Surviving The Game as a Barbarian (Novel) Chapter 184, 185, 186

  

C184, 185, 186

Chapter 184: Jinx (4)

The rule of the third chapter, the Shadow Altar, is simple.

Find the expedition member possessed by a Doppelganger and offer them to the altar.

If you're right, the Doppelganger possessing the body is eliminated.

And if you're wrong?

‘That person becomes incapacitated until the rift is cleared.’

In other words, if you use this well, you can even hinder someone who's in the way.

"Dwarf, your expression looks strange. Did something happen to your head?"

"Hmm, seeing you trying to corner me from the start, you seem more suspicious."

The dwarf, who became the first target, didn't panic and counterattacked.

As expected, he's not an easy opponent.

But the real attack starts now.

"Suspicious? That's strange. When we first met, you clearly acted like you didn't know anything about this place. But now you're talking as if you do?"

"Oh, you're right!"

As Raven agreed, the members of Hans G's team also started expressing their doubts.

It's only natural.

We just arrived here, and I haven't even explained what the third chapter is about yet.

Then how did the dwarf know and counterattack?

"That's..."

The dwarf hesitated for a moment and then blurted out, unable to hide his annoyance,

"I heard it from Hans Krisen."

"...You're lying to escape the situation."

"I, I'm not lying! I told him."

Hans G stepped in and assisted the dwarf just in time.

"Told him? When?"

It's a story I can't understand, having watched them the whole time.

"It, it was when we were keeping watch yesterday."

Indeed, he wasn't within my line of sight at that time.

But I had the bear-like man next to him for this reason.

"Avman, is that true?"

"No way. Those two didn't have that kind of conversation."

"Avman, who was with him, says it's not true. Hans Krisen, why are you covering for the dwarf?"

Hans G waved his hands frantically as I took a threatening step forward.

"I, I'm not covering for him, it's the truth! We used a ma, magic tool to talk back then... That's why Mr. Urikfrit couldn't have known!"

A conversation using a magic tool...

It doesn't seem like he's lying.

Damn it, when did those two become so close?

I almost made a big mistake.

"What did you talk about?"

I need to find out the content of their conversation.

"Th, that's..."

Hans G hesitates as I intentionally unleash my killing intent.

Just as I'm thinking I'm almost there...

"Why should we tell you?"

The dwarf steps forward as if to protect Hans G.

"It was a private conversation. And this should be enough to clear up any doubts about me knowing about this altar."

The dwarf skillfully ends the topic, leaving no room for further discussion.

Of course, my plan hasn't been disrupted yet.

There are countless other ways to attack them.

"Let's talk about each other from now on."

The dwarf is an explorer from Noark, and Hans G is a being called an evil spirit in this world. If I target these points, there's no way their answers will be flawless.

"Dwarf, what grade explorer are you? What about your family? Do you have any siblings?"

"...I don't want to talk about myself."

"So you're refusing."

I grin.

Silence is their right, but they're responsible for the consequences. After all, I have justification for every question here.

"Um, I think it would be better to just answer, Mr. Yandel. I'm not saying this because he's our leader, but there's a Doppelganger here, right?"

Raven provides logical support.

And Hans G's team's mage also agrees with us, judging that this method is correct.

"Let's do that. We can't just randomly throw someone onto the altar. Let's all gather and talk. Then we might be able to figure out who it is. It's not like there's no way to find a Doppelganger."

Public opinion shifts in an instant.

In the end, the dwarf has no choice but to back down.

"...Alright, then what are we going to do?"

Hans G answers the dwarf's question.

"I think verification magic is the best option, right?"

As expected of a player, he suggests the most standard strategy.

That's when the mace warrior from Hans G's team cautiously raises his hand and expresses his doubt.

"Um, but I heard there are quite a few people who are immune to verification magic."

It's a sharp question, despite his ordinary appearance.

Indeed, verification magic doesn't work on everyone.

For example, me.

It didn't work at the guild before.

Raven said it was because of my high magic resistance and my naturally thick mental barrier.

"It doesn't matter if it doesn't work. I heard it doesn't work on Doppelgangers either."

"Ye, yes! That's right! At least we can reduce the number of suspects, can't we?"

"Well, that would be helpful."

No one objects as Raven and Hans G, who have been playing the role of brains throughout the expedition, agree.

And so, the search begins.

"Are you a man?"

"...Why are you asking that?"

"Haha, I'm just double-checking to see if the magic worked properly, so just answer."

"I'm a man, as you can see."

"It's the truth."

The two mages go around and cast verification magic on everyone.

And as a result...

"...Nine people."

Nine people who are immune to verification magic are selected.

[Hans G's team]

Hans G, the mage, the fairy archer.

[Dwarf's team]

The dwarf, the archer, the sorcerer, the priest.

[Bjorn's team]

Me, Raven.

For reference, it's a number that far exceeds my expectations.

I can understand mages and sorcerers with high magic resistance and mental strength, but there are more?

They're all experienced explorers.

'I can't believe it's more than half of the total number...'

Although I'm starting to get a headache, what I need to do hasn't changed.

"Are you a Doppelganger?"

We first ask the same question to those who passed the verification magic, and the number of suspects is reduced significantly as everyone answers 'no'.

"So there's a Doppelganger bastard hiding among the nine of us?"

The gazes we exchange become incomparably sharper than before.

It's an atmosphere that's not bad for me.

"Then I'll start."

As soon as those who answered 'no' are excluded, I swing my sword like a madman.

My targets are only two.

The dwarf and Hans G, the leaders of each team.

"Where did you get the equipment in your backpacks?"

"Why are you asking that?"

"Just answer the question."

"...I won't tell you."

He's pleading the fifth...

That's not bad either.

"Hans Krisen, you seem to know a lot about this forest, where did you get that information?"

