Surviving The Game as a Barbarian (Novel) Chapter 241, 242, 243

 

C241, 242, 243

Chapter 241: Branch Point (1)

A total of 12 knights were dispatched as my bodyguards.

Eight of them stood guard outside the house, while three entered to prepare for any unexpected situations.

The remaining one followed me closely wherever I went, even inside the house.

“You said your name was Raymond Keplo?”

“Yes.”

The knight answered politely, no matter what I said.

It was unfamiliar, but I could understand.

After all, I was about to receive a title.

‘There are knights with titles in the Royal Knight Order, but the fact that they sent all these guys… it must be out of consideration.’

It seemed like Antler was a meticulous person.

Well, I would have to find out more later.

“You said it was an order from your superiors, but who exactly gave the order?”

Keplo answered my question,

“That… I actually don’t know.”

I carefully observed his expression as he answered.

It didn’t seem like he was making an excuse. I asked him a few more questions, and he said he was just dispatched after receiving orders from his direct superior.

‘Right, they would try to hide their identity if they had a reason.’

It was a bit disappointing.

If I had more connections with the royal family, I might have been able to find out Antler’s identity…

‘…Wait a minute.’

A possibility suddenly crossed my mind.

[They’re trying to make you a hero, right? It would be fun if you died as soon as you received a noble title. The royal family’s prestige would plummet!]

I thought it was just something he said out of anger back then since he sounded so frustrated.

[To kindly warn the enemy because you can’t control your emotions, you’re truly a child.]

Antler also thought the same about the Clown’s actions.

But…

‘Don’t tell me, that bastard was aiming for this from the beginning?’

Maybe the Clown’s goal from the start was to find out Antler’s identity.

Of course, there would definitely be an ‘assassin’ since the jewel emitted a green light…

‘He probably judged that it wouldn’t be a loss if he could use this as bait to find clues about Antler.’

This made more sense.

Although the Clown was just being beaten up at the Round Table…

…he was also one of the big shots in this world.

There was a high chance that even his ‘mistakes’ were intentional.

‘And Antler must have considered that possibility, so he sent people as discreetly as possible.’

Ha, there’s no one easy in this world.

I sighed, but it also motivated me to stay alert.

For example, today…

…if I had slept in because I was tired, Antler might have found it strange after receiving the report.

“Sir, come here and have some tea.”

“I can’t receive personal favors from a civilian—”

“Hey, this isn’t a favor. You’re working hard to protect Bjorn.”

Misha served tea to the knights as if she were the mistress of the house.

Did she think this close protection was some kind of service that came with the title?

Hmm, that’s possible.

She didn’t know about the assassin.

“You said your name was Raymond Keplo, right? I don’t know how long you’ll be staying with us, but make yourself at home.”

Misha even made Keplo sit down at the table and drink tea.

“…I’ll call you Lady Kaltstein.”

“Huh? Just Misha is fine, but… well, I can’t stop you if you want to call me that.”

Misha naturally made Keplo use honorifics, using my authority as someone who was about to receive a title.

Of course, I didn’t think she did it intentionally.

‘It just happened.’

Anyway, Misha briefly introduced Keplo to Erwen and Ainar, who wasn’t here today.

“Should I call you Lady Tersia?”

“Uh, uh… that’s…”

Erwen trailed off, as if she was uncomfortable being addressed formally by a knight. Misha helped her, as if she knew.

“What Lady Tersia? Can’t you see she’s uncomfortable? Just call her Erwen.”

“Ye, yes! I think that would be better…”

“Then I’ll tell my subordinates to call you that.”

The nickname situation was quickly resolved.

That’s when…

Knock, knock.

…we heard another knock on the front door.

“A companion of Bjorn Yandel is here.”

The knight informed us of the visitor as if he were a servant.

This is why everyone is so obsessed with power.

“Who is it?”

“It’s a mage named Arrua Raven.”

Keplo then looked at me as if asking for my permission, and I nodded.

That was enough.

Creak.

The door opened as Keplo went to greet her.

I raised one arm and greeted her elegantly while sitting on the sofa.

“Ah, you’re here.”

It’s the Noble Barbarian Mode.

Raven let out a sigh as if she couldn’t believe it at my formal greeting.

“What do you mean ‘you’re here’?”

“Would you like some tea?”

“Black tea, please.”

Raven glanced at Keplo, who was standing behind me like a bodyguard, and then sat down on the sofa across from me.

“So what’s going on?”

“It’s as you see.”

“…Are you angry?”

Geez, what’s she going to do if she’s angry?

I answered quickly.

“The royal family sent knights to protect me, saying nothing should happen before the title bestowal ceremony.”

“Hmm, that’s understandable. You have a lot of enemies, Mr. Yandel.”

Raven readily agreed.

Well, it was a well-known story in the city that the Corpse Collector wouldn’t leave me alone.

And the large clans also seemed to dislike me.

But…

“Raven, my enemies are also your enemies.”

