by Park Saenal
“Unfortunately, yes,” Kraugel confirmed as he looked at the environment spread around the gate. It was a mudflat, and it looked good for farming and harvesting seafood.
***
In the Demon King’s castle beyond the gates, Grid was still free from the cameras and he devoted himself to smelting. The golden mineral pavranium was flowing from the portable furnace. He had melted the myth-rated item, Blade Aiming at the Gods.
The National Competition’s server was separate from the game. Thus, it wouldn’t affect him if he destroyed an item here.
“This is enough.” Grid finished smelting the pavranium and used Legendary Blacksmith’s Creation.
[What item do you want to create?]
“A cannon.”
The basics of defending was wide area firepower. What if it was an automatic firing cannon? Every time the cooldown ended, Grid grinned viciously and used the Alarm spell. Even the evil smile Seuron wore as he sacrificed his group members couldn’t be compared to Grid’s smile.
Chapter 951
The National Competition’s server was handled separately from the game server. The items and character information that were changed in the National Competition server didn’t affect the main server. This was one of the newly applied rules for the 4th National Competition.
Most players welcomed this rule with open arms. They witnessed the pain and anger of players who lost their items in the last National Competition and were severely hurt. It was natural to welcome the new rule since it was a safeguard to prevent more victims.
Then the Demon King’s subjugation started. The players realized why the new rule was applied.
[The Durnehild Shield has lost all durability and has been destroyed!]
[Destroyed items will automatically be restored once the gate is breached.]
“Kuek…!”
20 minutes after the start of the Demon King subjugation event, this sound resonated from the north, south, east. and west gates. The rankers. who were armed with unique or legendary items just 20 minutes ago, now looked like they were wearing rags.
That’s right. This was why the S.A Group separated the National Competition server from the game server. It was purely to protect the rights of the players. This was to show consideration for the players who would lose everything to the mighty four heavenly kings. It was an internal arrangement after deciding that Grid would play the Demon King.
“Cough, cough! No way…!”
At the west gate, the German representative—Weldon—was pale as he coughed up blood. He was a veteran who participated in numerous raids, but he hardly ever experienced his shield being destroyed. The only occasions where his shield had been destroyed was when the raid had lasted for more than eight hours. Yet the knight called Benz broke Weldon’s shield in just 20 minutes. Additionally, Weldon wasn’t the only tanker present. Weldon was one of 20 tankers, and Benz’ attacks had only hit him 15 times. This meant the Lv. 8 High-grade Shield skill and his unique shield had lost all their durability in only 15 hits.
Weldon chose to be a defensive player instead of an evasive player. This fact meant that Benz’ attack power was reminiscent of Overgeared King Grid of last year. No, it was obviously above Grid’s.
“There are the four heavenly kings and then the Demon King… How do we clear this?” Weldon lost his fighting spirit and expressed his despair. They were words that could reduce the entire team’s morale, but no one blamed Weldon. It was because most of Group B understood Weldon’s feelings or felt the same way.
However, the other half was still calm. They weren’t weak-minded enough to be swayed by Weldon’s hasty remark or stupid enough to make this 20-minute battle meaningless. After analyzing Benz throughout the battle, they had a good understanding of her attack patterns and characteristics.
‘It isn’t a style that spams many skills. First, she only uses a skill after creating a gap with a basic attack.’
‘The wide-area attacks aren’t a big threat. It can unleash enough firepower to kill people, but it is strictly limited to a single group.’
‘Her defense is high, but she has no healing ability. The biggest problem…’
‘…The lower her health, the higher the attack power.’
‘She is a berserker.’
The west gate’s guardian Benz…
Her real name was Mercedes. As Grid’s knight and a legendary knight, she was armed with the Hero King’s Armor—a myth-rated armor made by Grid. The greatest strength of the Hero King’s Armor was the option of increasing attack power every time she was hit.
However, the players didn’t know Benz’ identity or her armor’s options. The players analyzed that Benz got stronger as her health declined due to her berserker class.
