Surviving The Game as a Barbarian (Novel) Chapter 34, 35, 36

  

C34, 35, 36

Chapter 34: Warrior (2)

"Bjorn."

The moment Ainar calls my name...

The sun, hidden behind red clouds, completely sets. And at the same time, a pale-skinned man appears, bathed in the crimson moonlight.

"Strange, truly strange..."

He glances at the city that has turned into ruins and then stops his gaze on us.

"Just looking at you all makes my blood boil, and I can't bear it. Do you know why?"

The reason, well...

There's no way we would know.

And I don't want to know either.

I answer nonchalantly,

"If you give me some time to think, I might remember."

It's a judgment to buy some time, even if it's just a minute.

However, the bastard's eyes gleam as soon as I answer.

"To do that... the desire is too unbearable. Keuheuheut."

Honestly, I'm a bit speechless.

I didn't expect a vampire to be so damn stubborn.

"Keuheuheut, keuheut! Kwahahahaha!!"

The vampire, who was grinning like a madman in front of several people as if possessed by a spirit, suddenly becomes serious and...

"Kyaaaaak!"

...lets out a roar that sounds like something an alien creature would make.

Clang-!

The vampire's main weapon, his claws, have already extended with a sharp sound.

His eyes are filled with madness, emitting a crimson glow.

'Even this is the same as the game.'

Come to think of it, that's how it was in the game too.

Even though they have intelligence and can communicate, the only proper conversation you can have is a few lines at the beginning, like an intro.

"I'm used to this much killing intent."

The killing intent emanating from the 5th-grade monster makes my skin crawl, but surprisingly, the dwarf is fine.

"Everyone, step back!"

I'm a bit impressed.

He was pathetic during the Corpse Golem fight, but is this what a 3rd-year explorer is like?

As soon as the vampire disappears, the dwarf steps forward and raises his buckler.

Kwakwakwang!

A loud boom and a dust storm whirl around.

The power is clearly felt even from a few steps away, but...

"Hahaha! As expected, he's heavy!"

The dwarf doesn't budge an inch.

It's not that his stats overpower the vampire...

It's all thanks to the help of essences.

「Hikurod Murad has cast [Counterweight].」

It's the ability of the 7th-grade monster, 'Iron Ant'.

It's a 'knockback immunity' skill that prevents you from being knocked down or pushed back as long as your feet are on the ground.

It also has a shock absorption effect as an additional option.

"Tarjin, stay back!"

I give an order as soon as the battle starts.

But there's no response.

I glance to the side, and the porter is already far away, carrying the mage.

It was definitely the right thing to do, but why do I feel resentful?

I'll think about the emotions I'm feeling now later and shout,

"Ainar!"

"I'll take the right side!"

We've coordinated so much that we understand each other's intentions with just a look.

I nod briefly and take the vampire's left side, charging in simultaneously with Ainar.

"Kyaak!"

The vampire, perhaps retaining some combat intelligence, retreats.

At the same time, the dwarf's buckler, which was half-crumpled, is restored to its original state as if time has rewound.

It's not that the buckler has some kind of special function...

「Hikurod Murad has cast [Emergency Restoration].」

It's the ability of Living Armor.

It's a useful skill that not only saves on equipment costs but also significantly increases the performance of magic tools when equipped later on.

The dwarf, who has finished the repair in an instant, shouts,

"I'll take the front, you guys support from the sides!"

There are no objections.

The dwarf is the only one who can hold out for even a few seconds. To be honest, I'm the least helpful one here.

Ainar at least absorbed an essence this time, but I have nothing but the 'Undying Engraving' that I paid for.

Well, I guess I'm good for being a meat shield, but...

"Kyaaaak!"

The vampire, watching us from afar, suddenly splits into hundreds of crows.

A flock of crows with flapping wings flies towards us at high speed.

"Stay as far away as possible!"

The crows that flew towards us crash into the ground and explode.

Kwakwakwang! Bang! Kwakwang!

The explosive power itself isn't that great.

But it's impossible to avoid the blood splattering everywhere.

'Damn it.'

Of course, the blood doesn't contain acidic substances like the Corpse Golem's, but...

Considering the follow-up attack, this is even more troublesome.

"Bjo, Bjorn! What the hell is this!"

A red tattoo appears on our foreheads, soaked in blood, and then emits a bright light.

「Character has been designated as a sacrifice.」

「Vampire Duke Cambormier's physical abilities temporarily increase based on the number of sacrifices within a 100-meter radius.」

I ignore the game log that somehow pops into my head and grit my teeth.

The vampire's figure is slowly regenerating from the blood that pooled on the ground after the crows exploded.

He's even buffed, so he'll be even harder to deal with from now on.

'Has it been 3 minutes yet?'

There's still a long time left until the preparations are complete.

Can we hold out until then?

I shake my head.

There's no point in wondering if we can or can't.

"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"

We have to hold out.

With the tenacity of a barbarian.

The buff skill 'Sacrificial Engraving'.

The 'Immortal' skill, which greatly increases regeneration in proportion to lost health.

And the 'Blood Lord' skill, which allows him to absorb some of the target's abilities when he directly sucks their blood.

The three active skills possessed by the vampire are each incredibly powerful in close combat.

The problem is, that's not all.

This insatiable bastard also uses various black magic spells on top of that.

"Bjorn, the crows are coming again!"

He transforms into crows and explodes, turns into smoke to dodge swords, summons monsters using the scattered blood, and so on.

