by Park Saenal
“Pant pant…”
“Shit… It won’t work.”
“I’ve never see a demonkin before.”
“Balak is Balak, but Neberius is the problem. The debuff is too extensive and effective. I can’t attack properly due to the lowered accuracy.”
“The evasion rate of 0% is deadly for assassins…”
As the battle continued, the faces of the Tzedakah Guild became darker. Neberius and Balak were both strong, but Neberius was particularly problematic. The top priority was stopping his flute. Everyone had the same thought.
『The Tzedakah Guild have struggled well, but there is a limit. 』
The battle of Bairan Village was being broadcasted by all the media around the world. The users in Bairan Village recorded the situation and uploaded them to the Internet in real time.
『 The situation might improve if Regas and Pon could join the battle, but… There are 60~70 people affected by Balak’s passive skill thoroughly marking the two of them, so it can’t be helped.』
『In the first place, Malacus was the weakest of the Yatan Servants. The Tzedakah Guild may have defeated Malacus, but it’s still a far cry from dealing with two stronger servants. It’s obvious that the Tzedakah Guild will be wiped out without the help of the users in the top 10 of the unified rankings. 』
『It’s odd to see the Tzedakah Guild collapsing.』
『 But it’s incredible that they lasted so long. I don’t think that anyone watching this broadcast can argue with the fact that the Tzedakah Guild is the strongest. They are fighting so well, even in the worst situation… It is great. 』
『Personally, Faker and Vantner seem the most impressive. Aren’t they doing a good job?』
『Vantner? Are you deceived by the splendid appearance of his swinging axes? Vantner is still immature. He didn’t pay attention to defense as a guardian knight and is paying for it. Right now, the best people fighting are Faker, Ibellin, Pon and Regas. 』
『Are you ignoring Laella and Zednos?』
It happened the moment when the experts were giving negative opinions about the battle.
『Eh? Wait a moment. Who is that person?』
A man whose face and ID were completely concealed was caught on screen.
『He is using Fly magic. A magician.』
That’s right. The person was flying in the air. Then he reached into the air (his inventory). He pulled out black armor and threw it towards Vantner, who was isolated with Jishuka.
“…!!”
Vantner shouted something towards the man in the sky. His expression was clearly angry. But then he received the armor and smiled. At that moment, an amazing thing happened. Vantner wore the armor and his color suddenly improved?
He seemed alive again as he started to fight fiercely against the elders. The anchors and experts were stunned.
『That armor…?』
The mysterious man suddenly came and gave Vantner armor. What was the relationship between Vantner and the man, and what was the identity of the armor? The videos focused on him as anchors, experts and viewers around the world started to wonder about the man’s identity.
In the meantime, the man once again reached into the air. This time, he pulled out a black greatsword.
“…!!”
The man shouted at the Tzedakah Guild members. One of the guild members on the ground held up hand. The man threw him the black greatsword. Then another surprise occurred. The Tzedakah Guild member grabbed the greatsword and became stronger than before, as he started to attack Balak with a terrifying momentum.
One of the experts had a flash of inspiration.
『Ah…! I know that greatsword! Isn’t it the weapon used by the butcher who slaughtered the Giant Guild members in Winston in the past?』
An anchor chimed in.
『Yes! I thought it looked familiar! It really is that greatsword! 』
『 No, then that person…? 』
The man in the sky! People’s curiosity about his identity was amplified.
And…
The man started to arm himself. He wore beautiful white armor with gold thread embroidered on it. After that, he placed an ordinary cloak over it.
Then.
Neberius, Balak and all the Yatan believers turned their gaze towards the man in unison.
『Eh…? What is this phenomenon? Are they focusing on the butcher?』
『 Does that cloak have a taunting effect? But he’s alone, so how can he deal with all of them…? 』
The anchors, expert, Tzedakah Guild members and all users in the area. The attention of viewers all over the world was only focused on one man.
