[{"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-183":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},1327803,1764,"Chapter 183 Jinx (3)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-183",183,"\u003Cp>Jinx (3)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jinx (3)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Manticore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A level 5 monster with a grotesque appearance, a lion's body and a human face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This guy's essence is quite unique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Manticore]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Discernment +40, Appetite +30, Jumping Power +30.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stats are practically just Jumping Power +30.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's at a level that's even worse than a 9th-grade monster, but its passive is related to stats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Inheritance].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's a skill that increases your stats when you eat magic stones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just looking at the description, it seems like a cheat-level skill, but there's a decisive restriction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'The total absorbable stat points are 200, I think?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The total stat points you can obtain through the skill is 200.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So at first, I thought, 'What kind of trash essence is this?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are many 5th-grade essences with over 300 total stat points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to have to use even the passive to obtain the base stats that should be there?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And its active skill wasn't even that good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be different if it had 'Random Skill Spam', the Manticore's signature ability, but you can't obtain that through the essence since it's an individual monster's unique ability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...everyone's eyes changed the moment this essence appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, you guys also know the true value of this essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Raven, take out the dice!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf growled as soon as I shouted,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Before that, I think it's best to step back, barbarian.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What, does he think I'm going to just eat it if I lose the dice roll? Although it's ridiculous, it wouldn't be good to cause trouble right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Let's all step back together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ye, yes! That would be best.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Starting with me, we all step back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And we quickly summarize the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The essence lasts for an average of 30 minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, first, this is something I couldn't ask before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is there any team that wants to give up on bidding?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I ask just in case, but both Hans G and the dwarf shake their heads and say,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We, we'll participate. It's an essence that everyone can use except for mages and priests, isn't it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is why players are...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The true value of the Manticore essence is revealed when you remove it at the temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>20% of the additional stats remain even after deletion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's practically an elixir that gives you a bonus of 40 stat points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's no way we would give up on such an expensive essence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Expensive essence? Are you planning to sell it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We don't have any essence slots left.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, that's possible, but...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A possibility suddenly comes to mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Right, these bastards are from the underground city.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The process of removing essences at the temple is complicated for explorers from Noark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be even more so in the current situation where the city is under lockdown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be more rational for them to keep it and secretly sell it later when the lockdown is lifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the biggest question remains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You don't have a mage?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There's no mage in the dwarf's team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the sorcerer, who's focused on offensive essences, plays a similar role in terms of firepower, he can't replace a mage's utility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf answers nonchalantly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have one, don't you? We'll pay you handsomely for the test tube and your efforts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geez, trying to freeload.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What if both of us refuse?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf chuckles at my suggestion to not be greedy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We'll still roll the dice. And if we win, we'll watch until the essence disappears.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, they're saying they'll interfere if they can't have it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I feel a bitter taste in my mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, explorers are explorers, whether they're from the underground or the surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They're surprisingly similar in this aspect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Should I just ambush them and kill them here?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That extreme method briefly crosses my mind, but I calm myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raven's help is significant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Yandel, we have no choice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, we haven't even rolled the dice yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's not a core essence like the [Gigantification] essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'll have to remove it anyway once I can absorb 3rd-grade essences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's not like there aren't any better essences out there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So how long are you going to just stand there?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I come to my senses at the dwarf's urging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's have one representative from each team.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leaders of each team gather in one place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I briefly explain the rules.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We each roll the dice once, and the one with the highest number gets the loot. However, if there's a tie, those two roll again to decide the winner.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are we going to use the mage's dice?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's an official Explorer's Guild dice. It doesn't matter if we don't use mine. Of course, I'll have to check it first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Really? Then I don't mind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf nods coolly, and the preparations are complete as the mage from Hans G's team examines my and Raven's dice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hans, you'll subtract 2 from the number you roll, as promised. So if you have anything to say, say it now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...We, we're satisfied just with the opportunity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then it's settled. So, who's going first?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First or second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, does it even matter?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone gulps and looks at each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unexpectedly, Hans G is the first to step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I, I'll go first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hans G picks up the dice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he has a -2 handicap...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...his companions cheer him on with expectant eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Krisen, good luck...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hans, if you don't roll properly, you'll get spanked when you get back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Krisen, don't feel pressured, it's okay even if you lose.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the newbie Guide to the human warrior and the middle-aged mage. Hans G looks at each of them and then makes eye contact with the fairy archer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fairy archer nods silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their relationship seems very special.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Geez, it's like a shonen manga.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can't help but chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The newbie woman who joined as a Guide is biting her lip in frustration, watching them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then... I'll roll!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hans G rolls the dice with a confident shout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roll, roll, roll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dice rolls on the dry ground, showing the numbers on each side one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dice stop in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[10]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The number on the dice is 10.