by Park Saenal
“Then wouldn’t the low level guild members fall too far behind?”
“No. For the lower levels, the environment of Bairan and Cork Island is much better than Reidan for hunting. In the first place, I have negative feelings towards power levelling. What will happen when they borrow the power of others to level up? It’s obvious that they will be unable to exert the appropriate skills for their level.”
“That’s right. I was too short-sighted.”
“The key is who we should appoint to Bairan and Cork Island? A good lord will develop both the territory and the low level guild members well. It might be better for Peak Sword to be kept as the lord of Cork Island. How about it? Peak Sword.”
“That isn’t possible. Grid told me to go and mine.”
“Yes?”
Peak Sword was a swordsman. He was ranked 15th on the unified rankings, and it was evaluated that he should be on the same level as Pon and Regas. He was someone who could compete with the top rankers. That type of person was being used as a miner?
‘What is Grid thinking? Is there a story I don’t know?’
As Lauel was feeling confused, a boy rushed into the banquet hall. It was the minerals detector, Minor. The boy ran over to where Grid was sitting.
“Pant pant… Hey, Duke. Shouldn’t you move quickly to obtain the pavranium?”
“Why are you in such a hurry? Did something happen?”
“The pavranium sealed in the vampire cities are beginning to be eroded by a strange energy.”
Minor was arrogant and had no loyalty to Grid. But he was surprisingly faithful to his duties. Today he had gone to look at the state of the pavranium.
“Strange energy?”
What was he talking about? A quest window appeared in front of the frowning Grid.
[A new quest has been created!]
[Vampire City!]
Difficulty: ?
An incident has happened in the vampire cities that is the center of chaos.
The enormous power has spread its presence throughout the 15 vampire cities, blessing the vampires while harming the pavranium.
If you can’t secure the pavranium quickly, this presence will erode and alter the pavranium, making it lose its extraordinary function and turning it into an ordinary mineral.
Head to the vampire cities right now to secure the pavranium.
* Every vampire city has one piece of pavranium sealed inside it.
* Obtain as much pavranium as possible within 90 days.
* The pavranium that can’t be secured within 90 days will be permanently destroyed.
* It is highly likely for there to be hidden quests linked along the way.
‘The degree of difficulty is a question mark ‘?’’ A question mark! In Satisfy, this often referred to matters that were ‘impossible to measure.’ This meant that the difficulty of this quest was likely to be the highest difficulty that exceeded the SS-grade.
‘This is bad.’
A chill went down Grid’s spine. He knew about the vampire cities thanks to Lauel. In order to clear one city, wasn’t at least 10 third advancement classes required?
‘The estimated time to clear one city is 10 days.’
It was huge enough that it couldn’t be compared with normal dungeons, and the level of the monsters was also high. In any case, this was the conclusion.
‘Isn’t this a quest that is impossible to clear by myself?’
No, what was this dirty thing! Pavranium could be considered the inherent weapon of Pagma’s Descendant and was limited to exactly 28 pieces. He couldn’t help cursing at the possibility of losing 15 of them.
“Ahh… Dammit, really. Things were going too well.”
He once again realized there was nothing free in this world. Jishuka and Lauel became worried after seeing hearing sigh.
“What is it Grid? What type of quest did you get?”
“Can you share the quest?”
After a moment. Jishuka and Lauel frowned after confirming the contents of the quest.
“Isn’t this a quest that can’t be cleared?”
Pon and Regas had failed to clear even one vampire city. This was despite the fact that they invested one whole month. Grid had to clear 15 cities in 90 days alone? It was impossible.
“But it’s a quest that must be cleared. Losing the pavranium is like weakening Grid. It can’t happen.”
“How about the guild members help you out?”
“That would be good. However, our guild now has to manage three territories. The number of people who can support Grid is around 10.”
Euphemina wasn’t at the merger ceremony because she was on a separate mission. Ruby and Sexy Schoolgirl weren’t even level 120 yet, so they were out of the question.
“10 of them… Even if it isn’t 15, we can at least obtain 9 pieces of pavranium.”
“Yes, it is possible.”
Grid’s face wasn’t good as he looked at the two people discussing the matter.
“Stop it. I don’t want to bother the guild members because of my personal quest.”
It was the right mindset. A guild master using members for individual quests was harmful behavior that should be avoided. Lauel smiled at him and explained, “A lot of experience can be gained from the vampire cities, as well as a low probability of obtaining elixirs. The guild members can develop by helping you with your quest.”
“But…”
Suddenly, a group of Overgeared members gathered near the hesitant Grid.
“I haven’t been hunting in a long time.”
“Let’s gain some levels.”
The Overgeared members were hoping to become the strongest rankers. They didn’t want to miss an opportunity to raise their level at the best hunting grounds. In particular, Vantner was extremely active.
“I need some stamina elixirs. Please take me with you.”
“…”
Whatever their reasons, they were still trying to help him. It was different compared to the days when Grid couldn’t depend on anyone, so he couldn’t help forming some happy tears. A wide smile spread on Grid’s face.
