by Park Saenal
“Are you sure he is being framed? How can you be sure Agnus didn’t kill those people?”
“I’m certain. Agnus might kill strong people, but I’ve never seen abuse the weak. Look back at the incident with Elizabeth. Agnus needs an accessory maker. Would he make himself the public enemy of accessory makers by killing them?”
Lauel had also thought about this part, but he was missing something important. “Do you know who the real culprit is? At the very least, there should be a suspect you can point at.”
“Maybe it is the Yatan Church.”
“The Yatan Church?” Something flashed in Lauel’s head. It was because he saw a new possibility.
“Didn’t he help Queen Irene and Prince Lord in attacking the Vatican? Agnus had a symbiotic relationship with the Yatan Church yet he helped these two people. It is no different from an act of betrayal.”
“…”
“I don’t know if you have any idea about this, but the Yatan Church has been struggling for the past 10 years because of a certain enigmatic figure and they are sensitive due to Yura’s betrayal from a few years ago. I think they made a plan to punish the new traitor, Agnus, and set an example.”
“Hrmm…” A hopeful scheme came to Lauel’s mind.
It would make Agnus indebted to them while getting rid of a problem he had been concerned about. Lauel asked Faker, “Do you know the whereabouts of Rose?”
“We are gradually approaching her. We’ve found a few traces and will be able to locate her soon.”
Rose was the number one black magician after Yura, and she had become one of Yatan’s Servants. She was one of the villains who summoned the 32nd Great Demon Belial. Additionally, she was one of the leaders of the raid on the Vatican last year. From the position of the Overgeared Kingdom, Rose was someone who had to be punished. Grid and the Overgeared Kingdom had no intention of forgiving her for trying to harm Irene and Lord. They pursued her steadily.
“Wait a moment…”
“…?”
Lauel had Bullet and Faker wait beside him while he focused on whispering to someone. How much time passed by…?
Lauel swept back his silver hair and laughed. “Bullet, I’ll give you a smarter way.”
“What is it?” Bullet had been waiting for a while. He couldn’t help feeling nervous when Lauel didn’t answer him. Finally, a guild message popped up.
[The guild master ‘Grid’ has attached a kill order on the player ‘Rose.’]
“Eh…?”
What was this all of a sudden? Lauel finally explained to the embarrassed Bullet, “Threaten to trample on her.”
What would happen if one of Yatan’s Servants revealed that the true culprit was the Yatan Church? Agnus would be able to get rid of his false accusations.
***
‘I have to pay him back for helping Lord and Irene.’
On the first underground floor of the Galgunos Temple, Grid set the kill order on Rose and felt a blockage in his body become unblocked. He had felt disgusted at owing the bastard Agnus. Now he felt good at the chance of paying off his debt. It was a good situation because he wanted to punish Rose anyway.
‘By the way, this isn’t an easy decision.’
It was obvious, but in the future, the Overgeared Skeletons One and Two would use their own weapons and helmet. This would optimize their attributes and allow them to demonstrate their stats more efficiently.
‘They naturally need the best production methods…’
There was one big problem. The Overgeared Skeletons could only learn one production method. Teaching the Overgeared Skeletons the best production method was difficult due to all the materials necessary for the item production.
‘This means the Overgeared Skeletons won’t be able to use blacksmithing that often, and they can’t fully utilize their skills.’
However, if he taught them a production method with materials that could be obtained easily, the performance of the weapon and helmet would be insignificant.
‘I have to coordinate it well.’
He needed a production method with materials that were relatively easy to obtain, but the performance of the items produced also needed to be excellent.
“…Hmm?” Grid stared at the hard bones of the Overgeared Skeletons. His gaze was so strange that the dancing Overgeared Skeletons were startled.
Chapter 987
‘It would be good to make items with their bones.’
Grid tapped the Overgeared Skeletons’ golden bones. They were dense and hard enough to make no sound.
