by Park Saenal
‘His appearance is shabby…’
It wasn’t just Grid’s clothing. The forearms and shoulder muscles showed that his body was trained, but it wasn’t at a special level. There wasn’t one element where Grid was superior to Bland. Bland was sure of this and shouted.
“Who are you? Even if you are a commoner, shouldn’t you know the basic etiquette?”
Grid made a mistake. Originally when greeting the nobility, it was a etiquette to reveal his identity.
‘It was a mistake I made after not meeting nobles for a long time. But even so…’
Grid looked at the noble with the name ‘Bland’ over his head.
‘Why is that jerk so high-strung and tense?’
Grid was aware of the reason why he was brought here. He was the creator of the Sword of Self-transcendence and the hero who saved both Winston and Irene, so Earl Steim was probably going to reward his achievements. But instead of a warm welcome, he received this unpleasant reaction.
However, he remained patient.
‘This isn’t just any noble… Earl Steim might become my father-in-law so…’
Grid smiled and corrected his mistake.
“The blacksmith Grid living in Winston greets the lord of the north, Earl Steim.”
Earl Steim nodded. “Ah, yes. I have heard the story. Thus, I am glad to meet you. However… You introduced yourself as a blacksmith? I heard you are also an excellent swordsman.”
Grid humbly explained, “I’m not a swordsman. My main vocation is a blacksmith, and my swordsmanship is just shallow.”
“Huh, it must not be shallow if you manage to defeat Malacus. Shouldn’t you be the best?”
“I didn’t defeat Malacus alone. It was with my colleagues.”
“But isn’t it true that you defeated dozens of Yatan followers? Irene was a direct witness.”
“It is true but… The followers of Yatan were so weak that I could deal with them with my shallow fencing.”
“Hah… The followers are Yatan are weak? If they are so insignificant, how have they troubled the soldiers and people of this land for decades? Is it true that your opponents were the Yatan followers? In the first place, was it the Yatan Church who actually kidnapped Irene? Perhaps someone deceived Irene in order to make himself stand out?”
Rather than being rewarded, Earl Steim was pushing the conversation in a strange direction. Grid grasped the situation.
‘Earl Steim, I sold you the Sword of Self-transcendence and saved your daughter’s life, but you are making me out to be a con artist?’
It was very unpleasant. Anger flared inside Grid. He had tried to show humility because the other person was a noble. Grid’s face turned red as Irene came forward, “Father! What do you mean by that? Are you suspicious of Grid right now?”
“That’s right!” Earl Steim snapped and got up from his seat. Then he spoke bluntly. “Grid! I’m sorry, but aren’t you too suspicious? You’re the greatest blacksmith on the continent and the strongest swordsman at the same time? Common sense suggests that it isn’t possible! First, I have to check if your swordsmanship is real or not. Bland!”
“Yes, My Lord!”
Chaang!
When Earl Steim called, Bland pulled out his sword like he had been waiting. Then he rushed towards Grid.
‘Yes, this is better.’
Honestly, this method was better to resolve their doubts. Grid thought positively and pulled Dainsleif out of his inventory. He jumped forward and shouted.
“This is how it is! Yes, my swordsmanship isn’t shallow! I will show you!”
“Are you prepared? I will defeat you now!”
Bland jumped up and aimed his sword towards Grid’s head.
Chaaeng!
“…?!”
Bland was perplexed. The striking force that had the weight of his body applied was rendered ineffective by that big sword in Grid’s hand.
‘Che! I guess he trained up his strength and muscle development!’
Bland determined that it was difficult to compete with strength, so he used the repulsive force to spin in the air and land. Then he lowered his body as much as possible and attacked Grid’s lower body.
Grid stuck his greatsword to the ground. Bland’s sword flying towards Grid’s ankles was blocked by the greatsword.
‘He’s good at fighting!’
A chill went down Bland’s spine. He was certain that Grid was a scammer due to his appearance, but what was this? He hurriedly moved as Grid drew up his feet. A kick.
