Fight (1)
Kara had shown an overwhelming difference in skill and won, but a duel with me was a different story. For starters, there was a terrifying gap in our physical specs. From what I vaguely remembered, Kara's stats were averaging in the 100s right now. Meanwhile, mine were all over 140, excluding Luck and Faith. Especially my Stamina, which was pushing close to 150.
In Soul World, anything from 140 was considered quasi-endgame specs, while true endgame was in the 150s. It was about the difference between Captain America and Thor.
Not that I couldn't see it all and dodge.
In Soul World, there was a trait that let you predict patterns and evade ahead of time. I was covering that with Wild Instinct. So there was no need to learn it right away. My stats were so good that I could see everything with my eyes and dodge. Hadn't it been the same with Elvin? Kara was just a bit faster; nothing majorly different.
Still, I'd probably take a counter or two.
Overwhelming power didn't need technique, but when power was lacking, you had to acquire technique. Otherwise, humans wouldn't have survived this brutal world. Either way, I had to learn technique. Overwhelming power and perfect technique. Only when those two harmonized could I aim higher.
"...Really? You're awfully confident."
Kara grinned deeply at my response, her competitive spirit ignited further. Her face said bring it on. I'd only spoken the truth, so I said nothing, just stared at her blankly.
As I said before, 140-level stats were quasi-endgame tier. The bare minimum to clear the remaining story with ease. Soul World couldn't fully show it due to game limitations, but by the lore, you could hurl house-sized boulders. Add mana, and you'd get even more power. Especially my red mana, which had higher output than normal mana.
"Is this another one of your wild instincts? I kinda get what Luna means now."
"What do you mean?"
"That relying on instinct alone gets you in big trouble. Guess we'll have to test it for real now."
"......"
Luna wore an ambiguous expression at Kara's words, glancing at me shyly. It was kinda cute. She'd tried to prove my instincts wrong and gotten wrecked herself. She was living proof.
It's not even instinct, really.
It wasn't instinct; I could judge objectively because I knew the settings to some extent. I'd forgotten minor details from my wildman days, but the big stuff stuck. Even if I didn't remember something, hearing related info jogged my memory a bit.
"Um... sis?"
"Yeah? Got something to say?"
"You might not know, but Sivar's really strong. Like, indescribably strong."
"I know. He killed a Monkey with one stone axe, right? I could do that too."
"Sure, but..."
Luna trailed off, glancing at Ellie. Ellie was one of the few who knew a bit about my strength. I'd saved her from near-death by a Monkey, and she'd watched my fight with Porori from afar.
"Why're you looking at me?"
"...Nothing."
Of course, Ellie blinked her golden eyes innocently, playing dumb. Non-combat class; couldn't be helped.
"Fine. Then tell me why you think I'll lose. What makes you say that?"
"Strength."
"Strength?"
Kara's face twisted in confusion at the curt reply. She didn't get it. I pondered how to make it simpler. My short phrases maxed at two syllables.
"Maybe he means he's stronger than you, sis?"
"Maybe? I've never shown off in front of him."
Even Luna's input didn't click for Kara. Fair enough; I'd only trained martial arts, never flexed raw power. Plus, sandbags kept bursting, so I'd held back during practice. Hard to gauge from that.
"And friend, blindly trusting strength will bite you later. Let me teach you this time..."
Kara started lecturing me mid-sentence, then paused, frowning delicately. Anyone could see something bothered her.
Ellie asked cautiously, "Something wrong?"
"Huh? Oh, no. Just... something my dad said."
She brushed it off casually, but her discomfort showed. That alone hinted at their father-daughter dynamic. Luna wouldn't know, though. She followed up, "Speaking of, your dad's here, right? Did you meet him?"
"Just came from seeing him. You guys didn't go?"
Kara swiftly changed the subject, clearly avoiding it. Too natural for suspicion.
"My home's too far; he can't visit while I'm enrolled."
"Got it. What about you, Luna?"
"My parents are gone."
"Oh... what?"
Kara nodded along smoothly until the words hit, eyes widening. Ellie looked shocked too—first she'd heard. Luna tilted her head oddly. "Didn't I tell you, Ellie?"
