Chapter 134 – Mountain of Sabres, Forest of Swords (3)
[You are experiencing the 'aftermath of death.' You are helpless. All abilities have suddenly decreased.]
“I’m sorry.”
Crockta said, not looking very apologetic. They were standing in a vacant lot.
“I didn't know you would be that weak." The orc shrugged, looking like a demon. “I'm really glad that you are cursed by the stars. Kulkulkulkul!"
"……"
Kenzo had just died.
After he died and the connection was terminated, he had stared at the capsule before quickly rushing to re-connect. During the spar, he had been unable to escape Ogre Slayer flying towards his abdomen and the huge sword had gone through his abdomen. He had stared with disbelief at the blood before slowly collapsing.
"…It seems so," Kenzo replied, but he hadn't forgotten Crockta's expression as he turned into white particles.
'Ah, I made a mistake.' It was such an expression.
Kenzo had never mentioned that he was a being cursed by the stars to Crockta. In other words, Crockta didn't know that Kenzo would survive his death. Nevertheless, Crockta had attacked to kill and there was only a faint response to Kenzo's death.
"So will you continue?"
Did he have to continue this training? Had he made a mistake? Were orcs rougher and more heinous than he thought? Crockta seemed respectful to other people despite his appearance, but he changed in battle. There were often images of berserk orcs fighting regardless of their own well-being. So, orcs might not care about dying during training. Rather, they might consider it an honor to die like that.
Kenzo's face turned pale. “For the next week, don't kill me…"
“I can't control that."
Crockta started swinging his greatsword again as Kenzo retreated one step. Crockta's swordsmanship was impressive and Kenzo couldn't predict the trajectory of the greatsword. Furthermore, it was impossible to follow along with Crockta's speed and strength.
He wouldn't have thought it was possible if he hadn't seen it himself.
"Anyway, this is what training is. Kulkulkul. I can swing freely now that I don't have to worry about you dying."
“That’s not it…hiik!"
Kenzo twisted his body and avoided the greatsword. There was a burning mark on his cheek. Crockta was laughing like a demon as he asked, “Have you slowed down?”
"Our abilities, for some time after dying…uwah! They are reduced!"
"I see. That is even better." Crockta attacked again and Kenzo stepped back. “Don't rely on your power and speed; fight with your heart."
Kenzo tried to swing his claymore to block an attack but he felt the power and avoided it instead. As he continued to back away, Crockta stopped.
"Don't you want to become stronger?"
"I want to become stronger. But…"
"But?"
“The level difference seems too high. Those who are cursed can't come back forever. I might really die. If you could use some control…"
This was an exaggeration. He would keep surviving. Continue. But it wasn't completely a lie. He would still live, but the lethargy of death would continue to overlap, his stats would be very low and the after effects could last for months or even years.
It was the penalty that users were most afraid of.
Crockta grinned. “Isn't that better?"
"Y-Yes?"
“Do it desperately Kenzo." Crockta stepped forward. Kenzo retreated. "Look at me clearly in the face of death."
Crockta pointed at himself.
“If you want to become stronger, look at me clearly. With your two eyes."
Crockta's atmosphere changed. It was like when he was meditating last night. It felt like the time of the world was flowing differently with him. No, it seemed as though he was adjusting the time of the world.
Kenzo felt himself become slow and stagnant, while the world was accelerating. It was hard to follow the flow of time just facing Crockta.
The sunlight shone on the vacant lot. Sweat flowed down. His eyelids shook. A flash. His eyelids moved the moment he sensed it. Ogre Slayer was approaching him. Kenzo freaked out as there was no time to think. His body responded immediately as he wielded his claymore, the two weapons colliding.
Kaaaang!
“Fight me while thinking you will really die," Crockta declared as their swords struck each other.
He smiled and kicked Kenzo, who was rolling across the ground in pain.
“Do what you said, do it with the idea that death is really the end."
Crockta thought it was the biggest limitation about the users. They would revive if they died. To them, this world wasn't real. Therefore, the rate of assimilation was low and such an attitude led to uncertainties about themselves. It was just like how the boxer had to see the fist that was flying. They had to look straight at this world.
“I understand." Kenzo's face became determined and his heart had hardened.
"That look is good! Again!"
Crockta wielded his greatsword. Kenzo took a posture to stand up against Crockta. It wasn't just for evasion, but to occasionally wield the sword in a counterattack.
