Chapter 117
This was the best development for Grid.
'Isn't this the best financial backer!'
He would become the husband of a lady, which meant he could abuse his authority and intercept some taxes. Winston had grown to be one of the cities representing the Eternal Kingdom. The taxes collected here were enormous. He would be rich if he could obtain even a portion of it. In addition, Irene was the successor of a prestigious noble family. If he married her, he could become a high-ranking noble, not just rich.
‘I can simultaneously get riches and power. More than anything else…'
Irene was pretty. She had shiny silver hair. She had big eyes that were slightly curved. Her mouth was always smiling and she had a small nose. Grid got a really gently impression from her. She was famous for her excellent character and was the best female, except that her breasts were average in size.
Grid had no reason to refuse. But there was still something he had to consider.
“Just now, didn't My Lord consider me as a fraud? Now you are suddenly telling me to take your daughter as my bride… Are you serious?"
Earl Steim explained to Grid who was watching suspiciously.
"There is only one person in history who is the best blacksmith and strongest swordsman. He was Pagma."
“…”
“The sword dance you used is very similar to Pagma's swordsmanship described in the legends. No, you aren't a con artist. You are certainly Pagma’s Descendant."
“It's enough that I am Pagma’s Descendant?"
“That’s right! It is enough! Rather, it's the main reason!"
Grid moved his gaze and looked at Irene's reaction. Her face was flushed but the smile indicated that she was feeling positive towards this.
'Huhuhu!'
Grid's mouth watered. After the bad ending of his first love, he thought he would never have a relationship with a woman again. But now he had a chance with Irene! Some people would laugh and say they were just NPCs in a game, but Satisfy was like another reality, not a game. Satisfy's NPCs were just like humans in all respects, from their emotions, thoughts, bodies and physiological needs.
Grid was so thrilled that he shed tears of joy.
‘I am finally going to get rid of my virgin status…!'
It was a great opportunity to get rid of his unwanted virgin status that he had kept for 27 years. At the same time, his status would rise and he would become rich. Grid absolutely couldn't miss this opportunity of a lifetime. But there was one problem.
'I want to marry her straight away and start the first night… But I need to proceed with the class quest… I also need to continue working at the smithy.'
Grid explained the situation.
"I… It is a great honor that I can marry a beautiful and caring lady like Irene. However, it is difficult to marry now because I have a personal matter. In addition, I would like to keep working as a blacksmith after our marriage… Is it okay for the son-in-law of a noble family to be a mere blacksmith?"
“Isn't Pagma's Descendant supposed to be a blacksmith? It isn't your fault that you have to do a blacksmith's job. Rather, it is something to be proud of. The marriage schedule will be set at a comfortable time for you."
"This can't be!"
Bland, who had been unable to lift his head after his defeat to Grid, couldn't bear it anymore and shouted.
"Lord! He is a corrupt being! He has the curse of the gods. He will revive again after dying, and he will never grow old! In other words, he can't be described as a human! Are you really going to accept him as your son-in-law?"
Corrupt was one of the titles that Satisfy's NPCs used to refer to users. In the NPC's point of view, users who couldn't grow old or die weren't humans. So, NPCs considered users to be cursed by the gods. However, there were many NPCs who thought the opposite. It was the case with Earl Steim.
“Why is eternal life a curse? Rather, isn't it a blessing? I don't think of them as corrupt, but blessed beings. They have certainly received the love of the gods. I am glad that the man who will be my daughter's groom is loved by the gods."
Bland gritted his teeth.
“Blessing? You're mistaken! Imagine how Irene will feel growing old alone! How sad and lonely will Irene be? My Lord, right now you are caught up in greed and don't care about Irene at all!"
“It's a matter for both of them to deal with. We shouldn't be quarreling about it."
Irene nodded, “That’s right. Sir Bland, I like Mr. Grid. Mr. Grid's appearance might not change for the rest of my life, but I can cope when I am sad or alone. I want to be with Mr. Grid."
Kwaduduk!
In fact, over the past few years, Bland had confessed to Irene a few times. But Irene never considered Bland in that way and he was forced to give up on her. He chose to become a knight of her family and watch her from a distance.
He sincerely wished for Irene to meet with a great man and be happy. However, the man she selected was a corrupt being!
‘I don't know how this is possible… Is being Pagma's Descendant great enough to transcend his status?'
Pagma was a legend. Bland knew that Pagma was a great figure. However, Grid was the person who inherited Pagma's abilities, not Pagma himself. He was clearly worse than Pagma. Bland wanted to prove that fact. If he could defeat Grid, Pagma's Descendant would seem like a separate entity from Pagma. Then maybe Earl Steim would change his mind.
Bland once again grasped his sword.
"Grid! I want to reapply for a duel."
Bland had been careless before. If they fought again, he could get better results than before. Bland believed this and strengthened his abilities with all types of buffs. He combined the techniques passed on by Earl Steim with Storm Sword.
Kuwooooh!
The storm generated by Bland's magic made the carpet and decorations shake. In the midst of this mess, Bland's sword emitted a powerful force. The energy was so intense and harsh that Irene was wounded when retreating.
"Sir Bland! Stop!” Irene shouted at him, but Bland was stubborn.
'I will defeat this guy!'
