Chapter 2 - Underground Fighting

282 AC | White Harbor/North Westeros

When Kahraman opened his eyes, he was met with the coldness and dampness of the old barracks. The worn-out belongings and moss-covered walls around created an atmosphere reflecting helplessness and uncertainty.

He rose from the barracks with a sleep-deprived mind and a mild headache. His first sleep in the new world hadn't been restful. His expression was indistinct as he looked at the rusty wires outside wearing his worn-out clothes. The pale light filtering through the barracks' window emphasized a tired and uncertain mood. Silence dominated the surroundings, only the faint sound of old glass pieces trembling in the breeze could be heard.

His eyes lingered on the mountain peaks disappearing into the mist. This uncertain landscape reflected the complex emotions within him. He neither remembered the past nor could see the future; he stood like a being existing only in this moment.

"Huuh... Damn northern... freezing... I need to find something to wear quickly..."

Lars looked at Alden standing at the side. Alden was staring at the ceiling, muttering to himself.

Lars: "Hey! Alden!"

Alden, hearing his name, snapped out of his thoughts and turned to Lars, his eyes bloodshot from sleep deprivation, both mentally and physically exhausted. In a strained voice;

Alden: "What's up?"

Lars: "Get up and take me to those damn back streets."

Alden: "Back streets? We're already here."

Lars: "Tch... Stupid kid... We're going to the damn back streets where the gangs are."

Alden: "HA! Have you lost your mind? What business do we have there?!"

Lars: "Money... How long do you think I can stay unwell like this? Besides, we need something proper to eat and a place to stay."

Alden: "True, but how are we going to make money in those cursed places?"

Lars: "Tch... Damn use your head and clear it from that noble hall! Now get up, we're going!"

As an old-fashioned son of a northern noble, Alden, burying Lars's sister and helping him, was enough for him to be grateful and trust him.

"Can you display my updated status? And I'd appreciate it if you could show my face."

[Ding!]

[Name: Lars

Surname: None

Status: Orphan

Location: White Harbor

Age: 7

Height: 145 (average 140)

Weight: 35 (average 40)

Abilities:

Twin-Winged Swordsmanship (B)

Thievery Agility (A)

STR: 11

SPD: 13

AGI: 17

STA: 5

INT: 13]

"The average values are here!"

My hair, reaching down to my chin, and my eyes, so dark that you could get lost in their depth, resembled those of the Northerners. Slightly taller than an average child, but due to prolonged malnutrition, I was thinner than necessary. I can't claim to be extremely handsome, but I had my own charm.

System, can you also show Alden's values?

[Ding!]

[Name: Alden

Surname: Frosthold (Hidden)

Status: Hidden Noble

Location: White Harbor

Age: 7

Height: 135 (average 140)

Weight: 35 (average 40)

Abilities:

Basic Weapon Skill (C)

Basic Leadership Skill (C)

STR: 6

SPD: 9

AGI: 8

STA: 5

INT: 7]

Better than an average child, but of course, there are deficiencies, and there's no need to feed an empty stomach that doesn't serve my purpose...

Lars and Alden left the barracks and were already heading towards the backstreets of backstreets. After a while, they arrived at an area with a few dilapidated walls. They started making their way through a passage behind these crumbling walls.

Alden, with his slight trepidation, tried not to attract the attention of the thugs watching him.

As Lars stepped into the narrow and mysterious backstreets of White Harbor, he suddenly felt the changing atmosphere. Moving away from the orderly stone pavements of the main streets, his eyes caught on symbols and graffiti engraved on the walls. This part of White Harbor seemed like a gateway to a world without formality, carrying traces of the past.

The entrance to these backstreets was surrounded by tightly knit stone walls and old buildings with low ceilings. The dim light of the lamps cast long shadows, giving the impression that the streets were calm yet dangerous. The cracked stone floor bore the weight of the years and slightly creaked underfoot.

Symbols carved into the walls clearly indicated that these backstreets were a territory ruled by specific gangs. As Lars walked through these streets filled with paint marks and graffiti, he felt like he had stepped into a world full of gang rivalries and mysterious dealings. Uncertain figures disappeared into the shadows at every corner, emerging like ghosts with each step.

As they moved deeper into the streets, the secrets of the backstreets were revealed. Wooden doors opened and closed, carrying the atmosphere of an ancient time. Away from the official face of White Harbor, these backstreets painted a picture of a world where gangs, merchants, and rogues mingled, all in shades of gray.

The whispers of people walking on the streets echoed in the stone walls, carrying memories of the past. In these backstreets of White Harbor, Lars found himself in a world where the unknown and danger intertwined.

