Removal of the essence.
For priests of bishop rank or higher, the ability to remove an essence is essential, but there is one condition.
It can only be done inside a 'temple'…
This is why many of the Noirak who mistakenly consumed essences became ruined characters.
Removing an essence once requires risking one's life.
Especially if one's face is well-known.
"Whew…"
I swayed slightly and returned the blue dagger given by the priest.
I always felt a considerable emptiness each time I removed an essence. It wasn't just due to stats decreasing.
It's hard to explain in words…
'A sensation as if part of my soul is breaking away.'
If I had to describe it, this would be close.
Now I understood why MP in this world is called soul energy.
Swish.
Hoping to fill the void with something else, I quickly took out test tubes from the pocket dimension.
Arbet and Uumdal.
And the customized essence combining the [Gigantism] of the Orc Hero.
I popped open the cap and poured it into my mouth like a potion, curious.
If this were a game—
How would such a synthesized monster be represented?
「[???? Essence] is seeping into the character's soul.」
Hmm, well… it probably wasn't just question marks carelessly displayed and done.
Setting that aside, I focused on the bodily changes I felt.
Among explorers, there was a slang called 'taming.'
The more one focuses on bodily changes while consuming essence, the easier it is to adapt to new abilities.
「Strength +100 increases.」
A vitality that could lift anything filled my body.
Of course, compared to an ogre, this strength was nothing…
「Jump power +120 increases.」
My thigh muscles tightened.
「Physical resistance +80 increases.」
My already tough skin became even tougher.
「Hearing +60 increases.」
Sounds scattered in the air became clearer.
These were the main noticeable immediate changes no matter how much I concentrated.
But this was not the end.
「Dark resistance +40 increases.」
「Soul energy +50 increases.」
「Natural regeneration +80 increases.」
「Endurance +60 increases.」
「Bone strength +60 increases.」
「Absorption +60 increases.」
Ogres have very high base stats, but in total ability score, Arbet couldn't be matched.
Of course, Arbet's drawback was his skill trap…
But since I stored only stats in essence using the underground 1st floor system, that didn't apply to me.
"Phew…"
Having almost adapted to the stat changes, I cautiously opened the pocket dimension.
By the way, I had placed all the Numbers items I was wearing into the pocket dimension because of Uumdal's passive skill's characteristic.
[Soul Link] – The first acquired equipment becomes bound and grants additional abilities.
The first equipment obtained.
Though labeled so in-game, in reality this passive only works on 'Numbers Items.'
Also…
'If linked wrongly, it can't be undone.'
Linking is possible only once, so Uumdal's essence must always be handled carefully.
If consumed while fully equipped, one random item becomes bound…
Swish.
I reached into the pocket dimension and imagined specifically what to take out.
My hand closed around a large, solid 'thing.'
'No.87 Kraul's Demon Crusher.'
…Of course, it wasn't that.
Though the Demon Crusher is a high-performance weapon and choosing it would also make me strong.
But…
'Not worth spending a passive slot on.'
There are countless passive skills suitable for shield barbarians. Normally I would have inserted one of those.
If only I had not had this at hand.
「Character equipped No.3 Aegis Barrier.」
「Total item level increases by +18,600.」
The ultimate shield normally only obtainable much later.
"Guidance of the soul."
"No.3 Aegis Barrier is permanently bound to the character."
"Bound equipment cannot be destroyed."
"All effects of the bound equipment are increased by 10%."
"Upon defeating monsters, the bound equipment gains individual experience, and at a certain level, unlocks unique effects."
This shield grows from now on.
[Soul Link].
A mandatory skill when raising a shield dwarf synergizing with Numbers Items.
I had naturally done extensive research and knew almost all unique effects of high-tier equipment.
'Unique effect unlocked at level 9.'
Even without unlocking, it was a very good skill.
Item performance increased 10% per level.
'Still, having overlapping indestructible options is a bit wasteful…'
But since most high-tier Numbers have indestructible options, it's not much of a loss.
The binding option… since I don't plan to sell, it's not a downside.
'Gigantism.'
After confirming the active skill works well, I glanced around.
Looks like everything nearby was finished.
Not just me needed to reorganize.
「Amelia Rainwails's soul is imbued with [???? Essence].」
「Misha Kalstein's soul is imbued with [???? Essence].」
「Elwen Fornaci di Tersia's soul is imbued with [???? Essence].」
The three dealer sisters(?) each received a customized essence.
And…
「Ainard Pnellin's soul is imbued with [???? Essence].」
「Ainard Pnellin's soul is imbued with [???? Essence].」
Removing the essences of [Smug] from [Mandel Oil] and [Bitlan] from [Wild Control], Ainard was able to insert two customized essences into his slots.
The change was immediate.
'The two essences together raised fighting spirit to 100, right?'
In theory, perfectly covering the fighting spirit lost due to Hiphramagent's essence.
And in practice, it wasn't difficult.
Recognizing Ainard was back to normal was easy.
"Behel—raaaaaaaah!!!!!"
Yes, this is a battle roar, this is a barbarian.
Feeling proud watching Ainard roar powerfully, shaking the entire hall, Amelia approached me.
"How do you like the new essence? Do you like it?"
"We'll talk about that later. For now, we must move on to the next step before time runs out."
He should have been more excited after consuming the new essence.
"…Fine."
"Hah… Since you like it, stop making that sulky face."
"Oh, really?"
Anyway, Amelia was right that there was no time °• N 𝑜 v l i g h t •° to waste, so I hurried to the next plan.
"Everyone, drink up!!"
Before raiding another prison, there was a prior task.
"A historic moment!"
Feeling the sign of my speech beginning, everyone quietly looked at me.
No one seemed bored.
Rather, many wore slightly excited expressions.
"Lapdonia is currently in crisis. The filthy rats living underground are now daring to threaten our city."
Having lived as a barbarian, I knew I had a talent for speeches.
Amelia said I was just naturally gifted.
"And! We were lucky to be living here!"
"Lucky…?"
"Of all the cities, why did ours get hit? That's incredibly unlucky, isn't it?"
My speech caused question marks to appear in the crowd's eyes.
All reasonable doubts.
But that's why…
'Now.'
The moment the atmosphere warmed enough,
"No! We are all lucky! At least we got a chance! To save this city in crisis, and to make a 'great achievement' no one can challenge!"
I continued.
No need for long speeches here.
After all, they were all explorers.
No one knew better than me what they wanted.
"Also, I promise now."
"When all this is over, I, Bjorn, Yandel's son, will stand before the royal family and say!"
"I was not alone."
"That saving this city was thanks to all your blood and sweat!!"
At that, I raised my clenched fist, and the awaited cheer erupted.
"Waaaaaah!!"
Was it because my fame grew?
Or was it that I got better at provoking such cheers?
Either way, it felt easier to get those roars day by day.
'Anyway, with this performance, no one will doubt my sincerity later…'
Contrasting with my passionate speech, I coldly scanned the crowd, then raised my voice again.
"But!"
Thinking the speech was starting again, the explorers kept quiet and listened.
"The enemies are strong! The rats grew by stealing our stores, and driving them out will cost us blood as well!"
"No problem!!"
"I'll kill them all!!"
Despite my warning, the explorers saw the crisis as opportunity.
Which isn't a bad thing…
But it was time for the main topic.
"Clear throat! I recognize your courage and spirit. But! As a Lapdonian noble, warrior, explorer, and one who loves this city more than anyone else, I hope as little blood is spilled as possible. I want you to survive and return to your families."
The speech was just groundwork for now.
"So, I, Bjorn, Yandel's son, have made a decision."
"…?"
"From now on, I will distribute essences to you!!"
There's that famous saying about growing stronger the more you share.
This was exactly that case.
"…Huh?"
The explorers' expressions twisted oddly at the offer of free essences.
Understandable.
They must have wondered why that barbarian was spouting such madness.
Even my comrades didn't react much differently.
"If you're giving out essences…"
"You mean the ones obtained from the first basement floor?"
"Why on earth would you give away such precious things…"
Only Amelia remained calm.