Saaah!
Did he know that hundreds of millions of people were watching him? The man put his hand into the air. Then there was a blue light as he started to pull something out.
『Shark?』
That’s right. It was a shark-like appearance. The man pulled out a blue shark-shaped greatsword from his inventory. Then he spoke the shocking name of a skill while the world was watching.
“Pagma’s Swordsmanship, Transcended Link.”
『Pagma?!』
It felt like the entire world was shaking. As the anchors and experts were shaking with astonishment, a blue-black light filled the screen.
Chapter 152
Chapter 152
The smithy in Bairan Village was very good. Until Khan appeared, the blacksmith there was the best blacksmith in the north. But his disciple Smith wasn’t as talented. Smith was 66 this year. He had been working as a blacksmith for 50 years, but he was still a beginner blacksmith.
“Oh my, Mister Smith’s farm equipment breaks down so quickly?”
“I have to go to another village to buy farm equipment.”
“Uncle Smith should’ve become a miner instead.”
“Haha, right. He is just as good with a pickaxe as a miner.”
He lived in the area for a few decades, but people still gossiped about him behind his back. Then what about the travellers?
“Dammit, Bairan Village is good, but the blacksmith is rubbish. I can’t get anything decent from the smithy.”
“The hunting grounds here are for high levels, but why is the blacksmith so inferior? Damn!”
“But isn’t he good at making Jaffa Arrows? The price is also cheap. They aren’t bad for a fight.”
“Not bad is the problem.”
It was like this almost every day for decades. Smith was blamed for being incompetent. No matter how hard he tried, it was useless. He reminded himself of his mentor’s teachings and repeatedly trained in controlling the fire and iron every day, but his abilities didn’t increase. It felt like a witch had cursed him.
“I don’t want to give up now…”
Every young man in the village dreamed of being a miner, but avoided becoming a blacksmith. So he had no disciples. Furthermore, he was old. Sooner or later, the lord would make him retire.
Smith wanted to become an intermediate blacksmith before then. He wanted to prove his worth. He lived all his life with iron, but he was going to die as a beginner blacksmith? It was obvious that people would scoff and laugh every time they saw his grave. He didn’t want to be insulted even after death.
‘Try to remember.’
Smith closed his eyes in front of the anvil. He recalled the young man a few months who he had briefly taught. The young man’s name was Grid. His appearance was bad, but he managed to make the Special Jaffa Arrows.
‘How did he do it?’
Smith tried. He tried not to miss a single one of Grid’s movements when handling the fire and iron. Time flowed continuously. Before he knew it, the moon sank and it became dawn. The sky brightened.
Flash!
Finally, Smith opened his eyes.
Kaaang! Kaaang!
There were no wasted movements. He handled the fire and minerals in a more orderly manner than before.
Kaaang~!
Before he knew it, the sun had risen to t
he middle of the sky. But Smith was in a trance. He didn’t feel the passing time or even hunger. He didn’t even realize that people were screaming outside the smithy. With the fire and hammer, he just worked at smelting and tempering the mineral.
And.
“Oh…! Ohhhh!”
Someone spoke to him. Enlightenment suddenly came. It was true. Smith crossed the wall that had been blocking him for 50 years. He was so thrilled that tears poured out. He held the newly created ‘Special Jaffa Arrow’ and literally fell to the ground.
“Haha…! Hahaha! I’m glad… I’m glad…”
The aftereffect didn’t go away. Smith stroked the arrow like a cherished child as he kept crying. His last desperate effort had been rewarded. Then the door of the smithy opened.
“Infidel, you will be judged.”
“…?”
Someone suddenly stormed into the smithy. It was a believer of the Yatan Church. What was this? Smith questioned the sudden situation and looked outside through the open door of the smithy.
The village was filled with fire. The screams of people were constantly heard. Now Smith grasped the situation.
