by Park Saenal
It was worth experimenting. Grid pulled Noe out of the inventory. There was no need to summon Randy to experiment. He didn’t want to distribute his experience between two pets.
“Jjang! The best demonic beast of hell has emerged! Nyang!”
Noe wanted to appear nicely and stretched out his limbs. But his limbs were so short that it looked funny rather than nice.
‘How come he’s getting cuter?’
Grid wanted to say. Along with the sound effect… How was this guy a demonic beast from hell? Grid laughed and confirmed Noe’s status window.
Name: Noe
Species: Memphis
Level: 151
Status: Happy
(Ohhhh! This gorgeous appearance has emerged! Nyahahat!)
…
-Current Skills List-
[Fluidization] [Soul Ingestion] [Scratch] [Bewitchment]
…
Noe acquired the Bewitchment skill when he reached level 150. It was a useful skill that caused the enemy to lose their will to fight. The imperial soldiers might have excellent skills, but they weren’t a match for Noe. Noe could hunt much higher level monsters if he used his skills well. Unless Noe wasn’t alert and allowed attacks, it was a fraudulent existence.
Grid defended against the magic coming from the black magician with the pavranium, while ordering Noe at the same time.
“Go on a rampage.”
“Nyang!”
Noe flapped his small wings and flew to a soldier. The soldier tried to shake Noe off, but he was very slippery. He lightly moved to the side and stretched out his short legs. The moment the soldier was struck with the soft pink soles, the soldier witnessed stars revolving around his head.
‘It hurts?’
To the soldier’s astonishment, blood poured down from the wound. The cat followed up with the sharp claws.
“Nya nya nya nya nyang!”
Noe wielded his paws at a speed that wasn’t visible. The soldier’s face quickly became bloody.
“This crazy cat!”
The soldier struggled to shake Noe off. He waved his sword around. But Noe didn’t stop attacking while evading. Relentless and cruel. He truly was a demonic beast of hell.
“Ugh.”
Grid’s face distorted the moment the soldier collapsed.
[125,600 experience has been acquired. Some experience has been distributed to your pet ‘Noe.’]
[Your demonic power has increased by one.]
‘Shit!’
It seemed that his demonic power rose even when it was his pet doing the murdering. Therefore, Grid didn’t hesitate. He recalled Noe in order to monopolize the experience, and started the slaughter.
Grid constantly used the Hooded Zip Up and started wielding two greatswords. The soldiers were unable to cling to Grid’s body due to the moving barrier of golden blades. They died in vain.
‘Just a little bit more.’
Grid’s eyes fixed on the entrance of the mansion after killing three soldiers with the Doppelganger’s Greatsword.
There. Asmophel was in that mansion. This long journey ended with killing him. The quest reward would increase Piaro’s affinity to the maximum, then…
‘Piaro, be my sword.’
Grid was thrilled with excitement at the thought of gaining a great swordsman as a subordinate.
Peeng!
The warlock guarding the entrance of the mansion fired magic again. Grid frowned.
‘This bug is annoying.’
A black magician was very weak. Based on the level of attack magic used, it seemed like he was only around level 200. But he was a little annoying to Grid. Grid took care of the remaining soldiers and then rushed to the mansion. He was ready to quickly get rid of this black magician and fight against Asmophel.
‘Did he hear the disturbance and already run away?’
The moment Grid was worrying about this…
“Come out! Asmophel!”
The sloppy looking black magician shouted and a slender man appeared. The name above his head was clearly Asmophel.
“…What?”
His target was coming to him? Grid was surprised by the unexpected development and the black magician shouted.
“Your rampage ends here! You will receive divine punishment…!”
Dark Bus couldn’t finish his cry. It was because Grid’s Failure had already hit his neck.
“…!”
Dark Bus fell with a moaning sound that was similar to the wind blowing. The Doppelganger’s Greatsword was embedded deep into his heart.
