Surviving the Game As a Barbarian [EN]: Chapter 463

The reward for defeating Lyakis is simple.

After the raid, you go to the hut and enter the flames. This greatly increases your mental resistance, and then your character is moved to the witch’s forest.

And then…

「Achievement Achieved」

Condition: Defeat Lyakis, the Lord of Chaos.

Reward: Permanently increases mental resistance by +50.

If you reopen the achievement window, ‘???’ has changed.

It was a very unique hidden piece in [Dungeon & Stone] as well.

It’s an achievement reward, but you have to go to a specific place, and it’s a limited-time reward that you can’t get if you come back later.

Most of all…

「Permanently increases mental resistance by +50.」

The phrase ends with a single, uninspired line.

There’s no mention of an unknown power taking hold in the body.

No hidden being bestowing a blessing.

None of the usual phrases that appear when discovering a hidden piece.

So, I did various experiments, wondering if I had missed something, but the results were the same.

So, I just assumed there was nothing hidden…

「Error Occurred.」

Where the heck is this place?

It’s clearly not the witch’s forest.

「Unable to locate character’s position.」

「Character log transmission is temporarily suspended.」

And who is that girl?

Tap, tap, tap.

A field dimly lit by a burning bonfire.

I scanned my surroundings, focusing on the girl who didn’t answer my first question of who she was.

Just then, the girl broke the silence and spoke.

[…Elise Groundia.]

A voice that seemed to echo in my head, not my ears.

The voice itself was surprisingly ordinary.

But…

“…What the hell?”

My whole body broke out in goosebumps, and the words just came out on their own.

That name was that famous.

“Ah, sorry for the language. I’m a barbarian. I sometimes do this when I’m too surprised.”

I took a deep breath and looked the girl over.

She didn’t look like she was joking.

But that didn’t mean I could just accept it.

‘Is she really the Earth Witch?’

I couldn’t believe it.

But I decided to just calmly accept it.

When I thought about it, there was no reason not to believe it.

I already knew the witch was alive.

In the first place, there was no way a girl I met in a place like this would be an ordinary girl.

Yeah, so…

‘This is even better.’

If she really is the witch, this is an opportunity to talk to her as long as possible and gather information—.

[You must not open the gate of the abyss.]

Huh?

What is she talking about now?

I was about to ask when it happened.

Whoosh-!

A strangely eerie wind blew, and the space swirled like fog clearing.

I desperately reached out towards the fading witch.

But what touched my fingertips was—.

“…Yandel, what are you doing?”

It was Amelia’s angry face.

***

「Character’s position has been confirmed.」

「Resuming character log transmission.」

***

I was back in the witch’s forest.

I was momentarily disoriented, but I quickly checked with my companions who had followed me to see if they had experienced something similar.

“…A fog-covered field? What are you talking about?”

“We just came out and were here!”

Okay, so you guys didn’t experience anything like that…

“It seems like I saw some kind of hallucination.”

I didn’t know exactly what had happened, so I just made up an excuse.

Amelia glanced at me suspiciously, but she didn’t question me further at that moment.

[23:50]

After checking the time, we decided to end the exploration here and spent the time resting freely.

“Hey, Bjorn—!”

“Pnellin, don’t bother him. He seems to be thinking about something.”

“Ah. Okay…”

Although it was only a few minutes, I was able to organize my thoughts comfortably thanks to Amelia.

First of all, what I just experienced was definitely not a dream.

The girl I met was also the Earth Witch.

There was no doubt about that.

However…

‘Don’t open the gate of the abyss.’

What on earth did that mean?

And why did only I experience that phenomenon in the first place?

It’s like Aurl Gavish and everyone else have some strange expectations of me.

‘…Is it just because I’m an original clear user?’

Sigh, I think and think hard every day, but why does it feel like I keep having more and more things to think about?

「The labyrinth has been closed.」

In the end, I didn’t find an answer to my worries until the labyrinth closed.

「The character is moving to Lapdonia.」

The blurry sky of the city, as always.

“Wait a minute, is that person…?”

“It’s Baron Yandel…”

As soon as I returned to the dimensional plaza, the explorers who recognized me began to whisper. It was now a daily occurrence, so I didn’t pay much attention and looked around.

“…This time was really dangerous.”

“It’s a relief that none of us died and we came back. Let’s go back and rest.”

The explorers who had fought on the 7th floor this time looked particularly exhausted.

The state of their equipment was also terrible.

‘Did something happen?’

I’ll have to check that later.

I can now hear this kind of information offline from Bersil without having to go to the Round Table [a meeting place].

The need for the Round Table is gradually decreasing as our power grows.

‘But I still have to participate since there’s the clown and the GM’s advisor.’

I slowly moved towards the checkpoint.

In the past, I would have rushed to get in line as quickly as possible, but not anymore.

“Bjorn! Over here! Here!”

The integrated checkpoint that only teams of rank 4 or higher can use.

