by Park Saenal
A great demon wasn’t his opponent. It was like he was declaring that a great demon wasn’t tough.
***
The deepest part of the dark cave. There was a white soul floating above an altar in the center of a large space.
[You came.]
The soul greeted Braham. The response was as if it had been waiting for Braham. Braham borrowed Grid’s mouth and said.
“Amoract, you were aware that I would look for you.”
[Of course. I know you need the blessing of the gods to get rid of your mortality.]
“If my guess is correct, you’re going to listen to my demands?”
[That’s right.]
“Kukukuk, Marie Rose must be pretty annoying to Yatan.”
‘Marie Rose?’
It was a familiar name to Grid. A vampire duke who showed absolute dignity. A chill went down Grid’s spine as he recalled her existence.
‘If she’s somewhere in the vampire cities…’
It would’ve been impossible to obtain all the pavranium. It was fortunate that he accepted Braham’s soul to complete the quest.
[God Yatan favors you, regardless of Marie Rose. Always remember this.]
“He isn’t a god.”
[…Be careful with your mouth.]
Amoract’s sweet voice hardened. It was a level of intimidation that made Grid’s chest tighten. However, Braham wasn’t agitated at all.
“Shouldn’t you step foot on this land before trying to intimidate me?”
[It isn’t about intimidation, but manners.]
“I won’t show courtesy to Yatan. I don’t serve him anymore.”
‘Anymore?’
Did this mean Braham once served Yatan? Grid had doubts, but it wasn’t a question that could be resolved at this time. Braham ordered Grid.
“Take out the pavranium.”
[You have temporarily gained control of your body.]
The notification window popped up and Grid regained his freedom.
‘Now I got a little taste.’
It wasn’t pleasant to give up control of his body to others. Grid felt peace of mind as he summoned Lifael’s Spear. Then Braham commanded Amoract.
“Now give it Yatan’s blessing.”
[I don’t like it but… Okay. This is the will of God Yatan.]
Amoract’s white soul grew bigger and bigger. Then after a short period of time, a dark beam fell from the ceiling.
Chaaeng!
Lifae’s Spear was struck by the dark light and shook. Then the notification windows were updated.
[God Yatan’s blessing has fallen on the pavranium.]
[Pavranium has gained the ability to increase magic power.]
Goddess Rebecca’s blessing boosted recovery speed, God Dominion’s blessing increased attack power and God Judar’s blessing increased defense. These blessings were always applied to Grid, who was the owner of the pavranium.
Grid had been expecting a lot from God Yatan’s blessing. However, the magic power buff was disappointing. Magic power wasn’t very important since Grid couldn’t just magic.
‘No, no.’
Given that he would learn one spell from Braham, it wasn’t so bad that his magic power increased. Grid thought about it positively, while Braham was feeling thrilled. Their souls were assimilated so Grid could feel his intense joy.
“Finally…! The time has finally come!”
The resurrection that he had been desiring for hundreds of years. The excited Braham shouted.
“Now Pagma’s Descendant! Make the Vessel of the Soul!”
“Okay.”
Braham’s dubious elements weren’t important to Grid right now. Grid just wanted the enormous rewards from Braham.
Ttang! Ttang!
Grid stripped a small amount of pavranium from Lifael’s Spear and made a small bowl. It was a bowl that seemed somewhat rough, but the craftsmanship of the maker could be seen.
“Kukukuk! Kuahahaha!”
Braham’s soul left Grid’s body and moved to the Vessel of the Soul.
Chapter 310
Chapter 310
The moment Braham’s soul was added to the Vessel of the Soul.
Flash!
A blue light emerged that brightened the dark cave. Grid’s heart shook wildly.
‘With my hand, I’m reviving a legendary great magician…!’
Braham Eshwald. He was the person who established the current magic system and was regarded as the father of magic. The achievements he left behind were so great that he was truly worthy of being called a legend.
Grid would resurrect that person with his hands! He was filled with a strange pride at the thought.
[The soul fragments of Braham scattered all over the continent have gathered in the Vessel of the Soul.]
The moment the notification windows appeared.
Syuong! Syuuong!
Dozens of blue souls shot through the entrance of the space. It was truly spectacular. The appearance of the souls flying in the darkness was like looking at the universe. If there was only one flaw…
‘I should’ve made the bowl more beautiful.’
The bowl produced by Grid was too plain. It had a bright gold color, but the shape was just a rice bowl. Brahan’s soul pieces were the rice. To be precise, it looked like blue rice was being cooked.
‘Cough… I’m sorry Braham.’
It was a true emotion. Grid received Braham’s soul and shared some emotions and thoughts, so a rapport had developed. Despite his wariness towards Braham, he felt a sense of kinship with him.
It was complete carelessness. This was Braham’s intention. Braham’s soul asked Grid a question as he started to unite with the Vessel of the Soul.
[Do you remember the words I said on the first day we met?]
“Roughly.”
[History states that Pagma died 100 years ago. But I told you that Pagma died 300 years ago. Have you ever wondered why?]
“Either you or history, one of you is telling a lie.”