That's because Amelia knew.
That this free distribution would ultimately bring me great benefit.
Of course, not simply because it would reduce loot going to the royal family, who are potential enemies.
Think about it.
'If I just hand out essences recklessly here, how would we know how many essences remain?'
Simply put, by throwing away worthless essences to the explorers, I could secretly pocket the valuable ones later.
There's no way for the royal family to find out we only distributed the cheap essences.
Saying this sounds a bit scummy, but…
'Casualties during war are inevitable.'
How else would they investigate?
How would they know if the dead got the cheap essences or the expensive ones?
The justification is clean.
It was an investment to save the city.
'Yeah, in war, things just disappear and get lost.'
The technical term is 'shucking.'
Interestingly, the word's origin is Japanese.
Anyway, that's not important…
"Come on, everyone! Gather here! Don't push! There's still plenty of essence!"
I started the distribution in earnest.
-x-X-x-
After we launched a surprise attack on the main temple of the Reatlas cult as our first target, we moved along the pre-planned route and rescued the explorers trapped in each city facility.
And then…
"Are you saying you'll give us the essences?"
"Yes! If you all get even a bit stronger, the chances of saving this city will increase! Here, take them quickly!"
Every time we escaped, we distributed essences like that.
Ah, of course, we didn't just hand them out to anyone. At each escape, we gave one essence to the highest-ranked explorer there.
At least that way, I could keep some face with the royal family (if you could call it that).
Besides, the essences we got from the first basement floor weren't nearly enough to give to everyone.
"Okay, that means the essence distribution is over."
Soon after, while liberating the West District's 7th Zone Security Office—the fourth checkpoint on our route—the essences for distribution were all used up.
"Um… shouldn't we at least keep records of who received which essence?"
Auyen and the other comrades, who knew nothing about my unconventional plan, belatedly voiced such concerns over my radical actions.
"Since these belong to the royal family, even if the reason is good, they'll definitely want to verify."
Well, that much is true.
But so what?
Ordinary people might find this kind of "mistake" suspicious.
"Ah, why bother keeping records? Too much hassle."
I'm a barbarian.
So it's not strange for me to handle things in a barbarian way.
"If it's troublesome, I can ask people and make records now…"
"Enough! When in the world would I have time to do that in the middle of all this?"
"But still…"
Ha, well.
I'm grateful for the concern, but—
"Auyen, I said it's fine."
When I lowered my voice and said it bluntly, Auyen made an 'oops' expression and sealed his mouth tight.
Looks like he finally sensed that I have some hidden motive…
'Seems he still doesn't know exactly what I'm planning.'
Well, Amelia also was horrified over and over when she first heard my plan.
They said no one in this world would dare pull off such crazy stuff against the royal family except me.
"Bjoooorn! So when do we leave for the next destination? I want to fight soon…!! Woohooooo!!"
Just as we were about to resume movement, Ainard couldn't hold back and started hurrying me.
'…Maybe I should have dialed down his fighting spirit to half?'
After regaining his fighting spirit, Ainard seemed to feel ashamed of his dark past and became much more aggressive than before.
So maybe if I'd only put in half, he would have been at a normal person's level…
'Nah, that's not a proper spear barbarian. Just a spear wielder.'
A barbarian is supposed to be like this.
Honestly, as the Barbarian Lord, I was very glad to see Ainard regain his hearty spirit.
So I changed Ainard's position as well.
Originally, his mission was to follow Versil and protect the rear…
But now—
"Roar, Ainard."
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!"
He's just smashing everything he sees right now on the front line, following me.
Using his new skill skillfully.
[Ainard Pneline cast [Indomitable Spirit].]
[For a certain time, physical stats increase significantly.]
[All kinds of status effects restricting action are reduced by 80%.]
This newly acquired combat buff allowed Ainard to charge through the battlefield like a tank.
Although it's not a complete CC immunity or removal skill…
An 80% reduction plus his natural resistance means most CCs are broken in the blink of an eye.
[Ainard Pneline cast [Focused Strike].]
However, the core skill of spear barbarians, [Focused Strike], has yet to show great power.
[For the next hit only, all effects of currently held piercing-type skills are applied.]
Well, he only has one piercing skill, the [Trident].
Since mana is precious, I advised him not to use it unless necessary, but Ainard showed no intention of listening.
How can he resist when the spear emits white light?
'Once we solve the city's problem, I need to buy and feed him more attack skills.'
Once he has about three piercing skills stacked, [Focused Strike] will exceed the power of a rank 5 skill.
Though its true value lies elsewhere.
'Maybe this skill is also a conversion-type skill?'
The condition for [Focused Strike] is 'piercing type.'
Therefore, skills from other classes that can only be used with ranged weapons like bows can also be absorbed and used.
That's why [Focused Strike] was chosen as the core essence for spear barbarians.
"Wooooooo!!"
Anyway, regardless of not being able to fully use [Focused Strike], Ainard ran across the battlefield showing a presence greater than even his days as the 'Explosive Sword.'
This was because his raw stats had risen tremendously with this upgrade…
[Ainard Pneline has used attack skills 10 times.]
[Due to passive skill [War Machine], damage received is greatly reduced temporarily.]
[Ainard Pneline failed to defend.]
[Due to passive skill [Endurance], all resistances increase slightly.]
Thanks to defense passives, his combat stability improved drastically.
Meanwhile…
Thud!
His damage also rose significantly.
While he might have been better off before against many weak enemies, his single-target damage is on a completely different level.
After all, the Shingok Geochang spear is a top-tier spear weapon.
Stabbing it roughly can easily pierce even sturdy armor like tofu…
"When did the Explosive Sword start using a spear?"
"But it seems even stronger than when he used a sword…"
"…A New Spear! The arrival of the New Spear!"
Hearing the excited explorers' exclamations about his presence, Ainard asked me.
"Bjorn, what's a New Spear?"
"It means a person who is good with a spear."
"Woooo!! I am a New Spear!!!"
Ainard earned a new nickname.
[Ainard Pneline's fame increased by +1.]
[Ainard Pneline's fame increased by +1.]
[Ainard Pneline's fame increased by +1.]
[Ainard Pneline's fame increased by +1…]
[...]
Even if not to the same extent as Ainard, who returned from the first basement floor with a changed weapon leaving a big impact, we too gained the attention of many explorers following us.
"What's with that shield…?"
"Don't know, but it's definitely not an ordinary item."
"Looks like even the giants' women got stronger."
Not just me—Amelia, Misha, and Elwen, who gained new essences, showed growth as well, impressing many explorers.
"…I don't know what kind of exploration they did there, but the giants have wings on their backs now."
"Why be surprised now? That explorer already has her name carved on the Stone of Honor. She'll surely become a legend in this city even after death."
Though a bit embarrassing to hear, it wasn't wrong.
Through this journey, we gained momentum to go further.
Ah, though first, we need to finish this well.
"…It's empty again."
The underground prison of the Western Explorer's Branch, the ninth checkpoint on our route. However, when we arrived, the prison was completely empty.
"Looks like they suffered a huge defeat in the last battle."
"The other facilities must be in a similar state."
From the third facility onward, the Noark guys recognized us and prepared well, so we had fierce battles.
But starting from the seventh, their forces weakened gradually, until now there were no guards nor trapped explorers left.
Of course, this was not unexpected.
No matter how much chaos we caused inside, the Noark's main concern would be the royal forces stationed beyond the city walls.
They have to keep troops at the walls for emergencies, and if too many forces are taken away to chase us, the royal army beyond might notice something strange.
In short, they're forced to leave us be, whether they like it or not.
'Tch, getting help from the royal family seems difficult.'
Actually, the best-case scenario I hoped for in this plan was different.
That the royal army would catch the gap we made and launch an all-out offensive.
The royal family must already know about the first basement expedition's return.
They probably know we're in the 7th District, and once troops leave the walls, they'll likely realize what's happening.
But…
"It's time to move to the next phase."
Does the world ever move the way you want?
Since I've felt the laws of the world countless times, I could make decisions quickly.
