Surviving The Game As A Barbarian Episode 153

Barbarian Chief(5)

Becoming the tribe chief has three major advantages.

First, I wouldn’t need to hide the fact that I received a divine revelation.

Additionally, I can also change the barbarians’ irrational system to my liking, after their decades of decline. …….

“And when I retrieve the Barbarians’ creation relic in the future, I can use it as I wish.”

It’s worth noting that this isn’t just because I’m the tribe chief.

It’s simply a matter of changing the tribe’s policy beforehand.

Although the Barbarians are a conservative tribe that values tradition, some chiefs have made small steps forward.

For example, using honorifics and showing respect only towards the king.

Or acknowledging the existence of evil spirits and sending corpses to the grand temple.

Even the fact that warriors now usually live in towns rather than in the sanctuary is a relatively recent change in the tribe’s long history.

About 600 years or so?

‘In the past, the tribe also prohibited erasing essences in the temple’

It’s somewhat ridiculous that only this much has changed over thousands of years…

It’s not that the tribe chief doesn’t have the authority to do so, it’s that the right person hasn’t yet emerged.

The tribe chief holds overwhelming authority in matters concerning the tribe, and the warriors tend to believe and follow the tribe chief’s words.

They think the tribe chief is smarter than them.

“Not bad.”

The shaman’s words sounded absurd for a moment.

But the more I think about it, the more it seems like a reasonable option.

The problem is that becoming the tribe chief through normal means would take at least a few years.

‘The current tribe chief was once an 8th-floor explorer.’

I’m not sure what rank of explorer he was exactly.

However, it’s clear that it would take a long time to match his strength in terms of combat.

But…

“I don’t necessarily have to reach the 8th floor.”

The cut-off could be around the 6th floor.

Not all past tribe chiefs were as strong as the current one. Some were elected as tribe chief for their leadership or judgment, even if they lacked strength.

“I should start building my support from now on. Even if I don’t become the tribe chief, having influence within the tribe will definitely be beneficial.”

As I was sorting out my thoughts, the shaman spoke.

“Warrior, you seem lost in thought. I’m hungry, go now.”

“Ah, right… Enjoy your meal.”

The shaman sent me away.

After lighting a fire in a man’s heart, now he sends me off.

Gurgle!

But I’m hungry too…

***

Around 9 AM.

After leaving the shaman’s tent and checking the time, I smiled bitterly.

“It’s strange how I seem to lose a whole day every time I come here.”

But, having passed out and woken up, I felt more refreshed than when I had awoken during the night.

It felt like I could start the day anew.

With that thought, I stopped one of the elders passing by and asked,

“Do you know where Aynar is?”

“I haven’t seen her since yesterday after the Warrior’s Forest.”

Could she still be there?

I was a little worried, so I set off to the forest where the funeral took place yesterday.

After a while, I saw Aynar lying in the bushes.

“Chrrp! Bj, Bjorn?”

“Did you sleep here?”

“I, I didn’t mean to…”

Embarrassed to have been found sleeping, Aynar wiped his drool with the back of her hand and turned away.

Unfortunately, there was Kiduba at the end of it.

“Ah…”

As if waking from a dream and facing reality, Aynar sighed briefly. Then, after a moment of silence, she cautiously spoke.

“Bjorn…”

“Speak.”

“Do you have something to eat?”

Yes, this is how we Barbarians are.

I chuckled and set down my backpack.

Then, I took out some preserved food from the labyrinth and shared a meal.

“Feeling better now?”

“A bit annoyed, but much better.”

“Annoyed?”

“About being deceived. If he had been honest, I wouldn’t have shown such a pathetic side. Kiduba essentially made me look like a coward in front of everyone.”

Aynar seemed truly annoyed, huffing in frustration.

It was somewhat surprising.

That she could overcome her grief in just a day and reach this stage.

“By the way, Bjorn, did something happen to you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Just a feeling. You seem gloomier than the last time I saw you. If it’s because of me, I just wanted to say you don’t have to worry.”

Gloomy because of her…

“…It’s not because of you, don’t worry.”

“Then because of whom?”

“That’s…”

I was tempted to dodge the question, but I decided against it.

“Probably because a comrade died.”

“Did something happen? Can I ask about it?”

I briefly explained what happened during this exploration. Unlike usual, Aynar listened quietly without making a fuss.

When I finished the story.

“Leor Wuerv Dwalki…”

Aynar murmured the name as if committing it to memory, then expressed her regret.

“I wish I had met him before…”

Aynar and Dwalki…

I couldn’t easily imagine them together, but Dwalki had formed close bonds with the dwarf.

Perhaps they would have gotten along unexpectedly well.

Though, what meaning does it have now?

“Rather than that, Bjorn, how about we fight?”

Suddenly, Aynar stood up and made an unexpected proposal.

“I’m curious if I’ve become a warrior who won’t hold you back.”

“Do you want to join my team?”

“If you think I’m qualified.”

Typical of a Barbarian, not relying on personal connections.

But personal and professional matters should be distinguished.

“Aynar, apart from the mage, there’s only one spot left. And I was thinking of filling that spot with another mage.”

“Speak plainly.”

“Give it your all.”

I smiled again, and Aynar responded.

“Behel—Raaaaaaaaa!!!”

Before I knew it, the greatsword in her hand was swinging towards my throat.

***

Tank, melee damage dealer, ranged damage dealer, mage.

All the required positions are already filled.

However, thanks to Mr. Bear being the temporary scout, the scout position was open.