“…What are you talking about?”

Raven seemed to be in a bad mood, perhaps because it was morning, which wasn’t her usual active time.

“Here’s your tea. You know where the sugar is, right?”

Misha served her tea, and Raven took a sip and then looked at Erwen.

“Ah, hello, Miss Raven…”

“Ah, ye, yes… Hello…”

The two of them exchanged awkward greetings.

I involuntarily tilted my head.

“Didn’t you guys use each other’s names before? I’m pretty sure you did.”

“Mr. Yandel, just stay quiet.”

“…….”

Raven then led the conversation as if she was the older one.

“How are you doing these days?”

“…I’m fine. You don’t have to worry.”

“If that’s what you want. But are you planning to stay here from now on?”

“Yes… Fortunately, my sister allowed me to…”

“Hmm, really? Interesting.”

Their conversation continued for a few more sentences, and then it ended as Erwen said she was tired and went back to her room.

“…Is Mr. Keplo just going to keep standing there?”

“I’m used to this kind of mission, so please don’t mind me and continue your conversation.”

“If that’s the case…”

Although she said that, Raven’s expression was filled with discomfort.

She didn’t seem like she wanted to speak first.

Therefore, I decided to just ask what I was curious about.

“But what was that about just now?”

“Please use a subject.”

“Erwen. You wouldn’t be acting awkward around her now.”

I could clearly sense it from their conversation.

Raven was very uncomfortable around Erwen. And it didn’t seem like it was just because Erwen had recently lost her family.

Then what was the reason?

“Is there something I don’t know about?”

“Ah, you’re only perceptive in strange situations.”

“So, what’s the answer?”

Raven hesitated for a moment and then sighed and spoke.

“It’s just… I feel bad… I think it’s my fault.”

“Your fault?”

“That spell that mage Dwarkey used. I can actually use it too.”

Raven’s explanation could be summarized simply.

When the Ruin Scholar appeared, Raven had a hunch.

The difference in their skill as mages was overwhelming.

She wouldn’t be able to overcome this crisis unless she used the ‘Awakening’ spell.

But…

“I couldn’t chant it, even though the formula and mana were fine.”

I understand.

It’s a spell that any mage should be able to use, but it’s not a spell that anyone can use.

“I was hesitating…”

The Ruin Scholar’s spell was cast, and the stone walls Raven erected with her mana were shattered effortlessly.

And the result…

“Sometimes I think about it alone in my empty lab. If I had just used that spell back then, maybe her sister would still be alive…”

I smiled bitterly.

I never even imagined she was thinking about this.

“It’s the same for you and our other companions. We could have all died. But I…”

What is she talking about?

I cut her off before she could fall into the common self-loathing pattern.

“Enough. Erwen is unfortunate, but no one on our team died, right?”

It was a slightly harsh statement.

“That’s true.”

Raven nodded in agreement.

Well, she hadn’t spent much time with Erwen and Daria, so they couldn’t be her priority over her companions.

“But that’s because you did what I couldn’t.”

“Haha, well, I’m the leader.”

I chuckled and said it jokingly.

But Raven just sighed again.

“Right, that’s why…”

“Huh?”

“…I was just saying it’s not like me to be so sentimental.”

I couldn’t help but nod at her words.

Well, her image was completely different when we first met.

Anyway, Raven changed the subject, as if she didn’t want to talk about this anymore.

“Mr. Yandel, what are you going to do about Erwen? There’s no room on our team.”

“I’m thinking about it.”

“Then what about the labyrinth? Are we going in?”

“I’m planning to wait and see. It’s difficult to enter in the current situation.”

“…That’s true.”

“So is that all you came here for?”

“No, I have something else to tell you.”

I was the type who believed that no news is good news, so Raven’s words were enough to trigger my anxiety sensor.

“I’m going to take lessons from Mr. Pebrosk.”

“What? You’re not leaving the team to take lessons, are you?”

“Yes? There’s no way. Why would you think that?”

Well, it had happened a few times.

“But what are you going to learn? You already belong to a school.”

“I can’t learn royal magic at the Artemion school.”

Ah, right, she received the qualification to learn royal magic as a reward this time.

“I was hoping to find someone to teach me the basics, and fortunately, Mr. Pebrosk agreed.”

Raven then said she would be staying near the royal palace, not at the Magic Tower, and that I could contact her there if I needed anything.

“That’s all. I’ll be going now. See you later.”

As if she really just came here to say that, Raven left as soon as she finished her tea.
___________________

May 18th.

Team Apple Nark, excluding Raven, visited the royal palace again.

Although there were still two days left until the title bestowal ceremony, they said I should come and choose my reward beforehand.

‘Well, it’s better to give it to me in front of everyone.’

There wasn’t a banquet, so we didn’t have to dress up like last time.

Well, I still had to wear neat casual clothes since I couldn’t wear my equipment.

“Oh, Yandel! You’re here today too?”

