Overgeared Chapter 379:

Chapter 379

[You are attempting to grant a new option to Iyarugt.]

[Congratulations! A new option has successfully been granted.]

Grid was excited by the notification window.

'It succeeded at once!'

Grid had bad luck. He hardly ever won in an odds game until now. If there was a lottery with a 99% chance of winning, he would be the 1% who didn't win. Now he won in a game where the odds of winning was only 21%. 

Grid was deeply thrilled. But it only lasted for a moment.

[The B grade option 'Coolness' has been given to Iyarugt.]

"What?"

[Iyarugt has become even cooler.]

Ttiring~

[+8 Iyarugt]

Rating: Unique (Growth)

Durability: 351/351  Attack Power: 793+365

…

…

* The 'Coolness' option has been added with alchemy.

“?????”

What? Coolness? The coolness level rose? 

'No, what is this?'

Among the many options, it happened to be coolness? He thought things were going too well. He never dreamt that it would be such a useless option. 

"I can't believe this… Things never work out well at once…"

Grid was feeling frustrated when Silverun cheered.

"Ohh…! Ohhh! The best of the B grade options, 'Coolness' was given! It's beyond expectations!"

"…?"

Coolness was the best option in the B grade? Grid doubted his ears.

'This is the best option for the B grade? Then how bad are the other options?'

The science of alchemy, the more he knew, the worst he thought it was. The money he invested was being ruined. Rabbit gave positive feedback while Grid was squeezing his head.

“Coolness is an important factor. Whether it is people or object, a good appearance is an easy way to build up favor."

It was the same in reality. People were constantly trying to be cool.  They paid attention to their hair style and attire, and could spend hundreds of millions of won on luxury goods and plastic surgery.

The reason was simple. To increase the value. In fact, when a person judged an object, appearance was an important concept that they looked at first.

"…I see."

When Grid thought about it, he heard rumors that the hidden class Skin Maker, the user was making a killing when it came to money. It only changed the appearance of an item, not the performance, but there were many people who paid big money to look more beautiful.

Grid observed Iyarugt and had a positive opinion. A gentle radiance was flowing from the long, red blade. Certainly, it looked much cooler than before.

Buuong. Buoong.

Every time he wielded it, Iyarugt shone like jewels. Grid looked cooler when he wielded it. It was obvious that people's attention would be concentrated on him in the National Competition. But once again, Grid wasn't satisfied.

***

“Until the alchemy facility reaches the advanced level, we will continue to accumulate fairy dust without using it."

"…Yes."

Grid replied in a listless voice. He was disappointed by the option given to Iyarugt. Rabbit bowed with an awkward expression.

"Then I will be going back to work."

"Yes… Work hard."

Grid separated from Rabbit and returned to the smithy. He wanted to make weapons to utilize Spear Shot and Bow Mastery prior to departing for the Behen Archipelago.

'It's enough to make the same bow that I made for Jishuka.'

He would made a spear that was specifically for throwing. Grid devised a plan.

***

“Create hand plow."

[The hand plow has been developed.]

Paaaat!

Over 50 hand plows rose simultaneously at the newly opened fields near the Altes Mountains. It wasn't a typical hand plow, but a hand plow developed with aura.

Pa pa pa pa pak!

The 50 aura hand plows started digging at the ground at once. It was an overwhelming sight. It was as efficient as 100 farmers doing field work at the same time. It was the majesty of Aura Master Hurent.

Hurent. He was embarrassed worldwide after being defeated by Gird in PvP in just 5 seconds. He had a strong desire for revenge against Grid.

'In the next 40 days.'

The 2nd National Competition would be held in 40 days.

As a representative of the United States, Hurent would participate in the National Competition, compete against Grid and win this time. But there was a problem.

"My eyes are correct. Your skills are very suitable for field work. Do you want to work with me a little longer?"

Legendary farmer Piaro. He was a wicked person who kidnapped Hurent, but Hurent knew how much the value of the hidden quest was worth. Hurent felt his resentment towards Piaro melting away like snow, so he carefully asked.

"How much longer?"

"Three months?"

"Three months…!"

It was too long. He had many things to prepare for the National Competition, which would take place in 40 days..

“Can't it be one month?"

Piaro shook his head at Hurent's question.