"Uh... yeah. No, you didn't."
"Anyway, I'm an orphan. But the villagers were all so kind; I never lacked for anything."
"Oh... uh... good. Glad to hear it. My mom's gone too. Let's get along from now on?"
Kara fumbled awkwardly, uncharacteristically rambling to wrap it up. Her fluster was obvious. Luna seemed unfazed—villagers had doted on her, no doubt.
"Kara sis."
"Yeah?"
"What's your dad like?"
You just had to step on the landmine. Kara's eye twitched. She didn't snap since she'd brought it up, but landmines were landmines for a reason.
"...A bit strict."
She forced a smile, tone suppressed. Luna wasn't clueless; she just nodded without prying.
Thus, Kara and Hector's relationship was a tangled mess. As I'd said before, a father and daughter clumsy at expressing love.
It'll take a while to clear the misunderstanding.
One of Soul World's long-term episodes. Resolve it well for great rewards... or the opposite. No need to say more.
"Anyway, enough parent talk. Next duel in three days, right?"
"One rest day per opponent, so yeah."
"Good. Gotta train till then. Hate to eat my bold words if I lose."
Kara glanced at me, face brimming with anticipation. She'd wanted this duel so bad; it was finally happening. No wonder she was thrilled.
"Sivar."
"Yeah."
"Fair warning: I won't go easy. Tatars fight full-force even in spars. Especially against equals."
She declared confidently, brimming with faith in her skills. Not arrogance—confidence. Her real battles numbered over two digits already.
But those battles would crumble before overwhelming power. I replied calmly.
"Ka. ra."
"Yeah?"
"Weak."
"......"
Kara's face was a sight. Pure shock, like she'd misheard. She let out a hollow laugh, then spoke in disbelief.
"I never taught you to provoke. Who did?"
"Must be you, sis. Sivar learns by watching too."
"Guess I gotta watch my words."
Too late, I thought. As I smirked inwardly, Ellie poked my shoulder.
I turned to her golden eyes.
"Sivar. Just in case, don't hurt her too bad. Normies don't revive with potions like you might think."
Her sincere warning baffled me. But my(?) record made rebuttal tough. Funnier still, Luna realized late and looked alarmed. What did they take me for?
"Hearing that makes it sound like he died and came back?"
"Well... circumstances. He'd have died without us."
"You almost killed him? How?"
"Uh..."
Ellie rolled her eyes, whispering, "...Squirrel?"
"......"
Kara stared at me, expression indescribable. Not wrong, but I hoped no weird misunderstandings.
Gotta introduce Porori to Kara sometime.
Same Gulrak faith; they'd probably click.
Time flew after Luna's sick visit. Minor duels followed the big event, but nothing noteworthy. I knew what happened and which characters mattered. Hanging by Lord was boring anyway, so I used training as an excuse to stay in the grounds.
"I'll say it again: knock 'em out, don't kill. Got it?"
"Yeah."
"Not 'yeah'—'yes, sir.'"
"Yes, sir."
"Good."
Lord smiled warmly at my correction. Seemed more bothered by my casual speech than the duel. I stifled a snicker watching my guardian, then checked my gear.
Nothing fancy: one-handed axe and spear, like with Elvin. No armor.
Won't make a difference anyway.
Steel King made my body tough. Most attacks wouldn't faze it. That was in the wild, though; forged weapons might differ. Even normals cut on paper.
I double-checked gear, then faced forward. Arena entrance ahead. Broadcast soon; exit then. Honestly, a bit tense.
"Emphasizing again: keep your wits. No killing, no maiming. Bracelet's there to stop it, but just in case."
"Yes, sir."
Worrier. I got it, but overkill. No grudge against Kara; wouldn't go lethal. If I did, Hector'd kill me. Wanted to live longer.
[Competitors, please enter the arena.]
Broadcast echoed in the lounge. Time to go. I looked to Lord; he nodded, waving me on.
"You'll win easy. Just how hurt you get matters."
"Yes, sir."
"Haha. Polite speech feels nice."
