[{"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-355":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},1327525,1764,"Chapter 355: Isolation (2)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-355",355,"\u003Cp>A corpse rose from the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its skin was mottled and stitched together, as if on the verge of bursting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Could it be... the Corpse Collector...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amelia's words made me sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She must have come to the same conclusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it was a necromancer from Noark, there was only one possibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'If they sent a small elite force, this bastard would definitely be part of it.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Abet Necrapheto.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The infamous Corpse Collector, a member of Orculus, specialized in large-scale battles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this guy was here, it meant Noark was serious this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Damn, they said the rear hasn't been attacked since that one time... Why now, of all times...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn't help but complain, but there was no time for that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I dashed forward and smashed the corpse's skull with my hammer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't even need to use [Swing].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corpse's head caved in, splattering blood everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a melee warrior, I couldn't avoid getting splattered...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sizzle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stinging sensation and the smell confirmed it. It was definitely him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you alright?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't worry, I'm fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't even need to activate [Elemental Barbarian (Earth)] for the poison resistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vol-Herchan's +120 Poison Resistance was enough to handle skin contact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, it was a bit itchy, but...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It seems like it's starting...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I was feeling a strange sense of satisfaction at my accurate prediction, I noticed Erwen standing frozen in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Erwen, are you okay?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Yes? W-what did you just say?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I asked if you're okay.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah... y-yes...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded, but her voice was still dazed, and her gaze was fixed on the crushed corpse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Corpse... Collector...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, right...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She must be feeling a lot right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had met her sister's killer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Daria was killed by the Ruin Scholar, this bastard played a significant role in it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwen's voice trembled as she asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Can we kill him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kill him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I thought for a moment and answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maybe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, if things went well, we could kill him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today, our priority is to survive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I spoke firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be putting the cart before the horse to prioritize revenge over survival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwen seemed to understand, but she just stared at me blankly for about five seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she bit her lip and clenched her fists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Okay, I'll do as you say.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ugh, this makes me feel bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I patted her shoulder, trying to comfort her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It might not mean much, but...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't worry, Erwen. I'm the type who always repays his debts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I haven't forgotten what those bastards did.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was meant to be comforting, but I was being sincere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dragonslayer, Regal Vagos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Corpse Collector, Abet Necrapheto.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruin Scholar, Belvev Ruinjenes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hadn't forgotten my grudge against them either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was just waiting for the right time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, so...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just wait a little longer. It won't be long.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Okay.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Okay, I think her mental state has recovered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Emily, where's Alex?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I asked about Alex's whereabouts, wiping the blood off my arm. Amelia answered,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He went back into the tent as soon as the corpse fell.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, did he go to report to Raven?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But why isn't he coming back?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More corpses were falling from the sky—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You were right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speak of the devil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned around, and Raven was emerging from the tent with Alex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her face had darkened considerably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I should have insisted when they dismissed it as nothing...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What is she talking about? Regretting the past?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There's no point in dwelling on what's already happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So what's the plan?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We just received orders from the command center. They told all units to gather at the lake. We'll use the ships' magic barriers to defend.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gather, not fight back?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like they were taking a conservative approach since they didn't know the enemy's strength...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So we're moving now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, we'll wait here. I've contacted the mages in our corps, they'll be here soon with the explorers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So we're going to the lake after everyone gathers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then we'll board the ships and activate the barriers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't know if it was a good plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there wasn't much else we could do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Report your casualties.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three confirmed dead, two missing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Two missing... We can't wait any longer. Let's move.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We took care of the corpses and waited, and the corps mages soon arrived with their escort explorers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was time to head to the lake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Arrua Raven has cast the 7th-grade support spell [Neutralize].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We advanced towards the lake, supported by Raven's magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The journey itself was uneventful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was just a bunch of corpses so far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of mages supporting over a hundred melee explorers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be impossible for a small group to stop us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as we were nearing the lake...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaboom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deafening explosion shook the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It seems like the barrier has been damaged.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fog that had been dispersed by magic started to reform, obscuring our vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, at least there was one good thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The alarm magic, which had been blaring like a siren, was also destroyed, so it was much quieter now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Keep moving! Don't stop!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raven used wind magic to clear the fog, and we resumed our march.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We soon reached the blood-red lake, the fog lifting enough for us to see the shoreline. The mages summoned small boats and launched them into the water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at that moment...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Board the ships in an orderly fashi—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aaaaargh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man screamed from behind us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>____________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A scream pierced through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There hadn't been any casualties during our battles with the corpses, so the scream was especially jarring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps that's why...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raven, who was already halfway onto a boat, stopped and stepped back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What happened?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're investigating. It's probably nothing, you should go—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, I need to know. Assistant Vice-Captain Hailo, you stay here and take charge.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raven ordered the others to board first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't want to board alone without knowing what was going on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wow, is this what a military leader's sense of responsibility is like?