him to make me a sword… Other blacksmith in Morata can do it, but if Weed-nim makes it, it will be come out better.”
Players deliberately came from Morata to Vargo Fortress to improve their equipment. The equipment Weed made had a subtle sense of aesthetic decoration. Using sculpting skills the swords, armour, boots Weed made were carved with special patterns.
Of course the labour fee was more expensive than other blacksmiths. But with advance level 8 handicraft skill, there were no flaws and the durability was high. They could also flaunt that their equipment was made by Weed so they spared no effort to come here.