Chapter 108
Youngwoo was in a hurry. He wanted to meet the alumni sooner now that he was no longer in debt. 'Look at 23. I'm a success. You can't ignore or abuse me anymore.' That's what he wanted to say. He wanted revenge for how they laughed at and ignored him over the years.
Buaaaaaang!
23 drove on the roads, barely keeping to the speed limit. At this speed, he could reach the gathering place within 10 minutes. Youngwoo felt like that was too long to show everyone his changed appearance.
'But… Why is the meeting place on the outskirts of the city? It can't be reached with public transportation, so it is difficult for anyone without a car. Were they aiming at me?'
It would be very difficult for Youngwoo to go to the reunion place today if he hadn't paid off the debt or bought a car. He didn't have any friends to borrow a car from, nor could he use public transportation. Therefore, he would've needed to take a taxi.
‘Isn't it too much to decide on a meeting place like this?'
Youngwoo was confident that he was the victim they were aiming at, since they laughed at him for so long. As he focused on driving, he noticed something and slowed down. In front of him, a woman was opening her car bonnet and sending a signal for help.
The usual Youngwoo wouldn't have helped anyone without any benefits. But now was an exception. He was curious because the woman asking for help was an obvious beauty, even from far away.
“Look at that style and ratio… It isn't a joke."
The woman was wearing jeans, a white t-shirt and a black jacket over it. It was an outfit with no exposure. She also wore large sunglasses, so it was hard to grasp her appearance from afar. But he was convinced that she was a beauty with perfect proportions and white skin. He wanted to check how pretty she was up close. This instinct couldn't be suppressed.
‘I became negative towards women due to Ahyoung, but… As a human being, I can't ignore a woman having trouble in the middle of the road.'
Youngwoo parked his car next to the woman asking for help. Then he was startled.
He didn't notice because of the woman, but the woman's car was the S-model from Company C, which was four times more expensive than Youngwoo's car. The model released by Company C for their 120th anniversary was very different from the 13 series because it targeted conglomerates.
‘A young woman with a car like this… Is she a second generation heir to a conglomerate, like in a drama?’
Youngwoo cleared his throat and released his tension. Then he got out of the car and asked the woman.
“Can I help you?"
She would've already contacted her insurance company. It wasn't a normal car, so she would obviously care about it. Youngwoo wanted to leave. But the woman was asking for help, so he couldn't leave her.
Then the woman took her sunglasses off, “I hope you will take me along with you."
"Heok?"
Youngwoo was surprised as he saw the woman's face. He was so amazed he thought his heart would stop.
“Y-Yura?"
The world famous rankers of Satisfy. Due to their frequent exposure in the media, there were few people playing Satisfy who didn't know the names and faces of the rankers. They didn't know the name of the US president, but they knew the names of Satisfy's rankers. That was a well known joke among the users.
Among them, Yura was special.
She was the only female in the top 10 of the unified rankings. She was regarded as the last hope for Koreans, who had been power gamers until half a century ago. She was also regarded as one of the best beauties in the east and west. She dominated not just domestic, but international CFs, and was ranked 3rd on the list of 100 most influential people in the world.
Why did he come across a woman like that here? Youngwoo was very confused.
'Does this make sense? No matter how small South Korea is, how can a coincidence like this happen?'
In fact, Youngwoo had a link with Yura. No, it was more of a bad relationship.
After becoming Pagma’s Descendant, he had a conflict with Yura during Doran's quest. He failed the quest due to Yura's interference and he wrote bad comments about her on the Internet to resolve his grudge.
'Perhaps…' Youngwoo assumed the worst. 'She commissioned cyber forensics to track me down and get revenge?'
It was possible considering Yura's wealth and authority.
'No, that can't be. This isn't a manhwa… It's a mere coincidence.'
Yura drove in a wedge while Youngwoo was trying to calm down, "It is nice to see you, Grid."
“Cough…”
She knew his identity? It truly wasn't a coincidence that she appeared before Youngwoo!
'Revenge! She came to get revenge!'
Youngwoo's confusion and anxiety reached the peak. He had experienced Blood Witch Yura's cruelty already. He didn't know what to expect.
‘S-Should I drive away?'
Youngwoo shook while Yura climbed into his passenger seat without permission.
“You can drive me up to your destination. Please let me ride in your car. I have something to say."
"…Yes."
Youngwoo couldn't refuse.
***
“Why is Shin Youngwoo so late?"
During high school, Lee Junho had cursed and assaulted his classmates. He was a terrible person. There wasn't one person who hadn't needed to pay money to Lee Junho. It was hard for even the seniors and teachers to go against him. He also used violence against his few friends, Sim Kiwan and Choi Chansung.
