Surviving The Game As A Barbarian Episode 242
Turning Point (2)
When I entered the Golden Treasury, I understood why the other races were powerless before the royal family.
I could almost feel the latent power of the royal lineage.
The precious level 3 essences filled half of the vast vault.
There isn’t just one of each.
Most of them even have spares.
Even the hard-to-find essences that could only be found in rifts were neatly arranged in every colour.
“Fuck, they even have Nivarok’s essence?”
It’s a rare monster essence that can only be found in a rift.
It’s not a great option for a barbarian warrior, though.
However, judging by the difficulty of obtaining it, it can be considered a level 2 essence. …….
How did they get all this stuff?
The more I looked around, the more I wondered. Perhaps a single royal family ruling for thousands of years could amass such wealth?
‘When I played the game, I thought I could take anything I wanted because it was just a game.’
I dismissed even the slightest concern that the royal family might fall to Noark.
How could anyone think of losing after seeing all this?
Thousands of level 3 essences.
I’m not sure of their current military strength, but it means that the royal family could create an insanely powerful army instantly if they wanted to.
If you feed five level 3 essences to knights who can use aura…
Just thinking about it is overwhelming.
And it’s not just level 3 essences.
In a higher level treasury, there would be level 2 essences.
“…maybe even level 1.”
The scariest thing is that it’s not just essences.
There are also numbered items.
If there are triple numbered items in the Golden Treasury, there would be double numbered items and single numbered items…
Although essences take priority, numbered items are the easiest way to upgrade specs when growth stats reach their limit.
‘…I do want some, but they can’t compare to essences.’
Hmm, I might as well have a look around.
Since I had some time on my hands, I wandered around the Golden Treasury, curiously examining the items.
However, I quickly lost interest as I already knew all the options…
“Um, touching them is a bit…”
“It’s not like they wear out from being touched!”
It was amusing to see the face of the mage who followed me as both guard and guide turn white every time I touched the equipment.
“Well, that’s enough sightseeing.”
It was time to make a decision.
So I made one last check.
I had already decided which essences to take, but it was better to be thorough.
Alright, let’s start with this one.
Bellarios.
An Oriental dragon.
A monster resembling an Imoogi, essentially an upgraded version of the Manticore.
It has base stats focused on magic resistance.
And it has a unique passive [Cycle of Circulation] that allows for stat accumulation.
‘Well, the passive won’t help much right now, as it’s almost impossible to stack stats in my current state’
[Cycle of Circulation] only works at a rank where you can hunt monsters above level 3.
Originally, it became a core essence thanks to its active skill [Scales of Greed].
When using this skill, scales temporarily sprout on the skin, increasing ‘magic resistance’ proportional to the magic power.
If the magic resistance exceeds 1,500, you gain a magic immunity bonus, allowing you to kill mages as easily as squashing a passing worm.
It essentially enables the Barbarian Dragon mode.
But…
“This isn’t an essence I should be consuming right now.”
If it weren’t for the Ruin Scholar, it wouldn’t be even this high on my priority list.
For pure exploration purposes, the ‘Manticore’ essence was sufficient.
Even if I have to eat it someday, the rate of growth depends on which one I eat first.
Now, onto the second choice.
Vol-Herchan.
A mega monster with a shell covering its entire body.
As its appearance suggests, it has skills that specialize in defense. Its passive skill will synergize with [Iron Skin], and its active skill will allow the body to withstand even ‘Aura’.
In simple terms, it’s an essence to counter aura.
I don’t have any essences with this setup yet.
If I had this, my arm wouldn’t have been cut off by that aura-using Noark explorer.
“Amelia, that woman also uses aura…”
Since the Clown sent an assassin, the priority of this essence has increased. To be honest, of all the assassins I know, she’s the scariest.
‘Besides, I’m going to be fighting humans a lot.’
And no, it’s not useless against monsters either.
The ability to counter ‘aura’ is just a bonus.
More importantly, it has very high strength stats, making it the most balanced choice among the candidates in terms of offense and defense.
Now, lastly…
Bion.
Among the colossal Level 3 monsters, it’s the only one categorized as small.
It’s also one of the few ‘humanoid’ monsters…
And it’s an ‘undead,’ an immortal type.
According to the game’s lore, they are ancient heroes resurrected, thus having a unique setup.
This monster fights using essences, like explorers.
Each has a different combination of essences, but they all share one common trait.
The ability of the essence it produces.
[Transcendence].
Interestingly, consuming this essence gives you just this one skill.
It serves as both passive and active.
Moreover, it provides a rare stat, soul power, which eliminates MP concerns.
“So, which one should I choose…?”
Eventually, I will have to consume all the essences. It’s just a matter of which one to take first. After one final deliberation, I made my decision.
“Yeah, if I can only consume one, it has to be this one.”
