by Park Saenal
‘Gone?’
Zen lost the target. It was like she was a ghost.
“Assist the battalion commander!”
The 200 archers of the battalion had been forced to keep their distance. As soon as they noticed their commander’s confusion, they started shooting randomly. They didn’t think that Euphemina was still controlling the spheres despite using several magic spells in a row. It was impossible for them to understand the control skills of a genius player, rather than a named NPC.
“No!”
Something could be sensed from Euphemina. Zen cried out with astonishment as he felt hundreds of arrows rising from the ground He knew. The spheres hovering in the air were still under the control of the blonde girl.
Sururuk.
Suruk…sururuk.
The moment that the arrows were swallowed up by the spheres.
“Sonic Boom.”
Puaaaaaaaah!
It was the ultimate magic of Zednos, the 1st ranked wind magician. The magic was used above Zen’s head.
“…!!!”
It was something that human hearing couldn’t endure. Zen and the other armored elite troops collapsed to the ground, blood pouring from their ears. The wind pressure that followed crushed the flesh and bones, while the arrows trapped in the spheres flew out.
[Your level has risen.]
[Your level has risen.]
[Your level has risen.]
[Your level has ri….]
…
…
[The leader of the armored elite troops’ 1st Battalion, Zen, has been defeated!]
[The armored elite troops are burning with desire for revenge against you! The armored elite troops will exert more power when facing you in the future!]
***
@ Euphemina is a magician of Overgeared who was active in the Reinhardt golem invasion.
@ Ah… The girl who killed the golems?
The Ares Army had been paying attention to the Overgeared Guild for quite a long time. They glimpsed the potential of Grid and the Overgeared members from the beginning. They watched the battle videos of the golem invasion several times. They couldn’t forget the beautiful female magician who had a great influence on the situation at the time.
@ She did an outstanding job of getting rid of the golems, but she couldn’t scratch the ancient weapons.
@ She didn’t play a big part in the war against the Eternal Kingdom or show a presence in the Belial raid.
@ Her popularity isn’t high… Why did Grid send her to the 1st Battalion?
@ It’s to buy time. She will tie up the feet of the 1st Battalion while Grid, Jishuka, Regas, and Pon repel the other battalions.
@ Indeed… A magician’s wide area magic makes it easy to buy time.
@ The more I know Grid, the more he seems like a loyal person. He’s determined to sacrifice his colleagues in order to keep this alliance relationship.
@ Grid cares about popularity. We can trust and rely on him as long as this alliance is maintained.
@ Yes, he’s a respectable person.
The Ares troops couldn’t deny Grid’s charms. They admired Grid’s bold determination that allowed him to sacrifice his colleagues for the alliance. They thought that Euphemina was also a big person for believing and sacrificing herself under Grid’s orders.
@ Overgeared Guild… They can’t be ignored.
@ The 1st Battalion collapsed…!
@ She’s likely to be stronger than Kraugel and Agnus.
@ The 1st Battalion collapsed!
@ It isn’t the same level as Agnus. The power of that madman can’t be measured at all.
@ It’s even more desperate due to all the necromancers following Agnus. Later, the under army led by Agnus alone can approach the hundreds of thousands.
@ The 1st Battalion was wiped out!
“…”
The Ares members in a heated debate simultaneously closed their mouths. It was due to the ridiculous words that appeared in the guild chat window. Someone could no longer overlook it and replied angrily.
@ The 1st Battalion was wiped out? Don’t joke around in this atmosphere.
@ We have been overvaluing the Overgeared Guild for a long time.
As the Ares members thought this, a colleague spying on the battlefield of the 1st Battalion sent in the guild chat.
@ It’s true! Euphemina wiped out the 1st Battalion alone!
