Surviving the Game As a Barbarian [EN]: Chapter 173

Choice (2)

The order of elders and youngsters. One of the three cardinal principles and five moral rules of Confucianism, signifying that there is an order between adults and children. However, there’s a saying, ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ ‘This is a world where age doesn’t matter.’ In Lapdonia, the order is determined by the power each individual possesses, a city of the survival of the fittest. In short, the order of the strong and the weak. Only strength and weakness determine the order. And according to that rule, there’s zero reason for me to hold back right now. “…A newbie who doesn’t know their place is acting up.” “Do you want to get beaten up by a newbie?” The atmosphere turned instantly hostile as I slowly stood up. “What?” The tanned blonde seemed flustered, perhaps because this was the first time someone had reacted this way. Bear Ahjussi gently placed his hand on my arm. “Yandel.” A signal to stop at this point. The tanned blonde, who had been quite intimidated, regained his smug smile. “How about listening to your colleague? If it’s now, I’ll let it slide if you kneel and apologize.” What is this guy talking about again? I simply challenged him to a duel. The only personal dispute method allowed in the city. If an agreement is reached and a fair duel is held in the presence of a notary, it is not classified as violence. Killing someone would make things complicated though. But that’s something that can be handled by adjusting my strength appropriately. “…A duel? Do you even know what that means?” “What meaning? I just want to smash your head.” “You’re crazy…” The tanned blonde looked completely lost, as if he had never encountered such a barbaric explorer before. Well, he probably didn’t expect to be challenged to a fight at a gathering meant for showing off. “What are you thinking so hard about? Are you scared of getting beaten up by a newbie?” “…There’s no need to deal with a crazy person.” The tanned blonde scoffed and got up from his seat. Okay, so that’s the tactic he’s going with. A mental victory of not associating with a crazy person. The solution is simple. “You’re chickening out.” A vein popped on the tanned blonde’s forehead at my words. But perhaps he didn’t want to engage with me? He took his anger out on Derbes, who was next to him. “Pepe, you need to be more selective about who you accept. Associating with such a barbarian will only lower your standards.” Derbes didn’t respond. Or rather, it’s more accurate to say he didn’t have time to respond. The tanned blonde, having said his piece, turned his back and walked towards the exit. Thud, thud. His back was straight, and his gait was confident. However, I noticed that the tanned blonde was feeling shame and humiliation in this situation. “Abman, can you see? His face is red.” “Yeah, it seems he knows he’s embarrassed.” Even Bear Ahjussi, who had initially tried to stop me, didn’t hesitate to join me in mocking him. A mindset of enjoying it since he couldn’t avoid it. Very desirable as my companion. However, it must have been hard to just endure this humiliation. Thud. The tanned blonde’s feet stopped in front of the exit. “Oh, he stopped. Is he going to accept the duel?” “There’s no way. He’s clearly a nobody who can’t do anything without the reputation of his clan.” The tanned blonde turned his head sharply to look at me. As if to say, ‘Say something if you have something to say,’ he glared at me, and then he gritted his teeth and muttered. “Barbarian, you’re acting like you’re on top of the world just because you got some fame by luck.” “Yeah, so?” “You won’t be able to go above the 5th floor with that attitude.” I couldn’t help but laugh sincerely. Does he think he’s someone special? “You’re saying something funny.” I slowly walked towards him and said, “I don’t know how many years you’ve been here, but you’re a pathetic fool who’s scared of someone who hasn’t even been here for a year. You can’t even hunt on the 5th floor without your clan, and you’ll be picking up scraps like a salaryman on the 5th floor for the rest of your life.” And. “I arrived on the 5th floor in 8 months. Unlike some people, I have a title, and I’m building my own team to go higher. I’m already being considered as a successor within the Barbarian tribe because of my potential.” I stood in front of him and patted his shoulder. “So, who will be on a higher floor in a few years?” The tanned blonde couldn’t say anything. Like a typical human male with an average height of 170cm, he just looked up at me. I kindly bent down and lowered my face. And I whispered in his ear. “Then get lost. Join a clan or whatever, that’s your problem.” I opened the door, and the tanned blonde blankly walked out. Slam. I immediately closed the door. When I turned around, everyone was looking at me. I went back to my seat and casually said, “Well, I’ve solved the problem, so let’s finish our drinks.” Strangely, no one answered. “…” Geez, am I the first Barbarian they’ve seen solve things with words? *** The silence was only temporary. The shock from the sudden incident subsided, and we clinked glasses and talked. The main topic was, of course, Jack Johnsonville. About the guy who ran away with his tail between his legs. “Hahaha, did you see the look on his face when you challenged him to a duel? He’ll probably never forget it.” Surprisingly, no one said anything to me. Well, he was a jerk even to me, who had just met him, so how much worse must he have been to them? “But why did you keep including him?” “Even though he was