Overgeared

by Park Saenal

  [The information of the seven malignant saints and the information of the Abyss that you gathered have joined together!]

  It was then that the system responded to Grid’s questions. The notification window was updated randomly when Grid mentioned the Abyss and the seven malignant saints together.

  [The Seventh Evil, ‘Corruption’, said he was sealed between hell and the ground.]

  [The enigmatic demonkin ‘Biplonz’ indirectly revealed that the Abyss is the rift between hell and earth.]

  [There seems to be a clear link between the Abyss and the seal of the seven malignant saints.]

  [The hidden linked quest ★Place to Reach the Answer (1) ★ will proceed!]

  [Place to Reach the Answer (1)]

  [★ Hidden Linked Quest ★

  Defeat the enigmatic demonkin Biplonz and get the key’ to move to the heart of the Abyss!

  Quest Clear Conditions: Biplonz’ capture.

  Quest Failure Conditions: Be defeated in the battle against Biplonz or Biplonz’s death.

  Quest Clear Reward: Place to Reach the Answer (1) linked quest.]

  “…!”

  The sensation of electricity flowed over the skin of the startled Grid. It was a sense of pleasure. After the Belial raid, Grid was deprived of the raw pleasure of playing the game.

  He hadn’t been able to feel the fun of leveling up because of the surge in the required experience. There had been no gains in general hunting, and there had been no raids. It had been a daily routine for the unlucky Grid, and there had been no storyline going on after the improvement of his relationship with the empire. He had started feeling bored.

  The only time he felt ‘I am playing a game right now’ was when he occasionally did the king’s quest. Now, he was close to the main story which hadn’t been accessible for a while. Grid started to rejoice and become motivated.

  ‘The reason why I couldn’t access the seven malignant saints’ storyline in the meantime is because the story was hidden deep in the empire.’

  Since he was hostile to the empire, it was forced to be inaccessible to him. There was a reason why he hadn’t found a clue in the past few months. Grid trembled with joy.

  “Let’s fight quickly. I have to kill the intruder or else I won’t be able to eat,” Biplonz suddenly spoke to Grid as he approached quickly and swung his sharp claws.

  The duration of Berith’s Power was over. Grid was no longer supported by Automatic Transformation and was fully exposed to Biplonz’ attack. Nevertheless, Grid responded calmly without panicking. He believed in his high agility and status combined with Alex’s Quick Gloves as he confronted Biplonz with a sword.

  “…?”

  “Keuk…!”

  It was a one-second offense and defense. In the wave of 11 attacks committed by Biplonz, Grid barely defended against nine of them. Still, he couldn’t respond to the remaining two and retreated while coughing up blood.

  [You have suffered 5,900 damage.]

  [You have suffered 6,130 damage.]

  ‘Why is he so strong?’

  To think that there were 11 attacks per second and they penetrated through Valhalla of Infinite Affection…? The confused Grid used Flash instead of trying to activate Blackening. He calculated that the light elemental would be even deadlier for Biplonz, a demonkin accustomed to darkness. Unexpectedly, Biplonz wasn’t significantly affected by the light. He had lost his vision and was blinded for a while, but that was all. Biplonz didn’t suffer like the vampires who saw the sun. During the time when he was blinded, Grid dealt five strikes and his expression stiffened.

  ‘What is this bastard?’

  He attacked five times with the Sword Aiming at the Gods, but only 30,000 damage was done. Since the Sword Aiming at the Gods added 20% divine damage and 50% additional damage to boss monsters and named NPCs, Biplonz defense must be really high. Biplonz was a demonkin who was vulnerable to divine attacks, and his name was shining, indicating he was a named NPC.

  “Indeed, humans are strong…”

  Biplonz was staring down at the blood flowing from the wound on his chest. He felt more interest than anger.

  “I’ve never seen a weak person while I was born and raised here. I don’t think that person is false about his assertion that humans will rule the world.”

  Due to the nature of the Abyss, the visitors and prisoners were likely to have a unique strength. Biplonz’ idea was understandable. By the way, who was ‘that person’?

  “That person? Are you talking about the imperial princes or the emperor?”

  “Huh? No, no. It is somebody who doesn’t die.”

