Surviving The Game as a Barbarian (Novel) Chapter 172, 173, 174

  

C172, 173, 174

Chapter 172: Burning (4)

Swaaa!

The Orb of Fire emitted light as it registered me as its user.

However, after that, there was no reaction, no matter what I did.

Therefore, even Raven, who had been fiddling with it, gave up.

"It seems like... we'll have to take this back to the city and have a special appraiser examine it."

"Are you taking it?"

"Yes? What do you mean?"

No, well...

Since things have turned out this way, I decided to be honest.

"Honestly, I thought you might say that you should take the book. Saying that it has immense historical value or something."

"Uh, well, it's not like I'm not interested in the book."

Raven readily agreed instead of getting angry.

"But the person who wrote the diary said to take this and use it. It's definitely more valuable than the diary. And besides, I've already memorized the entire contents of the diary. I even made a video recording, just in case."

"Oh... I see?"

"Yes. So don't worry about that."

Raven then cast the 'Distortion' spell on the Orb of Fire.

It means it can't be undone even if they find out it's bound to me.

'It would be more natural to use it after we return to the city.'

I think that's better.

I didn't know anything.

So, this was purely an accident.

Although I feel a bit guilty...

'In the first place, it's not something I obtained for my own benefit.'

The Orb of Fire is an item for the entire team.

Therefore, everyone can benefit from it.

Well, at least until I leave the team.

"...It doesn't seem like there's anything else here."

We searched every nook and cranny of the house for another 30 minutes, but there were no other findings.

I thought there might be something else that didn't appear in the game, like the diary...

"So, what should we do?"

"What are you talking about? We have to continue hunting."

"...I knew you would say that."

As expected of a money-hungry explorer, we diligently spent the remaining time hunting monsters.

And after some time...

「Character is being transported to Lafdonia.」

...the time to return arrived.
__________________

Sunlight, which I haven't seen in a month.

After briefly basking in its warmth, I moved on.

The checkpoint for experienced explorers above 6th grade.

After a short wait, everyone except for the bear-like man gathered.

"Where's Beefcake?"

Well, do you really need to ask?

I didn't have the energy to answer since we were hunting until just now.

We waited for a while, and the bear-like man arrived.

There was an unknown explorer next to him.

"Here you go."

"Ah, thank you. I found my way easily thanks to you."

"Huhu, I had quite an experience."

The explorer coolly heads towards his team after that comment.

The bear-like man awkwardly joins us with a smile.

"Haha, the line is quite long, huh?"

Well, it's natural since we're late because of you.

I sigh inwardly, but I don't say anything.

I'm the leader of this team, after all.

Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.

I have to try to embrace their flaws.

I've also developed some immunity from Team Misfits.

'He's a damn good fighter.'

Anyway, Misha starts chatting with the bear-like man as we're all waiting in line.

"It feels like we've really made it, standing here together like this."

"Huhu, I guess so. A team's rank is only recognized from 6th grade onwards."

"Yeah, yeah. It feels like we've finally become real explorers. It's a strange feeling..."

Actually, I'm also feeling it.

Before, we had to meet outside at the checkpoint corresponding to our respective ranks.

Anyway, as expected of the 6th-grade checkpoint, the line disappears quickly.

Although there are far fewer people passing through here compared to the 9th-grade checkpoint, the number of staff is more than double.

And the checkpoint is even in the form of a room, so our privacy is protected.

"Team Apple Nark... is that correct?"

The administrative employee checks our team registration and tries to maintain his composure.

We hand over the bags full of magic stones we've collected after going through a simple administrative procedure.

About seven bags.

All of them heavy.

"......!"

The employee's eyes widen as he unties the bags and confirms that they're full of magic stones.

Of course, it doesn't last long.

His eyes narrow meaningfully.

I feel like I'm about to have a PTSD episode, remembering the time I was dragged to the guild prison...

...but Raven takes care of it.

"We obtained all these magic stones legitimately by defeating monsters. We also have video recordings to prove it. Well, if you want to confirm it, you'll have to compensate us for revealing our achievements."

"There's no need for that... I think."

"Then can you exchange them quickly?"

Her tone is sharper than usual, perhaps because she's tired or because she doesn't like the employee's gaze.

Did he sense something was off?

The employee quickly finishes the exchange.

"It's 25,190,000 stones."

It's an amount that would usually only come from a clan.

Divided by five, it's over 5 million stones per person.

If we earn this much every month, our annual salary would be 60 million stones!

'As expected of the Burning Zone.'

Even if we killed dozens of monsters per battle, we wouldn't have been able to earn this much without the double magic stone event.

"Huh..."

I let out a gasp involuntarily.

