Chapter 275

Chapter 275

19th knight, Fulito. He was dissatisfied with this mission. His high pride meant he was upset at having to follow the orders of a priest.

‘I am a knight in the 10s.’

He questioned why a such a distinguished person the Red Knights had to do a chore like this.

‘It is sufficient for the guys in the 20s, tsk.’

This disgruntled thought disappeared the moment he witnessed Grid overwhelming Kamiyan.

‘Strong.’

Was he a duke of the Eternal Kingdom? That person called Grid, his skills were excellent and he was also holding several artifacts that were at the level of a national treasure. In particular, the performance of the golden spear was phenomenal.

‘A competent person is hiding in a small kingdom.’

It was true that Kamiyan was inexperienced, but he was still a Red Knight. He was a member of the strongest group. It was honestly surprising that Grid could crush him so easily.

‘It is approximately the level of the 21st knight. I have to intervene.’

The restlessness and boredom in Fulito’s eyes disappeared. He was finally motivated.

"Let’s take a look.”

Lifael’s Spear stabbed continuously at Kamiyan, who suffered a fatal wound. Right before Kamiyan died, Fulito fired a skill. At the same time, Grid used Fly. Fulito witnessed Grid flying towards him and smiled with satisfaction.

‘Did you notice that I am your rival?’

Fulito wasn’t careless. He pulled out his sword and tried to attack Grid, only to stop.

‘What?’

Regardless of his will, his consciousness headed to another place. He became completely indifferent to Grid. He didn’t swing his sword.

‘Why am I doing this?’

Swaeek!

Grid brushed past the side of the confused Fulito. It was a dreadful speed.

***

“Pant... Pant...”

Apostle of Justice’s Partner. Very few people knew about this part of Huroi’s identity. When he was with Grid, all of his stats increased by 20%. He also had many skills that could be used without needing weapons. But he was different from Grid.

He didn’t have overwhelming stats like Grid. He was fundamentally an orator, so his combat related stats like strength, stamina and agility were extremely low. He didn’t even have the power of his items. It was impossible for him to confront five Black Knights with his bare hands.

"Ugh...”

Huroi moaned while bleeding. The Black Knights glared angrily at him.

"Wicked person! How could you scorn my late grandmother? I will surely kill you!”

“Why are you talking about my parents?”

“My colleagues didn’t ask me to pick up soap!”

That’s right.

Huroi had already ridiculed them. He debuffed the enemies, but now he reached his limit. The cooldown of Spiteful Tongue had yet to end and his whole body was already wounded. His health had fallen to a dangerous level.

But Huroi wasn’t worried about his own life right now. He could die a hundred times. Lost experience and items? It was incomparable to his lord’s life. Huroi just wanted his lord to be safe.

“M-My Lord...!”

How much frustration was he feeling while fighting against a Red Knight with his bare hands? Huroi turned his gaze towards Grid. He thought that Grid would be going through a lot. But it was different.

“Die! Die! Die! Puhahahat!”

"...”

Grid was fine. He was enjoying himself while one-sidedly beating up the Red Knight. The knight’s face was swollen to the point that it was pitiful.

“Wow.” Huroi felt like an idiot for worrying.

Puok!

As Huroi’s attention was wandering, a sword flew and deeply pierced his side.

“Where are you looking?”

“Kuck!”

Huroi’s field of view shook. Now he had less than two-tenths of his health left. If he received two or three more attacks then he would die. Huroi gritted his teeth.

‘I need to bring one of them with me.’

It would relieve the burden on Grid. Huroi made up his mind and moved with all his strength. He grabbed one of the Black Knights and punched with all his strength. But with his skills and strength, he couldn’t hurt the Black Knight. His fists falling on the black armor was just like a cotton bat.

“This weak brat! I don't even feel a tingle!"

The sneering knight grabbed Huroi’s wrist and raised his arm. Then the area around Huroi’s heart was exposed. Another Black Knight stabbed precisely with his sword.

-This is normal. How can a Black Knight be taken down without a weapon?

-Right... Grid is abnormal.

Huroi and the viewers took Huroi’s death for granted. But Grid was different. Grid didn’t party with Huroi because of the waste of experience, but he didn’t want Huroi to die. He was anxious about Huroi and used the ‘Secret Hero’ ability.

