Surviving The Game as a Barbarian (Novel) Chapter 1, 2, 3

 

C1, 2, 3

Chapter 1: Surviving the Game as a Barbarian

I couldn't even beat the 2D version, but you want me to beat this in real life?

Maybe I'll have to live here forever.

Well, even that wouldn't be easy.

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Surviving the Game as a Barbarian 


I've loved games since I was a kid.

The reason was simple.

Since I was always in the hospital, I naturally had nothing to do but play games, and as time went on, games became a part of my life.

But anything gets boring and tiring if you do it for a long time.

"Ah, shit... Is that AI judgment for real? Why did you heal him there?"

At some point, no matter what game I played, it wasn't as fun as before.

AOS, RPG, FPS, it wasn't a genre problem.

The games that came out every year were all like garbage. The stories and worldviews were similar, and the systems lacked depth.

I wanted a game with something more special.

That's when I found [Dungeon and Stone].

Tadadat. Click, click.

The genre was single RPG.

It was a foreign indie game.

There was no Korean language support, and it used 2D pixel graphics, which are rare these days.

To be honest, it was far from my taste.

But since it was free, I installed the game with the intention of trying it out, and soon I was hooked on it.

"Wow, I almost died because of that priest bastard."

It was a unique game in many ways.

When a character died, you had to raise it from the beginning.

NPC companions were essential for game progress, and despite being a vertical scrolling game, the degree of freedom was also very high.

The skill system and worldview were also attractive, and the story was interesting even though I read it in English.

Decisively, this game had an unknown specialness.

Tadadat, tadadadak.

I, who was a social service worker assigned to the subway at the time, began to delve into [Dungeon and Stone] in earnest.

It wasn't easy.

Combat in this game wasn't just about HP/MP.

Even at full HP, one misjudgment would wipe out the character I had painstakingly raised for three months.

"...Let's go."

Having not even reached the middle of the game for over two years, I swallowed my pride and searched for a strategy.

I had to translate and read English because it wasn't even searchable on Korean portals, but even that wasn't very meaningful.

There weren't many users overseas either, so there weren't many related posts and they were of little value.

Compared to those who played for a month or two and said it was a trash game, I had a much better understanding of the game, having studied it seriously for two years.

So I stopped looking for strategies.

"Up three times, left four times, down once, left twice, up six again, right four times. Avoid the trap at the end... Okay."

Anyway, wasn't this the game I finally found after searching for something to enjoy? I decided to do it on my own no matter how long it took.

And…….

"Phew."

And so, here I am.

「Gate of the Abyss」

My character is now standing in front of the portal leading to the final boss room.

Of course, it will be a few more times before I get to the ending. It's not the kind of game where you can beat the boss in just one try.

Nevertheless, I can feel how nervous I am from my stiff fingertips.

"The final boss..."

It may be nothing to someone.

But it took me nine years to get here.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that I spent my entire 20s with it.

On the day of my discharge from social service, on the day I went back to school after a long time and applied for reinstatement, and on the day I received a text message of acceptance from the job I wanted after graduation.

I've always played [Dungeon and Stone].

「Would you like to enter?」

As I manipulate the character to approach the portal, a question pops up asking if I want to enter.

Of course, I press YES.

But maybe because it's the final boss room, another message pops up that looks like something's going on.

「You may not be able to return.」

「Do you really want to enter?」

From the player's point of view, it was an unnecessary production.

Then why wouldn't I go in here?

「Yes / No」

When I pressed Yes, the screen transitioned to the loading screen.

Looking at the blackened monitor, I focused my concentration.

How many patterns does this guy have? Attributes? He'll definitely have an instant death move. Hmm, let's give up on trying to succeed on the first try and gather as much information as possible. I might have to completely change the way I raise my character or the party combination.

My brain, stimulated by excitement and anticipation, could only think about the final boss.

That's why it took me a while to notice.

「You have reached the abyss.」

「Tutorial complete.」

Tutorial complete?

No, more importantly, why is it in Korean? Didn't [Dungeon and Stone] only support English?

「Starting transmission.」

As I sensed the discrepancy, a bright light burst out.

It was a light so intense that I couldn't even imagine it coming from the monitor.

"Argh, fuck! My eyes!"

Everything turns white in an instant.

Tinnitus rang in my ears, and an unknown heat spread over my skin. My mind quickly became hazy as if I had been injected with an anesthetic.

