by Park Saenal
He wanted to see his son. But he could appease that longing with Duke Grid beside him. Khan was thankful for Duke Grid filling his vacancy. Khan swallowed back his tears and bowed his head.
“Thank you.”
“Huh? What?”
Grid didn’t understand the intentions behind Khan’s sudden action. Khan smiled at his puzzled expression.
“Didn’t you come here to help me? So I wanted to thank you! Hahaha!”
“What…? This is originally my work.” Grid brought Khan to Reidan so that Khan wouldn’t be lonely, not for the manpower. “But the situation of the city is a little inconvenient right now, so I am grateful for your help. Let’s work together to solve the problem.”
Grid took off the Holy Light set and changed into old clothing. The dirty novice clothing was what Grid wore when he worked as a blacksmith. The efficiency increased because it was easy to move in the clothing. The only downside was that Grid looked like a complete beggar when he wore it.
“Ohh! You can’t hide your dignity with these shabby clothes!”
Grid’s current dignity and charm stats were comparable to the king of a kingdom, so he was always brimming with elegance.
Grid swept away his hair and revealed his great forehead. He tied a cloth around his head so that his hair wouldn’t flow down, and looked around the smithy.
‘It is unbelievably large.’
A general smithy only had one or two small or medium sized furnaces installed. Usually only three to five people could work at the same time in a smithy.
However, the Overgeared members looked at the future and invested in Reidan’s smithy, giving it a total of eight large furnaces. The sight of eight large furnaces lined up in a row was impressive.
‘Isn’t this at the level of a factory? Dozens of blacksmiths can work at the same time and produce a large quantity of items.’
But that was a story for later, when they had many blacksmiths. Currently, there was only Grid and Khan, so the big size of the smithy couldn’t be taken advantage of.
‘I should look into inviting blacksmith users.’
Grid looked at the smithy before deciding to start working. However, he didn’t have the method to make a rake.
‘I don’t know how to make any farming equipment.’
It was because he never needed to make farming equipment before. But that wasn’t a problem. Grid had the Legendary Blacksmith’s Appraisal skill. Grid held one of the rakes made by Khan and used appraisal.
[Sturdy Rake]
Rating: Normal
Durability: 20/20 Attack Power: 3~7
A farming equipment suitable for digging at the ground.
It is made by Blacksmith Khan who can represent a region, so it is a rake with excellent durability.
Weight: 60
[A hidden function doesn’t exist.]
[You have grasped the materials that make up Sturdy Rake, the production method, and the intentions of its creator.]
[Your understanding of the Sturdy Rake is now at 100%. You will be able to use the Sturdy Rake perfectly.]
[You have learned how to make a rake.]
The rake production method was added. Grid was satisfied and started work.
Ttang! Ttang!
He bent the structure at the end to resemble a trident. It was a simple structure, so Khan was able to produce one rake in just 20 minutes. Yet Grid was different. Just like when raiding boss monsters, Grid was extremely focused as he devoted himself to making one rake.
He carefully shaped the ends like he was making a sword, then he combined it with the handle part. Grid had over 2,000 dexterity, so his hands delicately handled the rake like he was touching Irene’s pale body.
Two hours later.
“Ah, I should take a rest.”
Age didn’t lie. The weary Khan stopped working. On the other hand, Grid had superhuman stamina and wasn’t exhausted. Khan looked closely at his work and was shocked.
“No, what are you doing right now?”
“Huh? What’s the problem?”
Grid looked like he didn’t understand, so Khan asked.
“Why are you spending two hours making a rake? I’ve already finished six rakes in two hours… Isn’t this a waste of time?”
“Hrmm.” Grid identified the six rakes made by Khan. Of course, they were all normal rated. The degree of completion wasn’t satisfactory, considering Khan’s skill. “Khan.”
Grid stared straight at Khan. Khan flinched at the sight. Grid’s eyes were as deep as the ocean, like a wise man. It was quite different from the usual Grid.
‘Grid can also look like this…!’
Then Grid asked the astounded Khan. “Shouldn’t you always do your best when making equipment? So why are you roughly making the farming equipment?”
“That… Produce as much as possible. Lauel said to mass produce as much farming equipment as possible so that he could put more manpower into the rehabilitation project.”
“Mass production? Even lowly blacksmiths can do something like that.”
Grid emanated a huge pressure. Right now, he wasn’t a greedy young man or Khan’s valued friend. There was no doubt that he was a legendary blacksmith, Pagma’s Descendant.
“Your role isn’t to produce average farming equipment for ordinary farmers.”
“Then what is my role?”
Grid replied firmly to Khan’s question. “It’s to make the best farming equipment that will help ordinary farmers become the best. That is your mission as an advanced blacksmith. Please don’t forget your pride as an advanced blacksmith, no matter the situation.”
“Ah…!”
Khan had worked with Grid for a long time and accumulated experience. Thanks to the skill Blacksmith’s Affection, his blacksmithing skill reached advanced level 7. He was one of the best blacksmiths that currently existed, and he realized the truth of Grid’s words.
“You’re absolutely right!”
