C61, 62, 63
Chapter 61: Rules of Survival (4)
7th day, afternoon.
In other words, it’s been over 80 hours since we were separated from the dwarf’s group and became stranded in this damn forest.
“…….”
I’m still here.
Silently wandering through the forest, staring blankly at the increasingly shitty auditory and visual hallucinations.
It’s a change that happened after the first day of being lost.
“…….”
I’ve stopped speaking except for when absolutely necessary.
It’s not because we’re on bad terms or anything.
It’s just that we don’t have the energy left to do so.
Ah, there’s one more change.
“…….”
I tied myself to Misha with a rope.
We look like dried fish strung together on a rope.
It’s a technique I learned naturally after spending a long time in the Witch’s Forest.
This way, even if one of us falls behind or gets separated, we can find each other by following the rope.
“Bjorn… please go a little slower, slower…”
“Alright.”
I slow down.
Misha’s condition deteriorated rapidly this morning.
It’s not that she’s sick or her injuries have worsened.
It’s just that her fatigue has reached its limit.
Thud, thud.
I’ve slowed down, but I keep feeling a pull from my waist.
Can’t she even keep up at this speed?
After a brief contemplation, I stop walking.
“Get on my back.”
“……?”
“You’ll feel a bit better if you get some sleep.”
“Bu, but…”
Misha looks at me and trails off.
Well, it must look ridiculous.
Honestly, I look several times worse than her.
‘I look like a beggar.’
The cloth clothes I’m wearing under the armor are torn and riddled with holes, and the metal equipment is also covered in corrosion marks.
It’s all a side effect of awakening Misha.
The passive skill of the ‘Corpse Golem’, which I had sealed away by removing the Frost Spirit Ring, has been activated.
And since minor injuries are commonplace during battles with monsters, my current appearance is the result of acidic blood splattering every time.
‘Just the repair costs will be astronomical.’
I smile bitterly.
The Laetium breastplate and shield, which are made of 2nd-tier materials, are still in relatively good condition, but they’ve long lost their original pristine white luster.
But did she misunderstand something while looking at my smile?
Misha speaks with concern.
“I, I’m fine. You should rest instead. I’ll carry you!”
I appreciate the sentiment, but…
Is that realistically possible?
“Enough, come here.”
I refuse to argue further and grab Misha’s waist, lifting her up.
I can feel her weakness from her light weight.
She doesn’t even have the strength to resist.
“If there’s a problem, I’ll wake you up, so get some rest until then.”
“But…”
“Tsk.”
“…Thank you.”
Misha, who is slung over my shoulder, finally accepts the situation without resistance.
But she must not be able to fall asleep right away…
She speaks to me in a small voice.
“Bjorn.”
“What is it?”
“…You know…”
“Speak.”
“Hmph, you smell nice…”
You smell nice, so what?
Finish your sentence.
I’m suddenly curious about what she was going to say, but…
Well, she must have been dreaming or something.
There’s no way a body that’s been covered in blood and sweat for days and hasn’t been washed would smell nice.
I can’t help but smile as I hear her rhythmic breathing soon after.
Smirk.
Right, I told you, you guys are all just full!
No matter how many hallucinations you see or hear, if you’re really tired, you’ll fall asleep anywhere.
That’s how the human body is designed.
You have to survive no matter the environment.
‘Then let’s keep going.’
I continue walking through the forest with Misha on my back.
I desperately want to put her down and rest together…
But I can’t.
「84 hours have passed since entering the Witch’s Forest.」
「Field effect - Witch’s Forest is strengthened.」
「Status effect [Witch’s Eye] is upgraded to level 5.」
The field debuff [Witch’s Eye].
It’s the real reason why the Witch’s Forest is considered a place to just pass through.
The effect is simple.
If you stay in one place for a certain amount of time, the 7th-grade monster ‘Cannibalo’ will definitely appear, and that ‘certain amount of time’ gradually decreases as the level increases.
On the first day, it was about an hour.
And now…
‘It’s about 10 minutes.’
It’s practically reached the point where we have to keep moving.
And the problem is that there are only two of us.
Even if a Cannibalo appears, there’s no one to block it, and if it shows up now, we’re half dead.
Even when we had stamina, it took over 15 minutes to kill one.
Theoretically, another one will appear before we can even finish off the first one.
Thud, thud.
That’s why I’m walking right now.
I feel like I’m going to die from exhaustion, but I have to keep walking.
Otherwise, I might actually die.
‘Still, since they haven’t shown up yet, can I stop worrying about those guys?’
Thinking about other things is the best when things are tough.
I finish one thought and bring up another topic.
It’s been four days since we got lost in the Witch’s Forest.
If Elisa and her group had any way of finding us, they would have done so by now.
I think it’s safe to let my guard down now.
