by Park Saenal
‘This is despite the title effect…’
Noll would unconditionally try to escape if health fell below 10%. Even Noll’s powerful survival instinct wasn’t enough. Honestly shocked that Noll was the first to be defeated, Grid was forced to think about a variety of cases.
“Magic Missile.” Once the cooldown of Alarm ended, Grid took out Belial’s wand and set the time of the spell.
“…Immobile Fortress became a poison.”
The passive skill attached to Valhalla of Strong Trust, Immobile Fortress. It reflected damage every time the armor durability fell by a certain amount and was a more useful skill than Moving Fortress in certain circumstances. That said, it did have a fatal weakness that made it impossible for the wearer to move when it was used. This was likely the part that caught Noll’s ankle.
‘Additionally, Jishuka and Damian are in the group that attacked the North Gate.’
Based on what Grid knew, there were few players who had an attack power high enough to pose a deadly threat to Noll. Among them, Jishuka was the only one capable of dealing ‘continuous’ high damage. If Damian had given her wings, Noll wouldn’t have been able to hold on for long.
“Alarm. Magic Missile,” Grid once again set up the spells and then looked at an item from the Reputation Store. His heart wasn’t affected by Noll’s death. He didn’t feel any interest in the words, ‘I’m sorry.’
This was conclusive proof that this Noll was a fake.
‘I’m sorry… The operating team doesn’t know Noll’s nature.’
Noll was still young and dependent. The real Noll would’ve felt resentment at the moment of death. Why hadn’t Grid come to help while he was suffering such shame and humiliation? Yes, the four heavenly kings only inherited the powers of their bodies and not their appearances or personalities. It would be a waste of his emotions to think about their pain and humiliation.
Grid kept thinking this as he controlled his heart.
“…”
Still, it didn’t work. The unbearable anger was boiling up. Like a sticky liquid, it was hard to remove. It was anger toward himself. Noll’s death had arrived faster than expected. Grid got distracted when he thought that the cause of Noll’s death was the item he had made.
‘You jerk.’
Unlike the players, a NPC’s life was finite. Grid respected them and cared for them. He vowed to give more than 10 of his lives for them.
‘I can’t make only one item.’
The Noll he was worried about was currently guarding the vampire city. What if someone invaded the city? What if Noll trusted and relied on the armor that Grid made? If this was the poison that ended up hurting Noll…
“I also…” Grid trembled as he was reminded of Khan. His right hand, which was swinging the hammer, was white. Then a new notification window emerged.
[The South Gate Guardian has fallen into the moat.]
[The scattered gray soul melting in the water is saying sorry to you.]
[The South Gate has been breached! The roar of the invaders has penetrated the battlefield!]
It was exactly nine minutes after the North Gate was broken. The second victim was Asmophel’s clone, Vin. Grid wasn’t shaken. This was a sin committed by the desire to be first. Asmophel’s mind and body were tempered from confronting the sin he couldn’t escape. These days, he practiced a swordsmanship that transcended the concept of time.
‘It would be hard for him to deal with a large number of enemies alone.’
Compared to the other heavenly kings, Asmophel was incomplete. Unlike Piaro and Mercedes, he wasn’t a legend. Nor had he been born with the highest pedigree like Noll. Asmophel’s flames of his swordsmanship were a double-edged sword that melted even his own body. He had yet to reach the threshold of transcendence, and it would be difficult for him to cope with 100 rankers when his stats had fallen by 30%.
[The price of the selected item is 999 reputation points. Do you want to buy it?]
The time between when he accepted the Demon King project and when the National Competition started—Grid had worked diligently in the three months given to him. He had spent time thinking around the clock as he worked hard to improve the odds. Not only had he carried out various quests and adventures while strengthening the equipment of the four heavenly kings, he had also studied how he could use his cards more efficiently.
One of them was the use of the Reputation Store. There were various types of products in the Reputation Store such as food, elixirs, skill reinforcements, magic scrolls, boxes containing various items, boxes containing pets, minerals, jewelry, ingredient boxes, and so on. Expectations were very high. They were products that guaranteed a minimum of performance or ratings in exchange for high prices.
First of all, Grid naturally planned to purchase the Sweet Candy, which raised all stats by 30%. The Sweet Candy only lasted five minutes, but he could buy up to five. Thus, he would be able to maintain this top condition for 25 minutes. However, after thinking about it a bit more, he felt that this wasn’t the best way.
The new product that Grid focused on was the cheapest item in the Reputation Store. It was the 999 reputation point random machine.
[Draw! Draw! Draw it!]
[The random drawing machine!
If you spend 999 reputation points here, you can get a variety of items from the store at a random cheap price!
* Limited edition items aren’t included.
* There is a certain probability of acquiring experience increase potions.
Price: 999 reputation points.]
The explanation that they could get various items sold at a random price was a trick. Grid was reminded of old memories. He had used the random machine to gain an experience buff potion, only to get the Pretty Hairpin and Most Delicious Skewers in the World.
Of the two items, the skewers couldn’t be found in the sales list on the Reputation Store. It had come from the random machine. The past Grid hadn’t questioned it. He had only felt angry that he had gotten a useless item.
