Episode 98 Barbarian Trophy (5)
Unfortunately, the opponent he faced in the quarterfinals was not the last of the three knights.
Well, the other one lost in the second round.
For some reason, it gave off the feeling that it was done on purpose.
‘In the end, one guy couldn’t get physical therapy.’
Anyway, since there was no need to aim for the head, I smashed the sword with a double-edged axe as soon as the duel began.
But didn’t you want to lose to the barbarians?
“Oh, not yet!”
My opponent showed his will to continue the duel with his bare hands even after losing his sword. So I also threw away my axe, ran to him, and broke his spine.
“The winner is Bjorn Jandel of the House of Martoan!”
Although it was a bloodless victory, the audience’s reaction was not bad.
“Wow!!”
“Knight Crusher, Bjorn, son of Little Vulcan Yandel!!”
It seems that the sight of a person folding in half was quite stimulating to them as well.
The sentiment was not much different from that of the Baron.
As soon as he returned to the barracks, the Baron’s eyes widened and he started asking questions.
“Hey, you know what? That was creepy! Throwing a guy into the air and catching him with your knees. Where did you learn that kind of skill?”
Well, if I had to answer, I saw it in a cartoon before.
I just found out today that this is physically possible.
For a Barbarian, nothing is truly impossible.
“I’ll take a short break until the next match.”
“Huh? Oh, I see.”
I apologized to the Baron and took a short nap.
It’s not that I’m sleepy or anything… … .
‘Is there one left now?’
As the destination came into view, my heart began to pound.
***
The long-awaited final has begun.
“Sir Albatross of the House of Count Ferdehild and Bjorn Jandel of the House of Baron Martoin, please stand!”
My opponent was an apprentice knight under Count Ferdehild, who was the host of the banquet and had recommended that I participate in the tournament… … .
I don’t know what happens later.
The duel itself wasn’t a huge concern.
Well, I’ve already figured out my opponent by watching their previous matches.
“Nice to meet you.”
A large knight wielding a huge greatsword gives a brief greeting.
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I looked at him and chuckled.
‘I think I know what kind of personality the Count has.’
A knight is different from an explorer.
To them, essence is nothing more than a means to assist swordsmanship. Therefore, they tend to choose essences related to physical stats, and the combination of essences varies from family to family.
After systematic research, several effective combinations have been established as standard… … .
Because characters always have a ‘concept’.
‘In the Orc Wars, the Giant Golem, and the Cyclops… … .’
The opponent is a typical strength knight.
Perhaps because he had the priesthood in mind, he focused more on physical resistance than regenerative power, and he used a high level of strength to create a full set of stage 2 lightinium armor.
It’s practically like a walking tank.
‘You must have given the apprentice a lot of trouble.’
While guessing the count’s tastes, I am once again surprised by his wealth.
One 7th grade and two 6th grade.
I guess they bought purified water in a test tube and fed it to him, but how much did it cost?
‘If you add in the equipment you’re wearing, you’re practically at the level of a 3rd floor explorer.’
It suddenly occurred to me that the Count might not have even considered my chances of winning.
To that extent, this guy’s level was unrivaled.
Most of the participants were at level 2, and at best, there were only 7.
“Where did you put your equipment and why are you naked?”
Anyway, just before the duel began, while they were facing each other with their weapons, the opponent asked a question.
Unlike the previous duels, he seemed curious about me coming up with only one axe.
I answered briefly.
“I’m saying this because it’s uncomfortable.”
I’m not saying this to be insulting, it’s true.
Heavy plate boots, overly designed helmets, belts, shoulder pads, etc. It’s hard to expect much defensive power, but shouldn’t they not hinder movement?
“That’s true. Well, it would be difficult to fight like usual wearing something like that.”
Fortunately, the other person listened to me without misinterpreting what I said.
But that was it.
“I was worried it would end too easily, but I feel relieved because it seems like they’re taking it seriously.”
That relaxed expression and tone of voice must be an expression of my confidence that I will be the one to win no matter what I do.
I didn’t feel the need to continue talking.
“That’s good then.”
If the other person lets their guard down, it will be a welcome thing.
Swish.
Put away your weapons and distance yourself.
