by Park Saenal
Was there anything more fun than watching a fight? This was a great opportunity to enjoy it. Numerous users and people scattered around the city rushed in the direction of the turmoil. The soldiers also saw it and hurried.
“Captain! We have to hurry!”
“Go ahead and bring the guards!”
Winston’s security policies were excellent! The guards took pride in this. They immediately went to the scene of the crime in order to calm the turmoil. But the security chief was the problem.
“We need to turn off the lights. Wind…? Fan?”
The chief of the security forces saw the flames burning the city and wondered what was necessary to suppress the fire. The person was none other than Jude. In order to evenly grow his stats, Grid had given him all types of tasks such as monster subjugation, security activities, minerals extraction, sparring, etc.
“First of all, a fan. Please.”
Jude’s intelligence was at the level of an idiot. He came up with a stupid answer to the troubled guards.
“Fans won’t be able to stop this!”
“Bring in others to put it out!”
The guards urged him. In the end, Jude reached the limits of his patience. As always, he didn’t think.
“I will go.”
The fire didn’t matter. He would go there and see. He forgot about Grid’s urging to always think carefully before acting, and chose swiftness.
Tadak!
‘Fast!’
The guards were dismayed. Jude ran three times faster than them despite wearing full-plate armor and carrying a 3m long greatsword on his shoulder. He didn’t look like a human in their eyes. Indeed, there was a reason for his ignorance.
At Khan’s smithy.
“Hrmm, isn’t there a splendid fight over there?” Euphemina’s eyes shone as she discovered the fire outside the window. “I will go.”
For Euphemina, fights were important. It was an opportunity to duplicate outstanding skills. She, like everyone else, ran straight in the direction of the turmoil. Thanks to this, Khan was finally able to breathe. He was able to take a break for the first time today as the customers ran out towards the fight.
At the same time, Winston Castle.
“What?”
Grid had one habit. He disassembled and assembled items every day to increase the understanding of items. He had reached 100% understanding with Dainsleif a long time ago, so now he was devoted to disassembling and assembling the Holy Light Armor.
Grid was waiting for Euphemina at the castle’s smithy. Then he heard the soldiers rushing towards the flames that were soaring in the area where Khan’s smithy was located.
“Khan…!”
Was Khan in danger? Grid worriedly ran out of the smithy, then equipped Braham’s Boots and flew into the sky. Lauel followed behind him.
***
The fire drake’s greatest strength was their high damage. The drake’s fire breath was the strongest among any other drakes. However.
“How is this possible…?”
Huroi couldn’t believe the sight in front of him. The moment that Lord of the Skies above the Grasslands fired his breath. Kasim summoned dozens of shadow soldiers as a barrier, completely blocking the breath. Due to that, the breath didn’t cover Shay’s group and scattered in all directions. There was a sea of fire.
‘How does an assassin have that type of defensive capabilities?’
An assassin was agile. They had outstanding attack power and mobility. On the other hand, their defensive ability was poor. However, Kasim use the shadow soldiers as shields and showed excellent defense. He was completely different from the known concepts of assassins.
Shay shouted to the stunned Huroi. “This is the power of the third advancement! It’s my future! How about it? Isn’t it a class completely incomparable to an orator? Hahahat!”
Assassins were classified into four major categories. There were those who specialized in stealth and assassination like Faker, those who used swords like Shay, those who threw weapons like Sniffer and those who installed traps like Kerb.
But that was the case for second advancement assassins. A third advancement assassin had more techniques. One of them was shadows. The shadow technique allowed the assassin to perfect assimilate to other’s shadows, move between shadows or even summon shadow soldiers.
And Kasim was a master of shadows. He was the peak of the assassins, only rivaled by Doran. He wasn’t someone that the present Huroi could deal with.
“Let’s play a little bit.”
Sururuk.
Kasim disappeared into Shay’s shadow. Then he appeared in the shadow behind Huroi and wielded his dagger.
