Chapter 316
After swearing the oath to the gods, an accessory resembling a Moai statue flew from the goddess statue, and I hung it around my neck.
Barbados did the same, and with that, the preparations were complete.
We then moved to the center of the training grounds, facing each other from about ten meters apart.
No referee was needed.But a signal to start was.
The moment we silently confirmed each other's ready stances, the sound of a gong reverberated.
"WOOOOOOOOOH!!!!"
The one who took the initiative with a fierce war cry was Barbados.His feet were fast, and for a moment I thought he was challenging me to hand-to-hand combat since he came at me empty-handed, but judging from his footwork and body movement, I concluded it wasn't an unarmed attack.
"Hahahaha!! You saw through it on the first encounter!!""A Weapons Golem. You use a rare weapon.""For I, who bears Lord Akam's blessing, it is the perfect weapon!!"
As expected, he stepped in at an awkward distance, farther than the effective range of a spear, and made a motion as if to swing down.It was too far a distance for karate, but suddenly, Barbados's bracer glowed. He gripped the handle of an iron ball that appeared there, swinging it down with a chain trailing behind.
I see. If it's a transforming-type Weapons Golem, it can attack from a greater distance than a spear.
He uses centrifugal force well, allowing for quick attacks.
"Next is a chain-linked sword, I see.""If I clashed directly with your spear, my weapon would break first!! I'll keep direct clashes to a minimum!!"
He's proficient with it.His movements aren't reliant on skills; they are well-honed through martial arts training. I see, because he fights constantly, he's found the optimal movements through practical experience. The moment I stepped in, trying to close into spear range, the iron ball in Barbados's hand glowed and changed weapon types.
A scraping sound, different from the chain, a change from a swinging motion to a flexible, whipping motion.
A whip-like weapon with sharp blades.While an unrealistic weapon, in this world, it falls within the category of practical weapons.He plans to buy time for the Weapons Golem's transformation cooldown by controlling the distance, preventing me from attacking.
But with this, I've seen two of his slots.
"That's the ideal way to handle it, isn't it?"
The iron ball and the chain-linked sword.Mid-to-long range, mid-range... and what's the other one?
Given his personality, I thought he'd attack boldly and courageously, but the strategy Barbados initially adopted was a pattern of deceptive attacks aimed at pinning me down at mid-range, an attempt to control my movements.
Originally, Weapons Golems have lower durability than normal weapons due to their gimmick mechanisms. Golems, classified as magical creatures, cannot be granted skills like 'Proof of the Weak' or 'Indestructible.'
Moreover, because they utilize various weapons, they require multiple passive skills, and the activation conditions for skills change with each form, so the players who used them were all those who loved the 'romance' of the concept.
"As expected, you're fast!!""The level difference is too great."
Using his beloved equipment like this, he's observing my movements, trying to gather information.He understands PvP theory.
It's easier to maneuver after gathering some information about an unfamiliar opponent rather than immediately fighting them with full force.
While one could say it's textbook, Barbados also seems to have some specific aim.
"Indeed, my level is insufficient! But how about this!!""Well now, he's pulling out a chainsaw, of all the gimmick weapons."
The third transformation being a weapon with spinning blades made me want to laugh, but in FBO, this chainsaw is a surprisingly formidable weapon.It boasts considerable performance among weapon-breaking types, and its weapon skills are influenced by both Sword Art and Greatsword Art, allowing for decent damage output.
"But if I protect it with Magic Edge, the weapon's durability won't decrease, you see.""Tch, you have a counter for this weapon too?"
However, that's only if they clash directly.My Orichalcum Sickle-Spear doesn't have 'Proof of the Weak'; instead, with the spirits' cooperation, it's been granted the 'Indestructible' skill, and skills have been applied to it to the limit.
"And on top of that, the blade is hard to see!!"
The number of skills, including Indestructible, is eight.The Orichalcum Sickle-Spear, a Class 8 weapon, not only increases attack power but also has eight effects: increased critical damage, increased parry success rate, phantom image effect, reduced MP cost for skills, increased attack speed, and skill activation disruption.
The reason Barbados laments that the attack is hard to see is due to the phantom image effect, which makes the tip of the blade appear to waver.It's effective not only in PvP but also when fighting monsters, as the weapon becomes difficult to perceive properly.
The drawback is that the wielder is also affected, but one gets used to it.
"I think it's about time you brought out your main weapon, don't you?""Very well, I shall!!"
Honestly, I think fighting with such a weapon is a bit unfair, but since he requested my full strength, I'll fight with all I have as well.He probably wants to parry the sickle-spear and create distance, but I surpass him in strength as well, and I'm faster too. Matching the movement of Barbados as he swung his arm to parry, I met him with the serpentine motion of my sickle-spear.
"Mm!?""Trying to parry with brute force is fine, but in times like these, this technique is also effective."
Using the sickle blade of the spear, I guided it along his weapon as if coiling around it. Using the principle of leverage, just a slight application of force is enough to wrench the weapon away.
"What!?"
His weapon danced through the air as if parried, and for an instant, Barbados was left unarmed.That instant was enough; with a Heart Strike, I could end this match.
"This is the end."
Activating Heart Strike in my mind, the blade of the sickle-spear closed in on Barbados's exposed chest, aiming for his heart.And the blade easily reached his heart.
