Overgeared

Chapter 151

“Hrmm."

The inner sanctum of the castle. 

Regas yawned with a relaxed expression. He had a lot of work to do, so he shut off all contact for a fortnight. He was sitting at his desk and looking at his accounts book when he heard that the enemy invaded and ran out.

There was no inspiration.

"It's fine without me."

The Yatan believers weren't even suitable to be training opponents. He was about to head towards the castle when his gaze suddenly shifted towards the sky. Two last rays of light were dropping from the slowly closing teleport gate.

"Are they strong?"

Regas' eyes shone as he climbed up the stairs then onto the walls. He jumped into the gap between Laella and Zednos, who had been watching the battlefield and supporting the guild members.

"Many people are suffering."

"Ah…"

"Huh?"

Laella's shoulders were shaking.

“What is it?”

Magicians had the ability to detect magic power. Laella and Zednos were able to detect the danger before Regas and they replied at the same time.

"Monster." 

"A monster."

At that moment.

Kwaang!

Two rays fell into the middle of the battlefield. A notification window popped up in front of all users in Bairan Village, including the Tzedakah Guild.

[The Fourth Servant of the Yatan Church, Neberius has appeared.]

[The sound of the flute that contains dark magic flows into your ears.] 

[There is a loss of balance and loss of concentration.] 

[Evasion rate has fallen to 0%. Accuracy has fallen by 60%. Magic casting speed is two times slower.] 

[These effects will last until the sound of the flute stops.]

[The Fifth Servant of the Yatan Church, Balak has appeared.] 

[He is a demonkin who controls fire. If you enter within 1m of Balak, you will receive 500 fire damage per second.]

[The flames of a demonkin are like God Yatan's breath. Yatan has blessed all believers, increasing the stats of the Yatan believers by 50%.]

"…Whoa."

Regas's eyes sharpened as he made an admiring sound.

'It is time to show the result of my training.'

Several months ago, the Tzedakah Guild couldn't deal with even one servant. But that was the past. The Tzedakah Guild grew faster than others.  Now two enemies stronger than Malacus appeared simultaneously, but they didn't shrink back. Regas was confident, but Zednos, the number one wind magician, was different.

“We should give up on Bairan. It's better to go to Winston and borrow troops from Lady Irene to recapture it."

The grey-haired Neberius playing the flute was very frustrating for Zednos. He noticed that there was no chance of winning with the debuffs, which acted as a counter to all physical attack classes as well as magicians.

Laella rebuked him, “Recapture? Zednos, do you think they came to take over this place? No. They simply came to destroy. The moment we abandon this place, it will be turned to ashes. We can't back down. We must fight and win."

“It will waste money and time, but can't we restore the village at any time? Isn't it better than dying and losing experience and items?"

“Is that the only problem? If we lose, all the NPCs will die."

In order to rebuild the village, the power of the NPCs (residents) was essential. The buildings could be restored with time and money, but what if there were no residents? It would just be a ghost town. And in the first place, didn't they learn from Grid that NPCs were no different from humans?

In the end, Zednos agreed, "I understand. We will fight."

In the guild chat window, Jishuka's command appeared.

{Everyone converge. Go towards the middle of the village while saving the NPCs.}

"Let's go."

The rooftop of a three-storey building. Jishuka delivered the command to the chat window and glanced at Vantner. He acted as her escort as she headed for the narrow alley area. She planned to avoid the enemy's gaze as much as possible while heading towards her destination.

But they were already Neberius' targets. The moment they entered the alley, Neberius showed up and blocked the way.

“The power of our church rapidly weakened due to you murdering Malacus. You need to take responsibility for that."

The old man with grey hair constantly played the flute. Nevertheless, he still spoke with clear pronunciation.

'Malacus can't be compared to him.'

Jishuka and Vantner shrank back from the pressure emanating from the old man who wasn't even 150cm tall. The guild members ran into the alley to protect the two of them.

“Leave this place to us!"

“Vantner, please look after Master!"

“Thank you!"

As an archer, Jishuka couldn't exert her power when she was close to the enemy. Thus, the Tzedakah Guild always used tactics to protect her. They were doing so even now.

“Let’s go!”

The guild members blocked Neberius' way while Vantner and Jishuka entered the opposite alley. Then they were disappointed. At the end of the foggy alleyway, ten high ranking believers were waiting for them.

"If you don't want to die, get lost!"

Vantner needed to protect his master, so he couldn't be stopped by the poison fog. Vantner advanced through the poison fog and threatened the believers with his twin axes. The believers flinched and were pushed back by his momentum. Vantner used that change to lead Jishuka elsewhere.

They needed to reach their destination. The place where Jishuka could shoot most effectively was on the walls. Vantner was determined to escort Jishuka there, even if he needed to sacrifice his life. But the followers weren't just watching in silence. They rushed forward as Jishuka left the alleyway.

