◈ 279. [Free Exploration] Base Camp (3)
I received and bought this and that equipment as a gift from an unknown person.
There were quite a few magic stones collected for personal use, so I paid a price to bring the equipment that I wanted to be decent.
In addition, cotton was spread at a price that was no different from a bargain compared to the value of the equipment. Aside from the fact that she only does business when she feels like it, she’s a really good merchant NPC.
‘It was a situation where I needed this and that.’
In the last battle, a lot of our kids gear was damaged.
The [Ghost Armor] that Lucas wore for a long time is also at a tattered level.
In particular, Evangeline’s equipment loss is serious.
The [Golem Armor] was ruined, and the traditional spear and shield of the Crossroad family in both hands were on the verge of being destroyed.
Equipment is essentially consumable. Don’t spare it, let’s change it.
‘Buy two sets of armor for the knight duo… … I have to let the other kids improve their specs as well.’
The situation is slightly better for the main party and the punishment unit, which have been constantly upgrading their equipment.
In the case of the Shadow Unit, which has returned this time, the equipment tier stays a few stages earlier. They also need to be replaced once in a while.
As I frantically shouted at this and that, I almost threw away my personal magic stones, no matter how unknown they were on sale at a bargain price. omg… !
While looking at the empty magic stone inventory and trying to get heartburn, Moo-myeong smiled and tapped the seat with his fingertips.
“I bought a lot this time, so I’ll serve you one more. pick.”
“Hey! Are you really an angel? Jianjang!”
Unknowingly, a strange tone came out, but what about it! Live for free!
So, 2 free gear and 9 gear I bought with my magic stones. A total of 11 equipment shopping was over.
To make this much with production, money is money and time is inexhaustible, so thanks to the unknown, I was able to save money. thank you-!
“What are you thankful for? The growth of you and your colleagues is my joy.”
Anonymous smiled and said: hey hey! Do it in moderation! Then, it would be difficult to fly away with real wings!
Just finished shopping like that.
It was time to end this free exploration and return to the Crossroads.
“As we said before, we can stay here.”
At Quylan’s words, the punishment unit nodded. I also smiled and nodded.
They will stay at the base camp and prepare for the construction of the forward base.
When the teleport gate commissioned by Coco Granny is completed, she will help build the forward base.
“As a senior, I will lead well. majesty.”
Jackal grinned and shrugged with Quylan. They seem to have become friends pretty quickly, perhaps thanks to the commonality of being a muscular-beast race.
He asked Jackal for overall help, including the security of the base camp and the construction of the forward base.
Having lived here in the Lake Kingdom for hundreds of years, I’m sure you’ll help me, since I’ve grown thick.
“majesty.”
Then, God Hand cautiously stepped forward.
“We will stay here too.”
“huh?”
“Berdandi’s party hasn’t finished recovering yet, and the base camp here is also less stable.”
God Hand looked around the NPCs all over the base camp.
“I want to help a lot of people here. Please allow me.”
“Berdandine’s party, even if it’s the same kind as you. Aren’t the others? Will you still help?”
“Your Highness is of a different race than us, but didn’t you help us?”
God Hand smiled faintly.
“There is no reason why people help people.”
“… .”
I have only reached out to you out of my need.
It makes me very embarrassed to answer with such bright good intentions. I tasted it awkwardly.
After all, it’s right after the boss stage, Stage 10, is over. There is quite a bit of time until the next stage.
If you want to stay here and help stabilize the base camp, I have no reason to stop you.
but.
“But Lily… Can you handle it?”
“omg.”
Only then did God Hand’s face go white when he remembered Lily waiting at the Crossroads.
I clicked my tongue. Looking at you, you’re not a bad guy, but you seem to have a knack for making lovers explode.
“You will understand. If it’s Lily.”
“I understand quite well hey… .”
“Please be kind to me…” … .”
“Will he listen to me… … .”
It reminded me of Lily who killed a boss mob with a big fireball a while ago. God Hand and I trembled in fear at the same time… .
anyway so that
I left 5 members of the Punishment Unit and 3 members of the Shadow Unit at the base camp, and only Junior returned.
