Chapter 222
One month in reality and three months in Satisfy time passed.
In the meantime, Reidan's crops grew well. It was because the water channels discovered by Piaro provided nutrients to the land, and Grid's equipment improved the soil quality.
The financial burden diminished, so they no longer needed to import food at high prices. In addition, vegetation started to grow, the yellow dust became weak, and the people became healthier. The sight of the sick children improving brought tears to the people's eyes.
“This is all thanks to Duke Grid.”
"Ah! That's right!"
The people had been suffering for the past 10 years and were about to starve to death, so Grid and the Overgeared members were like angels sent by Goddess Rebecca. The people were absolutely obedient to Grid and the Overgeared members, who were their saviors.
They were educated and trained as farmers, blacksmiths, architects, soldiers, etc. As a result, they were able to feel a sense of accomplishment from reviving the city with their own strength.
Reidan was full of vitality.
“Have you been out on the streets lately? Voices praising My Lord are everywhere."
"Really? I've been so busy that I don't have time to go outside."
In the past, Huroi had vowed to serve Grid to repay the favor. But now it was different. Huroi respected the maturing Grid and was loyal to him based on that.
"I'm proud of you."
The ghost town on the verge of destruction had now become lively. Thanks to the Overgeared members, the monsters didn't threaten Reidan, and a small but powerful army was being trained by Jude.
Khan was nurturing young blacksmiths, and thanks to Rabbit, the overall speed of development of Reidan increased. Euphemina showed her strength in many fields by duplicating monster taming, blacksmithing and architectural skills.
In particular, Jishuka played a huge role as ruler of Bairan. She and the other two Overgeared members trained the knights and soldiers, and continued hunting the frostlight orcs and raiding the Guardian of the Forest. Thanks to this, the guild's warehouse was filled with various minerals and sylphid scales. Soon, all members of Overgeared were going to have an invisibility cloak.
The person who brought together such excellent talents and strong personalities? It was none other than Grid. Huroi's respect for Grid increased day by day.
"There's still a long way to go."
Grid wasn't satisfied with the present state. It was because Reidan was still in a deficit.
'We only have a smithy, barracks, and alchemy institute as facilities."
The number of people wasn't increasing. Taxes also couldn't be raised. Even though he made five items a day, he couldn't see any profit at all. So Grid was in a bad mood. What would've happened if Grid sold the 450 items he made over the past three months to users instead of investing it in Reidan?
'I would've earned at least 1.5 billion won, even if I have to pay taxes and take into account the price of the materials…’
Of the 450 items, not one legendary rated item was produced, but there were two unique rated items. However, he couldn't sell them to users and used them for the facilities. Lauel encouraged the grumbling Grid.
“Don't dwell on the immediate damages. Thanks to the items you made, the efficiency of each work field has increased by several times, and will return to you as a bigger profit."
“I know.”
Now it was time for lunch. Due to all the work, Grid ate at the smithy while discussing things with Huroi and Lauel. On the other hand, Khan was busy teaching the young blacksmiths.
Lauel clicked his tongue. "Khan is growing stronger every day. As I look at his increased health, I sometimes wonder if Reidan's desert sand really does improve longevity."
“That inspiration is innate. Which reminds me, has there been a steady increase in sales for the Longevity Remedy?"
“Yes, this month's sales has reached 1,230 gold."
“Still, it isn't even a quarter of Rabbit's pay."
Rabbit received a 500 gold salary as a viscount, then another 5,300 gold as his administrator salary. This was the 'minimum' value set by Rabbit himself. Even if he pledged his loyalty, he wouldn't work for less than 5,300 gold a month. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that Reidan's current deficit was due to Rabbit.
"But we shouldn't begrudge him. Sir Rabbit's value can't be converted to money."
“I know."
Thanks to Rabbit, Reidan was growing quickly. The increase of domestic affairs was unrivaled when compared to other cities. Indeed, a named NPC like Rabbit with an S-grade administrative skill was worth any price.
'Don't fret and look to the future.'
After Reidan developed, the giant worms would be destroyed and the western area would be restored. Then he would use the western area as the foundation for becoming king. It was one of his immediate goals.
‘Then I will make money.'
Grid would become a tycoon. He didn't want to suffer again because he didn't have money.
Ttang! Ttang!
Grid ate the food that had been grown in three months, the rainbow potato. He hadn't been able to hunt for the past three months, so his level was stuck at 275, but he wasn't nervous because his stats increased every time he made an item higher than the epic rating.
Grid was a blacksmith, so he could level up his stats even if he worked in the smithy.
***
The Butin Barony was at the eastern end of the Saharan Empire. It was a rural area, with only the natural view of the sea. Furthermore, it was a very peaceful place where monsters didn't pop up, so it was extremely rare for users to come here.
However, the 3rd ranking merchant, Muto, operated a small company and was extremely focused on trading with the Butin Barony. The Butin Barony might be empty of users, but it was a resort for rich NPCs and nobles.
"The Longevity Remedy?"
Muto was focused on supplying luxury goods to the rich and nobles who visited the Butin Barony. His sales rate had decreased suddenly, and he finally identified the reason. He looked at the small amount of sand in the glass bottle and frowned.
“This sand is sold as a luxury product under the name Longevity Remedy? The selling rate of my products is falling because of this?"
Muto had seen countless items. As a merchant, his insight was excellent, so it wasn't difficult for him to see that the Longevity Remedy was just simple sand.
“It's a really good idea."
Which merchant came up with the idea of marketing the sand of Reidan as the Longevity Remedy? Muto marveled after hearing about it from the NPCs of the Butin Barony.
"This level of business acumen is almost at the level of a scam.”
There must be a tremendous merchant hiding in Reidan. Muto was sure of it. He worried about how he could compete with such a huge merchant and soon came up with an idea.
“Isn't there a huge desert surrounding Reidan?"
Ssik.
Muto smiled with satisfaction and immediately led his company to Reidan. But he faced difficulties as soon as he crossed the border.
“W-What is this?”
The guards of the Muto Company were over level 200. As mercenaries hired at an expensive price, they perfectly protected the company from monsters and bandits. But as soon as they entered the territory of Reidan, the giant worms, desert toads and other powerful monsters devoured the guards.
"T-This is crazy…!"
Why were the monsters so strong? The twin ogres were the strongest monsters he had seen so far, and they were nothing against the western monsters.
"R-Run away!"
The Muto Company had to run away from the crazy monsters. But Muto still didn't forget to put the sand from the desert into his bag.
"Pant pant! Damn! I almost got killed!"
Muto trembled as he barely survived and returned to the Butin Barony. He was desperate, since he lost half of the guards in the desert.
"I have to sell all of the sand to recoup some of the losses."
Muto went to find a merchant NPC. Then he brought out the Longevity Remedy he made from the sands of Reidan. However, the NPC clicked his tongue.
“The Longevity Remedy is made from sand collected in the center of Reidan, not ordinary sand from the desert. We only acknowledge the sand from Reidan's lord as the Longevity Remedy, while everything else is rubbish. Let's stop any transactions in the future. I no longer want to work with a crook like you."
“…"
This was bad. He thought it would be easy. But his opponent had already penetrated into his brain. Muto was frustrated after losing many guards and clients because of mere sand.
***
“Garlic." Shin Youngwoo logged out of Satisfy and went out into the living room for dinner. Then he found his parents peeling garlic and sat down beside them. "I'll help you."
Youngwoo's parents ran a vegetable store, and garlic was treated as a commodity. They had to work hard everyday to peel the garlic. In the past, he didn't help his parents, but now he was different.
