Teaming.
It's a term often used in competitive online games, referring to the act of players who are classified as enemies temporarily forming an alliance.
'Damn it, teaming here?'
The perspective on teaming varies depending on the game.
Some games consider it a part of the gameplay, while others consider it cheating and actively penalize it.
Of course, intentional teaming is considered cheating in any game, on par with hacking or exploiting bugs. It severely disrupts the game balance and harms the experience of other players…
'What the hell are the admins doing? Why aren't they banning these guys?'
I can't help but complain.
They're teaming up after I went through all this trouble to create a three-way standoff.
Aren't Noark and the royal family sworn enemies?
This is complicated.
'Is picking them off one by one impossible now…?'
Plan A has failed.
Come to think of it, that's how it always goes.
My plans never go smoothly, even though I don't usually make optimistic ones.
"Um…"
Marone's cautious voice snaps me out of my thoughts.
"Ah, sorry. I was lost in thought."
"It's okay."
"So, how many are there from Noark?"
"Six."
"What's their composition?"
She doesn't know their names, but she had seen them fight before.
She gives a brief description of their abilities.
"Um… there's an ability user who throws black spears, a woman who turns into lightning, and… ah, the bald pugilist…"
And a priest from Karui.
A black mage.
And lastly…
"You're saying Regal Vagos is there too?"
"Yes, yes…!"
Dragonslayer, Regal Vagos.
I had hoped that he might have died during the [Soul Extraction] phase…
But he somehow managed to survive.
'…It couldn't have been easy, even with his body fully recovered. Maybe the Ancient Dragon is weaker than I thought?'
"That's good news."
Raviyen murmurs as Marone finishes her report.
"…Huh?"
"We need his heart to cure Penny."
"Ah…"
I had completely forgotten about that.
It was Penny, the Dragonkin girl, who had cursed Regal Vagos and turned him into a bee. She had paid a heavy price for casting such a powerful curse. Her body's time had stopped, and she was confined to the Dragon's Temple. ȐἈＮŎΒĘŝ
"…You just remembered, didn't you?"
"Sorry, I have a lot on my mind."
"You should still prioritize it. If you cure Penny, you'll have the protection of her father."
"Isn't your protection enough?"
"I have no authority within the tribe. But my father is different."
In other words, if I complete this quest, I'll gain the entire Dragonkin tribe as an ally.
It was a quest I couldn't miss, even though the outcome was uncertain.
"I'll keep that in mind."
"That's enough for me. But don't overdo it. There will be other opportunities. As long as you survive…"
What? I have to kill him to survive.
But I understand her message.
No matter what I do, I shouldn't forget my priorities.
"Alright, let's move!"
We continue our journey, setting up detection magic along the way.
They'll think we're running away.
I need to lure them to a battlefield of my choosing.
Time passes…
70th day.
Five days until the labyrinth closes.
We find a suitable location and set up camp.
"Everyone, get some rest. This will be our last chance."
It's time to prepare for the final battle.
The last time we checked the detection magic, they were munching on jerky.
'It must be the Rose Knights' rations.'
I can't help but feel envious and frustrated.
We're stuck eating monster meat, while they're enjoying a proper meal.
Well, at least it's slowing down their pursuit…
'But that means time is on their side.'
We're not going to starve to death.
Thanks to the monster meat.
But we can't eat our fill since we have to rely on Distortion magic to obtain it.
We're not dying of hunger, but our bodies are growing weaker.
So we have to finish this before we're completely exhausted.
"Yandel, come over here! It's cold!"
Marone calls me over, and I join the other members who are huddled around a campfire.
Teams are meaningless now.
"Ah, meat is best when it's grilled! Yandel, want some?"
I can't refuse meat, so I take a piece and start chewing.
I listen to their conversations.
"This will be… our last battle, right?"
A woman hugs her knees, her voice trembling.
Periton Eriabos, a priest from the 5th Team.
She's from the Heindel Church. She grew up in an orphanage and became a priest. She said she has a husband in the city.
'She has a child too…'
This is one of the changes that has occurred during the long journey.
We've been through hell together, risking our lives countless times, and we've learned so much about each other.
"I... I'm going to survive. I can't let my child grow up like me."
Her voice is filled with a desperate determination.
Silence.
Crackle, crackle, crackle.
The only sound is the crackling of the fire.
And then Ashid, the mage from our team, speaks up.
"My wife will be fine without me. She's a strong woman... But... I'm sure she'll cry."
"You're... married? You never mentioned it."
"Well, you never asked, Aldidi."
"Huh...!"
Didi is speechless, and then Puta Rikerburn, the poor bastard who was abandoned here after being promised retirement, speaks up.
"This is depressing."
"...Huh?"
"I'm probably the most insignificant one here."
"...Suddenly?"
"I'm not married, and I don't have anyone waiting for me in the city. I'm tired of this life, but I'm stuck here. If God had to choose someone to die, it would be me."
"..."
"But... I'm still going to survive. I can't let this miserable life be all there is."
It's like a broken dam.
They're all pouring out their bottled-up emotions, their anxieties and regrets.
"That's a bit hypocritical, coming from the guy who was screaming about giving up."
"Can't you just let it go?"
"Haha! Well, not for free."
But despite the heavy topics, the atmosphere is lighthearted.
We know that some of us won't see tomorrow.
But we still talk about the future.
"Yandel, what are you going to do after this? You're going to get your revenge, right?"
Some talk about revenge.
"I just want to eat a cake..."
Some talk about their simple desires.
"I'm worried about my grandmother..."
Some think about their loved ones and find strength.
"I wish we had some alcohol."
"Me too."
It's the perfect mood for a drink.
And then someone suggests...
"Hey... what if we form a clan when we get back to the city?"
"A clan?"
"We're all connected now. And... we can't all go back to our old lives... If we work together, maybe we can make something of ourselves in the city..."
Our future.
Not just mine, but ours.
"Kala, what was your friend like?"
"Rick...?
"I don't think we talked much."
Not just our stories,
But also the stories of those who couldn't be here with us.
We remember them, we mourn them, and we miss them.
Time passes...
"Yandel..."
Marone's voice is tense.
"The detection magic has been triggered."
We smile wryly and get up.
We extinguish the fire.
"..."
It's time to face the cold, harsh reality.
_______________________
The plan is simple.
Or rather, there is no plan.
We've chosen our battlefield.
And we'll fight to the death.
The survivors will be the victors.
"...They're here."
"How many?"
"Thirteen."
Erwen, who's listening to the ground, gives us the information we need.
But we wait, just in case.
About a minute later.
Thud, thud.
I hear their footsteps.
And then they appear around the corner.
But something's off.
Seven Rose Knights and six from Noark.
Thirteen in total.
'Did they leave the weaker members behind?'
No, that doesn't make sense.
This is a labyrinth, filled with monsters.
'They didn't leave them behind, they abandoned them...'
It's a typical Noark tactic.
"...A dead end?"
The woman leading the group looks at us, her expression puzzled.
They've finally caught up to us, but they seem to sense something is off.
"Did they anticipate our arrival?"
She's quick to analyze the situation, as expected of a seasoned explorer.
Well, it doesn't change anything.
"Kala!"
I shout, and James Kala casts a skill.
「James Kala has cast [Nimble Fingers].」
He can't aim his attack skills because of his blindness penalty, but that's not what we want.
「A skill has been activated within range.」
The ground trembles.
「The trap has been triggered.」
Kaboom!
We hear a loud crash from behind them.
This is a trap room.
One of the random encounters you can find in the ice cave.
"...The path is blocked!"
The trigger condition is skill activation.
And once the trap is activated, the only entrance is sealed with ice until it melts, turning this place into a sealed room.
The Noark explorers are panicked, but the Rose Knights are calm.
Especially the woman who seems to be their leader.
"Why did you choose this location?"
She asks, her voice filled with curiosity.
The answer is simple.
"There's no paradise at the end of the escape route."
"That's a profound statement."
It is.
It's a quote from my favorite author.
"I have a question."
"My name is Six."
"...Huh?"
I wasn't asking for her name.
She doesn't seem to react to my dumbfounded expression and continues.
"What's your question?"
I feel a bit embarrassed, but I decide not to dwell on it.
I ask the question that's been bothering me.
"How did you two groups end up working together?"
The answer comes from an unexpected source.
"Ah, that?"
Regal Vagos, who seems to have recovered somewhat, speaks up.
"They must have realized they needed our help to kill you."
Hmm, that makes sense from the Rose Knights' perspective.
Their mission is their top priority.
But...
"But why would you agree to their offer?"
I look at the bald pugilist and ask.
