Surviving The Game as a Barbarian (Novel) Chapter 100, 101, 102

  

C100, 101, 102

Chapter 100: Rumors (2)

It's the day of our regular meeting.

All the party members gather at a bar for the first time in a while.

It's not the same bar we usually meet at.

Because the dwarf threw a fit.

[Let's go somewhere else! That place is clearly cursed!]

It seems like he was creeped out by the incident where he was dragged away by the Moselan knights for insulting a noble.

Misha and Rotmiller readily agreed.

Explorers tend to be superstitious.

'Well, I can understand, but...'

'I feel like this is a bit much.'

I sigh.

Changing the meeting place is fine.

Although it's annoying, that choice doesn't have any real impact.

Unlike the bombshell declaration the dwarf just made a while ago.

"...Why are you so quiet?"

The dwarf fidgets and starts observing my expression as I sigh silently.

Right, he has at least that much conscience left.

"Wait, I'm thinking."

"Al, alright."

A heavy silence falls over the gathering.

I quietly organize my thoughts.

"To summarize, you guys are saying you won't participate in this expedition."

There are ten days left until the labyrinth opens.

We gathered to finalize our plans, and the dwarf announced that he won't be participating in the exploration.

And it's not just his opinion.

As if they had discussed it beforehand, Rotmiller and Dwarkey agree.

"Ahem! There's a saying, 'where there's smoke, there's fire'."

"Considering the situation, we judged that it's best to wait for a month and observe the situation."

This is like a group boycott.

Three out of five members of a small team have declared non-participation.

The reason is simple.

They're anxious because of the widespread rumor that a dimensional collapse is about to happen.

That's how human psychology works.

Even if you think it's unlikely based on logic, you're easily swayed by the surrounding atmosphere.

"All my former companions said they won't be entering this time either."

"Wouldn't it be better for you to rest too? Next year's taxes won't be a problem for you..."

"What if, just in case, it really happens? Then it's all over!"

The three of them, who initially started by apologizing, are now even worried about me.

"...Bjorn, what are we going to do?"

Misha asks cautiously about my decision.

Actually, persuading them wouldn't be difficult.

If I just subtly mention what I learned from Ghostbusters and take some time to convince them, they'll change their minds.

But...

'There's no need for that.'

Come to think of it, it's not bad.

‘It’s been over three months since we went to the ‘Crimson Fortress’.’

‘This works out well. I was planning on finding an excuse to enter the labyrinth separately soon anyway.’

In the early stages of the game, it’s standard practice to clear 1st-floor rifts whenever the cooldown is up.

“If that’s what you guys think, then it can’t be helped. We’ll just enter the labyrinth as a duo this time.”

“Eek? Me, me too?”

“Did you think I would leave you behind?”

“Uh, that’s not it…”

Yes, it is.

She clearly has an expression that says she doesn’t want to go.

“Then just stay here alone—”

“Ugh, this barbarian! Shouldn’t you at least ask properly first? Try speaking a little more nicely, unlike usual!”

Nicely?

Hmm…

“…Would you like to come with me?”

“Tsk, would I leave you alone?”

I don’t know what she wants…

“Anyway, that’s settled.”

The decision is made.

This time, we’re entering a rift.
___________________________

“Extra! Extra!”

Coincidentally, the day after the dwarf announced his non-participation, a notice was posted throughout the city.

It was an official notice from the royal family stating that the rumors about the dimensional collapse were groundless and just nonsense.

‘It happened exactly as that person said.’

The notice also mentioned the Tarutein school.

That they were so blinded by their research that they intentionally spread those rumors?

It’s a bit surprising.

Although I paid 40,000 GP for that information, I didn’t expect him to predict the situation so accurately.

“Hahaha! Bjorn! Did you see that?”

Anyway, when evening came, the dwarf came to find me.

And with a happy face, he retracted his declaration from yesterday and said he could now enter the labyrinth.

But what am I supposed to do?

I’ve already decided which rift to enter.

“What? You want to enter together? I already accepted a request, so I can’t!”

“Huh? A request?”

I recite the answer I had prepared.

That there’s no way Misha and I would earn much just by hunting together.

That’s why I accepted a request.

And that it’s an escort request within the labyrinth, so I have to stay by their side until we return to the city.

“Is there… no way you can refuse?”

“I already received the down payment, are you telling me to break my promise?”

“Th, that’s not what I meant…”

It’s a perfect answer, leaving no room for negotiation.

The dwarf just shrugs and leaves.

