by Park Saenal
“Link.”
Pit!
Pipipipipit!
“Kyaak!”
“Kuwek!”
Randy copied Grid’s appearance. With the Efficient Hunting Sword (Copy) in his hand, he slaughtered dozens of pets. The pets were much weaker than wyverns and couldn’t stand up to Randy.
“Kuwaaaah~!”
A big monster, the two-headed hippopotamus, didn’t lose its momentum and tied up Randy’s feet. It withstood Randy’s attack with its very thick skin and then threw him back using its 3.5 ton weight.
Kuuong!
“Uh…!”
Blood emerged from Randy’s mouth. Despite the fact that he was wearing Triple Layers (Copy), his health was reduced by a quarter and his face distorted from the pain.
‘I’m sorry.’
Grid knew Randy’s heartbreaking story. He sincerely sympathized with Randy. He wanted Randy to be happy, unlike the past. But how could things in the world be easy? Grid always faced a major crisis and every time it happened, Randy experienced pain. In particular, ever since Randy learned the swapping locations skill, the number of times he was used as a bullet had increased.
Grid felt sorry. However, there was no guilt. Why?
‘Happiness is victory!’
Randy had to be strong in order to fight and win. That’s right. Grid wanted Randy to become stronger and obtain happiness with his own strength. In fact, Randy was a pet, so being strong was an important factor.
‘I will keep pushing you.’
Did Randy happen to feel Grid’s scary heart? Randy felt a chill as he avoided the second round of attacks from the two-headed hippo and used Revolve. A counterattack triggered at the perfect timing. The master of the two-headed hippo, the American Belatra was shocked.
“Piercing my Jeep’s leather with a blow…!”
The two-headed hippo had one of the top three defensive power among the big monsters. They were classified as tank-type pets and Jeep was over level 210. It was the pet that Beletra focused on the most after the wyvern. The food was top quality and Beletra really raised Jeep with a lot of pampering. Yet Jeep lost one-third of its health despite the hard work and love poured into it.
“What the hell is this doppelganger…?”
As Beletra was in shock, Randy discovered that the weakness was its long body and short legs and linked attacks. It was difficult and slow to cope with the attack because Randy had moved to a place where the two-headed hippo couldn’t easily see.
“Kuwaaang!”
The two-headed hippo started to cry and the commentators spoke words of admiration towards Randy.
『 A pet using a counterattack…! It’s clear that Grid’s doppelganger must be equipped with the same level of artificial intelligence as an NPC! 』
『 It’s certain. Grid isn’t just overgeared, his pets are over… No, they are really amazing.. 』
『 It’s truly a top presence! 』
In the last National Competition, Grid won three gold medals alone and made South Korea ranked second. This was a tremendous feat and most people predicted that Grid couldn’t do it again. But at this moment! Grid was going to break his record!
The little demon wings spread open as the chubby legs and tails moved. The commentators guessed that Noe was flying at a speed faster than any monster in the pet marathon and would catch up with the wyverns.
『 Don’t tell me… Grid might really become a myth? 』
Everyone believed it was impossible. But now it didn’t seem impossible. Grid was likely to win a gold medal in this pet marathon, and if so, Grid would’ve won four gold medals alone. South Korea’s current third place ranking would rise to the top, making Grid the unprecedented person who made a country number one through individual effort.
This was a solid record worthy of praise.
『 Um… Maybe Grid can even win gold in PvP? 』
『 Haha… Then Korea’s 1st rank will be confirmed? 』
『 Haha, it’s impossible. Isn’t Kraugel participating in PvP? 』
『 Indeed, even Grid can’t beat the sky above the sky. 』
The commentators laughed while Randy and the pets continued fighting.
“Shit! We’re using up all our power!”
Despite the fact that they had formed an alliance, the other players were unable to defeat Randy. They became nervous and summoned new pets in order to attack Randy. Randy’s momentum shrunk after he consumed skills and stamina to defeat the two-headed hippo.
The monster tamers tamed monsters that were usually difficult to hunt. Randy was Grid’s pet and had a high level, but he couldn’t face all of them.
Chaaeng! Chaeng!
Randy was pushed to the defensive and couldn’t attack. The crowd and viewers booed as Randy gradually slowed from the wounds on his body.
“All players were working together!! Why isn’t the referee stopping this?”
“It’s really too much. No matter how great Grid is, 52 people concentrating on him…”
“Grid and the Overgeared members fought fairly when they met each other in the competition. What about these bastards? Don’t they have a conscience?”
“Wow, Grid and the Overgeared members are trying their best for the purpose of the National Competition. They are a guild with a very high level of awareness.”
“They are different from the Seven Guilds.”
“Hey, you bastards! Do it properly! This isn’t a pet marathon but a Grid raid!”
The anger of the crowd and public opinion on the Internet became the worst. The referee couldn’t overlook it anymore and was about to restrain the 52 players.
“It doesn’t mean anything now.”
Grid muttered while the whole world was in turmoil. The commentators were talking like madmen.