Flash-!

Feeling the light grow even stronger, I lost consciousness.

And when I opened my eyes again.

I had become a Barbarian in the game.


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Chapter 2: Tutorial (1)
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I close my eyes.

And I ask myself.

If this is the introduction of a very, very unfriendly game, what should I do now?

'First, grasp the situation and gather information.'

Phew, I think I'm coming to my senses a bit.

Remembering the first task I set for myself, I slowly open my eyes and check my surroundings again.

Unfortunately, nothing has changed.

"......"

The fact that I'm in a clearing in the forest.

The fact that what illuminates the dark surroundings is not an LED streetlight but a flickering torch.

And most importantly, the fact that muscular barbarians are swarming everywhere I look, north, south, east, and west.......

"Congratulations! Young warriors!"

Fuck, I wasn't seeing things after all.

I don't know what they're doing gathered together in the middle of the night, but their expressions are quite solemn.

Is that guy in the middle some kind of chieftain?

Well, that won't be important.

"From today, you will leave the sanctuary and become true warriors!"

Ignoring the chieftain's words, I close my eyes.

I'm not a doctor, but let's try a self-diagnosis. I have blackout symptoms.

I don't know why I'm here.

"Now, come out one by one and choose the weapon that suits you!"

So let's try.

What was I doing just now?

I'm not sure if there's something wrong with my brain, but as I retrace my steps, I soon remember.

I was playing a game.

I had reached the final boss room, and I was suppressing my excitement as I activated the portal. Then suddenly, messages like "Tutorial complete" and "Starting transmission" popped up, and a bright light burst out. And then.......

When I came to my senses, it was now.

Somehow, I'm more confused than before.

"Karak, the third son of Fanun, come out!"

I decide to check my physical condition first.

I don't feel any pain, but you never know.

With that thought, I lower my head and freeze in shock.

...What is this again?

"A two-handed axe! Excellent!"

The hand I'm looking down at is brutally large. And surprisingly, it moves according to my will.

I check other places, and it's a mess.

Not only is my upper body bare, but all sorts of tattoos are drawn on my bulging muscles.

...No wonder everyone looks so big, but our eye level is the same.

I try to organize the situation.

No, actually, there's nothing to organize.

For some reason, I've become a barbarian without even knowing it.

"Karak, the third son of Fanun! You are now a warrior!"

Kidnapping, hidden camera, psychological experiment, etc.

I immediately erase similar possibilities from my mind. The situation is too bizarre to force reasons into it while hoping for the best.

It's more productive to acknowledge what needs to be acknowledged and move on.

What's happening to me now is something that can't be explained by science or modern knowledge.

There's more than enough evidence besides this big body.

"Next!"

First, the language that barbarian is using is not Korean, English, or Spanish.

It's a language I've never encountered in any media my entire life.

The problem is that I can understand it naturally as if it were my native language.

As if the knowledge had been engraved in my head.

"Ainar, the second daughter of Frenelin, come out!"

Second, I'm familiar with this situation.

I know it sounds weird, but it really is.

At first, everything was unfamiliar, but once I came to my senses a bit, I felt a strange sense of déjà vu.

"You chose a sword! A good choice that suits your intelligence!"

The young barbarians choose their weapons one by one.

That's the only thing they have in common, but.......

It reminds me of the introduction of [Dungeon and Stone].

Specifically, when I chose 'Barbarian' among the various races, the game started like this.

But is this really a coincidence?

The game I was playing when the mysterious light swallowed me was also [Dungeon and Stone], and even the main character I was playing was a 'Barbarian'?

"Ainar, the second daughter of Frenelin! You are now a warrior. May the blessings of 'Lafdonia' be with you!"

'This is crazy...'

I decide to stop organizing the remaining evidence.

Lafdonia.

This proper noun that the chieftain just mentioned makes everything meaningless.

I now know where this is.

The world of the game I've been playing for almost 10 years.

"Dun, Dungeon and Stone."

Uh, who is this again? Why are you speaking for me?

Glancing at the barbarian next to me, I freeze in shock. He was clearly different from the other barbarians.

"What, what is this? Why am I here..."

His breath is ragged, and his eyes are full of confusion.

He knows [Dungeon and Stone] too. Is he in the same situation as me?

I felt the need to check, but unfortunately, I couldn't even attempt to.

"Who just spoke!"

My head goes numb for a moment at the loud voice.

