"Are you scared?"
It was the Young Master's voice!! It had the same intimidating tone as the bandits, but for some reason, it also filled me with a strange sense of security.
"I'm not scared. I'm worried that I won't be able to protect you."
"Who said I need protection?"
Ah. Of course. How could I forget? This man thinks he's immortal or something!
Just as I turned to face him, unexpectedly, our noses nearly collided. When did he get so close?!
When I looked into his green eyes, my skin crawled. But not because of fear… There wasn't even a trace of fear in those eyes!
On the contrary... he looked like he was enjoying himself. Can a person look at 15 bandits this way, as if they're having fun?! This man is not normal. Definitely not.
"Are you the leader of these bandits?"
When I heard that bold and overly confident voice from behind me, a single word passed through my mind.
We're screwed.
Can you call the leader of bandits like that? Are you crazy, man? You have a huge machete in your hand! Normal people would be planning their escape right now. But you're confronting them head-on!
"I am. Bandit King Varanger."
At that moment, a huge man burst forward from behind. He had a giant axe in his hand and animal pelts on his back… He looked like a literal caveman! His name is even Varanger? His name reeks of violence!
"Let's make a deal."
What deal? What are you doing, Young Master?! You don't make deals with these people, you run away from them! If someone has to die, please don't let it be me!
"Are you the master here, skinny?"
Is it weak? Wait a minute... If you compare it to Young Master and the Outlaw King, yes, it might be a bit weak. But do you really have to call it weak, my friend?!
"No, it's not me. It's him."
Wait a second... what?! Young Master's pointing to me?!
Slowly, I turned around, and... yes. Yes, he is pointing at me!
This bastard is pointing at me! You cold-hearted, heartless, bastard! What are you up to?!
Varanger was squinting his eyes and looking at me.
"I've never seen a slave dressed better than his master. Your master is a bit small, huh? What deal are you going to make? Are you going to give him to me and run away?"
First of all, I'm not small. You're an animal!
Second, what is the Young Master trying to do?! He's pointing me out! You said you were entrusted to me?! Are you trying to get me killed to protect yourself?!
Just as I was about to open my mouth in protest, the Young Master gently pushed me forward and spoke with a cold expression:
"My master is a humble man. He prefers simple clothes."
You treacherous bastard! He continued:
"My master offers you a duel. If you win, you can set us free."
...
WHAT?
Wait a minute… What did he just say?! A DUEL with this mountain of a man?!
"A-But…"
Instantly, he covered my mouth with his hand.
For a moment, I thought the calloused hands on my lips would send a wave through my body, but... I didn't feel anything.
Is this normal?!
There's a group of people in front of us who could cut us to pieces in seconds… But this man's face is still stone-cold!
At least be a little scared, Young Master! Feel some guilt for sending me to my death!
The Young Master calmly added:
"From what I've heard about bandits, you can't refuse a duel offer. Don't worry, my master may be small, but he's really strong. If you give him a chance, you'll see for yourselves."
Please don't accept it.
Please don't accept it.
God, if you really exist, please don't let him accept.
It's too early for me to die!
Varanger raised his axe slightly, shook his head, and sighed:
"Ahh... Damn these rules. Fine, I accept."
DAMN YOU!
You're a bandit! What rules?! Just rob us already!
Young Master, give him whatever you have! You're rich anyway!
Right now, my whole life is flashing before my eyes. If you want to get rid of me, just throw me out!
At least let me live with my money, I don't want to die for nothing!
As I locked eyes with the mountain bear grinning at me with its axe in hand, I was seriously questioning my life choices.
Why am I here?
Why haven't I run away yet?
WHY HAVEN'T I COME UP WITH A BETTER PLAN TO STAY ALIVE?!
Just then, a cold and indifferent voice came from behind me:
"Are you afraid, Theodore?"
Afraid?
AFRAID?
Of course, it's easy for you! While you sit back there safely, I'm here facing off against the axe of a Viking villager!
My options were as follows:
First, fight and die. Second, fight and die more painfully. Third, try to run and still die. But… with the desperation inside me, I answered as calmly as I could:
"No, my lord. It's just a little windy."
Yes, the wind… the wind of death. Young Master smiled lightly.
"Theodore, if you win this duel, I will stop testing you."
...
What?
YOU'LL STOP THE TESTS?!
Wait a second, could this actually be a good opportunity? If I make it out alive... No, no, no. You can't fool me, Young Master! Because you said, "If you win." So, if I don't die, you'll stop testing me for the rest of your ridiculous tasks because I'll already be alive.
The Bandit King Varanger grumbled:
"You, little master. Step forward."
With great seriousness, I nodded and began walking unarmed toward the axe-wielding man.
And of course, I started praying to God, the universe, and all the sacred beings inside me.
Please, let me get out of here alive. Alright, I don't even need to be super strong... Just… please… at least let me make it out without losing a piece of me.
As I walked toward the circle formed by the other bandits and our team, I saw Young Master and Master Henry still heatedly discussing something.
You guys are calmly chatting while I'm about to fight for my life, right?!
When the bandits standing by them got impatient and warned them, both of them finally turned to look at me and the Bandit King.
Just then, a short, old bandit stepped forward and loudly announced that the duel had begun.
"Start!"