C151, 152, 153
Chapter 151: Barbarian Lord (3)
Me, the tank, and Misha, the ice-attribute melee damage dealer.
We need to recruit three more teammates to complete the composition.
'One priest, one mage, and one archer/scout.'
This was the first configuration that came to mind.
Should I call it the fundamental composition of [Dungeon and Stone]?
Since the Vampire essence is gone, the presence of a priest would be a great help to the team.
But...
'Priest is out.'
Actually, it's a bit of a stretch to say 'out'.
I asked Krovitz if he could introduce me to a priest, but he flatly refused.
He said that the team needs at least three members who are 5th-grade or higher, and that we need a certain level of achievement points with the temple...
'The basic recruitment conditions have become stricter than in the game.'
It's a shame, but it's not a critical issue.
Although having a priest greatly increases the team's stability, I also intentionally excluded them because of the drawback of reduced damage.
'I'm starting to get a sense of how to build the team.'
That evening, after learning the shocking truth that Misha was a racist...
I finished organizing my thoughts, got dressed, and went out.
And I went to a bar I remembered.
Clang!
As soon as I opened the door, I saw the Black Bear lady with her impressive physique. When she asked if I was alone, I gave her the bear-like man's name, and she clicked her tongue and pointed to one side.
The 5th-grade explorer, the bear-like man, was wearing an apron and serving drinks and food to the customers.
"Geez, there are no customers, and he keeps calling only his friends."
I ignored the words coming from behind and sat down at an empty table. And when the bear-like man finished serving, I quietly raised my hand to call him.
"Ah, just a moment. I'll be right the… Bjorn Yandel?"
"Let's talk."
The bear-like man looked around cautiously at my words, checking the counter. Wow, I didn't know he was whipped.
Although I was only planning to talk briefly, I ordered two snacks and two drinks. I judged that this would make both of us feel less awkward.
"...Ahem."
The bear-like man brought the drinks and snacks and sat across from me with an awkward expression.
And he said defensively,
"It, it's not always like this. You know? It's just that the shop has been busy lately..."
Although it seemed quite empty for a busy shop, I didn't say anything.
What's so embarrassing about living a domestic life?
The bear-like man then opened his mouth as if to change the subject.
"So you coming here means you left your original team, right?"
"...The team disbanded."
"Judging by your expression, you lost someone."
I didn't confirm or deny.
However, was my silence enough to answer his question?
The bear-like man smiled bitterly and took a gulp of his drink.
"It's a shitty thing."
"Yeah, it was."
I also took a gulp of my drink and then ordered two more. And we started talking in earnest.
"How many members do you have?"
"Just two so far."
"You and that Red Cat woman."
"Yeah. So what's your answer?"
"Alright, I'll join you."
The bear-like man asked several questions after readily agreeing.
What floor we were aiming for, how the loot would be distributed...
And how we would fill the remaining two spots.
I briefly explained the composition I had in mind.
"First, we'll definitely add a mage. And the remaining spot... we'll have to fill it with a scout."
Actually, there was also the option of putting Erwen in the archer position instead of the bear-like man. However, it's uncertain how well she would do since she's only been taking scout lessons for a few months.
And besides, since the bear-like man has a tank summon, he can somewhat compensate for the absence of a priest, which led to my decision.
"We'll hire a scout until we find a Guide. And for the rest, excluding the scout, we'll split the loot equally."
The bear-like man nodded.
And then he asked bluntly,
"If I'm a Guide, can you increase my share?"
"What?"
"I mean it literally."
What the hell is this man talking about?
Is he saying he's a Guide?
If so, I don't understand at all.
"Didn't you say you wandered around the 1st floor for 19 hours?"
"...Did I tell you the time too?"
"The rift opened around 7:00 PM on Day 1."
The bear-like man was wandering around the Crystal Cave at that time.
Because he couldn't find the portal to the 2nd floor.
For a Guide, who can accurately sense the direction of the portal regardless of their location in the labyrinth, to be on the 1st floor until that time?
Considering that Rotmiller's fastest record is 6 hours, it doesn't make sense.
But...
"Ah, that's... the Crystal Cave is a bit complicated, isn't it?"
"Huh?"