The vampire bastard is demonstrating the OP specs of a high-grade monster.

'This is why everyone quits the game before even reaching the 6th floor.'

I raise my shield, feeling the insane difficulty of [Dungeon and Stone] firsthand.

The shield is already ripped and dented by claws, practically a piece of scrap metal, but...

It's better than nothing.

Clang-!

I use the recoil to push myself back and absorb as much of the impact as possible.

It's a little trick I've learned naturally from fighting an enemy that overwhelms me in strength, speed, and skills.

[Please hold out for 5 more minutes!]

Raven's voice echoes in my head.

I wonder if that time could have been shortened a bit if she had saved the mana for whispering...

Still, hearing the hopeful news gives me some strength, as if—

"Hikurod is down!"

—bullshit.

The dwarf, who was closely marking the vampire with the experience of a 3rd-year explorer, has collapsed.

Although Ainar, who was nearby, rushes in and prevents the vampire from sucking the dwarf's blood...

「Hikurod Murad has entered an [Incapacitated] state.」

The tide of battle turns in an instant.

Ainar and I are already battered.

It's practically impossible for the two of us to hold out without the dwarf, who accounted for more than half of our strength in battle.

'If that's the case...'

I quickly make a decision.

"Ainar! Take Murad and retreat!"

"But..."

"I'll hold this guy off!"

"A, alright!"

The moment Ainar slings Murad over her shoulder, I dash forward and swing my mace.

Thwack!

A long-awaited effective hit.

"Aak!!"

My brain throbs from the recoil of the successful attack.

It's all because this crazy bastard is a higher variant.

「Vampire Duke Cambormier has cast [Pain Sharing].」

And he even fully recovers from his injuries just by taking a step back and catching his breath.

Damn it, I still have lingering pain.

What kind of bullshit is this?

"Kyaaaaak!"

Still, the aggro is drawn to me as intended.

I instinctively check if the item hidden in my boot is still there.

The item name is 'Tears of the Goddess'.

Simply put, it's a sacred relic.

Although it's a one-time use item, it can be used for healing and also for attacking evil-attribute monsters.

'...Should I use it now?'

Of course, I don't mind using it.

Even though it's an item with an effect that deserves the 'Super High-Grade' label, it's still a special item that can only be used in the 'Crimson Fortress'.

If I use it on the dwarf, he'll instantly recover, and if I use it on the vampire, I can deal significant damage.

But...

'No.'

I end my pointless contemplation.

What's the reason I've been stubbornly defending until now?

Because one attack is enough.

No, more than that would actually be detrimental to us.

We only have one chance.

We have to pour everything we have into that one moment.

To defeat a 5th-grade monster with five people, there's no other way.

Click.

I take out a potion bottle from my waist and open the lid.

And the moment I pour the potion into my mouth while looking at the vampire charging towards me...

Sizzle!

The pain of countless minor injuries sustained during battle comes rushing in like a tidal wave as they heal.

My grip weakens, and I feel like collapsing right away. As expected, fighting after drinking a potion is nearly impossible, but...

'It doesn't matter.'

What I'm about to do is not a fight.

Thump!

The vampire's claws pierce my abdomen.

Very deeply, as if this plate armor is nothing.

“……!”

My nerves, sensing the threat to my life, send pain signals to my brain like crazy.

My mind goes blank as if overloaded.

‘Damn it, I should have just taken the Corpse Golem essence back then.’

I push away the belated regret and pour another potion into my mouth.

Sizzle!

The injuries heal rapidly as the healing effects of the Undying Engraving and the potion overlap.

“Kyaak—”

I mutter as I see the vampire flinch as if he doesn't understand the situation.

Honestly...

It hurts so much I feel like I'm going to die, but...

“Behel—la, you son of a bitch…”

Pain can't kill me.

The fact that I'm still alive is proof of that.

"What the hell is that guy doing...!"

Raven, hiding behind some debris at a distance and observing the situation, is shocked.

She has read about various explorers' outlandish strategies and hunting methods in books, but...

There was nothing like this.

Just enduring by drinking potions?

"Th, there's no way it will work. He'll, he'll die!"

It doesn't make sense logically.

She has also drunk potions a few times, so she knows.

The pain is unimaginable, and it gets worse depending on the severity of the injury.

But what about that barbarian right now?

Sizzle!

It's not just steam rising from his body like boiling water, but smoke billowing up.

Even she has never seen such a phenomenon before.

In this state, he should be dying from shock, not from the injuries.

After all, it's not uncommon for people to die from drinking potions.

"Huh?"

That's when her eyes widen as she's pacing around anxiously.

The pain that the barbarian is feeling right now is something she can't even begin to imagine.

But one thing is certain.

He shouldn't be able to even move in that state.

But what the hell is this?

Clang-!

He blocked it.

While lying on the ground.

With a shield that's now a piece of scrap metal.

The barbarian blocked the vampire's claws that were thrusting down from above.

And as if to prove that it wasn't just a lucky coincidence...

Clang-!

He does it again and again.

Of course, he's not blocking every attack. Even now, his entire body is being torn apart by the wildly swinging claws.

But...

Clang!

He somehow manages to raise his shield and block attacks aimed at vital points like his head or heart.

'Is this even possible...?'

She doesn't know if it's his superhuman concentration that allows him to accurately dodge attacks amidst the pain, or if it's just the remaining combat instincts in his body that make it possible.

However, a passage she read long ago suddenly comes to mind.

