How To Live As A Third Son Of A Failure [EN]: Chapter 106

Living as the Third Son of a Failed Novel – Chapter 106

Roben had warned that once we entered the Azure Mountains, comfortable sleep would be a distant memory until we reached the Sky Fortress.

Initially, I didn’t grasp his meaning. On our first day in the mountain range, we built a fire and slept soundly.

However, the very next day brought a stark understanding.

Krrrr…

The unsettling growl echoed as we traversed the valley.

“Ice Trolls,” Roben stated.

I, Rihas, and Roben simultaneously drew our swords, each taking a direction, forming a defensive circle.

“Where are they?”

“Above us,” I replied, pointing to the canyon walls flanking the valley.

A grotesque monster appeared atop the canyon.

‘That’s a monster, alright.’

It struck me that this was the first monster I’d encountered since arriving in the Midlands. [The Midlands likely refers to a region or continent within the story’s world.]

Fear wasn’t my primary emotion. I possessed considerable mana. Yet, a distinct tension gripped me.

‘If I’d met them without any power, I might have wet myself.’

I observed saliva dripping from the jagged teeth in its gaping maw.

The club it wielded was stained with dried blood, its origins unknown, and its malevolent green eyes exuded the predatory intent to subdue its prey.

It was, without a doubt, a notorious monster that dominated the Azure Mountains.

“Seven of them,” Roben announced, causing Rihas to look surprised.

“Trolls traveling in packs? That’s unusual. And seven at once.”

“They’re known to cannibalize their own kind. They likely hunt trolls that are old, weak, or wandering alone.”

“Savage bastards.”

“They’re certainly more ferocious than ordinary trolls.”

Trolls are inherently strong monsters with remarkable regeneration, befitting their size.

Consequently, they pose a significant threat to ordinary soldiers. They can shrug off wounds from spears and swords with relative ease.

However, they are less formidable against knights who wield mana. Their movements are predictable enough to dodge their clubs, and a mana-infused sword can readily pierce their thick hides.

‘Still, I can’t afford to be careless.’

Regardless of a knight’s skill, a direct hit from a troll’s club would likely result in more than just a few broken bones.

Moreover, if we were forced to face two or three each, instead of one-on-one, they would prove to be a considerable challenge.

‘So that’s why they call them the Azure Mountains.’

As if in response to my thoughts, the troll pack surrounding us charged like enraged bulls.

Krrr! Krrr!

Snorting and bellowing, they advanced, prompting me to quickly assess the situation.

“What’s the intelligence level of Ice Trolls? Are they capable of coordinated attacks?”

“It’s comparable to ordinary trolls. Their primary reason for sticking together is to avoid becoming prey themselves.”

“In that case, we should split up and fight individually. A disorganized fight could lead to us getting in each other’s way.”

“Good idea.”

“Anything specific I should know?”

“Have you ever fought a troll before?”

“No.”

“Their regeneration is extremely potent. A prolonged fight will be a nuisance. Aim to crush their heads or pierce their hearts in one strike. Oh, and avoid ingesting their blood. It’s highly toxic.”

“Understood. How many will you take on?”

“Two. This old body can’t handle any more.”

“Understood. Rihas, you take on two as well. I’ll handle three.”

“Understood.”

The brief exchange concluded, and at that moment, the trolls surged forward. Roben and Rihas moved swiftly in opposite directions.

Confirming their movements, I fixed my gaze on the nearest troll and launched myself forward.

Kyaaak-!

The troll swung its club, emitting a repulsive shriek. The immense power behind the swing telegraphed its trajectory. I easily lowered my stance to evade it and unleashed my sword.

Skeok!

The crescent-shaped blade cleanly severed the arm of the troll wielding the club.

Huddeuk!

I pressed my attack, becoming drenched in the cascading blood, using the troll’s thigh as a stepping stone to leap upwards.

The troll reached out with its remaining hand to seize me as I lunged into its space. However, I had anticipated this attack. I slashed horizontally at the outstretched hand, leaving only a twitching wrist, and propelled myself upwards again.

