"Did you properly retrieve the computer that was handed over to the police?"
"Yes, we erased all memories and traces, so there won't be any articles or anything like before."
The old man nods at the woman's report and then slowly reads the document on the desk.
It's a document that summarizes a man's life.
It doesn't take long to read the entire page.
"He's strong against misfortune."
The old man mutters a brief observation and continues,
"But that's all."
The woman nods in agreement.
The man's life has been full of twists and turns, to the point where saying he's strong against misfortune is an understatement.
However, there's nothing else noteworthy.
His job is ordinary, his education is ordinary, his relationships are ordinary.
Everything is ordinary.
Except for this game.
"I don't understand at all."
That's why the man seems even more peculiar.
[Dungeon and Stone], Auril Gabis's legacy, is a failure. Everyone came to that conclusion after much deliberation.
Although there's no disagreement that it portrays that world better than any other work…
…it was impossible to clear.
So it was abandoned 5 years ago.
"…But to think that someone would clear it now. Could it be that it wasn't a failure after all?"
The old man mutters and shakes his head.
Even if someone clears it, everyone agreed that there's no guarantee it would produce better results than other works.
His decision wasn't wrong.
But…
"I'm a bit curious about what would have happened."
The old man then opens his laptop and types in the man's name.
[Lee Hansu]
The name of the only player who cleared his legacy…
…which everyone said was impossible.
____________________________
[GP Owned: 139,000]
After selling information about the 1st floor Floor Master and Skull Island, I stop selling information.
There are two reasons.
First, it takes more time than expected per transaction.
It's because buyers are suspicious of me since I have no transaction history.
Well, both of them bought the information after I answered a few questions…
But it's more accurate to say that they trusted this community rather than fully trusting me.
If you dare to scam someone and get kicked out of the community, there's no coming back.
And the second reason…
Actually, this is the bigger reason than time.
'If I sell everything I know, I'll definitely attract attention.'
There's a saying, 'the nail that sticks out gets hammered down', right?
I want to avoid attention from anyone.
It's not like I desperately need GP right now—
Ding!
That's when I receive a message.
[Sender: Ghost master.]
It's a nickname I've seen a few times in announcements.
In other words, it's a message from the community administrator.
My heart skips a beat as if I've been caught red-handed, but when I open it, it's nothing special.
[Elfnunna has made 10 or more transactions. EXP +10]
[Member rank is adjusted.]
[Deadman -> Goblin.]
It's an automatic message sent when your community rank increases.
Although there aren't any major benefits to having a higher rank, it doesn't hurt to level up.
There are occasionally chat rooms with rank restrictions.
Tadat, tadadat, tadat.
First, I use the GP I earned to post a question.
The reward I offer is between 10,000 and 100,000 GP.
It's a way of showing my willingness to pay that much if it's valuable information.
[Your post has been registered.]
After registering the post, I spend my time browsing the community as if I'm surfing the web.
Looking at the jokes and humor posts on the free board, it almost feels like I'm back in the real world.
That's when…
'100,000 points for 2 million stones?'
While browsing the exchange, I learn the real-world value of GP.
I currently have about 140,000 GP.
'Crazy, so I earned 2.8 million stones just by answering two questions?'
My jaw drops at first, but when I think about it carefully, it's not that unbelievable. It's not like the information I sold is worthless.
'I could make a fortune just by selling information here?'
I even have the thought that maybe there's no reason to enter the labyrinth anymore.
But…
'Let's not have strange thoughts.'
The act of exchanging GP for money still feels risky to me.
'Let's not get greedy and just use it as a place to gather information.'
Therefore, I set a new rule and gather my resolve.
That's when, as I'm browsing the community…
Ding!
I hear a notification sound.
I check the monitor, and a new message has arrived.
[Elfnunalove has requested a 1:1 chat.]
Elfnunalove.
It's a nickname that makes me feel uneasy for some reason, but I accept without hesitation.
Because there's only one reason why someone would contact me.
'I was worried, but they appeared within the day.'
The information seller has finally shown up.
_____________________________
In a study with a classic interior…
I'm slightly surprised as I smell the faint scent of books.
'It's quite well-decorated. How much did they spend on this?'
It's on a completely different level compared to the clearing that was the background of the Newbie Room or the desolate field that appeared when I initiated a conversation.
It must have cost a lot of GP.
However, I don't think it's a waste of money.
'Indeed, this alone creates a certain level of trust…'
I briefly look around and spot a white man, and I greet him.
"Hello."
"Yes, hello. You're Elfnunna, right? Have a seat."
As soon as I sit down, the man gets straight to the point.
"You want to know about Chernal Pergan, the mage from the Tarutein school?"
"That's right."
The dimensional collapse phenomenon.
If I only ask about this, it will be difficult for me to distinguish whether he's telling the truth or not.
But it's different if I ask about Chernal Pergan.
Just like this.
"To be precise, I want to know more about his recent activities."
"Hmm, is it because of the rumors about the dimensional collapse phenomenon?"
The man immediately connects the name Chernal Pergan with dimensional collapse.
This increases the reliability of the information that will follow.
Therefore, I also ask directly,
"Is that rumor true?"
The man asks for 20,000 GP in exchange for the answer, and I accept, so he continues.
"If you're asking whether such a story came from him, then yes, it's true. But if you're asking about the truth of the rumor… it's actually not true."
"What do you mean?"
The man pauses for a moment as if to organize his thoughts, then says firmly,
"It means that the dimensional collapse phenomenon will not occur."
"What's the basis for saying that?"
"That's because it involves high-ranking individuals and political conflicts…"
In short, it means it's high-level information that's not worth sharing for just 20,000 GP.
"I'll give you another 20,000 GP."
"If you're that eager to hear it."
The man nods and continues speaking without hesitation.
"The Tarutein school is a school that focuses on the study of labyrinths, specifically magic related to dimensions. And their master wanted to conduct an experiment."
"Experiment…?"
"I can't tell you the details, but it's not a dangerous experiment. It just requires that there be fewer explorers entering the labyrinth than usual."
So the Tarutein school spread rumors through their mages.
They judged that if rumors of a dimensional collapse circulated, it would deter explorers who are susceptible to superstitions.
"…Is it okay to tell me this kind of information?"
"I didn't just blurt it out, I sold it for GP."
His confident attitude leaves me speechless.
The man chuckles and continues,
"In the first place, is it any of my business? I'm not the master of that school. And besides, the royal family will soon issue an official statement denying the rumors."
"…The royal family?"
"Would the Lafdonia royal family just stand by and do nothing? If there are fewer explorers, the amount of magic stones they receive will also decrease."
Hmm, he has a point.
I listen to him for a while longer, and the situation makes sense. The evidence he presented without hesitation is also convincing.
He doesn't seem like he's lying.
Just as I'm about to complete the transaction and tell him that I'll send the remaining 20,000 GP separately, the man shakes his head.
"On second thought, it's fine. You seem like a fan of that person."
20,000 GP is equivalent to 400,000 stones, but to not accept it just because I'm a fan of the same person...
I thank him, but at the same time, I'm curious.
I wonder what year he's in?
'5th year? 10th year?'
Whatever it is, one thing is certain.
He's firmly established himself in this world to the point where 400,000 stones isn't a big deal.
'That's why he knows all the details of the information that I didn't know even after struggling for days.'
I'm reminded of my beginner's spirit once again.
15x? 20x? 30x? Or even 100x?
Well, no matter what mode they cleared, it's none of my business.
This isn't the game world.
It's a harsh reality governed by barbaric principles where the one who survives is the strongest.
'Little Balkan or whatever, in the end, I'm just a newbie here...'
I realize once again that the road ahead is much longer than the path I've already traveled.
But why is it?
It was just a moment ago that I renewed my beginner's spirit.
'This is fun.'
The man who bought the 1st floor Floor Master strategy.
The woman who wanted information about Skull Island.
And this man standing in front of me, who must have reached that place after years of effort.
Smirk.
I don't have the slightest doubt that I can't get there.
_______________________________
The black DOS screen.
After a short loading time, the player's log, filled with beeps, fills the monitor.
Beep, beep beep, beep-
The log's rules are simple.
Only actions are recorded here.
That's why...
「The coming-of-age ceremony has been successfully completed.」
「New equipment has been equipped.」
Choosing a shield at the coming-of-age ceremony.
「Character has stepped on a goblin trap.」
Falling into danger as soon as entering the labyrinth.
Stepping on a goblin trap and crawling on the ground for several hours while bleeding.
Killing a person for the first time.
Becoming companions with a fairy encountered by chance.
And starting with nothing but bare hands, reaching the 2nd floor on the first entry.
"He's a crazy bastard."
The more the old man reads the log, the more dumbfounded he becomes. It's even more so because it's a log that only records actions.
There's a reason for every action.
The old man, who has seen the logs of many players, can clearly see the reasons behind this player's judgments in each moment.
