Surviving The Game as a Barbarian (Novel) Chapter 127, 128, 129

  

C127, 128, 129

Chapter 127: Kaltstein (1)

Misha Kaltstein.

A 5th-year explorer from a pureblood family who couldn't make a contract with a Spirit Beast and was treated as less than a child.

‘Her father wants to meet me…’

I understand to some extent.

I've learned enough about how the Red Cat tribe operates through Misha.

“But why are you so quiet? I asked you what time we should go.”

“Uh, that is… I, I don’t think tomorrow will work. I need to prepare myself mentally… I also have to tell my father beforehand.”

“What? What are you talking about? You were the one who said let’s go tomorrow?”

Misha avoids my gaze and fidgets with her hands as I ask incredulously.

“That’s… because I didn’t expect you to agree so easily…”

“So you said let’s go tomorrow?”

“Yeah, didn’t you say that’s how you negotiate?”

“…….”

I don’t remember saying that, but Misha’s plan isn’t bad.

If I said I didn’t have time, she was going to pretend to postpone it and naturally push it back to another day.

“Ugh, when I ask you to go out and have fun, you always say you’re busy, but what kind of whim is this?”

“It’s your father who called, isn’t it? Of course I have to go meet him.”

“Huh? I, is that so?”

Misha avoids my gaze at my excuse.

“You, you… how could you say something so embarrassing?”

Geez, didn’t she say barbarians and beastmen aren’t strangers?
____________________

“I’ll let you know when we make an appointment, so go now. I need to sleep more. Ah, and don’t come tomorrow. I have to leave early.”

“What? You’re going to sleep again after sleeping all day?”

“If you keep nagging, I won’t—”

“No! I won’t bother you, so rest well!!”

After Misha hurriedly opens the door and leaves, I go back to sleep.

And the next morning…

‘Phew, I finally feel alive again.’

Only after sleeping for a full 36 hours does my head feel clear.

I should refrain from using killing intent from now on.

Anyway, after washing up, I head to the sanctuary, and the elder greets me.

“It’s been a while, Bjorn, son of Yandel.”

Where’s the chieftain?

I ask cautiously, feeling curious, and I get a somewhat unexpected answer.

“The chieftain went to the city for business. He should be back tomorrow.”

“It’s strange for the chieftain to leave the sanctuary.”

“It’s not common. By the way, if you have business here, how about meeting the young warriors while you wait? You would be a good inspiration for them.”

I politely refuse the elder’s hopeful suggestion.

I don’t feel bad that I’m now recognized as one of the successful products of the barbarian tribe, but my business today is something else.

“Then can you call the shaman?”

After a short wait, the shaman’s disciple comes and guides me to the tent.

The bald shaman with wrinkles is smoking a large pipe, puffing out smoke.

“Kekeke, you’re here again, warrior. You’re quite resourceful.”

His voice is unusually high-pitched today.

His pronunciation is also a bit slurred, as if he’s on drugs.

“Can I receive a Spirit Engraving today?”

“As long as you have enough money, keke.”

No, that’s not what I meant. I was asking if it’s okay to do it in this state, as if you’re drunk.

I’m worried, but I open my wallet.

Clink, clink.

‘With this, I’m broke again.’

The cost for the 5th stage engraving is 8 million stones.

After paying this, I’ll only have about 700,000 stones left. Well, there are still 2 million stones in Misha’s and my shared account…

But I can’t use that for personal purposes.

“Warrior, you’re one short.”

“…I was about to put it in.”

I put in one more 500,000-stone magic stone, and the payment is complete.

Tsk, I thought it might work this time.

‘I guess I don’t have to worry about him making a mistake.’

I focus on the positive aspects and lie down on the bed.

And…

“Keuhhhh…”

“Kekeke, warrior! Scream louder!”

“Kyaaaaaaaak!!”

The familiar pain soon engulfs me.
_______________________

「5th stage of Undying Engraving activated. Stamina greatly increased.」

「Physical stat increased by +30.」

「Mental stat increased by +30.」
_______________________

In [Dungeon and Stone], Stamina is an important stat.

Although it doesn’t have a major impact on combat power, you become incapacitated when your stamina runs out.

Even when doing raids that last for hours, ‘Stamina Regeneration Enhancement Scrolls’ are considered essential consumables.

