Surviving The Game as a Barbarian (Novel) Chapter 148, 149, 150

  

C148, 149, 150

Chapter 148: A Great Legacy (5)


There are days like that.


Days when a momentary whim leads to unexpected good fortune. For Amelia Rainwales, today was that kind of day.


Who would have known?


That she would meet him on top of the castle walls, where she climbed aimlessly out of frustration.


“Regal Vagos.”


A member of Orculus, who divided this cursed city…


…and the one she wanted to kill the most among them.


He’s lying unconscious on the ground.


In this remote place, with his body battered, alone.


‘…Could it be that he opened a dimensional gate and escaped? And that’s why he ended up here instead of the plaza?’


That was the first possibility that came to mind.


There’s no mage in the Dragonslayer’s team, but it’s possible if he sacrificed that poor old man he always brought along.


However…


‘What kind of enemy did he encounter…?’


Amelia dismissed the question that arose.


It doesn’t matter who put him in this state.


What’s important is that a feast has been laid out before her eyes.


She first bends down and checks his pulse.


‘He’s still alive.’


About two hours have passed since the labyrinth closed.


Judging by the circumstances, it seems like he’s been unconscious until now. It’s a time that’s hard to endure for ordinary people, but this guy is no ordinary person. And the spear embedded in his shoulder probably helped stop the bleeding.


“You…”


That’s when he opens his eyes with difficulty and looks at her.


It seems like he regained consciousness after sensing her presence.


Before he can say anything, Amelia speaks first.


“Dragonslayer, do you have any potions?”


“Waist…”


“I see.”


Amelia then unties the pocket attached to his waist and takes it.


And she asks again,


“I’m about to pour a potion on you, is it okay if I pull this out?”


“Hurry up…”


As soon as she hears his answer, she pulls out the spear, and the bleeding starts again.


If she leaves him like this, even the Dragonslayer will surely die.


Amelia just stands there and watches.


“What are you doi… pour the po… tion…”


He finally senses something strange and asks, and she replies,


“Why should I?”


“A deal… we made a de… al…?”


“Ah, you’re talking about the contract?”


Amelia chuckles involuntarily.


A long time ago, she made a contract with the lord of Noark. It’s a contract that everyone in this city knows about.


She can’t kill anyone within Noark.


It’s a contract engraved on her body, making it impossible to break.


But…


“You’re the one who asked me to pull out the spear, aren’t you?”


She just did as he asked.


Although she’s not sure since it’s her first time using this kind of loophole, if it were a violation of the contract, she wouldn’t have been able to do it in the first place.


“Damn… you…”


Amelia puts the pocket she took from him into her subspace pocket.


And she takes away the rest of his equipment.


The dagger at his waist, the ring on his finger, the bracers, the necklace, and so on.


They’re all things she’s been eyeing.


“Thank you for collapsing here. I’ll put these to good use. Ah, but who the hell did this to you?”


He doesn’t answer her mocking question.


He just glares at her with resentment.


Amelia doesn’t bother continuing the conversation and just leans against the castle wall, watching him.


She’s planning to leave after confirming his death, just in case.


But could it be that this guy’s life isn’t over yet?


Thud, thud.


She soon hears the footsteps of the castle guards patrolling from afar.


Amelia makes a quick judgment.


Everything the guards see and hear will be reported to the lord. If she’s caught, it’s over.


“You’re lucky, Dragonslayer.”


She clicks her tongue in disappointment.


If this guy died, the power of Orculus would have decreased that much.


“You, you won’t get away with this.”


He grits his teeth, realizing that he’s alive.


He’s saying he’ll hold her accountable for this.


But Amelia just shrugs and approaches him.


“It doesn’t matter. You won’t remember anything anyway.”


“…What?”


She takes out a pill.


It’s a pill called ‘Lethe’s Blessing’, developed by an alchemist from Noark.


Although it has the downside of not working on evil spirits, it’s a convenient item that erases memories.


“Damn it!! Ugh, ugh!!”


Amelia grabs his jaw and forces the pill down his throat as he struggles.


For reference, the pill she just used isn’t the standard type.


Its effectiveness decreases the higher the target’s soul rank, so she used the best one she had, just in case.


The alchemist said that it could erase the memories of ordinary people for up to a week.


‘It’s better to be safe than sorry, considering who he is.’


She doesn’t feel any regret.


It’s not an item you can easily obtain again, but it’s not a loss considering what she gained today.


And besides, the longer the memories are forgotten, the better.


He’ll think he lost it in the labyrinth, not that he was robbed in this underground city.


‘I should thank whoever it was.’


Amelia quickly leaves the castle walls, hearing the footsteps of the approaching guards.

____________________


One of the three strands of the vine ring, which prevents encounters with Regal Vagos up to three times, has been broken.


In less than 10 minutes.


