Ch.6464. Kendrid (2)

●

The Goldic territory primarily revolves around miners, which means they’re exceptionally good at digging into the earth.

Finding a suitably deep pit where Krat and I could face off wasn’t particularly difficult.

“Any regrets?”

“…”

He sounds like he’s talking to someone facing imminent death.

I understand why he’s asking that.

I’ve faced off against Gideon like this before, but unlike that time, this situation requires us to actually exchange blows.

“If I were going to regret it, I wouldn’t have started this in the first place.”

Krat stepped back with a smirk.

He’s clearly preparing for direct combat.

“Um, Lord Marquis…”

“Call me father.”

“…Father. Please let me fight in your place instead…!”

“Elia.”

Krat’s gaze shot toward Elia, who was stammering those words from outside the pit.

Despite just telling her to call him father, this was one area where he wouldn’t compromise.

So people really can emit killing intent from their eyes.

Even Elia, who never backed down in any situation, had frozen stiff.

“Don’t interfere.”

“…”

“There are things you can only learn by crossing blades. I may not understand the details, but I can at least get a feel for him.”

It’s a sweaty philosophy, but I’m grateful he thinks that way. At least he’s not completely focused on tormenting me.

Of course, he’s not the type to go easy on an opponent, even an academy student like me, but he’s not completely irrational either.

In other words, he won’t just bash my head in because he doesn’t like me.

“Let’s set some rules before we begin.”

His next words prove my point.

Krat continued with a smirk.

“I won’t kill you. But if you lose consciousness, you lose.”

“…”

“Conversely, if you can land even one proper hit on me, that’s the end. Understood?”

On the surface, it seems like he’s being very generous.

But when you think about the practical implications, it’s laughable.

‘…His peak strength is lower than a combat priest’s.’

If I gave Klein, whom I defeated earlier, about two hours to stack his blessings, he might become stronger than this man.

That’s their characteristic—given enough time, they can become infinitely stronger.

In contrast, the Empire’s holy knights, especially those like Krat, don’t have abilities that gradually strengthen them, but their base specs are monstrously high from the start.

Their peak might be lower than combat priests, but their baseline is ridiculously high.

And among them, the Marquis of Kendrid is at the pinnacle.

[Using ‘Exploration Eye’.]

[Retrieving target information.]

[24-hour cooldown applies for the same target.]

< Character Info >

[Krat Bellium La Kendrid]

[Trait: Northern Marquis – Ruler of the Snowfields]

[Status: Burning with desire to teach the youngster before him a lesson.]

< Status Info >

[Normal]

Strength: S+ (Doubled effect due to trait)

Agility: S+ (Doubled effect due to trait)

Endurance: S+ (Doubled effect due to trait)

Luck: B

Authority: S

[Abilities]

Magic Power: S

Law Power: F

Divine Power: S

[Skills]

Combat: SS+

“…”

Is this even human?

He says he won’t go all out, but the gap between us is like that between a rabbit and a bear. If I’m not careful, I could actually die.

Elnore, whose strength/agility/endurance are all S-rank, is already essentially a walking biological tank.

But this guy’s specs are completely superior to Elnore’s, and they’re doubled due to his trait.

And if that weren’t enough, his combat skill for close-quarters fighting is just below EX rank. That means he’s one of the world’s best fighters.

‘…There’s no way to withstand this, really.’

This man isn’t just some academy student level. Even with a swordsman’s focus, it’s impossible to perfectly deflect his attacks and take no damage. The best I can do is use all of Ultima’s built-in skills to minimize the pain.

He probably knows this level difference too. He essentially wants to test how long I can withstand his restrained beating.

“Yes. That’s fine.”

“…”

So, my casual acceptance will make me look like one of two things:

Either an idiot who doesn’t understand what he’s agreeing to.

Or a madman with guts spilling out of his belly.

“But I have one condition too.”

“…”

From his reaction, Krat definitely sees me as the latter.

“Speak up. I admire your courage, so I’ll listen.”

“If I win, grant me one wish.”

“…Win? You?”

