Surviving The Game as a Barbarian (Novel) Chapter 139, 140, 141

 

C139, 140, 141

Chapter 139: Awakening (2)

「The essence of [Ogre] seeps into the character’s soul.」

「Strength increased by +140.」

「Magic Resistance increased by +80.」

「Physical Resistance increased by +40.」

「All Resistances increased by +10.」

「Natural Regeneration decreased by -40.」

「Perception decreased by -20.」

As soon as I open my eyes, I check the clock.

Fortunately, not much time has passed.

Tsk, I hurriedly finished it and came out…

“…….”

I stare at my sleeping companions for a moment and then take out a knife.

And I drag it across the back of my hand as if sawing.

Scrape, scrape, scrape.

After about ten back-and-forth motions with force, a single drop of blood oozes out.

Seeing the wound that isn’t regenerating, I finally realize it.

My character’s concept has completely changed in an instant.

Clench.

I clench my fist in the air.

Although I can clearly sense the change in my body, it’s not as drastic as when I absorbed the Orc Hero’s essence.

It’s understandable.

The Vampire essence is gone, and the ‘Guardian of Balance’ is still active.

‘I’ll be able to fully grasp how much my Strength has increased once we’re outside.’

I take a moment to calculate the gains and losses, keeping an eye on the passage illuminated by the torchlight.

‘Ogre…’

Ogre.

It’s a level 3 monster with stats and skills that any tank would drool over. However, this guy’s essence wasn’t part of my final build.

It’s not because it’s unsuitable, but rather because of practical reasons.

It’s already a difficult level 3 monster to catch…

…and on top of that, to have to wait for the desired color to drop out of seven active skills?

The acquisition difficulty is too high…

‘…and there’s the 4th-grade monster ‘Steel Giant’ which is more efficient in terms of ‘defense’ alone.’

‘But the Steel Giant has the downside of not being able to use weapons.’

In the end, it comes down to preference.

Whether to focus on damage as well, or to focus solely on tanking.

The difference in performance between the two essences is minimal, so I usually chose the extreme tank build in most playthroughs.

I judged that it’s more rational to invest the effort of obtaining the Ogre essence into raising a damage dealer instead.

And that judgment was correct.

As a result, I was able to open the ‘Gate of the Abyss’ in the original version that no one else could reach.

But…

‘Strictly speaking, the Ogre is a bit better.’

The fun of this game is to change your build flexibly, and that’s also where the player’s skill lies.

In the first place, it wasn’t like the final build was set in stone.

Except for the core essences, everything else was a blank slate.

I had three or four candidates with similar performance for each role, and I absorbed whichever one dropped first and then moved on to the next.

Because my goal wasn’t just to clear the game, but to complete multiple characters.

‘It’s a bit disappointing that it’s not a yellow essence, but it’s not enough to change the entire build…’

I’m a bit bewildered.

I was expecting the ‘Steel Giant’ as the best-case scenario and sacrificed the Vampire essence, but I got an even better result.

‘What the hell are the conditions? If it’s a Vampire guardian essence, does it guarantee a guardian essence and a 2-level upgrade?’

It’s a pure question.

My curiosity as a gamer is piqued, but I suppress my thoughts.

‘With this, is it 30%? No, maybe even 40%?’

I recalculate the survival rate based on the changed situation and meticulously plan a new combat strategy in my head.

To increase the chances even a little.

What I can do right now, at this very moment.

‘…It’s better to take off the armor. There’s no way he’ll wait for me to prepare.’

Like a swordsman sharpening his sword the night before a decisive battle…

…I refine my plan and find a better option.

‘The Perception decrease isn’t as much of a penalty as I thought. With this much Strength, I won’t be overpowered.’

The detailed pieces of the plan fall into place, forming a single shape.

But the more that’s the case, the faster my heart beats.

Thump!

The future is like shattered glass.

No one can perfectly predict the outcome.

Just like when the Floor Master was summoned.

But that’s why…

Thump!

…I wonder if there’s anything else I can prepare.

If there’s anything I’ve overlooked.

I contemplate relentlessly, as if facing a test that will determine my life.

How much time has passed?

“Bjorn.”

Rotmiller wakes up and calls my name quietly.

It means it’s time.

I hurriedly wake up my companions and check the clock.

[09:47]

About 4 hours have passed since we rested.

In other words, about 38 hours left until the labyrinth closes.

“He’s faster than I expected. As expected, there must be a way for them to track us.”

I ignore Rotmiller’s comment.

It’s information I already know…

…and it’s not the kind of information I need to engrave in my mind right now.

‘Right, it takes 4 hours to get from there to here.’

All the prerequisites for the new Plan A have been met.

So…

Thud.

…it’s time to roll the dice.

