Surviving the Game As a Barbarian [EN]: Chapter 552

A royal decree was issued.

Officially, it couldn’t be a command from the king, who was supposedly bedridden. It must have been a royal decree drafted with the Prime Minister’s approval.

However, I had only one option.

‘…I shall obey the royal decree.’

I decided that unless I killed all the witnesses and lied about not receiving any royal decree, there was no way to refuse.

‘The royal family will remember Baron Yandel’s loyalty.’

Jerome’s gentle smile was annoying, but I decided to focus on the positive aspects.

Joining the expeditionary force and being under that guy’s command?

It meant my freedom within the first basement level would be reduced, and I’d have no way to stop him if he acted like a troll.

Unlike now, where I had a monopoly, I’d have to settle for scraps, receiving a fixed percentage of the spoils.

But….

‘With that force, I can do anything.’

It was practically like getting a cheat code.

At least, while exploring the first basement level, I wouldn’t be in a difficult situation due to a lack of ‘force’.

Whether it was the library island I still hadn’t finished, the tree island where more than half was still unknown, or the giant island with the colossal giant.

With this force, I could try anything.

In other words, the possibility of escaping this floor and returning to the city had increased dramatically….

‘Now, shall we organize the information? Do you happen to have a journal? I heard explorers write journals to record their experiences.’

Ugh, he’s really trying to get a free ride.

In this era where knowledge is wealth, it felt like I’d encountered a band of thieves rather than the royal army.

Therefore….

‘Before providing information, I’d like to discuss the spoils first.’

I decided to address this issue first.

‘Hmm, the spoils, you say?’

‘Yes, the royal decree said I should explore under your command. It didn’t say what kind of treatment I should receive.’

‘Indeed, that’s true. But don’t worry too much. Our expeditionary force’s goal isn’t petty cash, and the royal family has already instructed us to take good care of the Baron.’

‘Still, I’d like to make it clear.’

‘The command of the explorers under the Baron’s command will remain with the Baron. Also, the Baron’s exploration income will be fully guaranteed, except in one case.’

Preservation of command and no interference with exploration income.

It was good news amidst the misfortune, but unfortunately, an ominous phrase was attached.

‘Except in one case…?’

‘This exploration is for the royal family, and further, for the bright future of this nation. It doesn’t matter the type: essence, materials, equipment, special magical items, etc. If it’s something that has never existed in the world before, our expeditionary force will take it as a research sample for the public good.’

In other words, they would take everything that was a first discovery.

Honestly, the first thought that came to mind was, ‘Where did these thugs come from?’ but Jerome skillfully used a carrot and stick strategy.

‘However, I promise not to touch anything the Baron has obtained so far… how does that sound?’

He’s acting like he’s giving me something great when it’s just common sense.

Is it because he has a long career as a commander?

I almost felt comforted by those words without realizing it.

‘The promise is good.’

‘Then it’s all set—’

‘But, one more thing.’

I quickly continued, as he seemed to be trying to end the agreement naturally.

‘I’m listening. Please speak.’

‘I want a share of the first discovery.’

‘That is not possible.’

‘Even if my contribution is overwhelming in the process?’

‘That’s right.’

Well, okay, I guess that’s not going to work.

Seeing his more stubborn attitude than I imagined, it seemed like no matter how much I talked, it would be like talking to a brick wall.

Well, that doesn’t mean I’m going to end it here.

‘Then, give me priority for the second discovery.’

‘Priority…’

‘Yes. If it’s for research purposes, one should be enough, right? You also said that petty cash was of no importance to me earlier.’

‘Hmm… would it be okay if I consult with the vice-commander for a moment?’

When I nodded, Jerome approached his subordinate and continued the discussion.

And after about five minutes?

When the mage, who received Jerome’s gesture, released the voice control magic, his voice began to be heard again.

‘We would like to give priority to Baron Yandel for things he has greatly contributed to or obtained on his own. How does that sound?’

‘Then who decides the criteria for a great contribution?’

‘That is…’

‘Instead of such vague criteria, let’s make it clear. Except for what I obtain on my own, give me priority for three. Exactly three.’

At my words, Jerome glanced at the vice-commander again.

Is he like a dedicated aide?

I couldn’t tell, but he seemed to think that it wasn’t something he needed to discuss to that extent.

‘Okay. For the second achievement, we will give Baron Yandel priority for up to three items.’

He said that and offered a handshake, which I accepted.

‘I look forward to working with you until we return to the city.’

‘Likewise.’

Thus began an uncomfortable cohabitation.

