by Park Saenal
Get lost, small fry? Grid didn’t like Tarma’s attitude.
“What did you call me? Get lost?”
“What? What are you saying?”
Tarma didn’t understand Grid’s slang. Then Grid raised his middle finger.
“Eat this.”
Grid was more welcoming towards the people around him, but his innate personality was still far from being gentle. The worst of his nature emerged when it came to people like Tarma.
“You bastard…”
Tarma’s face distorted like he was a demon. The second reason for Grid’s grudge was that Tarma was at the point where Grid expected Kraugel to be. Due to that, Grid missed the timing for a perfect surprise attack.
“This can’t be forgiven…”
Tarma growled out.
“Small fry, I will give you a chance to die under my glorious hands.”
The world knew Faker as the strongest assassin. Faker was responsible for wiping out one of the seven guilds, the Ice Flower Guild. But those who knew Tarma evaluated Tarma as higher than Faker.
The unofficial ranker, Assassin Tarma. The activities he showed in the world of darkness were greater than Faker’s achievements.
『 Tarma? Who’s that? 』
『 Um, let’s see… A third advancement assassin belonging to Greece. His class is Shadow Master… He’s an unofficial ranker because his level isn’t disclosed. 』
There were currently hundreds of cameras installed on Tira Island, capturing the movements of the participants in real time. However, the videos that the broadcasting stations could show were limited, so the users who weren’t famous weren’t exposed to the viewers. One of them was Tarma.
But at this moment. Grid destroyed the allied teams and came across Tarma, making Tarma subject to the attention of the world.
–Tarma? He has a third advancement class, which means he’s at a minimum, the same level as the 80th ranker.
–There seems to be little exposure about him. He’s probably a person who only eats and hunts.
Most viewers didn’t know Tarma. It was the same for the international commentators. But those who knew the world of Satisfy more deeply were well aware of Tarma.
『 Tarma is a well known assassin. 』
『 There is a rumor that Tarma has assassinated over 100 rankers. Even the 2nd ranked Zibal was assassinated by Tarma. 』
『 Have you heard about that dark gamer group called Blood Carnival? Tarma is one of the monsters of that infamous group. 』
『 There’s a saying that the true god of death is Tarma, not Faker. 』
The Internet was shocked by the comments from the experts. The real time search terms on Internet portal sites were dominated by Tarma and Blood Carnival.
–Wow… This is the first time I’ve heard of Blood Carnival, but their power is huge.
–An unbelievably wicked group… Are they the Triads of Satisfy?
–13 kingdoms have bounties on the Blood Carnival, but their base can’t be found.
–It seems like Tarma isn’t a simple assassin;; Did Grid pick the wrong opponent? Isn’t it dangerous?
-Yiing
Dozens of drones scattered through the forest started gathering around Grid and Tarma. It was proof that the world was paying attention to both people.
“Hah, this is really…”
Tarma scratched his head as he saw all the cameras. He was only in the National Competition to assassinate Kraugel, so he wanted to avoid people’s attention to act more freely. However, this was ruined due to Grid.
“After I kill you, all the participating countries will be alert towards me. I’m being bothered by this little chick.”
Suuk.
Tarma complained while pulling out the logo of the Lion Group. The Lion Group. One of the world’s top 10 companies, they were the ones who sponsored Tarma.
“Since so much attention is being paid to a small fry, I might as well get money from it.”
Tarma attached the logo of the Lion Group to his chest. Then he started to emit a dark aura as he pulled out two yellow daggers. It was a PK only weapon that he acquired from quests in Gaya, the sandy kingdom on the East continent that most users hadn’t even seen yet.
“This is the strongest weapon that makes those on the West Continent look stupid. Overgeared? Pffft! That’s a word that describes me!”
Tarma shouted with confidence and shadows emerged from everywhere. The ground, bushes, trees, rocks, etc. Tarma’s shadow spread all over the place and deceived the viewers.
“The shadows are moving!”