This guy's weird too. Why were all around me oddballs? I tilted my head, then headed out.
Soon, vast arena. A bit tense.
Gladiator vibes entering the colosseum. Bigger than normal field; heart raced. Elvin duel? Meh. Now? Crowd watching.
[Duel starting soon. Please take your seats.]
Familiar broadcast. I looked ahead: Kara approaching opposite. Her gear was off—curved sword and axe vs. Luna, now spear instead.
Tatars mastered all weapons. Kara using spear? Fine.
Range game?
Spear trait fit. Or poke control.
[Creating combat environment.]
Dirt floor shifted with the announcement. Luna's was plain field; this was different. More protrusions, varied terrain. All with mass and substance. Felt real up close.
[Environment creation complete.]
[Duel environment: Forest.]
[Duel commencing shortly.]
Familiar turf. Towering trees, dense bushes, scattered rocks. Couldn't replicate smell, but all tangible.
"Jeez, adaptation advantage? Desert would've been fine."
Kara grumbled, slinging her curved sword over her shoulder. Definitely favored me. I touched a tall tree pre-duel. 3D-printed replica, texture close. Bushes felt grassy. Peak fantasy tech.
[...1. Duel start.]
Duel began while touching tree. I looked up: Kara smiled leisurely, like with Luna.
"You coming first? Or should I?"
"......"
I advanced silently at her offer. She eased her sword down as I neared.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
My footsteps echoed softly in the silent arena. Kara just watched, no action. She'd counter if needed.
"...Answer me?"
I kept walking steadily, calmly. She stood firm, no retreat. Distance closed gradually.
Thud. I stopped nose-to-nose. Close enough to touch. Stared into her green eyes.
"Hit."
"What?"
"Hit."
Her face complicated. I explained simpler.
"Fist."
Pointed at my clenched fist.
"Hit."
Pointed at my face. Punch my face, basically.
Kara gawked at the request(?), then hesitantly, "You know we're dueling, right?"
"Yeah."
"Then why?"
"Check."
"Check?"
I nodded.
"Strength."
"......"
"Check."
"...Ha."
She got it, chuckling in disbelief. Fair reaction. Who'd understand "punch me to check strength"?
But necessary. For power control. Unlike Elvin, Kara'd go full. Prevent accidents.
"You're underestimating me too much? Really learned from me?"
"Yeah."
"Sigh. Gotta watch my mouth from now on."
Thunk! She stabbed her sword into the ground, grinning wide.
"Bite down hard. Or it'll break."
She clenched her fist, drawing back slowly. Full power from the start. I braced for pain. Hit hard, please.
Whoosh!
Smack!
Her fist nailed my face perfectly. Hook punch, not straight—using waist and shoulder twist, as she'd taught. Proper form.
"......"
No effect. Head turned; didn't fall. I slowly faced her again. She still smiled.
"Feel that? Brain reset?"
"No."
I knew it wasn't enough. "Weak."
"......"
Did it work? Her smile flickered briefly. Huge win—got her mad.
"Haa... fine."
She sighed deeply, stepping back. I watched blankly as she set stance.
"No regrets? Your fault."
Cooler tone now. Left foot forward for momentum, waist twist for power. Arm shot like a gun, fist slamming target.
Crack!
Several times stronger; body buckled, not just head. Full-power Kara punch. Luna would've lost teeth.
"Now we're talking?"
"Yeah."
Not me. Steel King shrugged it off. Slight sting, no busted mouth or loose teeth.
"Ka. ra."
"What?"
Slowly straightening, "Weak."
With that—
Boom!
My fist smashed her face unaware. Crash! Tumble! Thud! She flew far, hitting a tree.
Worlds apart from my mere stumble. Clear power gap. And I'd held back.
"Cough! Cough! Ugh."
Veteran experience kicked in; she recovered quick. Face fine—must've mana-shielded. I approached the dazed Kara slowly.
"...Haha."
She grinned at me, blood trickling from mouth. Feeling the gap, yet fired up. How would she fight?
One thing certain.
"You."
This duel—no, this fight.
"Lose."
I'd win.