by Park Saenal
‘Pon, please lose to Katz.’
In the end, Lauel could only hope.
‘Please don’t let Katz be defeated.’
Pon wasn’t capable of beating Grid. No, not just him, but all of the Overgeared members. Grid was a person who constantly made items that could minimize the disadvantages of the Overgeared members. Therefore, he clearly grasped their strength and weaknesses! If Pon won against Katz and advanced to the fourth round, Gird was sure to advance to the semi-finals.
Thus, Lauel hoped for Katz to win.
‘Katz is the one who has a chance against Grid.’
Other people didn’t know it, but Lauel knew. The reason why Grid had allowed a large number of hits during his matches!
‘The reason…’
He wanted to increase the level of his items.
‘This is an opportunity for Katz.’
A Blood Warrior became more powerful as more blood was shed. If Grid was fatally wounded and Katz survived the immortal passive…!
『 The 7th match of the 3rd round! Pon against Katz! Katz against Pon! It has started! 』
Lauel watched as Pon and Katz climbed onto the stage. It was only when ‘riding’ that Pon could reveal the true power of a spear knight. Katz watched Pon’s hair blowing as he rode a white horse and thought.
‘The Overgeared members are handsome or beautiful.’
There were exceptions such as Grid, Vantner, and Toon, but the proportion of beautiful people was very high. It was enough to make him wonder if the guild members were accepted due to their face.
‘…Should I get plastic surgery?’
Katz was seriously hoping to join Overgeared. The reason was simple. He also wanted items. But he needed to prove himself before joining Overgeared.
‘My own strength!’
Kwarururung!
Hundreds of blood vessels started appearing on Katz’ plain sword. It was the moment when a Blood Warrior’s vampire sword revealed its disgusting appearance. Katz watched Pon as he was surrounded by a bloody light.
‘I have to be careful with Mach Spear and Rail Spear.’
Lauel had told Katz the strategy for Pon as well as Grid. Katz himself repeatedly studied Pon’s combat videos dozens of times.
‘It is impossible to react when those two skills are activated. But it’s easy to tell, since they use a unique motion. I can aim for that gap and strike.’
His first priority was to increase his stats. The moment that Katz stepped forward.
Pajik!
“Mach Spear!”
“…!”
Pon immediately triggered his strongest skill. It was without any preparatory actions!
Kwa kwa kwa kwang!
“Kuack!”
What was this? Katz felt confused as he was struck in the heart and received a fatal wound. He was in a ‘stunned’ condition and the metal shock was too great. Pon explained.
“The power of items.”
[Pon’s Draw]
Pon was helpless during the Tiramet raid. It was a special one-time use spear that he commissioned from Grid to overcome his weakness. It had less attack power and durability then a normal spear, but it was easy to use and maximized the passive skill ‘Shortening the skill motion when riding’ of a spear knight.
The biggest disadvantage was that it was a one-time consumable. The necessary materials were also difficult to to obtain, making it virtually impossible to make several. This was the first time Pon used the item.
Ching!
In the wake of Rail Spear, Pon took out a new spear and rushed over. He ran on the stage and aimed Mach Spear at Katz’ neck, who was still in the stunned state. In order to maximize the characteristics of a Blood Warrior, Katz didn’t wear heavy armor and turned to grey.
『 K-Katz has been logged out! 』
“Waaaaaaaaaaah!”
5 seconds. Pon secured a win in only 5 seconds. The combination of the overwhelming attack power of a spear knight and Grid’s item led to an unexpected variable. Hao, who was well aware of Katz’ strength after facing him in the target processing event, couldn’t help feeling appalled.
‘The Overgeared Guild… Crazy.’
The reason Pon could win so easily as that he pulled out a trump card. It wouldn’t work so easily on players in the future. Pon had exposed a large amount of his power to win this showdown. The resulting storm could someday grab Pon on the ankle.
‘Was it worth it to win this match? He can’t win a gold medal anyway.’
