[{"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-427":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},1327497,1764,"Chapter 427: Ice Like This (2)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-427",427,"\u003Cp>The Darkened Barbarian mode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Berserk mode was the most extreme among the various modes that could be activated with [Elemental Barbarian].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All Resistance stats were fixed at 0.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, it made you vulnerable to Holy attacks, meaning you couldn't even receive healing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in exchange, it came with some amazing benefits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immunity to all status effects, including bleeding, poisoning, stun, paralysis, and binding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That ridiculous effect was attached to this mode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The random penalty from [Soul Extraction] still remained because it was classified as a system effect, not a status effect...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that wasn't a big deal right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「All attacks gain an unavoidable hit bonus.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An unavoidable hit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a unique option that only existed in this mode, in all of [Dungeon and Stone].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there was a price to pay for this cheat-like ability, as per the game's motto of equivalent exchange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「All resource consumption is increased by 20 times.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「The cooldown for all skills is increased by 5 times.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two lines that could instantly turn a healthy explorer into a cripple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But those didn't apply to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was already half-crippled thanks to the random penalty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So the only thing I had to worry about was...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character will experience backlash proportional to the duration of the mode.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The backlash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to minimize it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, time was of the essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Alright, let’s get this over with.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took a step forward, and Six quickly retreated, creating distance between us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tadat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was wary of my transformation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let's start with a little warm-up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whooosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I swung my hammer, closing the distance between us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn't just swing it randomly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the result was the same, I had to have a clear target for the unavoidable hit bonus to activate. I had confirmed this through countless experiments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ttak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Six dodged my attack with minimal movement, as she had been doing throughout the battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Unavoidable hit bonus activated.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at the same time, the bonus activated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zzzzt-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The space in the hammer's trajectory was torn apart, creating a dark rift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"······!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Six's eyes widened in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't know what had just happened, but she focused her concentration to the limit, ready to react.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hammer disappeared into the rift, its trajectory vanishing, and then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It reappeared in an instant, bypassing space and time, striking Six's body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A heavy thud echoed through the passage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, the impact wasn't as satisfying as I had expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had hit her abdomen, and...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Damn, she's tough.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She must have invested heavily in defense, even though she was an agility-based attacker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, she did flinch when I hit her, so it wasn't completely ineffective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'If only I could use [Swing]...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The damage bonus from Kraul's Demon Crusher only activated when I used a blunt weapon skill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'If one hit isn't enough, I'll just hit her again.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There's no point in regretting it now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whooosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I swung my hammer again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ttadat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Six retreated even further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was clearly wary of my attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it didn't matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hammer bypassed the distance and struck her again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Finally, a headshot.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, the impact was much more satisfying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But surprisingly, Six didn't even groan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She just swayed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She slowly lifted her head, her eyes fixed on me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ptoo.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She spat out a mouthful of blood, her voice calm and collected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I remember now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's the 5th-grade monster, Flora's ability [Elemental Barbarian]. And the effect of the Darkness Spirit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What the...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Is she memorizing all the essence effects?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were the royal family's elite, after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's my first time seeing it in person, so it took me a while to figure it out...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She trailed off, and I immediately charged at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It'll be different from now on.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike before, Six didn't retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ttadat-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She charged towards me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew from her actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That her words were true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Damn it, I only got two hits in.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was just the beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>____________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whooosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I swung my hammer, following Six's movement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't even try to dodge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had made a calculated decision based on the information she had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If she doesn't dodge, she can choose where to get hit.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hammer struck first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the moment it landed on Six's shoulder...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puk-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dagger coated in Aura pierced through my forearm like a hot knife through butter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Damn it, this is why I was saving the Darkened Barbarian mode...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had both landed a blow, but it was clear who had suffered the greater loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her smug expression said it all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You're more agile than I expected. I was aiming for your neck.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she had just cursed at me, I would have taken it as a compliment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More agile than I expected?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the ultimate insult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My pain tolerance had also been reduced to 0, so the pain in my arm was sharp and clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tried to focus on the positive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Well, at least it's not that bad, considering I got hit by Aura with 0 resistance. It would have been much worse if it had hit somewhere else.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, that's right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I used the pain as fuel, shouting my war cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You're a tough one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This fight would be over sooner than she expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘One more time.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I swung my hammer again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the same situation as before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Six didn't dodge, instead she thrust her dagger forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We traded blows again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"······.