‘That’s one less thing to worry about.’
I don’t know why they can’t find us.
But if I had to guess…
Something must have happened to them too.
Just like how Misha and I are stranded here alone.
Life is a bitch because you never know what’s going to happen.
Anyway, after avoiding mobs for a while, how long have we been wandering around?
Hmm, it feels like at least an hour.
[Oppa, why are you just letting her go?]
I raise my head at the familiar auditory hallucination.
[You fulfilled her lifelong wish, she’ll fall for you if you just seduce her a little?]
A woman appears next to a tree and stares at me intently.
A white blouse and a suit skirt.
And her characteristically arrogant and prickly tone.
…It’s my ex-girlfriend.
[Are you afraid of being abandoned again?]
Phew, damn it…
Most of the hallucinations until now were obviously fake, but this one is different.
I feel like I could even feel her body temperature if I reached out and touched her.
[Oh my, how lewd.]
What is she talking about?
Since it’s based on my memories, even her actions are the same as hers.
[That’s your problem, oppa. You always try to know everything.]
‘I admit that.’
The fear of ignorance is an instinct that all living beings have.
[But isn’t that too much? You don’t try to tell me anything.]
‘That was the same for you.’
[Yes? What is there that you don’t know about me? You know me better than I know myself, even the nooks and crannies of my body?]
My gaze involuntarily moves at her coquettish voice.
There’s one change in the visual aspect.
“…….”
The white blouse and short suit skirt are the same as before.
But she’s now wearing black stockings on her long legs.
They were flesh-colored earlier.
[Your tastes are consistent.]
Damn it, is this who I am?
[Leave that beast girl and come here. You should just stay with me, oppa. The others can’t even understand you, right?]
Uh, is that so?
My feet move forward involuntarily.
That’s when…
[I’ll make you feel good—]
The face of my ex-girlfriend, who was smiling and opening her arms as if to embrace everything, distorts grotesquely.
Not a metaphor, but literally.
Thwack-!
A fist connects, and her facial muscles are mashed like rice cake.
Misha, who should be on my shoulder, is punching my ex-girlfriend’s face.
Repeatedly, as befits an agility-based character.
Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!
What is this? Is this also a hallucination?
I stare blankly at the scene as if I’m dreaming.
However…
[Kyaaaaaak!!!]
A sound like nails on a chalkboard brings me back to reality.
Misha, who has beaten my ex-girlfriend to a pulp, returns and grabs my waist, shaking me.
“Are you alright! Bjorn!”
“Uh, uh…”
“I took care of the Dryad, so come to your senses!”
What? Dryad?
That 8th-grade monster that rarely appears in the Witch’s Forest and uses the [Charm] skill?
No wonder the hallucination was so vivid.
「Killed Dryad. EXP +2」
「Status effect [Charm] is removed.」
I understand the situation in an instant.
It wasn’t a field effect, but I was under the effect of a skill.
“…Thank you. I would have been in big trouble if it weren’t for you.”
I readily express my gratitude.
But at that moment…
“Hmph, that’s only natural—”
Misha freezes and points to one spot.
“Uh? Bjo, Bjorn? It, it seems like the big trouble has already happened…”
I involuntarily nod as I confirm the spot she pointed to.
“…It seems so.”
It’s already been 10 minutes since I was under the effect of [Charm].
From the edge of the bushes over there, the 7th-grade monster Cannibalo is slowly walking towards us.
“I’ll, kill, you…”
Its eyes gleam with killing intent.
______________________________
Cannibalo.
It’s a 7th-grade monster that only appears in the Witch’s Forest.
It’s classified as a humanoid undead and possesses a fairly high level of intelligence.
The problem is that it uses its intelligence solely for killing people.
“Blo, od, and, fle, sh… Gi, ve, me.”
The Cannibalo aims its crossbow at us.
Its protruding fangs are glistening with saliva, as if it’s already salivating. Well, even if I’m not, I, as a barbarian, must look quite appetizing.
Although I might be a bit tough because of my low body fat percentage.
“Misha, get behind me.”
“A, alright!”
I first send Misha to the back and then block the space between us with my shield.
Once we’ve been encountered, running away is impossible.
Cannibalos have a habit of relentlessly pursuing their chosen prey.
In fact, their fighting style is also similar to that of hunters.
「Cannibalo has cast [Mana Mine].」
It sets traps around us.
They’re traps that are invisible to our eyes, and a powerful explosion occurs when you approach them.
Therefore, it’s difficult to close the distance recklessly.
And in the meantime…
「Cannibalo has cast [Tracking Arrow].」
Arrows fly towards us.
They’re arrows with power incomparable to those of goblin archers and have a high accuracy bonus.
Therefore, it’s more effective to block them than to dodge.
Like this.
