by Park Saenal
‘I should get close to him.’
From a trader’s point of view, there was nothing wrong with exchanges with the rich. Especially if the person was the king of a country! Muto looked at Grid with shining eyes.
“Would you like a meal?”
Chef Idan handed a plate to Muto. It was a plate of soup.
“Can I really accept?”
“I have just finished preparing lunch. There’s a lot remaining.”
“I’ll eat thankfully!”
What person could resist a freebie? Muto was thrilled by Idan’s favor and gladly took the soup. At this moment, a sharp smell pierced his nose. But his stamina was low, so he put the soup to his mouth and swallowed it. Then he tasted hell.
[You have consumed something that shouldn’t be eaten.]
[You have been poisoned (large).]
[1,840 health is consumed per second and your skin has started to rot.]
“Keok!”
Muto felt danger to his life. He had to take the highest grade antidote in order to treat the poison. It was an expensive antidote to pay for a free meal.
“W-What is this…!”
Was it an assassination attempt? Muto’s eyes were alert as he looked at Grid, but it was only for a moment.
“You have no idea about cooking. Spitting out the best dish I made, tsk tsk.”
“…”
Ah, Idan was such a character. Muto belatedly realized and looked at Grid grimly.
‘To hire a potential killer as a chef… It is obvious that Grid’s palate isn’t right.’
Grid lived his life without knowing the pleasure of great food. Yes, a poor man. Muto felt sympathetic towards Grid. Muto frowned and suggested.
“If you don’t mind, can I accompany you? Our purpose in meeting the Cho King is different, but the direction is the same. I think it would be good to be companions. I will personally be happy if I can interact with Grid.”
“Okay. But a party won’t be formed. I don’t want to share experience.”
“Of course.”
“However, if the items are shared by the party leader then I am willing to offer a party. Your escorts seem quite useful.”
“…No, I will pass.”
“Will you refuse my favor?”
“…”
“Of course, I will distribute the items fairly.”
“…I understand. The king of a kingdom wouldn’t cheat a merchant…”
“…”
The two people moved together for five days before arriving in Kars. In the process, they talked a lot. Grid tried to make friends with a merchant ranker while Muto analyzed Grid’s words and ideas in order to see his vision of the Overgeared Kingdom. The result?
“Is it possible for you to accept the Muto Company in the Overgeared Kingdom?”
The blessing rolled into Grid’s hand. In addition, Grid got to know new facts thanks to Muto. First of all, it was possible to move between continents without using a scroll. Secondly, the economic power of the empire was great enough to far exceed his expectations. Third, an ordinary person without a passive conditional resistance would get resistance to poison if they constantly ate Idan’s cuisine.
It was a beneficial companionship.
Chapter 636
Chapter 636
TL: Changing Yang Fei’s skill name from now on from ‘Making a Living Detection’ to ‘Pushover Detection.’
“The officials are angry. I can’t postpone your execution any longer.”
The Lava Prison. The Cho King came back today and spoke with a somber face. Han Seokbong bowed his head.
“I’m a sinner deserving death. Brother, let your lingering attachment go and execute me.”
“…”
The Cho King looked at Han Seokbong sadly. Who was Han Seokbong? He was the king’s only friend since he was a prince. Han Seokbong loved and respected the Cho King beyond his status as a king.
“I will say it again. The yangbans of the Hwan Kingdom want to know the whereabouts of the Red Palace Bow maker. If you don’t give them the answer they want, this kingdom will be in great danger. You really… Do you really not know his whereabouts?”
“…Yes.”
“It’s really confusing…”
The Cho King believed Han Seokbong. But the officials were the problem. They fiercely accused Han Seokbong of being a traitor who abandoned his kingdom. They insisted on punishing Han Seokbong and relieving the yangbans’ anger by executing him.
‘There are many people who don’t like Seokbong and they’re taking advantage of this chance.’