『 Noe has caught up to the wyverns! 』
『 This is despite departing five minutes late…! Indeed, a memphis is the best demonic beast of hell! 』
『 The players made a mistake. They summoned several pets because they were obsessed with Randy. Due to this, they couldn’t control the wyverns in the distance and the wyverns became confused. 』
『 Noe didn’t miss this chance! 』
『 Ah! Noe just devoured the souls of the wyverns! Wow! Look at that acceleration! It’s faster than earlier!! 』
There was no need to argue anymore. Grid won the pet marathon. Grid overwhelmed 52 pet specialists with just two pets. Grid’s pets were just incredible.
***
1st. South Korea (5 gold)
2nd. United States (4 gold, 4 silver, 5 bronze)
3rd. Russia (4 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze)
4th. Canada (3 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze)
5th. Spain (1 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze)
6th. Japan (1 gold, 3 bronze)
7th. Brazil (1 gold)
8th. United Kingdom (4 silver)
9th. France (3 silver)
Joint 10th place. Argentina, China (2 bronze)
12th. Turkey (1 bronze)
“…”
Kraugel was thrilled when he checked the rankings after the pet marathon. It was surprising that Grid alone could sweep up the blacksmith game and pet marathon, where the US had been expected to win gold medals.
‘Grid, you are certainly great.’
How many people could prove they were the best in several fields? In that sense, Grid was special. He was unique in many ways, including his combat abilities, blacksmithing skills, ability to use items, and his pets.
Kraugel felt a lot of respect. It was the fourth time that Kraugel had such feelings towards another player. But he couldn’t get lost in his appreciation. Kraugel had to be composed. He was now in the position to make Russia first and obtain the medicine for his mother. To do that, he had to win the gold medal in PvP. Even if he respected Grid, he couldn’t show this when they met in PvP.
“…I must win this time.”
There were only two events left in the National Competition. The indi
vidual ‘carriage transporting’ event and PvP. There were no more events where the US could aim for a gold medal. On the other hand, South Korea and Russia were in a position to win a gold medal in PvP, making it likely that one of them would be ranked first in the overall rankings.
“Sigh.”
Kraugel let out a deep breath and started to examine everything Grid showed in this National Competition. In a survey, 92.3% of respondents predicted that it would be Kraugel’s overwhelming victory in the PvP that was three days away.
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Translator: Rainbow Turtle
Editor: Jay
OG: Glossary Link.
Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.
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Chapter 446
Chapter 446
“Dammit!”
Ku tang tang tang!
After confirming the updated rankings, Zibal couldn’t contain his anger and kicked the table. As his body that had been trained through exercising, his strength was incredible. The table flew into the door and shattered.
“The United States…! The US has missed the first ranking!”
The US had been a leader in all areas for nearly two centuries. For example, in the case of sports, the US Olympics had been first in the rankings 25 times. It was natural for the US to win the Satisfy National Competition, so neither the American people or the players doubted the result.
But the result changed. It was due to only one person! Grid!
“That crazy monster…!”
Zibal was truly going crazy. He couldn’t discount Grid’s abilities anymore and had to acknowledge his skills, but this was too much.
“This is pure luck…”
He tried to argue, but it was too much. Zibal was convinced and eventually admitted it with a deep sigh.
“What has he been doing over the past year to become such a monster?”
Grid had overcome all the weak points that were pointed out in the last National Competition and highlighted his strengths. It was virtually impossible for a person to grow to such a degree in one year.
“That guy… Was he originally a genius?”
He lived roughly until last year, so his skills couldn’t show up properly? Lauel thought it was a ludicrous question.
‘Other people are misunderstanding Grid as a genius…’
Strictly speaking, Grid was a genius of hard work. Anyway, Lauel felt good about Grid’s evaluation. Zibal’s rage was redirected to Panmir while Lauel was inwardly laughing happily.
‘This is all because of him.’
If only Panmir hadn’t provoked Grid. Grid wouldn’t have played in the blacksmith production game and the US would’ve solidified the number one spot. The US was placed in the worst situation because of Panmir. Zibal wanted to pour out all the blame onto Panmir. But he wasn’t in a position to do so. Panmir was a blacksmith that the Snake Guild couldn’t lose before he was the US representative.
“…Hah.”
Zibal was also at fault for losing the gold medal in the raid event. He took deep breaths and calmed his mind. Then he desperately asked Lauel.
“Do we have any possibility of winning a gold medal in the carriage transporting?”
“As you know, the carriage transporting participants needs high eloquence or the charm stat to prevent the mercenary NPCs from having dark intentions. Zephyr might be a master of deception, but there is a limit to the sustainability, so he can only win a silver medal.”
In the end, the winner of the carriage transporting was a country with a merchant or orator. If Grid had participated in it, he would’ve easily won the event with his transcendent charm.
“Hrmm… Then PvP?”
Lauel shrugged at Zibal’s question.
“I’m well aware of Skull’s strength. It’s why I entrusted Skull with the most important role every time during the siege. But he can’t be compared to Grid and Kraugel.”
