Surviving the Game As a Barbarian [EN]: Chapter 76

It’s been 15 days since I returned from the labyrinth alive.

In other words, it’s about two weeks until the portal opens in the Dimensional Plaza.

It’s a bit of an exaggeration to say I’ve been resting well.

Time has been passing as I do my daily tasks, like homework.

Well, I guess I wasn’t the only one who was busy.

“Hahaha! If it isn’t the famous Bjorn, son of Yandel, the Little Vulcan! If you’re free today, how about a drink downstairs later—”

“I’m tired.”

Except for the dwarf who spent the last two weeks loafing around, the members of Team Half-Pint all had busy two weeks.

First, there’s Rotmiller.

“Hmm, I think I’m starting to understand how to utilize the sixth sense stat.”

After absorbing the mimic’s essence during the last exploration, he devoted himself to training every day to get used to his new ability.

Dwarki was the same.

“…Ah, me? Don’t worry about it. It’s just that I haven’t slept for two days.”

With his financial problems solved, he even cut down on his sleep to learn new spells at the Magic Tower.

Once, the dwarf worried that he was overdoing it, but…

“No one knows what will happen in the next exploration, right? We have to prepare as much as we can while we can.”

He’s admirable.

When did he become so mature?

I think I made the right decision to stay on this team.

Even though I ate the essence of the Orc Hero, if the overall level of the team is improving like this, I don’t think I’ll be a hindrance.

‘From the next exploration, there shouldn’t be any problems even on the 4th floor.’

Growth isn’t limited to them.

Over the past two weeks, Misha and I have also made many changes.

Let’s start with me…

“Hahaha! Congratulations. Getting a title in three months and being promoted to a 6th-grade explorer? I’m starting to worry that I might be left behind soon!”

“If you’re worried, how about putting in some effort?”

“I’m already looking for some decent equipment!”

I was promoted to a 6th-grade explorer a few days ago.

Contrary to my expectations, it was impossible to go straight to 5th grade.

From 5th grade onwards, there’s an exam, and to take the exam, you have to accumulate a kind of merit by completing requests registered with the guild.

‘Sigh, there was nothing like this in the game.’

Actually, it’s kind of funny to complain about it now.

The setting of the game I played was about 150 years ago. There must have been countless updates to this social system over a century.

Like the library that only showed up as ‘under construction’ in the game.

“Oh, is that the new weapon you bought? It looks sturdy just by looking at it?”

There was also a slight upgrade in terms of equipment.

First, I bought a new mace to replace the one I lost.

For reference, it cost 400,000 stones, which was more than twice as expensive as the one I used before.

Well, that’s because it has more steel in it.

「Your overall item level has increased by +185.」

Overwhelming size and weight.

However, since my strength has increased significantly this time, there was no problem in actual use.

“By the way, I think Miss Kalstein also said she was going to change her weapon, how did that go?”

“Ah, that? I don’t even want to talk about it, so ask him.”

At Dwarki’s question, Misha pointed at me.

Well, I thought she was done with the grumbling…

“I bought dual swords.”

I changed Misha’s weapon a few days ago.

Dual swords with a reach about 70% of a standard longsword.

I got them from the blacksmith that Hikurod told me about for 550,000 stones.

“Dual swords?”

The dwarf and Rotmiller muttered at the same time, and Misha took this opportunity to whine.

“Right? You guys think it’s weird too, right?”

“Weird? I think there’s some misunderstanding.”

“Huh?”

“The reason I was surprised just now was because it was the same as what I was thinking before. I thought it was good that you’re ambidextrous and use both hands, but I wondered if there was a reason why you insisted on daggers.”

“…What do you mean?”

“It might be different if we were fighting humans. But aren’t we mainly fighting monsters? And from now on, we’ll be encountering a lot of large monsters.”

In short, he meant that he was a little disappointed that she used short daggers before, but it worked out well.

Misha, who was expecting a different reaction, looked at the dwarf in confusion.

However…

“Dual swords… It’s definitely not a bad choice. After all, we’ll be holding the front line tightly. Hahaha!”

The dwarf, who is a tank, was just pleased that the close-range damage dealer had invested in all attack power.

Then Dwarki stepped in.

