Chapter 96: Barbarian Trophy (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 96: Barbarian Trophy (3)
"Haha! Hot-blooded like a barbarian!" The baron let out a loud laugh at my decision.
He could only laugh like that because he knew nothing about barbarians. Barbarians were not utterly fearless beings. Just as Ainar had once said, "We were born warriors. If we don't fight, we die." They carried that fear with them and pushed forward because that was what they had to do. My decision here was just more of the same. As peaceful as things had been lately, something big might happen eventually.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried...
But so what? Choosing to flee from an uncertain future out of fear would only lead to ruin. How was I supposed to go into the labyrinth and make logical decisions with that mindset? If I had acted like that when I first got here, I wouldn't even be alive right now.
While I sat quietly and organized my thoughts, the baron returned a short while later. "I just spoke with the count. He's very pleased." It seemed he was also quite thrilled with my decision. "Oh, but is that necklace really that important?"
The question implied he thought that the necklace had had a big influence on my decision. I didn't deny it. "Numbered items sell for good money."
"Hmm... if you say so." Judging by his expression, the baron seemed to assume there must have been another reason for my decision, but he didn't pry. He just asked, "By the way, how strong are you?"
"Huh?"
"Judging by your ambitions, you are already thinking you'll win. Are you really that confident?"
I chuckled. How strong was I? There were too many monsters in this world for me to confidently answer that question. However... Applying the term "apprentice knight," an opponent equivalent to a third-floor adventurer, to my strength was a different story.
"To be honest, I'm not hoping for much. But if you lose too quickly, I'll lose face—"
"Oh, don't worry about that," I answered, cutting the baron off. I had never been worried about that part. "Ten seconds is enough."
"Enough?"
"I can crack just about anyone's skull in that time," I clarified to the confused baron. This was my sincere, no-exaggeration-added truth.
"E-Eek!" I guess my sincerity worked because the steward, whose eyes happened to meet mine, freaked out.
***
Just like in the Middle Ages, knights were the very definition of strength here. Of course, that was only true if their title didn't include the word "apprentice."
What kind of knight can't use an aura?
What made people fear knights was their aura. With 90 percent Defense and 90 percent Mana Resistance, auras were cheat abilities that allowed their users to cut down virtually anything and thoroughly develop expert swordsmanship. Those two things alone could create a monster.
But leveling up in a single leap and buying tons of high-rank essences with your enormous wealth? No wonder the people with power stayed in power in human society.
In a world where different otherworldly races prevailed and magic existed, a knight was a spear and shield that protected vested interests. Considering that the maximum level that could be raised with a leap was five, a proper knight could slice through several high-level adventurers on their own. That was just how well-suited knights were to warfare.
However, when it comes to apprentices, they're at most level three. Even their essences won't be anything higher than seventh rank.
And that was assuming the worst. No noble would invest that much in a knight who couldn't even use an aura yet.
Actually, the tournament isn't the real problem...
It was what came next that bothered me. Not only was there the count's excessive interest to worry about, but if some savage suddenly became the victor, there was a good chance that the powers that be would be displeased with me. However, since I had made my decision already, I didn't have the luxury of having regrets.
For now, let's just focus on this.
As I was quietly spending time in the corner thanks to the baron's benevolence, deciding to worry about what would happen after I won the championship later, three guys in knightly armor approached me.
"You said something cocky earlier."
I recognized all of them. Even if it had been a passing encounter, there was no way I could forget those faces when I had just seen them earlier that day.
"Ten seconds is enough? Has playing a clown all day like the thick barbarian you are made you forget your place?"
First, this guy. When I was entertaining the nobles at the outdoor banquet, he had ridiculed me and called me Little Clown.
As I sat there staring at his rat-like front teeth, the baton was passed to the guy next to him. "Barbarian, you'll have to pray desperately to your ancestors that you don't end up facing me in the tournament. I'll slit your throat immediately. And it won't even take ten seconds." I didn't know his name because he didn't say it, but he was the one who had made his stupidity evident by claiming that the pride of a warrior was a thing of the past. Judging by what he was saying, he seemed to be a fan of bluffing, too.