Of course, it doesn't last long.

I can't tell when he came, but looking at the chieftain looking down at me, I come to my senses.

"Was it you?"

I shake my head as soon as I'm asked. And naturally, I look at the barbarian next to me.

It's an action so quick that even I'm impressed.

The chieftain also shifts his gaze to the barbarian next to me instead of continuing to question me.

Sorry, but it was you. You spoke.

"Was it you?"

"Yes?"

"I asked if it was you who just mumbled."

I'm just now realizing it, but the chieftain's expression is not normal. It doesn't seem like it's just because he spoke out loud.......

"Ah, you mean Dungeon and Stone? But... why?"

The guy still doesn't seem to notice the atmosphere.

"It was you..."

The chieftain grits his teeth, and for a brief moment, a look of pity crosses his eyes.

Feeling an inexplicable sense of foreboding, I unconsciously take a step back.

That's when the guy tilts his head and asks.

"This is like an event, right? Ah, maybe I figured it out too quickly and that's the problem—"

Whatever it was, I couldn't see it with my eyes.

Something flashed, and then a chilling sound came.

Swish-

That was all there was to it.

The fleeting moment passes, and a head falls with a thud, rolling around.

A cruel sight that seems unreal.

My eyes transmit the information they just saw to my brain.

"......"

A person's neck was cut off in front of me. I can see the bones and the cross-section of the muscles. Something white splatters on my face along with blood and flesh. What is this? Fat?

Hmm, I don't know.

It's not as shocking as I thought it would be.

Pshhhhhhhhhhh!

Even as I watch the fountain of blood gushing from the man's neck, only one question fills my mind.

Why on earth did the chieftain kill him?

"An 'evil spirit' has possessed the soul of Orm, son of Kadua. Young warriors, erase all the words the evil spirit just uttered from your memories!"

The moment I hear the chieftain's words, information naturally combines in my mind.

Information 1: I am an evil spirit.

Information 2: If this is discovered, I die.

Information 3: I could have ended up like that if I had been careless.

Once I reach this conclusion, a chill runs down my spine, which had been fine even when the man's neck was cut off.

"Vulcan! You must inform the temple of this along with the body!"

"What will you do with the coming-of-age ceremony?"

"We will proceed!"

Despite the bloodshed, the coming-of-age ceremony continues.

It seems like this kind of thing is common here; there's no one who even blinks an eye. This is the same for the young warriors around me.

But maybe it's because I've played so many unfriendly games?

Without anyone telling me, I clearly understand what I need to do now.

—Without letting anyone discover that you are an evil spirit, successfully complete the coming-of-age ceremony.

If this were a friendly game, a message like that would have popped up.

Engraving the updated task in my mind, I force my body to stop trembling. And I act out my expression, using the attitude of the others as a guideline.

No one should feel any sense of incongruity from me.

To them, I'm no different from an 'evil spirit' who has taken over the body of its master.

"Next!"

When my thoughts continue from there, my heart skips a beat.

"Serum, the fourth son of Kenik, come out!"

I don't know my name.

This is a serious problem that could cost me my life.

If I just stand there while my name is called, it will definitely look suspicious.

"Next!"

Of course, I could pretend I misheard.

That would certainly be the more likely scenario.

But if you ask me if I can be sure, that's a completely different story. What if that's not the case? What if the chieftain asks me a question because he finds me suspicious?

I won't be able to answer anything.

"Next!"

Did the anxious feeling stimulate the hormones in my brain?

Positive thoughts start popping up for no reason.

Weak thoughts like, 'If I'm called last, it doesn't matter if I don't know my name, right?'

"Next!"

I feel pathetic.

Relying on luck?

When I've never been lucky in my entire life? The fact that I got dragged into this place while playing a game is proof enough.

To overcome this crisis, I need a much more likely plan.

"Next!"

That's why I keep observing my surroundings.

With my chin facing forward, I use my eyes to observe and study the expressions, movements, and habits of the others.

As I do this, a way comes to mind.

"Next!"

"Next!"

"Next!"

The roll call continues.

Each time, I count about 2 seconds in my head.

When I repeat this eight times.

"Bjorn, son of Yandel, come out!"

Finally, the moment I've been waiting for arrives.

2 seconds pass after the roll call, and no one takes a step.

The moment I realize this, I step forward. And with my shoulders proudly squared, I walk towards the chieftain.

Thud.

