Overgeared

by Park Saenal

  ***

  “…My son-in-law was right.”

  Marquis Steim. Grid’s father-in-law and lord of the north, he watched the war between Overgeared and King Aslan from beginning to end. He planted eyes and ears on every battlefield and observed. It was in order to know the truth. Did King Aslan really kill Prince Ren?

  He wondered if his son-in-law had lied. He had a duty to confirm it as a loyal subject of Eternal and Irene’s father. Now he confirmed that his son-in-law was right. King Aslan really did kill Prince Ren. An unqualified person was on the throne.

  “…”

  Marquis Steim’s heart was complicated. He was glad that his son-in-law hadn’t lied, but he felt sad about the things uncovered. Well, this type of sentiment had no meaning at all. He only had to make a decision. The Eternal KIngdom was scattered.

  Should he help Grid who would be threatened from various places?

  He wasn’t anxious. His choice was obvious.

  “I will give the north to my son-in-law.”

  He was protecting his son-in-law with the force that he and his ancestors had built up, then set up Grid as king. Marquis Steim summoned Knight Laden without hesitation in order to prepare his tribute.

  ***

  “What? 60 million gold?”

  The minimum conditions for establishing a kingdom was to have three cities, 100,000 people, and 60 million gold. 60 million gold. It was a huge sum of money equivalent to 72 billion won. It was an amount that he couldn’t afford, even if Grid had started becoming one of the rich people of South Korea.

  “This is crazy… Isn’t this robbing me?”

  The damn S.A. Group! He was furious about the developers who didn’t care about economic principles and were forcing their users to spend gold.

  Toban spoke to the furious Grid. “It isn’t a burdensome amount. If the guild members combine their assets, then it’s easy to raise 60 million gold…”

  The top rankers of Satisfy were able to amass a huge amount of money, especially the Overgeared members who were in the top rankings. As Toban said, it was possible for them to provide enough money to fund the kingdom. But Lauel refused.

  “Grid, I recommended that you provide the funding alone.

  “…You want me to raise 60 million gold alone?”

  Grid was shocked by the unexpected words. Spending 72 billion won by himself? Grid didn’t have such a large sum of money, despite accumulating considerable assets through the National Competition, various broadcasts and advertisements.

  “Hey, where will I gain such a huge amount of money? I’m not asking you to provide all of it, but isn’t a little bit fine? Eh? Just give me a little bit. Then I will pay it back with interest every time I receive the taxes.

  “I am urging you to provide the funding alone, so that this situation doesn’t happen.”

  “…?”

  “You will have all shares of the kingdom alone.”

  This was for the sake of Grid’s interests. It was for the future of Overgeared.

  Chapter 581

  Chapter 581

  Gobble up all the stakes of a kingdom alone? Grid’s expression wasn’t very good.

  “What? Are you asking me to be a dictator? What right do I have when everyone has suffered so much?”

  Grid’s reaction made Lauel smile.

  “Dictator… It would be nice if you could become a dictator and rule the kingdom well. For example, the Saharan Empire. This is a different world from reality. Due to the nature of these times, there wouldn’t be opposition if you were a dictator.

  “…Unfortunately, I don’t think I can rule a country well.”

  Grid knew his abilities. He didn’t have any political power. He was convinced that the country would soon perish if he ruled it according to his rule. This meant his 72 billion won would disappear. It was horrible just imagining it.

  Lauel laughed at the frowning Grid. “I’m not urging you to be a dictator. You should give your subordinates the proper authority. But I want you to be the firm center that can’t be displaced.”

  If a large number of guild members shared the stakes in the kingdom, Grid’s influence would become smaller. Lauel wanted to prevent the worst from happening.

  “Isn’t there a saying in South Korea that too many cooks will spoil the broth?” I don’t want such a thing to happen.”

  “A large number of cooks will spoil the broth…”

  There was such a saying in his country? Grid admired the American Lauel and nodded.

  “I see. I understand.”