“I will come often! If something happens to you, come right back on this one! got it!”
He said that as he pushed himself into the teleport gate.
My party members, Jackal Belldandy, Coco Granny, and even an unknown waved their hands to see me off.
No, what are those eyes as if looking at the eldest son coming to Seoul after the holidays!
“Sunflower seeds… It was delicious… … .”
“I suddenly miss the meat pie of the lord’s chef… … .”
“Fresh fruit and honey… .”
Besides, I’m secretly talking about what I want to eat! hey! Do you think I’ll buy that?!
… .
… Sunflower seeds, meat pies, fruit and honey? no more? That’s it –
Flash!
***
Upon returning to Crossroads, Junior was sent back to rest. I came right to the forge.
“Hmm. That’s what happened at base camp… … .”
When I told Kelly Bay what had happened, the old dwarf immediately started packing.
“I have to go back soon. You need a blacksmith for the base camp to run smoothly.”
As soon as those words were spoken, the other blacksmiths around them stiffened their shoulders in unison and threw themselves down to cling to Kelly Bay’s limbs.
“No, father-in-law! Where do you mean you are going! You haven’t passed on the secret yet!”
“I still haven’t figured out how to make dwarven steel!”
“Where are you going when you don’t even transfer molds!”
“I can’t leave here until I teach you everything!”
“These leech-like human beings?! I’m going to suck it all down to my very marrow!”
I watched with a hearty smile at the smithy, which became a mess. Well done blacksmiths. Hold on tight and don’t let go.
“excuse me… majesty.”
“huh?”
Feeling a small hand pulling the hem of my trousers, I looked down and saw a small boy.
A young N-rank mercenary with unkempt hair covering his eyes. It was Hannibal, whom I assigned to Kelly Bay as an assistant.
“If Lord Kellybey returns to where she was… Would it be possible for me to follow?”
“… .”
I was speechless for a moment, then I lowered my waist to match the height of my gaze with Hannibal.
“It’s not far, but it’s dark and humid, and monsters often haunt it. you have to risk your life Are you still going, Hannibal?”
“are you okay! I… I still want to learn more from Kelly Bay.”
I looked into Hannibal’s straight, shiny eyes for a while and smiled.
“If that old man gives permission, let’s do it.”
Anyway, Hannibal is too young to be out of power.
If you learn even one skill that will help you next to Kelly Bay, it will help Hannibal and the frontline here in the long run.
After lightly patting Hannibal’s hair with my hand, I stood up.
Now Kellybay was ramming the blacksmiths clinging to her. what are you doing.
“… I had something to entrust to you.”
With the readjustment of the equipment I bought from Anonymous today.
Upgrading the cross family’s spear and shield used by Evangeline to SSR grade exclusive equipment.
This is something that only magic blacksmith Kelly Bay can do, so I was going to ask for it today, but judging by the appearance, today it was open… … . Let’s order next time… … .
***
the next day. In front of the manor house teleport gate.
Kelly Bay, who had not slept all night and taught the blacksmiths skills, brought her luggage with a blank face.
Behind him, Hannibal smiled and pulled the cart. The wagon is filled with parting gifts that other blacksmiths have made over night.
Somehow, I think these people’s tastes are so consistent that they are all ugly cutlery or lumps of metal.
“By the way, is your back all healed?”
Why did Kelly Bay stay at Crossroads in the first place? Wasn’t it because his back went out when he defeated Jormungand, the serpent of the world? did you feel better?
“Everything was fine… Yesterday, I overworked myself, so I think I got through. Hey… … .”
“Come whenever you feel sick. I’ll let you use the temple for free.”
“I feel like I’m going to get bitten like this every time I come, so will I ever come back?!”
Kelly Bay, who had screamed, gave out an ayayayaya sound, as if her back was hurting right after.
Hannibal pounded the dwarven old man’s waist with his small hand. Boy, that’s gross. What level is that old man?