Jjejeong!

Due to Balak's passive power, the elders couldn't be ignored.

"Kuk!"

Black knights were mixed in between the black magicians and they pulled out swords hidden in their robes. 

Vantner defended, but his complexion wasn't good. He was a guardian knight, but he had the worst defense because he invested all his stat points into strength, and his armor wasn't that good. But he didn't back down. 

"Shit…! This is me! I am a tank destroyer, you scum!"

Vantner used a guardian skill to increase his defense, fighting back against the black knights.

Peeok! Peeok!

Huge strength.

The axes battered at the knights' swords. However, there were 10 black knights. Vantner was soon surrounded and became bloody. 

“Kuoh!"

The black magicians hid among the knights and constantly used curse magic. Vantner wobbled and could barely stand upright. He was frustrated as he confirmed that his health was at the bottom. 

'Protect Jishuka!' He vowed once again as his courage soared into the sky. But courage alone couldn't overcome the crisis. 'I am the worst.'

Jishuka fired an arrow every time Vantner's weak point was struck, but her expression eventually twisted. She wasn't able to exert her strength properly due to the constant attacks. Meanwhile, the guild members confronting Neberius in the narrow alley after sending Jishuka and Vantner away were also in a crisis.

Neberius used powerful black magic and they quickly died.

"K-Kuack…!"

“Dirty old…"

The Tzedakah Guild was a group where all members were part of the top 200 unified rankings. Every member was a monster. But it wasn't enough to threaten the Fourth Servant, Neberius.

“What is with the strength of this dark magic? It has excellent compatibility with all magic power attributes. Some attributes are even enhanced by the dark magic."

Neberius kindly explained it and summoned a lightning bolt. 

Kwa kwa kwa kwang!

The alley was no longer an alley. The nearby buildings simultaneously collapsed. The lightning bolt wrecked havoc.

"You?"

Neberius discovered that the enemies who should've died were still alive and his eyes widened. Then a cold voice was heard from the dust. 

"I will kill you."

The number one assassin appeared. He rescued the guild members, then he moved behind Neberius and wielded his dagger. A magician had weak physical abilities and Neberius didn't possess any defensive skills like Malacus, so he was completely vulnerable to the attack.

But he avoided a fatal wound. It was the sound of the flute. Faker's accuracy was lowered by 60% so it was slightly off target.

"Hrmm…" Neberius didn't look relaxed anymore. He touched the wound on his neck and frowned for the first time. “You are quite good?"

"You are good as well."

The colleagues behind Faker were his constant companions. In the past, they had been helplessly defeated by the monster girl Euphemina and trained even harder after their loss. They were also known as Faker's group.

Faker communicated the situation through the guild chat window.

{Faker's group, we are facing Neberius. His magic will be sealed when we draw his attention.}

"Kuk… It's hard."

The number one paladin, Toban, was struggling. He was trying to tie up Balak's feet as much as possible. However, there were limits due to the continuous fire damage. Balak was also strong with the sword and Toban had already allowed several attacks. He boasted the strongest defense and highest health in the guild, but he couldn't help speaking weakly.

{This is Toban. Balak is so strong that I can't last much longer. Where is the support from Regas and Pon?}

Laella checked Toban's words and made a frustrated expression. Regas jumped off the wall to join the battle and Pon had joined after wiping out the followers at the west gate. She could see their situation from the wall and it wasn't that good.

Laella explained the situation.

{The elders are focusing on Pon and Regas. I am supporting them with magic, but it seems hard for them to leave.} 

"This…"

Toban trembled. How good would it be if Grid was here right now? But there was no point in wishful thinking.

{Ah… How rotten. Being Jishuka's protector is very arduous. If only Grid made my armor… Damn.}

Vantner started to grumble as he reached his limit. It was a total crisis. However, the strength of the Tzedakah Guild was very scary.

“I've taken care of all the followers here. How about it? Should we help you? Kyaaack~ spit! How strong is a demonkin? Kukuk!"

The three new people who joined the guild, including Toon, assisted Toban with Balak. Faker could also take a breath.

"I came!"

It was Ibellin. The guild was scattered so he added his strength to Faker's group. Neberius was repeatedly unable to use magic. But the good atmosphere didn't last long.

"Pant pant…"

"Shit… It won't work."

“I've never see a demonkin before." 

“Balak is Balak, but Neberius is the problem. The debuff is too extensive and effective. I can't attack properly due to the lowered accuracy.”

“The evasion rate of 0% is deadly for assassins…"

As the battle continued, the faces of the Tzedakah Guild became darker. Neberius and Balak were both strong, but Neberius was particularly problematic.  The top priority was stopping his flute. Everyone had the same thought.