"If I face you—"
Just as the baton was about to pass to the next runner, I quickly got up and interrupted. I was usually careful to avoid speaking as much as possible, but at this point, I had no choice but to be blunt. "Do you all have something seriously wrong with your heads?" That was me being euphemistic. If I asked, Are you fools? I might end up being charged with contempt of nobility at some point.
"W-What?"
"Do you think ganging up on me like cowards will scare me? Not even a three-year-old warrior in my tribe would do that!"
"...Cowards? You dare insult—"
"If not, then what is this? Did you suddenly get braver now that the baron is not here? What great honor you have!"
"Th-that's...!"
The fact was that they didn't have the courage to approach me when the baron was next to me. When I pointed that out, the three little piglets just blinked at me like goldfish. However, since I was an unprejudiced barbarian, I didn't think they had speech impediments. They were probably just shocked because they had no idea I would be so loud about exposing their ugliness.
"That's why I'm asking! I heard knights are a proud people! But taking advantage of your superior numbers to do something so childish to another participant? There must be something wrong with your heads!"
The next cry accurately summed up the bastards' actions. "S-Stop! Shut your mouth!"
The three little piglets now looked desperate. That made sense. Ugliness or not, if this interaction continued on like this, they were going to be known as the ones who had had a barbarian accuse them of being mentally unsound. But it seemed they'd decided that more conversation would only make things worse.
"...Just you wait!" The three piglets stormed off angrily. Maybe it was because they were locals, but their cheesy parting line was like icing on the cake.
Still, their ambitions were admirable, so I responded in kind. "Anyway, don't worry too much! Next time we see each other, I will definitely get rid of the problem with your heads!"
Actually, the tournament isn't the real problem...
It was what came next that bothered me. Not only was there the count's excessive interest to worry about, but if some savage suddenly became the victor, there was a good chance that the powers that be would be displeased with me. However, since I had made my decision already, I didn't have the luxury of having regrets.
For now, let's just focus on this.
As I was quietly spending time in the corner thanks to the baron's benevolence, deciding to worry about what would happen after I won the championship later, three guys in knightly armor approached me.
"You said something cocky earlier."
I recognized all of them. Even if it had been a passing encounter, there was no way I could forget those faces when I had just seen them earlier that day.
"Ten seconds is enough? Has playing a clown all day like the thick barbarian you are made you forget your place?"
First, this guy. When I was entertaining the nobles at the outdoor banquet, he had ridiculed me and called me Little Clown.
As I sat there staring at his rat-like front teeth, the baton was passed to the guy next to him. "Barbarian, you'll have to pray desperately to your ancestors that you don't end up facing me in the tournament. I'll slit your throat immediately. And it won't even take ten seconds." I didn't know his name because he didn't say it, but he was the one who had made his stupidity evident by claiming that the pride of a warrior was a thing of the past. Judging by what he was saying, he seemed to be a fan of bluffing, too.
"If I face you—"
Just as the baton was about to pass to the next runner, I quickly got up and interrupted. I was usually careful to avoid speaking as much as possible, but at this point, I had no choice but to be blunt. "Do you all have something seriously wrong with your heads?" That was me being euphemistic. If I asked, Are you fools? I might end up being charged with contempt of nobility at some point.
"W-What?"
"Do you think ganging up on me like cowards will scare me? Not even a three-year-old warrior in my tribe would do that!"
"...Cowards? You dare insult—"
"If not, then what is this? Did you suddenly get braver now that the baron is not here? What great honor you have!"
"Th-that's...!"
The fact was that they didn't have the courage to approach me when the baron was next to me. When I pointed that out, the three little piglets just blinked at me like goldfish. However, since I was an unprejudiced barbarian, I didn't think they had speech impediments. They were probably just shocked because they had no idea I would be so loud about exposing their ugliness.
