Surviving The Game As A Barbarian Episode 364

Responsibility (2)

Rihen Schuiz

To be honest, the idea of living under that name forever doesn’t seem too bad.

With my current skills, I could live quietly and earn enough money to retire within a few years.

Of course, that would mean giving up on returning home, but…

“So what?”

I’ve already adapted.

This world is no longer as terrifying as it once was. In fact, recently, I’ve been thinking it might even be better than my original life.

Here, I have people I can trust.

And people who trust me.

These were relationships I never had as Han Soo.

But still…

‘There’s no guarantee I can hide my identity forever.’

How long can this new identity as Rihen Schuiz last?

Well, no matter how cautious I am, it won’t last forever.

People’s lives are unpredictable, and…

‘There are already too many witnesses.’

Eventually, the story of Rihen Schuiz will spread.

Even if Raven submits a false report, that clown bastard was still there.

He’ll probably babble at the Round Table about meeting an amusing guy.

Since Deer Horns is also at the Round Table, it’s inevitable the news will reach the royal family.

‘On top of that, I showed them the Gacha Essence.’

It’s not widely known, but research will eventually reveal this essence, and they’ll realize my original height is much taller.

Well, there’s a more decisive reason.

“Auril Gavis.”

That old man gave me an empty “gift,” and I still don’t know what he did to me.

To put it simply, hiding my identity and living in the shadows doesn’t guarantee safety.

Thus, the conclusion remains the same.

Just like when the shaman read my fortune…

‘I need to get stronger.’

Strong enough to withstand whatever is coming.

***

While we were discussing future plans in the officers’ room, the crystal ball on the table began to vibrate.

“It’s a military message stone directly connected to the command center. I guess we’ll have to continue our conversation later when we have time.”

Well, she can’t keep paying attention to us forever, especially during wartime.

Honestly, I was beginning to feel a bit restless myself.

“We’ll go outside.”

“No need. You’re technically here as my escorts. Just stay quiet when I take the call.”

“If you say so.”

“No, there’s no need. You’re officially my escorts. Just please stay quiet during the call.”

“If that’s the case.”

Raven took the call with a business-like demeanor, then quickly summoned the officers.

And then…

“Vice-Commander, but those people…”

“Don’t mind them. They’re my escorts.”

“But still, this is a meeting…”

“Do I need to repeat myself?”

“…”

Wow, she ‘s really a natural commander.

She’s small, but how can her voice be so chilling?

“Then let’s start the meeting. Just now, we received orders from the command center. They’ve detected no enemy life signs within the barrier.”

Apparently, the enemy forces surrounding the lake had suddenly vanished. It happened two hours after the entire royal army retreated to their warships.

“It could be a trap. They might be trying to lure us to disembark from the ships.”

“Well, I lean more towards the opinion that they’ve retreated.”

“Everyone, quiet. There’s no point in speculation anyway. Headquarters has decided to select troops from each unit for reconnaissance.”

Raven, having already decided who to send, didn’t hesitate and promptly assigned the reconnaissance team.

And after some time, reports started coming in from the troops.

[There’s nothing visible around the lake.]

First, the lakeside, which had been filled with that clown bastard’s undead, was completely empty.

Also…

[The second reconnaissance team has found traces of large-scale magic.]

They found traces of magic.

Upon confirmation, it turned out to be a multi-teleportation magic circle.

When [Golden Wall] is activated, one cannot enter from the outside using teleportation magic, but not vice versa.

Commander judged that the enemy had withdrawn.

However…

“A new order to stand by has been issued. It might be a bit uncomfortable, but we’ll wait on the ships until the [Golden Wall] dissipates and the main force returns. We’ll also maintain our current alert level.”

“Understood! We’ll relay that to the explorers as well!”

Under headquarters’ decision, all troops held their positions on the warships without disembarking to the lakeside.

And more time passed…

Swaaaaaa—!

As the [Golden Wall], which had reached its duration, crumbled into magical particles and dissipated, the main force that had been on expedition rejoined us.

Only then did we come out to the lakeside to clean up the battlefield, and the main army waited for about a day to make sure it was safe, leaving some additional troops just in case.

“The main force’s objective is to find out where Noark’s base is, right?”

“Yes. Specifically, the entrance. There’s a high possibility that it’s connected to a specific area, like the center of the Crystal Cave. If we can find and occupy it, we might be able to study how these things were possible.”

Damn, the main force must be really busy.

Trying to search the 7th floor with a large-scale force.

As I was thinking that, Raven let out a long sigh.

“…Still, I’m glad it ended without major incidents.”

Well, it’s not like there were no incidents at all…

But at least no one died or anything like that.

Now that the incident has been wrapped up, I do feel that it’s finally coming to an end.

But…

“Let’s hope nothing else happens until we return.”

Ugh, doesn’t she know about the saying, ‘words become seeds’?

I felt an uneasy feeling at Raven’s murmuring, but surely nothing else will happen.

We have a decent number of troops now—

“…A patrol unit?”

At that moment, the words written on one of the documents on the desk caught my eye.