However…

‘I didn’t know it would be a useful stat in real life.’

The other day, I felt the limits of my stamina in the Witch’s Forest. And yesterday, I even fell into a state of semi-consciousness due to mental exhaustion.

That’s why I feel it even more vividly.

The changes in my body and mind.

“Kekeke, you look quite well today.”

Normally, I should be half-dead by now, but the accumulated physical and mental fatigue feels much lighter today.

I’ll have to check the details later, but with this level of effect, wouldn’t I be fine even after staying up for two nights?

Of course, if you asked if it’s worth 8 million stones, the answer would be definitely not.

‘…As expected, engravings are inefficient in terms of cost-effectiveness.’

It might be different in the mid-to-late game where stats are more valuable than money.

But in the early to mid stages, it’s more efficient to buy equipment or even buy essences with money…

…and it’s also the way to shorten the growth time to level up quickly and save money to upgrade engravings.

That’s why I also originally planned to only get the 1st stage engraving and then leave it alone for a while.

I didn’t expect to get [Gigantification] so early.

‘Phew, but I’m glad I only invested in engravings, now I only have one stage left.’

The emptiness of having less money is fleeting.

I feel a sense of accomplishment.

The moment I reach the 6th stage, all the investment I’ve made so far will be repaid several times over.

“Warrior, why are you just standing there? Leave now, I’m tired.”

Lost in thought, I leave the tent after hearing the shaman’s dismissal.

It’s already evening.

I walk cautiously, checking the bushes in case Ainar is waiting like last time…

‘She’s not here.’

Ainar is nowhere to be seen until I reach the city, walking along the dark forest path.

Well, she must be busy, as her training is almost over.

‘Come to think of it, there’s only a month left now.’

I chuckle as I walk through the unusually quiet streets.

Time…

…it’s both fast and slow.

It feels like just yesterday I was limping around because I didn’t have leather boots and stepped on a trap.
_________________________

「Bjorn Yandel」

Level: 4

Physical: 360 (New +30) / Mental: 184 (New +30) / Ability: 128

Total Combat Index: 941 (New +60)

Acquired Essences: Corpse Golem - Rank 7 / Vampire (Guardian) - Rank 5 / Orc Hero - Rank 5
_________________________

Three days later, Misha and I board a large carriage heading towards the 13th district.

It’s because the beastman sanctuary isn’t adjacent to the 7th district where we live.

“Ar, are you thirsty? Do you want some water?”

“I’m fine.”

“Are you hungry? I packed some things just in case, do you want to eat?”

I laugh in disbelief at Misha’s attentiveness.

“Stop it. I’m not going to turn back in the middle.”

“No, I’m just worried. It’s going to be an uncomfortable situation for you. I have to treat you well since you’re going because of me—”

“Enough, I’m going to sleep, so wake me up when we arrive.”

“Al, alright… It takes about three hours, so sleep well.”

I close my eyes and sleep before she can bother me any further.

And after some time…

…just as Misha said, the carriage arrives at its destination at noon.

‘Six hours round trip… no wonder she always sleeps over when she visits.’

Although it’s not that far in a straight line…

…since we have to take a detour around the restricted 14th district, the travel time is longer than expected.

‘Well, that’s probably why she settled here. She wanted to be as far away from home as possible.’

“Bjorn, why are you just standing there? Are you tired? Should I carry you?”

“Enough, just lead the way.”

“Got it!”

I follow Misha, the local, and look around the streets.

It’s not much different from the 7th district where I currently live.

The streets are a bit more complicated, and there are more beastmen and dwarves.

However…

“We’re here.”

…the beastman sanctuary that we arrive at is quite different from the barbarian sanctuary.

‘I heard about it, but I didn’t expect it to be this much…’

Both are located outside the city.

But that’s all they have in common.

Instead of makeshift huts or tents built in the forest, most of the structures are made of stone, and there are even proper roads.

And…

“Daddy, look! It’s a barbarian, a barbarian!”

…there are shops open for business, and beastman families are walking around.

As if they live here, not in the city.

‘We’re all kicked out once we become adults…’

The beastman sanctuary is literally a village outside the city for beastmen.

But is it strange that I’m staring blankly at this sight?

