Surviving the Game As a Barbarian [EN]: Chapter 505

The Abyss Lord, Berzak.

A hidden field boss that appears when the ninth Lord of Terror is defeated.

‘I kind of thought this might happen… but I didn’t expect him to actually be summoned.’

I quickly gathered the important details from the explorers gathered in front of the portal.

First, Berzak was summoned about an hour ago.

It seems that the damage to the 1st-floor explorers, which I was worried about, was minimal.

This is because many of the 1st-floor explorers realized that the situation was unusual around the 4th day and headed to the 2nd floor…

“But there must have been many who couldn’t go up or didn’t have the ability to do so, right?”

“Yes, that’s right. So, our clan and 10 other clans cooperated to bring the 1st-floor explorers scattered throughout the floor up to the 2nd floor.”

If there’s someone who summons a floor boss while others die, there are also those who save people even if there’s nothing to gain.

Most of the explorers gathered here were those who were rescuing explorers near the portal until the very end, and then came up to the 2nd floor when Berzak was summoned.

“So, Baron, you don’t have to worry too much. On the 6th day, we searched the entire 1st floor all day and only found one person.”

I see, that’s how it is…

“You’ve done a great job. It must have been difficult.”

“Whether it’s easy or difficult, it’s something someone has to do. And compared to what you’ve done, Baron, this is nothing.”

Looking at the explorer who was looking up at me with respect, I felt a pang of conscience.

Because I’m not that kind of person.

Even though I knew the possibility of Berzak being summoned, I went up to the 3rd floor to do my own thing.

But, how did this happen?

“But, the fact that you came out from that side, doesn’t that mean you were also rescuing other explorers, Baron?”

Suddenly, a man asked me a question.

Before I could answer, the explorers exclaimed and began to understand on their own.

“Ah, I wondered why, but that’s why!”

“Indeed… you didn’t just take them to the 2nd floor, but you also guided them to adapt!”

“Baron Yandel doesn’t need guild contribution points like us… to go that far.”

“I’m ashamed. I was secretly hoping that the guild would recognize this rescue effort as a contribution if Berzak was summoned…”

Uh…

“……”

I just smiled awkwardly without saying anything.

[Your character’s reputation has increased by +1.]

[Your character’s reputation has increased by +1.]

[Your character’s reputation has increased by +1…]

[……]

I didn’t care about raising my reputation, but at least if this misunderstanding spread, my alibi would be proven.

‘If I can go to a hidden area using this method, the people investigating my actions will increase.’

Of course, this made my conscience a little worse, but I could just ignore that.

Yeah, I can even endure pouring potion on torn flesh, right?

“Then, we have something to talk about among ourselves for a moment.”

“Ah, yes…! If you have any questions, please ask me anytime!”

After resolving their curiosity, I separated from the group of explorers and had a discussion with my team.

Given the situation, I was curious about my team members’ opinions.

And first and foremost, it was Amelia, who is also the spiritual pillar of our clan.

“Emily, what do you think we should do from now on?”

“…It’s dangerous, but honestly, I’m a little disappointed to give up like this.”

“Then, do you think it’s right to break through and go there?”

From the Goblin Forest portal to the place where the monument was found, it takes a little over an hour at full speed.

Even if Berzak was summoned, it’s not an impossible distance to cover.

However, Amelia stated firmly.

“That depends on how certain the method you’re trying is. If that method works properly, then it’s worth trying to break through.”

It was a reasonable concern.

If we break through and go there, but the portal doesn’t open, we’ll have to go back and forth again.

The probability of encountering Berzak increases in proportion to the increased distance and time.

“If it’s certain, can I assume you’re in favor of going down?”

“Yes, you can think of it that way.”

Okay, so Amelia is conditionally in favor…

Next, I listened to the opinions of the other companions.

“I think it’s worth going down even if that method doesn’t work. We’re not the same as we were back then.”

“I agree with the fairy! We worked hard to get to the 3rd floor, so it’s a shame to give up like this!”

“I feel the same way. Whether it works or not, I think it’s good to test it out for sure this time. Even if it doesn’t work, we won’t waste time next time.”

Erwen, Ainar, and Bersil were unconditionally in favor.

“I… will follow the Captain’s decision.”

