BXBX NOVEL Chapter 84
“A partnership… What do you mean?”
Jeong Seo-bin smiled at Kang Hyeon’s question.
“It means exactly what it sounds like. We form a contract to cooperate and grow together.”
Kang Hyeon crossed his arms and fell into thought.
“What benefits would I gain from this? And what would I need to do?”
“I like how quickly you get to the point.”
Jeong Seo-bin held up an item as she continued speaking.
“Creating these requires large amounts of magic stones.”
“I imagine so.”
“Have the Badass Guild supply our laboratory with magic stones.”
“For free?”
“Yes.”
Kang Hyeon was taken aback by Jeong Seo-bin’s bold statement.
“You know that half of our guild’s income comes from selling magic stones, right?”
“That’s a lower percentage than I expected. It’s usually around 70%.”
The proportion of magic stones in the Badass Guild’s income was lower than Jeong Seo-bin had anticipated. This was because the Badass Guild had more diverse income sources compared to other guilds.
“Well, our guild merchandise has started selling well, we sell monster carcasses, and moreover, when our guild clears a dungeon, we always destroy the core.”
Typically, ability users who hunt in dungeons don’t proceed to the core. Even when moving as a guild, they only remove the normal core over a long period. But the Badass Guild was different.
“When we start clearing a dungeon, we conquer all the way to the main core in one go.”
“No wonder your income is higher than other guilds.”
“Well, that’s true. But without the income from magic stone sales, it would be difficult to maintain now. We’re constantly expanding the guild’s scale.”
Hearing Kang Hyeon’s words, Jeong Seo-bin’s face filled with confidence.
“Just one month. You only need to hold out for one month. There will definitely be results within that time.”
“On what grounds?”
“Badass, currently the hottest guild in South Korea. Once word spreads that they’re using our items, there will surely be many purchase inquiries. As production costs are gradually improving, it won’t be long before we turn a profit.”
“Hmm…”
Kang Hyeon was also aware of the Badass Guild’s current fame. Just look at the number of applicants hoping to join the guild this time.
“Actually, those are just additional benefits. The most important thing is that by partnering with the Badass Guild, we can attract investors’ attention.”
“Isn’t this just gambling in the end?”
“You’re right. It is gambling. If there are no results, our laboratory will have to close anyway. So we might as well take the gamble.”
Kang Hyeon nodded at Jeong Seo-bin’s words.
“So once the laboratory stabilizes and items start selling, we split the profits between the laboratory and the guild, right?”
“Yes.”
“What’s the distribution ratio?”
“7 for the laboratory, 3 for the Badass Guild.”
“Ha, really.”
Kang Hyeon swallowed a dry laugh at Jeong Seo-bin’s words.
“Do you know how much our monthly magic stone sales are? We invest that and provide the most important promotion, yet we only get 3?”
“We’ll provide items needed by the guild at close to cost price.”
“So you want us to pour the guild’s money into a business with no guarantee of success or failure?”
Kang Hyeon and Jeong Seo-bin stared directly into each other’s eyes. Sparks seemed to fly between them.
“You’re taking us for fools. 50-50. I’m already compromising a lot here.”
“Do you know how much it costs to run a laboratory of this scale? 65-35.”
“Ms. Jeong Seo-bin. I thought you were only interested in research, but it seems you’re quite interested in business too?”
“It’s an unavoidable choice to be able to focus solely on research.”
Kang Hyeon nodded at her words.
“Alright. 50-50.”
“No… Really, at that rate there won’t be any profit…”
“But!”
Kang Hyeon interrupted Jeong Seo-bin and smiled.
“That promotion you mentioned. We’ll do it properly.”
***
Ippotranslation
***
After Kang Hyeon’s explanation that continued for a while, Jeong Seo-bin finally agreed. The final ratio they settled on was 60-40. Although not entirely satisfactory, Kang Hyeon was content, thinking it would be sufficiently profitable considering the future.
“Aah! I’m tired. Let’s head back quickly.”
Kang Hyeon and Shin Tae-gil, who had come out of the laboratory, immediately got into the vehicle and headed for Seoul.
“Good work.”
“What do you mean, good work? It was fun.”
“Was it? Haha.”
Shin Tae-gil laughed helplessly at Kang Hyeon’s words about it being fun.
“By the way, when are you going to give me the items you promised? If you’re going to give them, do it quickly instead of dragging it out.”
“Here they are.”
