[{"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-414":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},1327484,1764,"Chapter 414: Karma (4)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-414",414,"\u003Cp>62nd day of the labyrinth expedition, Dragon's Lair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About 30 minutes before reaching the portal to the 8th floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「The ring has detected the character's fate.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Traffic Light Ring lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mister, it's red!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeah, it's a red event.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had hoped for at least a little green...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What should we do? Should we change direction?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had been avoiding red events and Goblin's premonitions by changing direction...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's too late to change our destination.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know, but...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We were surrounded by flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if we ran, the flames would only close in on us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was only one way out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To break through the flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Parab, what's wrong?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goblin approached me, a troubled look on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I... I feel safer near you, Leader...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Safer near me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's a bit insulting...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I let it slide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been helpful so far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How do you feel?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can't breathe... It's like... we're entering a burning forest...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Really? But why didn't you say anything? You always suggest changing direction when you feel uneasy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I... I feel uneasy, but... I also feel like this is the right path...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I see...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The portal is just ahead! Everyone, speed up!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I ordered the expedition to speed up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And after a while...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's the portal!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The portal shimmered in the distance, emitting a five-colored light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Enemies!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The portal's light illuminated the area, revealing a group of enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About 40 explorers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were also heading towards the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Royal bastards!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They really came this way!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had spotted us as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn, how did they know we were here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I was wondering, a familiar face appeared among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You...!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dragonslayer, Regal Vagos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I knew you would come this way!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knows me as well as I know him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a persistent connection...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the end of the line for you rats!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What? He's acting like he's cornered us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Good thing we sped up.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was glad I had made that decision 20 minutes ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we had hesitated, we would have been surrounded by now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't just stand there! Run!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We ran with all our might.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We were heading east, towards the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were heading north, also towards the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Run!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had to reach the portal first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were also running desperately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'We're faster.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We were closer to the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it, what are you waiting for?! Attack!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They started attacking us with ranged skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had the numbers advantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whiiiiiish! Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud, thud, thud, thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arrows and abilities rained down on us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Faster! If we fall behind, we're dead!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"M-my legs...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it! Get on my back!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could endure the attacks, but the others couldn't.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ugh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the members was hit and injured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just hold on! We'll heal you soon!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another member carried him on his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Damn it, we're going to lose people at this rate...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gritted my teeth, and then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A giant shadow appeared above us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia has summoned [Dicloe, the Dark Spirit King].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwen had summoned her trump card.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dicloe, the Dark Spirit King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaboom! Kaboom! Kaboom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spirit King unleashed a barrage of dark energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it wouldn't last long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The maximum duration was 5 seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Run!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're clear! Go ahead!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We rushed through the gap created by the Spirit King's attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kwaaang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spirit King was unsummoned, and Erwen stumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mister, you're here...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other members had already entered the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I carried Erwen on my back and ran towards the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You think you can escape?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice came from behind us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tadat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I jumped into the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Entered the 8th-floor Dawn Land.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I rolled on the ground and opened my eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other members were waiting for me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"L-Leader...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They lowered their weapons as they recognized me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The portal... it's glowing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They raised their weapons again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had all entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It meant someone else was coming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'He followed us...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it, he's fearless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But we didn't have time to be scared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Battle formation!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kill them all!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had to stop them before they could enter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He's here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kill them...!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We were ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>_______________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stand before the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather, I stand guard before it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hammer in one hand, shield in the other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alongside my teammates, ready to unleash their skills and weapons at a moment's notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...It's too quiet. It's unsettling.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's been over an hour since we barricaded the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During that time, the portal only spat out enemies once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right after we entered the 8th floor, when Dragonslayer and his men arrived simultaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I should have killed him then.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We killed eight of his men, but unfortunately, we let Dragonslayer escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was caught off guard by the entrance blocking tactic and retreated to the 7th floor, abandoning his men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since then, this eerie silence has persisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like the calm before a storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'They're probably waiting to attack with a larger force.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once they gather enough troops, they'll try to push through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And when that happens, we won't be able to hold them off, even with the entrance blocking tactic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, I never planned to stay here forever anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All I needed was time to regroup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And thankfully...