by Park Saenal
Thinking of how the dwarves—who had inspired Pagma—were becoming interested in him, Grid was filled with nervousness and anticipation. However, not everything was good. His position had been captured by someone in hell, and the mention of 1st Great Demon Baal was worrisome. Who was the presence in hell, and why was Baal mentioned? Grid grew afraid after finding out he had become the target of someone in hell. At this moment, his fear became reality.
[The presence in hell who has captured your location has arrived on the ground.]
‘No, how did this happen?’
It wasn’t a great demon. After all, it would’ve been clearly stated if that was the case.
‘The presence was looking for me in hell, isn’t a great demon, and is motivated enough to appear on the ground as soon as my location was discovered…’
Grid was about to identify the presence as his clone. The clone who had been born in order to kill Grid… According to Yura’s testimony, this was still the clone’s purpose. He was still looking for Grid in order to kill him.
‘Yes, it is highly likely to be my clone.’
This raised other questions though.
‘How did the clone break out of hell?’
Yura had said the clone had looked like Grid when he used Blackening. His clone had died while using Blackening and had fallen to hell. It had maintained Blackening afterward and could exist in hell. In order to him to climb out of hell, he had to release Blackening. The moment he lifted Blackening, he would be pronounced dead and cease to exist. Of course, this was what Grid assumed based on his personal experience.
‘There might be other ways. In the first place, the clone is a difference existence from me.’
Grid shook his head to get rid of the thoughts. The method that the clone used to escape hell wasn’t an important issue right now. The clone that even Great Demon Belial was wary of was already here. Furthermore, he wasn’t a great demon, so he wouldn’t receive a penalty. It was likely that the clone could boast more strength than Belial on Earth, and he was aiming for Grid. The clone would naturally advance to the Overgeared Kingdom, and there was a high possibility that many people would become injured in the process. Grid had to stop him.
‘Where is he?’
The clone knew where Grid was, but Grid didn’t know where he was.
‘What should I do?’
Grid wasn’t that worried about it. He had a person he could go to.
“Call the 10 meritorious retainers and Sage Sticks right now.”
“Yes!”
It was a problem that couldn’t be solved by worrying alone, so he would meet with his colleagues. The Overgeared King had so many talents that he didn’t feel any doubts.
***
A red light flashed, and sirens rang.
[TEX-214098 processor has started]
Yoon Nahee, the head of Satisfy’s management team, frowned at the warning. “Isn’t TEX the code for clones? What is the problem with this clone?”
Satisfy had hundreds of thousands of doppelganger monsters and spells that could create a clone of someone. It was extremely common. The actions of a clone couldn’t have an adverse effect on Satisfy’s world view. However, the supercomputer Morpheus was reporting a risk. Why?
‘…Ah?’ Yoon Nahee wasn’t convinced of the reason for Morpheus’ fuss. She bit her nails and thought, ‘Am I working overtime today for a ridiculous reason?’ Then she realized… there was one presence who survived all types of variables.
“Him…?”
It would be a long day of work. Yoon Nahee put her bag back down and wore her white coat again.
“Checking code name 214098… G-Grid’s clone!”
The team members were reporting it right now. It was as Yoon Nahee expected. Hundreds of monitors in the office were broadcasting the image of Grid’s clone. What was wrong with the background? It wasn’t the dark hell filled with lava but a lush green forest.
“214098’s position isn’t hell? How did he appear on the ground?”
Her team members increased their typing speed. They planned to analyze the cause of this outcome by calculating 214098’s route.
“It is Baal’s entertainment,” Lim Cheolho appeared and spoke at this moment. His complexion was very good, and he looked excited. He seemed decades younger than his usual self.
“Baal…? Are you talking about S-003?”
“Yes, the 1st Great Demon Baal.”
As the presence equipped with the most advanced artificial intelligence, Baal experienced the first ‘tedium’ of all virtual creatures in Satisfy and pursued ‘entertainment.’ In Satisfy’s history, he was a simulation that preceded Satisfy’s formal opening and created all sorts of variables, such as helping Pagma. This made Satisfy’s worldview more extensive and complex. Now, this was happening.
