[{"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-96":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},1327879,1764,"Chapter 96 Barbarian Trophy (3)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-96",96,"\u003Cp>Barbarian Trophy (3)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha! How refreshing, just like a barbarian!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The baron laughs heartily at my decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's a laugh that only someone who knows nothing about barbarians could make. Barbarians aren't beings who know no fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like Ainar said the other day...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[We were born as warriors. If we can't fight, we die.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They simply move forward, carrying their fear with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because that's what they have to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My choice this time is the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It would be a lie to say I’m not anxious…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But so what?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I choose to avoid something out of fear of an uncertain future, the only end is ruin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that kind of mindset, how could I enter the labyrinth in the future and make rational judgments?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the first place, I wouldn’t even be alive if I had been like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I went to tell the Count. He was very pleased.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The baron returns shortly after I sit down and organize my thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems like he’s very satisfied with my choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, but is that necklace that important?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asks as if he’s certain that the prize played a big role in my decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don’t deny it either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Numbered Items sell for a high price, don’t they?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm… if you say so.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression seems to suggest that he thinks I have other reasons, but the baron doesn’t pry further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He just asks,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, how strong are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Judging by your ambition, it seems like you’re seriously considering winning. Are you that confident?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How strong am I?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s a question that’s hard to answer confidently because there are too many monsters in this world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I wasn’t even hoping to win. However, if you lose too easily, it would be embarrassing for me—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…if we’re talking about ‘apprentice knights’…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, assuming they’re at the level of 3rd-floor explorers…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, don’t worry about that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I interrupt the baron and answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I haven’t been worried about that part from the beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“10 seconds is enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I look at the baron, who tilts his head in confusion, and assert,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can smash most of their heads before then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s my honest opinion, without any exaggeration or embellishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But did my sincerity reach him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hi, eek!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The butler, who happened to make eye contact with me, flinches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>____________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like in medieval times, they’re practically the epitome of power in this world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, assuming they’ve removed the ‘apprentice’ title.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What kind of knight can’t even use Aura?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fear of knights lies in their Aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>90% armor penetration and 90% magic penetration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aura’s OP ability to cut through anything and the combination of systematically developed practical swordsmanship…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…are already monstrous on their own…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And if they level up with elixirs and absorb high-grade essences with their vast wealth?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This is why the ruling class never changes from humans.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a world where other races are prevalent and magic exists…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knights are the spear and shield that protect the ruling class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even considering that the maximum level you can reach with elixirs is 5, a proper knight can easily slice through several high-ranking explorers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s how specialized knights are in combat against other people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Apprentices are at most level 3 or lower. And their essences would be at most 7th-grade.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is also assuming the maximum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are very few nobles who would invest this much in someone who can’t even use Aura yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Actually, the tournament itself isn’t a problem…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…it’s what comes after that’s concerning.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Count’s excessive interest, for example.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If some barbarian suddenly wins here, there’s a good chance that the ruling class will look at me with hostility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since I’ve made my decision, dwelling on regrets is a luxury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Let’s just focus on this for now.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I decide to worry about the future after I win and spend my time quietly in a corner thanks to the baron’s consideration when…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You were being quite arrogant earlier.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three guys in knight armor approach me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I remember all of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although it was just a passing encounter, I won’t forget their faces since I saw them today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“10 seconds is enough? Did you forget who you are, being so immersed in your clown act like a stupid barbarian?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, this guy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was the one who sneered at me while I was entertaining the nobles in the outdoor banquet hall, calling me Little Clown and whatnot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His rat-like front teeth are memorable, and as I’m looking at him, the next guy takes over as if passing the baton.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Barbarian, you should pray to your ancestor god that you don’t encounter me. I’ll behead you in an instant. Of course, it won’t even take 10 seconds.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don’t know his name since he didn’t introduce himself…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s the one who was showing off how much of an idiot he is by saying things like I’m sucking up and that a warrior’s pride is a thing of the past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by his tone, he seems to have the braggart attribute as well…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I meet you—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the baton is about to be passed to the next one, I quickly get up and interrupt him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although I should try to avoid making enemies…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, I can’t help but ask,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you guys have some kind of serious problem with your heads?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I phrased it politely, considering the circumstances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I had asked, ‘Are you guys idiots?’, it might be considered insulting a noble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wh, what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you think I’ll be scared if you gang up on me like cowards? Even a three-year-old warrior from my tribe wouldn’t do something like this!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Cowards? How dare you insult us—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If not, what is it! Is it that you suddenly have courage that you didn’t have before because the baron isn’t here! What an honorable feat!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Th, that’s…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three knights blink like goldfish as I point out that they didn’t even dare to approach me when the baron was around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, I’m a barbarian without prejudice, so I don’t think they have speech impediments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’re just flustered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They probably didn’t expect me to expose their shameful behavior in such a loud voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s why I asked! I heard knights are beings with pride! But to do such a childish thing by taking advantage of a ‘numerical advantage’ against a ‘fellow participant’? There must be something wrong with your heads!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shout, accurately pointing out their actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“St, stop! Shut your mouth!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three knights’ expressions become desperate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, it’s only natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shameful behavior or whatever, at this rate, they’ll become the guys who were called brain-damaged by a barbarian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, did they judge that continuing the conversation would only make things worse?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Just you wait!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three leave, suppressing their anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As locals, they even leave behind a cringe-worthy line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m grateful for their kindness, so I respond in kind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyway, don’t worry too much! Next time we meet, I’ll make sure to fix the problems with your heads!