by Park Saenal
“Duke Grid, please calm down first and let me spea…”
Kasim attempted a conversation.
“Where are you going?”
Randy copied Grid and threatened Kasim with Link.
“Kyong!”
Noe’s mouth opened to swallow Kasim. This was followed by the God Hands wielded Mjolnir. Kasim eventually had to use a hidden technique. It was the manifestation of ‘Greed,’ a technique that drew all the shadows to one point and swallowed everything around it. It was Kasim’s unique skill that he created by combining Daluka’s Methods and Lantier’s Methods.
Kuoooooh!
“Kyaaack!”
“Nyang! Scary!”
Randy, Noe, the God Hands and the furniture in the room. Everything except for Grid was swallowed by the shadow. It was like a black hole, although it naturally wasn’t comparable to the power of the universe. Kasim’s Greed could only swallow the target for 3 seconds before spitting it out. Of course, these 3 seconds exerted absolute force during a battle.
“Duke Grid! I’m not an enemy!”
“Not an enemy?”
Kasim finally got a chance to speak to Grid. Kasim hurriedly shouted, “I want to become your ally!”
“Ally? You?”
Grid asked like he didn’t understand.
“Uhhh…”
Lord who had fallen into a deep sleep after working too hard the past few days. Despite the turmoil of the battle, the child only woke up now. Then he laughed when he saw that Kasim was in front of him.
“Teacher!”
“Teacher?”
Grid was stunned.
“Ah! Father!”
Lord belatedly realized that he was in Grid’s arms and hugged him tightly. Finally, Greed spat out Noe, who shook his tail nervously.
“I suffered needlessly. If only you talked and resolved it from the beginning, nyang…”
It was because he was born in the human world. Noe was gradually losing the instincts of a memphis, the best demonic best of hell that enjoyed combat and slaughter. A pacifist demonic beast.
***
“There was a story like this.”
For a long time, Grid heard a lot of stories from Kasim. Kasim’s past. The fall of the Nero. Being wanted by the empire. His relationship with Doran. His observation of Grid. The thoughts he had during the observation period. Protecting Irene and Lord and ultimately becoming Lord’s teacher, etc. Kasim told Grid all of it.
What was Grid’s response?
“Thank you.”
Their first meeting was the worst, but that was the past. It was a fact that Kasim protected Irene and Lord, with Lord even testifying directly. Grid wasn’t unscrupulous enough not to feel gratitude. He bowed his head deeply and thanked Kasim. Grid was also greedy. Kasim was the most powerful assassin in existence and the only person who knew Lantier’s techniques. Grid coveted him. He wanted to make Kasim his own person. He also knew he could have Kasim.
Grid’s raised his head and stared straight into Kasim’s eyes.
“Kasim, I will fulfill your desire. Starting today, formally serve me.”
He was in a position where he needed to be hostile to the Saharan Empire. One of Grid’s ultimate goals was to win greater honor and riches, and to destroy the empire for Piaro and Asmophel. However, he knew that it was hard. Maybe it was impossible. But he would challenge it.
“Didn’t you see the possibility when you looked at me? So believe in me and serve me.”
Kasim had no reason to refuse. In the first place, it was also what he wanted.
“I am grateful.” Kasim immediately kneeled and pledged. “I will be your shadow.”
[King of Shadows Kasim has become your knight!]
[Kasim has become a member of Reidan!]
[Your charm has increased by 100!]
‘Good!’
This was what he wanted. The thrilled Grid immediately gave Kasim a role.
“I want you to protect my family like you are doing now. In addition, I’d like you to work hard on raising an assassin group. Is it possible?”
“As I said before, there are a number of assassins from the Silver Dragons. They are acquiring Daluka’s Methods, so I think it should be sufficient to make an assassins group out of them.”
Grid nodded.
“Okay. From now on, your position is leader of the Overgeared Shadows.”
“…Yes.”
