SGB: Episode 20
Episode 20: Lafdonia (4)
“Good work. You can go now.”
“Goodbye!”
Erwen quickly gets ready to leave without even a word of refusal.
It seems like the half-day of ability research was quite tiring for her...
“Then I’ll come again!”
Come again?
Ah, I didn’t mention that, did I?
“You don’t have to come here anymore.”
“Yeees?”
Why is she surprised?
This is obvious.
You’re not my companion or anything.
“You’ll need time to get used to your new ability, right? It’s better to spend your time more productively until the labyrinth opens.”
Strictly speaking, this applies to me as well.
Yesterday, I set a new goal.
The goal is to become a mid-level explorer and enter the 6th floor.
So, I have a lot to do.
First, I need to use the 1.4 million stones to improve myself.
If possible, I’d like to receive professional combat training. I’m still not fully utilizing the capabilities of this monstrous body.
I also need to read books to accumulate common sense and knowledge, and explore the city as much as possible to adapt to the prices and culture.
In short, there’s no reason to hang out with Erwen unless there’s a specific reason.
“That’s true! B, but?”
“You said you have a younger sibling, right? Spend some time with them. You also have to enter the labyrinth again in three weeks, right?”
“Yeees…”
Erwen nods with a glum expression.
Is it because I was her first companion?
She seems to have some strange illusion about me. Honestly, I can even guess what kind of illusion it is.
But business relationships rarely last long.
“Since I’m staying here, feel free to come if anything happens. I’ll help you as much as I can.”
“R, really?”
“We’re comrades-in-arms, aren’t we?”
“Hehe, that’s right! Alright!”
After throwing in a carrot, Erwen leaves with a satisfied expression.
Geez, she’s still easy to handle.
Since things have turned out this way, I decide to maintain my friendship with Erwen.
This is also a kind of connection, after all.
Even if I can’t do anything about blood ties, I can create regional ties later on.
It might be helpful someday.
“…Am I being too materialistic?”
Well, so what?
It’s not the time to be picky.
“Good work. You can go now.”
“Goodbye!”
Erwen quickly gets ready to leave without even a word of refusal.
It seems like the half-day of ability research was quite tiring for her...
“Then I’ll come again!”
Come again?
Ah, I didn’t mention that, did I?
“You don’t have to come here anymore.”
“Yeees?”
Why is she surprised?
This is obvious.
You’re not my companion or anything.
“You’ll need time to get used to your new ability, right? It’s better to spend your time more productively until the labyrinth opens.”
Strictly speaking, this applies to me as well.
Yesterday, I set a new goal.
The goal is to become a mid-level explorer and enter the 6th floor.
So, I have a lot to do.
First, I need to use the 1.4 million stones to improve myself.
If possible, I’d like to receive professional combat training. I’m still not fully utilizing the capabilities of this monstrous body.
I also need to read books to accumulate common sense and knowledge, and explore the city as much as possible to adapt to the prices and culture.
In short, there’s no reason to hang out with Erwen unless there’s a specific reason.
“That’s true! B, but?”
“You said you have a younger sibling, right? Spend some time with them. You also have to enter the labyrinth again in three weeks, right?”
“Yeees…”
Erwen nods with a glum expression.
Is it because I was her first companion?
She seems to have some strange illusion about me. Honestly, I can even guess what kind of illusion it is.
But business relationships rarely last long.
“Since I’m staying here, feel free to come if anything happens. I’ll help you as much as I can.”
“R, really?”
“We’re comrades-in-arms, aren’t we?”
“Hehe, that’s right! Alright!”
After throwing in a carrot, Erwen leaves with a satisfied expression.
Geez, she’s still easy to handle.
Since things have turned out this way, I decide to maintain my friendship with Erwen.
This is also a kind of connection, after all.
Even if I can’t do anything about blood ties, I can create regional ties later on.
It might be helpful someday.
“…Am I being too materialistic?”
Well, so what?
It’s not the time to be picky.
