by Park Saenal
“Separating swords…! This shallow guy! Kuock!”
Iyarugt’s demonic sword hit Grid’s sword. He used the strongest sword technique, Sublime Sword. But before it could be activated.
Pepepepeng!
Four God Hands flew from all directions, swinging hammers. The immense golden hammer burst through the air, causing Iyarugt to flinch. He hurriedly hit one of them while hastily defending against another flash. The red eyes that saw the best sword path…
‘Can I stop all of them?’ He defended against the golden hammers that were flying from all directions. ‘It doesn’t make sense that there’s no way to avoid them!’
Iyarugt used footwork and tried to shake off the God Hands. But it was pointless no matter what he did.
Peok!
Peok peok peok!
“Cough!”
The golden hammers boasted overwhelming weight. The divine power hit Iyarugt in the back of the head, causing him to lose his spirit for a moment. He stumbled and Grid’s black sword pierced his heart. Grid whispered to him, “Shall we try again tomorrow?”
***
‘Heok! W-What?’
It was difficult to grasp the situation.
Once he recovered his mind, he was in the abyss again.
‘Why…?’
The hammers that couldn’t be avoided?
What the hell was that hammer’s identity?
Iyarugt’s soul was in chaos.
***
‘Wonderful. The weapon exerts more power than expected.’
An old demon called Iyarugt. He was a ghost like Braham. His body and momentum were mere illusions and the magic coming from him was weak and unimpressive. It was like a candle on the verge of being snuffed out. But what was this? Iyarugt was strong.
Despite being a ghost, he demonstrated abilities similar to a true blood baron. During the fight against Maxong of the water clan, he had been surprised to see Iyarugt’s swordsmanship. He even assumed that Iyarugt wasn’t as strong as a great demon.
But right now.
“Kuaaaaak!”
Iyarugt lost to Grid. It was in an instant. It was thanks to Mjolnir. Iyarugt couldn’t escape from Mjolnir’s attack and died. It was evidence that Mjolnir’s accuracy and attack power was deadly. Iyarugt returned to the sword. Grid smiled broadly and said to the admiring Braham.
“This is all thanks to you.”
Braham had successfully made a variant of Magic Detection (Enhanced). The detection range was narrowed to less than 1 meter, but the pursuit ability was strengthened and it was converted to a passive that was safely attached to Mjolnir. Thanks to this, Mjolnir’s accuracy rose by 50% and the legendary rated Mjolnir had the additional accuracy rate of 85%. It wasn’t an exaggeration to call it the best weapon.
“However, the power isn’t so great. As expected, the maximum damage not being unleashed is the problem.”
Unfortunately, the inherent limitations of a blunt weapon couldn’t be overcome. So what if maximum attack power was high? Due to the nature of the blunt weapon, there was a much higher chance of the minimum damage being displayed.
‘Yes? But Iyarugt couldn’t easily ignore it.’
“It isn’t because of Mjolnir’s attack power, but Iyarugt’s weak body.”
Iyarugt’s body was made of his soul and magic power. Sword Demon Iyarugt had a desperate weakness. He could only be summoned once every 24 hours and it was only for 10 minutes. His maximum health was 10,000 and his defense was even less.
It was a level where he would disappear from three or four of Grid’s blows. However, Grid highly appreciated Iyarugt. He would be useful in hunting, raids, and PvP. Iyarugt’s overwhelming attack power was sufficient to overcome his weak tanking ability. He also had sophisticated swordsmanship that didn’t allow the enemy to strike.
‘It is a perfect backwards compatibility with Kraugel.’
Of course, that was just an evaluation for this moment in time. Once Iyarugt regained some of his past power, he might surpass Kraugel. For Grid, Iyarugt was the strongest swordsman who had to be tamed.
“Well, I can easily overpower Iyurugt thanks to Mjolnir. But this guy also played a big role.”
