Overgeared

Chapter 299

The premise of this raid's success was the obstruction of Blood Field. But in the end, that failed. Elfin Stone opened his real power and succeeded in using Blood Field. The chances of this raid succeeding declined exponentially. If Elfin Stone couldn't be defeated in the next three minutes, Grid's party wouldn't be able to avoid annihilation.

'I need more power.'

There was no room to be leisurely. Grid pulled out two accessories from his inventory.

[Dark Bus' Ring]

Rating: Unique

Durability: 15/15

A ring worn by the 7th Yatan Servant, Dark Bus.

The wearer's mana is constantly consumed, and the dispel function will depend on this.

* 50 mana per second will be consumed by the ring. If the consumed mana reaches 5,000 then you can use Skill Deletion twice in 10 minutes.

* If you lose more than 5,000 mana and Skill Deletion isn't used twice within 10 minutes, the ring will overload and explode. At this time, the wearer will suffer a deadly wound and the ring is permanently destroyed.

* Within 3 minutes of wearing the ring, the ring will disappear if you don't lose more than 5,000 mana.

* Skill Deletion is only used when the hand wearing the ring touches the desired skill.

* Skill Deletion doesn't apply to skills with a continuous effect.

User Restriction: Level 300 or higher.

Weight: 0.1

A thin black ring. There were severe restrictions on the use and the conditions were tricky. In particular, Grid's total mana was only slightly above 4,000. In order to properly use Dark Bus' Ring, he needed to take mana potions and use skills systematically. It definitely hurt in many ways, but…

'The performance is excellent.'

He had mastered the use during the process of beating Kamiyan. Grid wore the ring then pulled out small black earrings.

[Dark Bus' Earrings]

Rating: Legendary

Durability: 55/55

Earrings worn by the 7th Yatan Servant, Dark Bus.

A vehicle to summon a great demon, it has powerful black magic. 

There is enough magic power to control the body and mind of the wearer.

* The skill 'Blackening' can be used every 12 hours.

* The maximum duration of Blackening is 5 minutes.

*The frequent use of Blackening has the potential to awaken you as a non-human being.

User Restriction: Level 300 or higher. Has a reserve of black magic power.

Weight: 0.1

The conditions of user were simple compared to the ring, but it was dangerous.

'I don't mind.'

If he didn't use it now, when would he use it? There was no point saving it. Grid wore the earrings without hesitation. Then he used the new skill he acquired after reaching level 300.

"Item! Combi!! Nation!!!"

Grid was expecting a cool scene from a movie.

Bam bam bam~ baaaam~

He expected a magnificent background music while the two items fused together nicely. But reality was a gutter.

[Take out your hammer and anvil.]

After the notification window emerged, his body moved and pulled out a hammer and anvil. Then…

[Put the two items to be combined on top of the anvil.]

"…?"

It was a completely unexpected coercion. Grid was baffled. However, he couldn’t afford to waste time.  He hurriedly did as the system directed. He placed Lifael's Spear and Failure on top of the anvil.

At that moment.

[Try to combine Lifael's Spear and Failure.]

Ttang! Ttang!

His body moved on its own again. Regardless of his will, Grid started hammering the items. Item Combination was a skill where forced motion was applied.

'I look stupid.'

Squatting and hammering during a battle? What type of skill was this? Grid inwardly cursed.

“This person has become crazy from fear."

“…"

Elfin Stone treated him as a madman. Even the party members had shame in their gazes. Grid felt embarrassed and like it was unfair. A notification window appeared in front of him.

[Analyzing the time required to combine the items. Please wait for a moment.]

[…3]

1

[…1]

Ttiring~

[The analysis has succeeded! It will take 43 seconds to combine Lifael's Spear and Failure.]

[Keep hammering for 43 seconds.]

'This is crazy!'

A chill went down Grid's spine. He had to hammer for 43 seconds during a battle? Wasn't it asking the enemy to eat him? Furthermore, the opponent was the strongest boss.

'This is bad.'

The party members asked the pale Grid.

{What are you doing? Why are you hammering? Did you eat something bad?}

{Grid, no matter how desperate the situation, calm down and act wisely.}

He was treated as a completely crazy person. Grid explained the situation.

{These are the motions of a newly acquired skill. I need you to buy me 40 seconds.}

{…}

The party members frowned. A skill that had forced motions during a battle. It was also 40 seconds? It just sounded like nonsense. However, there was no reason for Grid to be joking. The party members checked on Elfin Stone.

