by Park Saenal
That’s why he was standing on the same stage as Grid.
“Grid… From now on, you will be the basis of my great legend.”
‘Is he the same as Lauel?’
Grid wondered as he looked at Dean.
“Haaap!”
The host announced the start of the match and at the same time, Dean swung a rod at Grid. Then Dean faced a notification window after 10 seconds.
[You have died.]
“…”
He had been lucky. Dean tearfully figured out the truth as he died.
All that was left was the final match between Kraugel and Grid.
Chapter 459
Chapter 459
『 Grid’s victory!! 』
‘This is ridiculous.’
He only struck a few times before Dean died! Grid was astonished.
‘How did he reach the semi-finals if he was so weak?’
Currently, Iyarugt had 98.3% experience. It wouldn’t be long before the rating increased. Grid’s goal was to accumulate as much experience as possible before meeting Kraugel. But Dean was too weak. He only received a few strikes before dying. It was embarrassing because it was unintended.
‘I should’ve adjusted my power.’
Hao, Chris, Damian, and Pon. He lost touch with reality because he only dealt with strong people through the PvP. His mistake was not adjusting his strength for Dean.
“Cough…”
Grid cleared his throat as he logged out. Lauel’s expression was frustrated as he sat with the US representatives.
‘Now everything depends on Kraugel.’
It was correct to say that it returned to the beginning. Without relying on anything else, fighting using his own strength to create the desired result. Kraugel had always been like that.
‘Have strength.’
If you want to save your mother. Lauel clenched his fists as the match to determine the third place started. It was between Skull, who was defeated by Kraugel, and Dean, who was defeated by Grid. The winner was naturally Skull. Skull had a fierce battle against Kraugel and his skills as the 8th place ranker weren’t lacking compared to the other winning candidates.
“Well fought, Skull!”
“I won’t forget your performance!”
The Americans in the crowd started to shout Skull’s name. Skull, who struggled to the end to make his country first in the rankings, left a big impression on the American people.
“Next year… Next year will be different…”
The image of Skull tearing up as he resented his own helplessness was engraved in their minds. Lauel also felt guilty. He deliberately lost in the siege so that he could bring Kraugel to Overgeared. His conscience was pained because he was the reason his country lost first in the overall rankings. But Lauel was the chief of staff for Overgeared. It was natural for him to be faithful to that role.
“This is the fate of those who bear a mission… I will pay this price in my next life…”
The hands and feelings of the US representatives curled as Lauel spoke in his own language.
***
The long-awaited PvP finals!
It was the main stage of the National Competition which had been going on for almost a month, so the interest and expectations of the people were very high. Even the elderly had their channels fixed on the Satisfy competition. In particular, Russia and South Korea were in an uproar.
In this match, the first ranked country would be decided. Therefore, there was heated cheering for Grid and Kraugel.
