Chapter 20

After watching the earlier duel.

The manager walks over and opens his mouth.

"Get ready."

Redin wondered if it's because he wasn't here as a slave.

His tone is cold, but his demeanor doesn't come off as a harsh guy.

Although he looks at Redin like someone who's about to die.

Redin just laughed inside.

Rising from his seat, he picked up a helmet that was lying around. It was cracked in several places and smeared with dried blood.

He has no intention of cleaning it up.

A cloak alone will leave his face exposed and restrict his movement, making it difficult for him to fight properly.

*Thwap!*

The size was just right.

Redin's heart began to race a little at the cold metal pressed against his head. Though it quickly subsided.

It's a strange feeling.

A state of feeling like one's heart is pounding like crazy, yet he's actually strangely calm. It's the same feeling when one's been through a runner's high.¹

"All right, then. Now, before we get to the main event, we have an exhibition match that will get your hearts racing!" Came the booming voice of the Arena 4 Battle Manager.

"Go in," he says to Redin.

The manager opened the cage.

Carrying the sword he bought in Valheim, you entered the arena. Where there was a duel just moments ago.

A heavy cloying odor of sweat and blood inside.

Looking at the various traces on the floor, He calmed his breathing.

Before leaving Burning Hell.

With obtaining the last [Harungel's Heart], he gained the title of the Sword Saint. [God of War], An ability that becomes more effective the more he fights.

This ability was not activated in the fight against the slave traders.

It implies that he'll have to fight the stronger opponents.

Finally, the time has come to appreciate the true value of the title.

"Bahad, who lost his entire fortune and became a fighter himself, is the man who'll be fighting today!"

Came the Battle Manager's Introduction for Redin.

The cage on the other side is open.

*Clack!*

*Clang!*

Out of the darkness, an opponent emerged. Handcuffs and chains hung from his hands and feet. He had green skin.

"It's a half-orc!"

With a set of teeth protruding from the mouth.

A sword scar drawn long its a large face.

Although the facial features are close to those of an orc, Maybe due to it being a half-breed it's similar in size with Redin. The Half-orc flared his nose.

"Snort!"

The manager closed the cage, tapped something, and the restraints came off.

*Smack!*

*Smack!*

The half-orc patted his wrist and raised the massive greatsword the manager had tossed him with one hand.

"As you know, half-orcs are smarter than orcs, and they are incomparably stronger."

In terms of basic physical ability alone.

Specs surpassing Orcs, who are stronger than humans.

In addition,

Half-orcs are unique in that they are a rarity and receive special racial buffs. A normal person who can manage to manipulate mana can never catch up to a half-orc's mana reserves.

"And he even knew how to use mana." came the dragging introduction of the Battle Manager to the spectators.

"Waaaaaaaa!"

"Crazy!"

"Start quickly!"

"We worked really hard to get this exhibition match, so we hope you all enjoy it. So let's get started!"

'He'd learned how to use mana?'

'There's a reason, the person attending the betting place was laughing when I signed up earlier.' idly recalled by Redin.

Realizing that he'd be wasting a life² if he passively fought, Redin tightened his grip on his sword and concentrated.

"Kreuk… kill… Kill them all."

The half-orc's eyes flashed red.

Raising his sword, he took a stance.

*thud!*

The half-orc leaped, kicking the ground. His greatsword raised above his head. If Redin tries to block him, his sword will break.

He rolled his body forward.

The greatsword, loaded with great power, struck the ground. The half-orc didn't stop there. He spun and swung his sword.

*Whoosh!*

There's a sound like slicing through the wind.

*Clang!*

*Clang!*

Redin parried the greatsword, imbued with the power of a half-orc. He drew upon his mana, temporarily enhancing his Physical Strength.

Avoidance is not the answer. To develop, Redin must face it head-on. He ran toward the Half-Orc.

Holding the hilt with both hands.

The half-orc's red eyes flashed as sword met sword. His muscles twitched as he shouted 'kill' over and over again.

*Sssst!*

His foot was pushed off a bit.

The power of racial differences.

Since the opponent has also learned mana, it is difficult to deal with by just raising his physical abilities.

"This Bahad seems to be holding up well, but the Half-Orcs is just getting started, in time the Half-Orcs will win!"

Hold out.

Although, it's not wrong.

More accurately, Redin's trying to do everything he can. To incorporate the knowledge of Harungel's swordsmanship in his head into his body.

Because killing is so easy.

"I kill… I kill you."

The half-orc swung his greatsword like a bat. Unable to overcome the force, his body flew backwards.

*Bang!*

His back slammed against the bars. A sword swung by a rapidly approaching half-orc. He bent low and slashed at the half-orc's thigh.

*creak!*

Shallow slices.

The blade failed to penetrate the hard skin. I swung it again. This time, the blade was coated in mana.

Increase the cutting force.

*creak!*

The cut is made a bit deeper than before.

The half-orc howled as blood flowed.

"Kaaaaaah!"

He screamed.

Then it came running at him. A wild attack, swinging like a madman. Slower than the Dharman he'd faced in Burning Hell Prisons Workshop.

