Gourmet Gaming

Chapter 633: The Sword God’s Inheritance

In RPG events, announcements like this would often pop out:

[One time chance! Get your hands on the best weapon in the world today!]

Just once, only for today, or for an hour only. Events like this allowed the players to grab and wield the ‘best’ weapons in existence, weapons that they otherwise could never hold in their lives. These were very commonplace in RPG games. Players trembled at the thought of getting their hands on the best weapon in the world even just for thirty minutes, clamoring to collect materials or parchments that they could exchange with the event NPC merchant.

After that, it would then become too easy to deal with the monsters that were far too strong for them before. Even the monsters’ attacks, which could cut down almost half of their HP from before, only dealt a bit of damage. This was the effect of these weapons and the reason why the players were very eager for events that allowed them to use them, even if for only a very short period of time.

And now, something unbelievable had happened. Minhyuk could not believe that he had gotten his hands on an event item.

(Hepas and Arlene’s All Creation Bundle)

Rank: God

Special Abilities:

?There are 300 God-grade artifact materials and cooking ingredients that you can use.

?Artifacts made from materials taken from Hepas and Arlene’s All Creation Bundle will disappear after an hour of use.?

?Artifacts made from materials taken from Hepas and Arlene’s All Creation Bundle will have a +5 strengthening effect if they reach the legendary rank.

Description: Hepas and Arlene’s All Creation Bundle is an event item. Even if you produce a God-rank artifact or a God-grade dish, they will be consumable artifacts that disappear an hour after they have been used. Battle God Nerva Sephiroth planned to use it to distribute artifacts to the players that sided with the empire as an event.

Minhyuk could only blink blankly at the description. No matter how much he looked at it, it was still very amazing. Three hundred God rank materials. The only downside was the fact that the artifact would disappear after an hour, even if they made a ‘God-rank’ item. But, what if thirty people were equipped with these God-rank artifacts?

‘We can probably attack Nerva too, right?’

It was not impossible. However, once an hour passed and the artifacts disappeared, they would be unilaterally pushed back and swept away. Minhyuk smiled happily at the very unexpected harvest. Then, he sent a whisper to Hyemin’sDaddy.

[Minhyuk: Hyemin’sDaddy, are you in the blacksmith’s workshop?]

[Hyemin’sDaddy: Yes. I’ll be waiting here~ ^^]

Hyemin’sDaddy was the descendant or successor of God of Blacksmiths Hepas, and was probably the only person in Athenae that could create a ‘God-rank artifact’. But before meeting up with him, Minhyuk recalled another treasure house he had access to. It was none other than Ruven’s Treasure House. Ruven was the 20th Sword of the Gods and was someone that died because of Hanwoo and Minhyuk’s extraordinary performance.

[Would you like to use your two chances to use Ruven’s Treasure House?]

“Yes,” Minhyuk answered as he closed his eyes. When he opened his eyes again, he was already inside Ruven’s Treasure House.

In front of Minhyuk was all of the silver and gold that Ruven had accumulated his entire life, piled up like a mountain. That was not all. Ruven had also accumulated plenty of spoils of war from killing his enemies.

‘As expected, there are many artifacts here.’

When Minhyuk entered Nerva Sephiroth’s treasure house, he was able to see plenty of legendary-rank artifacts. He was sure that he would be able to see plenty of God-rank artifacts among them if he looked closely. It was to be expected of Nerva Sephiroth’s Treasure House, a place filled with countless treasures.

In fact, if Minhyuk had chosen gold, then he would immediately be able to get 500,000 platinum right away. This just went to show how powerful and influential Nerva Sephiroth was. After all, they only killed a clone, but they were able to enter such a vast treasure house like this.

So what about Ruven’s Treasure House? The moment Minhyuk reached the place where the gold coins were piled up, this notification rang…

[You can acquire 50,000 platinum.]

Fifty thousand platinum was a huge amount that an ordinary person could not even dare to dream of having in their life. However, it was different for Minhyuk. He had to find something far more valuable than the 50,000 platinum. It would be even better if he could find something that could become a game changer in the Battlefield of the Gods.

Having walked for quite some time, Minhyuk was even able to find a God-rank necklace among the items inside the treasure house. It was obviously a great item, but Minhyuk still put it on hold for now.

‘I have to look further. I can’t just focus on immediate gains.’

There was a chance that God-rank artifacts would be available to him easily sometime in the future. However, if he lost in the Battlefield of the Gods, then he might lose his qualifications forever. That was why Minhyuk had to be very careful with his choice here.

Just as the thought flashed in his head, a very welcome voice, one that he had not heard in a long time, rang in his ears.

[I can feel Kronad’s energy…]

That owner of the voice was none other than the entity sleeping inside the Puzzling Seasoning Jar.

“Kronad?”