Because that's what he had to do.
Because that was the right choice.
So this man took action.
As if he were really playing a game.
It's truly astonishing.
How many players have made irrational choices, caught between the gap between the game and reality?
"...How many people have reached the 2nd floor on their first entry?"
"As far as I know, 117."
117 people.
It's quite a large number to be considered few.
But the old man is certain.
That among the 117 players, there was no one who faced such adverse conditions.
'He's a strange one.'
As the old man continues scrolling down and reading the log, he freezes at one point.
「Killed Vampire Duke Cambormier. EXP +5」
「Higher Variant Kill Bonus. EXP +1」
「Guardian Kill Bonus. EXP +3」
「The essence of [Vampire-Guardian] seeps into the characte....」
The log on the screen has now reached recent events.
「Bjorn Yandel」
Level: 3 (New +1)
Physical: 155(New +75) / Mental: 90(New +44) / Ability: 115(New +85)
Item Level: 98 (New -104)
Total Combat Index: 381.5 (New +204)
Acquired Essences: Corpse Golem - Rank 7, Vampire(Guardian) - Rank 5 (New)
Character information that would be hard to believe even for someone who's been playing for years.
It's something he achieved in just two months after waking up in an unfamiliar body.
Of course, luck must have also played a part.
But…
'If it were something achievable solely through luck, there would have been at least one similar case.'
The old man raises the player's monitoring level to the maximum.
That's what statistics are about.
The more samples and data you accumulate, the fewer possibilities there are, and uncertain information becomes clearer facts. And the 'probability' derived through that process is surprisingly accurate, regardless of how many samples you add.
In other words, 'luck' is a negligible variable in statistics.
However, there are occasional cases like this.
The first.
Something that was impossible becomes possible.
Simply put, 0 becomes 1.
An irregular that deviates from statistics, where the cause can't even be determined because there are no comparable samples.
Click, click.
「Abnormal growth rate detected.」
「The administrator will monitor this character.」
Suddenly, he also remembers…
The words he left behind when everyone called it a failure…
[I simply made a rational judgment. Even if it's just one person, if I can send them off properly, that has a higher chance of success.]
Maybe, he was right.
-x-X-x-
My vision goes dark, then slowly returns to light.
'My room.'
Not Lee Hansu's, but Bjorn Yandel's inn room.
Checking the clock, exactly 12 seconds have passed since I was summoned to that place.
'1 hour there is 1 second here, huh.'
The time discrepancy itself isn't surprising.
The labyrinth was the same.
No matter how many days you spent there, when you returned to the city, it was always noon the next day.
'I don't know the principle behind it, but it's a convenient phenomenon.'
Still, I think I need to be careful.
In other words, it means I'm defenseless for up to 12 seconds. Of course, if there's an emergency, I can just log out and come back, so it's not a problem…
But what if it's not an emergency?
In the blink of an eye.
If something were to happen during those 12 seconds?
'It would be difficult to respond properly.'
Well, even so, I don't intend to stop using the community for this reason. I'm just making my subconscious aware that such a risk exists.
That way, I can make judgments a little faster if something actually happens.
"Whew…"
I stretch and let out a long sigh.
I feel a slight sense of fatigue.
Not physical fatigue, but mental fatigue.
'Well, it's like I've been awake for 12 hours.'
I close my eyes, thinking that if there's someone who sleeps in especially late on this day, I should suspect them of being a player.
I'm not going to sleep right away, but I need some time to organize my thoughts.
'It was a good thing I entered earlier than planned.'
Ghostbusters.
It's a place that's built and operated with more completeness than I expected. It's more than enough to serve as the source of information I was looking for.
Thanks to them, I was able to obtain information about the dimensional collapse.
'A rumor, huh…'
It's a good thing, that much is certain.
But at the same time, an inexplicable sense of emptiness and anxiety grows.
When I first heard about it, I thought this was it.
If it's not this, then what the hell is going to happen?
'…I need to be even more careful.'
With that thought, I fall asleep.
And time passes, and the next morning arrives.
The day to fulfill my promise with Baron Martoan has dawned.
________________________
"Have a safe trip! And be sure to tell me everything when you get back!"
I leave the street, seeing Misha off.
And after several carriage transfers at the platform…
I arrive at the Martoan Baron's residence.
"Come this way. We don't have time."
As soon as I enter the vast mansion, I'm dragged to a luxurious room and forced to change clothes.
Is it because my appearance is too barbaric for attending the Count's banquet today?
'Damn it.'
So this is what I have to go through because I'm a barbarian.
Normally, they would dress me up nicely for the opposite reason.
"Oh my, look at those muscles…"
I take off my breastplate and shirt with the help of the maids.
And I put on shoulder guards on my bare upper body.
One shoulder guard has spikes, and the other is designed in the shape of a beast skull.
And with those on…
"Um, could you please lower your body a little?"
"Alright."
The maids, standing on a footstool, grunt and groan as they wrap something around my waist.
It's a champion belt that's over a hand span wide according to my standards.
Damn it, why do I have to wear this?
One breastplate is enough to protect my entire torso.
"Please raise your arms."
Afterwards, various pieces of fashion equipment are added to my body, regardless of my will.
They're equipment that focuses more on intimidation than defense.
The weight balance is also all over the place, making every movement uncomfortable, and the hair that the maids let down keeps flowing down and obstructing my vision.
But…
'I understand what they want.'
When I finally look in the mirror…
A barbarian warrior who would drink dragon blood and eat ogre meat as a snack is standing there.
I suddenly have a thought.
So what if the defense and practicality are lacking?
Damn it, everyone will be pissing their pants and running away when I approach them in this getup.
The intimidation factor alone is that great.
It's called Show Window (True) Barbarian Mode.
But is this still not enough in that guy's eyes?
"Tsk."
A skinny man with a goatee looks at me with a displeased expression.
So this guy's name is…
I haven't heard it yet.
"What's your name?"
The butler frowns at my question and answers curtly, as if he doesn't want to talk to me.
"Call me Assistant Manager—"
"Alright, Butler."
"…Tsk, as expected of an unrefined barbarian."
I don't like the butler in many ways.
Are those who grew up without much worse?
He treats me like I'm beneath him the whole time. The baron himself wasn't like that.
Does he think he's something special?
'He's just a commoner too.'
I grumble inwardly but insert insoles into my boots as instructed by the butler.
The plate boots weigh a whopping 7 kilograms due to excessive design, and with the insoles added, it's a living hell, but…
"Now you're somewhat bearable. You were too short before."
What the, you shorty.
'Phew, let's just endure for one day.'
No wonder they offered me 1 million stones as a daily wage.
It wasn't just talk, it was a real service fee.
Anyway, I receive instructions from the rude butler on the route, where I should stand when the baron is talking to others, and other details.
And then it's time to depart.
"Time's up. Let's go."
We leave the palace-like room and head towards the main gate.
A luxurious carriage is already waiting.
I guess the baron, whom I haven't even seen today, is inside.
"What are you standing there for? Your place is over there."
I stand at the very front of the procession.
So I'll walk in front, and they'll follow behind?
"It's an important role, so be sure to look straight ahead to maintain the dignity of the barony, and your posture…"
The butler nags at me until we depart, as if he doesn't trust me.
"Let's go!!"
The knight on horseback right behind me raises a flag and shouts, and I lead the procession at a moderate pace.
Thud, thud.
We exit the main gate, and a wide, paved street comes into view. It's the street of the 1st district, the Imperial City of Karnon, which I wouldn't have been able to enter in my original status.
Even the shops are grand, and everyone's attire is elegant.
And the imperial palace, which wasn't even visible where I live, is showing its presence from afar.
'Tsk, I need to clear this place quickly too to use the Celestial Auction House…'
The butler told me to just look ahead, but I take this opportunity to look around as I walk.
Is that why?
"Stop!!"
The procession comes to a halt as I take a wrong turn.
The butler runs towards me, his face pale, and shouts something.
But I just pick my ear nonchalantly.
Who told you to entrust this to a barbarian?
_______________________________________
The distance from the baron's residence to the count's estate where the banquet is being held today is about 6 kilometers.
I've even walked more than that distance on three legs before…
'Damn it.'
…but I underestimated the fact that I'm wearing a full set of equipment that's the epitome of irrationality.
Sweat is pouring down.
If it weren't for the insoles I shoved in at the last minute, it wouldn't be this hard.
"Baron Martoan arrives!"
As I'm cursing the butler inwardly while walking, we finally reach our destination.
Curious gazes are directed at me as soon as the count's main gate opens.
Although they wouldn't even bat an eye at most spectacles…
…it seems like this is their first time seeing a barbarian leading a carriage procession.
"To have a barbarian lead the way, he must have been inspired by that anecdote!"
"His presence is overwhelming. It feels like a giant is entering."
"Wow, Father, can't we enter like that next time?"
