[{"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-221":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},1327898,1764,"Chapter 221 Like a Flame (1)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-221",221,"\u003Cp>Like a Flame (1)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a Flame (1)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One 3rd-grade explorer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nine 4th-grade explorers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fourteen regular knights capable of using Aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘One 3rd-grade mage.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were the key members for this operation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, considering the crisis we’re facing, even this number wasn't enough to be certain of anything…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The core members had already escaped through Dimensional Gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only natural that we were lacking top-tier personnel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, how many people would voluntarily stay behind like these people, refusing their survival tickets?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realistically, this was probably all of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Not bad.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glanced to the side with that thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A 40-year-old Caucasian man with black hair, wearing a robe, was standing there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was the one I found most curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kyle Pebrosk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A 3rd-grade military mage from the royal family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was truly surprised when I learned about his rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s customary in this industry to treat a mage’s rank as +1.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it’s not out of respect for mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raven was only 6th-grade, but she was doing the second most work on our team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s more accurate to say that the criteria for ranking are different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But a 3rd-grade mage?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘A 2nd-grade explorer is practically a top-tier player.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, I didn’t understand why the knight commander left this man here alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A 3rd-grade mage? Even if he screamed and protested, they should have taken him with them. He was a top-tier asset, someone whose loss would be greater than the loss of thousands of explorers to the royal family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No, maybe that’s why the knight commander couldn’t take him by force?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, that’s possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the royal family, the death of this man would be a bigger loss than the death of thousands of explorers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s plausible that the commander tried to take him, but failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It must be because of a grudge.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I asked Kyle why he stayed behind right before we departed, and he answered coldly in a sharp voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I can’t run away and leave him behind. It’s an opportunity that comes once in a blue moon.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, he didn’t tell me who ‘him’ was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the atmosphere wasn’t right to pry further, and it was a good thing for me regardless of his motivation, so we immediately started our journey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And time passed, and now…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…I’m running.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the very forefront of hundreds of people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clank, clank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The formation is simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We divided the thousand explorers into three groups, and they were following at a distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although we distributed the forces evenly, most of the key members I mentioned earlier were in the first group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were no objections from the rear groups.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They understood too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That if ‘he’ appeared, we would be the ones clearing the path amidst all the danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a solemn silence, broken only by the sound of running, continues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, I would have chatted with my companions to relieve the tension…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was impossible now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because my team members were in a different group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clank, clank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only warriors and knights, heavily armed like me, are behind me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our mission, including mine, is only one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To open the path when the time comes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s naturally the most dangerous position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So I sent my companions to the back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The situation was different from before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s much safer in the back since there are many people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Anything strange back there?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s when, as we’re running…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…I hear Kyle’s voice through the message stone on my waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s from Kyle, who’s about 70 meters behind me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For reference, I placed all our team members near him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I feel a bit awkward as I answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This type of communication is essential since we have to spread out and use the terrain effectively when moving in a large group…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…but I’ve never done it when we were in a team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wonder if I’ll get used to this once I form a clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Okay, I’ll relay that to the back. Tell me immediately if something happens. It’s about to begin.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I end the call and look straight ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fog that was thick a few days ago has completely disappeared, and there’s no sign of explorers from Noark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only traces of time, bloodstains, and corpses, fill the area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s about time.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My heart pounds uneasily as time passes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s only natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s been over 30 minutes since the crystals on the cave walls started emitting a red light, signifying the appearance of the ninth Floor Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I suddenly turn right at a fork in the road.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at the same time, a warrior behind me marks the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s also the reason why I’m leading the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A vanguard with navigation skills is usually—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Halt.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I clear my thoughts and stop everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crystal that was emitting a bright red light was losing its glow and turning black.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After about 3 seconds…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…the entire passage was plunged into darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I light the torch I prepared beforehand and say,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Everyone, brace yourselves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I suddenly remember a quote by Einstein.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said he didn’t know what weapons would be used in World War III, but World War IV would be fought with sticks and stones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it’s not a perfect analogy for my current situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But one thing is clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>_____________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Special condition - Nine Fears fulfilled.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「The Lord of the Abyss, Verzak, starts to roam the floor.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s time to return to the basics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Field effect - Abyssal Fog applied.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「All usage effects are deactivated.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Mana efficiency reduced to 1\u002F4.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Monsters exposed to the Abyssal Fog evolve into superior beings.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>_____________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Click.