"I, I read it in a bo, book."

"What's the title?"

"That is... I won't tell you."

The no comment stack increases with every question.

It's what I intended.

Strictly speaking, they're questions that have nothing to do with the Doppelganger, but appearing as if he's hiding something will definitely seem suspicious to others.

"...No one is answering properly, even though the verification magic didn't work?"

The dwarf chuckles as I mutter meaningfully.

It seems like the aggro worked well.

Even the dwarf, who was being attacked, can't hold back and starts fighting back.

"What essence do you have?"

"...I can't tell you."

"Is it because you can't remember properly since you're a Doppelganger?"

As the dwarf starts attacking, his teammates, who were just watching their leader being beaten up, also join in and attack me.

"Come to think of it, that bastard was the one who started accusing people without any evidence."

"As if he just wants to throw anyone onto the altar."

"And besides, his behavior wasn't even barbarian-like, it was too logical."

I just stand there and take the hits. And then the members of Hans G's team also start asking me questions.

"I heard that Doppelgangers don't have complete memories. Do you remember when we met in the Land of the Dead? What happened back then?"

"That's... I don't remember clearly."

"Hmm, you forgot?"

"...I'm a barbarian."

"Pfft, that's a convenient race."

The fairy archer sneers as I can't answer. It seems like she's annoyed that Hans G was attacked earlier...

Geez, this is why newbies are...

"So, so you're the Doppelganger since you're trying to corner me! Misha! Ainar, don't you think so too?"

"Huh? Uh, uh-huh..."

"It, it must be true since it's what the great warrior Bjorn said!!"

Even my teammates give ambiguous answers, not fully supporting my obviously unreasonable claims.

The gazes towards me turn cold…

…and the moment I’ve been waiting for finally arrives.

[00:00]

A white light erupts from the altar in the center as the hands of the clock align.

「The Stone of Truth has been generated.」

It’s the key item for clearing this chapter.

Raven explains without me having to say anything,

“It’s the Stone of Truth. It can be used once to force someone to tell the truth. Even if they’re a Doppelganger.”

“…Is there a way to obtain more?”

“I heard it appears every midnight. But the Doppelganger’s power increases every time you use it.”

“We have to use it carefully.”

I keep my mouth shut.

As if I’m uneasy.

I check everyone’s expressions, and my eyes meet the dwarf’s.

“Let’s decide by vote. I’m voting for that barbarian. He’s suspicious, no matter how I look at it.”

The dwarf smirks, trying to screw me over.

Eight people raise their hands in an instant, without even needing a ballot box.

It’s more than half.

“…Reconsider. I’m not a Doppelganger.”

Although I offer sincere advice, they completely ignore it.

“How do you use this? Ah, is this how you do it?”

The Stone of Truth, which the dwarf is fiddling with, starts emitting a white light.

And in that state, he asks,

“Barbarian, are you a Doppelganger?”

A Doppelganger?

“I’m not a Doppelganger.”

I answer as if I’ve been waiting for this.

And…

Crackle.

…the Stone of Truth, having served its purpose, shatters.

“Mage, what happened?”

“What do you mean, what happened? He told the truth.”

It’s time to stop acting like an idiot since I’ve obtained what I wanted.

I stretch and crack my stiff neck.

“That’s why I told you to reconsider.”

I’ve obtained the citizenship I needed for my plan.

In other words, no one can suspect or attack me now.

So…

“Dwarf, why did you accuse me of being a Doppelganger? Are you the Doppelganger?”

It’s time to start playing politics.
___________________

“That’s! Because you were acting suspiciously…!”

The dwarf shouts defensively.

It’s understandable.

I was the one who attacked them recklessly, and I was the one who acted suspiciously.

But that’s not a reason to let him off the hook.

“What suspicious behavior? I answered all your questions.”

“…You didn’t say anything about your essence!”

“You’re acting like you’re from another world. Don’t you know how rude it is to ask an explorer what essence they have?”

“Then how do you explain that! What the fairy asked earlier—”

“Didn’t I say I forgot?”

I puff out my chest confidently without a shred of shame. No, I’m a barbarian, what are you going to do about it?

“……!”

The dwarf shuts his mouth, finally realizing that he fell for my trick. But could it be that he can’t bear to watch his leader being humiliated?

“Enough, barbarian. The vote already shows that you were suspicious.”

He’s right.

A barbarian being verbally abused by a dwarf!

“That’s!! Because you guys were ganging up on me!!”

My indignant roar echoes through the forest.

Although the archer from the dwarf’s team says something, it’s drowned out by my overwhelming voice.

“Did you even give me time to explain? Who was the one who snatched the stone from Raven and used it?”

“No, that’s—”

“I suspect you guys!! Take responsibility and go on the altar!!”

“So, I’m saying I didn’t steal it—”

“Take responsibility and go on the altar!!”

The archer, who was muttering, finally shouts with all his might.

“We’ll use the Stone of Truth tomorrow!! Isn’t that enough?!”

It seems like they’ve finally realized the advantage of using the Stone of Truth.

But what a shame.

It’s too late.

“Right, it’s you!!!!”

I take a step forward, not hiding my excitement, as soon as I hear the line I’ve been waiting for.

The atmosphere turns hostile in an instant.

“Say it again, archer!! You wasted my time, and now you’re saying you’re going to use the Stone of Truth again? Are you the Doppelganger?”

I change my target from the dwarf to the archer.

This was my original plan.

After all, there’s no way I could put the dwarf or the priest, who’s a key member, on the altar.

“Come to think of it, it was you! You were the one who kept mocking me and subtly instigating the dwarf every time I said something!!”

“That’s not just me, everyone—”

“Take responsibility and go on the altar!! It’s not like you’re going to die!! We can clear the rift without one archer!!”