"The next plan is…"
"You already told them everything, why pretend not to know?"
"…"
"We break through the walls and enter the city by ourselves."
This was a plan already set and shared among the members.
Maybe the newly escaped explorers didn't know.
"Eh…? What do you mean?"
"There are tons of Noark at the walls, right…?"
A commotion broke out among explorers who overheard me.
"Can we really do it alone?"
"And our equipment isn't even intact!"
"No matter how good the odds, this seems reckless… I have to say it cautiously…"
Honestly, there were many ways to convince them.
Our strength was enough to try.
Also, if we attack first, the royal forces would surely notice and likely support us.
We could say things like: no matter how injured you are, once you pass the walls you can get healed, and so on.
If I said things like that a bit stylishly, they would eventually be persuaded to follow me.
But…
"Ugh, shut up."
"…?"
"Why do grown adults whine so much?"
"…Huh?"
Seeing the explorers' dumbfounded faces, I said bluntly:
"If you're scared, leave. Then this problem is solved."
"…Huh?"
"Why look so surprised? Did you really think I'd try to persuade you?"
"…"
Since I got no answer, I guess they really did.
Geez, I'm not their parent.
"Let's go!"
Without further discussion, I led the way immediately, and that was enough.
"Will you really leave us?"
"Are you crazy? Of course, I'll follow!"
"The baron must have some plan for this. I trust the baron!"
By my estimate, that saved at least twenty minutes.
Since the 7th District was like my hometown, finding paths in the broken city wasn't hard.
The city walls were visible far away.
But the problem was the Noark main force approaching us as the walls got closer…
"They outnumber us by at least twenty times."
"The problem is, that's not all. More will come with time."
They weren't just many in number.
The Noark main force had many with an unusual aura, and one of them was someone I was very familiar with.
"So you really survived there and came back, Bjorn Yandel."
"…"
"I wish you had just died there."
I snorted a little seeing the one calling out from afar.
"Pfft."
He's still the same as ever.
-x-X-x-
The corpse collector, Abet Nekraphyto.
A member of the elite criminal group Orculis, and once one of the vanished members of the Round Table.
But he wasn't the only familiar face.
"That's the Witch of Agony…!"
The dark sorceress, Rilanne Vivian.
"If it's the death knight in blood-red armor… that author is precisely—!"
The blood knight notorious for killing the royal knight commander long ago and fleeing.
Not only the ones who fought fiercely on the Dark Continent but also mid-level criminals known only by reputation appeared here and there.
Ah, and of course, there were also several completely unknown figures.
Despite my research and study of the Orculis members, there were still many unidentified people I couldn't place.
'…New recruits?'
That's the feeling I got, though they didn't seem easy to deal with.
No, in fact, they probably weren't.
Noark had monopolized the 8th floor and invested heavily in raising the next generation. I knew well their power, having even directly faced some of them during the Ice Rock expedition.
The only relief was that the squad leader with a complicated essence wasn't here.
However…
"..."
The moment we faced them, a deadly gleam flashed in Elwen's eyes.
Honestly, seeing that made me a bit worried about any sudden actions…
"It's okay. Don't worry about me."
She calmed me down with a composed voice as the killing intent faded.
Maybe much time had passed since that day.
Or maybe the many events that transpired in the elapsed time allowed her to control those emotions more skillfully now.
"Even if not today… someday I'll kill them all."
"..."
"So it's okay."
Her feelings hadn't faded entirely, it seemed.
But that was a good thing.
Come to think of it, I wasn't much different from her.
Though to the royal family, I was more detestable and looked worse, but in terms of hatred, I wasn't comparable to these guys.
The Dragon Slayer, Regal Bagos.
He was a member of that very Orculis.
Thud.
As the tense standoff grew heavier, I stepped forward.
Look at the numbers that have gathered.
Yeah, so…
"Oh, have you already given up? That'd be boring… Hey? How about saying something—"
I cut off the boastful fellow and opened my mouth.
"Long time no see."
"Pfft, that proud mouth finally opens—"
"Toy collector."
"..."
Honestly, I wanted to recklessly charge just like I caught the lighthouse keeper on the Dark Continent before, but right now there were too many restrictions.
Our goal now was escape.
If he was determined to run, it'd take ages just to get close.
'…I need to get a transport device soon.'
So teaching him a lesson was postponed.
"Well then, toy collector! Not bad! After I kill you, I'll treat you like a toy for sure!"
He tried to hype himself up as if my personal attack didn't affect him.
Ha, just because of that you won't grow up.
"How about getting new essences yourself? If you search well, there should be essences that only enlarge specific parts—"
"Stop."
"…?"
"Stop teasing this friend."
Just as I was about to press the attack, a man interrupted the conversation. That proud jester was unusually silent, suggesting he held a high rank.
'Who is he?'
While pondering, Amelia, standing behind me, whispered briefly.
"Roland Banossant. The vice leader of Orculis."
His appearance was ordinary enough that I hadn't recognized him immediately, but he was quite famous.
Mana master, Roland Banossant.
Ten years ago, he killed the previous vice leader in one strike and took his position—a top-tier esper.
"Really? He killed the previous vice leader?"
"That's right. The previous vice leader was found to be collaborating with the royal family, and this guy took him out."
"Hmm, I see…"
Anyway, that eased some of my worries.
Since the vice leader was in the 7th District, the leader must be in the 13th.
No chance we'd meet the leader today.
Of course, that didn't mean the vice leader was easy to deal with.
"Yandel, it's better if you avoid talking to him—"
At that moment, a magical aura flowed between me and the vice leader.
"———!"
Amelia said something beside me, but I couldn't hear it.
'Not a noise control spell…'
Must be a skill.
I gestured to [N O V E L I G H T] Amelia that it was fine, then fixed my gaze on the vice leader.
"My introduction seems to have been made by that lady, so I'll keep it brief. Yandel's son, Bjorn. I have a proposal for you."
"A proposal…?"
I decided to listen, and the vice leader immediately got to the point.
"A storm that will engulf everything is coming soon. And a leaky ship can never withstand that storm."
"Are you talking about the royal family being the leaky ship?"
"Of course. Otherwise, how could we be here like this? Abandon the leaky ship and join us."
The vice leader's offer was somewhat disappointing.
Too obvious, perhaps?
I was curious why he was even stopping my speech to make such a proposal.
"…Can I have some time to think about it?"
At my request, he chuckled.
"That means refusal."
"No, why does it have to be that? I only asked for time to think."
"You're a person of interest to us. We've done extensive research on you. Saying you'll think about it just means you're stalling."
"Uh…"
What the hell?
I was momentarily stunned, speechless, but thinking back, it wasn't impossible.
Like baseball players analyzing pitchers' habits…
They were analyzing my usual habits.
But precisely because of that—
"Research? Not really."
"…?"
"If you had researched properly, you'd already know."
"…"
"You know what my answer will be."
Despite my sarcastic remark, the vice leader showed no reaction.
He just asked again with the same tone.
"So what's the answer?"
"Refusal."
"Why?"
"Hmm? Just felt like it."
I didn't want to talk about myself, so I gave a vague answer.
But maybe he noticed something.
"I heard you cherish your comrades like life."
He said coldly.
"Riol Worb Dwalke. His death had a big impact on you."
What the hell was this madman trying to say?
"But the one who killed him was the Dragon Slayer, and that was a unilateral act. And it's said that he died clashing with the Rose Knights while chasing you."
That sounded almost like mockery.
"Oh, maybe you don't know? This is secret even inside the royal family…"
In some ways, it sounded like persuasion.
"Apparently you were just busy running away back then."
It sounded like a threat.
"But… aren't you curious why the Rose Knights were there?"
How much did this guy know to say something like that?
Because I couldn't tell whether he meant to persuade or threaten, I found it hard to read his true intent.
Or maybe…
'He's testing how much I know.'
Trying to keep a poker face, the skill ended and everyday noise returned to my ears.
And at the same time—
"You're smarter than other barbarians. You'll surely find out the answer someday."
The vice leader said aloud for all to hear.
"So today, I'll let you pass."