Elfin Stone kept an eye on Grid.

"It's suspicious."

The blue greatsword and golden spear emitted a strong aura every time Grid hammered. Elfin Stone was nervous.

“I don't know what you're doing, but I won't let you."

Kurururung.

Powerful magic started to concentrate on the blood-drenched ground. It was the forerunner of Blood Wave, a magic linked with Blood Field.

"Protect Grid!"

On this cracking ground, the wave of magic power aimed at Grid. Zednos detected this and acted to protect Grid.

"Do you think you can stop me?"

Elfin Stone was overflowing with confidence. He had absolutely faith in himself now that Blood Field was deployed. And the reason for his faith was shown as the magic was deployed.

Kwa kwa kwa kwang!

Waves of red magic sprang from the ground and flooded towards the Overgeared members. Vantner used Thousand Shields and Zednos triggered Wind Curtain. The two skills boasted excellent magic resistance, but it wasn't enough to handle Blood Wave.

Pepeng!

Kwa kwa kwa kwang!

“Aack!”

"Ah! I will die!"

Thousand Shields shattered while Wind Curtain was scattered like an illusion. Vantner and Zednos were hit by Blood Wave and fell down. Blood Wave continued despite the actions of the two men.

The goal was Grid. Peak Sword interrupted.

“Draw Sword, Annihilate."

Seokeok!

The moment Peak Sword drew his sword, light gleamed and crossed Blood Wave. It was possible because Blood Wave's power was weakened by Vantner and Zednos' sacrifice.

"Okay! Eek?"

He protected God Grid! Peak Sword's excited face suddenly distorted with pain. It was because his thighs were pierced by red thorns that emerged at his feet.

"Shit!"

Peak Sword's movement speed significantly reduced. Elfin Stone moved past him.

"You…!"

Peak Sword couldn't let him pass and put a hand on his sheath again.

[You have suffered 9,980 damage.]

“Kuaaaaak!”

The notification window was accompanied by intense pain. He wasn't able to recognize it, but he was hit by Iyarugt.

“It's natural to kneel before me."

Elfin Stone checked that Peak Sword was down and got closer to Grid. Grid saw it and checked the remaining time.

[27 seconds until the items are combined.]

'Should I cancel the skill?'

No, he couldn't do that now. He would believe in his companions and wait.

"Don't go."

In response to Grid's belief, the duo of Pon and Regas blocked Elfin Stone's path.

Pepeng!

Pepepepeok!

The spear and unpredictable attacks aimed at Elfin Stone. But Elfin Stone was freed from Lifael's Spear, so he could avoid their attacks by turning into smoke.

"Shouldn't you understand the subject?"

Sususuk.

Elfin Stone's body scattered as smoke before returning to its original form. The location was behind Pon and Regas.

"Ghost!"

The scared Pon and Regas aimed their spears and fists behind them. However, Iyarugt was faster.

Seokeok!

"Keook!"

“Kkuk…!"

The red sword slashed at Pon and Regas' chest. The two people suffered huge damage and had to take a health potion. However, only 20% of the potion's effect was applied thanks to the influence of Blood Field.

Pahat!

Faker appeared behind Elfin Stone, who was trying to deal the finishing blow to the duo. Elfin Stone was always hit by Faker's surprise attack, but now he was different. Faker's swiftness and stealth were useless in front of the fully powered Elfin Stone.

"Blood Tornado."

Kwa kwa kwa kwang!

Blood winds stirred around Elfin Stone's body. Faker wasn't able to attack Elfin Stone and was blown away.

"Too strong."

Jishuka bit her lip as she fired arrows to cover her companions. Elfin Stone was too strong. She didn't know how to deal with him.

“Kuhahahaha!"

Elfin Stone ran wild like a fish that met water and finally burst out laughing. He felt great pleasure in knocking down the humans who dared threaten him.

"Now! Only the two of you are left!"

Grid was still hammering and Jishuka was protecting him. Elfin Stone's gaze was fixed on both of them. Around him were the collapsed Overgeared members. Blood Field was constantly taking their health and they would die within a minute.

"I will eat until I'm satisfied!"

Teong!

Elfin Stone leapt energetically and narrowed the distant to Grid and Jishuka instantly. Jishuka used Multi-shot and Dancing Arrows to try and slow Elfin Stone's momentum, but it was wishful thinking.

Seokeok!