The nobles gathered in the outdoor banquet hall filled with delicacies make comments and liven up the atmosphere.
Was their reaction to his liking?
The baron, who got off the carriage, can't stop smiling.
"This is the first time I've received so much attention just by entering. I'll reward you generously when we get back."
The baron is so pleased that he even promises a bonus.
"I'll go greet the Count, so you all enjoy the banquet."
The baron then enters the mansion with a few of his vassals. The knights naturally disperse and mingle with the crowd.
Only then do I realize…
"...."
…that I've been left alone in this vast banquet hall.
"Oh my, look at the horns on his helmet. How scary."
"They look like they were modeled after the ancient demon Parseira!"
Suits, tuxedos, low-cut dresses.
Shiny jewelry and the white armor of knights.
And me, the only one in the attire of a savage.
It's like I'm a monkey in a zoo.
"Uh, he's walking. Where is he going?"
Curious whispers erupt from everywhere with every step I take.
I feel like my PTSD is about to relapse.
That's when a man approaches me.
"You've worked hard."
It's the knight who was acting as the flag bearer right behind me.
"You're a monster too. To walk this far without resting in that getup."
The knight, who must have seen my struggles up close, chuckles and pats my shoulder.
"How about we go over there and rest until the baron returns."
What is this? Is this man an angel?
"Alright."
I follow the knight to an empty seat.
Although there are all sorts of delicacies around me, I don't have an appetite. It seems like the knight feels the same way, as he just sits there and sips his drink.
Suddenly curious, I ask,
"Is it okay for you not to mingle with them?"
"I wouldn't be welcomed even if I did. I'm a former explorer, just like you."
No wonder he seemed different from the rest.
"I'm Bjorn, son of Yandel. What's your name?"
"Kals Erimoore."
We briefly exchange names and start talking.
I felt it from the beginning, but Kals is a pretty decent guy.
He's easy to talk to since he's a former explorer, and perhaps because of that, he doesn't have the arrogance typical of knights.
That butler bastard should learn from him—
"What are you doing? Who told you to sit down?"
The butler, who entered the mansion with the baron, spots me and rushes over.
He doesn't seem to like the fact that I'm resting.
"Hey, Assistant Manager, let it go. I told this friend to rest for a while."
"…Is that so?"
Kals, unable to bear it any longer, mutters, and the butler flinches and lowers his voice.
"Get up when you're done resting. What will people think if they see a barbarian sitting and resting?"
"...He's resting?"
"No, people will think you're weak. So get up. Whether that's your true nature or not, you're supposed to be a warrior of iron and blood today."
I get up from my seat after not being able to rest for long due to the butler's nagging.
'…Alright, let's just endure for one day.'
Didn't I promise to act as the Martoan family's trophy and show off?
Let's perfectly act out the role he wants.
Of course, it's far from resignation.
A warrior of iron and blood.
A barbarian in this world where fists come before law.
A barbarian.
Yeah, if that's who I am…
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!"
As soon as I finish my mental preparation, a battle cry erupts from my throat.
"Wh, what are you doing all of a sudden?!"
The butler, who had been spouting insults about how much it cost to custom-make the equipment I'm wearing and how pathetic I looked when I got lost earlier, frowns.
Seeing that, I wonder why I even held back until now.
Am I not a barbarian?
"I just felt like it!"
In that sense, I grab a piece of meat that was nearby, like a barbarian.
Is it like a tomahawk steak?
There's a bone attached to the meat like a handle.
"Yes, this is what I wanted—"
The butler nods in agreement as I tear into the meat with my bare hands, like a savage.
However…
"...?!"
…his expression hardens as he sees me even chewing on the bone.
I speak politely to him, maintaining my dignity as a barbarian warrior.
"Butler, I want to smash your head."
"...What?"
It's the kind of statement he's never heard in his life. I kindly add an explanation as I look at the butler, whose ears seem to doubt what he just heard.
"I just feel like doing it!"
Crunch, crunch.
Even as I'm speaking, the bones of some unknown beast are being crushed in my mouth.
______________________________
"Yo, your joke is a bit too much."
"Joke?"
I tilt my head as if I don't understand, and the butler's face turns pale.
It seems like he finally realized.
That I'm a barbarian, after all.
"Did my words sound like a joke?"
Barbarians are simple-minded.
And they're true to their emotions.
Of course, the butler might not have any knowledge about the physiology of barbarians.
But…
'If he investigated me, he would know about the incident at the guild.'
Of course, there are excuses.
I had no other choice back then.
It's a world where most things can be settled with fines, except for looting, tax evasion, and a few laws related to nobles.
I thought that as long as I could prove that I wasn't a looter, I could somehow handle the rest.
However, that's something only I know.
To others, I must have looked like a crazy bastard.
"…I, I have some work to do, so I'll be go, going. You, you just rest here."
The butler, as if he really did investigate me, hurriedly leaves with an awkward expression.
Kals, who was watching the situation, bursts into laughter.
"Hahaha! That's the first time I've seen that guy make such a face!"
For some reason, my actions seem to have made a good impression on this guy.
"But is this okay?"
"It's fine, I'm sturdy."
It's a residual effect of my increased Bone Density stat, rather than an innate ability.
My appetite seems to have returned, so I start eating the food in earnest.
"Look at him!"
"Oh my, how barbaric!"
The noble ladies look at me as if I'm some kind of newly discovered creature, but I'm not bothered anymore.
So what if I look like a barbarian?
If you can let go of your shame, there's no more comfortable position than this.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!"
"Why are you shouting again?"
"It's delicious!"
After a brief moment of hesitation due to the elegant atmosphere of the banquet…
I start enjoying the feast in earnest.
-x-X-x-
I tear into the meat and gulp down the alcohol.
I wipe my dirty hands on the tablecloth.
The reason I'm going to such lengths is simple.
'It's what Baron Martoan wants, and it's beneficial to me as well.'
I'm currently at the Count's banquet hall.
Since it's a gathering with many people, it's only right to act like a barbarian.
The more barbaric rumors spread...
...the more it will serve as a shield when someone suspects me of being an evil spirit.
"Excuse me, could I touch your forearm?"
"Do as you please."
"Kyaa! I really touched it!"
As I'm enjoying the banquet, channeling my inner barbarian, curious nobles approach me and strike up conversations.
It feels like I'm working as a mascot.
"Hey, could you shout like that one more time?"
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
"Hahaha, how refreshing!"
As I fulfill my professional duties, having received a request from the baron, more and more people gather.
There are also knights among them.
There are three of them, and they all have unpleasant expressions.
They seem jealous that the attention is on me and that everyone is treating me favorably.
"With that behavior, he should be called Little Clown, not Little Balkan."
"In the first place, he got that name because of his small..."
"To be sucking up like that, the pride of a warrior is a thing of the past."
I pretend not to hear them.
It's pathetic to see 'apprentice knights' with the strength of 3rd-floor explorers acting like that...
And there's nothing to gain by causing trouble.
"Hahaha, you were here?"
Baron Martoan returns just as I'm filling my stomach and entertaining the nobles.
He looks around and smiles as if he's truly happy.
"Sorry to interrupt, but there's someone I'd like you to meet, so I'll take him with me for now."
"Ah...!"
The place I follow the baron to is the indoor banquet hall.
The atmosphere is completely different from the outdoor one I was in earlier.
There, a band was playing cheerful music, and young men and women were dancing in the garden. But here...
'Is this a gathering of real nobles?'
The indoor hall is filled with silence and soft music.
Those seated at the tables are maintaining their dignity, engaging in dignified conversations.
"Come this way."
I keep looking around even as I follow the baron. About 200 people are enjoying the banquet in the indoor hall.
Most of them are direct descendants of Baron Martoan, like his young son, or people with social status like bank presidents or guild branch managers.
"There will be many people with higher ranks than me among those you'll be greeting, so please refrain from being rude."
Afterwards, I follow the baron and meet various titled nobles.
"Baron Martoan! It's been a while... who is this friend?"
"Perhaps you've heard of him, Viscount? He's Little Balkan, a famous explorer among adventurers these days."
"Hoo, this is him? I've heard of him. But how did he end up following you?"
The baron looks at me and gestures with his eyes instead of answering the viscount's question.
It means I should say the line I prepared.
"The baron helped me when I was in trouble. In return, I decided to protect him for a while."
"Huhuhu! To hear such words from a barbarian who looks so strong, I'm envious!"
"It's nothing special. I told him several times that there's no need to burden himself..."
The baron trails off and looks at me again.
"...A warrior never forgets a favor."
"Huh! What a sincere and honorable belief. Bjorn, son of Yandel, was it? I'll remember your name."
This kind of conversation continues thirteen times.
It's because there are only thirteen titled nobles, excluding the count who hosted the banquet.
Well, even in the game, titled nobles who own even a speck of land in this city were rare.
