Surviving The Game as a Barbarian (Novel) Chapter 295, 296, 297

   

C295, 296, 297

Chapter 295: Newbie (3)

I turned my head and looked at the hand on my shoulder.

A ring with a unique pattern was on his index finger.

“A subspace ring.”

My heart pounded.

What was inside that ring?

It felt like looking at an unopened random box.

Swoosh.

My hand reached for the ring.

My treasure…

“…What the hell!”

The man quickly pulled his hand away as if he was disgusted.

“Barbarian, you bastard! You…!”

I could tell what he was misunderstanding from his terrified eyes.

His companions also muttered,

“No wonder a barbarian was a newbie.”

“A normal person wouldn’t come down to this city.”

“This is why he was kicked out of his tribe…”

What the hell are these crazy bastards talking about?

I had to clear up the misunderstanding.

So I quickly punched him.

Thwack!

My first target was Bucktooth, who had dared to put his hand on my shoulder and act friendly.

“Ugh!”

Something white flew out of his mouth.

Bucktooth was cured with a single punch.

“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!”

As soon as I let out a battle cry, the surrounding explorers stepped back, creating space.

“Fight!”

“Waaaaaaaaaa!”

“The newbie is fighting Rex’s gang!!”

This isn’t a school classroom.

Even the employees at the counters just sighed with a ‘Not again’ expression.

Right, so no one’s going to stop us?

‘This is better.’

I was starting to like Noark.

Maybe I had secretly wanted a manly society like this.

“You bastard!!”

Beard, Bucktooth’s companion, drew his weapon angrily.

So you want a duel?

I had been holding back, just in case, but I swung my mace at him.

However…

Whoosh!

…Beard ducked.

And at that moment…

Crackle.

…a ball of electricity flew towards me from the man behind him.

It didn’t seem like magic.

He must be an ability user…

‘Yeah, my shield is Adamantium.’

Adamantium is a 5th-tier metal that reduces elemental damage by 50%.

Crackle!

Electricity flowed through my shield, but I endured it with my Magic Resistance.

But could it be because this was my first time encountering this type?

‘If you want to kill a tank, you should cast a curse first, you bastards.’

Beard’s eyes widened in surprise as I nonchalantly swung my mace.

“……!”

I understood.

He had closed the distance, expecting me to be ‘stunned’.

He was in the perfect position for me to smash him.

Thwack!

Okay, two down.

Thud.

Beard’s body flew up and hit the ceiling before falling to the ground.

It would have been a foul ball in baseball.

I tapped my shoulder with my mace and looked ahead.

“What are you waiting for?”

The remaining three, whose two companions had just been crushed, surprisingly acted rationally.

“Rex, let’s retreat.”

“…?”

“He’s a newbie who came yesterday, but I heard that Kalte’s gang followed him and were all found dead.”

Ah, so you guys didn’t hear the rumor yet.

It seemed like they realized I wasn’t an easy target, judging by the onlookers’ murmurs.

“But if we retreat now…”

“We’ll be a laughingstock. But it’s better than dying. I heard that one of his companions is a woman who uses Aura.”

“Aura…?”

The man named Rex frowned.

And at that moment…

Swoosh.

…Amelia, who had been waiting in another line, came and stood next to me.

“Ah, you’re here.”

“It seems like you attract trouble wherever you go.”

“It’s not my fault this time.”

“…I know. I saw it.”

Amelia said so and placed her hand on the dagger she had strapped to her thigh.

And could it be that this was the deciding factor?

“…How about we end this here?”

The man named Rex made a suggestion.

Geez, that’s not how you negotiate.

“Apologize.”

“I will. I apologize for making a rude request because I underestimated you.”

Is it their culture to grovel if they’re going to?

He was surprisingly humble.

‘So, what should I do…?’

I glanced at Amelia, and she nodded slightly.

It meant I should let them go.

“Alright, I accept your apology.”

“Thank you, then…”

Rex and his companions started tending to their fallen comrades as soon as I accepted his apology.

Hmm, what the hell are they doing?