Regal Vagos might make a foolish decision out of revenge, but he's not the one in charge.
"Don't you realize? You're next."
My words are meant to sow discord between them.
The bald pugilist finally speaks.
"It's a well-known fact that the Rose Knights never break their oaths."
Ah, I see.
I thought oaths were a barbarian thing.
And it's funny that it's 'well-known'. This is the first time I'm hearing about it.
"And besides, we didn't have a choice. We ran out of food while chasing you. We had to join forces to capture you and obtain your supplies."
Now I understand.
How they ended up working together.
"So, are all your questions answered?"
Six, the female leader, asks, as if to end the conversation, and I shake my head.
"No, not yet."
"..."
"Repeles, was it? I have a proposition for you."
The bald guy chuckles.
"Are you trying to recruit us?"
What? How did he know?
I nod.
"Yes. Join our side. We'll provide you with food."
Monster meat, that is.
"...What?"
He's surprised by my offer.
I quickly continue.
"The royal family abandoned us anyway. We're thinking about switching sides, so what do you say?"
"...There's nothing more foolish than trusting the enemy."
"I'll swear an oath if you need one. On my honor as a warrior."
I use our tribal cheat code, just like the Rose Knights did.
"...Are you serious?"
He hesitates, his expression conflicted.
But his hesitation is short-lived.
There's a saboteur.
"Repeles, don't fall for his trickery. He broke his oath once before. He's a deviant who doesn't care about a warrior's honor."
Dragonslayer reveals his past experience of being betrayed by me, and the bald guy hardens his resolve.
"I'll have to decline your offer. We have no way of controlling you in the city anyway."
Hmm, so it's not going to work?
"That's a shame."
"..."
"I guess we have no choice but to kill you all."
I raise my shield, looking at them.
My perspective is a bit lower without [Gigantification], but it doesn't matter.
A barbarian uses his teeth when he has no weapons.
"Erwen!"
As soon as I call her name, Erwen's body flickers.
「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia has cast [Elemental Barbarian].」
She chooses the earth element, considering the abundance of Aura users.
「Fire Resistance increased by 50%.」
「Water Resistance decreased by 50%.」
「Poison Immunity bonus.」
「Blunt weapon attacks gain a bonus to destruction.」
「Physical Resistance greatly increased...」
「...」
Her Physical Resistance skyrockets, activating the 2nd stage of [Evolved Hide] even without [Gigantification].
「Character's Physical Resistance is above 350.」
「Piercing damage received is reduced by 50%.」
Alright, let's do this.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
I'm pretty good at brawls.
-x-X-x-
This wasn't like the Eye of the Glacier, where a passage was barely wide enough for four people.
This was practically an open field.
The area the frontliners had to defend had expanded, but the number of frontliners had decreased.
'Me, Jun, and Goblin.'
We were the only pure tanks left.
And Jun couldn't even fight properly because of his crippled leg.
Therefore…
'Puta Rikerburn, Kaislan, Raviyen, Amelia.'
The melee damage dealers formed a scattered line, barely a wall.
But we couldn't complain about it.
We had chosen the best possible option.
Now we just had to see the outcome.
Swaaaaaaaaaa!
A black fog spread across the battlefield, engulfing the area.
It was the black mage's doing.
The fog had a debuff effect, but the real purpose was probably to obscure our vision.
'Visibility is about one meter.'
My senses sharpen as my vision is limited.
And then…
[Grrrr!]
Undead monsters emerge from the darkness, their teeth bared, their claws outstretched.
They were summoned by the priest from Karui.
Their numbers were useless in the narrow passages of the Eye of the Glacier, but not here.
Crack!
I swing my hammer, pushing back the approaching monsters.
And then…
[Mister…!]
Erwen's warning, coming from her spirit form, pierces through the chaos.
Swish!
A sharp blade slices through the darkness, aiming for my neck.
Clang!
My reaction is slower than usual due to the limited visibility, but I manage to block it with my shield.
But at that moment…
Whoosh!
A white light erupts from my chest, where my heart should be.
I'm momentarily confused, but I quickly realize what's happening.
「Periton Eriabosti has cast [Unquenchable Light].」
It's one of the priest's buff skills.
In the game, it only increased your Mental Power, so it wasn't very useful…
But…
'She's using it to improve visibility? Clever.'
I can't help but chuckle.
Swaaaaaaaaaa!
The white light emanating from my chest pushes back the darkness.
My visibility increases to about three meters.
But the shadows remain.
I can barely see Sven Parab and Amelia on my flanks.
But…
Clang!
Even though their faces are hidden in the darkness, their hearts are glowing brightly.
Like fireflies dancing in the night.
"Uwaaaaaaaaaaah!"
I parry the incoming blades, swing my hammer blindly, and keep track of the lights around me.
Swaaaaaaaaaa!
The lights flicker and dance erratically, a testament to the intensity of the battle.
They might be easy targets for the enemies hiding in the darkness…
But they're also beacons of hope for us.
Proof that my comrades are still alive and fighting.
「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia has cast [Focused Fire].」
Arrows pierce through the darkness.
「Benjamin Orman has cast [Moon of Purification].」
Light particles rain down from the sky, healing our wounds.
But as time passes…
Stab!
My body is covered in wounds.
Six, the female leader of the Rose Knights, speaks.
"…You're much weaker than before."
Well, I can't use [Iron Fortress] now.
Even with Elemental Barbarian (Earth) activated, my Aura Resistance is significantly lower.
And…
I don't have the Strength bonus from [Gigantification].
I can't use my only attack skill, [Swing], or my occasional crowd control skill, [Eye of the Storm].
But…
I've said this countless times.
"So what?"
I grin and say,
"Kill me if you think I'm weak."
"….."
"I won't fall."
Or rather, I've decided not to fall.
In a battle like this, the one who stands last is the victor.
"…Are you relying on your priest?"
Well, she's not wrong.
I wouldn't be able to endure this without the constant healing.
But…
'Why is she smirking?'
She's trying to provoke me.
She wants me to show an opening.
That's why she's talking so much. The icy woman wouldn't be wasting her breath if she wasn't trying to get a reaction out of me.
The problem is… it's working.
Whoosh!
I swing my hammer again.
But the doubts and anxieties persist.
Where are the others? I expected more enemies to focus on me. I thought it would make things easier for my comrades.
"Aaaaargh!!"
I hear a scream, piercing through the cacophony of battle.
"Bjorn Yandel, you're the last one."
Whose scream was that?
"I learned my lesson back then. You don't fall easily."
An enemy? Or an ally?
I don't know.
But...
"So I hope you won't fall until then—"
I force myself to calm down.
I can't just rush over there and check.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
I can only trust my comrades and do my job.
_______________________
The Archbishop who had taken him in as a child had said:
[You have no parents now. Your only parent is Tovera, the glorious sun.]
[Secular attachments are meaningless to the Agent of God. Abandon your human heart.]
[From now on, your name is Jun.]
Jun, the former inquisitor of the Tovera Church.
The day he abandoned his surname, Arsene.
From that day forward, he lived as a beast, an Agent of God.
[It's something you have to do. You're a man, aren't you?]
He suppressed his desires with prayers.
[Ah, it hurts...!]
[You still have a human heart.]
He endured torturous training every day.
[You can rise again. As long as the sun shines upon you.]
He wanted to break, but the warmth of the sun forced him to heal.
By the time he reached adulthood, he was no longer human.
He had no doubts.
He just followed the church's orders, serving God and the world.
But...
'Why...?'
There was no specific reason.
It was an ordinary day.
The sky was cloudy, but the sunlight was warm.
But that day, as Jun Arsene looked up at the sky, a question arose in his mind for the first time.
'Am I righteous?'
It was a question that came too late.
He still didn't know why he had that thought. Maybe it was because of the family of three he had seen on the street, their happiness so radiant.
But one thing was certain.
His life as a beast had ended that day.
[...W-what?! How could you betray us?!]
He resigned from his position as an inquisitor and returned to being an ordinary priest.
And then he became disillusioned with the church.
He didn't hate God.
He had felt God's presence for the first time when that question had appeared in his mind.
His faith had actually become stronger.
'I... was wrong.'
He was filled with regret, not anger.
The weight of his sins, committed in the name of God, finally crushed him.
He couldn't live an ordinary life anymore.
But that made him desire it even more.
That's probably why...
[I have one last request for you.]
Jun Arsene accepted the final mission from the Archbishop... no, the Cardinal now.
It wasn't a mission to frame innocent people, but a mission to save the world.
He thought it would be a form of atonement.
And time passed...
