Overgeared

by Park Saenal

  “…”

  Sehee held hands with her parents and prayed for Grid.

  “I bet 100,000 gold that Grid will win!”

  “One million gold!”

  “Then I am all in!”

  “Hey, these people. We can’t bet on Grid.”

  The Overgeared members.

  “Dammit… We used to mock and harass you, but not anymore. You might never forgive us, but we are all acknowledging and cheering you on now. So please win, Shin Youngwoo!”

  The 45th class of the Heroes High School.

  “Youngwoo oppa, fighting!”

  Sexy Schoolgirl Yerim.

  The people who witnessed Grid’s process of change believed in Grid until the end and cheered him on. They didn’t want Grid’s efforts to be in vain. But reality didn’t flow according to faith and wishes.

  Puok!

  Grid allowed consecutive dagger strikes and was stabbed in the neck with White Fang.

  “…Ah!”

  This was the end. The crowd cheered for Kraugel and the people expecting a reversal were saddened. Lauel closed his eyes tightly on the stands. He wanted Kraugel to win, but it was also painful to see Grid’s defeat.

  『 Look! Grid still has hope! As seen in the Damian match, he possesses a one time immortal skill! 』

  During the battle against Damian, Grid survived being hit by magic despite his extremely low health. After that, the commentators were convinced that he had an immortal passive. At this time, a notification window appeared in front of Grid.

  [The effect of Evil Spirit’s Bloody Tears is activated. Your attack power will increase by 50% for 5 seconds.]

  Every time he allowed an attack from Kraugel, he had become more blood-soaked. The Slaughterer’s Mask became completely covered with red. This was one of Grid’s plans.

  “Haaap!”

  Jeeeong!

  “Hup…!”

  The sudden rise in Grid’s attack power wasn’t something that Kraugel could overlook. The moment that he collided with Iyarugt, White Fang severely lost its durability and Kraugel’s right arm became numb. The overwhelming difference in strength that occurred suddenly! Kraugel’s eyes shook as he couldn’t withstand the effects of gravity anymore and fell to the ground.

  ‘A berserk skill?’

  A skill that increased attack power as health decreased. Grid was a blacksmith, so how did he have a berserk skill? There was no reason to feel doubts. Once again, it was the power of items!

  “Ack…!”

  The God Hands started swinging at Kraugel as he fell, causing him to feel pain. His face became shadowed. It was Grid, who was emitting a different type of energy than the God Hands!

  “Pagma’s Swordsmanship!”

  “Super Sensitivity!”

  “Linked Wave Kill!”

  Ku kwa kwa kwa kwa! Ku kwa kwa kwa kwa!

  Blood red energy blades poured down like a tsunami! Every one of them was filled with a strong energy that could be called a disaster.

  ‘It will be over if just one hits!’

  In addition, he needed to win within seconds after activating Super Sensitivity. The key was to insert the last strike just after Grid’s passive ended.

  Suuk.

  Kraugel barely escaped the bombardment of energy blades and widened the distance with Grid. The energy blades followed him to the end, but Kraugel’s movements as he used the terrain to destroy them was divine. But Grid was like a wild beast. He didn’t care about being hit in the immortal state, so he chased after Kraugel, narrowing the distance again in an instant.

  In the end, Kraugel allowed Grid an opportunity to attack.

  Chukak.

  The bloody light barely brushed right past Kraugel’s nose. Kraugel barely avoided it thanks to Super Sensitivity and accurately struck at both of Grid’s eyes. It was intended to cause the blindness status.

  Supak!

  A white flash aimed accurately towards a teardrop. Right before it reached Grid’s eyes, the duration of immortality was 3 seconds and Super Sensitivity was 4 seconds.

  Kaang!

  The God Hands protected Grid from Kraugel’s attack.

  2.5 seconds, 3.5 seconds.

  “Wave.”

  Grid used Wave and reached Kraugel, but Kraugel escaped again.

  2 seconds, 3 seconds.

  Jjejeong!

  The distance once again opened between Kraugel and Grid as Kraugel used the God Hands as a foothold.

  “Huraah!”

