C43, 44, 45
Chapter 43: The Mage and the Barbarian (3)
“Oh! Bjorn, son of Yandel!”
I leave the Magic Tower and head straight for the barbarian-exclusive inn.
Is it because it’s the second month now?
More than half of the familiar faces are gone, and their places are filled with new barbarians.
I hear it’s an unspoken tradition to leave this place and make room for others as soon as you start earning money…
‘Among those I don’t see, there must be many who died this time.’
This is probably the fate of being born a barbarian.
Unlike fairies, who have a strong support system from above, once you leave for the city, you have to manage on your own.
“Is Ainar inside?”
“Ainar left for the sanctuary as soon as morning came!”
Tsk, I had a feeling that would be the case.
I came straight here because she hadn’t shown her face for two days after leaving the labyrinth, but it was a wasted trip in the end.
“Ah, did you hear the news?”
“What news?”
“About the barbarian of freedom! The whole city is in an uproar because of him, didn’t you know?”
I flinch instinctively.
“…I, I had no idea. Do you happen to know his name?”
“Who knows? Strangely, that’s the only thing that hasn’t been revealed!”
At least the guild seems to have kept my name anonymous.
“Anyway, to have someone like that among our tribe, I’m so proud! He single-handedly defeated hundreds of people and cleared his name that the guild bastards had falsely accused him of, isn’t that amazing?”
“…He defeated hundreds of people?”
I swear, that never happened.
All I did was hold the regional manager’s daughter hostage and whine.
But the rumors have already been exaggerated like this?
I’m worried about what will happen later, but…
‘…It’ll probably die down soon. The guild guys aren’t idiots.’
“I’ll come back tomorrow morning, so could you tell Ainar that when she returns?”
“Sure!”
I turn around and head towards the inn I used to stay at.
But what’s this situation?
“Yo, you’re…! I, I thought you were dead?”
The innkeeper is startled as if he’s seen a ghost.
It’s not exactly a wrong analogy.
Without having to ask in detail, I learn that he cleared out my room because he thought I was dead.
“What did you do with my belongings that were inside?”
“I cleared everything out…”
“But I paid in advance for three days, didn’t I?”
As irritation creeps into my voice, the innkeeper’s face starts to turn pale.
‘I can’t just beat him up—’
Wait a minute.
Since when did I start thinking like this so naturally?
I flinch at the belated sense of incongruity.
‘…Maybe it was from the first day.’
Actually, when I think about it, everything has been a bit strange.
My mind was calm even though a man’s head flew off as soon as I opened my eyes.
It was the same when I first killed someone in the labyrinth.
I thought it was something I had to do, but it was too easy.
It wasn’t even a gradual change.
From the day I woke up in this body, I’ve been violent and simple-minded like the barbarians.
‘That’s the same even today.’
Causing a prison break?
Of course, I came to the same conclusion after much deliberation, but there was an uncanny lack of hesitation.
And at the Magic Tower, I argued with the old man.
Getting worked up just because I heard something I didn’t like?
Lee Hansu, the 29-year-old office worker, would never have done that.
He wasn’t timid, but he wasn’t bold either. He was a suspicious person who observed things for a long time before taking action.
‘But what about now?’
Until now, I thought it was just a change brought about by being in a special environment.
But the sense of incongruity is growing.
‘It’s clear.’
I’ve come to a realization.
Just like how the instincts engraved in this unrefined body come out naturally every time I fight…
My mind has also changed.
No, rather than change, it’s more accurate to say assimilation.
“Pl, please forgive me! Please stop glaring!”
I sigh after finishing my thoughts.
I’ve changed.
It’s strange that I’m only realizing it now, but that much is certain.
But what am I supposed to do about it?
‘To survive here, this is actually better.’
I decide to think of it as positively as possible.
Well, I’ll just have to be a bit more careful in managing the barbarian instincts.
“…Just give me 30,000 stones and I’ll let it go.”
Although the innkeeper’s behavior is quite resentful, I decide to just receive appropriate compensation and call it a day.
The most expensive item among the lost belongings is the clothes I bought for 2,500 stones…
I’d rather rest than argue.
“30,000 stones! Just for selling a few measly belongings—”
“Didn’t you say you threw everything away?”
“…….”
“Anyway, if you’re not going to pay, just say so. I’ll tell everyone here what I went through.”
“…How about I let you use our inn for that amount instead?”
“No.”
I have no intention of using this shitty inn in the future.
Stealing a dead explorer’s belongings is one thing, but it’s basic business ethics to at least wait until the promised date.
“Phew, please keep your promise not to tell anyone.”
“Of course.”
After receiving an additional 30,000 stones in income, I head to an inn I had my eye on before.
The average meal cost and the cost per night are about twice as expensive…
But it’s worth it.
‘Now it feels like I’m living like a human being.’
First of all, the room is 1.5 times larger than before.
