by Park Saenal
But Grid was different.
“If you guys don’t mind, I would like to use these accessories.”
After he became Pagma’s Descendant. Grid had been self-sufficient regarding items through production and raids. However, accessories weren’t an area that blacksmiths could produce and because boss monsters didn’t often drop them, Grid didn’t have any.
‘I couldn’t find someone who could handle the purple orichalcum…’
From Grid’s perspective, he was grateful even for the Guardian accessory set. The Overgeared members unconditionally agreed to Grid’s request.
“Grid, you should do what you want.”
“You are the first place in this raid. It is natural for you to have what you want.”
“Thank you.”
Grid expressed his gratitude and shared the information of the greatsword.
[Doppelganger’s Greatsword]
Rating: Legendary
Durability: 731/731 Attack Power: 780~1,516
Attack Speed: -6%
* Ignores 20% of the enemy’s defense.
* Increases the power of attack skills by 20%.
A greatsword that the Doppelganger of the Mysterious Forest copied.
It imitated the work of the legendary blacksmith Pagma, but the resemblance is only in the appearance. The power isn’t comparable to Pagma’s works.
User Restriction: Level 320 or higher. More than 2,010 strength. Advanced Sword Mastery level 2 or higher.
Weight: 3,955
“Wow…!”
“It is terrific!”
It was overwhelming performance. The Overgeared members let out sounds of admiration. Grid was also impressed.
‘It is at this level, despite not being comparable to Pagma’s work?’
The damage was slightly less than the unique rated Failure, but the options of the greatsword showed other advantages. In particular, the 20% increase in attack skills damage captivated Grid’s heart.
‘If I use this greatsword, Pagma’s Swordsmanship will be greatly strengthened…’
Of course, it wasn’t a weapon good enough to replace Failure. It meant it wasn’t suitable for Grid to use. The Overgeared members were also similar.
“It is a pity that it’s a greatsword.”
“It would’ve been nice if it was a one-handed weapon…”
No one used the greatsword as a weapon among the Overgeared members. Beast Master Toon could handle a greatsword, but his primary weapon was a wrist blade. Both Grid and the Overgeared members felt regret.
“Why don’t you try challenging the two sword style?” Lauel suggested.
“Two sword style? Dual swordsmanship?”
“Yes.”
Some swordsmen classes acquired a passive skill called the ‘Two Sword Style’, where they used two swords instead of a shield and boasted powerful attacks and dazzling attack orbits.
“He doesn’t have the skill called Two Sword Style… But it shouldn’t be a problem?”
As Pagma’s Descendant, Grid could handle all weapons regardless of whether he had the required weapon mastery skill. The Overgeared members knew this fact. However, Grid thought negatively.
“How can I do dual swordsmanship with a greatsword…”
The weight wasn’t a problem. Grid’s strength stat was unrivaled. Failure was light by default, but he could swing the relatively heavy Doppelganger’s Greatword with one hand. But there was a problem. Both Failure and the Doppelganger’s Greatsword had a length of 2m. It wouldn’t be easy to wield two weapons longer than his height at the same time.
Lauel persuaded Grid.
“Your control skills have increased by leaps and bounds during this raid. It is more than you can imagine yourself. I am confident that if you try hard and don’t give up, I am convinced that you can do it. Besides, don’t you have a great mentor?”
Lauel pointed towards Piaro and said,
“Toon uses two wrist blades and Piaro is the strongest swordsman. If you study with them, won’t you be able to master the Two Sword Style someday?”
“Umm…”
Certainly, it was a tempting suggestion. The Doppelganger’s Greatsword increased basic damage and skills damage. By taking advantage of the two weapons and using Pagma’s Swordsmanship, he would be able to achieve a much higher attack power.
‘I want to challenge it.’
His blood was boiling. But there was a problem. The Doppelganger’s Greatsword was an item obtained in a raid group with the Overgeared members. He couldn’t take all the items alone.
Grid hesitated.
“Do as Lauel says.”
“That’s right. It is a good idea. Grid, can’t you use any weapon without limit? You should take advantage of this advantage.”
“You will raise your defense with the accessories, so it’s ideal if you can increase your attack power.”
“Everyone…”
They were generously giving it to me. Were they doing him a favor? The Grid in the past would’ve giggled and accepted it without any conflicts. But now he was different. He had something called a conscience.
The Overgeared members encouraged him when he hesitated.
“In the first place, you are the only one who can use a greatsword. Should we sell it to others for money? Absolutely not. I don’t want a ranker getting their hands on a powerful weapon.”
“That’s right, should we raise a rival with our own hands?”
“In addition, we owe a lot to Grid.”
After he became the master of the Overgeared Guild. Grid produced the guild members’ items for free. He thought it was something he should do as the guild master. He was always thankful to the Overgeared members.
Now that favor was returning to him.
“Thank you…!”
The Doppelganger’s Greatsword was worth at least three million gold. Grid was thrilled by the Overgeared members’ actions.
