[{"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-428":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},1327498,1764,"Chapter 428: Ice Like This (3)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-428",428,"\u003Cp>Six Rose, leader of the Rose Knights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regal Vagos, watching from afar as she was defeated in battle, couldn't help but chuckle to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'That incompetent bitch. She was so confident that she could handle him alone.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been watching their fight intently ever since it began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Six won, he had to stop her from killing the barbarian before she could land the final blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A peaceful death was a luxury Bjorn Yandel didn't deserve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His plan was to turn him into his subordinate through [Enslavement] and make him suffer for the rest of his life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he was unlucky enough to die before that, he would at least absorb his soul and gain his abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Well, this isn't a bad outcome either.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then he headed towards the spot where they had fallen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step, step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The distance between them quickly closed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'It would be interesting to turn him into my subordinate and use him against them.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was thinking about the possibilities as he approached...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Regal... Vagos...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint, trembling voice called out to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whiiiish!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp whistling sound pierced the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly turned and deflected the arrow with his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing in the direction the arrow had come from was a fairy, her bow drawn, her eyes fixed on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...So it was you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the Seven Strengths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwen Fornachi di Tersia, the Blood Spirit Marquis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regal Vagos instinctively licked his lips, a familiar habit... but he couldn't shake off the strange sense of déjà vu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Why does she look so familiar? I feel like I've seen her somewhere before...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, that wasn't important right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>_________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reality is different from the tragedies you see in stories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It doesn't rain, thunder doesn't roar, and revolutions don't erupt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was just an ordinary afternoon, like any other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Erwen, if you keep misbehaving, the scary barbarian will come and get you!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My mother scolded me as usual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Honey, that's enough. She understands.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My father was always kind and gentle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Waaaaaaaah!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My younger sister cried incessantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Daria... where did she go again?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My mischievous older sister had just returned home at dawn and was still asleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything was normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knock, knock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone knocked on the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Who is it?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My father went to the door instead of my mother, who was busy with housework.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that's when the tragedy began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[A... a Dragonkin...? What are you doing here...? Gah—!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I need fame, and fairies are the easiest to kill.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Aaaaaaaaah!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[M-Miriane! Take the children and run!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While my father tried to stop him, my mother grabbed us and ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But we didn't get far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He caught up to us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Please... take my children and run.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[...I understand, sister.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Thank you... you're a good brother.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We were saved by my uncle, who happened to be passing by.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My mother had sacrificed herself to protect us, just like my father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But we were lucky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over a thousand fairies died that day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had my sisters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's why I could endure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[That young lady is fated to follow in your footsteps.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My older sister died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Big sister... is she really gone?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was my fault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My relationship with my younger sister became strained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I could still endure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Listen to me. I'm your guardian now.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He protected me, risking his life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He helped me up when I was about to fall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But reality was cruel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[So... Bjorn is really dead?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I realized that he was gone too...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn't control my emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did I have to lose everything?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did the little happiness I had found crumble so easily?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The answer was simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because I was weak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because I needed to be protected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because they protected me, but I couldn't protect them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The process of obtaining the power of a pureblood is much more gruesome than you can imagine. And it's not something you can achieve just by wanting it.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wanted to become stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had nothing left to protect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wanted to make them feel the pain of loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ones who had taken everything from me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Dicloe, the Dark Spirit King...]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That dark emotion gave me strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I used that strength to take revenge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They called me a bloodthirsty maniac.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But my nature hadn't changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tremble, tremble, tremble...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My hands were shaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Regal... Vagos...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I stayed here, I would lose everything again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But my body was frozen with fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn't let that happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You said that even if I couldn't use my bow or summon spirits, I could still protect myself.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I remembered my sister's words and drew my dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took a step forward, my body moving on its own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I swung the dagger, my movements fluid and precise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A bowman attacking with a sword?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He chuckled, his voice dripping with mockery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn't use my spirit anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had used Ertes, the scout's [Harmony] ability to convert my Soul Power into natural energy so I could support Bjorn Yandel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had a bit of natural energy left, but it wasn't enough to summon a spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Just one dagger...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My sister had taught me how to use it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, I didn't understand why I had to learn such a thing...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Listen. Even if you can't use your bow or summon spirits, you can still protect yourself.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now I understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was always the one being protected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You pathetic bitch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He charged at me, his sword drawn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stood my ground, my eyes fixed on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My heart was calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haa...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn't use my spirit anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn't rely on Bjorn Yandel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll protect him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I made up my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wouldn't rely on anyone anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>_________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Give up, and it becomes easier.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's a common saying you often see on the internet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The self-deprecating nuance is a bit uncomfortable, but the meaning itself is true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Regal Vagos has cast [Fear Brand].