Friendly Duel (2)

After ten minutes into the duel

Badel was feeling a genuine terror.

Wont you be using any weapons?

If I use something like that, itll be over too quickly.

He recalled the short question and answer session they engaged in when they started the duel.

Badel had actually never used a weapon in any of the previous duels he had been in. From start to finish, he had always used his bare fists to pummel his opponents.

After all, his preference was to enjoy watching his opponents suffer in agony.

Really? Youll beat me with your bare fists?

Nice. Thats great.

In hindsight

He shouldve been more cautious from the moment his opponents face brightened up at those words.

Have you gone crazy, you bastard?

And due to that carelessness, he was stuck in the present time, muttering those words with a trembling voice.

The difference in their abilities were overwhelming. That was why he had chosen to duel with this man in the first place, so that he could slowly and leisurely torment him.

However

-!

His fist landed squarely on Dowds jaw. That fact was undoubtedly true, even his skilled combat senses were informing him so.

As long as they were human, that blow would be enough to make them collapse. After all, receiving a fist to the jaw would undoubtedly rattle ones brain.

However

This man refused to fall.

Just like how it was countless times now.

He staggered back a step or two, then nonchalantly cracked his neck before walking back towards him.

Ah, that was good.

The voice, that seemed to say he was genuinely enjoying it, made shivers run down Badels arm.

Why dont we stop the duel here? You should go to the infirmary and get treat

Why?

His tone, which sounded like he genuinely didnt understand what Badel was talking about, made the latter take a step back.

It was an instinctive movement.

Did I just take a step back? During a duel against a bastard of the Empire?

As soon as he realized this truth, his face contorted tightly.

Harsher blows rained down on Dowd. Each blow held so much force that it made anyone who was watching them end up pitying the poor guy getting pummeled.

Dowds body was thrown around in all directions. Flesh jutted out and blood spurted like a fountain.

However

I chose my opponent well. Nice.

This time as well

Even though he was practically in a half-dead state, he let out a laugh.

Badels face was gradually turning pale.

If it had just been a weakling putting on airs, he would have welcomed it. After all, he felt a certain satisfaction in thoroughly crushing such a person.

But, with this bastard

He was genuinely enjoying a situation where he was being unilaterally beaten.

Almost as if he had received some tremendous gain!

Again.

At the sight of Dowd muttering as such while walking towards him, Badels eyes couldnt help but fill with terror.

What in the world am I doing right now?

In the first place, is this even a duel?

No, is this bastard even a human?

Dont come anycloser.

Why? That blow just now was good. One more ti

I said dont come closer!

With a completely pale face, Badel staggered back and tried to press a red button that was placed on the stage.

If he pressed it, the duel would probably be declared over by surrender.

Normally, he would never press it, but compared to facing this somewhat monster of a man, he thought that a brief humiliation would be better.

However, a hand dripping blood grabbed him.

No.

Dowd spoke urgently.

There was a desperate anxiety in his eyes that went beyond his already frantic voice.

No, dont do that. You can still do more, right? Didnt you say youll beat me until the time is up?

At Dowds almost subservient smile as he held Badels arms, Badels face turned even paler.

Normally, it wasnt the kind of face that he should be scared of. But, how out of place his face was managed to make Badel almost go insane.

You can do it. Youre still full of energy. Why are you the one surrendering when Im the one getting beaten the shit out of? Are you fucking with me right now?

Hieek!

Keep your promise. Please. Im begging you.

Go away!

In the end

With a shrill scream, Badel had no choice but to press the surrender button.

Mmm

As my opponent ran while shivering, as if he had seen a ghost, I could only watch him with a saddened expression.

It was such a shame.

System Log

[ Engaged in combat with an opponent who used remarkable Fighting Arts! ]

[ A new set of movements will be added to Mastery: Fighting Arts Stance ! ]

[ Engaged in combat with an opponent who used remarkable Fighting Arts! ]

[ A new set of movements will be added to Mastery: Fighting Arts Stance ! ]

[ Engaged in combat with an opponent who used remarkable Fighting Arts! ]

[ A new set of movements will be added to Mastery: Fighting Arts Stance ! ]

.

.

.

System Log

[ Successfully continued the battle despite serious injuries! ]

[ Proficiency of Mastery: Iron Man increased. ]

[ Successfully continued the battle despite serious injuries! ]

[ Proficiency of Mastery: Iron Man increased. ]

[ Successfully continued the battle despite serious injuries! ]

[ Proficiency of Mastery: Iron Man increased. ]

.

