Ch.8686. Friendly Match (2)

# 10 Minutes After the Duel Began

Badel was feeling genuine terror.

“Aren’t you going to use a weapon?”

“That would end things too quickly.”

He recalled their exchange when they first entered the duel.

Indeed, Badel had never used weapons in previous matches. From start to finish, he had beaten his opponents with his bare fists.

He enjoyed watching them suffer in prolonged agony.

“Really? You’re going to beat me with your bare hands?”

“…”

“Awesome.”

Thinking back on it.

He should have been wary from the moment the other’s face lit up upon hearing those words.

“…Are you insane?”

Thanks to his lack of caution, now his voice trembled as those words escaped his lips.

The difference in skill was overwhelming. He had chosen this man precisely because he seemed weak enough to torment slowly.

But.

-!

A heavy punch landed squarely on Darwood’s jaw. Badel could feel the impact through his hand. His seasoned combat instincts told him clearly.

This was a blow that would knock any human unconscious. The punch to the jaw would rattle the brain.

However.

This man wouldn’t fall.

Just as he hadn’t countless times before.

After staggering back a step or two, he simply cracked his neck and trudged back toward Badel as if nothing had happened.

“Ah, that felt good.”

Goosebumps ran up Badel’s arm at the voice that genuinely seemed to be enjoying this.

“…Let’s end the duel. You should go to the infirmary for treatment-“

“Why stop?”

At the tone that showed genuine incomprehension, Badel took a step back.

It was an instinctive movement.

‘…Did I, against an Imperial dog, retreat in battle?’

As soon as he realized this fact, his expression contorted with fury.

More sadistic violence rained down on Darwood. The blows were powerful enough to make one pity that they were directed at a single person.

Darwood’s body was tossed around. Flesh tore and blood sprayed like a fountain.

But.

“…You chose well. I like this.”

Even now.

In a state half-resembling a corpse, he was still grinning.

“…”

Badel’s face began turning deathly pale.

If this had been a weak person stubbornly refusing to give up, he might have welcomed it. There would have been a certain satisfaction in thoroughly crushing such a person.

But this man.

He was genuinely “enjoying” this situation where he was being one-sidedly beaten.

As if he were gaining some tremendous benefit from it!

“Again.”

As he muttered this and walked toward Badel, terror finally settled in Badel’s eyes.

What on earth was he doing?

Was this even a proper duel?

Was this man even human?

“…Stay away.”

“Why? That last one felt good. One more-“

“I said stay away-!”

With a deathly pale face, Badel backed away, trying to reach for a red button placed at one edge of the stage.

Pressing this would likely count as surrender.

Normally he would never have pressed it, but facing this incomprehensible monster of a man made momentary humiliation seem preferable.

But there was someone who grabbed his arm with blood-dripping hands.

“No.”

Darwood spoke with an urgent voice.

His eyes held an even greater desperation.

“No, don’t do that. You can still keep going, right? You said you’d beat me until time ran out?”

“…”

Seeing Darwood clutching his arm with an almost pathetic smile made Badel’s face turn even paler.

While not normally a face that would inspire fear, its complete incongruity with the situation was extremely effective at driving Badel half-mad.

“You can do it. You’re still fine. I’m the one getting beaten, so why are you surrendering? Are you joking?”

“Eek…!”

“Keep your promise. Please. I’m begging you.”

“Get away…!”

In the end.

Badel could only press the surrender button while letting out a shrill scream.

#

“Hmm…”

While my opponent runs away trembling as if he’d seen a ghost, I can’t hide the disappointment on my face.

It’s truly a shame.

< System Log >

[ You exchanged blows with an opponent displaying excellent fighting skills! ]

[ New movement set added to ‘Trait: Fighting Technique – Standing Style’! ]

[ You exchanged blows with an opponent displaying excellent fighting skills! ]

[ New movement set added to ‘Trait: Fighting Technique – Standing Style’! ]

[ You exchanged blows with an opponent displaying excellent fighting skills! ]

[ New movement set added to ‘Trait: Fighting Technique – Standing Style’! ]

.

.

.

