C211, 212, 213
Chapter 211: Leader (4)
“Mister!!!!”
Erwen, emerging from the group of explorers, hugged one of my arms.
“I’m so glad! I was so worried!!”
Huh, I didn’t expect to see her here.
Of course, I wasn’t unhappy about it.
I relaxed a bit and looked around.
Her sister, Daria, was also there.
‘They’re definitely not all from the same clan…’
At first, I thought they might be from the clan Erwen joined as a mercenary.
But it seemed like that wasn’t the case either.
Most of them were wearing clan emblems, but not all of them. And the emblems were all different.
Then what kind of group was this?
“Miss Erwen, who is he?”
A human woman, seemingly in her early thirties, lowered her weapon and asked, and Erwen finally let go of my arm and turned around.
“Don’t worry, I know him! Ah, and my sister knows him too! Right, sis?”
“…That’s right. His identity is confirmed, so you don’t have to worry about him being from Noark.”
“That’s a relief.”
The woman, after hearing Daria’s words, ordered the wary explorers to lower their weapons.
Hmm, is this woman the leader here?
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Versil Gowland, the vice-leader of the Lalel Clan.”
“I’m Bjorn, son of Yandel.”
“Little Balkan…?”
The woman looked at me with a welcoming gaze as I shrugged.
“My, we have a very important person here.”
It was a compliment that subtly raised my status.
An ordinary barbarian would have puffed out his chest and acted arrogantly at this point.
Is this how leaders talk?
“I’m not that important. I should be the one saying that.”
I answered briefly and looked at the woman.
I wasn’t just being polite, I meant it.
“The Lalel Clan, if I’m not mistaken, is a pretty big clan.”
It wasn’t one of the Top Ten Clans, but it was big enough to be considered a large clan.
The unique characteristic was that 80% of the clan members were women.
“And the vice-leader…”
I met a big shot in an unexpected place.
But I had no intention of just socializing.
“So what are you guys doing here?”
“I’ll explain.”
Versil, the vice-leader of the Lalel Clan, briefly explained the situation as soon as the introductions were over.
It seemed like they were in a similar situation to us.
They had moved quickly to reach the 2nd floor as soon as they entered the labyrinth.
And…
“That incident happened.”
Versil returned to the starting point to assess the situation.
However, it was already pandemonium.
So she started gathering forces as a temporary measure.
“Everyone gathered here are people we met nearby. Their identities are confirmed.”
“Confirmed?”
“I don’t know everyone personally, but we’re all acquainted one way or another. Unfortunately, we had to exclude those who couldn’t be vouched for, so you can relax.”
Right, so they used that method because they couldn’t trust the identification tags.
Just like how Erwen vouched for me.
They were a group that had formed a minimum level of trust by vouching for each other.
“Our goal is simple.”
Versil then presented the group’s objective.
“To protect ourselves by joining forces. And ultimately, to break through the enemy lines and reach the safe zone.”
“By safe zone, do you mean the dark zone in the center?”
“Yes, it seems like you know. That’s good.”
As expected of a vice-leader of a successful clan…
…she was skilled at handling people.
Her personality also seemed quite cautious.
‘And she must be quite skilled, being a vice-leader.’
I accepted Versil’s offer to join them after a brief moment of contemplation.
“Alright, I look forward to working with you.”
In this chaotic situation where I don’t know how the day will end…
…I found a temporary shelter.
___________________
“You don’t have to keep watch, so please rest for a while. I’ll explain everything when we’re about to leave.”
I gratefully accepted Versil’s consideration.
I desperately needed a break.
The fog blocking our vision.
Battles against humans, not monsters.
And the chaotic situation where it’s impossible to predict what will happen next.
I was physically tired, but the mental stress was even greater.
“Come on, let’s rest here.”
I led my teammates, who were standing awkwardly as if they were uncomfortable with the unfamiliar explorers, to an empty spot and sat down.
And we rested.
“This is great. To think we would meet these people… there’s still hope…”
Could it be that they’re finally relaxing?
My companions, who were initially wary of their surroundings, also enjoyed the brief respite with relieved expressions.
That’s when…
“Mister, you made a good decision. That vice-leader, she’s very strong. And the others are too.”
Erwen, who had been tactfully staying next to her sister, naturally approached me and sat down.
“By the way, we must be fated. I was just thinking about you. And then you really appeared! Hehe.”
“Tsk.”
Even Ainar and Misha, who usually didn’t like Erwen, just frowned slightly and didn’t start anything.
They knew too.
How foolish it would be to cause trouble with personal feelings in this situation.
“But how do you two know each other? I heard that fairies and barbarians don’t get along.”
Raven, who was meeting her for the first time, expressed her curiosity and joined the conversation.