Familiar explorers greeted me as soon as we entered the royal palace. They were also here to receive their rewards.

‘They’ve been calling people sequentially for the past few days.’

Although the monetary reward had already been given, those who had the opportunity to choose an essence or equipment had to draw a number and wait.

“Bjorn! We’ll be going then!”

I parted ways with my companions after arriving at the royal palace.

Because their rewards were different from mine.

“It’s… just the two of us now…”

Only the guard knight, the royal guide, and Erwen were left in the waiting room.

“Mister… is it really okay for me to receive this?”

“Who else would receive it if you don’t? They’re not kind enough to reward someone who didn’t contribute.”

“But…”

She was being like this even after coming all the way here.

“We have to become stronger. Both of us. So that we don’t lose anything.”

“…Right.”

Erwen nodded as if reaffirming her resolve.

Another guide arrived and took Erwen away while we were chatting.

The Silver Treasury, where 4th-grade essences or items of similar value were stored.

‘If she had access to the Golden Treasury, I would have given her the graduation essence right away…’

I felt a bit regretful.

Although there were core essences for bow-wielding fairies among the 4th-grade essences, I could have given her a better one if her rank was just one level higher.

‘She’ll get it someday. It’s about time for us to go to the 6th floor.’

I dismissed my regret.

Our strength would increase significantly after receiving the rewards this time. Therefore, there was no need to grind on the 5th floor and build up our strength.

The problem was those Noark bastards.

But judging by what the royal family was doing, it seemed like they had a plan.

“Bjorn Yandel, please come this way.”

My guide arrived and led me to the Golden Treasury while I was organizing my thoughts.

It was in the basement, without a single window.

But it wasn’t dark at all since there were bright lights everywhere.

No, it was so luxurious that it didn’t even feel like a basement.

‘We must have come down at least five floors… the architecture in this world is surprisingly advanced.’

A knight with an intimidating aura greeted me as soon as we arrived. There was also a mage next to him, and he gave me a brief explanation.

The time limit was 3 hours.

I could choose one essence or item, and I would be severely punished if I tried to steal anything or damage the items.

‘Geez, how strict.’

A giant metal door opened smoothly, as if it were floating in zero gravity, after the explanation ended.

And…

“Wow…”

…thousands of essences, stored in test tubes and displayed in glass cases, greeted me.

They were all essences on par with the ‘Ogre’.

Although I could only take one…

…I couldn’t help but smile.

‘This is like using a cheat code.’

It was time to get stronger.

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

Chapter 242: Branch Point (2)

After entering the Golden Treasury, I finally understand.

Why the other races can't stand up to the royal family.

It's the royal family's hidden strength.

The precious 3rd-grade essences fill half of the vast treasury.

And they don't just have one of each.

'There are seven or eight of the easily obtainable and less commonly used essences.'

Most of them even have spares.

Even the essences that are only obtainable in rifts and have a high acquisition difficulty are displayed in different colors, at least one of each.

'Crazy, they even have the Nibarock essence?'

It's a rare monster essence that only appears in rifts.

Although it doesn't have any useful options for a barbarian warrior...

Its acquisition difficulty alone is on par with 2nd-grade essences...

'How did they collect all of this?'

That's the only thought that comes to mind as I look around. Can a single royal family accumulate this much wealth over thousands of years?

'When I played the game, I thought I could just choose whatever I wanted because it was a game.'

I even dismissed my slight worry that the royal family might be defeated by Noark.

How could they possibly lose after seeing this?

Thousands of 3rd-grade essences.

Although I don't know about their current strength, it means the royal family can create an army of insane power if they want to.

'If they just feed five 3rd-grade essences to each knight who can use Aura...'

I can't even imagine.

And it's not just 3rd-grade essences.

There would also be 2nd-grade essences in a higher-grade treasury.

'...Maybe even 1st-grade.'

And the scariest thing is that it's not just essences.

There are also Numbered Items.

'Since there are Triple Numbered Items in the Golden Treasury, there must be Double Numbered Items and Single Numbered Items in the higher treasuries...'

Although they're lower priority compared to essences, they're the easiest way to increase your stats when you reach the limit.

'...It's not like I don't want any, but they can't compare to essences.'

Hmm, should I at least look around?

I had time, so I walked around the Golden Treasury and looked at the items with interest.

Well, I already knew all the options, so I quickly lost interest...

"Um, please don't touch..."

"It's not like it's going to wear out if I touch it!"

It was a bit amusing to see the mage, who came with me as a guard and guide, turn pale every time I touched the equipment.

'Then that's enough sightseeing.'

It was time to make a decision.

Therefore, I did a final check.

Although I had already decided on what essence to take, you never know.

Right, then first...

'Bellarios.'

An Eastern dragon.

It's a monster that resembles an Imoogi, and it's practically a superior version of the Manticore.

Base stats focused on Magic Resistance.

And a unique passive, [Cycle of Reincarnation], that allows you to accumulate stats.