Only then did I realize why he had requested this talk.
He wanted to persuade me.
And in a very forceful way.
"Let you go as is. We have no intention to stop you."
This guy was completely different from anyone I'd met before.
'Ha, I should have just charged him on sight.'
The poison had been poured into the well.
Afterwards, the vice leader gave some orders, and miraculously, a path opened all the way to the city walls.
And if that wasn't enough—
"If you still feel uneasy, we'll just disappear far away to another place."
He even offered to vanish completely.
At first, I couldn't understand what was happening, but calmly putting it together, I realized.
"What kind of conversation did the baron have…?"
"They spoke briefly and then opened the way."
"…Are they planning to deceive and ambush us later?"
"But they even said they'd disappear altogether."
We were truly screwed.
Like some diplomat in Goryeo who stopped an army with a few words.
This guy also trapped me with a few words.
[You're smarter than other barbarians. You'll surely find out the answer someday.]
Even that ominous phrase left loud enough for everyone to hear.
If we cross the walls today without anyone bleeding, the biggest loser will be me.
The royal family will suspect me.
People will suspect me.
They'll think there was some deal for the Noark faction to just let us pass.
Until now, as a noble, I couldn't investigate without cause, but this time there will definitely be a high-level inquiry.
For me and my comrades.
And if that happens?
'It's over.'
The vivid image of that ending squeezed my heart tight.
Thump—!
The vice leader probably didn't know whether I was aware of the Rose Knights' existence.
So he tried to check.
If my knowledge leaked during the investigation, the royal family would take care of me.
If I didn't know, I'd become hostile to them.
Either way, no good.
'What should I do?'
Should I give a blind charge order right now?
While contemplating, the guy smiled and said to me,
"You seem to have difficulty deciding with so many eyes watching. Then we'll be on our way."
Still with that smirk to the end.
"Wait."
I stopped him and quickly sorted out my thoughts.
There was one contradiction in his plan.
I understood that they could gain from just letting us break through the walls…
'But to go this far just for that…?'
Honestly, I still don't get it.
Why give up the 7th District so easily?
Was I really that valuable to them?
What expectations did they have for me?
Then suddenly—
"Ah."
Like lightning, a possibility struck my mind.
What if—
It wasn't because I was valuable, but rather the opposite.
For example, maybe it wasn't me who was valuable, but simply that this 7th District wasn't.
Yeah, so…
'These bastards never cared about the 7th District from the start.'
If I accept that premise, it makes sense.
Could their real goal have been the 13th District?
I don't know for sure, but my intuition says it's probably no different from the 7th.
So there's only one remaining candidate.
"How long do you plan to hesitate—"
"Viphron."
"…!"
Yeah, that's the right answer.
That smirk.
Now I know what to do next.
-x-X-x-
There was a discussion I had with my comrades before.
[It's suspicious that they aimed for two districts simultaneously. Just holding out in one is barely possible…]
[And between the 7th and 13th districts lies Viphron, making defense even harder.]
[…Right. Why would they do that? Could Viphron have some hidden purpose?]
Though we couldn't know for sure, back then we guessed there was some hidden meaning behind their moves.
And our guess proved correct.
Like this.
"…!"
The moment Viphron was mentioned, a look of unhidden embarrassment appeared.
"…What the hell are you talking about all of a sudden—"
Trying to smooth it over like that was already too late.
My suspicion had turned into conviction.
"Looks like we don't have to step aside."
I cut him off.
After all, the answer was already clear.
I don't know what exactly they're hiding in Viphron.
"We're heading to Viphron."
Generally, doing the opposite of what the enemy wants already counts for half a win.
"…"
Seeing him suddenly deep in thought at my words, I realized talking or fighting would make no difference.
Just moments ago, too.
If I hadn't unexpectedly struck a gap, I wouldn't have gotten such a reaction.
"…"
The silence dragged on.
No excuses like why we'd go to Viphron.
No claims that I misunderstood something.
He just quietly watched me from afar, saying nothing.
He must be carefully choosing his words in his head.
But still, it was already too late.
"Now that we're turning back, will you still not try to stop us?"
I smiled.
The vice leader quietly muttered:
"I heard you were clever, but didn't expect this much."
Well, in fairness, so was I.
He was just called the second-in-command of Orculis; never heard he was some kind of strategist.
"So what's your answer?"
I asked boldly.
The vice leader sneered and answered immediately.
"Do as you please. You want to go to Viphron? Then go. We won't stop you."
…A bluff, right?
That was my first suspicion, but not yet certain.
One must keep all possibilities open.
Actually, I was only surprised at the word Viphron; it might not be a problem for them if we head there.
'Hah… here comes the psychological warfare again.'
My head hurt.
Though no physical fight had happened, just talking already showed me he wasn't an easy enemy.
"From now on, the choice is yours."
"…"
"Well, what will it be?"
The vice leader's tone returned to calm.
Maybe he thought he'd regained control.
With all options open, it actually became harder to choose just one.
But…
"Make the right choice. Many lives depend on your choice."
Barbarians don't suffer choice paralysis.
No matter how hard or dangerous, if something must be done, we do it without hesitation.
Ah, of course, we're used to situations with no choices.
"What's with all the chatter? Stop whining."
I said sharply, seeing the vice leader furrow his brow like he didn't understand.
"Choice? Didn't I say before? We're going to Viphron."
He probably didn't know.
From the moment the others tried to sow discord against me, the choice of crossing the walls disappeared for me.
'How can I just walk out like this?'
My baseline is a demon.
During the Ice Rock expedition, I erased the Rose Knights after killing them; most recently, I even tried to steal royal property.
If we give the royal family cause to investigate us in this state, I'll be in more danger than just going to Viphron.
Therefore…
"Well then, since you say you won't stop us, fine. Take care. We're going now."
"…"
"Don't tell me you're changing your mind now?"
I shrugged and asked.
The vice leader responded casually.
"Don't be ridiculous. Words once spoken will be kept."
"Oh, you're manlier than I thought?"
"Manlier than you think…?"
"Haha! Worrying about such petty things isn't manly!"
"…"
"Now then, will you disappear before my eyes? I feel uneasy if you stay here while we turn toward Viphron."
I lowered my voice.
The vice leader paused briefly, seemingly gathering his thoughts, then shouted:
"All units! Move back to the walls!"
The Noark forces facing us murmured confusedly but did not disobey.
"They're really leaving…"
Watching them leave for the walls, I recalled the vice leader's last expression.
Before turning his back, he looked at me with a face that was both mocking and joyful.
Maybe because I saw it too?
"…Are you really heading to Viphron?"
Amelia asked me worriedly.
"…Is this the right choice? Feels like we're being lured there…"
Versil cautiously voiced concern.
But…
'Lured? Not at all.'
I saw his expression at the end and understood.
I shook off the last hesitation and turned my back toward the opposite side of the walls.
"What are you waiting for? Follow me quickly! We're heading to Viphron now!"
Whatever it is, we'll find out when we get there.
Why do they hate the idea of us going there so much?
Roland Banossant, vice leader of Orculis.
He let out a bitter laugh seeing the walls below, now completely empty.
"…They really left."
A woman in alluring attire approached him.
"Vice leader, are you okay? Are they really letting us go without doing anything?"
Rilanne Vivian.
Once a promising talent of the Mage Tower, she became a dark sorceress after repeated forbidden magic experiments.
Even before turning to dark magic, she was said to be cruel with both her hands and personality.
Her usual mischievousness remained.
"Just going so suddenly, you're surprised?"
"…"
"Ah, look at that surprised face. Always acting smart, but didn't expect them to really leave, huh?"
Banossant disliked this type of person.
Or rather, hated them.
But…
'Still useful.'
With a gentle smile, he answered the woman.
"Ha, who can know everything? But from how you say it, Miss Vivian, you must have guessed."
"No? How could I guess? They even offered to send us back to the city, yet I never expected that decision."
"…"
"But shouldn't we follow them now? If something goes wrong in Viphron, it'd be bad for us too."
Banossant nodded bitterly.
Despite the light tone, Vivian was no fool.