  Grid predicted that Kraugel would run away and threw a spear.

  Puok!

  “Kuk…!”

  Kraugel had overlooked this skill and the spear pierced his shoulder. Kraugel rapidly paled while Grid partially recovered some health thanks to Elfin Stone’s Ring.

  1 second, 2 seconds.

  Right here.

  Taack!

  This time, Kraugel rushed towards Grid. He easily dodged the Magic Missiles fired by the God Hands and reached Grid. It was White Light Steps combined with Super Sensitivity.

  ‘Finally.’

  This tough fight was over. Kraugel’s mother was in front of him, smiling brightly.

  Syuk!

  Kraugel was filled with hope as his sword was about to pierce Grid’s neck.

  [Braham’s soul, which lost a great deal of power from closing the hell door, has woken up from his sleep!]

  [The cooldown time of Assimilation is over!]

  “Assimilation!”

  Grid’s last trump card was used. His hair turned white and his eyes became sharper than usual, causing the hearts of female viewers around the world to throb, while Kraugel’s heart sank.

  “Shield.”

  Jjeejeeeong!

  A translucent magic barrier blocked Kraugel’s sword. The white haired Grid made a funny expression as Kraugel’s face distorted with shock and despair.

  “This is a talent from the heavens. But you’re still young.”

  Hwaruruk!

  The moment a spark formed at Grid’s fingertips.

  Tak!

  Kraugel threw away White Fang and placed his hands on the shield surrounding Grid.

  “Crying Tiger.”

  “…!”

  Peeng!

  An intangible energy pierced Grid’s chest beyond the shield while the flames from Grid burned Kraugel’s body.

  “U-Unbelievable.”

  “Who won?”

  The world fell into chaos as both men turned grey at almost the same time. Was it the sky or the impregnable tower? The results couldn’t be guaranteed until the video was replayed. However, Grid and Kraugel already knew the result.

  “Mother…”

  Kraugel trembled as tears poured from his eyes.

  Chapter 463

  Chapter 463

  [The duration of immortality is over.]

  The worst notification window emerged as Kraugel was about to strike Grid’s neck with White Fang. Was he going to lose? But Grid still had a trump card.

  [Braham’s soul, which lost a great deal of power from closing the hell door, has woken up from his sleep!]

  [The cooldown time of Assimilation is over!]

  “Shield.”

  Jjeejeeeong!

  The moment that Assimilation was used, a shield blocked Kraugel’s attack and Grid was convinced of his victory. Until Braham opened his mouth.

  “This is a talent from the heavens. But you are still young.”

  ‘Stop making noise and use a spell!’

  Grid shouted, but Braham trusted his shield. He believed it would never be broken and summoned a flame. It wasn’t magic of a particular form. It was simply flames made of pure magic power. Grid’s mana was almost empty, so it was impossible to use a spell.

  ‘Well, this is enough.’

  The man in front of Braham was also in a bad state. A light attack was possible. The moment that Braham smiled.

  Tak!

  Kraugel laid a hand on the shield. It was similar to Regas’ tec
hnique, who temporarily boosted his body’s weight by using its rotational power.

  ‘Don’t tell me…!’

  Grid and Braham simultaneously became nervous.

  “Crying Tiger.”

  Peeng!

  An intangible energy passed through the shield and struck Grid’s chest. The damage wasn’t strong, but Grid had only recovered 400 health from the effect of Spear Shot and Elfin Stone’s Ring. Grid was unable to withstand the blow and died immediately. Once again, he couldn’t enjoy the effect of Tiramet’s Power attached to the Rune of Darkness.

  In his final moments, he saw Kraugel’s body being burned by the flames.

  ***

  Kraugel was uneasy throughout the fight against Grid. In the end, would he lose? Would he not be able to treat his mother’s illness? Grid was so strong that he made even Kraugel, the ultimate player in the game, have these thoughts.

  The ruler of the battlefield, Ares. The Black and White sisters. And Baal’s Contractor, Agnus.

  Grid was no less skilled than the four people working on Satisfy’s central story and wasn’t left behind when it came to the possibility of development. In particular, at the end.

