Surviving the Game As a Barbarian [EN]: Chapter 441

When I opened my eyes again, it was the middle of the night. Figuring there was nothing to do even if I got up, I went back to sleep.

So, I thought I had slept for two days in total…

“…Did I sleep for three days?”

At first, I thought Amelia was joking.

Even after sleeping for three days straight, I still felt tired. To be honest, I forced myself to get up when I could have slept more…

‘But it really has been three days.’

“Well, it’s a relief you woke up now. If you hadn’t woken up today, I was going to force you awake. I’m tired of stopping the fairy from making a fuss.”

“…So, where’s Erwen?”

“Out for a bit.”

“Out?”

“She said she was going to the holy site. It seems things aren’t being resolved as easily as she thought there either.”

The subject was omitted, but there was no need to ask what she was talking about.

It must be about leaving the Pureblood Order.

Since the fairy clan had given us a lot of support while I was gone, she would have to give up a lot to be free again.

Like the ‘Sacred Tree Palace,’ for example.

Or the funds used to purchase this mansion, which they forcibly took by holding the Sacred Tree Palace hostage.

‘…Well, the real problem is the ‘pureblood’ itself.’

The fairy’s ‘pureblood’ is a kind of racial secret technique. [A unique ability passed down through generations within a specific race.]

Only one person in each generation can inherit it, and the inheritor’s ‘affinity with nature’ stat is boosted like crazy. It was thanks to that that Erwen was able to make a contract with the Spirit King.

‘I need to resolve this issue quickly too. It’s absurd to leave Erwen to handle it alone.’

I suddenly feel like the time I spent sleeping was a waste.

It hasn’t even been a month since I barely survived and returned from Ice Rock, but there was no time to rest and waste.

But…

Grumble-!

“…There’s some food in the kitchen, go check it out.”

Right, let’s eat first.

***

After filling my stomach, which had been empty for three days, the first thing I did was organize my thoughts.

Baekho, GM, Hyunbyul, Ragna Auril Gavis, and the numerous pieces of information I had obtained from the Round Table…

After asking Amelia for her understanding, I locked myself in my room and spent a long time organizing my thoughts.

‘Ha… my head is really going to explode.’

It feels like I’m back to being a student before the start of the semester.

The homework is piling up, and I have no idea where to start. So, just like when I play games, I prioritized and organized things.

What do I need to do from now on?

‘…It’s a bit better now that I’ve organized it like a quest.’

After forcibly ranking things like in an ideal type world cup, my head felt a bit clearer. [A popular Korean game where participants choose between two options until a final winner is decided.]

So, the quests I need to do right now, today, are…

“Amelia, how’s the clan establishment going?”

Finish establishing the clan.

“The document review was completed yesterday, so all you have to do is visit in person and finalize the registration on the list.”

Actually, I had thought about reviving the old clan, but since it was completely disbanded after I was reported dead, the administrative procedures were complicated, so I decided to create a new one.

It was a bit of a shame.

In the case of clans, it’s advantageous if the founding date is even a little older.

‘Well, I guess I can just use my noble title to suppress them later?’

‘Negotiating’ with guilds is one of my strengths.

I changed my clothes and was about to go out to handle today’s schedule when Amelia put on her coat and followed me.

“Are you coming with me?”

“It would be better. I handled most of the administrative procedures.”

True, it would be better if two of us went, as we would be less likely to miss anything.

Sigh, Raven used to handle these things.

‘It’ll take a while to bring that kid from the military.’

Of course, that doesn’t mean I’ve given up.

The most important thing is Raven’s decision.

“Wait a moment.”

“Yes?”

“Wear this. There will be a commotion if you go out like that.”

“Ah…”

After that, I put on the iron helmet that Amelia had brought and went outside.

“It’s been a while. It’s been a while since we went out together during the day.”

Well, is that so?

Come to think of it, I think the last time was when I bought the ‘Vol-Herchan’ essence at the auction house and went to the art museum.

After returning to the modern era, it wasn’t a situation where I could freely walk around.

“Ah, there it is.”

Since the house was located in the city center, it didn’t take long to walk to the guild branch.

We took a number like other explorers and waited, and when it was our turn, we presented our IDs.

And…

“B-B-B-B… Haa!”

After seeing my ID, the employee had a fit and we were moved to a private reception room on the second floor, where the branch manager, who had rushed out, personally completed the remaining administrative procedures.

It felt strange.

Leader, Bjorn Yandel.

