[{"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-582":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},1328119,1764,"Chapter 582: Opening (3)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-582",582,"\u003Cp>Where should we head next?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tried to test the chief by asking where would be best, but he just kept parroting back that I should decide as I please.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I really have no idea what’s on his mind.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, I sighed and set the destination myself. The chief said he would announce it at the upcoming leadership meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed he truly had no intention to interfere with the expedition, sticking strictly to a figurehead role.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, how’s the research going?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before parting with the chief, I brought up the research again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The study that had lasted over ten days, started from the possibility that the mages might forcibly activate the dimensional stele.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, didn’t I say it failed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We held on that long, so I was hoping there might be some result.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A result, huh...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chief trailed off but then spoke with a meaningful tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Actually, it wasn’t completely fruitless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not completely?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We gained certainty that we can escape this place through the [Heretic Cult].”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How they arrived at that conclusion, I wasn’t told.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, that statement had to be true. After all, that was probably why he gave the mages more than ten days to research.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I asked bluntly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When do you plan to return to the city?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In my opinion, the chief’s real reason for staying in the labyrinth was ‘uncertainty.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first basement level was quite unusual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, when the expedition first arrived, they tried to open the dimensional gate, but it wouldn’t open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That caused a lot of debate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could this be considered a normal labyrinth field?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was fierce argument between mages and explorers, but eventually, the consensus leaned toward ‘yes.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The decisive proof was the Honor Stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The great barbarian warrior Bjorn Yandel and his comrades first discovered the first basement level.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite many peculiarities, this phrase left no doubt that it was inside the labyrinth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why the gate wouldn’t open was unknown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, it wasn’t unheard of for special spaces to exist inside the labyrinth where gates couldn’t be opened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now that you’re certain, shouldn’t you just return?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pressed, but the chief shook his head firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re not ready yet. I’m not confident we can return immediately without arousing suspicion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fair enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I were in his position, I’d also stay for a while to gather information about Jerome Saintred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, you want me to leave quickly?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh, do I have to say that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why? We’re supposed to be on the same boat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why?’ Like I don’t know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Same boat? You still haven’t told me how to activate the dimensional stele.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well... it’s natural you don’t trust me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chief grumbled but then nodded in understanding, lightly tapping my forearm like the upper-ups would.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t be so anxious. I will definitely leave this place, and when that time comes, I’ll tell you everything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was a bit funny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did the chief even realize that his cryptic words only increased my anxiety every time he spoke like that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...Maybe I should just take him out first?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That thought flared briefly, but I decided to watch the situation a bit longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I was about to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, by the way, did that thing I gave you this morning work? The Broken Trust.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Ah, I forgot to return it—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need to return it. Seems you need it more than I do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn, that felt like a backhanded curse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I got annoyed for a moment but still took the Broken Trust with me when I left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I returned to the mansion where I lived, neither Elwen nor Amelia were to be seen, and Misha was the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, Versil Gowlund was waiting for me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re back?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, right, you said you had something to say.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I already knew what it would be but pretended not to and sat down. After casting a spell to block sound, we began our conversation in earnest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as I expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s a rumor that the assembly of evil spirits has been disbanded.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Versil delivered the key information with the word ‘rumor.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was a bit dumbfounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A rumor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. After all, not all of us are free of evil spirits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But where did he hear that rumor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A normal person might press for details, but I nodded silently again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps because I never asked about sources, Versil seemed a bit careless around me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He shouldn’t do that elsewhere...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made me worry a bit as the leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway, after talking about the ‘rumor,’ naturally, Misha became the topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about that from this morning... what happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Misha, you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. The info that Kalstein might be a traitor—is that still valid? It seems you two are a bit too close...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Versil cautiously expressed concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why I cut her off firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You don’t need to worry about that. I recently confirmed circumstances that could be considered betrayal myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Really? Then why didn’t you tell me...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It was nothing serious. From what I heard, there was no intent to harm us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand wanting to trust Kalstein, but how can I believe that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ha, I knew that question was coming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I used the Broken Trust. After hearing everything, I confirmed there’s nothing hidden.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing that, Versil fell silent like a mute who’d just tasted honey. If she doubted any further, it would be unreasonable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, she was curious about what betrayal I was talking about, but I didn’t intend to explain that part.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyway, there’s no problem with Misha now. No need to monitor her; treat her as a normal comrade from now on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Okay, I will.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Okay, that ends this topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterward, I asked Versil to gather all the members of the temporary 4th Squad, and once everyone assembled, I told them to prepare to leave the island today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah...! We’re starting the expedition again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So the stele research failed...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh... my family must be worried.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some were disappointed they couldn’t return home immediately, but the mood wasn’t bad overall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was getting bored anyway, so this works out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are still many unexplored places.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were all explorers after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoooosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four ships cut through the silver waves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the way, our clan Anavada’s ship, infinitely smaller and more precious than warships, was at the rear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sitting at the bow, I stared blankly at the warships ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘How much more money do I need to buy a ship like that...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, I could sell the Aegis barrier and the Evergreen Monument, but then I’d just become a pauper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless I had enough wealth to buy such a ship comfortably, buying it would be pointless—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yandel! What are you doing sitting there?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While I was lost in thought at the bow, a sharp voice called from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Raven, deputy captain of the 3rd Mage Corps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s dangerous! Come down now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tone sounded irritated, so I hurried onto the deck. Raven looked down at me with eyes smaller than my chest height, like looking at a child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was funny how she looked up like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s with that look...