“…”
It was crazy nonsense. Even Jishuka couldn’t go against the 1st Battalion alone. There were 2,000 troops, five different types of soldiers, and the balance was excellent. The Saharan Empire’s army could be controlled for a while thanks to the efforts of the 1st Battalion. Yet Euphemina wiped them out by herself? In addition…
@ In only 12 minutes?
The report that Euphemina had encountered the 1st Battalion had come exactly 12 minutes ago. The Ares members got a chill down their spines as they confirmed the time.
Chapter 655
Chapter 655
-I’ve finished cleaning up the 1st Battalion.
“…”
It was said simply. It was like someone finished cleaning a room. 2,000 elite troops were easily killed. Grid was covered with sweat as he saw the whisper and replied to Euphemina.
-Are.you.okay↗?? Was it↘ hard↗? You. I. Bothersome. Work↗? I was worr.ied. (Tone marks: Grid’s voice going up and down)
Of course, Grid cherished all his colleagues. But among them, his feelings towards Euphemina were special. It was a fear of dying. Grid was always nervous and tried not to make any mistakes in front of her. He was like a mouse in front of a beast.
Thus, whenever he talked to Euphemina, it was like he was reading from a bilingual book. Euphemina just thought that Grid was especially kind to her. She had to be equally friendly to Grid.
-Why is it bothersome? I’m happy to play an active role for the Overgeared Kingdom. Give me many opportunities in the future.
-Ah, yes… Y-Yes? I’m thankful for your words. Ha.ha.
-But…
-Huh?
-I think Ares’ power is really great. We must be alert.
Euphemina’s voice was heavy. To be honest, she felt a great shock.
-The armored elite troops… None of them died despite being hit by four S-grade magic spells in succession. The attributes that Ares gave to the armored elite troops included magic resistance and increased health. What would’ve happened if one or two healers were among them?
-…Granting attributes.
The value of the information obtained by the Overgeared Guild in this war was very high. The armored elite troops were directly trained by Ares. The number of skills and attributes possessed by the armored elite troops were so varied as to be comparable to named monsters. In many circumstances, Ares seemed to have the ability to forcibly raise the level of his soldiers and to give them skills and attributes.
In other words, it was a scam.
‘Of course, there are likely to be big restraints. But even considering that…’
Over time, the strength of the Ares Army would increase dramatically. It would be in full swing the moment the Belto Kingdom was occupied.
‘He can constantly produce the best units based on the vast territories, people, and taxes.’
The thought was threatening. The future Ares Army could have military power comparable to the empire. Euphemina was worried about this part.
-The armored elite troops belong to the Belto royal family. They aren’t strictly part of Ares’ army. Ares is likely to have trained ‘proper’ armored elite troops. But based on this… The strength of the army that Ares nurtures with all his heart will exceed our imagination. We shouldn’t give Ares time to grow.
The reason why Grid and Euphemina could take care of the armored elite troops relatively easily was because of their overwhelming attack power. Both of them had legendary rated weapons and used top rated skills in a ‘continuous’ manner, allowing them to kill the armored elite
troops. But what if the armored elite troops were more powerful? If they had a few healers like Euphemina said, it was likely that even Grid and Euphemina would be countered by the armored elite troops. Grid and Euphemina wouldn’t be able to easily handle the army Ares would raise in the future.
-It doesn’t seem good to maintain this alliance for long. If we hold Ares’ hand in fear of the empire, we will be swallowed by Ares.
-…I know.
-But what can we do?
-An alliance with Ares is required in order to survive the empire.
-That’s right. As Euphemina said, it was dangerous to maintain a long-term alliance with the Ares Army. But.
Grid spoke as calmly as possible. It was intended to reassure Euphemina.
-You must not forget about our potential while guarding against the enemy’s potential. Don’t forget. I’m the Overgeared King. The soldiers of Overgeared are wearing my items and are also strong.
Yes, there was no need to unnecessarily worry. Being afraid of the future Ares Army? Why? The Overgeared Kingdom would become stronger in the future!