“You just said if I land one proper hit on you, that’s my victory, right?”

He probably didn’t even register what he said.

Because it’s something that common sense says is impossible.

“…”

Krat seems to be pondering for a moment. Wondering what on earth I’m relying on to do this.

“Do as you please. But.”

However, considering his personality, he’ll probably come to a simple conclusion soon.

“I won’t go easy on you either.”

Let’s find out by fighting.

As Krat approaches, cracking his knuckles, I make my final preparations.

[Using Skill: Guidance.]

〓 Currently Available Functions

▶ Divine Possession – Rage {Elnore}

▶ Tristan-style Swordsmanship – Severance {Gideon}

Father and daughter are lined up nicely.

But this time, I have business with the father rather than the daughter.

[Activating ‘Tristan-style Swordsmanship – Severance’ through Skill: Guidance.]

This is a skill I confirmed receiving through a system message before entering the lord’s castle.

And if this person properly learned the “objective” I mentioned to Gideon.

“…”

I can show him that I’m neither of those things.

I’m not someone who misunderstood his words, nor am I acting recklessly without a plan.

As always, I’ll be painfully beaten and rolled around, but.

I’m saying I have the means to land one hit on this person.

While thinking this:

[Crisis situation detected.]

[Judged to be a direct threat to life.]

[Applying Skill: Desperate Situation at EX rank.]

Krat launched himself forward.

●

“…Shouldn’t we stop this somehow? We need to do something…!”

In response to Elia’s desperate voice, Elnore turned to look at her with an expressionless face, arms crossed.

“He chose this himself. How am I supposed to stop him?”

“But still…!”

Then her gaze turned back to the pit.

She caught sight of Darwood preparing to draw his sword and Krat about to charge.

‘There’s no way he can match him…!’

She knows better than anyone what kind of monster that man is, having trained with him continuously since before reaching adulthood.

The reason she, as a hero candidate, fears no enemy is because she has always measured herself against the most monstrous human she knows.

He’s the kind of man who can make the abstract madness of “carving one’s own flesh with the will of heaven’s wrath” sound plausible.

Elia still remembers the scene from her first training session with the Marquis of Kendrid, when he pulverized a boulder tens of meters tall with his bare fists as a warm-up exercise.

“…Since I can’t stop this, I’ll excuse myself for a moment.”

While she was lost in thought, Elnore stood up with those words.

“What? Where are you going?”

“When Darwood has that expression, he’s doing something reckless with a plan in mind. He’s not the type of man to do crazy things without any countermeasures.”

“…”

“However.”

She then let out a deep sigh.

“…Usually when he has that expression, he ends up getting seriously injured somewhere.”

It was clear she couldn’t bear to watch this with a clear mind.

She might even draw her sword against the Marquis of Kendrid.

Undoubtedly, if the Tristan Duchess did such a thing, it would be a terrible incident.

Politically, it would be a disaster with tremendous fallout, but those were secondary concerns.

More importantly:

‘…I can’t do something he doesn’t want me to do.’

It would clearly be unnecessary interference. If he needed her help, he would have asked for it from the start.

So:

“I’ll go call for medical support.”

With those words, Elnore walked steadily into the lord’s castle.

As if she absolutely couldn’t bear to watch what was about to unfold.

“…”

Elia stared blankly after her.

An inexplicable heaviness pressed against her chest.

‘…Ah.’

The realization came to her suddenly.

‘I’m jealous.’

Because she realized that the “trust relationship” between Darwood and Elnore was much stronger than between herself and Darwood.

That student council president knows much more about Darwood than she does. They’ve already reached the point where they understand each other’s intentions without speaking.

In comparison, has she ever truly been of help to that man?

Her expression darkened at the thought.

While she was thinking:

-!

Krat leaped toward Darwood.

The packed ground tore apart as if an explosive had detonated, and he moved so fast that his body appeared blurry even to those watching from a distance.

Elia’s face turned pale as her trauma surfaced.

How could someone capable of pulverizing anything within reach in seconds also possess such approach speed?