“What’s wrong…? Is there a problem? No, we can’t turn back even if there is?”

“…I was just surprised.”

“Huh? Surprised?”

Misha tilts her head as if she doesn’t understand.

Although there are many things I want to say, I don’t.

It would be like spitting in my own face to complain about the poor environment of barbarians.

I just ask casually,

“Are all sanctuaries like this?”

“Um, I don’t know what you mean.”

“Shouldn’t beastmen be raising animals in the forest?”

Actually, even in the game, the beastman sanctuary was like that.

Well, that was 150 years ago, I guess?

“Ah, uh, I heard they used to live like that to maintain traditions… but it was so long ago, I don’t really know.”

“…I see.”

Phew, why are barbarians the only ones who haven’t changed?

I suppress my complaint and follow her as she walks, and soon a giant mansion appears before us.

“We’re here.”

Damn it.

Our chieftain still sleeps in a tent.

As I sigh deeply, Misha starts observing my expression again.

“Do, don’t be nervous. It will be fine. You’re Little Balkan, Bjorn, son of Yandel, right? My father likes famous explorers. Okay?”

Although Misha tries to reassure me, she’s the one who looks nervous.

“You’re the one who needs to calm down. We’re at your house, why are you acting like this?”

“Huh? I, I’m fine?”

“Then open the door. How long are you going to stand here?”

Misha takes a deep breath and then rings a bell to summon a servant.

“Um, can you open the door? We’d like to come in.”

The servant just glances at us once without answering, opens the door, and then leaves.

‘What was that?’

It’s a very strange sight.

Because Misha isn’t a half-breed anymore.

‘I heard that her father knows that she made a contract with a Spirit Beast.’

I glance at Misha, and she’s also looking at me, as if she had been observing me, and our eyes meet.

The emotion in her eyes is familiar to me.

My ex-girlfriend often had that look.

The look she had when she was caught doing something she didn’t want me to see.

“That… you know, Bjorn, there’s something I haven’t told you yet.”

“Just say it quickly.”

Misha gulps and then speaks cautiously,

“Only my father knows that I made a contract with a Spirit Beast. So, no matter what happens inside, please don’t get angry. Okay?”

“That depends on what happens.”

“It’s nothing special. Just a bit worse than that guy we saw earlier. That’s all.”

“Explain in more detail. So that I can respond accordingly.”

Misha hesitates for a moment and then tells me in a resigned voice.

Verbal abuse from her siblings, bullying disguised as pranks, and the servants whispering behind her back.

There aren't any particularly serious incidents.

She must have chosen to tell me the relatively milder stories.

It must have been much worse in reality.

“Of, of course, no one will act like that to you. So you don’t have to worry—”

My lips curl up into a smirk.

“Bjo, Bjorn? Why are you smiling? Do, don’t smile. It’s scary when you smile… It will all be over once my father reveals it. I, I just have to endure for a little longer.”

Misha tries to reassure me, but to me, that’s the biggest problem.

That bastard of a father knows everything and is just letting her suffer.

Whether he has a reason for accepting that silence or whatever…

…he neglected his child’s pain for his own sake.

But on top of that, he called me to this house.

‘He must think I’m a fool.’

Suddenly, I feel a dark malice emanating from this giant mansion.

It’s like looking at a dungeon filled with monsters.

Is that why?

“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”

A battle cry erupts from my throat.

And at the same time, the servant, who had disappeared without even a bow, reappears.

“What are you doing, barbarian! Show some manners!”

“Manners…”

I approach him, pondering his words.

“You must have a problem with your head.”

What kind of barbarian would show manners to an enemy?

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

Chapter 128: Kaltstein (2)

She used to think that all her worries would disappear if she could just make a contract with a Spirit Beast.

But reality was different.

[So it’s the Glacier Beast, Skadi.]

Her father’s cold voice and indifferent gaze remained the same. He just didn’t say it directly like before.

[Have you told anyone about this?]

[Uh, no…]

[Good. For now, let’s keep it between you and me.]

It wasn’t a request, but a notice.

[Ye, yes…]

Misha could only nod without saying anything.

Because she felt guilty.

She didn’t make the contract through proper means. She used a strange ring called the Frost Spirit Ring to cheat her way into a contract.