***

After the agreement on spoils was concluded.

The 38-member expeditionary force, centered around our clan, Anabada, was temporarily incorporated into the royal army.

The official affiliation was the temporary 4th squad of the 1st expeditionary force.

Compared to the other three squads, which consisted of 60 members, our numbers were small, but this was inevitable to preserve my command.

Perhaps because of this, Jerome didn’t reallocate personnel, and I didn’t demand it either.

Anyway, after the reorganization was completed, we immediately had a information-sharing session.

‘Sir Besilus, please go and check the research materials.’

‘Yes… It’s been a while, Ms. Amblut.’

‘Ah, yes… Hello….’

‘How is the Master doing?’

‘I guess… he’s doing well…?’

‘Haha, now that I think about it, I should be the one giving you the news. The greetings are enough, so can you give me the research records? I’ll read them first, and then I’ll ask questions. You just have to answer the questions.’

‘…Here… it is….’

The number one mage in the expeditionary force went to the three mages of our expeditionary force and plundered the data they had been diligently researching.

And….

‘Now, Baron, tell me. What has happened so far?’

I had to explain to Jerome everything from the characteristics of this floor to the islands I had visited.

What Jerome was most interested in was the ‘rainy season’.

‘That’s a strange phenomenon. Monsters pouring down from the sky.’

‘But don’t worry too much. There are a few places to avoid it within the floor.’

There were three safe zones that had been confirmed so far.

The library island, which was confirmed to be safe through Hamsik.

The cave on the giant island where the Hectz clan had taken refuge.

And finally, the village ruled by the village chief.

‘Commander.’

‘Haha, don’t use that title, just call me by my surname.’

‘Saintred… there’s one more thing you need to know.’

I hesitated a bit, but I shared information about the ‘village chief’ with Jerome.

‘Knight Cornelius Bruengrid… you say?’

‘For now, it’s a creature that claims to be that.’

I thought it was uncertain how his existence would affect the royal army, but they would have to find out about it sooner or later anyway.

Since the exit was there, they had to pass through it.

‘Do you know anything about him? I’ve been living with him, and there are many suspicious things about him.’

I told him in detail about what happened with the village chief, hoping to get information I didn’t know, but unfortunately, he didn’t know anything.

However….

‘A monster impersonating Gavrilius’s companion… he’s suspicious.’

Apart from his knowledge, his ability to act was outstanding.

‘It would be best to explore that island first.’

‘…You’re going right away?’

‘Of course, it’s suspicious. Besides, you said you can communicate with him, so it would be more reasonable to capture him, interrogate him, and extract information.’

Uh… that’s true….

He spoke as if it was so obvious that I had nothing to say.

When I thought about it carefully, it wasn’t exactly wrong.

‘…With this force, I think we can go and catch him right away.’

A seemingly ignorant method becomes a reasonable method when someone with power does it.

I know that fact better than anyone.

‘But… why am I so uneasy?’

I decided to stop him for now.

‘Instead of moving in a hurry, how about investigating the other islands first?’

‘Hmm?’

‘It seems like the exit is on that island, but it seems like there are some conditions to open the exit. It’s not too late to go after finding that, right?’

I thought it was right to explore the easy places slowly, check how well this expeditionary force was organized, and then head to the village chief’s island.

Even now, the force seems sufficient.

But history has shown that force isn’t everything.

‘I don’t see why we should go around like that, but since it’s the Baron’s words, who came here first, I shouldn’t ignore them. Understood. I’ll do as the Baron says.’

Okay, the persuasion ended surprisingly easily….

‘Then, where do you think is the best place to go first, Baron?’

To his question, I answered without even hesitating.

‘The library. The library island would be the best.’

I still haven’t been able to collect the experience points from the top-tier monsters.

***

After the destination was decided.

We went to the shore of the rocky island and summoned the ships.

There were a total of four ships summoned, and the divided squads boarded in groups.

For reference, there was a slight personnel change in this process.

‘Sir Besilus says that he needs more time to receive all the research results. So, would it be okay if we take those three mages on our ship? Of course, we will send other mages to fill the empty spots.’

‘…Okay.’

The three mages temporarily boarded the expeditionary force’s ship, and three other mages were dispatched to our ship as replacements.

And….

‘It’s been… a while?’

Here, I was able to see an unexpected, familiar face.

‘Raven…? How did you get here…?’

‘How else? The order came from above. To join the expeditionary force.’

‘Ah… you were a soldier.’