This was his sacred duty. He would cut off the bond that would make the woman he loved unhappy.
Kwaang!
“Ohhhhhh!”
Bland's body used the storm as a booster engine and quickly approached Grid. Grid's face distorted.
'You want to come again? This kid doesn't understand who he is going against.'
Grid could use Restraint to block him from attacking, could avoid Bland with Fly or defend using pavranium. But Grid chose to go head on. He intended to show Bland the difference in attack power, so that Bland couldn't come again.
"Pagma's Swordsmanship, Kill!"
Peeeeeong!
Intense hate was focused on Dainsleif and collided with Bland's storm blade in front of him. At the same time, the shockwave shattered the pillars and inner walls supporting the room, and the ceiling collapsed instantly.
"Bland, you!"
Bland's actions caused Irene to be seriously hurt. Earl Steim was furious after barely rescuing Irene from the blast.
“You wounded Irene! You have forgotten your duties! My own daughter…!"
Earl Steim stopped in the middle of his words. Bland had already collapsed. On the other hand, Grid had no wounds. He just had a few pieces of his clothes torn off. Grid identified that Irene was in Earl Steim's arms and said with a sad expression.
“My Lady was hurt because of me."
Earl Steim shook his head, “Why is this because of you? It's my fault. In the first place, I suspected you and caused this to happen. I was too rude. I'm sorry."
Earl Steim apologized.
Nobles had high pride. Nobles had no reason to bow down to a person lower than them. But Earl Steim could honestly apologize because he valued responsibilities more than his fellow peers.
'He's a better father-in-law than I thought.'
Grid felt pleased as he asked Earl Steim, “If you are sincerely sorry, can I ask you for one favor?"
Earl Steim smiled at Grid's words.
'He isn't an easy person… Truly the descendant of a legend.'
He liked that ambition.
Earl Steim nodded. “In the first place, you deserve a reward for creating the Sword of Self-transcendence and rescuing Irene. Yes, whatever you want. I will do my best."
“I heard that Earl Steim has a good relationship with the Rebecca Church. I need to see the pope of the Rebecca Church… Can you write an introduction for me? I might be able to meet the pope if I have your introduction."
Earl Steim nodded.
“I understand. Aren't you the one who defeated Malacus? The pope will gladly welcome you.”
After that, the banquet was cancelled due to the turmoil. Grid left the castle after agreeing to marry Irene and receiving the letter of introduction. There was someone waiting for him when he returned to Khan's smithy.
"Are you Grid?"
It was a man with a strong body and tattoos on both cheeks that were reminiscent of animal claws. His grey hair rose into the sky like he had been struck by lightning, attracting the eye. His ID was 'Toon.' He was one of the six new rankers who joined the Tzedakah Guild not long ago after passing a high strength test.
He commanded Grid.
“I heard you are a great blacksmith? Make a weapon for me. Do you know the one who smashed the Giant Guild on the street before? I want to fight him, but I think I need a better weapon first. So make me a weapon. I will use my new weapon to fight that person. Kyaaack~ spit!"
Toon spat while talking, looking like a typical neighbourhood gangster. Grid was reminded of the Mother’s Heart is Happy employees who harassed him. Grid glared at him like he wanted to kill Toon.
“Do you know where you are spitting right now?"
"Hah? Hahahat!"
Toon blinked at Grid's words. He checked the guild information window and saw that the blacksmith's level was in the early 100s, so he couldn't help finding it cute.
“Hey, your blacksmith skills are great so you can join any guild… But I am different. The reason I joined the guild was to approach that butcher. I will leave the guild immediately after fighting him. Do you understand? Do you know the atmosphere now? Unlike the others, I'm not going to curry favor with you. If you don't want to die, make me a weapon quickly. Eh~? Kyaack! Spit!"
“…”
The six new guild members didn't know that Grid was the helmeted person who destroyed the Giant Guild. It was because the guild wasn't willing to leak information about Grid to those they couldn't trust yet.
“Hey, do you know the ID of that butcher? The other guild members won't speak no matter what I ask. Why do they need to hide it from me? It is just a bother trying to find him… Kyaaack~~ spit!"
Grid's patience reached its limit.
Ah… He was tired from acting nice in front of nobles, and an annoying bastard now appeared in front of him. “Hey, you !#."
This smithy was a very precious place to Grid.
It was the place where his connection with Khan started and the place where he started to work earnestly as a blacksmith. He had lots of memories here and would continue using it in the future. To exaggerate it a little bit, it was his place of destiny. Grid couldn't stand by when this person kept spitting in here.
He was seriously angry as he pulled out the Ideal Dagger.
“You will be punished for defiling my sacred space."
"Pfff!" Toon grabbed his belly and started to laugh. "Puhahahat! Hey~ Doesn't this blacksmith seem really angry? Sacred space? Kuhahaha! I will kill you once!"
Clink!
Toon swung his right hand vigorously. Then three blades sprang out from the wrist blades at his wrists. Toon approached Grid with a menacing look in his eyes.
"You dare take a weapon out in front of me? Die."
He was serious. Toon was determined to kill Grid once so that Grid wouldn't argue anymore.
Chaaeng!
Toon swung his wristblades like they were a beast's foot, aiming at Grid's chest. Grid defended with the Ideal Dagger and was half pushed down.