Deputy Leader, Vacant.

Member, Vacant.

Member, Emily Raines.

Member, Ainar Fnelin.

Member, Auyen Rocklov.

The list only had the minimum number of members required for establishment.

For reference, Erwen couldn’t join the clan yet because the ‘Pureblood Order’ withdrawal issue hadn’t been resolved.

“P-Please visit us again next time!”

After receiving the branch manager’s extreme hospitality, we left the guild and headed to a nearby restaurant.

I was already hungry after starving for three days.

“Amelia.”

“You called me Emily outside.”

Ah, that’s right.

I’m not thinking straight because I’m hungry.

“So, what did you want to say?”

“Ah, it’s nothing much, I was just curious. Why did you tell me to leave the number 1 member spot vacant?”

I left it vacant because I was told to, but I haven’t heard an explanation yet.

Why was it?

“Sometimes, things can fall apart because of impatience.”

“…Huh?”

“Later, after she withdraws, tell her that you deliberately left the spot vacant. Then that fairy will calm down a bit.”

“Uh…”

What did I just hear?

“…You left it for Erwen?”

When I asked, unable to hide my shock, Amelia avoided my gaze with a somewhat embarrassed look.

And…

“…Because she seemed upset.”

She mumbled quietly and changed the subject.

“More importantly, the clan name.”

“Huh?”

“Is there a reason why you named it that? I looked it up and it’s a famous ancient word, meaning a pack of beasts.”

So, you also thought of the ancient word first when you heard it.

If that’s the case, then is it a success?

After a moment of thought, I told Amelia the truth.

I pulled her closer so no one else could hear.

“Actually, it’s not an ancient word, it’s Korean.”

Amelia, who had flinched at my whisper, quietly asked back.

“Korean…? Is that your native language?”

“Yes.”

I nodded and took the opportunity to tell her the meaning.

“It’s the spirit of working hard together with one mind for a better future.”

“…Hoo?”

“That’s the meaning of ‘Anabada’.”

For the time being, it was also going to be our clan’s motto.

I really don’t have any leeway.

***

After the meal, Amelia left, saying she had something to do.

It was obvious where she was going.

She was probably going to her sister’s workplace again today to steal glances at her from the side.

Without even daring to try to talk to her.

‘…Well, if she’s satisfied with that, there’s nothing I can say.’

Anyway, today’s quest was over, but I didn’t go home, I went somewhere else.

It was because there was something I had to do… no, something I wanted to do.

Clink!

When I opened the door to the store, a moderately full restaurant appeared.

The second floor was a lodging, and the store served food during the day and alcohol at night, doubling as a pub.

“Welcome! Are you alone?”

When I opened the door, a fresh-looking waitress in her early twenties smiled brightly and led me to a table.

“What would you like for your meal?”

“Please give me something with a lot of meat. I walked a bit and I’m already hungry again.”

“Yes, please wait a moment—”

“Wait a moment, is the owner not here today?”

“Ah, the madam hasn’t been coming to work lately because the priest told her to be careful. ”

…Well, is she sick or something?

I was a little worried, but first, I decided to correct the misunderstanding.

“I wasn’t asking about the female owner, I was asking about the male owner.”

“Ah! Mr. Urikfrit will be here soon. In about 30 minutes? He’s always coming and going, so I’m not sure!”

Okay, so I can see him if I wait.

“Thank you for answering.”

I gave her a tip for taking her time and sat at the table to kill time. And just as I finished the meal I ordered and ordered another dish.

Clink!

The door opened and the person I had been waiting for arrived.

“You’re here? Mr. Urikfrit!”

“Yeah, was there anything going on?”

“A friend came.”

“…A friend?”

The bear man, who was talking to the waitress, tilted his head and scanned the inside of the store, and as soon as he made eye contact with me, he froze like a stone.

However, did he soon grasp the situation?

“Myla, don’t take any more customers from now on. Send the customers who are here away as soon as they finish their meals.”

“…Yes?”

“Ah, and after you send all the customers away, go home with the chef.”

“Huh?”

“And make sure people don’t come to the table I’m at.”

The bear man, who quickly gave instructions to the waitress, quickly approached me.

“…It really is you. Bjorn Yandel.”

“It’s been a while, Abman.”

The bear man, who quietly exchanged glances with me, sat down in front of me without hesitation.

And…

“…”

“…”

A moment of silence followed.

The bear man was the first to speak.

“I… heard the news.”