-The Overgeared Kingdom’s army is just as capable as Ares’ army. No, they can grow stronger than Ares. So don’t be afraid of Ares.
-…Indeed. I was too short-sighted.
Euphemina was relieved as she heard the confidence in Grid’s voice. Grid wasn’t aware of it, but Euphemina relied on Grid the most.
***
“The Overgeared Guild? Mmmm, not bad.”
As expected, Jishuka wiped out the 6th Battalion. Grid kept his promise of handling the four battalions of armored elite troops within two days. Ares was surprisingly calm after hearing about it.
‘It’s a natural result given the fact that the battalion commanders in the army aren’t good at strategy and tactics.’
The true strength of the army was exerted when led by a superior commander. No matter how powerful the army, they wouldn’t be able to exercise their full strength if the commander was incompetent. In that sense, it was the limit of the armored elite troops.
The battalion commanders didn’t have a strategy to raise the true strength of the armored elite troops and eventually fought the Overgeared members head on. Then they were obliterated by strength. It was a cheap price.
‘It’s the commander’s capacity that determines the value of the army.’
This was why Ares was careful about recruiting guild members. Unlike the top ranked members of each class, Ares’ troops had the ability to command an army, although their combat power might be somewhat lower. Ares chose guild members who had good chemistry with his skills.
“Bring the combat data of the armored elite troops against the Overgeared members. I will train a new army that eliminates the shortcomings and weaknesses of the armored elite troops.
Ares’ heart started beating wildly. He was happy when thinking about the large army he could raise using the resources of the Belto Kingdom that would soon fall into his hands.
***
“You have gone to a lot of trouble.”
Scott greeted Grid who returned after taking care of the armored elite troops. His gaze was focused on Euphemina. He was alert despite her cute appearance. Grid couldn’t help feeling proud.
‘It’s natural to be afraid of her.’
He was glad, since Euphemina caused fear in him. Grid smiled as he felt a sense of empathy with Scott. Then Scott started talking.
“We plan to lead the army in four days. Will the Overgeared members be able to support us for that time?”
The goal was naturally the capital of the Belto Kingdom. Scott’s request was reasonable. They would help the Ares Army conquer the Belto Kingdom. This was the condition proposed when the Overgeared Guild offered an alliance. Grid easily nodded.
“The current members will remain to support the war.”
“You will…?”
Scott was startled. It was a great honor that the king of another kingdom would act for them for the next few days.
‘He has some conscience.’
Ares was forced to ally with the Overgeared Guild. They were the reason why the Ares Army was branded as traitors by the royal family. Scott had no choice but to dislike Grid and the Overgeared Guild. But he felt confused because Grid became more charming the more Scott discovered.
***
“What?!! The armored elite troops were wiped out?”
The Belto royal family experienced great disorder. They believed the armored elite troops would come back with news that the Ares Army was wiped out.
“Duke Ares defeated them, despite losing so many troops in the war with the empire…?”
“It’s clear that Ares held back his power in the war against the empire! He had planned to deceive the royal family for a long time!”
“Ares is a person who trained the armored elite troops. It isn’t unusual for him to have more hidden.”
The agitated princes trembled. They were afraid. It was doubtful if the Belto royal family could defend against Ares’ counterattack after being weakened by the loss of the armored elite troops.
“The end… This is the end…”
“That snake has taken everything…!”
The princes were frustrated. The incompetent king remained silent. At that moment.
“Should I watch? Yes~?”
The door of the meeting room, where only the royal family could enter, was opened without permission and a man entered. It was an impressive looking man with a slim body and pale white skin.
“W-Who are you?”
The golden eyes froze the heart just by looking at them. The madness that dwelled in the man was very violent. The king and princes instinctively felt great fear and sought help.
‘Heeok?’
The king and princes gazed at the knights waiting in the corridor simultaneously gasped. It was because all the knights guarding the meeting room were killed.
“W-Who are you?”
