by Park Saenal
‘If it was half a year to a year ago, I would still be able to call it a top-class armor.’
But not anymore. As the level of monsters and users increased, the value of the Holy Light set was falling. He was able to realize it after meeting Kraugel and experiencing the Behen Archipelago.
‘The problem is that the basic defense is too low.’
In particular, the crown and gloves had poor defense. It was almost defenseless. In the case of the Holy Light Armor, it wasn’t bad, but the defense wasn’t very high for armor. If there was no set effect, he wouldn’t have used it from the beginning.
‘The 5 Joint Attacks of the gloves isn’t too bad.’
At this point, the only advantage of the Holy Light Set was for healing or when facing magic. This thought became more widespread after dying from two of Lantier’s blows.
‘I have to make an armor set for defense.’
Monsters easily neutralized his attacks in the Behen Archipelago. He would gather the characteristics of the armor they were wearing.
‘First.’
Grid confirmed that the furnace was at the right temperature and extracted the black iron and ogre blood.
‘Let’s make the troll lord’s breastplate.’
From the time he became duke of Reidan until the present time, he’d earned around 147,000 gold from hunting and various quests. Of course, there was a separate sum that he invested into Reidan.
In any case, 147,000 gold was approximately 200 million won. Grid was planning to pour all of this gold into making items.
‘I will use the finest materials.’
The National Competition. It was the best stage of Satisfy that the entire world was paying attention to. Grid needed to invest enough to prove his worth on that stage. However, the concept of ‘enough’ wasn’t understood properly by Grid.
In fact, 200 million wasn’t a big sum. The rankers of various countries participating in the National Competition poured at least billions of won into upgrading items and skill books. Were they crazy?
Not at all. This was a realistic amount. There were many sponsors attracted to the rankers participating in the National Competition, so money poured out abundantly. Of course, many companies offered to sponsor Grid.
However, Grid refused. It was because the amount was too small. None of the companies set a high price on Grid, who had been nerfed. Most companies predicted that Grid would lose his events, so the average value they offered was 300 million. This was low compared to rankers like Chris and Zibal, who had been offered 12 times as much.
Grid’s pride was hurt and he had to refuse the offers. Someone might think he was stupid for kicking away 300 million because of his pride. But Grid thought differently.
‘I will get the best result.’
Companies that sponsored him would get astronomical results. Grid knew this fact, so accepting only 300 million won would make his stomach cramp with irritation.
Grid vowed again. He would prove his worth to those who underestimated him and make them shed tears..
Chapter 406
Chapter 406
Scale armor.
As the name suggested, it was armor similar to the scales of a fish. Several small pieces of iron plates were put on leather straps and then joined together with thick cloth or leather. The range of activity was high because it allowed free movements of the body. In addition, it was good at deflecting swords and other sharp weapons. It had resistance to stabbing and slashing as options.
But the basic defense power was inferior when compared to other heavy armor. In particular, it was difficult to avoid a fatal injury if the joints where the iron plates were joined together were attacked.
‘In the end, the gap between iron plates is the biggest problem.’
That’s why tankers hardly wore scale armor, despite it being classified as heavy armor. The scale armor had obvious advantages, but there were also obvious limitations. However, Grid thought of a way to overcome the limitations of scale armor. It was thanks to the hint from the troll lord’s breastplate.
‘If I make multiple layers of iron plates, I can maintain the advantages of scale armor while covering the deficient defense.’
Typical scale armor was one layer of joined iron plates. The moment the weapon struck between the plates, the defense was forced to fail. The troll lord’s breastplate minimized this weakness with a double layer of iron plates. Was it possible that blacksmiths had never thought of this idea?
No. Existing blacksmiths also knew that multiple layers of iron plates would increase the defense. The reason why they didn’t make it…
‘The higher the iron content, the higher the weight and the more limited the movements.’
In other words, it lost the advantages inherent to scale armor. Heavy and movement-limiting scale armor? Who would want to use it? If it was going to be inconvenient anyway, they might as well wear heavy armor with much higher defense.
‘But the items I make are different.’
Black iron was two times harder and three times lighter than iron.
‘I can use this to make the plates as thinly as possible.’
He would make scale armor that was light and easy to move in, even if the iron plates were doubled or tripled. This wasn’t an easy task. Black iron smelting was seven times more difficult than iron smelting. Even Khan, whose blacksmith skill was advanced level 8, wouldn’t be able to smelt black iron so thinly and shape hundreds of scales.
However, Grid was different. Grid’s blacksmith skill was legendary level 7 and his dexterity was close to 3,000. For him, smelting black iron was just as hard as ordinary blacksmiths smelting iron.
‘I’ll prove why I’m a legend.’
Compared to other legends, it was true that he was lacking many things when it came to combat. However, as a blacksmith, he could proudly say that he was the best.
Ttang! Ttang!
The taste of holding minerals in his hands was the best. The pleasure was greater compared to when killing monsters. Grid’s concentration rose rapidly as he started hitting the black iron on the anvil.
‘The width of the iron plate shouldn’t be too wide.’
