Surviving game as a barbarian Episode 605

Commander (2)

There’s always a reason for the silence in a room full of people.

Either everyone is focused on something or mourning a tragic event, or they are too shocked to speak.

“……!”

“……!”

This time, it was the latter.

All of the leaders were clearly taken aback by my words and actions.

But, none of them dared to speak first. They all fixed their eyes on one person.

“…….”

Zylan Evost.

The vice commander of our expedition force, and the one legally next in line to take over command in the absence of the commander.

Frankly, I hold this man in high regard.

Even after that strange monster possessed Jerome Saintred, our original commander, the expedition continued to run smoothly.

Zylan was the lubricant and the engine that kept this force moving.

‘He was probably planning to officially announce his succession right after discussing my report.’

Undoubtedly, everything would’ve gone smoothly without any opposition.

If it weren’t for me suddenly barging in.

“…….”

Everyone was waiting for his response, but the vice commander remained silent.

It looked like he was calmly organizing his thoughts…

But I see no reason to give him too much time.

I looked at him and spoke again.

“Don’t tell me you still don’t understand what’s going on?”

My tone carried a slight provocation, and the vice-commander finally opened his mouth.

“Not at all. I perfectly understand why you’ve taken that seat, Baron. I was merely contemplating how to persuade you.”

“Persuade me…? Sounds like you’re implying you can’t accept me sitting here.”

At my even more provocative question, the leaders’ eyes widened.

‘Did he really just say that? Is this barbarian for real?’

That’s what they wanted to shout, but my noble rank and reputation kept them silent.

Even my own comrades were hesitant.

“…….”

Even Amelia, who I considered my right-hand, had stepped away from me, staring with an expression that screamed, ‘Is he insane?’

“Of course.”

Then, the vice commander finally responded to my question.

“You are not qualified to be the commander of this expedition, Baron.”

“And why is that?”

“Because you’re the leader of Temporary Squad 4.”

Not even the leader of a formally recognized squad, just a temporary one.

“According to the military laws established by the royal family, if the highest-ranking officer falls in battle or becomes unable to fulfill their duties, the next highest-ranking individual assumes command.”

The vice-commander invoked military law, even invoking the royal family’s authority.

‘As if I didn’t already know that.’

“Then there’s no issue. After the Count, The only one with a title lower than the Count is me, the Baron.”

Despite being full of elites, there were only two titled nobles in the expedition: the Count and me.

After all, what titled noble would willingly come to the first basement floor that hasn’t even been fully explored yet?

The original Count Saintred had only come because someone had to act as supreme commander.

“……Baron, it seems you need to understand the difference between rank and noble title.”

Zylan sighed as he looked at me.

It was a much calmer response than I’d expected.

If it were me, I wouldn’t have humored that nonsense and would’ve reached for a hammer.

“Rank, title, it’s all about status, isn’t it? After the Count, I’m the highest-ranking person here.”

I pressed again, and the vice commander calmly explained.

He elaborated on the distinction between rank and title, discussed military law, and even brought up the political complications my insistence could cause.

But…

“So?”

“……Huh?”

“So why can’t I?”

Even the wisest sage would feel despair trying to lecture a brick wall.

“…….”

After a long silence, the vice-commander pressed his lips together. He realized that no words would affect me.

“Zylan Evost.”

Seizing the moment, I spoke.

It was amusing for a newly appointed barbarian baron to say this, but—

“I have no intention of taking orders from someone without a title.”

I had already sized him up.

This approach would work better on him.

“And more importantly—”

I continued.

“Can you even give me orders?”

“…….”

“Can you really treat me the same way you treat your other subordinates?”

He didn’t answer.

His silence spoke volumes. His stubborn honesty was admirable, but those traits weren’t suited to a leader.

Maybe as an advisor, but not as a commander.

“…….”

“…….”

The vice-commander remained silent for a long time.

Finally, I tore my gaze from him and scanned the room.

Surprisingly, there was no anxiety or worry on their faces.

They were simply holding their breath, curious about how things would end.

‘They don’t care who sits in the commander’s seat.’

To the vice-commander, my claim was an absurd overreach, but to them, it wasn’t so outrageous:

I was a baron officially recognized by the royal family.

In the city of Raphdonia, that meant everything.

Though, the real reason for their reaction was something else entirely.

“Listen, everyone.”

Sensing the time was right, I dropped my playful tone and addressed the room seriously.

“We now stand at a crossroads.”

Not in terms of choosing a commander—

“But between returning to the city triumphantly having completed our mission… or being trapped here forever.”

A thought everyone must’ve had at least once as time dragged on in this floor.

Now, I made sure they all understood.

“But if you trust me and follow me—”

No need for long speeches.

“I will get you all home.”

I had already proven myself through action.

In the Crystal Cave against the Abyss Lord. In the Goblin Forest. On the Ice Rock expedition.

Even here on the first floor.

It was me who fought the fiercest battle against the Level 1 monster on Library Island.

I broke through all the guardian statues, opened the rift, and stepped through it.

And the vice commander?

Sure, he kept the expedition stable, but that was it.

So when the troops began to wonder how long will we be stuck here, it was obvious who they would trust more as their commander.

“We all know you’re intelligent, Baron. What do you want? What will it take for you to be satisfied?”

The vice-commander cut straight to the point, and I grinned in response.

“Let’s hold a vote. Gather all the members.”

Democratic procedures were always fair.

***

Voting.

A democratic process that clashes with the hierarchical nature of the military.

But surprisingly, the vice commander agreed without much fuss.

He must’ve figured a vote was the only way to stop me.

Well, I’m sure he still believed he had a fair chance.

He had no noble title, but he was still a nobleman, and highly respected by the knights.

The chances are Fifty-fifty, maybe…

His subordinates would vote for him.