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wonder if my sincerity reached them?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can’t tell just by looking at their rapidly retreating backs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>___________________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway, regardless of the brief incident…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The banquet, filled with various spectacles, has reached its climax.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, the moment of the tournament that the Count prepared has arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard that barbarian we saw earlier is participating. Aren’t you excited?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, I don’t know. He’s just an explorer, right? Although he gained fame recently, I heard he has less than a year of experience?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The location is the lawn in the outdoor banquet hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surroundings are already packed with people, and some nobles have even brought chairs and settled on the 2nd-floor terrace of the mansion for a better view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I’m sitting quietly in the prepared tent, the baron approaches me and talks to me as if he’s some kind of coach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aren’t you nervous?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whew, you truly have a heart of steel. I’m this excited.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m not sure about the compliment at the beginning, but the part about him being excited seems true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Considering that he promised a bonus that I didn’t even ask for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you win, I’ll give you another million stones. So do your best. My reputation is also on the line.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll try my best!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is it because of the sudden financial incentive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I suddenly feel motivated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sir Saboan of the Serphia Barony and Sir Arpeon of the Hensleben Viscountcy, please take your positions!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while, the first match begins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two knights who ascend the stage and recite the oath of duel swing their swords gracefully, eliciting cheers from the audience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Seeing this, it really is a barbaric world.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I sneak out of the tent and watch the duel, feeling a strange sense of familiarity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s like watching the Roman Colosseum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, there’s not much difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s a rule that you should try not to kill your opponent…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in other words, it means that killing is okay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Well, it would be stranger if there were no casualties when they’re fighting with real swords.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, despite being the first match, the two knights are engaged in a bloody duel amidst the heated atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the moment of victory and defeat is as dramatic as the fight itself was intense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The winner is Sir Arpeon of the Hensleben Viscountcy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The outcome of the match is decided as one knight’s hand holding the sword is severed entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, the injured knight’s arm is quickly reattached by a priest, but the blood that splattered like a fountain remains vividly on the stage like a decoration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Waaaaaaaaa!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…listening to the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd, I realize once again…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…that this is a different world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that I’ve already become a part of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huhu, seeing blood seems to excite you too, huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, I don’t know about that…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I do know that it’s my turn next.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sir Silbenia of the Hessen Barony and… Bjorn Yandel of the Martoan Barony, please take your positions!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As instructed by the announcer, I make my way through the crowd and onto the stage. At the same time, a knight is also coming up from the opposite side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s quite a coincidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t tell from the tournament bracket because I didn’t know his name, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huhu, surprised?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I nod slightly as if acknowledging it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be matched against one of the three knight assholes in the first round?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s surprising, isn’t it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And it’s the most annoying one of them, too.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corners of my mouth involuntarily curl upwards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although I didn’t get to hear his pledge because I interrupted him when he was about to pass the baton…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…how could I forget that guy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[In the first place, he got that name because of his small…]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was the one who spread that ridiculous rumor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although it’s a bit much for me to say this…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…but he dared to do that, even though he’s just a human.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>____________________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the duel begins…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bastard recites the oath of duel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s a cliché oath, swearing on his honor as a knight to fight seriously and not use any dishonest or unfair tactics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then it’s my turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A barbaric shout, omitting any flowery rhetoric.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd’s excitement intensifies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Waaaaaaaaa!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sir Sil… whatever his name is, mutters something under his breath, annoyed that I’m receiving more attention even in this situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How vulgar and unrefined.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What the hell, did he expect a barbarian to be elegant?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following the announcer’s instructions, we approach each other and cross our weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He holds out a long sword, and I hold out a large double-edged battle axe instead of the mace I left at the baron’s residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…I’m not used to bladed weapons…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s unfortunate, but the way to use it shouldn’t be much different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I just need to swing it like I usually do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The result will probably be similar too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only difference will be whether he’s cut or completely blown apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haat!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the duel begins, Sir Whatever-his-name-is pushes off the ground and charges towards me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems like he wants to return the favor for my 10-second promise…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This is interesting.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I first step back and take an observational stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m also a bit curious since it’s my first time seeing a knight’s swordsmanship…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he’s just an apprentice, his swordsmanship is quite sharp, as befits a knight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Die!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s not some kind of martial arts technique…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sword strikes with three afterimages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, I hesitate, wondering which one is real, but it’s just a fleeting moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I don’t know which one is real…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…then I just need to deflect them all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’ve become quite the barbarian.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turn the blade of the axe sideways and swing it as widely as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s all it takes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sir Whatever-his-name-is loses his balance as the trajectory of his sword is deflected by the force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, he doesn’t let go of his sword despite the impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And even though he must be flustered, he twists his body and swings his sword towards my neck as if it’s a combo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s definitely not an opponent to underestimate.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s a sword strike that draws a smooth curve from bottom to top, like a rising dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless of his personality, I acknowledge his skill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wonder how many generations this swordsmanship has been passed down?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘His weapon skills are several levels above mine.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we were on equal footing, I would definitely lose to this guy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it’s not something to worry about too much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this guy and I are not on equal footing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character has used [Wild Release].」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Character’s threat level is temporarily tripled, and physical stats increase proportionally.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s still a long time left before 10 seconds pass.\u003C\u002Fp>",2321,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.064Z",1,"novelbin.me","917ef768a55124ac8eda724b523b76ee9483bfc7da6452cfa286c432a2e88873","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-97","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-206",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]