『The Tzedakah Guild have struggled well, but there is a limit. 』

The battle of Bairan Village was being broadcasted by all the media around the world. The users in Bairan Village recorded the situation and uploaded them to the Internet in real time.

『 The situation might improve if Regas and Pon could join the battle, but… There are 60~70 people affected by Balak's passive skill thoroughly marking the two of them, so it can't be helped.』 

『In the first place, Malacus was the weakest of the Yatan Servants. The Tzedakah Guild may have defeated Malacus, but it's still a far cry from dealing with two stronger servants. It's obvious that the Tzedakah Guild will be wiped out without the help of the users in the top 10 of the unified rankings. 』

『It's odd to see the Tzedakah Guild collapsing.』

『 But it's incredible that they lasted so long. I don't think that anyone watching this broadcast can argue with the fact that the Tzedakah Guild is the strongest. They are fighting so well, even in the worst situation… It is great. 』

『Personally, Faker and Vantner seem the most impressive. Aren't they doing a good job?』

『Vantner? Are you deceived by the splendid appearance of his swinging axes? Vantner is still immature. He didn't pay attention to defense as a guardian knight and is paying for it. Right now, the best people fighting are Faker, Ibellin, Pon and Regas. 』

『Are you ignoring Laella and Zednos?』

It happened the moment when the experts were giving negative opinions about the battle.

『Eh? Wait a moment. Who is that person?』

A man whose face and ID were completely concealed was caught on screen.

『He is using Fly magic. A magician.』

That's right. The person was flying in the air. Then he reached into the air (his inventory). He pulled out black armor and threw it towards Vantner, who was isolated with Jishuka.

"…!!"

Vantner shouted something towards the man in the sky. His expression was clearly angry. But then he received the armor and smiled. At that moment, an amazing thing happened.  Vantner wore the armor and his color suddenly improved? 

He seemed alive again as he started to fight fiercely against the elders. The anchors and experts were stunned.

『That armor…?』

The mysterious man suddenly came and gave Vantner armor. What was the relationship between Vantner and the man, and what was the identity of the armor? The videos focused on him as anchors, experts and viewers around the world started to wonder about the man's identity.

In the meantime, the man once again reached into the air. This time, he pulled out a black greatsword.

"…!!"

The man shouted at the Tzedakah Guild members. One of the guild members on the ground held up hand. The man threw him the black greatsword. Then another surprise occurred. The Tzedakah Guild member grabbed the greatsword and became stronger than before, as he started to attack Balak with a terrifying momentum.

One of the experts had a flash of inspiration.

『Ah…! I know that greatsword! Isn't it the weapon used by the butcher who slaughtered the Giant Guild members in Winston in the past?』

An anchor chimed in.

『Yes! I thought it looked familiar! It really is that greatsword! 』

『 No, then that person…? 』

The man in the sky! People's curiosity about his identity was amplified.

And…

The man started to arm himself. He wore beautiful white armor with gold thread embroidered on it. After that, he placed an ordinary cloak over it.

Then.

Neberius, Balak and all the Yatan believers turned their gaze towards the man in unison.

『Eh…? What is this phenomenon? Are they focusing on the butcher?』

『 Does that cloak have a taunting effect? But he's alone, so how can he deal with all of them…? 』

The anchors, expert, Tzedakah Guild members and all users in the area. The attention of viewers all over the world was only focused on one man.

Saaah!

Did he know that hundreds of millions of people were watching him? The man put his hand into the air. Then there was a blue light as he started to pull something out.

『Shark?』

That's right. It was a shark-like appearance. The man pulled out a blue shark-shaped greatsword from his inventory. Then he spoke the shocking name of a skill while the world was watching.

"Pagma's Swordsmanship, Transcended Link."

『Pagma?!』

It felt like the entire world was shaking. As the anchors and experts were shaking with astonishment, a blue-black light filled the screen.

OG: 

Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.

Chapter 152

The smithy in Bairan Village was very good. Until Khan appeared, the blacksmith there was the best blacksmith in the north. But his disciple Smith wasn't as talented. Smith was 66 this year. He had been working as a blacksmith for 50 years, but he was still a beginner blacksmith.

“Oh my, Mister Smith's farm equipment breaks down so quickly?"

"I have to go to another village to buy farm equipment."

“Uncle Smith should've become a miner instead."

"Haha, right. He is just as good with a pickaxe as a miner."

He lived in the area for a few decades, but people still gossiped about him behind his back. Then what about the travellers?

“Dammit, Bairan Village is good, but the blacksmith is rubbish. I can't get anything decent from the smithy."

"The hunting grounds here are for high levels, but why is the blacksmith so inferior? Damn!"

"But isn't he good at making Jaffa Arrows? The price is also cheap. They aren't bad for a fight."

"Not bad is the problem."

