by Park Saenal
Because of me…
Winter, Year 272 of the Kingdom.
My dad went to the village to sell leather and hasn’t returned for several days. I tried to visit the village, but Randy blocked my way.
He still didn’t speak.
Winter, Year 272 of the Kingdom.
I have to go to the village today!
I yelled at Randy.
I spoke harshly when I said it wasn’t necessary for him to protect me.
Then Randy opened the way.
In retrospect, Randy looked very sad.
Winter, Year 272 of the Kingdom.
I arrived in the village and heard shocking news.
My dad was arrested by the lord.
His crime was conspiring with the doppelganger.
The lord found out that my dad and I were close to Randy.
It’s all my fault.
The sweet and pure Randy became covered in blood and my dad was suffering…
All my fault.
Winter, Year 272 of the Kingdom.
The lord promised to release my father. Instead, I would become his concubine.
I have no other options.
Spring, Year 273 of the Kingdom.
I met Randy last night.
I couldn’t bear to tell him, who was trying to protect me, that I was leaving.
Thank you, I’m sorry. And I can only say that I love you.
Now I am leaving this house. I will never be able to come back. However, I lied and told Randy I would be back after a while.
Today will be my last diary entry.
“…Poor Randy!”
Vantner burst into tears. Unlike his rough appearance, he was very sensitive. Therefore, tears and snot were running down his face.
“Shit! Poor Randy! He struggled to protect Wendy, but in the end he couldn’t protect her! He didn’t even know that he couldn’t protect Wendy. Until now! For over 100 years, he has been waiting for Wendy to come back!”
“…”
The Overgeared members were solemn. They didn’t know the circumstances of the doppelganger and just thought he was a bad guy. Grid saw their depressed expressions and smiled.
“Even if it wasn’t us, someday someone else would’ve done the same thing. It’s fortunate that we know how Randy was feeling due to this book.”
It was a mature comment that they couldn’t believe.
“Grid…”
“My Lord…”
The Overgeared members comforted by Grid were impressed. They felt genuine respect for the ever-changing and growing Grid. Grid turned to the ‘real last chapter’ of the diary.
Summer, Year 286 of the Kingdom.
The lord abandoned me.
My soul and body that have become rags have finally found freedom.
The Mysterious Forest that I hadn’t returned to in 13 years.
Randy was waiting for me, looking just like he did in the past.
Randy…
There were so many words I wanted to say. I wanted to express my pain. But I didn’t want Randy’s heart to hurt, so I smiled as brightly as possible.
I’m back.
In the last chapter of the diary, small traces of blood could be seen. It seemed like Wendy became sick while living the lonely life of the lord’s concubine.
“She died shortly after returning home. The doppelganger must not understand that humans have a different life-span and had been waiting until this day.”
“Um…”
Grid closed the diary.
Then a notification window popped up.
[You have learned a little more about the person called Pagma.]
[There is a bond with Pagma. The growth rate of your skills will increase.]
‘What?’
The legendary skills had the disadvantage that their effect and power were excellent, but the growth speed was slow. This would overcome that shortcoming. Grid was delighted by the unexpected harvest when the notification windows were renewed.
[You have discovered the story of the Doppelganger of the Mysterious Forest.]
[The Doppelganger of the Mysterious Forest that fell by your hands is now different from the past. Its intelligence, physical abilities and most of its memories have been degraded. But if you call it Randy, it will be delighted and follow you.]
This was an opportunity to get a new pet. Grid couldn’t resist.
‘I will be your new friend.’
Ttalkak.
Grid decided to put the diary back in its place. Then he ordered the Overgeared members.
“After confirming the mine, I will collect the doppelganger and return.”
It was an expedition where he could obtain many things.
Chapter 236
Chapter 236
Grid and the Overgeared members returned.
It took four days, which was twice as long as the planned schedule. Rabbit came out and met them.
“I was worried since you were late.”
Vantner grumbled, “As part of training, we defeated all of the monsters on the way and back from the destination.”
Grid received the grumbles and laughed. “We’ve become a lot stronger thanks to that.”
It was true.
During the past four days, they constantly hunted as well as raided the doppelganger. Therefore, the Overgeared members made tremendous progress. It wasn’t just increasing their levels and items. Their control and ability to cooperate with each other had increased dramatically. It was thanks to Piaro’s teachings, who was an expert in tactics as well as swordsmanship.
Rabbit spoke bitterly, “Please stick to the schedule in the future. There will be a big loss if the schedule is out of order.”
Grid listened to him. He and the Overgeared members all had important positions in Reidan. It was too much to delay them with him. Grid carved that advice into himself.
“I will be careful.”
‘He has become more mature.’
Rabbit smiled as he perceived the new changes in Grid.“Anyway, I’m glad that you’re fine. What was the result?”
Did a mine really exist in Alzar Mountain?
If there was a mine, was it really a yellow mithril mine? Rabbit was full of expectations, and Grid didn’t disappoint him.
“The mine was secured. As you guessed, it’s a yellow mithril mine.”
