Surviving the Game As a Barbarian [EN]: Chapter 556

Monsters have a certain level of recognition. For example, if you mention Bellarios to the average person, they’d almost always say they’ve never heard of it. But if you talk about ogres, orcs, trolls, goblins, or minotaurs, they immediately picture them in their minds. So, what’s the difference between the two? ‘Stories.’ In my opinion, the presence or absence of a story is significant. Just like Earthlings grow up reading fairy tales like ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘The Nutcracker,’ the locals here grow up listening to similar stories. Cunning goblins. Ignorant orcs. The minotaur of the labyrinth. The tyrant ogre of the forest. Monsters with stories often have prefixes like these, and it’s the same for first-class monsters.

“……Did you all hear? They say we might have to fight monsters like Kashan and Leviathan.”

“Are you talking about the Prophecy Wolf and the Sea Calamity God?”

The Prophecy Wolf Kashan. The Sea Calamity God Leviathan. Sometimes, they’re referred to only by their prefixes, so at first, I’d wonder what they were talking about, and only after looking them up separately would I realize what they meant. Anyway, that’s not the important part.

“……If we could really meet and defeat them, it would be a truly legendary feat.”

“I’m a bit worried. I wonder if it’s possible for us to face such monsters on our own……”

Everyone already knew that we would be hunting a first-class monster. Even within the exploration team, opinions were divided.

“Haha, you worry too much. Frankly, they’re treated like legends because they’re so hard to encounter. But in the end, they’re just monsters, right? With our current strength, we can handle them.”

“Hmm, I hope so……”

Some were optimistic, while others expressed anxiety. Jerome, as if confirming the public sentiment, glanced around and then nodded to a mage waiting nearby, who quickly used voice control magic again.

“You say we can’t catch anything but Kashan…… Baron, could you explain in more detail?”

“There’s nothing to explain in detail. It’s exactly as I said. So, you just need to make a decision. Will you follow the mage’s words, or the explorer’s words?”

At my words, the old mage next to me chuckled. Ah, of course, his mouth was smiling, but his eyes were not smiling at all.

“I understand the Baron values experience, but we are the ones who have spent decades digging through records and acquiring knowledge.”

“So?”

“We cannot accept that we only have one option. The most recent first-class monster to be defeated was done so by a mere 40 people. And……”

The old man shrugged and looked at the exploration team around him, and only then did I realize the source of their confidence.

“You think that because 40 people did it, you can do it too.”

“That’s right. The royal family has selected the best of the best, and there are two hundred of us. What could we not accomplish?”

“Let’s confirm this first. Are you talking about the ‘Boat Trip’ clan that was disbanded due to a dimensional collapse decades ago?”

At my question, the old man looked a little surprised.

“…You know about them?”

Well, I didn’t just rely on my in-game knowledge; I studied a lot too.

“As far as I know, each of them was the best explorer in the kingdom. And they prepared for over half a year. For a single battle, they spent hundreds of millions of stones [currency] to acquire everything they needed.”

“Our exploration team also has enough supplies—”

“Sir Besilus, do not interrupt the Baron.”

Jerome silenced the old mage who was about to retort, and thanks to that, I was able to continue speaking more comfortably.

“Enough supplies? No way. Just an hour ago, we didn’t even imagine we’d be facing a first-class monster. Or do you think you can catch a first-class monster with potions and scrolls?”

At my question, the old mage replied in a sarcastic tone.

“According to the Baron’s logic, Kashan is no different, is it? We’re both equally unprepared.”

Yes, I knew he’d say that. I seized the opportunity and opened my mouth without giving him a chance.

“Kashan is the least durable of the first-class monsters.”

“But Kashan is just as aggressive.”

“That’s why it’s possible to catch this one.”

“……What is the basis for saying that?”

At the question seeking a basis, I pointed at myself with my thumb.

“Because I’m here.”

“……?”

“I can suppress him as much as possible.”

“Huh……!”

The old mage was speechless at my confident statement, but I quickly presented another rational basis.