Khan was highly motivated. Grid handed the rake that he’d just completed to Khan.
“Look at what I created.”
“Truly brilliant…!”
[Ideal Rake]
Rating: Epic
Durability: 50/50 Attack Power: 25~31
* Stamina +7.
* Dexterity +12.
* It will slightly improve the quality of the soil.
A farming equipment suitable for digging at the ground.
An item made by the blacksmith ‘G’ who has a reputation close to a legend. Despite the use of bad quality iron and wood as the material, its function is outstanding.
The three delicate prongs will make the soil finer, improving soil quality.
Weight: 51
‘The one rake that Grid made in two hours is much more valuable than the six rakes that I made!’
He also wanted to make a good rake. Khan pledged before standing in front of the furnace again.
Ttang! Ttang!
“Don’t overdo it.”
Grid was concerned about Khan’s health, but the highly concentrated Khan could no longer hear his voice.
‘Yes, this is like him.’
Grid smiled warmly before starting to make his second rake.
Two hours later.
Grid and Khan both completed a rare rated rake. But once again, two hours later…
“Yes! It can’t be compared to your work, but I have also produced a satisfactory rake!”
Khan succeeded in making an epic rated rake. The performance was less than Grid’s, but it was clearly an excellent rake. Indeed, this was the dignity of an Advanced Blacksmith level 7. Then what about Grid?
“Damn…”
It was a normal rating. Grid was embarrassed. He didn’t know that a normal rating would emerge when he was making such a simple item.
“Are you trying to deceive me with a rake?”
Grid’s pride as a legendary blacksmith was once again wounded. Once again, two hours later. Grid and Khan both completed a rare rated rake.
&n
bsp; “Not bad.”
Khan was happy. But Grid was boiling with anger.
“Ugh, dammit…!”
A legendary blacksmith was having such a hard time making farming equipment? This wasn’t normal.
“Are you tricking me again? These damn scum!”
Grid yelled at the operators who were watching from somewhere. Then Khan sent him a pitiful look.
“It has been a long time since I’ve seen this…”
It was a frequent phenomenon when they worked together. Khan left Grid shouting alone and started making a new rake.
“Grid!”
Now it was time for dinner. Lauel finished today’s work and ran to the smithy.
“Let’s go eat. Then we need to consult with the guild about the estate management plans… Eh?”
Lauel’s expressions twisted. He wondered how much Grid and Khan would’ve made in half a day, but there was less than 20 tools.
“Surely you weren’t playing around?”
Lauel expected a legendary blacksmith to work like a machine. He was feeling disappointed when Grid threw him a rake.
“I wasn’t playing around. Look at this.”
“…?”
Why did he need to look at the details of a rake? Lauel felt doubts and examined the rake.
“Heok.”
Lauel was beyond shocked.
[Perfect Rake]
Rating: Unique
Durability: 71/71 Attack Power: 49~61
* Stamina +15
* Dexterity +28
* Greatly improves the soil quality.
A farming equipment suitable for digging at the ground.
An item made by the blacksmith ‘G’ who has a reputation close to a legend. Despite the use of bad quality iron and wood as the material, its function is outstanding.
The three delicate prongs will make the soil finer, improving soil quality. The three prongs are bent at the ideal angle to work the soil. Even a child can use this rake to turn a wasteland into an excellent garden.
Weight: 45
The rake was a tool that helped adult males clear a 1,000 pyeong size land in one day. However, the people of Reidan were starving for a long time and their physical condition wasn’t good, so each person could only clear 100 pyeong a day.
‘The people of Reidan will be able to do more than that if they have this rake. The soil improvement means that the land will give a good harvest.’
This game was truly about items. Grid was the truth. Lauel once again thought that it was a good idea to follow Grid. He didn’t doubt that one day, the people of Reidan would be armed with the power of items.
Then he suddenly got an ominous feeling.
‘Don’t tell me that when he becomes a king…’
Surely he wouldn’t name it Overgeared Kingdom? Lauel made a tearful face.
Chapter 220
Chapter 220
The central spire of Reidan Castle was a huge 11 stories. It was nearly twice as high as the spire of the lord’s castle in common cities.
“Is the height of the central spire important?”
“In a sense, it symbolizes the power of the lord. The greater the prestige and power of the lord, the higher the height of the spires.”
“In other words, the former lord of Reidan enjoyed the same authority as the king.”
“That is the correct interpretation.”
In fact, the size of Reidan Castle was comparable to the king’s palace.
“The castle has a total of 127 rooms. In addition, there are six other outbuildings. There are five gardens, three parade grounds, and a barracks that can accommodate 8,000 troops.”
There were no small decorations or basic furniture left. It was left untouched for a long time, so there were many rusty places and it was desolate. But the form itself was completely preserved, so Grid was amazed.
“It’s surprising. I thought the castle would be completely ruined like the city.”
“The people of Reidan sacrificed themselves to protect it.”