His violent streak didn't improve after graduating from high school and going to the army and university. Before he knew it, he was 27 years old and still couldn't adapt to society, constantly changing jobs.
Lee Junho worked in a PC room, convenience store, gas station and so on, until one day he suddenly realized.
‘I am nothing.'
When he was a student, everything was okay when he fought. Regardless of their gender, everyone was under his feet. He could do what he wanted.
But the situation was different when he entered society.
Those who studied hard during high school could get a suitable job, but there was no company that would accept Lee Junho, who knew nothing but fighting. Whenever he fought, he was dragged to the police station and forced to pay a settlement.
As it turned out, he wasn't the best in fighting either. He went to the gym to learn martial arts, but there were countless people present.
Lee Junho started to become anxious.
He couldn't get a job or do anything well, so would he be able to marry anyone? He couldn't even afford to worry about his marriage funds, since he might starve to death in a few years. If he managed to survive, he would struggle to cope with an old and lonely life.
Lee Junho kept drinking as he imagined the worst situation. He couldn't sleep without the alcohol.
Then two years ago.
He was able to shake off all his worries once he met Shin Youngwoo at the reunion. For the first time in a long time, he saw someone below him. At least Lee Junho wasn't in debt. But Shin Youngwoo had a large debt and was obsessed with games.
Junho could feel assured when looking at Youngwoo.
‘Aren't I at least better than him?'
It really was like magic. Since he met Youngwoo, Junho was able to fall asleep without drinking. No matter how terrible his life was, he could bear it at the thought of Youngwoo having it worse.
And now.
Junho lived a life that was almost the same as two years ago. He was still wandering around jobs. He was already in his late 20s. Soon he would be 30 years old. Instead of saving money, he still couldn't find proper work.
He couldn't resist cursing or assaulting a customer when working in a convenience store or at a PC room counter. Then he needed to pay the settlements. His pride was badly hurt when working at a gas station. He was covered in oil, unlike his peers. In addition, he was irritated whenever he saw young men or women in foreign cars. Labor was worse. People who did labor work were middle-aged losers who weren't expecting much from their life.
As such, Junho was trying to change the situation. However, he was aware that it was hard, so he got caught up in anxiety and started to rely on alcohol again. He needed a prescription. He had to meet Youngwoo. He would be able to laugh at Youngwoo with his fellow high school classmates and forget his worries.
The other alumni were in a similar position. Junho might be in the worst situation, but they were all uneasy about their futures. They wanted to meet Youngwoo.
The reunion location of the Heroes High School 45th graduation class. Lee Junho, the secretary of the Alumni Association, was nervous when Youngwoo didn't show up on time.
"Hey, Kim Ahyoung. Are you sure Youngwoo is coming?"
Ahyoung ridiculed him, “I'm not sure. I don't know if he can come because you decided on this meeting place."
It was a garden restaurant outside the city. A person without their own car would have to take a taxi to get here. It was doubtful if the debt-ridden Youngwoo could afford the taxi fee.
Lee Junho, who deliberately selected this meeting place, started to feel belated regret.
“That pathetic guy… He can't even afford a taxi?"
At that moment.
"Wow! Look over there!"
The alumni started to make a fuss as they looked out the window. Lee Junho and Kim Ahyoung also looked out the window. They witnessed a black vehicle enter the parking lot.
“13 series…!"
A limited edition car worth 800 million won! Lee Junho had seen a lot of foreign cars while working at the gas station, but he never saw a car of this degree.
'Shit! There are bastards like this everywhere I go!'
Lee Junho shook his head at the thought that the 13 series would be a 2nd generation conglomerate's car, while Kim Ahyoung had hearts in her eyes.
'My life will be set if I can marry a guy with a car like that. When can I date a guy like that?'
Then the car stopped at one side of the parking lot. Everyone was shocked. The person who descended from the driver's seat was Shin Youngwoo!
"W-What…?"
Lee Junho stood up and cried out. How did Shin Youngwoo, a debt ridden game loser, come in such a luxury car?
"No way!"
It was clear that he stole it. Lee Junho and all the alumni thought so.
But Ahyoung thought differently. ‘He paid off his debt and got a job… It wasn't a lie? But how good is his job that he can afford a car like that?'
Ahyoung’s brain was spinning fast.
'Anyway, it is good. Youngwoo likes me… He doesn't have any dating experience, so it'll be easy to catch him, then my life will be set. Okay, I will make him my man.'
At that moment, a woman came down from the passenger seat. Ahyoung became desperate the moment she saw the woman's beauty. On the other hand, Junho and the other alumni had to spit out their water.
“Pfft!!”
“W-What is this?"
Why were they so shocked? It was due to the identity of the woman in the passenger seat. She was Yura. Her beauty could be recognized even at a distance. There was a halo around her. That was a suitable saying to describe her beauty.