Well, what else could he say here?

After all, the cause of this incident is ultimately his declaration of non-participation.

‘Tsk, seeing him like that makes me feel a bit sorry for him.’

Even if it weren’t for this, I would have eventually made an excuse and left with Misha.

We can’t enter the rift with five people, after all.

Leaving aside the fact that there would be more people to share the loot with, the risk we would have to take would increase.

‘Still, this is the right thing to do, right?’

I try to let go of any lingering thoughts.

It’s just a matter of fact.

Thud.

As soon as the dwarf leaves and the door closes, Misha comes running over.

“Escort request? When did you accept something like that?”

“Don’t worry about it, I just made it up.”

“Made it up?”

Misha tilts her head as if she doesn’t understand.

I confess honestly.

That we’re going to enter a rift on the next expedition.

That I know a way that ordinary people don’t.

“Don’t tell me you found out about that at the library too?”

“Well, something like that.”

“Hmm… but why are you keeping it a secret from Hikurod? Wouldn’t it be good to enter together?”

It’s a question that sounds so innocent.

I chuckle and ask back,

“Misha, have you told anyone about how you made a contract with a Spirit Beast using the Frost Spirit Ring?”

“Huh? I didn’t.”

“Really, no one?”

“You told me to keep it a secret.”

“That’s right.”

I nod and continue,

“But what if it were Hikurod? Do you think he would have kept it a secret if I asked him the same thing?”

Misha contemplates for a moment and then shakes her head.

“…If it were Hikurod, I wouldn’t be surprised if he blabbed about it after drinking.”

“What about Dwarkey or Rotmiller?”

“Hmm…, I feel like Dwarkey would accidentally let it slip even when sober, and Rotmiller… I don’t know.”

Is everyone’s judgment of people similar?

Misha’s predictions are surprisingly similar to what I thought inwardly.

Except for Rotmiller.

‘Actually, he’s the easiest one to figure out.’

Rotmiller would have kept the secret.

And he would have wondered how I knew such information, suspecting me inwardly.

“Ah! So that’s why you kept it a secret!”

Anyway, at this point, Misha seems to understand what I’m trying to say.

However, did she have another question?

“Then what about me? Why did you tell me?”

There are several reasons.

Misha is unexpectedly meticulous and tight-lipped.

But at the same time, she’s inherently bad at lying.

That’s why I can confirm whether the secret has been leaked just by asking her like I did just now.

But…

…one word should be enough this time too.

I’m a barbarian, after all.

“You’re someone I can trust.”

“…Hic!”

Misha starts hiccuping.
______________________________

There are 8 days left until the labyrinth opens.

As expected, time flies by as I do what needs to be done.

To summarize briefly…

The first day.

Since our destination is a rift, there were quite a few things to prepare.

First, equipment.

[You’re buying equipment again?]

[It’s not buying, it’s enchanting.]

I imbued my mace and Misha’s twin swords with an attribute.

「The equipment is imbued with the power of lightning.」

「A portion of the damage dealt with this equipment is converted to lightning damage.」

The cost for both is 600,000 stones.

Although it’s a temporary enchantment that only lasts for 30 days…

…we’re planning to clear a rift with just the two of us, so this much investment is worth it.

[If you’re going to do it anyway, shouldn’t you have made it permanent?]

[That would have cost twenty times more.]

[…….]

And I also bought a few consumables.

Items related to the lightning attribute, such as Thundergrass and Lightning Scrolls.

It only cost about 300,000 stones in total, but since they’re not items in high demand, I had to run around to several places to find them.

Ah, and lastly…

[…Are you really buying this expensive thing?]

[You even bought an expandable backpack, why are you making a fuss about this?]

[But this is a consumable! It disappears after you use it!]

…after much deliberation, I bought one top-grade potion.

The purchase price was 1.03 million stones.

However, the top-grade potion isn’t an investment for the rift. I just finally decided to buy one that I’ve been wanting to have for a while.

For explorers who travel without a priest, a top-grade potion is like another life.

[When the time comes to use it, you won’t regret spending the money.]

[Hmm, that’s true, but…]

[It’s not that much of a burden since we’re splitting the cost.]

For reference, the cost of about 2 million stones so far was all taken from the shared account.

[Ugh, so we’re done spending money?]

[At least you are.]

[……?]

The second day.

I headed to the sanctuary first thing in the morning.

This time, the chieftain also greeted me.

