Overgeared

by Park Saenal

  Zirkan didn’t have any hard feelings about Yura interfering with Chris. Yura was also a valuable colleague in the Overgeared Guild and above all, he liked her feelings towards Grid. It was from his years of experience.

  “Love is good. Really good.” Zirkan neatly folded his coat and gave an order to the owner. “A glass of Coke over here please.”

  “Yes, I understand.”

  The owner was very kind to Zirkan. It wasn’t just because he was an elderly person. It was a pleasure to know that this young man had a friend.

  “He’s a good person.”

  ‘That’s why I have been going to this store for a few years.’ Faker swallowed back the words he wanted to say to Zirkan. It was better not to advertise this place.

  “Please understand why I am only drinking Coke. My body is getting old and can’t handle the alcohol properly. That’s why I’m trying to stay away from alcohol.”

  Zirkan spoke shamelessly. Faker bluntly asked him, “Then why did you come here from Toronto?”

  “I thought you would be lonely.”

  “…?”

  The words were unexpected. What was this old man saying? Zirkan smiled benignly at the rarely embarrassed Faker.

  “You have more talent than anyone else and are more passionate than anyone else. Like Chris and Grid, you can also play in the sun. You would surely win medals.”

  “…”

  “But you’re forced to stay in the shade because of your position. That’s why you can’t participate in the National Competition this year.”

  “…”

  “Your blood will be boiling.”

  That’s right. Zirkan saw through it exactly. Faker felt a desire to act in the National Competition. He wanted to compete with Grid and the other talented people in front of the public. He wanted to publicize his existence to the world. However, Faker was a person who could control himself.

  “This boiling blood is easily settled. I know that much. Even if I don’t participate, the public is already aware of me. This is sufficient.”

  “…Excellent.” Zirkan was happy. “You’re much better than the me last year. Was I like this at your age?”

  The reason why Zirkan was focused on Chris’ education was because Zirkan was old. Once he determined that international activities were difficult, he decided to concentrate on his role as Chris’ steward and teacher. But he soon regretted it.

  Zirkan liked the game more than he expected. He enjoyed standing in front of the public. He regretted it and realized that his retirement was too soon. When he failed to compete in the National Competition last year because of his rusty skills, his stress was very great. That’s why he came to Faker. Zirkan wanted to heal Faker, who would feel a similar grievance to him. However, he was mistaken. Faker was already well-centred.

  ‘At a young age, your heart is mature without being overburdened by your talent… Is it the blood of your grandfather?”

  Decades ago, when South Korea was still called a powerhouse in e-sports, there were many legendary gamers in South Korea and as a young man, Zirkan was fascinated with them. One of them was Faker’s grandfather. The information wasn’t officially disclosed, but Zirkan could see it when he first met Faker. Faker was the spitting image of his grandfather.

  “…This talent might’ve been inherited from your grandfather.”

  Faker’s gaze returned to the TV as he answered. Grid was rampaging.

  “I have learned about hard work from Grid.”

  It wasn’t a lie. Faker was originally a diligent person full of tenacity, but he was reasonable. No matter what, he didn’t do anything that violated common sense. There was a limit. But Faker changed as he met Grid and watched Grid’s changes. Now there was no limit to his efforts. That’s why he could grow enough to defeat a sun-grade powerhouse.

  “There’s no greed to be in the sun as long as there is Grid. I will let Grid be the king in the sun while I will be king of the shadows.”

  “…Even your spirits are similar.” Zirkan’s eyes were blurred with memories as he called out to the pub owner. “A glass of beer over here please. I will have a drink. It’s rare to get a chance to drink with a legendary bloodline.”

  ***

  “Kyaaaaak! Grid-sama!”

  “God Grid! God Grid!”

  “Yura! Yura! Yura!”

  “…”

  The airport staff rushed to the Korean representatives after the immigration process. They requested for the representatives to wait while they extended the security.

  ‘I knew there would be a lot of fans waiting.’

  Peak Sword saw the crowd and clicked his tongue.

  ‘It’s beyond imagination.’

  It wasn’t thousands, but tens of thousands. Over 10,000 people gathered here to meet Grid and Yura. They were even Japanese. Peak Sword felt very proud.

  ‘Koreans are truly great! We have a small population, but we’re steadily becoming a global giant!’

  He didn’t intend to denounce foreigners. He just ‘objectively’ saw Koreans as superior to foreigners.

  “Um…”

  Peak Sword felt proud as a member of the Korean Patriotic Association. He nodded with satisfaction.

  “Player Grid, there are evaluations that you control skills have improved dramatically in one year. Can I ask about the secret to your improvement?”

  “I did well from the beginning. It was just buried by my items.”

  “The Overgeared Kingdom is the first of the West Continent countries to establish an alliance with the empire. As a result, it’s speculated that the composition of the continent will greatly change. Now that you have the strong backing of the empire, what will happen to the Overgeared Kingdom?”

  “It isn’t an alliance with the empire. We just signed a temporary truce agreement. It isn’t right to describe the empire as being behind me.”

  “Is there anything you like about Japanese culture? For example, manga.”

  “Hey… Hum hum, hum! I like baseball videos.”

