Surviving the Game As a Barbarian [EN]: Chapter 391

The apprentice shaman, who used to do odd jobs for the old shaman, had a rather impressive appearance. The eye patch gave off a mysterious vibe, and he had tattoos all over his body. If you only looked at him, he seemed like a decent shaman, except for the fact that he was young. However… “Alright, enough of that, sit down and take off your top, little warrior.” His deliberately lowered, theatrical voice was a real mood killer. I wondered if his eye was actually fine and he was just wearing the eye patch for show. Swoosh. Even though I was skeptical, I sat down and took off my clothes. The young shaman immediately placed his hand on my shoulder. And then… “You’ve already imbued your body with the power of the Undying.” The shaman, who instantly recognized the path I had chosen, moved his hand down to my chest and groped me like a pervert. “Now, let’s see how far you’ve reached the extreme.” His voice seemed to imply that he didn’t think I had done much. It didn’t take long for his voice to change. Swoosh. The hand that started on my shoulder moved down to my chest, and then to my side, where my latissimus dorsi [a large muscle on the back] was. It was the place where I received the third stage of the Undying Imprint. And the starting point of my specialization. “Hehehe, you chose the wild soul.” It was here that I obtained [Wild Eruption]. A tank needs a skill to raise threat, right? “You seem young, but you’ve already accepted a soul. You’ve worked quite hard—” The shaman, who was muttering something as if he was impressed, suddenly froze. His hand had already moved past my latissimus dorsi and onto my back. At that moment, I seriously considered slapping him in the face. Everything was fine, but this was making our faces too close. And the position made it look like he was hugging me from the front. Swoosh. The shaman’s hand moved up my back and reached my neck. “Oh ho, your spirit vein is already open? Not bad—” The fourth stage imprint, which increased my mental and soul power. His hand moved from my neck back to the front and reached the area where my heart was. “…Y-your ki vein [a concept in traditional Chinese medicine referring to energy channels] is open too?” His voice was starting to sound flustered. It seemed he thought he would just give me a low-level imprint and be done with it, based on what the Marquis had told him. I was suddenly annoyed, so I forcefully removed the shaman’s hand. “W-what are you doing! I’m in the middle of a sacred ritual to read your path—” No, I’m saying that it’s a waste of time! “Forget about spirit veins and ki veins, stop groping me. I’ve already finished imprinting the soul of the weapon.” “T-the soul of the weapon… you’ve opened your life vein too…?” The shaman flinched greatly when he heard that I had completed the sixth stage imprint. However, perhaps he thought it was too undignified. “Ah, do you know? To engrave the next imprint, a very precious sacrifice is needed—” “Ah, I’ve already brought the souls of the dead, so you don’t have to worry.” “……” I didn’t know why a warrior, not a shaman, had to lead the imprint ritual, but I had given him all the information he needed to engrave the imprint. “We’ve talked enough, how about we start soon?” I said, lying down on the bed that seemed to be prepared for me. But no matter how long I waited, the procedure didn’t start. “Shaman, what are you doing?” “…Wait a moment. I need time to calm my breathing and focus my mind before starting the ritual—” Focus my mind, my ass. In other words, he’s just nervous. As soon as I sensed something was off, I raised my upper body. And I voiced the suspicion I had. Surely, that couldn’t be the case, but. “Shaman, you don’t mean…” “……” “You’ve never done a high-level imprint before, have you?” “…It’s just that there were no warriors who wanted to receive it. I’ve learned all the methods.” Ugh, I’m suddenly feeling uneasy. *** I felt like I had become a textbook for the young shaman to gain experience, but I had no other choice. It was also not an option to call the old shaman. It was better to receive it from him since he didn’t recognize me. Besides, he was a formal shaman, after all. He would do the imprint properly, right? That’s what I thought. Until the first needle pierced my skin. Stab. “Aaaah!” “……!” Stab. “Kaaaaaah!” “……?” Stab. “Are you tilting your head? You, you stabbed me in the wrong place, didn’t you?” “…N-no, I didn’t!” “Yes, you did—” “It’s going well, so stay still!” Stab. “Kaaaaaaah!” Was the soul imprint always this painful? It felt like I was going crazy when I did it before, but it wasn’t this bad, I think. Stab. Stab. Stab. Staaaaab-! Time flowed slowly, and the pain, which became clearer, continued to pickle my brain. How much time had