“Ah, I haven’t introduced myself yet. I’m—”
“I know! Mister told me about you a lot. He said a very talented mage joined his team…”
“…Did Mr. Yandel really say that?”
Hmm, not exactly…
I decided to just watch silently, thinking that she’s just being sociable.
“I’m Erwen Fornachi di Tersia. It’s Miss Arrua Raven, right?”
“Just call me Raven.”
“Then please call me Erwen.”
Erwen, after finishing the introductions in a friendly atmosphere, told them about how we met, as if bragging.
Even the bear-like man, who was leaning against the wall, was pretending not to listen but was actually listening intently, as if he was also curious about our relationship.
“To think that this pretty fairy is the one he had his first return drinks with… Yandel, you really have a lot of luck with women.”
What is this man talking about?
“Mr. Urikfrit, was it? Hehe, thank you for the compliment!”
“…Call me Avman.”
“Okay, Mr. Avman!”
Erwen, acting like the youngest, quickly made friends with everyone.
Honestly, I was quite impressed.
“But how do you use this crossbow? It seems like an ordinary person wouldn’t even be able to pull it because of the tension.”
“Ah, this? It’s nothing special. Do you want to try it?”
“Is it okay? Ugh… wow! It’s on a completely different level from my bow.”
“Huhu, it’s only natural since I used troll tendons.”
I can’t believe she’s this good at socializing.
It’s like she’s showing off her skills in front of her mother-in-law—
‘Ah, maybe that’s not wrong.’
Come to think of it, I said I was going to form a clan.
Naturally, Raven and the bear-like man are the top candidates for recruitment.
She probably judged that it would be good to get on their good side since we might end up in the same clan someday.
Well, she was making enemies with the other two.
“Beefcake. Put your lips down. Is this a situation to be smiling?!”
“…Huh?”
The bear-like man freezes, stunned by Ainar’s unexpected attack.
But did he realize the situation belatedly?
He said something incomprehensible, as if making an excuse.
“Ah, ah! I, I’m a cat person, of course.”
“Right? I almost suspected you! So come here and look at my greatsword. Talking about bows is boring!”
“Uh… boring?”
“Of course!!”
Ainar drags the bear-like man to her side and makes him sit down.
That’s when…
“Erwen.”
“Ah, sis.”
Daria, who was watching us from afar, approaches.
“Sorry to interrupt, but I have something to talk to you about.”
“Uh, with mister?”
“Yes.”
I was about to get up since she said she had something to talk to me about, but Daria stopped me.
“There’s no need to do that while you’re resting.”
“Really? Then what is it?”
Daria looked at me awkwardly as I asked. She seemed uncomfortable talking to me.
I soon realized why.
“You… became a 5th-grade explorer?”
As far as I know, Daria was also a 5th-grade explorer, and that hasn’t changed.
But what about me?
I, who was a 9th-grade newbie back then, had become a 5th-grade explorer leading a team in just one year.
So it’s only natural for her to feel awkward.
“So? Is that all you wanted to say?”
“…I have a proposal.”
“Go ahead.”
“How about you join us for a while?”
“Explain in more detail.”
Daria spoke in a completely business-like tone at my request.
She said that although seven teams had gathered, it was all just temporary, and most teams were sticking with teams they were acquainted with.
“If you agree, our two teams will stay close together when we move. So that we can join forces immediately if something happens.”
Wherever people gather, factions form.
Daria was proposing an alliance.
“That’s not a bad offer.”
The offer itself was quite attractive.
Well, if one condition was met.
“But did you get permission from your leader?”
Daria was a mercenary member of the 4th team of the Blue Wall Clan.
Naturally, the team leader was one of the clan’s executives.
Did she already discuss it with him?
“That guy… don’t worry, I can persuade him. So what’s your answer?”
“Alright.”
“Okay, then I’ll be back later. Erwen, let’s go back for now.”
“Uh-huh…”
Daria then returned to her team with her sister, and I watched them leave.
I felt a strange sensation.
When we first met, she just treated me like a naive barbarian. And a guy who was just hanging around her sister.
But to think I would receive an offer like this from her…
“Everyone, finish your preparations, we’ll be leaving soon.”
Versil announced our departure after a few more minutes of rest. Ah, for reference, she also told us the formation our team should maintain while moving, and we were positioned third from the front.
The team right behind us was Erwen’s.
‘This feels like we’re being taken advantage of.’
It’s a structure where each team follows the other like a train.
Of course, I didn’t have any complaints.
It’s only natural to move in a single file in the Crystal Cave, and Versil’s team, with the strongest combat power, was clearing the path at the forefront.
But…
“I heard about you from Daria and Erwen. You’re called Little Balkan, right? I look forward to working with you.”