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Six had been hit in the same shoulder as before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Damn it.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, it was my hand that held the shield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had tried to use the shield to buy myself some time, but the dagger coated in Aura had pierced through it, even going through my palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The strap that secured the shield to my wrist was also severed, and the shield fell to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, my ring and pinky finger were still attached to the shield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘One more time.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I swung my hammer again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, the situation was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead of charging at me, Six held both her daggers together, blocking my hammer's trajectory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zzzzt-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right before the hammer collided with the daggers, it was pulled into the darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It bypassed space and struck Six's ankle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though it must have been a painful blow, considering there wasn't much flesh to cushion the impact, Six's expression remained unchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"······So, this isn't going to work?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it, I feel like a boss monster being exploited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘One more time.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I swung my hammer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One hit landed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And one wound was added to my body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once, twice, three times, four times...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After several exchanges, I finally acknowledged her strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This woman... she's much stronger than I expected.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her skills were undeniable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could use Aura, and her swordsmanship was as sharp as the leader of Orculus'.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud-.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And she wasn't ignorant either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After just a few exchanges, she had started to understand my Darkened Barbarian mode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slice-.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her judgment was also sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can't use this arm anymore.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Six threw the dagger in her left hand to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had decided it was useless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the battle began, she had been using her left arm and shoulder to block most of my attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had focused the damage on one spot, a cold and calculated decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Over ten hits to disable one arm…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it was nothing compared to my mangled body, covered in cuts and bruises...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I didn't regret using the Darkened Barbarian mode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'If I hadn't, things would have gotten really bad.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could I really have endured against her with just defense?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially when I was losing stamina while she was maintaining her peak condition?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would have been a disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had initially planned to take her down quickly and then support my comrades, even if it meant taking some damage...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'But... I have to take care of her first.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I changed my strategy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to eliminate her before she could turn her attention to my comrades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'll worry about the rest later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a true barbarian warrior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I focused on the present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On landing that one decisive blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stab!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The daggers pierced my flesh, avoiding my vital points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My forearm, my skin, my wrist, my thigh...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"······!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It sank deep into my lower abdomen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zzzzt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stumbled, but managed to regain my balance using my leg strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I quickly assessed the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘How much longer can I last?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather, how many seconds do I have left?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't know for sure, but it didn't seem like much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Not yet.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I suppressed my impatience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment I had been waiting for would come soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slice-.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The relentless attacks continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We were both fighting to the death, ignoring defense and focusing on offense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That paladin who died earlier.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Six suddenly spoke, breaking the silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What is she talking about now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Were you close?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't understand why she was asking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whooosh-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I swung my hammer again, answering her question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We weren't close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We hadn't known each other for long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But one thing was certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I don't understand. Why are you going this far?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He didn't deserve to die here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't know him well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had only seen a small part of who he was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's why I felt even more regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What would it have been like to explore with him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wouldn't have been bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would have supported me unconditionally, even if he looked a bit annoyed by my antics sometimes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whooosh-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What would he be like at a party?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would he be a heavy drinker? I've met a lot of people who change completely when they drink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of person would he be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whooosh-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had taken that opportunity away from me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just Jun, but the other members as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slice-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They didn't deserve to die like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I forced my injured arm to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wouldn't let them take anything else from me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clench-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tightened my grip on the hammer, forcing my legs to support my weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whiiiiik.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dagger coated in Aura flew towards my abdomen, ignoring the air resistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at that moment...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character's luck has intervened, blocking the attack.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment I had been waiting for finally arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dagger stopped mid-air, as if it had hit an invisible wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Yes, it finally activated!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gachabon's ability, [Probabilistic Retaliation].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a passive skill, so it worked even if my active skills were sealed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Reflects 15% of the received damage to the enemy.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A skeleton appeared behind Six, wielding a dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't just any dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was coated in Aura, the same color as Six's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ttadat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Six immediately retreated, sensing the danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a scene I had seen before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even before I activated the Darkened Barbarian mode, [Probabilistic Retaliation] had triggered a few times, and Six had always managed to dodge the counterattack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a positive sign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So she didn't know everything about the Darkened Barbarian mode?