“Oh, that? I guess there was some concern from higher-ups after this incident. We didn’t notice the infiltration until it was too late, even though it was just a small number of enemies.”

“So, they decided to assign patrol units?”

“Yes.”

Raven answered briefly and went back to her paperwork, clearly busy.

How can she not get bored cooped up in here?

I was starting to feel so restless I could taste it.

“Mister, are you bored?”

“A little?”

“Wanna go for a walk?”

“But who will guard Raven?”

“Eh, what’s the problem? That woman’s staying here, isn’t she?”

At Erwin’s words, Amelia snapped back.

“…Who said I would?”

“So sensitive. If the two of us go, then you can take a break when we get back, right?”

Ugh, they’re going to fight again.

“Both of you, stop it. I have no intention of going for a walk.”

I stepped in to mediate, then sat back down and stared blankly into space.

The boredom settled in even harder.

‘Patrol units, huh…’

It might be impulsive, but it’s starting to sound better than sitting here doing nothing.

If I join the patrol, I’ll get to move around outside.

There’d be plenty of monsters, meaning I could naturally gain experience too.

‘If I play my cards right, I might even reach rank 7.’

The decision didn’t take long.

“Raven, how do I join a patrol unit?”

“…You can’t.”

“Huh? Why not?”

“They have already chosen all the personnel. And once you’ve been assigned a mission, you can’t change it. Otherwise, everyone would try to pick the easy missions. It’s also a matter of fairness.”

Oh, I see.

I nodded and asked again.

“But there must be another way.”

“…It’s possible under the discretion of the corp’s commander.”

What the, she was just teasing me.

How mean.

“Aren’t you that commander? You can change it—”

“I’m telling you, you can’t go. Because I won’t let you.”

“…What?”

“I said, I’m not doing it. Who knows what trouble you’d cause while I’m not watching?”

Raven coldly drew the line without even looking at me.

Of course, this wasn’t a big issue.

I’m not one to give up so easily.

“Haha! That’s what this is about?”

I laughed it off as nothing, and Raven tilted her head in confusion.

“…?”

What’s with that look?

This is why bookworms are hopeless.

Their brains get rigid, and their thinking lacks flexibility.

“The problem is that I won’t be there?”

“…?”

“Then you can come with me!”

When I presented the solution, Raven narrowed her eyes and looked me up and down.

And then…

“Just to be sure, are there barbarians or similar races in your world?”

Ah, uh, um…

“……”

I ended up hearing an unexpected question.

***

As a result, I ended up joining the patrol unit.

Well, Raven is a rationalist after all.

“Please let me go!”

“……”

“Please! I promise I won’t cause any trouble!”

“……”

“Please!”

I activated my “Barbarian Parrot Mode,” which had served me well in the past at the crystal cave. At first, Raven ignored me, but eventually, she had to respond.

“Seriously, why are you so stubborn about the strangest things!”

“Then do it!”

“I said no! And if I haven’t answered for over four hours!! You should know when to stop!!”

“I don’t understand, so please let me go!!”

“Haa…”

When your opponent sighs in resignation, it’s a sign of surrender.

I kept pushing until Raven finally gave in.

She decided it was better to deal with me this way than to endure the constant interruptions.

Of course, it wasn’t just because of my persistence.

“Ugh, seriously! Why are you going so far!! You can just stay put for a few days!!”

“…Because there are monsters outside.”

“……?”

“As I said, I need to get stronger.”

“Ah, geez… If you say it like that, what am I supposed to do…”

So I got the OK sign.

Though, Raven wouldn’t come along with us.

I suggested we go together, but apparently, the command wouldn’t allow it.

“I’m the only one here who can use the [Golden Wall]. I need to stay in case something happens.”

“Then I’ll leave Emily or Erwin behind.”

“If it’s about my protection, that’s unnecessary. I was fine before you came along.”

Hmm, but I’m still a bit concerned…

“Really, I’ll be fine. Just go and try not to cause trouble. And whatever you do, don’t use [Gigantification]. Also, don’t neglect your patrol duties just because you’re fighting monsters. And, um….”

Like a child about to go on a field trip, I listened to Raven’s long list of precautions. After that, she contacted the higher-ups and had my assignment changed, allowing me to finally leave the camp.

Coincidentally, there was a patrol unit about to set off.

“You must be the new additions. It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Tersia.”

When we arrived at our destination, the patrol leader introduced himself and began by checking our abilities.

“Lady Blood Spirit Queen specializes in archery and spirit magic, so you can be in the center formation… The other two are melee types, right?”

“Indeed.”

I nodded, and the leader further refined our positions. Amelia, being an agile attacker, was assigned to the left flank.

And as for me…

“With your heavy armor and shield, I assume you’ll be at the vanguard—”

Whoa, wait. There’s no way my small frame is cut out for that.

Before I could be labeled a tank, I quickly interrupted.

“I’m more of a smasher.”

“…Excuse me? Then what’s the shield for…?”

“For show.”

I stored my shield in my subspace and gripped Kraul’s Demon Crusher with both hands.

“I’ll take the right flank.”

Since I can’t go wild using [Giantification] anyway.

I figured it wouldn’t hurt to take a melee position once.