“Berserkers have a fatal weakness. In exchange for increasing attack power, their defense is lowered. If we aim for the right timing, it can be a fatal wound.”
“Everyone, save your ultimate skills. Once the target’s health falls below a certain level, we will unleash a full offensive.”
Group B had 59 survivors. 41 players had died in just 20 minutes. They were the strongest people representing their countries, and they didn’t die easily. Every time they hit Benz, the damage accumulated, and her health was now far below 70%.
‘Just a little bit more.’
‘Once her health is at 30%… No, it will be decided the moment it reaches 40%.’
Group B blocked Benz while gathering near Eat Spicy Jokbal. It was because Eat Spicy Jokbal could make an instant dungeon and change the structure to be advantageous to his allies. As they got closer to Eat Spicy Jokbal, the terrain became more favorable and they would receive a small number of buffs.
Coke stood between the towering barriers and pulled out a shield and chains. He discarded attack power and focused on defense and CC. “I will play the role of the tanker until the dungeon is completed.”
“Can you handle it?”
“Everyone here is excellent… There is also Teacher Peak Sword. I can hold on.”
“Okay, I will focus on completing the dungeon.”
Eat Spicy Jokbal trusted Coke. Who could he trust if he didn’t trust the talented person recognized by Grid and the 10 meritorious retainers? Eat Spicy Jokbal believed that Coke would endure well. It was as he expected. Coke used the chains and shield to neutralize Benz’ attacks. He blocked Benz’ sword and gave his teammates a chance to hit her.
Five minutes passed by. For a whole five minutes, Coke endured Benz’ aggro alone. Of course, it was due to the help of his teammates. The heals of the priests and the buffs of the paladins were concentrated on Coke, while the magicians bombarded Benz with spells. It seemed like two people fighting one-on-one in a narrow passage, but this was definitely a 59-against-1 fight.
However, Coke quickly became nervous. Engaging with a higher level opponent brought about a sudden drop in stamina. It would be dangerous if he didn’t manage it properly. Additionally, the shock that was transmitted every time Benz hit his shield was too great. As Benz’ health decreased and attack power increased, the priests healing Coke couldn’t keep up.
“Coke!”
It was a breathtaking moment. Coke heard his name being called from behind and reflexively bent over. A red line was drawn above him. It was Iyarugt, which had been charged to 70% magic power in Iyarugt’s Sheath and entered the Excited State. Benz’ chest was stabbed, and she collapsed for the first time since the battle began. Her health gauge fell to 40% as she staggered. At this moment…
“…Sweet.”
Due to his excited state, Iyarugt appeared in reality. The elderly horned demonkin enjoyed the air in his lungs as he looked at Mercedes. He was the strongest swordsman of hell who fought with great demons. Despite his weakened state, his senses were still sharp and he judged that Benz was strong. Thus, he didn’t have time to savor the sweet air and swung his sword.
“Great Mountain Lineage.” Mercedes used White Tiger’s Attitude under a different name.
This was a skill attached to the World Crushing Sword of the Noble White Tiger. Benz unleashed all types of attacks.
Coke swapped to his sword instead of the chains, and he used his ultimate skill along with the rest of Group B. They were aiming for the fact that a berserker’s defense was reduced every time their health fell. This decision was a mistake. After all, Benz wasn’t a berserker. It was due to an item that she increased her attack power every time she lost health, and she didn’t receive the penalty of lower defense because she wasn’t a berserker. No, she was now in a state with higher defense. White Tiger’s Attitude was a skill that increased defense by 198% in exchange for an 80% drop in attack power.
“What…?”
“T-This is ridiculous!”
The result was far below Group B’s expectations. Benz used Noble Valor and Knight’s Resolution to raise her defense to the extreme and still had 20% health left, despite being hit by the ranker’s ultimate skills. Benz’ armor was surrounded by a purple and red aura. Everyone was overwhelmed by the energy that reminded them of Grid’s fighting energy.