< System Log >

[ You successfully continued combat despite serious injuries! ]

[ Proficiency in ‘Trait: Iron Man’ increases. ]

[ You successfully continued combat despite serious injuries! ]

[ Proficiency in ‘Trait: Iron Man’ increases. ]

[ You successfully continued combat despite serious injuries! ]

[ Proficiency in ‘Trait: Iron Man’ increases. ]

.

.

.

He seemed to be quite skilled.

Just standing there and getting hit was enough to stack two trait proficiencies. That’s only possible when fighting a fairly strong opponent.

I think I could have gained even more if I’d continued getting hit, but for some reason he suddenly ran away, which is disappointing.

< System Message >

[ Target ‘Elnore’ is extremely angry that Badel dared to hit you. ]

[ She harbors intense hatred toward the target! ]

“…”

Thanks to that, I’m now more likely to be troubled by this person who’s watching me.

Such a message wouldn’t appear if she weren’t observing me.

Badel, why did you run away…!

You said you’d face me until time ran out…!

“That Badel ran away in fear…!”

“I can’t believe the Empire has such an insane lunatic…!”

“What an admirably deranged madman…!”

“…”

The whispers of the Tribal Union students around me stab into my heart.

Why are you all talking like that?

‘…Anyway, let me check what I gained first.’

Even if I tried to find Elnore, she wouldn’t appear. Better to see what I’ve earned.

< Mastery Info >

[ Trait: Iron Man ] [ Grade: Basic ]

[ Current Proficiency: 88% ]

[ The warriors of the Tribal Union constantly push themselves to extreme situations to develop their coping abilities. It’s extremely dangerous, but the effects are certain. ]

[ ■ Increases resistance to various injuries and pain. Reduces the degree of pain and allows for easier movement even when severely injured. ]

[ ■ Effects are proportional to the Endurance stat. ]

First, a trait whose proficiency I gained by getting brutally beaten.

Even now, with just simple first aid kit treatment and bandages, my wounds are visibly healing.

Unless the medicine is exceptionally good, normally I would have had to spend all my remaining points at the point shop to buy an expensive potion after taking a beating like that.

And most importantly,

‘It didn’t hurt that much?’

The effect of “reducing the degree of pain” written here.

It’s much more useful than I expected.

If properly honed, it could become one of the core abilities of this chapter.

The pain I felt while getting hit just now wasn’t that severe either.

[…Even with such an ability, most people wouldn’t choose to get beaten up like that?]

“It was bearable though?”

[Weren’t you asking me how to endure pain not too long ago?]

People grow.

[In your case, it’s not growth but increasing insanity?]

“…”

Shut up.

Ignoring Calivan, I check the other trait.

< Mastery Info >

[ Trait: Fighting Technique – Standing Style ]

[ These are efficient movements honed by a boxer with genius sensibilities throughout his lifetime. Despite not being fully complete, they can demonstrate tremendous power! ]

[ ■ Receive strength bonus in unarmed combat. ]

[ ■ Receive agility bonus for evasive movements in unarmed state. ]

[ ■ Various movements included in this fighting style can be unlocked through practice. ]

[ New movement unlocked! ]

[ Progress to completion: 10% ]

This is more important than the Iron Man trait.

I mean the “progress to completion” in the last sentence.

It’s not for nothing that the trait description mentions it’s not fully complete. This is a style that even Kasa couldn’t fully complete.

“…”

And only by completing it fully can I lead the conclusion of Chapter 3 in the direction I want.

The final “enemy” of Chapter 3 cannot be defeated with weapons.

I’ll need to keep working hard.

[ Updating current standings. ]

As I was thinking this, such a message appeared on the stadium’s electronic board.

It seems to display which side received higher “scores” in this friendly duel.

The scoring system gives higher points to the side that showed a “better fight,” considering various complex factors.

Even a weaker person can be rated higher than their opponent if they held up well against someone much stronger.

I check from the bottom up.

I just need to be in the top 3…

[ 1st Place – Riru Garda ]

[ 2nd Place – Elia Krisanax ]

[ 3rd Place – Darwood Campbell ]

I barely made it.

Considering the difference in combat power between that guy and myself with Absolute Crisis turned off, just getting him to surrender was enough to score highly.