“Then you seem to have something to ask me.”
As if Hannibal’s hand massage had worked, Kelly Bay, who straightened her back, winked at me.
“Once the base camp is stabilized, I will take your request as my top priority, so don’t entrust it to someone else and wait a little longer. got it?”
“Since you seem to have a bad back, I was just going to leave it at the local smithy.”
“Your waist is your waist and your job is mine! Just give it to someone else! I’ll come back and spray it all!”
Kelly Bay threatened, spinning the hammer in her hand. If you come to Crossroads one more time, you won’t be able to return to Base Camp forever… … .
Hannibal gently pushed Kelly Bay, who was spitting fire out of her mouth, into the teleport gate! and disappeared
I waved my hand and watched as the dwarf blacksmith and his assistant disappeared.
Eventually, after the two disappeared, I turned my head and looked to the side.
“Lily?”
Startle.
Lily, who was stealthily pulling the wheels of her wheelchair to the teleport gate, shook her shoulders at my call. I crossed my arms and smiled.
“what are you doing?”
“… .”
pout. Beep beep.
Lily, who was breaking out in a cold sweat, rolled her eyes and looked at me.
“that… Base camp repairs and outpost construction are the same. Having at least one person well versed in alchemy wouldn’t help… … would you?”
“… .”
I saw a bundle of alchemy-related luggage hanging behind the wheelchair. I let out a low breath.
Greely, who hates dungeons, voluntarily requested dispatch.
“Is this the power of love… ?”
“No, it’s not like that!”
“Haven’t you come too far to deny it now?”
Humming a song on the spot, I shrugged. Yes, you guys are not cowherds or weaver girls, so how can I stop your relationship?
“Go and have a good time.”
“It’s not like that!”
Lily gave a long cry and dragged the wheelchair into the teleport gate. Flash!
I smiled and gave a thumbs up.
If you guys are happy, that’s ok… … .
***
Leaving the punishment unit. The Shadow Army is also leaving. Kelly Bay and Hannibal also leave. Let’s even leave Lily.
Crossroads has become quite quiet. Looking at the empty hero formation window, I somehow felt empty.
‘Let’s do something.’
Compensation paid to the dead for
repairing damaged walls and defense equipment during the last defense battle .
Ordering new equipment. Hire new mercenaries. Check the materials stored for the construction of the forward base… … .
There was no end to the work to be done. I have been immersed in administrative work for a long time.
The morning after a week had passed since the end of the defensive battle.
The weather is quite chilly, so I start to work in the morning, swallowing hot coffee.
“Yeong-joo niii!”
director… The lord’s aide, Ader, rushed over and reported.
“Sir Lucas has come to his senses!”
“… !”
I immediately left my seat and left the mansion.
There are several prisons in Crossroads, and Lucas was imprisoned in the central prison. Because it is the deepest and strongest facility.
Upon entering the dungeon on the lowest floor, there was Lucas, who had been bound with chains, in a spacious private room.
He couldn’t even take off his armor covered in blood from the last battle, and his right hand was tied with the [Calmatizer]. I’ve been stuck in this place for over a week.
“Lord!”
A bright relief flashed in Lucas’ eyes when he recognized me.
There is no trace of the beast on the straight protagonist’s face. It has a kind and innocent face like the usual Golden Retriever.
Standing in front of the prison, I gave a brief command to the guards.
“open it.”
“yep.”
The
prison door opens.
I strode inside and headed in front of Lucas.
Looking at me with a bright face, Lucas opened his mouth.
“Lord! I’m glad you’re all right! The last battle ended without a big hit… … .”
Jab-!
Not listening, I swung my hand as hard as I could and slapped Lucas on the cheek.
The cheeks were raised red. Blood dripped from Lucas’ chapped lips.
“uh… ?”
Slowly turning his head, Lucas looked at me bewildered.
“Lord… ?”
“hey.” “I told you not to wear beast
boots
.”
I gnashed my teeth, chewed and spat out.
“Is it a dog X?
