[{"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-398":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},1327568,1764,"Chapter 398: Expedition Force (3)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-398",398,"\u003Cp>To summarize the result, the speedrun failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The portal to the 2nd floor was already open when we arrived, and we couldn't claim the first clear achievement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn, I thought we could do it this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How much time did we lose?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"About 10 minutes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>10 minutes?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even our arrival time was fast enough for a speedrun in the game.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems like the overall level of explorers has increased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Well, 10 minutes... if I just increase my movement speed, it might be possible.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's probably why that Dragonkin woman requested to explore alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I wonder if Raviyen succeeded in her speedrun.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raviyen, the Dragonkin woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was the last member of our team, the one I added because of the deal with the Marquis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She left the mansion as soon as the founding ceremony ended, without even participating in the banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said it would be much faster to explore alone, and that we could just meet on the 6th floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'If it weren't for the Marquis...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her individualistic mindset was a problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wanted to correct it, but the Marquis intervened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said she had a special agreement with him, and that I should respect her autonomy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also asked me to refrain from forcing her to do anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Basically, he was telling me not to beat her up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'...It's like I have a princess on my team.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, I wasn't going to give up on controlling her just because he said that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to discipline her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One way or another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Entered the 2nd-floor Goblin Forest.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Entered the 3rd-floor Pilgrim's Path.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Entered the 4th-floor Sky Tower...」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway, her absence didn't affect our exploration. We continued as planned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We speedran the first four floors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then we started practicing together from the 5th floor, where combat was unavoidable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We naturally had a lot of conversations during that time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, it seems like you three really were living together...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were many personal conversations, but no one crossed the line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, asking if my relationship with Erwen was as rumored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or being curious about my relationship with the Marquis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or wondering how we managed to stay hidden for so long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didi occasionally showed interest in those topics, but Ashid always intervened and changed the subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But if—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Raines, I noticed something while watching you fight. Can your clone also use aura?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, that's impossible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that so? It seems like your clone can use other abilities. I'm curious to know more about it. It's a rare essence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, I thought it was a coincidence... but now I'm sure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ashid was intentionally diverting Didi's attention whenever he was about to ask something sensitive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'He's a smart one.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don't know why, but he reminds me of Dwarkey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, unlike Dwarkey, Ashid was much more sociable and eloquent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was also more mature and perceptive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that's why...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are you looking at me like that, Schuitz?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wasn't.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn't help but think...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riol Worb Dwarkey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would he have been like this if he had grown up?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>_______________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Entered the 6th-floor Great Ocean.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>_______________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>18th day of the expedition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We arrived at Starting Island Laimia after speedrunning most of the lower floors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was deserted, as expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one would be here at this time, not after we had pushed ourselves to get here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Except for...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...There she is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The royal reconnaissance team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elite members of large clans waiting for their reinforcements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Hello.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other expedition teams who greeted us from afar, wary of our presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wow, two teams had already arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had expected the dwarf woman's team to be here, but I didn't think the paladin, Jun's team would be faster than us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...There you are.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The island was deserted, so it was easy to find the one I was looking for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raviyen, the Dragonkin woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last member of our team, the one I had to add because of the deal with the Marquis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You two, wait here for a moment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I left my teammates behind and approached the woman who was sitting on a chair under the shade of a tree, staring blankly at the ocean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"18th day... You're early.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She spoke without turning her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Does she have eyes on the back of her head?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The meeting point is on the east side of the island, isn't it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're not leaving until the 20th. And the other teams seem to be resting here too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, that's true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn't going to criticize her for that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When did you arrive?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Two days ago.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Two days ago...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...That means she arrived on the 16th?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She cleared the first five floors in less than two weeks?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn't help but be impressed, despite my dislike for her individualistic mindset.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You're fast.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She must have speedrun all five floors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could understand why she didn't want to join us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she had explored with us, she would have missed out on 12 free experience points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'This is going to be difficult to handle.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was conflicted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like I was being a bossy leader for insisting on exploring together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anyway, get up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We haven't had a chance to talk in the city.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Okay.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was worried she might refuse and stay here until the 20th... but Raviyen readily agreed to my suggestion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We headed towards the east side of the island, where the meeting point was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nice to meet you. This is our first time meeting since the founding ceremony, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I apologize for that. I had some family matters to attend to. I'll try to make time for you in the city next time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I appreciate that. Can I call you Raviyen?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, please call me whatever is comfortable for you, Ashid.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The conversation flowed smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can I call you Miss Raviyen?