Chapter 511: Solo Leveling 3

So after final inspection of the suit and mechanical soldiers, I went to the Hunter Association.

Then President Go Geon-hee and association staff came out directly and greeted me.

“Please come in, Dr. Park Tae-jin.”

“I didn’t know you’d welcome me so grandly.”

“That is because you are the person who will lead our country’s economy from now on. We analyzed the metals you made last time. But most of them are said to be metals that don’t exist on Earth. Moreover, experts said that if such metals are released to the market, they will bring tremendous economic effects. They also said that affinity with mana is also excellent, so they can be very excellent materials for making hunter equipment.”

Somehow he welcomed me warmly, it seems after analyzing the metals I made last time, he came to such a conclusion.

But thinking about what I will show in the future, that was just the tip of the iceberg.

But when I entered the association, there were not only association officials.

Some of the guild masters of the 5 largest guilds in Korea were also here.

Certainly, the appearance of a new S-rank hunter was also a very important matter for them.

Because depending on which guild a newly appeared S-rank hunter chooses, the power balance between guilds could completely change.

As such, they couldn’t help but be nervous.

If they lose talent to a competing guild, they could be placed in a disadvantageous position in future power struggles.

“This way.”

The place Go Geon-hee guided was a place like an indoor gymnasium located next to the main building of the Hunter Association.

The floor, of course, and even the walls were thickly covered with metal plates imbued with mana.

Seeing that it was made so sturdy, it was clearly a place prepared for hunters to spar or test various abilities.

I was guided and moved to the center of the gymnasium.

Then an association employee who looks like an ordinary office worker came with a chart and started asking this and that.

On the other hand, each guild master was watching that closely from the viewing seats above.

“Nice to meet you, Hunter Park Tae-jin. We will confirm your ability and classify the series. What abilities can you use?”

“I can make metal by converting mana as designed. Moreover, I can also store it in subspace. If I combine that ability with my specialty, mechanical engineering, I can make this.”

After saying that, I took out C-rank long-range type and tanker type mechanical soldiers from inventory and showed them.

Then Go Geon-hee and the employee were extremely surprised and started to examine the mechanical soldiers.

“It’s amazing… Seeing mana imbued, it means it definitely operates inside the dungeon. Moreover, subspace…”

“That’s right. Because it moves with mana, not electricity. It’s a prototype of the company I will make. It’s a combat-type humanoid equipped with artificial intelligence.”

Then Go Geon-hee said while examining.

“I never imagined you would bring such things. Judging by mana amount, it seems to be about C-rank, is that right?”

“Yes, that’s right. Because I used C-rank magic stone.”

“That means you can also make it with B-rank or A-rank magic stones.”

“You saw right away. I haven’t developed it yet, but it’s fully possible. Of course, performance will be much better than now. Moreover, that’s not the end. As long as the number of magic stones and my mana allow, mass production is also possible.”

At those words, Go Geon-hee broke into a cold sweat.

“That means… If enough time is given, you can even raise an army. Moreover, you said you have subspace, so it means you can summon large troops whenever needed.”

Go Geon-hee was maintaining his usual gentle smile, but his eyes were different from just before.

Because what he thought was simply an excellent production-type ability had a much more dangerous possibility than expected.

If magic stones and mana are sufficient, troops can be produced in large quantities, and such created soldiers can be stored in subspace and taken out and put in at the desired moment.

Moreover, what if those soldiers have combat power comparable to ordinary hunters?

It was not just a problem of securing one powerful hunter.

It was an ability that could shake even the military power of the country and the landscape of the hunter industry.

Moreover, if he even has a different mind, the worry naturally followed: can we handle him?

For Go Geon-hee, it seemed not easy to give an answer.

Just imagining what would happen if the man in front of him turns into an enemy, it was a problem that could never be lightly passed over.

He didn’t rashly reveal his inner thoughts and looked at my expression.

There were many parts not yet confirmed, but at least one thing seemed to be felt clearly.

Hunter Park Tae-jin should not be taken lightly.

But if I only instill vigilance, they will try to keep me in check, so it’s not good for me either.

So I also told them the disadvantage right away.

“That’s right. But there is also a disadvantage. Maximum operating time is 2 weeks, and if you fight intense battles continuously, the limit is about 4 days at most. After that, you have to replenish mana.”

“Hmm… To operate properly, mana stones will be needed. As grade rises, the amount of mana entering will increase… Have you tried a combat experiment?”

“I’ve done simulation, but not yet.”

“Is that so?”

Go Geon-hee immediately gave various instructions to guild staff behind.

Then soon, two hunters who looked like C-rank came into the gymnasium wearing equipment.

“Let’s try it right away. It’s not bad to check this time.”

It seems Go Geon-hee, as my ability is unusual, is trying to conduct an experiment right away.

I also could fully understand, so I gladly accepted.

Looking at the outfits the two hunters wore, one looked like a magician, and one looked like a swordsman with a sword.

“Then, let’s start!”

At first, both sides started exchanging long-range attacks.

Hunters fired flame magic randomly, and long-range type mechanical soldier also raised rifle and fired mana bullets to counter.

Zing! Bang! Bang! Whoosh!

But there was a clear difference on both sides.

C-rank hunters had no proper defense means.

Swordsmen had to block incoming attacks with swords or move their bodies to avoid, but mechanical soldiers were different.

Thanks to tanker type blocking all attacks in front, long-range type could continue shooting safely.

Moreover, in firing speed, mechanical soldier side was overwhelmingly superior.