The joints between the iron plates increased the flexibility of the scale armor. Grid wanted the iron plates to have a narrow width, in order to maximize the characteristics. However, the smaller the plates, the longer the working time.
In particular, the number of iron plates increased because he needed to make three layers. It was impossible to make hundreds of small iron plates and join them together, even if it took two full days.
But Grid was a craftsman. The increasing workload? It didn’t matter. It was necessary if he wanted to make better items.
Ttang! Ttang!
Small and thin black iron pieces were refined in Grid’s hands. The appearance, size, and shine reminded him of black dragon scales.
‘Beautiful scales.’
‘The scales are at least three times smaller than the scales of typical scale armor, but the details are much better. The technique of the duke is really delicate.’
‘Wow… It seems like he has made over 100 already? How many is the duke planning to make?’
‘This would be incredibly boring and difficult work for me.’
Khan and the young blacksmiths were amazed at Grid’s workmanship and care.
[The Legendary Blacksmith’s Patience skill has been activated.]
[Concentration, stamina and defense will rise to the extremes for one hour.]
[The Legendary Blacksmith’s Breath skill has been activated.]
[The Legendary Blacksmith’s Breath has increased the effectiveness of your production items]
The roosters cried out at dawn. Beyond the blacksmith’s window, the spires of the castle rose in the distance. However, Grid didn’t take a break.
Ttang! Ttang!
Grid relied on his high stamina to continue making the iron plates. He devoted himself to work, despite the day passing
and it becoming night again. Excluding meal time and sleeping time, he never released his hammer.
Then two days later.
[You have successfully made the ‘Scale Armor.’]
[The structure is different from the ‘Scale Armor’ on your production list.]
[Analyzing the scale armor.]
[The function of your scale armor is phenomenal.]
[Scale Armor (Enhanced)]
Scale armor modified by the legendary blacksmith Grid.
Unlike conventional scale armor, it has a triple layer of iron plates.
Black iron is used to minimize the weight, and 621 iron plates were made as small as possible in order to increase the range of movement.
“…?”
[Scale Armor (Enhanced)]
Scale armor modified by the legendary blacksmith Grid.
Grid felt a sense of deja vu from these words. At first, he couldn’t think of anything, but then he remembered.
[Magic Missile (Enhanced)]
A magic missile developed by the legendary great magician who has completely overturned the activation formula.
Yes, it was Braham’s magic. Just as Braham strengthened existing magic, Grid was able to strengthen existing items. At this moment, Grid was able to truly understand why he was a legendary blacksmith.
[Please decide the name of the item you have created.]
The system asked before listing the item’s ratings and options.
“Um.”
Grid thought carefully and came to a conclusion.
‘I made three layers of iron plates.’
It matched well with the three-layered meat that Koreans were familiar with.
“Let’s call it Three Layers.”
It was the worst. Lauel would’ve tried anything to stop Grid if he was present. Unfortunately, Lauel wasn’t here. For the sake of Reidan’s future, Lauel was busy interacting with female NPCs and didn’t care about Grid. It was really a pity.
[Have you decided on ‘Three Layers?’]
“Yes.”
[’Three Layers’ has been added to the list of item production methods!]
[Three Layers has been completed.]
[Three Layers]
Rating: Legendary
Durability: 721/721 Defense: 1,115
* 30% reduction in damage from physical attacks.
* 50% reduction in damage from stabbing attacks.
* Passive skill ‘Sword Breaker’ will be generated.
* Strength +50
Scale armor modified by the legendary blacksmith Grid.
The 621 small, iron plates made by hand and joined into three layers has ensured a high defense and range of movement.
In addition, each iron plate has a small groove. If the enemy’s weapon strikes it, there is a certain probability of the weapon being damaged.
Like the black dragon scales, these 621 iron plates will shine whenever the wearer moves.
Ogre’s blood was used to increase the durability of the leather straps, slightly increasing the strength of the wearer.
User Restriction: Level 320 or higher. 1,500 strength. 1,830 stamina. Advanced Heavy Armor Mastery Level 5 or higher.
Weight: 2,501
[A legendary rated item was produced, so all stats have permanently risen by +10 and reputation throughout the continent has risen by +500.]
“Wow.”
It had been two and a half years since he became Pagma’s Descendant. Not in game time, but in real time. Grid had made a huge number of items in the meantime, but only 12 legendary items so far. He had no luck, despite being a legendary blacksmith.
Thus, Grid cleared his mind. In the process of making items, Grid didn’t dare think about making legendary items.
But today. He had a hard time over the past few months due to the Behen Archipelago, and now he made a legendary item after a long time. Grid was filled with anticipation.
“Finally… Finally, the heavens knows my skills and heart.”
Being rewarded for their efforts, it might be natural for geniuses, but not ordinary people. No matter how hard they tried, they often didn’t get reasonable rewards. It was particularly bad for Grid.
But now Grid’s efforts were seeing results. It was a result achieved through Grid’s growth.
“Okay… Keep this momentum going.”
