Overgeared

Chapter 239

'An A-grade quest was surprisingly tough.'

Grid's power was unique: ever since he had obtained it, he had almost easily solved all A-grade quests. But this time was different. He lost more than one-sixth of his stamina and health at the cost of hunting 25 enemies.  

"It was an unexpected melee."

Anybody who heard that statement would cry out, as there was no such thing. It was more accurate to say that it was a slaughter of 25 people without a conscience. However, Grid thought differently. This was shocking for him, the one who had overwhelmed the top rankers in the National Competition!

'The average level of the enemy was only around 200. Yet I couldn't succeed in an instant…' This was because Veradin was a necromancer. ‘That bastard was too strong.'

A necromancer was a nuisance as an opponent. They didn't distinguish between friend or foe, as corpses were unconditionally revived and used as soldiers. It was a class that consumed the enemy's resources (health, mana, stamina etc.) because it was so easy to make.

In the case of Veradin, his level was high and knew how to fight. The undead soldiers were skilled in offense and defense, so they harassed him. Veradin's combat ability was no less than that of the Overgeared members.

'It would be nice to create an item that could easily kill the undead.'

Indeed, experience was very important. Grid gained insight from his new combat experience. He was able to make more advanced plans by adding items to fight the undead in the future. Grid was quickly evolving in real time.

He touched the Guardian's Bracelet with a gentle expression.

‘The more I use this, the more I like it.'

Originally, Grid's indomitable stat was 900. Now, however, it was over 1,000 after wearing the Guardian accessories set. As a result, the effect of the indomitable stat was often triggered. He completely resisted the attacks of lower-levelled enemies.

It was the result of his abnormally high defense and indomitable stat.

'Randy was more than I expected.'

Grid had no doubts about Randy's fighting skills. Randy copied 30% Grid's stats and items, so he was around a level 180 swordsman. However, the legendary-rated Pagma's Swordsmanship gave Randy wings.

Randy copied Pinnacle and Link, as well as the highly usable Revolve. He was able to beat quite a few level 200 users, and was a really good colleague. Grid praised him as Randy returned to the shape of a little girl.

"You fought well."

Randy's buggy eyes shone like stars.

"Praise! Happy!"

It was a lovely smiling face with a flush.

'Sehee was once cute like this.'

Grid patted her head and said,

"I also want to fight with Master! Nyang! Why don't you let me fight? Nyang! Why is the best demonic beast being treated like this? Kyang!"

Noe had been hunting alone around Reidan and was now level 143.  He was hoping to grow with his master while traveling together this time, but Master was too busy with the doppelganger and not looking at Noe. He didn't like it.

Grid soothed the jealous Noe, “You are my precious secret weapon. I don't need to borrow the strength of my great secret weapon for something minor like this.”

"Ohh…! Ohhhh!"

The words 'secret weapon', 'precious' and 'great' were attached to him, so Noe really liked it. He danced with his short limbs. It was cute and ridiculous since Noe's chubby body was shaking. Grid observed Noe's appearance. The horns that rose from the forehead were slightly bigger and the fangs were sharper.

'He is becoming increasingly like a demonic beast.' Grid's demonic power rose by one every time he PKed. 'Surely I won't become a demon if my demonic power stat increases?'

The higher the demonic power, the more likely he was to go to hell. However, at present, there was no way of going in and out of hell so he couldn't help imagining bad things.

Then the Ul Clan survivors came running.

"Hero!"

The village mayor, Buda greeted him on behalf of everyone.

"If you didn't help us, our people would've been lost in the backdrops of history! I don't know how to express our gratitude!"

[The quest 'Ul Clan's Rescue' has been complete.]

[Affinity with the Ul Clan has risen to the maximum. The Ul Clan will jump over a cliff for you.]

The Ul Clan bowed to Grid. Grid took out the Great Lord’s Sword and looked at their abilities.

'Their intelligence stat is very high?'

General NPCs had an intelligence around 100. But the average of the Ul Clan was 300. In particular, a girl called Hwarin stood out.

Name: Hwarin.

Age: 11  Gender: Female

Occupation: Refugee

Title: Last of the Ul Clan's Royal Family.

Level: 7

Strength: 3/70    Stamina: 12/249

Agility: 14/398    Intelligence: 120/1,890

Charm: 155/1,503    Dignity: 30/550

Skills: Haven't learnt any yet.

A survivor of the Ul Kingdom that the Saharan Empire destroyed. Her identity might be hidden but she actually has the noble lineage of the Ul Clan.

'This is good.'

The Ul Clan was an excellent race. They would be useful in many ways. Among them, it was possible to train some as magicians. Grid asked them, "The empire isn't a place where you can live. Would you consider moving to the Eternal Kingdom?"

“The Eternal Kingdom…?" The Eternal Kingdom was one of the great powers among the 17 nations of the continent. But these kingdoms weren't in the same position as the empire. "Will the Eternal Kingdom accept us, who are hunted by the empire? It might provide grounds for the empire to…?"

“If you move in secret then the empire won't notice."

“But the royal family won't be happy."

"Don't worry, go to Reidan. Even the royal family can't intervene in the administration of a duchy.”

"Who are you?"

"I am the master of Reidan. I promise the people there will treat you without discrimination."

"Heok…! That means you are a duke!"

The Ul Clan were perplexed. Why was the duke of another kingdom in the empire? They couldn't understand it with their common sense.

Grid whispered to Lauel.

–I need someone who can lead 930 people from Earl Zebra's territory in the empire to Reidan.

-Yes?

Grid explained the situation to the confused Lauel. The joyful Lauel then recommended Faker. Grid responded with surprise.

–Faker? Is it okay?

Faker always moved in the darkness. He didn't show himself in public, and wasn't a suitable figure to lead people. But Lauel gave a different opinion.

–Faker's trap installation ability and situational judgment abilities are unique. If there are pursuers, he can install traps as quickly as possible as well as secretly lead the Ul Clan.

–I know his abilities but… Isn't there someone better than Faker?

–There is a lot of work piled up in Reidan. It is impossible to send more than two people, so please trust Faker.

It was decided. Then  Grid used a skill.

"Summon Knight."

[Summon a knight. Currently you have Huroi, Lauel, Jude, Jishuka, Euphemina, Faker, Pon and Regas. Which knight would you like to summon?]

"Faker."

[The target has accepted the summons.]

Sururuk.

A man wrapped in a black cloak rose from Grid's shadow. He spoke to Grid with a nonchalant expression.

“You worked hard."

"Yes."

Suuk.

Faker observed the Ul Clan with emotional eyes. The Ul Clan felt like crying as they saw him. 

'Those eyes feel like they are penetrating me to the bone.'

'I-I'm scared.'

The Ul Clan felt fear. They were affected by Faker's killing intent stat. That's why Faker normally acted in secret. He had to consume his mental power to hide this killing intent. For an assassin, the killing intent stat was like a type of penalty.

"Go."

Faker didn't delay. He instructed the frightened Ul Clan to grab their luggage and immediately left the village.