________________________________
Afterwards, I take a quick shower, go outside, and head straight back to the library. I receive the magic from the lazy librarian I saw yesterday and read books for about five or six hours.
‘There’s no place that sells something like gukbap, right?’
Although it’s a bit late, I have a simple lunch at a cheap-looking restaurant, consisting of watery stew and a few pieces of bread.
The price is 450 stones.
It seems like it’s more cost-effective to have meals at the inn.
“It’s Bjorn, son of Yandel, the greatest warrior!”
After lunch, I visit the Angry Bullhorn Inn where Ainar is staying, after asking around.
Surprisingly, the place is teeming with barbarians.
“Don’t tell me you’re planning to stay here too? Good thinking! It only costs 300 stones a day!”
What, 300 stones?
Surprised by the unbelievable price, I inquire a bit and find out the reason.
As soon as I enter the room with five narrow beds, the strong smell of sweat that has been fermenting for days stings my nose.
“Do five people share a room?”
“No! Ten warriors share it!”
“…But there are only five beds?”
“We take turns sleeping at designated times!”
It’s not that it’s cheap, it’s just cheap because many people are sharing the cost.
Well, they only earn about 30,000 or 40,000 stones, so they don’t have much choice.
“But what brings you here?”
“I’m looking for Ainar, the third daughter of Frenelin.”
“If it’s Ainar, the second daughter of Frenelin, she went out this morning!”
So she was the second daughter after all.
I should have just left it as it was at the end.
Anyway, after waiting for about an hour, Ainar, who was out, returns.
“Bjorn, son of Yandel? Did something happen?”
Since we’re both barbarians, I speak directly.
“I want to fight you.”
“Are you talking about sparring?”
“Yes.”
I need training right now.
Although I achieved more in the labyrinth than any other barbarian, I wouldn’t stand a chance against them in pure combat skills.
“That’s a bit strange.”
Ainar tilts her head.
It doesn’t seem like it’s because it’s a difficult request...
“If that’s the case, you don’t have to ask, just go to the open space.”
Open space?
Ainar then leads me out the back door of the inn.
There, more than a dozen barbarians are already gathered, swinging their fists, rolling on the ground, and sweating.
Well, maybe even bleeding.
“Hwahaha! That punch was quite heavy!”
“Yours too!”
No wonder it’s been so noisy outside.
This is just everyday life for these guys.
The fairies were giggling and talking about things like what the voices of spirits sound like.
As I watch the barbarians fighting fiercely as if they’ve encountered their sworn enemies, I smile bitterly. Ainar asks,
“Is there a reason why it has to be me?”
Actually, there isn’t.
I just thought Ainar would accept my request. But it would be strange to say no now.
“You’re the only one who uses a sword.”
“You want to learn how to fight swordsmen?”
“Yes.”
Ainar nods and immediately makes a decision.
“Alright. To enter the labyrinth with a wise warrior like you is something all warriors desire.”
It’s a much more positive response than I expected.
I might be able to push my luck a bit more?
“However, there’s one condition.”
“What is it?”
“I’ll take 80% of the loot.”
“…..?”
Ainar frowns at my unreasonable demand.
Is she offended?
I open my mouth again to add an explanation.
“I’m also paying for the cost of forming a team, aren’t I? And I promise, even with a lower percentage, you’ll earn much more than you would entering the labyrinth alone. Plus, I’ll cover all the other consumable costs—”
“Stop, there’s no need to explain further.”
“……?”
“Even if you talk about percentages and stuff, I won’t understand anyway. So just give me what you think is fair. I trust you.”
“…Alright.”
I have no choice but to admit that I underestimated the barbarian race.
“I’ll be in your care. Bjorn, son of Yandel.”
Ainar then approaches and slaps my back hard.
It’s so heavy that I can’t consider it a friendly gesture, but…
Well, I guess I’d better get used to it soon.
“I look forward to working with you.”
I’ve gained a reliable barbarian companion.
______________________________________
The next morning.
