I Became a Veteran Who Has to Stir Up Trouble to Survive - Chapter 84

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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[084] Goblin Gladiator #3
The earth split in two, and sand cascaded down through the widening chasm between the fracturing surfaces.
And what was revealed beneath Doran’s feet, now divided in half, was….
“Behold the pride of Ludus Magna Arena—the true form of our universal land-and-sea Battle Ground!”
“A transformable arena constructed through geological shift magic! All who witness this miraculous structure for the first time cannot help but gasp in wonder.”
“Your astonishment grants a permanent +1 increase to Insight!”
“Caution! Beneath the water surface, ravenous shark swarms prowl in abundance!”
‘I’ve heard the Colosseum itself fills its arena with water to recreate naval combat!’
Never did I imagine I’d experience it firsthand…!
As Doran and the Goblins, struggling to maintain their footing on the rapidly narrowing platform, plunged into the water, the Announcer’s voice erupted with delight.
“We simply cannot omit aquatic combat at Ludus Magna Arena! Originally, we had planned to unveil this after completing renovations, but we’re revealing it early just for you!”
As if on cue, the iron gate opposite swung open, and Gladiators emerged aboard a Sailing Ship, bristling with an arsenal of weaponry.
Meanwhile, the Goblins, suddenly trapped like rats in a cage, flailed desperately, clawing their way toward any floating debris they could find.
The spectators erupted in cheers at the sudden transformation of the Battlefield, but their enthusiasm quickly faded into furrowed brows and murmurs.
There was simply no conceivable way for the Goblins to achieve victory in this arena!
Even if they somehow evaded the shark swarms through swimming, there existed no method whatsoever to defeat the Gladiators aboard that Sailing Ship.
“So Gobgillian’s story ends here. What a shame.”
“Sigh, I always suspected this Arena was taking bribes from the nobles. There’s no way they’d let a mere Goblin win the championship.”
“That’s cowardly! Fight fairly! I wagered everything on Gobgillian!”
Jeers erupted from the crowd, but the Announcer pressed forward with the match, deaf to their protests.
“This is today’s final spectacle! After this match concludes, the surviving Gladiators will face off in the ultimate championship bout… Wait? Hold on! Something seems amiss! The Goblin is standing on the water on two feet!!”
The Announcer, mid-commentary, locked his gaze on a single point and cried out in disbelief.
The spectators, who had been clicking their tongues in disapproval mere moments before, now doubted their own eyes.
And Doran himself was equally astonished.
Ding—!
“[Leviathan’s Blessing] effect is now active!”
“Your current stats are dramatically enhanced! You can manifest a portion of the Boss Monster’s blessing!”
“[Water Walking] ability is temporarily activated!”
“You are one recognized by the Abyss Lord! You will not be attacked by the ravenous sharks!”
‘Tch…!’
I released the concentrated energy beneath my feet and dove beneath the surface.
But I quickly tilted my head, reconsidering.
‘Wait… do I really need to hide this?’
My objective is to prevent a champion from being crowned in this Tournament.
I’ve successfully beaten down monsters and Gladiators thus far, and once I eliminate those aboard that ship, the match will automatically be suspended.
‘Besides… no one here knows my true identity…!’
Which meant there would be no repercussions, no matter how much chaos I caused.
I split my lips into a grin and smoothly rose completely above the water’s surface.
“What, what is this? By any measure, that Goblin is definitely standing on the water?”
“Impossible. There must be some wooden plank or something beneath its feet.”
As the spectators murmured and exchanged whispers, the Announcer’s voice thundered across the arena.
“Now then, to add some excitement, let us introduce a special condition! Whoever silences that Goblin shall receive an extraordinary bonus in the next match!”
“A special bonus, you say?!”
“Wait! That Goblin’s head is mine!”
The Gladiators on the Sailing Ship unleashed arrows and harpoons in rapid succession.
Yet their attacks inflicted no damage whatsoever.
Around my body, the currents began to swirl in an otherworldly vortex.
｢Leviathan’s Blessing—I am wielding the ‘Water Current Manipulation’ ability!｣
｢All beneficial water-attribute magical effects are amplified!｣
｢Enhanced by [Chaos], I can now freely command a portion of Leviathan’s divine power!｣
The ferociously spinning currents deflected every assault as though an invisible shield had materialized.
The whirlpool absorbed the surrounding water, growing ever more formidable with each passing moment.
“What… what is this…?”
“The water… all the water is being sucked toward that Goblin!”
By the time the terrified Gladiators attempted to retreat, it was already too late.
─Engulf them!
From where I stood, a colossal wave erupted as though to swallow the entire Battle Ground whole, crashing down upon the Sailing Ship with devastating force.
I did not stop there—I commanded the schools of sharks circling nearby.
─Sweep them all away!!
As the sharks tore ferociously at the ship’s hull and lashed it with their tails, the Gladiators on the tilting Deck clung desperately to masts and railings, their faces drained of all color.
─Kahahaha!! Goblins! Is this all you landlubbers have to offer?!