Secret Hero was one of the titles he won while raiding Dark Bus. The condition to acquire this title was to ‘raid’ three named bosses higher in level ‘alone.’ It wasn’t a title that just anyone could get, and its value was unmatched.

[You have dispersed the consciousness of the enemies.]

The aggro was turned off.

[The skill ‘Influence’ has been activated. This effect will last for 10 seconds.]

[Reduces the defense of all enemies within 50m of you by 50%.]

[The skill ‘Freely Move’ can be used once.]

[Creates a high level daash skill that avoids all attacks until it reaches the ‘desired target’ that is within 200 meters.]

“You dare!”

Teong!

Grid became furious after seeing Huroi and floated in the air. Then he rushed towards the Black Knights. His movement speed was so fast that the camera lost him for a moment.

“Huh...?”

Fulito, who was rushing towards Grid, stopped in place. He wasn’t able to focus on Grid due to the effect of his consciousness being dispersed. Grid ignored him and passed by.

"A really strange ability.”

Fulio clicked his tongue and swung his sword towards the distant Grid.

Pahat!

A strong aura poured out like a flash of light. Grid’s back was fully exposed. It was natural that he would be hit by Fulito’s aura. But Grid had Freely Move activated. He was able to avoid all attacks except for automatic targeting skills. As if he had eyes in the back of his head, Grid moved his body and avoided Fulito’s attack. Then he broke through four Black Knights.

“W-What?”

The Black Knight trying to stab Huroi’s heart was shocked. Grid’s movements were phenomenal.

"Get lost."

Peeok! Puk!

"Ugh!"

The combo of Lifael’s Spear and Unbreakable Justice was used. The Black Knight’s defense was reduced due to Influence, so he suffered great damage. Grid kicked the Black Knight away and grabbed Huroi.

"Are you still weak? You still have the status of a punching bag.”

“Haha... I am weak.”

In the end, the power of his items was still lacking.

“Let’s aim for the third advancement class soon. Then I’ll make new items for you. Your biggest problem is that you are lacking items.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

“Join my party now.”

It happened when Grid extended a hand to Huroi. Kamiyan regained his posture, rushed over and attacked Huroi.

“Cough...!”

“...!”

Huroi’s blood soaked Grid’s Hooded Zip Up. Grid’s expression stiffened. Huroi was worried about Grid even when dying.

“Please... Stay alive. My Lord absolutely can’t collapse.”

[Your morale has increased.]

[Your attack power and magic attack power will significantly rise for the next attack.]

[The next attack will be a critical hit!]

Flop!

Huroi sat down after using the strongest buff skill that he saved for Grid. Kamiyan wielded his sword again, aiming at Huroi who only have a sliver of health left. He saw that Grid cared about Huroi.

Chaaeng!

It went as Kamiyan intended. Grid moved to protect Huroi. He took out the Divine Shield after a long time and blocked Kamiyan’s attack.

“You! You are like a turtle!”

Kamiyan laughed at Grid who was protecting his colleague with a shield and swung his sword.

Chaaeng! Chaeeeeeng!

Puok! Puk puk!

Grid could only face Kamiyan and defend. He couldn’t respond to the Black Knights who were stabbing from the rear. He couldn’t avoid it and protect Huroi at the same time. Huroi didn’t like it.

"My Lord, why are you sacrificing yourself for me! Wake up! Fight against the enemies! I don't want to grab at My Lord’s ankles!”

"You and I, aren’t we friends before the master and subordinate relationship?”

“...!”

"Well, I usually treat you more like a subordinate than a friend.”

He would repay Huroi’s honest heart someday. He had promised many times.

Puk! Puuok!

Seokeok!

After that, the injuries on Grid’s body increased as he protected Huroi.

‘Foolish man. Sacrificing yourself to protect your subordinate, you are no match for me.’

Fulito folded his arms. He lost interest in Grid and returned to his bystander’s attitude. Meanwhile, Kamiyan’s onslaught continued.

"Without that golden spear, you are nothing!”

Kamiyan didn’t give Grid a chance to breathe. Then a notification window flashed in front of Grid.

[The Legendary Blacksmith’s Patience skill has been activated.]

[Health, defense and dexterity will rise by 200% for one hour.]