"H-How did this happen?"
No one could understand this situation. As everyone was confused, Yura leaned up and kissed Youngwoo. After a while, a big limousine appeared and took Yura away.
“T-This scene…?"
In the eyes of others, it looked like Yura left the car after enjoying a date with Youngwoo. The imagination of Youngwoo's fellow alumni ran wild.
‘Did Youngwoo manage to seduce Yura? Did Yura pay off his debt and buy that car for him?'
'How did he come into contact with a woman like Yura? The worlds they live in are completely different, so there is no place where they could meet. No, maybe… Is Youngwoo actually the young master of a rich house? Is Youngwoo just pretending to be a normal high school and university student with a debt?'
'Maybe… Youngwoo could form a relationship with Yura because of Satisfy…'
'Yes. Youngwoo's time playing Satisfy wasn't in vain. He met Yura in Satisfy, their relationship developed to lovers and this moved to reality…'
'Damn! If I unconditionally played Satisfy instead of working, could I be like Youngwoo?'
Youngwoo finally entered the restaurant. Youngwoo already knew that the alumni in the restaurant had witnessed the scene outside, so he waved leisurely.
“Have you been well?"
“…”
This was Youngwoo? He looked and acted completely different from before. No one was able to talk to Youngwoo, who sat on the side. They just looked at him. Then Youngwoo, holding a cup of wine in his hand, extended another cup to Lee Junho.
"Hasn't it been a while? Have a cup."
"Eh? Y-Yes. Yes…"
Lee Junho was dumbfounded. Shin Youngwoo had shrunk back from him since their school days, now he was asking them to drink together!
'I didn't want to see him for this…'
Anger boiled inside Junho's heart. Youngwoo emptied his glass and said to Junho. “Come on, have a drink. But how are you doing these days? You still haven't fixed your habit of biting your nails? You're getting older, so you should stop it. Isn’t that right?”
Lee Junho snapped and got up from his seat. Then he grabbed Youngwoo and snarled.
"You bastard! I don't know what happened but don't pretend to be elite! I will kill you!"
In the past, Youngwoo would be angry and afraid. But now he was different. He was a man. In particular, for adult men, abilities became power and confidence. Those who had the ability wouldn't shrink back easily in any situation.
"Why are you so mad? Look back at all the words and actions you've made against me. Do you have any idea how angry I was?"
"…!"
At that moment, Junho reflexively shrunk back from the look in Youngwoo's eyes. It was because the appearance of a man flashed through his mind. The psychopath in the skull helmet who beat him up in Kesan Canyon! The look in Youngwoo's eyes was like the psychopath who recently shattered the Giant Guild in Winston.
'Is this possible? That bastard is him?'
Junho noticed Youngwoo's identity and backed away. Junho, the madman who couldn't be controlled, retreated like a dog. It was hard to believe. To the alumni, Youngwoo felt like a different person than before.
Then Youngwoo started laughing.
“This wine tastes good. What are you doing? Aren't you drinking?"
Youngwoo had suffered many difficulties over the years. The memory of being bullied by the alumni was his biggest trauma. But on this day, he was able to perfectly overcome that trauma, resulting in a psychologically more stable and mature Youngwoo.
This growth was sure to be a great help to him when playing Satisfy in the future.
***
‘Did this help him?'
A little while ago, Yura had descended from the car and narrowed the distance to Youngwoo to get rid of a piece of dust in his hair. The angle from the restaurant made it seem like a kiss.
Yura smiled as she remembered the help she received from Shin Youngwoo at the Yatan Temple in the past.
'My debt has been paid.'
Yura had accomplished various feats with her own power. She wanted to get rid of the weak memory of receiving help from another. Thus, she kept paying attention to Grid and after a recent investigation, she determined that she could pay off the debt in this form.
OG:
Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.
Chapter 109
Most of the people attending the reunion were intent on making fun of me. However, now that I got rid of my debtor status and succeeded, no one could make fun of me. Thus, the reunion lost its primary purpose and became very awkward.
In particular, Lee Junho couldn't say anything and left first after finishing his glass of alcohol. Since then, the mood slowly changed. They noticed Lee Junho leaving and started to bombard me with questions.
“How did you appear with the 13 series? Did you win the lottery or something? Weren't you struggling with a debt the last time I saw you?"
“Youngwoo, have you become a ranker in Satisfy? Did you get a lot of money from recording broadcasts? Will we see you on TV sooner or later?"
“What's your relationship with Yura? Are you two really dating?"
“Dating the woman who is every man's romance… I can't imagine how superior you feel…"
Curiosity, envy, and jealousy were all showing in the alumni's eyes. As I was enjoying this situation, some people from my school days who I thought were friends spoke to me.
