Surviving the Game As a Barbarian [EN]: Chapter 555

Bellarios.

A Tier 3 monster with skills specialized in magic damage defense, which was my only weakness.

The base stats of this essence are as follows:

Magic Resistance +200.

A level of high magic resistance that cannot be found in any other monster.

And…….

All Elemental Sensitivity +30.

Sensitivity that amplifies the efficiency of any elemental skill, whether it’s water, fire, wind, or earth.

‘That’s all.’

These two stats are all that Bellarios has.

If there was anything more added to it, the balance would be off.

‘Tsk.’

I always feel that it would have been better if resistance was added instead of sensitivity.

Of course, sensitivity itself is incredibly valuable and a very important stat in this game, but…….

Unless I was raising a Flame Barbarian or an Earth Barbarian.

Unfortunately, there’s almost no use for a Shield Barbarian.

‘The only thing that applies now is Storm Gush.’

The [Eye of the Storm], which was classified as wind attribute, and [Origin], which is water attribute. These two skills would have had their performance increased a bit due to the sensitivity.

It’s a skill I’ll erase someday, so it doesn’t mean much.

‘…The important thing is the skill.’

It’s a shame that there are no dual stats or resistance values on the stats, but considering the skill, there’s not much to be disappointed about.

I can fill the stats.

(P) Ring of Circulation — When a Tier 3 or higher monster dies within the radius, there is a certain probability that stats will increase.

A passive that increases stats.

In some ways, it’s similar to the [Heredity] of the Manticore, which increased stats when consuming magic stones, but there is a crucial difference.

There is no limit to [Ring of Circulation].

Well, the activation probability decreases as the stats increase, so after the total exceeds 400, it hardly increases.

Anyway.

(A) Greedy Scales — Additional bonuses are added in proportion to magic resistance.

In the end, the core of this essence is the active skill.

’35 from the Deep Sea Giant, 20 from Bayon, 80 from the Ogre, and 200 from Bellarios.’

And I got 40 from erasing [Heredity].

And I got 8 from the elixirs I got while going through the rifts…….

‘Total 383.’

But it’s not over here.

If you add 30% with the Earth Dragon’s Blessing to 383…….

‘497.9.’

Unfortunately, it’s a little short of 500.

But here’s where the reason why [Giantification] is a core skill appears once again.

Because the Earth Dragon’s Blessing didn’t even exist in the Shield Barbarian’s training method in the first place.

「The character has cast [Giantification].」

「The character’s physique grows, and threat and physical stats increase in proportion to size.」

I didn’t bother to use [Transcendence] Giantification, nor did I inflate my stats once more with [Wild Outburst].

But this should be enough to exceed 500.

「The character has cast [Greedy Scales].」

As soon as I used the skill, blue scales sprouted on the Barbarian’s thick skin.

“Ooh! Bjorn is evolving into a Lizardman!”

Hey, Lizardman is a bit disappointing.

I looked down at my body that had changed in an instant and smiled.

「The character’s magic resistance is over 500.」

「All magic damage taken is reduced by 50%.」

「Physical resistance increases in proportion to the magic damage absorbed.」

I finally got the Barbarian Dragon Mode.

***

I was moved by eating the essence and using the skill, but only for a moment.

“I sincerely congratulate the Baron on his achievement. However, I would like to resume the mission for now.”

With Jerome’s words that ruined the mood, I had to be dragged back to the hunting grounds.

Ugh, as if he’s a fool who only knows about missions.

It was a bit annoying, but considering the efficiency, it wasn’t a bad thing.

「Defeated a Bantaoh.」

「Defeated an Elder Wyvern.」

「Defeated a Fleetwinder……」

Now, the more Tier 3 monsters I catch, the more I benefit.

Swaaaaaaa-!

When I caught about seven, a halo-like thing formed above my head and pulled in the light that was being destroyed and disappearing.

It was the effect when [Ring of Circulation] was activated.

I’ve seen it work on Auyen a few times, so it wasn’t that surprising.

「Magic resistance permanently increased by +1.」

「Natural regeneration permanently increased by +1.」

But since there is no system message, I don’t know what went up. I should go to the Magic Tower periodically to check my stats from now on.