Tarma disappeared into a shadow. It was perfect. It was at a level that could be called the strongest hiding technique, so the comments, experts and viewers around the world admired it.
But Grid was different. In the past, Grid had experienced the shadow assassin called Kasim. He was able to grasp Tarma’s identity the moment that Tarma’s shadow started wriggling. Based on this, he used Magic Detection (Enhanced) Lv. 2 in advance.
Magic Detection Lv. 2 had a long casting time and couldn’t accurately detect the position of an assassin moving in real time. However, Grid’s Magic Detection was one developed by the legendary great magician, Braham. It transcended common sense.
Furthermore, Grid had his high insight and the Slaughterer’s Eye Patch. All the conditions were in place to make it a perfect disaster for Tarma.
“What?”
Tarma emerged from the shadow of the tree next to Grid. He stared at Grid, intent on killing Grid before he was detected. But Grid’s Greatsword was aiming towards the point where he appeared.
“Linked Kill.”
Puok!
Puk! Puk! Puk.
“…!”
An assassin’s weaknesses were their low health and defense. They were proud of their excellent stealth and lethality, but their bodies were the weakest of all damage dealers. How could an assassin survive Linked Kill, which was superior to Linked Kill Wave when it came to just attack power? It was only fortunate if they could avoid it.
Tarma couldn’t even scream as he turned to grey.
『 Wow. 』
The commentators and experts took a deep breath. The 1st ranked real time topic on search portals was ‘3 seconds.’ After logging out Hurent in 5 seconds and Bondre in 4 seconds in the last National Competition, now Grid had set a new record. It was very cliche, but the world was once again astonished.
From the first day of the National Competition, Grid was overturning the world several times.
***
‘A very strong guy.’
Grid realized the moment he read where Tarma would emerge and used Linked Kill. Tarma didn’t give up and fought back, cutting Grid’s wrist.
‘I received 3,000 damage…’
Grid resisted it, but the attack also caused poisoning and paralysis. The power was tremendous. If he couldn’t kill Tarma with one blow and if Linked Kill had only done three strikes, Grid thought it would have been dangerous.
That’s right.
Grid had eyes that could measure an opponent’s ability just by exchanging one blow. It was something he developed after numerous battles with enemies stronger than him. Now Grid was becoming a real powerhouse.
『 The US team has started catching up with the South Korean team! 』
『 Currently, there are only three survivors in the Korean team. It’s inevitable that their speed will slow down compared to other teams. Isn’t it possible for them to lose their first place to the United States? 』
“This…”
The words of the commentators alarmed Grid. After confirming the scoreboard, Grid used Fly and flew in the direction where targets were concentrated, unleashing Wave. Dozens of targets exploded.
However, there was a limit to his mana. Grid had the God Hands continue to handle the targets and dropped to the ground after his mana was depleted. The Korean viewers who saw it were frustrated. The targets were difficult to deal with from the ground and South Korea only h
ad one ranged damage dealer, Yura, so the US team was able to catch up. Maybe Russia and Canada would also catch up.
But who was Grid? He was a legendary blacksmith that could use all weapons. He had acquired the Weapons Mastery skill in the Behen Archipelago. The commentators and viewers were shocked as they saw him take out a bow.
『 Bow? Why is he bringing out a bow? 』
『 Don’t tell me… Surely a blacksmith isn’t trying to shoot a bow… 』
Pagma was a legendary blacksmith and great swordsman. Everyone could understand why Pagma’s Descendant would use a sword, but they never imagined that he could shoot a bow.
Chapter 418
Chapter 418
[Spiral Quick Fire Bow]
Rating: Epic
Attack Power: 215~249 Firing Speed: +17%
Accuracy: -30%
* Every time you shot an arrow, the firing speed will increase by 0.5%. This effect will only be applied up to 50%.
* It is difficult to control the trajectory of the arrow.
* If you hit the ‘desired target,’ you will gain additional Bow Mastery experience.