‘Bones are crafting materials that can pursue extreme sharpness, but they are weak in durability. However, the bones of the Overgeared Skeletons aren’t weak at all. It is fine to classify them as a blue orichalcum class material.’
The Overgeared Skeletons themselves were a special existence, and they were strengthened by absorbing the bones of skeletons that were over level 350. Moreover, there was room for further strengthening in the future. There were the bones of undead stronger than Galgunos’ skeleton soldiers. This was under the premise that Grid should save the bones of humanoid undead.
‘It is a problem that time will solve.’
In the end, the bones of the Overgeared Skeletons were a crafting material that would rise in grade over time and the supplies were easily obtainable. The Overgeared Skeletons could pull out their own bones whenever they made an item. The reason for this improbable idea was Overgeared Skeleton Two’s restoration ability.
That’s right. Grid was dreaming of infinite power with advanced items. Theoretically, it was a perfect idea. There was one fatal problem though.
‘I have to consume one of the Legendary Blacksmith’s Creation slots.’
The premise of this item used the bones of the Overgeared Skeletons as a material. Such an item didn’t exist, so Grid had to create it himself. Moreover, the use of the Legendary Blacksmith’s Creation skill was limited, so he had to be careful.
‘This is a good investment if I consider that the bones of the Overgeared Skeletons can be strengthened…’
It was important to think carefully. He rubbed the round skulls of the Overgeared Skeletons, who were making uneasy expressions. Then a notification window popped up in Grid’s field of view.
[There are five minutes left in your daily access time.]
Over the past month, Grid had been raising his level at a speed different from others. It was possible because Grid’s ability to hunt was exceptional, but it was also because of his efforts. Grid focused on hunting 16 hours a day. He reduced his sleeping time to focus on the game and thoroughly managed his eating and exercise schedule. Well, it wasn’t just something he was doing now. He had been maintaining this schedule for the last few years.
“Umm…”
Grid logged out and returned to Shin Youngwoo. His expression was exhausted as he got out of the capsule. He lay in bed and wanted to sleep until tomorrow morning. His mind was tired enough to rest for a day. The psychological factor had a huge impact on him.
After the big event that was the demon king subjugation, a strange sense of inertia dominated him. Grid tried not to show it to others, but his mind and body were exhausted. He wanted to have a good rest as psychological compensation for the big event. Then he was reminded of his past and corrected his heart.
‘I can’t go back to the old days…’
He couldn’t be careless. The other competitors were trying as hard as he was. He might be ahead right now, but there was a chance for them to catch up and for him to fall into hell.
‘Wake up.’
Youngwoo slapped his cheeks, washed his face with cold water, and did simple exercises. Then he took a shower and put on a coat. Today was the 1st anniversary of Khan’s death. It was already the third cycle in Satisfy, and he had always visited Khan’s grave to maintain it. However, there was only one way to commemorate it in reality. It might be a way to appease Youngwoo’s heart.
Ding dong~!
He go
t into the elevator and pressed the button for the ground floor, but it stopped downstairs. Having received the signal that Youngwoo had activated the elevator, Toon immediately reacted to it. “Are you going somewhere?”
“I’m going to have a drink.”
“Yes, let’s go.”
Youngwoo waved his hand at Toon who was grabbing a coat. “I’ll go alone.”
“No.” Toon was determined. Youngwoo might’ve accumulated many relationships in Satisfy, but he was still a lonely person.
“If you want to drink alone, I’ll sit at another table and wait.” Toon had become quite skillful in Korean.
Youngwoo smiled bitterly. “Thank you, but today, I want to feel alone. Don’t worry. Don’t you know? I am very popular these days.”
At the very least, he was safe in South Korea. To the people of South Korea, Youngwoo was a hero.
‘Today is Khan’s first death anniversary, and he’s determined…’
It was as expected. Toon looked at the stubborn Youngwoo and nodded. “Then let’s ride separate cars. I will stay at a distance so you can feel alone.”
