Overgeared

by Park Saenal

  [You have suffered 4,977 damage.]

  ‘Isn’t he better than expected?’

  He had expected Chris’ attack power to be one step higher than Hao. However, he didn’t know it would be this much. Chris dealt 5,000 damage in one basic blow, making him feel like a boss monster.

  “Magic Missile.”

  Grid maintained his composure, summoning four God Hands and firing Magic Missiles at the same time.

  Kwa kwa kwa kwang!

  Grid aimed at the gap while Chris’ body was being hit and used the footwork of Kill. Chris didn’t block or avoid them. To be precise…

  Chris’ choice was hitting them.

  “100 ton Sword!”

  ‘This skill…!’

  Kwa kwa kwa kwang!

  Puok!

  As Chris used his skill, Grid’s Kill touched his chest. Grid suffered 10,000 damage while Chris suffered 17,000 damage. Grid’s skill damage was higher, but Chris’ weapon was stronger. The difference in damage came from their defense. Grid also had a slight recovery in health thanks to Elfin Stone’s Ring.

  However, Chris didn’t shrink back. He already aimed his greatsword again towards Grid’s tattered chest. Grid thought that it was best not to confront him head on, so he defended against the attack with the God Hands and used Pinnacle in the gap.

  This was a mistake. Chris’s second class, Tyrant, had a number of ways to boost his strength stat, one of which was to absorb some of the strength stats of ‘all beings’ in a 5 meter radius!

  “Hufff!”

  The unique rated ‘God Hands’ received 30% of their master’s strength and dexterity! Chris took away the strength of the God Hands and Grid, sweeping his greatsword through the battlefield. Then.

  Jjeejeeeong!

  The four God Hands were unable to withstand Chris’ blow and stiffened. Then just before Grid completed Pinnacle, Chris’ greatsword struck him.

  [You have been hit by a lethal blow!]

  [The skill Pinnacle has been cancelled!}

  [You have suffered 8,900 damage.]

  ‘Crazy!’

  It became more painful! Grid was once again surprised by Chris’ crazy attack power and used Revolve for Chris’ next strike. But the effect was minimal. It was because Chris struck it. Chris hit the reflected Revolve and was able to avoid a fatal blow.

  ‘What was that?’

  Grid was dumbfounded.

  ‘He thought to use the momentum?’

  Ssik.

  Chris smiled. Grid realized something.

  ‘A fake!’

  Jjejeong! Jjang!

  Kwang!

  Chris’ onslaught was very intimidating and Grid rushed to defend with Iyarugt. The red black and blue black lights intertwined, causing a wonderful exploding effect that made the viewers feel ecstatic.

  “Grid is being pushed…?”

  “It doesn’t look like Grid can endure. Chris’ attack power is so high that an average player would stiffen every time they defended.”

  “Then it is safe to say that Chris’ attacks have a 100% chance of inducing an abnormal status?”

  “Really strong… He was strong from the beginning, but now more than ever.”

  “Was he hiding his skills?”

  Chris was underestimated. The spectators and viewers belatedly realized that Grid could be defeated.

  “This is enough.”

  The different in strength and the weapon’s attack power meant that Grid would keep being pushed back. He decided this couldn’t continue and pulled out a means to overturn the situation. Blackening? That wasn’t enough.

  Teong!

  Grid recalled Iyarugt after clashing with Chris’ greatsword and pulled out the +9 Failure. It was a lightning fast item swap.

  “What are you doing Grid? Pulling out a weapon used in the National Competition last year! Surely you aren’t giving up?”

  Chris didn’t stop attacking Grid despite his misunderstand. The number of attacks increased and Chris was about to invoke the Tyrant’s Pleasure passive. Grid blocked the incoming Chris.

  Kwa kwang!

  The result of the collision between the shark-like +9 Failure and the +9 Grid’s Greatsword.

  “…!”

  Chris was pushed back! Grid stayed firmly in place while Chris shook slightly. It was a completely reversed situation. Grid laughed at Chris, who had a disbelieving expression on his face.

  “It is too bad for you, but Failure is the strongest.”

