Surviving The Game as a Barbarian (Novel) Chapter 175, 176, 177

  

C175, 176, 177

Chapter 175: Choice (3)

The double-sized bed, the wardrobe, and the computer desk in Lee Hansu’s room.

[Long Live Korean Independence] - 0 members online.

I turn on the computer and enter the chat room.

That guy made a fuss about me being dead because I was a few minutes late last time.

‘And we can only be together for an hour…’

I plan to get as much information as possible from Lee Baekho this time, since there’s a big incident.

‘I’m the first one here today.’

A spacious room furnished with antique furniture.

Before I can even sit down on the sofa, Lee Baekho logs in.

Everything is fine up to this point.

“Hyung!”

But, what’s this?

He looks very urgent.

“I’m actually in the middle of a battle right now, so I have to go.”

“What?”

“I don’t have time to explain.”

“But—”

“You heard about the subjugation, right? Don’t participate, even later. That’s what I came to tell you.”

“What do you mean—”

“See you next month!”

That was the entirety of our conversation.

I’m dazed.

But if I calmly organize the situation…

‘…He’s in the middle of a battle?’

One hour in the community is one second in reality.

But to leave in such a hurry?

It means he’s fighting a strong enemy.

Even if he stays here for a minute, only 0.02 seconds will have passed outside.

It’s proof that his enemy is someone he can’t even spare that much time for.

‘What the hell is he fighting?’

I don’t know.

The only thing that’s certain is…

…that he’s closely related to the Noark subjugation.

‘Was this bastard in the underground city all along?’

He’s fighting an enemy in the middle of the night, not even in the labyrinth. It’s hard to think of anything besides the Noark subjugation.

The subjugation force departed yesterday.

The King’s army, the explorer alliance, and even the paladins sent by the temple. It was quite a sight seeing them all marching into the sewers.

‘His last words… it means he thinks the subjugation will fail, right?’

Telling me not to participate, even later.

It means that the first subjugation will fail, and a second subjugation force will be formed.

‘Ah, this is frustrating…’

I return to my room since there’s nothing for me here. It’s still three hours until Watchers of the Round Table opens.

I start browsing the web since there’s nothing else to do.

First, I check the exchange, and then I visit the chat rooms that don’t have entry restrictions.

They’re all the same.

Everyone is talking about the Noark subjugation.

‘…The underground is already in chaos.’

A significant number of players participated in the subjugation.

And from what they’re saying…

“I don’t know the details since I’m in the rear, but the atmosphere is really bad. I keep hearing explosions from the front, and those commander bastards aren’t explaining anything…”

“Why are there so few participants today? Don’t tell me they’re all dead?”

…it seems like a fierce battle is taking place in the underground right now.

I can’t even imagine how intense it is.

This post on the free board makes it even harder to imagine.

[Ask me anything, I’m about to die.]

-Got stabbed in the neck, and when I opened my eyes, I was here.

-I’ll be alive for at least 12 seconds, right?

-Damn it.

[EdwardBless77: I hope it’s not an eternal dream. I hope you wake up in your home.]

[└OP: I really hope so.]

[godFLEXyou: You’ve worked hard. Rest now.]

[└OP: Thanks for the comfort.]

[stevencastle: You must have been in the front lines. I heard it’s a living hell there. Did you see Orculus?]

[└OP: I don’t know. I heard someone shouting that they were there, but I don’t remember. Maybe they were mistaken. I couldn’t even see a meter ahead because of those dark mage bastards.]

[teckmonkey: What do you want to do the most?]

[└OP: Reproduce.]

[└teckmonkey: Uh, hmm… I’ll refrain from commenting.]

[tunaboot: Where are you from?]

[└OP: I don’t know what you mean. If you mean Earth, then Canada. If you mean here, then the Aribeten Clan, I was a high-ranking member.]

[└tunaboot: Of course I meant your hometown. But a high-ranking member of the Aribeten Clan? You were a big shot.]

[└1spring: What’s the point, he’s dying now. Goodbye.]

[└ionboii: Wow, seeing him coming out like this here, it doesn’t seem like he’s just trolling, right? I sincerely offer my condolences. You’ve worked hard. And just ignore the bastard who’s talking nonsense above.]

Dozens of comments are posted below.

The OP answers each of them as the number of comments increases in real time.

I scroll down, reading them all as if possessed, and then I post a comment.

[Elfnunna: Why are you already giving up? You should log out and try to survive.]

There’s a chance if you don’t give up.

It might be infinitely close to 0, but it’s not 0.

I’m proof of that.

However, after posting it, I feel like it was rude, so I add an explanation.