He didn’t know what Overgeared meant, but it didn’t sound that great. Kasim was troubled, but couldn’t go against his lord. He nodded without saying anything. Grid observed him with the Great Lord’s Sword.
Name: Kasim
Age: 36 years old. Gender: Male
Occupation: Leader of Overgeared Shadows.
Title: Last of the Nero Clan.
* The Nero have dark skin, making it easier to assimilate into the darkness. As the only survivor of the Nero, Kasim gains a large bonus effect when using Stealth. However, some of the power of throwing weapons is reduced due to his too long arms.
Title: King of Shadows
* Maximizes the effects and power of shadow techniques.
Title: Disciple of Lantier
* Knows the theories of Lantier’s techniques. However, he doesn’t have the talent to learn it himself.
Level: 401
Strength: 2,107 Stamina: 1,158
Agility: 4,409 Intelligence: 933
Persistence: 3,550
Skills: Trap Installation (A), Daluka’s Methods (A+), Evolved Body Techniques (A), Evolving Techniques (A), Evolved Sword Techniques (A), Evolved Throwing Technique (S), Evolved Assassination (S), Nero’s Stealth Techniques (S), Ultimate Shadow Technique (S+), Lantier’s Methods Knowledge (SS).
It was unfortunate that only one special stat, Persistence, was opened. However, the numerical value of Persistence was unreasonably high. It was much higher than Grid’s persistence. Kasim would never give up. In addition, his high strength and agility demonstrated that his combat ability was equivalent to Asmophel.
‘He is equivalent to Piaro in places with a lot of shadows.’
Grid felt like he had won thousands of troops.
Chapter 511
Chapter 511
The fuss ended.
Grid watched the restoration work of Lord’s bedroom and asked Kasim for something. It was an extremely personal favor. Kasim hesitated before nodding.
“Understood.”
“Thank you for agreeing.”
Grid was satisfied with the answer and summoned Lauel. It was to an office Grid hadn’t used for a long time. No, it was an office that he almost never stepped foot in.
“Why don’t you take over this room? It’s several times larger than your office.”
Lauel handled all tasks related to the guild and territory management. Grid suggested it because he wanted to create a better work environment for Lauel.
“I have been given a lot of power as your proxy, but in the end, I am not you. I don’t dare sit forever in a place where you will have to sit.”
‘It’s serious.’
Lauel seemed to have become affected by historical dramas. Grid smiled at Lauel, who was immersed in the role of a loyalist. Then he was informed by Lauel about the current situation of Overgeared. Grid’s expression distorted.
“I can’t understand what Peak Sword is thinking.”
As a result of this war, losing Cork Island was inevitable. It was too far away, and both Lauel and Grid were aware that they couldn’t defend it. Nevertheless, they pressed on with the war because the benefits were bigger. In fact, Overgeared’s growth had increased by lengths and bounds due to absorbing two territories, Earl Ashur, and the 7,000 Patrian soldiers.
But for Peak Sword, Cork Island was a special territory. He absolutely didn’t want to lose it. Grid belatedly understood his heart.
“I will go to Cork Island.”
He was already familiar with defending territories as a former soldier of the Korean army. Grid was confi
dent that he could defend Cork Island for months or years.
“It’s my land. I must keep it.”
Grid felt emotional about leaving the responsibility to just Peak Sword. Lauel couldn’t accept it. “It isn’t possible. If your growth stagnates, the Overgeared Guild will suffer a huge loss.”
“But I can’t let Peak Sword do it alone.”
Among his valued colleagues, Peak Sword was special. A fair person who shouted ‘Do you know God Grid?’ anywhere and to anyone. He also cheered, trusted, and supported Grid, handing over his guild and territory to Grid. Grid couldn’t repay his true heart, but he couldn’t ignore Peak Sword when he was in trouble.