“The Yatan Church has invaded…”
Ddubeok. Ddubeok.
The follower slowly approached. Then he pointed his dagger at Smith.
“Die, Infidel.”
Smith laughed heartily, “Haha… Yes. I can die. I already have no one.”
He had finally overcome the limitations. If anyone found the arrow he left behind, they would know he was no longer a beginner blacksmith. Then Smith closed his eyes.
‘I can face Master.’
He felt the eerie anticipating of the dagger approaching his heart.
Puok!
There was a strange sound. A bloody mess spread quickly. But he didn’t feel any pain.
“…?”
Smith quietly opened his eyes. Then he witnessed the follower coughing up blood after being stabbed in the heart with an arrow. There was a young man smiling from behind the follower.
“Hasn’t it been a long time? Old Man.”
“Why are you here…?”
It was Grid. The young man who gave him enlightenment appeared at this moment and saved his life? He thought he had no regrets about his life, but he couldn’t help feeling relieved. Tears poured down again.
“Have you been well?”
Smith was thrilled and shook Grid’s hand. It was a big hand filled with calluses. It was undoubtedly the hand of a blacksmith. Grid chuckled and pulled Smith to his feet.
“Old Man, you made wonderful arrows.”
“Ah…!”
His heart started pounding. He was recognized. It was his first time in 66 years. It wasn’t an ordinary person, but a great blacksmith! Smith rose all the way to an advanced blacksmith due to the enlightenment of one night. He could feel the greatness of Grid so he started sniffling.
“I can continue working for the next few years. Continue… I want to keep working…”
Grid patted Smith’s shoulders. “Of course, you can work more. This is your prime.”
Float.
Grid floated in the air and gazed into Smith’s eyes.
“Your workspace. I will protect it.”
It was at that moment.
[Your heart warms when you think about the old blacksmith who overcame his limits with commitment and a desire to work.]
[The quest ‘Blacksmith’s Affection’ has been created.]
[Blacksmith’s Affection]
Difficulty: B
You are the successor of Pagma’s techniques and will! You have Pagma’s humanitarian ideology of using ‘blacksmithing to benefit other people.’
The new dream of an old blacksmith who passed his limit has inspired you.
You want to reward the old blacksmith whose heart is as hot as fire and solid as steel.
Quest Clear Conditions: Protect Smith’s smithy.
Quest Clear Rewards: The lifespan of Smith will be extended by 30 years.
* Smith is a late bloomer thanks to his effort. He has the qualities of a fine blacksmith. Extending his life will benefit you.
Quest Acceptance Reward: The skill ‘Blacksmith’s Affection’ will be created.
Quest Failure: Smith’s life isn’t extended.
[Blacksmith’s Affection]
If you have the maximum affinity with an NPC blacksmith, you can raise their skill level by 1~5 levels.
The blacksmith who received your teachings will be loyal to you for life and will share with you every time they learn new item production methods.
[Quest is in progress.]
“Wow.”
The first time he met Khan he Winston, he became angry in the same manner and learned the skill Blacksmith’s Rage. He had come to deliver armor to Vantner, only to witness Smith’s plight. Saving him gave Grid unexpected benefits.
‘Maybe the world is different from what I thought.’
He thought the world was a place where only selfish and bad guys received profits, while a good person was damaged. But his thoughts changed a bit after being rewarded for his good work.
Grid felt better as he left the smithy. Then his high insight detected exactly 15 Yatan followers nearby. Grid wore Malacus’ Cloak and let them approach, calculating the perfect timing.
“Pagma’s Swordsmanship, Wave!”
It was an absolute dignity. The energy waves from Failure instantly killed the 15 followers.
[The quest ‘Blacksmith’s Affection’ has been cleared.]
[Smith’s life will be extended by 30 years.]
‘Good, good.’
