Surviving The Game As A Barbarian Episode 77

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It’s already been 15 days since we returned from the labyrinth alive.

In other words, about two weeks until the portal opens in the Dimensional Square.

It’s a bit of a stretch to say we’ve had a good rest.

Time has passed endlessly as I did my daily tasks, almost like homework.

Well, it wasn’t just me who was busy.

“Hahaha! Isn’t that the famous Little Balkan, Bjorn, son of Jandel! If you’re free today, how about a drink later downstairs—”

“I’m tired.”

All members of Team Halfling, except for the dwarf who lived leisurely for two weeks, had a busy fortnight.

First, Rotmiller.

“Hmm, I think I’m getting the hang of it. To utilize the stat ‘Sixth Sense’, I need to do it like this.
Having absorbed the essence of a mimic during this expedition, he devoted himself to training every day to become accustomed to his new ability.”

Dwalki was the same.

“…Ah, me? Don’t worry about it. It’s just that I haven’t slept for a couple of days.”

Having resolved his financial issues, he spent even his sleeping hours in the Mage Tower, learning new spells.

At one point, the dwarf was worried that he was pushing himself too hard, but …….
“Who knows what will happen in the next exploration? It’s best to prepare as much as we can when we have the chance.”
Impressive.

When did he become so responsible?

I’m glad to have stayed on this team.

Although I’ve consumed the essence of the orc hero, if this general improvement continues, we shouldn’t be held back.

‘From the next exploration, we should have no trouble even on the 4th floor.’

The growth wasn’t limited to them.

Over the past two weeks, both Misha and I have also undergone many changes.
To start with myself…

“Hahaha! Congratulations. Gaining a nickname in your third month and being promoted to a 6th-grade explorer? At this rate, I’m worried I’ll fall behind soon!”

“If you’re worried, why not try making an effort?”

“I am indeed looking for a suitable artifact to buy!”

I was promoted to a 6th-grade explorer a few days ago.

Contrary to expectations, a direct leap to 5th grade was too much.

From the 5th grade onwards, there are exams, and to take the exam, it seems one must complete guild-registered requests and accumulate a sort of merit points.

‘But, I don’t remember that in the game’

Honestly, even complaining about it now feels redundant.

The game I played was set around 150 years ago. Over a century, countless updates must have occurred in this society’s system.

Like the library that was under construction in the game.

“Oh, is that the new weapon you bought? Just looking at it, it seems reliable?”

There was also a slight upgrade in the equipment.

I bought a new mace, having lost the previous one.

For reference, it cost 400,000 Stones, more than double the price of the one I used before.

That’s because it had more steel in it.
「Overall item level increases by +185.」

Overwhelming in size and weight.

However, with the significant increase in my strength, there was no hindrance in actual use.

“By the way, didn’t Ms. Karlstein also mention changing her weapon? How did that go?”

“Ah, that? I don’t want to talk about it, so ask him.”

At Dwalki’s question, Misha pointed at me.

Well, I thought we were done with the whining…….

“I bought twin swords.”

A few days ago, I changed Misha’s weapon.

The twin swords of Lich, about 70% the standard size of a longsword.

I acquired them from the forge Hikurod recommended for 550,000 stones.

“Twin swords?”

As the dwarf and Rotmiller muttered simultaneously, Misha seized the opportunity to whine.

“Right? It’s strange even to you guys, isn’t it?”

“Odd? There seems to be some misunderstanding.”

“Huh?”

“What surprised me just now was that it’s exactly what I had thought before. It’s good to use both hands as an ambidextrous, but I wondered why you insisted on using daggers specifically.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Well, if we were fighting humans, it might be different. But we mostly battle monsters, right? And we’re going to encounter a lot of larger monsters from now on.”

In other words, he had always felt that using short daggers was a bit regrettable, and this change was a good thing.

Misha, expecting a different reaction, looked bewilderedly at the dwarf. However…

“Twin swords… indeed, not a bad choice. After all, we, the tanks, will firmly hold the front line. Hahaha!”

The dwarf, being in the tank position, was simply pleased that a close-range dealer was investing in an all-out attack.

