Kendride (2)

The Goldic territory was a region primarily driven by miners. As such, these guys were unbelievable when it came to digging holes.

In other words, it wasnt difficult at all for Kraut and I to find a deep pit suitable for exchanging blows.

Any regrets?

Why are you talking to me like Im a dead man walking?

Well, actually, I understood why he said such a thing.

A similar confrontation happened with Gideon as well. Except this time, I had to actually trade blows with this Kraut.

If I was going to have regrets, I wouldnt have provoked you in the first place.

Kraut smirked before taking a step back.

It seemed like he was preparing for a direct attack.

U-Uh, Margrave

Call me Dad.

Father. Ill fight in your place, so!

Iliya.

Krauts gaze shifted towards Iliya, who was timidly speaking from outside the pit.

He had just asked her to call him Dad, showing that he truly doted on her, but it seemed like this was the one thing he couldnt concede on no matter what.

Huh, I never knew that human eyes could actually glitter like that.

Even Iliya, who had always been adamant about never backing down in any situation, turned as stiff as a board when she saw the brightness of the Margraves eyes.

Do not interfere.

Sometimes, you cant properly know others until you exchange blows with them. Even if you wont understand them deeply, its possible to sense what kind of person they are to a certain extent.

Although his theory practically smelled like sweat because, you know, he was a gym ra- No, I mean physical fitness lover I was grateful that he had such thoughts. It meant his mind wasnt just filled with thousands of ways to torment me.

Of course, even if he was up against an academy student like me, he still wouldnt pull back his blows. That didnt mean hed act irrationally, though.

Basically, he wasnt someone whod start ripping off peoples heads just because he didnt like them.

Lets set some rules before starting.

Just hearing these subsequent words made it evident that his action was, by all means, rational.

He smirked before continuing.

I wont kill you. Instead, if you lose consciousness, itll be your defeat.

On the other hand, if you can land even one hit on me properly, well call it quits. Got it?

On the surface, it seemed like he was being lenient.

But, in reality, it was a proposal that would elicit a bitter laugh.

His ceiling is lower than the Battle Priest from before, but

If Klein, the guy I beat before, was given two hours to buff himself with Graces, then it would be possible for him to become stronger than the Margrave.

After all, their distinctive trait was the ability to become endlessly stronger over time.

However, the Imperial Holy Knights, especially those in the same category as Kraut, had incredibly high base stats from the very beginning, though it came at the cost of their lack of the ability to become progressively stronger.

As such, their ceilings could be lower than that of Battle Priests, but their floors were unreasonably high.

And among those guys, the strongest of them all, Margrave Kendride

System Notification

[ Using Scan. ]

[ Gathering information on the target. ]

[ A 24-hour cooldown applies before reuse is available on the same target. ]

[ Kraut Bellium La Kendride ]

< Character Info >

Characteristic: Margrave of the North Ruler of the Snowfields

Status: Feeling heated up because he wants to give a beating to the kid in front of him.

< Status Info >

[ General ]

Strength: S+ ( 2x effect due to influence of Mastery )

Agility: S+ ( 2x effect due to influence of Mastery )

Endurance: S+ ( 2x effect due to influence of Mastery )

Luck: B

Power: S

[ Special ]

Magic Power: S

Law Power: F

Divine Power: S

[ Techniques ]

Unarmed Combat: SS+

Holy shit, is he even a human?

While he didnt charge at me seriously, the gap between us was like that between a rabbit and a bear. If I got careless, I could actually die.

Even Eleanor, who could be considered the standard of a strong body, was practically a walking living tank with her all S-Grade stats in Strength/Agility/Endurance.

However, not only were his stats higher than Eleanors, but it was also inflated by two times because of the influence of his Mastery.

And if that wasnt enough, his Unarmed Combat technique, practically made for close quarters, was right below EX-Grade. Basically, it was considered the highest level of Unarmed Combat in this worlds lore.

Honestly, theres no way I can even endure, much less resist.

It wasnt like this person was some academy student. Even with Swordsmans Focus, where I could deflect with perfect timing to avoid damage, it was impossible to face someone like him. All I could do was use all of Ultimas Built-In Skills to minimize the pain.

He probably knew about this level of difference when he set those rules. So, in essence, he was testing how much I could endure when he casually beat the shit out of me without using his full strength.

Yes. I accept.

As such, my nonchalant acceptance would be interpreted in one of two ways.