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Give up, and it becomes easier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like you don't get hurt if you don't expect anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can quickly draw the line on things you can't do and protect yourself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, just like right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Strong Mental Power.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia resists [Fear Brand].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment you let go of your burdens, an unparalleled comfort washes over you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The annoying noises fade away, and the tormenting pain is replaced by a warm darkness that embraces your body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A comfort that feels like returning to childhood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes, this darkness is more comfortable than the most brilliant light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia has taken damage.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, I wasn't always like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was an ordinary kid who admired heroes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Regal Vagos roars fiercely.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia roars even louder, refusing to back down.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at some point, I started to dislike hero stories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were stupid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why should I sacrifice myself for others?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That question changed my way of life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It became easier, and I became stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Amelia Rainwales has cast [Asura's Fury].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Critical Hit.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Eight Rose has been slain.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When did it all begin?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「[Bleeding] is ongoing.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Warning: Character's HP is below 5%. Immediate treatment is required to prevent death.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A new question arose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Titana Akuraba shouts, urging her comrades to save their fallen ally.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Periton Eriabosti has cast [Salvation].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Bogus Lichmont casts [Opposing Darkness].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Divine intervention has been nullified by the power of the Evil God.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe it was a mental defect that came with being a barbarian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Melend Kaislan moves to rescue his comrade.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Ann Parbella breaks formation and intercepts the knight.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But one thing was certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Powerful Lucky Strike.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Ann Parbella has been slain.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「The priest of the Evil God, having lost his lover, is enraged.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't want to give up anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just my life, but everything else as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Bogus Lichmont casts [Flesh Offering].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Right arm sacrificed. Next spell's power increased by 5 times.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Bogus Lichmont casts [Corpse Flower].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Desire bloomed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Melend Kaislan has been critically injured and is incapacitated.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it meant getting hurt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An intense desire I could no longer ignore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Powerful Misfortune.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Punishment - Equivalent Exchange activated.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「50% of the damage inflicted by Bogus Lichmont is reflected back to him.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「The priest of the Evil God, sensing his imminent death, screams in despair and hatred.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was I doing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Bogus Lichmont casts [Flesh Offering].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Left arm sacrificed. Next spell's power increased by 5 times.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Bogus Lichmont casts [Flesh Offering].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Both eyes sacrificed. Next spell's power increased by 5 times.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Bogus Lichmont casts [Flesh Offering]...」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「...」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sounds are distant, the pain is dull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surroundings are dark and lonely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Bogus Lichmont summons [Executioner].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Ravienniastorous has been critically injured and is incapacitated.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Sven Parab is inflicted with [Fear].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I feel like I've forgotten something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Strong Mental Power.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Sven Parab resists [Fear].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Sven Parab breaks formation and blocks Executioner's attack.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Sven Parab shouts for help, his body drenched in sweat.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I try to remember.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Amelia Rainwales makes a decision after deep contemplation.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「She chooses to attack Regal Vagos instead of Executioner.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Sven Parab is shocked.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What have I forgotten?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Executioner goes on a rampage.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Sven Parab is incapacitated.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Tsuon Iribun has been slain.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Liris Marone clenches her fist and makes a decision.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Liard Ashid grabs her wrist and shakes his head.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was something I had to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Liard Ashid casts the 7th-grade mental magic [Thought Acceleration].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Liard Ashid casts the 6th-grade acceleration magic [Mana Amplification].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Liard Ashid casts the 8th-grade magic [Heart Acceleration]...」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「...」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had vowed never to repeat it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Liard Ashid unleashes a barrage of spells.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Executioner screams in pain, having taken significant damage.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, my head hurts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Liard Ashid's mana is depleted.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Liard Ashid smiles, entrusting the rest to his comrades.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the ensuing silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Liard Ashid has been slain.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Familiar faces flash before my eyes like fading memories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Gruold Aldidi moves towards Sven Parab.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Sven Parab shakes his head, refusing treatment.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I close my eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Gruold Aldidi starts running.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Manua Repeles casts [Wind Pressure].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Gruold Aldidi is critically injured.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Amelia Rainwales inflicts heavy damage on Manua Repeles.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I know I have to open my eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Gruold Aldidi moves forward.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I've done enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Gruold Aldidi moves forward.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is my limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Gruold Aldidi moves forward.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Gruold Aldidi stops.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Gruold Aldidi casts [Blood Transfusion].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character is healed.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character is healed.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character...」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A warm energy embraces my fading body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character's HP has recovered above 1%.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Countdown stopped.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I realize.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's already too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character awakens from [Unconsciousness].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can't stop now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>_________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I open my eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first thing I see is Didi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Y-you're awake... Thank goodness...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He's looking down at me, his chest heaving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stench of blood fills the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My gaze falls to his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Didi...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, this...? I got hurt a little on the way here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tries to hide his abdomen with his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's a futile effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's not a wound you can hide with your hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We need to heal you—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cuts me off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's impossible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Saving you from that rockfall was my last act. We're out of potions, aren't we?