‘Things are different now that I think about it again.’
Grid came to a conclusion after thinking about it. He concluded that the magical random machine could draw items sold in every shop in every corner of the world. Otherwise, the appearance of the skewers was nothing more than a bug, and there were no bugs in Satisfy. Only unkind tricks existed.
“Go.”
Even if his judgment was correct, wasn’t the probability of drawing a good product extremely low? He thought it might be more stable to go with the candy and magic scrolls, but what was an adventure without risk? Grid didn’t hesitate. He had a high good luck stat now. His good luck stat was a huge 631 points. It would be nice if he were renamed the King of Luck.
‘The Challenger Store on Fog Island sold a variety of elixirs, skills, and scrolls.’
Grid was convinced. There were many secret stores around the world that he didn’t know about yet, and these stores might sell items beyond imagination.
‘It will be a super jackpot even if I only gain a few of them.’
First, Grid needed confirmation. In the real game, reputation points weren’t something that could be easily used. This was an opportunity to invest only in the random drawing machine. It would be a good experience. Even if the result of the drawing was ruined, all his other preparations were complete, so he could perform the role of the Demon King sufficiently.
Grid made up his mind and pressed the button.
[999 reputation points have been consumed to buy the ‘Draw! Draw! Draw it!’ item. You have 219,540 reputation points remaining.]
[…!!!]
[Your high good luck stat has brought about a positive result!]
[The Immediate Item Completion Scroll has been acquired!}
“…?”
Um, what was this? Did he see wrong? Grid was absent-minded for a moment and doubled checked the result again.
“…Umm.”
It might be better to stop the drawing and bu
y the candy and other items. Grid ignored his earlier decision and thought this sincerely.
***
『 After a long struggle…! It was a really fierce struggle. Finally…!! 』
『 The 400 players have breached all four gates! 』
『 The cooperation between players that transcended nationality was very beautiful and inspiring. 』
『 Thanks to Satisfy, humanity is one! So cool! 』
The commentators of each country were excited, and people all over the world cheered. The 400 players’ first and second challenges which took a total of 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete had been fierce and beautiful. Their journey was an unforgettable sight that settled deep within the hearts of the world.
『 Now, only the Demon King is left! 』
『 Demon King… He is really strong. I couldn’t imagine the Demon King falling after seeing him in his surprise appearance event. 』
『 Same here. However, it is different now. 』
『 Yes, our heroes now know how to work together. They are no longer rivals but companions who trust and rely on each other. 』
『 That’s right! The 400 heroes can defeat the mighty Demon King! 』
The commentators couldn’t suppress their excitement. In their eyes, the 400 players on stage were real heroes. The crowd present and the audience watching in front of the screen were the same. The rankers—they were the handful of geniuses among the two billion players who many people envied and aspired to become.
People believed in the propaganda about the players and prayed that they would win. The Demon King was an artificial intelligence. They didn’t want to see the players, who were representing their country, get defeated and were frustrated by the mere sight of monsters.
[Breaking through all the gates has opened the way to the Demon King’s castle.]
Kraugel, Chris, Jishuka, Damian, Zibal, Haster, Peak Sword, and so on—the 400 players followed the most active representatives of their group and moved along the passage. There was a wide open door at the end of the passage. They passed the door and entered a great hall.
“…”
No one was able to rush into the great hall. A music box was being played from deep inside the dark great hall. It was an instrumental song that greatly heightened the tension and anxiety.
“Everyone please cooperate. Maintain a close, compact formation. The tankers will place shields in front of them and take the outskirts. The magicians will be inside and cast defense spells.”
This was Chris’ order. After recognizing the identity of the Demon King, he knew how important it was to be thoroughly prepared. He was one of the 10 meritorious retainers and well aware of Grid’s large-scale bombardment attack using the spell ‘Alarm’.
“Let’s do as Chris says.”
Close, compact formation…? Someone complained, saying it wasn’t a real war. However, most players followed Chris’ words. It was because they had gotten good results fighting the heavenly kings once they listened to his orders. Yes, now was the time for cooperation. They wouldn’t be able to fight the Demon King by playing solo. The Demon King would naturally be stronger than the four heavenly kings.
The magician Goshar encouraged them, “He is an opponent that magic doesn’t work against. Like Chris said, concentrate on defensive spells and build up your contribution. Don’t you know? If you stay alive and protect people, you can win a gold medal.”
“Isn’t it unconscionable to forgo the shield while aiming for a gold medal?”
“T-That’s right.”
“Hahaha.”
The atmosphere gradually relaxed, and the players were no longer influenced by the disturbing music. Everyone had a determined expression. They took a deep breath and slowly entered the hall while maintaining their ranks. The magicians cast light spells, and the darkness retreated.
“You’re late.”
They saw a huge organ with the Demon King standing beside it. Simultaneously, a notification window rose.
[The Demon King has appeared.]
The contents were short, but there was a sense of weight.
“Shields!” Chris reminded the tankers that there was likely to be an early offensive, and they instantly set up their shields. Then a deafening sound entered their ears. Shells flew, penetrating through the magicians’ shield and crushing the tankers’ shields.