It's a strange feeling.

It feels like just yesterday I was being admired by my peers after exchanging 180,000 stones.

"Th, then how many cotton candies is that?"

"Uh... wouldn't it be enough to eat ten every day for the rest of your life?"

It's very encouraging that it's pure magic stone income, not from looted equipment or anything.

Well, it's unlikely that we'll be able to earn this much every time.

'We found it quite early this time.'

We found the black moss earlier than expected.

And the Millarodden appeared without us having to wait long.

On top of that, the Distortion spell even succeeded on the first try.

It's hard to expect things to go this smoothly on the next expedition.

"...You're going to do the settlement tomorrow, right?"

Raven asks as soon as we leave the checkpoint.

Looking at her eyes, she's asking while already knowing the answer.

"Let's do it the day after tomorrow."

I wasn't planning on doing it today either.

We even sacrificed sleep to hunt, and on the last day, we were awake until midnight.

Considering that our camping routine is between 9:00 and 10:00 PM, we've already gone over our sleep time.

"The day after tomorrow?"

"Yeah, we also have to sell the equipment and byproducts."

"Ah, that... could you sell them for me, Mr. Yandel? I really don't think I can wake up tomorrow."

"You said I could leave the selling to you since you have an appraiser license?"

Raven keeps her mouth shut.

It seems like she never dreamed that the words she proudly boasted about would come back to bite her...

"It would be different if it were just equipment, but there are also magic materials. That's something only you, a mage, can do."

"...Then come with me, Mr. Yandel. Even barbarians can carry luggage."

Luggage my ass.

It's a ridiculous request, considering she's carrying a subspace ring, but...

I agree.

I'm also curious about the mage's sales route.

"Then I'll see you then."

We briefly set a time and then head to our respective accommodations.

"Haam, I'll be going first."

Raven heads to the Magic Tower where her personal lab is.

"Avman, can you find your way back properly?"

"Don't worry, I know the way from the checkpoint to my house."

"Hmm, so you can at least find your house?"

The bear-like man heads to the bar where his wife is waiting.

"Alright, let's go too."

"Misha, shouldn't we eat something first? I'm, I'm so hungry..."

"Let's eat together after washing up."

"Ugh, I'll try to endure."

We head towards our home.
__________________

1:00 PM the next day.

While Misha and Ainar are sleeping in, I prepare to go out.

I have to go sell the loot with Raven.

[Ah, can you also drop off my equipment at the repair shop?]

[...Can I ask you a favor too?]

For reference, I also brought their equipment in my backpack.

I'm a bit disappointed that no one offered to come with me...

But I'm the leader.

It's only right to work hard for the team.

"You're one minute late."

"Should I pay the late fee?"

"Do I look like a beggar to you?"

Why is she so prickly again?

'Ah, it's because she couldn't sleep more.'

I decide to be understanding.

She's not the leader, and she's just here because she's a mage, so it's natural for her to have complaints.

'I wonder if she likes sweets? I should try giving her one later.'

I recall the social skills I learned from my ex-girlfriend as we get on a carriage heading to Commelby.

There's no friendly chatter during the ride.

We both pass out and sleep.

"Haam, I slept well..."

I open my eyes, and the carriage has already arrived.

Since we didn't meet early in the morning, we move quickly.

Ah, first, I give her something sweet.

"Hmm, I'm not really into sweets..."

"Focus your eyes first before you speak."

"Ah, that hurts my pride."

Anyway, today's schedule is simple.

Sell the Millarodden byproducts at a magic shop.

Stop by the blacksmith's to repair weapons and sell the masked man's equipment at a discount.

Register the expandable backpack and the Ifrit essence on the exchange.

And while we're at the exchange, call a special appraiser to examine the Orb of Fire.

"You've obtained a very valuable item. I heard that even large clans rarely have this."

"So what is it?"

"It's the Orb of Fire. When activated, it reduces fire damage within a 15-meter radius in exchange for consuming Soul Power."

"What's the activation condition?"

"There's a command word. I'll write it down for you, so don't forget it."

For reference, the special appraisal fee is a whopping 300,000 stones.

My stomach starts to ache as soon as I hear it.

These guys are really making a fortune just by sitting around.

"So how much is the appraisal value?"

"Ah, I haven't told you that yet. Only the person who first obtained the Orb of Fire can use it."

"Yes? What?"

Raven's gaze turns towards me.

But what's she going to do now?

It was an accident, I'm telling you.

"Whew..."

She lets out a sigh that seems to contain a lot of emotions.

Just as we're about to leave after finishing our business, the appraiser makes a suggestion.

"Ah, may I ask where you obtained it?"

"No. We don't intend to share our achievements."

