by Park Saenal
“Why does that person cover his face every time he laughs?”
“…It’s better that you don’t know.”
Jishuka smiled awkwardly at Han Seokbong’s question. After hearing her answer, Han Seokbong decided it was better not to ask anymore. Sticks entered the meeting room while Lauel was laughing. It was because Lauel called him. Lauel asked him a question.
“The return scroll to the West Continent. Can it be made to accommodate tens of thousands of people and bring back the people of Pangea?
“Unfortunately, that’s impossible. The big scroll I gave to Grid was made in the decades that I stayed in the Behen Archipelago.”
“Decades… Will the production period be shortened if the number of people is lowered? In addition, it doesn’t need to be across continents. Can’t it be used as a strategic weapon on the West Continent?”
“What you want is a Mass Teleport scroll. It takes at least 15 years to create a Mass Teleport scroll. This is on the premise that I’m fully committed to the task.”
“…Just quit.”
There were many uses for Sage Sticks. It was too much for him to spend 15 years producing a Mass Teleport scroll.
“Let’s put aside our worries about the Hwan Kingdom and yangbans for the moment. After all, we’re on the West Continent, not the East Continent. Our current enemy is the empire.”
It had been two months since they started offering a tribute to the Saharan Empire. The financial blow meant the Overgeared Kingdom stopped investing in businesses for two months. The Overgeared Kingdom’s policy was to concentrate on agriculture so that the soldiers and people wouldn’t starve.
Jishuka carefully opened her mouth.
“There’s no future if this continues. Do we have no choice but to have an all-out war with the empire?”
The kingdom would be ruined soon if this continued. Everyone thought it would be better to fight and die in a cool way, rather than quietly being destroyed like slaves. Lauel agreed.
“Of course. We have to fight. But we won’t be shedding our blood.”
Lauel smiled widely. It was a bad smile that the past Grid often showed. Of course, it was reassuring when on the same side. What ulterior motive did he have? The Overgeared members were full of expectations while Lauel uttered unexpected words.
“I will dispatch a few elite troops, including Grid, to the Ares Army.”
“What?”
“Ares?”
God of War Ares. He was the strongest unofficial ranker. It was estimated that he was stronger than sun grade and had several strong subordinates. This was a story learned from Kraugel not long ago. Kraugel said that he fought one of Ares’ subordinates when he was still 1st on the rankings.
“Wait… Don’t we need to keep the Ares Army in check? Why are we helping them?”
“You might that that the enemy of our enemy is our friend. But didn’t the Ares Army lose to the empire two months ago and have many troops wiped out? Is it worth helping them?”
“Most of his lost forces have already been restored. According to the information given by Kraugel, one of Ares’ best skills is Conscription.”
“Conscription… Hmm, then what is our objective?”
“We will make Ares a king, form an alliance with him and work together to keep the empire in check. At present, Ares is staying in the Belto Kingdom, which is on the opposite side of the empire from the Overgeared Kingdom. We can press on the empire from both sides.”
“We’ll distribute the attention of the empire?”
“That’s correct. We’ll restore our national affairs when the empire’s surveillance weakens.”
“It’s a good idea. But what if we damage ourselves? Will we create another monster while trying to avoid a monster?”
“What can we do when the monster in front of us is about to eat us? In the first place, the Ares Army will naturally be a monster if left alone.”
Of course, that would only happen after a while.
“Even if it will advance at that time, it’s right to use it as a means to overcome our crisis. As long as the empire’s power is maintained, we will have a solid ally. In addition.” Lauel’s sly smile thickened. “It will be useful to gain information about the enemy in advance.”
“…”
“I will remind the people who will be sent in advance. Don’t expose any abilities that haven’t already been seen in front of the Ares Army. Hide 30% of your power and spy on the Ares Army members. Ah, King Grid must hide 60% of his power.”
Lauel believed that those sent to the Ares Army would gain more insights and grow further. There were many things to learn from the Ares Army.
“Believe in me. This operation will give us many gifts.”
***
[Supreme Ruler]
Rating: SSS
The strongest force related passive skill in addition to God’s Command and Domain.
Physical attack power is permanently increased by 20%, while all skills and magic are permanently increased by 10%.
With a basic attack, there is a 30% chance to double the damage.
Hunt one of the top 20 people in each occupation. The acquisition condition of the strongest passive skill ‘Supreme Ruler’ meant it was almost impossible to acquire. Of course, it was easy for Agnus.
“I have eaten a lot after gaining the Rune of Death… It’s useful in many ways.”
Agnus confirmed the performance of Supreme Ruler with a pleased expression. A whisper came to him when he was trying to resist the Mumud lich’s knife. It was a whisper from Veradin.
-You have obtained Supreme Ruler just now? Congratulations.
-Kikik, you are really like a ghost.
Veradin. A genius who had been compared to Lauel since the time of the 10 Rookies. Agnus was frankly surprised Veradin wanted to follow him. He didn’t know that there was someone in this world who wanted to serve him with his personality.
‘At first, I thought he a noob trying to eat my crumbs.’
Agnus laughed as he recalled the past.
