Overgeared

by Park Saenal

  “Instead, you will have to make full use your strength to swing the greatsword. You usually use a broadsword. Carry the greatsword on your back and use it in battle. Always practice to become good at changing weapons.

  “Why is it hard?”

  Teruchan really didn’t understand. As the strongest warrior, why wouldn’t he be able to swing a sword easily? Understanding it was impossible for him.

  “I. Gruruk. A giant tree can be uprooted and wielded. A sword. Gruruk. It is easy to swing.”

  “I think it is due to the poor structure… Well, you’ll know once you use it yourself.”

  Grid poured all the Greed that had been gathered into the roaring furnace. Of course, one was left for proliferation.

  “Let’s start production.”

  Grid pulled out the insane dragon hammer and anvil. Unlike armor, there was no problem if the properties of the minerals are deleted. Therefore, there was no hesitation in his actions.

  Ttang! Ttang!

  Smelting, forging, tempering, quenching, and so on…

  Surprisingly, Grid’s speed wasn’t fast as he underwent a series of processes. No, he was slower than average blacksmiths. It was because he formed the shape of the sword with the hammer without using the casting method. Grid might be able to mass-produce items within a few hours using the auto-production method, but he still stuck to manual work for important items. He didn’t care about straining his body or mind if he could increase the chances of getting a better result.

  ‘I need more strong colleagues.’

  In Satisfy, peace was a timely concept. The 2 billion players were working hard, and there were countless new episodes starting or ending. It could be a small story about the evacuation of the house next door or a serious story involving the Yatan Church and the great demons.

  However, one thing was certain. Some episodes would surely be accompanied by a new crisis. There was also a possibility that the stage of the game, currently confined to the West Continent, would be extended overnight to the East Continent. Grid needed to prepare for when the time came. So, he wanted more colleagues, and he wanted his colleagues to be strong. This was why he understood and endured the long absences of Asmophel, Mercedes, and the 10 meritorious retainers.

  ‘I can’t be ashamed when meeting everyone again.’

  Ttang! Ttang!

  ‘I hone my environment.’

  The Legendary Blacksmith’s Breath and Legendary Blacksmith’s Patience had been changed to passive skills during his competition against the blacksmithing god Hexetia. Based on that power, Grid’s concentration reached the limit.

  ***

  [The Failure Honoring the Strongest Warrior has been completed!]

  “…?” Grid woke up from the trance that he had fallen into when working. Of course, Grid had hoped for a great result. Most of the properties might’ve been deleted, but he used Greed as a material. Still, he didn’t dare wish for a modifier to be attached.

  Failure itself was a defective item, so the system had a low probability of a high degree of completion. Yet a modifier was attached. It was perfect for Teruchan.

  [Failure Honoring the Strongest Warrior]

  [Rating: Unique (Growth)

  Durability: Infinite

  Attack Power: 1,190~2,005 Defense: 80

  * Agility +60

  * There is a low probability of blocking the enemy’s attacks.

  * There is a chance of activating ‘5 Joint Attacks.’

  * There is a chance of activating ‘Cutting.’

  * The skill ‘Bisect’ will be generated.

  * There is a high probability of triggering ‘Crush.’

  * There will be a fear effect if the enemy is more than 10 levels lower than the user.

  * +20% damage when used by Teruchan.

  After reaching enlightenment against the god, Blacksmith Grid reinterpreted the failed work that he made during the days when he was lacking.

  It is a greatsword, but its cutting ability is excellent because of its unique shape. The greatsword resembles a shark—the predator of the sea—and incites fear in the enemies. The small blades spiking out from the sword will increase the defense.

  Additionally, all elements are in consideration for Teruchan.

  Teruchan will feel a sense of unity with this weapon.

  Conditions of Use: Teruchan. Grid.

  Weight: 860]

  “I brushed my teeth as much as possible…”

  Grid didn’t expect the conditions of use to change this way. He looked like a liar. It was a state where he couldn’t be an example for a 19-year-old kid…

  Grid shook his head and looked out the window. It was a deep night. He started working in the early evening, so it hadn’t been long since he started.