There are windows, and there’s even a private bathtub in the bathroom.
And it’s much closer to the Dimensional Plaza.
I scrub my body clean for about an hour, washing away the grime accumulated in the labyrinth, and then throw myself onto the bed.
It’s soft.
I seriously think that maybe this is the kind of brief happiness that people live for.
But is that why?
Suddenly, everything I’ve experienced, from the labyrinth to what happened after returning to the city, unfolds in my mind like a panorama.
“Damn it.”
Why is it so hard to just get a good night’s sleep?
________________________________________
The next morning, as soon as the sun rises, I enter a random clothing store and buy some everyday clothes.
And then I head to the barbarian-exclusive inn.
“Bjorn!! Where have you been?!”
“I had some things to do. Sorry for making you worry.”
“Worry? What are you talking about! There’s no way I would do that! Bjorn would come back alive even if thrown into hell!”
So that’s how you see me.
Well, I also prefer this over some half-assed melodrama.
Since we’re both hungry, we head to a nearby restaurant.
“Ah, did you hear about that?”
Ainar starts with a question as soon as we sit down and order.
I had a feeling she would, so I’m not too surprised this time.
“Ah, you mean the barbarian of freedom?”
“Huh? Barbarian of freedom? What are you talking about?”
Oh, that’s not what you were going to ask?
“…It’s nothing. So what were you going to say?”
“Ah!”
Returning to her original topic, Ainar leans in and lowers her voice.
“I heard this from the elder… someone stole a Genesis Treasure!”
“A Genesis Treasure?”
I’m genuinely shocked.
Genesis Treasures refer to six treasures.
For reference, in the game, the six races – dwarves, barbarians, fairies, beastmen, dragonkin, and humans – each kept one.
And the problem is…
‘Without them, you can’t enter the last floor!’
Genesis Treasures are key items in [Dungeon and Stone].
To open the ‘Gate of the Abyss’… well, honestly, I don’t even know if such a thing exists anymore, but you need to gather all six Genesis Treasures.
But one of them is gone?
“Who would have the guts to do such a thing?”
“I don’t know either. But they say it was stolen on the day we had our coming-of-age ceremony. The elder said that the other races might be in a similar situation.”
“…I see.”
It feels like someone hit me on the back of the head with a hammer and ran away, but I don’t show it and finish my meal.
‘Damn, does that mean I have to live here forever?’
In a way, the most hopeful option I had has just disappeared.
But in the first place, it would take at least several years for the Genesis Treasures to become relevant to me.
‘…It’s not something I should be thinking about when I haven’t even reached the 3rd floor yet.’
In the end, what I need to do remains the same.
Become strong enough to have as many options as possible when the time for choices comes.
And who knows?
Maybe the thief who stole the Genesis Treasure will be caught soon.
“By the way, Ainar, are you free today?”
“Yes, I’m not going to the sanctuary today.”
“That’s good.”
After a quick meal, we head to the commercial district.
“So this is Commelby! This is my first time coming here! There are so many people!”
Commelby.
That’s what they call the 2nd to 5th districts that surround the 1st district, the Imperial City of Karnon, in a ring shape.
Many people simply call it the free market.
It’s the most commercially active place in the city. Lafdonia’s middle class resides here, and many artisans and shops are concentrated in this area.
The place I visited with Erwen the other day was also here.
‘I wonder how she’s doing?’
I suddenly remember Erwen.
When we met, she always came to the inn where I was staying.
But now that I’ve moved out of that inn…
It’s become quite difficult to meet again.
I don’t even remember exactly where the fairy-exclusive accommodation is.
‘Well, I could find it if I tried…’
But I don’t think it’s necessary.
As long as her sister is alive and well, she won’t be entering the labyrinth with me anyway.
‘If we’re meant to meet again, we will.’
Honestly, after experiencing so much lately, my memories of Erwen have also become quite faint.
It wasn’t that deep of a relationship in the first place.
“Oh! Bjorn, look over there! People are eating clouds skewered on sticks!”
What? There’s cotton candy?
I buy one out of curiosity, take a bite, and then give the rest to Ainar.
For your information, it really is cotton candy.
“I, I can’t believe it! Are humans all geniuses? To create such food!”
“Stop admiring it and follow me.”
“Do, don’t leave me behind! I can’t get back home alone!”
I speed up, and we soon arrive at our destination.
It’s the same weapon shop where I sold the equipment before.
I sell all the equipment, including the ones that were the cause of my imprisonment, and even my own equipment that has turned into scrap metal.
The total comes to about 800,000 stones.
I haven’t sold ‘that thing’ I got right before leaving the rift yet, but…
‘I can estimate it at around 500,000 stones.’
“Ainar, here’s your share.”
“I, I, is it okay to give me this much? I even absorbed an essence thanks to you…”
“Don’t refuse and take it. It’s what you deserve.”