_____________________

Thud, thud.

The sound of footsteps echoing from the darkness at regular intervals.

They’re approaching us, slowly and without haste.

Thud-

Soon, he enters our line of sight.

For reference, he’s accompanied by that poor man.

It seems like he was also offered as a sacrifice while they were looking for us, as blood is trickling down from one of his eyes, which is crusted shut.

“That’s so cruel.”

“Why would he do that to his companion…”

Everyone frowns at the grotesque sight, but I let out a silent sigh of relief.

Phew, so he left the old man at the portal.

If he had come with him, it would have been hopeless.

That’s when…

Thud-

…he stops walking, keeping a moderate distance.

And a heavy silence falls.

“What the, you’re all alive?”

He chuckles and speaks.

It’s far from the reaction I expected.

I thought he would just stab us in the stomach without a word.

What is this?

“I suddenly regained my strength, so I thought one of you must have died.”

At those words, all the dissonance is resolved.

So that’s why.

‘No wonder he was so calm.’

He hasn’t realized it yet.

That I swallowed ‘Tempered Wish’.

Well, now that I think about it, it’s understandable that he would think that way.

Until the next sentence.

“Ah, right. You must have absorbed a Vykuntus essence, right?”

He’s even offering a new possibility.

I can’t help but laugh.

‘I didn’t know this guy would also jump to conclusions.’

Even if we divide the stats among eight people because of the Guardian of Balance, it’s an incomparable increase compared to a measly Vykuntus.

He must have felt it clearly too.

But…

…he’s already decided on the answer he wants and is just looking for evidence to support it, so how could he possibly reach the truth?

‘Dragonslayer, Regal Vagos.’

I add another line to my mental notes about him.

He’s unexpectedly a positive guy.

But did my laughter make him feel uneasy?

“…Barbarian, you kept your oath, right?”

He drops his nonchalant attitude and asks me.

I just stare at him without answering.

It’s an expression that means, ‘why bother saying it?’

But it seems like that’s not enough for him.

“The item, where’s the item?”

He asks me again.

This time, there’s annoyance in his voice.

He’s been trying to deny it because of the sunk cost, but he’s slowly realizing it.

The truth that he might have been tricked.

“…Don’t tell me, you already used it?”

He asks one last time, and I answer,

“Ah, it wasn’t intentional.”

“…What?”

“I’m sorry. I was just fiddling with it out of boredom, and it broke.”

Despite my sincere apology, he trembles like an aspen leaf.

He’s finally accepting the truth.

The warrior’s oath.

Something that barbarians, with only their honor, have protected even at the cost of their lives.

That he was fooled by it.

“You had no intention of keeping your oath from the beginning.”

I feel a chilling killing intent through my skin.

But I puff out my chest, as befits a K-barbarian from Korea.

“Ah, I told you I’m so—”

“Die.”

By the time I hear his voice, I can already see his sword in front of me.

He closed that much distance in that short time.

I was able to react in time because I was observing his every move while provoking him.

Swoosh.

I raise my shield.

But not to block…

Kwaaang!

…but to strike the blade with all my might.

It’s the countermeasure I came up with while simulating the battle with him during my spare time.

It’s an Akro longsword, after all.

If I block it, it will just pierce through my shield.

“Dwarkey!”

The moment I push him back with my overflowing strength and shout…

…the spell that was briefed beforehand is shot.

「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 7th-grade attack spell [Blizzard].」

It seems like he managed to complete the spell while we were buying time with our conversation.

Swaaaaaaaaa!

Sharp ice shards whirl, filling the passage.

Even though I’m pressed against the wall, out of range, I feel a chill.

However, ironically, I feel a strange heat from the other end of the blizzard.

It’s obvious what it is without even looking.

「Regal Vagos has cast [Blast Furnace].」

[Blast Furnace].

It’s one of the abilities of the 4th-grade monster, Lava Giant.

It’s a buff skill that grants immunity to cold and fire damage and greatly increases physical stats.

I was a bit worried since it’s 10 years old information…

…but as expected, he still has it.

Rip!

I tear the scroll without hesitation.

It’s the item I obtained after defeating ‘Argos’, one of the mid-bosses, and the one that should have been used to defeat the Minotaur.

「Target designated.」

「Regal Vagos’s ‘Lava Giant’s Essence’ is sealed for 48 hours.」

The scroll burns and disappears, and the heat from the other side of the passage also disappears.

Okay, one 4th-grade essence down.

Now, what happened to him?

Swaaa!

The blizzard that froze the entire passage subsides.

He’s still standing.

Unharmed, behind a translucent black barrier like a window.

“Is that all you were counting on?”

He smirks at us.

It’s understandable if he thought this surprise attack was our trump card.

But what a shame.