[└Elfnunna: I’ve also been stabbed in the neck before. And I even entered a state similar to the countdown in the game. But I could still move my body. I barely survived after killing the enemy and drinking a potion. So why don’t you try it too?]

My experiences in the Land of the Dead and the Crimson Fortress.

I hope it gives someone I don’t even know hope.

But…

[└OP: I understand what you’re saying. But I’m an archer. I can’t use your method.]

…the answer is complete resignation.

[└Elfnunna: You can at least try, can’t you?]

I post another comment as if possessed.

And an answer is posted immediately.

[└OP: Sorry, if I’m going to die anyway, I want to die as myself. Not in this damn body, but as the person my parents gave birth to.]

My mind goes blank as soon as I see it.

I take my hands off the keyboard.

What can I even say?

That it’s not a real body?

That it’s just a manifestation of the identity you think you are?

Well, no one can judge the OP’s choice.

And they shouldn’t.

“…….”

I involuntarily look at the wardrobe.

To be precise, I look at the mirror next to it.

I see Lee Hansu.

Click, clack, clack.

I start typing on the keyboard again.

And I write and erase countless words of comfort, like hoping that he rests in peace or that he wakes up in the real world.

But I can’t bring myself to press enter.

Click, clack, clack.

Players continue to post comments as I struggle to type.

The OP answers each of them.

[branbran_helmet: This game is trash.]

[└OP; You’re right, this game is trash!]

That’s the last comment.

I refresh the page.

The OP’s nickname, which was at the top, is now blurred out.

“…….”

It means he’s dead.
_________________

I don’t know why.

I don’t even know his face, and we’ve never talked before.

But my heart can’t stop pounding.

Thump, thump.

Countless deaths I’ve witnessed since waking up in this world.

The weight of those deaths feels heavier today.

What’s the reason?

Scroll-

As if to find the answer, I scroll up.

And I read through it again from the beginning.

Many people asked about his true self, so I was able to glimpse into his life just from that.

Scroll-

He was from Canada.

He was born into a farming family, and his real name was Mac Davis.

His first kiss was when he was 17.

With his girlfriend’s best friend?

Although I think he’s a bit of a jerk, he didn’t live a life of sin.

Scroll-

His dream was to be a veterinarian.

The trigger was when he had to watch his dog choke to death after vomiting and getting something stuck in its throat.

But he failed because he wasn’t good at studying.

In the end, he helped out on his parents’ farm and occasionally played games.

Scroll-

Right, he was an ordinary person.

Someone who was decently kind, and sometimes made mistakes and was remembered as a bad person by others…

Just an ordinary person.

Scroll.

I stop scrolling at one point.

There’s a new comment on the comment I left.

[└OP: Your words keep coming back to me. I feel like you’re a strong person. I hope you can clear this game and return. Of course, it’s your choice.]

His words of encouragement, just a few sentences, left for me when I was struggling to write a simple message of comfort.

“…….”

I can feel how thoughtful he was just from the single word ‘choice’.

Click, clack, clack.

I type on the keyboard, writing a new comment.

Although he’ll never be able to see it now…

[└Elfnunna: If I ever go back, I’ll definitely send a letter to the address you wrote above.]

[└Elfnunna: You’ve worked hard.]

I leave a meaningless comment and leave the post.

And I lie down on the bed for a while, lost in thought.

How much time has passed?

[03:07]

Only 3 minutes left until the entry deadline for Watchers of the Round Table.

But what’s this?

Creak—

The Round Table room is empty, even though I rushed in.

Crescent Moon, Goblin, Fox, Antler…

And Clown are all gone.

I’m the only one in the Round Table room.

‘…Don’t tell me, they all participated in the subjugation?’

I can’t think of anything else.

3 hours in the community.

It’s just 3 seconds outside.

What other reason could they have for not coming here, when they can’t even spare 3 seconds?

‘I can’t believe I got stood up here…’

After Lee Baekho, I’ve been stood up again.

Before I can even feel the emptiness…

…my vision flashes, and when I come to my senses, I’m back in my original room.

[Minimum number of participants not met.]

[This session’s gathering has ended.]

A message appears on the monitor.

Right, so this is what happens when the entry deadline passes without anyone else joining.

The core of the community activity is gone.

‘Well, I should at least browse around a bit before leaving.’

In the end, I have no choice but to check the minor news by surfing the web.

Time passes, and it’s time to log out.

「Character is being transported to Lafdonia.」

Bjorn’s room and Bjorn’s body.

But it feels a bit unfamiliar today.

Or am I just tired?

‘Let’s just sleep.’

I clear my head and lie down on the bed.

Creak.