“Open your mouth! Bul'tarrrr!"
Crockta jumped and aimed the greatsword towards Kenzo. Since Kenzo became serious, Crockta also started to control his power.
Kenzo barely blocked the blow with his claymore. Then he responded by aiming towards Crockta's abdomen.
He rushed in and shouted, "Bul'tarrrr!"
***
Tiyo was showing Anor around Quantes.
"The continent is really incredible…"
“It isn't just the continent, but Quantes that is great dot. Kahahat."
Anor was already amazed by the bathing facilities in Quantes, and now he couldn't keep his eyes off the performances on the streets. It was a place rich in culture, from singers and musicians to gnomes putting on a puppet show.
“Good dot. I’m going to show you a great time at the Opera dot!"
"Opera?"
“Theatre, music, art, literature, it can be called the crystallization of the art dot."
“I don't know what to expect, but I am looking forward to it."
“It will be a show dot."
Tiyo led Anor to the 'Street of Arts' in Quantes. There were gnome musicians performing on the street, art stores selling artworks and citizens wandering the area in peculiar clothes, giving the area a quaint atmosphere. There was a large building in the center. The 'Opera Stadium', this was the best venue that all artists in Quantes dreamed about.
“This work is…The Bird That Drinks Tears."
“The Bird That Drinks Tears?"
"That's right dot."
Tiyo said with an excited expression.
“It is a classic masterpiece…the story of the bird who is the most beautiful singer among four birds." (Based on a book by one of the best fantasy authors in Korea. Wiki link.)
“At best, isn't it just a story? No matter how it is performed, wouldn't reading the story be better? I don't expect much…"
“Shut up dot!"
Tiyo dragged Anor to the ticket office. The show was about to begin. Then Tiyo made a difficult expression.
"Uh. I didn't bring enough money dot."
“Then don't overdo it."
"Hey Anor, did you bring any money dot?"
"This is the first time I've been on the continent, so where will I get money? Let's just go next time."
"Shut up dot! I want to see this today! With my own eyes!" Tiyo shouted. "I! Want to see dot!"
“You don't have money, so what will you see?"
"Shut up, you hillbilly dot! You've never seen the opera…! Whoops."
“Hillbilly? You little fu…oof!"
“C-Calm down dot."
The ticket employee watched them and spoke up. "Guests. You have the money but you aren't carrying it on you, is that correct?"
The employee was a gnome. Tiyo nodded at his interruption.
“Indeed dot. I am Tiyo. Do you know me? If you don't know me in Quantes then you are a spy dot!"
“I just recently came to this city…hahahat. By the way, perhaps I can help you?"
“Help?”
"Yes."He pointed to the side. “If you go to that alley…"
"If I go?"
"There are some friends who will give money to customers like you. You clearly have the money but am in a temporary liquidity crisis. Isn't this a very unfair situation?"
"Definitely dot!"
“Then you can borrow the money right now and pay it back later."
“Ohh, I see. Wait for me dot! Let’s go Anor!"
“Hahat. I'll be waiting."
Tiyo turned around. Anor caught up to him. “Wait a minute. This is completely…"
"Completely?"
“A loan…"
"I have money dot! Tomorrow I will come back and pay it off straight away dot!"
“Still, it is a little questionable…"
“Follow me dot!"
Tiyo insisted so they entered the alley behind the Opera Stadium. There were one gnome and two humans smoking. As soon as Tiyo and Anor appeared, the smokers greeted them with a smile.
"Hello!"
“Hello! Did you receive an introduction?"
"That's right dot."
“We are the 'Run on Money' business that works using a credit system. Hahaha. Trust and faith is our slogan. How much do you need?"
Anor was reluctant when he heard the word 'credit' emerge from the mouth of smokers in an alley, but Tiyo didn't care.
“Just enough to see the opera dot."
"Haha. That much is nothing."
They held out a contract.
Tiyo examined it and saw that there was nothing special. There was no additional money if it was paid back quickly, but it was the typical vicious system where the interest rate rose sharply as repayment was delayed.
Of course, Tiyo didn't care since he would pay it back tomorrow.
“This is plain. All moneylenders are the same dot. I'll sign the contract."
“Huhuhu. You are bold. I understand."
The agreement was rapidly made. As Tiyo filled out his address, a man ran somewhere and came back. Tiyo's address had been confirmed. They nodded.
