by Park Saenal
Veradin calmed his furious colleagues.
“The impact on us is actually very minimal. We’ll be safe if we avoid working in the range of influence of the Overgeared Kingdom, such as the Fold Kingdom and Siren.”
“Isn’t the biggest problem the fact that we can’t act in the Fold Kingdom?”
“There are many hunting grounds on the continent that are more ideal than the Fold Kingdom. Have you neglected to collect information?”
“Ick…! Ignore the intimacy we have built up in the Fold Kingdom in the meantime? What the hell is this? Many people have suffered because of what you have done!”
“Do I have to apologize? Why? Aren’t we an organization created to help Agnus build the Kingdom of the Dead? The reason I invaded the Overgeared Kingdom is to weaken the power of the Overgeared Kingdom that might interfere with the construction of Agnus’ kingdom. It’s an action for the future of all of us. Why should I be blamed?”
“…”
“In the National Competition, Grid succeeded in attracting Panmir. At this time, the production of items in the Overgeared Kingdom will get out of the control. Therefore, we invaded the smithies and succeeded in hitting them. Is my behavior really worthy of criticism?”
“…”
Everyone became mute. The Immortal members could no longer blame Veradin. They struggled as a result, but his intentions couldn’t be blamed. Whatever the truth was, the justification was too good. Veradin confirmed that the atmosphere had calmed down and spoke.
“Once again, there’s no need to be afraid of the Overgeared Kingdom. We just need to move away from the influence of the Overgeared Kingdom. While the Overgeared Kingdom is trying to catch up, we will reserve our power and set up the foundations of our kingdom.”
Veradin was confident. There was a limit to the manpower Grid could invest to catch them. The Overgeared Kingdom searching for Immortal was no different from looking for a needle in the desert.
As everyone was relieved by Veradin’s idea, the 2nd ranked necromancer, Bullet, spoke. “How will the normal necromancers handle this?”
The innocent necromancers were receiving damage because of Immortal. Many necromancers were suppressed and lost their places in the Overgeared Kingdom. In particular, the Fold Kingdom was very important for low and medium level users.
“There is a possibility that they will vent their anger by cooperating with the Overgeared Kingdom.”
This was Bullet’s concern.
“No. The necromancers can’t be hostile to us. If they’re hostile to us, they know that Agnus won’t let them in his kingdom in the future. In the first place, they’re being suppressed by Grid., Their anger will naturally be directed towards Grid.” Veradin didn’t feel that this situation was very serious. In his head, the damage was only one person’s death.
But what happened was more catastrophic than he expected.
“Kukuk, you guys. What the hell did you do alone? Huh? Weaklings. Kukuk!”
The door of the meeting room opened without permission and a man appeared. It was Agnus. Veradin and everyone present jumped up and bowed. Agnus sat on the windowsill, leaving the table for Veradin.
“Grid has placed a bounty on Immortal for all players in the world.”
“Huh?”
“He will make an item for every Immortal member killed? Kukuk, kikikik!”
“What…?!!”
Veradin and the Immortal members paled. None of them imagined that Grid would extend his reach to the world, rather than staying in the Overgeared Kingdom. It was the same with the smart Veradin.
‘Giving items as a reward?’
There was a limit to the funds. Veradin thought that Grid was bluffing since the financial situation of the Overgeared Kingdom wasn’t very good. He couldn’t imagine the assets that Grid got from selling the Red Phoenix Bow to Jishuka.
“In the first place, will there be many people who respond to Grid? The reason for invading during the National Competition is purely Grid’s fault. He couldn’t fully defend himself and is now using other people to do his work. It must be seen negatively by the masses.”
Agnus explained to Veradin who was denying reality. “Have you forgotten that Grid defeated Kraugel?”
“…?”
“Kilkik! Don’t you know the power of a symbol? Right now, Grid is the best.”
“Ah…”
Veradin belatedly realized. The present Grid was a person who received the envy and longing of millions of people. There were countless people sending absolute favors to Grid and one word from Grid had a great deal of power. Grid could easily move the masses.
Agnus whispered in the ears of the pale Veradin. “I don’t know what mischief you are up to but… This time the opponent isn’t doing what you want. Right? Kukuk!”
Flinch.
Veradin was startled. He could perceive distrust in Agnus’ words. Agnus, who had showed absolute trust in Veradin so far, was actually distrustful? Agnus saw Veradin’s confusion and clicked his tongue.
“Do you think I am a fool? A few months ago, you told me to absolutely avoid conflicts with the Overgeared Kingdom. Now you suddenly changed your mind and invaded the Overgeared Kingdom. Did you think I would have no doubts? Huh?”
Agnus gripped Veradin’s thin shoulders with great strength. A necromancer wasn’t strength based so Agnus’ strong grip caused Veradin’s face to distort.
“You won against Faker? You? Kukuk! What’s your identity?”
“That, I think you are misunderstanding something…”
“Shut up.”
“…”
“I don’t care what you have in mind. I don’t care if you stab me in the back later. Why? You won’t be able to do anything to me anyway.”
“…”
Veradin faced Agnus’ golden eyes and realized.
