TRPM 313

chapter 313

Director Shin Hanji took Ji-min Woo and me to visit a guild that was home to production-type ability users.

Even though it’s a guild for production-type ability users, its main purpose is simply to provide an environment where they can focus on production.

It’s not like there are no combatants at all; they mostly act as bodyguards for the production-type users or participate in field testing the equipment that these users create rather than venturing into dungeons.

‘This is normal for production-type ability users.’

It’s inefficient for production-type users to join guilds specialized in dungeon raids or maintaining public order. So, it’s not unusual that a guild like this exists.

However…

‘The building’s condition isn’t great…’

It wasn’t dirty, but there were visible signs that the building had been patched up forcibly. It wasn’t just simple cracks; it looked like the building had been partially destroyed and then repaired.

‘What on earth happened here…?’

I was thinking that as I looked at the building when suddenly—

Boom…!

A loud explosion seemed to come from the rooftop, and part of the building collapsed.

“Uh…”
“Ah…”

Luckily, it wasn’t the entire building—just the top floor and the one immediately below it had collapsed.

‘… And nobody seems that surprised?’

According to my sense, the staff, who were presumably working in this building, and the surrounding residents did not appear alarmed. The only ones startled by the partial collapse were the guild visitors, including us.

“Ah, there it goes again.”

Among the visitors, Director Shin Hanji seemed to know something, sighing as she looked at the collapsed portion.

“No, this is strange! Can buildings really collapse this easily? I thought modern buildings were never poorly constructed!”
“Generally, that’s true. Buildings aren’t just made from steel and concrete; magic is used as well. But this building is different.”

Director Shin Hanji shook her head.

“For some reason, the production-type ability users in this guild cannot properly use their powers if there’s something magical nearby. So this building was constructed using traditional methods, without magic.”

“… Isn’t that dangerous? The building could collapse anytime…”
“It’s fine. Most people using this building are Awakened. And if anyone isn’t, the safety personnel stationed here will protect them, so no one will die or get hurt.”

Director Shin Hanji explained, seemingly trying to reassure me. Indeed…

I expanded my senses to check the top of the collapsed area. A few people were there, but no one seemed hurt or dead. Instead, they were clearing the debris as if it were routine.

“The top floor and the one below it collapse roughly once a week.”
“… Surely, they don’t just collapse for no reason?”
“Of course not. They collapse only due to the shockwaves that occur the moment production-type users finish making their equipment.”

… What kind of equipment production generates shockwaves strong enough to collapse part of a building when completed?

“Anyway, it’s not something we need to worry about. No real problem has occurred.”
“… Really?”

Since Director Shin Hanji said so, there was no need for us to be overly cautious. Thinking that, we entered the building.

“Please choose your weapon and check the catalog.”
“If we make a custom weapon to match your requirements, this would be the estimate. Is that acceptable?”
“We’ll take a cast of your hand. Don’t be nervous—hold the handle inside the machine. Yes, like that… Now, try applying some strength. Grip measurement complete. Next…”

There were quite a few people inside. Presumably, all of them had come to order weapons.

‘Some seem to leave after hearing the price…’

Considering the value of custom equipment made by a production-type ability user, this was understandable.

“Welcome. Would you like help with custom equipment orders?”

As we looked around, a guild employee approached us with this question. Judging by their slightly nervous expression, they probably had a rough idea of who we were.

“Yes. First, I’d like a quote. If we order today, how long until it’s completed?”
“According to the current schedule, you should receive it within three months at the latest.”

Three months.

‘They must be very busy.’

Production-type ability users are generally known to produce three to four pieces of equipment per day. Of course, this varies depending on their skill and the quality of the ordered item.

“Ugh… Three months?”
“That’s actually reasonable. When many Awakened were sent overseas and earned large sums, orders were backed up for more than six months.”

Director Shin Hanji said that to the shocked Ji-min Woo. That must have been when the Black Mist’s activity had temporarily decreased. Even then, it hadn’t fully stopped, and activity resumed after the emergence of invasive dungeons.

