[{"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-419":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},1327489,1764,"Chapter 419: Eye of the Storm (5)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-419",419,"\u003Cp>The Glacier Witch, Kariadaea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its individual name is Elder Lich, a 3rd-grade monster, and a high-variant classified as a Named.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A special boss that only appears for a certain period, from 10 days to 5 days before the 7th floor closes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'It was about a 10% chance, right?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's why I couldn't help but live as an atheist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The condition for this monster to be summoned is pure luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it's appearing now, with only 8 days left...?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Should I say, \"Why today, of all days, when tomorrow is still an option?\" Or should I be grateful that it didn't appear three days later...?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's like a glass half-filled with water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'...But fuck that.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how you look at it, it's a negative situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least we avoided the worst.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We're only a day away from escaping the Eye of the Glacier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We won't encounter the boss monster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It spawns at the very bottom and slowly climbs up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the problem is...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone, snap out of it! Block these guys first!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Be careful! They're stronger than ordinary skeletons!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The skeleton army that started climbing the cliff as soon as the boss monster was summoned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though the monsters aren't appearing from the front but from below, the pursuers will be able to easily break through the path we cleared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'The distance will keep closing.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I feel like my head is filled with cotton, even though I'm clearly awake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it, why is this happening now, of all times?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We don't even have a Hans among us?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is there a Hans I'm not aware of? Not on our side, but on the pursuers' side?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That thought crossed my mind, and then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I slapped both my cheeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not too hard, just enough to wake myself up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Lee Hansu, stop it.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's a kind of escapism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking for Hans when I'm facing misfortune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Things just happened.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's how it's always been.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What about Lalkas's Maze?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When we encountered the Dragonslayer by chance, went through hell, and even lost a precious comrade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was Hans there?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What about the 1st-floor Crystal Cave when the Abyss Lord appeared?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a miracle that there wasn't a single Hans among the thousand explorers, but did things go smoothly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking back, it was always like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I faced truly shitty situations, Hans was never there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if the heavens were determined not to give me a scapegoat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'...Then was Hans actually a lucky charm?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That thought crossed my mind, but...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, I don't think so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway, thanks to that ridiculous thought, my head felt a bit clearer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hans or whatever, what does it matter?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I just have to do my job.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yandel! The members are panicking! We need your orders!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaislan's voice brought me back to reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Switch to breakthrough formation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Break through? You want to push through those monsters?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We can't just stand here and wait for them to catch up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gave Kaislan his orders and headed towards the front lines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mister, don't overdo it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What? You're not going to stop me this time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But... you have the same look in your eyes as you did back in the Crystal Cave...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, I don't know. I didn't see myself in a mirror back then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hope the outcome is similar this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character has cast [Gigantification].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I activated my default battle mode and raised my shield and hammer. But I'm not wearing any armor, just a thick fur coat over my bare skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Wow, this is truly barbaric.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Barbarian Barbarian Mode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yandel! We're ready to move!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaislan reported that the formation was complete, and I looked at the skeletons blocking our path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Ah, I don't have to hold back anymore, right?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Okay, at least this is a positive development.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then let's go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the blessings of my ancestor god.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump! Thump!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I charge forward, my shield covering my entire upper body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I slam my shoulder into the shield, pushing the skeletons aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, for reference, I'm the only one at the front.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other melee attackers, including the warriors, are positioned at the flanks and rear, protecting us from attacks from those directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Push them back!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The members follow behind me, clearing the skeletons that try to slip past or climb the cliff walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aaaaargh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Get lost, you bony bastards!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ugh, ugh...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hear groans mixed with battle cries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It can't be helped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The melee attackers are all wearing light armor or no armor at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A rib bone pierces someone's skin and flies past me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Liard Ashid has cast the 5th-grade curse magic [Anti-Regeneration].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mages are constantly casting curse magic on our allies to prevent their wounds from worsening due to the reversed regeneration effect, but it's a temporary solution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It only slows down the decay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It doesn't heal the wounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every movement tears open the wounds, causing endless bleeding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the wounds fester and rot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even curse magic can't completely nullify natural regeneration. Most warriors have some regeneration essences, and they don't have zero magic resistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Damn it, I should have kept my armor...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One hour, two hours, three hours.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As time passes, the number of injured increases.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even minor wounds become a liability, leading to more serious injuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, if we had mana shields, we wouldn't be in this state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'That's like drinking seawater because you're thirsty.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How can we maintain mana shields for everyone?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our mana would be depleted in three hours—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it, I can't afford to be distracted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Things are getting worse in the rear, but I'm also struggling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm pushing through the monsters, clearing a path for the expedition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's taking a toll on my stamina.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, it's not even stamina that's the problem. If it weren't for [Primordial Cell] and [Soul Dive], my MP would have been depleted long ago, and [Gigantification] would have been deactivated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Damn it, I'm getting sloppy.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I've also been injured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm practically immune to physical attacks from these low-level monsters, but...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Skeletons don't just use physical attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their bone explosions deal cold damage, and even I can't completely ignore them at point-blank range.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yandel! That guy's here again!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hear a shout, and a giant skeleton appears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's taller than me, even with [Gigantification] active, but it's classified as a medium-sized monster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There's a larger one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump! Thump!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A giant skeleton climbs the cliff, its red eyes glowing in the darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"B-below! That guy's coming up again!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Priests!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The priests unleash a barrage of divine spells, forcing the giant skeleton to retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Groaaaaar!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It roars in frustration and disappears back into the darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it, it'll be back in a few minutes, looking for another chance to attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smash the skull of the medium-sized skeleton in front of me with my hammer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there's no time to rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I push forward again, clearing a path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh heh heh...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can't help but laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not because I'm enjoying this, but because I'm afraid I'll lose my mind if I don't.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clench!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My muscles scream in protest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My head throbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uwaaaaaaaaah!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But my body keeps moving, repeating the same actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I focus on the positive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'At least they haven't caught up to us yet.