[Bjorn, son of Yandel! I heard about you! I’m so proud! To gain the title of Knight Crusher!]

Unlike last time when it was a brief encounter, the chieftain praised me for a long time.

He said that rumors about me have already spread throughout the sanctuary, and the young warriors are all excited?

Anyway, it was a meaningless conversation, so I roughly responded and headed towards the shaman’s tent.

And…

[Kuku, warrior, you’re quite resourceful. To earn that much money in just two months.]

I paid a whopping 4 million stones and activated the 4th stage of the Undying Engraving.

「4th stage of Undying Engraving activated. Mental Strength and Soul Power increased.」

「Mental stat increased by +30.」

「Ability stat increased by +10.」

Although the money I earned from the baron incident disappeared…

…it was still a profitable deal in the end.

Leaving aside the ‘Mental Strength’ stat, which gives strong resistance to mental magic and status effects…

…there’s practically no way to increase ‘Soul Power’, which acts as MP, except for leveling up and absorbing certain essences.

The third day.

I returned to the accommodation half-dead and fainted. As soon as I woke up, I checked the change in my MP.

The duration of [Gigantification] has increased by 1.5 times.

[Why are you doing that first thing in the morning? Go wash up. Let’s eat first.]

Misha arrived just in time, so we had a simple breakfast.

It’s become a daily routine since some time ago.

[You’re going to the library? Can I come with you?]

[You…?]

[What’s with that expression! I also feel like reading books sometimes!]

After breakfast, I went to the library with Misha.

But why is it?

[Parsityev.]

Ragna used the regular [Book Detection] spell.

Not the [Special Book Detection] spell.

When I asked her about it because it was strange, I got an even stranger answer.

She said that since it’s something she’s doing ‘specially’ in secret, she can’t use it in front of others?

[Hmm, then shouldn’t you have told me quietly?]

[That’s true. Miss Kaltstein, was it? Please forget what you just heard.]

What the…?

I didn’t want to think about it, so I just went inside with Misha and read books.

The fourth day.

I visited the Magic Tower and helped Raven with her research.

For reference, this was the last time I helped.

Because I fulfilled the number of times I promised.

I don’t have to come here every week anymore.

[You’ve worked hard.]

[Thank you for acknowledging it.]

[Geez, you really have a way with words… Anyway, don’t die.]

It was a business relationship, so our farewells were brief.

However, contrary to my expectations, Raven didn’t take back my Magic Tower pass.

[Come back if something happens. Ah, I don’t mean you should come and bother me all the time… you know what I mean, right? It seems like you often get involved in strange things, Mr. Yandel. I think I’ll be curious about how you’re doing.]

[Alright.]

For reference, I ran into the old man on my way out, but he showed surprisingly little interest in me.

It wasn’t anger or disappointment…

…but complete indifference.

Only then did I realize one thing.

This old man suspected me of being an evil spirit from our first encounter.

That’s why he pretended to be friendly back then.

The fifth day, the sixth day, the seventh day.

It was an ordinary routine afterwards.

I had breakfast with Misha in the morning, sparred with her for training during the day, and went to the library to read books in the evening.

And so, time passed, and it’s now…

“Everyone, please step back!”

…the long-awaited moment has arrived.

Swaaaaaaaaa!

A blinding light erupts from the center of the Dimensional Plaza, where countless explorers have gathered.

“Bjorn, son of Yandel! Thank you for the advice today! I’ll go in first!!”

“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”

As soon as the connection between the city and the labyrinth is established, the group of barbarians who were nearby rush into the portal.

To even express gratitude…

Why are our barbarians so polite?

“Hahaha! Those guys are lucky to have a good senior like you.”

“I just showed them the way.”

“Geez, don’t be so modest.”

For reference, the dwarf, Rotmiller, and Dwarkey are next to me. Since they can’t just waste a month, they decided to enter the labyrinth as a trio.

“Be careful. If anyone acts friendly, be sure to suspect them.”

“Hahaha! Do I look like those young barbarians to you?”

…You kind of do, actually.

Well, with Rotmiller around, I’m sure they’ll be fine.

Since they said they’ll only stay on the 2nd floor, there shouldn’t be any major risks for the three of them.

“Then we should also get going… You guys aren’t coming?”

“Ah, our client hasn’t arrived yet.”

“I see. Then see you tomorrow… no, see you later!”

After a brief farewell, the three of them enter the labyrinth first. However, I stay put and watch as the crowd thins out.

Misha asks, puzzled,

“Bjorn, aren’t we going in?”

