by Park Saenal
“This… It is disgraceful behavior.”
Was he not supposed to treat people with charity and kindness? It meant he had been living wrong. This feeling of skepticism caused Marquis Fulbas to hurriedly wipe his wet eyes. He was ashamed and unable to raise his head.
“Please take this.” Huroi handed him a handkerchief. It was a handkerchief that smelled like chicken poop, but Marquis Fulbas felt thankful.
“Earl Baget. I only have you now.”
“I will never betray the marquis.”
Then it happened while they were absorbed in the conversation.
“There is nothing in the temple.”
“I was able to find traces of a huge battle near the temple.”
At the summit of the mountain that was past the jungle, the knights returned after searching the temple there and gave a report.
“A huge battle? I thought the followers only emerge one by one?” Drunk Duke Diworth responded immediately while drinking a bottle of alcohol and scratching his stomach. “That means it wasn’t a fight against the followers?”
Diworth’s eyes glittered for the first time in awhile. He had been annoyed by the pathetic actions of the nobles fighting each other in the back. He focused his eyes, directly checked the signs of battle near the temple, and lowered his gaze down the mountain. Far away, a vast expanse of reeds could be seen. Blood stained the reeds that had been cut or crushed to pieces.
“The blood hasn’t died yet. Let’s hurry.” Diworth went in front of the nobles who were busy questioning and doubting each other. He decided that the advance team and Overgeared Kingdom had already met each other and were fighting. Diworth believed that the advance team were tracking the Overgeared Kingdom.
‘I can’t let Grid talk about Piaro.’
He admired Piaro, but the other dukes who still missed him would be agitated. It was hard to tell how Grid would take advantage of their agitation. Before that, he should join the advance team and cut off Grid’s head.
“Go.”
Diworth started to descend the mountain quickly. It was a speed that didn’t take the soldiers into consideration. In the first place, Diworth seemed to think he was only accompanied by nobles and knights.
‘This—!’ Huroi anxiously chased after the procession as the marching speed accelerated sharply.
On the other hand, Grid’s party…
“Pant… Pant… Pant…”
The difficulty of the ruins rose rapidly starting from the reeds. The Overgeared members, who barely managed to break through the reed field after a few days of struggle, faced a crisis without time for a break. It was because the followers who had learned six secret techniques started to appear in groups of four.
There were even those who had learned the ‘unconditional counterattack’ and ‘unconditional avoidance of skills seen more than twice.’ Surrounded by 30 followers, the Overgeared members and dukes were exhausted. It was enough to make them think that this expedition was impossible.
‘It is a pity to eat the White Peach here. If I link 100,000 Army Swordsmanship and open up Astaroth’s Strength, it might be possible to open up the path of retreat.’
Grid’s vision flashed red. Vantner was in a dying state, and Grid’s health was also falling to dangerous levels as he acted as a tank in front. He had a means to break through the immediate crisis, but there was the question of how much trust he could place in the dukes.
Yura came up to the hesitating Grid. Armed with shining armor as white as her skin, she spoke with a determined expression, “I’ll summon the elemental king.”
In fact, she was also hesitant. She couldn’t easily judge if she should let it be known that she had contracted with an elemental king. However, Grid and her colleagues were currently in a desperate situation. She couldn’t ignore her colleagues because of political issues. A circle of light was drawn around Yura as she started the summoning.
“Wait!” Lauel stretched out his hand on behalf of Grid, who couldn’t easily make a decision. An elemental was a power that most humans coveted. More than that, the empire’s desire for the elementals would be great. Exposing the elemental king in a situation where they couldn’t be sure of the relationship between the empire and Overgeared Kingdom was going to be risky.
Thus, Lauel tried to stop Yura, but the dukes were one step faster.
“There are very few people in the empire who know why I am called the Immortal King.”