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stretching, I glanced around the deck. Besides Raven, I saw familiar faces here and there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meland Kaislan, Sven Parab, and a few knights I’d noticed during the library island raid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From now on, they were all members of the temporary 4th Squad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before departure, I asked the chief and he readily agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, Raven, I have something to ask.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did anything happen during the stele research in town? Weren’t you involved in it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having time during the voyage, I asked out of curiosity, and Raven explained passionately, even using technical terms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the result was—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I don’t understand a single word.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dimensional disconnection, spatial coordinates, and all that—it was impossible for a modern man disguised as a barbarian to understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I mostly listened half-heartedly, but Raven noticed and awkwardly changed the subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahem! I think I spoke too complicatedly... But Yandel, can I ask you something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where exactly are we going? I thought you’d know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, you didn’t attend the last leadership meeting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The mages were all exempt. We had to hurry to organize research materials.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re heading here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I unfolded the map I’d stolen from Ham’s House and pointed at the destination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An uncharted island about a week’s travel from Library Island. Unlike Rainbow Island, it was closer, so I planned to explore it first...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I asked the chief if he knew anything about the island, he said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[It’s a very secretive island. Strange too.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Strange?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You’ll understand when you get there. I’ll tell you the rest upon arrival.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t quite know what was strange, but it definitely sounded like a mysterious island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm... I’m curious about this place. I hope we find clues to the secrets of this layer...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps because it was uncharted, Raven didn’t ask what kind of place it was, and the conversation ended there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time then passed endlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Captain! ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) The flagship has stopped!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ve received confirmation of arrival at the destination.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a week of sailing, I understood why the chief said it was a strange island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Is that really an island?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No trees, no soil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather, there was no ground for anything to stand on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a gigantic stele-like structure stood tall among the shimmering silver waves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After roughly mooring nearby, I boarded the flagship with the chief and had a private talk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now that we’ve arrived, tell me. What exactly is that stele floating on the sea?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as I entered, I activated the Broken Trust and asked, and the chief gave me a baffled look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why? Didn’t you say you might need it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s not what I meant...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough, answer. Time is precious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn’t letting this slip by again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps sensing my resolve, the chief finally told me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s not a stele, but a gate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A gate...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When you touch it, the gate opens, letting you enter an unknown space.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s inside?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chief paused for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not the answer I wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t know?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, my previous body couldn’t even open that gate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How did you know it’s a gate then?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I experimented. Unlike you, I used a survivor who drifted here by chance. But I couldn’t enter it myself, so I have no idea what’s inside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The one who entered never returned alive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That sentence sounded chilling somehow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Putting the ominous feeling aside, I quickly sought confirmation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean by survivor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t I say before there were humans who sometimes drift in here? Some survived.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t understand. Then why didn’t you take their bodies away?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chief pulled a black stone from his pouch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At that time, this stone hadn’t collected enough sacrifices. Actually, only recently has it gathered enough. As you know... quite a few came in this time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He meant the Silver Lion Clan, missing from the village and found dead in the basement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That cold look in his eyes that doesn’t see people as people really irritated me today, but I listened carefully without showing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The explorer who entered alone was as strong as you. Still, they didn’t come back. That’s all I can tell you. I’m not even sure how many can enter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And yet you still plan to explore inside as scheduled?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe it was just my imagination, but his tone sounded like he was testing me. Whatever the tone, my answer was decided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, I’ll investigate inside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I resolved to uncover everything about this layer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the Broken Trust deactivated, I seized the moment to ask various questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chief simply remained silent, so I had to settle for satisfaction and returned to my ship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After selecting who and in what order would enter, I informed the chief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll arrange personnel as you said. But... is that okay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean ‘okay’?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ll be the first to enter. A dangerous place with unknown threats.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s why. That’s why I want to go first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chief only gave a curious look but said nothing else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back on the ship, we finished preparations and took a small boat toward the massive stone gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoooosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stone gate, wide open thanks to the previously sent survey team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, a dazzling mirage swirled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Any explorer would recognize it instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was the first time I’d seen such a gigantic portal, so I was fascinated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yandel, maybe you should reconsider?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amelia, on the same ship, spoke to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We don’t mind, but you going first seems reckless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you saying? Weak as you are.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who know would understand—the barbarian never listens to those weaker than himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So in that spirit:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll go in first. Wait one minute before following, just in case.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After exchanging glances with my comrades, I prepared to leap in front of the boat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What awaits inside?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, I was a little scared and tense too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I trusted my experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Dungeon & Stone] is an unforgiving game, but monsters and traps rarely spring out immediately after a portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeah, so...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I leapt through the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoooosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Multicolored light wrapped my body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That peculiar sensation of floating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I opened my eyes again, darkness surrounded me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No need to light a torch or turn on the barbarian candle mode after so long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, what level am I now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fwhoooosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I fired the flare I had stuck on my waist anywhere in the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flare!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The area lit up, securing my vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Looks like indoors.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The floor was smooth marble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walls on both sides, ceiling above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monsters filled the surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More precisely, statues crafted to resemble monsters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Death Knight, King Slime, Lycanthrope, Iron Cavalry...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I immediately realized what these statues represented.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The Rift Guardians.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Statues of Rift Guardians stretched endlessly down the long corridor.\u003C\u002Fp>",2327,"2026-06-05T19:33:16.709Z",1,"novelbin.me","f58759ce4307b5cea13c1bcfbf8230b1538fe42ced845b22283e57a179c79f49","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-761","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-760",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]