Surviving the Game as a Barbarian – 262



Episode 262: Bug (1)

When I heard that he was going into the labyrinth Raven quietly asked me.

“It looks like Mr. Yandel believes that rumor?”

Believe me I know the rumors are true.

The outside world is fine and the Noark forces have all left there now.

but….

“I don’t completely believe it but I think it’s quite possible.”

Since the source of that information was the demon community I couldn’t seem too confident.

So I said.

When I went to Bifron in the past I felt uncomfortable seeing the guards looking inside the castle walls.

“I felt something was strange at the time but if the rumors were true it would explain it.”

“Hmm actually it’s not like I didn’t have some doubts about that part. Even the Magic Tower doesn’t have any windows right?”

The Magic Tower is a high-rise building that rises higher than the castle walls.

And instead of allowing construction the royal family requested that no windows be built. The superficial reason is that the palace cannot be overlooked from the magic tower.

“what? Wait a minute… So you’re saying it’s really fine outside?”

“It’s still just a story of possibility.”

Raven drew a sharp line against Mr. Bear’s fuss. And he looked at me.

There were no words but it was easy to understand what he meant.

Are you really going to go into the labyrinth believing only in possibilities?

I mouthed the answer I had prepared.

“To be honest I don’t think it matters whether the rumors are true or not.”

“Why?”

“Because it seems to be an unmistakable fact that the royal family occupied Noark Castle.”

What does it matter whether they are out there or still hiding underground? The military is already occupying Noark’s fortress where the portal is located.

This means there is no need to worry about meeting the Noark guys inside.

“You think the same as me. great. “I agree.”

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Raven was just curious about my opinion and actually seemed to see this as an opportunity so she voted in agreement.

Voting time began naturally like that.

“Well if you two say that that’s what it means. “I will follow.”

“Oh we’re finally entering the labyrinth again!”

Mr. Bear and Einar who were just as excited as well as Misha and Erwen agreed to this labyrinth schedule.

Now it’s time to move on to the next step.

“So what are you going to do about the personnel issue? Including Erwen there are now six of us.”

“We will split into three groups and meet on the second floor.”

“Hmm then it will take quite some time on the 4th floor?”

At Raven’s question Erwen became thoughtful and quickly apologized.

“I’m sorry. “For causing a nuisance….”

“I didn’t mean it that way. “Really.”

“but….”

But what but.

I went out before it got even more awkward.

“But it won’t take as long as you think. Because unlike me Erwen is a proper guide. Maybe the overall time will be similar.”

“Oh then it’s no problem.”

This ends the story about Erwen.

Next we discussed future exploration plans and a unanimous decision was made.

“Yes I don’t think I’m ready yet but….”

“Because we have become much stronger now.”

“Hehe I need to get ready soon. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been there.”

The goal is the 6th floor.

***

Even after the clan meeting a busy daily life continued.

It was a day to earn money that had been saved in earnest.

“If there is any equipment or item you want to buy buy it now. Einar you should consult with me first before buying anything.”

“Wow… I heard what you said but it was this bad. “The lithium-made equipment costs 700000 stones…”

While the prices of foodstuffs and essential daily necessities have skyrocketed the prices of exploration-related and equipment consumables have literally plummeted.

This is because 70% of the demand base has disappeared.

As most of the explorers died the related supplies remaining in the city became toxic inventory.

‘But this is probably the lowest point.’

In addition to the money he had saved so far he also received money from the royal family.

I kept that much money until now because the value would increase if I just stayed still but now it’s time to release it.

Once the labyrinth normalizes it will gradually rise.

“This is the latest transaction details requested by the Baronet.”

“Oh thank you. “I’ll look at it quickly and return it to you.”

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In fact if you look at the recent prices on the central exchange there is almost no change. It was still plummeting just a few days ago.

There are kids like me who are slowly saving money.

Sellers’ expectations that prices will recover soon will also have some impact.