“Ohh…!”
Yellow mithril had appeared in the history of alchemy hundreds of years ago. None of the present day people had witnessed yellow mithril. Now Reidan obtained a monopoly on yellow mithril. It was a feat that even the empire, which occupied more than half of the territory on the continent, had failed at.
The resulting ripple effect would be huge.
“You did a great job. Reidan’s future has been obtained.”
It wasn’t an exaggeration. Reidan would be able to establish a unique position with alchemy. It was expected that there would be an explosive synergy with alchemy and the legendary blacksmith.
As a result, Reidan would become the Talima of the human world.
“Let’s go to the meeting room. We need to discuss mine development and the alchemy investment funds.” Rabbit said excitedly, but Grid shook his head.
“I’m okay. Discuss it with the Overgeared members and proceed on your own.”
“I understand.”
Rabbit already knew that Grid was deliberately avoiding his duties as a lord and didn’t panic. He just felt relief for being trusted, and a burning motivation.
‘I will do my best to make both of us rich.’
The decisive Rabbit moved to the meeting room with the Overgeared members. A small woman was left alone with Grid. A female with twin tailed blonde hair, it was Euphemina.
“You seem to have completed all the work well. Congratulations.”
Euphemina was tired. It was natural, since she had been working without a break since returning from Frontier with Rabbit.
“Why did you call me? Do you have something else for
me to do?”
There were sharp points in Euphemina’s words. It seemed that she wanted to hit him.
Then Grid spoke some surprising words.
“Rest for the moment.”
“…Huh?”
Euphemina’s eyes widened. She was confused by Grid’s unexpected words.
“I know that you’ve been working harder than anyone else over the past few months. Haven’t you gone through a lot since joining the guild? Take some time to recharge and get a good night’s sleep. You can also raise your level, which you have been postponing.”
“Is it okay?”
Reidan was short-handed compared to the size of the city. In such a situation, it would be a big blow if an elite like Euphemina was to leave. Grid laughed at her hesitance.
“Yes, Reidan is quite stable thanks to your work. The experts in each field have been trained, so don’t worry too much.”
“Grid…”
Euphemina was moved.
In retrospect, this was the first time Grid had been so kind to her. He was always chilly and awkward, so this attitude change felt like a reward for her hard work. But that good atmosphere didn’t last for long.
“I recommend the Siren Kingdom as the hunting ground. While you are there, you should get some of the Water Clan King’s tears.”
“…”
It was the moment when Grid’s intentions were revealed. Euphemina’s expression cooled.
“You want me to go to the Siren Kingdom and get the tears of the water clan king?”
The effect of the Water Clan King’s Tears was unrivaled. It was a rare material that permanently gave magic to an item. But it was hard to find. Grid once again gave her a mission under the guise of a vacation.
‘How long must I be abused?’
Euphemina sighed. She was treated as a princess everywhere she went, but now she was just a worker? She felt skeptical about whether she really should’ve joined the Overgeared Guild. Then Grid handed an item to her. It wasn’t a robe or a cloak. It was a hooded zip up that could be seen in modern society.
“What’s this?” Euphemina was puzzled by the unfamiliar item and asked Grid.
“A gift.”
“What…?”
Euphemina didn’t show much of a response. She saw the Hooded Zip Up as just a decorative item. But she was shocked as soon as she confirmed the item information.
“I-Invisibility cloak?”
Around 200 years ago, the legendary tailor Kruger made five invisibility cloaks, two of which still reportedly existed. But no one knew where to obtain them. Invisibility cloaks were a super rare system. Euphemina was thrilled by the gift.
“I will go to the Siren Kingdom!”
Euphemina once again thought it was good that she joined Overgeared. Grid’s mood improved as he saw her happiness.
Give and take. The joy of a colleague was his joy. The growth of a colleague was his growth.
Grid honestly thought so.
***
Khan’s smithy.
Grid opened the pet inventory and pulled out the ‘Doppelganger of the Mysterious Forest.’
Crash.
The liquid was reminiscent of molten metal and stretched over the floor without much effort. Grid pulled out his hammer.
‘Repair it.’
In Wendy’s diary, Pagma had repaired the doppelganger. On the basis of that, Pagma’s Descendant should also be able to repair the doppelganger. Grid didn’t doubt it. Then he started to repair the doppelganger with the Legendary Blacksmith’s Repair skill Lv. 3.
Ttang! Ttang!
It wasn’t easy to repair the doppelganger. He didn’t know the repair method because he had no understanding of the structure of the body. He had no choice but to study it. Grid believed in himself. To be precise, he believed in the Legendary Blacksmith’s Repair skill. He was sure the skill would lead him correctly.
Then one hour later. Grid finally determined the core and hammered quickly.
[Your dexterity has risen by 5.]
[Your persistence has risen by 3.]
[The Legendary Blacksmith’s Repair skill has reached level 4.]
[The Doppelganger of the Mysterious Forest has been restored!]
The welcome notification windows popped up as the doppelganger started to move. Now it had a slime like appearance. Grid confirmed the information window.