“Still, we should place the order as soon as possible to get your weapon quickly, right?”
“Mm, understood.”

Ji-min Woo nodded and moved to proceed. But an employee, hearing their conversation, asked nervously:

“Wait—are you the one ordering a weapon, Hero Ji-min?”
“Hero…?”
“Early Awakened like us who were famous were called that. But… why do you ask?”

The employee, looking troubled, answered Director Shin Hanji’s question.

“Sorry, but for guns… it’s a bit tricky.”
“Ah… I see.”
“Our production-type user hasn’t never made pistols, technically. They’ve supplied guns to the military and police, but only mass-produced types. No one has ever had a gun customized to them, so even if you get a custom gun, don’t expect high performance.”

Oh. They have experience with guns, at least.

“That’s enough. We’re not looking for an extraordinary gun—just one that fits my friend’s hand.”
“Understood. However, since this is our first time making a gun, I can’t guarantee the estimate, so please understand.”

The employee seated us and said:

“First, we’ll run all the tests we normally conduct. We don’t know exactly what data is needed to make a gun.”
“Yes, thank you. Oh, by the way…”

Director Shin Hanji smiled and placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Please test Gun-woo as well.”
“… Me?”
“Yes, does Gun-woo need a personal weapon too?”

I was surprised. The employee also seemed to know that I, as an artist, used the Harmonized Divine Sword.

“No, but Ji-min is revived in the body of a doll made by Gun-woo, so they might need it.”
“Hm…”

I didn’t think it was strictly necessary. The doll’s appearance was not my adult form but rather a face of Ji-min and a body sculpted by Director Shin Hanji. So it wasn’t necessary to measure my body for Ji-min’s weapon.

“Ji-min’s movement is powered by Gun-woo’s aura.”
“… Oh.”

Right, the doll moves using my inner energy. I’d forgotten because I hadn’t supplemented it recently.

‘Might as well top it up.’

I placed my hand on Ji-min’s shoulder and infused inner energy.

“Whoa?! What is this?!”
“In the future, if your aura drops below half, come find me yourself. I’m not going to visit the academy every time.”
“Ah, okay!”

Director Shin Hanji watched in amazement.

“… Why are you doing that?”
“No, I just think Gun-woo’s control over energy is incredible.”

She realized I had just charged Ji-min with inner energy.

“You usually regulate it so others can’t sense it, right?”
“Exactly.”

My inner energy is subtle enough that only someone trained in martial arts, like me, could sense it. That’s why Director Shin Hanji didn’t notice me transferring it to Ji-min.

“… Could you adjust it so others can sense it briefly? Even the detectors can’t pick it up.”
“No need. Ji-min is an Awakened anyway.”

I had no intention of sharing inner energy data. Not even to make a better weapon.

“… That’s fine. After all, the doll moves using aura.”

Director Shin Hanji supported my decision.

“Then… Hero Ji-min, your power is acceleration, correct? Could you use it on this device at maximum output?”
“Ah, yes!”

Thankfully, Ji-min’s power was measured properly. Even though the power was ultimately my inner energy, it still counted as an acceleration effect.

“The maximum output of the acceleration power… incredible. Speed increased over 100 times. Were you a ‘wall-crossing’ Awakened? I don’t remember that in the history books.”
“Huh? Wall-crossing Awakened?”

Among aura users, there are aura masters; among magicians, archmages; among Awakened, there’s the term “wall-crossing Awakened.” It’s not a special title but indicates transcendent capability.

‘It’s the same with spirit users and shamans—no separate title is given when they surpass limits.’

“Your body is different. Because it’s so sturdy, the output of the power increased.”
“I see.”

The employee noted it down without further doubt.

“Yes, testing is complete. Now the question is whether our production-type user will accept it…”

Ah, right. Even if we have the full estimate, if the creator refuses to make it, it’s pointless. A standard weapon is one thing, but a sudden request for a gun might be rejected.

“Don’t worry about that.”
“If that friend says no, will you deliver it?”
“I still have their graduation photo from academy days.”

… That’s basically a threat, isn’t it?