Overgeared Chapter 408:

Chapter 408

"What? 9 hours?"

9 hours.

It was the time it took to travel from South Korea to Paris, France. This was even non-stop.

“We aren't riding a boat. Why does a plane ride take so long?"

"France is at the western end of Europe. It only takes 9 hours because this is a new passenger plane. It takes around 12 hours when flying on an older passenger plane."

"Kuk."

The road to Incheon International Airport. Youngwoo felt uncomfortable as he rode in a car with Peak Sword.

'Isn't 9 hours 27 hours in Satisfy time?'

27 hours was a long time. Based on his level 307, hunting for 27 hours was enough to raise his experience gauge by 1.5%.  What about blacksmithing?  He could use that time to complete Noe and Randy's items. Maybe he could even enjoy a hot love with Irene.

He had to waste that time stuck on a plane? It was especially painful for Youngwoo, who used time and effort to cover his lacking talents and skills. It was enough to make him tremble.

“Anyway, I can just go online from home. Why do I need to gather in Paris?"

Shin Youngwoo muttered from the passenger seat. Peak Sword couldn't concentrate on driving and turned on the self-driving capabilities of the vehicle.

“What don't you like? Tell me what it is that makes you uncomfortable. I'll resolve it for you! Ah, are you worried there won't be any kimchi in Paris? Don't worry! I wrote out a list of Korean marts and Korean restaurants. If you want, I can even cook kimchi stew in front of the Eiffel Tower!"

“…"

Youngwoo was reminded that Peak Sword was someone who grabbed foreigners on the street and asked "Do you know kimchi?"

“…No, please don't do that. I just don't like that I can't play the game while stuck on the plane for 9 hours."

"Ah, I see." Peak Sword understood Youngwoo's feelings and smiled. "You're really diligent. Then should we use Yura's private plane?"

"Private plane?"

“I heard it in the meeting yesterday. There are Satisfy capsules on Yura's private plane, so if you want to play Satisfy while travelling to France, you can use Yura's private plane.”

"Wow."

The fact that she had a private plane was surprising, and there was also a Satisfy capsule on it? It was an unrealistic world for Youngwoo, despite being the owner of a 10 billion won building that would be completed in the near future.

'How rich is she?'

Yura's astronomical strength was shocking. Youngwoo was at a loss for words as Peak Sword asked again.

“How about it? Do you want to take Yura's private plane?"

There was no need to think.

"I will."

"Okay, I'll contact her. Yura will be very happy."

Youngwoo didn't question why Yura would be happy, because his head was filled with the National Competition. He was looking forward to it. He wanted to show his worth to the people of the world who kept denying him.

***

“Welcome.”

It was a long flight to France. Yura was originally dressed comfortably, but she changed once she heard the news that Youngwoo was coming. Her short skirt caught Youngwoo's attention.

'Really pretty.'

Like everyone else, Youngwoo couldn't help feeling admiration every time he met Yura. Hers was a timeless beauty that transcended the concept of race, causing everything in her surroundings to fade away. Jishuka was the only one who didn't lose to Yura when it came to beauty.

‘No, Marie Rose as well.'

Marie Rose combined Yura's simple and intelligent charm with Jishuka's provocative beauty. She might be an NPC, but he couldn't understand how she could be so perfectly beautiful.

'There is an effect.'

Yura saw that Youngwoo was staring at her and felt delight. She thought it was correct to choose clothing that suited Youngwoo's taste. But that joy was brief.

"Where is the capsule?"

“…"

Yura felt ashamed as Youngwoo looked at her chest for a moment before asking. Youngwoo's taste was firm.

***

Grid sighed with relief as he connected to Satisfy.

“Hah, I'm nervous."

He knew that Yura was pretty from the moment he saw her on TV. But he never saw her wearing these types of clothes. He felt a new charm from the always neat Yura.

'Her body is so pretty that my ideal type might change.'

That's right.

It wasn't because of indifference that Grid ran straight into the capsule without having a long conversation with Yura. Rather, he was too conscious. She was too pretty. He couldn't face her head on. Yura was a burden for Grid, who still lacked resistance to 'real women.'