“Stop.”

“…?”

“Leave their equipment.”

“But you accepted our apology…”

No, that’s one thing, and this is another.

What’s the point of a verbal apology?

“We’re on the same side now. We have to help each other, right?”

Damn right, that’s how the world works.
_____________________

Rex hesitated for a while and then sighed and took off his unconscious companions’ equipment.

“Here, are you happy now?”

“Where’s the ring?”

“…Here it is.”

Damn it, how much is this worth?

It’s practically money duplication.

Why were these Noark bastards living in poverty?

‘Anyway, I’ll check what’s inside the ring later…’

“Go now.”

“…….”

I put all the equipment they took off into my subspace ring after chasing them away.

Phew, I had been wanting another subspace pocket since expandable backpacks were so inconvenient.

“They’re warm-hearted people, even though they look a bit rough.”

“…….”

“What are you staring at? Come on, let’s get back in line.”

We then headed back to the counters.

Other explorers had taken our spots, but it wasn’t a problem.

I had already adapted to this city.

“Oh, human.”

“…Wh, what do you want?”

“We have a bit of a situation, so can you let us go first?”

“…Of course.”

We were able to get to the front of the line thanks to the kind explorer’s consideration.

We had saved almost 30 minutes since we were in the middle of the line before.

“The people here are so kind.”

“…Anyone would think you’re the one from here, not me.”

Haha, how embarrassing.

“I’m just a fast learner. I’m not a genius.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Huhu, you’re not being honest.”

“…….”

Anyway, it was soon our turn, and we were able to finish our registration earlier than expected.

Because we skipped the rank adjustment application.

“You said we should raise it to 5th grade.”

“It doesn’t matter. The Lord probably already knows about us.”

I had already achieved my goal, so there was no need to reveal my essences by adjusting my rank.

“It’s good that you’re doing what you want.”

“…Be careful from now on. There are more than just small fries in this city.”

“Okay. So are we done for today?”

“Yeah, let’s go back and rest.”

We returned to the inn we had booked yesterday and extended our stay, then stayed inside.

And after some time…

…contrary to Amelia’s expectations, the Lord didn’t contact us.

Damn it, our plan was to join him…

“Amelia, what’s going on?”

“…It seems like he’s trying to figure us out since he doesn’t have any information about us.”

“So?”

“Let’s just wait. He’ll contact us eventually. He won’t leave a high-ranking explorer like you alone.”

Time passed, and it was time for the labyrinth to open again.
_________________________

“Waaaaaaaaaa!”

“It’s been a while!”

“Let’s go make some money!”

The plaza was crowded, as if there was a festival.

It was a common sight on labyrinth opening days, but the people gathered here today seemed especially excited.

It was understandable.

Most of the few people who entered the labyrinth last month had returned alive, so there was a sense that the labyrinth was safe again.

It was great news for those who were struggling.

Swoosh.

Arrua Raven, who was passing by the plaza in a carriage, closed the curtains with a bitter smile.

It was finally sinking in.

‘Right, it’s already been a month…’

A month had passed since Bjorn Yandel died.

Although the man who was called a hero among explorers had died, the world hadn't changed.

Only her surroundings had.

“Ha…”

Raven briefly reminisced about the past few days.

[Yeah, Bjorn is dead.]

The warrior was surprisingly the most rational one.

[Let’s all go rest. We’re tired, so let’s talk about what to do tomorrow. I’ll go to the guild alone.]

She tried to do what needed to be done, facing reality.

To maintain this team that Bjorn Yandel had created.

Of course, it didn’t work.

[What… do you mean?]

[Now that Bjorn is dead, the five of us have to enter the labyrinth, right?]

The fairy retorted aggressively.

[Explore? Is that what’s important now?]

[Then what is?]

[Revenge! We have to take revenge!]

[Revenge?]

[Noark! That incident on the island happened because of them! And that red-haired woman is suspicious too. If she’s still alive, and if she’s involved in what happened to mister…]

The fairy’s eyes were filled with killing intent.