My wild shout makes it difficult for him to think rationally.

The archer, who suddenly became the target, turns pale.

But did they find his reaction strange?

“Indeed, that might be the more rational choice.”

“…It’s not like he’s going to die anyway.”

Some of the members of Hans G’s team start to agree, and in the end, the dwarf steps forward.

“Alright, let’s put him on the altar.”

“Yes? What do you mean—”

“Enough, listen to me this time. If you’re not the Doppelganger.”

The archer can’t even budge at the dwarf’s words, as if the leader’s authority is strong.

“Marthan! Are you really going to put him on the altar?”

The dwarf nods firmly, ignoring his companion’s anxious gaze.

It’s obvious what he’s thinking.

‘He’s trying to turn the tables.’

He’s trying to do exactly what I did.

What if the archer isn’t a Doppelganger after I forced him onto the altar?

The initiative shifts to them.

‘…I can’t attack, so he’ll probably target Raven.’

It’s a strategy to sacrifice the archer and put our mage on the altar.

It’s actually advantageous for them.

Mages are also an OP class in PK.

‘Idiots.’

They must have thought it was a no-lose situation.

If the archer is a Doppelganger, it’s a good thing for them.

But…

‘No, there’s no way a Doppelganger would willingly go on the altar.’

I try to hide my smile and watch as the archer is dragged to the altar by the dwarf.

“Don’t worry too much. You’ll be released once we defeat the guardian.”

“…I’ll be waiting.”

The archer stands in front of the altar.

Everyone watches in silence.

Swaaa!

A black light starts emanating from the altar as the archer places his hand on it with a determined expression.

And…

「The soul of expedition member Arka Petrei is sealed.」

The archer’s soul is extracted from his body and floats in the air, connected to the altar. His expression and gestures clearly show that he’s in pain.

“Mage. No, Hans Krisen. What does this mean?”

“…It, it, it means he’s not a Doppelganger.”

The dwarf takes a deep breath and closes and opens his eyes. It seems like he’s feeling conflicted, even though it was his own decision.

But did he think it wasn’t the time for this?

“Barbarian, are you ready to take responsibility for your words?”

The dwarf growls.

So I answer immediately,

“No, why should I take responsibility?”

“Because… because of you… my companion is in that state! According to your logic, it’s your turn to be checked!”

Tsk, tsk.

I say, shaking my head in disappointment,

“What kind of childish thing are you saying?”

“…What?”

“Do you think finding a Doppelganger is a game? Be rational and leave your emotions aside.”

“…….”

The dwarf doesn’t answer, even though I’m speaking nonchalantly.

Well, he probably didn’t expect to hear this from a barbarian who was shouting and rampaging just a moment ago.

“Grow up, dwarf.”

Well, he’ll still be short, though.

“Damn it!!”

I calmly reach out and stop the dwarf, who’s cursing.

“Wait a minute, you’re not going to attack me, are you? If you’re not the Doppelganger, there’s no reason for you to do that.”

The dwarf’s body starts trembling.

So I also stop messing with him.

“I’m sorry about your companion. I didn’t expect him to go like that. He seemed like a good guy…”

“Stop it.”

“…?”

“Enough, get to the point.”

“I made a mistake because I was angry. But how about we forget about the past and focus on clearing the rift? We might not even be able to return alive if we lose any more strength here.”

For reference, this is the reason why I can act so boldly. Even that dwarf bastard knows it.

That it will only lead to destruction if we fight among ourselves.

“…So how are we going to find it?”

“I think your priest is a bit suspicious—”

“Everyone, stop it!”

That’s when the mage from Hans G’s team shouts.

His name is… Parteian.

A man with a certain middle-aged charm.

“Let’s end this meaningless conflict. I have a way to find the Doppelganger.”

It’s a line that no one here expected.
__________________

“You have a way?”

Judging by his determined expression, it’s not a joke.

“Tell me.”

As I urge him, the mage takes out an item from his subspace pocket.

It’s a small disc the size of a compass.

I have a hunch as soon as I see it.

No. 7234 Misplaced Trust.

It’s a consumable item that prevents anyone within a 10-meter radius from lying.

“You, you had so, something like that…?”

Hans G, a former player, trembles as if he’s encountered a natural enemy.

It’s an emotion that only I can fully relate to.

“It’s not an item you usually use. Well, I’ve had to use it a few times. And this is the last one. I’m sorry I didn’t take it out sooner.”

‘…But we haven’t dealt with that priest bastard yet.’

I cleanly dismiss my regret.

The mage, unable to bear watching us fight among ourselves, took out an item he’s been saving.

And it would be strange to refuse to use it now.

There are advantages to finding the Doppelganger early, so it’s not bad for me.

“Alright.”

“…I agree.”

The dwarf also puts aside his hostility towards me and takes a step towards peace.

It seems like they both had a similar thought…

“That’s a good idea. Then can everyone gather here?”

As soon as everyone, still suspicious of each other, gathers in the center, the mage uses ‘Misplaced Trust’.

The effect only lasts for 10 minutes.

“Then who should we start with?”

“I’ll go first.”

The dwarf is the first to go.

He has an expression that shows no anxiety, as if he’s truly not a Doppelganger.

However, it only lasts for a brief moment.

“Then I’ll ask a question first to see if it’s working properly.”

The mage asks.

Just like when he asked verification questions like ‘Are you a woman?’ during the verification magic earlier.

As if it’s nothing special.

“Where are you from?”

He stepped on a landmine.

‘Damn it.’

There’s no way the dwarf can answer this question.

“…….”

A chilling silence falls.

The corners of the dwarf’s mouth twitch uncontrollably.

But did he only realize it now?

“Why aren’t you answering? Is there something wrong…?”

The mage stops talking and closes his mouth.