When hunters attack once, mechanical soldiers could pour several mana bullets, so as time passed, the gap between both sides had to widen.

In the end, hunters started to breathe roughly as if they were tired of running around ceaselessly and avoiding attacks.

On the other hand, mechanical soldiers, as usual, while tanker type steadily blocked attacks, long-range type continued pressure while shooting rifle.

Then, as if capturing that hunters’ movements have become noticeably dull, tanker type suddenly held sword and quickly narrowed distance.

Long-range type also continued shooting and covered in response.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

“Huh! Wa, wait!”

Thud!

“Keok!!”

Hunters flustered by sudden approach couldn’t respond properly, and eventually began to allow attacks of mechanical soldiers.

In no time, the warrior fell, and eventually the magician also thought there was no hope anymore and surrendered immediately.

Go Geon-hee, of course, and association officials and staff, and even each guild master, couldn’t hide their admiration at that appearance.

Because they confirmed in front of their eyes that it’s not just a moving machine, but a combat weapon that can actually fight and win against real hunters.

“I adjusted power moderately, so they probably won’t be hurt much.”

I said, looking at the fallen hunter.

Then Go Geon-hee was surprised.

“It’s amazing. You deliberately lowered that much speed and attack power… Both machines seem to have combat power of about upper C-rank hunter. Moreover, even after receiving several attacks, there’s not even a scratch…”

“It’s the power of the metal I made.”

At my answer, Go Geon-hee fell into thought for a moment.

Then, as if something occurred to him, he opened his mouth.

“Hmm… In this case, C-rank or lower hunters might lose their jobs.”

“That won’t be it. I plan to sell these mechanical soldiers at a fairly high price. Rather, they will save hunters’ lives. When in a dangerous situation inside the gate, you can put these guys forward as a shield and escape.”

“How much are you going to sell each for?”

“150 million.”

At that much, it might be better to just use a C-rank hunter.

Not only the price, but also because you have to keep using mana stones.

“Instead, exchange with mana stones and magic stones is also possible. To make many products, our company will also need a lot in the future.”

“I see. Hmm…”

Hearing my story, President Go Geon-hee couldn’t help but have deep worries in various ways.

At that time, the guild master of Hunters Guild, Choi Jong-in, raised his hand and spoke.

“I will purchase 6 units first. It definitely looks practical, of course, and it seems it can also increase survival rate of hunters. Once I use it, if performance is satisfactory, I will also consider additional purchase.”

He with red hair and glasses was a considerable handsome man at first glance.

From sharp eyes and relaxed expression, confidence overflowed, and at the corner of his mouth, there was a smile as if watching all situations interestingly.

Especially impressive was his attire.

He was wearing a vivid red suit that matched his hair color, and although it could look tacky, there was no awkwardness, rather it further highlighted his own strong presence.

Then Baek Yoon-ho, the guild master of Baekho Guild, who was next to Choi Jong-in, also said.

“We will also buy 6 units. It definitely looks good.”

Baek Yoon-ho was also a big person no less than President Go Geon-hee.

With light brown hair swept back and thick sideburns, he gave a fairly tough impression.

Just by looking at his solid physique and rough atmosphere, you could tell.

That he is a hunter specialized in close combat fighting directly.

“Hmm… We will buy only two and operate it. Since verification is still lacking.”

One more person decided to buy, and he was Lim Tae-gyu, the guild master of Reaper Guild.

He had curly black hair bushy, and was a person with a gloomy atmosphere and overall sleek body type.

Certainly, these people seemed to have noticed immediately after seeing my ability.

That I’m not a person who will enter any guild.

So rather, they were showing more interest in the mechanical soldiers I made and examining them carefully.

“This is… Today was a place to confirm Hunter Park Tae-jin’s ability, but somehow it became a product promotion meeting.”

“I haven’t even established a company yet.”

Hearing those words, Go Geon-hee brought out an interesting proposal.

“We at the association will simplify various legal procedures and sales approvals needed to establish a company. Instead, please sell products to Hunter Association preferentially. Of course, the same applies to new products you will develop in the future.”

When Go Geon-hee put out such a condition, the guild masters who were watching quietly all flared up.

Because it was no different from saying the association will monopolize the promising new product that just appeared.

“President, isn’t that too much?!”

“That’s right! This is clear abuse of power!”

When guild masters protested strongly, Go Geon-hee rather smiled a good-natured smile and answered calmly.

“You also know, but the association is always short of manpower. So please understand this time.”

At that time, I added one more condition.

“Then there is one condition. Please allow me to enter the dungeon alone with only combat-type mechanical soldiers. If you accept only that condition, I will accept the President’s proposal.”

“Hmm… Good. But, let’s only go to dungeons that match the grade of combat-type mechanical soldiers.”

“Understood.”

The reason Go Geon-hee made such a proposal was obvious.

It was to prevent a large amount of combat-type mechanical soldiers from flocking to a specific guild and breaking the balance of the hunter industry.

So I also took advantage of that gap and slipped in the part I needed and demanded it.

In the end, each had what they wanted, and interests matched.

I shook hands with Go Geon-hee and accepted the proposal.

Then guild masters also couldn’t argue anymore.

After ability identification ended like that, the association issued S-rank hunter qualification.

I received the qualification and returned home as it was.

But the next day, when I checked the news, it was noisy, saying the ninth S-rank hunter in Korea was born.

Moreover, numerous reporters were flocked in front of the apartment and set up camp.

It seems the Hunter Association officially announced it.

I thought it was rather good.

Because I can do free company promotion and recruitment announcement.