by Park Saenal
“Let’s join forces to trample on South Korea and regain the honor of the seven guilds.”
The difference between the best and the worst was huge. When the seven guilds were called the best, the masters of these guilds earned a huge amount of money. It was natural to miss those days. The silent Chris gazed at Zibal and opened his mouth.
“Zibal, since when were you our representative?”
Originally, the seven guilds weren’t one.
Like regular guilds, they kept each other in check. Sometimes they were hostile, sometimes they were allies as they all competed against each other. At one point, Zibal established the alliance of seven guilds and took the lead.
Chris didn’t like this fact.
“Hey, Chris. What are you saying? Representative? I’m the representative? I never thought of myself like that. I see all of you as equal companions.”
The seven guild masters were all people full of pride. Chris said something that would irritate them, so Zibal tried to laugh it off. He wanted to make sure that the atmosphere of the alliance didn’t deteriorate.
Chris scoffed, “Who’s your companion?”
Chris never participated in the alliance of the seven guilds. He didn’t participate in the Reidan invasion. The reason he attended this meeting was to make it clear.
“The name ‘Seven Guilds Alliance,’ don’t use it in the future. My Giant Guild has never joined the alliance.”
Chris declared and rose from his seat. The other guild masters didn’t care about his actions. There was no reason to force him to join the alliance just because they were the seven guilds. But Zibal thought differently. He judged that it would be better to break Chris down, rather than leaving him as a variable.
Zibal stood in Chris’ way and smiled grimly.
“The rumor that you joined Grid is true.”
“Chris and Grid?”
The impassive guild members started to react. Chris frowned.
“I’m with Grid? What are you talking about?”
“One of my men came across you in a hunting ground… The weapon you used at that time looks exactly like one of Grid’s weapons.”
The atmosphere of the room sunk.
Chapter 380
Chapter 380
“One of my men came across you in a hunting ground… The weapon you used at that time looks exactly like one of Grid’s weapons.”
He was probably referring to Grid’s Greatsword. In this chilly atmosphere, Chris responded nervously.
“I will say it again. In this world, aren’t there one or two items that resemble each other?”
Chris tried to leave as planned, but Zibal grabbed his shoulder.
“This isn’t like you, Chris. Originally, wouldn’t you be angry when receiving an unfair accusation like this? Are you just laughing because what I said was the truth?”
“I’ve only ever responded in a gentlemanly manner.”
Kwack!
Chris firmly shoved at Zibal’s hand on his shoulder. Chris had high strength due to all his labor, so Zibal wasn’t able to cope with it.
“Don’t push people with unfounded rumors.”
Chris spat out. He didn’t shrink back, despite knowing that no one was on his side. This was the dignity of the third ranked user. But the opponent was Zibal. He might’ve been killed in one blow by a crazy farmer, but his strength and influence among the users was absolute. No matter how high Chris’ charisma, Zibal wasn’t affected at all.
“If you’re so confident, why don’t you share the details of your weapon with us?”
Ssik.
Zibal suggested with a bright smile. He didn’t have anything to lose in this situation. If the weapon information was revealed and it was related to Grid, Zibal would be right. Otherwise, he could apologize if it was unrelated to Grid.
Chris faltered for a moment before acting wisely.
“Please don’t go overboard, Zibal. Who would reveal the information of their item?”
Items could be a person’s strength or weakness, so it was always a variable. Disclosing a weapon’s information was no different from revealing a private part. The masters of the seven guilds knew this better than anyone else.
They tried to deter Zibal.
“Zibal, please act moderately. Don’t make trouble when you are already struggling with Overgeared and the Blood Carnival.”
“Yes, why are you suddenly doing this to Chris?”
The flow started to change. It happened when Chris was feeling relieved.
“Do you use the same weapon as Grid?”
The master of the Golden Guild, Seuron, stood up. A combat specialized unique class, Soul Predator. He might’ve been defeated by the crazy farmer during the Reidan invasion, but Seuron hadn’t fully adapted to his class at the time.