"I know where the portals are, but it's always difficult to find my way there."
The bear-like man continued, saying that he only told them the direction, and his other companions were the ones who actually found the way.
I couldn't help but ask,
"...So you're saying you're a Guide, but you have a terrible sense of direction?"
"Ahem! My former companions used to say that. Honestly, it's hard to accept, but..."
What's there to accept?
The portal to the 2nd floor is something that even an ordinary person can find in a day just by following the compass.
'A Guide with a terrible sense of direction...'
Although I wonder if such a thing is even possible, I try not to show it and wrap up the conversation.
"I'll think about the distribution. I need to hear the opinions of the others who will join us."
"That's enough."
"Then the conversation is over."
I have my first companion.
Avman Urikfrit.
A 5th-grade archer with a tank summon, and a Guide with practically zero navigation skills.
"I look forward to working with you, Bjorn, son of Yandel."
Is it just my imagination that I'm already seeing a reincarnation of Team Misfits, just with higher specs?
____________________
We clink glasses to celebrate becoming companions, but...
The lady glares at us.
"Honey, how long are you going to play around?"
"Ho, honey? No, this isn't playing around."
The bear-like man hurriedly gets up and approaches his wife, and they have a conversation I can't hear.
At first, it seems like he's getting scolded...
"Oh my, why didn't you tell me sooner? That he's going to be your companion."
But it seems like they talked things out, as the lady approaches us with a friendly smile.
"Nice to meet you. You have the title of Little Balkan, right? I'm relieved now, seeing how tall and strong you are."
"Th, that's good to hear."
"Yes. Honestly, I didn't like his previous companions. How could they not show their faces even once after being on the same team for over half a year?"
Huh?
"...Previous companions?"
I thought he was soloing?
I subtly look at the bear-like man. He's shaking his head violently, his face pale.
I remember our conversation from the other day.
[You were entering the labyrinth alone even though you have a wife?]
[The shop hasn't been doing well lately. I have to work hard and earn money, don't I?]
Working hard is good, but I can't believe he was lying to his wife and soloing.
It feels like my illusions are shattering, one after another.
I thought he would be a reliable and wise companion, strong as a bear.
But now that I see it, he's just a guy who lives for today.
"Anyway, consider today's drinks on me. And although he's lacking, please take care of my husband."
I leave the bar as if running away, not wanting to get caught in the middle of their family matters. And as soon as I arrive at the inn...
"Oh, mister. Have you been drinking?"
Erwen is sitting in the lobby on the 1st floor, waiting for me with a drink. I thought she might have come to finish our conversation from the other day, but...
"I'm sorry!"
Erwen apologizes before I can even say anything.
"Sorry? What do you mean?"
"I didn't know that something like that happened to your companion..."
"How did you know?"
"Mister's expression looked so bad that I asked your other companion."
When I ask who she's talking about, she answers that it was the dwarf. It seems like he told her everything without suspicion after I said he was my former companion...
But fortunately, he didn't mention anything about the oracle or the Dragonslayer.
"You must have been in pain, right? I know how it feels to lose something."
Erwen sniffles and touches my hand.
I feel incredibly embarrassed. It's like being comforted by a three-year-old.
And it's also belated.
I've already come to terms with it.
"...Let's not talk about that. Anyway, it's good that you came. I had something to tell you."
"Something to tell me? Uh, but we still have things to talk about..."
"Things to talk about?"
"...Never mind. So what did you want to say?"
I sit down across from Erwen.
And I ask directly,
"I'm forming a new team, are you interested in joining?"
I wasn't originally planning to include Erwen.
Of course, it's not because of Misha's request.
It's just that after much deliberation, I decided on the bear-like man for the archer position, and there were no spots left.
However, the situation changed when I found out that the bear-like man is a Guide.
The scout position I was going to fill became vacant.
'Her combat power is lacking right now, but if I raise her well, she'll definitely be able to pull her weight.'
The fact that she's taking scout lessons from her sister is a huge plus.
It would be perfect if she could navigate with the bear-like man.
"I..."
Erwen struggles to answer after a long silence.
"I'm really happy that you offered. So please don't misunderstand."
Hmm, so it's a refusal.
"Is it because of your sister?"