'Three or four times?'
Grid was confused. After the Malacus raid, his strength had grown steadily from making unique and legendary items, as well as repeated level ups. Therefore, it was now above 1,000. He was confident that he could compete with anyone in strength.
But he was completely pushed in this match against Toon.
Kikik! Kkikikik!
The dagger shook as the wrist blades pressed down on it. Grid eventually stepped back as the tip of the longest blade touched his chest. He tilted the dagger and flowed around the wrist blades, avoiding the attack and opening some distance away from Toon.
'It is hard to win against him in strength.'
Grid was fully aware that he was strong. He was confident that he was stronger than Ibellin, the weakest in the guild, before Ibellin obtained the Thorn of Deep Grievance. Ibellin was defeated by the Giant Guild, but Grid was overwhelmingly victorious.
However, he didn't have a chance to accurately assess his strength against the other guild members. So Grid didn't know for sure how his skills would go against the top rankers. And Toon was 40th on the unified rankings.
Toon whistled. "Hwiik~ what, you? You managed to stop my attack? Isn't this great?"
Ssik.
The corners of Toon's mouth went up. He noticed that Grid wasn't just a blacksmith and felt interested.
"Interesting!"
Flash!
Toon's eyes became tinged with red. Then grey hair started to sprout from his muscular body. At that moment, an explosive energy was emitted and Grid shrunk back.
'What tremendous power…!'
Grid decided that he needed to fight properly. He prepared to take out all the items in his inventory, including Dainsleif and the Frostlight Orc Chief's Helmet.
Peeeong!
Suddenly, a kick came from the side and Toon went flying.
"Cough!"
Kwaduduk!
There was the sound of breaking bones and the whites of Toon's eyes were exposed as he fell.
"Crazy…! This bastard!" After cursing, Toon turned to see who was attacking him. Then he discovered a smiling Regas. "What is this, Regas? A cowardly surprise attack from behind? I thought you were a Taekwon Master."
Toon said sarcastically as he glared at Regas.
“Toon, if you do anything impolite to Grid one more time, you will lose your head."
Regas was always smiling and friendly. This was the first time that Grid saw him angry. Toon was also confused.
'The man who is rumored to be mild-mannered… His anger is frightening.'
Toon stood up quietly. His waist, which had been twisted in a bizarre direction, recovered normally. It was a phenomenal recovery. He put away his wrist blades.
"Taekwon Master Regas… One day I will have a fight with you, but not now. That blacksmith is a little surprising… To be honest, I think 2 against 1 is hard. Well, I'll see you later."
"Hey you bastard! Clean up before you go!"
Regas stopped Grid, who tried to chase after Toon. “That person, he is quite strong in beast form. He will be a hard person to fight again."
"No! I have to beat him up right now! And why was he accepted into the guild in the first place? His behaviour is completely out of control! Shouldn't the guild members be checked carefully?"
"His way of thinking is extremely simple, so Jishuka can easily control him. However, you don't need to worry about that. I have found the Divine Shield."
"…!"
Regas had been searching for the Divine Shield since it was stolen until now, and he finally found it. Grid forgot all about Toon as he asked excitedly.
"Where? Where is it?"
Regas' expression wasn't good. “Well… One of Rebecca's Daughters has it. I asked to meet her and she refused. She seems reluctant to return the shield."
"Rebecca's Daughter?"
Grid was reminded of the beautiful girl in the blue dress who burst through the wall and confronted the Yatan followed who stole the Divine Shield.
'Her name was Isabel? I remember the Yatan following being shocked that she was Rebecca's Daughter…'
Grid asked.
"What is a Rebecca's Daughter?"
Regas explained what he knew.
"It is the title that refers to the top three paladins in the Rebecca Church. They received sacred weapons from Goddess Rebecca and it is said that their power is comparable to the Second and Third Servants. They are a relatively small force, but few people can threaten the Rebecca Church thanks to Rebecca's Daughters."
“…In a nutshell, that girl won't return my shield?"
“That’s right.”
“…”
Grid had a headache. He needed to meet the pope, but now things became twisted due to the Rebecca's Daughter. He had an ominous feeling.
Regas smiled with a gentle expression.
"You don’t have to worry. Aren't you part of the Tzedakah Guild? If you need assistance at any time, then please call the guild members. Everyone will be willing to help you. The six new members are especially full of enthusiasm."
“…I've heard that those six people are called psychos. It doesn't seem to be a lie when looking at Toon… They seem useless."
"Haha."
Afterwards, Grid sent a whisper to Jishuka to explain the situation. Then Jishuka fully understood Grid's position.
–Of course, your quest comes first. I won't ask you to make any items for the guild members until your quest is finished. And if you need help, call at anytime. I will come running.
That night, Grid immediately left Winston. The destination was the Rebecca Vatican.
OG:
Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.
Chapter 118
Like any game, the role of a healer was very important in Satisfy. They were indispensable for stable party hunting and the success of a raid. In Satisfy, the healers were priests who served Rebecca, the goddess of light. Only those who served Rebecca could become acquainted with Heal.
“Looking for a priest to finish the Dunpapa raid in two minutes!"
“Looking for a priest for a party that has an average level of 150~"
"Priests! Please join the party! You will have priority on items!"
