Chapter 359
Chapter 359
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 359
Chapter Title: Collection
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After having a meal with Elise, we decided to brainstorm some concrete plans for burning through our rest time properly.
But thinking about it, there wasn't really much in this world worth doing for fun.
This place was pretty sparse on entertainment to begin with. I wasn't sure if that was just my modern perspective talking, but it was blatantly lacking in things to do.
Take my own case: these days it might be different, but back then, in my spare time, I'd just sprawl out and sleep or head to the library to borrow books. If I had money for food, I'd add in some physical training, and if I had extra, I'd hit the bathhouse.
In other words, it wasn't so much rest as it was time spent preparing to survive another day.
Recover fatigue, build knowledge, boost stamina.
Get sick, and you're as good as dead, so hygiene was a top priority too.
On top of that, I'd check my gear, camp out at the Adventurer's Guild to gather info, or occasionally join charity events at kind-hearted churches.
A life solely pursuing survival... Ah, fuck.
What the hell are these shitty memories?
Anyway, that crap was definitely not rest time.
It was just an extension of work.
Early on in my otherworld life, Kim Katt had lived that intensely. Maybe my entertainment-loving soul died back then.
I used to be a guy with a decent sense of humor... Bittersweet.
If even I couldn't define rest time properly, how was I supposed to make Elise enjoy herself?
Forcing fun would just end up with her treating me like some boot camp instructor pretending to be hilarious for the first time—utterly pathetic.
Getting that kind of reception from Elise would make my soul wail.
"Elise...!"
"Saint...!"
So.
"We're going to the arena."
She liked violent stuff, so this had to hit the mark.
Humans fighting was one thing, but monster fights? 100% her taste. The Order God hated monsters too.
Plus, it wasn't me entertaining her directly—the gladiators and monsters did the work. This was top-tier otherworld content, believe it or not.
Double the fun with gambling.
"The arena, huh. I've heard of it, but never been."
"Heh heh heh, Elise. I even worked as a gladiator there."
"W-what...? For real!?"
"Yeah! As a gladiator, I slew the arena's wicked monsters!!!!"
"No way! How reverent!"
I grabbed the wrist of Elise, who was shrieking in a mix of shock and joy I couldn't quite parse, and headed to the arena. It didn't run every day, but we'd check it out anyway.
Durban... hope you're doing well.
I haven't forgotten that deathmatch with Burlver because of you.
Of course, that fierce battle with the old orc executioner became my blood and flesh. Grateful as that was, Durban ought to become my blood and flesh too.
Time for Burlver's revenge.
—Waaaaah!
—Raaaaah!!!
By the time we reached the arena entrance, the cheers echoed out.
Looked like a match was underway. I slipped inside with Elise, who was glancing around. Since the fight was in full swing, paying the entry fee would let us watch right away.
"Huh...? You? Isn't that the barbarian warrior Katt?"
"Ah, long time no see. Doing well? You look healthy—glad to hear it."
The entrance guard recognized me, so even though I had zero clue who he was, I flashed a smile and bowed politely on reflex.
"Doing great. Thanks for asking. But quitting as a gladiator out of nowhere? Plenty of folks were bummed. Something happen?"
"Heh, really? Yeah, circumstances. Wasn't full-time anyway. Here as a spectator today."
"Got it. No entry fee for you. Slip in quick before anyone sees."
No way.
"Whoa, so grateful. You're a real stand-up guy."
"Heh, first time hearing that. And this nun?"
"My friend."
Elise gave a quiet nod.
Calling her my friend got us waived, so I wrapped up the greetings and hustled inside. Just being polite on reflex scored us this jackpot.
Like those bandits taught me, this world ain't half bad.
"The saint was quite the renowned gladiator, I see."
"Something like that. They called me Brutal Angel Kim Katt."
"Barbarian angel... Heh. Suits you perfectly."
"Yeah. Even flew around with wings attached."
"Can't believe that."
"Swear it's true. Ah, you don't buy it."
The arena interior was relatively quiet.
Not quiet, exactly—just less crowded than during my opening matches. I was kind of a big deal.
—Clang! Clang!
—Raaaaaaaah!!!!
As we'd heard outside, the match had already started. Early morning, so maybe just the opener?
—Keeek!!!
—Die, monster!!!
A barely clothed gladiator was battling goblin-like trash mobs.
Pretty ripped, but to Kim Katt's deadly critical eye, his swordplay was pathetic.
Still, slicing goblins was no issue—he handled five at once solo.
—Slash!
—Squirt!
"Gaaaaah!"
The gladiator swung wide, splitting the goblins' chests in the arc, blood spraying. Sword skills sucked, but goblins didn't need finesse.
