[{"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-400":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},1327570,1764,"Chapter 400: Ice Rock (1)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-400",400,"\u003Cp>The grand expedition to the Dark Continent via the 8th floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had allocated 20 days for traversing Ice Rock on this expedition and brought enough food for three months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn't out of an abundance of caution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ice Rock wasn't a place where you could afford to take your time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We simply needed extra food.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only did the [Starvation] status effect make us consume three times the usual amount of food, but the food itself could spoil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of this damn thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ice storm!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blizzard that swept through the area every 30 minutes to 6 hours.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Accelerated decay rate for affected targets.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wretched storm could even spoil frozen food.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was only one way to protect it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prioritize the food over the people and use magic to preserve it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there was a problem with that too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Liard Ashid has cast the 4th-grade space-time magic [Block].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Mckelly Leyaders has cast the 4th-grade space-time magic [Block].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Bersil Gowland has cast the 4th-grade space-time magic [Block]...」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mana consumption of the 4th-grade [Block] spell was significant, and if you wanted to be ready to cast it at any time, the cost would be even higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had to take turns even at night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ashid, go rest by the sled.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes? But...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't worry, I'll call you if we need you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I apologize.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apologize? Why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other mages were all comfortably sitting on the sleds, resting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Field Effect - 'Festering Cold' deactivated.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the blizzard subsided, we resumed our march.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crunch, crunch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The snow reached our ankles with every step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was starving, but we had to ration our food.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had managed to protect the supplies so far, but we couldn't be sure what would happen next.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What if a blizzard hit during a battle, and we ran out of mana to protect the boxes?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Things would get really bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Well, I wouldn't say we're in a good situation right now...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third day in Ice Rock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was exhausted, and there were no idle chatter or jokes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We just silently marched forward, conserving our energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere was tense and edgy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'This is the team I'm supposed to lead into battle against Noark?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morale was crucial in war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn't sure if we would even be able to complete the mission in this state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only positive thing was the rapid accumulation of experience points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Frozen Soul defeated. EXP +4.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Tainted Snow Spirit defeated. EXP +6.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Frost Guardian defeated. EXP +7.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Lich defeated. EXP +6.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Glacier Giant defeated. EXP +7.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Frostfire Turtle defeated...」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「...」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of the monsters in Ice Rock were high-level, so the experience points flowed in quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, we still had a long way to go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if we killed every monster in Ice Rock, it wouldn't be enough to reach level 8.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'But it's a rare opportunity, so I should hunt as many as I can.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We continued fighting monsters and marching forward, our bodies growing increasingly weary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the sun began to set, we set up camp by a cliff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We unloaded the tents and sleeping bags from the supply boxes and set them up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Heating Stone activated.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We placed a few activated magic tools in each tent, creating a cozy shelter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We don't have any night watch duty today, so get some rest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only two members were assigned to night watch duty for the entire expedition force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our turn wouldn't come until tomorrow, so we could all sleep soundly tonight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was thanks to the four paladins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They would take turns casting [Purge Evil], keeping monsters away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And there was no chance of encountering a looting party in this barren land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if there were, they wouldn't dare attack a group this large.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not if they wanted to keep their heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good night, Mister. See you tomorrow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tents were for three people, separated by gender.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how close we were, men and women shouldn't sleep together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I also preferred sleeping with other men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, the old man and the mage might feel a bit cramped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ashid, Aldidi. You two go to sleep first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you going on patrol?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm the expedition leader, after all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I sent Didi and Ashid to bed and then patrolled the campsite, checking for any problems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were already snoring sounds coming from various tents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They must be exhausted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Everything seems fine, so I should go to sleep too.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I walked towards our team's tent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crunch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I heard footsteps behind me and turned around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kaislan, you're still awake?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have something to tell you, sir.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can we talk while we walk?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We walked around the edge of the campsite, talking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's a lot of discontent among the members.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Discontent...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew what it was about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mostly about me, I presume?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaislan nodded with a bitter smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Humans are like that. They don't question their happiness, but they always look for reasons when they're suffering.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words reflected a deep understanding of human nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that all?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaislan shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If that was all, I wouldn't have bothered you at this hour.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's something else?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...There's someone spreading malicious rumors within the expedition force.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rumors? What kind of rumors?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That the 1st Team is hoarding supplies while everyone else is on rations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn't help but sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was ridiculous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were acting like children.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were the elites of the kingdom?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you know who started the rumor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pike Neldain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"James Kala's teammate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a warrior, just like me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had even greeted me with a smile at the banquet...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn, that sneaky bastard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, maybe he was just hungry and couldn't think straight?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you going to do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I trailed off, and Kaislan offered me some advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you're going to punish him, I suggest doing it through me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To deflect the blame?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you wish, I can make an example of him in front of everyone. They'll forget all about their resentment towards you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wow, he's a loyal subordinate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I listened to his suggestions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or we could use Akuraba. She's in charge of supplies, and this happened because she failed to fulfill her duties.