Blood rose from Jishuka's smooth shoulders and Elfin Stone finally reached Grid.

“Iyarugt!"

Kiing!

The red Iyarugt responded to Elfin Stone's call and aimed for Grid. At the same time, the sword emanated an abnormal sharpness that seemed like it would stab right through Grid's armor.

"This is the end!"

Ttang! Ttang!

Grid was still hammering. Iyarugt was bound to be stabbed into his neck. The Overgeared members closed their eyes.

'This is the end.'

They didn't know what the newly acquired skill was, but it wouldn't work since it took too long to activate. It was over. The Overgeared members were desperate while Elfin Stone was delighted.

[The items have successfully combined!]

The notification window he had been waiting for finally appeared. A smile appeared on Grid's face.

"Blackening."

Kuwaaaang!

Black magic exploded.

'This power…!'

Amazement appeared on Elfin Stone's face.

Peeeeeong!

The gold-blue greatsword collided with Iyarugt and the earth shook. The ensuing blood that scattered came from Elfin Stone.

OG: 

Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.

.. ↩

Chapter 300

[The items have successfully combined!]

[(Combination) Failure + Lifael's Spear]

Rating: Legendary (Transcendent)

Durability: Infinite

Attack Power: 1,100~2,390   Defense: 100

* Agility +100

* Divine Power +400

* Fixed damage of +2,200 on each attack.

* There is a certain probability of activating the 'Light Wheel' skill.

* Attack power +30% against those with black magic power.  

* There is a certain probability of blocking the enemy's attacks.

* There is a high probability of activating the '5 Joint Attacks' skill.

* The skill 'Bisect' will be generated.

* There will be a fear effect if the enemy is more than 15 levels lower than the user.

* Attack power +30% in dark places.

A weapon that maximizes the merits of the legendary rated 'Failure' and 'Lifael's Spear (Reproduction)' after being combined by the legendary blacksmith G.

Conditions of Use: Pagma's Descendant

* The combination time is 2 minutes.

* This item can't be traded.

'Transcendent legendary…!'

The result was more than expected. The performance of Failure + Lifael's Spear was close to a mythical weapon. It was safe to say that Item Combination was one of Pagma's Descendant's ultimate techniques.

'It is a pity that the combination time is only 2 minutes.'

Anyway, this battle would be decided within a short amount of time. Elfin Stone would either be killed in two minutes, or Grid's party would be wiped out. This was the only outcome now that Blood Field was deployed.

Grid held the golden Failure. He revealed his power.

"Blackening."

Kuwaaaang!

Black magic stirred as Grid's skin became pale and the whites of his eyes turned black.

[Your black magic power has increased.] 

[You don't have any black magic power. It will be replaced with demonic power.]

[While Blackening is activated, your species will change to half-demon.]

[As a half demon, your maximum health is reduced by 50%. Your attack power, magic power and agility will increased by 20% each.]

[All attacks will be converted to the black magic attribute.]

Blackening was a skill that greatly increased his combat related stats in return for half of his maximum health.  Grid felt strength boiling inside him. However, his status was a little strange. His heart rate elevated and he had an excruciating headache. it was hard to breathe through the pain in his head.

'Why?'

A notification window popped up the moment Grid felt doubts.

[Your demonic force and divine power of the weapon opposes each other.]

[The divine power of (Combination) Failure + Lifael's Spear has doubled the strength of the demonic power.]

[All your attacks will have both demonic and divine power at the same time.]

[Whenever you hit a target with an attack, there is a clash between the demonic power and divine power, causing an explosion.]

[The demonic power will increase the power of Blackening by devouring the divine power.]

[Maximum health will drop by 50%. Your attack power, magic power and agility will increased by 10% each.]

It was an obvious mistake. He was so focused on gaining power to overcome the crisis that he didn't consider the compatibility of Lifael's Spear and Blackening.

"Ack…!"

The headache was getting worse. Iyarugt came running at his neck.

Chaaeng!

Failure's blade had a small blade reminiscent of a shark's fin attached to it. It blocked Iyarugt's sword. Grid didn't intentionally use his swordsmanship, relying on the power of the items.

[The option effect of (Combination) Failure + Lifael's Spear has been activated in order to block the enemy's attack.]

Kwaang!

A dark explosion occurred at the point where the two swords hit each other. Both Grid and Elfin Stone suffered damage.

[You have suffered 5,300 damage.]

