[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian":3,"chapter-surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-135":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Surviving the Game as a Barbarian",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1327755,1764,"Chapter 135 Orculus (1)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-135",135,"\u003Cp>Orculus (1)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orculus (1)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian of Balance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had already reached a conclusion about this field effect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That the stats of those who entered the labyrinth are evenly distributed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My companions all agreed with Rotmiller's guess after receiving several hints from me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, no further explanation was necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s possible that other explorers entered this labyrinth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Other explorers? But you can’t meet other explorers in the Tower of Heaven.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Murad, you know too, right? That the situation we’re in is not normal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The 4th floor Tower of Heaven is an independent space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless several teams entered at the same time, you can’t encounter another team no matter how much you wander around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this is a place that’s unknown to the outside world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anything could happen here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The unknown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A word that signifies things yet to be known.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It means that all possibilities are contained within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand what you mean. But what if our guess is wrong? Maybe a different rule is applied when you enter this space—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I cut off the other possibility that the dwarf brought up and say firmly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That seems like a stretch.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this place is not unknown to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s more rational to quickly wrap things up and move on to the next topic instead of wasting time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think Rotmiller’s guess is correct. Dwarkey, what about you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I also think that’s more plausible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you agree. Misha, what about you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh… I’ll just stay quiet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misha abstains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since we already have three votes for the majority, I don’t force her to choose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, then it’s decided. Let’s move under the assumption that Rotmiller’s words are true. If you have any objections, speak now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…None.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the figurehead leader, the dwarf, nods dejectedly, I quickly summarize the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another explorer entered the labyrinth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And they’re stronger than us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My stats have at least doubled, so they must be an explorer who operates on at least the 6th floor or higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And a team, not a clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then what should we do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I throw out the question, my companions each offer their opinions, and I take the opportunity to fulfill the condition for summoning the mid-boss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「The demon of the labyrinth senses blood.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Okay, this should happen if we just wait a bit longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, it’s not a big deal, right? It would be better if we joined forces and found a way out…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We don’t even know what kind of people they are, how about we just stay here? There’s no guarantee that we’ll be trapped if the labyrinth closes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha! What are you so worried about? Even if they’re stronger than us, it’s a special situation, isn’t it? Even if we encounter them, they won’t be able to do anything to us easily, so just keep moving as usual.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, still, it would be better to avoid them as much as possible and find a way out, just in case.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smile bitterly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I listened attentively, hoping there might be something useful, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, collective intelligence wasn’t very helpful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rotmiller was a bit better, but he was more focused on preparing for the unexpected rather than considering the worst-case scenario.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bjorn, what do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their gazes turn to me at his question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I organize my thoughts one last time and then speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t think it’s a coincidence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If it’s not a coincidence?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“An explorer with that level of strength was on the 4th floor at this time? It’s more reasonable to assume that they were wandering around with a purpose.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you’re saying that their goal might have been this place from the beginning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. And if that’s the case, they must have also noticed our presence by now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dwarkey expresses his disagreement at my words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eh, there’s no way. To know about this place beforehand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the dwarf laughs it off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, even if that’s the case, you’re talking as if they’re already marauders.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rotmiller asks again seriously,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So what do you think we should do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’re unknown entities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, they possess all possibilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This variable could be a blessing, or it could lead me to death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, even if my actions seem strange to my companions…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We need to get out of here quickly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…I have to assume the worst.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not ignoring the unease in my heart…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…that’s the secret to my survival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Killed Baphomet. EXP +5」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Higher Variant Kill Bonus. EXP +1」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’re running through the labyrinth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not wandering around, but heading straight for our destination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This way!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rotmiller, who’s following closely behind me, is holding a map in his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s not the map he meticulously created, but a map that details all the paths in this labyrinth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The location of the boss room is also marked on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s loot we obtained after defeating the mid-boss, Baphomet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I didn’t expect to defeat him that easily.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We summoned Baphomet as soon as I finished speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The battle with the guy, which would have normally required us to target his weaknesses and barely manage to win…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…didn’t even take a minute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We were able to just overpower him with damage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s a good thing, but the situation is a bit…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Just how strong are these guys originally?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The unidentified intruders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For reference, I’ve long since dismissed the thought that it might be just one person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s a limit to how strong an individual can be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tadatadat!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I clear my thoughts and increase our speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It should be fine since everyone seems to be keeping up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I subtly glance back, and even the dwarf, who lacks stamina, is running just fine while carrying Dwarkey on his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So I stop worrying about that part.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Meeek—!!!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smash the head of a Vykuntus that appeared from the front with my mace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although it staggers greatly, it doesn’t die in one shot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I don’t slow down and just pass by the staggering creature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misha is in charge of taking care of the trash mobs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hear the sound of flesh being torn and then see a scattering of light particles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, I don’t hear the sound of a magic stone falling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misha must have caught it in mid-air again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Turn left!