Anor whispered. “Isn't it suspicious that they checked your house?"
“There is no one in Quantes who doesn't know my house dot. Don't worry."
So they borrowed money.
"Thank you for your consideration! I love you!" The men bowed their heads and shouted loudly. Tiyo laughed with satisfaction.
“They really love their work and the customers dot. Kahahat!"
"……"
***
“No, wow. That, wow…"
"That is enough dot."
“Perfect, a new world, a masterpiece of God, ahh…"
Anor had completely fallen in love after watching the opera. The magnificent orchestra, the beautiful songs, the story filled with conflicts and emotions and the gorgeous voice of the singers expressing it. It was something he could never imagine in the world. At the end of every scene, the gnome audience dressed in fine clothing would clap. It felt like the world of the aristocracy.
"Let's watch it again tomorrow! Crockta as well!"
“Expensive dot!”
“Didn't you easily borrow money?"
“The opera isn't something to be enjoyed on a daily basis dot."
“Kulkulkul, I have money so let's go next time," Crockta said.
Crockta had quite a lot of money. Anor jumped with delight. Kenzo, who was listening to the conversation, felt like he was dying.
“Kenzo, you are shaky."
"I'm not!"
“Am I heavy?"
“A little…that…a short break…"
"Is it hard? Nobody cares! The enemy on the battlefield won't care if you are tired! Get rid of your weaknesses!"
"Yes, yep!"
“Your waist!”
“Yep!”
Crockta was sitting on top of the prone Kenzo. “It isn't just about strengthening your body. Fix your mindset!"
“Understood!”
"Push!"
"A…Aaaaah!"
Kenzo bent his arms and slowly raised himself. His arms trembled.
"Wonderful."
Users who thought of Elder Lord as a game didn't want to endure pain. It was just like the traitor Grom, who easily gave up being an orc for the pleasurable path. Crockta thought it was the most important difference between him and ordinary users. Elder Lord was like another life to him. For the sake of the sweet fruit, one had to experience the bitterness. Crockta was going to fix Kenzo's mindset.
"By the way…that…"Kenzo opened his mouth
"Um, what?"
“Tiyo…uhh…did he borrow money…?"
Crockta glanced at Tiyo. Tiyo and Anor were already leaving for somewhere else. "I guess he did. Why?"
"That…no…"Kenzo frowned. “Like me…among those who have been cursed…there are those who abuse such knowledge…I'm not worried about Tiyo or Crockta, but the other people…"
With the message about the opening of the north and the disappearance of the behemoth, the Forest of Creatures was popular among the high-level users as a new hunting ground. The city closest to the Forest of Creatures was Quantes.
Thus, there was an influx of users. With so many users gathering in Quantes, it was natural for there to be some bad people aiming to take advantage of the NPCs. There were those who imitated the real life methods of moneylenders.
Of course, they wouldn't mess with a fearsome NPC like Crockta.
"Hoh…"
Crockta nodded.
Praise the Orc:
Current schedule: There will now be 14 chapters a week, meaning two chapters every day.
Chapter 135 – Mountain of Sabres, Forest of Swords (4)
The people from 'Run on Money' weren't there when Tiyo returned to the alley behind Opera Stadium the next day.
“What dot?"
He had come with the money to pay them back.
“Where did everyone go dot…?"
He frowned. He was going to quickly finish the contract, but the people had disappeared. If this happened, he wouldn't take a step back.
He asked a ticket employee at the Opera Stadium. “Where are the people who were lending money here?"
The employee looked at Tito and shrugged. "I'm not sure. They are always wandering around somewhere. I'm not that familiar with you."
“I thought you knew them dot?"
“I don’t know. I just told people who needed money about them."
"Do you know the place where they usually hang out dot?"
“I don’t know."
Tiyo was troubled and tried to take the questioning further, but other guests showed up for their tickets, forcing him to take a step back.
"Umm…" Tiyo was confused. “Well, I suppose it doesn’t really matter."
It wasn't his fault they weren't in the spot. Tiyo left without paying back the loan. He would give them the money the next day.
There are still a lot of work left to do in Quantes. This time, he was planning to take Anor to Quantes Academy. The professors would love it if he told them about the life and history of the north, together with Anor.
The north would soon be opened, so if they shared a lot of information, Quantes could cope better. He was from the Quantes Gnomes Garrison. He was a soldier who always worried about Quantes' future.