“Wait.”

“Huh? Until when?”

Ah, geez… this is why newbies are…

Just wait when I tell you to wait.

「Entered 1st Floor Crystal Cave.」

Experience points are duplicated, you know?
_______________________________

「Bjorn Yandel」

Level: 4 (New +1)

Physical: 380 / Mental: 154 (+30) / Ability: 128 (New +13)

Item Level: 828

Total Combat Index: 865 (New +43)

Acquired Essences: Corpse Golem - Rank 7 / Vampire (Guardian) - Rank 5 / Orc Hero - Rank 5

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

Chapter 101: Rumors (3)

Darkness enveloped us as soon as we entered the labyrinth.

I quickly took out a torch to illuminate the surroundings and placed my hand on the stele right in front of me.

Phew, how long has it been?

Whoosh!

The untouched stele.

The multicolored light emanating from it.

And the feeling of getting something for nothing, a sensation unique to those who exploit the system.

「Opened a portal for the first time. EXP +2」

Misha muttered, looking at the shimmering orb of light,

"Wh, what? Did we just open a portal?"

Well, she wouldn't know about this awesome bug.

I repeated the explanation I gave Ainar before.

"Dimensional instability phenomenon? This happens when you use that?"

Unlike Ainar, who gave up on understanding, Misha tried to grasp it.

Of course, there was no way it would work.

Even I can't explain the exact principle behind it.

I'm just using a 'phenomenon' that I happened to learn about.

"...I feel bad for Rotmiller."

"Huh?"

"If he finds out about this method... he'll be devastated. Just like I was when I made a contract with the Spirit Beast using that ring."

Ah, that's what she meant.

I was wondering what she meant by feeling bad out of the blue.

Indeed, Rotmiller will definitely feel a huge sense of loss if he learns about this exploit.

[Even if not now, if I work hard, the day will come when I can open a portal with my own hands. That's my dream as a scout.]

As he cautiously revealed his ambition at a gathering, he's serious about his job as a scout.

And it's not an empty dream either.

His pathfinding abilities are truly remarkable.

He's top-tier in the 1st floor, where he's been diligently working. If he could just shorten the time by about 2 hours, he might be able to achieve his dream.

It's definitely not an easy task, though.

"Then let's go up for now."

Anyway, enough chit-chat.

Misha and I stepped into the portal.

「Entered 2nd Floor Rock Desert.」

Sand crunches under my feet.

Hot air rises from below.

Stone ruins cast shadows in the pitch-black darkness, illuminated by the flickering torch.

"Rock Desert."

Tsk, why here of all places?

I led Misha and went back down to the 1st floor.

And we headed east, following the compass.

'We're on the opposite side, so we'll be walking for almost two days.'

If we had entered the labyrinth using the normal method, it would have been enough to walk for a day to reach any destination...

Well, there's always a trade-off, right?

And besides, although the experience points gained from opening a portal are only 2, they stack permanently.

If I can get it just by walking for one more day, it's a definite advantage.

"Ugh, I definitely feel the void now that Rotmiller isn't here."

"......"

We managed to escape the dark zone, the outermost area, after about three hours. Even though we were following the compass, we occasionally took wrong turns and ended up at dead ends.

"But isn't it nice to just walk together like this?"

"What are you talking about?"

"No, I mean... it's nice to have five people and be noisy, but this isn't bad either."

At first, I wasn't sure what she meant, but as I listened, I think I understood.

The dwarf and Dwarkey talk too much.

Honestly, there are times when it's funny, but most of the time, it's draining just to listen.

"Giggle!"

As we were walking through the dimly lit Crystal Cave after leaving the dark zone, monsters kept attacking us.

The monsters that appear in this western area are gnomes.

As expected of 9th-grade monsters, they died with a thud when hit.

"Geek……?!"

The clay dolls turn into mush and disappear with one swing of the mace. Catching them is not a problem, it's just annoying.

The gnome's active skill is [Assimilation].

It's a stealth skill, so they only become visible when you get within 3 meters of them.

'If Rotmiller were here, he would have taken care of them as soon as they appeared.'

Is it because I'm coming from a 5-person party?

I can understand the dwarf, but I kind of miss that man. He was always the type to silently do his job, like a know-it-all, you know?

Ah, and Dwarkey too.

If he were here, I wouldn't have to pick up the magic stones myself.

"Bjorn, someone is coming…!"

As I'm walking and thinking about various things, Misha taps my waist and whispers quietly.

