Surviving The Game as a Barbarian (Novel) Chapter 16, 17, 18

 

C16, 17, 18

Chapter 16: Return (3)

Light explodes before my eyes, then a softer light washes over it, and my vision returns.

I stare blankly at the sky.

This bright light is so unfamiliar.

Well, even if it's just a gloomy gray sky.

"Derek, are you going back to the inn?"

"No way, not after coming out for a month. I'm going straight to the tavern after washing up."

"I'm backkkkkk!!"

"Explorers of rank 7 and below, please come this way!"

The surroundings are beyond noisy.

It's only natural since all the explorers who entered the labyrinth are gathered in one place, but...

Even so, I didn't expect there to be this many explorers in this city.

It's like watching Gwanghwamun Square during the World Cup.

Click, click.

I adjust the watch to 12 o'clock.

Even if you spend several days in the labyrinth, only one day passes in the city. So, no matter how many days you spend there, when you come out, it's noon the next day.

'When I played the game, I just thought it was a considerate world-building choice by the developer...'

This way, even after returning from the labyrinth, you can continue with the quests that take place in the city.

That's why I thought it was for the convenience of the players.

"Bjorn, son of Yandel!"

Who is it? A familiar voice...

I turn my head in the direction of the sound and see a barbarian about my height.

I remember him clearly because he was the first leader.

"Karak, the second son of Pinun."

"The third son of Fanun."

What? Then Ainar is the second?

Anyway, even in this crowd, it's easy for tall barbarians to spot each other.

"Serum, the fourth son of Kenik! You came back alive too!"

"It's a relief to see you looking well too. Karak, the third son of Fanun!"

I was just standing there, but barbarians start gathering around me.

"Hwahahaha! Even blade wolves are nothing special! None of them could withstand more than one swing of my axe!"

"With your valiant axe swings, of course that would be the case. Farman, son of Nerun!"

What is this, a reunion? My head starts spinning.

They keep calling out those long names, greeting each other, and praising each other's bravery...

These guys are really something.

They seem stupid, but how can they remember those long names so well?

"Bjorn! What are you doing! We're going to exchange magic stones, aren't you coming?"

I clear my throat and answer as loudly as possible.

"Ah, I'm coming!"

"You seem quite tired!! Your voice lacks strength!!"

"That's right!"

I thought I was doing a good job acting like a barbarian, but my confidence is fading.

Natives are different.

"There it is!"

"The place where warriors prove their valor!"

I move along with the group of barbarians and naturally go through the procedures for explorers.

It's nothing special, just exchanging magic stones for money at the checkpoint.

"24,476 stones."

"28,420 stones."

"41,498 stones."

It's like a checkout counter at a supermarket.

Especially in terms of how fast their hands are.

The officials sitting at the table, doing their work, are truly the epitome of speed.

They place the magic stone pouches on some kind of scale like a barcode scanner, and when the number appears, they hand out money like machines.

As I'm watching this with a bit of curiosity, the barbarians around me start chattering loudly again, without any shame.

"Oooooh! To earn over 40,000 stones, that's truly amazing!"

"Karak, the third son of Fanun, is a warrior among warriors!"

Whew, is it because I've been living with a fairy for a few days?

I can't get used to this at all.

And I need to find Erwen too...

Why are these guys coming when I'm looking for someone else?

I was just standing still.

"Bjorn, son of Yandel! It's your turn now!"

I sigh as my turn comes.

I approach the table and place my pouches in front of the lifeless-looking official.

"Are all three pouches filled with magic stones?"

The other two are from the tall guy and the samurai.

But now they're all mine.

That's how it became about 40 minutes ago.

"That's right."

As I nod, the official places the pouches on a scale-like object.

And then he recites the exact amount.

"182,413 stones."

One piece of bread is about 20 stones, so I earned the equivalent of over 9,000 loaves of bread in 7 days?

It feels like just yesterday I was feeling dejected after catching a goblin and only earning one piece of bread.

...Somehow, emotions well up inside me.

"180,000 stones! Bjorn, son of Yandel, earned 180,000 stones!"

"It's a new record! Bjorn, son of Yandel, is the greatest warrior of all time!"

These guys don't even give me time to be sentimental.

I quickly receive the money from the official and exit the checkpoint.

But as I come out into the crowd, the barbarians who came out before me seem to have finally noticed my appearance and start making a fuss.

"It's not just stones! He's also holding a hammer!"

"No, he's even wearing shoes! I'm so envious!"

"He has three bags!"

"He's looking at a watch! Can he even tell time?"

"How is that possible? Is Bjorn, son of Yandel, a wizard?"

Well, I can understand their reaction.

It must seem like magic.

I'm the first barbarian to enter the labyrinth with nothing but my bare body and come back as a civilized person!

Damn, with all this excessive praise, my body starts getting excited on its own.

