51
Star of Sodomora Hassan
051 – Star of Sodomora Hassan #2
Luna and I walked about a meter apart. Whenever I tried to get closer, Luna would suddenly step back, startled.
Clearly, despite not speaking about it, Luna was also dwelling on the events of last night.
I kept stealing glances at her.
Her delicate profile, her ridiculous pink hair fluttering in the wind, made me feel as if bubbly foam was rising in my chest; my heart felt like a feather floating in the air.
“The weather’s really good today, isn’t it?”
At Luna’s words, I glanced around.
Though a few clouds dotted the sky, the sun was dazzlingly bright. The cool breeze and warm sunshine made it a typically beautiful spring day. This kind of day calls for a picnic blanket stroll. Perhaps Luna and I should take a walk in the park sometime soon.
“The sandals Hassan gave me are really comfortable!”
Ah, now that you mention it, Luna was wearing the sandals I had given her. I’d roughly guessed her size, and fortunately, they fit perfectly.
“It’s like Hassan is holding onto my feet somehow, making it a little ticklish.” Luna kept walking and giggling. Her laughter seemed like she was trying to suppress the ticklish sensation.
“I’m glad you like them.”
“Hah, Hassan…”
“Uh, yeah?”
“About last night… It’s our little secret, alright? Not even the gods should know…”
“Ah, uh, yeah.”
With that, another conversation between Luna and me came to an end.
As I wandered my eyes here and there and thought about various things, we had arrived in front of the grand Mars Guild building.
“Ah, Mr. Hassan, Miss Luna. Please come in. We’ve been waiting for you.”
Daphne, the receptionist, greeted us warmly as usual. However, her eyes and hands were busy buried in books and documents.
“I heard you performed extraordinarily well during the expedition, Mr. Hassan? As your receptionist, I’m incredibly proud. Here, your compensation: 15 Silver.”
“15 Silver?” More than the expected 10 Silver. This unexpected windfall made the soles of my feet tingle with joy.
The pouch containing fifteen silver coins was surprisingly heavy. Just shaking it made me feel full already.
One, two, three… Good, the count matches.
“Isn’t this more than expected? I thought it should be 10 Silver?”
“If you’re not satisfied, I’ll give back 5 Silver.”
“No, no. I just wondered why it increased.”
“The money is divided based on the fallen members’ shares. Anyway, the accounts are settled. Due to various contributions, Luna, you’ve been promoted to the Bronze Tier.”
Hearing this, Luna was startled and trembling.
“Is that… really?”
“Before we move forward, let’s perform a Karma check to see if there are any issues. Place one of your fingers here.”
Daphne handed Luna a fountain pen. This pen, however, was no ordinary fountain pen but a relic of Legendary rank, capable of assessing the owner’s abilities through their bl**d ink.
“Ah, I don’t like pain…”
“Don’t be a whiner.”
Thus, Luna gently pressed the sharp tip of the fountain pen against her thumb, and droplets of red bl**d soon soaked its tip.
Daphne took the bl**d-filled pen and started scribbling furiously on a small piece of paper she’d seen before.
`Name: Luna Noxdotty Level 8
Strength: 2
Agility: 5
Stamina: 1`
“Woah, Luna! You’ve grown amazingly!! What?! Last time, all your stats were 1, making your total around 3 only. What happened?!”
Finally, after writing the last character, Daphne glanced over the items she had written on the paper, unable to believe them.
The reaction of disbelief wasn’t limited to Daphne—it was clear Luna was also shocked since she opened her mouth round and began striking my arm with her palm.
“Hassan, look at that! I’ve grown!”
Luna and Daphne were very surprised, but for some reason, I just thought, “Ah, so she’s grown.” After all, I had already confirmed her growth by checking her pulse.
Rather, what surprised me was the reaffirmation that human growth is not an easy feat.
Given that Daphne reacts this way to various individuals, leveling up must indeed be quite difficult.
“Hmm.”
After staring at the paper for a while, Daphne hummed in a low voice and continued:
“Though I am curious about your growth method, I assume it’s a personal secret.”
