Chapter 126

Just in case, I’ll say this in advance: I know my place well.

No matter how much I try to defy it, I can’t beat ReZero and will just get beaten like a dog on a hot summer day.

This is something I realized desperately during my duel with Rod. Even Rize is stronger than Rod.

So it’s a ‘duel’ in name only; I don’t really intend to win. I don’t want to be lectured on manners by Rize.

Besides, aside from Rod and Rize, there’s no one who can take my attacks while I genuinely go all out.

“I have some experiments to conduct.”

Thinking about my plans, a flood of ideas rushed into my mind when I obtained the Usuk axe.

First and foremost, my combat style. Until now, I’ve only used Ragnarok, but now I have two weapons.

Even though I eventually need to return this weapon, I plan to use it efficiently in the meantime. After all, it’ll take a while before I do.

“What if you reconsider? Didn’t you get hammered for saying that to the Chancellor?”

“I’m fine. I’ll be polite.”

“Well, if that’s the case…”

Kara expressed her worries as soon as I mentioned dueling with Rize.

It seems she was concerned because of the time I got beaten by Rod. That was indeed painful.

But today is different. I want to check my combat style and give it a shot.

If it works out, there’s a high possibility that my overwhelming regeneration and incredible synergy will be realized.

To achieve that, the duel with Rize is essential. I’ve said it again, but I don’t like pain either.

“Just don’t overdo it, okay? Today is only for dueling. Got it?”

“Yep.”

“You’re responding well.”

Kara chuckled at my prompt replies, her expression saying she couldn’t quite stop me.

Eventually, we returned to my dormitory, where Rize and Luna were training.

Under normal circumstances, visiting the dormitory of the opposite gender is strictly prohibited.

However, thanks to Rize, I had access. Just as long as it was limited to acquaintances, which was enough for me.

“Graaaaah!”

The moment I opened the door, a loud battle cry pierced my ears. The owner of that cry was none other than Luna.

Upon further inspection, I saw Luna training hard, with Rize comfortably riding on her back in the Gwonseong mode.

With her arms crossed, she looked incredibly serious.

“…Is she really training like that?”

“Yep. Consistently.”

“Oh, so that’s why she was dawdling on the first morning.”

Kara seemed to have figured it out too as she watched Luna’s training.

From now on, even if Luna blabbers nonsense, Kara would probably just let it slide.

I quietly approached the two who were training amicably. Rize gave us a quick glance before continuing with Luna.

“There are still five left. Keep it up.”

“Urrgh… huff…”

Looking at the puddles of sweat on the floor, it seemed quite a bit of time had passed. Or maybe the intensity had increased.

Rize raises the difficulty level significantly whenever she sees Luna making progress. Today was no different.

Initially, it wasn’t Gwonseong form; it was the Saint form, and they planned to train like that for a while.

Anyway, I had something to say. I approached Rize and boldly declared.

“Rize.”

“Yes? What is it?”

“Let’s fight.”

“Ugh!”

Boom!

I addressed Rize, but somehow it was Luna who looked like she lost her strength.

Judging by how she collapsed, she seemed drained, but that wasn’t my concern right now. Rize was the priority.

“Fight… you mean a duel?”

“Yep.”

“That’s surprising. The Sivar brother is requesting a duel first.”

I couldn’t help but agree with Rize. Up until now, I had just done what she said under her pressure.

But today is different. Not only did I acquire a new weapon, but I also have something I want to try.

If it works, I think Rize will be quite surprised. Of course, separate from that, I also plan to train my skills.

“There’s still time left. Get up.”

“I… can’t… move…”

“Hmm. Alright. We’ll call it a day for today. I’ll stick to this method next week as well.”

It seemed Rize wasn’t making a fuss either, quickly granting the reprieve. Luna was still lying there for a bit even after Rize got off her back.

“Are you heading right away?”

“Yep, let’s go.”

“What about Luna?”

Kara pointed at Luna, who was still sprawled out. Rize also turned to look at Luna.

Luna was lying still, only managing to exhale steady breaths, appearing unable to move.

“I’m coming…”

Even though her body was exhausted, it seemed she still had the strength to move her mouth. After hearing our conversation, she struggled to reply.

Seeing her slowly sit up made it seem like she still had some energy left. But I heard she falls asleep as soon as she hits her bed.

Puff!

“I’m all clean…”

“Then let’s head out. We can go to the forest for the duel.”

Rize returned to her Saint form, probably due to the outside looks. In another sense, her appearance was quite striking.

In truth, she probably wanted to switch back to Gwonseong mode. However, since she was in the academy as a ‘Saint,’ she had to be cautious.

Eventually, we headed toward the forest, which I was treating as a dueling arena. I didn’t forget to grip Ragnarok before entering the woods.

With a large axe in each hand, it felt a bit surreal, like I had become a true barbarian.

“Kara.”

“Yeah?”

“Why did Sivar request a duel? It’s puzzling.”

During our walk, Luna quietly asked Kara, trying to keep her voice down so I couldn’t hear.

Does she really not know about my excellent hearing? I tuned in to their conversation carefully.

“What are you whispering about? Just say it clearly. That idiot will understand anyway, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Well…”

Turns out, there was no need to keep it a secret. Kara openly laid it all out.

Luna looked stunned for a moment at my response and then awkwardly laughed.

Immediately, she confidently spoke without any embarrassment.

“Isn’t he just asking for another beating? He got smacked by the Chancellor last time.”

“….”

She might want to prepare for getting hit instead. How come her mouth just won’t stop?

While I was inwardly dumbfounded, it seemed Kara shared in my disbelief as she responded incredulously.

“You really… it’s all or nothing with you, huh? How can you manage to say such outrageous things?”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“Never mind. Yeah, I actually don’t know. Sivar just randomly said he wanted to duel.”