The popularity of priests was unimaginable. Unfortunately, the number of priests was very limited. It was very hard to become a priest of the Rebecca Church. Dating was forbidden and there was a series of hardships such as praying for days, intermittent silence, and fasting.
There were jokes that the priest of the Rebecca Church were monks in reality. Therefore, most users were reluctant to become priests of the Rebecca Church and most Rebecca priests were NPCs.
"Sigh… There are no priests today."
“We have to go to the temple again to hire a priest."
Parties looking for priests had to visit the Rebecca Church. Then they had to pay a large sum in donations to hire NPC priests. These actions repeated, so the Rebecca Church gained tremendous wealth. The high priests of the Rebecca Church, known for their integrity, were overwhelming without knowing.
It was the current pope who led to all of this. Drevigo, the 13th pope of the Rebecca Church, was a far cry from the first clergymen. He was eager to meet his individual needs.
After he became the pope. He understood the market and built up wealth by turning the priests into a commodity. He provided incense to the high priests and corrupted them, committing all types of wrongdoings with them.
As a result, the Rebecca Church fell over time and became a symbol of decadence.
"There is no answer."
In this place, there was a beautiful girl who had a habit of sighing. Her name was Isabel. She was one of Rebecca's Daughters, the ultimate paladins of the Rebecca Church, and the master of the Lifael Spear.
She shuddered as she listened to the noises coming from the pope from her room.
“The supposedly divine presence is shaking his waist like a dog every night."
The priest Cassus paid attention to her. "Shh. Your words are appropriate for a virgin of sacred light."
Isabel frowned. “Then what should I say? Our pope is engaging in sexual intercourse every night… Oof! Oof!"
In the end, Cassus blocked Isabel's mouth with his hand. He nervously looked at the hot-tempered Isabel.
"I can't speak in front of His Holiness, and now I can't even complain behind his back?"
“…His Holiness has eyes and ears everywhere. Please be careful."
"Che…!"
The two people were talking when the pope came to visit.
"It's noisy. Were you cursing at me?"
The pope opened the door and appeared naked. His sweaty skin shone in the moonlight. Despite turning 60 the day after tomorrow, he had elastic skin and a healthy body.
Isabel and Cassus bowed.
“It is great to see Your Holiness."
“Isabel, you look as beautiful as ever."
Pope Drevigo smiled and touched Isabel's hair like she was precious. Isabel felt ashamed and bit her lip. She wanted to shake off the pope's hand. But she didn't dare, so she swallowed down her rage. She carefully pleaded.
“Your Holiness, surely you are busy with those prostitutes in your bed? Is it okay to leave them to come to talk to me?"
“Huhu, no matter your position, isn't it too much to insult me?"
The smiling pope pulled his hand away from Isabel's hair. The other person was the pope, so Isabel didn't dare show her distaste.
“I have figured out why the Yatan Church wants the Divine Shield. There is a phenomenon where the Divine Shield can be imbued with dark magic power. Then the enormous divine power of the Divine Shield will be converted to dark magic. The Yatan Church are thinking of turning the Divine Church into their weapon."
The pope showed interest. “Darkness dwells where there is light… In fact, doesn't divine power and dark power have a good compatibility?"
"We must take steps to prevent them from ever getting their hands on the Divine Shield."
“We'll have to recall all of them back."
The method of making the Divine Shield had been spread to some countries and families close to the Rebecca Church. In the first place, a Rebecca priest was needed to help make the Divine Shield. It was impossible for a blacksmith to make it alone, so the church grasped why, when, who and which priest was used to help build the Divine Shield. It wouldn't be difficult to reclaim the Divine Shields.
“I will direct the paladins to collect the Divine Shield from each country and family." Isabel said.
"Let other people do the menial work. I have something else for you to do."
"…?"
The pope made a meaningful expression. “I received a divine message last night. Goddess Rebecca said that one of her daughters will betray me sooner or later."
“What does that mean?"
What did he mean by that? Isabel had an ominous feeling and stiffened, while the pope ordered with a cool smile.
“Get Rin. She is surely the traitor that the goddess spoke of. I intend to punish her."
Isabel didn't agree. "Rebecca's Daughters are only loyal to Goddess Rebecca and Your Holiness! There are no traitors among us."
“Rin is at a temple in a small village and hasn't responded to my call three times. How can she do that unless she is thinking about betraying me?"
In the end, Isabel couldn't hide her anger.
"Surely she has a reason for not responding to your call! Your Holiness! Are you sure the divine message given to you is correct? Your Holiness, I didn't know you could hear divine messages!"
“How presumptuous!”
The pope grabbed Isabelle's throat with one hand. Then he spoke in a menacing manner.
"My will is the will of Goddess Rebecca. Do you distrust me?"
Isabel had been raised in the church. Like any other priest or paladin, she had been trained to have absolute loyalty to Goddess Rebecca and the pope. It was a type of brainwashing, so she couldn't defy the pope, even if she was inherently free-spirited.
"…I believe you." Isabel barely managed to say. Then the pope released the hand that was choking her. He gave her a friendly smile that seemed creepy.
"I will give you two days. Bring Rin back here."
Kwang!
The pope ordered her and left the room. Cassus, who had been bowing the whole time, hurried got up. He carefully reached out to Isabel and said.