“…”
“This is the maximum I can concede.”
“…Yes, I understand.”
Youngwoo went down to the underground parking lot with Toon. Then Youngwoo got in the car he had been driving for five years while Toon climbed into a separate one.
Two rare and high-value vehicles appeared on the road, catching the eyes of the people.
***
Rose’s response was quick. She was the 1st ranked black magician and an official of the Yatan Church. Moreover, she had a pretty good visual. Her ability, presence, and beauty meant she was quite popular among the rankers. Rose knew how to take advantage of this popularity. She made headlines when she appeared on a popular TV program and revealed that the Overgeared Guild had set a kill order on her.
“A group is suppressing an individual. One of the best guilds in the world, which should be an example for all, is driving one person to the brink. What should I do? Do I have to abandon my efforts over the past few years and quit Satisfy? Won’t this indiscriminate violence of the Overgeared Guild continue in the future? People who are powerless individuals like me—won’t you also become a victim in the future?”
The world was overturned. Countless people blamed Grid and the Overgeared Guild. This was different from what had happened with Immortal. The effect was greater because Rose emphasized the ‘group’ going against the ‘individual.’
In any case, the act of a group suppressing one person was bound to be seen as cruel and cowardly. The masses, who were mostly powerless individuals, didn’t condone the actions of the Overgeared Guild. In the words of Rose, it made them feel like they could be victims as well. As such, they felt the need to hold the reins so the Overgeared Guild couldn’t run wild.
The Overgeared Guild responded immediately.
The mouth of the Overgeared Guild—no, the spokesman Huroi made an official statement, “As one of Yatan’s Servants, Rose has slaughtered numerous players and NPCs. Of course, it is her role in the game and her right to do so. Thus, I wouldn’t usually blame her for her actions. But the story is different when the Overgeared members and the Overgeared people are directly affected. Just as she has the right to act, we have the right as well. It is natural to assume responsibility if she has done something wrong. This isn’t indiscriminate violence but revenge. The Overgeared Guild will get revenge on Rose. She will be held accountable for the sins she has committed against us.”
It wasn’t a group oppressing a powerless individual. Huroi emphasized this, and there was a sufficient effect. In particular, many people hated Rose because of all the killings she committed as one of Yatan’s Servants. Groups advocating for the Overgeared Guild were formed. However, not everyone defended the Overgeared Guild.
-Dogsㅋㅋ The Overgeared ones are running around as usual.
-Look at how they’re controlling the vampire cities.
-XX guys. It is really disgusting that their country is earning money by monopolizing the hunting grounds.
-Even the National Competition rewards were almost all swept up by the Overgeared members. They’re having a full meal.
-What bullshit are you talking about? The Overgeared Guild got the rewards in the National Competition because they’re strong. The hunting grounds are also in their territory, so they can exercise their rights. The dungeon size is limited. Why would you want to share it with everyone else? Even Overgeared Guild One is in a saturated condition.
-It is funny to see the dogs insulting the Overgeared Guild. The Overgeared Guild is having a full meal? Why are you cursing at them when they’re enjoying their own efforts?
-The struggles of the Overgeared Guild are things we should enjoy together. ㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-By the way, the Overgeared Guild is too harsh. Don’t you remember how Katz used to act before joining the Overgeared Guild? Let’s say someone wants to get revenge on Katz now. Won’t they be hit by the Overgeared Guild’s kill order?
-Peak Sword overreacts every time to racial discrimination. Human garbage.
-My group asked Pon to stop teasing Vantner about being bald and was ignored…
-What group?
-The National Baldness Association.
-This…
-The Overgeared Guild can’t be allowed to continue like this. One day, the Overgeared Guild might dominate everything.
Surprisingly, many people were anxious about this. It was a more primitive fear that came before envy or jealousy. It was an inevitable phenomenon, no matter how well the Overgeared Guild managed their image. However, the Overgeared Guild wasn’t shaken. This was something they had experienced every time, and they were already prepared for it.