I'm not unafraid.

Even as I take this step, I'm not sure if that's really my name.

Thud.

If my judgment is wrong, that crazy chieftain will definitely call me out for being suspicious.

And he'll ask, "Who's your mother?"

I won't be able to answer.

But.

Thud.

I don't hesitate.

Even though my heart is pounding, I keep walking forward, regulating my breathing.

It's a simple reason.

I judged this to be the most likely path.

"Young warrior, choose the weapon you desire!"

As a result, my choice was correct.

There's no suspicion in the chieftain's eyes as he looks at me.

A gentle gaze, just like when he looks at the other young warriors.

I suppress a strange excitement and steady my breath.

I survived.
______________________________________________

It hasn't even been 10 minutes since I opened my eyes.

But I've accepted the reality I'm facing as it is.

To some, I might seem strange, but.......

Denial is meaningless.

This isn't a dream.

'Bjorn Yandel.'

From now on, I have to live with this name.

No, not just the name, but I have to become this barbarian completely.

I don't know for how long.

Whether it's possible to go back home, and if it is, what I have to do.......

I still don't know anything.

Well, I guess it's possible that I can go back if I fulfill the game's clear conditions.

But it's too early to say for sure.

Honestly, I hope not.

No, I haven't even beaten the 2D version yet, how am I supposed to beat this in real life?

Maybe I'll have to live here forever.

"......"

In that sense, choosing a weapon was important.

I thought it might look suspicious if I dragged it out, so I carefully examined each weapon.

One-handed swords, two-handed greatswords, maces, clubs, spears, harpoons, two-handed axes, flails, sledgehammers, etc.

There were no bows or staffs at all.

These barbarians don't even consider easy-mode jobs like healers, mages, or archers.

It's only natural, considering the racial characteristics.

"Bjorn, son of Yandel! Choose your weapon quickly!"

As the time for choosing dragged on, even the chieftain started to urge me.

I went over my thoughts one last time.

Barbarians have no innate magical talent, but they have powerful physical abilities.

That's why, when I raised a barbarian, I always gave them a melee weapon and put them in the front line.

Out of curiosity, I tried raising a bow barbarian, but it wasn't that great.

Their true value was always shown in close combat.

And among them.......

'This.'

After much deliberation, I chose a weapon.

"Hmm."

The chieftain, who had been adding compliments and admiration to each choice, showed a strange reaction for the first time.

I could fully understand his feelings.

"Bjorn, son of Yandel! You are now a warrior!"

I chose a weapon that no one else had chosen.
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At that moment, in the dark room where the flash had subsided.

「Synchronization complete.」

「Character information and logs are being recorded and transmitted to the administrator.」

The fan of the computer that had been turned off starts to spin, and the light leaking from the monitor illuminates the empty room.

However, the booting doesn't proceed normally.

Beep, beep, beep—

The typing continues on the black DOS screen, as if there's an error, in sync with the beeps.

「The coming-of-age ceremony has been successfully completed.」

「New equipment has been equipped.」

「Total item level has increased by +12…….」

「…….」

As if someone is writing it down in real-time even at this moment, only those sounds quietly resonate in the ownerless room.

Endlessly, continuously.

「Bjorn Yandel」

Level: 1

Physical: 25 / Mental: 35 / Ability: 1

Item Level: 24 (New +24)

Total Combat Index: 67 (New+6)

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Chapter 3: Tutorial (2)
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Barbarian.

When I first played this race, which literally means 'barbarian,' I chose a greatsword.

Well, because it's cool.

If you're a man, you have the desire to hold swords in both hands and spin like crazy in the middle of the enemy lines, swinging your swords.

'The problem was, they died too easily.'

I was drawn to the barbarian character and started researching. How could I raise a barbarian that could also survive?

I tried many things, but barbarians still died too easily. No matter how much I tried to increase their survivability, they just became berserkers.

It was unstable because I had to walk a tightrope in every battle.

Then, at some point, I felt a sense of doubt.

'Do I have to use them as a damage dealer?'

Barbarians have the highest vitality among the selectable races, and their strength expectancy is also high, so they can even equip adamantium equipment.

Although they're not as good as dwarves, who have incredible special abilities, they have the basic qualities of a tank.

Well, apart from that, I didn't really want to play a barbarian tank...

But I decided to try it because I felt it was a waste of all the research I had done.

And after going through a few trial and errors and creating a build...

