by Park Saenal
It was because it wouldn’t be easy. Yura reported that the clone had used a five-technique fusion skill. He had also shown off a whole new technique called Flower. Flower was easy to interpret as the clone opening up the potential of Pagma’s Descendant, and Grid hoped that he could learn it someday. However…
‘What the hell is a linked five-technique skill?’
Linked Kill Wave Pinnacle—the reason Grid had been able to combine these four skills was due to Goddess Rebecca’s blessing. Thanks to a god’s help, he had learned a sword technique which could threaten the gods. In the aftermath, he had received backlash from the other gods.
‘This technique has four skills…
Yet the clone fused five skills? Grid found it hard to understand. Doubts rose with him about whether Yura was mistaken about what she had seen. Then he thought of one hypothesis.
‘Did the clone receive Yatan’s blessing? Then that would mean it is possible to fuse five skills by using the unique potential of Pagma’s Descendant…’
No matter how he thought about it, Grid didn’t know the answer. He trembled with nervousness as his thoughts had become complicated.
“No, what are the great demons doing… Ah?”
Grid was amazed by something. He belatedly recalled the surprise that 32nd Great Demon Belial had shown back when he appeared and how she had called him a ‘soulless man.’
‘Was she talking about the clone?’
In other words, the great demons were also aware of the existence of the clone. Belial, in particular, was wary about him. Grid was able to infer that they didn’t have a good relationship. Indeed, the clone hadn’t died and was instead alive in hell. There was only one conclusion.
The present clone that made even great demons wary…
“Wow, I’m going crazy.”
The clone had been born in order to kill Grid. If he was alive, then Grid would forever need to be vigilant, causing Grid to feel a greater sense of despair the stronger he became. Grid crouched down in frustration.
“Father.” A small boy approached him. The boy’s blue eyes were large and deep. He had inherited his mother’s milky skin and his father’s black hair. The name of the beautiful boy with a promising future was Lord.
“Lord, what’s going on? Don’t you have to get up early tomorrow to go to the Vatican?”
For Grid, Lord was his real flesh and blood. He truly loved Lord. Grid hugged Lord because he was worried about his son. Lord giggled as he felt his father’s big and warm arms! He smiled shyly with a red face. “It’s nothing. I came to see Father.”
“That’s great. My Lord, you can come see me at any time. I will always welcome you.”
“Uhh, no. Lord doesn’t want to hinder Father with my greed. Father is busy protecting the kingdom and its people. I’ll come and see you occasionally.”
“Lord…” Grid patted Lord’s head, and his eyes became wet from Lord’s remarkable consideration. This was why he felt warm. Yes, Lord was real. At least in this world, Lord was a real human and he was Grid’s blood.
Kiss.
How good would it be if they were together in reality? Grid swallowed his regrets and kissed the back of his son’s small head.
“Father, if you have any difficulties, put them behind you. Lord will grow quickly so I can protect Father.”
“…Yes.”
At this moment, Grid decided that he would bring peace to the Overgeared Kingdom before Lord became an adult. He would ensure that this lovely child would never have to go through hardships.
‘Clone, you are just a fragment of me.’
Grid would destroy all beings that threatened him and his surroundings. At this thought, Grid’s gaze became colder than moonlight.
***
“Go well.”
The morning sun tinged Reinhardt with gold. In the early morning, the streets were peaceful and beautiful, but not all the city landscapes were as good as here.
“I hope you have a comfortable trip.”
In Grid’s eyes, Irene was the most beautiful woman in the world. There was deep affection in Grid’s eyes as he kissed her cheek. He was grateful and proud of his loving and wise wife.
“Father! Me too!” Lord spread open his arms as he asked for a kiss.
Grid kissed Lord’s cute cheek and then spoke to Kasim, “You are responsible for their safety regardless of the circumstances.”
“Of course,” Kasim’s voice which emerged from the shadows gave a strong sense of trust to Grid. Irene and Lord had received Pope Damian’s invitation and was going to visit the Vatican. The destination was safe, and the escorts were amazing. King of Shadows Kasim, the knight Chucksley, Royman, and the Rebecca’s Daughters candidates were escorting Irene and Lord. It wouldn’t happen but even Agnus wouldn’t be able to easily break through this guard.