Kwaaang!
And here he was.
"Punishment."
Maybe this was his punishment.
For distorting God's will and being used by those with wicked hearts.
Yes, he had thought that way at first.
But now he could say it with confidence.
If this was really his punishment...
"You... are wrong."
It was wrong.
Even if it was the one who had saved him from a life of sin.
This... wasn't right.
"Aaaaargh!"
"H-how did they get here?!"
The lights in their hearts are extinguished.
The lights of those who wanted to move forward.
Swoosh.
His right leg, refusing to move, as if to prevent them from escaping.
Swoosh.
He drags his leg, stumbling forward.
One step at a time.
Swoosh.
He realizes something.
It might sound like a joke...
Swoosh.
But those who want to move forward... can move forward.
No matter the situation.
'If it weren't for that man... I would have never known.'
He hears a voice behind him.
"Jun! W-what are you doing?!"
Periton Eriabosti.
The woman who had lived a bright and righteous life, unlike him.
The woman who was determined to survive for her beloved child.
And she wasn't the only one.
"Barhatun Wiar!"
The bearded mage had a loving wife.
「Gruold Aldidi has cast [Nullify].」
The old man had a grudge to settle.
「Titana Akuraba has cast [Bloodsucking Spike].」
And the dwarf had a noble cause.
He remembers what Puta Rikerburn had said before the battle.
[This is depressing. I'm probably the most insignificant one here.]
He was wrong.
Among the eighteen survivors... no, even among the original thirty members...
The most insignificant one was...
No, it was definitely...
'Me...'
Jun finally understands his role.
"Come this way!"
He was born with only his parents' names.
He became an inquisitor.
He wandered through darkness and arrived here.
All those experiences...
"I'm just doing my duty."
It was all for this moment.
It was a revelation.
His mind clears, his fear vanishes.
He no longer sees this as a trial.
His crippled leg is a necessary sacrifice.
"There's a frontliner here."
"He can't use his leg."
"So that's why he's here?"
"Eliminate him."
They charge towards him, their auras blazing.
Jun raises his shield.
Clang!
Two daggers pierce through his shield.
And...
Stab!
They pierce his lungs.
He doesn't feel any pain.
For the first time in his life, he's grateful for the torturous training he received as a child.
「Jun Arsene has cast [Divine Avatar].」
Divine power surges through his body.
He feels invincible.
He roars.
It might not be a paladin's cry, but...
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
He's already committed countless sins, so he might as well enjoy this moment.
"We have to help Jun!"
The priests, mages, and archers in the backline unleash their skills, trying to protect him.
But Jun Arsene's life is fading fast.
Clank.
His shield falls from his grasp, his tendons severed.
Stab, stab, stab!
Daggers pierce his body.
He doesn't even try to block or dodge.
He just focuses on staying upright.
The Rose Knights exchange puzzled glances.
"He should be dead by now."
"...Why isn't he falling?"
"We've already wasted three minutes. Finish him off."
Their attacks intensify.
Stab!
Blood pools at his feet, his vision blurring.
How long has he been standing here?
He's lost track of time.
The faces of his enemies are a blur.
But one thing remains clear.
Swaaaaaaaaaa!
Lights flickering in the darkness.
He's there too.
Bjorn Yandel.
He must be doing his job, moving forward.
"Clan..."
They were talking about forming a clan when we get back to the city.
He hadn't said anything back then, thinking it wasn't his place...
"It sounded fun."
It would have been.
Even if the royal family, Noark, and all those who abandoned us became our enemies.
Stab!
A dagger pierces his heart.
Jun Arsene realizes.
His flame has been extinguished.
"..."
"..."
Silence.
His vision fades to black.
The flickering lights in the distance become distant specks.
And then...
Swaaaaaaaaaaa!
Darkness recedes, and the world is engulfed in light.
A warm, comforting light, as if welcoming him home.
"Heh, heh..."
Jun Arsene smiles.
Even if this is just a hallucination.
Even if it's a false hope.
"Save me... from my wanderings..."
He prays.
Not for punishment, but for forgiveness.
"Embrace my weary soul..."
He has finally found peace.
_______________________
There's no strategy, no tactics.
Just a desperate struggle for survival.
Kaboom! Slash! Stab!
Explosions, the clash of weapons, battle cries, and screams fill the air.
The chaotic battle continues for minutes, and then...
Swaaaaaaaaaaa!
The black fog that had enveloped the area begins to dissipate.
The black mage couldn't have run out of mana already...
'Did someone kill him?'
Well, I'll find out soon enough.
The fog clears, and my vision returns.
The first thing I see is a woman with a frown.
And...
'When did he get there?'
Melend Kaislan, the knight, is fighting in the distance, surrounded by enemies.
A robed figure lies dead at his feet, his head severed.
'Good job, Kaislan.'
I look around.
There are no casualties among the frontliners.
But they're all injured.
Raviyen is the worst.
She had boasted about her punching skills, but she's been battered and bruised without her sword.
'Good, no one's dead yet.'
What about the backline?
That's where I heard the scream.
'I think I heard someone shout our ancestor god's name.'
I'm not sure.
The battle was too chaotic.
Tadat.
I seize the opportunity and check the backline while the woman is creating distance.
It's a massacre.
Three Rose Knights are standing in front of the backline.
"..."
And a body lies on the ground.
My heart skips a beat, but I quickly realize it's a Rose Knight.
And...
'Jun protected them.'
Jun is standing in front of the backline, his body a shield.
I remember our conversation before the battle.
[You want me to hide in the backline?]
He didn't like my suggestion.
But he reluctantly agreed after I told him that the real battle would be in the city, that I would need his help then.
But...
'He couldn't even walk properly, and he fought until he was in this state...'
I sigh, looking at his mangled body.
He's covered in blood, there's barely a spot on his body that's unscathed.
He must have made a decision.
That this wasn't the time to be cautious.
'The backline would have been wiped out without him.'
I feel a wave of relief mixed with guilt.
Thanks to Jun's sacrifice, the backline was able to kill one of the Rose Knights—
Thump!
But then I notice something strange.
"Why..."
Jun is standing upright.
Even though he's not holding his shield.
But...
"His light is out."
Unlike the other members, his heart isn't glowing.
My heart pounds, but my mind quickly reaches a conclusion.
He's dead.
"...!"
I'm not the only one who notices.
The Rose Knights realize it too and charge towards the backline.
But their daggers don't reach their targets.
Clang!
Amelia, who had been watching the rear, intercepts them with her clone.
But...
Stab!
She's stabbed in the back.
It snaps me out of my daze.
'...I was wrong.'
I had been focusing on defense, thinking that if I endured long enough, we would win.
My active skills were sealed, after all.
I thought it was best to play it safe and be a meat shield.
But...
[Mister...!!]
Was that really the best option?
Was that all I could do?
I had thought I was doing my best.
But now I know better.
The paladin, who couldn't even walk properly, had fought until his last breath, protecting his comrades.
And even in death, he stood firm, blocking the enemy's advance.
You can only say you did your best...
When you've done everything you could.
Clench.
I make my decision and give Erwen an order.
"Erwen, change your element."
Earth element, specialized in defense, will only increase our casualties.
So...
[What? To what?]
As soon as I tell her the element I want, a change occurs.
Swaaaaaaaaaa!
Not water, not fire, not earth, not wind.
But Erwen's main element, the one that earned her the title of Blood Spirit Marquis.
「Character's body is imbued with the Darkness Spirit.」
A dark aura envelops my body.
Elemental Barbarian (Darkness) Berserk Mode.
「All Resistance stats are fixed at 0.」
「Holy Resistance is fixed at -200.」
「Darkness Resistance is fixed at +800.」
「Abyssal Blessing bonus.」
「Character gains immunity to all status effects.」
「All attacks gain an unavoidable hit bonus...」
-x-X-x-
The Darkened Barbarian mode.
This Berserk mode was the most extreme among the various modes that could be activated with [Elemental Barbarian].
All Resistance stats were fixed at 0.
Moreover, it made you vulnerable to Holy attacks, meaning you couldn't even receive healing.
But in exchange, it came with some amazing benefits.
Immunity to all status effects, including bleeding, poisoning, stun, paralysis, and binding.
That ridiculous effect was attached to this mode.
The random penalty from [Soul Extraction] still remained because it was classified as a system effect, not a status effect...
But that wasn't a big deal right now.
There was a more important aspect to this Darkened mode.
「All attacks gain an unavoidable hit bonus.」
An unavoidable hit.
It was a unique option that only existed in this mode, in all of [Dungeon and Stone].