“Cough…”
Bland coughed out some gastric juices. Grid stood over him and said, “You are like a kid who only fought in your house… No, I’m sorry to your sword.”
“T-This guy…!”
NPC knights had a minimum level of 180. Among the knights, Bland was one of the most talented and had a level of 200. Yet he was overwhelmed by Grid who was only level 114. It was inevitable. Grid’s stats were high enough to be considered level 200, and the items he used had a level limit of over 200. In particular, Dainsleif was the strongest weapon. His stats, skills, items and combat experience made the difference in level meaningless.
But Bland was also a formidable presence. His father Earl Ashur was one of the best magicians in the Eternal Kingdom. He’d also inherited his father’s talent for magic. That’s right. He was a magic swordsman. It wasn’t attack or defense magic, but buff and debuffs which were the most powerful in a one-on-one match.
“Sword’s Grace! Armor’s Will!”
Bland’s sword and armor started to shine blue. It was imbued with the power of magic. This wasn’t the end.
“Storm’s Fury!”
Heavy winds stirred around Bland. The wind magic increased the speed of his blade and provided a certain amount of shielding.
‘Now I will unconditionally win!’
Bland regained his confidence, “I am the youngest son of the great magician, Earl Ashur! It is possible for me to use powerful magic! Hahaha! Can you go against Earl Steim’s swordsmanship and my father’s magic?”
“Earl Ashur…?”
Grid’s face distorted at that moment.
Earl Ashur! Who was he? He was the lord of the fortified city Patrian, and the one who ordered Grid to find the Northern End Cave and obtain Pagma’s Rare Book.
At the time, Grid was forced to take a quest that didn’t fit his level and suffered for months. He experienced more than a dozen deaths, lost many items and became broke, increasing the risk of being chased after by the creditors. Grid had really wanted to quit the game. Logging into the game itself was like hell. He would rather go into the army one more time. An average person would’ve given up the game.
Grid’s only advantage was his patience, so he persevered and persevered until he finally found Pagma’s Rare Book. But he wasn’t greeted with a happy ending. All the reputation he built up with Earl Ashur and Patrian turned into infamy and he was killed by Earl Ashur’s knight.
As a result of Earl Ashur, Grid was able to change to Pagma’s Descendant and reverse his life, but that was all due to Grid’s efforts. Grid was only filled with hostile emotions towards Ashur.
“Oho, you are Earl Ashur’s son?”
Grid had promised several times that he would someday kill Earl Ashur. And now! He found a target that could get rid of some of that deep grudge. Bland in front of him had identified himself as Earl Ashur’s son.
Bland was still unable to grasp the atmosphere.
“Hahaha! You are afraid after knowing my identity! But it is too late! You will be completely trampled on by me!”
Bland grew up as a member of the nobility and was always victorious thanks to his outstanding talents. He was very confident in himself. He didn’t think that the commoner in front of him could be stronger than himself.
“Lord of the Storm!”
Bland’s debuff magic aimed at Grid and strong winds started to press at him. Grid couldn’t move even one hand. Bland smiled with satisfaction and rushe
d towards Grid, stabbing forward with his magic enhanced sword.
[A strong wind has suppressed your body. Agility will become zero for two seconds and you can’t move.]
[You have resisted.]
Grid scoffed as he checked the notification window.
“Pagma’s Swordsmanship.”
‘Pagma? Pagma?! Don’t tell me?’
Earl Steim was shocked as he heard Grid’s voice. Grid unleashed a dazzling sword dance.
“Link!”
Jjejeong! Jjejejeok! Pepepepeok!
The greatsword swiftly moved 10 times, regardless of its heavy weight. Bland’s attack was easily neutralized and the wind shield protecting Bland’s body shattered. Even his armor strengthened by magic was torn apart.
“Kuaaaaak!”
Bland couldn’t believe it. How could this man move freely? And what was this beam of light?