'Well, even if I absorb it now, it would be practically impossible to accumulate stats.'

[Cycle of Reincarnation] only takes effect when you reach a level where you can hunt 3rd-grade monsters or higher.

And in the first place, it became a core essence because of its active skill.

[Scales of Greed].

When you use this skill, scales temporarily appear on your skin, and your 'Magic Resistance' increases in proportion to your Magic Resistance stat.

For reference, if your Magic Resistance exceeds 1,500, you gain a Magic Immunity bonus, and from then on, mages become beings you can kill like worms.

It's like Barbarian Dragon Mode.

But...

'It's not an essence I should absorb right now.'

Honestly, if it weren't for the Ruin Scholar, its priority wouldn't be this high.

'Manticore' is enough for exploration.

And your growth rate changes depending on what you absorb first, even if you have to absorb it someday.

Anyway, then the second option.

'Vol-Herchan.'

A giant monster covered in shells.

As you can tell from its appearance, it has skills specialized in defense. The passive would synergize with [Iron Hide], and the active would make my body tough enough to withstand even 'Aura'.

In short, it's an essence for preparing against Aura.

It's an essence for a setup I haven't completed yet.

If I had this, my arm wouldn't have been cut off by that Noark explorer who used Aura.

'Amelia, that woman also used Aura...'

The priority of this essence increased a bit since the Clown bastard said he would send an assassin. Honestly, she was the scariest assassin I knew.

'And besides, it seems like I'll be fighting humans more often from now on.'

Ah, but that doesn't mean it's useless against monsters.

After all, being able to counter 'Aura' is just a bonus.

And most importantly, it also has a high Strength stat, so it has the best balance between offense and defense among the candidates.

Then, lastly...

'Bion.'

It's the only small-sized monster among the 3rd-grade monsters, which are mostly giant creatures.

It's also one of the few 'humanoid' monsters...

And an 'undead'. In other words, it's immortal.

According to the game's setting, they're ancient heroes who were resurrected after death, and perhaps because of that, they have a very unique characteristic.

They fight using essences, just like explorers.

For reference, the essence combination varies for each individual, but there's one thing that's added to all of them.

It's the ability of the essence it drops.

[Transcendence].

What's unique is that this is the only skill you get when you absorb its essence.

It's both a passive and an active skill.

Ah, and it also has the extremely rare Soul Power stat as a base stat, so it has the advantage of reducing MP worries.

'So what should I choose...'

I have to absorb all of them someday.

It's just a matter of which one I absorb first.

After much deliberation, I finally made my decision.

'Right, this is it if I can only choose one.'

I'm looking forward to the title bestowal ceremony.
____________________

“Hmm, this essence.”

The mage who had been following me made a strange expression as I chose the essence.

“It’s a good essence. Then I’ll report it to the Prime Minister.”

“Ah, can you also give me a Numbered Item? It seems like they’re just collecting dust—”

“No.”

Geez, he’s so serious.

I was half-joking.

We then returned to the reception room after a body search, and my companions were already there.

“It took a long time, as expected of the Golden Treasury.”

The bear-like man greeted me with a smile.

“What essence did you choose?”

“Hmm, I just chose the one you recommended. It doesn’t seem bad, and it’s a secret technique, right?”

Secret technique.

In short, it means a guaranteed essence combination.

Like the essences possessed by heroes or great explorers who left their names in history.

Of course, most of those people were well-known, but they usually had high-grade essence combinations, so they were difficult to apply unless you were an experienced explorer.

But there are some well-known minor combinations.

For example, even the dwarf knew how to use [Emergency Restoration] to reset the cooldown of Numbered Items.

It must have been one of the secret techniques circulating among dwarves.

“I should get a training center membership as soon as we get back.”

The bear-like man, who chose the essence based on my recommendation, was eager to try out his new skills.

Well, everyone probably felt the same way.

“Bjorn, let’s go back! The warrior’s power is taking over my body! I need to unleash it!”

Although the other three received 5th-grade essences, I was a bit envious of this.

Phew, I had to wait until the title bestowal ceremony.

“Ugh, just endure it. Erwen isn’t here yet.”

“We can just tell that fairy to come alone!”

“Hey, what did I say would happen if you talked like that?”

“I, I misspoke. So please, don’t make me eat carrot soup…”

Misha was scolding Ainar and defending Erwen.

It’s reassuring that she has an older sister to support her.

We waited for a while, and Erwen finally returned after choosing her essence.

“You’re late. Was there a problem?”

“No. I chose the one you recommended. But I needed some time to adjust after absorbing it, so I rested for a bit…”

Hmm, that’s understandable.

Most high-grade essences cause significant changes to your body as soon as you absorb them.

“I’m, I’m sorry. Did you wait long?”

“It’s fine, I’m glad there was no problem. Let’s go back.”

We then returned to the 7th district, which felt like home now, in the carriage the royal family prepared.

