Surviving The Game As A Barbarian Episode 220

Leader (4)

Team Apple Narak’s Mage, Raven.

She was near the passage with her remaining comrades.

The reason was simple.

When the attack on the knights stopped, she tried to move to where her team leader was, but…….

The dense crowd of thousands made it impossible to pass through.

“Aynar, can you help? I can’t see well from here.”

Just over five feet tall.

Well below the average height of a human woman, she perched on Aynar’s shoulder and watched the events unfold in the central area.

The sound was too far away to reach her, but that didn’t matter.

She could resolve it with magic.

“What are they saying?”

“It’s almost over. They seem to be splitting into groups of 300 and clearing paths.”

Raven updated her companions in real time on what was happening in the center.

She wasn’t the only one doing so, many other teams present were doing the same. Everyone had someone with abilities like magic or enhanced hearing.

“What about Bjorn? What’s Bjorn saying?”

“Well, it looks like he’s trying to come this way. Oh, and the mage talked to him. It seems Mr. Jandel is trying to gather a team.”

“Nyang, I see…”

Misha nodded slowly, looking somewhat worried.

It was understandable.

“We’re heading north!”

“Who will join me?”

Countless clans and teams were already shouting for their comrades.

Among them were famous explorers and renowned clan leaders.

Three such clans had already formed an alliance.

But Raven tried to stay optimistic.

“What are you all worried about? You know Mr. Jandel has a reputation too. Even if it takes some time, we can gather 300 people.”

This was clearly not her usual behavior.

Normally, she analyzes the situation and tells it like it is.

But…

‘If it were Mr. Jandel, he would probably do this.’

Following that barbarian, she learned something.

A leader must not act solely on their whims—

“What?”

Raven froze without realizing it.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen again?”

“The mage said he’ll follow Jandel.”

“Really? That amazing mage?”

“Yes, but…”

Raven was bewildered.

It was good news, but she couldn’t understand why, leaving her uneasy.

‘Someone like that could have gone to a much better place…’

Why would such a mage choose to join them?

Unable to fathom the reason, she candidly shared her thoughts with her teammates.

“Hmm, that mage said people would gather around Jandel, didn’t he? I think I know what he meant.” Mr. Bear spoke up

“You do?”

“Bjorn is special. You know that, don’t you, Raven?”

“Do I?”

Just as Raven asked in confusion, Aynar shouted loudly.

“Bjorn Jandel is a great warrior!”

A great warrior.

Hearing that, memories of the Blood Tinted Castle surfaced.

In history, less than ten barbarians officially received that title from the king.

But at that time, she thought, watching the two-month-old barbarian collapse as if falling asleep after finishing all his hard work,

He might really inherit that title someday.

“Isn’t that why you joined this team?”

“…That’s right.”

Raven nodded obediently.

Urickfreit’s words weren’t wrong.

If she hadn’t sensed something special in that barbarian, she wouldn’t have joined this team.

“He has a peculiar charisma that draws people in.”

After finishing the conversation with her teammates, Raven looked back at where Jandel was.

Not much time had passed.

[If you don’t mind, I’d like to join you.]

[I think you can save the most people.]

[Haha, in times like this, a loyal person is the most reliable. Take us with you.]

Before long, many explorers were following him.

But after hearing Urickfreit’s words,

It no longer seemed strange.

Nor did she doubt the battle mage’s intentions to follow him.

“So… I wasn’t the only one.”

There are people in the world who make you want to follow them.

And…

[See? Didn’t I say that people would gather around you?]

[A mage’s intuition is usually right.]

Such people often leave behind a great legacy.

***

An hour or two.

I had expected it to take at least that long.

Even if all the core members fled through the dimensional gate, there were many explorers better than me.

I thought I would have to hurry and work hard to build the kind of force I wanted, competing with them.

But…

‘It’s probably because of this guy.’

The situation changed when the battle mage Kyle, who possessed knowledge, strength, and natural leadership, joined me.

The rank 3 explorer Melter Pend brought his entire clan under my command, sparking a crowd psychology.

It’s like panic buying due to a false rumor.

Even if you don’t think it’s necessary, you feel compelled to do it because everyone else is.

“Bethel—Raaaah!”

“The hope of the Barbarians!”

“Follow the great warrior!!”