Pipipipit!
Bland’s body was swept by the 10 silver lights of different orbits, causing him to bleed and kneel down.
‘This can’t be…! This is me! Me!’
He couldn’t show this shameful image in front of the woman he liked and his respected teacher. Bland didn’t want it to end like this. He wanted to get up and kill Grid right now. But his wounded body didn’t move as intended.
Grid snorted and turned his gaze towards Earl Steim. Then he straightened and asked, “With this, are there any doubts about my swordsmanship? Shall I show you my blacksmithing skills next? Huh?”
“Yes! This is good! Okay! I want to know everything about you! But before that!’ Earl Steim ran up in front of Grid. He grasped both of Grid’s hands and pleaded. “Grid! Please take my daughter as your bride!”
The greatest blacksmith and swordsman in history. The name of this famous person was Pagma. Earl Steim had realized that Grid was Pagma’s Descendant.
At this moment, Grid was the first to obtain the status of a noble’s son-in-law from among the two billion users playing Satisfy. It was the position he failed to obtain in the past after being interrupted by Yura during Doran’s quest.
Chapter 117
Chapter 117
This was the best development for Grid.
‘Isn’t this the best financial backer!’
He would become the husband of a lady, which meant he could abuse his authority and intercept some taxes. Winston had grown to be one of the cities representing the Eternal Kingdom. The taxes collected here were enormous. He would be rich if he could obtain even a portion of it. In addition, Irene was the successor of a prestigious noble family. If he married her, he could become a high-ranking noble, not just rich.
‘I can simultaneously get riches and power. More than anything else…’
Irene was pretty. She had shiny silver hair. She had big eyes that were slightly curved. Her mouth was always smiling and she had a small nose. Grid got a really gently impression from her. She was famous for her excellent character and was the best female, except that her breasts were average in size.
Grid had no reason to refuse. But there was still something he had to consider.
“Just now, didn’t My Lord consider me as a fraud? Now you are suddenly telling me to take your daughter as my bride… Are you serious?”
Earl Steim explained to Grid who was watching suspiciously.
“There is only one person in history who is the best blacksmith and strongest swordsman. He was Pagma.”
“…”
“The sword dance you used is very similar to Pagma’s swordsmanship described in the legends. No, you aren’t a con artist. You are certainly Pagma’s Descendant.”
“It’s enough that I am Pagma’s Descendant?”
“That’s right! It is enough! Rather, it’s the main reason!”
Grid moved his gaze and looked at Irene’s reaction. Her face was flushed but the smile indicated that she was feeling positive towards this.
‘Huhuhu!’
Grid’s mouth watered. After the bad ending of his first love, he thought he would never have a relationship with a woman again. But now he had a chance with Irene! Some people would laugh and say they were just NPCs in a game, but Satisfy was like another reality, not a game. Satisfy’s NPCs were just like humans in all respects, from their emotions, thoughts, bodies and physiological needs.
Grid was so thrilled that he shed tears of joy.
‘I am finally going to get rid of my virgin status…!’
It was a great opportunity to get rid of his unwanted virgin status that he had kept for 27 years. At the same time, his status would rise and he would become rich. Grid absolutely couldn’t miss this opportunity of a lifetime. But there was one problem.
‘I want to marry her straight away and start the first night… But I need to proceed with the class quest… I also need to continue working at the smithy.’
Grid explained the situation.
“I… It is a great honor that I can marry a beautiful and caring lady like Irene. However, it is difficult to marry now because I have a personal matter. In addition, I would like to keep working as a blacksmith after our marriage… Is it okay for the son-in-law of a noble family to be a mere blacksmith?”
“Isn’t Pagma’s Descendant supposed to be a blacksmith? It isn’t your fault that you have to do a blacksmith’s job. Rather, it is something to be proud of. The marriage schedule will be set at a comfortable time for you.”
“This can’t be!”
Bland, who had been unable to lift his head after his defeat to Grid, couldn’t bear it anymore and shouted.