『 I am so proud of Grid. Hasn’t South Korea’s status in Satisfy increased thanks to Grid? I’m so excited when I see that foreign players can no longer make fun of South Korea on the Internet. 』
『 I never dreamed that South Korea could be ranked first! Thanks to Grid, I’m enjoying watching the National Competition. 』
『 The chicken sales have increased by 2,000% during this period! Grid saved our store that was almost ruined! He is the benefactor of my family! 』
『 My parents are quite old and not interested in Satisfy… These days, they have started to show interest after watching the news about Grid. Thanks to that, I have a capsule at home. Of course, it was purchased from the Comet Group. 』
『 Recently, the Satisfy membership for people over 70 is increasing rapidly. The elderly are saying that Satisfy is like a second life… 』
『 As the stock prices of the S.A. Group and the Comet Group are surging rapidly, South Korea’s economic rate is also soaring. Experts call this the ‘Grid effect’… 』
『 Recently, the number of Japanese and Chinese tourists have increased rapidly. They are visiting the area on the outskirts of Seoul, where buildings are being constructed under the names of Grid and the Overgeared members. Economists say this is a phenomenon that suggests a new main street. 』
『 The best K-pop group, ‘We are Legendary Class’ has announced a new song ahead of the PvP finals. The title of the new song is ‘God Grid’s Praise Song’ and the lyrics wishing for Grid to win the National Competition are receiving favorable reviews. Two minutes after its release, it is first place in various real time music sites. Their agency, Urek Entertainment, is confident that the God Grid’s Praise Song will enter the Billboard chart as well. 』
『 I received information that top star Song Yekyo, who is loved for her cute appearance and glamorous body, has secretly left for Paris last night. Song-ssi also wrote posts on her SNS supporting Grid. After seeing that Song-sii is going directly to Paris to support Grid, netizens are concerned that Song-ssi will be his conquest after Yura and Jishuka. 』
『 The president said that we should nurture a second and third Grid at a luncheon with representatives of the ruling and opposing parties. Unexpectedly, the members of both parties all agreed. The Satisfy Rankers Training Policy will be brought up in the near future to the parliament… 』
The wavelength generated by Grid was overturning all of South Korea. Grid’s parents and his sister Sehee became worried once things became too big. They were worried that the people’s excessive interest might put a strain on Grid. There was also the chance that people would stick to Grid and mislead him in the wrong directly.
But there was no need to worry. Grid had already become accustomed to people’s attention since he became lord of Reidan. He knew how to manage himself well. Also, when people changed, the environment also changed. Now many talents were gathered around Grid and actively assisting him.
***
『 Who dares to doubt Grid’s abilities after he climbed to the finals by defeated the winning candidates? Grid is the strongest. 』
『 However, that is on the premise of ‘after Kraugel.’ In the winner’s prediction survey that was held again, only 5% expected Grid to win. Almost everyone is confident that Kraugel will win. 』
『 It’s unavoidable. Kraugel’s undefeated myth is well-known, and the abilities he has shown is beyond Grid. 』
『 One variable is that Grid has an immortal skill. I think the key to this match is Grid’s immortal skill 』
“…”
A 30 minute break was given before the finals would take place and Kraugel was in the waiting room. He meditated with his eyes closed, only thinking about his mother.
‘Mother.’
The only thing in the world that was irreplaceable. She lost her husband at a young age due to illness and sacrificed her life to raise her son.
‘I can sacrifice everything.’
“The effect of this new drug is certain. The clinical trials are done. However, there are no plans for commercialization. Why? Because I know its tremendous value. This medicine will be one of Russia’s powerful bargaining tools. Haha, medicine should be used to heal people? That’s right. However, it’s only the people with value.”
If he wanted it, improve his status in Russia! Kraugel once again thought about the Russian government’s proposal. Then he opened the pendant with a portrait of his mother that he always carried arou
nd.
“Mother…”
Kraugel had no memories of a healthy mother. She used her weak body to raise her son alone, becoming a middle-aged woman who suffered from illness. This was a chance to repay all that she had done for him. Yes, this was a unique opportunity.
“…Definitely.”
He would be sure to see her healthy smile.
‘Win.’
He absolutely couldn’t fail. Kraugel ate all the poison in his heart and rose from his seat. There was five minutes until the finals started.
***
“Lauel, why don’t you report the truth to Grid? If we explain Kraugel’s situation to Grid, won’t it easily solve the problem? A person’s life is at stake. Grid will choose defeat and Kraugel will join the guild.”
This was Vantner’s opinion. Jishuka answered his foolish question.
“Lauel doesn’t want to place strain on Grid.”
The reason that Lauel wanted to recruit Kraugel was purely for Grid and Overgeared. In addition, he knew how much Grid had been looking forward to winning against Kraugel. If Grid knew about Kraugel, his dream would be broken and he would receive psychological pressure.
This was contrary to the reason for recruiting Kraugel Lauel wished for a natural result that Grid could adapt to.