If her father knew about this…

‘…then this treatment would be natural.’

Of course, she didn’t have the courage to ask.

To her, her father was the most fearsome being.

That’s why she agreed when her father asked when she would bring that barbarian to the mansion.

Well, she didn’t mention it to Bjorn at all.

‘Yeah, this is something I have to overcome on my own.’

She had already received an insurmountable favor.

She shouldn’t burden him any further.

Although she tried to rationalize it like that, her true feelings hidden deep inside were different.

‘I don’t want him to find out.’

She didn’t want to reveal her situation.

Hikurod, Dwarkey, Rotmiller…

She could endure it even if they found out… but she wanted to appear as if she was doing well, at least to Bjorn.

So she visited her family often.

[I need to leave now. I have to stop by my family’s place today.]

She tried her best.

The gazes of her siblings who wondered why she was visiting so often, the contemptuous gazes of the servants, and the lonely atmosphere of being left alone like an island during dinner…

…she faced them head-on.

‘I shouldn’t run away anymore.’

She learned from Bjorn.

That you can’t achieve anything by running away.

A month, two months, three months passed.

[Is he still not coming?]

Her father’s pressure to bring Bjorn intensified. She made excuses, saying that he wasn’t willing, but her father already seemed to know it was a lie.

Judging by the condition he offered…

[Bring him within this month. Then I’ll reconsider your treatment. Do you understand?]

…it meant that he would acknowledge her contract with the Spirit Beast within the family and treat her as a proper child.

She didn’t know why he was so eager to meet Bjorn.

However, Misha decided to invite him.

It felt a bit like she was using him…

‘But it’s fine if I repay him by working harder.’

She thought that maybe she could finally stand tall in front of Bjorn if she received her family’s support. And there was also a slight calculation that if she received the Kaltstein family’s support, it would be helpful to his journey.

[Alright.]

[…What? Really? Are you serious? Wow! No take-backs!]

[Enough, what time should we go tomorrow?]

Contrary to her worries, Bjorn readily agreed.

However, her joy was short-lived as anxiety soon arose.

Once she went to the mansion, she wouldn’t be able to hide her situation any longer.

What should she do?

If Bjorn caused a scene there, it would definitely get out of hand.

But…

‘…It’s just my ego! Ego!’

Misha chuckled and dismissed her anxiety.

Because Bjorn is a warrior who can be both hot-headed and cold-hearted.

At the sanctuary of another race…

…and in the heart of a pureblood family…

…he wouldn’t do something like that.

They’re not even blood-related.

There’s no way he would take such a risk and make enemies with the Kaltstein family.

‘Yeah, yeah, impossible. What am I to him…’

Misha organized her thoughts like that.

Her heart ached as if acknowledging it, but dreams and reality are different.

She knows that now.

“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”

Her tail stood on end at the ferocious roar.

It was only natural.

The servant seemed bewildered, but…

…she knew, having practically lived with him.

“You must have a problem with your head.”

Those words…

…meant that he wanted to smash his head!
____________________

“Are you crazy?! Do, don’t do that! Why are you acting like this all of a sudden?!”

Misha flinched and grabbed my arm, then quickly looked around to see if anyone else had heard the commotion.

Seeing that, I felt sorry for her.

‘It’s like looking at my past self in elementary school.’

Compromise and consideration. Putting other people's feelings first and constantly erasing yourself.

There was a time when I thought that was the natural way to be.

But…

“Why am I doing this? I just felt like it!”

“What the hell does that mean?!”

I shook off Misha’s hand and said,

“Misha, it’s okay to do what you want sometimes.”

“Uh, huh…?”

“Why do you hold back? In the end, it’s just doing favors for others.”

“They’re not others, they’re family…”

Family my ass.

At this point, they’re more like enemies.

I asked again,

“So is that family more important than your life?”

Misha kept her mouth shut.

Well, even she knows it in her head, right?

What the source of that effort, of visiting her family regularly and longing for a harmonious family, is.

“…………”

It’s all just wishful thinking.

Something completely useless even if she holds onto it.

The embodiment of inefficiency.

“Answer me. If you say yes, I’ll stop here.”

I confirmed her intention one last time, and Misha remained silent.

That was her answer to me.