[He’s the first and greatest pope of Athenae Religion.]

“Hmmm?”

Minhyuk always thought that it was good to at least carry around the Puzzling Seasoning Jar around. It was because he was sure that his curiosity and doubt would always be resolved as long as he had it. After all, just like how there was information that only the players knew, there was also information that only the NPCs knew. That was when Minhyuk found a very old necklace with a worn-out cross pendant.

“Is it this necklace?” Minhyuk asked, immediately checking the details.

(Kronad’s Sealed Necklace)

Rank: ???

Requirements: ???

Durability: ???

Attack Power: ???

Special Abilities:

????

????

?You can only use the power of Kronad’s Sealed Necklace once.

Description: This is an old and worn out necklace that has been asleep for hundreds of years.

‘This is no good.’

In the end, it was a sealed artifact. Even if Kronad was the first and greatest pope of Athenae Religion, if there was no way to unseal the necklace, it made it worthless to Minhyuk. The biggest downside of this necklace was the fact that it lacked information.

“I see,” Minhyuk placed the necklace down. Then, at that moment…

[That necklace… It's something that I need. Can’t you choose it for me?]

“You need it?”

[That’s right. I was originally $@$%@#%$$… by Kronad. Also, the power hidden in Kronad’s necklace is $%#%#$%#%#.]

“…???”

A flash of confusion appeared in Minhyuk’s face. It was because all of the important parts had been beeped— out. He could not even hear anything. Which gave Minhyuk the idea that this was probably a precursor to an unopened story.

‘I’m not too sure but it might be pretty important information.’

It sounded interesting.

“Who in the world are you?”

Who was inside the jar and how was he related to the story? Still, Minhyuk hesitated. He only had the words that the Grumpy Gochujang said and was still uncertain if he should choose Kronad’s necklace. Just as he was hesitating…

[I understand. You can just pick whatever you want. That’s something that I need to solve anyway.]

“Hmm.”

The voice coming from the Puzzling Seasoning Jar turned sullen and downcast. Strangely enough, Minhyuk had already grown attached to him after all the conversations that they shared. Still, was choosing something like this when he needed to find a way to win the Battlefield of the Gods the wisest decision? After pondering for a while, Minhyuk picked up the necklace again.

“Let’s choose Kronad’s necklace then.”

[Would you like to choose Kronad’s Necklace?]

“Yes.”

[You have acquired Kronad’s Necklace.]

The Puzzling Seasoning Jar, confused by Minhyuk’s choice, turned silent for a moment. He then spoke up.

[Thanks. This grace… I’ll make sure to pay you back some day.]

“Make sure to pay it back. If you go back on your words, then I’ll make sure that I’ll tip you over until you die.”

[…Right.]

The voice of the Puzzling Seasoning Jar was quite somber today. Minhyuk did not know yet, but the fact that he chose Kronad’s Necklace would become a complete game changer in the ‘Battlefield of the Gods’.

After that, Minhyuk continued to look around for things that would be useful in the Battlefield of the Gods.

“…!”

Minhyuk stopped in front of an artifact.

“This…”

The reason why he stopped… Perhaps no one would choose such an artifact among all of those that would participate in the Battlefield of the Gods. But Minhyuk was sure that he would receive a huge boost in power with this artifact.

(Ring Connecting the King and his Vassals)

Rank: Legendary

Requirements: The One that has Vassals.

Durability: 2,000 / 2,000

Special Abilities:

?No matter where your vassal is or what your vassal is doing, you will be able to summon them unconditionally. Can only be used once a month.

?To summon your vassal, you need to say the trigger words: ‘If I’m with you then…’

Why did Minhyuk need such an artifact? It was because of the chance to summon Brod in the Battlefield of the Gods. Brod was one of the Swords of the Absolute Gods and was hailed as the 1st Sword of the Gods. He had left to fight for Minhyuk but there was one thing that Minhyuk was sure of. Brod was the strongest. In fact, he was sure that even God of Snakes Elizabeth or Spear God Ben would not be able to do anything against him.

“Then, I will choose the Ring Connecting the King and his Vassals.”

And with that, Minhyuk finally left Ruven’s Treasure House.

***

Hyemin’sDaddy was actually very worried.

‘Producing God-rank artifacts…’

He was obviously God of Blacksmiths Hepas’ descendant. Although he was given that title, Hyemin’sDaddy had never produced a God-rank artifact, despite producing around 48 legendary-rank artifacts already. That was how difficult the production of a God-rank artifact was. After all, they were something that could only be produced with a power that could transcend the limits, coupled with infinite luck.

However, Minhyuk told him, ‘Hyemin’sDaddy, let’s show the world the power of our Named NPCs equipped with God-rank artifacts.’