I look forward to the day I receive my title.
***
“Hmm, this essence?”
The mage, who had been following me, made a curious expression when I selected the essence.
“It’s a good essence. I’ll report it to the Chancellor.”
Oh, can you also throw in a Numbered Item? They seem to be just collecting dust—
“No, that’s not possible.”
Geez, he’s so serious.
I was half joking.
After a thorough body search, I returned to the reception room where my companions waited.
“As expected, the Golden Treasury takes time.”
Mr. Bear greeted me with a smile.
“What essence did you choose?”
“Well, I chose the one you recommended. It seemed decent, and it’s supposed to be a secret combination, right?”
A ‘secret combination.’
In simple terms, it refers to a guaranteed essence combination.
Essences like those held by heroes or great explorers who made a name in history.
Of course, these individuals are well known, but their combinations are usually high-level essences, so they’re difficult to use unless you’re an advanced explorer.
However, some minor but effective combinations are publicly known.
For instance, the dwarf used [Emergency Restoration] to reset the cooldown of Numbered items, something he knew from dwarf lore.
“I should head straight to the training ground once we return.”
Mr. Bear, who chose an essence based on my recommendation, was eager to leave the palace and test his new skills.
Well, that feeling is mutual for everyone.
“Byorn, let’s head back! The power of the warrior is surging within me! It needs to be unleashed quickly!”
Although the three of them only obtained Level 5 essences, I envied them a bit.
Sigh, I must wait until the day of my title conferment.
“Geez, hold on. Erwin hasn’t come back yet.”
Can’t we just let that fairy come on her own?
Hey, what did I tell you would happen if you talked like that?
“Sorry, I misspoke. Please, spare me the carrot soup…”
Misha reprimanded Aynar and defended Erwin.
It’s reassuring to have the big sister’s support.
After a short wait, Erwin also returned, having chosen her essence.
“You’re late. Was there any trouble?”
“No. I picked the mister suggested. But after consuming it, I needed some time to adjust, so I rested for a bit…”
Well, that makes sense.
Higher-level essences usually cause significant changes in the body upon consumption.
“I’m sorry. Did I keep you waiting long?”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s fine as long as there were no issues. Now, let’s head back.”
We then rode the carriage provided by the royal family back to the 7th District, which now felt like home.
And we headed straight to the training grounds.
The only place in the city where we’re allowed to use our abilities.
“Then, let me go first.”
Mr. Bear summoned the Iron Guardian.
And set up a pig bought at the training ground entrance as a target.
“I can’t do it with my own hands. Misha, can you do it for me?”
“Me? Ugh… alright.”
Misha used her sword to wound Iron Guardian, and the preparation was complete.
[Abman Urickfreit has cast [Hungry Claws]
The arrow began to glow a crimson hue.
Mr. Bear drew it and aimed at the pig’s thigh.
Thwack!
“Squeeeeal!!!”
The pig let out a blood-curdling scream, but its vitality quickly drained away.
Thud.
Even though the arrow didn’t hit a vital spot, the pig soon collapsed and stopped moving.
There was no blood.
The arrow embedded in the pig was absorbing it.
Sssshhh—
Even now, the arrow embedded in the pig was extracting its life force and transferring it to Mr. Bear.
This is where the synergy of the combination comes into play.
[Abman Urickfreit’s life force is now at maximum.]
[Transferring remaining life force to the soul-linked entity.]
The absorbed life force passed through Mr. Bear and was transferred to the Iron Guardian.
“Oooong?”
Iron Guardian’s wounds had completely healed.
“It was a bit uncertain, but the soul link really works.”
“The book says to prioritize your own safety when you’re injured, so keep that in mind.”
Although I said that, it’s unlikely that the long-range Mr. Bear would get injured, so the tank line has become more robust.
And that’s not the only advantage.
After about three minutes, the pig’s body, now dried up like a mummy, lay lifeless.
‘Not bad for continuous damage.’
Furthermore, Mr. Bear’s [Hook Arrow] makes it hard to remove embedded arrows.
Once an arrow is embedded, the continuous damage and life steal keep stacking.
If I get [Altruism] later, we can use it to heal not only Iron Guardian, but ourselves as well.
Of course, that’s just a potential build. I have no plans to make Mr. Bear a healer.
Essence slots are too precious for that.
Healing is best left to a dedicated healer.
‘I should start looking for a priest soon…’
Anyway, next up was Aynar.
[Aynar Phenelinehas cast [Wild Control]
Since Level 5 essences are not for graduation, I chose one with immediate benefits and long-term utility.
[All conditional activation effects of the next attack are converted to cutting power]
[Explosion Scar], which explodes on repeated hits to the same location, and [Vitality Absorption], which increases regeneration on a hit, are now converted to slicing power under [Wild Control].
Just like this.
