by Park Saenal
“Don’t recruit Kraugel.”
“…Huh?”
It was unexpected. Why not recruit the best power? Lauel and most of the Overgeared members were puzzled.
“We must recruit Kraugel! Kraugel’s blood will flow through the arteries of Overgeared! The Overgeared Guild will be stronger than ever…!”
Lauel started to talk about Kraugel’s value, but Grid interrupted.
“Can you force someone to become our colleague?”
Pon added.
“Kraugel is the type of person who has always played the game by himself. Doesn’t everyone know that he hates belonging to a group? Can we obtain his true heart if we recruit him like this? There might be a crack in the relationship, which could be dangerous one day.”
Lauel countered.
“People change. Look at us now. The reason we became colleagues wasn’t pure. We joined because there was something we wanted. In the course of fulfilling it, our hearts opened and we became true co-workers. The same is true for Kraugel. He might rebel right now, but someday…”
“No, it’s okay.” Grid was adamant. “Not only is he an existence that shouldn’t be caged, we aren’t weak enough that we should be obsessed with him.”
Since he started Satisfy, Kraugel had been a solo player and this allowed him to reach the peak. His way of playing was appropriate for him. If he was locked into the framework of a group and changed the way he played, he would no longer be Kraugel. Weren’t there many cases of that in CD games? The enemy would become weak after joining their party!
“Those are just assumptions!”
It was Lauel who reacted to the end. Most of the members of Overgeared understood his feelings. This was the opportunity to recruit the strongest power, but it might be missed due to internal opposition. How annoyed would Lauel be? Grid saw Lauel’s heart and spoke openly without hiding anything.
“Lauel, I lost to Kraugel.”
Kraugel was Grid’s goal. He was the sky that Grid wanted to reach. In the end, he failed to reach it.
“Some people might laugh, but I think of myself as Kraugel’s rival. I want to continue competing until I someday surpass him.”
“…Ah.”
Lauel realized.
‘I… I can never fathom Grid’s mind!’
It was very uncomfortable and damaging to the pride to have someone he couldn’t defeat under him. Lauel understood Grid’s position and nodded.
“I understand… I won’t make the deal with Kraugel.”
Grid asked like he didn’t understand.
“Why not?”
“…Didn’t you say not to recruit him?”
Grid smiled wickedly at Lauel.
“Not recruiting him doesn’t mean we can’t make a deal.”
***
After the closing ceremony, people’s interest in the National Competition started to disperse as other topics became popular in the various media. Kraugel’s name disappearing from the list of rankers’ shocked the world. Therefore, Kraugel was forced to take refuge in the Russian players’ jet after being chased by reporters.
‘Lauel said he would contact me in 30 minutes.’
He would connect to Satisfy for a while. Kraugel connected to Satisfy using the capsule installed in the plane. Then he opened his status window.
Name: Kraugel
Level: 1
Class: Sword Saint
* Sword type weapons can be used without restrictions.
* You will bring out the hidden functions of sword type weapons when they are equipped.
* You can create new sword techniques. The number of times it can be created will increase every time the level of ‘Complete Sword Mastery’ increases.
Title: One who Became a Legend
Title: East Continent’s Pioneer
Title: Troll King’s…
Title: …
…
…
Health: 1,485/1,485
Mana: 100/100
Strength: 50 (+120) Stamina:15 (+50)
Agility: 30 (+60) Intelligence: 10 (+10)
Composure: 10 Indomitable: 10
Dignity: 10 Insight: 10 (+40)
Regeneration: 30
Super Sensitivity: 0.1
‘It’s beyond imagination…’
Kraugel was shocked by the Sword Saint class. His level had fallen to 1 and the skills and stats he worked hard to train had been reset to the beginning. Fortunately, his titles remained and the basic skills and abilities of the Sword Saint were amazing. Russia received a 30% experience buff thanks to being 1st in the overall rankings, so it wouldn’t be difficult to recover his level. In particular, Kraugel’s passive skill Keen Senses disappeared and the originally active Super Sensitivity was changed to a stat.
‘The Super Sensitivity passive…’
It could be considered a passive that could be trained without any limits. In the short term, the performance was weaker compared to the old Super Sensitivity. However, that would change later. If he developed the stat properly, Kraugel would become an absolute person who was always in the Super Sensitivity state. Of course, it was likely that the performance would fall compared to the initial Super Sensitivity when it was an active skill.
-Kraugel! Can you come out for a while?
A voice came from outside the capsule when Kraugel was connected to the game. Alexander. The skinhead Alexander. As an extreme nationalist, he originally disregarded Kraugel and showed resentment. Now he was acting as Kraugel’s loyal dog. It was because he had infinite respect for Kraugel, who made Russia the first ranked country.
-What?
Alexander explained to Kraugel.
-That monkey… No, a Korean person said he wanted to meet you.
-Who?
-G-Grid. Why did he come after losing to you in PvP? What should I do? Should I send him back?
-No, wait.
Kraugel immediately logged out. He knew why Grid had come to see him.
