[{"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-659":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},1328036,1764,"Chapter 659: The Outsider (3)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-659",659,"\u003Cp>Of course, Ibaekho also has a team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I know his team pretty well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, before I returned, Misha was once a member of that team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah! Baron Yandel! By the way, how is Miss Kalstein doing? She was a kind beastkin! Though a bit cold to us!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rek Aures, former Noark gatekeeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s a tank like me, and besides having met once in the past, we have some history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back when Ibaekho was disguised as Rihen Schutz, he was the one who consumed the ‘Deep Sea Giant’ essence he took from me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The Doom Scholar.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belvev Ruinzenes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first mage to join Ibaekho’s team, and someone I must repay someday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I grabbed Elwen’s wrist tightly, fearing she might act rashly, and felt her strong trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That man... your sister...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elwen’s sister, Daria, died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blocking a spell the Doom Scholar cast to kill Elwen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not yet the time. Don’t act rashly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muttering shortly, I released her hand, and Elwen took a step back after a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite seeing someone like a mortal enemy, she somehow regained her composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, impressive. To lose one’s light so much in the meantime.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Doom Scholar, watching Elwen from afar, muttered something incomprehensible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is it because someone with a greater destiny is nearby?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a cult fanatic, his murmurs felt unpleasant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning my gaze sideways, I saw two figures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Judging by their appearance, that one must be the archer Misha mentioned...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other was wrapped tightly in a robe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by build, likely a man...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway, it seems to be the new companion Ibaekho mentioned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone not to be revealed outside yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Most likely a healer based on the composition...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, this isn’t something to worry about right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed he was coming to his senses just then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahem ahem! Long time no see! Baron Yandel!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The awkwardly pronounced ‘Baron’ grated on my ears, but I understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We weren’t alone here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had needed time to collect my thoughts anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the reactions of his companions were quite striking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Baekho, did you eat something bad?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Starting with the gatekeeper bluntly asking, to the genuinely surprised look on the archer’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could you really speak that way...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Considering how arrogant he usually is, it’s absurd that using even a little honorific causes this reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But remembering his old self, I understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, is it really his ‘old’ self?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, and you too, long time no see! So your name is... Emily Raines now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Strange how my companions like Nyang and you all end up near Baron Yandel. No manners at all?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No manners my ass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misha was originally my companion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I heard Amelia didn’t join as a companion but infiltrated as a spy on a mission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yandel, be careful. That Ibaekho guy is very dangerous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maintaining a standoff, Versil quietly advised me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But did he hear that from that distance?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? You know me? I think this is the first time we’ve met.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Yes, first time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then why say such bad things?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tch, that’s why prejudices are scary. Pretending to know everything without ever meeting...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite Ibaekho’s rude words, Versil didn’t reply and averted his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked visibly scared...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, do you think I’d kill you? Relax—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a leader, I couldn’t just stand by, so I cut in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though confused by the sudden meeting, first I had to confirm something quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ibaekho.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, speak.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you... follow us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was Ibaekho’s intention?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since we were outnumbered and outmatched, this was the first thing to confirm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, I might regret not bringing all our clan members.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Saying I followed you is a bit self-conscious, isn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then it was just a coincidence?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. I was really surprised. Why is our Baron Yandel in a place like this? With no witnesses or helpers?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the remark didn’t sound like a joke and gave me chills, it was probably just part of his move to take control in our conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring it, I judged based on the information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, judging by the situation, it really seemed like a coincidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, the second question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then what about you? Why did you come all the way to this secluded place?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did he come down here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His answer was beyond imagination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To go to a convenience store.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uh...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah! Right, our Baron Yandel doesn’t know what a convenience store is! My bad! My bad!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is this guy crazy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staring seriously, Ibaekho continued with an embarrassed look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just kidding... probably for the same reason.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For the same reason...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? Baron, weren’t you here to go outside too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, you came here for the same reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But I’m curious. Why does our Baron suddenly want to go outside? Can you tell me just a little? Just between us, okay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe because we weren’t alone, talking to this guy felt especially tiring today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lives without caring about others, but I can’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough jokes. If this really was a coincidence, just move on first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm... alright then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leading his companions, Ibaekho moved away from the door and entered Noark through the side door first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Will that guy do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asked me as he passed, tossing the question casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not knowing what or who he meant, I stayed silent for a moment, and Ibaekho chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? Is this your first time today? No wonder...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the remark felt somewhat unpleasant, I no longer wanted to talk with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Just get lost already.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, enjoy your game!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is there anyone more detestable than this guy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ibaekho didn’t warn me not to follow or try anything like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He just went straight ahead like he didn’t care, and seeing that made me sure the letter he once sent me in Korean wasn’t a lie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, I was a bit skeptical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So I asked Amelia to check separately for double confirmation...