by Park Saenal
Grenhal’s words shook everyone. Naturally, Grid was happy. The result was more ideal than what he dreamed of, so his heart was overwhelmed. However, there was one thing he had to consider.
Grid looked up at the ceiling with a pained expression. He could feel Kasim. Of course, Duke Grenhal also noticed Kasim’s presence from the beginning. The killing intent would be read by the duke of the empire… As Kasim had already stated a long time ago, the skills of the dukes were one level above Kasim’s.
Grenhal continued, “The empire will change. Our armed forces will only be used as a means of defending our rights, and we will seek ways to coexist with all species on the continent. There will be no more trampling on, rejection, or exploitation of others because they are different or just because of the simplicity of governance. The new empire will repent forever for the numerous people the old empire destroyed.”
His words didn’t make a difference to Kasim. Kasim jumped down from the ceiling. His red eyes looked like they were devouring Grenhal.
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Chapter 1085
“Repent? Bullshit!”
There was no utopia. There might be situations that satisfied the majority, but it was difficult for a situation to satisfy everyone. Now Kasim was proving it. As Grid and the 10 had great expectations for their future with the new empire, Kasim’s anger reached its peak. Even Regas, who believed that Asura had the scariest face in the world, was frightened by Kasim’s distorted face.
“Your empire considered us ominous just because of our dark skin.”
“…”
“We were accused of listening to the movements of the empire because of our big ears and called beasts, instead of humans, because of our long arms.”
“…”
“Our women were insulted by the soldiers of your empire who invaded the land. All of our men were killed and dismembered by the knights of your empire. Your imperial nobles kept our royal family in cages and watched them for amusement.”
“…”
It wasn’t only Kasim’s family and friends. Everyone had been killed after suffering terrible humiliation. Their country disappeared entirely. Kasim’s eyes shed tears as he recalled those final days while Grenhal was just silent. The ones who inflicted wounds couldn’t mourn for the wounded. He knew that no words could comfort the present Kasim. The Nero massacre—led by 2nd Imperial Prince Dulandal—was one of the worst crimes in the history of the empire, and it had been strongly opposed.
Kasim’s dagger pointed at Grenhal’s neck. “The imperial family you serve.”
“…”
“The prince who didn’t even give us his name.”
“…”
“I saw him holding my king’s head as a torch while he drank from his glass of wine.”
“…”
“Repent? Repent?! The dead will never come back! The dignity that has already been lost can’t be regained! Now you want to relieve your guilt by offering apologies to those who are already dead?”
“…”
Blood flowed from the neck of the silent Grenhal. Kasim’s poisonous dagger was digging into Grenhal’s neck.
“Even if you really mean it…! You can’t soothe the souls of those who have already died, even if you reflect on your past mistakes and repent for 10,000 years! Those who have already died will never forgive you!!”
The Overgeared King’s audience hall was very small and shabby compared to the emperor’s. Nevertheless, it was a space that boasted hundreds of square meters. There were countless shadows created by the dozens of pillars, and this was well-suited for Kasim’s power.
Dozens of shadow soldiers surrounded Grenhal, whose face was blue due to the poison. The soldiers held spears in their hands. Kasim roared, “I am the last survivor of the Nero people, Kasim! The empire’s enemy! I am requesting for a duel to the death!”
Was it because of his loyalty to Lord, who he had affectionately served for a long time? Surprisingly, Kasim was composed. Unbelievably, this person who lived to get revenge on the empire maintained his sense of reason in front of one of the heads of the empire—the envoy of the empire.
Kasim requested for a fair duel as he knew that if he hurt Grenhal one-sidedly, the relationship between the empire and the Overgeared Kingdom could collapse miserably. That’s why Kasim hadn’t harmed them when the wounded dukes were escorted to the Overgeared Kingdom not long ago. Kasim himself was unaware of it, but after guarding Lord for more than 10 years, he was already a member of the Overgeared Kingdom.