‘I can’t believe things are going this well.’

The skill he just used is [Dark Veil].

And this skill isn’t on the list of essences that Rotmiller told me about.

In other words, one of the variables we were wary of has been confirmed.

‘There’s only one or two unknown essences left.’

Of course, he might have other Numbered Items, so I still need to be careful—

Whoosh!

His figure lunges towards me again before I can even finish organizing my thoughts.

I try to strike his sword with my shield like before, but he’s also an intelligent being who learns.

Whoosh!

My shield cuts through the air.

By the time I realize it, I feel a slight pain and a foreign sensation in my shoulder.

Slash!

I check, and his Akro longsword, which was slicing through my Laetium shield like tofu, is embedded in my forearm.

About 3 centimeters deep.

“……?”

Our eyes meet for a fleeting moment.

I see bewilderment in his eyes.

He was planning to sever my entire arm, but why did it only go in this far?

The answer is simple.

‘Geez, just how high is my Physical Resistance stat right now?’

The Ogre’s passive skill, [Iron Hide].

It’s a crazy skill that doubles Physical Resistance and then doubles it again for slashing attacks.

‘If our stats are similar because of the ‘Guardian of Balance’, it’s only natural that I can withstand even an Akro longsword.’

But…

‘Tsk, I didn’t want to reveal it this early.’

I wanted to hide it until the perfect opportunity arrived.

Preferably by blocking his sword with my shield.

But someone of his level would be able to deduce what essence ability this is just from this.

‘Head.’

I look at his burn-covered head and make a decision.

It’s the Ogre’s red essence active skill…

…and my first proper attack skill since I only had offensive skills like [Flesh Explosion].

I don’t know why a skill from a guy nicknamed the Tyrant of the Forest has such a lame name…

「Character has cast [Swing].」

「The destructive power of blunt weapons is greatly increased in proportion to Strength.」

…but whatever, as long as the effect is good.

Whoosh!

I swing my mace with all my might.

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

Chapter 140: Awakening (3)

[Swing].

It’s a skill that doesn’t require intense visualization like other skills, you just swing it hard.

Whoosh!

This skill doesn’t even have common effects like a glow on the weapon or a gust of wind.

When I played the game, I was a bit dissatisfied with this part.

High-level skills usually have flashy effects and cool names, but why is this skill so plain?

Today, I realize the answer.

‘Ogres are also efficiency freaks.’

In reality, effects don’t actually help. They just make you stand out, and if your opponent is experienced, it just reveals your information.

This is actually more practical.

And as if to prove it…

「Regal Vagos has cast [Dark Veil].」

…he uses a defensive skill.

I don’t know what his reasoning was for making this decision.

Maybe he thought it would be enough.

Or maybe he judged that it’s more rational to maintain distance and aim for a vital point with his sword rather than retreating.

But…

Kwagic!

The 4th-grade skill [Dark Veil] shatters in less than a second as soon as it comes into contact with my mace.

It’s only natural.

Although it doesn’t have a grand name like [Earth Tremor] or [Avatar’s Wrath], [Swing] is a high-tier attack skill even among level 3 skills.

“……!”

He twists his body, finally realizing the situation.

Geez, if he was going to do that, he should have dodged from the beginning.

Thwack!

Although it’s not the head I was aiming for, my mace successfully lands on his shoulder.

He lets out a short groan as I land a clean hit and hurriedly creates distance.

Tadat.

His dislocated shoulder is drooping at an unnatural angle.

He quickly puts his sword in his mouth and moves his remaining hand towards his pocket.

It’s probably a subspace pocket.

And he’s probably trying to take out a potion.

‘Who does he think he’s fooling?’

I have no intention of giving him time to recover.

“Dwarkey! Use Voice Control!”

I shout as soon as he dodges my mace with his agility-based character movements.

And I quickly give orders.

“Hikurod, Rotmiller! You two protect Dwarkey. Misha, stick close behind me!”

Of course, there’s no time for long explanations, so I first rearrange the basic formation…

…and then give detailed instructions one by one.

Fortunately, my companions accept their respective roles without a word of complaint.

Dwarkey is the first to act.

Whoosh!

The moment he dodges my mace with his agility…

…a curse spell seeps into his body.

「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 9th-grade curse spell [Slow].」

Actually, with just this, Dwarkey is doing his part.

After all, this guy is specialized in agility.

“You pathetic bastards…”

He doesn’t hide his anger and starts using his full strength.

It’s the 5th-grade essence [High-Grade Acceleration] and [Afterimage].

His agility must have doubled in an instant.

Tadat-!

It’s so fast that my eyes hurt just trying to follow his movements, even with my decreased Perception.