It was like this almost every day for decades. Smith was blamed for being incompetent. No matter how hard he tried, it was useless. He reminded himself of his mentor's teachings and repeatedly trained in controlling the fire and iron every day, but his abilities didn't increase. It felt like a witch had cursed him.

“I don’t want to give up now…"

Every young man in the village dreamed of being a miner, but avoided becoming a blacksmith. So he had no disciples. Furthermore, he was old. Sooner or later, the lord would make him retire.

Smith wanted to become an intermediate blacksmith before then. He wanted to prove his worth. He lived all his life with iron, but he was going to die as a beginner blacksmith? It was obvious that people would scoff and laugh every time they saw his grave. He didn't want to be insulted even after death.

'Try to remember.'

Smith closed his eyes in front of the anvil. He recalled the young man a few months who he had briefly taught. The young man's name was Grid. His appearance was bad, but he managed to make the Special Jaffa Arrows.

'How did he do it?'

Smith tried. He tried not to miss a single one of Grid's movements when handling the fire and iron. Time flowed continuously. Before he knew it, the moon sank and it became dawn. The sky brightened.

Flash! 

Finally, Smith opened his eyes.

Kaaang! Kaaang!

There were no wasted movements. He handled the fire and minerals in a more orderly manner than before.

Kaaang~!

Before he knew it, the sun had risen to the middle of the sky. But Smith was in a trance. He didn't feel the passing time or even hunger.  He didn't even realize that people were screaming outside the smithy. With the fire and hammer, he just worked at smelting and tempering the mineral.

And.

"Oh…! Ohhhh!"

Someone spoke to him. Enlightenment suddenly came. It was true. Smith crossed the wall that had been blocking him for 50 years. He was so thrilled that tears poured out. He held the newly created 'Special Jaffa Arrow' and literally fell to the ground.

"Haha…! Hahaha! I'm glad… I’m glad…"

The aftereffect didn't go away. Smith stroked the arrow like a cherished child as he kept crying. His last desperate effort had been rewarded. Then the door of the smithy opened.

"Infidel, you will be judged."

"…?"

Someone suddenly stormed into the smithy. It was a believer of the Yatan Church. What was this? Smith questioned the sudden situation and looked outside through the open door of the smithy.

The village was filled with fire. The screams of people were constantly heard. Now Smith grasped the situation.

“The Yatan Church has invaded…"

Ddubeok. Ddubeok.

The follower slowly approached. Then he pointed his dagger at Smith.

"Die, Infidel."

Smith laughed heartily, "Haha… Yes. I can die. I already have no one."

He had finally overcome the limitations. If anyone found the arrow he left behind, they would know he was no longer a beginner blacksmith. Then Smith closed his eyes.

‘I can face Master.'

He felt the eerie anticipating of the dagger approaching his heart.

Puok!

There was a strange sound. A bloody mess spread quickly. But he didn't feel any pain.

"…?"

Smith quietly opened his eyes. Then he witnessed the follower coughing up blood after being stabbed in the heart with an arrow. There was a young man smiling from behind the follower.

"Hasn't it been a long time? Old Man."

"Why are you here…?”

It was Grid. The young man who gave him enlightenment appeared at this moment and saved his life? He thought he had no regrets about his life, but he couldn't help feeling relieved. Tears poured down again.

"Have you been well?"

Smith was thrilled and shook Grid's hand. It was a big hand filled with calluses. It was undoubtedly the hand of a blacksmith. Grid chuckled and pulled Smith to his feet.

"Old Man, you made wonderful arrows."

“Ah…!"

His heart started pounding. He was recognized. It was his first time in 66 years. It wasn't an ordinary person, but a great blacksmith! Smith rose all the way to an advanced blacksmith due to the enlightenment of one night. He could feel the greatness of Grid so he started sniffling.

“I can continue working for the next few years. Continue… I want to keep working…"

Grid patted Smith's shoulders. “Of course, you can work more. This is your prime."

Float.

Grid floated in the air and gazed into Smith's eyes.

“Your workspace. I will protect it."

It was at that moment.

[Your heart warms when you think about the old blacksmith who overcame his limits with commitment and a desire to work.]

[The quest 'Blacksmith's Affection' has been created.]

[Blacksmith's Affection]

Difficulty: B

You are the successor of Pagma's techniques and will! You have Pagma's humanitarian ideology of using 'blacksmithing to benefit other people.'

The new dream of an old blacksmith who passed his limit has inspired you.

You want to reward the old blacksmith whose heart is as hot as fire and solid as steel.

Quest Clear Conditions: Protect Smith's smithy.

Quest Clear Rewards: The lifespan of Smith will be extended by 30 years.

* Smith is a late bloomer thanks to his effort. He has the qualities of a fine blacksmith. Extending his life will benefit you.

Quest Acceptance Reward: The skill 'Blacksmith's Affection' will be created.