[You have dealt 15,900 damage to the target.]

It was an explosion that contained demonic and divine power. Unlike Grid who had a certain resistance to both attributes and the Holy Light Armor which reduced magic damage, Elfin Stone was vulnerable to divine power and suffered greatly.

But the result wasn't good for Grid either. Grid's maximum health had fallen to 16,000 points, so 5,300 damage was fatal to him. Meanwhile, Elfin Stone's current health was 4 million. From his standpoint, the damage from the explosion wasn't that threatening.

However, Elfin Stone didn't know this about Grid. He thought Grid intentionally caused the explosion and felt a chill.

'Is this really a human?'

A human manifested demonic power and divine power while exerting a physical ability that was comparable to a True Blood earl. It was both transcendent and strange.

"What the hell is your identity?"

“…"

Grid didn't say anything. To be precise, he had no room to speak. He was barely maintaining his reason with this severe headache.

“Kuaaaah!”

It was like the roar of a beast. Grid approached Elfin Stone and used Kill. The speed and damage wasn't comparable to the past. It was a tremendous level. It was a fearful attack. Elfin Stone moved with all his might and succeeded in evading Kill.

‘Dammit!’

Elfin Stone sweated as he barely avoided the attack.

'I felt fear!'

He was a direct descendant of Shizo Beriache.  Yet he was scared of this unknown human?

'I can't tolerate it.'

Embarrassment boiled inside him.

Kwaduduk!

Elfin Stone widened the distance with Grid. If the two swords collided with each other, there would be an explosion. So he tried to use magic so that he wouldn't be damaged.

This was a big mistake. Grid had Pagma's Swordsmanship, Transcend. He was able to switch to ranged attacks and thus was safe from the explosion that occurred every time the attack hit the distant target.

Pepepepeok!

Explosions kept occurring around Elfin Stone as he was hit by a bombardment of energy blades.

[You have dealt 15,760 damage to the target.]

[You have dealt 16,400 damage to the target.]

[Lifael's Spear's option effect is activated, causing the skill 'Light Wheel' to be generated.]

[You have dealt 82,900 damage to the target.]

[The option effect of (Combination) Failure + Lifael's Spear is activated, causing the skill '5 Joint Attacks' to be generated.]

[You have dealt 60,040 damage to the target.]

“Kuaaaack!”

Elfin Stone let out a horrible shriek. The heavy onslaught and explosion of black light contained a destructive power that even a vampire earl couldn't ignore.

"Wow…"

"Really strong."

"…It's terrifying."

The Overgeared members were stunned. They might be in the top 20 rankings, the attack power shown by Grid was different.

'Maybe. Maybe this…'

At this moment, wasn't Grid comparable to Kraugel? Pon had encountered Kraugel in the past and knew his strength. Just as he was thinking that.

"Shit! Shitt!"

Elfin Stone started cursing. It wasn't possible to turn to smoke due to the divine power in Grid's attacks, while Blood Shield couldn't completely protect his body from the damage of the explosions.

'In the first place, it was wrong for me to move back!'

Elfin Stone belatedly realized and changed his posture. Anyway, it was meaningless to defend so he planned to confront Grid with force. It was both his pride and a wise judgment.

Kuwooooh!

Elfin Stone's scattered blood gathered in one place. Then the blood turned into a spear and shot towards Grid.

“Heart Seeker!"

Peeeeeong!

Heart Seeker was a targeted skill that unconditionally hit the target. It was a definite death sentence. The strength surpassed Extreme Blood Transfusion, but Elfin Stone was reluctant to use it because it consumed his health. The fact that Elfin Stone used Heart Seeker meant he recognized that Grid was strong.

Kiiiing.

It was an absolute majesty. The bloody spear penetrated straight through Grid's bombardment of Transcend and Blacksmith's Rage. Then…

Puoook!

"Grid!"

The Overgeared members paled from fear. Grid failed to respond to the spear and it pierced his heart.

"Cough!"

Red blood poured from Grid's nose and mouth. Elfin Stone wasn't careless.

'He survived the Extreme Blood Transfusion’

Confirmation was necessary. Elfin Stone once again used another spell despite already consuming a large amount of health and magic power.

"Blood Wave!"

Kwa kwa kwa kwang!

Blood Wave shot towards Grid. A smile appeared on Elfin Stone's mouth as he confirmed that Grid was about to be hit by it.

"Pagma's Swordsmanship…"

"…!"

