I slept soundly for a whopping 12 hours.
And when I woke up…
For some reason, Misha was sleeping on my stomach, drooling, just like before.
"...."
Anyway, since there's still some time left, I organize the loot.
I check what's in the backpacks and strip the remaining three of their equipment.
And I put everything into the expandable backpack.
It's a good thing Misha also has an expandable backpack.
I stuffed so much equipment in that it's quite heavy even with the weight reduction enchantment.
'Is this enough compensation for all the hardships we went through?'
I ignore Misha, who is still asleep, and take out some jerky to chew on.
Well, she'll eat when she wakes up and gets hungry.
Whooooosh!
After finishing my meal, I dampen a cloth with water and give myself a quick wash.
Ah, I also shaved for the first time in a while.
'Now I look somewhat human.'
After burning all the remaining firewood in the fireplace, there's nothing left to do.
So I go outside and sit in the rocking chair.
A faint smell of blood lingers in the peaceful meadow.
As I'm lost in thought, basking in the sunlight, my eyes slowly close.
The religious fanatic whose head I smashed while he was sleeping briefly comes to mind, but…
'The entrance would have closed by now, so I don't have to worry about that.'
It's peaceful.
At least I'm safe as long as I'm here.
Yeah, that's enough.
"Bjorn, wake up. You need to eat something after sleeping, or you'll get an upset stomach!"
When I open my eyes, Misha is shaking my shoulder.
I check the watch, and 14 hours have passed since I last checked.
"Here, eat this even if you don't have an appetite, quickly!"
Misha tears off some jerky and bread and feeds me.
Although I woke up in the middle and ate, I'm hungry again, so I accept it readily.
"Are you going to sleep more?"
"No."
"Hmm, I see. Ah, right! But how did you know that we could stay here longer if we put people in?"
"I read it in a book."
"…Do you like smart women?"
"I do."
I answer her questions roughly while finishing my meal and then check the fireplace.
Judging by the fire's strength, it seems like there's less than an hour left…
Click.
I close my watch and carefully store it in my pocket.
And I stretch my body that has been asleep for a long time, preparing to leave.
Although it's too early to celebrate, my chest swells with emotion.
'This day has finally come.'
Day 15 is about to begin.
In other words, if we can just endure today, we can escape this damn forest and return to the city.
So…
「The Witch's Cabin is closed.」
「Character is being transported to the Witch's Forest.」
Let's focus until the very end.
As always.
"Bjo, Bjorn! What the hell is this?!"
"Damn it…"
It's not over until it's over.
_______________________________________
「The fifth offering has been made to the cabin.」
「The sixth offering has been made to the cabin.」
「The seventh offering has been made to the ca… 」
「Special conditions met – seven offerings.」
「Lord of Chaos Riakis begins to roam the floor.」
_______________________________________
The moment we step out of the cabin…
The change in the forest is felt through every sense in my body.
「Field effect – Witch's Forest is deactivated.」
I can see clearly.
The auditory and visual hallucinations are gone.
And the surroundings are so bright that I can see far into the distance even without a torch.
"Bjo, Bjorn…?"
The ceiling emits an ominous red light.
And the incorporeal monsters that were everywhere in the forest have all disappeared.
"...."
The silence that greets us for the first time since entering the Witch's Forest.
I bend down and touch the ground.
Drrdrd.
I feel a faint tremor through my fingertips.
Therefore, there's no need to confirm any further or try to deny the current situation.
I know the cause of this phenomenon.
"…It's a Floor Master."
Floor Master.
It's a monster that acts as a field boss.
In the game, it was referred to as a Floor Master, and each floor had one ruler with a different title.
For reference, except for a few floors, most of them were summoned when a trigger was activated, but…
"Fl, Floor Master? Do, don't joke around. I heard there are no Floor Masters on the 3rd floor!!"
"It's not that there aren't any. It's just that the summoning method is kept secret."
In the case of the 1st-floor Crystal Cave…
It's common knowledge that there's a certain probability of it appearing after Day 3 if a party of 5 or more people is exploring.
However, the 3rd-floor Floor Master is different.
The royal family and the guild have kept the summoning method a secret, and they even created a new law stating that those who summon it without prior notice will be severely punished.
According to the book, it was about 150 years ago.
"The guild kept it a secret? Why?"
"Because if some crazy bastard summons it, it won't end with just a few deaths."
The 1st-floor Floor Master just kills the explorer who triggered it and disappears.
But the 3rd-floor Floor Master is different.
Lord of Chaos Riakis.
「Erosion begins, and all monsters within the floor disappear into chaos.」
「Creatures of Chaos awaken from their slumber.」
This guy affects the entire 3rd floor…
「Lord of Chaos Riakis begins to roam the floor.」
…and once summoned, it roams the labyrinth until it dies, causing a massacre.
And to make matters worse, even inter-floor travel is blocked.
「Portals are temporarily deactivated due to erosion.」
That means it's impossible to even escape to other floors.
Misha's face turns pale as I explain this to her.
"Th, then what is this? If, if it's kept secret, why did the Floor Master appear now?!"
Ah, uh, hmm…
Should I tell her the truth or not?
I'm a bit hesitant, but the decision isn't difficult.
"It's probably because of us."
It's better to make her an accomplice in this situation.
Benefactor or whatever…
That will be more effective in keeping the secret.
"Be, because of us? I, I don't understand…"
"We burned corpses in the fireplace at the cabin, didn't we? That's one of the conditions."
I explain kindly, and the reaction comes with a slight delay.
"…Th, that was the summoning method?!! Bjorn! What the hell did you do?!"
No, I didn't know this would happen either.
Even the book I read at the library said that almost no one knows about it.
They said the last time it was summoned was over 10 years ago?
So I thought it would be fine even if we burned three people.
'Damn it, who would have thought someone would have burned four people first…'
Curses escape my lips at the unbelievable coincidence.
But who can I blame?
In the end, it's my fault for not considering the worst-case scenario.
So, in that sense…
"Misha, make one promise with me."
"Promise?"
"We must never tell anyone that we summoned the Lord of Chaos."
It wasn't summoned by a large clan with thorough preparations.
Countless explorers will surely die.
But if it becomes known that we were the cause…
'They'll make us take responsibility and pay the price somehow.'
Has she finally realized the situation?
"Us, us? What do you mean? You're the one who burned the corpses!"
Misha draws a clear line.
She's so flustered that her usual slurred pronunciation is perfectly clear.
I feel a bit hurt.
She said she would treat me as her benefactor and repay me until the day she dies.
Anyway, if she acts like this, I have no choice.
I have to push her a bit.
"Do you think the guild will believe that? No, even if they do, the outcome will be the same. They'll want as many sacrifices as possible to appease their anger."
"Ugh…"
Hmm, judging by her reaction, I don't think I need to threaten her with dragging her down with me by giving false testimony.
"If you understand, get a grip from now on. Even dying after returning to the city requires luck."
"…Alright. So what should we do now?"
The answer is simple.
"Let's run."
First, we need to get as far away from this place as possible.
I never imagined we would leave this place like this…
'But for now, going there is the safest option.'
It's time to leave the Witch's Forest.
_____________________________________
The way to escape this goddamn forest is simple.
Since the status effect [Disoriented] has disappeared, we just need to follow the compass and move in one direction.
However, the problem is that the entire 3rd floor is swarming with a new type of monster.
"Bjorn! Something's following us from behind!"
"Chaos Spirits."
For reference, they're unranked.
They don't drop magic stones, and they don't have essences.
But…
"We'll have to deal with them."
Chaos Spirits are aggressive monsters, and once they aggro onto you, they follow you relentlessly.
"…Can we catch them on our own?"
Misha seems anxious since it's a monster she's never encountered before.
Well, ignorance is like death in this place.
I also learned that through countless deaths in the game.
"Their attack power is high, but that's all. I think they'll disappear with one elemental attack, so don't worry."
"…Is that information reliable?"
"Yes, I read it in a book."
"Alright."
Misha seems relieved after I explain their characteristics and readjusts her spear that's enchanted with holy water.
And she thrusts it towards the Chaos Spirit that was slowly following us.
Boom!
The Chaos Spirit explodes with a single spear strike.
Something like mucus splatters on the ground, staining it black.
「Chaos Spirit has been destroyed.」
「The location is eroded.」
If we step on that ground now, we'll take continuous chaos damage, but there's no need to worry about it.
It's not like we're hunting the Floor Master here.
