Surviving The Game As A Barbarian Episode 279
Whirlpool (5)
“It just felt right? What Nonsense, Mr. Jandel”
Ugh, I think I pressed her trigger button.
I cut her off and changed the conversation before it got too long.
Feedback for each other can wait until later.
“So, what’s next? What do we need to watch out for?”
I quickly moved next to Stormgush, holding my shield up front. Reluctantly, Raven stopped scolding me and continued her explanation.
“Next is an ability called [Dragon Vein]. When used, the ground turns red… Ah, now! Mr. Jandel, move away!!”
Stormgush’s second active skill, [Dragon Vein].
Kuuuuung-!
A mark appears below the target, and shortly after, a pillar of air explodes.
Just like that.
Pssshhh—!
Whew, that was close. Almost got hit because it came out of nowhere.
“Everyone, step back! A [Whirlpool] will appear from the hole soon.”
Anyway, [Dragon Vein] not only deals a powerful burst of damage but also generates a [Whirlpool] at the marked location afterward.
Incidentally, its name and effect perfectly match that of the mid-boss Siren Queen…
Whoooooosh!
If it hits someone, they’ll float in the air until someone comes to their aid, losing MP in proportion to the time they’re in the air.
Well, I’m immune to being airborne due to my weight, but…
‘Still, I’ll lose MP.’
We must avoid it at all costs.
Especially those lighter than me.
“Everyone, don’t cluster together! Spread out!”
With the Dragon Vein, the difficulty of the battle increased significantly. Having to avoid the whirlpools further restricted our movement.
However, there is an easy solution for this pattern, for now.
“From now on, we’ll fight while moving!”
Just move to a different location.
After all, this island is now solely inhabited by this guy.
It’s effectively turned the whole island into a boss room.
There’s no reason not to use the wide field available.
‘…Although this method won’t last long.’
One of the tricky things about this guy is that the map will eventually get smaller if he keeps using Dragon Vein.
In the meantime…
“Huh? Why is the seawater coming up here…?”
Due to the nature of Farune Island, after the fourth wave begins, the sea level gradually rises, eventually submerging everything except the island’s center.
“Mr. Jandel! This is serious! The water level is rising! What should we do?”
What do you mean, what should we do?
We keep fighting while moving.
“Maintain formation and head towards the center!”
Fortunately, no one questioned my instructions.
None of them had a better idea anyway.
「Stormgush has cast [Tyrant’s Roar].」
Anyway, in the midst of all this fighting and moving around, Stormgush used a new skill.
“Ersina! That’s the one I mentioned! Quickly, purify it!”
Tyrant’s Roar, an insane AoE that inflicts a whopping 10m radius ‘stun’ for up to 2 seconds, though it reduces proportionally to magic resistance and mental stats
Countered effortlessly by the priestess’s purification.
[Stormgush has cast [Stormblood]
A berserk skill temporarily boosting regeneration and physical stats?
“Everyone, stay away!”
I shouted, taking the brunt of the blow.
My shield, armor, and even my body were riddled with holes…
But I can withstand this with the priestess’s healing.
‘The equipment… it’s going to cost a lot to repair later.’
It would be a lie to say it doesn’t bother me, but considering this is a Tier 3 monster raid, it’s worth enduring.
Yes, life is more important than money.
“It’s stomping! Everyone, move away!”
Stormgush repeatedly used four skills, and as the battle continued, my team grew more accustomed to its patterns.
But it’s too early to be relieved.
It still has three unused skills.
‘Damn tier-3 monster.’
That’s the critical difference between tier-3 and tier-4.
Not only basic stats but also the sheer number of skills they possess.
Moreover, monsters of this level usually have unique abilities beyond their listed skills.
Like the dark magic of vampires, for instance.
‘For this guy, it has weapon skills.’
In the game, it boosted various combat stats like critical, hit rate, evasion, and defense success.
Stormgush had high weapon skill levels.
Is that why?
‘Its spear thrusts are terrifyingly precise.’
Despite being a monster, it’s like its spear thrusts have some sort of technique mixed in, not just brute force.
‘Anyway, it will start using its remaining patterns once its health drops…’
“Mr. Jandel, did you hear? When it starts using that ability, everyone will be in danger. We need to think of a way…!”
Quit yelling.
I’ve already thought it through.
I just waited to present my plan after her explanation to avoid suspicion.
Plan A and Plan B.
As always, there are two plans.
The best is Plan A, and the backup is Plan B.
The only problem is…
‘Variables.’