‘This fast even with the stat adjustment and the Slow curse…’

I’m reminded once again that he’s a monster, but I calmly do what needs to be done.

‘His arm isn’t healing, so it seems like he doesn’t have any regeneration essences or Numbered Items.’

I narrow down the possibilities based on the newly acquired information.

And I focus on my role.

Ah, of course, my role is simple.

Slash! Clang, thump!

To stand in the middle of the passage and get beaten up.

“Give up on surviving.”

He sneers at me.

Indeed, with him using his full strength, it’s impossible for me to dodge or block with my current Agility. And blocking his Akro longsword with my shield is practically meaningless.

So as a result of just tanking with my body…

Sizzle!

…my whole body is quickly slashed, and acidic blood flows out from the open wounds.

Since the Vampire essence is gone, the wounds don’t heal on their own anymore.

But it’s not a problem.

Have I ever devoured an enemy with my teeth intact?

Clang!

Rotmiller, who was restraining the enemy from afar with his crossbow, throws a potion he took out of his [Treasure Vault], checking my condition in real time.

「Body regenerates due to [Moderate Healing] effect.」

It’s the classic Barbarian Beginner Mode.

‘It’s been a while since I’ve done this.’

Unlike me, who’s feeling a strange sense of nostalgia…

…he’s looking at me with disbelief.

But did he realize that I’m not completely immune to pain after checking my expression?

He mutters incredulously,

“…You’re insane.”

It seems like he’s never encountered anyone like me, even though he’s been in and out of the labyrinth for years.

‘I’ve received an unexpected compliment.’

Of course, I’ll repay him with my mace.

Whoosh!

As soon as he nimbly dodges…

…the dwarf’s support follows.

「Hikurod Murad has cast [Lightning].」

「Hikurod Murad has cast [Discharge].」

A ball of electricity is shot at the perfect moment as he’s in mid-air.

He dodges it by stepping on the wall and jumping again.

However, I’m not particularly disappointed.

Because that’s not the dwarf’s real role.

I only asked the dwarf to do three things.

“Do you think anything will change just because you pathetic bastards gathered together?”

To provide ranged support with ‘Lightning Discharge’.

To protect Dwarkey in case of an emergency.

And…

「Regal Vagos has cast [Fear Engraving].」

…to use the item at the right time.

「Hikurod Murad has used [Guardian’s Bracers].」

The 4th-grade monster Nightmare’s ability, [Fear Engraving].

It’s a skill that temporarily inflicts a strong sense of fear on the enemy and then recovers physical stats in proportion to the amount of fear inflicted.

「Strongly pushes back enemies and temporarily grants immunity to all harmful effects on allies.」

A gust of wind blows, and my mind clears up before the skill can even take effect.

As expected, ‘Guardian of Balance’ isn’t dispelled.

Because it’s not a harmful effect.

“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!”

I quickly charge towards him as he’s pushed back, even using [Wild Release].

And I swing my mace down.

Whoosh!

I don’t use [Swing].

Because he’ll definitely dodge it.

Tadat-!

He twists his body to the side and swings his sword at me.

But at that moment, Misha, who was sticking close behind me, aims for his side.

Thump!

The blade pierces his skin, shallow but definitely.

He flinches and immediately turns towards Misha, but she quickly moves and hides behind me.

‘Nice.’

It’s the exact movement I was hoping for.

He grits his teeth and mutters,

“Don’t get ahead of yourselves.”

Fortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any other problem with my tactic, seeing him praising me again.

Therefore, I maintain the current situation.

「Body regenerates due to [Moderate Healing] effect.」

I take the role of a meat shield.

Dwarkey, Rotmiller, and the dwarf provide ranged support.

And Misha jumps out and stabs him with her sword whenever there’s an opening, such as when he’s electrocuted or dodges my attack.

Clang, slash, thump!

Damage steadily accumulates as the battle drags on.

“Don’t think you’ll return alive.”

He eventually uses other Numbered Items and essences that aren’t known to the city.

However, nothing changes.

The frequency of potion use increases, but it’s not enough to turn the tide.

Geez, all talk and no action.

‘…Anyway, he was 9th grade after all.’

All nine of his essences have been revealed.

The only 3rd-grade essence he had was the one that was already known.

Well, it’s only natural since even at 9th-grade level, it’s not an item you can easily obtain.

“Bjorn! That glowing blade is coming again!!”

I sense that it’s time to go for the win.

We’ve confirmed all his cards in the 30-minute battle. If this continues, he might retreat for a moment, bring the priest, and come back.

Therefore…

‘Now.’

Now that they’ve become accustomed to the situation due to the prolonged battle…

“……!”

…I dash forward with all my might and reach out.

Tadat.

He steps back slightly and creates distance.

It’s not much different from that psychopath bitch.

