Surviving The Game As A Barbarian Episode 89

Player(1)

“Name: Lee Han-su age: 29. After a month of unauthorized absence from work, the company filed a missing person’s report. Tsk, what about his family?”

“Just his biological mother. But when she was informed, she expressed no desire to be involved.”

The man listening to the report sipped his coffee.

It wasn’t particularly unusual.

Who doesn’t have a complicated family history?

“So, Detective Park, why did this missing person case come to our team?”

“Well… the CCTV only captured him entering his house, but there’s no footage of him leaving. All the windows were locked too.”

“Definitely… something smells fishy.”

The man put down his coffee and began to read the report more intently.

Having been a detective for 15 years and seen all sorts of cases, this one still struck him as particularly odd.

No signs of break-in, no missing valuables.

His last credit card transaction was a month ago.

Most notably, the clothes the missing person had been wearing were found in his bedroom, not as if they had been taken off, but as if his body had just vanished.

“Whoever did this is completely insane.”

He had a gut feeling that this was no simple disappearance.

This could be the kind of crime that would shake the South Korean nation to its core.

“Did you preserve the scene? Let’s start by sending a request to the National Forensic Service. Let’s see what the forensic results show.”

At the man’s instructions, Detective Park hesitated for a moment before cautiously speaking up.

“Sir, before that, there’s something I want to show you.”

Why wasn’t he put in the report?

Despite his questions, the detective nodded, and Park brought over a monitor.

“This monitor was found in the missing person’s room.”

“What? Why do you have it? Don’t tell me you took it without permission?”

The man, raising his voice in disbelief, suddenly froze as he discovered something.

“Hold on, Detective Park, how is this monitor turned on?”

“That’s what I don’t understand either…”

On the black background of the monitor, letters appeared.

There were no cables connected, not even a power cord.

And yet, it was updating with sound.

Beep, beep-beep, beep—

“The coming-of-age ceremony is successfully completed.”

“A new equipment has been equipped.”

“The total item level has risen by +12.”

“Bjorn Jan…….”

“…….”

“…….”

What these continuously appearing letters meant.

“Sir, I did some research… There have been a few similar cases overseas.”

“What, overseas…?”

They still didn’t know exactly what was going on.

[The labyrinth has closed]
[The character is moving to Raphdonia]

As the darkness receded and the light brightened before my eyes.

I habitually looked up, and the same blurry sky filled my vision as always.

I exhaled a long breath.

‘…I’ve survived again.’

But even saying ‘survived’ seemed somewhat inaccurate.

Every day was filled with tension, expecting something to happen…….

But ultimately, nothing did.

Not just once, but twice in a row.

“Hmm, I really thought something would happen this time.”

Honestly, I was still in disbelief.

That was because the previous expedition had gone too smoothly.

Thanks to a well-placed starting point, it only took 9 hours to travel through the portal on the second floor that connects to the Gnome District and reach the Rock Desert.

Well, there were already visitors there, so I couldn’t get the portal achievement points.
[Killed a Corrupted Gnome. EXP +1]
[Killed a Kobold Shieldbearer. EXP +1]
[Killed a Stone Golem. EXP +2]
[Killed a Gargoyle. EXP +2]
[Killed a Sandman……]

“……”

Various Grade 9 monsters including variants of Gnomes and a set of three different Kobolds, and various types of Grade 8 monsters including Stone Golems.

Even though I had hunted every type of monster I could find, I was able to ascend to the third floor on the fourth day.

‘It was the same on the way to the Witch’s Forest.’

I reached the center of the Witch’s Forest on the eighth day without any significant problems.

The plunderers I encountered on the way?

There wasn’t a single one.

After entering the ‘Tower of Heaven’ on the fourth floor, I didn’t even encounter any other explorers.
[Completed the trial]
[Chose the Stairs of Courage]

The real hunting began.

I kept climbing the stairs and battled monsters.

All the monsters that appeared in the Pilgrim’s Path on the third floor came out in random groups, and once every three days I encountered a level 6 monster.
[Killed Vitol. EXP +4]
[Killed a Lizardman Scout. EXP +2]
[Killed a Dullahan. EXP +3]
[Killed a Banshee Queen. EXP +3]
[Killed Ilatrek. EXP +3]
[Killed a Knight of Courage. EXP +4]
[Killed a Living Armor……]
“……”

I spent time until the 23rd day when the fourth floor closed.

Those Grade 6 monsters I had once worried so much about?

Although I made a few mistakes since it was my first battle, I was able to defeat them all without any major crisis thanks to my increased power.