The power in each attack was strong.

Dodging what he could, taking what he could. Redin tried to counterattack as much as he could, and even tried to go in first.

When he felt like he'd done everything possible.

He shifted his feet, watching the orc move. A swift burst of mana. Redin stepped forward and swung his sword at the same time.

*Slash.*

A powerful, mana-laden blow was directed at the half-orc, who could barely react to the swift attack.

With his sword raised.

A deep slash across the chest, blood splattered.

Aah!

Green blood gushed out and soaked his entire body. At the same time, a tremendous roar came from the stadium.

"That's crazy!"

"Did he just kill a half-orc? What was his name?"

"I have not seen this in a long time."

Redin didn't pay much attention to the fuss.

His eyes were focused on the new message in front of him.

[Gained battle experience].

[Sword Saint's Enlightenment Gain 5.7%].

[bleep!]

[You've figured out the way to the pinnacle].

[Victory over someone stronger than you (1/10)]

After reaching a first-class level.

Redin found a way to reach a pinnacle that he couldn't reach through his knowledge of sword arts alone.

It feels good.

* * *

As he came out, Redin received the settlement of the amount he bet on.

Quite impressive.

It seems that all the dividends were on the half-orc side. Well, if he wasn't the one fighting and was asked whom to bet, he'd bet on the half-orc also.

"You're a brave man, aren't you?"

"It was a good match."

He threw a silver coin as a tip.

It wouldn't hurt to have a good string around here.³

"Get me the next match, a strong fighter."

"I've never met a guy who wanted to die so badly."

"Think what you will."

"You're crazy."

Leaving the man shaking his head, he made his way to the arena where Rebecca had fought.

The game was over, it seemed.

All he could see was a group of stunned speculators in the corner, muttering something. He walked over to the betting area and handed over his certificate.

The bookie pulled out a heavy leather pouch.

One. two. Three. Four. Five.

That's a lot of money, but it's not enough. From here, Redin's only intending to multiply it by five times, which will be enough to fund his startup later.

He pulled one sack out separately.

"Give this to them."

"He knows how to play. Everybody get in here and take some money!" Hollered the Bookie to the huddled bettors in the corner who lost.

It's kind of a tradition that people who have won a lot of money do.

For Redin, it was more of an investment.

To have them leave behind a gratitude rather than an enmity. Though bettors are not men of honor.

At least.

He's sure they'll be thankful, rather than trying to take his money right now. That alone is worth the money.

A Potential Risk got eliminated with money.

Of course, if someone comes after him because of the money anyway, he'll have to deal with them.

"Sure."

He grabbed the other four sacks.

Redin went to the bank in the Colloum, opened an account in Bahad's name, and deposited the money.

And on the way out.

He met Rebecca with the Beastman. And feigned ignorance of what would come, and just waited to see how things would play out.

"You're free now, go back to your hometown."

"There's nowhere to go… they're all dead."

Rebecca's eyes widened.

Whether he saw it or not, the Beastman pricked up his ears, grabbed Rebecca's hand, and begged.

"If I go alone, I'll get caught again, so please… take me."

Biting her lip, Rebecca considered, then sighed.

"For now, it's getting late so we'll talk again tomorrow. Come with me."

In the game settings.

Rebecca is basically a good-natured person, but when she's on a mission, she's a different, cold, sharp person.

She's nice, but she's not an arrogant brat.

And she's good-looking.

A lot of users really liked her.

She can be a little too competitive at times, but it's only a lighthearted affectation.

Other than that, there are very few downsides.

"I feel a sense of alienation."

Such a perfect character was now had a glaring hole.

It's too late to back down.

Maybe she felt sympathy for the Beastman because she thought their situation was similar to her own.

If she'd been a little more observant, Rebecca might have noticed something odd.

"What…"

More than 5 years ago from the original story.

The Rebecca he knew is gone. Depending on what happens next, she could be a completely different person.

In fact, whatever she becomes.

'She just need to be friendly to me'

A vote from the kingdom of Adrian is required to become a Warden. If he can get that one right, it doesn't matter if Rebecca becomes a tyrant.

"Everyone left."

To survive as a Special Task Force.

It requires a cool head and the ability to question every situation and make the right call.

Riena sent them here.

She sent them alone without the support of any seniors.

Perhaps it's meant to encourage us to experience these situations quickly and roll with them.

Because it's a thousand times better to experience it than to be told about it.

For Rebecca, it seems to have happened quickly, but for now, he's going to wait and see.

Because experience is what counts.

If things get dangerous later, it's never too late to make a move.

"I'll have to stay close by."

With his eyes, he spotted Rebecca's room and took a step forward.

** ** **

TL/N:

1. A feeling of euphoria, relaxation and reduced anxiety during or after any type of aerobic exercise.

2. Redin has an extra life due to the Hidden Piece he gained from the Phoenix inside the Slave Traders Hideout.

3. Redin was starting a cordial relationship/connection with the person attending the betting place in Arena 4

4. Bookie – a person who determines gambling odds and receives and pays off bets