Surviving the Game as a Barbarian

Burning (4)

Burning (4)

Swaaa!

The Orb of Fire emitted light as it registered me as its user.

However, after that, there was no reaction, no matter what I did.

Therefore, even Raven, who had been fiddling with it, gave up.

"It seems like... we'll have to take this back to the city and have a special appraiser examine it."

"Are you taking it?"

"Yes? What do you mean?"

Since things have turned out this way, I decided to be honest.

"Honestly, I thought you might say that you should take the book. Saying that it has immense historical value or something."

"Uh, well, it's not like I'm not interested in the book."

Raven readily agreed instead of getting angry.

"But the person who wrote the diary said to take this and use it. It's definitely more valuable than the diary. And besides, I've already memorized the entire contents of the diary. I even made a video recording, just in case."

"Oh... I see?"

"Yes. So don't worry about that."

Raven then cast the 'Distortion' spell on the Orb of Fire.

It means it can't be undone even if they find out it's bound to me.

'It would be more natural to use it after we return to the city.'

I think that's better.

I didn't know anything.

So, this was purely an accident.

Although I feel a bit guilty...

'In the first place, it's not something I obtained for my own benefit.'

The Orb of Fire is an item for the entire team.

Therefore, everyone can benefit from it.

Well, at least until I leave the team.

"...It doesn't seem like there's anything else here."

We searched every nook and cranny of the house for another 30 minutes, but there were no other findings.

I thought there might be something else that didn't appear in the game, like the diary...

"So, what should we do?"

"What are you talking about? We have to continue hunting."

"...I knew you would say that."

As expected of a money-hungry explorer, we diligently spent the remaining time hunting monsters.

And after some time...

「Character is being transported to Lafdonia.」

...the time to return arrived.

__________________

Sunlight, which I haven't seen in a month.

After briefly basking in its warmth, I moved on.

The checkpoint for experienced explorers above 6th grade.

After a short wait, everyone except for the bear-like man gathered.

"Where's Beefcake?"

Well, do you really need to ask?

I didn't have the energy to answer since we were hunting until just now.

We waited for a while, and the bear-like man arrived.

There was an unknown explorer next to him.

"Here you go."

"Ah, thank you. I found my way easily thanks to you."

"Huhu, I had quite an experience."

The explorer coolly heads towards his team after that comment.

The bear-like man awkwardly joins us with a smile.

"Haha, the line is quite long, huh?"

Well, it's natural since we're late because of you.

I sigh inwardly, but I don't say anything.

I'm the leader of this team, after all.

Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.

I have to try to embrace their flaws.

I've also developed some immunity from Team Misfits.

'He's a damn good fighter.'

Anyway, Misha starts chatting with the bear-like man as we're all waiting in line.

"It feels like we've really made it, standing here together like this."

"Huhu, I guess so. A team's rank is only recognized from 6th grade onwards."

"Yeah, yeah. It feels like we've finally become real explorers. It's a strange feeling..."

Actually, I'm also feeling it.

Before, we had to meet outside at the checkpoint corresponding to our respective ranks.

Anyway, as expected of the 6th-grade checkpoint, the line disappears quickly.

Although there are far fewer people passing through here compared to the 9th-grade checkpoint, the number of staff is more than double.

And the checkpoint is even in the form of a room, so our privacy is protected.

"Team Apple Nark... is that correct?"

The administrative employee checks our team registration and tries to maintain his composure.

We hand over the bags full of magic stones we've collected after going through a simple administrative procedure.

About seven bags.

All of them heavy.

"......!"

The employee's eyes widen as he unties the bags and confirms that they're full of magic stones.

Of course, it doesn't last long.

His eyes narrow meaningfully.

I feel like I'm about to have a PTSD episode, remembering the time I was dragged to the guild prison...

...but Raven takes care of it.

"We obtained all these magic stones legitimately by defeating monsters. We also have video recordings to prove it. Well, if you want to confirm it, you'll have to compensate us for revealing our achievements."

"There's no need for that... I think."

"Then can you exchange them quickly?"

Her tone is sharper than usual, perhaps because she's tired or because she doesn't like the employee's gaze.

Did he sense something was off?

The employee quickly finishes the exchange.

"It's 25,190,000 stones."

It's an amount that would usually only come from a clan.

Divided by five, it's over 5 million stones per person.

If we earn this much every month, our annual salary would be 60 million stones!

'As expected of the Burning Zone.'

Even if we killed dozens of monsters per battle, we wouldn't have been able to earn this much without the double magic stone event.

"Huh..."

I let out a gasp involuntarily.

It's a strange feeling.

It feels like just yesterday I was being admired by my peers after exchanging 180,000 stones.

"Th, then how many cotton candies is that?"

"Uh... wouldn't it be enough to eat ten every day for the rest of your life?"

It's very encouraging that it's pure magic stone income, not from looted equipment or anything.

Well, it's unlikely that we'll be able to earn this much every time.

'We found it quite early this time.'

We found the black moss earlier than expected.

And the Millarodden appeared without us having to wait long.

On top of that, the Distortion spell even succeeded on the first try.

It's hard to expect things to go this smoothly on the next expedition.

"...You're going to do the settlement tomorrow, right?"

Raven asks as soon as we leave the checkpoint.

Looking at her eyes, she's asking while already knowing the answer.

"Let's do it the day after tomorrow."

I wasn't planning on doing it today either.

We even sacrificed sleep to hunt, and on the last day, we were awake until midnight.

Considering that our camping routine is between 9:00 and 10:00 PM, we've already gone over our sleep time.

"The day after tomorrow?"