“I’m not an expert in that area, but if you’re going to handle new weapons, and two at once, it seems like it would be difficult to adapt…”

“That’s right! That’s what I was trying to say! At this rate, you might even get hit by a goblin in the next exploration!”

Misha gained strength from Dwarki’s agreement and glanced at me. But no matter what, this is all I can say.

“Then practice more. So you don’t get hit by a goblin.”

As I’ve said repeatedly, the easy path is the slow path.

It might be difficult to build proficiency with the new weapons now, but…

In the game, the frost dual-wielding swordsman was the strongest melee damage dealer in the late game.

Because there’s one broken [overpowered] item.

“Hmph, I get it, so stop nagging.”

“It’s not nagging, it’s advice for your future.”

“So, that’s what nagging is.”

As I was bickering with Misha, Dwarki butted in without noticing.

“But if you hate it that much, can’t you just not change your weapon?”

“Huh?”

“No, that’s not right. Bjorn isn’t your parent, and you don’t have to do everything he tells you to do, do you? Honestly, watching from the side, it seems like he’s crossing the line, and it’s uncomfortable.”

Crossing the line?

Well, it’s not wrong from the side, but…

There’s one thing he doesn’t know.

“I, it’s not that I hate it that much. It’s difficult now, but there are definitely some good things about it compared to using daggers…”

“I, is that so?”

“Yeah, so don’t say too much to Bjorn. I made the decision.”

I don’t force her to do anything.

I just strongly persuade her with reasonable grounds.

***

“Then, from the next exploration, we should aim for the center of the 4th floor. Hahaha!”

“If possible, when passing through the 2nd floor, I’d like to go through places I haven’t been to yet.”

“Hmm, is it because of the merit points? If so, I should re-examine that route.”

As we were organizing the exploration plan while eating, the weekly regular meeting ended quickly.

Actually, it’s called a meeting, but it’s more like a place where we meet once a week to talk about our recent situations.

“Bjorn, are you two going together again this time?”

“Aren’t we going in the same direction?”

“Hmm, you two have gotten quite close lately.”

Well, it seems to me that you and Dwarki have gotten closer. I ignored the dwarf’s nonsense and left the pub with Misha.

“Ah, right. Bjorn! They said the equipment I ordered last time is finished and I can pick it up?”

“It’s late today, so I’ll go pick it up tomorrow.”

“But what did you order that took so long?”

Ah, did I not mention it?

“It’s underwear.”

“Hmm, underwear…?”

Of course, it’s not ordinary underwear.

To be precise, it’s a piece of equipment that’s called ‘egg guard’ among male explorers.

In simple terms, it’s a groin protector.

“I bought it a bit expensive because it had to be enchanted.”

“Eek, wha, why would you even enchant something like that!”

“Something like that?”

“Uh, no, that’s not what I meant… Well, I guess it would have been hard to find the right one, so I can understand…”

What is she talking about again?

“I can’t be naked every time my body gets bigger, can I?”

Originally, it’s the player’s role to set up equipment according to the essence they eat.

I made the clothes I wanted in preparation for [Gigantification], and then enchanted them with ‘automatic repair’, ‘shape transformation’, and ‘acid immunity’.

Because there’s no way the panties, no, the underwear I wanted would be sold on the market.

For reference, this cost about 900,000 stones.

“Ah, that’s why you enchanted it. I thought…”

Misha takes a deep breath, as if the misunderstanding has been resolved.

But then, she asks in a strange voice, as if something has piqued her curiosity.

“Hey… then are you going to wear only that in the labyrinth now?”

“That’s right.”

I answered confidently.

I called it underwear because I didn’t have a word to explain it earlier, but it’s actually closer to pants that go down to the thighs.

Like the ones that cyclists often wear.

And it’s made of leather, not spandex, so there’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Well, I haven’t tried it on yet…

“…”

It will definitely be like that.

I’m a barbarian, aren’t I?

I prioritize efficiency over emotion.

Anyway, as we were chatting, we soon arrived at the accommodation.

“Then you should go in and sleep too.”

“Yeah, I should. But should I go with you to pick up the equipment tomorrow…?”

“Don’t try to be lazy, and keep swinging your sword while I’m gone.”

“I wasn’t trying to be lazy…”

What do you mean you weren’t?