And that’s when I started to accumulate a lot of experience points.

‘It’s not called the Tower of Training for nothing.’

All the monsters that appear on the third floor are here.

Including Grade 6, and some that only appear in this place.

Well, it was still a bit short for reaching Level 4.

Anyway, as a result of focusing solely on hunting.

“Dwalki?”

“Well, I mean……, if we split it between us, it would be about 720,000 stones each.”

“It’s 780,000 stones.”

“Eh? Bjorn, what are you talking about?”

“Ah, ah… just did the math again, it seems Bjorn is right?”

“What?!”

Each person was allocated 780,000 stones.

That was also thanks to the passive skill [Greed] of the Mimic, which increased the drop rate of magic stones by 30%. Without it, it would have been around 600,000 stones.

“Hmm, it’s definitely not a small amount of money… but something feels lacking. Is it just me?”

“Kind of… I feel the same.”

“Hahahaha! Well, after all, we earned so much before, so it’s natural to feel that way! Now that I see it, Bjorn, it seems even your ridiculous luck has run out, eh?”

As for luck, I’m not sure.

The lack of challenges meant lower gains.

Although the plunderers are a nuisance, they do wear some valuable equipment.

Effectively, looting them can be more profitable than mining magic stones.

“…Seems like I earned less than when I first entered the labyrinth.”

I guess that’s why plunderers keep popping up. It’s easier and more lucrative to attack people than to fight Grade 6 monsters.

Naturally, they’d be drawn to it like moths to a flame.

Especially those who consider themselves efficiency experts.

“Let’s not be too disappointed. After all, the past was exceptional, and this is normal.”

I finally let go of my regrets, thinking of it as just a game.

The cost of consumables, various expenses in the city.

It’s normal not to make much money in the early stages.

That’s why newbies struggle, not having even a million stones in their first or second year, struggling with taxes.

“…Considering I made it to the 4th floor in just a few months, it’s an absurdly fast pace.”

With that self-reassurance, I spent my time productively in the city.

Occasional meetings with team members for camaraderie and to plan expeditions, as well as fulfilling my weekly research obligations with Raven in the Mage Tower.

“Hmm, now only four more times to go, right?”

“So when do I meet this senior you mentioned?”

“Oh, there’s been a bit of an issue with that. If it’s alright with Mr. Jandel, I’d like to postpone it until next month…”

“…Alright, do that.”

Training, library, camaraderie, gathering information.

Truly, these were leisurely days, unlike anything I’d experienced before.

It made me anxious enough to tremble…

But until I returned to the labyrinth, there were no signs of the spirit hunter, Hans, or anyone else approaching me.

So I thought something might happen this time.

‘But in the end, nothing did.’

I passed through the ‘Goblin Forest’ and ascended to the 3rd floor.

Capturing additional monsters that I missed before.

And eventually leveling up while spending my days on the 4th floor.

Those were the only changes from the last expedition.

“Bjorn! What are you thinking about so deeply? Let’s go.”

Misha’s shaking hips snapped me out of my thoughts.

“Snap out of it. If we’re late, we’ll have to wait a long time.”

A long wait, really?

Maybe in the days when I was a Grade 9 rookie adventurer.

But as a Grade 6 adventurer, checkpoints are different, and the wait time is much shorter.

The officials are also much more polite.

“Alright, let’s go! Hahaha!”

We each passed through our checkpoints and gathered together.

And quickly finished distributing the loot.

“Each person takes 790,000 stones.”

“Bjorn? Is that right?”

Misha asked, while Dwalki’s pupils danced nervously. Why is this wizard so bad with numbers?

“I don’t know. If it’s right, it’s right.”

This time the calculations were accurate, so there was no need to quibble.

And as a result.

790,000 stones were deposited into my pocket.

Perhaps the world really is about give and take?

Well, as easily as I earned it, the amount I earned wasn’t much different from last time.

“Then let’s meet tomorrow for a return drink, and for today, everyone can go and rest!”

“Sounds good”

As soon as the distribution was over, we dispersed and headed back to our respective lodgings.

But what’s this about?

Today, for some reason, my room feels unusually messy and cramped.

It feels like just yesterday I was happy about the room getting bigger and having a window.

Thud.

Even after washing up and lying in bed, it doesn’t feel real.

Usually, at moments like these, I would feel intensely alive.

Suddenly, such a thought crossed my mind.

With this rate of earning, how long would it take to move to a place like that inn I stayed at before?

“…My growth has almost stalled lately.”

