Chapter 72
Defense Industry Expo (2)
“Then… you’re suggesting we change the way we work?”
“Yes. Otherwise, Sehyun, it’s going to get tough for you.”
Sehyun was quite surprised, but thinking it over, he realized the point wasn’t wrong.
It was good that he had come up with a new item with mass production in mind.
But it was true that he hadn’t considered the production process itself.
“How many units do you think we could produce per month using the existing method?”
“Hmm… maybe around a hundred per month.”
Of course, that was assuming full dedication over thirty days with no supply interruptions at all.
Geum Gang-tae shook his head firmly.
“That’s far from enough.”
The quantity that the Future Strategy Office supplied to the Foundation easily exceeded several thousand units per month.
It was a jaw-dropping scale.
And that was just for domestic supply.
“Besides, what we’re aiming for is an international supply business. A few thousand units won’t even come close. Of course, if you look at each item individually, the quality is top-notch…”
This explained why mass-produced items often saw a drop in quality compared to handmade goods.
There were factors that had to be prioritized over quality.
That factor was cost-effectiveness.
All elements—time, capital, production, distribution—had to be combined to maximize output.
“When we roughly calculated it on our side…”
Geum Gang-tae presented an Excel table showing the minimum figures needed to meet mass-production cost-effectiveness.
Sehyun’s eyes naturally trembled.
Indeed, the current method could never handle such volume.
“What if we reduce the quantity and sell at a premium?”
“If you mean a premium strategy, it doesn’t fit this business.”
“Why not?”
“Because it would go against the direction you want for the business.”
Startups sometimes pursue a premium strategy.
But that’s a strategy used to find a niche in a red ocean of competition.
In contrast, artifacts were already differentiated by themselves.
The difference was only perceivable through direct experience.
“If the goal had been premium, you wouldn’t have needed to collaborate with us. It would have been better to take orders and produce in small quantities.”
“…True, the attempt at mass production is precisely to move away from that model.”
Everything they had been doing so far was exactly as he had said.
Giving artifacts to a select few to increase strength.
The same method Ha Il-hwan had used to build influence in his previous life.
He would probably move in the same way again.
Though this time, the timing might be even sooner.
‘Because the country is a big variable.’
It wasn’t yet the right time to act, but with his charisma and political skill, he would surely expand his power rapidly.
Then the initial advantage Ha Il-hwan would hold had to be blocked firmly.
‘So that’s why they’re distributing artifacts fairly to everyone.’
This was the first step in a plan to catch Ha Il-hwan.
Sehyun hadn’t expected to hit a blockage right at the start.
“Is there no way to simplify the process?”
“Artifacts are made this way. I’ve only ever thought about improving quality, never simplifying the process.”
“That flag, didn’t you improvise it inside the Rift originally? How did you make it then? Surely you used a simpler method.”
“Ah, that….”
Geum Gang-tae’s idea was good, but unfortunately, it was rejected.
At that time, Sehyun’s unique ability, [Myth Imbuing], made it possible.
Now, it was necessary not only to simplify the process but also to allow production to be divided.
A method was needed where someone could produce the artifact without Sehyun touching it, as long as they had the blueprint.
“…Wait, the blueprint?”
“Sehyun?”
Sehyun suddenly remembered the scene from the last Cheonji Workshop.
The artisans there had successfully made the artifacts using Sehyun’s blueprint.
‘Of course, that was only possible because the artisans’ will worked as a unique myth. But…’
Sehyun approached the workbench and grabbed a handful of red powder.
“There might be a way for mass production.”
“…Do you have an idea?”
“With this, it wouldn’t be impossible.”
Sage’s Powder.
A material that balances and standardizes all elements.
It even accounts for the skill of the maker.
With this, someone with lower understanding of artifacts could still produce them.
Geum Gang-tae grabbed a handful of the powder and looked relieved.
“Even if we hand over the blueprint, the core material remains with you… good. With this process, how much of the artifact’s true power can we implement?”
That was the problem.
No matter how much myth was infused using Sage’s Powder, production by someone not fully skilled would drastically reduce quality.
Assuming they fully understood the process and had complete knowledge of the myth… probably…
“At best… 70 percent, I’d say.”
“70 percent?”
Was it rejected after all?
Even so, a 30% drop in quality…
“Why didn’t you say so sooner! 70% is more than enough!”
“…Really?”
“The quality of mass-produced items often falls below 50%. With proper supervision, it will work. Let’s fix the process at that.”
“But there’s another problem.”
If we rely solely on Sage’s Powder, durability would take a hit.
The myth engraved in the item would weather and fade quickly.
It’s like drawing a picture on sand.
The item might lose its ability after a few uses, or even break.
Geum Gang-tae pondered Sehyun’s words, then spoke.
“That might actually be better.”
“Huh?”
Items breaking quickly is better?
“What I mean is, if the ability has a lifespan, we can set up an AS line. And if the item is consumable, we can plan a repurchase cycle. That’s more advantageous as a business model.”