It hasn't even been a day since it was summoned.
'Since the labyrinth will close after today, we can just ignore the erosion rate.'
It's a positive factor, at least.
Although the Floor Master was suddenly summoned…
[00:01]
Day 15 has begun.
If we can just hold out for 24 hours, we can leave for the ci—
"Pl, please! He, help me!!"
Just as we're about to leave…
An explorer runs towards us from afar.
I don't see any companions.
However, I'm not curious about why he's alone.
The dozens of Chaos Spirits following him explain his situation.
"Bjo, Bjorn…?"
"What are you hesitating for? Run."
I grab Misha's wrist and run in the opposite direction of the man who is asking for help.
We'll have to take a detour because of this, but…
What else can we do?
It's better than having those things aggro onto us.
"Ack, aak!"
His stamina must have reached its limit.
I hear a short scream and look back to see the explorer collapsed on the ground.
"Sa, save me—!"
Damn it, we made eye contact.
"Bjo, Bjorn…?"
"Don't look back."
I pull Misha's wrist and continue running, looking straight ahead.
"No! Don't, don't go!"
His desperate scream is drowned out by the wind whistling past my ears.
I mutter briefly, as if reminding myself,
"Harden your heart. Do you think that guy would have helped us if we were in the opposite situation?"
"But…! It's not like it's our fault that the 3rd floor turned out like this!"
Hmm, she has a point.
'Damn it…'
I feel shitty.
It's like every aspect of my character has been exposed.
But even this is just a fleeting emotion that I'll look back on someday.
…Let's do what needs to be done.
'This should be enough.'
We were heading south for a while, but then we change direction and head east. I see eroded ground and explorers' corpses scattered throughout the forest.
The more I see, the more I just look ahead and run.
Boom!
As we're blowing up the Chaos Spirits that are following us, after about an hour of moving…
The forest ends.
And a wide-open plain comes into view.
'I thought it would take at least 7 hours…'
Was the place we were at the eastern outskirts of the forest?
We left the forest much earlier than expected.
'We were lucky.'
We quickly cross the plain and enter the Orc Encampment.
And after some time…
"Everyone, please calm down and cooperate with the control efforts!"
As expected, the place is swarming with people.
-x-X-x-
The Floor Master.
It's a field boss-like monster that exists on each floor.
These guys have different names, attributes, and patterns, but they share one thing in common.
It's impossible for explorers of that floor level to fight them, no matter what they do.
For example, to defeat the 1st-floor Floor Master, you need to form a raid of at least 30 people.
Of course, that's assuming they're all at least 4th-floor explorers.
That's the absolute minimum number of people.
Therefore, I contemplated.
Misha and I.
If the two of us happen to encounter it, it's game over. It's a monster that's impossible to outrun at normal movement speed.
So where should we go?
What should we do to increase our chances of survival, even if it's just a little, instead of just trembling and praying that we don't encounter it?
The answer was to head to the Orc Encampment.
Just like most of the explorers here.
"Bjorn, why are there so many people here?"
"The Dzarwi Clan is here."
The Dzarwi Clan is a large clan that operates on the 6th floor or higher. The dwarf mentioned that they have hundreds of members.
It's unlikely that all of them are gathered here at the same time, but...
'At least 10 teams must have come down. Even though it's the 3rd floor, they need that many people to control the hunting grounds.'
Of course, even with this much manpower, subjugation is difficult.
Well, it's not impossible if they're willing to accept casualties...
But that's assuming they know the proper strategy and have prepared for months.
'Still, if we stay with these guys, even if we encounter the Floor Master, we'll at least have time to escape.'
Having made a decision based purely on practicality, I lead Misha towards the dense crowd of explorers.
A rather strange situation is unfolding.
"Ex, excuse me! I heard there's a high-ranking mage among you! Please cast a dimensional gate spell for me! I'll pay you any amount of money..."
"It's you! You guys summoned the Floor Master!!"
"Wh, what's going to happen to us? They're a large clan, they wouldn't kick us out, would they?"
Those who plead earnestly.
Those who deny reality and seek someone to blame.
And those who try to calmly assess the situation.
Amidst the cacophony of various people's cries, an executive of the Dzarwi Clan speaks up.
"Everyone, please calm down. This place is safe. Our priestess has cast Evil Banishment, and our scout is already keeping watch in all directions."
"Our Dzarwi Clan will do our best to ensure that as many explorers as possible return to the city alive, in accordance with the regulations agreed upon with the royal family and the guild."
"However! If anyone disobeys our control or causes trouble! We have no choice but to expel them, so please understand."
Although it's a bit long-winded, it's a fairly clear announcement.
The warning at the end was particularly effective, as those who were shouting recklessly all disappear.
"At least we don't have to worry about getting kicked out."
"Whew, that's a relief..."
I look around for a moment and then sit down with my back against a tree at a suitable spot.
"...Isn't that too relaxed?"
"There's nothing else we can do."
We should rest as much as possible when we can.
No one knows how the situation will change in the future.
"Hmm, that's true."
Misha seems to agree and sits down next to me.
"Misha, just in case, are you good with your ears?"
"I don't know, but some people have said they like my ears."
What is she talking about?
"I meant, are you good at hearing sounds from afar?"
"Ah, if that's what you mean, I'm quite confident."
"Then listen carefully to their conversation. Don't stare obviously, it'll be noticeable."
"Got it."
Misha closes her eyes as instructed.
And as if concentrating, she keeps twitching the triangular ears on top of her head.
"Hmm, I'm not sure, but it seems like they're arguing."
"About what?"
"I can't hear very well because of the distance. But one thing's for sure, they're talking about the Floor Master."
Well, of course they would be.
What else would the executives be discussing urgently in this situation?
'If we get any closer, they'll notice, so is this the best we can do...?'
"Keep listening for now. If there's anything special, let me know."
"Got it."
Misha stays in eavesdropping mode and observes the surroundings, checking the crowd's reaction.
There are some complaints and anxieties, but…
The general atmosphere is one of relief.
"When we were about to get kicked out, I thought this was such a shitty situation, but the world really is unpredictable."
"That's right. Such a wide-range Evil Banishment... it's because they're such a large clan that they have a priestess like that with them."
"It's like God intervened. The Floor Master appeared on the 3rd floor for the first time in 10 years, and these guys just happened to be down here?"
Regardless of the Dzarwi Clan's wrongdoings in occupying the Orc Encampment, most people are satisfied and grateful for the current situation.
Well, not everyone is like that, but...
"Hey, are there only two of you?"
As I'm observing the surroundings, a man approaches me.
He's probably not here to pick a fight.
"What do you want?"
"It's nothing special, just that we should stick together in times like this, don't you think?"
"Keep it brief."
"There are about thirty of us gathered here. It seems like you lost your companions in this incident too, wouldn't it be good to have someone to rely on, even if it's just for a while?"
Before answering, I confirm one thing.
"I'm Bjorn, son of Yandel. What's your name?"
"Jack Reacher."
Okay, as long as it's not Hans.
"Alright."
Let's just say yes for now.
If something seems wrong, I can just keep my mouth shut.
It's not like I signed any documents or anything.
"As expected of a barbarian, you're straightforward. Then I'll be on my way, so rest up. I'll come find you later if something happens."
"Alright."
As soon as the man leaves, we spend about 2 hours without any trouble.
Thanks to the high-ranking priest's Evil Banishment, the Chaos Spirits can't even approach, and there doesn't seem to be anything that could become a variable.
At least in terms of external factors.
"Misha, wake up."
I shake Misha awake, who has switched from eavesdropping mode to sleep mode.
"Did something happen?"
Not yet.
But if my prediction is correct…
"It will soon."
"What do you mean?"
"Look around, there are too many people."
The Dzarwi Clan has been accepting refugees unconditionally.
And they've finally reached their limit.
The area currently under Evil Banishment is only about twice the size of a school playground.
And it's not even an open space, it's a forest.
But there are already over 500 people here.
"…Shouldn't they stop letting people in?"
"If they accept any more, we won't even be able to sit down."
"If monsters come in while we're like this…"
Selfishness always flourishes using the situation as nourishment.
Anxiety spreads among those who entered first, and such arguments start to arise.
"Bjorn, what's going to happen to us?"
"Well, it depends on the Dzarwi Clan's decision."
Whether they continue to accept everyone until the limit…
Or stop accepting people and lock the gates…
The clan will also have to make a choice.