[I don’t even care if she’s not involved.]

[…….]

[I’m going to find them all and kill them.]

Raven understood her anger.

After all, she had recently lost her sister because of Noark.

[Erwen, I understand how you feel, but calm down. How are you even going to take revenge on those who left for the outside world? Let’s go home and rest today, and then we’ll talk tomorrow…]

[So that’s all it was to you guys.]

[What?]

[I feel sorry for mister. To think he stayed behind alone to protect these people, calling them his companions.]

[…What did you say? Say that again.]

[Ra, Raven, stop it! You can’t do this!]

The warrior stopped her.

The beastman archer would have usually stepped in, but even she didn’t seem to have the energy for that.

But did the fairy notice?

[…….]

She approached the beastman warrior.

[What about you, sister? Are you going to do it? Take revenge?]

[I, I…]

The beastman warrior trailed off.

And after some time…

[You beast.]

The fairy left after those words.

[I, I’ll talk to Erwen tomorrow. So let’s… go too.]

They disbanded and went home.

The warrior said she would go to the guild and report Bjorn Yandel’s death, but the mage stopped her.

[Miss Ainar, please take care of Misha. I’ll… take care of this.]

[But…]

[You can’t even read, Miss Ainar.]

[Alright. I’ll leave it to you.]

The beastman archer didn’t say anything.

She just watched as the team fell apart, as if she had experienced this many times before.

[Let me see, the deceased is… Viscount Bjorn Yandel?!]

The guild was in chaos when she submitted the death report.

The surrounding explorers and even the staff looked like they had many questions, but they didn’t approach her, seeing her expression.

A day passed.

[Did you hear? Viscount Bjorn Yandel is dead.]

[I can’t believe Giant died like that…]

[What a loss.]

The news of Bjorn Yandel’s death spread throughout the city as quickly as his fame had spread when he was alive.

And those who knew him visited his house.

[Ainar! Misha! Open the door! Is it true that Yandel is dead? Wh, why…? Open the door!]

Hikurod Murad, the dwarf warrior who was his former companion.

[…Murad, stop it. I confirmed it at the guild. We shouldn’t make things harder for them. Let’s go back and come again later.]

Brown Rotmiller.

And countless other explorers who were indebted to the hero, Bjorn Yandel, visited his house.

[Thank you for saving us that day.]

[He won’t be coming to the library anymore…]

Flowers piled up in front of his door.

Countless people mourned his death, and the barbarian tribe, who considered him as their next chieftain, closed the gates of the sanctuary and held a funeral for several days, praying for his soul to return to the forest.

But the world didn’t change.

Only her surroundings had.

[…Let’s all rest for a while and not think about exploring.]

All future exploration plans were put on hold.

What could they do with just four people?

And besides, they weren’t even in their right minds.

Everyone needed a break.

Even Arrua Raven.

But…

‘Nothing changes by resting.’

Arrua Raven had an epiphany after the fairy left that day.

Time doesn’t heal all wounds.

Everything would only get worse as time passed.

Therefore…

“I have to find him.”

Arrua Raven hadn’t been able to sleep properly since that day, spending every day buried in books.

She had even visited the library in the royal palace today and was on her way back to her lab.

Because there was something strange about his death.

It was known in the city that he had died because of ‘Stormgush’…

“This doesn’t make sense.”

…but judging by the circumstances, he had succeeded in hunting it.

He even had the presence of mind to hammer a nail into the ground and tie himself down.

But where did he disappear to in that short amount of time?

And if he was really swept away by the water, why was his equipment missing?

“There’s something more… a huge secret…”

Raven clutched her chest, unable to breathe.

Although it wasn’t a rational deduction…

“There has to be something more…”

…she needed something to hold onto.


----------------------------------------------

Chapter 296: Newbie (4)

The city of Noark, overflowing with camaraderie.

However, interpreting this differently, it could also mean that there was nothing to see but ‘camaraderie’.

Prices that were too chaotic and difficult to adjust to.

Outdated and inefficient administrative services.

