Is life in a medieval fantasy world like the ones in romance fantasy novels really that boring compared to modern times?
Well, that’s a tough conclusion to reach.
Sure, when you think about all the various entertainments of modern civilization, it’s clear that modern folks get a nonstop barrage of fun every day.
But we shouldn’t overlook the fact that the medieval fantasy world has its own kind of dynamism.
For example, if a boar were to wander into a village in Korea, it’d make the news as a pretty big deal.
But here? In this world, spotting a wild boar is like saying, “Thank you for the daily bread!”
How could a world where different monsters make surprise attacks on human villages be boring?
Not to mention, considering that in modern times, we could regularly witness executions by guillotine or any other fantastical elements seen only in comic books and movies, there are definitely areas where the medieval fantasy world stands unrivaled.
If we liken modern life to a game packed full of DLC content, then the medieval fantasy world is like a hardcore setting that ensures you won’t get bored.
“Ah… no!!! Not this… this devil!!!”
In that sense, the newly released Volume 3 of ‘The Iron-Blooded Alchemist’ was like adding a fresh DLC to another world.
“Nina!!!”
“Tucker, you rotten creature! You shouldn’t even exist in this world!”
“What did I tell you? A chimeric alchemist? The name itself is ominous!”
It was already common for fans to gather in groups whenever a new ‘Iron-Blooded Alchemist’ came out, especially those who got their hands on it first.
But Volume 3? Oh, it hit differently.
Before, there was plenty of shocking and new stuff that had people buzzing.
But in a way, the latest volume didn’t seem fully surprising until—BOOM!—it hit like a lightning bolt to the head, leaving everyone buzzing with that tingly sensation.
“‘Ed…ward Onii-chan?’”
Just one scene and a single line of dialogue had people screaming as they gathered around to read the comic.
Some cursed, some said nothing at all, while others gasped in awe; it was complete chaos.
And as soon as the mood settled down and they started reading again, gasps and exclamations erupted once more.
The newly introduced character, ‘Skall.’
His unique epithet, the “Alchemist of Decomposition,” was enough to stagger the crowd as a native from the West—his actions sent shockwaves through everyone.
“‘Is alchemy the ability to create something? So did you turn that little girl into a chimera? Is this horrific act what you worship as alchemy?’”
What he said contained something deeply philosophical that had never been felt before, despite being the villain who murdered Nina. Still, people began to be drawn to Skall.
And let’s not forget the Empire’s Great General, ‘King Brandon.’
His first appearance was just a passing mention in Volume 2 when the protagonist siblings obtained their empire alchemist certifications—nothing memorable.
But then—
With lightning-fast blade work, he faced the terrifying Skall, who fled before him; this twist drew everyone back into his charm.
And when he momentarily removed the eyepatch covering one eye, the shape of his eye flashed by.
“Wait! Isn’t that the symbol of the homonculi?”
“Yeah, it’s the same symbol that appeared on Luxuria’s chest in Volume 2!”
“Could it be that the general is one of those artificial beings?”
Volume 3 was filled with scenes that continuously lifted and dropped people’s spirits throughout the reading experience.
There ought to be pauses for a breather, with some soft moments too.
But it felt like they had their foot on the gas pedal without any brake—they sweated simply from reading through the comic.
And suddenly, they realized—
They’d have to wait at least a month to see the next volume!
“Surely the author must have the next volume ready?”
When someone casually mentioned this, a heavy silence fell over the group.
Then reality struck when they remembered that the author was a noble from House Somerset.
No matter how curious they were about the next chapter, they couldn’t very well raid a noble’s home, could they?
No sane person would risk their life to sneak into the estates of noble families just for a spoiler!
*
“Feel free to send me to prison! Just please tell me what happens next!!!”
A man shouted desperately as the guards dragged him away.
Rupert sighed as he witnessed the spectacle.
“Who would’ve thought someone would actually try to break in?”
After the ‘Iron-Blooded Alchemist’ series became a massive hit, it was fortunate that they had ramped up security in the territory, hiring knights and guards.
Had it been the original number of guards, they most likely would have missed someone like this.
“Ugh! If you’re still a person! Save Nina! What has that poor child ever done wrong?”
“Do you know how to make a philosopher’s stone? Please, just give me a clue!”
“Why is it that I copied what was shown in the comic, yet I still can’t perform alchemy!?”
It wasn’t just those who came to steal spoilers.
