SGB: Episode 153

Episode 153: Barbarian Lord (5)

There are three main advantages to becoming the chieftain.

First, I wouldn’t have to hide the fact that I received an oracle.

And I would be able to change the barbarian’s irrational system, which has been declining for decades, as I see fit…

‘And I would be able to use the barbarian’s Genesis Artifact as I please when I retrieve it.’

For reference, it’s not because I’m the chieftain that it’s okay.

It’s just a matter of changing the tribe’s rules beforehand.

Although barbarians are a conservative tribe that values tradition, they’ve been gradually progressing thanks to a few chieftains.

Using honorifics and showing respect only to the King.

Acknowledging the existence of evil spirits and sending corpses to the Grand Temple.

Even the fact that warriors living in the city, not the sanctuary, has become commonplace is a recent development compared to their long history.

Has it been about 600 years?

‘In the past, they even prohibited removing essences at the temple at the tribal level.’

Honestly, it’s absurd that they’ve only changed this much in thousands of years…

But it’s more accurate to say that no one suitable has appeared yet than that the chieftain doesn’t have the authority.

The chieftain has absolute power over the tribe’s affairs, and warriors tend to trust and follow his words.

Because they think the chieftain is smarter than them.

Well, there will inevitably be opposition when reforms begin, but that’s something that can be gradually changed over time.

‘Not bad.’

Although the shaman’s words sound absurd at first…

…the more I think about it, the more it seems like a very rational option.

The problem is that it would take at least a few years to become the chieftain through normal means.

‘They say the current chieftain was an 8th-floor explorer.’

I don’t know exactly what rank he was.

But it’s clear that it would take a long time to reach his level in terms of strength.

However…

‘I don’t necessarily have to reach the 8th floor.’

I think the cutoff line would be around the 6th floor.

Not all previous chieftains were as strong as the current one. Even if their strength was lacking, they could still be elected as chieftain if they had good leadership and judgment.

‘I need to start building a support base from now on. Even if I don’t become the chieftain, having influence within the tribe will definitely be helpful.’

Just as I’m finishing organizing my thoughts…

“Warrior, you seem to have a lot on your mind. Leave now, I’m hungry.”

“Ah, uh… alright. Enjoy your meal.”

Geez, he was the one who ignited the fire in my heart.

Rumble, rumble.

And I’m hungry too…

_______________________

Around 9:00 AM.

I leave the shaman’s tent and check the time, smiling bitterly.

‘Somehow, it feels like I waste a whole day every time I come here.’

Still, since I completely passed out and woke up, my body feels more refreshed than when I woke up at night.

It’s enough to just start my day.

In that sense, I grab a passing elder and ask,

“Do you happen to know where Ainar is?”

“I haven’t seen her since yesterday in the Warrior’s Forest.”

Hmm, don’t tell me she’s still there?

I’m a bit worried, so I head towards the forest where the funeral was held yesterday.

And after some time…

…I see Ainar lying in the bushes.

“Chomp! Bjo, Bjorn?”

“Did you sleep here?”

“I, I didn’t mean to…”

Ainar averts her gaze, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand as if embarrassed that she was sleeping.

Unfortunately, her gaze lands on Kiduba.

“Ah…”

Ainar lets out a short sigh as if waking up from a dream and facing reality. And after a moment of silence, she speaks cautiously,

“Um, Bjorn…”

“Speak.”

“Do you have anything to eat?”

Right, that’s more like a barbarian.

I chuckle and put down my backpack.

And we share the preserved food I brought from the labyrinth.

“Are you feeling better now?”

“I’m still a bit annoyed, but I feel much better.”

“Annoyed?”

“You deceived me. If you had told me honestly, I wouldn’t have shown such an unsightly side of myself. Kiduba practically made me look like a coward in front of everyone.”

Ainar snorts angrily, as if she’s truly annoyed.

It’s a bit strange.

That she’s already overcome her grief and reached this stage in just one day.

“More importantly, Bjorn, did something happen to you?”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s just a feeling. Your expression seems darker than when I last saw you. If it’s because of me, you don’t have to feel that way.”

My expression is dark…

“…Don’t worry, it’s not because of you.”

“Then who is it because of?”

“That’s…”

I consider making an excuse, but I stop.

“It’s probably because a companion died.”

“…So that happened. Is it okay if I ask what happened?”

I briefly explain what happened during this expedition. Unlike usual, Ainar listens quietly without any exclamations.

And when I’m done…

“Liol Wobu Dwarkey…”

Ainar quietly repeats the name as if trying to memorize it, then lets out a short sigh of regret.

“I wish I had met him…”

Ainar and Dwarkey…

It’s hard to imagine them together, but Dwarkey was even best friends with the dwarf.

I suddenly have the thought that they might have gotten along well.

Well, it’s meaningless now.

“More importantly, Bjorn, how about we spar?”

Ainar suddenly gets up and makes an unexpected suggestion.

“I’m curious if I’ve become a warrior who won’t hold you back.”

“You mean you want to join my team?”

“If you think I’m qualified.”

Is this what they call being a barbarian?

I’m quite impressed by her straightforwardness, not even trying to appeal to our friendship.

But I have to separate business from personal matters.

“Ainar, there’s only one spot left besides the mage position. And I was planning to put a mage in that spot.”

“Speak plainly.”

“It means give it your all.”

I grin and repeat myself, and Ainar answers,

“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”

A greatsword, which has appeared in her hand, is already swinging towards my neck.

