Surviving the Game as a Barbarian

Melbeth, the demi-human noble alliance.

I had joined them, securing support for both House Yandel and Clan Anabada.

Well, the clan support had been more like extortion. And it wasn’t much.

A discounted clan house, which we were currently using as our residence, and access to loans from Melbeth’s coffers. That was all.

‘A request…’

That’s why ‘requests’ were so important.

They were more like conditional contracts than favors.

‘My treatment, and my standing within Melbeth, will depend on how well I handle these requests.’

It was like the achievement system in a game.

“What’s the request?”

I asked about the details of the request before asking about the reward.

“Information.”

“…Information?”

It was an unexpected answer.

Most requests were about hunting, gathering, or combat.

But information?

I gave Viscount Gudriks a look, and he took a sip of his tea before continuing.

“There was… a rather significant event recently, wasn’t there?”

“Be specific.”

He cleared his throat and spoke more clearly.

Well, not that clearly.

“The inscription on the Stone of Honor. It seems like the ‘hidden area’ might be a new floor.”

I understood what he meant.

It was obvious what kind of information he wanted.

“You’ll be exploring the unexplored area, won’t you, Baron Yandel? We would like you to share your findings with us. Whether it’s really a new floor, how to access it, and what’s inside.”

Hmm…

As I was thinking, he quickly added,

“Ah, and as I said before, this is an officially approved request from Melbeth’s council. You will be compensated accordingly upon completion.”

“How much?”

“It depends on the value and rarity of the information. We don’t know anything yet, do we? Maybe the entrance will be discovered during your next expedition, and everyone will know how to access it. But if you bring us valuable information, the reward will be substantial. Thirteen families have already agreed to contribute.”

“Thirteen?”

“Everyone has a different opinion on what constitutes a valuable opportunity. The reward for this request will be paid from the funds pooled by those thirteen families.”

In other words, the other families considered this request a waste of money.

“So that’s why you’re here instead of holding an official meeting.”

“That’s right. Unfortunately, the proposal didn’t pass the preliminary vote. But don’t worry, we’re authorized to pool our funds and make a private request.”

The complicated process highlighted the disadvantages of a council.

Well, there were advantages too, of course.

“So… do you need time to think about it?”

“I have a few questions.”

“Ask away.”

“What are you going to do with the information?”

Viscount Gudriks paused for a moment, as if organizing his thoughts, and then he spoke.

“Do you know what the most expensive 9th-grade essence ever sold was? It was the Abyssal Tongue. It wasn’t particularly useful compared to other 9th-grade essences, but it was sold for 3.2 billion stones. Do you know why?”

I had never heard of it, but I could guess the reason.

“…Because it was the first.”

“That’s right. The Mage Tower paid a fortune for it just because it was found in a 9th-floor rift. The first discovery is always valuable.”

But when I asked if their motive was purely monetary, he shook his head.

“Newly discovered areas have always been a source of treasures and opportunities. Mulmarin, the Seadragon Slayer, is a prime example. The power and authority he gained from slaying the Sea Dragon for the first time could never be replicated.”

“So?”

“The information you provide will be shared with trustworthy explorers from each tribe.”

“You’re going to use it to train them.”

“That’s right. The stronger the demi-human explorers are, the stronger we become.”

His explanation was unnecessarily long, but I understood Melbeth’s motive.

And I agreed with it.

“Of course, you might be hesitant to share your findings with us. But I promise you, the information will be kept confidential and only shared with those we can trust.”

He then asked if I would accept the request, and I answered,

“Alright. I’ll do it.”

It wasn’t like there was a penalty for failure.

There was nothing to lose.

“I’ll see you later.”

I left the Gudriks estate and returned home. I gathered my teammates and shared the details of the new quest.

There were some concerns, but no objections.

We could decide what to do after we found the hidden area and assessed its value.

Tick, tock.

We discussed our exploration plans until late at night and then went to bed.

Amelia and Erwen sat on the chairs in front of my bed, chatting.

“Tersia, you don’t have to stay here.”

“I want to. I’m going to protect Mister.”

…So they weren’t exactly on good terms.

I closed my eyes, listening to the ticking of the clock.

「Character’s soul resonates and is drawn to a specific world.」

Half a month had already passed.

