Chapter 48: Ulca (2)
TL: Potato-tan
Proofreader: Asianpotato
“What do you want?”
Ulca turned her head abruptly. A man was standing there, his right hand slightly raised.
Ulca scanned the man’s entire body, from head to toe. His leather boots and pants looked sturdy, and his legs were long. He was tall. Ulca had never before seen a man taller than herself.
A thin black shirt and a coat with a silver pattern covered his muscular upper body. Ulca didn’t ask why he was wearing such light clothing in this cold season.
Ulca’s outfit, revealing her smooth legs, arms, shoulders, and chest, offered no protection from the cold. Of course, that was because Ulca was a beastkin with a higher body temperature than humans.
Finally, Ulca looked at the man’s face. His long hair was tied back in a ponytail, and his nose and lips were covered by a thick black beard. His facial features were, well, manly enough.
However, his eyes stood out the most. They glowed with an eerie purple. Ulca stared at the man, ignoring her mother’s warning not to look directly at him.
Russell didn’t bother engaging in a staring contest with the beastkin woman, who was suddenly glaring at him. He didn’t want to cause trouble for the villagers, who were cleaning up the mess.
Ulca unfortunately interpreted Russell’s consideration for the social image of women, or rather, of women as people, as a sign of weakness.
“Ha! You avoid my gaze? Are you even a man? Charge at me, boy!”
The villagers were not surprised by the remark, which one would not expect to come from a woman’s mouth.
The people nodded their heads and muttered things like, “That’s Ulca for you!” or “She’s got a strong personality!”
Ulca continued speaking.
“My mother has acknowledged you and entrusted me with the role as your guide, but I must still test you. You have dared to be insolent to my mother and have received the blessing of the moonlight! I will test if you are worthy of it.”
Hailyn and Jess blinked their eyes. They couldn’t follow or understand the progress of the conversation.
The same was true for the villagers, but they were not surprised by Ulca’s reckless behavior.
Russell, who had been listening in silence, spoke.
“A test?”
“Fight me! If you defeat me, I’ll acknowledge you and take you to the canyon. But if you cannot defeat me, I will take you to the canyon, but I will withdraw the blessing of the moonlight. It would be too much of a blessing for you; you cannot even defeat me.”
‘So, this woman is Managarmar’s daughter. And a guide.’
The Managarmar he had met in his dream was a wolf the size of a house, but why was his daughter a beastkin? And with such an arrogant attitude. Her age was questionable.
Russell nodded his head while thinking. ‘Why not?’ Russell was not accustomed to avoiding a fight that came his way. Aside from that, it was interesting to meet a beastkin in person for the first time.
“Alright. I accept.”
Ulca snorted.
“You’re not running away, after all. Come outside the church. I’ll be waiting in the village square.”
And with that, she turned around and left the church. Most of the villagers followed her.
“Are you okay? Ulca has been protecting and caring for our village for a long time. She is the daughter of our guardian deity, and her strength is tremendous. A few years ago, she killed a monstrous boar that had attacked the village with a single blow to the head.”
“Who are you, old man?”
At Russell’s question, the white-haired old man bowed his head. The old man was one of those who had stayed behind when the villagers were all leaving. The other was Arnold.
“My apologies for the late introduction. I am the village chief of this village, Cerdo.”
Russell also bowed his head in return. He deserved that much respect because he had lived so long in this world.
“I’m Russell. You said ‘long ago,’ but you also said ‘child.’ Do you know the age of that beastkin?”
“No, I don’t. She looked the same when I was in middle age. However, her behavior and speech were not at all like an adult, so I called her a child.”
Indeed, even from her appearance, she seemed to be a hot-blooded person. It is believed that beastkins lead long lives. They are believed to have a lifespan that is approximately twice or three times longer than that of a human.
Furthermore, although they have a similar appearance to humans, their bone density and muscle fiber quality are incomparable. Even the weakest rabbit beastkin can jump over three times its height in a single bound.
Village Chief Cerdo said,
“But that strength is extraordinary. None of our young men can defeat her. No, I think even some knights would have a hard time. I’m worried about you, Russell-nim.”
“Don’t worry about it. But who is the guardian deity?”
Russell asked, guessed, and Arnold answered.
“It is a white wolf that has protected our village for a long time. Thanks to her, there are very few monsters in our village. The wolves drive them out as soon as they enter the forest. She is also friendly to humans, and if there is a lost traveler, she will appear from somewhere and guide them to this village. Welcoming surprised travelers with a smile has also been a long tradition of our Logos village. . . . . .until now.”
Arnold and Village Chief Cerdo sighed with dark expressions. At that moment, Hailyn, who had been listening, stepped forward and spoke.
“Don’t worry, village chief. The recent disappearances and appearance of monsters in this village clearly reflect the work of the one we were after. Jess and I will take care of him, so you can rest assured.”
“Thank you, thank you. Thank you very much.”
As the village chief bowed his head to Hailyn, Arnold spoke to Russell in a worried tone.