"…What will you do?"
Isabel was silent for a while after the pope's visit. Then she dropped her head and said in a weak voice.
"What can I do? I have to do as he says."
Rin also a Rebecca’s Daughter. The pope might be garbage and the church fallen, but there was no way Rin would betray them. Rin probably couldn't endure the rotten church and was wandering for a while.
Isabel knew better than anyone. But she was forced to follow the command.
“…”
Cassus was sympathetic to the suffering Isabel and quickly moved his gaze towards the window. He prayed towards the moon.
'Goddess Rebecca… Please send a divine punishment towards the corrupt pope…'
***
It had been four days since Grid left Winston. In those four days, Grid reached level 130. It was all due to Malacus' Cloak. Grid had been wearing Malacus' Cloak since leaving Winston.
“This is great.”
Grrrung.
The border of the Eternal Kingdom and the Saharan Empire. Dozens of monsters gathered as Grid crossed the Suaz Mountains. They were drawn to the bloody smell coming from Malacus' Cloak.
For the past four days, Grid had repeated hunting in this way.
“Haap!"
The mobs in the Suaz Mountains had an average level of 160. Right now, Grid was strong enough that he didn't have to use skills against the level 160 monsters. As part of his training, he used pure swordsmanship to cut the monsters one by one.
Kuaaak~!
Yip! Yelp!
Grid's body was phenomenal and surpassed human limits based on his overwhelming stats. Grid's body moved according to his will, allowing him to display swordsmanship that wasn't possible even when he was a warrior.
Sukakak!
Grid jumped up while holding Dainsleif with both hands, turning around three times to use the centrifugal force to destroy the body of an eti. Then he immediately responded to the axe swung by a troll beyond the eti's destroyed body.
At the same time, an ogre's axe swung through the air and three rocks were thrown by the etis. His right side was obstructed by huge trees. He cut the troll's neck but it didn't die as it swung its axe again.
Chengkang!
Grid avoided the troll's axe and jumped to the right. After avoiding the ogre's axe, he used it as a footstool and broke all three rocks with Dainsleif. Then he entered the center of the dismayed etis.
Papat! Pa pa pa pa!
The dark sword moved in a unpredictable orbit through the etis' bodies. The etis briefly lost their field of view due to the flapping cloak and quickly found themselves wiped out. Grid ran and caught up with the monsters escaping. After penetrating the eti's heart, he threw the dying eti towards a gargoyle descending from the sky.
Peok!
The gargoyle kicked the eti nervously. Grid laughed after already using Fly to move above the gargoyle's head.
"Hello?"
Kyaack!
The gargoyle was startled and hurriedly shot off a beam. They were so close that Grid couldn't avoid the beam, but he was kept flying directly at it. The gargoyle thought that Grid would be turned to stone and cried out excitedly.
But Grid was fine. The confused gargoyle received Dainsleif to the neck.
"Hahat!"
Grid was still laughing. The more he fought, the more experience and levels he gained, allowing him to feel like he was getting stronger.
“Let’s go!”
There were still a large number of monsters on the ground. Grid pulled out pavranium from his inventory. For the past four days, he had been trying to improve his communication with pavranium, and it increased by leaps and bounds.
Right now, pavranium didn't just rotate and protect Grid. Instead, it attacked the enemy first in response to Grid's will.
Pipit!
The golden discs moved like boomerangs and swept the Achilles tendons of the ogre. Grid pounced on the fallen ogre and a one-sided slaughter began. More monsters flocked due to Malacus' Cloak as he was fighting, and night came quickly.
"Heok… Heok…"
Grid's stamina and strength stats were so high that it was unreasonable. But even Grid would become exhausted if he fought all day. After hunting hundreds of monsters…
Grid raised his level to a satisfactory level, took off the cloak and rested. If he reached out, it seemed like he would be able to catch the stars in the night sky.
‘It would be nice to be able to level up while wearing Malacus' Cloak and move… But there are creatures everywhere, so the movement speed is too slow.'
In order to carry out the class quest, he had to go to the Judar, Dominion and Yatan churches as well as the Rebecca Church. It seemed like it would take a long time to clear the quest, so he couldn't delay too long.
Should he take off his cloak starting from tomorrow? Grid was troubled before making a decision.
'I can't wander around often… After this quest, I have to get married and work at the smithy… Yes, let's take advantage of it now.
The next day. The day was bright and his stamina recharged, so Grid put on Malacus' Cloak again. Then he kept hunting while crossing the mountains. As a result, Grid spent a week crossing the Suaz Mountains that ordinary people could cross in three days.
Thanks to that, Grid was enjoying himself.
But at this point.
The person suffering because of Grid…
"Grid… When are you going to come back…?"
Grid disappeared from Khan's smithy. There was a bald man squatting in a corner of the smithy. He was Vantner. He was muttering while watching the entrance of the smithy.
"Grid… Come now… Hurry… Come back…"
It was finally the end of his wait! It was his turn to receive Grid's item. Yet the bastard didn't make an item and disappeared on a quest, and now it had been 10 days. When the hell was he going to come back?
"Why…? Why on my turn…?"