  ‘…No.’

  His eyes were watery, and his legs were shaking. There was no sensation in both of his hands. The sweat all over his body had cooled down. Grid confirmed that his stamina gauge was running out and glanced to the side. He saw Teruchan. Teruchan’s eyes were hollow, and his thin cheeks made him seem like he was sick.

  “What? Why are you like that?” Grid asked with worry.

  “Grruk. You are not a great warrior.” Teruchan’s big hands wrapped around him. “You. Gruruk. You aren’t a great blacksmith.”

  “…?”

  In front of the baffled Grid…

  “You.” Teruchan felt to his knees. “You are Great Grid. Grruk.”

  Teruchan was ignorant of blacksmithing. Therefore, he observed Grid’s attitude. Then he was thrilled many times. Grid had been working two and a half days for him, who was an enemy only a few days ago. His true heart toward Teruchan would never be forgotten.

  “Armor. Gruruk. I’ll wear it. I will wear it even if I feel uncomfortable.”

  “That…” Grid was startled.

  Was it due to the title effect of Different Species’ King? His affinity with Teruchan was reaching the maximum. It was the best record ever. Grid smiled and stroked Teruchan’s forehead, which was bigger than his.

  “You don’t have to wear it if it is uncomfortable. You could become upset.”

  “No. Gruruk. I’ll wear it.”

  “No. I’ll make new armor for you later.”

  “Until then. Gruruk. The armor you made today. Gruruk. I’ll wear it.”

  “No, dammit! Listen to me!”

  “Hiccup! I understand.”

  “S-Sorry for getting angry.”

  “Grruk…”

  Damn, he swore in front of Teruchan and made Teruchan feel like he got scolded. Grid hated himself.

  Simultaneously, in a forest in the Gauss Kingdom…

  “Human, get lost. This is the territory that we elves are defending.”

  “Tell me where that black thing is before you die.”

  Another species was meeting a man with green hair.

  “Black thing…?”

  “Your old colleague. I need the flesh of the fallen.”

  One step…

  After acquiring the third class—Demon World Noble—and gaining more authority, he was only one step away from the resurrection of his old lover.

  Previous Chapter Next Chapter

  Chapter 1

  TL Note: Hey everyone,

  This is my new novel called Overgeared. The name is basically a Korean gaming slang term used to put down users who rely on items for strength instead of skill. It’s hard to find an English equivalent to this term, especially when used in many different situations and contexts throughout the novel. I have decided to go with Overgeared for the title and for when it is used as a noun, etc. a guild name. However, I will go with ‘item effect’, the most accurate meaning, for when it is used in a sentence.

  This is a vrmmorpg novel and while it has some of the obvious stereotypes and unrealistic parts, it also does some things differently. People might get annoyed with the mc’s character at first, but he does get a lot of character development. In fact, some of the fun of reading
the novel is seeing the MC’s character grow. I think that people who are fans of VR novels like Legendary Moonlight Sculptor and Rebirth of the Thief will enjoy this novel.

  Schedule is currently two chapters a day. I’ve also made a glossary to help you keep track, since this is a long novel at 678 chapters and still ongoing.

  Thanks, Rainbow Turtle.

  Brief overview that I translated from a Korean site:

  The basis of this novel is a virtual reality game called Satisfy, developed by the world’s top genius scientist Lim Cheolho and world-class scientists.

  The main character is timid, flaky, selfish, cares about money and easily feels jealous of others. Because the author set up the character in this way, the story was difficult for the readers to read.

  But as the main character encounters various people and geniuses, he internally matures and his personality changes. If the main character is described as cancerous early on, at present he can be called a mature adult. However, those who don’t read beyond the early parts of the 5th volume (~ chapter 90) find it hard to believe.