“Just watch from now on. Nothing you’re worried about will happen.”

“Bu, but if you hurt that person—”

Right, there will be hell to pay.

It’s not just about the fine, but about facing the wrath of the head of the Kaltstein family, who seems to value honor.

But…

“Misha Kaltstein, have I ever broken a promise?”

“…No.”

“Right, so just trust me.”

I’m not doing this recklessly.

Unreasonable Barbarian Mode shines brightest when you know when to turn it on and off.

Thud.

I take a step forward, leaving Misha behind.

The servant is still acting arrogantly.

Therefore…

“What were you two talking about? Even if you weren’t taught manners—”

…I grab his neck and lift him up.

“Aren’t you the one who’s being rude?”

“Keu, keugh!”

“How dare you act so arrogantly, not even recognizing your master, just because you’re a servant of the Kaltstein family.”

“Th, that’s…!”

He looks pained.

And he also has a look of disbelief in his eyes.

He must be wondering if this is a dream.

This isn’t some dark back alley, and he didn’t expect to be treated like this in broad daylight, right in front of the mansion gate?

“Le, let go… keugh!”

Is it because he lacks imagination?

“If, if you do this…”

He’s saying something bad will happen if I do this?

Smirk.

If he knows that, then he wouldn’t do this.

And if he did do it, it’s more accurate to assume that he had a reason.

But to not even know this simple principle…

“You, you must have a problem with your head.”

I clench my fist and put in just enough strength.

If I kill him, it will be a difficult situation to handle even for me.

“Don’t worry. Most problems get fixed with a beating.”

“Ugh, ugghh!!”

I tighten my grip on his neck to silence him and then gently massage a suitable spot to hit.

And I strike like flicking his forehead.

Thwack!

He faints, losing all strength in his body, with just one hit.

I check the injured area, holding his neck as if he’s an object.

Blood pours from his crushed nose, but…

…this much is necessary to set an example for the future.

“……What are you planning to do now? Father won’t stay silent if he finds out.”

Misha, who was watching with an almost resigned expression, asks about my plans. She trusted me and stayed silent as I told her to, but it seems like she’s not at ease.

“Just watch.”

I lift the unconscious guy with one hand and head towards the mansion entrance. As we pass through the garden, I see the other servants.

Mowing the lawn, carrying luggage somewhere.

“…Hiik! Inform Veros quickly!”

Some of them run towards the mansion as gazes gather.

I follow them through the open door.

And…

“Stop, barbarian.”

…I’m surrounded by fifteen beastmen.

Combat personnel armed from head to toe, emanating a menacing aura. The bald guy who seems to be the leader speaks as soon as I stop.

In a tone that’s like an order.

“Miss Misha Kaltstein, would you please explain what’s going on? Who this barbarian is, and why Brante, who’s supposed to be guarding the gate, is in that state.”

So his name was Brante.

“Uh, that’s…”

“Misha, there’s no need to explain.”

I throw Brante, who’s no longer useful, into the middle of them. And as soon as they flinch and catch him…

“Who the hell are you guys!!”

…I shout loudly enough to make the mansion tremble.

The beastmen all look dazed.

It’s like their minds can’t comprehend the situation.

“Your master invited me here. And this bastard insulted me, saying I was a fool of a barbarian!”

Misha tilts her head at my following shout.

And she whispers quietly so that only I can hear,

“Uh, did he really say that?”

She has a tendency to worry about trivial things.

If I just insist that he doesn’t remember because I purposely hit him, it would be fine.

“Don’t lie! There’s no way Brante would do that.”

The bald guy refutes, as if it’s absurd, after a moment of bewilderment at my shout.

From my perspective, he’s digging his own grave.

An unreasonable barbarian is immune to logical attacks.

“Lie? Are you insulting me too?”

The bald guy steps back as I take a step forward as if I’m about to attack.

It doesn’t seem like he’s scared of fighting.

It’s probably because I’m a guest of the master.

“What’s with all this commotion?!”

A man jumps down from the 2nd floor, connected to the central staircase, while the beastmen are flustered.

It’s a familiar face.

It’s Misha’s brother, whom I met on the 3rd floor.

So, his name was…

I don’t remember. Did I even hear it?

Let’s put aside the trivial things and focus on the present.