“Lord! He is a corrupt being! He has the curse of the gods. He will revive again after dying, and he will never grow old! In other words, he can’t be described as a human! Are you really going to accept him as your son-in-law?”
Corrupt was one of the titles that Satisfy’s NPCs used to refer to users. In the NPC’s point of view, users who couldn’t grow old or die weren’t humans. So, NPCs considered users to be cursed by the gods. However, there were many NPCs who thought the opposite. It was the case with Earl Steim.
“Why is eternal life a curse? Rather, isn’t it a blessing? I don’t think of them as corrupt, but blessed beings. They have certainly received the love of the gods. I am glad that the man who will be my daughter’s groom is loved by the gods.”
Bland gritted his teeth.
“Blessing? You’re mistaken! Imagine how Irene will feel growing old alone! How sad and lonely will Irene be? My Lord, right now you are caught up in greed and don’t care about Irene at all!”
“It’s a matter for both of them to deal with. We shouldn’t be quarreling about it.”
Irene nodded, “That’s right. Sir Bland, I like Mr. Grid. Mr. Grid’s appearance might not change for the rest of my life, but I can cope when I am sad or alone. I want to be with Mr. Grid.”
Kwaduduk!
In fact, over the past few years, Bland had confessed to Irene a few times. But Irene never considered Bland in that way and he was forced to give up on her. He chose to become a knight of her family and watch her from a distance.
He sincerely wished for Irene to meet with a great man and be happy. However, the man she selected was a corrupt being!
‘I don’t know how this is possible… Is being Pagma’s Descendant great enough to transcend his status?’
Pagma was a legend. Bland knew that Pagma was a great figure. However, Grid was the person who inherited Pagma’s abilities, not Pagma himself. He was clearly worse than Pagma. Bland wanted to prove that fact. If he could defeat Grid, Pagma’s Descendant would seem like a separate entity from Pagma. Then maybe Earl Steim would change his mind.
Bland once again grasped his sword.
“Grid! I want to reapply for a duel.”
Bland had been careless before. If they fought again, he could get better results than before. Bland believed this and strengthened his abilities with all types of buffs. He combined the techniques passed on by Earl Steim with Storm Sword.
Kuwooooh!
The storm generated by Bland’s magic made the carpet and decorations shake. In the midst of this mess, Bland’s sword emitted a powerful force. The energy was so intense and harsh that Irene was wounded when retreating.
“Sir Bland! Stop!” Irene shouted at him, but Bland was stubborn.
‘I will defeat this guy!’
This was his sacred duty. He would cut off the bond that would make the woman he loved unhappy.
Kwaang!
“Ohhhhhh!”
Bland’s body used the storm as a booster engine and quickly approached Grid. Grid’s face distorted.
‘You want to come again? This kid doesn’t understand who he is going against.’
Grid could use Restraint to block him from attacking, could avoid Bland with Fly or defend using pavranium. But Grid chose to go head on. He intended to show Bland the difference in attack power, so that Bland couldn’t come again.
“Pagma’s Swordsmanship, Kill!”
Peeeeeong!
Intense hate was focused on Dainsleif and collided with Bland’s storm blade in front of him. At the same time, the shockwave shattered the pillars and inner walls supporting the room, and the ceiling collapsed instantly.
“Bland, you!”
Bland’s actions caused Irene to be seriously hurt. Earl Steim was furious after barely rescuing Irene from the blast.
“You wounded Irene! You have forgotten your duties! My own daughter…!”
Earl Steim stopped in the middle of his words. Bland had already collapsed. On the other hand, Grid had no wounds. He just had a few pieces of his clothes torn off. Grid identified that Irene was in Earl Steim’s arms and said with a sad expression.
“My Lady was hurt because of me.”
Earl Steim shook his head, “Why is this because of you? It’s my fault. In the first place, I suspected you and caused this to happen. I was too rude. I’m sorry.”
Earl Steim apologized.