Chapter 23: The Value of a Coin
Translated by Vine | Proofread by Lust
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Evaluating New Weapons
Lee Hyun-ah sighed as she reviewed the numerous reports submitted by Jeong Dong-geon. The documents detailed the testing of a newly developed weapon, one that had her questioning whether she had received the correct paperwork. But upon closer inspection, she found that all the reports indeed referred to Bahamut’s new currency.
“So, all of these weapons were made from coins that Bahamut minted?” Lee Hyun-ah asked, still trying to wrap her head around the concept.
“Yes. Since we only received a limited amount of prototype coins, the current reports cover the extent of our testing,” Jeong Dong-geon explained. “But these coins can be used to imbue various weapons and armor with magical effects. The potential applications are practically limitless.”
The reports described a wide range of enchanted items: fire-infused bullets, shock rounds, water-elemental projectiles, protective vests enhanced with magic, knives with razor-sharp enchantments, and other weapons engraved with specific spells. The experiments conducted at the Gyeongju Forge had already demonstrated the efficacy of these enchanted items, with video documentation to back up the findings.
“Wow, it’s like having a wizard cast spells for you,” Lee Hyun-ah remarked, genuinely impressed.
“Indeed. While the number of coins used for these prototypes was small, they have shown immense potential. These coins could enable even ordinary people or non-magic users to wield the power of magic,” Jeong confirmed, a hint of excitement in his voice.
Lee Hyun-ah reviewed the detailed reports, her interest growing as she took in the descriptions of the prototypes created by melting down the coins. The newly crafted weapons exhibited incredible potential.
‘These are just experimental pieces. If we were to conduct serious research, we could create truly remarkable weapons. If we manage to retake the steelworks in Pohang, we could produce even more advanced equipment.’
The potential was indeed vast. Even with only a small forge in Gyeongju, the tests had revealed only a fraction of what these coins could do. If they could gain access to the Pohang Steelworks, one of Korea’s top three steel plants, the possibilities would expand exponentially. Dong-geon was already envisioning hunting down mutated zombies with the new magic-imbued weapons, his excitement mounting at the thought.
“We could even rebuild the monetary economy with this,” Lee Hyun-ah added thoughtfully.
The coins’ utility as a currency had become evident. With Bahamut personally guaranteeing their value, all that remained was to reestablish a functional economy based on them. This would allow workers to receive wages for their labor, facilitating the exchange of goods and services across the city. Citizens of Gyeongju would be able to sell items to the cult in exchange for currency, and then use that money to buy what they needed—just as people had done before the apocalypse.
“What’s even better is that these coins will always be in demand,” she noted.
“Are you saying inflation won’t be an issue?” Jeong inquired.
“Yes, because the coins can be melted down and used to create magical weapons. The currency itself holds intrinsic value. However, we could still face deflation if there’s not enough money circulating,” she cautioned.
The most promising aspect of the coin-based system was its built-in consumption mechanism. In a world where the ability to protect oneself was paramount, the coins could be used to forge or enhance weapons. Thus, there would always be a practical use for the currency, ensuring that coins would continually be consumed, helping to prevent inflation.
“There could be unintended consequences,” Jeong warned. “Deflation is one possibility, but there will also be accidents and incidents involving these coins. People may even die because of them.”
“But we don’t have the luxury of time to worry about side effects,” Lee Hyun-ah said resolutely. “We need to move forward.”
Jeong’s concerns were valid, but Lee Hyun-ah knew the cult had no choice. The risk of adverse effects from using the coins as currency was outweighed by the pressing need to restore order and build a functioning society.
“The saving grace is that only awakened individuals with blacksmithing or crafting skills can create these enchanted items. We currently have a monopoly on skilled craftsmen in Gyeongju,” Jeong pointed out.
“Bullets made by non-awakened craftsmen are significantly weaker,” Lee Hyun-ah added.
“That’s enough for now,” Jeong replied. “It will take time for others to learn the techniques we’ve developed. Besides, they didn’t receive the same guidance from Bahamut that we did. I’m quite optimistic.”
The current enchanted weapons had all been made by awakened craftsmen, and the Valhuth Cult had a monopoly on such talent in southern Gyeongju. Although some skilled craftsmen might exist outside their sphere of influence, the new coins were only being circulated within their controlled territory. It would take time for other groups to catch up, if they even managed to do so at all. Lee Hyun-ah intended to use that head start to her advantage.
“Hmm, this currency is more valuable than I expected. I’m almost tempted to use it as a building material,” said Yoo Soo-seong as he entered the room.
“Soo-seong, how did you hear about this?” Jeong asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I just came from Choi’s forge. He couldn’t stop bragging about the new currency,” Yoo replied with a chuckle.