“Even if it wasn’t, it’s okay, I have somewhere to go alone tomorrow anyway.”

“Alone? Where are you going?”

I answered briefly.

“I’m going to the Holy Land.”

I have money now, and I’ve also obtained the essence of the Orc Hero, which is the core of the growth method.

So, it’s time to raise the level of the Soul Imprint.

***

I woke up early in the morning and organized the household account book one more time.

‘The mace, underwear, and dual swords cost a total of 1.85 million stones.’

The [Beast’s Blood] that I bought to raise Misha’s soul level cost 2 million stones. The cost of enchanting the lytenium breastplate and shield with ‘acid immunity’ was 510,000 stones.

‘If I subtract 90,000 stones for monthly living expenses…’

I only have 3.7 million stones left already.

Of course, I don’t regret it because I spent it all on necessary things.

The [Beast’s Blood] cost 2 million stones, but without it, it would have taken a long time for Misha to be able to imbue her weapon with frost attributes.

‘…I should have enchanted the equipment sooner.’

When I bought the equipment, I had the Frost Spirit Ring, and I didn’t have any money on hand, so I skipped it.

As a result, the repair cost was 500,000 stones.

Damn it, I should have done it sooner, even if I had to save money elsewhere…

“Bjorn Yandel, son of Yandel!”

After washing up and walking for a while, I arrived at the Holy Land, and the chieftain greeted me.

With a slightly pleased smile on his face.

“I can’t call you a young warrior anymore. I heard you got the title of Little Vulcan?”

“That’s right!”

I nodded confidently, acting like a triumphant barbarian.

But this is the cold world of barbarians.

“So, what brings you here!”

After a few words, the chieftain got to the point.

Like a barbarian, the introduction is too short.

Honestly, I was expecting more admiration, praise, or encouragement…

‘Well, this way I can save time, so it’s good for me too.’

Maybe the most rational race in this city is the barbarians? I seriously pondered that question and immediately stated my business.

“I’ve come to receive a Soul Imprint.”

“I see. I’ll call the shaman, so talk to him.”

After that, it was a quick process.

The chieftain left as if he had something urgent to do, and the shaman’s disciple came and led me to a tent.

Inside, a shaman with wrinkled skin greeted me.

“Hehehe, it’s you again.”

“How did you know it was me?”

“Because it’s rare for a warrior to thank the shaman.”

No, I meant how did you know with the eye patch on…

I didn’t bother asking again.

Well, he’s a shaman, so he must have some mysterious aspects.

“Have you come to receive the second imprint of the Undying Path?”

“That’s right.”

“The cost is 1 million stones.”

I froze.

“1 million stones?”

“Surely, you’re not unprepared?”

“…That’s not it.”

I was just surprised that the price was the same as in the game.

The first stage was 150,000 stones more expensive than in the game.

Clink.

Anyway, I took out the money and put it in the jar in front of me, as the shaman instructed.

Then the shaman chuckled.

“It’s good that you paid properly this time. Last time, I received 50,000 stones less, and it was a headache.”

“…You received 50,000 stones less? What do you mean?”

“Young warrior, you don’t need to worry about it. It’s all the fault of the foolish chieftain.”

No, I’m still worried, you know?

I had a hunch, so I laid down on the blanket as instructed and asked again.

“Shaman, what was the original cost of the first stage imprint…?”

“550,000 stones.”

“…I see.”

With that one word, all my questions were answered.

The cost the chieftain mentioned at that time was 700,000 stones.

Of course, I don’t think he called that amount to rip me off.

It’s just that I didn’t notice it at the time.

[The cost of the Undying Imprint… hmm, it would be around 700,000 stones!]

The chieftain was also a barbarian.

Extremely weak with letters and numbers.

‘Hmph, so that’s why he said he was giving me a 200,000 stone discount.’

Well, I saved 50,000 stones as a result, so I didn’t lose anything…

Still, I feel like an idiot for being purely happy about it—

“Then let’s begin.”

The moment the needle pierced my skin, all the worries, concerns, and thoughts that filled my head disappeared.

A vivid pain that I haven’t felt in a long time.

“Young warrior, don’t hold back, you can scream—”

“KYYAAAAAAAH!!”