Shin Tae-gil took out the longsword, ring, and ability acquisition item (skill book) he had promised to give Kang Hyeon. As Kang Hyeon naturally reached out to take them, Shin Tae-gil suddenly returned them to his inventory.
“What are you doing?”
Kang Hyeon frowned at the sudden situation.
“Remember what you said to Director Jeong Seo-bin earlier?”
“Yes. Why?”
“I’ve been thinking, and it seems like a good idea.”
“It is, right?”
The laboratory promotion strategy. Even Kang Hyeon himself thought it was a truly excellent idea.
“So hand over the items quickly.”
“Let’s get the government involved in this too.”
“What?”
“I’ve already got approval from the higher-ups.”
“Huh… You’re incredibly fast only at times like this.”
Kang Hyeon shook his head.
“How exactly are they going to be involved?”
“That thing you’re going to implement. We’re thinking of making it more systematic and using it as a textbook for monster hunting.”
“A textbook…?”
“Yes.”
Kang Hyeon fell into thought for a moment.
‘A textbook… This might create even better synergy with what I originally planned to do.’
After pondering for a while, Kang Hyeon nodded.
“Have you decided?”
“Yes. Let’s do that. But give me production support funds.”
“…”
“You don’t want to? If not, forget it.”
“Alright.”
Shin Tae-gil, with a face like he’d eaten something sour, reluctantly nodded.
“Now hand over the items.”
“Tch. Here you go.”
As soon as he received the items, Kang Hyeon checked their descriptions and let out an exclamation of admiration.
“Oho…”
Name: Craftsman’s Longsword
Grade: B
Durability: 398/400
Description: A famous sword made by Haras, a renowned craftsman of the Hasenis Empire. Although made using ordinary iron, it was crafted to near perfection by Haras’s skill. At Haras’s request, an outstanding magician handled the finishing touches of the sword.
Abilities: Sharpness, Self-Repair
*Sharpness – The sword’s edge is at its peak due to the superior craftsmanship of the artisan.
*Self-Repair – After a certain amount of time, the sword restores itself to its original state.
“Wow, this is quite something. Where did you get it?”
“Let’s not ask about the source. I diverted the most suitable equipment for you, Kang Hyeon.”
“Diverted?”
Realizing his mistake, Shin Tae-gil cleared his throat.
“No, I mean I obtained it.”
“You diverted it alright.”
“Ahem… Take a look at the bracelet and skill book too. You’ll like them.”
Kang Hyeon grinned and examined the bracelet.
Name: Orien’s Bracelet
Grade: B
Durability: 97/100
Description: A bracelet made by Orien, a magician from the Hiosis Kingdom. Orien, whose body had aged to the point where daily life was difficult due to his dedication to magical research, found a solution in magic.
Abilities: Increases Strength stat by 5, Increases Health stat by 5.
Heat Resistance (F)
Ability: Strengthens immunity to heat.
Description: Reduces the effect of heat on the body.
“These are good too. Are B-grade equipments pouring in like this?”
“Well, so many ability users died this time. Do you like them?”
“Yes. I like them all.”
“I brought only the equipment most suitable for you to use.”
“It must have been hard to divert them.”
“Yes, it was really hard…”
Realizing his mistake, Shin Tae-gil got upset.
“No! I told you I obtained them by putting in the legwork!”
“Okay, okay. Why are you getting angry? It’s not like you.”
“Ahem, anyway, will you start right away when we get back?”
“No. I still have a lot to do… First, I need to get the magic stones needed for weapon repair. The plan comes after that. It probably won’t take long.”
“I understand.”
While talking, Kang Hyeon acquired the Heat Resistance skill and put on Orien’s Bracelet. Since he could only wear a total of 4 accessories, he had to remove the ring that increased strength by 2 stats.
“Status window”
▫Name: Kang Hyeon
▫Titles: Tutorial Graduate and 3 others
▫Level: 66
▫Detailed Stats:
Strength 30 (+4)(+5)
Agility 30 (+3)
Health 31 (+3)(+13)
Mana 34 (+3)(+4)
Additional Stats: –
▫Unique Ability: Resurrection
▫Abilities: Advanced Swordsmanship(C), Lower-grade Shield Technique(E), Lowest-grade Crossbow Technique(F), Intermediate Body Technique(D), Lower-grade Blunt Weapon Technique(E), Magic Detection(C), Poison Resistance(E), Magic Manipulation(D), Heat Resistance(F)
▫Skills: Roar of Enraged Lion(C), Advanced Bodily Regeneration(A), Bisection(D), Giant’s Strength(B), Magic Explosion(B), Wayne’s Secret Technique(C), Entria’s Outer Shell(B)
As Kang Hyeon was smiling with satisfaction at the added stats and Heat Resistance,
“We’ve arrived.”