In the midst of this, Pon and Ibellin were raising their levels thanks to Grid. Pon's level was far ahead of Vantner, and now Ibellin was catching up to Vantner.
“Please come back soon~~~!!”
The other guild members brought their items to Khan to be repaired, and found Vantner.
“Why is he acting like that?"
"Perhaps he saw Pon and Ibellin sweeping up the monsters with their weapons. After that, he couldn't go hunting."
“No, isn't he in a better situation than us? Didn't Grid strengthen his axes through appraisal?"
"Still… He can't hunt in a hunting ground suitable for his level because his defense is too weak."
“True, if he paid a little more attention to his defense… Despite being a guardian knight, he placed all his points in strength and only cared about weapons. This eventually screwed him up."
Then one day, Vantner made a suggestion to Jishuka. “Next time Grid goes on a quest, all guild members should accompany him. We will cooperate to complete his quest. Then Grid won't waste time on quests and can devote himself to making our items."
“…Grid should also enjoy playing the game."
"He is a blacksmith! He should do his duties!"
“…”
Vantner's heart was locked on the smithy where he wanted Grid to make an item for him.
OG:
Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.
Chapter 119
After crossing the Suaz Mountains, Grid was able to arrive in Rolling. Rolling was a small village, but if he headed south for half a day, he would finally arrive at the Vatican.
"There are Rebecca statues everywhere."
There were large and small Rebecca statues in every street, store or house. He could find one or two statues no matter what direction he turned his head. Well, the residents of Rolling seemed to serve Goddess Rebecca.
'It is geographically located near the Vatican, so it makes sense that the Rebecca Church is the main religion of the village…'
Nyang~
He leaned back against a Rebecca statue and enjoyed the warm sun and the peaceful cats. The merchants and residents were going about their daily routine without moving fast. Grid also felt calm.
'It's a different place from Winston. It feels like a resort.'
A hum emerged. Grid walked around the village with a free heart.
'Am I crazy?'
He needed to complete the quest as quickly as possible! Tourism was just a waste of time!
‘I have been lazy lately.'
Grid was well aware of what happened when a person became lazy. He might become debt-ridden again if he wasn't alert. Due to his past trauma, Grid became irritated and hasted his pace. He headed towards a smithy.
[The effect of mastering 'Blacksmith's Craftsmanship Skill' is activated. Blacksmith NPCs whose craftsmanship skill is beyond the intermediate level will treat you in a friendly manner.]
['Pagma's Descendant' class effect is activated. Blacksmith NPCs whose craftsmanship skill is at the advanced level will treat recognize you and worship you.]
Notification windows he hadn't seen for a while popped up when he entered the smithy. He had been living in Winston for a while and only entered Khan's smithy. Was Rolling's blacksmith an intermediate or advanced blacksmith? Grid wanted to be admired. However…
“Welcome~”
The blacksmith approached Grid. Unfortunately, he was a young blacksmith and seemed to only be at a beginner level. He was unable to tell Grid apart from an ordinary customer.
"Is there anything you were looking for?"
Grid sighed with disappointment and replied. "I want to repair my items."
"Yes, I will repair it for you."
Grid doubted his ears.
"What? You will repair my items?"
A beginner blacksmith was going to repair the items of a legendary blacksmith!
Grid scoffed. "You are either brave or ignorant… You don't even know who I am…"
"Huh?"
"Hey hey. Cut it out. I'm a blacksmith, so I will fix my own items. Can I borrow your furnace? I will pay a fee."
Rolling's blacksmith, Rector, cautioned Grid. "Are you really a blacksmith?"
Grid was armed with steel gauntlets, black iron boots and heavy armor. What type of blacksmith would go around wearing this? Grid seemed like a warrior at first glance, so it was hard to see him as a blacksmith.
Grid clicked his tongue. “Do you doubt that I am a blacksmith? What a poor guy… You can't even tell who a great blacksmith is."
"W-What?"
Rector was a young man who was only 20 years old. He was young, but he could understand that Grid was talking badly about him. Rector's face reddened with shame. Grid felt sorry for him and cleared his throat several times. Then he carefully said.
“But who can tell the future? Even if your eyes are rotten right now, they can be trained… Watch me. This is a rare chance. You should thank Goddess Rebecca for being able to meet me and see how I work."
"…?"
Grid no longer sought permission from Rector. He approached the furnace and started to light it.
"Hey! You will be burned if you do that… Heok?"
Rector's eyes widened. It was because Grid quickly raised the temperature of the blast furnace.
'Handling the fire so freely? How is that possible?'
Even his father, an intermediate blacksmith who died two years ago, couldn't handle the fire as easily as Grid. Grid seemed like the embodiment of fire. As Rector was feeling admiration, Grid pulled out a hammer and anvil from his inventory. Then he started to repair his items one by one.
[The durability of the Ideal Dagger has been maximized.]
[This is an item you created. Your understanding is 100%.]
[The durability of the Best Gauntlets has been maximized.]
[This is an item you created. Your understanding is 100%.]
[In the case of items made by you, a penalty will be applied if you don't meet the item usage requirements, even if you have full understanding.]
[The durability of Khan’s Masterpiece has been maximized.]
[Your understanding of Khan’s Masterpiece is at 100%. You have learned the production method and can use it without any penalties.]