“Hey~ Youngwoo, do you remember how close we were in school? It was fun at the time… Don't you miss it sometimes? Should we hang out together sometime?"
"Oh! This is good! Everyone became distant after going to the army and university, so this will be good!"
“Hehe, you should bring Yura when we hang out. Isn't it natural to introduce your lover to your friends? Huhuhu."
"Hey, you know… Can I drive the car? I always wanted to drive the 13 series… Huh? Just five minutes is okay. Please."
These guys turned away and tormented me like the others when I needed help, now they wanted to be friends again. I definitively put them down.
"You want to come over here and play like we're friends now? Just shut up. Like everyone else, you are looking at me with jealousy. I'm here just to laugh at you."
"What?"
"Ha! What's with this bastard's tone? Are you acting like this now that you're doing well?"
I used my words to strike them where it hurt, and they were upset by it. I scoffed at them, saying, “Isn't it funny how you sound just like Lee Junho when he was talking earlier? Why did you laugh at me and ignore me until I started doing well? In the first place, weren't you the bastards harassing people? Huh? Now look at yourselves. Do you think I can be disregarded by you anymore?"
"You…!"
The faces of the alumni went red as they grew angry; however, they couldn't argue against me.
"You are the bastards who feel superior when harassing people inferior to you."
I was cold. I had no doubt that after this alumni reunion, my relationship with them was over. I took my coat and left.
Buaaaaaang!
I returned to 23 and started it. After setting the destination in the navigation as my home, I chose the automatic driving function. I was about to depart when someone tapped on my window. It was Ahyoung. I rolled the window down and Ahyoung looked at me with anxious eyes.
"Are you leaving?"
'Kim Ahyoung…'
Only a few days ago, she was the object of my love. I loved her so much that I dreamed of dating and marrying her more than 100 times. But interestingly, I didn't feel any emotions towards her now.
Once I realized she wasn't who I thought she was, disappointment, betrayal and any lingering emotions disappeared.
“The kids who used to disregard me are now envious. The ones who forsake me are now clinging to me. I have to leave because I am finished getting revenge. If I stay here longer then blows will keep being exchanged. It is a waste of time."
When I liked Ahyoung, I couldn't meet her eyes properly. My heart throbbed and I could only babble nonsense. But now it was different. There were no emotions, so I could look into her eyes and talk clearly.
“Stay well Ahyoung. I liked you."
Ahyoung grabbed me as I was leaving. "L-Liked? Why is it past tense? Are you saying you don't like me anymore? I…! I like you!"
The fact that Ahyoung was my first love wouldn't change, even if she trampled on my heart. I wanted to leave with as good a memory as every, without ruining her illusions. I was blinded by love for 13 years, so I didn't want to leave any room for her to cling onto me.
"Can't you see? I have Yura now, the sky that you can't be compared to. It would be foolish of me to leave her. I don't have any feelings for you."
“Youngwoo, you…!"
I spoke as cynically as possible. Then I left the sad and hurt Ahyoung.
“This is the end for us.”
The connection between me and you, which was a bad link in the past, was cleanly cut off. Now it was a fresh start.
On the way back home, I recalled the conversation I previously had with Yura,
“After the Tzedakah Guild succeeded in the raid against Malacus, the forces of the Yatan Church rapidly weakened. Therefore, the Tzedakah Guild is now the Yatan Church's main enemy. The Yatan Church will surely retaliate against the Tzedakah Guild, and as everyone expected, I am the Yatan Church's Eighth Servant. Conflict between us is inevitable."
“Then did you come to me to declare war? D-Do you want to kill me here? No matter how angry you are in the game, isn't it too much to kill people in reality?"
“…Don't make people into killers. I just want to pay back my debt from when we fought before."
"Debt?"
“During the quest in the Yatan Temple… Didn't you log out despite beating me in order to help me clear the quest? Thanks to that, I was able to consolidate my position in the Yatan Church and become the Eighth Servant. You are a great benefactor to me, so it is hard for me to point a weapon at you."
"I deliberately logged out to help your quest? What does that even mean?”
Yura firmly misunderstood something.
“At that time, I wasn't intending to help your quest. You owe me nothing."
I didn't know how Yura misunderstood this fact, but I wanted to resolve this misunderstanding because I didn't want to be connected with her. However, she was already deep into her deluded fantasy.
“I don't know why you are denying it. Even if you didn't intend to help me like you just said, it doesn't change the fact that I was helped by you, so I'll pay off this debt."
Yura had a very selfish nature. In the end, I could only nod.
"I guess words won't work. Okay, I understand. Do what you want. Then I can cut this bad connection sooner. How are you planning to pay off the debt?"
"Bad connection…?"
Yura frowned like she didn't like it. She was so beautiful that even this made me amazed.
'She is a scam…'
Yura explained her plan while I was admiring her.