‘…Riru made it too.’

Given her combat power, it’s natural, but this person must definitely place in the rankings. That’s how the “main quest” progresses.

I look at the rest of the rankings flowing down.

I don’t care about the others, but.

[ 4th Place – Faynol Leiphec ]

Seeing the name right below mine makes me frown involuntarily.

Come to think of it, he does come as an exchange student for story progression. Not someone I want to encounter, though.

He’s a key figure in Chapter 4 and the “core” of the Inquisition that I’m trying so hard to avoid.

The problem is.

< System Message >

[ Target ‘Faynol Leiphec’ is interested in you. A related event will be generated soon! ]

[ Upon contact with the target, ‘Inquisition – Special Interaction’ received as a clear bonus for ‘Boss: Boy King’ will be immediately unlocked! ]

[ The application of ‘Skill: Fatal Charm’ is impossible on this target! ]

Such a message popped up as soon as I saw that name.

I can’t help but frown.

If my memory is correct, Faynol is definitely a villain. And with high probability, a villain related to demons.

Yet the Fatal Charm skill, which has been skipping all process and plausibility to smash through everything until now, is completely inapplicable?

“…”

If that’s the case, the importance of the “related event” mentioned here skyrockets.

Considering his personality, this skill was a minimum insurance. If it’s inapplicable, there’s a very high chance I’ll fall into some kind of “danger” as soon as I meet him.

‘…I’ll worry about that later.’

When have I ever worried about such things?

I don’t have enough information to deal with it anyway. The system doesn’t even tell me when the event will open.

For things where thinking doesn’t yield solutions, it’s best to think about them after they happen.

I sigh and get up from my seat.

Because.

[ The friendly duel event is now concluded. ]

[ Students who placed in the top 3 are requested to gather at the Hall of Honor. There will be an award ceremony. ]

Such an announcement followed.

It’s time to use the token Riru received from Luca. I also need to secure Endurance stats to supplement my constantly injured and exploding body.

In other words, it’s reward time.

< System Message >

[ Target ‘Elnore’s corruption value increases by 10%. ]

[ Target is in ‘Suspicious’ state. Corruption value is applied threefold! ]

[ Target’s corruption value is now near 100%! Possibility of fragment ‘Rampage’ emerges! ]

“…”

I’ll need to resolve this somehow.

The “Rampage” of a fragment mentioned here is not an event that can be easily witnessed. Even exceeding 100%, at most it would only allow “manifestation” through the vessel, not “rampage.”

In terms of numbers, it would probably need to exceed 200% to even show the possibility?

‘However.’

Once it erupts, the destructive power is incomparable.

A fragment’s rampage is just… on a different level.

It’s a perfect demonstration of why a Demonic Vessel can single-handedly bring about the end of the world if things go wrong.

Of course, as I mentioned earlier, it’s also an extremely rare event. It’s something you’d only see in important main scenario events.

‘…Well, that won’t happen.’

It’s not like I’m going to deliberately irritate Elnore there.

Right?

#

The Hall of Honor is a place created at the very top of the dome-shaped structure of the Crucible of Struggle, designed to give special meaning to honoring glory.

Thanks to this, one can clearly see the sea surrounding the academy, which is normally difficult to view.

And there, High Priestess Tatiana was greeting the three students with her usual squinted eyes.

Riru Garda. Elia Krisanax. And me.

Everyone observing this from around us has dissatisfied expressions. There’s a prevalent belief that Imperial personnel should never be able to come up here, no matter how many years pass.

“…”

I inwardly smile bitterly.

As was briefly visible during the duel event, the Crucible of Struggle generally looks down on and dismisses Elphante. That’s the prevailing attitude.

‘…Though that makes some things possible.’

I look forward, recalling what I’m going to request here.

Tatiana’s gaze swept over me and the two women on either side.

“I’ve heard you all achieved excellent results. At the Crucible of Struggle, rewards always follow those who excel in combat where blood is directly exchanged with blood.”

This is a tradition of the Tribal Union that has been passed down. Especially the practice of always giving one reward to those who achieve outstanding results in “fighting.”

“Let’s hear what the first place winner wants first, shall we?”

