C67, 68, 69
Chapter 67: Field Boss (3)
Pitter-patter, pitter-patter, pitter-patter-
Black rain that makes my skin sting just by touching it.
I know what this is.
[Rain of Despair]
The passive aura skill of the Lord of Chaos, Riakis.
「Character is taking continuous chaos-attribute damage.」
「Character’s Magic Resistance is greatly decreased.」
「Warning: Continuous exposure to chaos-attribute damage may inflict the status effect [Confusion] with a certain probability.」
This skill not only deals area-of-effect damage but also erodes the terrain where the rain falls, removing all kinds of field effects.
That means…
‘Damn it…’
I was hoping it wouldn’t happen, but it really did.
“It’s, it’s him! He’s here!”
“He, hey! Wh, what are you all doing! Go and stop him!”
Panic erupts among the 3rd-floor explorers who paid the protection fee.
And their gazes all turn to one place.
“Don’t tell me, you’re going to abandon us and run away!”
“You took our equipment, saying you would protect us! Take responsibility!”
Dozens of people shout with emotions running high.
The executive who had made several announcements in front of the crowd sighs deeply with a bitter smile.
“…So it’s come to this.”
I can understand how he feels.
Since they took the protection fee, their only option is to fight the Floor Master with all their might.
However…
“This expedition will result in a huge loss.”
Surprisingly, the executive’s face only shows resignation, without any signs of anxiety or impatience.
He takes a deep breath and shouts loudly,
“The Lord of Chaos Riakis is here! Everyone, take out everything you’ve prepared!!”
His instructions echo loudly.
At this, those with the Dzarwi Clan’s emblem on their chests move in unison.
“Each team to their positions!”
Mages, priests, and ranged damage dealers head towards the center.
Melee warriors move to the outskirts.
And they start using all sorts of consumables without hesitation.
「Used High-Grade Stamina Enhancement Scroll.」
「Used Energy Regeneration Enhancement Scroll.」
「Used Numbered Item [Banner of the Sun Lord].」
「The light of Ersium imbues the weap… 」
「…….」
「…….」
Various doping-type magic scrolls, consumable Numbered Items, and various equipment enhancement consumables.
In less than a minute…
Consumables worth at least tens of millions of stones disappear into light.
“We have enough supplies, so don’t hold back! We’re returning alive, even if it’s just one more person!”
I have the thought that I underestimated them.
Now I see, they weren’t lacking in imagination.
They had already prepared for the worst-case scenario, making sure they were ready behind the scenes.
‘But they still collected the protection fee…’
It was literally a gamble.
They bet on the side that seemed more likely to succeed.
Smirk-
I can’t help but laugh.
‘As expected, there are so many efficiency freaks in this world.’
I need to be a bit more humble.
These people also risked their lives countless times as explorers to get to where they are now.
There’s no way they reached that level just because of luck.
“To always carry around this much supplies…”
“As expected of a large clan!”
Instead of looking down on them, it’s better to always be wary…
And instead of envy, it’s more efficient to observe and learn from them.
“Bjorn, what are we going to do now?”
“What do you mean? We have to watch for now.”
In the first place, that was the original plan.
Once we encounter the Floor Master, even just leaving this place requires taking a huge risk.
Well, if there’s no answer, we’ll have to risk it and run away immediately, but…
‘This should be enough to hold out.’
As if to prove it, a wall of fire surrounds us in a circle.
It’s not a skill from an essence, but just a regular magic spell.
「Chaos Spirit has been destroyed.」
「The location is eroded.」
Since it started raining…
The Chaos Spirits that started swarming in like a tidal wave have been disappearing before they could penetrate the wall of fire.
Whoosh!
And the huge barrier formed above our heads even blocks the pouring rain.
Well, the things that can be blocked by the wall of fire or the barrier are limited…
“Bjorn, look over there!”
A giant shadow slowly grows larger from where Misha points.
Accompanied by a heavy tremor.
Thud! Thud!
Horns protruding from its head.
Thick and rough black hide.
And an ominous aura emanating from it.
[Grooooowl—!]
A beast of monstrous size that distorts my sense of distance, something you would only see in a monster movie, easily leaps over the wall of fire and reveals itself.
“Th, that’s…”
“Lo, Lord of Chaos Riakis!!”
The crowd shrinks back in fear at the sight, but the clan members remain calm.
“Hold your positions! Don’t let him get past us!”
The warriors stand their ground, as if they’re used to fighting large monsters.
Could it be that he didn’t like that?
Kwaaang-!!
Riakis slams his front paw down, and the battle begins in earnest.
