[{"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-353":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},1327523,1764,"Chapter 353: Dark Continent (4)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-353",353,"\u003Cp>\"Lihen! Here's some water!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the explorers, including myself, quenched their thirst with water or alcohol, the royal officials moved through the ship, conducting a headcount.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The ships will be unsummoned immediately after disembarkation, so please make sure you have all your belongings!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following their instructions, we boarded smaller boats and headed towards the shore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The troops who had already disembarked were lined up in formation on the shore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, it was still a far cry from the modern standard of marching in perfect unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It seems like they weren't waiting to ambush us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, they'd be hard-pressed to win against this many soldiers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We waited in line, and the troops soon began their march.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, we didn't follow them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our ship, the 3rd-class ship 3-21, was assigned to escort the 3rd Magic Corps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the 3rd Magic Corps, being part of the 3rd Army, was responsible for securing the rear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, our role in this war was to establish a base here and defend it after the main force departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's set up camp!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the remaining ships of the 3rd Corps disembarked, the base construction began in earnest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Explorers set up the provided tents, and mages busied themselves drawing various magic circles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And after some time...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swaaaaaaaaaa!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The deafening roar of the waterfall subsided, and the fog that had obscured our vision cleared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Phew, finally...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone, have a drink and rest! We'll announce the tent assignments and mission details soon!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the base construction neared completion, we were assigned our tent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A six-person tent located in the east, near the lake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though we were under military control, they didn't separate us from our team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's introduce ourselves. We'll be working together from now on.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three strangers joined us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We weren't just sharing a tent, we were assigned to the same squad for guard duty and patrols.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'That's why they put us together.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clans or teams usually consisted of five... no, six members after the Bonding spell update.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But we were only three, so they matched us with others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Well, it doesn't seem completely random.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked at the man who was leading the conversation with a friendly smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was wearing a fancy uniform and a sword at his waist, but he was a mage. The emblem of the 3rd Magic Corps on his chest proved it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Alex Hailo, Assistant Vice-Captain of the 3rd Magic Corps.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Assistant Vice-Captain?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I mumbled, and Amelia whispered in my ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It means he's the Vice-Captain's assistant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, so he's Raven's right-hand man?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was obvious why he was sent here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To monitor and control us... or rather, to keep an eye on Erwen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The six of us assigned to this tent will be part of Squad 3-17, and as the squad leader, I'll do my best to—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Squad leader? Who decided that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwen's hostile question cracked the man's smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha... I understand you might have some concerns about that. But it's an order from my superiors, so—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're putting on a brave face, but you're quite nervous, aren't you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Yes?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why, am I making you uncomfortable?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man flinched and then forced a smile, shaking his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Of course not. I'm actually quite reassured.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clearly a polite lie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wouldn't be avoiding Erwen's gaze if he really felt that way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew he was just following orders, so I intervened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But we're fine with just the three of us...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Isn't it better to have more people?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But a squad leader...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's nothing wrong with a military officer being the squad leader. Why are you so against it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Okay, I'll stop.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwen finally backed down, but her behavior seemed to have left an impression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man turned his attention to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you are...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lihen Schuitz.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, yes... I know. Nice to meet you. And you must be Emily Raines.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He greeted me and then introduced the other two, who had been awkwardly observing the situation from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These two were on the 3rd-class ship that sank on the way here. They were rescued, but unfortunately, their other companions...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So that was why they had taken two members from other teams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's an honor to meet you, Blood Spirit Marquis. Of course, I mean all of you. I'm a 5th-grade explorer, Laikion Elt.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed like a decent guy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was polite and had good manners, judging by how he waited for his turn to introduce himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a 5th-grade explorer, so he could definitely hold his own in battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And his situation seemed rather unfortunate...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll do my best not to be a burden! I'm... Hans Kaiser!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn't help but blurt it out, and he kindly repeated his name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hans Kaiser!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are you kidding me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>____________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I thought about it for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What happened the last time I met someone named Hans?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn't take long to remember.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hans J, the one we met on Parune Island, was a traitor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I was dragged into the past after meeting him.