‘Don’t tell me, it’s going to decrease once a day?’


I try to dismiss the anxiety that suddenly arises.


It wouldn’t be too late to complain when the time comes, and besides, I think it’s unlikely.


After all, it’s something the Goddess said.


[You need to prepare to overcome fate in case all the strands of the ring are broken.]


The Goddess told me to prepare through her vessel.


She said that even though she knows how big the gap between me and that bastard is. But there’s no way she would be so heartless as to give me just a month or two to prepare.


‘…Right, in the end, the most important thing is when the last strand will break.’


I recall the proverb about moving breakfast to dinner and gather my wavering mind.


What does it matter how many acorns you get in the morning?


What’s important is the total number of acorns. In other words, how long this ring will last.


‘Let’s just do what needs to be done.’


In that sense, I leave the temple after briefly discussing the reward. They said they would give me the reward when I visit again tomorrow.


“Then let’s each go back and rest today and meet again tomorrow.”


Just as we’re about to leave after deciding on a meeting place, the dwarf cautiously stops us.


“Um, I don’t know what you guys will think if I say this, but… how about we take Dwarkey’s share of the reward and donate it to the orphanage?”


“I… I’m fine with that. It’s money we wouldn’t have received if it weren’t for Dwarkey.”


“I’m the same. It would be ridiculous for me to claim a share of this large sum of money.”


In short, he’s suggesting that we each donate 3.5 million stones to the orphanage. Unlike my companions, who readily agree, I keep my mouth shut.


Because it’s not a rational act at all.


We even have a huge enemy called the Dragonslayer.


If we want to honor Dwarkey’s will, it’s better to use this money to make ourselves a little safer.


“…Bjorn, you don’t have to do it. Unlike us, you were the one who suffered the most.”


“Th, that’s right. We’re just doing this out of guilt, so don’t feel pressured.”


My companions say that, observing my expression as I remain silent.


If I just nod, the proposal will be accepted.


But…


“Let’s discuss this properly when we meet next time. We haven’t even received the money yet.”


I put my decision on hold for now.


It’s a suggestion that I should have rejected outright, but somehow, I can’t bring myself to say it.


Phew, this is why I have to be careful about getting attached to people.


It makes rational judgment difficult.


I definitely wouldn’t have even considered this if it were the old me.


“…Then see you tomorrow!”


We then part ways and head to our respective accommodations.


I also walk for about an hour along the peaceful streets and arrive at the inn, washing my blood- and sweat-stained body with clean water.


And as I lie down on the bed, lost in thought…


…someone knocks on the door.


It’s Erwen.


“Um, mister? Are you there?”


I open the door, and she’s there, wearing a flowing skirt as if she washed up and got dressed.


I talk to her, wondering what she wants, but the main topic is her chattering about what happened in the labyrinth.


Right, this was our daily routine.


Normally, I would have listened with interest, but it’s difficult to do so today.


“Erwen, I’m tired, so go back today.”


“Yes? But this is where it gets really interesting…”


“I’ll listen to the rest next time. Go back today, I’m tired.”


“Okay…”


Erwen leaves with her pointy ears drooping as I firmly dismiss her.


Silence falls. And I spend a long time alone in that silence.


Because if there’s a problem, I need to fix it.


‘Survival.’


It’s been the biggest goal since I woke up in this body, and that hasn’t changed.


But the process of achieving that goal is the problem.


[…Barbarian, you kept your oath, right?]


I broke the warrior’s oath in front of everyone.


And I acted suspiciously countless times while leading the team.


Back then, I justified everything with the excuse of survival, but I know…


…that trust was the foundation of all those actions.


If there was anyone who suspected me of being an evil spirit, I wouldn’t have done those things even if I were about to die.


[…Hey! Friend, hang in there!]


Sharing the top-grade potion with Rotmiller and Dwarkey was the same. It was an irrational choice that put everyone, including myself, at risk.


And the dilemma from earlier is not much different.


‘3.5 million stones…’


I decide to admit it.


I’ve become weak.


The reason is simple.


Because I’ve become attached to others.


There’s a big problem with my rational thinking, which was my biggest strength.


It’s a problem I can’t ignore if I want to survive in this world.


Then what’s the solution?


“…….”


I couldn’t find the answer until the moment I fell asleep.


And the next morning…


…I received a letter.


The sender was an administrative branch of the Explorer’s Guild.


The content was that I was designated as the beneficiary of Liol Wobu Dwarkey’s inheritance and that I should visit to claim it.

___________________


“Did you receive it too?”


“Yeah, you too?”


That’s the first thing we talk about when we meet the next day.


It seems like all four of us received a letter from the guild…


But Dwarkey designated the orphanage as his beneficiary.


Then what happened?


“…Instead of talking among ourselves, it’s better to visit the guild and ask directly.”