'I ended up making an impression on the nobles.'
Originally, attending a banquet like this would have required a much higher fame stat.
However, I decide to be that much more careful.
The fact that I'm not qualified to be here also means that I don't have the power to protect myself if I get on the bad side of a titled noble.
"Then I guess we're done with the greetings, so rest by my side until the Count arrives."
After the rounds of introductions are over, I stand by the baron's side and faithfully fulfill my role as a trophy.
But is it because the baron is next to me?
Or did the warning earlier work?
"...Tsk."
I don't know, but the butler just clicks his tongue and turns his head away whenever our eyes meet. He doesn't nitpick and bother me like before.
Is this the life of a barbarian?
'I should have done this from the beginning.'
Anyway, it's quite comfortable afterwards.
Baron Martoan, a titled noble, never gets up first.
There are plenty of people who come to greet him just to get acquainted, and all I have to do is show off some tricks whenever the baron wants.
"Ooh!"
"Indeed, he lives up to the name Little Balkan, Baron!"
Things like bending a steel rod with my bare hands or arm wrestling.
That's when...
I see a familiar face among the approaching crowd.
"May the star that rises at twilight guide us. Greetings, Baron Martoan, and..."
"I am Bjorn, son of Yandel."
"Haha, I apologize. Mr. Yandel, I'm not good with names."
The paladin in white armor smiles kindly as I introduce myself.
He's the one I met after finishing the sewer request the other day.
I briefly met him when I delivered Elisa Behenk's corpse late at night.
His name was definitely...
"You know Captain Krovitz?"
Pal Krovitz.
That was definitely his name.
But...
'...Captain? Him?'
As I look at him with a surprised expression at the baron's words, the man scratches the back of his head sheepishly.
"Although I'm lacking, I'm fortunate enough to be the captain of the 3rd Paladin Order."
"I see..."
I'm quite taken aback.
I didn't expect him to be the captain of a paladin order since he came to collect a corpse late at night.
The captain of a paladin order?
Doesn't that mean he's a monster with the strength of at least an 8th-floor explorer?
"If you need help, please visit our church. As I said before, we will never forget your contribution and will always remember it."
Hmm, I thought it was just empty words back then...
But for a man who holds the position of captain to say this... I should visit sometime.
Who knows?
Even if it's impossible now, maybe if I build a better relationship with him, he might send a priest to our team later on.
"Hmm, contribution? Captain Krovitz, what do you mean?"
The baron interjects with a curious voice during our conversation.
His eyes are filled with curiosity.
Well, it would be hard to imagine a barbarian making a contribution to the church.
"Ah, I haven't told you about that yet."
Krovitz looks at the surrounding people as well as the baron and starts telling a story as if reading a children's book.
To summarize, it's nothing special.
That I discovered a priest of Karui in the labyrinth.
And on top of that, I found and defeated that evil woman who was hiding in the sewers.
Although that's all there is to the story, Krovitz is quite a good storyteller.
"Huh! I've heard about that. That a follower of the evil god appeared. But to think that it was this man who defeated her."
"Little Balkan, Bjorn, son of Yandel. They say he's born with the fate of a hero, and it seems to be true..."
As the story ends, the people around us, starting with the baron, let out exclamations.
"It's a fortunate encounter bestowed by the stars. Our church also cherishes our connection with Mr. Yandel. Ah, then I'll be on my way, I have somewhere to be..."
Krovitz, who has been boosting my reputation until the very end, leaves, saying he has business to attend to.
And...
"You, you're much more amazing than I thought."
The baron's gaze softens as he looks at me.
________________________________
「Character's fame has increased by +10.」
「Character's fame has increased by +10....」
「....」
________________________________
"Oh, so that's what happened?"
"For Captain Krovitz, who's known for his ability to read people, to say such things, he must be someone who will achieve great things in the future."
While the story told by Krovitz is spreading among the nobles...
The banquet begins in earnest as the Count appears.
"Count Perdehilt arrives!"
He descends the central staircase leading to the 2nd floor, the center of everyone's attention.
Next to him is his daughter, who seems to be in her late teens.
In a way, she's the main character of this banquet.
"I thank everyone for coming to celebrate my daughter Arabella's birthday. I've prepared various entertainments, so please leave your worries and enjoy yourselves today!"
At the count's words, the music changes to a more lively tune, and the quiet indoor banquet hall starts to liven up.
The quiet conversations become louder, and laughter that's far from dignified erupts here and there.
Well, I guess they're all starting to feel a bit tipsy.
They've been sipping alcohol since before.
"Lady, may I have the honor of kissing your hand?"
The young people take the hands of the people they like and go outside to dance.
The older people sit and have vulgar conversations, using the clowns' show as a topic.
That's when...
"Let's go too."
The baron gets up from his seat.
He has a somewhat nervous expression.
When I ask where we're going, the baron answers,
"You haven't met the Count yet, have you? I mentioned you to him earlier, and he said he really wants to meet you."
The baron's expression is completely different from when we were going around greeting the titled nobles.
It's as if he's facing his direct superior.
'The Count...'
I'm also getting nervous, but the Count, when I finally meet him, turns out to be a rather cheerful man.
And he's very friendly towards me.
"Haha! So you're the one? I've been wanting to meet you in person."
The Count even gets up and offers me a handshake when I go to greet him.
"It's a pleasure to meet you!"
I shake his hand in the barbarian way, but I can't shake the feeling that something is strange.
Bjorn, son of Yandel, Little Balkan.
I'm aware that I've become famous recently.
But...
'Is this really the kind of treatment I would get from a Count?'
If you ask me that, well...
I don't think so at all.
It's because there are less than a hundred nobles with the title of Count in this vast city.
He's on a completely different level compared to the Explorer's Guild regional manager I met before.
He's a powerful figure with absolute authority.
Even in the game, events involving big shots like counts rarely happened unless it was in the very late stages.
But...
"You're taller than I expected? At this rate, we should call you Big Balkan, not Little Balkan. Keke!"
The Count compliments me.
As if he wants to gain my favor.
"But what's with that weapon? I heard you use a mace."
He keeps subtly mentioning things that he wouldn't know unless he had been paying attention to me for a while.
'Why?'
I don't understand.
If he wanted to, he could easily control even 7th or 8th-floor explorers with reputations far exceeding mine...
So why is he interested in me?
'Damn it, this makes me feel uneasy...'
Some people might be happy to receive attention from a big shot like the Count, but at least I'm not.
And it's not like I haven't been worrying about something happening soon.
'...If something happens, what is it?'
Just as my learned anxiety starts to imagine the worst-case scenarios involving the Count...
"Suddenly, I have an interesting idea after seeing you."
The Count claps his hands and looks at me as if he's found the answer.
And he makes an unexpected suggestion.
"There will be a tournament among the apprentice knights later. Would you like to participate?"
"...Wouldn't the knights dislike it?"
"I'll take care of that. What do you think?"
"I'll think about it..."
I don't give him a definite answer with an ambiguous tone.
After all, it would be less problematic to express my intentions later through the baron than to refuse him directly.
"Hmm, alright. Do as you please."
The Count seems to have reached his limit and loses interest in me. And he starts chatting with the baron.
A shallow conversation about praising each other's wives and children and wishing for the future of their families.
"Haha, the conversation was so enjoyable that I kept you for too long. Go and enjoy the banquet."
"Yes."
As soon as I return to the table after leaving the Count's side, the baron immediately speaks to me.
"So... what are you going to do about that?"
"About what...?"
"The tournament!"
So that's what he was talking about.
I tell him I'm still thinking about it, delaying my answer.
After all, even if I'm going to refuse, it's better to do so after showing some consideration.
"Think about it carefully. Who knows, this might even be beneficial to you."
As expected, the baron tries to persuade me by mentioning the advantages of participating in the tournament.
That he'll give me an additional 2 million stones just for participating, that it's a good opportunity to gain fame...
Or that the prize for winning the tournament is a Numbered Item in the 7000s.
"What? Garpas's Necklace?"
"...Why are you so surprised? Do you know about it?"
The baron, who is not an explorer, tilts his head at my reaction.
It's actually a good thing.
If he were an explorer, my reaction would have been even more suspicious.
"Hmm, I heard from Lord Elta that it's not that attractive of an item."
No. 7777 Garpas's Necklace.
It's an item with an extremely high acquisition difficulty since it only drops in 5th-floor rifts, and even then, the probability is ridiculously low.
In many ways, it's an item similar to the Frost Spirit Ring.
A low item number.
An item effect that's unique but not particularly valuable to explorers.
That's why it's considered a dud despite its rarity.
And...
'There's a hidden special event, too.'
My contemplation doesn't last long.
An ominous premonition that something bad is about to happen?
A resolve to be cautious for a while?
Smirk.
So what?
Being cautious and calculating the pros and cons in everything doesn't mean I should be a coward and avoid what needs to be done.
