The Saber Tiger.
This massive demonic beast was currently enjoying a leisurely nap in the shade of the forest trees.
In the ecosystem of the great outdoors, the weak always kept their senses sharp, constantly scanning their surroundings. Being able to sleep in a place other than one's own den was proof that the creature sat at the top of the food chain as a predator.
In fact, there were fewer than ten types of creatures in this entire region that could even challenge a Saber Tiger.
It possessed a massive body nearly five meters long including its tail, and two fangs longer and sharper than a grown man's forearm. Its physical strength was such that a single swipe of its claws could crush a large bear.
Because it was such a Saber Tiger, it could enjoy its nap in peace. However…
Thump!
Something dropped right in front of it.
The Saber Tiger opened its eyes.
At first, it thought it might be a small monkey, but upon closer inspection, it was different. This creature, holding pieces of metal in both hands, was undoubtedly a human.
A delicacy with tender meat and sweet fat. It was a bit small to be a full meal, but it was a tasty treat whenever caught…
"Hehehe. Yes. You look expensive at a glance. You cute little thing. Hehehehe…"
Huh? What is this?
This seemed quite different from the humans in its memory. Was it a new species?
While the Saber Tiger was momentarily confused, Patrick spoke with a bloodthirsty smile.
"Now, come here. If you stay still, I'll kill you without making it hurt."
—Grrrrrr…
It didn't know why.
The moment that creature—not even a quarter of its size—took a step forward, the Saber Tiger's fur stood on end, and it scrambled to its feet.
Seeing this, Patrick licked his lips while holding the longswords in both hands.
"Ho? Our little kitty wants to resist?"
—Roar!
The Saber Tiger let out a thunderous roar, a terrifying threat.
The moment they heard that roar, the beasts of the forest were startled and began to flee in a frenzy.
However, Patrick, the direct target of that threat, didn't even blink. He simply laughed.
"Hehehe. You've got spirit. By any chance, do you have an internal core? If you do, cough it up. Then I might let you off the hook."
—Roar!
"If you don't want to, then fine!"
In an instant, the two males collided head-on.
*
"He's crazy. He's crazy. This is truly insane."
Brian was hiding, trembling like a leaf.
Even if he hid like this, the Saber Tiger's keen senses would surely know he was there, but he felt like he would lose his mind if he didn't at least do this.
This was a Saber Tiger.
Unless an Ogre appeared in this forest, there was no creature that could rival it. If a Saber Tiger appeared in the territory, Brian wouldn't even be confident of winning if they mobilized the entire military force. At best, they could only hope the tiger would eat its fill of commoners and return to the woods.
In fact, he had been thinking this while guiding Patrick here: That wicked demon probably only talks big because he's never seen a Saber Tiger in person. Once he actually sees it, he'll come to his senses and back off.
And so, the moment they cautiously approached and reached the Saber Tiger…
With the words, "Found it. My money!" Patrick had charged straight at the beast.
And now, he was fighting that massive demonic beast head-on.
"Crazy bastard. No matter how strong he is, how can he beat a Saber Tiger? To win against that, at least a 5-Star Knight would have to… come… Huh?"
Brian's jaw dropped further and further as he spoke.
He rubbed his eyes several times, re-watching the scene unfolding before him. It was the typical reaction of someone witnessing something unbelievable.
"Hup!"
—Roar! Kah-ang!
The Saber Tiger's molars, capable of crushing boulders, snapped at the air.
The Saber Tiger's forepaws, which could kill a bear in one strike, swung futilely through the void.
Even with the feline reflexes that far surpassed human limits, not a single attack could land on Patrick's body.
On the other hand…
"Taat!"
Thwack! Bam! Thud!
Patrick's fists and kicks landed relentlessly and evenly across the Saber Tiger's entire body.
This wasn't the Meridian Unblocking Technique he used on the soldiers. There was no power control like he used on Brian, where he'd think, 'You can't die yet. You need to suffer more.'
Bones and muscles screamed under the weight of fists and kicks thrown purely to take down an opponent.
"Haap!"
Boom!
Patrick's spinning back kick landed squarely on the Saber Tiger's head.
The Saber Tiger's massive body was sent flying back, smashing through several trees.
—Grrrr…
However, the tiger shook its head for a moment, stood back up, and bared its teeth at Patrick.
Seeing this, Patrick clicked his tongue.
"Tsk, it's a pain that I can't use my swords because I don't want to ruin the pelt."
—Gr… Grrrr…
"Oh? You still have some fight left? My, my… our kitty has quite the tenacity."
—Roar!
The Saber Tiger roared loudly again in a threatening manner, but such threats only worked on opponents weaker than itself.
"But let's wrap this up now."
Patrick's posture changed.
His entire body seemed to lose its tension, becoming limp. He took on a loose stance that looked as if he might blow away with a single gust of wind. And in the next moment…
Swish.
Without a sound or a trace, Patrick's body lunged right in front of the Saber Tiger.
—Roar?!
Startled, the Saber Tiger instinctively swung its forepaw, but…
Crack!
Before it could, Patrick's right hand struck the Saber Tiger's body from below, driving upward.
Dragon's Ascent Palm.
One of the few palm techniques of the Twin Dragon Sect, designed to launch an enemy into the air. Personally, it was a technique Patrick had used quite often in his previous life.
To be more precise…
"Who told you to be so loud, you bastard!"