We visit the guild together as the dwarf suggested.


And after hearing the details from the relevant department, it wasn’t a clerical error or anything.


Dwarkey updated his will and designated the four of us as his beneficiaries.


And it was last month, in other words…


“…After we fought the troll.”


Dwarkey, who almost died to the troll, updated his will as soon as he returned to the city.


He was already prepared.


For the worst-case scenario that I didn’t even consider.


That positive and hopeful guy.


“…….”


We leave the building like defeated soldiers, having received not only Dwarkey’s equipment and backpack, which we had handed over to the guild, but also the ownership of a house he owned.


“I don’t know… if we can ever repay the debt we owe him.”


“Dwarkey wouldn’t want us to repay it.”


“Right, he definitely wouldn’t have. So let’s each use the money he left us for whatever we want. That’s probably his only wish.”


Afterwards, we head to the temple and receive the reward. The Pope is busy, so we can’t meet him, and everything is handled through Krovitz.


I ask him to talk for a bit after telling the others to go to the bar first.


“Can you promise to keep everything I’m about to say a secret?”


“You can speak freely. As long as it doesn’t go against God’s will, I swear I won’t tell anyone what my benefactor said.”


Although the part about not going against God’s will is a bit unsettling, I take out the Akro longsword and show it to him without hesitation.


“…It’s the Dragonslayer’s sword.”


“When we try to use it, there’s a rejection reaction. Do you know the reason? If it’s because of a curse, I’d like to ask you to lift it.”


“The power imbued in that item is not a curse.”


Krovitz seems to know about this sword, as he continues explaining without hesitation.


It’s a long story, but the gist is simple.


The original name of this sword was Dragonsword.


It was only after Regal Vagos killed the guardian dragon and escaped that it became known as Dragonslayer.


“Since ancient times, only Dragonkin have been able to use and wield this sword. The guardian dragon passed it down through generations, enjoying a near-immortal life.”


“But he couldn’t use this sword properly.”


“Ah, that’s because of the dragon’s curse.”


The guardian dragon left a curse before it died.


Because of that, Regal Vagos became a Dragonkin who wasn’t a Dragonkin. His dragon scales were burned off, and even his heart, the source of his power, became closer to a human’s.


He committed the sin of betraying his clan to obtain the sword, but he can’t even use it.


“I know he’s been searching for a way to lift the curse for a long time. But from what you said, Mr. Yandel, it seems like there was no way to completely overcome the curse.”


“So you’re saying that it’s not the sword that’s cursed, but him.”


“Yes, that’s right.”


Afterwards, I ask what he thinks we should do with this sword that we can’t even use, and Krovitz answers briefly,


“I believe the wisest course of action would be to return the sword to the Dragonkin and receive appropriate compensation.”


Right, that’s the only way.


It would be difficult to sell it as stolen goods since only Dragonkin can use it.


I decide to think about this later.


“I see. Thanks for the advice.”


“You’re welcome. You’re a benefactor of our church. Please visit us anytime if you need my help.”


“Ah, then does that mean I can get blessings for free from now on?”


“Haha, that’s a bit…”


I asked just in case, but Krovitz laughs awkwardly and draws a clear line.


It seems like he wants to do it for me, but there was another oracle this morning.


“The star of twilight said that everything will unfold according to fate, and that we shouldn’t try to go against her will by misinterpreting it.”


It feels like the Goddess is saying this to me.


That she’s repaid her debt by giving me one sacred relic, so I shouldn’t try to get anything more.


“But I can always listen to your concerns, so please come visit when you’re free.”


I leave the temple after Krovitz’s clergyman-like words.


And I head towards the bar we agreed on.


“Ah, you’re here? Have a seat.”


All three of them are already drinking.


However, the atmosphere is completely different from when we usually finish an expedition.


They’re just silently drinking, without any laughter or chatter.


I realize once again…


…that although we made a lot of money this time, we also lost a lot.


‘The window seat is empty.’


That table at the bar where the five of us used to gather.


But the empty chair will never be filled again.


However, we don’t mention it and just have a conversation about reality.


“Let’s split the reward and the remaining money equally among the four of us.”


“Alright.”


Even the dwarf, who initially suggested donating Dwarkey’s share to the orphanage, just nods.


It was somewhat expected.


In the first place, he made that suggestion to respect Dwarkey’s will.


If he wanted us to use his precious inheritance, we’ll just follow his wish.


Everyone quietly commemorates Dwarkey and drinks.


So I also spend my time like that.


“He… wasn’t the type to go like that…”


The dwarf, who was chugging his drinks, is the first to bury his head on the table. Rotmiller then leaves, saying he’ll take him home, and Misha and I are left alone.


“Bjorn, let’s go back too…”


As always, we walk to the inn together. Misha staggers from the alcohol.


“Lean on me.”