Grid made a happy expression and turned his attention to the center of the village. The Tzedakah Guild were facing the old man Neberius playing the flute and the demonkin Balak, whose body was bubbling up like lava. But the guild members still seemed to be hanging on. Regas, Pon, Jishuka and Vantner weren’t present, but they seemed to be fighting well.
‘Everyone is much stronger compared to the time of the Malacus raid. With their current power, won’t they just make fun of Malacus?’
Grid turned his gaze to the other side. Jishuka and Vantner were isolated in an area where the houses were concentrated.
“This side is urgent.”
***
“Pant pant… Damn! You lousy bastards!”
Vantner’s health was at the bottom. The damage he suffered was so much that his potions cooldown time couldn’t keep up and he was on the verge of death.
“Die!”
“Divine punishment!”
The clever believers started to focus their attacks on Vantner. In the end, Jishuka made a decision.
Kaaang!
She moved to defend Vantner’s side from the black knight’s attack, causing her to cough up blood. Vantner cried out, “What are you doing? I’m supposed to protect you, not you protect me!”
Jishuka ridiculed him. “Do you have the ability to protect me?”
“Ugh…”
When the Tzedakah Guild quit L.T.S. and moved to Satisfy, Vantner made his character a tanker. He was a damage dealer in L.T.S. so the guild members expressed concern. But Vantner was stubborn. He wanted to be in charge of a different position from L.T.S, so he chose a guardian knight.
Then he immediately regretted it. The tanker’s weak attack and slow hunting speed didn’t suit him. In order to level up properly, he always had to hunt with a party. The gap with his rival Pon grew bigger and Vantner became impatient.
“Tanker? No.”
In order to feel the pleasure of playing alone, Vantner started to put his stat points into strength. He forgot his original intentions of tanking for the guild members.
“How many times have I been told that a tanker doesn’t suit me? If Garcia had become our guild’s guardian knight as planned, we would’ve been stronger and more stable. I’m sorry.”
“…”
Vantner felt sorry towards Jishuka and apologized while bowing his head. Jishuka smiled
as Vantner was feeling depressed, “After this situation, distribute your stat points better in the future.”
“…Yes. After the Malacus raid, I have been distributing as much stat points as possible into stamina. I will now go unconditionally into stamina.”
“Okay.”
Jishuka made a satisfied expression and pulled her bowstring back to the fullest. Then flames started appearing at the end of the arrowhead. She was poised to use the strongest attack skill, Phoenix Arrow.
“Jishuka?”
She was going to use all her mana to get rid of the black knights in front of them? Wasn’t it a death wish? The confused Vantner tried to stop her. But Jishuka had already made up her mind.
“I will wipe out all the enemies here. You should recover as quickly as possible and join the guild members.”
Jishuka was 17th on the unified rankings. The rankings of the top players could fluctuate with just 1% of experience, so someone dying and losing 20% of their experience could drop the rankings down 20 places.
Vantner couldn’t let her make the sacrifice.
“No! I will die instead!”
Jishuka stared at the shouting Vantner.
“Are you an idiot? If you die then I won’t be able to escape by myself. Just listen to me.”
[You have suffered 2,800 damage.]
[You have suffered 2,550 damage.]
[You have been cursed. Your defense is reduced by 30% and your movement speed has slowed.]
Jishuka was hit by magic attacks. But she didn’t protest.
Hwaruruk!
The flames at the arrowhead spread and the whole bow became covered with fire. The enemies would be wiped out the moment she let go of the bowstring.
“Ohhhhhh!”
The black warriors and magician sensed the danger and started their onslaught.
Papapat!
A dart flew and protected Jishuka. Then a voice was heard from the sky.
“Stop. Why are you planning on dying?”
Paruru.
Jishuka blinked her long eyelashes. She didn’t hesitate to turn off the flames as she turned her gaze towards the sky.
“Why are you so late? You bastard.”
She was touched to tears. She was always sexy, but her puffed up cheeks made her look cute. Grid flushed as his heart was attacked.