Like Jeong, Yoo frequently visited the forge to manage the acquisition of construction materials for the city’s rebuilding efforts. It wasn’t surprising that Choi had let slip details about the new currency. With a curious glint in his eye, Yoo had come to see if the coins could be used for construction purposes.
“Using the coins as building materials is something for the future. Right now, we need to focus on housing arrangements,” Lee Hyun-ah said firmly.
“A shame, but understandable. Especially with mutated zombies roaming the outskirts of the city,” Yoo acknowledged.
Lee Hyun-ah reiterated that while using the coins for construction might be feasible in the future, current priorities lay elsewhere. Yoo agreed, recognizing the immediate threat posed by the undead and knowing that, for now, people would have to make do with less comfortable accommodations.
“So, does this mean the coins will be used to pay daily wages?” Yoo asked.
“Yes. For the next month, we’ll distribute them as daily wages. After that, we’ll transition to monthly salaries,” Lee Hyun-ah explained.
Yoo chuckled. “So, these coins are going to be our new salary. It almost feels like we’ve gone back in time.”
“Digital transactions are still a long way off,” Lee Hyun-ah replied with a smile.
“Feels like I’m living twenty years ago again,” Yoo remarked. “Except my age hasn’t changed.”
Their conversation had a hint of nostalgia. Compared to the days when electronic transactions were the norm, the current system felt almost primitive. Yet, it was a level of normalcy they were all eager to embrace.
“I take it we’ll be able to buy various goods from the cult’s shops using these coins?” Yoo asked.
“Yes. We’ve already set up a system where cult members can use the coins to purchase items based on their value. As soon as Bahamut starts mass-producing the coins, our monetary economy will be underway,” Lee Hyun-ah confirmed.
“If this works, small businesses and vendors could start cropping up again,” Yoo noted.
“And other survivor camps still relying on bartering will be left behind,” Lee Hyun-ah added, her tone matter-of-fact.
“I assume you’ve thought this through,” Yoo said.
“Of course. If the coins become widely accepted, people will abandon bartering for a more convenient monetary system. Survivor camps that don’t have a way to earn coins will either have to join us or fade away,” she explained.
The main goal was to make the coins indispensable. Camps that continued to trade goods directly would find it increasingly difficult to obtain supplies, as more people shifted to using the coins for transactions. The Valhuth Cult was banking on the fact that once people experienced the convenience of a monetary economy, they wouldn’t look back.
“What if people don’t recognize the value of the coins?” Jeong asked.
“We’ll edit footage from your tests into promotional videos and post them on the Valhuth Cult’s website to explain the benefits,” Lee Hyun-ah replied. “Most importantly, Bahamut himself guarantees the value of the coins.”
“So it all comes back to Bahamut,” Yoo said with a wry smile. “With his backing, the cult members will have no reason to doubt it.”
“What about the coin supply?” Yoo asked.
“Bahamut has assured us that he can mint as many coins as we need. However, we will still need to source enough copper and nickel to produce them,” Lee Hyun-ah answered.
“Sounds like a lot of work,” Yoo remarked.
“Also, we plan to start taxing cult members in a month,” Lee Hyun-ah announced.
“Ah, the inevitable electricity and water fees, I assume?” Yoo said, not looking surprised.
“Yes. We can’t provide everything for free forever,” she replied.
The cult had been offering free utilities, but as the city began to recover, it was time to think about sustainability. Once the infrastructure was fully operational again, it would be necessary to charge for the services provided.
“Hope is on the horizon,” Jeong murmured as he listened to the conversation.
“What was that?” Yoo asked.
“It’s just… it’s been so long since we could talk about the future,” Jeong said, his voice tinged with emotion.
“True. We used to cower behind barricades, living day by day,” Yoo replied, his expression solemn.
If Bahamut had not appeared and the Valhuth Cult had not formed, they would still be clinging to life, hiding from zombies. The notion of planning for the future wouldn’t have even crossed their minds.
“It’s about time we acknowledged that we’re part of this change,” Jeong said, his voice steady with resolve.
“Age brings with it a lot of worries, doesn’t it?” Yoo replied with a sigh.
“Even now, I’m just grateful to use my skills for something meaningful. Before the cult was founded, I was just another weak awakened person, struggling to survive day by day.”
Lee Hyun-ah chimed in, admitting that she wasn’t much different from the other two.
“That’s why I have no intention of letting the order that Bahamut and Yu-na created fall apart.”
“We’ll protect it,” Jeong affirmed.
“But what happens after we rebuild Gyeongju?” Yoo asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
“That decision belongs to Bahamut and Yu-na,” Lee Hyun-ah answered.
“Indeed. We’ll just have to focus on what we need to do,” Jeong agreed.
Under the name of Bahamut, all things shall be accomplished.
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