[{"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-165":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},1327785,1764,"Chapter 165 Exploration (4)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-165",165,"\u003Cp>Exploration (4)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exploration (4)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A 2-million-stone expandable backpack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A steel dagger and various other equipment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bag full of consumables that are more effective against humans than monsters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What kind of person was he?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…a spoonful of lingering unease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were the things left behind by the masked man whose name we don’t even know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The masked man who chose to commit suicide as soon as the situation became unfavorable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s clearly not a typical situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop worrying about it. There’s nothing we can do now even if we’re curious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The truth is already buried in darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So we can only take what we can and move on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s what explorers do, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bjorn, how many cotton candies can we buy with this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ainar asks with sparkling eyes, and just as I’m about to answer, Raven speaks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It should be about 3.5 million stones in total.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You’re knowledgeable about this too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The exact amount will be determined after we sell it in the city, but the margin of error won’t be that big. I got a regular appraiser license a while ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, so there’s something like that…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I ask her about it, and it’s different from a special appraiser. She said you need to be able to assess the value of items purely based on knowledge, not skills?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mr. Yandel, you should also study it when you have time. You don’t have to haggle and fight over prices if you can just show this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s fine. I’ve never lost a battle of nerves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I cut her off before she can brag and resume exploration. The way we proceed isn’t much different from Team Misfits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We focus on climbing the tower, prioritizing the Stairs of Wisdom and then the Stairs of Courage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Ugh, we’re wandering through a maze again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It can’t be helped since we don’t have a professional scout.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s a pain in the ass to navigate every time we choose the Stairs of Wisdom, but I have to do my best.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because I have a mother-in-law next to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“4 hours and 34 minutes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“4 hours and 11 minutes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“3 hours and 59 minutes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raven times us every time we clear a maze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, the record gradually improves as we climb higher. It’s thanks to the know-how I’ve gained from also playing the role of a navigator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, I’m still far from Rotmiller’s level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“4 hours and 35 minutes. It suddenly increased this time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…It couldn’t be helped because Ainar stepped on a trap.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Acceptable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Day 9, Day 10, Day 11…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time flies by, and from Day 12 onwards, we just sleep without keeping watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are we going to decide on a watch rotation again today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…It seems like a waste.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Phew, because of that bastard, seriously. Isn’t this too much? A surprise attack in a place like this…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misha is fuming as if a sacred place has been violated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, I feel the same way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the only place we could relax.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Damn it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although there were various incidents, the expedition proceeded smoothly, and we reached stage 100 on Day 16.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now we can also start searching for the portal to the 5th floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“2 hours and 41 minutes… you’ve gotten much faster.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Raven, who had been acting like a mother-in-law every day, smiles with satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For reference, I feel the same way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Could it be that I’m actually a natural-born navigator?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after struggling so much, the 3-hour wall was thick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I was able to break through that barrier and shorten the record after gaining one realization.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s easier and faster to just destroy traps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, right, Mr. Yandel. How long did it take to get here when you had a professional scout on the team?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“About 12 days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Four days difference isn’t bad. It will be much easier on the 5th floor since we have a composition without a scout.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I agree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although we lost four days because of the absence of a scout, we have a composition where everyone is a combat character.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We can make up for it in battles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Phew, can’t she just compliment me?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as that complaint is lingering in my mind…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…Misha approaches me and pats my shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bjorn, good work. I didn’t know it would actually work. We’re probably the only team with a barbarian navigator.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, she’s the only one…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahem.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bear-like man coughs awkwardly and steps forward at Misha’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems like he’s embarrassed that he, the Guide, had to rely on a barbarian for navigation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then it’s my turn now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I readily hand over the reins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To go to the 5th floor, we need to open the doors in a specific order…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Which door should I open?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That one over there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is why Guides are OP.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if their sensory stats aren’t high enough, they can sense the magical energy of portals with their natural talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Chose the Stairs of Courage.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Chose the Stairs of Wisdom.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Chose the Stairs of Courage…….」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, we head towards the portal hidden somewhere in the tower, using the bear-like man as a compass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opening doors, clearing trials, and repeating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After spending another night and opening 10 more doors…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Finally, the last door.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…we reach the stage with the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s already the end of Day 17.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I thought about resting and then opening the door and entering tomorrow since it’s almost time to camp…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think I’m more focused now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…we decided to proceed today, considering Raven’s tendency to be weak in the morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The portal room is also a boss room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s better if the mage is in good condition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Like I said before, a 5th-grade monster will definitely appear here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You mean that vampire-like monster?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ainar grips her greatsword with eyes filled with excitement and anticipation. It seems like she wants to see how much she’s changed since that time when she was powerless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can’t help but laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was originally planning to tell them not to let their guard down, that the survival rate of graduating explorers who reached this far is less than 50%…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Um, why did you stop talking?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…it doesn’t seem necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wouldn’t be very barbarian-like either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I forgot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s just go kill it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I open the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And we climb the stairs to the next stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s a stone chamber with a familiar stele in the center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as all five of us enter, the door closes, and a monster is summoned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Graaagh—!!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can’t help but laugh again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was wondering what kind of bastard would appear…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s a troll!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, something like this has to appear for it to feel like graduation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>____________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Troll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bastard who smashed my keyboard when I was in my first year of playing [Dungeon and Stone]…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…and the one who put Team Misfits in danger of being wiped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Should I cast the Distortion spell first? I heard troll byproducts are very expensive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geez, this girl is bold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a 5th-grade monster has a considerable aura, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need. The essence is also expensive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you say so.