It was evident that Mjolnir’s high accuracy was a perfect counter to Iyarugt. However, there was the black sword that created a gap in Iyarugt before Mjolnir was used. Grid looked at the longsword in his hand. From the handle to the edge of the blade, it was all black. It was to the extent that it was impossible to distinguish between the handle and the blade. At first glance, it was like a sword made of coal. But this was a perfect sword.
[Sword Ghost]
Rating: Legendary
Durability: 1,109/1,110 Attack Power: 1,836
* Can be separated into small and large pieces.
* When separated, the small piece will have 930 attack power and the large piece will have 1,480 attack power.
* For every attack that hits the same target, 10% attack power will accumulate (up to 100%).
* The skill ‘Strike’ is generated.
A sword made by the legendary blacksmith Grid. It is designed to only exert a strong attack power.
The materials are the drake’s fangs, claws, bones, and scales.
The black sword is a compressed drake.
There are two knobs, one in the middle of the blade and one in the bottom, made of drake fangs. Turning the knob in the middle will separate the pieces. In addition, you can deal serious damage to the enemy’s mind if you hit the enemy with these knobs.
Since the surface is entirely black and the circumference of the blade and the knob is the same, it isn’t easy to distinguish the knob with the naked eye.
User Restriction: Level 360 or higher. Advanced Sword Mastery level 7. More than 2,500 strength. More than 3,000 dexterity.
Weight: 4,390
Iyarugt was the Sword Demon, so Grid gave this black sword the name Sword Ghost to counterattack it. It was made using all drake materials, which boasted a better performance than any other mineral in the human world. He even used the scales that were originally intended for armor.
The result was amazing. It was a one-handed sword, but it had a higher durability and attack power than Mjolnir. It was a real master weapon.
“Thanks to its separation ability, I could pierce through Iyarugt’s loopholes and create a gap. Mjolnir became more effective thanks to this.”
Grid was inspired by Kraugel in the National Competition and produced separating long swords. After 29 days of making items, he made a breakthrough.
“Then the thing I have to do now…”
Grid headed towards the auction house to look for enhancement stones.
Chapter 487
Chapter 487
Grid purchased enhancement stones at the auction house and returned to Khan’s smithy. Braham saw him pull out the enhancement stones and asked, ‘This time it’s enhancement?’
Grid nodded.
“Yes, it’s a natural process.”
The higher the enhancement value, the higher the item’s basic stats and options. The concept of enhancement was required. The problem was that the odds were so low.
‘Indeed, enhancing a weapon will be easy for you. Pagma was the master of enhancement and you have inherited his skills.’
“…”
Grid jumped. For him, enhancing weapons was never easy. The passive skill ‘Increases the probability of item enhancement’ was applied, but there was no doubt that Grid had no luck.
“Braham, you have a funny way of looking at the world. How can something be easy in this dirty world? In particular, enhancement isn’t a process that can succeed with effort, only good luck… Sigh, I only have a few enhancement stones in the first place.”
The price of the enhancement stones had started to skyrocket half a year ago and was currently at 250 gold for one. When converted to Korean money, it would be around 300,000 won. The blessed enhancement stones were 10 times more expensive. Grid had earned close to 20 bi
llion won in revenue from the National Competition, but it was still a lot of pressure to freely use the enhancement stones.
“The game company is crazy…”
Enhancement stones were originally expensive. Since the early days of the server, they had been traded at 100 gold per stone. At the time, the player’s resistance wasn’t a joke. The players with no money urged the S.A. Group to increase the probability of enhancement stones dropping, otherwise they would never be able to use the enhancement system.
But the S.A. Group was immovable. They didn’t modify the probability of dropping enhancement stones and the result was the current situation. As the number of high level players increased, the demand for enhancement stones increased. However, the supply remained unchanged.
‘Most high level players invest a lot of money into the game.’
It was a world where a person could earn money by sitting at home and playing games. In particular, high level players earned tens~hundreds of millions of won per month even if they only live broadcasted on the Internet. It was thanks to the viewers who sent them moon balloons (donations) in order to cheer them on or to feel envious about a level they couldn’t reach. Thanks to this, the high level players were very passionate about the game. They worked hard to gain more viewers and invested a lot of money into the game.