Kiek, kiek!

The troll flailed its severed arms, attempting to impede me. I observed hands regenerating from the severed wrists, accompanied by bubbling, frothy blood.

Of course, this didn’t alter the outcome.

“Hup!”

The sword, drawn in a smooth arc, cleaved through the troll’s head and emerged on the other side. Regardless of its trollish nature, it couldn’t regenerate a destroyed brain.

The troll’s collapsing arms were already fully restored. I was aware of their regenerative capabilities, but witnessing it firsthand was still unnerving.

Kaaak! Kaaak!

Two trolls, arriving late to the fray, swung their clubs at me from either side as I landed lightly.

Even if I dodged one, the other was sure to connect. I channeled mana from my mana heart. [A mana heart is likely an organ or source of magical energy within the character’s body.]

Seuseut!

For a moment, bluish mana emanated from the sword’s blade like a dense mist. Having drawn out the burning aura, I inhaled deeply.

Time seemed to slow down. Or rather, my perception and reaction speed had increased.

Even as the two clubs converged, I didn’t evade. First, I severed the wrist of the troll attacking from the right. With time to spare, I also severed its other arm, effectively neutralizing it.

Then, I addressed the troll on the left.

After bisecting the club approaching in a zigzag pattern, I stomped on the arm that had lost its weapon, disrupting its balance.

Kung!

The next step was simple. I vertically split the head of the troll, whose posture had become ungainly. Immediately afterward, I turned and retrieved the dagger Lortain had given me from my chest pocket, infusing it with mana.

Seuseut!

I hurled the dagger imbued with blue energy, piercing the heart of the troll that was regenerating its arms.

The movements were elaborate, but the execution was instantaneous. Red blood erupted from the severed troll’s arms, neck, and heart, painting the sky like a macabre fountain.

Huddeuk!

I gathered the hem of my cloak with one hand, shielding myself from the downpour of blood.

Then, I scanned my surroundings, my gaze cutting through the crimson haze, and retrieved the dagger embedded in the stone wall.

Rihas and Roben were also nearing the end of their respective battles.

It didn’t appear that I needed to intervene, so I took out a handkerchief from my chest pocket and wiped the blood from my head, face, and sword.

‘Damn it.’

I had engaged in numerous practical battles since arriving in the Midlands, but this was the first time I had truly been immersed in blood.

It was an unpleasant experience. The sensation of cutting through flesh and bone and disrupting brains remained vivid in my hands.

Even if the opponent is a monster, I would feel this way, but would I really be able to against humans or other races…

‘Can I do it?’

Cutting off people’s heads and piercing their hearts? Even if I could, wouldn’t I become desensitized to killing?

Worry washed over me.

In contrast to my internal turmoil, Roben, having severed all four limbs of his two trolls, decapitated them to ensure their demise.

Rihas also concluded his battle with a troll dismantling display. However, due to his fighting style, Rihas was completely drenched in blood.

“Oh, did you finish already, Young Master?”

Rihas looked at me, seemingly unconcerned about his blood-soaked state.

Roben was equally unfazed. As if this were a routine occurrence, he rubbed his eyes and face, wiping away the blood.

Seeing them, I bit my lip slightly. It was evident that Rihas and Roben possessed a more seasoned warrior’s mindset than I did, regardless of skill.

“I’m fine. How about you?”

“I’m fine. I didn’t ingest any blood, despite my appearance. But your skill is impressive. Those creatures regenerate so quickly that they attack recklessly, but you dispatched them cleanly.”

Rihas, in a playful manner, wiped his face with his cloak. His attitude was markedly different from mine, as I felt overwhelmed by the terrible stench of blood.

“What’s wrong, Young Master?”

Rihas tilted his head, seemingly puzzled by my expression.

“It’s nothing. Other monsters might be attracted by the scent of blood, so let’s move quickly.”

“It’s already too late.”

Roben, contradicting me, pointed above the canyon.

Krrrr…

This time, a pack of giant dire wolves, seemingly twice the size of a human, revealed themselves.

