[{"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-56":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},1327833,1764,"Chapter 56 The Witch's Forest (3)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-56",56,"\u003Cp>The Witch's Forest (3)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Priest of Karui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's a kind of hidden class that requires reaching at least the 5th floor to change jobs to, and unlike regular priests, it's loaded with various combat spells and curse abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What the hell! She ran away!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had considered the worst-case scenario of a total party kill, but in the end, we were able to overcome this danger without any casualties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How was that possible?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I calmly reflect on it, there are several reasons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A priest of Karui... as I've heard, she was a terrifying being. Bjorn, we would have been in big trouble if it weren't for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We confiscated their weapons early on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without her staff, it wouldn't have been as easy for her to cast spells.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, there's another key factor, but...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As expected, a reliable barbarian is the best. I thought that woman was a priestess and Rotmiller was mistaken or something. But you just smashed her head in!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I, I thought the same. Bjorn, when you swung your weapon, oh my, my heart almost stopped...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blow delivered at an unexpected moment for both enemies and allies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elisa, whose head was smashed by this one hit, had to revive herself by absorbing the life force of her companions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, it wasn't a complete resurrection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could her body be fine after her brain was smashed and then restored?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Her speech, which was choppy and broken, must have been because she hadn't fully recovered.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were many advantages to that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, while I feel relieved, I also feel a sense of dread. What if we had fought when we were both at 100%?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, I think the win rate would have been about 50\u002F50.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Assuming that at least two people would die, no matter who won.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would have been a fierce battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's why they tried to trick us by pretending to be survivors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'So, did the fact that our strength was evenly matched actually help us?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing my reflection on this incident, I briefly check my physical condition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's the worst, needless to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「[Energy Depletion] is ongoing.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Energy recovery rate is decreased.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「[Low-Grade Decay] is ongoing.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Wound recovery rate is decreased.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「[Tracking] is ongoing.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「The character’s location is being transmitted to the caster.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「[Wraith Walk] is ongoing.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「The character experiences slight pain when moving.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「[Stamina Reduction] is ongoing…….」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it, I'm going crazy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My eyes are sore, and my head feels like it's been pickled in salt. I also feel like I can't control my lower body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Phew, damn it, how many curses did that bitch cast on me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Warning: Character has 15 or more stacked curses. If not treated with divine power or magic, the character’s physical abilities may be permanently reduced.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My condition is terrible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's a total disaster. Honestly, it's hard to even explain what's wrong with me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I'm not too worried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We have a mage in our team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dwarkey, I request a curse removal spell.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cu, curse removal?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, why is he surprised?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It makes me anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You said you can use curse magic, didn't you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's true, but...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I stare at him, urging him to continue, Dwarkey avoids my gaze and says,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I said I can use a few curse spells, but I didn't say I can remove them...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What kind of bullshit is that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I couldn't help it since I learned magic on my own, not through entering the Magic Tower. I also heard that there's rarely a need to remove curses during explorations...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dwarkey continues with his excuses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To put it simply, it's a very simple story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In other words, you didn't have the money.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dwarkey nods with a displeased expression as I summarize the situation in one sentence, like a barbarian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's right. I thought it would be better to learn the most necessary things first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, that's the kind of team we are.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What's the point of complaining now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We're all in the same boat, so complaining further will just make us look pathetic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let's not dwell on what's impossible and focus on what we can do right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rotmiller, is there a way to track that woman?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Unfortunately, no. I've been trying to find a way since earlier, but I can't find any leads.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, as expected...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is a bit... no, this is quite troublesome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although it seems like some of them haven't fully realized it yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you think? How dangerous is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, I'm not sure yet. But one thing is certain, we need to leave this place right now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Leave... but where to?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait! What are you guys talking about?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dwarkey interrupts our serious conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I want to tell him to stay out of it while the adults are talking, but...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He's still a mage, after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe he'll come up with a good idea if we discuss it, so let's just give him a rough explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Didn't that woman say she wouldn't let us leave alive when she ran away? She'll definitely come back for us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's true, but can't we just deal with her like we did before if she comes again?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, that's not as easy as it sounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is it because it's his first time in the labyrinth?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He's a mage, but he seems to have worse judgment than Misha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's definitely a big deal! If she ambushes us from behind while we're fighting monsters, we'll be in trouble!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's common sense that invisible enemies are scarier than visible ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And when she comes back for revenge, she'll be almost fully recovered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'And she'll have the advantage of choosing the timing of the ambush.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I learned from gaining an advantage with a pre-emptive strike earlier, battles are usually more favorable for the one who initiates Rotmiller explains this kindly, and Dwarkey shuts his mouth with a look of fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A priest of Karui lurking in the darkness, it seems like we've encountered a major obstacle in our journey. Hahaha.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf, the figurehead leader, tries to act nonchalant and laughs while patting Dwarkey's shoulder, who is stiff...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...but the tense atmosphere doesn't improve at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, they know better than anyone since they just fought 1:5. Just how troublesome priests of Karui are.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the anxiety is starting to escalate...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since things have turned out this way, it would be best to enter the Witch's Forest as soon as possible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I suggest the only solution to the current situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rotmiller asks briefly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She won't be able to track us once we get there. The curse problem will also be resolved.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's an answer with a lot omitted, but it's enough. Judging by their expressions, they seem to understand what I meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Using the terrain characteristics of the Witch's Forest... that's a rational judgment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rotmiller nods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, is there one thing that's puzzling to him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But didn't you say this is your first time on the 3rd floor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, that's right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So please, just proceed without me having to say anything, man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I studied at the library.