He realized why he can’t answer.

“Don’t tell me…!”

The moment the mage gapes in disbelief…

…I shout with all my might,

“Battle stations!!!”

We’re fucked.

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

Chapter 185: Jinx (5)

If you've ever been hit by a car, you'll know.

It happens in an instant, and it can never be undone.

Just like this moment.

"Battle stations!!!"

The moment my shout pierces the silence...

...the dwarf's axe swings, deeply embedding itself in the mage's shoulder.

Kwagic!

A chilling sound of flesh being torn, a stark reminder of reality.

By the time the sound reaches my ears, my body is already surging forward.

Tadat.

My goal: Raven's rescue.

"Kyaak!"

I quickly close the distance, pull Raven into my arms, and retreat swiftly.

The tank from Hans G's team does the same.

"Both of you, get a grip!!"

The mace warrior, who was standing a good distance away, grabs the fairy archer and Hans G by the scruff of their necks and pulls them behind him.

Thus, a natural encirclement forms.

We have the advantage, both numerically and in terms of strength.

So how will the dwarf try to break free from this unfavorable situation?

As everyone's attention focuses on him...

Thump.

...the dwarf pulls out the axe embedded in the mage's shoulder and bellows a name.

"Hans Krisen!!"

All eyes turn towards him in the tense atmosphere.

But Hans G just trembles, speechless.

The dwarf shouts again, his voice sharp with urgency,

"Are you okay with your secret being revealed?!"

My head spins.

If it's Hans G's secret, there's only one possibility.

"Fine, if that's what you want, I'll make sure you have nowhere to go. Hans Krisen is an evil spirit! I have proof in my backp—"

"You guys! Get away from him!"

I shout a warning, acting on instinct.

If the dwarf truly possesses concrete evidence, then Hans G's betrayal is all but guaranteed.

However...

"A, an evil spirit? I wouldn't believe something like th—"

...too late.

Whoosh!

The lizard summoned by Hans G unleashes a fierce torrent of flames towards the mace warrior.

"Ho... w, why...?"

The mace warrior collapses, engulfed in flames.

"I, I'm sorry."

Hans G squeezes his eyes shut and runs towards the dwarf.

And then he utters words that make no sense.

"Wh, what are you doing! Me, Meilin, come over here too!"

"...Wh, what are you talking about! You did something so terrible, and you're asking me to come over there?!"

"Do, don't tell me you're going to abandon me? We, we came from the same place. We have to stick together! I, I've been doing all the dangerous work all this time!!"

The conversation is so unexpected.

"Ha, this damn kid is seriously..."

The moment I see the fairy archer's contorted expression, the entire situation becomes crystal clear.

'Don't tell me, both of them are players.'

Even the dwarf looks surprised, so it seems like he was unaware of this as well.

He probably just happened to find some evidence and used it to threaten Hans G during their watch.

"Dwarf! You better keep your promise to take him to Noark!"

"...Of course! Help me!"

The fairy archer, left with no other choice after Hans G's betrayal, shouts in frustration and moves towards the dwarf.

'This is truly messed up.'

A headache throbs in my temples.

Just moments ago, we had the numerical advantage.

Now, we're the ones outnumbered.

Hans G's team's Guide has already fainted from the shock, and even if he wakes up, his combat ability is negligible.

Furthermore, even if we manage to defeat them in this dire situation, it doesn't mean all our problems are solved.

A bleak future awaits, where the five of us must face the boss battle alone.

'Damn it, and there's a Doppelganger bastard hiding among us!'

It's a situation beyond difficult, a situation that defies description.

'Even for the Hans effect, isn't this a bit much?'

The words escape my lips involuntarily, but...

So what?

"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"

We have no choice but to fight.
__________________

There's no need for lengthy exchanges.

We're long past the point of resolving this through dialogue.

Thud!

The moment I activate [Gigantification] and charge...

...a gray vortex engulfs me.

Swaaaaaaaaa!

It's one of the many offensive spells the sorcerer possesses.

Even with my resilience, I can't avoid taking damage if I tank it head-on.

But we're a team, remember?

"Tayrun Sheardiem."

A magical barrier envelops me.

It's what we comfortably call 'Mana Shield' in the game.

This is why mages are crucial in PvP.

Mana efficiency is so poor that it's a waste to use during hunts, but against humans, it's a different story.

The consumption cost is high for both sides.

Whoosh.

When my vision clears, the dwarf stands before me.

Thud.

He leaps high, despite his short legs, and slams his shield into my face.

The damage itself isn't significant, but my giant form is pushed back helplessly.

It's due to his [Polarity Shield] skill.

It's a skill that grants a knockback bonus when pushing and reduces the impact when blocking.

Swoosh.

As soon as I'm pushed back, leaving a long skid mark, the beastman swordsman thrusts his sword at me.

He's aiming for my vulnerable eyes.

"Not a chance!"

Misha, who was shielded behind me, darts forward and parries the beastman swordsman's blade.

Okay, I'll leave him to Misha.

Whoosh!

I block the incoming arrow with my shield and swing my mace down towards the dwarf's head as he lands.

But what's this?

Clang!

It's a blow enhanced with [Swing].

Even though he raised his shield to protect his head, it should have been crushed.

That's what happened when I fought the Doppelganger.

Why?

And why is his shield still intact?

'Damn it.'

I quickly identify the cause.

An earring that shimmers with light, just like the shield.

'...No. 2988?'

It's only natural that the result is different from the Doppelganger's.

Numbered Items can't be copied.

It's no surprise that there's a massive difference with a high-grade item like that.

Kwaaang!

At that moment, an explosion booms from behind the dwarf.

It's the bear-like man's explosive arrow.

There are no casualties as Hans G's 'Earthberg' summon conjures a wall just in time, but…

Rumble!