-Yes, I finally got it. It took an awfully long time. You begged me several times not to hunt the Overgeared members, so I had to find other prey.
-It’s because the power of the Overgeared Kingdom is still unknown.
-This parrot-like bastard always says the same thing. How long do I have to do this? Why do I have to avoid those people?
-It’s finished.
-Kik?
-Now is the time to announce your existence to the Overgeared Kingdom. Feel free to show off all your skills. All the shame you have endured is for today.
-…Kikik, what are you up to this time?
-I assure you, the Overgeared Kingdom will contact the Ares Army sooner or later. Both sides are being pushed to the edge of the cliff by the empire. They will ally because the empire is a common enemy.
Veradin had been exposed to the Overgeared Guild through the media and predicted Lauel’s behavior. Agnus knew Veradin’s predictions were always a hit.
-You will be on the side of the empire. It’s a perfect chance to step on tough enemies at the same time.
“…Kil! Kikikik!”
Agnus was smiling from ear to ear. His shoulders shook and he muttered.
“It was fun playing with Kraugel…”
He hoped that they would be interesting and make him forget his terrible life.
Agnus’ golden eyes shone strangely.
Baal’s Contractor. It was a conflict with a madman who would be against Grid forever.
Chapter 649
Chapter 649
Yura couldn’t forget the wonder that she felt the first time she met Grid. She had been 5th in the overall rankings. He was the man who stood up against the onslaught of one of the best among two billion users. His first impression was more intense than when she met Kraugel.
‘At that moment, he was imprinted on me.’
Yura became conscious of Grid more than was necessary. Without knowing it, she
followed Grid’s steps with her eyes and ears. In the process, she felt a strange attraction to Grid. Unlike other men, Grid didn’t look at her appearance or money. He saw the person called ‘Yura.’ The flavor of the bulgogi that she ate at the restaurant he took her to still lingered in her mouth.
“Yura?”
“Ah.”
Yura was planning an expedition to hell in order to obtain the hidden pieces of a Demon Slayer. She made all her preparations and regained her spirit in front of the gate.
Lauel laughed. “You seem to be nervous about the long expedition in front of you. Don’t worry. You will do well, as always.”
“I don’t know if I should leave when the kingdom is in a crisis.”
In fact, Yura wanted to solve the dispute with the empire. She wanted to add her strength. But Lauel urged her to go to hell as soon as possible.
“Believe in us. We can get through the hardships. Of course, it doesn’t meant we don’t need your strength. I’m confident that your value will be higher than Grid or Kraugel in the future. I won’t hold your ankle in order for that day to arrive faster.”
The items and titles dropped when Belial died were enormous. In particular, she dropped myth rated items. Lauel anticipated that all the great demons were likely to drop myth rated items. In other words, the power of the Overgeared Guild would rise exponentially every time a great demon was raided. In order to raid a great demon, Yura’s power was absolutely necessary.
“The woman called Sua is as beautiful and wise as Irene. Youngwoo-ssi would like her.”
Prior to entering the gate. Yura expressed the anxiety that she had been trying to bury. She didn’t realize it, but it was jealousy. She was anxious and irritated that Grid would continue to have good relationships with other women. She resented that Grid didn’t pay any attention to her and found her unattractive.
Lauel smiled at Yura.
“You are more beautiful and wiser than both Irene and Sua. Don’t watch them. They are only fleeting existences that can’t be tied to the real Grid.”
The real Grid. It meant Shin Youngwoo in reality. Yura’s snow white cheeks became painted in pink.
“I don’t think I will be with Youngwoo-ssi…”
No. So what if she liked Grid? Grid didn’t have any interest in her. Yura looked down in shame while Lauel became sad.
‘Even a woman loved by all men isn’t liked by the person she loves.’
He didn’t know it, but love was really heard. There were many solo people, including Peak Sword and Vantner. Last year, they spent Christmas alone and they would be spending the summer vacation alone this year. It was ironic that Yura, one of the world’s best beauties, belonged to this category.
“Then I’m going.”
Yura took a deep breath and stepped into the gate to hell. Several months after the Belial raid. She had worked hard to become qualified to enter hell.
Lauel sincerely cheered her on. “Come back after obtaining what you want.”
***
“Haha… You looked like a beginner, so I didn’t think you would do such a great job. You aren’t afraid of shovelling poop and you are too skilled, like you were born for it.”
“I was born to be shovelling poop…? Ah really… You are too much.”
“No, I’m not exaggerating. My words are sincere.”
“Haha, well, aren’t we all subjects of King Grid? Of course I will be competent.”
“Kelkel! There are good people under a great king! Right, right! Everyone in the Overgeared Kingdom is capable. Kelkelkelkel!”
“Hahahahat!”
Reinhardt, the capital of the Eternal Kingdom, was reset after the Overgeared Kingdom was formed. This included the level of most facilities. As with any game, it was a natural penalty. That’s why the sewage facilities of Reinhardt were only level 2. The job of cleaning up poop was widespread. This was one of Lauel’s methods to create as many jobs as possible, but the ordinary people didn’t know this.