For reference, the ratio is 8:2, as promised.
Still, she probably earned the most among our group of barbarians.
“I promised you, didn’t I? That I’d help you earn a lot of money if you followed me.”
“But 300,000 stones! Isn’t that too much! How many of those cloud snacks could I buy with this!”
It seems cotton candy has also become Ainar’s new unit of currency.
“Anyway, I’m getting hungry.”
Is it because of the ‘Appetite +9’ from the Corpse Golem essence? I feel like I get hungry much faster.
“Already? It hasn’t even been 3 hours!”
“So you’re not going?”
“Of course I’m going! Today, I’ll treat you to meat!”
We finish selling the equipment quickly and head to a nearby restaurant for a meal.
And just as we’re about to leave…
“Bjorn, thank you.”
Ainar says, looking me straight in the eyes.
Although there’s sauce on her mouth, her gaze is serious, unlike usual.
Phew, when she acts like this, it makes me feel awkward.
“It’s fine. Like I said before—”
“I’m not talking about money.”
Huh? Then what are you talking about?
“I just… wanted to say thank you for treating me normally, like before.”
I listened, but I didn’t understand at all.
But Ainar’s expression is too serious to just brush it off.
So I watch silently, and she speaks with difficulty.
“That… as you know, my appearance has changed quite a bit. The other tribe members avoid me because they don’t think I’m a warrior anymore.”
“That’s—”
“And even worse, humans keep coming up to me and flirting wherever I go! That never happened before…!”
Indeed, I think it’s a serious concern for her, with her warrior pride.
Honestly, I can’t really relate.
That’s because my true nature is different from that of a barbarian.
As I listen quietly, Ainar shouts in frustration,
“Bjorn! Be honest! Have I become that ugly?”
…What?
“I’ve decided! Bjorn! I can’t enter the labyrinth with you anymore!”
Wait, hold on.
Why does the conclusion become that?
__________________________________________
I’m drinking lukewarm beer.
Sitting alone on the 1st floor of the inn I’m staying at.
“Keueuuh…”
How can beer be this tasteless?
I think I chose the wrong inn.
The food is quite good, but with the owner brewing beer this badly…
“Whew…”
I let out a long sigh, as if to shake off the bitter taste.
At the same time, the conversation I had with Ainar earlier today comes to mind.
After her bombshell declaration, we had a long conversation, but the outcome remained unchanged.
“I’m alone again.”
Ainar left.
Although her words were a bit rambling, as is typical of barbarians, it wasn’t just because of her appearance.
[Actually… yesterday, the elder offered me the position of successor.]
An elder of the sanctuary.
And among them, an elder renowned as a master of the sword. He took a liking to Ainar.
And today, she made a decision.
To learn swordsmanship under the elder.
[After all, if I enter the labyrinth, it’s only one day here, right?]
I asked.
It’s just one day a month.
Can’t she just spare one day and enter the labyrinth with me?
Ainar was troubled.
[I want to do that too, but… I heard there’s a special training method, and I can’t leave the sanctuary for six months.]
Special training… could it be that?
If so, it makes sense that she can’t enter the labyrinth for six months.
I also know what a great opportunity this is for her.
[I won’t ask you to wait. And I won’t ask you to accept me unconditionally when the time comes either. I will definitely train hard and return as a great warrior who won’t hold you back.]
Therefore, I couldn’t hold her back.
After all, during this expedition, she was forced to swear an oath, succumbing to the marauder’s power.
And what about in the rift?
While the mage, the dwarf, and even I, who were from the same group, all played a role, she was helpless.
‘Actually, that must have been the decisive factor in her decision.’
Perhaps her changed appearance was just the final push.
“Keueuuh…”
Feeling a strange thirst, I take another sip of the lukewarm beer.
The bitterness rises from my esophagus.
‘So I have to find new companions again.’
I was planning to take it easy and prepare slowly this time.
Why do quests keep popping up every day?
--------------------------
Chapter 44: Line (1)
'But do I really need companions?'
That was the first thought that came to mind when Ainar mentioned leaving the party.
After all, I'm different from how I was two months ago.
'I feel like I could hunt a group of Death Fiends alone now.'
I've absorbed the essences of the Corpse Golem and the Vampire, and the guardian's essence at that.
My basic stats, including strength, have increased tremendously, and considering the regeneration-related skills, I'm practically invincible on the 2nd floor.
'I could do it if I really wanted to.'
No need for night watch.
No companions to trust with my back in emergencies.
But I make an objective judgment.
Even considering all that, I can definitely solo play safely at my current level.
'Well, the 3rd floor would still be impossible.'
[Dungeon and Stone] is a game that basically forces party play. No matter how strong your character is, soloing is impossible due to the game's structure.
The roles are divided so meticulously, and the absence of certain roles becomes fatal as you go up the floors.
For example, just like the Goblin Forest where a scout was essential.