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The highest possible number.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kyaaaaaak!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He's crazy! He's insane!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Standard market price! Partslan, what's the standard market price listed at the guild?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheers erupt from his companions, and we're all speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf steps forward as if he doesn't like our reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're acting as if it's already yours. Don't tell me you forgot that you have to subtract 2 from the number?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, ye, yes... I know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heated atmosphere cools down, but Hans G's team is still in a celebratory mood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, 8 is a high enough number.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm next.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf snatches the dice from Hans G. He hesitates for a moment, then frowns and throws the dice on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roll, roll, roll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dice stop after rolling a few times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[9]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...Is this for real?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aaaaaaaaaaaak!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn iiiit!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I believed in you! You bastard!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beastly shouts erupt from the dwarf's team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other hand, Hans G's team members all have stiff expressions, unable to control their shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kick.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf then smirks, looking at Hans G and me. And he utters a line that I've probably said the least in my life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're lucky.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What the hell is wrong with this guy's personality?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An overwhelming sense of despair envelops me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I can't collapse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are too many things supporting me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yandel! What, you're acting like this over something like this? It's not like you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I believe in you! Bjorn!! You can do it!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah, yeah, Bjorn! You can do anything!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I won't talk about probability. It's meaningless to you anyway, Mr. Yandel.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I have companions who still believe in me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I haven't given up yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clench.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...I grip the dice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf laughs arrogantly, looking at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's a familiar situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hans's number is 8.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf's number is 9.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I just need to roll a 10.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Probability is just probability, it's meaningless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's a dramatic development that often appears in movies and cartoons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, this has to work...!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, it's a structure where it can't not work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Bjorn's eyes have changed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I felt a strange sense of certainty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's like an invisible force is enveloping me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I throw the dice before that feeling disappears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go! Great warrior!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dice roll amidst Ainar's shout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surprisingly, my mind is calmer than ever as I watch them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My heart beats slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air surrounding my skin is cool, and each second is vividly engraved in my mind as if time is slowing down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in that pleasant sensation...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...the dice stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere changes instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"......\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chilling silence falls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I look at the people instead of the dice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Crazy...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the dwarf, who was smiling arrogantly...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...my companions, who were watching with trust...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...and even Hans G's team, whose defeat is already confirmed, are gaping in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Did it really work...?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I check the dice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[1]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>___________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...I should have had Misha roll it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Losers don't speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because it's all just excuses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They just have to endure silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like I am right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Puhahahaha! A 1 with that expression! Did you see that? Did you see? I was actually scared, you know? Because of his confident look.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sharp mockery erupts from the dwarf's team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm covered in humiliation from head to toe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I almost want to ask him. How the hell could you make that kind of expression! Khahahaha!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't make fun of Bjorn!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gaaaaah! Great warrior! Pfft, pfft! Hahahaha!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I'll kill you!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I grab Ainar, who's about to jump at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But! If I don't smash his head...!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, there's no way to shut that mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I understand her feelings more than anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it's not the time yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And they know it too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You guys stop it too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf also stops his team members from mocking me any further as I stare at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The winner is already decided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I also give up and get to the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How much will you give me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"15 million stones for the test tube.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's the exact market price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And the service fee?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll give you 5 million stones.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>5 million stones just for casting one spell is a great deal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"7 million.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're greedy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf glances at the mage from Hans G's team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It means that we can ask the other mage since there are two of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We, we don't have a test tube.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I originally asked for a higher price so that we could split the service fee with them...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this changes things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I, I'll give you 7 million.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf readily agrees to my offer at Hans G's words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the train has already left the station.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Too late.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It just went up to 15 million.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The service fee is now the same as the test tube price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't be unreasonable, barbarian.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf mutters incredulously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's understandable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He's short, so it's hard for him to see the world broadly. It's only natural that he doesn't understand the basic principles of the market, which is based on supply and demand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Unreasonable? I think it's a reasonable price. Especially since you won't refuse.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...10 million stones.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No bargaining. Take it or leave it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Think rationally, barbarian. You're going to throw this money away?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's your choice. Just discard the essence. Or give us the money and take it in a test tube.