He matured and was willing to help his parents. But his parents refused.
“Youngwoo, aren't you having a hard time playing the game? You should take this time to rest."
"Yes. This is our job. Youngwoo, you should go eat and focus on the game again."
His parents dismissed the game in the past, but now they recognized it as his workplace. Youngwoo felt a sense of gratitude and sat down with a bright smile.
"I want to help."
It wasn't easy for a person with less experience to peel garlic. The surface of garlic was hard and the skin was very thin. It needed some tricks to peel the skin attached to the surface. Youngwoo had no dexterity since he was a child. Until he joined the army, he couldn't even tie his shoelaces properly. It normally took Youngwoo a long time to peel one garlic, so he wouldn't be a big help.
Youngwoo's parents knew this fact, but they didn't stop him, since their son said he was willing to help.
Then after a while.
"Oh my? Youngwoo, when did your dexterity become so good?"
His mother was full of admiration. Youngwoo quickly peeled the skin of the garlic like a pro. The speed was comparable to his parents, who had been running a vegetable store for decades. His father was also surprised.
"What's this?"
Youngwoo was even more amazed than his parents.
'Unbelievable. Why is it so much easier to peel garlic?'
He felt like his dexterity had increased dramatically, unlike the past. What was the reason? Youngwoo pondered over it as he peeled the garlic. Then he got the answer within minutes.
‘It is the result of repetitive actions!'
A delicate hand was needed to make items. Since becoming Pagma's Descendant, Youngwoo had made thousands of items. It seemed that his dexterity in reality increased through his memories and this experience.
'I've seen it in the news before.'
A person repeatedly practiced swordsmanship Satisfy, and their skills increased in reality. It was the inevitable result of repetitive practice. Of course, a person's physical ability in reality was significant lower than it was in Satisfy, so it was impossible to implement all the techniques. However, following some techniques wasn't difficult.
It was the same reason why Youngwoo's dexterity rose now.
"Huhuhu…"
Youngwoo laughed with satisfaction. He was glad that if he ever obtained a lover in reality, he would be able to make her happy with his dexterity. It was the moment when the legendary hand dexterity that brought ecstasy to women in Satisfy appeared in reality.
OG:
Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.
Chapter 223
He helped his parents with the garlic and finished his meal. Then Youngwoo connected to his fan cafe and cheered.
"Finally…!"
Yesterday, the fan cafe had exactly 1,998,411 members, and now it exceeded two million. There was the golem invasion and he became the first user to become a duke, so his popularity had greatly increased.
'I'm happy.'
The fact that two million people were showing interest and liking towards him made Youngwoo's heart overwhelmed. He had been ignored and despised for a long time, so the affection of others was new and he felt happy every day.
'I wonder what Noe's fan cafe is like these days.'
After a long absence, Youngwoo accessed Noe's fan cafe and laughed.
"I can't catch up with his popularity."
Noe’s fan cafe had reached 2.75 million members. The speed was rising much faster than Youngwoo's fan cafes. The difference between the two fan cafes was increasing day by day. In the past, Youngwoo would be trembling with jealousy, but now he was different. He completely shook off the inferiority complex that was deeply rooted in him and wasn't easily jealous anymore.
‘Noe's rising popularity will increase awareness towards me, since I'm his owner.'
Youngwoo had been watching Lauel for months, so even his thinking ability was improving. He thought positively and stopped writing bad comments on Noe's fan cafe.
“Grid doesn't know about Noe?"
It was the title of the day's most popular post. What was this nonsense? Noe was his pet. There was nothing he didn't know about Noe. He was the only one who knew about the stupid and simple personality hidden behind Noe's cute looks.
Youngwoo wondered how this speculative post became the most popular.
Title: Grid doesn't know about Noe?
Content: It has been a long time since Noe appeared in Reinhardt, making us cheer.
Noe's eyes that shine like jewels and the beauty that is enough to overpower our gaze. But he is 'still' strong. Noe was able to weaken the suddenly evolved ancient weapon by swallowing it, allowing Grid and the Overgeared Guild to win against the golem army.
Now I have a question. Originally, don't pets change shape and have a stronger presence as they level up? But Noe's appearance hasn't changed since the National Competition. In order words, it means that Noe's level isn't much different from the National Competition and Grid isn't nurturing him properly.
Think of it from Grid's perspective. As the first legendary class, he's a person with a very busy schedule. If you look at TV right now, his CFs play successively. As a top star, he has little time to play Satisfy.
Grid thought the words he read were absurd.
"Nonsense."
The CFs recently being aired were all filmed right after the National Competition. Currently, Grid had completely stopped all broadcasting activities. He was on Satisfy all the time except when eating and sleeping, and was struggling to manage Reidan.
However, the author of the post didn't know this and was just rattling off nonsense. Youngwoo felt frustrated as he read the rest of the post.
The fact that Grid has less time to play Satisfy means less time to raise Noe. So Noe's level hasn't changed since the National Competition. Then I can deduce that Grid has a very poor understanding of 'top-grade pets.'
Typical pets lost their loyalty to their owners and will return to the wild state if they are away from their owners for long periods of time. The owners of these pets usually put them in the inventory when they can't be with the pet for a long time (e.g. when logged out).
But what about drakes? As a 'top-grade pet,' its loyalty isn't easily lost, even when it has a long period of activity separate from its owner. This is why the owners of drakes can let them freely graze. A drake's owner often lets it hunt alone to raise their level and don't keep them in their inventory, even when they are logged out.
So let's point out the problem. Noe is better than a drake. The evidence is that he overwhelmed dozens of drakes alone and called himself the best demonic beast of hell. In other words, Noe should enjoy more freedom than a drake.
If Grid had given Noe freedom, then I'm sure his growth would be tremendous. However, Grid lacks understanding of pets and didn't give freedom to Noe, probably keeping Noe in his inventory.
Noe's growth became stagnant. This is proof of Grid's ignorance, and is an insult to the top-grade pets.
"Ah…!"
Youngwoo realized it as he read the post.
'I am really lacking understanding about pets.'
In the case of a common pet, the pet would hunt monsters with its master and the experience would be split between master and pet. This was why Youngwoo didn't raise Noe's level. Noe was very powerful even without raising his level, and Youngwoo didn't want to lose his experience to Noe.
'However, a top-grade pet can hunt independently from the owner and grow on their own?'
They didn't easily betray their owner.
'In the future, I should give Noe freedom so that he can grow.'
Noe hadn't eaten since the golem invasion. Apart from that one time, he was always in his inventory.
"…It must be frustrating."
Youngwoo was able to realize Noe's grievances. He felt sorry towards Noe. Then he thanked the author of the post for giving him new knowledge.
"He went too far."
At the same time, Youngwoo was also angry. In a community of 2.75 million members, it was too much to call someone ignorant just from mere deduction.
'I represent the Overgeared Guild.'
He couldn't ignore it because it was the same as insulting the Overgeared Guild. Youngwoo took immediate action.
God Grid isn't Bald's comment: Yes, next pet person please ^오^ I am an expert on all classes ~
The author of the post that Youngwoo read was a expert on pets. But in front of the keyboard warrior, he became a 'person who doesn't know about pets' and a 'non-expert.'
After that.
"Nyang! The best demonic beast of hell has emerged!"
Noe was still at level 35, despite destroying the ancient weapon.
"Is it time to eat? Nyang?"
Eyes filled with expectations looked at Grid, who commanded.
