[{"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-625":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},1328002,1764,"Chapter 625: District 7 (3)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-625",625,"\u003Cp>Removal of the essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For priests of bishop rank or higher, the ability to remove an essence is essential, but there is one condition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It can only be done inside a ‘temple’...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is why many of the Noirak who mistakenly consumed essences became ruined characters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Removing an essence once requires risking one’s life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially if one’s face is well-known.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whew...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I swayed slightly and returned the blue dagger given by the priest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I always felt a considerable emptiness each time I removed an essence. It wasn’t just due to stats decreasing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s hard to explain in words...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘A sensation as if part of my soul is breaking away.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I had to describe it, this would be close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now I understood why MP in this world is called soul energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hoping to fill the void with something else, I quickly took out test tubes from the pocket dimension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arbet and Uumdal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the customized essence combining the [Gigantism] of the Orc Hero.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I popped open the cap and poured it into my mouth like a potion, curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this were a game—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How would such a synthesized monster be represented?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「[???? Essence] is seeping into the character’s soul.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, well... it probably wasn’t just question marks carelessly displayed and done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Setting that aside, I focused on the bodily changes I felt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among explorers, there was a slang called ‘taming.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more one focuses on bodily changes while consuming essence, the easier it is to adapt to new abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Strength +100 increases.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A vitality that could lift anything filled my body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, compared to an ogre, this strength was nothing...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Jump power +120 increases.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My thigh muscles tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Physical resistance +80 increases.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My already tough skin became even tougher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Hearing +60 increases.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sounds scattered in the air became clearer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were the main noticeable immediate changes no matter how much I concentrated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this was not the end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Dark resistance +40 increases.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Soul energy +50 increases.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Natural regeneration +80 increases.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Endurance +60 increases.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Bone strength +60 increases.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Absorption +60 increases.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ogres have very high base stats, but in total ability score, Arbet couldn’t be matched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Arbet’s drawback was his skill trap...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since I stored only stats in essence using the underground 1st floor system, that didn’t apply to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Phew...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having almost adapted to the stat changes, I cautiously opened the pocket dimension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the way, I had placed all the Numbers items I was wearing into the pocket dimension because of Uumdal’s passive skill’s characteristic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Soul Link] – The first acquired equipment becomes bound and grants additional abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first equipment obtained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though labeled so in-game, in reality this passive only works on ‘Numbers Items.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If linked wrongly, it can’t be undone.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linking is possible only once, so Uumdal’s essence must always be handled carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If consumed while fully equipped, one random item becomes bound...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I reached into the pocket dimension and imagined specifically what to take out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My hand closed around a large, solid ‘thing.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No.87 Kraul’s Demon Crusher.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...Of course, it wasn’t that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the Demon Crusher is a high-performance weapon and choosing it would also make me strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Not worth spending a passive slot on.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are countless passive skills suitable for shield barbarians. Normally I would have inserted one of those.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If only I had not had this at hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character equipped No.3 Aegis Barrier.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Total item level increases by +18,600.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ultimate shield normally only obtainable much later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guidance of the soul.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No.3 Aegis Barrier is permanently bound to the character.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bound equipment cannot be destroyed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All effects of the bound equipment are increased by 10%.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Upon defeating monsters, the bound equipment gains individual experience, and at a certain level, unlocks unique effects.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This shield grows from now on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Soul Link].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mandatory skill when raising a shield dwarf synergizing with Numbers Items.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had naturally done extensive research and knew almost all unique effects of high-tier equipment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Unique effect unlocked at level 9.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without unlocking, it was a very good skill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Item performance increased 10% per level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Still, having overlapping indestructible options is a bit wasteful...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since most high-tier Numbers have indestructible options, it’s not much of a loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The binding option... since I don’t plan to sell, it’s not a downside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Gigantism.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After confirming the active skill works well, I glanced around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looks like everything nearby was finished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just me needed to reorganize.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Amelia Rainwails’s soul is imbued with [???? Essence].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Misha Kalstein’s soul is imbued with [???? Essence].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Elwen Fornaci di Tersia’s soul is imbued with [???? Essence].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three dealer sisters(?) each received a customized essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Ainard Pnellin’s soul is imbued with [???? Essence].