There are walls that a 'tank' barbarian alone cannot overcome.
'And besides, the scale of monsters appearing changes from the 3rd floor onwards.'
After much deliberation, I come to a decision.
Find new companions of similar level.
If I can't find any, then join a team like that.
And together, hunt monsters on higher floors and aim for the top.
'That's more efficient than wasting time grinding alone on the 2nd floor.'
Of course, this will also be quite a headache.
I have to check not only their combat power and party composition but also whether they're trustworthy.
'Whew, where the hell do I find people like that?'
It seems like this month will be quite busy as well.
Excluding Erwen and Ainar, I don't really have any acquaintances in this world.
"Keueuuh..."
Just as I'm about to finish the rest of my beer and head up to my room...
"Hey, barbarian brother over there! What do you think?"
The group of explorers who have been drinking noisily at the next table since earlier call out to me.
"What do you mean?"
"Ah, didn't you hear? This young fellow here is saying something cute."
Hmm, it doesn't seem like they're picking a fight.
When I gesture that I'll listen, a 20-something explorer explains the situation.
To summarize, it's like this:
Somehow, the topic of the barbarian of freedom came up. Naturally, the explorers were excitedly badmouthing the guild.
But then, a young explorer came over and started praising the guild, saying they shouldn't believe such baseless rumors.
The explorers who were listening openly mocked and ridiculed him, and they grabbed me as I happened to be passing by.
"That's why we wanted to hear your opinion, brother. What do you think? Do you also find the guild trustworthy?"
Damn, what a stupid question.
"I'd rather trust a piece of shit I find on the street than those bastards."
"Euahahaha! As expected, I knew you'd say that, brother! You look different from the average joe just by your eyes!"
The man laughs heartily, as if he's happy about something.
The young boy who was cowering in the corner blushes and jumps to his feet.
"Wait a minute! Why are you all acting like this, as explorers? Who would protect us in this city without the guild? We should be grateful!"
A moment of silence follows.
Then everyone at the table bursts into laughter.
"What? Be grateful? Pwahahahaha!"
"Kid! That's why you're treated like a newbie wherever you go!"
It seems like there's a culture among explorers where you have to distrust the guild to be recognized as a proper explorer.
"Everyone, let's stop this? He'll realize it eventually as he experiences more. That no one but himself can protect him."
"Keuh, those are words that touch the heart."
"Let's have a drink for that!"
The short incident ends, and the explorers start drinking again.
So I'm about to leave, but the man who first spoke to me approaches with a friendly expression.
"I'm Hans."
"Hans...?"
"Haha! It's a common name, right?"
I don't know for sure, but it seems common.
The first man I killed in the labyrinth was also named Hans.
"I am Bjorn, son of Yandel."
"I see! Since we met like this, if you're not too tired, how about another drink? Of course, drinks are on me!"
After a brief contemplation, I nod.
Although I've eavesdropped on many explorers' conversations while wandering around, I haven't had many opportunities to talk to them directly.
"So, brother, what kind of worries do you have that you're sitting here alone?"
Since I might be able to hear some unexpected advice, I honestly share my concerns.
"My team disbanded, and I'm looking for new companions. But I don't know where to start."
Hans listens intently and then tilts his head with a 'huh?' expression.
"If that's the problem, wouldn't it be easy to just go to the guild?"
"The guild?"
"Haha! Those guys are untrustworthy, but we should use what we can, right? How much of our taxes go to them!"
Hmm, that's definitely true.
One way or another, explorers can't be separated from the guild.
Even in the game, it was easy to find companions through the guild.
But...
"I'm worried about whether I can trust the people I meet there."
"Hahaha! It seems like you haven't used it properly yet? It's changed a lot compared to before. There have been so many betrayals that wearing a video recording device is now mandatory."
Really?
There was no such thing in the game.
"Trust me and give it a try. The things you're worried about probably won't happen."
Hearing that, it doesn't seem like a bad idea to go.
______________________________________
The next morning.
I wake up with a slight hangover and head straight to the Magic Tower.
"You can't enter without a visitor's pass."
Shouldn't you ask if I have one first?
I'm annoyed by the discrimination against my race first thing in the morning, but when I show them the pass that Raven gave me, the employee lets me in without any complaints.
Ding—!
I arrive at the 31st floor.
As I enter Raven's personal research lab, I'm greeted by an even more cluttered interior than two days ago.
"Ah, you're here?"
Although it seems like the books and documents that were scattered around have been mostly cleaned up, they've been replaced by ominous-looking devices that fill the room.
"...What is this used for?"
I point to the most menacing-looking object and ask about its purpose.
"It's nothing special, just a magic tool that makes it easier to collect blood."
I'm surprised twice by her answer.
Once because it's not used for smashing human skulls, and twice because this barbaric-looking device is a magic tool.
"Then are you ready?"