"From now on, you can move freely in the vicinity of Reidan. You can eat as many monsters as you like, but don't do anything that will harm humans. In addition, report to me if you see anything suspicious… Finally, fly to me whenever I call, no matter what you are doing. Don't forget that I am your only master.”
“Nyong…"
Noe's eyes became wet. The 'ㅅ' shape snout opened with excitement as he asked.
"Master is really giving Noe freedom…? Noe can go…? Believe in Noe! Nyang!"
“Yes, as long as you follow my rules."
“Thank you! Nyang! Master is the best! Nyang!"
The little demon wings flapped as Noe circled around Grid before flying high into the sky.
"Cat…?"
The people of Reidan were stunned as they saw a black cat flying in the sky. It was the historic day when Noe, who would be revered as the guardian of the Reidan people, appeared in front of them for the first time.
***
Sehee and Yerim were stars among the high school population of South Korea. They were in the top 10 nationwide of the mock exams and also beauties, so they were the target of envy.
Recently, their popularity had skyrocketed. Before they were just stars of the high schools, but now they were stars of South Korea. Even foreigners recognized them. It was the aftermath of the golem invasion of Reinhardt that occurred around a month and a half ago in reality.
“Ruby!”
"Sexy Schoolgirl!"
The two girls who worked with Grid to save the Eternal Kingdom and became the first earls! People were enthusiastic every time they saw them.
“How did you join the Overgeared Guild?"
“What is God Grid like?"
“What is the secret to playing well while studying?"
"Why is your ID Sexy Schoolgirl…?"
Sehee and Yerim had to suffer from a barrage of questions. Various media also visited to request an interview. There were many companies who showed interest in them, causing a flood of CF model requests.
"Is this enough?"
It reached the point where it was impossible for Sehee and Yerim to go out without a disguise. After school ended. Before leaving the classroom, the two girls covered their faces as much as possible with masks and scarves. They mixed among the students and barely managed to leave the school.
Afterwards, the place they went to was a capsule room, not their homes or the library. They had a plan to play Satisfy three times a week and followed it.
Three hours later.
“Today was so much fun! Right?"
"Yes. I am now fully adapted to the new skills, so it's fun to play."
Sehee was now level 70 after the golem invasion. On the other hand, the Saintess' Knight Yerim was still level 51 because she couldn't raise her level during the golem invasion. However, it wasn't a problem when the two girls played in a party.
The Saintess and Saintess' Knight classes had great synergy. In addition, Youngwoo made items for them, so it was possible for them to hunt level 100 monsters when they joined forces. To borrow a phrase from Lauel, they were 'golden spoons' who played the game to help Youngwoo after they raised their levels.
"It really is Ruby and Sexy Schoolgirl."
There were university students who followed Sehee and Yerim after they left the capsule room. They had seen through Sehee and Yerim's disguise.
"It isn't even 10 p.m. yet, so why are you going home?"
“Let me buy you something delicious. We should become friendly, as we're both Satisfy users."
The four university students were all confident with their appearances. In fact, they were shopping mall odds and were confident that pure high school girls would fall for them. But Yerim and Sehee weren't people who only looked at appearance.
Sehee had a hatred for men other than her brother, while Yerim looked at money.
"Do you have a lot of money? We only eat expensive things."
Yerim gave a dazzling smile and provoked the university students. The university students felt their hearts thump before they shouted.
“Tell us what you want! We will buy you anything!"
"That's okay. In fact, someone is already buying us a meal."
"Are you talking about Grid?"
“That’s right.”
“…"
The eyes of the four university students sharply cooled. In fact, they were avid fans of Yura and Jishuka. But they had the scandal with Grid at the National Competition, turning the students into fierce anti-fans of Grid. They couldn't tolerate that Grid had already gobbled up the world's best beauties, Yura and Jishuka, and now he was monopolizing Sehee and Yerim as well.
"That bastard Grid…"
"Hey, both of you. You shouldn't hang out with that type of playboy. Throw away that trash guy and come play with us."
The university students became agitated after hearing Grid's name and forcibly grabbed Sehee and Yerim's wrists.
“Remove your hand."
A voice filled with anger was heard. It was a voice familiar to anyone in South Korea and the world.
"Oppa!"
"Grid…!"
That's right. It was Shin Youngwoo. After Sehee and Yerim became famous, Youngwoo was worried about their safety. Therefore, he took on the role of bringing them home every night. Today he came to pick them up, only to become furious as he saw this scene.
"Take your hands off them right now. Then I will overlook it this time."
Youngwoo held a phone in his hand and pressed 112. But at that time, his phone ran out of battery.
Beep.
It turned off with a loud noise.
"Ah, this, really…'
Why was this happening to him?
OG:
Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.
Chapter 224
Youngwoo's knowledge of human relationships was still limited. Youngwoo only used his phone to order delivery. He treated his phone as a decoration and didn't care about the battery life, leading to this situation.
'I'm screwed.'
Youngwoo was about to report the university students to the police, when he was shaken by the situation not turning out as planned. The four university students were aggressive towards him.
"Grid, isn't it hard to manage your estate?"
“Weren't you with Yura and Jishuka during the National Competition, so why are you free now?"
“I looked at your age on the Internet, so why are you trying to monopolize these girls as well? Do you want to be handcuffed for violating the law. Eh? Don't you know?"
The university students knew without a doubt that Youngwoo was older than them. They didn't even think about releasing the wrists of Sehee and Yerim.
'Those jerks.'
Youngwoo was angry when he heard the university students' tone of voice and his sister's pained expression. He wanted to run there and punch them in the jaw. But this was reality, not Satisfy.
In reality, Youngwoo was helpless. He had always been one-sidedly beaten by strong people. He had been beaten up many times, but now he wanted to commit violence against four healthy university students?
It was impossible.
First of all, Youngwoo looked around. It was to ask someone for help. Unfortunately, there was no one on the streets. It wasn't 10 p.m. yet, but it was fairly quiet. It was the result of Sehee and Yerim finding a empty place to avoid their popularity.
'This isn't ideal…'
Youngwoo took a deep breath. He suppressed his anger as much as possible and smiled.
“Let the kids go. Yes? We aren't shooting a drama, so this isn't interesting. Right?"
Youngwoo tried to persuade the university students. However, the university students didn't move at all.
"What if I don't want to?"
The university students couldn't tolerate that he was monopolizing all the pretty women. Taking Yura and Jishuka, now he was taking their future prospects? The infuriated university students started to handle Sehee and Yerim more roughly. They dragged them with force and provoked Youngwoo.
“These girls will play with us tonight. Anyway, what does it matter who we are? We're also people who make money from the game. It doesn't matter who you play with, as long as the man gives you money right?"
“Let go of me!"
Sehee struggled to shake off the university students. However, a female high school student was unable to win against the strength of men in their early 20's.
"Stay still!"
The university students grabbed Sehee harder instead of releasing her. Then they raised their hand like they would strike her.
"Won't you act more moderately?"
At that time, the silent Yerim frowned.
“These damn scum… Do you want to die?" Youngwoo's string of tension was snapped.
It didn't matter if he couldn't fight well. He couldn't stand to see his little sister insulted and treated like this.
'Even though I was a loser.'
When he was a highschool student. Youngwoo was always hit by Lee Junho for no reason. But he couldn't fight back because he was afraid of bigger retribution. He laughed it off, even if he didn't want to. He started to be ignored by the other students and this became a great trauma when he was an adult.
'It has been awhile since I've overcome it.'