"If you change your mind, please come find me. All the clans that have the Orb of Fire are keeping their mouths shut. I'll pay a reasonable price."

"Okay."

We leave the exchange, and today's schedule is complete.

Thanks to our systematic movement, we still have some time left before the last carriage leaves.

We have a simple meal near the platform.

"Raven, let me tell you beforehand, I didn't know about this."

"Who said anything? Do you think I'm going to ask you to compensate me?"

Uh, no...?

I thought that would be the natural response.

"It's fine. The appraiser also said, didn't he? It's a magic tool that's used more like a public asset than a personal item."

"Right, I'll only use it for the team."

The hurdle I was worried about is easily overcome.

So I also eat comfortably and ask what I'm curious about.

"But why did you refuse that offer earlier?"

"You mean about telling him where we got it?"

"Yeah, he seemed like he would have given us a lot."

"A lot my ass. 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."

Hmm, it seems like middlemen taking a cut is the same everywhere...

"And most importantly, if the location is revealed, more people will know about that book, right? That's not okay. I'm going to thoroughly research it later and turn the academic world upside down."

So there was another reason.

That damn fame.

Although it's hard to relate to her motivation, everyone has different aspirations.

"Anyway, please take care of me from now on."

"Suddenly?"

"I have a feeling that an ancient secret related to the Witch is hidden in the labyrinth. I've decided to look for it."

"Hmm, so...?"

"So what? I'm going to continue being an explorer. By Mr. Yandel's side."

No, but I don't understand why she's emphasizing being by my side...

Raven smiles as I stare at her.

"I felt it back in the Crimson Fortress too, but Mr. Yandel, you're naturally gifted in this aspect. It's like you'll encounter strange things often, like this time."

She's saying that strange things will happen often if she's next to me...

I can't help but chuckle.

"You can believe it. A mage's intuition is more accurate than you think."

It's definitely effective.

That mage's intuition.

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

Chapter 173: Choice (1)

The day after I went to Commelby with Raven.

All the team members gathered at a bar for the final settlement.

"You guys really made a fortune."

25,190,000 stones from magic stones.

3,010,000 stones from the expandable backpack and miscellaneous equipment.

9,000,000 stones from the Ifrit essence, excluding the test tube cost.

And 750,000 stones from the Millarodden byproducts.

So in total...

'37,950,000 stones.'

Of course, we're not splitting it equally five ways.

It was agreed that Ainar would get 15% and the bear-like man would get 25% of the magic stone income...

...and Raven would get 40% of the essence and the Millarodden byproducts since they're considered special loot.

'Let's see, then my share is...'

7,102,500 stones.

For reference, it's the exact same amount as Misha's.

"Miss Ainar, yours is 5,843,000 stones."

"Ooh!!"

"Then what about the essence cost?"

"Uh, essence...? How much was it?"

Ainar makes a confused expression after a brief moment of joy at the ridiculous amount.

"...I'll pay for that."

I take out 2,157,000 stones from my share and hand it to Raven.

"What about Miss Kaltstein's share?"

"Ah, we agreed that Ainar would pay me back later."

"Hmm, if that's the case. Uh... wait a minute, then Miss Ainar doesn't get anything from today's settlement?"

Is that the problem?

Her debt increased even though she worked hard in the labyrinth.

4 million stones to Misha.

And 7.5 million to me, including the equipment I bought her last month.

A total of 11.5 million stones.

"Th, there's no way...! I had a settlement, but it's gone!! So, something's wrong!!"

"That's how the world works. But you got stronger by absorbing the essence, didn't you?"

Unlike Misha, who's comforting her with words, I decide to give her a practical reward.

"By the way, I think it's time to increase Ainar's share."

She absorbed a 5th-grade essence.

It's hard to consider Ainar's combat power as below average now.

"Ah, I don't mind."

"...I'll also only take 20% from now on."

The bear-like man also readily agrees, and Ainar's magic stone share is increased to 20%.

Now it's an equal distribution.

'Phew, I want to adjust the special loot ratio too... but she'll definitely throw a fit, so I'll do it later.'

Honestly, I feel a bit wronged.

Tank, leader, navigator...

And I even spoon-fed them the hidden pieces.

Shouldn't I be getting at least 30%?

"Ah, then just pay your team fees, and we're done for today."

"How much was it again?"

"300,000 stones per person."

"You're taking more money away from me...!!"

Ainar's debt increases by another 300,000 stones.

Well, what does debt even mean when I'm feeding and housing her?
___________________

Three days after the final settlement.

While Misha went out with Ainar to apply for her 6th-grade promotion, I lay in bed, organizing my thoughts.

'We've already saved 10 million stones.'