  “Baseball videos? Do you mean recorded videos of the Japanese Baseball League?”

  “Ah, yes. That’s correct. Baseball is a representative sport of Japan… No, it’s significant in developed countries. I have great interest in it.”

  “As a Japanese person, I am happy and proud that you like Japanese baseball. If you don’t mind, can I ask what team your cheer for?”

  “Es O di?”

  “Huh? There isn’t a team like that?”

  “Too bad… No, I was confused for a moment because of all the questions at once. I like and cheer on every team.”

  “You encourage everyone while cheering on a particular team? You are very considerate. As expected from the leader of a kingdom.”

  “Excuse me. I have a question. What is your favorite food?”

  “I like wraps.”

  “You mean the popular style of wrapping beef or pork in lettuce?”

  “Isn’t it eaten with canned tuna?”

  “…?”

  “I don’t eat meat with vegetables… The taste of the most expensive meat with the taste of vegetables is a bit…”

  They were specific questions for Grid. In the past, he would’ve refused most interviews because he was uncomfortable or annoyed. But now he was well aware of his position. He never forgot that he represented a kingdom and answered all questions faithfully.

  The result.

  【 Lettuce, canned tuna, and hot pepper paste are temporarily out of stock. Sorry. We hope to secure more quantities quickly. Thank you. 】

  Such signs were attached to various marts and convenience stores in Japan. It was the moment when a new Korean dish (?) was spread to Japan. This was the ripple effect of a huge star.

  Chapter 751

  Chapter 751

  『 Satisfy’s opening ceremony held in Tokyo has the largest number of tourists in history. 』

  『 The Tokyo Dome has heated up. The 1,500 participants from 50 countries have det
ermination on their faces and the crowd is giving them an enthusiastic cheer. 』

  『 The National Competition is significant. It’s an opportunity for the players to gain wealth and honor at the same time. For the people of each country supporting them, it’s a chance to get a big buff. 』

  『 I wonder what countries and participants will play a big role this year. 』

  『 I’m looking forward to the birth of a new star. 』

  『 Won’t it be hard for a new star to emerge because the existing top talents are so big? 』

  『 Don’t forget that the world is wide. I believe there are countless hermits who haven’t been discovered. Ares and Agnus… People like them. 』

  Satisfy could be described as a game enjoyed by the whole world and the size of the National Competition expanded every year. As a result, the attitude of the players became more serious. It was because the size of the compensation grew with the size of the competition.

  The gold medal winner received an item equivalent to the legendary rank or a material equivalent to the myth rank. The silver medal winner would receive an item equivalent to the unique rating or a material equivalent to the legendary rating. Bronze medal winners were able to obtain items equivalent to the epic rating or a material equivalent to the unique rating.

  At first glance, there seemed to be no merit to the bronze medal. But there were parts that shouldn’t be overlooked. There was no explicit mention of ‘no growth type items’ in the compensation description. That’s right. Becoming a medal winner meant that a person could get a growth type item with a minimum epic rating. Most growth items starting at the epic rating were able to grow to the legendary rating.

  ‘I will surely win a medal!’

  As Chris, the 1st ranked player on the unified rankings stood on the podium, the eyes of the participants from all over the world were blazing. Most of them were feeling nervous.

  Grid, Kraugel, and Jishuka had won rewards equivalent to a gold medal from the Battlefield event a few days ago. The fact that these powerful people went one step further placed a great pressure on the others. They were nervous because the walls they had to cross had become even higher.

  ‘In particular, Grid’s item making is a problem.’

  The use of high rated materials didn’t necessarily mean that high rated items would be produced. The production result relied on probability.

  But people perceived that Grid was an exception. They speculated that as a legendary blacksmith, he could produce myth rated items with legendary rated production materials. They were concerned that if Grid and the Overgeared members secured a large number of medals, the strength of the Overgeared Guild would rise exponentially.

  Of course, it was a big misunderstanding.

  ‘Should I get a finished product?’

  Grid originally wanted the by-products of the sacred creatures. They were in the same class as the Red Phoenix Breath. Grid’s goal was to create a second or third masterpiece like the Red Phoenix Bow and Enlightenment Sword.

  However, it didn’t mean a myth rated item would be created if he used a myth rated material. He wasn’t able to produce any myth rated items when he used the by-products of Great Demon Belial to make items for the Overgeared members. If he was lucky then he made legendary rated items. If he was unlucky, there were times he made unique rated items.

  It meant Grid could fail.

  ‘On the other hand, if I can get a legendary growth type item then I will surely acquire a myth rated item.’

  After the opening ceremony was over.

  Jishuka approached Grid, who was still trying to decide on the compensation. Her reddish hair and golden skin was absolutely charming under the sunshine.

  “I will ask for a Red Phoenix Breath. Grid, I hope you will make a good item that has synergy with the Red Phoenix Bow.”

  “I can’t unconditionally create a myth rated item using the Red Phoenix Breath. Is that okay?”

  “I believe in you.”

  “…”

  Grid’s heart thumped. Jishuka’s beautiful face wasn’t the only reason. The absolute trust she gave Grid filled his heart. Thanks to her, Grid also gained courage.