Youngwoo was no longer a loser. He wouldn't give in to these thugs just because he was scared.
"What? You will kill us?"
"Puhahaha!"
The university students laughed at Youngwoo. In fact, Youngwoo's school days were famous on the Internet. Some of his classmates circulated Youngwoo's past onto the Internet after he became famous.
"This bastard can't distinguish between reality and a game."
“Hey Grid. This is reality, not Satisfy. Try and do Pagma's Swordsmanship here! Kill! It isn't possible. Then what is with this courage? Eh?"
The university students regarded Youngwoo as weak prey. Even Youngwoo himself didn't think he could fight against the university students. However, he couldn't retreat, so he just clenched his fists.
'It's shaky.'
A university student spat out his phlegm and approached. Youngwoo wondered if he could beat any of them. The Youngwoo of the past wouldn't have endured the pressure and run away. However, he improved his self-esteem through Satisfy and had the feeling of 'courage.'
'If I have to fight, I will fight.'
Fighting spirit rose in Youngwoo's eyes. In reality, he wasn't Satisfy's Grid, but he had his own pride.
“This damn bastard."
The university student became angry at the sight of Youngwoo and punched at him. The university student's fist was quick. He had no qualms about hitting a person. Youngwoo was surprised when he saw the flying punch.
'It's slow?'
Youngwoo had experienced numerous battles with strong opponents in Satisfy. Just like his dexterity, his vision in reality was also impacted. The university students hadn't learned martial arts, so they weren't a threat to Youngwoo.
Deftly.
Youngwoo succeeded in avoiding the fist with the university student with swift movements.
"What? He avoided it?"
The university student made an expression like it was ludicrous. Then he spat out his cigarette and kicked out. As a Korean citizen, he was taught Taekwondo during his childhood, so his kick contained more power and speed than his fist.
'If you concentrate more strength in your thighs and buttocks, then your upper body's forward speed will increase.'
The teachings of Piaro passed through Youngwoo's head. At the same time, Youngwoo's upper body moved forward. Then the kick of the university student flew above Youngwoo's head and hit the air. Youngwoo remembered the teachings of Piaro and felt something eerie as the kick passed above him.
'It isn't just the limbs. Mobilize the muscles of the throat to put weight on the end of the sword.'
Sword? He had swung it thousands of times. Controlling his muscles? He received a thorough education from Piaro. Youngwoo thought of his fingertips as a sword and swung them.
Peeok!
"…!"
The university student couldn't respond to the hand gesture that came from below him. He was hit in the chin and couldn't even scream before collapsing.
"…Eh?"
"W-What?"
The university students never imagined their friend being defeated and were shocked. Youngwoo was even more surprised than them.
'I won?'
He had hit a person for the first time since being born. He even knocked the person down. Before, he had always run away or was beaten up.
Duguen! Duguen!
Youngwoo's heart thudded at the whole new experience. The other university students rushed towards him.
“This jerk!"
A university student flew towards Youngwoo with all his strength. Youngwoo was still calm.
'It's sloppy.'
The orbit of the kick was very simple. Youngwoo took two steps back and swung his arm.
Chaaeng!
Youngwoo's hand accurately struck the university student's ankle.
"Ugh…!"
The time when he went to Cork Island to collect the fire stones. Youngwoo had flown there without a break, and was able to taste the pleasure of pushing his body to the limit. He wanted to taste this addictive sensation in reality and jogged with Sehee every morning, as well as going mountain climbing on the weekend. He also didn't forget simple weight training.
This had been repeated for three months. As a result, Youngwoo's body was disciplined compared to the weak bodies of the university students that were filled with alcohol and tobacco.
"I-It hurts…"
The university student that was struck by Youngwoo's hand shuddered at the pain. It was just like being hit by a metal pipe. It was natural. Youngwoo followed the teachings of a great swordsman, so he showed a power that ordinary people couldn't endure.
"T-This…!"
According to the rumors floating around the Internet, Youngwoo was a loser who was always beaten up. But he could actually fight well? The remaining two university students were shaken.
On the other hand, Youngwoo admired his own ability and wanted to fight some more. He wanted to enjoy this strength.
"What? You aren't coming?"
Youngwoo moved his finger and provoked them. The remaining two university students couldn't bear it anymore and moved.
“What is that triumphant air!?"
Pepeok! Peok!
The dog fight started. The university students randomly swung their fists and feet at Youngwoo. If two opponents struck at the same time, Youngwoo wouldn't be able to avoid it unless he was a martial artist.
Youngwoo responded to both attacks using the footwork he acquired from Pagma's Swordsmanship. He was like Bruce Lee as he moved like flowing water to evade the attacks from both people.
However, it was only for a moment. Youngwoo's body wasn't tempered enough to keep up these actions. His health was at the level of the general public. He couldn't reproduce Pagma's Swordsmanship forever. There came a time when he stepped wrongly, twisting his feet and causing his posture to collapse.
"Hahat! This jerk is a fool!"
Youngwoo was indiscriminately attacked by the university students who laughed at him.
"Ugh! Eek!"
Bam bam bam!
Youngwoo felt like he could see the illusion of stars flashing in front of his eyes. But in the meantime, Sehee and Yerim were freed.
"Run away!"
Youngwoo swallowed down the words to call the police quickly. Even if he didn't say it, he believed that they would report it to the police station.
At that moment.
“That is enough."
Unlike Sehee, who was screaming and wondering what to do, Yerim jumped lightly. Youngwoo was attracted by her white and smooth legs as she kicked the university students.
Pakak!
Despite wearing a short skirt, Yerim's kick perfectly struck the backs of the university students.
“Cough…”
"Ugh!"
Youngwoo suspected that they might've died. The university students exposed the whites of their eyes as they fainted.
'What? Why is she so strong?'
Yerim reached out a hand to the stunned Youngwoo.
"Can you rise? My prince."
Yerim looked very beautiful under the streetlights. She had a mature appearance that made it hard to believe she was a high school student, and her half moon eyes were sure to fascinate anyone.
But she was a minor, so Youngwoo didn't consider her that way.
After that.
"What? 3rd dan Taekwondo? Hey, then why were you just watching? It's really too much."
In front of a convenience store.
Sehee and Yerim were rubbing eggs on Youngwoo's bruised face. Youngwoo was surrounded by two pretty girls, so he looked like a harem king from a manhwa. But Youngwoo didn't care about other people's gazes.
He was busy grumbling.
"If Yerim had fought from the beginning, Oppa wouldn't look like this."
"It's rude to interfere in a fight between men, so I endured it."
"It wasn't a fight between men… It was one against four."
“Hihi, anyway, it was great."
Youngwoo was strong like a normal person. He might not be really strong, but his courage to protect his sister deserved praise. Today, Yerim's crush on Youngwoo became much bigger. She really wanted to marry Youngwoo.
"Urgh… Then let's go back. And from now on, both of you are banned from going to a capsule room. I will buy both of you capsules. Yes? Eh?"
Youngwoo tried to get up from the chair he was sitting on. But his muscles were sore from the aftermath of the fight and being hit. Yerim grabbed Youngwoo to stop him from falling sideways.
"Haah." Yerim let out a strange sound. It was because Youngwoo's fingers had moved from her underarm to her waist.
"W-What?"
Youngwoo became surprised by the sound while Yerim blushed and her eyes became moist.
"…Oppa is a really great person."
What did that mean? Sehee didn't know the meaning, but Youngwoo understood it properly. He cleared his throat from the embarrassment.
OG:
Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.