  “…?”

  Somebody who doesn’t die? Grid cocked his head for a while before his eyes widened. “The grandmaster?

  “I don’t know what he is called. He always came alone.”

  “Are you talking about a person who always looks impatient?”

  “Yes, that’s right. Was he called grandmaster?”

  “…Crazy.”

  Grid realized that there wasn’t only one or two secrets hidden here. This was a place that had to be explored, and in order to do that, Biplonz must be captured.

  “Blackening, Blacksmith’s Rage, and Quick Movements.” Grid used his buffs. He measured Biplonz’ strength to be equivalent to one of the Seven Dukes’. No, he was at least equivalent to the best among the Five Dukes.

  “Divinity. Item Combination.”

  It was right to use all his power. The Sword Aiming at the Gods was laid over the Enlightenment Sword. The battle began. Biplonz fought instinctively without any weapons, and his attack motions were extremely small. The quick and irregular attack patterns were linked to maximize Biplonz’ powerful damage. There was no need to describe Grid’s attack power, which was just strong through the combination of myth-rated transcendent items.

  “Link!”

  “Devouring Curtain!”

  The explosions that occurred in succession caused the space to shake, and it seemed that it was going to collapse. Biplonz started using skills to avoid critical injuries, and the pressure on Grid gradually grew. Biplonz’ attack power was very burdensome for Grid who had consumed half his health in exchange for using Blackening.

  ‘If I knew this, I would’ve joined armor together!’

  In the end, Grid believed his immortality would be consumed and summoned Noe. He didn’t summon Randy, Tiramet, and the Overgeared Skeletons because they didn’t have the capability of air combat.

  “Nyahahat! It is the best demonic beast of hell… huh?” Noe appeared with his usual attitude. He was just rushing toward Biplonz when he jumped back with shock. “S-Scary.”

  “…?”

  Noe was scared? So far, Noe only feared dragons and great demons. Yet he was scared of Biplonz? Grid was perplexed, but he still started his sword dance. He didn’t miss the chance when Biplonz was looking at Noe.

  “Transcended Link Flower!”

  No matter how high Biplonz’s strength was, he was classified as an NPC, not a monster. Biplonz’s health was limited, so Grid was afraid Biplonz would die if he were hit by a four fusion sword dance. That’s why Grid used a three fusion sword dance, but it was a very arrogant judgment.

  Biplonz’ claws, which were harder than steel, broke one of the energy blades of Transcended Link Flower. Biplonz’ hand broke through the gap from the broken energy blade and grabbed at Grid’s neck. In the process, the arms and chest exposed to Transcended Link Flower were turned to rags, but the strength to break the human neck remained. If Grid were an ordinary human, he would’ve died of a broken neck. However—

  “…!?”

  Grid’s neck wasn’t broken. Biplonz’ strength might be equal or greater than one of the dukes’, but it couldn’t penetrate Grid’s defense simply by trying to break his neck.

  “This… Kek! Try to stop it!”

  It was an instant attack skill that was triggered without any preparatory action. Unbreakable Justice was used, and it destroyed Bipl
onz’ posture. Unbreakable Justice Lv. 8 inflicted damage equal to 900% physical damage. Combined with Grid’s items and buffs, Unbreakable Justice wasn’t at a level that Biplonz could ignore. In the first place, he suffered too much damage while breaking through Transcended Link Flower.

  [The target has received 159,000 damage.]

  “Kuek…!” Biplonz released Grid and fought back with clenched fists.

  “Leap of Trust!” Coke used the skill attached to the legendary rated shield ‘Luminary Guardian’ and jumped between Grid and Biplonz. The wide-area damage of the skill struck Biplonz while Grid’s defense rose sharply. Grid didn’t miss this opportunity. He chose the sword dance that was sublimated under his name, and Kill struck Biplonz’ chest.

  “Cough!” As Biplonz experienced a critical injury, an unidentified character appeared on Biplonz’ forehead before disappearing. Grid and Coke didn’t see it because it happened in an instant. Then Grid suddenly pulled out a silver thread and captured the body of the falling Biplonz.

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  Chapter 1065

  [You have succeeded in capturing the enigmatic demonkin ‘Biplonz.’]