It's the amount excluding the money I lent to Ainar and the money in the shared account with Misha.

As expected, our growth has accelerated after coming to the 5th floor.

It's like I can finally utilize my knowledge from the game now that I can play more proactively.

'One year.'

I make a rough plan.

'Let's establish a foundation on the 5th floor for one year and then move to the 6th floor.'

Of course, it will be difficult to grow as quickly from the 6th floor onwards.

It's a floor where combat power alone isn't enough to clear.

From the 6th floor onwards, it will be a long game of attrition.

'...But once we reach the 6th floor, I can absorb that essence.'

With a powerful enemy like the Dragonslayer targeting me, I need to become stronger as soon as possible.

'And besides, looking at the current situation, it doesn't seem like we'll be fine in our current state.'

The atmosphere in the city has been heavy lately.

To be precise, the explorer industry is.

Everyone is on edge and tense, I guess?

It's understandable.

That incident happened this time.

'471 people.'

That's how many people died on the 4th floor.

And just during this cycle.

It's a much more serious problem than the 3rd-floor Floor Master incident.

Not monsters, but marauders.

A large-scale terrorist attack targeting veteran explorers who have been in and out of the labyrinth for almost 10 years.

"Bjorn!!"

Just as that thought crosses my mind, Misha returns from the guild.

She's holding a piece of paper in her hand, looking very urgent.

"Lo, look at this!! The royal family issued a notice to all explorers!"

I quickly take the paper and read it.

It's a notice stating that the royal family is forming a subjugation force and that explorers above 6th grade will be rewarded if they participate.

The target of the subjugation is Noark.

'...This is going to be a mess.'

The underground city was an open secret.

Everyone who should know about it knew, but 99% of the people didn't even know it existed.

But now it's been mentioned in an official notice from the royal family.

"Bjorn, what are you going to do?"

"Well..."

The reward is quite tempting.

Not only will they pay a set amount per person, but they'll also exempt taxes and exchange fees for three years. And they'll even grant essences owned by the royal family based on achievements, so many people will be tempted.

'It seems like they've already recruited the large clans.'

The names of the clans that agreed to participate are also listed on the notice.

They were probably promised a much larger reward.

It's a kind of promotional recruitment, I guess?

Just the fact that the top clans are participating will significantly increase the trust of ordinary explorers.

No, they might even think it's foolish not to participate in the subjugation, seeing it as a golden opportunity.

But...

[Anyway, what I'm trying to say is, don't participate.]

I gather my resolve, remembering Lee Baekho's advice.

"We're not participating."

I'll pass on getting caught in the crossfire.

And besides, we're already growing well enough.

I don't really see the need to participate in the subjugation.

"I see... that's a relief. I had a bad feeling about it..."

"Just in case, I should talk to Raven and Avman. Ah, what was Ainar's reaction?"

"She's looking forward to it as an opportunity to increase her fame. But don't worry, I'll talk to her."

"Then I'll leave that to you."

After finishing the conversation with Misha, I head to the Magic Tower.

I wonder what the mage's perspective is.

The answer is simple.

"Ah, that notice... I heard about it last night. I was just about to ask you, I'm glad you're not participating."

"So you're against it too?"

"Yes. Although I'm curious about the underground city, it's practically a war, even if they call it a subjugation. I don't want to get involved in that kind of power struggle."

Raven doesn't show much interest in the reward offered by the royal family.

It's a relief.

I hear a similar answer when I visit the bear-like man's bar afterwards.

"Everyone's talking about it at the bar all day, but I don't feel good about it. Well, the reward is tempting, but..."

The bear-like man says he would have probably participated in the subjugation if he were still soloing.

Well, he's almost forty years old.

A three-year tax exemption is a huge deal.

He's practically the only one paying taxes for his wife too.

"Huhu, and our child will be born next year. We'll get a 20-year tax exemption as a childbirth benefit, so there's no need to rush."

"I see."

"If you guys aren't participating, I'm not going to join either."

Okay, then it's decided that we're passing on the subjugation.

'...I'll find out more details when the community opens.'

There's nothing we can do for now.

So I'm about to head back to the inn and check the things I need to do in the city this month...

...when the bear-like man makes an unexpected suggestion.

"Yandel, how about a drink later?"

"Drink?"

"You're the leader of a team now, right? And it seems like you don't have any connections in this area."

"So?"

"There's a gathering of 5th-floor explorers tonight. How about we go together?"

Hmm, socializing...

Honestly, I'm not interested.

But it's common for explorers in this world to meet and socialize, exchanging information.

Maybe it wouldn't be bad to experience it once?

'Well, the Watchers of the Round Table only share high-level information, so it's hard to learn about this kind of thing there.'

