by Park Saenal
“Is that so…? I understand.”
Lauel was inwardly disappointed, but he already anticipated Grid’s reaction. The moment that Lauel nodded and bowed.
“My Lord! Nooooooooo!”
The door of Grid’s office burst open and Huroi ran in. Huroi was someone who tried to stay by Grid’s side as much as possible. Even today, he was guarding the front of Grid’s office in the name of an ‘escort.’
“I heard the two of you from the front door! Leave it to me! A diplomat! I will become one! I will make excellent conversation with foreign diplomats and make them puppets of the Overgeared Kingdom!”
“…Is that a diplomat?”
He didn’t think a diplomat would use such methods. Grid’s eyes were red with anxiety but he smiled. The appreciation he felt for Huroi was always big.
‘Before the start of the National Competition, I need to create a new item for Huroi.’
Grid decided.
The National Competition was approaching.
Chapter 735
Chapter 735
“Has the old man finally become senile?”
The 4th Prince Edan. The son of Empress Marie, he was originally low in the line of succession. Regardless of the order of birth, there was a big drop in his reputation compared to the other children. But this story changed after the death of Empress Aria and Empress Marie took power. Marie’s faction actively supported Edan and recently, Edan boasted a position comparable to 1st Prince Roland. A person who thought he was the best in heaven and earth!
Jean warned Edan, who always moved through the world without fear.
“Try not to speak like that. If anyone hears it, it isn’t just Your Highness, but countless number of people who follow you will lose their heads.”
“What’s wrong with saying an old man is old? Hey, Teacher Jean. Do you think the emperor is sane?”
“…”
“Tell me honestly. No? If His Majesty was sane, he wouldn’t have asked for peace with the Overgeared Kingdom. Isn’t that right?”
“He must have a deep meaning behind it.”
“It’s one small kingdom. He’s afraid of a new kingdom without a deep history. He’s just crazy.”
“…”
It fell on deaf ears. Jean couldn’t say anything. He gave up on teaching Edan two years ago. That’s why he wasn’t thrown away by Edan.
Clang!
Edan threw an empty glass at the wall. The knights hurriedly entered, followed by maids who cleared away the remnants of the wine glass. Idan clicked his tongue.
“It’s because that old man is old and senile that he signed a truce with Valhalla. It has delayed the first appearance of the magic machines.”
Magic machines. A giant robot that moved with magic power as the energy source. It combined ancient alchemy and magic essence.
It was a robot that people rode on. The agility was greatly reduced, but the robustness and destructive power wasn’t comparable to humans. The magic machines could smash a mountain and could blow up a city with their magic power, so their strength was comparable to a great demon.
The problem was that few people could control the magic machines. In addition, the magic power supply problem wasn’t completely solved. The magic machines were considered ancient artifacts. That was all. But Edan saw the possibilities of the magic machines and invested a lot of time and money into them. In order to solidify his succession to the throne, he needed to prove the value of the magic machines.
Edan sighed deeply and rose from his seat.
“Tell the riders. They have a vacation.”
“Yes.”
***
In the early days, Satisfy had two legends.
God of War Ares? Overgeared King Grid? 1st on the unified rankings Chris? Godly archer Jishuka? The god of killing, Faker? No, they were obscure people in the early days of Satisfy.
Since the opening of Satisfy, the legends that people envied were Kraugel and Zibal. They were characters who sped up to the first and second place in the rankings at a different speed than others. Among them, Kraugel still kept his reputation as the sky above the sky…
“The weather is good.”
The capital of the Saharan Empire, Titan. A man on the walls smiled as the morning sun revealed itself. It was Zibal. From the opening of Satisfy to the 2nd National Competition, the 2nd ranked Zibal was a bigshot. He was once a hero of the United States and held the hopes and dreams of millions of people.
“Hey! Zibal! Are you crazy? Why are you goofing off?”
“I’m sorry!”
Now he was an ordinary soldier in a place where no one knew. The only rival of Kraugel, head of the Seven Guilds, god of raids, etc. The countless titles he gained over the years were nowhere to be seen. The public’s forgetfulness was severe and he had long been forgotten by the people.
“Did you confirm that Raiders are successful maintained?”
“Yes! That’s right!”
“Are you sure? When did you come out?”
“I did it as soon as morning training was over!”
“The meal?”
“I can eat bread on the go!”
“Ha, this brat. We can’t afford it. I told you not to goof off again.”
The Imperial Army’s 14th Division, 21st Battalion. The unit, secretly located on the outskirts of the capital, was an officially nonexistent unit. The size of the battalion was also very small. There were only 80 members. The surprising thing was that there were only four combatants.
One of them was Zibal. He was the lowest of the four people and had the rank of a private, but the class carved on his military uniform was ‘chungik.’ Apart from his direct supervisor, he was a special officer who could veto an order even if it came from a member of the imperial family.
Why? A player who was a noble of the Haken Kingdom and leader of the Snake Guild, why was he in the imperial army? He obtained a new secret hidden class.
