Overgeared

It was a reunion that took place after a long time. The dukes unraveled the years of misunderstandings and grudges and then returned to reality. They first mourned Duke Diworth. The mourning didn’t last long, but the shortness didn’t mean it was insincere.

Despite having little affection for each other and having different ideologies and political stances, Diworth had been a colleague who served the same imperial family. Consequently, it was natural for the dukes to mourn his death. It was just that this was an attitude derived from a minimum of justification.

The dukes didn’t feel sorrow or regret. Wasn’t it strange to feel sadness for the death of a person they didn’t know very well? The dukes operated in different territories and didn’t have much contact with each other unless they had a particularly close relationship.

It was rumored that Diworth had been addicted to alcohol every day since he was middle-aged and he was particularly violent. Additionally, it was said that it was common for him to abuse or kill his soldiers under the guise of military discipline. Diworth’s death was rather cold. It wasn’t a problem to feel regret about. They didn’t know if they should look forward to the future of the Tiphon family, which would be led by his son now.

‘It is right for those who lose their qualification to leave.’

Suddenly, Grenhal wondered what the assessment of him would be when he died. He was afraid to think about this. Morse spoke to Duke Grenhal who was making a bitter expression, “At the very least, I will cry for your death.”

“Hahat, that is very kind of you.”

The time for mourning was over. Duke Grenhal turned his gaze toward Grid. “The moment we return to the empire, we will hold a great funeral for Duke Diworth.”

Diworth might’ve threatened Grid’s life, but the dukes couldn’t compromise about this part. Since he was a duke of the empire, Diworth’s death would be paved with heroism. Grenhal wanted Grid to understand that his words contained this meaning. Understanding what Grenhal meant, Grid nodded. “The work of the empire isn’t something I should interfere with. You don’t have to tell me about it.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

Now the situation was roughly over. It was time to discuss further exploration of the ruins. In fact, only a few hours ago, the dukes had suggested for the expedition to be discontinued. The followers who had learned six secret techniques were difficult to deal with and also appeared often. Thus, it was better to retreat before their physical strength and mental strength were exhausted. However, things had changed.

“Duke Grenhal!” 10,000 troops led by Marquis Fulbas were running toward them from afar.

“Hmm... There are too many nutrients in the soil, so the crops are rotting quickly...” Additionally, there was Piaro by their side now.

That’s right. The dukes relied on Piaro. It was a habit they had learned from the days when Piaro was the pillar of the empire. Everywhere on the continent, there were powerful people threatening the empire, and the empire had suffered from several major wars. It had been Piaro who emerged and saved the empire. His presence had helped them overcome crises and allowed the people to enjoy peace of mind, including the dukes.

In particular, Duke Grenhal had received great help and considered Piaro as a spiritual mentor. For the dukes, Piaro was such an existence. The belief that Piaro would prevent all future hardships encountered at the ruins gave courage to the dukes.

Despite this, an unexpected figure spoke like he was rebuking their attitude, “We will stop the expedition for a while.”

It was Grid.

“Huh?”

The dukes had seen Grid’s greed from the beginning. Grid’s desire for new strength and treasure was stronger than anyone else. They had realized it the moment they witnessed the greed that appeared in his eyes when he saw the Secret Technique Box. Yet he was going to abandon his greed and stop exploring...? At this moment, the empire’s reinforcements had arrived and Piaro had been called. The exploration would be much easier than before, so it was hard to understand why the exploration should stop.

Grid explained to the somewhat puzzled dukes, “I’m worried about the great demon running wild on the continent.”

A little while ago, Grid blamed himself for causing Piaro to feel guilt. Then there was a sense of strangeness when he heard the whispers of his colleagues comforting him. Originally, wasn’t this a place where all communication and teleportation magic was blocked?

Since arriving at the Ruins of the War God, the whisper system hadn’t worked. Once Piaro was summoned with the permission of the war god, this rule collapsed. He didn’t know if it was the war god’s mistake or not but the whisper system was opened.