Trust…
Grid didn’t show it, but the dukes showed it first. Grenhal started taking off the armor he had been wearing the whole time. From his gauntlets and leggings to his helmet, shield, and even body armor—every time a heavy piece of equipment fell to the ground, a loud noise rang out due to the heavy weight.
Grenhal revealed a scarred and muscular body. His eyes were stained with a red light. A berserker—he was an ultimate fighter who showed extreme attack power and blood-sucking ability as more of his health was consumed. This was Grenhal’s reality.
“Not many people know why I am the Beast King. It is because they die the moment they figure out the reason.” Then Morse’s body became covered with rough beast-like fear as his teeth and nails sharpened.
Perhaps the reality that Beastman Toon would ultimately reach could be seen through Morse. At this point, the gazes of the party members focused on Basara. The embarrassed Basara blushed. “I-I can’t transform like that.”
“…”
Chapter 1037
“Then let’s get started.”
Duke Grenhal stepped forward while loosening his neck. At this moment, he wasn’t a noble duke. With a provocative expression and large muscular body, he was like a soldier who came to the arena, throwing off his mask and revealing his true nature. His two eyes were coveting violence.
“This uncle will play for a bit.”
Peak Sword gulped as he stared at Grenhal’s fighting spirit and killing intent. Duke Grenhal leaped forward. He plunged into the followers like he couldn’t bear it anymore. Duke Grenhal’s sword aimed at three followers. The three followers immediately fought back, hitting toward Duke Grenhal’s chin and feet.
Duke Grenhal naturally didn’t fall down. The basic characteristic of a warrior was lower body training. He stepped firmly, grabbed the ankle of a follower aiming at his face, and swung it like a hammer. The heads of the followers hit each other. There was a shock to their skulls as Duke Grenhal pushed at them with his shoulders and struck them with a sword surrounded by a red aura.
The 30 followers, that were blocking the Overgeared members like a barrier, split apart like the Red Sea. Duke Grenhal’s aura was reminiscent of planets orbiting due to the gravitational force of the sun. It swirled around in the form of spheres and damaged the followers’ bodies.
However, most of the red blood that was scattered in the desolate canyon belonged to Duke Grenhal. The injured followers immediately counterattacked, turning Duke Grenhal into rags. Duke Grenhal, who abandoned his armor, quickly lost health and was unable to cope with the followers’ attack power. Under normal circumstances, Duke Grenhal would seem like he was at risk, but he was a berserker.
「 They become stronger as they get hurt. 」
This was the backbone of a berserker.
“Ohhhhhh!”
“…!” The eyes of the Overgeared members widened. One of the followers was hit by Duke Grenhal and burst like a watermelon. Once Duke Grenhal’s health fell below 30%, his attack power would reach its limit. It was a tremendous combat power that was appalling even for Grid, who was confident that he boasted the best attack power among the players.
‘I would die in one blow.’
Of course, Grid would survive using the power of immortality, but he wouldn’t be able to withstand the damage to his armor or parts of his body. Grenhal certainly was strong. If the duke who invaded had been Grenhal instead of Rigal…
‘I wouldn’t have protected anyone.’
Grenhal’s rampage intensified. Once his hea
lth fell below 20%, a follower died every time he threw out aura and wielded his fist and sword.
‘Is it dangerous?’ Grid watched the battle for a while and was in a state of anxiety. The berserker’s characteristic of becoming stronger the more they were hurt was both a strength and a weakness. The berserker, which had various ‘conditions’ and ‘constraints’, was a job that could never be valued. The more they threatened the enemy, the more threatened they were.
“Stop! Wake up!”
Duke Grenhal’s health fell below 10%. At this rate, he would die. A berserker was the symbol of someone who got lost in their minds. They were trapped in the battle and risked their own limbs.
Just a bit more… Just a few more wounds could make them stronger and allow them to eliminate the enemies in front of them. The berserker was easily occupied by such thoughts and was the most frequently killed class in combat.
