Gourmet Gaming

Roll, roll, roll, roll, roll—

The grotesque and terrifying head of the Corrupted God fell down and rolled on the ground before slowly disappearing.

[You have killed the Corrupted God!]

[You have gained 31,977,413,135 EXP!]

[You have leveled up.]

[You have leveled up.]

[You have leveled up.]

[…leveled up.]

[You have gained 97,413 platinum.]

[You have acquired the Corrupted God’s Eyes.]

[You have acquired the Corrupted God’s Hand Axe.]

[You have acquired the Corrupted God’s Mysterious Bundle.]

[You have acquired the Skill Book: Evil God’s Judgment.]

[You have acquired God’s Mineral Vlad (5).]

[You have acquired the Title: ‘The One that Killed the Corrupted One’.]

Unbelievable notifications kept on ringing in Minhyuk’s ears. His level also increased by as much as six levels after killing the Corrupted God.

‘I even received around 97,000 platinum…?’

The amount of platinum that he received was completely unbelievable. With this amount, one would be able to establish a kingdom right away. On top of that, there were more than 76 legendary ranked artifacts that dropped from the Corrupted God. That was not all that was in store.

‘God rank?’

There was one God-rank artifact, which was none other than…

(The Corrupted Goddess’ Ring)

Rank: God

Requirements: Level 500 or above, the One that has received the true recognition of three or more Gods.

Durability: ∞ / ∞

Special Abilities:

•Total HP and MP volume will increase by 1.2x.

•Natural Mana Recovery Speed will triple.

•Cooldown will be reduced by 30%.

•INT will increase by 200%.

•Passive Skill: Stronger Strikes the More You Hit

•Passive Skill: Corrupted Goddess’ Blessings

•Active Skill: Boom

Description: A ring stolen by the Corrupted Goddess from Athenae’s Storage in the past. After receiving her energy, the ring has transformed into the Corrupted Goddess’ Ring. This is a ring that can only be used by those that are chosen by the Gods.

For accessories, the special abilities attached to the item would usually be significantly weaker than the abilities attached to swords or armor. However, there was one thing that one should not overlook. With ten fingers in total, a player could wear multiple rings. However, there were restrictions. For players that just started, they could only wear one. For those that reached Level 100, they could wear two. For high rankers, they could wear three, and for those that were at a higher level than that, they could wear four.

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Of course, the benefits were great. Assuming that someone could only wear five artifacts, rankers that could wear six would be able to display a much stronger power, even more so if it was a God rank item.

‘This is crazy…’ Minhyuk thought in awe. The fact that it could increase his HP and MP by 1.2x was already ridiculous.

The common way to increase one’s HP and MP was to invest in physical STR and WIS whenever a player leveled up. However, even if one invested one stat point to their STR, their HP would only increase by 10. The same was true for MP, one had to invest one stat point to increase their MP by 10. Most of the time, players had no other choice but to supplement the increase by taking various quests or artifacts.

Of course, a ranker’s HP and MP reserves were extremely large. However, anyone would want to have their HP and MP boosted, especially if they were hunting boss mobs. Just by wearing one of the five artifacts on his hand, those stats could be increased by 1.2x.

There was also an increase in natural mana recovery by three times. This meant that close combat players would not need to take mana potion, as long as they used this together with their artifacts. On top of that, there was a 30% cooldown reduction across the board, and a 200% increase in INT.

‘Isn’t this an exclusive item for mages?’

One would certainly think that way if they saw the item. Minhyuk was sure that there would be mages that would be twice as powerful if this artifact was available to them.

Finally, he came to the attached skills.

‘The name ‘Stronger Strikes the More You Hit’ is a bit…’

For a skill that was attached to a God-rank ring, it had quite an absurd name. However, one should not overlook the skill just because of its name. The skill was even more cheat-like than the HP and MP increase effect.

(Stronger Strikes the More You Hit)

Artifact Skill

Rank: None

Level: None

Effects: 

•There’s a 2% chance of reducing the cooldown of a random skill once an attack has been launched.

•There’s a 2% chance of increasing the damage of a random skill once an attack has been launched.

•However, the damage of the randomly selected skill will be canceled after thirty minutes if no attack has hit the target after the initial strike.

•There’s a 1% chance of increasing physical and magical attack and defense once an attack has been launched.

Just by attacking the enemy, one would be able to increase their stats or decrease their cooldown. For Minhyuk, there was no other way to describe this skill other than overpowered. On top of that, the skill Corrupted Goddess’ Blessings could increase a random skill by 1.5x.