"No, it's because of me. I still have a lot to learn from my sister."
It's an unexpected answer.
Well, it's not that I don't understand.
Indeed, it's better for her growth to stick with her sister for now. She's only been taking scout lessons for a few months, and I can't teach her things like spirit magic.
"I see. Alright."
"I... you're not angry, right? Are you?"
"Of course not. It's a good decision. You've become a real explorer now."
"Ah, it's been a while since I received a compliment..."
Erwen, who was staring blankly into space for a moment, clears her throat and regains her composure.
And she speaks with a determined voice,
"Please wait six months. Just six months, and I'll have learned everything I can from my sister and join your team."
Uh, thanks for the thought, but...
This makes it seem like I sent her as an industrial spy.
I can almost hear her sister's heart breaking.
_____________________
The next morning.
I head to the sanctuary as soon as I wake up, without even washing up.
It's a rational decision that there's no need to wash up when I'm going to a place swarming with barbarians.
'It feels like I'm back home.'
Although I'm not actually a barbarian, I feel a sense of comfort when I see the green forest of this place. There was a time when I was uncomfortable because I was afraid of the chieftain, but at least that's not the case now.
Is that why?
'Damn it.'
The oracle suddenly comes to mind, and my heart feels heavy.
My intuition, honed by misfortune, is telling me...
...that a secret known by over ten people won't be kept forever.
'Even if I finish the 6th stage today, it will take years to reach the 9th stage...'
Unlike the other races who abandoned outdated traditions, barbarians are ridiculously stubborn.
If it gets out that I received an oracle from the Goddess of Stars, not the ancestor god, the chieftain will try to ostracize me, even if I'm a super rookie.
'I'll think about that later...'
I walk through the forest and head towards the center of the sanctuary.
And I see young warriors gathered in an empty clearing. Small warriors who are honing their martial arts, waiting for the day of their coming-of-age ceremony.
It's a sight I always see when I come here, but...
'Is that, Karon...?'
I see a familiar barbarian face among the young warriors.
Karon, son of Tarson.
Once a naive baby barbarian, he has now embraced the darkness of the world and become a fine warrior.
He's standing in front of the young barbarians.
As if he's a training instructor.
"Everyone, repeat after me. Humans are?"
"Enemies!"
"Our hearts?"
"We must protect them!"
Although it's a forceful, indoctrination-style education, even this much will greatly increase their survival rate.
I watch them with a proud smile.
Until I realize one thing.
'But what's that?'
The appearance of Karon, son of Tarson, and a few senior barbarians who seem to be following him, is strange.
They're carrying three or four backpacks each.
I wonder if it's some kind of fashion trend among barbarians, but...
"Instructor! What are those bags?"
One of the young warriors raises his hand and asks, as if it looks strange to him too.
Karon answers with a smile, as if he's been waiting for this.
"Good question, young warrior! This is Robert, this is John, and this is Aiden..."
Karon points to the backpacks he's carrying on his left, right, front, and back, and calls out their names.
"Hahaha! They sound like people's names!"
A baby barbarian giggles.
But...
"Because they are people's names."
Karon is no longer smiling.
"...Wh, what do you mean?"
Karon explains in great detail how he obtained those backpacks to the shocked baby barbarians.
And then he continues his mental education.
"Everyone, repeat after me. Humans are?"
"Enemies!!!!!"
"Our hearts?"
"We must protect them!!!!"
"Bjorn, son of Yandel, is?"
"A great warrior!!!!!"
I'm speechless as I watch them.
"......"
...What the hell have I done?
------------------------------------------------
Chapter 152: Barbarian Lord (4)
Ah, uh, hmm...
I snap out of it, staring blankly at the scene of frenzied brainwashing, and enter the village.
Actually, it's a bit of a stretch to even call it a village.
The barbarian sanctuary is closer to a campsite.
Tents are pitched haphazardly, with no distinction between mine and yours.
I pass through them and head straight towards the shaman's tent. I don't need to go through the chieftain to meet him, now that I know where he is.
'What the, no one's here?'
I peek into the shaman's tent, and it's empty.
In the end, I have no choice but to go to the chieftain's tent.
But what's this?