She blinked as if she had no idea what was wrong. I guess I’ll let it slide since it was cute.

Besides, it’s not that Luna meant to upset anyone; her wording just tends to cause misunderstandings. At least that’s a plus.

“Um… got it. So that axe is made from the Usuk’s blade, right?”

“Yep. Wanna take a look?”

“Absolutely!”

It seems she really wanted it, given how brightly she responded. She would get to see the item soon.

Then Luna received the Usuk short blade from Kara and examined it carefully.

Her sapphire-like blue eyes glimmered, suggesting she was checking its capabilities.

“…Sister.”

“How is it? Good?”

“I made a lot of money with stocks recently; can you sell this for me?”

“….”

Her mouth is remarkable in so many ways. How does she always manage to choose the most bewildering things to say?

Kara seemed similarly astonished, letting out an awkward chuckle before quietly taking back the short blade.

Then she slid the blade into her waist and casually threw an arm around Luna’s shoulder.

“Gotcha!”

“Ah! That hurts!”

“I meant for it to hurt.”

With Kara’s headlock on her, Luna squirmed, desperate to break free.

But with all the energy drained from earlier training, she likely didn’t have the strength left. Kara seemed to have applied just enough pressure.

“If you want it, ask Sivar. He might just grant your request.”

Letting go of the headlock, Kara teased Luna. It wasn’t just a joke; she knew the two-edged sword order had already been placed.

She was likely just wanting to see how Luna would react. I was curious about what type of response would come next.

“No way. I want to receive it as a gift, just like you. I’m getting stronger so I can do that.”

“…What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I can’t tell you. It’s a matter of pride.”

Pride-related, for sure. I told her that unless she becomes as strong as Kara, she shouldn’t dream of getting a weapon.

Of course, Kara had no way of knowing that. Looking at Luna with a face full of confusion, she shrugged.

“Do as you please. Sivar will probably give it to you.”

“What should I do to become strong like you in such a short time?”

“Real combat, of course. I’ve been slicing people up with a sword since I was 13.”

“That’s a bit…”

She probably witnessed everything and more when it came to the sights of this era. That’s the fate of nomads in this time.

Even Hector probably felt it was wrong after founding Tartar. Now he’s just in a mess trying to sort things out.

Kara took a while to understand all that. However, I’ve seen her grow mentally recently.

If a father and daughter were to reunite, wouldn’t they have a profound conversation?

“This should be good enough.”

Before long, we found a suitable area for the duel.

It was unfamiliar territory; it seemed I hadn’t claimed this area yet.

Boom!

“Alright. Before we start, may I ask why you requested a duel?”

Rize, back in Gwonseong form, inquired of me. Just facing her unleashed immense pressure.

It would be strange not to feel pressure against that muscular figure. Still, I had my work to do.

“Berserk.”

“Berserk training, you say?”

“I plan to utilize it.”

What I wanted was to wield berserk freely. Establishing my combat style would come afterward.

If this experiment works out, I might gain a powerful ability.

Even if my stamina and regeneration take a hit, that’s fine. I trust Rize to manage it well.

“Understood. Then…”

*Whoosh!*

Without delay, Rize quickly approached me. At the same time, every hair on my body stood on end.

Suddenly, Rize’s fist, as large as a cauldron lid, flew toward my face. My wilderness instinct screamed loudly.

Get out of the way now. If I don’t dodge that, I’ll die with 100% certainty.

**KWA-BOOM!!**

Of course, I didn’t dodge at all. I kept my eyes locked on the incoming fist.

Even with ‘death’ etched into my mind, I resolutely held my ground. I could feel my rationality slipping away.

[Berserk is activating!]

With death vividly pronounced, Berserk activated defiantly. At that moment, Rize’s fist halted mid-air.

While it was too fast to even blink last time, this was different. I clearly stared at that fist, waiting for death.

Although the end result might be the same, the developments afterward would change. It would start the instant Rize pulled her fist back.

“How do you feel? Now…”

*Whoosh!*

Just as Rize withdrew her fist, I swung the Usuk axe I held in my left hand from below up towards her.

Though it felt like my mind was flickering on and off, the act of swinging the axe came entirely from my will.

“This is the beginning.”

Naturally, Rize deftly avoided my attack. The fist she had gently retracted had vanished.

I kept as much of my sanity as I could while still maintaining the Berserk state. It felt like my chest was about to explode.

If this explodes, all my rationality will vanish. If I wake up again, I’d probably find myself in bed.

“Whoo…”

“There’s a saying: keep your heart warm and your head cool.”

I know it too. As soon as I heard that, I charged forward, lifting my arms high.

Having an axe in each hand meant I was wide open, more so than ever.

Rize stood still, possibly preparing to counter instead of dodging.

And then…

**THWACK!**

Rize’s fist connected squarely with my face. Her massive fist obscured my vision for a brief moment.

Under normal circumstances, I would have flinched at that punch. However, I showed no signs of that whatsoever.

*Whoosh!*

Even after having my face struck, I swung the axe downwards as I had raised it earlier. In response, Rize hastily withdrew her fist and moved back.

I charged at her immediately without displaying any signs of pain. All my sanity was devoted to suppressing the berserk state, leaving no choice but to fight instinctively.

**WHACK! THUMP!**

With each swing, Rize’s fists hammered into various spots on my body. But interestingly, I felt no urge to flinch whatsoever.

Rize seemed to finally realize this and asked in shock.

“Are you…”

The experiment I desired succeeded.

“Are you not feeling any sensations?”

Without a word, I nodded in response.

Had it not been for my regenerative abilities and stamina, most would even think about trying such a thing.

‘But is it okay to fight without any rationality?’

I don’t know. I just want to fight.

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