“Growth method? I don’t know either. What did I do? What did I do? Everything was normal.”
Lost in thought, Luna let out a single exclamation, “Ah!” as if realizing something and started blushing furiously.
“Maybe I don’t know.”
“I see. Well, Luna, your Bronze recognition badge will be available soon. Please continue doing your best. And Mr. Hassan—”
“Yes?”
When my name was called, I naturally became tense.
Perhaps it’s because my first impression of her was so strong that whenever I’m in front of this woman, sweat beads form on my palms, and my face turns cold, which is odd.
“Mr. Hassan, please head this way.”
Swoosh.
Her neatly manicured finger pointed to a rather large door. It looked like a private room attached to the guild building.
“What do I do there?”
“Once you get there, you’ll find out. Alright, next customer!”
*
Having parted ways with Luna as she had afternoon commitments, I entered the large door in the guild building as suggested by Daphne. What appeared before my eyes was quite vast.
The flat ground was covered with sand, and numerous exercise equipment stood scattered around, along with scarecrows tied with straw. What should I call it? A training or exercise yard? Whatever it was, something similar to that.
Men and women alike, wielding swords, arrows, and spears, were attacking the straw-dressed scarecrows without discrimination.
Thud-, Crunch-. Wham-!
It’s terrible how they mercilessly beat these innocent scarecrows. I wanted to look away from this atrocious scene. Of course, this is a joke.
“Samaria’s Hassan. You’ve arrived at the perfect moment. I’ve been waiting for you.”
At a voice from behind, I turned my head to see a tall woman with long brown hair and a chocolate complexion: Hippolyte.
The wild woman clad in armor looked fitting against this training field background.
But, sh*t, how come I couldn’t sense her coming closer? If Hippolyte had been an assassin sneaking up behind me, I’d surely have resisted and died then and there.
“H-Hippolyte-sama!”
Standing in front of Hippolyte made my knees wobble uncontrollably, and my muscles went slack. I tend to get particularly weak around strong women like her. I must already be under her influence.
“…Did you wait for me?”
“Yes, Hassan. Your promotion to Bronze Tier has been decided. It’s quite unusual in the history of Sodomora’s guild—though not unprecedented. However, the upper levels of the guild wish to bestow a title upon you.”
“Title? You mean…?”
Yes, I’ve heard of titles. They’re like nicknames given to relatively famous adventurers or those with a reputation.
For instance, there was someone within Elpride’s group called the Dual Sword Shadow. Anyway, receiving a title usually implies possessing remarkable skill or having distinct characteristics, so I thought it had nothing to do with me.
“Perhaps you have a title in mind? Something you want to be known by?”
“Um, how about… Hassan of the Three-Bladed Way?”
“Unfortunately, the decision is already made, so your suggestion does nothing.”
What the hell, then why’d you even ask? Yet, arguing is futile when I recall the woman wielding energy blades. Naturally, I lower my head.
“To be honest, titles and such are trivial. We’re no Minerva Guild, after all, constantly concerned with appearances. Hassan of Samaria should suffice for now.”
“Uh…then what is my title?”
“Hassan of Samaria. A nickname taken from your hometown. Proposed and passed by the department chief.”
Hassan of Samaria? Same old title as always. d*mn, I was planning to reconsider being called a Samaritan, but that’s ruined now.
Anyway, that the department head with a hirsute body suggested it makes me shudder all over again.
“Can I reject it?”
“Do as you please. However, when the guild refers to your name, this title will naturally follow, just as ‘Queen Hippolyte’ is attached to mine.”
“Queen?”
The title fits her…but it brings a funny aspect when thought about. Remember that Olympic speed skating champion? They called her Queen then, right?
“Greatly suited for you.”
Despite its funny side, she is a guild powerhouse, a highly skilled adventurer, and a magnanimous one who forgave my touch. A little flattery wouldn’t hurt. Might as well open up the flattery skill I naturally learned under Elpride.
“Queen Hippolyte sounds impressive. It evokes some feeling. Like the urge to k*ll everything with your sword.”
“Hmm, frankly, this title doesn’t appeal to me much either. But having an official nickname does have its advantages. Fame grows, and more people may provoke you on the streets.”