“Following Agnus, Grid has stimulated Baal’s interest. Baal has sensed it. The presence of the Five Miracles who will soothe his tedium.”
“Then the reason why Grid’s clone was able to escape from hell…”
“Your guess is right. It is Baal’s will, not an error. In Satisfy, it can be described as a god’s blessing or a demon’s curse.”
“…”
On the monitors, Grid’s clone started to move. When Grid unlocked new skills with the goddess blessing, the clone also unlocked new skills. Grid grew stronger in the process of repeated battles and quests, and the clone was the same. Would the present players be able to withstand the huge catastrophe that had been brought to the ground by Baal?
‘…It will be hard unless the Five Miracles join forces.’
It might be possible with an army, but great losses would be suffered. The clone’s combat ability was too high, and he had too many skills. It was possible for millions to be slaughtered.
“…Hah,” Yoon Nahee burst out laughing.
Originally, most of humanity was supposed to have been wiped out by the insane dragon Nevartan event or the other species event. However, Grid had intervened along with Kraugel and Kir and saved humanity.
‘Now humanity is in danger due to Grid.’
What did this mean? It was fate. The unscientific reasoning that results were determined by something superhuman and couldn’t be jumped was being realized in virtual reality.
“Haha…”
A scientist thinking about fate? Laughter could only emerge. While she laughed, Yoon Nahee suddenly heard Chairman Lim Cheolho’s voice. “I went through this a long time ago.”
Lim Cheolho noticed that Yoon Nahee was now thinking about fate.
‘Once this happens…’
Grid will do something big.
Chapter 901
“Why were you born?”
“…?”
The 10 meritorious retainers who came running at Grid’s call were stunned. What was Grid’s intention in calling all of them when they were so busy? Was it for some random question…? In the chilly atmosphere, Lauel and Peak Sword answered seriously.
“Is that a question that needs to be asked? I was resurrected to rule the world. Kukuk… I plan to satisfy all the regrets of my past life…”
“I am Daehan! Of course, I was born to raise the status of South Korea! It is the same for Grid!”
Huroi interjected excitedly, “You are truly my liege! I have received great learning!”
“What?”
What did he learn? Grid started sweating at the unexpected response and opened his mouth again, “None of you can answer either.”
“…?”
“I gave an answer…?”
‘Let’s skip them.’ Grid ignored Lauel, Peak Sword, and Huroi and looked at the other meritorious retainers. “Why were you born? How many people in the world can answer this? Most people probably can’t answer it. I am the same. However, my clone is an exception. Can’t that guy answer it easily? He was born for the sake of killing Grid.”
“Clone? Of Grid?”
“Is it the person Yura saw in hell?”
“Yes, that’s right
. Now he is here, not in hell. He is heading toward our kingdom.”
“…”
The atmosphere sank. The tenacity and danger of the clone were indirectly conveyed to the meritorious retainers, and they realized the seriousness of the situation. Grid warned them, “He is dangerous. The clone is really dangerous. He only acts to hurt me and is coming toward me at this very second. In the process, many people will become victims.”
“What is the basis for this? Are you certain that the clone is here and heading toward you?”
“I am sure when considering the system information and the mindset of the clone.”
The 1st ranked Chris rose from where he had been listening quietly and asked, “Do you have his exact position?”
A strong enthusiasm was burning in Chris’ eyes. He wondered if he could fight against the current Grid, who had become several times stronger after the 3rd National Competition.
‘I can fight the fake Grid without hesitation.’ Chris accepted the appearance of the clone as an opportunity and burned with fighting spirit.
“I would be there if I knew,” Grid gave a disappointing answer. “I don’t know where he is. Only he knows where I am.”
“Then it is imperative to find him quickly.”
“No, didn’t you say he is coming here? Shouldn’t we just wait?”
“What if the people and the soldiers get swept up in the battle?”
