Chris faltered from the shock caused by the exchange between him and Grid. His upper body was shaking as he blocked the continuous attacks from Grid. It meant he was being pushed when it came to power.

Chris is being pushed back in a battle of strength?

The waiting room assigned to the participants for the third round. Kraugel was surprised as he sat alone and watched the confrontation between Grid and Chris. He didnt think a player that could beat Chris when it came to strength existed. It was natural when he thought about it.

Chris has a unique strength stat.

None of them could win against Chris with strength, even Kraugel. Yet Grid won.

The more I know, the more amazing he is...

Every person had a different depth and that depth had a limit. As a person was more and more exposed, their foundations would eventually be revealed. But Grid was the opposite. New and wonderful things were discovered about him every time.

Kraugel was thrilled.

Maybe...

Was it possible for Grid to clear the Beat Baals Contractor quest first? Agnus. Grid might be the only one who could go against the monster that was growing rapidly right now.

Of course.

That is a story for a distant future.

Had Grid ever met Agnus? Kraugel was suddenly curious.

***

A general greatsword design had a linear structure. Due to that, a greatsword had a unique wild charm. However, Grids blue greatsword was thin like a sharks fin and there were curved details in every part of the sword. It was more three dimensional and beautiful. If a common greatsword was Rambo X, Grids greatsword was PeXri! It was even more powerful. At first glance, it was better than Grids Greatsword.

Why is the name Failure?

Chris was pushed in attack power.

Jjejeong! Jjang!

Chriss eyes were shaking sharply as he gradually stepped back while defending against Grids attacks. There was a big psychological impact.

I cant be like Kraugel.

Chris knew he wasnt perfect, so he dug into one path. It was the path he was most confident in, attack power. He didnt know about anything else, but he promised to be good with attack power. After receiving the Tyrant second class and Grids Greatsword, he was confident he had achieved his goal.

But reality was different. He was pushed by Grids items.

What is that weapon? Why is a greatsword you made more than a year ago better than Grids Greatsword?

Chris had the best knowledge about greatswords. Based on his knowledge and experience, the blue greatsword Grid was currently using was the strongest weapon. Grid explained to the confused Chris.

Failure is the origin of Grids Greatsword. Strictly speaking, Grids Greatsword is the mass produced version of Failure.

What...?

Grids Greatsword, believed to be the most powerful weapon just two minutes ago, was just a mass produced weapon? Chris gritted his teeth.

I see. This is why you didnt strengthen Grids Greatsword to +9. There is no reason to invest a lot of money into mass production items.

Chris asked him to make the best weapon, but it was actually a mass produced one...

It felt like a scam. The back of his head was tingling. Grid panicked as he saw the betrayal in Chris eyes.

"There seems to be a misunderstanding. Grids Greatsword is actually better than Failure. The options of Grids Greatsword are far superior. Failure is only better when it comes to attack power.

The most important thing when it comes to a weapon is attack power!

Chaaeng!

The two people kept swinging their swords while they were having a conversation. There was a burst of energy whenever Failure hit Chris greatsword.

...Well, maybe thats true. It has high attack power.

But Failure was still a failure. There was no player able to meet the conditions of use, so it couldnt be commercialized.

But Chris...

Wouldnt he be able to use Failure in around a year?

At that time, I will be using a much better weapon.

A sense of superiority. It was enough to make him feel excited. A wide smile spread on Grids face. For him who lived a life of defeat and frustration, this feeling of superiority was a very nice and happy feeling. But he wasnt stupid. He had a duty to try his best to knock Chris down.

Pagmas Swordsmanship.

Jjejeong! Jjang!

Grid started his sword dance. As he moved forward while slashing horizontally, his waist slightly twisted.

Linked Kill.

It was different from one year ago. Other people had grown like him and were strong. Thus, Grid felt a greater bliss. Once he knocked down a true powerhouse, his value would rise!

Peeng!

It was like a cannon being fired. Chris response to the fearsome energy blade was simple and ignorant. It was to stop it. This was an inevitable choice. Grids attack speed was so fast that Chris couldnt avoid it with his low agility. In addition, Grids agility was over 2,000 points.

"Smash!"