That the true value of a barbarian lies not in their superior physical abilities but in their mental strength.

'I think I understand what that means now...'

"Lady Raven, it would be best to leave this place now."

At that moment, Tarjin, who had been observing the battle together, speaks in a heavy voice.

Although he says 'leave', in reality, he means to abandon them and escape.

"I'm not sure if I can protect Lady Raven if we stay here. This place is that dangerous."

Seriously, he has some nerve.

'Does he think I'm here because I don't know that?'

If she could, she would have already done so.

Although she's known as a kind-hearted mage, she's not naive enough to risk her life for explorers she just met.

But...

"Are you out of your mind? Leave? Where would we go?"

There's nowhere to escape.

The only way to leave a rift is to defeat the 'guardian' and exit through the portal.

'...That's why that man is so desperate.'

It's a wake-up call.

Even a barbarian who just finished their coming-of-age ceremony is making a calm judgment and taking the best possible action in the current situation...

What the hell am I doing as a mage?

"If Mr. Bjorn dies, it's over. We have to save him somehow."

A mage isn't just someone who casts high-powered spells from behind.

Analyzing the situation calmly using knowledge from various fields and suggesting the most efficient path for the team is also part of a mage's job.

"......"

Raven examines the current situation once more.

The 3rd-year dwarf warrior is incapacitated.

The female barbarian is helping him recover by giving him a potion.

So far, there's no problem, but...

She, the mage, is hiding and waiting for her mana to recover, and the human swordsman is guarding her.

Now that she thinks about it, this is quite wasteful.

"Tarjin, go to Mr. Murad."

"Yes?"

"I'm fine, so go there and at least help that female barbarian join the fight."

"...Understood."

"Leave your backpack here before you go."

Tarjin follows her instructions without a word of protest, perhaps due to her somewhat irritated tone.

Raven doesn't even look at his retreating back and immediately reaches into her subspace bag.

'Corpse Golem's essence.'

She grasps the test tube as soon as she clearly visualizes it.

'It's a bit... no, it's quite a waste, but it's nothing compared to my life.'

Raven slowly gathers mana and unfolds the spells one by one.

Whoosh!

Accuracy enhancement.

Projectile range enhancement.

Trajectory auto-correction.

If she adds a few more spells, she wouldn't even need to move her arm...

'But I need to conserve as much mana as possible.'

Once she completes the spells, she throws the test tube with all her might.

And...

Crash!

The test tube flies in a smooth arc and reaches its target, shattering and emitting a bright light.

.

.

.

「The essence of the Corpse Golem seeps into the character’s soul.」

「Pain Resistance increased by +70.」

「Strength increased by +15.」

「Bone Density increased by…….」

「…….」

「…….」

.

.

.

「Bjorn Yandel」

Level: 2

Physical: 80(New +34) / Mental: 46(New +10) / Ability: 30(New +26)

Item Level: 202

Total Combat Index: 203.5(New +70)

Acquired Essence: Corpse Golem - Rank 7 (New)

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

Chapter 35: Warrior (3)

My mind is blank, and my vision is blurry.

Pain? Needless to say.

It feels like my whole body is being torn apart and then pickled in salt water.

I want to give up on everything right now, but…

‘Bullshit.’

I forcefully cast aside my weak thoughts.

When faced with a crossroads, humans must choose.

What to discard, and what to protect in return.

Thump!

Something sharp stabs deep into my thigh.

It’s okay.

It’s not a fatal wound.

However, perhaps enraged by the prey that doesn't die no matter how much it's torn apart…

“Kyaaaaak!”

The vampire bastard’s movements become even more ferocious.

But what I have to do remains the same.

Raising the shield that’s been halved in size from being cut and torn, I somehow protect my vital points.

Clang!

Unable to withstand the attacks of a 5th-grade monster, the shield is ripped off, leaving only the handle.

Without a moment’s hesitation, I raise my arm to protect my head instead of the shield.

At that moment…

Crash!

Something, not claws, crashes against my head and shatters, showering me with sharp fragments.

「The essence of the Corpse Golem seeps into the character’s soul.」

The pain dulls in an instant.

「Pain Resistance increased by +70.」

New vitality flows into my exhausted body.

「Strength increased by +15.」

My blurry vision clears.

The first thing I see is the vampire bastard’s sharp claws swinging down towards my arm, which is covering my head.

I instinctively imagine my arm being severed entirely, but…

What actually happens is completely different.

Slash!

The claws easily pierce through the soft flesh.

But that’s all that’s allowed.

Clang!

The claws are blocked by the bone, unable to go any further.

Only then do I realize.

What this mysterious power is.

「Bone Density increased by +55.」

「Poison Resistance increased by +12.」

「Perception decreased by -5.」

「Appetite increased by +9.」

「Weight increased by +21.」

「Due to the passive skill [Acidic Fluids], the character’s blood contains acidic properti… 」

A sense of relief and regret washes over me at the same time.

‘So she fed me the Corpse Golem’s essence…’

Because of this, my build will require significant adjustments.

However, if I take a short-sighted view of the present moment…

It’s very positive.

My chances of survival have increased.

Tadat!

I roll back on the ground and get up.

Is it thanks to the Pain Resistance effect?

Now that the pain issue has been somewhat resolved, I can move without much difficulty.

‘But what about the guardian’s essence? Since I absorbed the Corpse Golem’s essence, is that nullified?’

I dismiss the thought that suddenly crosses my mind.

That’s something I can think about later.

“Kyaaaaak!”