And in fact, not long after, there was a new announcement from a clan executive.
"Due to Evil Banishment, this place serves as the only safe zone on the 3rd floor. It is truly a miraculous event. However…"
To cut to the chase, the gist of it was simple.
"Our priestess wishes for everyone here to show reverence to God."
Reverence.
For reference, it didn't mean intangible values like prayer, conversion, or worship.
"1 million stones per person. It must be paid immediately on the spot, and magic stones or goods are also acceptable."
No one believed it was the priestess's request.
Well, there might have been an agreement between them, but…
The clan must have been the ones who proposed it first.
'They started off pretending to be honorable, mentioning the royal family and the guild, but in the end, they chose personal gain.'
Even if they stop accepting refugees, they'll still be criticized for that choice later.
So they decided they might as well make some money.
Naturally, there was backlash.
"There's no way we would have that many magic stones, and asking us to hand over our equipment in this situation is basically telling us to die!"
The one who raised his voice the loudest was Jack Reacher.
"Our 100-strong suicide squad will not stand idly by and watch your tyranny!"
With a powerful shout, Jack Reacher looks around. I, who had anticipated this and was already looking elsewhere, manage to avoid eye contact.
But was it the same for the other 100 members of the suicide squad?
"Uh, uh… Everyone, please say something. If we just stay silent, we can't resist their tyranny…!"
Jack Reacher stammers, flustered.
And that's the end of the short protest.
"1 million stones is reverence for God and a protection fee. You might lose a few pieces of equipment for now, but what's there to worry about when we're here?"
Of course there's something to worry about, you bastard.
Evil Banishment is an OP skill, but it's like a piece of paper to the Floor Master.
Of course, it's just a complaint I keep to myself.
I'm a barbarian who knows how to compromise with reality.
"Misha, leave the consumables like potions and just take out anything we don't need."
"Got it."
Just like the other explorers, we hurriedly rummage through our backpacks and sort out anything that can be turned into cash.
Since we looted equipment from the marauders earlier, we don't have to take off what we're wearing.
'Phew, 1 million stones just to rest on the dirt floor…'
It's a huge waste, but it's worth paying as a fee for using Evil Banishment.
And besides, didn't he just say it himself?
That it also includes a protection fee.
"If those guys don't try to rip us off, this should be enough."
We finish preparing our offerings, having gathered a few pieces of equipment from the religious fanatics' party.
However, not everyone is as well-off as us.
Although they'll probably be able to get 1 million stones if they hand over the equipment they're wearing…
"Without this, you're telling me to starve to death next time?"
"To ask for 1 million stones just to survive for a day, it's ridiculous."
Quite a few people refuse to pay the protection fee and choose to leave voluntarily.
The clan doesn't stop them.
And they continue to collect protection fees from newcomers.
At least from over three hundred people.
'They earned at least 300 million stones. In just one day…'
It's practically like printing money.
Damn it, is power truly invincible and divine?
I don't know, but in the end, even these guys have to pray to the heavens.
If the Floor Master arrives here…
At that moment, the market will crash.
'In the first place, if it weren't for that possibility, they wouldn't have even collected the protection fees.'
I keep feeling that the people here lack imagination.
Of course, they must have had their reasons for making this choice.
They probably thought that the 3rd floor is vast, so the chances of not encountering the Floor Master are higher than encountering it.
Since it's Day 15, even if we encounter it, we just need to hold out for one day, they probably thought.
That this much manpower is enough to do that.
Yes, that's what they must have thought.
As positively as possible.
In a way that's most beneficial to them.
But they need to understand.
No one knew that the Floor Master would be summoned, and that all the explorers on the floor would have to stop hunting and face this situation.
'Well, the same goes for me.'
However, at least I imagine the worst-case scenario that could happen to me.
Of course, these imaginations don't come true more often than they do…
But what about this time?
'We'll see.'
I quietly close my eyes.
And after some time, like the calm before the storm…
[19:07]
5 hours left until Day 15 ends.
Pitter-patter, pitter-patter, pitter-patter-
Black raindrops fall from the ceiling between the trees, staining the ground black.
「The location is eroded, and [Evil Banishment] is deactivated.」
The pure white pattern that covered the ground instantly loses its light.
And also…
[Grooooowl—!!]
A giant beast roars from outside the forest.
-x-X-x-
Pitter-patter, pitter-patter, pitter-patter-
Black rain that makes my skin sting just by touching it.
I know what this is.
[Rain of Despair]
The passive aura skill of the Lord of Chaos, Riakis.
「Character is taking continuous chaos-attribute damage.」
「Character's Magic Resistance is greatly decreased.」
「Warning: Continuous exposure to chaos-attribute damage may inflict the status effect [Confusion] with a certain probability.」
This skill not only deals area-of-effect damage but also erodes the terrain where the rain falls, removing all kinds of field effects.
That means…
'Damn it…'
I was hoping it wouldn't happen, but it really did.
"It's, it's him! He's here!"
"He, hey! Wh, what are you all doing! Go and stop him!"
Panic erupts among the 3rd-floor explorers who paid the protection fee.
And their gazes all turn to one place.
"Don't tell me, you're going to abandon us and run away!"
"You took our equipment, saying you would protect us! Take responsibility!"
Dozens of people shout with emotions running high.
The executive who had made several announcements in front of the crowd sighs deeply with a bitter smile.
"…So it's come to this."
I can understand how he feels.
Since they took the protection fee, their only option is to fight the Floor Master with all their might.
However…
"This expedition will result in a huge loss."
Surprisingly, the executive's face only shows resignation, without any signs of anxiety or impatience.
He takes a deep breath and shouts loudly,
"The Lord of Chaos Riakis is here! Everyone, take out everything you've prepared!!"
His instructions echo loudly.
At this, those with the Dzarwi Clan's emblem on their chests move in unison.
"Each team to their positions!"
Mages, priests, and ranged damage dealers head towards the center.
Melee warriors move to the outskirts.
And they start using all sorts of consumables without hesitation.
「Used High-Grade Stamina Enhancement Scroll.」
「Used Energy Regeneration Enhancement Scroll.」
「Used Numbered Item [Banner of the Sun Lord].」
「The light of Ersium imbues the weap… 」
「....」
「....」
Various doping-type magic scrolls, consumable Numbered Items, and various equipment enhancement consumables.
In less than a minute…
Consumables worth at least tens of millions of stones disappear into light.
"We have enough supplies, so don't hold back! We're returning alive, even if it's just one more person!"
I have the thought that I underestimated them.
Now I see, they weren't lacking in imagination.
They had already prepared for the worst-case scenario, making sure they were ready behind the scenes.
'But they still collected the protection fee…'
It was literally a gamble.
They bet on the side that seemed more likely to succeed.
Smirk-
I can't help but laugh.
'As expected, there are so many efficiency freaks in this world.'
I need to be a bit more humble.
These people also risked their lives countless times as explorers to get to where they are now.
There's no way they reached that level just because of luck.
"To always carry around this much supplies…"
"As expected of a large clan!"
Instead of looking down on them, it's better to always be wary…
And instead of envy, it's more efficient to observe and learn from them.
"Bjorn, what are we going to do now?"
"What do you mean? We have to watch for now."
In the first place, that was the original plan.
Once we encounter the Floor Master, even just leaving this place requires taking a huge risk.
Well, if there's no answer, we'll have to risk it and run away immediately, but…
'This should be enough to hold out.'
As if to prove it, a wall of fire surrounds us in a circle.
It's not a skill from an essence, but just a regular magic spell.
「Chaos Spirit has been destroyed.」
「The location is eroded.」
Since it started raining…
The Chaos Spirits that started swarming in like a tidal wave have been disappearing before they could penetrate the wall of fire.
Whoosh!
And the huge barrier formed above our heads even blocks the pouring rain.
Well, the things that can be blocked by the wall of fire or the barrier are limited…
"Bjorn, look over there!"
A giant shadow slowly grows larger from where Misha points.
Accompanied by a heavy tremor.
Thud! Thud!
Horns protruding from its head.
Thick and rough black hide.
And an ominous aura emanating from it.
[Grooooowl—!]
A beast of monstrous size that distorts my sense of distance, something you would only see in a monster movie, easily leaps over the wall of fire and reveals itself.
"Th, that's…"
"Lo, Lord of Chaos Riakis!!"
The crowd shrinks back in fear at the sight, but the clan members remain calm.
"Hold your positions! Don't let him get past us!"