The bed sinks with a groan, as always.

And so, another day ends.

And three days later…

“Bjorn! Co, come out here! The subjugation force that went underground has returned!”

The army that headed towards Noark has returned.

Only about one-third of them survived.

“…….”

“…….”

The army marches past silently, their shoulders slumped.

The result is obvious just from that.

‘They really failed.’

Things have gotten troublesome.

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

Chapter 176: Doppelganger (1)

Red bobbed hair that reaches her shoulders.

A tattoo under her eye.

A lean, muscular physique, a little over 170 centimeters tall.

“…….”

Amelia, standing in front of the mirror, tucks her hair behind her ear, revealing a scar on her half-severed ear.

It’s a scar that would be considered a flaw if she wanted to live as a woman.

Back then, she didn’t have the money to buy a potion, so she had no choice but to leave it.

Of course, healing it completely wouldn’t be impossible for her now…

…but she doesn’t bother.

“We’re almost there.”

This scar always reminds her.

Who her enemies are.

“Amelia Rainwales, the Lord summons you.”

She slings the bag she prepared beforehand over her shoulder and heads outside.

An unexpected person is waiting for her.

“I didn’t expect you to come.”

A member of Orculus.

A notorious criminal known throughout both the surface and the underground as the ‘Corpse Collector’.

“The situation is urgent.”

“How bad is it?”

“The royal family made a drastic move. I never imagined they would release that madman from prison.”

“…So he’s out?”

Even Amelia, who usually has an expressionless face, can’t hide her surprise this time.

If the ‘Corpse Collector’ is an evil spirit known to the public…

…that man is the opposite.

Very few people know his name…

…but to those who know even a little about his identity…

…he’s a being that’s more terrifying than anyone else.

“Yeah, that bastard is here. Thanks to him, things have gotten a bit complicated. A lot of our people are dying.”

The man wearing glasses smiles and pats Amelia on the back.

“So let’s go. Everyone’s already gathered, and we’re just waiting for you.”

“…Alright. Let’s go.”

Amelia then follows the man.

Only the sound of their quick footsteps echoes through the silent hallway.

“Did the Dragonslayer also participate in the battle?”

“Huh? Ah, that guy… his arm is crippled, what can he do? He’s probably still resting in his room.”

“…I see.”

Amelia cautiously asks another question.

“Any leads?”

“What do you mean?”

The man turns around, stopping in his tracks.

He’s known for being intelligent, so he might be connecting the incident where the Dragonslayer’s equipment was found on the black market with her.

‘I made a mistake.’

Although she belatedly realizes that she was being careless, Amelia answers calmly,

“I was going to kill him once he became useless.”

“…Huh? Do you have a grudge against him?”

“I don’t like his eyes.”

A brief silence follows Amelia’s answer.

It doesn’t last long.

The man bursts into laughter as if he’s heard something amusing.

“Ahahaha! Well, those snake eyes are a bit annoying. Especially since he doesn’t even know his place.”

The man starts walking again.

“But bear with it. It seems like his body will heal in six months to a year.”

“What about Dragonslayer? He’s useless without it, isn’t he?”

“Ah, that. We’ll find it. That alchemist geezer said there’s a way to restore memories.”

“…I see.”

A way to restore memories…

She wants to ask what it is, but she holds back.

She’s not usually interested in other people’s affairs.

This perceptive guy would definitely notice something was off.

‘I’ll have to look into it later.’

After walking down the hallway for about 3 minutes, they reach a giant door.

A white door that leads to the Lord’s audience chamber.

They enter, and the Lord is sitting on his throne.

“It’s been a while.”

“You’ve come. Amelia Rainwales.”

Amelia gives a brief salute and then looks at the other four people in the chamber. She knows three of them, and one is a stranger.

“He’s an explorer from Orculus. But we don’t have time, so let’s save the introductions for later and get to the point.”

She also dismisses her curiosity and listens to the Lord’s words.

“As you can see from the fact that I called you here, the situation isn’t good.”

“Hehe, I heard! That crazy mister came down here?”

“That’s right, Miss Carmilla. The Captain is currently facing him, but he says it’s difficult to hold out for long.”

The Lord smiles bitterly and continues.

That they’ve decided to close off the city.

And that no one will be able to enter or leave for the next two years.

“We’ll activate the sealing magic circle as soon as you leave through the secret passage. Any questions?”

“No.”

“See you in two years! Handsome Lord!”

“Carmilla, what kind of way is that to talk to the Lord?”

“Whatever, smelly old man.”

After a brief conversation, Amelia and her four companions head towards a secret passage on the floor.

They soon reach a spot with a red flag planted.

