NOVEL NEXT Chapter 32
TLed by NolepGuy
Chapter 32
Although Kara showcased an overwhelming difference in skill and won, sparring with me is a different matter.
First of all, there will be a terrifying gap in physical specs. From what I vaguely remember, Kara’s current stats average around 100.
On the other hand, all of mine exceed 140, except for Luck and Faith. Especially Stamina, which is close to 150 and exceptionally high.
In Soul World, stats above 140 are classified as Semi-End Spec, while true End Spec begins at 150.
The difference would be roughly akin to that between Captain America and Thor.
‘Not to mention, I can see and avoid everything.’
In Soul World, there is a trait that allows one to anticipate patterns and evade them. I compensate for that with Wild Instinct.
So, there’s no immediate need to learn it. My stats are so good that I can see and dodge everything with my eyes.
Wasn’t it the same during the sparring with Elvin? Kara might be a bit faster than him, but not significantly different.
‘Still, I might get countered a few times.’
Overwhelming power doesn’t require technique, but lacking power means you must acquire technique.
Otherwise, humans wouldn’t have survived in this harsh world. Either way, learning technique remains essential.
Overwhelming power and perfect technique. Only when these two harmonize can one aim for greater heights.
“······Really? You’re quite confident, aren’t you?”
Kara, hearing my response, smiled deeply, as if her competitive spirit had been ignited. Her expression clearly said, “Let’s see what you’ve got.”
Since I only spoke the truth, I said nothing further. I simply looked at her with a blank expression.
As I mentioned earlier, stats in the 140 range are Semi-End Spec. It’s the minimum requirement to clear the remaining story with ease.
While Soul World couldn’t properly showcase this due to game limitations, the setting states that one can throw a boulder the size of a house.
Adding mana to that would produce even greater strength. Moreover, my Red Mana is more potent than regular mana.
“Is this also some kind of Wild Instinct? I feel like I can understand Luna’s perspective now.”
“What perspective?”
“That relying solely on instinct will get you into big trouble. Now I really have to confirm it.”
“··· ···”
At Kara’s remark, Luna made an ambiguous expression. Watching her glance at me was somewhat endearing.
Didn’t she also try to prove my instinct wrong and end up getting thoroughly beaten? You could call her a living witness.
‘Though it’s not even instinct.’
It’s not instinct but rather the fact that I know some of the settings, allowing me to judge objectively.
Although I’ve forgotten minor details while living as a Wildling, I still remember the major ones.
Even if I can’t recall certain parts, hearing related information often jogs my memory.
“Um······ Sis?”
“What? Do you have something to say?”
“You might not know this, but Sivar is incredibly strong. So strong it’s hard to put into words.”
“I know. Didn’t he kill a Manki with just a Stone Axe? I could do that too.”
“Maybe, but······”
Luna trailed off and looked at Ellie. Ellie was one of the few who had a rough idea of my physical strength.
I had personally saved her from being killed by a Manki and had fought Porori in a duel that she witnessed from afar.
“Why are you looking at me?”
“······It’s nothing.”
Of course, Ellie, with her bright golden eyes wide open, reacted as if she had no idea. Being in a Non-Combat Role, it couldn’t be helped.
“Alright. Then let me ask why you think I’ll lose. What made you say that?”
“Strength.”
“Strength?”
At the single-word answer, Kara’s expression turned puzzled. She seemed unable to grasp the meaning.
I wondered how to make it easier for her to understand. Keeping it short, I decided two syllables would be the maximum.
“Maybe it’s because he’s stronger than you?”
“Is that so? I’ve never shown off my strength in front of him, though.”
Even at Luna’s suggestion, Kara still looked unconvinced. Indeed, she had only learned martial arts and had never demonstrated her strength.
Besides, since sandbags kept bursting, she had practiced in a restrained state. It would be hard to gauge her strength from that alone.
“And listen, friend. Blindly relying on strength will get you into trouble later. Let me teach you this time······”
Kara, in the middle of giving me a lecture that wasn’t quite a lecture, suddenly paused. Then, she furrowed her delicate brows.
Anyone could tell she was displeased about something. Seeing her expression, Ellie cautiously asked.
“Is there a problem?”
“Huh? Oh, no, it’s nothing. It’s just······ something my father used to say.”
She spoke as if it were no big deal, but her discomfort was evident. Just from that, one could roughly guess the nature of their father-daughter relationship.
