by Park Saenal
‘No, I can’t do this in the long run.’
Grid shook his head.
‘If I want to tie up the player’s feet a bit longer, I have to make a good cloak. In addition, learn how to make socks.’
Grid was at least better than Lauel. As a result, the Overgeared Kingdom was running well. The one problem was what the empire would do about Lubana’s rebellion.
***
“You missed the descendant of the Undefeated King?”
The imperial capital, Titan. The emperor’s voice resonated in the imperial palace, one of the most magnificent and beautiful palaces on the continent.
“Useless…! Does it make sense to miss the rebel army?”
Emperor Juander was furious.
His eyes were filled with disdain as he looked at Sword Duke Limit.
“The Red Knights these days are really trivial! This wasn’t the case when Piaro was here!”
“…”
Juander was a powerful person who could claim to be master of the continent. He wasn’t stupid. He knew that the present day Red Knights were under the influence of Empress Marie and felt wary towards them. There were a number of cases where they were constrained and weakened.
“I will hold the commander of the army, 1st Knight Mercedes and 2nd Knight Lucas responsible! They will be on probation for three months!”
“Y-Your Majesty…!”
The bowing Sword Duke Limit cried out with surprise. Mercedes and Lucas were the backbone of the Red Knights. It would be a severe blow to the operations of the Red Knights if they were gone for three months. Juander also knew this. Juander spoke before Limit could ask him to reconsider.
“Don’t worry. Kyle will take their place for three months.”
‘Kyle…!’
Kyle was one of the five pillars of the empire. He was the youngest of the five pillars and his ability wasn’t perfect right now, but he had great potential. Therefore, he received a lot of favor from Juander. Limit immediately recognized the seriousness of the situation.
‘Kyle has a high virtue, but he’s actually a snake skilled in propaganda and manipulation.’
The Red Knights were tired from years of continuous warfare. The reason why they could fight without a break was because they were eager to jump forward. No matter how hard they tried, they weren’t acknowledged like the Red Knights of the previous generation.
In the meantime, several Red Knights were killed in the former Eternal Kingdom and the 6th Knight Reidorn had recently gone missing. All sorts of rumors spread and the reputation of the Red Knights plummeted. Anxiety dominated them. If their spiritual pillars, Mercedes and Lucas, disappeared and that snake-like Kyle filled the vacancy…
‘Kyle will rule or break the Red Knights. This is His Majesty’s motive.’
This was a chance to concentrate the power distributed by the empress back to Juander, as well as increase the influence of Kyle, who was relatively weak in the five pillars. It was the worst situation for Sword Duke Limit, who belonged to the empress’ faction. But he couldn’t veto it. The leader of the rebel forces. The Red Knights missed the descendant of the Undefeated King, who was the greatest threat to the empire in history.
On the other hand, there was a man watching the conversation between the emperor and the Sword Duke in the form of a quest format. It was the first ranked necromancer and Agnus’ closest subordinate, Veradin.
‘The quest content will change depending on how Limit deals with this.’
Based on circumstances, Kyle was likely to aim the Red Knights at Valhalla. The emperor couldn’t forgive Ares, who dared to take in the descendant of the Undefeated King. What would Limit’s choice be at this time? Would he obediently watch as Kyle destroyed Valhalla and built up publicity?
‘Maybe Agnus and Ares might end up holding hands.’
Chapter 703
Chapter 703
[King’s Quest]
It was a large-scale quest created after Grid became king. As the name suggested, Grid had already completed the first king’s quest, the King’s Role (1). The reward he got at that time was the method to make the King’s Sword.
‘The reward isn’t worth the limited quest.’
Grid hadn’t yet been able to proceed with the quest King’s Role (2). The quest’s level limit was 350. However, he reached level 357 after returning from the Behen Archipelago. It was now possible to proceed with the King’s Role (2).
[The King’s Role (2)]
You have experienced the lives of the people and learned their suffering.
Please resolve the troubles of the people.
Quest Clear Conditions: Give the necessary help to 5,000 people.
Quest Clear Rewards: Political Power stat will open. The next linked King’s Quest.
* It counts if other members of the royal family help the people.
“Crazy.”
It wasn’t 100 or 1,000, but helping 5,000 people? How long would it take? Fortunately, Grid had experienced the lives of the people as he proceeded through the King’s Role (1) quest. Grid remembered how the people of each class had suffered and knew how to help them. But it was too much to help 5,000 people. It was obvious that it would take a great deal of time.
“Ah… I can’t say anything bad.”
Yes, curses didn’t emerge. He was aware of the intentions of the quest. The King’s Role (2) was to supplement what was lacking in the kingdom. In other words, it was a guide to reconstruction the nation. If he steadily carried out the quest, the Overgeared Kingdom would grow. The problem was time.
‘It is a very long-term quest…’
If he helped 10 people a day, the quest would take 500 days. It would take even more time if Grid had to leave the kingdom.
“Hah… The quest will be completed in a few years…”
The moment Grid was giving a deep sigh.