As her gaze settled on Riru, the expressions of the spectators around us hardened.

Various slanders and contemptuous remarks could be heard in whispers.

“…So the prodigal has returned. I heard she challenged the Great Chieftain’s clan first and got her clan exterminated in return?”

“I don’t know why she’s returned to this land, but she’ll at least learn one lesson. We don’t welcome trash like her.”

The Tribal Union’s assessment of Riru is that she’s a “coward” or “the lowest human scum.”

First, the reason Kasa Garda and Allan Va-Thor fought was because Riru “couldn’t control herself and picked a fight with them.”

Second, the publicly stated reason for the Garda clan’s extermination was that Riru committed “cheating” during the duel between clan leaders.

“…”

Of course, knowing the inside story, I would find it nauseating to summarize the situation like that.

It was all planned by the squinty-eyed woman standing right in front of us.

“…Let me enter my clan’s ‘territory’.”

Riru spat out the words to Tatiana.

I was worried she might rush at Tatiana and pick a fight, but fortunately, she seems to have realized that wouldn’t be wise after I warned her earlier.

“There are things I haven’t finished.”

Her words immediately triggered intense reactions from the surroundings.

“The shame of our Union!”

“The spirits of the dead warriors will curse you! How dare you try to set foot in the space of those who died because of you!”

People who had been quietly whispering behind backs until now were now shouting with bloodshot eyes and bulging throats.

What Riru just said, from their perspective, is like a bastard who got their family killed through their own fault asking to step on their homeland one more time.

“Luca Han-Chai of the Hairul Mountains guarantees my right. It’s the chieftain’s authority.”

Ignoring the reactions around her, Riru held up Luca’s dream catcher that I had tied for her. The voices that had been erupting seemed to diminish instantly as people recognized what it was.

A chieftain’s authority in the Tribal Union carries prestige almost equivalent to the Imperial royal family. Even if people have complaints, they’re not allowed to voice them freely.

“Very well.”

“…?”

However.

Even taking that into account,

Tatiana’s ready agreement seemed to surprise even Riru herself, who widened her eyes slightly.

She probably expected all sorts of dirty and petty interference, since Tatiana was the one who had her clan exterminated.

“…”

And I feel the same way.

I narrow my eyes and glare at Tatiana.

Someone like her would definitely understand what it means for Riru to enter her clan’s space.

The biggest hint for killing the “ancient being” she serves is there.

I expected her to create all sorts of obstacles, but.

“Then, what does second place want?”

“…Um.”

Elia looked around awkwardly.

She seems uncomfortable with the hostile atmosphere.

“…Could I think about it and tell you later? I’m not sure what to ask for.”

“As you wish.”

She probably made this timid choice feeling she’d be criticized no matter what she requested, but Tatiana readily agreed this time too.

It’s not a proposal she couldn’t accommodate anyway.

“And you?”

“…Can I think about it a bit more too?”

Originally, I do have several requests ready. Like access rights to the Crucible of Struggle’s “workshop” that must be visited at least once in the game. Or permission to enter Riru’s territory with her for my Endurance stat.

But somehow, this person’s demeanor seems off.

Starting with how she accepted Riru’s proposal without objection.

“As you wish.”

“…”

Seeing her readily agree like that made my eyes narrow further.

What are you plotting?

While I was thinking this.

Tatiana stepped down from the podium and stood in front of me.

The people around are looking at her as if wondering what she’s doing.

“Especially for you, Darwood Campbell, I don’t mind any request.”

Receiving all those gazes, Tatiana continued with her usual smiling expression.

She comes closer to me. As if trying to whisper something.

“After all, you’re going to die here anyway.”

Simultaneously.

A green light begins to flicker from the necklace she’s wearing.

I could immediately understand what it meant.

Without needing any verbal explanation.

I notice a large area of the “sea” near the dome-shaped Crucible of Struggle beginning to churn.

It moves rhythmically in time with the flickering of her necklace.

An extremely.

‘Ominous’ movement.

Tatiana’s squinted eyes open slightly.

“I’ve heard you’re the type to plan everything and prepare in advance, Darwood Campbell.”

“That’s your weakness.”

Malice seeps into my ear.