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I insert the torch into the slot on my helmet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s the Barbarian Candle Mode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although it’s a mode I haven’t used in a long time, I’m not embarrassed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because all the other warriors are doing the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huhu, it’s been a while since I used a torch.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I agree.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our vision is restored as everyone inserts torches into their helmets. And the black fog surrounding us becomes clearer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s similar to the darkness of the labyrinth that appears from the 2nd floor onwards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Darkness that devours light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Visibility is about 2 meters.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s shorter than I thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, in the game, I always brought several Archmages with me when I fought Verzak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I never had to face this kind of situation because I summoned him after preparing a perfect environment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard about it, but it’s more dangerous than I thought.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tension fills the air among the experienced warriors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s how important vision is in battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, in the United States, 21 feet (6.4 meters) is recommended as the ideal distance for confronting a criminal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s difficult to react properly if the criminal is closer and charges with a knife.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For reference, that’s for ‘guns’.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They need that much distance to aim and pull the trigger at a ‘human’ charging at full speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But 2 meters…?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[We have to move quickly.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m interrupted from my mental preparation as Kyle’s voice comes through the message stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We were inserting torches. We’ll depart now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I inform the warriors and then move forward, covering my upper body with my shield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clank, clank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…I gradually increase my pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s one of the reasons why the current situation is so difficult, and why I only included strong warriors and knights in the vanguard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To have to run with a visibility of 2 meters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shout to shake off my fear and push off the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’ll never reach our destination if we just walk slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, we already know it’s dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Le, let’s go!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warriors also gather their courage and follow as I run into the darkness first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, they’ll be better off since I’m illuminating the path—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kyaaaaaaaaaak!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A beast roars and charges towards us from the darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s much bigger than anything we’ve encountered on the 1st floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, it’s also because I’m not using [Gigantification] this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thwack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smash the beast’s jaw with my shield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at the same time, the warrior to my right swings his double-edged axe at its neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The axe penetrates the flesh, but it gets caught on the bone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can’t help but feel a bitter taste in my mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf who just swung that axe is a 4th-grade warrior. And he’s not even a guardian, but a melee damage dealer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he couldn’t kill it in one shot…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kyaaaaaaaaaak!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The beast charges towards us again, despite the deep wound on its neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smash its head with my mace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thwack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It probably didn’t die from this either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t even use [Swing], my only attack skill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, to be precise, I couldn’t use it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「All usage effects are deactivated.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Active skills are sealed in the ‘Abyssal Fog’.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although I can still use the Corpse Golem’s [Acidic Fluid], I can’t use [Flesh Explosion].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why I can’t use [Gigantification] right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It really feels like I’m back to the beginning.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A strange sense of loss washes over me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I remember the early days when I had nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s probably the biggest reason why the other warriors are so afraid of the darkness beyond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because one of their greatest weapons is gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you guys doing! Follow me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…the base stats from the essences are still there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We can still use passives, and we have the equipment we worked hard to buy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, we can’t use the equipment’s usage effects or scrolls…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…but permanent options like the 50% shock absorption from the Guardian Corps Insignia still apply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Leave the ones you can’t kill to the back!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We ignore the beast and run into the darkness again. We’ll never reach our destination in time if we try to kill each and every one of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kyaaaaaaaaaak!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Woof! Woof!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beasts appear in groups every few steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’re about 1.5 times bigger than a lion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But their appearance is the same as the Blade Wolves that commonly appear in the eastern district of the 1st floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their strength is on a completely different level, though.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Killed Abyssal Blade Wolf. EXP +5」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’re 5th-grade monsters, the same level as trolls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We have to break through them without active skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why I focused on recruiting warriors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sorcerers, summoners, necromancers, and other classes that rely heavily on skills would be useless in this event.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other hand, warriors usually have high base stats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aak, my arm…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Priest, heal him quickly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But casualties start to appear as we break through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like how my combat power has decreased significantly after losing [Gigantification], the other explorers aren’t used to their current selves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, and the Abyssal Blade Wolf’s skill also plays a part.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Abyssal Blade Wolf has cast [Inner Madness].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Inner Madness], the active skill that Blade Wolves acquire after evolving in the Abyssal Fog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The effect is simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The caster’s defense stats are all removed, and their offensive stats, like sharpness, destructive power, and penetration, are increased proportionally—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kyaaaak!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hurriedly cover my face with my shield, clearing my thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hear a grinding sound from beyond the shield as I block the claws.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I’m more worried about my body than the repair costs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>4th-tier Moonstone is at this point?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Even I wouldn’t be able to endure this with my bare body.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s only natural that casualties are appearing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their claws can tear through 2nd-tier metal like paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Phew, if an essence drops, I’ll absorb it right away.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t find their essences appealing when I triggered this event in the late game.