Chapter 32

Kara showcased an overwhelming difference in skill to claim victory, but our duel would be a different story.

First, there would definitely be a terrifying gap in physical specs. If I recall correctly, Kara’s stats average around 100.

On the other hand, excluding luck and faith, mine surpasses 140. My physical strength in particular is incredibly high, nearing 150.

In the Soul World, a stat of 140 is classified as semi-end spec, while true end spec is in the 150s.

It’s like the difference between Captain America and Thor.

‘With a comment like that, I can probably dodge everything I see.’

In the Soul World, there’s a trait that allows me to predict patterns and dodge. I cover that with my Wilderness Instinct.

So, I don’t need to learn it right away. My stats are so good I can see and dodge everything.

Wasn’t that the case in my duel with Elvin too? Kara is just slightly faster, so it shouldn’t be significantly different.

‘But I’ll still probably get hit a few times.’

Overwhelming strength doesn’t require technique, but since I’m lacking in strength, I need to gain technique.

Otherwise, humans wouldn’t survive in this perilous world. Regardless, learning technique is a necessity.

Overwhelming strength and perfect technique. Only when these two harmonize can one aspire for greater heights.

“…Really? You’re confident?”

Kara, hearing my response, flashed a broad smile, her spirit soaring. She had an expression that seemed to say, “Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Since I only spoke the truth, I said nothing further and simply looked at her blankly.

Like I mentioned, having stats in the 140s counts as semi-end level—a minimum requirement for easily clearing the remaining story.

In the Soul World, due to game limitations, I couldn’t properly showcase it, but theoretically, I could throw massive boulders.

And if I used magic power on top of that, I could output an even stronger force. Not to mention, my Red Magic has a stronger output than normal magic.

“Is this what you mean by Wilderness Intuition? I feel like I understand Luna’s feelings.”

“What feelings?”

“The kind where if you only trust your instincts, you’ll run into trouble. It’s time to verify for real now.”

“… …”

At Kara’s statement, Luna wore an ambiguous expression. She was acting cute, glancing my way as if checking me out.

Didn’t she also find out the hard way that my intuition wasn’t wrong? She’s kind of a living witness in that regard.

‘Actually, it’s not even intuition.’

It’s not intuition; I can judge objectively because I know certain settings.

Even though I’ve forgotten many little details from living in the wild, I remember the major points.

Even parts I may not recall can trigger memories when I hear something related.

“Um… sister?”

“What? Do you have something to say?”

“I’m just saying you don’t know, but Sivar is really strong. Stronger than words can express.”

“I know. He killed a Mankey with just a stone axe, right? I could do that too.”

“That may be true…”

Luna’s voice trailed off as she glanced at Elin. Elin is also someone who knows at least a bit about my power.

I personally rescued her from a Mankey encounter, and she watched my battle with Porori from a distance.

“Why are you looking at me?”

“…Nothing.”

Of course, Elin stared with her golden eyes wide open, reacting as if she didn’t know. Since she’s not a fighter, it’s understandable.

“Alright. Then let’s ask why you think I would lose. What did you sense that made you say that?”

“Strength.”

“Strength?”

Kara’s expression changed to one of confusion at such a short reply. It seemed she couldn’t grasp what I meant.

I wondered how I could explain it more simply. A two-word response is about the maximum I could do.

“Maybe it’s because I’m stronger than you?”

“Is that so? I’ve never boasted about strength in front of her.”

Even with Luna’s opinion, Kara still looked confused. She had trained in martial arts but had never showcased her strength.

Besides, she practiced so much on the punching bag that it’s likely she was holding back her strength. It wouldn’t be easy to gauge from that alone.

“And my friend, if you solely rely on strength, you’re bound to get hurt later. Let me tell you this opportunity…”

While Kara was preaching—sort of—she suddenly hesitated, her elegant brows knitting together.

Anyone could tell something was off with her expression. Elin cautiously asked.

“Is there a problem?”

“Huh? Oh, that’s not it. Just… something my father used to say.”

She spoke nonchalantly, but her discomfort was hard to hide. Just seeing that gives some insight into the father-daughter relationship.

But of course, Luna wouldn’t know this. After listening to Kara’s words, she asked a question.