.

.

He really wasnt half-bad.

By just standing there while getting beaten was enough to stack up the proficiencies of two of the Masteries. This was something that would only be possible if I were to face up against a fairly formidable foes.

If only he could continue on for a little longer Too bad he suddenly ran away for some reason

System Message

[ Target Eleanor is extremely furious at the fact that target Badel dared to strike you. ]

[ She radiates intense hatred toward the target! ]

Because of that, the chances of this person harassing me had increased. Moreover, she was still spying on me.

After all, if they hadnt been watching me, this window wouldnt have popped up.

Badel, why did you run away!

You said you would keep fighting me until the time runs out!

That Badel got scared and ran away!

I cant believe the Empire has an insane motherfucker like him!

He is such a madman that I cant help but be impressed!

The murmurs and glances of the Tribal Alliance students nearby pierced my heart.

Why are you guys saying those things? Its hurtful.

Anyway, lets check the important things.

Eleanor wouldnt come out even if I tried to find her anyway. I might as well just see what I had gained instead.

[ Mastery Info ]

Mastery: Iron Man

Grade: Basic

Proficiency: 88%

Description: Warriors of the Tribal Alliance repeatedly put themselves in extreme situations in order to constantly train their ability to react to such situations. It is very risky, but effective.

[ Endurance to various injuries and pain is increased. Reduces the intensity of pain and allows for easier movement even when severely injured. ]

[ Effects are proportional to the Endurance stat. ]

First, the one Mastery that I gained proficiency in after getting beaten like a dog.

Even though I had only used a simple first aid kit to apply some medicine and wrap some bandages, my wounds were healing at a noticeable speed.

Unless the medicine was unbelievably excellent, if I had taken this much damage, I would usually have to empty my remaining points to buy an expensive potion from the Point Store.

And, more importantly

It doesnt really hurt, though?

The effect written here said it reduced the intensity of pain.

But, it was a lot more impactful than I expected.

If I practiced and refined it well enough, it could become one of my trump cards in this chapter.

The pain that I actually felt when I got beaten the shit out of wasnt that severe, you know?

[You do realize that even with such an ability, people normally dont think of getting beaten up that much, right?]

It wasnt bad, though? I can endure it easily.

[Are you still the same guy who asked me about how to endure pain not too long ago?]

I mean, people grow and become more mature over time.

[Isnt it more correct to say that youre gradually becoming crazier rather than growing or maturing?]

Shut up.

Ignoring Caliban, I checked my other Mastery.

[ Mastery Info ]

Mastery: Fighting Arts Stance

Description: Efficient movements honed for a lifetime by a brawler with gifted insight. It can exert tremendous power even though it has not been fully perfected!

[ Receives Strength adjustment in combat when unarmed. ]

[ Receives Agility adjustment for evasive movements in combat when unarmed. ]

[ Through practice, various movements included in this Fighting Arts can be unlocked. ]

[ New movements unlocked! ]

[ Perfection Progress: 10% ]

This was more important than the Iron Man Mastery.

Especially the words Perfection Progress in the last sentence.

It wasnt for no reason that the Mastery description stated it wasnt perfected yet. After all, it was a style that even Kasa hadnt been able to perfect.

And to lead Chapter 3 to my desired outcome, I had to perfect this in its entirety.

After all, the final enemy in Chapter 3 could never be defeated with a weapon.

I should keep working hard.

[ Updating the current status. ]

While I was thinking as such, a message appeared on the electronic notice board inside the stadium.

It seemed it was boosting the rankings of people who had currently earned a higher score in this Friendly Duel.

Scoring factored in various complex elements to give a higher score to the person that showcased a better fight.

If a weaker opponent held their ground well against a much stronger one, the former would actually receive a higher score than the latter.

For now, I checked through this scoring system, starting from the very bottom.

I just needed to secure a place within the top three

[ 1st Riru Garda ]

[ 2nd Iliya Krisanax ]

[ 3rd Dowd Campbell ]

I barely made it.

Given the difference between my combat power without Desperation and that guys, the fact that I made him surrender meant that I would score incredibly high.

Riru made it as well.