“I will go and help Peak Sword. Don’t worry about my growth. If I stay on Cork Island and make items for the soldiers, my stats and skill levels will continue to rise. I can be strong no matter where I am.”
Of course, the rate of growth was much slower than hunting and raising his level. The moment that Grid was being stubborn.
-God Grid, don’t come. It’s funny that I am saying this, but Cork Island is just the tip of Overgeared. It’s impossible to keep it forever. It’s just a waste of time for you to come here.
A whisper came from Peak Sword. It was Lauel’s doing. Grid continued to insist on going, so Lauel sent a whisper to Peak Sword.
-God Grid is the master. I’m just a guild member and the responsibilities I bear can’t be compared to yours. Don’t lose focus by caring about one guild member. Give priority to what you need to do. Become strong enough to take back Cork Island again at any time.
“…”
Grid didn’t insist any longer. He decided to accept Peak Sword’s heart because he knew his priorities.
“Then I will go to the East Continent.”
Grid was currently level 317. The vampire cities were no longer giving him a lot of experience. The vampire cities not conquered yet were under a direct descendant. Since the direct descendants were at least an earl, the danger was ridiculously high. But he didn’t yet have the ability to clear the Behen Archipelago. Grid wasn’t strong enough to defeat the legends that had been turned into death knights by Pagma.
It was a stagnant situation. Grid judged it was the proper time to go to the East Continent.
“Take care.”
Grid asked the smiling Lauel one more time.
“It is really okay without me?”
“Yes, of course. Originally, it was a little dangerous. But things have changed after you brought in Kasim.”
In fact, he couldn’t assert that it was completely safe. But Lauel didn’t want to hold on to Grid’s ankles. He exaggerated somewhat to make Grid’s footsteps lighter.
“Then I’m glad. Okay, I have to say goodbye to Irene and…”
Grid was relieved by the answer and left Lauel behind in the office. Grid ran straight to Irene’s bedroom. It was the last time he would share love with his wife before he left. Lauel looked at his back and became very excited.
‘My Lord, I will give you a surprise soon.’
If Marquis Steim agreed to support Grid, the Overgeared members would be able to expand the scale of their forces at once and Grid would be qualified to be a king. Grid would have the incredible experience of being a king when hunting on the East Continent. Lauel wanted to see Grid’s shock and delight as soon as possible.
***
Before going to see Sticks and heading to the East Continent.
“Irene, this is a gift.”
“Oh my… Dear husband, it’s refreshing.”
After meeting with Irene, they entered the bedroom and Grid gave her pajamas. It was a white one-piece pajama. A legendary rated item.
[Direct Vampire’s Pajamas]
It had the effect of revealing the skin when a person wore it. At first, he thought it was a useless effect.
‘There’s a reason why it’s legendary rated!’
Irene looked more alluring than ever when she wore it. The Direct Vampire’s Pajamas was a stunning item worthy of the legendary rating.
“Irene!”
“Dear husband.”
Grid enjoyed Irene’s body, which had become more mature since Lord’s birth, and he used his legendary hand techniques. Irene’s moans that occurred every time Grid’s large and thick fingers moved over her skin became a thrilling melody.
***
“It’s still dangerous.”
Grid got minerals from the guild warehouse and went to visit Sticks. He heard a negative opinion from Sticks.
“It is estimated that most of the top skills currently on the West Continent came from the East Continent. Looking at this, it is obvious that the overall level of the East Continent is above the West Continent.”
Grid knew. In fact, Sticks explained that the Supreme Swordsmanship that Piaro used during his period as a great swordsman originated from the East Continent.
“The reason why the people of the East Continent created stronger skills is due to the harsh environment.”
It was Sticks’ reasoning that the monsters inhabiting the East Continent were much stronger than those on the West Continent. Grid wasn’t nervous about this. Rather, he was quite excited.
“I will become stronger quicker if I fight the strong. Sticks, I want to quickly become stronger. So send me to the East Continent.”