“Ah, thank you.”


It’s still a bright afternoon.


We walk through the crowded streets, reeking of alcohol.


As usual, my accommodation is closer, and it’s time to part ways. However, we just stand there in front of the door, looking at each other.


“…….”


“…….”


Maybe it’s because of the alcohol, but the atmosphere is strangely heated.


Right, that’s what I would have thought normally.


Because that’s easier.


Because that’s what’s appropriate for me.


I would have pretended not to notice and brushed it off like a clueless barbarian.


But…


“Ah… I, I’ll be going now. Rest—”


“Misha Kaltstein.”


I grab her wrist as she turns away, avoiding my gaze.


Because I made a promise to him.


[You’re… perceptive. Please don’t ignore it anymore.]


He told me not to ignore it.


He left those words for me during that precious time when he could have confessed his feelings to Misha.


And I answered that I understood.


So…


“Huh?”


It’s time to confront it.


Misha, whose wrist is in my grasp, looks at me with a questioning gaze.


I take a deep breath and sober up a bit.


And I ask directly,


“Do you… like me as a man?”


It wasn’t a romantic line, and the atmosphere wasn’t romantic either.


It was just a blunt question, as befits a barbarian.


But Misha didn’t get angry.


She didn’t laugh it off, saying, ‘what are you talking about?’


She flinched for a moment and then looked down at the ground, avoiding my gaze. However, after shuffling her feet for a while, Misha raised her head and looked up at me.


And she answered quietly,


“…Yes. I like you. As a man.”


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


Chapter 149: Barbarian Lord (1)


Misha once said firmly:


[I… like skinny guys.]


[Eek!! It means you have no charm as a man!!]


It was what she said when she misunderstood my offer of a companion contract as a confession, back when we were stranded in the Witch’s Forest.


I was relieved by her words.


There’s a saying, ‘there’s no such thing as friends between men and women’, right?


I thought that if her preferences were this clear, we could maintain a companion relationship without any awkwardness, even if we stayed together for a long time.


But…


[Come sit down quickly. You’ll get sick if you sleep without eating.]


Misha’s attitude towards me gradually changed.


She would come by every morning to wake me up, and we would eat the food she made together.


She even gave me meat.


Honestly, it felt like I had a girlfriend, not just a companion.


At first, I thought she was trying to repay the debt of saving her life, but…


“…Yes. I like you. As a man.”


Right, so that was it.


“Did you know?”


“I wasn’t sure.”


To be precise, I was avoiding it. She didn’t even mention it directly. I didn’t face the issue, thinking it might all be my misunderstanding.


Because if I knew, there would only be one choice.


“I, I see…”


Looking at Misha, who’s facing me with a trembling gaze, I realize how cowardly I’ve been.


If I had faced this problem earlier, I could have resolved it differently.


I could have subtly pushed her away.


Before Misha’s feelings grew to the point where even Dwarkey told me not to ignore it.


Right, that’s what would have happened.


“So… what do you… think?”


Now there are two choices.


Either I embrace her and fuel the flames…


…or I put out the fire before it grows.


The answer was already decided.


“I…”


I’m an evil spirit, a player.


I’m not Bjorn Yandel, and I haven’t given up on my desire to return home yet.


But I can’t say that.


Dwarkey also said it would be cowardly to expect her true feelings without showing her my true self.


So I speak honestly,


“I consider you a precious companion.”


Misha’s answer comes after a brief pause.


“Right… I’m… not good enough?”


“It would be the same for anyone else. I don’t have the luxury for that. We don’t know when we’ll die. And besides, it hasn’t even been a year since I finished my coming-of-age ceremony.”


It’s a time when survival should be prioritized.


And Misha needs to continue exploring with me.


If we get entangled in romantic feelings, it will be difficult to make rational judgments when faced with choices.


And that will put both of us in danger.


So…


“I hope you’ll also consider me just as a companion.”


I draw a line, facing reality even now.


But no matter how much I try to sugarcoat it with words about caring for each other, the essence of it is selfishness.


Misha firmly rejects my offer.


“No!”


“…What?”


“Why should I? In the first place, I didn’t even intend to confess today, you bad barbarian! You liar! You asked as if you would accept it!!”


Misha shouts in annoyance and punches me in the solar plexus.


Thwack!


I feel a chill that reaches my heart.


As if her anger hasn’t subsided, Misha continues shouting.


“Who asked you to accept me? I know. That you’re not in a position to do that! But! To tell me not to even like you, isn’t that too cruel?!”


Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!


Cold damage stacks rapidly.


Just as I’m about to say something, Misha weakly places her hand on my chest.


“I… I don’t even expect much. I think… this is already more than I deserve. So can’t you just not say that? Why… why are you taking even that away from me…?”


I feel a tremor from where Misha is touching me.