Name: Not Set
Species: Doppelganger
Level: 1 (0/200)
Affinity: 0/100
Health: 1,200/1,200
Physical Attack Power: 15 Magic Attack Power: 2
Defense: 30 Magic Resistance: 6
Attributes: Nothing
Status: Confusion
(Who am I…?)
* A doppelganger that existed for over 150 years in the Mysterious Forest. It has accumulated wisdom through human relations and has a lot of combat experience.
Above all, there is the power to copy the appearance and abilities of the legendary blacksmith Pagma, so it isn’t comparable to normal doppelgangers.
-Current Skills List-
[Copy Lv. 10 (Mastered)]
Can perfectly copy the appearance of a target with a lower level than it. The stats are only 80% copied. Only some skills (random) will be copied.
It can completely copy the appearance of a target on the same level as it. The stats are only 50% copied. Only some skills (random) will be copied.
Can perfectly copy the appearance of a target with a higher level. The stats are only 20% copied. Only a small number of skills (random) will be copied.
Perfectly copies the owner’s appearance. The stats are only 30% copied. Only some skills (selected) will be copied.
[Language Ability Lv. 1]
The language ability is at the level of a five year old child.
[Half Immortality (Passive)]
Somewhere in the doppelganger’s body, there is a core of life energy. The doppelganger won’t die unless this core is completely destroyed.
‘Wonderful.’
Grid was thrilled. The basic stats of the doppelganger at level one were very low compared to Noe, but the Copy skill was excellent. Grid could use it as a clone that demonstrated 30% of his stats.
‘I have to take care to raise its level.’
Grid set a policy to treat the doppelganger differently from Noe. If Noe knew, he would be jealous.
“Wh…o?” The doppelganger was confused. “Who am I…? You… Who?”
Grid kindly explained to the doppelganger who was asking questions. “Your name is Randy. And I am Grid. We are friends.”
“Ran…dy. Frie…nds.”
Was it a remainder of the lost memories? The doppelganger slowly changed to look like a five or six year old girl. She had orange hair and was very cute. She would be beautiful when she was older.
‘This child is Wendy.’
Grid’s expression darkened. He felt compassion for Randy and Wendy’s unhappy life.
“Randy. Good name. Friend. Good.”
“I’m glad that you like it.”
Randy smiled very brightly. Grid couldn’t help stroking her hair.
‘There might’ve been a sad ending in your past life, but this life will be different.’
Grid decided. He aimed to give Randy happiness.
“Next…”
He needed to strengthen the Doppelganger’s Greatsword and Grid’s Boots in turn. Grid took out a large amount of enhancement stones that the Overgeared members had conceded to him.
‘After this preparation, I’ll get revenge for Piaro.’
It was the moment when a new legend in the history of the Saharan Empire would soon be recorded.
Chapter 237
Chapter 237
Grid had a lot of experience with items enhancement. Grid had done a lot of enhancement compared to the other users of Satisfy. Grid took advantage of his passive skill that ‘increased the probability of enhancement’ to enhance the guild members’ items.
; ‘There’s no trick to enhancement.’
Enhancement wasn’t affected by stats such as dexterity. Superstitions such as enhancing at certain times, or repairing the item first before enhancement were useless. The success was purely based on luck. It was a truth he had learned from countless enhancements.
“Umm.”
Grid looked at the dozens of enhancement stones in his inventory. He was extremely nervous. He was more nervous than when he went to see his first love, Ahyoung.
‘I need either the greatsword or the boots to reach at least +7…’
Would he be successful? Would his hair loss return if he received damage from this? It was a matter of money, so he was bound to be more sensitive. God, Buddha, goddess Rebecca, etc. Grid prayed earnestly to the gods that existed in the game and reality, then started the enhancement with trembling hands.
***
The discussion on the mine development and alchemy investment funding was over. The results were positive because Lauel and Rabbit were in agreement. However, the Overgeared members who left the meeting room weren’t happy.
“We’re going to suffer over the next few months.” Vantner grumbled.
He had a mission to destroy the monsters around the path from Reidan to Alzar Mountain. Wouldn’t the monsters just respawn if they were killed? At least 10 giant worm nests needed to be destroyed.
The 17 Overgeared members working with Vantner sighed. But Pon envied them.
‘It’s better than me…’
Pon was commanded to identity all the dungeons and boss monsters in the west. It was a mission to investigate which hunting ground would give them the most money. He was in charge, since it was a highly difficult mission.
Regas, who received the mission with him, smiled and spoke. “It’s interesting. Let’s take this opportunity to challenge a two person raid.” It was Regas’ dream to grow stronger through struggling. Pon had to be with this ignorant guy whose brain was made up of muscles. He could see a rocky path in front of him.
Lauel encouraged them.
“Our roles are important while Grid is away. Let’s take responsibility by raising our levels and developing the city.”
“Grid is going to the Saharan Empire?”
“Yes, he says there is an important quest from Piaro.”
“The empire… I hope that Grid doesn’t encounter any bumps in the road.”