“I have heard that Ulca is not a child to be trifled with, so all I can ask is that you do not get hurt. Please take care.”
Russell knew that Arnold was secretly confident that he would win. He must have heard rumors about him somewhere.
However, Arnold had not asked Russell directly if his suspicions were correct from yesterday until now. It was a considerate act, and Russell liked it very much.
“I understand. Let’s go out. I’ve got something to say to this Paladin.”
The village chief, Cerdo, and Arnold went outside the church. The only ones left were Russell and the two Paladins. Hailyn said,
“Could you please explain what happened? I’m referring to the guide the beastkin previously mentioned, the canyon guide, and the Blessing of the Moonlight.
Russell took Nahilnir out from inside his coat. Hailyn had a calm expression, but Jess looked very surprised.
Russell explained briefly. Russell briefly discussed the appearance of a giant white wolf named Managarmar in his dream last night, as well as the request she had made. Hailyn gasped at the part about the demon.
“Demon!”
Jess’s face also turned pale. Russell said,
“His name is Logos. He was the original owner of the canyon and the village name. She recounted his defeat in a long-ago battle with the goddess of the moon, which left him broken into several pieces and plunged him into the canyon. Up until now, Managarmar has been suppressing the demon. However, as her life is nearing its end, she revealed that a demon worshiper was aiding the demon, prompting her to seek assistance. She said that if the demon Logos awakens soon, the central and northern regions will become a den of monsters and demons. That’s why I think she sent her daughter as a guide.”
“Oh my god. I wondered why Herokeinin fled to this far-away central and northern region, but he had such intentions.”
Jess muttered. Hailyn nodded.
“Yes. I also wondered why he came all the way here, but now all the loose ends are coming together. The demon Logos. It is a pity that we cannot find any records in the church. Oh, what is the benefit of the moonlight?”
“This rune. The wolf carved it.”
Russell showed the blade of Nahilnir. A rune, symbolizing the moon, adorned the blade. Hailyn exclaimed softly.
“An ancient rune. Almost forgotten now, it is a powerful and meaningful rune. You will be surprised when you go to the Temple of the Moon.”
Jess tilted his head.
“Isn’t it just a letter?”
“Study a little, Jess. Modern runes are a mishmash of things that wizards have researched, but the ancient ones were not like that. The simpler the meaning, the stronger the rune became. However, the method has now vanished, leaving wizards to only speculate about the ancients’ great footsteps through the remaining runes. Russell-nim’s sword contains a powerful rune known as moonlight. Accepting it as a holy sword would not be strange.
Jess nodded his head, impressed. Hailyn sighed softly at his clueless expression. Hailyn said to Russell,
“Actually, I was going to ask how we could help Russell-nim, but fortunately, things are working out. But I should still ask. Russell-nim, will you help us catch the demon worshiper Herokeinin?”
“I will. He tried to kill me. I’ll pay him back the same way.”
Hailyn’s expression brightened. Jess also sighed in relief.
“Thank you. The church will never forget Russell-nim’s assistance. I will also prepare a separate reward later.”
At those words, Russell suddenly thought of a letter of introduction that he had put inside his coat. Priestess Elenora had written the letter of introduction in her own hand when he left the city of Calisden.
It was a letter of introduction that said that if he visited a branch of the church and showed it, he would be able to get food, lodging, and even holy water at a cheap price.
However, Russell did not take out the letter of introduction now and surprise the two Paladins. e could do that later. His task for now was set.
“Then let’s go. A young wolf is waiting.”
Russell stepped out of the church, leading the way. Hailyn and Jess followed slowly behind him. Jess whispered,
“Hailyn-nim, will he be okay? If what the village chief said is true, she doesn’t seem like an easy opponent. She is, after all, the daughter of the guardian deity.”
“I think so too, but I’m not so worried about this Russell fellow. He’s a very strong man.”
“Is that so?”
Jess had a doubtful expression, but Hailyn knew. Russell was a formidable warrior.
As Hailyn, who had reached a high level in terms of both divine power and swordsmanship, he could not find a single flaw in Russell’s back. Despite Russell’s armor and sword wielding, Hailyn could not find a single flaw in him.
Russell wears a very simple outfit and lacks any armor.
Of course, the coat was a fantastic magical tool, and the black greatsword and white axe he had just seen him fight the ghoul with were not ordinary, but it was strange that he could not even imagine winning against Russell even with his bare hands.
“Fortunately, this time I have a chance to see a little more of that person’s skill. Jess, open your eyes wide and watch carefully. Observing a battle between the powerful, rather than engaging in it yourself, can yield valuable insights.
“I understand, Hailyn-nim.”
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“Why are you so late?”
As they entered the square, Ulca stomped her feet. Each time she did, the stones that made up the square’s floor sank.
The villagers gathered in the square, their distance from each other considerable. The number of villagers was significantly greater than those who had been sheltering in their homes.
