Surviving the Game As a Barbarian [EN]: Chapter 278

“Somehow, I felt like I had to,” that’s what you call—!”

Uh, I think I just hit a trigger button.

I cut off the conversation before it got too long and changed the subject. We can do the feedback later.

“Ah, so what’s next? What should I watch out for?”

I said, quickly sticking close to Stormgush and holding my shield forward. Raven, having no choice, stopped scolding me and continued the explanation.

“Next is an ability called [Dragon Vein]. When used, the ground turns red… Ah, now! Mr. Yandel, dodge it!!”

Stormgush’s second active skill, [Dragon Vein].

Kuuuuuung-!

A mark appears below the target, and a moment later, a pillar of air erupts. Just like that.

Pshooooot—!

Whew, that almost hit me because it was used so suddenly.

“Everyone, step back! A [Whirlpool] will form from the hole soon.”

Anyway, [Dragon Vein] is not only a powerful burst of damage but also has the characteristic of spewing out a [Whirlpool] from the point where the hole is created.

For reference, the name and effect are exactly the same as what the Siren Queen, who was a mid-boss, used…

Whoooooooong!

If you get hit by that, you’ll be suspended in the air until your allies rescue you, and your MP will be drained in proportion to that time. Well, with my weight, I’m immune to being airborne…

‘Still, it drains MP.’

I have to avoid it no matter what, especially if you’re not as heavy as me.

“Everyone, don’t clump together, spread out!”

The first Dragon Vein appeared around us, and the battle difficulty increased significantly. On top of that, we had to avoid the whirlpool, which reduced our range of movement.

However, there’s an easy solution to this pattern for now.

“From now on, we’ll fight while moving!”

We just need to change our position. After all, this is the only bastard left on this island now. In effect, the entire island is becoming a boss room. There’s no reason not to use the wide field we’ve been given.

‘…Actually, this method won’t last long either.’

One of the tricky things about this guy is that in a situation where damage is lacking, if he keeps using [Dragon Vein], the map will eventually become smaller. But in the meantime…

“Huh? Why is the seawater coming up here…”

Due to the nature of Parune Island, after the fourth wave starts, the sea level gradually rises, and eventually, only the center of the island remains above water.

“Mr. Yandel! This is bad! The water is rising! Oh, what should we do?”

What do you mean, what should we do? We just have to keep fighting while moving.

“Maintain formation and head to the center!”

Fortunately, no one questioned my instructions. It’s not like they had any better ideas.

「Stormgush has cast [Tyrant’s Roar].」

Anyway, even while fighting and moving, Stormgush used new skills.

“Ercina! That’s the one I told you about! Purify it quickly!”

[Tyrant’s Roar], a crazy area-of-effect skill that inflicts ‘stun’ for up to 2 seconds within a 10m radius, although it’s reduced in proportion to magic resistance or mental stats. It was easily countered with the priest’s purification.

「Stormgush has cast [Storm Bloodline].」

A berserk skill that temporarily increases regeneration and physical stats? “Everyone, stay away!”

I just took all the hits and endured it. Instead, there were holes in my shield, armor, and even my body… But I can endure this much with the priest’s healing.

‘The equipment… it’s going to cost a bit to repair later.’

It would be a lie to say I’m not hurting inside, but considering this is a 3rd-grade monster raid, this much is bearable. Yeah, life is more important than money.

“It’s a stomp! Everyone, get away!”

Stormgush used four skills alternately and repeatedly, and as time passed, the team members became proficient in his patterns. However, it’s too early to relax. He still has three more skills he hasn’t used.

‘Damn 3rd-grade.’

That’s the decisive difference between 3rd and 4th grade. Not only are the base stats different, but the number of skills they have is also significantly different. Moreover, monsters of this level tend to have unique abilities, not just skills that come from essences. Like the vampires’ dark magic.

‘His was weapon mastery.’

In the game, ‘weapon mastery’ gave stat bonuses in many combat categories, such as critical hit, accuracy, evasion, and defense success rate. Stormgush had a high level of that weapon mastery. Is that why?

‘He’s really good with that spear.’

For a monster, his spear thrusts are very sharp. It’s not just about pushing with brute force, but it feels like there’s some kind of principle mixed in? ‘Anyway, he’ll start using the remaining patterns when his health gets low…’

“Mr. Yandel, did you hear? Everyone will be in danger when he starts using that ability. We need to figure out a way now…!”

Stop shouting. I’ve already thought of everything. I was just waiting because it would look suspicious if I came up with a countermeasure as soon as the explanation was over. Plan A and Plan B. As always, there are two plans. The best is A, and the second best is B. The only problem is…

‘Variables.’