But now it was different. Now Seuron would be able to fight the temporary and full-time farmers.
“I don’t want to obediently send away a person who might be the enemy of our alliance.”
Seuron spoke meaningful words and raised his Brutal Heavy Sword. After being defeated by the temporary farmer, he invested more than 10 million gold to increase it to a +9 weapon. His finances suffered quite a blow, but Seuron was satisfied. The gap between a +9 and a +8 weapon was large.
“Hey, Chris. Take out your weapon.”
Seuron’s goal was to be number one. By default, he was aggressive so he didn’t want to miss a chance to kill a competitor.
“You don’t intend to bring it out obediently? Then I will make you take it out.”
Pa pa pa pat!
Four spears appeared in thin air on Seuron’s left and right. It was the manifestation of the Soul Spears, which required a human or monster soul to be summoned. Sueron accumulated the maximum number of souls through continuous hunting, so he was in the best condition.
Pepepepeng!
The soul spears shone as they shot forward. It was a very fast attack that was hard for Chris to deal with, because he invested most of his points in strength instead of agility.
Puuok!
Two spears pierced Chris’ body. Seuron used this time to approach Chris with the Brutal Heavy Sword while using Soul Shackles. Chris stood at the crossroads of choice. Should he take out Grid’s Greatsword, or take out a second weapon to block it?
‘I have no choice.’
Chris had no intention of deepening the false accusation that he had an alliance with Grid. His guild would be damaged if he became hostile to these people. In the end, Chris pulled out his secondary weapon.
Jjejeong!
“Hoh.”
Seuron’s eyes widened. He admired the fact that Chris struck the Soul Shackles and blocked his sword the moment he took out his weapon.
‘Chris’ control is greater than rumored.’
They were slow and efficient movements. It allowed for the maximum effect with minimal movements. Chris’ greatsword technique was truly brilliant.
“But.”
He wasn’t Seuron’s opponent.
Yiing.
The sword that was engaged with Chris’ greatsword was reinforced with the effect of Soul Transference. At that moment.
Chaaeng!
“Kuk…!”
Chris’ strength became meaningless. As the weapon’s attack power was enhanced, Chris started to be pushed back. This game was truly about items. Chris realized again as he was pushed back a few steps.
Soul Arrows flew towards his head. Chris sensed it.
‘It’s a combo!’
If he was hit by continuous attacks, the probability of falling into a stiffened state was very high. And top rankers were able to fully take advantage of that moment of stiffness. Chris prepared for pain and suffering.
Suddenly, the arrows pouring down on him were shattered by a chain. Hao intervened in the battle.
“Seuron, don’t just do whatever you like.”
There were many crazy people in the world. It wasn’t unusual for someone to enjoy figh
ting like Seuron. But there was an appropriate line. Hao didn’t understand Zibal and Sueron, who were trying to make someone big like Chris into an enemy.
“Hey Hao. Isn’t Chris suspicious? Look at the weapon that he brought out. It’s complete rubbish! Do you think that is his real weapon? He’s hiding his weapon!”
“Let’s say Chris’ weapon and Grid’s weapon are the same. Is that solid proof that the two are colluding?”
“…”
Hao asked logically and Seuron fell silent. Bubat also started to help Hao. He shook a hand towards Seuron and Chris.
“Let them play. It isn’t bad to experience each other’s ability ahead of the National Competition. Isn’t it beneficial?”
Seuron shook. He already concluded that Chris was below him. That wasn’t all. Everyone in this place thought so. It was a very short fight, but it was true that Seuron completely overwhelmed Chris.
“…I’m going if there isn’t anything else.”
Chris stepped back.
It felt like he was a dog retreating with his tail down.
“To think that he is 3rd in the rankings. How pathetic.”
Seuron laughed at Chris. Seuron and everyone in this room couldn’t imagine it. Chris actually hid his skills.