"Alright. What time and where should we meet?"

After getting the time and location, I go to the library to kill time.

Ragna greets me with her usual bluntness.

But when did she hear about it, when she's been in the library the whole time?

"Do you have something to say?"

"Are you... participating in the subjugation?"

"No, our team decided not to."

"I see. That's a relief..."

Ragna's face brightens up.

I find it suspicious, so I ask directly,

"Relief? Do you know something about Noark?"

"About that place... I don't know much. But I know what kind of people the royal family is... There will definitely be a huge sacrifice."

Ragna answers in a small voice.

"Royal family?"

"Please pretend I didn't say that."

Ragna retracts her words with a flustered expression.

I don't pry further.

I know how dangerous it is to badmouth the royal family.

"Thanks for your concern."

"Concern..."

Ragna mutters the word as if pondering it.

But her reaction is unexpected.

I thought she would insist that she wasn't worried...

"Yes. I was worried, so I'm truly relieved."

"Uh... I see."

This makes me feel awkward.

But Ragna's neck turns slightly red as if she's also embarrassed.

So I just pretend not to notice.

"...Then can you cast the spell? I want to read some books."

"Ah, yes. The spell. Right."

I don't want it to be any more awkward than this.
________________

10:00 PM.

It's the time when I would usually be washing up and getting ready for bed.

But I'm at a bar I've never been to before.

And it's not even in the 7th district where I live, but in the 8th district, across the wall.

"Avman! It's been a while! How have you been?"

"I'm doing fine. What about you?"

"Haha! I'm just barely surviving!"

About fifteen explorers are gathered in a private room.

It seems like this kind man with a friendly face is the host.

"Who's that next to you?"

"He's the leader of our team."

"Oh, I was wondering who took you, and it turns out it was that lucky guy."

We have a brief introduction as soon as we enter the room, led by the host.

"I'm Perfe Derbes. Call me whatever you like. You can just call me Pepe. It's a nickname only close friends use."

Pepe...

It's too cute of a nickname for a bearded man.

"...I'll call you Derbes."

"Alright."

"I'm Bjorn, son of Yandel."

"Can I call you Bjorn?"

"Whatever."

The nickname situation is quickly resolved, as expected of explorers.

"Wait, Bjorn Yandel? That name sounds familiar."

One of the explorers tilts his head.

And then he remembers where he heard it.

"Ah, Little Balkan! The barbarian who became famous during the 3rd-floor Floor Master incident! Right?"

"That's right."

Derbes's gaze changes slightly as I readily agree.

He looks surprised and curious.

"Oh, so you haven't even been an explorer for a year yet?"

"Don't worry about that. We just came back from the 5th floor."

The bear-like man assists, and the curiosity disappears, leaving only admiration.

"To reach the 5th floor in less than a year, that's amazing..."

Derbes then introduces each of the participants.

Perhaps because of my fame as Little Balkan...

...and my explosive growth...

...everyone's reaction is favorable.

Except for one person.

"I'm Jack Johnsonville, from the 5th-grade clan Nebiswolf."

A blond, tanned man introduces himself with a somewhat aggressive gaze.

'Why is he looking at me like that? Does he want to die?'

My barbarian instincts are kicking in, and my body is itching to fight, but I endure with superhuman patience.

I'm one of the few modern people in this world.

Right, I should be the understanding one.

"Haha, let's have a drink."

Derbes, sensing the tense atmosphere, raises his glass and lightens the mood.

And so, the gathering begins.

People naturally drink and chat about everyday things or industry news.

"How is it? Not bad, right?"

The bear-like man whispers in my ear.

I chuckle and nod.

I thought it would just be trash talk since it's an explorer gathering, but this is pretty decent.

Well, there is one guy who's ruining the mood.

"How about we meet at a different place next time? Not this old bar?"

Jack Johnsonville.

"Our clan has a bar, and the alcohol there is amazing. Of course, it's much more expensive than here. Hahaha!"

"Subjugation? Of course we should participate. Ah, maybe you guys are a bit scared since you're a team?"

"Well, try your best. Who knows? You might catch a scout's eye and join a clan."

He's the only one in this gathering who belongs to a clan, and he keeps bragging about it.

And he even interrupts whenever the attention is on me.

"I can't help but ask. Yandel, what's your secret? How did you climb up so quickly?"

"It's obvious, isn't it? He met a good team."

"......"

"...Haha, having good companions is also a skill."

Derbes tries to smooth things over and prevent conflict every time there's an awkward silence.

"By, by the way, Bjorn. What about you? I'd like to hear your thoughts on attending our gathering for the first time."

Should I be honest?