‘Lauel told him the story.’
Now Grid had learned the truth. He came to receive the vow of allegiance. Originally, a group always had a hierarchy. Kraugel smiled bitterly as he emerged from the capsule. Then he witnessed an amazing sight.
“Ugh…!”
“Hnng~~”
At the airplane’s entrance. The Russia players with big physiques were falling helplessly. The reason wasn’t clear. He didn’t know why, but this phenomenon was caused every time Grid’s fingers touched their bodies.
“H-Huaaat~~!”
Another Russia player let out a strange moan when touched by Grid. At the same time, he blushed and looked down slowly…
Omitted.
“W-What the hell is he doing?”
Alexander was terrified and hid his big body behind Kraugel. He was afraid of Grid, who offered ecstasy to his colleagues with just one finger.
“Hello?”
Grid discovered Kraugel and greeted him. Kraugel took off the translator and responded in Korean.
“It’s good to see you. It’s only been two hours.”
“Isn’t your Korean quite good?”
“I can’t be poor at my native language.”
“Hrmm…”
Grid took off the useless translator and glanced doubtfully at Kraugel. The outline of the body was correct, but Kraugel looked too much like a woman. It was also a pretty woman. Grid looked at the long eyelashes and came to a conclusion.
“Friends.”
“…What?”
Kraugel expected Grid to ask him to join Overgeared, so he was baffled by the words. Grid approached him and reached out a hand.
“Let’s help each other when it’s difficult. In the future, you don’t have to fight alone like this.”
Grid knew. There were limitations to being alone. Grid anticipated that one day, Kraugel would need his power.
“I’m not inviting you to join the guild. We’ll just help each other when it’s needed.”
“…Why?” Kraugel
couldn’t believe it. “Why are you treating me so good?”
Why didn’t Grid forcefully make him join the guild? It was possible in his position. Why do such a big favor?
Grid replied simply to Kraugel.
“I need a competitor in the future. I want your development. If I fight against you as you become stronger, I will also develop. In the first place, I’m already satisfied with having Piaro in the guild.”
“…”
The present Grid was completely different than the one Kraugel met in Reidan. There were no shadows on his face and his eyes were dignified. He had a dependable atmosphere around him. Kraugel felt thrilled and grabbed Grid’s big and rough hand.
“I’m glad.”
‘I will run whenever you call me. And thank you.’
Kraugel swallowed down those words. He thought that Grid would know even if he didn’t say it. And Grid also knew.
“Thanking me? Promise me one thing. Every time I call, run over. You are able to treat your mother’s illness thanks to Lauel. Shouldn’t you return the favor?”
“…I understand.”
What was the concept of friends that Grid was talking about? Kraugel felt seriously concerned as Grid patted his shoulders.
“Once your mother recovers, come to South Korea to play. I’ll show you around.”
“…Yes.”
Thank you. Kraugel gave a rare smile, looking more beautiful than ever. Kraugel longed for the health and well-being of all mothers in the world.
On this day. The players who participated in the National Competition left for their home countries. A new adventure was waiting for them.
Chapter 465
Chapter 465
Grid had many challenges left for him to overcome: Aslan, with the Saharan Empire behind him, the man who kept Reidan in check and also falsely accused him of killing Prince Ren. There was also the vampire cities that he needed to fully capture before the war began.
In addition, he had to figure out what the 3rd prince of the Saharan Empire was planning and figure out a way to capture the Behen Archipelago. The whole process was likely to be linked to hell, so he planned to arrange sufficient preparations such as putting effort into raising Yura.
Prior to that, Grid had something to do personally.
‘Smelt the adamantium and bloodstone.’
The moment of making his 15th legendary item was approaching. He would experience further growth with the third special event. According to Lauel, Kraugel had obtained the strongest combat class. However, Grid didn’t think he was lagging behind.
He was able to find a better use of items through this National Competition.
‘Kraugel, the stronger you are, the stronger I will become.’
But before that!
‘First of all, I will move!’
The building that costed him both 10 billion won and 13 months of construction was finally completed. Thanks to the recognition that he developed during the National Competition, inquiries about moving in didn’t cease and the surrounding commercial area began to develop. He heard that the value of the 10 billion won building had actually soared to 15 billion!
‘I am now a top landlord!’
He would receive monthly rent and not have to worry about starving to death for the rest of his life! The throne that nobody could dream about, Grid felt like he was on top of the whole world!
“Father, Mother! In the future, I will protect both of you as well as Sehee!”
Grid confidently swore in front of his family members, who embraced him with tearful eyes. They finally realized that this was the end of hardships and the beginning of happiness. Grid and his family were busy for a while as they moved away from the old house they had been living in for around 30 years.
***
“Eh~~? Kraugel disappeared from the rankings?”
The Belto Kingdom was a very poor kingdom that offered huge tributes to the Saharan Empire every year.
Few of the two billion players used the Belto Kingdom as their starting point, as it was classified as a remote area due to its geographical distance from the center of the continent and its underdeveloped nature. It was natural for there to be a small number of players.
