Surviving the Game as a Barbarian

There are dozens of materials needed for the Immortal Mark.

Of course, most of them are easy to obtain on the market, but the three core ones are different.

Byproducts of monsters as high as Grade 3.

'And all three have high essence value, so almost ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) no one hunts them using the "Distortion" magic.'

In other words, to get these byproducts, you have to bring a mage and hunt them while casting "Distortion."

However, I haven't even properly started the grind yet.

That's because the 7th floor has been over half-occupied by Noark, so I couldn't properly set foot there for years.

Anyway.

"Wahaha! Finally, a worthy opponent to show off my skills!"

As soon as the Grade 3 monster appeared, Ibaekho's team tank, Lek Aures, stepped forward.

And then...

"Uoooooooh—!!"

With a fierce roar, his bones and muscles rapidly swelled.

Just like when I use [Giant Form].

「Lek Aures cast [Blood of the Giant].」

An active transformation skill of the Deep Sea Giant.

This skill is very similar to [Giant Form] in that the body enlarges.

But while [Giant Form] focuses mainly on 'threat level,' [Blood of the Giant] primarily boosts raw physical stats.

Also, being a Grade 3 essence, the stat increases are much higher.

However...

'It has a fatal drawback.'

Because the body grows, he can't wear proper equipment.

Of course, this is also a drawback of [Giant Form].

But unlike [Giant Form], [Blood of the Giant] does not apply the [Unification] effect of the Immortal Mark.

"So that's why the team's protector always went shirtless."

Since his growth method is very similar to mine, I quickly noticed familiar details.

Despite his huge size, his tights—underwear-style and reaching down to his thighs—were intact.

'Magic stretchy underwear.'

Something I once wore myself.

Before getting [Unification], my tights tore every time I used [Giant Form], and later, my underwear melted because of the [Acidic Secretion].

'So equipment is taken out of the pocket dimension after transforming.'

I nodded as I saw the enlarged Aures pull a massive shield and an enormous mace from thin air.

'Yeah, shield and mace is the way to go.'

For muscle-brutes like us, blunt weapons like these work much better than blades.

"Wahahahaha!!"

Perhaps to draw aggro, Aures dashed to the front and drove the mace straight into the monster's head.

Wham-!

The swinging speed and the heavy sound suggested that even a Grade 5 monster could have its neck snapped with one blow.

But...

The monster was officially Grade 3.

"Kraaaang!"

Instead of dealing effective damage, it only enraged the beast further, making it howl even more ferociously.

Well, it was expected.

Since he can't wear armor, as a tank he'd have to rely on pure stats for physical resistance and magic defense in his essence setup.

'Anyway, with this damage, he's definitely a pure tank.'

How about his tanking skills?

That was confirmed immediately.

「Vaiterion cast [Bite].」

Its hand, equipped with teeth, grotesquely grew large and latched onto Aures' shoulder.

But...

"Hahaha! Monster attack! This tickles, not even close to hurting me!"

Seemingly unharmed, Aures laughed heartily and lifted the Vaiterion like a wrestler before slamming it onto the ground.

Kraaaang!

Despite being a Grade 3 monster,

to endure that strength and only get a scratch from being bitten directly on the shoulder was impressive toughness.

'...Higher level than I thought.'

I was impressed but also understood.

It makes sense he'd be able to hang out with Ibaekho at this level.

Sshhhhh!

Even the small scratch on his shoulder was quickly healed by the healer Jaina.

And then...

「Belvev Ruinjes cast Grade 3 offensive magic [Windmoon].」

The crescent-shaped spell flew and severed one of the monster's arms.

「Layton Briot cast [Seal Verse].」

A translucent arrow, shot without notice, pierced the monster's body and emitted light.

Crackle, crackle.

The light transformed into chains that wrapped and bound the monster completely.

「All of Vaiterion's supernatural abilities are temporarily sealed.」

Wow, it ate that essence?

This is one of the hardest Grade 2 essences to obtain.

'Insane.'

Grade 3 monsters are generally treated as raid mobs by most explorers.

Yet here they were easily handling one?

I was finally convinced these guys were at the absolute top of their game—

"Baron."

At that moment, while I was watching the battle with such an evaluation,

"How about you finish it off?"

Ibaekho quietly spoke to me.

In other words, don't just watch from the back—show us what you can do...

Well, just as he's curious about me, I'm curious about him.

"Alright."

Knowing that, I stepped forward coolly.

Besides, since we'd be spending time together, I couldn't keep hiding my skills forever...

'...If I want to claim a share of the loot, I have to contribute.'

So...

「Character cast [Transcendence].」

「The next skill used will be enhanced.」

After linking [Transcendence] with [Giant Form],

"Step aside."

"Ah, uh... yes, sir."

Aures stepped back, looking somewhat awkward looking up at me.

Hmm, there must be over a meter height difference here.

'But that's not the important part.'

Not just big and dumb, but wielding the No.87 Crawling Demon Crusher, which became even bigger thanks to the [Unification] effect.

I raised it up to shoulder height.

「Character cast [Swing].」

I showcased my signature skill.

Though it lacked flashy light or swirling wind effects,

its impact was definite.

Because, come on—

Who wouldn't expect this?

Swoooosh!

No matter I'm a tank,

No matter the monster is Grade 3,

Kraaang-!

With this gear and skill, plus the monster's abilities sealed, failing to kill it—

"Grrr..."

What? Why didn't it die in one hit?

A bit embarrassed, I quickly hit [Swing] three or four more times, and finally the monster staggered and stopped moving.

"Oh."