That would be putting the cart before the horse.
"I'll do it."
"Huh? What did you just say?"
"That tournament the Count mentioned, I'll participate."
-x-X-x-
"Haha! How refreshing, just like a barbarian!"
The baron laughs heartily at my decision.
It's a laugh that only someone who knows nothing about barbarians could make. Barbarians aren't beings who know no fear.
Just like Ainar said the other day...
[We were born as warriors. If we can't fight, we die.]
They simply move forward, carrying their fear with them.
Because that's what they have to do.
My choice this time is the same.
That something big might happen since things have been so peaceful…
'It would be a lie to say I'm not anxious…'
But so what?
If I choose to avoid something out of fear of an uncertain future, the only end is ruin.
With that kind of mindset, how could I enter the labyrinth in the future and make rational judgments?
In the first place, I wouldn't even be alive if I had been like that.
"I went to tell the Count. He was very pleased."
The baron returns shortly after I sit down and organize my thoughts.
It seems like he's very satisfied with my choice.
"Ah, but is that necklace that important?"
He asks as if he's certain that the prize played a big role in my decision.
I don't deny it either.
"Numbered Items sell for a high price, don't they?"
"Hmm… if you say so."
His expression seems to suggest that he thinks I have other reasons, but the baron doesn't pry further.
He just asks,
"By the way, how strong are you?"
"...?"
"Judging by your ambition, it seems like you're seriously considering winning. Are you that confident?"
I chuckle.
How strong am I?
It's a question that's hard to answer confidently because there are too many monsters in this world.
But…
"I wasn't even hoping to win. However, if you lose too easily, it would be embarrassing for me—"
…if we're talking about 'apprentice knights'…
In other words, assuming they're at the level of 3rd-floor explorers…
"Ah, don't worry about that."
I interrupt the baron and answer.
I haven't been worried about that part from the beginning.
"10 seconds is enough."
"Enough?
I look at the baron, who tilts his head in confusion, and assert,
"I can smash most of their heads before then."
It's my honest opinion, without any exaggeration or embellishment.
But did my sincerity reach him?
"Hi, eek!"
The butler, who happened to make eye contact with me, flinches.
____________________________
Knight.
Just like in medieval times, they're practically the epitome of power in this world.
Of course, assuming they've removed the 'apprentice' title.
'What kind of knight can't even use Aura?'
The fear of knights lies in their Aura.
90% armor penetration and 90% magic penetration.
Aura's OP ability to cut through anything and the combination of systematically developed practical swordsmanship…
…are already monstrous on their own…
'And if they level up with elixirs and absorb high-grade essences with their vast wealth?'
'This is why the ruling class never changes from humans.'
In a world where other races are prevalent and magic exists…
Knights are the spear and shield that protect the ruling class.
Even considering that the maximum level you can reach with elixirs is 5, a proper knight can easily slice through several high-ranking explorers.
That's how specialized knights are in combat against other people.
However…
'Apprentices are at most level 3 or lower. And their essences would be at most 7th-grade.'
This is also assuming the maximum.
There are very few nobles who would invest this much in someone who can't even use Aura yet.
'Actually, the tournament itself isn't a problem…'
'…it's what comes after that's concerning.'
The Count's excessive interest, for example.
If some barbarian suddenly wins here, there's a good chance that the ruling class will look at me with hostility.
But since I've made my decision, dwelling on regrets is a luxury.
'Let's just focus on this for now.'
I decide to worry about the future after I win and spend my time quietly in a corner thanks to the baron's consideration when…
"You were being quite arrogant earlier."
Three guys in knight armor approach me.
I remember all of them.
Although it was just a passing encounter, I won't forget their faces since I saw them today.
"10 seconds is enough? Did you forget who you are, being so immersed in your clown act like a stupid barbarian?"
First, this guy.
He was the one who sneered at me while I was entertaining the nobles in the outdoor banquet hall, calling me Little Clown and whatnot.
His rat-like front teeth are memorable, and as I'm looking at him, the next guy takes over as if passing the baton.
"Barbarian, you should pray to your ancestor god that you don't encounter me. I'll behead you in an instant. Of course, it won't even take 10 seconds."
I don't know his name since he didn't introduce himself…
He's the one who was showing off how much of an idiot he is by saying things like I'm sucking up and that a warrior's pride is a thing of the past.
Judging by his tone, he seems to have the braggart attribute as well…
"If I meet you—"
Just as the baton is about to be passed to the next one, I quickly get up and interrupt him.
Although I should try to avoid making enemies…
At this point, I can't help but ask,
"Do you guys have some kind of serious problem with your heads?"
I phrased it politely, considering the circumstances.
If I had asked, 'Are you guys idiots?', it might be considered insulting a noble.
"Wh, what?"
"Do you think I'll be scared if you gang up on me like cowards? Even a three-year-old warrior from my tribe wouldn't do something like this!"
"…Cowards? How dare you insult us—"
"If not, what is it! Is it that you suddenly have courage that you didn't have before because the baron isn't here! What an honorable feat!"
"Th, that's…!"
The three knights blink like goldfish as I point out that they didn't even dare to approach me when the baron was around.
However, I'm a barbarian without prejudice, so I don't think they have speech impediments.
They're just flustered.
They probably didn't expect me to expose their shameful behavior in such a loud voice.
"That's why I asked! I heard knights are beings with pride! But to do such a childish thing by taking advantage of a 'numerical advantage' against a 'fellow participant'? There must be something wrong with your heads!"
I shout, accurately pointing out their actions.
"St, stop! Shut your mouth!"
The three knights' expressions become desperate.
Well, it's only natural.
Shameful behavior or whatever, at this rate, they'll become the guys who were called brain-damaged by a barbarian.
However, did they judge that continuing the conversation would only make things worse?
"…Just you wait!"
The three leave, suppressing their anger.
As locals, they even leave behind a cringe-worthy line.
I'm grateful for their kindness, so I respond in kind.
"Anyway, don't worry too much! Next time we meet, I'll make sure to fix the problems with your heads!"
I wonder if my sincerity reached them?
I can't tell just by looking at their rapidly retreating backs.
___________________________________
Anyway, regardless of the brief incident…
The banquet, filled with various spectacles, has reached its climax.
In other words, the moment of the tournament that the Count prepared has arrived.
"I heard that barbarian we saw earlier is participating. Aren't you excited?"
"Hmm, I don't know. He's just an explorer, right? Although he gained fame recently, I heard he has less than a year of experience?"
The location is the lawn in the outdoor banquet hall.
The surroundings are already packed with people, and some nobles have even brought chairs and settled on the 2nd-floor terrace of the mansion for a better view.
As I'm sitting quietly in the prepared tent, the baron approaches me and talks to me as if he's some kind of coach.
"Aren't you nervous?"
"No."
"Whew, you truly have a heart of steel. I'm this excited."
I'm not sure about the compliment at the beginning, but the part about him being excited seems true.
Considering that he promised a bonus that I didn't even ask for.
"If you win, I'll give you another million stones. So do your best. My reputation is also on the line."
"I'll try my best!"
Is it because of the sudden financial incentive?
I suddenly feel motivated.
"Sir Saboan of the Serphia Barony and Sir Arpeon of the Hensleben Viscountcy, please take your positions!"
After a while, the first match begins.
The two knights who ascend the stage and recite the oath of duel swing their swords gracefully, eliciting cheers from the audience.
'Seeing this, it really is a barbaric world.'
I sneak out of the tent and watch the duel, feeling a strange sense of familiarity.
It's like watching the Roman Colosseum.
Actually, there's not much difference.
There's a rule that you should try not to kill your opponent…
But in other words, it means that killing is okay.
'Well, it would be stranger if there were no casualties when they're fighting with real swords.'
In fact, despite being the first match, the two knights are engaged in a bloody duel amidst the heated atmosphere.
And the moment of victory and defeat is as dramatic as the fight itself was intense.
"The winner is Sir Arpeon of the Hensleben Viscountcy!"
The outcome of the match is decided as one knight's hand holding the sword is severed entirely.
Of course, the injured knight's arm is quickly reattached by a priest, but the blood that splattered like a fountain remains vividly on the stage like a decoration.
However…
"Waaaaaaaaa!!"
…listening to the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd, I realize once again…
…that this is a different world.
And that I've already become a part of it.
"Huhu, seeing blood seems to excite you too, huh?"
Well, I don't know about that…
But I do know that it's my turn next.
"Sir Silbenia of the Hessen Barony and… Bjorn Yandel of the Martoan Barony, please take your positions!"
As instructed by the announcer, I make my way through the crowd and onto the stage. At the same time, a knight is also coming up from the opposite side.
It's quite a coincidence.
I couldn't tell from the tournament bracket because I didn't know his name, but…
"Huhu, surprised?"
I nod slightly as if acknowledging it.