However, Luna had no way of knowing that. Hearing Kara’s words, she asked a question.
“Come to think of it, your biological father must have visited. Did you meet him?”
“I just came back from meeting him. Didn’t yours come?”
Kara, seemingly unwilling to dwell on the topic, quickly changed the subject. Her shift was so natural that no one suspected anything.
“The distance is too far, so they won’t be able to visit while I’m enrolled.”
“I see. What about you, Luna?”
“I don’t have parents.”
“Oh······ what?”
Kara, nodding along to the smoothly flowing confession, suddenly widened her eyes.
Ellie, too, looked surprised, as if hearing this for the first time. Luna, on the other hand, asked curiously.
“Didn’t I tell you, Ellie?”
“Uh······ no, you didn’t.”
“I see. Anyway, I’m an orphan. But even as an orphan, the villagers were all such good people that I grew up without lacking anything.”
“Oh······ um······ I see? That’s good to hear. Actually, I don’t have a mother either. Let’s get along from now on, okay?”
Kara, uncharacteristically flustered, hastily wrapped up the conversation. Her embarrassment was obvious.
Luna, however, looked completely unbothered. It seemed the villagers had indeed taken great care of her.
“Kara, Sis.”
“Yeah?”
“What kind of person is your father?”
You’ve just stepped on a landmine. At Luna’s question, Kara’s lower eyelid twitched.
Since she had brought up the topic herself, she didn’t outright scowl. But a landmine is called a landmine for a reason.
“······He’s a bit strict.”
Kara forced a smile as she answered, her tone betraying a hint of suppression.
Luna, not entirely oblivious, simply nodded and refrained from probing further.
Kara and Hector’s relationship is as tangled as it gets. As I mentioned before, it’s the relationship between a father who struggles to express love and his daughter.
‘It’ll probably take a long time for their misunderstandings to clear up.’
It’s one of the long-term episodes to resolve in Soul World.
If resolved well, it yields excellent results, but if not······ I won’t say more.
“Anyway, that’s enough about parents. The next sparring match is in three days, right?”
“Each person gets three days of rest, so that should be correct.”
“Good. Then I’ll train until then. It’d be embarrassing to lose after all that boasting.”
Saying that, Kara looked at me. Her face was filled with anticipation.
She had wanted to spar with me for so long, and now it was about to happen. Of course, she would be excited.
“Sivar.”
“Yeah.”
“Just so you know, I won’t go easy on you. Tatars tend to give their all, even in sparring. Especially when the skill levels are close.”
Kara confidently declared, practically issuing a challenge. She was brimming with faith in her abilities.
That wasn’t arrogance but confidence. She must have fought in more than a dozen practical combats by now.
However, all those experiences would be meaningless against overwhelming power. I calmly replied.
“Ka. Ra.”
“Yeah?”
“Weak.”
“··· ···”
Kara’s expression was priceless. It was as if all her emotions were condensed into the disbelief that she had misheard.
Then she let out a dry laugh and spoke in a voice tinged with exasperation.
“I never taught you how to provoke someone. Who taught you that?”
“It must be you. You probably picked it up from Sivar too.”
“Is that so? I guess I need to watch my words more carefully.”
You don’t think it’s already too late?
While I was thinking that to myself, Ellie tapped my shoulder with her finger.
I turned to look at her and met her golden, glowing eyes directly.
“Sivar, just in case you didn’t know, don’t hurt her too much. Unlike you, normal people don’t just come back to life with a splash of potion.”
It was a sincere plea, which was absurd. But given my clear track record, I couldn’t argue against it.
What was even more ridiculous was Luna’s delayed realization, as her face lit up with an “oops” expression. I really don’t know what they think of me.
“Hearing that, it sounds like she died and came back to life.”
“Um······ there’s a story behind it. If we hadn’t been there, she really would’ve died.”
“There’s something that almost killed her? What was it?”
“Uh······”
Ellie rolled her eyes at Kara’s question before quietly answering.
“······A squirrel?”
“··· ···”
Kara looked at me with an indescribable expression.
It wasn’t wrong, but I hoped she wouldn’t get any strange ideas.
‘I should introduce Porori to Kara too.’
Since they both believe in Gulak, I figured they’d get along well.
******
After Luna’s hospital visit ended, time flew by quickly.
Following the big event, there were minor sparring sessions, but nothing particularly noteworthy.
