by Park Saenal
‘I will protect you. I will be the force that carries out My Lord’s faith and will.’
Kkuok!
Asmophel’s hands shook as he held a spear. He started to move among the 100,000 troops as a bombardment was launched at Grid.
***
“Eh?”
Grid doubted his eyes when he arrived in Bairan with Sticks. The familiar faces weren’t there anymore and an army filled the city.
“Why is no one…?”
Grid discovered the flag of Eternal planted on the walls and the soldiers wearing golden armor.
“…You? Shit.”
Grid’s face darkened as he panicked for a moment.
“Are they dead?”
These bastards who took his land! His dead colleagues and soldiers! Grid couldn’t suppress his rage while Sticks, who was tired from continuously using Mass Teleport, hastily tried to calm him.
“Pant… Pant… Grid, calm down. Do you think your soldiers and knights will be so easily beaten?”
Right now, they were in the middle of enemy territory while the number of soldiers were like grains of sand in a desert. If Grid lost his temper and acted emotionally, it was inevitable that he would die. Grid barely regained his coolness at Sticks reminder and asked in the guild chat.
@Grid: What happened to the members protecting Bairan?
@Pon: It wasn’t possible to protect it, so we retreated. Sorry we couldn’t keep it Grid. We’ll be sure to get it back.
@Ibellin: Brother Grid! Why did you come back so soon? Weren’t you planning to stay on the East Continent for a long time?
@Vatnenr: The bow you gave Jishuka is amazing! It is really great!
“Sigh…”
Grid was relieved when he saw Pon’s answer. He thought it was the worst situation where all the power in Bairan was exterminated.
“Let’s go. It was a strategic retreat.”
The number of enemies was really countless. Grid hadn’t seen such a large number even on TV. It was hard to imagine fighting them alone.
“…?”
Grid was feeling overwhelmed when he noticed the Bairan people. They were all sentenced to death, regardless of gender or sex. He gazed at the targets that the bows were aiming at.
Flinch.
Grid stopped in place.
Smith, who taught him how to make the jaffa arrows. The young people he repaired the walls with after stopping the invasion of the Yatan Church. The girl who gave him fruits and the elderly people who told him stories. Grid saw the people he had built ties with in his beginner days.
‘They’re going to be hurt?’
Grid’s anger skyrocketed. He was someone who valued his bonds. In other words, it was unacceptable that Eternal tried to ‘steal’ what was his.
“Grid?”
The enemy archers and magicians were already starting the attack. Sticks cast a shield spell and made an uneasy expression as he saw the attacks filling the sky. Grid looked very serious.
“Sticks, go to Patrian first.”
Indeed.
“Is it necessary to stand up against such a large army alone? It’s out of the question with how many there are. There were 100,000 enemies. I know your strength, but it’s suicide to deal with 100,000 alone…”
“But isn’t it shameful to step back like this? I, the leader of Overgeared, retreated when meeting the enemies? It would shame the honor of my colleagues who fought for me.”
Grid was conscious of the cameras from the broadcasting stations all over the world.
‘Watch.’
His power had grown steadily since the 2nd National Competition. Was he closer to the position of the best now? It was a good opportunity to let the people assess him. In addition, he was curious himself. He wondered if he could play an active role when it was a battle of 1 VS 100,000.
‘There’s 20 minutes until the alarm of Magic Missiles go off.’
He would fight with all his strength until then.
‘My top priority is to secure the escape of the people.’
Braham whispered to Grid.
‘Do you understand? For a legend, the concept of numbers is meaningless. A legend isn’t afraid to move against one million people, let alone 100,000. In other words, if you and I are together, the 100,000 soldiers… Well, it doesn’t have to be together.’
The only thing that could overcome a transcendent existence was someone with similar strength. There were only a handful capable of that. Grid nodded and laughed.
‘I will look at the situation and call you if needed.’
‘Bah. I’ll do it if you insist.’
Grid confirmed Braham’s answer and his eyes became serious again.
‘This is an opportunity to gauge the gap between me and the previous legends.’
The first one who came to mind was Lantier on the Behen Archipelago.
“I will check it and then challenge him again!”
Chiiiiing!
Grid had hundreds of white spheres around his body. The first thing he needed to do was deal with the archers aiming their bows at the people of Bairan.
“Pagma’s Swordsmanship, Transcend.”
[Attack power is doubled. Your basic attacks will be converted to ranged attacks. This effect will last for 30 seconds.]
“Normal attacks will suffice.”
Kwa kwang!
Kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa!
Grid separated Sword Ghost into two pieces and swung his arms without stopping. 7~8 energy blades per second poured down from the sky towards the Eternal archers.
“Kuaaaack!”
It became pandemonium in an instant. Hundreds of soldiers instantly died. It was insane firepower!
“Eek! First turn off the flying magic!”
Marquis Bera hurriedly shouted. A magician from his territory immediately cast a spell. It affected the mana circuit of all magicians within range, making it impossible to use Fly. Yet the magic didn’t work on Grid. Grid used Fly through Braham’s Boots rather than his own magic.