"That's why I'm asking! I heard knights are a proud people! But taking advantage of your superior numbers to do something so childish to another participant? There must be something wrong with your heads!"
The next cry accurately summed up the bastards' actions. "S-Stop! Shut your mouth!"
The three little piglets now looked desperate. That made sense. Ugliness or not, if this interaction continued on like this, they were going to be known as the ones who had had a barbarian accuse them of being mentally unsound. But it seemed they'd decided that more conversation would only make things worse.
"...Just you wait!" The three piglets stormed off angrily. Maybe it was because they were locals, but their cheesy parting line was like icing on the cake.
Still, their ambitions were admirable, so I responded in kind. "Anyway, don't worry too much! Next time we see each other, I will definitely get rid of the problem with your heads!"
Did my sincere sentiments reach them? It was hard to tell just by looking at their backs as they ran away.
***
Incident or not, the banquet, which was filled with various delights, soon reached its climax. In other words, the time had come for the count's tournament to begin.
"The barbarian we saw earlier is participating. Isn't that exciting?"
"Hmm, I don't know. He's still just an adventurer. He may have earned fame recently, but I heard his career isn't even a year old yet."
The tournament venue was the lawn of the outdoor banquet hall. The area was already packed with people, and some nobles even sat down on the terrace on the second floor of the mansion to get a good look.
As I sat quietly in a provided tent, the baron started talking to me like a coach. "Are you nervous?"
"No."
"Whew, truly a heart made of steel. I can't even contain my excitement." I didn't know about that compliment, but it was clear that he was excited, seeing as he promised me yet another bonus I didn't even ask for. "If you win, I'll give you another million stones. So do your best. My reputation now rests on your shoulders."
"I will try!" Thanks to this unexpected financial incentive, a wave of enthusiasm suddenly surged over me.
"Sir Saboin of the House of Baron Serpia and Sir Arpheon of the House of Viscount Henslvania, please take your positions!"
A while later, the first match began. The two knights recited the dueling code of honor on stage and then wielded their swords with great flair, drawing cheers from the crowd.
This is the kind of thing that reminds you what a barbaric world this is.
As I secretly slipped out of the tent to watch the duel, I felt strange. It was almost like seeing the Roman Colosseum in person. In fact, there wasn't much of a difference at all. There was a rule that said to avoid killing your opponent if at all possible, but conversely, that also meant there was no problem even if you did.
Well, it'd be more strange to have no casualties while fighting with a real sword.
Despite the fact that it was just the first match, the two knights were waging a bloody duel in front of the fired-up crowd. As intense as it was, the moment the winner and loser were decided was just as dramatic.
"The winner is Sir Arpheon of the House of Viscount Henslvania!"
The other knight's sword hand was completely cut off, and the match was decided. Of course, the wounded knight's hand was quickly reattached by a priest, but the blood that had gushed out like a fountain remained a stark decoration on the stage.
"Ahhh!"
Listening to the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd, I felt it again. This was a different world, and I'd already begun to belong here.
"Does seeing blood excite you too?"
Well, I didn't know about that. But I did know that it was my turn next.
"Sir Sylvania of the House of Baron Hessen, and from the House of Baron Martoin... Bjorn Yandel. Take your positions!"
As instructed by the host, I made my way through the crowd to the stage. At the same time, a knight was climbing up from the other side. What a coincidence. I didn't know his name, so I hadn't been able to figure out that this would happen from the tournament bracket.
"Haha, you seem surprised."
I nodded slightly, conceding that point. To think one of the three piglets would be my opponent in the first match. What a surprise.
And it also happens to be the most annoying one.
Unbeknownst to me, the corners of my mouth curled upward. Because I had cut off the baton from being tossed, I didn't end up hearing his whole deal, but how could I forget him?
"I heard he got his name in the first place because he's small down there."
This was the man who had spread that nonsense. A mere human.