Ignoring the excited cheers of the barbarians, I moved forward.

It was a feeling I’d never experienced before.

“Take me with you! I promise I won’t be a burden!”

Is this what a superstar arriving at an airport feels like?

With each step, new teams, clans, or confident individuals approached, eager to join.

So I raised the standards.

Simple reason.

According to the basic market principle of supply and demand, right now, I’m in a position of power.

“State your role and rank.”

“Fifth rank, currently solo, but I was a guardian in my previous team.”

A guardian is a warrior who takes the front line.

If he’s fifth rank, his skills should be decent.

“Name?”

“Fel Akabard.”

Accepted.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Bjorn, son of Jandel. Follow me.”

As I moved, I carefully selected only the people we needed to strengthen our group.

‘Most of the priests have fled through the dimensional gate, so they’re hard to find.’

It’s unfortunate, but it can’t be helped.

I’ll have to fill the ranks with as many warriors and mages as possible.

Ah, knights would be even better.

“…Kars Erimor.”

“Do you have space for me and my comrades? Three apprentice knights and one regular knight.”

Sometimes, familiar faces showed up.

“To think you were abandoned too.”

“Apparently, apprentice knights from the explorer corps aren’t that important.”

A knight from Baron Martoin’s house whom I met at the count’s estate.

His character wasn’t bad, and being an explorer, he should be reliable.

Plus, there’s one knight who can use aura.

“Follow me.”

“Thank you.”

Step by step.

With each step, the number of followers increased.

We had long surpassed the 300 limit with just the Barbarians who decided to follow me, but I kept recruiting people.

‘We can always split into groups of 300 later.’

If we travel the same route, we can help each other in emergencies.

I didn’t expect to gather so many people.

‘Good, everything is going well.’

How much further did I go?

Even among this massive crowd, one face stood out.

“Tacellan.”

He stood alone.

He didn’t try to find a team or form one himself.

Maybe he had just given up on everything.

“…”

When our eyes met, he looked away.

It was clear he hoped I would ignore him and pass by. But I’m a Barbarian who has to do what I want.

I approached him and spoke.

“Follow me.”

I didn’t know why I said it.

The words just came out.

“Hurry, if you want to live.”

“Do I… look like I want to live?”

He mumbled as if he had heard something strange.

“Lena was my wife.”

Right, that’s true.

“So why should I live?”

I answered.

“Someone has to tell the news.”

It wasn’t my true intention.

Even in their final moments, everyone longs for life deep in their hearts.

Tacellan, despite losing all his comrades, ran and followed us to the end.

Was there really a reason for it back then?

Well, I don’t think so.

But…

“Right, that was it…”

If there’s a reason, people can stand up more easily.

“Once you’re ready, come to the back.”

“…Why are you being so kind to me? You don’t need me right now.”

I answered honestly, perhaps selfishly.

“If you survive, I’ll feel a bit better.”

Using others to ease my guilt.

In some ways, it’s similar to what the knight commander did.

The only difference is I know how cowardly I am.

“…”

I didn’t know what he thought of my words.

But Tacellan joined the group and followed behind me.

‘We’ve unintentionally spent a lot of time.’

I continued leading the group.

Soon, I saw my comrades near the passage.

“BJORN!!”

Misha and Aynar ran to greet me enthusiastically as soon as they saw me.

Pushing them aside, I talked to Raven.

“Raven, any issues?”

“No…”

“Good. Did you hear what was discussed inside?”

“Yes, I did…”

Okay, no need to explain again.

“But why do you keep avoiding my eyes?”

“No? I wasn’t avoiding them? See, I’m looking!”

Hmm, really?

She seemed oddly uneasy around me.

Ah, is it because of the people gathered behind me?

Well, even I find my barbarian commander mode quite impressive.

When I teased her, Raven snapped back to her usual self and spoke.

“Anyway, with this many people… we can just figure out the numbers and leave immediately. This is great, considering we’re short on time.”

Short on time.

Not wrong.

But there was one more thing to do.

Something that might be crucial for overcoming this crisis.

***

Kyle Febrosk.

A rank 3 battle mage with the nickname ‘Iron Mage.’

He let out a hearty laugh.

‘What is he trying to do now…?’

The more he watched, the more fascinating the guy became.