“The soldiers will fight on the plains outside.”
“It’s not that simple.”
The meeting was in full swing. A latecomer appeared and gave a warning to the optimistic Bald Vantner, “Based on the characteristics of the clone that I witnessed and what Youngwoo-ssi told me, the clone can use more skills than Youngwoo-ssi. He even has the God Hands.”
The latecomer was Demon Slayer Yura. She paid particular attention to Grid’s wide-range skills and item changing skills. “We have to fight as far from here as possible. If the battle is fought in close proximity to the city, many parts of the city will be destroyed.”
The power of Transcended Linked Kill Wave Pinnacle which had caused her to suffer a fatal blow with one hit was still vivid. Reinhardt’s proud, high walls would collapse in front of the clone. Additionally, if the God Hands were transformed into the Red Phoenix Bow…
“The clone is like a hungry predator. He attacked me as soon as he saw me, regardless of the reason. He will hurt everyone in his way while heading here. We have to use all the power of the kingdom to find his position and intercept him as far away as possible.”
The Overgeared members weren’t heroes who fought for the world; they were people who sought personal profit. They weren’t in a position to worry about the wounds of other people. However, they were colleagues and friends, and they were worried about their leader, Grid. What if someone with Grid’s appearance started hurting people? The public would quickly condemn Grid and he would suffer a big loss. The image of the Overgeared Guild would also crack. For Grid’s sake and their own sake, the Overgeared members were obliged to stop the clone.
“I will release the shadows right now. Contact us if you have any additional instructions,” Faker said, taking immediate action. As he disappeared into the shadows, hundreds of people wearing black cloaks emerged from the castle. They were the Overgeared Shadows, the strongest assassin group that carried out various duties in the shadows and supported the Overgeared Kingdom. Their skills, which were trained under King of Shadows Kasim and then Faker, were enough to impress Grid. The sight of their actions somewhat settled Grid’s mind. “Won’t we soon know the position of the clones now that the shadows are moving?”
“If the clone is running wild, it will be faster than you think. However, if the clone is acting stealthily…” This was Lauel’s answer.
His reaction somewhat disappointed Grid. “Didn’t you hear Yura? He attacked as soon as he saw her. Would such a ferocious person act stealthily?”
“He isn’t a simple monster. Doesn’t he have intelligence? Didn’t you say he was a super named NPC?”
“Then?”
“You know the importance of stamina. I don’t think he will waste resources before getting here. The shadows information network is spread out like a spider web in the Overgeared Kingdom, but it will be difficult to find the target if he passes through remote places.”
“…”
So, ultimately, Grid had to wait until the clone arrived in the capital? Grid felt desperate because he had faced the clone directly and knew his strength. It puzzled Grid that Lauel couldn’t come up with an appropriate solution. Lauel confirmed the shadows on Grid’s face and asked a question, “By the way, is it true that you’ll have a low chance of winning when you fight the clone?”
“What do you mean by that?” Grid frowned as he recalled his long-ago experience with the clone. “He is stronger than me. He can use Pagma’s Swordsmanship techniques that I don’t know and fuse more types of sword dances. His combat ability is higher than me, and his stats are higher. Even his control and improvisation are several times higher than mine.”
“Wow…” Vantner let out an admiring sound. How much more powerful would Grid be if he had better control? Vantner didn’t want to think about such a monster. It was questionable if the Overgeared members could even stop the clone. This was enough to make even the arrogant Katz gulp, so all the meritorious retainers felt fearful.
Yura’s words heightened the tension, “I was knocked down with one blow.”
“…” There was an uncomfortable silence. The meritorious retainers were thinking about how much damage the Overgeared Kingdom would receive in the future.
“No… ” Lauel scratched his head and broke the silence. “It might be bad for me to say this, but to best honest, I think that Grid can also kill Yura in one blow? It shouldn’t be taken that seriously.”