'What is this? Yura wouldn't be interested in me.'

Yura always showed a positive attitude, but it was a type of partnership rather than a crush. He couldn't misunderstand.

'Why would a woman like that like me?'

Yura's perfect man had to be smart, sweet, handsome, rich, and have a good family. As Grid was recognizing Yura as part of a different world, Peak Sword sent a whisper to him.

–Did you read the article that was announced a month ago?

–Article?

–It said that due to reducing the number of participants for each country, the chances of winning medals will increase.

–I don't think I saw the article since I was in the Behen Archipelago… In what way?

–The 1st National Competition had a maximum of three events for one person, regardless of individual or team events. Meanwhile, the 2nd Competition doesn't have a limit on the number of team events.

-Team?

–Boss raid, target match, and siege. The rules of these three events have been changed in order to allow all participants from all countries to participate. That's why the participants gathered together for an operational meeting yesterday.

–Hoh.

A smile appeared on Grid's face.

–If I win three gold medals individually and three gold medals in the team events, does this mean that South Korea can win the National Competition?

–It's possible.

-But it isn't realistic.

Despite the presence of Grid, Yura, and Peak Sword, South Korea was classified as weak because the level of the other participants was poor. In addition, unlike Grid, Peak Sword was greatly weakened by this patch. South Korea was forced to be weak in team events.

–Unfortunately, in the siege and target match, there's no way for us to win the gold meal. But the boss raid is different.

Peak Sword had been watching Grid all the time. Grid's harsh raid experience was much more than common users, so Peak Sword placed hope there.

–I believe that if we support you well during the raid, we can get a gold medal.

Grid couldn't understand it.

–I don't know the siege rules, but why not the target match? Can't we get a gold medal in the target match?

Yura was a long distance damage dealer with her magic gun, while Grid could release Magic Missile with the God Hands. Grid judged that if the two people combined powers, they would be able to play an overwhelming role in the target match. But Peak Sword thought differently.

–I don't have the ability to protect you and Yura from the other participants.

–Hrmm.

–I'm sorry to be holding onto your ankles.

“…"

Grid didn't like Peak Sword's attitude. Who was Peak Sword? He might be ridiculous, but Peak Sword was a proud Korean. It was disturbing to see him shrink back like this.

–Is the damage from the patch that big?

Grid spoke in a serious voice.

Peak Sword replied honestly.

–It's the concept of my class. My base damage is very high compared to other combat classes, but the delay after an attack is big. If I can't deal a fatal blow with one strike, it will be counterattacked and I will be defeated. If my damage is halved in the National Competition…

He stopped talking.

"Umm…"

Grid thought for a long time before asking.

–Is the delay after an attack affected by the attack speed?

–The delay is reduced if my attack speed is high. But the minimum length of a weapon that I can equip is 1 meter and 50 centimeters, and long swords have a limit on their attack speed.

'That's prejudice.'

In the past, Grid had made the Ideal Dagger when he first faced Euphemina in the blacksmith match. It was a weapon with an excellent buff that raised his agility and attack speed. If the options of the Ideal Dagger could be reproduced with a sword, it would be worth using as one of his flagship weapons. However, it wasn't possible to maximize the effect if he gave the option of the Ideal Dagger to a heavy sword.

'I thought of a longsword.'

Grid wasn't in a hurry to make it. Grid had concentrated on producing armor instead of the National Competition was because he was fully satisfied with the weapons he was currently using. In particular, Iyarugt's experience was at 83%, so it was likely that it would grow to a legendary level during the National Competition. PvP weapon experience gain was similar to PvE experience gain.

'I don't think I will lack attack power, because I also have Item Combination.'

But wouldn't it be better to be properly prepared? He should speed up the production of the Ideal Long Sword.

–I will be working on a sword until we get to Paris.

–Sword? F-For me?

–Don't get me wrong. It isn't just for you. Now get the materials I need.

–Yes, I understand! I will acquire them for you now!