This morning, when I visited the Labyrinth Management Office to receive the Bonding spell, the administrative mage in charge of the line even said he was tired and took an hour break.

Well, I did manage to get to the front of the line after that, but...

“How long are you going to stand there?”

“Ah, I just feel a bit strange. This place is the same as twenty years later.”

“What are you talking about?”

Geez, she has no sense of romance.

It’s still the labyrinth twenty years ago.

“Follow me.”

I quickly followed Amelia, who started running.

It was a bit strange.

It seemed like she was navigating properly…

But how is she finding the way without even looking at a compass?

‘Ah, don’t tell me…’

“Are you a Guide?”

Amelia glanced back at my question and then continued running.

But that was her answer.

‘Crazy…’

A human character with Aura, Doppelganger essence, and even the Guide trait?

The world is truly unfair.

I was a bit envious.

‘It would be reassuring to have someone like her on the team…’

I wonder if she would accept if I became closer to her and then tried to recruit her after returning to my original time? There were still quite a few spots left in the clan…

Ah, by the way, I hope my clan is doing well without me.

“…….”

That’s when, as I was thinking about various things while running, following Amelia…

“Oh, you two are together?”

…a group of explorers we encountered spoke to us.

They weren’t low-level explorers, they were running towards the 2nd floor like us to save time.

‘This is a bit nerve-wracking.’

I was currently affiliated with Noark, not Lafdonia.

So I was worried that they might find us suspicious.

Well, it turned out to be a pointless worry.

“Don’t mind us.”

“Haha, she’s prickly. Good luck!”

The explorers laughed and disappeared as Amelia spoke coldly.

“Why are you so stiff?”

“Just… nothing. I was just thinking that I probably wouldn’t be able to live as a criminal.”

“…What?”

Amelia asked back as if she couldn’t believe what she had just heard, and then she burst into laughter.

“Hahahahahaha!”

It was a strange sight.

I hadn’t said anything funny, and it was my first time seeing her laugh this much.

“…Huhu, do you like that kind of thing?”

Amelia stopped laughing and glared at me as I asked, feeling a strange sense of accomplishment.

“Don’t misunderstand. I just laughed because it was ridiculous.”

Well, then stop smiling.

Her sense of humor is strange, as expected of someone from Noark.

Was it that funny to see me anxious?

Tsk, I clicked my tongue in displeasure, and Amelia spoke.

“Those guys were from Noark.”

“What?”

Those friendly-looking guys were from Noark?

“How do you know? I heard it’s up to them whether they wear the faction emblem or not.”

Amelia briefly explained.

They didn’t have a mage or a priest in their team.

The equipment they were wearing wasn’t uniform, as if they had looted it from someone.

And most importantly…

“Only people from here bring kids to the labyrinth.”

“Kids? Ah, you’re talking about that small explorer in the back?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm, I thought she was just a short woman or a dwarf… How can you be sure?”

Amelia answered in a slightly stiff voice.

“I just know.”

“What?”

“Enough, let’s move.”

Amelia ended the conversation, as if she didn’t want to talk about it.

It was one of her bad habits.

Damn it, she’s making me curious.

“Amelia.”

“…….”

“But if you’re right, why do people from Noark bring kids to the labyrinth?”

I asked something else instead of asking how she could tell.

She seemed okay with this question, as she answered,

“First, you can use them for cheap labor.”

“Hmm, but I don’t think that’s a good enough reason to bring them to the labyrinth.”

“They’re surprisingly useful. You can make them do chores like cooking and keeping watch, and they’re also helpful for looting.”

“Helpful for looting…?”

“They’re used as bait. Even the most wary explorers would at least listen if a child approached them and asked for help.”

Hmm, is that so?

“That’s strange. I would be even more wary if a child approached me. In Lafdonia, they prevent minors from entering the labyrinth.”

“That’s because you’re from twenty years in the future. The law is the same, but they tacitly allowed it back then.”

Wow, she sounds like an old person saying ‘Back in my day…’

“But Amelia, how old are you?”