As the brief, fierce violence ended, a meaningful exclamation came from behind.

"Wow, a tank putting out that much damage?"

Luckily, it was praise.

Seeing Ibaekho teasing his comrades like that.

"Our warrior wouldn't have killed it in twenty hits. Baron, want to join our team? I'll kick him out. Huh?"

"...Baekho! What kind of talk is that! I've followed you trusting only Baekho, but now even the lord treats me like a traitor!"

Maybe he has a delicate personality despite his size.

Aures shouted, apparently hurt by Ibaekho's words.

'Despite everything, they seem to get along pretty well.'

I ignored their bickering and looked down at the now motionless Vaiterion.

'It feels a little weird.'

In the labyrinth, bodies turning to light and disappearing signified a kill. Without that effect, it doesn't really feel like it's dead.

Feels like it could get up at any moment.

'Getting used to this will take time.'

Also, unlike in the labyrinth, we have to confirm kills thoroughly here.

If we think it's dead and leave it, it might suddenly get up and attack.

In many ways, it's less convenient than the labyrinth...

'Well, that's both a drawback and an advantage.'

"Havelion! You know how to butcher monsters, right?"

"Of course."

"Then hurry and take only the profitable byproducts. Take the claws separately and give them to me."

After the fight, I immediately asked the GM to handle the butchering.

For reference, claws don't mean ordinary beast claws, but the teeth on the monster's hands...

At that moment, Ibaekho stopped teasing his comrades and spoke to me.

"Why do you take the claws, Baron?"

Because they're one of the materials for the level 8 mark.

...Honestly, I hesitated to say that plainly, so I paused.

Ibaekho smirked slyly.

"Oh, so it's because of the mark materials? But only the Berserker and Immortal need these claws, and you probably won't get the Berserker mark..."

"......"

"It must be the Immortal Mark? Since you're still at level 7 if you're gathering this. Ah, wait, does that mean you can wear equipment and use [Giant Form] because of the mark? Thanks to the [Unification] at level 5 or so?"

Ha, that's why I hate these guys who came from games.

Unfortunately, Ibaekho's teasing didn't stop there.

"Wow... so that's how it's judged? Interesting."

"......"

"I probably know roughly what essences you have. Maybe I should find a compliant barbarian later and raise him just like you."

"Baekho...? I... I'm right here listening to all this..."

"Uh? Then plug your ears."

"......"

I doubt he was serious about making a replica of me, but it was unpleasant to hear.

Synergies between essences, or between essences and items.

In this world, people call that 'arcane' and keep it secret.

Because those are all valuable assets.

"Haha, Baron, just joking. Oh, and those claws? Take as many as you want."

Despite the discomfort, I made sure to gather everything carefully.

'Anyway, if I get two more, I'll have all the materials for the level 8 mark.'

There's no rush to punish Ibaekho yet.

If I wait, that time will definitely come.

When he dares not to make such jokes in front of me.

"Alright, everyone, what are you waiting for? If you're done looting, let's move out!"

After leaving the Noark settlement, we headed northwest and kept moving.

We encountered monsters about once or twice an hour.

'They said there are fewer than in the labyrinth, but here it really feels that way.'

After fighting so often, I started to understand why Ibaekho said the monsters outside the walls were much smarter than labyrinth monsters.

They seemed to have their own hunting strategies.

They didn't just charge blindly; they used terrain and objects.

They would target us when resting or test us by chasing, only to give up ambushes and turn their backs.

Also, in groups, leaders would strategically command battles the whole time.

'...It really feels wild.'

It felt like each one was an upper variant worthy of being called a 'Named' monster.

Differences even in size.

Some had large scars, and some limped due to aftereffects.

All unlike the uniform monsters in the labyrinth.

"Alright, let's rest here today! Do whatever you want, but be back here by 7 a.m.! Okay?"

As we wrapped up today's journey and prepared to camp a bit away from Ibaekho's group, noises came from their side.

"Wahaha! Jaina! Wahahaha! Hahaha!"

"...Enough, Aures."

"What do you mean enough? You burned all the precious food! Hahahahaha!"

Despite traveling with them for days, Ibaekho's group was friendlier and more cheerful than I expected.

Well, that was mostly because Aures, the warrior, was the mood maker.

'Even Ibaekho's grinning. He said he wouldn't get attached to comrades.'

"...Hm? Where are you going?"

"Just nothing to do..."

As we were finishing camp preparations, the GM left my side and approached Ibaekho's team.

And naturally blended in.

"We prepared a lot of food, there's leftovers, would you like some?"

"Oh! Really? Thanks! Our chef made it so we almost got fat! Haha!"

I wondered if the reclusive GM had this kind of outgoing side, but hearing their conversation, it was just information gathering.

"I see. I had no idea. I never would have guessed you're from Noark."

"Haha, is that so?"

"Oh, but I think I've heard stories about a fearsome warrior guarding the gates of Noark."

"Wahaha! That's an exaggeration!"

The GM kept the mood light and eagerly absorbed the information.

But it didn't last long.

"Can I ask something I'm curious about?"

"Ask anything!"

"Why is this team five people instead of six?"

As soon as that question came up, the mood suddenly froze and silence fell.

"......"

"......"

What? Is that really a question that deserves such a reaction?

I had no idea why, so I listened even more closely.

"Hm? Why do you all have that expression?"

Lek Aures, a member of Ibaekho's team, looked confused as if he didn't understand the situation, and at the same time,

"Right?"

"Yeah, I think so."

Ibaekho and the archer had a short exchange.

"They're not monsters. They're humans."

...What kind of situation is this?