That’s when Dwalki chimed in.

“I may not be an expert in this area, but adapting to a new weapon, let alone two at once, seems challenging…”

“That’s right! That’s what I wanted to say! This way, you might even get beaten by a goblin in the next exploration!”

Misha looked at me, encouraged by Dwalki’s agreement. But the only thing I had to say was this.

“Then practice more. So you don’t get beaten by goblins.”

I say it again, the easy path is the slow one.

It might be difficult now to master a new weapon…

But in the game, a Frost Dual Swordsman was one of the most powerful close-range dealers in the later stages.

Because there was one ridiculously overpowered item.

“Sigh, fine, I get it. Stop nagging.”

“It’s not nagging. It’s advice for your future.”

“That’s what I’m saying, it’s nagging.”

As Misha and I bickered back and forth, Dwalki, oblivious, interjected.

“But if you dislike it so much, couldn’t you just not change the weapon?”

“Huh?”

“No, I mean, it’s not necessary to do as Bjorn says. He’s not your parent, after all. Honestly, it seems a bit overbearing from where I stand.”

Overbearing, he says?

Well, he’s not wrong from an outsider’s perspective…

But there’s something he doesn’t know.

“It’s not that I hate it that much. It’s difficult now, but there are definitely advantages over using a dagger…”

“Really?”

“Yes, so don’t be too hard on Bjorn. It was my decision, after all.”

I never force anything on her.

I just persuade her strongly with valid reasons.

***

“Then I guess we’ll just have to aim for the center of the fourth floor on our next exploration, hahahaha.”

“If possible, I’d like us to pass through areas on the 2nd floor that I haven’t been to yet.”

“Hmm, is it because of the merit points? Then, we should check that route once again.”

As we ate and organized our exploration plans, this week’s regular meeting quickly came to an end

Technically, it’s called a meeting, but it’s more like a casual gathering where we share updates once a week.

“Bjorn, are you going together again this time?”

“Our paths are the same, aren’t they?”

“Hmm, you two have become quite close lately, it seems.”

Well, in my opinion, you and Dwalki seem closer. Ignoring the dwarf’s antics, I left the inn with Misha.

“Oh, right. Bjorn! The equipment you ordered last time is ready. They asked me to come pick it up.”

“It’s late today, I’ll pick it up tomorrow.”

“But what exactly did you order that took so long?”

Oh, did I not mention it?

“Underpants.”

“Um, underpants…?”

Of course, these aren’t ordinary underpants.

If I have to be specific, it’s a piece of equipment colloquially known among male adventurers as ‘Egg Guard’.

Simply put, it’s a groin protector.

“It was a bit expensive because I had to enchant it with magic.”

“Eek, what? You enchanted something like that with magic?”

“Something like that?”

“Uh, no, I mean, that’s not what I meant… It must have been hard to find the right one… I guess it’s not something I can’t understand…”

What is she even talking about?

“In the future, I can’t just be naked every time my body grows.”

Originally, it’s the player’s role to set up equipment according to the essence they consume.

In preparation for [Gigantification], I made pants in the desired shape and enchanted them with ‘Auto-Repair’, ‘Shape Transformation’, and ‘Acid Immunity’.

Of course, it’s the kind of pants I want. After all, it’s unlikely such specific underpants would be readily available in stores.

By the way, it cost about 900,000 Stones.

“Ah, so you enchanted them for that reason. I thought…”

Misha seems relieved, having cleared up her misunderstanding. But then, with a curious tone, she asked.

“So… does this mean you’ll only wear that in the labyrinth from now on?”

“That’s right.”

I answered confidently.

Though I called them underpants earlier, they are more like pants that reach down to the thighs.
Similar to what cyclists often wear.

Moreover, they aren’t made of stretchy material but leather, so there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

Well, I haven’t actually tried them on yet…

“…”

It will surely be fine.

I am a Barbarian, after all.

I prioritize efficiency over sentiment.

Anyway, as we chatted and walked, we soon arrived at our lodging.

“Then you should go in and get some sleep.”

“Hmm, okay. But should I come with you tomorrow to pick up the equipment…?”