To be matched against one of the three knight assholes in the first round?
It's surprising, isn't it?
'And it's the most annoying one of them, too.'
The corners of my mouth involuntarily curl upwards.
Although I didn't get to hear his pledge because I interrupted him when he was about to pass the baton…
…how could I forget that guy?
[In the first place, he got that name because of his small…]
He was the one who spread that ridiculous rumor.
Although it's a bit much for me to say this…
…but he dared to do that, even though he's just a human.
____________________________________
Before the duel begins…
The bastard recites the oath of duel.
It's a cliché oath, swearing on his honor as a knight to fight seriously and not use any dishonest or unfair tactics.
Then it's my turn.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!!"
A barbaric shout, omitting any flowery rhetoric.
The crowd's excitement intensifies.
"Waaaaaaaaa!!"
Sir Sil… whatever his name is, mutters something under his breath, annoyed that I'm receiving more attention even in this situation.
"How vulgar and unrefined."
What the hell, did he expect a barbarian to be elegant?
Following the announcer's instructions, we approach each other and cross our weapons.
He holds out a long sword, and I hold out a large double-edged battle axe instead of the mace I left at the baron's residence.
'…I'm not used to bladed weapons…'
It's unfortunate, but the way to use it shouldn't be much different.
I just need to swing it like I usually do.
The result will probably be similar too.
The only difference will be whether he's cut or completely blown apart.
"Haat!"
As soon as the duel begins, Sir Whatever-his-name-is pushes off the ground and charges towards me.
It seems like he wants to return the favor for my 10-second promise…
'This is interesting.'
I first step back and take an observational stance.
I'm also a bit curious since it's my first time seeing a knight's swordsmanship…
Whoosh!
Although he's just an apprentice, his swordsmanship is quite sharp, as befits a knight.
"Die!"
It's not some kind of martial arts technique…
His sword strikes with three afterimages.
For a moment, I hesitate, wondering which one is real, but it's just a fleeting moment.
If I don't know which one is real…
…then I just need to deflect them all.
'I've become quite the barbarian.'
I turn the blade of the axe sideways and swing it as widely as possible.
That's all it takes.
Clang!
Sir Whatever-his-name-is loses his balance as the trajectory of his sword is deflected by the force.
However, he doesn't let go of his sword despite the impact.
And even though he must be flustered, he twists his body and swings his sword towards my neck as if it's a combo.
'He's definitely not an opponent to underestimate.'
It's a sword strike that draws a smooth curve from bottom to top, like a rising dragon.
Regardless of his personality, I acknowledge his skill.
I wonder how many generations this swordsmanship has been passed down?
'His weapon skills are several levels above mine.'
If we were on equal footing, I would definitely lose to this guy.
But it's not something to worry about too much.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!"
Because this guy and I are not on equal footing.
「Character has used [Wild Release].」
「Character's threat level is temporarily tripled, and physical stats increase proportionally.」
There's still a long time left before 10 seconds pass.
-x-X-x-
When you use [Wild Release], your threat level increases. However, in this case, the threat level doesn't provoke humans like it does with monsters.
As Dwarkey said the other day:
[Hmm... It was a very strange feeling. My head knew that there was no danger, but my body felt like I had to run away...]
Cowardly people cower in fear.
Courageous people are provoked into competitiveness.
So which one is this guy?
"Haat!"
The answer is the latter.
After flinching for a moment at the battle cry I spat in his face, the guy quickly regains his composure and continues swinging his sword.
If I had a shield in my left hand like usual, I could just deflect it...
'But it doesn't make much difference now.'
It's all the same in the end.
The body of a seasoned tank exists solely to block enemy attacks.
Swoosh.
I move the hand that was holding the axe towards the trajectory of the swinging sword.
And at the same time, a dull sound follows.
Clack-
A look of confusion appears in the guy's eyes, who thought he had gained the upper hand, at the sound.
Well, he must be curious.
When would he ever hear a sound like that when a sharp blade clashes with a bare arm?
"...?"
His gaze shifts, searching for an answer.
His eyes finally reach their destination.
"Don't you understand?"
The guy nods blankly at my question.
Why his sword cut through my skin but couldn't reach the bone.
There are many reasons for that.
Bone Density, Physical Resistance, a naturally large and sturdy skeleton, and physical stats increased by [Wild Release].
If he had cleanly cut off my wrist, that would have been even more absurd.
But…
'There's no need to explain everything in detail.'
I'm a barbarian.
"You are—"
One word is enough.
"Weak."
After saying it, I realize it's a pretty cringe-worthy line, but the effect is significant.
Sil-whatever-his-name-is pulls out the sword embedded in his arm as if he's received the greatest insult.
It's not a good choice.
Splash-!
Blood splatters as the blade is pulled out.
Sizzle!
A corrosive sound follows.
And...
"Kyaaaaak!!!"
A pained groan.
"You used a dirty trick..."
What the hell is he talking about? I just stood there.
As expected, there's definitely something wrong with his head, so I reach out and grab his neck.
Because it would be a pain in the ass if he runs away, right?
"Keuheok!"
Sil-whatever-his-name-is struggles as the blood flow to his brain is cut off.
It's like a meal that's already been prepared.
I'm sure he would die with just a twist of his neck.
But...
「Unequipped equipment.」
「Total item level decreased by -495.」
...I put down the weapon I was holding.
The reason is simple.
Clang!
The double-edged battle axe that the butler bought at a high price for today.
If I smash his head with this, I won't even have the excuse of not intending to kill him...
'And I made a promise.'
I promised the three knight assholes.
That I would definitely fix the problems with their heads when we meet again.
Therefore…
Clench.
I clench my fist, which is the size of a watermelon…
…and punch him in the temple with all my might.
Thwack—!!!
If there's a problem with his head…
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!!"
…then I just have to get rid of his head.
Right, that's what a barbarian would think.
Or maybe not.
_______________________________
Silence.
The surroundings are quiet, with only faint sounds.
This state continues for a while.
"...."
It's a very unusual sight.
In a place with so many people gathered…
…and in the midst of a festival…
…hundreds of people fall silent without any unspoken agreement.
"Wh, where's the priest!!"
A knight runs out, carrying Sil-whatever-his-name-is, whose head is half-crushed, and the silence ends.
Therefore, I also approach the referee.
"Do I not need to tell you who the winner is?"
The referee looks flustered at my question and then shouts to the crowd,
"Th, the winner is Bjorn Yandel of the Martoan Barony!"
At first, I thought he was discriminating against me because I'm a barbarian.
But judging by the crowd's subsequent reaction, that doesn't seem to be the case.
"Waaaaaaaa!"
"Barbarian! Barbarian is the best!"
"I've never seen such a refreshing duel! It's so satisfying!"
"But, isn't that knight dead?"
"Yo, you, touch him here. Can you feel his heart beating?"
"Uh, uh… I, I think so…"
"People dying during duels isn't uncommon. And with that level of injury, the priest will surely heal him."
The reaction is even more enthusiastic than during the first duel.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
I get off the stage after letting out a shout as a service and head towards the tent.
Not the tent where the baron is waiting…
…but the tent where Sil-whatever-his-name-is was taken for treatment.
"Yo, you bastard! How dare you come here!"
As soon as I enter the tent, I'm met with a thunderous scolding.
It's from the remaining two of the three knight assholes.
I ignore them and approach the priest who is in the middle of treatment.
"Is he dead?"
"…His life is not in danger."
The priest answers while glaring at me with a hostile gaze.
"Couldn't you have shown a bit more mercy?"
I feel a bit guilty when someone who follows God says that, but I have plenty of excuses.
"I didn't know it would turn out like this."
"...?"
"He's a knight! I even put down my axe and just punched him! How could I have known he would faint from one hit?"
The three knights blush with shame at my confident answer, and the priest opens his mouth in disbelief.
"Faint… you say? It was a serious injury where his brain matter was exposed, but you call it fainting—"
"If he's alive, isn't it just fainting!"
It's a choice of words that even Ainar, who taught me about the barbarian way of life, would back down from.
The priest then shuts his mouth.
He's judged that it's pointless to continue the conversation.
"...."
An awkward silence fills the tent.
I'm about to leave, but just in time, Sil-whatever-his-name-is regains consciousness.
"Uh, uh… where am I…?"
Sil-whatever-his-name-is mutters with a dazed look.
The divine power emanating from the high-ranking priest has already completely healed his smashed head, but it's not an all-powerful cheat code.
"I'm pretty sure I was on my way to the duel…"
The priest explains the situation at his mumbling.
That there was a duel, and he suffered a serious head injury.
But he was treated quickly, so his memory will return with time.
"I, I see. Thank you for helping—"
Just as he's expressing his gratitude for the priest's kind briefing, he spots me and freezes.
"Yo, you, why are you here…"
It's closer to fear than surprise.
I'm a bit confused.
He lost his memory of the duel, but how can he react like this?