“Kasim…” That’s why Kasim’s attitude made Grid even sadder.
“Okay,” Grenhal accepted Kasim’s duel request. “Our duel was caused by the empire’s sin against the Nero people. My subordinates will prove that the Overgeared Kingdom wasn’t involved.”
“My Lord!!” Grenhal’s subordinates cried out. They knew that King of Shadows Kasim was the best assassin of this time. They didn’t doubt Grenhal’s ability. However, the opponent wasn’t easy, and it could lead to a big accident. Grenhal’s men wanted Grenhal to avoid a showdown.
“The Nero grudge is a matter for the 2nd Imperial Prince to take responsibility for! You don’t have to be responsible for it!” An impatient subordinate screamed.
Yet Grenhal stood his ground. “Shut up! I am no different from the prince!”
The empire’s policy of genocide had been carried out in the name of the imperial order. Grenhal had joined in many times. He hadn’t commited genocide, but he had seized their territory and taken them captive. After all, he couldn’t refuse an imperial order. The Nero incident was so unusual that it was criticized within the empire and 2nd Prince Dulandal was labeled bad…
Still, those were all excuses. Grenhal was also an object of resentment for someone. Did he have to keep making excuses every time he met a second or third Kasim? It wasn’t possible. Those who sinned deserved to be held accountable. It was only then that the empire could move forward. Didn’t the emperor show them that already?
“I’m Duke Grenhal of the empire.” Grenhal used mana to drive out the poison and took off his armor. “I will glimpse the Nero’s resentment through your sword. I will realize how dreadful and arduous the path of repentance that the empire will walk in the future and suggest to the empire the correct path of repentance.”
“You sure talk very well! If you have any shame, die willingly!” Kasim shouted, and dozens of shadow soldiers stabbed their spears in unison.
Grenhal dodged most of the attacks, but he couldn’t manage all of them and his upper body was wounded. The wounds made Grenhal faster and stronger. As he rushed through the shadow soldiers like a tsunami and reached Kasim, Grenhal shouted, “My death isn’t repentance! If the person who replaces me doesn’t join the path of repentance, then it will be unfortunate as well!”
“…!”
“I will live and take responsibility!”
The audience hall quickly became a mess. The battle between Kasim, who hid and moved in the darkness, and Grenhal, who had speed and destructive power, was so fierce that they feared the building would collapse. Administration Rabbit was knocking on his abacus. He was preparing in advance the repair fee he would give to Kasim and Grenhal.
“Dammit…”
The faces of the 10 meritorious retainers distorted as they witnessed the battle unfolding. Jishuka and Peak Sword even let out swear words. They witnessed the full power of an imperial duke as he quickly started to overpower Kasim and realized how insignificant their skills were. So far, the gap between players and named NPCs had been accepted under the excuse of ‘a player’s limitations.’
‘Grid is as strong as the dukes.’
Grid had proved it again and again. The fact was that players had no limits. Their weakness was merely a lack of effort.
‘We are currently too weak to help Grid.’
‘Grid didn’t summon us because of this.’
‘We are shameless.’
The 10 meritori
ous retainers realized it. They weren’t in a position to worry about Grid. Their concerns were meaningless due to their current gap with Grid’s strength. The time wasted worrying about Grid should be invested in themselves to close the gap.
Lauel had given up on his personal strength since the day the Overgeared Kingdom was founded. Apart from him, the 10 meritorious retainers clenched their fists tightly. All of them were filled with a desire to become stronger quickly.
The result of the duel was decided. The moment his health dropped below 30%, Grenhal had unparalleled strength and smashed through dozens of shadow soldiers. The scattered shadow soldiers returned to their place, and the ragged Kasim slumped down.
Kasim coughed up blood while sitting on the ground and declaring angrily, “Kill me.”
He wanted to take revenge on the empire ruling the world…? It really was an illusory dream. His heart was weak enough to be fascinated by the Overgeared Kingdom that he had been trying to use as a tool of revenge, and his strength was so weak that he couldn’t beat one duke, let alone the empire. It was better to die in peace. Kasim closed his eyes with a wretched heart.