“You…!”
The incensed Dark Bus jumped up. He had the weakest combat power of the Yatan Servants. However, he was a named boss so his health was in the millions. He wouldn’t die from these two strikes.
Grid questioned.
‘Why hasn’t he died yet?’
Grid didn’t know Dark Bus’ identity. He just thought the opponent was a simple black magician. He assumed that one or two blows would kill Dark Bus. However, he had unexpectedly high health. Therefore, Grid used his insight and confirmed Dark Bus’ attack power.
‘20,000.’
It was the combat power of a field boss. Then why was he so weak?
‘Anyway, I think he is the mid-boss of this quest.’
Grid determined and pulled out Failure and the Doppelganger’s Greatsword. Blood sprang out from both of Dark Bus’ injuries. Failure and the Doppelganger’s Greatsword rose above his head before once again descending.
Pagma’s Swordsmanship, Pinnacle. It exerted tremendous power.
“Kuaaaaak!”
Deep wounds were carved on both of Dark Bus’ shoulders. Dark Bus couldn’t understand it at all.
‘Mana Shield is useless!’
The opponent was stronger than imagined. If this continued, he would die. It wasn’t good to face Grid from the front. Dark Bus hid behind Asmophel. Then he tried to command the brainwashed Asmosphel who was standing around like a doll. But Grid’s actions were faster.
“Wave.”
The shockwaves aimed at Dark Bus. He was filled with pain as his neck was struck.
Puok!
[Critical!]
[Failure’s option effect is activated, causing the skill ‘Bisect’ to be generated.]
[Failure’s option effect is activated, causing the skill ‘5 Joint Attacks’ to be generated.]
Flop.
Dark Bus lost his head and collapsed. It was truly the last attack.
“Why is a magician so durable… Huh?”
Grid clicked his tongue at the persistent health. Then notification windows flashed in front of Grid.
[You have defeated the Seventh Servant Dark Bus, who spread chaos through the world!]
[You have saved the Saharan Empire from a crisis by interfering with the conspiracy of the Yatan Church.]
[Reputation throughout the continent will rise by +3.000.]
[You currently have 28,110 reputation throughout the continent. You can use the Reputation Store when your reputation reaches over 30,000.]
[The title ‘Secret Hero’ has been obtained.]
[The title ‘Yatan Servant’s Slaughterer’ has been obtained.]
[Three Blessed Weapon Enhancement Stones have been acquired.]
[Seven Blessed Armour Enhancement Stones have been acquired.]
[Three deluxe magic stones has been acquired.]
[Dark Bus’ Earrings have been acquired.]
[Dark Bus’ Ring has been acquired.]
[88,052,440 experience has been acquired.]
[Your level has risen.]
“…?”
Grid was stunned. A Yatan Servant? This weak guy?
Asmophel was liberated from the brainwashing and approached Grid, who was staring blankly at Dark Bus’ corpse.
“The hero who punished the wicked Yatan Servant. My savior… Can you listen to my unfair story?”
[’The True Traitor of the Red Knights (SS)’ quest has been changed to the ‘Hidde
n Story (Hidden)’ quest.]
What was this situation?
“???”
The question marks in Grid’s head didn’t disappear. Asmosphel spoke as Grid made a stupid expression.
“One day, Empress Marie came to me.”
It was a long story. Asmophel explained in detail how Marie approached him and sowed discord with Piaro. The Yatan Essence. A single drop of it could extremely weaken the human mind and cause the body’s mana to become chaotic.
He talked about the process of being brainwashed by Dark Bus and becoming a perfect puppet. Asmophel was trembling and crying when talking about being used, and eventually ruining Piaro and his colleagues.
“Someday… If the day comes when you meet a man called Piaro, please tell him this. I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.”
Asmophel pulled out his sword and pointed it at his own neck. He moved the sword without any hesitation. Asmophel’s sword touched his neck. He intended to atone for his atrocities with death.