As she said, having an unpredictable figure like Baron Yandel enter Viphron was definitely not a good thing.
"But following now is even more dangerous. If they leave the walls empty, the royal # Nоvеlight # family will notice. It's not time to give up the 7th district yet."
"Still, pretending to be fine with letting them go so easily isn't right, is it?"
Vivian said sarcastically; Banossant just smiled indifferently.
"True. I'm regretting it too."
"Ah, so it feels like I'm bothering you. I'm just curious. Why did our clever vice leader do that?"
After persistent questioning aimed at getting an answer, he finally replied reluctantly.
"Miss Vivian, ordinary people can't make such bold choices in such situations, especially when there's so much to lose."
It wasn't a throwaway line.
He had seen many people and many choices.
Or rather, observed them carefully.
His nickname 'Mana Master' came from this.
Most think it's because of his powers, but it was just coincidence.
At first, he had no such powers.
He was just naturally skilled at reading others' thoughts since childhood.
"But wow, our vice leader really is a smarty-pants, huh?"
Vivian sneered at his serious answer, and Banossant frowned in displeasure.
Perhaps realizing he'd crossed a line, he added:
"Because ordinary people do that."
"…"
"But Bjorn Yandel isn't an ordinary person, right?"
Vivian quickly added and shrugged, then left, while Banossant quietly chuckled.
"Not ordinary, huh…"
He first learned of Bjorn Yandel when he earned a baron title after his achievements at the Goblin Forest battle.
At that time, he just thought Bjorn was a strange guy.
Honestly, it was just luck, not someone to be feared.
But what about now?
Bjorn Yandel had grown into one of the kingdom's most notable figures.
And…
'I've lost count how many times now.'
For some reason, Bjorn kept clashing with people.
Like with the Dragon Slayer, Regal Bagos.
After he regained his memory, how shocked he was to hear that the Bjorn Yandel he met in the labyrinth was the same.
Even back then, before gaining fame or title.
'Is this fate…?'
I'm not superstitious, but he had a strong feeling.
Bjorn Yandel would continue to be a major obstacle.
"First, I must report to the leader."
Having finished his thoughts, he used a communication device to inform the leader in the 13th district.
After reporting, he looked at the empty walls and recalled his conversation with the Dragon Slayer.
[Hmm, you want me to talk about Bjorn Yandel?]
The Dragon Slayer, who was rapidly growing, had gathered various information from his regained memories.
Among them was this advice.
[…Vice leader, one more thing.]
At the time, he thought it was just nonsense advice.
[It's better not to talk with that guy.]
Now, he seemed to understand a bit.
[The moment you start talking, everything will go according to his plan—even without you realizing.]
Why he said that then…
-x-X-x-
Originally classified as part of the city area of 'Lavigion,' it has now been designated a no-entry zone, and even the dimensional plaza there has disappeared.
In fact, this place was once considered as a possible escape route.
Once we crossed into Viphron, going from Viphron to District 4 was one option.
"But there's an active protective magic circle in Viphron, so crossing the walls by normal means is impossible."
"That's not a problem. Using a secret passage in the sewers, we can enter inside even with the magic circle active."
"There's something like that…?"
"Yes. I was exiled for twenty days once, and happened to find out about it then."
Incidentally, it was Amelia who told me about that passage.
"Oh! That time! I remember now! I was really worried back then…"
Anyway, despite knowing a way to Viphron, this route was ultimately not chosen.
The sewers were crawling with troops.
So it was judged better to target the city walls instead.
If we were to break through the sewers, it would be more rational to head straight into the city without passing through Viphron.
Above all, there were problems with Viphron itself.
"Vip-Viphron, you say?"
"…Going there feels too unsettling."
"We don't even have an antidote right now!"
To carry out the escape plan, troops were needed, but most explorers found Viphron extremely uncomfortable.
Well, even I would probably feel that way if asked to enter a radioactive area without protective gear.
'…It's not like there's no witch's poison here either.'
Though I knew outside the walls was fine, as a noble I couldn't say that to them.
There's a clear difference between rumors spreading and an official noble stating it.
'…Well, come to think of it, it's probably not entirely untrue.'
Outside is fine.
But in Viphron, people get sick and die every day from the witch's poison.
So how did this happen?
'The royal family must be poisoning or spraying it.'
For those reasons, the simple plan to go through Viphron was withdrawn.
But now the situation was different.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaaah!!"
Shouting battle cries, we dashed through the sewers.
The low ceiling prevented using [Giant Form], so we couldn't go all out, but it didn't bother us much.
The terrain affected the enemies just the same.
Kraaaang!
They couldn't use destructive magic or psychic powers fearing the collapsed terrain.
Also, it wasn't an open area, so we didn't need to block dozens of attacks at once.
For a shield barbarian with some level of training, it was quite manageable…
Still, it felt a bit unfair.
'They said they wouldn't stop us going to Viphron.'
Was that promise only for the troops stationed at the walls? Or did the communication between them fail, and the message never got through?
I didn't know, but the troops in the sewers relentlessly attacked us as soon as we descended.
"D-Don't stop us, just back off! Keep your distance!"
"Aaaah!"
I took it upon myself to clear the way to the secret passage, but losses still occurred.
The situation was similar to the crystal cave on the 1st floor.
The sewer's labyrinthine tunnels were like ant nests, with attacks from flanks and rear, causing casualties among those following.
The current members weren't elite single fighters like during Ice Rock.
Lower-level explorers operating below the 3rd floor had almost no chance of surviving such large-scale combat on their own.
Thump—
I felt like smoking a cigarette, though I never did in life.
'…How many have died?'
There can be no sacrifice-free path.
That's ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) how brutal this world is.
Though knowing this better than anyone, decisions like this always weigh heavy on the heart.
It's all the fault of the Noark bastards.
I bear no blame.
Still, I can't help but think.
'…If I had just climbed the walls when the way was open, some people might not have had to die.'
Of course, I don't regret my decision.
I just feel I must live harder from now on.
If I were a bigger person, I wouldn't have had to give up anything.
Yeah, so…
Crunch—
I pushed forward with my shield against my shoulder.
Though it was something I'd repeated many times through countless hardships, this time it felt different.
Was it too easy?
"…What is this!"
"Fall back! Fall back…!!"
With Aegis's barrier, there was no way to stop me in the narrow corridor.
Because the moment the guard succeeds, a barbarian rushing in with no damage taken is unstoppable.
"Yandel! Stop!"
I only ended my sprint after hearing Amelia's shout.
"We've arrived."
I hadn't realized it while bursting through.
After reaching the secret passage entrance leading to Viphron, it got much easier.
There were no troops waiting in the passage, and no pursuers followed, as if they gave up.
Thanks to that, we slowed down and moved more comfortably…
"How's the damage so far?"
I heard the report from Versil, who managed personnel overall.
Of course, even Versil didn't know the exact numbers.
But…
"Looks like most casualties are among explorers below rank 7. We tried to assign them safer places, but…"
"I see."
"Still, thanks to Yandel opening the way, the damage was limited to this."
Just from the estimated figures, a bitter feeling welled up.
I should be numb to this by now.
Maybe it's menopause, but I increasingly don't see these numbers as mere numbers.
"…Yandel, what are you thinking?"
"Nothing."
"…"
Anyway, after moving along the secret passage for a while, we reached the sewer area of Viphron.
And then…
"Yandel, people."
As soon as we entered the sewer area, we met unfamiliar figures.
Fortunately, they weren't Noark troops…
"B-Boss?"
Surprisingly, they were people I knew.
"Boss? You don't mean—?"
I immediately reached out, grabbed a head of hair, and pulled off a wig to reveal a man with a familiar jellyfish cut.
His name was…
"…Jingjing?"
"Yes, yes! It's me! Jingkasar Peljain! Your faithful right hand!"
Right hand or not, I didn't know his real name well.
He was the one who tended to me when I stayed in Viphron years ago.
Though it was good to see him, it was still…
"So what have you been doing here alone?"
"Well… the atmosphere felt bad. I was looking for a way to escape Viphron."