Whoa, calm down, Bjorn.

I...

"I am the greatest warrior!!"

"Waaaaaaaaaaaa!!!"

As I shout, the barbarians fall into a frenzy of excitement.

And then they start lifting me up and tossing me in the air.

Surprisingly, it feels better than I expected.

Whatever, let it be.

"You can't make such a commotion here."

"Sorry! We apologize!"

"So please, lower your voices a bit..."

"Alright!!"

The madness finally subsides after a staff member comes over and scolds them.

Only then do I regain my composure and sit down on the ground like the surrounding barbarians, waiting for the rest of them to finish their inspection.

That's when...

"......"

I feel a gaze and turn my head. Among the bustling crowd of explorers, I see a fairy looking at me.

It's Erwen.

How long has she been watching me? I hope it was after the tossing ended...

"......"

As if she knows how I feel, Erwen smiles brightly when our eyes meet.

However, she quickly averts her gaze as the handsome and beautiful fairies next to her start talking to her.

I listen to their conversation out of curiosity, and it's quite refreshing.

They're chatting quietly and cheerfully, calling each other sister and brother. It feels so surreal, you know?

"Sister! I think I'm starting to understand how to handle spirits! I understand why Granny Greendelyn told me to become friends with them first!"

"Oh, really? I heard fire spirits are quite hot-tempered, so you'll be able to hear their voices soon."

Hmm, so you're that type of person.

I'm surrounded by barbarians.

I'm envious...

With a longing for what I don't have, I look towards Erwen, and our eyes meet again.

I take the opportunity to mouth the time.

'Tonight.'

Erwen tilts her head, then giggles and replies with her mouth.

'Yes!'

At least I can tell that she found this secret conversation quite amusing.

But I'm not sure if she understood what I meant.

Did she even answer "yes" in the first place?

Whew, I should have a proper conversation with her once we leave the checkpoint.

Just as I'm thinking that to myself...

"Why are you looking over there so intently? Do you know someone?"

"Ah, no! Sister! No way!"

Erwen waves her hands frantically at the fairy sister’s question.

And then, taking a chance, she glances at me and mouths.

'Sorry!'

This time, she seems to have understood properly.

I can also understand her gesture of secretly pointing at her sister and shaking her head.

She must be saying that she couldn’t help it because of her sister.

Well, it’s the same for both of us.

"Bjorn, son of Yandel! What are you looking at! Do you know that fairy?"

"I do not!"

"Of course not! A legendary warrior like you wouldn’t be acquainted with those sneaky pointy-ears!"

I want to cover this guy's mouth, but I can't.

His loud voice attracts the attention of the surrounding fairies, who glare at us with sharp eyes.

Erwen is among them.

She looks at me with a bitter expression and nods heavily, as if understanding.

"Ha..."

Seeing her sorrowful gaze, I feel a belated sense of reality.

What the hell am I doing?

It’s not like we’re Romeo and Juliet.

"Let’s go!"

The barbarians finally finish their inspection and come out of the checkpoint.

Since it seems impossible to talk to Erwen among the fairies even if I wait, I follow them as well.

As expected, there’s another crowd gathered in front of them.

"Dad! Are you okay? I missed you!"

"Brother! Over here, over here!"

Hmm, right, there was this in the game too.

Simply put, the people here are the families or acquaintances of the explorers.

"Let’s go! I’ll clear the way!"

"Wooooo!"

I follow the barbarians and make my way through the crowd filled with emotions of reunion, joy, despair, sadness, and love.

As I do so, I observe their faces one by one.

It feels strange.

"Limarion! Where’s my husband, where’s my husband? Don’t tell me..."

"I’m sorry. He asked me to give you this."

"No... no. No... Aah!"

I’ve played [Dungeon and Stone] countless times, but...

I’m seeing expressions that I could never have known from the 2D graphics beyond the monitor, all over the place.
_________________________________

The reason I purposely moved with the barbarians is simple.

I thought there might be more procedures for newbies to go through in this city, like at the previous checkpoint.

However, my expectations were completely wrong.

"Alcohol! Let’s drink alcohol!"

"Wooooo!"

The barbarians head straight to a tavern as soon as they leave the labyrinth.

Are they kidding me?

"I’ll pass."

"Why! Legendary warrior Bjorn, son of Yandel!"

My already long name has gained a modifier.

I suppress the urge to roll my eyes and excuse myself, saying I have somewhere to be.

"May luck be with you! Legendary warrior Bjorn, son of Yandel!"

I repeat, these guys are beyond common sense.

"Whew, finally some peace and quiet."

Just being with the barbarians for a short while made me feel like I was going crazy. Did Erwen feel the same way when she was with me?

From now on, I should refrain from acting like a barbarian too much.

Thud, thud.

I wander aimlessly through the city after parting ways with them.