…the wall crumbles, and Raven's magic intercepts.

Kwaaang!

'Lightning Bolts' split into dozens of strands and rain down from the sky.

Hans G, struck by one, collapses.

Of course, it's a fleeting victory.

They have a priest, after all.

Whoosh!

Hans G, regaining consciousness in seconds, unleashes a torrent of flames with his summon.

He's targeting our backline.

Raven just cast a spell, and I can't block it from this angle, so the bear-like man's tank summon, Woongie, takes the hit head-on.

[Woong!]

Woongie roars as if it's nothing.

Summoned Spirit Beasts have high magic resistance.

'Phew, team battles are on a whole other level.'

The priest of Karui also seems to have finished his preparations and starts summoning.

[Grrr...]

An army of undead pours out from an ominous portal that materialized in the air.

Coincidentally, we have the perfect opponent.

"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"

Ainar charges forward, swinging her greatsword without needing any instructions from me.

Bang! Kwaang! Kwaang!

Explosions erupt with each [Double Slash], sparks flying. And if she sustains any injuries, she regenerates with [Wings of Greed].

Of course, if she keeps spamming skills like this, she'll run out of MP...

「Ainar Frenelin has killed an enemy.」

「Soul Power is recovered due to [Devour].」

...but the 'Slayer' engraving Ainar received is specialized in mob farming.

Kwaaang! Rumble!

Whoosh!

Various skills are unleashed from all sides, and the resulting cacophony fills the air.

It's not like an individual duel where everyone focuses solely on their own opponent; they move fluidly, sometimes retreating to support their companions.

How much longer will this fierce battle continue, with no clear victor?

"Do you know?"

The dwarf, smashing his knockback shield into my face, speaks for the first time during the fight.

I consider ignoring him, but decide to indulge him.

"That you're about to die?"

"No, that you're the core of your team."

He's stating the obvious.

I've been darting around, disrupting their formation and inflicting damage, deflecting all incoming arrows and magic with my shield.

Meanwhile, the dwarf's only contribution has been to tail me and try to restrain me.

"In other words, if both you and I disappear at the same time, our side has a much bigger advantage."

"...What?"

The dwarf grins and bellows,

"Jainun! Now!"

Jainun.

The name of the priest of Karui, the one the dwarf, lacking team voice magic, has been repeatedly calling to issue commands.

「Character has entered the special terrain [Crossroads of Fate].」

The surroundings, ablaze with explosions and spells, plunge into darkness.

The intense sounds of battle vanish, leaving only an eerie silence.

I can't help but let out a hollow laugh.

So that's what he was planning...

'He used Crossroads of Fate?'

Does he really think I'm a fool?
__________________

Crossroads of Fate.

The effect of this ability, which only priests of Karui can wield, is straightforward.

It transports two designated targets to a secluded space.

This skill can only be used on two individuals who are hostile towards each other. They can only return to the outside world when one of them is victorious or the ability is deactivated externally...

Click.

The surroundings brighten with the sound of a switch being flipped.

I find myself standing atop a colossal statue, towering like a skyscraper. To be more precise, I'm standing on the palm of its hand.

Looking up, I see the statue's face gazing down at me.

The face of Karui, the evil god, a sight I've only encountered in books.

"You're surprisingly calm."

The dwarf, standing about 10 meters away, comments nonchalantly.

Finally, I can't hold back my question any longer.

"What makes you so confident in bringing me here?"

"...Do you know about this place?"

Of course, I do.

This is a duel arena.

A place where you have to fight based solely on individual skill, cut off from any outside assistance.

But to bring me here?

"It's absurd."

The dwarf frowns at my reaction.

"You overestimate yourself, barbarian."

Right, so he really believed that.

That I could at least hold out for a while.

That they would win outside and release me.

Smirk.

I consider retorting...

...but time is precious.

And I can't find a reason to bother.

Actions speak louder than words.

Like a barbarian.

"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!"

No time for talk.

I end the conversation and charge towards the enemy.

Tadat!

The dwarf retreats, as if he's committed to a defensive strategy.

It's a futile struggle.

How far can he possibly run with those short legs?

Indeed, the dwarf also seems to realize it's a lost cause and raises his shield.

Whoosh.

The shield swings towards me, aiming to push me back.

But the only reason I was able to withstand it before was because his companions were constantly distracting me.

Whoosh.

I simply twist my body to dodge and swing my mace down.

Clang!

A clear, ringing sound of impact reverberates from the shield he raised above his head.

Of course, there's no problem.

Clang!

If one hit doesn't work, two will.

Clang!

If two don't suffice, three will.

Clang!

This feels like a game of whack-a-mole.

The dwarf's shield remains steadfast, no matter how many times I strike it.

"That's why... I told you, didn't I? I can endure."

Although his breathing has become ragged...

Anyway, so he really believed that.

I feel a twinge of pity for him.

I can't believe he actually fell for my bluff.

Clang!

After thirteen more strikes...

Whoosh!

...I feign another swing with my mace and then swiftly reach out towards a specific spot.

And...

"...!"

...I yank his earring.

While a Numbered Item wouldn't be damaged by this level of force...

...flesh isn't a Numbered Item.

Rip.

The earring tears free as his earlobe splits.

'No. 2988 Guardian Corps Insignia.'

It doesn't offer any stat boosts or usage effects, but it grants a whopping 50% shock absorption bonus to shields when equipped. It's a godsend of an item.

I never expected to acquire this core item like this.

"...Give it back!!"

The dwarf, finally grasping the situation, charges at me like a madman. Of course, my only response is a swing of my massive mace.

Kwaaang!

A thunderous boom erupts from the shield as he instinctively protects his head.

Phew, that's the stuff.

It feels like the pent-up frustration is finally being released.