“Thank you. The next time you come to Korea, I will buy you kanjajang.”
The golem invasion of Reinhardt. Grid had rejected going to the king’s banquet because he wanted to eat kanjajang. Through this remark, he convinced the Overgeared members.
‘Kanjajang… It must be an incredibly precious food.’
‘Is it the food for the Korean royalty?’
How expensive was it? As the Overgeared members were engrossed in this vain delusion, Peak Sword watched quietly and mourned.
“I like jjampong.” (Jjampong=like a spicy seafood noodle soup. It is common in Korea to ask if you like jajangmyeon or jjampong more)
Now that they were colleagues, Peak Sword was thinking about helping Grid.
***
The expedition was organized.
Grid, Jishuka, Pon, Regas, Peak Sword and Faker were the damage dealers, while Vantner was the tanker. Huroi came to buff while Zednos was the support in the rear. They had 90 days to clear 15 dungeons, so the combination was important.
It was a combination aimed at quickly reaching the boss by piercing through the mobs. Lauel couldn’t leave as temporary lord, so he wasn’t part of this expedition. Before the expedition departed, Lauel warned them again.
“As you all know, the balance of the cooperation is important. There is a probability of surprise attacks, so always keep an eye on your surroundings.
“I understand, I understand. Are you our mother? How many times do you have to repeat the same thing?”
Vantner whined, but Lauel continued speaking without paying attention to him.
“Considering that the entrance if blocked and communication cut off once you enter the city, there is a 99% chance that summoning your knights won’t work. Please don’t face a desperate situation.”
He wouldn’t be so uneasy if Piaro and Asmophel were included in this expedition.
But unlike users, NPCs had only one life. They couldn’t be risked. Grid laughed at the worried Lauel.
“I’m going.”
Grid pledged to complete Lifael’s Spear through this expedition.
‘If I can reclaim all 15 pieces of pavranium, I can make a Lifael’s Spear that is purely composed of pavranium.’
It was a weapon that could easily overcome Failure. His heart was already thumping as he imagined the weapon flying around alone and helping him out.
“Let’s depart.”
The strongest party in Satisfy’s history, led by Grid, embarked on their journey. There was a person following them.
Chapter 287
Chapter 287
There was a mysterious person following Grid’s party. He had long arms, thick lips, and impressive skin that was as black as charcoal. His name was Kasim. The last descendant of the Nero people destroyed by the Saharan Empire, and the ultimate assassin with the title of ‘King of Shadows.’
“Hrmm.”
Kasim had observed Grid from before he became a duke. He always maintained a distance of 5m from Grid. Recently, he had to increase the distance to 7m thanks to the skills of the young assassin called Faker, but it wasn’t a huge hindrance. There was still a large difference between Kasim and Faker’s skills.
“Vampire city…”
Kasim found out the destination of Grid’s party.
Vampires. A branch of the demonkin, they lived in the human world rather than in hell. Their strength was overwhelming. It was natural since they were designed to hunt humans. Entering their lair was an act of suicide.
‘In particular, the problem is the True Blood clan. Duke Grid can deal with a viscount but…’
He wasn’t a match for earls yet. Kasim was sure of this because he had a firm grasp of Grid and the Overgeared members’ power.
‘If they meet an earl, they will all be wiped out.’
Should he stop it? No, that wasn’t necessary. Based on Kasim’s observations, Grid and his companions were all immortal cursed existences(users). The cost of death for them wasn’t big.
‘Sometimes defeat is a good medicine.’
Wasn’t that right? Doran. They had fought thousands of times and a defeat in one spar didn’t always mean victory in the next.
“…I miss you.”
Doran. A friend who grew up together under the same mentor. Why did Grid have the ring Doran inherited from their mentor? Kasim questioned. He was following Grid to figure out why. It didn’t take long to figure out why. All his questions were answered after finding out that Grid was Irene’s husband.
Nevertheless, the reason he stayed with Grid was because he saw the possibility of Grid growing to rival the Saharan Empire. The Saharan Empire! They persecuted the innocent minorities and wiped them out if they refused to submit.
Kasim had a huge grudge against the empire. He wanted to watch Grid one day destroy the empire.
Suruk.
Kasim disappeared. He would stay by Irene’s side until Grid came back. Nothing should grab Grid’s ankle while he was growing. Kasim planned to thoroughly protect Irene, who Grid loved.
Piaro was working in the fields, Asmophel training soldiers, and Kasim was hiding in the city. Now Reidan was much safer than when Kraugel had been here. It was an impregnable fortress unless a dragon or great demon attacked.
Administrator Rabbit could develop the city with confidence.
‘In a few months, we can finally escape from a the deficit. I have to slowly raise the labor costs to increase the efficiency of the workers. Is it enough if I raise it by 0.1%?’
Grid was unaware of this, but there were many positive people around him. All of this was created by Grid’s changes and growth, so he should be proud.
***
[The giant worm has been destroyed.]