“Yeah, I’ll leave the rear to you.”
Why are we ahead of them?
Could this be a coincidence?
‘There’s no way.’
Although the third and fourth positions might seem similar, it’s a fact that the front is more dangerous.
It’s a minor detail, but we’re definitely at a disadvantage.
It seemed like Raven also thought so.
“Um, I don’t feel good about this.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“The formation. We’re not going to keep going like this, right? It would be better to take turns, whether it’s the front or the back.”
The leader of Erwen’s team, let’s just call him Lantern Jaw, smiled kindly at Raven’s objection.
“Haha, we have more ranged attackers, and you guys have more melee attackers. It’s just a rational arrangement.”
“That’s—”
“And besides, we’re positioned in the safest spot, the center. Who do you think that’s thanks to?”
Lantern Jaw cut Raven off and drew a firm line.
Even Raven, the rationalist, couldn’t say anything.
“…….”
If it’s really thanks to him that we’re in this position…
…then it’s only fair for us to be in the front since we didn’t contribute anything.
We could even say that we’re benefiting from it.
But…
‘A mere team leader from a small or medium-sized clan can influence the vice-leader of a large clan?’
It sounded like bullshit.
I needed to observe a bit more.
“Alright, let’s end this conversation here and go. It seems like the front has already left.”
Geez, he’s rushing us.
I pushed aside my suspicions and moved forward.
Thud, thud.
And so, the journey began in earnest.
__________________
The journey itself was smooth.
It felt like a stroke of luck that we encountered them and that Erwen, who could vouch for my identity, was among them.
“Vice-leader! It’s a dark mage!!”
“Buy some time. I’ll take care of it soon.”
The combat power of the team with the vice-leader of a large clan was truly impressive.
‘They said their clan mainly operates on the 7th floor.’
It was very comfortable for us to just follow them as they cleared the path.
‘Is this what it feels like to be carried?’
I barely even swung my mace, except for a few ambushes from side paths.
That’s when, about an hour into the journey…
“There’s good news and bad news.”
…Versil, the vice-leader, stopped and spoke to us.
“The good news is that we’re almost there. We can reach the dark zone in 20 minutes if we run.”
Right, I already knew that.
“What’s the bad news?”
Versil muttered in a neutral tone at an explorer’s question.
“We can’t all go together.”
A chilling silence started to fill the cave.
-----------------------------------
Chapter 212: Sacrificial Pawn (1)
A man shouted amidst the silence.
“We, we can’t all go together? What do you mean?!”
His voice was filled with the anxiety of being abandoned in this golden opportunity.
“I’ll explain.”
Versil, the vice-leader, continued calmly.
“Our scout said that explorers from Noark are stationed at all the passages leading to the dark zone. They’ve blocked it off so that no one can enter or leave.”
It means a much larger force is stationed ahead, compared to what we’ve encountered so far.
Another man shouted,
“…So you’re saying there will be sacrifices if we want to break through from now on!”
The true meaning of her words, ‘we can’t all go together’.
I also interpreted it the same way.
But…
“It might be similar in some aspects.”
…the moment I heard that slightly bitter and meaningful mutter…
Thump!
…my heart started to pound uneasily.
Versil continued without pause, skipping any unnecessary excuses and getting straight to the point.
“We’re going to use the Mass Teleportation spell.”
Mass Teleport.
A high-level special magic spell that only mages above 4th grade from certain schools can use.
Now I understood.
Why she said we couldn’t all go together.
“…….”
A deeper silence than when I first heard those words weighed down on us.
“Bjo, Bjorn? If we use the teleportation spell, we can get through without fighting, right? But why are everyone’s expressions…”
The reason is simple.
“…The Mass Teleportation spell can only be used on up to twenty people.”
As Raven, a current mage, said…
…Mass Teleport can only be used on up to 20 people, but there are currently 35 of us.
In other words…
‘15 people.’
…three teams will be abandoned.
Right before reaching the safe zone in the center.
“Wh, why did you even tell us to join forces if you were going to abandon us at the end?!”
Someone shouted in anger.
But Versil just apologized briefly without changing her expression.
“I’m sorry about that. We didn’t expect this either.”
Her voice was gentle but firm.
I sighed silently.
Persuasion was meaningless against this type of person.
She probably wouldn’t change her mind no matter what I said.
“So how are you going to choose the 15 people who will be abandoned?”
Versil looked at me with a strange expression as I asked.
It seemed like she found it strange that I was so calm in this situation.
“We’ll draw lots for each team.”
“Everyone except for your team?”
“No. One more team will be excluded.”
Versil then looked in one direction.
It was where the team that had been fighting alongside them, clearing the path right behind them, was located.
“I apologize. It seems like she has a long-standing relationship with Vice-leader Versil.”
