The air grew heavy with tension.

It was understandable.

Teslon, the captain of the rangers, proud and renowned, was even among the elves a notorious figure.

Unlike those who boasted pride without substance, his skills solidly backed his reputation.

And here, someone had provoked the tiger by the whiskers.

Gulp!

Click

The sound of dry saliva being swallowed could be heard around.

But nobody dared open their mouth to speak.

Human. Do you dare challenge me to a contest of archery? Me!?

Heh. Teslon, Mr. Kang Jinhyuk is just speaking words. Do not take it so seriously.

When the atmosphere turned menacing, Penheim intervened.

Knowing that one more step could lead to an irreparable situation.

However, Jinhyuk only added fuel to the fire.

Ive only shot a bow a few times when I was in kindergarten, but strangely, I dont feel like I would lose to you. I might just string the bow and whooshId probably win, right?

It was like mixing gunpowder with oil and topping it off with fireworks.

Could anyone keep calm unless they were a saint or sage?

Arrrgh! Fine. You will regret those words! Tell me, how do you want to do this contest!?

Teslon screamed, his face turning red with rage.

It had exploded.

No elder or horn could hold back now; the situation had gone far beyond.

Heh this is quite the scene.

Penheim sighed softly and shook his head.

Since we need to gather swamp figs anyway, lets head that way. There should be a place suitable for a fair contest.

Fine. Ill ensure you never talk about archery in front of an elf again.

Teslon gritted his teeth.

Indeed.

A mere human.

With one arrow, he would feel the gap that he shouldnt even gaze upon.

10 kilometers from the village.

A huge swamp stretched as far as the eye could see.

Indeed. Everyone will have a hard time.

Jinhyuk slowly surveyed the swamp.

Deep mud that made it difficult to judge the bottom, crocodiles lurking here and there.

One had to overcome all these obstacles to reach the fig trees in the middle of the swamp.

With players arrival, the crocodiles were driven downstream, making the area around the fig trees crowded.

The vicious swamp crocodiles, devouring prey as large as elephants and moving at unimaginable speeds, were not easily eluded even by elves.

Simply put, the difficulty had risen significantly.

Thus, even the elves could not collect their usual quota for the festival.

But, if one understood the nature of the crocodiles, numbers didnt matter.

Jinhyuk stepped forward.

Are you really okay with this?

Penheim asked with concern, fearing his guest might become crocodile food.

He was fretting over his safety.

Let it be, Elder. Hasnt he confidently claimed to handle it? Lets see how much he trusts his abilities.

Teslon sneered.

The other watching elves predicted a foreseeable conclusion.

Either he would die or flee in terror.

But

Wooong!

[Lv6 Sword Demon Emperors Step activated!]

His figure vanished.

Jinhyuk began to cross the swamp.

So light and fast it was as if his feet barely touched the ground.

Chachachachachacha!

Stepping on the drifting vegetation, he swiftly moved 10 meters, prompting the crocodiles to respond.

Krooar!

Kraaak!

Fearsome jaws snapped open with sharp cries as hundreds of crocodiles tried to seize their preyan utterly brutal sight.

However, Jinhyuk was neither cowed nor intimidated.

He already knew how to break through this place.

Swamp crocodiles have degenerated vision and hunt by sensing waters vibrations.

They differentiated prey and kin by the unique vibes emitted by each, according to size.

Of course, this much was already known by the elves.

But, with the Sword Demon Emperors Step, he could minutely adjust those vibrations

Theyll perceive me not as prey, but as one of their own.

Yes.

Jinhyuk had already mastered the particular vibrations produced by crocodile movements.

Krurr

Kiee

The once frenzied crocodiles fell silent as if by magic.

Only the gentle ripples left by Jinhyuk remained on the waters surface.

Heavens above

How is it that those ferocious crocodiles are not attacking him?

He must know a method we are unaware of.

But, swamp crocodiles only live here, how could an outsider possibly

And look at that movement! Its as if hes running on water. Even Teslon couldnt

Quiet, fool! Teslon is right next to you.

The elves gasped and commented in awe, reflecting their thoughts about Jinhyuk through their expressions of astonishment and joy.

Naturally.