Maybe that was a bit weird coming from me.
Before the duel began, the bastard recited a pledge, a conventional oath to take this duel seriously, fight with the honor of a knight, and not resort to dishonest tactics. It was my turn next.
"Behelaaah!" I skipped any wordy speeches and let out a savage cry.
The crowd's frenzy intensified. "Ahhhhhh!"
The attention on me pissed him off even more. "How vulgar and crude," he grumbled.
What, did you think a barbarian would be sophisticated?
Soon, under the moderator's watchful eye, we approached each other and tapped our weapons together. The bastard held out a long sword. Instead of the mace I had left back at the baron's, I held out a huge, double-bladed battle axe.
...I'm not used to sharp weapons.
It was unfortunate, but it shouldn't be too different. I just had to wield it as usual, and the outcome would probably be the same. The only difference between the two weapons was whether they left a scratch or cut a limb off completely.
"Ha!" As the duel began, the bastard swiftly kicked off the ground and charged at me. It looked like he wanted to reverse the ten-second promise I made earlier.
Interesting.
I stepped back and positioned myself to observe the situation for now. Since this was my first real time encountering swordsmanship in a real battle, I was curious.
Whip!
Even though he was labeled an apprentice, he was still a knight, and his sword was quite sharp. "Die!"
It was like an advanced technique from a wuxia novel—a sword thrust with three accompanying illusions. For a moment, I wondered which of them was the real blade, but that thought was quickly discarded. If I couldn't tell which was real, all I had to do was shut them all down at once.
I've become a true barbarian.
Raising the blade of the axe to the side, I swung as widely as possible. That alone was enough.
Clang!
The sword's trajectory was diverted by the powerful blow, and the bastard began to lose his balance. However, he did not let go of his sword despite the shock. Although he must have been startled, he twisted his body and swung his sword at my neck in a connecting motion.
Certainly not someone to take lightly.
His attack gathered slight torque from the bottom like a tornado. His personality aside, I had to admit this was truly a brand of swordsmanship passed down through generations.
His weapon technique is several levels higher than mine.
All else being equal, I would definitely not be able to beat him. However, that wasn't a huge problem.
"Behelaaah!"
This guy and I were not on the same level.
[You have used Wild Outburst. Your Threat Level is temporarily increased by x3, and your physical stats increase in proportion to that value.]
There was still a lot of time left before the ten seconds we agreed on were up.
Did my sincere sentiments reach them? It was hard to tell just by looking at their backs as they ran away.
***
Incident or not, the banquet, which was filled with various delights, soon reached its climax. In other words, the time had come for the count's tournament to begin.
"The barbarian we saw earlier is participating. Isn't that exciting?"
"Hmm, I don't know. He's still just an adventurer. He may have earned fame recently, but I heard his career isn't even a year old yet."
The tournament venue was the lawn of the outdoor banquet hall. The area was already packed with people, and some nobles even sat down on the terrace on the second floor of the mansion to get a good look.
As I sat quietly in a provided tent, the baron started talking to me like a coach. "Are you nervous?"
"No."
"Whew, truly a heart made of steel. I can't even contain my excitement." I didn't know about that compliment, but it was clear that he was excited, seeing as he promised me yet another bonus I didn't even ask for. "If you win, I'll give you another million stones. So do your best. My reputation now rests on your shoulders."
"I will try!" Thanks to this unexpected financial incentive, a wave of enthusiasm suddenly surged over me.
"Sir Saboin of the House of Baron Serpia and Sir Arpheon of the House of Viscount Henslvania, please take your positions!"
A while later, the first match began. The two knights recited the dueling code of honor on stage and then wielded their swords with great flair, drawing cheers from the crowd.
This is the kind of thing that reminds you what a barbaric world this is.
As I secretly slipped out of the tent to watch the duel, I felt strange. It was almost like seeing the Roman Colosseum in person. In fact, there wasn't much of a difference at all. There was a rule that said to avoid killing your opponent if at all possible, but conversely, that also meant there was no problem even if you did.