It was a skill that couldn’t be used intentionally. It was only triggered when he was showing extreme patience. Grid had some room to move thanks to its help, while Kamiyan and the Black Knights turned pale.

‘What ridiculous defense!’

Grid wouldn’t fall, no matter how much he was injured. Therefore, Kamiyan and the Black Knights looked at Grid like he was a monster. Grid’s armor and shield were so powerful. How long could he endure?

“Light Sword!”

Kamiyan used a skill that he developed from Duke Limit.

Chaaeng!

A sword of aura moved through the air and struck the Divine Shield. It was the overwhelming attack power. Grid’s body was defenseless for a moment, and five Black Knights stabbed at him.

At that moment. The Slaughterer’s Mask that covered half of Grid’s face was painted a clear red. This was why Grid allowed the attacks of the Black Knights without defending using Lifael’s Spear.

[The effect of Evil Spirit’s Bloody Tears is activated. Attack power will increase by 50% for 5 seconds.]

"Now it’s my turn.” Grid invoked Blacksmith’s Rage and declared towards Kamiyan. “I will kill all of you within five seconds.”

A dark red light shone from his eyes. Kamiyan perceived the danger and triggered Keen Senses. Grid’s fist flew towards him. Kamiyan tried to avoid it, but Lifael’s Spear flew and constricted his behavior.

“Kuheook!”

What was this damage? It was much more powerful than before. Grid’s fists continuously struck Kamiyan’s face, who was shocked by the previous impact through the red armor. The Black Knights tried to control Grid by attacking him, but it was useless. Lifael’s Spear flew over and protected him.

Chaaeng! Jjang! Jjejejeok!

Crash!

Blacksmith's Rage, Evil Spirit’s Bloody Tears and Morale Boost.

Kamiyan was constantly struck for four seconds by Grid’s fists that had the strongest buff skills overlapped, and eventually kneeled down. His remaining health was already low so he couldn’t survive five seconds.

“This... Yo...u.”

A grey pillar rose into the sky. It symbolized Kamiyan’s end.

"...”

A Red Knight was defeated with bare hands! Everyone was shocked. All of South Korea was shaking. The news spread around the world within minutes. Currently, OGC’s audience rating was 41%.

"Are you having fun?”

OGC Station.

The director was cheering like it was a jackpot, when a visitor arrived. Her perfect proportions and slender legs captivated everyone’s eyes. She was so beautiful that all other existences faded away. It was none other than Yura.

"I came to receive Youngwoo-ssi’s payment.”

Yura made a smile that fascinated those of all ages. Her eyes were as cold as ice.

Chapter 276

Yura was praised as one of the best beauties in the world. Her beauty transcended race and people’s tastes. She was a hundred times more beautiful in reality than on TV or photos. It felt like they would go blind when they stared at her.

It was so astounding that everyone was silent.

“...”

The director was entranced by Yura’s beauty and came forward. He was 45 years old. He married his first love 20 years ago and hadn’t cheated once. But this was the first time he faced a crisis.

“Hum hum! Hum!” The director regained his senses. He cleared his throat and smiled brightly. “It is the most auspicious day for this station thanks to Yura-ssi’s presence. But why did you come here?”

“I came to claim Youngwoo-ssi’s fee.”

“Youngwoo...?”

One man came to mind.

‘Grid.’

His real name was Shin Youngwoo. The team members were agitated.

"Did Grid give you permission to broadcast live?”

"What permission? We didn’t know it was Grid in the first place.”

"Huh, you can be in big trouble if you aren’t careful.”

"Why is Yura coming forward for Grid?”

“The rumor that she is close to Grid is true.”

“...Isn’t Grid together with Jishuka? Wasn’t there a scandal last time?”

“There was also a scandal with Yura.”

“...”

The men trembled. They really envied Grid. It was to the point where they wanted to cry.

‘In my next life, I must be born as Grid!’

They would hit the ground and wail with regret if they were born as Grid, but they didn’t know this fact.

“Let's go somewhere else.”

The director led Yura to his office. The chief director’s office. Elegance flowed from Yura as she sat on the sofa. Even the way she held the cup of tea was reminiscent of a noble. Yura sipped the tea before cutting to the chase.