Ugh

Teslon felt his insides burning with envy.

Though he couldnt let the guest die with the elder watching, he had hoped to enjoy Jinhyuk flailing and begging for his life while chased by crocodiles.

But this turn of events

He might indeed return with all the fig fruits.

It was as clear to see as day nearing that situation.

Please, fail! Just make a mistake!

Teslon silently howled in desperation, right when

Thud!

Jinhyuk reached a small island in the center of the swamp.

He had passed through hundreds of crocodiles unscathed.

Not once did they attack.

Hmm. My body feels a bit heavy, maybe from the fatigue

But he had still beaten his best record by about 7 seconds.

Having grown much stronger than before, it was the natural result.

Not bad.

Now, updating the record was barely worth mentioning. The key was the extent of improvement he could achieve.

Anyway, I dont really know how these taste. Maybe to them its like the addictive nature of chicken or pizza?

Jinhyuks gaze rose.

Yellowish, ripe fruits hung enticingly.

[Swamp Fig Fruit]

Not only tangy and sweet but also able to purify mana, these were essential items for the elves.

They were also beloved by spirits.

Jinhyuk approached the fig tree and began to harvest the fruit.

There was plenty of room in his spatial inventory, so taking all the fruits here was no issue.

Woahhh!

The human has done it! Now we can have the festival!

I couldnt believe it, but he actually did it!

The elves erupted into cheers.

The strangers prior suspicion had vanished, now replaced by warm hospitality and praise.

A festival, upheld for hundreds of years, at risk of failing for the first time

was saved by a human.

Thud, thud, thud!

A large number of fruits tumbled to the ground.

These were the swamp fig fruits Jinhyuk had stored in his spatial inventory.

This should prove that my words were no lies.

To object here would not befit an elfonly silence and nodding would if they had an ounce of conscience.

Surprisingly, though

Ill concede you could collect the fruits, but not that you threw around many boastful words regarding archery. Have you forgotten?

In this world, there were certainly fools who transcended common sense.

Wow.

He really possessed a hide thicker than I had imagined.

Presumably, Teslons conscience must be as thick and hairy as an afro.

Jinhyuk looked at Teslon with amazement.

I havent forgotten, but Dont you get the gist of the situation? Anyone could tell the outcome; I wouldve known how itd turn out.

Dont spout nonsense! You might have tricked the crocodiles with your cheap tricks, but I am different. You could die and rise a hundred times and still not beat me.

Teslon spoke with certainty.

Oh, really.

When someone acts so arrogantly naturally, the veterans DNA twitches.

A dark desire arises to trample that arrogance and shame him so much that he can never hold his head high again.

Then, how about a bet to see who can win between you and me?

A bet?

Its no fun if its just a matter of pride, right?

A contest where one can only boast of a moral victory is just yawn-inducing.

To truly crush your opponent, a fitting penalty must be attached.

If I lose, Ill lick your shoes or leave the village immediatelyanything you say. In return, if you lose, you do whatever I command. How about it?

Sounds fun. Lets do that. But dont change your words later or hesitate.

Dont you either. Dont expect any leniency if I start to whine. Thats not my style.

The noble creatures of the forest always keep their word.

Of course. How could it be otherwise?

Jinhyuk smirked slightly.

His lips twitched in anticipation of the punishment hed get to inflict.

Teslon, similarly intoxicated by early victory, carried a sly smile.

Each predicting a different ending, the bet began with both races pride at stake.

The contest will be archery. A shooting competition with bows.

Teslon pointed to the island where the fig trees were located.

About 700 meters away was an island with several trees lined up.

The farthest tree you can see is already past its life span.

So its okay to aim with an arrow?

Yes. Target that tree. The one whose arrow misses loses.

And if both miss?

The odds of me missing are none, but if that happens, the one who shot the closest arrow wins.

Okay.

Jinhyuk nodded and received an appropriate bow from Sylvia.

Are you sure youre okay? Teslon is the best archer among us.

I sort of know that.

But

Being good at shooting and winning are two different things.

What do you mean?

Sylvia asked again, but Jinhyuk just laughed playfully and turned away.

It was time to shatter the icy faade of that aloof elf.