Chapter 51

“That second match was as dull as dishwater.”

But right after that, the curtain rose for the next bout.

Two students took the stage in the arena, one after the other, causing the military department professors to light up with interest. Both were hot topics among the students.

The brown-haired nobleman.

The bare-chested barbarian.

It was clear that the nobleman caught the professors’ eyes first.

“His stance is excellent. And his gait is quite impressive too.”

“Didn’t they mention he was a high-ranking knight?”

“He seemed to be at that level before the entrance exam, but I heard he’s recently broken through.”

“What? Already?”

The professors gasped in surprise.

With this newly revealed fact, their interest in the nobleman only grew.

Himel Deorg.

He’s one of the Empire’s five masters, the heir of Count Deorg. So it’s no wonder they’d be intrigued.

“So, does that mean he’s a high-ranking knight now?”

“For real? That’s amazing! Just nineteen, and he’s already at that level…”

“Truly, he embodies the Deorg lineage.”

“With excellent swordsmanship and keen senses, he’s a promising talent for the future.”

Compliments flew in rapid succession.

After practically running out of saliva from praising him, the professors shifted their gaze to another competitor—Ulan. But the way they looked at him was entirely different from how they’d observed Himel.

While their eyes on Himel held curiosity, excitement, and anticipation, the gaze toward Ulan was the complete opposite.

“To be honest, I can’t believe it.”

“That guy is supposedly an expert?”

“Well, considering the antics he pulled during the entrance ceremony, I can sort of understand…”

Displeasure, disgust, distrust, you name it.

There wasn’t a friendly sentiment in their eyes regarding Ulan. The rumors circulating lately were even dismissed outright.

“It’s probably an exaggerated rumor.”

“Exactly. If it were true, the department would have been turned upside down by now.”

“That does make sense.”

The professors reached their own conclusions.

Meanwhile, not far away, Ethan, who was eavesdropping on the professors’ conversation, clicked his tongue.

“Tsk, stupid fools.”

The people sitting in front of him were supposedly the professors of the military department, the elite teachers from the best educational institution on the continent, Arsen Academy.

Yet, they were so caught up in their prejudice against Ulan’s barbarian background that they couldn’t see the gem standing right before them.

“And the department has already been turned upside down.”

Moreover, even the military has been completely shaken up.

Ulan had become the talk of the Empire. The traces of being a Deorg heir had long vanished from people’s memories.

Whether the professors knew of Ethan’s thoughts or not, they continued their speculations.

“So how strong do you think he really is?”

“Hmm, tough call.”

“He just barely reached the intermediate level, right?”

“Sure, the incident in the auditorium was shocking, but alone, it wouldn’t really make him an expert.”

Seriously, are these people even professors?

Ethan mocked them internally.

The term “expert” in this context was so watered down by rumors. Just then, a professor turned around to face him.

“What do you think, Professor Ethan?”

With that sudden question, all eyes turned to Ethan.

It was understandable. Ethan Arnoff was undoubtedly the strongest among the military department’s professors.

He had reached the level of expert.

‘If only I could—’

Ethan wanted to say that Himel Deorg wouldn’t stand a chance against Ulan, even if a hundred of them came at him.

But he couldn’t.

He’d already received orders from the higher-ups to keep quiet about all information concerning Ulan.

So he just shrugged it off.

“I only hope there won’t be too many injuries.”

The somewhat odd reply was enough for the professors to catch his drift.

“Haha, don’t worry about that.”

“Right. Himel Deorg is a considerate student. And that barbarian…”

“Ulan.”

“What?”

“Not just a barbarian, it’s Ulan.”

Ethan’s glare turned icy.

Intense enough to send shivers down one’s spine.

The old professor coughed awkwardly, seeming flustered.

“Ahem! Y-Yes. Anyway, Ulan is in top shape, right? He probably won’t get seriously hurt even if he gets nicked a couple of times.”

It seemed he misunderstood what Ethan meant. The one he hoped wouldn’t get hurt wasn’t Ulan, but Himel.

So, Ethan chose not to reply.

Instead, he clasped his hands together as he gazed at Ulan.

‘Please take it easy.’

The victory was practically assured.

So, he just wanted it to end without any serious injuries. And if Ulan could hide his strength while taking Himel down, that would be even better.

Offering a prayer to a god he didn’t usually believe in, Ethan silently wished.

Meanwhile, at that moment.

Ulan, who had arrived at the arena, tilted his head. Though quite some time had passed, there was no sign that the battle was about to begin.