In that spirit, one more time.

Kwaaang!!

The dwarf staggers violently, clutching his half-crushed shield.

Kwagic!

I seize the opportunity presented by his lowered guard and bring the mace down on his head.

The dwarf crumples to the ground.

However, the space remains stable, indicating it's not an instant kill.

'Did he just faint?'

He's a tough one, I'll give him that.

'Anyway, that worked out well.'

I rummage through the dwarf's bag and retrieve a specific item.

It's the test tube containing the Manticore's essence.

As I look at it, I suddenly recall his words from when we were rolling the dice.

[You're lucky.]

The line that fits me the least.

It's a bit ironic.

He uttered those words, and now he's on the verge of death, while I'm in the opposite position.

It makes me wonder if luck is merely a precursor to misfortune.

But...

"I can't believe the test tube in his expandable backpack survived intact."

I chuckle and mutter,

"Lucky me."

This much is acceptable.

Because everything else is the fruit of my own efforts.

「The essence of [Manticore] seeps into the character's soul.」

I down the essence in the test tube in one gulp.

And at that moment...

Rumble!

...tremors ripple through the space.

No wonder he was still alive after taking that hit.

He's finally dead.

'The corpse will return to its original location, so I'll deal with it later...'

My vision blurs, and when I open my eyes, I see the familiar forest.

I quickly assess my surroundings.

Less than five minutes have passed since I was transported to that place.

Kwaaang! Crackle! Boom!

The battle still rages fiercely.

But the location of the battlefield has shifted since I was gone.

About 70 meters away.

I need to rejoin my companions as quickly as possible and provide support.

'Hmm, this distance seems about right.'

So I activate the newly acquired ability.

The active skill embedded in the Manticore's yellow essence.

'Leap.'

Feeling a lightness course through my body, I launch myself into the air with a powerful jump.

And...

「Jumping Power is temporarily increased by 10 times, and a powerful shockwave is released upon landing.」

...my body, arcing through the air in a steep parabola, slams into the heart of the dwarf's remaining forces like a meteor.

Kwaaang!

I finally have a movement skill.

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

Chapter 186: Item Power (1)

The dwarf said that they would have a much bigger advantage if I weren't there.

Now that I see it, he wasn't entirely wrong.

Whoosh!

My body shoots through the air like a cannonball, resisting air resistance.

I can see the entire battlefield at a glance from up high.

"Just hold on until Mr. Yandel gets here!!"

Although no one is seriously injured or dead, my companions are struggling.

The burden on them has increased several times over since I, the wall, am gone.

Woongie has been unsummoned, while the undead summoned by the priest of Karui are swarming from all directions.

"Huh?"

That's when I make eye contact with Misha.

"Uh, uh?"

"Miss Kaltstein! Where are you looking... Huh?"

I also make eye contact with Raven.

Although we're quite far apart, I can tell from her gaping mouth that she's thinking,

Why is the barbarian flying?

To be precise, I'm not flying.

It's more accurate to say that I'm falling.

It's the Barbarian Meteor.

Kwaaang!

I land on both feet, tightening my core muscles to maintain balance, and a footprint that's more like a crater is carved deep into the ground.

And...

Crackle.

...I feel a tingling sensation in my legs.

If I hadn't invested in Bone Density, my bones might have shattered.

I check the surroundings with that thought.

Whoosh!

A ring of dust spreads out from the landing point.

It's an additional effect of Leap, which is used as a movement skill.

「Jumping Power is temporarily increased by 10 times, and a powerful shockwave is released upon landing.」

AoE damage to the surroundings.

Of course, the damage itself is negligible.

Why else would I classify it as a movement skill?

Except for the small area I crushed, it's safe to say that there's no widespread damage.

Swaaaaaaaa!

The undead army is blown away by the wind pressure.

The dwarf bastards are just flustered by the sudden intrusion, standing still despite being hit by the strong wind.

But...

「Character's total weight is over 500 kg.」

「The special terrain effect [Recoil] is additionally applied to the damage radius.」

Sorry, but I'm in [Gigantification] state.

Thud!

Just like how you hear thunder after seeing lightning...

...the ground shakes as soon as the wind pressure disappears, throwing everything that was standing on it into the air.

"Kyaak!"

"What the...!"

Hundreds of undead and the dwarf bastards are floating in the air.

The corners of my mouth curl up into a wide smile at the overwhelming sight.

'Fortunately, my weight worked.'

I was secretly worried.

Although my equipment is also affected by [Gigantification] thanks to [Unification], there are still many parts that I haven't equipped yet.

Well, even if that weren't the case, the biggest advantage of the [Leap] skill is something else.

「Threat level is temporarily greatly increased.」

The threat level bonus that's applied for a short time after landing.

This is significant for me.

It means I have another skill that can increase the fixed value of my threat level, on top of [Gigantification].

"Th, the fact that he's here means..."

"Ba, bald bastard! That guy... is he dead?!"

"You said you could hold out!!"

I shout, looking at the dwarf bastards whose morale seems to have already been broken by my appearance,

"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"

Because it's also the activation condition for [Wild Release].

「Character's threat level is temporarily tripled, and physical stats increase proportionally.」

Physical bonuses proportional to the threat level increase.

Right, this is it.

It feels like I've really become an ogre.

[Grrr!]

The summoned creatures, which are classified as monsters, start swarming towards me like crazy.

However, the intelligent ones are different.

"Re, retreat! Retreat!"

"Ru, run away!"

They abandon their formation and run away as if they've been afflicted with the 'Fear' status effect.

Hmm, is this just a rational judgment, not threat level?

Kwaaang! Kwaang! Whoosh! Thwack!

Giant mace and shield.

And my two legs, which have already become weapons, crush and deflect the undead summons as I chase after the dwarf bastards.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

I hear the footsteps of a giant monster with every step I take.

