Surviving the Game As a Barbarian [EN]: Chapter 461

My skin still burned from the heat of the battle.

The cold air and hostile gazes washed over me.

‘I didn’t expect them to be this blatant.’

The atmosphere was so tense a fight could break out at any moment, but I didn’t get swept up in it. I tried to assess the situation as calmly as possible.

It wasn’t the worst-case scenario yet.

Threats meant they wanted something.

‘If they were really going for the kill, they would have pretended to leave with a smile and then ambushed us.’

So, why were these guys bluffing?

I needed to figure that out first.

I had a hunch, but nothing was certain yet.

“Plunder, you say….”

As soon as I finished organizing my thoughts, I spoke with a blatant smile.

“First, let me ask you this. What’s your basis for saying I plundered? When I met Liakis, he was clearly wandering alone, wasn’t he? Right, Erwen?”

“Huh? Ah, yes! That’s right. There wasn’t any sign of any other explorer within at least a 1km radius. And there are far more precedents that say ownership can’t be claimed in such cases.”

Erwen kindly provided supporting fire by testifying to the circumstances at the time.

But the dagger-wielder wasn’t one to back down so easily.

“Those precedents are for ordinary monsters. They can’t be applied to a Floor Ruler.”

“So, what are you trying to say?”

“Our clan being separated from Liakis was an unavoidable part of the raid, and we never gave up our claim to it.”

Unavoidable, my ass.

Just looking at the equipment they’re wearing tells the whole story.

How could their equipment be intact after finishing the third phase?

‘They must have been trying to buy time to change into new equipment from their subspace [a personal storage dimension].’

The ones who bought them time must have been the decoy team I saw earlier. Their goal was to leave the main force, buy time to regroup, and then circle back.

But they must have failed.

As proof, I couldn’t see the decoy team among the dozens of clan members surrounding us.

‘They must have found out that the decoy team was dead, searched the area thoroughly, and finally found us and rushed over here.’

The rough outline of the situation was starting to emerge.

Well, I didn’t know what it was really like.

But I didn’t think there would be any major differences.

“Baron Yandel, you intercepted the Floor Ruler that our clan was raiding. And you did so while we were taking heavy damage.”

“We didn’t even know you guys were in that situation.”

“But you ignored our protests and took the essence in the end.”

“What’s the problem with that? I’ll take the loot from the monster I caught.”

“But it was a monster you would never have been able to catch if we hadn’t almost finished the raid.”

Well, I had to admit that part.

But wasn’t it obvious that you guys summoned it without permission?

Regardless, you guys failed to hold it, and I just stepped in to prevent damage to the lower-level explorers.

There was no need to say any of that.

“So, what do you want?”

I just got straight to the point.

No matter how much we argued, no one would admit they were wrong.

In the end, logic didn’t matter.

“I want you to make a promise in the name of the proud Royal Family of Lafdonia.”

In the labyrinth, in the city.

No, in any world, regardless of the era—.

“To acknowledge your mistake today, and to pay a value equivalent to the Floor Essence when you return to the city.”

Proving logic always came down to power.

“Yes. If you just promise that, then today’s events won’t be considered ‘plunder.’”

In other words, if I didn’t promise, they would label me a ‘plunderer’ and start a PK [Player Kill, a term for attacking other players].

As expected, getting to the point made things simpler.

Now I had three options.

1. Meekly promise and compensate.

Not only would I lose all my assets, but I would also be in debt for at least a few years, but since I ate the essence, it wouldn’t be a huge loss.

2. Meekly promise and break the promise later.

Since the recording crystal was still running, in this case, my noble title would be revoked for insulting the royal family.

Well, was there really only one option?

3. Prove that my logic was correct.

Now that I had made my decision, there was no reason to hesitate.

“So, what will you do?”

What will I do?

“No matter how much I think about it….”

I said, putting the hammer I was holding on my shoulder.

“I don’t remember making any mistakes.”

“……You’ve chosen the poisoned chalice.”

“As long as it’s alcohol, it’s fine. It’s not like it’s going to be sweet anyway.”