It’s highly likely that my physical stats went up though.

‘This time might have been a bit close, let’s stick closer from now on.’

There is an activation mechanism for [Ring of Circulation].

If the defeated monster is within a 1m radius, the probability of physical stats increasing greatly increases, and if it is within a 5m radius, it is completely random.

There is a research result that if it is more than 10m away, it receives a probability correction for stats related to supernatural abilities.

Ah, of course, I did the research.

“Pause! Squad 3 and temporary Squad 4, switch missions with Squad 1 and 2!”

How long had it been?

Soon, the command headquarters ordered a change of shifts.

The knights who were chatting all had bright expressions at the order, but I was an exception.

‘Ah… I just want to keep stacking stats here.’

When else will there be a situation where I can catch so many Tier 3 or higher monsters?

I want to get as much honey as possible while I’m with the exploration team.

But…….

“Baron, you may not know because you have no experience leading an army, but rules are rules. They must be followed.”

Commander Jerome cut off my request with a single stroke.

Once a precedent is set, there will always be someone who will use it?

There was no point in arguing further, as it didn’t seem like any flexibility would be created, so I had no choice but to turn away with a regretful heart.

Poong! Kwaaaang-! Pazzzzzit-!

As I left the stone gate and carried books back and forth, going through the tall bookshelves, the battle unfolding below was clearly visible.

Whoooong-!

The colorful auras that the knights were emitting.

Swaaaaaaa!

As the priest’s heals poured out in a wide area throughout the battle, the knights swung their swords without fear of injury.

And in that state.

“Ihilliat Bendai Tiulon!”

Dozens of mages unleash a powerful barrage of magic with a joint spell.

This was also the reason why I acquired this essence early, even while breaking my plan to save the fountain pen until the end.

Because I have to prepare for the worst.

‘There are too many mages.’

If they turned against me, I judged that it would be difficult to respond properly in my current state.

‘If it’s now… I can at least counterattack.’

Well, in that sense, I need to feed Amelia the essence too.

It’s a bit much to use the last fountain pen again.

Will it come out if I wait?

“Mister, what are you thinking so hard about?”

“Why are you always so curious about my thoughts?”

“Ahaha… I wonder? Why is that……?”

“You’re silly…….”

After that, as I was picking out books while worrying about this and that, it was time for another shift, and by the time I had another shift, the day was over.

And how many more times did that day repeat itself?

Day 114 of the dungeon entry.

4 PM.

That time, with only 8 hours left until the rainy season.

“…Commander, we have now reached the last bookshelf.”

The end of the library’s capture was approaching.

***

Honestly, it’s a bit surprising.

I didn’t think it would be possible to reach the end content of the library in just a week.

A speed that cannot be compared to us, who ended up at Tier 3 and Tier 2 even after hunting for more than a month.

However, there are still excuses.

Their goal was capture, not hunting.

Unlike us, who caught as many Tier 3 monsters as possible, the exploration team took out only one book per floor and summoned them, increasing the number of floors.

And as a result.

“Until further notice, all troops are free to rest and wait!”

The royal army, which had never stopped summoning until late every night, stopped all missions for the first time and ordered the troops to rest.

Ah, of course, the top brass were the exception.

“Now, let’s start the meeting.”

While everyone was sprawled out resting and recovering their stamina and MP, the top brass, including me, gathered in one place to participate in the meeting.

Everyone had dark expressions.

I knew that there was a Tier 1 monster in the last book because I heard it from Hamsik, but…….

They don’t.

“I had a hunch, but a Tier 1 monster really appeared in the last bookshelf.”

The vice commander, who was presiding over the meeting, spoke in a cold, stiff voice.

Of course, that doesn’t change what needs to be done.

“I’ll tell you in advance, but the commander has decided to continue the mission even if the opponent is a Tier 1 monster.”

It was something I had expected, but there was a moment of agitation among the top brass of the exploration team when they heard this.

“A Tier 1 monster… it’s clear that we will suffer extreme damage.”

“I wonder if it’s worth it.”

I fully understand their feelings.

Because there have been sacrifices even while coming this far.

“Commander, seven people have already died……!”

Seven people died in battle.

Six were knights from the exploration team.

