[{"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-605":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},1327982,1764,"Chapter 605: Legion Commander (2)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-605",605,"\u003Cp>In a gathering crowded with many people, silence always has a reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone is either focused on something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or it’s the somber atmosphere of mourning for a tragic event.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or else, they are so shocked that no words come out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this case, the silence was the latter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the commanders present were visibly flustered by my actions and words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, none of them spoke rashly, all their gazes fixed on one place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“.......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jillen Evost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The legitimate deputy commander who takes over command in the absence of the expedition leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, I hold this man in high regard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though Count Jerome Saintred’s body was possessed by some strange monster, this expedition force still functioned well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was the lubricant and engine driving this expedition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He was probably planning to officially announce his succession as soon as my speech ended at this meeting.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surely, that plan would have proceeded smoothly without any resistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If only I hadn’t suddenly interrupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“.......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was waiting for his response, but the deputy commander remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed to be calmly organizing his thoughts...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No need to give him too much time.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked at the deputy commander and spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Surely you don’t still not understand what this means?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I spoke with a slightly provocative tone, the deputy commander finally replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That is not the case. I fully understand why the baron sat there, and I was thinking about how to convince everyone with words.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Convince, huh... Sounds like you’re saying you don’t accept me sitting here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this more provocative question, all the commanders’ eyes went wide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Is that even ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) a thing to say, you barbarian?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wanted to shout that, but none dared because of my title and reputation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, even my comrades were the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“.......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Amelia, who I considered my right hand, gave me a look as if saying ‘Is this guy really crazy?’ and kept her distance—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the deputy commander answered my question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The baron does not have the qualification to be the commander of this expedition.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why not?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because you are the leader of the temporary 4th squad.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even officially recognized as a squad leader, only leader of a temporary 4th squad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“According to the military law established by the royal family, if the highest-ranking officer dies or cannot perform their duties properly, the next highest-ranking officer assumes the duties.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He invoked military law, backing it up with the royal family’s authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did I not know that before sitting down?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So there’s no problem then? After the count, the next highest rank is the baron, which is me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among all the elites gathered in this expedition, only the count and I had titles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why would titled nobles come down to the labyrinth, especially to the still unexplored first basement floor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the original Count Saintred was dragged in because they needed someone to act as general commander.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......Baron, you should first understand the difference between rank and title.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The deputy commander sighed at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His reaction was surprisingly mild.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were me, I would have picked up a hammer saying I won’t entertain nonsense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rank or title, they’re both status, aren’t they? Among these, I am the second highest in status after the count.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I argued once more, and the deputy commander calmly explained the difference between rank and title, talked about mercenary rules, and political problems my obstinacy could cause, giving a long lecture on military law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......Yes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So why can’t I be the commander?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how wise, if you preach to a stubborn fool, it’s natural to feel frustrated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“.......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long attempt to persuade, the deputy commander finally shut his mouth. He realized no words could convince me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jillen Evost.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I spoke, watching for the right timing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s a bit funny for a newly risen baron from the barbarian clan to say this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I won’t take orders from someone without a title.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was done assessing him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This approach would work better with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And besides.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can you really give me orders?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“.......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really, can you treat me like any other subordinate?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The deputy commander said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His stubborn honesty, not even a hollow lie, was somewhat impressive, but not fitting for someone trying to be a commander.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe for an aide, but not a commander.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“.......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“.......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The deputy commander’s silence continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did I take my eyes off him and look around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surprisingly, none of them showed anxiety or worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They just held their breath, curious how this would end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘They don’t care who sits in the commander’s seat.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the deputy commander’s viewpoint, it was a forced justification, but from their perspective, it probably didn’t feel forced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A baron’s title officially recognized by the royal family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That fact carried enormous weight in the city of Rafdonia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, though there was another real reason for their reactions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Everyone listen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling the moment was right, I dropped the playful tone and spoke to everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We are standing at a crossroads.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crossroads was not about who to choose as commander.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We can either carry out the royal mission and return to the city in style, or be trapped here forever, never escaping.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The longer we stayed here, everyone had thought about this silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I made sure everyone recognized this, then continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But if you trust and follow me—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No need for long speeches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will definitely get you all home.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had already shown it through actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the crystal caves where the Abyssal Lord appeared, in the goblin forest, in the Isrock expedition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also in this basement first floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was the one who fought hardest against the grade 1 monsters on the library island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was the one who broke through all the guardian statues and opened the cracks, entering them myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did the deputy commander do during that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He refined the expedition’s internal affairs, but that was all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘How long must we remain trapped here?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For those who began to feel such unease, it was clear who they would see as a ‘trustworthy commander.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The baron is a smart man. We all know that, including me. What do you want? What must we do to be convinced?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The deputy commander asked bluntly, and I smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gather all the soldiers and vote.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Democratic procedures are always right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A vote.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A democratic process never fits well in a military hierarchy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surprisingly, the deputy commander agreed easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He must have thought there was no other way to stop my obstinacy.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, he must have had confidence in himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he had no title, he was still from a noble family and respected by knights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Fifty-fifty then...