“Don’t tell me, you’re the guest Father called.”

“It’s been a while.”

“Forget the greetings, what’s going on?”

The brother narrows his eyes and glares at me.

“If you can’t explain properly, you won’t be leaving unharmed, even if it’s you.”

Geez, he has a scary look in his eyes.

And I even saved his life.

‘I don’t like this guy.’

I explain the incident where I was insulted by the gatekeeper Brante, just like I did before, and then add something else.

“If I were alone, I would have endured it. But what the hell is wrong with this lunatic? How dare he insult Misha while living off the family’s generosity?”

As I point to the unconscious Brante and shout, a deep wrinkle forms on the brother’s forehead.

“I told them to refrain from doing that when there are outsiders.”

It’s a baffling reaction.

He just accepts it even though it’s a made-up story?

Damn it, this place is even more messed up than I thought.

It must be something that happens on a daily basis.

I say, unable to hide my disgust,

“So you’re saying you all knew and just condoned it?”

“It’s an internal family matter. I have no reason to explain it to you. And you guys can go back to your positions now.”

“Yes, Tailon.”

The brother dismisses the guards and then turns his head back to look at me.

“Bjorn Yandel, I’ll let it go this time since there was a mistake on our part.”

“And?”

“…If it’s true that this guy insulted you, I’ll give him appropriate punishment. So be satisfied with this.”

“Satisfied…”

I trail off and chuckle.

Disciplining a rude bastard…

…and further showing that I’m not someone to be messed with in front of many people.

That was my original plan.

But…

‘I guess I’ll have to go with Plan B.’

I grin and approach the brother.

“Do you also have a problem with your head?”

Plans always change.

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

Chapter 129: Kaltstein (3)

The head of the Kaltstein family invited me to his mansion.

From what I heard, he’s been asking for me for three months.

Then what’s his reason?

The first thing that came to mind was this:

‘Curiosity.’

He just wanted to meet me, his daughter’s companion.

It’s a plausible scenario if Misha has been accepted as a member of the family.

I also thought that he might ask me to leave his daughter alone if he found me unreliable after meeting me. Most of the family members seem to be comfortably exploring the labyrinth in large clans through their connections.

But…

[I, I just have to endure for a little longer.]

…it turned out that Misha’s situation was unchanged.

That bastard of a father kept Misha’s awakening a secret and didn’t even try to improve her position within the family.

The moment I realized this…

…I felt a dark malice emanating from this mansion.

A malice directed not only at Misha, but also at me.

‘He intentionally called me here even though he knows about this…’

What’s the master’s goal?

And what means did he choose to achieve it? It was all too clear.

‘He’s even more of a bastard than I heard.’

The master wants something from me.

But instead of setting up a negotiation table, he created this situation.

He probably calculated it like this.

Little Balkan, Bjorn, son of Yandel.

The warrior who didn’t abandon his companions even when facing the Floor Master.

The barbarian who might even be in a romantic relationship with that companion.

He probably thought that I would be easier to control if I saw Misha’s current state. After all, the only one who can change Misha’s situation is the master.

However, based on that, I judged…

‘A freeloader who doesn’t hesitate to use even his own daughter, there’s no dealing with him once you’re underestimated.’

Plan A is not enough.

If I end it here, I’ll just remain an ordinary barbarian.

Therefore…

Thud.

…I take another step forward and stare at the brother.

He’s not scared of me at all.

He just laughs as if it’s absurd.

“You’re a greedy bastard.”

He seems to think I’m throwing a tantrum because I want something else.

Well, he’s not exactly wrong…

“Bjo, Bjorn…! You can’t do that!!”

Misha hurriedly grabs my arm, and I stop.

Because I wasn’t actually planning to hit him.

He’s not just a servant of the mansion, but a direct descendant.

If I beat him senselessly, it would become a weakness.

Therefore…

“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”

…I shout loudly enough to be heard throughout the mansion.

The brother frowns at my action.

“What are you doing?”

“I just felt like it!”

“…You’re insane.”

Whatever he says…

…my shout acts as a detonator, summoning the people in the mansion.

Servants who were working on the other end of the hallway connected to the 1st floor stop what they’re doing and look at us.