He was accustomed to this atmosphere, but he had always been in control of such environments. Now, he was like prey among hunters.

After a while, they reached an open-air tavern-like place. Looking behind the two imposing figures at the entrance, it was not hard to understand that this was a meeting place for a gang.

In the middle of this place known as the gang's meeting place, there was a special fire pit. The dance of flames highlighted the shadowy figures around the venue. This fire seemed to have become a center where gang members gathered and planned their secret affairs. Guards and gang leaders were observed gathering at tables in corners.

Symbols carved into the walls and the gang's emblems symbolized the mysterious world of this venue. It was possible to feel the power and influence of the gang through these symbols. But at the same time, the warm atmosphere and harmony of the tavern created an attraction for this place, where danger and the unknown coexisted.

Man: "Hey, kids! Get out of here!"

Lars: "Tch... We didn't come here to put up with you anyway. Tell us, is there a place nearby where we can make some money?"

Man 2: "Haahahahaha!! Money for the kids...?"

Man 1: "I think I can tell you two a way. We are organizing a tournament soon, if you win, you'll get good money."

Lars: "When?"

Man 1: "Go to the back and register your names now... By the way, it's not like those stupid noble tournaments... There's death involved."

Alden: "Lars, are you sure about this? We can't beat these guys..."

Lars: "Can't we? Kid, get your head straight, you have no business here."

Alden: "I'm sorry, but I brought you this far, and you stayed at my house yesterday. In short, we're in this together now."

Lars: "Don't overplay it, kid..."

Alden: "Hey! I have a name, stop calling me kid!"

Lars: "Anyway, in the end, you're going to die."

Alden: "We'll see...."

Alden, being a typical Northerner, didn't want to back down.

Alden: "I've got nothing to lose anyway..."

They were allowed to enter with a nod to the two guards. Lars approached the central gathering and arrived at a table amid curious eyes.

Lars: "I want to participate in the tournament."

Man: "What tournament, kid? This isn't the Menzil here. If you want, we have our own duels, pay the fee and fight right away."

Lars: "How much?"

Just as the man was about to speak, a gigantic man from behind spoke.

Giant Man: "Tch... This round is on me, kid."

The man put 10 silver on the table, and the guy at the table took the money and put it in a pouch.

Man: "There are three ready fighters now, kid. Choose who you want."

[Ding!]

[Choice Triggered! Please make your selection!]

"Black Blood" Bjorn:

Iskander grew up in the cold streets of the North. He hardened in fights, always coping with difficulties. His eyes shone in the faint light of street lamps at night. One day, due to a wound he received on his forehead in a street fight against his rivals, it turned into a black color. Since that day, he was known as "Black Blood" in the streets.

Fighting Preference: Dagger

Height: 178 cm

Weight: 75 kg

STR: 14

SPD: 11

AGI: 15

STA: 15

INT: 4

2. "Iron Tooth" Ragnhild:

Ragnhild earned a strong reputation in the cold and hopeless neighborhoods of the North. His teeth were a result of the tough life on the streets. One day, when he was caught stealing an iron tooth set from a shop, he gained fame as "Iron Tooth" among the people.

Fighting Preference: Mace

Height: 188 cm

Weight: 95 kg

STR: 18

SPD: 7

AGI: 7

STA: 20

INT: 2

3. "Thunderclap" Ulfar:

Ulfar was a legendary figure in his neighborhood. As he walked around, a loud noise heard as a result of a lightning strike from the sky affected everyone. This incident led to Ulfar being known as the "Thunderclap" in the neighborhood.

Fighting Preference: Sword

Height: 185 cm

Weight: 87 kg

STR: 19

SPD: 12

AGI: 17

STA: 23

INT: 12

"Hmm... First of all, let Ulfar go, I don't need him. Let him find his own way. Now, looking at the other two options, my strength lies in my speed and agility. Even if it's not as much as mine, I wouldn't have much advantage against someone agile. Against that, I can beat someone like Ragnhild, relying on her strength and lack of wit.

Lars: I choose Ragnhild.

Man: "Alright, take this and go inside to prepare. And if you survive, my name is Erik... Don't die, kid."

Lars: "Tch... let me give you some advice, Erik. Bet on me."

Lars, along with Alden, headed towards the back hut. When they reached the hut, another man waiting at the door appeared. Lars gave the wooden medallion Erik gave him to the man. After inspecting the medallion, the man let them in.

Inside...

Man: "Get ready. You can choose any weapon, but only one. And don't forget, you get 100 silver elks for each fight you win. If you lose... you die."

Lars ignored the man but Alden's face was turning pale with fear.