Quest Failure: Smith's life isn't extended.

[Blacksmith's Affection]

If you have the maximum affinity with an NPC blacksmith, you can raise their skill level by 1~5 levels.

The blacksmith who received your teachings will be loyal to you for life and will share with you every time they learn new item production methods.

[Quest is in progress.]

"Wow."

The first time he met Khan he Winston, he became angry in the same manner and learned the skill Blacksmith's Rage. He had come to deliver armor to Vantner, only to witness Smith's plight. Saving him gave Grid unexpected benefits.

‘Maybe the world is different from what I thought.'

He thought the world was a place where only selfish and bad guys received profits, while a good person was damaged. But his thoughts changed a bit after being rewarded for his good work.

Grid felt better as he left the smithy. Then his high insight detected exactly 15 Yatan followers nearby. Grid wore Malacus' Cloak and let them approach, calculating the perfect timing.

"Pagma's Swordsmanship, Wave!"

It was an absolute dignity. The energy waves from Failure instantly killed the 15 followers.

[The quest 'Blacksmith's Affection' has been cleared.]

[Smith's life will be extended by 30 years.]

'Good, good.'

Grid made a happy expression and turned his attention to the center of the village. The Tzedakah Guild were facing the old man Neberius playing the flute and the demonkin Balak, whose body was bubbling up like lava. But the guild members still seemed to be hanging on. Regas, Pon, Jishuka and Vantner weren't present, but they seemed to be fighting well.

'Everyone is much stronger compared to the time of the Malacus raid. With their current power, won't they just make fun of Malacus?'

Grid turned his gaze to the other side. Jishuka and Vantner were isolated in an area where the houses were concentrated.

"This side is urgent."

***

"Pant pant… Damn! You lousy bastards!"

Vantner's health was at the bottom. The damage he suffered was so much that his potions cooldown time couldn't keep up and he was on the verge of death.

“Die!”

“Divine punishment!"

The clever believers started to focus their attacks on Vantner. In the end, Jishuka made a decision.

Kaaang!

She moved to defend Vantner's side from the black knight's attack, causing her to cough up blood. Vantner cried out, “What are you doing? I'm supposed to protect you, not you protect me!"

Jishuka ridiculed him. "Do you have the ability to protect me?"

"Ugh…"

When the Tzedakah Guild quit L.T.S. and moved to Satisfy, Vantner made his character a tanker. He was a damage dealer in L.T.S. so the guild members expressed concern. But Vantner was stubborn. He wanted to be in charge of a different position from L.T.S, so he chose a guardian knight.

Then he immediately regretted it. The tanker's weak attack and slow hunting speed didn't suit him. In order to level up properly, he always had to hunt with a party. The gap with his rival Pon grew bigger and Vantner became impatient.

"Tanker? No."

In order to feel the pleasure of playing alone, Vantner started to put his stat points into strength. He forgot his original intentions of tanking for the guild members.

"How many times have I been told that a tanker doesn't suit me? If Garcia had become our guild's guardian knight as planned, we would've been stronger and more stable. I'm sorry."

“…”

Vantner felt sorry towards Jishuka and apologized while bowing his head. Jishuka smiled as Vantner was feeling depressed, “After this situation, distribute your stat points better in the future."

"…Yes. After the Malacus raid, I have been distributing as much stat points as possible into stamina. I will now go unconditionally into stamina."

“Okay.”

Jishuka made a satisfied expression and pulled her bowstring back to the fullest. Then flames started appearing at the end of the arrowhead. She was poised to use the strongest attack skill, Phoenix Arrow.

"Jishuka?"

She was going to use all her mana to get rid of the black knights in front of them? Wasn't it a death wish? The confused Vantner tried to stop her. But Jishuka had already made up her mind.

"I will wipe out all the enemies here. You should recover as quickly as possible and join the guild members."

Jishuka was 17th on the unified rankings. The rankings of the top players could fluctuate with just 1% of experience, so someone dying and losing 20% of their experience could drop the rankings down 20 places.

Vantner couldn't let her make the sacrifice.

"No! I will die instead!"

Jishuka stared at the shouting Vantner.

"Are you an idiot? If you die then I won't be able to escape by myself. Just listen to me."

[You have suffered 2,800 damage.]

[You have suffered 2,550 damage.]

[You have been cursed. Your defense is reduced by 30% and your movement speed has slowed.]

Jishuka was hit by magic attacks. But she didn't protest.

Hwaruruk!

The flames at the arrowhead spread and the whole bow became covered with fire. The enemies would be wiped out the moment she let go of the bowstring.

“Ohhhhhh!”

The black warriors and magician sensed the danger and started their onslaught.

Papapat!

A dart flew and protected Jishuka. Then a voice was heard from the sky.

"Stop. Why are you planning on dying?"