Grid used the Skill Deletion of Dark Bus' Ring and penetrated through Blood Wave to reach Elfin Stone. Elfin Stone tried to hinder Grid by hurriedly deploying Blood Thorn. However, Grid used the left and right movements of Link to avoid most of the thorns coming from the ground.

"Damn bastard!"

Elfin Stone shot out Blood Laser. It was blood magic that penetrated through a narrow range. But Grid waved his hand and destroyed it. He actively utilized Dark Bus' Ring.

"This is nonsense!"

Elfin Stone was alarmed by the sight! In the end, Grid narrowed down the distance, avoiding Iyarugt with the footwork of Kill. Then he used his best skill.

"Linked Kill."

Kuwooooh!

Both black and gold light shot out like fireworks.

Chaaeng!

Elfin Stone used Iyarugt to resist the first strike of Linked Kill. But the explosion that occurred afterwards was the problem.

"Kuk!"

Elfin Stone shook. It was the same with Grid. Elfin Stone was the one who fixed his posture first. It was close, but this difference could be huge in battle. Iyarugt aimed for Grid's heart. Grid's immortal passive was activated after Heart Seeker, so this was a tremendous crisis from Grid's standpoint.

'I can't lose after coming this far.'

Grid didn't give up. He might die but he continued to use Linked Kill. And he received a reward for this.

[The option effect of (Combination) Failure + Lifael's Spear is activated, causing the skill 'Light Wheel' to be generated.]

It was a skill that unfolded at an exquisite moment. Thanks to that, Linked Kill's thrust quickly changed. Elfin Stone exposed a gap after aiming Iyarugt at Grid, and was wounded instead.

[Critical!] 

[You have dealt 304,600 damage to the target.]

'Unbelievable!'

The magic sword Iyarugt made the wearer into a master of swordsmanship. But what was this sword technique? Elfin Stone staggered from the shock and was struck by the third consecutive Linked Kill. 

Puok!

[You have dealt 119,400 damage to the target.]

Next was the fourth blow.

[You have dealt 122,000 damage to the target.]

Then the fifth.

[The Holy Light Gloves's option effect is activated, causing the skill '5 Joint Attacks' to be generated.]

[You have dealt 608,500 damage to the target.]

The sixth blow.

[Critical!]

[The Holy Light Gloves's option effect is activated, causing the skill '5 Joint Attacks' to be generated.]

[Lifael's Spear's option effect is activated, causing the skill 'Light Wheel' to be generated.]

[You have dealt 3,054,900 damage to the target.]

Grid's sword kept striking at Elfin Stone. The explosion that occurred every time also landed on Grid. Grid wore Doran's Ring and took a supreme health potion, but the amount of recovery couldn't keep up with the damage. In the end. 

"Kuk…! Kuock!"

His love, Leah. Elfin Stone recalled the last time he saw her smiling face and scattered into black smoke.

[You have died.]

Grid also turned into a grey light.

[Vampire Earl Elfin Stone is forced to sleep after exhausting all his powers.]

[Your party leader Grid has died.]

[The Pavranium Expedition has acquired Elfin Stone's Ring.]

[The Pavranium Expedition has acquired Iyarugt.]

[The Pavranium Expedition has acquired the 4th Piece of ???.]

[The Pavranium Expedition has become the first party to capture a vampire city!] 

[The Pavranium Expedition party members will receive bonus experience points and increased item acquisition rate in all vampire cities for the next month.]

Many notification windows popped up. However, Grid's vision was turning black so he had no way to verify it.

OG: 

Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.

Chapter 301

On the large screen, Elfin Stone scattered into black smoke. It was an incredible result.

Lim Cheolho stretched out a hand towards Yoon Sangmin and Team Leader Ashley, whose mouths were gaping open.

“Come on, give it to me."

The two people pulled out a 50,000 won note.

"Ugh…! My allowance…"

“I won't be able to buy chicken this week…"

Yoon Sangmin and Team Leader Ashley had some of the highest salaries in South Korea. However, they both had strict wives and only lived on a small amount of money.  Their loss in the bet was really heartbreaking.

"I shouldn't have bet… I never imagined this."

They were convinced that Grid's party wouldn't succeed in the Elfin Stone raid. Lim Cheolho smiled warmly. “Grid won because he blocked the first Blood Field. If Blood Field was deployed at the beginning of the raid, the Overgeared members wouldn't have been able to hold on that long."

"I agree."

