Surviving The Game As A Barbarian Episode 71

[Prey]

The target marked as Prey falls into a state of immobility.

It’s like a kind of curse.

The difference is…

‘Riakis’s aggro is fixed on the Prey.’

Meaning, I need to create some distance before it awakens.

That’s the only way to increase the chances of survival.

As I prepared to leave in a hurry, McGrain asked me, looking at Misha.

“Aren’t you going to leave her?”

“Of course not.”

What a question.

As I chuckled dismissively, McGrain nodded as if he approved.

“Valuing comrades is an important trait for an explorer. Are you sure you don’t want to join the clan?

“No.”

“Even if we offer to protect that lady together?”

“…Still no.”

“Hmph, that’s too bad, because if you were the one designated as [Prey], you wouldn’t have a choice.”

Indeed.

Misha couldn’t carry me alone for 15 minutes. I would have had to take the risk of joining the clan to survive.

But is this what being an explorer is all about?

It feels psychopathic to say this to someone’s face.

“Anyway, this is where our deal ends. We’ll be going now. Hopefully, we’ll meet in the city someday, if you manage to get back alive.”

“Only if I can make it back.”

“Well, for others I wouldn’t know, but you, I feel, have a good chance. That’s my intuition.”

Ah, I wish he’d stop jinxing things like that.

I was hoping for some useful offer, but it turned out to be a waste of time—

“May your journey be aided even a little. What are you waiting for! Start now!”

As McGrain shouted at his clan members, light began to burst out from all directions.

「Daniel Carmine has cast [Wind’s Blessing].」
「Your movement speed increases significantly.」
「Tarotes Fian has cast [Voyage].」
「Your soul power regenerates more quickly.」
「Aaron Deplane has cast [Flame of Regeneration].」
「Your physical regeneration power increases significantly…」
「……」
「……」

Is this what loyalty is?

Even though their MP must be almost depleted after escaping that place, they’re showing such kindness.

Regardless of my refusal to let them take care of Misha, I suppose it’s right to gratefully accept their help at this moment.

“…Thank you.”

“Thankful? Just don’t die. If you guys die, it’ll come after us.”

With that, McGrain spat out his most efficient words, and began to lead his clan mates away.

Well, for me, it’s just about carrying her and making sure the backpack doesn’t fall, but for them, it’s different.

“Then we’ll be going first.”

“Right. If you go one way, we’ll head in the opposite direction.”

This guy is rational to the end.

With nothing more to worry about, I chuckled and started running in one direction, carrying Misha.

[Groooooooar—!]

Soon, the roar of Riakis, the Chaos Lord, echoed from afar.

***

I’m being chased.

Hanging like baggage on the back of a Barbarian.

Running away from a terrifying monster called Riakis, the Chaos Lord.

“Pant, pant, pant…”

My body is burning hot.

Not metaphorically, but literally.

Like pouring oil into a fire, the heat emanating from his sprinting body is palpable on my skin.

[Grrrrrrrr-!]

My body, rigid and stiff, doesn’t allow me to move and look behind.

But I can hear him.

The chilling sound of its howl getting closer and closer.

“Bjorn, son of Jandel.”

So, I called out his name.

No response. Maybe he didn’t hear me.

I called out louder.

“Jandel’s son, Bjorn!”

“Speak.”

“Let’s stop this.”

I have some sense.

The monster is chasing us because of me, not Bjorn.

That’s why everyone looked at me that way.

Even my own blood-related family.

Because my very existence is a burden.

“What do you mean?”

He asked.

With a voice like he didn’t understand, as if asking why I was bothering him with such a pointless question.

So, I tried to sound as cheerful as usual.

“Isn’t this enough? If we keep this up, you might die too. We’re not that close, right?”

No response.

I shouted louder.

“I would have died long ago if it weren’t for you! And, I even fulfilled my lifelong wish at the end!”

His response came after a pause.

“That’s funny.”

“…What?”

“Why make such insincere statements when you clearly don’t want to die?”

His voice had a hint of sarcasm.

I blurted out a defense without thinking.

“It’s not insincere; I really—!”

“You’re just afraid of being abandoned.”

It felt like he hit the nail on the head.

Maybe that’s why?

My voice grew louder.

“Why can’t you understand what I’m saying! I just don’t want to be a burden anymore!”

“So, those feelings are more important than your life?”