Well, it'd be more strange to have no casualties while fighting with a real sword.
Despite the fact that it was just the first match, the two knights were waging a bloody duel in front of the fired-up crowd. As intense as it was, the moment the winner and loser were decided was just as dramatic.
"The winner is Sir Arpheon of the House of Viscount Henslvania!"
The other knight's sword hand was completely cut off, and the match was decided. Of course, the wounded knight's hand was quickly reattached by a priest, but the blood that had gushed out like a fountain remained a stark decoration on the stage.
"Ahhh!"
Listening to the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd, I felt it again. This was a different world, and I'd already begun to belong here.
"Does seeing blood excite you too?"
Well, I didn't know about that. But I did know that it was my turn next.
"Sir Sylvania of the House of Baron Hessen, and from the House of Baron Martoin... Bjorn Yandel. Take your positions!"
As instructed by the host, I made my way through the crowd to the stage. At the same time, a knight was climbing up from the other side. What a coincidence. I didn't know his name, so I hadn't been able to figure out that this would happen from the tournament bracket.
"Haha, you seem surprised."
I nodded slightly, conceding that point. To think one of the three piglets would be my opponent in the first match. What a surprise.
And it also happens to be the most annoying one.
Unbeknownst to me, the corners of my mouth curled upward. Because I had cut off the baton from being tossed, I didn't end up hearing his whole deal, but how could I forget him?
"I heard he got his name in the first place because he's small down there."
This was the man who had spread that nonsense. A mere human.
Maybe that was a bit weird coming from me.
Before the duel began, the bastard recited a pledge, a conventional oath to take this duel seriously, fight with the honor of a knight, and not resort to dishonest tactics. It was my turn next.
"Behelaaah!" I skipped any wordy speeches and let out a savage cry.
The crowd's frenzy intensified. "Ahhhhhh!"
The attention on me pissed him off even more. "How vulgar and crude," he grumbled.
What, did you think a barbarian would be sophisticated?
Soon, under the moderator's watchful eye, we approached each other and tapped our weapons together. The bastard held out a long sword. Instead of the mace I had left back at the baron's, I held out a huge, double-bladed battle axe.
...I'm not used to sharp weapons.
It was unfortunate, but it shouldn't be too different. I just had to wield it as usual, and the outcome would probably be the same. The only difference between the two weapons was whether they left a scratch or cut a limb off completely.
"Ha!" As the duel began, the bastard swiftly kicked off the ground and charged at me. It looked like he wanted to reverse the ten-second promise I made earlier.
Interesting.
I stepped back and positioned myself to observe the situation for now. Since this was my first real time encountering swordsmanship in a real battle, I was curious.
Whip!
Even though he was labeled an apprentice, he was still a knight, and his sword was quite sharp. "Die!"
It was like an advanced technique from a wuxia novel—a sword thrust with three accompanying illusions. For a moment, I wondered which of them was the real blade, but that thought was quickly discarded. If I couldn't tell which was real, all I had to do was shut them all down at once.
I've become a true barbarian.
Raising the blade of the axe to the side, I swung as widely as possible. That alone was enough.
Clang!
The sword's trajectory was diverted by the powerful blow, and the bastard began to lose his balance. However, he did not let go of his sword despite the shock. Although he must have been startled, he twisted his body and swung his sword at my neck in a connecting motion.
Certainly not someone to take lightly.
His attack gathered slight torque from the bottom like a tornado. His personality aside, I had to admit this was truly a brand of swordsmanship passed down through generations.
His weapon technique is several levels higher than mine.
All else being equal, I would definitely not be able to beat him. However, that wasn't a huge problem.
"Behelaaah!"
This guy and I were not on the same level.
[You have used Wild Outburst. Your Threat Level is temporarily increased by x3, and your physical stats increase in proportion to that value.]
There was still a lot of time left before the ten seconds we agreed on were up.