  “Assimilation.”

  Kraugel’s heart froze as Grid’s hair turned white and Blackening was lifted. Grid’s white haired version had taken out Yatan’s First Servant with Fireball. It was only supposed to be for a certain quest, but this power could be used in PvP? It was outside of Kraugel’s scope and he faced a great crisis.

  But in the end, he won. Kraugel’s Crying Tiger was one step ahead of the white haired Grid’s flames. The difference was as thin as a sheet of paper. If Grid hadn’t been confident and used the magic immediately after Shield, the result would’ve changed.

  [You have won a battle against a legend.]

  [The legendary class, Sword Saint has been obtained.]

  [Your level has dropped down to level 1.]

  “Mother…”

  He felt a surge of emotions. He would be able to free his mother from her suffering. He could repay the love his mother gave him all his life. Once again, he could be called ‘Son.’ Kraugel trembled as tears poured from his eyes. They was tears of joy.

  ***

  As a result of the video replay, it was discovered that Grid died before Kraugel. It was a mere difference of 0.1 seconds.

  『 Only 0.1 seconds… The moment that South Korea and Russia, Grid and Kraugel’s fate changed. 』

  『 The winner is Kraugel! Russia has taken first in the overall rankings! 』

  『 It’s really disappointing from Grid and South Korea’s perspective. If Grid’s magic had been 0.1 seconds faster, South Korea would’ve won first place. 』

  Indeed, it was really competitive. As a result, Grid was defeated, but the sky fell. Who could possibly label Grid as a loser?

  『 The title of the sky is no longer exclusive to Kraugel. 』

  『 That’s right. Grid also deserves to be called the best. 』

  『 As of this moment, Satisfy has two suns. 』

  The commentators of various stations started to praise Grid and most of the world was in agreement. However, Grid was different.

  ‘In the end, I lost.’

  He realized that he was still lacking to receive that title. But Grid wasn’t frustrated. He was glad. It was true that the distance between him and Kraugel was gradually narrowing.

  ‘Next time.’

  Next time would be different. At that time, he would win the title of the strongest. Grid pledged with a grin as he gazed at Kraugel.

  ‘Is he this happy to win over me?’

  Kraugel was grabbing his chest with tears in his eyes. Grid thoroughly misunderstood the meaning of his tears.

  ‘Rejoicing so much after beating me…’

  Huhuhut!

  Grid was proud despite losing.

  ***

  1st. Russia (5 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze)

  2nd. South Korea (5 gold, 1 silver)

  3rd. United States (4 gold, 4 silver, 6 bronze)

  4th. Canada (3 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze)

  5th. Spain (1 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze)

  6th. Japan (1 gold, 3 bronze)

  7th. Brazil (1 gold)

  8th. United Kingdom (4 silver)

  9th. France (3 silver)

  Joint 10th place. Argentina, China (2 bronze)

  12th. Turkey (1 bronze)

  The final rankings for the National Competition was revealed. The United States and Canada, who were strong winning candidates, ended up third and fourth respectively. Most people didn’t predict this result. In particular, it was shocking that South Korea, which was evaluated as one of the weakest countries, ended up second in the world.

  『 South Korea is a very unusual case. Grid alone won five of the six medals. 』

  『 It was also 4 gold medals and 1 silver medal. 』

  『 If I had to pick an MVP for this competition, I would definitely pick Grid. 』

  Of course, Kraugel’s work was also dazzling. The impact alone allowed him to be compared to Grid. However, the person who won more medals was Grid. Few people would disagree if Grid was chosen as the MVP.

  ***

  The 2nd Satisfy National Competition. The best one month festival held in Paris came to an end. The participants from all over the world stood on the stage for the spectacular closing ceremony. The person with the most spotlight was Grid. A new person who was the best! The second sun! And so on.

  Grid had all types of new nicknames and the attention of the media on him was enormous. Beautiful… In particular, glamorous reporters wanted to interview him about the white haired Grid, causing Yura to poke Grid in the side.

  “You’re drooling.”

  “Heok.”

  Unbelievable! He was drooling while the entire world was watching!

  ‘Why is there D cup…!?’