Feeling puzzled, he was soon given a proper explanation.

“Attention! Due to the battle in the second match, the magic saturation level in the arena has exceeded the acceptable limit.”

“We will resume the matches after the purification process is complete. All participants, please remain in the arena.”

It seemed there was some kind of issue.

All he could do was wait. Placing his axe down by his feet, Ulan began to stretch out his body.

But then.

“Hey, you.”

Suddenly, someone approached him.

A young man with curly brown hair. It was Himel Deorg, Ulan’s opponent. He asked, trying to hide the displeasure on his face.

“What’s your relation with Ivella?”

“We’re friends.”

“What? Friends?”

Himel furrowed his brow, looking as if he’d heard a ridiculous answer.

“Ha! Friends? That’s a laugh.”

With a look of disbelief, his gaze turned frosty.

Then he abruptly asked,

“Do you know anything about that girl’s past?”

“I don’t.”

“Good. Then I’ll enlighten you.”

“No, no need to.”

He wasn’t that curious, so Ulan politely declined. But Himel ignored Ulan’s opinion completely.

“She was born in the slums.”

“…

Himel began his unsolicited explanation.

So this guy doesn’t listen to others at all. That thought crossed Ulan’s mind as Himel continued to ramble.

“She grew up surrounded by garbage and filth. That means she isn’t from some noble house like you might think.”

“I see.”

However, Ulan merely responded dryly.

Was it because of his nonchalant attitude? Himel frowned, clearly perturbed.

“You don’t need to hide your feelings. You must be feeling some type of way right now. It’s perfectly fine to get angry.”

“No, I’m not mad.”

That was true. He had never once assumed Ivella was of noble birth.

‘If she were a noble…’

She wouldn’t have been wandering the battlefield in a previous life.

Ulan’s dry response left Himel bewildered as he raised his eyebrows, and then a despicable smile crept onto his face.

“But that’s not all. She also lacked basic etiquette and culture, as her upbringing proves. Once, something happened where she…”

Himel rambled on about faults in Ivella.

Listening quietly, Ulan soon frowned.

“So?”

“What do you mean, what?”

“What does any of this matter?”

All Ulan had said was that he was just friends with Ivella; why was he being bombarded with this meaningless crap from a guy he had just met today?

So he asked for a reason.

But the reply he sought never came. All he got in return was contempt in Himel’s eyes and voice.

“… You just interrupt someone mid-sentence. Seems like it’s not just Ivella who lacks etiquette.”

His face twisted in irritation.

Himel’s tone suddenly went cold.

“Fine, let’s get to the main point. I’ll warn you: from today, you’d better stop hanging out with Ivella.”

“What?”

“If I see you with her after today’s match, I’ll take you as Count Deorg’s enemy as the heir of our house.”

With that unexpected threat as a signal, a fierce aura enveloped Ulan.

This guy who had just reached the level of a high-ranking knight was determined to unleash the fighting spirit. For an ordinary person, it was enough to choke them at a glance.

Of course, Ulan was anything but ordinary.

In body and mind.

And so he curiously asked,

“What’s the Deorg house anyway?”

“… What?”

Himel blinked in confusion.

Then his face blushed a furious red.

“You little bastard! How dare a mere barbarian insult our family!”

“It’s not an insult; I’m genuinely hearing this for the first time.”

Upon hearing the reply, Himel was speechless.

And soon he realized. There was no lie in Ulan’s eyes. He wasn’t fabricating words to provoke Himel.

This meant Ulan genuinely had no idea.

If he didn’t know who the Emperor was, how could he possibly know of a single count’s house? As Himel’s face turned despondently pale…

“We’re about to start the battle!”

“Competitors, please move to your positions!”

The judges’ shouts echoed.

Before long, it seemed the arena was ready. Turning back, Himel began grinding his teeth.

“Alright. Let’s see how sharp the Deorg blade truly is.”

He glared with fierce eyes at Ulan.

“I’ll show you how strong the Deorg sword can be. Furthermore, I’ll strip away the name of ‘expert’ that you’re holding onto!”

With that firm declaration, Ulan and Himel took their positions.

Judging the preparations complete, the referee immediately declared loudly:

“Start of battle!”

With the signal, Himel lunged forward.

A quick strike.

He hadn’t intended to drag the fight on. Ulan was a mere barbarian. Someone who didn’t even deserve an ounce of honor.