“……”

I was at a loss for words with just one sentence.

I’ve always felt it, but why is this Barbarian so good with words?

I don’t know, but he spoke with a slight annoyance.

“Don’t beat around the bush and trouble others. If you want to live, just say you want to be saved. At least then you’ll have a chance to survive.”

Typical straightforward Barbarian words.

But I kind of get what he’s trying to say.

Ever since we got stranded in the Witch’s Forest until now, he’s shown how to make decisions and act for survival.

‘I must have looked pathetic…’

He always said, if you want to live, do what needs to be done.

So, what do I need to do now?

Well, it probably isn’t wallowing in self-pity and burdening someone who’s willing to help.

“Bjorn.”

I called him again.

I was beginning to understand.

What I should have been doing.

“If you save me, I’ll follow you around and help you for life.”

If I was really scared of being abandoned, then the right step was to make an effort not to be abandoned.

But…

“That sounds like something you’ve said before.”

Realizing my mistake at his response, my mind went blank.

So, what should I say then?

I didn’t have long to think.

“I’ll give you all the money I earn from this expedition if I make it back alive! How about that!”

He chuckled in response.

“That’s better.”

***

“I’m glad you like it…”

A sigh of relief from behind me.

I let out a different kind of sigh, and accelerated my sprint.

Phew, at least that takes care of the mental aspect.

If she’s got her wits about her, she won’t bother me any further.

‘Now the real problem starts…’

I quickly turn my head to check behind us.

Hundreds of Chaos Spirits are chasing me, a clear view in sight.

They’re not the major issue; they are persistent once aggroed but slow.

Not like that asshole.

[Groooooooar—!]

Even though I had put at least 3 km between us at the start, it had already closed in this much.

At this rate, it will catch up within 5 minutes.

Assuming, of course, my current speed holds.
「[Wind’s Blessing] duration has ended.」
「[Voyage] duration has ended.」
「[Berserker] duration has ended…」
「……」

This is my biggest problem.

The various buffs provided by the Dzarwi Clan are starting to wear off.

The vitality that filled my body is slowly fading.

My steps, now noticeably slower, confirm it.

‘I have, at best, 3 more minutes.’

I recalibrate my plan, considering the new variables.

Still, my immediate action remains the same.

To run as fast as I can.

Thud, thud, thud-thud-.

As expected, about 2 minutes later, it started to rain.

A sure sign that it’s right behind me.

Indeed, the number of Chaos Spirits blocking my path had significantly increased.

But I didn’t bother to look back.

I just acknowledged the moment had come and took out what I had been saving.

「Character has cast [Giantification].」
「Character’s size increases, and with it, threat and physical stats.」

My muscles and skeleton expanded rapidly.

My arms and legs lengthened accordingly.

And, naturally, my overall combat power must have increased.

But what’s important here is the increase in movement speed.

Boom! Boom!

Each step now created a heavy vibration, but my stride was much wider.

Unfortunately, I can’t maintain this state for long.

My soul power, or MP, was completely depleted escaping the [Gap of Evil].

‘At this rate, I can keep this up for maybe 2 to 3 minutes.’

I use all my experience to estimate the remaining time.

The [Voyage] buff, which speeds up soul power recovery, is the only reason I can sustain this even for a minute.

“Misha, time?”

I muttered shortly, and Misha, who had a watch in hand, replied urgently.

“Uh, it’s 56 minutes!”

“Be precise.”

“196 seconds left!”

Right, a little over 3 minutes remaining.

Until this damned labyrinth closes.

“If you’re bored, just watch that and count down.”

“Okay, 190, 189…”

As Misha counted down, playing the role of a timer, I entered the final sprint.

Now, shouting out my fighting spirit.

“Bethel—raaaaaaaah!”

Like my ancestors pushing at my back, I move swiftly forward.

“170, 169…”

And so does the number of enemies blocking my path.

So, my task changes too.

Until now, it was a blind charge, focusing solely on running whether they followed or not…

But now, I have to clear a path.

“This might sting a bit.”

Did she not hear me because she was focused?

Or did she just prioritize her role, no matter what?

Probably the latter.

Misha didn’t respond to my comment.

「Chaos Spirit destroyed.」
「The area is corroded.」

The Chaos Spirit bursts into slime upon contact with my sanctified mace.

Despite the slime possibly touching her, Misha continued to count, as if that was the only thing she could do.