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's been four hours since the monster wave began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We can't rely on the detection magic to gauge their distance anymore, but the pursuers haven't caught up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It means they're also being cautious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They're probably moving slowly, avoiding unnecessary combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Unlike us, who are burning ourselves out...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm willing to push myself to the limit, even if it means more injuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I have to buy time for the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stagger!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stumble, my legs giving out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Have I lost too much blood?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, it seems so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My body is like a leaky water bag.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wounds that would have healed instantly are now gushing blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'This is dangerous...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I have to make a decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Survival is about choosing the lesser evil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Marone, burn my wounds.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What, what did you say?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I need to stop the bleeding.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"S-stop the bleeding? What are you talking about...? How can you say that with a straight face?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mage is horrified by my request.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She's worried about the burns festering and causing irreversible damage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's a valid concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But my wounds are already rotting, and...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It'll heal once we reach the top.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We just have to survive until then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But... it might be too late by then! Even divine power might not be enough to heal it! You could be permanently disfigured...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She's trying to cover her ass, just like a doctor warning you about the risks of surgery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I ignore her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's better than dying here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Okay, okay, I'll do it! But I don't understand! Why are you going this far...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She gives in and starts channeling a fire spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh heh heh...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I laugh, trying to focus on the positive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least I'm not cold anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One hour, two hours, three hours...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The agonizing journey continues, and I witness a new side of the expedition members.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wow, I thought they were all weaklings...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they're actually baby birds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tough baby birds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, can you burn my wounds too?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'd like to be frozen. It might hurt less.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The melee attackers, who had initially called me crazy for burning my wounds, are now following my lead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some are even more extreme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, can you just cut this arm off?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm not stupid. This arm is already rotten beyond repair. Even priests can't fix this. I've lost all feeling in it anyway.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But... even if it's like that, you should reconsider...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, don't worry. There are plenty of one-armed explorers out there. They all have a story to tell. I'll be fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a barbarian would be speechless at that logic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But maybe that's why...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We were able to reach the top.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「The Eye of the Glacier field effect has been lifted.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment we had all been waiting for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The exhausted warriors collapse to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their bodies are mangled and bruised, but their smiles are brighter than ever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We made it...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it, damn it, damn it... We're alive, we're actually alive...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you all waiting for?! Mages! Dispel the curse! We need healing, now!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The priests are ready to collapse from exhaustion, but they force themselves to channel their divine power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You all did well. Truly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My arm... I'm sorry. I couldn't save it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The priests apologize to the warriors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, don't worry about it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have one request.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warriors chuckle and make a request.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just one prayer, that's all I ask.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A prayer...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For those who couldn't make it. For those who died protecting us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Of course.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The priests kneel and pray.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other members, regardless of their race or beliefs, follow suit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the dwarves, the beastmen, the fairies, and even I.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...May they rest in peace.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We pray for the fallen, asking for their souls to find peace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twenty-two survivors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We lost three more members while escaping the Eye of the Glacier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a harsh environment, even with our desperate measures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Matt Highbury.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A paladin from the 4th Team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Pasible Eric Colson.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A knight from the 5th Team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was Kaislan's subordinate and close friend for over 10 years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kaislan...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, don't make that face. He died a soldier's death. He wouldn't be too upset.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Not upset? How can you say that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He died following you, not the royal family who abandoned us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm fine, so you should focus on your duties.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The short prayer ends, and we return to our tasks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The priests continue healing the wounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mages draw a new magic circle on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait! We can't move yet!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's fine, I can endure it. Heal the others first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you talking about?! You're the one who's in the worst shape!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, if it was that bad, I wouldn't be able to stand here and talk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I ignore the priest's protests and check on the expedition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I haven't had time to do that until now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Akuraba.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I approach her first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How much food is left?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's all gone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You all ate well, I see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You forced us to eat, didn't you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She's being sarcastic, but I ignore her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone did well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I change the subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where do you think they are now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well... I'm curious about that too. They were relentless, so I doubt they've given up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll keep an eye on the Eye of the Glacier. You should get some rest. If you collapse, the expedition is over...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After talking to Akuraba, I let the priests finish healing me. Then I lie down near the entrance of the Eye of the Glacier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You worked hard... Mister.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It feels like a dream, the peaceful atmosphere compared to the hell we just went through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the cold, hard ground feels comfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as always, the sweet respite doesn't last long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yandel! They're here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Akuraba's shout jolts everyone awake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They quickly form their ranks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh! Whoosh! Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flares illuminate the darkness below, revealing twelve figures climbing the icy path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They're in better shape than I expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They're maintaining their formation and moving steadily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are no visible injuries, and they don't seem to have lost any weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike us, who are practically crawling back up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Well, that's to be expected.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They didn't have to fight their way through hordes of skeletons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I clench my jaw and look down at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They're also looking up at us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a single question in their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They're wondering why we're not wearing any armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dragonslayer, who's leading the group, whispers something to his comrades. Then he smiles, looking up at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must be mocking us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'They still don't understand the situation, do they?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's why I threw away my armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a calculated decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, field advantage is more important than equipment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character has entered a special area.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Field Effect - Eye of the Glacier applied.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Okay, the field effect starts from here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I take one step back, stopping at the boundary line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I smile, shouting down at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Get ready to fight!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's their turn to suffer.\u003C\u002Fp>",2380,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.064Z",1,"novelbin.me","cd0359dcc73667ff6763daee1be52eb823dc5ef10d1510800f5c3b82bd79e4e4","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-420","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-418",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]