Although I can’t see her face because her head is down, it’s not difficult to imagine her expression.


I keep my mouth shut. I feel like I don’t deserve to offer any words or actions of comfort. The silence drags on, and then the trembling stops.


“…….”


Misha steps back and glares at me with red, swollen eyes.


And…


“You’re not getting any dinner tomorrow.”


…she leaves after those spiteful words.


I stay there like a statue, watching her retreating figure.


Creak.


As I enter the inn, the owner at the counter clicks his tongue, looking at me.


“You were the one who was wrong today.”


I already knew that without him telling me.


Thud, thud.


I climb the stairs and open the door to my room.


It’s still Bjorn Yandel’s small, cramped room.


It’s time to accept it.


“…….”


I’m not weak because I’ve become attached to them.


I tried not to get attached because I knew I was weak.

_________________


The next morning.


Misha, who said I wasn’t getting any dinner, came to my room and woke me up.


With a healthy lunchbox full of carrots.


“Chew your food properly. Okay?”


I chew and swallow everything since I’m guilty.


It doesn’t take long since I’m eating as if I’ve forgotten how to breathe. However, Misha speaks first as I look around awkwardly after finishing the meal.


“Isn’t it fine just the way it is now?”


“But…”


“What ‘but’? You have no say in this. So don’t feel pressured. I’m just doing what I want to do.”


It’s the conclusion she reached after a night of contemplation.


There’s no room for me to interfere.


Misha is more mature than I am.


She’s saying this resolutely because she doesn’t want this relationship to become any more awkward.


Well, this ambiguous settlement isn’t what Dwarkey wanted, but…


“Alright.”


“Right, then let’s not talk about this anymore. Got it?”


“Got it.”


With that, the issue is settled for now.


Well, it’s not like anything has changed compared to before, but anyway…


“Come out when you’re done washing up. We need to get going.”


After the meal, I wash up quickly and leave with Misha. And we head towards the meeting place and meet up with the others, then go to Commelby together.


The atmosphere in the carriage is quite heavy.


“I think this is our first time going there together like this?”


Although the dwarf tries to lighten the mood, strictly speaking, it’s not like we’re all going together.


We can’t do that anymore, even if we want to.


“…Let’s just finish our business and go back.”


It’s a bit better once we arrive in Commelby.


We repair our equipment and sell what needs to be sold. And lastly, we stop by the Central Administrative Office to sign the contract transferring the ownership of Dwarkey’s house to the dwarf.


The reason is simple.


The dwarf said he wanted to buy it.


“…Why are you going so far? I’m sure Dwarkey wouldn’t want you to do that.”


“Haha! It was always my dream to have my own house. And I have a lump sum of money now.”


“Well, that’s enough worrying, just take it and sign.”


We sign the document in front of the administrative office employee who’s notarizing it, and Dwarkey’s house officially becomes the dwarf’s property.


For reference, the appraised value of the house, according to the administrative office, is 24 million stones.


However, since I heard that it would sell for about 20% less at auction, we only received 5 million stones per person.


“Then let’s go back and have a drink.”


We finish our business and return to the residential district, heading towards the bar. And we have our final settlement.


We divide all the income, including the magic stones, into four.


Although there are slight differences because of things like equipment repair costs and consumable expenses in the labyrinth…


‘25 million stones…’


A huge sum of money is in my hands.


The dwarf only has 10 million stones left after buying the house…


Ah, for reference, it was agreed that Dragonslayer and the ‘Tempered Wish’ I used in the labyrinth would be considered my share.


“The fact that he sacrificed himself to save us… it must be a truly valuable treasure. But we’re not shameless enough to be greedy for that.”


“It’s the same for the Dragonslayer. If it weren’t for you, he would have taken that item with him.”


I’m very grateful for their words.


If we were to convert those items into money and split it four ways, we would have to go bankrupt several times over.


“Alright, then let’s drink.”


After a few more rounds of drinks, I subtly bring up the topic.


“It seems like it’s time to talk about the team.”


One spot on the team is vacant.


But I’m not planning to fill that spot, I’m going to tell them that Misha and I are leaving the team.


However…


“I have something to say to everyone about that.”


The dwarf beat me to it.


“I’m quitting being an explorer.”


“What?”


“I’m sorry to bring this up at a time like this. But it’s a decision I made after thinking about it all day yesterday, so please understand.”


Rotmiller asks at the dwarf’s declaration,


“What are you planning to do after you quit?”


“I’m going to open a blacksmith’s workshop. That’s why I bought that guy’s house. I thought if I didn’t do it now, I would never be able to.”


No wonder he wanted to buy Dwarkey’s house.


He was planning to renovate it and turn it into a blacksmith’s workshop.


“I became an explorer to escape reality. I gave up on my dream because I had no talent and needed money to survive. But I don’t want to have any regrets. That would be an insult to him.”