After a few days with Faker, the Ul Clan felt like they were sitting on a thorny cushion. Faker didn't say a single word, but they became increasingly frightened of him. They felt like they would die if they touched him, and couldn't even breathe.

On the other hand, Grid changed his schedule and was busy hunting. It was an inevitable choice because his infamy went up due to PKing. It was impossible to enter a village or city if his infamy figure was high. It might be okay to move freely in the Eternal Kingdom, regardless of his infamy figure, but this was the empire. It was necessary to lower his infamy by hunting monsters.

However, the monsters in Zebra were only level 180~220. They gave less experience and it wasn't easy to decrease his infamy. Grid was nervous because he was delaying more than he wanted, but he still remained calm. He bought time by practicing dual swordsmanship and raising the experience of Randy and Noe.

Then a homing pigeon arrived.

It was the letter from Irene that regularly arrived once a week. Normally the letters expressed a desire to see him, but today's one was special.

"This letter?"

Grid was astonished.

Irene was always stating that she wanted to get pregnant, but he didn't think it was really capable to get pregnant from a relationship between a user and NPC.

Around a month ago, my stomach has started hurting. I didn't think much of it, but then I started experiencing pregnancy symptoms. Somehow, I feel like my belly has… Happy tears are flowing. I would like to have a son that resembles Dear Husband.

"Heok…"

A child?

Grid was more baffled than glad. It was confusing because it was a totally unexpected an unfamiliar experience. Then a notification window popped up.

[Do you want to honor the news of your wife's pregnancy?]

[The birth of a new life should be congratulated, but those with no sense of responsibility should keep in mind that they don't deserve to be a parent. Think carefully.]

OG: 

Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.

Chapter 240

Satisfy had some areas that were completely different from reality. If a user had a child in Satisfy, there could be various problems. 

There were too many risk factors, such as neglecting reality by being too immersed in the child in the game or ignoring the child in the game because they were too busy playing. Only those who had established mature values were eligible to enjoy Satisfy's parenting system.

'Can I really do well?'

The Grid of the past would've said okay without thinking about it. But the current Grid realized the seriousness of the situation. He thought carefully about it.

'I…'

He was still too immature to be a parent. But he wanted Irene to be happy. She was one of the most precious people to him, despite being a person in virtual reality. Thanks to her, he learned how to love. Grid wanted to make her dream come true. He didn't want her to be disappointed.

'I also want the result of the love that I share with Irene.'

After a few hours of deliberation, Grid made a decision.

"I am grateful for the news of the pregnancy."

The notification windows immediately blinked and responded.

[Congratulations on your wife's pregnancy!]

[The preferences and abilities of the child will be affected from prenatal development.]

[What type of child do you want? The child you want and the child your wife wants will affect prenatal development. Work hard to communicate with your wife.]

"I wish my child…"

It wasn't that hard to imagine.

'Someone different from me.'

He didn't want them to be petty or stupid.  Grid had no talent and was narrow-minded, so he hoped that his own child wouldn't experience such an unfortunate life.

'I want someone who resembles my wife, a child who is bright, generous, and pretty. First of all, I wish for a clever child to be born. Congratulations on your pregnancy. And thank you.'

Grid wrote it in the letter to Irene. It was difficult to find traces of his childhood in his careful expression. Grid would turn 28 years old in five months in real time. He was becoming a true adult with this pregnancy.

“Taemyeong means 'fortune' in the sense of a jackpot…"

There was no question that he still had no naming sense. Even so, it was fortunate that he only thought about Taemyeong.

***

A regular board meeting held at the head office of the S.A. Group. 

The main agenda of the meeting was to set the budget for the Second National Competition to be held in Paris next year. At the end of the meeting, one member was brought up. Grid.

“It's actually Grid again!"

“Isn't the parenting system only activated for mature players?"

The executives heard the report from the operations team leader and expressed their anxiety. Recently, Grid was conducting himself as a legendary class, but the prejudice didn't easily disappear.

The executives had been watching Grid from the beginning and still saw him as that. Now he would have a child with an NPC? Just imagining it was terrible. They were worried about the worst situation.

“He will raise a child? This is ridiculous!"

Games had implemented a parenting system many times in the past. There was even a separate child raising simulation game. A typical example was Princess Mama. Such games didn't make users feel any responsibility. Users could delete their child or neglect them. Such an act didn't cause any moral issues either. The characters in a typical game were nothing more than 2D characters that acted and talked according to a given scenario.

Then what about the characters in Satisfy? The supercomputer Morpheus gave all Satisfy NPCs the perfect artificial intelligence. As a result, NPCs had thoughts and emotions. They were no different from humans.

It was only a matter of time until an immature user experienced the parenting system. If the users neglected or abused their children in the game, the creators couldn't rule out the possibility of social problems.

The parenting system was a double-edged sword. Satisfy's game would be better if used well, but public opinion would take a hit if it was exploited. 

The development team arranged the parenting system so that only a very small number of users could experience it. It was based on the fact that the married couple's liking was at the maximum, and the parenting system was designed to be activated only for users who had maximum respect for NPCs.

But Grid? The person who sent malicious emails to the group when he couldn't make legendary items was selected for the parenting system! The executives were convinced that there was clearly an error. They couldn't tolerate it.

A surprising figure emerged to defend Grid. It was Director Yoon Sangmin. In the past, he had a tendency to hate Grid more than anyone else.

"Don't you know about the recent Grid? He has grown. He's different form the past. So don't worry."

"We all know that his abilities have grown. Didn't he win three gold medals and save the kingdom from the golem army? What we are pointing out is a personality matter."

“He has grown up personally."

It was Director Yoon Sangmin.

The executives frowned.

“How do you know that?"

“You will quickly notice if you show a little interest and watch him." Grid's inner growth was something that could be seen just from his actions. "In the first place, the system chooses. This means that Grid is qualified, so there is no room to negotiate."

"Cough…"

The executives stared dumbly.   Director Yoon Sangmin, who calmed the turmoil, was very interested in Grid.

'A human who learns and develops through the game.'

A typical human became an adult by learning and experiencing society. Then they had a tendency to spill out all their stress in games. There were many reasons why good humans in society would become notorious villains in games.

But Grid was a special case. He lacked social skills, but was growing through the game. He was a good example of a Satisfy user and could be used as a means of publicity. Of course, that was under the assumption that Grid accepted.

***

“Shit!”

The atmosphere of the White Wolf guild wasn't great. They failed their quest because of an unexpected person, and their pride was hurt because one person wiped out the whole guild. Veradin encouraged the resentful and frustrated guild members.

“Don’t mind it. Grid is the best. It isn't a shame to be defeated by him."

That's right.  As the first ranked Kraugel maintained an air of mystery around him, Grid had to be rated as the strongest for the moment. He was underestimated by the public because of his lacking control, but that wasn't necessarily true. No, it was great.

As Veradin said, it wasn't shameful for their small guild to be defeated by Grid, who was at the top. This was the obvious result. 