However, at this rank, almost everyone is in a clan, so there is hardly any line at this checkpoint. Teams of 10 or more must use other checkpoints.

‘I should raise the clan rank soon. To avoid wasting time at the checkpoint later.’

The line was short, and there was hardly any magic stone income, so it didn’t take long to get out of the checkpoint.

Therefore…

“Aynar, are you going straight to the inn?”

“Yeah, see you later!”

After parting with Aynar, I went straight home.

‘By the way, I have to take care of this house within this month…’

Even though I came home to rest, the homework I had to do came to mind first.

I had just returned after catching Lyakis.

“I’m going to take a shower first. Everyone do what you want and rest.”

“You’ve worked hard.”

“Rest, Yandel.”

I went to the bathroom and washed off the dirt that had accumulated from exploring, and after cleaning up, I collapsed straight onto the bed.

“Hoo…”

Let’s go to sleep quickly.

I have to wake up early tomorrow.

***

6 a.m. the next day.

I quietly washed up and went out into the street, being careful not to wake Amelia and Erwen.

“Yawn.”

I’m so sleepy.

‘I went to bed around 2 p.m., so I slept for about 15 hours…’

Thanks to the 15-day exploration that ended on the 3rd floor, I can manage to hold on, but my body is still tired.

Sigh, usually the day after an exploration ends is a day to just relax at home…

“It is an honor to serve you, Baron Yandel.”

I arrived at the public platform and took a noble carriage to the imperial capital, Karnon.

It had been a while since I had taken a carriage to the imperial capital.

When I met the Marquis, the Marquis paid for it, and when I participated in the knighting ceremony, the royal family paid for it.

‘I should just sleep on the way.’

I felt at ease thinking that I had saved 700,000 stones with a little inconvenience, and I fell asleep.

[13:10]

The carriage arrived at its destination a little after noon.

Chew, chew.

I appeased my hungry stomach with jerky and headed towards the mansion’s gate, where a rabbit-eared guard approached me.

There was no development where they couldn’t recognize my face and caused a problem.

“Greetings, Baron Yandel.”

The guard welcomed me to the Ririvia barony and led me into the mansion.

I was struck by the extreme hospitality.

‘…This is the dignity of a noble family.’

It’s like there’s an invisible effort put into even the smallest details?

Even if I buy land and build a building in the future and call it the Yandel barony, it will take a long time to catch up to this level.

“Baron Yandel, it’s been a while.”

The rabbit baron, whom I had met during the knighting ceremony, entered the room where I was waiting, following the guard.

“It’s been a while, Baron Ririvia. Your house is very nice? And the people are kind.”

“Hehe, thank you for saying so. But you don’t seem nervous?”

“Should I be?”

“No, of course not. I meant it as a compliment. And actually, I can’t imagine Baron Yandel being nervous.”

“I do get nervous. In life-threatening situations.”

“Hearing you say that makes me realize once again that you are an explorer.”

The rabbit baron, who had been in society for a long time, was very good at speaking. It was like the conversation flowed comfortably on its own just by answering.

“Oh my, it’s already time. As the host family of this meeting, I have things to do, so I’ll be going now. I also have to greet the people who came from other families.”

“Then where should I go later?”

When I asked for the location, the rabbit baron tilted his head for a moment and then giggled.

“Baron Yandel doesn’t need to worry about that. When the time comes, someone will come and guide you. Until then, please rest comfortably.”

“…I see. Okay. See you later.”

It was about 30 minutes later that the guide the rabbit baron had mentioned came to find me.

“The heads of the families are waiting for you.”

The place I arrived at was a large study-like space, and as soon as I saw it, the Round Table came to mind.

It couldn’t be helped.

There was a large round table in here too.

‘Can’t they hold a meeting without a round table in this world?’

I suddenly had that thought and laughed, but I pulled myself together.

I couldn’t leave the first impression of being a screwball.

“…”

Without even looking around, I could see that everyone in the room was focused on me.

Everyone seemed curious about the new recruit…

‘If that’s the case, they should have stopped by and said hello, even for a moment, during the knighting ceremony.’

Ah, they said they couldn’t come because it would attract attention.

Listening to what the rabbit baron had said before and seeing this scene now, I really think this is a gathering of herbivores.

“Excuse me, Baron Yandel, could you please stand there for a moment? It won’t take long.”

“Sure.”

“Now, then, since everyone is here, let’s start with the first agenda.”

The rabbit baron, sitting in the seat of honor, acted as the moderator and proceeded with the meeting.

“The first agenda of today’s meeting is the admission of Baron Yandel. In accordance with the principles of this meeting, which pursues equality, anyone can freely express their opinions until the vote, and after the agenda is passed by a majority, the results must be humbly accepted.”

Okay, so this is the general atmosphere.

No wonder they use a round table facing each other.

“First of all, I have a question for Baron Yandel.”