Lauel advised Huroi, “You don’t have to respond to public opinion. Just strongly express our opinion to punish Rose, no matter what the public says.”
Their intention was simple—place psychological pressure on Rose. Rose noticed the Overgeared Guild’s hard heart and immediately tried to negotiate. She sent a friend request to Lauel in the Overgeared Guild. Then as soon as he accepted it, she sent a whisper, -Why are you doing this? Is it because of the Vatican invasion?
-Yes. Our queen and prince were in danger at the time because of you. It is something we can’t let you get away with.
-…No, what is this? I never expected the prince and queen of the Overgeared Kingdom to be there! In the first place, I was just performing a quest! I didn’t lead the attack on the Vatican. Why are you holding me responsible?
-You didn’t know the royal family of the Overgeared Kingdom would attend the pope’s reelection ceremony? Don’t you know about the relationship between the pope and the Overgeared Kingdom?
Lauel interrupted Rose’s excuses and gave her a choice, -Be hunted by us for the rest of your life or testify about how is Agnus being framed and neatly clear up the relationship between us. Choose one or the other.
-Agnus? Did Agnus join the Overgeared Guild? No, that is impossible. Are you paying off the debt for him helping the queen and the prince?
-You just have to give an answer.
Rose wasn’t an easy opponent. She was a person who could see through even the smallest gap. Moreover, she was one of Yatan’s Servants. It wouldn’t be good to reveal a gap to a powerful enemy that could become ‘named’ if certain conditions were met. Rose refused, -I don’t want to.
What would happen if she betrayed the Yatan Church? She couldn’t flee to hell like Yura had done.
-You will regret it.
-Hrmm, we’ll see. How will public opinion change if I post a video every time you commit violence against me? Just watch. Be ready for the Overgeared Guild to get isolated if you touch me.
It was a tough response, but Lauel just laughed.
***
Youngwoo found a stall in a remote location. It had been a long time since he started avoiding crowded places.
“Oh, my.
a famous person is here.”
When Youngwoo entered the stall, the owner immediately recognized his face and started flattering him. The world’s top star was in such a humble place. It was unknown if the food and drinks here would suit a special person like Youngwoo. Yet Youngwoo just sat down and smiled. “Well, five years ago I didn’t even have enough money to buy ramyun. Please give me a bottle of soju and a plate of chicken feet.”
“Omo, really? Ah! That’s right! I heard rumors that you are a self-made man. It is amazing for your young age.”
“I was lucky.”
“How could it only be luck? It is your ability and talent to grab onto the luck.”
Youngwoo’s heart eased as the stall owner comforted him. Shortly afterward, the soju came out, and Youngwoo filled up a cup. The smell of alcohol hit his nose, and he was reminded of the first day he met Khan. The man had lost his wife and son and lived in a drunken state. The smell of alcohol had been terrible just from standing beside him.
‘How much pain was he in?’
Khan had been alone in the world. The weight of the solitude and despair that he had felt couldn’t even be imagined. Nevertheless, Khan had endured the solitude and despair, even making up his mind and stopping his drinking. Thinking about that time, Youngwoo found it funny.
‘His hands shook from the alcohol, and he couldn’t even hold a hammer.’
How absurd was his laugh when he saw that a blacksmith couldn’t even hold a hammer? Then Khan stopped drinking and managed to hold a hammer. He taught many things to Youngwoo, who had been severely lacking.
‘Please be happy.’
Khan had been alone the first day they met, but he wasn’t alone now. He must be laughing every day after being reunited with his family in heaven. Youngwoo believed it. Every time he emptied his glass of alcohol, he prayed to God that his belief was real.
“…”
How much time passed by…? The uneaten chicken feet and udon soup became cold. The surface of the raw cucumber that had come out as a basic snack had also dried up. Only the three bottles of soju were empty.