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It was the same for the other party.
When the gap between them grew to about 15 meters, the referee raised the flag.
Now it means that it’s okay to attack each other.
“Come.”
The opponent takes a stance and swings his sword.
As I look at that sight, I can’t help but imagine the scenario he was hoping for.
A barbarian who displayed overwhelming force to the point of earning a new title, ‘Knight Crusher’.
A true knight who triumphs elegantly and nobly over such barbarians.
The cheers of the crowd and the approval of the lord.
A rosy future unfolding like a smooth road.
Sigh.
You can feel how easy this guy’s life has been.
Whether my prediction was correct or not.
If you want something, you have to be more earnest about it.
When things are going well, we should always keep in mind not how good they could be, but the opposite.
‘Still, seeing you letting your guard down like this, I guess it was a good thing you kept it a secret until the end.’
A tournament hosted by the Count.
“Behel—raaaa …
This is my first time using that combo.
***
“The character cast [Gigantization].”
“The character’s physique grows larger, and threat and physical stats increase in proportion to the size.”
“The character used [Wild Eruption].”
“The character’s threat level temporarily increases by three times, and physical stats increase in proportion to that level.”
***
[Giantization] and [Wild Eruption].
If you use these two skills together, your threat level will increase tremendously. And in proportion to that, your physical level will also increase dramatically.
[Wild Eruption] has a drawback in that it only lasts for 30 seconds… … .
So what do you want me to do?
At least for a while I can feel the crazy high.
‘Well, I didn’t know it would end so vainly.’
Could this be a side effect of the threat level rising too much?
Whether it was a sense of pride or something else, the threat level worked regardless of the subject’s personality.
“Uh, uh, uh… … .”
An overwhelming sense of fear that is felt by the enemy.
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Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
Even though he was dashing forward making noises that a large monster would make, the knight was frozen and couldn’t move.
Just as I was about to bring the axe down.
“Hee, heek!”
The knight, who had been rolling on the ground to dodge, began to run away in a panic.
However, it is impossible to run away forever on this narrow stage.
I cornered him skillfully, as if I was playing a boxing game, and reached out to grab him.
That was the moment.
“Okay, let’s go outside!”
The final ended without a single proper fight, with the guy just running away.
‘I’m comfortable and that’s good, but… … .’
The audience’s reaction was cold.
Fortunately, there was no criticism directed at me, but the knight who displayed dishonorable behavior received some truly harsh jeers.
“Ah, no, I didn’t know… … . If I do it again… I can do it again!”
He came to his senses late and climbed up onto the arena, but it was no different from touching a dead child.
“How far do you plan to embarrass me?”
He, who had been demanding a reversal from the judge, lowered his head at the count’s cold words.
“The winner is Bjorn Jandel of the House of Martoin!”
Ugh, maybe I shouldn’t have used [Giantization]?
I thought about that too, belatedly.
In the end, I won easily, but it was still so frustrating for me.
‘I think I ended up touching the Count’s heart… … .’
In fact, it was bad news for me, who was more worried about the aftermath than winning the tournament.
Who would have thought that the act of hiding one’s power until the very end, in order to eliminate even the slightest variable, would result in such a variable?
‘Damn, I didn’t think you’d run away like that.’
Well, you won’t hack into this, right?
Although I was worried inside, the Count himself went up on stage and presented the winner with the necklace and trophy, all while smiling heartily.
“Haha! Today’s work was very impressive.”
The Count, who couldn’t reach my shoulder, patted my arm and encouraged me. I couldn’t tell if he really didn’t hold a grudge or if he was just acting.
It was at that time that I was looking around, feeling a bit uneasy.
The count recited these words so that only I could hear them.
“I’ll call you separately when you’re more prepared.”
“…Calling?”
“You don’t need to know the details. Until then, just ignore the calls from other nobles. Do you understand?”
I didn’t understand what he was saying, but I nodded anyway.
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Well, I guess I have that much insight.
‘With that murderous look in your eyes… … .’
If I said no, he looked like he was going to do something.
Anyway, the long banquet came to an end with the award ceremony. Well, there were many who stayed and enjoyed themselves until dawn… … .
It wasn’t Baron Martoin.