Well, he knew about the secret passage thanks to me.
I told him to stay ready and live properly, but he hadn't come until now due to busy circumstances.
Anyway, now that things had happened, he was looking for a way out alone…
"Left your subordinates behind and came alone?"
I frowned in disdain, and Jingjing hurriedly defended himself.
"No, no way! I've changed a lot since then!"
Hmm, really?
He did seem sharper than before…
"What would I do surviving alone? I don't have much time left… I was planning to find the passage, get out, and check on things!"
"Oh, so that's how you've changed…"
"…What? So what's changed…?"
"Forget it. I have some questions, so answer them."
Meeting a local in the sewers, I quickly checked the city situation.
Maybe the Noark bastards had invaded this area already.
But…
"Noark… you mean? Ah, is this whole chaos caused by them?"
Jingjing didn't even realize the current situation was due to Noark.
The royal family hadn't told him anything?
"Well… suddenly there was a commotion; soldiers locked the checkpoint doors and told us to wait, then no contact. But we heard sounds of fighting near the walls… The residents were very anxious."
Even for Viphron, that was harsh.
It's war, but could they not at least say it was war?
"So that's why you said you were going out to get news, not escape."
"Yes… I didn't know it was so bad outside. No-Noark invaded? How serious is it?"
"The 7th and 13th districts were taken by them. We barely escaped the 7th."
"Th-That…!"
Jingjing's mouth dropped at the news of two districts falling, but there was no time to wait for him to recover.
"Follow me for now. We'll talk on the way."
While moving, Jingjing told me what he knew.
From any suspicious newcomers to how the city had changed since I left.
"Viphron, you say…? Ah! Following your orders, all supplies entering the distribution center are shared equally. No difference between adults or children."
"Good."
"The atmosphere has changed a lot too. If there are leftover goods at the distribution center, everyone asks the guards to exchange them for books…"
"Exchange for books?"
"Yes… Even if not books, they teach children whatever skills they have without holding back."
"Why?"
"…At least the children should be able to live in the city. As for us, there's not much time left…"
At those words, I stopped and looked at Jingjing.
"…What's your name?"
"Ji-Jingkasar Peljain."
"Jingkasar Peljain. You've changed a lot too."
He flinched slightly at having his name called for the first time and gave a self-deprecating smile.
"How many years has it been…"
"Yeah."
"Yes… Even the boss has changed. You recently became a baron… Ah, here! This leads directly to the plaza!"
After exiting to the surface via a shortcut the local knew, Viphron appeared familiar yet somehow strange.
"…This place changed a lot."
Much cleaner, perhaps?
The closed dimensional plaza here used to be a ruin when I last came.
"It's thanks to everyone's hard work…"
Jingjing said, but it was clear he had worked the hardest.
"Peljain-nim!"
"Wow! It's Peljain-ssi!"
"Uncle!! …Huh?"
Children playing in the plaza greeted Jingjing warmly as soon as they saw him.
That lasted until they noticed me and the hundreds of explorers from the 7th district behind me.
"Don't be afraid! This is Bjorn, son of Yandel, the giant baron!"
Huh?
"Waaah, really?"
"The giant baron! The giant baron!!"
"Waaaah!"
For some reason, hearing my name excited the children even more, and they ran up to me.
It wasn't unfamiliar.
City children liked both 'big things' and 'explorers.' Wherever I went after gaining fame, I received such attention.
But…
"Giant Baron! Thank you!"
I think that was the first time I'd heard such words.
"Thank you…?"
Hearing my mumble, Jingjing looked awkward.
"I told the children a lot about you, boss. That you're the hero who saved the city…"
"You did something pointless."
"Children need hope. Besides, it's not a lie, right?"
"…?"
"Viphron changed like this because of you, boss."
"…Ahem."
He's changed, but now just flatters a lot.
He wasn't like this before.
"All units, halt!"
Having arrived at our destination, I began reorganizing.
The wounded were laid in the plaza to be treated by the clergy, and those able were asked to investigate the surroundings.
And then…
"Peljain, you come with me."
I took only Jingjing with me toward the checkpoint in District 4.
Since it wasn't occupied like the 7th or 13th, I thought we might contact the city through here.
But…
"…No one's here."
What was going on?
No response even when shouting and pounding the walls.
Even revealing my name and identity, no reaction.
"This checkpoint has long been closed…"
"I know it's closed."
"Then why is it like this…?"
Given the situation, I supposed no one was stationed here normally, but under these circumstances, it would be strange if it was completely unmanned.
"Hoo…"
This was quite troublesome.
I'd expected to get out safely to the city or make contact via this checkpoint.
But all such hopes were dashed.
'There are so many parts I just don't understand.'
Why did the royal family simply neglect this area?
If I were commander, I'd have activated this checkpoint and deployed troops to Viphron, extending the front line around the 7th and 13th districts.
'…And what about those Noark bastards?'
They didn't station troops in Viphron at all despite holding the 7th district.
It's as if the royal family was confident no attack would come from that direction.
"…"
But the more questions grew, one thing became certain.
Viphron hid a secret I did not know.
Yeah, so…
Tap, tap.
It's time to find out what it is.
-x-X-x-
Viphron is an abandoned city.
Originally it was District 14 of Lavigion, a residential area with a dimensional plaza, but long ago the protective magic circle that blocked the witch's poison malfunctioned, and the entire district was sealed off.
And…
'It became a detention center.'
The royal family, thinking it a waste to just abandon a city district, separated District 14 and gave it the new name "Viphron," turning it into a city with a different purpose.
Dreamers who longed for revolution.
Thinkers with progressive ideas.
Or those dissatisfied with the city's system itself.
The royal family locked up all those "reactionaries" in Viphron, and as a result, gained far more than simply hanging them.
But…
'Right now, from the royal family's point of view, it's probably an uneasy situation.'
The Noark bastards going outside the walls proved it.
That the witch's poison that melts the body isn't anywhere out there at all.
Well, ordinary citizens lack access to information and only consider it an urban legend.
Anyway.
"Hoo…"
That's all I know about Viphron for now.
So what made Viphron so important?
Is it politically significant for the royal family?
Is that why Noark is trying to use it?
At first, that was my immediate thought, but the longer I pondered, the less it seemed right.
Because it didn't add up.
If that were true, the royal family would have sent troops to Viphron or done something to protect it.
They're not stupid, and I don't think they missed what I'm thinking.
'…Something should come up during investigation.'
With that in mind, even after leaving the checkpoint, I continued investigating Viphron.
I formed search parties to examine the city everywhere and asked residents if there were any legends or stories passed down.
Also…
Swoooosh!
I climbed the city walls, which I hadn't checked before because of the knights.
Somehow, I was with comrades.
"Wow…"
"This is different from what I imagined as a child. I thought it'd be filled with darkness and barren land…"
"Yeah. It somehow looks very peaceful…"
The view from the towering walls was beyond breathtaking.
The dense forests, mountains, and valleys hinted that beyond the unseen horizon lay vibrant, living nature.
"Uncle, shall we just jump down from here?"
"W-What…?"
"Just thinking. What difference does it make if we go out there? Noark or the royal family…"
It didn't feel like nonsense.
I, too, felt a similar impulse the moment I looked below the walls.
What would really happen if we just went outside?
If we aren't returning to the original world anyway.
Wouldn't that also be a way?
Then there'd be no need to desperately push forward to reach the Abyssal Gate, no need to open your eyes wide and fear the royal family's watchful gaze, no need to desperately grow stronger.
No need to lose something just to move forward.
All of it would disappear.
As that feeling bloomed, I slowly shook my head.
"It probably won't work."
"Huh?"
"The protective magic circle should still be working."
"Huh? But I heard Viphron's magic circle was broken…"
"How can you believe what the royal family says?"
I told Elwen to shoot an arrow outside.
She tensed, drew the bowstring.
Thwack!
The arrow flew with a dull sound, struck empty air, and fell.
"So it's still intact."
"…Yeah."
Elwen, disappointed, asked with a straight face.
"But if you shoot harder, couldn't a gap form?"