‘Is this enough?’
Grid’s eyes shifted to Mercedes standing by his side. Mercedes read Grid’s anxiety and asked, “Do you want me to join the escort?”
Although Mercedes’ top priority was Grid’s safety, she realized on the day they met Merchant King Kir that Grid wanted her to be flexible. As such, Mercedes was willing to leave Grid for a short while if that was what he desired. Grid thought about it before shaking his head. “No, that isn’t necessary.”
There were already enough escorts. Damian would also be sending a separate escort. Irene and Lord were safe, and it would be a waste of manpower to send more escorts. Grid was a king and knew how to separate public and private matters. He decided that it wasn’t right to attach Mercedes as an escort.
“Go safely.” Grid smiled while waving. He watched until the carriage carrying Lord and Irene completely disappeared from view.
***
“Kik? What?” The man with green hair burst out laughing. Once his big mouth opened from left to right, white pointed teeth were revealed. Agnus dwelled in his madness for a moment before calming down. “I was told that according to the terms of the contract, you need to help with the raid on the Vatican.”
A contract existed between Agnus and the Yatan Church. Agnus would be helped in the process of making the Stone of Life while the Yatan Church could take advantage of his strength. In the first place, Baal’s Contractor had an inseparable relationship with the Yatan Church.
“Hrmm…” The smile disappeared from Agnus’ face. He checked the contents of the quest and finally got up. “Well, it can’t be helped.”
For Agnus, the Yatan Church was a necessary force, so he was forced to accept the quest to maintain his favor with them.
Rose’s face became radiant when she received his answer. At this point, she still had no idea that the trump card she had prepared would end up grabbing her ankles. It was naturally hard to imagine.
***
The Vatican was busy. There was a lot of work to be done since the queen and prince of the Overgeared Kingdom, who had a deep relationship with the Rebecca Church, was visiting the Vatican personally. Still, Damian was looking forward to it. It was difficult to imagine how strong Lord’s divine power had become after all this time.
Isabel, Rebecca’s Daughter, started scolding him, “Please take care of your body.”
“Hum hum, if Isabel-chan says so.”
In the distance, carriages were moving up the foothills and entering the Vatican. The carriage which arrived before the statue of Goddess Rebecca was large and gorgeous. Everyone was able to have a glimpse of the considerable wealth that the Overgeared Kingdom had accumulated.
“Ohh…!” The Rebecca believers found a young boy getting off the carriage and let out a burst of exclamations. In particular, the elders felt in awe of him. They hadn’t been expecting much, but now their attitudes changed. They hurriedly went down the stairs and greeted Lord personally. This was how they evaluated Lord:
“A true pope!”
“No, why was a pope born to the Overgeared King…?”
Damian felt slightly burdened. The elders around him were busy talking about Lo
rd, and the lonely Damian buried his face in Isabel’s shoulder. Then Lord discovered him and shouted, “Teacher Damian!”
“You came! My cute Lord-chan!”
The boy who stole the hearts of the Rebecca’s Daughter candidates and the Rebecca’s Daughters met after a long time. Was it an illusion that the face of Rebecca looking down at them from the statue was slightly dark today? Isabel felt vaguely anxious.
Chapter 861
Chapter 861
Damian heard that she had entered her 30s, yet Irene was still pure and beautiful. She didn’t look like she had aged at all. Irene had already been a perfect woman even before she matured.
‘She is older than Grid.’
There was a bittersweet smile on Damian’s face as he watched Irene put down her cup of tea. He was also in love with Isabel, so he felt that the gap between players and NPCs was painful and sad. Irene was looking affectionately at her son, Lord, who was embarrassed about being stuck between the bald elders. Damian continued to smile as he also turned his attention to Lord. “Prince Lord has better manners now. Despite his innate talent that pierces the heavens, his humble and upright nature is thanks to your hard work.”