  The +9 Failure had a maximum attack power of 3,682. It was at least 1,000 points higher than the +9 Grid’s Greatsword.

  Chapter 454

  Chapter 454

  Chris faltered from the shock caused by the exchange between him and Grid. His upper body was shaking as he blocked the continuous attacks from Grid. It meant he was being pushed when it came to power.

  ‘Chris is being pushed back in a battle of strength?’

  The waiting room assigned to the participants for the third round. Kraugel was surprised as he sat alone and watched the confrontation between Grid and Chris. He didn’t think a player that could beat Chris when it came to strength existed. It was natural when he thought about it.

  ‘Chris has a unique strength stat.’

  None of them could win against Chris with strength, even Kraugel. Yet Grid won.

  ‘The more I know, the more amazing he is…’

  Every person had a different depth and that depth had a limit. As a person was more and more exposed, their foundations would eventually be revealed. But Grid was the opposite. New and wonderful things were discovered about him every time.

  Kraugel was thrilled.

  “Maybe…”

  Was it possible for Grid to clear the ‘Beat Baal’s Contractor’ quest first? Agnus. Grid might be the only one who could go against the monster that was growing rapidly right now.

  Of course.

  “That is a story for a distant future.”

  Had Grid ever met Agnus? Kraugel was suddenly curious.

  ***

  A general greatsword design had a linear structure. Due to that, a greatsword had a unique wild charm. However, Grid’s blue greatsword was thin like a shark’s fin and there were curved details in every part of the sword. It was more three dimensional and beautiful. If a common greatsword was Rambo X, Grid’s greatsword was PeXri! It was even more powerful. At first glance, it was better than Grid’s Greatsword.

  “Why is the name Failure?”

  Chris was pushed in attack power.

  Jjejeong! Jjang!

  Chris’s eyes were shaking sharply as he gradually stepped back while defending against Grid’s attacks. There was a big psychological impact.

  ‘I can’t be like Kraugel.’

  Chris knew he wasn’t perfect, so he dug into one path. It was the path he was most confident in, attack power. He didn’t know about anything else, but he promised to be good with attack power. After receiving the Tyrant second class and Grid’s Greatsword, he was confident he had achieved his goal.

  But reality was different. He was pushed by Grid’s items.

  “What is that weapon? Why is a greatsword you made more than a year ago better than Grid’s Greatsword?”

  Chris had the best knowledge about greatswords. Based on his knowledge and experience, the blue greatsword Grid was currently using was the strongest weapon. Grid explained to the confused Chris.

  “Failure is the origin of Grid’s Greatsword. Strictly speaking, Grid’s Greatsword is the mass produced version of Failure.”

  “What…?”

  Grid’s Greatsword, believed to be the most powerful weapon just two minutes ago, was just a mass produced weapon? Chris gritted his teeth.

  “I see. This is why you didn’t strengthen Grid’s Greatsword to +9. There is no reason to invest a lot of money into mass production items.”

  Chris asked him to make the best weapon, but it was actually a mass produced one…

  It felt like a scam. The bac
k of his head was tingling. Grid panicked as he saw the betrayal in Chris’ eyes.

  “There seems to be a misunderstanding. Grid’s Greatsword is actually better than Failure. The options of Grid’s Greatsword are far superior. Failure is only better when it comes to attack power.”

  “The most important thing when it comes to a weapon is attack power!”

  Chaaeng!

  The two people kept swinging their swords while they were having a conversation. There was a burst of energy whenever Failure hit Chris’ greatsword.

  “…Well, maybe that’s true. It has high attack power.”

  But Failure was still a failure. There was no player able to meet the conditions of use, so it couldn’t be commercialized.

  ‘But Chris…’

  Wouldn’t he be able to use Failure in around a year?

  ‘At that time, I will be using a much better weapon.’

  A sense of superiority. It was enough to make him feel excited. A wide smile spread on Grid’s face. For him who lived a life of defeat and frustration, this feeling of superiority was a very nice and happy feeling. But he wasn’t stupid. He had a duty to try his best to knock Chris down.