"Block him! Block him! You're the warrior!!"

"Crazy, how can I possibly block—"

The fairy archer, who was running away, stabs the beastman swordsman in the thigh with her dagger.

"Aak! You bitch...!"

The beastman swordsman rolls on the ground from the momentum.

"Uh, uh...?"

And then he ends up in my grasp.

My hand is big enough to hold a human head with room to spare.

"...Su, surrender. I surren—"

I slowly increase my grip.

But is it because of [Wild Release]?

He must have invested in Physical Resistance and such.

Kwagic!

It feels softer than a watermelon.

'Next.'

Although the insane vitality I felt from [Wild Release] disappears, it doesn't hinder my pursuit.

After all, the third chapter hasn't even ended yet.

We're trapped within a 500-meter radius barrier.

And I even have a movement skill now.

Kwaaang!

I use [Leap] to block their path, and the dwarf bastards throw down their weapons and surrender without hesitation.

They judged that it's better to just beg for mercy.

Well, they have a reason.

"Pl, please spare us. We'll do anything. You'll ne, need us to defeat the gu, guardian. Right?"

I'll have to think about this.

Anyway, I disarm them with the help of my companions who arrived later.

Then I guess I can deactivate [Gigantification] now.

"Bjorn! What the hell was that?! Me too! I want to do that too!!!"

Is it a barbarian's instinct?

Ainar's eyes are filled with greed after witnessing [Leap]. It's an incomparable greed compared to when she sees cotton candy.

I hide my smugness and promise,

"Huhu, I'll find something similar for you later."

"Really!! You promise!!"

"Yeah, I promise."

There's a skill similar to [Leap] in Ainar's build tree. It's a 3rd-grade essence, though, so it will take a few years to obtain.

Damn right, if you're a barbarian, you should at least be able to jump.

"Um, he, help me!"

Huh?

I hear those words while stripping the dwarf bastards of their equipment.

I turn my head and see a woman.

'Ah, she was alive too...'

The newbie Guide from Hans G's team.

So, her name was...

I'm too lazy to ask, so let's just call her Guide Girl.

"Potion! Please, lend me a potion. I already gave him what I had..."

I follow Guide Girl's gaze and see the mace warrior collapsed on the ground.

"Is he alive?"

"Ye, yes!"

Guide Girl nods enthusiastically, as if seeing a glimmer of hope.

I hesitate for a moment.

It's only natural to save him, but using a potion might be a waste.

In the end, I grab the priest of Karui.

"Hi, eek!"

Geez, he's easily scared.

Who said I was going to kill him?

I carry the priest to the mace warrior and put him down.

"Heal him."

"Ye, yes!"

Although he serves the evil god, a priest of Karui can also use ordinary divine power.

Well, if he couldn't, it would be impossible for him to maintain his disguise.

Swaaa.

The mace warrior's burns slowly disappear as divine power is imbued into his body.

His breathing has stabilized considerably.

"Thank you. Thank you. Truly..."

"More importantly, what happened to the mage?"

"He, he's dead."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. When I, I checked, his heart had already..."

"I see. We'll take care of him, so stay by his side until he wakes up. He must be confused."

"Okay, okay! Thank you...!"

When I return to where my companions are, the process of taking the dwarf bastards prisoner is complete, and they're all practically naked.

"...Where did you get the gags?"

"I brought them."

What? Why gags?

I ask out of pure curiosity, and I get an unexpected answer.

"I'm also interested in this field."

"Uh... I, I see?"

I'm genuinely flustered.

But this kind of reaction might hurt Raven's feelings.

"Right, that's also... not, not bad?"

I express my lack of objection to avoid any misunderstandings.

But what's this again?

"Not bad? Mr. Yandel, are you also interested in monster studies?"

"Monster studies?"

Raven also tilts her head as I tilt my head in confusion.

A hypothesis suddenly comes to mind.

"Don't tell me... those gags are for monsters?"

"Yes, but...? I was thinking of capturing one and studying it later when I had the chance. Wait, then who were you planning to use those on...?"

Raven trails off, her face turning red in an instant.

"...Don't come near me."

"How far?"

"1 meter."

"...Alright."

And so, our half-joking agreement to maintain distance is made, and I approach the prisoners.

And I remove Hans G's gag.

Because I have a question.

"I have something to ask."

"Yes? Ah, yes! An, anything!"

"How did the dwarf find out that you're an evil spirit?"

"...Yes?"

Hans G looks at me as if I asked a strange question. But he obediently answers without offending me.

And the truth is completely unexpected.

"Th, that guy is also a pl, player... No, I, I mean, an evil spirit."

The dwarf was also from Earth.

That's why he was able to figure out Hans G's identity just by his behavior.

"Tell me exactly what happened between you two."

I listen to the details of the situation.

It's not a long story, except for the fact that he keeps stuttering.

The dwarf used a magic tool to talk to Hans G during their watch. And he came out, talking about things that only someone from Earth would know.

Hans G, happy to meet a fellow countryman, admitted it.

But it was a trap.

The magic tool the dwarf used recorded their conversation.

Hans G, caught by his weakness, accepted the dwarf's threatening proposal to pull off a big heist after defeating the guardian.

For reference, there was also a carrot along with the stick.

He promised to split the loot fairly and even take him to Noark if things went wrong.

"I, I re, refused. Bu, but... Ugh, ugghh!"

I end the conversation and put the gag back in his mouth, as if expecting him to make pathetic excuses.

I've already found out everything I needed to know.

'What the hell, there are four players out of fifteen?'

The fairy archer, Hans G, the dwarf, and me.

Although it's ridiculous, I'm the final winner.

...Well, there's still the final battle left.

In that sense, I move on to the next topic.