“After war breaks out between the Yatan Church and the Tzedakah Guild, I won't kill you. I can't kill my benefactor, after all. Although, there might be some situations where fighting is unavoidable."
"…You'll spare me? Wow, I'm so thankful that I'm on the verge of tears."
The role I played in the Tzedakah Guild was a blacksmith, not a soldier. I didn't plan to involve myself in any guild activities unless I was directly affected, like the recent incident with the Giant Guild. It was 100 times more profitable to make items compared to fighting, so I would rather be the guild's blacksmith. There was no chance of Yura and I meeting in a war.
I felt assured and nodded.
"Okay, I understand how you will pay off your debt. Then are you done? We've arrived at the destination, so let's separate. Please don't appear in front of me again since it isn't good for my heart."
Yura was a woman who destroyed the Yatan Temple while trying to kill me. Having a connection with her, it was no different from torture. I wanted to quickly separate from her, but she had different thoughts.
"It is over. I want to pay off the debt in another form."
“What else?”
“Excuse me, but I have been researching your past. Over the years, you have suffered humiliation because of your high school alumni."
"What?"
No, why was she talking about a man's shameful past? Didn't she know about privacy?
'Is she a stalker?'
I wanted to snap out, but I was so afraid that I couldn't open my mouth. She suggested to me, "Aren't you going to attend the reunion right now? I'll come as well. Let me pretend to be your lover in front of your fellow alumni."
What nonsense was she saying?
"Why?"
Yura kindly explained to me, “Once they find out that a famous, intelligent and beautiful woman like me is your lover, they will no longer make fun of you. You will be able to silence the alumni. How is it? Pretend to be lovers. Isn't this a great way to pay off my debt to you?"
“…”
I was fairly certain that Yura had a princess disease. It didn't make sense for a famous, intelligent and beautiful woman like her to make this suggestion.
"Isn't this a scene common in dramas and movies? The gender roles have reversed but…"
I vetoed Yura's words.
"That's okay. There is no need for that. I am able to change my position with my own abilities."
Yes, I refused Yura's suggestion.
But as a result, the alumni witnessed Yura getting down from my car and misunderstood that she was my lover. Then they envious me enormously. It wouldn't have been possible to elicit such a response with just the 13 series.
“… The more I think about it, the stranger she is. What type of person developed such a misunderstanding, did a background check and tried to repay her debt in this manner? Wasn't it preposterous? Paying off a one-sided debt… She is insane."
Based on common sense, Yura seemed to have a narrower sense of human relationships than me.
'She seems to have become strange after becoming successful at an early age and living apart from others.'
In no time, I arrived home. I went straight to the capsule and connected to Satisfy.
***
Winston had lost troops several times in the battle against the Yatan Church, the knight captain was wounded and the lady was kidnapped. The city was becoming one of the best in the north and the population was growing rapidly, but there was a limit to the guard troops.
Earl Steim became aware of the situation and led support troops to Winston.
"Father!"
"Ohh! My lovely daughter! You have become even more beautiful since last I saw you!"
Earl Steim was one of the most influential nobles in the Eternal Kingdom and the ruler of the north. But he was just a doting dad in front of his daughter, Irene. Despite the numerous soldiers and knights watching, Earl Steim embraced his daughter and shed tears.
"You must've suffered! I'm sorry that I burdened you so much! Thank you for being safe! Thank you!"
Irene was Earl Steim's only child. Rather than keeping her safe by his side, he appointed her as ruler of a territory and let her experience being kidnapped again, so he couldn't forgive himself.
Irene suggested to him. "Father, he didn't do anything wrong. The whole thing was my fault. Father, that's why… I wish I had a strong person taking care of me."
Earl Steim glared at Phoenix.
“That’s right… You need a strong person… Someone much better than the incompetent Captain Phoenix…"
"Please kill me!"
Phoenix's guilt was unimaginable after losing in the war and not being able to protect his master. Earl Steim ignored him and spoke to Irene, "But sweetheart, Doran is dead and there is, unfortunately, no one stronger than Phoenix in the north. Leave Winston to Phoenix and return with me."
"No, there is someone here who I can depend on. He is stronger and more courageous than anyone else."
"Hoh?"
Irene was the daughter of a warrior. While she wasn't trained, her ability to recognize strength was excellent. She was complimenting someone so confidently that Earl Steim was filled with expectations.
"Then who is this person?"
"He is a blacksmith."
“Eh?"
The answer coming from his daughter's smiling mouth was so unexpected that Earl Steim thought he heard wrongly for a moment. Earl Steim regained his spirit and asked, “Sweetheart, the strong and brave person you can rely on is a blacksmith? Did I hear it properly just now?"
Irene unabashedly nodded.