“I understand, but tell me what you think. No one will say anything. You’re also a member of our clan.”

Was the phrase ‘member of the clan’ effective?

Auyen, who had been hesitating, carefully opened his mouth.

“I… am against it. Berzak is… wasn’t he the monster who killed thousands of people back then…? If the Captain and Madam get hurt, it would be a great loss for humanity—”

No, what is he talking about again?

“Anyway, you’re against it.”

“Yes… that’s right. Please, just ignore my opinion.”

Three in favor, one against, and one conditional approval.

If we follow the majority, there’s no need to listen to the rest, but I asked the last person for their opinion.

“Me? Ah… I, I… that, that’s…”

Misha, who had been acting distant throughout this exploration, stammered for a long time before finally giving her opinion.

For some reason, in her old way of speaking.

“E-either way is fine, I guess… Thinking about that time, it seems dangerous… but, if the portal opens, it would be… good for you too… Even if it doesn’t open, there’s meaning in trying it out, I guess… Uh, either way, it seems like it would be helpful to you…? Uh… that’s, that’s how it feels…”

What is she even trying to say?

I just asked for her opinion.

“So, is that an abstention?”

“…N-no, it’s not…”

“Then what? Speak clearly. I just want to hear your thoughts.”

I spoke firmly, implying that she didn’t have to be so cautious, and Misha finally gave her opinion while avoiding my eyes.

“I think it’s better to go down… If, if that method is certain…”

In short, Misha also meant to vote for conditional approval. But I don’t know why she keeps glancing at Amelia while talking.

‘……Was that really her own opinion?’

I had a feeling, but I decided not to ask about it here.

She’ll need time to adapt.

“Okay, then, since there are three votes in favor, the decision has been made.”

“Huh? What about Yandel’s opinion?”

“The clan’s will is my will.”

Conversely, my will can also be the clan’s will.

Because the clan leader counts as seven votes in a vote.

Ah, by the way, when there were six members, it was six votes, but this time it increased to seven.

Anyway, that’s not important…

“Now, let’s go quickly.”

A mysterious field flowing with milk and honey awaits us beyond that.

…Probably.

***

[You have entered the 1st floor Crystal Cave.]

***

The Crystal Cave, where we came down through the portal in reverse.

Originally, this side was a dark zone where the crystals didn’t emit light, so I didn’t feel any change as soon as I came down.

However, the moment I turned on the torch on my helmet.

Whoosh-!

The dark mists that were spread around became visible, indicating that the 1st floor was different from usual.

[Field Effect – Abyss Mist is applied.]

[All usage effects are deactivated.]

[Magic power efficiency is reduced to 1/4.]

[Monsters exposed to the Abyss Mist evolve into superior beings.]

Ha, this mist is nostalgic.

Back then, I even thought this mist would be my grave.

I never thought I’d come back here on my own two feet.

“What are you doing? Follow me closely. You might step on a trap, so only follow the path I’ve taken.”

After adapting to the darkness around me for a moment, I took the lead and started running. It was a tactic only I could do, being able to act as both a guide and a tank.

Just like that day.

This is a place where the one who takes the lead dies.

The traps of the Abyss Goblins cannot be detected in advance with the naked eye or magic.

Just like this.

Thud.

The moment I heard the sound of stepping on something on the bare ground.

[Your character has stepped on a [Random Trap].]

The trap is activated, and a random skill of grade 5 or lower is cast.

And this is…

Whoosh-!

Well, judging by the damage and shape that’s piercing my body, it’s definitely a grade 6 skill, [Tail Flame].

“Yandel, are you okay?”

To be honest, it stings quite a bit.

Compared to back then, my overall stats are much higher, but there’s only one stat that has decreased.

‘Ha, I need to set up my magic resistance quickly.’

By erasing the Manticore’s essence, my ‘magic resistance’ has decreased even more.

At least [Giantification] could make up for a significant portion, but since active skills are sealed here, that’s not possible either.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s only an hour away.”

I just have to endure it.

“Behel—laaaaaaaaaaa!”

With the blessing of my ancestral god, I dash through the passage full of invisible traps.

But there was one thing that was better than back then.

Clack-!

The skills that come in as physical damage are really just tickling me.