“No. The prince was born with a good heart.”
Personality wasn’t something that could be resolved merely through education alone. Irene was a prominent noble from the fallen Eternal Kingdom, and she had witnessed numerous corrupted aristocrats. Didn’t they hurt the weak with ease and only care about their own interests despite what they’d been taught? Thus, Irene was always grateful to Lord. She was proud of her son who respected everyone, regardless of their status.
‘He is like Grid.’ Irene smiled when she thought of her husband. It would be the same even if she knew about Grid’s earlier personality. To her, Grid was everything.
“…”
Under the sunlight, Irene’s smile was lovely. Damian’s and Isabel’s cheeks flushed red as they gazed at her. Then Damian shook his head and rose from his seat. “Hum hum. Elders, don’t bother Prince Lord since he must be tired. I will take him back.”
Damian said goodbye to Irene and crossed the green grass. His gait contained the aggressiveness of a paladin, rather than the nobility of a priest. It was one of the reasons why the elders didn’t like Damian. Nevertheless, were there any humans in the world with no shortcomings? Not all the elders felt frustrated about Damian. Some of them acknowledged him, while others had high expectations for him. In fact, Damian was a great pope when compared to the fallen Pope Drevigo and the snake-like candidate, Pascal. So, it was best for the church that the elders supported Pope Damian, who was already in his third year.
“Elders, let the prince go. The prince will suffocate from the smell of old bachelors.”
“Cough…”
The elders, who were obsessed with the divine power that Lord gave off, regained their spirits belatedly. They were ashamed that they had forgotten about the boy’s suffering and now tried to give him a helping hand. However, they were smiling instead of blushing with shame.
“Prince Lord, I’ll see you at dinner. Let’s talk again.”
“Prince, don’t forget to pray to Goddess Rebecca.”
“The goddess will bless you…”
The elders bowed before stepping back. They were completely fascinated by Lord’s divine power and spoke to him like he was the goddess’ messenger. Lord was finally able to breathe after they retreated! He gasped for air as Damian shrugged and said, “Sometimes, it is okay to be immature. If you already care about the eyes of others at this age, you will soon become old.”
“I’d rather become old than embarrass Father.”
“Ah…”
Lord’s behavior was praiseworthy. Still, Damian felt regretful and patted Lord’s hair unconsciously.
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
No matter how young Lord was, he was still the prince of a kingdom, so it was very rude for Damian to place his hands on Lord’s head. Damian was still apologizing when Lord entered his arms.
“Please stroke my hair, Teacher.”
“Haat! Lord-chan, so cute!”
In the end…
“Your Holiness! This rudeness…!”
“Think about your dignity, Your Holiness!”
Damian was laughing while acting as Lord’s horse! He laughed loudly as he ran through the gardens of the Vatican, while the panicked Isabel and Rebecca’s Daughters tried to stop him. Irene was happy to see this peaceful sight as she sat under the shade of a tree. Meanwhile, the Overgeared Knights escorting her and Lord were stunned. It was amazing that the Rebecca Church’s pope, one of the biggest powers next to the Saharan Empire, was treating their little prince as his nephew. They felt proud, and a chill ran down their spines.
In particular, Coke felt very proud.
‘The relationship between the Overgeared Kingdom and the Rebecca Church is deeper than the rumors say. It is good that I came to the Overgeared Kingdom.’
Coke—as one of the third generation 10 Rookies, he had recognized the potential of the Overgeared Kingdom early on. Back when he had been convinced that he was a genius, he traveled to the fortified city of Patrian and was then beaten by a bone Piaro had thrown. Convinced about the future of the Overgeared Kingdom, Coke had traveled there as soon as it was founded.
After some years, he was inducted as a knight of the Overgeared Kingdom. It was a result of his pure abilities. Even if Grid didn’t know him, Coke was loyal to Grid and was determined to live for the Overgeared Kingdom. He didn’t doubt that the Overgeared Kingdom would unite the continent sometime in the future, and he dreamed of later becoming a noble of the Overgeared Kingdom.