‘Blue Sky Rider.’
* You can ride on all ‘vehicles’ and drive them perfectly.
* On a ‘vehicle,’ your stats will increase significantly.
A unique class. One of the distinct advantages of the class was that it was only specialized in riding. Zibal had been very disappointed at first. When he heard ‘riding,’ he could only think of horses and some monsters. He regretted that he changed his class. But that disappointment and regret turned to amazement. He was thrilled the moment he checked the contents of the rider class quest. He gained the hope that he could stand next to Kraugel and Grid.
[Blue Sky Rider]
* Class Quest
Go the 4th Prince Edan of the empire. If you prove your talent and swear allegiance to him, you will be able to get the strongest vehicle in return.
A magic machine! From a player’s point of view, it was an ancient weapon that could only recognized as a fictitious thing in mythology.
‘I never even dreamt that I could become the master of it.’
The 4th magic machine ‘Raiders’ was a vehicle that could fly in the sky.
“Look forward to next year.”
Zibal knew it was meaningless to participate in the 3rd National Competition. The level of Raiders was still low and there were various restrictions, so he couldn’t show off the proper use of Raiders in the National Competition. If Zibal participated, he would be crushed by Kraugel or Grid. However, Zibal believed the story would be different in the 4th National Competition.
“Grid, I will show you what it truly means to be overgeared.”
Now Zibal acknowledged Grid’s skills. To be honest, he respected Grid. But Grid was the one who stigmatized Zibal as a punching bag. Zibal planned to pay Grid back next year and clean up this relationship. He would do so.
“Then I can move forward.”
The sky above the sky. He would become it. The determination on Zibal’s face was extraordinary.
***
Title: Informing all participants of the 3rd National Competit
ion.
Sender: S.A. Group
Contents: We are aware that many people are disappointed that the number of personal medals that can be won has been reduced to two. We feel the need to prepare a special event to apologize to the participants.
If you wish to participate in the event, please allow us to collect and use your personal information.
Please be aware that we can’t announce the exact date and time of the event.
* The event contents and progress will be broadcasted to the world the moment the event starts. This may infringe on some human rights of the event participants.
* We will ensure the safety of all event participants.
* The event compensation will be paid with Satisfy goods.
* There is no disadvantage if you don’t participate in the event.
“What?”
After a workout. Shin Youngwoo was entering the bathroom when he frowned at the e-mail.
“Why aren’t they disclosing the contents of the event?”
Was there such an unfriendly event?
“I won’t participate.”
If he agreed to his personal information being collected, Shin Youngwoo was worried that his phone would be flooded. He closed the mailbox without hesitation when he received a phone call. The caller was Yura. Youngwoo’s heart pounded the moment he heard her name. It jumped quickly.
‘It has been a long time.’
It had been almost three months since they were in contact. He was nervous at the thought of hearing Yura’s beautiful voice after a long time.
Hum hum, Youngwoo cleared his throat and picked up the call.
“What is it?”
Indeed, there was a reason why he couldn’t be in a relationship. Shin Youngwoo was a young man with no clue about manners. If Yura was a sensitive woman then she wouldn’t call Youngwoo again.
(Did you receive the event announcement email?)
“…”
Yura’s voice over the phone was really sweet. Youngwoo’s heart throbbed and he answered in a trembling voice.
“Yes.”
(Are you going to participate?)
“No?”
(I thought so. Please join us.)
“Why? Do you know the contents of the event?”
(I don’t know. But when you consider the intent of the event, you can imagine that the rewards will be at a level to replace the medals. Please participate).
“Well, if you say so…”
Youngwoo was unaware of it, but he was smiling. He was delighted that one of the world’s greatest beauties cared for him and a blissful smile emerged. He wanted to record the contents of the conversation and disclose it on the Internet.
‘I’m like this with Yura. Are you jealous?’ He wanted to brag in the papers.
(Then I’m hanging up.)
“Ah, wait a minute.”
(….?)
“Are you also participating in the National Competition?”
Yura had participated in the National Competition every year. In particular, she had been South Korea’s only hope in the 1st National Competition. Since it was striving to gain honor for South Korea, Shin Youngwoo expected her to participate in the National Competition this year.
(Of course. Didn’t I receive the same email because I applied to participate?)
Yura’s voice was slightly raised over the phone but the insensitive Youngwoo didn’t notice it. Even if he had noticed, he wouldn’t have known why.
“Yes, I understand. Then I will see you soon.”
Youngwoo’s voice was excited. He was glad to see Yura’s face after a long time.
***
“I’m afraid there will be some complaints about the event.”
“There is already a conspiracy that we reduced the number of gold medals to two because of a certain person and now there is this event…”
S.A. Group’s headquarters. The members of the board of directors expressed their concerns about the event. It was natural to be worried.
[Battlefield]
All event participants fought against each other with the goal of surviving to the end in an isolated field. At the beginning of the game, all levels, abilities, items, and titles were equal. It was a concept event that was reminiscent of the mock games that were popular in the previous century.