[The royal princess Ruby has already helped more than 5,000 people. The condition for the King’s Role (2) quest has been fulfilled.]
[The King’s Role (2) quest has been completed.]
[As a quest reward, the political power stat will open.]
[You will be able to proceed with the next King’s Quest ‘Choice’ at level 370.]
“…”
Grid couldn’t understand the situation. Question marks appeared over his head.
“What?”
What was the relationship between this quest and Ruby? The puzzled Grid then confirmed the phrase, ‘It counts if other members of the royal family help the people.’
“Unbelievable… The good deeds Ruby as accumulated as Saintess counts?”
Of course, not all good works were counted. It only counted the good deeds after Grid set up the Overgeared Kingdom and Ruby became royalty. Yet she already helped 5,000 people…
Grid recalled that Ruby was the person with the biggest achievement when recovering from the damage after the war.
“My sister is really diligent and nice. I will kiss her when I log out later… No, I will be hit if I do that.”
His sister was very good. Grid smiled.
At the same time, Valhalla.
“This is finally the 399th…!”
His level was higher than Grid so Ares quickly started the King’s Role (2) quest. He was once again wandering the capital and doing ‘good deeds.’
“Puah! It is really hard!”
He wanted to hit someone a few times in the middle. He was busy and often felt discomfort doing this. But Ares decided to think positively. It was a pleasure to see the people’s happiness when he helped them but he was comforted to think that Grid, who just broke through level 350, would be suffering the same thing.
‘Grid, would you have served 30 people by now? Puhaha, how pitiful.’
A laugh emerged.
“Have strength Grid! Let’s share our hardships! Kuhahahat!”
***
[Political Power]
Improves efficiency of various domestic activities.
; * The higher the number, the higher the effect.
“Um.”
Political power was a stat held by politicians, some hidden classes, royalty, and merchants. Rabbit had a high political power stat. It would apply to various domestic affairs. For example, if he was appointed as head of market development, the rate of market development would greatly increase. Political power and intelligence were totally separate. The political power stat was a necessary virtue for politicians.
‘I got it.’
Lauel, who had been in charge of the Overgeared Guild and kingdom’s internal affairs for several years had only opened up political power after achieving the title of ‘prime minister.’ It was a stat that was difficult to obtain. Grid had believed that the political power stat would never open for him.
‘Good.’
The effect of the stat was absolute. In the future, Grid would be able to carry out the role of domestic affairs without any knowledge. He was moved by the fact that he finally became a king and moved. His destination was the smithy. It was to design Lantier’s mass produced cloak and to make a crown for himself. This was Grid’s next task.
***
“This is enough.”
Designing Lantier’s mass produced cloak wasn’t difficult. He solved it by using the original design of Lantier’s Cloak and replacing the materials with those that were cheaper and easier to obtain.
“Khan, please hand out this design to the blacksmiths. The advanced blacksmiths should be able to easily understand the design, right?”
“Um, I think so.”
Khan verified the contents of the drawing that Grid handed him and nodded. Grid’s expression was very dark. It was because the wrinkles on Khan’s face had deepened after a few months. He felt that time was running out whenever he looked at Khan.
‘Is there no such thing as medicine for eternal life?’
Human life span wasn’t infinite and the lifespan of an NPC was even shorter. Grid was afraid of parting with Khan. He wanted Khan to live forever. Khan saw Grid’s expression and struck his own chest.
“Do you see this steel body? This old geezer is still fine. Your Majesty doesn’t need to worry.”
“…”
His health gauge decreased from his own attack. Grid’s sadness grew so large that it couldn’t be controlled. But he tried not to express it on the outside. He was afraid that he would bother Khan.
“I’m not worried about your health. Why would I worry when I know how strong you are? I only feel bad because the smell of a widower is getting worse.”
“Hoh, smell of a widower?”
Grid sniffed his body and struggled to look bright.
“Don’t you want to remarry? Won’t a family appease your loneliness?”
Khan had been alone for a long time since his wife and son died. Grid was worried that Khan would live alone and closed his eyes. There were many cases where elderly people living alone were only discovered after a long time. Did he know Grid’s heart or not?
“How can I be lonely? I have a family.”
“…”
Khan’s cheery smile struck Grid’s heart.
***
‘How do I intentionally attach stats to items?’
Among the effects of the First King title, there was an item slot increase. Grid could wear a helmet and crown at the same time. He stood in front of an anvil before making a new crown and longed for the stamina stat.
‘Stamina not only increases defense and health, but also the rate of health recovery. It seems to be directly linked to health.’
That’s right. Now Grid had a desire to present Khan with a stamina item. He had the vague belief that Khan would live longer if his stamina could be increased. In addition, Grid needed the stamina stat. His defense was already so high that it was hard to increase. However, the defense value wasn’t fully applied to those with higher levels and many people had a defense bypass skill. Grid felt the need to increase his total health.
In the end.
“Sticks!”
Grid left the smithy and ran to the Overgeared Academy. As always, he was dependent on the sage’s knowledge.