Clang!
I receive the directly-aimed arrow at an angle and deflect it to the side.
Last time, while I was blocking arrows, Misha threw stones around to destroy the mines.
But…
‘We don’t have time for that now.’
We need to defeat it within 10 minutes.
Otherwise, another one will appear.
And that process will repeat itself.
Until we die.
Therefore, there’s only one option left.
“Misha, get on my back.”
“What are you talking about?”
Misha, who was picking up stones to throw, tilts her head.
But there’s no time to explain.
“It seems like I’ll have to push myself this time. So do as I say.”
When I speak firmly, Misha gets on my back.
Immediately, I cover my head and upper body with my shield and charge forward.
Kwakwakwang-!
The mines that were scattered nearby explode with every step I take, but…
I keep running.
“Wh, what are you doing?!”
Misha is shocked by my actions, but honestly, it’s nothing special from my perspective.
I’ve overcome most of the dangers since waking up in this barbarian’s body by tanking with my body.
This time is no different.
In the worst-case scenario, this is the only option I can choose.
Kwakwakwang-!
The pain pierces through my Pain Resistance.
I can feel my legs getting mangled with every explosion.
「Cannibalo has summoned [Hounds].」
In the meantime, summoned wild dogs charge at us.
And they bite into my arms, shoulders, thighs, legs, and so on, shaking their jaws.
Kwakwakwang-!
Even so, I don’t stop.
I deflect the incoming arrows.
I use [Flesh Explosion] to shake off the wild dogs clinging to me.
And I keep moving forward.
Then at some point…
Kwakwang-!
The tenth mine explodes, and my body suddenly loses strength.
I try to find my balance by taking another step, but I soon realize it’s futile.
‘This is fucking disgusting.’
The lower part of my legs can no longer be called feet.
Maybe mashed-up lumps of meat.
‘Well, since I’ve come this far, she’ll take care of it.’
The moment I realize that I can’t charge any further…
I throw Misha, who was on my back, far away.
“Go finish it.”
There’s no response.
But Misha’s movements as she leaps into the air speak for her.
Thump-!
Misha, while in mid-air, performs an agile somersault and thrusts her spear into the Cannibalo’s shoulder, not its head.
Thump-!
It’s a mistake due to her lack of spear proficiency.
However, Misha uses the spear shaft as a pivot and spins her body, pulling out the dagger she was carrying at her waist and plunging it into the creature’s forehead.
And the time it took for all of this…
‘It can’t be more than 5 minutes, even if we’re being generous.’
Anyway, we’ve overcome one crisis.
_______________________________________
Satisfied with that fact, I collapse to the ground.
_______________________________________
「Warning: A part of the character’s body has been damaged. If not treated soon, it may lead to permanent injury.」
After the battle ends…
Misha rushes over.
And she shouts at me,
“Bjorn!! What were you thinking doing something like that?!”
Her face is filled with anger and seems like she’s about to cry.
I answer briefly,
“It was the method with the highest chance of success.”
There was no other choice.
And what Misha needs to do now is not scold or worry about me.
“If that explanation is enough, could you give me a potion?”
Misha’s eyes widen as I, with my legs mangled, lying on the ground, give a nonchalant order.
But it seems like my request has registered in her head, as she pours a potion with trembling hands.
Sizzle.
It’s a high-grade potion that costs a whopping 200,000 stones per bottle.
It’s a must-have consumable that can even heal injuries like severed limbs, as befits its expensive price.
However, Misha still looks worried.
“Ev, even with a potion, it won’t fully heal…”
Well, I don’t think so.
「Character’s regeneration is greatly increased due to the [Immortal] effect.」
Undying Engraving.
The high natural regeneration stat of the vampire essence.
And the active skill [Immortal].
In game terms, my natural regeneration stat is already well over 150.
Even without a high-grade potion, I could recover from injuries like severed limbs if I had enough time.
In the first place, I wouldn’t have done such a crazy thing if I didn’t have this ability.
“Wh, what the…?! Th, there’s no way it would heal this quickly…”
Misha is shocked as she sees my wounds healing rapidly with the potion’s effect.
Well, it’s a natural reaction since she thinks I only have the Corpse Golem essence.
The mangled legs heal in less than a minute.
Unfortunately, I’m barefoot.
‘Should I have taken off my boots before running? I could have sold them for 150,000 stones.’
A high-grade potion and boots…
It’s a huge loss for just one 7th-grade monster.
But there’s nothing I can do about it now.
I open my backpack, put on the leather boots I was originally wearing, and slowly get up.
Alright, the feeling in my toes seems normal.
“Bjorn, what the hell are you?! It’s one thing that you don’t feel pain even after pouring a potion…!”
“It’s the barbarian’s mental strength.”
This is true.