He called out to Anor, who was watching the street performances. The tall dark elf with brown skin stood out among the gnomes. He was engrossed in a puppet show.
“Anor, let's go dot."
"Did you pay back the money?"
“I didn't see them dot. Where did they go…?"
“So you still owe them?"
“How can I pay it back if no one is there?"
"Um…"Anor frowned and started to ponder something. “In other words, if you can't pay it today, the interest rate will increase."
"That is ridiculous dot. I tried to pay them back, but they weren't there!"
"Tiyo is naive."Anor laughed. “Living in a good city like this, you've always seen good things and lived with good treatment…huhut."
“What are you talking about? I have lived through hardship and adversity dot!"
"That is different. I know a lot of the tricks since I was harassed. It was a method that strong people use against the weak. A method to extort others using force."
“Indeed, you are the outcast of Nuridot."
Anor huffed at Tiyo's remark, but he remained silent. He had come a long way. He had the self-control to not swear.
“Huhu, it is true but it is annoying to hear."
“Ohh…your self-control has increased dot."
Anor shrugged. “In any case, you should be careful of those strange moneylenders. You say you can repay it, but if you don't, they might end up bothering your friends and family later."
“Can they really bother my friends dot?"
"They don't know about Tiyo."
“I got it dot."
Tiyo wasn't very concerned. He was a captain of the highly respected Gnomes Garrison and a macho man, so he didn't think anyone in Quantes could harm him.
They headed for the Academy.
“That reminds me, I got involved with Crockta at the Academy dot."
“Did you meet there?"
“Indeed dot. There was a rough incident due to the belt that Crockta is currently wearing at his waist.”
The Academy erected a monument for those who died because of the devastation caused by the Demon's Mouth.
“So I met him and headed north, now we are heading to the south together. Life is truly unpredictable dot."
“That’s right. I thought I would spend my whole life in Nuridot."
Crockta changed numerous things. They looked forward to how the future would change.
***
Kenzo raised his head.
Crockta's Ogre Slayer flew.
At that moment, Kenzo had the foreboding feeling that he would die again. It was a speed that couldn't be avoided. He couldn't avoid the big sword even if he twisted his body. He would die again. Kenzo released the power in his body. Then he stared blankly at the sword aiming for him.
Somehow, time slowed down. He could clearly see the shape of the blade flying towards him. It was a well-made sword. He could see everything from the blade that shone in the midday sun, as well as Crockta's eyes staring at him.
What was happening?
He moved his body. It felt like his body escaped from under Crockta's blade. He could feel it slipping away from the trajectory of the greatsword. Maybe he would be able to counterattack. He twisted and wielded his claymore. It felt like the claymore would cross the gap made by Ogre Slayer and hit Crockta.
Peeok!
“Ouch!"
He thought so, but Crockta's Ogre Slayer had moved again and struck him. He fell.
“Heok, heok."
“You are developing. Good." Crockta grinned. “I have to leave soon. I hope you can quickly enter the realm that I told you about earlier."
“The area called the Pinnacle."
"That's right."
Kenzo didn't say it but he already knew about the Pinnacle rating. It was basic knowledge that most users had already figured out. But he didn't know how to reach such a profound state. If he looked at his skills, they were at the Essence and Rare rank, both below the Pinnacle.
“Kenzo.”
"Yes."
"Don’t forget. Once you reach the Pinnacle, you have to listen to my words."
“I understand."
Crockta had one condition. After becoming strong enough to reach the Pinnacle, he had to listen to one thing that Crockta said. Of course, that was on the premise that it was possible for Kenzo. As long as it was possible, he would listen to Crockta's will.
Kenzo gladly accepted. After training with Crockta, he was able to get a glimpse of the realm of the Pinnacle. By the time he reached that realm, he was confident that he would become a ranker. If so, this price wasn't too much to pay.
“Anything. I will surely do it."
"Good." Crockta nodded.
The moment he was about to raise his sword again, “Hey! Crockta!"
Tiyo's voice was heard. Crockta and Kenzo turned their heads at the same time, with the latter's eyes wiggled. Crockta and Kenzo were in a vacant lot on the outskirts of Quantes so Tiyo was the one giving Anor the tour. And Tiyo had done his job properly.
“Look dot! This guy!"
“Who is this young man? Perhaps…"
“Indeed dot! This guy!"
A handsome young man stood in front of them.