____________________________________
What’s a raid like in real life, not in a game?
The answer to my long-held curiosity is simple.
“Don’t even try to block it, just dodge! Got it?!”
Even melee damage dealers and tanks prioritize evasion, nimbly dodging the swinging tail and stomping claws.
Well, they know best.
No matter how strong their bodies are or how high their strength stats are, there’s no way they can win a strength contest against such a monster.
‘So this is what a real battle against a Floor Master is like. Interesting.’
Perhaps it’s because it’s a role I’ll have to play someday…
My gaze is drawn to the melee explorers rather than the mages and other damage dealers.
I can see many things to learn from them.
There have also been several close calls.
Kwaaang-!!
No matter how much they focus on dodging…
It’s impossible to avoid injuries in a battle with such a high-level monster.
Normally, getting hit by such a blow would be instant death, but…
“He’s, he’s still alive after taking that…”
“…He’s truly amazing.”
With their stats boosted by numerous essences, various scroll dopings, and the support of priests and other support-type explorers, they’ve become weapons themselves.
“Uwaaaaaa!!”
“Damn it, I almost died!”
The warriors return to the front lines immediately after getting their bodies smashed to pieces and receiving healing.
Of course, not everyone is like that.
“Damn it, he wasn’t supposed to die like this…”
“Focus on the battle!”
As the battle drags on, casualties start to appear.
One melee warrior is crushed to death by a foot, and three ranged damage dealers who were grouped together are instantly melted by Riakis’s breath.
However, if we calmly analyze the current situation…
‘It’s still stable.’
“Fo, four people are already dead… I, isn’t this dangerous?”
Regardless of the reactions of the 3rd-floor explorers…
The warriors are still holding out well on the front lines.
The combined magic of the mages is also powerful enough to push back Riakis as he approaches the center.
‘It seems like they’re also aware of the Dark Orb pattern.’
“Le, let’s just observe for now! It’s the renowned Dzarwi Clan, after all! They’ll find a way, won’t they?”
Black orbs rise from the eroded ground and head towards Riakis.
「Lord of Chaos Riakis is drawing in the power of the source.」
The orbs, which I was most worried about, are also detonated in mid-air by ranged damage dealers before they can be absorbed by Riakis.
“Cease fire!!”
“He shouldn’t feel threatened anymore!”
They even manage Riakis’s health by occasionally stopping their attacks, so now I’m sure.
They know the strategy.
‘So they’re just trying to hold out. If they enter the second phase without that item, it’s game over.’
“Why are they stopping the attack now? Are they all idiots? They should finish him off while they have the momentum…”
Well, it’s understandable in a way.
A veteran player who has played [Dungeon and Stone] for 10 years?
Someone who knows everything about this game?
So what?
Thinking that I’m the only one in this world who knows everything is just arrogance.
The labyrinth has existed for thousands of years.
It’s not like the game’s lore, for these people, it’s reality.
They had to enter to make a living, and there must have been countless trial and errors.
And that knowledge must have been passed down to future generations through records.
‘Although the truly valuable knowledge would be monopolized by a few.’
Of course, I’m not too worried.
Even the ‘hidden elements’ that were particularly difficult to find in the game seem to be mostly unknown to the people here.
My knowledge as a veteran player will still be my greatest weapon for survival in this place.
Click.
I open my watch and check the time.
[22:37]
It’s already been over 3 hours.
Despite the prolonged battle, the clan members haven’t lost their focus and are faithfully carrying out their roles.
However…
‘With that much consumable usage, it doesn’t matter how much they earned in protection fees.’
I suddenly understand why large clans don’t hunt Floor Masters even though they know the strategy.
The rewards for subjugation aren’t insignificant, but…
The enormous amount of resources required.
The possibility of elite members dying.
And the tremendous risks involved if they fail…
‘It’s not worth it.’
Just as I’m thinking that…
Kwaaang-!
For some reason, Riakis ignores the warriors and charges towards the center, instantly crushing five ranged damage dealers.
It’s a situation that can happen during a raid.
Fortunately, the warriors desperately rush towards Riakis and push him back to his original position, but…
Two melee damage dealers are killed in the process.
‘Still, the remaining members should be able to hold out for the remaining time.’
I analyze the situation once again.
The total number of casualties so far is 11.
It’s 20% of the total force, but the remaining members are calmly doing what they need to do.
Although there are some gaps…
It’s not enough to lead to a fatal outcome.
The problem is that there are idiots all around who can’t even make such a simple judgment.
“It’s over! These incompetent bastards!!”