Of course, there was a price to pay for this cheat-like ability, as per the game's motto of equivalent exchange.
「All resource consumption is increased by 20 times.」
「The cooldown for all skills is increased by 5 times.」
Two lines that could instantly turn a healthy explorer into a cripple.
But those didn't apply to me.
I was already half-crippled thanks to the random penalty.
So the only thing I had to worry about was...
「Character will experience backlash proportional to the duration of the mode.」
The backlash.
I had to minimize it.
In other words, time was of the essence.
'Alright, let's get this over with.'
I took a step forward, and Six quickly retreated, creating distance between us.
Tadat.
She was wary of my transformation.
Good.
Let's start with a little warm-up.
Whooosh!
I swung my hammer, closing the distance between us.
I couldn't just swing it randomly.
Even if the result was the same, I had to have a clear target for the unavoidable hit bonus to activate. I had confirmed this through countless experiments.
Ttak.
Six dodged my attack with minimal movement, as she had been doing throughout the battle.
「Unavoidable hit bonus activated.」
And at the same time, the bonus activated.
Zzzzt-!
The space in the hammer's trajectory was torn apart, creating a dark rift.
"······!"
Six's eyes widened in surprise.
She didn't know what had just happened, but she focused her concentration to the limit, ready to react.
———!
But it was too late.
The hammer disappeared into the rift, its trajectory vanishing, and then...
"...!!"
It reappeared in an instant, bypassing space and time, striking Six's body.
Thud—!
A heavy thud echoed through the passage.
Unfortunately, the impact wasn't as satisfying as I had expected.
It had hit her abdomen, and...
'Damn, she's tough.'
She must have invested heavily in defense, even though she was an agility-based attacker.
Well, she did flinch when I hit her, so it wasn't completely ineffective.
'If only I could use [Swing]...'
The damage bonus from Kraul's Demon Crusher only activated when I used a blunt weapon skill.
But...
'If one hit isn't enough, I'll just hit her again.'
There's no point in regretting it now.
Whooosh!
I swung my hammer again.
Ttadat.
This time, Six retreated even further.
She was clearly wary of my attack.
But it didn't matter.
Thud-!
The hammer bypassed the distance and struck her again.
'Finally, a headshot.'
This time, the impact was much more satisfying.
But surprisingly, Six didn't even groan.
She just swayed slightly.
Swoosh.
She slowly lifted her head, her eyes fixed on me.
And...
"Ptoo."
She spat out a mouthful of blood, her voice calm and collected.
"I remember now."
"...?"
"It's the 5th-grade monster, Flora's ability [Elemental Barbarian]. And the effect of the Darkness Spirit."
What the...
'Is she memorizing all the essence effects?'
Maybe.
They were the royal family's elite, after all.
"It's my first time seeing it in person, so it took me a while to figure it out..."
She trailed off, and I immediately charged at her.
"It'll be different from now on."
Unlike before, Six didn't retreat.
Instead...
Ttadat-!
She charged towards me.
I knew from her actions.
That her words were true.
And...
'Damn it, I only got two hits in.'
This was just the beginning.
____________________________
Whooosh!
I swung my hammer, following Six's movement.
She didn't even try to dodge.
She had made a calculated decision based on the information she had.
'If she doesn't dodge, she can choose where to get hit.'
The hammer struck first.
Thud-!
But the moment it landed on Six's shoulder...
Puk-!
A dagger coated in Aura pierced through my forearm like a hot knife through butter.
'Damn it, this is why I was saving the Darkened Barbarian mode...'
We had both landed a blow, but it was clear who had suffered the greater loss.
Her smug expression said it all.
"You're more agile than I expected. I was aiming for your neck."
Damn it.
If she had just cursed at me, I would have taken it as a compliment.
More agile than I expected?
That was the ultimate insult.
Throb.
My pain tolerance had also been reduced to 0, so the pain in my arm was sharp and clear.
I tried to focus on the positive.
'Well, at least it's not that bad, considering I got hit by Aura with 0 resistance. It would have been much worse if it had hit somewhere else.'
Yes, that's right.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!!"
I used the pain as fuel, shouting my war cry.
"You're a tough one."
This fight would be over sooner than she expected.
'One more time.'
I swung my hammer again.
It was the same situation as before.
Six didn't dodge, instead she thrust her dagger forward.
And...
Thud-!
Slice.
We traded blows again.
"······."
Six had been hit in the same shoulder as before.
'Damn it.'
But this time, it was my hand that held the shield.
I had tried to use the shield to buy myself some time, but the dagger coated in Aura had pierced through it, even going through my palm.
Clank.
The strap that secured the shield to my wrist was also severed, and the shield fell to the ground.
Ah, my ring and pinky finger were still attached to the shield.
But...
'One more time.'
I didn't care.
I swung my hammer again.
But this time, the situation was different.
Instead of charging at me, Six held both her daggers together, blocking my hammer's trajectory.
But...
Zzzzt-!
Right before the hammer collided with the daggers, it was pulled into the darkness.
And then...
Thud-!
It bypassed space and struck Six's ankle.
Even though it must have been a painful blow, considering there wasn't much flesh to cushion the impact, Six's expression remained unchanged.
"······So, this isn't going to work?"
Damn it, I feel like a boss monster being exploited.
'One more time.'
I swung my hammer.
Thud-!
One hit landed.
Puk.
And one wound was added to my body.
Once, twice, three times, four times...
After several exchanges, I finally acknowledged her strength.
'This woman... she's much stronger than I expected.'
Her skills were undeniable.
She could use Aura, and her swordsmanship was as sharp as the leader of Orculus'.
Thud-.
And she wasn't ignorant either.
After just a few exchanges, she had started to understand my Darkened Barbarian mode.
Slice-.
Her judgment was also sharp.
"I can't use this arm anymore."
Six threw the dagger in her left hand to the ground.
She had decided it was useless.
Since the battle began, she had been using her left arm and shoulder to block most of my attacks.
She had focused the damage on one spot, a cold and calculated decision.
'Over ten hits to disable one arm…'
Of course, it was nothing compared to my mangled body, covered in cuts and bruises...
But I didn't regret using the Darkened Barbarian mode.
'If I hadn't, things would have gotten really bad.'
Could I really have endured against her with just defense?
Especially when I was losing stamina while she was maintaining her peak condition?
It would have been a disaster.
I had initially planned to take her down quickly and then support my comrades, even if it meant taking some damage...
'But... I have to take care of her first.'
I changed my strategy.
I had to eliminate her before she could turn her attention to my comrades.
I'll worry about the rest later.
Like a true barbarian warrior.
Thud-!
I focused on the present.
On landing that one decisive blow.
Slice.
Slice.
Stab!
The daggers pierced my flesh, avoiding my vital points.
My forearm, my skin, my wrist, my thigh...
And then...
"······!"
It sank deep into my lower abdomen.
This is bad.
Zzzzt.
I stumbled, but managed to regain my balance using my leg strength.
I quickly assessed the situation.
'How much longer can I last?'
Or rather, how many seconds do I have left?
I didn't know for sure, but it didn't seem like much.
But...
'Not yet.'
I suppressed my impatience.
The moment I had been waiting for would come soon.
Thud-!
Slice-.
The relentless attacks continued.
We were both fighting to the death, ignoring defense and focusing on offense.
"That paladin who died earlier."
Six suddenly spoke, breaking the silence.
What is she talking about now?
"Were you close?"
I didn't understand why she was asking.
But...
Whooosh-!
I swung my hammer again, answering her question.
"No."
We weren't close.
We hadn't known each other for long.
But one thing was certain.
"Then I don't understand. Why are you going this far?"
"He didn't deserve to die here."
I didn't know him well.
I had only seen a small part of who he was.
That's why I felt even more regret.
What would it have been like to explore with him?
It wouldn't have been bad.
He would have supported me unconditionally, even if he looked a bit annoyed by my antics sometimes.
Whooosh-!
What would he be like at a party?
Would he be a heavy drinker? I've met a lot of people who change completely when they drink.
What kind of person would he be?
Whooosh-!
I didn't know.
They had taken that opportunity away from me.
Not just Jun, but the other members as well.
Slice-!
They didn't deserve to die like this.
So...
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!"
I forced my injured arm to move.
I wouldn't let them take anything else from me.
Clench-!
I tightened my grip on the hammer, forcing my legs to support my weight.
Whiiiiik.
A dagger coated in Aura flew towards my abdomen, ignoring the air resistance.
But at that moment...
「Character's luck has intervened, blocking the attack.」
The moment I had been waiting for finally arrived.
Thud.
The dagger stopped mid-air, as if it had hit an invisible wall.