“It is that timid cursing fool dot!"
Anor's bushy hair was now neatly arranged with his black hair neatly covering his forehead. The two clear eyes beneath them were shining brightly. In addition, he wasn't wearing his shabby clothing from the north, but had changed into the continent's clothing that combined practicality and fashion.
Indeed. The species of beauty, an elf descendant! If this was reality, he would easily be able to become a celebrity.
“There is a saying that clothes are wings. Now, the last point dot!"
Tiyo threw something towards Anor. Anor grabbed it and placed it on his body.
“……!”
It was a gray robe that didn't look much different from his previous one. The previous handsome appearance of the dark elf had disappeared, leaving a dark necromancer whose face couldn't be seen properly.
"How is it, not bad dot!"
"Ohuhuhu…"
Anor's laughter emerged from the shadow of the hood.
“Kukukuk…I am the necromancer Anor…!"
“My fashion sense saved Anor dot."
“I was suspicious when you bought strange clothes but…this robe is spectacular. Kukuk…"
“I am also a trend setter. Tiyo sets the fashion in Quantes. Hihihit."
Crockta wanted to say that it wasn't the case. “That…just take off the robe…"
They just sniffed.
“Crockta is ignorant about fashion."
“Ignore Crockta dot."
What should he do with this dark elf and gnome duo? Crockta sighed. Still, Kenzo who had the fashion sense of a modern man, whispered in a small voice, +”People with strange fashion senses always think it is great. Please understand."
“……!”
How long had it been since he experienced common sense? Crockta looked at Kenzo. Kenzo smiled and raised his thumb. Crockta nodded and placed an arm around Kenzo's shoulder.
“You are truly a man who can learn from me."
“Huhuhu, no."
He was a Japanese person also interested in fashion. The fashion style in Japan wasn't always popular either.
Once the situation was cleared up, they decided to have a meal together. They planned to eat at a famous restaurant in Quantes in order to give Anor a taste of the delicious dishes of the continent. They headed to the well-known restaurant 'Quantes' Healthy Kitchen', located in Quantes Square. It was famous for its charismatic chef.
By the way, Anor discovered something strange near the restaurant.
“I didn't know the price would go up so suddenly…"
"It is okay. We are happy to help."
“I just need to pay you back?"
“Of course. Hahahahat."
He saw a group of humans and gnomes. It was the same as before, but the humans were watching from behind.
“The interest rate will be high, but it won't be a problem if you pay it back quickly. Hahahat."
"Thank you. I don't want to be yelled at by my new girlfriend."
“I am rooting for your love."
Anor looked at them closely.
It was obvious based on the contents of the conversation. Unscrupulous moneylenders had started setting up root in Quantes. It wasn't noticeable now, but they would eventually become a huge problem to Quantes.
“What are you doing dot? Quickly!" Tiyo called out to him.
"I'm coming."
Anor forgot about telling Tiyo as he entered the restaurant. The doors opened to reveal light from a beautiful chandelier. Below the chandelier were delicious dishes that stimulated his appetite. It was enough to make him forget what he just saw.
"Whoa!"
Anor entered the restaurant.
***
“I have to admit it."Anor wiped his mouth with a tower and said, “The culture of the continent is awesome.”
He had already eaten several honey pork dishes. His stomach seemed too big for his slim body. He reached out for another dish, despite the feeling that came from overeating.
“In particular, the food is great."
“I think you ate too much."
"It's okay. I'm okay."
This time, Anor reached out for a chicken-stuffed-with-vegetables dish. Crockta, Tiyo, and Anor were already unable to eat anymore. Anor struggled and swallowed his grape juice.
“That reminds me, I saw them again."
“Saw what dot?"
“The group of moneylenders. They were near the restaurant."
The expressions of the three people changed at Anor's words. Tiyo and Kenzo both looked suspicious. Meanwhile, Crockta grinned with interest.
“Good.”
“What are you saying dot?"
“I've found you a suitable opponent." Crockta looked at Kenzo and said, “Kenzo.”
"Yes."
“The next training is a real life experience." Crockta pointed at Kenzo's claymore. “With that Claymore, let them know the justice of Quantes."
"Huh?"
Kenzo's eyes widened.
Those moneylenders, they were users. He had to fight a bunch of users for an NPC.
Praise the Orc:
Current schedule: There will now be 14 chapters a week, meaning two chapters every day.