No matter what the users thought, the atmosphere of the National Competition increased because of this confrontation. The heat of the Stade de France National Stadium rose like an active volcano.
『 A shocking result!! 』
『 It reminds me of Grid from last year! 』
Lauel gritted his teeth as the host’s excited voices were heard.
‘Making an item like that and not reporting it to me… No, he kept it a secret because it’s such an item.’
It was a good move.
‘Now the only one left is Damian…’
If Damian lost, Grid would meet Kraugel in the finals. If Grid won, the plan to recruit Kraugel was useless. Lauel’s sacrifice of one gold medal would be in vain. Grid and Damian walked onstage as Lauel was nervously biting at his fingernails. The host interviewed the players in order to further enhance the atmosphere.
“Damian, countless people have predicted your victory. Do you have confidence?”
People were aware that Grid had the special Blackening skill. Blackening was a skill that transformed a player into having a dark attribute. It was natural to be vulnerable to Damian, who had the ultimate divine power. However, Damian’s answer was unexpected.
“Of course, I’m not confident.”
“…?”
Damian surprised the host with his answer. Damian’s absurd remarks didn’t end there.
“Grid is the one who beat Pope Drevigo and Pope Candidate Pascal in a one-man raid! Grid is completely a pope killer, a pope killer! A new pope like me isn’t his opponent!”
“…Huh?”
The host and viewers doubted their ears. The fact that Grid raided Pascal was something that many people could guess. But to raid him alone? No, the problem wasn’t the pope candidate. Former Pope Drevigo! The existence who killed the ruler of tens of millions of followers was Grid?
Grid had been completely obscure at the time, so this was a very shocking truth.
“Grid is an onion…”
Someone muttered. There was nothing more suitable to describe Grid.
Chapter 456
Chapter 456
The US representatives who were supporting Skull on one side.
“It’s ridiculous.”
They started to deny Damian’s words. 1 year and 8 months ago, Grid had raided the pope alone? It wasn’t something that could be understood with common sense.
“That’s when the rankers would’ve had their second class.”
“Grid would’ve been around level 200. At the time, Grid wouldn’t have the specs to raid a named boss.”
At the time, the Tzedakah Guild had just raided Malacus and became famous. Considering that Grid was a member of the Tzedakah Guild, it was likely that they raided Pope Drevigo as a guild.
“Damian is a lunatic who calls Grid a ‘god.’ Most of what he says about Grid is a bluff and exaggeration.”
“I agree.”
The US representatives denied reality. Was it possible for one level 200 user to raid a pope? But surprisingly, Zibal believed Damian’s words.
‘It’s certainly possible.’
The pope was a priest. Compared to his level, his combat ability and defense was inevitably low. First, he was a humanoid boss with low health.
‘Grid’s nonsensical items and offensive power can neutralize the pope’s heals, killing him. Of course, that is on the assumption that a one-on-one situation was created.’
The US representatives were buzzing.
Lauel made a proud expression because he knew the truth.
‘Grid was exactly level 150 when he raided the pope. It’s a story that I heard directly from Grid.’
What level 200? Well, Grid was able to raid Pope Drevigo due to Damian’s buff, but that wasn’t important. Listening to Damian, Grid had actually fought the pope alone.
‘Grid is the best.’
Grid had accomplished a unique feat and kept walking forward. Lauel once again felt thrilled by Grid.
‘I also hope that you win.’
As someone who swore allegiance to Grid and a fan, Lauel sincerely hoped so. He wanted to see Grid collapse the sky above the sky above the whole world. However, Lauel was a politician. Since he wanted glory for Overgeared and Grid, Lauel’s reason had a desire for the opposite result.
‘…Please.’
There was no one who could win forever. Everyone was supposed to taste frustration. This was life.
‘If you are going to taste frustration anyway, wouldn’t it be nice to do it at a good timing?’