Damn it, I thought I’d be okay now thanks to pain tolerance…

I can’t believe it doesn’t work.

‘…I should get the 3rd stage tomorrow.’

It seems like I need to re-examine my plan.

***

「You have activated the 2nd stage of the Undying Imprint.」

「Stamina and magic resistance have slightly increased.」

「Mental stat has increased by +30.」

「Ability stat has increased by +60.」

***

Did I say that it would be the longest 15 minutes of my life?

I was foolish to say that back then.

“Okay, it’s over.”

It took 12 hours to get the tattoo in the first stage, but the second stage only took 10 minutes.

However, the pain was beyond imagination.

It felt like the pain that should have been felt over 12 hours was compressed.

“Hehehe, it’s the first time I’ve seen someone stay conscious.”

The shaman chuckled like a psychopath as he looked at me, who was half-fainted.

Then he tossed something to me.

“Here. Pick one. Since there’s time left, I’ll steal a peek at your fate.”

What is this? Is it like a fortune telling?

Since it’s a fantasy world, the accuracy might be high…

“Fate isn’t something grand, so pick one quickly. I can tell you whether good things will happen in your future or not.”

Well, if that’s the case.

I didn’t feel any malice, so I picked a random stick from the dozens of sticks in the container.

Then the shaman was silent for a moment.

Why is he making me feel uneasy?

“Young warrior, what is your date of birth?”

Oh, I didn’t expect that he would need my birth date…

As I was wondering how to answer, the shaman chuckled again.

“Hehehe, I was joking. How would a warrior know something like a date of birth?”

“…So, what was my fate that you stole a peek at?”

“It’s peculiar. I’ve seen the fates of many warriors, but it’s the first time I’ve seen a fate with so much bad luck.”

Hmm, he’s saying the same thing as the shaman I went to with my mother a long time ago.

I guess I’m just doomed from the start?

“You’ve probably gone through countless hardships that others would only experience once, and you will continue to do so.”

“I see.”

Hmph, I shouldn’t have looked at something like a fortune telling.

I knew it in my heart, but it makes me feel depressed when a shaman from a fantasy world says it so bluntly.

“Don’t be too discouraged, young warrior. Bad luck isn’t always a bad thing for you.”

“Not always a bad thing?”

“Your fate has not only bad luck but also good luck that is no less than it. And if you are not swallowed by the bad luck, the bad luck will eventually turn into good luck.”

“What do you mean? Explain it simply.”

This time, I wasn’t pretending to be a barbarian, I was serious. Is it a custom in this industry, whether it’s Earth or here, to speak in a way that’s hard to understand?

“Hehehe, it means that you are destined to experience countless things that would only happen once in a lifetime, whether they are good or bad.”

I felt a strange ringing in my head.

“It’s a fate that those who are often called heroes are born with.”

Honestly, I don’t know about heroes.

One thing is clear.

I’ve had countless shitty things happen in my life, but I’m still alive and breathing.

I thought it was because I had strong bad luck.

But now that I think about it, it’s not like only shitty things happened.

“Hehe, it seems like you have something in mind?”

Just look at the Crimson Fortress.

I almost died when the vampire duke Cambormier appeared, but as a result, I was able to obtain his essence.

What about the floor master I met recently?

I went through all sorts of bullshit, but in the process, I obtained the essence of the Orc Hero.

“If it’s the fate of a hero, does that mean I won’t die no matter what happens?”

“There’s no way.”

The shaman smiled as if he was dealing with a truly pure young warrior.

Then, he took on a solemn atmosphere and chanted.

“Some are swallowed by fate, some conform to fate, and some overcome fate.”

“Make it easy to understand.”

“It’s not about fate, it’s up to you.”

Hmph, he’s just saying things I can’t understand until the end.

Okay, fate or whatever, nothing will change anyway.

Don’t think about relying on anything, and always stay alert and do what you have to do.

So that I can endure whatever comes my way.

***

「Bjorn Yandel」

Level: 3

Physical: 330.1 / Mental: 198.3 (New +30) / Ability: 212.4 (New +60)

Item Level: 967 (New +185)

Total Combat Index: 982.55 (New +136.25)

Acquired Essences: Corpse Golem – Rank 7, Vampire (Guardian) – Rank 5, Orc Hero – Rank 5