"If you are only going to help for a month, it is best to just leave now. I am going to teach you a new skill, suitable for farming, and it can't be learned in one month…"

“…"

Hurent stood at the crossroad of choice. Should he leave Piaro right away to dream of revenge on Grid, or get stronger by staying near Piaro and then get revenge on Grid?

"U-Ummm…

Hurent tried to think objectively. Could he win against Grid right now?

‘To be honest, there's no guarantee.'

Three months ago in Satisfy time. He was convinced that he was stronger than Grid when he invaded Reidan with Prince Ren, but not anymore. It was because of Piaro's words.

“You are strong. But there are many people stronger than you. What? How do you compare to My Lord? Of course, My Lord is stronger than you."

At first, Hurent thought that Piaro was biased. However, after experiencing Piaro's personality, he knew that Piaro wasn't someone who spoke empty words.

'If I can't beat Grid now…'

He was likely to once again be embarrassed in front of the world. If that was the case…

“…I will help you."

There were many opportunities. Even if he didn't participate in the National Competition this year, there was the one next year and the year after that. Until then, Hurent wanted to grow as much as possible. He was determined to evolve the Aura Master class to legendary.

“Good choice.”

Piaro smiled at Hurent's new commitment. Since this day, Reidan's agriculture started to develop at a faster pace and Hurent gradually adapted to the life of a farmer. He tried so hard for Reidan that his revenge on Grid was in vain.

***

Zibal of the Snake Guild, Chris of the Giant Guild, Seuron of the Golden Guild, Hao of the Hades Guild, Bondre of the Ice Flower Guild, Bubat of the Yak Guild, and Ralph of the Zeraph Guild.

The leaders of the seven guilds gathered in one place. They were the strongest players in the top 30 of the unified rankings and also participants of the 2nd National Competition.

"It has been nine months since we united to invade Reidan and were disgraced."

After that, the seven guilds lost their honor and dignity. The seven guilds were once an object of fear, and now they were made fun of. Only the Overgeared Guild was the best.

“We must regain our honor in the National Competition."

Seuron expressed doubts at Zibal's words.

“You mean to smash the Overgeared Guild in the National Competition? How?"

The National Competition wasn't a guild war. It was a competition in which countries fought against each other. The members of Overgeared were divided into several nationalities, so it would be very difficult to only be hostile to Overgeared.

Zibal smiled in a meaningful manner.

“Grid is the symbol of Overgeared. In addition, Grid is Korean. We must thoroughly shatter South Korea."

The power of a symbol was beyond imagination. What if they completely trampled on the Korean team led by Grid? It would prove that the seven guilds were still alive, while being able to crush Overgeared's reputation.

“The Overgeared Guild is no longer the best."

Zibal was certain because he had items made by Panmir, the 1st ranked blacksmith, in his inventory. The items were produced with dwarf techniques, so they weren't lacking compared to Grid's items.

"Let's join forces to trample on South Korea and regain the honor of the seven guilds."

The difference between the best and the worst was huge. When the seven guilds were called the best, the masters of these guilds earned a huge amount of money. It was natural to miss those days. The silent Chris gazed at Zibal and opened his mouth.

"Zibal, since when were you our representative?"

Originally, the seven guilds weren't one.

Like regular guilds, they kept each other in check. Sometimes they were hostile, sometimes they were allies as they all competed against each other. At one point, Zibal established the alliance of seven guilds and took the lead.

Chris didn't like this fact.

“Hey, Chris. What are you saying? Representative? I'm the representative? I never thought of myself like that. I see all of you as equal companions."

The seven guild masters were all people full of pride. Chris said something that would irritate them, so Zibal tried to laugh it off.  He wanted to make sure that the atmosphere of the alliance didn't deteriorate.

Chris scoffed, "Who's your companion?"

Chris never participated in the alliance of the seven guilds. He didn't participate in the Reidan invasion. The reason he attended this meeting was to make it clear.

“The name 'Seven Guilds Alliance,' don't use it in the future. My Giant Guild has never joined the alliance."

Chris declared and rose from his seat. The other guild masters didn't care about his actions. There was no reason to force him to join the alliance just because they were the seven guilds. But Zibal thought differently. He judged that it would be better to break Chris down, rather than leaving him as a variable.

Zibal stood in Chris' way and smiled grimly.