Grid was very pleased with the result. The material used for the Holy Light Set was adamantium, so the options and durability were much better. However, the defense of the Three Layers was superior.
“Next is the helmet and leggings.”
The balance patch to the National Competition that nerfed him?
[Grid’s attack power, which is his biggest weapon, is suppressed.]
Grid smiled as he recalled that headline.
‘I’m not a damage dealer.’
Items were flexible. An overgeared person could be a damage dealer or tanker. In this National Competition, Grid was planning to show off an attack power that didn’t yield to the patch, as well as his defense. In other words, he would be a flawless damage dealer tank that would overturn the world.
Ttang! Ttang!
The helmet, leggings, and gauntlet were gradually completed, while Lantier’s Cloak was reproduced through Item Creation. It wasn’t long before he would become a matchless overgeared person.
Chapter 407
Chapter 407
Cloak.
It referred to a coat hanging from the shoulders without any sleeves. From a general point of view, tailors made cloaks because the commonly used materials were cloth and leather.
But blacksmiths also knew how to make cloaks. It was natural. Blacksmiths made all types of leather armor, and due to this they were also skilled at making cloaks.
Of course, it was a reality that the options and designs lagged behind cloaks made by tailors, since they were specialists in cloth and leather. However, the blacksmith cloaks had better basic defense.
From that point of view, Lantier’s Cloak was clearly made by a blacksmith.
‘The cloak stopped my blade.’
What was the quality and elasticity of the cloak that it couldn’t even be torn by Noe’s claws? Grid thought about it during his return journey to Reidan. He actively used his knowledge and experience as Pagma’s Descendant, looking at every type of leather. The leather he came up with?
‘None.’
Of course, there were some leathers that were as hard as rocks that were excellent in defense. Typical examples were minotaur leather and blue griffin leather. In fact, they were used as materials for the best leather armor. But they weren’t appropriate as a material for a cloak.
‘It’s too thick and heavy. They aren’t soft enough, despite being leather.’
Making a cloak with it? Rather than a cloak, it was more like a box. There was no utility as a cloak. If so, what was Lantier’s Cloak made out of?
‘I bet it isn’t cloth.’
Pagma had prepared the equipment for Lantier, who became a death knight. Pagma was a blacksmith, so he couldn’t handle cloth at a high level.
‘Wait.’
A smile appeared on Grid’s face as he recalled something. He remembered that with Lantier’s Cloak, the inside and outside were different colors.
‘The outer part is black.’
And the inner lining was red.
‘Pagma used two types of leather to increase the defense of the cloak.’
Once he realized this, he knew that he didn’t have to cling to minotaur or griffin leather. The durability might be lower, but there were more suitable leathers to make the cloak. Now Grid went through the different types of leather to find a red and black one.
‘…None?’
The black leather wasn’t too much trouble, but there was no red leather. The only one similar to red leather was the pink leather of the lizard queen.
‘The lizard queen’s leather is too hard to be used as the inner lining of the cloak…’
In the past week,
Grid had completed his armor, helmet, and leggings. He faced a challenge when he tried to recreate Lantier’s Cloak using the Legendary Blacksmith’s Creation skill.
***
Her eyes were confident and her mouth relaxed. Yura was filled with unique intellectual charm and was the most beautiful woman in Asia. Her hairstyle had changed somehow. Her ebony hair fell down and reached her chest.
‘I am ashamed.’
Yura blushed as she stood in a full-length mirror. The pink flush on her white face was reminiscent of a peach.
‘It feels awkward.’
Her short dress revealed her thighs. It highlighted Yura’s ideal figure. Yura normally wore jeans, simple t-shirts, or suits, so she couldn’t adapt to her appearance in the mirror. She shivered shyly at the thought of going out with her body exposed. Honestly, she wanted to change her clothes right now.
‘But.’
Today she was meeting Grid. In other words, she was meeting Shin Youngwoo. She wanted to increase her favorability with the first man she was interested in. Therefore, she changed her style. It was to match Grid’s taste.
The problem was her breast size. Didn’t Grid like at least a D cup?
“…”
Yura thought about borrowing the power of items, but shook her head. It was a matter of pride. She was already bigger than average.
On this day.
“Heok…”
“…Wow.”
“I don’t care if I die right now!”
The men who witnessed Yura on the streets cried out emotionally, regardless of their age. There were some people who vowed never to wash their eyes.
***
Ding dong~
There were 3 days remaining until the National Competition.
Someone visited Youngwoo’s house.
“Ohh~! God Grid!”
It was Peak Sword.
Youngwoo frowned in dislike at his loud voice.
“You’re as lively as ever.”
“I have to welcome God Grid, so of course I will be energetic!”
“Ah, really.”
Peak Sword was like Khan. They were people who had an infinite affection towards Grid. He couldn’t be disgusted by such people. Shin Youngwoo laughed and wore slippers onto the porch.
“Hoh?”
Light blue old slippers and a green training suit. Peak Sword was impressed as he looked Youngwoo up and down. Youngwoo’s body was much fitter than it was several months ago. His broad shoulders and thick thighs were very good.