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Raven and I are exchanging a few words…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…the troll roars and takes a step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, I also push off the ground to fulfill my role as a tank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character has cast [Gigantification].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The size difference is instantly reduced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the distance closes, the troll swings its giant fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kwaaang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A heavy impact is transmitted through the giant shield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But maybe it’s because I absorbed the Ogre essence?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s not very effective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And the shield is fine too.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Laetium shield, which used to get dented every time I blocked a punch, is completely unscathed this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s thanks to the 6th-stage engraving effect, [Unification].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The equipment I’m wearing is now enhanced in proportion to my total stats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, this is what I spent so much money on!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I boost my stats with [Wild Release] and swing my mace down with all my might.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character has cast [Swing].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「The destructive power of blunt weapons is greatly increased in proportion to Strength.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I aim for the head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the giant mace hits his shoulder as he twists his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His shoulder collapses with a satisfying impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s dislocated with just one hit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, I had to strike six times just to break his exposed joints after stripping away all the flesh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Graaagh—!!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, as expected of a troll, the poster child of regeneration, the bone reattaches in a few seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this is enough to gauge my combat power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Let’s see.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I focus on defense and observe my teammates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, Misha, the founding member.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although she hasn’t absorbed any new essences since then…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…her sword cuts through the troll’s hide with ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s the power of money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s an Iril longsword that cost a whopping 12 million stones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it can’t even do this much, we should go get a refund.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s Ainar’s battle cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ainar, perhaps envious of Misha’s performance, immediately joins the front lines and swings her greatsword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A strong gust of wind follows the trajectory of the sword, and an afterimage appears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, is it even right to call it an afterimage?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Ainar Frenelin has cast [Double Slash].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s the active skill of the 4th-grade essence she inherited from the elder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The effect is simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It deals the damage of two hits with one swing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash! Slash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, of course, the effect is negligible against the troll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite her superior strength and the weight of the greatsword, it only penetrates about 3 centimeters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s because Ainar’s only skill is [Double Slash].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s a skill that’s difficult to use to its full potential with normal attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This bastard’s hide is tou— Aak!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ainar takes a hit from the troll’s fist and is sent flying. She gets up quickly, but blood is trickling down from her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems like she injured an internal organ.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Ainar doesn’t drink a potion and rest, but charges back in and swings her greatsword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s a rational choice, not stubbornness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this time, her greatsword is glowing red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s the active skill of the Bone Knight essence she obtained from the Crimson Fortress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Ainar Frenelin has cast [Life Absorption].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Temporarily increases regeneration when dealing damage to a living being.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ainar’s health recovers when she hits an enemy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She has excellent qualities as a sub-tank and damage dealer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ainar recovers to her original state after a few sword strikes, using [Life Absorption] and [Double Slash] together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Her damage is lower than Misha’s, but she’s much better at tanking.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I observe their battles and check their strengths, weaknesses, and areas that need improvement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I need to get Ainar a decent offensive skill. And Misha needs to absorb more Beast’s Blood and raise her Spirit Beast level.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s when, as I’m casually fighting the troll…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…the bear-like man asks from behind,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can we join now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, were you waiting?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was curious to see how well those two ladies would fight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not a lady!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway, regardless of Ainar’s shout, the bear-like man joins the battle as soon as I give him the okay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Avman Urikfrit has summoned Iron Bear Iradun.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, did he judge that the front line is already more than enough?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He summons his Spirit Beast behind him like a bodyguard and then starts shooting his crossbow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump! Thump! Thump!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The arrows pierce deep into the troll’s body with a loud thud every time they’re shot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His skill is evident even in the areas he targets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He aims for joints like elbows and knees to restrict movement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misha and Ainar join forces and sever the troll’s arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the [Ultra Regeneration] pattern begins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The regeneration speed is slow because Raven cast the ‘Deterioration’ spell beforehand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘There’s nothing else to see.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as I’m about to smash the troll’s head with my mace…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…the bear-like man stops me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The third lady also needs to show off her skills.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Would you please stop calling me a lady?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raven then grumbles and swings her wand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She doesn’t tell us to dodge like Dwarkey did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s not that she’s inconsiderate, but rather that she judged that there’s no need.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Arrua Raven has cast the 5th-grade attack spell [Lightning Spear].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A white bolt of lightning is shot, zigzagging past us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My vision flashes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then I hear the sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kwaaang!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I come to my senses, the troll’s head is already gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It collapses to the ground and then disappears into light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, of course, there’s no essence again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>_____________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We defeated the troll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And very easily, at that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it doesn’t mean that there’s no danger on the 5th floor. 5th-grade monsters appear in groups there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The portal opens as the troll dies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, we camp instead of going up to the 5th floor right away. It’s better to sleep comfortably for a day since we’ll have to sleep up there anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s really starting now, huh.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I toss and turn for a moment, feeling both anxious and excited, and then fall asleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the next morning…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be precise, around 7:00 AM on Day 18…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow, I can’t believe I’m actually going to the 5th floor…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…we finish packing and enter the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Entered 5th Floor Great Magical Forest.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’ve graduated from the early stages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s time to go on a real exploration.\u003C\u002Fp>",2249,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.064Z",1,"novelbin.me","d856d528630651d84e28eff5c275077454ee0858f9b8399b66e649e5d307ce53","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-166","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-164",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]