“Wait, isn’t having more people provoke you a disadvantage?”
“Yes, people’s karma blossoms in life-and-d*ath battles. Even you, cruel and ruthless Samarian, should remember that—the way you intimidated that crocodile pack, making even me shiver occasionally.”
“Um, yeah.”
“Well, the guild pins high expectations on you rising stars. Don’t fall behind your peers. Struggle fiercely in the mud, Hassan.”
“My peers? Do I have them?”
“You’ll meet them eventually. In the meantime, since you’ve reached Bronze Tier, you’re permitted access to this training ground. Swing your sword here often.”
With that, I gained access to the guild’s training grounds upon my Bronze Tier promotion. But I couldn’t quite grasp what training meant.
Wouldn’t sweating under the blazing sun improve someone’s skills? Maybe, but I’m just a complete novice with swords. The mere thought of it bewilders me.
As I puzzled over it, Hippolyte said,
“Well, since the topic arose, I want to see your skills. Swing your sword at that scarecrow over there as if you mean to k*ll it.”
“Um, must I?”
“Hurry.”
Guhguhgoo.
A powerful pressure radiated from Hippolyte.
sh*t, is that an energy aura? Too terrifying! Trembling with fear, I had no choice but to draw my sword and swing it with all my might at the scarecrow.
Holding dual swords, I stared down the scarecrow.
“Think of your most hated enemy.”
At Hippolyte’s words, Malco’s face briefly appeared before flickering away, and then Elpride’s hateful silver hair and crimson eyes overlapped with the scarecrow.
sh*t, thinking about all the wrongs Elpride’s inflicted on me wakes me up from nightmares every once in a while despite my freedom now.
“You insulting b*tch!”
Hoooowh! Crack!
The two swords I swung cut deeply into the scarecrow’s wooden arms intertwined with straw, embedding themselves quite firmly.
“Hmm. Passionate emotions. Did you recall the revenge for a parent’s d*ath?”
“Well, something like that.”
Anyway, putting forth sudden force made me quite breathless after just one swing. Panting for air, I awaited Hippolyte’s evaluation, which came coldly.
“But aside from emotion, there’s no significant impression. Worse, your level seems below an amateur. Like an inexperienced child who’s picked up a sword for less than a year. Though naturally, that shouldn’t be possible.”
“Hippolyte, you’re absolutely correct.”
Indeed, she discerned I was an amateur at a glance. She’s significantly sharper than most fortune-telling priests.
“But Samarian, why do you declare yourself a practitioner of the three-bladed way when you’re using double swords?”
“Well…I consider the third blade to be a dagger concealed in my clothing.”
“I see. Fine. With that, I’ve gained a general understanding. Now, fight me directly. There’s no better way to assess someone accurately.”
After pondering with ‘Hmm…Hmm…’, Hippolyte waved her hand toward me. Without detailed explanation, it seemed she was challenging me to a match.
“But, I wield swords!”
“I know. I’ll fight you armed accordingly. A trained warrior’s fists are equivalent to a weapon. That’s enough fairness.”
Then, gripping both fists tightly above her head like a rabbit’s ears, Hippolyte assumed what appeared similar to a Muay Thai stance.
Unbeknownst to me, but somehow familiar—it reminded me of old martial arts movies where they mentioned the “threefold sword advantage.” That means a swordsman holds an edge three levels higher than an unarmed opponent. Essentially, someone armed with a sword has an advantage over someone unarmed, right?
sh*t, but a vision of defeating fist-clenched Hippolyte eludes me. Not throwing a gust of wind or anything, is she?
Somehow, I feel this woman could press her finger gently and pierce my heart.
“Will you really do this?”
“Don’t be scared. I won’t k*ll you.”
Saying that, she tied something around her waist.
“If you can snatch this belt, I’ll grant you one wish, regardless of what it is. Nothing stirs a man’s spirit like this.”
sh*t, what man wouldn’t get excited hearing that? And I, well, I’m d*mn manly.
