Surviving the Game as a Barbarian – 405



Episode 405: Dilemma (2)

Creak creak.

I move forward chewing the beef jerky.

Specially made high-calorie beef jerky for exploration purposes supplied this morning.

If someone asks why I’m only eating breakfast now the answer is simple.

This was the last supply.

Creak creak.

As of today all food stored in stock has been used up.

Simply put there is no more food until you reach the 8th floor.

But is that why?

Creak creak.

Today’s food is somehow several times more delicious than usual—

‘Why did it disappear?’

I deeply savored the taste of the beef jerky and felt happy but for a moment I felt angry as I realized my hands were empty.

“You… already ate it all?”

really? Is this your last meal?

Do you think you’ll still be hungry after eating?

No in the first place the amount of calories used is different for each person so what if the amount of calories consumed is the same?

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

This is reverse discrimination.

Isn’t he like that too?

Non-practitioners such as wizards and priests will have a low basal metabolic rate and will consume much less stamina since they only have to wave their wand from behind.

But still they have a one-people one-beef jerky policy?

This is an insult and anathema to the warriors who sweat and sweat on the front lines.

If the captain was in his right mind he would never have adopted this policy—

‘Oh I’m the leader.’

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Okay what can I do?

Actually I didn’t want to do this just because it was me.

But if I give preferential treatment to warriors isn’t it obvious that they will object and say it’s for their own self-interest?

So we took the initiative and implemented this policy.

‘If you look at it it seems like a failed policy.’

Through this policy I gained the ‘neither gratitude nor hatred’ of other professions and the hatred of warriors.

Oh how do I know the warriors hate me?

The source is me.

I was doing that right now.

“Hehehehe.”

“What’s wrong uncle?”

“Warriors usually smile when times are tough.”

“Are you…are you laughing?”

Erwen broke away from the formation for a moment and walked next to me at a quick pace. She made a disgusted look on her face but then she smiled and held out something.

“Six… four…?”

“yes!”

“You’re giving this to me…?”

“yes!”

Erwen asked back as if she couldn’t believe it but still nodded without changing her expression.

I was handed the beef jerky in a daze and came to my senses late.

“That’s it! “I’m not hungry at all so you eat!”

“If you’re going to say something like that why don’t you at least lower the corners of your mouth?”

Oh the corner of your mouth?

Just when I was wondering what was going on Erwen summoned a water spirit and turned it into a mirror. Beyond that there was me smiling like an idiot.

“Look at this that’s a real smile! lol.”

“….”

“Don’t be like that eat it quickly. Because I’m fine. “Are you saying everyone else is making concessions to those who are having a hard time?”

“…what?”

What does that mean?

When I tilted my head the answer came from Amelia who was following me.

“I heard that the rear ranks who had enough stamina had been saving up food little by little in case of an emergency.”

“Moa? how? “It must have spoiled quickly?”

“I’m talking about it after entering the cave. “There have been no ice storms since then.”

“Oh that’s right…”

Is it because you suffer from hunger so much? I can’t believe I can’t even think of something this simple.

Anyway this isn’t what’s important…

“But is that really true? “Giving away food that is already lacking to others.”

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“If you find it hard to believe can’t we just look at it later?”

Well I guess I’ll have to look at it now.

“stop!”

The movement was stopped using the authority of the expedition leader.

Anyway it’s time to take a break.

“Oh what a break!”

“Now I can live!”

“Huh! Supply officer! Blankets! Give me a blanket! “I need to close my eyes for a little while!”

Soon the priest activated ‘Declaration of Destruction’ and the surrounding area turned into a safe zone and the members lay down on the floor without a moment of hesitation and recovered their stamina.

and….

plod trudge.

I pretended to be on patrol and moved to the back to observe the surroundings.

As for the results what Erwen said was true.

“Here please eat this.”

A priest who gives food to warriors.

and….

“…Yu Yu Beef Jerky? To me?”

A warrior who starts the game with eyes of deep distrust.

“yes. “You must be tired right?”

“Ho are you possibly in love with me? Then you cannot receive this beef jerky. “I have children in the city—”

“I don’t mean that so don’t worry.”

“what? “You don’t even love me but you give me beef jerky…?”

Although the warriors were shocked they quickly grabbed the jerky they received and munched on it and such scenes were seen everywhere.

“Khuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu this… I owe it! “I will repay this debt someday even if it means risking my life!”

Numerous warriors steeling their resolve even shedding tears over a single piece of beef jerky.

It was a very moving scene even for me.

“My policy… was not a failure….”

An expedition team that truly becomes one and helps each other.

“Mr. Schuitz? “What did you just say to me?”

“Ah Jun… it’s nothing.”

“yes. But what happened here… is it somehow related to the sudden stoppage of the expedition?”