Seokeok!
[You have suffered 4,010 damage.]
“Ugh!”
Kasim relentlessly aimed at the weak points. It was impossible to defend or avoid. If Huroi tried to fight back, Kasim would hide in the shadows again so it was useless.
Puok!
“Kuak!”
If he attacked the shadow, Kasim would reappear in the shadows of other objects. It was a spectacular sight. The people who gathered admired it.
“He is terrific. What is that skill?”
“A hidden class?”
“Assassin…? Considering that he’s an NPC, is he a third advancement class?”
“Wow, this is a big hit. I’m going to be an assassin.”
Sakak! Seokeok!
Huroi lost most of his health after being attacked by Kasim, who used all the shadows around him. He would’ve died already if it wasn’t for the drake protecting him.
[The Apostle of Justice’s Partner’s bravery is unmatched. Your current health has fallen below 20%, so all stats will increase by 30%.]
This was his last chance. He was strengthened so he needed to defeat Shay’s group now. After judging that Kasim had disappeared into the shadows again, he headed towards the giggling Shay’s group, who were caught off guard. Then something rose from Shay’s shadow. A shadow soldier.
Kwachak!
Huroi’s desperate sword swing collided with a shadow soldier and was nullified.
“This…!”
The moment that Huroi felt despair.
“This isn’t fun. I will end it quickly.”
Kasim emerged from the shadow behind Huroi and pointed his dagger at Huroi’s neck. Then a woman’s voice was heard.
“Raise Shadow Soldiers.”
Kuoooh!
“…!”
Kasim was amazed. Shadow soldiers rose in the vicinity and attacked him?
Chaaeng! Chaeng!
Kasim’s attack was defeated and he lost interest in Huroi.
‘The same technique as mine was used?’
Did that mean there was an assassin with a similar level in the area? Kasim started to observe the spectators. He commanded the shadow soldiers in the crowd and quickly discover who was attacking him. It was a blonde girl.
Kasim thought it was ridiculous.
“An assassin wouldn’t have such white skin. Then how did you use the shadows technique?”
The blonde girl, Euphemina replied to Kasim. “What is this? Is it a technique that only you can use?”
“Kukuk…! Stop talking nonsense!”
It must be black magic. Kasim ignored the shadow soldiers and focused on Huroi. He would take care of that girl after killing his target. However.
“What are you doing?”
A cold voice was heard from above. Kasim and Huroi. Thousands of spectators, including Euphemina and Jude, turned their gaze towards the sky.
Shay shouted, “Grid!”
That’s right. The person who appeared in the sky was Grid. The spectators’ eyes shone like lanterns.
“God Grid! God Grid has showed up!”
“Pagma’s Descendant…!”
“Kyaaak! Oppa!”
Indeed, he was really popular. Everyone praised Grid, irrespective of national and gender. People shouted at Grid to look at them and enthusiastically waved their arms. Howeve
r, Grid’s eyes were only fixed on Kasim. He didn’t like Kasim pointing a dagger at the wounded Huroi’s neck.
“Take your hands off what is mine.”
The command entered Kasim’s ears, who replied. “What if I don’t want to?”
“Then die.”
Chwachwachwachwachwachwa!
Seven golden blades were revealed as everyone was paying attention. It was the special item of Pagma’s Descendant that attracted the attention of the world at the National Competition. People were excited, while Kasim breathed out.
‘Artifacts that move by themselves?’
He originally didn’t feel anything remarkable from Grid. But he seemed to be more than what Shay’s group told him. In addition, there was a boy with silver hair with him. But the more important thing…
‘Why does he have Doran’s Ring?’ Kasim’s attention was stolen by the blue ring on Grid’s finger. ‘This is interesting. I need to learn a bit more, rather than fighting needlessly.’
In the end, Kasim let Huroi go. Then he disappeared into the shadows.
“…Eh?”
Shay’s group was left alone. How could they think that Kasim would flee? How much money did they spend to hire him?