However, the guild members were worried about Veradin. A month ago, Veradin had cleared a S+ grade quest and acquired the bones of the high ranking demonkin, Dantalian. In the battle against Grid, he had summoned the undead Dantalian using the bones.

It was his trump card. Even Grid showed worry.

Veradin was strong as long as he had Dantalian. It was amazing that he managed to annoy Grid for a while, despite not reaching level 300 yet. Veradin clearly demonstrated his abilities that were above his ranking.

The problem was that the guild members were weak. They weren't a help to Veradin at all. They were sorry to see Veradin dragged down because of useless subordinates. They couldn't lift their heads.

In this sober atmosphere, Kiki threw out a question.

“But Veradin, why didn't you report Grid to Earl Zebra?"

Grid was a duke of the Eternal Kingdom. It was a big problem if he was in the territory of the empire. If this was reported to the upper ranks, Grid would surely experience large problems. Veradin held a key for revenge, so Kiki wondered why he didn't use it.

"It isn't time yet."

Veradin answered vaguely and Kiki realized that he was thinking about a bigger picture.

***

The last time that Kraugel visited the western part of the Eternal Kingdom was eight months ago. 

At that time, the west was completely a desert and it was infested with monsters. If he took a step, he would be confronted with monsters. If he moved a little bit, he would be completely isolated.

But now the situation had changed. The scale of the desert was reduced and there were less monsters than before. It had turned into more ideal hunting grounds. Kraugel speculated that Grid had destroyed several giant worm nests after becoming lord of Reidan.

Kraugel had to admire it.

‘Grid is greater than the rumors say. After absorbing the Tzedakah Guild, he's quickly growing his power.'

Kraugel also knew about Grid. He was a celebrity that most people in the world knew. However, he hadn't paid Grid any special attention. Kraugel devoted himself entirely to adventuring and hunting, while Grid participated in external events and was judged to be a completely different style of user.

He didn't care because he didn't think he would become involved with Grid in Satisfy.

'My inventory weight is at its limit. Is Reidan the only well-equipped city or village near here?'

In the last 10 days, Kraugel had killed the western monsters while heading for Reidan. It wasn't to meet Grid, but to dispose of his loot.

"It's an agricultural city." Kraugel arrived at REidan and admired the cast fields of wheat stretching out. He never imagined that a city in the middle of the desert would've developed agriculture. 'He was successful in clearing the desert and has an excellent ability in managing affairs.'

Grid showed great strength in the National Competition and in the golem army, but he was skilled in other areas as well. He was a legendary blacksmith, had top rankers as subordinates and even had great skills as a lord? He was truly a near-perfect figure.

'Zibal isn't equipped with things like this. The first user to become king might be Grid, not Zibal.'

Did Kraugel have any regrets? No. Kraugel was the type of person who enjoyed playing the game alone. He perceived that his areas of activities were completely different from Grid's. Therefore, he didn't have a sense of crisis or competitiveness towards Grid.

Step, step.

Kraugel was crossing the fields to enter Reidan. At that time, an NPC holding a rake in one hand and a hoe in the other appeared and asked him.

“Who are you?”

"…?"

OG: 

Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.

Chapter 241

Kraugel was just walking along. He couldn't think of anything in his behavior that would've caused wariness. So why was this person blocking the road? The farmer's attitude didn't make sense.

Kraugel felt doubts before making a reasonable guess.

'It's rare for people to come here, so they are unfamiliar with it.'

Reidan was isolated. The size of the desert might've been reduced by Grid and the Overgeared members' activities, but accessibility was still low. It was almost impossible to make it past the desert to Reidan until it was a party of rankers. 

'There aren't any outsiders here so… It's natural for the residents to be wary of outsiders.'

Kraugel guessed the reason for the farmer's attitude and explained. 

“I am an ordinary adventurer. I'm not a suspicious person, so you don't have to worry."

Kraugel's reputation across the continent exceeded 40,000. Since Satisfy opened, he had always maintained his first place ranking and cleared dungeons and quests faster than others, gaining reputation from this. At the present time, Kraugel was the only person who could use the Reputation Store.

'My high reputation will give confidence to that NPC.'

Kraugel thought the farmer would release his vigilance and step back. But what was this? The farmer showed an unexpected reaction.

“Based on your stride, you're not an ordinary adventurer."

"…!"

There was no change in Kraugel's expression. He smiled as always. But his mind was quite shaken.

‘My stride is unusual? Is he referring to White Light Steps?'

White Light Steps was a skill Kraugel acquired after becoming the White Swordsman. Basically, it increased his movement speed and ability to adapt to terrain. It could also be used for dashing or evasion. The white light normally couldn't be seen unless under intense sunlight or clear moonlight.

'He isn't an ordinary farmer.'

The NPC in front of him, Piaro, looked like a farmer in every way. He wore a straw hat to protect him from the sun, dirty work clothes, and held a hand plow and hoe in his hands. It was difficult to recognize him as anything other than a farmer.

But you shouldn't judge people by appearances. Kraugel's sharp eyes examined Piaro.

“Who are you really? You aren't a normal farmer, are you?"

Piaro wanted to answer Kraugel honestly.

'I have always dreamed of a confrontation with a strong person like you, who is also wishing to achieve the status of sword saint. Compete with me.' This was what he wanted to say.

"I…"

"Piaro! It's time to take a break! You worked hard in today's farming, so eat a lot!"

One farmer couldn't grasp the atmosphere and came shouting. It was really exquisite timing. Thanks to that, Piaro was embarrassed.

“You go eat by yourself." Piaro said with a frown, before trying to introduce himself again. "I…"

"Piaro! Administrator Rabbit asked if you have found another source of water yet?"

A soldier shouted at him.

'No, what was this?'

Why was he pestered every time he was trying to introduce himself? Piaro felt a little annoyed at being disturbed. But as a potential sword saint, it was funny that he would get irritated over something like this. He endured patiently.

"It isn't easy to found a source of water. Tell him that it will take more time."

"Yes!"

"I…"

The soldier left and Piaro tried to introduce himself again.  However, Kraugel raised a hand and stopped him.

"I understand even if you don't say it. Aren't you a geomancer?"

The main task of a geomancer was to find things based on topography. Kraugel's sharp eyes were convinced. 

“Don’t worry. I have trained a lot of skills, but I have no intention of harming Reidan. I just want to stop by the general store. Then I'm going now."

“…"

Piaro completely missed the opportunity to introduce himself. Piaro was embarrassed by Kraugel's misunderstanding. But he quickly regained his composure. So what is he was misunderstood as a farmer or geomancer? It was enough if he could compete with someone strong.

“You can't enter Reidan unless you knock me down first."

Piaro's hoe moved in a line. It was a surprise attack, but Kraugel had a passive skill called Keen Senses. In response to Keen Senses, he used White Light Steps and avoided the attack. But the hoe was like a living snake. It changed the orbit and once again aimed at the target that it missed.