The leader of that team didn’t seem surprised and just expressed his regret to us, as if he already knew.
Right, so it was pre-arranged.
It wasn’t strange. They were also a team from a large clan.
But…
‘Damn it.’
A headache throbbed in my temples.
Now there were only two tickets left for teleportation.
And three tickets for being left behind.
The probability of being abandoned here was higher if we drew lots.
But could it be that they realized that?
“Please take us with you.”
The expressions of the remaining teams all changed.
Desperately.
“I’ll give you 5 million… no, 10 million stones per person.”
Someone offered money.
“We’re a team under the Blue Wall Clan. If you take us with you, our Master will definitely reward you greatly…”
Someone promised future benefits through their connections.
“We, we don’t have a clan yet. And we’re all women. We’re currently operating on the 5th floor, but we used to be on the 6th. I heard the Lalel Clan is also recruiting members because they’ve lost some strength recently…”
Someone offered themselves as a bargaining chip.
No one volunteered to draw lots.
It was only natural.
No one would want to leave their only life to chance.
“Yandel.”
The bear-like man called out to me in a heavy voice.
He must be thinking that we should do something too.
But I decided to wait and see.
I judged that it wouldn’t be too late to offer something after seeing what kind of decision Versil Gowland made.
“I apologize. But I don’t think it’s right to do it that way.”
“Th, that means…!”
“Yes. The rest of you will be decided fairly through a lottery. I hope you understand my decision.”
Versil, having made an exception for just one team she had promised beforehand, stuck to her principles.
“Versil Gowland, the vice-leader of the Lalel Clan. She’s exactly as I heard.”
Raven muttered in admiration of her integrity, but I couldn’t relate.
‘She just didn’t receive any tempting offers.’
If she were truly fair, she wouldn’t have excluded that other team in the first place. Especially when she knew what kind of situation the remaining teams would be in.
‘Anyway, we have to decide by lottery…’
I don’t know if it’s a good thing.
I’ve never won a lottery in my life.
“Then let’s begin right away since we don’t have much time.”
Versil then prepared for the lottery by creating a pouch with five stones inside.
The rules were simple.
Two white stones were winners.
If you drew one of the three black stones, you were abandoned here.
“Which team wants to go first?”
“I will.”
The team that offered 10 million stones per person was the first to step forward.
“My fate is left to a damn stone…”
The dwarf warrior, clad in fancy equipment, nervously put his hand into the pouch.
And…
“Ha, hahaha… I got it!!”
…he succeeded on his first try.
The dwarf’s team was filled with joy, while the expressions of the other teams darkened.
“Come over here. Then who’s next?”
No one stepped forward in the midst of the mixed emotions.
There was only one winning ticket left.
And three tickets to hell.
“Mr. Yandel, we have to wait. The probability of drawing a white stone is higher if we wait.”
25% chance of winning.
75% chance of losing.
But as always, probability was meaningless.
“Phew, we’ll go first.”
One of the teams that were awkwardly watching stepped forward.
It was a team composed entirely of women.
“Kyaaaaaak!!!”
They drew the last white stone.
“…….”
Damn it.
__________________
“Then it’s all over.”
The fate of five teams was decided with just two draws. The remaining three teams didn’t even have a chance to leave their fate to chance.
“Kyaaaaaak!!!”
What was I doing while that female team was drawing the white stone?
I was contemplating whether to have Misha, Ainar, or Raven draw.
I didn’t expect it to end in just two draws.
‘Is this even possible?’
Just as that thought crossed my mind, Versil turned the pouch inside out and scattered the three black stones on the ground.
As if to prove that there was no foul play.
“Then everyone gather here. I’ll cast the spell as soon as we’re ready.”
The chosen ones quickly gathered at Versil’s words.
That’s when…
“Wa, wait!”
One of the three teams that were mentally broken.
Lantern Jaw, the leader of Erwen’s team, hurriedly approached them.
“Pl, please take us with you! I’ll do anything!”
A pathetic plea.
But she wasn’t the type to be swayed by something like that.
“There’s no more room.”
Lantern Jaw turned to the others at Versil’s emotionless words.
“I’ll give you 10 million stones! No, 20 million stones if you give me your spot!”
To buy a spot with money…
He’s truly pathetic.
Judging by how he didn’t even mention his teammates, he just wanted to survive on his own.
“…….”
Daria, who was on the same team, frowned as if he was a bug, but Lantern Jaw didn’t stop.
He even approached each person and asked if they would take the deal, but they all ignored him.
“Is, is there really no one?”
Would you do it if you were them?
It wasn’t just about the money, but if they sold their spot, they would be separated from their companions.
“Would you please step back if you’re done talking?”