I have a destination, but for now, I just want to walk wherever my feet take me.

It's peaceful.

When I first saw this city, it was in the middle of the night, but now that it’s daytime, there are many people filling the streets.

Surprisingly, it gives me a sense of security.

"......"

There are no monsters here.

There are no humans who will harm me either.

Even if I collapse and sleep on the street, I’ll be able to wake up just fine. Or maybe someone will even lend me a helping hand.

There are laws, rules, and leeway here.

Of course, this is a distant, different world, and I know that their thoughts, culture, social systems, and almost everything else are barbaric compared to the 21st century.

But even so, it’s peaceful.

At least compared to the labyrinth I spent 7 days in.

"......"

I keep walking because I want to feel that sense of security even more.

Perhaps because the explorers just poured out, my blood-soaked appearance doesn't stand out that much.

No one looks at me strangely either.

But as I continue walking, I start to feel like I want to wash up.

So I enter the first inn I see, get a room, and wash myself.

It’s a bit strange.

Washing a human body, but more red blood than dirt comes out.

"......"

After about an hour of diligently washing myself, I come out and feel like the clothes I'm wearing are too dirty.

Damn it, I should have bought some clothes and then washed up.

I feel like taking a nap, but I go back out to the street and look for a clothing store.

But why is it?

No one looks at me strangely, but I feel embarrassed for some reason.

My upper body is still bare, and I’m wearing pants stained with dirt and blood, no, my body is actually much cleaner...

But I feel like I’ve become a barbarian again.

Why is that?

"Welcome!"

As I enter a store that seems to be a clothing store, an employee approaches me kindly.

He smiles brightly despite me being a barbarian in rags.

I haven’t seen such a professional employee even in Seoul…

"A top? If you’d like to order a custom-made one, the building next door... Ah, you're looking for something to wear right away? I’m not sure if we have something that fits, but I’ll look for it."

With the employee’s help, I manage to buy a shirt that fits me like a sausage casing and a pair of black cloth pants.

The price for both is 2,500 stones.

I don’t know if I got ripped off or not.

Even in the game, I never bought and wore clothes that didn’t have any function.

"Please come again!"

Now that I look somewhat human, I return to the inn.

I felt it when I saw the official exchanging magic stones and when I talked to the employee just now, but this city has a strangely modern atmosphere.

This Lafdonia.

Most of the buildings are made of stone and have many floors.

No, on the main streets, it's hard to find buildings with less than 3 floors, and when I was washing up, water came out of the faucet.

Maybe living in this city is more feasible than I thought.

"......"

I arrive at the inn and lie down on the bed.

As I recall the events of the past 7 days one by one, I realize that I’m not much different from Hans.

When I first fell into this place, my only goal was to survive.

But what about now?

I end up saying the words I’ve been holding back countless times.

"I want to go home."

I want to go back.

Even if there’s no one there to welcome me.

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

Chapter 17: Lafdonia (1)

I slowly open my eyes.

Then I close them again and talk to myself.

"Get up and do what you need to do."

Thinking about the various tasks I need to accomplish in the city energizes my still-sleepy body.

Alright, let's do this.

First, I check the time.

[21:18]

It was noon when I came out of the labyrinth, so I roughly slept for about 4 hours, excluding everything else.

But is it because I slept in a bed?

I feel incredibly refreshed for the amount of time I slept.

Grrrumble.

Although I have the bread I ate in the labyrinth, I decide to go out for a meal.

Even though money is like life in this world...

That much luxury should be okay, right?

"......"

I felt like I still smelled even after washing up so thoroughly during the day, so I quickly wash myself again and leave the inn.

Thud, thud.

Walking down the quiet night street, I feel a bit constricted.

Not mentally, but physically.

The beige shirt I'm currently wearing is medieval style with a low neckline and lace-like things on the sleeves and collar.

Instead of buttons, there are strings at the deeply V-shaped neckline that you tie like shoelaces...

Even though I loosened the strings all the way, it's still tight.

Now I understand why barbarians go around with their upper bodies bare. It's because there are no clothes that fit them. How sad of a race.

'...But where should I go?'

The first thing I need to do is go to the meeting place and meet Erwen.

But I don't know where the Black Whale Tavern is.

I'm sure it was in the southern district, based on the Dimensional Plaza where the labyrinth portal opens, but in the game, the city size was reduced by at least tens of thousands of times, so it's not helpful in this regard.

So, in the end, I ask people passing by for help.

"Black Whale Tavern? Was there such a place?"

"I've never heard of it."

Most people responded that they had never heard of it, but one middle-aged man with graying hair was different.

"Black Whale Tavern, it's been a while since I've heard that name. You look young, how do you know about it? It must have disappeared more than 10 years ago."

I appreciate the compliment about looking young, but the content isn't very welcome.

"...It disappeared, you say?"