  “Pagma’s Swordsmanship.”

  Jjejeong! Jjang!

  Grid started his sword dance. As he moved forward while slashing horizontally, his waist slightly twisted.

  “Linked Kill.”

  It was different from one year ago. Other people had grown like him and were strong. Thus, Grid felt a greater bliss. Once he knocked down a true powerhouse, his value would rise!

  Peeng!

  It was like a cannon being fired. Chris’ response to the fearsome energy blade was simple and ignorant. It was to stop it. This was an inevitable choice. Grid’s attack speed was so fast that Chris couldn’t avoid it with his low agility. In addition, Grid’s agility was over 2,000 points.

  “Smash!”

  Peeeeeong!

  The moment that the unique class skill ‘Tyrant’s Destruction’ hit Linked Kill, a huge shockwave occurred. It was like an earthquake. The huge rectangular stage shook so much that it wouldn’t be strange if it collapsed right now.

  “The attack power of the two people… How high is it?”

  The commentators and viewers were amazed as they commented on Grid and Chris’ unparalleled destructive power.

  “200 ton Sword!”

  Kwa kwa kwa kwang!

  The second blow of Linked Kill collided with Chris’ skill, causing a roar. The cloaks that Chris and Grid were wearing shook like they were caught in a typhoon.

  “God Hands!”

  Grid shouted as the third consecutive Linked Kill shot forward. The God Hands reacted immediately, attacking Chris with their weapons. Chris endured the pain and used 300 ton Sword, cancelling out the third Linked Kill.

  “Kuk…!”

  Grid groaned. He was overwhelmed by Chris from the moment that 200 ton Sword was used. It was difficult to endure the 300 ton Sword.

  [The durability of Failure has decreased by 20.]

  ‘Enormous damage!’

  Grid admired Chris, while Chris’ appreciation of Grid was more than that.

  ‘Great mountain…!’

  Chris realized it from the beginning. He couldn’t break Grid down. But he didn’t feel frustrated. Chris enjoyed it. It was an overwhelming experience to fight someone in a contest of strength, making his blood become heated up.

  “1,000 ton Sword!”

  The ultimate destructive attack was used in response to the fourth Linked Kill. The momentum was above the level of Kill. Indeed, the ultimate skill of the third advancement class had as much power as a legendary skill.

  “This is crazy…!”

  Should Grid use Blackening? Grid’s face paled as he prepared for the shock.

  Kwaaaaang!

  The 1,000 ton Sword literally tore through the 4th Linked Kill and struck Grid’s chest.

  [You have suffered 25,900 damage.]

  [The durability of Triple Layers has decreased by 55!]

  [The durability of the Thick Helmet has decreased by 21.]

  [The durability of the Largest Gloves has decreased by 15!]

  [The durability of the Shiny Leggings has decreased by 34!]

  “Kuak!”

  It was the moment when the explosive synergy between the passive skill ‘Defense Penetration’ and the passive skill of the unique second class, ‘Additional damage is dealt in proportion to the target’s defense’ was displayed. Grid couldn’t avoid huge damage despite being equipped with armor that decreased physical damage.

  Grid’s body was bloody, but he showed signs of life.

  “This is interesting… Would I have died if 3 Joint Attacks was activated? Yes, let’s see who will fall first.”

  An eye for an eye! This was it! He would repay the damage that he received. It happened when Grid corrected his posture and was about to use Pagma’s Swordsmanship, Pinnacle Kill.

  『 Chris has been defeated! 』

  “…?”

  Chris turned to grey. Throughout his exchange with Grid, he kept being hit by the God Hands and eventually ran out of health.

  “…Ah.”

  Grid was in a bad mood. He won, but it didn’t seem like he won.

  ***

  “Couldn’t you have died after one more strike?”

  It was unfair that he was beaten up so much and couldn’t repay it. Contrary to the upset Grid, Chris had a refreshed expression on his face. He competed in a frontal match without any deception. He might’ve lost, but it felt pleasant.

  “Let’s fight again if there is another chance.”

  “…”

  Chris smiled and extended his hand for a handshake. Grid stared at him like an eagle and eventually laughed.