A kind of bonus spot.

The identity of my team would be determined by what class I choose for that position.

Would it be the instant firepower of two mages, the sustained damage of two ranged damage dealers?

Or the stability and hunting speed of two melee damage dealers?

After much thought, I had settled on going with two mages.

But…

“Bethel—Raaaaaaaaa!!!”

As the duel with Aynar began, my dilemma grew.

“…She’s definitely become very strong.”

 

Half a year of swordsmanship training.

Stat increases from ‘tempering.’

Plus, the Grade 4 essence inherited from the elder.

‘I didn’t expect her to inherit that essence. She’s very lucky.

In terms of combat power, she could stand toe-to-toe with Misha right away, and considering she only has two Essences, her late-game potential is considerable.

However, there’s just one concern.

“This makes us too melee-focused…”

Thanks to the Ogre’s essence, I’ve also become capable of dealing damage.

Meaning, if Aynar joins, we’d have three melee fighters.

“Enough, let’s stop here.”

“…I can still go on!”

“I know. But continuing seems pointless.”

“…Am I not qualified?”

I firmly shook my head.

“No, that’s not it.”

Even if I wasn’t wearing any gear, she’d made me bleed in my [Gigantification] state. It’s more than enough to pass.

“Then, can I join the next exploration?”

“Could you give me a moment to think?”

“Ah! Sure! That’s fair. Is one minute enough?”

“…One minute is too short, make it three.”

“I can wait that long!! As you know, I have a lot of patience!”

I let Aynar’s subtle boast go in one ear and out the other. Then I closed my eyes to think.

I didn’t need much time to decide, I just wanted to double-check.

Soon, I opened my eyes and looked at Aynar.

I didn’t have a pass necklace in my hand, but…

“Let’s work well together from now on.”

“Wa, wait. Does that mean…”

“Just as you think.”

Aynar, the second daughter of Pheneline.

Passed.

***

The reason for passing Aynar was simple.

Not because of nostalgic memories from the times we crushed the Death Fiends

…

But because I was looking ahead to the future.

“Eventually, from the 6th floor onward, we’ll need to run at least two teams.”

From the 6th floor, a small clan format is more ideal than a single team. The scale of monsters and the exploration style are too much for five people to handle.

At that point, it would make sense to send either Misha or Aynar to the other team.

Their potential for growth was certain.

“Aynar, have you received any engravings?”

“Not yet. As you know, I don’t have the money…”

“That’s good.”

I decided to guide her on the engravings later…

With that, I concluded our conversation.

Aynar headed to the elder’s tent to pick up her gear, and I waited outside, organizing my thoughts.

“Now, just the mage position is left…”

This was the biggest hurdle in creating the team.

Mages are notoriously proud.

And if they’re not, it’s likely they’re not competent mages.

Sigh, just thinking about the effort makes me sigh.

I’m glad I decided against a two-mage setup.

Raven and Ragna.

I have two mages I’m acquainted with, but it wouldn’t be surprising if both rejected my offer.

I was wandering around the sanctuary, trying to figure out how to convince them, when..

A Barbarian spotted me and called out.

“Bjorn, son of Jandel!”

“Caron, son of Tarson?”

“Good to see you! What brings you here?”

After I explained I was there for business, Caron asked if I could say a few words to the young warriors.

After a brief consideration, I agreed.

Especially now that I was seriously considering the tribe chief position, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to build support.

And since Aynar might take some time…

“Really? The young warriors will be thrilled!”

Following Caron, I arrived at an open space.

Dozens of young warriors were already gathered, and as soon as I introduced myself, an enthusiastic cheer erupted.

“Bjorn, son of Jandel!”

“The great warrior!”

“Wooooooah!!”

Despite knowing it was Caron’s influence, the peculiar thrill was undeniable.

Am I just another man, after all?

“Bethel—Raaaaaaaaa!!!”

Feeling the urge to shout, I did, and the young Barbarians echoed after me.

“Bethel—Raaaaaaaaa!!!”

It was a type of exhilaration I hadn’t felt since Aynar left the team.

Right, this is it.

I suppressed a satisfied smile and took on the role of a guest instructor seriously.

It wasn’t difficult.

I had them fight each other in true Barbarian fashion, roaming around to provide unlimited tips on how to crush the enemies’ skulls.

And I supplemented the gaps in Caron’s education.

“Buy a video recording orb as soon as you get some money. It will help if you’re falsely accused of being a plunderer.”

I had no intention of stopping Caron’s money duplication bug.

Though excessive…

They’re plunderers, after all.

Reducing their numbers would be beneficial to the world.

“Now, let’s chant together. A good plunderer is?”

“Only a dead plunderer!!!”

“The Explorer’s Guild is?”

“Not to be trusted!!”

“What about when you met Hans in the Labyrinth?”

“Run away! If you don’t want to get fucked!”

As I engraved the essentials for a barbarian explorer into their minds.

Suddenly, a chill ran down my spine.

“…Killing intent?”

I stopped the lesson and turned around.

There, a familiar face of a Barbarian was standing behind me like a ghost.

A large scar on his face.

Long braided beard.

And the distinct smell of sweat from not bathing for days.

“Bjorn, son of Jandel.”

It was the tribe chief.

“I’ve been hearing a lot from the guild recently. It was all your doing, wasn’t it?”

I glanced at Caron quickly.

Caron, who had said the tribe chief wouldn’t come during training time, was already pale and distancing himself from me.

“Explain yourself before I misunderstand.”

Ah, um, uh…

Shit.