[The durability of Dainsleif (Reproduction) has been maximized.]
[Your understanding of Dainsleif (Reproduction) has increased from 3% to 31%.]
[The durability of the Frostlight Orc Chief's Helmet has been maximized.]
[Your understanding of the Frostlight Orc Chief's Helmet has increased from 7% to 85%.]
[The durability of Braham's Boots has been maximized.]
[Your understanding of Braham's Boots has increased from 3% to 6%.]
Understanding an item was a concept that only existed for Pagma’s Descendant.
Pagma’s Descendant was able to increase their understanding of an item by using the item, appraising it, repairing and disassembling it. They were then able to freely use items with 100% understanding. It was even possible to learn the production method.
If Dainsleif's understanding was at 100%, Grid would be able to produce Dainsleif. However, the higher the rating and usage conditions of the item, the slower the comprehension. Therefore, it was still unclear when he would be able to learn how to make it.
'But the Orc Frostlight Chief's Helmet has a high understanding. Hmm, should I try for 100% understanding?'
Kaaang!
Grid placed the perfectly repaired Frostlight Orc Chief's Helmet on the anvil and started hammering again.
‘He's crazy.'
Rector was amazed and surprised while watching Grid repair the items. Grid suddenly hitting the perfectly fine skull helmet seemed like a crazy person. And…
Kaaang! Kaaang!
Thanks to Grid's unstoppable hammering, the Frostlight Orc Chief's Helmet was instantly shattered.
‘Why is he destroying a perfectly good helmet like this? He's too violent.’
Rector misunderstood. He thought that Grid was destroying the helmet, but he was actually using the Legendary Blacksmith's Disassembly skill to break down and reassemble it.
“Putting the wires in the seams like this… It's sloppy. I’m going to need to supplement this part."
Grid perfectly grasped the structure of the helmet and started to assemble it again. It wasn't a simple assembly. Grid complemented the disadvantages of the helmet during the assembly process. It didn't take long for the Frostlight Orc Chief's Helmet to be restored to its original shape.
[Your understanding of the Frostlight Orc Chief's Helmet has increased to 100%.]
[From now on, you can use the Frostlight Orc Chief's Helmet without any penalties.]
[The production method of the Frostlight Orc Chief's Helmet has been acquired.]
“Okay.”
Grid equipped the Frostlight Orc Chief's Helmet with a pleased face.
[Due to your class characteristics, you have equipped the Frostlight Orc Chief's Helmet.]
[You don't meet the conditions to use the item. However, your understanding is 100%, so no penalties will be applied.]
[Frostlight Orc Chief's Helmet]
Rating: Unique (Set)
Durability: 290/290 Defense: 190
* The chance of suffering a critical blow is reduced by 25%.
* Health will increase by 15%.
* Has a certain chance to cast fear at the target.
* Frostlight Orc Chief's set effect:
-3 set items equipped: Strength +50, stamina +80.
-5 set items equipped: Strength +100, stamina +200, can transform into the frostlight orc chief.
*Frostlight Orc Chief's transformation:
-It is possible to command the frostlight orcs.
-The skill 'Rotation Cut' will be generated.
The frostlight orc chief can be described as the ruler of the northern snowfields. This helmet, which he loved, was made from the skull of a snowy ogre and has a terrible appearance. In particular, the horn on the left has a very threatening appearance. Just wearing this helmet can cause fear.
Originally there was a sense of crudeness, but a craftsman with great talent and potential had reassembled it, complementing the weaknesses and enhancing the function.
Conditions of Use: Level 150 or more. More than 400 strength.
Weight: 800
"Kuk… Truly great."
Grid was impressed as he verified the improved performance of the helmet. Then he turned his attention to Rector while wearing the helmet.
“How about it? Don't you think this helmet is somewhat cool?"
"H-Hik…"
Rector paled. It was because the bizarre skull helmet felt so terrible.
Grid saw his expression and sighed. “It seems to be my mistake… Damn, I need to replace this helmet quickly."
Grid grumbled as he approached Rector and handed over 10 silver.
"Did you watch me well? You should start practicing from now on, while trying to recall how I used the bellows and my hammering. Perhaps we'll see each other again. Your skills might be low now, but you might become an intermediate blacksmith after 10 years of practice."
Grid was joking. He never imagined that Rector would take his joke seriously as he left the smithy.
After a while. Rector jumped up. Then he locked the door of the smith and listened to Grid's advice(?), practicing his handling of the bellows and hammering.
And later. Rector, who was inherently gifted, became an advanced blacksmith who represented this area. He would often tell his disciples the story of how he met Grid. But Grid didn't know this.
***
The village center.
Grid was amazed as he stood in front of the Rebecca Temple.
‘Gold?'
The temple here was small compared to other temples in the area. It was a single story building that was less than 100 pyeongs (1 pyeong=3.3058m). But the outer walls were painted in gold and shining brilliantly.
“Is there any way to get this…?"
Grid looked around at the other people before scratching the gold with his nails. But no matter how hard he scratched, not one speck of gold dust fell off.
"How rotten and dirty."
Grid didn't give up. He didn't want to miss an opportunity to get free gold. His appearance and scratching at the gold revealed that he was obvious a first time visitor to Rolling. A middle-aged priest found him and gave a meaningful smile.