"...It doesn't seem like it's ready yet."
"Oh, stop exaggerating. Come here."
"...Alright."
I was half suspicious and half worried at first, but surprisingly, the examinations using the magic tools are all quite humane.
And the process is very fast, so it doesn't take long to finish everything.
However, just looking at the test results...
'There's nothing different from what I figured out on my own in prison.'
"First of all, we haven't found any major differences compared to other guardian essences. Ah, you know what I'm talking about, right?"
"I know."
Essences dropped by guardians have two characteristics.
First, the base stats are 1.5 times higher than those of regular essences.
"Since you know, it's better to just see it for yourself."
She shows me the vampire essence's stats that she estimated using various magic tools.
It's not particularly meaningful.
As expected, the paper has rough estimates like (High), (Medium), (Low) written on it...
And anyway, I can calculate the exact numbers by multiplying the stats of a regular vampire by 1.5.
[Vampire]
Natural Regeneration +45, Strength +15, Agility +15, Magic Resistance +30, Physical Resistance +12, Soul Power +21, Mana Affinity +30, Darkness Resistance +12, Sun Resistance -12
Someone might say that the stats are low for a 5th-grade monster.
That's not entirely wrong.
The Corpse Golem essence, which was only 7th-grade, had high stats like Pain Resistance 70 and Bone Density 55.
And those stats were even multiplied by 1.5.
But...
'Natural Regeneration, Magic Resistance, Physical Resistance, Soul Power, and even Mana Affinity...'
The value of the stats is different.
Even in the game, these valuable stats tend to have lower numbers.
Because if they give them out too freely, monsters would be born.
"I'm telling you again, you're really lucky, Mr. Yandel. Even regular vampire essences are hard to come by, but to get one from a guardian..."
Honestly, calling it lucky is an understatement.
Guardian essences of 5th grade or higher are practically considered graduation-level essences.
In many ways, it's definitely not something you should get in the early stages.
"Once you're done looking at that, take a look at this too. I've also organized the abilities just in case you don't know. There are four in total."
The corners of my mouth involuntarily turn upwards.
"Four..."
This is the second characteristic of guardian essences.
Normal essences only come with two skills, one passive and one active.
But guardian essences are different.
(P) Source of Darkness - Resists death as long as the heart is intact.
The basic passive skill, of course.
(A) Sacrificial Engraving - Physical abilities temporarily increase based on the number of living beings you've stained with your blood.
(A) Immortal - Regeneration temporarily increases significantly in proportion to lost health.
(A) Blood Lord - Temporarily absorb one of the target's skills when directly sucking their blood.
It comes with all the active skills that it can have.
Originally, to get [Sacrificial Engraving], you would have to absorb a vampire's yellow essence, and for [Blood Lord], you would need the red essence, but...
Guardian essences don't have that kind of distinction.
The acquisition difficulty is that high, though.
'With the Undying Engraving and this, my regeneration build is practically complete, right?'
It's a growth rate that's unbelievable even for me, someone who has played this game for ten years.
As I'm inwardly satisfied, I hear her muttering to herself.
"Alright, then that's it for today. You've worked hard. Come back next week whenever you're free. I'll be here anyway."
"Is there anything else to investigate here?"
"What are you talking about? If this essence is going to be adopted as official academic data, I need to conduct at least ten more reaction tests."
...I see.
"I didn't know, so don't get mad."
"I'm not mad. Anyway, if there's time left, I'm also thinking of looking into the Corpse Golem essence, so don't even think about running away."
"...Alright."
I gather my clothes, which I had taken off for the examination, and put them on.
And before leaving, I ask one more question.
"Raven, do you have any plans to enter the labyrinth in the future?"
"Hmm, I don't think so for a while... Why?"
"Ahem! It's better to go with people you know!"
She laughs as if it's absurd, as if she can see right through me, who is feeling awkward even to myself.
"Excuse me, but we're not that close, are we?"
"Forget it, just pretend you didn't hear that."
"No."
Her voice suddenly turns sharp.
Come to think of it, this was her original personality.
She's usually quiet, but when she gets pissed off, she becomes incredibly rude.
"Seriously, how could you ask me to join a team with only two barbarians?"
To be precise, it's not even two.
One of them quit yesterday.
If I say that, the atmosphere will probably get even worse, but...
"...That's why I said to forget it!"
"How can I forget something I already heard?"
Seriously, is this something to raise your voice about?
As I'm wondering how to react to her sudden outburst...
"Ha..."
She lets out a long sigh, as if engraving the word 'patience' into her heart.
"Mr. Yandel, even if it's not me, if you're going to ask a mage to join your team, at least bring a proper team. Hmm... It would be good if all the members were 6th grade or higher, and having a priest would be nice too."
Damn it, as if I don't know that?
If my situation were that good, I wouldn't have made such an offer to you.
"A, alright."
Mages really are arrogant.