But he couldn’t die. Grid stopped him before the sword could deeply pierce his neck. Grid reached out to him.
“Don’t leave it to others and apologize directly.”
The first condition of the hidden quest that Grid obtained was the reunion of Piaro and Asmophel. The people who were praised as the pillars of the empire in the past were about to be reborn as Reidan’s pillars.
Chapter 259
Chapter 259
The day before the seven guilds invaded Reidan.
Pon and Regas travelled through the desert and discovered a dungeon entrance that reminded them of an ant hill.
“This dungeon isn’t marked on the map, is it?” Regas asked.
Pon checked the map and nodded. Then Regas immediately entered the dungeon. There was no time to stop him. It was a really remarkable performance. Pon followed after Regas.
10 seconds after they entered the dungeon. The entrance to the dungeon disappeared into the desert.
“Wow.”
“This…”
Pon and Regas were surprised after entering the dungeon, and then a series of notification windows appeared in front of them.
[You have entered the Vampire’s Underground City (13).]
[Benefits will be given to the first dungeon finders! The gold and item drop rate in the dungeon will increase by 8%! This benefit will last for 10 days and will disappear when you die.]
It was regrettable that the experience rate didn’t increase, but it was still good. But the rest was the problem.
[The entrance of the dungeon is blocked. Contact with the outside world will be blocked.]
[You can’t escape the dungeon until you have died or kill the dungeon boss.]
It was an unusual type of dungeon. The most powerful duo in Overgeared were tasked with ‘collecting information about the western dungeons and finding the ideal hunting ground.’ This was the moment that they fell into a desperate crisis.
“We’re trapped…”
Pon was well aware of vampires. They were a top-ranking combat species that possessed attack cancelling skills and enchanting skills. They were especially strong in dark places. The entry of light was completely blocked and they were trapped in a city of vampires…
‘We will die.’
As Pon was feeling frustrated, Regas looked at the dungeon unfolding before him with bright eyes.
“Isn’t it unbelievably amazing here?”
High buildings and pointed spires. Gothic buildings reminiscent of Notre Dame Cathedral and Cologne Cathedral were scattered throughout the dark dungeon. The spectacular and dreary scenery overwhelmed the onlookers, but Regas was pleased about finding a new dungeon.
“We should hunt before the buff ends.”
“…”
Anyone would be afraid of the death penalty. In particular, it was more severe for rankers. But Regas wasn’t afraid of death. He might be 12th on the unified rankings, but he enjoyed the challenge.
‘In any case, this is fun.’
Regas smiled at the sight.
Pon smiled and moved.
“Let’s go.”
They had to fight anyway, so they should do it thoroughly. It would be ideal if they killed all the vampires and boss before the buff ended.
Pon and Regas moved in secret. It was the start of an epic struggle.
***
Jude. He was Grid’s knight and served at the captain of the security forces in Reidan. He would stop any harm from happening to Duke Grid’s city.
This was Jude’s perspective.
“Captain, get some rest now.”
“I don’t want to.”
There was no rest for Jude. He always tried to maintain Reidan’s safety, except for when he slept. He even ate when he was patrolling.
‘Captain is admirable.’
‘I have to work harder!’
Jude chewing dry bread while patrolling became a model for the soldiers. The soldiers of Reidan became more diligent every day. They endured the harsh training and their growth speed was very fast. They were basically overgeared soldiers, so it was only a matter of time before they were reborn as elites.
“Today. Reidan. Safe.”
Jude didn’t know.
One night a week ago. Hundreds of people had tried to invade Reidan while he was sleeping. He never knew that they were repelled by only four farmers. Was it because he was an idiot with only 20 intelligence?
No. This was Lauel’s intent. Lauel didn’t announce the Reidan invasion so that the people weren’t disturbed. It was easy to cover up. It was night time and the enemies could only reach the wheat fields outside the walls. They even retreated quickly. Only a few people knew about what happened that night. It was sad, but Jude wasn’t included in this minority.