“Ha…”

A sigh naturally came out of Hyemin’sDaddy’s mouth. For some reason, he felt like he was lacking. On the other hand, ‘Even if I want to make it, we don’t have that many materials.’

That was right. Aside from his lacking qualities, they also did not have any materials. After finishing all of the business that he had to do, Minhyuk came to the blacksmith’s workshop. Inside the Beyond the Heavens’ blacksmith’s workshop, famous and well-known blacksmiths, including Hyemin’sDaddy, had gathered.

Hyemin’sDaddy tried to tell Minhyuk, who looked to be filled with expectations, that what he wanted to do was practically impossible. It was possible for him to make legendary rank artifacts, but it was impossible for him to make God-rank ones.

“Minhyuk, I think it will be difficult to produce God-rank artifacts with my power. My skills being lacking aside, we don’t have much materials too, right? It’s almost impossible to make a God-rank artifact out of legendary grade materials.”

The other blacksmiths also agreed with that sentiment. In fact, the other blacksmiths here had never even seen a God-rank artifact in their lives at all.

However, Minhyuk took out what seemed to be a huge bundle and said, “Please check this.”

“Yes?” Hyemin’sDaddy said, taking the bundle into his hands with an expression filled with curiosity.

“…?”

After checking the details, he could not help but rub his eyes. It seemed like he could not believe what he saw. He could not help but look again.

“…?”

Hyemin’sDaddy voiced out his doubts, “Is, isn’t this an event item? Can, can we even have so many event items?”

“I got it by chance.”

Hyemin’sDaddy was delighted. As a blacksmith, it was an honor for him to deal with so many God-rank artifact materials. However, his expression turned stiff as he said, “But I don’t think there’s a way for me to make God-rank artifacts…”

“What if…” Minhyuk said, looking back at Hyemin’sDaddy and the other blacksmiths. “What if I make a God-grade dish, from the ingredients in Hepas and Arlene’s All Creation Bundle, specifically for you, Hyemin’sDaddy?”

“…!”

Hyemin’sDaddy felt his body shake and tremble. He would be able to eat a God-grade dish? On top of that, Minhyuk’s buffed dish was completely overpowered. He was sure that he would be able to increase the level of his lacking skills significantly.

“It’s definitely worth a try,” Hyemin’sDaddy said as he rolled up his sleeves.

***

Joy Co. Ltd.

President Kang Taehoon, who stopped by the Special Players Management Team for a while, could not hide the anxiety that flashed on his face. Team Leader Park Minggyu sat with him and took a sip of his coffee. He actually understood why Kang Taehoon was feeling that way.

“It’s because of Hepas and Arlene’s All Creation Bundle, right?”

“That’s right. Since he brought it out, it means that he will use it in the Battlefield of the Gods.”

Team Leader Park Minggyu could only smile bitterly at those words. He said, “Is there really a need for us to worry?”

“Huh?”

“Player Minhyuk has created God-grade dishes a few times, but he has not produced any God-rank artifacts. Wasn’t it only possible previously because he wished for the power of the God of Blacksmiths Hepas?”

“That’s also true. Hoo… Is that so? Perhaps I’m really worrying needlessly?”

Originally, the True God should have only appeared six months later. However, just the thought of Minhyuk having the chance to sit on the seat of a True God brought a lot of anxiety to Kang Taehoon.

At that moment.

[Food God Minhyuk has succeeded in making a ‘God-grade’ dish!]

“…?”

“…?”

Team Leader Park and President Kang looked at each other, shocked.

[Hepas’ Descendant Hyemin’sDaddy has created a ‘God-rank’ artifact for the first time!]

“…!”

“…!”

Their eyes grew wide at the notification that struck them a few hours later.

On the other side of the world, Alexander, who was looking forward to the Battlefield of the Gods, heard a similar notification.

[Anonymous has successfully created a ‘God-grade’ dish!]

“…Is it Minhyuk? What did he make this time?” Alexander said, smiling.

After a few hours of hunting.

[Anonymous has successfully created a ‘God-rank’ artifact for the first time!]

And after another few hours.

[Anonymous has successfully created a ‘God-rank’ artifact!]

“…What in the world is happening?” Alexander mumbled out loud, doubt flashing on his face.

Japan’s Kentaro also heard these two notifications in a row.

“What’s this?”

And again.

[Anonymous has successfully created a ‘God-rank’ artifact!]

“…!”

For two days in a row, people from all over the world paid attention to the World Message. The notifications rang out at regular intervals.

[Anonymous has successfully…‘God-rank’ artifact!]

[Anonymous has successfully…‘God-rank’ artifact!]

[Anonymous has successfully…‘God-rank’ artifact!]

Everyone that played Athenae were all forced to stop from the shock that they received from the notifications.

[Anonymous has created five God-rank artifacts in a row!]

The final notification was the nail in the coffin, and the entire world was turned upside down.