Surviving The Game As A Barbarian [EN]: Chapter 363

Riehen Schuetz.

Actually, when I think about it, living with that name isn’t so bad.

With my current abilities, even while hiding my strength, I could make enough money to retire in just a few years.

Of course, if I did that, I’d have to give up on returning….

‘So what?’

I’ve already adapted.

Now, this world isn’t as terrible as it used to be, and recently, I’ve often thought it’s better than my original life.

Because here, I have people I can trust.

And people who trust me.

These were connections I didn’t have in Lee Han-soo’s life.

But….

‘There’s no guarantee I can hide my identity forever.’

How long can this new identity of Riehen Schuetz last?

Well, no matter how careful I am, it won’t be forever.

You never know what will happen in life….

‘There are already many witnesses.’

Eventually, the story of Riehen Schuetz will spread.

Even if Raven files a false report, there was a clown there.

They’ll be gossiping about meeting a funny guy at the Round Table.

Since there are deer antlers at the Round Table, it’s obvious that the news will spread to the royal family.

‘Plus, I showed them that I use the essence of Gacha Bone.’

It’s not a well-known essence, but eventually, as they research, they’ll learn about this essence and recognize the bone density. Then they’ll find out that my original height is much taller.

Well, there’s another decisive reason.

‘Auril Gavis.’

I still don’t know what that old man did to me when he gave me that ‘gift’ with the core missing.

In short, it means that just because I’m hiding my identity and living in the shadows doesn’t guarantee my safety.

So, the conclusion is the same as always.

Just like when I asked the shaman to tell me about my fate.

‘I need to get stronger.’

So that I can withstand whatever comes my way.

***

Whoooom-!

While we were discussing the future in the officers’ room, the crystal ball on the table began to vibrate.

“It’s a military message stone directly connected to headquarters. It seems we’ll have to continue our discussion later when we have time.”

Well, they can’t just focus on us all the time during a war.

Honestly, I myself was wondering if it was okay to keep going like this.

“We’ll go outside.”

“No. There’s no need for that. We’re also here as escorts in name. Just be quiet when they’re communicating.”

“If that’s the case.”

After that, Raven, who received a call from headquarters, spoke in a businesslike manner, and then summoned the officers in the unit.

And….

“Deputy Commander, but who are those people….”

“Don’t worry about them. They’re my escorts.”

“But, we’re having a meeting….”

“Do I have to say it twice?”

“….”

Wow, she’s really cut out to be a commander.

How can such a small person have such a cold voice?

“Then, let’s start the meeting. Headquarters just issued an order. They say they’re not detecting any enemy life signatures within the barrier.”

Anyway, we stayed by Raven’s side and were able to see how things were going.

First of all, the enemy forces that were besieging the lake had disappeared in an instant? It happened two hours after the entire army retreated by ship.

“It could be a trap. They might be trying to get us to disembark from the ships.”

“Well, I’m more inclined to believe they’ve retreated.”

“Everyone, be quiet. There’s no point in speculating anyway. Headquarters has decided to draw troops from each unit for a search.”

Raven must have already decided who to send, as she didn’t hesitate at all and assigned members to the search party.

And how much time passed?

Information was updated in real-time through the troops that went out for the search.

[There’s nothing to be seen around the lake.]

First of all, the lakeside, which was full of the clown’s undead, was completely empty.

Also….

[The second search team reports that traces of large-scale magic have been found.]

Traces of magic were found.

Upon confirmation, it was a multiple teleportation magic circle.

Once the [Thousand Gold Wall] is activated, it’s impossible to enter from the outside using teleportation magic, but the opposite is not the case.

Headquarters also concluded that the enemy had retreated.

But….

“We’ve been ordered to stand by again. It might be a bit inconvenient, but we’ll wait on the ships until the [Thousand Gold Wall] collapses and the main force returns. We’ll also maintain the current level of alert.”

“Yes, I’ll inform the explorers as well!”

Under the judgment of headquarters, all troops remained on the ships and did not go to the lakeside.

And more time passed….

Swoooosh-!

The [Thousand Gold Wall], having reached the end of its duration, collapsed into mana particles, and the main force that had gone on the expedition rejoined us.

Only then did we come out to the lake to clean up the battlefield, and the main force waited for about a day to confirm that it was safe. Then, they left again for the expedition, leaving a few additional troops behind just in case.

“The main force’s goal was to find the location of Noahrc’s base, right?”

“Yes. Specifically, the entrance. It’s most likely connected to a certain area, like the center of the crystal cave. If we can find and occupy it, we can also research how this was possible.”

Oh, the main force must be really busy.

Searching with a large force on the 7th floor.

I was thinking that when Raven let out a long sigh.

“…I’m glad it ended well without any major incidents.”

It wasn’t like there weren’t any major incidents….

Well, at least no one died or anything.

Now that the cleanup of this incident is over, I also feel like it’s finally over.

But….

“Please, I hope there are no more incidents until we return.”

Oh, there’s a saying that words can become seeds [a saying that means words can manifest into reality].

Raven’s grumbling made me feel uneasy, but surely nothing else will happen.

Now there are quite a few troops—

“…Patrol team?”

At that moment, a line written on one of the documents on the table caught my eye.

“Ah, that? It seems there was a bit of a discussion upstairs because of this incident. Even though it was a small number, they didn’t notice until they infiltrated.”