"Hmm, you really don't remember anything?"
"I, I don't. So please leave."
Hmm, he doesn't seem to be lying…
But I should at least confirm what I need to confirm while I'm here.
"I'll leave immediately if you do one thing for me."
"...?"
"It's nothing special, just repeat after me."
I recite the words he said to me before and ask him to repeat them.
"Ju, just that, and you'll leave…?"
"Of course."
Sil-whatever-his-name-is gulps as I nod.
And he repeats the words I recited.
But…
"In, in the first place, that's why you got that na, name because it's sm, small… Uh, ugh…"
He suddenly starts trembling like an aspen leaf and grabs his head.
"Aaah…! I, I remember…!"
It seems like his lost memories have returned as he recalls the past.
"That's good. Keep going."
At my urging, Sil-whatever-his-name-is freezes and then starts convulsing.
"St, stop… I, I was wrong. So please…"
He's apologizing?
It's an attitude that the old him could never have imagined.
I breathe a sigh of relief.
"It seems like the problem with your head has disappeared."
"Yes. So please leave now. The patient needs rest."
"Alright."
I leave the tent without hesitation at the priest's words.
"I, I'm going to leave this place. I, I need to run away…!"
I hear a faint commotion from beyond the tent.
Listening to it, I finally realize…
I'm not a doctor or a priest with divine power.
I'm just a barbarian living in this barbaric world.
But so what?
'As expected, barbarians are OP.'
Just today…
I solved a problem that even a priest couldn't fix.
___________________________
"You've worked hard. I didn't expect you to finish it that quickly… but where did you go?"
The baron greets me as I return to the waiting tent.
I tell him I went to check on Sil-whatever-his-name-is's condition out of curiosity, and he chuckles.
"You're really something. To care about that while attacking so ruthlessly."
Ruthlessly? That's a bit harsh.
"If it were in the labyrinth, I would have used an axe."
"Well, that's true, but…"
"Honestly, I didn't expect him to be that weak. I thought he would at least be sturdy since he's slow."
It's an answer I prepared in case things went wrong.
For some reason, the baron bursts into laughter.
"Right, what fault could you possibly have? It's their fault for not training properly."
"But even though he's an apprentice knight, he's still a noble, isn't he? Is this really okay?"
"Huh, are you worried about the aftermath? Then don't worry at all. It happened during a duel, didn't it?"
"But knights are a family's asset. What if the titled noble they swore loyalty to harms me?"
"Oh, don't worry about that. In the first place, why would a formal knight, not an apprentice, participate in such entertainment? It's because there's no big problem even if they die."
The baron then assures me that no one would dare to make enemies with him over such a trivial matter, and even if that were to happen, he would protect me.
It's exactly what I wanted to hear.
"So just focus on winning. I saw that the crowd's reaction was good, the more you rampage, the more pleased the Count who hosted the banquet will be."
Hmm, if that's the case…
I guess it's okay to smash all their heads without worry.
The priest's ability looked amazing too.
"The winner is Sir Tillyan of the Hensleben Viscountcy!"
Afterwards, I watch the duels with the baron and wait for my turn. It was quite entertaining at first, but I soon lose interest.
Their fighting styles are all too similar.
Now I understand why the crowd went wild during my turn.
'Is it because they're nobles even though they're just branch families? They have no showmanship.'
I'm a bit tired, so I ask for the baron's permission and take a nap in a corner.
How much time has passed?
The butler wakes me up very carefully.
"…He, hey, there's someone lo, looking for you."
"Someone looking for me?"
Although it's a bit sudden, the butler finishes his sentence and disappears before I can ask any further.
Therefore, I go out to check.
But what is this again?
'The three knight assholes?'
Two of the three are standing there.
And before I can even ask what they want, one of them reaches out to grab my collar.
I don't know his name…
…but he's the one who badmouthed me, calling me Little Clown or whatever.
"You bas—!"
I step back slightly and dodge his hand, and Little Clown freezes in embarrassment and then continues,
"Keu, ahem. You bastard! What did you do to Sir Silbenia?!"
"Silbenia?"
So that was his name.
I mean, his name was…
"Sil… Meria…"
"It's Sir Silbenia!!"
"Right, did something happen to him?"
The two of them start trembling at my question.
"Don't play dumb…! That bastard goes crazy whenever your name comes up!"
"How could you be so cruel? Even if you have a grudge, to put someone in that state… do you have no mercy or honor?"
Mercy and honor?
That's not something a guy who said he would behead me within 10 seconds should be saying.
I make my final diagnosis.
"…I didn't know his condition was this serious."
We need to resolve this quickly.
"What are you doing here?"
The commotion ends as Baron Martoan peeks his head out from beyond the tent.
The two of them hurriedly leave as soon as they see his face, as if they have something to hide.
"…Who were those?"
"It's nothing."
"Anyway, come here. I just had a good idea, and I'm curious if it's actually possible."
Afterwards, we return to the tent and kill time with idle chatter with the baron, and soon the first round of the tournament ends.
And the quarterfinals begin.
But is this what the shaman meant by the 'fate of a hero'?
"Sir Quartean of the Serphia Barony and Bjorn Yandel of the Martoan Barony, please take your positions!"
Surprisingly, I'm matched against one of the three knight assholes in the second round.
It's the one with the braggart attribute.
"Don't expect it to be like before."
He starts spouting lines even as the duel begins.
"Although it's embarrassing to say this myself, Sir Silbenia is the weakest among us—"
It's actually easier than the first time.
I take advantage of the opening while he's muttering and dash forward.
And…
"Uh, uh…?"
Whether he's surprised and swings his sword or not…
…I reach out and grab his neck…
…and then deliver a sincere punch to his temple.
Thwack—!
The guy collapses to the ground limply as the flesh and bones of his head are crushed. It all happened within 3 seconds of the duel starting.
However…
"Waaaaaaaa!"
"Do that again next time!!"
"Knight Crusher! Knight Crusher!"
Despite the duel ending so quickly, the crowd erupts in cheers of excitement.
It's truly ironic.
'They're enjoying the sight of a man's head being smashed.'
Who's the barbarian here?
_______________________________
「Character's fame has increased by +10.」
「Character's fame has increased by +10....」
「....」
-x-X-x-
Unfortunately, my opponent in the semi-finals is not the last remaining member of the three knight assholes.
Because the other one lost in the second round.
And it seemed like he purposely lost.
'So I couldn't give one of them physical therapy.'
Anyway, since there's no need to aim for the head anymore, I shatter his sword with my double-edged axe as soon as the duel starts.
But did he not want to lose to a barbarian?
"I, it's not over yet!"
He shows his will to continue the duel even without a sword. So I also discard my axe, run towards him, and break his spine.
"Th, the winner is Bjorn Yandel of the Martoan Barony!"
Although it was a bloodless victory, the crowd's reaction isn't bad.
"Waaaaaaaa!!"
"Knight Crusher, Little Balkan, Bjorn, son of Yandel!!"
It seems like the sight of a man being folded in half is quite stimulating for them too.
The baron's reaction isn't much different.
As soon as I return to the tent, he asks with wide eyes,
"Hey, do you know? It was chilling! To throw a man in the air and then catch him with your knee, where did you learn that technique?"
Hmm, if I had to answer, I saw it in a comic book.
This is the first time I've realized that it's physically possible.
There's truly nothing barbarians can't do.
"I'll rest for a bit until the next match."
"Huh? Ah, right."
I ask for the baron's understanding and close my eyes for a moment.
It's not that I'm sleepy, but...
'There's only one left, right?'
With victory in sight, my heart starts pounding.
______________________________
The long-awaited final match begins.
"Sir Albatross of the Perdehilt County and Bjorn Yandel of the Martoan Barony, please take your positions!"
My opponent is an apprentice knight under Count Perdehilt, the host of the banquet and the one who suggested I participate in the tournament...
...but leaving aside the aftermath...
The duel itself doesn't worry me much.
Because I've already analyzed my opponent while watching the previous matches.
"Greetings."
The huge knight greets me, holding a massive greatsword.
I smirk as I look at him.
'I think I understand the Count's personality now.'
Knights are different from explorers.
To them, essences are just a means to enhance their swordsmanship. Therefore, they mostly choose essences related to physical stats, and the combination of essences varies from family to family.
Several efficient combinations have become established as the standard through systematic research...
...but characters have their own 'concepts'.
'Orc Great Warrior, Giant Golem, and Cyclops...'
My opponent is a typical strength-based knight.
Perhaps with priests in mind, he focused on physical resistance rather than regeneration and equipped a full set of Laetium armor, a 2nd-tier material, using his high strength.
He's practically a walking tank.
'They really splurged on this apprentice knight.'
I'm once again surprised by the Count's wealth as I guess his preferences.
One 7th-grade and two 6th-grade essences.