There were complaints from fans about the content of the comics, and others who believed it was real, seeking secrets from him daily.
‘Don’t Try This At Home.’
Now he understood why those warnings flashed before pro wrestling events.
And he grasped that even without getting into wrestling, stories about actors playing antagonists getting hit with kimchi slaps in the real world weren’t mere rumors.
Even modern-day people, fully aware that all of this was fictional, still immersed themselves in the story to the point of causing chaos.
He had underestimated the impact a comic could have on people who genuinely believed the stories to be real.
He thought only kids would mimic the lines and actions, never imagining adults would take it seriously!
“Sigh, this release could get me killed!”
In truth, while creating the comic, he had considered keeping it under wraps, but now he realized it was just a pipe dream given how passionate the fans were.
The action figure of Nina hugging her dog, Alexander, evoked both excitement and concern.
Honestly, it was crafted so well he considered selling it. But based on the current reactions, the fate of the poor character was likely going to be a disaster.
Even his father, upon reading Volume 3, was like,
“Rupert, surely Nina can come back, right? No, wait, how could I even ask that? You’re not a devil; there’s no way you’d end her story like that, right? Hahaha.”
His father’s expression, filled with a mix of hopefulness and the suspicion that not saving her would make him less of a human, was crystal clear in his memory.
The servants at home also changed their demeanor towards him after reading the comic.
Even Sena, who usually played with Aida, gasped after reading Volume 3, saying, “Y-young Master, you didn’t get Aida a big dog as a gift for a reason… did you?”
“That’s not it!”
All he did was watch Aida play happily with Poppy, but now they were jumping to conclusions.
“Rupert, I believed you were the same wicked human I’d always known!”
Even Kroon, after reading the comic, praised him for being the most ‘humanlike’ villain he’d ever met.
Had it not been for the money pouring in from comic sales, he might have collapsed from frustration.
But each time he looked at the heaps of cash being handed over by the guild leaders, he drank a vitality potion and felt cheerful again.
Plus, thanks to the dwarf Kroon’s alliance, many skills had improved, allowing for more comfortable working conditions for the artisans.
“Okay, everyone, go home on time today.”
The artisans were shocked by the punctual dismissal.
They looked at each other as if checking if it was truly alright to leave, so he felt generous and gave everyone a bonus, sending them off to enjoy time with their families.
“Well, I’ll be heading off too.”
“Kroon, you can’t leave!”
“Why? Why me!?”
“You need to work! Don’t worry; I’ll be here with you.”
He managed to forget everything, but he couldn’t ignore the grudge of the receipts. A shopping-addicted dwarf had to be treated for work addiction, so he decided to hold back tears and not let Kroon leave just yet.
This way, Kroon created wonderful figure goods that were truly astonishing; the level of craftsmanship went beyond any human limits.
Though he, of course, mourned that he wished to study the Golem’s arm instead of making figurines, he realized funding for research doesn’t just fall from the sky!
A good dwarf must become self-sufficient to earn research funds!
“Once this Iron-Blooded Alchemist project is wrapped up, I might actually request some research from the Magic Tower.”
The amount he used to consider outrageous now seemed attainable due to the comic and goods sales shooting up, and now, with plans to open a goods store and sell figures, it felt possible!
It’s still a hefty investment, mind you!
The reason he was willing to pay a high price to commission research was simple:
‘Animation.’
Comics are great, but the enjoyment that comes from animated versions is an entirely different level.
Back on Earth, one anime experienced a sudden explosion in popularity.
It was called “Fate,” and everyone unanimously agreed that the key reason it became a hit was seeing their beloved characters come to life.
Characters that only existed as illustrations in the original game moved and spoke, drawing fans in deeply and making it a huge hit.
That is the power and driving force of animation!
He wanted to share the emotional landscapes of scenes that were just imaginations when reading the comics with the people of this world too.
Of course, that’s still a long way off.
He once discussed this with the guild leader, and it turned out the costs involved in creating animated projects were far higher than he expected.
In fact, had it not been for the royal family’s support and funding, he wouldn’t even have gotten started in the comic book business!
“Speaking of which, royal funds are genuinely sweet.”
It was like a newbie getting boosted by max-leveled players in a high-level hunting ground.
If only he could find a way to suck more funding from the royal family, the animation project would flow effortlessly!
But alas, he had to hold back his excitement. Last time it had aligned perfectly!
If he tried to sneak a little funding this time, he’d end up on the gurney at the guillotine!
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