“Do you know how many people have died!!”
Panic erupts among the crowd again, even though they’re not stepping on eroded ground and haven’t fallen into the [Confusion] state.
I can understand their psychology to some extent.
11 deaths.
This is just the count of the clan members who are the actual combat force. Countless explorers who paid the protection fee also died whenever Riakis went on a rampage.
‘Have they lost their judgment due to the threat to their lives?’
From my perspective, it’s their fault for standing there like idiots while a raid is happening right next to them.
But saying that wouldn’t make them listen.
“Bjorn, the atmosphere isn’t good.”
“I know.”
“We should do something too—”
“Wait, I’m thinking.”
I observe the surroundings as widely as possible.
The clan hasn’t noticed the change in mood yet, as they’re focused solely on Riakis.
And in the meantime, a man raises his voice and fuels the chaos.
“We can’t just stand by and watch, let’s join forces to survive!”
It’s Jack Reacher, who was the first to take off his equipment and pay the protection fee.
“Do you know how many people have died? These guys can’t protect us. We have to protect ourselves!”
“That’s right!”
“But how can we fight without equipment…”
“We have to get them back! They didn’t keep their promise anyway, did they?”
His instigation is met with agreement from the suicide squad members who ignored him before, and the situation escalates rapidly.
I mutter briefly,
“Misha, get ready.”
“Ready for what?”
“We’re leaving this place right now.”
This place is already doomed.
________________________________
As soon as we grab our backpacks…
Countless explorers rush towards the center where the supplies are piled up, as if a riot has broken out.
“Ev, everyone, please calm down! This will put everyone in danger—”
The clan finally realizes the situation, but…
It’s too late.
“Don’t bullshit me!!”
“Give me back my equipment!”
The explorers push aside the clan’s mages and archers and start grabbing whatever they can get their hands on with greedy eyes.
“Gi, give it to me! That’s mine!!”
“Th, there’s no such thing as ownership in this situation!”
“Step back! We’ll attack if you don’t!”
“It’s the same whether we die here or there!”
“What are you hesitating for! They’re marauders from now on! Kill them all!”
I watch the scene, now filled with chaos and madness, and let go of any remaining regret.
“Bjorn…”
“Enough with the sightseeing, let’s go.”
“Ah, alright!”
I grab Misha and run in the opposite direction of Riakis.
Soon, a wall of fire surrounds us, blocking our path.
“Wh, what are we going to do?!”
What do you mean, what are we going to do?
“We’re going through it.”
We’ll have to tank it like barbarians.
We might get some burns, but it’s not like we’ll die from that anymore.
“Are you serious?!”
Ah, that’s not the case for you, is it?
“Ack! Kyaaaaak—!”
I lift Misha with both arms and raise her high above my head as if doing a ‘banzai’ pose. And in that state, I run and quickly clear the wall of fire that seems to be at least 5 meters thick.
Sizzle!
I can faintly smell burning flesh.
The pain pierces through my Pain Resistance, and my skin stings slightly.
I ask,
“Misha, are you okay?”
“…I’m fine thanks to you. But look ahead!”
I put Misha down and look ahead, and I see Chaos Spirits swarming.
However, there’s no time to deal with them one by one.
“Let’s run.”
“Eek! Through there?”
“Is there any other way?”
They’ve already started noticing us and are slowly moving towards us.
So we need to run through them before they aggro onto us any further.
I don’t know what the situation is on the other side, so we need to move as quickly as possible—
‘Damn it.’
After about 5 minutes of sprinting…
The surroundings suddenly darken.
It’s so dark that it’s difficult to see even an inch ahead.
“Bjorn, are you there?!”
“I’m here.”
Fortunately, I can hear her voice.
“Wh, what happened?”
Instead of answering, I let out a big sigh.
There’s no need for analysis or anything, the situation is clear.
「Lord of Chaos Riakis has successfully absorbed the power of the source.」
「Field effect [Crack of Evil] is applied within a 5-kilometer radius.」
Riakis’s instant-kill and party-wipe skill, [Crack of Evil].
That bastard finally ate all the orbs.
----------------------------------
Chapter 68: Barbarian Hero (1)
[Crack of Evil]
It’s a field-wide instant-kill skill that Riakis uses when he absorbs 10 or more orbs.
If you don’t escape within the time limit, your character dies no matter how much you’ve leveled them up.
In-game time, it was about 45 minutes.
And one of its characteristics is…
That everyone is pulled towards the center, regardless of their location.
Whoosh!