‘But did you really just see me now? I thought you knew since you looked at me several times while we were talking earlier.’

‘I was just looking around in general.’

‘Ah… I see.’

Raven twisted her hair with her index finger, looking embarrassed.

It was a truly incomprehensible action.

How did she think I would recognize her when there were 180 people?

She was even short, so she wasn’t easy to see.

‘Anyway, it’s nice to see you, so get on the ship quickly. We can talk while we go.’

After that, when we boarded Raven and two other mages who were strangers, Ainar, who was already on board, rushed over.

‘Aruru!! It’s Aruru!! It’s Aruru!!’

‘Ack! Let go, let go! It hurts!!’

‘Ah, sorry!’

When Ainar, who had regained his senses, released his embrace, Raven brushed off her crumpled uniform and sighed.

‘Mr. Pnelin… is still the same.’

‘At least on the surface.’

‘On the surface…?’

‘He ate an essence, but there was a problem with it… you’ll know right away when you see it later.’

‘Is that so?’

As we were talking, Auyen reported that they had received a signal to depart from the flagship, and we hurriedly set sail.

Swishhhhhh-!

Thus, the Anabada ship took the lead, followed by three warships.

Our ship isn’t bad, but seeing those ships makes me feel intimidated.

I don’t know about anything else, but bigger seems better, I guess?

They looked like they had plenty of space on the deck even with 60 people on board. It seemed like they all had enough common rooms too.

‘We meet again.’

‘Yes. Hello, Mr. Raines.’

With Raven’s appearance, the members who knew her began to come over and greet her one by one.

In Amelia’s case, it felt more business-like.

‘It’s been a while….’

‘Ah… yes. It has been.’

‘….’

‘….’

With Erwen, there was an awkwardness in the air.

Well, it probably wasn’t as bad as with Misha.

‘Hello….’

‘Ah, yes… Hello, Ms. Misha….’

Ugh, it’s so suffocating just watching them.

They seemed to be close before.

‘I heard from Yandel, but… is this the first time we’ve met?’

‘Uh-huh… I’m sorry… for disappearing… without a word….’

‘Ah, no…! Ms. Misha must have had her reasons.’

It wasn’t like they had fought like Erwen when the team disbanded, so I didn’t understand why they were acting so distant.

‘No, maybe that’s why it’s more awkward?’

Well, maybe that could be it.

Raven doesn’t know where Misha has been all this time.

And it’s also an atmosphere where it’s hard to ask about it.

‘Anyway, I’m glad everyone seems to be safe. I was a little worried because we lost contact after you went down to this first basement level.’

‘A little? That’s a little disappointing.’

‘…What are you even saying?’

When I said something with a bit of a joke, Raven didn’t even pretend to listen and became serious.

Normally, I would just ignore it and end it.

Judging by her voice and tone, she seems to be in a pretty high mood today.

‘Anyway, do you know about that?’

‘I need to know what that is to know.’

‘Sir Kaislan. The one who went on an expedition with Yandel before.’

‘Kaislan? What about him? Did he cause an accident outside?’

‘No. He’s also in this expeditionary force. But I guess you didn’t see him either.’

Oh… that was also an unexpected story.

I didn’t expect there to be another familiar face mixed in.

‘If it’s Kaislan, he’s trustworthy.’

Moreover, if he’s in that position, he’s bound to be in the upper echelons, so the chances of me knowing what they’re up to are higher.

‘What about Lilis Marone? She’s also a military mage, so didn’t she come along?’

‘I don’t think she’s here. Ah, but he’s here instead!’

‘Who is it?’

When I asked, revealing my curiosity, Raven, who likes to explain things from the beginning, opened her mouth as if she had been waiting for it.

‘Sir Sven Parav. A holy knight of the Leatlass Church.’

Huh, I didn’t expect even him to come.

‘Why are you like that? You don’t remember him? You even went on an expedition together?’

‘No… that can’t be. I remember him.’

The holy knight Sven Parav.

Also known as the Goblin Mask.

His characteristic is his unbelievable ‘sixth sense’.

He had contributed to the expedition several times with his unbelievable sixth sense during the Ice Rock expedition.

He even said that he felt strange during the Berzak incident, so he made an excuse and didn’t enter the labyrinth.

‘Raven, is there any story related to him? Like he refused the summons, or he had a stomachache on the day of departure?’

A question I asked with a hopeful heart.

But at these words, Raven was startled.

‘Huh? How does Yandel know that he had a stomachache that day?’

‘…Is this for real.’

…Suddenly, I started to feel incredibly uneasy.