Han Seokbong’s fair nature created a sense of crisis for the corrupt nobles. They couldn’t miss this golden opportunity to harm Han Seokbong. Due to this, the Cho King couldn’t protect Han Seokbong.
“This might be presumptuous, but… Please protect my daughter’s life.”
“I know. I’ll watch over Sua as much as possible.”
She would be deprived of her status, but her life would be preserved. The Cho King said a sad goodbye to Han Seokbong.
“I won’t watch Brother’s execution. I don’t want to see your end with my own eyes.”
“Please live long and strengthen the nation.”
“…”
Han Seokbong prayed for the kingdom’s welfare despite it being his end. The Cho King couldn’t speak anymore and hastily left the Lava Prison.
***
“A tremendous city.”
The Cho Kingdom’s capital, Kars. It had all types of cultures like Pangea. Western style houses coexisted with oriental houses, while the royal palace resembled a palace of the Silla period.
‘It looks much larger than Reinhardt.’
There were only five kingdoms on the East Continent. It seemed that the size of each kingdom transcended the size of the Western kingdoms. Grid cut cloth with scissors and looked around.
Muto spoke as Grid moved his hands without a break.
“I’m going to explore the city before I see the king. I need to figure out the market situation of the Cho Kingdom and will be able to present a smarter deal to the king.”
“Yes, work hard.”
“What about Grid?”
“I need to find a person.”
“Let me know their name and I will look for them.”
“No, I already know where they are.”
“I see…”
Grid wasn’t planning to give him the quest details. Muto nodded and extended his hand.
“That… The loot we got from hunting monsters along the way…”
It was a trip of five days. Grid and Muto hunted hundreds of monsters until they reached Kars. The amount of items they obtained was significant. However, the item distribution methods was that the party leader acquired it. Therefore, all the loot was in Grid’s inventory.
Grid gave Muto a fair split of the loot. It was a ratio of 8:2. Of course, Grid was the ‘8.’ But Muto wasn’t upset at all. He actually thought it was too much.
“Grid, didn’t you take care of most of the monsters along the way? A 9:1 ratio seems sufficient.”
“There were moments that would’ve been dangerous if you and the Zentu warriors didn’t help. It’s fair to divide it like this.”
“I see…”
Muto was able to realize how fair Grid was.
‘There’s a lot of talent gathered in the Overgeared Guild. I will never lose money with Grid.’
Later, he would go to the Overgeared Kingdom when he returned to the West Continent. Muto pledged himself to Grid and left. A smile appeared on Grid’s face as he watched Muto’s back. He was able to smile because he had obtained Muto’s confidence.
‘Isn’t it good that give a bit more loot for a favorable impression?’
Grid grinned at his brilliance and turned his gaze to the square. It was because the atmosphere of the square, where thousands of people were gathered, was troubled.
‘What?’
Grid felt puzzled and approached the
square.
“The execution of Pangea’s lord, Han Seokbong has been decided! He will be executed tomorrow!”
“Isn’t Han Seokbong a good noble with a high reputation? Why is he being executed?”
“He made the yangbans of the Hwan Kingdom angry.”
“Heok… The yangbans…”
“He deserves to die…”
“…”
Grid became impatient after hearing that the person he wanted to save would be executed.
‘Why is it so fast?’
In fact, Grid needed some time to plan Han Seokbong’s rescue.
First, he had to identify the location and structure of the prison where Han Seokbong was trapped, then judge if he could be rescued or not. If it seemed possible to rescue him, Grid would act immediately. Otherwise, he would meet the Cho King.
But now he had no choice.
‘If the execution is already decided, it doesn’t make sense to meet the Cho King. I have to rescue Han Seokbong right away.’
Grid started collecting information about Han Seokbong and Sua. In the information gathering, Yang Fei’s Pushover Detection skill was very useful. She was able to gather the information that Grid desired very quickly.
“Tsk tsk… I shouldn’t be a pushover.”
Grid vowed to never be a pushover. In fact, he never imagined that Yang Fei once called him a pushover.
