Surviving the Game As a Barbarian [EN]: Chapter 66

Thud, thud, thud-

The black rain stung the skin on contact.

I knew what it was.

[Rain of Despair]

A passive aura skill of the Lord of Chaos, Liakis.

「Your character is taking continuous damage from the Chaos attribute.」

「Your character’s magic resistance is greatly reduced.」

「Warning: Continuous exposure to Chaos attribute damage may inflict the [Confusion] status ailment with a certain probability.」

This skill not only dealt area damage but also turned the terrain it touched into an eroded zone, removing all field effects.

Which meant…

‘God damn it…’

I’d half-expected it, but it had really come.

“I-it’s him! He’s here!”

“H-hey! What are you doing! Why aren’t you stopping him!”

Panic erupted among the 3rd-floor explorers who had paid for protection.

They all focused their gaze on one spot.

“Surely, you’re not going to abandon us and run away!”

“You said you’d protect us and even took our equipment! Take responsibility!”

Emotional shouts poured out from dozens of people.

The executive, who had made announcements to the crowd several times, let out a deep sigh with a bitter smile.

“…It’s come to this after all.”

I could understand how he felt.

Having accepted protection fees, their only option was to fight the floor boss with all their might.

However…

“This expedition is going to be a huge loss.”

Surprisingly, the executive’s face showed only concern, with no signs of anxiety or impatience.

He quickly composed himself and shouted loudly.

“The Lord of Chaos, Liakis, has arrived! Everyone, take out what you’ve prepared!!”

A resounding order.

Those with the Dejawi Clan’s emblem on their chests moved in perfect unison.

“Each team to their positions!”

Mages, priests, and ranged dealers moved to the center.

Melee warrior-type explorers moved to the outer edges.

They began using all sorts of consumables without hesitation.

「You have used an Advanced Stamina Support Scroll.」

「You have used an Energy Regeneration Support Scroll.」

「You have used the Numbers item [Sun Lord’s Banner].」

「The light of Ersium imbues the weapon…」

「…」

「…」

Various doping-type magic scrolls, consumable Numbers items, and various types of equipment support consumables.

In a mere moment, less than a minute.

Consumables worth at least ten million stones disappeared in a flash of light.

“We have enough supplies, don’t hold back! We’ll make sure at least one more of us returns alive!”

I realized I had underestimated them.

Looking at it now, it wasn’t that I lacked imagination.

They had already considered the worst-case scenario and had made thorough preparations behind the scenes.

‘So, the protection fee was just…’

They were literally betting on that side.

Because that side had a slightly higher chance.

*chuckle*

I couldn’t help but laugh.

‘There are too many efficiency freaks in this world.’

I needed to be a bit more humble.

They too must have risked their lives countless times as explorers to get where they were now.

And there was no way they got to that position by luck.

“To always carry this many supplies…”

“They really are a large clan!”

Instead of looking down on them, I should always be wary.

And instead of being jealous, it would be more efficient to observe them and learn something.

“Bjorn, what are we going to do now?”

“What do you mean what are we going to do? We have to watch for now.”

That was the original plan anyway.

Having encountered the floor boss, just getting out of this place would require taking a big risk.

Well, if there was no other option, we’d have to risk it and run right away…

‘At this rate, they should be able to hold out.’

As if to prove it, a wall of fire surrounded us in a circle.

It wasn’t an essence skill, just a magic spell.

「A Chaos Spirit has been destroyed.」

「The area is being eroded.」

Since the rain started.

The Chaos Spirits that began to surge like a tide were unable to break through the wall of fire and were annihilated.

Whoooosh-!

Also, the huge barrier formed above our heads blocked the pouring rain.

Well, that’s about all that a wall of fire or a barrier could block.

“Bjorn, look over there!”

A huge shadow slowly grew from where Misha was pointing.

Accompanied by a heavy earth-shaking rumble.

*Thump-! Thump-!*

Horns protruded from its head.

Thick, rough-looking black hide.

A sinister aura flickered over it.

[Grooooooo—!]

A beast of a size that made you lose your sense of distance, like something out of a monster movie, easily crossed the wall of fire and revealed its form.

“T-that’s…”

“T-the Lord of Chaos, Liakis!!”

The crowd recoiled in fear at the sight, while the clan members remained calm.

“Hold your positions! Don’t let it turn its back on us!”

The warriors held their ground silently, as if fighting large monsters was an everyday occurrence.