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raven was known for her reputation in the corps. I was starting to understand why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was a responsible and reliable leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you doing? Come on.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our mission was to protect her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she didn't board, we couldn't either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Where are you going?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raven answered curtly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To the rear. I have a bad feeling.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wait, shouldn't we just run if you have a bad feeling?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I was thinking that...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aaaaargh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another scream echoed from the rear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Vice-Captain! We've identified the enemy!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We finally received a report about the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surprisingly, it was just one person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no one took it lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His description was infamous in this city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...A knight in crimson armor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, he's confirmed to be using Aura.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Blood Knight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A native of Bifron who rose from the ranks of a soldier to become a knight, then gained notoriety for murdering the previous captain of the Royal Knight Order. A member of Orculus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Emily, do you know anything about him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I discreetly moved away from Raven and asked Amelia, but she didn't seem to know much about him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rarely left the labyrinth, so they hadn't crossed paths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had seen him a few times at the Lord's Castle, but they had never spoken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Vice-Captain...! We'll hold him off, so please escape!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, if it's really the Blood Knight, the casualties will be catastrophic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's no time for 'buts'. Someone has to stop him, and I'm the most qualified. Board the ship.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's an order.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Yes!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mage saluted, his face a mixture of worry and admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a heartwarming scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we weren't involved, that is.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Erwen, can you help me hold them off until the corps members board the ship?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raven turned to Erwen and pleaded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We just need to buy some time. Then we'll use the Multiple Teleportation spell to escape.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Multiple Teleportation...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her school doesn't teach that spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I mumbled, and Raven answered, her gaze fixed on Erwen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I learned it by chance. If I had known this spell... there might have been another way back then. Of course... it's too late now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwen glanced at me at Raven's repeated pleas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was asking me to decide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are you looking at him...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raven noticed Erwen's gesture and looked at me with a questioning gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that part of your act too...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She seemed to have come to her own conclusion, sighing sadly. There wasn't time for explanations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What will you do if we don't follow you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll be court-martialed. I won't be able to participate in any royal events.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uh, is that a threat?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That wasn't what I asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I asked what you would do. If we don't follow you, even if you're punished, would you still go alone?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raven thought for a moment and answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can't do it alone. I'll probably go with other explorers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So she wouldn't stay behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was surprisingly stubborn in that aspect. Well, she always had a bit of a selfless streak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, then let's go together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the decision was made, there was no time to waste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rear wasn't that far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We soon arrived at the scene, and the first thing we saw was a mage cowering before a menacing aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Arrua Raven has cast the 4th-grade support spell [Trajectory Interference].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead of trying to block the Aura with a defensive spell, Raven used a utility spell to alter the sword's trajectory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The greatsword grazed the mage's head instead of cleaving it in two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ugh...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I dashed forward and pulled the panicked mage out of harm's way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Th-thank you... V-Vice-Captain?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Raymond, you did well. You can leave the rest to us, go lead the explorers back to the main force. That's an order.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Yes!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mage quickly obeyed Raven's order and left with the explorers, and the enemy just watched us from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze was chilling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'That's the Blood Knight...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stood at the front, my upper body shielded by my shield. I met his gaze and scanned him from head to toe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My first impression was that he was shorter than I expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He barely reached 160 centimeters...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he didn't seem weak at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'What's with that aura?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His stocky build suggested a powerful physique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And his natural aura, combined with his physique, exuded a powerful presence despite his small stature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the most intimidating thing was his voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Golden Mage, Arrua Raven.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was raspy, as if something was wrong with his vocal cords.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he spoke in a chilling tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One of my targets.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He casually raised his greatsword, as if it was just another task.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn't even acknowledging us?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked at the crimson Aura emanating from his sword and said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Erwen, [Elemental Barbarian].\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which one?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which one? There's only one option against a knight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Earth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as I answered, Erwen's body turned translucent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as we held hands...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Earth Spirit has been imbued into the character's body.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could feel the power of the earth coursing through my veins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Fire Resistance increased by 50%.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Water Resistance decreased by 50%.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Poison Immunity bonus.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Increased bonus to destructive actions with blunt weapons.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Physical Resistance greatly increased...」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「...」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been a while since I last used [Elemental Barbarian (Earth)].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character's Physical Resistance is 350 or higher.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Piercing damage reduced by 50%.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this, the 2nd stage of [Evolved Hide] was active, even without [Gigantification]...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're wasting your time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He's acting cocky just because he can use Aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who does he think he's dealing with?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Die.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old knight charged towards us, closing the distance in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I chuckled, watching him approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who's going to die?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why do you think I came all the way here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character has cast [Iron Fortress].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「[Evolved Hide]'s effect is increased by 1.5 times.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Knight Crusher', my former nickname.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was finally time to show its true power.\u003C\u002Fp>",1994,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.065Z",1,"novelbin.me","493eb25b53a2f858a8f9cdfe624b61833510eec9dd951a0a11a59abfb13c085c","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-356","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-354",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]