The bandage covering Benz’ eyes crumbled and was completely peeled off. The deep eyes that seemed to contain the universe looked at the source of Group B’s power, including Iyarugt.
[The West Gate Guardian Benz’ deep eyes are looking at you.]
[Some of your stats and skills are forcibly revealed to the West Gate Guardian Benz.]
[You can’t resist.]
[The West Gate Guardian Benz’ sharp sword energy threatens you. The strong pressure is causing your body and mind to shrink back. All speeds are reduced by 30%, and skill casting speed is reduced by 20%.]
[You can’t resist.]
The restriction that fell on them was too powerful. The players were unable to lift the restrictions that appeared at the critical moment. Then a pair of wings emerged from Mercedes’ back. The incomplete fighting energy accumulated in Benz’ armor, and she was able to demonstrate an ultimate attack power as she cut down Iyarugt first.
‘This…!’
‘Grid’s….!’
Only two people… The Overgeared members—Coke and Peak Sword—were familiar with Grid, and they realized Benz’ identity. She was the legendary knight, Mercedes. Peak Sword and Coke realized the weight of this name and sensed something. It would be impossible to get through the four heavenly kings and the Demon King.
Everyone started to turn to gray before Benz’ bombardment as she emitted a black (the original was silver) magic power. Two kills with one blow. 10 kills per seconds…
This was a state when all the players’ ultimate techniques were on cooldown. They had just exhausted their strength and couldn’t handle this. Even the dungeon that Eat Spicy Jokbal took time in creating couldn’t survive for long and collapsed.
***
[Group B, that was in charge of attacking the west gate, has been wiped out.]
[The West Gate Guardian has received a great deal of damage. It is recommended to attack her before she completely recovers.]
The same notification windows appeared in front of the players of Group A, C, and D.
“…” Everyone’s expressions distorted. Those players of Group B… They were wiped out after 30 minutes of fighting? There was no one who criticized or blamed them. The still surviving members of Groups A, C, and D were all shocked by the strength of the four heavenly kings. They were forced to think that Group B was wiped out because the opponent was too strong, not because the players were weak or made a mistake at a critical moment.
However, the spectators and viewers saw it differently.
“Group B is too weak.”
“It is the only group without an American ranker. There aren’t many Overgeared members or Damian present.”
“I feel sorry for the Koreans. This was a good chance to take away medals from other countries.”
“You feel sorry for them? How many more articles should there be about a small country?”
“Mei Xiao, have strength! If you win a gold medal, you will become a hero of the people… Huh?”
The Chinese spectators who were shouting excitedly all fell silent. Mei Xiao belonged to Group C. Group C was believed to have incomparable firepower because it contained Zibal who won PvP and Soul Predator Seuron.
[Group C, that was in charge of attacking the south gate, has been wiped out.]
[The South Gate Guardian has received a great deal of damage. It is recommended to attack him before he completely recovers.]
They were wiped out like Group B. It was the same for Damian, Katz, and Jishuka in Group D.
[Group D, that was in charge of attacking the north gate, has been wiped out.]
[The North Gate Guardian has received a great deal of damage. It is recommended to attack him before he completely recovers.]
“No, what is this…!”
The shocked spectators and viewers turned their attention to the last remaining group. Kraugel was being beaten by a rain of seafood. Small shells exploded simultaneously and fired sharp shell pieces, sealing Kraugel’s movements. Then crab claws pinched Kraugel’s Achilles’ heels. The 1st ranked Chris was struggling while trapped in fishnets, and Regas and Pon were rolling around on the mudflat like it was a Mud Festival.
“…”
Would they not be able to even see the Demon King? Everyone in the world was overwhelmed with anxiety. The only exception was Grid. He was merely hammering silently.
Chapter 952
[Benz (Mercedes), the foolish and loyal knight, has defeated all invaders. The compensation will be paid after the competition.]