  Yes, it really made sense. He was convinced that it would be ideal to provide the funding for the kingdom alone. But there was one problem.

  “How can I raise 60 million gold?”

  Grid’s current assets exceeded 20 billion won. It was a level that could provide for him for the rest of his life, but it was lacking compared to the 72 billion won he needed. Lauel shrugged at the troubled Grid.

  “Think about it yourself. It isn’t that hard.”

  Lauel highly valued Grid. He didn’t doubt that Grid was the most valuable person in the world. But Grid didn’t realize this himself. It was a hundred times better than those who didn’t fear the world, but it was questionable if Grid could express his big vessel.

  Lauel wanted Grid to value himself more. Grid looked at the silent Lauel and had a thought.

  “Should I get a sponsor?” What if he got a large investment from a real-world company active in Satisfy? “I can ask them for an investment in return for placing advertisement signs on every main street in the cities. How about it?”

  “Well… That’s the common way.”

  It wasn’t bad. It was clear that the world would be paying a lot of attention to the first country set up by a player. In particular, there were many players and a high floating population would occur. From the viewpoint of the companies, they wouldn’t lose money investing in the kingdom. But it wasn’t the answer that Lauel wanted.

  Grid saw Lauel’s bad expression and asked. “Is there a better way?”

  “Of course.”

  “What is it?” Lauel grinned at Grid’s confused expression. The wicked smile was similar to Grid’s. His resemblance to Grid kept increasing. “Labor.”

  “…?”

  “Do labor. Stay in the smithy and constantly make items. Then you will be able to raise funds much sooner than anticipated.”

  “…”

  “If you set the customer base as mainly the Overgeared members, you can make a big contribution to the power of your allies and increase your skill level and stats.”

  “…”

  No, dammit. He thought he finally overcame poverty and became rich. Now he had to do labor again? Grid’s expression distorted, but Lauel didn’t shrink back at all.

  “You shouldn’t lose your beginnings. Do labor.”

  “…”

  ***

  “Labor… I have to do labor…”

  He was on the verge of becoming a king, yet he had to do hard labor again? It was uncomfortable. Of course, Grid knew it. His root was a blacksmith. It was right to do the work of a blacksmith. But he couldn’t imagine how long he would have to work to earn at least 50 billion won.

  ‘It’s easy for Lauel to say.’

  It took Grid two years to build his current assets. He earned some money by selling items, but most of it was revenue from broadcasts. How many years would it take to earn 50 billion won from just making items?

  “Do you have a moment?”

  The bustling Reinhardt. As the Overgeared members and soldiers helped the people, a man came over to the frustrated Grid. Sword Saint Kraugel.

  Grid smiled when he saw Kraugel. “I’m sorry that I thanked you so late. You saved my colleagues… In particular, Piaro was in great danger. Thank you for helping with the raid.”

  Kraugel shook his head. “No, if I hadn’t come in the first place, then the Overgeared members could’ve retreated safely. They missed the opportunity to
retreat while waiting for me and were in danger because of it. I’m the one who is sorry.”

  “…It’s unusual.”

  Kraugel was always the best. He was called the sky above the sky and was an absolute person revered around the world. But he wasn’t arrogant. He was always respectful to Grid.

  ‘Someday, I want to be like you.’

  Kraugel didn’t know Grid’s mind.

  He asked Grid. “I was convinced when I saw you use the same skill twice in a row against Belial. Did you gain God’s Command?”

  “…!”

  Grid was startled. In addition to domain and ruling power, it was classified as one of the three major offensive passives. Kraugel knew the existence of Grid’s skill beforehand?

  “How do you know about God’s Command?”

  “I have also progressed in the 7 malignant episodes. I have gained knowledge about the three offensive passives, the three defensive passives, and the corrupt passive.”

  “Eh? 7 malignant episodes? What is that?”

  “…”

  Kraugel’s eyes cramped. He was speechless for a moment before asking.

  “Don’t tell me you obtained God’s Command without going through the seven malignant episodes?”