"Yes, it was a shop that had been passed down for generations, but the owner's son got addicted to gambling and it changed hands. The name changed too."

The hypothesis I've had since the labyrinth gains more credibility.

As expected, the world of the game I played is set in the past compared to this era, huh?

Then things like the 'evil spirits' and the rivalry between barbarians and fairies can also be explained.

I should go to the library during the day.

"Thank you. That was a great help."

"Haha, you're the most polite barbarian I've ever met."

Afterwards, I part ways with the local man and walk through the night streets. It seems like it's still operating as a tavern, just with a different name, so I decide to check it out.

Hoping that Erwen came looking for me too.

'Feydenfoos.'

I arrive at my destination and hesitate for a moment.

I can pronounce it, but I don't know what it means. Is it like an ancient language in this world?

I need to study the language knowledge that naturally entered my head at some point.

"Hwahahaha!"

"If you want to fight, take it outside, you bastards!"

The tavern I enter is exactly as I imagined.

People drunk on alcohol, explorers, music, messiness, cigarette smoke, and even some other races here and there.

As I'm scanning the place from the entrance, I spot a familiar silver head in the corner. And the slightly protruding ears are pointed.

Just as I'm about to go over there, feeling happy...

Thump.

A random drunkard bumps my shoulder and walks past me down the aisle.

Well, that wouldn't be a problem on its own, but...

"Fairy ladies, you look bored alone. How about a drink with this brother?"

He goes over to where Erwen is and throws out that kind of cliche line.

Hmm, even this wouldn't be a big deal, come to think of it.

However...

"Is it because this is a shitty tavern? Only insignificant rats come sniffing around."

Er, Erwen...?

When did you become like this?

"...Wh, what? Rat, rats?"

The drunkard who was trying to hit on her makes a dumbfounded expression at her sharp sarcasm.

I guess I'm not much different.

"Get lost. If you don't want a hole in your forehead."

Judging by her preference for the forehead, it seems like I haven't mistaken her for someone else...

What the hell is this?

I need to check it out.

But first, I need to get rid of this guy.

"Wh, who the hell are you!"

The man turns his head abruptly when I approach and grab his shoulder, and then...

"Uh, uh."

He immediately averts his eyes.

"Didn't you hear me say get lost?"

"...I heard you."

"Then why are you just standing there?"

Instead of answering, the man carefully squeezes past me and returns to his seat without even staggering.

That's when...

"Ah, mister!"

I hear the familiar tone of voice.

But I'm not surprised.

It's because I never believed the rumor that Erwen was a two-faced person.

...Really.

After all, that guy earlier also called out to "fairy ladies," right?

"So you're that barbarian?"

I couldn't see because of the pillars in the corner, but there were two people sitting at the table.

"That's right, I guess I am that barbarian. But who are you?"

"Her older sister."

She really was her older sister.

No wonder her profile looks exactly like Erwen's.

"Is 'her older sister' your name?"

"...How stupid. Call me Tersia."

Erwen's last name was Tersia.

It seems like the older sister has no intention of telling me her first name.

"Alright then. Tersia, can I sit down now?"

"Do as you please."

I sit down without hesitation.

And I observe Tersia.

First of all, they don't seem to be twins.

She looks at least three or four years older, and her features are quite different when seen from the front.

Maybe it's because of her eyes, but she has a fierce aura.

Ah, is it not just because of her eyes?

"Barbarian."

"I am Bjorn, son of Yandel."

"Whatever. Anyway, why did you call this little one to a bar like this?"

"Um, sister...?"

"You stay quiet."

Erwen tries to mediate, sensing the atmosphere, but her sister cuts her off.

Hmm, this is getting quite interesting.

Leaving aside why Erwen brought her sister, it seems like the sister's displeasure with me is not just because I'm a barbarian.

I have a feeling.

I need to figure this out first.

"Tersia, then what's your purpose in seeing me?"

"Erwen stayed out all night, and when I asked her about it, she said she waited for someone at the tavern all night. I was curious about who stood my little sister up."

Wait, I don't understand?

"What are you talking about? Last night?"

"Are you playing dumb?"

Her expression doesn't seem like she's joking.

"...Erwen, how many hours has it been since we left the labyrinth?"

"Ah, uh... About 30 hours!"

Crazy, I slept for more than a day. Not just 4 hours.

No wonder I felt so refreshed.

"I apologize. I didn't even realize a day had passed because I was sleeping."

When I apologize readily, Tersia gives me a surprised look.

It makes me feel a bit sad for some reason.

She doesn't seem to question the fact that I just slept for more than a day.

"I didn't even expect a barbarian to be punctual."

I have nothing to say to that.

"So, why did you call Erwen?"

Well, there are many reasons I could give, but...

I draw a clear line.

"I have no obligation to tell you that. If you're curious, ask Erwen later."