Kraugel's eyes sunk coldly. He had natural talent and trained hard, so he didn't easily allow attacks. There was a flash of something silver. It was the 'White Fang' sword that he acquired from one of the great demons, Drasion, who was defeated by Sword Saint Muller.

Chengkang!

The hoe and White Fang competed in strength. Piaro was excited when he saw that Kraugel wasn't pushed by his strength.

"Indeed…! You truly aren't ordinary!"

“You will regret it."

Kraugel's voice was cold. He was basically a good person, but he showed no mercy to his enemies. He couldn't turn a blind eye to Piaro's actions.

Kakakang!

White Fang slid down the hoe and stabbed at Piaro's thigh. There was enough momentum to cut off one leg entirely. Piaro defended himself with the hand plow.

Jeeeong!

The repulsive force caused Kraugel's body to rise high in the air. On the other hand, Piaro's feet were deeply embedded in the ground. Piaro shouted towards Kraugel, who had an incredibly angry expression on his face for someone who had just been a gentle youth.

“I am someone seeking the status of sword saint! I formally apply for a duel!"

"Sword saint…?"

Among the titles Kraugel had earned, there was the 'Sword Saint Candidate.' He naturally acquired the title while developing his swordsmanship through hunting and raids. After being nominated as a sword saint candidate, Kraugel was spurred to level up even more. He wanted to obtain a legendary class by becoming a sword saint. 

His goal was to be the strongest, so he needed to have a legendary class. In the meantime, he had many opportunities to obtain a lot of hidden classes. But he was still in the third stage of the sword saint candidate. At least fives stages were required to become a sword saint, but it wasn't easy.

'A farmer is seeking this realm… No, he's a geomancer.'

Kraugel's pride was upset. The person who talked about becoming a sword saint was holding a hoe and hand plow instead of a sword! Before talking about becoming a sword saint, he should start with a sword!

“You haven't grasped the subject."

Kraugel's sentences became shorter. It was due to his rage.

Taack!

Kraugel used a different application of White Light Steps and rushed through the air like a meteor. The power caused the wheat in the area to flatten and the ground to sink. It was the manifestation of 'Meteor Sword.'

'Wonderful!'

Piaro's eyes widened. It wasn't an easy technique unless the body's physical abilities were raised to the maximum. It was here that Piaro could demonstrate his stats. He crossed the hoe and hand plow, forming a perfect defense posture that the Meteor Sword struck.

Peeeeeong!

Kraugel's white clothing fluttered like a flag swept by a storm. Kraugel's expression twisted while a smile appeared on Piaro's face.

'My sword was blocked by farming equipment?'

'My whole body is grinning! This is such an exhilarating feeling!'

Chaaeng! Chaeeeeeng!

Syuok!

The battle between the two continued, with Piaro disappearing from in front of Kraugel's eyes. Then he immediately appeared in the rear and struck.

'Drasion's speed…!'

Drasion might've been defeated, but he didn't completely lose his dignity as one of the 33 great demons. He was the strongest among all the bosses that Kraugel had raided. The highest ranking demonkin couldn't compare.

But a geomancer had a skill similar to Drasion. No, it was more than that. This wasn't a geomancer. He was a hermit. It would be nice if he helped Kraugel, but he actually started a fight.

Kaang!

"React to this!”

Piaro was pleased as Kraugel blocked his attack like he had eyes in the back of his head. Piaro was frantic with delight. He wanted to sing and dance.

'My eyes were correct!'

It was like any other day. He opened his eyes at dawn, trained with the sword before going out to the fields to do farming work. He enjoyed the pleasure of sweating. Then Kraugel appeared. Piaro was aware of it the moment he saw the white-clothed man walking. This person was stronger than anybody he had seen so far!

"Hahahahat!"

He had just been a supporter in Grid's fight with the doppelganger. This duel would surely improve him. Piaro was filled with joy and plunged towards Kraugel. The hoe flew towards Kraugel's chest, who avoided it.

'I am quickly adapting.'

There was a clear pattern to Piaro's techniques. Based on a specific swordsmanship style, the hoe and hand plow were wielded like a longsword and dagger. Piaro stabbed rapidly and efficiently.

It was an easy style for Kraugel to read.

Chaaeng!

"Hah…"

Piaro let out a sound of admiration. It was amazing to see Kraugel attacking and defending with the sword in one motion. Kraugel provoked Piaro, who had light injuries.

“You are strong, but aren't you too lacking to become a sword saint?"

There were many titles that top rankers had attacked to Kraugel. God of Control, Lord of the Counter, etc. He had a reason for being so confident. Kraugel's quick brain and accurate predictions were able to quickly realize the enemy's attack patterns, while his exquisite reflexes and precise moves allowed him to counterattack. The more obvious the form, the easier he countered.

“I also know my shortcomings. That's why I applied for a duel." Up to now, Piaro had been using the imperial swordsmanship. It was the same as when he briefly fought Grid at Loran Falls. "But now it will be different."

Ching!

Piaro dumped the hoe and hand plow. Then he grabbed the sword that had been dropped in a corner of the field and took the posture of the Supreme Swordsmanship.

“Open your eyes!"

Swaeek!

It was extreme speed. The stab was like a fired bullet. Kraugel had a hole drilled in him and blood poured out. But he didn't allow it to be a one-sided attack. White Fang had curved outwards and slightly neutralized the stab. He accurately captured the narrow range that was the disadvantage of a stab.

"Then what about this? Supreme Swordsmanship 1st style."

There was a huge momentum that was like a mountain. Kraugel determined that he couldn't defend against this and attempted to use White Light Steps, but his movements were restrained by an intangible force. Therefore, Kraugel responded with a skill. 

"Storm Sword!"

Kwa kwa kwa kwang!

The storm of white blades crashed into Piaro's slash. A powerful explosion shook the earth.

OG: 

Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.

Chapter 242

“He's particularly intense today."

“That means his opponent is strong. It is the first time I've seen anyone who can push Piaro like this."

"But who is that person? This is the first time I've seen him."

“I think he's Duke Grid's new subordinate?"

The wheat field was becoming more destroyed due to Piaro and the black-haired swordsman's duel. It was already a 50m radius of destruction. It had returned to the time when it was still a wasteland.

But there was no sense of confusion or frustration in the expressions of the farmers watching the confrontation. They were used to this. Piaro often sparred with the Overgeared members, so it wasn't just once or twice that the fields turned into a mess.  Rabbit admonished him to shift places when fighting, but Piaro stood firm. 

If he destroyed the field, then he would have more work to do. It was a bizarre logic, but the fields had officially been turned into a sparring ground. Piaro was a real labor addict.

“Bland, isn't that Piaro's share?"

There was also a noble among the farmers. Bland was caught eating Piaro's snack and cried out.

“Why is this Piaro's share? Piaro said he wouldn't eat!"

“I don’t know…"

“Uhuh! Piaro said it! Then the person who eats it first is the owner!"