And my squad 4 would all vote for me.

I guess they all felt that we needed a strong leader to pull us out of this floor.

It was a fortunate outcome for both me and the vice commander.

No need to resort to my contingency plan if I had lost.

“Well, now that the results are clear…”

I took the commander’s seat and issued my first order.

“Zylan Evost, you remain vice commander. Your duties stay the same. Think you can handle it?”

“Yes.”

A symbolic order to establish the chain of command.

Then, I took charge of the meeting and began discussing what had happened in the rift.

I recounted the events inside, focusing on the High Priest’s demise—the detail everyone was most curious about.

I didn’t go into exhaustive detail, but—

“He… became a priest of Karui?!”

“Wait, does that mean the Count’s death was because of the High Priest…?”

The religious figures in the meeting couldn’t hide their shock.

Not just because of the High Priest’s fate, but because he had killed our commander.

But—

“No need to worry. I won’t be holding the Three Gods Church responsible. It was an act of nature. A tragic accident during a dangerous mission. The High Priest simply died in the process.”

I reassured them, knowing they feared political consequences.

“Besides, it’s not like Count Saintred is truly dead. Even if we return, no one will face repercussions.”

“Thank goodness for that…”

These are not ordinary religious people.

They were all high-ranking members of the Thre Gods Church.

And quite pragmatic.

“Anyway, let’s get to the real meeting. Vice commander, have you finished investigating the room beyond the stone gate?”

“If you mean the statues, not yet.”

“But I heard there’s been progress on the portal.”

“There’s speculation it could be a portal leading outside.”

“I see.”

“Still, it would be wise to wait before using it.”

“And why is that?”

“Because it’s likely raining outside right now.”

I hadn’t kept track of time, but it seemed the rainy season had arrived again.

“Then we’ll stay here and continue investigating until the rains end.”

With that, the meeting concluded.

“I’m hungry. Everyone, dismissed.”

I delivered a line I’d always wanted to say, and everyone left the tent like water draining from a sink.

Except for one person.

“Vice commander, You want to say something to me?”

What I meant was: If you’ve got a complaint, now’s the time.

But he just smiled.

“You know, Baron, I’m honestly glad you became the commander.”

“…What?”

It wasn’t flattery to cozy up to the new boss.

“I even voted for you.”

“…Why?”

“Because I know my limits. Commanding hundreds isn’t my role.”

“But weren’t you the one who most strongly opposed me?”

“Well, I needed an excuse. I didn’t want to be socially crucified when we returned.”

Then, the vice-commander saluted me respectfully.

“So please, lead us well. The better you do, the less work I’ll have.”

With that, he left the tent, leaving behind a pouch of jerky.

“You said you were hungry.”

It felt like I’d been tricked somehow, but I still chewed the jerky he’d left behind.

Tasty.

Now, this expedition force was mine.

***

My True Barbarian Corps Commander Mode was extremely comfortable.

Honestly, giving orders through the village chief had been tedious.

Now, that middleman was gone.

And that wasn’t all.

“You’re… reorganizing the chain of command?”

“Yeah. Dividing into four squads and leaving everything to the squad leaders is inefficient.”

A bold move that the puppet chief could never have pulled off.

“Inefficient… I see.”

“And I’ll be changing who participates in command meetings as well. Just so you know.”

“Understood…”

Still, the vice commander was a valuable asset.

Whatever I ordered, he focused on how to carry it out, not whether he should. And one could argue this was his flaw as well, in that he never talked back to those in higher positions than him.

“You really… took the commander’s seat.” Amelia said seriously.

“Why? Are you disappointed that you didn’t become the vice commander?”

“……I’d never want it. Not in a million years.”

In Amelia’s case, though, I wouldn’t mind if she spoke a little more sweetly.

“Be careful. While there’s no issue here, the royal family might use this against you when we return.”

No matter what I said, she always had a retort.

Well, I liked that about her.

“Want anything? As commander, I can grant—”

“I’ll take my leave now.”

“Oh, before you go, call Raven over!”

“…….”

Without responding, Amelia left.

But soon after, Raven entered.

“You called, Commander?”

“Cut the ‘commander’ talk. Sit down.”

She stared at me like she still couldn’t believe it, then sat beside me with hesitant steps.

“So, what’s this about? Another investigation?”

“No, though I am curious. This time, it’s a favor.”

“Can I just go?”

“Nope. Commander’s orders.”

“Ugh… Should’ve written Zillen’s name on that ballot.”

Too late for regrets.

This expedition is mine now.

“So, what’s the favor?”

Watching her resign herself, I took out a hidden object.

“A flower crown…? What’s this?”

 

“No idea. But it appeared when the chief killed the High Priest.”

“It didn’t come from a monster?”

“Nope. That’s what makes it even more suspicious, and special.”

Raven picked it up and examined it with great interest.

“It’s not a Numbers item. I’ve never heard of a crown like this. Can I take it? You called me here to research it, right?”

“Yeah, but… don’t tell anyone about it. Research it alone.”

“Huh? Why?”

“It’s a secret. You’re the only one who knows.”

I deliberately added a tone of ‘I trust you with this.’

A tactic Raven particularly liked.

“I’m the only one who knows…?”

Unfortunately, Raven was both highly intelligent and quick-witted.

“This… this is embezzlement!!”

She quickly withdrew her hands from the crown, visibly panicking at the thought of being implicated as an accomplice.

Of course, I wasn’t too worried.

“Embezzlement? It’s a commander’s decision.”

“That’s a ridiculous excuse!”

“So, are you not going to do it? It’s a mysterious treasure we retrieved from the rift on the first floor.”

“…………I never said I wouldn’t.”

After darting her eyes around suspiciously, Raven swiftly tucked the crown into her subspace at lightning speed.

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