The vampire, surprised by the sudden rejuvenation of his prey, charges at me enthusiastically.

My body moves to dodge, but what happens afterwards is not much different from before.

Well, it’s not like absorbing one 7th-grade essence would allow me to overpower a 5th-grade monster.

A meat shield that was lying down and getting beaten up can now stand up and move.

‘That’s all that’s changed.’

Even while making this self-deprecating assessment, I chuckle.

Thump! Slash! Clang!

The claws tear through my flesh and rip into my internal organs.

The potions I had swallowed and stored in my stomach seem to have been fully digested, as the regeneration speed is slow.

But it doesn’t matter.

The stingy mage has also realized that her life is in danger and has started pouring out her wealth.

Crash!

A glass bottle flies towards me and shatters, pouring its contents onto my body.

「The [Recovery (High)] effect rapidly regenerates the body.」

Could it be a high-grade potion?

It definitely seems more effective than the potion the blonde guy gave me.

Sizzle!

The wounds start healing even faster than before.

I charge towards the bastard aggressively.

So what if my flesh is cut and my muscles are torn?

It’ll all heal in a few seconds anyway.

“Kyaaaaak!”

“Waaaaaaaaak!!!”

I let out a battle cry to match the vampire and engage in close combat.

Because there’s no choice.

I don’t know where the mace is, and the shield has already turned into scrap metal and been discarded somewhere.

“Kya, kyaak?!”

The vampire, who seems to have never encountered an explorer who uses grappling techniques, panics as I cling to his back like a cicada and strangle him.

Hmm, is he panicking or suffering?

“Kyaak!”

Smoke billows from the spot where our flesh touches.

Sizzle!

I can’t tell if it’s the smoke from my acidic blood burning him or the smoke from my body healing with the potion, but…

It doesn’t matter.

‘It’s probably both.’

Even as we’re locked in this struggle, another potion bottle flies towards me and shatters with a ‘Crash!’

「The [Recovery (High)] effect rapidly regenerates the body.」

As expected, potions and acid are just a fine line apart.

As soon as the potion breaks, the vampire, who was being strangled, screams even louder and throws me off with ease.

The overwhelming difference in strength is evident.

But…

“Damn it, you’re nothing special, bastard.”

I’m starting to see a way out.

In this state, in Barbarian Immortal Mode, I can hold out against this bastard for minutes.

I have that confidence.

“Bjorn! I’ll help!”

Even Ainar rejoins the battlefield.

“What about Murad?”

“That porter is taking care of him!”

Ainar’s joining has an even more positive effect.

I take on the role of the main tank, drinking potions, and whenever things get a bit dangerous, Ainar swings her greatsword to create some breathing room.

The battle becomes much easier.

“Kyaaaak!”

“Ainar! Dodge! The crows are coming!”

Ainar leaps back at my shout, and the bastard’s body transforms into hundreds of crows and flies towards us. However, they don’t reach us because we moved first.

“As expected, Bjorn is amazing! How did you know this was coming?”

Well, because the bastard always winks with one eye before using this move.

It’s not a racial characteristic of vampires, but more like a habit unique to this guy.

It really feels like the end is in sight.

“I’m so sorry! Everyone held out well! Hwahahaha!”

The dwarf, who has healed his injuries with potions, also rejoins the battlefield.

He even brought the porter with him.

“I’ll help too from now on.”

“We’ll support you from the sides!”

Naturally, I continue to act as the main tank.

It’s not like everyone else is holding back or anything.

The 3rd-year dwarf warrior says to the 2-month-old barbarian,

“Great warrior Bjorn, son of Yandel! I’m sure you can do it! Hahaha!”

It seems like he’s trying to be complimentary, but…

‘He means I have to keep rolling around like a dog until the very end.’

Is it my destiny to never be able to just reap the benefits without suffering?

It’s nothing new at this point.

“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!”

As the four of us surround the vampire bastard, the moment I’ve been desperately waiting for finally arrives.

[It’s done.]

If her words, “it’s done,” mean that she has finished recovering her mana, completed the casting of ‘Black Sun Orb,’ and even finished ‘Attribute Enhancement’…

Then it means that all the preparations are complete.

In other words, it’s time to end this goddamn long fight and get out of here.

[I can cast the spell at any time.]

The moment I hear her confirmation, I shout loudly.

“Murad! Now’s the time! Use ‘Lightning Discharge’!”

It’s an instruction that we never agreed on or even mentioned once.

But the dwarf immediately follows my instructions without any complaints.

Crackle, crackle!

A yellow light surrounds the dwarf’s hammer, and sparks start to fly.

「Hikurod Murad has cast [Lightning].」

It’s the ability of the 7th-grade monster, ‘Ilatrek’.

The effect is to make a strong electric current flow through a part of the body.

In that state, the dwarf lowers his hammer.

As if he’s about to swing it upwards.

“Everyone, it’s best to stay away for a bit! Hahaha!”

The dwarf gives a brief warning and swings his hammer with all his might into the air.

The fact that he’s far away from the target, the vampire?

Such a trivial thing doesn’t matter.

「Hikurod Murad has cast [Discharge].」

One of the rare ‘transformation’ abilities in [Dungeon and Stone], ‘Discharge’.

Its effect is to allow you to ‘release’ the ‘energy’ acquired through other abilities.

Whoosh!

The electric current surrounding the hammer shoots out in the form of a sphere, like a cannonball, and…

…Explodes.

Kwakwakwang!

