[{"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-95":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},1327877,1764,"Chapter 95 Barbarian Trophy (2)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-95",95,"\u003Cp>Barbarian Trophy (2)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tear into the meat and gulp down the alcohol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wipe my dirty hands on the tablecloth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason I'm going to such lengths is simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'It's what Baron Martoan wants, and it's beneficial to me as well.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm currently at the Count's banquet hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since it's a gathering with many people, it's only right to act like a barbarian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more barbaric rumors spread...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...the more it will serve as a shield when someone suspects me of being an evil spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do as you please.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kyaa! I really touched it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I'm enjoying the banquet, channeling my inner barbarian, curious nobles approach me and strike up conversations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It feels like I'm working as a mascot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, could you shout like that one more time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahaha, how refreshing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I fulfill my professional duties, having received a request from the baron, more and more people gather.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are also knights among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are three of them, and they all have unpleasant expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They seem jealous that the attention is on me and that everyone is treating me favorably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With that behavior, he should be called Little Clown, not Little Balkan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the first place, he got that name because of his small...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To be sucking up like that, the pride of a warrior is a thing of the past.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pretend not to hear them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's pathetic to see 'apprentice knights' with the strength of 3rd-floor explorers acting like that...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And there's nothing to gain by causing trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahaha, you were here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baron Martoan returns just as I'm filling my stomach and entertaining the nobles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looks around and smiles as if he's truly happy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sorry to interrupt, but there's someone I'd like you to meet, so I'll take him with me for now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The place I follow the baron to is the indoor banquet hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere is completely different from the outdoor one I was in earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, a band was playing cheerful music, and young men and women were dancing in the garden. But here...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Is this a gathering of real nobles?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The indoor hall is filled with silence and soft music.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those seated at the tables are maintaining their dignity, engaging in dignified conversations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come this way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I keep looking around even as I follow the baron. About 200 people are enjoying the banquet in the indoor hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of them are direct descendants of Baron Martoan, like his young son, or people with social status like bank presidents or guild branch managers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There will be many people with higher ranks than me among those you'll be greeting, so please refrain from being rude.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterwards, I follow the baron and meet various titled nobles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Baron Martoan! It's been a while... who is this friend?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perhaps you've heard of him, Viscount? He's Little Balkan, a famous explorer among adventurers these days.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hoo, this is him? I've heard of him. But how did he end up following you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The baron looks at me and gestures with his eyes instead of answering the viscount's question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It means I should say the line I prepared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The baron helped me when I was in trouble. In return, I decided to protect him for a while.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huhuhu! To hear such words from a barbarian who looks so strong, I'm envious!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's nothing special. I told him several times that there's no need to burden himself...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The baron trails off and looks at me again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...A warrior never forgets a favor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh! What a sincere and honorable belief. Bjorn, son of Yandel, was it? I'll remember your name.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This kind of conversation continues thirteen times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's because there are only thirteen titled nobles, excluding the count who hosted the banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, even in the game, titled nobles who own even a speck of land in this city were rare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I ended up making an impression on the nobles.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, attending a banquet like this would have required a much higher fame stat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, I decide to be that much more careful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fact that I'm not qualified to be here also means that I don't have the power to protect myself if I get on the bad side of a titled noble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I guess we're done with the greetings, so rest by my side until the Count arrives.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the rounds of introductions are over, I stand by the baron's side and faithfully fulfill my role as a trophy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But is it because the baron is next to me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or did the warning earlier work?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Tsk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don't know, but the butler just clicks his tongue and turns his head away whenever our eyes meet. He doesn't nitpick and bother me like before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is this the life of a barbarian?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I should have done this from the beginning.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway, it's quite comfortable afterwards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baron Martoan, a titled noble, never gets up first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are plenty of people who come to greet him just to get acquainted, and all I have to do is show off some tricks whenever the baron wants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ooh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed, he lives up to the name Little Balkan, Baron!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Things like bending a steel rod with my bare hands or arm wrestling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's when...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I see a familiar face among the approaching crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"May the star that rises at twilight guide us. Greetings, Baron Martoan, and...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am Bjorn, son of Yandel.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, I apologize. Mr. Yandel, I'm not good with names.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The paladin in white armor smiles kindly as I introduce myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He's the one I met after finishing the sewer request the other day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I briefly met him when I delivered Elisa Behenk's corpse late at night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His name was definitely...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know Captain Krovitz?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pal Krovitz.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was definitely his name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'...Captain? Him?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I look at him with a surprised expression at the baron's words, the man scratches the back of his head sheepishly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although I'm lacking, I'm fortunate enough to be the captain of the 3rd Paladin Order.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm quite taken aback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't expect him to be the captain of a paladin order since he came to collect a corpse late at night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The captain of a paladin order?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doesn't that mean he's a monster with the strength of at least an 8th-floor explorer?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you need help, please visit our church. As I said before, we will never forget your contribution and will always remember it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, I thought it was just empty words back then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for a man who holds the position of captain to say this... I should visit sometime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who knows?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it's impossible now, maybe if I build a better relationship with him, he might send a priest to our team later on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, contribution? Captain Krovitz, what do you mean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The baron interjects with a curious voice during our conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes are filled with curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, it would be hard to imagine a barbarian making a contribution to the church.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, I haven't told you about that yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Krovitz looks at the surrounding people as well as the baron and starts telling a story as if reading a children's book.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To summarize, it's nothing special.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That I discovered a priest of Karui in the labyrinth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And on top of that, I found and defeated that evil woman who was hiding in the sewers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although that's all there is to the story, Krovitz is quite a good storyteller.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh! I've heard about that. That a follower of the evil god appeared. But to think that it was this man who defeated her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Little Balkan, Bjorn, son of Yandel. They say he's born with the fate of a hero, and it seems to be true...