'Yes, it finally activated!'
Gachabon's ability, [Probabilistic Retaliation].
It was a passive skill, so it worked even if my active skills were sealed.
「Reflects 15% of the received damage to the enemy.」
A skeleton appeared behind Six, wielding a dagger.
It wasn't just any dagger.
It was coated in Aura, the same color as Six's.
Ttadat.
Six immediately retreated, sensing the danger.
It was a scene I had seen before.
Even before I activated the Darkened Barbarian mode, [Probabilistic Retaliation] had triggered a few times, and Six had always managed to dodge the counterattack.
But...
Smirk.
This was a positive sign.
'So she didn't know everything about the Darkened Barbarian mode?'
If she had, she wouldn't have made that decision.
The unavoidable hit bonus also applied to passive skills.
Like this.
Zzzzt.
The moment the skeleton's dagger sliced through the air,
A dark rift appeared, swallowing the dagger.
And then...
Puk-!
It bypassed space and pierced Six's body.
"Ugh."
For the first time, I heard a groan from that steel-like woman.
But...
'Damn it.'
It wasn't satisfying.
'Why did it hit her thigh?'
If it had hit her neck, her heart, or her forehead, the fight would have been over.
I was disappointed, but I quickly dismissed the feeling.
'Well, I didn't expect it to be that easy anyway.'
I had fought countless enemies since that day in the Crystal Cave, from Hans A to the countless nameless explorers.
And...
'This is more like me.'
I always had a backup plan.
So...
Ttadat.
It was time for my trump card.
Ptoo-!
I charged forward, spitting the blood that had pooled in my mouth from biting my tongue at Six's face.
I didn't have the Corpse Golem's [Acidic Fluid] anymore, but...
It was enough to obscure her vision.
Whooosh-!
I swung my hammer at the same time, aiming for her blind spot.
But Six reacted instantly, turning her shoulder towards me.
It was the same shoulder she had used to block my previous attacks, the one that was already mangled.
She was going to take all the damage with one arm.
Thud-!
The hammer struck her shoulder.
Whiiiik-!
But at the same time, she thrust her dagger forward.
I didn't dodge.
Puk-!
The dagger sank deep into my lower abdomen.
Swoosh.
Ignoring the pain, I extended my arm.
It was the arm that had been holding the shield, the one that was now useless after being pierced by her dagger.
Six's eyes narrowed.
"······!"
Oh, so she didn't expect this.
It was worth saving this move.
Thud.
My hand reached her neck.
Clench-.
I used my index, thumb, and middle fingers to grab her neck tightly.
And...
Crack-!
I headbutted her emotionless face.
And...
Thud-!
I fell on top of her, pinning her down.
Puk-!
A sharp pain shot through my side.
I was speechless.
She had stabbed me again while falling?
Whooosh-!
I adjusted my grip on the hammer and swung it down.
But then something unbelievable happened.
'Holy shit, she's insane!'
Even though her upper body was pinned down, she had somehow managed to move her head and dodge the hammer.
It was impressive, but ultimately meaningless.
Even at close range, the unavoidable hit bonus still applied.
Crack-!
The hammer bypassed her head and crushed her foot.
Puk-!
Another dagger pierced my side.
I felt a wave of dizziness, my vision blurring.
But I ignored it and swung my hammer again.
Crack-!
This time, it was a clean hit.
The hammer struck her wrist, and the dagger she had been holding flew through the air before landing on the ground.
'Good, she's disarmed.'
I swung my hammer again, aiming for her head.
Crack-! Crack-! Crack-!
She somehow managed to twist her neck and protect her head three times, but the fourth hit was different.
It landed squarely on her skull.
Crack-!
Her body convulsed, her muscles spasming.
But I didn't stop.
I kept swinging my hammer.
The unavoidable hit bonus didn't activate anymore.
Even this monster couldn't dodge with just her neck after suffering a concussion.
Crack, crack, crack-!
Three more hits to the head.
'One more.'
I raised my hammer for the fourth blow.
And as I did, I saw her eyes.
It was a strange experience.
I had crushed countless skulls, but I had never seen anything like this.
"······."
Her eyes were calm and serene, not filled with fear or despair.
She looked up at me and spoke.
"...I lost."
Wow, she's admitting defeat?
She didn't seem like the type to beg for her life, but I didn't expect her to give up so easily.
Well, it didn't matter.
"Nia... Raf... donia..."
I swung my hammer with all my might.
Crack-!
A sickening thud echoed through the passage, and Six's body went limp.
"Huff... Huff... Huff..."
My breath came in ragged gasps.
'Is she... really dead?'
I couldn't believe it.
She had been a formidable opponent.
But I couldn't just stand there and catch my breath.
Swoosh.
I slowly got to my feet.
And...
"Erwen... you can deactivate [Elemental Barbarian] now—"
I tried to tell her to deactivate it.
But at that moment...
[Mister—!!!!]
My vision blurred, and I stumbled.
'Damn it...'
I had to get up.
There were still enemies to fight.
Swoosh.
My eyelids felt heavy.
____________________________
「Character has entered a [Stunned] state.」
「[Elemental Barbarian] has been deactivated.」
「Abyssal Remnants.」
「Character will experience backlash proportional to the duration of the mode.」
「Mode duration: 318 seconds.」
「For 3,180 seconds, all Resistance stats are reduced by 50%.」
「For 3,180 seconds, all healing and regeneration effects are reduced by 90%.」
「For 3,180 seconds, character...」
-x-X-x-
Six Rose, leader of the Rose Knights.
Regal Vagos, watching from afar as she was defeated in battle, couldn't help but chuckle to himself.
'That incompetent bitch. She was so confident that she could handle him alone.'
He had been watching their fight intently ever since it began.
If Six won, he had to stop her from killing the barbarian before she could land the final blow.
A peaceful death was a luxury Bjorn Yandel didn't deserve.
His plan was to turn him into his subordinate through [Enslavement] and make him suffer for the rest of his life.
If he was unlucky enough to die before that, he would at least absorb his soul and gain his abilities.
'Well, this isn't a bad outcome either.'
He discreetly retreated from the front lines, pretending to be engaged in battle.
And then he headed towards the spot where they had fallen.
Step, step.
The distance between them quickly closed.
'It would be interesting to turn him into my subordinate and use him against them.'
He was thinking about the possibilities as he approached...
"Regal... Vagos..."
A faint, trembling voice called out to him.
And then...
Whiiiish!
A sharp whistling sound pierced the air.
Clang!
He quickly turned and deflected the arrow with his sword.
Standing in the direction the arrow had come from was a fairy, her bow drawn, her eyes fixed on him.
"...So it was you."
One of the Seven Strengths.
Erwen Fornachi di Tersia, the Blood Spirit Marquis.
Lick.
Regal Vagos instinctively licked his lips, a familiar habit... but he couldn't shake off the strange sense of déjà vu.
'Why does she look so familiar? I feel like I've seen her somewhere before...'
Of course, that wasn't important right now.
_________________________
Reality is different from the tragedies you see in stories.
It doesn't rain, thunder doesn't roar, and revolutions don't erupt.
It was just an ordinary afternoon, like any other.
[Erwen, if you keep misbehaving, the scary barbarian will come and get you!]
My mother scolded me as usual.
[Honey, that's enough. She understands.]
My father was always kind and gentle.
[Waaaaaaaah!]
My younger sister cried incessantly.
[Daria... where did she go again?]
My mischievous older sister had just returned home at dawn and was still asleep.
Everything was normal.
Until...
Knock, knock.
Someone knocked on the door.
[Who is it?]
My father went to the door instead of my mother, who was busy with housework.
And that's when the tragedy began.
[A... a Dragonkin...? What are you doing here...? Gah—!]
[I need fame, and fairies are the easiest to kill.]
[Aaaaaaaaah!]
[M-Miriane! Take the children and run!]
While my father tried to stop him, my mother grabbed us and ran.
But we didn't get far.
He caught up to us.
And...
[Please... take my children and run.]
[...I understand, sister.]
[Thank you... you're a good brother.]
We were saved by my uncle, who happened to be passing by.
My mother had sacrificed herself to protect us, just like my father.
But we were lucky.
Over a thousand fairies died that day.
I had my sisters.
That's why I could endure.
But...
[That young lady is fated to follow in your footsteps.]
My older sister died.
[Big sister... is she really gone?]
It was my fault.
My relationship with my younger sister became strained.
But I could still endure.
[Listen to me. I'm your guardian now.]
He protected me, risking his life.
He helped me up when I was about to fall.
But reality was cruel.