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Schuitz, the injured have all recovered.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Food and supplies?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We've gathered everything we have and loaded it onto the sleds.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We were ready to enter Ice Rock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I decided to push a little further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We'll hold the line here. Everyone, take turns resting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...As you command.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaislan ordered the exhausted members to rest, and Akuraba approached me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shouldn't we leave soon? It's dangerous to stay here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the peaceful atmosphere, Akuraba's expression was grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze kept shifting towards the portal, her anxiety evident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Schuitz, you know they could return at any moment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noark's elite force was currently exploring the 8th-floor rift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they cleared it and returned, we would be trapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Well, at least we're lucky so far.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My biggest concern was encountering them right after entering the 8th floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a slim chance, but a possibility nonetheless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'The problem is, we don't know when they'll be back.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's like standing on a time bomb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we're unlucky, they'll emerge from the portal at any moment and wipe us out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We've been marching for days without sleep. They'll collapse before they even reach the center of Ice Rock.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had no choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Akuraba understood and left without further argument.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then, after about 12 hours...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swaaaaaaaa!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The portal shimmered, spitting out a Noark explorer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn't even wearing his armor, and he was immediately killed by the guards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just one...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...A scout?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a typical Noark tactic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the scout died, they would know we were still blocking the entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he survived, he would report back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'But even Noark wouldn't keep sending scouts.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I contemplated briefly and made my decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They wouldn't send another scout for at least an hour, maybe even three.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And we had rested enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone, get up and get dressed!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thirteen days until the labyrinth closed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're entering Ice Rock!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was time to face the final chapter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>_______________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The 8th-floor Dawn Land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A peaceful expanse of green hills and meadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the atmosphere was far from serene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The explorers gathered there were surrounded by an air of bloodlust and tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tell me again. Cale Elbad Jeneger. What did you just say?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Give up, Vagos. We've already lost them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dragonslayer grabbed the man by the collar, but he didn't back down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It won't change anything. It's suicide to follow them into Ice Rock without any preparation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you talking about? We outnumber them by a large margin! If they could do it, why can't we?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're saying that because you don't know Ice Rock. Numbers are meaningless there. They'll only hinder our movement.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm sure you're wondering if we could send an elite force. But that's also dangerous. They were able to escape because they were surrounded by enemies. If we follow them with a small group...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're saying we'll be ambushed? By them?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. They are... especially their leader. He's a monster—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man answered firmly, and Dragonslayer tightened his grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ugh...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You worthless trash.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dragonslayer's eyes were filled with killing intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man, realizing his imminent death, blurted out,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Captain will hear about this—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Captain, that damn Captain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ugh—!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you think he'll choose you over me? Will he kill me for this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"N-no...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man's body went limp, his blood flow constricted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would have died if Dragonslayer hadn't let go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tsk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dragonslayer threw the man to the ground and spat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had lost control momentarily, but he couldn't kill him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a useful asset, despite his annoying habit of talking too much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's why the Captain favored him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dragonslayer clenched his fist, his anger still simmering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other explorers looked down, avoiding his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Dragonslayer's mind was cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'...He's right.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they couldn't overwhelm them with numbers, it was too dangerous to follow them into Ice Rock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were all elite, even if they weren't as strong as him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'And Cale is the most competent one among them.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he had to push himself and use Dragon Speech, his recovery would be delayed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would take months to fully heal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'The Captain will be furious.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would be risking everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Am I supposed to let them go? That bastard...?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought was unbearable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't just about revenge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had learned from experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You always hesitate. When you need to make a decision, when you need to take a risk.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had ended up in that state because he had hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been crippled and lost his memories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to endure over a year of humiliation and pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn't let that happen again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I have to kill him.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn't give him any more time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to end this grudge, no matter the cost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the only way to ensure his own survival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he reached that conclusion...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swaaaaaaa!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A warm spring breeze swept through the plain, swirling into a vortex of light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It meant only one thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...A rift! A rift is opening!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noark's elite force, secretly trained and nurtured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They wouldn't even touch a 4th-grade essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Those lucky bastards.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was Dragonslayer's assessment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were receiving countless resources and support because of their potential and their empty essence slots, while everyone else had to struggle from the bottom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Well, it's good timing.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dragonslayer smiled and walked towards the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rift explorers soon emerged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They looked exhausted, as if they had just finished a difficult battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're... Regal Vagos? What are you doing here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dragonslayer smirked and answered their question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Sky Eye has been destroyed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What? The Sky Eye?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And the ones who destroyed it have escaped to Ice Rock.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But why are we...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Captain ordered us to pursue them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1846,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.064Z",1,"novelbin.me","cbac7704b515795c002e3927b962c95aab5c3fae7b1c863fbf136983d0a8d801","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-415","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-413",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]