Even Ainar didn’t make a sound when she drank a potion.
For me, it’s purely because of Pain Resistance, but…
Well, as long as the result is the same, that’s how the world works.
--------------------------------
Chapter 62: The Cabin (1)
“Let’s get moving.”
We leave the area quickly.
After all that trouble to hunt the Cannibalo within 5 minutes, there’s no time to rest.
“So, are you feeling better now?”
“I feel a bit better after resting. Thank you. But how long did I sleep?”
“About 3 hours.”
It’s a lie.
Honestly, it can’t be more than an hour at most.
However…
“I slept that long? No wonder…”
It’s called the placebo effect.
Believing that will be more beneficial for her mental and physical health.
Well, the problem now is me.
“Bjorn, you don’t look well.”
Misha, who woke up after a nap, no longer falls behind when we move.
But instead, my pace has slowed down.
Well, that’s only natural.
Just because my natural regeneration is high doesn’t mean my fatigue disappears.
“How about you sleep for a bit while I carry you?”
No, I mean, I appreciate the sentiment, but…
Say something that makes sense.
“It’s fine, I can endure.”
Of course, it’s hard.
If I could just lie down and close my eyes, I would fall asleep in a second.
But…
“Let’s increase our speed a bit.”
I have no choice this time either.
After calmly analyzing my current condition…
I’ve come to the conclusion that I can only hold out for a few more hours at most. After that, my body won’t be able to endure, regardless of my mental strength.
That’s why…
“Increase our speed?”
“Yes, that’s the only way.”
We need to find a safe zone while my stamina lasts.
A place that randomly spawns in the Witch’s Forest at certain intervals and lasts for 8 hours.
In that place, the field effects are also deactivated, and monsters don’t appear.
In other words, we can sleep safely.
“But what if we can’t find it?”
Well, then the situation will get worse.
But we last found a safe zone two days ago, didn’t we?
It’s about time for another one to appear.
‘Even if I’m not, she seems to be lucky…’
Just look at what happened when we found the last safe zone.
We took a short break because her leg hurt, and during that time, a safe zone was created right next to us.
“Misha, you take the lead from now on.”
“Me?”
“Just go wherever you want. It’s not like we’re actually finding our way out, right?”
Although I don’t believe in superstitions, I put Misha in the lead just in case. And we move quickly, defeating only the aggressive mobs we encounter.
How much time has passed since then?
“Uh, uh? Bjorn! Look over there! Isn’t that it?”
“…Seems like it.”
Is this the law of attraction?
Surprisingly, we discover a unique tree in less than 30 minutes.
Its appearance is similar to other trees, but a purple light emanates faintly from its bark.
It’s a sign that leads to a safe zone.
“Good job, Misha.”
“Hehe! You can praise me more!”
What is she talking about?
I roughly pat her head as if to say good job, and then approach the tree.
And I place my hand on the bark along with Misha.
________________________________
「Character enters the Witch’s Cabin.」
________________________________
The moment we place our hands on the tree…
A purple mist surrounds us.
Soon, a warm wind like spring blows and disperses the mist that was obscuring everything.
Swaaaaaaaaa!
When the mist finally disappears…
The gloomy and dreary forest scenery is nowhere to be seen.
The ground is a grassy field with wildflowers in full bloom.
The skinny thorn bushes that were only covered in rotten vines are now lush with leaves.
“Bjorn! Look at this! Aren’t the flowers pretty?”
Uh, yeah.
But we saw that last time too…
“Stop messing around and let’s go inside and rest.”
“Hmph, as expected of a barbarian with no romance!”
Romance? That’s something you look for when you’re at least alive.
Having romantic thoughts when you’re on the verge of starvation is just pathetic or self-deception to others.
Creak-.
I ignore Misha, whose mood has strangely improved, and open the door to the cabin in the center.
A bookshelf, a table, a carpet, and a fireplace.
Contrary to its name, the Witch’s Cabin, the interior is nothing special.
It’s just an ordinary cabin that anyone could imagine.
‘Still, I think Raven or Dwarkey would have liked it.’
Mages like these unique spaces.
There are even books on the bookshelf, so they would have checked those out first.
But I’m a barbarian.
And one who is extremely exhausted at that.
Thud-
Therefore, I head straight to the bed and collapse onto it.
And I bury my face in the pillow and mutter,
“You sleep on the chair this time.”
“Ah, alright! You must be tired, so rest comfortably.”
Since she’s physically exhausted, I send Misha to the rocking chair where I slept last time.
Tadatadat, tadat.
I close my eyes and hear the sound of a crackling fire from the fireplace. Misha must have settled down, as the chair also creaks rhythmically.
Creak, creak.
“…Sleep well, Bjorn.”
My consciousness gradually fades.