"You can try, but I doubt it. The protective magic circle is the legacy of the greatest sage, Gavrilius."
Though I didn't say it, there's no guarantee that going outside will bring the life I want.
Isn't that obvious?
Why did the Noark bastards who went outside the walls return to the city?
There must have ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) been a reason.
And not only that…
'Running away doesn't suit me.'
Living as a barbarian, my body and mind have completely adapted.
I don't want to run and hide like medieval slash-and-burn farmers.
Or rather…
'It's better to overturn everything.'
It's much better to have no reason to run.
Frankly, if I smashed everything and became king, I wouldn't have to live in some empty wasteland.
Well, realistically, that might be impossible…
'Hmm… maybe not entirely impossible?'
Thinking that, I might truly be a barbarian now.
On the second day after I blindly began investigating the city called "Viphron" in every direction, I unexpectedly met an old acquaintance.
"You've grown a lot."
"Hello, Baron."
The ten-year-old kid who boldly approached me the day I was exiled to Viphron, offering to guide me for 100 stones.
That kid had grown into a fresh-faced youth.
I wouldn't have recognized him before he greeted me.
"You were eleven then, right?"
"You remember…"
"They said qualification certification can be done at fourteen."
"Yes, that's right."
"But why are you still here?"
He smiled wryly and shrugged.
"I failed. To prove my worth."
"…I see."
"I think there just wasn't enough time. I'm sure it wasn't from lack of effort."
"So you're trying again?"
"You really don't know, Baron? Qualification certification can only be done once, at fourteen. If you don't get out then, the chance is gone forever."
His matter-of-fact attitude made it hard for me to say anything.
I suppose it's kind of sad.
Ah, maybe I should just say it honestly.
"That's unfortunate."
"No. I think it's better this way now."
"…?"
"Lately, I've been helping younger kids pass certification. So that at least they can get out."
"Don't you feel wronged?"
He just smiled gently at my question, said he only came to say hello, and left after thanking me for remembering.
He said it was time to teach the younger kids.
I asked if there were any rumors or mysterious places inside Viphron, but he said no.
'There really is nothing here…'
The more I investigated, the more impatient I became.
Honestly, I thought something would show up if I searched thoroughly.
"Versil, how's contact with outside? Still difficult?"
"Yes. It's not easy. The protective magic circle acts almost like a dimensional disconnect."
"I see."
"The only way is physical communication. No matter how much we wave flags from the walls, no one pays attention. For some reason, houses near the walls are empty, and there's no one on the streets. It's like everyone evacuated."
"Evacuated…"
The longer time passes, the more I wonder about the situation outside rather than inside.
Huff.
I got up from the bed, put on my coat, and went outside.
My body was stiff, and sleep wouldn't come no matter how I closed my eyes, so I thought to take a walk.
Tap, tap.
Though Viphron was somewhat cleaner, the streets at night felt different from other districts.
First of all, it was too dark.
As a city overwhelmingly lacking resources, that was an inevitable characteristic of its nighttime streets.
'Well, it's quiet and quaint, so it's nice.'
As I walked along the night streets, I arrived at the outer city walls.
I hadn't intended to come here.
I considered turning back, but my curiosity about the view outside the walls at night made me climb up.
Swoosh!
The cool night air.
But the night view from the walls was completely unlike what I expected.
"Nothing to see."
Just darkness stretched below.
Looking down, I felt as if something might leap out and pull me in.
'…The sky's just black too.'
Few stars were visible, maybe I picked a bad night.
I was about to just get some fresh air and head home.
Tap.
I sensed movement behind me.
Even my dull barbarian senses could tell it was unmistakable.
Whirl.
I turned and saw a hooded figure standing like a ghost on the walls.
"Baron Yandel, listen."
There was no need to ask who it was.
The wind was howling fiercely.
Swoosh!
Through the gap in the hood: light armor.
A dagger hanging from the belt.
And a woman.
"What business does the Rose Knights have here?"
I asked bluntly, and she pulled out a rolled-up scroll from her bosom.
"It's a royal order."
Huh, what is this business at such a late hour?
The royal order delivered suddenly by the Rose Knight under the moonless night was very brief.
To summarize…
"We will temporarily open the checkpoint at District 4. Escape through that gap quickly."
"My duty is only to deliver this."
"So stiff."
I joked, but she didn't answer.
No idle talk with her, it seemed.
Well, not that I had no ways.
"Isn't it your duty to deliver the king's message? Then answer me. The scroll says to bring me and the explorers from the 7th district."
"What do you want to ask?"
"Do we not have to bring the residents of Viphron?"
"Affirmative."
"Why?"
"That's a strange question. They don't have permission to enter the residential area anyway."
"What if we want to take them?"
"That assumption is meaningless. As I said, they don't have permission."
In other words, they mean to stop it by any means.
And the problem is, this opponent wasn't the type to use brute force to get her way.
"Or do you intend to defy the royal order?"
"Not at all. Just curious."
"Then it's settled. Lead the explorers from the 7th district to the checkpoint at the appointed time."
I asked other questions but got no proper answers.
"Why is the District 4 checkpoint still closed? You could attack the 7th and 13th districts via Viphron."
"I don't know."
"When did you find out we were in Viphron?"
"I don't know."
"It seems Noark is up to something with Viphron. Does the royal family know?"
"I don't know."
"You know nothing, huh?"
I asked sarcastically, and she smiled slightly.
I didn't give up and asked again.
"Then what's your name? Surely you have one."
"I don't know."
Huh… She's really tough.
Sensing a formidable opponent, I spoke provocatively.
"What if you don't come to the checkpoint at the appointed time? Not that you're breaking the royal order, but what if something happens?"
She didn't react much.
Just seemed to think a moment…
"Do you see that star?"
She pointed at the night sky with her finger.
"…So?"
"From up there, we would look as small as that. Even if that's you, the giant baron."
What is she trying to say?
I frowned pretending not to understand, but I roughly got it.
From the royal family's view, I'm a tiny insignificant being.
"There's only one thing the baron needs to know. To not break the royal order and bring the people to the checkpoint on time."
Most people would have stayed silent at that line, but I tilted my head like a barbarian.
"…So what if we can't go?"
You're not easy to talk to, and neither am I.
Maybe annoyed or just curious about my persistence, she stared at me and said coldly:
"You must come. For your own sake."
No explanations, just a high-handed command.
But from those last words, I felt instinctively…
"You…"
"…"
"You don't intend to blow Viphron to pieces, do you?"
Usually, such hunches are right.
-x-X-x-
An unknown Rose Knight whom I didn't even know the name of.
She disappeared before I could even grab her after I finished my questions, as if she were a ghost.
As expected, I couldn't get any answer this time either.
But….
Thump—
The warrior's heart instinctively senses danger and starts pounding fiercely.
Is this guess true?
Or am I wrong?
Right now, I can't tell.
However, there's a big question about the royal family's plan to completely wipe out Viphron.
'Noark.'
Does Noark know about this plan?
Judging by how no significant troops were placed along the walls connected to Viphron,
They must know something…
'What exactly are both sides aiming for?'
My head feels like it's about to explode.
One thought after another keeps coming without rest.
And how much time has passed?
"Hah…"
I don't know.
I thought maybe some brilliant idea would suddenly come to me if I kept at it.
Whoosh—!
I soon turned my back to the fiercely blowing night wind and descended from the city wall.
Unfortunately, the time I was given wasn't much.
That's because the time the Rose Knight told me was running out.
'12 hours…'
Does this even make sense?
After the dawn and past noon, one city district will explode.
Ah, well, the explosion is still just my guess.
Thunk.
Because time was short, I descended the wall somewhat, then jumped down from a suitable height.
Kraaang—!
The landing made a rather loud noise, but…
'Well, everyone has to get up anyway.'
What else could I do when the landlord tells you to leave the room?
Better get out quickly.
Taking everything I needed.
No matter how much I thought about it, there was something hidden in Viphron that I didn't know.
But….
'Let's give up here.'
After days of investigation, there was zero meaningful result.