Grid's skills were improving day by day.

After reaching level 300 and waiting a short time to activate his newly acquired Item Combination skill, he could exert a fighting power comparable to the combat specialist legendary classes.

It was strong enough to transcend all presumptions. There was a reason Grid was included in the 'five people who could make miracles' that Lim Cheolho mentioned.

"But Grid… Isn't it a little dangerous? Didn't he die in the Blackening state?"

Chairman Lim Cheolho laughed at Yoon Sangmin.

“Grid will get to experience a whole new world."

In the meantime, Grid's radius of activity was too narrow. The Human World. He was active only in the Eternal Kingdom on the continent. It was necessary to experience the wide world that two billion users enjoyed.

“In the first place, it isn't a dangerous place. Most of the residents are friendly and similar to humans."

***

[You have died.]

Grid had died before in the past. He died four times to the green slime that even level 5 beginners could go against. However, death was unfamiliar to Grid after he became Pagma's Descendant.

The last time was with Doran. It had been a long time since he struggled against Yura and died. If it was the Grid of the past, he would've been trembling about the penalties caused by death. He would've cursed. But now he was different. He was worried about the safety of his party members.

'Is everybody okay?'

Grid wasn't sure if the Elfin Stone raid succeeded. His mind had darkened the moment the 5th strike of Linked Kill had landed.

"Status window."

Lv.300 (11.05%)

"…Hah."

Grid smiled as he checked the experience gauge on his status window. When he encountered Elfin Stone, Grid's experience gauge was only 0%. If he had failed the Elfin Stone raid? Of course, his level would've decreased. However, now his experience gauge was at 11%.

In other words.

“The raid was a success.”

The death penalty at level 300 meant a 30% drop in experience, so he had gained 41% experience from Elfin Stone. It was a huge number, as expected of a named boss.

‘Everyone will be safe.'

Thank god. A relieved Grid was reminded of the pavranium.

‘Did he drop my pavranium?'

There was no need to worry even if it didn't drop. His party members would search the city for it.

"In the meantime, I…"

The durability of his items was ruined by death. In particular, the item combination meant that Failure only had 10 durability remaining. If things went wrong, it would've been destroyed.

'I need to repair my items.'

Grid turned to head to Khan's smithy and hesitated.

"…Where is this place?"

Grid's resurrection point was Reidan. The landscape that unfolded before his eyes should be familiar. But the surrounding scenery was unfamiliar. It was a small and tranquil village with around 20 shacks. Grid stood alone in the center of it.

"…?"

The confused Grid unfolded the map. However, Grid's location wasn't marked anywhere on the map.

"What the hell is this?"

Grid frowned and swept over the village. There wasn't a general store in the village. There were just 20 shacks, macaroon trees, and a small stream.

'There aren't any people.'

Grid picked a sweet and sour macaroon and placed it in his mouth. Why did he resurrect here instead of Reidan? A bug was unlikely. He never once heard of a bug being discovered in Satisfy.

"Kuk…."

Grid's thinking ability was unable to analyze the current situation.

'I need to go back to Reidan.'

In order to do that, he needed to know his current location. Grid tried to ask the guild members for assistance.

{Does anyone know my location right now?}

[You have failed to send a message to the guild. Hell is disconnected from the human world.]

"…Hell?"

Hell was a place with a blue sky and warm breezes? Shouldn't hell be darker and filled with lava?

"Dammit!"

In the end, Grid revealed his nature.

“This is hell! I fell down into hell!"

If he knew this, he would've lived a nice… No, he would've paid more attention to his demonic power figure!

'I killed too many people in the empire, the Vatican, and Winston.'

Grid currently had 401 demonic power. It happened when Grid was sure that he fell into hell because his demonic power was too high.

"They are…?"

A group was entering through the entrance of the village. They had strange appearances. Some men had horns on their foreheads, while some women had purple skin. They didn't look strong, but it was hard to see them as humans.

'Demonkin?'

He didn't want to fight when the durability of his items was so low.

The demonkin found Grid who was trying to run away. It was so fast that Grid failed to escape.

'Damn… In the end I have to fight. But demonkin do farming?’

The demonkin held farming equipment in their hands and their clothes were dirty. It was like Piaro's usual appearance. The demonkin asked him a question.

"Who are you?"

"A traveller…? Why would a traveller come to a place like this?"

"…?"

The demonkin weren't wary or hostile towards Grid. They treated him normally. It was great for Grid. 