“The rumor that you joined Grid is true."

“Chris and Grid?"

The impassive guild members started to react. Chris frowned.

“I’m with Grid? What are you talking about?"

“One of my men came across you in a hunting ground… The weapon you used at that time looks exactly like one of Grid's weapons."

The atmosphere of the room sunk.

OG: 

Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.

Chapter 380

“One of my men came across you in a hunting ground… The weapon you used at that time looks exactly like one of Grid's weapons."

He was probably referring to Grid's Greatsword. In this chilly atmosphere, Chris responded nervously.

“I will say it again. In this world, aren't there one or two items that resemble each other?"

Chris tried to leave as planned, but Zibal grabbed his shoulder.

“This isn't like you, Chris. Originally, wouldn't you be angry when receiving an unfair accusation like this? Are you just laughing because what I said was the truth?"

“I’ve only ever responded in a gentlemanly manner."

Kwack!

Chris firmly shoved at Zibal's hand on his shoulder. Chris had high strength due to all his labor, so Zibal wasn't able to cope with it.

"Don't push people with unfounded rumors."

Chris spat out. He didn't shrink back, despite knowing that no one was on his side. This was the dignity of the third ranked user. But the opponent was Zibal. He might've been killed in one blow by a crazy farmer, but his strength and influence among the users was absolute. No matter how high Chris' charisma, Zibal wasn't affected at all.

"If you're so confident, why don't you share the details of your weapon with us?"

Ssik.

Zibal suggested with a bright smile. He didn't have anything to lose in this situation. If the weapon information was revealed and it was related to Grid, Zibal would be right. Otherwise, he could apologize if it was unrelated to Grid.

Chris faltered for a moment before acting wisely.

“Please don't go overboard, Zibal. Who would reveal the information of their item?"

Items could be a person's strength or weakness, so it was always a variable. Disclosing a weapon's information was no different from revealing a private part. The masters of the seven guilds knew this better than anyone else.

They tried to deter Zibal.

“Zibal, please act moderately. Don't make trouble when you are already struggling with Overgeared and the Blood Carnival."

“Yes, why are you suddenly doing this to Chris?"

The flow started to change. It happened when Chris was feeling relieved.

“Do you use the same weapon as Grid?"

The master of the Golden Guild, Seuron, stood up. A combat specialized unique class, Soul Predator. He might've been defeated by the crazy farmer during the Reidan invasion, but Seuron hadn't fully adapted to his class at the time.

But now it was different. Now Seuron would be able to fight the temporary and full-time farmers.

“I don't want to obediently send away a person who might be the enemy of our alliance."

Seuron spoke meaningful words and raised his Brutal Heavy Sword. After being defeated by the temporary farmer, he invested more than 10 million gold to increase it to a +9 weapon. His finances suffered quite a blow, but Seuron was satisfied. The gap between a +9 and a +8 weapon was large.

“Hey, Chris. Take out your weapon."

Seuron's goal was to be number one. By default, he was aggressive so he didn't want to miss a chance to kill a competitor.

"You don't intend to bring it out obediently? Then I will make you take it out."

Pa pa pa pat!

Four spears appeared in thin air on Seuron's left and right. It was the manifestation of the Soul Spears, which required a human or monster soul to be summoned. Sueron accumulated the maximum number of souls through continuous hunting, so he was in the best condition.

Pepepepeng!

The soul spears shone as they shot forward. It was a very fast attack that was hard for Chris to deal with, because he invested most of his points in strength instead of agility.

Puuok!

Two spears pierced Chris' body. Seuron used this time to approach Chris with the Brutal Heavy Sword while using Soul Shackles. Chris stood at the crossroads of choice. Should he take out Grid's Greatsword, or take out a second weapon to block it?

'I have no choice.'

Chris had no intention of deepening the false accusation that he had an alliance with Grid. His guild would be damaged if he became hostile to these people. In the end, Chris pulled out his secondary weapon.

Jjejeong!

"Hoh."

Seuron's eyes widened. He admired the fact that Chris struck the Soul Shackles and blocked his sword the moment he took out his weapon.

‘Chris' control is greater than rumored.'

They were slow and efficient movements. It allowed for the maximum effect with minimal movements. Chris' greatsword technique was truly brilliant.

"But."

He wasn't Seuron's opponent.