Directly translated, it means "mind your own business and get lost," but fortunately, Tersia seems to understand as the corners of her mouth twitch upwards.

"Interesting. You're just a newbie who just entered the labyrinth."

"What does being a newbie have to do with it? Erwen is an explorer. If you're not going to take care of her forever, you should get rid of that attitude."

"How barbaric."

"Um, sister? Mister...?"

Erwen fidgets and looks around anxiously as the tension rises.

Tersia places a pouch on the table.

"350,000 stones."

"...Why are you giving this to me?"

"It's the price of the essence Erwen absorbed."

Ah, she wants me to take this and disappear.

It's a pattern I've seen often in morning dramas, so it feels a bit strange.

"Why aren't you taking it? Do you have other intentions after all?"

That's not it.

If the price is paid in money, I won't ask Erwen for a "promise" in return for the essence.

But I haven't heard Erwen's opinion yet.

"Do you feel the same way?"

"That's..."

Erwen trails off.

Is her sister that scary?

I was originally going to talk about this when we were alone, but since things have turned out this way, I decide to do it now.

"The promise I was going to ask for was for you to help me until I get the essence I want."

"Eh, that's all?"

"Yes. If possible, I'd like to continue working as a team even after that, but that's a separate matter. No promises needed. From now on, we'll split the loot 5:5."

In other words, it means forming a two-person party.

What will Erwen's answer be?

It doesn't take long.

"I'm sorry."

The answer is a refusal.

Tersia explains the reason for her, as Erwen hangs her head low.

"Erwen will enter the labyrinth with me from now on."

"Now?"

"According to tradition, she had to go through her first experience alone, but I never intended to leave Erwen on her own."

...I see.

She had a knight who would carry her after she finished the tutorial.

Damn blood ties.

"Take this pouch if you understand."

Erwen has decided to give up cleanly.

She's a compatible teammate, but there's no reason to insist on her.

But we need to settle the accounts properly.

"350,000 stones is half the average market price of the essence, right?"

"Of course. It's loot we obtained together."

As an experienced player, I can say that 700,000 stones is a pretty decent amount.

However, the ratio is wrong.

"Then there's a shortage of 280,000 stones. The promised distribution ratio was 9:1."

"Alright."

Tersia readily takes out another pouch.

I check it out of suspicion, and it contains exactly 280,000 stones.

Damn, was I about to get played?

If I hadn't said anything, I would have just received 350,000 stones and that would have been it.

These sly pointy-eared bastards...

Now I understand why barbarians hate fairies.

"If our business is concluded, would you mind leaving? I have something to discuss with Erwen."

"Is there anything left to discuss?"

As another power struggle seems about to begin, Erwen intervenes.

"Sister, I appreciate you worrying and coming here with me, but I think you can go now."

"Erwen?"

"I need to say goodbye to mister too... Huh?"

"...Well, I guess you're not a child anymore."

Tersia sighs and looks at me, saying something she doesn't mean.

"Barbarian, swear to me. Swear that you won't sleep with Erwen. Then I'll leave immediately."

Huh? Did I hear wrong?

"Sis, ter?!"

Hmm, I think I heard right.

Don't sleep with her...

Does that mean all other forms of skinship below that are allowed?

"I swear. On my honor as a warrior."

"M, mister?"

"Then it's settled."

Tersia finally gets up from her seat.

And...

"Ah, I almost forgot. Barbarian, thank you for saving Erwen."

She leaves one more sentence and coolly exits the tavern.
______________________________________

Cling, clang.

As the bell on the door rings, Erwen slumps onto the table.

"Haa! What should I do! I've never talked back like that before... Do you think sister is angry?"

"I don't think so."

"How would you know, mister?"

Well, because before she left, she looked at you and grinned. You probably didn't see it.

...Wait a minute, why did she ask me then?

Erwen scratches her head a few times and then comes to her senses.

"Ah, right! I'm sorry. I appreciate the offer, but I already promised to work with my sister..."

"No need to apologize."

If I were her, I wouldn't choose to stick with a low-level barbarian out of loyalty and go through all that hardship when a high-level fairy is offering to carry me.

"Um, first, please take this."

Erwen takes out a small pouch and places it on the table.

"It's exactly 63,000 stones."

It's probably the value of the crossbow and the magic stones the leader had.

I have no way of knowing the exact amount, but I don't doubt it.

It's meaningless anyway.

Anyway, how much should I give her if we split it 9:1?

"Ah, I already took mine, so you don't have to give me anything."

Yeah, she's quite meticulous in these situations.

"I left the two backpacks they had at my inn for now. There's a lot of stuff... It's probably best if you check it out yourself tomorrow."

"Alright."

After spending a few days together, she seems to understand what I'm curious about.

Without saying a word, the loot distribution issue is settled for now.

However, as we move on to the next agenda, Erwen speaks up with a more cautious tone.