As expected of a beastman with keen senses, she sensed someone before me.

"What are we going to do?"

What do you mean, what are we going to do?

They must have noticed us a long time ago.

Clank, clank.

Soon, a 5-person party appears from the front.

It's a regular party with a mage and a priest.

They reached this point in just 3 hours, so the level of their equipment is quite high.

'...At least 6th floor.'

I don't know what kind of essences they have.

But the 3rd and 4th-tier equipment they're wearing from head to toe is proof of their level.

Equipment is like an explorer's ID card.

However, is it the same for them?

"Hmm."

Doubt and wariness appear in their eyes as they pass by.

Well, that's natural.

They wouldn't have expected to meet a barbarian and a beastman wearing 2nd-tier equipment here, especially at this time.

'Phew, please just go past us.'

Fortunately, they pass us by without saying anything.

It's not because my earnest wish was granted…

…but rather because they didn't have the time.

"Mr. Revlon, let's increase our speed."

"Alright."

It's fortunate that they're speedrunning.

They must have thought that other competitors might have gone further ahead since we appeared here.

'Geez, you guys are already the fastest.'

Since we're backtracking from the portal, I know that they're at the very front.

Well, even if they get there, they'll just see a portal that's already open.

"Wow, those people really run everywhere."

Misha exclaims in admiration, as if it's her first time seeing explorers speedrunning.

Although it took less than 2 seconds from when they came into view to when they passed by, it seems like it was quite an impressive sight.

"What are you looking at? We'll have to do that someday too."

"...We will?"

Misha tilts her head.

Well, it's understandable that she wouldn't be able to imagine it even if I said so.

It was just a while ago that she was treated as a half-breed by her family because she couldn't even make a contract with a Spirit Beast.

"Come to think of it, Bjorn, you seem to have big ambitions. Is it because you're a barbarian?"

"...Are you making fun of me?"

"Idiot, I meant it's cool!"

"Ahem."

…She's a bit too direct sometimes.
__________________________

Does she think she's a barbarian?

"Did you see the weapon that swordsman was wearing?"

"The Orichalcum sword?"

"Yeah, that one! It really was Orichalcum. I wonder how much it would cost to make a weapon with that..."

Misha continues talking about the party we encountered earlier.

It seems like she admires high-ranking explorers.

Well, it's a much more positive emotion than envy or arrogance, but...

You can't achieve anything just with admiration.

"Stop talking and move your feet."

"Hmph, you'd think I was standing still or something."

Anyway, as we continue walking east, the frequency of encountering explorers increases.

At first, it was mostly high-ranking explorers like the party we saw earlier, but as time goes on, their level gradually decreases.

I take out my watch.

[18:57]

19 hours have passed since the labyrinth opened.

That means we've been walking almost all day.

Thanks to that, we've finally reached the starting point, the central area of the 1st-floor Crystal Cave.

Therefore, we no longer have to worry about encountering high-ranking explorers and being suspected, but...

'Phew, I didn't think about this either.'

Now that we're here, it's noticeable in a different way.

"Did you see that? The size of that mace..."

"His backpack seems like an expandable backpack too."

Explorers look at us with envious eyes as we pass by.

Well, it would look strange.

We're clearly supposed to be hunting on higher floors, but we're right here in the central area of the 1st floor.

"Why are those guys still here..."

It's evening, the time when explorers start looking for night companions to rest.

They each mutter something as they pass by in groups of 3 or 4.

It's a strange feeling.

'I used to be like them.'

When I first entered the labyrinth...

I also looked for night companions to rest with.

The problem was that the first one I met was Hans A.

"Why are you suddenly laughing?"

"I just remembered something from before."

To be precise, I laughed because I remembered myself struggling to pretend to sleep next to Hans A even though I was exhausted.

I went through all sorts of hardships before meeting Erwen.

'Ah, I wonder how she's doing?'

She's a rich girl with her sister, so she's probably doing fine, but I'm suddenly curious.

After all, she was the first companion I met in this world.

Should I try to find her and meet up sometime?

As I'm walking and thinking that...

A man catches my eye.

He's not doing anything particularly noticeable, but...

'Geez, what a shitty look in his eyes.'

I don't like his gaze.

I can feel envy and greed glimmering in his unfriendly eyes as he looks at me.

However, I laugh again.

'I've really grown a lot.'

If it were the old me, I would have started assuming the worst and become anxious inwardly just from that look.

But I've changed a lot since then.