Before I can even adjust to the darkness that has descended before my eyes, I feel a pulling sensation throughout my body.
“Bjo, rn…!! Wh, at, is, this—!”
For some reason, Misha’s voice sounds like it’s in slow motion.
So I speak in fast motion.
“Don’t worry, we won’t die right away.”
“Wh, at, do, yo, u, me, an—!”
Misha shouts slowly, but her shout is cut off before it’s finished.
It’s a perfect silence, as if my hearing itself has disappeared.
Of course, it doesn’t last long.
「All characters within the radius are being transported to the center of evil.」
When I open my eyes, there’s light.
“Bjorn!”
I can hear sounds normally again, and I see many people besides Misha.
“Where the hell is this…?”
“Wh, what! I was clearly running away…”
There are about 200 explorers.
Leaving behind Misha, who is clinging to me with a worried expression, I check one spot.
Those with the Dzarwi Clan’s emblem are quickly gathering and forming a formation.
‘So this is how many are left out of 50…’
A little over 20 people.
There were 11 casualties during the 3 hours of fighting Riakis, and now more than that number have disappeared in less than 5 minutes.
What the hell happened in that short time?
Well, it’s not hard to guess.
“Excuse me! If you know what’s going on—”
“Shut up, trash.”
A voice filled with anger responds to one explorer’s question.
“Because of you pieces of trash… do you know how many people have died!”
“If you come any closer, we’ll attack immediately.”
In fact, the Dzarwi Clan is huddled together, on guard to prevent anyone from approaching.
The explorers are flustered by this.
“Wh, why is it our fault!”
“In the first place, if you guys hadn’t taken away our equipment, this wouldn’t have happened!”
“I heard that large clans swear to the guild and the royal family that they’ll fulfill their duties in emergency situations. Let’s put aside the blame for now and work together…”
“Pl, please let me in! I didn’t even participate. I’ll pay more protection fees if you ask…”
The explorers, who don’t even seem to understand the situation they’re in, start shouting their own complaints.
Well, they know it too, right?
That there’s no chance of survival if they’re abandoned by them.
But what a shame.
“Be grateful that we’re not killing you on the spot, trash.”
The Dzarwi Clan’s intention is firm.
“Wh, what kind of selfish bullshit is that! You’re basically telling us to go out and die!”
“You understand correctly.”
“…Wh, what? These bastards! Do you think we’ll just stand here and take it?”
The man who stirred up the crowd on the front lines.
Jack Reacher’s shout is met with agreement from numerous explorers, but the clan just laughs as if it’s ridiculous.
“What are you going to do if you don’t just stand there?”
“We’ll join forces and—”
“Let me tell you something, don’t expect to be able to resist us like before. If we wanted to, we could burn you all to ashes right here.”
It’s not an empty threat.
Because the situation is different now.
Unlike when they were spread out to deal with Riakis, they’re now in a proper, tight formation.
It seems like they’re ready to unleash magic at any moment.
“Damn it!”
“Do you think we’ll die without you!”
Just as the explorers realize their situation…
“I, I know about this phenomenon.”
A human man about 160 centimeters tall speaks up in front of the crowd.
“You know about this phenomenon?”
“I, I don’t know the details. But if we don’t escape from here within the time limit, we’ll all die. That’s what it said in an old book.”
“…Is that true?”
When Jack Reacher looks at him with suspicion, a woman steps forward to vouch for the seemingly simple-minded man.
“I can guarantee it!”
“Fairy?”
“I’ve been on a team with this man for over a year. And we’ve experienced many unbelievable things. He’s a mysterious person. He really knows everything. I believe without a doubt that his words will save us.”
Jack Reacher’s expression changes.
“If it’s a fairy’s words… it’s worth listening to. Hey, you, how can we escape from this place?”
“Th, there’s no special method! I, I heard that if we just go in any direction for about 5 kilometers, we can escape from here…”
Surprisingly, what the human man said is true.
The problem is that the moment we leave this place with light, Riakis’s clones will swarm us in the darkness.
“I, I heard there are monsters, but if we all work together, we can definitely do it!”
“Hmm, that makes sense.”
Bullshit.
If it were that easy, those clan guys would have run away first, instead of having serious discussions among themselves with constipated expressions.
“Bjorn, what are we going to do?”
“What?”
“But seeing an elf vouch for a human like that, it means he’s someone special, right?”
Hmm, is that so?
He just looks like an idiot to me…
“Don’t be swayed by that and just wait calmly.”
“Alright!”
Anyway, the situation unfolds rapidly after that.