passed? “I-it’s all over…” The shaman, who looked completely exhausted, finally uttered the words I had been waiting for. [You have activated the 7th stage of the Undying Imprint.] A strange energy permeated my body, which seemed to have no strength left. A slightly different sensation than when my stats usually increased. Looking at this, it seems the imprint itself was done properly… [Recovery power increases.] Recovery power is a stat similar to muscle mass. If muscle mass increased total strength by 1% per point, recovery power gives a bonus to all healing and regeneration effects in proportion to its value. Well, it’s not as noticeable as strength, so it’s hard to feel it right away… [Ability stat increases by +300.] Whether it’s natural regeneration or healing, the healing effect will be noticeable when it works. “Kuhuhuhuhuhu…” A great reward that was worth enduring the difficult time. As I was grinning, forgetting the pain, the shaman next to me let out a strange exclamation. “…You’re the first one to laugh after imprinting a new soul into your body.” “That’s because you’re inexperienced. Warriors usually laugh when things are tough.” “That’s not true…! How many warriors have I—” What is he talking about? How many imprint procedures could he have done in the 2 years and 6 months I was gone? “Oh, yeah, good job.” My strength was slowly returning, so I got up from the bed. The surroundings were full of candles, and I didn’t realize it because the curtains were closed when I came in, but it was already night. ‘They said I might be late, so they won’t worry.’ The shaman would return to the holy ground whenever he wanted, whether it was today or tomorrow morning, so I just grabbed my coat and went outside. The servant who had guided me earlier was waiting in front. But why does he look like that? Like he’s scared of something… “Are… are you alright?” Ah, if he was in front, he would have heard all my screams. He wouldn’t know about the imprint, so he would probably think I was doing something weird inside. “Okay, I’m going back now, can I just go out?” A question filled with the expectation that he would prepare a carriage like when I came. The servant cautiously opened his mouth. “Mr. Schuetz, the Marquis requests to see you.” “The Marquis…?” I unconsciously omitted the honorific and asked back, and the servant’s face turned pale as if he had done something wrong. However, perhaps he couldn’t point it out in front of a guest? “Yes, ‘the Marquis’ is waiting. Please come this way.” The servant emphasized the honorific and led me somewhere. Ugh, I need to be more careful in front of others. I can’t out myself as a barbarian yet. Squeak. The place we arrived at was the Marquis’s study. When I entered, the Marquis looked up from his documents and glanced at me, then sent the servant back out. Only after the door was completely closed did he greet me. “How was it? Did the imprint go well, Baron Yandel?” “Thanks to you. But why did you call me again?” I was tired, so I immediately got to the point, but the Marquis, as always, didn’t fault my rudeness. He just accommodated me as I wished. “It just so happens that I have something to tell you right away.” The Marquis got straight to the point without even showing a hint of displeasure. But I wonder if this guy even knows? The more he shows this kind of kindness, the more wary I become, rather than feeling trustworthy. “Something to tell me… what is it?” “The first is that the persuasion of the people you wanted to recruit is over.” Then, the Marquis said that he was able to recruit the mage I had designated, and the priestess had refused, so the ability user he had marked as Plan B would join. Tsk, it would have been nice if the priestess had joined too, then there would have been more options. “Anyway, since you said ‘first,’ there must be a second thing?” “That’s right. Actually, the first thing is something that could have been delivered in writing later.” “I’m curious, so tell me quickly.” “Tomorrow, the leaders of each team will have a meeting. I’m planning to guide them to decide on the commander-in-chief at that meeting, if possible.” “…Tomorrow? So suddenly?” “The labyrinth will open soon. Even if we can’t go on a big operation right away, there were many who said we should finish organizing the system. Is there a problem?” “No, there isn’t. As you said, it’s better to finish these things early. So how are you going to decide on the commander?” “I told you, I’m going to guide them. Since all five teams have backers, they will all want to be the commander.” “In short, you’re going to gather them and let them decide among themselves.” “That’s the gist of it. So, is that okay?” “Don’t worry. I also refuse to be under some frustrating guy.” It’s a special unit going on a dangerous