______________________________
"Then I'll be on my way."
"Ah! Wait a minute!"
Raven stops Bjorn, who is about to leave.
She just remembered something she didn't ask.
"Back then! What was that thing? The one you shoved into the unconscious vampire's mouth. I felt divine power from it..."
It was a question that arose while she was recording the past events to report to her master.
What exactly was that?
It definitely wasn't something a 9th-grade explorer would carry around.
"Well, I don't know what you're talking about."
"Yes?"
"Didn't you just misinterpret something? It was a chaotic situation, wasn't it?"
"Misinterpret? No way. I clearly felt it, I'm telling you—"
"I'll be on my way now. I have somewhere to be."
"Hey! Wait! Hold on—"
Bang!
He closes the door and leaves before she can say anything else.
'So, you're saying you're hiding something, huh?'
She frowns, looking at the spot where he left, and then heads to her study with a huff.
And she takes out a thick book.
[Complete Record of Rifts III]
A record that compiles information on rifts.
It's an old book with a simple title like that, without even the author's name written on it.
Surprisingly, this book, which she bought by chance at the free market when she was young, contained knowledge that wasn't even recorded in the academic community.
"What page was the Crimson Fortress on..."
She flips through the pages and stops at one spot.
The map of the underground prison.
The exact location of the hidden passage.
The method to obtain the 'Necronomicon' in the Demon Worship Chamber, and so on. It's a page with high-level information on the Crimson Fortress.
Unfortunately, there are also parts that can't be read.
Two of them.
[Tears of the Goddess]
Acquisition method: ——————.
[Golden Mask]
——— : ——— —.
Two items whose acquisition methods have been lost to the passage of time, becoming unknown.
She searched everywhere to find them herself, but in the end, she couldn't.
As she clicks her tongue in disappointment, she tilts her head.
'Wait, Tears of the Goddess... I feel like I've heard that somewhere before...'
Where was it?
As she tries to recall the faint memory, she takes out a few religious books and quickly flips through the pages one by one.
And after some time...
Her hand stops as she flips through the pages.
[Tears of the Goddess]
A consumable sacred relic of unknown origin.
When destroyed, it releases a powerful 'blessing' at the location.
150 years ago, during the dimensional collapse, Cardinal Androne used all three of them to save the Pope, and since then, they have disappeared from the world.
"A sacred relic?"
She is startled and checks the illustration on the next page.
Although it's hard to be sure since she only saw it from afar, the shape and size seem roughly similar.
Even the usage method and effect are the same.
"......"
Raven is confused.
No matter how she looks at it, this doesn't seem like a mere coincidence.
But if it's not a coincidence...
How did the barbarian, who just became an adult, know the location of the [Tears of the Goddess] and even think of using it immediately?
'Could it be that Mr. Yandel is...'
She stares at the book with her eyes gleaming, a possibility coming to mind.
'I need to confirm it.'
No matter how long it takes.
It will be worth it.
------------------------------------------
Chapter 45: Line (2)
I returned to the accommodation and became lost in thought while organizing my backpack.
The cause was none other than this metal helmet I was holding.
‘Should I sell this or not?’
The official name of this helmet in the game is ‘Golden Mask’.
It’s an item that can be acquired after defeating the boss of the ‘Crimson Fortress’ and fulfilling several special conditions.
Its effect is simple.
It allows the wearer to customize their facial features.
For exactly 30 days.
‘And it even had a limited number of uses, right?’
I think it was up to 5 times?
I remember it would disappear from the inventory after being used up.
Of course, I’m not sure.
It’s because it’s an item I never used myself except for the first time I acquired it.
After that, I always sold it at the exchange.
For about 500,000 stones.
‘Tsk, still, it makes me hesitate…’
Of course, if I were playing the game, I wouldn’t even consider it.
After all, a cosmetic item?
What’s the point of decorating a character with 2D pixel graphics, and for a short period of 30 days at that?
It’s better to sell it even if it’s only worth 10,000 stones.
However, this place where I am now is undeniably reality.
After a brief moment of contemplation, I make a decision.
‘Just in case, let’s keep it for now. I’m not short on money anyway.’
The situation is different from the game in many ways.
Just recently, I was falsely accused and imprisoned.
If a situation arises where I have to turn this city into my enemy, this item will definitely play a huge role.
Or maybe I’ll find another use for it.
‘Money is the best after all.’
Once I finish contemplating, I realize the importance of money once again.
If I hadn’t made a lot of money this time, I would have definitely chosen to sell it.
And as you can see from this…
Having money increases your options.
Whether it’s a game, reality…
Or even this distant world.
_____________________________________________
“Hey! Did you hear? The Crystal Alliance disbanded!”
The silver-haired fairy who was quietly finishing her meal in the corner of the restaurant, Daria Withember di Tersia, perks up her pointed ears.
It’s because she hears a conversation on a topic she’s interested in.