The physical force is weaker compared to the sound.

There’s no crater on the ground, and the vampire’s limbs aren’t torn off.

However…

「Vampire Duke Cambormier has entered a [Stunned] state.」

The point of this combo was never about power in the first place.

Leaving behind the dwarf who instantly stunned the 5th-grade monster, I send a signal to the back.

In a very analog way.

“Raven——!!!!”

Fortunately, the signal seems to have been transmitted properly, as a strong light gathers on the rooftop about 200 meters away.

I hurriedly take out the item I had hidden in my boot.

The ‘Tears of the Goddess’, a small jewel the size of a fingernail.

The one I’ve been saving and saving for this very moment, despite all the dangers we’ve faced.

Tadat!

I charge forward, clutching it tightly in my hand.

And I shove it into the bastard’s mouth and…

Thwack!

…punch upwards with all my might to close it.

Crack.

I hear something breaking, and soon a white light bursts from the bastard’s mouth.

「The Tears of the Goddess have been destroyed.」

「[Grace] descends upon the location of destruction.」

「[Grace] temporarily seals all resistances of Vampire Duke Cambormier and deals significant damage.」

Blood flows profusely from the vampire’s mouth.

He looks fine on the outside, but he’s a mess on the inside.

I’m surprised once again.

As expected, he doesn’t die from just this.

「The strong impact changes Vampire Duke Cambormier’s [Stunned] state to [Paralysis].」

The bastard’s fingers twitch, as if the stun has worn off.

‘Is it not done yet? We can’t be late…’

As I turn my head back…

「Arrua Raven has cast the 6th-grade attack spell [Black Sun Orb].」

A dazzling sphere of black flames passes right by me.

I belatedly regret.

Kwaaang-!

Ah, damn it, I should have run away…
____________________________________________

「Character is caught in the explosion of [Black Sun Orb] and enters a [Stunned] state.」

「Vampire Duke Cambormier has cast [Pain Sharing].」

「Hikurod Murad has entered a [Stunned] state.」

「Ainar Frenelin has entered a [Stunned] state……」
____________________________________________

Beeeeeeeep-.

A piercing sound like a static-filled TV channel rings in my head.

And through the ringing, I hear the sound of a conversation.

A conversation with a tone like a comedy skit.

[What do you mean you’re selling grilled meat at a butcher shop!]

[No, it’s raw meat!]

[No, it’s grilled, how can it be raw meat!]

[But…]

I open my eyes as I listen to their conversation.

[It’s alive, isn’t it?]

I see the dark sky.

I smell grilled meat.

Is it coming from me?

“Keuheok…”

When I open my mouth, a dry, scratchy sound comes out.

My ears are fine too.

I decide to focus on the positive aspects as much as possible.

“Keuheok! Urgh!”

The attack spell ‘Black Sun Orb’ with the sun attribute, a combination of fire and holy attributes.

Naturally, its power is weaker than ‘Flame Storm’ of the same grade.

That’s the only thing I can be grateful for.

Otherwise, I would have died on the spot.

‘But why is it so quiet…?’

I was momentarily stunned by the ‘Black Sun Orb’.

That much is clear, but I don’t have enough information to understand the current situation.

Why haven’t I been healed yet, and why can’t I hear any sounds around me?

“…….”

I push myself up with my hands, which are covered in pus, and force my eyes to focus as I check the front.

First, I see the vampire bastard.

“Damn it.”

Why is that thing still alive?

Of course, the bastard is also a mess.

Both his arms are torn off, and I can see bones through the ripped flesh on his upper chest.

He even seems unconscious.

But…

「Vampire Duke Cambormier’s regeneration is greatly increased due to the [Immortal] effect.」

Even now, his wounds are healing.

Considering that it’s proportional to lost health, it won’t take long for the flesh on his chest to heal and his arms to grow back.

“Da, mn it….”

I see several people collapsed around me.

The dwarf, Ainar, and the porter bastard.

I have a feeling the mage on the roof over there is also in the same situation…

I’m confused.

What the hell is this bullshit?

Why is everyone unconscious after we caught him?

What the hell happened while I was unconscious?

It doesn’t seem like much time has passed?

All sorts of questions arise, but…

I decide to put them all aside and take a step forward with my legs that barely move.

Thud.

I still don’t understand the situation.

But one thing is crystal clear.

What do I have to do right now?

Thud.

Vampire Duke Cambormier.

I have to kill him before he regains consciousness.

There’s no other answer in this situation.

No matter how rich the mage is, she can’t have an infinite number of potions. It’s safe to say that we can’t use the potion-tanking strategy like before.

Thud.

That’s why I keep walking, even though I’m staggering.

The pain that pierces through even Pain Resistance?

I ignore it, pretending I don’t feel it, and move my legs that smell like steak forward.

Thud.

Pain is a signal to live.

At least, that’s what I think.

There was a time when I thought otherwise, but for now, that’s how it is.

So I keep walking.

Thud.

As I get closer, even this vampire bastard starts to smell like grilled meat. I relax the strength in my knees and collapse onto him.

“You, piece of, shit….”

The wound on his chest, which was so deep that I could see his bones, has already healed considerably while I was walking.

I can’t help but curse.

Thwack!

So I punch him in the chest.

The vampire’s weakness is his heart.

These bastards can come back to life even if their brains are destroyed, as long as their hearts are intact.

‘Ah, that’s why this bastard’s arms were ripped off. Did he block the ‘Black Sun Orb’ with his arms?’