'What the, this OP character.'

I abandoned the dwarf I had originally used as a tank without any regrets.

So what if they can't have flashy battles?

I've always valued efficiency, and as a gamer, I could throw away my personal preferences if it helped me clear the game.

Just like the decision I've made now.

Thud.

After choosing my weapon and returning to my spot, I can feel the other barbarians staring at me.

What are you looking at? Never seen a shield barbarian before?

I return to my spot with a confident demeanor, showing no fear, just like a barbarian should.

This time, I don't even need to act.

"Next!"

I have no regrets about my decision.

There are three reasons.

One, shields are the most expensive starting weapon when resold.

Two, even if I were to wield a bladed weapon right now, there's a high chance I wouldn't be able to use it properly.

Three, ultimately, what I'm aiming for is a shield barbarian.

Today, I made the most rational decision I could.

"You are now a warrior!"

After choosing a weapon and turning back, I finally have some time.

While the other barbarians are going through the coming-of-age ceremony, I decide to try and figure out the cause of this current situation. Actually, it's something I should have addressed earlier, but...

Well, what can I do?

Thinking about that would have gotten me killed.

「You have reached the abyss.」

Let's sort it out now.

I reached the final boss room.

That was probably the trigger.

'Wait a minute, then what about the guy who died earlier? Did he also reach the final boss room?'

...Maybe he did.

There are many people in the world, and among them, there are strange people like me. Anyway, let's move on from this part.

「Tutorial complete.」

This is how I interpreted this message.

I've been told everything I need to know, so use this knowledge to survive well.

Whoever it is, they're a vicious bastard.

If they really wanted me to survive, they should have at least given me the setting of being an 'evil spirit' or whatever.

I almost died as soon as I got here. You son of a bitch.

"Phew..."

Is it because I'm in a barbarian's body? I can't control my emotions like I usually do.

That's why I stopped my thoughts here.

If I get worked up for no reason, I might mess things up, and besides, it's not like me to stress out over the cause.

What's done is done, and it can't be undone.

It's more productive to think about how to overcome it in the future.

So...

Yeah, let's just think about that for now.

'Survival.'

_______________________________________

The coming-of-age ceremony is over.

And I'm walking along a forest path.

The chieftain is in front, and the young barbarians are behind.

Everyone looks happy, as if they're on a picnic.

But I can't genuinely smile like them.

Because I know their final destination.

"Halt!"

We pass through the thick bushes and arrive in front of a wall that must be at least 30 meters tall.

"Open the gate!"

The gate opens with a clunky mechanical sound.

It's so slow that it almost makes me yawn.

But the young barbarians watch as if they've forgotten to breathe. In the strange silence, the gray city finally reveals itself beyond the gate.

"Lafdonia..."

I guess even at this moment, my eyes are not much different from theirs.

The well-maintained roads and stone buildings.

The spire soaring high into the sky that can be seen between them.

I never dreamed that I would see the scene I had only seen in loading screen illustrations in person.

Damn it.

"Warriors!"

As the gate opens, the chieftain turns around and shouts.

I thought he might say something nice before sending them off, but...

"Go! Your destiny lies there!"

Barbarians don't need boring speeches.

"Waaaaaaaaaaaa!"

The newly-adult barbarians run into the city, shouting. I follow behind, shouting reluctantly.

There might be people sleeping soundly in those dark buildings, but who cares?

I'm a barbarian.

Boom!

I hear the gate closing behind me.

Of course, none of the barbarians care.

The excited barbarians run for a while before finally calming down and slowing down, and only then can I calmly continue my thoughts.

Currently, I have conflicting emotions.

"......"

Fear of the situation I'm facing.

And a certain sense of anticipation at becoming a part of the world of the game I enjoyed playing the most.

It's a bit funny.

It was just a moment ago that I decided to only think about survival, but emotions like this are welling up.

...I guess I'm not normal.

Though I'm probably not as bad as these barbarians.

"Halt!"

The leader-like barbarian who was running at the front stops and turns around, shouting proudly.

"I think we're lost!"

The barbarians murmur at the shocking confession.

"Karak, the third son of Fanun, led us astray!"

"He is not qualified to be the leader!"

"He must take responsibility!"

Bullshit. They were following him just fine.

Is this barbarian society? It's ruthless.

"I understand. Stop it. I admit I'm not qualified and will step down as leader."