“No! The magic didn’t work?”
“It’s due to a magic artifact!”
The magicians panicked at wasting a difficult spell in vain. But there were 100,000 soldiers. Other people were attacking while the magicians struggled in vain.
“Shoot! Continue shooting!”
The elite soldiers gathered from various places. They succeeded in breaking down Sticks’ shield with arrows and magic before focusing their attacks on Grid. Grid was an easy target once fully exposed.
‘It’s deadly to be in the sky when hit.’
After allowing a few magic bombardments, Grid swapped boots and landed on the ground. Then he was surprised. He deliberately landed in a narrow space between buildings. However, all four sides were already full of enemies.
“Die!”
The Eternal soldiers pushed at Grid. Due to their large numbers, they forgot about Grid’s strength and were courageous.
“Hiyaaaah!”
Right in front.
Ten soldiers stabbed with their spears at the same time. The viewers around the world wondered how Grid would respond.
-It’s impossible to counterattack against all 10 people.
-I think he’ll wipe them all out with an attack skill. But using a skill consumes a lot of stamina.
-By the way, how many people will Grid kill?
-The Eternal soldiers have an average level of 160… I think Grid will kill at least 5,000.
It was a really short amount of time. The amount of time it took the viewers to write a sentence.
“Get lost.”
Grid pulled out Failure and swung it. Yes, he just swung it. It was a normal attack.
Jjeejeeeong!
“Kuaaaak!”
The 10 Eternal spearmen were struck by it and died.
-…
-…
The chat windows of the Internet broadcasting sites stopped like there was a lag.
“This is funny.”
However, a group of third advancement troops were under attack by a private.
Chapter 560
Chapter 560
Blood flowed under the blazing sun and screams echoed.
Grid wore a bizarre half mask that made it unknown if he was laughing or crying. Every time his sword swung in a half circle, 10 soldiers died. Sometimes it was 20 soldiers when he drew a full moon. The shark-shaped blue greatsword tore the soldiers’ armor apart.
“There were rumors that his swordsmanship is strong.”
Well, he already had a reputation for having great swordsmanship. But there was one thing that was hard to identify.
“What are the white spheres circling around him?”
Baron Duka. He was one of Eternal’s great swordsman that emerged after Chucksley. He earned Duke Lucilliv’s favor thanks to his strength and was promised the title of an earl after this war. Of course, this was on the premise that his performance was sufficient. If he could directly cut off Grid’s head, he would become a marquis instead of an earl.
Baron Duka watched Grid with interest while his deputy spoke up.
“According to the analysis of the magicians, it’s estimated to be Magic Missile. It’s probably through an artifact like Fly magic.”
“Hoh… Magic Missile that isn’t immediately launched.”
There were exactly 113 white spheres around Grid. The reason was clear. It was to help in combat. Grid intended to protect his own body and release a Magic Missile when he was in a crisis.
‘There are also the four golden hands called the God Hands.’
Every hand guarded Grid’s rear while holding hammers. The amazing thing was that the hammers swung by the God Hands killed the soldiers.
‘Strong.’
It was a perfect harmony between strong swordsmanship and overwhelming artifacts. Grid had great power as a legend.
‘It might be different if he was armed with ordinary weapons. Still, I wouldn’t dare fight him alone.’
But Baron Duka wasn’t afraid of Grid. There were 100,000 troops here. Grid would kill the soldiers surging like a tsunami and become exhausted. It was impossible for Grid to block all the attacks. Right now, he was accumulating wounds by allowing the attacks from magicians and archers.
‘In the next few hours, he will become exhausted.’
Then he would bring the knights and easily overpower Grid.
“Hmm?”
Baron Duka smiled wickedly at the thought.
Step step.
He heard someone coming up the stairs. The clock tower in the central square. Baron Duka came him in order to see the battlefield at a glance and ordered his troops not to let anyone up. Then who was coming up?
‘Marquis Bera?’
There was no one else who would be authorized. Baron Duka naturally thought that the owner of the footsteps was a noble like himself. However, that wasn’t it. The clock tower had six floors. A soldier came to the spot where Baron Duka and his deputy were standing.
It was a soldier wearing leather armor. A private with a low status who was conscripted.
‘How did a soldier come here?’
The deputy went forward to question the soldier on Baron Duka’s behalf.
“It’s scandalous to leave your position during a war. What unit do you belong to? No, why did you come here in the first place?”
A non-regular soldier, Ars. He answered while pointing his spear.
“I am a soldier serving under Grid. The reason I came here today is to take Baron Duka’s head.”
“…?”
Bark bark.
Why did he hear the sound of a dog barking? The absurd introduction of the soldier made Baron Duka and his deputy go blank.
“Haha.”
Baron Duka regained himself and laughed. Of course, it wasn’t a laugh of enjoyment. His real feelings were expressed by his deputy.
“You’re crazy.”
The deputy made an angry expression and pulled out his sword without hesitation.
“Grid’s spy! I will have your head!”
Baron Duka’s deputy was also a master with the sword. He could easily kill one soldier.
Seokeok!
