[{"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-227":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},1327904,1764,"Chapter 227 Turning the Tables (3)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-227",227,"\u003Cp>Turning the Tables (3)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning the Tables (3)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Takelan Arbenon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t understand at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What am I doing?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swings his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He moves his arm with all his might, to kill the enemy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he keeps asking himself,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then why should he live?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The barbarian answered that question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Someone has to deliver the news.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Right, there was that…]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Takelan, who was in despair, joined this arduous journey after hearing his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To deliver the news to his companion’s family?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew that wasn’t the real reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The barbarian who protected everything, unlike him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I repeat! Everyone, stop!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stopped the tragedy that was consumed by madness with his foolishly persistent voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Melter Pend, the leader of the Nartel Clan.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Lacey Naret from the Heindel Church.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I’m a military mage of Lafdonia.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was acknowledged by renowned explorers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The great barbarian who led that arduous journey at the most dangerous forefront and guided them to their destination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man was a natural-born leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had the power to move people’s hearts, just like how Takelan was drawn to him at first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that’s why…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…he wanted to see this amazing man lose his precious things and drown in despair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he would feel a little better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, it couldn’t be helped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a man like this couldn’t do it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only natural that he couldn’t protect them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He followed this journey with the disgusting motivation of seeking comfort through others’ misfortune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, that must have been the case…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…but he’s swinging his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To save others, not just himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, thank you. You’re Takelan, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re a quiet one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s fighting with all his might to save a stranger, even though he lost his companion of many years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Takelan couldn’t understand it at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was he still fighting?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he didn’t see that barbarian despair?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, then why…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Phew, reinforcements at a time like this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re probably going to die, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha, this is crazy. We came all this way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop chattering and fight!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right, I can’t die with this much regret!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Were they fighting until the end, even though they sensed their own deaths?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Waaaaaaaaaa—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Takelan scanned the explorers’ eyes and soon realized the reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kwaaang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond the constant explosions…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…a man with a giant back was fighting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still hadn’t given up hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>_____________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The situation was grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the more that was the case, the more I focused on the positive aspects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Their equipment is just 2nd or 3rd-floor level.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although they were numerous, their individual strength was quite low. Well, they would have been hunting on the upper floors if they were skilled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, the Noark remnants attacked us, mixed in with the corpse army, but it didn’t make much of a difference to us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the corpses summoned by the Clown was more threatening at our level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The problem is… it takes longer to break through.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, this was the most troublesome part.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time wasn’t on our side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had to defeat the Clown as quickly as possible and then gang up on the wolf bastard or the Ruin Scholar to have a chance of winning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But those Noark remnants had to appear now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘At this rate, even the rear formation will collapse…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gripped my mace tighter as my impatience grew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kwagic!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, it died in one hit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even as I was defeating the enemy…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aaaaaak!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…our numbers were decreasing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People were at their most honest in the face of death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some confessed their love to their families, some cursed the King, and some revealed their true identities that they had never been able to reveal before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That look… Hey, I’m an evil spirit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What? Wh, what does that—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry… for deceiving you… Thank you… Keugh! I’m finally… ho, home… Ah, ah, mom… I’m… la, late…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, there’s no way there wouldn’t be a single player among this many people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I felt a sense of injustice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To die so meaninglessly after overcoming so many hardships to get here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…No, that can’t be.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gather my wavering mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wouldn’t be too late to break down after I collapse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My arms and legs were still moving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to struggle until my breath stopped and my blood ran cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, so…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kwagic!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…I swing my mace and think.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like the first day I came here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What do I have to do to survive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, first, I need to assess the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kyle! How’s it going on your end?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[We’re barely holding out, but it’s not good.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like the rear, where the ranged damage dealers like mages and archers were gathered, was also suffering heavy losses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, it’s only natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noark explorers would have attacked them too. And it would have been difficult for them to deal with it since most of the warriors were here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So we’re surrounded.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But surprisingly, there was an escape route.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The portal we came through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Kyle, who didn’t say it out loud to maintain morale, probably had some people escape through it to the 1st floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Escape is always a tempting option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially in a life-or-death situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Yandel, how about we go down and reorganize?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A warrior shouted advice at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But did Kyle hear it through the message stone?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Absolutely not. We’ll eventually have to come back up to avoid him, and by then, they won’t give us time to form a line.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kyle firmly rejected the idea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was pointless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn’t even thinking about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>0 and 1 are different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if Kyle and my judgment is correct…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…this was definitely a 1.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had to settle things here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How’s Melter Pend doing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…I ask about another battlefield that could be a variable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But again, there was no positive answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[He’s holding out well, but it doesn’t seem like it will end soon.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, so that’s how it is.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Bjorn!