Perhaps because I was so tired…
I had a dream for the first time in a while.
I was at the company, just like any other day.
I was doing administrative work, and my ex-girlfriend came to pick me up after work.
…She was wearing black stockings.
Anyway, we went to my studio apartment and ordered chicken.
I played games.
She read a book quietly in the corner.
And a comfortable silence followed.
When it was time to sleep, we naturally embraced each other and fell asleep.
That was the entire dream.
The moment I realized it was all a dream, I was thrown back to reality.
A small cabin found while wandering through the Witch’s Forest.
The old bed in that cabin.
The massive body of a barbarian lying on that bed.
And the reality that I have to lead this monstrous body and fight real monsters to survive when I wake up from my sleep—
This is my reality.
‘…So let’s do what needs to be done.’
Since it seems like I won’t be able to sleep anymore anyway, I turn my head and check the fireplace.
The firewood that was burning brightly before I went to sleep has lost its strength and is almost extinguished.
In other words, it means this cabin will close soon.
I check my watch to see how long I actually slept.
‘So I slept for almost 7 hours.’
It’s a bit strange.
I woke up naturally at the right time without an alarm.
“…….”
I force my eyes open and stare at the ceiling to wake up my mind, and a strong headache blooms in the back of my head.
It’s as if my brain is whining that it needs to sleep more.
I sit up, not wanting to give in to that weak thought.
I don’t know why, but…
‘When did she come up here?’
Misha is sleeping soundly on top of me, using my waist as a pillow.
And she’s even drooling.
She’s quite comfortable, as she’s breathing rhythmically with a purring sound.
‘Was the chair uncomfortable?’
I lift Misha’s head and roll it to the side, then get out of bed.
It would be better for her to wake up early too to manage her condition, but let’s just let her sleep a bit more for now.
Crack, crack-
I stretch and loosen up my stiff body.
And I go outside the cabin to bask in the sunlight.
Honestly, it’s quite refreshing.
‘…Is that why Misha liked looking at flowers?’
Thinking about it that way, I can understand Misha’s sentiment to some extent, but I still find it hard to relate.
It’s not that it’s wrong, it’s just a matter of preference.
Sunlight at least makes me feel like vitamin D is being synthesized, but flowers don’t even give me anything to self-hypnotize about.
The placebo effect is weak.
Anyway, should I wake her up now?
“Misha, wake up.”
“Ugh, five more minutes…”
“Get a grip, it’s almost time for us to leave this place.”
“Then until then…”
What is she talking about?
Since rational thought seems impossible for her while she’s half asleep, I forcefully hug her waist and lift her up.
And I shake her up and down.
“Aak! Aak! A, alright! I’m up! So stop!!”
“Alright.”
“You barbaric idiot!!”
She should have woken up when I called her.
I hand the canteen to Misha, who is hissing and spitting.
It doesn’t seem like she’s actually angry, she’s just grumbling out of habit.
“…Ah, thanks.”
Since she seems to be awake now, Misha and I sit down and munch on bread and jerky.
I don’t have much of an appetite right after waking up…
But we won’t have time to eat comfortably once we leave.
“Once you’re done eating, warm up a bit. We don’t have much time left.”
“Got it.”
Misha does something similar to national calisthenics, slowly waking up her body’s senses.
But is it because she’s an agility-based character?
Her body is incredibly flexible.
“Um, Bjorn…”
As I’m organizing my backpack to pass the time, Misha speaks up while stretching.
“What is it?”
“Th, that, Hikurod, Dwarkey, and Rotmiller…”
“Just say it.”
“Hmph, I was wondering… what do you think happened to them? They’re, they’re still alive, right?”
Hmm, so it was that question after all.
I thought it was about time it came up.
People usually start thinking about other things once their bodies are feeling better.
I answer without hesitation.
“I don’t know.”
“Well, that’s true, but you can at least make a guess.”
It’s not a guess, it’s wishful thinking.
I firmly cut off any room for conversation before it gets out of hand.
“Whatever my prediction is, it doesn’t change anything.”
Whether they’re dead or alive is meaningless.
Even if they’re in trouble, what can we do, stranded in the Witch’s Forest?
We need to focus on surviving first.
We’ll find out the result naturally once we return to the city.
“So, if you’re done warming up, check your equipment again.”
That’s all we can do right now.
Tadat-
The last embers of the fire die out.
「The Witch’s Cabin is closed.」
「Character is being transported to the Witch’s Forest.」
It’s time to leave.
___________________________________
「Status effect [Witch’s Eye] is upgraded to level 6.」
「Status effect [Witch’s Eye] is upgraded to level 7.」
「Status effect [Witch’s Eye] is upgraded to level 8.」
「Status effect [Witch’s Eye] is upgraded to level 9.」
___________________________________
Day 11 of entering the labyrinth.