The sharp blade extended towards Ars’ neck. The sharp sword reached Ars’ neck in an instant. The deputy didn’t think much of it. The soldier in front of him would die without even realizing his head was separated from his body. But it was strange.
‘Eh?’
Where was the soldier whose head should’ve been cut off? And why was his gaze falling towards the ground?
Duk.
The head of the deputy fell to the ground. That’s right. The deputy hadn’t realized his head was cut off when he died.
“…What’s your identity?”
Grid’s subordinate had swiftly used the spear to cut off the deputy’s head. Baron Duka stared at the scattered ashes of his deputy and then the bloody spear. Ars picked up the sword and replied, “I am Grid’s soldier.”
“Nonsense!”
A person who could make a great swordsman nervous couldn’t be a lowly soldier! Killing intent filled Baron Duka’s eyes. His sword headed towards Ars. It was an incredible swordsmanship that cut from the left and right without a time difference.
Chaaeng!
However, Ars angled the spear to block the two swords at once and laughed at Baron Duka.
“Your swordsmanship is poor compared to other great swordsmen.”
Baron Duka had just recently become a great swordsman. It was lacking compared to when Piaro was a great swordsman of the empire. Ars had been growing steadily while serving under Grid and Baron Duka wasn’t a match for him. Baron Duka got chills as he realized the difference between their skills.
“You are…! Kirinus!”
The best spearman on the continent was serving Grid?
“Reidan’s Spearsmanship 3rd style, Splitting the Seven Seas.”
Peeeeeong!
Baron Duka’s sword was deflected and the golden spear moved in a straight line. This was the technique that Nautilus of the Red Knights couldn’t withstand, so Baron Duka was devastated.
“Kuaaaack!”
Baron Duka was swept up by the golden flash and disappeared. Ars finished his mission and descended the clock tower. His next target was Earl Carrion. The earl had become a great swordsman one step ahead of Baron Duka. Ars would wipe out anyone who could threaten Grid.
***
‘This is easier than I thought. Is it still early?’
Death in the game wasn’t comparable to death in reality. It didn’t mean a complete ending. But users who played the game were more afraid of death than anything else. They were frightened of losing their level and hard-earned items.
Yes, Grid was amazing. He thought he was crazy when he plunged into 100,000 troops alone. But his fear disappeared as he fought. He displayed his overwhelming power and felt pleasure rather than fear.
[Critical!]
[The +9 Failure’s option effect is activated, causing the skill ‘5 Joint Attacks’ to be generated!]
[You have dealt 155,900 damage to the target.]
[You have dealt 149,540 damage to the target.]
[You have dealt…]
The level, stats, and items of the general soldiers were poor compared to Grid. Grid’s basic damage was like skill damage and all the soldiers within range of the attack were killed in one blow.
“Magic Missile.”
Grid refrained from using skills in order to preserve his stamina. He used Magic Missile which didn’t consume any stamina because it was the lowest level magic. His maximum mana increased and it wasn’t difficult to use. He also wanted to raise the level of Magic Mastery that he learned from the Behen Archipelago.
> “You monster!”
“Die!”
Puk! Puuok!
Grid wasn’t Kraugel. He had ranker level control, but that didn’t mean he was a god. He couldn’t completely block the attacks of all the soldiers. But it didn’t matter.
[You have suffered 230 damage.]
[You have suffered 155 damage.]
“Good, good. You’re doing very well. Hit me more.”
The benefits to Grid were significant after receiving damage from many people at once.
[Weapons Mastery has risen to Lv. 5.]
[The experience of Tiramet’s Belt (Unique) has increased by 0.01%!]
His skill experience and item’s experience rose at a tremendous pace. Grid was becoming stronger in real time.
‘If this continues, Weapons Mastery will hopefully gain one more level today and Tiramet’s Belt might accumulate 30% experience.’
Weapons Mastery was a passive skill that raised his attack power and speed no matter what weapon was worn. Magic Mastery was a passive skill that raised the power of magic. Tiramet’s Belt reduced damage and allowed him to summon the vampire Tiramet if it reached the legendary rating.
Grid was pleased with this growth. He was able to reduce the stress of having demonic power rise every time he killed a person. At this moment, Grid perceived the battlefield as a workplace. There was no tension. Why?
‘None of them are a match for me.’
The 100,000 troops. It was literally just numbers. There were no enemies who could threaten Grid.
‘Are there no knights?’
Braham spoke to the curious Grid. ‘The enemies are waiting for you to become tired. Then they will commit their true power.’
‘I know.’
He needed to be vigilant. Grid controlled his mind and saw the soldiers rushing at him with shields.
‘Now they are using tactics?’
Use the shields in the lead to block Grid while attacking Grid from the rear with spears. Duke Lucilliv used basic, but efficient, tactics to press at Grid. It was a means to reduce losing troops and accelerate Grid’s stamina consumption. But what if he pierced through?
“Do you want to stop my sword with these cheap shields?”
Seokeok!
Grid wasn’t burdened by the shields. From the public’s point of view, the soldiers with large shields seemed very strong. But Grid slashed at them without hesitation. Then.