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I follow Rotmiller’s instructions and change direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then I see four Vykuntus in the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, we could defeat them with just Misha, Rotmiller, and me now…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…but it’s better to save every second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dwarkey!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dwarkey, who got off the dwarf’s back at my shout, casts a spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swaaaaaaaaa!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Blizzard].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s a 7th-grade attack spell with low single-target damage but a wide area of effect. It’s a spell we usually used against groups of 8th or 9th-grade trash mobs or to combo with Misha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Mee… huh?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blizzard, reminiscent of hail, is shot towards the other side of the passage, and the four Vykuntus freeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The 6th-grade monsters are completely frozen, not just frostbitten, from a single spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, since that state will wear off in a few seconds…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kwaaang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…I quickly smash them with my mace and resume moving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And when I feel like we need a break, we briefly collapse on the passage and catch our breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s when, during our third break…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Phew, phew… Bjorn, aren’t you being too hasty? I don’t think there’s a need to rush this much…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf cautiously expresses his pent-up frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s something I expected to some extent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I keep getting this ominous feeling. So, please, just trust me this once.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the first request I made.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all agreed to go along with my nonsense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[…Well, you have good intuition.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I, I don’t mind. And Bjorn, don’t think I’m repaying my debt with this. I’ll repay you properly later.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As time passed, they must have started to have doubts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I, I also think this is enough. In the first place, it seems like a stretch to assume that they knew about this place beforehand…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isn’t it more likely that they entered this place by chance, just like us?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, even if that’s the case…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you’re worried about the marks we left behind, it’s fine to slow down now. Even if they’re marauders, they won’t be able to find us in a place like this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are they really marauders?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To go so far as to find and kill us… isn’t that closer to delusion?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Honestly, I don’t even understand why you’re so sure that there’s a way out if we go this way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And above all, is there any guarantee that there’s a way out in the boss room… no, that place that wasn’t even marked as a boss room?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, I don’t have any complaints. You know? I’m serious? Okay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’re all valid questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s because they haven’t had the same experiences as me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hidden pieces aren’t that special.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just look at Jensia, whom we met in the ‘Glacier Cave’ a while ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She used hidden pieces to open the rift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And information about hidden pieces is spread through Ghostbusters as players exchange information every month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bjorn, you’re not acting like yourself today. Even if everything you said is true, can’t we just fight them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf tries to persuade me, but that’s the biggest problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian of Balance is active?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It doesn’t change anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A situation where we would get completely destroyed just becomes a situation where we get destroyed normally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if our stats are the same, there’s a difference in the grade and number of essence skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if we add equipment to the equation, the gap widens even further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If we fight, we’ll definitely lose.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s the source of my anxiety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A lion can be carefree in front of a rabbit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what about the rabbit?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We don’t have time. Let’s move if you’re done resting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you encounter a lion, you have to run.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A stone chamber with paths leading in four directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man standing in the center mutters,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Larkaze’s Labyrinth…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man removes the hood that was covering his face and approaches the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he gently runs his hand along the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I finally made it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corners of his mouth twist upwards, and the skin with burn scars is distorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But anyone could tell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh God, why would you give wings to such an evil man…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…that the old man in black priestly robes is lamenting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sighing and asking a meaningless question to the void…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…is the only thing the old man can do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old man, should I rip out your tongue?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why would I be afraid? Physical pain is noth—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, of course, I meant your grandson’s tongue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the old man clenches his mouth shut, the man chuckles and looks down at the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the end of his gaze is a middle-aged scout, collapsed in a shrimp-like position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His forehead is covered in cold sweat, and his parted lips tremble as he lets out a pained groan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Keugh, heugh, keuh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Geez, stop whining over just one arm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man chuckles as he looks at the scout’s severed shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who would have known?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That there was a way to enter this place, which he couldn’t find for a year, so easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To readily reveal the way just for sacrificing one arm of a 5th-grade scout, that evil god is quite funny.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He… wasn’t he your companion?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Companion my ass. I just brought him along because he was useful. Hey, get up now. We don’t have time since we entered late.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man’s forehead wrinkles deeply as the man puts his foot on the scout’s waist and shakes him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop it. He offered a part of his body to the evil god. That pain is beyond imagination—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old man, enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man flinches at the man’s cold voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenches his fist in frustration, but that’s all he can do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He feels disgusted by his own cowardice, unable to do anything but watch the evil deeds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the old man has something to protect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the scout probably feels the same way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m fi, fine… High Priest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scout struggles to get up, holding his empty shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man nods in satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as if he realized something belatedly, he frowns and clenches and unclenches his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clench-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knows about the ‘Guardian of Balance’.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even considering that, the change in his body is inexplicable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old man, anything different? Your divine power or whatever.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…It’s decreased slightly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Decreased? Not increased? Are you sure?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m sure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man turns his head and looks at the scout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Scout, what about you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My overall physical strength, including So, ul Power, has decreased…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man smiles wickedly and looks towards the passage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man, a former High Priest, is understandable, but for even a 5th-grade scout’s strength to decrease…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Some rats have already entered.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes, illuminated by the flickering torchlight, are gleaming coldly.\u003C\u002Fp>",2159,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.064Z",1,"novelbin.me","a93903c798ee7c5e9796e3ca9f5a0246836f7492ea17ac96ce8443f8145ad052","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-136","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-134",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]