I activate team voice magic and then...

"I want to hear your opinions."

"On what to do with these people?"

"Yeah."

It's not that I'm going to decide by majority vote.

If I make a decision, my teammates will all follow my lead.

But I want to hear their opinions first.

"They attacked us! We have to kill them!"

"Hmm, I don't know. If we can clear the rift on our own, then of course we should kill them... but..."

"Do you think they'll actually cooperate?"

Most of the opinions are similar.

That they're not trustworthy.

"There's a saying, 'An untrustworthy ally is more dangerous than an ogre'."

Even if we fight together, if we can't fight properly because we're worried about them betraying us, it would be putting the cart before the horse.

"Still, the Noark side is a bit better."

"Better?"

"As soon as we leave the rift, we won't see them again, right? If we promise to spare their lives, there's a chance they might try to side with us."

Raven's gaze turns towards the fairy archer and Hans G.

"But those two are different."

Evil spirits.

They're beings that feel even more sinister and unsettling than explorers from the underground city.

"That's right! The chieftain said so too! That we have to kill evil spirits on sight!"

"Yeah... I didn't know before, but after experiencing this today, I understand. Why people told us not to trust evil spirits..."

"They'll do anything to hide their identity. It's wise to eliminate them when we have the chance. The result of trusting an evil spirit is right there."

Every word feels like a dagger piercing my heart.

What if my teammates found out about my identity?

Would they look at me like that too?

"So, Mr. Yandel, what do you think?"

I dismiss the meaningless thought and tell them my conclusion.

"I think it's better to kill them now."

I never intended to spare them in the first place.

It was just a matter of whether to kill them now or after defeating the guardian.

I've already adapted to this world.

"Can we defeat the guardian with just the five of us?"

"We'll have to try."

Although it sounds reckless, it's not entirely without basis.

First of all, the mace warrior survived.

Our strength has increased to six people.

And there are other useful items among the loot, like the Guardian Corps Insignia I obtained this time.

And most importantly, if my prediction is correct, we'll have one more mage.

"Then we just have to find the Doppelganger."

"Yes. It will take a while for the Stone of Truth to appear, and we agreed not to cooperate, so I think we can just kill them all. They'll be released once they're offered to the altar, right?"

"Deactivate the Voice Control spell."

I have Raven deactivate the team voice magic and then approach the prisoners.

A silence filled with a strange mix of hope and anxiety.

"......"

Their questioning gazes, filled with both hope and fear, are focused on me.

Well, they should know, right?

That the meeting is over and a decision has been made.

There's no need for long words.

"It won't hurt."

Probably.

"Ugh, ugghh! Ugghh!!"

The prisoners, who were waiting for me to open my mouth, start struggling and shouting.

Like flickering candles longing for life.

I swing my mace without hesitation.

First, the priest of Karui at the very end.

Kwagic!

Then the sorcerer.

Kwagic!

Hans G.

Kwagic!

And lastly, the fairy archer.

I smash their heads with enough force to kill them instantly, even if they're possessed by a Doppelganger.

Kwagic.

The whole process takes less than 5 seconds.

These people, who were struggling more fiercely than anyone else just a moment ago, are now silent.

Four corpses with their heads crushed, lying on the ground.

I only have one thought as I look at them.

It's a good thing I gagged them.

"Mr. Yandel! How could you just smash them like that?!"

Huh?

"Even if they're for monsters, they could break! What if they're damaged?!"

Ah...

But that's not what's important right now, is it?

"You're calm."

"Yes? What do you mean..."

"You're the only Doppelganger candidate left."

Nine people were immune to the verification magic.

And only Raven and I are still standing.

But I'm excluded since I used the Stone of Truth.

Did she finally realize the situation?

"Ah...!"

Raven shouts with wide eyes.

"It's not me! Why would I be a Doppelganger! No, this can't be...? There's some kind of mistake..."

Right, that's how it is.

"Raven is the Doppelganger. Everyone, step back!"

The three flinch and retreat at my shout.

"So, so you were the Doppelganger... I never even dreamed of it."

"Give me back Aruru!! She's human and a mage, but! She's still my precious companion!!"

The melee damage dealer duo is shocked.

And...

"I, I'm not... Believe me. I'll use the Stone of Truth tomorrow to prove it! Okay?"

"To make us waste the Stone of Truth even after everything is over, you're a cunning monster."

The bear-like man raises his crossbow and enters a wary state. Raven's expression turns into one that's about to cry.

"N, no..."

I can't believe she can make that kind of face.

"I, I'm really not!!!"

Come to think of it, this is the first time I've seen her shout this loudly.

'This is... precious.'

It's not a common sight, so I feel a bit greedy...

...but if I push it any further, she might actually cry.

So I end the prank here.

"You're the only one left. But if it's not you, then who is it?"

"Th, that's...!"

"You were the one who said that the Doppelganger is released when the host dies, even if they're not offered to the altar, right?"

I subtly give her a hint while cornering her.

I judge that our mage will be able to figure out one possibility just from this.

"Ma, maybe!! Someone might still be alive!! Doppelgangers are good at pretending to be dead!"

It's the line I've been waiting for.

"Someone is alive..."

"Wh, where are you going?"

Raven shouts in confusion as I start walking.

Thud.

I stop.

It's the spot where Parteian, the mage who lost his shoulder to the dwarf, is lying.

I bend down and check his pulse.

"...Is, is he alive?"

"Be quiet."

His heart isn't beating.

And he's not breathing either.

Thump, thump.

I get up and kick the wound with my foot.

"......"

There's no reaction.

Hmm, is he enduring this much?

I take out a potion and pour it on him.

Sizzle.

The wound bubbles and heals.

"Kyaaaaaaaaak—!!"

Right, even you can't endure a potion.

Trial

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

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