“What? The Crystal Alliance disbanded?”
Crystal Alliance.
It’s an explorer clan that has grown explosively in the past 10 years, forming a vast network based on countless message stones and providing various conveniences to 1st-floor explorers.
“Isn’t it surprising? A perfectly fine explorer clan disappearing overnight?”
“Huh! Perfectly fine? Were those guys ever explorers in the first place?”
As far as she knows, most of the Crystal Alliance members were ordinary people who had entered the realm of explorers due to the pressure of taxes.
They have their main jobs in the city and only spend one day a month going to the labyrinth.
Of course, there was nothing wrong with that in itself.
No, she actually thinks their purpose was good.
In fact, she heard that many ordinary people who were on the verge of not being able to pay their taxes were saved thanks to this.
However…
“Anyway, it’s good news! I was annoyed by them acting all high and mighty everywhere, pretending to be explorers.”
The Crystal Alliance has changed.
Not only did they start excluding outsiders as they grew in power, but they also used their influence to commit evil deeds against newbies.
Just look at what happened to her sister.
Not only did they try to do something unspeakable, but they even tried to kill her to silence her.
‘I hate to admit it, but if it weren’t for that barbarian, something unimaginable might have happened.’
She was also planning on taking care of them someday after hearing about the incident.
But it seems like there’s no need for that now.
Coincidentally, thanks to a barbarian once again.
“Anyway, I haven’t asked yet. So why did they suddenly disband?”
“Ah, you haven’t heard about that either?”
“About what?”
“The barbarian of freedom!”
She secretly listens to the following story and frowns involuntarily.
The more she hears, the more interesting it becomes.
He cleared his name by escaping from prison and even took the regional manager’s daughter hostage?
“Things have gotten so big that they say even the marauder detection law, which was supposed to be applied only to 9th-grade explorers, will be quietly dropped because of this incident.”
It’s definitely a story worthy of such attention.
The one who falsely accused him has already been hanged in the execution grounds, and even the Crystal Alliance, with its bloated size, seems to be facing consequences for its past actions.
However…
“But you know what’s even more surprising? That barbarian is only a 9th-grade explorer! In other words, he just finished his coming-of-age ceremony!”
A 9th-grade explorer who just finished his coming-of-age ceremony.
Hearing this story, one person comes to mind.
The barbarian who was confident even in front of her, and who showed various other qualities that set him apart.
‘There can’t be such a coincidence…’
She shakes her head as if to dispel the thought.
And she leaves the restaurant and heads back to the inn.
But with every step she takes, she can’t help but think…
‘Is that barbarian really dead?’
Until now, there was no room for doubt based on the circumstances.
But if the protagonist of the story she just heard is him…
‘Then it would explain why he hasn’t returned to the inn for two days…’
Should she tell her sister about this?
Click.
Lost in such thoughts, she opens the door to her room and sees her sister, who has become noticeably thinner.
She’s sitting on the bed, eyes closed, controlling three flames that look like they could go out at any moment.
Even in the labyrinth, two was her limit…
“Ah, sister, you’re back?”
“…Were you summoning spirits this whole time?”
“Yeah, I have to widen my vessel somehow…”
At her words, her expression hardens.
The training method itself isn’t surprising.
It was she who taught it to her in the first place.
However, her sister has never pushed herself to the limit like this before.
“You know, sister, I think I heard the voice of fire.”
“What…?”
“I finally understand. How to become stronger. Why I was so weak until now. Why I always had to rely on someone else…”
Her sister, who always seemed timid and avoided eye contact when speaking, now looks at her directly and continues,
“I wasn’t desperate enough.”
Although there’s no energy in her hoarse voice, one thing is clear.
It’s her determination.
The one thing her sister lacked the most has finally been filled.
The cause of this change is obvious.
That’s why Daria keeps her mouth shut.
‘Even if that story is true… it’s better not to say anything now.’
Just like 10 years ago.
This will be for the sake of her precious sister.
______________________________________
Past noon.
I visit the Explorer’s Guild branch I went to yesterday.
Honestly, I’d rather not come anywhere near this place after the hell I went through, but…
I have no choice but to do it to proceed with the quest I received yesterday.
“What can I help you with?”
“I’m looking for suitable companions.”
“Do you have any specific requirements?”
The guild administrator gets straight to the point without any unnecessary chatter.
I answer without hesitation.
“I’m looking for a team of at least four people operating on the 3rd floor or higher.”
Since things have turned out this way, I’m not just going to settle for filling Ainar’s vacancy.
Instead, I plan to use my promotion to a 7th-grade explorer to join a team with capable members and efficiently conquer the tower.
‘Well, that’s assuming there’s a decent team.’
I hand over my identification card along with the personal information form I filled out beforehand, and the administrator, who had sleepy eyes, flinches.
Then he checks it several times with a strange look.