This plan doesn’t allow for an easy win. We will be facing a more advanced battle that we couldn’t experience with low-grade monsters. And… Someone unlucky might get hurt. Or even die. I can only hope. I know it’s selfishness disguised as altruism. Even so, if someone has to experience misfortune.

‘Partsran, Ercina, Nebarche, Amelia.’

I hope it’s not us.

“T-there’s nowhere left to run!”

Just as I was engraving my priorities once again, Partsran shouted.

Shwaaaaaaaa-!

Water was rising from the direction we were moving. Escaping by boat or anything like that was impossible. Since the end of the first wave, hundreds of tornadoes had been surging around the island.

‘…At this point, it’s safe to say that more than half of it is submerged.’

We don’t have much time left.

“Move over there!”

I led the group towards the center of the island, taking the longest route possible. And I asked one thing of my companions. “We must inflict as much damage as possible on him.”

It will be difficult, but we will have to fight more intensely.

“Do you have a plan?”

Amelia asked, and I explained the plan I had prepared without hesitation.

“…You came up with that plan just by listening to the mage?”

The male swordsman made a strange expression at my explanation.

“But will it work? From what I hear, it seems like a very unrealistic and dangerous plan.”

The priestess expressed concern. And…

“Bjorn is a great warrior! He knows how to fight better than anyone!”

Ainar didn’t miss the opportunity to brag about me to others and shouted.

“Again… are you going to take on that role alone?”

Misha murmured sadly, saying that she would join in as well. Of course, I didn’t allow it. Regardless of my affection for Misha, this was the most efficient personnel arrangement. Then, what would be the evaluation of Raven, the epitome of efficiency?

“It’s not a bad plan. Especially in that you’ve prepared for when it fails.”

Okay, so you’re okay with it too. “That’s not the voice of someone making a foolish move. Fine, I’ll do as you say.”

After that, even Amelia, whom I was most worried about, agreed to my plan, relieving me of some of the burden. It was a bit surprising. I didn’t expect her to accept the role so readily. When I expressed a slight doubt, Amelia said something unexpected.

“There’s power in your words.”

Uh?

“I see what you mean.”

Partsran, who had been bickering with Amelia all along, nodded.

“You didn’t despair at all when you said a 3rd-grade monster had appeared.”

That’s because I’ve known for a long time…

“Perhaps those who decided to follow you that day felt the same way.”

The priestess also mentioned what happened in the Noark battle on the first floor.

“Bjorn, son of Yandel. A giant who opens the way ahead of anyone, and one who is born with the mission of the era.”

Even if you say that, I don’t really understand. I just feel a bit strange. It doesn’t seem like I showed them anything noble…

“In a situation where nothing could be certain, I was convinced when I saw you safely reunite with your companions. Fate is with you.”

Ha, that’s why they’re religious people. “…What are you talking about.”

I sigh. That’s because, no matter how much of a hero I am, I know my true nature. Just a moment ago, I was secretly praying that even if they died, at least we would be safe. But…

‘Why are you doing this to me?’

The warrior’s heart beats heavily. Is it the barbarian’s instinct to want to live up to expectations?

“Behel—raaaaaaaaaa!!”

Enough, let’s just fight. Before I felt more responsibility for them, I entrusted myself to the battle and emptied my head.

「Stormgush has cast [Eye of the Storm].」

Again, it’s this one. “Everyone, step back!”

As soon as the whirlpool hit, I stuck to him and started holding him. Whoooooooosh-! A fierce storm where it was difficult to see even an inch ahead. I suddenly had a thought. After all, the wind is just the wind. No matter how much I pray, I can’t decide who will die and who will survive.

Kwaaang-!

It’s like this whirlpool. Only the heavens know what will be at the end of that wind.

“Mr. Yandel, there’s nowhere left to retreat.”

After blocking the [Eye of the Storm] pattern one more time and moving a bit further, the center of the island appeared. A clearing hidden in the bushes. A white stone tower in the middle. Even the dark bloodstains scattered on the ground. The place where I spent an eternity praying for everyone’s safety just yesterday.

“W-water is rushing in from all sides!”

The entire island except for this place was sinking, and now the sea could be seen everywhere.

「Stormgush has cast [Dragon Vein].」

From the holes that Stormgush had made in the ground on the way here, [Whirlpools] were spewing out, mixing with the water and swirling around us. Shwaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!! If this were a game, I would have been satisfied. It was a majestic atmosphere befitting a boss battle.

Kooong-!

Stormgush, who had reached us, slammed the butt of his trident into the ground.

「Stormgush has cast [Rain Ritual].」

One of the three remaining skills that he starts using when his HP drops below 70%. ‘Okay, it seems like the HP management is going well.’ It’s time to settle the score.