‘I’ll take him down in the blink of an eye.’

And he intended to prove that the claim of Ulan being an expert was nothing but a huge exaggeration. As he narrowed the distance franticly, Himel swung his sword with precision.

But at that precise moment.

Clang!

The attack was blocked. For a barbarian, reading an attack like that was quite impressive. That thought crossed Himel’s mind as he suddenly realized.

“…!”

Suddenly, Himel’s eyes widened.

As if he had realized something. He twisted his blade and deflected Ulan’s axe, then jumped back like a frog.

‘What the hell? Where does this strength come from…?’

When the axe and sword clashed, realization dawned on Himel.

If he continued this grappling, he would inevitably get pushed back and toppled over.

‘But strength isn’t everything.’

If you have raw power,

I’ll overwhelm you with speed.

With a short breath, Himel unleashed a flurry of thrusts.

Pababababam!

A torrential storm of rapid strikes.

He aimed explicitly for spots that were difficult to guard. Gradually harming Ulan to dull his movements before delivering the final blow.

The attack and defense continued.

But this too ended in failure.

Ulan barely blocked or dodged all attacks. Not a single scratch on him. Frustrated, Himel bit his lip.

The feeling of anxiety began to creep in.

‘No, I still hold the advantage.’

Throughout the ongoing exchanges, Ulan had only been focusing on blocking or dodging. There hadn’t been even a single counterattack.

This meant one thing.

Ulan was struggling just to defend against him. Himel became even more certain of this point.

But…

There was one thing that troubled him.

Every time Ulan’s axe met his sword, a strange sense of discomfort loomed over him. It was a feeling he had experienced long ago and now resurfaced through his senses.

But those thoughts disappeared swiftly.

What mattered now was bringing Ulan down. And so he mustered all his strength to unleash another barrage of rapid-fire attacks.

After a while, Himel’s complexion began to change. He felt something was off.

‘For someone who’s only defending…’

His blocking and dodging were far too perfect.

Not a single wound on his body was proof of that.

Meaning he had successfully blocked or dodged every single attack so far. Also, there was another strange thing.

That being Ulan’s expression.

He stared at Himel with a puzzled look.

Slightly tilting his head. Just as Himel was grinding his teeth in irritation…

Ulan’s aura suddenly shifted.

“…!”

In the blink of an eye, Ulan closed the distance.

Axe soaring through the air.

Himel realized it was too late to avoid it!

He gritted his teeth and swung his sword diagonally to repel the attack.

Clang!

With a short clash of sound, he barely took a hit.

Yet the force behind the axe bore down on Himel, sending him skidding backward.

“Huh, gack!”

His breath came out in heaves.

This immediate strike had thrown him off.

Unable to catch his breath, he widened his eyes, filled with shock.

‘No way!’

With that single strike, Himel realized Ulan’s rank was above his own. He simultaneously recognized the source of the discomfort he had felt earlier.

In a past life, prior to receiving his knight title,

he once unknowingly crossed swords with his father, Count Deorg. It was his first experience of the realm of mastery.

And now,

Ulan’s strike mirrored that experience perfectly.

‘Does that mean…!’

This guy wasn’t an expert.

He was much superior. Possibly someone of the same caliber as Count Deorg.

‘No, there’s no way!’

Shaking with bewilderment, disbelief flooded his eyes. Yet, the agitation in his heart wouldn’t resolve so easily.

Meanwhile, at that moment…

Ulan was glaring at him intently.

When their weapons first clashed, Himel instinctively sensed Ulan’s strength. He stepped back, deflecting attacks. It was certainly commendable skill.

But that was where it ended.

Unlike him, Ivella was different.

Back in the same situation, she didn’t step back; rather, she pressed in closer, trying to create an opening for an attack.

As a result, she crafted an opportunity that never existed.

That was true talent.

Conversely, Himel couldn’t muster that.

The glaring gap in abilities was evident. Ulan narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

‘You’re calling that a genius in swordsmanship?’

That was the Empire’s so-called genius?

Setting off a wave of skepticism.

He started to let Himel’s attack through while gauging if there was any potential.

But there was nothing to note.

‘So lastly…’

He tried to implement a surprise attack to see if he had anything hidden. But it was on the same level—falling short of Ivella’s ability to counterattack dramatically.

Ulan came to his conclusion.

‘Delia must have misunderstood.’

This guy isn’t a swordsmanship genius.

He had no natural talent for swordplay. Just a kid who could handle a blade a little. Compared to Ivella, he was less than a worm.