“…….”
Lantern Jaw dejectedly turned around and returned to his team at Versil’s brief words.
And so, the commotion ended.
The mage from Versil’s team was drawing a magic circle on the ground to cast Mass Teleport.
“Bjorn…”
“We’ll talk later.”
I ignored Misha’s call and spoke to the vice-leader.
“Versil Gowland.”
“Yes. What is it?”
Her voice was polite but devoid of any other emotion.
No pity or curiosity.
Hmm, maybe she thought I would whine like Lantern Jaw.
I chuckled and asked,
“Why did you put us in the safest position, the center, when we were moving?”
Versil tilted her head.
But she didn’t seem particularly curious about why I was asking.
She just answered as I wanted.
“We drew lots. To be fair.”
Right, so everything she said was a lie.
I expected it, but the reason we were placed in the center wasn’t because of Lantern Jaw.
‘Okay, so she’s a sly bitch.’
Whether I like it or not, we’ll have to work with the three abandoned teams from now on. It became clearer how I should treat Lantern Jaw.
“Is that all you wanted to ask?”
“No, one more thing.”
“Go ahead.”
“You said they’re stationed at the passage, right? I want to hear more details. How are they positioned, and how strong are they?”
“…Don’t tell me, you’re planning to break through on your own?”
Did she think we would just die here?
“If necessary.”
In the first place, my destination was that place, even though I met them and comfortably traveled here.
So nothing changes.
“So, what’s your answer?”
Versil stared at me for a moment at my urging.
“…You’re truly as they say. Alright. Jenia?”
“Yes, Vice-leader.”
“Go and answer all his questions.”
“Yes.”
Versil then sent the scout from her team to me, and I listened to her briefing on the surrounding area.
And after about 5 minutes…
“Jenia, come here.”
All preparations for the spell were complete, and Versil left after saying one last thing to us,
“I hope you won’t resent us.”
It meant that we had to make our own way from now on.
Well, it’s nothing new.
______________________
“…They’re really gone.”
The empty space felt even bigger after more than half of the people disappeared.
But I focused on one thing.
What do I have to do right now?
Dwelling on my feelings of emptiness wouldn’t be the right way to spend this precious time.
“Mr. Yandel, what are we going to do now?”
“Let me think for a moment.”
There were two options.
To break through the route that Versil gave up on and head towards the center, our original destination.
Or to turn back and find another way.
The latter wasn’t a bad option either.
‘We can survive if we just stay in the outer areas.’
The war is raging in the center.
And Noark’s strongest explorers are blocking the paths in the outermost areas.
But there would be relatively few people in the outer areas.
And the area is vast, so we could somehow endure if we just avoided them and hid.
But…
‘We won’t know what’s going on.’
That’s the biggest disadvantage.
Every second is precious in this chaotic situation.
If we just hide, we won’t be able to get any information about what’s happening.
And besides…
‘The Floor Master appears on Day 3.’
We can’t defeat the 1st-floor Floor Master on our own.
If it’s summoned while we’re waiting, we’ll definitely be wiped out.
“I need to check our strength first.”
“Yes?”
“Can everyone gather here?”
I put my decision on hold and gathered the other two teams who were in the same situation.
And I immediately got to the point.
“Tell me your explorer rank, the essences you’ve absorbed, and your specialties, one by one.”
“You’re saying to reveal everything?”
“Is that important in this situation? We have to join forces now.”
“You’re talking like you’re the leader.”
Lantern Jaw frowned at my suggestion.
Even he didn’t seem to like the fact that I was naturally speaking like a leader.
Geez, how annoying.
“Does it matter who the leader is? To be worried about something like that in this situation, you’re a real idiot.”
“…Wh, what? What the hell are you—”
“If you want, we can decide on a leader first. Should we vote?”
I naturally led the conversation towards voting.
Because Erwen was here.
If she, a member of another team, voted for me, I wouldn’t lose.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn.
“There’s no need to vote.”
“…?”
“If we were to vote, our team would vote for you.”
It was the man who was the leader of the remaining team.
“With our team, it’s already 10 votes, so there’s no need to waste time.”
Hmm, so it’s like this?
Honestly, I’m a bit flustered.
But could it be that Lantern Jaw was also flustered? He helpfully asked the reason for me.
“…What do you mean? You’re saying you’ll make the barbarian the leader? Are you insane?”
“First of all, I’m not good at leading.”
“Then it should obviously be me—”
“If we had to choose between the two of you, he’s much more trustworthy.”
I think I understand their reasoning.
They judged that I was better than Lantern Jaw, who tried to save himself by abandoning his team.
But there was another reason.
“And most importantly, he was the only one who asked that woman for information when everyone else was in denial.”
…This is a bit embarrassing.
