NOVEL NEXT Chapter 31
Level 26 Underground—A floor deeper than where I once hunted Gold Slimes.
Here, I thrust my sword into the eye of a Big Eye and defeated it.
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Keiji
Lv 23
Job: Warrior
HP: 209
MP: 96
Attack: 178
Defense: 180
Speed: 158
Intelligence: 122
Skills: Stab, Sweep, Helm Splitter, Power Up, Dual Wield, Appraisal (Sword)
Other: Understands cats to some extent, has a cat bride.
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“I guess I’m getting the hang of this warrior life.”
After leveling up, I took a breather and sat down.
“Congratulations.”
Misha applauded softly.
“To be honest, Master, you’ve become quite powerful. I think you could easily be a B-rank in the guild.”
“That said, I won’t rank up unless I take on missions.”
I’m still D-rank. It’s natural since I focused more on leveling up in dungeons.
“Perhaps it’s time to show off your strength to other adventurers.”
Misha’s praise is nice, but sometimes it feels a bit excessive.
“Even if I’m strong, there are guys over level 30 who are like A-rank monsters in the royal capital. I’m getting stronger, but I’m not exactly overpowered.”
The cheat here is still Misha.
I think I’ve got decent stats as an adventurer, but it’s still a work in progress.
“There’s a perfect tournament coming up. Let’s stop by the guild later.”
And so, we saw the poster at the guild.
Tournament using wooden weapons
Eligibility: Guild-registered adventurers up to B-rank
Prize: 500,000 Gein
Rank promotions also possible for outstanding participants.
“So this exists.”
“A-rank adventurers and above can’t participate, making it interesting. If you perform well, you could reach B-rank, Master.”
Misha pointed at the ‘A’ on the poster.
“Of course, for you, this is just a stepping stone. Eventually, you’ll become as strong as me.”
I definitely have that level of motivation.
“So, you want me to participate and make a name for myself?”
“Exactly.”
“You could also participate, you know.”
Misha was made C-rank after defeating an adventurer party with a cat punch. She should be B-rank or higher, but lacks guild achievements.
“I’d rather not draw too much attention. I’d be happier if Master became great.”
And so, I decided to participate in the martial arts tournament.
The rules are like this:
Use of any wooden weapons is allowed.
Magic is prohibited.
If a match doesn’t conclude in 5 minutes, it’s decided by a majority vote from three judges.
It’s a 32-participant tournament, quite sizable.
Betting also happens under guild supervision, making the area bustling with spectators.
I appeared in the third match of the first round, wielding a sturdy wooden sword bought from an armory.
Considering the knockout, aiming for the head seems best.
I grip my sword tightly.
My opponent charges, shouting loudly.
To be frank, he’s slow.
Monsters are way faster.
Right, I’ve been battling monsters in considerably deep dungeon levels.
Ah, I’ve actually become quite strong without realizing.
THUD!
I strike him mercilessly on the head.
Whether it was a concussion or not, the man staggers and kneels.
The judge declares the end of the match. A mage from the medical team immediately heals the man’s injuries. Magic is a convenient system.
Cheers erupt.
I’ve won the first round without any issues.
Misha watches from the front row of the spectator seats, her face saying, “That’s the spirit.”
Wait, where’s Lena?
I wish she’d come to cheer for me, but maybe she’s busy with household chores.
“So now I’m in the top 16.”
There aren’t that many adventurers over level 20, so unless I’m unlucky, I should be able to win one or two more rounds.
I’d like to win the whole thing if I can.