[You’ve arrived.]

[Good luck.]

A powerful magical energy erupts from the direction of the city as soon as she contacts them through a message stone.

“Wow, that’s amazing. We really can’t cross it?”

A giant barrier made of blue mana.

‘I never thought I would leave this city like this.’

Amelia suppresses her strange feelings and recalls her mission.

“Sister, you said that guy is the commander, right? What should we do now?”

The mission is simple.

To gather information in Lafdonia.

That’s the main mission, and if possible…

‘I’ve finally made it here.’

…to kill one explorer.

A smile spreads across her lips as she recalls the second mission the Lord gave her.
___________________

There were all sorts of rumors circulating in the city.

From conspiracy theories claiming that the subjugation’s failure was intentional on the part of the royal family…

…to doomsday prophecies that the city would be destroyed by the war with Noark.

‘This world is no different in this aspect.’

I’ve been visiting bars for the past few days, listening to those absurd rumors.

It’s a boring and stressful task.

But it’s an unavoidable choice.

I’m just a ground-dwelling barbarian.

What else can I do?

I have to do it myself.

“Bjorn, are you going out to drink again today?”

“Yeah, I’ll be late, so go to sleep first.”

Less than a week left until we enter the labyrinth.

As soon as the sun sets, I head out to the streets and drink alone.

Even if I just sit here, information comes to me.

“I heard the death compensation payments will be postponed until next month.”

“Well, the royal family wouldn’t be able to handle it if that many people died.”

“Haha, it’s the opposite. They have enough money, but it’s taking time to calculate because there are too many casualties.”

It’s similar to when I first came here.

Well, back then, I couldn’t afford to go to bars because I didn’t have money, so I just listened while eating.

‘Nothing special today either.’

The royal family hasn’t made any official statements since the subjugation failed, so the rumors are spreading like wildfire.

But to summarize the things that are closest to the truth…

1. Noark also suffered significant damage and barely survived by closing its doors as a last resort.

This is certain since there are many witnesses.

No matter how much they try to keep it quiet, how can it be hidden when so many people participated?

2. There’s an incredibly strong explorer unknown to the royal family.

I heard this directly from a drunk survivor.

Derbes, the guy I met at the gathering, somehow managed to return alive.

He said that explorer fought on par with the captain of Orculus?

Well, it wouldn’t be strange for someone like that to exist, considering they’re the royal family.

Anyway, next…

3. Three of the Top Ten Clans disbanded because of this subjugation.

Actually, it’s not disbandment, but annihilation.

Less than 10% of them survived, making it impossible to recover.

And not just the Top Ten Clans, but more than half of the small and medium-sized clans that operate on the 5th and 6th floors have also disbanded.

‘Well, thanks to that, there will be less control over hunting grounds.’

It’s the only positive factor in the current situation.

But the negative consequences are too severe to be happy about.

‘If this becomes a long-term war, the final battle will inevitably take place in the labyrinth.’

It’s something I’ve been worried about since I saw the signs of war.

Honestly, I can’t help but laugh when I think about it.

‘Unlimited PK content…’

It’s content that didn’t even exist in the original game.

If the labyrinth becomes a battlefield, I, who has to earn money and grow there, will inevitably be caught up in it.

‘And if the magic stone supply decreases, inflation will definitely start.’

Unfortunately, it’s hard to even hear about these concerns in a cheap bar.

Well, if there were any explorer who was already worried about inflation, I would suspect them of being an evil spirit.

‘I need to make a decision now.’

It’s time for me to decide.

Whether to stop exploring until things calm down, or to just enter the labyrinth as usual.

Actually, the answer is already decided.

‘…It’s better to enter the labyrinth.’

There’s no telling when this chaos will end.

Just resting is a bad move.

The karmic connection with that Dragonslayer bastard isn’t over.

I need to become stronger as soon as possible before the vine ring breaks.

That’s the only way to survive.

‘And if we’re forcibly conscripted later, we’ll have to participate in the war anyway.’

And most importantly, Noark suffered significant damage in this battle.

In other words, they’ll also need time to recover.

And even if they don’t, we’re in a better situation than other explorers.

After all, we can use a bug to skip the 1st floor.

The 4th floor is an independent dimension, so it’s irrelevant, and even on the 5th floor, we’re free from PK once we enter the mirror.

‘The problem is how to persuade those two…’

Raven, the mage, and the bear-like man with 10 years of experience.

I’m not sure if they’ll agree to enter the labyrinth.

‘I have no choice but to confront them directly.’

I empty my glass and leave the bar as soon as I make my decision.

Barbarians have their own way of doing things.