He must have bought and absorbed essences stored in test tubes, but how much did it cost?
'With the equipment he's wearing, he's practically beyond the level of a 3rd-floor explorer.'
I suddenly have the thought that the Count might not have even considered the possibility of me winning.
This guy's level is that overwhelming.
Most of the participants were level 2 and only had 7th-grade essences.
"Why are you barehanded when you have equipment?"
Anyway, just before the duel starts, while we're crossing our weapons, my opponent asks a question.
He's curious why I came up on stage with just one axe, unlike the previous duels.
I answer briefly,
"Because it's uncomfortable."
It's not meant to be an insult, it's the truth.
The heavy plate boots, the overly designed helmet, belt, shoulder guards, etc. Even if I can't expect much in terms of defense, they shouldn't hinder my movement.
"I see. It would be difficult to fight like usual while wearing those."
Fortunately, my opponent takes my words at face value.
But that's all.
"I was worried it would end too quickly, but it seems like you're planning to take it seriously, so I'm relieved."
His relaxed expression and tone of voice are an expression of his confidence that he'll win no matter what I do.
I don't feel the need to continue the conversation.
"That's good to hear."
If he's letting his guard down, it's all the better.
Swoosh.
I pull back my weapon and create some distance.
My opponent does the same.
As the distance between us widens to about 15 meters, the referee raises his flag.
It's a sign that we can attack each other now.
"Come at me."
My opponent takes a knightly stance and gestures with his sword.
Seeing that, I can somehow imagine the scenario he's hoping for.
The barbarian who gained the nickname 'Knight Crusher' with his overwhelming power.
A true knight who gracefully and elegantly defeats that barbarian.
The cheers of the crowd and the recognition of his lord.
A bright future unfolding before him like a paved road.
Smirk.
I can tell how easy this guy's life has been.
Whether my prediction is correct or not...
If you have something you want, you should be more desperate.
It's not about how good things can get when they go well, but about always considering the opposite.
'Still, seeing him let his guard down like this, it's a good thing I hid it until the end.'
The tournament hosted by the Count.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!!"
I use that combo for the first time.
_______________________________
「Character has cast [Gigantification].」
「Character's size increases, and threat level and physical stats increase proportionally.」
「Character has used [Wild Release].」
「Character's threat level is temporarily tripled, and physical stats increase proportionally.」
_______________________________
[Gigantification] and [Wild Release].
Using these two skills together greatly increases threat level. And in proportion to that, physical stats also increase significantly.
Although [Wild Release] has the downside of only lasting for 30 seconds…
So what?
At least I can feel an insane power boost during that time.
'Well, I didn't expect it to end so anticlimactically.'
Is it a side effect of having an excessively high threat level?
Competitiveness or whatever, threat level works regardless of the target's personality.
"Uh, uh, uh..."
The knight is frozen stiff, unable to move, from the overwhelming sense of fear I'm radiating.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
I dash forward, making sounds like a large monster's footsteps.
However, just as I'm about to swing my axe down...
"Hi, eek!"
The knight rolls on the ground to dodge and then starts running away.
But there's no way he can keep running in this narrow arena.
I corner him like in a boxing game and reach out to grab him.
That's when...
"He's, he's out of bounds!"
The guy runs out of the arena, and the final match ends without a proper fight.
'Well, it's convenient for me, but...'
The crowd's reaction is cold.
Fortunately, there's no criticism directed at me, but sharp boos are showered upon the knight who showed dishonorable behavior.
"Ah, no, I did it unconsciously... Le, let's do it again... I can do it again!"
He comes back onto the stage, having come to his senses, but it's no different from clutching at straws.
"How much further are you going to humiliate me?"
He was demanding a rematch from the referee, but he hangs his head low at the Count's cold words.
"The winner is Bjorn Yandel of the Martoan Barony!"
Tsk, should I not have used [Gigantification]?
That thought comes to mind belatedly.
Although I won easily, it's so awkward that even I feel embarrassed.
'It seems like I even offended the Count...'
It's not good news for me, who was worried about the aftermath rather than winning the tournament.
My actions, which were meant to eliminate any variables by hiding my strength until the end, have created a new variable.
'Damn it, I didn't expect him to just run away like that.'
Phew, he's not going to harm me because of this, right?
I'm inwardly worried, but the Count just laughs heartily as he personally comes up on stage to award me the necklace and the trophy.
"Haha! Today was very impressive."
The Count pats me on the forearm since he can't reach my shoulder and offers words of encouragement. I can't tell if he's genuinely not holding a grudge or just acting.
As I'm feeling uncertain and observing his expression...
The Count whispers to me so that only I can hear,
"I'll call you separately when you're more prepared."
"...Call me?"
"You don't need to know the details. Just ignore any other nobles who call for you until then. Got it?"
I nod, even though I don't understand what he means.
Because I have that much sense.
'And he has such a scary look in his eyes...'
If I had said no, it seemed like he would have done something.
Anyway, the long banquet comes to an end with the award ceremony. Well, there are many who stay and enjoy the party until dawn...
...but Baron Martoan is not one of them.
"I'm tired. Let's go back."
I return to the mansion with the same people I came with and receive all my equipment back. And I also receive the promised service fee.
"You really worked hard today. Your name and my family's name will surely be the talk of the social circles for months to come. So if you have any problems, don't hesitate to come to me."
It seems like the baron really likes me.
Even if it's just empty words, judging by the way he's saying it...
'Well, he should be happy after I did all this for him.'
"Then go now. I'm also tired. I told them to prepare a carriage, so you can take that and go."
"Thank you!"
It's past 2:00 AM when I finally return to my accommodation in Ravigion after leaving the Imperial City of Karnon.
My body and mind are both exhausted after the long day, but...
'Then shall we begin?'
I sit at the table instead of going to bed.
And I start the final calculations.
The service fee of 1 million stones that was initially promised.
The tournament participation fee of 2 million stones.
The additional 1 million stones he promised if I won.
And the 300,000 stones I received as a reward for giving the trophy to the baron.
'That's a total of 4.3 million stones in cash.'
Is it because my client is a rich noble?
I've earned an amount that's hard to believe is just a day's wage.
And that's not all.
Whether it's the new nickname 'Knight Crusher' or whatever...
'I didn't expect to get this so early…'
No. 7777 Garpas's Necklace.
I've obtained an item that, if I'm unlucky, I might not even get in the later stages of the game, no matter how much I grind.
Although it will require a lot of resources to activate the hidden piece…
…it's undeniable that it's a stroke of incredible luck.
Therefore, I make a resolution once again.
'Just how many luck stacks have I accumulated?'
From now on, I really need to be careful even when breathing.
____________________________
The morning after the banquet...
One question is answered.
At least partially.
'What kind of letters are these…?'
As soon as I wake up, letters start arriving nonstop. They're all from nobles.
Letters asking if I can attend banquets they're hosting.
For reference, the letters also include a promise to provide 'a small token of appreciation' if I attend.
It's not really a small token, it's an amount that would allow me to live comfortably for the rest of my life just by doing this…
'So this is what the Count meant.'
The words about calling me separately when I'm ready are still incomprehensible. But telling me to ignore other nobles' invitations must have referred to this.
'Phew, how much of a financial loss is this?'
Therefore, I reply to all of them with a refusal.
Because if I just ignore them, those prideful nobles might retaliate.
But if I attend, it seems like I'll incur the Count's wrath.
'What the hell is the Count thinking?'
Honestly, he's the one I'm most afraid of.
Although he has been treating me favorably, these kinds of people tend to lose their minds once they're offended.
And his intentions are unclear from the beginning.
What reason would a Count have to be interested in a barbarian explorer?
'Let's investigate the Count when the community opens next time.'
I engrave the new quest in my mind and quickly finish preparing to go out.
And I head to the Magic Tower.
'This month is also the last time for the regular research.'
It's almost been three months since I made the promise with Raven.
Well, that's not the reason for my visit today, though.
"Oh, you're here?"
When I arrive at Raven's personal research lab, she greets me in a normal state for once, even though it's early in the morning.
"So where's the senior I'm supposed to help with research today?"
"I, that is…"
Raven trails off.
It's just that, but I have a bad feeling.
That's when…
"It's been a while."
As if he's been waiting, a white-haired old man appears from behind the door.
The master of the Artemion school.
Also known as 'old man'.
"Whew…"
There's no explanation, but I understand the situation in an instant.
"I'm pretty sure you said 'senior'."
"I'm sorry, my master was being so stubborn…"
So she changed it, huh.
I glance at the old man, and he bursts into a benevolent laugh.
"Keke, don't be too nervous. It's not that grand of an experiment."
That's something I can only know after hearing about it.
As I look at him with an expression that says 'continue explaining', the old man speaks in a meaningful tone,
"It's an experiment to see if we can distinguish the souls of evil spirits with a magic tool I created!"
No, damn it.
What the hell is this again?