No one could object to the dwarf’s firm words.


They just wished him well in his future endeavors.


“…I hope you achieve your dream.”


“Oh, a blacksmith’s workshop? You’re becoming the boss now? I’ll definitely come visit.”


“If I need to go to a blacksmith’s, I’ll go to your shop from now on.”


“Yeah, that’s right! Just thinking about it makes me excited! Hahaha!”


After the dwarf’s departure becomes a certainty, Rotmiller speaks up.


“Murad, don’t feel too bad. I was also planning to leave the team after this expedition.”


“What? You? Why?”


“I realized my own shortcomings. That’s all.”


The dwarf is speechless at his brief answer.


But did Rotmiller already expect this reaction?


He continues without any change in expression.


“Actually, I already told Bjorn about it. I didn’t imagine it would end like this back then. But since we have a lot of money now, I’m going to take some time to improve myself.”


“…I believe that with your diligence and perseverance, you’ll achieve your goal someday, no matter what it is.”


The dwarf’s sincere words end, and their gazes turn to Misha and me.


They’re probably curious about what we’re going to do.


I briefly reveal our future ambitions.


“We’re going to form a new team. And we’re going to climb even higher.”


“Right, I knew you would say that.”


“Miss Kaltstein will have a hard time.”


“…Well, it’s my karma. And besides, there’s nothing else I can do.”


We all raise our glasses and toast.


The last drinking party as Team Misfits.


We spend our time saying goodbye, blessing and cheering for each other’s futures, and reminiscing about our shared memories.


As always, time flows relentlessly, and soon the dwarf and Misha get drunk and bury their heads on the table.


“It’s time to call it a night.”


I smile bitterly at Rotmiller.


It was always the two of us who cleaned up at the end of our drinking sessions.


It’s a fitting end for Team Misfits.


Just as I’m thinking that and getting up…


“Bjorn, I have something to ask you.”


Unlike usual, Rotmiller calls out to me in a low voice.


As if he had been waiting for the other two to fall asleep.


“…Go ahead.”


I look at him, feeling a strange sense of pressure, and Rotmiller asks me after a brief pause,


“Are you an evil spirit?”


The biggest task remains for the safe disbandment of Team Misfits.


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


Chapter 150: Barbarian Lord (2)


Rotmiller is different from Misha and the dwarf.


As a scout, he’s observant, perceptive, and has years of experience.


Tsk, I didn’t expect him to ask so directly.


‘…It’s my karma, so I have to deal with it.’


There’s only one option that comes to mind right away.


Admitting that I’m an evil spirit and appealing to his emotions is ridiculous, so I have no choice but to act outraged and smash his head in.


But…


‘No matter how I think about it, it’s strange.’


It’s not just that his judgment is clouded by emotions.


I know Rotmiller well. If he truly thought I was an evil spirit, he wouldn’t be having this conversation with me.


To put it simply, he’s like a herbivore.


In other words, it means that even Rotmiller isn’t certain about his words.


And besides, I don’t feel any malice from him.


I quickly decide on my position.


‘As expected, it’s best to deny it and observe the situation.’


Of course, I’m not going to make excuses and beg him to believe me.


That’s not the way of a manly barbarian.


I break the 3-second silence and speak coldly,


“Rotmiller, I hope there’s another reason why you’re insulting me.”


It’s like saying that I’m giving him a chance to explain because he’s my precious companion.


Actually, it’s not even a lie.


If it weren’t for Rotmiller, my fist would have already been flying towards his head.


However, he just chuckles.


“You probably thought I was genuinely angry. If I didn’t know you well.”


“What?”


“Oaths, honor, and such. You’re not someone who’s bound by empty formalities. You’re not impatient enough to be swayed by emotions.”


Rotmiller knows me too well to be fooled by acting. And even the warrior’s oath, which used to be a cheat code, won’t work.


Therefore, I also slightly change my position.


“…Even I would feel offended if I heard that from a companion.”


“Hmm, that’s true.”


Rotmiller shrugs and finishes his drink.


The atmosphere has softened considerably compared to before.


“But you’re so unique.”


Rotmiller continues.


A barbarian who reads books.


A barbarian who’s not swayed by emotions.


A practical barbarian who values practicality over honor. Most of it could be brushed off as him being extraordinary.


Except for one thing.


A barbarian who knows information that a warrior with less than a year of experience could never know.


“Back then, in the labyrinth, you said you heard a revelation.”


After returning to the Tower of Heaven, I told my curious companions that I heard a revelation from Behella, the ancestor god.


After all, it’s a world where gods exist.


Misha and the dwarf just accepted it.


Even Rotmiller, who I was worried about, didn’t say anything, so I thought I had gotten away with it.


But…


“Who would believe something like that? I didn’t believe it either. That’s why I thought you might be an evil spirit.”