A young man was cheerfully gossiping with his fellow workers while shovelling poop. He was Grid. He had been experiencing the lives of the people for the last 50 days. He actively engaged in propaganda activities that were only possible after penetrating deeply into the lives of the people.
[You have completed 100 types of job experiences.]
[Your understanding of the people has deepened.]
[The King’s Role (1) quest is linked to the King’s Role (2) quest.]
[Your level isn’t high enough to perform the King’s Role (2) quest yet. The King’s Role (2) quest will open at level 350.]
[The production method for the King’s Sword as been obtained as a reward for clearing the quest.]
[Production Method: The King’s Sword]
Rating: Unique
You can learn how to make the King’s Sword.
Learning Condition: King Grid.
“Then I’m going now.”
Grid said goodbye to the workers he spend half a day with. He entered an alleyway and gritted his teeth.
‘My guess was right.’
The condition for learning how to make the King’s Sword… Grid’s mood fell as he looked at it.
‘I’m the only one who can learn it.’
It wasn’t good. This suggested that the rewards for the King quests varied depending on the player.
‘I got the production method as a reward because my class is classified as a blacksmith.
The reward for the King’s Role (1) for players of other classes as likely to be a ‘perfect King’s Sword.’ Grid thought it was unfair.
‘Isn’t it a loss for me?’
He couldn’t use the sword except when carrying out his duties as a king. It was meaningless to make several of them. Grid acquired the production method as a blacksmith, which meant he had to invest time and money into making it. He was hurting alone while other kings would get the sword when they completed the quest.
‘It feels like the damages will become greater as the King quest progresses.’
As an extreme example, suppose that Ares was on the throne. His class was a general. The rewards he would gain from the King quests were likely to be associated with a growth in military power. Meanwhile, Grid was likely to receive compensation as a blacksmith.
‘It’s too much damage for the King quests.’
Why was he was a blacksmith? Grid mourned for a long time. He placed his forehead on the wall in frustration and heard some voices.
“That man is shitting…”
“Oh my, his clothes are covered in poop. It must be annoying.”
“Let us help you.”
“We will feed you a bowl of hot soup and take care of you at home.”
The shaking Grid couldn’t help smiling. The world in which he lived was cruel to the weak. It didn’t matter if it was reality or the game. Most people ignored or laughed when they saw someone below them. But the people of Overgeared didn’t do this. Grid was currently wearing beginner’s clothing that were covered in poop. However, they didn’t laugh and were worried about him.
Grid felt pride rising in his chest.
‘The Overgeared Kingdom is educating the people very well.’
Don’t judge a person by their outward appearance. Help those having hard times. Don’t ignore or feel contempt for the weak.
Lauel and the Overgeared members preached this to the people out of consideration for Grid’s past. The Overgeared members knew what type of life Grid had lived. They didn’t want to make a second or third Grid in the Overgeared Kingdom and this increased the value of the kingdom.
‘New users who start the game in the Overgeared Kingdom will be able to enjoy themselves without being humiliated or insulted.’
Grid’s expectations were right on target. In fact, new users tended to point to the Overgeared Kingdom as the best place to start. It was because they were rarely subjected to personal insults when receiving quests in the Overgeared Kingdom, unlike the other kingdoms. The existing NPC
kingdoms reflected real society so well that they were unfriendly to beginners, while the Overgeared Kingdom was a utopia for beginners.
Of course, it was also true for those who were perfectly qualified. The people of the Overgeared Kingdom were much more considerate and kind compared to people of other nations. The people of the Overgeared Kingdom weren’t lazy.
-Have you cleared the King’s quest by now?
Grid received a whisper as he wore a hood and returned to the palace. It was a whisper from Lauel. Grid clicked his tongue.
-You’re like a ghost. How did you know to send me a whisper at this time?
-I have been with you for over two years in real time. I use my genius brain and capabilities from all my reincarnations to grasp the situation of Your Majesty by taking into account your personality and power. Kuk! Kukuk!
-…So what did you need?
-I have organized the personnel to be sent to the Ares Army. Please review the list and tell me if there are any problems.
-Who?
-Your Majesty, Duke Jishuka, Earl Pon, Earl Regas, and Earl Euphemina.
Only five people. Wasn’t the number too small to support the forces who were trying to take over a kingdom? It wasn’t strange to have this question from a normal point of view. But Grid was well aware of the abilities of the Overgeared members and thought differently.
-Great.
Jishuka was the owner of the Red Phoenix Bow. Her combat power in a war was far beyond Grid and Kraugel. It was the best among two billion users. The fighting point of Spear Knight Pon and Asura Regas was also obvious. In the days when Grid was the lord of Reidan, it was hard to predict a 100% chance of victory when he fought them. He was only 90% confident. Now they had grown and their capabilities were incomparable to that time. They were called the double chariots of Overgeared.
Finally, there was Euphemina. The qualifier to describe her was still the same. The conditional strongest. Her destructive power was unmatched when she copied a sufficient number of skills. In particular, she received the Mumud’s Soul Liberation quest and was seeking to become Mumud’s Descendant. She was much more powerful than before now that she could use Mumud’s water magic and non-attribute magic, and her potential was at the myth level.