I subtly glance towards the 2nd floor and see young men and women in high-quality clothes.

‘Are they Misha’s siblings?’

I don’t know, but they’re looking down with interest.

‘Anyway, this is enough of an audience and witnesses.’

Now that the stage is set, I end Unreasonable Barbarian Mode and speak to the brother.

“Tailon Kaltstein.”

“It’s Tailon, not Talon.”

“You’re so petty for a man.”

“…Enough, what do you want to say?”

He doesn’t seem interested in discussing masculinity with me, so he asks about my intentions.

I ask directly,

“Why is Misha being treated like this within the family?”

“As I said before, that’s a family mat—”

“Is it because Misha is a half-breed? Because she couldn’t even make a contract with a Spirit Beast even though she’s a direct descendant?”

He’s momentarily flustered at my words…

…and then he smirks and looks at Misha.

It’s a look of contempt, as if saying ‘you even told him about that?’

“I guess there’s no point in hiding it since you know. Yes, what you said is true. So stop meddling in our family matters.”

His words telling me to mind my own business are somewhat reasonable.

Except for us barbarians, all the other races have a culture that values bloodlines.

It’s only natural for them to treat Misha like an outsider.

If she had inherited the master’s blood, there’s no way she wouldn’t have been able to make a contract with a Spirit Beast until now.

She really isn’t related to them by even a drop of blood.

Her mother, the fourth wife, didn’t have any other children besides Misha.

But…

“What if you’re mistaken?”

The truth doesn’t matter.

What’s important now is that Misha has already awakened, and that we can use this fact as a useful card.

“If Misha makes a contract with a Spirit Beast, will you apologize for what you’ve done and accept her as a member of the family?”

“At twenty-five years old, there’s no way that would—”

“Answer me. If you answer this, I won’t cause any more trouble.”

The brother sighs and rubs his forehead, then speaks in an annoyed voice,

“Fine, I’ll apologize if that happens.”

“And accept her as a member?”

“That too.”

He answers without hesitation, as if he doesn’t believe it will ever happen.

I grin and nod.

“Then it’s settled.”

“Settled…?”

He asks back in a nervous voice at my attitude.

I turn my gaze towards Misha instead of answering.

Because my role is over.

“Misha, show them.”

“Uh, uh…?”

Misha looks flustered and starts observing the surroundings as she suddenly becomes the center of attention. She then hangs her head low and mutters as our eyes meet,

“But, Father…”

So that’s why she hasn’t come out yet. As expected, the master must have silenced her.

But that’s why Misha needs to be strong.

Revealing this fact in front of everyone will mean that one of the master’s cards is gone.

“Don’t worry, nothing will happen.”

“…He, he won’t forgive me.”

“So what? Just apologize if you did something wrong. That’s what families do.”

“Bjorn, you might get hurt too.”

“Let him. I’m not scared.”

He might be a god-like father to her, but to me, he’s just the leader of the beastmen.

And one that’s divided into five.

“What’s so scary? Family isn’t everything. I’ve lived well without it.”

Misha laughs incredulously as I say that while picking my ear.

“That’s because you! No, forget it. What’s the point of this?”

“Right, just ignore the trivial things. It’s good for your mental health.”

“Ugh, I don’t know anymore. What’s right and wrong.”

Okay, I guess that’s enough persuasion.

“Misha Kaltstein, just do what you want for once. You have a companion to help you this time, don’t you?”

I don’t say anything more after that.

A moment of silence passes, and Misha raises her head and slowly looks around.

Is this situation quite interesting?

All those people are just watching from afar.

Gulp.

Misha swallows.

And just as she opens her mouth, as if reaffirming her resolve…

“I—”

…a cold voice fills the vast mansion.

Misha freezes, and when she comes to her senses, a middle-aged man is standing in front of her.

“Everyone, leave.”

No one speaks and they all leave at the man’s single word.

The atmosphere becomes heavy and oppressive.

The man’s gaze turns towards me.

Although there were no introductions, I can tell who this guy is.

‘Right, this is that bastard.’

Albreniv Kaltstein.

The head of the Kaltstein family, who has inherited the position of the Red Cat tribe’s chieftain for generations.

“Thank you for accepting my invitation, Bjorn, son of Yandel.”

“Thank you for inviting me, Kaltstein.”