“It’s because of people like them that the price of the enhancement stones is like this… Shit, it is really too much. Ordinary players like me are bending our backs because of you.”
Grid’s fundamental problem was ignoring and blaming others. This time, he swallowed his tears as he purchased 50 enhancement stones and 10 blessed enhancement stones. Then he prayed.
‘My goal is to have Sword Ghost and the four Mjolnirs to reach at least +8.’
There was an almost 100% success rate up to +5. But from +6 onwards, the probability of enhancement failure was very high and if it failed, the enhancement value would fall. In particular, when using a general enhancement stones, failing an enhancement could lead it to fall by three or more values. That’s why it wasn’t easy to see +7 or higher items. People with money used blessed weapon enhancement stones to reduce the failure penalty as much as possible, but an average person couldn’t.
[Blessed Weapon Enhancement Stones]
A magic stone used to enhance weapons.
The successful enhancement of a weapon will increase the enhancement value by +1~+3.
The failed enhancement of a weapon will decrease the enhancement value by -1.
Weight: 20
“Sigh… Okay.”
He had prepared enough materials. Now it was time to test his luck. Really. Effort wasn’t necessary for the enhancement system. He only prayed for good luck.
“Reach +8 at once.” After enhancing Sword Ghost and the four Mjolnirs to +5, he planned to used the blessed enhancement stones to make them reach +8 at once. “I will begin!”
Grid was motivated and started to enhance the five weapons. Fortunately, he reached +5 for each weapon without failing and looked at the options.
‘The options values have stayed the same.’
Some items had option values that increased at +1, while others would only increase after +7. Most of the higher rated items had a fixed numerical value for their options. The basic stats only increased until at least +8, where some option values might increase.
“It is for the balance, balance, balance.”
Grid grumbled before desperately using a blessed enhancement stone.
“Please… Please!”
Enhance it by +3 at once! Grid prayed to all the gods in the world as he applied the blessed weapon enhancement stone to Sword Ghost first.
[You have used the blessed weapon enhancement stone on the +5 Sword Ghost.]
Ttiring!
[You have succeeded in enhancing it by +1.]
[The +6 Sword Ghost has been completed.]
“Eh?”
What was this?
“Is this a lie?”
To be honest, Grid was planning to use the weapon only if it reached +7. But +6? The blessed enhancement stone that cost roughly 3 million won only did a +1 enhancement? Did this make sense?
“It’s really too much… This is the same as using regular enhancement stones.”
Grid started shaking. He was very upset. He never imagined that he would face such an unlucky situation from the beginning.
‘What?’
Grid sat down and stared at the wall. He was stunned at the 3 million won that flew away. Then Braham provoked him.
‘Are you going to give up just because you failed in the weapon enhancement once? Pathetic. How could you get enhanced battle gear with such weak mentality?’
“…Yes, you are right. I can’t give up! I still have 9 blessed enhancement stones remaining!”
Grid was stimulated by Braham and rose from his spot. Then he immediately used one of the blessed enhancement stones on the +5 Mjolnir.
Ttiring!
[You have succeeded in enhancing it by +1.]
“This is really XXX.”
In the end, Grid started cursing. It was the moment when his dirty personality that had been sealed for a while was revealed.
“Does this make sense? Eh? You damn $@#!! %## game makers! Oh!”
What did players want when playing the game? They hoped for a legitimate system where they would be rewarded for trying hard. But the damn game company introduced a system of probability, frustrating the users who relied on effort.
‘If you obtain a lot of enhancement stones and keep challenging, you can reach the +10 enhancement~’
He seemed to hear Chairman Lim Cheolho’s voice in the distance.
“Damn luck X system…!”