And we headed straight to the training center.

The only place in the city where you’re allowed to use abilities.

“Then I’ll go first.”

The bear-like man summoned Iron Bear Iradun.

And he placed a pig he bought at the entrance of the training center on the target platform.

“I can’t do it myself. Misha, can you do it?”

“Me? Ugh… alright.”

Misha then injured Woongie with her sword, and the preparations were complete.

「Avman Urikfrit has cast [Hungry Claws].」

A red light started emanating from the arrow.

The bear-like man nocked it and aimed for the pig’s thigh.

Thump!

“Squeeeeeeeal!!!”

The pig screamed and thrashed, but it didn’t last long.

Thud.

Although it wasn’t a vital point, the pig soon collapsed and stopped moving.

There was no blood.

Because the arrow that was embedded in it was absorbing it.

Swaaaaaaaaa!

The arrow was extracting life force from the pig and transferring it to the bear-like man.

And this is where the synergy of the combination comes in.

「Avman Urikfrit’s health is currently at its maximum.」

「Transferring remaining health to the linked target.」

The absorbed life force was transferred to Woongie through the bear-like man.

“Woong?”

Woongie’s injuries were all healed.

“I was unsure, but the Spirit Beast really recovered.”

“The book says that you’re the priority when you’re injured, so be careful.”

Although he said that, it was practically the same as our tank line becoming tougher since the bear-like man, who was a ranged attacker, rarely got injured.

Well, that wasn’t the only advantage.

The pig’s body was withered like a mummy after about 3 minutes.

‘The continuous damage isn’t bad either.’

And the bear-like man also had [Hook Arrow], so the embedded arrow was difficult to remove.

In other words, once it was embedded, the continuous damage and life steal would continue to stack.

‘And if he gets [Altruism] later, he’ll be able to heal us with it too, not just Iron Bear.’

Of course, that was just a possibility, I wasn’t planning to make the bear-like man a healer.

After all, how precious is an essence slot?

It’s best to leave healing to a professional healer.

‘I should get a priest soon…’

Anyway, Ainar was next.

「Ainar Frenelin has cast [Wild Control].」

Since there weren’t any good 5th-grade essences for her to use as a graduation essence, I chose the one that was most effective right now and could be used for the longest time.

「All conditional activation effects of the next attack are converted to Sharpness.」

[Mark of Explosion], which causes an explosion when you hit the same spot, and [Life Absorption], which increases regeneration when you hit an enemy.

If she uses [Wild Control], those two effects are now converted to Sharpness.

Just like this.

Slash!

The steel bar was cut in half effortlessly, even though it was made of Adamantium.

“Can you try it with a different sword?”

“Why not? Go ahead.”

Unlike the pig, the steel bar was free.

It was magically repaired.

“Then…”

Ainar, as if she was unsure, tested it again with a cheap iron sword provided by the training center.

The result was the same.

Slash!

The steel bar was cut in half with a single blow.

‘Good, this increases her options.’

She would be able to use explosion and life steal when fighting multiple enemies, and increase her sharpness when fighting a single strong enemy.

In short, she was no longer a barbarian who was only good at mob farming.

“Then it’s my turn now?”

Misha then tested the essence she newly obtained, and then it was Erwen’s turn.

They both had satisfied expressions, as their new essences showed synergy that exceeded expectations.

‘…This is unfair for a barbarian.’

Why am I the only one without a new essence?
____________________
Two days later, I visited the royal palace again.

Honestly, I wasn’t as nervous as the first time.

After all, this was my third time this month.

But there were a few differences from my previous visits.

“Can you bend down a bit? You’re so tall.”

The servants were helping me get dressed and styling me, as if even the formal wear Kyle gave me wasn’t enough.

And my companions weren’t here.

Because I was the only one invited today.

It seemed like it was a long-standing tradition of the royal family that no one could attend the title bestowal ceremony unless they were a noble, even if they were a distinguished guest.

‘It’s already noisy over there.’

I was currently in the Palace of Glory, the same place I had visited once before. I could hear musical instruments playing from where the main hall was.

It seemed like the banquet had already begun.

Our entrance would probably be the climax of the banquet.

“Oh my, you look much better dressed like that.”

Count Perdehilt visited me while I was getting ready.

He was with his youngest daughter.

“Ah, I, I’m Arabella Perdehilt…”

The young lady still couldn’t make eye contact with me, as if she was scared.

It seemed like he didn’t intend to bring up the arranged marriage again and bother me today, as he just chatted for a bit and then left.

Well, to be precise, should I call it a warning?

“There are three of you receiving titles today, including you. One is from a Viscount family, and the other is from a Marquis family.”

It was something I had already heard.

To be precise, it was more accurate to say ‘inheritance’ than ‘bestowal’ for them, unlike my case.

“I don’t care about the Viscount family, but the heir to the Kudo family is known for being hot-tempered and competitive.”

“In other words, he’s immature.”