Just like Grid upgraded his items before the National Competition, the members of Overgeared also wanted to upgrade their items. But they didn't ask Grid because they were likely to be his enemies in the National Competition.

Grid also knew this fact, but Peak Sword was different. At the very least, he would be an ally in the team event.

"I should increase the power of the same side."

People who played the game knew this feeling.

OG: 

Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.

Chapter 409

Paris, Charles de Gaulle International Airport.

It was one of the busiest airports in Europe, with around 530,000 planes landing and taking off every year. It was always bustling with people. It was good to see it crowded.

"It was large and scary."

Korea's national team descended from Yura's private plane and entered the 2E terminal. Their mouths dropped open as they saw the interior.

"Doesn't it seem bigger than Incheon Airport?"

“That’s right. It's two times bigger than Incheon National Airport."

"Wow, look at the map. It takes an hour to walk to the nearest exit."

Yura explained to the astonished group.

"Don't worry. We can catch a bus."

Yura was the best beauty and ranked 5th in the unified rankings, so she had always been an object of interest and was invited to many countries. This was already her 9th visit to Paris. She was familiar with the landscape, and after following her, the group of people walked 20 minutes to a bus stop and boarded a bus. 

Due to his habit from his school days, Youngwoo sat directly behind the driver's seat and sighed.

"Are we moving to the city with this bus?"

He was worried about moving through a large airport, so he was glad that they could move relatively comfortably. Yura spoke shocking words to the relieved Youngwoo.

"This is the airport shuttle bus."

“Airport shuttle…?"

“Yes, we will take this to the nearest taxi stop and take a taxi to the city."

“…"

The airport was enough to make a person tired. Youngwoo looked out the window and pledged not to visit Paris again. Paris was one of the world's top tourist destinations, but Satisfy had a lot more beautiful spots. Therefore, he didn't feel any inspiration.

On the other hand, Yura was sitting next to Youngwoo and smiling softly. Youngwoo's forearms were now solid and burly, different from when they first met. It was a pleasant and reassuring sight.

'Why is she sitting next to me when there are plenty of empty seats?'

It felt good to touch Yura's soft skin. From the side, her nose was as beautiful as a sophisticated artwork. There were no spots on her white skin, making her look like a pure snow field.

Thump thump thump thump.

Youngwoo's heart started beating faster as he became conscious of Yura.

'Remain calm, calm.'

The nervous Youngwoo formed tight fists. He was worried about what might happen if he moved a finger by mistake and touched Yura's body.

***

The Korean team travelled 40 minutes by taxi from Charles de Gaulle airport and arrived at their hotel.

Shang X Lila Hotel. It was a 5 star hotel located 600 meters from the Eiffel Tower. The luxurious interior was reminiscent of a palace from medieval times, and the guest rooms had a view of the Eiffel Tower and Montmarte.

“Furthermore, the restaurants in this place made it into the Michelin Guide?"

“The rate for the rooms is probably ridiculously expensive."

"I heard that the cheapest room rate is 2 million won per night, while the expensive rooms are priced at 30~40 million won." 

"30~40 million? F-For one day…?"

"Yes."

“…"

A total of 224 people were participating in the 2nd Satisfy National Competition. The S.A. Group provided accommodations at 5 star hotels for all of them. It was for 16 days.  Indeed, this was the power of the world's number one group.

'It would've been great if Sehee could participate in this tournament.'

Youngwoo admired the luxurious room assigned to him and was reminded of his sister Sehee. He imagined how delighted Sehee would be to see this place.

'Well, there's no urgency. I will be with her starting from next year's National Competition.'

Currently, Sehee was a student. She had little time to play Satisfy because of her studies, and her level was low, so she couldn't participate in the National Competition. But it would be different starting next year. Sehee had a good understanding of the value of Satisfy and her Saintess class. Therefore, she was planning to concentrate on Satisfy after she entered university.

"By the way, what are these clothes?"