“Speaking of which, your biological father must’ve come to see you; did you meet him?”

“I just met him a moment ago. Didn’t you guys come?”

Kara seemed eager to change the topic, as if not wanting to discuss it. She executed the transition so smoothly that no one suspected a thing.

“I’m too far away, so I can’t go while attending school.”

“I see. What about you, Luna?”

“I don’t have parents.”

“What…”

Kara nodded in understanding, but her eyes widened in surprise at the flowing confession.

Elin seemed shocked too, as it was news to her. In turn, Luna looked puzzled, asking.

“Didn’t you tell Elin?”

“Uh… no, I didn’t.”

“I see. In any case, I’m an orphan. But the townsfolk are all good people, so I grew up without lacking anything.”

“Uh… um… is that so? I’m glad to hear that. Actually, I also lost my mother. Let’s get along well from now on?”

Kara was stuttering clumsily, trying to wrap things up quickly. It was clear she was flustered.

Conversely, Luna appeared unfazed. The townspeople must have taken great care of her.

“Sister Kara.”

“Yeah?”

“What kind of person is your father?”

You’re really stepping on a landmine here. Kara’s eyes twitched at Luna’s question.

Though she had brought it up first, her expression didn’t reflect anger. But still, it’s called a landmine for a reason.

“…A bit strict, I guess.”

Kara replied with a forced smile, her tone betraying the constraint she felt.

Luna wasn’t completely oblivious, merely nodding without pressing further.

Thus, Kara and Hector have a complicated relationship—one that’s awkwardly tied up between a father who struggles to express love and a daughter trying to connect.

‘It’ll probably take some time to clear up the misunderstandings.’

This is one of those long-term episodes that need resolution in the Soul World.

If all goes well, it’ll yield quite positive results, but the opposite—let’s not say more about that.

“Anyway, let’s leave the parent talk at that. The next duel is in three days, correct?”

“Since we’re giving three days of rest per person, that should be right.”

“Great. Then I should train until then. After boasting so much, I can’t afford to lose.”

Kara said that, turning to look at me with an excited expression.

She’s been itching to duel me, and it’s finally about to happen. Of course she feels good about it.

“Sivar.”

“Yeah?”

“I’ll tell you in advance, I won’t go easy on you. With Tartar, when it comes to dueling, I’m going all out, especially with someone of similar skill.”

Kara declared confidently, filled with self-assurance.

This isn’t arrogance; this is confidence. She must have had more than a dozen real-life battles already.

But those experiences will falter in the face of overwhelming strength. So I calmly stated.

“Ka. Ra.”

“Yeah?”

“Easy.”

“… …”

Kara’s expression was truly priceless. Every emotion she felt was written all over her face, as if she couldn’t believe what she just heard.

After a moment, she chuckled and said in disbelief.

“I’ve never taught anyone about provoking; who taught you that?”

“Must be you. Surely Sivar has picked up a few things.”

“Is that so? I really need to watch my words then.”

Though it’s a bit late for that.

As I was lost in those thoughts, Elin tapped my shoulder with her finger.

I turned to look at her. Our gazes locked with her shining golden eyes.

“Sivar. Just in case, don’t hurt her too much. You might not realize, but regular people don’t just come back to life if you sprinkle some potions on them.”

Her serious admonition is outrageous. But given the past experience, I couldn’t argue.

What’s even funnier is that Luna looked surprised as if she just learned that fact. I have no idea what they think of me.

“Does that mean you think I’ve died and come back to life?”

“Um… there’s a backstory here. Without us, he would have actually died.”

“Something almost killed him? What’s that about?”

“Uh…”

Elin rolled her eyes at Kara’s question and quietly replied.

“… A squirrel?”

“… …”

Kara looked at me with an indescribable expression.

It’s not incorrect, but I hope she doesn’t get any weird misunderstandings from that.

‘I should introduce Porori to Kara too.’

Considering they are both Gulrak, their conversation might actually flow smoothly.

******

Once Luna’s visit ended, time passed quickly.

Small duels followed the big event, but nothing particularly noteworthy occurred.

After all, I was already aware of what happened and knew which characters were significant.