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Library?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rotmiller tilts his head at my excuse, which isn't really an excuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, I'm not too worried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There's a witness right next to me, just in time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It might be surprising, but it's true. Bjorn goes to the library every day and reads books.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wow, a barbarian reading books?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No wonder his way of speaking is extraordinary compared to other barbarians.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They look at me as if I'm some kind of weirdo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wish they would just make a decision and do what needs to be done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So what do you all think?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I agree with your plan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterwards, with Rotmiller supporting my suggestion, the dwarf and Misha also vote in favor, and the conclusion is reached quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, there's one thing left to do before we leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I look at 'Hans-on', who collapsed like puppets with their strings cut as soon as Elisa escaped, and say,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you all doing? Aren't you going to strip them?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how urgent it is, we need to take what we can get.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We're explorers, aren't we?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We defeat marauders and monsters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>_____________________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If we sell everything, it will be well over 6 million stones.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is it because they were 3rd-floor marauders?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The loot dropped by 'Hans-on' is on a different level compared to the ones we encountered before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, if we divide it into five, the income would be roughly similar to before, but...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Really?! We can each get over 1 million stones! I was worried about this year's taxes, but this is a relief!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With that money, I can learn a few more spells! Ah, I'll definitely learn the curse removal spell this time!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dwarkey and Misha, who have suddenly come into a large sum of money, happily imagine their future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Rotmiller, the dwarf, and I just smile awkwardly and remain silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because no matter how much you earn in the labyrinth, it only matters if you return to the city alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We'll sell all this loot in the city later and settle the accounts then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For reference, during the journey, the three of us with expandable backpacks will share the responsibility of storing the loot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one can predict what will happen in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone might die during the exploration, lose their backpack, or even try to run away with everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, I'm a bit surprised during this process.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I knew about the dwarf, but I didn't expect Misha to have an expandable backpack too...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Contrary to the impression she gave, is she the type who diligently saves money?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe Misha is unexpectedly good with money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let's depart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After collecting the loot, we pack up our campsite and quickly leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rotmiller takes the lead, finding the path, and the rest of us follow behind, on guard for any surprise attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We focus on moving, avoiding most monster encounters using Rotmiller's sense of smell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How much time has passed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Warning: Character’s stamina is continuously decreasing. If not resolved soon, permanent…….」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I feel like I'm going to die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After traveling for about 5 hours, almost running with all these curses hanging on me, my body is in a terrible state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it weren't for the Magic Resistance, Darkness Resistance, and other stats I gained from the vampire, I would have probably collapsed from exhaustion by now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bjorn, are you... alright?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can endure, don't worry about it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pretend to be fine at the dwarf's concern, but honestly, I'm not fine at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike these guys who only have two or three curses, that crazy bitch cast countless curses on me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And she only cast them on me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Damn Energy Depletion...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Energy Depletion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's a shitty skill that drastically reduces the recovery of stamina, which is consumed whenever the character moves or takes action.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For reference, stamina is separate from health, so no matter how high my natural regeneration is, it's useless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'In game terms, I probably have about 30% left?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the game, the character wouldn't move if the stamina gauge fell below 10%.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>NPCs would often whine and beg to be killed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I'm not at that point yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it's incredibly difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it's not enough to kill me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can still endure with willpower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, I still have plenty of room left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Achievement Unlocked」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Condition: Stamina falls below 5%.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reward: Mental stat permanently increases by +1.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeah, it definitely will be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can't endure if I don't think that way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let's just think about the positive aspects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although we pushed ourselves a bit, we're almost at our destination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The soil is moist, so I think we'll arrive if we go for another 10 minutes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A journey of about 5 hours.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Contrary to our worries, we reach the Witch's Forest without a single attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'If she hasn't shown up yet even though we've come this far, that means she hasn't fully recovered either.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was worth it to rush even though it was tough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don't think there's a chance she gave up on us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, she even revealed the power of the dark god in front of us to try and survive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we, the witnesses, return alive and well, she'll be in a very difficult situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We've arrived.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I hear Rotmiller's words, I shake off the thoughts that filled my head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Phew, as expected, thinking about other things is the best when things are tough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was able to skip a whole 10 minutes!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the Witch's Forest... Somehow, I feel a creepy vibe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All the mages who come here for the first time seem to say that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It feels like ominous magic power is vibrating throughout the forest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Barren thorn bushes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vines wrapped around them like snakes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wai, wait! The tree over there moved!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's a place where everything is alive and moving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Witch's Forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character has entered a special area.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Field effect - Witch's Forest is applied.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Status effect [Disoriented] is applied.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Status effect [Auditory Hallucination] is applied.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Status effect [Visual Hallucination] is applied.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Status effect [Pain Amplification] is applied.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As we step into the forest, relying on the torches, a chilly air permeates my skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「All status effects except for field effects are nullified.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ha, I feel much better now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>____________________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Bjorn Yandel」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Level: 3\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Physical: 155 \u002F Mental: 91 (New +1) \u002F Ability: 115\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Item Level: 683\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Total Combat Index: 528.75 (New +1)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Acquired Essences: Corpse Golem - Rank 7 \u002F Vampire (Guardian) - Rank 5\u003C\u002Fp>",2255,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.064Z",1,"novelbin.me","98771b8b4cf71bd6b787e5750131dcc93393ae66372157e4b9e754178acc56ad","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-57","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-55",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]