"Pay Youngwoo-ssi 30% of the ad revenue generated by this broadcast. Then Youngwoo-ssi will forget that it was broadcasted without his permission.”

"30% of the ad revenue?”

It was absurd. It was enough to break down the broadcasting system.

"This joke is too much.”

Currently, the best star in South Korea was Yura. Even she wasn't given a proportion of the advertising revenue for a broadcast. Grid was a popular trend, but Yura’s demands were too unrealistic.

"I will give 350 million won.”

It was an amount that put him in the same class as Yura. This was more than necessary. But it didn’t come close to satisfying Yura.

“You know that you can be held seriously liable if you use the gameplay video of another person for commercial purposes without permission.”

“...”

“Many cruel things were shown on this broadcast, so the Communications Commission is likely to come down harshly on you. It will become bothersome. Excess greed is just a poison.”

Yura was one of the wealthiest people in South Korea. She had the best lawyers. The director wasn’t ignorant of this. He thought carefully and replied, "I know that our position is disadvantageous. But 30% is too much.”

It was estimated that the advertising revenue of this live broadcast would be close to 15 billion won. This was an industry record. But to hand over one-third of it to an individual? It was beyond common sense and he couldn’t make the decision alone.

“In the first place, we relayed without knowing that the man in the mask was Grid. There is no reason to believe that we intentionally exploited Grid. In addition, Grid didn’t directly reveal his face, so it doesn’t infringe on his image rights. Besides, the filming stage was a public event. We have the right to broadcast everything that happens in a public venue...”

In fact, OGC Station’s position wasn’t disadvantageous. However, the person holding the sword was Yura.

"Please handle it flexibly. If you show me your sincerity, I will coordinate my schedule with OGC. Who knows? Youngwoo-ssi might also like OGC because of this work.”

“Ah...!”

It wasn’t time to look at the immediate profit and loss. Grid and Yura. Wasn’t this an opportunity to build a relationship with the two top stars who represented South Korea? If he could plan a broadcast around them, OGC would be able to steadily generate profits like today.

“I will contact you after a meeting. If we’re to transfer the advertising revenue, we will need to draw up a few separate contracts that I hope you’ll review.”

"Okay, now the conversation is good.”

Yura smiled brightly at the director’s clever judgment. Then the director asked her a careful question as she rose from her seat.

“However... You recently disappeared from the rankings. Is it because you obtained a hidden class like everyone guessed?”

“Maybe one day I will explain in an interview with OGC news.”

“Oh my! If this is true... I’m happy just imagining it!”

A huge smile. The director’s rising lips were unwilling to go down. He escorted Yura out of the building.

Click.

Yura entered the limousine with a bright expression. She was very satisfied, because the negotiations proceeded more easily than she had expected.

‘It would’ve been different if this was a major broadcasting station.’ Fortunately, the opponent was OGC. As a broadcaster that only dealt with the ‘games’ genre, they appreciated Grid’s value. ‘Won’t Youngwoo-ssi be happy?’

Demon Slayer was a class hostile to the Yatan Church and demonkin. Therefore, she had no choice but to build up a relationship with the Rebecca Church. Yura was interested in the pope candidates for this reason. She watched OGC’s live broadcast of the speeches.

But what was this? The broadcast’s main character changed to Grid. Yura was worried when she watched the broadcast. Grid still didn’t know about the broadcasting world and this could harm him. She was concerned and immediately took action.

She visited OGC and made it so that Grid received a huge profit rather than a loss.

Her reasoning was simple: Yura wanted to look good to Grid. As the former 5th ranked user, she was well aware of Overgeared’s importance and wished to join them. She needed a place to rely on until her level was restored.

A few private emotions were also mixed in.

***

The Vatican.

“Such a pathetic person.”

Kamiyan might be inexperienced, but Fulito never thought he would be killed by a fist. He was the shame of the Red Knights. Fulito didn’t mourn Kamiyan’s death. Rather, he cursed Kamiyan.

"I’m in this embarrassing situation because of that jerk.”

After Piaro betrayed the empire. The new Red Knights developed by Sword Duke Limit were reputed to be black-hearted. They sneered at the residents of the empire, calling anyone not part of the Red Knights weak. In such a situation, a Red Knight was killed by a man’s bare fists? The dignity of the Red Knights was shaken to its roots.