It was an event that seemed to be aimed at a certain person whose strength was being overgeared.
Yoon Sangmin laughed at the concerned executives.
“That’s correct. Maybe many people will blame us. But I’m sure that Grid himself will be delighted. He finally has a chance to prove it.”
“What…?”
What would he prove? The executives were puzzled while Yoon Sangmin spoke meaningful words.
“As soon as Grid proves it, the people’s accusations will turn into cheers.”
Chapter 736
Chapter 736
‘Considering Kraugel’s level during the Belial raid…’
Ahead of the National Competition, Grid’s nerves were concentrated on Kraugel. It was a phenomenon caused by his desire to win the rematch that was taking place after one year and three months.
‘At present, the level difference between him and me should be at least 150?’
Until now, the total was 1 to 1. This would be the game that determined victory or defeat. The winner would be the real winner.
‘No, Kraugel’s level up speed will be beyond my calculations. Maybe the level difference is less than 100.’
Well, even if the level difference is less than 100, there was no problem.
‘Even Kraugel couldn’t have passed level 300 yet. He wouldn’t have achieved the third awakening.’
In a game, the level difference was as absolute as items. A higher level player would be stronger than a lower level one. In particular, the stats awakening every 100 levels caused a tremendous difference. In the past, the level 299 Grid failed to defeat Elfin Stone while the level 300 Grid succeeded. It was an example that showed the gap.
‘Okay. This is sufficient.’
Kkuok!
Grid was convinced and formed fists. Some people might think it wasn’t fair because of the level difference, but not Grid. It was natural. Levelling ability was also a skill. It was talent that Grid’s level was higher than Kraugel’s.
“Huhuhut… Kraugel, this is the difference in skill. Don’t blame the level reset. I also experienced it. It’s the same thing I went through.”
A level reset at level 300 compared to a reset at level 80. The former was much more disadvantageous and pitiful. The damage was completely different. But there was an eternal truth.
‘I am the strongest person in the world!’
It was this. Grid’s level reset and Kraugel’s level reset were on the same line.
“Compared to knowing everything, I had a much more difficult time when my level was reset. But now I have a much higher level than Kraugel. In the end, it means that I’m more talented than Kraugel. Isn’t that right?”
Grid didn’t have a conscience! Anyone who saw him now would’ve cut out his tongue. But Huroi just nodded. He didn’t intend to disturb his lord who was trying to reduce the burden with a mental victory.
“My lord is a genius of geniuses and above the sky. I have no doubt that you will win in the ‘fair’ battle that will take place at this year’s National Competition. It is only natural that My Lord, the incarnation of Genghis Khan, will reign over the world as its master.”
“Indeed, you have a discerning eye. As expected from Huroi. But isn’t Genghis Khan a Mongolian? I’m a Korean.”
“Do you need to dwell on nationality in this global age? Everything is out there. Are you ruler of a global kingdom?”
“You are right. Huroi, don’t you have deep thoughts? Hahaha!”
“Hahaha! My Lord the best!!”
“…”
One person was making an item while the other was preparing for the diplomat’s exam. Lauel’s gaze wasn’t good
as he looked at the two people sitting side by side.
“Your Majesty, too much confidence isn’t good. Even if the level difference is large, the opponent is a Sword Saint. It’s the strongest combat class. It will obviously be a tougher fight than last year. Please don’t be careless.”
In addition to Huroi, Lauel supported Grid as well. He wanted Grid to win and develop even further. The problem was that the opponent was too strong. Thus, Grid had to pay attention.
“A sword that can even cut the world… It will be difficult to handle with Your Majesty’s items.”
Lauel saw Kraugel as a bad opponent for Grid. Grid’s combat style was more about items than control. He thought that Grid sticking to this attack style against Kraugel, who was the ultimate combat class, wouldn’t be effective.
“Be quiet.”
The alert Lauel spoke the right words, but he angered Grid. Didn’t Grid know that it would be hard to win against Kraugel? What Grid wanted now was to be cheered up, not made to worry.
“Are you trying to decrease my morale right now?”
“Huh?”
“You are on the American team with Kraugel in the National Competition. Do you want to decrease my morale so that Kraugel will win?”
“What… Ah.”
Lauel realized his mistake. He belatedly discovered that Grid was more sensitive than expected. The person right now was Grid before he became a king. It was a state where his dirty and stingy nature was revealed. Huroi was already aware of this fact from the beginning. Thus, he flattered Grid very well.
“My Lord! I will drive out this evil tongue with my own hand!”
“Yes, I can only believe in Huroi. I will pay attention to your loyalty and raise your item to higher heights.”
“It will be the glory of future generations!”
“No, I was joking just now…! Huroi, I… Ack!”
This was the end of a loyalist! As he was caught and dragged away by Huroi, Lauel felt like he was in a historical drama. Today, the Overgeared Kingdom was peaceful.
***
Time was bitter. It couldn’t be reversed and it flowed quickly. The 3rd National Competition, which had been delayed three months later than usual, was only three days away.
Snap!