There's no one in the chieftain's tent either. It's a place where the elders usually take turns staying even if the chieftain isn't around.
'What's going on?'
As I'm standing there, an elder I've seen a few times spots me.
"Bjorn, son of Yandel? Are you here for the funeral too?"
I don't need to ask whose funeral it is.
It's been exactly six months since Ainar confined herself to the sanctuary.
"...So that day has come."
"It's an honorable thing to be able to leave something behind for future generations."
I ask for the location of the funeral and then head straight there.
A gloomy forest, eerily quiet.
After walking for about 30 minutes, I see barbarians gathered deep inside, with solemn expressions.
The shaman, the chieftain, and even the elders I'm acquainted with are present. Well, someone else catches my eye first, though.
"Ainar."
Ainar is standing precariously.
Staring blankly at her master's body, leaning against a thick tree.
"...Bjorn?"
Ainar's eyes are vacant as she calls my name.
She bites her lip as I approach.
"If I had known it would be like this, I wouldn't have done it."
Right, she didn't know.
I thought they would have told her.
"...Bjorn, did you know?"
"Yes."
The training Ainar has been doing for six months is called 'tempering' among barbarians.
It's the process of strengthening the body and creating a vessel.
In the game, completing 'tempering' greatly increased physical stats and qualified you to receive 'Soul Inheritance'.
Of course, it could also end with just 'tempering'...
"I heard that elder was suffering from a chronic illness."
I had heard that the elder who chose Ainar as his successor didn't have much time left, so I was also considering this situation.
It seems like this is also news to her.
"That... I didn't know!"
"That elder must have cared for you a lot."
Soul Inheritance.
It's one of the unique rituals that only barbarians can perform, along with Spirit Engraving. Through this ritual, barbarians can pass on one of their essences to their successor.
For reference, you can only receive it once...
...and the one who passes it on inevitably dies.
"...Why didn't anyone tell me? If I had known it would be like this, I would have stopped immediately."
Ainar mutters in lament.
Her voice is filled with deep regret and self-blame.
The chieftain, who was watching silently, then speaks.
"Kiduba was a coward."
"Don't insult him! Kiduba was a fearless warrior!"
"Then I guess you were the coward. The reason why Kiduba couldn't tell you about Soul Inheritance."
"I'm not a coward—!"
The chieftain cuts off Ainar, who's about to explode.
"Then stop whining. If you want to prove that you're not a coward, don't insult his death any further and just watch. Warrior."
"......"
"There's no one in the world who doesn't feel pain. But overcome it and face it. That's the way of a warrior."
The funeral continues in silence.
The shaman approaches the body leaning against the tree and smears blood on its face, then shakes a rattle. And he sprinkles a solution around the body to prevent insects from eating it.
The barbarians silently watch the process, and after some time, the shaman announces the end of the funeral.
"The soul of Kiduba, the third son of Toharu, has left his body and settled in the forest."
The body left in the forest will rot and become bones, and when that happens, even the bones will be crushed and scattered in the forest by the shaman's hands.
The warriors take turns standing in front of the body, cutting their hair or making a cut on their hand to sprinkle blood around the body before leaving.
It doesn't take long.
"......"
Now only Ainar and I are left.
I approach the body first, cut my hair with a knife, and scatter it around.
"It's your turn."
Ainar doesn't answer.
But instead of urging her further, I just leave. She needs time to process this unexpected farewell.
________________________
“Kekeke, I knew you would come, warrior.”
I enter the shaman’s tent as soon as I leave the forest.
“Did you bring the material?”
“Yes.”
“Let me see it.”
I take out the ‘Heart of Immortality’ that I’ve been carefully keeping in my backpack, as instructed by the shaman. The troll’s heart is placed on a cloth inside a box, beating faintly.
“Did you obtain it yourself?”
“No, I bought it from the exchange.”
“How much did you pay?”
I don’t know why he’s curious, but I tell him, and the shaman chuckles.
“What a strange guy. You were truly born with luck, warrior.”
Although most of my conversations with the shaman are like this, I feel strangely offended today.
Is that why?
I can’t help but retort.
“Don’t talk about luck when you don’t know anything.”
The shaman just smirks at my words.