‘Is this a lie?’
Grid smiled at Shay’s party who couldn’t grasp the situation.
“You came again? Did you come to give me more items? Eh?”
Grid showed the Kenen’s Belt, the trap installation tool and poison blender that he received from them. They wanted to kill him even more. However, it was an impossible task without Kasim.
“…Haha.”
Shay’s group laughed awkwardly, but Grid asked coldly, “Is something funny?”
Thanks to realizing his strong sense of camaraderie at the National Competition, Grid was furious at the people who hurt Huroi. He was pulling out Failure to kill them when Lauel stopped him.
“Imprison them instead of killing them.”
“Why? Isn’t that a waste of the taxpayer’s money?”
Lauel whispered to the grim-looking Grid.
“If a criminal is put in prison, the ruler can check the criminal’s belongings. You can dispose of them after asking Lady Irene to check the items they have. Anyway, can’t you kill PK users at any time? It is more beneficial to trade them the items for their lives.”
“Hoh…”
Lauel had a lot of ideas and knowledge. Therefore, he was always helpful. This was the reason his mother told him to make smart friends when he was in elementary school. Grid was convinced and ordered Jude.
“Lock them up in jail.”
Euphemina approached him. She carried the production method to create the best orb associated with Braham.
Chapter 190
Chapter 190
One and a half years ago in Satisfy time. It was a story when Grid was still level 21 after becoming Pagma’s Descendant.
‘How about an item production game over the smithy?’
The Mero Company was exploiting the residents of Winston, when Rabbit came to Khan and made a suggestion. From Khan’s point of view, accepting the offer and winning the game was the only way to keep the smithy.
But Khan was an alcoholic and not in a position to play. He couldn’t fully demonstrate his abilities as a blacksmith. So Khan asked Grid to participate in the game for him. Grid was blinded by the compensation and readily accepted.
He competed with Euphemina, who was hired by the Mero Company, to make an item. The result was Grid’s loss. Grid would’ve won if the contest was normal, but due to the tyranny of the Mero Company, he was arrested during the contest and locked in prison.
The situation was desperate. Grid was unlucky enough to fail the quest and was fuming in prison. He was completely out of his mind, screaming that the game gods had cursed him. But then an unexpected savior appeared.
It was Euphemina. Thanks to her help, Grid was able to regain the Ideal Dagger, rescue Huroi, and gain the title ‘Apostle of Justice.’ Strictly speaking, Euphemina was Grid’s savior. But.
‘I’m not pleased at all.’
Grid was uncomfortable reuniting with Euphemina. He was reminded of old memories and positive sentiment was unwelcome. It wasn’t because he had bad feelings towards Euphemina. Grid was just scared.
‘If I can’t produce a unique rated orb… what will she do?’
Grid didn’t know about the disadvantages of the Duplicator class, and he thought Euphemina was the best OP. He was suspicious of anyone stronger than him. Euphemina wanted at least a unique rated orb in exchange for returning the Ideal Dagger.
What if he didn’t meet her expectations? Would she PK him if he completed a normal or rare rated orb?
Grid was really scared. He couldn’t afford to endure the bombardment of Euphemina’s best spells.
“It’s been a while.”
On the other hand, Euphemina was very glad to see Grid. In the past, Grid deliberately (?) acted foolish, but he actually had a legendary class. She was glad about the fact that the famous Pagma’s Descendant would make her an item.
“I watched your great performance in the National Competition on TV. You were really cool.”
Euphemina greeted him with charming eyes, and boasted an outstanding beauty that attracted people’s attention. The onlookers made a fuss.
“Who’s that girl?”
“Seriously adorable. I want to put her in my pocket.”
“Damn Grid… He already has Yura and Jishuka, now there’s this girl. I’m seriously envious.”
“Beauties always follow the heroes. God Grid deserves to be king of the harem.”