At the continued complaints, Karak, the third son of Fanun, lowers his head deeply and returns to the group.

The next leader chosen is a female barbarian.

"Ainar, the second daughter of Frenelin!"

"The wise Ainar can lead us on the right path!"

At the many hopeful words, the female barbarian leads the group at the front with a happy face.

However, it doesn't take long for her to follow the same path as the previous leader.

"...I think we're lost."

Surprisingly, what they say is exactly the same, word for word.

"No way! We have to get to the labyrinth within the allotted time!"

"Ainar is not qualified to be the leader!"

"That's right!"

The confused barbarians begin to seriously discuss who to elect as the third leader.

"Jin, the second son of Tetran, seems like a good choice."

"No, I don't think so. Rather..."

Do these guys have no brains?

Do they really not realize that no matter who leads, we won't reach our destination?

Maybe it'll even be my turn.

"......"

I quietly step back and approach the second leader.

She, with her large build just under 2 meters, stands slightly away from the group with a dejected expression.

"Bjorn, son of Yandel? Are you here to blame me too?"

No way.

As far as I can see, they're all the same.

When I shake my head, the female barbarian tilts her head.

"Then why? I don't need consolation."

"No. I've come to tell you how to find the way."

"...Is that true? But how?"

I point to one place with my hand.

"Just follow them."

"Just follow them?"

She looks like she can't believe it at all.

I exercise patience and explain step by step, using logical steps.

A city at midnight. All the buildings on the main street have their lights off. But there are quite a few people walking the streets for such a late hour.

They're all armed, not in everyday clothes.

Where would such people be going?

"Indeed. Now that I see it, it seems so. I'll give it a try."

The female barbarian returns to the group and shouts, "I found the way!" and the barbarians stop choosing the third leader and cheer.

"As expected of Ainar!"

"Wise warrior!"

Anyway, the group starts moving again.

I'm not sure if we're going the right way, but as time goes on, the number of armed people around us increases.

And now, I can even see a cluster of lights spreading out in the distance.

If we've come this far, we won't get lost, at least.

"It's the labyrinth! I can see the labyrinth!"

"The sacred dimension of battle!"

I pick up where I left off with my thoughts.

My biggest concern right now is whether entering the labyrinth is the right decision.

"I can feel it! The labyrinth is calling to my soul!"

The barbarians, lost in a frenzy of excitement, won't even notice if I quietly slip away from the group.

Then I don't have to enter the labyrinth.

I don't have to fight monsters and shed blood.

But even though I know that better than anyone, I still haven't come to a conclusion on this matter.

'Because I know running away won't be the solution.'

[Dungeon and Stone] has a tax system.

From the age of 20, all citizens have to pay taxes, and if they can't pay, they are executed.

If you just hear this, you might think it's some kind of trash game, but if you look at the lore, there are reasons that make it somewhat understandable.

It's not something I need to worry about yet, but...

"Ainar! Let's pick up the pace!"

"Woooooooo!"

Anyway, I need to make money.

Of course, that doesn't mean I have to enter the labyrinth and fight monsters.

Even if I work at a tavern, I should be able to get by for now with food and a place to sleep.

...If I wasn't a barbarian.

Barbarians are the only race that receives weapons from the start of the game.

The reason is quite simple.

[Barbarian? I'm sorry, someone just got rescued.]

[Get out of here? I have no work for a barbarian! What are you going to break this time!]

Barbarians can't do normal jobs.

According to the game's settings, they have no way of making a living except for fighting monsters in the labyrinth.

Well, it's still unknown how things will actually be.

Maybe I'll be able to find a job more easily than I think.

But there's one thing that makes me hesitate to leave the group just based on that hope.

"10 minutes until closure! Please enter quickly!"

The labyrinth opens once a month in game time.

In other words, if I can't enter this time, I have to survive in this city for a month.

But what if I can't find a job?

What if no one hires me because I'm a barbarian?

Well, the future looks bleak.

I can survive for a week with the food the chieftain gave me, but after that, I'll have to scavenge for scraps and leftovers.

Maybe I'll starve to death before that.

One thing is clear: even if I survive that long, my body won't be the same as it is now.

"I'll go in first!"

"No, I'm first!"

Hunger, cold, sleeping in unsanitary conditions.

I know better than anyone how fatal these things are to the human body.

So, if I'm going to enter anyway, it's more rational to do so when I'm in the best condition.