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn't wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless of the circumstances, Akuraba was responsible for protecting the supplies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She's a respected explorer, so everyone is being quiet now, but if this gets out, they'll blame her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to make a decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kaislan, why are you going this far to help me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was suspicious of his motives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Kaislan looked me in the eye and answered without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because you're the expedition leader, whether I like it or not.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An unexpected answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The expedition will fail if you're shaken by these rumors.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I thought he would be the first to try and take my place if my authority was weakened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this a soldier's mindset?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaislan was prioritizing the mission over his personal ambitions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tell me what you want me to do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He offered two options, but they were essentially the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it was Akuraba or him, he wanted me to make someone else the scapegoat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I appreciated his advice, but my decision was already made.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm not going to do anything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaislan looked confused and cautiously asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you do nothing, the members will blame you for everything that goes wrong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But so what?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't care what they say.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They're the members, and I'm the leader. That's how it works.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn't going to shirk my responsibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>__________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ninth day in Ice Rock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The expedition, which had been plagued with problems from the start, was finally reaching its midpoint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had left the plains behind and were now facing a giant ice mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We weren't going to climb it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our destination was at the base of the mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We found the entrance!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>James Kala's team found the path to the next field, and we followed it, descending into a massive ice cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud, thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of our boots echoed through the cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the atmosphere was different from before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in military training camps,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People form bonds when they go through hardships together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The ice is so clear, it's like we're in a fantasy world.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, I feel the same way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, the improved mood was also due to our recovered stamina.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half of the members were experiencing Ice Rock for the first time, so there were a lot of hiccups in the beginning...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now they were all adapting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm starving. I understand why everyone avoids this place.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I usually look at my daughter's picture when I'm struggling, but I couldn't even do that here. I should have taken it out of my subspace pocket before we left the ship.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, you have a daughter? How old is she?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't just the atmosphere that had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The expedition force, which had been struggling to work together, was now moving as one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enemies approaching from the flanks and front!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The 1st Team will hold them off while the 2nd and 3rd Teams take care of the flanks!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They followed my orders without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Frozen Webter defeated. EXP +5.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Unmelting Cocoon defeated. EXP +6.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Frostfire Goblin defeated. EXP +5」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The battles were much easier now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were finally acting like an elite force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their teamwork had improved, and they were able to unleash their full potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And there was another positive development.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Schuitz, that guy... he's a beast in battle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Explorers respected strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I stood at the front, taking on the most dangerous tasks, my reputation started to improve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rumors about me hoarding food had vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actions speak louder than words—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crackle—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My instincts, honed by years of experience, sensed danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Erwen, did you hear that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't know. It came from behind us...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind us?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crackle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spiderweb-like cracks were spreading across the ground, unable to withstand the weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Damn it!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was where the troll pulling the sled was standing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Summon! Unsummon it now!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shouted, and the summoner, who had been spacing out, quickly unsummoned the troll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack, crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cracking sound intensified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Everyone, get back!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The explorers near the collapsing ground scrambled to safety. Some, however, prioritized the supplies over their own lives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Supplies! Get the supplies!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're done for without them!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Move it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They carefully pulled the sled away, trying to reduce the weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the ground was collapsing faster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kwaaang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground caved in, like a sinkhole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the sleds and two explorers disappeared into the darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at that moment...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Liard Ashid has cast the 5th-grade auxiliary magic [Levitation].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two explorers floated into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their expressions, filled with despair, turned to relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then we heard a splash from below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn, there's water down there?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We can't retrieve the sled now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I quickly gave orders, despite my despair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone, get away from the edge! Spread out, don't stand too close!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The team members finally started moving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I cautiously approached the edge and looked down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mage illuminated the area with a light spell, and as expected, there was a river flowing below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sled was nowhere to be seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Akuraba!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, sir!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How much food was in that sled?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"About half, sir!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it, we lost half our food supply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Akuraba looked at me nervously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Um...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Be quiet. I'm thinking.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn't understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'The ground collapsed the first time, and now it's happening again?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This didn't make sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Akuraba.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, sir.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ask everyone. Now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to confirm something first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is there anyone who changed their name? And was that name Hans?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would tell me whether this was just a series of unfortunate coincidences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hurry up. This is important.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone's malicious intent.\u003C\u002Fp>",1975,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.065Z",1,"novelbin.me","97f333206bcac55586f5b1dee817ce214f2df47df355c707bbfaa9c5f521b3f3","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-1","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-399",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]