“Sorry, we’re closed… Oh, Mr. Yandel. What brings you here at this hour? Because of my husband?”

“Is Avman here?”

“He’s probably passed out drunk. Wait a moment, I’ll wake him up and bring him to you.”

Is it because he received a proper financial incentive this time?

The bear-like man’s wife seems much friendlier than before.

I sit at a table that hasn’t been cleared yet and wait, and soon the bear-like man is dragged out, rubbing his eyes.

“Yandel, what’s going on in the middle of the night?”

“I have something important to talk about.”

“Hmm, really? Let me sober up first. Honey?”

The lady brings honey water as if she’s been waiting for his call.

“Drink this.”

Judging by her attentiveness, it seems like he’s regained his authority as the head of the household.

“Keuh, that’s the stuff. So what did you want to talk about?”

“I’ll ask directly. Are you participating in this expedition?”

“Hmm, judging by your tone, you’ve already made up your mind?”

“I’m going.”

The bear-like man chuckles as I nod without beating around the bush.

“Really? Then I’ll join you.”

“You made your decision quickly. Do you know something?”

“Not really, but we’re a team, aren’t we? I should trust and follow the leader’s decision.”

It’s a type of answer I didn’t expect at all.

I can’t believe he respects the leader’s authority!

This man, he’s actually conservative in this aspect.

“Then that’s settled.”

“How about a drink while you’re here?”

“No thanks. Your wife needs to rest too. You should help her clean up and then go to sleep.”

I leave the bar after quickly ending the conversation.

I must have earned some points with that last line, as the lady’s gaze has softened considerably.

[03:24]

It’s past 3:00 AM, but I head to the Magic Tower without hesitation.

It’s practically daytime for them right now.

And indeed, Raven is also in her lab, conducting experiments.

“Huh? Mr. Yandel? Why at this hour?”

“I came to ask you something.”

“Really? I’ll be done soon. Just sit anywhere and wait for a bit.”

I thought she might scold me for being rude, visiting at such a late hour, but she doesn’t say anything.

Is it because we’re companions now?

At least she’s not treating me like a stranger anymore.

“So? What did you want to ask?”

I wait for a while, and Raven organizes her things and sits in front of me. And I just say it bluntly,

“Are you entering the labyrinth?”

“Ah, that… well, I guess we should talk about that. What about the others?”

Her tone implies that I came to ask her last.

Although I feel a bit offended…

…I have nothing to say since it’s true.

“Everyone else agreed to enter.”

“Really? Then I’ll go too.”

“You made your decision quickly. Do you know something?”

I repeat the same question I asked the bear-like man, and I get a different answer.

“Yes.”

“…What is it?”

“It’s nothing special, but the royal family didn’t send a notice to the Magic Tower this time.”

“Notice?”

“They usually inform the Magic Tower first if there’s something dangerous. Like telling us not to enter or something.”

I’m momentarily stunned, but I understand.

It’s a kind of VIP treatment.

Since mages are considered high-level personnel, the royal family personally looks after their safety.

“So don’t worry too much. The royal family led the subjugation, and there’s still no notice? It practically means that they judged it to be safe.”

“…I see. Tell me beforehand if there’s something like that.”

“If that’s what the leader wants.”

I leave the Magic Tower after her teasing smile and return home.

And I wake up Misha and Ainar, who are sleeping.

“Ah, what? I was sleeping.”

“Ugh, the smell of alcohol!! Did you go drinking without me again?!”

“Enough, eat this.”

I give them each a chicken leg I bought and inform them of the result.

“We’re entering the labyrinth.”

Ainar reacts as if it’s obvious, and Misha sighs deeply.

“…Ugh, I knew it. You reckless barbarian.”

Phew, I wish all my teammates were like them.

“So that’s it?”

“Yeah, that’s it. Go back to sleep.”

“Ah, seriously, you could have just told us tomorrow…”

Misha grumbles and goes back to her room, and Ainar does the same.

“Sleep well, Bjorn!”

I also take out my key and insert it into the keyhole.

But just as I’m about to turn it and unlock the door…

Click, clack.

…I hear footsteps coming up the stairs.

It’s just ordinary white noise, considering it’s an inn.

But for some reason, the sound is particularly noticeable today.

Click.

I involuntarily turn around and check the stairs, and my eyes meet the person who’s coming up.

I thought I was mistaken because she’s wearing a skirt…

But there’s no way.

‘Why is she here?’

The 8th-floor explorer from the underground city who made me realize what a wall is, twice. Once in the Land of the Dead, and once in the sewers.

The so-called psychopath bitch.

Gulp.