I felt a shattering impact at my hands, the same kind I had felt once before, as if something was trying to forcibly stop my attack.
"GAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! I, this I, lost so easily without even being able to lay a hand or foot on you!!"
Sitting flat on his rear, looking up at me in a daze, Barbados laughed uproariously, seeming utterly delighted despite his loss.
I caught the chainsaw that had been sent flying into the air and watched Barbados, who was still laughing.
"What a fleeting 'strongest' I was!! In the Northern Continent, I almost never lose, and yet... no, how amusing, how amusing!"
Slapping the ground repeatedly, rolling with laughter, Barbados, after venting his emotions for a while...
"...And yet, it's frustrating. I could somewhat sense the difference in power. But I thought I could at least land one hit."
...laughed with a hint of loneliness. He loves to fight and can honestly accept victory or defeat.That pure spirit somehow reminded me of us gamers.
"What Barbados lacks is experience fighting superiors.""If you're as strong as you are, aren't you the same as me? There were only a handful stronger than me. Before I knew it, they had become weaker than me, and before I knew it, there was no one left who could fight me."
I extended a hand to help him up and shared my thoughts on the fight.His response was a gaze mixed with loneliness and envy.
He has the basics down and possesses ambition.He doesn't drown in power but strives to master it.
That is proof that he worked hard to increase his strength in an environment different from the FBO game environment.And as a result, he reached a point where he could no longer find challenges.
"Here, that might disappear, no?""Hahahaha! Say that after you beat me! There are at least five others here stronger than you are now, besides me. And judging from our fight, I think you'd have a pretty hard time beating the Western Hero Clarice, or the soldiers of Duke Edelgard over there.""What!? Is that so!?"
It's like what you'd call burnout syndrome after playing through all the endgame content until there's nothing left to do.
I understand that feeling.I also understand the desire to jump at the chance when a new enemy appears.
"Ah, by the way, one of them is Ingrid, who serves as my attendant. Want to give it a try?""Without a doubt!!"
He wants to fight strong enemies.But there were no strong enemies around him.
Reaching just one step short of the maximum class on the Northern Continent... he must have fought like crazy.If he could acquire EXBP here, he could become considerably stronger.I haven't fought Kon, but I have a feeling that in terms of pure combat talent, Barbados is a cut above, by about two heads.
"But before that!""Hm?"
I thought he might challenge Ingrid next, leading to consecutive matches, but Barbados straightened his posture, sat cross-legged on the spot, made fists with both hands placed on the ground, and bowed his head.
"Apostle of the Wisdom Goddess, Lord Liberta. No, Master! I am impressed by your power!! Please, I beg you, make me your disciple!! For that, I am willing to offer anything!!"
That was a gesture showing the utmost respect in the Northern Continent.
"Sure. If you agree to my terms, I'll train the subordinates you brought with you as well.""Thank you! Master!!"
His purity made me want to respond, and I readily agreed before even thinking about what to demand.I wondered what I'd do if what they could prepare was too little, but then I remembered, *that person* is in the North.
If he has connections, I'll arrange for an introduction.
"Then, do you have someone who can handle negotiations? I'd like to arrange a meeting between that person and Duke Edelgard.""Grandpa is here! Grandpa, come here!!"
I knew full well that he wasn't the one for negotiations, so I was wondering if there was someone else. It seemed there was a proper supervisor, as an elderly tanuki beastman jumped down from the spectator seats and came running over.
"You called, Lord Barbados?""Umu! Grandpa! I am going to become Master's disciple!! It seems various negotiations are needed for that!! I leave it to you, Grandpa!!""Understood. So, Lord Liberta, I take it I should negotiate with you?""Before negotiating with me, please negotiate with Duke Edelgard over there. It will take the form of state-to-state negotiations and personal compensation negotiations with me.""I see, understood. Lord Barbados, please await good news!""Umu! I leave it to you!!"
He was a man with the air of a kindly old man, but he was brimming with confidence, hinting at how many people he had negotiated with using that very demeanor. As the old man called 'Grandpa' walked towards Duke Edelgard, I could also see the King's face, which looked troubled.
It seemed like it might become some kind of problem, but I'll leave that to Duke Edelgard.
"Now then, while Duke Edelgard and that grandpa are talking, we have some time. Ingrid! Come here for a moment.""You called?""Ooh! Your movements are fast!!"
Well then, let's fulfill a promise in advance.
"Do you have a weapon?""Yes, right here.""Then, sorry, but could you fight him once? Don't hold back, use your full strength.""Understood. Lord Barbados, I, the unworthy Ingrid, shall be your opponent.""Umu! Ingrid also looks strong!!"
With me acting as the referee, we moved to the center of the training grounds once more.
The spectator seats buzzed, wondering if it was a rematch. When they realized the opponent this time was Ingrid, the buzz grew louder – a maid was fighting?
"I, Barbados Leon, swear to challenge you fair and square!!""I, Ingrid Grulere, swear upon my master's trust to fight fair and square."
And so, another duel began.
"I couldn't show it last time, but I'll use it from the start this time!!"
Unconcerned that Ingrid was holding a broom, what Barbados drew out was a *Fangtian Ji Halberd*.The weapon used by that famous general.
With both combatants assuming their stances, I judged they were ready.
"Begin!!"
I raised my hand and brought it down.