Yiing.

The sword that was engaged with Chris' greatsword was reinforced with the effect of Soul Transference. At that moment.

Chaaeng!

"Kuk…!"

Chris' strength became meaningless. As the weapon's attack power was enhanced, Chris started to be pushed back. This game was truly about items. Chris realized again as he was pushed back a few steps.

Soul Arrows flew towards his head. Chris sensed it.

‘It's a combo!'

If he was hit by continuous attacks, the probability of falling into a stiffened state was very high. And top rankers were able to fully take advantage of that moment of stiffness. Chris prepared for pain and suffering.

Suddenly, the arrows pouring down on him were shattered by a chain. Hao intervened in the battle.

“Seuron, don't just do whatever you like."

There were many crazy people in the world. It wasn't unusual for someone to enjoy fighting like Seuron. But there was an appropriate line. Hao didn't understand Zibal and Sueron, who were trying to make someone big like Chris into an enemy.

"Hey Hao. Isn't Chris suspicious? Look at the weapon that he brought out. It's complete rubbish! Do you think that is his real weapon? He's hiding his weapon!"

“Let's say Chris' weapon and Grid's weapon are the same. Is that solid proof that the two are colluding?"

“…"

Hao asked logically and Seuron fell silent. Bubat also started to help Hao. He shook a hand towards Seuron and Chris.

"Let them play. It isn't bad to experience each other's ability ahead of the National Competition. Isn't it beneficial?"

Seuron shook. He already concluded that Chris was below him. That wasn't all. Everyone in this place thought so. It was a very short fight, but it was true that Seuron completely overwhelmed Chris.

“…I'm going if there isn't anything else."

Chris stepped back.

It felt like he was a dog retreating with his tail down.

“To think that he is 3rd in the rankings. How pathetic."

Seuron laughed at Chris. Seuron and everyone in this room couldn't imagine it. Chris actually hid his skills.

'There will be many opportunities in the future.'

And the best stage was only 40 days away. Chris' eyes filled with fighting spirit.

***

Weapons Mastery.

It was the ultimate mastery skill that gave extra damage no matter what weapon was equipped. But it wasn't a miracle. The extra damage that Weapons Mastery gave was low compared to the mastery skills optimized for only one weapon.

Therefore, Grid was obsessed with the level of Bow Mastery. If Weapons Mastery added 10% additional damage and Bow Mastery added 11% additional damage, the effect that Grid would gain when he was using a bow was Bow Mastery, not Weapons Mastery.

In other words, even if Grid later learned Weapons Mastery, Bow Mastery could be used to the end.

'If I can give items an option that quickly increases the experience of the mastery skills…'

How good would it be? He didn't intend to use the alchemy facility. Alchemy gave random options and the success rate was low, so he couldn't rely on it.

"Khan."

In this situation, Grid tried to get Khan's advice. Khan's was an advanced level 8 blacksmith. As well as being excellent in daily life, he had accumulated experience for decades, making him very knowledgeable.

"Have you ever heard of an item that can quickly increase the experience of mastery skills?"

“Hrmm…”

Khan's family had been in the blacksmithing business for generations. Among his ancestors was Albatino, who inspired the legendary blacksmith Pagma. Khan looked through his decades of knowledge and finally shook his head.

"I'm sorry… I don't know…"

Grid had always been a big help to Khan. He wanted to pay Grid back if he ever got the chance. But now he couldn't help Grid when he needed it, making Khan feel depressed. His shoulders were sagging when he had a thought.

"Perhaps you should ask Piaro."

“Piaro?"

“Yes, shouldn't he know how to train in weapons more efficiently? If you listen to him, you might gain an idea about how to add it to an item."

It was the power of infinite favorability. Khan freely gave Grid advice. Grid gained great enlightenment and hugged Khan.

“Thank you!"

"Haha! I'm happy to help!"

The sight of the two people hugging was familiar to the blacksmiths of Reidan. The blacksmiths just looked away, trying not to interfere in the relationship between Grid and Khan.

On the other hand, Lord was shocked.

"Abubu…?"

Lord was hammering in a corner of the smithy. He was happy to hear his father's voice, only to get question marks above his head. Lord couldn't understand why his father was hugging someone other than his mother. In the darkness, Kasim whispered to him.

“This is the friendship between men."