Seeing them, I sighed softly, and Roben shrugged.

“At least you slept well on the first day, right?”

* * *

In the following two days, our party defeated approximately 50 Ice Trolls, Yetis, and a countless number of dire wolves that we lost track of.

Trolls and Yetis were manageable due to their aggressive nature, allowing us to rest after quickly dispatching them.

The dire wolves were the real problem. Perhaps driven by vengeance, they stalked us even after we demonstrated our power, attacking every night without fail.

Standing guard was sustainable for only a limited time. Maintaining constant vigilance for hours was exhausting.

“I’m tired.”

“Agreed. I just want to wash up as soon as possible.”

The rag I had been using to wipe off blood had long since become saturated, appearing as if it were originally red.

I discarded the rag, grumbling, and rubbed my sword against my eyes to clean them.

“How much further is it to the Sky Fortress?”

In response to my question, Roben nodded, gazing at the distant peaks obscured by clouds.

“We’re almost there. We should arrive today.”

“That’s a relief. I don’t know why there are so many monsters…”

“It’s likely because we haven’t been able to eliminate the scent of blood. All the monsters in this area are probably targeting us.”

“But we can’t exactly wash up,” I pointed out.

“We have no choice but to press on quickly.”

After a brief rest, we resumed our ascent, only to be confronted by, as always, a monster.

Krrr! Krrr!

A pack of Yetis, standing just over 2 meters tall, with muscular builds reminiscent of bodybuilders and bodies covered in white fur.

They were the easiest to deal with among the local monsters. We simply had to be wary of their sharp, short claws.

“It’s exhausting.”

As if echoing my quiet sentiment, Roben and Rihas nodded and drew their swords. That’s when it happened.

Ssae-aek-!

We heard numerous sounds of wind being torn from the air. It was a familiar sound. Where had I heard it before? That’s right, I had heard it endlessly in the Great Forest. [The Great Forest is likely another location within the story’s world.]

Pabak-!

Approximately a dozen arrows were embedded in the Yetis blocking our path. Or rather, judging by their shorter length and high penetrating power, they appeared to be bolts fired from crossbows.

Kuek! Krrr!

Some of those struck in vital areas died instantly, while the surviving Yetis glared at us with menacing eyes and charged.

But we were three knights who wielded mana. Unless they brought hundreds of them, the Yetis stood no chance.

Moreover, having fought so many monsters in recent days, the teamwork between me, Rihas, and Roben had reached a remarkably high level.

Pudeudeuk!

It didn’t take long to defeat the charging Yeti pack. In moments, the white snowfield was stained with blood, and a pungent odor filled the air.

“Who could it be?”

In response to Rihas’ question, as he skillfully wiped away the blood, I observed figures slowly emerging in the distance.

“If they’re regular troops we’re likely to encounter in this area, there’s only one possibility.”

They wore camouflage crafted from the white fur of monsters. Their camouflage was so effective that they would be virtually undetectable if they were lying on the white snow.

The figures reloaded their crossbows and reorganized their formation.

“State your identity and destination.”

One figure stepped forward and addressed us.

In response, I stepped forward, keeping my sword at the ready, and spoke.

“I am Cain Lindayer, the third son of the Lindayer County family and a member of the Wind Knights. I am traveling to the Sky Fortress on official business. Haven’t you received a message?”

The person who had spoken lowered his crossbow and bowed slightly.

“I have. That’s why I’ve been patrolling around the fortress for the past few days, clearing the area.”

“Good. Then state your affiliation and identity.”

“I am Talan, the leader of the 1st Reconnaissance Unit, the Watchers of the Sky Fortress, who guard the Azure Mountains and the northeastern region under the orders of Count Lindayer. I greet the Third Young Master.”

At Talan’s words, all the Watchers lowered their crossbows and bowed their heads.

“Are those the famous Watchers?”

I nodded in response to Rihas’ quiet question.

“That’s right. They are the elite soldiers of the Lindayer family, overseeing the Azure Mountains and the entire northeastern region from the Sky Fortress, second only to the Wind Knights.”