[{"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-698":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},1328075,1764,"Chapter 698","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-698",698,"\u003Cp>“Hmm, in that case, I’ll show you just one more. But what to show... Ah, this time, why don’t you pick one yourself?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Auril Gavis’s suggestion wasn’t bad. Unlike before, he didn’t pick one for me but let me choose, which meant I could avoid any trickery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hesitated for a long time, and seeing my frustration, he added beside me:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s there to worry about? No matter what you choose, it’ll be your fate anyway.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If that’s so, then why breathe or think at all?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though I snapped back, after hearing him, I felt it pointless to agonize over such things. So...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That one there. Give me that solid, inverted-triangle-shaped one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I picked the biggest fragment I could see, thinking the larger it was, the more it would contain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wondered if he memorized all the fragments’ records.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm... of all things, you chose that one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why? Is there a problem?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, not a problem exactly... but, well, if this is your fate, it’s fate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Auril Gavis asked again if I really wanted to see it, and after a moment of thought, I said yes. Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fragment slowly descended toward his outstretched hand. Soon it was close enough to see the text.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But had I made a wrong choice? ‘Why are there so many empty spots?’ Though it looked biggest, many parts were broken or worn, so only a few letters were legible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, reading the intact parts gave:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“[...On the day Noni burned, this... demon spirit ‘———’ was betrayed by trusted comrades...]”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The symbol that represented the name matched what I’d seen earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So ‘———’ meant me...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“On the day Hwangdo Karnon burned... betrayed by trusted comrades...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Filling the unreadable parts by context, that was the gist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did I interpret that correctly?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Interpretation is always up to the reader at any moment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha, tsk...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had I been foolish to say I’d look? My already complicated head grew more so. Some accident caused three comrades to die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether after or before, one comrade betrayed me. Knowing an unchangeable future is a curse, not a blessing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Interesting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Are you enjoying my suffering?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“More than that, it’s strange that among so many fragments, you chose the one with you in it. That’s the power of fate, I suppose.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Auril Gavis’s “interesting” wasn’t empty praise; he even asked if I wanted to see one more fragment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I’m good. I don’t want my head to hurt more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, if you say so, so be it. I won’t \u002FN_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t\u002F offer more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus the Record Stone tour ended, and we descended the stairs back to the cave quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, shall we leave now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, even leaving late like this, Ibaekho will make a fuss.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That guy’s like you, wanting to know everything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Weren’t you the one telling me not to be close to him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That advice still stands. Being close to Ibaekho brings no good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that from your perspective, or the elder’s?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Both.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Talking with this old man for a long time felt pointless again. I never knew if what he said was true or false, making it worse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though many words were exchanged, nothing felt trustworthy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since we’re on the topic, one more thing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Be careful with Ibaekho.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Didn’t you say that before?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tilted my head, and Auril Gavis continued as if to make sure I heard it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I said he’s a supporting role, but Ibaekho is a very unusual existence. See those?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed at the hundreds of fragments slowly orbiting the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve seen many records here, but none mention Ibaekho.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s very strange. Someone with so much influence and closely connected to you not appearing in any record.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that’s true, it’s definitely odd. Could Ibaekho be hiding a secret we don’t know?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don’t know, but Auril Gavis said again:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So be cautious of Ibaekho. Not appearing in the ‘records’ means he is freer from them. He’s not without influence, but at least less than us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry too much; he’s already on alert.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ll meet again someday, won’t we?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s fate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well then, I’ll be going. Let’s hope it’s not too late next time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hope so too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Auril Gavis watched me silently. I didn’t say anything either, just glanced him up and down once more, nodded, and stepped into the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh! You’re back!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank goodness! I was worried!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? Why so late? Baron! You talked to that old man, didn’t you? Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opening my eyes after the portal, I heard many voices all around. Ibaekho, Leg Auress, Jaina Flyer, Belvev Ruin Genesis, Yulben Havelion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fact that all but me were demon spirits was one thing. Including me, the group totaled six.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s with that look? I just felt a chill.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring Ibaekho’s fuss, I recalled the record I’d read.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a thought struck me like lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[A demon spirit from another world ‘———’ lost three comrades and only then realized the path he must take.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three unnamed comrades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You all, become my comrades.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It might just be a wild idea, but since the record said “three comrades,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If I make them my comrades and travel together every day... maybe those three will die and it will pass.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It sounds crazy at first, but logically there’s nothing wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, whether that will really happen remains a question. But what else can I do? I have to try as far as I can.