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Amelia also said the place seems to be the plaza.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spot where Ibaekho’s team stopped was indeed that location.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They stopped.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noark Plaza, once bustling with marauders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brief burst of light appeared, and Amelia and Elwen simultaneously lost their sense of their presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...They disappeared.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We hurried to the plaza, and Elwen quickly scanned the empty space, looking at Versil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Was that... magic just now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. Multi-dimensional teleportation magic. From the residual mana, it seems a hidden magic circle beneath this plaza was activated...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry. I know the spell to activate that magic circle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? You know?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at Versil’s expression, I awkwardly smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s a noble. There are ways to find out everything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, I can’t honestly say I heard it from Ibaekho.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now, let’s begin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing in the middle of the plaza, I gathered my companions nearby to prepare for any emergencies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And slowly recited the incantation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, it was very poetic, so it felt a bit embarrassing to say alone...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what can you do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ancient mages must have had this kind of sensibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My body is made of swords. My blood is steel, and my heart is glass...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, I had questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why is a sword mentioned in a magic spell?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t understand, but continued the chant clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...That body is undoubtedly made of swords.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having braved the embarrassment, I completed the incantation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sound or light burst forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My companions looked at me with confused eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, I was the most confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What? Why nothing happened?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t take long to realize the situation properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, more precisely, I understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[What? Is this your first time today? No wonder...]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ibaekho’s earlier unheard remark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No wonder he didn’t get angry.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...I’d been tricked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment I realized I was being toyed with, a burning fury rose from deep inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But getting angry wouldn’t help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh... I guess that info was wrong! It happens!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t blame yourself. Nobles don’t always get correct information.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though my companions comforted me, I quickly regained my composure to seek a solution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Versil, could you—?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not now. These ancient magic circles require many conditions to activate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How long do you think it will take?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...I don’t know. I have no knowledge here. I can’t even guess.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) damned Ibaekho bastard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Will that guy do?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now I know who he was referring to when he said that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, it seems Versil noticed it too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Today is full of frustrating things.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he said ‘frustrating,’ his voice sounded more like resignation than anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I understood how he felt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realistically, only a few top-tier mages in an era can be like the Doom Scholar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...It’s something to overcome alone.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking back, it was the same with Rotmiller.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such feelings can only be overcome by oneself regardless of what others say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Can I look around alone for a bit?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sure. We’ll stay far away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Versil’s request, we left the place, and I took a long walk around Noark with nothing better to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, it wasn’t only Versil whose mind was troubled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If anything, his mind seemed more troubled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Elwen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you alright?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Yes, I’m fine. It’s just not the time yet. Not yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though she smiled bravely, I couldn’t feel reassured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe because Amelia, walking silently beside me, had similar thoughts, she brought up a new topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, Yandel, I’ve been wondering... what exactly is a convenience store?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, that...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing she wanted to change the mood, I answered brightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And some time passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Feels like we’re out for a stroll. Nice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thankfully, Elwen seemed to relax gradually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, it’s hard to understand calling a dark underground city a ‘stroll’ in natural light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, the place we reunited was here too, right...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah. Do you know how surprised I was then?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Sorry. I was too distracted back then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need to apologize.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway, when we returned to the plaza after the unexpected walk, Versil was still examining the floor diligently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How about taking a break? We can clear our schedules and stay a few more days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah... alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Did you find anything?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I asked cautiously, and after a long silence, Versil answered in a tiny voice, like an ant crawling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, that’s a relief—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For me, even if given years, I couldn’t find anything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, I was lost for words, but hearing him continue, he didn’t seem too broken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, that’s only natural. I never really studied this field. I spent all my time learning battle magic.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listening to him, it seemed less rationalization and more acceptance of reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So I just give up. Don’t say I lack determination.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I never thought that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s quite embarrassing, but what can I do? Sorry. To investigate further, we’ll need a much more skilled and professional mage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A professional mage...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you have anyone to recommend?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There is one. That person might shorten the time more than the Doom Scholar.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“More than the Doom Scholar? Who’s that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I asked, tilting my head, and Versil named someone completely unexpected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jurben Havelion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jurben Havelion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s known as the Arcane Engineer, leader of a school, and an idol among manufacturing mages.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Versil’s explanation was accurate, but if you look closely, one crucial detail was missing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jurben Havelion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>GM of the ghost community ‘Ghost Busters.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...Maybe it’s not a bad idea to meet him this time.’\u003C\u002Fp>",1901,"2026-06-05T19:33:18.642Z",1,"novelbin.me","870ece57ab15bf1c1f53e9fd3eece9faba4417f9725118c844d3a6f20dc1d658","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-660","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-658",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]