“Already? Time flies.”
The vehicle had already arrived in front of the Badass Guild office.
“Thank you. See you next time then.”
“Yes. Please contact me when the work begins.”
Kang Hyeon waved goodbye to Shin Tae-gil as he left and headed straight to the office.
“Phew, it seems like there’s a lot of work and I’m tired… But this is just the beginning.”
The real work was about to start.
***
Ippotranslation
***
Upon arriving at the guild office, Kang called for An Yu-seong, Shin Seong-a, and other key executives including Han Jae-moon. He told them about his visit to the laboratory and explained the future plans.
“Did everyone understand?”
“Yes.”
“Being able to put food and electronic devices in the inventory and even use them in dungeons. It’s truly revolutionary. I heard that results were starting to show in the US, but I never imagined that Korea would move in step like this.”
Kang Hyeon nodded at Han Si-hwan’s words.
“That’s right. I thought it was worth taking a gamble, so I made the contract.”
“But… Guild Master. If we hand over all the magic stones we’re currently collecting to the laboratory, the guild will immediately run short of money…”
“Han Jae-moon. Can’t you say anything other than there’s no money?”
“No… I mean…”
As Kang Hyeon frowned and spoke, Han Jae-moon’s expression tensed up.
“Don’t stutter and speak up!”
“We’re short on money.”
“Where are you using all the money I’m earning? You’re not embezzling it, are you?”
“That’s not it!”
Han Jae-moon shouted, getting upset.
“I’m joking, kid. Why so excited? Hehe.”
Kang Hyeon chuckled as if he found it really amusing. Han Jae-moon glared at Kang Hyeon secretly.
“Anyway, things are going to get busy from now on. We’ll also start seriously conquering dungeons, which we’ve been neglecting for a while.”
“Yes.”
“Mr. Han Si-hwan. And Mr. Jo Seong-chan, Mr. Jo Dong-won.”
The three men whose names were called looked at Kang Hyeon.
“You might be a bit confused because you suddenly have to lead new guild members.”
“It’s fine.”
“Please work hard. As I said before, the goal when entering a dungeon is to always destroy the core. That’s how we make money.”
“Understood.”
Kang Hyeon smiled at their straightforward answers.
“And An Yu-seong, Shin Seong-a.”
“Yes.”
“You won’t have time to design merchandise for a while. We’re going into dungeons in earnest.”
“Okay.”
“Understood.”
“Good. Then let’s solve the most important thing first.”
At the mention of the most important thing, everyone’s attention turned to Kang.
“The most important thing?”
“Yes. We need to clear a B-grade dungeon. Han Jae-moon.”
“Yes…”
“Some B-grade information should have come out by now, right? It’s been over a month since they appeared.”
“It’s not much, but some information has been released…”
“Then find a B-grade dungeon where we need to move with a small elite team. We’ll clear it quickly with just the elites.”
“Understood…”
“I’m counting on you by tomorrow morning.”
“Pardon?”
The current time was 6 PM.
“There’s other work piling up too…”
“Does it take that long to find a dungeon? How many B-grade dungeons are there in the whole country anyway?”
‘Then why don’t you find it yourself!’
Swallowing the words that had come up to the tip of his tongue, Han Jae-moon nodded.
“I understand…”
“Cheer up! I pay you a lot, don’t I?”
“Yes…”
Indeed, seeing the bank account balance growing by over 10 million won every month did make him feel more energetic.
“Now, our real business has begun. The new year has started too. In that sense, we’re having a beef party today!”
“Woohoo!”
At Kang Hyeon’s words, everyone rushed out as if there was a fire. The office emptied in an instant. Han Jae-moon was the last to remain, tidying up his things.
“Oh, Han Jae-moon!”
“Yes?”
Kang Hyeon returned to the office as if he had suddenly remembered something.
‘So he does think about me after all…’
Thinking that Kang Hyeon was considering him, Han Jae-moon rubbed the bridge of his nose.
“You’re busy, so stay in the office.”
“Fuck…”.