Minhyuk felt his breath quicken at the sight of the artifact. However he could not help but feel disappointed by the fact that it was something that he could not use yet. There was a restriction attached to the artifact where one could only use it after receiving the true recognition of three or more Gods. The artifact was very great, but there was no telling when it would be available for Minhyuk to use.

As for the Corrupted God’s Mysterious Bundle, it was an item that could give the person whatever they were greedy for, just by inserting their hand inside the box. And even though Minhyuk had not checked it yet, he could tell that the ‘Evil God’s Judgment’ was the item that could grant the power to use the Evil God’s Books, the same power that the Corrupted God had used before.

The total value of all of the things that Minhyuk had gained from killing the Corrupted God was so valuable that it could not be measured with money.

Athenae was a game that was loved by everyone all over the world. It was in this game that astronomical rewards would be given whenever an opponent that had never been hunted before was killed. It was a source of joy for Minhyuk, and the same was true for all of the players.

Shake, shake, shake—

Unfortunately, most of the players’ faces were currently dark and solemn.

***

The notifications rang for all of the players present as the second Battlefield of the Gods ended.

[You have participated in the Corrupted God’s hunt!]

[The rewards that you will receive will be based on your contributions!]

[You have gained 586 platinum.]

[All of your stats have increased by +8!]

[All of your skill proficiency has dramatically increased!]

[You have acquired the Title: ‘The One that Participated in the Corrupted God’s Hunt’.]

Everyone in the battlefield received the same set of rewards. The title: The One that Participated in the Corrupted God’s Hunt was a very amazing title that permanently increased all of their stats by 1%, while giving them an additional 10% attack when fighting against evil and corrupted beings. However, no one was smiling.

Shake, shake, shake—

Alexander’s hands were trembling from both shock and fear, Golden Mage Ali was down on the floor with a blank look on his face after losing all of the strength in his legs, and Death was staring at the place where the Corrupted God’s body had disappeared from, dazed. Most of the people present were in a similar state. All of them felt an overwhelming and indescribable sense of helplessness.

Of course, the feeling of being helpless would always appear in their minds whenever they fought or watched beings or players that were stronger than themselves. However, this time, it was different. It was much worse than that. It was the lingering fear and the aftermath of the event.

Up until this moment, all of them had truly felt the fear of losing their qualifications of their God classes. They felt like they were being chased by a true and genuine murderer. All of the people present here were the world’s best and strongest rankers who dominated the world. For most of them, this game was their only joy in life. Just the thought of losing their class was enough to bring forth severe anxiety in them.

“Ah… Aaaah, aaaaaaah…” One of the female players was crying, her body trembling fiercely even after the Corrupted God had died.

There was also the fear of another similar event in the future. That crippling thought threatened to consume them.

Meanwhile, the commentators began to chime in.

[We have not experienced what they had just gone through, so it is a bit hard to console them. Our idols, our role models are all feeling a deep sense of helplessness right now. It’s understandable. What they experienced is scary and terrifying. Perhaps there would be some of them that would not be able to access Athenae for a few days.]

[It breaks my heart to watch this scene. From my point of view, Joy Co. Ltd. should not spare any effort, and compensate them for this incident. They should do their best to console these players.]

[However, despite this situation, there are still plenty of players that are curious about the rewards that Food God Minhyuk has received.]

[This is just the cold and harsh truth, a bitter reality. For everyone, the Corrupted God was the most dangerous and greatest existence that they have encountered.]

More people were curious about the rewards that Minhyuk had received than the helpless, disappointed and terrified rankers. It was only natural and that was what made reality bitter.

‘I… I… Can I even continue playing this game?’ Alexander asked himself.

This was a virtual reality game, but perhaps, it also truly tested the limits of the players.

Alexander’s head fell down. Just like him, many people stared blankly in space, their faces filled with helplessness. Of course, if any of them were the star of the show and the one that received the main rewards, then they might not feel this helpless and disappointed.

‘You will not be terrified because you’re the one that cut down such a fearsome opponent,’ Alexander thought of Minhyuk. Many players had the same thought.

Minhyuk would rise up and be known as the man that had slain the Corrupted God. He would be the people’s idol and hero, while they would be known as the extras that fought beside him.

“Heooook!”

Someone eventually choked up and let loose the tears that they had been keeping inside.

At that moment, Minhyuk spoke up.

“I, Beyond the Heavens’ King Minhyuk, swear under my name and my throne.”

None of the people looked up despite Minhyuk’s loud and clear voice. Then, the notifications rang in their ears.

[Beyond the Heavens King. King Minhyuk has sworn under his name and throne!]

[If he fails to fulfill his promise, Beyond the Heavens’ King Minhyuk will receive a penalty!]