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it’s different for me now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, their base stats are high for a 5th-grade monster…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…and the skill is decent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this skill, I can temporarily change my position from a tank to a damage dealer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, it’s a skill I can’t use in the current situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But their base stats are really high.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Any increase in stats would be a big help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can just remove the essence later at the temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>1 million stones isn’t that expensive anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shout to boost morale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it’s not just me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone is shouting, calling out to what they believe in to overcome their fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For Lafdonia!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The loyal knights call out to the royal family that abandoned them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ailey!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone calls out their wife’s name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“May the starlight guide me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone asks for help from their god.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After some time…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[It’s time to switch.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…Kyle’s voice comes through the message stone, and the warriors and knights who were conserving their strength in the rear switch places with the vanguard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Are you okay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf warrior who was fighting the hardest next to me asks with concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, I want to rest too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Someone has to navigate at the front.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You can just call another scout and have them do it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Another scout…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can’t help but chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most scouts have low combat power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he’s saying to call them here, where even heavily armed warriors and knights are getting their flesh torn and their organs spilled?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry, I’m fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I’ll be back soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geez, he’s loyal after just fighting together for a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll be waiting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf warrior also retreats, and new people fill the spots behind and next to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’re not unfamiliar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We already introduced ourselves before departing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Elbertin, Davers, Karkin, good to see you. I’ll be counting on you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, you look like a mess already.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How about you rest in the back? We’ll open the path from now on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warriors offer their consideration, looking at my tattered equipment and the blood that’s still flowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can still endure. I’ll tell you when I need a break.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stubborn.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s why so many people gathered around him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it, those bastards don’t even give us time to greet each other.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’re forced to resume our journey before we can even finish our brief conversation as a beast appears in front of us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Everyone, be careful, they’re different from ordinary Blade Wolves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As if they weren’t already jumping out from side paths enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It was intense back there too. Many have already died.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Died…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They don’t have a priest there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, that’s how it is.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We placed all the priests on the front lines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that doesn’t mean it’s safer here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were casualties even in that battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The divine power will eventually run out.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had the injured retreat and use potions to conserve divine power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it’s also just a matter of time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then this place will turn into an even worse hell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Misha…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shake my head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although I’m worried about my companions who are in the back, if something happened, they would have contacted me through the message stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Let’s focus on what I have to do.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I dismiss my thoughts and put my weight into my shield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I swing my mace when necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes I shout, sometimes I lose my balance and fall, but I quickly get back up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thwack! Thwack! Slash! Kwaaang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beasts bleeding black blood, cut by maces, swords, or Aura unleashed by knights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their blood covers my body over and over again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time passes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huff, huff.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warriors, who focused on physical stats, breathe heavily and groan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s that kind of battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even I, who prided myself on experiencing all sorts of chaos, am struggling to maintain my composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is that why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I come to my senses, another warrior is standing next to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since when?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Davers, when did Elbertin go back?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is he dead?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…I see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We were supposed to have a drink together later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I keep moving forward, as if fueling myself by burning away even fleeting emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I give the priests orders to prioritize healing others, not me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Potions are enough for me since I have Pain Resistance, and besides…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…honestly, I don’t even know anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is my judgment clouded because I’ve been fighting so much?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or have my barbarian instincts awakened because I’m surrounded by warriors?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because we’ve become acquainted?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, maybe it’s because I’ve seen too many deaths recently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was a sacrificial pawn to someone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I also treated others as sacrificial pawns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a natural fact until a few days ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t feel any resentment or unfairness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the world, and I chose to adapt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…what is this feeling?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn’t this kind of person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…my heart is burning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warmth of the flowing blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stickiness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, it’s only natural for me to be insane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aaaaaaaaaaa!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stop trying to find a reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don’t know why, but something stirs inside me every time someone following me dies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s a desire I’ve never felt before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I want to…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Save my companions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the countless people following me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I want to return alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character’s health is below 20%.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「All resistance and defense stats are increased to their maximum due to the passive skill [Hero’s Path].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it means burning everything I have.\u003C\u002Fp>",2848,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.064Z",1,"novelbin.me","12dcdd5d12b268c105badae4f1e5177c7c83c9f2be4aefe06be5eac77797680f","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-222","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-220",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]