As peaceful times continue, the anxiety nesting inside me grows.

So, I force a smile.

“…I must be really spoiled.”

The first day I opened my eyes in this body.

I planned for several years, maybe even a lifetime. But various coincidences have accelerated my timeline by at least 2-3 years.

I shouldn’t be impatient.

This is more than enough progress.

So—

“Damn it, what am I even thinking about?”

I slap my cheek hard.

Snap-!

Going well?

The better it seems, the more dangerous the situation is.

It’s unrealistic to expect my luck to always be good.

Don’t forget.

The worst situations have always come when I let my guard down.

‘Spirit hunter? Guild? Mozlan? Nobility? Who will it be this time? Or will everything be fine until I enter the labyrinth again?’

I tighten the screws that had loosened, recalling the experiences etched in my mind like trauma.

‘No, it can’t be.’

I can’t stop.

I must keep getting stronger.

Only then can I survive.

Others might see me as paranoid…

But in reality, I haven’t changed at all since day one.

‘Always prepare for the worst.’

If I have to be crazy to survive, I want to be the crazy one who lives.

“Bjorn? Is something bothering you?”

“Nothing. But why do you ask?”

“Your eyes seemed a bit fierce…”

That was Misha’s first remark the next day.

So I decided to loosen up a little, just a little. My brain needs that much space for rational thinking.

“Want to touch my ears?”

“…What?”

For a moment, I thought I misheard her, but I hadn’t.

“That… Brother said he feels better when he touches my ears. It was when I was very young, but…”

What? That disrespectful guy did that?

It’s hard to imagine, even if it was in his childhood.

“Ah, just to clarify, I’m talking about my older brother! He still treats me well…”

Whether he treated her well or not.

What kind of pervert does that?

That’s why early childhood environments are important. Look at her, those pure, benevolent eyes, oblivious to what’s wrong.

“Misha, don’t say things like that to just anyone. They might misunderstand your intentions and get the wrong idea.”

Maybe I would have misunderstood her too, had I not known her preference for skinny men.

Thinking she was trying to flirt with me.

“But you’re not just anyone, are you?”

Well, talk about a response.

“Just say you understand.”

“…Okay, I understand. Anyway, if you don’t like that, should I grill some meat instead?”

“…Then I’d gratefully eat it.”

Thus, our breakfast was decided: grilled pork.

Even if it’s expensive for a meal, I reasoned it was worth it.

If eating this meat helps me grow even a little, it’s not a loss.

“Eat slowly! I want some too!”

“…I thought you said you didn’t like meat?”

“This barbarian brute!!”

Despite a little incident during the meal.

Feeling full, I was ready to start the day.

I was meeting my companions in the evening, so…

“I’ll go out for a bit.”

“Oh, does that mean I can take a break today?”

“If you’re bored, practice with the sword. You still lack skill, given how you dropped it last time.”

“That was just because I lacked strength!”

“Then you should exercise.”

“This muscle-head!!”

Leaving Misha behind, I went out.

“Take care! Try to come back late if you can!”

Well, I doubt she’ll actually spend the time training…

But that’s her choice.

Trudging along with sturdy strides, I soon arrived at my destination.

A place I always visit when I have time.

The library.

“Seems like nothing major has happened.”

Ragna, who now recognises me and even greets me because of the various incidents, spoke as soon as I arrived.

Of course, it’s not like we’re close.

“Obviously nothing. How have you been?”

“Fine, thank you.”

“Then, as usual, please.”

About to ask for the [Advanced Book Detection] magic, I noticed Ragna hesitating.

She may not realize it, but it’s her habit when she has something to say.

“If you have something to say, just say it.”

“…How do you always know?”

“Just from the look in your eyes.”

Ragna seemed a bit offended at my honest answer. It must be frustrating to hear this from a barbarian.

But, being a rational and intellectual person, I went straight to the point.

“I must say this isn’t confirmed information. But as an explorer, I thought you should be warned.”

“A warning?”

This was an unexpected term.

But it suddenly sharpened my attention.

Even though she prefaced it with uncertainty, knowing Ragna’s character, she wouldn’t speak without reason.

“What is it? Tell me.”

Upon my urging, Ragna cautiously began.

“There might be a dimensional collapse phenomenon occurring in the labyrinth soon.”

As soon as I heard it, rational skepticism kicked in.

Dimensional collapse.

A disaster within the labyrinth, far more severe than any layer lord.

‘Is this why things have been too quiet lately?’

Could this be the calm before the storm?

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