In other words, it’s been 8 days since we became stranded in the Witch’s Forest.
「Status effect [Witch’s Eye] is upgraded to level 10.」
Now we don’t even have time to take a breath.
We have to keep moving forward.
Now that [Witch’s Eye] has reached its maximum level…
The calculation is that a Cannibalo will appear if we stay in one place for just 3 minutes.
‘Still, it’s a blessing in disguise that… things can’t get any worse from here.’
That’s assuming no other variables arise.
Of course, there’s also the possibility of positive variables.
For example, an essence, an essence, or an essence…
‘Damn it.’
While wandering through the Witch’s Forest, we had to hunt numerous monsters, regardless of our intentions.
But no essences dropped.
It’s quite disappointing.
If just one dropped, no matter what it is, our combat power would increase even a little…
And some essences even have the ability to completely turn this situation around.
For example, like this bastard.
“Bjorn! There’s a Witch’s Lamp over there!”
“Let’s quickly catch it and move on.”
The 9th-grade incorporeal monster, Witch’s Lamp.
It just looks like a will-o’-the-wisp.
Its combat power is also pathetic, and it can be easily defeated with elemental damage.
And its active skill is also trash.
Except in the Witch’s Forest.
「Witch’s Lamp has cast [Witch’s Lantern].」
The summoning skill [Witch’s Lantern].
Surprisingly, it summons a ‘Witch’s Lamp’.
That’s right, this bastard summons itself.
In other words, if you absorb this essence, you can summon and control Witch’s Lamps.
“Essence, come to me!!”
Misha chants and quickly defeats the Witch’s Lamps, which have increased in number from three to six.
However, as expected, there’s no essence.
Phew, if only this bastard’s essence dropped, we could use it as a guide and get out of here right away…
‘Do we have no choice but to hold out until the last day?’
Realistically, that’s the most likely scenario.
The labyrinth closes on Day 15 on the 3rd floor.
We just need to hold out for four more days, and we can return to the city.
The problem is that I can’t confidently say we can even survive those few days.
“Misha, how’s your stamina?”
“Hmm, I’m tired, but I’m okay since we rested a while ago.”
Last night, we were lucky enough to find another cabin and rest for a while.
It was our first discovery and rest in almost 50 hours.
In other words, we haven’t been able to sleep or eat properly and have just been moving.
‘And even worse, we found it late, so we could only rest for 4 hours.’
Finding a cabin is purely based on luck.
Therefore, if we’re unlucky, we might not find a single cabin in the remaining four days.
That’s why we’re hunting Witch’s Lamps with a vengeance whenever we see them.
It’s better to try everything we can, so—
“Bjorn.”
Misha, who was walking ahead, stops.
I also stop thinking and check the front.
“Explorers.”
For the first time since we got lost, we encounter something that’s not a monster.
And we still don’t know…
“A barbarian and a beastman? Don’t tell me it’s just the two of you?”
…whether this is a positive or negative variable.
-----------------------------------------
Chapter 63: Cabin (2)
Day 8 of being lost.
Surprisingly, while wandering aimlessly through the Witch's Forest, we hadn't encountered any other explorer groups.
Even considering the area's characteristics, it wouldn't be strange to run into someone...
However, upon closer examination, it wasn't that unusual.
First of all, the Witch's Forest is vast.
Also, the resident population itself is small since it's not used as a main hunting ground.
Moreover, we were just wandering around aimlessly, not even heading towards the central area.
Naturally, the chances of encountering someone by chance decrease.
'Besides, by now, anyone who was going to pass through would have already done so.'
Still, I thought that as the 3rd floor's closing time approached, some explorers aiming for the 4th floor would come in.
It's common to test the waters like that when going up floors.
'Then are these guys trying to go up to the 4th floor too?'
Hmm, it seems highly likely.
Of course, that doesn't mean we can trust them.
"A barbarian and a beastman? Don't tell me it's just the two of you?"
Just as I assessed them as soon as I saw them, they also figured us out.
Well, it would be strange, right?
A 2-person team wandering around the 3rd floor, and the Witch's Forest at that, not the 1st or 2nd floor.
The man who seems to be the leader of the 5-person team comes to a conclusion.
"...You guys, did you get separated from your team?"
"That's right."
I admit it readily.
Bluffing is fine, but only when there's something to back it up.
In the first place, saying otherwise in this pathetic state would just make me look strange, and what could I gain by insisting that it's not true?
Of course, I still need to be careful even though I admitted it.
"Ugh! Bjorn! Are we saved now?"
"Be quiet."
I push Misha, who's already making a fuss, behind me and block the front.
And I subtly raise my shield.
"Don't be so wary. We're not bad people."
A middle-aged human woman steps forward from the other side and smiles kindly at my actions, but...