Moving just enough to dodge when you think they’ve gotten used to it.

Thanks to that…

「Character has cast [Gigantification].」

My body expands, and my arms lengthen accordingly.

I grab his neck without missing the opportunity.

“……!”

A look of urgency appears on his face for the first time.

He must not have known about [Gigantification] since I intentionally didn’t use it until now.

It feels like all the hardships I’ve endured have been rewarded.

‘Red light.’

I subtly check his Traffic Light Ring, and the red jewel is glowing.

Therefore…

…I raise my mace and shout without holding back,

“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!”

For this one chance.

The trump card I’ve been patiently waiting for.

It will be my ultimate move from now on.

In other words, with my stats boosted by [Wild Release] and in [Gigantification] state, I put all my strength into—

‘Swing.’

I swing my mace down towards his head with all my might. I’m certain that if I land this one hit, it will all be over.

That’s why I was able to see it.

“Na-undejeu Aunjo.”

All the changes that occurred the moment his lips parted.

「Character’s Soul Power is insufficient.」

「[Gigantification] ends.」

Strength drains from my body.

And my vision narrows as my height suddenly decreases.

Kwaaang!

The mace swings normally and hits the ground.

“Keuheuk.”

He’s escaped from my grasp and is vomiting blood. And I can only think about one thing as I see this.

This damn bastard…

…what the hell did he just do?

The answer comes quickly.

‘Damn it.’

The unique skill that all Dragonkin are born with.

The Dragon Speech, which he’s supposed to be unable to use because of the ‘Dragon’s Curse’.

「Regal Vagos has cast [Dragon Speech: Soul Silence].」

It was Dragon Speech.

_____________________

‘Guardian of Balance’.

This field effect equalizes the total stat points.

But we still have to fight one against many.

One of the 4th-grade essences is also sealed.

I found a way to deal with his Akro longsword thanks to the Ogre essence, and I even used all the consumable items I obtained from the hidden rooms.

And I even aimed for the decisive moment with my ultimate move.

Even a 9th-floor explorer should be able to defeat him with this much, I thought.

How pathetic.

Despair can come to anyone, anytime.

In short, getting diagnosed with a rare disease at a young age. Losing a loved one in an accident on the way to a trip.

A fire breaking out in the house of a relative you’re living with.

Your mother, who said she would be with you tomorrow, suddenly disappearing.

These are all things that can happen in real life.

Without any warning.

Whether it’s raining or sunny.

Suddenly.

It’s something that comes to find you.

Just like this moment.

“Tsk.”

He spits blood onto the ground.

And he picks up the Akro longsword that fell to the floor.

However…

Crackle!

…sparks fly from the sword as if rejecting his touch.

He frowns and tries to grip the sword, then puts it back into his subspace pocket.

And…

Thud.

…he slowly takes a step towards us.

I lift my mace with difficulty.

The mace, which felt as light as a feather a while ago, is now as heavy as a steel bar.

Thud.

I don’t even have time to think as the information about this phenomenon comes to mind.

「Character has entered a state of Soul Exhaustion.」

Soul Exhaustion.

It’s a status effect that’s inflicted when your Soul Power reaches 0%.

Even in the game, I’ve only experienced this a handful of times. No matter how much you spam skills, your Soul Power doesn’t usually reach 0%.

「All stats temporarily decreased by 70%.」

I realize…

“Suddenly everyone is quiet, did I win?”

…that New Plan A has failed.

And the price for that…

Well, I’ll find out soon enough.

Thwack!

My body is thrown back by his kick.

I blocked it with both arms, but the impact reverberates through my bones.

“Bjorn…!”

Misha hurriedly swings her swords and charges towards him, but she’s too far away to reach him.

He grabs her wrist with his arm and disarms her, like a master martial artist.

And…

“You pathetic bitch.”

…he kicks Misha in the stomach, sending her flying.

The crossbow bolt that Rotmiller shot just in time?

It’s cut in half by his sword before it can even reach him.

“Because of these insignificant things…”

He mutters coldly, looking at us.

His words send shivers down my spine, and my heart pounds as if it’s malfunctioning.

But even in this situation, my mind habitually combines the clues available.

“You probably… don’t know.”

He’s also not in a good state.

Although he vomited blood earlier, if he were at 100%, my arm would have already been broken.

It seems like he can’t even use his sword right now.

“Just how much time I’ve wasted in this shithole.”

There are several positive factors.

But it’s still nothing compared to us.

“Mi, Miss Misha! Co, come to your senses!”

I hear a whimpering voice from behind, and he takes another step towards me.

“Barbarian, don’t even dream of a peaceful death. Even death won’t be able to save you.”

It’s not just a threat.

I know what his only 3rd-grade essence is.

