[{"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-335":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},1327455,1764,"Chapter 335: To the Future (5)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-335",335,"\u003Cp>Alminus Central Exchange, Auction Hall No. 1.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even during regular auctions, where only decent items were presented, this place was rarely more than half full. But today, it was packed with people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And they weren't just any ordinary people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The master of the Nenma Clan is here too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He's not here for himself, but for the explorer known as 'Iron Wall'. Didn't the guardian of their 1st Team die recently? He's probably here to fill the vacancy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Explorers with shiny equipment...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, is the Ragman Trading Company also interested in that essence?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A merchant wouldn't refuse a good deal, no matter what the item is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, but auctioned items rarely sell for their true value...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, if you can use this as an excuse to attend the banquet, you can make a good impression on many nobles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...and wealthy individuals who weren't explorers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were no casual onlookers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was understandable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The auction had become a hot topic, and even the entrance tickets were being sold at exorbitant prices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'It was a nightmare just getting tickets...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it weren't for Amelia, who had tipped me off about the auction before the information was released, I would have had to buy a ticket from a scalper and enter alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop looking around. You'll attract unwanted attention.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I quickly changed the subject, sensing a lecture coming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, have you been to this place often?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Enough times.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, she had been an explorer much longer than me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I can ask you if I have any questions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I continued to observe the surroundings discreetly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are a lot of people wearing masks, just like us? I heard the winning bidder's identity is kept anonymous.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are always people who don't want to be known.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, what about that guy in the suit? He doesn't look like an explorer or a merchant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He's a representative from a powerful family. He's dressed neatly, but it's not a noble family. They always prioritize their reputation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, really?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was like a walking encyclopedia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every question was answered immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I continued to ask her questions, testing her knowledge, and soon the auction began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Amelia... can we even afford anything here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...If we give up on the essence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So we can't afford it...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like she had put a lot of thought into other items besides the 3rd-grade essence. The first item, and the ones that followed, were all high-quality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'A Triple Numbered Item at the central exchange?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it wasn't even a trash Triple Numbered Item.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a general-purpose item that any damage dealer could use, even though it wasn't very useful to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Damn it, if I had the money, I would have bought it and put it in the vault...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I watched the heated bidding with a pang of regret every time a new item was presented.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"140 million stones! 140 million stones! Any higher bids?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Sold to the anonymous bidder!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The auction was very straightforward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't the usual system where you gradually increased your bid in small increments, but a free-for-all where you could write down any amount.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the bidding method was surprisingly modern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Click, click, beep, click.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each chair had a magic tool on the armrest where you could enter your bid, and your bid would appear on the electronic display on the stage when you pressed enter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bidder's identity was kept anonymous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Well, it would be a bloodbath if they didn't protect their anonymity.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This method was first used at the Sky Auction House.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had learned it while studying history at the library. There was an incident where two prestigious noble families got into a fight after bidding against each other in a public auction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, for the seventeenth item!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next item was presented on the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a test tube stored in a luxurious box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several essences had already been auctioned, but this one was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yandel.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the previous essences, a large painting was placed next to the box. A giant monster with thick shells, roaring ferociously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vol-Herchan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'They even prepared this... They really put a lot of effort into this auction.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monster in the painting looked so lifelike that it seemed like it would jump out at any moment. The participants murmured in awe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh... indeed...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I thought this essence would be auctioned last.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, it's a bit strange. There are 35 items in total, so we're not even halfway through...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some were confused by the timing, but I didn't find it strange at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was actually a clever marketing strategy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alminus Trading Company is playing smart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the essence was auctioned last, those who had prepared their funds would have to wait until the very end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would reduce their chances of bidding on other items.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if they auctioned it in the middle and quickly found a buyer?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The situation would change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who had spent their money on the essence would be more likely to bid on other items.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This item is Vol-Herchan's essence, obtained by 'Lightning Spark' of the Maruel Clan after slaying the ferocious beast during their recent expedition...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The auctioneer began his sales pitch, and the atmosphere in the hall changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ahem...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The participants, who had been chatting and socializing, started to eye each other warily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The explorers' eyes gleamed with desire, and the merchants' eyes were sharp like wolves sensing an opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was like a battlefield without weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in that situation...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Who are you trying to outbid?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Click, click, beep, click.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I entered my bid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Starting bid is 50 million stones—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the auction began,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pressed enter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The number appeared on the electronic display.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[870,000,000]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>870 million stones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was why the auction became so famous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was only one bid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brief silence followed the overwhelming bid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"870 million stones...! 870 million stones! Any higher bids?