The Overgeared Guild no longer needed to be afraid if Kraugel successfully joined. The seven guilds? The hidden forces, including the Blood Carnival? They weren’t worth anything. The Overgeared Guild would be able to challenge the vampire cities, the East Continent, hell, all types of territories, dragon lairs, and even the Saharan Empire.
Lauel imagined it. Grid winning the title of the first user king and his right arm, Kraugel. Then the Overgeared members… It was an ideal composition that would lead to a perfect future.
“Please… Please.”
Lauel suppressed his personal feelings and focused on reason. He could do this because Grid was the type of person who used frustration as a stepping stone for his efforts. Lauel’s trust in Grid was absolute.
***
The mysterious person who killed Pope Drevigo and brought the Rebecca Church into a new phase was Grid? The spectators and viewers who knew the amazing truth was suspicious, but they were also extremely excited. There was a sense of reverence in their eyes as they gazed at Grid.
“Player Grid!”
The host didn’t forget his duty in this inflamed atmosphere. Countless questions poured towards Grid.
“Did you really raid Drevigo? Did you get to know Damian in the process? What were the circumstances behind raiding Drevigo? What type of person was Drevigo? Ah! What type of items did Drevigo drop?”
“…”
Grid didn’t respond to the host’s questions. He had no obligation to answer and his mind was already focused on Damian.
‘Damian.’
Since the first day they met, Damian’s eyes had always been on Grid. Grid didn’t mind. Damian always looked at him with a bright smile and spoke his true heart. Damian might be four years older than Grid, but it felt like watching his younger brother.
“Damian.”
“Yes!”
Damian smiled and immediately replied to Grid’s call. If Grid demanded his surrender, he would immediately agree. However, Grid didn’t hope for an easy victory.
“Do your best.”
Grid knew better than anyone that he was still lacking to challenge Kraugel. Grid felt the need to grow, and Damian was strong enough to be the driving force of that growth. Damian might underestimate himself, but Grid highly appreciated Damian’s strength.
Damian reminded him of Kraugel. In particular, the nonsense buff that raised accuracy by 80%… It made it impossible to avoid or defend against attacks.
“I will challenge you with all my heart!”
Damian’s eyes shone like lanterns. His confidence in Grid was absolute and he was convinced he couldn’t beat Grid. He would just try his best.
“Divine Protection, Incarnation of Light, Goddess’ Blessing, Light’s Blessing, and Divine Favor.”
They were skills that were indispensable for the Goddess’ Agent class and pope position. The skill names were similar, plain, and didn’t have much impact. It was similar to the skills that a priest used. However, the actual strength was absolute.
Flash!
Flash flash!
There were flashes of green, white, and golden light pillars as Damian’s attack, defense, and accuracy were increased and a damage neutralizing shield was created. The duration of all buffs was three minutes.
“I can only show the majesty of a pope for three minutes. I still can’t reach your toes.”
Grid grasped Grid’s Greatsword, which had the option to increase skill damage, and activated the Rune of Darkness socketed in the centre of the greatsword.
“You keep on disappointing me whenever you say that.”
[The Rune of Darkness effect is activated. Demonic power has permanently increased by 10. For one minute, 20% addition shadow damage will be added to normal attacks and skills.]
“Blackening.”
[Your black magic power has increased.]
[You don’t have any black magic power. It will be replaced with demonic power.]
[While Blackening is activated, your species will change to half-demon.]
[As a half demon, your maximum health is reduced by 50%. Your attack power, magic power and agility will increased by 20% each.]
[All attacks will be converted to the black magic attribute.]
Kuoooooh-!
An ominous black energy appeared around Grid. Lantier’s Cloak also turned black.
“Blacksmith’s Rage and Quick Movements.”
Peeng!
It happened when Grid used all his buffs. Grid, whose skin was whitened from Blackening, suddenly appeared right in front of Damian.
“Continuous Stab.”
Peng!
Pepepeng!