[So... Bjorn is really dead?]
When I realized that he was gone too...
I couldn't control my emotions.
Why did I have to lose everything?
Why did the little happiness I had found crumble so easily?
The answer was simple.
Because I was weak.
Because I needed to be protected.
Because they protected me, but I couldn't protect them.
[The process of obtaining the power of a pureblood is much more gruesome than you can imagine. And it's not something you can achieve just by wanting it.]
I wanted to become stronger.
I had nothing left to protect.
I wanted to make them feel the pain of loss.
The ones who had taken everything from me.
[Dicloe, the Dark Spirit King...]
That dark emotion gave me strength.
And I used that strength to take revenge.
They called me a bloodthirsty maniac.
But my nature hadn't changed.
Tremble, tremble, tremble...
My hands were shaking.
"Regal... Vagos..."
I knew.
If I stayed here, I would lose everything again.
But my body was frozen with fear.
"...!"
I couldn't let that happen.
Not again.
[You said that even if I couldn't use my bow or summon spirits, I could still protect myself.]
I remembered my sister's words and drew my dagger.
Step.
I took a step forward, my body moving on its own.
Swish!
I swung the dagger, my movements fluid and precise.
"A bowman attacking with a sword?"
He chuckled, his voice dripping with mockery.
I couldn't use my spirit anymore.
I had used Ertes, the scout's [Harmony] ability to convert my Soul Power into natural energy so I could support Bjorn Yandel.
I had a bit of natural energy left, but it wasn't enough to summon a spirit.
'Just one dagger...'
My sister had taught me how to use it.
Back then, I didn't understand why I had to learn such a thing...
[Listen. Even if you can't use your bow or summon spirits, you can still protect yourself.]
Now I understood.
I was always the one being protected.
"...You pathetic bitch."
He charged at me, his sword drawn.
I stood my ground, my eyes fixed on him.
My heart was calm.
"Haa..."
I couldn't use my spirit anymore.
I couldn't rely on Bjorn Yandel.
So...
"I'll protect him."
I made up my mind.
I wouldn't rely on anyone anymore.
_________________________
"Give up, and it becomes easier."
It's a common saying you often see on the internet.
The self-deprecating nuance is a bit uncomfortable, but the meaning itself is true.
「Regal Vagos has cast [Fear Brand].」
Give up, and it becomes easier.
Just like you don't get hurt if you don't expect anything.
You can quickly draw the line on things you can't do and protect yourself.
Yes, just like right now.
「Strong Mental Power.」
「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia resists [Fear Brand].」
The moment you let go of your burdens, an unparalleled comfort washes over you.
The annoying noises fade away, and the tormenting pain is replaced by a warm darkness that embraces your body.
A comfort that feels like returning to childhood.
Sometimes, this darkness is more comfortable than the most brilliant light.
「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia has taken damage.」
Of course, I wasn't always like this.
I was an ordinary kid who admired heroes.
「Regal Vagos roars fiercely.」
「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia roars even louder, refusing to back down.」
But at some point, I started to dislike hero stories.
They were stupid.
Why should I sacrifice myself for others?
That question changed my way of life.
It became easier, and I became stronger.
But...
「Amelia Rainwales has cast [Asura's Fury].」
「Critical Hit.」
「Eight Rose has been slain.」
When did it all begin?
「[Bleeding] is ongoing.」
「Warning: Character's HP is below 5%. Immediate treatment is required to prevent death.」
A new question arose.
「Titana Akuraba shouts, urging her comrades to save their fallen ally.」
「Periton Eriabosti has cast [Salvation].」
「Bogus Lichmont casts [Opposing Darkness].」
「Divine intervention has been nullified by the power of the Evil God.」
Maybe it was a mental defect that came with being a barbarian.
「Melend Kaislan moves to rescue his comrade.」
「Ann Parbella breaks formation and intercepts the knight.」
But one thing was certain.
「Powerful Lucky Strike.」
「Ann Parbella has been slain.」
「The priest of the Evil God, having lost his lover, is enraged.」
I didn't want to give up anymore.
Not just my life, but everything else as well.
「Bogus Lichmont casts [Flesh Offering].」
「Right arm sacrificed. Next spell's power increased by 5 times.」
「Bogus Lichmont casts [Corpse Flower].」
Desire bloomed.
「Melend Kaislan has been critically injured and is incapacitated.」
Even if it meant getting hurt.
An intense desire I could no longer ignore.
「Powerful Misfortune.」
「Punishment - Equivalent Exchange activated.」
「50% of the damage inflicted by Bogus Lichmont is reflected back to him.」
But...
「The priest of the Evil God, sensing his imminent death, screams in despair and hatred.」
What was I doing?
「Bogus Lichmont casts [Flesh Offering].」
「Left arm sacrificed. Next spell's power increased by 5 times.」
「Bogus Lichmont casts [Flesh Offering].」
「Both eyes sacrificed. Next spell's power increased by 5 times.」
「Bogus Lichmont casts [Flesh Offering]...」
「...」
The sounds are distant, the pain is dull.
The surroundings are dark and lonely.
「Bogus Lichmont summons [Executioner].」
「Ravienniastorous has been critically injured and is incapacitated.」
「Sven Parab is inflicted with [Fear].」
I feel like I've forgotten something.
「Strong Mental Power.」
「Sven Parab resists [Fear].」
「Sven Parab breaks formation and blocks Executioner's attack.」
「Sven Parab shouts for help, his body drenched in sweat.」
I try to remember.
「Amelia Rainwales makes a decision after deep contemplation.」
「She chooses to attack Regal Vagos instead of Executioner.」
「Sven Parab is shocked.」
What have I forgotten?
「Executioner goes on a rampage.」
「Sven Parab is incapacitated.」
「Tsuon Iribun has been slain.」
「Liris Marone clenches her fist and makes a decision.」
「Liard Ashid grabs her wrist and shakes his head.」
There was something I had to do.
「Liard Ashid casts the 7th-grade mental magic [Thought Acceleration].」
「Liard Ashid casts the 6th-grade acceleration magic [Mana Amplification].」
「Liard Ashid casts the 8th-grade magic [Heart Acceleration]...」
「...」
I had vowed never to repeat it.
「Liard Ashid unleashes a barrage of spells.」
「Executioner screams in pain, having taken significant damage.」
Ah, my head hurts.
「Liard Ashid's mana is depleted.」
「Liard Ashid smiles, entrusting the rest to his comrades.」
In the ensuing silence.
「Liard Ashid has been slain.」
Familiar faces flash before my eyes like fading memories.
「Gruold Aldidi moves towards Sven Parab.」
「Sven Parab shakes his head, refusing treatment.」
I close my eyes.
「Gruold Aldidi starts running.」
「Manua Repeles casts [Wind Pressure].」
「Gruold Aldidi is critically injured.」
「Amelia Rainwales inflicts heavy damage on Manua Repeles.」
I know I have to open my eyes.
「Gruold Aldidi moves forward.」
But I've done enough.
「Gruold Aldidi moves forward.」
This is my limit.
「Gruold Aldidi moves forward.」
But...
「Gruold Aldidi stops.」
Why?
「Gruold Aldidi casts [Blood Transfusion].」
Thump!
「Character is healed.」
「Character is healed.」
「Character...」
A warm energy embraces my fading body.
「Character's HP has recovered above 1%.」
「Countdown stopped.」
And I realize.
Thump!
It's already too late.
「Character awakens from [Unconsciousness].」
I can't stop now.
_________________________
I open my eyes.
The first thing I see is Didi.
"Y-you're awake... Thank goodness..."
He's looking down at me, his chest heaving.
The stench of blood fills the air.
My gaze falls to his body.
"Didi..."
"Ah, this...? I got hurt a little on the way here."
He tries to hide his abdomen with his hand.
It's a futile effort.
It's not a wound you can hide with your hand.
"We need to heal you—"
He cuts me off.
"It's impossible."
"...?"
"Saving you from that rockfall was my last act. We're out of potions, aren't we?"
I don't understand.
"Why... why did you...?"
"Parab... he told me to save you first. He said he could endure it."
Didi smiles.
"Everyone knows... that if you die, it's over."
"..."
"Yandel... listen to me..."
He coughs up blood and doubles over, but he still has something to say.
"The only one who can make our deaths meaningful... is you. Only you. I can't do it. So..."
I can't accept his words.
What does he mean by 'meaningful death'?
There's only meaning in living.
But...
"You have to survive."
Didi says, his voice weak but firm.
"You... are a giant, aren't you?"
A giant.
The title I earned after that bloody battle in the Crystal Cave.