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don't understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why... why did you...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Parab... he told me to save you first. He said he could endure it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didi smiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone knows... that if you die, it's over.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yandel... listen to me...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He coughs up blood and doubles over, but he still has something to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The only one who can make our deaths meaningful... is you. Only you. I can't do it. So...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can't accept his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What does he mean by 'meaningful death'?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There's only meaning in living.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have to survive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didi says, his voice weak but firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You... are a giant, aren't you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A giant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The title I earned after that bloody battle in the Crystal Cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're the only one who can carry the burdens of those who died here today... You're the only one who can keep moving forward...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Didi... I'm not a giant...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't be so weak. You can do it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I... I wanted to avenge my granddaughter... I wanted to die, but I couldn't... That's why I'm here... Because I believed in you... I believed that you could do it...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can't speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It feels like a thousand-ton boulder has been placed on my shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No matter what anyone says... you're a giant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didi's life fades away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clench.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I clench my fists, suppressing the urge to scream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm not a giant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm just an ordinary person who wants to live.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why are they doing this to me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I want to shout and lash out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Don't worry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's not what I should be saying right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I meet his gaze and speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll do everything you wanted to do. I'll avenge your granddaughter. I swear on this warrior's heart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I sound confident, but I'm not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can I really keep this promise?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Didi doesn't seem to care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes... that's enough... for me...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiles, his eyes closing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You... you'll become a giant...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you talking about? You just said I was already a giant...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There's no answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And there never will be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I get up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What happened while I was unconscious?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I look around, and the battlefield is a mess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bodies litter the ground, crushed by ice and rocks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A giant monster lies dead in a corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stench of death fills the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only six of us are still standing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clank!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amelia is fighting the bald pugilist, Repeles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Vagos! The barbarian is awake!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mage, one of the Noark backliners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kill her first...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dragonslayer, wielding his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwen, her body battered and bruised, is fighting him with a single dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mister...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwen finally notices me and turns her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's a fatal mistake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can't afford to be distracted in battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Cale Elbad Jeneger casts [Earth Spike].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A black spear shoots out from the mage's hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's the same 2nd-grade skill that killed Mite Million, the tank from the 2nd Team, during the teleportation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Erwen's eyes widen in surprise as she senses the attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at the same time, my warrior instincts scream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She can't dodge it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's not a premonition, it's a certainty, like knowing that a person will be thrown back if hit by a truck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time slows down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I bend my knees, ready to charge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My body freezes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm ready to move, but something's holding me back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My heart sinks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can't help but think...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'If I block that attack...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Will I survive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm already weakened by the backlash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Will I be able to endure even one hit in this state?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You have to kill to survive.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hans A's voice echoes in my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe he was right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm already looking for a reason to live.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[What if they're not your enemies?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[What if they're innocent people you have to kill to survive?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because if I die, what will happen to Didi's sacrifice?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What about Jun?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What about the other members?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all sacrificed themselves to get us here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[No, what if it's your companion, the one you swore to protect?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So... I can't be any different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I have to make the rational choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The choice that will benefit everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clench.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[What then?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can I really let Erwen die?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What about Daria?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sister who died asking me to protect Erwen...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My mind is in turmoil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How did I end up like this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good and evil are blurred, making the choice even more difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's like a tangled mess of threads, choking me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clench.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Damn it...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don't know anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'll do what I want.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[...You... you'll become a giant...]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm sorry, Didi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I'm a barbarian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if I'm really the giant you believed in...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I won't hesitate to sacrifice myself.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I push off the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment of hesitation, followed by a burst of speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our eyes meet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dragonslayer is watching us, his expression filled with surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clank!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amelia is too busy fighting to notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in that brief moment...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whiiiish!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black spear shoots towards Erwen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But my mind is surprisingly calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm not giving up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I focus and avoid the vital points, I can endure even one hit in this state—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia has cast [Elemental Barbarian].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...What?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia offers a [Contract] to the character.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar sensation flows through our intertwined hands.\u003C\u002Fp>",2750,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.064Z",1,"novelbin.me","eab229130ee5726309f5c3ee5ae195fe80831440658cffd7e2a4351670af6a15","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-429","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-427",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]