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His subordinates would all vote for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, all the temporary 4th squad members would vote for me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both sides would have similar numbers, so it was impossible to clearly decide superiority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, the overall sentiment of the expedition members was crucial...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The results are in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vote results for the entire expedition came out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Close call.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I won by a slim majority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apparently, everyone secretly thought a strong leader was needed to escape this place...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was fortunate for both me and the deputy commander.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No need to prepare plan B for losing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, now that results are out...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I naturally sat in the commander’s chair and gave my first order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jillen Evost, you are deputy commander. Your duties remain the same. Can you handle it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A formal order to show rank to everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then I smoothly took charge of the meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Finally, we can talk about the cracks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I spoke of what had happened inside the cracks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t go into details, focusing mainly on the ‘archbishop’s’ final fate, which everyone was curious about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He... really became Karui’s priest...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait, so the count died because of the archbishop...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The religious members attending the leadership meeting couldn’t hide their agitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The archbishop’s death was grave, but more so because he was the beast who killed the commander.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry. We won’t blame the Trinitarian Church for this. It was a natural disaster. A dangerous mission, and the archbishop simply died during it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I relieved their fears about getting blamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, if Count Saintred really died, maybe it would be different, but that’s not the case. There won’t be any disadvantages for us when we return.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then that’s a relief...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These weren’t ordinary clergy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All held prominent positions within the Trinitarian Church.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So they were surprisingly shrewd for religious people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyway, now let’s start the actual meeting. Deputy commander, has the investigation of the room beyond the stone gate finished?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not yet, regarding the statues.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hear you’ve found out about the portal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We still need to investigate more, but most opinions say it’s a portal that leads outside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“However, it seems wise to postpone using the portal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because it’s probably raining heavily outside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hadn’t calculated the time, but it seemed another rainy season had arrived outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then we’ll stay here and investigate until the rainy season ends.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That ended today’s meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you’re hungry, everyone get out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, I said a line I’d wanted to say once in my life, and like a receding tide, everyone left the barracks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, except one person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Deputy commander, do you have anything to say to me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More precisely, it was a way to say ‘If you have complaints, say them now.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when the deputy commander heard that, he chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Baron, I am one of those who truly think it’s fortunate that you became commander.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t sound like flattery to leech off a new ruler.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Actually... I voted for you as well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because I know my place. A position responsible for hundreds is not suited for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But weren’t you the biggest opponent?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, I had to come up with an excuse, if we are not to be socially ostracized when we return.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the deputy commander respectfully saluted me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So please take good care of us from now on. The better you lead the expedition, the fewer responsibilities I will have.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After saying all he wanted, he left a pouch of dried meat before me and exited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You said you were hungry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though I felt like I’d been played somehow, I popped the dried meat into my mouth and chewed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Tastes good.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This expedition is mine now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The (true) barbarian corps commander mode was very comfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, issuing orders through a powerless chief was always annoying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that process was completely gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, not only that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you going to reorganize the structure...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. Dividing into just four squads with squad leaders doing whatever they want is inefficient.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could now freely give bold orders that the chief who pretended to be Count Saintred never dared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Inefficient... indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, you should know I’ll also be touching the members participating in the leadership meeting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, the deputy commander was a very useful asset.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what orders I gave, he thought about how to carry them out without complaints.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though, in a way, that was a flaw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never spoke harshly to superiors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really... you’ve taken the commander’s seat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you sad you can’t be deputy commander?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I wouldn’t even take it if offered.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wish Amelia would say something sweeter sometimes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Be careful. There might be trouble from the royal family later when we return to the city over this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She always starts with criticism no matter what I say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, that’s a good thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is there anything you want? I can give anything by commander’s order—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll be off then.”)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, on your way out, find Raven and call him here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amelia left the barracks without a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But not long after, Raven entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You called for me, commander?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Commander? Sit down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raven looked at the commander’s seat with disbelief, then quickly came and sat beside me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So what did you call me for? About the investigation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, that’s a curiosity too... but this time I have a favor to ask.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can I just go back like this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No way. It’s a commander’s order.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh... I should’ve written Sir Evost’s name and put it in a box.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too late to regret now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This expedition was mine already.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tell me. What’s the favor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the resigned Raven, I secretly took out an item I’d been holding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A crown...? What is this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know either. But this appeared when the chief killed the archbishop.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not something from a monster?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No. That’s why it’s suspicious and special.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raven picked up the crown with curious eyes, turning it over and examining it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not a Numbers item... I’ve never heard of such a crown. Can I take this? You called me to investigate it anyway.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, but don’t tell anyone about the crown. Keep the research to yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s a secret study only you know about. You’re the only one who knows.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I trusted you enough to tell you that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I deliberately gave off the nuance that Raven was specially trusted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Only me...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, Raven was smart and quick-witted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is... embezzlement!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Panicking and quickly pulling his hand off the crown, fearing being framed as an accomplice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there was no real problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Embezzlement? It’s the commander’s call.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ridiculous!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So will you do it or not? A mysterious treasure gained from the basement first floor cracks?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...I didn’t say I won’t.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raven looked around quickly and at lightning speed shoved the crown into the pocket dimension.\u003C\u002Fp>",2271,"2026-06-05T19:33:18.084Z",1,"novelbin.me","aef064e153fa74827effdc6088c2c39de8b9e9fc815491951b7151fb6fe143d4","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-606","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-604",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]