I belatedly imagine the moment I missed, but as always, I let it go.

Thwack!

I punch him again.

The absence of equipment is felt more strongly than ever.

But if you don’t have teeth, you have to chew with your gums.

Thwack!

I don’t know where the mace is, and the shield has already turned into trash and been thrown away somewhere.

Although Ainar’s greatsword and the dwarf’s war hammer are lying on the ground…

‘I didn’t think of picking them up.’

Well, I wouldn’t have had the strength to do so anyway.

As I continue punching, the straps of my half plate armor, which is dented and riddled with holes, snap and it falls to the ground.

‘My 360,000 stones…’

Looking at the half plate armor, corroded here and there by the acidic blood, it seems like repairing it would be difficult.

But what really breaks my spirit is something else.

“Damn it.”

This is like pouring water into a bottomless pit.

No matter how much I punch him, nothing changes.

How are his ribs so strong?

I thought they would break and pierce his heart if I kept hitting them.

‘Alright, let’s abandon this plan.’

I always like to have a Plan B.

Because Plan A rarely works.

‘Come to think of it, I’ve never done this before…’

…Is this how you do it?

Erwen said that visualization is important.

‘Flesh Explosion.’

Hmm, it really works.

Boom!

The hand I placed on his chest explodes.

The explosive power isn’t that great, but the acidic substances mixed with the flesh and blood create a small crater in his chest.

Even that heals quickly, but…

‘I didn’t expect it to work with just one try anyway.’

I cast [Flesh Explosion] again and again.

After about ten times…

Boom! Boom! Boom!

My left hand is completely mangled.

Maybe it’s because of the increased Bone Density, but the bones are intact and only the flesh is gone, making it look like a skeleton.

Anyway, I can’t use my left hand anymore.

‘Then it’s the right hand’s turn.’

Even though I feel like it’s something no sane person would do, I keep chanting the spell in my head.

I place my right hand on his chest.

‘Flesh Explosion, Flesh Explosion, Flesh Explosion…’

I keep detonating it.

I ignore the excruciating pain that surpasses my limits.

It feels like I’m dying, but I’m not doing this to die.

I will definitely survive.

Boom!

His chest caves in once more.

But maybe this is the barbarian’s combat intuition?

I can feel it more clearly than ever.

‘One more time.’

Just one more time.

That’s all it takes.

So…

‘Flesh Explosion.’

Instead of my right arm, which has almost no flesh left, I press my chest against him and trigger another explosion.

And at the same time…

「Killed Vampire Duke Cambormier. EXP +5」

The vampire bastard’s body turns into particles of light.

So, even you can die.

「Higher Variant Kill Bonus. EXP +1」

「Guardian Kill Bonus. EXP +3」

My chest swells with emotion.

Not a metaphor, but literally.

Having experienced it once before, I understand my current situation perfectly.

「Character level has increased.」

「Soul Power increased by +10.」

「Maximum absorbable essence increased by +1.」

I leveled up.

I’m not particularly happy about it.

It was just a matter of time, and…

[Dungeon and Stone] isn’t a game where leveling up restores your health.

「Mental stat decreases by 3 per second. (16/46)」

How many seconds do I have left to live?

Who knows, but it’s probably 5 seconds at most.

‘…Do I have to leave the rest to luck in the end?’

It’s a situation I don’t like, no matter how many times I think about it.

However, I decide not to have any regrets.

‘In the game, the probability of a guardian dropping an essence in a rift is about 33%.’

33%.

It’s a very low chance to risk your life on.

But it’s incomparably higher than 0%.

‘There’s no reason not to do it, even thinking about it again.’

I grin as if to shake off any lingering thoughts.

I struggled until the very end.

So now all I can do is wait for the result.

「Mental stat decreases by 3 per second. (13/46)」

「Mental stat decreases by 3 per second. (10/46)」

「Mental stat decreases by 3 per second…….」

1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds.

As time passes, my eyes close.

‘Did I fail…?’

It’s not a failure due to a mistake.

Just bad luck.

‘Maybe this is the ending that suits me best.’

I close my eyes, as if surrendering to the flow.

Hoping that when I open my eyes again, I’ll be back as the 29-year-old office worker Lee Hansu.

“Kick.”

Well, that’s not going to happen, though.

.

.

.

.

「The essence of [Vampire-Guardian] seeps into the character’s soul.」

「Natural Regeneration increased by +40.」

「Strength increased by +15.」

「Agility increased by +15.」

「Magic Resistance increased by +30…….」

.

.

.

「Due to the passive skill [Source of Darkness], the character will not die until the heart is destroyed.」

「Character’s regeneration is greatly increased due to the [Immortal] effect.」

「Character’s vitality has recovered to above 1%.」

「Countdown stopped.」

「Achievement Unlocked」

Condition: Survived after countdown.

Reward: Mental stat permanently increases by +10.

「Bjorn Yandel」

Level: 3 (New +1)

Physical: 155(New +75) / Mental: 90(New +44) / Ability: 115(New +85)

Item Level: 98 (New -104)

Total Combat Index: 381.5 (New +204)

Acquired Essence: Corpse Golem - Rank 7, Vampire(Guardian) - Rank 5 (New)

.

.

.

「Abnormal growth rate detected.」

「The administrator will monitor this character.」


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

Chapter 36: Guild (1)

"Hey! Mr. Yandel! Wake up!"

As Raven shakes Bjorn's shoulder...

The unconscious companions start waking up one by one.