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didi cautiously asked, aware of the difference in lifespans between Dragonkin and humans, and Raviyen readily agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What about you two? How should I address you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raviyen turned to Amelia and Erwen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Emily or Raines, whichever is fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Call me Raines.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tersia.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwen's curt response made Raviyen stare at her with a strange expression before smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Okay, Tersia.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Okay, that settles the naming issue...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'...Why are we even discussing this on the 6th floor?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can we even call this a team?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shook my head and got to the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We've already practiced together in the city, and we learned about each other on the way here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand. You want to know more about me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We need to know who we're entrusting our lives to.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Okay.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raviyen drew her sword and demonstrated a few of her skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She explained her role in combat, but...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like she was hiding a few things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, that wasn't unusual for warriors, especially mages, priests, and ability users.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where should I stand when we're traveling?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rear.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And in combat?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Emily will be on my left, and you'll be on my right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's a classic formation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We don't know much about each other, so it's best to keep it simple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raviyen chuckled, sensing the hidden message.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you going to keep talking down to me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm just stating the truth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, let's end the power struggle here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ashid and Didi then explained their roles to Raviyen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn't take long, but it was still annoying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had already discussed this in the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why are we repeating this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe individualism is synonymous with inefficiency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We can't be slacking off while the expedition leader is here, can we?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Akuraba's team and the paladin's team arrived from the beach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And after some time...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The 3rd Team has arrived.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We were all gathered on the east side of the island, overlooking the 6th-floor portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>James Kala, the Vice-Captain of the Sawtooth Clan, led the 3rd Team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...That team looks exhausted.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It seems like they pushed themselves to get here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could understand why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The official meeting date was the 20th, but they probably thought it would reflect poorly on their skills if they were the last to arrive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a kind of power struggle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'This is like herding cats.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was thinking about how to unite them when the sun started to set.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The 5th Team, led by the knight, Kaislan, arrived just as the sky turned dark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his fist in frustration, realizing he was the last to arrive, even though he had arrived two days early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was clearly overreacting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you doing? Get over here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Alright.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flinched and walked towards me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I patted his shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't worry, we have two more days. It's not a big deal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stood up, using his shoulder as support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're all here now, so there's no need to waste any more time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you finally going to tell us about the mission?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, wouldn't it be better to have the other members step back?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's fine. It's not a secret. And besides, they can't tell anyone anyway.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other members, who had been awkwardly observing us, moved closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had my permission, so they were free to listen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tell us. What's the mission? You're the only one who knows.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Akuraba's curious gaze met mine across the flickering campfire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wish the dwarves would just sit on chairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fire is blocking their faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's not even that big of a fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway, that wasn't important.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ahem.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I cleared my throat and spoke with the authority of an expedition leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm sure you're all curious. Where is Noark's base in the Dark Continent?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. If they're using a portal to enter the 7th floor, there must be a starting point, like the Crystal Cave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you mean to tell us that the royal family has finally found it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My words, revealing the top-secret information I had received from the Marquis, caused a stir.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was too early to be surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our mission is to attack their base.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We were a mobile strike force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our role was to infiltrate and destroy the enemy's core facilities while the main force distracted them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...There's something I don't understand. If that's our mission, why is the schedule so tight?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you planning to have us break through the Ghostly Canyon?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...That's insane! Unless we're with the main force, there's no way we can cross that canyon with just one ship!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn, they're interrupting me again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a typical characteristic of the Tang Dynasty army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They couldn't hold back their excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to clear up the misunderstanding before it got out of hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're not crossing the Ghostly Canyon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What? But you said we're attacking their base in the Dark Continent...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Last warning. Don't interrupt me again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Okay, it's much quieter now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I calmly explained the mission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Ghostly Canyon isn't the only way to enter the Dark Continent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah! You mean...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They finally figured it out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's why I had them gather on the east side of the island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're going to Ice Rock on the east side.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like the four 2nd-floor fields, Goblin Forest, Beast's Lair, Rocky Desert, and Land of the Dead, were all connected to the 3rd-floor Pilgrim's Path...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The 7th floor wasn't just the Dark Continent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We'll enter the Dark Continent through the 8th floor and attack them from behind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was like eating a frozen cake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was hard to chew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It might even hurt your teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And you might even wonder if it's worth the effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But the reward will be sweet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anyone who doesn't understand, step forward.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm glad no one is scared.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then let's begin.\u003C\u002Fp>",1942,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.065Z",1,"novelbin.me","d09e565e8ca45a0e48889c7d0afdabac1ae50483a34748c922111893ceebbd7b","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-399","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-397",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]