Chapter 29

Posted by Kuze, ? Views, Released on January 26, 2025

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If the academy’s collapse part is the difficulty’s branching point, then dueling is the branching point of cultivation.

Depending on the results achieved in duels and the combat patterns shown, cultivators are divided.

As mentioned before, there’s no need to unconditionally choose a cultivator. If it doesn’t suit your inclination, choosing another path is fine.

However, the difference between having a cultivator and not having one is significant. For first-timers, without a cultivator, growth stops.

‘Status isn’t particularly a problem either.’

For commoners, nationality doesn’t hold much meaning. A place that provides well for them is their homeland.

Thus, cultivators target talented and outstanding commoners. Luna, who entered as the top student, is the best example.

Long ago, United Academy transformed into an institution where numerous nations compete.

The fact that it suppresses wars between nations is a small comfort, but it’s a ticking time bomb.

During the academy’s collapse part, even the last bastion falls, turning everything into chaos. Now is a relatively peaceful time.

‘It would be nice if it developed like sports, but that’s unlikely.’

In human history, war occupies half.

The existence of demons as a common enemy is a saving grace; otherwise, they would have fought each other long ago.

Moreover, one of the empires, advocating expansionism, is gathering all the talents it can.

By now, they must know Luna is a commoner and are preparing accordingly. Though, given Luna’s personality, she won’t go there.

‘It’s called a cultivator, but it’s more like choosing a faction.’

Each cultivator belongs to a different nation, and naturally, the cultivation method changes accordingly.

Choosing a nation that values honor and fairness allows for gaining honor but slows down skill acquisition.

On the other hand, choosing a nation that values strength speeds up skill acquisition but makes gaining honor difficult.

Various other choices lead to different cultivation methods.

‘Multiple playthroughs are truly fun.’

In multiple playthroughs, you can see powerful nations desperately trying to recruit you.

Of course, multiple playthroughs are fixed, making cultivation meaningless. It’s just about seeing the choices.

So, many prefer starting a new game and growing from scratch. You can also discover new routes along the way.

“That seems to be the Granada Empire.”

While thinking about cultivators, Rod’s muttering reached my ears.

Hearing that, I turned my gaze in the direction he was looking.

Unlike the general seats, a few people were conversing in well-maintained spectator seats.

Among them, one person stood out. A man with a thick build and a fierce impression.

‘Ah. That person.’

I remember that man clearly. He’s one of the cultivators.

As his size suggests, he’s a cultivator who knows how to use ‘strength.’

‘Since that’s the Granada Empire, the opposite…’

I turned my head to the opposite spectator seats. As expected, people with a completely different atmosphere were gathered.

If the Granada Empire side is heavy and serious, the people I’m looking at are generally calm and noble.

Unlike the Granada Empire, which values strength, the Matra Empire pursues honor and justice. It’s the homeland of Elvin and Grace.

‘The cultivator hasn’t arrived yet.’

There were some familiar faces, but the main cultivator wasn’t seen. They’ll come later.

Various other figures were gathered, but that’s not important now. What’s important is the upcoming duel.

Currently, I’m sitting with Rod in the VIP seats. Thus, unlike the general spectator seats, I can see the overall view of the dueling arena.

‘Since it’s a special dueling arena, it’s incredibly wide.’

When describing width, such modifiers are always attached. As wide as a football field.

The general dueling arena isn’t particularly large, but the special dueling arena boasts the width of a football field.

Accordingly, the spectator seats are also very large. Enough to accommodate all academy students.

However, the true value of the special dueling arena lies in the arena itself. What you see now is just an ordinary dirt ground.

Soon, when the duel starts, that dirt ground will transform into various environments.

‘Is it a fusion of magic and science?’

I don’t know the principle, so let’s just accept it. This is a fantasy world where common sense doesn’t apply.

Anyway, I quietly sat next to Rod and waited for the duel to start.

From the first match, there’s a massive event. The duel between the top student and the barbarian princess.

Luna and Kara will duel each other from the first match.

‘Kara will win.’

I chewed on the nurungji-flavored candy Rod gave me and silently waited.

Honestly, I’d rather have something else. Like a cold beer.

‘Come to think of it, I haven’t had alcohol since coming here.’

As I thought that and chewed on the candy, someone spoke from behind where Rod and I were sitting.

A deep and serious voice.

I had noticed someone approaching, so I turned around without much thought.

“Found you at last. Old man.”

“Hmm. There was no need to come looking for me.”

A top casually thrown off and a leather cloak loosely covering it. Pants more like a skirt.