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I push forward with a bold strategy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's also the reason why monopolies can be so vicious in a capitalist market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They can make a profit even with this kind of business practice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Damn it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf trembles and then speaks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll give you 15 million stones.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, good thi—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not you, them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf says, looking at Hans G.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes? Wh, what do you mean...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll give you the ownership rights to this essence if you pay that amount.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On-site sale...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, so this is his move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An emotional choice that abandons rationality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm momentarily surprised, but then I realize it's not a big problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We, we don't have that much money right now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can pay in kind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let us discuss it for a moment...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hans G has a discussion with his teammates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems like they activated team voice magic, judging by how their mouths are moving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it doesn't last long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the conclusion isn't much different from what I expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ev, even so, our equipment...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the level of Hans G's team's equipment, at least three of them would have to give up their main equipment to match that amount.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to give up their equipment in a rift and get an essence that's useless right now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It doesn't make sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, so... how about we pa, pay you in the city?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...That's not possible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There's no way these guys from the underground city would give Hans G credit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf, cornered, takes a deep breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he looks at me and says in a reluctant voice,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Barbarian, at the price you said—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"20 million stones. It just went up again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This son of a...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or we can buy the essence for 15 million stones, what do you want to do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I'll pay 20 million stones.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the dwarf curses, it doesn't have much impact on the outcome. It's still a profitable deal for them even if they buy the essence at that price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About 17 million stones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Wait a minute, then we're the ones who profited more?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is this the sweetness of a monopoly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We got the biggest share even though our dice roll was the lowest, a 1.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's ironic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>______________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Things proceed smoothly after the negotiation ends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, we receive payment in kind worth 20 million stones from the dwarf.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because there's no way he has that much money on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For reference, they were going to give us equipment, but I refused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took out a pile of unused equipment from my backpack, as if I'd been waiting for this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just how much looting have they done?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Give me potions instead, it's easier to convert to cash.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...We can't pay that much in potions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then we'll take the rest in equipment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I demand as many potions as possible, even giving a reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's because we might have to fight them, so it's better to weaken them beforehand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsk, it would have been much easier to deal with them if I had received their currently equipped gear as payment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seven top-grade potions and eleven high-grade potions. If we add the rest of the equipment... it's about right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The barter is completed without any arguments thanks to Raven, who has a regular appraiser license, and we set up camp in a suitable location.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, we each send one person from our teams to keep watch, so there are three people taking turns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hans G, the dwarf, and the bear-like man are the first shift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I'm next.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yandel, it's your turn.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anything happen? Did those two have a suspicious conversation?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That Hans guy was just chattering on his own. I think I would be more comfortable and enjoy it more if I were keeping watch alone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Right, good work. Go get some rest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My watch partners are a fairy archer named Meilin and a White Wolf beastman warrior from the dwarf's team...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...but it's a very uncomfortable time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Now I understand why he said he would be more comfortable alone.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The White Wolf warrior doesn't say a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the fairy archer keeps glancing at me with an unfriendly look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you have something to say?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shouldn't you be a little quieter? Everyone's sleeping.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is why pointy-eared bastards are...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why do they hate kind barbarians like us?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They must have a problem with their personalities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, except for Erwen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Enough, let's just focus on keeping watch.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm more wary of them betraying us than a monster ambush. After all, the probability of them backstabbing us has increased significantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don't know about Hans G, but that dwarf bastard is definitely plotting something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'That's probably why he readily paid in kind.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even considering that we have a monopoly, 20 million stones is an unreasonable amount.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he paid it quite coolly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if he has a way to get it back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'...Well, I guess I'm the same?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I haven't given up on the essence that's in the test tube yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm just waiting for the right time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Misha, wake up. It's time to switch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I fall asleep after the uncomfortable watch duty ends, switching with Misha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the next morning...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...the exploration resumes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We spend all our time except for meals searching the forest, and as a result, we're able to find and defeat the remaining two mid-bosses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Killed Bicorn. EXP +5」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Killed Culbeth. EXP +5」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, no essences dropped...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh? Isn't that it? The thing you guys were talking about!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...but we succeeded in finding the third chapter, which we expected to take another day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character has entered the Shadow Altar.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A black shadow envelops us as soon as we find the altar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A giant barrier forms around us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As befitting the concept of this chapter, my role is also clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「The sealed marauder has possessed one of the expedition members.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alright, then let the games begin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dwarf, your expression looks strange. Did something happen to your head?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This bastard first.\u003C\u002Fp>",2918,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.064Z",1,"novelbin.me","9f9afffefa9031c45083dc8d588916e630aaa0c9c8199dccaa5fb6c172fb022e","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-184","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-182",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]