"We have sons and daughters your age in the city. I understand why you're worried, but don't be. You must be tired, so come here—"
"I refuse."
You have sons and daughters?
So what?
It actually makes them seem more dangerous.
Having children to feed means they have a clearer motive to make money.
"Bjo, Bjorn, why are you doing this? They might help us..."
"Be quiet."
How to act when encountering other explorers.
I've been thinking about this a lot.
The conclusion at the time was to ask for help first.
Promising some kind of reward and asking them to just take us out of the forest would be a reasonable deal for them too.
However...
'To make a deal, I need to know what kind of people they are.'
Verification comes first.
"I am Bjorn, son of Yandel."
"You're a cautious one. I'm Hans Stov. I'm the scout in our team."
The leader of the opposing side exchanges names with me as I reveal my identity.
But the problem is...
"Your name is... Hans?"
"Haha, it's a common name, right?"
"That's what I'm saying."
Why are there so many Hanses in the world?
One point deduction because the name is ominous.
"My name is Anuman Bate. I run a general store with my husband in the city—"
I cut off the woman's rambling about her personal information.
"That's not necessary."
There's no way to verify in the labyrinth whether what she's saying is true, and we don't have much time.
Whether we'll receive help or not...
We need to make a decision quickly either way.
'Two warriors, two archers, and one scout.'
I quickly scan them from head to toe, checking their approximate strength, as well as their faces, expressions, tone of voice, and atmosphere.
Of course, there's no need to meticulously examine them one by one.
Sometimes, intuition can make a more accurate judgment than anything else.
The experiences and data accumulated in my subconscious.
"Misha."
Finally, I make a decision.
There's no guarantee that this is the right answer, but...
"Will you follow my decision?"
No need for long explanations.
Misha answers briefly to my question that omits a lot.
"Of course."
Alright, I've got her consent.
"Let's stop with the introductions, we'll be on our way."
"On your way? Didn't you guys need our help?"
That's true, but my instincts are screaming that you guys are dangerous.
"On second thought, it seems like we don't. Come on, Misha, let's go."
"Ah, alright!"
"Hmm, if that's what you guys want, I have no reason to stop you. Be on your way."
Okay, then we've got their permission too.
I slowly step back, covering my body with my shield, while still keeping my eyes on them.
That's when...
Whoosh!
I hear a familiar whooshing sound.
And before my brain can even process it, my body reacts.
Whoosh!
I tilt my head to the side, and an arrow grazes past my ear.
Damn it, how the hell did they do that?
The arrow came from behind.
But the archers should be in front of us.
"Mrs. Bate, what the hell are you doing!"
One of the members of the opposing party shouts at the archer woman.
So it wasn't a pre-arranged agreement?
The woman who said she had sons and daughters our age no longer speaks softly.
"You idiots! Didn't you see the equipment that guy has? It's Laetium equipment! Do you even know how much it's worth if we sell it?"
"B, but they're fellow explorers..."
"Kid, if you can't do it, stay out of it. Do you see that backpack? It's an expandable backpack. Something you can't buy even if you work your ass off for a year."
Was it true that she ran a general store with her husband?
This woman has a good eye.
Although I don't have the guts to compliment her.
"I, I can't do it."
"Then those who can't, stay out of it."
"I'm in. It's not my first time, and I'm not well-off enough to pass up free money."
They quickly reach an agreement among themselves, probably former explorers.
I watch them intently.
Misha grabs my sleeve with a worried expression.
"Bjo, Bjorn... shouldn't we run away?"
"Wait."
They have a scout.
Running away now wouldn't get us far.
'It should be coming soon...'
"I'll, kill, you..."
'There it is.'
I smile bitterly.
The only reason I was trying to make a decision quickly, whether it would turn out good or bad.
As the Cannibalo appears from the darkness, the group of explorers who were about to target us flinch.
"Ca, Cannibalo?"
"Why are there two of them at the same time..."
Well, we're on Day 8 of being lost.
You guys might have just arrived, but we've already reached level 10 of [Witch's Eye].
"Misha, now's the time."
I grab Misha with one arm.
And with my other hand, I hold up my shield and charge forward, not backward.
「Cannibalo has cast [Tracking Arrow].」
「Cannibalo has cast [Tracking Arrow].」
I see the Cannibalo on the right nocking an arrow.
I dash forward even faster.
Whoosh!
The barbarian's dynamic vision recognizes that two arrows have been shot simultaneously.
But there's no need to worry about my exposed back.
Now, there are others to block for me.
"Ah, ah! Block it!"
"Wh, what the hell are these guys!"
The moment I push through the opposing group with the barbarian's brute strength, I hear screams from the side.
It's from the kid who said he couldn't do it.
"Aak!"