“…"

Bland had completely adapted to the farmer's life. It was hard to believe that he was a noble. He was covered in dirt and chewing on a potato. The farmers knew the circumstances of being taken hostage and felt compassion for him.

However, Bland was happy. He found these days 100 times more free and enjoyable than the time when he needed to be conscious of other people.

Caw~!

A roc flew in the sky. It had a large body and liked eating wheat. A couple of days ago, the monster had tried to loot the wheat field. But before it could reach the wheat field, it was hit in the sky. It was magic that Bland had strengthened through continuous duels with Piaro. Blood spilled out and the body of the monster fell to one side of Reidan's wheat field.

This place was peaceful today. There were few places safer on the continent than this.

***

The power of Advanced Sword Mastery Level 7, his passive skill 'Sword Reinforcement and the effect of various titles, including Sword Saint Candidate, overlapped with the power of Storm Sword and allowed him to cope with the Supreme Swordsmanship.

Piaro laughed as the Storm Sword neutralized his strike.

'Huhu, it was offset.'

There were few people who survived against Supreme Swordsmanship 1st style. But Kraugel defended against it. Piaro thought that Kraugel would at least get a serious injury.

'My condition isn't very good right now.'

As a great swordsman, he didn't cling to weapons or armor. He didn't feel the need to rely on tools. But at this moment, he felt regret about his tools. If he had been armed with a better sword, would the Supreme Swordsmanship 1st style be able to be blocked?

Shake shake.

Piaro shook off his thoughts.

'Muller wouldn't blame his tools.'

It was laughable that a person aiming to be a sword saint would blame his tools. The purpose of this duel wasn't a one-sided victory. It was something that would assist his growth. He should be happy if his opponent held on for a long time.

'This technique is relentless.'

The remnants of the Storm Sword persistently clung to Piaro. Piaro had to waste time to defeat these persistent fragments and Kraugel didn't miss this gap. He used Mole Ascension.

Pahat!

White Fang moved through the earth. Piaro also didn't stay still. He responded with Supreme Swordsmanship, 5th style.

Pachichik!

Colorless energy unfolded around him like a spider web. It destroyed the remnants of the Storm Sword, while at the same time, neutralizing Mole Ascension and covering Kraugel.

'Nine.'

Kraugel grasped the number of invisible energy. It was because of the power of Keen Senses.

'I can't block all of them.' 

Kraugel's brain rotation speed was unmatched. He determined his actions quickly and protected his vital spots. 

[You have suffered 8,830 damage.]

[You have suffered 9,200 damage.]

[You have suffered 9,050 damage.]

‘The damage is more than expected.'

The legendary armor and artifacts that he gathered while raiding a lot of boss monsters weren't much help. Piaro had a power that made defense useless. Kraugel endured the pain and didn't delay his next attack. It was his turn to take off some flesh and bones.

"Moonrise Sword."

It was a skill that exerted its full power under the light of the full moon. But he was currently in a predicament and couldn't afford to not use it. The moon moved behind the sun.

Susuk. Sususuk.

Kraugel accelerated and activated the stealth function in the blazing sunlight. It was the effect of the white light, which utilized the refraction of light. Kraugel had amazing control skills, so this technique was perfect in his hands.

'Hah.'

Piaro had to concentrate in order to not miss the disappearing Kraugel. However, Kraugel wasn't emitting any energy. As soon as he disappeared from view, Piaro couldn't detect him. It was the moment when the man who reached the peak of two billion users met the strongest swordsman on the continent.

Piaro was tense. This was the first time he sweated in a long time. White Fang penetrated through his qi defense.

[You have dealt 12,400 damage to the target.]

The attack hit, but Kraugel's expression wasn't good.

'I can only deal this much damage, despite attacking a person wearing no armor… I could only exert 30% of my power.’

Kraugel was regretful about his attack. But he believed that he could change the flow with this. He went on the offensive against Piaro.  However, the power of Supreme Swordsmanship was scary.

Piaro's sword started to intentionally harmonize with Kraugel's blade. Kraugel was forced back by the sword and forced to feel like he was caught in a large spider web. He couldn't even unfold his swordsmanship.

'Calm down. It doesn't matter if his swordsmanship style is stronger than mine.'

Kwaduduk!

Kraugel was aware of it. The world was wide and there were many monsters. He might be the strongest among users, but he knew that there were stronger monsters and NPCs that could trample on him. He was prepared to taste the bitter sense of defeat at any time. But he never dreamt that one day he would be defeated by a farmer.

‘No, it hasn't been decided yet.'

Kraugel tried to suppress his sense of defeat. Piaro used the Supreme Swordsmanship, 3rd style. It wasn't a speed that could be followed with the eyes. A normal person wouldn't have been able to cope and would've been pierced through the heart.

But Kraugel was successful in responding. He instantly twisted White Fang.

Jjejeong!

The moment he defended against the attack, Kraugel realized that he had made a mistake.

'Force palm?'

Peeng!

Qi was delivered through White Fang. Blood poured out from Kraugel's mouth.

[You have suffered 18,900 damage.]

He lost half of his life. Fortunately, Piaro had discarded his sword. If it had been a sword then it wouldn't have ended well.

'I have half my mana left.'

He needed to arrange his power. Kraugel had many powerful sword skills such as Meteor Sword, Storm Sword and Moonrise.

Flash!

One of the ultimate skills of a White Swordsman, White Light Sword, generated a brilliant light. Piaro was disappointed as he lost sight of him. A white light covered him. Piaro felt a sense of crisis and shouted.

"Supreme Swordsmanship 4th Style!"

Something terrific happened. White Fang, which should've pierced Piaro, was sucked towards something like a magnet. The momentum of White Light Sword naturally collapsed.

Kudududuk!

Piaro's discarded sword attracted White Fang using a magnetic force.

'I can't resist this force…!'

The magnetic force was too strong, and control was useless. There were few options left for Kraugel. He couldn't lose this weapon, so he was forced to use 'Tearing the Sky.'  Tearing the Sky was another one of the White Swordsman's ultimate moves. It consumed a lot of mana, so it was a skill he was reluctant to use.

Kwajajak! Kwajajajajak!

White Fang was surrounded by the claws of a beast and started to resist the magnetic force, tearing it up. The skill proved why it was called Tearing the Sky.

[The durability of the White Fang has decreased by 213.]

'This is nonsense.'

His weapon's durability had decreased by two-thirds at once. This was dangerous. He hadn't been able to repair it for 10 days, so the low durability caused it to shine red. It might break if he kept on fighting.

'Even my mana is at the bottom. Meanwhile, my opponent is fine.'

Piaro only lost one-fifth of his health from the attack. Moreover, he seemed to have a lot of cards left.

'Should I just stick with it?'

If he bought the Sweet Candy from the Reputation Store, all his stats would increase by 30% for 10 minutes. It might be a 30% increase, but his overall combat strength would become approximately twice as high. If he opened up the 'Super Sensitivity' effect, he might be able equal Piaro.

'No, maybe I can win.'

But there was no need to take it that far.

'There is no reason to take a loss in a fight where I have nothing to gain.'