I involuntarily gulp as soon as I see that face engraved in my mind.

But could it be that she’s also flustered?

“I never expected to meet someone who knows me here.”

“…….”

“This is… a bit troublesome.”

The woman frowns as she looks at me and then takes a stance, pulling one foot back.

It seems like she’s already come up with a solution.

“Well, I can just beat you up and erase your memory like last time.”

Damn it.

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

Chapter 177: Doppelganger (2)

Think before you act.

It was the advice I gave Ainar on the first day I arrived in this world.

And I didn't just say it for the sake of saying it.

This motto has actually saved my life countless times in the midst of adversity.

So, in that sense...

‘Damn it.’

I end my brief lament and focus on the current situation.

[I never expected to meet someone who knows me here.]

First, one piece of information I can glean from her first line:

She didn’t come here looking for me.

[This is... a bit troublesome.]

Information number two:

She’s also finding this situation as troublesome as I am.

However, the nuance is quite different from before.

It feels like there's another reason why she can't reveal her identity.

‘They said Noark is under lockdown… Could she be a spy? Someone they smuggled out before the lockdown?’

Well, it’s hard to be sure yet.

There might be a hidden reason.

The only thing that’s certain right now is this:

[Well, I can just beat you up and erase your memory like last time.]

She still has no intention of killing me.

In other words, I can relax about that part.

‘As long as I don’t accidentally step on a landmine.’

The fact that the memory-erasing pill doesn’t work on me.

I just have to be careful not to let her find out about that.

Then it won’t go to the worst-case scenario.

Therefore, my basic stance is also decided. I have no intention of obediently swallowing the pill and becoming incapacitated, but…

It doesn’t hurt to have insurance.

‘What did I say in the sewers?’

It happened a few months ago, but I remember it quickly.

When we reunited by chance in the sewers, I definitely asked this question first.

“…Why do you want to kill me now? I kept my promise.”

It’s the question I have to ask if her last memory is from the Land of the Dead.

“You’re saying the same thing as back then.”

“…Back then?”

The woman shakes her head and continues as I look at her with a puzzled expression.

“But your expression is much more relaxed.”

I can’t help but chuckle.

‘Relaxed…’

I can’t believe it was that noticeable.

I ask directly,

“The oath is still valid. Are you not going to just pretend you didn’t see me and leave?”

“Then swallow this.”

The woman takes out a pill from her pocket and throws it at me.

It’s a dark, moist pill.

“It’s a memory-erasing pill. If you just swallow it, today’s events will be as if they never happened.”

I briefly have the thought that swallowing the pill might be the cleanest way to resolve this situation.

But…

“How can I trust you?”

…that’s the last resort.

I’ll lose consciousness if I swallow the pill.

What if she gets greedy for my equipment?

What if she opens my subspace ring out of curiosity and finds Dragonslayer?

In the end, that’s also a landmine.

“You don’t have any other choice, do you?”

“Why do you say I don’t have a choice?”

I’m hundreds of times stronger than when we met in the Land of the Dead.

Even compared to when we met in the sewers, I’m several times stronger.

And most importantly, this isn’t a dark underground place where there’s no one to help me.

It’s a city on the surface where law and society function.

“If I shout, my companions will wake up. You can’t handle all of us alone.”

There’s no reason for me to back down in front of this woman.

“…So it wasn’t confidence, but arrogance.”

“Try me.”

The woman remains silent at my bold words.

Although she called me arrogant, she knows it too, right?

That the situation is completely different from before.

“…….”

An unusual heavy silence falls upon the empty hallway in the middle of the night.

She’s the first to speak.

“Barbarian.”

She calls out to me, taking a step forward.

I turn my back on her instead of answering.

And as expected…

Tadat!

…I see her clone.

The Doppelganger’s ability, [Self-Replication].

「Amelia Rainwales has cast [Sura Kick].」

The clone, which appeared silently behind me, leaps and swings her leg with her body weight behind it.

It’s the same one that completely blew off my head last time.

I immediately raise my arms to protect my face.

Kwaaang!

A tingling shock is transmitted through my wrist.

But that’s all.

‘Just how high is my Physical Resistance stat right now?’

Well, it seems like there’s a hairline fracture in the bone…

But honestly, I can’t even tell. I don’t even feel pain because of Pain Resistance.

“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”

I shout the name of the ancestor god and punch the clone in the face with my fist the size of a watermelon.

Boom!

The clone disappears in a puff of smoke as soon as it takes the hit.

I quickly turn towards the original, preparing for a follow-up attack…

…but she’s just standing there.

“How did you know?”

Ah, she didn’t expect me to block it.

I answer honestly,

“Sound.”