  [Biplonz is relieved about his survival.]

  [From now on, Biplonz will be more active in his conversation with you.]

  [You have acquired the ‘Magic Key Pack.]

  [The weight of the key package is very heavy!]

  [Your weight limit has exceeded by 150%, significantly reducing all speeds and stats.]

  [Biplonz’ stats have been released from the shackles of the keys and have been restored to normal values.]

  ‘What is this?’

  Was it necessary to mention it again? Grid’s power included all types of titles and items and was out of the category of a player. In particular, the title Savior of the World was upgraded after the success of the Berith raid, and Grid’s strength stat was now close to 4,000.

  Then what about the item weight limit? To exaggerate, he could hunt all week long and not need to go to town even if he had many miscellaneous items. This was despite the dozens of auxiliary equipment and hundreds of potions he often carried out in the field. Yet one key package caused him to go over his weight limit? It was seriously suspicious.

  Grid added strength to the arm holding the key package and checked the details.

  [Magic Key Pack]

  [Contains a total of 521 keys used in the Abyss.

  Grandmaster Zikfrector has placed the ‘Weight Propagation’ spell on it.

  Weight: 120% of the carrying weight limit.]

  ‘The shackles of the keys…’

  It was for certain. The intention of the magic in this key package was to suppress Biplonz.

  ‘The grandmaster didn’t trust Biplonz.’

  Biplonz also seemed unfamiliar with the grandmaster, so Grid was certain that they weren’t allies.

  ‘I can’t use the Castration Eye on this.’

  Castration was an evil eye that eliminated ‘beneficial effects.’ However, the weight increase was classified as harmful. Of course, it might be beneficial depending on the user, but the current weight-boosting magic attached to the key package had the intention of harming the holder. Still, Grid tried to use the Castration Eye.

  “I won’t allow your comfort.”

  “…”

  Biplonz was embarrassed as he looked at Grid like a madman. Moreover, the effect of the Castration Eye wasn’t applied, and the intensity of the embarrassment increased. Grid coughed and changed the subject, “How interesting. The grandmaster used you as the manager of this place despite doubting you? How could he leave the keys to someone he didn’t trust in the first place?”

  “The person who entrusted me with the keys wasn’t the grandmaster but the emperor of one hundred years ago. The reason he could leave the keys with me was because he knew for certain I couldn’t leave here. In order not to starve to death, I have to protect the keys faithfully.”

  This meant that at least 100 years had passed since Biplonz was born and began staying here. He had been living with these prisoners for over a hundred years in such a dark place. It must not have been a good life.

  “Why can’t you get out of here? Couldn’t you go down a bit further or go up?”

  “I’m afraid because the humans upstairs are too strong, and there is a monster downstairs.”

  “Monster?”

  “A hydra.”

  “…!”

  Grid knew the hydra. The cry of Sword Demon Iyarugt still lingered in his mind.

  “Fearless person…! Do you have 10 lives? Even a hydra failed to land an attack on me!” These words had been directed towards Jude.

  At the time, Iyarugt was really trying to kill Jude. The stupid Jude had mistaken Iyarugt as an enemy, causing Iyarugt’s anger to soar to the top of his head. In any case, Iyarugt was the number one swordsman of hell and not even a hydra could land a blow on him. Considering that Iyarugt was comparable to a great demon in his prime, Grid could speculate that a hydra was on the same level as a great demon.

  “I thought a hydra lived in hell. Why is it here?”

  “I don’t know. Only one thing is certain. It is incredibly strong. It has nine heads, and no matter how many times I cut them off, the heads regenerate. Meanwhile, the poison it spits out is powerful enough to melt my flesh and bones.”

  “Hrmm…” Grid found it troublesome.

  In order to completely clear the ★ Place to Reach the Answer (1) ★ hidden quest, did he have to fight off the hydra to reach the heart of the Abyss? Moreover, he would have to do it with just Coke and Resh…?

  ‘It is impossible.’

  The hydra was a monster that was at least at the level of the lowest-rated great demon. It wasn’t an opponent that could be easily confronted in his full condition, let alone when he had already used Berith’s Power and Blackening. He still had one use of Divinity and Belial’s Power remember, but this wasn’t enough.