‘After the match, I must tell her.’

After concluding his thoughts, Ulan grabbed his axe, preparing to finish the fight.

‘The victory conditions were three.’

Either disarm the opponent, render them unable to fight, or have the judges intervene.

Among those three methods, Ulan decided to use the first. Infusing spirit into his axe to sever Himel’s sword.

As the axe glowed a bright red,

“Wait a minute!”

A sudden urgent voice interrupted.

It was Himel. He hastily spread his palms forward, a look of anxiety on his face.

“I have a proposal for you.”

“A proposal?”

“Yes! If you concede this match to me, I’ll assist you in achieving your goals.”

The sudden proposal caught Ulan off guard.

He tilted his head questioningly.

“Do you know what my goal is?”

“Of course I know! I’m a man, after all.”

He answered with strong conviction.

Slightly unexpected, but soon, Ulan understood. Naturally, any man would yearn for strength and powerful weapons.

‘But…’

It was undeniably questionable.

Ulan’s purpose was to achieve the realm beyond mastery and obtain the strongest weapon. He couldn’t imagine Himel possessing such strength.

But then,

an entirely unanticipated statement came back.

“It’s about that girl, right?”

“… What?”

Himel’s lips twisted into a cruel smile.

“If you concede this match, I will personally ensure Ivella spends the night in your room. I promise it on my house’s honor!”

“….”

“You don’t have to worry about getting caught. Even if you are, there are no consequences. She’s scum from the start. If you want, she can come over every night…”

However, Himel found himself unable to finish that thought.

As he was about to say something, a terrifying pressure bore down on Himel.

“Grrk! Ugh!”

His body felt as if it was pinned beneath a rock.

His arms and legs trembled like aspen leaves, and he could barely breathe. In that moment, Himel realized who was the source of this feeling.

“…!”

It was Ulan.

A cold chill ran through him, the intense aura radiating was that of a truly powerful master.

One that a non-master could never hope to withstand.

As Himel’s complexion turned ghostly pale…

Ulan opened his lips.

“… I don’t mind being called a barbarian.”

Because that was the truth.

The words ‘ignorant’ or ‘uncultured’ didn’t faze him one bit.

However—

“But touching my friends is off-limits.”

Himel had sullied Ivella’s honor.

With just a flick of his tongue.

Ulan glared at him with a ferocity filled with rage and disgust.

“You’re not worthy to so much as speak about Ivella’s honor.”

With that volcanic rage boiling over…

Ulan suddenly withdrew his killing intent.

“Huh! Huh!”

As he finally managed to breathe, Himel’s complexion shifted to blue.

Now he was convinced. Ulan was far beyond the bounds of an expert; he was a master.

“Ugh, aah!”

Was it the realization of that frightening truth? Or being on the brink of unconsciousness from the fear?

Himel sank to his knees, slowly retreating.

And yet, he still clung to his sword, gazing at Ulan with dry eyes.

“So apologize.”

Ulan said, offering one last chance at mercy.

“Go to Ivella right now and apologize for sullying her honor. If you do, I will pretend I didn’t hear what you said earlier.”

“… What? Apologize?”

Me? That filthy girl?

Himel looked utterly incredulous. Trembling in fear, he bit back.

“If you can’t do that…”

“Then I will personally vindicate my friend’s sullied honor. In the way of the barbarian.”

Ulan’s crimson eyes gleamed dangerously.

Himel flinched at once, though it was only temporary; he soon clenched his teeth.

“Don’t kid around!”

His expression twisted in shame and anger. Clutching tightly to his sword, he snarled,

“You’re the one who should apologize! I’m the heir of Deorg! The only successor!”

Having realized he couldn’t win through strength, Himel resorted to using the power of his house, behaving pathetically.

That was likely his true nature.

As he scowled at such a shameful display, Himel abruptly aimed his sword at Ulan.

“You kneel before me! Otherwise, I’ll crush you, your family, and that filthy girl!”

“…”

With a blank expression, Ulan regarded Himel.

After a moment, he suddenly dropped his axe.

This sight filled Himel’s face with joy. Letting go of his weapon meant surrendering the match.

“Ha-ha, good. You’re finally showing your true colors.”

As Himel smirked wickedly, Ulan strolled slowly towards him. Himel watched eagerly, urging him on.

“Alright, it’s time to kneel. If you forfeit the match, then you’re safe from me…”

Suddenly Ulan did not stop.