“Keep one thing in mind. You can do what you like was long as you keep providing conveniences to me like a dog. Work like a dog in moderation. I won’t abandon you as long as you’re useful.”
Agnus wasn’t crazy. His emotions were just intense, sometimes making him seem crazy. In fact, Veradin was suspicious from the beginning. Agnus was acting with such a clear sense of purpose that he couldn’t be a simple madman. Thus, Veradin was interested and decided to observe from the side. But Veradin didn’t know he was such a bad guy.
‘I have been dancing on top of his palm?’
Veradin gritted his teeth.
“Then what will you do now? I don’t care what happens to Immortal, so should I just sit on the sidelines? Or should I fight Grid as you wish? Take your pick. I only want to have fun.”
“…For the moment, I think it is better to take shelter in the empire and receive the protection of the empress.”
The wicked Veradin came up with a realistic countermeasure. He was forced to abandon his first plan of pushing Agnus into a corner and seeing his madness amplify. It was highly likely that Agnus’ distrust would skyrocket if he was forced into a meaningless fight. Veradin believed that they should lay low until the public’s interest in Immortal eased.
But would they be safe with the empress? Like everyone else, he couldn’t measure the scale of two billion players. In addition, he didn’t know how persistent Grid was. Grid’s tenacity once he had a clear purpose was close to madness. It was more than Agnus’ insanity, which occurred when pursuing fun to forget reality.
“Gather the insane dragon iron.”
Grid gave an order after receiving information that Immortal was hiding in the empire.
Chapter 779
Chapter 779
Kill Immortal!
The press conference held by Grid because of a personal grudge contained serious moral issues. Not only did Grid declare that he would destroy a force who caused him damage, he also asked for people’s cooperation. It was obviously revenge. Grid was like an absolute tyrant as he wielded the power of his position. This gave a physiological rejection to the public.
It
was a press conference that should gain criticism, rather than public approval. But Grid’s press conference received huge support from the masses. It was thanks to the screenplay written with money.
“I understand that the Overgeared Kingdom has suffered tremendous damage. But in the end, isn’t it just a quarrel between two forces? What relationship does it have with the world? Why should other people join in the Overgeared Kingdom’s revenge?”
“It’s for the future of the National Competition. If I don’t condemn Immortal, who invaded another power during the National Competition, there’s likely to be a second and third Immortal in the future. From next year, the forces that will be damaged during the National Competition will get out of control.”
“Um… then the participation rate of rankers in the National Competition will fall?”
The National Competition had become a world festival. There was a joke that people waited one year for the National Competition. The public didn’t want a National Competition that only involved second and third advancement users.
“That’s correct. If you enjoy watching the National Competition, then you shouldn’t let Immortal set this precedent. I believe that we should thoroughly punish Immortal so that a force that will abuse our National Competition won’t appear again.”
“Are you saying that the Overgeared Kingdom is punishing Immortal for the sake of the public, rather than a private grudge?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
There might be more than 200 reporters gathered at the press conference, but Grid only received the questions of 20 people. They were reporters bribed by Lauel. The 20 reporters asked questions favorable to Grid. They ignored the violence of revenge, which was a matter to be taken seriously. Thanks to the questions asked by the reporters, the Overgeared Kingdom’s desire for revenge was covered by a good packaging.
“Excuse me, wait a minute. In the cause of Immortal, they invaded the Overgeared Kingdom to stop the expansion of power. Isn’t this an acceptable strategy? Don’t you think it is too much to want to completely destroy Immortal?”
“In the process of suppressing Immortal, you caused great damage to ordinary necromancer players. How is that…”
“Raise your hand if you want to ask a question. Reporter on this side, please ask.”
Buzz buzz.
Grid ignored the reporters who asked common sense questions. No matter how much they raised their hands, Grid only received questions from reporters bought in advance.
‘How blatant!’
As the press conference proceeded in Grid’s good direction, the suspicions of the reporters grew and were soon confirmed. They realized that Grid’s press conference was a show and they were just bridesmaids. Some of the reporters were furious and tried to make a disturbance. Grid sprinkled bait like he had been waiting. It was bait to fool the angry reporters and the public at once.
“I will make items for those who contribute to protecting the future of the National Competition by joining the Immortal Hunting.”
“Is it the mass produced Grid set commonly found in the Overgeared Kingdom?”
“No. It’s more special. I will guarantee that the items will have at least an epic rating. As a token of my appreciation, I will pay for the materials.”
“…!”
A chance to get a free item made by Grid! The reporters couldn’t miss this scoop. They dropped their doubts for a moment and started to focus on the reward articles. The public’s attention was focused on the compensation.
“This press conference is finished. I thank you for your participation.”
By the end of the one hour press conference, Grid was presented as the ‘apostle of justice’ that condemned Immortal in order to protect the rights of the public and a popular event. Corrupt media and sweet capital combined to give a sweet Cola.
“Is it okay?” After the press conference. Toon looked at Grid in the back seat and asked anxiously.
Grid seemed uncomfortable. He seemed to feel remorse for buying the media and deceiving the public.