“Baron… it seems you think we really can’t do it.”

Well, I didn’t really think that.

Clan battles were just another part of this game’s content, right?

“Ainar, Emily, Erwen!”

I quickly called out my companions’ names.

I realized belatedly that I had left out the navigator, Auyen, but I didn’t correct myself.

Well, she’ll figure it out.

She wouldn’t be of any help in this situation anyway.

“Everyone, prepare for battle!!!”

As soon as I gave the order, all my teammates took out their weapons and took their positions in perfect unison.

A formation where they were back-to-back.

Even Auyen, who received a signal from Amelia, quickly stuck close behind me, and the preparations were completed in an instant.

Therefore….

“Kill anyone who comes at us.”

I said, keeping my eyes fixed on the dagger-wielder.

“I’ll take all the responsibility.”

Now, it was all up to him.

***

We were all pointing our weapons at each other, and a chilling silence followed.

For quite a long time.

“…….”

“…….”

Sigh, I wish they would make a decision soon.

How long were they going to keep this up?

I was getting frustrated, but I didn’t act rashly and provoke them.

Because not fighting was the best option for me too.

Even if our individual skills were superior, the difference in numbers was overwhelming, so there was a high chance that we would also suffer damage.

But, despite that, I chose to face them head-on.

It was for a simple reason.

‘The risk is just as big for them.’

If a Floor Relic had dropped, the reward would have been guaranteed, but what about now?

There was nothing for them to gain by fighting.

It wasn’t like the essence would come out if they cut me open.

At best, they would get all the equipment we were wearing.

And if they missed us in the process, they would have to face the consequences of trying to kill a noble when they returned to the city….

‘But they would be annoyed if they just let us go in this situation.’

That was the fundamental reason why this cowardly standoff had occurred.

Was it a kind of chicken game?

A situation where both sides were running towards a cliff, and the first one to stop would lose, but if neither stopped, they would all be doomed—.

“Half….”

Then the dagger-wielder opened his mouth.

“I will only ask for half the value of the essence.”

A compromise was offered just as we were about to reach the edge of the cliff.

“Hmm, half, you say….”

“In fact, we were the ones who suffered the most damage in pushing the Floor Ruler to that point.”

Not only that, but they had lost fourteen members.

Each of them was an elite member, and it would take years, astronomical amounts of money, and effort to fill their spots.

Even if they received half, it would barely cover the cost of the damaged equipment and consumables.

The dagger-wielder, who had finally found his voice, continued to persuade me.

“Of course, the value of the essence will be based on the appraisal set by the guild committee—.”

There was no need to listen any further.

“Thanks for the offer, but I refuse.”

I cut him off, and he mumbled blankly.

“Refuse… you say…?”

Why the surprised look?

The rule of this industry was that the one who backed down got nothing. That’s why explorers risked their lives for their pride.

The moment you took a step back, it was proof.

That this guy didn’t have the guts to go all the way.

‘But why should I give in?’

If I didn’t bet even after confirming that it was all a bluff, then I was just an idiot.

“I’ll tell you in advance, even if you reduce it by half again, my answer won’t change.”

I went on the offensive as if I had been waiting for this moment.

“So, stop talking and come at me.”

A strong provocation that I hadn’t dared to do until now.

However, he didn’t take out his weapon and attack this time either.

He just kept talking like before.

“……Calm down and think rationally.”

“I’m more rational than ever.”

“…You are truly reckless, Baron Yandel.”

“Well, I don’t think a guy who dares to call a royal baron a ‘plunderer’ should be saying that?”

“Can you really… handle it?”

No, what is he talking about?

“Do you think I would be standing here if I was afraid of that?”

I don’t bluff as poorly as you do.

“I’ll give you three.”

“……?”

“If you don’t disappear from my sight within that time, I’ll consider you assassins who came to kill me and act accordingly.”

“T, that’s ridiculous….”

“One.”

As soon as the number came out of my mouth, the dagger-wielder shut his mouth.

His expression clearly showed his inner turmoil.

What should I do now? Should I just back down for now?

No. Would he really attack? We have so many people here?