Hmm, you got hit, huh?
Kind people always go first.
Kwaaang!
"Ack! Fuck, my foot!!"
Explosions erupt one after another from the direction of the Cannibalos.
Taking a quick glance, it seems Hans D, who was flustered by my charge and tried to create distance, accidentally stepped on a Mana Mine.
"Mr. Stov!!"
Okay.
The aggro seems to have completely shifted to them.
"Misha, you run now."
"Ah, alright."
I put down Misha, who I was holding.
And I run forward without looking back.
"What are you all doing! Forget about those guys, let's take care of the monsters first—!"
This should be enough to buy us some time.
______________________________________
[Dungeon and Stone] is a roguelike game.
Once you die, that's it.
Your character disappears.
Of course, it's just a game in the end.
You can just create a new character, get new equipment, and...
In the first place, the main content of this game is to use the information you learned from previous playthroughs to reach higher floors.
In [Dungeon and Stone], death is commonplace.
But what if the world of the game were reality?
Character regeneration is impossible.
Everything you see, hear, and learn in this life becomes meaningless the moment you die.
And in that sense…
"But Bjorn, how did you know? That those people would do that..."
"Intuition."
We were lucky this time.
Following the judgment made by my subconscious in a split second turned out to be the right answer.
Misha is shocked when she realizes the truth, but...
"...Intuition?"
Somehow, she seemed to think there was a clear reason why she agreed to follow my lead without any questions earlier.
"The leader of that group was named Hans, wasn't he?"
"He was."
"I don't like that name."
"......"
"Anyway, it's a good thing we escaped safely thanks to that."
"That's true, but..."
Misha trails off with a slightly uncomfortable expression and changes the subject.
"By the way, I never dreamed that kind-looking woman would suddenly change like that..."
Misha shudders slightly, perhaps remembering the woman who glared at us and shouted.
The woman's quick change of attitude seems to have been quite shocking to her.
I say briefly, hoping it will be of some comfort,
"Maybe she really was a kind person."
"Huh? What do you mean—"
"If we hadn't looked weak."
And if we hadn't had expensive items.
If we had met in the city instead of the labyrinth...
That woman might have remained in our memories as a kind person.
But she was the one who nocked and drew her arrow faster than anyone else.
"I don't understand... how can she not be kind just because we look weak..."
"Misha, why did you enter the labyrinth?"
"Well, because I need to make money..."
"It's the same for them."
Money is a means of protecting yourself.
Especially in this world where you're executed if you can't pay your taxes.
That woman must have had many things to protect besides her own life.
"...I feel like I'm learning a lot on this expedition."
"Then move faster. They might be tracking us."
We increase our speed.
And after some time...
Contrary to our worries, they don't show up even after an hour.
'Even though they were attacked first, they wouldn't have all been defeated by two Cannibalos... Did something else happen?'
Hmm, that seems like a reasonable assumption.
Maybe Hans, the scout who stepped on the Mana Mine, was seriously injured, hindering their pursuit.
Whatever the reason, we've safely overcome one crisis.
'I hope this is the end of it...'
Even while hoping for that, I gather my resolve.
Let's not let our guard down until the very end.
As always.
The worst things always happen when you're careless.
________________________________
Day 13 of being lost.
It's 7:00 PM.
In other words, exactly 53 hours left until the labyrinth closes.
"Bjorn, I found it!"
We discover a tree that leads to a cabin.
The light emanating from it seems a bit faded, indicating that it's been a while since the entrance was formed, but...
This is more than enough.
‘It’s fine.’
We’ve at least avoided the worst-case scenario.
If we can just rest for about four hours, we can endure the remaining two days with mental strength.
In other words, the possibility of us returning safely has increased significantly.
「Character enters the Witch’s Cabin.」
Every second of rest is precious, so we immediately place our hands on the tree and enter the cabin.
The scenery beyond is the same as before.
The scent of grass and flowers fills the air.
The quiet chirping of crickets.
The sound of leaves rustling in the wind.
‘Damn it…’
Unfortunately, there’s one thing that’s out of place in this peaceful scenery.
「Current number of occupants: 5」
「Entrance is closed.」
Previous occupants.
In other words, those who discovered this cabin before us.
“Bjorn.”
“Shh.”
I cover Misha’s mouth and quickly scan the surroundings with my eyes.
‘One on the bed, one on the chair, and one on the grass.’
Although there might be blind spots due to the angle from the window…
For now, it’s safe to assume there are three of them.
The maximum occupancy for the cabin is five.
‘This is troublesome.’
I slowly approach the man who is sleeping on the grass.
And at that moment…
As if by chance, the man turns over in his sleep, facing us.
I freeze.
‘I didn’t expect to meet him again here…’
It’s a surprisingly familiar face.