Thud-

The situation is truly desperate.

What should I do?

It seems like it will be difficult to even run away at this rate.

That’s when…

「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 8th-grade attack spell [Ice Spear].」

Ice Spears with the same power as before are shot.

Two of them.

And with ‘Trajectory Control’ on top of that.

Whoosh!

He twists his body hurriedly.

And he barely manages to deflect one of them with his sword and dodge the other. He would have easily blocked or shattered them with [Dark Veil] or his sword if it were normal.

He had to struggle this much to block the spells.

“……!”

That’s when I realize it.

I don’t understand why I didn’t think of this sooner, but…

Mages don’t use Soul Power.

In other words, he wasn’t affected by the debuff from Soul Exhaustion.

That means…

“Right, I should kill you first.”

…I have to protect Dwarkey.

“Everyone, get a grip!!!”

If we want to live.

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

Chapter 141: Awakening (4)

Hector Ludwig.

A respected high priest of the Leathlas Church, but a tragic old man who was kidnapped by the Dragonslayer in his later years and forcibly became a follower of the evil god.

“May the star that rises at twilight guide them…”

He stops as he habitually makes the sign of the cross.

It’s because of the evil god’s voice echoing in his head.

[Hypocrite, do you still harbor futile hope?]

He knows without having to be told.

That it’s futile hope, nothing but hypocrisy.

No matter what excuses he makes, all of this is the result of his choices.

‘If, that day…’

…he hadn’t succumbed to evil.

If he had stood by his convictions and shouldered all the sacrifices like the heroes in legends…

…that man wouldn’t have reached this place.

Countless people wouldn’t have disappeared into despair, and the explorers he met today would have also finished their expedition without incident and returned to the city.

But…

Clench.

Ludwig clenches his wrinkled fist.

It’s a meaningless assumption and regret.

Even if he went back to that day, he would definitely make the same choice.

And as if to prove it…

Whoosh!

…he’s still standing in front of the shimmering portal.

To follow the Dragonslayer’s single order.

To be precise, to protect his precious grandson, whom he can’t even bear to look at.

He’s guarding this place in case they try to escape here.

While thinking inwardly…

‘I hope they don’t come here.’

…that’s his only hope.

It’s a meager hope, a mere fragment.

But even this, the evil god is not satisfied with.

[Mature further.]

His will, worn down by prolonged despair, has been chipped away, and now he’s even lost the will to solve problems.

Like a slave rejoicing that he was only whipped once today, he’s resigned to this miserable reality.

He chose the lesser evil and consoles himself that it was the best he could do.

He deliberately ignores the fact that he has the means to end all of this.

But as if it’s still not enough, the evil god speaks.

[Hypocrite, watch. This is the despair and pain caused by you.]

A single voice that echoes as if engraved in his mind.

Soon, a scene appears beyond his tightly closed eyelids.

A barbarian and his companions are fighting against a great evil.

In a situation where there’s no chance of winning, no matter who looks at it.

[Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!]

Unlike himself, who submitted to fate…

“So, you’re not running away.”

He laughs mockingly as he looks at me.

I force the corners of my lips up, not wanting to lose the battle of nerves.

Geez, it’s not like he’s going to let us go if we run away.

The situation is simple.

[Survive using the mage until the Soul Exhaustion status effect ends.]

If it were a kind game, a message like this would have appeared.

The duration of Soul Exhaustion is about 20 minutes.

I have to endure until then.

Ah, for reference, running away is impossible.

Because there’s nothing easier to bite than prey that shows its back.

“Protect Dwarkey!!”

I shout with all my might.

Tadat!

As if he’s not going to give me any time, he kicks off the ground.

His figure accelerates in an instant.

He’s holding Viper’s Fang, which he took from Misha.

Tsk, even if he was going to steal something, why that?

I suppress my frustration and focus on his every move until the very end.

Kwaaang!

I block the sword with my mace and make a judgment.

My feet slide back.

It means I’m being overpowered in terms of strength, which I was most confident in.

Whoosh!

The sword swings again, drawing a smooth curve.

I hurriedly retreat, but it’s not enough to keep up with his movements.

It means he also has the upper hand in agility.

Slash.

Acidic blood splatters from the open wound.

As expected, even [Iron Hide] doesn’t work.

I thought there might be a chance since he doesn’t seem to be able to use the Akro longsword, but well, it’s a skill whose effectiveness increases with higher physical resistance.

Whoosh!

I dismiss my complaints and swing my mace.

Slash.

It doesn’t even reach him, and I just get another wound.

But I swing my mace again.

To buy time for my companions by taking hits.

That’s my role.

“Dwarkey, when’s the magic coming?!”

“It’s ready. But, you two are too close—”

“Just shoot it!”