***
The noble Sam Dasoo of the Cho Kingdom came to the second floor of the Lava Prison. It was to meet Sua, the daughter of Han Seokbong.
“W-What? My father’s execution has been determined?”
Sua was still shining like white jade despite being trapped in a dirty prison for a fortnight. The prison was dark and Sua was like the moon. The appeal that Sua emanated wasn’t something that men could reject. Sam Dasoo gulped and nodded while examining Sua’s body with sticky eyes.
“Yes, it’s tomorrow.”
“T-That…!”
Sua couldn’t believe it. Her father was a person who worked hard for this kingdom for his whole life. However, he was facing the death penalty just because he angered the yangbans. She couldn’t understand it.
“Why is this happening? Aren’t we the people of the Cho Kingdom and servants of the Cho King? Why are our lives in danger due to the yangbans’ mood? Huh?”
“You’re still young and don’t know reality. The Hwan Kingdom is the sky. They are a country that we all need to serve. Anyone who angers them needs to be punished.”
“…”
“Don’t worry. I, Sam Dasoo, have asked to save your life. It’s too harsh for your life to be stolen because of your father’s mistake, although you will be deprived of your status as a noble.”
“…”
“Ah, you don’t have to worry too much about how to make a living. You will live forever by my side and receive my protection.”
Sam Dasoo wasn’t aware of how much lust was in his eyes when he looked at Sua. Sua stared at him. Her bewitching eyes were enough to make Sam Dasoo lose his soul.
“I believe in Sam Dasoo.”
“Ah? Ahh, yes, yes. Huhu, believe in me. Then it will work out.”
“Then I will believe you. Please let me meet my father. I want to say goodbye one last time.”
“Ah? Ahh, yes… Hey, guard. Open the prison door right… N-No, no!”
Sam Dasoo unknowingly nodded only to regain himself. Sua was a warrior before she was the best beauty. He didn’t know what she would do if she left the prison. Once Sam Dasoo withdrew the order to the guard to take out the key, Sua snorted.
“If only I had makeup on.”
“Huh?”
Sam Dasoo doubted his ears. Sua, who had been staring at him with poisonous eyes, acted as a fragile girl again. It was a quick transition that seemed like a lie.
“It’s too sad that I can’t see my father before he dies.”
“D-Don’t worry. Tomorrow, I will give you time to say goodbye to your father before I take him to his execution.”
Sam Dasoo laughed awkwardly and hurriedly left. He had made a mistake by facing Sua without being able to overcome his boiling lust. Sua was left alone and bit her nails.
‘What should I do?
Father’s execution had been announced. I can’t allow it. The only way is to rescue my father before the execution time. But how?
“…I’m helpless.”
Tears flowed from Sua’s eyes as she wrapped her arms around her knees. She couldn’t act as a strong woman when alone.
***
“The Cho King has reported. He’s executing Han Seokbong, who denies knowing the maker of the Red Phoenix Bow.”
“Ha? Do they think our obsession will be put to rest with that?”
“Stupid. We don’t care about his life.”
A VIP room in the Cho King’s Palace. There were young people dressed in silks more luxurious than the palace. The Hwan Kingdom’s yangbans.
“The maker of the Red Phoenix Bow was Pagma. I don’t know how he’s been living since leaving the Hwan Kingdom, but we have to find him.”
“If Han Seokbong doesn’t give Pagma’s whereabouts before dying… We’ll have to move ourselves.”
“Ah, I want to meet Pagma. I miss his swordsmanship.”
“You mean the sword dance that Hanul suppressed. It’s so insignificant that it can’t even be called swordsmanship. Kukuk.”
“Don’t make me laugh. This isn’t the Hwan Kingdom. We have to keep the dignity of the yangbans in front of the residents.”
Chapter 637
Chapter 637
“It’s unusual.”