Either I was an idiot who didnt understand his implication.

Or I was a lunatic who had the biggest balls of steel known to mankind.

However, I have one condition as well.

Upon hearing this, he definitely saw me as the latter.

Go ahead and yap. Since your bravery is quite commendable, Ill listen to it.

If I win, please grant me one thing I desire.

Win? You?

Didnt you mention earlier that it would be my victory if I landed a proper hit?

He probably didnt realize what the rules were even though he said it himself.

After all, according to common sense, it was absolutely impossible for me to be the victor.

Kraut seemed to ponder for a moment. He was probably wondering what gave me the confidence to say such a thing.

Do as you wish. However.

But considering his personality, he would likely draw a straightforward conclusion.

I wont hold back, okay?

What was his conclusion? It was simple. He just needed to find out while beating the shit out of me.

As Kraut approached while cracking his knuckles, I finished checking my last preparations.

System Notification

[ Using Skill: Guidance. ]

Currently Available Techniques

Descent Wrath { Eleanor }

Tristan-Style Swordsmanship Zandatsu { Gideon }

What a beautifully arranged set of skills from the father-daughter duo.

However, this time, the situation called more for the father than the daughter.

System Notification

[ Activating Tristan-Style Swordsmanship Zandatsu through Skill: Guidance. ]

This was the skill I had confirmed through a system message before entering the castle earlier.

And if this person also properly understood my goal that I had told Gideon before

Then I could let this person know that I was neither of those interpretations.

I wasnt an idiot that couldnt understand his implications. And I also wasnt a lunatic that acted without any plans.

As always, this would end up hurting me really badly. I would probably get wrecked by him and tumble around a bit, but

At least I had the means to land a single hit on this person.

With those thoughts in mind

System Notification

[ A moment of danger has been detected.]

[ Determined the situation as life-threatening. ]

[ Skill: Desperation raised to EX-Grade. ]

Krauts body launched forward.

We have to stop this somehow. Anything!

In response to Iliyas desperate plea, Eleanor turned towards her with her arms crossed and an expressionless face.

He said that he would do it. How do you expect to stop him?

But still!

Iliyas gaze then turned back towards the pit.

In her vision, she could see Dowd, who was preparing to draw his sword, and Kraut, who was about to charge at him.

Theres no way he can be his opponent!

Iliya, who had been training with him continuously even before reaching adulthood, knew better than anyone how monstrous that person was.

As a Hero Candidate, the reason she feared no enemy was because she had always fought the most formidable and despicable human she knew.

He was someone who believed that his own body was carved with the will to carry out the wrath of Celestials. If that didnt sound crazy enough, he somehow managed to articulate this abstract and insane concept so that it sounded convincingly true.

At the very least, Iliya remembered that during her first training session with Margrave Kendride, he turned boulders that were several meters away into gravel while doing his warm-up exercises. All was done with his bare fists!

Since I cant stop this, Ill leave this place for a moment.

As Iliya was reminiscing with a shiver, Eleanor stood up while saying such words.

Huh? Where are you going?

If Dowd is making that expression, it means he had a plan when he chose to do this. He is not a man who does crazy things without knowing his own limits

However.

She continued after letting out a deep sigh.

Whenever he makes that expression, he usually ends up severely injured.

Eleanor was sure that she couldnt watch such a sight with a sane mind.

She would probably draw her sword and rush at Margrave Kendride.

If the Lady of the Tristan Duchy were to do such a thing, it would undoubtedly result in a terrible incident.

However, the political disaster and the resulting aftermath were merely secondary issues to her.

More than that

He probably doesnt want that from me and I refuse to do something he doesnt wish for.

Eleanor was sure that her interference was not necessary. After all, if he needed her, he wouldve requested her assistance in advance.

As such

I will go call for some medical assistance.

With that, Eleanor walked briskly into the castle.

Almost as if she couldnt bear to witness what would soon unfold.

Iliya stared blankly at her direction.

An indescribable heaviness pressed on her chest.

Ah.

Realization struck her suddenly.

Imjealous.

It was because compared to Dowd and herself, Eleanor and Dowd had a far stronger relationship of trust.

The Student Council President knew many more sides of Dowd that she could not even comprehend yet. Even without exchanging any words, they seemed to understand each others intentions deeply.

In contrast, when it came to her

Has she ever been of help to him?

Darkness clouded her expression as these thoughts surfaced.

In the midst of her contemplation.

-!

Kraut leaped towards Dowd.