Chapter 222
One month in reality and three months in Satisfy time passed.
In the meantime, Reidan's crops grew well. It was because the water channels discovered by Piaro provided nutrients to the land, and Grid's equipment improved the soil quality.
The financial burden diminished, so they no longer needed to import food at high prices. In addition, vegetation started to grow, the yellow dust became weak, and the people became healthier. The sight of the sick children improving brought tears to the people's eyes.
“This is all thanks to Duke Grid.”
"Ah! That's right!"
The people had been suffering for the past 10 years and were about to starve to death, so Grid and the Overgeared members were like angels sent by Goddess Rebecca. The people were absolutely obedient to Grid and the Overgeared members, who were their saviors.
They were educated and trained as farmers, blacksmiths, architects, soldiers, etc. As a result, they were able to feel a sense of accomplishment from reviving the city with their own strength.
Reidan was full of vitality.
“Have you been out on the streets lately? Voices praising My Lord are everywhere."
"Really? I've been so busy that I don't have time to go outside."
In the past, Huroi had vowed to serve Grid to repay the favor. But now it was different. Huroi respected the maturing Grid and was loyal to him based on that.
"I'm proud of you."
The ghost town on the verge of destruction had now become lively. Thanks to the Overgeared members, the monsters didn't threaten Reidan, and a small but powerful army was being trained by Jude.
Khan was nurturing young blacksmiths, and thanks to Rabbit, the overall speed of development of Reidan increased. Euphemina showed her strength in many fields by duplicating monster taming, blacksmithing and architectural skills.
In particular, Jishuka played a huge role as ruler of Bairan. She and the other two Overgeared members trained the knights and soldiers, and continued hunting the frostlight orcs and raiding the Guardian of the Forest. Thanks to this, the guild's warehouse was filled with various minerals and sylphid scales. Soon, all members of Overgeared were going to have an invisibility cloak.
The person who brought together such excellent talents and strong personalities? It was none other than Grid. Huroi's respect for Grid increased day by day.
"There's still a long way to go."
Grid wasn't satisfied with the present state. It was because Reidan was still in a deficit.
'We only have a smithy, barracks, and alchemy institute as facilities."
The number of people wasn't increasing. Taxes also couldn't be raised. Even though he made five items a day, he couldn't see any profit at all. So Grid was in a bad mood. What would've happened if Grid sold the 450 items he made over the past three months to users instead of investing it in Reidan?
'I would've earned at least 1.5 billion won, even if I have to pay taxes and take into account the price of the materials…’
Of the 450 items, not one legendary rated item was produced, but there were two unique rated items. However, he couldn't sell them to users and used them for the facilities. Lauel encouraged the grumbling Grid.
“Don't dwell on the immediate damages. Thanks to the items you made, the efficiency of each work field has increased by several times, and will return to you as a bigger profit."
“I know.”
Now it was time for lunch. Due to all the work, Grid ate at the smithy while discussing things with Huroi and Lauel. On the other hand, Khan was busy teaching the young blacksmiths.
Lauel clicked his tongue. "Khan is growing stronger every day. As I look at his increased health, I sometimes wonder if Reidan's desert sand really does improve longevity."
“That inspiration is innate. Which reminds me, has there been a steady increase in sales for the Longevity Remedy?"
“Yes, this month's sales has reached 1,230 gold."
“Still, it isn't even a quarter of Rabbit's pay."
Rabbit received a 500 gold salary as a viscount, then another 5,300 gold as his administrator salary. This was the 'minimum' value set by Rabbit himself. Even if he pledged his loyalty, he wouldn't work for less than 5,300 gold a month. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that Reidan's current deficit was due to Rabbit.
"But we shouldn't begrudge him. Sir Rabbit's value can't be converted to money."
“I know."
Thanks to Rabbit, Reidan was growing quickly. The increase of domestic affairs was unrivaled when compared to other cities. Indeed, a named NPC like Rabbit with an S-grade administrative skill was worth any price.
'Don't fret and look to the future.'
After Reidan developed, the giant worms would be destroyed and the western area would be restored. Then he would use the western area as the foundation for becoming king. It was one of his immediate goals.
‘Then I will make money.'
Grid would become a tycoon. He didn't want to suffer again because he didn't have money.
Ttang! Ttang!
Grid ate the food that had been grown in three months, the rainbow potato. He hadn't been able to hunt for the past three months, so his level was stuck at 275, but he wasn't nervous because his stats increased every time he made an item higher than the epic rating.
Grid was a blacksmith, so he could level up his stats even if he worked in the smithy.
***
The Butin Barony was at the eastern end of the Saharan Empire. It was a rural area, with only the natural view of the sea. Furthermore, it was a very peaceful place where monsters didn't pop up, so it was extremely rare for users to come here.
However, the 3rd ranking merchant, Muto, operated a small company and was extremely focused on trading with the Butin Barony. The Butin Barony might be empty of users, but it was a resort for rich NPCs and nobles.
"The Longevity Remedy?"
Muto was focused on supplying luxury goods to the rich and nobles who visited the Butin Barony. His sales rate had decreased suddenly, and he finally identified the reason. He looked at the small amount of sand in the glass bottle and frowned.
“This sand is sold as a luxury product under the name Longevity Remedy? The selling rate of my products is falling because of this?"
Muto had seen countless items. As a merchant, his insight was excellent, so it wasn't difficult for him to see that the Longevity Remedy was just simple sand.
“It's a really good idea."
Which merchant came up with the idea of marketing the sand of Reidan as the Longevity Remedy? Muto marveled after hearing about it from the NPCs of the Butin Barony.
"This level of business acumen is almost at the level of a scam.”
There must be a tremendous merchant hiding in Reidan. Muto was sure of it. He worried about how he could compete with such a huge merchant and soon came up with an idea.
“Isn't there a huge desert surrounding Reidan?"
Ssik.
Muto smiled with satisfaction and immediately led his company to Reidan. But he faced difficulties as soon as he crossed the border.
“W-What is this?”
The guards of the Muto Company were over level 200. As mercenaries hired at an expensive price, they perfectly protected the company from monsters and bandits. But as soon as they entered the territory of Reidan, the giant worms, desert toads and other powerful monsters devoured the guards.
"T-This is crazy…!"
Why were the monsters so strong? The twin ogres were the strongest monsters he had seen so far, and they were nothing against the western monsters.
"R-Run away!"
The Muto Company had to run away from the crazy monsters. But Muto still didn't forget to put the sand from the desert into his bag.
"Pant pant! Damn! I almost got killed!"
Muto trembled as he barely survived and returned to the Butin Barony. He was desperate, since he lost half of the guards in the desert.
"I have to sell all of the sand to recoup some of the losses."
Muto went to find a merchant NPC. Then he brought out the Longevity Remedy he made from the sands of Reidan. However, the NPC clicked his tongue.
“The Longevity Remedy is made from sand collected in the center of Reidan, not ordinary sand from the desert. We only acknowledge the sand from Reidan's lord as the Longevity Remedy, while everything else is rubbish. Let's stop any transactions in the future. I no longer want to work with a crook like you."
“…"
This was bad. He thought it would be easy. But his opponent had already penetrated into his brain. Muto was frustrated after losing many guards and clients because of mere sand.
***
“Garlic." Shin Youngwoo logged out of Satisfy and went out into the living room for dinner. Then he found his parents peeling garlic and sat down beside them. "I'll help you."
Youngwoo's parents ran a vegetable store, and garlic was treated as a commodity. They had to work hard everyday to peel the garlic. In the past, he didn't help his parents, but now he was different.