“Don’t be lazy. Keep swinging your sword even when I’m not around.”

“I wasn’t trying to be lazy…”

Sure, you weren’t.

“It doesn’t matter. I have places to go alone tomorrow anyway.”

“Alone? Where are you going?”

I briefly replied.

“To the sanctuary.”

Now that I have the money and the core of my cultivation, the essence of the Orc Hero, it’s time to raise my Soul Engraving level.

***

I woke up early in the morning and went through my account book once more.

‘Mace, underpants, twin swords – altogether, 1.85 million Stones.’

The cost of the [Beast’s Blood] for raising Misha’s soul level was 2 million Stones. The expenses for enchanting my Lytianium breastplate and shield with ‘Acid Immunity’ came to 510,000 Stones.

‘Deducting 90,000 Stones for a month’s living expenses…’

That leaves me with only about 3.7 million Stones.

Of course, I don’t regret spending it, as it was all necessary.

The [Beast’s Blood] alone was 2 million Stones, but without it, it would have taken Misha much longer to infuse her weapon with the frost attribute.

‘…I should have enchanted my equipment earlier.’

When I bought the equipment, I had the Frost Soul Ring and no money to spare, so I skipped it.

As a result, I ended up with a repair bill of 500,000 Stones.

Damn, I should have done it earlier, even if it meant saving elsewhere…

“Bjorn, son of Jandel!”

As I finished a quick wash and walked for a while, I arrived at the sanctuary, where the chief greeted me with a slightly pleased smile.

“I can no longer call you a young warrior. You’ve earned the nickname Little Balkan, haven’t you?”

“That’s right!”

I nodded confidently, playing the part of a triumphant Barbarian returning home.

But this is the cold world of the Barbarians.

“So, what brings you here!”

After a brief exchange, the chief got straight to the point.

True to Barbarian style, the preamble was exceedingly short.

Honestly, I expected a bit more admiration, praise, or encouragement…

‘Well, I prefer it this way, it saves time.’

Perhaps the Barbarians are the most rational race in this city? Pondering this seriously, I immediately stated my business.

“I’ve come to receive the Soul Engraving.”

“Is that so. I’ll call the shaman for you. Talk to him.”

The efficiency continued.

The chief left, perhaps busy with something, and the shaman’s apprentice came to guide me to a tent.

Inside, a shaman with noticeably wrinkled skin greeted me.

“Kekeke, it’s you again.”

“How did you know it was me?”

“Well, there aren’t many warriors who thank a shaman.”

No, I meant how did he recognize me with a blindfold on…

I didn’t bother to ask again.

Well, he’s a shaman, so he must have his mystical ways.

“Have you come for the second engraving of the Immortal Path?”

“That’s right.”

“The cost is 1 million Stones.”

I stiffened for a moment.

“1 million Stones?”

“Were you not prepared?”

“…No, that’s not it.”

I was just surprised that the price was exactly the same as in the game.

The first stage was 150,000 Stones more expensive than in the game.

Clink.

Setting aside the minor question, I did as the shaman instructed and took out the money, placing it in the jar in front of me.

The shaman chuckled.

“It’s good you paid the right amount this time. Last time, I received 50,000 Stones less, which was quite a headache.”

“…You received 50,000 Stones less? What do you mean?”

“Young warrior, you need not worry. It’s all the foolish chief’s mistake.”

Still, it bothers me?

Feeling something was off, I lay down on the blanket as instructed and asked again.

“Shaman, how much is the cost for the first stage of the engraving…?”

“550,000 Stones.”

“…I see.”

With that single answer, all my questions were resolved.

The cost the chief had quoted me was 700,000 Stones.

I don’t believe he was trying to swindle me.

It was just that I hadn’t realized it at the time.

[The cost for the Immortal Engraving… Hmm, it would be around 700,000 Stones!]

The chief was also a Barbarian.

One who is particularly weak with numbers and letters.

‘Huh, so he said he gave me a discount of 200,000 Stones.’

Well, in the end, I saved 50,000 Stones, so no harm done…

But feeling genuinely happy about it now seems foolish—

“Then let’s begin.”