Youngwoo frowned as he unpacked his clothes. It wasn't the training clothes and slippers that he normally wore. Instead, there were sneakers, slacks, cotton shirts, and jeans. There were even nice shoes.

'You want me to wear something like this?'

Youngwoo dressed just for convenience. Style? He had no interest in that. 

He was traumatized by being ignored by his first love Ahyoung after wearing fashionable clothes to pursue her, and he didn't pay attention to fashion after that. In particular, he hated the cramped nature of the collared shirts.

Sehee knew these tendencies and still packed these clothes?

"Sehee, this girl…"

She pretended that she wanted to pack because he would be gone for a while, but it was just a trick? Youngwoo complained as he showered and changed clothes.

He selected one of the coordinated sets that Sehee had arranged from 1 to 19. He chose the 1st set because it had number 1 on it. Today was his first day in Paris. He would wear set 2 on the next day.

[Roll your shirt up to your elbow and tuck it in your pants! Wear this watch!]

“…Wow, the man who will be her husband later on will really be tired."

Youngwoo checked the note that Sehee left and dressed according to the contents of the note. He stood in front of the mirror and his eyes widened.

'Don't I look very handsome?'

In the past, Youngwoo had heard many times that he was ugly. The protruding cheekbones, high T zone, and eyes without double eyelids gave him an overall nervous impression.  His skin was rough and his shoulders were hunched over, so he gave off a bad impression.

But in the past year and a half, Youngwoo had gained weight and trained his body through exercise. His features also matured as he got older and his skin care was good compared to the past.

No, even if he didn't compare to the past, he looked good when compared to the average Korean male. His high T zone and filled up cheeks emanated a Western charm, while his wide shoulders accentuated his masculinity. In particular, his eyes were **** to women.

Due to Sehee's styling, Youngwoo was able to show off his charms.

Knock knock.

Youngwoo was staring blankly in front of a mirror and became astonished at the sound of knocking.

"Come in."

“Are you ready?"

Peak Sword came into the room and felt amazed.

“Ohu, you're dressed properly for once."

Peak Sword raised his thumb. Youngwoo felt better and left the room. The two people headed to the ground floor of the hotel, where the press conference would be held. The US, British, and Turkish teams, who were also staying at the same hotel, were seated already.

"Grid!"

Regas waved from where he was sitting as the representative of the British team. On the other hand, the US team leader Zibal was indifferent to Youngwoo, and Bubat, the Turkish representative, was staring at Youngwoo.

"Huh? I'm South Korea's representative?"

He was confused when he saw 'Shin Youngwoo' as the Korean team leader and Yura belatedly explained.

"We decided that at the meeting."

"Why? Heok."

Youngwoo swallowed his breath at Yura's appearance. Yura appeared wearing a dress, looking like the goddess of beauty had descended. Youngwoo couldn't take his eyes off the neckline that was revealed by her **** hair.

"You are the strongest among us, and aren't you also the master of Overgeared? Who else would be the representative?"

'Do I have leadership?'

As the master of Overgeared, all he did was make items and hunt. Youngwoo wasn't convinced, but Yura's evaluation was different. During the Elfin Stone raid, Youngwoo showed unexpected leadership that minimized the damage to his colleagues.

Yura was very appreciative of Youngwoo's potential as the leader, so she aimed to train this potential in the National Competition.

"Yes… Eh… Um…"

Youngwoo was swayed by the unexpected praise and Peak Sword pushed him.

"What? Everybody is waiting for you, God Grid."

"Kuk."

In the end, Youngwoo sat in the seat of the Korean team's representative. At that moment.

'His expression changed?'

The hundreds of reporters and staff gathered at the meeting place were surprised at the same time. Youngwoo's silly expression changed as soon as he sat down. His eyes gazed sharply as hundreds of eyes focused on him.

"Sorry I'm late. I am Shin Youngwoo, also known as Grid, the Korean team's representative."

An ordinary person would be nervous in front of the public. It was hard to maintain their spirit while being burdened by the many gazes focused on them. Especially the Youngwoo of the past. 