  “Let’s hang out one day.”

  It was a refreshing feeling.

  ***

  The waiting room for the round of 8 contestants.

  Katz was with a surprising person.

  It was Lauel.

  “Should I tell you the way to beat Grid now?”

  Lauel asked as soon as the confrontation between Grid and Chris was over. Katz snorted.

  “I can beat him simply because I am stronger.”

  “…You’re reliable. But if you want to increase the odds, you should keep my advice in mind.”

  Lauel started to explain. Lauel was more familiar with Grid than anyone else, and he was now giving this information to Katz. Katz asked doubtfully after listening to the explanation.

  “Aren’t you exposing too much of Grid’s weaknesses? What if I later become Grid’s enemy?”

  Lauel shrugged.

  “You want Grid’s items, so the possibility of you becoming hostile to him is very low…”

  That was a secondary reason. Lauel really believed in Grid.

  “Grid is growing right at this moment. It’s too quick for others to imagine. He will sooner or later overcome the weaknesses that you currently know.”

  “…”

  Katz got an impression of Damian around Lauel. It was the appearance of a Grid worshipper.

  Chapter 455

  Chapter 455

  -Wow… To think that someone could win over Chris with strength… I get serious goosebumps when looking at Grid;;

  -Truly God Grid. He had the worst luck, but still advanced to the 3rd round.

  -He’s on a different level. He’s the first and only one to obtain a legendary class ㅎㅎ

  -Isn’t it funny when you think about it? He was beaten up, but won… ㅡ ㅡ;;

  -Reallyㅋㅋ I think he was hit more often than he dealt damage. In particular, he barely managed to hit Hao.

  -Grid looks like the loser…

  -What if?

  -If Grid really wins gold in PvP, South Korea will be first in the rankings.

  No matter his appearance, Grid was actually a winner. There was the atmosphere of a festival in South Korea. Who would’ve imagined that one of the wea
kest countries in Satisfy could possibly be first in the rankings? It was thanks to Grid, who caused the people of South Korea to go wild.

  “God Grid! God Grid! God Grid!”

  Dream ★ come true!

  Grid’s name was chanted in every house and various media outlets praised Grid’s activities. People got together to talk about Grid and even top stars who represented South Korea were supporting Grid on their social medias. The number of members for Grid’s fan club exceeded the members of Noe’s fan club for the first time since its establishment.

  It was a level of popularity equivalent to Park Chanho, Park Seri, Park Jisung, and Kim Yuna, who raised the status of the country in the past and received great love and respect from the people.

  “Our Youngwoo is great!”

  Grid’s parents were busy receiving congratulatory calls from their cousins and other acquaintances. They felt proud of their son, who could reach his current position with his own strength.

  However, Grid wasn’t excited. The attitude of the press could easily be changed at any time, and the mindset of the public changed accordingly. Grid already knew this through experience. Wasn’t it during the blacksmithing game? The Korean media criticized him as soon as Grid made a normal item.

  ‘The reaction of the people is meaningless.’

  Grid didn’t want a short lived popularity. His goal was to achieve a more complete and steadfast reputation. Shin Youngwoo wanted to make sure that nobody could ever ignore him again.

  ‘In order to achieve that wish.’

  He needed to win in PvP. It was the fastest way.

  ***

  The 3rd round.

  There were no surprises regarding the results of the first to sixth matches. Kraugel won in the first match and Skull won in the third match as experts predicted. But no one could easily predict the winner of the seventh match.

  Pon vs Katz.

  The strongest players representing Spain and Japan! Pon was always mentioned as the top three in Overgeared, while Katz was a Blood Warrior and showed great strength. It was difficult to say who was stronger.

  ‘I will fight Grid.’

  Pon gazed at Katz with wild eyes. He resembled Regas. He pursued the ultimate peak, and wouldn’t allow anything irrational to interfere in the process. A man who wanted fair growth, fights, and results. It was the reason why Lauel didn’t tell Pon about his plans to recruit Kraugel. If Pon knew Lauel’s plan, he would’ve been uncooperative and mad.