"Then... how can I repay you?"

"Repay?"

"I told you. I will definitely repay your kindness."

Ah, I did say something like that.

"Kindness..."

As I trail off, Erwen gulps.

...Could it be that this is why her sister made such a fuss about swearing an oath at the end?

Because she was worried I might ask for some strange kind of repayment from Erwen?

"Please tell me, don't tease me."

She's become much more perceptive.

She can even tell when I'm teasing.

"I can't think of anything right now. First, I want to ask you to do something for me. Is there anything you want to eat?"

"I'm not hungry..."

"Then I'll just order mine."

As I look at the menu hanging on the wall, Erwen speaks as if she just remembered something.

"Ah, then alcohol! Order some alcohol!"

"Alcohol?"

"Yes. I purposely didn't drink a single sip yesterday. I wanted to have my first return drink with you! Hehe."

Erwen smiles brightly and looks at me with an expression that seems to ask for praise.

A return drink...

Come to think of it, there was such a custom.

Well, it's a bit different from the feeling of having a can of beer after work...

For other races who grow up in sanctuaries until adulthood, the "first return drink" has a greater meaning than you might think.

Hmm, but what should I say in this situation?

"...That's certainly fortunate."

"In that case, you should say thank you!"

"Thank you?"

"Of course! We're comrades who went through thick and thin together in the labyrinth, so it's only natural that we share our first return drink."

What the hell does she want?

As I'm pondering, Erwen scratches her cheek.

"Of course, this isn't your first return drink, mister..."

"What are you talking about? This is my first return drink too."

"Yes?!"

Why is she surprised?

"I told you I'm 20 years old."

"...That wasn't a joke?"

No wonder she kept calling me "mister" even after I told her.

"This is my first time entering the labyrinth."

"I, I see..."

Erwen then starts observing me subtly and goes to the bartender to order on her own.

The food comes out about 20 minutes later.

"Mister, you've worked hard."

So she's just going to keep calling me "mister," huh?

Well, whatever, do as you please. We won't be seeing each other for long anyway.

"...You've worked hard too."

We drink and eat while talking about various things. Since we mostly just talked about essential things in the labyrinth, this is our first time having a personal conversation like this.

But we can't just keep doing this forever.

"Mister, you're wearing a shirt today?"

Yeah, and you're wearing a skirt.

We've talked about that enough, so let's move on.

"Erwen, you said you'd repay me, right?"

"Yes? Yes, I did."

"Then use the ability you used back then, right here, right now."

Erwen tilts her head.

She seems to be thinking whether this can be considered repayment...

But it's important for me.

To confirm whether the essence in the game and the actual essence are the same or different.

It's necessary to check this beforehand.

Maybe I'll need to revise my build.

"But why the ability all of a sudden?"

"There's something I want to confirm."

"But using abilities in the city is illegal, you know? The guards will arrest you right away."

So this is why skills couldn't be used in towns in the game.

Then is there no way at all?

While I'm contemplating, Erwen makes a suggestion.

"How about we go somewhere where there are no people? Ah, not our accommodation. Other races are prohibited from entering."

So fairies have their own exclusive accommodations.

Hmm, what should we do? Should I take her to a secluded back alley?

As I'm pondering, Erwen comes up with a solution first.

"So... how about we go to your room?"

Right, that should work.

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


Chapter 18 : Lafdonia (2)

Back at the inn, I thoroughly examine Erwen's slightly intoxicated body.

Of course, the oath I made with her sister remains unbroken.

In the first place, what meaning would such an oath have for someone like me, whose body is the only thing that's a warrior?

"Erwen, stretch a bit further."

"Heut, but even if you say that..."

I'm currently forcing Erwen to stretch.

"Aak! My shoulder! It feels like it's going to dislocate!"

"Hmm."

"I, I couldn't even bend this much before! Really!"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, yes! I swear on the name of my clan!!"

As soon as I release my grip on her arm, Erwen collapses onto the bed.

'Even with +4 Flexibility, it doesn't make that much of a difference.'

Come to think of it, wasn't it the same in the game?

"Is, is there more?"

"No. Rest for now."

[Dungeon and Stone] was an unfriendly game.

Just look at the stats.

Physical, Mental, Ability.

These were the three main stats, but if you pressed the [+] button next to them, thousands of detailed stats would appear.

For example, if the Physical sub-stat Strength increased, there would be a bonus to carry weight, physical attack power, etc.

Flexibility?

It slightly increased evasion and critical hit rate.

Vision?

It increased the range of ranged weapons and the character's field of vision.

Smell became the coefficient for related abilities, and Accuracy was literally accuracy.

Therefore, even with the same Physical stat of 50, what the character could do varied greatly depending on the detailed stats.

"......"

For your information, I figured all this out myself.