Although this was an obvious outcome, considering her combat power, it still needed to be said that she had to be within the top ranks. It was necessary for the progression of the Main Quest.

And I continued to look at the ranks below the top three.

Everything else looked fine, but

[ 4th Faenol Lipek ]

As soon as I saw the name right below mine, my brows instantly furrowed.

Come to think of it, she had also come as an exchange student, purely for the sake of story progression. That girl wasnt someone I particularly wanted to run into though.

She was a key character in Chapter 4 and the central core of the Heretic Inquisition that I was trying so hard to evade.

The problem was

System Message

[ Target Faenol Lipek has taken an interest in you. A related event will be generated soon! ]

[ Upon contact with the target, the benefit, Heretic Inquisition Special Interaction, received from clearing Boss: Boy King will be unlocked immediately! ]

[ Skill: Fatal Charm cannot be applied to the target! ]

As soon as I saw her name, this window popped up.

My eyes squinted instinctively.

If my memories were correct, Faenol undoubtedly had the role of an antagonist. Moreover, she was a villain that was highly likely to be related to a Devil.

However, how was it that the system, which had always skipped over all process and coherence and just slapped Fatal Charm on anyone, didnt even consider to slap that thing on her?

If that was the case, the importance of the related event written here would skyrocket.

Considering her personality, that skill was the bare minimum of insurance I could get. If the system couldnt apply it on her, that meant I would be in some kind of danger as soon as we made contact.

Lets think about that later.

When had I ever cared about such things anyway?

Regardless, there wasnt enough information to come up with a countermeasure. Besides, the system didnt even tell me when the event would occur.

For cases where countermeasures or plans could not be made no matter how much I racked my brain, it was best to just think about it after it happened.

I sighed and got up from my seat.

This was because

[ For students who placed within the top three, please gather at the Hall of Honor. A presentation of awards will be held.]

Such an announcement had followed.

It was time to use the token Riru received from Luca. I was going to use it to collect Endurance stats that would protect my constantly injury-ridden body.

In other words, it was reward time baby.

System Message

[ Corruption Value of target Eleanor has increased by 10%! ]

[ The target is in a state of suspicion. Corruption Value is applied at 3 times the rate! ]

[ The targets current Corruption Value is nearing 100%! The possibility that the Fragment can berserk has formed! ]

I had to find a way to resolve this somehow, but

The berserk of the Fragment mentioned here was not an event that could be seen that easily. Exceeding 100% would only result in them manifesting with the Vessel as a medium. Reaching berserk was out of the question.

In numerical terms, it probably had to exceed 200% to even have a chance.

But

Once it did happen, the destructive power would be unmatched.

A Fragments berserk was Just on a different plane of existence.

It was at a level that perfectly showed how a Devils Vessel could potentially destroy the world if something went wrong.

Of course, as I mentioned earlier, it was an event that was hard to come by. It could only be witnessed in important events of the main scenario.

Well, theres no way it happens anyway, right?

It wasnt like I was going to purposely provoke Eleanor in her current state.

Right?

In order to bestow a special meaning to the concept of honoring someone, this place was created at the very top of the dome-shaped structure, known as the Forge of Struggle.

Thanks to that, the sea surrounding the academy could be clearly seen when it was usually difficult to do so.

And from there, Chief Priest Tatiana faced three students with her usual half-closed eyes.

Riru Garda. Iliya Krisanax. And me.

Those who were spectating this nearby all had dissatisfied expressions. After all, there was a widespread perception that, normally, members of the Empire would never come up here, no matter how many years passed.

I inwardly made a bitter smile.

As could be glimpsed during the Duel Event, for the most part, the Forge of Struggle was a place that inwardly looked down and refused to acknowledge Elfante. That basic trend practically overflowed in their every action.

Though, some things were possible thanks to that.

While reviewing what I would request at this place, I looked straight forward.

Tatianas gaze sequentially swept over me and the two women on my both sides.

I heard you all achieved remarkable results. In the Forge of Struggle, those who achieve remarkable results in direct combat, where blood is exchanged, will always receive prizes.

It was a tradition that had been passed down throughout the Tribal Alliances history. A prize would undoubtedly come for those who achieved excellent results, especially through fighting.

First, shall we see what the first ranker wants?

When her gaze rests on Riru, the expressions of the surrounding audience stiffened.

Voices full of slander and words of contempt could be sporadically heard.