It was a rare skill acquired in the reservist training reproduced in the Behen Archipelago! Grid used this multi-hit skill instead of Pagma’s Swordsmanship to get rid of Damian’s one-time attack neutralization shield. But Damian was in a full buff state.
He reacted perfectly to Grid’s move, setting up a square shield to prevent all attacks. A light shone from the side of the shield. It was the moment that Damian exerted his swordsmanship, which he developed from doing field work with Piaro.
Puok!
[You have suffered 9,900 damage.]
Grid suffered terrible damage as he was stabbed in the stomach. Damian exerted the ultimate divine power and also had the attack power buff, so it was impossible for it not hurt. But Grid was calm. He attacked Damian’s right wrist that was exposed beyond the shield with Link. Grid had used Link hundreds or thousands of times, so he was used to unfolding the footwork in a minimal space.
Pipipipipit!
Jjeejeeeong!
Seokeok!
[Goddess’ Protection has invalidated the enemy’s attack.]
[The absolute shield has disappeared.]
“As expected from Grid…!”
Damian felt admiration as he blocked all of the Link strikes except for one. Grid confirmed the disappearance of the green light around Damian and used Pinnacle Kill, since it would be able to get through Damian’s high defense. Suddenly, Grid had a question.
‘Why did he use the shield in advance?’
If he was Damian, he would use the shield at the right timing to neutralize a skill. Why did he meaninglessly consume it ahead of time…? Grid cancelled the casting of Pinnacle Kill and moved. Damian counterattacked with his shield and shouted with a smile.
“As expected from Grid! You didn’t bite the bait! Goddess’ Wrath!”
Kwa kwa kwa kwang!
Damian and Grid’s swords exchanged blows. At the same time, there were two white flashes from the magic circles behind Damian. The target was naturally Grid. Grid would be hit because he was busy exchanging blows with Damian. But Grid had the God Hands.
Pepeng!
Two God Hands stiffened as they blocked the white flashes, while the other two God Hands fired Magic Missiles and hit Damian’s wrist. Damian’s swor
d became dull for a moment and Grid used Pinnacle in this gap.
Seokeok!
“Kuk…!”
He was hit in the face and Damian entered a state of ‘blindness.’ It was because blood entered his eyes.
Jjejeong!
Jjeejeeeong!
Fortunately, the duration of blindness was only two seconds. It only took two seconds. Damian raised the shield and hid behind it like a turtle. Grid moved to the rear and repositioned it by taking advantage of the repulsive force of an attack. This allowed the shield to be lifted. He accurately struck with Kill.
『 … 』
The commentators of the international broadcasting stations were silent. Since Grid and Damian in full buff state were so fast, few people could understand the battle process and explain it in real time.
Chapter 457
Chapter 457
Satisfy’s history was still short. It had been less than two years since e-sports established itself as the most popular culture. The experience of the commentators for the broadcasting stations in each country was poor and there were inevitable limits.
-What are the commentators doing? Why aren’t they explaining the battle?
-Really dumb ㅎㅎㅎ They should take care of their paycheck.
-Hah… Grid and Damian are so fast that I can’t follow them with the eyes. The screen is switching too swiftly;;
-Once the game is finished, the video will be replayed in slow motion…
The viewers around the world started complaining. The commentators could only close their mouths with frustration. At this time, a comment appeared on the Internet.
-Korea’s OGC Channel is giving correct commentary.
OGC was the world’s first gaming specialty channel. It had a history of being an authentic e-sports broadcasting company. The rich experience and professionalism of the commentators there couldn’t be compared to those from other stations. Viewers from all over the world started to flow to OGC’s Internet channel.
Then they witnessed an unexpected person. It was Peak Sword. On the OGC channel, the local Peak Sword was acting as a guest commentator.
『 Did you see how God Grid’s exquisite skill was used to induce Damian’s blindness? But the even more impressive thing was his ability to control the God Hands just previously! I’m sure you know how difficult it is to give four different commands to the God Hands while fighting! This is the class of God Grid! Do you know God Grid? 』