He matured and was willing to help his parents. But his parents refused.
“Youngwoo, aren't you having a hard time playing the game? You should take this time to rest."
"Yes. This is our job. Youngwoo, you should go eat and focus on the game again."
His parents dismissed the game in the past, but now they recognized it as his workplace. Youngwoo felt a sense of gratitude and sat down with a bright smile.
"I want to help."
It wasn't easy for a person with less experience to peel garlic. The surface of garlic was hard and the skin was very thin. It needed some tricks to peel the skin attached to the surface. Youngwoo had no dexterity since he was a child. Until he joined the army, he couldn't even tie his shoelaces properly. It normally took Youngwoo a long time to peel one garlic, so he wouldn't be a big help.
Youngwoo's parents knew this fact, but they didn't stop him, since their son said he was willing to help.
Then after a while.
"Oh my? Youngwoo, when did your dexterity become so good?"
His mother was full of admiration. Youngwoo quickly peeled the skin of the garlic like a pro. The speed was comparable to his parents, who had been running a vegetable store for decades. His father was also surprised.
"What's this?"
Youngwoo was even more amazed than his parents.
'Unbelievable. Why is it so much easier to peel garlic?'
He felt like his dexterity had increased dramatically, unlike the past. What was the reason? Youngwoo pondered over it as he peeled the garlic. Then he got the answer within minutes.
‘It is the result of repetitive actions!'
A delicate hand was needed to make items. Since becoming Pagma's Descendant, Youngwoo had made thousands of items. It seemed that his dexterity in reality increased through his memories and this experience.
'I've seen it in the news before.'
A person repeatedly practiced swordsmanship Satisfy, and their skills increased in reality. It was the inevitable result of repetitive practice. Of course, a person's physical ability in reality was significant lower than it was in Satisfy, so it was impossible to implement all the techniques. However, following some techniques wasn't difficult.
It was the same reason why Youngwoo's dexterity rose now.
"Huhuhu…"
Youngwoo laughed with satisfaction. He was glad that if he ever obtained a lover in reality, he would be able to make her happy with his dexterity. It was the moment when the legendary hand dexterity that brought ecstasy to women in Satisfy appeared in reality.
OG:
Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.
Chapter 223
He helped his parents with the garlic and finished his meal. Then Youngwoo connected to his fan cafe and cheered.
"Finally…!"
Yesterday, the fan cafe had exactly 1,998,411 members, and now it exceeded two million. There was the golem invasion and he became the first user to become a duke, so his popularity had greatly increased.
'I'm happy.'
The fact that two million people were showing interest and liking towards him made Youngwoo's heart overwhelmed. He had been ignored and despised for a long time, so the affection of others was new and he felt happy every day.
'I wonder what Noe's fan cafe is like these days.'
After a long absence, Youngwoo accessed Noe's fan cafe and laughed.
"I can't catch up with his popularity."
Noe’s fan cafe had reached 2.75 million members. The speed was rising much faster than Youngwoo's fan cafes. The difference between the two fan cafes was increasing day by day. In the past, Youngwoo would be trembling with jealousy, but now he was different. He completely shook off the inferiority complex that was deeply rooted in him and wasn't easily jealous anymore.
‘Noe's rising popularity will increase awareness towards me, since I'm his owner.'
Youngwoo had been watching Lauel for months, so even his thinking ability was improving. He thought positively and stopped writing bad comments on Noe's fan cafe.
“Grid doesn't know about Noe?"
It was the title of the day's most popular post. What was this nonsense? Noe was his pet. There was nothing he didn't know about Noe. He was the only one who knew about the stupid and simple personality hidden behind Noe's cute looks.
Youngwoo wondered how this speculative post became the most popular.
Title: Grid doesn't know about Noe?
Content: It has been a long time since Noe appeared in Reinhardt, making us cheer.
Noe's eyes that shine like jewels and the beauty that is enough to overpower our gaze. But he is 'still' strong. Noe was able to weaken the suddenly evolved ancient weapon by swallowing it, allowing Grid and the Overgeared Guild to win against the golem army.
Now I have a question. Originally, don't pets change shape and have a stronger presence as they level up? But Noe's appearance hasn't changed since the National Competition. In order words, it means that Noe's level isn't much different from the National Competition and Grid isn't nurturing him properly.
Think of it from Grid's perspective. As the first legendary class, he's a person with a very busy schedule. If you look at TV right now, his CFs play successively. As a top star, he has little time to play Satisfy.
Grid thought the words he read were absurd.
"Nonsense."
The CFs recently being aired were all filmed right after the National Competition. Currently, Grid had completely stopped all broadcasting activities. He was on Satisfy all the time except when eating and sleeping, and was struggling to manage Reidan.
However, the author of the post didn't know this and was just rattling off nonsense. Youngwoo felt frustrated as he read the rest of the post.
The fact that Grid has less time to play Satisfy means less time to raise Noe. So Noe's level hasn't changed since the National Competition. Then I can deduce that Grid has a very poor understanding of 'top-grade pets.'
Typical pets lost their loyalty to their owners and will return to the wild state if they are away from their owners for long periods of time. The owners of these pets usually put them in the inventory when they can't be with the pet for a long time (e.g. when logged out).
But what about drakes? As a 'top-grade pet,' its loyalty isn't easily lost, even when it has a long period of activity separate from its owner. This is why the owners of drakes can let them freely graze. A drake's owner often lets it hunt alone to raise their level and don't keep them in their inventory, even when they are logged out.
So let's point out the problem. Noe is better than a drake. The evidence is that he overwhelmed dozens of drakes alone and called himself the best demonic beast of hell. In other words, Noe should enjoy more freedom than a drake.
If Grid had given Noe freedom, then I'm sure his growth would be tremendous. However, Grid lacks understanding of pets and didn't give freedom to Noe, probably keeping Noe in his inventory.
Noe's growth became stagnant. This is proof of Grid's ignorance, and is an insult to the top-grade pets.
"Ah…!"
Youngwoo realized it as he read the post.
'I am really lacking understanding about pets.'
In the case of a common pet, the pet would hunt monsters with its master and the experience would be split between master and pet. This was why Youngwoo didn't raise Noe's level. Noe was very powerful even without raising his level, and Youngwoo didn't want to lose his experience to Noe.
'However, a top-grade pet can hunt independently from the owner and grow on their own?'
They didn't easily betray their owner.
'In the future, I should give Noe freedom so that he can grow.'
Noe hadn't eaten since the golem invasion. Apart from that one time, he was always in his inventory.
"…It must be frustrating."
Youngwoo was able to realize Noe's grievances. He felt sorry towards Noe. Then he thanked the author of the post for giving him new knowledge.
"He went too far."
At the same time, Youngwoo was also angry. In a community of 2.75 million members, it was too much to call someone ignorant just from mere deduction.
'I represent the Overgeared Guild.'
He couldn't ignore it because it was the same as insulting the Overgeared Guild. Youngwoo took immediate action.
God Grid isn't Bald's comment: Yes, next pet person please ^오^ I am an expert on all classes ~
The author of the post that Youngwoo read was a expert on pets. But in front of the keyboard warrior, he became a 'person who doesn't know about pets' and a 'non-expert.'
After that.
"Nyang! The best demonic beast of hell has emerged!"
Noe was still at level 35, despite destroying the ancient weapon.
"Is it time to eat? Nyang?"
Eyes filled with expectations looked at Grid, who commanded.