“Hmm, you returned with all your limbs intact, so it’s not your fault… You lost something, didn’t you?”
“I don’t want to answer.”
“Right, that’s not bad either.”
“…….”
“Warrior, the more you lose precious things, the stronger you’ll become.”
I just keep my mouth shut, although it sounds like a curse. I feel like I’m getting sucked in the more I talk to this old man.
“Enough, can I receive the Spirit Engraving today?”
“Of course.”
The shaman readily nods at my question.
I thought he might be tired from performing the funeral…
Clink.
I put the 1 million stones the shaman asked for as a material fee into the jar and lie down on the ground.
I’ve finally reached the sixth engraving of the Undying path.
“There are three paths again this time.”
After listening to a brief explanation, I choose one.
There’s no room for hesitation.
In the first place, I invested most of my assets in engravings from the beginning just for this.
“I choose the Soul of Armaments.”
“Kuku, you can’t change it later even if you ask.”
The shaman then starts stabbing my body with needles. A sharp pain soon engulfs me.
But it’s more bearable than before.
It’s a mental reason, unrelated to the intensity of the pain.
I know that an enormous reward awaits me after this.
「Ability stat increased by +60.」
It’s a stat with the highest acquisition difficulty.
My MP regeneration rate has increased significantly.
In short, it means I can use [Gigantification] more often and for longer periods.
Well, it’s nothing compared to the main dish.
「The Soul of Armaments is imbued into your body.」
「Equipment performance is enhanced in proportion to the character’s stats due to the unique effect [Unification].」
[Unification].
It’s a passive skill that’s always active, unlike the active skill [Wild Release].
It’s already a powerful skill on its own, but…
…there’s a hidden element to this skill.
Because of its concept of becoming one with your equipment, your equipment doesn’t break even when you use [Gigantification].
In other words, I no longer have to take off my equipment.
No, on top of that, I can now smash enemies with a giant mace and shield!
“Keuhhhh, Behel, laaaa…”
The shaman mutters as he sees me groaning and laughing amidst the remaining pain,
“Kekeke, as expected, he’s not sane.”
I ignore his evaluation, as befits a barbarian.
_____________________
「Bjorn Yandel」
Level: 4
Physical: 555 (New +225) / Mental: 198 (New +44) / Ability: 188 (New +60)
Item Level: 98 (New -770)
Total Combat Index: 965.5 (New +23.5)
Acquired Essences: Corpse Golem - Rank 7 / Orc Hero - Rank 5 / Ogre - Rank 3 (New)
_____________________
How much time has passed since the sixth engraving was completed?
It’s still bright outside the tent.
I gulp down the water from the kettle on the table and ask,
“Don’t tell me a day has passed?”
“Kuku, are you going to whine about it being hard?”
Geez, he could have just said ‘yes’.
I still don’t understand his way of speaking, but I don’t bother arguing.
Well, to be precise, I don’t have the energy.
Just as I’m getting up and packing my backpack…
“Warrior.”
The shaman, who usually tells me to leave because he’s tired around this time, calls out to me.
And he drops a bombshell I didn’t expect at all.
“How did you end up receiving an oracle from the human god?”
My heart skips a beat, but…
…I let out a long sigh.
There’s no point in denying it since he’s clearly asking while knowing everything.
“Who told you? No, how many people even know about it?”
“Don’t you know, with that ring you’re wearing so deeply intertwined with your fate? Kuku, don’t worry. No one else will notice.”
The shaman scoffs as if my eyes are useless since he’s blind.
I realize that he seems strangely happy.
I ask cautiously,
“Are you going to tell the chieftain?”
“Why would I?”
Uh, well, if you say that, there’s nothing I can say…
“It’s just an outdated tradition. Just like what I did in the forest yesterday. We left our homeland and became a part of this city thousands of years ago. We learned that gods exist and learned about civilization in the true sense.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“We rely on and follow the spirits of our ancestors, but why should we deny and hate a being that actually exists and benefits our lives? It’s nothing but foolish stubbornness. Even if we’re called barbarians, there’s nothing we can say.”
The shaman hasn’t changed.
Especially in the sense that he always speaks in a way that’s hard to understand. Of course, I can’t say anything that would offend him now that he has me by the balls.