  ‘It isn’t an environment where I can use Storm Demonic Energy Field.’

  Storm Demonic Energy Field required rain clouds. It was difficult to cast inside the Abyss. Even if it could be used, it had little utility against super-named boss monsters.

  “By the way,” Grid pondered for a moment before grabbing Noe who was hanging on his back like a cicada, “Why are you so scared?”

  Noe, the best demonic beast of hell—this wasn’t Noe’s self-assertion. The memphis was indeed the best demonic beast of hell. Presently, Noe was only a fat cat, but one day, he would become an adult and show off a presence beyond that of a hydra. The only things he feared were dragons and great demons. Grid couldn’t understand why Noe was intimidated by the demonkin Biplonz.

  The drooping Noe held onto Grid’s neck in a frightened and flustered manner. His big black eyes were trembling. “I-I don’t know. I’m just scared.”

  “Um… Is my face really ugly?” Biplonz was a handsome person. There were no blemishes on his white skin, he had fine features and glossy black hair. Despite the fact that his eyes were black without any whites, he was definitely handsome. Still, this was a story from a human perspective. From a demonkin’s point of view, he might have a horrifying appearance.

  Grid glimpsed his past self from Biplonz. “Have strength…”

  Noe’s weak answer caused Biplonz’ shoulders to sag. “…Yes, thank you.”

  Was his face ugly enough to scare a little beast? Having never met any other demonkin, Biplonz was shocked to learn how ugly he was today.

  Coke stared blankly at the three people (?) talking harmoniously. ‘Why did he suddenly become friends with the demonkin he was just fighting?’

  It was a flow that couldn’t be understood even though Coke had been watching the entire time.

  ‘This is Grid’s affinity…’

  He had captured the hearts of the empire’s dukes and even started to seduce a demonkin… Coke was feeling a great sense of admiration toward Grid.

  “L-Look, Guard
Bip! Wake up! Don’t be twisted by the evil draconian! Stop talking and beat him up straight away!!” A dwarf was screaming in the distance. It was Ke. He was shocked when he saw Grid and shouted again, “L-Look, this draconian gentleman! Let me see your sword!! If I can examine your sword, I can die right now!”

  “He seems to be mentally abnormal. Are all dwarves like this?” This was Coke’s impression.

  Grid felt disgusted. “Those are serious words. It isn’t all dwarves. It’s just that guy. How can his mind be fine when he has been locked in this place for decades?”

  It was terrible to think that this was the personality of the dwarf species itself. His goal was to learn blacksmithing techniques from the dwarves and use them to strengthen the Overgeared Kingdom. The dwarves must be a normal race…

  Grid thought this and flew in front of the imprisoned Ke with his dragon wings. “Do you have bad memories associated with the draconians?”

  “T-There can’t be any good memories with an evil draconian… Huh?” Ke was shouting only to close his mouth with a flinch, his eyes widening. Then he pointed at Grid with trembling fingers. “W-Were you talking to me just now?”

  “That’s right.”

  “H-Hik! Has there ever been such a crazy draconian? How dare a draconian speak with no honorifics to an honorable person like me! Are you a crazy draconian?”

  “…”

  “Heok! Don’t look at me! I’m scared! A crazy dragon is scarier! Go away!! Please disappear from in front of my eyes!!”

  “…”

  It was better to calm this dwarf down. Grid sighed and pulled out the keys package. It was to open the prison door where Ke was trapped. However, there was a problem. There were 521 keys, so it was hard to find the right prison key. Grid was placing the keys in the lock in turn, and he finally couldn’t bear it anymore. He pulled out the Master Key. The Master Key engaged with the old lock and opened the door of the prison where Ke was locked.

  Ke’s eyes glowed like lanterns at the sight. “I-Is that the universal key made by Pagma? Where did you get that? Please let me look at it!”

  “…”

  Ke was afraid just a moment ago…

  Grid found Ke’s attitude toward the Master Key absurd. He stared at Ke for a moment before handing the keys pack to Coke. “It is hard to keep because it is heavy. In any case, I can’t throw it away, so you keep it for me.”