‘If this situation had been maintained for a few more months it might have been possible for the exchange item to graduate.’

Despite feeling a bit of disappointment I went to the exchange every day with my team members and continued to shop rationally.

And I purchased a total of three items.

“The character is wearing a large battle shield made of adamantium.”

“Comprehensive item level increases by +1750.”

First of all the shield that was shattered in the last battle.

Since I was buying it I added a new level 5 material.

The price was unbelievably cheap.

Although it wasn’t custom-made it was actually cheaper than the moonlight shield which is a level 4 material.

“The character is No. 8820 I wore an iron wall.”

“Comprehensive item level increases by +310.”

The second item was steel boots.

This item doubles physical resistance and anti-magic power for 3 seconds when used and has good synergy with my shield Baba.

Oh of course this doesn’t mean it’s a graduation item.

Because there are much better boots among the top numbers.

‘If the boots are like this they’ll be enough for the second half of the game.’

The last item purchased was materials.

The name is ‘Soul of the Dead’.

It was the most expensive item purchased as a material used to receive the 7th level of spirit imprinting.

This is also used as an alchemy or magic ingredient.

It was true that prices had fallen but the extent of the decline was bound to be relatively small.

but….

‘Because I don’t know when I’ll be able to get it.’

Cost is not the issue; these materials are harder to obtain than equipment.

Because there are few items for sale.

For that reason I decided to buy it as soon as I saw it.

‘It’s a hundred times better to pay money to buy this than to get it yourself.’

‘Soul of the Dead’ is an item that drops with a certain probability when hunting a level 4 monster a Lich with ‘Distortion’ applied.

This means you don’t know how long it will take to get it yourself.

You can do more with that time.

“Bjorn then I will go to the training ground!!”

Anyway when it was time to leave work at the exchange Einar ran to the training ground again today.

It looks like he really liked the two number items he purchased this time.

“Misha what about you?”

“I have to go home. “I also have to prepare dinner.”

“Then you can take Abman to me.”

“huh? “Aren’t you going home?”

“I’m going to stop by the sacred place for a moment today. “Maybe I won’t be able to come in today.”

Misha flinched for a moment at my words and then looked at me.

“If it’s a sacred place…?”

Ah it was because of this keyword.

I hastily added an additional explanation.

“Didn’t you buy the ingredients this time? I’m thinking of going to get a spirit imprint.

“Oh yeah. I see Yes that’s right…”

After that day there were times when awkward situations like this arose. We decided to do something like nothing we had done before but how easy would that be?

“Well then have a nice trip. “I will take good care of the kids.”

“Okay… please.”

Afterwards I parted ways with Misha and boarded a carriage heading toward the shrine. Over there I saw Misha sitting in her chair waiting for the carriage to arrive yet.

“….”

“….”

When our eyes met Misha quickly looked away then looked at me again and waved her hand stiffly.

‘Oh it’s so uncomfortable I’m dying.’

I nodded awkwardly and closed the curtain on the carriage. Later I felt a sense of shame wondering what I was doing but…

Still this is a lot of improvement.

Isn’t there a saying that time is medicine?

If you keep pretending like nothing is wrong one day it will really happen.

“Then let’s leave.”

Soon the carriage moved and left the platform and as I closed my eyes I had already arrived at my destination.

The platform on the outskirts of District 7 closest to the sacred site.

As I crossed the castle gate and walked along the forest path a barbarian campsite appeared.

“It’s been a while. “Is it sparring?”

First we opened the tribal leader’s tent and went in to say hello.

‘Thank goodness I haven’t heard anything about the oracle yet.’

I was a little worried because the goblin kid was talking about an oracle at the round table but fortunately it didn’t seem to have reached the ears of the tribal leader.

Well it’s only a matter of time.

“I came to see the shaman.”

“powwow? Then it’s bad timing. “You can’t meet a shaman now.”

“Why?”

“This guy is currently undergoing a ‘punishment’.”

