by Park Saenal
‘It’s just an old spellbook… no way it’ll sell for an expensive price… Tsk, I’m glad I got a lot of experience and loot at least.’
As Grid was grumbling with disappointment…
Toban felt a chill as he wildly ran away from 22 griffons. Then Toban belatedly realized his mistake.
‘Dammit! I’m not in the party!’
The death of the griffon boss! Toban also expected to acquire experience and items, but the notification windows didn’t pop up? He hadn’t noticed because it wasn’t an ordinary situation, but he currently wasn’t in a party with Grid. He wanted to ask Grid for a party invite right now; however, he was too busy running away from the griffons that he couldn’t easily send an invite. He hurriedly exclaimed.
“Grid! Party! Quickly add me to the party!”
Grid was puzzled as he asked, “Why?”
“What do you mean, why? So I can be in your party!”
“No, I mean why should you be in the party?”
Toban exclaimed, “You’re asking why? Isn’t it natural to form a party when you go hunting with others?”
“Are you crazy? Why should I share my experience and loot with you?” Grid’s eyes shone. “You keep forgetting that you’re my slave, and are thus not equal to me. Just follow me.”
“W-What?”
After Grid killed Box’s group, Toban accompanied Grid and came to realize that the Holy Light set wasn’t just a simple quest item, but a legendary set. Therefore, he felt even more ashamed and guilty about trying to rob the items from Grid.
But this was this, and that was that. At a minimum, they should hunt together in a party!
“You are really spiteful!” Toban was upset and started to blame Grid, “I’m truly sorry that I betrayed you, but it’s too much to not even let me in the party! I might be small in front of you, but I am also a ranker. Experience is extremely valuable to me! I have to perform the role of bait, so you should at least give me some experience!”
Kiooooh!
Toban stopped and the 22 griffons surrounded him. But Toban didn’t shrink back as he only stared at Grid.
In the end, Grid had to take one step back. “Okay, I understand. If you say so, I will add you to the party. If you wish, I’ll even release you from your status as a slave.”
“Eh? R-Really?”
Toban was suspicious but slightly excited at Grid’s sudden change in attitude.
However, Grid then continued to say, “Instead, I’ll tell Jishuka what you did to me, and I will absolutely never make an item for you.”
“…”
“How funny. You’re being punished for trying to grab my rice bowl in the first place.”
“G-Grid…”
Kiooooh!
The griffons roared and started to attack Toban. It was impossible to defend against 22 griffon beaks with only one shield. Toban realized he would die in this way and started begging Grid, “I was wrong! I was too agitated after seeing you catch a boss monster that I lost control! Please save me! I won’t presume to join the party again. Just save me!”
“I don’t want to.”
“G-Grid!”
“…I will save you if you promise not to forget your position as a slave again.”
“I understand! Okay!”
It was wrong no matter how he looked at it. Grid was too spiteful. Toban was frustrated by the realization that he wouldn’t be able to escape his current status for the moment. At this time, he still didn’t know. The type of luck he would encounter while being Grid’s slave…
***
The power of the Tzedakah Guild was famous among NPCs. Numerous royalty and nobles of each kingdom tried to recruit the Tzedakah Guild. They were tempted several times by titles, territories, and riches.
However, the Tzedakah Guild couldn’t decide who to go under. They waited to work in Winston with Grid, so they resisted all types of temptations and quietly waited.
Finally, the Tzedakah Guild also earned a large reputation with the lady of Winston.
In the counterattack against the Yatan Church that began with the birth of the Eighth Servant, Lady Irene showed great favor to the Tzedakah Guild who cleared many quests and even succeeded in the Malacus raid.
“To the east of Winston, there is a village called Bairan. Monsters often pop up so the population is small, but the area is large and there are several mines, so the possibility of development is indefinite.”
“…”
“Jishuka, would you like to take over that village and receive the title of baron?”
Bairan was a very significant village to Jishuka.
The auction house in Bairan Village was where Grid first made the Special Jaffa Arrows and where his existence was announced to the world. In addition, the Guardian of the Forest appeared around Bairan Village so it was a place she visited often to perform quests.
‘There are several hunting grounds and dungeons for high-level users, and the distance to Winston is only half a day using a carriage…’
Geographically, it was easy to interact with Grid and it was a village where the guild members could easily level up. In addition, the population might be low but many users would come. If the guild managed it well, the taxes would be profitable.
Jishuka finally made her decision, “I am grateful for Lady Irene’s favor. I will be loyal to you for the rest of my life.”
“I am glad to have a talent like you.”
[You have become a baroness of the Eternal Kingdom!]
[You have obtained the right to enter the social circle of the nobles.]
[You have become the lord of Bairan.]
[The estate management system has been created.]
It was simple after that.
Jishuka convened the guild and immediately headed for Bairan Village. Along with the 100 soldiers residing in Bairan Village, Pon and Ibellin took care of nearby monsters to stabilize security, while engineers were employed to repair and extend and old castle.