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I look to the side in surprise, and a suicide bomber is right next to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dertu Tayran!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Raven casts ‘Gale’ just in time and pushes the suicide bomber away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The suicide bomber explodes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other corpses aren’t affected, but the Noark explorers who came as reinforcements are different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sizzle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ones who were nearby melt away, and even those who were just splashed with a single drop turn pale and stumble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I feel a bitter taste in my mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lafdonia or Noark, they’re both treating people like consumables.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then what about the Ruin Scholar?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I continue the conversation without a moment’s respite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s information that might be the most important right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can you kill him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I’ll try now that the magic circle is complete. But…]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kyle trails off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems like he’s not confident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I’m sorry. I thought I had caught up, but the gap is even wider than before.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t feel like blaming him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the first place, we wouldn’t even be here if he had escaped through Dimensional Gate. And besides, even I thought the Ruin Scholar was an insane mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[But like I said, I can at least buy some time. I’ll try to land a hit within that time. Even if it means sacrificing my life.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words reminded me of Dwarkey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you talking about that Awakening spell?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[…Something similar.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Will you be okay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[If I was afraid of the price, I wouldn’t have stayed here. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. And I’ve improved it over a long time, so it’s not like I’ll definitely die.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t tell him that he didn’t have to go that far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would just be hypocrisy…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aaaaaak!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…and besides, who wasn’t fighting with their life on the line in this situation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even I was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, even if I collapse right now, people would be sad, but they wouldn’t be surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was that kind of battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Then what are you going to do?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smiled at Kyle’s cautious question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why does he always ask this kind of thing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[It might be better to come back here and fight together—]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I firmly cut him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although we were now outnumbered even in terms of quantity because of the Noark explorers who came as reinforcements…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nothing changes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kyle Pebrosk is in charge of the Ruin Scholar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Melter Pend is in charge of the wolf bastard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re in charge of the Corpse Collector.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I knew you would say that.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hear a chuckle from beyond the message stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are you laughing? You think we can’t do it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[No, that’s not what I meant. I just remembered something you said earlier.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something I said?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Didn’t you say warriors laugh when they’re in pain? Now include mages too.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, our warriors laugh more heartily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll show you a more manly laugh next time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Next time…]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, was that a bit inappropriate in this situation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I felt a bit regretful, but a lighter voice soon came through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Right, it’s not bad to have a next time. You know? I’m going to write a book when I get back. A book about my life. It was my childhood dream.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll read it if I have the chance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[It would be an honor. Can I include what you said in the book?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What I said?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[About warriors laughing when they’re in pain. It keeps lingering in my mind.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uh, I just said that casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m a bit embarrassed that he’s taking it so seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I would allow anything if it meant we could return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do whatever you want.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kyle laughed out loud at my answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Haha, really? Then it’s settled.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a much more hearty laugh than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>___________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The current battle situation is a bit complicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, the ranged damage dealers of the expedition party are concentrated around the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the warriors are protecting them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, we just had to block the corpse army from the front, but now we’re surrounded since the Noark explorers are also attacking from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘They must be having a hard time too.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Melter Pend and his clan members were left in the middle of the battlefield, still raiding the wolf bastard, as we were forming a line after coming through the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m sure they’re struggling as much as we are.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, we’re also a separate unit that broke away from the main force to kill the Corpse Collector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s a kind of special task force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, in that sense, time for a mid-battle check.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Raven! How many are left?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes? Ah, I think there are about 40 of us!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Phew, so many died in that short amount of time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I think there were well over a hundred at first—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swaaaaaaaaa!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s when a light suddenly erupted from the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A giant red magic circle instantly engulfed the entire battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…It’s a spatial magic formula!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raven was the first to read the formula.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that was all she could figure out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kyle’s calm voice came through the message stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Don’t be surprised. It’s just time.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So there’s no problem with the plan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Right, I thought that old man would definitely use this spell.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was relieved at his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was saying that if the Ruin Scholar used a spatial magic formula, we could use his mana to cast another spell?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the rough plan, but I don’t know the details since I’m not a mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This kind of thing wasn’t even implemented in the game.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a limitation of the 2D game format.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I should get ready too.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I have to act believing that it will work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, there’s no hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swaaaaaaaaa!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The light emanating from the magic circle intensified, and my vision turned completely white.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at that moment…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I’ll be back.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…I heard Kyle’s voice again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blinding flash engulfed the battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Kyle Pebrosk has cast the 2nd-grade space-time magic [Parallel World].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ringing sound echoed in my ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I opened my eyes, I saw the unchanged battlefield through blurry vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I muttered briefly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kyle, did it work?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, it meant the spell was successful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kyle was probably starting his 1:1 with the Ruin Scholar in a virtual space based on the Goblin Forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hope he wins and returns…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But I should prepare for when he doesn’t.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kyle thought he could at least buy some time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We have to achieve something within that time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you waiting for! Run!