The debauchee has returned. Didnt her clan get completely wiped out after she picked a fight with the Chieftains clan first?

I cannot fathom why she has returned to this land, but at the very least, shed learn one more lesson before leaving. We dont welcome such trash.

The evaluation of Riru in the Tribal Alliance was coward or unrivaled human trash. There were two reasons for this.

First, the reason why Kasa Garda and Alan Ba-Thor had fought was because Riru could not control her anger and picked a fight with him.

Second, the reason why the Garda clan was wiped out was because Riru did foul play during a battle between the War Chiefs.

Of course, in my perspective, who knew the inside story, summarizing the situation to merely that was enough for me to retch in disgust.

All of it was planned by the woman with half-closed eyes in front of me

Let me enter my clans district

Rirus tone made it as if she spit out those words to Tatiana.

I was worried she would rush over and fight with Tatiana right here and now, but fortunately, it seemed that she recognized it was unwise.

There is still something that hasnt been resolved yet.

At her words, there was an immediate and intense reaction from those around us.

That shame of the Alliance dares!

The souls of the dead warriors will curse a bitch like you! You dare to step into the space of those who died because of you!

The people who were calmly mumbling previously, as they merely talked behind her back, were now shouting at her so loudly that the blood vessels of their eyes and necks were at the verge of bursting.

After all, from their perspective, the bitch who caused her family to die was now asking to set foot on the land of her hometown.

Hyrule Mountain Ranges Luca Han-Chai guarantees my rights. It is the authority of a War Chief.

Unphased by the reactions around her, Riru lifted up the Dream Catcher that I had tied around her wrist. It seemed like the crowd nearby recognized what it was, as their roars instantly faded away.

In the Tribal Alliance, the authority of a War Chief was almost as powerful as the authority of the Empires Imperial Family. In essence, even if they were dissatisfied, they would not dare to speak out of turn.

Go do so.

?

Of course

Even though she took that fact into account

It seemed Riru did not expect Tatiana to so easily accept her request, as her eyes widened slightly in surprise.

Riru had probably expected that, as the culprit behind her entire clans annihilation, Tatiana would still cause all kinds of disturbances to hinder her.

And that was the same for me as well.

I glared at Tatiana, whose eyes were practically slits.

If it was her, there was no way she didnt know what it meant for Riru to go into her clan space.

After all, the biggest hint for killing the one she served, the Existence of an Ancient Era, was at that place.

As such, I had thought that she would have set up all kinds of interference.

Then, what does the second ranker wish for?

Mm.

Iliya looked around with an awkward expression.

She seemed to find it difficult to adapt to this hostile atmosphere.

Can I think about it a bit and tell you later? Im still not sure what I want.

Do so when youre ready.

She probably decided to act cautiously since she felt if she were to ask for something, shed also get insulted by the surrounding crowds. Nevertheless, just as before, Tatiana easily agreed.

After all, there was no reason not to accept her suggestion.

Then, you?

Can I also think about it a bit more?

Originally, I had several requests I had to make right away. For example, the right to access the Forge of Struggle Workshop, a place that was absolutely necessary to visit at least once in the game. Or the right to accompany Riru to her homeland for the Endurance stats.

However, that bitchs attitude was somehow suspicious.

The fact that she accepted Rirus request without a word was already more than enough proof for me to think as such.

Very well.

Seeing the way she casually accepted made my eyes narrow even further.

Whats her game? Whats she planning?

While I was thinking that way

Tatiana descended from the dais and stood in front of me.

The people around us were looking in her direction with questioning glances.

Especially, if its a request from you, then I dont mind anything, Dowd Campbell.

Even while being subject to all these eyes on her one body, she still had the same smile that was always plastered on her face.

She approached just a little closer to me. As if she wished to whisper in my ear.

Since, youre going to die in this place anyway.

At the same time as such words

From the necklace she was wearing, a green light began to flicker.

The meaning behind that statement could be immediately noticed.

There was no need for words to explain it.

A wide space in the sea near the dome-shaped Forge of Struggle started to ripple.

It moved at the same rhythm as the flickering of her necklace.

An extremely

Ominous movement.

Tatianas half-closed eyes widened slightly.

I heard that your characteristic was to always plan and prepare for everything, Dowd Campbell.

And thats your weakness.

The virulence of her voice seeped into my ear.