The warriors stand their ground, as if they're used to fighting large monsters.
Could it be that he didn't like that?
Kwaaang-!!
Riakis slams his front paw down, and the battle begins in earnest.
____________________________________
What's a raid like in real life, not in a game?
The answer to my long-held curiosity is simple.
"Don't even try to block it, just dodge! Got it?!"
Even melee damage dealers and tanks prioritize evasion, nimbly dodging the swinging tail and stomping claws.
Well, they know best.
No matter how strong their bodies are or how high their strength stats are, there's no way they can win a strength contest against such a monster.
'So this is what a real battle against a Floor Master is like. Interesting.'
Perhaps it's because it's a role I'll have to play someday…
My gaze is drawn to the melee explorers rather than the mages and other damage dealers.
I can see many things to learn from them.
There have also been several close calls.
Kwaaang-!!
No matter how much they focus on dodging…
It's impossible to avoid injuries in a battle with such a high-level monster.
Normally, getting hit by such a blow would be instant death, but…
"He's, he's still alive after taking that…"
"…He's truly amazing."
With their stats boosted by numerous essences, various scroll dopings, and the support of priests and other support-type explorers, they've become weapons themselves.
"Uwaaaaaa!!"
"Damn it, I almost died!"
The warriors return to the front lines immediately after getting their bodies smashed to pieces and receiving healing.
Of course, not everyone is like that.
"Damn it, he wasn't supposed to die like this…"
"Focus on the battle!"
As the battle drags on, casualties start to appear.
One melee warrior is crushed to death by a foot, and three ranged damage dealers who were grouped together are instantly melted by Riakis's breath.
However, if we calmly analyze the current situation…
'It's still stable.'
"Fo, four people are already dead… I, isn't this dangerous?"
Regardless of the reactions of the 3rd-floor explorers…
The warriors are still holding out well on the front lines.
The combined magic of the mages is also powerful enough to push back Riakis as he approaches the center.
'It seems like they're also aware of the Dark Orb pattern.'
"Le, let's just observe for now! It's the renowned Dzarwi Clan, after all! They'll find a way, won't they?"
Black orbs rise from the eroded ground and head towards Riakis.
「Lord of Chaos Riakis is drawing in the power of the source.」
The orbs, which I was most worried about, are also detonated in mid-air by ranged damage dealers before they can be absorbed by Riakis.
"Cease fire!!"
"He shouldn't feel threatened anymore!"
They even manage Riakis's health by occasionally stopping their attacks, so now I'm sure.
They know the strategy.
'So they're just trying to hold out. If they enter the second phase without that item, it's game over.'
"Why are they stopping the attack now? Are they all idiots? They should finish him off while they have the momentum…"
Well, it's understandable in a way.
A veteran player who has played [Dungeon and Stone] for 10 years?
Someone who knows everything about this game?
So what?
Thinking that I'm the only one in this world who knows everything is just arrogance.
The labyrinth has existed for thousands of years.
It's not like the game's lore, for these people, it's reality.
They had to enter to make a living, and there must have been countless trial and errors.
And that knowledge must have been passed down to future generations through records.
'Although the truly valuable knowledge would be monopolized by a few.'
Of course, I'm not too worried.
Even the 'hidden elements' that were particularly difficult to find in the game seem to be mostly unknown to the people here.
My knowledge as a veteran player will still be my greatest weapon for survival in this place.
Click.
I open my watch and check the time.
[22:37]
It's already been over 3 hours.
Despite the prolonged battle, the clan members haven't lost their focus and are faithfully carrying out their roles.
However…
'With that much consumable usage, it doesn't matter how much they earned in protection fees.'
I suddenly understand why large clans don't hunt Floor Masters even though they know the strategy.
The rewards for subjugation aren't insignificant, but…
The enormous amount of resources required.
The possibility of elite members dying.
And the tremendous risks involved if they fail…
'It's not worth it.'
Just as I'm thinking that…
Kwaaang-!
For some reason, Riakis ignores the warriors and charges towards the center, instantly crushing five ranged damage dealers.
It's a situation that can happen during a raid.
Fortunately, the warriors desperately rush towards Riakis and push him back to his original position, but…
Two melee damage dealers are killed in the process.
'Still, the remaining members should be able to hold out for the remaining time.'
I analyze the situation once again.
The total number of casualties so far is 11.
It's 20% of the total force, but the remaining members are calmly doing what they need to do.
Although there are some gaps…
It's not enough to lead to a fatal outcome.
The problem is that there are idiots all around who can't even make such a simple judgment.
"It's over! These incompetent bastards!!"
"Do you know how many people have died!!"
Panic erupts among the crowd again, even though they're not stepping on eroded ground and haven't fallen into the [Confusion] state.
I can understand their psychology to some extent.
11 deaths.
This is just the count of the clan members who are the actual combat force. Countless explorers who paid the protection fee also died whenever Riakis went on a rampage.
'Have they lost their judgment due to the threat to their lives?'
From my perspective, it's their fault for standing there like idiots while a raid is happening right next to them.
But saying that wouldn't make them listen.
"Bjorn, the atmosphere isn't good."
"I know."
"We should do something too—"
"Wait, I'm thinking."
I observe the surroundings as widely as possible.
The clan hasn't noticed the change in mood yet, as they're focused solely on Riakis.
And in the meantime, a man raises his voice and fuels the chaos.
"We can't just stand by and watch, let's join forces to survive!"
It's Jack Reacher, who was the first to take off his equipment and pay the protection fee.
"Do you know how many people have died? These guys can't protect us. We have to protect ourselves!"
"That's right!"
"But how can we fight without equipment…"
"We have to get them back! They didn't keep their promise anyway, did they?"
His instigation is met with agreement from the suicide squad members who ignored him before, and the situation escalates rapidly.
I mutter briefly,
"Misha, get ready."
"Ready for what?"
"We're leaving this place right now."
This place is already doomed.
________________________________
As soon as we grab our backpacks…
Countless explorers rush towards the center where the supplies are piled up, as if a riot has broken out.
"Ev, everyone, please calm down! This will put everyone in danger—"
The clan finally realizes the situation, but…
It's too late.
"Don't bullshit me!!"
"Give me back my equipment!"
The explorers push aside the clan's mages and archers and start grabbing whatever they can get their hands on with greedy eyes.
"Gi, give it to me! That's mine!!"
"Th, there's no such thing as ownership in this situation!"
"Step back! We'll attack if you don't!"
"It's the same whether we die here or there!"
"What are you hesitating for! They're marauders from now on! Kill them all!"
I watch the scene, now filled with chaos and madness, and let go of any remaining regret.
"Bjorn…"
"Enough with the sightseeing, let's go."
"Ah, alright!"
I grab Misha and run in the opposite direction of Riakis.
Soon, a wall of fire surrounds us, blocking our path.
"Wh, what are we going to do?!"
What do you mean, what are we going to do?
"We're going through it."
We'll have to tank it like barbarians.
We might get some burns, but it's not like we'll die from that anymore.
"Are you serious?!"
Ah, that's not the case for you, is it?
"Ack! Kyaaaaak—!"
I lift Misha with both arms and raise her high above my head as if doing a 'banzai' pose. And in that state, I run and quickly clear the wall of fire that seems to be at least 5 meters thick.
Sizzle!
I can faintly smell burning flesh.
The pain pierces through my Pain Resistance, and my skin stings slightly.
I ask,
"Misha, are you okay?"
"…I'm fine thanks to you. But look ahead!"
I put Misha down and look ahead, and I see Chaos Spirits swarming.
However, there's no time to deal with them one by one.
"Let's run."
"Eek! Through there?"
"Is there any other way?"
They've already started noticing us and are slowly moving towards us.
So we need to run through them before they aggro onto us any further.
I don't know what the situation is on the other side, so we need to move as quickly as possible—
'Damn it.'
After about 5 minutes of sprinting…
The surroundings suddenly darken.
It's so dark that it's difficult to see even an inch ahead.
"Bjorn, are you there?!"
"I'm here."
Fortunately, I can hear her voice.
"Wh, what happened?"
Instead of answering, I let out a big sigh.
There's no need for analysis or anything, the situation is clear.
「Lord of Chaos Riakis has successfully absorbed the power of the source.」
「Field effect [Crack of Evil] is applied within a 5-kilometer radius.」
Riakis's instant-kill and party-wipe skill, [Crack of Evil].
That bastard finally ate all the orbs.
