The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player

Chapter 219: Iron Grey (Part 2)

Near the Kingdom of Albitz lies the Cargago Mountains.

And beneath those mountains is the dwarf city known to everyone: Iron Grey.

Clang! Clang!

The sound of hammering echoed from all around.

“Wow… This is the dwarves’ city…”

“Close your mouth. They’re staring at us.”

Dwarves, frowning at Russell’s gawking, glared at him. Although they had long been engaged in active trade with humans, they still saw humans as outsiders. They certainly didn’t appreciate anyone treating their city like a tourist attraction.

Whether Russell noticed or not, he continued to gawk at their work in awe.

‘It’s not just amazement, it’s admiration for their passion.’

Was it because he was a fellow craftsman?

It was clear from Russell’s entire demeanor that he was overflowing with enthusiasm.

“Look at that! Their hammering is like art. Not even the slightest wobble in their strikes! Wow, look at their hands. The way they work with metal is incredible. They must be making plates for armor. How do they do it with those small but sturdy hands…? Oh, and all those pieces behind them… are they all handcrafted? I want to touch them…”

“Russell, get a grip and come this way.”

“Oh, sorry. Haha…”

Looking like a cat in front of a fish market, Russell snapped out of it and followed Ryu Min into the largest forge in Iron Grey: Hammerfall.

“This is it. Let’s go inside.”

“W-wait a second. Something just popped up in front of me…”

Russell stared into the air as if looking at something invisible.

“A sub-quest just appeared. It says to work as an assistant in Hammerfall for three hours.”

“What’s the reward?”

“It says you’ll become ‘highly friendly’ with the dwarves, and your skills will be upgraded by one level. It’s only available for blacksmiths, though.”

Completing one quest would clear the round and upgrade his skills.

‘This is the best sub-quest he could get. It’s only for Russell, though.’

Even though he had to work for three hours, it was much shorter compared to what other players would need to do.

‘Other players will have to spend at least six hours on reputation tasks.’

In that sense, Russell was almost guaranteed to take second place in this round’s rankings.

‘As long as he can secure a job, that is.’

It wouldn’t be easy to just walk into the forge and ask for a job without any prior connections.

‘But he doesn’t need to worry. He has me.’

Ryu Min opened the door to the forge and gestured for Russell to follow.

“Wow…”

Russell couldn’t help but be awed by the forge’s immense size.

Just then, a young dwarf approached them, eyeing them warily.

“What business do humans have here?”

But his expression quickly changed when he recognized Ryu Min.

“Wait… are you The Ahead of the Pack?”

Ryu Min nodded.

It wasn’t surprising anymore that a stranger knew him. The reputation system was indeed remarkable.

“I’m here to see Blacksmith Hymer of Hammerfall.”

“Hymer? Please wait a moment.”

The young dwarf hurried off and soon returned with an older dwarf with a thick beard.

It was none other than Blacksmith Hymer, whom Ryu Min had met in the 8th round.

“Oh! It’s an honor to have you visit Iron Grey, The Ahead of the Pack! I’ve been hoping to see you again!”

Hymer greeted Ryu Min with great enthusiasm, thanks to their ‘highly friendly’ relationship.

“This place is too noisy. Let’s go somewhere quieter.”

“Let’s do that.”

Once they had moved to a quieter break room, Ryu Min introduced Russell.

“Let me introduce my valued acquaintance, Russell Daniel.”

Russell, surprised by the word “valued,” quickly followed suit.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Please, call me Russell.”

With their significant height difference, they couldn’t shake hands, so they simply exchanged nods.

“Nice to meet you. But what brings you to our city, The Ahead Of The Pack?”

“Actually, I wanted to ask you a favor. Could you employ this young man here?”

“Employ him?”

“Just for today. He’s very eager to learn from the best dwarven blacksmiths. He’s particularly skilled in metallurgy, and he really wants to learn from the top-tier dwarven blacksmiths.”

Hymer’s gaze shifted to Russell, sizing him up.

“Have you done any blacksmithing before?”

“Yes, sir. Though I only have six years of experience, I can handle the basics.”

“And what have you crafted?”

“Oh, all sorts of things—longswords, daggers, bracelets, armor, protective gear. Pretty much anything you can think of, I’ve made.”

“Hoho, that sounds like you’re beyond just a beginner.”

Hymer looked at Russell with growing interest, clearly impressed.

‘Looks like the interview’s going well.’

Ryu Min smirked, realizing that Russell had likely secured the job. As expected, Hymer nodded approvingly.

“Very well. Since you’ve been introduced by The Ahead himself, I’ll make an exception and hire you as an assistant for today.”

“Th-thank you so much!”

“However, it’s getting late, so you’ll only be able to work for three hours. Is that fine?”

“Of course! That’s more than enough!”

Russell practically glowed with enthusiasm, which didn’t seem to bother Hymer—in fact, the dwarf looked pleased by his eagerness.

“Shall we get started right away?”

“Yes, yes, please!”

Hymer turned to Ryu Min. “And what about you, The Ahead?”

“My business here is done, so I’ll be on my way.”

At that, Russell quickly rushed over and bowed deeply, in typical Korean fashion.

“Thank you so much, Black Scythe. If it weren’t for you, I never would’ve gotten this chance.”

The quest would have been impossible without Ryu Min’s introduction, given his excellent reputation with the dwarves.

“I’ll definitely repay this favor. I swear it.”

“I’ll hold you to that promise.”

With a debt of gratitude, Russell was sure to treat Black Scythe kindly from now on.

“Oh, before I go, Hymer, there’s something I need to discuss with you.”

“With me? Is there something you need?”

“I’ve heard a rumor that special materials are sold here in Iron Grey.”

“What kind of materials are you talking about?”

Ryu Min listed the rare crafting materials he was after, and as Hymer listened, his expression slowly changed.

“Ahem, where did you hear such rumors…?”

“I have my ways. So, do you have them or not?”

“We do have them, but…”

“Can you sell them to me?”

For the first time, Hymer looked troubled, which was quite a change from his usual friendly demeanor.

“Well, these are difficult materials to come by, so we can’t just give them away…”

“I’m not asking for a handout. I’ll buy them all.”

“These materials are quite expensive, you know.”

“Don’t worry.”

Ryu Min grinned confidently.

“I’ve got more than enough gold.”