  The basic settings and story line are similar to other VR novels, but the praiseworthy thing is the content development. The early parts aren’t much different from rival novels, but the novel rating has exceeded the market average in recent years due to the writer’s growth.

  Like other novels, it contains a munchkin element, but it is different from typical munchkins. In the early stages, the game progresses with the main character using is class of a legendary blacksmith. The main character expands the game content and the level of the existing users dramatically increase. Hidden talents, new players in the official rankings, classes that could break the balance, all of this makes the main character’s one-man show impossible. The main character grows internally and externally while competing with others.

  In fact, if you compare the simple and ignorant battle method in the beginning to his abilities in the present time, it is possible to feel such a sense of distance that he doesn’t seem like the same character.

  As for the evaluation of the work, the criticism was severe in the beginning, but the popularity increased rapidly after that. As described above, the improvement in the author’s writing and the growth of the main character led to rapid changes in the comments. However, the main character’s selfish and frustrating behaviour caused many readers to stop reading in the beginning. For the readers who have gone beyond the beginning, it is a tragedy that seems really pitiful.

  Currently, its popularity is increasing and a webtoon was recently released. However, there are many criticisms of the webtoon due to the various changes made. For those curious about the webtoon, here is the link to the raws, although only the first 3 chapters are free.

  Prologue

  “Five minutes left!”

  Eight of the top-ranked players were gathered in one place on the 4th floor of Cork Island’s dungeon. The highest-ranked among them was Peak Sword, who was 16th on the overall unified rankings. Behind them were 200 elite members of the Silver Knights Guild.

  It was a spectacular sight of a gathering of users with the combined power to capture a small fortress. But tension and anxiety filled everyone’s faces.

  “Four minutes left!”

  As time counted down, the nervousness of the guild members reached the peak. They were restlessly shaking their legs and biting their nails. Peak Sword gazed around with dark eyes, the hands holding his sword soaked with sweat.

  ‘I can’t calm down.’

  Cork Island’s dungeon was fully controlled by the Silver Knights Guild, and the boss monster, Hell Gao, appeared on the 4th floor every two weeks. However, Hell Gao was stronger than expected and had a variety of patterns, so they had been unable to succeed in any of their five attempts so far.

  Peak Sword and the elites of the Silver Knights strengthened their items with money during the last month, all with the intention of succeeding next time. They were definitely stronger after all the investments, but those who knew Hell Gao’s power couldn’t feel any confidence.

  “Three minutes left!”

  After three minutes, Hell Gao would appear and this place would turn into a sea of fire. Some of them would even die from just the flames.

  “Two minutes left!”

  A wave heat started to slowly permeate throughout the room.

  ‘Shit.’

  Peak Sword wanted to encourage everyone, but he was afraid. He was clearly reminded of the overwhelming appearance of Hell Gao, the staff-wielding boss monster enshrouded in flames.

  ‘Are we still lacking the power to defeat him?’

  It might be different if the power of the top 10 rankers were added, but he couldn’t help thinking that this expedition would fail with their current strength. However, the guild’s best ranker couldn’t show his weakness, so Peak Sword endured it.

  ‘Do it. We can do it. We are strong!’

  Peak Sword steadied his heart and took various buffing potions, with the others following him. It was at that moment.

  “One minute left…eh? Intruder! There is an intruder!!”

  “What?”

  All of the guild members’ eyes headed towards the entrance. A young man had entered. It was unusual because he was covered by a cloak, with no armor or weapons visible.

  ‘Did he break through the defensive troops downstairs?’

  Was it a highly trained assassin? No, an assassin wouldn’t openly reveal their presence in a place like this. Peak Sword pondered on the name above the head of the black-haired youth. However, no matter how much he looked through his memory, it was an unfamiliar name.

  ‘He isn’t a ranker?’

  Peak Sword glanced at his companions, but they all shook their heads.

  ‘A non-ranker coming all the way here. Pathetic.’

  Peak Sword came to this conclusion and warned the youth with a frown,

  “This is an area controlled by the Silver Knights Guild. I don’t know how you managed to reach this point, but if you don’t want to die, go back.”