-x-X-x-
[Crack of Evil]
It's a field-wide instant-kill skill that Riakis uses when he absorbs 10 or more orbs.
If you don't escape within the time limit, your character dies no matter how much you've leveled them up.
In-game time, it was about 45 minutes.
And one of its characteristics is…
That everyone is pulled towards the center, regardless of their location.
Whoosh!
Before I can even adjust to the darkness that has descended before my eyes, I feel a pulling sensation throughout my body.
"Bjo, rn…!! Wh, at, is, this—!"
For some reason, Misha's voice sounds like it's in slow motion.
So I speak in fast motion.
"Don't worry, we won't die right away."
"Wh, at, do, yo, u, me, an—!"
Misha shouts slowly, but her shout is cut off before it's finished.
It's a perfect silence, as if my hearing itself has disappeared.
Of course, it doesn't last long.
「All characters within the radius are being transported to the center of evil.」
When I open my eyes, there's light.
"Bjorn!"
I can hear sounds normally again, and I see many people besides Misha.
"Where the hell is this…?"
"Wh, what! I was clearly running away…"
There are about 200 explorers.
Leaving behind Misha, who is clinging to me with a worried expression, I check one spot.
Those with the Dzarwi Clan's emblem are quickly gathering and forming a formation.
'So this is how many are left out of 50…'
A little over 20 people.
There were 11 casualties during the 3 hours of fighting Riakis, and now more than that number have disappeared in less than 5 minutes.
What the hell happened in that short time?
Well, it's not hard to guess.
"Excuse me! If you know what's going on—"
"Shut up, trash."
A voice filled with anger responds to one explorer's question.
"Because of you pieces of trash… do you know how many people have died!"
"If you come any closer, we'll attack immediately."
In fact, the Dzarwi Clan is huddled together, on guard to prevent anyone from approaching.
The explorers are flustered by this.
"Wh, why is it our fault!"
"In the first place, if you guys hadn't taken away our equipment, this wouldn't have happened!"
"I heard that large clans swear to the guild and the royal family that they'll fulfill their duties in emergency situations. Let's put aside the blame for now and work together…"
"Pl, please let me in! I didn't even participate. I'll pay more protection fees if you ask…"
The explorers, who don't even seem to understand the situation they're in, start shouting their own complaints.
Well, they know it too, right?
That there's no chance of survival if they're abandoned by them.
But what a shame.
"Be grateful that we're not killing you on the spot, trash."
The Dzarwi Clan's intention is firm.
"Wh, what kind of selfish bullshit is that! You're basically telling us to go out and die!"
"You understand correctly."
"…Wh, what? These bastards! Do you think we'll just stand here and take it?"
The man who stirred up the crowd on the front lines.
Jack Reacher's shout is met with agreement from numerous explorers, but the clan just laughs as if it's ridiculous.
"What are you going to do if you don't just stand there?"
"We'll join forces and—"
"Let me tell you something, don't expect to be able to resist us like before. If we wanted to, we could burn you all to ashes right here."
It's not an empty threat.
Because the situation is different now.
Unlike when they were spread out to deal with Riakis, they're now in a proper, tight formation.
It seems like they're ready to unleash magic at any moment.
"Damn it!"
"Do you think we'll die without you!"
Just as the explorers realize their situation…
"I, I know about this phenomenon."
A human man about 160 centimeters tall speaks up in front of the crowd.
"You know about this phenomenon?"
"I, I don't know the details. But if we don't escape from here within the time limit, we'll all die. That's what it said in an old book."
"…Is that true?"
When Jack Reacher looks at him with suspicion, a woman steps forward to vouch for the seemingly simple-minded man.
"I can guarantee it!"
"Fairy?"
"I've been on a team with this man for over a year. And we've experienced many unbelievable things. He's a mysterious person. He really knows everything. I believe without a doubt that his words will save us."
Jack Reacher's expression changes.
"If it's a fairy's words… it's worth listening to. Hey, you, how can we escape from this place?"
"Th, there's no special method! I, I heard that if we just go in any direction for about 5 kilometers, we can escape from here…"
Surprisingly, what the human man said is true.
The problem is that the moment we leave this place with light, Riakis's clones will swarm us in the darkness.
"I, I heard there are monsters, but if we all work together, we can definitely do it!"
"Hmm, that makes sense."
Bullshit.
If it were that easy, those clan guys would have run away first, instead of having serious discussions among themselves with constipated expressions.
"Bjorn, what are we going to do?"
"What?"
"But seeing an elf vouch for a human like that, it means he's someone special, right?"
Hmm, is that so?
He just looks like an idiot to me…
"Don't be swayed by that and just wait calmly."
"Alright!"
Anyway, the situation unfolds rapidly after that.
"Although there's a fairy's guarantee, there's a chance that that man's words are wrong. However! If we're going to die here anyway, I want to take a gamble on this!"
Jack Reacher, who has made his decision, starts inciting the crowd again, and the public opinion slowly shifts.
"That's right, whether we die here or there!"
"Those bastards don't seem like they're going to help us anyway, so do we have any other choice?"
"With this many people, we can make it somehow!"
"But no matter how I think about it, it doesn't seem like it will be that easy…"
There are many who are skeptical, but once people start gathering, the fear of being left behind seems to accelerate the momentum.
And now…
"I'll ask one last time! If anyone wants to join us, come forward now!"
Over 100 explorers have come together.
The remaining people, including Misha and me, are around 40.
Jack Reacher scans us and then speaks to me.
"Hey, you, Bjorn, son of Yandere, was it?"
"…It's Bjorn, son of Yandel."
"Hmm, was it? Anyway, you're not joining us?"
Why is he asking again when it's obvious just by looking at us?
I shrug my shoulders as an answer.
But…
"As expected of a barbarian, you're stupid. You'll regret it."
What the fuck? What is this again?
He can just go his own way, why is he doing this at the end?
His psychology is beyond my understanding, but since he started it, I return the favor with some well wishes.
"What are you talking about? You're about to die anyway. Just shut up and get lost so you can die. That would be more helpful to the world."
"Wh, what?"
"Do you want to fight me? Then come here. I'll smash that empty head of yours."
I grab my mace and step forward, ignoring the hundred explorers behind him, and he turns his head away.
And he leaves, muttering to himself.
"Man, I tried to be nice and give him some advice…"
"It seems like there's no one else who wants to join, so let's depart! We don't have time to waste here!"
Anyway, it was just a small incident.
More than half of the people have disappeared into the darkness.
No, should I say they crawled into the jaws of death on their own?
Anyway, as soon as they leave, Misha clings to me as if she's been waiting.
"Bjorn, what are we going to do?"
"Why do you keep asking me that?"
"Because… your words have always been right until now. I trust you."
"I see."
I appreciate the sentiment, but Misha is wrong.
My choices are not the right answers.
How could a mere human know such a thing?
I simply chose what seemed like the most likely option at the moment the problem arose.
And in that sense…
Thud-
…I walk towards the Dzarwi Clan, who are in the middle of a heated discussion.
'By now, they must have realized just how fucked they are…'
It's time to gamble.
The gamble with the highest chance of success, based on various factors and my judgment.
"Stop, barbarian. If you come any closer—"
As I approach, someone from the clan tries to stop me.
Coincidentally, the person who shouted is someone we're acquainted with.
"O, older brother…"
"Half-breed…? Why are you here…"
It's a sudden reunion.
There's no way there will be a touching sibling reunion, so I intervene between the two and ask slyly,
"It's, it's been a while."
"…What? A while?"
Misha's brother frowns.
Well, we're not exactly on good terms to be greeting each other like this.
Therefore, while he's flustered, I immediately get to the point.
"So did the Orc Hero essence drop?"
"Well, fortunately, thanks to—"
So it was luck.
"Wait, how do you know that?"
I grin at Misha's brother, who is staring at me with a menacing look.
The gamble was successful.
At least half of it.
__________________________________
The vice-leader of the Dzarwi Clan, Iraz McGrane, thinks to himself,
'We're fucked.'
27 deaths in total.
It's 20% of the entire Dzarwi Clan's strength. He can't even imagine how long it will take to recover.
'Well, there's no guarantee that we'll return alive either.'
He opens his eyes and observes the faces of his members.
Currently, 23 clan members are alive.
In terms of numbers, it might seem like about half of their force survived, but that's not the reality.
He asks his adjutant,
"What's our exact combat strength right now?"
"Three priests, six mages, twelve ranged support types… and two melee warriors."