“…So what do you think the chieftain will do?”
“If he finds out that you received an oracle?”
The shaman chuckles and answers,
“Why are you asking something you already know? That maniac will immediately brand you as a traitor and kick you out. Kick! He might even chop off your head and burn it.”
…As expected.
Damn it, is there really no other choice but to live in fear until I finish the Spirit Engraving?
Just as I’m clicking my tongue in dismay, the shaman continues,
“Warrior, you’re worrying about useless things.”
“Useless things?”
“Beastmen, dwarves, fairies… they all abandoned their old traditions a long time ago. Why do you think that is?”
There’s no need to think deeply about it.
It’s the same as the history of Earth.
Reform.
When new ideas and concepts are needed, there are always those who want to leave the old ways behind.
Future generations call them heroes.
‘This crazy old man…’
I finally realize…
…what the shaman is trying to say.
“Are you worried about being kicked out, warrior? Then the answer to your problem is simple.”
The shaman is also a barbarian, after all.
Or else, he wouldn’t even dare to think of a solution like this.
If there’s a problem…
…you smash it and eliminate it.
So in other words…
“You just have to become the chieftain.”
Before being kicked out, you take over the barbarian tribe.
“What do you think? Isn’t this a much more warrior-like path?”
I don’t know about it being a warrior-like path…
…but I can’t help but grin.
A barbarian who hasn’t even been an explorer for a year.
And one who’s actually an evil spirit.
But to tell me to become the Barbarian Lord and change the tribe as I see fit…
“You’re saying interesting things, shaman.”
It’s a proposal that’s quite tempting.
Especially since it’s somewhat rational.
Chapter 153: Barbarian Lord (5)
There are three main advantages to becoming the chieftain.
First, I wouldn’t have to hide the fact that I received an oracle.
And I would be able to change the barbarian’s irrational system, which has been declining for decades, as I see fit…
‘And I would be able to use the barbarian’s Genesis Artifact as I please when I retrieve it.’
For reference, it’s not because I’m the chieftain that it’s okay.
It’s just a matter of changing the tribe’s rules beforehand.
Although barbarians are a conservative tribe that values tradition, they’ve been gradually progressing thanks to a few chieftains.
Using honorifics and showing respect only to the King.
Acknowledging the existence of evil spirits and sending corpses to the Grand Temple.
Even the fact that warriors living in the city, not the sanctuary, has become commonplace is a recent development compared to their long history.
Has it been about 600 years?
‘In the past, they even prohibited removing essences at the temple at the tribal level.’
Honestly, it’s absurd that they’ve only changed this much in thousands of years…
But it’s more accurate to say that no one suitable has appeared yet than that the chieftain doesn’t have the authority.
The chieftain has absolute power over the tribe’s affairs, and warriors tend to trust and follow his words.
Because they think the chieftain is smarter than them.
Well, there will inevitably be opposition when reforms begin, but that’s something that can be gradually changed over time.
‘Not bad.’
Although the shaman’s words sound absurd at first…
…the more I think about it, the more it seems like a very rational option.
The problem is that it would take at least a few years to become the chieftain through normal means.
‘They say the current chieftain was an 8th-floor explorer.’
I don’t know exactly what rank he was.
But it’s clear that it would take a long time to reach his level in terms of strength.
However…
‘I don’t necessarily have to reach the 8th floor.’
I think the cutoff line would be around the 6th floor.
Not all previous chieftains were as strong as the current one. Even if their strength was lacking, they could still be elected as chieftain if they had good leadership and judgment.
‘I need to start building a support base from now on. Even if I don’t become the chieftain, having influence within the tribe will definitely be helpful.’
Just as I’m finishing organizing my thoughts…
“Warrior, you seem to have a lot on your mind. Leave now, I’m hungry.”
“Ah, uh… alright. Enjoy your meal.”
Geez, he was the one who ignited the fire in my heart.
Rumble, rumble.
And I’m hungry too…
_______________________
Around 9:00 AM.
I leave the shaman’s tent and check the time, smiling bitterly.
‘Somehow, it feels like I waste a whole day every time I come here.’
Still, since I completely passed out and woke up, my body feels more refreshed than when I woke up at night.
It’s enough to just start my day.