The days when the empire defended the Hebend River. The people of Reidan had to give a certain amount as tribute to the empire, and it came to the point where they had to dismantle the city’s buildings. However, they couldn’t touch the castle, which was the symbol of Reiden, and their last remaining pride. As a result, the entire scenery around Reidan Castle was a ruin.
Grid was deeply impressed by Lauel’s explanation.
‘The people of Reidan might be dying of starvation, but they protected their pride…’
Grid was a selfish person, but at least he had patriotism. It was the result of the forceful education during military service. Thanks to that, he was able to understand the hearts of the Reidan people without laughing at them.
‘The people really love the place where they grew up.’ Grid had a positive observation.
“It will be a big help to me to save the people of Reidan. Then the people of Reidan will be loyal and follow any orders. Isn’t that right? Lauel.”
Lauel was impressed. “I can’t believe you thought that deeply.”
Anyone could think about it. But he thought that Grid couldn’t.
Grid spoke to the astonished Lauel. “Don’t exploit the people or give unreasonable commands.”
“…Yes?”
Lauel was shocked. He was more surprised than when he observed the unique rated rake several hours ago.
‘What’s wrong?’
Wasn’t Grid the type of person to use others for his own sake? It was unbelievable to Lauel that he would make such a statement about the people. He was at a loss when Grid whispered to him.
“I am the lord of the people, so I can’t act childish. Just do it properly.”
The people were the cash flow. Grid still thought so. He wanted to do the minimum amount to protect them. This was the least he could do for the people who sacrificed themselves to protect the symbol of the lord.
“In the first place, people must live here. Isn’t that right?”
Grid was the lord of Reidan and leader of the Overgeared Guild, so he decided to act in a manner that wouldn’t shame them. Now he was trying to act according to that determination. Lauel smiled with satisfaction at Grid’s growth.
“I will keep it in mind.”
“I know.”
Grid went ahead. After a few hours, he grasped the structure of the castle.
“It’s really big. This great castle is mine?”
“It isn’t just this castle. You’re the master of everything in Reidan. In addition, you’re eligible to get your hands on something greater. The spires of Reidan will become higher than the royal palace.” Huroi remarked as he appeared.
Grid smiled. “Welcome Huroi. Your words always make me feel better. Thank you.”
Thank you? Huroi was baffled. The original Grid wasn’t someone who would express appreciation for anything.
‘Reciprocating the goodwill of others…’
The selfish Grid was starting to fill up his lacking spots. It was gratifying. He noticed things that weren’t pointed out.
‘He grows every time I see him.’
Huroi and Lauel were impressed.
Thump thump.
Grid moved to the great hall that could accommodate around 500 people. Apart from the old throne, it was just a room full of dust. However, Grid didn’t doubt that this would soon shine a brilliant gold. He sat on the throne and quietly closed his eyes.
“Now it feels real.”
He was a duke of the Eternal Kingdom. Next to the king, he had the highest status and held the greatest power in his hand. He represented Huroi, Lauel, Jishuka and the other Overgeared members.
But.
‘Am I qualified?’
Many memories went through Grid’s mind. At a young age, he learned to be anxious around others. As an adolescent, he had many limitations. In his 20’s, he experienced a lot of frustration. Hardships came to mind.
His memories before Satisfy were the w
orst. But everything changed after he started Satisfy and became Pagma’s Descendant. He used the abilities he obtained to overcome his limitations, as well as the trials that he received.
‘Is this purely the result of good luck?’
Grid wondered. After a long moment of thinking, he came up with an answer.
‘No.’
There was a lot of luck, but in the end, it was his own strength and efforts that led to this result. It was unclear if the Northern End Cave even existed, but he had found it after several months of exploration.
‘I am qualified. I was able to climb up to this point because I’m qualified.’
Sururuk.
Grid was filled with joyful emotions and slowly opened his eyes. Was this the influence of his higher charm stat? Or was it the effect of the true pride that he realized at this moment? Grid’s eyes were deeper than ever, like the sea.
“Huroi, Lauel.”
“Yes.”
Grid called out and Huroi bowed with a sincere heart. Lauel followed as well. The two of them prostrated before him. It was a common action. Grid didn’t feel awkward because of their exaggerated behavior.
“Both of you said that I’m destined to be the best. Was that false or exaggerated?”
Huroi and Lauel responded in unshakable voices.
“My Lord is already the best.”
“You are the only person I acknowledge. So you are a qualified person.”
They were sincere. Grid’s power, stats and abilities were among the top out of the two billion users in Satisfy. The only flaw was that he was lacing financial power, but he could overcome it if Reidan developed.
Defects in personality and intelligence? Grid was developing, so that wasn’t a problem.
“…Yes, I will believe you and take pride in myself.”
At this moment, Grid developed some self-pride. This was pure pride, not arrogance or egotism.
“Sigh…”
He let out a deep exhale. The victim mentality and inferiority complex was deeply rooted because of his experiences in the past. He hadn’t fully shed it yet, but this was the moment his heart cleared. His jealousy towards others disappeared. His heart was light. His head became clear and his vision widened.
“This feels much better.”
Grid said with a bright smile.
Now he was reaching the end of his steady internal growth process.