  “My stealth suddenly disappeared. Was it because I was detected by Hell Gao?”

  The young man ignored Peak Sword’s warning and threw off his cloak as he talked to himself.

  “Ohh!”

  There were exclamations from every direction. The appearance of armor rapidly being equipped on the body of the youth was quite cool. Despite being made of metal, it seemed to be custom fit for the wearer, and its smooth surface was so reflective it was like a mirror. It was an elegant blend of red, black and gold. The particularly unique point was the one-meter long tail that stretched from the vicinity of the tail bone. It was sharp like a blade, and amazingly moving on its own.

  “W-What, that armor?’

  “It’s terrific… Unique grade?”

  It was the first time they had seen such armor, so the guild members struggled to hide their interest.

  Peak Sword raised his voice, “That isn’t important right now! Why aren’t you throwing him out right now?”

  Hell Gao would soon appear and then nobody would be able to escape from the dungeon. They had to deal with the outsider before that. The moment that the guild members interested in the armor tried to carry out Peak Sword’s order,

  Roaaaaar!!!

  [Hell Gao, the owner of Hellfire, has appeared.]

  [Hell Gao’s roar has applied fear, chaos, and debilitating effects.]

  [Hell Gao’s fire reduces heat resistance by 50%.]

  [Fire pillars have risen to cover you.]

  “Kuack!”

  “Hiiik!”

  Due to the silent flames that surrounded the whole body, half of the guild members either fell into a dying state or burned to the point where they couldn’t even be recognized. Barely half of the people standing were able to hang on.

  Peak Sword was surprised at the notification window that popped up.

  ‘I raised my fire resistance to 86%, but to still receive this degree of damage…!’


  They would fail again. As Peak Sword was feeling despair, he suddenly doubted his eyes. The unknown young man. While the others were surrounded by flames, he alone was moving forward, moving freely like he wasn’t affected.

  “H-How…heok?”

  Peak Sword fell silent as he witnessed a ridiculous scene. As Hell Gao ran amok and slaughtered the guild members, the young man pulled out a pickaxe, headed to the wall… and started swinging the pickaxe?

  Kaaang! Kaaang!

  The young man swung it with good form and complained as he wiped off the sweat,

  “Ugh, hot! Isn’t the labor getting worse? Why does the mineral only appear when the boss mob is present? Based on this, I might have to visit a dragon’s lair with my pickaxe!”

  At that moment, a hot wind emerged from the staff that Hell Gao waved and hit the young man. Peak Sword expected the young man to receive huge damage and collapse. But unbelievably, the young man only suffered minor injuries.

  “Excuse me, Mister.” The youth stopped his pickaxe for the first time and turned his attention to Peak Sword. He said with an irate expression, “Why are you just standing there blankly? It’s hot now, but it will only just get hotter.”

  What was he seeing now? Peak Sword belatedly regained his spirit and asked, “How can you be fine?”

  The young man replied like it was obvious, “It’s the item effect.”

  Chaaeng! Chaeng!

  The tail on the young man’s armor moved by itself and fought against Hell Gao’s staff. Peak Sword couldn’t close his mouth as he gaped at the unbelievable sight.

  Chapter 1

  After entering the ‘Northern End Cave’ at the end of a three months journey, I was able to witness the overwhelming sight of all types of battle gear piled up like a mountain.

  “Wow, what is this?”

  The names of the brilliant battle gear were in a colorful mix of green, yellow, and purple. If I took only a few of these, I would become a rich man! I wanted to take all the battle gear, but it was impossible.

  [This item can’t be obtained.]

  “How stingy and dirty.”

  Items that couldn’t be acquired despite them being right in front of me! When I put it in my bag, it would return to its original spot like a mirage. This situation was like that of a pie in the sky, or a woman already being married. No, a married woman was still different from a pie in the sky, as one could still obtain a married woman if one tried enough.