“Shit!” Grid didn’t want the strong helper who showed trust in him and his colleagues to die in such a manner. He stepped forward to help Grenhal, only to stop in place. Would this person remain his help forever? Would he remain by Grid’s side when the exploration of the ruins was over and they returned to their daily life?
Grid couldn’t be sure. Grenhal was a duke of the empire. As long as the empire regarded the Overgeared Kingdom as an enemy, the tip of Grenhal’s sword would point at Grid and his colleagues. Maybe he should let Grenhal die…
‘No, that isn’t it!’
The later work was for a later day. In order to safely explore this historical site, Duke Grenhal couldn’t die. Aside from these calculations, he liked Grenhal. Grenhal was a true noble who knew how to respect and care for others despite his strong power. Grid liked his elegant style. He couldn’t let this person die.
Grid made up his mind and started collecting the resource of the Hero King, fighting energy. A spear wielded by one of the followers penetrated Grenhal’s chest. Grenhal’s health fell below 10%. Simultaneously, Grenhal’s aura became redder. Grenhal cut down the follower with the spear and absorbed almost 5% of health back.
“What?” Grid stopped using 100,000 Army Swordsmanship and the Overgeared members, who followed Grid to help Grenhal, froze like stone statues. Grenhal regained health every time he attacked the follower. The ultimate attack power was still maintained, and the blood-sucking ability reminiscent of a direct descendant vampire was expressed.
Duke Grenhal’s body, which was so ragged it would be easier to find uninjured parts, was quickly restored. It was a sight contrary to common sense. The characteristic of blood-sucking—it was common to all berserkers, but the effect was minimal. Not even the prominent high ranker berserker Asuka showed such great blood-sucking ability. As a third generation chaebol, she maximized her resources using items and was assisted by Black Teddy during battle. Nevertheless, the limit to her ability was ‘barely regaining enough health to survive infrequently.’
However, Duke Grenhal’s blood-sucking ability was of a different dimension. He was a berserker, but he was different. His blood-sucking ability was beyond the level of the class characteristic.
The final blow killed the remaining four followers. As the bones of the followers were crushed and brain matter poured from their heads, Grenhal seemed as intact as he looked originally. The new wounds obtained during the battle disappeared without a trace, and only the old scars remained. It seemed like time was reverting.
“…”
“…”
The silence continued. Grid and the Overgeared members, who felt more frightened than in awe of Grenhal, were close-mouthed. One man broke the silence.
“…Cough.”
It was Grenhal who was bleeding. He groaned as the wounds that had been erased were once again etched on his hard body.
‘Duke Grenhal…?’
Why all of a sudden…? Grid made a worried expression as he belatedly came to his senses.
Morse, who tore apart the new followers that arrived while Grenhal was fighting, explained, “The reason why Duke Grenhal doesn’t use his abilities is due to the aftereffects.”
Ever since he saw the power of the assimilated Grid and Braham, Morse was deeply respectful and courteous to Grid. Yet he spoke a bit crudely at this moment, perhaps due to his wild state after turning into a beast. Still, Grid didn’t dwell on Morse’s tone. He thought of Morse like a puppy scratching his ears.
“Grenhal recovers from the damage during the battle, but he will suffer them again after the battle ends. Additionally, those wounds will never heal. They can’t be healed through any means.”
“The scars on his body…”
“They are signs of the aftereffects. Well, Duke Grenhal fights for the nation and its people. In his position, the scars are like decorations. He must feel that he got a new medal today.”
Grenhal fought for Grid and his colleagues. After these words, Morse ended his beast transformation. He took off his fur and returned to human form, once again acting politely to Grid. “I think Duke Grenhal will need time to rest.”
“I will help.” Grid moved ahead of Morse and approached the fallen Grenhal. He lent his shoulder to the still bleeding Grenhal. Looking closer, there was a deep cut on Grenhal’s chest that had never been there before. It was a mark from being penetrated by the spear.
Grid opened his mouth, “…You have worked hard, my friend.”