“165!”

So, I also do my part.

Smashing the surging Chaos Spirits, sometimes leaping over them with my huge body.

[Groooooooar—!]

I put all my effort into widening the gap from that damn thing.

Is that why?

“120, 119, 118…”

Maybe because of the slime, my right arm holding the mace starts to numb.

Damn, is it a ‘paralysis’ effect?

Quickly deciding, I switch the positions of my shield and mace.

“90!”

Suddenly, I feel intense heat behind me.

I don’t need to look to know what it is.

‘Breath attack.’

Fortunately, there’s no major damage.

Or rather, since that attack hit behind me, many of the Chaos Spirits chasing me must have been blown away.

But it’s too early to rejoice.

If it used its breath, it means I’m within its attack range.

“75…”

1 minute and 15 seconds left.

It’s the first direct attack on me following the breath attack.

Boom!

A massive front paw slams down where I was.

My heightened Barbarian battle senses let me dodge in time, but…

“74…”

When I finally face forward, it’s right there, blocking my way.

A massive body, about 30 meters in diameter.

Its mere presence crushes the will to fight. Even the ‘Fighting Spirit’ of an Orc Hero is useless here.

After all, the notion of fighting spirit only makes sense against an opponent that seems reasonably manageable.

Thump-thump-thump-thump!

My heart races wildly.

Rightfully so.

Using all my veteran knowledge, there’s no way to guarantee survival against this thing in my current state.

Realizing this instinctively, Misha stops counting.

“Bi, Bjorn. That’s enough.”

Here we go again.

I thought she had graduated from whining.

[Groooooooar—!!]

Facing the roaring beast, I instantly turn and run.

The noise is still loud behind me.

“Don’t you hear me! Leave me and save yourself—”

I replied firmly.

“Enough.”

Make sense.

“I won’t leave you to die.”

Leave now, after all I’ve invested? Who’s going to compensate for my Frost Spirit Ring?

“What am I to you… Why are you doing all this for me…?”

Misha yells, not understanding, but…

“Who says we’re dying?”

I plan to live.

Efficiently taking every reward I can before heading back to the city outside this labyrinth.

Sure, it’s going to be tough as hell…

But that’s nothing new.

I’ve never gotten what I wanted without risk—

Boom!

A massive front paw crashes down from above.

I dodge, but not quite fast enough.

“Bi, Bjorn! Your arm…”

My arm was not just damaged by the claw; it was literally torn off.

But right now, other things require my attention.

“What’s the time?”

“Just leave me. It’s too late. You’ll die too…”

Her voice trembles, panicking.

I shout back as I continue to run forward with all my might.

“Misha Karlstein! Tell me the time!”

“…60 seconds! 60 seconds left!!”

Alright, just a minute to hold out.

‘It seems the easy ride ends here.’

I stopped running.

Turning around, I faced the gigantic beast.

My instincts were telling me to flee.

But I decided otherwise.

With the distance this close, running was futile.

“If I die, it will go away too…”

Running would just bring me into its range.

If it hadn’t been for me turning around, I might not have lost my arm.

So I charged forward.

“Ah! What are you doing?!”

“Stop whining and keep counting.”

I dismissed Misha’s complaints.

Hoping the spirits of my ancestors would aid my fate.

“Bethel—raaaaaaaah!”

I ran towards the beast, not away from it.

At that moment,

“45…”

Misha resumed counting, perhaps sensing a change in mood.

Also, the giant fucker opened its vicious gaping maw and spat out flames.

My decision was proven right.

“44…”

If I had run, I would have been roasted along with Misha.

But I didn’t.

Therefore…

“43!!!”

I slid under its legs, escaping its radius.

“42!”

I had no time to get up as it slammed its back foot down.

Boom!

I rolled aside.

Then it retreated and slashed with its front paw.

“40…”

I ducked under it.

I had observed the Dzarwi Clan’s battle patterns closely.

“39.”

A slam.

I leaped to the side, avoiding it.

“30.”

A swipe.

I either dropped flat or rolled between its legs to dodge.

“26…”

I jumped with all my might to avoid its tail.

Mimicking Dzarwi Clan warriors who had faced it for hours.

Its physical attacks were limited to these three, aside from breath or dark orbs.

“20.”

No way.

[Groooooooar—!]

The beast roared furiously.

“17.”