Since neither the game developer nor any overseas users explained it, I had to conduct numerous experiments and create statistical data myself.

Just because I wanted to clear this game.

Damn, I never imagined that passion would come back to bite me like this.

'Phew, I'm getting angry again.'

Coming back to the present, I was a hardcore veteran player of 9 years.

But even so, there were a few stats whose effects I couldn't figure out.

The 'Obsession +7' displayed in the essence dropped by the goblin archer was a prime example.

The Obsession stat was a mystery except for the fact that it was a sub-stat of the Mental stat.

"Erwen."

"I get nervous when you sigh, can I just not say anything?"

"Have you noticed any changes since leaving the labyrinth? Like something keeps lingering in your mind, or you can't resist something?"

"...I, I don't know? Maybe?"

"What is it? Tell me."

"Snacks...? Yes, snacks. Come to think of it, I ate a lot as soon as we came out..."

"Did you dislike sweets before?"

"No, I liked them? But I don't think I've ever eaten this much in a day."

"I see."

Perhaps Obsession means that desires become stronger.

That's why it didn't have much of a function in the game either.

My head feels complicated for no reason.

It's because other detailed stats might have gained additional functions with the reality patch.

Just look at Flexibility.

As in the game, when your body movements become more natural, it's easier to dodge. In the right situation, you can even land blows that you wouldn't have been able to before, causing critical damage.

But is that all?

Increased Flexibility will make it easier to enter narrow spaces, and you'll be able to absorb shock better when landing compared to having a stiff body.

I couldn't know those things in the game.

That's why I need to re-examine my build, taking those things into account in the future.

"Mister, I'm sleepy now..."

Ah, did I let her rest too much?

Her eyes are already half-closed.

I wanted to check if using active skills is tiring, how long it takes to use them again, and if there are any weaknesses in the stealth ability, but...

"Alright. Sleep."

"Yes..."

I blow out the lamp.

And I lie down next to Erwen.

Erwen doesn't find it strange, and neither do I.

We've already shown each other everything we have in the labyrinth, so it would be weird to be awkward now.

Snore!

Even though I just slept, my eyes close gently again.

I belatedly remember her sister telling me not to sleep together, but...

Well, there's no need to worry about that, right?

She probably didn't mean it that way.
__________________________________________

[07:35]

I wake up quite early in the morning.

It's been two days of almost continuous sleep, so saying it's early might be a bit of a stretch...

"Mister, some water..."

Erwen also happens to be awake, so we just wash our faces and have a simple meal on the 1st floor.

And then we head to Erwen's accommodation.

Since the city is so big, it takes over an hour to walk there.

"Still, it's a relief that we're in the same district!"

I agree.

If we were on opposite sides, it would have taken a long time even by carriage.

Despite being called a fortress city, Lafdonia has a ridiculously large area.

"Here, you have to be really quiet. Okay? Only my sister knows about what happened with you."

"Alright."

As I wait in an alley three blocks away from the accommodation, Erwen walks over, struggling to carry two backpacks.

The backpacks of the leader and the crossbowman who ambushed us right before the end of Day 7. They're so stuffed that they won't close, and weapons are sticking out.

"I'll carry those."

"Ah, thank you!"

As always, she doesn't know how to refuse.

I don't think she was like that in the beginning.

"Put weapons here, armor here, and gather tools and consumables separately."

"Yes!"

Back at the inn, we spend time checking and organizing the items in the backpacks.

It takes about an hour, but maybe it's because it's loot? It's quite enjoyable.

Erwen and I sit side by side on the bed, looking over the items neatly arranged on the floor.

"Are you going to sell everything?"

"Except for the things I need."

"Then can I keep the leather clothes and belt you gave me?"

"Sure, if you deduct the cost from your share."

"Then please do that!"

After sorting out what to sell and what to keep, we head back to the city.

Although we decide to split duplicate tools like watches and compasses, and consumables like potions, we decide to sell almost all of the equipment.

It's better to turn them into money and buy something else than to use something that doesn't fit.

We don't have the luxury to do otherwise now.

"Here it is!"

The place we arrive at is a weapon shop that Tersia recommended.

The items for sale are a Japanese sword, two longswords, a crossbow, a two-handed hammer, two daggers, and three portable knives.

"That will be 350,000 stones in total."

I was worried because it was a recommendation from an acquaintance, but since they offered the best price compared to other shops I visited for comparison, I just sold everything.

"Wow..."

As soon as we leave the shop, Erwen lets out a sigh of admiration that she had been holding back.

I feel the same way.

"Mister, this isn't a dream, right?"

Excluding the stolen magic stones, the money we earned from pure hunting in 7 days is probably less than 100,000 stones.

But 350,000 stones?

And we haven't even sold the armor yet.

...Now I understand why explorers go crazy when they see people.

Equipment is money. And a lot of it.

"Mister, then how much is my share?"