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We resumed our breakthrough, leading the task force, after briefly stopping because of the white flash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The advance was much smoother without the Ruin Scholar’s constant harassment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After some time…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This should be enough.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…we reached the target distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We didn’t have to risk our lives to break through anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, I left the task force to Teterud, who had been clearing the path with me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Teterud, take the rest of the people and go back now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll leave him to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had already communicated while clearing the path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, you heard him? We’re going back!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But even that doesn’t seem easy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, I’m sure Yandel will take care of it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teterud then led the remaining forces and retreated towards where Melter Pend was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They might not be able to reach the main force from here, but they should be able to reach there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And once they arrive, they’ll be able to help defeat the wolf bastard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Everyone, get on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misha quickly jumped onto my shoulder, which was in [Gigantification] state, as soon as I gave the order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are we really going alone?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Ainar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh! Now I understand why Aruru rides on you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t put her on my shoulder because of her size, so I wrapped my left arm around her waist and lifted her up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Excuse me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raven, who got off Woongie after he was unsummoned, sat on Misha’s lap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…This feels very strange.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bear-like man, who was the biggest, clung to my back, choking me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now it really feels like we’re a team!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…Erwen sat on my right shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh, it really feels like I’ve become a vehicle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s when, just as we’re about to leave…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait a minute.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…Daria stopped me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew what she was going to say, so I said it first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I told you, I can’t send Erwen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t give her to them, no matter how much she used her sister’s position to pressure me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwen was the core of this strategy—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s not it. I’m going too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, so you do have a conscience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What’s with that look?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s nothing. Come here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I quickly extended my remaining arm and wrapped it around Daria’s waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Grooooooooowl…!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kill him! It’s over if we just kill him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corpses summoned by the Clown, as well as the low-level Noark explorers on the 2nd floor, were swarming towards us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I bent my knees slightly and checked the front.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over a hundred Noark explorers were between the Clown and me, and even more corpses were swarming…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s about 60 meters.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I checked the distance one more time and then bent my knees further, like compressing a spring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hold on tight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…this time, I didn’t just jump lightly, but with all my might.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character has cast [Leap].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My body soared into the air, and I could see the entire battlefield at a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re flying!! We’re flying!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Melter Pend, who was raiding the wolf bastard with his clan members in a siege formation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teterud, who had started running towards them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The main force in the center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the Clown, who was just watching me from a safe distance and laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh, uh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s when, as I reached the highest point…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…someone pulled my hair with all their might.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geez, should I add something to my armor for them to grab onto later?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kyaaaaaaaaaaaak!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My body, which was drawing a parabola, starts falling rapidly. The Clown, who was sitting on a corpse monster, moved his summon back as he saw me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, do you think that would work now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’re going to kite, at least do it properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kwaaang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My body crashes into the ground like a cannonball.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character’s total weight is over 1,000 kg.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「The special terrain effect [Recoil] is additionally applied to the damage radius.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Noark remnants and the corpse army around the Clown are all thrown into the air by the [Recoil] effect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, except for the corpse monster the Clown was riding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t even budge since its weight was over 500 kg.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it was a minor issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I didn’t expect you to have absorbed the Manticore essence. Pfft!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Clown was still looking at me with a relaxed expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He even seemed to be enjoying it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although I wanted to chat with him for a bit…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…I quickly deactivated [Gigantification].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My body shrinks rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kyaak!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My companions, who were clinging to me, all fall off, and the Clown speaks in an exaggerated tone as he looks at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh my, oh my! You ran out of MP? That’s a shame after you worked so hard to get here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ran out of MP, my ass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, he’ll stop with that stupid tone once he experiences it firsthand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Erwen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, yes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwen uses her ability as soon as I call her name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia has cast [Spirit Transformation].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Spirit Transformation].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s the 5th-grade monster Evan’s ability, and a skill that had a very unique concept even in [Dungeon and Stone].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The effect is simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The caster becomes incorporeal and immune to physical damage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia offers a ‘contract’ to the character.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…they form a contract with one person and temporarily share various powers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Mister, hold my hand.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice that sounds like it’s not from this world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I instinctively grab Erwen’s outstretched hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at that moment…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…fierce flames erupt, enveloping and protecting my body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s Elemental Barbarian (Fire) Mode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Erwen, put out the fire.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[…Yes? Ah, right!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did she finally remember what I said before?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwen quickly changes the element.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crackle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My already thick skin cracks like dry land and becomes even thicker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「The Earth Spirit has been imbued into the character’s body.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Fire damage taken is halved.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Water damage taken is doubled.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Poison Immunity bonus.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Strong bonus added to destructive actions when using blunt weapons.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Physical Resistance greatly increased…….」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「…….」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn right, a man is a rock.\u003C\u002Fp>",3076,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.064Z",1,"novelbin.me","819e4c6ebeaeee946245a12e0beac7c28a48d72bfb0614b82656977f18f85ffd","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-228","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-226",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]