“That’s right. He is the great blacksmith who made the sword that became a family treasure not long ago, and also the one who saved me from Malacus. Not just that. He is the hero who saved Winston from the Mero Company."
"Ha! That rumored person…"
He was clearly a great person just based on the achievements. But Earl Steim became frantic after seeing Irene's face.
'My daughter has the face of a woman in love…!'
He knew about the one who helped save Winston from the evils of the Mero Company. It was also reported that he had the power of a legendary blacksmith. But a blacksmith was strong enough to kill one of Yatan's servants?
Earl Steim couldn't believe it.
“Sweetheart, no matter how I think about it, I don't think such a perfect person exists in this world… Is he handsome? It seems like you have been deceived by a scammer…"
Irene proclaimed, “I'm not deceived! Do you think I am a pathetic woman who will be enticed by looks? In the first place, he isn't really handsome!"
Phoenix and the knights nodded in unison.
"That's correct. He is good but his appearance…"
Earl Steim didn't like that either.
“An ugly man dares lure my daughter? Disgraceful person! I want to see what type of person he is! Drag him in front of me right now!"
“Earl, he is Winston's hero and Irene's savior. Shouldn't we bring him respectfully?"
“…Yes, bring him respectfully."
OG:
Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.
Chapter 110
Satisfy implemented a system of complete freedom. It had more than two billion users. The two billion people could freely select or pioneer more than 10,000 classes, and there were 10,000 common classes.
Each common class had a top 10 rankings. It seemed like the same IDs every time. This meant that the top 10 of each class was widening the gap with those ranked below 11th, and it was virtually impossible for new figures to enter the top 10 rankings.
But approximately six months ago. There was a major upheaval in the rankings of 16 major classes. The Tzedakah Guild moved from L.T.S to Satisfy and entered the top 10 of each ranking in just four months. It had a large impact on users and the Tzedakah Guild made a spectacular debut in Satisfy, gaining the media's attention.
Then after that…
The rankings became stuck again for a while. After the Tzedakah Guild appeared, the top rankers stayed the same for more than half a year.
It was around a month ago. Just like when the Tzedakah Guild appeared in the past, a major upheaval once again appeared in the rankings. 10 new figures appeared in the rankings of 10 major classes like comets. Those 10 people were called the '10 Rookies' and received people's praise and expectations.
"Cursed Bloodline!"
[The blood imprinted in the Thorn of Deep Grievance has resonated with your blood and makes you run wild.]
[Skill damage has increased by 150%. Movement speed has increased by 80%.]
[Health is continuously consumed while the skill is activated.]
“Ohhhhhh!”
[You have suffered 34,030 damage.]
[You have suffered 25,111 damage.]
[You have suffered 29,600 damage.]
The flamberge, which seemed like the thorny stem of a rose, slashed at the monsters in its orbit. The bleeding didn't stop as Ibellin flew among the monsters. Then he grabbed a monster's neck and used a skill.
"Laceration!"
[You have dealt 505,900 damage.]
"Kieeeek!"
Ibellin had been succeeding since receiving the Thorn of Deep Grievance from Grid. He cleared difficult dungeons that had frustrated him a few times and earned a great number of rewards from hunting monsters at least 30 levels higher than him.
[Your level has risen.]
"Good!”
After entering the 200th level zone, Ibellin had only been able to raise his level once every five days. But now he could gain one level in just one day.
It was a feat that could be achieved thanks to moving hunting grounds. And he was able to move hunting grounds thanks to the Thorn of Deep Grievance, so the power of items was really amazing.
'It was worth investing 2.5 million gold. This is a completely new world!'
The number one spot in the swordsman rankings was guarded by Zirkan. Zirkan was an overwhelming presence so it was hard to take first place, but Ibellin would soon be able to take second place if he kept growing like this.
"Just wait, Lauel!"
Ibellin started Satisfy two months later than his other guild members due to finishing his studies. So he wasn't included when the Tzedakah Guild debuted and instead became one of the 10 Rookies.
Until then, Ibellin had been confident that he was the best among the 10 Rookies. He never doubted it as one of the Tzedakah Guild. But what was this?
Lauel debuted in the top 10 of the engineer's rankings when Ibellin was 9th place in the swordsman rankings. Now Lauel was 1st in the engineer rankings and 178th on the unified rankings. On the other hand, Ibellin was 3rd on the swordsman rankings and 199th on the unified rankings.
Ibellin saw Lauel on a TV interview and realized that they were the same age. This was a very shocking event for Ibellin, who had the strongest self-esteem among his peers.
Since then, Ibellin recognized Lauel as a rival and strived to surpass him. But this wasn’t an easy task. If he took one step closer, the opponent would take two steps. Thus, Ibellin could feel his limitations. He couldn't deny that Lauel was superior to himself.
However, then he got his hands on the Thorn of Deep Grievance.