"Lady Raven? What the hell happened..."

"Bjorn! Is Bjorn dead?!"

"Miss! I'm glad you're safe..."

Questions arise from everywhere.

The only one who can answer them is Raven.

Because she didn't faint.

"The vampire is dead. And Mr. Yandel is alive. Tarjin, I'm fine, so please stop yelling."

"That's amazing! To defeat a vampire with one spell!"

She bites her lip at Murad's exclamation. She feels inexplicably frustrated.

It wasn't the 'Black Sun Orb' that defeated the vampire.

Although her contribution isn't insignificant in terms of contribution...

"...It wasn't me, it was Mr. Yandel."

"What do you mean?"

"Mr. Yandel is the one who defeated the vampire."

Murad frowns.

"No, this guy?"

Although he had praised him earlier, calling him 'special' and 'a great warrior', he can't believe that he defeated a 5th-grade monster.

She understands his feelings.

'If I had only heard about it... I would probably feel the same way.'

Perhaps it was thanks to the distance...

She, who wasn't affected by 'Pain Sharing', was the only one who witnessed the whole story.

Yes, literally.

What could a mage with depleted mana do?

"Everyone, thank Mr. Yandel. If it weren't for him, none of us would have woken up alive."

"Th, that's true, but... could you explain what happened in more detail?"

Just as she's about to explain, Ainar intervenes.

"Then what about Bjorn! Shouldn't we give him a potion?"

In other words, she's asking for a potion if they have one.

Raven shakes her head and answers.

"Potions... are pointless. It seems like his body has mostly recovered already."

If she had to guess, this man won't need potions very often from now on.

Most injuries will heal quickly.

"Then why isn't he waking up!"

"I don't know that either. But..."

"It seems like you have a hunch! What is it? Mage! Tell us!"

Raven sighs and answers.

"It's probably... exhaustion."

"...Exhaustion? Didn't you just say his body was fine!"

Ainar places her hand, dirty with dirt and dried blood, on Raven's shoulder.

Her expression is as if the sky is falling.

"Well, are you two actually lovers or something?"

"Ah, ah, no! Why would you say that!"

"Whew, anyway, I don't know for sure either. It's not like I'm a priest. I just know of a few similar cases."

"Cases? Lady Raven, is this common?"

"It's not common, but... it happens sometimes. Cases where the body has healed, but the mind hasn't recovered, so they can't wake up."

Warriors who have experienced extreme stress that could lead to trauma, or those who have poured everything they have into a battle, sometimes fall into this state.

As she explains this, Ainar raises her voice.

"I've never heard of such a thing! And besides, it doesn't make sense! Not waking up because he's mentally exhausted? Bjorn isn't that weak!"

Not weak...

She wholeheartedly agrees with that statement.

A few hours ago, she would have scoffed and dismissed it, but at least now, it's different.

Because she was the only one who witnessed him fighting against the vampire until the very end.

But...

No, that's why her thoughts are even more solidified.

"To be honest, I'm almost certain that the reason Mr. Yandel isn't waking up is because of mental exhaustion."

Not waking up because he's tired?

That goes beyond whether the mind is weak or strong.

It was a fight where that was to be expected.

'If she had seen it for herself, she wouldn't be saying this to me.'

Maybe today, she witnessed something incredibly precious.

"Mage! Then when will Bjorn wake up!"

"Well, it could take a day at the earliest, or maybe two days at the latest."

"Then he'll wake up in a few hours! Bjorn is a great warrior!"

'...Then why did you even ask?'

Raven's mood sours once again, but somehow, I don't feel like snapping at her.

To be precise, I don't have the energy.

And it doesn't sound as absurd as before either.

"A great warrior..."

Throughout history, less than ten barbarians have officially received that title from the king.

'Well, it seems like it's just used as a form of praise among barbarians these days.'

She takes one last moment to organize her thoughts before continuing.

A barbarian who absorbed the essences of the Corpse Golem and the vampire.

And not just any vampire, but the guardian of the rift.

And he just had his coming-of-age ceremony last month, so this is his second time entering the labyrinth?

She looks at the sleeping barbarian, oblivious to the world, and speaks.

"...Maybe he really will become one."

Of course, to do so, he would have to go through dozens of crises like today and still survive.
_________________________________________

“We made it.”

I open my eyes, and it’s midnight.

For some reason, Ainar is giving me a lap pillow, and as soon as our eyes meet, she shouts “Bjorn!!!” and startles me awake.

“…Where are the others?”

“They all left! More importantly, Bjorn, are you okay? I was worried because you were unconscious for three whole days!”

Three days have passed?

Then in terms of time, it’s Day 7 now, right?

I sit up straight, my mind completely awake. And I check my current condition first.

There are no visible external injuries.

Aside from being hungry, my health seems generally fine.

“Anyway, Ainar, what are these pants I’m wearing?”

Actually, calling them ‘pants’ is an understatement.

A piece of cloth like a handkerchief is wrapped around my lower body, barely covering my privates.

To be precise, it’s closer to a skirt than pants.

And a very short one at that.

“Ah! The mage gave me some leftover fabric.”

“…So, you put it on me?”

“Of course!”

I feel a sense of shame, but it’s a little less because Ainar doesn’t seem to mind.

Well, it would be a bit strange for warriors to be awkward about such things.

“There’s no need to be embarrassed. As expected, Bjorn is a great warrior!”

Hmm, I didn’t mean for her to sexually harass me.

“…So what happened after that?”