“What’s your name?”
“Takelan Arbenon.”
“I’m Bjorn, son of Yandel.”
After formally exchanging names with Takelan, I returned to the original topic.
“Anyway, it’s decided. Now tell me your explorer rank, the essences you’ve absorbed, and your specialties, one by one. So that we can decide what to do—”
“Wait, who said it’s decided?”
Ha, this bastard again.
“Do you have a problem?”
“Of course I—”
“Then get lost. Our two teams will move together.”
I cut him off and said firmly, not wanting to waste any more time.
“…Damn it.”
Lantern Jaw clenched his fists in frustration, but he didn’t leave.
Well, where would he go in this situation?
I chuckled and said to him,
“If you interrupt me or disobey my orders one more time, that’s it. Got it?”
“…….”
“Answer me.”
“…Got it.”
Okay, then the hierarchy is established.
I then quickly finished what I was trying to do.
Who’s in what position and what essences they have.
‘Hmm, this is a bit ambiguous.’
Although I checked their approximate strength, my worries deepened.
I still wasn’t sure.
So I went through an additional confirmation process.
“Let’s at least introduce ourselves. We should be able to call each other’s names in an emergency.”
I made up an excuse and listened to each of their names.
Honestly, it would be difficult to remember them all…
‘But there’s no Hans.’
Fortunately, there was no Hans.
It was a positive sign.
It meant that the probability of success increased, regardless of what decision I made.
“What are we going to do now?”
14 pairs of eyes turned towards me at Raven’s question.
It’s time to make a decision.
I spoke, erasing my doubts about my choice.
“We’re heading towards the safe zone.”
“What are the chances of success?”
I just smiled wryly at Takelan’s question.
I had just witnessed how meaningless probability was, but…
One thing was certain.
Not everyone would survive even if we succeeded.
‘About half will probably die.’
We have to risk our lives to reach a place where some people were able to get to with just one spell.
--------------------------------
Chapter 213: Sacrificial Pawn (2)
The 1st-floor Crystal Cave, shrouded in fog.
A man was chuckling and chatting with his companion in that place, filled with the stench of blood and scattered corpses.
Their conversation was trivial.
About how pretty the woman they just killed was, and whether he felt a bit sorry for her.
It inevitably ended with a complaint.
“Tsk, there’s nothing fun happening here.”
“Haha, think of it differently, it’s good because it’s less dangerous.”
“…You’re unnecessarily optimistic.”
“But I’m not wrong, am I?”
“Well, that’s true, but…”
The man suppressed his frustration and took out some jerky from his pocket and chewed on it. It was his first time eating meat in a long time, as he was practically a low-ranking member.
Noark, where he belonged, was suffering from a severe food shortage since they hadn’t been able to enter the labyrinth for six months.
‘…We’ll be able to win, right?’
The man shook his head, dismissing the anxiety that briefly crossed his mind.
It wasn’t a matter of whether they could win.
They had to win.
So that they could live like humans.
Even if it was in a dark underground city.
“Rex, focus on your mission.”
The man, who was leaning against the wall and resting, sighed and adjusted his posture at his leader’s words.
“You look dissatisfied.”
The man spoke honestly,
“We haven’t seen anyone for over two hours.”
“So?”
“It means no one will come. The ones who were going to enter have already entered, and the rest are either dead or ran away.”
And besides, the area they were assigned to was quite far from the central dark zone.
It meant they wouldn’t encounter anyone coming from inside.
“Still, you never know, so keep an eye on your surroundings.”
“Yes, sir.”
The man casually answered his stubborn leader and stood at one of the forks in the road.
He couldn’t see far because of the fog.
But he wasn’t anxious.
What would be the problem even if something jumped out from beyond?
‘There are so many of us here.’
The loot he would bring back to Noark would just increase.
That’s when…
“Leader! I sense a presence!”
…his companion, who was keeping watch at another fork in the road, shouted. The man grabbed his weapon and moved towards him.
‘Someone’s really here?’
It was a bit unexpected, but he wasn’t anxious.
‘Does he not know anything about the situation here?’
He probably didn’t.
If he knew even a little, he wouldn’t even think of passing through here.
He must have taken this path without knowing anyth—
“Huh?”
The man tilted his head.
And it wasn’t just him.
Everyone tilted their heads and listened.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
What the hell is that sound?
“Footsteps?”
Someone muttered briefly, but it didn’t explain anything.
How could those be human footsteps?
Maybe if it were a large monster like a troll…
‘But there are no monsters like that on the 1st floor.’
The man gripped his weapon tighter, feeling an unknown sense of unease.
That’s when…
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”
…it appeared from beyond the thick fog, letting out a ferocious shout.
“What, what the hell is that?!”