All sounds have disappeared since some time ago.

It’s a clearly unusual phenomenon, even though it’s the middle of the night.

Ainar’s snoring can easily pass through a wooden door.

I realized she was going to ambush me as soon as the sounds disappeared, and I even figured out her method when I saw her take a step forward.

[Self-Replication], which I’ve already experienced once.

‘The summoning range for the clone is 5 meters.’

She must have been a bit short to summon it behind me. Since I’ve fought her twice, I was able to counter it like this.

“My offer from earlier is still valid. Just pretend you didn’t see me and go do whatever you were doing.”

I repeat what I said before.

And as expected, I get a different answer this time.

“…How can I trust you?”

I grin and give her the same answer.

“Do you have any other choice?”

It seems like the duration of whatever she used is short, as I start to hear Ainar’s snoring again.

Now, if I just shout, my companions will come out—

Creak.

That’s when the door opens.

“Bjorn? Who are you talking to…?”

Misha appears through the gap in the door, rubbing her sleepy eyes.

“I’ll explain later, go back inside.”

“Ack!”

I reach out and close the door before it can fully open.

“Hey! You crazy bastard!!”

Although Misha is furious after hitting her head, it can’t be helped.

That’s not what’s important right now.

“Hey! Open up! Open the door! There’s a woman outside! Erwen? Don’t tell me she came again!!”

I block the door with my body and silently look at the woman.

The message in my eyes is simple.

‘So, what are you going to do?’

The answer comes after a brief pause.

“If I say I’ll leave, will you believe me?”

In short, she’s asking if I’m worried about retaliation.

I answer without hesitation,

“I believe you.”

After all, she’s the woman who spared my life trusting in a single oath before.

And I didn’t report her.

I even blocked Misha with my body just now.

“You should know by now. I don’t care what you do. I just don’t want to get involved with you.”

“…Right.”

The woman mutters in a slightly bitter voice.

But it’s not the answer I wanted.

“So what’s your answer?”

“I’ll leave.”

“I’d like you to promise not to come looking for me again.”

“I didn’t come looking for you. But… if you want, I’ll promise that too.”

I relax a bit at her words.

Although it’s a world where you can’t place much meaning on a mere promise, that’s not the case for everyone.

[If possible, I don’t want to kill barbarians with my own hands.]

[Because that was the promise.]

She’s the woman who spared my life because of someone’s promise in the Land of the Dead.

Her promises must hold a different weight.

‘I called her a psychopath back then, but she wasn’t actually that bad…’

“Then go, human woman.”

“…….”

The woman silently nods at my words.

And she turns around and starts walking down the stairs.

Click, clack.

I feel a sense of relief as her footsteps fade away.

I’m truly glad it ended without a fight.

My build isn’t complete enough to withstand Aura yet.

If she had really wanted to finish me off, I would have been the one bleeding, regardless of the city or my companions.

“Whew…”

I head towards the stairs, thinking that I won’t be able to sleep properly until I see her leave.

Click.

She’s already reached the 1st floor, stepping on the last step.

But did she sense my presence?

“…You’re not a human woman.”

She turns around and looks at me.

And…

“Amelia Rainwales.”

…she disappears like smoke after leaving those words.

I’m momentarily stunned.

“No, what the…”

This makes it seem like we’ll meet again later.

Knock, knock.

I knock on Ainar’s door.

I only hear snoring, and the door doesn’t open.

Unlike Misha’s door, which opens as soon as I knock.

“Hey! Who was that woman outside?!”

“A salesperson.”

“What?”

“Enough, let’s sleep. I’m tired.”

“Huh? Uh, uh…? Uh? Sleep? Here? Why?”

I put a pillow on the floor and lie down.

Although I really don’t want to do this…

“Th, that’s right. If you’re ti, tired… Co, come up here and sleep. Don’t sleep there…”

“But that’s a bit… I’ll just sleep here.”

“Huh? Then why did you co, come here?”

Uh…

Because I’m scared to sleep alone tonight.
______________________

Time passes, and the day to enter the labyrinth arrives.

[10:30]

1 hour and 30 minutes left until the portal opens.

Raven arrives as soon as the appointed time comes.

Now everyone is gathered in one place.

“Fortunately, no one is late this time.”

We cast the Bonding spell and then move together.

For reference, the starting point is the bear-like man’s bar.

I judged that it’s better to just pick him up here than to wait for almost an hour.

“…It’s unusually empty.”

The streets leading to the Dimensional Plaza are eerily quiet.

It’s understandable.

Considering the situation, everyone is probably taking a break and observing.

‘…But what’s this?’