In that sense, I grab a passing elder and ask,
“Do you happen to know where Ainar is?”
“I haven’t seen her since yesterday in the Warrior’s Forest.”
Hmm, don’t tell me she’s still there?
I’m a bit worried, so I head towards the forest where the funeral was held yesterday.
And after some time…
…I see Ainar lying in the bushes.
“Chomp! Bjo, Bjorn?”
“Did you sleep here?”
“I, I didn’t mean to…”
Ainar averts her gaze, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand as if embarrassed that she was sleeping.
Unfortunately, her gaze lands on Kiduba.
“Ah…”
Ainar lets out a short sigh as if waking up from a dream and facing reality. And after a moment of silence, she speaks cautiously,
“Um, Bjorn…”
“Speak.”
“Do you have anything to eat?”
Right, that’s more like a barbarian.
I chuckle and put down my backpack.
And we share the preserved food I brought from the labyrinth.
“Are you feeling better now?”
“I’m still a bit annoyed, but I feel much better.”
“Annoyed?”
“You deceived me. If you had told me honestly, I wouldn’t have shown such an unsightly side of myself. Kiduba practically made me look like a coward in front of everyone.”
Ainar snorts angrily, as if she’s truly annoyed.
It’s a bit strange.
That she’s already overcome her grief and reached this stage in just one day.
“More importantly, Bjorn, did something happen to you?”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s just a feeling. Your expression seems darker than when I last saw you. If it’s because of me, you don’t have to feel that way.”
My expression is dark…
“…Don’t worry, it’s not because of you.”
“Then who is it because of?”
“That’s…”
I consider making an excuse, but I stop.
“It’s probably because a companion died.”
“…So that happened. Is it okay if I ask what happened?”
I briefly explain what happened during this expedition. Unlike usual, Ainar listens quietly without any exclamations.
And when I’m done…
“Liol Wobu Dwarkey…”
Ainar quietly repeats the name as if trying to memorize it, then lets out a short sigh of regret.
“I wish I had met him…”
Ainar and Dwarkey…
It’s hard to imagine them together, but Dwarkey was even best friends with the dwarf.
I suddenly have the thought that they might have gotten along well.
Well, it’s meaningless now.
“More importantly, Bjorn, how about we spar?”
Ainar suddenly gets up and makes an unexpected suggestion.
“I’m curious if I’ve become a warrior who won’t hold you back.”
“You mean you want to join my team?”
“If you think I’m qualified.”
Is this what they call being a barbarian?
I’m quite impressed by her straightforwardness, not even trying to appeal to our friendship.
But I have to separate business from personal matters.
“Ainar, there’s only one spot left besides the mage position. And I was planning to put a mage in that spot.”
“Speak plainly.”
“It means give it your all.”
I grin and repeat myself, and Ainar answers,
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”
A greatsword, which has appeared in her hand, is already swinging towards my neck.
____________________
Tank, melee damage dealer, ranged damage dealer, mage.
The essential positions are already filled.
However, thanks to the bear-like man being a Guide, the scout position is vacant.
It’s a bonus spot.
The class I put in that spot will determine the identity of the team I’m building.
Two mages for burst damage, two ranged damage dealers for sustained damage…
…or two melee damage dealers for stability and hunting speed.
After much deliberation, I’ve settled on the two-mage composition.
But…
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”
…as soon as the spar with Ainar begins, my worries grow.
‘…She’s definitely become much stronger.’
Six months of swordsmanship training.
Stat increases from 'tempering'.
And the 4th-grade essence she inherited from the elder.
'I can't believe she inherited that essence. She's also quite lucky.'
In terms of strength alone, she's not much different from Misha, and considering that she only has two essences, her potential is significant.
But there's only one thing that bothers me.
'This makes the team too melee-focused...'
I can also deal damage thanks to the Ogre essence.
In other words, if Ainar joins, we'll have three melee damage dealers.
"Stop, let's end it here."
"...I can still go on!"
"I know. But it seems pointless to continue."
"...Am I not qualified?"
I shake my head firmly.
"That's not it."
She drew blood from me, even though I'm in [Gigantification] state and not wearing any armor, so she passes without a doubt.