______________________

As soon as I woke up in Lee Hansu’s room, I turned on my computer and logged into the community.

[Long Live Korean Independence] - 0 users online.

They weren't here yet...

I decided to check the forums first.

There were already several new posts.

[Did you see the patch notes?]

I couldn't believe it.

There was another hidden area?

[BurtusMaximus: The reason why [Dungeon and Stone] is a god-tier game = It's a free game that's over 10 years old, and it's still getting updates.]

[ㄴthese99: But it won't let us go home.]

[ㄴBurtusMaximus: Right? It's a true god-tier game. Let us go home, you bastard.]

The patch notes seemed to be more shocking to the players than to the natives.

I had caused a lot of trouble lately, attacking the black market and the Mage Tower… but this was the most talked-about topic.

[How did Bjorn even trigger the patch by killing Dreadfear?]

Did he fry him in a pan or something?

It didn't make sense.

[Futuralis: He did a five-man clear.]

[ㄴAI_DIDIGO: Correction: It was a four-man clear.]

[ㄴFuturalis: Then that must be the trigger condition.]

[ㄴAI_DIDIGO: Correction: Bjorn Yandel wasn't the first to do a four-man clear.]

[ㄴFuturalis: So what's your point?]

[ㄴAI_DIDIGO: Conclusion: There is a 92.24571% chance that Bjorn Yandel met a special condition before slaying Dreadfear.]

[ㄴOP: This guy's roleplaying is funny.]

[ㄴNyacreeps: But he's not wrong. The royal researchers also believe that Gavrilius's arrangement was activated under specific conditions.]

The players were speculating about the trigger conditions for the unexpected patch.

I tried to find a clue, but I couldn't figure it out.

'Well… it doesn't matter now.’

I finished browsing the forums and checked the chat room.

[Long Live Korean Independence] - 2 users online.

Okay, they were both here.

I entered the chat room, and they greeted me.

“Hyungnim! You’re here!”

Lee Baekho bowed exaggeratedly.

“Ah, you’re here?”

Hyunbyul just glanced at me.

I sat down on the sofa, and Lee Baekho immediately sat down next to me.

“Hyung! Guess what? We were talking before you came, and Hyunbyul noona said she still has feelings for you!”

“……Huh?”

What was he talking about?

I looked at Hyunbyul, and her face was grim.

“…Oppa, I didn’t say that. You don’t believe him, do you?”

“Of course not.”

“Hyungnim! That’s hurtful! Noona, you’re lying! You blushed when I asked you what you would do if he asked you out again!”

Ah… so that’s what happened.

…I’m glad.

I had been wondering how I would face her.

“…I didn’t blush. And even if I did, that’s not what it means.”

“Silence is sometimes a form of agreement.”

“You’re… disgusting.”

Hyunbyul glared at Lee Baekho, refusing to play along.

“Hyunbyul, stop it. I don’t believe him anyway. Baekho, stop messing around.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Seriously…”

I intervened, and Lee Baekho sat up straight, while Hyunbyul clenched her fists.

‘When did they get so close?’

I was curious, but I didn’t ask.

It would only provoke Hyunbyul.

I had to make the most of our limited time in the community.

Therefore…

“Hyunbyul.”

I decided to send Hyunbyul away first.

Her expression darkened as soon as I called her name. She seemed to know what I was going to say.

So I didn’t elaborate.

“I need to talk to Baekho… you know?”

“…I’ll be back in an hour.”

She glared at Lee Baekho one last time and then left the chat room.

“Whew! She’s fun, isn’t she? She’s so strong, but she’s so awkward around you…”

“Baekho.”

“Yes?”

“Don’t be so disrespectful.”

“…Alright. I’ll stop joking. Happy?”

Damn it, how could I control this guy?

As I was thinking, Lee Baekho changed the subject.

“By the way, hyung.”

“Yeah.”

“How was your reunion with Meowmeow… I mean, Misha Carlstain?”

“It went well. Thanks to you.”

There was still some awkwardness between us, but time would heal all wounds.

So…

“Baekho.”

Now that Misha was back…

I asked him the question I hadn't been able to ask last time.

“What’s the Record Stone?”

It was time for me to understand what was going on.