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Ainard Pnellin’s soul is imbued with [???? Essence].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Removing the essences of [Smug] from [Mandel Oil] and [Bitlan] from [Wild Control], Ainard was able to insert two customized essences into his slots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The change was immediate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The two essences together raised fighting spirit to 100, right?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In theory, perfectly covering the fighting spirit lost due to Hiphramagent’s essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in practice, it wasn’t difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recognizing Ainard was back to normal was easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Behel—raaaaaaaah!!!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, this is a battle roar, this is a barbarian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling proud watching Ainard roar powerfully, shaking the entire hall, Amelia approached me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How do you like the new essence? Do you like it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ll talk about that later. For now, we must move on to the next step before time runs out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He should have been more excited after consuming the new essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah... Since you like it, stop making that sulky face.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, really?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway, Amelia was right that there was no time °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° to waste, so I hurried to the next plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Everyone, drink up!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before raiding another prison, there was a prior task.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A historic moment!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling the sign of my speech beginning, everyone quietly looked at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one seemed bored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rather, many wore slightly excited expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lapdonia is currently in crisis. The filthy rats living underground are now daring to threaten our city.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having lived as a barbarian, I knew I had a talent for speeches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amelia said I was just naturally gifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And! We were lucky to be living here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lucky...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of all the cities, why did ours get hit? That’s incredibly unlucky, isn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My speech caused question marks to appear in the crowd’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All reasonable doubts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that’s why...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Now.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the atmosphere warmed enough,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No! We are all lucky! At least we got a chance! To save this city in crisis, and to make a ‘great achievement’ no one can challenge!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No need for long speeches here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, they were all explorers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one knew better than me what they wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Also, I promise now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When all this is over, I, Bjorn, Yandel’s son, will stand before the royal family and say!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was not alone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That saving this city was thanks to all your blood and sweat!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that, I raised my clenched fist, and the awaited cheer erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Waaaaaah!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it because my fame grew?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or was it that I got better at provoking such cheers?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Either way, it felt easier to get those roars day by day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Anyway, with this performance, no one will doubt my sincerity later...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Contrasting with my passionate speech, I coldly scanned the crowd, then raised my voice again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking the speech was starting again, the explorers kept quiet and listened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The enemies are strong! The rats grew by stealing our stores, and driving them out will cost us blood as well!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No problem!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll kill them all!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite my warning, the explorers saw the crisis as opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which isn’t a bad thing...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was time for the main topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Clear throat! I recognize your courage and spirit. But! As a Lapdonian noble, warrior, explorer, and one who loves this city more than anyone else, I hope as little blood is spilled as possible. I want you to survive and return to your families.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The speech was just groundwork for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, I, Bjorn, Yandel’s son, have made a decision.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From now on, I will distribute essences to you!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s that famous saying about growing stronger the more you share.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was exactly that case.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The explorers’ expressions twisted oddly at the offer of free essences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Understandable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They must have wondered why that barbarian was spouting such madness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even my comrades didn’t react much differently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you’re giving out essences...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You mean the ones obtained from the first basement floor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why on earth would you give away such precious things...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Amelia remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s because Amelia knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That this free distribution would ultimately bring me great benefit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, not simply because it would reduce loot going to the royal family, who are potential enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Think about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If I just hand out essences recklessly here, how would we know how many essences remain?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simply put, by throwing away worthless essences to the explorers, I could secretly pocket the valuable ones later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s no way for the royal family to find out we only distributed the cheap essences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this sounds a bit scummy, but...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Casualties during war are inevitable.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How else would they investigate?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How would they know if the dead got the cheap essences or the expensive ones?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The justification is clean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an investment to save the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Yeah, in war, things just disappear and get lost.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The technical term is ‘shucking.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interestingly, the word’s origin is Japanese.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway, that’s not important...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come on, everyone! Gather here! Don’t push! There’s still plenty of essence!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I started the distribution in earnest.\u003C\u002Fp>",1621,"2026-06-05T19:33:18.084Z",1,"novelbin.me","e491befe9966329a4176b34511938513264ff5344ce2caf6019d3584f09cc348","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-626","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-624",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]