Was it displeased with that?

*Wham-!*

The battle began in earnest as Liakis slammed its front paw down.

***

What would a real raid be like, not in a game?

The answer to my long-held curiosity was actually quite simple.

“Don’t even try to block it, just dodge it! Got it!”

Not only the melee dealers but even the tanks were thoroughly avoiding a head-on fight, nimbly dodging the swinging tail and the slamming claws.

Well, they knew best.

No matter how tough their bodies were or how high their strength stats were, there was no way they could win a power struggle against such a monster.

‘So, this is what an actual fight against a lord-class is like. Interesting.’

Was it because it was a role I’d have to play someday?

I definitely found myself watching the melee explorers’ combat more than the mages or other dealer lines.

There was quite a bit to learn from watching them.

There were also a few close calls.

*Wham-!*

No matter how much they focused on dodging.

It was impossible to have no casualties in a fight against such a high-level monster.

Usually, getting hit by such an attack would be instant death, not just an injury…

“T-to survive after taking that…”

“…They’re really amazing.”

Their stats were boosted by numerous essences, they were doped up with various scrolls, and they were supported by priests and support-type explorers, making them a weapon in their own right.

“Uwaaaaaaaah!!”

“Shit, I almost died!”

Even with their bodies in tatters, the warriors received healing and immediately returned to the front lines.

Of course, not everyone was like that.

“Damn it, I wasn’t supposed to die like this…”

“Don’t get distracted and focus on the battle!”

As the battle dragged on, there were also deaths.

One melee warrior was crushed to death by a foot, and three ranged dealers who were grouped together were instantly melted by Liakis’s breath.

However, if we analyzed the current situation calmly…

‘It’s still stable.’

“H-how can four people have died already… Isn’t it d-dangerous?”

Regardless of the reactions of the 3rd-floor explorers.

The warriors were still holding their ground well on the front lines.

The mages’ combined magic was also powerful enough to push back Liakis as it approached the center.

‘They also seem to be clearly aware of the dark orb pattern.’

“L-let’s watch for now! They’re the renowned Dejawi Clan, aren’t they! They’ll do something about it, right?”

Black orbs that rose from the eroded ground and headed towards Liakis.

「The Lord of Chaos, Liakis, is drawing on the power of the source.」

These, which I was most worried about, were also detonated in mid-air by ranged dealers before being absorbed by Liakis.

“Cease fire!!”

“We can’t let him feel threatened any more!”

Also, they were managing Liakis’s health by stopping their firepower attacks from time to time, so it was clear now.

They knew the strategy.

‘So, they’re just holding out somehow. If they enter phase 2 without that item, it’s game over.’

“Why are they stopping the attack now? Are they all idiots? They should be taking advantage of the momentum when they have it…”

Well, in a way, it was obvious.

A veteran who has played [Dungeon & Stone] for 10 years?

Someone who knows everything about this game?

So what?

It was just arrogance to think that I was the only one who knew everything in this world.

The labyrinth had existed for thousands of years.

It wasn’t like the game’s world setting; it was reality for the people here.

They had to go in to make a living, and there must have been countless trials and errors.

And this would have been passed down to future generations as records.

‘The truly valuable knowledge is probably monopolized by a select few.’

Of course, I wasn’t too worried.

The ‘hidden elements’ that were particularly difficult to find in the game also seemed to be mostly unknown to the people here.

As a veteran, my knowledge would still be my greatest weapon for survival here.

*Click.*

I opened my watch to check the time.

[22:37]

It was already past 3 hours since the battle began.

Despite the prolonged battle, the clan members were focused and faithfully carrying out their respective roles.

However…

‘If they’re using this many consumables, it doesn’t matter how much they made from the protection fees.’

I suddenly understood why large clans didn’t hunt floor bosses even if they knew the strategy.

The rewards for subjugation weren’t small, but…

The enormous amount of resources that went into it.

The possibility of elite members dying.

And the enormous risks that came with failure.

‘It wouldn’t be profitable.’

I was thinking that when it happened.

*Wham-!*

For some reason, Liakis ignored the warriors and charged into the center, instantly crushing five ranged dealers.

A situation that could easily happen during a raid.

Fortunately, the warriors desperately rushed at Liakis and pushed it back to its original position, but…

In the process, two melee dealers were killed instantly.

‘Still, they should be able to hold out for the remaining time.’

I analyzed the battle situation again.