It's not that I've become soft, but rather...

Smirk.

There's no reason to be scared of a goblin now.

Well, I'm not saying this guy is a goblin.

But in terms of combat power, he wouldn't be much different.

Even I, who always assumes the worst-case scenario...

...can't imagine myself being stabbed to death by that shabby sword.

Hmm, right… that would definitely be the case, but…

‘Why do I feel increasingly shitty?’

I need to confirm something.

“You.”

I stop and look at him, and he flinches and stands up from his leaning position against the wall.

His eyes are filled with wariness, replacing the earlier unpleasant look.

“Do you have something to say to me?”

“Uh, no…?”

“Then why are you looking at me like that?”

“…Sorry.”

The man apologizes, and Misha nudges my waist with her fist.

“Bjorn! Why are you acting like this suddenly? What did he do wrong…”

Somehow, it feels like I saw this scene somewhere before. A delinquent picking a fight with a passerby, and his girlfriend trying to stop him.

No, but I'm telling you, this guy's eyes were particularly shitty.

“What’s your name?”

“Hanst Ivan.”

“Hanst? Not Hans?”

The man trembles at my question.

He must feel insulted that some random barbarian is suddenly making fun of his name.

But this is a really important point.

“Are you really Hanst? You’re not mistaken or anything?”

“I, I’m really Hanst…”

Hmm, then was it really just my imagination?

As I’m contemplating for a moment, the man adds in a nervous voice,

“I, I used to be Hans, but I changed it because it was too common.”

“…What?”

Damn it, no wonder I felt so shitty.

But since he even changed his name, I decide to let it go and continue on my way.

Ah, of course, I should at least give him some advice before that.

“Never go back to your original name. Keep living as Hanst. Got it?”

“Al, alright.”

Hanst nods vigorously.

That’s when…

Drrdrdrdrdr.

The cave starts shaking as if there’s an earthquake.

Misha looks at me, surprised by this sudden phenomenon.

“Bjorn?”

Her eyes seek an answer.

Of course, I know the answer.

There’s only one thing that causes this kind of phenomenon in the labyrinth.

“Run!”

A rift is about to open.

And before Day 1 has even passed.

‘Damn it.’

Although few people would know this…

…rifts usually need to reach at least Day 3 to be ‘naturally generated’.

That means…

‘Who the hell did it?’

…someone beat me to it.

Using the same method I was going to use.

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

Chapter 102: Mafia (1)

“Wh, what the hell! Suddenly…”

“Earthquake…?”

The explorers who were sleeping wake up at the tremors that spread through the ground.

I realize…

Once a Hans, always a Hans.

‘I can’t believe even changing his name wouldn’t work.’

I sigh deeply and look at Hanst…

No, the man who will now be remembered as Hans G, one last time.

“I, I didn’t do anything!”

Yeah, I know.

There’s no way you could have opened a rift while being here.

It’s just my shitty luck.

“Bjorn?”

“Run!”

I grab Misha and start running.

Because there’s no time.

Misha asks, even though I didn’t explain anything,

“…Don’t tell me a rift opened?”

“Yeah.”

Just like my life, another shitty thing has happened.

Of course, it’s not the kind of shitty thing that threatens my life.

But…

‘Damn it, how much did I spend?’

I chose a rift to enter and bought items accordingly.

I even enchanted everything with the lightning attribute, feeling excited.

But what the hell is this?

“Bjorn! Over there!”

Some bastard ruined my plan.

Is it a player?

Or just someone who knows a lot about this world?

Well, I’ll get a sense of it once we enter.

Whoosh!

A portal forms in the direction Misha pointed.

By now, thousands of portals must have been generated throughout the 1st floor.

“Misha!”

I pull Misha close and hug her, just in case we get separated.

And I step into the portal.
______________________

「Character has entered the 1st Floor Rift.」
______________________

Kwaaang!

I land with a heavy thud and put Misha down.

And I immediately check the surroundings.

It seems like we barely made it as the last ones, as there are already three men and women inside the rift.

I examine them one by one.

“Oh, a barbarian and a beastman, that’s reassuring already. Nice to meet you, please call me Kalson.”

First, a human man.

He’s about 170 centimeters tall and uses a sword.

If I were to describe his first impression as an animal…

Hmm, I think a rat would be appropriate.

“…I won’t be a burden. I’m Avman Urikfrit.”

Second, a beastman man.

Judging by the round ears on top of his head, he seems to be from the Black Bear tribe, one of the seven major tribes.

