Surviving game as a barbarian Episode 552

Déjà Vu (1)

Day 103 of entering the Labyrinth.

The number of days since we entered the Labyrinth has now passed 100.

It was time to take a break from the endless grind in the library and welcome the newcomers from the rock island.

‘If some decent people come in, I might be able to go for the books on the upper shelves…’

At this point, whenever we used a summoning book, we had to fight against four level 3 monsters at once, and some level 3 monsters were mixed in as well.

Well, with a good formation, we could still defeat them. But mass farming like a factory assembly line was no longer feasible.

I had to act as the tank to buy the others time during battle, but after that, I needed to rest to get my energy back.

‘Last time, we almost had a casualty…’

Anyway, that’s why reinforcements are not an option, but a necessity…….

While I was packing up camp and getting ready to leave, I felt a distant gaze on me.

When I turned my head in that direction, I saw Hamsiki staring at me.

[You’re leaving…?]

As I got closer, Hamsiki spoke, awkwardly staring down at his toes.”

Our first meeting was a bit rough, but over time, after becoming friends and chatting during our hunts at the library, we had grown attached to each other.

“Ah, don’t worry. I’ll be back soon. I’m even leaving the Golden Book behind, aren’t I?”

[But you’re taking my fountain pen…!]

“Hey, friends let the small stuff slide. Got it?”

[…….]

“Seriously, I’ll be back before you know it.”

[W-who said I was waiting for you?! Don’t ever come back! Life’s way better without people like you around! So much quieter!]

Tch, there he goes again.

I let Hamsiki’s words go in one ear and out the other.

“Baron, all preparations are complete!”

“Got it.”

Even though all the preparations for leaving the library were complete, for some reason I couldn’t bring myself to leave.

[…….]

“Hey, Hamsiki.”

[…What?]

“While I’m gone, keep the books organized. Even if you’re not hungry, eat the jerky I gave you when it’s time. And if any weirdos show up, don’t even let them see your face—hide behind the shelves and wait for me to—”

[You think I’m a kid?! Stop spouting nonsense and just leave already!]

Yeah, yeah, keep talking.

Sigh… Why am I so worried about this guy?

Maybe I’m the one who got attached.

“Alright… I’m off, Hamsiki.”

Forcing my reluctant feet to move, I turned my back on Hamsiki and made my way past the crew who had been watching us from a distance.

Swish.

They shuffled aside to let me get to the front.

As I climbed the stairs, the explorers lined up behind me in perfect formation, boarding the summoned boats. And a few hours later, we arrived at the rocky island.

“Doesn’t look like anyone’s been here yet.”

We’d come early just in case, but as expected, no explorers had made it down to the Basement floor 1 before us.

Well, it had only been three days since the labyrinth opened.

It was physically impossible to finish farming on the third floor and return to the first floor in that time.

“What’s on your mind?”

“Just… wondering if Hamsiki’s doing okay.”

“I’m really curious… How does he look to you, Mister? I couldn’t really get close to him because of his appearance…”

“How does he look to you?”

“…A sorcerer. He had a skeleton staff in his hand, and a face more sinister than a lich, and he was making horrifying sounds.”

Ah, right. She had said that before.

I didn’t think much of it at the time, but now, after seeing many examples, it made more sense.

‘A sinister sorcerer with a skeleton staff…’

Isn’t that just the Corpse Collector and the Apocalypse Scholar combined into some imaginary figure?

Of course, I didn’t say that out loud.

“Um… Baron, would it be alright if I took some members to the shore?”

“The shore?”

“Well… there’s usually stuff floating around in the sea, right? I thought we could pick up some things while we wait…”

“Do as you like. We’ve got nothing to do but wait anyway.”

A few bored explorers volunteered first, and others soon followed to scavenge the shore.

This trend began after we pulled some level 3 equipment from the sea. Since then, a rumor has been circulating among the crew:

We might hit a jackpot. And if we are lucky enough, we might even get something used by an ancient hero.

Well, if your luck’s that absurd, sure…

But, I was skeptical.

After traveling so much, the most valuable thing we found was that Level 3 armor we picked up a while ago.

‘Once this floor officially opens up, I bet there’ll be people who specialize in just scavenging here.’

Hmm, while it seemed inefficient to me, it was likely.

The rocky Island had no monsters anyway.

As long as you avoid the rainy season, grinding here could become a legitimate source of income.
‘Speaking of which, time’s moving way too slow…’

After sitting around chatting all day, I eventually gave in to boredom and joined the crew in scavenging along the shore.

And before I knew it…

One day, two days, three…

By the time Day 107 drew to a close-

In other words, there are only a few hours left before the first floor closes.

‘…No way they wouldn’t show up by now. Did the royal family do something? Did they use troops and blocked the place?’

Anxiety started creeping in.

I had spread a lot of juicy information in the community, hoping that some skilled and strong newbies would join us this time.

‘If they’re still not here… something must’ve happened up there.’