Magic-type skills hurt more than back then, so it was basically a trade-off.

Tap tap tap-!

I run while stepping on traps, and run again.

Even if I’m not thirsty, I periodically pour a bottle of potion into my mouth.

However, the phenomenon of my body healing quickly like before doesn’t happen.

This is because the higher the stats, the less the total amount that can be recovered with one bottle of potion…

[Your character’s health is below 50%.]

After running for about 40 minutes, my passive activated.

[Due to the passive skill [Path of the Hero], all resistance and tolerance values increase.]

At least it’s a bit more bearable now that this is on.

I can increase my speed a bit more.

As I was thinking that and spurring my feet, I heard my companions murmuring behind me.

“I think I understand why that guy became so famous that day.”

“I know, I’ve heard the story, but… I didn’t know it was this bad…”

Amelia and Bersil, who had only heard about that day, were horrified looking at me.

‘Well, it seems like they’re praising me though…’

To be honest, I was a bit embarrassed.

Back then, I had no choice but to run to survive.

Also, more than anything, I had the ability to do so.

[Y-you guys are crazy! Do you think anyone will acknowledge you for doing that!! Huh? A hero?]

[Damn it… but I’m still going. Because someone has to do it eventually.]

Unlike those guys who stepped on traps and died while leading the way.

I didn’t have to worry about stepping on a trap and dying.

So, I was able to step on traps and move forward more bravely than anyone else.

Just like now.

[Your character’s health is below 40%.]

My head was starting to feel dizzy, but I kept my eyes wide open so that my concentration wouldn’t waver. Because the Abyss Goblins aren’t the only ones I have to worry about right now.

‘Berzak… it seems he’s far away, thankfully.’

I haven’t encountered the ‘Abyss Watcher,’ which acts as Berzak’s eyes, yet.

In other words, it means that he’s far away for now.

“Hey… wouldn’t it have been better to come down and test it out an hour before the closure, and then use the closure release phenomenon to return to the city if it didn’t work?”

Bersil belatedly offered an opinion, as if she had suddenly come up with the idea, but in fact, I had already thought of all of that.

If we time it right, we don’t have to go back and forth.

But…

“It would have been harder. By that time, there wouldn’t be many left on the 1st floor. We would have inevitably had to meet him. Yandel must have thought of that too when he made his decision.”

Yeah, Amelia, you understand me.

That I didn’t just come down without thinking about that.

[Your character’s health is below 30%.]

[Your character’s health is below 20%.]

[Due to the passive skill [Path of the Hero], the increase in all resistance and tolerance values reaches its maximum.]

Soon after my passive started to work at maximum efficiency.

We finished the sprint that took a little over an hour and reached our destination.

My health was greatly reduced, but other than that, there were no major problems.

We didn’t encounter Berzak either.

It’s no exaggeration to say that all my companions except me are in top condition.

But…

‘Damn it.’

Just because there were no problems in the process, it doesn’t guarantee that the results will be the same.

The problem was in the place we arrived at.

“…Hey, Baron Yandel?”

“…It’s a giant! A giant has come here leading his team!”

“Did he find a way to open the door?”

What, why are there so many people? There are easily more than dozens of people at a glance.

I was expecting no one to be here, so I couldn’t understand it at all.

Even the small fries found this place before the 3rd day.

I even smashed the wall before leaving, so I certainly didn’t expect it to be kept a secret.

But still, even so?

‘With Berzak summoned, what are they all doing here?’

I tried to hide my bewildered feelings and asked the man who was closest to me.

“Hey, you bald guy.”

“M-me, you mean?”

“What are you all doing here?”

The man tilted his head as if he had heard a strange question and answered.

“We’re waiting for the portal to open? Who knows, maybe someone will catch the Abyss Lord. Or maybe it will open right before the closure!”

“…What if Berzak appears here?”

“We have to take that risk! It’s about finding a hidden area!”

I was speechless at his words that sounded so naive.

“As Baron Yandel knows…”

“……”

“That’s what exploration is all about!”

For the first time in my life, I felt disillusioned with the profession of explorer.

I’ve always thought there were a lot of crazy people, but…

“If I may be so bold… do you perhaps know how to open the portal, Baron?”

I never thought there would be so many crazy people.