[2,330,900 experience has been acquired.]
[The desert toad has been destroyed.]
[2,607,400 experience has been acquired.]
‘It is great.’
They headed to the vampire cities. Grid’s group slayed desert creatures as they moved forward. Peak Sword marvelled from among them.
‘These monsters give too much experience. I can’t adapt.’
The desert monsters gave at least 20% more experience than the monsters on the top floor of Cork Dungeon. However, it didn’t take long to hunt them. This was absurd. It was the reason why the Overgeared members monopolized the top rankings after Grid was appointed as lord of Reidan.
‘The vampires will give a lot more experience than the desert monsters. Maybe I might achieve level 307 in this expedition.’
Peak Sword didn’t think that entering the top 10 was a dream. On the other hand, Grid was full of complaints.
‘The experience is too low.’
Most users raised their levels by hunting or quests, but Grid was a special case who raised it through raids. So it was natural for him to complain.
Considering that the knights and elders of the Rebecca Church gave tens of millions of experience, and Pascal gave 700 million experience, the two million of the desert monsters was terrible.
‘When can I reach level 300?’
Pagma’s Descendant didn’t have the concept of second or third class advancements. But at level 300, his stats went through the third awakening like any other user. Since Grid had unusually high stats, he would be dramatically strengthened the moment he reached level 300.
He dreamed of that day, but Grid was currently only level 296. His experience gauge wasn’t even half full yet. He was sighing when he suddenly recalled the Reputation Store. He broke through 30,000 reputation after obtaining the ‘Sealed Ability’ hidden piece and was able to use the Reputation Store.
He had looked at it the other day.
‘There is a potion that gives an experience buff.’ What if he took that potion after entering a vampire city? ‘I can level up!’
Grid opened the Reputation Store.
“Reputation Store!”
Ttiring~
[This is a special service for the best in Satisfy!]
Immediately after this phrase, a golden carriage only visible to Grids eyes fell from the sky. It was very similar to the golden carriage that occasionally came to front line troops that had no PX (Post exchange).
Grid was convinced that the inventor of this system was someone who served in the military.
[Introducing the luxurious goods to our guest!]
[Sweet Candy]
A little candy bar!
A candy with natural sweetness is the best!
There are no chemicals added!
Effects: When the sweet candy is in your mouth, all stats will rise by 30% for 5 minutes.
* This item can only be purchased five times per account.
Price: 20,000 reputation.
It started with the limited-edition products that offered the best performance to…
[Good-looking Sunglasses]
The large frame is the highlight of the square sunglasses!
It is big enough to cover half the face, so it will help someone ugly look handsome!
Effect: Look handsome.
* The charm stat isn’t created or increased. It is a simple accessory with no special function other than a visual effect.
Price: 5,000 reputation.
…Items that had no practical use.
The golden carriage. No, the Reputation Store had around 30 products displayed. There were event-limited products that were occasionally released. In any case, Grid only needed one item right now.
‘Where is the experience potion? Ah, found it!’
Grid’s gaze fixed on a specific produce.
[Draw! Draw! Draw everything!]
A random drawing machine.
At the price of 999 reputation, you can get a variety of items randomly.
* Limited edition items aren’t included.
* There is a certain chance of gaining an experience buff potion.
P
rice: 999 reputation.
‘This is great!’
Satisfy didn’t have a maximum level, so experience buffs could exponentially increase the gap between users. The experience buff potions common in ordinary games couldn’t be found in Satisfy.
But the Reputation Store was a special place. Only a few users could gather such great achievements, so it needed to be attractive to them. That attraction was the experience buff potion.
Grid went over there in a flash.
‘The cost is cheap. Why is it 999 reputation instead of 1,000?’
There were many 20,000 products in the world valued at 29,990 won. This was a marketing technique to deceive people.
‘It is an opportunity to get a buff potion for a low price!’
999 reputation. Considering that he got 150 reputation when making a unique item and 500 reputation from a legendary item, it wasn’t a cheap price. However, Grid judged that it was worthwhile to try and used 999 reputation on the drawing machine.
[Draw! Draw! You have drawn a product.]
Chwaruruk!
The goods in the machine started spinning. Then after a while.
Rattle!
An item popped out.
[Congratulations! Pretty Hairpin has been acquired!]
[Pretty Hairpin]
A colourful and pretty hairpin.
If you gift it to a woman, she will be delighted.
Weight: 0.1
“…?”
It was the result of losing his mind at the thought of a experience buff potion. Grid temporarily forgot about the odds of a game like this.
“Dammit!”
The blue hairpin was really pretty. It would surely have a great effect with Irene’s silver hair. However, it wasn’t worth wasting 999 reputation on. Grid cursed and tried to throw the hairpin away, but eventually put it in his inventory. It would be a gift for Irene.
He pictured Irene and his anger calmed.
“Yes, it is hard for things to happen the first time.”
The second time. He would try a second draw. Grid bought another spin.
[Congratulations! You have acquired the world’s most delicious skewer.]