Old Man: "Huh? Who are you?"
He stared at Guts, who stood just as tall as him.
Guts: "I want to talk. Mind if I come in?"
The way he spoke made it crystal clear: refusing was not an option.
Old Man: "Ah… y-yeah, sure."
His instincts screamed at him—this wasn't someone to say no to.
Guts stepped inside and glanced around. He saw a dusty bar table.
Guts: "So this is a pub? Looks ancient."
Old Man: "What would you like to drink?"
Guts: "Beer. Just a cup of beer."
Old Man: "O-okay."
The man turned toward the keg and started pouring. Once, he had been a famous thief. Over the years, he had developed a powerful sixth sense for danger. And now, for the first time in his life… he felt real fear. The kind that paralyzes you. The man sitting near him radiated death.
Old Man: "H-here's your b-beer, sir…"
Guts took the drink and emptied the cup in one swift motion.
Guts: "Hoooh! That was refreshing… for cheap beer."
Old Man: "R-really? Haha… May I ask what brings you here?"
The air grew heavy as Guts shot him a sharp look.
Guts: "Felt. I'm here to talk to Felt."
Old Man: "Oh…"
Damn it, Felt… You pissed off the wrong guy, he thought.
Guts: "She stole something important. It belongs to a girl I know. I want it back."
Old Man: "O-of course, sir! We just have to wait—she should be back soon."
The tension rose as time passed. Then a knock broke the silence.
Felt (from outside): "Hey, Old Man Rom! It's me!"
The old man—Rom—opened the door, looking nervous. Felt peeked inside.
Felt: "Eh?"
She saw Guts sitting at the table.
Guts: "Yo."
Felt: "You're that guy from earlier, right?"
Guts: "Seems so. Look, stealing's not a great path, especially at your age. Just hand over what you took and I'll leave."
Felt: "Huh? Are you dumb? You think I'll just give it back?"
Rom: "H-hey! You shouldn't mess with this guy… He's way out of your league!"
Felt: "Nah. I was hired to get it. So unless my client shows up, I'm not giving it up. But… if you've got something to trade, maybe I'll consider it."
Guts: "Heh… Acting like an adult already, huh? Fine. How about this?"
He revealed his prosthetic arm. Both Rom and Felt widened their eyes.
Felt: "Not bad. But I care about value, not the item itself. How much is it worth?"
Rom: "Let's say… 50… no, 100 large coins."
Felt: "O-one hundred?! … Ehem. Still, I need to wait for my client. My reputation's at stake."
Guts (thinking):Their currency's kinda like in my world…
Suddenly, the door opened. A tall woman entered, her dress revealing and her steps graceful.
Guts (thinking):This one… she's strong.
Elsa: "Nice to meet you. I'm Elsa Granhiert. I'm here for the item we requested."
Felt: "Yeah, I've got it. But you've got competition."
Elsa's eyes locked onto Guts, who didn't even bother looking at her.
Elsa: "Ara… such a strong and handsome man. Why do you want the insignia?"
Guts: "Personal reasons."
Elsa: "So cold~"
Guts: "Didn't notice."
Elsa giggled, but inside, she felt something else—danger.
This man… wasn't normal.
He was a monster in a human shell.
Someone who had survived more than most armies.
He didn't walk like a man—he walked like death.
Felt: "Let's begin the trade. The guy's offering 100 large coins. What about you?"
Elsa: "Whew… I didn't expect that."
Felt: "So you don't have enough?"
Elsa: "Unfortunately, my client only gave me 20… A shame, really."
Felt: "Then it's settled. Guts wins."
Guts: "No hard feelings, Miss Elsa?"
Elsa: "Oh, no… My client was just stingy."
Guts: "But… the way you gave up—it's like you knew the insignia would be yours no matter what."
Elsa: "Hmm? What do you mean?"
Guts: "You could've used other methods. Like… killing us."
Guts kicked the table forward—just in time to block Elsa's surprise dagger strike.
Guts: "…Like that."
Elsa: "Oh my, you caught on so quickly. How did you notice?"
Guts: "Emotions can be hidden. Bloodlust can't."
He lunged at her, landing a hard kick that sent her flying across the room.
Felt: "What the hell is going on?!"
Rom: "That woman… she was going to kill us and take the insignia. I didn't even notice her intent…"
Elsa stood back up, brushing off the dust.
Elsa: "You don't even hold back for a woman…"
Guts: "A fight is a fight. One mistake and you die. Doesn't matter if it's a woman, child, or anything in between."
Battle had taught him that mercy gets you killed.
Elsa: "Very well… I'll enjoy your death."
Guts: "Tch… Crazy bitch."
Elsa attacked with insane speed. Guts dodged with ease.
Elsa (thinking):He's not even trying…
Guts: "Boring."
He slammed a kick into her stomach.
Felt: "He's so fast!"
Rom: "He's… an elite warrior."
Elsa (grinning): "Ahahaha… Your giant sword… I bet you can't even use it in this small room."
Felt: "She's right! That sword's too big!"
Rom (thinking):Wrong… It's not about the sword. It's about the skill of the one who wields it. And this guy… he's no normal man.
Elsa: "Your useless sword won't help you!"
She rushed behind Guts in a blink.
Elsa: "It was fun… but I win—?!"
Blood trickled down her cheek.
Her killing intent was sharp… but not enough. Not like Zodd. Not like Femto.
Guts: "For a woman, you've got endurance. But you forgot the most important rule of a death match…"
The camera zooms out, revealing Guts holding his massive sword in one hand.
Elsa: "I-It's impossible… That huge sword… You swung it so fast, I didn't even see it!"
Guts: "I can use my sword anywhere. You picked the wrong opponent."
She felt it—the overwhelming presence. Not magical… just pure, terrifying human power.
A warrior who could crush armies. A man hardened by endless battle.
Elsa (giggling): "Ahahaha~ licks lips I love you, Guts."
Guts: "Huh? What the fuck is wrong with you?"
Elsa laughed like a maniac, throwing a barrage of slashes toward him.
Elsa: "Such a man! So strong! I want it—I want all of you!"
She tossed her daggers and leaped at him, aiming straight for his face.
Elsa: "Let's get married!"
Guts: "Agh—Get off me, crazy bitch!"
He shoved her away. She landed, eyes wild with obsession.
Guts (sighing): "I'm getting tired of this…"
She launched again, dagger aimed at his neck—
—but suddenly, a massive spear struck between them.
Emilia: "That's enough!"