Being beside Rod would only bore me, so I used training as an excuse to linger in the Training Hall.

“I’ll say it again: even if you knock your opponent out, never kill them. Did you understand?”

“Yeah.”

“Not ‘yeah,’ you should answer with ‘yes.’”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

Rod smiled contentedly at my correction. It seemed the informal speech irritated him more than the fighting itself.

I chuckled inwardly at the protector’s manner while checking my gear. Gear, in reality, was nothing special.

Just a one-handed axe and a spear. I wasn’t even wearing armor.

‘It wouldn’t mean much anyway.’

Thanks to the Steel King trait, my body itself is sturdy. Any ordinary attack shouldn’t faze me.

However, this is a wild setting; I’m not so sure about bladed weapons. Even normal people can get paper cuts.

After checking my gear repeatedly, I turned my head forward. Ahead, the Dueling Arena had an exit.

The broadcast would soon play, and I could head out then. Honestly, I’m a bit nervous.

“I’ll stress this again: keep your composure. Never kill or maim your opponent. That’s what the bracelet is for, but just in case.”

“Yes.”

Concerned for me, he’s being overly cautious. I understand why, but it feels a bit excessive.

I bear no grudge against Kara, nor would I approach our duel with lethal intentions.

If I did, Hector would probably kill me. I’d prefer to live a bit longer.

[Participants, please take your positions.]

The announcement rang through the resting area. It was time to head inside.

Upon hearing the broadcast, I looked at Rod. He nodded, gesturing for me to go ahead.

“With your skills, winning shouldn’t be hard. The real question is how badly you’ll get hurt.”

“Yes.”

“Ha ha. It makes me feel good to hear you speak formally.”

He’s quite the odd one. Why is it that everyone around me seems strange?

I tilted my head toward the exit and began to walk. Soon, I would arrive at the vast Dueling Arena.

‘I’m a bit nervous.’

Is this how gladiators felt stepping into the Coliseum? The scale was far bigger than any ordinary dueling ground, and my heart raced.

When I battled Elvin, I had no particular thoughts, but not now. The many gazes upon me must have heightened my awareness.

[The duel will start shortly; please take your seats.]

The familiar announcement echoed as I faced forward. Kara was walking towards me from the opposite side.

However, her gear looked different. When she fought Luna, she used a scimitar and an axe, but now she carried a spear instead of the axe.

The Tartar tribe excels in weapon arts, so it’s not strange for Kara to use various weapons.

‘Is she planning to find her distance?’

Considering the spear’s characteristics, it likely makes sense. Or perhaps it’s just for range control.

[We will now establish the battle environment.]

With that announcement, the previously plain earthen ground of the arena began to shift.

Unlike Luna’s battle, where nothing changed much, this time something felt different.

Much more was rising from the ground, and the landscape had become vibrant.

All of this had mass and substance. Up close, everything felt refreshingly real.

[The environment has been fully set.]

And the transformed appearance of the arena was…

[Dueling environment: Forest.]

[The duel will begin shortly.]

This was an environment I was all too familiar with.

Tall trees reaching high into the sky, dense foliage, and scattered rocks everywhere.

While I couldn’t do much about the smell, everything around me was real. Meaning I could touch them.

“Seriously, is this an adaptation advantage, or what? Would it have hurt to make it a desert?”

Kara grumbled, resting the scimitar on her shoulder. It was indeed a favorable environment for me.

Before the duel began, I lightly brushed against a towering tree. It felt close to how it would in 3D printing, in terms of concept and texture.

That foliage must feel pretty similar to grass. In many aspects, it was fantasy-like, to say the least.

[…1. The duel will commence.]

While I was distracted touching the tree, the duel started. I listened to the announcement and faced forward.

Kara was grinning even as the duel began, just like she did against Luna.

“Would you like to enter first? Or shall I?”

“… …”

I remained speechless and began moving forward at Kara’s invitation.

As I approached, Kara carefully lowered the scimitar she had slung over her shoulder.

Thud-thud-thud—

Silence enveloped the arena, with only the sound of my footsteps softly echoing.

Kara just stood watching as I drew closer, not making a single move. But she’d probably counter if it came down to it.