It tried a tricky tail swipe again.

“16.”

I leaped, but not quite high enough.

Thwack!

My ankle hit the tail, throwing me off balance.

“15… Ahh!”

I spun through the air, crashing down.

I managed to get up quickly, but my left ankle was completely shattered.

As the beast slammed down its paw,

“…”

I rolled again, narrowly escaping.

I realized just how close I was.

If I’d been a second slower, my head would’ve been crushed.

Thud.

I got up quickly, ignoring the pain in my wrecked ankle.

‘About 10 seconds left.’

I counted internally, replacing Misha, who seemed knocked out.

‘9.’

The situation was grim.

‘8.’

Chaos Spirits had gathered, reducing my movement area.

With a broken ankle, my mobility was impaired.

So—

‘7.’

I climbed onto the beast’s paw.

‘6.’

But I knew it would try to shake me off…

‘5.’

With my remaining arm and the Barbarian’s strength, I clung to its hide.

It was a long shot.

Boom!

As it slammed the ground again, I was flung off.

Amazingly, it caught me mid-air with its other paw.

Hiss!

The beast seemed pleased with its catch, snorting triumphantly.

Its gaping maw rapidly closed in.

Its ferocious teeth would easily crush my Lytianium armor and me in one bite.

But…

“You’re too late, kid.”

This world has labyrinths, monsters, and vanishing monsters that leave loot behind.

「The labyrinth is closed.」

My vision blurs.

Darkness rushes in, engulfing everything.

In its midst, I see the faint figure of the beast.

‘Lord of Chaos, Riakis.’

Indeed, as formidable as its in-game portrayal, a real pain.

Even without reaching its second phase, I was helplessly chased and beaten with my current power.

But…

If there’s a next time—

[Groooooooar—!!!!!]

It will be different.
***
「The character is transported to Raphdonia.」
***
When I opened my eyes, there was light.

Though hazy, it was a brilliance incomparable to the labyrinth’s darkness.

‘I survived…’

Misha, savoring the warmth for a moment, quickly sat up.

‘Biorn! What happened to him?’

As she regained her senses and looked around the Dimensional Square, she sensed an unusual atmosphere.

“Call a priest! Get a priest here!!”

“Just hang on! We’re back in the city!!”

Injured explorers were everywhere, crying for help.

“What exactly happened?”

“I don’t know, the guild staff is too busy to answer.”

Those unaware of the situation murmured in confusion.

It wasn’t common to see so many injured return from a labyrinth at once.

“Did you hear? A Layer Lord appeared on the 3rd floor.”

“What? A Layer Lord?”

“…So these are the explorers from the 3rd floor.”

Misha, overwhelmed with pain, slowly started walking.

“Wait! You should sit and rest too—”

A male explorer approached, but Misha brushed him off without a word.

“Move.”

Rest? Receive treatment?

Those were all good, but there was something she had to do first.

So she waded through the crowded Square.

Then she heard it.

“That Barbarian’s going to die soon.”

“Even for a Barbarian, in that state…”

Barbarian.

The word caught Misha’s attention, and she moved towards the source.

Pushing through the crowd, she found a Barbarian in the center.

“Biorn…”

Slowly, she approached him.

One arm torn off, the left ankle grotesquely twisted.

His body was covered in black slime.

Even without seeing what happened after she passed out, she could guess.

He must have fought desperately.

To survive, as he always had.

“Don’t go near him! Let him be until the priest comes—”

Everyone was watching from afar, afraid to approach.

Misha ignored them, kneeling beside him and gently pressing her ear to his chest.

The slime on her cheek stung, but…

She let out a relieved sigh.

Ssshh, ssshh.

Breathing steadily, like a sleeping baby.

“Ah, you were just asleep. You scared me…”

Her strength drained away.

But Misha gathered herself and began to wipe the slime off his body.

So he could rest a little more comfortably.

“The priest is coming, so rest easy.”

After cleaning his face, Biorn’s expression became clear.

He looked so peaceful.

As if he had completed everything he needed to do.

Suddenly, a magician’s words came to her mind.

[If the hero of the Barbarian tribe, Balkan, were to come back to life, he might look just like that…]

Words spoken by a mage who admired Biorn opening a path.

Misha didn’t know who Balkan was.

But…

“I think I understand what that magician meant.”

If there were a hero, surely he would look like this.

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