His defining features are his muscular build and his giant crossbow that resembles a siege weapon.

“Hello, I’m Jensia Nayfrin. I use this sword as my weapon. I’ll try my best not to be a burden.”

Lastly, a human woman.

She’s about 165 centimeters tall and has a pretty face.

And surprisingly, she has black hair in twin tails.

It doesn’t look bad on her, but I never thought I would actually see someone with this hairstyle.

Anyway, since it’s our turn, I introduce myself as the representative.

“I’m Bjorn, son of Thor, and this is Michelle. As you can see, we’re a team.”

“Huh?”

What do you mean, ‘huh’?

When I give her a look that says ‘stay quiet’, Misha purses her lips as if she understands. And she relaxes her eyes and stares into space.

…Is that her poker face?

It’s obviously strange, so I lead the conversation before anyone notices.

“I’m the main tank in the labyrinth, and I’m most confident in that role. What are you guys good at?”

When entering a rift, it’s the most basic procedure to check each other’s strength.

“I’m good with swords! Ah, and I’ve absorbed the Goblin Archer’s essence, and I received training as a scout when I was young, so I’m somewhat knowledgeable about traps and mechanical devices.”

The woman named Jensia explains herself in more detail.

Goblin Archer’s essence, not even Goblin Swordsman?

I think to myself, ‘what kind of shitty essence is that?’ as soon as I hear it, but it’s not something to worry about too much.

She’s not a character I’m raising.

And besides, just by looking at her equipment, I can tell she’s a newbie.

“I mainly use a sword and shield. That… Mr. Bjorn? Anyway, although I’m not as good as you, I usually take the role of receiving attacks in the front lines when I’m in a team.”

Sword and shield warrior, Kalson, is better than Jensia, but ultimately similar.

Maybe mid-2nd floor level?

Still, judging by the fact that he didn’t reveal his essence like the woman earlier, he seems to have more experience.

Well, or maybe he just hasn’t absorbed any.

‘Two newbies besides the powerful one, huh…’

Well, I kind of expected it.

The situation is different from when I met Hikurod and Raven. It’s only been three months since the rift opened, so the method of waiting beforehand is impossible.

And it opened on the first day, so this is as good as it gets. Otherwise, the place would be swarming with locals who haven’t even reached the 2nd floor.

‘In that sense, it’s still suspicious.’

I turn my gaze to the last member.

But did he take it as a sign to hurry up and introduce himself?

“As you can see.”

The macho bear-like man with a beard and muscles shrugs his massive crossbow.

He’s the only experienced explorer among the three.

I ask directly, like a barbarian,

“I’d like you to tell me clearly how reliable you are.”

“Shouldn’t you tell me first?”

Uh, that’s true.

“I’m a 6th-grade, and Michelle is a 7th-grade explorer. We used to operate on the 4th floor.”

“I see, I’m 5th-grade.”

Damn it, he’s not just experienced, he’s high-ranking.

Generally, 6th-grade is considered experienced, 5th-grade is high-ranking, and 4th-grade is top-tier.

That’s because the gap between ranks widens significantly from 6th grade onwards, and the guild even conducts promotion evaluations.

Tsk, this is getting even more suspicious.

“Why is a 6th-grade explorer here?”

“The same goes for you.”

Geez, this man doesn’t let a single word go.

“…We used to be in a team, but due to some circumstances, we entered as a duo. We haven’t been able to reach the 2nd floor yet because we don’t have a scout, but we entered because a rift opened.”

It’s an answer I prepared to give if anyone was suspicious when I opened the rift.

However…

“That’s a coincidence. I’m similar. Well, it’s been a while since I left my original team.”

Phew, damn it.

‘Is he lying or telling the truth?’

I wonder if there really is an archer who’s tough enough to solo, but looking at that macho man’s face, it’s believable.

‘Still, I should be most careful of this man.’

I designate the bear-like man as my number one target for suspicion.

His strength is one thing, but the circumstances are all suspicious.

‘In the first place, if it weren’t for this man, there’s no one else who would be able to go to the 2nd floor and mine 8th-grade magic stones at this time.’

Of course, that’s just based on the information that’s been revealed so far.

Kalson and Jensia…

…or ‘Jenson’ for short… might be hiding their true strength.

“Ah, but who entered first?”

I ask casually, as if out of curiosity.

Who opened the rift?

If they’re not all in cahoots, this one question should reveal the truth.

But…

“Who knows? I think we all entered together…”

“It was too simultaneous to say who was first.”