I change the subject to forget about the embarrassment.

I’m curious about everything that happened after I lost consciousness, especially regarding the loot.

“The Numbered Item? Murad took it, and the mage took the Rift Stone.”

“What?”

It’s been a series of surprises since the beginning.

I’m alive now, so that means I absorbed the bastard’s essence… In other words, the vampire dropped all three loot items?

What kind of extreme luck is this?

“Ah, right! We didn’t roll dice or anything when splitting the Rift Stone. The mage insisted that he should take it to make up for his losses, so…”

Ainar adds in a defensive tone.

“Murad said it was fine, but I said no! But then the mage said something strange.”

“Strange?”

“He said that you, Bjorn, already got the biggest prize, so you wouldn’t complain about him taking the Rift Stone.”

‘It seems like only that woman knows I absorbed the vampire’s essence.’

I nod silently.

I have no regrets about this loot distribution.

The mage fed me the Corpse Golem’s essence, for whatever reason. And considering the potions she poured into me, she practically left the rift at a loss.

If she had been greedy for the Rift Stone on top of that, she would have been no different from a thief.

Although Ainar seems to think differently…

“B, but I said let’s decide after you wake up, but it couldn’t be helped! Everyone left through the portal after waiting for more than half a day and you still hadn’t woken up!!”

“You don’t need to blame yourself. It couldn’t be helped, could it?”

Honestly, I can imagine the expressions of the people who were stuck there for half a day because of Ainar’s stubbornness…

But it’s better to just praise her in this situation.

“Thank you. I feel reassured because you’re here.”

“…It’s, it’s nothing! We’re comrades, aren’t we!”

I check my belongings, which I assume were gathered by Ainar.

Backpack, mace, a few pieces of scrap metal that used to be my shield…

‘I guess I can at least get some money for the metal.’

I put everything I can see into the backpack and then take out food and the canteen to satisfy my hunger.

And I check the time.

11:20 PM.

‘Less than an hour left until the stairs close.’

“Bjorn! Shouldn’t we leave after we finish eating? We don’t have much time left!”

“We can’t.”

I refuse firmly.

I desperately want to leave this place, but…

After all that hardship, I should take everything I can get, right?

I also want to investigate the boss room.

‘The mage took the Necronomicon, so there’s only one thing left, right?’

It seems like I’ll have to move quickly.
___________________________________

「Entered 1st Floor Crystal Cave.」

「The labyrinth is closed.」

「Character is being transported to Lafdonia.」
___________________________________

I breathe out, feeling the sunlight on my skin for the first time in a while.

‘We barely made it…’

Time was tighter than I expected.

Finding the item hidden in the ceiling of the outer wall watchtower, which we reached by climbing a ladder, took less than 10 minutes, but…

Going to the boss room and back was tough.

‘…It was a waste of time in the end.’

Did she mean that they waited for half a day while the mage investigated?

‘Well, it would be strange if she had just left without doing that, considering her personality.’

The walls are broken here and there.

Frames are ripped off.

And there’s even a box of a type I’ve never seen before, left open.

‘There must have been some additional reward, but she took it for herself, huh…’

When I arrived at the boss room after running at full speed, there were traces of someone having already investigated the place.

However, rather than anger at being ripped off, I’m more curious about what the item was.

After all, it’s a variant rift that has never been cleared before.

An element that even I, a 9-year veteran player, don’t know about?

My curiosity as a gamer is piqued.

‘She wouldn’t give it to me even if I asked… I guess I’ll just have to ask her subtly when we meet later.’

Anyway, I searched the surroundings thoroughly to see if the mage had missed anything, and time became very tight.

The stairs practically closed as soon as we left the rift, so it was more than just a close call.

If I had been even a little careless, I would have been trapped there forever, even after defeating the boss monster.

“Serum, the fourth son of Kenik! You have more scars! I’m envious!”

“It’s nothing! Karak, the third son of Fanun!”

Just as I’m briefly organizing my thoughts, I hear the voices of barbarians from all around.

Fortunately, they haven’t spotted me yet.

I bend down to avoid attention and head towards the exchange office for 9th-grade explorers.

Luckily, I arrived early, so the line isn’t long.

And there are no barbarians to bother me.

I hand over the magic stones, and the official exchanges them for money like a machine, just like last time.

“231,520 stones.”

230,000 stones.

It feels like a ridiculously small amount compared to all the hardships I went through, but…

‘This isn’t everything.’

I absorbed two essences during this expedition.

And once I sell the physical items, I’ll make several times more than the magic stones.

‘Somehow, magic stones always end up being a bonus, not the main source of income.’

I’m not sure whether to be happy or sad about this.

As I smile bitterly and reach for the pouch…

“That’s quite a large amount for a 9th-grade explorer.”

The official takes back the pouch he had put down and stares intently at my face with a meaningful look.

“What’s in the backpack you’re carrying?”

What’s in it?

There’s nothing I can’t tell him, but…

“…Why do you ask?”

I feel a chill down my spine for some reason.

I look around, and in the distance, I see guards quickly approaching.

It seems like he pressed some kind of emergency call button that’s supposedly hidden under the bank desk.

“Is it him?”

“Yes.”

I raise my arms to show my willingness to cooperate with the authorities, but the guards, after a brief exchange with the official, forcefully restrain my arms.

Damn it, what the hell is this after I barely made it back alive?

“Barbarian, let’s go over there and have a chat.”

Instinctively, I feel like I’m fucked.


Trial

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

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