  He had worked hard to manage his image, but this blew away instantly. Grid felt embarrassed and blushed, causing Yura to pull out a handkerchief and wipe at his mouth.

  “…”

  Really, she was a woman who behaved in misleading ways. The crowd and players from all over the world looked at Grid with jealousy.

  “People are misunderstanding because you keep acting like this. Act moderately, or I will start thinking that you like me.”

  “…”

  Yura’s lips twitched. This was a great chance to confess that she liked Grid. But she couldn’t honestly confess. She had received countless love confessions, but it was awkward and embarrassing because she had never confessed to anyone.

  “It’s very lively.”

  Peak Sword laughed. It was like looking at pure children when he saw Grid and Yura, so it was fun. Of course, he also felt frustrated. For reference, Peak Sword had also been solo since his mother’s womb. While Yura and Grid’s love affair (?) was causing an uproar, Chairman Lim Cheolho of the S.A. Group climbed onto the stage.

  He looked at Grid with an unknown meaning and spoke to the camera.

  “Hello? I am the developer and operator of Satisfy, Lim Cheolho. I would like to thank all the staff and players who have worked hard for this competition… Now, I will deliver happy news to all the people watching on their TVs.”

  The good news delivered by Lim Cheolho was as followed:

  First of all, to commemorate the National Competition, every player in Satisfy would receive a 10% experience buff. Secondly, additional buffs would be awarded to players who had entered the National Competition. The buffs would depend on their country’s ranking.

  Some people shouted that it was unfair. Too much benefit was given to the players who won medals in the National Competition. But the purpose of the S.A. Group was to increase the influence of the National Competition. It was reasonable to provide proper compensation so that the 3rd and 4th National Competitions would become bigger.

  In any case, the Korean players could look forward to a buff that increased their experience and item acquisit
ion rate by 27% for the next fortnight. As a result, Grid became a true national hero. The Korean players got a chance to grow rapidly thanks to Grid.

  Grid won four gold medals and one silver medal, so he obtained four adamantium and one bloodstone as the blacksmith’s reward. In addition, a huge sum of 20 billion won was added to his bankbook. It was the advertising fee that the Comet Group deposited.

  Once autumn passed. Grid realized that he would be hit with another 38% tax bomb in next year’s comprehensive income tax report and shed tears of blood. He tried to comfort himself that the taxes he paid would be used for the country’s development, but the billions of won lost in taxes was still too much of a burden. Would he get hair loss again?

  After the closing ceremony. Lauel approached the worried Grid.

  “I have something to say to you.”

  “…?”

  ***

  “Hee~~ This is the kingdom of the Water Clan that I heard about. A pretty place? It makes me furious.”

  “Hihit! Yihihihit!”

  The Water Clan kingdom, Siren.

  Uninvited guests came to the place where Duplicator Euphemina had been staying for several months already. It happened much sooner than Euphemina expected.

  Chapter 464

  Chapter 464

  “What did you want to talk to me about?”

  After the closing ceremony.

  The Overgeared members gathered at a restaurant near the Eiffel Tower. As a multinational guild, everyone’s skin and eye colors were different, but there was no sense of incongruity when they were together. They looked at each other with trust and affection, seeming like a family.

  “Baldy.”

  “Shut up! I’m not bald, I shaved!”

  Of course, there were exceptions such as Pon and Vantner.

  “I have brought Kraugel into Overgeared.”

  Lauel spoke amazed words in the midst of the turmoil. Some of the members were agitated.

  “The sky above the sky will join Overgeared?”

  “How?”

  Pon and Regas asked. Unlike the other Overgeared members, they didn’t know about the plan to recruit Kraugel. Of course, Grid was the same. Lauel started to explain the story to those who don’t know.

  “…That is what happened. Thus, we have the right to recruit Kraugel.”

  “…”

  Lauel told the whole story without any exaggeration. His expression was dignified. Lauel believed that Grid and the Overgeared members would be delighted by the Kraugel recruitment project. However, Grid’s expression wasn’t good. Grid thought for a moment as he emptied his glass of beer before giving a shocking reaction.