The Ice Spear I’ve been waiting for is finally shot.

As expected, he quickly retreats.

He must have judged that it would be disadvantageous to get hit along with me.

How kind of him.

Tadat.

I also retreat quickly, getting out of the Ice Spear’s radius.

However, without even taking a breath, I reach behind me and take out my shield from the backpack.

I can’t even use [Gigantification] anyway.

Unless it’s the Akro longsword, having a shield is much more helpful in battle.

Although I want to put on the breastplate too…

‘He won’t give me the time.’

I try to let go of any lingering thoughts about things I can’t have.

Not out of resignation…

…but to focus everything on what’s more important.

Discard what needs to be discarded, and take only what’s necessary.

In that sense, there’s one piece of information that I need to check first.

“What happened to Misha?”

“It seems like she broke a rib and punctured an internal organ. She’ll be fine soon, I gave her a potion.”

Right, so I have to fight 1:4 until then.

It’s a cold comfort, but it’s a good thing that the one who’s down isn’t Dwarkey. If it were Dwarkey, we wouldn’t even have a chance—

“Watch out!”

He charges towards me again.

He’s not going to give me time to rest.

It’s a positive factor, at least.

‘Right, you’re in a hurry too.’

I was expecting it, but now I’m certain.

He’s not under any short-term status effect.

He’s charging at me as if every second is precious.

Clang!

He’s pushing himself to finish the fight before Soul Exhaustion ends. In other words, if we can just hold out for 20 minutes, we’ll have a chance.

But…

‘Damn it, 20 minutes?’

Time is not on our side.

He might not know this, but we only have four potions left.

‘Excluding the top-grade ones, one medium-grade and one high-grade.’

At this rate, they’ll all be used up in a few minutes.

Therefore…

“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”

I shout with all my might and push my shield forward.

And I quickly dash and swing my mace.

I judged that I couldn’t endure for 20 minutes just by playing defensively.

Of course, only for the first few minutes.

Tadat.

I chase after him as soon as he creates distance.

And I focus on offense rather than defense.

Whether Rotmiller’s arrow support arrives or not.

Whether Dwarkey shoots a spell or not.

“…Are you trying to die together?”

I swing my mace relentlessly, clinging to him as if I’m trying to drag him down with me.

It’s Barbarian Leech Mode.

Ironically, this tactic actually reduces the damage I take, and it prevents him from even thinking of approaching Dwarkey.

As if to prove that the best defense is a good offense.

“Tsk.”

He stops stabbing me with his sword and twists his body to dodge the Ice Spear. Unfortunately, he’s now in the path of the crossbow bolt that was shot.

Thump!

It’s a monumental first hit.

Although it didn’t go in deep because of his Physical Resistance, it’s his thigh, so his mobility must be slightly hindered.

But did he realize something?

‘So much for freeloading.’

The look in his eyes changes.

Therefore, I quickly retreat.

Someone who has learned to give up on something to gain something else is dangerous in any field.

“You persistent bastards…!”

A thick killing intent emanates from his swinging sword.

It’s as if he’s released his shackles.

His sword, which was limiting its attack range for defense, now draws a free trajectory with a single purpose.

Well, the biggest change is something else.

Whoosh!

He doesn’t even flinch as the arrow grazes his shoulder and continues to push me back.

And as a result…

Thump!

…his blade pierces deep into my abdomen after a few exchanges.

It’s an injury that could be fatal if left untreated since my natural regeneration is gone.

「Body regenerates due to [Moderate Healing] effect.」

Another potion is used at Rotmiller’s judgment.

Now we only have one high-grade and two top-grade potions left.

And to make matters worse…

Tadat.

…I failed to restrain him.

He steps on my swinging mace and jumps over me as if performing acrobatics.

‘Damn it.’

I quickly turn around and reach out, but it’s too late.

He pushes off the ground once more and instantly closes the distance towards the backline.

“Get back!”

The dwarf blocks Dwarkey, but it’s meaningless.

How could he possibly block that monster head-on?

Especially when his core skill, [Counterweight], is unavailable.

Kwaaang!

The dwarf is sent flying like a soccer ball from a single kick, even with his shield.

Rotmiller throws away his crossbow and swings his sword.

Of course, there’s no way it would work.

Thump!

He easily deflects Rotmiller’s sword and stabs him in the abdomen with his green blade.

But just as he’s about to pull out the sword…

“This is our item.”

Rotmiller grabs his hand and stops him.

Whoosh!

Fortunately, an Ice Spear is shot just in time, and he lets go of the sword and retreats.

Thud.

Rotmiller, losing his support, collapses to the ground. But the sword that was embedded in his abdomen is gone.

It’s the Mimic’s skill, [Treasure Vault], which doesn’t consume Soul Power.