I hesitate for a moment, but the answer is already decided.

"I like it."

"Pfft, of course you do. You're just a fledgling who just arrived on the 5th floor."

I'm a K-barbarian who possesses the mind of a modern person, the values of Confucianism, and the boldness of a barbarian.

I endure when I have to.

I'm confident that I can endure even greater insults with a smile.

But...

"What the hell are you talking about, you idiot?"

"Wh, what? Are you talking to me?"

"Is there another idiot here besides you?"

I don't endure when I don't have to.

That's what a K-barbarian is.

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

Chapter 174: Choice (2)

Respect for elders.

It's one of the Five Confucian Relationships, signifying that there's an order between adults and children.

But when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

'This is a world where age doesn't matter.'

Lafdonia is a city where order is determined by the power each individual possesses. It's a world of survival of the fittest.

In short, respect for the strong.

Only strength and weakness determine the hierarchy.

And according to that law, there's zero reason for me to hold back right now.

"...A fledgling acting out of line."

"You want to get beaten up by a fledgling?"

The atmosphere turns hostile in an instant as I slowly get up.

"What?"

The blond, tanned man looks flustered, as if it's his first time experiencing this.

The bear-like man subtly places his hand on my arm.

"Yandel."

It's a sign for me to stop.

The blond, tanned man, who was cowering, regains his arrogant smile.

"Why don't you listen to your companion? I'll let it slide if you kneel and apologize now."

What is this guy talking about?

I just challenge him to a duel.

"Enough, let's duel."

It's the only means of personal conflict allowed in the city.

If we agree and have a proper duel in the presence of a notary, it's not classified as violence.

Although it would be troublesome if I kill him.

Well, I can just control my strength.

"...Duel? Do you even know what that means?"

"What do you mean, meaning? I just want to smash your head."

"You're insane..."

The blond, tanned man looks confused, as if it's his first time encountering such a barbaric explorer.

Well, he wouldn't have expected to be challenged to a duel at a gathering where he came to show off.

"What are you thinking so hard about? Are you scared of getting beaten up by a fledgling?"

"...There's no need for me to deal with a lunatic."

The blond, tanned man scoffs and gets up from his seat.

Right, so he's going with that tactic.

To pretend he won't stoop to the level of a lunatic.

The solution is simple.

"You're scared."

Veins pop up on the blond, tanned man's forehead at my single word.

But he doesn't want to talk to me, does he?

He takes it out on Derbes, who's next to him.

"Pepe, you should be more selective about who you invite. If you associate with barbarians like this, your level will also drop."

Derbes doesn't answer.

No, to be precise, he doesn't even have time to answer.

The blond, tanned man turns his back and walks towards the exit after saying what he wanted to say.

Thud, thud.

His back is straight, and his gait is confident.

But I can tell that he's feeling shame and humiliation in this situation.

"Avman, do you see? His face is red."

"Right, it seems like he knows shame."

Even the bear-like man, who was trying to stop me at first, doesn't hesitate to join in and mock him.

It's the mindset of enjoying it since he couldn't avoid it.

It's a very desirable attitude for my companion.

However, could it be that he can't just endure this insult?

Thud.

The blond, tanned man's feet stop in front of the exit.

"Oh, he stopped. Is he accepting the duel?"

"There's no way. He's just a kid who can't do anything without his clan's name."

The blond, tanned man turns his head and looks at me.

He glares at me as if daring me to say something, and he grits his teeth and mutters,

"Barbarian, you're acting all high and mighty just because you got lucky and gained some fame."

"Yeah, so?"

"You won't be able to go above the 5th floor with that attitude."

I can't help but laugh genuinely.

Does he think he's something special?

"That's funny."

I say as I slowly walk towards him.

"I don't know how many years you've been an explorer, but you're a pathetic bastard who's scared of someone who hasn't even been an explorer for a year. You can't even hunt on the 5th floor without your clan, and you'll probably spend the rest of your life on the 5th floor, picking up scraps like a salaryman."

And...

"I reached the 5th floor in 8 months. Unlike someone, I even have a title, and I formed a team myself to go higher. I'm already recognized for my potential within the barbarian tribe and am even being considered as a successor."

I stand in front of him and pat him on the shoulder.

"So, who do you think will be on the higher floors in a few years?"

The blond, tanned man can't say anything.

As expected of a human male with an average height of 170 centimeters, he just looks up at me.

I kindly bend down and lower my face.

And I whisper in his ear,

"Now get lost. Whether you join a clan or not is your business."

I open the door for him, and he walks out blankly.

Bang.

I close the door immediately.

I turn around, and everyone is looking at me.

I return to my seat and say casually,

"Well, I took care of the problem, so let's just continue drinking."