Lauel quickly sent whispers to the Overgeared members and heard the news in real time. There was news that Berith had just entered Fort Taleren which was the last gateway to the capital of the Haken Kingdom, and a group of people had gathered to block him. It included Kraugel, Hao, and Alexander. The Overgeared members also reported that the continent’s best spearmen, Kirinus and Rachel, were gathered at the fortress.

Once Lauel received the news, Grid became nervous. There was Zibal and the magic machine Raiders, and Grid didn’t know how much stronger Kraugel had become. Hao had taken a step forward by contracting with Grid, and while Grid didn’t like Alexander, he acknowledged Alexander’s skills. If they were joined by Rachel and Kirinus, who were at least on the level of Grenhal...

‘They might raid Berith without us.’

much power as possible, not to concede Berith

have to take a share

Sea and explored the ruins, they had gained between two to six levels. In particular, Faker’s development was remarkable after mastering the secret technique. Yura, who had been pointed

month had not been

is enough for

of Overgeared members to Piaro, Mercedes, Jude, Sticks, Noll, Kasim, and Maxong. In fact, they intended to

my first

Swordsmanship. It was now the time to shift their attention. The priority of the historical site and Berith should be switched. Of course, they couldn’t just leave like this. It would be painful if the dukes got something from the historical

of the Seven

would be sad. There shouldn’t be any more deaths if a bridge between the empire and Overgeared Kingdom was to be created. The dukes’ deaths weren’t desired. Grid suggested to the dukes,

the secret techniques of the war god. On the other hand, Berith was only a modest villain. Was it necessary to say which one should have a higher priority? Time was limited. It was much wiser to remain here and explore the ruins than return

better to let Berith be more active. The more that other kingdoms receive damage from Berith, the more they will rely on

way to persuade them. Then Lauel came forward. “The sense of crisis on the continent is already high enough. At this time, if the Overgeared Kingdom comes and defeats Berith, all kingdoms on the continent will praise the Overgeared

“...”

empire’s status as our strong ally.

that the dukes’ affinity with Grid

remarks, but she didn’t reveal it. Basara calculated that it was better to cooperate with the Overgeared Kingdom in this matter in order to achieve a full friendship. There was nothing to lose, and

time it takes for us to cross the Red Sea. The great sage Sticks will arrive here

great sage’s reputation, but in principle, this is a space where teleportation magic is blocked.

not anymore. The environment has changed.

come to the point where they would unite to defeat Berith. Marquis Fulbas and his troops were stunned by the situation

the dukes standing with the

seem too friendly to the

hell is going on...

and the 10,000 troops looked shocked simultaneously. Grid and the dukes were in the middle of a serious conversation. Then

“P-Piaro...!”

alarmed. Of course, there were far more people in the latter group. The imperial

of those extremely rare people. He was a great noble and had experience building up achievements with Piaro early on. The marquis froze like a stone statue for a moment before his eyes reddened.

see you

parents

all their teeth, but they

long time. They always opened the barn doors and took care of the people whenever there is a disaster, even if they went skinny from hunger... The people praised them

was so greedy that

be someone to fill the barn. Don’t you know that? You

“Sir Piaro.”

same. The short conversation purified the marquis. A hero wasn’t a hero for nothing. However, the marquis was in

recently become distant from him because of someone’s work, also cried with him. The cracks that had

as Earl Baget,

the moment when Huroi banged on

it, the voice of War God Zeratul rang in Grid’s ears. -Can you safely

suddenly?’

unusual. Duke Grenhal recognized them and cried out, “Kyle! Four units of reinforcements were supposed to arrive.

had fought against Kyle face-to-face. If Braham and Mumud hadn’t opened up their power because of the quest at

weakest of the Five Pillars, but he was still a threat. He was different from the Seven Dukes as he hadn’t shared a past with Piaro, so he would be thoroughly hostile. The war god gave an

listened to me, unlike you. He acknowledged his shortcomings and climbed the path

“...!?”