So that he can’t use it.

So that he can be of at least some help to this team.

‘If we just give him a potion in time, we can save him.’

I maintain my composure despite my companion’s injury.

But not everyone can do that.

“You, you did that to Rotmiller…!!”

Misha, who was recovering while leaning against the wall, swings her sword at him, even though she can barely move.

Knowing that it won’t reach him.

For one purpose.

“You won’t get to Dwarkey… Keugh!”

Misha’s body is kicked away and crashes into the wall again. But instead of going straight for Dwarkey, he quickly moves towards the unconscious Misha.

His intentions are obvious.

He’s planning to finish her off and steal her remaining sword.

This damn thief bastard.

“I told you, it’s our item.”

He readily leaves Misha as I swing my mace at him like I’m swatting a fly.

And he chuckles.

“Barbarian, are you still trying to fight?”

What the hell is this idiot talking about? Of course, I am.

I charge towards him instead of answering.

Whoosh!

He easily dodges and retreats, saying,

“Don’t tell me you’re relying on that trash? He’s just a guy whose only skills are curses, Ice Spear, and Cold Burst.”

Of course, I am.

So what if they’re low-level attack spells?

If they hit his head, he’ll die.

I just need to buy time until then, somehow.

“Dwarkey!!”

I shout with all my might, thinking it’s about time for the magic to come.

But what is this?

‘Damn it.’

The magic doesn’t come.

_____________________

Liol Wobu Dwarkey, a mage recognized by the royal family.

It wasn’t a coincidence that he submitted an application to join a team with only two warriors.

He wanted to seem special.

So he chose the easiest place.

He thought a mage would seem more valuable if there were two warriors. However, it didn’t take long for his true nature to be revealed.

[Hahaha! My name is Liol Wobu Dwarkey, an 8th-grade mage officially recognized by the Lafdonia royal family—]

[I thought it was something, but you’re just trash.]

Trash.

A being who’s not even considered a mage by other mages.

[Hahaha! So our team is a gathering of misfits? That’s good then, we don’t have to feel inferior to each other anymore.]

Even so, they told him it was okay.

They said they understood because they were the same.

He felt saved.

He even thought that maybe his 25 years of life existed solely to meet them.

But…

[Don’t tell me you’re relying on that trash? He’s just a guy whose only skills are curses, Ice Spear, and Cold Burst?]

…in the end, his essence didn’t change.

The moment came for him to shine, but he couldn’t do anything properly.

No matter how much his mana increased…

…he was still a half-assed mage.

A half-assed mage who couldn’t even meet the expectations of his precious companions.

But on top of that…

[Get back!]

…he was protected by his best friend.

[This is our item.]

He couldn’t save his companion who was smiling with a sword embedded in his stomach.

[You won’t get to Dwarkey… Keugh!]

He couldn’t protect the woman he loved.

His mind went blank at that realization.

He couldn’t breathe from the overwhelming sense of powerlessness.

If he could, he wanted to run away from this cruel reality right now.

But…

“It seems like he’s already given up.”

…he can’t give up.

If he were alone, it might be different…

…but his precious companions are still fighting.

Alone, to protect everyone.

“Barbarian, you know too, don’t you? That it’s already over.”

Despite his taunts, he keeps swinging his mace, spitting the blood in his mouth at his face…

…fighting back until the very end.

[Your face has brightened up. Do you like your companions that much?]

He recalled a conversation from one day as he started chanting.

It was a conversation he had with the instructor of the Magic Tower training center after the troll battle.

[What? You want me to teach you a spell that can defeat a troll? Hmm, well… it’s not like it doesn’t exist.]

That day, Dwarkey paid a huge sum of money to the instructor and learned one spell.

No, to be precise, he learned a ‘spell combination’.

The instructor told him to never use it, even though he taught him…

‘Thought Acceleration.’

Perception improves dramatically, and time slows down.

‘Mana Amplification.’

The heart’s inherent mana is stimulated, temporarily increasing output.

‘Heart Acceleration.’

It forcibly increases the heart rate, spreading mana throughout the body, and it’s also infamous for its severe side effects. He combines these mental and sensory magic spells.

Thump, thump, thump, thump!

His heart pounds as if it’s about to burst, circulating mana throughout his body. But his mind is clearer than ever, and his vision is sharp.

It feels like he can do anything.

[What’s the name? There’s no official name. It’s a combination that people know about through word of mouth. But if I had to give it a name…]

[Hmm, well, ‘sacrifice’ sounds a bit too strong.]

Dwarkey reaches out his hand.

And just from that…

[Right, ‘awakening’ seems appropriate.]

…dozens of arrows of light shoot out from the basic attack spell, Magic Missile.


-

Trial

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

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