Even she, who prided herself on her reflexes and improvisation in combat situations, had been beaten badly numerous times because she couldn’t even react to him.

But.

‘…He reacted!’

Seeing Darwood draw his sword from its scabbard, she clenched her fist.

That’s the man she knows.

In everyday life, he often appears foolish. In fact, Darwood is physically weak and gets tired quickly from even minor activities.

But.

How many people, including Elia herself, have been deceived by that appearance?

At crucial moments, that man has always displayed unbelievable courage.

‘But still…!’

Though he managed to react and draw his sword, as soon as he met that fist with his blade, his body flew away like a feather.

He looked like a small animal that had taken the charge of a massive beast.

The distance between them suddenly widened to several meters, but for the Marquis of Kendrid, that was a gap he could close without even taking a breath.

Krat instantly approached the bounced Darwood and threw another punch.

The exchange continued. With each impact, Darwood’s body rolled around like a ball.

Surprisingly, despite the gap between them, Darwood was holding up well. Though cuts and minor injuries accumulated, he avoided all critical wounds.

It was an impressive performance, even considering that the Marquis of Kendrid was clearly holding back.

“…Nothing at all. Is this all you had when you showed such audacity?”

But.

Elia tensed up as she looked down.

Krat’s face was filled with disappointment.

This turtle-like defensive response actually provokes this man. Hadn’t he always emphasized to her during training to never just take hits?

“Fine. Let’s see how long you can endure.”

The ferocity of his attacks intensified.

“No spirit, no presence, no will. Are you really a man?”

As a result, Darwood’s body, which had barely been holding up, accumulated more injuries. His arms and legs twisted in various places, bruises formed, and skin peeled off.

“I don’t understand why my daughter has to suffer because of someone like you.”

Those words flowed out like a sigh. Now even contempt dwelled in Krat’s eyes.

Darwood was breathing heavily. His body was covered in injuries that could be described as being in tatters.

“…Let’s just end this. There’s no need to see more-“

“Before we end, I have something to say.”

Darwood coughed up a handful of blood and opened his mouth.

“Could you stop acting like an old fart, Marquis?”

“…What?”

“What era do you think this is, monitoring who your daughter makes friends with? Even fairly deranged parents don’t do that.”

“…”

Krat let out a scornful laugh.

“So I’ll tell you in advance what wish I’ll claim when I defeat you. Entrust Elia to me completely. I promise you won’t regret it.”

Elia’s face turned bright red as her mouth fell open.

That man.

What on earth is he saying?

No, more importantly, in this situation, talking about winning and using a wish…!

“…”

Krat closed his mouth with a cold expression.

His body was emanating almost killing intent.

“…I’m tired of entertaining this. I despise men who are all talk.”

With those words and a sigh, he walked toward Darwood.

Though his speed was noticeably slower than before, the “hostility” in his movements was incomparably greater than earlier.

As if.

This time he truly intended to kill his opponent.

“Stay in bed for a while. And don’t approach Elia again.”

Blue inscriptions lit up like flames along the Marquis’s arm.

The materialization of martial energy, a specialty of martial arts holy knights. An even more vicious energy imbued his body, which was already a weapon in itself.

And as that fist was thrust toward Darwood’s head:

“…!”

A chill ran down Elia’s arm.

When Darwood, in his battered state, raised his head at that exact moment. The expression on his face:

She knew that look.

That’s Darwood’s face when he’s about to unleash a “move.”

-…

First second.

Toward the Marquis’s thrust fist, Darwood extends his right arm wrapped in a divine power shield. It’s obviously an inadequate defense. The shield instantly shatters, and the Marquis’s fist reaches Darwood’s right arm.

Rather than body hitting body, it’s as if a massive greatsword has been embedded in his body—Darwood’s right arm is completely “split.” Blood spurts like a fountain from the torn body, spraying in all directions.

But because of that. Because he sacrificed his entire body:

The physical force in the punch is noticeably reduced. Partly because the surprised Marquis slowed his punch, but:

A momentary gap is created.

The following second.