Right, so he was thinking this behind my back.


Well, if you assume I’m an evil spirit, everything would make sense.


In the first place, that was the truth.


However, the situation is very positive.


“So you’re saying you don’t think so now?”


Rotmiller nods without hesitation at my question and continues,


“The book I read described evil spirits as beings who see everyone in the world as puppets. But you weren’t like that.”


Although he placed little value on honor, he cared for his tribe enough to give advice and guide the young warriors.


He felt a sense of loss and anger at the death of his companion.


It’s something an ordinary evil spirit would never do.


The path I’ve walked has become a shield that protects me, without any need for clumsy excuses.


Well, it seems like there was another factor that completely dispelled Rotmiller’s suspicion.


“And besides, the Goddess of Stars gave you an oracle, didn’t she? How could I possibly doubt you after seeing that with my own eyes?”


The oracle given by Leathlas, the Goddess of Stars.


Although I grumbled about the vine breaking after just one day, it really was a stroke of luck.


“It made me realize how narrow-minded I was. The reason I thought you were an evil spirit was because I was looking at you with the eyes of a criminal.”


No, but he was right…


I suppress my twitching conscience and continue listening to Rotmiller.


“There are definitely people in this world who are loved by the gods. And history called them heroes.”


“…That’s a bit much.”


“Huhu, I knew you would say that. You have a tendency to underestimate yourself. But at least I truly believe that.”


I’m speechless at Rotmiller’s sudden barrage of compliments.


It would be ridiculous to just agree, wouldn’t it?


I push aside my awkwardness and ask the last thing I’m curious about.


“But then why did you bring it up?”


Rotmiller doesn’t think I’m an evil spirit.


Maybe he did before, but not now.


Then why did he take the risk of asking me directly?


The answer is completely unexpected.


“I wanted to give you a warning and some advice.”


“Warning and advice?”


“Yes, you’re wise, but you’re also naive in this aspect. No matter how much you trust your companions, you need to know how to hide yourself.”


“I don’t understand what you mean.”


“You’re going to form a new team, aren’t you? Your uniqueness will inevitably stand out like an awl in a pocket. Maybe someone like me will appear and try to judge you.”


Rotmiller says that…


…since I can’t go around telling people about the oracle, I should hide myself as much as possible.


That this will protect me from potential dangers.


“As someone who has lived an ordinary life, I wanted to tell you this.”


“…I see. Thank you. I’ll always remember your advice.”


“Hmm, I got a bit carried away. Let’s end it here. I’ll carry Murad.”


And so, the last drinking party of Team Misfits ends.


Unlike usual, we part ways without making any promises to meet again.


“I wish you all the best in your journey.”


Team Misfits.


I’ve truly received a lot from them.

____________________


The conversation with Rotmiller was beneficial.


Not because of the advice he gave me…


…but because the situation itself gave me a wake-up call.


Although I managed to get through it this time…


‘…it could happen again anytime.’


There’s no guarantee that it won’t happen again.


Therefore, I think about it.


What if a companion, someone I’ve become attached to, is certain that I’m an evil spirit?


And even has evidence?


“….”


I don’t bother putting the answer into words.


Nothing would change even if I did.


I’ll survive, even if it means becoming a terrible person.


‘…I need to be more careful.’


To prevent that tragedy…


…I decide to be more cautious in my every action.


Just like when I first fell into this strange world.


To think that the only one I can trust is myself…


…and to be even more thorough in my calculations and actions.


If I truly care about them, that’s the right thing to do.


“Bjorn, what are you thinking about?”


“It’s nothing.”


“You’re not thinking about anything weird I might have said while I was drunk yesterday, are you…?”


The morning after Team Misfits’ last gathering. I go out with Misha and head towards the Grand Temple.


There was no need for her to come with me…


…but we have to stop by Commelby together later anyway.


“It’s good to see you again. Do you have any concerns?”


We call for Krovitz as soon as we arrive at the temple.


The young paladin in his early thirties looks puzzled, seeing me visit again after just two days.


I get straight to the point.


“It’s not a concern, I have a request.”


“A request… I’ll hear you out.”


The Dragonslayer, no, the Dragon Sword. Although it’s a valuable treasure, I’ve judged that it’s just a burden to keep.


“May the star of twilight guide us. They’ll be very pleased.”


Did he judge that it’s for the greater good?


Krovitz readily agrees and says he’ll arrange a meeting with them.


It’s a relief.


In the first place, it would be a difficult task for a 6th-grade barbarian to even meet the leaders of the Dragonkin…


‘And since we’re meeting through the temple, they won’t try to rip us off or steal it.’


“I’ll contact you at the address you left when the date is set.”


“Thank you for your help.”


Okay, then that matter is settled.


I leave the temple with Misha and get on a carriage heading to Commelby.