The king’s oath with his name and throne at stake was a very heavy one. Then, Minhyuk said, “I will distribute the rewards that I have received in this hunt with everyone here.”

“…!”

“…!”

“…!”

“…!”

Everyone could not help but raise their heads the moment Minhyuk’s words registered in their ears.

“Wh, what…” Alexander mumbled, disbelief written all over his face as he looked up at Minhyuk. The fact that he announced it to the world at this very moment meant that he could never break this promise.

Minhyuk slowly walked and looked among the God-class players, the antagonists, and his own envoys. Then, with a soft smile on his face, he said, “This is something that we all have achieved together.”

The majesty and pride of the first king of Athenae was nowhere to be seen. Minhyuk was talking to them softly in a warm and considerate voice that gently wrapped around them.

“It’s all thanks to everyone’s efforts that I was able to kill the Corrupted God.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

What Minhyuk said was the truth. It was because the God-class players had helped him that he was able to kill the Corrupted God. The only one that would be mentioned when talking about the success of this hunt was Minhyuk, and Minhyuk alone. However, with his words, everyone would be remembered.

“Never forget the great power that you have witnessed.”

Yes, with just one sentence from Minhyuk, the viewers began to say…

[That’s right. I thought it was really cool when I saw Alexander avoid the Corrupted God’s attack and attack her right away.]

[What about Death? Even though he’s fighting against the Gods, he still climbed on top of his bone dragon and attacked them.]

[Ali was amazing too. He sent hundreds of magical attacks like they were firecrackers to attack his enemies. He also used his defensive magic to protect his allies.]

[That’s not all. Have you seen God of Buffs Rogal?]

Everyone began to talk. This time, they were not just talking about Minhyuk’s splendid and awe-inspiring fight, but the actions of those that fought alongside him.

[The Food God is strong, that’s an undeniable fact. However, there are also others that have shown that they are on a different level. They are strong and have amazing control.]

[I’m going to watch the video on repeat.]

[Good job. Everyone really did a good job here.]

[It was a battle that I will never forget.]

Alexander could not understand what Minhyuk was doing. He could have monopolized everything and taken the spotlight by himself, yet he was looking out for everyone and even talking gently to them. Did he not have an ounce of greed in his body? No. Minhyuk obviously had greed too.

‘The one that will become a True God…’

Then, Minhyuk said, “Can you hear them?”

Everyone perked their ears up and listened intently to his words.

“Can you hear the applause that everyone from all over the world is giving to you?”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“Can you see it?”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“In the future, many viewers would look back on this intense and awe-inspiring battle that is recorded forever in history.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

That was right. Minhyuk was consoling them.

‘We were terrified and afraid. However, we did it. We were able to overcome our fears. And we will be able to overcome the trials and ordeals that we will face in the future. We are afraid, but we have to move on.’

‘This is just like you…’ Ali thought, looking at Minhyuk with a small smile on his face. Death also grinned and raised his thumbs up at him.

Those that had collapsed on their feet slowly gathered their strength and stood up one by one. Yes. Even though they were left terrified and helpless, they were able to win a huge victory today. Minhyuk stood in front of them, watching them stand up one by one. The viewers that were witnessing this scene felt shivers run down their spine.

Minhyuk knew, ‘Words have power.’

Words were amazing. What Minhyuk did could be considered to be sugarcoating his words. However, they could completely alter his relationship with others. It could even relieve the sadness for some, and become some sort of support to the grieving. Minhyuk might be young, but this was something that he had realized at a very early age after watching his father interact with people.

‘No way. Is he really thinking of splitting the rewards?’

Minhyuk had vowed under his name and his throne. However, some still wondered if he would really do it.

Clap— Clap, clap—

Someone started clapping which prompted the sound of applause ringing across the entire battlefield. As everyone’s representative, Alexander stood up in front of Minhyuk and said, “It was an honor fighting with you today.”

“It’s the same for me.”

At this moment, Minhyuk had received something from the God-class players and the antagonists that was far greater than the rewards from the hunt. It was the trust and confidence that they would gain victory as long as Minhyuk and his comrades were in charge. No amount of money could buy something that valuable.

Then, Alexander grinned and said, “We won’t get everything from you. Take half and we’ll split the remaining half amongst ourselves.”

‘Oh?’

Minhyuk chuckled.

“Please show us the list of the artifacts that you have acquired, Minhyuk.”

“Let’s just give it to the Food God…”

“No. The Food God has taken the initiative to give it to us. He’s already giving it to us and you’re not willing to take it? He said that he. Would. Give. It. To. Us.”

‘Huh? Huuuuuuh? A, Alexander?’

It seemed like Alexander was already quite ahead of Minhyuk in this aspect.