‘There will be many opportunities in the future.’
And the best stage was only 40 days away. Chris’ eyes filled with fighting spirit.
***
Weapons Mastery.
It was the ultimate mastery skill that gave extra damage no matter what weapon was equipped. But it wasn’t a miracle. The extra damage that Weapons Mastery gave was low compared to the mastery skills optimized for only one weapon.
Therefore, Grid was obsessed with the level of Bow Mastery. If Weapons Mastery added 10% additional damage and Bow Mastery added 11% additional damage, the effect that Grid would gain when he was using a bow was Bow Mastery, not Weapons Mastery.
In other words, even if Grid later learned Weapons Mastery, Bow Mastery could be used to the end.
‘If I can give items an option that quickly increases the experience of the mastery skills…’
How good would it be? He didn’t intend to use the alchemy facility. Alchemy gave random options and the success rate was low, so he couldn’t rely on it.
“Khan.”
In this situation, Grid tried to get Khan’s advice. Khan’s was an advanced level 8 blacksmith. As well as being excellent in daily life, he had accumulated experience for decades, making him very knowledgeable.
“Have you ever heard of an item that can quickly increase the experience of mastery skills?”
“Hrmm…”
Khan’s family had been in the blacksmithing business for generations. Among his ancestors was Albatino, who inspired the legendary blacksmith Pagma. Khan looked through his decades of knowledge and finally shook his head.
“I’m sorry… I don’t know…”
Grid had always been a big help to Khan. He wanted to pay Grid back if he ever got the chance. But now he couldn’t help Grid when he needed it, making Khan feel depressed. His shoulders were sagging when he had a thought.
“Perhaps you should ask Piaro.”
“Piaro?”
“Yes, shouldn’t he know how to train in weapons more efficiently? If you listen to him, you might gain an idea about how to add it to an item.”
It was the power of infinite favorability. Khan freely gave Grid advice. Grid gained great enlightenment and hugged Khan.
“Thank you!”
“Haha! I’m happy to help!”
The sight of the two people hugging was familiar to the blacksmiths of Reidan. The blacksmiths just looked away, trying not to interfere in the relationship between Grid and Khan.
On the other hand, Lord was shocked.
“Abubu…?”
Lord was hammering in a corner of the smithy. He was happy to hear his father’s voice, only to get question marks above his head. Lord couldn’t understand why his father was hugging someone other than his mother. In the darkness, Kasim whispered to him.
“This is the friendship between men.”
“Woo…”
He liked the sound of the word ‘friendship.’ Lord vowed. Someday, he would find himself wonderful friends.
Later, Lord would have the strongest colleagues.
Chapter 381
Chapter 381
Piaro had already lived a failed life once.
He was swept away in conspiracies and betrayal, losing everything. The reason why Piaro could recover again was due to Grid. Grid motivated him when he was heart sick, and also released the misunderstanding with Asmophel.
For Piaro, Grid was a benefactor who he would serve his whole life. But what about Piaro? Why was he training Grid’s enemies like Chris and Hurent? This was an insult to Grid and people could accuse Piaro.
However, Piaro was confident. In the past, he had experienced betrayal and learned from it. The present Piaro could see into a person’s true nature.
‘The more I look, the more sincere and motivated he is.’
The fields near Altes Mountains.
Piaro watched the hard-working Hurent with a satisfied expression. Piaro judged that Hurent was a person with a good character. He was burning with a desire for revenge due to past events, but this vengeance was due to passion rather than malicious looks.
If Piaro guided him well, Hurent would become a person who would surely grow in a positive direction and had the potential to become Grid’s right hand later on.
‘I didn’t know about all the possibilities of aura.’
Hurent’s aura was different from the usual aura. It wasn’t limited to pure power, but also focused on the shape’s diversity. Therefore, it was more useful and had unlimited possibilities for development. If he grew up well, he would show a heroic figure on the battlefield as well as show huge efficiency on the fields.