If I had somehow discovered something inside, the story would be different, but in the current state, there was no choice.
Leave Viphron as ordered by the royal family.
However, there was one problem here too.
[A strange question. They never gave permission to enter the residential area in the first place.]
The Rose Knight who brought the king's message said:
Only those from District 7 were allowed to evacuate, and the residents of Viphron could not be taken out.
In other words, this city—already abandoned once—is about to be abandoned to us again…
'This is easy. This problem.'
Finding a solution wasn't difficult.
So….
"Bo, boss? What brings you here at this hour…?"
After descending from the city wall, I went straight to Jingkasar's house and said.
"Gather all the residents of Viphron immediately. Not a single one missing."
"Huh…?"
"There's no time, so I'll explain everything once everyone's gathered. Hurry up and gather them. Also tell them not to take anything unnecessary."
They probably didn't understand my words but could tell I was serious.
"…We have to leave?"
"Yes."
"I'll gather them quickly! H-How much time do we have?"
"Before 9 a.m. But the sooner the better. I'll gather our people, so you just gather the residents from Viphron."
"Yes!"
Jingkasar, woken abruptly, said he understood when I told him the exact time, threw on his coat, and rushed out breathlessly.
And then….
"A Rose Knight came to you?"
"Yes. They said they would open the District 4 checkpoint around noon and told us to get out quickly."
"Anything else?"
"Oh, they also said the residents of Viphron cannot be brought out."
"...I don't think you just said 'okay' to that with your personality?"
"No, I just said okay."
"...?"
"Don't worry. There's a way."
After sharing the conversation with my comrades, I asked to gather the explorers from District 7.
And how much time passed?
At the Dimensional Plaza, the agreed meeting place, explorers and Viphron residents started to gather one by one.
"I… I came because it's urgent…"
"Does anyone know what's going on?"
"Peljain said we have to leave immediately…"
Because we hadn't gotten a proper explanation yet, the plaza where people gathered became chaotic.
Instead of calming and explaining to them, I proceeded with preparations that had to be done before noon.
Better to solve the cause than waste time sympathizing and worrying, right?
"Paper! Gather all clean sheets of paper!"
"Everyone who can write, gather!"
Anyway, since there was much to prepare, I wasn't enough alone—I gathered whoever I could and put them to work.
Ah, of course, since writing was a prerequisite, Ainard was excluded…
"Ainard! Didn't you say you've been learning to write for three years?"
"Ha, haha! Misha! There's no end to learning!"
Ainard still can only read.
Honestly, I don't understand why he can read but can't write.
Anyway.
One hour, two hours, three hours…
The tight time passed quickly, and by dawn, everyone in the city had gathered in the plaza.
So….
"Everyone, gather! The Baron has something to say!"
Now it was time to explain the current situation to everyone.
Actually, I could have told them earlier…
But there was no need to repeat the same thing twice.
"Ahem."
Without preparing a podium, I grew in size using [Giant Form] and looked down at the crowd of over a thousand.
And then….
"I won't say much! The royal family contacted us last night!"
I started with the core to raise attention.
"Oooooh!"
"The royal family contacted us!"
"Does this mean we can get out now?"
As expected, the crowd reacted strongly.
But the strange thing is, after giving so many speeches like this, it became too easy to lead the crowd to the reaction I wanted.
'…I wonder if others do this too?'
I don't know, but for now, I had to focus on the speech.
"That's right! The royal family said they would open the District 4 checkpoint so we can get out of the city!"
Since I said all the main points…
"Ooooooh!"
"We're saved—!"
"But!"
Time for a twist.
Usually, hearing bad news first makes good news sound better.
"Damn it, the royal family said not everyone can go together."
The plaza fell silent for a moment at my words, cutting through the cheers.
"...?"
Thousands of faces filled with doubt and confusion.
One Viphron resident locked eyes with me and asked.
"Not everyone can go together…? What does that mean?"
"Exactly. The royal family said they would only accept those from District 7."
"T-Then, does that mean we're an exception?"
"Yes. They said the residents of Viphron cannot be brought out."
At least in this moment, name tags weren't necessary.
Just by looking at the dense crowd's expressions, you could tell who were Viphron residents and who were from District 7.
"...!!!"
The Viphron residents' eyes widened at my definite answer, which was practically a death sentence.
"..."
The District 7 explorers didn't know how to react; their expressions speechless. The mood clearly split between joy and sorrow.
Amid that atmosphere,
"Then! Then why did you call us here!!"
Someone in the crowd shouted angrily.
"If you're just going to abandon us! Why call us here!"
The tone had lost all politeness.
Well, I couldn't blame them.
People driven to the edge of a cliff naturally react that way.
Yeah, so…
"Well, I intend to take you with us."
I said with a grin, as if it was all a joke, and the man who was shouting looked dumbfounded.
"...Huh?"
"Are you deaf?"
"N-No, that's not it… The royal family clearly said they wouldn't accept us…"
Ah, that.
Surely it was hard for them to understand.
Breaking the royal family's word in this bizarre city was an utterly absurd thing to do.
Viphron's residents had personally lived through what happens when you defy the royal family.
"That's right. And I said I'm going to take you all with me."
"…B-But! Aren't you a baron?"
"Baron? That's true. But what exactly do you want to say?"
At my question, the man looked up at me.
And then….
"Why…?"
The man asked me with trembling eyes.
"Why /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ are you going so far for us?"
Ironically,
It was a question I had asked myself as well.
What I'm doing now is definitely not something the royal family will look kindly on…
And it will make it harder for me to gain standing in noble society later.
So why did I make this decision?
Why was I able to end my doubts so easily?
Thinking about it, the answer was simple.
"Because I just wanted to."
"Huh…?"
"Why can't I?"
"No, no, I didn't mean that…"
"Anyway, that's all for now. To leave on time, prepare and follow instructions to fill out the papers! That's it!"
I ended the announcement there, and the residents sequentially signed documents under my comrades' guidance.
And when it was all over,
'That was close.'
The promised time arrived, and the checkpoint's doors opened.
Creak—!
The long-closed checkpoint doors slowly opened with a stiff noise.
Gulp—!
The crowd gathered in front of the checkpoint swallowed nervously and focused their attention.
And amidst this,
Clank, clank.
Knights bearing the royal crest on their chests marched out with the clang of metal, forming a line at the checkpoint entrance, creating a path.
As if waiting for someone to follow.
"Sh-She's coming…!"
Indeed, a whisper echoed as a woman appeared passing through the checkpoint between the knights.
Step, step.
The woman wore the same knight uniform as the others.
But it was obvious at a glance that it was a disguise.
After all, it was the Rose Knight I had seen yesterday.
"A person…"
The woman slowly scanned the crowd gathered in front of the checkpoint and stopped her gaze on me.
"More people than expected?"
Her eyes conveyed a meaning like 'What trick is this?'
But there was no reason for me to be intimidated.
Well, I wasn't breaking any laws.
"Why are there so many people? Is there a problem?"
At my cheeky question, the woman shook her head expressionlessly.
"No."
"..."
"There's no way anyone without permission will cross this gate anyway."
Though unexpected, she said it calmly and without excitement, which was rather chilling.
I guess these women aren't easy to underestimate.
Ah, but that last statement was exactly what I had led her to say.
"Then that's good. No one without permission will cross this gate anyway."
I grinned and asked, and this time the woman furrowed her brow, genuinely puzzled.
"What do you mean, Baron?"
Instead of answering, I took out one of the prepared documents and showed it to her, and the woman's tone faltered.
"This is…"
Heh heh, she didn't expect this—.
"What is this?"
Ah, she didn't yet understand what this document meant.
Well, if I hadn't listened to all the rumors and investigated Viphron, I would never have come up with this solution.
Besides the qualification to leave at age fourteen, there was exactly one other way for Viphron natives to obtain entry permits.
Smirk.
I explained the meaning of the document to the woman without hiding my victor's smile.
"An employment contract."
"Employment contract…?"
"Simply put, it means they have now become vassals of our Yandel family."
Oh, and by the way, there's no salary.