“You’re worried about strange things.”

As expected, I’m not allowed to exploit the system.

Phew, damn it.

This is like a game of Mafia.
_______________________

Someone opened the rift.

With this, my plan has gone awry in many ways.

First of all, there’s the loot distribution issue.

“Alright, then it’s decided.”

After some discussion, it’s agreed that Misha, the bear-like man, and I will each get three shares, and Kalson and Jensia… or ‘Jenson’ for short… will split one share.

The world of explorers is ruthless.

“It’s not that bad of a deal. We’ll give you all the remaining essences.”

“Yes…”

It’s the classic ‘pulling the ladder up after you’.

It’s the same thing I did to the dwarf and Raven in the Crimson Fortress.

For reference, I was also planning to do that.

Because what would I gain by being generous and considerate in this situation?

‘Tsk, he’s surprisingly kind despite his appearance. I was going to keep all the magic stones too.’

My plan was to open the rift around Day 3.

And then I was going to monopolize everything and make the 1st-floor locals clean up the leftovers.

But the bear-like man variable appeared, and I had to make significant concessions in the distribution.

Although Misha is supposed to absorb the guardian’s essence…

…if a Numbered Item or a Rift Stone drops, I have to roll dice with the bear-like man.

‘Ha, I’m not confident in dice rolls.’

My stomach already hurts.

It’s not that I think I’ll lose, but I don’t think I’ll win either.

That’s why I was trying to avoid the variable of dice rolls…

“Then let’s get going.”

I push aside my lingering thoughts and move forward.

Behind me, ‘Jenson’ is on either side, then the bear-like man, and finally Misha at the back.

Crackle.

I hear a cracking sound with every step I take, as if we’re walking on thin ice.

It’s not an inaccurate description.

We’re currently crossing a frozen lake.

That’s the only blessing in disguise.

‘At least we can use the items we prepared.’

There are four 1st-floor rifts in total.

The monsters that appear, the difficulty level, and even the rewards vary depending on the type.

So where should we go?

After much deliberation, I chose one place, and coincidentally, it’s the place where I’m walking right now.

[Glacier Cave]

It’s a rift that opens when you offer the magic stone of an 8th-grade monster that appears on the 2nd floor Beast’s Lair at the altar.

For reference, the selection criteria was solely for Misha.

Well, I also have one essence slot left after reaching level 4, but…

‘There’s nothing worth absorbing.’

It’s just a 1st-floor rift, after all.

Even the guardian is only 7th-grade, and they don’t drop essences that suit me.

‘In the first place, the reason this man readily gave up the essence must be because of that.’

Anyway, that’s why it’s more efficient to raise Misha for now and use her to fill the empty slot with a better essence later.

‘…Wait, come to think of it, I did the same thing last time, and then Ainar left for the sanctuary…’

There’s no way that will happen again… right?

“Why did you suddenly stop?”

“It’s nothing.”

I shake off the thought that suddenly crossed my mind and focus on my surroundings.

We’ve entered the rift, after all.

And there’s even a mysterious mafia member, so it’s not the time to be spacing out.

Swaaaaaaaaa-.

A frozen snow mountain.

Snowflakes are falling from above.

And the sunlight reflecting off the ice feels even more intense.

‘It’s strange to be in a place like this after always being in dark places.’

After walking for about 30 minutes, the lake area ends, and a suspicious cave appears, leading underground.

For reference, there’s a monster blocking the path.

“Grooooowl!”

The 7th-grade monster, Yeti.

It’s an elite monster that only appears in the ‘Glacier Cave’ and acts as a gatekeeper from the start.

Jensia mutters as she sees the creature letting out a threatening roar as soon as it sees us,

“Do, do we have to kill that and then go down?”

The answer comes from the bear-like man.

“I don’t know what this place is like, but in rifts, the places with monsters are usually the way forward.”

It’s an answer that makes me nod involuntarily as a gamer.

He’s getting even more suspicious…

“You two, stay behind so you don’t die needlessly.”

“…Is that really okay?”

‘Jenson’ looks at Misha and me at the bear-like man’s kind consideration. Well, it would be shameless to ask them to risk their lives for just a 10% share of the magic stones.

So I just tell them to do as he says.

In the first place, it would just be annoying if they were hovering around.

“I’ll go first.”

The bear-like man finally takes off his giant crossbow from his back.

And…

Whoosh!

The battle begins with the firing of an arrow.

Trial

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

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