“…Five stars?”
“Is there a problem?”
“Ah, no!”
The administrator suddenly seems energized.
I don’t know what the stars mean, but his tone has become more polite for some reason.
“This is a list of teams that meet the requirements you mentioned, Mr. Bjorn Yandel. Would you like to take a look?”
The paperwork is finished in less than 5 minutes.
“There aren’t many, are there?”
“I, I swear, that’s all the recruitment notices registered with the guild that meet your conditions!”
Did I say anything?
I just stated a fact, I don’t know why he’s swearing about it.
“Hmm.”
The document the guild member handed me contains brief descriptions of fifteen teams in total.
Let’s read the first one…
[3rd Floor Exploration – Ellen Borneff]
Preferred exploration area: Twilight Slope, Steelrock Hill, Pitch-black Estuary.
Average rank: 7th grade.
Current members: 2 human melee warriors (7th grade), 1 beastman melee warrior (7th grade), 1 dwarf melee warrior (7th grade).
Recruiting: 1 melee warrior.
*Equal distribution.
*Fairies not welcome.
*Participation in pre- and post-exploration gatherings is mandatory.
*Drinking during exploration is allowed if desired.
What the hell is with this team?
Just reading the text makes me feel like I’m surrounded by the smell of sweat.
I read the recruitment notices of other teams, feeling apprehensive, but I can’t find any that I like.
If the members are good, the distribution ratio is stingy, and if the distribution ratio is good, there’s something wrong with the team composition.
‘…If I can tell that much just from the notice, the reality must be even worse.’
If I had a bit more experience, finding a team would have been much easier.
The fact that my highest reached floor is the 2nd floor…
If I weren’t a complete newbie, the range of options available to me would be much wider.
There wouldn’t be teams trying to rip me off with such a low distribution ratio.
‘This is troublesome.’
I’d rather post my own recruitment notice and form a team, but…
No one would come, right?
And even if someone did come, they wouldn’t be normal.
‘I didn’t expect to find a team in just one day anyway.’
“Did you find any teams you’re interested in?”
“I don’t see any today.”
I shake my head and return the document, and the administrator mumbles as if he’s an NPC.
“Oh, is that so? I’m sorry I couldn’t be of help despite your visit. If you’d like, I can make your information available for other teams to view—”
“That’s fine, I’ll come back next time.”
“Ah, will you? I was Terbes, a guild member who is always kind to explorers.”
He was definitely kind in his voice, tone, and actions.
His work performance was also flawless.
“Then goodbye, explorer!”
But… why do I feel so strange?
____________________________________
Leaving the Explorer’s Guild with an inexplicable sense of unease and heading back to the inn…
I stop at a corner in the alley.
It’s because of one barbarian.
Thud.
A scruffy beard.
Tattered and dirty pants.
Although most barbarians tend to look like beggars, his appearance is particularly wretched as he leans against the wall in the alley, resting.
‘What is this?’
I feel a sense of dissonance as soon as I see him.
It’s a dissonance that I can only feel because I’ve been spending time with barbarians, even though we lived in separate accommodations.
Although it’s normal for barbarians to rest wherever they want…
‘Why… does he not have a weapon?’
He has no weapon.
This is a serious contradiction.
No matter how poor, hungry, or cold they are, barbarians always carry a weapon as if it were their life.
I usually ignore most curiosities, but I approach him and speak as if drawn by instinct.
But what is this?
“Hey.”
“…Hic, eek!”
The barbarian, who was dozing off against the wall, is startled and flustered when he sees me.
Well, being afraid of strangers is a natural reaction as a living creature, but…
That’s for other creatures. Our brave barbarians don’t do that.
‘Damn, this bastard, could it be…’
The formless sense of dissonance starts to take shape.
My heart skips a beat, but I quickly calm my emotions and organize what I need to do.
Hmm, first I need to lower his guard.
“Don’t be scared, I won’t hurt you.”
As proof that I’m not an enemy, I take out some jerky from my backpack and force it into his hand.
It’s the greatest act of kindness a barbarian can offer.
Of course, he just takes it without eating it in front of me.
However, I can clearly feel that the wariness in his eyes has lessened somewhat.
‘Well, this should be enough to have a conversation.’
I ask as if I’ve been waiting for this.
“Why were you here like this?”
“Th, that’s, well… I, I don’t have any money…”
I nod silently.
A barbarian without money.
That can happen.
No, come to think of it, it’s only natural.
But…
“What about your weapon?”
“I, I sold it…”
He sold his weapon and is even using honorifics…
“Let’s exchange names. I’m Bjorn, son of Yandel.”
“Ta, Tarik, son of Liyen!”
He raises his voice as if realizing his mistake, but it’s too late.
I’m already certain.
“It’s nice to meet you! Tarik, son of Liyen!”
This guy is an evil spirit.
And one that hasn’t been in this world for very long.