"Yeah, we also have to sell the equipment and byproducts."

"Ah, that... could you sell them for me, Mr. Yandel? I really don't think I can wake up tomorrow."

"You said I could leave the selling to you since you have an appraiser license?"

Raven keeps her mouth shut.

It seems like she never dreamed that the words she proudly boasted about would come back to bite her...

"It would be different if it were just equipment, but there are also magic materials. That's something only you, a mage, can do."

"...Then come with me, Mr. Yandel. Even barbarians can carry luggage."

Luggage my ass.

It's a ridiculous request, considering she's carrying a subspace ring, but...

I agree.

I'm also curious about the mage's sales route.

"Then I'll see you then."

We briefly set a time and then head to our respective accommodations.

"Haam, I'll be going first."

Raven heads to the Magic Tower where her personal lab is.

"Avman, can you find your way back properly?"

"Don't worry, I know the way from the checkpoint to my house."

"Hmm, so you can at least find your house?"

The bear-like man heads to the bar where his wife is waiting.

"Alright, let's go too."

"Misha, shouldn't we eat something first? I'm, I'm so hungry..."

"Let's eat together after washing up."

"Ugh, I'll try to endure."

We head towards our home.

__________________

1:00 PM the next day.

While Misha and Ainar are sleeping in, I prepare to go out.

I have to go sell the loot with Raven.

[Ah, can you also drop off my equipment at the repair shop?]

[...Can I ask you a favor too?]

For reference, I also brought their equipment in my backpack.

I'm a bit disappointed that no one offered to come with me...

But I'm the leader.

It's only right to work hard for the team.

"You're one minute late."

"Should I pay the late fee?"

"Do I look like a beggar to you?"

Why is she so prickly again?

'Ah, it's because she couldn't sleep more.'

I decide to be understanding.

She's not the leader, and she's just here because she's a mage, so it's natural for her to have complaints.

'I wonder if she likes sweets? I should try giving her one later.'

I recall the social skills I learned from my ex-girlfriend as we get on a carriage heading to Commelby.

There's no friendly chatter during the ride.

We both pass out and sleep.

"Haam, I slept well..."

I open my eyes, and the carriage has already arrived.

Since we didn't meet early in the morning, we move quickly.

Ah, first, I give her something sweet.

"Hmm, I'm not really into sweets..."

"Focus your eyes first before you speak."

"Ah, that hurts my pride."

Anyway, today's schedule is simple.

Sell the Millarodden byproducts at a magic shop.

Stop by the blacksmith's to repair weapons and sell the masked man's equipment at a discount.

Register the expandable backpack and the Ifrit essence on the exchange.

And while we're at the exchange, call a special appraiser to examine the Orb of Fire.

"You've obtained a very valuable item. I heard that even large clans rarely have this."

"So what is it?"

"It's the Orb of Fire. When activated, it reduces fire damage within a 15-meter radius in exchange for consuming Soul Power."

"What's the activation condition?"

"There's a command word. I'll write it down for you, so don't forget it."

For reference, the special appraisal fee is a whopping 300,000 stones.

My stomach starts to ache as soon as I hear it.

These guys are really making a fortune just by sitting around.

"So how much is the appraisal value?"

"Ah, I haven't told you that yet. Only the person who first obtained the Orb of Fire can use it."

"Yes? What?"

Raven's gaze turns towards me.

But what's she going to do now?

It was an accident, I'm telling you.

"Whew..."

She lets out a sigh that seems to contain a lot of emotions.

Just as we're about to leave after finishing our business, the appraiser makes a suggestion.

"Ah, may I ask where you obtained it?"

"No. We don't intend to share our achievements."

"If you change your mind, please come find me. All the clans that have the Orb of Fire are keeping their mouths shut. I'll pay a reasonable price."

"Okay."

We leave the exchange, and today's schedule is complete.

Thanks to our systematic movement, we still have some time left before the last carriage leaves.

We have a simple meal near the platform.

"Raven, let me tell you beforehand, I didn't know about this."

"Who said anything? Do you think I'm going to ask you to compensate me?"

Uh, no...?

I thought that would be the natural response.

"It's fine. The appraiser also said, didn't he? It's a magic tool that's used more like a public asset than a personal item."

"Right, I'll only use it for the team."

The hurdle I was worried about is easily overcome.

So I also eat comfortably and ask what I'm curious about.

"But why did you refuse that offer earlier?"

"You mean about telling him where we got it?"

"Yeah, he seemed like he would have given us a lot."

"A lot my ass. If we told him, he would have made several times more profit than the money he gave us with this. I can't accept that."

Hmm, it seems like middlemen taking a cut is the same everywhere...

"And most importantly, if the location is revealed, more people will know about that book, right? That's not okay. I'm going to thoroughly research it later and turn the academic world upside down."

So there was another reason.

That damn fame.

Although it's hard to relate to her motivation, everyone has different aspirations.

"Anyway, please take care of me from now on."

"Suddenly?"

"I have a feeling that an ancient secret related to the Witch is hidden in the labyrinth. I've decided to look for it."

"Hmm, so...?"

"So what? I'm going to continue being an explorer. By Mr. Yandel's side."

No, but I don't understand why she's emphasizing being by my side...

Raven smiles as I stare at her.

"I felt it back in the Crimson Fortress too, but Mr. Yandel, you're naturally gifted in this aspect. It's like you'll encounter strange things often, like this time."

She's saying that strange things will happen often if she's next to me...

I can't help but chuckle.

"You can believe it. A mage's intuition is more accurate than you think."

It's definitely effective.

That mage's intuition.

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