“So, they decided to deploy patrol troops?”

“Yes.”

Raven, busy, answered with a short reply and then focused on her paperwork again.

Huh, isn’t it boring to be stuck here?

I feel so restless that I think my mouth is getting a metallic taste.

“Mister, are you very bored?”

“A little?”

“Then, shall we go for a walk together?”

“Then who will protect Raven?”

“Well, what’s the problem? That woman will be left behind anyway.”

Amelia flared up at Erwen’s words.

“…Who said you could do that?”

“You’re so sensitive. If we go and come back, then you can go rest, right?”

Oh, they’re going to fight again.

“Both of you, stop it. I’m not planning on going for a walk.”

I mediated between the two and then sat on the chair, blankly passing the time.

As I did, the boredom grew even more.

‘But a patrol team….’

It might be a bit impulsive, but I thought it would be much better than being here.

If it’s a patrol team, they’ll be going outside and wandering around.

I’ll probably encounter monsters often, so I’ll naturally gain the experience points I haven’t accumulated yet.

‘If I’m lucky, I might even reach level 7 this time.’

I didn’t hesitate for long.

“Raven, what do I need to do to join the patrol team?”

“…You can’t go.”

“Huh? Why?”

“They’ve already selected all the members. Besides, in principle, once an assignment is given, it can’t be changed. Otherwise, everyone would try to get the easy assignments. There’s also the issue of fairness.”

Oh, I see.

I nodded and asked again.

“But there must be another way, right?”

“…It is possible to change assignments under the discretion of the commander of the assigned unit.”

What, was she just teasing me?

How spiteful.

“Isn’t that commander you? You can just change it—”

“That’s why I said you can’t go. Because I won’t let you. Who knows what kind of trouble you’ll cause while I’m not there?”

Raven didn’t even look at me and drew a cold line.

Of course, it wasn’t a big problem.

Because I’m not the type to give up just because of that.

“Haha! Is that all that was the problem?”

I laughed as if it was nothing, and Raven tilted her head.

“……?”

What’s with that look?

That’s why bookworms can’t do it.

Their brains are too rigid, and they lack flexibility in thinking, or so they say?

“You said it’s a problem because you’re not there?”

“……?”

“Then we can just go together!”

As soon as I presented the solution, Raven narrowed her eyes and scanned me up and down.

And….

“Just in case, I’m asking, but are there barbarians or similar races in your world?”

Ah, uh, um….

“…….”

I was asked an unexpected question.

***

As a result, I ended up joining the patrol team.

Because Raven is a rationalist.

“Do it!”

“…….”

“Do it! You promised you wouldn’t cause trouble!”

“…….”

“Do it!”

It’s called the Barbarian Parrot Mode.

When I activated that mode, which had served me well in the crystal cave in the past, Raven, who had initially ignored me, had no choice but to react.

“No, it’s just that people are so persistent in strange ways!”

“Then do it!”

“…If I said no! And if I haven’t answered for over four hours!! You should know when to stop after understanding appropriately!!”

“I don’t know, so do it!!”

“Haa…….”

If the opponent has finished their anger and sighed, it’s a sign of resignation.

I continued to dig into that gap, and eventually, Raven gave her permission.

She decided that it would be better to do this than to be disturbed by work for the rest of the days.

Ah, it wasn’t just that she gave in to my stubbornness.

“Ah, really! Why do you have to go that far!! You could just stay quiet for a few days!!”

“…Because there are monsters outside.”

“……?”

“Didn’t I say? I need to get stronger.”

“Ah, really…. What am I supposed to do when you say that….”

That’s how the OK sign was given.

Ah, of course, it wasn’t on the condition that Raven would come along, as I had said at first.

I said it would be better if we went together, but they said that headquarters wouldn’t allow it?

“I’m the only mage here who can use the [Thousand Gold Wall]. I have to stay in case of an emergency.”

Come to think of it, she’s a valuable asset.

“Then leave Emily or Erwen behind.”

“If it’s because of my escort, there’s no need for that. I was doing fine even when Yandel… no, Schuetz wasn’t here.”

Well, I’m still worried….

“I’m really okay, so don’t go causing trouble. Especially, don’t ever use [Giantification]. And don’t neglect your patrol duties just because you’re catching monsters. And also….”

After listening to a long list of precautions as if I were an elementary school student going on a picnic, Raven contacted the higher-ups and changed my affiliation. Only then was I able to leave the barracks.

Because there was a patrol team just about to depart.

“You must be the newly added members. It’s an honor to meet you, Tersia.”

As soon as we arrived at our destination, the patrol team leader greeted us and began checking our specs.

“Blood Spirit Lord, your specialty is archery and spirit magic, so you should stand in the center of the formation…. Are the other two of you melee types?”

“That’s right.”

When I nodded, the leader checked our positions in more detail, and Amelia, a dexterity-based dealer, was placed on the left flank of the formation.

And me….

“Looking at your heavily armored armor and shield, I assume you’ll be taking the front position—”

Oh, where would I get hit with this small body?

I quickly cut him off before I was labeled as a tank.

“I’m the one who smashes things.”

“…Yes? Then what’s that shield for…?”

“It’s just for show.”

I put the shield into my subspace and grabbed Kraul’s Demon Smasher with both hands.

“I’ll stand on the right flank.”

Since I can’t go wild using [Giantification] anyway.