'The demonkin aren't hostile towards humans?'

Grid felt doubt and suddenly looked down at his hands. They were pale. He looked at the rest of his body, but it was the same. Grid realized.

‘Blackening wasn't over.'

That's right. Grid was currently in a half demon state. The demonkin perceived him as their own people. An old demonkin put down a basket full of unfamiliar plants and looked benignly at Grid.

“You seem stiff for some reason. Don't be nervous. Everyone's just curious because it has been almost 100 years since a visitor came to this village. Wasn't it an exhausting trip? Would you like to have a meal? As you can see, this is a poor village and we can only cook Atura grass."

“…Grass? You eat grass? You don't eat humans?"

Grid blinked and questioned. The demonkin laughed.

"This young friend made a funny joke."

“How can we eat humans?"

“We are fortunate not to be eaten by humans."

"…?"

Their perception of humans was quite strange. These demonkin seemed different from the stories that Grid had heard.

'Living in this shabby neighborhood… Are they weak among the demonkin?'

Then Grid cocked his head with surprise. It was became a demonkin called Helmis came up and grabbed his wrist.

‘Do they know that I am human?'

Grid was nervous as Helmis looked at his hands with interest.

"Looking at your calluses, you are a blacksmith? Isn't this very interesting? I've never heard that there was another blacksmith among the demonkin."

'Blacksmith?'

Blacksmith among the demonkin?

'Perhaps…'

Was the one who made Iyarugt a demonkin?

A notification window popped up in front of Grid.

[Blackening will end in one minute.]

Blackening wasn't lifted even if he died. The problem was that it wouldn't last forever.

'This…'

He didn't know what would happen if he changed back to a human here. The demonkin were surprisingly good people so Grid asked them.

“Do you know how to go to the Human World?"

The demonkin said hopelessly.

"We don't know either. Even the great demons can't freely enter the human world, so how can trivial people like us know the way?"

“Why do you want to go to the Human World? You, aren't you a little strange?"

"Something is suspicious."

The demonkin started to question Grid.

'Did I screw up?'

Grid gulped. At that moment, Noe jumped out of Grid's pet inventory.

"Nyang! It was the smell of home!"

The short-legged cat sniffed and his tail waved as he smelled the familiar scent of hell. Looking at his bright expression, Noe seemed quite happy. He even seemed to be doing a shoulder dance.

'Cute.'

Grid wanted to continue watching Noe dance. The demonkin's faces turned pale as they gazed at Grid.

“Heok! M-Memphis!"

"The best demonic beast of hell!"

The astonished demonkin shouted and knelt down when they saw Noe. A memphis. The most intelligent and mighty servants of the great demons, they were objects of worship for common demonkin. Then Noe finally noticed the bowing demonkin.

“Ah! Do you see Master? This body is so great!"

Grid scolded him.

"You only hid when I was trying to hunt Elfin Stone."

"I'm sorry…"

Noe's expression changed rapidly. The demonkin started speculating when they heard Noe called Grid his master.

"M-Memphis' Master!"

“We didn't know who you were and we dared offend you!"

"Kill us!"

Although they were demonkin, they were also friendly people who invited him for a meal. It happened when Grid was about to answer them.

[The duration of Blackening is over.]

[Your demonic power is sealed and your species has returned to a human being.]

[It is impossible for ordinary humans to enter hell. You are expelled from hell.]

"Kuk…!"

Grid's vision blurred. Then after a moment, he opened his eyes at Reidan't resurrection point.

{Grid! Are you okay?}

{What, why were you marked in an unknown location?}

There was an uproar in the guild chat window. Jishuka and the Pavranium Expedition members were clamoring. Grid could feel how worried they were.

'The Elfin Stone raid must've succeeded if they can make contact with the outside world.'

{Grid! Look look! These are the items Elfin Stone dropped!}

{Really amazing! A growth type item! We didn't even know that these items existed!}

"…!"

Grid's eyes widened. It wasn't because he checked the item options of Elfin Stone's Ring and Iyarugt that was shared by the party members. There was another reason why he was surprised.

"You came."

"…Yura?"

Why was she here? Yura looked at Grid and her cheeks puffed out. She could make a cute face like this?

Yura was standing next to Lauel and the Overgeared members.

'Acting like this because she's pretty. Tsk tsk, those pathetic guys.'

Grid was smiling despite this. The power of beauty was truly great.

OG: 

Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.