“…Just keep moving.”

Anyway, we continued chatting and running towards the 2nd floor, and we soon arrived at our destination.

As expected, the portal had already been opened.

Damn it, we came early.

“Let’s go up.”

We entered the portal, and a musty, damp air greeted us.

‘This place always feels creepy.’

The Land of the Dead.

The area where undead monsters like ghouls and death fiends appeared, and the place where Amelia and I first met.

‘Damn, I was so scared back then.’

It made me realize that you never know what will happen in life.

I didn’t expect to be back here with her, as companions.

“Amelia, I have a question.”

“Don’t.”

“You said in Bifron that those you killed here deserved to die. Were they related to the past you’re trying to change?”

“You… are very curious about me.”

“Of course.”

Amelia clicked her tongue and answered,

“Yes, they’re related.”

Hmm, as expected.

I wanted to hear more, but she looked like she was about to get angry, so I stopped.

I’ll ask her again later.

“Let’s move if you’re done with your questions.”

We continued moving on the 2nd floor, slaughtering monsters.

But maybe because there were only two of us…

…it reminded me of the time I explored with Ainar as a two-person team.

Every battle was a struggle back then.

Time flies.

Thwack!

I could now kill a death fiend with my bare hands.

“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”

“…….”

“Ah, sorry. It’s a habit.”

“Enough, sit down. Let’s rest here for a bit.”

We found a spot and sat down after traveling all day. We had a simple meal and agreed to sleep for three hours and then continue moving.

For reference, there was no one keeping watch.

She could just summon a clone with [Self-Replication]?

“…You can do that?”

The Doppelganger essence didn’t have an ‘auto-hunt’ mode in the game.

Then how was this possible?

The answer was simple.

“Don’t worry. I haven’t slept properly since I became an adult.”

She could somewhat control her clone because she was always half-awake even when she was sleeping.

Well, that’s what she said.

I didn’t know if it was biologically possible.

“Tsk, no wonder you always look tired.”

“Do you want to fight?”

“I was just telling you to get some sleep.”

“…….”

Anyway, she said her movements were slower in auto-hunt mode, but it would be enough for the lower floors.

“Then go to sleep.”

So I just lay down.

Sleep didn’t come easily.

It wasn’t because I was worried about not having anyone keep watch.

I was a tank, so I wouldn’t die easily even if I was attacked in my sleep.

‘I wonder if my companions are doing okay…’

I couldn’t help but think about them as we camped in the labyrinth.

And so, the first night passed.
__________________

Day 2 of the labyrinth expedition.

We arrived on the 3rd floor right on schedule.

It was time to do what we came here for.

Ah, there was only one thing.

To return with enough achievements to impress the Lord of Noark.

[We caused a stir in the city on the first day we arrived, so our strength has already been proven. But the Lord still hasn’t contacted us.]

Amelia said this about the reason:

[He’s definitely being cautious. The royal family has sent spies to the underground several times.]

In other words, what we had to prove in the labyrinth this time wasn’t our strength, but our ‘character’.

Were we worthy of Noark?

[The easiest way to prove ourselves is to loot. If we return with a lot of loot, his suspicion will decrease.]

Amelia suggested looting as the first method, and I agreed.

Ah, of course, I added one condition.

To loot from looters, not ordinary explorers.

[Is that a condition?]

[Yeah. I don’t value human lives as much as I used to, but I’m not going to kill innocent people for my own gain.]

[…But how are we going to distinguish between looters and explorers?]

Amelia agreed, saying she would do it if there was a way, and I said I would show her later.

And so, time passed, and now…

“So, what are we going to do now?”

…we had arrived on the 3rd floor, our target floor.

There were no looters on the 4th floor, and the 5th floor was too difficult for a two-person team.

The 3rd floor was perfect for looting.

“If you really have a way to distinguish between looters and explorers, show me.”

Geez, she’s impatient.

I then gave Amelia a few instructions.

“Amelia, use your stealth ability first.”

“…Stealth?”