The ground split open as if a bomb had exploded, and even from a distance, his body was so fast that it was merely a blur.

Iliyas traumas resurfaced as her face turned pale at this sight.

He was someone who could crush anything within seconds just by extending his fists So why did he have that much prowess when it came to closing in on his opponents? Did it even make sense to have that level of ability?

Iliya herself was considered to have outstanding agility and adaptability in combat. However, even she would not be able to react to such an attack, despite receiving countless beatings from him.

However

He was able to react to it!

Seeing Dowd draw his sword from its sheath, she clenched her fists tightly.

As expected of him.

Dowd always appeared quite feeble in his everyday life. He tired out easily even with minor activities.

However

Including Iliya, how many people had been deceived by such a facade?

In reality, during critical moments, that man had always displayed an astonishing level of strength.

But still!

Despite successfully reacting, his body was sent flying as soon as the Margraaves fist clashed with his drawn sword.

It was as if he had directly received a charge from some giant beast.

Although the distance between them widened several meters in an instant, for Margrave Kendride, it was a distance he could catch up to without even needing to take a breath.

Kraut constantly charged at Dowd, who had bounced off, before swinging his fist once more.

This continued. With each strike, Dowds body rolled around like a ball.

Surprisingly, despite the gap of strength between them, Dowd was enduring well. Despite accumulating cuts and bruises, he had managed to avoid any decisive blows.

Even considering the fact that Margrave Kendride was holding back, Dowd was fighting so well that it was almost like witnessing a miracle.

Youre nothing much. Were you that arrogant with just this?

However

Iliya became more tense instead as she looked down.

On Krauts face, disappointment was clearly visible.

If Dowd wanted to impress the Margrave, continuing to curl up like a turtle would only get him the opposite result. During Iliyas training sessions, that man always emphasized to fight back.

Fine. Lets see how long you can hold out.

His attack became more aggressive.

No backbone. No spirit. No will. Are you even a man?

From then on, Dowd, who had barely been holding his ground, continued to accumulate injuries. His arms and legs became twisted, bruises formed, and skin peeled.

I cannot for the life of me understand why my daughter had to suffer because of a bastard like you.

A sigh accompanied such words. Now, Krauts eyes even held a tinge of disdain.

Dowd was still catching his breath. He was covered in so many wounds that he looked like he had been through a blender.

Lets just end this. Theres nothing more for me to se

Before I finish this, theres something I need to say.

Dowd coughed and spat out a bit of blood as he opened his mouth.

Stop acting like an old-timer, Margrave.

What?

Do you even know what age were in? Whats with your outdated attitude? Who even monitors their daughters friends anymore? Even parents who had lost their minds wouldnt go that far.

A laugh of disbelief escaped Kraut.

So, let me tell you the wish Id make if I win. Leave Iliya entirely in my hands. Ill make sure you never regret such a choice.

Iliyas face turned bright red, her mouth agape.

What? That man?

What the fuck was he saying?

No, putting that aside, why was he talking about winning and wishes in his current state?!

Kraut remained silent as his expression turned ice cold.

Killing intent oozed from all over his body.

Even entertaining you has become tiresome. A bastard with all bark and no bite is utterly disgusting.

With that, he walked toward Dowd with a sigh.

The speed was noticeably slower than before, but the hostility in his movements was incomparable compared to before.

Almost as if

He genuinely intended to kill his opponent.

You should live while lying down for the time being. Dont approach Iliya again.

A blue mark ran along the Margraves arm as it burned with light.

The patented ability of Holy Knights specialized in Unarmed Combat: Materialization of Fortitude. His body, which was already a lethal weapon in itself, exuded an even more murderous aura.

And in the moment that fist struck, aiming directly at Dowds head

!

Chills ran down Iliyas arm as goosebumps rose.

Because at that very moment, the battered Dowd suddenly lifted his head. And the expressions on his face

Was an expression she knew very well.

That was

Dowds face when he pulled out his card.

-

The first second.

Dowd extended his right arm, enveloped in a shield of divine power, towards the fist swung by the Margrave. Obviously, it was a futile effort. In an instant, the shield shattered into pieces as the Margraves fists reached Dowds right arm.

It was not a clash of bodies. Rather, Dowds entire right arm was split as if a huge broadsword had embedded into it. From the torn body, blood spurted out like a fountain, spraying in all directions.

However, thanks to that. Thanks to sacrificing his entire body.