Yet Grenhal said to him, “Survive.”
“Don’t sympathize with me.”
“It isn’t sympathy. I just want to make sure that the empire will walk the right path of repentance.”
“Kukuk, you are frustrating. Didn’t I tell you that it would be useless even if you repent for tens of thousands of years?”
“I also know that the empire can’t be forgiven. This isn’t an act to relieve my guilt.”
“…?”
“The empire just wishes to not repeat the same mistakes. I hope that a second or third Nero won’t occur.”
“…”
“Survive to the end and watch the empire. Warn us not to lose our vigilance. Additionally, regarding the evil deeds that the empire committed against the Nero people… Really… I’m really, deeply sorry,” Grenhal apologised on his knees while bowing deeply to Kasim.
Would some of his feelings be delivered now?
“I…” Kasim’s large black eyes shook. He glimpsed the empire’s sincerity through Grenhal’s attitude and was devastated. Losing all of his motivation instantly, the desire to live slipped out of Kasim’s body. Kasim sensed it. He wouldn’t be able to stand up again. His body, mind, and soul were sinking into the dark depths. Kasim’s eyes became dazed as he looked up at the ceiling.
“Master!”
Lord had been waiting outside the audience hall, hoping that his father’s work would end quickly. The young prince, Kasim’s first disciple and only friend, rushed in. He hugged Kasim’s body that had collapsed like a withered plant.
“Master, live with me!”
“…”
“I’ll make you happy!”
It was the intuition of the most talented person in the world. Or was it just because he had been watching Kasim for a long time? Lord noticed Kasim’s crisis and cried out, raising Kasim’s soul that had sunk deeply. Lord’s clear eyes that were like his mother’s captured Kasim’s face.
“Master is the last survivor of the Nero! Once Master dies, the Nero people will disappear!”
“…”
“I’ll live with you for a long time! I’ll work with you until the Nero people are revived again!”
“…Prince.”
Lord’s body temperature cooled down and revived Kasim’s heart. Kasim, who believed that revenge was the only reason for his existence, now discovered something. His life wasn’t in vain. If his life was in vain, then he wouldn’t have such a good friend by his side.
When he saw Kasim nod, Grid sighed and sank back against his throne with relief. A new era was healing the ghosts of the old era.
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Chapter 1086
After Grenhal left, Yura asked him with a cheerful expression, “Youngwoo-ssi, you said you didn’t want to go out with me?”
Noticing that the gazes of the people around him weren’t good, he hastily said, “I don’t like it because I have to go around everywhere. I never said I didn’t want to date Yura.”
“Isn’t it the same thing?” The unsuspecting Vantner questioned, and the other members of the 10 meritorious retainers poked him in the side.
Yura was staring at Grid. Her slightly wavy hair was tied up, reminiscent of an idol taking a photo with a beach backdrop. There was a refreshing feeling. It was good enough to make him forget the hot water.
“W-What is it?”
He couldn’t adapt to this beauty at all. She was like someone from a completely different world. Yura stared for a few seconds, and the blushing Grid avoided her gaze first.
“I understand now.” Yura also blushed and nodded. “This is why I’ve always been behind.”
“…?”
“The dating—let’s stop for a while.”
“Huh…?”
“I’m going to become stronger.”
Yura was a single digit ranker. She ‘naturally’ exhausted her daily gameplay time limit. Her passion for Satisfy was so enormous that she spent her spare time maintaining an optimal condition and gathering information. Of course, she wasn’t special. The rankers, those who made money through Satisfy, and those who just enjoyed Satisfy invested most of their day into Satisfy. However, just because they spent the same amount of time in the game didn’t mean they all did the same thing. Otherwise, the concept of a ranker itself wouldn’t have existed.