He had failed in two consecutive tries. It was obvious that Grid would be angry after losing 6 million won in cash in the blink of an eye. Anyone would’ve been furious. It was enough to make him tearful. However, Braham was a NPC and 100% couldn’t understand Grid.
‘You still have a lot of enhancement stones remaining. Why are you so agitated about just two failures?’
“…You are right. Yes, it’s only two times.
He still had 8 blessed enhancement stones remaining. Grid took deep breaths and barely calmed down. Then he used the third blessed enhancement stone on the Mjolnir.
Ttiring!
[You have succeeded in enhancing it by +1.]
“…?”
Three +1 enhancements in a row?
Flop!
Grid was shocked by the unbelievable result and sat down. He stared into the air again for a while. Braham told him, ‘Aren’t you dreaming high? The process of reaching the top is much harder than enhancement. You will experience numerous ordeals. Do you think you can achieve this dream if you give in to frustration?’
“That’s right… Braham is right…” In order to be the best, he must have the best mentality. He couldn’t be shaken so easily. “I’m okay…! I’m okay!”
Grid shouted like it was a spell and once again used the blessed enhancement stone. The result was okay this time.
[You have used the blessed weapon enhancement stone on the +5 Mjolnir (3).]
Ttiring!
[You have succeeded in enhancing it by +2.]
[The +7 Mjolnir (3) has been completed.]
“Good…!”
He was overcome it. He was prepared to use all 10 blessed enhancement stones.
“I am rich!”
He would overcome his dirty luck with money! If necessary, he would continue to buy enhancement stones and enhance the items! Grid shouted while feeling angry at the company who created this mess. He used the last five enhancement stones.
‘It was +1 and +2, now it will be +3!’
He was hoping to see the ideal result.
[You have succeeded in enhancing it by +1.]
“Kuaaah!”
Grid’s eyes widened. A strong mentality?
“Bullshit! Give it to me!”
Gr
id was completely hysterical! He had successive +6 Sword Ghost and three +6 Mjolnirs. Continuously without stopping! The result was amazing!
[You have failed to enhance the +6 Sword Ghost. The enhancement level has fallen by 1 to the +5 Sword Ghost.]
[You have failed to enhance the +6 Mjolnir (1). The enhancement level has fallen by 1 to the +5 Mjolnir (1).]
[You have failed to enhance the +6 Mjolnir (2). The enhancement level has fallen by 1 to the +5 Mjolnir (2).]
[You have failed to enhance the +6 Mjolnir (4). The enhancement level has fallen by 1 to the +5 Mjolnir (4).]
“Hah! Hahahahat! Yes! Let’s see who will win!”
Now he didn’t swear. Only dumbfounded laughter emerged.
“Kuahahaha!”
Grid started laughing like crazy as he used the blessed enhancement stone on the +7 Mjolnir (3). He knew with his head that he shouldn’t do this, but his hand couldn’t stop. He wanted to somehow make up for the loss. This was why gambling was so scary. Lottery games and other gambling content made normal people go crazy. It wasn’t a system that the bad luck Grid could use.
[You have used the blessed weapon enhancement stone on the +7 Mjolnir (3).]
Ttiring!
[You have succeeded in enhancing it by +3.]
[The +10 Mjolnir (3) has been completed.]
[Congratulations! You are the first player to gain the ultimate weapon!!]
[The title ‘Uncommonly Lucky Person’ has been acquired!]
[The special stat ‘good luck’ is opened!]
“…???”
It was a result he never expected. Grid’s body stiffened like a stone statue.
“This… Is it a dream?”
He couldn’t even pinch his cheek because he was afraid it would break the dream. Braham applauded his achievement.
‘You achieved the ultimate enhancement. You are truly Pagma’s Descendant.’
That’s right. It wasn’t a dream.
Chapter 488
Chapter 488
“Wow, +10…”
It was enhancing the item to the maximum. Grid never included it in his goal. He didn’t dare to. It wasn’t realistic to dream about a +10 weapon that even the wealthy heirs in the world didn’t have.