***

[Rain Ritual]. One of the three core skills that Stormgush possesses. The effect is simple. Pat, pat. It’s raining. For reference, if he gets hit by the rain, his regeneration and overall physical stats greatly increase, while the characters are afflicted with various debuffs. Of course, this is a minor problem. The real deal is in the next pattern.

“What are you all doing! Do as planned!”

At my shout, everyone except the rear rushed at him. This was the same for me. [Kroooooooo-!!] Unlike before, I really rushed at him without holding back. Because that was our plan. All or nothing. As soon as he uses [Rain Ritual], we would unleash all our damage and take him down in one go. Therefore, there’s no reason to hold back. The more injuries I accumulate, the easier it will be for my companions to deal damage.

Pook-!

Soon, Bear Uncle’s arrow pierced deep into his hard shell. But the flesh inside wasn’t that damaged… 「Abman Urikfreet has cast [Hungry Claws].」 That arrow is a continuous damage arrow. The more arrows that are stuck, the greater the burden on him. Next was Misha’s turn.

「Misha Kalstein has cast [Enhance].」

「Misha Kalstein has cast [Frost Condensation].」

Misha, as always, [Enhanced] [Frost Condensation], increasing the frost sensitivity stat, which is the coefficient of frost damage. And she even unleashed the active authority of the soul spirit she contracted with the Frost Spirit Ring, the Glacial Beast Skadia.

「Misha Kalstein has cast [Absolute Zero].」

[Absolute Zero]. The second authority she gained after eating dozens of bottles of ‘Beast Blood’ after receiving the royal reward. 「The character’s first attack will unconditionally cause the ‘Freeze’ status ailment.」 As white frost formed on her sword, Misha swung it at him. The target area was his right arm, which was holding the trident. Zzzzzzt. His forearm froze solid. Of course, because his magic resistance was high and his body was so large, only his arm was ‘frozen’… But this was all a build-up anyway.

「Misha Kalstein has cast [Ice Shatter].」

An active skill that increases damage to enemies in a ‘frozen’ state. It was also enhanced with a 5th-grade skill obtained as a royal reward. 「Misha Kalstein has cast [Mutation].」 「Temporarily converts agility stat to strength stat.」 That skill that Misha, who lacks strength, can use effectively until the later stages. Kwaang-! Misha’s second blade, as a dual swordsman, struck the frozen arm. However, was it only the shell that was frozen? Zzzzzzt. Fragments flew as if the ice was breaking, but his thick arm was fine. Well, it would be stranger if a single strike could cut off a 3rd-grade monster’s arm after pouring everything into it.

“Next is me!”

As soon as he went berserk and aimed for Misha, Ainar rushed in and struck the broken shell of his wrist with his sword. But… Kakaak-! Even with the cutting power greatly increased by [Wild Control], it wasn’t enough. It did pierce deep into the flesh, but it soon got caught on the hard bone. [Kroooo-!!] “Ah, Ainar!!” He spun his body as if to protect his arm and knocked Ainar away with his tail. ‘Damn it.’ Even Ainar would have a hard time getting up after being hit by that… That’s the scary thing about 3rd-grade monsters. Even if it’s not a skill, each normal attack is fatal…

「Stormgush has cast [Eye of the Storm].」

Damn it, he’s using this again now? Tadat. As I dashed forward, my companions retreated. And in that state… “Behel—raaaaaaaaaa!!” I’m going to hold him no matter what. The 5 seconds, which felt particularly long, ended, and the whirlwind subsided. “Uncle, step back!” Ah, so you’re ready now too. I quickly moved to the side so as not to interfere with Erwen. It was at that moment.

「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia has cast [Concentrated Fire].」

A 4th-grade essence obtained as a royal reward. A skill that consumes MP exponentially in proportion to the casting time, and the damage increases accordingly, was completed. But did she pour all her MP into it? The momentum of the light gathering on the arrowhead was unusual— Whoosh-! Then, Erwen released the string, and the arrow was fired like a flash of light. Kwaaaaaaaang-! The impact point was his upper abdomen. It seemed like she was aiming for the place where his heart would be. The head is also a weak point, but it’s difficult to hit. [Kroooooooo—!!] Stormgush roared as if in pain. But he was still moving fine. Unfortunately, the arrow didn’t pierce his heart. But I wasn’t too disappointed. Even if it had hit, it would have been difficult to kill him in one shot. 3rd-grade monsters don’t die instantly just from having their hearts pierced… “Huh?” Then, for the first time, Stormgush made a motion that I had never seen before.

「Stormgush has cast [Storm Call].」

It was a skill he used when his HP was at 40%.