Surviving the Game As a Barbarian [EN]: Chapter 95

“Hahaha! That’s a fiery response, just like a barbarian!” The Baron laughed heartily at my decision. It was a laugh that could only come from someone who knew nothing about barbarians. It’s not like barbarians are fearless beings. As Ainar had said in the past, ‘[We are born as warriors. If we cannot fight, we die.]’ They simply move forward with fear, because that’s what they have to do. My choice this time was the same. As peaceful as things have been, maybe this time something big will happen? ‘It would be a lie to say I’m not anxious…’ But so what? If I choose to avoid it out of fear of a future that hasn’t even been decided, the end will only be ruin. With that kind of mindset, how would I even enter the labyrinth in the future, or make rational decisions? If I had been like that from the start, I wouldn’t even be alive. “I’ve spoken to the Count. He was very pleased?” While I was sitting quietly, organizing my thoughts, the Baron quickly returned. It seemed my choice had pleased him greatly. “Ah, but is that necklace really that important?” A question that seemed to confirm that the prize had greatly influenced my decision. I didn’t deny it either. “Number items are expensive when you sell them, aren’t they?” “Hmm… If you say so, I guess it is.” Looking at his expression, he seemed to think I had another reason, but the Baron didn’t pry further. He simply asked this, “By the way, how strong are you?” “……?” “Looking at your ambition, it seems you’re really thinking about winning. Are you that confident?” I chuckled. A question about how strong I am. There were too many monsters in this world to confidently answer that question. But…. “I’m not really aiming to win. But if you lose too easily, my reputation will be—” If I add the premise of ‘Apprentice Knight’ in front of that. In other words, if I assume they are at the level of a 3rd floor explorer, then the story changes. “Ah, don’t worry about that.” I interrupted the Baron and answered. I wasn’t worried about this part from the start. “Ten seconds is enough.” “Enough?” Looking at the Baron tilting his head, I stated firmly, “I can crush the heads of most guys before that.” This was the truth, without exaggeration or embellishment. But did that truth get across? “H-Hic!” The butler, who suddenly made eye contact with me, had a fit. *** Knight. As it was in the Middle Ages, they were the epitome of martial prowess here as well. Of course, that’s assuming they’ve shed the ‘Apprentice’ title. ‘What kind of knight can’t even use Aura?’ The terror of knights lies in their Aura [a magical energy that enhances physical abilities]. 90% defense ignore, 90% magic resistance ignore. The combination of the fraudulent nature of Aura, which allows them to cut through anything, and systematically developed practical swordsmanship. This alone makes them like monsters, but…. ‘They level up with elixirs and gobble up high-grade essences with massive amounts of money?’ ‘No wonder the ruling class never changes from humans.’ A world where different races run rampant and magic exists. Knights were the spear and shield that protected the ruling class. Even considering that the maximum level that can be raised with elixirs is 5, a proper knight can single-handedly cut down several high-level explorers. That’s how specialized knights are in one-on-one combat. But…. ‘If they’re apprentices, they’re at most level 3 or below. And the essences they have won’t be higher than 7th grade.’ This is also assuming the maximum. There would hardly be any nobles who would invest this much in a guy who can’t even use Aura yet. ‘The tournament itself isn’t really a problem, but…’ What comes after is the issue. And the Count’s excessive interest. If a barbarian suddenly wins here, there’s a good chance the ruling class will look at me with unfavorable eyes. But since I’ve made a decision, regret is a luxury. ‘Let’s just focus on this for now.’ I decided to worry about the aftermath after winning, and was quietly spending time in a corner thanks to the Baron’s consideration when… “You were talking big earlier.” Three guys wearing knight armor approached. They were all guys I remembered. Even if it was just a passing acquaintance, I couldn’t forget faces I saw today. “Ten seconds is enough? It seems like you’ve forgotten your place, getting carried away with your clown act like a stupid barbarian?” First, this guy. He was the one who mocked me as a small clown when I was entertaining the nobles at the outdoor banquet. His rat-like front teeth were so memorable that I was just staring at him when the guy next to him continued, as if passing a baton. “Barbarian, you should earnestly beg your ancestors that you don’t meet me. I’ll cut your neck in one go. Of course, it won’t even take 10 seconds.” I don’t know his name because he didn’t reveal it himself. He was the one who was showing off that he was a moron, saying things like I was sucking up and that the pride of a warrior was a thing of the past. Judging by his tone, he seems to have the ’empty boast’ attribute as well…. “If I meet you—” Just as the baton was about to be passed to the next runner, I quickly got up from my seat and interrupted. I’m usually one to avoid making enemies as much as possible, but…. At this point, I honestly had to ask. “Do you guys have a serious problem with your heads?” I was trying to be subtle about it. If I asked, ‘Are you guys morons?’ I might be charged with insulting a noble. “W-What?” “Do you think you’re scary coming in a group like cowards? Even a three-year-old warrior in my tribe wouldn’t do such a thing!” “……Cowards? How dare you insult us—” “If not that, then what! Did you suddenly gain courage because the Baron isn’t around! What a great honor!” “T-That’s…!” They didn’t even come close when the Baron was around. When I pointed that out, the three knight idiots blinked like goldfish. However, since I’m a barbarian without prejudice, I didn’t think they had a language disorder. They were probably just flustered. They probably didn’t expect me to expose their disgraceful behavior in such a loud voice. “That’s why I asked! I heard that knights are beings with pride! But to do such childish things to a ‘fellow participant’ using a ‘numerical advantage’? There must be something wrong with your heads!” A shout that accurately captured their actions. “S-Stop! Can’t you shut that mouth!” The three knight idiots’ expressions became urgent. Well, it was only natural. If this continued, they would be known as the guys who were told they had a problem with their heads by a barbarian. However, perhaps they judged that further conversation would only cause more commotion? “……Just you wait!” The three idiots left, suppressing their anger. Perhaps because they were locals, they left behind a cliché, cringe-worthy line as a bonus. I was impressed by their spirit, so I responded. “Anyway, don’t worry too much! If we meet later, I’ll definitely fix the problem in your heads!” I wonder if my sincerity reached them? I couldn’t tell just by looking at their quickly receding backs. *** Anyway, regardless of the brief incident. The banquet, which was full of various sights, had reached its climax. That is, the moment when the tournament prepared by the Count was about to begin. “I heard that the barbarian we saw during the day is coming out. Isn’t it something to look forward to?” “Hmm, I don’t know. He’s just an explorer, isn’t he? He’s gained some fame recently, but I heard his career is less than a year?” The venue was the lawn in the outdoor banquet hall. The surroundings were already packed with people, and some nobles had even set up chairs on the second-floor terrace of the mansion to get a better view. While I was sitting quietly in the prepared tent, the Baron spoke to me as if he were a coach. “Aren’t you nervous?” “I’m not.” “Hoo, you truly have a heart made of steel. I’m this excited.” I don’t know about the praise in front, but the words that he was excited seemed true. Looking at how he was promising a bonus that I didn’t even ask for. “If you win, I’ll give you another 1 million stones. So do your best. My reputation is also on the line.” “I’ll try my best!” Was it because I suddenly received financial therapy? I suddenly felt motivated. “Sir Saboan of the Serpia Barony and Sir Arpeon of the Henslbenia Viscountcy, please take your positions!” After a little more time, the first match began. The two knights, who went up to the stage and recited their oaths of duel, swung their swords magnificently, eliciting cheers from the audience. ‘Seeing this, it really is a barbaric world.’ As I secretly came out of the tent and watched the duel, I had a strange feeling. It was like watching the Roman Colosseum? In fact, it wasn’t much different. There was a rule to try not to kill the opponent, but…. Conversely, doesn’t that mean it’s okay to kill them? ‘Well, it would be stranger if there were no casualties when fighting with real swords.’ In fact, even though it was the first match, the two knights were engaged in a bloody duel amidst the heated atmosphere. As intense as it was, the moment when the winner and loser were decided was also dramatic. “The winner is Sir Arpeon of the Henslbenia Viscountcy!” The direction of the match was decided when the hand holding the sword was completely cut off. Of course, the injured knight’s arm was quickly reattached by a priest, but the bloodstains that scattered like a fountain remained clearly on the stage like decorations. However…. “Waaaaaaaah!!” Listening to the enthusiastic cheers of the audience, I realized it again. That this is another world. And that I’ve already become a part of it. “Hehe, seeing the blood, you seem to be excited too?” Well, I don’t know about that. I do know that it’s my turn right after this. “Sir Silvenia of the Hessen Barony and… Bjorn Yandel of the Martoang Barony, please take your positions!” Following the host’s instructions, I walked through the crowd and onto the stage. At the same time, a knight was also coming up from the opposite side. It was quite a coincidence. I didn’t know his name, so I couldn’t tell from the match list. “Hehe, you look surprised?” I nodded slightly as if acknowledging it. To have one of the three knight idiots as my opponent from the first match? Isn’t that surprising? ‘And it’s the most annoying one, too.’ The corners of my mouth curled up without me realizing it. I didn’t get to hear his resolve because I interrupted him when he was about to pass the baton, but…. How could I forget that guy? [I heard that it’s called that because it’s small there?] He was the one who spread such ridiculous rumors. It’s a bit much for me to say this, but… Especially from a human. *** Before the duel begins. He recites the oath of duel. A cliché oath to engage in the duel seriously, with the honor of a knight, and not to use any deceitful or unjust means. Next was my turn. “Behel—raaaaaaa!!!!” A barbaric shout that omitted all the flowery rhetoric, just as it was. The crowd’s excitement grew even more. “Waaaaaaaah!!” Even in the midst of this, Sir Sil… whatever, who was annoyed that I was getting more attention, muttered something. “Vulgar and crude.” What? Did you think a barbarian would be refined? Soon, under the host’s guidance, we approached each other and clashed our weapons. He held a long sword, and I held a huge double-edged battle axe, not the mace I had left at the Baron’s mansion. ‘…I’m not used to bladed weapons.’ It’s a pity, but the way to use it wouldn’t be much different. I just need to swing it as usual. The result will probably be similar. The only difference is whether I’ll be cut or blown away entirely. “Hah!” At the same time as the duel began, Sir Whatever quickly kicked off the ground and rushed towards me. It seems he wants to repay my promise of 10 seconds in reverse…. ‘How interesting.’ I took a step back and took an observing stance. It was the first time I was experiencing a knight’s swordsmanship, so I was curious, and…. Whoosh-! Even with the apprentice title, his sword is quite sharp, as expected of a knight. “Die!” It’s not some martial arts technique. The sword strike was launched, showing three afterimages. I was momentarily confused about which one was real, but that time was fleeting. If I don’t know which one is real, I just need to cut them all down. ‘I’ve become a barbarian myself.’ I set the axe blade sideways and swing it as wide as possible. That alone was enough. Clang! The trajectory of the sword was twisted by the strong force, and Sir Whatever began to lose his balance. However, he didn’t drop his sword despite the impact. Also, even though he should have been flustered, he twisted his body and swung his sword towards my neck like a combo. ‘He’s definitely not an opponent to be taken lightly.’ A sword strike that draws a gentle curve from the bottom, like a rising dragon. I acknowledged my opponent, regardless of his personality. I wonder how many generations this swordsmanship has been passed down? ‘His weapon skills are several levels above mine.’ If we were on equal footing, I definitely wouldn’t be able to beat him. But, it wasn’t a serious problem to worry about. “Behel—raaaaaaa!!!!” Because this guy and I are not on equal footing. 「The character has used [Wild Outburst].」 「The character’s threat level temporarily increases by 3 times, and physical stats increase in proportion to that value.」 There’s still a lot of time left before 10 seconds pass.