"From now on, you can move freely in the vicinity of Reidan. You can eat as many monsters as you like, but don't do anything that will harm humans. In addition, report to me if you see anything suspicious… Finally, fly to me whenever I call, no matter what you are doing. Don't forget that I am your only master.”
“Nyong…"
Noe's eyes became wet. The 'ㅅ' shape snout opened with excitement as he asked.
"Master is really giving Noe freedom…? Noe can go…? Believe in Noe! Nyang!"
“Yes, as long as you follow my rules."
“Thank you! Nyang! Master is the best! Nyang!"
The little demon wings flapped as Noe circled around Grid before flying high into the sky.
"Cat…?"
The people of Reidan were stunned as they saw a black cat flying in the sky. It was the historic day when Noe, who would be revered as the guardian of the Reidan people, appeared in front of them for the first time.
***
Sehee and Yerim were stars among the high school population of South Korea. They were in the top 10 nationwide of the mock exams and also beauties, so they were the target of envy.
Recently, their popularity had skyrocketed. Before they were just stars of the high schools, but now they were stars of South Korea. Even foreigners recognized them. It was the aftermath of the golem invasion of Reinhardt that occurred around a month and a half ago in reality.
“Ruby!”
"Sexy Schoolgirl!"
The two girls who worked with Grid to save the Eternal Kingdom and became the first earls! People were enthusiastic every time they saw them.
“How did you join the Overgeared Guild?"
“What is God Grid like?"
“What is the secret to playing well while studying?"
"Why is your ID Sexy Schoolgirl…?"
Sehee and Yerim had to suffer from a barrage of questions. Various media also visited to request an interview. There were many companies who showed interest in them, causing a flood of CF model requests.
"Is this enough?"
It reached the point where it was impossible for Sehee and Yerim to go out without a disguise. After school ended. Before leaving the classroom, the two girls covered their faces as much as possible with masks and scarves. They mixed among the students and barely managed to leave the school.
Afterwards, the place they went to was a capsule room, not their homes or the library. They had a plan to play Satisfy three times a week and followed it.
Three hours later.
“Today was so much fun! Right?"
"Yes. I am now fully adapted to the new skills, so it's fun to play."
Sehee was now level 70 after the golem invasion. On the other hand, the Saintess' Knight Yerim was still level 51 because she couldn't raise her level during the golem invasion. However, it wasn't a problem when the two girls played in a party.
The Saintess and Saintess' Knight classes had great synergy. In addition, Youngwoo made items for them, so it was possible for them to hunt level 100 monsters when they joined forces. To borrow a phrase from Lauel, they were 'golden spoons' who played the game to help Youngwoo after they raised their levels.
"It really is Ruby and Sexy Schoolgirl."
There were university students who followed Sehee and Yerim after they left the capsule room. They had seen through Sehee and Yerim's disguise.
"It isn't even 10 p.m. yet, so why are you going home?"
“Let me buy you something delicious. We should become friendly, as we're both Satisfy users."
The four university students were all confident with their appearances. In fact, they were shopping mall odds and were confident that pure high school girls would fall for them. But Yerim and Sehee weren't people who only looked at appearance.
Sehee had a hatred for men other than her brother, while Yerim looked at money.
"Do you have a lot of money? We only eat expensive things."
Yerim gave a dazzling smile and provoked the university students. The university students felt their hearts thump before they shouted.
“Tell us what you want! We will buy you anything!"
"That's okay. In fact, someone is already buying us a meal."
"Are you talking about Grid?"
“That’s right.”
“…"
The eyes of the four university students sharply cooled. In fact, they were avid fans of Yura and Jishuka. But they had the scandal with Grid at the National Competition, turning the students into fierce anti-fans of Grid. They couldn't tolerate that Grid had already gobbled up the world's best beauties, Yura and Jishuka, and now he was monopolizing Sehee and Yerim as well.
"That bastard Grid…"
"Hey, both of you. You shouldn't hang out with that type of playboy. Throw away that trash guy and come play with us."
The university students became agitated after hearing Grid's name and forcibly grabbed Sehee and Yerim's wrists.
“Remove your hand."
A voice filled with anger was heard. It was a voice familiar to anyone in South Korea and the world.
"Oppa!"
"Grid…!"
That's right. It was Shin Youngwoo. After Sehee and Yerim became famous, Youngwoo was worried about their safety. Therefore, he took on the role of bringing them home every night. Today he came to pick them up, only to become furious as he saw this scene.
"Take your hands off them right now. Then I will overlook it this time."
Youngwoo held a phone in his hand and pressed 112. But at that time, his phone ran out of battery.
Beep.
It turned off with a loud noise.
"Ah, this, really…'
Why was this happening to him?
OG:
Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.
Chapter 224
Youngwoo's knowledge of human relationships was still limited. Youngwoo only used his phone to order delivery. He treated his phone as a decoration and didn't care about the battery life, leading to this situation.
'I'm screwed.'
Youngwoo was about to report the university students to the police, when he was shaken by the situation not turning out as planned. The four university students were aggressive towards him.
"Grid, isn't it hard to manage your estate?"
“Weren't you with Yura and Jishuka during the National Competition, so why are you free now?"
“I looked at your age on the Internet, so why are you trying to monopolize these girls as well? Do you want to be handcuffed for violating the law. Eh? Don't you know?"
The university students knew without a doubt that Youngwoo was older than them. They didn't even think about releasing the wrists of Sehee and Yerim.
'Those jerks.'
Youngwoo was angry when he heard the university students' tone of voice and his sister's pained expression. He wanted to run there and punch them in the jaw. But this was reality, not Satisfy.
In reality, Youngwoo was helpless. He had always been one-sidedly beaten by strong people. He had been beaten up many times, but now he wanted to commit violence against four healthy university students?
It was impossible.
First of all, Youngwoo looked around. It was to ask someone for help. Unfortunately, there was no one on the streets. It wasn't 10 p.m. yet, but it was fairly quiet. It was the result of Sehee and Yerim finding a empty place to avoid their popularity.
'This isn't ideal…'
Youngwoo took a deep breath. He suppressed his anger as much as possible and smiled.
“Let the kids go. Yes? We aren't shooting a drama, so this isn't interesting. Right?"
Youngwoo tried to persuade the university students. However, the university students didn't move at all.
"What if I don't want to?"
The university students couldn't tolerate that he was monopolizing all the pretty women. Taking Yura and Jishuka, now he was taking their future prospects? The infuriated university students started to handle Sehee and Yerim more roughly. They dragged them with force and provoked Youngwoo.
“These girls will play with us tonight. Anyway, what does it matter who we are? We're also people who make money from the game. It doesn't matter who you play with, as long as the man gives you money right?"
“Let go of me!"
Sehee struggled to shake off the university students. However, a female high school student was unable to win against the strength of men in their early 20's.
"Stay still!"
The university students grabbed Sehee harder instead of releasing her. Then they raised their hand like they would strike her.
"Won't you act more moderately?"
At that time, the silent Yerim frowned.
“These damn scum… Do you want to die?" Youngwoo's string of tension was snapped.
It didn't matter if he couldn't fight well. He couldn't stand to see his little sister insulted and treated like this.
'Even though I was a loser.'
When he was a highschool student. Youngwoo was always hit by Lee Junho for no reason. But he couldn't fight back because he was afraid of bigger retribution. He laughed it off, even if he didn't want to. He started to be ignored by the other students and this became a great trauma when he was an adult.
'It has been awhile since I've overcome it.'