A bow made by the legendary blacksmith Grid.
The structure of the bow and arrow is unusual. It is difficult to predict the trajectory of an arrow the user even hit rate is very poor.
Kkirik!
Grid took out the bow that he made after much suffering. Then a notification window appeared in front of him.
[The effect of Beginner Weapons Mastery Lv. 8 is higher than the effect of Beginner Bow Mastery Lv. 3.]
[The passive Weapons Mastery skill is applied.]
Grid learned Bow Mastery much faster than Weapons Mastery. However, the level of Weapons Mastery was much higher than Bow Mastery because Grid’s main weapon was a sword. Weapons Mastery accumulated experience with any type of weapon, while Bow Mastery only gained experience when using a bow.
‘When I use the bow, both Weapons Mastery and Bow Mastery increases. If the level of the two masteries is similar someday, I will start to see the advantage of Bow Mastery.’
Paang!
Unless they were some combat specialized class, more ordinary users only learned one type of mastery. Blacksmiths didn’t have any mastery skill at all. Grid was a blacksmith, yet he possessed Weapons Mastery, Bow Mastery, and Magic Mastery.
He had endless potential.
『 H-He is really shooting a bow! 』
One arrow left Grid’s bowstring. The spectators looked on as it moved in a zigzag, the movements hard to predict. It was the moment that the dignity of the legendary Pagma’s Descendant class was howed to the world.
Grid was confident.
‘I’m no longer someone you can ignore.’
Grid had lived a life where he wasn’t acknowledged by people. He had always been despised for his lack of talent. But now it was different.
Satisfy. In the end, it was a game where Grid broke the prejudices of the people who knew him and became the best.
Peeeeeong!
『 Grid has accurately hit the target!!! 』
[Firing speed has increased by 1%.]
[The arrow has hit the desired target. Additional Bow Mastery experienced has been acquired.]
Kkirik!
Grid pulled the bowstring again with calm eyes. As the stagnant score of South Korea started moving again…
[Your arrow has missed.]
[Your arrow has missed.]
[Your arrow…]
“…This is rotten.”
Indeed, his luck was bad. It happened when Grid saw that the arrows were flying in a different direction.
『 The situation is turned upside down! The United States has surpassed South Korea’s score! 』
『 Russia and Canada are also close to South Korea’s score! 』
『 The other countries are finally fully engaged in the target processing, but South Korea has only three survivors. They will keep falling behind. 』
『 Hah… Regas and Seuron are still fighting. I want to express my sympathies to the people of Britain and Argentina. 』
『 To the people of China and Japan… 』
‘Is there nothing I can do?’
Grid’s heart weakened for the first time in a while. He had been trying so hard for the past year, so he felt frustrated because he couldn’t achieve his desired result.
‘…No, it isn’t over yet.’
Grid bit his lip and firmed up his heart. The bowstring was pulled close to his red lips. Grid was extremely focused when there was a new change on the battlefield. The scores of the US and Russia stopped.
***
{Shit! East cliff! Check it! }
{U-Uhh? What? Why isn’t magic working?}
{There’s a reason. Haven’t you heard the rumor that it is impossible to hit him with non-targeted skills?}
{I thought it was an exaggerated rumor.}
{An exaggeration? There is never any exaggeration when describing him. Rather, it’s too lacking.}
Economies, industrial, science, culture, arts, military, academics, sports, etc. The United States had always been the leader in every field. There was nothing comparable to the largest and strongest country in the world.
It was natural that the United States would hold the title of the strongest in Satisfy. But the strongest United States was currently in turmoil. It was due to only one person. The sky above the sky.
‘Kraugel…!’
Lauel’s face distorted as he clung to the top of the mountain and looked at the battlefield.
‘It’s my mistake.’
It happened the moment he was convinced that Kraugel would target South Korea’s Yura.
‘We should’ve adjusted the pace of our scoring until Kraugel had a direct conflict with South Korea.’