Paruru.

Jishuka blinked her long eyelashes. She didn't hesitate to turn off the flames as she turned her gaze towards the sky.

"Why are you so late? You bastard."

She was touched to tears. She was always sexy, but her puffed up cheeks made her look cute. Grid flushed as his heart was attacked.

“I’m sorry."

Vantner shouted while Grid was apologizing, "Hey! You bastard! Why did you log out while making my armor and where did you go? Isn't this too much? I could've played a more active role if you made my armor!"

Grid threw him an armor. "Then start from now on."

“What do you want me to do from now on… Heok?"

Vantner freaked out as he checked the information of the armor.

[Relieved Wave Armor]

Rating: Legendary

Durability: 574/574   Defense: 861   Movement Speed: -4%

* Reduces the damage received by 60% if your health is above 60%.

* Increases defense against cutting attacks by 30%.

* There is a high chance of invalidating cutting attacks.

* The skill 'Persistence' will be generated.

Among the items made by the great blacksmith 'G,' this is the second piece born with emotions.

It was left neglected during the production process and became anxious. Now it is relieved about being completed. It is filled with the desire not to be discarded twice, and that desire affects the wearer.

It has bad feelings towards its creator, but isn't petty enough to express it.

User Restriction: Level 240 or higher. More than 500 strength. Advanced Heavy Armor Mastery level 2 or higher.

Weight: 1,920

[Persistence]

If your current health is below 5%, you will instantly regain 20% of your health and will unconditionally defend against one of the enemy's attacks.

Skill Cooldown Time: 30 hours.

The guardian knight had the invincible skill 'Guardian's Power' that could stop an attack once. If he used it well, he could neutralize the enemy's movements. Therefore, the guardian knight was a tanker. However, the skill attached to an item was better than Guardian’s Power.

Vantner's eyes widened.

'There was a disadvantage that the cooldown is too long and it is difficult to use at the desired timing, but immediately recovering 20% of my health…'

It was truly a legendary item. He was thrilled as he shouted, "Grid! Thank you!!"

Vantner took off his old armor and wore the new one. His defense rose sharply and 20% of his health was immediately restored. Once he became invincible, he stormed towards the black knights.

"Jishuka! Now I am strong! Hahaha! Strong! I will unconditionally attack and protect you!"

Chaaeng!

A black knight's sword flew towards Vantner's back, but it was blocked by an invisible barrier.

"…?!"

The person who was dying had suddenly recovered, and what was this ability? The confused dark knights receded and Vantner started to run like a madman, swinging his twin axes. The enemies focused all their attention on Vantner. 

Jishuka was able to widen the distance and her powerful arrows flew without compromise.

Puk! Puuok!

“Kuaaaak!”

"K-Kieek…!"

Two black knights instantly turned to light.

Kaaang! Kaang!

The surviving black knights attacked Vantner, but their swords often slipped off the wave pattern engraved on Vantner's armor.

"You…!"

The black magicians cast magic to stop Vantner, who was rampaging like a bull. But Jishuka was a problem. 

"Keok!"

She started sniping the black magicians, so there was no one to stop Vantner. Grid was already looking at another place, “You’re next.”

OG: 

Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.

Chapter 153

The jade fire was a symbol of the demonkin. It was beautiful enough to tempt the soul, but the reality was that it could even melt steel. 

Hwaruruk!

Every time Balak's sword moved, fire flashed in the air and a path of fire was made on the ground. The whole area was suddenly covered in fire.

“Damn, he's as scary as Grid."

The center of Bairan Village. There was a black man running away from the ruins of collapsed buildings that were as dark as his skin color.

‘So fast.’

The shape of the demonkin Balak was no different from that of humans. He had a slim body like an adult male. But his skin was boiling like lava. Two big white eyes were above a mouth that curved from ear to ear. The hair was burning so it was really like looking at the image of a demon.

The ghastly demonkin caught up with the humans at a transcendent pace and swung his elongated sword.

Seokeok!

The fire sword cut at the thick outer wall of a building like it was a radish.

Jjejejeok!

Toban would've been literally cut in half.

"Kuk…"

Toban groaned as he defended with his shield. His face seen over the jade fire was distorted with pain.

'This bastard's passive skill is too threatening.'

He barely managed to defend, but his health kept steadily declining. The flames that spread out 1m around Balak spun rapidly and caused continuous damage.

'It's fixed damage, and fire resistance is useless, so it's definitely a headache.'

The damage dealers couldn't approach. The fire caused 500 damage per second, so it was a huge burden for level 250~260 damage dealers who had a health of around 19,000. Toon had a high amount of health but he couldn't see an opportunity. He couldn't easily move.

Right now, the party was hoping that Toban, their tanker would make an 'opportunity.' Toban had to fight alone for a while.

Kaang! Kakakang!