  “So? What is the 7 malignant episodes?”

  “…”

  Kraugel thought it was absurd. Grid had obtained God’s Command as a result of coincidences and unpredictable events overlapping.

  ‘…It’s said that a hero is created by the times, not by themselves.’

  It would be correct to say that this era chose Grid as a hero. This truly was his rival.

  Kraugel felt admiration and trepidation. He barely managed to control his expression as he briefly explained.

  “The 7 malignant episodes is an old story about seven wicked people chosen by the gods who became corrupted. As you progress through the episodes, you will gain clues about the strongest passive skills that those seven people possessed. I haven’t gotten the skill I was aiming for because it’s too tricky… I’m certain that Agnus and Ares have acquired the skill they desired by now.”

  “Agnus… Ares…”

  Grid’s eyes sharpened. He heard how great Agnus and Ares were every time someone spoke about them.

  “Everyone appreciates Agnus and Ares. Are they strong enough to make you conscious of them?”

  Kraugel was Grid’s only rival. Grid unconsciously thought this, so he couldn’t help having a strange rivalry with Agnus and Ares. Kraugel didn’t know his mind and nodded.

  “I think their potential won’t be suppressed by you. I would advise you not to associate with them if you have any choice.”

  “Why?”

  Was Kraugel worried Grid would be beaten by them? Kraugel explained to the frustrated Grid.

  “Agnus is completely warped. If he learns more about you, he’s likely to become highly obsessed with you.”

  Agnus was an unhappy person. Like Grid, he lived the worst life before encountering Satisfy. Grid overcame his adverse fate by pioneering a positive direction in life. On the other hand, Agnus was still obsessed with the past and exploited his power.

  “You can see him as an evil spirit. He will never understand you. He will thoroughly deny you, who walks a completely different path.”

  “…”

  “On the other hand, Ares is a person with no shadow. He is a sun like you are now. Due to this, he’s strong. He has drawn many strong people to his side. If you become hostile to him…”

  Kraugel was convinced that even the Overgeared Guild would find it difficult. But he didn’t speak these thoughts. He thought it would pierce Grid’s pride.

  “…Well, this is just my advice. The choice is yours.”

  He had wasted too much time. It was time to eat with his mother.

  Grid stopped Kruagel who was trying to leave. He stared at Kraugel with eyes as deep as a lake and asked.

  “I will ask bluntly. Are Agnus and Ares stronger than you?”

  “For now.”

  “This means that in the end, you will become the best again?”

  “…I will make that happen.”

  “Then I understand. Kraugel, I will only look at you. Agnus? Ares? Nonsense. I don’t care about them. So put aside your worries. If you have a hard time, then you can contact your older brother at any time.”

  “Older brother?”

  “Me.”

  “You’re crazy. I’m two years older than you.”

  Kraugel responded before leaving.

  Like the wind, Kraugel left without any fuss. Like the sea, Grid stayed in place.

  Both of them cheered each other on in their hearts. Later on, he would be the best.

  ***

  Jishuka, the impressive beauty with provocative eyes. She was convinced by Lauel’s plan to make Grid pay the 60 million gold alone.

  “It’s a good idea. There might be a seed of discord someday if you share the stakes with the guild members.

  The problem was that Grid didn’t have 60 million gold. However, this was easily solved by Jishuka.

  “Isn’t it sufficient if I pay 60 million gold for the Red Phoenix Bow? Right?”

  “Cough! Cough!”

  Lauel hadn’t confirmed the details of the Red Phoenix Bow yet. What item would have its value set at 60 million gold?

  Jishuka laughed at the suffering Lauel.

  Chapter 582

  Chapter 582

  “No, what item is worth 60 million gold? Isn’t the pricing too high?”

  It was unrealistic that the Red Phoenix Bow would be worth 60 million gold, even if it was a first-rate legendary item. It was a matter of common sense. Think about it. A kingdom could be built with 60 million gold. The fact that an item was 60 million gold meant the value was equivalent to a country. Wasn’t this a huge exaggeration?