“Although there’s a fairy’s guarantee, there’s a chance that that man’s words are wrong. However! If we’re going to die here anyway, I want to take a gamble on this!”
Jack Reacher, who has made his decision, starts inciting the crowd again, and the public opinion slowly shifts.
“That’s right, whether we die here or there!”
“Those bastards don’t seem like they’re going to help us anyway, so do we have any other choice?”
“With this many people, we can make it somehow!”
“But no matter how I think about it, it doesn’t seem like it will be that easy…”
There are many who are skeptical, but once people start gathering, the fear of being left behind seems to accelerate the momentum.
And now…
“I’ll ask one last time! If anyone wants to join us, come forward now!”
Over 100 explorers have come together.
The remaining people, including Misha and me, are around 40.
Jack Reacher scans us and then speaks to me.
“Hey, you, Bjorn, son of Yandere, was it?”
“…It’s Bjorn, son of Yandel.”
“Hmm, was it? Anyway, you’re not joining us?”
Why is he asking again when it’s obvious just by looking at us?
I shrug my shoulders as an answer.
But…
“As expected of a barbarian, you’re stupid. You’ll regret it.”
What the fuck? What is this again?
He can just go his own way, why is he doing this at the end?
His psychology is beyond my understanding, but since he started it, I return the favor with some well wishes.
“What are you talking about? You’re about to die anyway. Just shut up and get lost so you can die. That would be more helpful to the world.”
“Wh, what?”
“Do you want to fight me? Then come here. I’ll smash that empty head of yours.”
I grab my mace and step forward, ignoring the hundred explorers behind him, and he turns his head away.
And he leaves, muttering to himself.
“Man, I tried to be nice and give him some advice…”
“It seems like there’s no one else who wants to join, so let’s depart! We don’t have time to waste here!”
Anyway, it was just a small incident.
More than half of the people have disappeared into the darkness.
No, should I say they crawled into the jaws of death on their own?
Anyway, as soon as they leave, Misha clings to me as if she’s been waiting.
“Bjorn, what are we going to do?”
“Why do you keep asking me that?”
“Because… your words have always been right until now. I trust you.”
“I see.”
I appreciate the sentiment, but Misha is wrong.
My choices are not the right answers.
How could a mere human know such a thing?
I simply chose what seemed like the most likely option at the moment the problem arose.
And in that sense…
Thud-
…I walk towards the Dzarwi Clan, who are in the middle of a heated discussion.
‘By now, they must have realized just how fucked they are…’
It’s time to gamble.
The gamble with the highest chance of success, based on various factors and my judgment.
“Stop, barbarian. If you come any closer—”
As I approach, someone from the clan tries to stop me.
Coincidentally, the person who shouted is someone we’re acquainted with.
“O, older brother…”
“Half-breed…? Why are you here…”
It’s a sudden reunion.
There’s no way there will be a touching sibling reunion, so I intervene between the two and ask slyly,
“It’s, it’s been a while.”
“…What? A while?”
Misha’s brother frowns.
Well, we’re not exactly on good terms to be greeting each other like this.
Therefore, while he’s flustered, I immediately get to the point.
“So did the Orc Hero essence drop?”
“Well, fortunately, thanks to—”
So it was luck.
“Wait, how do you know that?”
I grin at Misha’s brother, who is staring at me with a menacing look.
The gamble was successful.
At least half of it.
__________________________________
The vice-leader of the Dzarwi Clan, Iraz McGrane, thinks to himself,
‘We’re fucked.’
27 deaths in total.
It’s 20% of the entire Dzarwi Clan’s strength. He can’t even imagine how long it will take to recover.
‘Well, there’s no guarantee that we’ll return alive either.’
He opens his eyes and observes the faces of his members.
Currently, 23 clan members are alive.
In terms of numbers, it might seem like about half of their force survived, but that’s not the reality.
He asks his adjutant,
“What’s our exact combat strength right now?”
“Three priests, six mages, twelve ranged support types… and two melee warriors.”
The report is delivered in a dejected voice.
Well, that’s to be expected.
“Only two melee warriors…”
It’s a personnel distribution that’s beyond imbalanced.
When the riot broke out, the warriors who couldn’t receive support suffered near-total casualties.
“Still, it’s fortunate. If it weren’t for your decision, we wouldn’t have been able to buy this much time to regroup—”
“That’s something we can only know after we return alive.”
McGrane silently takes a deep breath.
As soon as he judged that it was impossible to suppress the riot, he gave one order. To let Riakis absorb the Dark Orbs.
Thanks to that, they managed to minimize casualties and buy some time.
