[{"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-411":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},1327481,1764,"Chapter 411: Karma (1)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-411",411,"\u003Cp>When faced with a desperate situation, people tend to cling to hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we do this, and then this, and then this...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wouldn't everything work out?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They lose sight of reality, blinded by the faintest glimmer of hope, wasting precious time on countless 'what ifs'.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Years, even decades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We were a seasoned expedition force, but we were still human.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You're saying we're leaving?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My decision was met with immediate resistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's a reckless decision!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're surrounded by Noark! How far can we possibly go?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Objections spread like wildfire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was understandable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the most hopeful option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the rescue team arrived, we would all survive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crisis would be over, and we could return to the city and live happily ever after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hardships we had endured would become nothing more than a story to tell over drinks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'It's dangerous.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The situation wasn't that desperate yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>True despair came when all hope was lost, when the golden time had passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no point in regretting it then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had to act now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you all talking about? Have you all lost your minds?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I used harsh words to snap them out of their delusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a kind of shock therapy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We had a traitor in Ice Rock. When we reached the Sky Eye? We couldn't contact the main force, no matter how many times we tried. And now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's been three days, and there's no word from them. Just a delay? The rescue team is on its way? That's a joke. If that was true, Noark wouldn't be swarming this area. They would have been sent to the front lines to stop the royal forces.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took a breath and continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Listen carefully.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We've been abandoned.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't believe it myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I had to break their false hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"W-what?! Why would the royal family abandon us?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe something had happened, maybe they couldn't reach us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I believed that was the most likely scenario.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it didn't change the outcome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If they didn't abandon us, why aren't they here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The explorer trailed off, his jaw clenching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...So you're saying we should leave?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In this state? We're all exhausted! We'll all die—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What's the difference if we stay here?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mages activated the 'Voice Control' spell, despite their depleted mana.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Open your eyes!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whether you like it or not, they're not coming!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My words silenced the team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They couldn't refute it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had been feeling it too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The doubt, the fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I spoke, breaking the silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm not dying here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A member of Kaislan's team answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...No one wants to die.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good. Then follow me. Kill the enemy, protect your comrades. That's more meaningful than waiting here to die.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked at the team members, perched on the branches of the giant tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They didn't seem convinced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was understandable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lihen Schuitz.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An unknown explorer, a nobody.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had seen some of my skills, but...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could they trust me in this situation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They looked at their team leaders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We follow the light.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun was the first to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bowed deeply, his gesture exaggerated and theatrical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The 4th Team will walk the path of hardship with you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next was Kaislan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The royal family appointed Lihen Schuitz as the leader of this expedition. To question his judgment and defy his orders is treason.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His introduction was lengthy, but it could be summarized in one sentence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The 5th Team will obey your command.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He even knelt on one knee, as if pledging his loyalty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was unexpected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been so skeptical during the leadership meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The 2nd Team is different.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Akuraba spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's not blind faith, nor fear of the law. I simply agree with his decision. I don't think the royal family is coming.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pressed her for an answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The 2nd Team will follow you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Okay, that leaves one team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The 3rd Team, led by James Kala.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>James Kala looked troubled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed pressured by the other team leaders' actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he quickly shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I agree. It's pointless to object. I'm just a simple man, I follow the majority.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a typical James Kala response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his sincerity resonated with the other members.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...It's over.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He's already made his decision, what's the point of arguing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, I never trusted the royal family anyway. They've screwed us over countless times. I'll take care of myself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll hold them accountable for this. But first, we have to survive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked at the murmuring team members and clenched my fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alright, let's do this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>_______________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The patrols have increased. They must have realized one of their members is missing. What should we do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We'll use the Multiple Teleportation spell.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was our plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The mages will be exhausted after casting such a powerful spell. And they'll be able to track us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noark would be able to track the residual mana from the spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But we didn't have a choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We have to risk it. We can't stay hidden forever with this many people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Sky Eye is destroyed. They can't communicate freely anymore. It's our best chance to create distance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The team leaders expressed their concerns, but didn't object.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Okay, that settles that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where are we going after the teleportation?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next step was simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"North.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We were heading for the northern region of the Dark Continent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Not south, towards the royal faction?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was only one reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scouts could only track our teleportation destination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They wouldn't know where we went after that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're trying to mislead them. They'll send their troops south, leaving the north undefended.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly. We'll hide in plain sight. Until the labyrinth closes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see... Did your advisor come up with this plan?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They still didn't believe I could come up with something like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Get ready. They'll be here soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Yes, sir.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shared the plan with the team leaders, and they relayed it to their teams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tadat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We descended from the tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We couldn't hide while the mages were casting the spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's been three days since I last touched the ground.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The five mages quickly began drawing the magic circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swaaaaaaaaaaa!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Multiple Teleportation spell required a massive amount of mana to transport twenty-eight people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone with a keen sense for mana would notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Please, just a little more time...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We formed a protective circle around the mages, our backs to the giant tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mister, someone's coming. They're fast.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwen's voice was low and urgent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...They stopped. They're turning back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had spotted us and were going to alert their allies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whiiiiiish!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwen fired an arrow before I could give the order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did you kill him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, it hit a tree.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would have only bought us a few more seconds anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone, prepare for battle!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no point in hiding anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noark would be here soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And we would hold them off until the spell was ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I checked on the mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The coordinates! You entered the wrong coordinates!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, s-sorry! I'll fix it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were working frantically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They knew the situation was dire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'...If only it was the Gate spell...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the original game, only high-level Archmages could cast the Gate spell. And it was a one-time use skill, costing the caster's life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Gate spell currently used in the labyrinth was a modified version.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A downgraded version, to be precise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could be cast by 4th-grade mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a one-time use skill, but the caster didn't necessarily die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'It can't be used on the 7th floor or above.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the crucial drawback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I should have insisted on recruiting an Archmage...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had requested it, but the Marquis had rejected it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Archmages were rare, even in the Mage Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the royal family only had one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the Sky Eye was destroyed and all thirty of us survived, it wouldn't be worth it if the Archmage died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Unless they were planning to abandon us...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That thought crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a pointless comparison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our lives weren't worth as much as an Archmage's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the original plan was for the main force to rescue us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They would suffer casualties, but the royal family would deem it a worthy sacrifice, considering our reputation and achievements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So there must be another reason why the rescue team wasn't here—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'...Let's stop thinking about that.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why wasn't the rescue team here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had been obsessing over that question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I decided to let it go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We would find out when we returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They're here...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if we didn't...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wouldn't matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom, boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground shook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uwaaaaaaaaah!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kill them!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the enemy appeared, I cleared my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I only had one thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character has cast [Gigantification].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character has used a transformation-type ability.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「[Primordial Cell] effect reduces the Soul Power consumption of the skill by half, and the highest stat is increased by 1.5 times.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Survive.\u003C\u002Fp>",1538,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.064Z",1,"novelbin.me","818522267bd81e1f8b1357cc5f15cdb7aad6905fae2b70e558aab681c4e83bec","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-412","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-410",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]