Low-level monsters fell to brute force.
Weaker than humans anyway.
"Oh, ooh! Saint! Look! The warrior's fighting monsters!!"
Elise yelled, hyped at the sight.
Totally into it.
"Let's head up and grab seats first. Gotta sit to watch properly."
"R-right."
Elise looked thrilled. Climbing the stairs, her trembling eyes were already locked on the arena.
"So, the arena's a place to watch gladiators fight monsters. Pay up, anyone's welcome. Perfect for rest time, I reckon."
"I see. Yeah, sounds like it. Can't wait. Heard about these matches, but first time seeing one."
Liked it more than expected.
"Let's sit and watch."
We climbed to our seats and took in the arena.
—Grrrraaah!!
"Zaaap!!!!! Will Solisyn slay the wicked beasts alone!?!?"
The gladiator roared, and a familiar voice boomed. That auntie's still around, hyping as always.
—Kererek!!!
That's when it happened.
The arena gate swung open, and a dozen burly goblins in bone armor charged the lone gladiator. Deathmatch today?
He was already bloodied.
Panting, he faced the goblin horde.
Could he win?
With those skills, victory meant critical wounds for sure. Arena monsters were feral from abuse. Ten at once? Bare skin couldn't dodge all.
"S-Saint! Look! More goblins!"
"I see!!! What happens next!!"
"No idea! He's looking worn out!"
Half-panicked, Elise was gripped by anxiety.
"H-he won't die, right!?"
She snatched my hand, trembling and wailing.
Whoa, getting invested fast.
"He might! Watch close!"
"No way...! Unbelievable!"
"It is! Reality!"
"Urk!"
Elise knew of the arena but never visited like this. Not safe—life and death crossed here...! Witness it sharp, Elise!
"Slay them! Fall, and it's over, gladiator!"
Hyped Elise clenched her fists, cheering him on.
"Gaaaaah!!"
—Kerk! Keruk!!!
Did her prayers work? He kicked the lead goblin smoothly, then stabbed the next one's brow.
—Ooooh!
—Waaaaah!
—Kyaaaaah!!!
"Yes!!"
Two down in a flash, crowd roaring as Elise squealed in delight.
Good show.
The gladiator fought desperately. Numbers let a few attacks through—hot blood sprayed from bare flesh—but true gladiator, he gritted through pain, intercepting goblins.
Watching him, memories of my past self surfaced.
Bare-bodied gladiator in bloody melee.
Back then, I'd fought monsters with crap gear. Before Quilted Armor, tons of close calls.
My scars? From fighting armorless back then.
Monster claws raking flesh, teeth tearing meat. Fleeing, tumbling, crashing. Repeated survival left my body and face scarred to hell.
Camping meant frequent scraps, beatings too. Yeah, that was life.
"Solisyn wins!!!!!!! Our gladiator Solisyn!!!! Masterfully butchered the wicked monsters!!!!"
Lost in thought, but after fierce battle, the gladiator triumphed.
"Victory! He won, Saint!"
Elise burst with emotion, jumping up.
Super pumped, she rambled praise the gladiator couldn't hear.
"Good! Heh heh, Elise. Get the arena now? The nail-biting 'who wins?'—that's it."
"Understood. Send out gladiator, then monsters... Revolutionary. Just watching, heart pounding. Perfect rest spot, like you said."
Glad she liked it.
"Thanks for bringing me. Best decision asking you. Sharing monsters' brutal ends with the crowd—wonderful."
Last bit hung odd.
"No biggie. Next rest time, hit the arena again."
"Yes. This fun... But losing gladiator would sour it."
Her excited chatter turned glum suddenly. Obviously.
Some psychos enjoyed losses, but not Elise.
Good, sensible person by her strict standards.
Sensitive teenage girl, plain and simple.
"Yeah? Makes sense. Oh, besides monsters, humans fight too."
"Humans fighting each other?"
"Yep."
"Not interested."
"Criminal executions too."
"That tempts me!"
"Right? Plenty of variety—pick your flavor."
We watched a few more matches.
Luckily, three straight monster fights—pure fun. When it switched to human bouts, we bailed.
Beaming Elise chattered about the matches.
Like post-movie geek-out on modern Earth.
"Fresh experience. Thanks again."
"No need. What's next? Oh, right—your nun robes got taken?"
"Yes."
"Let's shop for clothes then. Got cash from this job—spend big."
"I'd love to, but this money's for church donation&mdas;"
—"What!?"
Doing church work, no pay, but donating earnings?
Unimaginable to me.
"Spend it all this time!"