He was violent enough to invade the royal family? He seemed like a heretic. But surprisingly, the man presented the flag of the empire.
“I am an envoy sent by the Saharan Empire. Umm, yes. It’s rotten. Kuk! Kukukuk!”
The man laughed like it was funny. He licked the sword stained with blood and grabbed the Belto king’s jaw with his hand.
“Lick my feet. Beg me to save you. Then I will defeat Ares.”
“H-Hik!”
The Belto king paled as he saw two death knights standing quietly to the left and right of Agnus. This was a nightmare. He wanted to be independent from the empire, but he was desperate from losing the armored elite troops. Now he had to grab onto the empire.
“Kik! Kikikikik!”
Shake shake!
Agnus looked down at the Belto king licking his shoes with shame, insult, and fear, and broke out in insane laughter. Protect the Belto Kingdom, gain the hearts of the Belto royal family, and secure the rear of the empire by disposing of the dangerous element called Ares.
Agnus had long forgotten the commands of the empire. He was just enjoying this moment of pleasure.
Grid and Agnus. The first meeting between small-minded and evil was approaching.
Chapter 656
Chapter 656
“Did you draw it correctly? A very nice and handsome man. Isn’t it almost at the level of rugged man? Kelkelkel!”
God of War Ares. He was the bigshot closest to gaining the title of First King. Grid now knew. If it wasn’t for Lauel, the throne of first king would’ve been occupied by Ares.
“It’s the first time I’ve heard someone calling themselves handsome. Aren’t your words too much?”
Ares had the ability to make people feel comfortable. His cheerful personality and ordinary appearance gave comfort and liking to the other person.
“Have you never heard that you are handsome? That’s strange… Aha, this friend.”
Ares smiled and poked Grid’s side with his elbow.
“Are you acting modestly in fro
nt of your lover?”
‘Lover?’
Where was his lover? Grid followed Ares’ gaze. It was Jishuka. The impressive beauty with tanned skin and elongated limbs like a model. She stood out even in a crowd of hundreds.
“…She isn’t my lover.”
“I know the rumor that you conquered both Jishuka and Yura.”
“I didn’t conquer them…”
“Obtaining the world’s finest South American flower and Oriental flower… I’m envious, envious. I would’ve had a chance if I was only 10 years younger. Well.”
“No, they aren’t my lovers. Think about it realistically. Unless I was an enviable person who saved the universe in my past life… No, wouldn’t I be trash for having two people as lovers at the same time?”
“Ohu, then you are only dating Yura? The relationship with Jishuka was just a flash of fire?”
“Sigh, stop talking.”
Grid got the scent of Doran from Ares. He thought it was pointless to bother arguing with the other person. Grid grumbled and turned his head. Ares’ eyes were calm as he looked at Grid.
‘He’s the pure and honest type.’
It was hard to believe he was the owner of a kingdom. There was no embarrassment and his expression of emotions was honest. The 49 year old Ares knew that people like Grid normally didn’t stab him in the back.
‘Of course, I can’t come to a conclusion too quickly.’
The fact that the first impression was good couldn’t be denied. The Overgeared Guild might’ve used a dirty trick to forge an alliance with the Ares Army, but that had already passed. They were able to easily handle the armored elite troops thanks to the Overgeared members. Ares thought it was right to establish a good relationship with Grid and the Overgeared Guild from now on.
“I was just joking. You’re narrow-minded for a hero. Shouldn’t a man have a wider heart? Just like me! Kelkelkel!”
Ares started to make fun of the silent Grid. This old man… No, it was hard to believe he was the leader of the famous Ares Army.
‘We have to be vigilant.’
‘Is he acting?’
Jishuka and Euphemina started to warily watch Ares.
“Hah…”
Scott gave a deep sigh. It was like Lauel when he was with Grid. Jishuka and Euphemina scratched their cheeks. They roughly understood what type of person Ares was.