We exchange formal greetings in the middle of the empty 1st-floor lobby.

“Haha, you’re more polite than I expected?”

He approaches me, smiling kindly.

And instead of shaking hands, he pats my shoulder condescendingly.

But what is this?

「Character enters a [Fear] state due to [Lord of Nightmares].」

My body freezes as if I’ve encountered a natural enemy.

And I feel a tingling sensation in my head, the same one I felt whenever I was on the verge of life and death. I think I finally understand why Misha was so afraid of her father.

That’s when…

“But why did you do that? It was rude.”

The master whispers, his smile completely gone.

It’s a shitty feeling.

My head knows that this is the effect of a skill, but my body won’t listen.

It’s like my senses are malfunctioning.

Of course, it doesn’t last long.

「Character’s Magic Resistance is above a certain threshold.」

「Character’s Fighting Spirit is above a certain threshold.」

「Character’s Mental Strength is above a certain threshold.」

「[Fear] status effect is removed.」

Whew, damn it, it’s finally over.

“Hey—”

I immediately remove his hand from my shoulder as he’s about to say something in an arrogant voice.

“……?”

His eyebrows furrow in confusion.

Well, if he had expected this, he wouldn’t have said something so stupid.

“Why are you touching me?”

I throw his arm aside and say,

“It was rude.”

You reap what you sow.
___________________

“Interesting.”

After a brief silence, the master speaks.

It’s creepy to hear him say that with a straight face and eyes…

But I can’t lose the battle of nerves.

“You have a unique taste. I’m not finding this interesting at all.”

I respond nonchalantly, pretending to be calm, and grab Misha’s hand, who is frozen stiff.

The master’s gaze then shifts to Misha.

“Fa, Father…”

“I never expected you to rebel against me.”

“Th, that’s not it…”

“Enough, you’re not important anyway.”

He cuts off Misha, who’s trying to make excuses, and looks at me.

“I was planning to have lunch with you and then have a conversation.”

Lunch my ass.

He was planning to show me how Misha is treated.

The master continues as I just stare at him without saying anything,

“I refuse.”

“What?”

His expression contorts as I answer without a moment’s hesitation.

I just say it bluntly,

“Why should I wait?”

Giving him time is foolish.

I came here because of Misha, but this situation wasn’t part of his plan.

He was probably going to reorganize his thoughts and call for me again.

“Say what you want to say here.”

“…Even for a barbarian, that’s a bit rude.”

“You’re the one who called for this barbarian, beastman.”

He didn’t expect to be called a beastman instead of by his name or title.

The master’s expression hardens, and killing intent emanates from him.

Not a metaphor, but literally.

‘…This works in real life too?’

I’m a bit surprised, but it’s still much weaker than the Fox Mask’s.

Well, that was in the spiritual world.

The output itself would be different.

I pick my ear as if to tell him to stop messing around, and the master asks with genuine curiosity,

“Are you… truly not afraid of death?”

To me, it’s a ridiculous question.

Not afraid of death?

Is there even such a person in this world?

“Well, I don’t know about that. But you don’t seem very afraid.”

This is my honest opinion.

He was an 8th-floor explorer in his prime?

So if we were to fight, I would be completely destroyed?

So what?

If he kills me, our chieftain won’t stay silent.

“Can you even kill me?”

I just ask him directly again.

It’s that absurd of an act.

Kill me?

And me, the most promising talent of the barbarian tribe recently?

In the heart of the beastman sanctuary, where I was invited?

That would immediately trigger a repeat of the war with the fairies from 10 years ago.

That’s the kind of tribe barbarians are.

“What? Hahahaha!!”

The master forces a laugh, but I can see the deep anger within it.

He must be frustrated.

He doesn’t want to admit it because of his pride, but my words are true.

He’s just laughing it off.

“It’s only natural that things went wrong. I didn’t expect you to be this cunning.”

“Thanks for the compliment, but I’m getting hungry, so answer me. What do you want to say to me?”

The master looks at me for a moment as if organizing his thoughts and then opens his mouth.

“I know you used that item.”

Only then are all my questions answered.

The Frost Spirit Ring.

So this is why he caused all this trouble.

Trial

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

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post

ADPORT6

ADPORT7