Peeeeeong!

The moment that the unique class skill Tyrants Destruction hit Linked Kill, a huge shockwave occurred. It was like an earthquake. The huge rectangular stage shook so much that it wouldnt be strange if it collapsed right now.

"The attack power of the two people... How high is it?

The commentators and viewers were amazed as they commented on Grid and Chris unparalleled destructive power.

200 ton Sword!

Kwa kwa kwa kwang!

The second blow of Linked Kill collided with Chris skill, causing a roar. The cloaks that Chris and Grid were wearing shook like they were caught in a typhoon.

God Hands!

Grid shouted as the third consecutive Linked Kill shot forward. The God Hands reacted immediately, attacking Chris with their weapons. Chris endured the pain and used 300 ton Sword, cancelling out the third Linked Kill.

Kuk...!

Grid groaned. He was overwhelmed by Chris from the moment that 200 ton Sword was used. It was difficult to endure the 300 ton Sword.

[The durability of Failure has decreased by 20.]

Enormous damage!

Grid admired Chris, while Chris appreciation of Grid was more than that.

Great mountain...!

Chris realized it from the beginning. He couldnt break Grid down. But he didnt feel frustrated. Chris enjoyed it. It was an overwhelming experience to fight someone in a contest of strength, making his blood become heated up.

1,000 ton Sword!

The ultimate destructive attack was used in response to the fourth Linked Kill. The momentum was above the level of Kill. Indeed, the ultimate skill of the third advancement class had as much power as a legendary skill.

This is crazy...!

Should Grid use Blackening? Grids face paled as he prepared for the shock.

Kwaaaaang!

The 1,000 ton Sword literally tore through the 4th Linked Kill and struck Grids chest.

[You have suffered 25,900 damage.]

[The durability of Triple Layers has decreased by 55!]

[The durability of the Thick Helmet has decreased by 21.]

[The durability of the Largest Gloves has decreased by 15!]

[The durability of the Shiny Leggings has decreased by 34!]

Kuak!

It was the moment when the explosive synergy between the passive skill Defense Penetration and the passive skill of the unique second class, Additional damage is dealt in proportion to the targets defense was displayed. Grid couldnt avoid huge damage despite being equipped with armor that decreased physical damage.

Grids body was bloody, but he showed signs of life.

"This is interesting... Would I have died if 3 Joint Attacks was activated? Yes, lets see who will fall first.

An eye for an eye! This was it! He would repay the damage that he received. It happened when Grid corrected his posture and was about to use Pagmas Swordsmanship, Pinnacle Kill.

Chris has been defeated!

...?

Chris turned to grey. Throughout his exchange with Grid, he kept being hit by the God Hands and eventually ran out of health.

...Ah.

Grid was in a bad mood. He won, but it didnt seem like he won.

***

Couldnt you have died after one more strike?

It was unfair that he was beaten up so much and couldnt repay it. Contrary to the upset Grid, Chris had a refreshed expression on his face. He competed in a frontal match without any deception. He mightve lost, but it felt pleasant.

Lets fight again if there is another chance.

"...

Chris smiled and extended his hand for a handshake. Grid stared at him like an eagle and eventually laughed.

"Lets hang out one day.

It was a refreshing feeling.

***

The waiting room for the round of 8 contestants.

Katz was with a surprising person.

It was Lauel.

"Should I tell you the way to beat Grid now?

Lauel asked as soon as the confrontation between Grid and Chris was over. Katz snorted.

"I can beat him simply because I am stronger.

...Youre reliable. But if you want to increase the odds, you should keep my advice in mind.

Lauel started to explain. Lauel was more familiar with Grid than anyone else, and he was now giving this information to Katz. Katz asked doubtfully after listening to the explanation.

Arent you exposing too much of Grids weaknesses? What if I later become Grids enemy?

Lauel shrugged.

"You want Grids items, so the possibility of you becoming hostile to him is very low...

That was a secondary reason. Lauel really believed in Grid.

Grid is growing right at this moment. Its too quick for others to imagine. He will sooner or later overcome the weaknesses that you currently know.

"...

Katz got an impression of Damian around Lauel. It was the appearance of a Grid worshipper.