____________________

Tank, melee damage dealer, ranged damage dealer, mage.

The essential positions are already filled.

However, thanks to the bear-like man being a Guide, the scout position is vacant.

It’s a bonus spot.

The class I put in that spot will determine the identity of the team I’m building.

Two mages for burst damage, two ranged damage dealers for sustained damage…

…or two melee damage dealers for stability and hunting speed.

After much deliberation, I’ve settled on the two-mage composition.

But…

“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”

…as soon as the spar with Ainar begins, my worries grow.

‘…She’s definitely become much stronger.’

Six months of swordsmanship training.

Stat increases from 'tempering'.

And the 4th-grade essence she inherited from the elder.

'I can't believe she inherited that essence. She's also quite lucky.'

In terms of strength alone, she's not much different from Misha, and considering that she only has two essences, her potential is significant.

But there's only one thing that bothers me.

'This makes the team too melee-focused...'

I can also deal damage thanks to the Ogre essence.

In other words, if Ainar joins, we'll have three melee damage dealers.

"Stop, let's end it here."

"...I can still go on!"

"I know. But it seems pointless to continue."

"...Am I not qualified?"

I shake my head firmly.

"That's not it."

She drew blood from me, even though I'm in [Gigantification] state and not wearing any armor, so she passes without a doubt.

"Th, then can I follow you on the next expedition?!"

"Can you give me some time to think?"

"Ah! Okay! Th, that's only natural. Will 1 minute be enough?"

"...1 minute is too short, let's make it 3 minutes."

"I can wait that long!! As you know, I'm quite patient!"

I ignore the strength she subtly appealed to and close my eyes.

I don't need much time since I've already made a decision.

I just want to double-check.

I open my eyes and look at Ainar.

Although I don't have the acceptance necklace in my hand...

"I look forward to working with you."

"Wa, wait. Does that mean..."

"It's as you think."

Ainar, the second daughter of Frenelin.

You pass.
__________________

The reason I accepted Ainar is simple.

It's not because I remembered the fun times we had smashing Death Fiends...

...but I made my decision after considering the future.

'We'll have to operate at least two teams from the 6th floor onwards.'

From the 6th floor onwards, a small clan structure is more ideal than a single team. The scale of the monsters and the exploration methods are a bit too much for a five-person team to handle.

I judged that it would be more rational to send either Misha or Ainar to another team when the time comes.

Her growth potential is certain.

"Ainar, have you received your engraving yet?"

"Not yet. As you know, I don't have the money..."

"I see. Good job."

I'll tell her about the path in detail later...

I end the conversation here.

Ainar heads to the elder's tent to pack her things, and I wait outside and organize my thoughts.

'Now just one mage...'

Actually, this is the biggest obstacle to forming a team.

Mages are all so arrogant.

And if they're not arrogant, there's a high chance they're not a proper mage.

'Phew, just thinking about searching makes me sigh.'

I'm glad I didn't go with the two-mage composition.

Raven and Ragna.

Although I know two mages, it wouldn't be strange if they both refused my offer.

As I'm thinking about how to persuade them while looking around the sanctuary...

...a barbarian spots me and calls out loudly.

"Bjorn, son of Yandel!!"

"Karon, son of Tarson?"

"It's good to see you! But what brings you here?!"

When I tell him I'm here on business, Karon says it's a good thing and asks if I can say a few words to the young warriors.

I hesitate for a moment and then agree.

I'm seriously considering becoming the chieftain. I can't miss the opportunity to build a support base.

And it seems like it will take some time for Ainar to be ready.

"Really! The young warriors will be thrilled!"

I follow Karon to an open space.

Dozens of young warriors are already gathered, and as soon as I reveal my name, enthusiastic cheers erupt.

"Bjorn, son of Yandel!"

"Great warrior!"

"Waaaaaaaaaa!!"

I feel a strange sense of exhilaration, even though I know it's because of Karon's brainwashing.

As expected, I'm also a man.

"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"

I shout because I feel like it.

And the baby barbarians follow suit.

"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"

It's a kind of exhilaration I haven't felt since Ainar left the team.

Yeah, this is it.

I try to hide my smug smile and start playing the role of a guest lecturer.

It's not that difficult.

First, I have them fight each other like barbarians...

...and then I go around and offer unlimited tips on how to smash their enemies' heads.

And I fill in the gaps in Karon's education.

"If you have money, buy a video recording device first. It will be helpful if you're falsely accused of being a marauder."

I had no intention of stopping the money-making bug that Karon created.

Although it's a bit excessive, even in my opinion...

They're marauders, after all.

It would be beneficial to the world if they died.

"Alright, everyone, repeat after me. A good marauder is?"

"A dead marauder!!!"

"The Explorer's Guild?"

"We don't trust them!!"

"When you meet a Hans in the labyrinth?"

"Run away! Get lost! If you don't want to die!"

That's when, as I'm diligently instilling the things barbarian explorers need to know...

...I suddenly feel a chill down my spine.

'...Killing intent?'

I stop the lesson and turn around.

And I see a familiar barbarian face standing right behind me, like a ghost.

A large scar on his face.

A long braided beard.

And the unique smell of sweat as if he hasn't washed in days.

"Bjorn, son of Yandel."

It's the chieftain.

"So it was all your doing, all those calls from the guild recently?"

I subtly glance at Karon.

Karon, who said the chieftain would never visit during training time, is already pale and moving away from me.

"Explain yourself. Before I misunderstand you."

Ah, uh, hmm...

Damn it.

Prev | Home | Next