“What is a way to make a battle gear that raises stamina?”
“You must use alchemy.”
“Alchemy…”
Grid frowned. He still felt negative about alchemy that attached the coolness option to Iyarugt.
“I’m aware that you don’t believe in alchemy. But alchemy is a field that has a high probability of failure, but a great effect when succeeding. Rather than unconditionally distrust it, you should depend on it. Of course, you need to invest a lot of money.”
Typically, high risk gave high returns. This was alchemy. Grid was bound to have the worst luck.
‘But.’
It couldn’t be avoided indefinitely. In the first place, didn’t he invest a lot of money in the alchemy facility with the goal of making Reidan the second Talima?
‘I can’t avoid it forever. I have to use it.’
The determined Grid left the academy and he sent a whisper to Lauel.
-What’s the level of the alchemy facility in Reidan?
-Intermediate level 8.
-Still? Wasn’t it intermediate level 8 a few months ago?
At present, Reidan’s alchemy facility had been steadily producing small quantities of the super restorative potions. Grid thought that the level of the alchemy facility would’ve gone up considerably. Now he felt confused and disappointed.
Lauel explained.
-In order to effectively raise the level of the alchemy facility, we must focus on development rather than production. But a lot of money is required for development. Recently, we haven’t been able to fund the alchemy facility because we’ve been offering a tribute to the empire.
-The damn empire…
According to Sticks, the alchemy facility needed to be at least intermediate level 9 to have a high probability of attaching stats. The empire was always grabbing onto his ankle. Grid’s grudge against the empire gradually deepened.
-Is there a way to screw with the empire?
-There is one way.
As expected from Lauel. He immediately responded to Grid’s emotional question.
-What is that method?
-Go to Valhalla. The emperor can’t forgive Ares, who dared to take in the descendant of the Undefeated King. He will certainly dispatch troops to Valhalla.
-Go and help? But then won’t the problem become serious?
-The situation is different from when you joined the Belto Kingdom war.
-If we fight with Valhalla this time, we will become the enemy of the empire. I don’t know what to expect after that.
-Go by yourself. Hide your identity.
-…?
-As Your Majesty said, the problem will become more serious if the Overgeared Kingdom officially helps Valhalla. The next target after Valhalla will be Overgeared. Thus, help Valhalla secretly. While you are gone, I will plan a strategy to attack the vampire cities.
-Kukuk… This should be interesting.
Grid’s shoulders started shaking. He was glad that he had a chance to strike the empire in the back.
‘I will do it properly.’
The excited Grid! Lauel warned him.
-You do know that if you don’t want to be found by the empire, you can’t just cover your face, but Pagma’s Swordsmanship as well.
-…? O-Of course. In the first place, can’t I use a basic attack?
-…You didn’t know. Act with moderation. Based on what’s going on in the empire, Valhalla won’t fall.
At the same time, Titan.
[Secret Mission]
Difficulty: SSS
You have received a secret mission from Sword Duke Limit.
In order to prevent Kyle from building up achievements, support Valhalla and fight Kyle.
The imperial household has yet to identity the members of the Rose Knights, so you don’t need to worry about your identity be
ing discovered.
However, please avoid killing as many Red Knights as possible.
Quest Clear Conditions: Kyle’s death or making him flee.
Quest Clear Reward: Death Ruler’s Staff. Affinity with Sword Duke Limit will increase by 50.
“Kikikik, what type of quest is this? I have to help Ares fight the five pillars?”
“You should refuse. Kyle might be the weakest of the five pillars, but…”
“What if I don’t want to~? Why would I refuse this interesting quest? Kikikik! Kuhahahahat!”
“…”
An unidentified person also headed to Valhalla.
Chapter 704
Chapter 704
[The Saharan Empire has declared war on the Valhalla Kingdom!]
[The relationship between the Valhalla Kingdom and the Saharan Empire has become ‘hostile’!]
[There are various restrictions on exchanges and activities of the people of the two countries!]
These notification windows appeared to all the players belonging to Valhalla. But few people were confused or frightened. From the time when the Ares Army rescued the descendant of the Undefeated King, or when they refused to give a tribute to the empire, the people of Valhalla were ready for this event.
“I don’t wish for war!”
Chatter chatter!
Ares’ powerful voice resonated in the capital’s square. The outward appearance of Ares planted awe and trust in the hearts of the people.
“In the future, we will enter into an infinite war with the empire! This war won’t end until one of us is destroyed!”
Ares was the god of war. The battlefield proved the reason for his existence. He planned to develop himself and his army, then Valhalla, through wars. The Undefeated King’s descendant candidate, Oasis, had a question.
‘What is behind this confidence?’
After joining Valhalla, Oasis was surprised when he grasped Valhalla’s power. After absorbing the Belto Kingdom, the population of Valhalla was now around 700,000. There were only 50,000 troops. The difference in national power with the empire, which was known to have a 10 million strong army, couldn’t be disputed. Valhalla couldn’t survive the war with the empire. It could be destroyed within as little as a few days.