“Objectively, it’s good to pray for Lauel’s wish to come true.”
But Jishuka’s heart was different.
“Grid, win.”
It wasn’t necessary to drag Grid down due to Kraugel’s matters. Jishuka knew how hard Grid worked and she wished for his dream to come true.
***
『 There are numerous ways to describe this person, but this one will suffice. The peak of two billion users! Kraugel!! 』
“Waaaaahhhhh!”
“The sky above the sky! The sky above the sky! The sky above the sky!”
“Show us the dignity of the 1st ranked user!”
The crowd chanted as Kraugel climbed onto the stage. They were fans, regardless of which country they came from. The shouts for Grid were also incredible.
『 The fury of South Korea! The first legendary class! Grid!! 』
“Go Grid!”
“Show me there is no eternal majesty.”
“…”
Duguen! Duguen! Duguen!
Grid couldn’t hear the loud cheering sound. He could only hear his strong heartbeat. That’s right. Grid was nervous. He tried not to show it. He didn’t want to look strained in front of someone he considered a rival.
“Kraugel.”
Before the host announced the start of the match. Grid faced Kraugel with a solemn gaze and declared.
“I will obtain the title of the strongest.”
Chapter 460
Chapter 460
“I will obtain the title of the strongest.”
A challenge towards the sky! Grid’s provocative words heated up the Stade de France National Stadium.
“Grid! Grid! Grid!!”
“Do you think you can win over Kraugel!?”
Some people cheered for Grid and others disparaged him. Most of them were the latter. It meant that Kraugel’s popularity was absolute. It was natural. Kraugel was a subject of reverence without anyone daring to feel envious and jealous, making him special in people’s hearts.
In the first place, looking at it objectively, Grid wasn’t Kraugel’s opponent. People saw Grid as someone who couldn’t grasp who he was going against. In the midst of this turmoil, Kraugel opened his mouth.
“This time, I won’t lose. No, I can never lose.”
They were shocking words.
“…”
The crowd instantly fell silent. Everyone shut their mouths and doubted their ears.
‘This time I won’t lose…?’
‘This time…?’
‘It can’t be!’
Kraugel had already been defeated by Grid? The turmoil disappeared like it was a lie and the match began in silence. The system notification window informed them of the start of the match, rather than the host.
“Pagma’s Swordsmanship.”
Grid calmed his trembling heart and moved.
“White Light Steps.”
Kraugel spoke with a determined expression. The two men with black hair moved at the same time. Every step that Grid took was gorgeous, with a blood red light scattering with every move. Meanwhile, Kraugel was more elegant and covert. He disappeared from Grid’s field of view in an instant.
White Light Steps. It was a footwork skill that increased movement speed and improved the ability to adapt to the terrain. It could be applied as a charging or avoidance skill according to the user’s proficiency. Under intense sunshine or clear moonlight, it had a stealth function. And right now, the sun was shining down on the stage.
It was a time when Kraugel’s abilities were fully exercised.
“Whoa!”
“Disappeared!”
The crowd’s eyes widened with surprise. It was surprising to see Kraugel disappear from in front of Grid. Would he now appear like a ghost, dealing a deadly blow to Grid? Everyone was expecting it.
Grid used magic while unfolding his sword dance.
“Magic Detection, Link.”
Magic Detection (Enhanced). It was different from normal Magic Detection. Great Magician Braham completely overturned the formula, minimizing the casting time and maximizing the effect. Due to this, Grid grasped Kraugel’s position in an instant and fired dozens of energy blades.
Kraugel failed in his surprise attack and went on the defensive.
Chaeng!
Chaeeeeeng!
Fast and strong. Iyarugt’s red light and White Fang’s white light intertwined several times per second, creating an intense storm of energy. Sparks scattered all over the place, burning some of the stage. The ultimate effects created by two top performers were captivating.