  “Okay… I will get the Blue Dragon Breath.”

  Then.

  “Once I win two more medals, I will get the White Tiger’s Breath and the Black Tortoise’s Breath. Jishuka, I’ll cheer you on as well.”

  “Yes… I’ll always be cheering for you. Thank you.”

  Jishuka’s smile became more beautiful. Grid’s presence itself was a great strength for her. Had she ever been so dependent on someone since being born? She was happy. She willingly wanted to stay with Grid.

  “…So we have to get married.”

  “Huh? What? I couldn’t hear because it’s so noisy.”

  “Ah, no. It’s okay if you didn’t hear me. I was talking to myself.”

  Jishuka’s face turned red. She was more nervous when facing Grid in reality, unlike Satisfy.

  “Grid.” Another beauty arrived as there was a friendly atmosphere between the two people. Unlike Jishuka, who was as bright as the sun, Yura was like the moon. “The events that other players hope to participate in had been released.”

  Yura’s cold eyes examined Jishuka. She didn’t like Jishuka, who was always dressed in cleavage revealing clothing.

  “Everybody is waiting in the waiting room. Let’s go.”

  The participants had three hours to change after seeing the hopes of others. It was necessary to have a meeting to confirm the hopes of other players so that better results could be created. Jishuka’s bit her lip as she saw Yura grab Grid’s wrist. She kept her smile but there was clear hostility in her eyes.

  “Ah, it’s good to be on the same team.”

  “It’s better than living in distant lands.”

  “If your relationship is good just because you live in the same country, shouldn’t you be nervous? My Korean immigration project is currently in progress.”

  “I’m wondering if you can easily move to another country when you have a large amount of debt. Surely you aren’t dreaming of being an illegal citizen?”

  “Uh…! I will get a gold medal in this National Competition and get rid of my debt!”

  “I don’t know. We will probably be competing in the same events.”

  “Are you going to interfere? Bah, okay! Feel free to come! I’ll see how great you are after coming back from hell!”

  “Will you be able to breathe?”

  Pajik!

  Paijijik!

  Once Jishuka’s hot gaze met Yura’s cool eyes, the air froze and it was like electric currents were flowing. Grid looked puzzled as he stood between two girls who showed hostility to each other.

  ‘Why are they like this?’

  Grid didn’t know what the men around him were feeling right now.

  ***

  This year there were a total of 27 events. There was no rule that a country had to participate in all events. The players from each country had to win medals by participating in their own event or events with relatively low competition. The reason why the S.A. Group revealed the hopes of other players was to create more diverse strategies and variables.

  Thanks to this, the players had a headache. Were the players actually participating in these events or were they lying? The players held a meeting to discuss the various possibilities.

  “Grid, what are you going to participate in?”

  The South Korean team’s waiting room.

  The players’ eyes were focused on Grid. It was natural to give the right to decide to the person with the highest winning rate.

  “Um…”

  Grid’s worries increased as he looked at the events the US team wanted to participate in. It was due to Kraugel’s desired events.

  “PvP is natural but what is saint sword drawing?”

  Saint sword drawing had been a steady event in the National Competition for three years. But it was classified as a relatively
minor event. The event was complex and slow, making it less popular.

  “Isn’t this a game where the brain needs to be used extensively?”

  That’s right. Participants in the saint sword drawing event had to first check the story of the saint sword. Then they would follow the hidden hints in the story to figure out what the saint sword wanted. Then in order to become a person that the saint sword wanted, various types of quests were carried out. There were combat-oriented quests as well as puzzle quests. It wasn’t an event that people with shallow knowledge could participate in. It was an event that wasn’t suitable for Grid at all.

  “Is Kraugel really going to participate in this?”

  These were just the ‘desired’ events. Grid was convinced that Kraugel wouldn’t actually participate in the saint sword drawing event.

  “Why is this guy giving a fake…? Um, what type of event will Kraugel participate in?”

  Grid wanted to compete in both events with Kraugel. It wasn’t just because of Damian’s press conference. He had a bigger desire after losing in PvP last year. Last year, Kraugel took a gold medal for him so Grid wanted to take two gold medals from Kraugel. He was trying to predict Kraugel’s events when Yura and Peak Sword told him.

  “Kraugel is a clever person. There are few people better suited for saint sword drawing.”

  “Kraugel’s current level is low and he can’t exert his full combat power, so saint sword drawing is perfect from Kraugel’s perspective. He can cover his lacking combat power with intelligence.”

  “…Kraugel is smart?”

  “Of course. Think of his actions when he was the first ranked player. They were extraordinary.”

  “…”

  No, then he was really going to participate in the saint sword drawing event? Grid asked cautiously, “What if I participated here?”

  “…Don’t do it.”

  “…”

  Maybe this year’s revenge could only be done in PvP. Grid felt both regret and relief. In fact, there was no guarantee that he could win against Kraugel.

  ‘Then let’s go to an event where I will unconditionally win a gold medal.’

  What event was it? Of course…

  “Then I shall participate in PvP and blacksmithing.”

  People might laugh at him participating in the blacksmithing event. They would say he was blatantly avoiding Kraugel.