Strangely, no one answers.

"......"

Geez, how embarrassing.

Have they never seen a barbarian who resolves things through conversation?
___________________

The silence was short-lived.

We clink glasses and resume our conversation as the shock from the sudden incident subsides.

The main topic is, of course, Jack Johnsonville.

The guy who ran away like a coward.

"Hahaha, did you see the look on his face when I challenged him to a duel? He'll probably never forget it."

Surprisingly, no one criticizes me.

Well, even I found him annoying when I first saw him, so they must have felt even worse.

"But why did you keep putting up with him?"

"He was sharing information that you wouldn't know unless you were a member of a clan, even though he was acting all high and mighty."

Hmm, so he was useful in the sense that he was loose-lipped.

Then I feel a bit sorry for him.

"Don't worry too much about it. We weren't really accepting him lately, so he was coming less often. He probably moved on to another group."

"If that's the case..."

"Ah, and one more thing. You don't have to worry about him at all. He's just a low-ranking member of the clan, so he wouldn't even dream of retaliating against you."

"Haha, Pepe, does it matter if he's a low-ranking member? With his personality, he'll probably just suffer in silence because he's too embarrassed to tell his superiors."

"Hmm, you're right. Well, even if he did tell them, they would just call him an idiot."

It's a clean resolution.

As expected, not holding back was the right answer.

'In the first place, even if the clan retaliated, what could they do?'

Ambush us in the labyrinth?

If a large clan did something like that and got caught, they would be punished severely. They would never do something that crosses the line for a mere low-ranking member.

'The most they could do is control our experience points.'

They could prevent us from gaining experience points in a certain area.

If it were just one area, it might be different, but 5th-floor clans have close relationships with each other.

Therefore, if we were blacklisted, there would be huge restrictions on our leveling.

Ah, of course, that doesn't apply to me.

I never intended to pay for experience points in the first place.

Why would I pay when I can just hunt inside the mirror?

"Alright, let's drink!"

The conversation about the blond, tanned man gradually fades as the drinking party continues.

The main topic that replaces him is the Noark subjugation.

"Bjorn, your team isn't participating?"

"Yeah, I have a bad feeling about it. Derbes, what about you?"

"We've already decided to participate. It's dangerous in the labyrinth too, isn't it?"

"I see."

"Most of the people here will probably be the same. The reward is quite tempting. It's worth over a year's worth of exploration."

"I wish you a safe return."

"Haha, thanks."

I don't add any comments about their choice.

There's no one here with less experience as an explorer than me.

And it would be rude to give unsolicited advice.

Even barbarians have to know their place.

"Well, it's getting late. Let's disband. Avman, you should go home before your wife gets angry."

"...It's fine, I told her I'm going with Yandel."

"Oh? It seems like your wife likes this friend."

The gathering ends after 2:00 AM.

Although people started leaving one by one with excuses, I stayed until the end.

"Are you coming next time?"

"If you invite me."

"Okay, then I'll let you know through Avman."

I couldn't get any useful information right away.

I was able to get a glimpse into the mindset and common sense of ordinary explorers, but that was all.

But I'm planning to attend again next time.

Assuming they return alive.

I'm curious about how the subjugation turned out.

"Keuh, it's been a while since I had a good drink!"

The cool night air hits my skin as we step out onto the street.

It was early spring when I first came here.

Autumn is almost over now.

"Let's go."

"Haha! Right, let's go!"

The bear-like man is much more energized than usual, perhaps because he practically chugged his drinks.

Honestly, it's strange that he's even standing properly, considering how much he drank, but his mind seems clear.

Well, he won't be able to find his way home, though.

'I feel like I've gotten closer to this man.'

Since the carriages have stopped running, I walk him all the way home to the 7th district.

"Thank you for walking me home. Would you like to come in and rest for a bit? I have something that's perfect for hangovers."

The bear-like man's wife is very kind to me, perhaps because they made a lot of money from this expedition. I head home after being treated to warm honey water.

'Home...'

I've gotten used to calling it that.

Clack.

As I open the locked door, the door to the room next to mine also opens.

Room 207.

It's Misha's room.

"Hmm, you're back?"

"Ah, you were awake?"

"Why are you so late? What's with the smell of alcohol?"

I briefly tell her about attending the gathering with the bear-like man, standing in the hallway.

"So, you went there... Good work. You finally seem like a real leader."

It's a world where this kind of socializing is also part of an explorer's job.

Misha pats my shoulder, saying I worked hard.

"But what's with the paper bag in your hand?"

"There was a night market on the way, so I bought some candied apple skewers."

"Huh? You don't really like those, do you?"