***
“It is extremely difficult to adapt to using two swords in a short period of time. In particular, it is theoretically impossible to master dual wielding with greatswords.
“Do you mean I should give up?”
“No, that isn’t it. It is possible to overcome it with Pagma’s power. But it will take time. First of all, don’t fret. I will try to train you so that you can use dual swords with Pagma’s Swordsmanship.”
Grid and the Overgeared members passed through the Mysterious Forest and climbed the mountain. It was to search for the presence of a mine. While they were moving, Grid discussed how to dual wield with Piaro.
Huroi was walking ahead and he shouted.
“There is a small cabin on the slopes of the mountain.”
“A cabin?”
A person lived in a dangerous area where no one could enter because of the doppelganger? Grid and the Overgeared members were curious but didn’t forget their boundaries. They knocked on the door of the cabin.
“Is anyone here?”
“…”
There was no answer. There were also no sounds.
“Should we enter?”
Vantner wasn’t sure if there was a landlord present, but he opened the old door. Then the smell of mold tormented the group.
“This house has been neglected for at least a decade.”
Grid’s group started to search the house. However, there was nothing in the house except for a small bed and desk.
“Huh? What is this?”
Vantner discovered an old storage box. It was made of birch and locked like a treasure chest. What was inside? Vantner was curious and tried to break the box. But the system rejected it.
[Nothing happened.]
“This… It looks like we need a key to open the box?”
“Leave it to me.”
Grid came forward. He pulled out his ‘Master Key.’
Clink.
The rusty lock was opened with no resistance.
“This…?”
There was a small book in the s
torage box. Grid opened it.
Chapter 235
Chapter 235
There was a small book kept in a firmly locked box. It was someone’s diary. The first few chapters were filled with crooked letters like a child had written it.
Summer, Year 259 of the Kingdom.
I met a child who looked exactly like me in the forest on the way out of the village.
The person said hello! I also smiled and greeted the child.
“Year 259…”
“146 years ago.”
It was a diary from a long time ago. It was remarkably well preserved without anything being erased. Grid turned to the next chapter.
Winter, Year 259 of the Kingdom.
I went to the forest for the first time in a while.
The child who looked exactly like me was wearing summer clothes. I took off my hat and scarf and gave it to the child, who laughed.
Winter, Year 259 of the Kingdom.
I told my dad about the child in the forest.
My dad became angry. He said the child was a dangerous monster. He told me not to meet the child again.
“The child in this diary is the doppelganger?”
“Indeed.”
Not all monsters were aggressive. There were monsters that attacked humans first, and those that didn’t. The Doppelganger of the Mysterious Forest seemed to be a gentle monster in the past.
‘If this guy was like this, why did he attack us first?’
Grid and the Overgeared members had questions.
Spring, Year 260 of the Kingdom.
Dad said that child in the forest was dangerous, but he didn’t know.
I went to see her again.
The child treasured the hat and scarf that I gave her.
“Hello!” I greeted her. She replied with those words.
We promised to be friends.
Spring, Year 260 of the Kingdom.
I named my friend Randy. My name is Wendy and together, we’ll look like sisters.
Autumn, Year 260 of the Kingdom.
Randy now speaks very well. She can follow everything that I say.
My good friend is smart.
Winter, Year 260 of the Kingdom.
I played with Randy every day and was caught by my dad. Dad took out his bow, stating that he was going to kick Randy out.
I was scared and followed.
My dad saw Randy’s greeting and couldn’t shoot the bow. Thank god.
Summer, Year 261 of the Kingdom.
My dad taught Randy how to use the bow. Now Randy is better at hunting than Dad.
Thanks to Randy, my family never goes hungry.
Thank you Randy.
But I like rabbit meat more than boar meat.
The days in the diary flowed quickly. The young girl called Wendy spent her days pleasantly. Her father and her friend Randy gave her new experiences every day. The feelings conveyed from the diary were happy, so the hearts of Grid and the Overgeared members became warm.
Unfortunately, the contents of the diary started to enter a new phase. It was when Wendy’s handwriting started to mature.
Spring, Year 270 of the Kingdom.
There seems to be an amazing mine behind our house. The villagers gathered together to check it, before saying that they should report it to the lord of Reidan.
Spring, Year 270 of the Kingdom.
The lord visited with dozens of knights. He told my dad to guide him to the mine.
The sight of the lord watching me was somewhat unpleasant.
Summer, Year 270 of the Kingdom.
Oh my god!
A gentleman more beautiful than me came to the mine. His dignified manner and fine skin was like a prince from a fairy tale.
The prince was concerned.
“The minds of humans are still too immature to bear this mineral.”
“Is she talking about Pagma?”
“I was thinking the same thing.”
Grid was sure of it after reading the contents of the diary. As Rabbit guessed, there was a mine in this mountain, and the mineral there was so huge that Pagma had to pay attention to it.
‘Yellow mithril.’
Grid kept reading the diary.