Erwen's eyes sparkle with a desire for money.

"Wait, we still have a lot to sell."

Our next destination is an armor shop located 10 minutes away.

"Here's 180,000 stones."

Although there were more armor pieces than weapons, the total value was less.

They said the purchase price for armor is lower because it's difficult to sell secondhand, and I can understand why.

Even we decided to sell everything because of the size issue.

"I'll sell it at that price."

"You're straightforward, just like a barbarian. Come back if you get more stuff like this. I'll give you a good price then too."

"I will."

After selling off various unnecessary items at a general store, we end up with a huge sum of 1.45 million stones.

Well, it's not all my money, but...

"Here, take 45,000 stones."

"Huh? Isn't that a bit too much?"

I deducted 20,000 stones for the leather clothes and belt and added exactly 7,000 stones more.

It's not because she's pretty, but it's the value of the magic stones that the tall guy and the samurai had, split 9:1.

"I don't know the exact amount, so I based it on the amount you gave me for the other two guys."

"Ah, I see! Thank you!"

Anyway, after deducting everything, my total assets amount to a whopping 1.4 million stones.

It's a bit, no, it's very amazing.

Even in the game, I rarely had this much money in my first playthrough...

It's a good start.

"Then let's part ways here."

"Yes?"

Why is she surprised?

Now that the money is settled, we should go our separate ways.

I have a lot to do because my plans were disrupted thanks to you.

"Well, I guess we can walk together to the Central Plaza."

"Yes..."

Erwen suddenly becomes silent.

As we walk along like that, we arrive at the Central Plaza, where the paths diverge.

"Huh? There are suddenly a lot of people?"

Unlike when we passed by earlier, the place is teeming with people.

Half of them are soldiers, and the other half are criminals bound with ropes.

No, is it not right to call them criminals?

"Eugh, eugh! Ugh! Eueueugh!"

They're not serious criminals like murderers, rapists, or arsonists.

The crime of these people who are gagged and trembling in fear is "tax evasion."

In other words, they're poor.

That young woman in her twenties, the man old enough to have children, the elderly person with wrinkled hands who must have lived a hard life, they've all become death row inmates.

"We will begin the execution!"

As the tax collector shouts, the soldiers force the man's head into the guillotine.

And...

Swish-!

With a chilling sound, the man's severed head falls into the wooden box placed in front.

Some of the nearby crowd dip the bread they brought into the dripping blood and eat it hurriedly.

"Hic!"

Erwen hiccups at the sudden bloodshed unfolding before her eyes.

"Wh, what are those people? Why are they dipping bread in human blood?"

"There's a superstition that drinking the blood of those executed by the tax collector brings financial luck."

Erwen frowns as if she can't understand at all. To her, it seems like the blood-soaked bread is more shocking than the man's severed head.

"Erwen, how much is the 1st year tax?"

"700,000 stones for other races."

"I see."

It was 600,000 stones in the game.

There's a slight difference, but it's roughly the same.

"But you don't have to worry, mister. You earned that much."

Huh? Well, that's true...

It's not something she should be saying when she has her sister's backing.

And besides, I have no intention of saving all this money for next year's taxes.

The reason is simple.

"Erwen, how much is the tax from the 2nd year onwards?"

"800,000 stones. And there's also a fee for exchanging magic stones."

The tax keeps increasing until you reach a certain year.

So now is the time to invest in myself.

The 1st year, with its relatively low tax and no exchange fee, is the time when I can grow the fastest.

"Aak! Pl, please spare me!"

"Put the gag back on properly!"

"Next month! I can pay next month— Eugh, eueueugh! Eugh!"

Anyway, it's a relief.

Isn't it said that humans rely most heavily on visual information?

Swish-!

Seeing it with my own eyes makes it feel real.

Returning to the original world.

Instead of such an unrealistic goal, I need to set a clearer intermediate goal and work towards it.

For example, assuming my lifespan is 90 years...

If I can't find a way to return home and have to spend the rest of my life here...

'How much do I need?'

Well, I guess I need to do some calculations.

To live in a house with a kitchen, receive treatment when I'm sick, and retire at 50 and live comfortably while raising three dogs...

"6th floor."

I need to reach at least the 6th floor and save like crazy until retirement.

So, that's why—.

"Yes? What did you just say?"

"It's nothing."

Let's at least get to the 6th floor.

Whether returning home is possible or not...

That's a problem for later.
_____________________________________

「Received 630,000 stones from 6th-grade explorer Daria Withember di Tersia.」

「Sold equipment.」

「Sold equipment.」

「Total item level has decreased by -43.」

「Sold equipment.」

「Sold equipment…….」

「…….」

「……」

「TIP: The character's total funds are currently 1,403,520 stones. Use them to increase the character's Total Combat Index!」


Trial

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

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post

ADPORT6

ADPORT7