The report is delivered in a dejected voice.
Well, that's to be expected.
"Only two melee warriors…"
It's a personnel distribution that's beyond imbalanced.
When the riot broke out, the warriors who couldn't receive support suffered near-total casualties.
"Still, it's fortunate. If it weren't for your decision, we wouldn't have been able to buy this much time to regroup—"
"That's something we can only know after we return alive."
McGrane silently takes a deep breath.
As soon as he judged that it was impossible to suppress the riot, he gave one order. To let Riakis absorb the Dark Orbs.
Thanks to that, they managed to minimize casualties and buy some time.
'Right, time… we just bought some time.'
"Hey, McGrane, what are you going to do now? You're not just giving up on everything, are you?"
"I'm thinking."
"Then you need to think quickly. If you've studied the Lord of Chaos Riakis even a little, you'll know that we don't have much time left."
McGrane sighs as he looks at the mage who speaks in a sharp voice.
"May the star that rises at twilight guide us…"
The priests praying and making the sign of the cross are relatively better, but if he gets on their bad side, even if he survives and returns, it won't end well.
'Think, how can we return alive with as many people as possible.'
McGrane contemplates and contemplates.
What's the best course of action in the current situation.
"Vice-leader, the explorers are forming groups. It seems like they're trying to escape on their own."
"That's good news for once. Leave them be."
"Yes?"
"They'll at least serve as bait."
He decides to make use of any positive variables.
He thinks and thinks about the escape route, personnel placement during movement, and the optimal formation.
There's no answer.
"As you instructed, I've familiarized everyone with the movement formations. We can move at any time."
He's done the best he can for now…
'Assuming we're lucky, at least half of us will die.'
The lack of warriors is too fatal.
With just two, they can't even clear a path properly, and those two are a swordsman and a spearman.
There are no specialized defensive warriors.
In other words, there are no explorers in the guardian position.
'To have to clear a path with just these guys when they're needed more than ever, it's driving me crazy.'
Just one.
If there were just one explorer in the guardian position…
"Vice-leader, the explorers have left."
"Make a decision!"
McGrane closes his eyes as he looks at the clan members staring at him.
"There are over 100 of them. If we don't move while they're drawing attention—"
"I know."
There's no time.
He needs to make a decision quickly.
Just as McGrane is about to open his tightly shut mouth…
A barbarian shouts,
"That's why I said I'll clear the way—!!"
As if he knows his worries.
McGrane asks his adjutant as if possessed,
"Hey, who is that guy and why is he acting like that?"
"I heard he's the companion of Kaltstein's younger sister. There's no need for you to worry—"
"I'll be the judge of that, just answer me."
The adjutant then replies,
"I don't know how he knows, but… he's demanding the Orc Hero's essence."
"Orc Hero's essence?"
"Yes, he says he can clear the way if he has that."
McGrane activates one of his abilities, [Survival Instinct], and looks at the barbarian again.
And he mutters,
"It's the first time I've seen such a strong light emanating from a person."
The ability that saved him from countless crises is telling him…
…that it's worth listening to what he has to say.
-x-X-x-
"They must be struggling right now, not having anyone to clear the path. Hand over the Orc Hero's essence to me. I'll take the lead and open the way."
"Now that I see it, you're just a crazy bastard."
My brother glares at me with a cold expression.
Only then do I realize one thing.
"No one to clear the path? What are you talking about? Can't you see those mages over there?"
Talking to this guy is a waste of time.
As a mere member, he doesn't even have the knowledge to make proper judgments...
And he doesn't fully grasp the current situation.
It's the same for the other members who are watching this situation with interest from a distance.
"Half-breed, come over here. I don't want to bear the shame of leaving my sister behind in a dangerous situation."
"Bjo, Bjorn...?"
I need someone who's easier to talk to.
For example, the higher-up who must have been leading the battle against Riakis.
'That guy should be able to understand.'
However, I don't think he'll bring his superior just because I ask nicely, so...
"Ahem."
I clear my throat first.
And then I shout with all my might, like a barbarian.
"If you don't want to die, invest in me! I'll open the way—!!"
It's a shout that they can't help but hear, even if they don't want to.
After a brief moment, a man comes out.
____________________________________
"Your name?"
"Bjorn, son of Yandel."
"Iraz McGrane, currently holding the position of Vice-Leader of the Dzarwi Clan."
He finishes the introductions in an instant and gets straight to the point.
"Tell me, Bjorn Yandel. Who told you that we defeated the Orc Hero?"
Right, as expected, that comes first.
"I deduced it."
"Deduced it...?"
"Yes."
Of course, I didn't understand it at first either.
Why would a large clan like this come down to control something like the Orc Encampment?
After carefully piecing together the clues, I reached a conclusion.
"If you really came down here just to hunt Orc Great Warriors, you wouldn't have that much strategic supplies."
A large clan?
So they always carry around that many consumables?
Well, no way.
There's a limit to everything, and this is beyond that limit.
"Unless you had another purpose."
5th-grade monster, Orc Hero.
It's a kind of hidden boss that is summoned when you offer 777 Orc Great Warrior magic stones as a sacrifice at the altar in the center of the encampment.
That must have been their goal.
The 'Orc Lord', which appears with a very low probability, is something they can't defeat no matter what they do.
'The reason they had so many supplies was probably to prepare for the possibility of an Orc Lord appearing.'
"But it seems like the Orc Lord didn't appear, huh?"
"Huh, you even know that?"
McGrane lets out a strange exclamation.
However, there are no further questions.
"Alright, then explain to us why we need you."
It's a single sentence that omits the various questions and curiosities he must still have.
There's no time to waste, it seems.
I sense the scent of an efficiency freak from this man, so I also get straight to the point.
"I have the Undying Engraving and the Vampire's essence. For reference, it's the essence from a rift guardian."
"So you can use all three abilities."
Although the fact that a vampire appeared as a rift guardian must be news to him, McGrane just nods once and moves on.
"And?"
"I have the Corpse Golem's essence. It's not well-known, but the Pain Resistance stat is—"
"No need for a long-winded explanation. You're saying you can fight even while drinking potions, right?"
"...That's right."
"So is that all?"
I nod honestly, and he closes his eyes as if to organize his thoughts. As befits someone suspected of being an efficiency freak, it doesn't take long.
"Indeed, that's not bad. No, it's more than excellent compared to those two."
It's a completely different reaction compared to Misha's brother, who looked at me like I was crazy when I said the same thing.
He even reaches a conclusion quickly.
"Alright, I'll invest in you."
"Vice-Leader! That essence was requested by a noble family—!"
Misha's brother shouts something in objection to his decision...
"Enough! We can just say that the essence didn't drop. If we can save even one more person with one essence, it's worth the investment, isn't it?"
He instantly dismisses the objection and continues speaking to me.
"Of course, there's one condition. If you survive and escape from this place, you'll join our clan."
Damn it, no wonder he agreed so easily.
There's no need to think about it.
"I refuse."
Once you join a clan, it's difficult to leave.
It's not impossible, but you'll be branded as a traitor who doesn't know gratitude.
There was even a time when I skipped out on the 'withdrawal fee' in the game and ended up getting ambushed in the labyrinth.
And this is reality, not a game.
"Why? It's a good offer."
"I don't intend to join anyone yet."
Maybe in the future, if I create my own clan...
But there's no need to become a mere member and restrict my future actions.
Well, if my life were on the line, it would be a different story...
'But they're in the same situation, right?'
It's a game of chicken.
And one where the winner is practically decided.
My life is on the line, but they're carrying the lives of 23 people on their shoulders.
"That's unfortunate, you're refusing."
"So what's your decision?"
"Alright, I'll give you the essence."
Maybe he thinks there's no time to waste on a power struggle?
McGrane cleanly lets go of his lingering thoughts. And he sends someone to bring a box.
'This is strangely nerve-wracking.'
I try to calm myself and slowly open the box.
Click-
There are three Orc Heroes that can be summoned with magic stones.
For your information, each one of them is a named monster with a unique name.
In other words, they're higher variants and each possess a troublesome essence. That's why raid-level strategies are essential, even though they're 5th-grade monsters.
And here's the important part...
'Danish? Belta? Tarugas? Which one of the three dropped the essence?'
These guys, whom I usually call the Orc Three Brothers, each drop a different colored essence.
Danish drops a red essence containing [Battle Cry].
Belta drops a blue essence containing [Banner of Struggle].