Slash—
Even though it’s an adamantium greatsword, the steel rod was sliced in half without any resistance.
“Can I try it with another sword?”
“Of course, feel free.”
Unlike pigs, steel rods are free.
They can be magically restored.
“Then…”
Aynar, still unsure, picked up a cheap iron sword from the training ground and tested it again.
The result was the same.
Slash—
The steel rod was sliced in one stroke.
‘Good, this increases our options.’
In battle, she can apply [Explosion Scar] and [Vitality Absorption] against multiple enemies and increase cutting power against single strong foes.
In simple terms, she’s no longer just a barbarian who excels in mob fights.
“Is it my turn now?”
Next, Misha tested her new essence, followed by Erwin.
Both were satisfied with the unexpected synergies.
‘…It’s tough being a barbarian.’
Why am I the only one without a new essence?
***
Two days later, I visited the palace again.
Honestly, I wasn’t as nervous as before.
How many times has it been this month?
Of course, today’s visit had a few differences from previous ones.
“Since you’re so tall, could you bend down a little?”
Even the ceremonial attire gifted by Kyle wasn’t satisfactory, so the servants fussed over my clothes and adorned me elaborately.
Also, my companions were absent.
After all, today’s invitation was for me alone.
It seems that in royal tradition, only the person receiving the title can attend the ceremony.
‘It’s already lively over there.’
I was currently in the Hall of Glory, where I had been once before. I could hear the sound of musical instruments from the inner hall.
The banquet must have already started.
My entrance would likely mark the climax of the celebration.
“Oh my, you look much more distinguished now.”
While I was waiting, Count Ferdehilt arrived with his youngest daughter.
“I am Arabella Ferdehilt.”
She still couldn’t meet my gaze, probably because she was still scared of me.
Fortunately, the Count didn’t bring up the bothersome topic of a political marriage today. Instead, he just chatted and left.
Well, more like a warning, I suppose.
“Three people, including you, will receive titles today. One from the Viscount family and one from the marquis family.”
I had heard this before.
Technically, they’re being inherited rather than bestowed, unlike me.
“The viscount’s family doesn’t matter much, but the marquis’ heir is known for his bad temper and strong competitiveness.”
“In other words, he’s immature.”
“…That’s an accurate description. So be cautious. He might see today as a one-time opportunity to overshadow you. If he provokes you, try to hold back. You’re one of us now, so you can’t act on a whim.”
“I’ll keep your advice in mind.”
“Good. That’s enough. I’ll leave you be for now. See you later.”
The Count left coolly with his daughter. It seemed his only goal was to establish a connection with me.
‘Politics…’
For some reason, I smiled as I remembered the incident in the doppelganger forest. Could barbarian politics really work in an aristocratic society?
Lost in such idle thoughts, time flew by.
‘Wow, I really spent over ten hours in this tiny waiting room?’
When I walked out onto the red-carpeted corridor, there were already two men waiting.
Men dressed up for the title conferment ceremony.
‘That small one must be from the Viscount family…’
I focused on the man with a relatively large build. Just from his fierce eyes, it was clear he was the heir from the marquis family.
“Greetings. I hear you’re to receive the title of baronet today. Congratulations. It’s an honor for the kingdom to have a hero like you among us.”
The viscount’s heir showered me with flowery words, but the marquis’ heir did not.
“…”
He glanced at me, a commoner-born barbarian, with disdain and scoffed.
‘Well, that makes it easier for me.’
I wasn’t interested anyway.
I have no intention of wasting my time on politics.
All I want is a Level 3 essence and the convenience of a noble title.
“The main figures of today’s ceremony are entering!”
Lively music played as the doors opened.
‘This is my second time walking through here this month.’
I walked naturally along the carpet without any nerves. The marquis’ heir was in the center, I was on the left, and the viscount’s heir was on the right.
Step, step.
We walked forward amidst the cheers of the nobles and stopped before the throne.
The Chancellor stood in front of the empty throne.
He addressed us with ceremonial words, and we knelt on one knee in the formal manner.
At that moment.
‘Huh?’
As I was about to kneel, the marquis’ heir leaned towards me.
What’s this?
Did he lose his balance?
At first, I thought he needed support, but I soon realized it was no accident.
Malice.
I unconsciously sensed the dark intention behind his movement.
It was absurd.
He intended to push me down and make me tumble in front of everyone.
‘…Is he crazy?’
The best defense is a good offense.
Instinctively, I tensed, and our bodies collided.
Thud-!
It was as if the laws of physics had already decided the outcome.
“Ack!”
With a heavy sound, the marquis heir rolled across the carpet, his pristine suit wrinkled.
His once-stiff suit was now crumpled.
“…”
The music stopped, and a stunned silence filled the hall.
Suddenly, I remembered the Count’s advice.
“…”
Oh, right.
I was supposed to hold back.