'Is the attack speed becoming faster?'

Toban was using all the buff skills he had. All the numbers listed in his status window had risen from a few percent to tens of percent more than usual. But it was impossible to defend against Balak's sword forever.

The fastest speed.

Toban couldn't resist the sword swinging at his chest.

Seokeok! Sakak!

[You have suffered 3,900 damage.]

[You have been hit by a lethal blow!]

[You have suffered 7,980 damage.]

The fire sword penetrated through his shield and blood spurted from Toban's chest.

“Kuaaaaak!”

Flop!

Toban let out a terrible scream and fell to his knees, making Balak smile. Balak swung his sword again, as if he wanted to end this. The moment that the sword was shifting orbits.

Toban used a skill. "Swamp Shield!"

Papat!

A thick shield made of slimy mud suddenly emerged in front of Toban.

Kwa kwang!

The fire sword wielded by Balak clashed with the shield. Then it was sucked into the swamp.

"Trying to use a trick."

The sword wasn't pulled in. The tighter Balak held on, the more the sucking power increased. Annoyance filled Balak's eyes.

“It would be easier if you obediently become a slave of the death god (Yatan)…"

The demonkin's voice was simultaneously transmitted to his ears and his brain. Anyone who heard it would feel fear and confusion. However, the opponent was the first paladin of the Judar Church. He wasn't deceived by the demonkin's voice.

“Good bye.”

Toban laughed. Toon and seven other Tzedakah Guild members attacked at once.

"Do it quickly!"

Balak had a passive that dealt continuous damage to all enemies within 1m of him. The longer they fought, they more disadvantageous they would be. They needed to attack in an instant.

"Counterattack."

“Fox Fire Queen!"

“Sword of the Moon!"

“Brilliant Strike!”

“Frost.”

"Vacuum Wave!”

The top 100 damage dealers of the unified rankings used their ultimate skills.

Toon stood out. Elephant, rhino, hippo, bear, lion, tiger, jaguar, eagle, snake, wild boar etc! Toon transformed into all types of different wild beasts and precisely struck at Balak's chest.

“Lord's Strike!"

It was the moment when the beast master, a rare hidden class, dealt 1350% of his physical damage.

Kuaaaaang!

The energy of the beasts smashed into Balak's chest.

"You…!"

Balak's sword was being sucked into the Swamp Shield. He failed to defend properly and coughed up blood. Then the skills of the remaining six guild members hit him. Flaming fists, a sword that seemed to slash the space itself, flashing lightning, frost that could freeze bone and a spear all struck quickly.

They were all powerful skills that dealt more than 1100% of their attack power. However, the sound of Neberius' flute was the problem. Three of the six skills were non-targeted skills.  Their accuracy dropped by 60% so they failed to damage Balak.

"Ah…"

"Wow."

The guild members were perturbed. Balak, who had been knocked down after four successive hits, stood upright again. Then he roared, "Hell Fire Festival!"

Hundreds of fireballs revolved around Balak! They burned and expanded.

“Doesn't this seem dangerous?"

"Move back!"

It was too late. The guild members tried to get as far away from Balak as possible, but the fireballs was already causing a series of explosions.

Pepeng! Pepepeng! Pepepepeng!

It was like a fireworks festival.

“Kuaaaack!”

There were hundreds of explosions around the guild members, causing them to fly back in pain. In particular, Toban suffered a great wound and was in a critical condition.

Crack!

At that moment, the duration of Swamp Shield ended. Then Balak's sword was freed. Balak picked up the sword that fell to the ground and his sharp teeth gleamed as he laughed.

“This time, I will invite you to the sword festival."

“Stupid cubs who used non-targeted skills… Cough! Spit! If you hit rate is reduced, you have to use certain skills you fools."

"Shit… Damn… Why are you so confident… Shut up."

The guild members were turned to rags from the explosion and started swearing. This was the end. Everybody had a hunch.

Toban felt despair. 'I couldn't hunt because I was caught by Grid and now I will die and lose experience…'

It was the result of his incompetence. After this, he would try harder to level up and become stronger. It was around the time that Toban was making a pledge.

“Who is above level 250, has more than 1,800 strength and has advanced Sword Mastery?"

A voice was heard from the sky. They were glad and annoyed to see him.

"What, this bastard? What are you saying all of a sudden? Kyaaack~ spit!"

Toon expressed all their feelings. Toban grinned as he looked up at the sky. The most powerful user that Toban knew, Grid, appeared like a magician. The new members, including Toon, didn't recognize him because he was wearing a hat, but Toban and the other old guild members knew him instantly.

It was because Grid normally wore scruffy clothing when working at the smithy.

"Grid, what are you saying? Level? Strength? Mastery? Why are you asking that?" 

“Hey, stop talking nonsense and come down to help."