“…That’s an accurate description. So be careful. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event, he might think you stole the spotlight. Ah, and try to endure it even if he provokes you. You’re one of us now, so you can’t just act as you please.”

“I’ll keep your advice in mind.”

“Right, that should be enough. Then I’ll be going now. See you later.”

The Count then coolly left with his daughter. It seemed like he really just came to build a relationship with me.

‘Politics…’

I couldn’t help but laugh, remembering what happened in the Doppelganger Forest. I wonder if barbarian-style politics would work in noble society?

That’s when, as I was having those silly thoughts…

“The heroes of the day are entering!”

…the door opened with cheerful music.

‘This is my second time walking through here this month.’

I walked naturally along the carpet, without any nervousness. The heir to the Marquis family was in the center, I was on the left, and the heir to the Viscount family was on the right.

Thud, thud.

We reached the throne, receiving cheers from the nobles.

The Prime Minister was standing in front of the empty throne.

He said something ceremonial, and we knelt on one knee and bowed.

That’s when…

‘Huh?’

…the Marquis bastard leaned towards me as I was about to kneel.

What?

Did he lose his balance?

I tried to help him at first, thinking that might be the case, but I soon realized it wasn’t.

Malice.

I unconsciously sensed a dark emotion from his movement.

It was truly ridiculous.

Leaving aside the fact that he was trying to pull something so pathetic in front of the Prime Minister, who was practically the second most powerful person in the royal family, and countless other nobles…

‘Do you think that would work?’

The best defense is a good offense.

Strength involuntarily surged through my body, and at the same time, our bodies collided.

Thwack!

The outcome, based on the laws of physics, was practically predetermined.

“Aak!!”

The Marquis heir was thrown forward and rolled on the carpet.

His neat suit was completely wrinkled.

“…….”

The music stopped, and silence fell at his embarrassing display.

The Count’s advice suddenly came to mind.

“…….”

Ah, right.

He told me to endure.

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

Chapter 243: Branch Point (3)

A man, observing the situation from afar, chuckled as the Marquis heir’s body tilted towards Bjorn Yandel.

‘The rumors were true.’

He was a wild one.

To pull something like that in front of the Prime Minister.

‘No, maybe he believes that the Prime Minister and the other nobles won’t blame him.’

Hmm, it wasn’t incomprehensible.

After all, there was a clear difference between a noble who was about to become a Marquis and a barbarian explorer who was about to become a Viscount.

And besides…

…there had been many instances of bullying that were even more blatant in the noble society, where hazing was rampant, and it was tacitly accepted.

It was a kind of taming.

But…

‘He’s certainly bold.’

The Marquis heir wasn’t a knight.

He just absorbed a few essences to build an intimidating physique.

But to pick a fight with an explorer who was known to have defeated the Corpse Collector in a physical confrontation…

‘Ah, come to think of it, he’s injured, right?’

The man belatedly remembered that Bjorn Yandel was still suffering from the aftereffects of the last battle.

He said the poison had even seeped into his brain.

He was sweating profusely just from walking normally at the last banquet.

That must have been why the Marquis bastard did that.

‘…This is going to ruin the mood.’

The man involuntarily frowned as he imagined what was to come.

The malice of nobles hidden beneath their glamorous facade.

And a hero being humiliated in front of everyone.

It wasn’t a scene he wanted to see on his rare outing—

“Huh?”

The man tilted his head.

Because an unexpected outcome had occurred.

The barbarian’s body didn’t even budge at the Marquis heir’s trick.

‘…Has he already recovered to some extent?’

Good.

That’s when…

…the barbarian’s shoulder muscles, which couldn’t be concealed by mere cloth, twitched.

And at that moment…

“Aak!!”

As if there was a reaction, the Marquis heir was thrown backward.

“…….”

The music stopped, and silence fell.

He couldn’t understand it at all.

‘…He pushed the Marquis bastard away here?!’

It was an act he wouldn’t have done if he had considered the consequences.

The man, feeling a sense of secondhand embarrassment, felt even more dizzy.

Although he was glad that the barbarian’s condition had improved and he wasn’t tricked by that pathetic scheme…

‘He should have just ignored it.’

If it were him, he would have said something like, ‘Haha, did my legs give out? I should work out more,’ and then gotten back at him later.

That was the less risky option.

Well, it was a barbarian-like action…

‘…That person wouldn’t have done it like this.’

Then was he really just a barbarian?

The man was disappointed, but he continued to observe the situation.

You never know.

This could also be part of a bigger picture…

And even if he wasn’t ‘that person’…

Bjorn Yandel was someone who was suspected to be a player due to his exceptional growth rate.

‘Let’s just watch for now.’

That’s when, as he was focusing his gaze…

“Bjorn, son of Yandel.”

…the Prime Minister called the barbarian’s name in a troubled voice.

He also already knew.

About the Marquis heir’s trick, and how the barbarian responded to it.

‘Now, how is he going to resolve this situation?’