“Block him!!”
It was a barbarian.
A giant one.
_____________________
Survival means letting go.
What will you discard to survive?
This process is strictly based on priority.
Humans are rational beasts.
Thump!
It often appears in movies, doesn’t it?
Scenes where they discard luggage to make the helicopter fly, to prevent the ship from sinking, or to escape from enemies.
The more you discard, the higher the probability of survival.
But…
Thump!
…reality is different from movies.
It’s not that kind.
What we have to discard for survival isn’t luggage, but something else.
Thump!
Versil probably knew that.
That’s why she left without hesitation.
Leaving behind just these words:
[I hope you won’t resent us.]
Of course, I didn’t resent her.
Because I knew it was a completely rational decision.
She had her priorities, and she boldly discarded everything else to achieve them.
Just like I am right now.
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!”
I shout and put strength into my feet.
I feel an unprecedented resistance from the shield I’m holding with both hands.
It’s like I’m climbing a tidal wave with just a shield.
Well, maybe it’s not a completely inaccurate description.
Although it’s a bit exaggerated.
“What, what the hell is this guy?!”
“Block him!!”
I’m clearing the path at the forefront.
To cover the 20-minute distance.
Pushing aside the swarming enemies.
Like a tank on a battlefield.
“Bjorn!!!”
Misha is following right behind me.
Her role is simple.
To take care of the enemies who are pushed aside by my charge.
Slash!
It doesn’t matter if she can’t kill them in one shot.
Our goal isn’t to reduce their numbers, and besides…
…we have more power behind us.
“You, damn bitch—!”
If Misha is the first filter…
…the second filter is Raven and the bear-like man, who’s carrying her.
Kwaaang!
The enemies Misha couldn’t defeat are hit by crossbow bolts and magic before they can even get up.
Of course, it’s not a problem even if it doesn’t end there.
We have more filters behind us.
“Erwen, be careful!”
The ranged damage dealer duo, Erwen and Daria.
And Takelan’s team, with an average rank of 5, following right behind them, and Lantern Jaw’s team at the very back.
It’s like a medieval cavalry charge.
“Aaaaaaaaaak!!!”
Our only goal is to charge forward.
The enemies we couldn’t defeat at the front are taken care of by those behind us. And even if there are enemies who survive the last filter, it doesn’t matter.
That’s for the rear to deal with.
‘It’s their own fault.’
When I came up with this strategy and formed the lines, Lantern Jaw insisted on being at the very back, even offering to give us the ranged fairy duo.
His thoughts were obvious.
He judged that the front was the most dangerous since we were charging. And he probably thought he could run away if something happened.
He treated Erwen’s team like sacrificial pawns.
‘That idiot.’
The rear is actually the riskiest position in this strategy. Right now, they can freeload since everything is being taken care of at the front…
…but that won’t last forever.
Although I didn’t expect that moment to come so soon.
Thud!
A heavy impact is transmitted through my shield.
I can’t move forward even though I’m putting all my strength into my feet.
I lower my shield slightly to check my front.
“What a crazy bastard.”
A warrior from the Black Bear tribe, like the bear-like man, was blocking my path. He was about 1.5 times smaller than me in [Gigantification] state.
But…
‘Damn it.’
Just how strong is this guy?
I’m reminded once again that the level of Noark explorers is high, but I’m not too worried.
“You barbarian, do you think you’re some kind of hero from a—”
I ignore the bear bastard’s words and shout to the back,
“Raven, now!!”
I’m not a hero who saves everyone.
But neither is he.
“Everyone, get back!!”
An explosive impact hits me from behind as soon as I hear Raven’s warning.
「Arrua Raven has cast the 6th-grade support spell [Oxygen Explosion].」
It’s a 6th-grade wind-attribute support spell.
The reason she detonated it behind me is simple.
Although the damage is low, it has a high knockback effect.
“Ugh! What the…!”
I use the wind as a driving force, like a sail, and push the enemy back, ending the stalemate.
And…
“N, no—!”
Kwagic.
I stomp on the bear bastard’s face with [Leap] as he loses his balance and falls backward, then continue dashing forward.
Well, he probably won’t die just from this since he’s also a tank…
Thump!
…but I hear the sound of flesh being torn from behind.
Geez, it sounds like they’re stabbing tofu.
It seems like his Physical Resistance is low, even though his Strength is high.
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”
I use [Wild Release] to boost my stats and continue charging, as enemies have gathered behind me while the bear bastard was blocking my path.
But…
“We have to move faster!!”
…we’re not as fast as before.
It’s a big problem.
One of the weaknesses of a cavalry charge is that they get surrounded if their breakthrough is stopped.
“These, crazy bastards!!”
“Kill them!!”