“Jude. Today. Strong.”
Today, Reidan was peaceful. The people believed it was due to Jude’s merits.
“Captain Jude! Please work hard today!”
“Thank you!”
Jude was proud every time people greeted him. He worked harder as he patrolled. Everything was for Duke Grid.
***
[The hidden quest ‘Fun and Enjoyable Training!’ has been completed.]
As soon as the notification window popped up, Kraugel put down the farming equipment that he had been holding for a month.
‘The end.’
It was disappointing. He was glad to be able to leave on new adventures, but he was sorry to say goodbye to Reidan. In hindsight, this was the first time he’d stayed in one place for so long.
‘I’ll miss it.’
He looked over the vast wheat fields. The fun and precious memories from the last month, which couldn’t be forgotten, were engraved on his mind.
“I’m leaving.”
He approached an impressive middle-aged man with a commanding presence and deep gaze. The fact that he wasn’t a simple person could be seen from his eyes.
Piaro. The first ranked Kraugel couldn’t win against him in the end. Kraugel smiled gently and bowed deeply to him.
“Thank you for everything.”
It was the luck of a lifetime that he met Piaro. Thanks to working tirelessly in the field and sparring with Piaro, Kraugel could finally cross the wall. Sword Saint 4th Stage. There was one more step until he became a sword saint.
“You should come back here often. You’re always welcome.”
Piaro reached out his hand. It was a dirty hand covered with calluses. Kraugel could see a little bit of the road that Piaro had been walking in the meantime. Kraugel grabbed the hand politely.
“Yes, Brother.”
Then when he next came to visit…
‘I will be the best.’
Kraugel had been greatly disappointed when Piaro became a farmer. He thought that Piaro gave up the road to being a sword saint. But that wasn’t it. He realized it when they were together. Piaro didn’t give up. He chose a more suitable path for himself.
The class wasn’t important. It was important
that he was a legend. Currently, Piaro succeeded in combining farming equipment with swordsmanship, and Sword Saint Muller couldn’t even be compared. Piaro had become the strongest man. In order to compete with him…
‘I also have to become a legend.’
Sword saint. It didn’t matter how long it would take, Kraugel was determined to achieve it. He wanted to become equal to Piaro and face him.
***
‘I have noticed.’
A man wearing a straw hat was saying goodbye to Piaro. He didn’t take off his hat to the end. Faker followed him and as soon as he left Reidan, he used White Light Steps.
‘It truly is him…’
Faker was convinced after seeing the white light.
‘The sky above the sky.’
The peak of two billion users, Kraugel. It wouldn’t be hard for him to throw Faker off his scent. A faint smile broke out on Faker’s face. Kraugel had a relationship with Reidan and might become a positive influence on Grid later on.
***
[The hidden quest ‘Fun and Enjoyable Training!’ has been completed.]
It was eight days after Kraugel left. Damian also finished the quest.
“Good!”
Damian confirmed his ascending stats and skill level from the quest reward and was filled with joy. It was unbelievable compensation for such a short period of time. Damian achieved a dramatic growth compared to three weeks ago.
“It would’ve been nice to share this joy with Rin-chan.”
Damian felt regret. He turned his attention to the horizon beyond the wheat field.
‘Now I just have to wait for Grid.’
Today was the day that Grid was scheduled to return. Damian was filled with expectations.
‘If Grid could seal Lifael’s Spear…’
Isabel-chan could be saved. On the other hand, he was worried.
‘What if Grid refuses my request?’
The Grid that Damian knew was a very greedy person. He couldn’t imagine that such a person would help others out of simple goodwill.
‘Lauel says I should have faith, but…’
He had to prepare for the worst. Damian started to prepare the treasures to be given to Grid. He disposed of all items except for his main equipment, and even changed his savings to gold.