‘I need to steadily give him carrots.’
Everything was for his lord. Piaro could truthfully say this.
***
The distance between Reidan and the fields near the Altes Mountains was one day.
But Grid managed to arrive in less than half a day. It was the result of utilizing the movement speed buff of Braham’s Boots and Quick Movements from the Ideal Dagger.
“The desert is becoming a forest…”
Unlike the fields on the outskirts of Reidan, half of the fields cleared by Piaro near the Altes Mountains were orchards. There were immature trees that still hadn’t born fruit, but it was likely to become a lush forest.
Grid was amazed by Piaro’s power.
“Even if he’s a legendary farmer, making a forest in the desert…”
According to Administrator Rabbit, Piaro had less than 500 farmers. But Piaro was very grateful because he was able to secure human resources and develop the agriculture on his own.
“Huh?”
Grid’s face suddenly distorted as he was filled with admiration. It was because he witnessed 200 young girls in their early teens who were working under the sun.
“Turning young children into serfs…”
The girls seemed pretty, but their skin was tanned. If he looked closely, their hands were full of calluses, which meant they hadn’t just been working for a day or two. Grid was very disappointed with Piaro.
“No matter how obsessed he is with farming, does he have to make little girls work?”
Originally, Grid was selfish. He wasn’t interested no matter what misfortune other people went through. But now it was different. As Lord’s father, he couldn’t watch in silence as children were overworked.
“I must speak to them.”
It happened the moment Grid stepped on the fields.
Flash!
The 200 girls holding farming equipment in their hands. The moment he stepped on the field, their eyes changed and they pulled out their weapons? Grid realized it the moment he saw the girls pulling out their swords, spears, and shield
s.
‘Don’t tell me that they are the Rebecca’s Daughters candidates?’
Lauel had sent him a report. The Rebecca’s Daughters candidates were being trained by Piaro. In other words, these 200 girls weren’t serfs, but Piaro’s disciples. The farming itself was part of the training.
‘Phew… I’m glad they aren’t unfortunate girls.’
Just as Grid was sighing with relief…
“This is Reidan, the territory of the great Duke Grid.”
“Goddess Rebecca won’t forgive anyone who invades it.”
“We will follow Piaro’s will and repel all intruders.”
“Eh?”
It was a problem. 200 girls rushed towards Grid, calling him an intruder. Grid didn’t know what to do at first.
Buuong.
Syuk!
Peeng!
The 200 girls handled the swords, spears, and shields in a wonderful manner. Grid felt pleasure.
‘Isn’t this tremendous?’
Rebecca’s Daughters.
As a symbol of the Rebecca Church’s mightiest forces, their abilities were far beyond what Grid imagined. It wasn’t something that players could afford to go against. The candidates all had excellent qualities. Maybe they were named NPCs. It was enough to make him think.
“You are strong!”
“But you can’t go any further than this!”
The girls cried out as their attacks were in vain. Nevertheless, they were the secret weapons of the greatest religion on the continent, so they didn’t lose their courage.
Grid’s heart leapt.
‘Becoming stronger.’
He wasn’t talking about himself. Reidan’s farmers, Reidan and Overgeared were becoming stronger in real time. These great results were achieved with all his colleagues, not alone. It was fun to develop his forces, and he felt even more proud that the growth wasn’t alone.
“Let me help you train.”
Grid imagined the Rebecca’s Daughters candidates growing up to become a symbol of Overgeared. He shook with joy and pulled out Iyarugt. At this moment, the eyes of the 200 girls shone like lanterns.
‘Beautiful!’
The effect of the alchemy B grade ‘Coolness’ was amazing. Iyarugt shone like jewels every time it moved, making everyone dazzled by its appearance. It wasn’t a concept that had the same effect as ‘bewitchment,’ but it was effective to stamp Grid’s existence into the viewers.