The biggest reason he wanted to become stronger was because his valued family, friends, and colleagues were depending on him. The second reason was he wanted to surpass Kraugel. It was Grid’s dream to break all the records set by Kraugel and to rise to the top. It was a natural desire to have as a game player.
“No. It’s wiser to go after you have grown more from the vampire cities. Aren’t the vampire cities good hunting grounds?”
One of the few candidates who could cleanse and repair the Contaminated Behen Archipelago. It was Grid. Grid also saved his life and was the father of Lord, his precious disciple. Sticks wanted Grid to behave more reliably. He hoped that Grid wouldn’t take unacceptable risks.
“Those blessed or cursed by the gods… Grid, I know that you have more than one life. But that doesn’t mean you can overcome death completely.”
That’s right. It couldn’t be compared to NPCs who only had one life, but players suffered an enormous loss from death. Their experience dropped, there was a chance of losing items, and the potential to fail certain quests. But how could a user play the game if they were afraid of this?
‘I would play CD games if I was afraid of failure. There are many save points.’
Grid asked Sticks.
“Sticks, will you only use addition if it’s hard to learn multiplication?”
“…”
“No? It’s time for me to challenge new times.”
“…I am convinced.”
It was a low-level example, but he could see Grid’s nature from this remark. Maybe Sticks’ egotism had grown as he became older. He realized that his thinking was too narrow and handed a piece of paper to Grid. It was originally an item that Grid had to purchase directly using points earned in the Behen Archipelago.
[East Continent Movement Portal Scroll]
You can go to the starting village of ‘Pangea’ on the East Continent.
Weight: 0.1
“Okay.”
It was always good to get a freebie! Grid smiled widely as he said goodbye.
“I’m going.”
Flash!
Grid used the scroll immediately and was engulfed in light. Sticks was startled by the sight and muttered.
“No… You should also take the return scroll for the West Continent…”
***
[You have crossed the Dead Sea and arrived on the East Continent.]
[You are the 31st player.]
[The distance from the West Continent is too far. All forms of contact with players from the West Continent will be blocked.]
[The energy flowing is very dark. Mana regeneration rate will increase by 10%.]
[The gravity
here is too strong. Strength and agility will decrease by 10%. Health regeneration will slow down.]
[This is forced due to natural influences. It can’t be resisted.]
“Isn’t this too beneficial for magician type classes?”
Grid didn’t have any large complaints since he had many high mana consumption skills.
“Rather, the 31st player…”
Some new people must’ve stepped on the East Continent.
“Eh?”
The East Continent’s starter village, Pangea. Grid looked around and was startled.
Chapter 512
Chapter 512
‘Why is it so big?’
Grid was surprised due to Pangea’s scale.
‘I thought it would be a small village because it’s a starter village.’
It was the reverse. Pangea was large enough to be called a city. He couldn’t see an end to the wall, no matter how he turned his gaze. It seemed much bigger than Reidan, the second largest city in Eternal, with the population even being higher. Reidan was lacking in people, while everywhere in Pangea was crowded with people.
‘The lord here must have it good…’
He would be earning a lot from all the taxes the citizens were paying. Desert cities, fortified cities, etc. Grid only owned cities that didn’t possess a lot of money, making him feel envious.
“Ah?”
Grid was constantly observing the area when he noticed something.
‘There’s a lot of ethnic variety?’
Grid thought of the East Continent as Oriental. He imagined an Oriental style of living where the people had black hair and black eyes. However, while there were many inhabitants of Pangea who seemed Oriental, others were reminiscent of Westerners and Middle Easterners. The same was true for the architecture lining the streets. Some buildings looked like they came from the Joseon Dynasty of Korea, others looked like cathedrals from Medieval Europe, while mansions in the Middle East were also present.
“Wow. This is very…”
He thought he should eat jjamppong for lunch today. He was somewhat disappointed since he was hoping for the mysterious old Oriental mood.
