Overgeared

or would lead humans to death.

『 I once saw people praying for rain and went down to the ground.
it was to moisten the land that had dried after a long drought.
』

The breath of the black tortoise restored the earth.
The withered grains were rejuvenated again and the people were no longer hungry. However, all the human civilization on the ground was destroyed and the people had to rebuild the city.

『 I…
』

The black tortoise, who had been communicating his thoughts directly to Grid’s mind, spoke for the first time. The moment its small mouth opened, a sad voice resonated at the scene.

『 I am useless.
I shouldn’t exist.
It is right.
』

The black tortoise’s voice sounded bleak. It was an emptiness that had lost its desire for life.

“……”

Hwang Gildong’s cheerful expression darkened for the first time but it was only for a moment. Hwang Gildong quickly managed his expression and spoke to Grid, who was looking down at the black tortoise of death, “Do you see? Even the black tortoise admits it.”

At this moment…

“…No,” the silently bowing Grid opened his mouth, “there is no reason to give up your right to life just because of others.”

Strength entered Grid’s arms that were holding the black tortoise. The black tortoise saw it. Tears fell from Grid’s eyes and onto the ugly wounds carved on its back. “Your existence itself is a waste?”

Grid recalled it. He used to always walk with his head bowed. Grid recalled the past experiences where people were disgusted by him due to his inability to study, work, or do sports. Was that something he had to go through? After all, did they have the right to criticize and deny him?

“Who decides that?”

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“……”

“It is too much to blame the people’s deaths on the black tortoise.
Why blame the black tortoise when they were the ones not prepared enough? What did his guards do while the king was without his armor?”

The others were also a problem. Why didn’t they keep their weapons and clothes somewhere else while they were being blessed?

“How will you defend the destruction of the city?”

“You said it resolved a drought.
At that time, people knew what type of existence the black tortoise was and they called for the black tortoise by praying for rain.
They were determined to make sacrifices to get what they wanted.”

“It isn’t the only time the black tortoise destroyed a city.”

“One time, ten times, or one hundred times! The people at the time were prepared and prayed first!”

“……”

“Shit! What shameless idea is it to rely on someone else first and then drive them to death if expectations aren’t met?”

Grid stared at Hwang Gildong. Hwang Gildong was silent. His casual attitude made Grid even angrier.
It felt like he was yelling at a wall.

“Once the Five Seniors invaded the land, the black tortoise risked its life and fought! It fought to protect you, even though it meant gaining a wound that would never be erased!”

“……”

“Now the black tortoise isn’t needed so you’re going to kill it? You are going to hurt its mind and body? Are you still a person?”

Grid was really, really furious. He empathized with the heart of the black tortoise, who fought to protect its loved ones. He could see the sadness of the black tortoise who kept being denied by the people it protected. Hwang Gildong had been silent as he allowed Grid to yell to his heart’s content.
Now he finally wondered, “Are you an old friend of the black tortoise?”

“Today is the first time we met!”

“I think I know how you persuaded the evil eyes’ king.”

“…?”

Hwang Gildong took off his bamboo hat. The hat was removed and a black mark on his forehead was revealed.
It was such a big wound that Hwang Gildong probably would’ve died if it was one centimeter deeper.

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“Overgeared King Grid, I know enough about who you are.
Let’s stop now.”

“…??”

“in the rich cities, find the biggest pavilion.
In the poor villages, find the smallest inn.
Then ask for the cuckoo meat.
The Chivalrous Robbers will help you.”

“What?”

It was all acting? To test him? Grid felt displeased rather than relieved and Hwang Gildong shook his head.

“I was serious when I wanted to kill the black tortoise but that was when it didn’t have a strong helper like you.
No matter how unruly, how can I turn my back on an old god?” Hwang Gildong sank to his knees.
He bowed to the black tortoise of death in Grid’s arms. “God Black Tortoise, please punish me for my disloyalty later when the Five Seniors are expelled and peace is restored to the world.”

“……”

『……
』

Hwang Gildong got up and once again put on his bamboo hat.
He approached the altar behind him and took off the amulet he had secretly installed. Then a blue-shelled black tortoise appeared on the altar. It glanced between the black tortoise of death and Grid and seemed to be deeply moved.

Hwang Gildong said he would allow the black tortoise of death and water to reunite.
Then he warned Grid, “Unlike Maru, who hasn’t yet mastered the Black Tortoise Jewel, the yangban in the Pa Kingdom has completely transformed the White Tiger Spear into its own belonging.”

“Additionally, the yangban staying in Kaya and defending the Blue Dragon Dao is a monster who can embody the power of the Four Auspicious Beasts without the artifacts of the Four Gods.
For now, there is absolutely no chance you can win against them.
I recommend that you take a good rest and prepare for it.
There is no need to fret.
Due to you, the red phoenix and black tortoise have resurrected and the attitude of the Hwan Kingdom has become very careful.”

[Affinity with the leader of the Chivalrous Robbers, Hwang Gildong has increased by 20.]

[In the future, the Chivalrous Robbers will be favorable to you.]

A development that flowed the way this person wanted!

Grid was still in a perplexed state and Hwang Gildong whispered as he brushed past Grid, “Old Sword Demon is part of Kaya’s Mapae but he keeps going the wrong way if left unattended.
It is recommended to keep him as close as possible.
He is a human who becomes stronger the more difficulties he encounters, so there is fun when training him.”

Hwang Gildong took a big step and disappeared. It was different from the concept of Shunpo. His presence was completely gone with no trace of him on the horizon.

“It is Shukuchiho,” Old Sword Demon approached the amazed Grid and explained.
He gazed at the black tortoise of death running its cheek against Grid’s chest and urged him, “Don’t you have to reunite the black tortoises?”

“Ah, t-that’s right.
Understood.”

Grid approached the altar, placed the black tortoise of death beside the black tortoise of water, and a brilliant light burst out.