“Besides, there’s no widely known strategy for Kashan. In other words, it’s a monster that can be caught without such preparation. Even if there are some sacrifices, we can definitely catch Kashan.”

“What do you think about that, Sir Besilus?”

“……If you interpret it that way, any monster can be caught, and at the same time, none can be caught.”

He was just denying my words without any convincing basis. However, Jerome didn’t say anything about it.

“I see.”

Looking at Jerome, who was nodding and lost in thought, the old mage whispered like a sly fox.

“Commander Saintred, how about asking everyone and deciding? Whether it’s better to summon Leviathan as I suggest, or to follow the Baron’s words.”

In short, he meant to hold a vote. I couldn’t stand idly by. It was too clear whether people would believe the barbarian’s words or the old mage’s words. ‘He’s using his head a bit.’ I had to stop the vote no matter what. Just as I was about to open my mouth with that thought.

“It’s not possible.”

Jerome’s solemn voice echoed.

“Not possible? Why is that?”

“You can’t even make a choice between two options and pass the responsibility to your subordinates? Sir Besilus, no commander like that can earn the sincere trust of anyone.”

“……This isn’t about passing responsibility, it’s just about asking for opinions—”

“It’s the same thing. A commander is someone who makes decisions and takes responsibility for those decisions.”

Jerome immediately dismissed the old mage’s words and decisively concluded the situation.

“Alright, I’ve decided.”

“You’ve decided what?”

“We will summon Kashan, the Prophecy Wolf.”

Having said that, Jerome continued in an atmosphere where no one dared to speak.

“This is a decision I made entirely on my own, and I will take all responsibility for any consequences that arise from this decision.”

“……”

“So, everyone, be aware of that and prepare.”

At his charismatic appearance, the only thing the other leaders could say was:

“Nia Lapdonia……!”

Whew, there are indeed many talented people in the kingdom.

***

After the meeting. While I was sharing the results with our 4th squad members, Jerome came to find me.

“Baron, can I talk to you for a moment?”

“Of course.”

Without needing to go to a secluded place, everyone cleared out at the commander’s appearance, and the mage even used voice control magic.

“Hehe, I didn’t intend to interfere this much.”

“They say the heavier the top, the better.”

“…Is that a saying?”

“No, I made it up.”

“……”

“So, what’s the matter?”

When I asked about the matter, Jerome quickly got to the point.

“I came to tell you not to worry too much about Sir Besilus, as I will manage him.”

“Manage him……?”

“There was friction between the Baron and the Magic Tower, wasn’t there? It seems he’s deliberately disagreeing with your words and being stubborn because of that.”

“…Did he have knowledge about Kashan?”

“Knowledge, not really. He knows as much as anyone else. Actually, I heard about the ‘Boat Trip’ clan for the first time just now. I’m not an explorer, after all.”

“…But how did you know the mage was deliberately disagreeing?”

“I may not have exploration experience, but I’m not ignorant about people. Besides, Sir Besilus is easy to read.”

That was an unexpected side of him. He was breaking stone doors and leaving all the headache-inducing tasks to the vice-commander, so I thought he was a blockhead. ‘So, that’s not it?’ Actually, this type is the most difficult. They naturally distinguish when to use strength and when to use their head, as if it’s second nature. In a way, you could say he’s similar to me……

“Anyway, don’t hate him too much. Until we leave this place, we’re comrades whether we like it or not, right?”

“Don’t worry. I wasn’t paying attention in the first place.”

“Haha, is that so?”

“By the way… you’re going through a lot too.”

“Well, I don’t think of it as hardship……”

“I guess you were just born to be a soldier.”

“Hehe, how about the Baron joining the military this time? I think you’d adapt quite well.”

Ugh, he’s saying terrible things. ‘Still, he’s really unexpected. I didn’t know he was such an easy guy to talk to.’ Maybe it’s possible to become friends in the future—.

“By the way, Baron.”

“……Huh?”

“Could I ask you for a favor?”

“A favor?”

“The more I look at you, the more you remind me of someone in my memory. So, I was wondering, though it’s unlikely……”

Jerome, who was setting the stage with ominous words, handed me an object he was holding between his arm and waist.