Darwood pulls that arm, drawing back his left arm. The arm holding the sword.

After stepping back to secure enough space to swing his sword:

[Tristan-style Swordsmanship – Severance]

——–!!!!!!!!!!

He delivers a strike containing a massive “shockwave” into Krat’s body.

Another crater forms inside the already deep pit. The Marquis’s body, hit by the attack, flies away just like Darwood had been doing, bouncing around like a ball.

As if.

He had received in one blow all the strikes he had been delivering to Darwood.

“Mind, intact. One hit, landed on you.”

With his right arm hanging limply like a rag, covered in blood and completely mangled:

“I won, didn’t I?”

Darwood Campbell grinned.

●

My first thought.

It hurts like hell. It really fucking hurts.

My right side feels like a piece of meat attached to my body rather than an arm. My brain is refusing to even send commands to that side.

Second thought:

< Skill Info >

[Skill: Tristan-style Swordsmanship – Severance][Rank: S]

[When defending against an opponent’s attack with a sword, reduces damage by 60%. Accumulates damage received from the opponent. When the skill is activated, the accumulated damage is stacked onto the next attack, increasing the damage dealt. Effect is amplified as the user’s health decreases.]

Without this, I would be dead.

Even though I had invested extremely in durability and divine power with Ultima’s built-in skills, each of Krat’s attacks made my bones resonate and my internal organs churn.

Lord Elnore’s father, thank you…!

I will definitely repay this debt…!

“…”

Across from me, Krat was looking at me with a shocked expression.

Though there was probably no actual damage, the mere fact that he allowed me to land a hit seems incomprehensible to him.

“…I won’t ask what method you used. Everyone has a hidden dagger or two.”

His voice that followed was dripping with that sentiment.

“How did you go that far?”

“…Pardon?”

As I blinked at the unexpected question, Krat continued with an incredulous expression.

“Even I rarely think of such extreme combat methods. Even the barbarians of the north who are obsessed with training and struggle don’t resort to such near-suicidal tactics.”

“…”

Is that so?

I guess my sense of pain has become a bit warped lately from getting injured and rolling around so much.

Losing one right arm seems like getting off lightly to me?

“In other words.”

Krat rose to his feet with a slight smile.

“I suppose there’s enough reason to keep Elia near you.”

Along with those words, a window appeared before my eyes.

< System Message >

[Target ‘Krat’s’ affection level has risen to ‘Curiosity Level 5’!]

[This is a character with a good alignment. Rewards are reduced!]

I let out a sigh of relief.

This should be enough to say I’ve gained a fair amount of recognition. Mission accomplished.

Like Gideon, Krat is someone who can exert significant influence on the main story if I maintain a good relationship with him. His help makes a substantial difference in the Holy Sword quest in Chapter 4.

“…Just to be clear, I haven’t completely acknowledged you yet-“

“Just drop it. Don’t be a sore loser.”

“…”

Of course, I said that because he was being petty after I had my arm mangled while fighting him.

Sighing inwardly, I look toward the outside of the pit.

Elia is staring down at us blankly.

She seems to be looking at me as if entranced.

‘…She must be experiencing some change too?’

Anyway, she’s someone I need to keep with me until the end of the scenario, along with Elnore. Most importantly.

That’s why I made that wish to Krat. At the very least, he shouldn’t interfere, even if he won’t help.

As a result, I ended up fighting and getting injured “for her sake.”

Since she’s been looking so down because of me lately, I wanted to cheer her up a bit, so I hope she feels better…

< System Message >

[Checking target ‘Elia’s’ negative imprint stacking status!]

[She is captivated by your appearance in her ‘Despair’ state!]

[All harmful effects of the negative imprint are removed!]

[Major changes occur in her personality!]

[Dominance greatly expanded!]

[Target’s affection status rises to ‘Trust Level 1’!]

[Additional rewards available!]

[Conditions for the target’s exclusive quest are met!]

[Quest is now open!]

[Content has been added to the Gift tab!]

“…”

Well.

I expected it to rise, but.

What is all this?

●