Surviving on the Northern Front with Gukbap

Chapter 49 : Duel (4)

Duel (4)

* * *

The gang that styled itself as an adventurer's guild—Derek's gang—had prepared a different kind of gambling for today.

It wasn't about predicting the outcome of the duel.

Since the outsider's defeat and death in this duel were taken for granted, the bet was set on how many exchanges it would take for Sergeant Pab to kill the outsider.

Of course, they could also bet on the outsider not showing up at all, and many soldiers put their money on that option.

However, the outsider appeared, walking with utter confidence.

Without a trace of hesitation, ignoring the soldiers' sneers and mockery as if they were nothing, the outsider strode proudly to stand before Sergeant Pab.

Thus, the duel began, and everyone was left in utter shock.

They expected the outsider to be easily killed by Pab's sword energy, but he blocked it. This meant he had used sword energy, the hallmark of a 3rd-rank. It was impossible not to be surprised.

That wasn't all.

He demonstrated not only Strong Sword and Flowing Sword, but even Quick Sword—using all three of the 3 Basic Sword Forms.

Only those at squire or higher level could manage this, yet the outsider swung a kitchen knife as if defying the laws of this world.

Still, even if the outsider was stronger than expected, Granfen's soldiers did not doubt Pab's victory.

Because Pab could use Whip Dance. Whip Dance was his secret technique that gave him an undefeated streak in sparring tournaments.

Yet the outsider shattered that skill as well—broke the sword of Pab, who had manifested as a shadow.

He felled the mighty Sergeant Pab, a man called the next company commander!

Thud!

With a kick from the outsider, Pab's body collapsed limply. Pieces of metal armor clattered and rolled.

Only then did the soldiers fully comprehend. The outsider was much stronger than they had thought—one of the most formidable in Granfen!

And in the North, strength equated to honor and status, so countless emotions branched out from the root of their astonishment.

From those branches sprouted curiosity, a desire to compete, and awe, blossoming into burning determination and silent respect.

Just like that, the northern soldiers' appraisal of Ian changed in real time, but Ian spoke calmly and expressionlessly.

"That was a fine match."

The soldiers were once again shocked by this display.

Despite defeating one of Granfen's most powerful, not a hint of arrogance or delight showed.

Only respect for his opponent. If there was ever a true warrior's bearing, this was it.

Some began to feel reverence toward Ian, but his true feelings were different.

'Even though I won, I feel unsettled.'

Ian had meticulously prepared from plan A to plan C before the duel.

Though it wouldn't be easy, he believed victory was possible if everything went according to plan.

But Pab exceeded his expectations.

Had it not been for the battalion commander's brain voice, he would have died, just as Plerine and Jeros had warned.

'I was overconfident.'

Surviving against Flaco, defeating Derek's gang—these had made him arrogant, he realized.

Thinking there was still a long way to go, Ian was interrupted by the mediator.

"The victor, outsider, must decide the fate of the loser."

"Please, take him quickly to be treated."

This implied he would not kill Pab. No sooner had he spoken than Pab's subordinates rushed out and began first aid, applying crushed medicinal herbs to Pab's thigh and wrapping it tightly with cloth.

Ian approached them. Suspicious eyes all turned to him at once, but Ian said casually,

"If you have any extra medicine, may I have some as well?"

"......"

Though Pab was the one defeated, Ian had also shed his fair share of blood.

After a moment's hesitation, Pab's subordinates silently threw him a small pouch.

Ian roughly applied the salve to his forehead and forearm, then trudged toward the reviewing stand where the senior officers were gathered.

He needed to say his farewells before leaving, so Ian saluted the battalion commander.

"I swear on iron."

"Loyalty shines upon you."

A soft smile appeared on the battalion commander's lips, while someone barely managed to suppress his displeasure as he watched this scene unfold.

'Just you wait, arrogant outsider.'

In Hank's green eyes lingered the figure of Ian leaving the training grounds.

*

Perhaps it was because the adrenaline was wearing off—pain surged from his wounds.

His forearm hurt, but his forehead hurt even more.

Still, he felt grateful as well, for such pain was a privilege only the living could feel.

With these mixed emotions, he found himself missing his employees.

Aside from his parents, they were the people in this world who most wanted him to survive.

'I wonder how they'll react.'

Unconsciously, he felt the corners of his lips lift as he arrived at the shop and knocked.

After a moment, Naba's voice called out.

"Sorry, we're closed for renovations."

"It's me. Open up."

He heard the rapid pitter-patter of feet, and then the door swung wide open—

"Boss!!"

... And as soon as the door opened, he was hugged by a little kid.

"This is a bit much of a welcome. It's making me flustered."

Caught off guard, he tried to put Naba down, but the kid held on tighter.

Soon, Ian's shirt grew damp where Naba's face was pressed.

He seemed to be silently crying. Vulnerable, not something befitting a hero or a Demon King.

Ian could only sigh. He quietly patted the back of Naba's head, and then a calm woman's voice was heard.

"Welcome back. You worked hard."

Looking up, Ian found Plerine smiling warmly at him.

The feeling of having a place to return to, and people waiting for him, truly made him happy.

"Yeah. I'm back. But..."

Ian noticed something odd about Plerine.

"... Why are you holding your bag?"

At his question, Plerine flinched, then, with an awkward smile, slipped into her room.