Ugh, what’s with this awkwardness?

“I still don’t really understand what’s going on, but it seems like something big happened to you.”

“Ah, yeah… it did…”

“Have you… met the others already?”

“Except for Misha.”

“Yeah… I see…”

After that, the bear man seemed to be thinking about something, and then spoke again.

“Actually, after hearing the news that you were alive, I went to your house a few times. But there were so many people and you didn’t seem like you were going to come out, so I just went back.”

“Why didn’t you knock? If it was you, I would have let you in anytime.”

“Well, I guess I changed my mind.”

“…?”

Is it just my imagination that there’s a strange nuance in his words?

Probably not.

Right, so…

“Abman, I never intended to deceive you guys.”

Let’s make this clear first.

“The reason I couldn’t show myself to you for 2 years and 6 months was all—”

“Stop.”

“…?”

“Bjorn, it seems like you’ve misunderstood something. I’m not angry at you for that. Of course, it would be a lie if I said I didn’t feel betrayed at all… but that’s a completely different story from this.”

The bear man, who drew a firm line, snatched my glass and gulped it down before continuing.

“I just don’t want to hear it.”

“…”

“Whatever the reason you disappeared. You might be involved in something dangerous. And it’s not my business anymore anyway.”

Thump, a feeling like something was tightening in my chest.

“Not my business…”

“I’m sorry, but I think it’s better to make this clear. If you came here because you wanted to put me back on the team, that’s impossible.”

Is this what they call getting rejected before even confessing?

I’m more curious than disappointed.

“Judging by the way you’re saying that, it’s not because of the clan you’re currently affiliated with.”

“Yeah, it’s not.”

“If you don’t mind, can I hear the reason?”

At my request, the bear man took a deep breath through his nose as if holding back a sigh and opened his mouth.

“The day I heard the news of your return… my wife asked me. As if she was very worried, she asked if I was going to go meet you.”

“I see…”

“You know, Bjorn? 2 years and 6 months was a really long time. Long enough to change the mind of an explorer whose dream was to see the end of the labyrinth.”

The bear man said sadly.

“So… the point is… I can’t go back to the way things were before. No matter how much I think about it, if I go around with you, I don’t think I’ll be able to see my children’s weddings.”

“Yeah… I see…”

With that, even the last bit of lingering attachment was completely gone.

No, there was nothing to be attached to in the first place.

What was the reason I didn’t classify today’s visit as a quest?

I had no intention of trying to recruit him.

No, I had to resist the urge.

Isn’t that right?

How can I tell a married man with children to join a clan that might fight against the royal family someday?

“…I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for what? Let’s just drink.”

So, this is the real reason I came here.

“Why? Can’t we drink together if we’re not going into the labyrinth together?”

“…That’s not it.”

Soon, the bear man also obediently picked up his glass, and we spent time talking about trivial things.

In the store where the customers had gradually left and all the staff had gone home.

Until the sun set and night came.

Laughing and chatting about the past, and sometimes even arguing seriously.

“…It’s getting late.”

“It’s just night now?”

“My wife is waiting for me.”

“Then… I guess there’s no choice.”

“I’m sorry. If my wife wasn’t so far along, I could have stayed a little longer…”

…So far along?

My mind went blank for a moment, but I roughly understood the situation.

‘They’re having a second child.’

I felt strange.

Come to think of it, I wasn’t there when they had their first child either. When we were drinking, I was talking about becoming a godfather or not…

“It’s raining. Wear this. I think I need to clean up a bit before I go.”

“…Ah, thank you.”

After exchanging a few more words, I put on the raincoat I received from the bear man and went out into the street.

Pat-pat-pat-

Heavy rain pouring down.

‘I’m not really sad.’

Is it because I drank too much after a long time?

I felt resentful of the 2 years and 6 months that had passed without me.

It felt like I had lost something precious.

But what can I do about it now?

I have no choice but to accept it.

Splash, splash.

I walk forward across the rainy street.

Splash, splash.

Even though I was fully focused on my steps, my drunken body staggered back and forth.

But, is it because I was swaying like that?

[Bjorn Yandel.]

The few words we had exchanged at the end kept lingering in my mind.

[Stride forward. Don’t even have any lingering feelings for a loser like me.]

Seriously, where are there losers in this world?

[Because you can go anywhere.]

Why are they all so eager to treat me like a special person?

I don’t know, but I walked on.

Splash, splash—

Repeating the things I had to do tomorrow countless times.