The total number of deaths so far was 11.

That was 20% of the total force, but the remaining members were not panicking and were doing what they needed to do.

There might be a slight gap, but.

It was definitely not enough to lead to a fatal result.

The problem was that there were a bunch of idiots around who couldn’t even make such simple judgments.

“It’s over! You incompetent bastards!!”

“Do you even know how many people have died!!”

They weren’t even stepping on the eroded zone and falling into a [Confusion] state, but panic broke out again among the crowd.

I could understand their psychology if I tried.

11 deaths.

This was just the count based on the clan members who were the actual combat force; countless explorers who paid protection fees had also died every time Liakis went on a rampage.

‘Did their judgment become clouded in a life-threatening situation?’

In my opinion, it was their fault for being spaced out like idiots while a raid was going on right next to them.

But there was no point in saying that, they wouldn’t listen.

“Bjorn, the atmosphere is not good.”

“I know.”

“Shouldn’t we do something—”

“Wait. I’m thinking.”

I scanned the surroundings as widely as possible.

The clan seemed to be so focused on Liakis that they hadn’t noticed these signs yet.

And in the midst of that, a man raised his voice loudly, fueling the chaos.

“We can’t just stand by and watch, let’s join forces if we want to live!”

It was Jack Fleischer, who had taken off his equipment and paid the protection fee before anyone else.

“Do you know how many people have died already? They can’t protect us. We have to protect ourselves!”

“That’s right!”

“But how can we without equipment…”

“We have to get it back! They didn’t keep their promise anyway, did they?”

His agitation, along with the support of the suicide squad who had ignored him last time, grew uncontrollably.

I muttered briefly.

“Misha, get ready.”

“Get ready for what?”

“We’re leaving this place right now.”

This place is already doomed.

***

As soon as I quickly packed my bag.

As if a riot had broken out, numerous explorers rushed to the center where the supplies were piled up.

“E-everyone, calm down! If you do this, everyone will be in danger—”

Only then did the clan realize the situation, but…

It was already too late.

“Don’t be ridiculous!!”

“Give me back my equipment!”

Pushing aside the clan’s mages and archers, the explorers began to grab whatever they could get their hands on with greedy eyes.

“G-give it back! That’s mine!!”

“H-how can you say that in this situation!”

“Step back now! If you don’t step back, we’ll attack!”

“It’s the same whether we die here or there!”

“What are you hesitating for! From now on, those guys are looters! Kill them all!”

Looking at their faces, now filled with chaos and madness, I erased even the last bit of lingering attachment.

“Bjorn…”

“Enough watching, let’s go.”

“A-alright!”

I led Misha and ran towards the opposite side of Liakis.

Soon, the wall of fire that surrounded us on all sides blocked our path.

“W-what are we going to do about this!”

What do you mean what are we going to do?

“We’re going through it.”

Like a barbarian, I’d have to use my body.

I might get some burns, but those would heal with just a little spit now.

“A-are you serious?!!”

Ah, you wouldn’t be, would you?

“Ack! Kyaaaak—!”

I picked up Misha with both arms and lifted her high above my head as if doing a cheer. And in that state, I ran, instantly crossing the wall of fire that seemed to be at least 5m thick.

*Sizzle-!*

A faint smell of burning meat.

Even with pain resistance, my skin stung a little.

I asked.

“Misha, are you okay?”

“…Thanks to you, I’m fine. More importantly, look ahead!”

I put Misha down and looked ahead, and there were swarms of Chaos Spirits.

However, there was no time to deal with them one by one.

“Let’s run.”

“Eek! Through there?”

“Then is there another way?”

They’d already started to notice us one by one and were slowly moving around us.

So, before we attracted any more aggro, we quickly ran through them.

I didn’t know what was happening over there, so as quickly as possible—

‘Shit.’

I ran at full speed for about 5 minutes.

Suddenly, the surroundings darkened.

A darkness where it was impossible to see even an inch ahead.

“Bjorn, are you there?!!”

“I’m here.”

Fortunately, I could hear her voice.

“W-what happened?”

Instead of answering, I let out a deep sigh.

There was no need for analysis; the situation was clear.

「The Lord of Chaos, Liakis, has succeeded in absorbing the power of the source.」

「The field effect [Abyss of Evil] is applied within a 5km radius.」

Liakis’s instant-kill and wipe-out skill, [Abyss of Evil].

That bastard finally ate all the orbs.