“I’m tired. Let’s go back soon.”
I returned to the mansion with the same number of people I had when I first came, and received all my equipment back. And I even received the promised bonus.
“You’ve really worked hard today. Your and my family’s names will surely be the talk of the town for the next few months. So, if anything comes up, don’t hesitate to come see me.”
The Baron seemed to like me quite a bit.
Even if it’s just empty words, it’s nice to see you say things like that.
‘Well, I guess I should be happy since you’ve done this much for me.’
“Then I’ll go now. I’m tired too. I’ve ordered a carriage to be prepared, so you can just take it and go.”
“thanks!”
By the time I left the ecliptic Karnon and returned to my lodgings in Rabigion, it was past two in the morning.
I was physically and mentally tired as I had done a lot during the day… … .
‘Then shall we begin?’
I sat at the table instead of the bed.
And the final settlement began.
The 1 million stone reward that was initially promised.
Tournament entry fee: 2 million stones.
An additional 1 million stones that would be paid out if you win.
A reward of 300,000 stones received for handing over the winner’s trophy to the Baron.
‘A total of 4.3 million stones in cash.’
Is it because the client is a wealthy nobleman?
I got a huge amount of money that it’s hard to believe it was a daily wage.
And that’s not the end of it.
Anyway, the new nickname is Knight Crusher.
‘I didn’t know I’d get this so early on… … .’
No.7777 Garpas’ Necklace.
In fact, if you’re unlucky, you’ll get something you wouldn’t have been able to get no matter how hard you worked in the latter half.
Of course, awakening the Hidden Piece will require a huge amount of resources… … .
There is no denying that this is an incredible stroke of luck.
So I pledged again.
‘How many luck stacks have you already accumulated?’
From now on, I really have to be careful about how I breathe.
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***
The morning after the banquet.
One question has been answered.
At least halfway.
‘What kind of letter is this… … .’
As soon as I woke up, mail began arriving without a break. It was all from nobles.
A letter asking if you would be willing to attend a banquet.
By the way, the letter also included a promise to pay a ‘small amount of compensation’ for participation.
It’s true, I thought I could make a living doing this for the rest of my life…
‘So this is what the Count was talking about.’
The statement that he would call them separately when they were ready still doesn’t make sense. But it’s certain that this is what he meant when he told them to ignore the nobles’ calls.
‘Wow, how much is the bone loss?’
So I wrote back a letter rejecting them all.
If you keep quiet, the proud nobles might retaliate.
But if I participate, I feel like I’ll incur the Count’s wrath.
‘What on earth is the Count thinking?’
Honestly, I’m the most scared of that guy.
Even though they continued to treat me kindly, once these guys get upset, they tend to roll their eyes.
It was also uncomfortable that the intention was unclear from the beginning.
Why would a count or a woman of noble birth be interested in a Bavarian explorer?
‘Next time the community opens, let’s look into the Count too.’
With the new quest engraved in my head, I quickly finished preparing to go out.
And headed to the rooftop.
‘This is the last month for regular research.’
The three months I promised to Raven are almost over.
Well, the purpose of my visit today has nothing to do with that.
“Oh, you’re here?”
Upon arriving at Raven’s personal study, she greets us, seemingly fine from the morning breeze.
“So where is the senior that I was supposed to help with my research today?”
“I, that’s… … .”
Raven trailed off.
That was all, but I had an ominous feeling.
That was the moment.
“It’s been a while.”
As if he had been waiting, an old man with white hair pops out from behind the door.
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Master of the Artemion School.
Commonly referred to as ‘old man’.
“Phew… … .”
There was no particular explanation, but the situation was quickly understood.
“I’m sure he called me ‘senior’.”
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry that you were being so unreasonable, Master… … .”
Yeah, this was changed by force.
As I glanced at him, the old man burst into a kindly laugh.
“Haha, don’t be so nervous. It’s not that big of an experiment.”
You have to hear it to know.
As I looked at him to tell him to finish explaining, the old man opened his mouth in a meaningful tone.
“It’s an experiment to see if the magical tools made by Nobu can distinguish the souls of evil spirits or not!”
No, fuck.
What is this again?
