Chapter 117
“Enhancement?”
Steven stated that the use of the coins developed in the U.S. was for weapon enhancement.
The word “enhancement” was not unfamiliar to Bahamut, but…
‘Ugh, my head!’
Bahamut seemed to have some trauma associated with the word, making him feel an immediate headache.
There was nothing inherently wrong with the concept of enhancement.
Unfortunately, Bahamut, before the apocalypse, was a recluse who had developed a significant trauma due to enhancement systems in online games.
‘My beloved high-tier items!’
Indeed, this foolish dragon was a PTSD victim of the infamous enhancement system in K-online.
How many pieces of equipment had he lost to that wretched enhancement system?
It was a nightmare that Bahamut could never forget.
‘Right, it’s America! Surely, America wouldn’t have developed the K-enhancement method.’
No, they shouldn’t have.
That dreadful system should never appear in reality!
Bahamut glanced at Steven with a trembling gaze.
Sensing this, Steven smiled brightly and proudly revealed the enhancement technology developed in the U.S.
“By using a certain amount of Bahamut Coins, the performance of weapons can be enhanced. Swords, maces, guns—equipment crafted by our artisans can be infinitely enhanced, as long as their durability permits.”
Contrary to his expectations, the U.S. had developed enhancement technology using Bahamut Coins to boost weapon performance.
Weapons could be enhanced infinitely, as long as their durability allowed.
Didn’t this method sound eerily familiar?
‘Huh? This sounds like a system I’ve heard of before. Is this really okay?’
It was a technology that was both fascinating and unsettling.
Bahamut couldn’t help but seriously wonder if such a system should exist in reality.
“So… enhancement… enhancement… enhancement, huh. How’s the performance?”
“At first, there wasn’t much efficiency, but at a certain point, the performance nearly doubles that of the original weapon.”
“Then wouldn’t it be better to make another Bahamut Round instead? If the same amount of coins is used.”
Initially, the efficiency of enhancement was low, but at a certain point, the performance greatly improved.
If the early efficiency wasn’t high, wouldn’t it be more beneficial to use the materials to make additional Bahamut Rounds instead?
Given the same amount of coins, immediate usable weapons might be more desirable.
“Currently, in America, possessing a powerful weapon is key to being recognized as a strong hero. Many of our heroes are purchasing as many Bahamut Coins as possible to acquire stronger weapons.”
“I-I see. Well, in an apocalypse, it’s not unusual to covet powerful weapons.”
“Yes, in this apocalypse, strength earns trust and credibility. Moreover, Awakened individuals are high-income earners. Spending money on weapons won’t bankrupt them.”
Levels inevitably increased through combat.
However, as levels rose, the equipment also needed to be stronger.
Just as Jina Ahn defeated Jung Dong-gun despite a level difference due to superior equipment, equipment could often outweigh level differences.
In the apocalypse, strength equated to trust and credibility.
Awakened individuals sought to acquire strong weapons through enhancement using Bahamut Coins to build wealth and fame.
‘We also relied on gear to secure victories. If wealthy America didn’t leverage gear, that would be stranger.’
Steven’s explanation made sense to Bahamut, who nodded in agreement.
America was leveraging immense resources to import coins for enhancement, demonstrating a gear-centric approach.
It felt quintessentially American.
However, the problem came next.
“Because of this, unknown heroes are even taking loans from federal banks to buy coins and enhance their weapons. Naturally, the prices of artisan-crafted equipment capable of multiple enhancements are also rising.”
“Taking loans… isn’t that risky?”
While established heroes had already secured wealth and fame through enhanced weapons, newcomers were different.
Bahamut expressed concern upon hearing that some heroes took loans to enhance their weapons.
“Haha, don’t worry. They’re Awakened individuals. Unlike zombies, they can hunt monsters for mana stones and leather, which are valuable as research materials or commodities. Even collectors and enthusiasts are willing to pay high prices for them. Research is ongoing, and eventually, these materials will be available to the public.”
Steven reassured Bahamut that there was no need to worry.
Even unknown heroes were still Awakened.
With enhanced weapons, they could hunt monsters for mana stones or leather, which would quickly repay any minor loans from banks.
The White House was already trying to monopolize the mana stones and leather produced by the Awakened.
Meanwhile, collectors and enthusiasts were buying these rare items at high prices.
There was overwhelming demand. It was almost odd not to take loans to buy powerful weapons.
“So, hunting monsters means they can repay their debts quickly?”
“Yes. Even if an Awakened individual borrows money through loans, with a strong weapon, they can hunt monsters and repay their debts. Moreover, selling already-enhanced weapons to latecomers allows them to recover their investments. It’s profitable for Awakened individuals, so they naturally jump in.”
Indeed, investing was bound to pay off.
Even without money, Awakened individuals could easily secure loans, use them to buy strong weapons, and hunt monsters to repay those loans.
Selling the mana stones and leather obtained from the hunted monsters would quickly pay off the debt, and the initially enhanced high-tier weapon would soon become a business asset.