“Don’t play dumb. You know, the one you used in front of me. When you suddenly disappeared into the darkness.”

“…….”

Amelia disappeared into the darkness without any questions.

Damn it, I can’t even feel her presence.

I should buy a detection-type Numbered Item when we get back.

“So what’s next?”

It was awkward to hear her voice from the void, but I answered calmly.

“It’s nothing special. Just follow me in that state. I’ll find the looters.”

“Alright.”

That was one of the good things about having Amelia as a companion.

She didn’t ask unnecessary questions and just observed, no matter what I did.

Well, that should have been the case…

“Barbarian.”

Amelia suddenly asked me,

“Why… are you taking off your equipment?”

Ah, so she couldn’t endure her curiosity.

Well, it was hard to understand from an ordinary person’s perspective.

But I thought she might understand.

“It’s hard to explain, so just watch.”

I put most of my equipment in my subspace ring, except for a few items. And I took out the beginner set I had prepared and put it on.

“…….”

Judging by the silence, it seemed like Amelia still didn’t understand what I was trying to do.

But seeing is believing.

“I’ll start now, so follow me closely.”

I started running forward.

And I shouted with all my might.

“I, I’m lost! I’m separated from my companions! I, I can’t see! Is anyone there?! Help me!!!”

A barbarian’s secret technique.

Those who come are not good.

“Help me!!! I have a lot of money!!”


-------------------------------------------


Chapter 297: Evil Spirit (1)

After running for almost 30 minutes, we encountered a 5-person team.

It consisted of three humans, a dwarf, and a fairy.

Judging by their equipment, they were at least 5th-floor explorers…

“You’re lost? Calm down and come rest here for a bit.”

…and they didn’t even seem wary when they saw me approaching their camp. They even offered me jerky and a seat by their campfire.

At first, I thought the jerky might be poisoned.

But…

“Hmm, what should we do? We don’t have time to search the entire 3rd floor for your team.”

…none of them showed any greed throughout the conversation, and they didn’t even ask for my equipment in return for saving my life.

Well, that’s practically a custom.

“Haha, you’re offering us your weapon? No, thank you. How would you explore without your equipment?”

“It’s fine. If you feel bad, just help someone else in need next time.”

They were incredibly kind. It was so suspicious that I even pretended to doze off by the campfire…

“You must be tired.”

“Jess, what should we do? I don’t feel good about leaving him here. It’s practically the same as telling him to die.”

“How about we look around for his companions for a few hours?”

“And if we can’t find them?”

“Hmm, then we’ll just take him with us. It will be a hassle, but we can’t just leave him here to die.”

…but they didn’t change their attitudes.

It seemed pointless to test them any further, and it would just be a burden.

So I sent a signal to Amelia, who should be nearby.

The signal we agreed on beforehand, to come and get me.

“There are a lot of people looking for someone today. Who are you?”

“…Sorry for interrupting. I’m looking for my companion.”

“Companion? Ah, don’t tell me…!”

I jumped up and ran towards Amelia as soon as she appeared.

“Oh! Emily!! I missed you!! Why are you so late?!”

“So, sorry… but, this…”

“Emilyyyyy!!”

I hugged her tightly, pretending to be relieved, but I was also wary of the others.

They seemed like good people, but they might change their minds after seeing Amelia.

Well, that’s what I thought…

“It’s good that you found your companion.”

…but there was no twist.

“Huhu, make sure to stay close to your companions from now on.”

“You have good companions. It’s not easy to get separated and search for each other in the labyrinth. Take care of each other.”

They were nice people from beginning to end.

So it was time for us to leave.

“Let’s go. Everyone is… worried about you…”

Amelia took me to the place where we agreed to meet with the others, saying she had a meeting point, and they sent us off with warm smiles.

And time passed, and now…

‘Did I really come back without any problems?’

I felt a sense of wonder and gratitude.

Is this what healing feels like…?

What kind of life have I been living?

There are so many wonderful people in the world.

“It seems like your method didn’t work.”

Amelia looked at me as if asking what we were going to do now, while I was lost in my emotions.