The enemies who were pushed back and fell get up like zombies and charge towards my companions.
It means we have to fight our way through this chaos now, instead of just clearing the path.
Slash, thump, kwagic! Kwaaang!
Fierce battle sounds overlap from behind.
Of course, I can’t know the exact situation.
But the more that’s the case, the more I look straight ahead.
“Bjorn, don’t worry about the back!!”
Of course, I’m worried.
Human lives are like flies in this war.
I’m anxious that someone might get seriously injured by a stray sword.
Slash!
I don’t know whose body that sound of flesh being pierced came from.
Could it be Misha?
Ainar?
Raven?
The bear-like man?
Negative thoughts keep popping up in my head.
But so what?
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”
If I stop here, the situation will only worsen.
I embrace the fear I couldn’t discard and focus everything on my single role.
“Wh, what kind of strength is this?!”
To just open the path.
To trust my companions with the rear and move forward resolutely.
It’s what I have to do right now, and what only I can do.
[The good news is that we’re almost there. We can reach the dark zone in 20 minutes if we run.]
An eternity passes.
Inside the cave, filled with sweat, blood, and screams.
‘Has it been about 3 minutes?’
Although it feels like at least an hour has passed…
…it can’t be more than that. I can tell where we are just by looking at the walls of the 1st floor now.
‘Damn it.’
It feels like I’m trapped in a cave where time is distorted.
I estimate how much time has passed by checking my location in real time.
4 minutes. 5 minutes. 6 minutes.
And…
‘7 minutes.’
The first casualty.
“Cayenne!! Cayenne is injured!! Help me. We, we have to carry him together…”
“Let go, Lena.”
“Yes? But…!”
“He’s… already dead.”
“…….”
“We’re leaving him here.”
Cayenne was an archer from Takelan’s team.
That’s all I know about him, but he seemed like a good guy when we introduced ourselves.
‘8 minutes.’
The path is blocked by a barrier someone summoned.
I immediately change course and take a side path.
It’s an improvisation I wouldn’t have been able to do if I hadn’t received navigator training from Rotmiller.
‘It will take at least 3 more minutes to reach our destination.’
The bad news doesn’t end there.
‘9 minutes.’
Another one dies.
This time, it’s a member of Lantern Jaw’s team, who was following us from the rear.
And one more thing.
“Bjorn, Misha is injured!!”
Misha is injured.
“Where and how bad?”
“Lo, lower left chest! Her organs aren’t damaged—”
“Give her a potion while we’re running. Ainar, carry Misha too!”
Fortunately, it’s not life-threatening, but Ainar, who was carrying Raven and helping with the battle with one hand, is now only a transporter.
‘10 minutes.’
More bad news from behind.
“Mr. Yandel! Those people in the back are gone!!”
Lantern Jaw’s team, who was in charge of the rear, ran away.
It seems like they saw people dying in the front and decided it was hopeless…
It was my misjudgment.
‘I can’t believe he’s that stupid.’
I didn’t think he would be foolish enough to think he could escape alone when we’re surrounded by enemies.
Damn it, if he was going to commit suicide, he could have at least died for us.
Anyway, the burden on Takelan’s team increased significantly after those bastards left.
Is that why?
‘13 minutes.’
Two people died this time.
The mage from Takelan’s team and the warrior who was carrying him.
“Damn it! Because of a measly goblin…!”
The primary cause of death was a respawning goblin.
It flew into the sorcerer’s face in the chaos and blocked his vision, and he was turned into an ice statue by a skill cast by the ice-type sorcerer in that instant.
‘15 minutes.’
A dark mage who appeared from a side path unleashed an AoE spell.
Although there were no casualties…
“Sister!!”
Daria, who jumped in front of Erwen to protect her, is incapacitated.
Fortunately, she’s not dead.
But…
“Don’t just stand there and move. I’ll carry your sister!”
Avman carries Daria, and we lose another fighter.
‘17 minutes.’
I’ve been spamming [Leap] to boost my stats.
And my MP is depleted because I haven’t deactivated [Gigantification] even once.
「Character’s Soul Power is insufficient.」
「[Gigantification] ends.」
As planned, I fill the empty space next to me with the bear-like man’s tank summon, Iron Bear.
‘18 minutes.’
Iron Bear is unsummoned.
But Misha, who drank a potion, regains consciousness and returns to the battlefield.
‘19 minutes.’
There’s hope.
We’re almost there.
Although we’ve lost almost half of our people, there are no casualties among those I decided to save.
‘20 minutes.’
A high-ranking explorer, presumed to be at least 4th grade, blocks my path.
He’s a swordsman.
He’s wielding a greatsword made of 5th-tier Adamantium…
“You look like you would be fun to cut.”
…and he’s using Aura.