If one decided to leave the business, liquidation would also be straightforward.
There would be many new Awakened individuals seeking such enhanced weapons, and selling to them would allow one to recover their investment!
This was a business with no losses at all!
‘What is this? This feels so… familiar. Where have I seen this before?’
However, Bahamut was once again overwhelmed by a sense of unease at the explanation.
Why?
Why did Steven’s explanation feel so familiar to Bahamut?
The reason was unknown.
For some reason, it felt nostalgic, as though meeting an old acquaintance after a long time.
The described content was so welcome, familiar, and oddly comforting.
“Well then, let’s move on.”
“Yes, though I’d like to delve deeper into enhancement. There are more important topics to address.”
To dispel this unease, Bahamut shifted the topic, and Steven nodded, proposing a new idea to Bahamut.
“Lord Bahamut, what do you think about the establishment of an international organization?”
“Are you referring to the United Nations?”
“Yes, the reconstruction of the United Nations. What are your thoughts on this?”
It was about reestablishing an international organization, essentially the reconstruction of the United Nations.
Hearing the term “international organization” from Steven’s mouth, Bahamut immediately thought of the UN and asked about its reconstruction.
“Wouldn’t it symbolize that humanity isn’t finished yet? From what I know, an international organization is meant to prevent horrific inhumane events and maintain peace.”
Bahamut’s response reflected a common understanding of the United Nations.
Steven, smiling brightly, continued as if agreeing with this perception.
“Yes, that’s correct. Although it has been criticized as a puppet organization or limited in its capabilities, it still holds significance. We aim to unite the governments that have managed to form during this apocalypse and create a new international organization.”
“A new international organization…”
“Yes, and I would like to propose that Lord Bahamut participate in this organization as a member.”
While Steven subtly criticized the United Nations, he acknowledged its necessity in the apocalypse and proposed that Bahamut—and by extension, the Balhut Cult—join the organization.
For the Balhut Cult, this was an opportunity to be formally recognized as a nation on the international stage. It was not a bad proposal—in fact, it was a favorable one.
Bahamut, feeling both surprised and intrigued, asked Steven, “How many member nations are there currently?”
“The United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, and South Korea. Other countries have only formed provisional governments, but Britain and France are likely to force them to join.”
“I see.”
If Britain and France intended to bring numerous provisional governments into the international organization, the United States would also need to involve its allied nations to secure significant influence.
This was why the Balhut Cult was being asked to participate.
“To overcome this apocalypse and navigate these challenges, humanity needs a beacon of hope. This international organization represents that. It serves as proof that humanity has united. That said… this proposal did not originate from us.”
“What?”
The problem was that this proposal did not reflect America’s intentions.
Hearing that the establishment of an international organization was not driven by America, Bahamut was taken aback, prompting Steven to elaborate.
“Well, given the urgency of domestic affairs, why would we interfere in foreign matters as long as trade is going well? The current United States is neither the world’s police nor its ruler. It’s a country struggling to survive in this apocalypse.”
“True, that makes sense.”
Unlike before the apocalypse, the United States was now preoccupied with its domestic issues.
It had no intention of interfering in other nations’ internal affairs and was content with thriving trade.
“This proposal came from France. The French hero, the Saint of Orleans, suggested the international organization, and the Lord Protector supported it. These two nations have begun close cooperation—it’s quite intimidating.”
Britain and France.
The Lord Protector and the Saint of Orleans took the lead in calling for the establishment of an international organization, prompting the United States to cautiously watch their alliance.
While it couldn’t be ignored, Britain and France were undeniable powerhouses representing Europe.
Their alliance could not be overlooked by the United States, especially concerning Atlantic dominance.
“Do they also require prestige?”
The timing was unusual, so Bahamut asked if they needed prestige.
“Yes, prestige is naturally essential for them, as it is for us. Particularly for the Lord Protector, who reportedly attempted to seize the throne but failed and ended up crowning a young queen.”
‘What an emperor wannabe.’
It turned out the need for prestige was due to a failed coup.
A stereotypical power-hungry individual had emerged in Europe.
Despite failing, they appeared to be positioning themselves as a guardian figure.
While the failure had significantly dented their prestige, it seemed critical for them to regain it.
“What about the Saint of Orleans who proposed this?”
“She’s a European supremacist. Quite extreme.”
Hoping one side might be reasonable, Bahamut was disappointed. The Saint of Orleans, it seemed, was another radical.
While Steven phrased it diplomatically, it was clear she held Eurocentric and potentially xenophobic views.
“……”
Hearing that one was a would-be emperor and the other an extremist, Bahamut fell silent.
Unsure how to respond, he looked at Steven.
“I understand your silence. It’s… complicated, isn’t it?”
Steven sighed, acknowledging the awkwardness of the situation.
“Do you think this is truly for humanity’s unity?”
“It probably is… to some extent.”
It was hard to feel reassured.
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