In reality I came to check because I had a prickly conscience about giving Erwen beef jerky and eating it but for now I nodded.

As the leader of the cancer expedition you have respect.

“How is the mood today?”

“If it were today….”

“The food supply ended in the morning right? “Was there anyone who was dissatisfied?”

“They are all strong people. I must have experienced something worse than this but it was like starving for a day. “Everyone considers this to be inevitable.”

“I see….”

Anyway I didn’t really come because I was curious so I nodded roughly and left.

***

After finishing the conversation with Jun I head back to the front line where the team is.

“Oh Schuitz! “Thank you for last time!”

“Why does it seem like you’re getting thinner by the day?”

“I just ate it but would you like some of this?”

Familiar warriors send greetings to me.

Perhaps the biggest change that occurred after Pyke Neldine’s execution.

No matter what team we were on when a major battle broke out we had to take out our shields and run out so camaraderie was bound to develop.

However it is not only the relationship with the warriors that has improved.

“….”

“….”

Unlike the warriors who spoke jokingly although we were still faceless the way they looked at me became gentle.

It’s so touching to think about how in the past we were busy glancing and whispering every time we passed by.

‘Perhaps this is thanks to that guy who is Nelda.’

How to unite a group of enemies from the outside.

As his betrayal was revealed all the arrows of resentment aimed at me returned to him.

Even I was the one who discovered it.

Naturally my evaluation is bound to improve—

“That Schuitz guy… I can’t tell if he’s smart or stupid can’t I?”

“Last time I heard I heard that you suggested eating monster meat and got scolded by your coworker…”

“It may seem absurd but it doesn’t seem foolish. “Seeing as how we hunted down that traitor back then.”

“Oh that? But… I heard that the wizard over there just stole the ball from what he guessed?”

Hehe I never thought there would be more traitors in a place like this.

I wanted to suppress it right away but the conversation that immediately followed changed my mind.

“But having capable subordinates is also a person’s ability. Besides isn’t one person okay?”

“That’s… right. “We didn’t talk much but he seemed like a nice person.”

“If you hold the title of captain you might as well set up a wooden pole but you end up taking the first step when it comes to bad things.”

“A friend like that becomes your most reliable ally when you are in a difficult situation.”

What were they just ordinary colleagues?

plod trudge.

I pretended not to have heard their conversation and when I arrived at the team’s location the unwritten 20-minute break was almost over.

“mister! how is it. “Is it true?”

“That’s right.”

“Now then eat quickly. yes? Don’t feel pressured it’s something everyone does?”

“Oh that… I already ate it on the way home.”

“Hehe good job! “I’m the only one right?”

“Yes you are the only one.”

After giving that vague answer I leaned against the wall and fiddled with my ring for the rest of the break.

As I was doing that Amelia approached me.

“Are you worried about why the light disappeared?”

“Oh right….”

No. 6111 Destiny Seeker.

This ring which I called the traffic light ring for short suddenly lost its light.

The time was about 4 days ago from today.

“It’s definitely unique. “Once fate was sensed it would not have disappeared for no reason.”

“So that’s what I’m saying.”

Even if you think about it again it can’t help but be a very strange thing.

I don’t think there was anything particularly good or bad…

“Anyway Schuitz it’s almost time.”

Oh already?

“Okay everyone wake up. We have to leave now. “If you have any luggage taken from the sled please return it before departure.”

As I said that and was stretching my stiff body I saw a Yongin woman munching on something.

“Ravien didn’t you eat everything in the morning earlier? “Where did you get that beef jerky?”

“Mr. Ashed gave it to you?”

“…Ashed gave it to you?”

Ash De grinned as she turned her head to check whether the woman had taken it by force or something.

“I gave it to you of my own accord so don’t worry.”

“But I guess it’s difficult for you too right?”

“Haha aren’t colleagues supposed to help each other in times like that? Besides Ravien needs to be there reassuringly in front of me in order to be safe.”

“…If that’s the case.”

She didn’t seem to have taken it by force so she couldn’t say anything more but she felt uneasy somehow.

This guy doesn’t really like him does he?

‘Oh that can’t be possible.’

What is the age difference between them?

***

Day 20 of entering Ice Rock.

We finally reached the end of Ice Rock.

‘I really didn’t expect it to arrive on the 20th day.’

During the planning stage the 20th was the day to cover Ice Rock.

However despite several unfortunate events that pushed the speed to its limit it still arrived on the exact date.

‘Maybe the plan was too tight from the beginning.’

I don’t know but if I had gone according to the original schedule I would have arrived at this point two to three days later.

When the royal family made plans I attended as a leader so if I had to make an excuse…

‘There were too many unexpected variables.’

Of course the fact that most of the crew members were first-timers was taken into account from the planning stage.

But at that time I only saw it on paper.

I didn’t know exactly what the crew’s abilities were.