The Lava Prison wasn’t built by human hands; the dormant volcano had instead been slightly modified into a natural prison. The black and towering mountains gave Grid a feeling of overwhelming awe.
“I’m scared because the mountain is sharp and pointed.”
“Based on the lava flowing all around, it’s a dormant volcano, right…? Will it suddenly explode?”
Idan and Yang Fei hesitated, lacking the courage to enter the Lava Prison. Of course, Grid had no intention of having them join him in the first place.
“It’s enough to know where the Lava Prison is; both of you return to our accommodations and wait.”
“I’ll make delicious food.”
“And I’ll prepare a warm bath and tea. Please come back safe and sound.”
“Um.”
Grid remained alone and confirmed the time: there were less than two hours left until Han Seokbong’s execution.
‘The information-gathering took too long.’
He only managed it with Yang Fei’s help. If it hadn’t been for Yang Fei, Grid still wouldn’t have known the whereabouts of Han Seokbong and his daughter.
‘Then I would’ve had to meet the Cho King… A bloody wind is blowing.’
The hidden quest that Grid was performing had two options: Either rescue the Han Seokbong father and daughter from prison or meet the Cho King. Based on common sense, it was likely that a fight would break out if he faced the Cho King, who had imprisoned and lined up both the father and daughter for execution. Grid was very reluctant for this to happen, as his ultimate goal in returning to the East Continent was to secure allies for his kingdom.
‘I have to leave room for diplomatic relations with the Cho Kingdom. I can’t become hostile to the Cho King.’
He needed to rescue the Han Seokbong father and daughter as discreetly as possible! Grid made his decision and equipped both the Slaughterer’s Eye Patch and mask. The moment he entered the Lava Prison.
[You are the first player to find the Lava Prison dungeon!]
[The amount of experience gained from Lava Prison will increase for the next week!]
[When hunting boss monsters, the probability of gaining unique or higher rated items will increase significantly!]
“Eh?”
The Lava Prison was actually classified as a dungeon?
‘Did I come to the wrong place?�
��
Grid acted calmly despite his confusion. He looked at the structure of the prison in front of him and prepared for the unknown danger.
Rattle. Rattle.
He could hear the sound of chains on the floor. Grid looked around and was startled at the sight before him. The name ‘Lava Prison Guard’ was on top of the jiangshi. The jiangshi, with pale skin, dragged chains that bound both of its hands across the ground.
‘The guards are monsters?’
He didn’t know why, but it was a good thing.
‘I would’ve felt guilty if I were hurting innocent soldiers, but there’s no reason for mercy if I’m facing monsters. Let’s break through this quickly and find Han Seokbong and Sua.’
The determined Grid summoned four golden hands. God Hands. They are all armed with Mjolnir.
“Sweep through them.”
The moment that Grid finished speaking.
Pepeng!
Pepepepeng!
The God Hands flew off and started beating the jiangshi with Mjolnir.
‘What?’
Grid flinched as he was about to take action. The jiangshi beaten by Mjolnir were ‘immune’ to the stiffness state? They didn’t even receive physical damage. The jiangshi were monsters with both high resistance and defense.
‘Is this why they are used to safeguard national facilities?’
Grid pulled out a blue greatsword that resembled a shark. A glittering glow filled the darkness that dominated the prison. It was the +9 Failure that became more powerful in darkness.
***
The reason why the Lava Prison was notorious was the hot heat. An ordinary person couldn’t stand the heat of the Lava Prison. A person would sweat even when sitting down, have symptoms of dehydration and even burn to death. Just being trapped in the Lava Prison was a terrible torture for prisoners.
It was why the Lava Prison guards weren’t soldiers, but monsters. It was virtually impossible for common soldiers to work in the Lava Prison. Therefore, the jiangshis created were deployed as prison guards.
“The time has come. Let’s go.”
“Um…”
The sweating Han Seokbong painfully raised his body. He was able to not be dehydrated by drinking the water the Cho King provided him. However, he continued to sweat and his stamina consumption was too great.