I, who have only recently returned from facing the lord of the Deep Sea itself!
From my throne upon the raging waves, I gazed down at the terrified Gladiators and laughed with unbridled malice.
Without hesitation, I lowered my hand.
Roooaaarrr─!!
A colossal wave crashed down upon the Sailing Ship.
The vessel shattered into splinters, capsizing as the Gladiators screamed, losing their footing and plunging into the depths below.
Gone was their valor on solid ground—now they flailed about like drowning rats, their cries for mercy echoing across the water.
Realizing the situation had spiraled beyond control, Arena Management dispatched an Archer and a Mage to intervene, but this domain had become mine alone.
They were struck by a powerful column of water and sent sliding—splash!—directly into the pool.
─No need to kill them. Simply frighten them sufficiently. And do retrieve my subordinates who are struggling over there.
As the sharks lightly gnawed at the Gladiators’ limbs and hindered their swimming, the spectators who had witnessed everything from the beginning stood frozen in shock.
“Im, impossible…! That’s magic!”
“Gobgillian is summoning a tidal wave!! And… is he even controlling the sharks?!”
A single Goblin conjuring tidal waves as though a deity of the Sea itself—a sight that defied all natural law.
With stat notifications ringing out incessantly, I turned my gaze toward the Arena Stands.
‘If I’m going to cause chaos, I might as well do it thoroughly.’
Since I’ve come this far, I might as well destroy the Battle Ground so thoroughly that it cannot be used for some time.
I manipulated the water currents to obliterate the railings of the Spectator Seating.
｢I am destroying the Arena!｣
“The spectators are screaming and beginning to evacuate! Some of those already captivated by you are even offering enthusiastic praise for your actions as they flee!”
“Your intelligence stat temporarily surges explosively!”
“The absolute being, the Father of Tides, watches your actions with great interest!”
This is true chaos. Indiscriminate destruction.
‘This should be enough.’
I had accomplished my primary objective—preventing a Tournament champion from being crowned.
I had vented my stress thoroughly, and I had also obtained information that a nobleman was the one who provided Belmont’s ring.
Doran manipulated the water currents to lift the trembling Goblins from the raft up to the surface.
—Escape.
—B-boss…?
—If you flee now under the cover of this chaos, you’ll be able to slip through the City Gate safely. Leave before I change my mind. And free those horses in the Iron Cage while you’re at it.
—I-I will never forget this kindness! Gobgillian!
—Neeeigh…!
“The Goblin tribe escapes from the Arena, causing minor chaos throughout Ludus Magna!”
“The flaming-maned war horses are galloping through the City! They would eagerly carry you on their backs again if given the chance!”
‘Ah, and one more thing.’
Doran lightly kicked the Announcer, who stood staring blankly at the half-destroyed Arena, into the water.
He wouldn’t die, but he’d certainly be shaken for a while.
Doran, wrapped in a crimson cloth, leisurely exited the Arena through the main entrance.
* * *
Doran’s party gathered at the Shabby Tavern in Back Alley, leaving the glory of victory behind.
Though far removed from the splendor of the entertainment district, it was a perfect place to converse freely without worrying about prying eyes.
Malton looked around the rented seating and clinked his beer mug against mine.
“Ahhh… that was truly exhilarating, Doran. Sweeping away all those Gladiators like that. How on earth did you come up with the idea of using the crimson cloth to lure the Bull?”
“Well? Wasn’t it quite the spectacle?”
“A spectacle? I thought I’d die from anxiety! When you charged head-on at the Lion… honestly… please consider our feelings, having to sit there and just watch.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
I took a long sip of beer and gazed out the window.
Outside the tavern, in the still-bustling streets, Bards were singing vibrant songs celebrating Gobgillian.
“It’s surprising… I thought more people would dislike it since you shot water cannons at the spectator seating at the end.”
“Since no one was injured, it seems to have been treated as a pleasant incident. Besides, there had been complaints about the Arena’s management practices for some time. And now that you’ve put on a spectacular show and given the Announcer a proper beating, everyone’s delighted.”
“I see.”
I nodded with satisfaction.
But noticing someone had gone quiet, I turned to see Karen staring intently at me.
After hesitating for a while, she finally spoke in a low voice.
“…You’re not injured, are you?”
“No, I’m perfectly fine, so don’t worry. …Oh, and I overheard something from the Announcer. It seems the person who provided the ring to the Arena was of noble birth.”
“A noble? What could such a person possibly need that they’d hand over a ring to the Arena?”
“Could it be a fallen noble trying to raise quick funds, sister?”
“Perhaps… but we’ll be able to confirm it directly soon enough.”
“It’s time we made our move.”
Malton’s signal came as he studied the clock, and I rose from my seat with a nod.
Draped in black robes and a mask optimized for concealment.
Now it was time to follow the carriage and meet those who had taken Belmont.
‘A transmigrator, huh… Let me see that face of yours.’
I slipped quietly out of the tavern, my hand brushing against my sword hilt.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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