Surviving the Game as a Barbarian-Chapter 593: RPG (1)

The boss room we entered by climbing the guardian statue.

Though I called it a rift for lack of a better term, strictly speaking, it wasn’t really a rift.

The mages said that the unique properties that a rift portal should have were completely absent.

So I just let it slide.

In fact, beyond the portal, unlike normal rifts, there was only the boss room standing alone.

But...

‘This time it really is a rift...’

Behind the stone door that opened after defeating all guardian statues was a hidden rift portal.

‘Well... the underground first floor is technically its own layer.’

So a unique rift specific to a layer exists?

Not really strange.

The chief said not to expect too much since he had never seen a rift generated during all that time...

‘There’s no way it doesn’t exist.’

I didn’t doubt the existence of rifts.

It’s not random but sometimes opens only at specific locations.

I figured the underground first floor was such a case.

“Be careful! If you get sucked in, there’s no turning back!”

“What’s the result of the wavelength measurement?”

While the mages gathered near the portal collecting various data, I stepped back and took a moment to gather my thoughts.

‘I thought maybe there’d be rifts above the sixth floor...’

But my cautious internal guess was spectacularly off.

‘No, maybe it’s too early to say for sure?’

Maybe the portal randomly sends you to one of the rifts above the sixth floor.

‘...Though honestly, it doesn’t seem likely.’

My gamer’s intuition said otherwise.

There’s a high possibility the portal leads to the unique rift of the underground first floor.

“Phew...”

Rather than curiosity or excitement about what kind of rift it might be, worry weighed heavier.

This place isn’t like a game.

No retries allowed.

We must succeed on the first try in an unknown rift where nothing is known — not the guardians, not the monsters, not the terrain.

“...Yandel?”

“Ah... Emily.”

Amelia noticed my seriousness and gave me a worried look but didn’t speak, only handing me a waterskin filled with cold water.

Time passed.

A leadership meeting was held where the mages shared their research so far.

Apart from minor details, there were two major points.

“We observed no decrease in mana density or other phenomena at the rift portal. The likelihood of natural dissipation over time appears extremely low.”

There’s enough time before entering the rift to think carefully.

Meaning there’s no need to rush a team in hastily.

It was what I expected, but hearing such a definitive statement was somewhat reassuring.

However...

“Our investigation team believes the rift allows a maximum of five entrants.”

This part surprised me in many ways.

Setting a maximum capacity of five is one thing, but how did they know?

Can their investigation even determine that?

That wasn’t the case in the game.

Curious, I asked about the investigation process and got a somewhat deflating answer.

“Well... there was a mural on the inner side of the stone door... After in-depth discussions, our team concluded it likely indicates the total capacity.”

So it wasn’t learned by magic but just a guess.

“Of course... since it’s an interpretation from a subjective viewpoint, our team fully acknowledges the possibility that this interpretation might be wrong, and we ask for understanding on this matter.”

“What the hell is this mage saying?”

“...Excuse me?”

Ah, I accidentally said it out loud.

The atmosphere grew awkward suddenly, but I didn’t add any excuses or corrections.

That’s not very barbarian-like...

Basically, they’re just covering themselves in case our guess is wrong.

“Alright, then let’s pause the meeting here. I have something to discuss with the Baron, so please clear the room.”

The chief understood my signal and had everyone leave, then asked me.

“What would you like?”

Just as during the statue exploration, he expressed willingness to leave all exploration decisions to me.

“The mages’ speculation makes sense, so I plan to form a team of five for now. Of course, I’ll also prepare additional teams as backups.”

“Wise. Let me know when the lineup’s finalized—”

“Before that, there’s one thing I want to ask.”

I cut him off and he looked at me with that unreadable, chilling gaze.

“Ask.”

With permission, I bluntly asked.

“Are you planning to enter the rift with us?”

“Why?”

Hm, no point in lying clumsily.

After a brief internal debate, I answered honestly.

“You can afford to die anyway.”

You’re perfect as a scout.

First friend, first love, first farewell...

First times are special and long-remembered.

And I was no different.

The first rift.

Though I had entered rifts countless times playing [Dungeon and Stone], memories of the first attempts in each remain vivid.

The Blood Fortress, Glacier Cave, White Temple...

Rifts I entered with no prior info.

Took extreme caution in the runs, but 99% ended with game over, losing my precious characters.

Hammer dwarf, sniper fairy, beast voodoo priest...

Data fragments lost just because I didn’t know better.

Not that I regret it now, but those experiences naturally shaped one realization.

Getting wiped out on the first rift is normal.

Except, of course, when you’re blatantly overpowered.

But...

‘Judging by the underground first floor’s difficulty, we’re probably not overpowered.’

So the chief’s participation was a crucial matter.

It meant we could throw around Jerome Saintred, one of the strongest, recklessly.

“Besides, if I die, it benefits you too.”

“...Not sure how that benefits me.”

I said awkwardly but couldn’t deny it.

So, does that mean refusal?

I seriously wondered if I should give up here.

“I will.”

“...What?”

“If you grant me one favor.”

“Speak.”

Surprisingly, the chief’s favor wasn’t much.

And his hidden intent was obvious.

“You hold onto a few items and bring them to the city.”

“Ah, you mean delivering Karui’s Heart. The [Heretic Altar] effect prevents taking it out.”

“Exactly.”

One of the biggest features of the [Heretic Altar].

You must periodically visit and register your equipment at the altar for it to follow you upon resurrection.

“Hmm...”

“Isn’t it a fair deal for you?”

“Maybe. But I wonder why you trust me enough to ask.”

I asked bluntly.