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I spent six months there, and when I returned, two years and six months had passed in the original timeline.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that wasn't all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only were my companions scattered, but I was also branded as an evil spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I let out a dry chuckle, and Hans K tilted his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uh... is something wrong?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would only bring bad luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Erwen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, mister.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You said we were fine with just the three of us, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, that's right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was seriously conflicted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One word from me, and Erwen would tear this squad apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'That would reach Raven's ears.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was what bothered me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raven knew about my Hans phobia. She might start suspecting me after hearing about this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Wait, but as long as it doesn't seem like I kicked them out because of their name...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would be fine, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alright, I made up my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They're trash.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Yes?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You guys will only hold us back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My cold words made their faces harden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They never expected me to say something like that, especially not Erwen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha... what do you mean? Didn't you just say it's better to have more people, Schuitz?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, right, I did say that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I changed my mind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hans was a serious matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I then suggested that they either remove those two or let us leave. The officer looked troubled, but...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's ridiculous. You think you're something special just because you're with the Blood Spirit Marquis?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine, then we'll leave. We don't have to stay here and be insulted. But make sure you tell the military that it wasn't our fault.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My words must have struck a nerve. They declared their withdrawal and stormed out of the tent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Phew, that takes care of one problem—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How dare they say that. Should I go after them?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, don't even talk to them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Okay!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they left, I noticed Raven's right-hand man, Alex, glaring at me with disgust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, he must have heard about the incident from Raven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He probably thought I was a pathetic loser who relied on others for protection, even though I seemed decent at first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So what are you going to do? There are only four of us now, but the squad is supposed to have six.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I'll report to the Vice-Captain and let you know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex also left to report the situation, and Erwen cautiously asked me,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But... why did you do that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His name was Hans.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What's wrong with Hans?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, she doesn't know about my Hans jinx?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, come to think of it, I don't remember telling her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I was about to explain, Amelia chuckled and spoke for me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You don't even know that about your companion?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...So you know?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amelia shrugged and briefly explained my Hans jinx.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew how significant it was since she had called me 'Lee Hans' before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Erwen seemed offended that she was the only one who didn't know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hans...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She muttered the name with a chilling voice, then clenched her fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hans Aulock, the traitor from Parune Island, his name was also Hans. I'm sorry. I won't forget it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uh... o-okay...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was worried she might start shooting arrows at anyone named Hans, but I decided not to worry too much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, what difference did it make? They were all Hans anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They must have some sins to atone for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'The problem is, I've already met a Hans...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had managed to kick them out of the squad, but I had spent too much time in the same space as Hans K.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it wasn't even a well-ventilated space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Considering we were in the middle of a battlefield on the 7th floor...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mister... my hands are shaking...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ugh, this is going to be a problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>____________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of disaster was about to unfold?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn't even relax and enjoy the break, my hands trembling with anxiety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your squad assignment has been decided.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex returned and told us about the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We were still a four-person squad, and he was still the leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"From now on, we'll be assigned to VIP protection instead of perimeter patrol or guard duty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our mission had changed to protecting Raven, the Vice-Captain of the 3rd Magic Corps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, there was no problem with that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raven was the most important person in our unit now that Kyle had joined the special forces of the 1st Corps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like they just wanted to keep an eye on her and prevent any accidents...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, there was no problem with that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaboom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A magic cannon fired from somewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beep! Beep! Beep!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The alarm magic activated, blaring throughout the base.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ambush! Ambush!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All units, prepare for battle!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It happened less than two hours after we met Hans K.\u003C\u002Fp>",1652,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.065Z",1,"novelbin.me","04332c1411700052cec48a995c9ec39b2367b944eeaef61c12e36a9c394de3ac","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-354","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-352",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]