[Vin (Asmophel), the always-second villain who betrayed his companions and gained a heart demon, has defeated all invaders. The compensation will be paid after the competition.]
[Kobold (Noll), the vampire earl who craves praise and affection, has repelled all invaders. The compensation will be paid after the competition.]
The features of the four heavenly kings described by the system made Grid laugh. It was both interesting and bitter that their individual tendencies were expressed realistically.
‘If I think about Asmophel, I need to resolve the matter with the empress soon…’
Thus, Grid needed to be stronger. He had gotten revenge previously by using Muto and the insane dragon iron, but that was only on the level of child’s play. In order to completely get rid of past debts, he needed force. Grid hit the iron on the anvil with Item Auto Production while waiting for the last notification window.
Although Grid couldn’t say that Piaro was the strongest among the four heavenly kings, Piaro was the person he trusted the most. Piaro was the last remaining heavenly king. Perhaps the last remaining group that Grid was waiting to be destroyed was Kraugel’s group.
Did Grid hope that the players wouldn’t reach the Demon King? No, he didn’t have that type of mindset. In fact, Grid was hoping for players to break through the four heavenly kings. If he fought with them directly and defeated them, he could get more rewards and create the flow that the chairman of the Daejin Group wanted.
‘The players must suffer before breaking through the four heavenly kings.’
Grid was the only player who knew all the hidden rules of the Demon King subjugation event. He knew that once every group was wiped out in the four heavenly kings stage, they would have the opportunity to resurrect and re-challenge. That’s why he was calm.
‘In the end, they will come all the way here.’
The Demon King subjugation event was this type of game from the beginning. There were legendary NPCs with an average level of 450. It was realistically difficult for players to raid them at the current time. No, it might’ve been easy originally, but it became difficult once Grid armed them.
Grid made this happen. He didn’t want to see his knights collapse in front of so many people. He wanted to let people know that his knights were strong.
Ttang!
The cannon’s barrel was completed. It was 40 minutes after the st
art of the event.
[The Demon King’s perk has increased maximum health by 200,000. To date, the total amount of health added is 800,000.]
[Cardin (Piaro), the explorer who was enlightened after glimpsing the universe in a small seed, has defeated all the invaders. The compensation will be paid after the competition.]
“Summoning the Reputation Store.”
[A special service for only the best celebrities!]
A golden carriage fell in front of Grid.
***
“Waterspout.”
The seawater, mud, all types of fish, and shellfish flew up from the mudflat and formed a giant vortex. It twisted like a rising dragon’s waist and looked threatening. Containing an intensive hardness, the vortex was a purely man-made disaster. The moment he realized this, Kraugel was reminded of a nightmare of being crushed to death. It was from the farmer who had blown away one of Great Demon Belial’s arms. The waterspout in front of him had a different sharp, but it contained a similar energy.
“This waterspout…!” The players screamed as the waterspout rose into the sky and then fell. No, they swore. They were going crazy because they were harassed by bizarre skills such as Flying Pebbles, Clam Digging, Crab Fishing, Drawing Octopus, Calling Seagulls, and Water Sediment. Now they were going to be crushed by a vortex of mud and seafood?
It was more dirty than frightening. As the world watched, they removed the octopus clinging to their faces. They were also pulled down into the mudflat, scratched by scallops and crabs, and bitten by the beaks of the flying seagulls. It wasn’t a glorious fight.
“This XX fisherman…! Uwaah!”
The players were so caught up in their rage that they forgot about the watching crowd as they released their defensive skills. The vortex that fell from the sky crushed the players’ bodies. The heavy weight of the vortex made all their defensive skills meaningless.
“…”
There were only two people who survived on the silent mudflat—Kraugel and Chris.
“…He is the person I know, right?”
The heavenly king called Cardin…
It happened when he used Plankton Sprinkling to make all the shellfish in the area grow rapidly. Chris got a vague idea of Cardin’s identity. Of course, he didn’t admit it until the waterspout was used. Kraugel didn’t deny it. “You are right.”