The physical force distinctly contained in the fist was significantly reduced. It could be due, in part, to the Margrave being surprised by the sudden turn of events and slowing down the speed of his fist.

Because of this, there was a momentary gap.

The next second.

Dowd pulled away that very arm while drawing his left arm, the arm holding the sword.

After taking a step back and creating enough space to swing his sword.

[ Tristan-Style Swordsmanship Zandatsu ]

!!!!!!!!!!

A single blow containing a massive shockwave struck deeply into Krauts body.

Inside the deeply dug pit, another crater formed. After getting hit by the sword, the Margraves body flew away just like how Dowd had been flung around like a ball so far.

Almost as if

All the blows he had dealt to Dowd were returned all at once.

Consciousness, intact. One blow, dealt.

While covered in blood, with his completely limp right arm dangling onto his body like a rag

I won, right?

Dowd Campbell smirked faintly.

The first thought I had

It fucking hurts. It actually hurts like a bitch. Fuck.

It felt like a chunk of flesh was connected to the right sight of my body instead of an arm. It was to the extent where my brain outright refused to send commands to the motor neurons in it.

The second thought I had.

< Skill Info >

Skill: Tristan-Style Swordsmanship Zandatsu

Grade: S

Description: Reduces 60% of damage when defending against an opponents attack with a sword. Accumulates damage received from the opponent. The accumulated damage is stacked and added to the next attack when the skill is activated. The effect is amplified as the users health decreases.

If I didnt have this, I would be dead.

Even though Ultimas Built-In Skill was heavily invested into endurance and divine power stats, every single attack from Kraut shook my bones and made my organs tremble.

Eleanors father, thank you!

I will definitely repay this favor!

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

Although there wasnt any substantial damage, it seemed like the fact that he allowed me to strike him was incomprehensible to him.

I will not ask what method you used. After all, it is common to have a hidden card. Even I have one.

The voice that followed was soaked with those very thoughts.

How were you able to go to such lengths?

Huh?

Caught off guard by the unexpected question, I blinked my eyes as Kraut continued with an expression of absurd disbelief.

Even I would not be able to come up with such extreme combat methods. Even the barbarians in the north, who are crazy about training and fighting, dont engage in such suicidal antics.

Huh Really?

I guess Ive been getting hurt so often while rolling around recently that my senses in that regard became a bit dulled.

Like, wasnt it kind of a bargain if only my entire right arm was blown away?

In other words

Kraut chucked and got up.

That is more than enough reason to keep Iliya near you.

With that, a window appeared in front of me.

System Message

[ The favorability level of the target Kraut has been elevated to Curiosity Level 5! ]

[ Reward has been reduced due to the Good disposition of the target! ]

I could finally let out a sigh of relief.

This much should be enough to say that I had gained quite a bit of recognition from him. To put it simply, I had managed to accomplish the intended goal.

Like Gideon, Kraut was someone who could have a significant impact on the main story if I maintained a good relationship with him. The difference between having his assistance and not was huge when finding the Holy Sword in Chapter 4.

Im just letting you know in advance, but I havent fully acknowledg

Ah, just drop it already. A man shouldnt whine after losing so miserably.

Sure, I had one arm completely shattered while rolling around, but I made such a comeback because I wanted to have the last word.

Sighing internally, I looked outside the pit.

Iliya was staring blankly at me.

It kinda looked like something had possessed her.

She shouldve undergone some change as well, right?

Anyway, she, along with Eleanor, was someone I had to carry through the scenario until the very end. With utmost importance.

That was why I asked for such a wish from Kraut. If he couldnt help me, at the very least he shouldnt hinder me.

Thus, it resulted in a situation where I had fought this hard and got this hurt for her.

I also had the intention to lift her spirits a bit because recently, she seemed way too upset because of me. Hopefully this would improve her moo

System Message

[ Checking the state of Negative Mark Stacks on the target Iliya! ]

[ From a state of Despair, she has been charmed by your appearance! ]

[ All harmful effects of Negative Marks are lifted ]

[ Significant changes occur in her personality! ]

[ Dominance over target has explosively increased! ]

[ The targets favorability level has been elevated to Trust Level 1! ]

[ Additional rewards available! ]

[ Conditions for the targets Exclusive Quest have been met! ]

[ Quest is now available! ]

[ Relevant content is added to the Gift Tab! ]

Yeah, okay.

I expected it to increase, but

What the fuck is all this?

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