“…You really are a businessman.”
Sehyun couldn’t help but admire.
Turning a product’s weakness into a business advantage.
It made sense: even their stellar-force weapons weren’t meant for permanent use.
Excess stellar power caused overload, weakening durability—a problem they’d been dealing with for decades.
That’s why the Cheonji Workshop, producing weapons for decades, never had a break.
And these artifacts had their own skills.
No one expected to use them permanently.
“Just prepare the manual so another company can produce them. Can you finish it in about a week?”
“That much? I’ll have it ready in two days.”
“Good.”
Geum Gang-tae nodded satisfactorily.
The minimum structure of the business was now in place.
Next was selecting a production company.
He handed Sehyun a catalog, saying he already had something in mind.
“Ah…!”
“Do you know what this is?”
Sehyun’s eyes sparkled.
Of course.
Before fully making artifacts in his previous life, he had studied weapons thoroughly; these were the items exhibited at this expo.
“If the schedule allows, why not submit them?”
Even if they had advertised once in the Player’s Report, not many followed each entry carefully.
It would look better to have the title of a Foundation contract rather than rely on their own ads.
The schedule was tight and submission risky, but considering the returns, it was worth it.
“Great. Let’s submit.”
“Yes, then we can start the application process…”
“Instead, I have a better idea.”
Sehyun couldn’t help smiling.
He had an idea better than just earning the title.
“If we’re going to go big, why not take it all?”
“Are preparations going smoothly?”
“Ah, who do we have here? Thanks to you, everything’s proceeding smoothly, Deputy Park! Huh-huh!”
“Shh, lower your voice. I’m just here for a pre-event check.”
“Of course, of course.”
A man with a dumpling-like figure and tiny eyes welcomed him heartily.
Deputy Park waved his hand and looked around the booth.
Red and gold banners were boldly displayed.
Red pillars and yellow tiles, themed after the Chinese imperial court, gave the booth a luxurious feel.
It was truly “Chinese style.”
As the finishing touch, shields resembling sections of a fortress wall were lined up.
“Last year was impressive, but it seems you’ve sharpened your skills this time.”
“Yes. This year, we must beat Taezong at the expo.”
Dongfang Mingzhu was one of the top communities in China.
Its leader, Baozi, clenched his teeth.
D.I.P.—Defense Industry Procurement EXPO.
An expo where communities showcased new weapons and conducted demonstrations, hosted annually by the Foundation.
Originally, weapon types for players weren’t varied.
Stellar-force weapons could only be produced via the Cheonji Workshop’s special process.
Over time, weapons based on Cheonji products were secondarily processed to match each community’s abilities.
The Foundation eventually gathered these unique weapons for an annual expo.
Winners could sell their items officially through the Foundation market.
‘But this expo isn’t just about showing off weapons.’
Placing in the top meant a community’s combat power was recognized.
For new communities, it was a chance to be noticed; for established ones, it was a place to show prestige.
Dongfang Mingzhu consistently submitted new weapons every two years to claim that prestige.
But…
-
This year, first place will go to Taezong!
Year after year, they lost to Taezong.
The reason was simple.
Despite being mainly a distributor, Taezong had a direct line to the Foundation in Korea, keeping him ahead of information.
Hence, he always dominated the expo and secured the top spot and official market rights.
Baozi, however, was confident this year would be different.
He had prepared thoroughly.
“This time, we’ll crush the pride of those Han-guo people.”
“…I’m Han-guo too, though.”
“Ah, Deputy Park, you’re different! We’re on the same side, haha!”
They had spared no effort to beat Taezong.
Through bribery and connections, Baozi could reach Deputy Park, a key source of information for the expo.
-
Regarding this year’s judging criteria… it must be related to that incident.
-
You mean the 12-3 emergency assembly incident?
Recently, a crisis almost occurred due to failing to handle a single Rift.
It highlighted the importance of safety standards.
“You said the focus would be on defensive equipment, durability, and survivability, right?”
“So that’s what you submitted.”
Shields like fortress walls, the size of a person.
The weapon was named [The Great Wall].
Though crude in appearance, its design and abilities were intuitive.
When lined up, the shields could unify stellar-force flow like a single massive wall.
A weapon capable of constructing a perfect defensive line, true to its name.
“Then we look forward to the opening, sir.”
“Even if the crowd is too big, don’t fret! Huh-huh!”
Baozi smiled, showing his ample cheeks, and waved Deputy Park off.
The expo soon began.
The scene was bustling:
“Take a number and wait! You’ll have to wait over an hour!”
“The weapon demonstration will start soon! Press, this way please!”
It was a busy, hectic scene.
But the star wasn’t Dongfang Mingzhu.
“Creator interviews are not conducted separately! Pre-arranged media should see Director Geum Gang-tae over there…”
A booth decorated like a desolate battlefield full of war flags:
[Taezong X Pandemonium]
All attention was on Taezong, working with a previously unheard-of community.