‘It has been a long time since I've seen a sucker.'
The priest's ID was Dong Pao. He was a Chinese user. He followed the rigid laws of the Rebecca Church such as forbidding love, forced silence and fasting, and managed to raise his level to 160.
He grinned and approached Grid. “Brother, is this your first visit to Rolling?"
"…!"
Grid flinched from where he was squatting in a corner and scratching at the gold. 'I'm not a thief, hahaha!' He laughed loudly while trembling.
"Ah~! Yes! It is my first time here! Oh, this temple is so beautiful! It reminds me of the beautiful Goddess Rebecca! Hahahahat! Yes?"
The person who suddenly greeted him was wearing the clothes of the Rebecca Church. Grid was so worried about being called a thief that he hadn't noticed until now. The priest in front of him was a user, not an NPC.
'It is the first time I've seen a priest user.'
Grid had heard rumors about how difficult it was to become a Rebecca priest. In fact, all Rebecca priests that Grid had met since playing Satisfy were NPCs. So it was surprising that middle-aged priest in front of him was a user, not an NPC.
'His ID is Dong Pao… Chinese…'
The ID was somewhat appetizing. Grid pledged to visit a Chinese restaurant today with his family and eat Dongpo pork.
"Are you a monk in reality? How did you manage to clear the Rebecca Church's class change quest?"
Dong Pao laughed heartily.
“In reality, I'm just an ordinary person. However, in Satisfy, I succeeded in suppressing all desires while thinking that I only want to serve Goddess Rebecca… Then I was able to become a priest of sacred light."
"Wow… I don't know about anything else, but staying silent seems pretty hard. Well, I can't date anyway… No, I don't want a relationship, but it will be hard to withstand the silence and fasting… Weren't you supposed to stay silent for 20 days? How did you manage it? And even if you succeed in the priest class change quest, don't you have to perform quests often if you want to keep the position? It's great that you could endure all of that."
The original Grid was indifferent to other people's matters. But this was his first experience meeting a priest user, so he was naturally interested. When he was in a bad situation, he became sick when he saw others doing well. Now he had paid off his debt and was running along a part of success, so he could praise others.
Dong Pao smiled at him.
"It was difficult to remain silent. But when I prayed to Goddess Rebecca, the time passed quickly. The act of praying itself raises the divine power stat, so if you think about it positively, it is good to be disciplined. But what brings you to Rolling? There's no special hunting ground or sightseeing spots besides the Vatican, so most people who visit here have business in the Vatican…"
"I'm on the way to the Vatican. I need to meet the pope for a quest."
"Hah… His Holiness?"
Dong Pao's eyes shone sharply at the words.
'Someone who isn't part of the Rebecca Church is on a quest to meet the pope? Even I have only seen the pope from afar. It seems like he is on a S-grade or higher quest.'
Dong Pao observed Grid's equipment closely.
'The armor and gauntlets are ordinary… That cloak is garbage… The only accessory is a ring that looks simple… But the boots are tremendously expensive. Yes, he must be a high level.'
Rolling was far from the centre of the continent. It was difficult to come here without being a high level because the roads were difficult and full of monsters. Dong Pao was pleased at the thought of Grid being a high level user.
'He will have a high value.'
Dong Pao's eyes curved into a half moon as he suggested to Grid, "I am also on my way to the Vatican. Do you want to accompany me?"
If a healer accompanied him, how much money would he save on potions? Others had to pay money to party with a healer, but he could party with one for free? Grid readily accepted this.
"Of course I would like that."
Thus, the two people formed a party. Grid was surprised when he saw Dong Pao's level in the party window.
"Level 160? I know that priest is a difficult class to level up, so isn't this level very high?"
"There are many quests to be done, so there's no time to raise my level. However, due to the nature of the class, it's easy to find a party. I hunted with a high level party and quickly raised my level. But Mister Grid… You're level 147? That is surprisingly low."
“Haha, I don't have much time to raise my level. I've only been able to raise it lately."
"Ah, yes…"
Dong Pao made an uncomfortable expression.
'He crossed the Suaz Mountains alone at this level? Did he avoid the ogres and gargoyles? He has good luck… Damm, I thought he would be at least level 160…'
Dong Pao used his status as a priest to lure high-level travellers to a certain place that couldn't be logged out of. He made money by intimidating, killing or ransoming travellers.
'Level 147…'
It was obvious, but the higher the level of prey, the higher the ransom value. Level 147 was ambiguous. It was higher than the average level, but it wasn't that high compared to the rankers.
‘If he's level 147, he can recover the experience lost through dying by hunting… He won't pay a large amount of money for his life… Tsk, this is annoying. I'll have to make money by killing him and selling the boots.'
Thus, the two of them went on a short journey to the Vatican. There was a group watching them from the entrance of the village.
“Dong Pao has started the game."
"Okay. We can follow slowly and eat up the profit."
They were three people. They were assassin users who joined hands with Dong Pao. The fifth ranked assassin Shay, the 11th ranked Kerb, and the 13th ranked Sniffer. The three of them had managed to assassinate a user who was 51st on the unified rankings, so there was no doubting their skill.
Grid was the target of some bigwigs. But Grid didn't know this and was just excited at the thought of partying with a priest.
OG:
Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.