“Woo…"

He liked the sound of the word 'friendship.' Lord vowed. Someday, he would find himself wonderful friends.

Later, Lord would have the strongest colleagues. 

OG: 

Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.

Chapter 381

Piaro had already lived a failed life once.

He was swept away in conspiracies and betrayal, losing everything. The reason why Piaro could recover again was due to Grid. Grid motivated him when he was heart sick, and also released the misunderstanding with Asmophel.

For Piaro, Grid was a benefactor who he would serve his whole life. But what about Piaro? Why was he training Grid's enemies like Chris and Hurent? This was an insult to Grid and people could accuse Piaro.

However, Piaro was confident. In the past, he had experienced betrayal and learned from it. The present Piaro could see into a person's true nature.

‘The more I look, the more sincere and motivated he is.'

The fields near Altes Mountains.

Piaro watched the hard-working Hurent with a satisfied expression. Piaro judged that Hurent was a person with a good character. He was burning with a desire for revenge due to past events, but this vengeance was due to passion rather than malicious looks.

If Piaro guided him well, Hurent would become a person who would surely grow in a positive direction and had the potential to become Grid's right hand later on.

'I didn't know about all the possibilities of aura.'

Hurent's aura was different from the usual aura. It wasn't limited to pure power, but also focused on the shape's diversity. Therefore, it was more useful and had unlimited possibilities for development. If he grew up well, he would show a heroic figure on the battlefield as well as show huge efficiency on the fields.

'I need to steadily give him carrots.'

Everything was for his lord. Piaro could truthfully say this.

***

The distance between Reidan and the fields near the Altes Mountains was one day.

But Grid managed to arrive in less than half a day. It was the result of utilizing the movement speed buff of Braham's Boots and Quick Movements from the Ideal Dagger.

“The desert is becoming a forest…"

Unlike the fields on the outskirts of Reidan, half of the fields cleared by Piaro near the Altes Mountains were orchards. There were immature trees that still hadn't born fruit, but it was likely to become a lush forest.

Grid was amazed by Piaro's power.

"Even if he's a legendary farmer, making a forest in the desert…"

According to Administrator Rabbit, Piaro had less than 500 farmers. But Piaro was very grateful because he was able to secure human resources and develop the agriculture on his own.

"Huh?"

Grid's face suddenly distorted as he was filled with admiration. It was because he witnessed 200 young girls in their early teens who were working under the sun.

“Turning young children into serfs…"

The girls seemed pretty, but their skin was tanned. If he looked closely, their hands were full of calluses, which meant they hadn't just been working for a day or two. Grid was very disappointed with Piaro.

“No matter how obsessed he is with farming, does he have to make little girls work?"

Originally, Grid was selfish. He wasn't interested no matter what misfortune other people went through. But now it was different. As Lord's father, he couldn't watch in silence as children were overworked.

“I must speak to them."

It happened the moment Grid stepped on the fields.

Flash!

The 200 girls holding farming equipment in their hands. The moment he stepped on the field, their eyes changed and they pulled out their weapons? Grid realized it the moment he saw the girls pulling out their swords, spears, and shields.

'Don't tell me that they are the Rebecca's Daughters candidates?'

Lauel had sent him a report. The Rebecca's Daughters candidates were being trained by Piaro. In other words, these 200 girls weren't serfs, but Piaro's disciples. The farming itself was part of the training.

'Phew… I'm glad they aren't unfortunate girls.'

Just as Grid was sighing with relief…

"This is Reidan, the territory of the great Duke Grid."

"Goddess Rebecca won't forgive anyone who invades it."

"We will follow Piaro's will and repel all intruders."

"Eh?"

It was a problem. 200 girls rushed towards Grid, calling him an intruder. Grid didn't know what to do at first.

Buuong.

Syuk!

Peeng!

The 200 girls handled the swords, spears, and shields in a wonderful manner. Grid felt pleasure.

'Isn't this tremendous?'

Rebecca's Daughters.

As a symbol of the Rebecca Church's mightiest forces, their abilities were far beyond what Grid imagined. It wasn't something that players could afford to go against. The candidates all had excellent qualities. Maybe they were named NPCs. It was enough to make him think.

"You are strong!"

“But you can't go any further than this!"