On the other hand, Faker and several guild members identified the characteristics and financial status of Bairan Village and discussed future directions for development. The absence of Toban, their chief of staff, created more work for Jishuka and the guild members, but it wasn’t a big burden. In the first place, Toban wasn’t particularly outstanding as the chief of staff so there wasn’t much difference.
But there was an empty feeling.
“When will Toban come?”
It had already been a week since the guild members rejected his request for help with the SS-grade quest. At one point, he had blocked all whispers so they couldn’t help wondering if something was wrong.
However, they weren’t particularly worried. Toban was a top ranker who was dependable, so they believed he was earnestly completing his quest.
“He is busy with his quest. Well, he will come back when he can. On the other hand, when will Grid return?”
Vantner was still complaining about Grid. Indeed, Grid was really late. It had been a month since he left for his quest and he still hadn’t come back. They couldn’t contact him through the guild chat window or whispers.
“In the first place, Grid left because of a quest right? That guy has reached level 170 in the past month. It seems more like he is hunting in a dungeon to level up than doing a quest, just like Regas.”
Certainly, Grid’s level up speed identified in the guild information window was phenomenal.
‘Pagma’s Descendant…’
Jishuka had seen Grid receive Braham’s quest in real-time and investigated Pagma’s identity. Grid was the descendant of undoubtedly the greatest blacksmith in history, Pagma.
‘As the class quest of a legendary class, the difficulty will be enormous. I can understand why he is late.’
It wasn’t just Vantner who wanted Grid to return quickly. Jishuka wanted Grid to return as soon as possible. The members wanted to see Grid’s growth and were eager for Grid to produce their items.
On the other ha
nd, Bairan Village developed rapidly. Users heard that the reputed Tzedakah Guild were ruling it and began to steadily migrate to Bairan Village. If this trend continued, they would be able to achieve rapid economic growth. Someday, Bairan could be promoted from a village to a city, just like Winston.
But in the midst of this, there was some bad news. Three of the six new guild members that they had high expectations for… Asuka, Black Teddy and Box left the guild one day without saying anything.
“They just walked away. What are they doing?”
“They were dubious in the first place. They would’ve just muddied things up if they stayed in the guild. It is better to let them leave.”
The existing guild members blamed the three people, but were quick to cool down. However, the other new guild members were frightened.
Toon was appointed chief of security in Bairan Village and was doing his daily patrol. He couldn’t resist his curiosity and whispered to Box.
–Hey, what is this? I thought you were going to stay in this guild until you know the identity of the skull helmet?
Box thought this was fun.
–I have already met him. It led to unwanted results. So I’m leaving.
–Hoh…? Really? So who is he?
–It’s no fun if I tell you too easily. I will give you a hint. He is a very surprising person.
–What? Is that it? Do you want to die?
Toon’s tone changed after he became annoying by the hint. Toon restrained himself and said goodbye.
–Toon, do you remember my suggestion? After you meet the skull helmet, make sure to leave the Tzedakah Guild and join my guild. We will always welcome someone with skills like you. Then I’m going.
“Che, what a wily bastard.”
Toon ended his whisper with Box and checked the guild information window. He was surprised by something when he checked the information of the 21 remaining guild members. The level 110 blacksmith he met in Winston a month ago was now level 172?
“…Ohu.”
Toon’s eyes shone with fighting spirit.
Chapter 136
Chapter 136
There was an old saying in games that ‘levels were bullies.’
That saying was also established in Satisfy. Satisfy might’ve revolutionized the world by implementing the first virtual reality system, but it was a game at its core. In Satisfy, level was the most primitive and important concept.
10 stat points were gained every time the level increased, and users would become stronger as their stats increased. The higher their level, the stronger a user could become because they could wear good items or acquire powerful skills. It wasn’t just for these simple reasons. The higher the level, the more the unique functions of the stats showed.
Let’s take the strength stat for example.
If the user’s level was less than 100: The user had 0.1 attack power, 3 health points and the weight limit increased by 20 with every point.
But if the user’s level was above 100, it would be 0.2 attack power, 5 health points and a weight limit increase of 30 points per every point in strength. Once the level was above 200, attack power increased by 0.3, health by 7 points and the weight limit by 40 per point.
In this way, the effect of the stats increased every 100 levels. This was called the stats awakening. The effect of the stats awakening was huge, so the higher the level, the better the effect.
However, that was almost unrelated to Grid, who had a legendary class.
A mere level 170 was able to knock down four rankers over level 200 and kill dozens of griffons who were level 260. He easily hunted hundreds of griffons (thanks to Toban properly acting as bait), so he was a scammer who transcended the concept of level.
‘The epic hidden classes are classified as powerhouses, and Grid is a legendary class… I’m speechless.’
They camped in the griffon habitat and spent all day and night hunting. Toban suddenly wondered, “Grid, how did you get a legendary class?”
A lot of effort was needed to become a hidden class, so it was almost like winning the lotto. It was basic common sense, but Toban wanted to know the specifics. He wondered about the process Grid went through to become a legendary class. Listening to the story would be fun, and he could use it as a reference.