‘Right, time… we just bought some time.’
“Hey, McGrane, what are you going to do now? You’re not just giving up on everything, are you?”
“I’m thinking.”
“Then you need to think quickly. If you’ve studied the Lord of Chaos Riakis even a little, you’ll know that we don’t have much time left.”
McGrane sighs as he looks at the mage who speaks in a sharp voice.
“May the star that rises at twilight guide us…”
The priests praying and making the sign of the cross are relatively better, but if he gets on their bad side, even if he survives and returns, it won’t end well.
‘Think, how can we return alive with as many people as possible.’
McGrane contemplates and contemplates.
What’s the best course of action in the current situation.
“Vice-leader, the explorers are forming groups. It seems like they’re trying to escape on their own.”
“That’s good news for once. Leave them be.”
“Yes?”
“They’ll at least serve as bait.”
He decides to make use of any positive variables.
He thinks and thinks about the escape route, personnel placement during movement, and the optimal formation.
There’s no answer.
“As you instructed, I’ve familiarized everyone with the movement formations. We can move at any time.”
He’s done the best he can for now…
‘Assuming we’re lucky, at least half of us will die.’
The lack of warriors is too fatal.
With just two, they can’t even clear a path properly, and those two are a swordsman and a spearman.
There are no specialized defensive warriors.
In other words, there are no explorers in the guardian position.
‘To have to clear a path with just these guys when they’re needed more than ever, it’s driving me crazy.’
Just one.
If there were just one explorer in the guardian position…
“Vice-leader, the explorers have left.”
“Make a decision!”
McGrane closes his eyes as he looks at the clan members staring at him.
“There are over 100 of them. If we don’t move while they’re drawing attention—”
“I know.”
There’s no time.
He needs to make a decision quickly.
Just as McGrane is about to open his tightly shut mouth…
A barbarian shouts,
“That’s why I said I’ll clear the way—!!”
As if he knows his worries.
McGrane asks his adjutant as if possessed,
“Hey, who is that guy and why is he acting like that?”
“I heard he’s the companion of Kaltstein’s younger sister. There’s no need for you to worry—”
“I’ll be the judge of that, just answer me.”
The adjutant then replies,
“I don’t know how he knows, but… he’s demanding the Orc Hero’s essence.”
“Orc Hero’s essence?”
“Yes, he says he can clear the way if he has that.”
McGrane activates one of his abilities, [Survival Instinct], and looks at the barbarian again.
And he mutters,
“It’s the first time I’ve seen such a strong light emanating from a person.”
The ability that saved him from countless crises is telling him…
…that it’s worth listening to what he has to say.
------------------------------------
Chapter 69: Barbarian Hero (2)
"They must be struggling right now, not having anyone to clear the path. Hand over the Orc Hero's essence to me. I'll take the lead and open the way."
"Now that I see it, you're just a crazy bastard."
My brother glares at me with a cold expression.
Only then do I realize one thing.
"No one to clear the path? What are you talking about? Can't you see those mages over there?"
Talking to this guy is a waste of time.
As a mere member, he doesn't even have the knowledge to make proper judgments...
And he doesn't fully grasp the current situation.
It's the same for the other members who are watching this situation with interest from a distance.
"Half-breed, come over here. I don't want to bear the shame of leaving my sister behind in a dangerous situation."
"Bjo, Bjorn...?"
I need someone who's easier to talk to.
For example, the higher-up who must have been leading the battle against Riakis.
'That guy should be able to understand.'
However, I don't think he'll bring his superior just because I ask nicely, so...
"Ahem."
I clear my throat first.
And then I shout with all my might, like a barbarian.
"If you don't want to die, invest in me! I'll open the way—!!"
It's a shout that they can't help but hear, even if they don't want to.
After a brief moment, a man comes out.
____________________________________
"Your name?"
"Bjorn, son of Yandel."
"Iraz McGrane, currently holding the position of Vice-Leader of the Dzarwi Clan."
He finishes the introductions in an instant and gets straight to the point.
"Tell me, Bjorn Yandel. Who told you that we defeated the Orc Hero?"
Right, as expected, that comes first.
"I deduced it."
"Deduced it...?"
"Yes."
Of course, I didn't understand it at first either.
Why would a large clan like this come down to control something like the Orc Encampment?
After carefully piecing together the clues, I reached a conclusion.
"If you really came down here just to hunt Orc Great Warriors, you wouldn't have that much strategic supplies."
A large clan?
So they always carry around that many consumables?
Well, no way.
There's a limit to everything, and this is beyond that limit.