mission, right? I’d rather do it myself than watch some troll bastard sit in the expedition leader’s seat and screw things up. Well, if there’s a suitable person, it wouldn’t be bad to just relax and enjoy the benefits from behind. “So, where are we meeting tomorrow?” “I’ve invited them to the main house. They will have lunch together tomorrow.” Lunch tomorrow… Since the place is here anyway, I don’t want to come back again. “Can I sleep here tonight?” “Of course. If you want, I can help you contact the mansion right away. She will be worried.” “Ah, I’ll ask you to do that.” After about 30 more minutes of conversation, with the help of the Marquis, I contacted Erwen and Amelia at the 7th District Magic Tower branch. Then, I went into the room where I had stayed the other day, washed up, and finished preparing to sleep. Plop- A noble’s bed that was incomparably softer than my bed at home. As always on the day I finished an imprint, I fell asleep as soon as I lay down. Drrrrrrrrrrr-!! Surely, no more weirdos will come looking for me in the middle of the night. *** [Bjorn Yandel] Level: 7 Physical: 1,461.40 / Mental: 521.3 / Ability: 2,197.65 (New +390) Item Level: 8,305 Total Combat Power: 6256.60 (New +390) Acquired Essence: Orc Hero – Rank 5 / Ogre – Rank 3 / Bayon – Rank 3 / Stormgush – Rank 3 / Bol-Helchan – Rank 3 / Gachabon – Rank 6 / Deep Sea Giant – Rank 3 *** The next morning. The meeting was at lunch, but I woke up early and started getting ready with the help of the servants, for the sake of the Marquis’s reputation. Neatly styled hair and a suit that fit perfectly. It’s been a long time since I’ve worn these kinds of clothes… ‘Not bad.’ My reflection in the mirror looked pretty good, even to me. Is it because my physique has decreased? It doesn’t feel as burdensome as it used to. “Just wait a little longer.” “Looking out the window, it seems like some of them have already arrived?” “Not everyone has arrived yet.” Since I stayed at the mansion for one night, I was able to finish preparing early, but I continued to wait in my room. I wondered if it wouldn’t be better to just wait in the banquet hall, but there was the reputation of the nobles to consider, or so they said? It seems there was a power struggle even in the timing of the entrance. “Alright, let’s go now. Everyone is waiting.” Well, there was no reason not to follow the Marquis’s words in this regard, so I waited until the time came and moved to the banquet hall with the Marquis. Squeak. Servants who had been waiting next to us opened the door like an automatic door without us having to lift a finger. “We greet Marquis Terserion.” “I didn’t expect the Chancellor to attend the meal.” “I’m being treated well today. I truly consider it an honor.” As soon as the Marquis arrived, all four men and women who had arrived earlier stood up and bowed, and only after receiving the greetings did the Marquis return the greeting. “Haha, it’s nice to meet you all. Considering your reputations, what I’ve prepared may be lacking, but please enjoy yourselves comfortably.” With that, the Marquis went to the head of the table and sat down. As I had heard beforehand, I sat in the seat to the immediate right of the Marquis. And… “Bring the food.” While the servants filled the table, the Marquis, as if he were a matchmaker, led the introduction time. “There may be some who are meeting for the first time, so it would be good to introduce ourselves. What do you think?” “Yes, may I go first?” The first to step forward was the man sitting directly in front of me. “Everyone seems younger than me, and there don’t seem to be any nobles, so I’ll speak a little more casually.” A well-dressed uniform with neatly combed red hair. A check pattern embroidered on his top. So, his name is… “I am Melend Kaislan.” Ah, I remembered what the Marquis had told me yesterday. The youngest son of the Kaislan Count family, and a veteran knight who had entered the military early and achieved many feats, right? He was called the youngest son, but he was over forty years old and had been married since he was young, with several children. “I’ve been in the military for decades, and thanks to that, I’m used to combat. But command is a different area from combat. I’ve seen countless talented people lose their lives meaninglessly due to incompetent superiors.” He stood up to introduce himself, but he started a long self-PR session. “I’m not ignoring you, but if one of us has to take responsibility, I don’t think there’s anyone more suitable than me.” He was definitely an experienced veteran, so maybe that’s why? His military-style speech already made me feel how inflexible he was. And it wasn’t just me who felt that way. “…Oh my, wasn’t this supposed to be a simple introduction? This is making it hard for the next person.” The