Euphemina had a short height of 150cm and a small figure. The innocent face was cute and stimulated a protective instinct. Some men were filled with desire towards her. But she didn’t suit Grid’s taste. Grid favoured a mature body more than Euphemina’s childish one. Therefore, Grid could be calm without being swayed by Euphemina.
“There are many eyes watching. Let’s talk after moving.”
‘That attitude is still present.’
Grid was like this the last time they met. He was indifferent to her beauty. No matter how lovely her eyes, he never noticed it. She even suspected if he was gay or impotent. But he got into a scandal with Yura and Jishuka during the National Competition.
Euphemina’s pride was hurt.
‘Are Yura and Jishuka better than me?’
She ran after Grid’s party with puffed up cheeks and they soon arrived at Winston Castle.
“Welcome!”
The soldiers saluted Grid and hurriedly opened the gates.
“You worked hard.”
Grid naturally greeted the soldiers and entered. Euphemina admired him. “You seem to have become a noble?”
As the overall level of users increased in rec ent years, quite a few rankers had become nobles. Experts speculated that there were at least 15 rankers who were awarded the title of a baron. Euphemina also wanted to become a baron. As expected, a legendary class was truly great.
Then the boy with the ID of Lauel said unexpectedly. “He is a viscount. In addition, he is the husband of Lady Winston.”
“…Huh?”
Euphemina was stunned. He wasn’t a baron, but a viscount? He was at the same level as masters of large guilds like Zibal and Chris?
‘And Lady Winston…’
Irene. She was the only successor of Earl Steim, one of the supreme powers in the Eternal Kingdom. Her marriage was significant enough to cause an uproar in the world. But her undisclosed marriage partner was a user, not a noble NPC?
‘It was Grid…’
He couldn’t get married to a noble just because he had a legendary class. The relationship between Grid and Irene was obviously deeper than anyone imagined. That type of bond couldn’t be gained by accident. Euphemina misunderstood that Grid intentionally approached Irene to marry her.
‘Marrying a female NPC, he is playing a completely different game from others.
It was like the dating simulation games that girls liked to play.
‘Amazing.’ Euphemina’s eyes shone brightly like lanterns as she watched Grid. ‘The first legendary class person transcends common sense.’
Grid was the first person whose skills couldn’t be duplicated by Euphemina. Therefore, she tended to overestimate Grid. During the National Competition, people ignored Grid for his lacking control. But she thought differently.
‘There is no need for control, as he can just roughly use his skills.’
She was proven right by Grid’s overwhelming actions in PvP. It might be a fate that started badly, but Euphemina was proud that she knew Grid. But Grid didn’t know her inner thoughts. He had no interest.
“Did you obtain all the materials needed to make the orb?”
Winston Castle’s smithy.
Grid asked in a blunt voice as he lit the furnace. Euphemina felt unhappy at his continued apathetic attitude and responded with a sullen face.
“Of course. It took me a year to get the orb production method and then six months to obtain all the ingredients listed. My preparation is perfect.”
‘One year? Half a year?’
Was she crazy? Investing a year and a half just to make a single item? Grid thought Euphemina was a fool. But in reality, Euphemina was extremely normal.
Users played the game with specific goals. The characteristic of heavy game users was doing their best to achieve that goal, no matter how long it took, while light game users gave up when it became difficult.
Euphemina was a level 283 private ranker, so of course she was a heavy user. She didn’t think it was strange to invest a year and a half to obtaining the best orb. It was just the way she enjoyed the game.
In the past, Grid was also like her. Grid was someone who discovered Pagma’s Rare Book after a few months of hard work without giving up. But Grid had changed. He forgot how to enjoy playing the game because he considered it as a means of making money. It was impossible for the current Grid to understand Euphemina.
‘She truly is scary.’
He couldn’t upset her. He didn’t want to imagine what type of terrible things would happen if he broke Euphemina’s year and a half of hard work.
‘It must be at least a unique rating.’
Grid pledged. He prayed to the gods.