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The auctioneer, maintaining his professionalism, tried to keep his voice calm, but the hall erupted in chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"870 million stones?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who the hell would bid that much from the start...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some were dumbfounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who could possibly afford that...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others were curious about my identity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who had given up on the competition were simply amused, but those who had been serious about the essence were different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have to make a decision quickly before it's sold.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They hurriedly started discussing, their faces pale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as always, their reactions were mixed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"870 million is impossible...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some had already exceeded their budget.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We could afford it, but... it's insane to spend that much on an essence that only guardians use. We're out.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others made a rational decision based on cost-effectiveness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why shouldn't we bid?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maybe the exchange is trying to pull something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some were hesitant, suspicious of foul play.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You mean shill bidding?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's a possibility, but... maybe they never intended to sell it in the first place. It could be a bait.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some even considered the possibility that the Vol-Herchan essence was a fake, just a lure to attract customers...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that wasn't the important part.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The overwhelming bid had stunned them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And they were lost in thought, unable to make a decision in the midst of the chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tick, tock, tick, tock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time was ticking away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Any... higher bids...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The auctioneer, who usually hammered the gavel without hesitation, was stalling for time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw the participants hesitating, unable to make a decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he announced the end of the bidding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang! Bang! Bang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of the gavel echoed through the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smiled in satisfaction and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeah, instant buy is the best part of an auction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>______________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the chaotic auction ended, we went to the item delivery room and paid for the Vol-Herchan essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"870 million stones... confirmed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The employee who delivered the item seemed to be a high-ranking official in the exchange. He looked at us with a mixture of disapproval and curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he maintained his professionalism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have a nice day.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't ask for our identities or engage in any unnecessary conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you waiting for? Let's go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We left the delivery room, feeling the gazes of the other participants on us. They were all curious about what we had bought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they couldn't tell which item we had purchased, so no one dared to approach us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Any tails?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"None. They were probably just curious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Really?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where to?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where else?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The church.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We left the exchange in a carriage and headed straight for the Leathlas Church. It was almost evening, the time when they usually stopped accepting visitors, but we made it just in time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're here to remove an essence?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Here's the donation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please wait outside.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I paid the priest and removed the essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had decided to remove the Corpse Golem essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I've never removed an essence at a church before.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had heard about it from others, but it was a strange experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Look at the production value. In the game, it was just a few clicks on the keyboard.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was enveloped in a white light and arrived in a pure white space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was naked, and a blue dagger was in my hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Giant monsters were all around me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were all locked in cages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ogre, Orc Hero, Stormgush, Manticore, Bion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And my target for today, the Corpse Golem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I observed them for a moment and then used the dagger to cut the thread of light connecting the Corpse Golem to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swaaaaaaaaaa!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I opened my eyes, and I was back in the church.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It feels strange...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's natural to feel that way. You've just severed a connection that was engraved in your soul. It's a common experience for first-timers. You'll get used to the empty slot in a few days.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a very Leathlas Church-like statement, but I couldn't help but agree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't just the emptiness from losing stats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like a part of me was missing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you okay?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, it's nothing serious. I'll be fine after some grilled meat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We left the church and returned to the inn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I took out the test tube.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Amelia, are you ready?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amelia looked at me with a confused expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I just meant, don't be surprised if the Fragment of Records reacts when you absorb this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had already met the GM, and I had deposited the hammer in the vault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amelia had even taken care of her sister's finances, making sure she wouldn't be audited in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So if my guess was correct...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'This is the last piece of the puzzle.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took out the Fragment of Records and absorbed the essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Ah... this is why I farm essences.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The feeling of fullness was overwhelming, even though I missed the Corpse Golem essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The light from the test tube flowed into my body, and I felt a surge of power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it wasn't as intense as when I absorbed the Ogre essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raw Strength wasn't a common stat for 2nd-grade essences and above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Well, the skill is what matters anyway.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I opened my eyes, savoring the feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I looked at the Fragment of Records, which was still silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Could it be that this wasn't it either?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What else did I have to do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was I going to be stuck here for years?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was starting to feel anxious when...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, it's about time...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amelia muttered, as if sighing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked at her, and she smiled reassuringly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't worry, we'll be going back tomorrow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes seemed a bit sad.\u003C\u002Fp>",1940,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.065Z",1,"novelbin.me","9ea2ebc9223f4a1f3aa966863f31fe2b3b5703c8754ad42720fff5ae30153f5a","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-336","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-334",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]