"Unless you had another purpose."
5th-grade monster, Orc Hero.
It's a kind of hidden boss that is summoned when you offer 777 Orc Great Warrior magic stones as a sacrifice at the altar in the center of the encampment.
That must have been their goal.
The 'Orc Lord', which appears with a very low probability, is something they can't defeat no matter what they do.
'The reason they had so many supplies was probably to prepare for the possibility of an Orc Lord appearing.'
"But it seems like the Orc Lord didn't appear, huh?"
"Huh, you even know that?"
McGrane lets out a strange exclamation.
However, there are no further questions.
"Alright, then explain to us why we need you."
It's a single sentence that omits the various questions and curiosities he must still have.
There's no time to waste, it seems.
I sense the scent of an efficiency freak from this man, so I also get straight to the point.
"I have the Undying Engraving and the Vampire's essence. For reference, it's the essence from a rift guardian."
"So you can use all three abilities."
Although the fact that a vampire appeared as a rift guardian must be news to him, McGrane just nods once and moves on.
"And?"
"I have the Corpse Golem's essence. It's not well-known, but the Pain Resistance stat is—"
"No need for a long-winded explanation. You're saying you can fight even while drinking potions, right?"
"...That's right."
"So is that all?"
I nod honestly, and he closes his eyes as if to organize his thoughts. As befits someone suspected of being an efficiency freak, it doesn't take long.
"Indeed, that's not bad. No, it's more than excellent compared to those two."
It's a completely different reaction compared to Misha's brother, who looked at me like I was crazy when I said the same thing.
He even reaches a conclusion quickly.
"Alright, I'll invest in you."
"Vice-Leader! That essence was requested by a noble family—!"
Misha's brother shouts something in objection to his decision...
"Enough! We can just say that the essence didn't drop. If we can save even one more person with one essence, it's worth the investment, isn't it?"
He instantly dismisses the objection and continues speaking to me.
"Of course, there's one condition. If you survive and escape from this place, you'll join our clan."
Damn it, no wonder he agreed so easily.
There's no need to think about it.
"I refuse."
Once you join a clan, it's difficult to leave.
It's not impossible, but you'll be branded as a traitor who doesn't know gratitude.
There was even a time when I skipped out on the 'withdrawal fee' in the game and ended up getting ambushed in the labyrinth.
And this is reality, not a game.
"Why? It's a good offer."
"I don't intend to join anyone yet."
Maybe in the future, if I create my own clan...
But there's no need to become a mere member and restrict my future actions.
Well, if my life were on the line, it would be a different story...
'But they're in the same situation, right?'
It's a game of chicken.
And one where the winner is practically decided.
My life is on the line, but they're carrying the lives of 23 people on their shoulders.
"That's unfortunate, you're refusing."
"So what's your decision?"
"Alright, I'll give you the essence."
Maybe he thinks there's no time to waste on a power struggle?
McGrane cleanly lets go of his lingering thoughts. And he sends someone to bring a box.
'This is strangely nerve-wracking.'
I try to calm myself and slowly open the box.
Click-
There are three Orc Heroes that can be summoned with magic stones.
For your information, each one of them is a named monster with a unique name.
In other words, they're higher variants and each possess a troublesome essence. That's why raid-level strategies are essential, even though they're 5th-grade monsters.
And here's the important part...
'Danish? Belta? Tarugas? Which one of the three dropped the essence?'
These guys, whom I usually call the Orc Three Brothers, each drop a different colored essence.
Danish drops a red essence containing [Battle Cry].
Belta drops a blue essence containing [Banner of Struggle].
And Tarugas drops a green essence containing that skill, which is the core of my shield barbarian build.
So which one of the three is it?
"Whew..."
I open the box and check the color of the transparent test tube.
"Green."
My luck continues.
It makes me feel uneasy.
_________________________________________
「The essence of [Orc Hero] seeps into the character’s soul.」
「Strength increased by +70.」
「Agility increased by +35.」
「Fighting Spirit increased by +40.」
「Physical Resistance increased by +20.」
「Bone Density increased by +30…….」
_________________________________________
Changes occur immediately and in multiple ways.
There are no external changes like with Ainar, but…
Clench-
As expected of a physical-type essence, power surges through my body.
The increase in strength is needless to say, and the increase in agility has also made my body feel much lighter.
I’ll be able to move much more nimbly than before, no matter what I do.
And most importantly…
‘Is this because of Fighting Spirit?’
I feel an urge to use this power as soon as possible, which is unlike my usual self.
“First, take off your equipment.”