‘Items are also part of our abilities…! Lauel, this time I will be ahead of you!'
***
{Grid! You came ~^0^~}
{I’ve missed you so much!}
{A half day without you is like 10 years… I was desperately waiting for you to come!}
The guild chat window went crazy as soon as Grid connected to the game.
The guild members welcomed Grid like they were reuniting with a separated lover after a long time.
It was all for one reason.
{Make my items quickly!}
{I'm dizzy because I want a legendary rated item ㅠㅠ}
{Me first! Grid, if you make a legendary item for me, I will shoot up to the top 20 right away!}
'Please make my items!'
That's what the guild members really longed for. Right now, Grid was a very important and irreplaceable figure.
"Huhuhut… They are prisoners of my items."
As Grid was laughing and feeling pleased, Ibellin appeared in the guild chat window.
{Brothers, Sisters. Do you think it is so easy for Grid to make a legendary item? ^^ Don't bother Grid. ^^}
{What? Ibellin, you raised your level again? Hasn't it only been one day?}
{Yup! ^^ I moved my hunting grounds. ^^ My experience is rising quickly ~ ^^ Previously I worked hard and only gained 1 level in 5 days ~ ^^ This is the true power of items ^^ ㅋ It is all thanks to Grid. ^^}
{Hey… No matter how excited you are, stop using ^^ <-… It is bad luck.}
{I'm really envious ㅡ ㅡ I was envious when Pon got a unique item, but Ibellin's is even better. Sooner or later, won't you reach the second ranking?}
{A legendary item is really… I want to have one as well ㅠㅠ}
After joining the guild, Grid had only produced Pon's spear and Ibellin's Thorn. Both of them were finished with a unique and legendary rating, so the expectations of the guild members were too high.
Grid couldn't unconditionally make unique or legendary items, but the guild members were hoping for at least unique items. Grid was worried about making a normal or rare item, so he told them in advance.
{I don't think I can make unique or legendary items often. In fact, two out of three Gale Spears were completed with an epic rating and one of Ibellin's Thorns had a rare rating. I also often make normal or rare items. So keep in mind that your items might be completed as a rare or epic rating.}
{Yes, that’s right. Let's calm down. Didn't we want epic items from Grid in the first place? Let's not lose sight of things. In addition, items made by Grid are unconditionally better than other items of the same level, regardless of their rating. It is enough, even if a rare rating appears.}
{Yes… If we are lucky, one day we will receive unique or legendary items.}
As the excitement of the guild members settled down, Jishuka decided who the next item would be produced for.
{Grid, this time I want you to make armor for Vantner.}
Vantner vetoed it.
{Armor? Why armor? Stop! I don't need armor! I want a weapon! Make a weapon! A weapon allows me to hunt faster and I can level up!}
{Shut up Vantner. Isn't your current weapon good enough thanks to Grid? It is a good weapon, even if it can't be compared with Pon's or Ibellin's. And you are a tanker. Right now, you are useless in raids. ^^}
{ㅠㅠ Master…}
{What? Do you have something to say?}
{No… I don't…}
Not just Vantner, but all members regardless of age and gender, submitted to Jishuka. They normally acted as family and friends, but once an order dropped, they would follow it unconditionally. It showed how much the guild members trusted Jishuka.
{I already have an armor production method. But I haven't yet obtained all the necessary materials. It will take up to half a day. Until then, feel free to do whatever you want.}
"Half a day…"
It was ambiguous to make one item in half a day.
“Should I hunt for the first time in a while? The place I wanted to see…"
***
There were hunting grounds of various levels in Winston, ranging from those for beginners and those for rankers.
The hunting ground most popular among users above level 150 was the Golem's Labyrinth. The golems in the labyrinth were designed by a magician to protect his hidden treasures, so it was suitable to make money due to all the magic stones and minerals dropping. The experience was also worth it.
But there was a fundamental problem. Golems had a strong defense and were almost immune to physical attacks. So the Golem's Labyrinth was nothing more than a private hunting ground for magicians.
Most parties consisted of either magicians and healers or a paladin, magician, and healer. No physical attackers could be found at all. In this place, there was one person who came alone and was holding a greatsword.
People laughed at him.
“Hey Mister, did you come here to hunt?”
“Yes."
"Ha? Really? Without a party?"
“I like solo play…"
"Pfff!"
"Kilkil! A beginner!"
People started laughing at the greatsword wielding man. A warrior who came to hunt golems alone seemed to be lacking common sense. On the one hand, the greatsword wielding man didn't care about the people laughing at him.
Dozens of people watched as he approached the golem with loud footsteps. Then he stabbed with his greatsword without delay.
"Pagma's Swordsmanship, Kill!"
Peeeeeong!
"…!"