And Tarugas drops a green essence containing that skill, which is the core of my shield barbarian build.
So which one of the three is it?
"Whew..."
I open the box and check the color of the transparent test tube.
"Green."
My luck continues.
It makes me feel uneasy.
_________________________________________
「The essence of [Orc Hero] seeps into the character's soul.」
「Strength increased by +70.」
「Agility increased by +35.」
「Fighting Spirit increased by +40.」
「Physical Resistance increased by +20.」
「Bone Density increased by +30....」
_________________________________________
Changes occur immediately and in multiple ways.
There are no external changes like with Ainar, but…
Clench-
As expected of a physical-type essence, power surges through my body.
The increase in strength is needless to say, and the increase in agility has also made my body feel much lighter.
I'll be able to move much more nimbly than before, no matter what I do.
And most importantly…
'Is this because of Fighting Spirit?'
I feel an urge to use this power as soon as possible, which is unlike my usual self.
"First, take off your equipment."
I suppress the feeling of elation and take off my equipment as instructed.
As I'm doing so, someone speaks to me.
"By the way, how did you know? That we received a request."
"I didn't know."
"…You didn't know? Then how could you so confidently ask for the essence?"
Well, they wouldn't have known which of the three essences would drop either, right?
I assumed they would store it in a test tube and decide who to give it to later.
The cost of a test tube isn't a big burden for them.
"Hmm, that makes sense."
"Is that all you wanted to ask?"
"That's all for now. We don't have time."
As soon as I put the equipment I took off into my backpack and hand it to Misha, McGrane hands me a bundle of scrolls.
I don't bother asking what they are.
I just grab them all and tear them apart with a 'rip!'
「Character has used Physical Defense Enhancement Scroll.」
「Physical Resistance temporarily increased by +10.」
「Character has used High-Grade Endurance Enhancement Scroll.」
「Stamina depletion temporarily reduced.」
「Character has used Energy Regeneration Enhancement Scroll.」
「Stamina regeneration temporarily greatly increased....」
「....」
「....」
Auras of various colors faintly glow on my skin due to the effects of the scrolls.
"Now, drink this too."
After the scrolls, it's various potions.
「Character has consumed Strength Enhancement Elixir.」
「Strength temporarily increased by +10.」
「Character has consumed Tears of the Spirit.」
「All elemental resistances temporarily increased by +15.」
「Consumed Basilisk Flask.」
「Pain Resistance temporarily increased by +15....」
Damn, is this the power of money?
"Honestly, it's hard to get used to."
"Hmm, you can't be like this."
"…I agree."
The real doping hasn't even begun yet.
As McGrane gives a signal, the support-type explorers start casting their abilities.
「Aaron Diflane has cast [Blessing of the Spirit].」
「Character's Magic Resistance is greatly increased.」
「Aaron Diflane has cast [Flame of Regeneration].」
「Character's physical regeneration is greatly increased.」
「Tarotes Pian has cast [Coffin of Sacrifice].」
「Character's threat level is greatly increased, and...」
Every time a new kind of power flows into my body, I feel an indescribable thrill.
It's like I've become an emperor.
But it's still not enough.
To break through that darkness filled with Riakis's clones, I need to become more than just an emperor, I need to become a monster.
"Now it's your turn."
Misha's brother approaches as he gestures.
Although he can't say it in front of the vice-leader, he seems displeased.
Actually, it's the same for both of us.
"No matter what ability he absorbs, his will be the most helpful."
"I see."
To make a rational decision, personal feelings need to be discarded.
Therefore, I bite Misha's brother's neck.
"Keugh."
Hard enough to taste the fishy blood.
「Character has cast [Blood Lord].」
The vampire's active skill, [Blood Lord].
The effect is simple.
「Temporarily absorbs Tailon Kaltstein's passive skill [Unholy One].」
When directly sucking blood, you can randomly absorb one of the target's skills.
"It seems you took that one, judging by the change in your eye color."
"I know that without you telling me."
[Unholy One].
It's a passive skill that reduces the maximum number of essences you can absorb by 1 but increases the performance of all active skills by 1.5 times.
"You're quite lucky."
Although I wholeheartedly agree, I wish he wouldn't say such things. It makes me feel like something equally shitty will happen later.
"Then shall we begin?"
I nod.
And I slowly visualize and activate the skill.
The skill I acquired through the Orc Hero's essence.
「Character has cast [Gigantification].」
The ground suddenly becomes distant, and the people around me shrink.
「Character's size increases, and threat level and physical stats increase proportionally.」
It's Barbarian Hero Mode.
Everyone's attention is drawn to my majestic form.
"Oh, my…"
"That's… a monster."
As a sign of respect, McGrane takes off his cloak and his adjutant's and hands them to me.
"…It would be best to at least cover yourself with these."
I agree and quickly take them and wrap them around my waist.
Now I'm ready to go.
"There's only about 30 minutes left. Can you do it?"
Can I do it?
I barely manage to contain the overflowing power and shout,
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
Nothing is impossible for me right now.
____________________________________________
「Bjorn Yandel」
Level: 3
Physical: 310 (New +155) / Mental: 104 (New +12) / Ability: 115
Item Level: 683
Total Combat Index: 695.75 (New +167)
Acquired Essences: Corpse Golem - Rank 7 / Vampire (Guardian) - Rank 5 / Orc Hero - Rank 5
-x-X-x-
I'm running with all my might.
Leading the way with my truly monstrous body that's about 5 meters in diameter.
Thud! Thud!
Every time my feet touch the ground, it makes a sound like a large monster's footsteps.
"Don't fall behind and follow closely!"
Behind me are 23 clan members and Misha, and behind them are about 40 3rd-floor explorers who weren't swayed by Jack Reacher's instigation.
The reason they joined us is simple.
[If you hand over all your equipment, we'll take you with us.]
McGrane is a rationalist who wants to recoup even the slightest loss…
…and he judged that the more sacrifices, the better.
「Character has cast [Sacrificial Engraving].」
「Character's physical stats temporarily increase based on the number of sacrifices within a 100-meter radius.」
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
Power surges through my body.
And along with that power, an unbearable urge to destroy takes over my entire being.
'This must be because of Fighting Spirit.'
Still, it's a relief.
That I don't have to suppress this urge.
"Kyaaaaak—!"
Miniature versions of Riakis's clones fly towards us from the front.
Although they're still over 2 meters tall even though they're miniatures…
They're still small fry.
Whoosh!
I swing my mace without mercy.
Since my body has become so large, it feels like I'm swinging a spoon instead of a mace.
Well, I guess the ones getting hit would think differently.
Thwack-!
One of the clones that got hit in the solar plexus turns to dust and disappears.
If it were the old me, I would have had to hit it a few more times for it to die.
I'm realizing just how much my physical stats have increased.
However, the problem is…
Kwaaang-!
Every time I smash one of them, an explosion occurs.
Not where the clone died, but right where I'm standing.
「Riakis's Hatred is triggered.」
「Character takes significant chaos-attribute damage.」
This is why the presence of a main tank is crucial in the [Crack of Evil] pattern. These self-destructing clones deal guaranteed damage to whoever killed them.
In other words, no matter how high your damage output is, whether you're a renowned swordsman or a famous archer, it's useless here.
Kwaaang-!
It's a level of damage that would have instantly killed a fragile mage.
My whole body is tingling.
Even with Pain Resistance, it's this bad, so if it weren't for that, I would be groaning every time one of them explodes.
Sizzle!
The black liquid that's splattered all over my body melts away with smoke.
The parts that are in bad condition have already lost their muscle and exposed the bones beneath.
However, there's no problem.
I'm a barbarian of darkness who has inherited the legacy of the vampire.
「Due to the passive skill [Source of Darkness], the character will not die until the heart is destroyed.」
I just need to protect my heart somehow.
Well, even that seems like a matter of time in my current state…
Clang!
Even as I'm smashing the clones to dust and clearing the path, glass bottles keep flying towards me.
And the priests who are hurriedly following behind are also pouring out heals as much as they can.
"That was dangerous! Don't kill too many at once!"
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
"If you can hear me, answer me!"
No, that's not easy.
In [Gigantification] state, the threat level, or the probability of drawing monsters' aggro, increases according to your size.
And for barbarians, who are already large, the increase is insane.
It's practically like being in permanent taunt mode.
The reason the explorers following behind are able to move so comfortably is all thanks to this.
They're all swarming towards me.