Russell smiled at the sight and stood on the opposite side.
“My apologies. As a token of apology, I will grant you one condition.”
“A condition?”
As Ulca looked puzzled, Russell looked around the floor, picked up a pebble, and drew a round circle. Russell’s stride was a circle about three paces wide. Russell stepped inside the circle and stood.
“. . .What are you doing now?”
“I will not leave this circle. If you make me leave this circle, you win.”
“. . .What?”
As Ulca opened her mouth in surprise, Russell said,
“How old are you?”
“Why are you asking that?”
“I am twenty years old.”
Ulca answered, gritting her teeth.
“. . . . . .forty-five.”
It would be about fifteen to seventeen years old in human terms. Although in human terms she was not young, defining her as fully grown remained ambiguous.
“Since I gave you such a disadvantageous condition, I should also have something I want. It would be fair.”
“What are you going to ask for? Don’t tell me you want me to be your slave.”
Russell shook his head.
“I’m not going to ask for anything like that. It’s very simple. I’ll tell you after I win. Will you accept it?”
“. . . . . . .”
“Look, you have a lot. Whether I win or lose, you promised to take me to the canyon. If I lose, you will take the blessing of the moonlight. On top of that, I have even set a condition that I will lose if I leave this circle. No matter how you look at it, you are in a more advantageous position.”
Ulca racked her unfamiliar brain. In particular, she had never had to use her head in her mother’s arms or in the mountains, forests, and valleys. Her strength solved everything, eliminating the need for her to use her head.
So Ulca could not come up with any counterarguments to Russell’s question. ‘Didn’t that man just limit his own range of movement?’
Ulca did not think that there was enough confidence in Russell’s actions to justify such behavior. She only thought of blowing that arrogant bastard’s jaw off. That’s why she nodded her head.
“Fine. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen someone so desperate to die. I accept your stupid request.”
Oooooh.
A light exclamation floated around the villagers. Those who had not yet grasped the situation asked what was going on, and those who had been in the church explained.
“What? That big guy is going to fight Ulca?”
“Oh, that’s why he’s standing there. What have you heard so far?”
“No, that doesn’t make sense. Ulca is so strong, right? And if he leaves that circle, he’s going to lose? Isn’t that nonsense?”
“I mean. I wonder if we’re going to clean up a body today. Ulca doesn’t show any mercy.”
The village, depressed by the repeated disappearances, was filled with a strange excitement. It was because of the presence of the daughter of the village’s guardian, Ulca, who had visited after a long time, a Paladin they had never seen before, and Russell, whose identity was unknown.
The sky in the north was still cloudy even as it approached noon. The weather was cold, and everyone was pulling up their thick collars to keep warm.
However, the two people standing in the village square now appeared to be denying the winter season with their whole bodies.
Ulca was wearing more exposed than covered clothing, making the lower bodies of many men shrink, and Russell was also wearing a light outfit consisting of just a coat.
Ulca stood a distance from Russell. She said,
“Don’t you have any weapons? I don’t see any.”
“You’re barehanded, too. I have to fight the same way.”
“Ha. Don’t regret it.”
“I won’t.”
Ulca growled, her intense and sharp eyes distorting. She looked just like a wolf, with her wolf ears, amber eyes, and even her fangs showing.
“Uncle?”
As Russell turned his head, he saw Ethan standing among the villagers with a surprised look on his face. Arnold and Sally were standing next to him.
Russell waved his hand slightly and looked forward again.
“I’ll give you the first strike. I can’t move anyway.”
“. . . . . .Ha!”
Ulca snorted and slowly lowered her stance. Ulca spread her two legs wide apart, bent her back and upper body, and placed her left hand on the ground. Her right arm was raised slightly.
It was a heavy and cumbersome posture, as if a beast of prey was about to pounce on its prey. Ulca said,
“My name is Ulca. I am Managarmar’s only daughter, the wolf who worships the moon and is the protector of the canyon and the forest.”
In contrast, Russell just stood there with his arms hanging down. There are not many poses one can make. Russell spoke briefly.
“Russell. Traveler.”
Ulca let out a low, growling cry and charged at the ground.
In an instant, Ulca shortened the distance. Ulca’s fast speed created an optical illusion, making people feel as though her figure had stretched out like a rubber band.
However, Ulca’s movements were clearly visible to Russell’s eyes.
Russell simply dodged Ulca’s attack, which was coming down from above and diagonally, by turning his body with his left foot as the axis. With his left fist, he struck Ulca’s right side.
Puck!
Ulca was knocked away. Ulca straightened her airborne posture and lowered her legs. Her feet scraped against the floor with a screeching sound.
Ulca felt her hand, which had blocked the blow, tremble. It was her left hand that had blocked Russell’s fist. Then she clenched her fist tightly.
“. . . . . .So. You do have some skills.”
“Some skill?”
Russell turned his body towards Ulca. Then he raised one arm and extended his hand, as if asking for a handshake.
“Come here. Puppy.”
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