Maybe someday they would become enemies again. Grenhal couldn’t play a role in political matters as long as the emperor and grandmaster existed. It was a fact that both Grid and Grenhal knew. However, Grid accepted Grenhal as a friend. What else could he call a person who fought for them while taking the risk of disclosing his weakness? It was Grid’s way of repaying the same goodwill, friendship, trust, and favor.
“…Your Majesty.” Duke Grenhal was thrilled. Those who witnessed his insanity and violence so far had avoided or feared him. Yet Grid was different. His own interests didn’t obscure his essence. He didn’t forget the reason for Grenhal’s insanity and violence and completely accepted Grenhal’s heart. Duke Grenhal was glad and grateful for it.
In addition, Grid’s favor didn’t end with these words.
“Do you know?”
“…What?”
“My sister is a Saintess.”
“…”
“My dear little sister.”
“…!”
Grid’s gaze was focused on the duke’s left shoulder as he boasted about his little sister. It was an unusually deep wound—to the point of permanent disability. This couldn’t be considered a medal even for Duke Grenhal. He would feel resentment toward the scar whenever his right arm moved better than his left arm. Grid thought that it was the reason Duke Grenhal’s level was lower than that of Spear Saint Rachel and Sword Duke Limit.
“You can meet with my sister at any time. Her healing power can be of great help to you.”
“Thank… Thank you, Your Majesty.” Grenhal’s body trembled. He straightened himself using Grid’s shoulder and expressed deep gratitude. At this moment…
“Gridddd!”
A terrible smell drifted from somewhere.
“I finally found you!”
Along with a gale, Drunk Duke Diworth appeared.
“Ohu?”
Diworth glimpsed the scene and smiled significantly. He noted that Grenhal facing Grid had taken off his armor.
“It is just before death.”
Grenhal was in a temporarily invincible state after opening the power of a berserker. The usual Grenhal might be different, but even Rachel and Limit didn’t dare say they could defeat ‘Immortal King Grenhal.’ Diworth imagined that Grid would die from Grenhal’s violence. By the way, why was the progress so slow?
‘What? Don’t tell me?’
Diworth sensed that something had gone wrong and stared at Grid and the other dukes.
“This wicked guy! You sold Piaro’s name!!”
“Piaro?”
Why did that name come out here? Grenhal, Mo
rse, and Basara doubted their ears. Huge questions swirled in their minds. Still, there was a problem to be addressed before resolving the questions.
“Duke Diworth, remove your gaze.”
“Huh? Duke Grenhal? Did I hear that correctly?”
“Don’t look at the Overgeared King with your glaring eyes.”
“…???”
As stated earlier, Diworth was the one with the weakest authority among the Seven Dukes. On the other hand, Grenhal was a powerful man among the Seven Dukes. The confused Diworth lowered his eyes for now.
Chapter 1038
Political strife was common. The nobles divided into factions for their own interests and kept each other in check. The Seven Dukes were the same. Apart from the Sword Duke, they were all loyal to the imperial family, but they kept a close eye on each other and were vigilant. In the worst case scenario, there would be armed conflict.
It was inevitable that the dukes would fight. The dukes led millions of people, so incidents and accidents continued. Someone didn’t want to lose the inheritance gained from their ancestors, and someone else became relentless for their own ambition. Irrespective of the position and tendencies of such individuals, there was a common feature among the Seven Dukes.
It was that they had respect for each other. They might be afraid of or hostile to each other, but on the surface, they showed courtesy and goodwill to each other. It was because they didn’t want to lose their honor. This was to let people know that the ‘dukes of the empire’ deserved respect from everyone.
It was a type of image marketing. In other words—
“Don’t look at the Overgeared King with your glaring eyes.”
“…”
It meant this situation wasn’t normal, even if Duke Grenhal’s strength and authority was above that of Duke Diworth and even if their two families were fighting over the commercial rights of Saileta.