However, this place recently started to change as it gradually grew stronger by absorbing the weak kingdoms around it. How was this possible when the Belto Kingdom had no funds to train the army? It was the result of the unofficial ranker Ares and his soldiers.
“He finally got a hidden class?”
Ares, who had been organizing the supplies from the enemies, responded to Luck’s cry. Luck made a frustrated expression.
“Ah~~ that person has become stronger, and this is your only reaction? You should be more nervous, more nervous!”
“Why should I be nervous about someone who almost lost to a blacksmith? He was never my opponent in the first place.”
“Hyuu~ isn’t your memory really bad? Didn’t you lose to him?”
“At that time, I was weakened. I would’ve won if my condition was perfect.’
“Hmmm~~ anyway, it is true that he is a tough guy.”
“So what? Should I be shaking with fear?”
“Hyu~~ No, you should keep Kraugel in check. Won’t it be scary if he becomes stronger?”
“Aish, making me care about something like this. Release the kids and take care of it.”
“Ye~~~s!”
The number ‘two billion’ was too big to easily estimate the scale. The best rankers who represented their country in the National Competition? They would be weak against the countless reclusive users scattered across Satisfy.
These hermits all had one goal in common: to become a master. Ares was one of said hermits, and his goal was to become the ruler of the continent! He dreamt of building his own country and someday taking over the Saharan Empire.
***
The Water Clan kingdom, Siren.
The size of this mysterious kingdom under the sea was quite small. Its population was only 100,000 strong, and the land was similar in size to Reidan. There were few hunting grounds and quests, so the number of players became scarce.
However, this place was heaven for Siren’s first discoverer, Euphemina. Thanks to the title ‘Friend of the Water Clan,’ she easily accumulated affinity with the water clan, and was able to experience many hidden episodes. Four months ago, she received a hidden quest.
[Upcoming Destruction]
★ Hidden Quest ★
The heart of the water clan contains enormous magic power.
The prophet ‘Miong’ has prophesied that evil humans will invade Siren for this purpose.
You have a connection with the water clan through the disciple of a great magician, Mumud.
Defend Siren against the unknown enemies!
Quest Clear Condition: Protect Siren from enemy invasion.
Quest Failure Condition: More than 70% of Siren is destroyed or Siren’s population is reduced by more than 40%.
Quest Clear Reward: Acquire the title ‘Defender of Siren.’ Acquire Mumud’s Spellbook. MAX affinity with the water clan’s royal family.
While Euphemina didn’t know what effect the title ‘Defender of Siren’ had, since it was a title obtained from saving a kingdom, its effects certainly wouldn’t be low. Euphemina judged that it would show off a tremendous performance. More than that, Euphemina was expecting a lot from Mumud’s Spellbook.
Mumud, the disciple to the legendary magician Braham. Several documents testified that Mumud might’ve been a better magician than Braham. It was natural that Euphemina was expecting a lot from Mumud’s Spellbook.
‘Finally, maximum affinity with the royal family.’
Over the years, Euphemina had been steadily building up affinity with the water clan’s king, Maxong. She needed to be friendly with Maxong in order to obtain his tears, and the result was successful. But the other princes were a problem. The conservative princes were unfriendly towards humans and many clashes occurred.
What if she defended Siren and the affinity reached the peak? All of the princes would show a favorable attitude to Euphemina and it could be an opportunity to establish an alliance with Overgeared and Reidan.
‘I must keep watch.’
Two months before the National Competition, Euphemina reported the quest to Grid and he promised to actively help her. It was the day when Euphemina sent a whisper to Grid and he made a meaningful smile. But there was a problem.
‘The invasion is faster than expected!’
The invasion happened one month earlier than the prophesied date, meaning Grid’s support would be delayed.
‘Grid said that he would send troops three weeks later…!’
She needed to hurry. Euphemina hurriedly sent a whisper to Grid.
-Grid!
[The target isn’t connected.]
“What?”
Originally, Grid was someone who always connected to the game except when he was sleeping. Now was the time when Grid should be awake. Then why wasn’t he connected? The confused Euphemina sent another whisper, but the result was the same.
‘Did something happen?’
It was a desperate situation. Euphemina felt worry instead of resentment towards Grid, who was currently absent. As a member of Overgeared, she had much respect and adoration for Grid.
-Lauel!
Euphemina hurriedly sent a whisper to Lauel. Was he carrying out a heavy workload again as soon as the National Competition was over? Lauel replied in a powerless voice,
-Yes… Tell me, our hidden gem, Euphemina.
Euphemina shouted urgently,
-Send support to Siren…!
Lick!
“Kyak?!”
Something rough, soft, and sticky licked Euphemina’s white cheeks. Euphemina screamed in horror at the uncomfortable feeling.
“Hihit! Yihihihit!”
An unidentified woman with round eyes like a frog placed her face close to Euphemina.
“You! Did you lick my cheek just now?”
Euphemina stared at the woman with a long tongue with a disbelieving expression.
“Hiit! Hihit! Soft!”