The chief smiled, a bit less awkwardly than before.

“Haha, you’re the one who handed over the royal exploration commander’s body to some monster trying to survive. How could I not trust you?”

Simply put, if I break the promise, I’m ready to be screwed too.

“Just so you know, this is the last time a ‘die together’ threat will work.”

“How is that a threat? I’m not forcing a promise, just saying if it’s broken, that’s what might happen. If you don’t want to, just refuse.”

Uh... logically, that’s true.

Having no comeback, I ended the conversation coolly.

“...Then I’ll assume you’re coming and start /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ picking the team.”

“Do as you wish. But... aren’t you going out?”

“For what? I have to come back and report anyway. Waste of time.”

“...Suit yourself.”

I sat down and started pondering who else to bring.

‘Two are set for now...’

The chief and me.

If the mages’ speculation is correct, three more can enter the rift.

Who should I pick?

‘I should definitely take a mage and a cleric.’

Utility from the mage and stability from the cleric.

With those two, you have half the team covered no matter what...

The first choice was easy.

“Gahwin Vesillus. Let’s put that old man in the mage slot.”

He was the senior mage of the first exploration team, and I had clashed with him before.

“Hmm... surprising?”

“What’s surprising about that?”

Gahwin Vesillus, currently head of one sect, served long as a military mage in his youth.

He has much exploration experience and skill to match.

I heard he led the first-grade joint magic we saw earlier.

“Honestly, I thought you’d take that mage girl.”

“Ah, you mean Raven?”

“Yeah.”

Raven was a candidate too.

She had a lot of knowledge about the labyrinth and decent skill.

More importantly, her passion for unknown rifts was probably greater than the old man’s.

But...

“We’re not here to play around. If there’s a better mage, why choose otherwise?”

The chief just nodded at my words.

“You really cherish your comrades.”

“...Did you hear what I said?”

“You mean ‘I don’t care if I die’?”

“...”

Come to think of it, he’s getting more cunning by the day.

“What about the last two spots?”

“I’ll bring a cleric for one.”

Sven Parab the paladin was also a candidate here, but that idea was quickly dropped.

The vanguard is enough with just the chief and me.

In terms of healing and utility, the paladin can’t match a cleric.

Though he has that insane intuition...

‘That ability is useless if there’s no other choice.’

Sensing danger is one thing, but overcoming it is more important.

Everyone faces dead ends sometimes.

“If you’re taking a cleric, then this guy is good.”

“Who?”

“The archbishop of the Reatlas Church.”

It seemed like a decent choice, so the cleric spot was filled by the archbishop the chief recommended.

And the last precious spot.

‘We need a dealer.’

With the chief out during the expedition, the only dealer would be the mage.

So we needed to reinforce the dealer line.

‘No matter how I think about it, no better choice.’

After much thought, I settled on the final spot.

A truly unfortunate matter.

“The last spot will be for my comrade, Elwen Fornaci di Tersia.”

There was no other dealer like Elwen in the entire exploration army.

After finishing the lineup of the remaining members excluding the five chosen,

I gathered the five members of the advance party in one place.

After all, it’s necessary to get to know each other better before the expedition.

‘We can’t switch members once inside, so better observe well now.’

There was a possibility the final team could change depending on the interview results.

“I am Eden Hestia. Though lacking, I hold the position of archbishop of the Reatlas Church.”

“Nice to meet you. Is this the first time we’re talking directly?”

“However, I’ve heard much about the Baron from Sir Parab. Please take care of me inside.”

Archbishop Eden Hestia gave a better first impression than expected.

I thought he’d be a stuffy old man since I’d seen him reprimand Parab like a dog.

“Admittedly, I’m not very knowledgeable about the labyrinth. I hope the Baron will teach and guide me.”

“I will. What holy spells can you use?”

“Haha, I can use all the spells the Baron might know—”

“Oh, so Star Origin is possible?”

“...Baron, you seem quite knowledgeable about holy magic? Star Origin is difficult.”

“Is that so? Too bad. How about Star Summon?”

“Ah, that one is possible.”

We then began the proper background check, and in the end, the cleric spot didn’t change.

The archbishop really was very capable.

Afterward, it was the mage’s turn.

“Gahwin, list all usable spells.”

Gahwin Vesillus complained as if this was too much, but when I continued, he sighed deeply and gave in.

“If we fail, the hundred or so people following us could all die.”

“Since it will take time, just the spells above third grade.”

“What about lower?”

“I can handle all of them, except for unique spells.”

Oh, that’s impressive.

Perhaps only the best were picked from those selected by the royal family.

The level was higher than imagined.

A dream team, so to speak.

‘This might really be worth a try...’

Then I, Elwen, and the chief introduced our abilities and made sure everyone understood.

After that, we had a training session on positioning and things to watch out for during exploration.

Since neither the archbishop nor Gahwin had much experience in teams smaller than five.

There was much to teach...

‘At least there’s no time limit.’

We stayed a few more days, cramming knowledge and thoroughly checking that no one had personality issues.

Finally, preparations were complete today.

“Go in first, Yandel. If the portal doesn’t disappear, we’ll follow immediately. And Tersia.”

“...Why?”

“If for some reason we can’t follow...”

“I know. I’ll take good care of him.”

“...Good.”

Heh, who’s really taking care of whom?

I smirked and greeted the rest of the comrades as the chief approached me.

Whoosh—!

I don’t know what danger lurks beyond the unknown portal.

“Done greeting?”

It was time to go in.

「Character has entered the 3rd Archive.」

「Field Effect — Role assigned.」

The source of this c𝓸ntent is fr𝒆e(w)𝒆bnovel