Chapter 134 Mountain of Sabres, Forest of Swords (3)

[You are experiencing the aftermath of death. You are helpless. All abilities have suddenly decreased.]

Im sorry.

Crockta said, not looking very apologetic. They were standing in a vacant lot.

I didnt know you would be that weak. The orc shrugged, looking like a demon. Im 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 hadnt forgotten Crocktas 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 didnt know that Kenzo would survive his death. Nevertheless, Crockta had attacked to kill and there was only a faint response to Kenzos 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.

Kenzos face turned pale. For the next week, dont kill me

I cant control that.

Crockta started swinging his greatsword again as Kenzo retreated one step. Crocktas swordsmanship was impressive and Kenzo couldnt predict the trajectory of the greatsword. Furthermore, it was impossible to follow along with Crocktas speed and strength.

He wouldnt have thought it was possible if he hadnt seen it himself.

Anyway, this is what training is. Kulkulkul. I can swing freely now that I dont have to worry about you dying.

Thats not ithiik!

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 dyinguwah! They are reduced!

I see. That is even better. Crockta attacked again and Kenzo stepped back. Dont 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.

Dont you want to become stronger?

I want to become stronger. But

But?

The level difference seems too high. Those who are cursed cant come back forever. I might really die. If you could use some control

This was an exaggeration. He would keep surviving. Continue. But it wasnt 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. Isnt 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.

Crocktas 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 wasnt 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. Kenzos 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 wasnt just for evasion, but to occasionally wield the sword in a counterattack.

Open your mouth! Bultarrrr!

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 Crocktas abdomen.

He rushed in and shouted, Bultarrrr!

***

Tiyo was showing Anor around Quantes.

The continent is really incredible

It isnt just the continent, but Quantes that is great dot. Kahahat.

Anor was already amazed by the bathing facilities in Quantes, and now he couldnt 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. Im 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 dont 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 isThe Bird That Drinks Tears.

The Bird That Drinks Tears?

Thats right dot.

Tiyo said with an excited expression.

It is a classic masterpiecethe 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, isnt it just a story? No matter how it is performed, wouldnt reading the story be better? I dont 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 didnt bring enough money dot.

Then dont overdo it.

Hey Anor, did you bring any money dot?

This is the first time Ive been on the continent, so where will I get money? Lets 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 dont have money, so what will you see?

Shut up, you hillbilly dot! Youve never seen the opera! Whoops.

Hillbilly? You little fuoof!

C-Calm down dot.

The ticket employee watched them and spoke up. Guests. You have the money but you arent 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 dont know me in Quantes then you are a spy dot!

I just recently came to this cityhahahat. 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. Isnt 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! Lets go Anor!

Hahat. Ill 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?

Thats 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 didnt 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 didnt care since he would pay it back tomorrow.

This is plain. All moneylenders are the same dot. Ill 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. Tiyos address had been confirmed. They nodded.

Anor whispered. Isnt it suspicious that they checked your house?

There is no one in Quantes who doesnt know my house dot. Dont 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.

Lets watch it again tomorrow! Crockta as well!

Expensive dot!

Didnt you easily borrow money?

The opera isnt something to be enjoyed on a daily basis dot.

Kulkulkul, I have money so lets 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.

Im not!

Am I heavy?

A littlethata short break

Is it hard? Nobody cares! The enemy on the battlefield wont 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 isnt just about strengthening your body. Fix your mindset!

Understood!

Push!

AAaaaah!

Kenzo bent his arms and slowly raised himself. His arms trembled.

Wonderful.

Users who thought of Elder Lord as a game didnt 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 Kenzos mindset.

By the waythatKenzo opened his mouth

Um, what?

Tiyouhhdid he borrow money?

Crockta glanced at Tiyo. Tiyo and Anor were already leaving for somewhere else. I guess he did. Why?

ThatnoKenzo frowned. Like meamong those who have been cursedthere are those who abuse such knowledgeIm 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 wouldnt mess with a fearsome NPC like Crockta.

Hoh

Crockta nodded.