"Is this kid brave, coward, or damn bipolar or something?"

Lars considered it pointless to think about it and chose a clean sword from the side and replaced the rags on him with a hard plate armor nearby. When Lars was ready, he headed towards the door. At this moment, a kid on the side seemed to want to say something, but his words seemed to be stuck in his throat. Perhaps he would never learn what he was going to say at that moment.

Lars left the hut and came to the empty area where the fight would take place. When he arrived, it was crowded with all kinds of filth, and everyone was trying to bet on his opponent. Lars was given odds of 50-1. However, one man still bet on this kid. Yes, it was the giant man who gave him the entrance fee. When the man made eye contact with Lars, he noticed the ferocity in Lars's eyes, and even someone who had seen blood for so many years felt a momentary shiver.

After a while, Lars's opponent, Iron Tooth Ragnhild, arrived.

Ragnhild, with her massive body and muscular structure, stood in the middle of the forest like a mountain. Her shoulders were broad, and powerful muscles were evident in her arms. Her chest was large and powerful under the muscles hardened by the cold. Her dirty white hair waved in the light breeze. Her large hands were in harmony with the iron gurz. The gurz, a heavy and deadly weapon, complemented her character. With every step, she made the ground tremble on the snowy ground in the forest. Ragnhild's gaze evaluated her young opponent thoroughly, like the eyes of a warrior who wanted to dominate the battlefield. She despised her opponent; for her, strength was the most fundamental virtue.

Ragnhild: "Tch... Am I going to fight a kid?"

Lars said nothing and observed his opponent. Erik came between them.

Erik: "Alright, gentlemen. The rules are simple: kill or be killed. The winner gets 100 silver elks, and everything on the loser belongs to him, of course, except for what doesn't belong to us. Whatever, get ready... Start!"

As Erik stepped aside, the fight began...

Ragnhild immediately started swinging her massive gurz; it was clear she wanted to finish it quickly. Lars, with light and agile steps, jumped to avoid Ragnhild's heavy gurz strikes. After a while of feeling each other out, Lars, using his speed, got behind Ragnhild. However, Ragnhild turned instantly and swung her gurz to deflect Lars. Lars, with his flexible body, slid on the snowy ground, quickly got up, and attacked Ragnhild. However, Ragnhild's gurz was quickly in the air, and Lars received a hard blow.

The young warrior crashed to the ground, but quickly got up and counterattacked.

Lars spat out the blood accumulating in his mouth and muttered...

"Darn it, I shouldn't get hit again; it feels like my lung has come loose."

Lars's sword danced around him like a swift and sharp movement. Ragnhild, using the weight of her gurz, went on the defensive. Each blow came with a metallic clash echoing in the forest.

As the duel progressed, Lars's speed and agility began to give him an advantage against Ragnhild's strength. While Lars quickly avoided gurz strikes, Ragnhild's heavy movements began to slow down over time.

Ragnhild: "Damn kid! Stay in your place!"

Losing her composure, Ragnhild started attacking more aggressively. Lars, seizing a momentary opportunity, quickly turned behind Ragnhild, placed his sword on her neck, and swiftly separated Ragnhild's head from her body.

Silence echoed in the arena. Ragnhild's body and gurz fell silently to the ground, breaking the silence.

Ignoring the reactions, Lars returned to the hut to change.

While Lars was changing, someone rushed in.

Alden: "LARS! IT WAS AMAZING! YOU SHOULD TEACH ME TOO!

Lars: "Shut up, kid..."

Lars was still experiencing intense pain from where he got hit.

Alden: "Tch... You're too capricious..."

For the first time in a long time, Alden's eyes had a glimmer of hope. If Lars taught him, he thought he could take his revenge."

After putting on his clothes, Lars entered the place where his opponent dressed, examining the items. There were two daggers, a rusty gurz, and a pouch of silver. Also, there were clean clothes, although they were a bit big for him, he adjusted them to fit him with a small cut.

After taking the items, Lars went to Erik near the arena. Meanwhile, Alden was busy asking Lars to teach him.

Lars: "Erik, I came to get my money."

Erik: "Alright, lad, take it."

Lars took the pouch handed to him and began to check it. After confirming the correct amount, he took out 10 silver elks and handed the money to the giant man.

Lars: "Debt is a debt...

Giant Man: Hahahaha! I like you, kid, but I won't take your money for today. You earned well for me."

Lars walked away without saying anything, but Erik called out to him.

Erik: "If you want, you can fight every week. Take this."

Lars took the wooden piece with his name and body characteristics carved on it, putting it in his pocket, and left.

Lars and Alden soon left the back streets and returned to the shack.