Autumn, Year 270 of the Kingdom.
The lord declared that he would develop the mine. Then he ordered me to pour him a drink.
As I was serving him, the lord kept touching my hips.
I was uncomfortable, but refrained because he was the lord.
Autumn, Year 270 of the Kingdom.
The lord said he would make me his concubine.
What is a concubine?
When I asked my father what that meant, he just shed tears.
Autumn, Year 270 of the Kingdom.
The villagers told me. There were one or two women who went to become the lord’s concubines, but they were all treated as playthings.
Everyone is worried about me.
Scary…
Winter, Year 270 of the Kingdom.
I explained the matter to Randy, stating that I would need to leave home soon to become the lord’s concubine.
I don’t want to leave my father and Randy.
I cried loudly and Randy patted my back.
Randy is always nice. Winter with Randy wasn’t too cold.
Winter, Year 270 of the Kingdom.
It’s serious.
The lord tried to visit the mine, but was attacked by a monster in the Mysterious Forest.
The identity of a monster is a doppelganger.
Randy…
Spring, Year 271 of the Kingdom.
I heard that the angry lord organized an army to kill Randy.
I’m worried about Randy and can’t sleep.
Spring, Year 271 of the Kingdom.
As soon as dawn came, I went to Randy.
Randy’s appearance was different.
She looked exactly the same as one of the lord’s knights.
“I don’t like it. I will protect Wendy.”
Randy shouted at me to run away.
No matter how I tried to persuade her, Randy wouldn’t step back.
What if Randy was hurt?
I was afraid and sad.
“Since then…”
In order to defend the girl called Wendy, the gentle doppelganger started attacking anyone who invaded the forest. He had been fighting for 100 years.
“The Guardian accessories were made by the doppelganger for this.”
What happened to Wendy in the end? Then how did the doppelganger take on Pagma’s appearance? Grid and the Overgeared members became immersed in the diary.
Spring, Year 271 of the Kingdom.
It’s said that Randy defeated the army sent by the lord by herself.
It’s scary that many people died. But Randy was unharmed, so I was happy.
I went to Randy.
“Don’t worry. I’ll protect Wendy. Don’t worry, Wendy, don’t worry.”
Randy repeatedly said the same thing while bleeding.
She was seriously injured and couldn’t get up properly.
I had been saving up herbs to treat Randy.
But Randy was impervious to the effects of the herbs.
I will be with Randy tonight to look after her.
Spring, Year 271 of the Kingdom.
A few days later, Randy’s wounds haven’t healed.
According to rumors, the lord is preparing a new army.
Please… Somebody please help Randy.
Summer, Year 271 of the Kingdom.
I was leaning on Randy’s shoulders.
“Your killing originates from a noble heart.”
The prince I saw last year appeared.
Despite Randy swinging the sword, the prince hammered at her.
No!
I yelled, but the prince didn’t stop. Randy’s body kept being hit.
Then something strange happened.
Randy’s wounds became better.
“Is this the concept of
repair? The material that makes up the body of a doppelganger can be called a metal.” Lauel asked.
Grid nodded.
“It seems so.”
It seemed like he could do it as well. Grid thought before turning to the next chapter.
Summer, Year 271 of the Kingdom.
“This world is full of danger. Humans are threatened by monsters and are busy fighting among themselves, while the demons underground are helped by the Yatan Church.”
The prince who called himself Pagma said difficult words.
He smiled at me while patting Randy’s head.
“There is a balance to be kept. If the present day Eternal Kingdom has the power to threaten the empire, it would cause great confusion. I will give you the right to use some of my strength, so you must defend this forest thoroughly. The consequence of that will result in Wendy’s safety.”
“…”
Randy was smarter than me. Unlike me, Randy understood the words and nodded.
Then on this day. Randy’s appearance changed into that of the beautiful prince.
Summer, Year 271 of the Kingdom.
Randy defeated the lord’s army.
This time, Randy wasn’t seriously injured.
Thank god. But I was worried.
Randy’s atmosphere changed.
The warmth of his eyes felt a bit cold.
Winter, Year 271 of the Kingdom.
Randy continued to fight for the last few months. The lord hired mercenaries after the army couldn’t defeat Randy.
Randy warned me when I visited him.
“Don’t come here anymore. Wendy should stay with your dad.”
‘Why…?
“Aren’t we friends? Why are you rejecting me?”
I asked him and Randy explained.
“I’m able to easily kill humans. And Wendy is a human. I… I’m scared.”
Randy looked lonely. My heart hurts.
Spring, Year 272 of the Kingdom.
I visited Randy today.
Randy acted as usual.
He told me to ‘Go back’ and then fell silent. He didn’t respond to any of my stories.
I’m sorry and scared. More than anything, I am sorry.
Summer, Year 272 of the Kingdom.
Randy has killed many people.
‘Are you okay?’
There was no answer from Randy. Now he didn’t even look at me. He just looked into the distance. He’s changing more and more.