I already knew what had happened and which characters were important.
Staying by Rod’s side would’ve been boring, so I used training as an excuse to stay in the training ground.
“Let me remind you again. Even if you knock out your opponent, never kill them. Understood?”
“Yes.”
“Not just ‘yes,’ say ‘Yes, sir.'”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good.”
Rod smiled contentedly at my correction. It seemed he was more concerned about my informal tone than the sparring itself.
Watching him step up as my guardian, I chuckled inwardly and checked my equipment. Not that there was much to check.
Just like in the sparring with Elvin, I had a one-handed axe and a spear. I wasn’t even wearing armor.
‘It wouldn’t make a difference anyway.’
Thanks to the ‘Iron King’ trait, my body itself was tough. Most attacks wouldn’t even leave a scratch.
However, that was in the wilderness. I wasn’t sure about raw weapons. Even ordinary humans could get paper cuts, after all.
I checked my equipment several times before turning my head forward. Ahead of me lay the training ground and the exit.
The announcement would sound soon, so I’d head out then. Honestly, I was a little nervous.
“I’ll emphasize this again—keep your reason. Never kill or maim your opponent. The bracelet is there to prevent that, but you never know.”
“Yes, sir.”
Geez, he sure worries a lot. Not that I don’t understand, but it’s a bit excessive.
It’s not like I hold a grudge against Kara or plan to fight her as if I’m out for blood.
If I did kill her, Hector would probably kill me. I’d like to live a bit longer.
[Participants, please enter the arena.]
At that moment, an announcement echoed from the rest area. It was time to head inside.
Hearing the announcement, I looked at Rod. He nodded and gestured for me to go.
“For someone like you, winning shouldn’t be hard. The question is how much damage you’ll cause.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Haha, hearing you speak formally feels nice.”
Seriously, this guy is so strange. Why is everyone around me so weird?
Tilting my head in confusion, I moved toward the exit. Before long, I arrived at the expansive training ground.
‘I’m a little nervous.’
Was this how gladiators felt stepping into the Colosseum? The sheer scale of the arena made my heart race more than the general sparring arena.
I hadn’t thought much during the sparring with Elvin, but this time was different. It was probably because more people were watching me now.
[The duel will begin shortly. Please take your seats.]
As the familiar announcement played, I looked ahead. Kara was walking toward me from the opposite side.
However, her equipment seemed off. When she fought Luna, she had a curved blade and an axe, but now she carried a spear instead of the axe.
The Tatar Tribe is deeply versed in weaponry and uses a variety of weapons. So Kara wielding a spear wasn’t unusual.
‘Is she planning to measure distance?’
Considering the spear’s characteristics, that seemed likely. Or perhaps it was for restraint.
[Setting up the combat environment.]
With that announcement, the dirt floor of the training ground began to change gradually.
During Luna’s match, it was a plain with little variation, but this time it was different.
Far more structures rose from the ground, and the terrain features were much more diverse.
All of it had mass and substance. Seeing it up close felt new.
[The environment setup is complete.]
The transformed training ground’s appearance was······
[The duel environment is a forest.]
[The duel will begin shortly.]
It was an environment I was all too familiar with.
Tall trees reaching toward the sky, dense thickets, and scattered rocks.
The smell couldn’t be replicated, but everything else was real. It could all be touched.
“Seriously? Is this an adaptation period advantage or what? Would it kill them to make it a desert?”
Kara grumbled as she slung her curved blade over her shoulder. It was indeed an advantageous environment for me.
Before the duel began, I reached out to touch one of the tall trees. It was like a 3D printer had replicated it, and the texture felt similar.
The thickets probably felt like real grass too. In many ways, it was quintessentially fantasy.
[······1. The duel will now begin.]
While I was touching the tree, the duel began. Hearing the announcement, I looked ahead.
Kara, hearing the start of the duel, was smiling leisurely. It was no different from her demeanor during Luna’s match.
“Do you want to make the first move, or should I?”
“··· ···”
Without responding to Kara’s suggestion, I moved forward.
As I approached, Kara slowly lowered the curved blade she had been resting on her shoulder.
Step- Step- Step-
In the silence of the training ground, only the sound of my footsteps echoed softly.
Kara didn’t make any moves as I approached, merely watching. She’d retaliate if necessary, though.
“······Can you at least answer me?”