The man waited for the barbarian to speak, not giving up on the possibility of a reversal until the very end.

It didn’t take long.

The barbarian shouted indignantly,

“…I, I didn’t do anything wrong!”

A protest without any logical defense, like a whining child.

“It’s true! I was just standing there, and he used me to do a forward roll!”

He even blamed the Marquis directly.

The man felt a sense of emptiness.

“Marquis! You tell me! You just wanted to do a forward roll, right?!”

He remembered the experienced players in the community who said that Bjorn Yandel couldn’t possibly be a player.

Now he understood what they meant.

‘This is a modern person…?’

The man’s gaze turned cold as he looked at the barbarian.
___________________

The title bestowal ceremony was over.

Honestly, I don’t remember the details.

It was boring.

The Prime Minister gave a long speech, using all sorts of fancy words, and I officially became a noble of this country as he bestowed the title upon me on behalf of the royal family.

And then the banquet began.

‘Damn it.’

It was different from the last banquet.

Back then, many nobles approached me to build a relationship or out of simple curiosity…

“…….”

…but now there was no one around me.

Even Baron Martoan and the Count who tried to arrange a political marriage were just watching from afar.

It was a completely different treatment from the Marquis and the Viscount, who were surrounded by many nobles.

Well, it was understandable.

I was on the Marquis bastard’s bad side because of this incident.

‘Ha, because of one weird bastard.’

I grabbed a piece of meat with my hand and started eating, recalling what had happened earlier.

[Bjorn, son of Yandel.]

How was I supposed to resolve that situation when even the Prime Minister was looking at me with a reprimanding gaze?

This was the answer I came up with.

The Mindless Barbarian Mode, which had always helped me in difficult situations.

[…I, I didn’t do anything wrong!]

After all, everyone who should know would know that it was the Marquis bastard’s fault.

I decided to just be shameless.

In the first place, political talk didn’t suit a barbarian.

[It’s true! I was just standing there, and he used me to do a forward roll!]

As expected, the Prime Minister couldn’t say anything at my words.

[…Forward roll?]

This is what happens to those who only work with pens at their desks.

No matter how smart and quick-witted they are, they lack experience in this kind of conversation.

[Marquis! You tell me! You just wanted to do a forward roll, right!]

Even the nobles who were looking at my actions as a challenge changed their attitudes as the Mindless Barbarian Mode continued.

They realized.

That barbarians were a completely different species.

[…Cariot Kudo, is that true?]

The Prime Minister then looked at the Marquis with a cold gaze, and the Marquis answered in a panic,

[Th, there’s no way! That barbarian dared to push me, not knowing his place—]

[Stop.]

[…?]

The Prime Minister just stared at the flustered Marquis with a kind smile, without saying anything, as his words were cut off.

It was an unspoken pressure to not make things worse.

[Ye, yes… that’s right….]

In the end, the Marquis bastard had no choice but to admit that he wanted to do a forward roll.

After all, that action meant the Prime Minister was siding with me.

Even nobles have that much sense.

‘…The Prime Minister, this man is also a bit suspicious.’

Anyway…

…the title bestowal ceremony resumed as if nothing had happened, and it ended with him handing me the essence I had chosen two days ago in a luxurious box.

And now…

‘Should I just go back…?’

I was sitting alone at a large round table, stuffing my face with meat, and I started to feel bored.

‘Hmm, okay, I’ll eat one more plate and then leave.’

I asked the servant assigned to each table to bring me another plate piled high with meat.

After some time…

‘Huh?’

I turned my head at the approaching presence, and instead of the plate of meat I was waiting for, I saw a man.

“Haha, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Viscount Yandel.”

He was the first noble to approach me at this banquet where I was completely ostracized.

My barbarian intuition told me the moment our eyes met…

…that he was suspicious.

No…

“I’m Hans from the Aiphreya Baron family.”

…that this man was dangerous.
___________________

Hans Aiphreya.

Hans A. for short.

“…You’re more quiet than I expected?”

Although he didn’t have a title since he was the youngest son of a Baron family, I felt suffocated.

A ‘Hans’ with noble characteristics?

It was a type of Hans I had never seen before!

“I’m Bjorn, son of Yandel.”

I roughly introduced myself and was about to leave, saying I was busy.

But that’s when…

“Huff, huff, here you go, Viscount Yandel.”

…the plate of meat I ordered arrived.

The servant brought three plates piled high with meat, as if he had taken my appetite into account.

“…Thank you.”

I couldn’t help but express my gratitude.

But what was this?

“It’s my… first time…”

The servant was staring at me with a touched expression.

“Hearing those words while doing this job…”

Ha, these damn nobles.

The servant then said I could ask him for anything and stood behind me, waiting for my next request.

‘…I was going to just leave.’

But I felt like I would unintentionally hurt him if I did that.

So I grabbed a piece of meat with my hand.

“You were still eating. If it’s not a bother, would you mind if I join you?”