The Sweet Candy was something he used in the Drasion raid.

Muller defeated Drasion, Hell Gao, Lepir, and Kurson, so there were 29 great demons left. He didn't want to waste the candy that he reserved for use against dragon raids or the 29 great demons.

In the end, Kraugel made a reasonable choice. He admitted defeat.

“It's my defeat.”

It was an absurd development.  He never imagined that he would be defeated in a city he stopped at to dispose of his loot.

Piaro shook hands with Kraugel and said. “It was a good fight.”

"Why aren't you killing me?"

Kraugel questioned, making Piaro click his tongue.

"I'm not crazy. Why would I kill a person for no reason? You would've died if I wanted to kill you."

He had the skill Fated to Perish. Kraugel couldn't believe his ears.

“You seemed to be filled with killing intent."

Piaro picked up the sword he threw to one side of the wheat field and apologized.

"I wanted it to be a sincere fight. I’m sorry.”

Kraugel asked a question. "What type of person is Duke Grid? Why is a strong person like you acting as a farmer in Reidan?"

It was okay if Piaro was stronger than him. He knew that was reality. However, he couldn't accept this strong person being someone else's subordinate. Aside from the problem of pride, it was too dangerous.

Piaro frankly explained to Kraugel, who had a serious expression. “I’m not Duke Grid's subordinate. I am doing field work as part of training, and I receive a reward for finding water."

“Field work as training?"

Piaro made a proposal to the confused Kraugel.  "Why don't you do it with me? Together, we will be able to quickly grow stronger."

"Together…"

What were they going to do?

'It can't be.'

Kraugel made an uneasy expression. Piaro pointed to Reidan's fields. "Work in the morning, spar in the afternoon."

“…"

"You will really become stronger. Do you want to try it for a month?"

‘It is different.'

A notification window popped up in front of Kraugel, who was going to dismiss it as nonsense.

[A hidden quest has been created.]

'This…'

The quest was amazing. If he practiced together with Piaro, he would be closer to becoming a sword saint.

'A month isn't a short amount of time, but…'

This was an opportunity to go beyond the wall. It was a different concept from simply raising his level, so it was worth investing time into. No, he couldn't miss this. It was a once in a lifetime chance at a jackpot. 

“I understand. I will stay with you for the moment."

[The quest has been accepted.]

On this day.

A good farmer was added to Reidan. But this was a minor thing, so it wasn't reported to the higher ups.  Grid was currently in the empire, while the Overgeared members weren't present due to the mine development mission or raids.

Grid and the Overgeared members didn't know that the first ranked user was growing the food they were going to eat.

OG: 

Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.

Chapter 243

The shortest distance from Reidan to Titan was via Viscount Welkun's territory. But Grid headed there through Earl Zebra's territory. It was a huge delay of 10 days, but he didn't mind.

'Lauel told me to stop here and get the Slaughterer's Eye Patch.'

Do so through any means, he had added. It meant the item called the Slaughterer's Eye Patch had great value.

‘Slaughterer.'

According to Lauel, the Slaughterer was an inhabitant of Earl Zebra's underground area. Earl Zebra's hobby was the torture and gruesome killing of half human, half beast species.

'But it was impossible to control.' 

Half human, half beast. Depending on the circumstances of this species' growth, they could be either human or beast. It was a natural result that one of them would become an evil beast from Earl Zebra's brutal actions.

'I will know what type of person he is when we meet.'

Grid focused on hunting for four days and decreased his infamy, allowing him to move on.

***

'This is a bad place.'

Earl Zebra's castle.

The entrance was exceptionally dark and desolate, reminding Grid of the entrance to a dungeon. It felt like once he entered, he wouldn't be able to get out again. It was a very bold person who would be able to step in here.

But Grid didn't feel any fear. He went forward without any hesitation. As his self-esteem grew, he became less cowardly. He wasn't the same as the person who used to pee at the sight of ghosts.

"Who?"

The soldiers guarding the gate looked at Grid suspiciously. The person was wearing a deep hat that covered his face. Grid took off the hat. His dignity stat was over 1,500 points and he had 25,000 continent reputation, so he was extremely influential. The soldiers seemed to see a halo around Grid. They felt a baseless confidence.

"Where do you come from?"

The soldiers misunderstood Grid as a high-ranking noble of the empire and became polite. This was a familiar transformation.  Grid didn't feel much from it and responded with a nonchalant expression.

"I came to fight against the Slaughterer."

"Heok." The soldiers gulped. This person would fight against the fearsome Slaughterer!

'Furthermore, by himself?'

'The others all tried to bring more companions…'

"Are you serious?"

The soldiers asked with disbelieving expressions and Grid nodded.

"That's right."

***

“Hrmm.”

Earl Zebra's body weighed 0.1 tons. It wasn't pleasant to look at his belly fat and greasy face. He stroked his droopy chin and looked at Grid before speaking.

“What are you?"

Earl Zebra was competent and ordinary. He had no apparent talents. He became an earl because he inherited it from his father, just as his father did. But his eyes were good at looking at people. He often mingled with high-ranking nobles in the social circles, so he could feel the dignity coming from the other person.

In his view, Grid had a dignity compared to the royal family. 

'However, he isn't any royal member that I know.’

In the first place, why would royalty come to this area to try and fight a monster? The royal family were like gods in this world, so it was natural for them to pursue safety.

'Royalty from a foreign kingdom?'

Grid replied to Earl Zebra.

“I am someone who will solve your problem. Isn't that enough?"

"Hah."

It was truly a cheeky tone. Earl Zebra didn't like it, as well as the fact that Grid didn't disclose his identity. But he didn't feel the need to dwell on it.

'Anyway, he will die.'

The Slaughter had evolved into an evil beast half a year ago. Like every day, Earl Zebra was torturing and killing somebody when a man watching the scene suddenly trembled and transformed. Now an uncontrollable monster lived under the castle.

It was serious. Earl Zebra was keen to defeat it. He used the most powerful knights and magicians in his family, hired top-ranking mercenaries and even recruited adventurers. But in the end, he failed.

So far, the number of people who had attempted to defeat the Slaughterer was over 800, and all 800 of them had died. That Slaughterer was strong. In addition, there was a problem with the environment. The basement was narrow and the Slaughterer was large.

The maximum number of people allowed in the basement was three. It was the crucial reason why the strongest knights and magicians in his family couldn't kill the Slaughterer. It was impossible for only three people to get rid of the Slaughterer.

But the black-haired man in front of him was alone.

"Kukukuk. Yes, yes. I understand. It doesn't matter who you are. Just please fix my problem."

The knights had already been killed by the Slaughterer. Four days later, reinforcements from the Red Knights would arrive. Earl Zebra wasn't expecting anything from Grid, so he spoke vaguely.

Then a quest window appeared in front of Grid.

[Fight the Slaughterer]

Difficulty: S+

In the past, Earl Zebra found a half man, half beast species from the slave market and purchased it. He enjoyed playing with his toy in the basement of the castle as he tortured them.