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she had, she wouldn't have made that decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The unavoidable hit bonus also applied to passive skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zzzzt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the skeleton's dagger sliced through the air,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dark rift appeared, swallowing the dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puk-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It bypassed space and pierced Six's body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ugh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, I heard a groan from that steel-like woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Damn it.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't satisfying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Why did it hit her thigh?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it had hit her neck, her heart, or her forehead, the fight would have been over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was disappointed, but I quickly dismissed the feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Well, I didn't expect it to be that easy anyway.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had fought countless enemies since that day in the Crystal Cave, from Hans A to the countless nameless explorers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'This is more like me.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I always had a backup plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ttadat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was time for my trump card.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ptoo-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I charged forward, spitting the blood that had pooled in my mouth from biting my tongue at Six's face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't have the Corpse Golem's [Acidic Fluid] anymore, but...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was enough to obscure her vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whooosh-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I swung my hammer at the same time, aiming for her blind spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Six reacted instantly, turning her shoulder towards me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the same shoulder she had used to block my previous attacks, the one that was already mangled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was going to take all the damage with one arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hammer struck her shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whiiiik-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at the same time, she thrust her dagger forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't dodge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puk-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dagger sank deep into my lower abdomen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring the pain, I extended my arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the arm that had been holding the shield, the one that was now useless after being pierced by her dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Six's eyes narrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"······!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, so she didn't expect this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was worth saving this move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My hand reached her neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clench-.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I used my index, thumb, and middle fingers to grab her neck tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I headbutted her emotionless face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I fell on top of her, pinning her down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puk-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp pain shot through my side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had stabbed me again while falling?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whooosh-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I adjusted my grip on the hammer and swung it down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then something unbelievable happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Holy shit, she's insane!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though her upper body was pinned down, she had somehow managed to move her head and dodge the hammer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was impressive, but ultimately meaningless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even at close range, the unavoidable hit bonus still applied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hammer bypassed her head and crushed her foot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puk-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another dagger pierced my side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I felt a wave of dizziness, my vision blurring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I ignored it and swung my hammer again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, it was a clean hit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hammer struck her wrist, and the dagger she had been holding flew through the air before landing on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Good, she’s disarmed.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I swung my hammer again, aiming for her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack-! Crack-! Crack-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She somehow managed to twist her neck and protect her head three times, but the fourth hit was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It landed squarely on her skull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her body convulsed, her muscles spasming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I didn't stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I kept swinging my hammer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The unavoidable hit bonus didn't activate anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even this monster couldn't dodge with just her neck after suffering a concussion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack, crack, crack-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three more hits to the head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘One more.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I raised my hammer for the fourth blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as I did, I saw her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a strange experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had crushed countless skulls, but I had never seen anything like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"······.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes were calm and serene, not filled with fear or despair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked up at me and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I lost.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wow, she's admitting defeat?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't seem like the type to beg for her life, but I didn't expect her to give up so easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, it didn't matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nia... Raf... donia...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I swung my hammer with all my might.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sickening thud echoed through the passage, and Six's body went limp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huff... Huff... Huff...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My breath came in ragged gasps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Is she... really dead?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn't believe it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had been a formidable opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I couldn't just stand there and catch my breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I slowly got to my feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Erwen... you can deactivate [Elemental Barbarian] now—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tried to tell her to deactivate it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at that moment...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Mister—!!!!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My vision blurred, and I stumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Damn it...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to get up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were still enemies to fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My eyelids felt heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>____________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character has entered a [Stunned] state.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「[Elemental Barbarian] has been deactivated.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Abyssal Remnants.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character will experience backlash proportional to the duration of the mode.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Mode duration: 318 seconds.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「For 3,180 seconds, all Resistance stats are reduced by 50%.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「For 3,180 seconds, all healing and regeneration effects are reduced by 90%.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「For 3,180 seconds, character...」\u003C\u002Fp>",2713,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.064Z",1,"novelbin.me","7fe82e26fa7972acea6472e811bf0e09bce5c9a20b964c4b280fd3a2ed4f536b","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-428","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-426",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]