She came even closer towards me and hugged me gently. People nearby seemed slightly surprised by this sudden action, but she paid no attention to them.

If I were to summon that, everyone here would die, perhaps, myself included.

Madness oozed out from her slightly widened eyes, making my head spin.

The unique chaos of a madman melted into her mutterings, further strengthening that dizzying sensation.

Even so, Ive been waiting and waiting just for this moment. The moment when you come out of the Academy structure.

Perhaps you didnt predict that I would act so recklessly, but

Since the Prophet ordered me to kill you with all my might, I am going to burn every ounce of my existence in this place to make sure yo

She continued to speak, but

Hey. Shut the fuck up for a moment.

I frantically cut off Tatianas words.

Her expression momentarily froze, looking utterly stunned.

However, I didnt have time to care about shit like that.

I get that you want to kill me and Im sure youve prepared some tricks or whatever bullshit that youre confident with! I get all of that, okay?! But!

This bitch did seem to be immersed in her own world and had planned something tremendous, but

That wasnt the primary thing I needed to focus on right now.

Back off, please!

I desperately tried to break my body free from Tatianas tight embrace.

Sadly, I couldnt.

Regardless of the fact that she wasnt specialized in combat, Tatiana was still the final boss of a chapter.

It was clear that her physical abilities were far superior to mine.

My struggles were truly no different from an insect crawling around.

Teach, what are you doing?

Besides me, Iliya spoke in an incredulous voice at the sight of my excessive actions, but

I was being serious.

You said that there was a high probability that you would also die if you summoned that, right?! That means that its possible for you to live as well!

Going beyond mere seriousness, my vision was actually spinning. I was so frantic that I was on the verge of losing my mind.

I barraged the stunned Tatiana with even more words.

If you dont let go right this instant, even that low survival probability will vani!

However

Before I could finish my sentence

System Message

[ Target Eleanor is enraged to the point of losing her rationality at the sight of your body rubbing onto the body of another new woman! ]

[ Target is in a state of suspicion! ]

[ Corruption Value of target has increased threefold! ]

[ Corruption Value of target Eleanor has exceeded 300%. ]

[ Target is entering a berserk state! ]

[ The estimated damage range is the entire Forge of Struggle! ]

[ The probability of survival is 0% ]

Fuck.

As that message popped up along with my nausea

-

Everything around me

Started to break down.

Uh. Uh?

Wh-Whats happening?

Such murmurs began to trickle from people nearby.

Since they, too, had instinctively realized that something was happening.

The first second.

Grey energy surged in all directions. Everything started to gradually slow down. Just like how it always did when the Grey Devil manifested.

However

A Devils berserk wouldnt just end after merely this much.

The following second.

The world split apart.

What the?!

Holy shit!

Screams erupted from all around.

As if someone had sliced this dome-shaped structure in half with a giant sword, the space became distorted and stretched grotesquely, splitting the entire building.

This building that had been painstakingly built over many years by thousands, if not tens of thousands of humans.

One of the greatest architecture in the continent, constructed with the highest level of technology in the entire world

As if the defense facility, force field, and even the Seraphs barrier were futile

In just a single second

Was split in half

And had crumbled into pieces.

-!!!!!!!!

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

The noise of the collapsing building made my ears ring. Even the people screaming themselves hoarse were drowned out by the sound of the dome splitting apart.

At the scene of such immense destruction, not only did people lose their minds, but some broke into loud sobs, and others just completely lost consciousness.

This isinsane!

In the midst of that hell, I turned my head frantically to find the perpetrator of this chaos.

And the one I was looking for could be easily found. It was Eleanor, who had somehow joined the crowd at a certain point in time.

And the moment I saw her

I realized a chilling fact.

All of this was not something Eleanor had intentionally caused.

The person responsible for this was just silently standing there, not doing anything besides breathing, but it seemed like the world couldnt bear its presence, so it had crumbled.

All of these actions were completely void of any hostility.

How did I know this?

Eleanors eyes, which were redder than blood, confirmed this fact.

I have already held back one time. In the case of Riru Garda, I had continuously stepped back and thought that it could just be my own misunderstanding.

Right now, in this place

However, its impossible for me to endure. Twice.

The only person Eleanor sincerely wished to harm.

The only person she, who could exert this much power just by standing in place, would pour out her full strength onto was

Who is that woman, Dowd?

Me.

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