“Get scolded…?”

A proper noun that has never been heard even in-game.

“You sure you don’t know?”

When I tilted my head the tribal leader’s eyes narrowed.

It wasn’t a big problem.

In the past I would have flinched wondering if I was the only one who didn’t know this even though it was common sense…

“I forgot.”

As I lived as a barbarian I naturally realized this.

The lack of common sense is not something strange about barbarians.

“I see.”

As expected the tribal leader was easily convinced and briefly explained what ‘Honbagi’ was.

“Honba-ri is a ritual that must be performed every few years to practice witchcraft.”

“Then how long should I wait?”

“We started the ceremony at the beginning of the month so we will be able to meet next month.”

Hmm next month….

“i get it. Then come back then.”

I left my regret behind and took a step back.

***

It was late in the evening when drunk people started to appear all over the streets.

We gathered at Uncle Bear’s tavern.

Oh by the way a closed sign was put up today so we were the only ones in the store.

Mrs. Gom was healthy enough to work at a bar even though she was pregnant but now her due date is really approaching.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay? Even if I’m not next to you.”

“The worry is I’m only going to go for a day so will anything happen? I’m going to have a baby soon so I have to work harder to earn more. “This is something her wife also agreed to so don’t worry about it.”

“If that’s the case.”

Since it was half empty I didn’t say anything more.

To be honest if Mr. Bear were to leave now this would be the one that would be in trouble.

“Then let me conclude the bond first.”

After a quick meal at Uncle Bear’s tavern Raven divided the group into three groups and cast a binding spell on them.

Team distribution was simple.

I Mr. Bear and Raven are on Team A.

Erwen Misha Einar is on the B team.

It doesn’t mean much since we will only move separately on the first floor and meet on the second floor anyway.

“It’s almost time so let’s leave.”

“Oh wait a minute.”

We soon finished preparing and were about to head to the dimension plaza when Raven stopped us.

And with a somewhat embarrassed expression he took out a few small objects from subspace.

“Well… we’re a clan now right? “I had some free time these days so I tried making a sentence.”

It was an emblem.

Isn’t that right?

Any explorer with a clan always wears it on their armor.

“As I was researching various things while making it I heard that the symbolism of the clan emblem is the most important. So I borrowed Mr. Yandel’s nickname and tried to be a giant…”

“But this looks like an ogre not a giant?”

“Oh if you don’t like it give it to me!”

“I didn’t say I didn’t like it. “When I return tomorrow I will officially register it with the guild as a clan emblem.”

Raven’s face brightened when I told her that she would register it as a clan emblem for a moment after making a straight face at my joke.

One way or another it seems like I was expecting it.

“Now everyone come here. “I’ll attach it to you.”

Soon Raven personally attached emblems to his colleagues’ equipment using magic.

Once I put it on it looked really cool.

Do you feel like you have become a really successful explorer?

“Thank you Raven. “He even took care of these things without even saying anything.”

“…First of all it’s my clan.”

“That means thank you.”

“Empty words. That’s it let’s go quickly. “It’s going to be late like this.”

It’s so embarrassing.

After finishing installing the emblem we hurried to the dimension square. There were quite a few people around to watch.

Those looking this way from a distance from the square.

“Hey is Bjorn Yandel here too?”

“After what happened are you already trying to go back in?”

“They said they formed a clan and the number is six.”

“But what is that sentence? “Is it an ogre?”

“Perhaps so since one of Bjorn Yandel’s essences is an ogre.”

The area around the square was crowded with more people than expected but there were only a few people waiting to enter.

About three or four hundred people at most?

Most of them were low-level explorers who were desperate for money and had no choice but to pack up their equipment and come out.

‘If all other squares are like this the upper floors will be almost empty right?’

I spent the remaining time checking my exploration plan one last time and before long light burst from the center of the square and a portal opened.

“I entered the crystal cave on the first floor.”

This time there was quite a lot to do in the labyrinth.