Gathering all these people, and the first thing he does is just introduce himself?

“What’s your name?”

He approached each person and asked for their name.

Then, after hearing their name, he gave a short handshake.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Bjorn, son of Jandel.”

Some people questioned the barbarian, wondering why he was wasting time with introductions when time was short.

His answer was quite surprising.

“There are many here whose names I do not know.”

“So, what does that matter—”

“It matters to me. So, do not interfere.”

The barbarian continued the introductions as if performing a sacred ritual.

Most people thought his actions were meaningless.

Melter Pend, the leader of the Nartel clan, with his experience and insight, felt the same.

“…Do you think there’s any significance to this?”

Kyle laughed at his sly question.

“Melter Pend, why did you decide to follow him?”

“Well…”

Melter Pend hesitated before speaking.

“To be honest, I believed there must be a reason why Lord Kyle chose him.”

“Yes, that could be a reason. But it’s not the only one. You have people you need to take care of.”

“…Do you know my situation?”

“I heard by chance. You received an offer from the commander, but you refused because you couldn’t abandon your remaining clan members?”

“This is somewhat embarrassing.”

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It was a loyal choice. But to follow someone just because of another’s choice…”

“Even I find it hard to justify.”

Melter Pend laughed awkwardly and spoke cautiously.

“It may sound strange, but I had a feeling. That being behind him would be the safest…”

“You followed your intuition…”

“In this line of work, it’s quite common. We’re in a place where you die if you’re unlucky.”

“I’m not criticizing you. In fact, everyone here is probably not much different from you.”

“Really?”

Melter Pend tilted his head, but Kyle just uttered cryptic words.

“Just watch. Whether it was a meaningless act or not, we will soon find out.”

So they watched the Barbarian without further conversation. He was still asking each person for their name.

“…Hans, right?”

“No, it’s Hanberth.”

“Oh, right? Nice to meet you! Looking forward to working with you.”

“Likewise!”

The process of asking for names and exchanging brief greetings.

That was all, yet things had changed significantly from the beginning.

“Teterudra. Nice to meet you. Your axe looks impressive.”

“Ha-ha, that’s the best compliment for a dwarf.”

“I’ll count on you to cover the rear.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

The atmosphere became increasingly relaxed.

Even as they faced a battle where their lives were uncertain, the tension eased and smiles began to appear on their faces.

“Wait, why am I being passed by?”

“Didn’t I ask your name when we first met? It was Daberus, right?”

“Huh, you remember all that?”

“You’re a comrade I will fight alongside.”

Melter Pend finally understood the reason for this change.

That Barbarian was naturally gaining the trust of all these people.

Just by asking for their names.

“Jandel’s son Bjorn, do you really intend to ask everyone’s name?”

“Is there a problem with that?”

“No, I just think you’re remarkably sincere. I’m Humble Elbertin. If we get out of here, let’s have a drink.”

“Humble Elbertin, got it.”

“And I can’t be left out of that. Count me in too!”

Trust wasn’t just building between those who shared their names.

The brief conversations were heard by others as well.

“We’re no longer strangers…”

Melter Pend was genuinely astonished.

They had been forced into one group but remained strangers until today.

But now, they knew each other’s names and faces.

Through the brief conversations, they learned a little about each person.

The relationships between the Barbarian and individuals became common ground.

They wove a web of connections, forming a bond.

“Bjorn Jandel, could he really have calculated this outcome…?”

“Well, I doubt it.”

“Otherwise, it doesn’t make sense.”

“What doesn’t?”

“Usually, people don’t do such things without a reason.”

Kyle chuckled.

Indeed, normally, that’s true.

Even when the same actions are taken, the results can be entirely different.

But…

“Don’t try to understand it. If you’ve studied history, you should know. Every era has such people.”

Actions and outcomes that are incomprehensible to ordinary people.

They are what make them great.

***

After the lengthy introductions were over,

With Kyle’s advice, we split the group of nearly a thousand into three smaller ones.

“Bethel—Raaaah!”

I shouted with all my might, paying respect to the ancestral spirits.

“Haha… Why did you shout this time? When you do that, the other Barbarians start shouting too.”

Uh, sorry about that…

But I can’t help it.

‘Of all these people, there’s no one named Hans.’

This must be some sort of sign from the ancestors, right?