The girls cried out as their attacks were in vain. Nevertheless, they were the secret weapons of the greatest religion on the continent, so they didn't lose their courage.

Grid's heart leapt.

'Becoming stronger.'

He wasn't talking about himself. Reidan's farmers, Reidan and Overgeared were becoming stronger in real time. These great results were achieved with all his colleagues, not alone. It was fun to develop his forces, and he felt even more proud that the growth wasn't alone.

“Let me help you train."

Grid imagined the Rebecca's Daughters candidates growing up to become a symbol of Overgeared. He shook with joy and pulled out Iyarugt. At this moment, the eyes of the 200 girls shone like lanterns.

'Beautiful!'

The effect of the alchemy B grade 'Coolness' was amazing. Iyarugt shone like jewels every time it moved, making everyone dazzled by its appearance. It wasn't a concept that had the same effect as 'bewitchment,' but it was effective to stamp Grid's existence into the viewers.

"Pagma's Swordsmanship, Restraint."

Grid started to unfold a spectacular sword dance. At this point, a brilliant light flowed around him like cherry blossoms. Grid had +600 dignity and +800 charm thanks to the effect of the 'First Duke' title, so it was enough to stimulate the young girls. 

Piaro came after hearing the nose and clicked his tongue.

"Duke Grid. Tricking young girls…"

“…"

Grid caused a huge misunderstanding and it almost became a social problem.

***

“How do you quickly raise the technical proficiency of weapons?"

In the mid-point between the field and orchards. Surrounded by 200 girls, Grid sought advice from Piaro.

“Isn't repetitive movements the most important thing?"

“I want a shortcut. Then I can add it as an option to the weapon."

“You want to make weapons that can quickly raise the skill level. Hrmm…"

Piaro started to think about it. Just as Khan was ignorant about the technical parts behind using weapons, Piaro couldn't easily answer because he was ignorant of blacksmithing. As Piaro was thinking, the girls started talking to Grid.

“Duke Grid, it's an honor to meet you."

“Thanks to the duke, Damian has become the pope and peace is restored in our Rebecca Church."

"Goddess Rebecca has certainly blessed you."

The Rebecca's Daughters candidates were  brainwashed in a secret facility for a minimum of 5 years to a maximum of 10 years. They weren't like others their age, and were restrained from thinking and making decisions by themselves.

However, they could change thanks to Damian and Piaro. They realized the happiness that humans should pursue and transformed into youthful young girls. In other words, the current Rebecca's Daughter candidates were susceptible girls.

It was a good age to experience first love, and Grid was very suitable for that purpose. The hero who saved them, the one who received the Goddess' blessing, the charm of an adult male. The tall, solid body and mature facial features were stamped in the girls' hearts.

But Grid knew. Girls' hearts changed as easily as the wind blew.

'It is similar to middle-school girls.’

Grid laughed as he patted a girl's head and spoke.

“Please grow up healthy and pretty, and look after my son Lord."

"Yes…! Duke Grid!"

Grid never imagined how much his innocent request would make Lord suffer. The pretty girls laughed as they heard the words, then Piaro finally spoke.

“If you use weapons in bad shape, you will increase your proficiency faster in exchange for overcoming the difficulties. How about using that part in the weapons production?"

"Hoh."

Grid thought about it. A weapon that reproduced bad conditions every time it was used?

'…Can I make a garbage item?'

The legendary blacksmith was trying to do trolling.

***

The elites of the Overgeared Guild gathered at the Behen Archipelago. It included all the members of the Tzedakah Guild, as well as Yura, Lauel, Peak Sword, and Huroi. They only had one goal.

“Become stronger."

Grid had prepared a strategy for them. They had to pass as many islands as possible and secure a large number of points in order to buy the necessary elixirs and skillbooks. 

Pak!

Pa pa pa pat!

The Overgeared members entered the Behen Archipelago one by one. The Behen Archipelago was an instant dungeon with a one person entry limit, so they had to proceed separately.

"Hrmm."

Lauel confirmed the position of his colleagues in the rear and sent a whisper to Euphemina one more time.

–Are you really not going to challenge the Behen Archipelago?

–Yes, I think I should focus on my ongoing quest.

–It seems to be a massive quest. Can I ask about the contents?

–That…

Euphemina's story began and a dark smile appeared on Lauel's face.

OG: 

Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.