Youngwoo was no longer a loser. He wouldn't give in to these thugs just because he was scared.
"What? You will kill us?"
"Puhahaha!"
The university students laughed at Youngwoo. In fact, Youngwoo's school days were famous on the Internet. Some of his classmates circulated Youngwoo's past onto the Internet after he became famous.
"This bastard can't distinguish between reality and a game."
“Hey Grid. This is reality, not Satisfy. Try and do Pagma's Swordsmanship here! Kill! It isn't possible. Then what is with this courage? Eh?"
The university students regarded Youngwoo as weak prey. Even Youngwoo himself didn't think he could fight against the university students. However, he couldn't retreat, so he just clenched his fists.
'It's shaky.'
A university student spat out his phlegm and approached. Youngwoo wondered if he could beat any of them. The Youngwoo of the past wouldn't have endured the pressure and run away. However, he improved his self-esteem through Satisfy and had the feeling of 'courage.'
'If I have to fight, I will fight.'
Fighting spirit rose in Youngwoo's eyes. In reality, he wasn't Satisfy's Grid, but he had his own pride.
“This damn bastard."
The university student became angry at the sight of Youngwoo and punched at him. The university student's fist was quick. He had no qualms about hitting a person. Youngwoo was surprised when he saw the flying punch.
'It's slow?'
Youngwoo had experienced numerous battles with strong opponents in Satisfy. Just like his dexterity, his vision in reality was also impacted. The university students hadn't learned martial arts, so they weren't a threat to Youngwoo.
Deftly.
Youngwoo succeeded in avoiding the fist with the university student with swift movements.
"What? He avoided it?"
The university student made an expression like it was ludicrous. Then he spat out his cigarette and kicked out. As a Korean citizen, he was taught Taekwondo during his childhood, so his kick contained more power and speed than his fist.
'If you concentrate more strength in your thighs and buttocks, then your upper body's forward speed will increase.'
The teachings of Piaro passed through Youngwoo's head. At the same time, Youngwoo's upper body moved forward. Then the kick of the university student flew above Youngwoo's head and hit the air. Youngwoo remembered the teachings of Piaro and felt something eerie as the kick passed above him.
'It isn't just the limbs. Mobilize the muscles of the throat to put weight on the end of the sword.'
Sword? He had swung it thousands of times. Controlling his muscles? He received a thorough education from Piaro. Youngwoo thought of his fingertips as a sword and swung them.
Peeok!
"…!"
The university student couldn't respond to the hand gesture that came from below him. He was hit in the chin and couldn't even scream before collapsing.
"…Eh?"
"W-What?"
The university students never imagined their friend being defeated and were shocked. Youngwoo was even more surprised than them.
'I won?'
He had hit a person for the first time since being born. He even knocked the person down. Before, he had always run away or was beaten up.
Duguen! Duguen!
Youngwoo's heart thudded at the whole new experience. The other university students rushed towards him.
“This jerk!"
A university student flew towards Youngwoo with all his strength. Youngwoo was still calm.
'It's sloppy.'
The orbit of the kick was very simple. Youngwoo took two steps back and swung his arm.
Chaaeng!
Youngwoo's hand accurately struck the university student's ankle.
"Ugh…!"
The time when he went to Cork Island to collect the fire stones. Youngwoo had flown there without a break, and was able to taste the pleasure of pushing his body to the limit. He wanted to taste this addictive sensation in reality and jogged with Sehee every morning, as well as going mountain climbing on the weekend. He also didn't forget simple weight training.
This had been repeated for three months. As a result, Youngwoo's body was disciplined compared to the weak bodies of the university students that were filled with alcohol and tobacco.
"I-It hurts…"
The university student that was struck by Youngwoo's hand shuddered at the pain. It was just like being hit by a metal pipe. It was natural. Youngwoo followed the teachings of a great swordsman, so he showed a power that ordinary people couldn't endure.
"T-This…!"
According to the rumors floating around the Internet, Youngwoo was a loser who was always beaten up. But he could actually fight well? The remaining two university students were shaken.
On the other hand, Youngwoo admired his own ability and wanted to fight some more. He wanted to enjoy this strength.
"What? You aren't coming?"
Youngwoo moved his finger and provoked them. The remaining two university students couldn't bear it anymore and moved.
“What is that triumphant air!?"
Pepeok! Peok!
The dog fight started. The university students randomly swung their fists and feet at Youngwoo. If two opponents struck at the same time, Youngwoo wouldn't be able to avoid it unless he was a martial artist.
Youngwoo responded to both attacks using the footwork he acquired from Pagma's Swordsmanship. He was like Bruce Lee as he moved like flowing water to evade the attacks from both people.
However, it was only for a moment. Youngwoo's body wasn't tempered enough to keep up these actions. His health was at the level of the general public. He couldn't reproduce Pagma's Swordsmanship forever. There came a time when he stepped wrongly, twisting his feet and causing his posture to collapse.
"Hahat! This jerk is a fool!"
Youngwoo was indiscriminately attacked by the university students who laughed at him.
"Ugh! Eek!"
Bam bam bam!
Youngwoo felt like he could see the illusion of stars flashing in front of his eyes. But in the meantime, Sehee and Yerim were freed.
"Run away!"
Youngwoo swallowed down the words to call the police quickly. Even if he didn't say it, he believed that they would report it to the police station.
At that moment.
“That is enough."
Unlike Sehee, who was screaming and wondering what to do, Yerim jumped lightly. Youngwoo was attracted by her white and smooth legs as she kicked the university students.
Pakak!
Despite wearing a short skirt, Yerim's kick perfectly struck the backs of the university students.
“Cough…”
"Ugh!"
Youngwoo suspected that they might've died. The university students exposed the whites of their eyes as they fainted.
'What? Why is she so strong?'
Yerim reached out a hand to the stunned Youngwoo.
"Can you rise? My prince."
Yerim looked very beautiful under the streetlights. She had a mature appearance that made it hard to believe she was a high school student, and her half moon eyes were sure to fascinate anyone.
But she was a minor, so Youngwoo didn't consider her that way.
After that.
"What? 3rd dan Taekwondo? Hey, then why were you just watching? It's really too much."
In front of a convenience store.
Sehee and Yerim were rubbing eggs on Youngwoo's bruised face. Youngwoo was surrounded by two pretty girls, so he looked like a harem king from a manhwa. But Youngwoo didn't care about other people's gazes.
He was busy grumbling.
"If Yerim had fought from the beginning, Oppa wouldn't look like this."
"It's rude to interfere in a fight between men, so I endured it."
"It wasn't a fight between men… It was one against four."
“Hihi, anyway, it was great."
Youngwoo was strong like a normal person. He might not be really strong, but his courage to protect his sister deserved praise. Today, Yerim's crush on Youngwoo became much bigger. She really wanted to marry Youngwoo.
"Urgh… Then let's go back. And from now on, both of you are banned from going to a capsule room. I will buy both of you capsules. Yes? Eh?"
Youngwoo tried to get up from the chair he was sitting on. But his muscles were sore from the aftermath of the fight and being hit. Yerim grabbed Youngwoo to stop him from falling sideways.
"Haah." Yerim let out a strange sound. It was because Youngwoo's fingers had moved from her underarm to her waist.
"W-What?"
Youngwoo became surprised by the sound while Yerim blushed and her eyes became moist.
"…Oppa is a really great person."
What did that mean? Sehee didn't know the meaning, but Youngwoo understood it properly. He cleared his throat from the embarrassment.
OG:
Current schedule: 20 chapters a week.