The moment the needle pierced my skin, all the worries and thoughts crowding my mind vanished.

Such intense pain, something I hadn’t felt in a long time.

“Young warrior, don’t hold back. Scream if you must—”

“AAARGH!!”

Damn, I thought I’d be fine thanks to my pain resistance…

I didn’t expect it to be this ineffective.

‘…I should get the third stage tomorrow.’

Clearly, a reassessment of my plans was needed.

「Immortal Engraving Stage 2 activated. Significant increase in stamina and magical resistance.」
「Physical stats increased by +20.」
「Mental stats increased by +20.」

The longest 15 minutes of my life?

I was foolish to have said that back then.

“There, it’s done.”

While the first stage took 12 hours to complete, the second stage only took 10 minutes.
However, the pain was beyond imagination.

It felt like the pain that should’ve been spread over 12 hours was compressed into those minutes.

“Kekeke, it’s rare to see someone stay conscious through it.”

The shaman chuckled like a psychopath as he looked at me, half-fainted from the ordeal.

Then, he offered me something.

“Here. Pick one. Since we have time, let me peek into your fate.”

Is this some sort of fortune-telling?

Given this is a fantasy world, it might be quite accurate…

“Don’t expect anything grand. Just pick one. It will at least reveal whether good or bad things await you in your future.”

Well, then.

Feeling no malice, I casually picked one of the dozens of sticks from the container.

The shaman then fell silent for a moment.

This is making me anxious.

“Young warrior, what is your birth date and time?”

Wait, I didn’t expect astrology to be involved…

As I pondered how to respond, the shaman chuckled again.

“Kekeke, just kidding. How would a warrior know his birth date and time?”

“…So, what does my fate look like?”

“Quite peculiar. I’ve seen many warriors’ fates, but never one so shrouded in bad luck.”

Huh, reminds me of what a fortune teller once told me when I was with my mother.

Is my life really that doomed?

“You might have faced hardships that others only face once in a lifetime, and will likely continue to do so.”

“I see.”

So much for not relying on fortune-telling.

Hearing a shaman in a fantasy world speak so definitely makes it somewhat disheartening.

“Don’t be too down, young warrior. Bad luck isn’t always just bad.”

“Not just bad?”

“Your fate isn’t just shadowed by bad luck but also accompanied by an equal amount of good fortune. If you’re not swallowed by the bad, it will eventually turn into fortune.”

“Can you simplify that?”

I wasn’t pretending to be a Barbarian this time; it genuinely sounded complicated. Is it a rule in this industry to speak cryptically?

“Kekeke, it means your life will be filled with extraordinary events, both good and bad.”

That statement resonated with me.

“Often the fate of those called heroes.”

Honestly, I’m not sure about being a hero.

But one thing is clear.

While there have been countless terrible events in my life, I’m still alive and breathing.

I always thought it was due to sheer bad luck.

But thinking back, it wasn’t just bad events.

“Keke, seems like you’ve figured something out?”

Take the Bloodcastle incident, for instance.

I nearly died at the hands of Vampire Duke Cambormiar, but in the end, I acquired his essence.

The recent encounter with the Layer Lord?

Despite all the trouble, I obtained the essence of the Orc Hero.

“So as a hero, does it mean I won’t die no matter what happens?”

“Would that be the case?”

The shaman smiled genuinely, as if speaking to a pure young warrior.

Then he solemnly added,

“Some are devoured by fate, some comply with it, and others overcome it.”

“Make it simpler.”

“That’s not fate; it’s up to you.”

Huh, cryptic to the end.

Fine, fate or not, nothing changes.

I won’t rely on anything but will stay vigilant and do what I must.

To withstand whatever comes my way.

「Bjorn Jandel」

Level: 3

Physical: 330 (New +20) / Mental: 124 (New +20) / Special Ability: 115

Item Level: 828 (New +145)

Total Combat Index: 772 (New +76.25)

Essences Acquired: Corpse Golem – Rank 7 / Vampire (Guardian) – Rank 5 / Orc Hero – Rank 5