She comes closer and gently embraces me. The people around seem slightly surprised by this sudden action, but she doesn’t care at all.

“If I summon that, everyone here will die. Including me, with high probability.”

The madness flowing from her slightly opened eyes is dizzying.

The confusion characteristic of a lunatic dissolved in her muttering tone adds to that feeling.

“But this time I’ve just been waiting for you to come outside the academy ‘structure’.”

“You probably didn’t expect me to act so recklessly.”

“The Luminary ordered me to kill you with all my might, so I will burn everything to kill you right here-“

As she continued speaking.

“Hey. Shut up.”

“…”

I urgently interrupt Tatiana.

Her expression momentarily goes blank.

But I don’t have time to care about that.

“I get it, you want to kill me, you’ve prepared some trump card, I understand all that!”

She seems immersed in her own world, having crafted some tremendous plan.

But what I need to focus on first isn’t that.

“Please let go of me!”

I try to break free from Tatiana who is tightly “embracing” me.

“…”

Sadly, it’s not working.

Even though she’s not a combat class, Tatiana is still a final boss of a chapter.

Her physical abilities must be far superior to mine.

My struggles seem to be no more effective than a crawling insect.

“…Teacher, what are you doing?”

Even Elia asked with a voice of disbelief from the side.

But I’m serious.

“You said there’s a high chance you’ll die too if you summon that! That means there’s a chance you could survive!”

Beyond serious, I’m genuinely dizzy with urgency.

I rapidly fire words at the blank-faced Tatiana.

“If you don’t let go right now, even that low survival chance will be completely-!”

However.

Before I could complete that sentence.

< System Message >

[ Target ‘Elnore’ loses her mind with rage seeing you rubbing against yet another woman! ]

[ Target is in ‘Suspicious’ state! ]

[ Target’s corruption value increases threefold! ]

[ Target ‘Elnore’s corruption value exceeds 300%. ]

[ Target enters ‘Rampage’ state! ]

[ Expected damage range is the entire ‘Crucible of Struggle’! ]

[ Survival probability is 0%! ]

“…Fuck.”

Along with my curse, such a message popped up.

-…

Everything around.

Began to break.

“…Huh. Huh?”

“W-what’s happening?”

Such murmurs began to flow from around us.

These people have also instinctively realized that “something” is happening.

First second.

Gray energy shoots up in all directions. Everything gradually slows down. Just as it always did when the Gray Demon manifested.

“…”

However.

A demon’s “rampage” doesn’t end with just that.

Second second.

The world splits apart.

“W-what?!”

“Holy-!”

Screams erupt in all directions.

As if someone had cut this dome-shaped sphere in half with a giant blade, space grotesquely refracts and stretches, splitting the entire building.

This massive building, built up over thousands and tens of thousands of years by countless humans.

One of the continent’s finest architectural achievements, incorporating the world’s highest level of technology, so pathetically.

Without any defensive facilities, fields, or even the Lightbearer’s barrier making any difference.

In just one second.

Split in half.

And collapsed.

—-!!!!!!!!

-!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My ears are deafened by the sound of the collapsing building. Even people screaming until their throats tear are drowned out by the sound of the entire dome splitting.

In this scene of massive destruction, some people are stunned, others are crying ungracefully, and quite a few have completely lost consciousness.

“…This, is insane…!”

Amidst this hellscape, I frantically turn my head to find the culprit who caused this disaster.

I quickly find what I was looking for. It’s Elnore, who was somehow mixed in with the crowd.

And as soon as I see her appearance.

I realize the most chilling fact.

This entire situation is not something Elnore “deliberately” caused.

It’s literally just that the subject causing this is merely breathing, and the world is collapsing because it cannot contain that existence.

There is no hostility in any of these actions.

How do I know?

“…”

Elnore’s eyes, dyed redder than blood, prove this fact.

〚…I let it go once. In Riru Garda’s case, I could step back a hundred times and think it was my misunderstanding.〛

Right here, right now.

〚But twice. I absolutely cannot.〛

The person Elnore truly “wants to harm.”

The person who can exert such power just by standing still, who will now pour all her effort into targeting.

〚Who is that woman, Darwood?〛

Is none other than me.