Of course, it was likely that Braham was the one who spoke the lie. Grid had obtained Wendy’s diary from the doppelganger raid. Pagma had appeared before them 140 years ago. In other words, Braham was a liar when he said that Pagma died 300 years ago.
However, the truth was different.
[No, there is no lie. Both statements are true. Pagma died 300 years ago, but he existed 100 years ago.]
‘What are you saying?’
Grid’s comprehension wasn’t excellent. He couldn’t understand Braham’s words.
[I first met Pagma around 300 years ago, and I was amazed beyond admiration. His blacksmithing skills far exceed human standards, making even me feel awe.]
After that, they became friends. Braham, looked down on others, including his kin. This was the first and last time he respected and socialized with others.
[Pagma taught me a lot. I was able to evolve further thanks to him.]
They spent 10 years together. Braham’s vast knowledge was expressed with Pagma’s techniques, greatly contributing to the growth of both.
[Thanks to Pagma, I was able to study the magic of eternal life more deeply and succeeded in designing the Vessel of the Soul. However, in order to produce the Vessel of the Soul, a special mineral that transcends the god mineral adamantium was required. The only person who could create that mineral is Pagma.]
The mineral that the two people created was called pavranium.
“But didn’t you say that Pagma died of old age after making the pavranium?”
[I thought it was like that.]
“…Thought?”
They were meaningful words. As Grid wondered this, Braham’s soul fragments combined into one. The blue that was like the clear sea switched to an ominous red color.
[Pagma’s Descendant, my soul has become perfect. It’s all thanks to you.]
“Stop making small talk about Pagma. Give me the rewards that you promised.”
[But isn’t it strange?]
“What?”
Braham’s words were designed to amplify his curiosity. Grid frowned with irritation and Braham spat out horrifying words.
[Is it possible to resurrect with just a perfect soul? There is no body.]
“…!”
Grid’s eyes widened. He finally noticed that something was wrong. Braham’s soul flew towards Grid as he hurriedly pulled out Failure from his inventory.
[Give me your lowly body!]
‘Bullshit!’
Just what was this bullshit? What type of quest was this? Grid couldn’t understand the situation at all.
‘The quest clear condition was to produce the Vessel of the Soul!’
Grid had already made the Vessel of the Soul. The Great Magician’s Resurrection quest should’ve been completed by now. But rather than the quest being cleared, Braham was aiming for him. This was going against the system.
‘Is it a bug? I thought this was a bug free game! Dammit!’
Would he be the first user to experience a bug in Satisfy?
‘Why do I always have to go through this…!?’
Grid grumbled and complained to the gods, while struggling against Braham’s soul. Braham’s soul circled him and evaded Grid, before entering Grid’s body.
[The Great Magician Braham is trying to take away your body.] [The player’s body is safely protected. Braham’s attempt has been neutralized.]
‘So it’s like this…! There isn’t a bug in Satisfy!’
Grid’s terrified expression changed to delight as the notification window popped up. Braham spoke to the relieved Grid.
[Didn’t I say it at the Red Sea? Be wary of anyone who can threaten you.]
“Why are you preaching after trying to strike me in the back of the head? You bastard! You were trying to take the pavranium and get out of teaching me magic, weren’t you?”
[It’s a misunderstanding. As you know, only you and Pagma can control the pavranium. Apart from the Vessel of the Soul, the pavranium is just a simple mineral in my hands. It’s also very easy for me to teach you magic. I will fulfill my promise.]
“…?”
Wasn’t this the person trying to kill him a moment ago?
‘A personality disorder?’
For example, multiple personalities. Then a notification window popped up in front of the suspicious Grid.
[The quest ‘Great Magician’s Resurrection’ has been cleared.] [17 pieces of pavranium have been acquired.] [You have acquired the spell ‘Magic Missile.’]
“What…?”
It was very encouraging that he cleared the quest safely. He was also happy at acquiring a large number of pavranium. But he actually learnt Magic Missile?
Joy and anger.
“You… You!”
A legendary great magician taught him basic magic? Grid’s face turned red as Braham spoke.
[Know and understand the subject. You committed a crime by stealing the pavranium for one and a half years, but now I feel good and will forgive you.]
Braham’s soul was arrogant to the end as he faded away.
“Dammit…! Dammit!”
Grid yelled as he was left alone. Amoract’s soul carefully looked at Grid from the alter.
‘The Yatan Servants’ Slaughterer. He has gained Braham’s favor.’
Sururuk.
Amoract’s soul disappeared from the cave. He failed to turn Yura into a demon, but he succeeded in setting up a way to keep Marie Rose in check, so his role in the human world was complete.
***
“In the end, it went as planned.”
The chairman’s office in S.A. Group’s headquarters. Lim Cheolho smiled bitterly as he monitored Ludhadan Cave.
Braham. This was a mysterious existence. He was captivated by the irresistible instinct for knowledge and ended up experimenting on his clan. Braham envied his disciple Mumud, but never harmed him, despite intercepting his achievements. He also hated and missed the friend who betrayed him.
However…
‘He tried to kill Grid, but also feels favorable towards him.’
Just as Grid felt close to Braham through their souls assimilating, Braham also felt close to Grid.