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the story ends, the people around us, starting with the baron, let out exclamations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's a fortunate encounter bestowed by the stars. Our church also cherishes our connection with Mr. Yandel. Ah, then I'll be on my way, I have somewhere to be...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Krovitz, who has been boosting my reputation until the very end, leaves, saying he has business to attend to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You, you're much more amazing than I thought.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The baron's gaze softens as he looks at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>________________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character's fame has increased by +10.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character's fame has increased by +10…….」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「…….」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>________________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, so that's what happened?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For Captain Krovitz, who's known for his ability to read people, to say such things, he must be someone who will achieve great things in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the story told by Krovitz is spreading among the nobles...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The banquet begins in earnest as the Count appears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Count Perdehilt arrives!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He descends the central staircase leading to the 2nd floor, the center of everyone's attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next to him is his daughter, who seems to be in her late teens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a way, she's the main character of this banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I thank everyone for coming to celebrate my daughter Arabella's birthday. I've prepared various entertainments, so please leave your worries and enjoy yourselves today!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the count's words, the music changes to a more lively tune, and the quiet indoor banquet hall starts to liven up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The quiet conversations become louder, and laughter that's far from dignified erupts here and there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, I guess they're all starting to feel a bit tipsy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They've been sipping alcohol since before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lady, may I have the honor of kissing your hand?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young people take the hands of the people they like and go outside to dance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The older people sit and have vulgar conversations, using the clowns' show as a topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's when...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The baron gets up from his seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He has a somewhat nervous expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I ask where we're going, the baron answers,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You haven't met the Count yet, have you? I mentioned you to him earlier, and he said he really wants to meet you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The baron's expression is completely different from when we were going around greeting the titled nobles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's as if he's facing his direct superior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'The Count...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm also getting nervous, but the Count, when I finally meet him, turns out to be a rather cheerful man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he's very friendly towards me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha! So you're the one? I've been wanting to meet you in person.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Count even gets up and offers me a handshake when I go to greet him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's a pleasure to meet you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shake his hand in the barbarian way, but I can't shake the feeling that something is strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bjorn, son of Yandel, Little Balkan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm aware that I've become famous recently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Is this really the kind of treatment I would get from a Count?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you ask me that, well...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don't think so at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's because there are less than a hundred nobles with the title of Count in this vast city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He's on a completely different level compared to the Explorer's Guild regional manager I met before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He's a powerful figure with absolute authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in the game, events involving big shots like counts rarely happened unless it was in the very late stages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're taller than I expected? At this rate, we should call you Big Balkan, not Little Balkan. Keke!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Count compliments me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if he wants to gain my favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But what's with that weapon? I heard you use a mace.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He keeps subtly mentioning things that he wouldn't know unless he had been paying attention to me for a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Why?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don't understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he wanted to, he could easily control even 7th or 8th-floor explorers with reputations far exceeding mine...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So why is he interested in me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Damn it, this makes me feel uneasy...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some people might be happy to receive attention from a big shot like the Count, but at least I'm not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it's not like I haven't been worrying about something happening soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'...If something happens, what is it?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as my learned anxiety starts to imagine the worst-case scenarios involving the Count...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Suddenly, I have an interesting idea after seeing you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Count claps his hands and looks at me as if he's found the answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he makes an unexpected suggestion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There will be a tournament among the apprentice knights later. Would you like to participate?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Wouldn't the knights dislike it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll take care of that. What do you think?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll think about it...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don't give him a definite answer with an ambiguous tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, it would be less problematic to express my intentions later through the baron than to refuse him directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, alright. Do as you please.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Count seems to have reached his limit and loses interest in me. And he starts chatting with the baron.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A shallow conversation about praising each other's wives and children and wishing for the future of their families.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, the conversation was so enjoyable that I kept you for too long. Go and enjoy the banquet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as I return to the table after leaving the Count's side, the baron immediately speaks to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So... what are you going to do about that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"About what...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The tournament!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So that's what he was talking about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tell him I'm still thinking about it, delaying my answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, even if I'm going to refuse, it's better to do so after showing some consideration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Think about it carefully. Who knows, this might even be beneficial to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, the baron tries to persuade me by mentioning the advantages of participating in the tournament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That he'll give me an additional 2 million stones just for participating, that it's a good opportunity to gain fame...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or that the prize for winning the tournament is a Numbered Item in the 7000s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What? Garpas's Necklace?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Why are you so surprised? Do you know about it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The baron, who is not an explorer, tilts his head at my reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's actually a good thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he were an explorer, my reaction would have been even more suspicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, I heard from Lord Elta that it's not that attractive of an item.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No. 7777 Garpas's Necklace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's an item with an extremely high acquisition difficulty since it only drops in 5th-floor rifts, and even then, the probability is ridiculously low.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In many ways, it's an item similar to the Frost Spirit Ring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A low item number.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An item effect that's unique but not particularly valuable to explorers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's why it's considered a dud despite its rarity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'There's a hidden special event, too.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My contemplation doesn't last long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An ominous premonition that something bad is about to happen?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A resolve to be cautious for a while?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So what?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being cautious and calculating the pros and cons in everything doesn't mean I should be a coward and avoid what needs to be done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would be putting the cart before the horse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll do it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh? What did you just say?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That tournament the Count mentioned, I'll participate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2496,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.064Z",1,"novelbin.me","94df5532ed1a1ce8e64597995f54d3f679cff890cd35a35e4ca072384b0701f1","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-206","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-94",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]