“Here, would you try this on?”

It was a helmet that covered the entire face.

“…I, I’m hungry, so I’ll go first!”

……Forget about being friends. I should just avoid this guy as much as possible in the future.

***

First-class beast type, the Prophecy Wolf Kashan. It was decided that we would summon him, but that didn’t mean we would immediately start the raid. After all, a first-class monster is not an easy opponent. We needed to be in the best condition, with both HP and MP fully recovered, and……

“All troops, listen up! Sir Besilus will now explain the monster we will be facing!”

Before setting up a strategy, it’s essential to understand the patterns. We couldn’t just pick and choose what we needed like when summoning third and second-class monsters; we had to prepare for all variables.

“Ahem, ahem, greetings, everyone. As you all know, I am Gahwin Besilus, the chief mage of the 1st Exploration Team. I will now explain the characteristics of the Prophecy Wolf, Kashan. First, the origin of its name is……”

The old mage’s explanation, full of theory and knowledge, was more than just boring, but everyone listened without dozing off, probably because their lives were at stake. Ah, except for one person. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! The old mage’s forehead was etched with veins as he watched Ainar sleeping soundly, even snoring, but he didn’t say anything, probably because he was worried about me. ‘Hoo… I’ll have to talk to him later in the barbarian way.’ Anyway, after that theoretical education, another meeting of the leaders was held. Positioning, consumables to use, how to rotate the DPS cycle during the raid, and so on. We continued the meeting for several hours, and during this process, there was unexpectedly nothing to criticize. Because there was nothing to touch.

“Saintred, have you ever fought a monster like this before?”

“Hmm… if there’s anything lacking, please tell me. I’m all ears.”

Uh… I didn’t mean to be sarcastic. When I told him that I was just surprised that there was nothing to criticize, Jerome smiled happily and spoke humbly.

“Well, I’m glad I took the ‘Labyrinth Tactics’ class in my youth.”

“Labyrinth Tactics? Do you learn that when you become a knight?”

“Not usually. It’s just that my father was a bit unusual.”

“…I see.”

After the first meeting ended, we all put our heads together and ran combat simulations, constantly thinking about the variables that could occur. ‘It feels like we’re playing a TRPG [Tabletop Role-Playing Game], all of us doing this together.’ Is it because I’ve always thought and done things alone when playing [Dungeon & Stone]? This kind of conversation feels quite fun.

“Then, that’s enough for today. Tomorrow, we’ll mobilize all troops for a mock battle, so go to bed early.”

Anyway, the planning was done. The next day, we all gathered in front of the stone gate, memorized the movement paths, and spent the day doing combat rehearsals.

“You there! Your position is wrong! You should be here, not there!”

“Ah, I’m sorry……!”

“You… what’s your name?”

“Kelt Avison—”

“Wrong! Your name is a disgrace to humanity!!!”

“……?”

“Why does military law exist if saying sorry is enough? Is there something wrong with your head? Look over there! Even the barbarian Ainar is finding his position well!”

While wondering how much mock battles would help in real combat, I pushed them as strictly as possible. You never know. Maybe this will save someone who was destined to die.

“……The Baron is truly a terrifying person.”

“I, I was reminded of my days as a trainee knight.”

“Don’t be too upset, everyone. Don’t you still know the Baron? He’s doing it all for our own good!”

“True… he must be heartbroken even while doing that.”

Thanks to building up goodwill in advance, there was no major backlash to such actions.

“That’s it. There will be no missions until noon tomorrow, so until then, everyone rest well and train your minds!”

After the mock battle, we set up camp earlier than usual and went to sleep. And then, at noon the next day.

“All troops, to your positions!”

“To your positions!”

“Place the book on the altar!”

While everyone stood in their positions, staring intently at the stone gate. Drrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr-! The stone gate opened, and a blue light flashed through the gap. And slowly from the darkness. Kooong—! A four-legged beast emitting an ominous aura appeared.

「Your character has been exposed to [Ominous Prophecy].」

「Your luck stat is fixed at -200.」

Alright, let’s do this.