‘Or he might’ve judged that Grid is worthy after inheriting Pagma’s skill.
It was hard to judge Braham. He was an imperfect existence that felt a conflict before his instincts and the humanity he acquired. Lim Cheolho had always been interested in Braham, whose personality changed drastically after losing eternal life and living as a human.
“Living a life where he lies to himself and others, turning a blind eye to his changing self… It’s lonely.”
No matter how tragic, Satisfy’s story was going through the planned sequence. It might not change much for the users who were playing the game, but the progress of the story was fun to watch as an observer.
***
“Hah…”
Grid sighed as he remained alone in the cave.
“Magic Missile… I am a Magic Missile magician…”
Magic Missile was a basic spell that magicians acquired at level 10. It was a basic spell, so the magic power efficiency was terrible. It was hard to inflict a scratch against someone with a certain level of magic resistance. The only advantage was its fast casting speed.
‘If I can use it properly, I can use it to disperse the enemy’s gaze or to restrict their movements.’
Of course, it wouldn’t do any damage if the enemy’s magic resistance was high.
‘I can only use it to hunt slimes…’
Now that he was level 301, he wouldn’t be hunting slimes anytime soon.
“Hah, really.”
Grid grumbled and confirmed the information of Magic Missile.
[Magic Missile (Enhanced) Lv. 1]
A magic missile developed by the legendary great magician who has completely overturned the activation formula.
It boasts tremendous power, but consumes a lot of resources.
It deals damage equal to twice your current magic power to the target. It also ignores the enemy’s magic resistance.
Resource Consumption: 400 Mana.
Skill Casting Time: 1 second.
Skill Cooldown Time: 5 seconds.
“What type of Magic Missile uses 400 mana?”
It consumed more mana than Pagma’s Swordsmanship, Link. A beginner level spell consumed mana that was equal to a legendary skill?
‘What is this…? Heok?”
Grid skimmed through the spell’s explanation and was belatedly shocked.
‘Deals damage that is double my magic power? Ignores magic resistance?’
What about a regular Magic Missile?
{Does anyone have the information on Magic Missile?}
Grid asked in the guild chat window, and a few magicians shared their skill.
[Magic Missile Lv. 10 (Master)]
It is one of the most basic spells.
Deals damage equivalent to 5% of your current magic power to the target.
Resource consumption: 20 Mana.
Skill Casting Time: 1 second.
Skill Cooldown Time: 2 seconds.
“Wow.”
It turned out that it wasn’t an ordinary Magic Missile. The Magic Missile that Braham gave him was a legendary magic. Grid’s magic power was low compared to magicians, but it wasn’t bad to use it as a trump card.
“…I can’t hate you.”
Grid’s opinion of Braham was becoming better. The relationship with him, it might end here.
Chapter 311
Chapter 311
‘Naive… No, a fool. Learn how to be more suspicious and vigilant.’
Braham had no intention of taking Grid’s body from the beginning. He needed to be resurrected in his own body, not somebody else’s.
The reason why he attempted to take Grid’s body was to make an alarm ring with Grid. It might seem threatening, but it was intended to do a favor for Grid.
Why?
‘He
’s a person who makes me nervous, but he’s also the benefactor who achieved my 300 year old wish.’
It was his way of expressing his appreciation. Grid didn’t know it.
[Well, we might be enemies when next we meet.]
Braham’s soul started moving. His destination was the Sword Grave. It was where Braham’s body was sealed.
***
Reidan was a city that aimed to be the next Talima. Therefore, Administrator Rabbit invested most of the budget into blacksmithing and alchemy development.
But it was funny. Currently, the most developed area in Reidan was agriculture. Fields spread out in all directions around Reidan.
“Now the crops are growing.”
Grid returned after completing a quest that he had left alone for a year and a half. He looked around at the fields.
“I think the scale has become bigger…”
He didn’t know why, but Piaro had a passive skill that had a 100% chance of making the land fertile. Thanks to this, Reidan always enjoyed the pleasure of a good harvest, no matter what crops were grown. The agricultural products accounted for the largest portion of the items that Reidan exported.
‘It is rumored that this is an agricultural city.’
A city with a legendary blacksmith had become an agricultural city? It was indeed ironic. Honestly, Grid didn’t like it.
“Huh?”
The agricultural section of Reidan was growing despite not having a big budget invested in it! He didn’t know if he should be glad or sad. The confused Grid stopped in place at the rice fields. It was because a scene captured his gaze.
“You can do it! A newcomer will arrive in one hour!”
“Okay! Heok? Dammit! We have been waiting for a new guy!”
Heave ho, heave ho.
Farmers were working hard, using various farming equipment. Users were mixed in among them?
‘What?’
The desert ecosystem had stabilized thanks to the activities of the Overgeared members, but the barrier of entry was still high. It was unthinkable to step foot in this place unless they were level 260+ users. In Reidan, it was difficult to find users other than the Overgeared members, and the residents were NPCs. In such a situation, why were users farming?
As Grid was feeling doubts. Piaro, leader of Overgeared Knights Division and commander in chief of Reidan appeared in the fields. He started to lecture the hard working users in the field.