“…”
Zibal felt wronged. Look at the current medals status! The 1st place South Korean had 5 gold, while the third place Russia had 4 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze. On the other hand, the United States had 4 gold, four silver and 5 bronze medals. If they simply looked at the medal count, the United States was overwhelming.
He was sincerely angry that they couldn’t aim for first place because of one gold medal.
“If only we could win one gold medal…”
Wouldn’t there be an endless number of criticism from the people of their country and the media? Last year, Zibal had been criticized despite leading the US to the number one position in the National Competition. It was because he lost several gold medals to Grid. However, this time the first spot would be taken away, so it was obvious that the criticism would be incomparable to last year.
Skull watched Zibal sigh and opened his mouth.
“PvP has yet to be determined. Grid and Kraugel might face each other in the beginning and I might break one of them. Already giving up on the championship, I frankly don’t like it.”
Yes, the United States was the strongest. The representatives were the best in their field. Skull’s power might seem lacking compared to Grid and Kraugel, but he had never thought of himself as weak.
“I’m sorry Skull. I will trust you.”
Zibal regained his composure and asked Skull for a handshake. But Skull refused to shake hands and walked away.
“…”
The nickname of the 2nd ranked Zibal was punching bag.
***
『 …For this reason, the winner of the carriage transporting event is likely to be Spain. The 1st place on the overall rankings will be determined by PvP. 』
The schedule for the National Competition had already been disclosed to the public three months ago. Based on this, after the end of the pet marathon, there would be another three days of rest. The reason for such a break to be included in the competition?
It was to give the players time to recoup, but who would believe that? It was actually so that the French government, the host country of the 2nd National Competition, could attract tourists for a longer time, while the broadcasters could attract more advertising fees.
This was the age of capitalism. And the monstrous Grid, who led this capitalist era, was talking with Yook Shihyun of the Comet Group.
-Then I will ask you to act well in your next event.
“Only if you make the deposit.”
-Huhu, we have thoroughly calculated it. Then I will be going.
Yook Shihyun gave a charming laugh and hung up the phone. She was young, influential, and thought it would be nice to have a lover like Grid, who was wealthy. She worked extra hard, calling Grid and meeting him for no reason, but it was wishful thinking.
She couldn’t gain Grid’s attention with just the specs of ‘pretty charming and good ability!’ There were much more attractive and talented people around Grid! Yura, Jishuka, and Irene. Due to environmental factors, Grid’s eyes for women were mislead and they needed at least a D… Omitted.
Grid connected to Satisfy and first looked at the state of Assimilation.
[Assimilation]
Will awaken Braham’s sleeping consciousness in your body and become one.
At this time, your class will be converted to Great Magician’ and control of the flesh will be transferred to Braham.
Skill Duration: 3 minutes
Skill Cooldown Time: 9 days, 13 hours, 7 minutes and 5 seconds.
The reuse time of Assimilation was 10 days. But Braham was hit hard by closing the door to hell, making the skill reuse time increase by more than 80 days. It was why Grid didn’t use Assimilation throughout the National Competition…
‘
If the speed of the carriage transporting or PvP is slow, I can use Assimilation in the finals.’
Please don’t let him meet Kraugel until the finals. It was doubtful if his earnest prayer would work as he wished. In addition, even if he reached the finals, he couldn’t be sure that the cooldown time of Assimilation would be over. Grid took out his hammer and repaired his equipment perfectly, then he left the smithy.
Unlike usual, he headed straight for the fields without looking for Irene. Piaro and thousands of farmers were seen.
“What do you get when you plant beans in the field?”
“Beans!”
“So pathetic! You still haven’t seen the peak of agriculture yet! How many times have I told you that a real farmer would make beans and red beans grow at the same time!?”
“No… Piaro, how can we achieve the peak of agriculture?”
“You want us to grow both beans and red beans?”
“Huhu, you have moved a hand plow 100,000 times a day and still haven’t received enlightenment… It reminds me of someone.”
“…”
Grid tried to ignore the conversation and checked the status of the farmers. They had sleek muscles wrapped in something like thin armor and their skin was a healthy bronze. Their eyes were also fierce. They looked more like warriors rather than farmers. In particular, the former soldiers of Prince Ren that Piaro picked up in the Altes Mountains had grown to become knights.
‘Crazy.’
How did Piaro abuse the farmers to create this? Grid admired Reidan’s farmers who were much more powerful than the empire’s elite soldiers, before approaching Piaro. Piaro already noticed Grid and greeted him politely.
“You are busier than anyone, so why did you come to this place?”
Grid bluntly asked him a question.
“Am I still weaker than Kraugel?”
“Yes.”
Piaro replied without thinking about it. It was as Grid expected.
‘I am foolish.’
Despite establishing a master and subordinate relationship, Piaro hadn’t changed. He was always honest and loyal. He didn’t butter up to the master in the guise of mocking.
“Dammit… Okay, I understand.”
The reason Grid visited Piaro before the PvP event was to gain some courage. But it just backfired. Instead of courage, Grid was only able to obtain the painful reality, making him leave the fields with weak steps. Piaro continued bowing until Grid disappeared, then he muttered.