But these were never pleasant memories for Grid. He didn’t want to recall his worst memories of the several months of suffering, where he died dozens of times and lost most of his possessions.
“Don’t ask…”
Toban verified Grid’s dark expression and gave up on listening to the story.
‘He is furious. He must’ve suffered. Indeed, getting a legendary class wouldn’t be easy… I would rather leave this place…’
They had been hunting in the griffon habitat for the past four days. In the meantime, Grid had gained 10 levels and reached level 180. There was the feeling that Grid wanted to reach level 200 here.
But it was hard for Toban to bear. For the past four days, he hadn’t acquired any experience or items. He was forced to wear Malacus’ Cloak and act as bait, while Grid reaped all the rewards. His number one position on the paladin rankings that he had firmly guarded for months might be taken away by the second ranked Damian.
Toban was nervous about this and prompted. “Grid, let’s stop hunting now. Don’t you have to clear your quest?”
“Hrmm…” Grid was troubled.
The griffon habitat gave a lot of experience, so he wanted to stay here until level 200.
‘The difference between level 180 and level 200 is huge…’
But it was an unreasonable decision.
‘It took four days to gain 10 levels. It will take at least eight days to gain 20 levels, but I am reluctant to delay it that long.’
To be honest, he felt a little bit sorry for Toban. He treated Toban as a slave, but he started to feel some remorse after a day or two.
‘He’s a ranker so he can’t serve any longer for free… It will be good to end it here.’
It was the day when he felt remorse for taking advantage of someone! He never even imagined it.
‘I need to be tougher in order to survive in this harsh world…!’
Why did God make him so naive and nice? Grid felt some resentment towards God as he made preparations to leave.
“Let’s go.”
“Ohh!”
Toban exclaimed. He was relieved about finally being able to escape from acting as griffon bait. Now it was time to go to the Judar Church. Grid wanted to finish this quest quickly. Toban wanted to regain his freedom.
Then the two people arrived at the Judar Sanctum in less than a day. Toban paused in front of it.
“Leader Pascal is aiming for the Holy Light set. Perhaps he will be hostile towards you. There might be a fight, but if so, I won’t be able to help you. Do you understand?”
“I am used to fighting alone.”
Grid wasn’t particularly worried. How could the leader of the Judar Church be stronger than the pope? He thought he would win if they fought. But before that, he had to check his status again.
‘Know yourself before knowing the enemy. Status window!’
Name: Grid
Level: 180 (140,090/5,531,200)
Class: Pagma’s Descendant
* The probability of adding additional options when making items will increase.
* The probably of item enhancement will increase.
* All equipment items can be worn unconditionally. However, there is a penalty depending on the rating of the item.
Title: One who Became a Legend
* Abnormal conditions don’t work well on you.
* You won’t die when health is at the minimum.
* Easily acknowledged.
Title: First Unique Item Maker
* Dexterity +200
Title: Only Legendary Item Maker
* Dexterity +350
Title: Knight Slayer
* Stamina +100.
* Strength +30
Title: Apostle of Justice
* All stats +10.
* The Apostle of Justice’s bravery is unmatched.
Health: 29,560/29,560+7,000 Mana: 3,240/3,240
Strength: 1,584 Stamina: 962 Agility: 417
Intelligence: 439 + 200 Dexterity: 984 Persistence: 498
Composure: 364 Indomitable: 414 Dignity: 364
Insight: 664 Courage: 308
Stat Points: 0
Weight: 25,519/57,480
[Abilities Details]
Basic Attack Power: 325 Weapon Attack Power: 412~579
Additional Attack Power:
* Pagma’s Swordsmanship Lv.1 (Deactivated):20% additional attack power.
* God Dominion’s Blessing: 15% additional attack power.
Total Attack Power: 995~1220
Basic Magic Power: 220 Item Magic Power: 100
Additional Magic Power: None
Total Magic Power: 320
Basic Defense: 192 Item Defense: 539
Additional Defense:
* Holy Light Battle Gear Set: Defense +500
Total Defense: 1,231
At level 100, he gained 0.2 attack power per every point in strength and 0.5 magic power per every point in intelligence. In addition, stamina gave 0.2 defense per point. When summing up, he rounded off the decimal point.
Grid’s base damage, magic power and defense were abnormally higher than users of the same level. This was because he’d acquired many stats through the production of items. But Grid wasn’t satisfied. He didn’t like the damage and defense figures applied from the items he wore.
The +5 Dainsleif’s attack power was 549~772, but due to the 25% penalty only 412~579 was applied. In addition, there was a 40~55% penalty for his armor, so the value wasted was too big. It caused a feeling of loss.
‘Being able to wear all items is fraudulent, but the penalty system is really annoying. If I’m going to be a scammer, make me a scammer. Why is there the penalty system?’
It was okay for now. When he killed the pope, he was 30 levels lower and his defense was much worse.
“Sigh… Okay!”
He thought positively as he entered the Judar Sanctum. He handed the paladin blocking his path the letter of recommendation from Isabel and said, “I came to see Leader Pascal.”
The paladin checked Isabel’s introduction letter and quickly opened the way.