The guild members grumbled. But they were happy. Pagma’s Descendant. The appearance of the legendary class gave them confidence.

"I want to lend you a weapon. I will ask again. Who is above level 250, has more than 1,800 strength and has advanced Sword Mastery?"

“Toban is over level 250 but the other conditions…"

The guild members looked at each other as Grid asked again. There were some who met one or two conditions, but none that seemed to meet all three. At that moment, Toon raised a hand.

Grid identified him and frowned. “I don't like that bastard."

Toon listened to Grid's words and finally realized his identity. “I also don’t like you. Kyaaack~ spit! You are a coward who lied that you are a blacksmith."

"Whatever, take it."

Grid threw Toon a black greatsword. It was the sword that the butcher, who Toon wanted to fight, used. In other words, it was the weapon that Grid had been using for a long time. Toon recognized it at first glance and asked, "Are you crazy? Why are you giving me your weapon? Do you plan to fight with your bare hands?"

Grid snorted. "Do you think that garbage is my weapon?"

"G-Garbage?"

Toon thought it was ridiculous after checking the details of the +5 Dainsleif (Reproduction). This enormous item that could be called the strongest weapon in existence was considered garbage?

'What's wrong with that bastard? Ah, that’s right. Isn't he originally like this?'

The butcher was known for being a psychopath. Toon released the wristblades that he had been using for a long time. He equipped Dainsleif and used the 'Half Man Half Beast' skill.

“Ku…ooooooh!"

The muscles of his body expanded like the Hulk. Then grey hair started to grow on his thickened skin. He grew a snout like a wolf and his teeth became longer. He was like a werewolf. Grid checked the changed Toon and sighed.

"There is no creativity… Hey, if you like that sword then buy it from me. The price is four million gold."

"Awooooo~!"

Wolf… No, Toon howled. Then he rushed towards Balak and started to wield Dainsleif.

Kwa kwang! Kwang!

Toon combined human abilities with the power of a beast, making him much stronger than before. In addition to that, Toban and the other guild members supported Toon with buff skills, so Balak couldn't help feeling confused.

"How can a human be so strong…?"

“This place can endure a bit more…"

Grid tied up Balak's feet for a while after throwing Dainsleif. Then he turned his gaze 80m to the rear. He saw an elderly man playing a flute with one hand, while dealing with Faker and Ibellin with the other hand.

'I should first stop that old man playing the flute.'

The magic power from the flute was ringing all over Bairan Village.

"This is the end of that old man."

Grid put his hand into the inventory.

Saaah!

A blue light emerged in the sky. Another greatsword emerged from his inventory. It looked like a shark. It maintained the dignity of a predator.

"Pagma's Swordsmanship, Transcended Link."

Ku kwa kwa kwa kwa! Ku kwa kwa kwa kwa!

Grid didn't know it, but he was at the center of the world's attention. A total of 20 strikes was launched, dealing 150% attack power with each hit. They were fired without a time difference.

"…What?!"

Neberius cried out as he was dealing with Faker and Ibellin. A heavy rain of swords poured down from the sky. Neberius' eyes widened at the sight. It wasn't just Neberius. The overwhelming attack astonished the world, including the Tzedakah Guild.

"Dark Fire Storm!"

Neberius pulled out an orb. He summoned the most powerful magic of three attributes that were combined in the orb. The fire storm collided with the blue energy swords.

Pepepepeok!

"Avoid it!”

There was a huge explosion. The Tzedakah Guild noticed and spread out instantly. 18 of the 20 swords were offset by Neberius' storm. However, two swords persevered and threatened Neberius.

"This mighty force…!" Neberius admired it and stopped playing his flute for the first time. He hurriedly used magic. “Dark Ice Wall!"

Kwa kwa kwa kwang!

An ice barrier was instantly created. Its height was much taller than Bairan Village's walls.

Kwakwang!

The two energy swords were blocked and destroyed by the barrier.

Kururung.

As a result of the impact from the collision, sparks flew and aimed at Grid.

“Danger!”

Ibellin had already felt the power of the black flame and was worried about Grid. But Grid was fine.

Kwaang!

The black flames were destroyed by a flashing Golden Shield, then Grid descended towards the ground. Sharp flashing eyes could be seen from between black hair.

"You!"

Kwajik! Kwajijijik!

Dozens of dark thunderbolts fell and hit Grid. But he was fine?

"Eek…?"

Neberius freaked out.

[The effect of the Holy Light Armor has been activated, resisting the dark magic.]

Grid smiled as he saw the notification window. After the dark thunderbolts were gone, there was a red lightning strike.

Pachik! Pachichik!

An intense spark!

"Pagma's Swordsmanship, Kill!"

The strongest skill!

Kwaaaaang!

A power equivalent to a nuclear bomb fell towards Neberius' head.

OG: 

Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.