But eternal joy doesn't exist.

Zebra became bored of torturing stupid monsters who couldn't speak the language, and became addicted to torturing the 'good humans.'

He framed innocent people, made them prisoners, dragged them under the castle, tortured them, then killed them.

The half man, half beast watched this every day and became frightened, finally showing self-protective instincts. He opened the strength of an evil beast.

The Slaughterer has been subjected to numerous tortures and has the ability to grasp humans.

He is strong and dangerous.

He will become a great disaster someday if left unchecked now.

Quest Clear Conditions: Slaughterer's death.

Quest Clear Rewards: Black Quartz Earrings.

Quest Failure: Level -6. Reputation throughout the continent – 1,000.

'S+.'

It meant it was extremely difficult compared to S-grade quests. He heard that the number of participants who could participate in this quest was only three.

'Lauel said that the Slaughterer can't be defeated unless Pon, Regas and Faker formed a team.'

But.

'I think you can clear it alone.'

Lauel was always a reasonable person. Grid could trust his words.

"Let's go."

"Yes."

The soldiers guided Grid down to the basement. They walked down a narrow staircase for three minutes before arriving in front of an iron door that was firmly closed.

"O-Over here."

The sound of the Slaughterer breathing could be heard, so a soldier opened the lock with trembling hands. Then the soldiers ran away before the iron door opened. Grid was left alone.

'No matter how strong, you must be weaker than Hell Gao.'

He had experience fighting against the strong evil aura of Hell Gao, a great demon. He acquired two new sword techniques. His control skills were rapidly rising due to Noe and Randy. Grid was in his strongest state since starting Satisfy.  The greatness he showed the world at the National Competition? The Grid at that time was nothing compared to the current Grid.

Step step.

Grid listened to the sound of his footsteps echoing in the basement. The sound of the Slaughterer also entered his ears.

Kuoooh!

The Slaughterer's appearance was horrible and sad. His skin was peeled off and rusted metal pieces were embedded deeply inside his body. There were also pieces of flesh out of place. These were signs of Earl Zebra's torture. His face couldn't be identified because he was wearing a mask, but he had an eye patch and only one eyeball.

"Poor fellow. I will kill you quickly so that you don't suffer anymore."

Grid pulled out two greatswords. A blue greatsword in his right hand and a jade greatsword in his left.

[The +9 Failure has been equipped. Due to the effect of orichalcum, your damage has risen by 30% in this dark place.]

[The +8 Doppelganger's Greatsword has been equipped. One 50% of the weapon's attack power is applied due to the double wielding penalty.]

Kuaaaaah!

The Slaughterer roared. When it saw the weapons, it was reminded of its nightmarish days of being tortured.

[The cry of the Slaughterer has caused fear.]

[You have resisted.]

[The persistent eyes of the Slaughterer will penetrate through your weaknesses.]

[You have resisted.]

Kung kung!

The Slaughterer rushed with its massive body. Then it randomly swung its weapon.

'How crude.'

Grid had fought Randy, who copied Pagma's power, a total of 83 times. In the end, the Slaughterer couldn't pose a threat compared to the Slaughterer.

Chengkang!

The jade greatsword blocked off the path.

Puok!

The blue greatsword pierced the heart of the Slaughterer. The thing that should be noted here was that it wasn't one strike. Grid smashed the flesh of the Slaughterer with his weapons.

Kuaaaang!

The Slaughterer cried like a child struggling with pain. Grid cut the lower part of the Slaughterer with the jade greatsword while he used Pinnacle with the blue greatsword. The blue greatsword fell like a thunderbolt towards the Slaughterer's chest. The rotten blood mixed with pus splattered out and covered one wall of the basement.

The Slaughterer was filled with rage. Why did he have to always suffer like this? He didn't want to be born a monster! The Slaughterer seemed to be crying out. As hiss weapon fell towards Grid's head…

Chaaeng!

Randy appeared in the shape of Grid and used Revolve.

"Let's finish this."

Suuuk.

Seven blades spread out in the air. The golden blades shone brilliantly in the dark basement and poured towards the Slaughterer. Noe was also active.

“I’m going to eat! Nyang!"

The huge mouth swallowed up the Slaughterer.

[Strength has increased by 1,831.]

Grid was reinforced by the stats received from Noe, and used Pagma's Swordsmanship, Linked Kill.

The option effect of the Doppelganger's Greatsword was applied, giving him a 20% increase in his skill damage. In addition, the 'Five Joint Attack's option effect of Failure and the Holy Light Gloves were activated. Therefore, Link Kill was reborn a his strongest skill.

[You have killed the Slaughterer.]

[108,950,109 experience has been acquired.] One-third of this will each be distributed equally to Noe and Randy.]

[The Slaughterer's Eye Patch  has been acquired.]

[The Slaughterer's Mask has been acquired.]

[Three weapon enhancement stones have been acquired.]

[A Blessed Weapon Enhancement Stone has been acquired.]

The Slaughterer's eternal pain ended. Grid appraised the items that were dropped and understood why Lauel told him to come here.

OG: 

Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.

Chapter 244

The material and shape of the Slaughterer's Eye Patch looked ordinary. It was just a black eye patch made of leather.  Nothing special could be seen about the eye patch. The Grid of the past would've complained before appraising it.

"This is shit! I wasted 10 days just trying to get an eyepatch? Damn! What is this? Lauel, you $%!#$!"

He would say. He would throw a tantrum. But Grid was no longer so immature.

'Lauel wouldn't advise me to get this for nothing.'

There must be something about the item. An item wasn't something that could be distinguished with just the appearance. Grid had high expectations.

"Legendary Blacksmith's Appraisal."

[The blacksmith who became a legend can appraise items with an excellent discerning eye. If a hidden feature exists in the target item, it will be found.]

Ttiring~

[Slaughterer's Eye Patch]

Rating: Unique

Durability: 7/7

* The skill 'Vital Spot Detection' will be generated.

The Slaughterer was tortured for a long time. He was also forced to watch the torture of countless people. 

As a result, he has a high grasp of vital spots.

This eyepatch has been used by the Slaughterer for a long time and gained this ability.

Conditions of Use: None.

Weight: 0.1

[You have discovered a hidden feature in the item!]

[This is an item with a grudge. The wearer will be dominated by the impulse to kill and will become a reckless murderer.]

Curse. It was a cursed item. It was impossible to play the game normally if he was a senseless murderer. But Grid didn't care. Curse? He could just resist it.

“Lauel, this nice guy."

Grid was thrilled. He wanted to summon Lauel right now and embrace him. The Slaughterer's Eye Patch was a good item. No, it wasn't just at the level of good. It was an item that helped Pagma’s Descendant take off the 'limit.'

'I didn't think I would get Vital Spot Detection.'

Vital Spot Detection. It was a top grade passive skill that only a small number of classes optimized for battle would acquire. The function was simple. As the name suggested, it identified the opponent's vital spots. 