…Maybe that barbarian really would. He’s not someone who makes sense.

“Two.”

He had countless thoughts in that short moment, but he still hadn’t made a decision.

Well, I could understand.

He said he had just become the vice-captain, so it wouldn’t be easy to make such an important decision.

Therefore….

“Three has passed.”

I decided to give him a push.

If I swung my hammer, it would be easier for him to make a decision—.

“…Vice-Captain!”

Then, the archer on the dagger-wielder’s right suddenly stepped forward and whispered something in his ear.

He must have turned on ‘voice control’ because I couldn’t eavesdrop.

So, I was about to intervene, wondering what kind of trick this was.

“Mister, explorers are approaching.”

“…What?”

“There are about a few hundred of them….”

A few hundred…?

Where did that many people suddenly come from—.

“I think they’re the people who were with us earlier.”

Ah… they were there, weren’t they?

I was surprised for a moment, thinking they might be their friends.

‘For now… is this good news?’

The dagger-wielder, who turned his head to check again, was gritting his teeth with a frustrated expression. It seemed like he had received a similar report….

Since even the option of dealing with it quietly was blocked, there was only one choice he could make.

“……Everyone, lower your weapons.”

That’s right.

“Hurry and get out of here!”

As soon as the order was given, the members began to break the encirclement and prepare to leave.

But was he a little disappointed to leave like this?

The dagger-wielder turned around before leaving and said one last thing.

“…Then, I’ll see you in the city, Baron Yandel.”

Sigh… somehow, I have more things to do when I get back.

***

After the Sawtooth Clan left, we waited for a while, and then hundreds of low-level explorers arrived.

“Oh, Chieftain! I sincerely congratulate you on your great achievement!!”

“Hahaha! I knew it! I knew the Chieftain could do it!”

The warriors ran towards us and shouted as soon as they saw us from afar.

I could get trampled if I stayed like this, so I used [Giantification] to push them back, and then I found one person in the crowd and asked about the whole situation.

“Louis Siur! What the hell happened?”

“Well… as soon as they found out that the Floor Ruler had been defeated, everyone wanted to express their gratitude….”

So, they just ran in the direction we had disappeared in?

I was grateful for their intentions, but….

‘Hmm, shouldn’t I be grateful even if that wasn’t the case?’

These guys were partly responsible for the fact that the incident was resolved without any bloodshed.

‘And I might need their testimony when I return to the city.’

After finishing my calculations, I approached the other explorers besides Louis Siur and talked to them, asking for their names.

But why was it like this?

“Bent Maheilo, right? I’ll remember that.”

“……Y, you honor me!”

The more time I spent exchanging names, the stranger the low-level explorers’ gazes became.

“He has such an attitude even towards people like us….”

“Although we are of different races, he is definitely someone worthy of respect.”

“Yes, he is definitely the kind of person they call a hero.”

Uh… I just dug up their information.

I felt like I had scammed them without realizing it, but I didn’t correct them.

「Your character’s reputation has increased by +1.」

「Your character’s reputation has increased by +1.」

「Your character’s reputation has increased by +1.」

「Your character’s reputation has increased by +1…….」

「…….」

Yeah, I should do reputation farming whenever I can.

“Well, we’ll be going now!”

After finding out everyone’s names and where they lived, I left without any regrets.

“You’re leaving…? Ah, are you heading to the upper floors?”

“Not really, I have something else to do.”

There was no point in going up to the 4th floor anyway.

Even if I entered on the 15th day, the labyrinth would close before I reached the 5th floor.

Honestly, I wanted to rest after going through such a big ordeal.

“Mister, where are we going now?”

When we left the group and were alone, Erwen asked me where we were going, and I answered honestly.

“We’re going to the witch’s hut.”

“Huh? If it’s a hut….”

“You mean the shelter in the forest. But why there?”

Why, you ask?

Tsk, that’s why you’re dungeon noobs.

I even managed to catch the Chaos Lord.

「Achievement Unlocked」

Condition: Defeat Chaos Lord Liakis.

Reward: ???

I had to collect the question mark achievement reward before leaving.