"Hey!! Can't you hear—"
"I hear you."
Still, I adjust my pace as McGrane advised, and Misha's brother and the other melee warrior, who are right behind me, detonate the clones.
However…
"Priest! What is the priest doing! He, heal us!"
Catching just two or three of them and acting like that is not very reliable.
I don't like how the priest's heals are being spread out either.
And most importantly, if I adjust my pace, I can't maximize the effect of the passive skill.
「Character's health is below 50%.」
「All resistance and defense stats are increased due to the passive skill [Hero's Path].」
The Orc Hero's passive skill, [Hero's Path].
This skill, which activates when your health is below half, increases all types of defense stats.
And based on my research…
'The maximum effect is applied when it's below 20%.'
In the first place, the reason I needed the Orc Hero essence was because of this.
No matter what color the essence is, the passive is the same.
"Alright, both of you go to the back."
"What? I can still—"
Geez, where does a damage dealer get off trying to imitate the role of a noble tank?
"Something might appear from behind."
I then coax the two damage dealers to the back with kind words.
McGrane, who was watching from behind, doesn't say anything this time either.
He just shouts,
"There's only 10 minutes left. The final stretch is important, so please give it your all."
Yeah, just keep cheering from back there.
_______________________________________
5th-grade explorer, Tailon Kaltstein.
As he retreats from the front lines, a middle-aged man speaks to him.
"Oh, you're here now?"
"Yes, Lord Hernesion."
Tailon nods, and the face of Anton Hernesion, the mage of his regular 7th team, brightens up.
"Right, the vice-leader made the right decision. We need to be on guard here too, in case something appears from behind. Don't you think so?"
"Yes, of course…"
Tailon swallows his bitter emotions and answers weakly.
And as if to avoid conversation, he averts his gaze.
At the end of his gaze is a barbarian.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
Countless monsters swarm from the darkness.
And the barbarian, who looks even more monstrous than the monsters, swings his mace while shouting.
Kwaaang!
He hears the sound of an explosion, the umpteenth time, and Tailon bites his lip.
Crack-
He feels disgusted with himself for nodding in agreement when the vice-leader said he made the right decision, asking if something might appear from behind.
'Damn it.'
The truth is simple.
In the first place, it wasn't even the vice-leader who told him to retreat. It was that barbarian.
The barbarian who was a member of his half-breed sister's team, the team with that half-assed mage who couldn't even say anything when told to get lost in the encampment…
The barbarian he had thought of as just another warrior.
[Something might appear from behind.]
He couldn't refute those words spoken without even looking back.
No, he didn't.
Although it was a short time, he thought it was something a human shouldn't do.
Kwaaang!
Every time he swings his weapon, excruciating pain comes back.
It's impossible to avoid, no matter how agile his body is.
The problem is that this fact makes his body sluggish.
His hands stiffen and won't move, even though he needs to keep swinging his weapon.
It's truly pathetic.
"Hey, don't mind it too much. Anyone could do it if they didn't feel pain."
Did his expression give him away?
The man next to him says as if to console him.
One of the only two warriors left who retreated from the front lines with him.
"I've heard that essences with Pain Resistance generally have low ratings, but if this kind of tactic is possible, it needs to be reevaluated."
He keeps his mouth shut even at the man's consolation.
Because he initially thought the same way.
That drinking potions like that is only possible with Pain Resistance, and besides, his role is different from that barbarian's.
Although they're both warriors who fight on the front lines…
His role is to find an opening and deliver a fatal blow to the enemy's neck, not to tank with his body and buy time.
Kwaaang!
So it's a natural result.
There's no need to feel self-deprecating.
Yes, that's what he thought.
But…
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!"
The more he watches that large back, the more questions he has.
'How can he not hesitate in that state…?'
Flesh explodes and melts like water.
The beasts that lunge at him tear into the exposed bones with their teeth.
But even in the midst of that, the barbarian swings his weapon with perfect accuracy, without a moment's hesitation.
Unlike himself, whose body had stiffened.
He's continuously doing what needs to be done.
'But is this something anyone can do?'
No way.
In the first place, even with Pain Resistance, I heard that you don't completely lose the ability to feel pain…
And even if that weren't the case…
"They say no one can match barbarians in valor, and it seems to be true."
"It's like he doesn't know what death is."
Having potions, a priest, and a vampire's essence doesn't make you invincible.
As a famous explorer once said…
There's no such thing as an immortal being in the labyrinth.
And that includes that barbarian.
'There's no point in denying it any longer.'
Ironically, acknowledging it makes him feel lighter.
To silently do what needs to be done in a life-or-death situation…
How many people are unable to do even that simple thing?
Just look at the changed reactions around him.
"The vice-leader's foresight is truly amazing. I didn't expect that man to perform so well in that role."
"Does anyone know that guy's name? Someone like that should be somewhat well-known…"
"What happened with the vice-leader earlier? If someone like that joins the clan, it would be very reassuring…"
Even if they don't know the details like Pain Resistance, they can't help but feel it as they watch.
That this barbarian saved them.
"Just thinking about what kind of situation we would be in without him is horrifying."
"Misha, was it? What exactly is that girl?"
"Uh, uh, I don't know…"
Someone asks about his half-breed sister, but unfortunately, they can't get a proper answer.
However, listening to the mumbling of the mage Hernesion next to him, he thinks to himself…
"If Balkan, who was called the hero of the barbarian tribe, were to come back to life, he would probably look like that…"
There's no need to wonder about that barbarian's name yet.
"It's over! I can see the end!!"
"Speed up!"
Everyone will know soon enough.
___________________________________
「Field effect [Crack of Evil] disappears.」
___________________________________
The moment we escape from the darkness…
Whoosh!
A loud roar like a storm erupts.
And at the same time, a crimson beam shoots from the ceiling towards the center of darkness.
Kwaaang—!!
It's a sight as if the apocalypse is upon us.
McGrane mutters as he watches this,
"That was close."
"I agree."
Beyond the darkness that has disappeared like mist, there's nothing left.
All that remains in the place where the Orc Encampment used to be are traces of destroyed land.
My mind, heated from the excitement of battle, cools down.
If we had been even a little late in escaping…
'I would have died on the spot, regardless of [Source of Darkness] or whatever.'
Actually, saying it was close is an understatement.
My Soul Power, or MP, was completely depleted as we were entering the final stretch, and since the explorers who went the other way all seemed to have died, the clones started swarming in like a tidal wave.
It's a miracle that we escaped in time.
But it's not over yet.
'No, the real prayers should start now.'
I quickly check the number of survivors.
Exactly 30 people.
It's because a large number of the explorers who followed us after handing over their equipment as payment died.
'In other words, the probability is 1 in 30. No, with Misha, it's 1 in 15…'
It's low, but it's a probability that's hard to be relieved about.
I don't let my guard down and observe the changes in the others.
That's when…
"Bjo, Bjorn…?"
I hear Misha's voice from next to me.
Her voice sounds somewhat flustered.
"So, somehow, my body won't move…"
I turn my head to look at Misha, and I see her frozen stiff.
「Misha Kaltstein has been designated as [Prey].」
「Misha Kaltstein enters an incapacitated state.」
Damn it, is this for real?
McGrane lets out an exclamation that I can't quite understand.
"That's surprising. I didn't expect that to come from your side."
"Wh, why is everyone looking at me like that…?"
There's no time for a long-winded explanation.
I ask, just in case,
While looking directly into Misha's brother's eyes.
"Do you have any intention of taking her with you?"
"Th, that's…"
"That would be difficult. We're in a situation where we can't afford any more casualties."
McGrane draws a firm line, speaking for Misha's brother, who is having difficulty answering.
However, I ask again,
"Do you feel the same way? Regardless of your relationship, she's still your sister, are you just going to leave her to die?"
"Bjo, Bjorn… I'm fine, so please…"
You're fine my ass.
Your life is on the line.
"So what's your answer?"
When I ask again firmly, he glances at McGrane and answers briefly,
"To me… this side is more important than family."
Bullshit, that's because you don't consider her family.
He's an asshole until the very end.
"We've wasted precious time."
I mutter and pick up Misha, who has turned into a log, slinging her over my shoulder and securing her with a cloth.
And I quickly check the time.
[23:45]
About 15 minutes left until the labyrinth closes.
It's a time that can be considered short or long, depending on how you look at it.
「Lord of Chaos Riakis awakens.」
It seems like it's going to be the longest 15 minutes of my life.