“…?” Yura’s eyes narrowed as she doubted her ears. Who was she? Yura had gotten into the top rankings before she received a legendary class, and now she was a Demon Slayer. In last year’s National Competition, she had even fought with Kraugel for a while. It would be a lie if she said she wasn’t confident in her skills. No matter how much she admired and liked Grid, she couldn’t acknowledge Lauel’s assertion that she would be knocked down in one blow by Grid. It hurt her pride.
Grid was embarrassed. “Why are you provoking Yura?”
“I’m just telling the truth. It isn’t a provocation. Miss Yura, you said that you were defeated by Transcended Linked Kill Wave Pinnacle?”
“So?”
“Go to a sparring room with Grid and be hit by a two fusion skill. Won’t you die in one blow?”
“…” Yura’s face reddened. She found Lauel detestable because he was denying her worth.
“So what are you saying? In fact, Youngwoo-ssi’s clone is insignificant and that I was defeated by Youngwoo-ssi’s clone because I am weak?” In the end, Yura couldn’t endure it.
“No? It is true that Grid’s clone is strong. I’m just claiming that Grid is equally as strong,” Lauel replied with an innocent face. There was no malice in him.
“Yura, ignore him. Lauel made a mistake. Doesn’t everyone make mistakes?” Grid smiled awkwardly and tried to fix the situation, but it was useless.
Yura knew that Lauel wasn’t showing any malice, but she still wanted to be hit by Grid. “Let’s go to the sparring arena. Hit me once. However, for the sake of fairness in the experiment, I will summon hell and temporarily raise my stats.”
“Uh… Huh? I-Is this okay?”
Sehee was Grid’s sister, so he had many chances to learn how tiring it was to touch a woman’s temper. The woman told him to hit her, but he didn’t know what mess was going to happen afterward.
‘Additionally, how can I hit her in the first place?’
The opponent was Yura. She was Grid’s friend and the world’s best beauty. Randomly hitting a beautiful woman… He didn’t like it. Grid stubbornly rejected the suggestion.
“
If Your Majesty doesn’t do the experiment, I will forever be hated and doubted by Miss Yura,” Lauel stated with a sad expression. Ultimately, Grid was forced to participate in the experiment for the sake of the relationship between the two people. It was an experiment to hit a woman!
“This is crazy…”
He felt like garbage! Grid was pale as he arrived at the sparring arena with Yura.
“Hell Summoning.” Yura used a field magic that turned the surroundings into hell and greatly increased her stats. “Now, hit me once.”
“Uh… Umm…” Grid faced Yura who was pushing forward her chest. He was worried that someone might be hiding and filming him one-sidedly attacking a woman. Lauel shouted at him, “I have commanded that no one is to approach! Don’t worry, the meritorious opponents are the only ones here!”
‘That’s the problem!’
They were indispensable friends whom Grid was truly grateful toward. Simultaneously, they were the people who made him embarrassed every time. Grid summoned the Blade Aiming at the Gods and attached it to the sword while performing a sword dance. It was Pinnacle Kill. This was because it wasn’t possible to kill Yura in one blow with multi-hit skills like Linked Kill and Transcended Link.
Lauel placed a hand on his forehead. “No, you should use the strongest of your two fusion skills…”
Why did Grid used Pinnacle Kill instead of Linked Kill? Did he want Yura to know that Lauel’s claim was wrong and drive them apart? Lauel worried about it when his viewpoint tilted.
[You have suffered catastrophic damage!]
[A legend doesn’t die easily. You can resist all attacks for 5 seconds with a minimum of health.]
“….!?” Yura suffered a mortal wound from Pinnacle Kill!
Grid hurriedly apologized to Yura who collapsed with a disbelieving expression, “I-It is the power of items. I’m sorry.”
“…” Yura and the 10 meritorious retainers were speechless. At this moment, they were reminded of something. They had received Grid’s weapons, but they weren’t fully equipped with his armor.
“Isn’t the clone using a rusty knife? He might have stronger skills than Grid, but Grid has been polishing his items, so…” Lauel’s voice echoed in the quiet arena.