Damn it, she’s making me feel embarrassed.

Did I know this would happen?

“Are you going to continue?”

I seriously contemplated her question.

That’s when…

“Hey, are you separated from your companions? What are you two doing?”

…five explorers appeared from the darkness.

“Come here if that’s the case. We’ll help you.”

They were all smiling brightly.

As if they had found gold on the street.

So I ended my admiration for humanity and approached them with a smile.

“Oh, really?! We need help, this is great!”

These kinds of people always come to you, even if you don’t look for them.
_______________________

The second team we met was even more blatant than the first. They surrounded us as soon as we joined them.

And…

“Oh, this is a subspace ring? Your equipment is trash, but you have something valuable.”

…they created a threatening atmosphere by grabbing my hand and touching my subspace ring.

“So where’s your companion?”

“I don’t know.”

“Hmm, really?”

Did they judge that we weren’t a threat after getting some information?

One of them approached Amelia.

And he reached out towards her exposed thigh…

Thud.

…but a dagger pierced his hand before he could even touch her.

“Aak!! You crazy bitch!”

“Kill them!”

The battle began less than three minutes after we met.

Whoosh!

They were experienced in PvP, judging by how they counterattacked without hesitation.

But it wasn’t a problem.

Because we were the same.

“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!”

[Gigantification], [Swing], and so on.

The battle quickly ended as we started using our skills. The fact that they had surrounded us to prevent us from escaping worked in our favor.

It’s advantageous to surround goblins and beat them up…

Kwagic!

…but they weren’t trolls or ogres.

We first took down the backline with bows and staffs, and then they were all on the ground.

“We, we were tricked… Damn it.”

Kwagic!

“…….”

A pleasant silence fell as I crushed the leader’s head.

It was time to loot.

As expected, we found evidence of looting in their bags.

There wasn’t much equipment since it was only Day 3, but their bags were filled with consumables like sleeping pills, poison, and mental scrolls.

There were also several stolen ID cards.

But could it be because we had earned a large sum at once?

“We just have to do this ten more times.”

Amelia no longer questioned my method.

She must have realized.

That there was no more efficient way.

If we killed looters who had looted others, we could get multiple pieces of equipment and ID cards.

The effort-to-reward ratio was much higher.

“Then let’s clean up the blood and move on.”

We continued using the same strategy and met several teams.

Their reactions were all different.

But to broadly categorize them…

[We’re not interested, so leave.]

…90% of them wouldn’t even let us approach when I went alone.

[We’ll let you stay since you seem to be in a difficult situation.]

…5% of them would let us rest after hearing our story and then ask for a reward.

[…You’re suspicious. Show me your ID card.]

…3% of them would misunderstand us as looters and attack.

[Even if items are valuable, they’re not more valuable than your life.]

…About 1% of them would try to take all our equipment, even if it meant leaving us to die to monsters.

[I apologize. I don’t do things that might cause trouble later.]

…And about 1% of them would try to kill us just because they saw our faces.

‘The success rate is much lower than I expected.’

We could only find one team out of a hundred.

Damn it, why did I encounter those guys so often?

I don’t know, but time passed, and when it was Day 8…

…we met a team we had never seen before.

“Oh, so you’re the famous newbies.”

They were a team of looters from Noark.
_______________________

To summarize the result, there was no battle.

It wasn’t because we didn’t want to fight, but because they didn’t give us the chance.

“Haha, it’s nice to meet you, but please keep your distance.”

They didn’t even give us any space, and Amelia didn’t show any hostility.

No, she actually warned me.

“Don’t do anything stupid, they’re from the Lord’s faction.”

Geez, I wasn’t even thinking about it.

We had to pretend to be on their side.

If we attacked first, and one of them survived and reported us, our plan would be ruined.

“Can we talk for a moment?”

“Alright.”

Amelia readily agreed to their suggestion. It didn’t take long for me to realize her intentions.

We had to join the Lord’s faction.

This was actually a chance for her to appeal to them.