But that didn’t happen. The United States overtook South Korea’s score before Yura was attacked, causing Kraugel to switch targets. Kraugel was only aiming for gold. From his point of view, it was natural for him to target the most threatening country.
“Ugh… My health…”
There were some rules in the 2nd National Competition’s PvP field. First, damage was reduced by 50%. Second, various recovery potions and buff potions couldn’t be taken. Third, pets couldn’t be summoned.
These were measures to ensure that the participants fought purely with their combat abilities, and to allow the viewers to watch entertaining scenes for a longer time. It was why Zibal still wasn’t fully functional after receiving a large injury from Pon’s Rail Spear. Only two-thirds of his health had recovered.
How could they deal with the monster called Kraugel in this state? It was a very regrettable thing for Zibal. But he couldn’t stay still.
Lauel restrained him.
“You should try to recover a bit more. If you rush it, you will just be hurt worse.”
Healers were rare and precious in this game. He realized it again. Therefore, the value of Pope Damian and the Rebecca Church, which could train healers, was more important. He needed to be turned into a perfect ally.
In this dire situation, Lauel was still thinking about Overgeared.
{Russia is approaching through the western path. All personnel, except for Skull, should prepare to face the enemy. I will stop Kraugel in the east with Skull.}
The United State’s power was certainly unique. They completely overwhelmed Spain. It should be relatively easy to deal with Russia if Kraugel’s feet were tied up. Lauel believed so and used Dragon’s Stretch to cause a landslide.
Kraugel confirmed that most of the US rankers moved away, used White Light Steps to avoid the 8th ranked Skull and came face to face with Lauel.
‘Indeed. He always targets the head.’
Smart people were always a target. Lauel predicted that Kraugel would aim for him. It was the reason why he made Zibal keep recovering here.
“Zibal! Let’s see if your hands can reach the sky!”
“I’m ranked 2nd! I’m the only person qualified to
crack the sky!”
Zibal received Lauel’s provocation and jumped up to face Kraugel. He had shown excellent skills in hunting and boss raids, but nothing in PvP. He didn’t participate in the 1st National Competition’s PvP event, so he had to prove himself now. The reason he neglected PvP was because he wasn’t interested, not because he was weak!
“Kraugelllllll!”
Zibal screamed and pulled out a grey rod. It was the emergence of the ego weapon made by the 1st ranked blacksmith, Panmir, who used the techniques learned from the dwarf city Talima.
Peeng!
The grey rod was 1m in length and soared into the sky. The length quickly grew to 3m in an instant and aimed for Kraugel’s chest.
Suuk.
The moment that Kraugel avoided it.
Pakak!
The end of the grey rod turned at a right angle and hit Kraugel’s temple. Kraugel couldn’t overcome the shock and fell down.
Kuuuuong.
“…This is items.”
Lauel never imagined that Zibal could do this much. On the other hand, the world was in great disorder.
『 T-The sky above the sky…! The sky above the sky!!! 』
『 He fell!!! 』
『 It’s because of Zibal! 』
They were skeptical of his abilities since he was assassinated by Tarma who was logged out by Grid in 3 seconds, but he truly was the 2nd rank. The rumor that he had a close fight with the crazy farmer of Reidan wasn’t a lie.
“Waaahhhhhhhh!”
“Zibal! Zibal! Zibal!”
The Americans cheered and stomped their feet. A stir filled the Stade de France National Stadium.
“I am Zibal! I am the most powerful American!”
Zibal shouted excitedly. Kraugel responded by slowly raising his body. His condition wasn’t good. Was it due to the injury from Zibal? No. Kraugel’s defense wasn’t so poor that Zibal’s blow would cause a big injury.
Kraugel was just tired. It had been 30 minutes since the target processing started and he had wiped out more than 10 countries alone. His stamina was low and as a result, his concentration dropped, and his movements became less stable.
“It’s very unfortunate that it isn’t Grid, but this is a chance to break down the sky in front of the whole world…”