One was a warrior from the Armin Exploration Team.

No matter how many priests there are, if they die instantly, there is nothing they can do.

‘These days, it’s not uncommon for limbs to be blown off.’

In fact, in the previous summoning book alone, two Tier 2 monsters and four Tier 3 monsters appeared, and now, instead of dividing into groups, everyone participated in the battle.

Even so, more than twenty limbs were blown off in that battle.

The priests put them all back on after the battle though.

Even in the current situation, what will happen if a Tier 1 monster appears?

“If we suffer more damage here, it could be a great loss to the royal family as well—.”

Soon, a knight expressed his concern and spoke directly, but Commander Jerome cut him off immediately.

“Stop.”

“…….”

“It is a mission given by the sacred royal family. Therefore, we must carry out that mission. Even if there are any sacrifices in the process.”

As befits an army where obedience is the principle, when Jerome spoke firmly, the knight who had been expressing his anxiety also shut his mouth.

Seeing this, the vice commander, who was looking around, resumed the meeting.

“Whether or not to continue the mission is not on the agenda of this meeting.”

The only reason Jerome, who had already decided to fight, called all the commanders together for a meeting was one thing.

“Among the seven types of monsters currently identified, please feel free to give your opinion on which one would be better to summon.”

Which one would be the most rational to summon?

As the meeting began in earnest, various opinions came from all over, and I listened silently and evaluated them one by one.

“I think Leviathan is the best choice. This is not the sea, is it? Since it’s a monster that received a lot of geographical advantages, I think the capture difficulty will be relatively low.”

First of all, Leviathan is the wrong choice.

The basis is plausible, but it’s not a combination that can catch Leviathan in the first place.

“How about Tol-Lapupa? Since it’s a monster specialized in defense, I think it’s the best option to catch without taking much damage if we invest a lot of time.”

Therefore, this is also rejected.

Even though there are many knights, the core damage dealer of this exploration team is the mage after all.

With this combination, they can never break through its shell.

“I think it’s right to summon Kashan—.”

“Well, I think Leadger is a much better opponent than Kashan—.”

After that, the top brass gave various opinions, and sometimes they refuted or agreed with each other, giving strength to their opinions.

Of course, it was ridiculous to me.

Tier 1 monsters were practically legendary monsters that they had only heard stories about, and few had ever caught them directly, so the basis they were presenting was unrealistic.

‘In the end, do I have to step up?’

Even if it’s just in the game, I’ve caught Tier 1 monsters countless times.

In my opinion, this meeting was meaningless.

You can tell just by the fact that they are focusing on discussing who to catch to minimize damage.

No one is thinking about failure.

They sincerely think that they can catch any of the seven types of monsters…….

“Come to think of it, the Baron has been silent since earlier?”

“…Me?”

“Baron, do you have no opinion?”

Ah, that.

Actually, I was wondering when to speak up, but they’re even laying out the mat for me.

“I do.”

At my words, the top brass who participated in the meeting focused on me with great interest.

“If we summon one, it should be Kashan.”

At that straightforward statement, the top brass’s eyes lit up.

“You mean the wolf of prophecy?”

“As expected, the Baron has the same opinion as me.”

Some had surprised expressions, and some were pleased that their opinions matched.

And…….

“If you don’t mind, could you explain why it has to be Kashan?”

The top mage of the exploration team asked me with a gaze that seemed to look down on me.

As if he was looking at a thoughtless barbarian.

‘He was on the side of summoning Leviathan.’

Soon, the old mage looked at me and spoke as if he was lecturing me.

“Kashan is the most aggressive of the monsters mentioned earlier. As such, it is clear that our exploration team will suffer great damage.”

Hey, just because you’re good at magic and studied a bit, you act like you know everything.

“But even so, if there is a reason why we must choose Kashan over other monsters, please tell us. If you can’t convince everyone—.”

“There is a reason.”

“…Huh?”

I don’t know why this old man is surprised when I say there is a reason after asking first.

I quickly continued.

“Tol-Lapupa, Leviathan, whatever. We have no choice.”

“……What do you mean?”

What do I mean?

“Because that’s the only one we can catch in the first place.”

It means that we can’t catch the rest even if we die and come back to life.