Chapter 14: Although I’m Laughing, I’m Not Really Laughing Inside

In just a few days, Kai became a notable figure in Frica Village. His Benevolence stat increased by 2 over the past two days, reaching a total of 33.

After spending several hours treating the residents without any further increase in his Benevolence stat, it seemed that endlessly accumulating Benevolence points in this manner was not possible.

And my face has become too well-known now.

Now, not only the NPCs but also the players who used Frica Village as their base recognized Kai's face after being drawn by the residents' praises of him.

Kai sighed, “Anyway, it's finally over."

Having safely completed his day's business, Kai walked the streets with a light heart. Today marked the seventh day since Maxim had promised, so he intended to visit the blacksmith.

As Kai walked, friendly voices from NPCs greeted him from all sides.

"Kai! I'll leave some apples for you to pick up later!"

"Stop by the bar after hunting! I'll treat you to a cold beer! Hahaha!"

All of them had received treatment from Kai. Their increased affinity made such interactions possible.

"Haha, did your shoulder loosen up?"

"How's your sprained ankle?"

"Indigestion can't be perfectly cured with Heal, so stick to easily digestible foods like soup for a while."

Kai didn’t ignore the NPCs and greeted each one in return.

If every service worker in the world was like me, the world would be a slightly better place.

Shaking his head at the thought of world peace, Kai arrived at the blacksmith.

Phew. Why am I so nervous?

He didn't have high expectations for the completed set items and weapons. Helmet, shoulder armor, top, bottom, shoes—typically, these five pieces of equipment were classified as a set item, and some sets included special parts.

Based on my visit to the auction house yesterday, the most recently traded Red Gnoll set was 95 gold for five parts.

Despite the absurd price nearing 10 million won in cash, the Red Gnoll set was so scarce that it couldn't be purchased.

"God, Buddha, Helik, Mom, Noona, and...who am I missing? My twelfth-grade homeroom teacher?"

Kai closed his eyes tightly and prayed to them.

Please let this be a jackpot.

At the same moment he opened his eyes, he vigorously knocked on the blacksmith's door.

"Come in."

As he entered, the same heat as before hit his face, but this time it didn't feel as hot due to his nervousness.

"I came because you said to return in a week."

"All the items are finished."

Maxim went into his room and emerged with two heavy boxes.

Thud, thud.

He placed the boxes on the workbench and said with a satisfied expression, "Open them."

Swallowing hard, Kai nervously touched the large box.

[Would you like to open the Black Gnoll Armor box?]

There was only one downside to the set item. Once the box was opened, the item became non-tradable.

But that's okay. Right now, defeating the Wyrm Lizard is the priority, so I need a spec upgrade.

Moreover, set items that became non-tradable could be made tradable again through an item called Witch's Breath. Of course, that too involved money.

After taking a short breath, Kai said, "Open item."

Ding!

[Black Gnoll Helmet acquired.]

[Black Gnoll Shoulder Armor acquired.]

[Black Gnoll Armor acquired.]

[Black Gnoll Pants acquired.]

[Black Gnoll Belt acquired.]

[Black Gnoll Boots acquired.]

Kai began to slowly read the description of the items.

[Black Gnoll Helmet]

Grade: Magic (Set)

Defense: 206

Magical Defense: 178