arrogant, he would blurt out information that only members of a clan would know.” Oh, so he was useful in a way because he was a blabbermouth. Then I feel a bit sorry for him. “Don’t worry too much about it. He hasn’t been coming around much lately because we haven’t been accepting him. He’ll probably move on to another place soon.” “If that’s the case.” “Ah, and one more thing. You don’t have to worry about him at all. He’s just a low-ranking member of the clan, so he wouldn’t even dream of retaliating against you.” “Haha, Pepe. Is being low-ranking the problem? With his personality, he’ll probably be too embarrassed to tell his superiors and just suffer in silence.” “Hmm, that could be true. Well, even if he did tell them, he’d just be treated like an idiot by the clan.” It was clean and simple. Not holding back was the right answer after all. ‘In the first place, even if the clan retaliates, what can they do?’ Ambush us in the labyrinth? If a large clan gets caught doing that, they’ll be severely punished. They would never cross that line for a mere low-ranking member. ‘At most, they’ll just control the experience points.’ They would use their power to prevent us from gaining experience points in that area. It might not matter if it was just one area, but the clans on the 5th floor have close relationships with each other. Therefore, being blacklisted would severely limit our leveling. Ah, of course, that doesn’t apply to me. I never had any intention of paying for experience points in the first place. Why pay when I can hunt in the mirror? “Alright, let’s drink!” The drinking party continued, and the talk about the tanned blonde gradually faded away. The main topic that replaced him was the Noark subjugation. “Bjorn, your team isn’t participating?” “Yeah, I have a bad feeling about it. Derbes, what are you going to do?” “We’ve already decided to participate. After all, isn’t the labyrinth just as dangerous?” “I see.” “Most of the people here will probably do the same. The reward is quite attractive. If you convert it to value, it’s almost the amount of money you can earn from exploring for over a year.” “I hope you all return safely.” “Haha, thank you.” I didn’t add any comments about their choice. There wasn’t anyone here with less experience as an explorer than me. There was no way they would change their minds just because I, a newcomer, gave them advice, and it would be rude. Even if I’m a Barbarian, I have to keep my manners. “Well, it’s getting late. Let’s call it a night. Abman, you’ll get scolded by your wife if you don’t go home soon.” “…It’s okay because I’m going with Yandel.” “Oh? It seems your wife has a good impression of this friend?” The gathering ended after 2 AM. Actually, people had been leaving one by one with excuses before that, but I stayed until the end. “Will you come again next time?” “If you invite me.” “Okay, I’ll let you know through Abman.” I couldn’t get any useful information right away. I could get a glimpse of the way ordinary explorers think and their common sense, but that was all. However, I plan to participate here again next time. Assuming they come back alive. I’m curious about how the subjugation will go. “Kuh, thanks to you, I had a good time drinking after a long time!” As soon as I stepped out onto the street, the chilly night air touched my skin. It was early spring when I first came here. Now it’s already full autumn. “Let’s go.” “Hahaha! Yeah, let’s go!” Bear Ahjussi was much more hyped than usual, probably because he had drunk almost like he was pouring it down. In fact, it was strange that he was standing straight with the amount of alcohol he had consumed, but he seemed very clear-headed. Well, that doesn’t mean he can find his way home. ‘I feel like I’ve gotten a bit closer to this Ahjussi too.’ Since the carriages had stopped running, I walked all the way to the 7th district and took Bear Ahjussi home. “Thank you for taking him home. Would you like to rest for a bit? I have something that’s perfect for a hangover.” Bear Ahjumma was endlessly kind to me, probably because she had made a lot of money from the exploration this time. I was treated to warm honey water and then headed home. ‘Home, huh…’ It’s become that familiar now. Click. As I opened the locked door, the door behind me opened at the same time. Room 207. Misha’s room. “Umm, you’re back now?” “Ah, were you awake?” “Why are you so late? And what’s with the smell of alcohol?” I stood in the hallway for a moment and told her about the gathering with Bear Ahjussi. “Okay, so… You’ve worked hard. You really seem like a team leader now.” In this world, such interactions are also part of an explorer’s job. Misha patted my shoulder, saying I had worked hard. “But what’s that paper bag in your hand?” “There was a night market on the way, so I bought a few candied apple skewers.” “Huh? You don’t really like those, do you?” “You two like them, don’t you?” Misha chuckled at my words. “Nyahat, you’re like a dad.” Misha took a skewer from the bag, put it in her mouth, and went into her room. I’ll give the rest to Ainar tomorrow. Click. I put the bag on the table and roughly washed up. The slight drunkenness had worn off, and the cool night air was coming in through the window. ‘Not bad.’ That was the thought that came to me on this particular day. *** After the day of the gathering. A slightly busy daily life continued. If you have money, you have to upgrade, right? “Ainar, go to the sanctuary and get an engraving.” “I don’t have any money?” “I’ll lend it to you.” “…Th-that!!” Ainar, who had acted like he had received free money when he borrowed money for the first time, gradually realized the weight of the debt as the amount increased. “When will I ever be able to earn money!!” Well, probably not for a year? In fact, I plan to decide how to use large sums of money one by one even after that. Anyway, it took three days to get the 3rd stage engraving. “You’re more okay than I thought. Didn’t it hurt?” “It hurt!” “But?” “Isn’t it natural to hurt to get stronger!” Oh, okay… I guess that’s how it is. As expected, Barbarians have a different mindset than ordinary people. For reference, the engraving Ainar received was ‘Massacre’. A typical warrior engraving that gives bonuses to various combat stats. The 3rd stage engraving skill he chose was [Devour]. A good passive skill that restores a certain amount of soul power when defeating monsters. ‘For now, let’s just get the 3rd stage and then go up to the 6th stage at once when we have money.’ Ah, there was also Misha’s growth during that time. Perhaps she became a little impatient as Ainar grew stronger at a terrifying speed? Misha spent most of the money she earned this time on buying ‘Beast Blood’. And as a result. “Bjorn!! I finally succeeded!” She finally achieved her first soul awakening. The new power she obtained was [Glacier’s Blessing]. A cheat-like power that halves the resource consumption when using ice-related skills or items. ‘I didn’t expect this power to come out before that sword…’ Is it the reward for her past hardships? Things have been going smoothly since we reached the 5th floor. “But are you going to keep using that equipment?” “It’s fine on the 5th floor.” It’s not like I didn’t spend money either. I sold the extended backpack I had been using and bought a subspace ring with almost all the money I had. It’s funny how fickle people’s minds are, I started to feel that the extended backpack was becoming inconvenient. ‘Since I’m going to change it later anyway, it’s better to buy it in advance.’ A personal backpack is essential in the labyrinth. You never know when you’ll get separated from your team, right? Above all, you can store fresh products in the subspace. ‘It really is a world where money can buy anything.’ I prepared to go out, determined to earn a lot more in the future. It was because of my appointment with Rotmiller. “Fortunately, you’re on time today.” “I’m a guide now, after all.” “Hehe, I like that attitude.” I’ve been meeting with Rotmiller every day for the past few days to receive guide training. Of course, it’s not free. Just like the professional craftsmen of the Middle Ages, asking to be taught such skills for free is almost like daylight robbery. I’m paying a considerable tuition fee every day. “I haven’t been to the 5th floor myself, so I can’t tell you much. But I’ve studied a lot about it, so I can give you some advice. Ah, learning mapmaking will also be a great help.” The basic knowledge that an explorer should have. And some skills and know-how that only practitioners can provide. In addition, special training to improve my sense of direction, and so on. I was gradually learning everything that Rotmiller had established through years of effort. “…As I’m teaching you like this, I’m starting to think that it wouldn’t be bad to open a training center.” “That’s a good idea. If it’s you, everyone will definitely gather to learn.” “Haha, you’re flattering me…” After the lesson with Rotmiller, I returned to the dorm and had dinner with everyone. Ah, Erwen was with us today too. “How do you know to come here every time? You could have been out.” “Umm… I just feel like I can tell. Is it what you call a fairy’s intuition?” “Hmph, intuition my foot. You just keep coming until you find us.” “Misha is right! You big liar!!” “…Both of you, stop it.” Both of them became grumpy whenever Erwen came. It wasn’t hard to understand. Barbarians originally hate fairies, and Misha just hates fairies. ‘Since she could become a companion, I wish they would get along…’ Am I having unrealistic expectations? ‘Maybe I should reconsider adding Erwen as a companion.’ While eating, I also heard about Erwen’s recent situation. It seems that her sister had decided to join a clan she knew as a mercenary for a few months? She said that she would be hunting on the 5th floor from next time. Geez, the life of a golden spoon. “Then I’ll go now! See you next week!” After dinner, I went up to my room, washed up, and spent some time relaxing. It was late, but I didn’t bother to sleep. 「The character’s soul resonates and is drawn to a specific world.」 Because today is that day.

Surviving the Game as a Barbarian [EN]

Surviving the Game as a Barbarian [EN]

Surviving as a Barbarian in the Game, 게임 속 바바리안으로 살아남기
Status: Ongoing Author: ,
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[English Translation] After nine grueling years, Hansu Lee finally conquers the infamously challenging game "Dungeon and Stone." But his victory is short-lived; upon defeating the final boss, he's thrust into a blinding light and awakens as Bjorn Yandel, a barbarian warrior within the game's universe. In this perilous world, survival hinges on his ability to embody the savage strength and cunning of his new identity. Armed with only his gaming knowledge and a barbarian's physique, Hansu must navigate treacherous dungeons, battle formidable monsters, and conceal his true origins to avoid deadly suspicion. Dive into "Surviving the Game as a Barbarian" and join Hansu on a relentless quest where the line between player and character blurs, and every decision is a fight for survival.

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