“I’m Bek.”

“We’re…”

“I know. Emily, and you’re Iron Mask, right?”

“Iron Mask?”

“Ah, you didn’t know? It’s your nickname.”

I didn’t know I had that nickname.

Well, it did suit me since I always wore a helmet.

“But you’re quite handsome, for a barbarian.”

Ah, right, I’m not wearing a helmet because we’re fishing.

I felt a sense of dismay, but I didn’t bother putting it on.

What would change even if they saw my face?

Nothing would change anyway.

“By the way, is that your tactic? It was impressive. You used the prejudice against barbarians very well.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Ah, it was just a compliment. Don’t look at me like that. We might become companions.”

Amelia interjected,

“Companions?”

“Ah, I didn’t tell you. I didn’t say it because you need time to adjust to this city, but the Lord has a good impression of you.”

In other words, it meant that he thought we were skilled, but he was observing us because he didn’t know what kind of people we were.

“The Lord likes bold people. Especially those who aren’t bound by morals like you.”

It meant that there was no need to test us any further.

“He’ll probably contact you when we get back, so think about it. It’s an unfamiliar city. You need a place to belong, right?”

“…I’ll think about it.”

“Haha, that’s good.”

He laughed heartily and then looked at me.

“Ah, and you. It hasn’t been long since you came to the human world, but you’ve already adapted so well.”

“You’ve been in the world for too long, your hair’s all gone.”

“…What?”

I couldn’t help but retort, as it sounded like he was mocking me.

But was that really his intention?

“Ah! It was a compliment! I apologize if you misunderstood.”

He apologized instead of being offended.

So it was my turn to apologize.

“Ah, I also meant it as a compliment. I apologize if you misunderstood.”

“…I, I see?”

He laughed awkwardly, and I awkwardly laughed along.

But I kept looking at him.

It was a strange feeling.

‘His name was definitely ‘Bek’, right?’

But why did I feel like punching him?

I felt an inexplicable sense of unease as I shifted my gaze.

I saw an explorer wearing a robe.

He was small, like a child.

“Ah, you guys probably don’t know yet, right?”

Bek, as if sensing my curiosity, pulled the kid’s robe off.

“It’s similar to your tactic. We use her as bait. Most people don’t suspect a child. And if you send her inside, you can check the opponent’s strength beforehand. She’s also surprisingly helpful in battle. Most people have a psychological barrier against killing a child.”

Bek explained about the child as if he was showing off his merchandise.

But I couldn’t hear a word he said.

I had already heard it from Amelia…

‘Wait, where have I seen her before?’

…and I felt a sense of déjà vu from the child who was standing there expressionlessly, even after her robe was removed.

But did she misunderstand my gaze?

“Hmm, now that I see it, you’re not just curious, you like her, don’t you?”

Bek said something ridiculous.

Normally, I would have smashed his head to clear up the misunderstanding, but I just asked,

“What’s her name?”

“Name?”

Bek tilted his head as if it was a strange question.

He didn’t seem to understand why her name was important.

But he still answered.

“Zencia Nayfrin.”

Right, it was you.

No wonder I felt strange.

[We, we’re human… humans, right? This is murder!]

She was the evil spirit I killed for the first time in the ‘Glacier Cave’.

Of course, the Zencia I killed would be different from this child.

Evil spirits only possess adult natives, and there haven’t been any other cases.

‘Wait, then…’

I realized something.

A child born in Noark.

This child would most likely still be living in the underground when she became an adult.

In other words…

[I want to go home. I can’t die here. I can’t die in this shithole… I survived all this, you know? Please…]

Now I understood why that woman had been so frustrated.

Human characters are easy to survive with.

Their taxes were much lower than other races, so they could live for several years without any problems even if they didn’t work as explorers.

That’s why I couldn’t relate to her back then.

I just thought she was a looter who wanted to live an easy life.

But…

[Mo, mom…]

…she started from this hell.

I had thought that barbarians had the worst starting point…

“…….”

…but there was a bottom even lower than that.

Trial

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

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