These plans can’t be exploited easily.
We’re about to experience a more intense battle than we’ve ever had against lower-tier monsters.
And…
Someone unlucky might get hurt.
Or even die.
I can only hope.
It’s selfishly disguised as selflessness, but…
Even so, if someone must suffer misfortune…
‘Partzran, Ersina, Nebarce, Amelia.’
Please let it not be us.
“There’s no place left to run!” As I reaffirmed my priorities, Partzran shouted.
Swoooosh—!
Water was surging from the direction we were heading.
Escaping by boat was impossible.
Since the end of the first wave, hundreds of tornadoes have been raging around the island.
‘…It’s safe to say more than half of the island is submerged.’
Time is running out.
“Move in that direction!”
I led the group toward the center of the island, taking the longest possible route.
And I made one request to my comrades.
“Deal as much damage to it as possible.”
It’ll be tough, but we need to fight harder.
“Do you have a plan?”
Amelia asked, and I explained my prepared plan without hesitation.
“…You came up with that plan just from hearing the mage’s information?”
The male swordsman looked at me with a curious expression.
“But will that work? It sounds too far-fetched and dangerous to me.”
The priestess expressed concern.
And…
“Bjorn is a great warrior! He knows better than anyone how to fight!”
Aynar shouted, not missing a chance to boast about me.
“Again… you want to take all the tough roles?”
Misha murmured sadly, volunteering to join.
Of course, I didn’t allow it.
Aside from my care for Misha, this was the most efficient allocation of roles.
So, what’s Raven’s assessment, the epitome of efficiency?
“It’s not a bad plan. Especially since it accounts for failure.”
Alright, you’re on board too.
“It doesn’t sound like you’re bluffing. Fine, we’ll do as you say.”
Even Amelia, whom I was most worried about, agreed to my plan, easing my burden.
It was a bit surprising.
I didn’t expect her to agree so readily.
When I showed a hint of doubt, Amelia said something unexpected.
“You speak with conviction.”
Huh?
“I understand what she means.”
Patzran, who had been arguing with Amelia the whole time, nodded.
“You didn’t despair even when the tier-3 monster appeared.”
That’s because I knew about it long ago…
“Maybe those who decided to follow you that day felt the same way.”
The priestess mentioned what had happened during the first-floor Noark battle.
“Bjorn, son of Jandel. A giant who blazed the trail before anyone else, a man born for the task of the ages.
Even with that said, I didn’t quite understand it.
I just felt unsettled.
It’s not like I’ve done anything noble in front of them……
“In a situation where nothing is certain, seeing you reunite with your comrades safely convinced me. Fate is on your side.”
Hah, religious folks, I swear.
“…What are you talking about?”
I let out a sigh.
After all, no matter how much they call me a hero or whatever, I know my true nature. Just moments ago, I was inwardly praying for my comrades’ safety over everyone else’s, even if it meant others had to die.
But…
‘Why are they saying this to me?’
My warrior’s heart weighed heavily.
Is it the barbarian instinct to want to live up to others’ expectations?
“Bethel—raaaahhh!!”
Enough, let’s just fight.
Before I feel a greater sense of responsibility towards them, I threw myself into battle to clear my head.
「Stormgush has cast [Eye of the Storm].」
This again.
“Everyone, get back!”
As soon as the whirlwind began, I rushed in to it him off.
Whoooooosh-!
A fierce storm so strong I couldn’t see an inch ahead.
Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind.
Wind is just wind.
No matter how much I pray, I can’t control who lives or dies.
Boom-!
Just like this whirlwind.
Only the heavens decide what lies at the end of the winds it carries.
“Mr. Jandel, there’s nowhere left to retreat.”
After enduring another [Eye of the Storm] pattern and moving a bit further, the island’s center appeared.
A clearing hidden in the undergrowth.
In the middle stood a white stone tower.
With dark bloodstains scattered on the ground.
The place where just yesterday, we had spent what felt like an eternity praying for everyone’s safety.
“Water is rushing in from all sides!”
The entire island was submerged except for this place, and now I could see the sea wherever I looked.
「Stormgush has cast [Dragon Vein].」
As we reached here, the holes created by Stormgush on the ground spewed [Whirlpool], mixing with the water and swirling around us.
Swooosh!!
In a game, I would have been pleased.
The majestic atmosphere befitting a boss battle.
Boom-!
Stormgush struck the ground with the pole of his trident as he reached us.
「Stormgush has cast [Rain Prayer].」
One of the remaining three skills used when its HP drops below 70%.