Even at her question, I kept walking steadily, as if nothing was amiss.
Kara didn’t back away either, standing her ground. Gradually, the distance between us shrank.
Step-
At last, I arrived boldly right in front of Kara. We were close enough to see each other’s faces clearly.
Within arm’s reach, I looked into Kara’s green eyes and opened my mouth.
“Hit. Me.”
“What?”
“Hit. Me.”
As I repeated myself, Kara’s expression grew more perplexed. I decided to explain more simply.
“Punch.”
Pointing to my clenched fist—
“Hit. Me.”
I pointed to my face, indicating she should punch me in the face.
Kara, startled by my peculiar request, widened her eyes and stared at me.
And then, with a cautious tone as if doubting, she spoke.
“Do you realize we’re sparring right now?”
“Yes.”
“Then why?”
“Con. Fir. Ma. Tion.”
“Confirmation?”
When she repeated the word, I nodded and answered.
“Strength.”
“··· ···”
“Con. Fir. Ma. Tion.”
“······Ha.”
Finally understanding my words, she let out a hollow laugh. Her expression was one of utter disbelief.
It’s understandable. Who would comprehend a request to be punched in order to confirm strength?
However, this is a necessary step. It allows me to gauge control over my strength.
Unlike Elvin, Kara is more likely to go all out. This process is essential to prevent accidents.
“You really underestimate me, huh? Did you actually learn this from me?”
“Yes.”
“Sigh. I really need to watch what I say from now on.”
Thud!
Saying that, Kara drove her curved blade into the ground. Then, maintaining a bright smile, she spoke to me.
“Clench your teeth tight. That way, they won’t break.”
Kara clenched her fist tightly and slowly pulled her arm back. It seemed she intended to hit properly from the start.
I braced myself for the pain that was about to come. I hoped she would hit with all her strength.
Whoosh!
Before long, the sound of air being sliced accompanied it.
Thud!
Kara’s fist struck my face directly. It wasn’t a straight punch but a hook-like swing.
Just as she had taught me, it was a proper punch utilizing the rotation of her waist and shoulders.
“··· ···”
However, it had no effect. My head merely turned, but I didn’t fall.
Slowly turning my head back, I looked at Kara again. She was still smiling.
“How is it? Did it wake you up?”
“Not. At. All.”
I knew this wasn’t her full strength. So, I spoke again.
“Weak.”
“··· ···”
Did my provocation work? For a moment, Kara’s smile disappeared.
Of course, it returned immediately, but even that brief moment was a significant achievement. It meant I had provoked her.
“Ha······ Fine.”
Kara let out a deep sigh as if the ground would sink beneath her and then stepped back slightly.
I made no move while she adjusted her stance. I simply watched her with a blank expression.
“Don’t regret this, okay? You brought this on yourself.”
Kara spoke in a slightly colder tone and began to proceed step by step.
She planted her left foot forward as if taking a running start, then quickly rotated her waist to generate power.
Her arm, fueled by that power, extended like a bullet, and her fist struck the target precisely.
Thwack!
This punch was several times stronger than the one before, landing squarely on my face.
It was so strong that it wasn’t just my head that turned; my entire body collapsed.
Well, it was to be expected. This punch carried Kara’s full strength. If Luna had taken this hit, she would have lost a few teeth.
“Are you going to take this seriously now?”
“Yes.”
But not me. Thanks to the Iron King Trait, I was completely fine.
It stung a little, but my mouth wasn’t bleeding, nor were my teeth damaged.
“Ka. Ra.”
“What?”
Slowly getting up, I spoke to her.
“Weak.”
With those words.
Boom!
Before she could react, my fist slammed into her face.
Crash! Thud! Wham!
Kara’s body flew far away, crashing into a tree. Unlike me, who had only staggered, her situation was entirely different.
Anyone could see the stark difference in strength. And I had even held back.
“Cough! Cough! Ugh.”
Still, her experience in various practical combats showed as she quickly regained her composure.
Seeing her face unscathed, it seemed she had managed to summon mana to defend herself in that brief moment.
I slowly approached the dazed Kara.
“······Haha.”
Kara looked at me and smirked. A thin line of blood trickled from her mouth, likely from a cut inside.
Despite feeling the difference in strength, her fighting spirit burned brightly. How would she fight now?
One thing was certain, no matter what.
“You.”
This sparring—no, this fight.
“Will. Lose.”
I will win.