Yura thought that to become like Grid, she had to focus on Satisfy the entire time her brain was awake. She realized how much of a luxury it was to think about what to do with her favorite person today. Yura was making a determined expression and opening a gate to hell when Grid shouted, “Don’t misunderstand! I’m just lucky!”
Luck followed him.
Up to last year, Grid hadn’t wanted to hear this. They thought he had grown to this stage just because of luck…? Where was there a person in this world more unlucky than him? His current position was purely a result of his effort. Grid believed so. Every time he saw himself, he felt disgusted by the netizens and experts who said he was just lucky. He thought they were degrading his efforts and accomplishments.
That wasn’t the case anymore. Grid only recognized it after achieving so much. It was true that he was lucky. Being born with the strength to not give up, the fact that Satisfy was released, obtaining Pagma’s book, and meeting good people… All of this was luck that he enjoyed.
Now Grid acknowledged it easily. He wasn’t offended by the assessment that he was lucky. It was true.
His gap with Yura? It wasn’t a difference in effort. The difference was the number of times luck came to him. Grid insisted on it.
“Is there a person who doesn’t have luck?” Yura denied it. “Luck follows everyone. However, few people are able to capture and take advantage of the luck that comes to them.” Yura called Grid’s luck an ability or skill. “I saw you and got to know you. I probably missed a lot of luck. It is because I’m not as focused. I probably would’ve given up, unlike you.”
The expression ‘compromise’ was more appropriate than ‘giving up.’ Even so, Yura didn’t use it. It was shameful to bring out the word ‘compromise’ in front of Grid who faced all types of hardships and adversities. Yura’s body started to pass through the gate to hell. “At the very least, I’ll come back as a person who doesn’t burden you.”
This was the signal.
“I’m going as well.”
“Then I’ll be going.”
“I’ll see you later. Don’t worry, I’ll keep in touch.”
“Grid, please don’t get into trouble?”
All of the 10 meritorious retainers apart from Lauel said goodbye to Grid. Their eyes were filled with a deep desire. Rather than looking at Grid’s back forever, they were eager to see the world that Grid was looking at together.
“Everyone…”
It would be a long separation. Grid intuitively sensed this
and showed a sad expression. He wondered if his development had alienated his colleagues.
Chris scoffed at him, “Have you forgotten? Our goal was once to be the supreme.”
“…”
“Are we has-been just because we didn’t meet our goal? We have our own pride and have to prove our qualifications. Isn’t that right?”
“Chris…”
“Be stronger until I come back. The moment I return, I’ll be applying for a duel so be nervous.”
Apart from Yura and Faker, everyone owned territory. Yet on this day, all of them gave up their territories, returning the rights of a lord. They broke the shackles holding them. The 10 meritorious retainers, who had many responsibilities, were now able to focus on their personal growth.
Lauel spoke to Grid, who was left alone in the office, “Grid, they aren’t weak enough for you to worry about. Why don’t you focus on your work?”
“My work?”
“Of course, as a blacksmith. Additionally…” Lauel’s gaze turned outside the office. A small shadow was visible. It was the road that Lord used to take Kasim back.
“Wouldn’t it be nice to spend time with your family?” Lauel asked. “The years pass very quickly. Prince Lord will be turning 15 in less than four years. Until then, please spend a lot of time with him.”
Once he turned 15, Lord would have all types of constraints placed on him. As a genius of the continent, Lord was system certified as a super-named talent. However, would Lord remain a power of the Overgeared Kingdom until the end? Maybe he would want to go on a trip or become crooked like the imperial princes. The role of a parent was great.
***
“Aigoo, my Lord! Chuu! Chuuu!”
Lauel wanted Grid to be cautious about Lord, but Grid didn’t care. Lord’s future? Lord would decide for himself. Grid just wanted to love his child.
“Have you been doing well?”
The white skin that didn’t burn even when rolling in the sun every day was soft. Lord’s fluffy cheeks and soft hair rubbed against Grid’s face. It soothed the emptiness that was caused by the 10 meritorious retainers leaving.