Why was he taking the hard path? Some people would say that Coke’s evaluation was wrong. They thought Coke was stupid because he would be able to have a more stable future in the empire with his talent. Of course, Coke had also been hesitant. In particular, he had heard rumors at the founding of the Overgeared Kingdom that they were hostile to the empire and seriously wondered if he should join the empire.
However, Coke wasn’t a person to easily reverse a decision once he made it. Additionally, he was a solid fan of Grid. Coke believed in Grid and the Overgeared Guild. Then the Overgeared Kingdom ended up being the first in history to make a truce with the empire. Now, Coke was no longer nervous. He watched the Overgeared Kingdom develop while he honed his skills and faithfully performed his role.
“Sir Coke?”
“Ah, I’m sorry.”
Coke was watching Damian and Lord laugh in the garden when a voice called out to him. Knight Royman gave him a warning, “Have you forgotten the basic rules of an escort? You have to pay more attention when the surroundings are safe.”
Royman spoke in a bold voice deliberately, unaware that her gender had already been discovered. She didn’t notice that her colleagues left every time she entered the shower or the changing rooms. However, her skills were real. Her level was 320. It was only 19 levels higher than Coke’s, but she was twice as strong as him.
Moreover, it wasn’t just in comparison to Coke. Royman was uniquely strong among the Overgeared Kingdom’s knights that Asmophel raised. There was a lot of speculation that Royman had gotten a hidden class or skill after working in the fields with Piaro.
“Yes, I will keep that in mind,” Coke replied with the appropriate tension. He adjusted his position so that he could see both Irene and Lord simultaneously. It wasn’t simply to build up goodwill with Royman though. Coke, who hoped to be a noble of the thriving Overgeared Kingdom, wanted Grid to win, and he felt responsible for ensuring Irene and Lord’s safety.
‘There are many notable people.’ Coke’s gaze was directed at the bottom of the hill. A parade of carriages carrying royalty from all over the continent continued to enter the Vatican. There was also a carriage with the flag of the Saharan Empire. All the countries, apart from the warring countries of Valhalla and Ultina, were gathered here to celebrate Damian’s time as pope.
; ‘An imperial prince came…!’ Coke was shocked when he witnessed a carriage drawn by four white horses.
It was 2nd Prince Dulandal. Coke hadn’t known that one of the greatest powers of the empire would be here and realized just how great of a presence the Rebecca Church really was on the continent. Damian put Lord down. “Lord-chan, return to your quarters with your mother. Rest and I will see you at dinner.”
“Yes,” Lord replied gently, not expressing his desire to keep playing with Damian. He was a bright child and understood Damian’s position. Once Damian left to meet the royal family of every nation, including the empire…
“Place the golden statue over there.”
“Station the 4th Knights Division at the entrance of the village. We have to pay as much attention to security as we do our VIPs.”
The elders were bustling around the Vatican. They weren’t interested in any of the guests, unlike with Lord. In fact, they didn’t even pay attention to the emperor of the empire. This was natural since the Rebecca Church was a transcendent collective. They didn’t kneel before power. After Grid cleaned up Pope Drevigo and Pascal’s forces, the Rebecca Church was now regaining its full power.
Coke felt more fulfilled as he escorted Irene and Lord. It was interesting and enjoyable for him to know that the arrogant elders treated Prince Lord in a special way.
Step, step.
In a red-carpeted corridor, as Lord led the procession to the room assigned to them, he whispered in a small voice, “Teacher, do you feel uncomfortable?”
A voice was heard from the shadows, -No…I’m fine…
It was Kasim. He said he was fine, but his voice was trembling. In fact, he wasn’t okay. 2nd Prince Dulandal of the Saharan Empire—the person who had just stepped into the Vatican—was the one responsible for the destruction of the Nero. Kasim couldn’t suppress the anger and resentment that boiled in his heart when he saw his enemy. It was hard for him to keep his cool.
Chucksley noticed his struggling heart and said, “You shouldn’t cause any incidents.”
-I know, Kasim answered nervously. The laughter disappeared from Lord’s face as he overheard the conversation between the two people.