The attire reminiscent of ancient Egypt, but what stands out most is the bronze skin and red hair.

“You seem to have aged more since I last saw you.”

“And you still have the habit of walking around shirtless.”

The lion-like mane and well-groomed beard gave a strong impression.

To an outsider, he might be called a ‘barbarian.’ But saying that to him would get you folded in half.

“And this person… is it as I heard?”

“Let’s say it is.”

“His eyes are so red, he doesn’t seem human. Is he really not a beast?”

“Even if he looks like it, Sivar is human.”

Hearing Rod’s answer, the red-haired man observed me. I also looked at him.

There was no resemblance to Kara, but the red hair and green eyes were vivid.

‘You’re not one to talk.’

I retorted inwardly and scanned the man up and down. His body was full of muscles.

Kara is also quite tall, similar to an adult male. Seeing this man, you can tell where that gene comes from.

Moreover, his exposed skin was covered in scars, proving he had been through numerous battles.

Kara’s father and king of the newborn Tartar nation, Hector.

Another name for him is…

“Did you destroy anything on the way here?”

“Hey, old man. I’m a proper king now. If I go around smashing things, it’ll just cause trouble.”

“You’ve mellowed a lot. When was the last time you charged at me?”

“That was over ten years ago.”

The Destroyer King Hector.

Before Tartar became an official nation, he plundered and destroyed countless cities and villages, earning that title.

As the title suggests, he’s a formidable human in terms of strength.

Moreover, with high-level techniques, he’s essentially a walking human tank.

However, despite his combat prowess, his ‘enlightenment’ is low, making his depth shallow.

You could say he’s just a human who’s been through too many battles.

“Can I sit here?”

“Only I, the chancellor, can sit here.”

“Then what about him?”

“He’s under my protection, so it’s fine. Just go to your assigned seat if you don’t want political trouble.”

“Tch…”

Despite his fearsome title, he’s somewhat frivolous and talkative.

In fact, most Tartar people are subtly talkative. It’s part of their culture, and Kara is the same.

‘The problem is they talk a lot but still get things done.’

Meaning, they can chatter while splitting your head open.

Of course, they’re not always noisy; they can be deadly serious when needed.

Remembering Hector’s title as the ‘Destroyer King,’ his strength is real.

“Alright. I’ll head to the Granada Empire side.”

“Don’t like the Matra Empire?”

“They look down on me as a barbarian. It’s a miracle if I don’t throw a punch. Oh, before that…”

Before leaving, Hector locked eyes with me. His green eyes filled with deep curiosity.

Then, he grinned, showing his white teeth, and pointed at me.

“Fight well with my daughter. I’ll be watching closely.”

“……”

Saying that, he turned and walked towards the spectator seats.

His back, fitting his size, was impressive. How can a human body be like that?

“No need to worry. It’s just a greeting.”

A bit rough for a greeting, I thought.

While this unexpected meeting was happening, the spectator seats were gradually filling with students and officials.

Given the scale, I thought it would be hard to fill, but it was nearly full.

The duel between the top student and the barbarian princess naturally drew attention.

‘How long will Kara and I last?’

As I thought that…

“They’re here. They’re here.”

“That girl, right? The top student. And over there…”

“The barbarian princess. Her skin makes it clear.”

The already noisy spectator seats grew louder.

Focusing on the arena, I saw why.

Luna and Kara, each armed, were entering.

[The duel will begin shortly. Please take your seats.]

As the announcement played, a translucent barrier began to envelop the arena.

A shock absorption device activating to prevent unforeseen incidents.

Soon, the barrier fully enveloped the arena and turned transparent.

[Creating the combat environment.]

Another announcement played, and changes occurred within the barrier.

The hard dirt ground glowed blue and gradually transformed the terrain.

However, nothing rose from the ground. It seems it won’t change much.

[Environment creation complete.]

[The duel environment is a plain.]

[The duel will begin shortly.]

The blue light disappeared, and the arena with Luna and Kara unfolded before us.

A plain filled with green grass. A typical duel environment.

There are small rocks here and there, but they likely won’t significantly impact the duel.

‘It’ll come down to basic techniques.’

A plain that eliminates most variables. The only variables are the rocks and wall pushing.

But given the arena’s size, pushing someone to the wall will be difficult.

[The duel will begin in 5 seconds.]

[5… 4… 3… 2…]

Finally, the big event begins. I wish I had some popcorn.

I looked around for snacks. The spectators already had something to munch on.