  ‘The items made by Grid are great, but it’s hard to compare them to the value of a country. They are more comparable to cities.’

  Yes, Lauel also praised Grid. He saw the value of Grid’s items and thought the best ones were equivalent to a city. It was believed that people who were covered with Grid’s items could display a value on a national level. However, Lauel couldn’t recognize that a single item as being worth a kingdom.

  “Jishuka, I know you want to pay more than necessary to help Grid, but…”

  Lauel had been away from Jishuka in the war. He couldn’t obtain all the information in real time and didn’t know the true details of the Red Phoenix Bow.

  “Don’t exaggerate, no matter how much you like Grid.”

  “See it for yourself.”

  Jishuka shared the information of the Red Phoenix Bow with Lauel, who never imagined that it would be a myth rated item. At the same time, Lauel closed his mouth.

  “…????”

  Lauel’s eyes started to roll around. He looked like an unnatural doll as he confirmed the information of the Red Phoenix Bow.

  “…Heok.”

  Lauel only had question marks and he suddenly took a breath. He lost his soul thanks to the unrealistic stats of the myth rated Red Phoenix Bow and Jishuka asked him.

  “How is it? Isn’t 60 million gold good?”

  “Huh? What?” Lauel regained his spirit. “If you buy such a monstrous item for only 60 million gold, you have no conscience!”

  It was a huge transformation. Jishuka laughed at Lauel, who called her a thief, and shrugged.

  “I don’t intend to be a thief. 60 million gold is just a down payment. The rest will be paid off for the rest of my life.”

  Jishuka. A high ranker popular throughout the world for her beauty, charisma, and excellent gaming skills. One of the wealthiest young people in South America, she fell into a debt in front of Grid. This was the power of items.

  Lauel’s body trembled.

  “The true value of Grid…”

  The uniqueness of his class couldn’t be fully measured, even with Lauel’s infinite insight. Lauel couldn’t even
count how many times he had been surprised now. Lauel was touched to tears. He watched the sunset and uttered improvised words.

  “Ahh, Grid is a descended god and I’m a feeble angel in front of him…”

  Lauel started laughing. The Overgeared members around him watched him.

  “Did he lose his mind after the kingdom is set up?”

  “I guess so.”

  “He will wield the most power after the king, right? Is it okay for him to be so crazy?”

  “It will work out somehow. He has done well so far. Is there any reason for us to worry now?”

  “Stop talking and go stop Nyangmong.”

  The wild cats and dogs started gathering in the central square of Reinhardt due to the whistle Nyangmong was blowing. People were scared, so they had to stop him.

  In addition, there was other work.

  “On the way, can you tell Jude to get dressed? I heard a complaint about his nakedness from the walls repair site.”

  “There are complaints that Vantner is threatening to make anyone who doesn’t surrender bald. Shouldn’t we stop him first?”

  “Eh, what? We’re so busy. Where did Regas disappear to?”

  “He has applied for a duel with Piaro.”

  “What? In this situation? Why did you just watch when you could stop it?”

  “…?”

  “Okay, okay.”

  “It’s sensitive.”

  ‘There is no one normal except for me,’ every member of Overgeared thought.

  ***

  “Yes, let’s not lose sight of my foundations.”

  Grid looked at the back of the distant Kraugel.

  ‘I am still weak.’

  He had been too excited after the Belial raid. He had relaxed like he was already the strongest. But what was the reality? Belial was the 32nd demon. It meant there were 31 monsters stronger than her. Not only that. There was vampire duke Marie Rose and enemies all over the continent. Grid didn’t have just one or two mountains to cross.

  In this situation, he forgot his duty as a blacksmith? Crazy. Grid had to bear it in mind at all times. The fact that he was a blacksmith. He would work in the smithy, raise his stats, make good items, and become overgeared. There was always something to do.

  ‘Labor isn’t something to be avoided. It’s my foundation.’