As soon as the meeting started, a mustachioed elf man raised his hand. His hair was blue, so it was obvious which family he was from.

“Go ahead.”

“First, let me introduce myself. I am Baron Heskaira. It is a great pleasure to meet a famous hero in this place.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Baron Yandel. So, what do you want to ask?”

“I heard a story that you recently became the chieftain of the barbarians, is that true?”

“That’s right.”

It wasn’t a story that could be hidden, so I just nodded right away.

The family heads didn’t react much, as if they all knew about it.

They all knew.

What was important was the next story.

“I’ve heard about Baron Yandel, so I’ll get straight to the point without dragging it out. Why did you do that? Did you perhaps not know the unwritten rules here?”

“Of course not. I knew them.”

“Oh ho…”

When I coolly admitted it here as well, the family heads who were watching lit up with interest.

“You knew it, but why did you do such a thing…?”

“Because it was an unwritten rule that didn’t benefit me.”

“…That’s a statement that cannot be taken lightly.”

“Why?”

“We have been trying our best not to antagonize the existing prestigious families. But Baron Yandel has ruined that long effort.”

“I know. You’ve shown everyone that you’re loyal to the royal family by drawing a line as much as possible with the holy land, which is like our hometown, right?”

“Baron Yandel, you knew that, and yet—.”

It was time to make a first impression on them.

“But so what.”

I interrupted the mustachioed baron and said.

This action of mine might seem rude to those who were born and raised in noble families, but…

“What has changed so far?”

After all, I’m a barbarian.

“…”

The elf man was speechless at my question of what had changed, and I looked around.

It was the perfect time to imprint my character.

“Actually, don’t you all know? No matter how much we draw a line with the holy land, they will never accept us.”

They hadn’t even drawn a proper line.

Was it like covering your eyes and pretending not to see?

All the families here, except for not directly sitting in the position of the tribe’s leader, are secretly in some kind of relationship with the holy land.

‘The reason they’re so desperate for me is because they can get the support of the barbarian tribe if I’m here.’

If you’re going to bow down, you should bow down completely, and if you’re going to stand up, you should stand up suddenly and unexpectedly.

Why don’t these politicians know that better than me?

“So, are you done with your questions?”

“Yes. At least… I know what kind of person Baron Yandel is.”

Good. That’s exactly what I wanted.

When the mustachioed baron finished his turn, the rabbit baron, who had been watching, continued the proceedings.

“Does anyone have any more questions for Baron Yandel, or any other opinions?”

“…”

“If not, we will now begin the vote. Those who agree to Baron Yandel’s admission, please raise your hand to express your opinion.”

The vote that started was completely different from what I had expected.

It wasn’t a secret ballot, which I could understand, but I couldn’t believe it was just a matter of raising your hand.

“…”

Whether I was shocked by the outdated method or not, the family heads began to raise their hands one by one in silence.

Fortunately, the result was as I expected.

“Thirty-one families have agreed, and accordingly, Baron Yandel’s admission has been approved.”

Unanimous.

“From today on, the enemies of the Yandel barony are our enemies, and we will not abandon the Yandel barony in any situation.”

At the end of the rabbit baron’s words, the family heads clapped their hands quietly, but I wasn’t particularly happy.

That’s because it was a noble family of a different race that had appeared for the first time in 600 years.

And it was even the first barbarian family?

Even if I had pulled down my pants and pooped on the spot, the result would not have been different.

They are used to waiting.

They would have eventually allowed my admission, hoping that my son would not have a mental defect.

“Baron Yandel, you can take a seat now.”

When I went to the only empty seat and sat down, the applause stopped, and after the rabbit baron gave me a few words of advice, the meeting continued.

“The second agenda is about the support for the Yandel barony.”

In fact, the result of this one was also a foregone conclusion.

It was already a given that they would support the establishment of the Yandel barony in Melbes.

However, in this process, discussions continued on how much money would be spent, which land would be bought, and how much support would be provided afterwards.

And…

‘I’m sure I’ve gotten the maximum amount possible with this…’

Thanks to the rabbit baron who worked hard to represent me, the support money was a little more generous than expected.

Therefore, now for the next agenda.

“The third agenda is…”

The rabbit baron glanced at me, perhaps nervous, and continued.

“The formal support for Baron Yandel and the Anabada clan.”

“…The Anabada clan, you mean the clan under Baron Yandel’s command?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

As expected, the family heads stirred as soon as the words were finished.

“We accepted the fact that the Yandel barony is establishing a base because it is for our benefit, but this is a completely different matter.”

“Support for an individual, not a family! This is unprecedented!”

Questions poured in from all over, and those questions were ultimately converging on one point.

“Why should we do that?”

Is there a valid reason for that action?

“That’s—.”

I interrupted the rabbit baron, who was about to answer, and stood up from my seat.

‘Of course, I can’t leave this to someone else.’

One’s own value must be proven by oneself.