He lacked confidence, so he had trouble communicating with someone in front of his eyes. He always looked at the ground. But he had developed since starting Satisfy. He realized his value and found his confidence. He became familiar with the public gaze as duke, hero of the kingdom, and head of Overgeared.

Grid was the leader of more than 20,000 people and hundreds of guild members.  How could he shrink back in front of hundreds of journalists? It was impossible.

“Is this a live broadcast? I would like to say hello to all the people who are watching me right now."

Relaxed eyes and stable intonation. It was incomparable to the Youngwoo from the 1st National Competition.

"God Grid, this is why I decided to follow you."

Peak Sword knew how rare it was for a person to grow and change quickly. Peak Sword once again felt inspired to follow Youngwoo.

"Great."

Today, from Youngwoo's style to his attitude, everything was Yura's favorite. On the other hand, the Korean people watching the press conference live on TV and on the Internet were impressed.

“Was Grid's personality always so intense?"

"Last year, he seemed like a child, but now he clearly isn't."

"Doesn't he look handsomer than before? Plastic surgery?"

"How is that plastic surgery? He used to look like that from the beginning, but it was just his style. You should go in front of a mirror and look at yourself. You look stupid."

"I think he did a lot of exercise."

“A diamond in the rough…"

Satisfy had a culture beyond a simple game. And the representative of Satisfy in South Korea was Grid.

Ttiring~

Ttiring~

The rankings of the search portals were renewed about Grid. Youngwoo's parents watching the TV in their vegetable store was also impressed.

“Our son has become more dependable… Our son is the representative of South Korea for two consecutive years…"

“We gave birth to such a good son. Right?"

The National Competition hadn't even started yet. However, Youngwoo had already become prominent. Not as Grid, but as 'Shin Youngwoo.'

One foreign reporter didn't like it and threw a provocative question at him from the beginning. 

OG: 

Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.

Chapter 410

“Mr. Grid, you didn't fight back despite the one-sided damage caused by this patch. Are you admitting that it's reasonable for you to be nerfed?"

Last year, Grid was able to play a role in the National Competition due to his class and items. The result wasn't due to Grid's skills. This patch was to eliminate that unreasonable thing, so even Grid couldn't complain if he had a conscience.

The reporter interpreted it this way according to his taste.

From Youngwoo's position, it was an unpleasant attitude. He had great pride in himself, so if it was one year ago, he would've immediately become angry at the reporter. He would've snapped angrily.

But now Youngwoo didn't do that. He represented Overgeared and South Korea, and this press conference was a live world stage. Therefore, Youngwoo took a deep breath and watched the reporter. The ID hanging from the reporter's chest had their name, the name of their media company, and their country.

'French.'

One of the candidates to win in the 1st National Competition. The French pointed out Bondre as the person to win the championship for their country. However, Bondre was defeated in four seconds after meeting Youngwoo in PvP. This shocking disgrace moved France further away from the championship.

The antagonism that originated at that time, as well as vigilance and anxiety that the same thing might occur this time, dominated the French reporter. The enlightened Youngwoo felt more sympathetic towards the reporters.

'His self-esteem is low.'

Just like Youngwoo in the old days. As a strong winner, Youngwoo was able to respond to the reporter in a calm tone.

"Everyone seems to have misunderstood. I'm not a victim of this patch."

"Huh?"

The French journalist was embarrassed and the audience was agitated.

A confused Chinese reporter asked.

“Mr. Grid, isn't your greatest strength your unbeatable attack power? Due to this patch, you lost that strength and will inevitably be in a disadvantageous position in PvP. Compared to the other rankers, isn't your control relatively lacking?"

"Why is my strength seen as attack power?"

“You're the one who logged out Hurent of the United States in just 5 seconds and Bondre of France in just 4 seconds. Attack power is naturally your greatest strength."

"Hrmm."

A smile appeared on Youngwoo's face. The people watching the broadcast and the reporters couldn't understand the meaning of this smile. But Yura, Peak Sword, and Regas knew the meaning of Youngwoo's smile.

'It's ridicule.'

'How absurd.'