Fulito was obliged to prevent this situation.

"Wait until the end of the event." Grid would be able to use weapons once the event was over. “At that time, I will beat you up and regain the dignity of the Red Knights.”

“Hoh.”

This was good news for Grid. Fulito’s combat power couldn’t be measured. He was much stronger compared to Kamiyan. He wasn’t someone that could be beaten just by relying on Lifael’s Spear. Grid hadn’t been sure how to deal with him, so it was good that Fulito was giving him a chance.

The viewers cheered.

-Wow, Fulito of the Red Knights is a little scary. He gave Grid time to beat his colleague to death.

-His confidence is incredible. Is he a single number?

-No, single number knights have gold epaulettes on their shoulders.

-Hrmm... Then he must be in the 10’s.

-Even the 20th knight is several times stronger than the 30th knight.

The illegal gambling sites were booming with all types of speculations.

[Grid vs. Red Knight Fulito]

The gamblers started betting on who would win the match. Surprisingly, many gamblers bet on Fulito’s victory. He had leisurely watched while Kamiyan was killed by Grid. Considering that he also gave Grid time to use weapons, Fulito must be much stronger. In any case, Fulito seemed certain that he was stronger than Grid, so the winner of the battle would naturally be Fulito.

-It’s time for my chicken to come.

-My chicken arrived 5 minutes ago and I’ve already eaten two chicken legs.

-Sigh... When will this start? I will drink a bottle of soju while waiting.

-There are many boring pope candidates.

-Ahㅋㅋㅋㅋ I just remembered that this broadcast was originally a speech event for the pope candidates ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

As Grid waited for the end of the event, OGC’s audience ratings surpassed 43%. Rumors that the confrontation between Grid and the Red Knight would be started soon began to spread. Millions of foreign viewers flooded to the OGC web channel, almost paralyzing the server.

As the whole world was watching,

[The pope candidate’s speech event has ended.]

[The weapons that have been disabled for safety are released.]

[The +9 Failure has been equipped.]

[The +8 Doppelganger’s Greatsword has been equipped. Only 50% of the weapon’s attack power will be applied due to the penalty.]

Grid held the two greatswords in both hands. The users were excited.

-Two sword style?

-Is he a rookie? How can Two Sword Style be used with greatswords? Really stupid;;

-It should be very restrictive to swing two large weapons at the same time. His posture will easily crumble.

-Aish, you should only use one greatsword while fighting. This is just to look cool.

The community of the gambling sites fell into chaos. The gamblers who bet on Grid started complaining.

-Ah, this sucks.

-I stupidly believed in him. Hah...

-I was mistaken when I thought he was better than before.

-The nightmare is starting again...

-Does he know he’s being ridiculed?

Grid attacked Fulito without saying a single word.

Jjejeong!

When the attack from the Doppelganger’s Greatsword was blocked...

Papat!

Failure was swung. Unlike Kamiyan’s Keen Senses which was an active skill, Fulito’s movements were affected by a passive skill, so it was hard to hit him. Fulito avoided Grid’s counterattack and used a skill.

“Light Sword.”

The power of this skill was incomparable to what Kamiyan used before. It was obvious that Grid would take a lot of damage when defending, and the orbit was too exquisite to avoid. Then what should Grid do? The maturing Grid knew how to cope with this.

“Pagma's Sword Dance, Revolve.”

Peeeeeong!

A counterattack triggered at the perfect timing. The power of the skill also rose due to the Doppelganger’s Greatsword. Blood spurted from Fulito’s chest.

‘What?’

Fulito was shocked. Grid was much stronger than when he defeated Kamiyan. It was natural.

Pagma's Sword Dance increased attack power, critical attack chance, and critical attack damage, as well as generating all types of passive skills. But this was only applied when a sword type weapon was equipped.

When armed with a greatsword, Grid was strong enough to exceed the extent that Fulito had assumed.

-Wow, Two Sword Style really appeared.

-Kyah~ truly God Grid.

As always, the viewers’ switch in opinion was fast. The people who were ignoring Grid just a minute ago were now praising him.

Currently, OGC’s audience rating was 45%. Reaching 50% wasn’t a dream. It was a record in the decades of Korean broadcasting. Grid was once again writing a new legend.