I freeze as soon as we arrive at the Dimensional Plaza.

A completely different situation is unfolding compared to the empty streets.

“Everyone, please line up!”

There are dozens of times more officials than usual.

And I see the army.

Hundreds of units, each consisting of one knight and four soldiers, are stationed everywhere.

‘…Don’t tell me they’re trying to restrict entry to the labyrinth?’

That thought briefly crosses my mind, but fortunately, that’s not the case.

“Here you go.”

An official quickly approaches us as we reach the end of the long line and hands us two items.

One is a video recording device, and the other…

Hmm, honestly, I have no idea.

“What’s this necklace?”

“It’s an identification tag that signifies you’re an explorer from our side.”

“Identification tag…?”

“Yes.”

The official explains a few precautions along with the warning that we should never lose it.

Although his explanation is long-winded, as expected of a government official…

…the interpretation is simple.

‘We’re fucked if we lose it.’

We’ll become targets for extermination if we don’t have this identification tag.

And conversely, there won’t be any punishment for killing someone without an identification tag.

‘So they were planning this while things were quiet.’

It seems like they maintained strict secrecy, judging by how they’re only telling us right before entering the labyrinth.

It’s not bad for me, a resident of Lafdonia.

“Bjo, Bjorn… are we okay?”

“Why wouldn’t we be okay? It means the army will protect us in the labyrinth.”

“Ah, is that so?”

“At least one thing is clear now. That the rumor about a portal in the underground city is true.”

We chat while waiting, and after about 5 minutes, the portal opens.

The army enters first, and then it’s the explorers’ turn.

“…We might not be able to enter at this rate.”

“Eh, come on, Mr. Urikfrit. There’s no way that would happen.”

Although Raven says it’s impossible, her expression hardens as time passes.

The portal shrinks as the line gets shorter.

I’m actually happy about this situation.

‘Hmm, then I don’t have to say anything.’

I was originally planning to confess about the incident the other day and use the experience point duplication bug.

The bear-like man, whom I’ve observed for a month, values trust, and Raven is reliable in a different sense.

The incident with the special appraiser was the key factor.

[If we told him, he would have made several times more profit than the money he gave us with this. I can’t accept that.]

She never does anything that benefits others for free.

So I was going to share this method and start accumulating free experience points from this entry onwards.

But…

“What are you doing! Get in quickly!”

“Move aside if you’re not going in!”

It seems like I can naturally create that situation now.

Even I think it’s a close call.

And there are quite a few explorers who are blocking the path and hesitating, as if scared by the sight of the army.

“This is the end! Everyone, please step back!”

“What! Wh, what do you mean! I’ve been waiting for over an hour!”

Entry is closed when there are about 10 people left in line.

“Ar, are we really going home like this?!”

“Huh, I didn’t expect we wouldn’t be able to enter.”

“It’s because Mr. Urikfrit said something strange.”

“…You’re blaming me for this?”

“Phew, whatever. Then let’s all go back.”

Everyone seems resigned to reality.

Geez, how embarrassing for a barbarian to hear this.

Giving up just because of this?

“Bjorn, what are you doing? You keep looking ahead.”

“Now.”

The portal starts to fade.

It’s the time when shouts of ‘The gate is about to close!’ would normally erupt from everywhere.

“Everyone, get on my back.”

“Huh?”

I don’t have time to explain, so I activate [Gigantification] first.

My body grows in an instant.

“Wh, what are you doing! It’s illegal to use abilities in an undesignated area—!”

I’ll just pay the fine.

It’s not that much.

About 300,000 stones as long as I didn’t injure anyone.

‘I can just deduct it from the team funds.’

I quickly scoop up the four of them in my arms.

And I start running forward.

“Hey! What are you doing?!”

“Stop!!”

I ignore the officials’ shouts.

It’s just a small fine anyway.

Why wouldn’t I enter?

We can earn so much just from hunting on the 5th floor for one day!

“Kyaak!”

“You, don’t tell me! You’re just going to enter like that?”

“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!”

Did my shout answer her question?

Ainar, who’s in my left arm, giggles.

“Hahaha! As expected of Bjorn!!! A great warrior!!”

Right, that’s more like a barbarian.

Thud! Thud!

I sprint across the empty plaza with a smug smile.

Swaaa!

The light of the portal, which has shrunk to the size of a person, flickers precariously.

And then it flashes and envelops us.

「Entered 1st Floor Crystal Cave.」

Safe.
______________________

「Character’s fame has increased by +1.」

「Character’s fame has increased by +1.」

「Character’s fame has increased by +1.」

「Character’s fame has increased by +1…….」

「…….」

Trial

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

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