I should get her to massage my shoulders…and have her massage some other places while at it. Although giving massages to others is nice, I quite enjoy receiving them too.
“Alright then, let’s go. Keep your promise.”
“Alright. I swear on the River Styx.”
With that enthusiastic response, a match or duel—whichever it was—began.
Just for a moment, unable to envision how to make the first move, we held our ground for a while. Soon, people gathered around, murmuring, forming a circular stadium around us.
“What’s happening?”
“Hippolyte, isn’t it? Who’s she fighting?”
“Guess we’ll need another coffin soon. Who’s this guy?”
“Black hair, hmm…a Samaritan?”
“Could be.”
“Recently, isn’t that guy famous?”
As a result, it became a full-blown spectator event around us. sh*t, now there’s no escape from fighting Hippolyte.
“Fine, I’ll go first.”
Tadaat!
With a brief sound of pounding against the ground, her figure disappeared.
What the? sh*t, is this magic?
Just then, feeling a cold sensation on my chin, I lowered my head a little.
Hippolyte was already beneath my nose, knee bent, and she hurled her fist upwards, striking my abdomen.
“Kuuuueeeek!”
The clean hit of a body blow. Simultaneously, groans of empathetic pain spread through the spectators, “Oof—,” “That must hurt.”
Of course, all thoughts were erased from my mind as my head went blank. Followed by combinations of punches hitting my chest and stomach relentlessly.
Bang, Slap, Slap!
It felt like rocks were battering my body, knocking me around until I collapsed on the ground. Although I’ve had my share of Elpride’s punches and believed I built some resilience, clearly, a witch’s punches and warrior’s punches are on different levels.
All air left my chest, unable to breathe, just making gagging sounds. Sand filled my mouth, but I lacked the strength to spit it out.
sh*t, until last night, I thought I was living in paradise, but this world is truly hell indeed.
“Isn’t he dead? Can anyone stop this?”
“sh*t, how do you stop Hippolyte? Try stopping her yourself.”
“Wow, even Samarian can’t handle Hippolyte, huh?”
“Hippolyte refused her promotion to Gold Tier. She’s at the same level as Achilles. This is to be expected—.”
Voices from the crowd droned on. The fiery sunlight’s warmth and a slight dizziness swirled in my head.
Huff, Huff…
Only the sound of my breathing remained audible. Then, even that faded, and silence descended on the world.
Peeeeeeeew.
In the oppressive silence, the pointing fingers moving toward me seemed to flash under the sunlight, their white tips and teeth gleaming. Occasionally, smiles pierced through my vision.
You bastards, are you laughing at me?
Without any responsibility, merely watching from a distance, and laughing?
That’s absolutely unforgivable.
“Grrrr…!”
“Hit him with the intention of knocking him out, yet he stands back up. Truly tough. Did he instinctively twist his body to avoid critical hits?”
“Huff….”
“A veteran of tough battles, indeed fitting of a wilderness survivor. Still, the prospects aren’t good for you. Will you continue?”
Re-gripping her fists, Hippolyte poised once more.
“Does that belt mean so much to you?”
Is Hippolyte actually fond of me despite saying she’ll forgive me?
Come to think of it, it’s strange that she isn’t angry about me touching her chest.
Anyway, at that moment when my mouth tried to utter something,
‘An arduous battle you’re having. Shall I lend a hand?’
A strange voice whispered into my ear.
[Author’s Notes]
Hello everyone! It’s Michurina.
Before I get to the main point, I have one notice.
Tomorrow, 52nd and 53rd episodes will be posted at 00:07 instead of 00:00.
The reason? A friend from a different region is getting married. Due to this, Michurina will begin the journey on Friday night. If the work doesn’t appear on time at 00:00, don’t worry; it’s not a hiatus or delay.
Starting the day after, I’ll return to posting regularly at 00:00.
Thank you very much. If you enjoyed, please hit that recommendation button above… Thank you…
Crackling sounds…
![[TS] The Protagonist is Conquered](https://i3.wp.com/novelhitam.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/1743806812-5548-TS-The-Protagonist-is-Conquered.png?resize=85,105 "[TS] The Protagonist is Conquered")