But this simple function had enormous power. If the vital spot was hit correctly, the probability of a critical hit would increase, causing bleeding, paralysis and other conditions. In other words, it meant that his attack power would increase dramatically.

'Lauel, he got something huge from Haynes.'

First ranked monster discerner, Haynes. He was able to predict the items that monsters would drop based on their characteristics. If Minor was a minerals detector, Haynes was an item detector.

'Lauel would've paid a lot of money to get this information from Haynes.’

Grid realized that Lauel's heart was deepening. He worked hard to overcome his master's weakness, so Grid's liking towards him increased.

'Lauel is busy with acting as the lord… I must surely reward his hard work.'

Grid promised happily as he wore the eye patch. Then something interesting happened. The left eye, covered by an eye patch, started to emit a dim red light. It was so weak that it was hardly noticeable in a bright place. However, it was clearly visible in dark spaces like this basement. 

Lauel would be very excited when he saw this.

[Your hatred for humans is growing. You are filled with the urge to murder someone.]

[You have resisted.]

Grid was being provided a new perspective. Randy stood beside him and Grid could clearly see the 'core' of the doppelganger. It wasn't precise, but it was powerful enough to be able to grasp the target's vital points.

'I was worried that the vision on one side would be obscured. Fortunately, that isn't the case.'

It was a perfect artifact. Of course, that was on the assumption that the murderous impulse curse could be suppressed. Grid's joy was comparable to when he raided the pope and acquired the Holy Light set.

"Then…" Grid watched Noe. He had a cute tail of modest length. A white part at the end looked like a flower. “Your tail is your weakness…"

“I am the best demonic beast of hell. I don't have a weakness! Nyang!"

Noe bluffed and raised his palms. He seemed to be bewildered at his weakness being seen through. Grid thought about making Noe an armor to defend his tail. Then he turned his attention to another item dropped by the Slaughterer.

The Slaughterer's Mask. It was an iron mask designed to cover the right half of the face.

'The material is black iron.'

Unlike ordinary masks, this one was made from a good mineral. However, the design was dismal. The crying eye shape seemed the opposite of the smiling mouth shape. It looked like a clown's mask. There were even a few teardrops carved into it.

'I didn't hear anything about this mask.'

It was probably a small item that wasn't worth emphasizing. Grid didn't have much expectations.

"Legendary Blacksmith's Appraisal."

Ttiring~

[The Slaughterer's Mask]

Rating: Legendary

Durability: 39/39     Defense: 21

* The skill 'Evil Spirit's Bloody Tears' will be generated.

It is a mask that reflects the sadness of the Slaughterer, a being who lived a painful life just before he was born as a half man, half beast.

Conditions of Use: None.

Weight: 55

[You have discovered a hidden feature in the item!]

[This is an item with a grudge.  The wearer will be dominated by the impulse to kill and will become a reckless murderer.]

[Evil Spirit's Bloody Tears]

When hit, there is a 8% chance of releasing a blood flow. The ejected blood will paint the Slaughterer's mask with blood. When this happens 10 times, the mask will turn a distinct red.

At that time, the wearer's attack power will increase by 50% for 5 seconds.

"Crazy." He reflexively exclaimed.

Grid was astonished. Evil Spirit's Bloody Tears. It might be a conditionally triggered skill, but its power was excellent. It was a fraudulent skill. It was a legendary rated artifact.

'Lauel didn't mention this item because he didn't know.'

It was proof that Haynes was still lacking. As a result, it was a huge profit. If Haynes knew about the existence of this mask, Lauel would've had to pay a bigger fee.

"Kukukuk."

Grid couldn't help laughing. Half his face was covered with a black mask and his left eye shone red, making him look like a demon. The level of oppression was much higher than when he wore the Frostlight Orc Chief's Helmet in the past.

Lauel would be shocked if he saw it.

***

"T-This…"

Earl Zebra ran after hearing the news and couldn't believe the scene in front of him. The undefeatable Slaughterer was dead, leaving only a few body parts behind. This was caused by only one person!

"W-Who are you? Heok?"

Was this really the skills of a human? Zebra gulped after asking the question. He was frightened after seeing Grid in the bizarre mask and eye patch.

'There is a red light in his eyes…'

He didn't look like a human being at all. Maybe he was a real demon? Grid reached out to Earl Zebra.

"Give me the earrings."

"U-Understood!"

Earl Zebra handed his most prized treasure to Grid.  The Black Quartz Earrings increased the wearer's intelligence by 15%.  It was a beautiful treasure that had been passed down through his family for generations. He never thought there would come a day when he would really give this to someone. Now it was wasted.

'I was supposed to give this to the knights who are coming to kill the Slaughterer… Shit, I need to send assassins after this guy.'

Earl Zebra's greed caused him to make a wicked plan. But who was the greedy one? It was Grid. Grid could read Earl Zebra's eyes instantly.

'This ridiculous guy.'

Pisik.

Grid smirked. Then Earl Ashur asked him.

"W-Why are you suddenly smiling?"

"Cute."

"What…?"

Earl Zebra's face filled with anger. He was an earl of the great empire and over 40 years old, yet he was called cute? As if he was a pet? This was an obvious taunt.

'This insane bastard!'

Earl Zebra didn't like Grid at all. From the beginning, this young man had a nasty spirit. Earl Zebra wanted to brutally torture and kill Grid.

"T-Thank you."

However, Earl Zebra had difficulty meeting the eyes of Grid, who killed the Slaughterer alone. First, he just wanted Grid to get lost. Grid equipped the Black Quartz Earrings.

[Intelligence will increase by 15%.]

'This is the reward for a S+ grade quest.'

In fact, an accessory that increased intelligence by 15% was very valuable. Any magician would covet it. But thanks to the effects of all types of titles, Grid's intelligence already exceeded 1,000 and he didn't need it. He was able to have enough mana to use all his skills and didn't use Dainsleif anymore, so magic power wasn't that important.

'I will use this until I can find a craftsman who can make an accessory out of blue orichalcum.'

Grid threw a question to Earl Zebra, who was avoiding his gaze.

“Do you think about weak people?"

"…?"

It was a confusing question. Earl Zebra wanted this ghastly man to disappear. But he didn't dare express his heart.

“That is something I don't know."

He was a powerful man, born as the son of an earl. Tens of thousands of people bowed before him, and thousands of soldiers obeyed him. Weak? He had no interest in such things.

Grid nodded. "Right. You wouldn't know about such a thing.”

He was never subjected to one-sided bullying. Grid knew there was nothing as painful and terrible as that. He had no desire to save Earl Zebra, who had committed a crime against his people and tortured people for his own entertainment.

"You, aren't you weak?"

The red eyes swept over Earl Ashur's entire body. Zebra's instincts screamed at him and he stepped back.

"W-What? What are you trying to do?"

Grid shrugged.

"What am I doing?"

Then he just left? Earl Zebra was relieved to hear Grid's footsteps leaving. He waited until he couldn't hear the footsteps anymore, before running to someone else.

OG: 

Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.