Tch. Guess we’ll have to keep pushing forward without new recruits.

Just as I was staring at my watch in frustration—

Whoooosh—!

“Portals! The portals are opening!”

Dozens of portals flared, and the newbies began to pour in.

***

How to Handle the New Recruits

I hadn’t been too worried about this part.

First, I’d show them around the basement floor one, letting them experience firsthand how unforgiving it was. Then, I’d just have them sign slave contracts—simple.

But…

‘Hah, no wonder nobody came down until the last day.’

The moment I saw the newcomers, I couldn’t help but sigh—

That trick won’t work on these newbies

“Get in formation”

“Form up”

The moment they landed on the first underground floor, they began assembling into disciplined formations with steady precision. Watching them, I sighed.

‘Worst-case scenario.’

Far too many priests for an ordinary clan.

A unified battalion of battlemages.

And a group of knights clad in sleek plate armor.

Even though their classes were different, they were all shouting the same chant—

“Nia Raphdonia…!”

The royal crest plastered on their chests.

Once their formation was complete, a man who appeared to be their commander approached me and saluted.

“It’s an absolute honor to meet you, Baron Jandel! I never expected to find you so soon. I’m truly relieved to see you alive!”

“And you are…?”

“Ah, my apologies for not introducing myself sooner. Jillen Evost of the 1st Royal Knights.”

‘What is your relationship to Baron Evost?’

“He is my elder brother.”

Whew. At least the commander’s rank wasn’t too high.

Just the younger brother of a baron.

Maybe I could still use my baron title to manipulate him.

“Ah, and currently, I’m serving as the deputy-commander for this expedition.”

My hope instantly shattered.

“Deputy commander…?”

“Yes. Would you mind stepping aside? The second group is about to arrive.”

Dazed, I stepped back.

Whoooosh—!

Dozens more portals opened in the sky, and the second wave of the expedition team descended onto Basement Floor 1.

And then, after a short delay, a third group arrived.

‘Sixty people, three waves…’

180 in total.

Not an expedition team—this was an expedition army.

But the real problem was something else.

“Nia Lafdonnia! Reporting that all 180 members of the royal expeditionary force have safely arrived at the destination, Commander!”

The moment they landed, the first thing they did was report to their commander.

“No immediate threats detected in the area. Primary objective, Bjorn Jandel, has been located. Of the 38 present, seven belong to Clan Anabada, while the rest are members of the first and second waves—presumably from Hex Clan and the Armin Expedition Team.”

“I see.”

His pale face was all too familiar to me.

Though he’d aged about twenty years since I last saw him in his youth.

“I believe we only saw each other from a distance during the knight ceremony and never spoke.”

The commander of the 1st Royal Knight Order.

The royal family’s top dog, the Knight of Light—

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Baron Jandel. I am Jerome Saintred.”

The very same man I’d clashed with twenty years ago in Noark, when I was operating under the nickname “Iron Mask.”

“Y-yeah! Likewise! I’m Bjorn, son of Baron Yandel!”

…No way he recognized me, right?
***

Like the saying “the guilty feel the most nervous,” my heart started pounding uncontrollably.

Ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump—!

Even though I was sure he couldn’t recognize me, anxiety overtook me.

“…Son of Baron Yandel? That’s an unusual introduction.”

Okay, doesn’t seem like he’s caught on yet…

Phew. That slip-up was pure panic.

“I get that a lot.”

I gave a casual, barbarian-like answer and calmly assessed the situation.

Jerome Saintred.

Over twenty years ago, he came to Noark seeking the Fragment of Records, and we ended up clashing.

Whether he recognized me or not, the situation was as bad as it could have been.

This guy’s a Count, so using my Baron card to bully people is off the table.

They actually sent a big shot like this into a place with no exit strategy?

This was not how the royal family usually operated.

I’d assumed they’d just observe from the shadows like always.

But clearly, I was wrong.

Even so, I tried to brush off my surprise with a laugh.

“Haha, well, it’s great running into someone from home in a place like this! Everything going well back in the city?”

“The city? Of course, under the royal family’s protection, it remains perfectly safe…”

“Glad to hear it! Well, we’ll be on our way then. Good luck with your expedition! Take care, everyone! What are you all standing around for? Prepare to move!”

I turned to leave—but in a blink he reappeared in front of me, blocking my way. The same Level 3 mobility skill I’d seen before: [Gate of Light].

“Baron, where are you going?”

“Ah… I’m hungry…”

“How inconsiderate of me. Your supplies may be low, but don’t worry—we have plenty of provisions.”

Yeah, no way he was letting me escape that easily.

I dropped the playful act and lowered my voice.

“Count Saintred. Move aside.”

I lowered my voice, drawing a clear line.

But the bastard just kept talking, completely unbothered.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that. You were the first explorer to reach this floor, Baron. And one of our expedition’s objectives is your rescue.”

“Oh? Did I ask to be rescued?”

“You are a valuable treasure of our kingdom, Baron. Losing you would be an immeasurable loss.”

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