‘Okay, the health management seems to be going well.’
It’s time to settle this.
***
[Rain Prayer].
One of Stormgush’s three core skills.
The effect is simple.
Drip, drip.
It starts raining.
If Stormgush gets hit by the rain, his regeneration and overall physical stats greatly increase, while characters get inflicted with various debuffs.
Of course, that’s just a minor problem.
The real threat lies in the next pattern.
“What are you all doing! Follow the plan!”
At my shout, everyone except the rearguard charged at it.
I was no exception.
[Graaaahhh-!!]
Unlike before, I recklessly threw myself at it.
Because that was our plan.
All or nothing.
As soon as it uses [Rain Prayer], we throw everything we’ve got and take it down at once.
So there’s no reason to hold back.
The more injuries I accumulate, the easier it is for my comrades to deal damage.
Thunk-!
Soon, Mr. Bear’s arrow pierced deep through his tough shell.
It might not have damaged his insides much, but…
「Abraman Urickfreit has cast [Hungry Claw].」
That arrow deals continuous damage.
The more arrows are stuck, the greater the burden on the monster.
Next was Misha’s turn.
「Misha Karlstein has cast [Enhance].」
「Misha Karlstein has cast [Frost Condensation].」
As always, Misha enhanced [Frost Condensation], increasing the frost sensitivity that scales with frost damage.
And with the active authority of Glacier Beast Skadia, contracted through the Frost Spirit Ring, she unleashed another power.
「Misha Karlstein has cast [Absolute Zero].」
[Absolute Zero].
The second power she obtained after consuming numerous vials of ‘Beast’s Blood’ following the royal reward.
[The first hit guarantees the status effect ‘Frozen]
Frost gathered on her sword as Misha swung it towards the Stormgush.
The target was its right arm holding the trident.
Zzzzztt.
Its forearm froze solid.
Of course, given its high magic resistance and massive body, only its arm was frozen, but…
This was all just a build-up.
「Misha Karlstein has cast [Ice Crush].」
An active skill that deals increased damage to frozen enemies. Plus, she added a tier-5 skill obtained as a royal reward.
「Misha Karlstein has cast [Mutation].」
「Temporarily converts agility stats to strength stats.」
A skill useful for Misha, who lacks strength, especially in the latter stages.
Boom-!
Misha’s second blade, as a dual-wielder, struck the frozen arm.
But was it just the shell that froze?
Crack.
Shards flew as the ice shattered, but his thick arm remained intact. Well, it would be odd if a tier-3 monster’s arm was sliced off in one blow despite our all-out attack.
“Next is me!”
As Stormgush lashed out at Misha in a frenzy, Aynar charged and struck its now vulnerable arm.
However…
Clank-!
Even with the enhanced cutting power from [Savage Control], it wasn’t enough. The sword dug into its flesh but soon hit a solid bone.
[Graaaa-!!]
“Aynar!!”
The Stormgush spun its body, protecting his arm, and knocked Aynar away with his tail.
‘Damn it.’
Even Aynar wouldn’t easily get up from that blow…
The scary thing about a tier-3 monster.
Even their normal attacks can be lethal…
「Stormgush has cast [Eye of the Storm].」
Damn it, he’s using that again now?
As I dashed forward, my comrades retreated.
And then…
“Bethel—raaaahhh!!”
I held him off again.
The unusually long five seconds ended, and the whirlwind dissipated.
“Move aside, old man!”
Ah, so you’re ready now too.
I quickly stepped aside to not obstruct Erwin.
At that moment.
「Erwin Fornaci de Tercia has cast [Focused Shot].」
A tier-4 essence obtained as a royal reward.
A skill where MP consumption increases exponentially with casting time, and the damage increases proportionally.
Did she pour all her MP into it?
The aura around the arrowhead was ominous—
Whoosh-!
Erwin released the arrow, shooting it like a flash of light.
Boom-!
It struck Stormgush’s upper abdomen.
It seemed she aimed for the heart.
The head is also a critical point but hard to hit.
[Graaaahhh—!!]
Stormgush roared in pain.
But he was still moving.
Unfortunately, the arrow didn’t pierce his heart.
I wasn’t too disappointed.
Even if it hit, it wouldn’t kill him instantly. Tier-3 monsters don’t die from a pierced heart…
“Huh?”
For the first time, Stormgush made an unfamiliar motion.
「Stormgush has cast [Storm Summon].」
A skill used when its HP drops to 40%.