“A cannon?”
“Kuoock…! Keep the formations!”
“Hey! Get up quickly! Raise the shields!!”
It was an unexpected form of attack, and it was too strong and heavy. Dust rose while the players became dizzy. This only lasted for 2–3 seconds. However, this was enough time for the Demon King. The Demon King rushed through the attacks of the ranged damage dealers and reached Seuron of Argentina. Seuron—he was the person who said that ‘Grid has hemorrhoids’ in an interview.
‘This guy?’
He was smiling? Seuron read the expression of the Demon King and felt a chill.
“Death Penalty,” the Demon King’s dismal voice rang out.
Seuron couldn’t even tell if it was a sword or a spear that pierced his chest. “…”
Beyond the great pillar of gray light, the red light around the Demon King shone. The players didn’t dare look at it.
Chapter 955
Grid knew the most efficient way to break a group. The Seven Guilds, the Immortal Guild, the Eternal Kingdom, the Saharan Empire, the vampires, the Red Knights, and so on—he had struggled against so many groups that it would be sad if he hadn’t acquired some methods. Grid had been learning slowly but steadily. It wasn’t uncommon.
[You have put the Sweet Candy in your mouth.]
[All stats will increase by 30% for 5 minutes until the candy is melted.]
[Blacksmith’s Rage has been used. Attack power has increased by 25%, and attack speed has increased by 40% for one minute.]
The moment the players entered through the door with a terrible sound—as if recreating the screams of the four heavenly kings—he brought out all of his power. Fear…
A group of people could easily collapse when their most primitive emotions were provoked. This simple and dishonest emotion spread quickly.
‘Pinnacle Kill.’
It was a skill that dealt 2,000% of his attack power.
“Death Penalty.”
It had a different name though. This was an example of the greatness of the power of language. Seuron hurriedly moved his sword when he saw the attack, but he couldn’t stop it. The Demon King’s sword turned in a direction that was impossible and pierced Seuron’s chest.
[Critical!]
The death penalty became a reality. Seuron made a disbelieving expression as he turned to gray, and Grid calmly received the doubtful gazes. Although Seuron would never know, this was an act of forgiveness from Grid. He would forgive Seuron for spreading the rumor about hemorrhoids. Grid was truly generous.
“…” His eyes penetrated through the people to someone in the rear. He could see Kraugel standing there with folded arms. The gazes of the two people met in the air.
“Crazy…!”
“Everybody stay calm! Surround him!”
The players surrounded Grid. It was shocking that Seuron, one of the key players, had died with a single blow. However, the players weren’t cowardly enough to fear a single death, nor were they loyal enough to feel angry. They just tried to be as impersonal as possible as they attacked the Demon King.
The link between shield and spear was precise as they prepared for a counterattack by setting up the shield. The Demon King was hit by a few moves and attempted to counterattack, but he escaped into the air when he was interrupted by the shields.
‘A fierce boss.’
‘This is the real deal…’
Gulp. It was a deadlock after a short engagement. The players looked up at the Demon King in the air and couldn’t help gulping. He had long black hair, three horns on the forehead, red eyes shining behind the grey mask, two wings,
hands that were bigger than his face, and nails as sharp as blades. With an upright posture, the Demon King was both arrogant and intimidating. The mouth under his mask seemed to be smiling, and the players felt like they were being treated as insects.
‘The name is completely different.’
Most of the named NPCs in Satisfy had gold names. However, the name ‘Demon King’ was a deep red color with gold framing. It felt extraordinary while giving off a sense of oppression.
“Scatter!”
How many seconds passed by? The time it took to observe the Demon King wasn’t long, but could it be called only a moment? Rain started falling from the sky.
“….!” Chris’ shout unfroze the players’ stopped time. The astonished players moved backward. However, their distance to the Demon King was very close. It was difficult to open up the distance since they had surrounded the Demon King when he jumped into the middle of the enemy camp.
Suddenly, the Demon King descended and grabbed the face of a slow tanker. Then he whispered, “Storm of Slaughter.”
It was originally the field magic called Storm Demonic Energy Field. The strong wind and rain caused players to slow down, while lightning fell continuously toward the players who couldn’t escape from the area of the spell. The players tried to block the lightning with their shields or weapons, but it wasn’t easy because the lightning acted like a magnet that pushed or pulled the items.
“…” The players, who barely escaped from the area of the spell, stared at the battlefield with gaping mouths. The German representative, Weldon, was like a helpless herbivore as he was held by the Demon King. A series of lightning strikes whirled around the two of them, destroying dozens of players. Gray pillars rose amidst the raging screams and streams of flowing blood. The lava flowing on the ground produced steam, making the atmosphere seem much more dangerous.
“Weldon! What are you doing?”
“Steady yourself!”
The German players desperately cried out, but Weldon couldn’t come to his senses. Was it because the Demon King’s hand strength was so great that Weldon couldn’t move? No, this wasn’t the reason why. After all, Weldon was the 6th ranked guardian knight and had several skills to escape from physical strength.