And as soon as we get off, we head to the Central Exchange.


The reason is simple.


‘I need to upgrade my Spirit Engraving first.’


If it gets out that I received an oracle, there’s a chance I’ll be kicked out of the tribe.


So I need to reach at least the 6th stage before that happens.


From the 6th stage onwards, you need materials as well as money.


“Are you registering for consignment?”


“I’m here to find an item.”


I say that and hand the document I prepared to the employee.


Heart of Immortality.


It’s a material that can be obtained with an extremely low probability from troll byproducts acquired through the ‘Distortion’ spell.


Although it’s expensive, it’s much more profitable to just buy it if you have enough money. It’s an item that even those who specialize in hunting trolls would only obtain once every few months.


“There’s one item that matches your criteria. Would you like to see the information?”


I pay 3,000 stones for the search fee and check the price. It’s 18 million stones.


Phew, it’s 1 million stones more expensive than last time.


“…I’ll buy it.”


Although it’s a bit disappointing, I buy it without hesitation.


It’s an item that’s so rare that there’s only one listed in the entire exchange. There’s no guarantee when it will be available again if this one is sold.


‘If the 6th stage is this expensive, I’ll practically have to obtain the materials myself from the 7th stage onwards.’


With that thought, I arrive at the item storage and check the item for any defects before receiving it.


With this, my goal for today is complete.


And now it’s Misha’s turn.


“Let’s change your sword this time.”


“…Is that why you brought me here?”


Misha looks at me as if asking why I’m deciding for her, but she doesn’t object strongly.


It’s not strange.


She must be starting to feel the limits of steel.


“Our goal for the new team is to reach the 6th floor, so don’t worry about saving money.”


“…If I find something I like.”


We look for a suitable item while considering Misha’s opinion since it’s a weapon she’ll be using.


It takes longer than expected.


We agreed on buying an Iril longsword, which is a 3rd-tier alloy made by mixing mithril and steel, but the problem is choosing the design.


“Ah, I told you we’re not choosing based on looks!”


“Right, let’s go with that. Anyway, just pick one quickly. For reference, I like this one.”


“Ugh, as expected of a barbarian. You really think anything heavy is good enough, don’t you?”


Although she grumbles, Misha chooses carefully.


The weight distribution, reach, and such are also important, right? I’m quite surprised as she even rattles off the names of famous blacksmiths.


She’s an explorer too.


“Wow, I can’t believe the day would come when I’m using a sword that costs 12 million stones…”


“We could have saved 4 million stones if we skipped the enchantment.”


“But if we’re going to buy one, we should buy a good one! I’m going to use it for the rest of my life!”


Misha hugs the sword as if it’s a baby after receiving it from the storage.


And she mutters with determination,


“Ugh, I really need to save the rest of the money…”


I tilt my head.


“Why would you save money? Use all the remaining money to buy ‘Beast’s Blood’ after leaving enough for necessities.”


“…Huh?”


If barbarians have Spirit Engravings, beastmen have Spirit Beasts. Spirit Beasts grow over time, but if you feed them ‘Beast’s Blood’, that time is shortened.


“Didn’t I tell you not to worry about saving money?”


“…Is it really okay to spend it all like this?”


“It’s not just spending, it’s an investment for the future.”


Misha also said that it would be better to just buy essences, but I don’t think that’s very rational. Most essences above 5th grade cost tens of millions of stones.


And there’s no need to buy anything below that.


“You haven’t even unlocked your Spirit Beast’s abilities yet. I think it’s best to focus on that for now.”


In the end, Misha uses all her remaining assets to buy ‘Beast’s Blood’ after setting aside her emergency funds, convinced by my strong persuasion.


She said she’ll drink it when we get home…


…and we’ll find out tomorrow if any of the abilities are activated.


“Then let’s go back.”


We return to the residential district after several hours of spending money.


It’s around 8:00 PM.


The sun is setting, and dusk is approaching.


‘I’ll go to the sanctuary tomorrow morning and get the Spirit Engraving, and that’s one thing done…’


I organize the things I need to do before the next labyrinth opens.


There are three things left.


1. Meet the Dragonkin and return Dragonslayer.


2. Obtain information about Orculus and Noark.


3. Form a new team.


Ah, come to think of it, I haven’t asked her about this.


I ask her right away since it came to mind.


“Misha, do you have any preferences when it comes to finding companions?”


I’ve roughly decided on the composition for the remaining three spots, but I need to hear Misha’s opinion as well.


After all, she’s a founding member…


…and she has much more experience as an explorer than I do.


I figure I might be able to get some advice on things I haven’t even considered.


“Uh…”


Misha contemplates seriously and then speaks cautiously,


“That… I, I’d prefer if there were no fairies.”


It’s an unexpected request.


-

Trial

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

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