"Th, then can I follow you on the next expedition?!"
"Can you give me some time to think?"
"Ah! Okay! Th, that's only natural. Will 1 minute be enough?"
"...1 minute is too short, let's make it 3 minutes."
"I can wait that long!! As you know, I'm quite patient!"
I ignore the strength she subtly appealed to and close my eyes.
I don't need much time since I've already made a decision.
I just want to double-check.
I open my eyes and look at Ainar.
Although I don't have the acceptance necklace in my hand...
"I look forward to working with you."
"Wa, wait. Does that mean..."
"It's as you think."
Ainar, the second daughter of Frenelin.
You pass.
__________________
The reason I accepted Ainar is simple.
It's not because I remembered the fun times we had smashing Death Fiends...
...but I made my decision after considering the future.
'We'll have to operate at least two teams from the 6th floor onwards.'
From the 6th floor onwards, a small clan structure is more ideal than a single team. The scale of the monsters and the exploration methods are a bit too much for a five-person team to handle.
I judged that it would be more rational to send either Misha or Ainar to another team when the time comes.
Her growth potential is certain.
"Ainar, have you received your engraving yet?"
"Not yet. As you know, I don't have the money..."
"I see. Good job."
I'll tell her about the path in detail later...
I end the conversation here.
Ainar heads to the elder's tent to pack her things, and I wait outside and organize my thoughts.
'Now just one mage...'
Actually, this is the biggest obstacle to forming a team.
Mages are all so arrogant.
And if they're not arrogant, there's a high chance they're not a proper mage.
'Phew, just thinking about searching makes me sigh.'
I'm glad I didn't go with the two-mage composition.
Raven and Ragna.
Although I know two mages, it wouldn't be strange if they both refused my offer.
As I'm thinking about how to persuade them while looking around the sanctuary...
...a barbarian spots me and calls out loudly.
"Bjorn, son of Yandel!!"
"Karon, son of Tarson?"
"It's good to see you! But what brings you here?!"
When I tell him I'm here on business, Karon says it's a good thing and asks if I can say a few words to the young warriors.
I hesitate for a moment and then agree.
I'm seriously considering becoming the chieftain. I can't miss the opportunity to build a support base.
And it seems like it will take some time for Ainar to be ready.
"Really! The young warriors will be thrilled!"
I follow Karon to an open space.
Dozens of young warriors are already gathered, and as soon as I reveal my name, enthusiastic cheers erupt.
"Bjorn, son of Yandel!"
"Great warrior!"
"Waaaaaaaaaa!!"
I feel a strange sense of exhilaration, even though I know it's because of Karon's brainwashing.
As expected, I'm also a man.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
I shout because I feel like it.
And the baby barbarians follow suit.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
It's a kind of exhilaration I haven't felt since Ainar left the team.
Yeah, this is it.
I try to hide my smug smile and start playing the role of a guest lecturer.
It's not that difficult.
First, I have them fight each other like barbarians...
...and then I go around and offer unlimited tips on how to smash their enemies' heads.
And I fill in the gaps in Karon's education.
"If you have money, buy a video recording device first. It will be helpful if you're falsely accused of being a marauder."
I had no intention of stopping the money-making bug that Karon created.
Although it's a bit excessive, even in my opinion...
They're marauders, after all.
It would be beneficial to the world if they died.
"Alright, everyone, repeat after me. A good marauder is?"
"A dead marauder!!!"
"The Explorer's Guild?"
"We don't trust them!!"
"When you meet a Hans in the labyrinth?"
"Run away! Get lost! If you don't want to die!"
That's when, as I'm diligently instilling the things barbarian explorers need to know...
...I suddenly feel a chill down my spine.
'...Killing intent?'
I stop the lesson and turn around.
And I see a familiar barbarian face standing right behind me, like a ghost.
A large scar on his face.
A long braided beard.
And the unique smell of sweat as if he hasn't washed in days.
"Bjorn, son of Yandel."
It's the chieftain.
"So it was all your doing, all those calls from the guild recently?"
I subtly glance at Karon.
Karon, who said the chieftain would never visit during training time, is already pale and moving away from me.
"Explain yourself. Before I misunderstand you."
Ah, uh, hmm...
Damn it.