“… … Can you answer me?”

Even with that question, I steadfastly walked on. I treated it like a casual stroll.

Kara didn’t back away either, standing firm in position. So ultimately, the space between us gradually shrank.

Thud—

I confidently approached right up to Kara’s face. Close enough for us to see each other’s expressions directly.

Reaching out, I could almost touch. I looked into Kara’s green eyes and said.

“Hit. Me.”

“What?”

“Hit. Me.”

Saying it again, Kara’s face got complicated. I decided to explain more simply.

“Punch. Me.”

I pointed to my tightly clenched fist.

“Hit. Me.”

I gestured to my face. I wanted her to hit my face with her fist.

Kara seemed taken aback by my request, her eyes widening.

And with a tone of disbelief, she carefully asked.

“Do you know we’re having a duel right now?”

“Yeah.”

“So why?”

“Confirm.”

“Confirm?”

When she questioned the term, I nodded affirmatively.

“Strength.”

“… …”

“Confirm.”

“… … Ha.”

Finally, it seemed she understood my words, chuckling. Her expression expressed genuine disbelief.

And really, who would comprehend a request to test strength by getting punched?

But this was a necessary process. It would help regulate strength.

Unlike Elvin, Kara was likely to put in real effort. For safety’s sake, it’s a vital step.

“Do you underestimate me? Did you really learn from me?”

“Yeah.”

“Ugh. I need to watch my words more carefully from now on.”

Whack!

With that, Kara planted the scimitar into the ground. Keeping a bright smile, she said to me.

“Clench your jaw tight. That way, it won’t break.”

Kara clenched her fist tightly and slowly pulled her arm back, clearly ready to make her move from the start.

I braced myself for the pain to come. I hoped she would hit hard.

Whoosh!

Soon, the sound of air being sliced echoed as—

Pow!

Kara’s fist struck my face with precision. It wasn’t a direct hit; it was more of a hook.

Her punch utilized the rotation of her waist and shoulders, following the techniques she taught me.

“… …”

But it was ineffective. My head may have turned, but I neither stumbled nor fell.

I turned my head slowly to meet Kara’s gaze once more. She still had that smile on her face.

“How’s that? Did it wake you up?”

“More. You.”

I knew this wasn’t nearly enough. So I spoke again.

“Hit. Me.”

“… …”

Did that provoke her? Kara’s smile faded briefly.

It soon returned, but that alone was a great achievement. It showed I had riled her up.

“Fine…”

Kara let out a deep sigh upon hearing my response, then took a small step back.

While she was settling into a stance, I made no moves. I just kept watching her, expressionless.

“Don’t regret this; you brought it upon yourself.”

With a slightly chillier tone, Kara started to step through her motions.

She propelled her left foot forward for a running start while rapidly rotating her waist to build momentum.

The power she gathered surged in her arm, and soon her fist was propelled straight toward its target.

Smack!

A punch, far stronger than before, crashed into my face.

It wasn’t just my head turning this time; my whole body nearly buckled from the force.

Considering Kara put her full energy into this punch, if Luna had taken this hit, she would’ve lost a few teeth.

“Now you’re gonna do this properly, right?”

“Yeah.”

But I wasn’t going to. Strangely enough, thanks to the Steel King trait, I was unaffected.

Sure, it stung a bit, but I wasn’t bleeding or anything. My teeth were still intact.

“Kara.”

“What?”

As I slowly rose back up, I said to her.

“Hit. Me.”

With that command—

WHAM!

Without realizing it, my fist slammed into her face.

Bang! Boom! Pow!

Kara was sent flying back, colliding with a tree. It was a dramatically different scene from my stumble earlier.

Anyone could see the stark power difference. I even adjusted my power with that hit.

“Cough! Cough! Ugh.”

However, the experience gained from numerous battles kicked in, allowing her to regain her balance almost instantly.

Looking closely, I noticed a line of blood trickling from her mouth, likely from a busted lip.

Despite feeling the power imbalance, her fighting spirit was still aflame. I was curious about how she would react.

Regardless, one thing was clear.

“You’ll.”

This duel—no, this fight—

“Lose!”

I would win.

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