'The worst personality.'

Youngwoo enjoyed the questions spreading through the reporters and opened his mouth.

“You are pure."

"Yes?"

Suddenly calling them pure? That smile seemed to be laughing at them. Youngwoo asked a Chinese reporter who had an unpleasant expression on his face.

"What is the source of my strong attack power?"

“It's obviously your strong items."

“In other words, the power of items. That is the right answer."

"…?"

Youngwoo explained to the bewildered reporter.

“My strength isn't attack power, but items. And items aren't just limited to weapons."

"…!"

The eyes of the Chinese reporter widened. He understood the meaning of Youngwoo's words. Youngwoo turned his gaze away from the reporters and declared towards the camera.

“If I can't reproduce the strongest attack power because of the patch, then I will show the strongest defense. I will thoroughly use this patch to look much better than last year."

The nerf sniping at him? He would easily pass through it.

"Pfft!"

The reporters laughed. Youngwoo's words were too ridiculous.

“The blacksmith class is known to have low defense and because of the inherent limit of production classes, I don't think a legendary blacksmith will be much different."

“I've never seen you use defensive skills." 

“It's common sense that you can't play as a tanker by just relying on armor, without any defense skills?"

"You might've overcome the limitations of your class with items during the 1st National Competition, where there were only second advancement users, but this year will be different. Other participants have grown stronger by leaps and bounds."

“Mr. Grid, you are too obsessed with items."

The reporters weren't wrong. The reporters were experts in Satisfy and had a basis for their words. However, the problem was that Youngwoo was a special case.

"You will soon see. Ah, I will tell you this ahead of time."

Youngwoo scanned Zibal and Bubat with ridicule.

"I don't think anyone who participates in this competition isn't equipped with items. The high rankers received a lot of money from sponsors, so it is irresponsible if they don't have good items. Don't use bad items as an excuse later on if you have a conscience."

The tone was provocative.

Bubat responded to the taunt.

“Aren't you the one who relies on items? Don't speak nonsense! I bet that this year, you will earn 0 gold medals!"

Zibal was the same.

“A person who only relies on items is saying this… I guess there isn't a lot of talent in South Korea. There is a rumor that Yura, who disappeared from the rankings after obtaining a hidden class, isn't as good as before. Well, I think it is good enough for South Korea to maintain a low profile in this competition."

After that, the reporters didn't ask Youngwoo anymore questions. It was an attitude like they were no longer interested in South Korea. Thus, a Korean reporter asked Youngwoo a new question.

“Grid, do you plan to participate in the blacksmith production competition? As a legendary blacksmith, you will surely get a gold medal if you participate."

The reporter wanted to show to the world that Korea could also get a gold medal. The international reporters read his intentions and stiffened.

“A gold medal doesn't have the same value."

“Winning a gold medal in a non-popular event isn't a big story."

"So what… Whether it is a gold medal in a popular or non-popular event, it still shows in the score. It looks like South Korea won't leave completely empty."

"No, that's wrong as well. Have you seen the performance of the items made by the top ranking blacksmiths lately? There's no guarantee that Grid can get a gold medal, even if he's a legendary blacksmith." 

“…"

The Korean reporter's face reddened with shame as the reaction was different than what he thought. It was a fact that anyone knew, but most of the Korean people watching the press conference were angry at the insult.

Knowing this, Youngwoo abandoned his patience and revealed a bit of his true nature. He would give a thrill to the Korean citizens, as well as enhance the image of himself and Overgeared.

“If I participate in the blacksmith competition, isn't this too unfair?"

"…?"

It was natural for blacksmiths to participate in the blacksmith competition. But it was too unfair? Grid was extremely arrogant. Just because he was a legend, he assumed that all blacksmiths were below him. It was a higher assessment of himself than necessary.

In front of the frowning reporters, Youngwoo raised five fingers.

“This is the minimum number of gold medals South Korea will be able to win in this National Competition without me participating in the blacksmith tournament. Expect it.”

"What…?"

Everyone was silent from the crazy nonsense.