On the other hand, the commentators and even Peak Sword of OGC weren’t able to read the movements of Grid and Kraugel.
“This is crazy.”
Godly archer Jishuka. Only the player with the highest agility and Hawk Eyes could catch Grid and Kraugel’s movements. But she could only see it. It wouldn’t be possible for her to respond if she faced them.
“It isn’t just fast. The sword’s ever changing orbits…”
One of Kraugel’s nicknames was Godly Control. It was a nickname given to those who demonstrated control abilities that transcended the human realm. But Grid? Even Jishuka didn’t know that Grid’s control skills had grown to this point.
‘Did he grow again in this National Competition?’
In particular, he faced the strongest people in PvP.
Jjejeong!
After the last strike from Link, Grid and Kraugel were thrown away from each other. The feelings of the two men who stared at each other were completely opposite.
‘He’s incomparably stronger than before.’
Kraugel was only feeling admiration.
‘Crazy… Blocking the skill like that?’
Grid was shocked. Whenever Kraugel encountered Link, he weakened the orbit of Link to his advantageous side, weakening it.
‘Is this a person…?’
Indeed, Kraugel was a monster who surpassed Piaro during his peak as a great swordsman at the time when Kraugel competed with Piaro in Reidan. Piaro called Kraugel ‘a genius who’s eligible to be a sword saint.’ There was nothing to be surprised about.
‘I can never win in a pure physical fight.’ CC needed to be actively utilized.
Grid decided to use Restraint while summoning the God Hands to keep Kraugel in check. While Kraugel was busy dealing with the God Hands, Grid could safely complete Restraint. The plan worked out exactly as he planned. They wielded their swords and launched Magic Missiles, causing Kraugel to waste around 1.5 seconds. In that gap, Grid completed Restraint.
But there was a problem. The moment that the effect of Restraint was activated, one of the ten rings on Kraugel’s fingers shone
and a shocking message appeared in front of Grid.
[The target has resisted the ‘overwhelmed’ effect!]
“…Items!”
Yes, the power of items wasn’t exclusive to Grid and the Overgeared members. In particular, Kraugel was someone who experienced more adventures and raids than anyone else. He acquired countless items as well as accessories that resisted certain status conditions.
Kraugel rushed towards the upset Grid and swung White Fang. He aimed for the heart using the passive effect of Heart Selection, but Grid had the Slaughterer’s Eye Patch and Iyarugt. He didn’t easily allow an attack.
Jjejeong!
White Fang and Iyarugt met once again.
[The experience of Iyarugt has increased by 0.1%!]
“Hah…!”
The experience of a unique item went up so much from just one blow? It wasn’t just because of Kraugel’s swordsmanship. Their level difference also played a large role.
‘Anyway, thank you!’
If he could hold on, it was possible that Iyarugt’s rating would increase in a matter of minutes and he could reverse the battlefield…
[You have suffered 2,100 damage.]
“…!”
When? Grid’s eyes trembled as he was stabbed in the side by a dagger that Kraugel had pulled out. Kraugel continued his offensive with White Fang in one hand and a dagger with a dragon’s tail engraved on it in the other.
Jjejeong!
Jjeejeeeong!
“Ku….ock!”
Kraugel’s swordsmanship became more threatening after he started using two blades. The gap between attacks was minimized and the orbit became more complicated. It was difficult to respond to the attacks that were even more irregular than Regas’.
Grid started to allow attacks.
[You have suffered 1,950 damage.]
[You have suffered 5,130 damage.]
The damage of the dagger wasn’t very burdensome thanks to the increased rating of Tiramet’s Belt. Grid was also wearing the strongest armor, Triple Layers! The problem was White Fang.
[+9 True White Fang]
Grid was familiar with its power. If he let Kraugel reach the third combo, he couldn’t avoid a serious injury. He tried to somehow stop the attack, but failed.
[You have suffered 4,900 damage.]