'The problem is that it might just shorten my lifespan.'

As my worries deepen, it's then.

"Bjorn, son of Yandel!"

Someone grabs my shoulder.

I check, and it's that female barbarian from earlier.

Her name was...

"Ainar, the third daughter of Frenelin."

"Second daughter."

Anyway, what does she want from me?

"The other warriors have already entered the labyrinth. Only you and I are left."

"Ah."

No wonder it's so quiet.

I check, and there are very few people left in the square, let alone the other barbarians. It seems Ainar came to look after me as the second leader because I was just standing there.

"We have to hurry. We don't have much time because we arrived late."

At her words, I raise my head and look straight ahead.

The portal, which had been emitting a strong light even from afar, has already become noticeably smaller.

"5 minutes until closure!"

Just in time, the guide announces the remaining time once again.

5 minutes, that's tighter than I thought.

I need to make a decision soon, but...

"Go in first. I'll follow right behind."

"Alright."

Ainar nods and heads towards the portal, and my worries deepen further.

So, what should I do now?

As a hardcore efficiency freak who prefers to do everything quickly, it's not easy for me to make a decision this time.

My actual life is on the line, unlike in the game.

"Bjorn, son of Yandel!"

Just as I'm about to step back unconsciously...

Ainar, who was walking fine, suddenly turns around.

"Thank you for earlier."

"...No need to thank me."

"And there's one thing I want to ask."

Anything but my mother's name.

When I nod, Ainar asks in a 100% sincere voice.

"How can I become as wise as you? You're the smartest barbarian I've ever met. I want to be like you."

That's a tough question to answer. How can I become smarter? Honestly, wouldn't it be faster to just be born again?.......

Wait, why am I even thinking about this?

Let's just give her a rough answer and send her on her way.

"Always think and then act."

"Hmm, I see!"

It was something I said without much thought, but Ainar ponders my words with a serious expression.

And then she says something a little unexpected.

"Thank you for the advice. If I make it out of the labyrinth alive, I'll repay you."

If she makes it out alive?

It sounds too strange coming from a barbarian.

So, unlike myself, I blurt out an unnecessary question.

"...Do you fear death?"

"Isn't that obvious? Of course, I fear death. Probably the other warriors do too, even if they don't show it."

Is that so?

Honestly, even if she says that, it doesn't really resonate with me.

The barbarians in the game were beings who knew no fear.

And they didn't seem much different in real life either.

When I remain silent, Ainar adds an explanation.

"We were born as warriors. If we can't fight, we die."

Her speech is awkward and stiff, but somehow, I can fully understand what she's trying to say.

"I see."

Just like me, they also have no choice.

Because they were born as barbarians.

Because if they can't kill monsters in the labyrinth, they can't survive in this city.

That's why they learned from a young age how to overcome fear and move forward.

Yes, that was all.

The reason they seemed like barbarians was...

"Let's meet again, alive. Bjorn, son of Yandel."

Soon, Ainar enters the portal.

"1 minute until closure!"

Now, there's nothing left to hold me back.

Only my choice remains.

Just like the message that appeared when I entered the final boss room, there are two options.

「Yes / No」

Somehow, my complicated mind clears up.

Yeah, let's just think of it as playing a game.

When I play games, I always focus on efficiency for the sake of my goals.

Before I act, I consider the possibilities, and I always think about the next step after that.

If I judged that something would result in a loss even if it brought immediate benefits, I chose 'No.'

If it was the opposite, I chose 'Yes.'

That's why I never had a choice.

"The gate will close soon! Step back!"

I run forward.

Just like when the chieftain called my name, fear is boiling over from deep within my heart.

That's only natural; I've lived a sickly life, and I don't even have experience with common fistfights.

Let alone fighting monsters?

My legs are already starting to tremble.

"It's dangerous!"

But as long as there's even a slight chance...

I now have the body of a barbarian, powerful beyond comprehension.

I have the knowledge gained from raising characters thousands of times.

And above all, I have the grand goal of survival.

So I have no choice but to do it.

Even though I know better than anyone that this is a terrible ordeal that no sane person would choose...

Because I've come to think that it's the most rational choice—

「You have entered the 1st Floor Crystal Cave.」


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Trial

I like Korean novels (Murim, Dukes, Reincarnation, etc, etc, etc)

2 Comments

  1. Doesn't another group already translate this? What about your other novels?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm uploading them here: https://goftr.com/

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