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Comrades... huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My suggestion probably sounded confusing. Everyone froze without blinking at my sudden idea. Ibaekho’s expression was priceless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow, now I’m even more curious. What did you hear from that old man to suddenly say that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His stunned look faded, replaced by sharp eyes glaring at me. I realized I’d rushed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with comrades’ lives at stake, I should have proceeded carefully step by step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Baron, what did you talk about with that old man?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Not much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come on, who’d believe that? Nothing happened but you changed like that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We just kept traveling together, and I thought it’d be reassuring if you joined us in the labyrinth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it was a lie. The labyrinth was the one place where you must watch your back the most. How could I go in with these guys?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They hid knives even when facing each other alone. If I joined, it’d be chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm... but what about your clan if you travel with us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ibaekho probed, clearly not believing my claim of no hidden agenda, but willing to listen for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, that’s something to think about later. Besides, you haven’t agreed yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I dodged naturally as if I hadn’t given it much thought. But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh! Baron Yandel the Giant wants to be our comrade? We really have to think seriously now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ibaekho muttered in a tone like reading a textbook. Obviously mocking me, except for one person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh... Baekho...? If the Baron joins the team, I might get edged out...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s the tank of Ibaekho’s team, Leg Auress. He still had the instinct to protect his role. If only he had a bit more tact, it’d be better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aures... please just stay quiet...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“W-why should I? My position’s being threatened—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jaina’s quiet attempt to calm him failed, and Ibaekho snapped irritably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, that’s not it! Just be quiet! You wanna get kicked out for real?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“.......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, seriously annoying.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ibaekho sighed deeply, deflated by Aures’s inability to read the mood. The textbook tone was long gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, Baron.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m listening.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you know what explorers are best at?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave me a look asking what that was. Ibaekho stared and opened his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Figuring things out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whether I’m at an advantage or disadvantage, if they’re strong or I’m stronger.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My heart thumped! Without hearing more, a bad feeling started. As expected, bad feelings never miss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You have to know that to do it right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Know what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Know what you already know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After saying that, Ibaekho gestured, and Parmel Harbae, Leg Auress, and Jaina gathered by his side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, are you just gonna stand there?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said bluntly to GM.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you do, you’ll catch stray fire and die.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The threat was so intense it sent chills down my spine. GM froze and glanced between Ibaekho and me, tension deepening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, as ‘human,’ GM didn’t take long to choose. Facing those four with just a tank and a mage was almost impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“S-sorry...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still feeling some guilt, GM apologized to me and hurried toward Ibaekho. I didn’t feel betrayed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, that guy and I weren’t really comrades. I silently raised my shield, ready for combat at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching me, Ibaekho said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t be too upset. Honestly, I’m more upset.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why’s that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because it’s obvious you talked to that old man. I don’t know what about, but I have to hear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if I have to use explorer’s methods.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What does he think explorers are? While thinking that, I realized I agreed with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’re weak, you’ll end up feeling wronged. That’s just how this world works, like paying money to buy something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step by step, Ibaekho approached ready to strike. But he didn’t back down even a step. That’s right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Running away is impossible.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I ran, where would I go? With this clumsy body, I’d be caught soon enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe my resolve surprised him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow, you’re not backing down here either?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ibaekho muttered, a bit surprised, but I saw no reason to be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, a shield is made to block attacks from the front, not the back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you think I can’t kill you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, I hadn’t exactly ruled that out. Ibaekho wants me to open the Abyss Gate. He can never kill me. But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What to do? Even if I can’t kill him, I already have dozens of ways to make him miserable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That doesn’t mean I’d ignore him. Like he said, there are countless ways to torment me without killing me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No need to go as far as Briat’s ‘interrogation.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For example, take all his gear. Or neuter him so he won’t be distracted by women anymore.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, um... neutering wasn’t expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn, should I just say it all honestly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Or threaten to kill all your comrades when we get back—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Behe—laaaaaaah!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shouted to steady my weakening heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you barking about?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ibaekho is a wild dog. A wild dog that tears apart the weak without leaving a scrap. So...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shut up and fight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is no place to back down.***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe he thought talking more here would only make him look like a noisy dog. Ibaekho closed his mouth, and silence fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>",1781,"2026-06-05T19:33:18.642Z",1,"novelbin.me","ac3d61c9f3f86b2abbc264d24968c542690f861f38dc30b6feeb74e3c0621283","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-699","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-697",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]