An ordinary noble would have readily agreed to this request or politely refused.

But I was a barbarian of this city.

“It’s a bit uncomfortable.”

I said it was uncomfortable without hesitation.

Hans A.’s eyes narrowed.

“Hmm, you’re a bit different from what I heard.”

It was a meaningful statement and gaze.

So I couldn’t help but ask,

“Different?”

“Ah, I misspoke. I just thought you wouldn’t be uncomfortable with something like this.”

What the hell is this guy?

He’s strangely relaxed for the youngest son of a Baron family without a title.

And his name is Hans.

‘…Why did he approach me?’

It seemed like I needed to test him.

I spoke naturally after a brief moment of contemplation.

“Why don’t you have a plate too? I’m a bit uncomfortable eating alone.”

“Aha, so that’s what you meant.”

Hans A. ordered food from the servant at my words.

And so, we had some time alone.

“It’s nice to meet you. I was actually bored because I was alone.”

I extended my hand, which was still covered in meat juice, and Hans A. hesitated for a moment before shaking it.

Geez, that disgusted expression.

‘Phew, this is even more suspicious.’

What was his reason for staying here, even shaking hands with my greasy hand?

I opened my mouth to find out.

Wide enough that I wouldn’t feel awkward even if bits of meat I was chewing on flew onto his face.

“Right! Hans Aiphreya? I like you! Let’s be friends!!”

“…….”

“Why don’t you want to be friends?”

He smiled awkwardly, picking off the bits of meat on his face one by one, at my question.

“No, there’s no way…”

“Haha, I like you!”

The food he ordered soon arrived, and we ate and chatted.

He congratulated me on receiving a title.

He said the weather was nice today.

Most of it was meaningless small talk, and at some point, Hans A. stopped eating.

Because the bits of meat that flew out of my mouth had all landed on his plate.

“Why aren’t you eating?”

“…I don’t feel well.”

“Hmm, I’m uncomfortable eating alone…”

It was a subtle way of telling him to get to the point if he had one, or leave if he didn’t.

Then how would he react?

The answer was simple.

“If you’re uncomfortable, then I’ll excuse myself.”

Hans A. got up from his seat without hesitation.

And…

“Enjoy your meal.”

…he immediately left.

‘What was that about?’

Did he really just come to be friends?

“…….”

I felt even more uneasy because he just left like that.
__________________

Early evening, as the sun began to set.

I left the royal palace as if running away after Hans A. left and got into a carriage heading home.

After all, I had met a Hans.

I couldn’t even imagine what kind of incident I might get caught up in if I stayed in this place full of nobles.

‘Let’s absorb the essence first.’

I asked Keplo, who resumed his close protection as soon as we left the royal palace, for his understanding and then opened the test tube.

‘Come to think of it, this is my first time absorbing an essence without breaking the test tube.’

Corpse Golem, Orc Hero, Manticore.

Although the situations were all different, I had to break the test tube to absorb the essence.

It wasn’t like it could be reused anyway.

Whoosh.

I took a deep breath, holding the test tube to my nose, and the essence inside was absorbed into my body like smoke.

「The essence of ‘Bion’ seeps into the character’s soul.」

The 3rd-grade monster, Bion.

There was one reason why I chose him in the end.

Honestly, absorbing ‘Vol-Herchan’s’ essence and preparing against Aura while increasing my combat power would have been more advantageous right now…

…but the acquisition difficulty was vastly different.

‘Since I absorbed this, I can just skip ‘Land of Immortality’ later and just get experience points.’

Vol-Herchan was a common monster that appeared in groups, and it was easy to encounter if you went to its field, while ‘Bion’ was difficult to encounter, and the characteristics of its field were very tricky.

This essence choice was a more long-term investment.

‘And besides, there’s not much difference in terms of specs, even though the essence’s characteristics are different.’

And if you consider the effect of the next Spirit Engraving, this was the more rational choice.

「Soul Power increased by +100.」

「Soul Regeneration increased by +30.」

「Strength increased by +25.」

「…….」

「…….」

I felt a sense of fulfillment deep down.

A new vitality from the minor physical stat increases.

I opened my eyes after briefly savoring the afterglow, and Keplo congratulated me with a smile.

‘It’s late today, so I guess I can go to the training center tomorrow.’

I closed my eyes again, feeling disappointed that I couldn’t use my newfound strength right away.

After some time…

Creak.

…the carriage suddenly stopped in the middle of the street.

Did a wheel fall off?

That’s when, as I opened my eyes with that thought…

“I sense mana from below!”

…Keplo, a human knight with a talent for mana, unlike a barbarian, shouted.

And…

“You have to get off qu—”

…a giant explosion engulfed us in flames.

Kwaaang!

The carriage shattered in an instant.

Beeeeeeeep!

I heard the knights shouting amidst the ringing in my ears.

“Assassin! An assassin is here!!”

Damn it.

Trial

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

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