dwarf woman next to him smiled sweetly and subtly criticized him as she stood up. “In that sense, I’ll go next.” Wow, look how natural she is? In fact, I knew who this woman was as soon as I saw her, even without her revealing her name. There aren’t many female dwarf explorers of that age, are there? “I’m Titana Akuraba.” Titana Akuraba. She didn’t seem to want to reveal her age, but everyone who knew her knew that she was 61. Of course, due to the characteristics of her race, which aged early and maintained that age, she had a much younger body than a human of that age. Well, what does age matter to that woman? “…Akuraba? Are you really Akuraba?” As soon as she revealed her name, the noble knight flinched and widened his eyes. That’s because she was such a famous explorer. No, should I say legendary? “Even if it’s me, I wouldn’t be so bold as to lie in front of the Marquis, would I?” “That’s… that’s true. It’s just that it was so surprising. I heard you retired 10 years ago.” Actually, I heard about this woman from the Marquis for the first time. She was a member of a legendary team that explored the 9th floor, but after the team suddenly disbanded 10 years ago, she had never appeared in public. In other words, she was from a completely different generation than me. “Hoho, somehow I’ve come back out into the world like this. So, can I continue? Young knight?” “……Of course.” She silenced the knight who had interrupted, and then she had her own self-PR time, just like the knight had done earlier. “I can confidently say that there is no one here who knows more about the labyrinth than I do. The same goes for the rules between explorers. Isn’t that enough?” A short speech that exuded confidence in herself. However, as soon as she sat down, another man stood up without being intimidated. “Haha, I never thought I’d meet one of my respected seniors like this. I’ll go next.” He was a man with a somewhat light atmosphere. His characteristic was that he was a little short for a human, at just over 160cm. “I’m James Kala, the vice-leader of the Cogtooth Clan.” The vice-leader of the Cogtooth Clan, one of the super-large clans that had shrunk from ten to four clans in recent years. This guy also followed the previous examples and spent a long time emphasizing his strengths. He was fast with recent information because he was working in a large clan, and he was confident in presenting a direction that would satisfy everyone by synthesizing all opinions? It was clearly an appeal aimed at the old dwarf and the stubborn knight, but I wasn’t particularly impressed. I just recalled the information I had seen in the documents. ‘He was an archer, right?’ That’s about all I remember. As soon as the vice-leader’s introduction time ended, the paladin next to him stood up. “I am Jun of the Heindel Church. I have abandoned the surname I used in the secular world.” A short introduction that contrasted with the previous guys. “…Is that all?” When the knight asked back, the paladin clicked his tongue with a slightly dissatisfied look and continued to speak. “There is nothing as unstable and dangerous as the will of man. Everything will be as it should be, according to the will of God.” “It seems that the Three Gods Church doesn’t have much desire for this mission.” “……” The knight tried to probe the intentions of the Three Gods Church by saying something, but the paladin just ignored him without saying anything. And… “Now… you’re the only one left.” Attention was focused on me as it was my turn. Everyone was pretending not to, but they were showing a deep curiosity. Well, they would be curious. After all, I was a person that the Marquis, the second most powerful person in the kingdom, had chosen as his representative, and they were seeing my face for the first time. Since they had no information, they would be a little wary. Squeak. I pushed the chair back and stood up, then briefly stated my name. “I am Richen Schuetz.” I could see people frowning in various places. ‘That’s all?’ That was the kind of look they were giving me. Even the Marquis was the same. They were probably wondering why I was staying silent when everyone else was actively promoting themselves. ‘Geez, stop rushing me. It’s embarrassing.’ I had no intention of talking at length like the previous guys. What’s the point when it’s obvious that everyone will just listen with one ear and let it out the other? Swoosh. I slowly looked around and made eye contact with each person. “Knight and noble.” The start was the soldier from a noble family. “Famous explorer.” Next was the dwarf woman. “Clan.” The third was the vice-leader. “God and whatever.” Finally, I looked down at the paladin and said firmly. “I don’t listen to anyone weaker than me.” Self-PR, the shorter it is, the more impactful it is.