"......"

That damn woman. She'd obviously prepared to leave, thinking he was going to lose.

"Hold on, Naba."

Thinking of how to get back at Plerine, Ian pried Naba off him—when he sensed someone approaching behind.

"Well, look who it is. You're not a ghost, are you? Hehe."

He whirled around. It was Jeros, appearing with his usual ghost-like timing, interest and amusement mingling in his expression.

"Amazing. How did you win? Hehe."

Did this bastard show up at the shop hoping to pick through the leftovers, thinking Ian would lose?

"If you were curious, you should have come to watch."

"Heh. Hehehe."

What's with this guy? He's creepy as hell.

"Hehehehahaha! Hehehehe."

Jeros erupted in mad laughter, finally calming enough to speak.

"As expected of you, Ian. You really are an interesting guy. Heheheh. So, how much longer until the renovations are done?"

"... Just as you ordered, I've been delaying them as much as possible. I even took a break recently to prep for the duel."

"I thought as much. Hehehe."

What's he getting at now? Is he teasing me? I thought, feeling both irritated and oddly pleased by his next words.

"I take back what I said."

"Pardon?"

"There's no need to delay construction anymore. Just reopen the shop on schedule. Hehehe."

*

Clang! Clang!

Swinging a hammer beside the stonemason guild's workers, I mused.

'What the hell is Jeros's deal?'

It was strange enough that a money-grubber like him had ordered something unprofitable, but rescinding that order out of the blue made it even weirder.

'What's his reason?'

Why was Jeros flip-flopping like this?

If I had to guess, it might have something to do with the reason the battalion commander had ordered me to keep an eye on Jeros.

The most plausible theory so far was that Jeros was a spy.

He was suspiciously strong for a low-ranking soldier, and only a spy would interfere with turning the buff-food shop into an officers' mess hall.

But it didn't fully fit. Why? Because he went around extorting money and using violence so brazenly.

Spies usually keep a low profile. For a spy to be so flamboyant just didn't add up.

'I have no idea.'

At least one thing was certain: the battalion commander, who had saved my life, was now almost certainly on my side.

Since I'd been ordered to keep tabs on Jeros, I couldn't fully trust him.

Someday, I'd have to dig into Jeros's background or follow him in secret, but for now, I lacked the strength for that.

I'd have to wait until I equaled or surpassed Jeros.

Therefore—

'Let's just focus on the renovations.'

For now, my job was to push up the shop's reopening as much as possible.

Clang! Clang!

My points in the [shop window] were running low, too.

While preparing for the duel with Pab, I'd developed new menu items: barbecue pork ribs and spicy beef soup.

Both were made using bear meat.

I tried barbecue ribs on the off-chance that a dish didn't have to be Korean for the buff to apply.

Sadly, there was no "completed Korean dish bonus" for the ribs, but my employees ate their fill and enjoyed them.

I'd made spicy beef soup because there was leftover chili powder from crafting my "special chili powder arrows".

Naba gave up because it was too spicy, while Plerine ate through sweat, tears, and a runny nose.

Since the buff mainly granted fire resistance, I hadn't used it for the duel.

In the end, right before the duel, I'd had bear meat radish soup—the one Plerine recommended for its "sense" boost.

Indeed, I'd almost lost his head to Pab's shadow whip, but thanks to the buff to my senses, I noticed just in time to react.

A good piece of advice from Plerine.

Anyway, me and Plerine worked hard on the renovations, and after the laborers left in the evening, I would head to the training grounds.

― How about a spar?

That was Ruth, one of Ralph's usual companions. He wasn't looking for a fight—he wanted to learn from Ian.

After tossing Ruth around the training ground several times—

― Mind if I take you on next?

― Then after him, it's my turn, outsider!

― Hey, get in line!

I received sparring requests one after the other.

I didn't mind. Compared to when I'd first come to the soldiers' training ground, the atmosphere had changed; now the others acknowledged me and wanted to learn.

The looks in their eyes, the way they carried themselves—all showed their respect and interest in my skills.

Of course, sparring with regular soldiers was no challenge—none of them could match me.

That wasn't all—

― Outsider! When's the inn opening again?

― You'll sell food to us outside officer mealtimes, right?

― If I eat your food, will I become as strong as Ralph or you?

His shop's popularity was rising, too.

It would probably be busier than ever after the repairs. Thankfully, I had help from my employees now.

And now, I could use "Hunting Time" to its fullest.

It was still limited to kitchen knives rather than arrows, and I couldn't throw them far, but there was fun in exploring how to use this skill further.

Thus, thanks to the duel with Pab, I'd gained recognition, shop popularity, and new skills—but ironically, my thirst for strength only grew.

Compared to the true powerhouses of this continent, and to the characters I'd built in the game Belkhazium,

'I'm still way too weak.'

So I needed to reach 3rd-rank as soon as possible.

In this world, strength meant survival and negotiation power. I kept that goal in mind as I opened the system window.

[Quest]

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〈 [3] Survive (Stage 1) 〉

└ Objective: Reach 3rd-rank in preparation for the coming war.

└ Reward: Increased buff application rate for regular and recurring customers

In spring, there will be war with the federation of beastkin.

The weather was slowly warming,

and the day of Happiness Gukbap's grand reopening was approaching.