"You're the only one who can carry the burdens of those who died here today... You're the only one who can keep moving forward..."
"Didi... I'm not a giant..."
"Don't be so weak. You can do it."
"..."
"I... I wanted to avenge my granddaughter... I wanted to die, but I couldn't... That's why I'm here... Because I believed in you... I believed that you could do it..."
I can't speak.
"So..."
It feels like a thousand-ton boulder has been placed on my shoulders.
"No matter what anyone says... you're a giant."
Didi's life fades away.
Clench.
I clench my fists, suppressing the urge to scream.
I'm not a giant.
I'm just an ordinary person who wants to live.
Why are they doing this to me?
I want to shout and lash out.
But...
"...Don't worry."
That's not what I should be saying right now.
I meet his gaze and speak.
"I'll do everything you wanted to do. I'll avenge your granddaughter. I swear on this warrior's heart."
I sound confident, but I'm not.
Can I really keep this promise?
But Didi doesn't seem to care.
"Yes... that's enough... for me..."
He smiles, his eyes closing.
"You... you'll become a giant..."
"What are you talking about? You just said I was already a giant..."
"..."
There's no answer.
And there never will be.
So...
Swoosh.
I get up.
What happened while I was unconscious?
I look around, and the battlefield is a mess.
Bodies litter the ground, crushed by ice and rocks.
A giant monster lies dead in a corner.
The stench of death fills the air.
Only six of us are still standing.
Clank!
Amelia is fighting the bald pugilist, Repeles.
"Vagos! The barbarian is awake!"
A mage, one of the Noark backliners.
And...
"Kill her first...!"
The Dragonslayer, wielding his sword.
Erwen, her body battered and bruised, is fighting him with a single dagger.
"Mister...!"
Erwen finally notices me and turns her head.
It's a fatal mistake.
You can't afford to be distracted in battle.
「Cale Elbad Jeneger casts [Earth Spike].」
A black spear shoots out from the mage's hand.
It's the same 2nd-grade skill that killed Mite Million, the tank from the 2nd Team, during the teleportation.
"...!"
Erwen's eyes widen in surprise as she senses the attack.
And at the same time, my warrior instincts scream.
She can't dodge it.
It's not a premonition, it's a certainty, like knowing that a person will be thrown back if hit by a truck.
Time slows down.
Swoosh.
I bend my knees, ready to charge.
But...
"..."
My body freezes.
I'm ready to move, but something's holding me back.
Thump.
My heart sinks.
I can't help but think...
'If I block that attack...'
Will I survive?
I'm already weakened by the backlash.
Will I be able to endure even one hit in this state?
[You have to kill to survive.]
Hans A's voice echoes in my mind.
Maybe he was right.
I'm already looking for a reason to live.
[What if they're not your enemies?]
[What if they're innocent people you have to kill to survive?]
Because if I die, what will happen to Didi's sacrifice?
What about Jun?
What about the other members?
They all sacrificed themselves to get us here.
[No, what if it's your companion, the one you swore to protect?]
So... I can't be any different.
I have to make the rational choice.
The choice that will benefit everyone.
But...
Clench.
[What then?]
Can I really let Erwen die?
What about Daria?
The sister who died asking me to protect Erwen...
My mind is in turmoil.
How did I end up like this?
Good and evil are blurred, making the choice even more difficult.
It's like a tangled mess of threads, choking me.
Clench.
'Damn it...'
I don't know anymore.
I'll do what I want.
So...
[...You... you'll become a giant...]
I'm sorry, Didi.
But I'm a barbarian.
And if I'm really the giant you believed in...
'I won't hesitate to sacrifice myself.'
I push off the ground.
A moment of hesitation, followed by a burst of speed.
Swoosh!
"...!"
"...!"
Our eyes meet.
The Dragonslayer is watching us, his expression filled with surprise.
Clank!
Amelia is too busy fighting to notice.
And in that brief moment...
Whiiiish!
The black spear shoots towards Erwen.
But my mind is surprisingly calm.
I'm not giving up.
If I focus and avoid the vital points, I can endure even one hit in this state—
「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia has cast [Elemental Barbarian].」
...What?
「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia offers a [Contract] to the character.」
A familiar sensation flows through our intertwined hands.
-x-X-x-
The moment [Elemental Barbarian] was activated.
「The character's body is imbued with the Wind Spirit.」
A translucent wind starts to swirl around my skin.
Though we couldn't exchange a word, not even a glance, I could sense what Erwen was aiming for.
「Evasion bonus applied to all damage.」
An evasion bonus that activates based on probability.
For reference, this evasion bonus reaches its maximum probability when applied to attacks classified as magic damage.
That's why this condition is attached to the mode itself, but…
「Magic damage received is doubled.」
…because of this, I never activated Wind Mode when facing mages or ability users.
The risk was too great.
A 50% chance of dodging? Sounds good, but if you get hit, and the damage is doubled, it could lead to even greater danger, considering the game's mechanics.
But…
Whiiiish!
…the die was already cast.
So, the only thing I could do was…
Thump.
…wait for the result.
Whiiiiish!
In that split second that could decide everyone's fate…
The result was immediate.
「Character has successfully evaded the attack.」
[Earth Spike], which had been flying towards me with enough force to pierce through my body, is deflected by a gust of wind, barely grazing my skin as its trajectory changes.
And…
Kwaaang!
…it crashes into the ceiling with a deafening roar.
"······!"
The wind that had been swirling around me subsides, leaving behind a sense of relief that makes my heart pound.
「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia's natural energy is completely depleted.」
「[Elemental Barbarian] is deactivated.」
So, that's all she had left.
'…I'll think about this later.'
I roll on the ground, still holding Erwen in my arms.
"Bjorn…"
Huh? She's not calling me 'Mister'?
The sudden change in her address is strange, but I don't dwell on it.
Her condition is more important.
"I know it'll be hard, but can you hold off that ability user over there? You just have to keep him busy."
"…I can do it."
Good, that settles that.
"You…!"
As I turn around, I feel an impact on my shield.
Clang!
Dragonslayer, Regal Vagos.
The one who taught me the meaning of a comrade's death.
Clang!
I block his attacks, which seem random but are filled with a certain momentum, and I think…
'I thought I would be overjoyed…'
But I'm not.
Well, it's understandable.
This is the moment I've been waiting for, but…
I had to sacrifice so much to get here.
"You… You… How are you so persistent?!"
"You're the one who chased me all the way here."
"This ends now!"
He puts more power into his attacks, his sword a blur.
The source of his strength is obvious.
It's not just his grudge against me, he knows that he has to kill me to survive.
Clang!
The situation is simple.
Erwen, barely conscious, is using her last reserves of strength to keep the ability user at bay.
"Emily! Is he taken care of?"
"…Obviously."
Amelia is fighting the bald pugilist, Repeles.
And everyone else is down.
Some are still alive, but they're just clinging to life.
They can't fight.
So…
Clang!
This battle will decide the victor.
Clang!
I push back his sword with my shield.
My Resistance stats might be lowered because of the backlash, but my Strength is still intact.
"······!"
He stumbles back, caught off guard.
I've figured out his condition from blocking his attacks.
It's my turn now.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!"
I charge at him, roaring.
It's pointless, my active skill [Wild Release] is sealed…
'But I can't fight without it anymore.'
Whooosh!
I swing my hammer with all my might.
Tadat.
He retreats, dodging my attack.
And then he thrusts his sword at the opening I created.
He's experienced.
But…
'That makes him predictable.'
His sword pierces my side.
The reduced Resistance stats make the pain unbearable.
Puk-!
I could have dodged it, but that would have prolonged the fight.
Whiik.
I pull out the sword and extend my arm, ignoring the pain.
My target is his neck.
I'm much stronger than him. Once I grab him, he won't be able to escape.
But he knows that too.
Tadat.
He quickly retreats, abandoning his weapon.
'Was I worried about a feint for nothing?'
If it were me, I would have pretended to pick up the sword and then turned around to attack.
Well, he's a swordsman, so it can't be helped.
Hmm, but if the sword is that important to him, he could have sacrificed an arm to retrieve it.
'…Maybe he has something else planned.'
I'm not underestimating him.
It's always better to be cautious than arrogant.
So…
Whooosh!
I swing my hammer, keeping my distance.
Tadat-!
He retreats again.
And the process repeats several times.
Thud.
His back hits the wall.
And at the same time, his eyes widen.
Now I understand.
'This bastard… he didn't even consider the wall?'
There was no hidden strategy.
He was just desperately dodging my attacks, and he ended up cornered.
That's all.