He enjoyed the combo that followed after launching an opponent into the air.
Infinite Hell Chain Fist.
"Adadadadadadadadadada!"
Punch-punch-punch-punch-punch-punch-punch!
Patrick's fists poured down on the airborne Saber Tiger, creating countless afterimages.
For the record, this was not a martial art of the Twin Dragon Sect. It was a signature technique created by the hero of the Orthodox Faction, the Radiant Dragon Hero Jincheon, who had seriously researched the goal of: 'How can I crush someone in the most painful and wretched way possible?'
To make the victim suffer miserably.
To make the observer tremble in fear.
To make the attacker feel the thrill of catharsis.
This was the combo that satisfied all three objectives simultaneously.
"That… that lunatic."
Brian saw it. He saw the demonic beast—the object of the forest's terror and despair—getting absolutely pulverized by fists.
The Saber Tiger, launched into the air, couldn't even fall back to the ground; it remained suspended, being struck one-sidedly.
This lasted for about three to five seconds.
"Hyaaaaap!"
K-boom!
As a finisher, Patrick leapt up and delivered a heel drop that slammed the Saber Tiger into the ground.
The fallen Saber Tiger didn't budge.
Patrick rotated his shoulders one after the other, speaking with a satisfied expression.
"Mmm, it's been a while since I've thrown punches with full intent without holding back. My mind and body feel refreshed."
Are you even human?
But the effect was certain. Seeing this and hearing those words, Brian realized something deep in his heart.
Actually, Patrick had said it before:
[You should be grateful I'm not really hitting you. Huh? If I really hit you, a weakling like you would just die in one shot. You know?]
At the time, Brian had thought, 'Bullshit. As if you'd ever go easy on me, you demon.'
But…
He really was going easy on me?
Indeed, the truth is often surprising when revealed.
Patrick spoke to the frozen, shock-stricken Brian.
"Youngest?"
"Yes? Yes!"
"What are you doing? Skin this thing, pull the teeth, and grab anything else that looks like it'll fetch a price."
"Yes. Understood!"
Brian answered in a voice sharp with discipline and moved like a well-trained lackey.
I'll die. If I cross that man, he'll really kill me.
He didn't want to go to the afterlife and have the God of Death ask, "Why did you die?" only to answer, "Because I got beaten up by a demon."
I better do exactly as I'm told.
The loyalty of the "youngest," Brian, skyrocketed.
* * *
"Whoa…"
"Oh… what on earth is that?"
"Isn't that a Saber Tiger? Did they actually catch that?"
The residents of the territory were utterly shocked. Even for the residents of the Schneider territory, which was infested with monsters, seeing a behemoth like a Saber Tiger was rare. And they certainly never expected to see its corpse.
"They caught that?"
"Really? How did they catch it?"
"It would be hard even if all the soldiers in our territory teamed up."
"Hard? They'd all just die."
"That's true. But then, what happened to that corpse?"
"Ha… Hahaha…"
Patrick ignored the whispering commoners with a bored expression. Whether people found it fascinating or not, the only thought in his head was how to sell this pelt for the highest possible price.
Just then, Brian, who had been grunting while carrying the pelt, suddenly set it down and addressed the crowd.
"Ahem, everyone, listen well!"
People focused on him. Brian spoke loudly and proudly.
"This Saber Tiger was caught by the heir of our territory, Young Master Patrick Schneider!"
"What? The Young Master?"
"No way. How old is the Young Master?"
"Come on, that's impossible."
Facing the skeptical murmurs of the residents, Brian straightened his shoulders.
"I swear on my honor as a knight, what I say is the truth. The Young Master caught this Saber Tiger in a one-on-one fight."
When he swore on his honor as a knight, the residents' murmurs grew even louder. Then there was a high probability it was true. A young boy who had just turned ten had caught that monster, which could have wiped out an entire village in a single night.
Brian puffed out his chest with a proud face.
"Everyone, spread this fact far and wi— Ack!"
"You sure find a lot of different ways to be a pain in the ass."
As he was speaking, Brian was struck on the back of the head with a scabbard by Patrick and stumbled forward.
The citizens' eyes widened at the sight. They were people who didn't yet know that Brian had been demoted. Thus, they couldn't have imagined that even the Lord's son would treat the territory's only precious knight in such a manner. However…
"Hehehe, Young Master, I only said that out of loyalty, wanting to spread word of your achievements. Please understand my heart."
"This bastard suddenly switched his life path to being a sycophant. Aren't you embarrassed?"
"Hahahaha…"
Despite Patrick's insults, Brian just laughed like a fool and bowed his head repeatedly.
Seeing Brian blatantly flattering him and walking on eggshells, Patrick looked at him as if he were absurd.
Right. People without pride like you do tend to live a damn long time.
It seemed that after seeing Patrick beat the Saber Tiger to death, any remaining rebellion in the depths of Brian's heart had completely vanished. And with that rebellion gone, the only emotions left in Brian toward Patrick were fear and a sense of submission.
What else could he do when an unstoppable monster held his life in his hands? His only choice was to bow down and obey completely.
"Fine. Whatever, do what you want."
Of course, Patrick loathed people who had no pride and would sell their own souls. But if the object of that submission was himself, that was a different story.
I guess it's good if I think of it as him becoming easier to use.
What mattered now wasn't the change of heart in a small fry like Brian.
In life, the most important thing was, after all, money.