It was an incredible sight. The giant iron golem, which couldn't be damaged even by dozens of swords, went flying towards one side of the wall from one blow of the greatsword? The crowd was stunned. Someone shouted,
"W-Wait a minute…! That helmet and black greatsword…! Isn't he the human butcher who smashed the Giant Guild on his own, instantly boosting himself into fame?"
"T-That's right! I see it now! The Cruel Butcher!"
“Kyaaak! He actually looks scarier!"
"Wow… Really dirty… He really did shatter the Giant Guild alone."
Meanwhile, the helmet-wearing Grid was confused as he held the greatsword.
'Its health only decreased by half, even though I used Kill? This is really hard.'
Kill was a deadly blow. In addition, Dainsleif dealt more damage the higher the opponent's defense was. So Grid thought he could easily hunt the golems. But he was wrong. The golems of the labyrinth were much harder than Grid expected.
'However, I have a method.'
Grid put away Dainsleif and pulled out a pickaxe from his inventory. It was the finest pickaxe made directly by him. He had 100% understanding of the pickaxe, so red dots started appearing all over the golem's body.
Grid aimed his pickaxe at the red dots. Then…
Kaaang! Kaaang!
[Iron ore has been acquired.]
[Deluxe Iron ore has been acquired.]
[Three damaged orichalcum has been acquired.]
Except for the magic stones that served the role of an engine, the golem was made up of only minerals! He was a legendary blacksmith and had 100% understanding of the pickaxe, so the golems were just a mine in front of Grid who was an excellent miner.
"…What the hell is this?"
Every time the golem was hit by the pickaxe, minerals would drop, causing the users to become amazed at the sight. They could barely hunt the golems when pouring out magic, so Grid hunting them with a pickaxe was an unreasonable sight.
"Just one time…"
A paladin user who had a miner side job happily caught a golem passing by before pulling out a pickaxe and hitting the golem hard.
Chaaeng!
“…Kkeok!"
The paladin user screamed and grabbed his wrist that felt like it was broken after hitting the golem with a pickaxe. The golem wasn't even scratched as it turned its hard to verify the paladin and struck out.
Meanwhile, Grid approached another golem and started mining after knocking it down. Minerals once again poured out from the golem. Grid was excited as he exclaimed,
"Kukukuk…! What is this? It is really good! Kuahahahat!"
Grid's face was covered by the skull helmet and he seemed like a psychopath as he kept swinging the pickaxe at the golems. The users were terrified.
“What, so scary…"
People were wary of him because Grid had the power to one-sidedly kill the Giant Guild. The distance increased until they were no longer in danger, and then they fled.
Thanks to the wide labyrinth, Grid was left alone.
However, Grid didn't pay attention to his surroundings because he was fully absorbed in collecting minerals. He collected more minerals than he originally aimed for because he was alone. He also gained a level.
Then a whisper from Jishuka camem
–Grid, the preparation of the materials is over.
“Okay, I will go back now."
Grid hummed at his inventory full of minerals and left the labyrinth. No, he was going to leave but he got lost in the labyrinth.
“No, damn! What is this? Why is this place so complicated? Where have all the people gone? Damn! Even if I want to ask for directions, I can't because there are no people! This #^%!$~#!"
Grid wandered around for a while. But no matter how much he wandered, he couldn't find the exit to the labyrinth and eventually called the guild.
{I'm in the Golem's Labyrinth, can someone come and help me?}
"Huh?"
Grid had been leaning against a wall while chatting, and his eyes suddenly widened. It was because the wall was collapsing.
"W-What? Aaaaack~~!
Grid's body fell down along with the wall.
Kuuong!
"Cough! Cough! Huh?"
Grid was struggling with the pain of falling when he suddenly shivered. I raised my head and saw a golem that was at least five times the size of the other golems in the labyrinth.
"…What?"
Kuweeeeeoh!
[The Guardian of the Labyrinth has woken up from a long sleep.]
[The magical traps set up by the Great Magician Braham has been triggered.]
[You have suffered 205,100 damage.]
[You have suffered 399,000 damage.]
[You have suffered 174,340 damage.]
[A legend doesn't die easily. You can resist all attacks for 5 seconds with a minimum of health.]
Pepeng! Kakakakak!
The magic traps were continuously activated and all types of attribute attacks hit Grid. However, Grid became invincible due to his passive activation and survived all the attacks. Fortunately, the traps finished before Grid's invincibility duration was over.
Finally, the Guardian of the Labyrinth moved. Grid took the highest quality health potion and made a grim expression.
'The invincible passive's cooldown time is one day. Losing my insurance at the start is the very worst.'
He couldn't see a way to escape. Grid decided that he needed to defeat the Guardian of the Labyrinth to escape and grabbed Dainsleif.
OG:
Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.