"Don't you two like them?"

Misha chuckles at my words.

"Nyaha, you're like a dad."

Misha then takes a skewer from the bag, puts it in her mouth, and enters her room.

I'll give the rest to Ainar tomorrow.

Clack.

I put the bag on the table and roughly wash up.

The slightly faded intoxication and the cool night air blowing in through the window.

'Not bad.'

It was a day that made me think that more often.
___________________

After the gathering...

...my daily life became a bit busier.

You have to upgrade when you have money, right?

"Ainar, go to the sanctuary and get your engraving."

"I don't have money."

"I'll lend it to you."

"...Th, thank you!!"

Ainar, who acted like she had received free money when she first borrowed money, gradually realized the weight of debt as the amount increased.

"When will I be able to earn money!!"

Well, maybe in a year?

Actually, I'm planning to decide on how to spend the big money after that too.

Anyway, it took three days to get the 3rd-stage engraving.

"You seem fine. Wasn't it painful?"

"It was!"

"But?"

"It's natural for a warrior to endure pain to become stronger!"

Uh, right... I see.

As expected, barbarians have a different mindset from ordinary people.

For reference, the engraving Ainar received is 'Slayer'.

It's a typical warrior engraving that provides bonuses to various combat stats.

She chose [Devour] as her 3rd-stage engraving skill.

It's a passive skill that recovers a certain amount of Soul Power when you kill a monster.

'Let's just get the 3rd stage for now and then upgrade it to the 6th stage in one go when we have money.'

Ah, Misha also grew during that time.

Did she feel a bit pressured seeing Ainar becoming stronger at a terrifying speed? Misha spent most of the money she earned on 'Beast's Blood'.

And as a result...

"Bjorn!! I finally did it!"

...she finally achieved her first Spirit Beast awakening.

The new ability she obtained is [Blessing of the Glacier].

It's an OP ability that halves the resource consumption cost when using cold-related skills or items.

'I can't believe this ability appeared before that sword...'

Could it be a reward for her past hardships?

Things have been going smoothly since we arrived on the 5th floor.

"But are you going to keep using that equipment?"

"It's enough for the 5th floor."

It's not like I haven't spent any money either.

I sold the expandable backpack I was using and used almost all the money I had to buy a subspace ring.

It's funny how the human mind works, but I started to feel uncomfortable with the expandable backpack.

'I'm going to change it later anyway, so it's better to buy it now.'

A personal backpack is essential in the labyrinth.

You never know when you might get separated from the team, right?

And most importantly, you can store fresh food in a subspace pocket.

'It's a world where you can do anything with money.'

I reaffirm my resolve to earn a lot of money and prepare to go out.

It's because I have an appointment with Rotmiller.

"Fortunately, you're on time today."

"I'm a navigator now."

"Huhu, I like your attitude."

I've been meeting with Rotmiller every day for the past few days, receiving navigator lessons.

Of course, it's not free.

Just like medieval blacksmiths and other professionals, asking them to teach you these skills for free is practically stealing.

I'm paying a hefty tuition fee every day.

"I haven't been to the 5th floor myself, so I can't tell you much about it. But I've studied a lot about it, so I can at least give you some advice. Ah, learning mapmaking will also be very helpful."

Basic knowledge for a scout.

And a few skills, know-how that only someone with experience can teach, special training to improve your sense of direction, and so on.

I'm gradually learning everything Rotmiller has systematized through years of effort.

"...Teaching you like this makes me think that it wouldn't be bad to open a training center."

"That's a good idea. I'm sure everyone would flock to learn from you."

"Haha, you flatter me..."

After the lesson with Rotmiller, I return to the inn and have dinner with everyone.

Ah, Erwen is also with us today.

"How do you always know we're here? We might have been out."

"Hmm... I just knew, I guess. A fairy's intuition?"

"Hmph, intuition my ass. You just keep coming until you find us."

"Misha is right! You liar!!"

"...Both of you, stop it."

Both of them become curt whenever Erwen is around.

It's understandable.

Barbarians naturally dislike fairies, and Misha just dislikes fairies.

'I wish they would get along since she might become our companion...'

Am I expecting too much?

'Maybe I should reconsider adding Erwen to the team.'

I also hear about Erwen's recent situation while we're eating.

It seems like her sister decided to have her join a clan she knows as a mercenary for a few months.

She said she'll be hunting on the 5th floor from now on.

Geez, the life of a rich kid.

"Then I'll be going! See you next week!"

After dinner, I go up to my room, wash up, and rest.

Although it's late, I don't sleep.

「The character's soul resonates and is drawn to a specific world.」

Because it's that day.

Trial

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

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post

ADPORT6

ADPORT7