***

[Grid, he declared that he will win at least 5 gold medals.]

[Grid won't participate in the blacksmith competition. Can South Korea win a gold medal?]

[The importance of representatives… South Korea will suffer a great disgrace due to Grid's arrogance.]

The media headlines of each country were dominated by Grid. On the other hand, there were only a few small articles about the 2nd ranked Zibal.

"Grid, this guy…"

Originally, he was supposed to be the main character of the press conference, but that changed due to Grid. His ego was badly hurt as he threw the newspapers to the side with a red face. Then he asked the young man with silver hair who was enjoying his tea.

“What do you think are the five events Grid is talking about?"

"Boss raid, target match and siege."

"What? The team events?"

"And all other combat-related individual events."

“…"

Lauel, the youth with silver hair drinking expensive black tea, just spoke ridiculous words. He was the chief of staff of Overgeared and Grid's chief aide, the person closest to Grid. Still, he was from the United States.

“I knew that Grid was arrogant, but this… Does he really believe that he's the strongest?"

No, Grid always thought he was lacking. That's why it was scarier.

'He's someone who has already broken the sky above the sky.'

Lauel shook his head and explained.

“Grid said this based on his skills."

"Ah, really?"

Zibal thought it was absurd.

“How can you evaluate Grid's skills so highly? Now that the average stats of users are going up and the value of items is decreasing, why are you so obsessed with Grid, who has nothing except for items?"

"Hahat!"

Lauel burst out laughing and swept back his hair. He covered half of his face with one hand, his blue eyes peeking out from the gap in the fingers.

"This is why I don't appreciate you, Zibal. Your zeal to judge people and circumstances based on prejudices just proves your limitations. The brightest moment for you is the present, not the future.”

Zibal's face turned completely red as he shook. He tried not to get angry at Lauel, who was disparaging him. Then Lauel spoke some shocking words.

“Tomorrow, in the target match, the US is looking for a silver medal." 

"What?"

It was natural that the US would win gold at team events. The US team's overall ability was high when taking into consideration the average level, equipment, and skills of the participants. Yet they were looking at a silver medal?

Lauel continued to speak nonsense.

“When I pierce through the world with my eyes, the winner of the gold medal is South Korea."

Kung!

Zibal pounded on the table, standing up and glaring at Lauel.

“I know that you're loyal to Grid… But keep in mind that your country is always your priority. You are Grid's enemy in the National Competition. Don't mislead your allies and encourage confusion with your words."

“I will keep that in mind."

Lauel laughed excitedly, like this was refreshing. Zibal hurriedly left this place. It was because he would crush Lauel's pretty face if he stayed any longer.

And the next day. After the grand opening ceremony, which was much bigger than the 1st National Competition, the first scheduled event began. It was the target processing match. The rules were simple.

The S.A. Group designated 21 uninhabited islands for this National Competition. The representatives of 32 countries would be on the uninhabited island called 'Tira.' Each representative had to destroy small targets 5cm in diameter that were moving at a speed of 40m per second. Each target would give points, and the representatives could be attacked and logged out.

Destroying one target gave one point, and no additional points were gained by logging out another user. The country that earned a total of 400 points first would win.

『 Which country will be the first to win 400 points in this match? 』 

-Waaahhhhhhhh!

Hundreds of thousands of spectators cheered in the Stade de France National Stadium as the host raised the atmosphere. Among them, very few people were paying attention to South Korea.

Despite Grid's declaration at the press conference, almost no one predicted that South Korea could win a medal at the team events.

But let's go back to the situation from the beginning.

Peng!

Pepepepeng!

White flashes emerged from four golden hands shining brilliantly under the sun. At the same time as the signal to start the match, the small targets were destroyed. The speed was fast enough to be unmatched by other teams.

"Stop him!”

The bewildered representatives from all over the world surrounded Grid.

"Linked Kill Wave."

Grid used his strongest skill while feeling thankful to the enemies coming at him all at once. The result? Silence filled the agitated Stade de France National Stadium.

OG: 

Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.