Eight steps, seven steps, six steps.

As the distance grew closer, Himel felt a wave of cold running through him.

“S-Stop! Don’t come any closer!”

So he swung his sword.

As a threat. But Ulan continued, and before long, Himel lunged at him.

And at that moment.

Grab!

Ulan caught the blade with his bare hands.

Without gloves, just using his palms.

A bit of the sharp edge grazed his palm, drawing a few drops of red blood.

“Y-You idiot!”

Himel shouted, looking shocked.

In that instant, Ulan’s Hero’s Enchantment glimmered brightly.

Whether he realized it or not, Himel sweaty-faced shouted,

“Alright! I’ll chop off your fingers!”

As he attempted to wield the sword with all his strength…

Crash! Boom!

Out of nowhere, the sword shattered in mid-air.

It couldn’t withstand the force. The sword clattered apart, and Himel was astonished.

“W-What! The sword…! Gah!”

As his breath choked in his throat, he felt himself lifted by a massive grip on his collar.

Ulan shoved his face close, growling as if ready to consume him.

“I only wield a weapon against those who are truly vicious beasts or warriors.”

“Gkk! Ngh!”

“If it’s a coward who’s not even a warrior, there’s no need for me to wield my weapon.”

And Himel fell squarely into that category.

At least by Ulan’s standards.

“See for yourself how a coward posing as a warrior is treated when he tarnishes the Warrior’s Honor.”

Just as Ulan’s words reached their conclusion,

Himel felt his body lift off the ground.

What in the world was he about to do?

As he tried to ask, the pressure on his throat made it nearly impossible for him to speak.

At that moment.

‘Huh?’

Himel’s vision dimmed

Followed by a startling sound.

Crash!

Something shattered, and soil invaded his slightly open mouth.

That gritty, foul taste. Before he could even register it, a painful agony engulfed him.

“Gah! Aaaah!”

His nose had utterly crushed.

Currently, Himel was stuck head-first in the ground.

He had even hit the ground face-first.

His face ground against the arena floor and his shattered nose oozed muddy crimson blood.

But Ulan didn’t stop.

“Grr! Aaaah!”

Right after grabbing the back of his head, Ulan spun around.

His calm gaze landed on the spectator seats. More specifically, it was directed towards Ivella.

She looked on in shock, eyes wide.

Holding Ulan’s gaze, he smashed Himel’s head back into the ground.

─────!

A striking sound shook the arena.

The power of the impact made it seem like his skull would crack. One needn’t worry, however. Ulan had no intention of making it an easy knock-out.

Whrr! Whrr!

Ulan’s spirit enveloped Himel’s skull.

This would ensure his head wouldn’t break. He would only experience a crushing pain instead.

“Ggghhh!”

Himel’s blood-soaked face,

With perhaps every tooth shattered in the process, his speech reverted to a slurred state. Realizing the grisly reality, he began to sob tears mixed with blood, begging for mercy.

“P-Please, I’m really sorry!”

“Not yet.”

However, those words fell on deaf ears.

Ulan continued to hold Himel’s gaze.

“Your pitiful apologies won’t cleanse Ivella’s sullied reputation. The only remedy is your blood.”

With that, Ulan forcefully struck Himel’s head into the ground once more. If he didn’t want to bow his head, this was what it would take to force him to do so.

Crash!

His head hit the ground, cracking it open.

Splash!

Blood pooled into a puddle beneath him.

Thump, thump, thump!

Perhaps due to the surge of pain?

Himel, once trembling, fell limp.

‘Is he losing consciousness?’

But that was fine. Stimulating the brain with spirit would quickly bring him back to his senses.

So, just as he was about to do that…

“S-Stop! That’s enough!”

“Cease the battle! Stop!”

Finally, the referee intervened.

After having momentarily lost their wits at the sudden turn of events, they finally regained their composure.

Meanwhile, Ulan frowned in displeasure.

Naturally—it simply hadn’t reached the point where he could wash away the taint on Ivella’s honor yet.

‘So, the apology that couldn’t be resolved today…’

Would have to wait until later.

As Ulan pondered the necessary next steps, he casually flung the bedraggled Himel aside.

As the third match concluded,

the arena, stained in blood, fell into an eerie silence.

But that silence didn’t last long.

Guards rushed in.

“There he is!”

“Bind him immediately!”

Chains wrapped around his body.

Fittingly familiar with the situation, Ulan once again found himself being taken into custody by the Student Council.

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