Grid smiled bitterly. “I’m fine. Don’t you know? I’m originally a bad guy.”
Even if he was a good guy, he would become corrupted for Khan’s revenge. Grid’s fists shook.
***
“I watched the press conference. You did very well.”
Blur the issue and focus on justice. This was the advice Lauel gave him and Grid carried it out earnestly. The reporters bought by Lauel helped a lot.
“Why are you praising me? I just read from the script written by Huroi in the movie you staged.”
“Doesn’t the completion of the movie depend on the actor’s performance?”
“…”
Grid closed his mouth. He felt uneasy that his face was getting thicker. He was worried that he would become a rotten person like the politicians he saw in the news and movies. Lauel smiled at the anxious Grid.
“Politicians are very clever. Don’t worry. It’s unlikely that you will be like them.”
“…That’s good.”
Grid was reassured by the answer and smiled at Lauel. Grid belatedly noticed that Lauel was trying to make a bright smile.
‘My face is too stiff.’
He tried to relax. Friends were truly good. Just like Khan.
“Don’t worry too much. I’m not feeling bad.”
Grid sat on a chair and pulled out the main point.
“Immortal is hiding in the empire like you predicted?”
“Yes. They probably won’t come out for the time being.”
The empire’s infrastructure was the best on the continent. From the hunting grounds and quests to the facilities, everything was perfect. There were some inconveniences from the large population. However, there was nothing wrong with staying in the empire for a lifetime.
“Moreover, Immortal belongs to the empire. They will be treated generously in the empire.”
“They will enjoy themselves?”
“Yes. But they will suffer from a constant threat. It’s because the players in the empire will be watching Immortal. The moment they step somewhere by mistake, they will receive the surprise attack of an assassin!”
This threat would continue. It was terrible from Immortal’s viewpoint. However, Grid wasn’t comforted. Grid wanted Immortal’s utter ruin. In particular, Grid couldn’t tolerate Veradin, who dealt direct suffering onto Khan, as well as Agnus behind him.
“I have to visit the empire.”
“You plan to infiltrate and assassinate by yourself?”
“Is it possible?”
“It’s impossible. After Your Majesty abducted Sir Asmophel, the empire’s defense facilities were upgraded. The search magic will find you even if you wear the invisibility cloak.”
Of course, the remote regions of the empire could be crossed freely. However, Immortal was likely to be based in the imperial palace. It would be impossible for Faker’s grandfather to safely infiltrate the imperial palace. Then what about Grid? There was no way.
“…Don’t tell me?”
Lauel was amazed as he was showing a negative reaction. It was because he saw the ends of Grid’s mouth curving up.
“You intend to openly go?”
Grid maintained his composure after Khan’s death. He showed a wonderful and cool appearance at the press conference. That’s why Lauel was caught off guard. He forgot that the current Grid wasn’t sane.
“Don’t worry. I’m still holding on tightly to my spirit.”
Grid reassured the worried Lauel and gave an order.
“Send a letter to the empire. The Overgeared King Grid will officially pay them a visit.”
The master of the West Continent was the Saharan Empire. Grid was supposed to visit the emperor and give greetings as soon as he built a kingdom. But he refused and was oppressed by the empire.
“During the truce…I will use this opportunity to meet the emperor.”
The fact that the empire proposed a truce agreement wit
h the Overgeared Kingdom proved that the Overgeared Kingdom couldn’t be ignored. Grid believed that he wouldn’t be insulted if he visited the empire at this time. He judged it was an appropriate time to find out what type of person the emperor was. Lauel read Grid’s thoughts and was thrilled.
“I wanted to tell you to visit the empire once after the truce. But I couldn’t say it because I thought you would be unhappy.”
If Grid visited the empire and gave a good impression, the duration of the armistice might increase.
“But…” Lauel suddenly had a doubt. “What are you going to say to the emperor? Will you ask him to hand over Immortal?”
“I’m not a fool. Should I bow down only to be rejected?”
“Phew.”
It was fortunate that he wasn’t a ‘fool’ anymore. Lauel felt relief.
“I’ll be in the smithy working on the insane dragon iron. Gather all the workmen and sculptors of the Overgeared Kingdom together. Ah, there’s also the merchant ranker called Muto. Tell him I want to make a deal.”
Grid gave meaningful commands. Lauel grasped Grid’s intentions and immediately nodded.
“I understand.”
Lauel’s heart thumped in his chest. He noticed that Grid’s intelligence was in the process of development as he learned to use everything in the environment as well as the individual’s armed forces.
‘It’s like looking at a chimpanzee.’
Primates such as chimpanzees were relatively uneasy. But innate intelligence alone couldn’t make them smart. They had to learn how to use the tools and environment to become smarter. Just like the Grid of the past. This could sum up the present Grid.
“The stage of maturity…” (TL: Maturity can also be hard-boiled egg)
“What? Why are you suddenly talking about an egg?”
“…”
Lauel, who was muttering with a happy face, looked like he was waking up.
***
“From now on, make ornaments out of the insane dragon iron. The more you have, the better. However, don’t think about making it roughly. I can’t give it as a gift if the artistry isn’t high.”