An expedition team with outstanding hunting speed but some shortcomings in safety and mobility.

Well is it natural that the expedition was created for the purpose of war not exploration?

“Mister what are you thinking like that?”

“…nothing.”

Soon I stopped thinking and looked around.

The lowest part of the glacier snow with a pattern reminiscent of a human eye.

“Now everyone calm down and wait! “The drawing will be done in order!”

Now all you had to do was take the portal and go up to the 8th floor but the atmosphere of the expedition team was extremely chaotic.

The reason is very simple.

Because this is ‘Ice Rock’ a rough terrain that no one comes to.

Naturally we were the first to arrive at the current level.

“How do you decide the order?”

“No it doesn’t matter who does it can’t we just move on? “I’m starving to death.”

“what? Then you’re out!”

“what? Are you out? I had no intention of wearing it from the beginning! “I’m a wizard!”

The maximum number of people for binding magic is six.

Accordingly the number of experience points that can be gained when opening the portal for the first time is six.

Therefore we decided to draw a fair lottery.

Regardless of position or merit such as team leader or expedition leader I really only put my luck on the line.

“Ugh! Shit! “Why is it a blank page?”

“hey! Don’t even think about using your psychic powers to check inside the box! “I am watching closely!”

“Wow! What a feat to open the 8th floor! “I live and live until a day like this comes!”

As the long line shrinks one by one cheers and sighs follow.

That was when I was watching it from behind.

“Isn’t it a pity?”

Ravien came next to me and said those words.

“What do you mean?”

“You are the expedition leader. Even if he had been in power no one would have been able to say anything.”

“Oh you mean that?”

This is a story that was actually discussed among team leaders.

The idea was that we would eat the experience points among ourselves and draw a lottery for the remaining spot.

For reference Kaislan went further and said that the remaining seats should be awarded to the person who contributed the most rather than by lottery.

Is that really how you treat your subordinates?

“…Hey are you listening to me?”

“Oh I’m listening.”

“Why did you give up so easily?”

Ravien soon asked and I simply shrugged my shoulders in response.

What kind of answer are you asking in the first place?

I know clearly why that was.

“Tsk Baekji.”

Amelia who drew her lot before me clicked her tongue and came back and tapped me on the shoulder.

“Shuitz now it’s your turn.”

“How many sheets are left?”

“One sheet.”

Yes that’s right….

I turned my head as little as possible and only saw the number of people left behind with my eyes.

‘There are a total of four people left.’

Simply put the probability is 1 in 4.

and….

‘There is no Hans among them.’

Every sign of good fortune rolls on my back.

Ssaaaaaa—!

A cold cold wind descends from above sweeps the floor and rises again.

Sigh.

I took off the ring I was wearing on my hand.

Well there is no need for this now.

plod trudge.

In essence destiny is something you carve out with your own strength.

“Good luck.”

As soon as I stood in front of the box Kaislan spat out words of encouragement.

Now it’s time to see the outcome.

“Aaaaa!!”

I cast lots with all the courage of a man.

and….

“It’s unfortunate. “It’s a blank slate.”

That doesn’t work either.

Ha is it because there is no BGM?

Normally when doing something like this the rule is to turn it on.

plod trudge.

As I helplessly turned my back to make room Ravien passed by next to me.

Ah it’s his turn next.

I can’t believe I’m really picking it—

“This is the one with the round mark right?”

“That’s right. “Congratulations.”

Wow you’re picking this?

‘I should have drawn just one turn late…’

It was a time when my stomach started hurting for no reason.

“Can this ticket be transferred to someone else?”

“I guess you didn’t hear me when I explained it earlier. “After discussing it for a while we came to an agreement to make it possible.”

“is it so?”

After a brief conversation with Kaislan Ravien turned his back on me without hesitation and approached me…

“Now take it.”

Suddenly he handed me a ticket.

“…?”

I didn’t understand at all.

He even entered the labyrinth separately saying he had to do a speed run and only joined on the 6th floor.

I’m sure it was because I was in a hurry to gain experience…

“Why are you doing this to me…?”

“No matter how much I think about it I feel like this isn’t mine.”

“…what?”

When I tilted my head as if I didn’t understand Ravien answered in an awkward voice.

“I know because I saw it because I was always next to you. “You suffered the most.”

What is this….

“Wwiuuuu!”

“Yes yes! “You are the one who brought us here so you should open it!”

“What a shame. “If no one would hand it over I was going to give it to you.”

“lie! “The topic that made you so happy earlier?”

“Really! Even when we discussed it earlier you were on the side of asking for transfer to be possible!”

“It’s okay so hurry up and get it! “When you go exploring you have to take care of your own interests while you can!”

A place deep underground where there is a cold wave so cold that it freezes your nose.

‘It’s warm….’

For some reason I felt like I was going to cry.