I suppress the feeling of elation and take off my equipment as instructed.
As I’m doing so, someone speaks to me.
“By the way, how did you know? That we received a request.”
“I didn’t know.”
“…You didn’t know? Then how could you so confidently ask for the essence?”
Well, they wouldn’t have known which of the three essences would drop either, right?
I assumed they would store it in a test tube and decide who to give it to later.
The cost of a test tube isn’t a big burden for them.
“Hmm, that makes sense.”
“Is that all you wanted to ask?”
“That’s all for now. We don’t have time.”
As soon as I put the equipment I took off into my backpack and hand it to Misha, McGrane hands me a bundle of scrolls.
I don’t bother asking what they are.
I just grab them all and tear them apart with a ‘rip!’
「Character has used Physical Defense Enhancement Scroll.」
「Physical Resistance temporarily increased by +10.」
「Character has used High-Grade Endurance Enhancement Scroll.」
「Stamina depletion temporarily reduced.」
「Character has used Energy Regeneration Enhancement Scroll.」
「Stamina regeneration temporarily greatly increased…….」
「…….」
「…….」
Auras of various colors faintly glow on my skin due to the effects of the scrolls.
“Now, drink this too.”
After the scrolls, it’s various potions.
「Character has consumed Strength Enhancement Elixir.」
「Strength temporarily increased by +10.」
「Character has consumed Tears of the Spirit.」
「All elemental resistances temporarily increased by +15.」
「Consumed Basilisk Flask.」
「Pain Resistance temporarily increased by +15…….」
Damn, is this the power of money?
“Honestly, it’s hard to get used to.”
“Hmm, you can’t be like this.”
“…I agree.”
The real doping hasn’t even begun yet.
As McGrane gives a signal, the support-type explorers start casting their abilities.
「Aaron Diflane has cast [Blessing of the Spirit].」
「Character’s Magic Resistance is greatly increased.」
「Aaron Diflane has cast [Flame of Regeneration].」
「Character’s physical regeneration is greatly increased.」
「Tarotes Pian has cast [Coffin of Sacrifice].」
「Character’s threat level is greatly increased, and……」
Every time a new kind of power flows into my body, I feel an indescribable thrill.
It’s like I’ve become an emperor.
But it’s still not enough.
To break through that darkness filled with Riakis’s clones, I need to become more than just an emperor, I need to become a monster.
“Now it’s your turn.”
Misha’s brother approaches as he gestures.
Although he can’t say it in front of the vice-leader, he seems displeased.
Actually, it’s the same for both of us.
“No matter what ability he absorbs, his will be the most helpful.”
“I see.”
To make a rational decision, personal feelings need to be discarded.
Therefore, I bite Misha’s brother’s neck.
“Keugh.”
Hard enough to taste the fishy blood.
「Character has cast [Blood Lord].」
The vampire’s active skill, [Blood Lord].
The effect is simple.
「Temporarily absorbs Tailon Kaltstein’s passive skill [Unholy One].」
When directly sucking blood, you can randomly absorb one of the target’s skills.
“It seems you took that one, judging by the change in your eye color.”
“I know that without you telling me.”
[Unholy One].
It’s a passive skill that reduces the maximum number of essences you can absorb by 1 but increases the performance of all active skills by 1.5 times.
“You’re quite lucky.”
Although I wholeheartedly agree, I wish he wouldn’t say such things. It makes me feel like something equally shitty will happen later.
“Then shall we begin?”
I nod.
And I slowly visualize and activate the skill.
The skill I acquired through the Orc Hero’s essence.
「Character has cast [Gigantification].」
The ground suddenly becomes distant, and the people around me shrink.
「Character’s size increases, and threat level and physical stats increase proportionally.」
It’s Barbarian Hero Mode.
Everyone’s attention is drawn to my majestic form.
“Oh, my…”
“That’s… a monster.”
As a sign of respect, McGrane takes off his cloak and his adjutant’s and hands them to me.
“…It would be best to at least cover yourself with these.”
I agree and quickly take them and wrap them around my waist.
Now I’m ready to go.
“There’s only about 30 minutes left. Can you do it?”
Can I do it?
I barely manage to contain the overflowing power and shout,
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”
Nothing is impossible for me right now.
____________________________________________
「Bjorn Yandel」
Level: 3
Physical: 310 (New +155) / Mental: 104 (New +12) / Ability: 115
Item Level: 683
Total Combat Index: 695.75 (New +167)
Acquired Essences: Corpse Golem - Rank 7 / Vampire (Guardian) - Rank 5 / Orc Hero - Rank 5