Crack!
My hammer strikes his left shoulder.
"Ugh…!!"
He groans and tries to escape to the side.
I swing my hammer again.
It's aimed at his head, but he throws himself to the side, dodging the attack.
Crack!
His left leg is crushed.
"Aaaaargh…!"
He screams.
I don't feel any satisfaction.
Six, the woman I killed earlier, had remained calm even as her skull was being crushed.
This guy is acting like a child.
"Because of a… a weakling like you…"
But his will to survive is impressive.
Drag, drag.
He drags his mangled leg and crawls away from me.
He's heading towards the bald guy who's fighting Amelia.
Is he hoping for help?
Thud.
I stomp on his back, stopping him.
And he finally realizes.
"…K-kill me."
He grits his teeth and says.
I'm relieved.
He's not begging for his life.
That would have been truly pathetic.
Kwaaang!
I glance at Amelia, who's still fighting, and make my decision.
Let's end this quickly.
"Do you remember Riol Worb Dwarkey?"
"Kkeuk, kkeu, heh heh heh…"
He chuckles, as if he's found my weakness.
It doesn't matter.
"You're talking about that half-assed mage?"
The mage who died in the labyrinth, his body unrecovered.
The day we held a funeral for him, only a few of his belongings present.
I made a vow that day.
That I would tell him this, if I ever got the chance.
So…
"Just listen."
I smash his remaining shoulder with my hammer and speak.
"Riol Worb Dwarkey."
It took almost three years.
"That half-assed mage who saved us all in the maze."
It was a long time coming.
"He didn't lose."
He didn't lose to you.
"Because I'm killing you now."
"······."
"He won. Do you understand?"
He doesn't answer.
Is that his last shred of pride?
I turn him over and force his head to nod with my foot.
'Is it finally over?'
It doesn't feel real, but it seems so.
Anyway, that's enough…
Crack!
Die, you bastard.
_______________________________
Crack-!
Following the Dragonslayer, I crushed the bald pugilist's head with my hammer, working together with Amelia.
「Manua Repeles has been slain.」
Next was the ability user, who had been struggling to avoid Erwen.
「Cale Elbad Jeneger has been slain.」
With that, all the enemy leaders were dead.
And the moment my mind registered that fact…
The heat of the fierce battle drained from my body, and the frigid air wrapped around me.
Swaaaaaaaaaa—.
With the enemy gone, the surroundings were quiet, as if a storm had passed.
Maybe that's why…
It finally hit me.
"It's over…"
The battle was finally over.
But there was no time to rest.
"Amelia, check if there are any survivors."
"I-I'll help…!"
"You'll help by resting."
I left the confirmation to Amelia and forced Erwen, who had reached her limit, to rest.
And I…
Crack.
…tended to the fallen explorers.
I checked the condition of those who were still breathing, and gently closed the eyes of those who had lost their warmth.
The word "devastating" couldn't even begin to describe it.
'Sven Parab, Meland Kaislan, Liris Marone, Titana Akuraba, Raviyen, James Kala, Bersil Gowland, Erwen, Amelia.'
And me.
"Ten…"
That was the number of survivors.
Everyone else was dead.
"Yandel… I found four potions."
Amelia returned after searching the bodies of the Rose Knights and Noark explorers, and we distributed the potions to the injured based on the severity of their wounds. ⱤÃℕ∅ᛒÈS
"I'll look for more."
"Thank you, Emily…"
It wasn't enough to fully heal everyone, but it was enough to stabilize their condition.
And…
"We… we're the only ones who survived."
The explorers who had regained consciousness looked at each other, their eyes filled with a mixture of relief and despair.
We had gotten to know each other too well.
Anger overshadowed relief.
"Uwaaaaaaaaaaaah!!"
Even those who didn't wail like Marone, the mage, clenched their fists, their bodies trembling with grief.
"Ashid… his wife was waiting for him. Priest Eriabosti… she had a child."
"Bentis Gerold dreamed of reaching the Abyss."
"Iribun said he wanted to open a shop after the expedition."
"They… they didn't deserve to die here. Why…? Why?!"
Grief turned into anger.
"Yandel… Tell us. What did we do wrong? Why did they have to die?"
The fundamental question that had been plaguing them.
"Were we… really that bad? Did we deserve this punishment?"
"I'll kill that Clan Master when we get back. Even if it's the last thing I do."
"That won't solve anything. We have to expose this. We have to tell everyone what happened here!"
"It won't be easy, with the royal family involved… but it's possible. Raviyen is a Dragonkin, and you have a voice in the dwarf tribe, Akuraba."
"You were a candidate for chieftain, weren't you, Yandel? And Erwen is an important figure in the fairy tribe…"
"Yes, if we all join forces…!"
The more they spoke, the colder my heart became.
I wanted to join them, to scream and rage…
But I couldn't.
[…You… you'll become a giant…]
I had to be the person Didi believed in.
"Yandel! You're not going to just sit there and do nothing, are you?!"
I looked at them, their bodies trembling with anger, and spoke.
"We… we're going to do nothing."
"…What?"
"That's the only way to survive."
"······!"
"Kaislan, you're a knight. You know that even if all our races joined forces and attacked the royal palace, we would all die."
Even Kaislan, who had always been on my side, remained silent.
He didn't want to answer.
I continued.
"It's impossible for all our races to join forces in the first place. Do you really think they would risk their lives for us? The fate of their entire race?"
I didn't think so.
Reality is different from fairy tales.
The people in this world made calculated decisions, weighing the risks and benefits.
"But…! We have to do something!"
"Even if it means we all die?"
"It's better than doing nothing!"
"Marone, do you really think that? Do you think the dead would be happy if we wasted our lives like that?"
"Then… then what are we supposed to do?!"
I had never seen this cheerful mage shout like this.
But I didn't stop.
"We have to stay silent."
"······."
"We can't say anything."
"······."
"We have to believe that the main force couldn't reach us because of unforeseen circumstances."
"······."
"And we have to pretend we didn't kill the elite Noark force that was being trained on the 8th floor."
It would be a great achievement if we revealed the truth…
But we couldn't.
"The Rose Knights…?"
It was the same.
Fighting them would be a story to tell for the rest of our lives, but...
"We never encountered them."
We had to pretend it never happened.
If we acted like we didn't know anything, those who sent us here would fill in the blanks themselves.
They would create a story that made sense to them.
Maybe they would think that Noark and the Rose Knights clashed by chance while pursuing us.
"But… but what about the dead…?"
Marone's voice trembled as she trailed off.
"They…"
I gritted my teeth and said,
"They… died fighting monsters after escaping the Eye of the Glacier."
"M-monsters…?"
"Yes, they were exhausted from escaping the Eye of the Glacier, they had discarded their equipment, and they were out of food. So… it's not a completely unbelievable story—"
"You're lying! They didn't die like that! They fought against those strong explorers! We were so exhausted that we thought about just giving up and dying…!"
"······."
"But they fought! Until the very end! No one gave up! We won! We actually won…! But… but…!! Monsters? You're saying they died to monsters…?"
"Marone… calm down…"
"Aaaaaargh!!"
Kaislan hugged Marone, trying to calm her down.
Then Sven Parab spoke up.
"So… what happens next?"
"We survived after hiding like cowards until the labyrinth closed. That's the ending of our expedition."
"I see. It's definitely the safest option. But…"
He looked at me and said,
"I don't like it."
It was a firm tone I had never heard from him before.
But there was no hostility in his eyes.
Why?
"But I'll do as you say."
"Why?"
"I can tell just by looking at your eyes. You're the one who hates this the most."
I was speechless, and Akuraba stepped forward.
"You're not… planning to stay silent forever, are you?"
"…Of course not."
"Then I'll wait."
Akuraba stepped back, and then James Kala spoke.
"I'll… try my best. I'll have to pretend I don't know anything when I see the Clan Master… But it's better than watching my comrades die…"
I could feel his determination, even with his eyes closed.
I approached the other members and confirmed their decisions one by one.
And when I was done…
"Liris Marone."
I approached the last remaining mage.
She looked up at me and asked,
"How long…?"
"······."
"How long do we have to endure this?"
I didn't know.
But if I had to be honest…
"A very long time."
Even years wouldn't be enough.
But one thing was certain.
"…I see."
71st day of the expedition.
The icy cave of the 7th floor, Ice Rock.
Standing on the frozen ground, the frigid air seeping into our bones…
"If we wait… if waiting is enough…!"
Even if it wasn't a burning rage…
But a cold, unwavering anger that wouldn't be extinguished by time…
"I'll… wait too."
We engraved it in our hearts.