[…1. The duel begins.]

The duel started, but they won’t just start fighting. They’ll scout first.

Now, the important thing is popcorn or snacks. But I couldn’t find any.

“Looking for something?”

Rod noticed my odd behavior and called me. I nodded and spoke.

“Sn. Ack.”

“Snack?”

“Bo. Red.”

I pointed to my mouth, indicating I was bored. Rod’s expression turned strange.

He probably didn’t expect me to use such expressions. Can’t give up snacks during such a fun event.

“Didn’t I give you candy earlier?”

No. Not that.

I shook my head and spoke again.

“An. Other.”

“Want another snack?”

“Yes.”

Finally, we’re communicating! Just as I thought that…

Rod thought for a moment, then sternly refused.

“That’s not possible.”

“Why!”

“If it’s not possible, it’s not possible.”

Maybe he’s worried about spoiling me. A plausible hypothesis.

Like Eli, sometimes they treat me like a child.

‘I can understand, but…’

I glared at Rod and protested fiercely. Though I didn’t speak, my intent was clear.

But Rod sternly scolded me.

“Focus on the duel now. I’ll give you something to eat later.”

“No. Way.”

“Sigh. If it’s not possible, it’s not possible.”

“Sn. Ack.”

“Why is he like this?”

As we were arguing…

**Clang!**

Suddenly, the sound of metal clashing loudly pierced my ears. The noise came from the arena.

I stopped protesting to Rod and turned my head to the arena.

‘…Why is she lying down?’

And there was Luna, lying flat on the ground.

No announcement played, so she’s not knocked out. Just pushed back by force.

Or maybe she got hit. Even from a distance, her bewildered expression was clear.

“Phew… Missed it. Seems like an important exchange…”

“……”

Feeling guilty, I kept my mouth shut.

******

The top student, Luna, who had shown early talent, was confident.

Even if Kara was strong, she thought she could win with swordsmanship, not hand-to-hand combat.

Sivar was an exception, but Kara wasn’t. She thought she could win.

‘I don’t understand.’

Why was Kara so confident? Why did Sivar choose Kara over me?

I couldn’t understand, but it was a lesson that my thinking was wrong.

If so, Sivar would see me in a new light. He’d admit his intuition was wrong.

‘Not that I’m trying to teach…’

You can’t live by intuition forever. My master said so too.

Intuition is crucial for a warrior, but blind faith leads to disaster.

Sivar, having lived in the wild, likely has that tendency. So, I’ll change that.

“Wow. The academy can do this too? The world is amazing.”

Across the arena, Kara looked around in wonder.

The dirt ground had transformed into a green plain. Luna could relate.

But now, it’s a duel. Luna scrutinized Kara, who was playing with the ground.

Unlike during autonomous training, Kara was lightly armed. Her abdomen was still exposed.

‘Her weapons… a sword and a one-handed axe.’

The sword is a curved blade. One of the weapons commonly used by the Tartar people.

The one-handed axe seems to be a secondary weapon. Kara’s strength makes it useful.

‘If consciousness is lost, a barrier forms from the bracelet, right?’

Luna glanced at the bracelet on her arm. If consciousness is completely lost, a barrier automatically activates.

It also activates if a vital point is struck or pierced.

So, she can fight freely. After all, the duel is held to showcase skills.

‘I must win.’

Luna firmly gripped her sword with both hands. In duels, you can bring your preferred weapon.

Meanwhile, Kara surveyed the arena, then smiled and looked ahead.

Kara was relaxed, while Luna was visibly tense.

“Why so tense? It’s a duel, a duel. We should enjoy it.”

“…That’s just you.”

“Is that so? In Tartar, duels are part of play. Frequent real battles naturally led to this culture.”

Who asked? Luna narrowed her eyes.

One is serious, the other just chatters and does nothing.

That’s probably showing confidence. It made her anger rise.

“You talk too much.”

“Hmm. Really?”

“Yes.”

“Sorry. Sorry. It’s a habit. Call it culture.”

Her refreshing smile felt like a mischievous child. Her white teeth contrasted with her bronze skin.

As Luna was about to get angrier, Kara, still smiling, took action.

Thud- thud- thud-

“Anyway, I told you before. Ignoring hand-to-hand combat leads to trouble.”

“…”

“I’ll show you what real combat is like. First…”

Kara, now in front of Luna, raised her curved blade. Luna anticipated the next attack and raised her sword.

For easier defense, she supported the blade with one hand.

**Clang!**

As expected. Kara swung the raised blade down.