I visit the sanctuary with Ainar.
The sanctuary is a kind of communal child-rearing facility.
Barbarians who have left for the city send their children here when they are born. Since they have to be warriors until they die, they don't have the capacity to raise their children.
And barbarians who become adults and leave for the city repeat this process.
But that's not what I need to worry about right now.
“Bjorn, son of Yandel.”
As soon as we arrive, the chieftain comes out and welcomes us.
Damn, this is why I didn’t want to come here…
“It’s rare for a departed warrior to return. Have you come to learn to read like Ainar, the second daughter of Frenelin?”
I calm my pounding heart and shake my head.
“That’s not it. Chieftain, I came to the sanctuary for a different reason.”
“A different reason…”
The chieftain looks at me with interest.
Don’t get nervous.
I learned the barbarian way of speaking and how to address people from Ainar beforehand.
As long as I don’t make any mistakes, it’ll be fine.
“Tell me what it is.”
I take a deep breath and speak calmly.
“I want to receive a Spirit Engraving.”
Each race has its own unique characteristics.
For example, fairies handle spirits, dwarves handle artifacts, and so on.
Barbarians have “Spirit Engravings.”
In the game, it required a significant amount of money, so it was a growth method that couldn’t be used in the early stages, but…
Fortunately, I have over a million stones.
Therefore, after much deliberation, I made a decision.
Standing in front of this damn chieftain is still fucking scary, but...
“To be precise, I want to receive the ‘Undying Engraving’.”
There’s no doubt.
This is the best way to use my money.
Afterwards, I take a quick shower, go outside, and head straight back to the library. I receive the magic from the lazy librarian I saw yesterday and read books for about five or six hours.
‘There’s no place that sells something like gukbap, right?’
Although it’s a bit late, I have a simple lunch at a cheap-looking restaurant, consisting of watery stew and a few pieces of bread.
The price is 450 stones.
It seems like it’s more cost-effective to have meals at the inn.
“It’s Bjorn, son of Yandel, the greatest warrior!”
After lunch, I visit the Angry Bullhorn Inn where Ainar is staying, after asking around.
Surprisingly, the place is teeming with barbarians.
“Don’t tell me you’re planning to stay here too? Good thinking! It only costs 300 stones a day!”
What, 300 stones?
Surprised by the unbelievable price, I inquire a bit and find out the reason.
As soon as I enter the room with five narrow beds, the strong smell of sweat that has been fermenting for days stings my nose.
“Do five people share a room?”
“No! Ten warriors share it!”
“…But there are only five beds?”
“We take turns sleeping at designated times!”
It’s not that it’s cheap, it’s just cheap because many people are sharing the cost.
Well, they only earn about 30,000 or 40,000 stones, so they don’t have much choice.
“But what brings you here?”
“I’m looking for Ainar, the third daughter of Frenelin.”
“If it’s Ainar, the second daughter of Frenelin, she went out this morning!”
So she was the second daughter after all.
I should have just left it as it was at the end.
Anyway, after waiting for about an hour, Ainar, who was out, returns.
“Bjorn, son of Yandel? Did something happen?”
Since we’re both barbarians, I speak directly.
“I want to fight you.”
“Are you talking about sparring?”
“Yes.”
I need training right now.
Although I achieved more in the labyrinth than any other barbarian, I wouldn’t stand a chance against them in pure combat skills.
“That’s a bit strange.”
Ainar tilts her head.
It doesn’t seem like it’s because it’s a difficult request...
“If that’s the case, you don’t have to ask, just go to the open space.”
Open space?
Ainar then leads me out the back door of the inn.
There, more than a dozen barbarians are already gathered, swinging their fists, rolling on the ground, and sweating.
Well, maybe even bleeding.
“Hwahaha! That punch was quite heavy!”
“Yours too!”
No wonder it’s been so noisy outside.
This is just everyday life for these guys.
The fairies were giggling and talking about things like what the voices of spirits sound like.
As I watch the barbarians fighting fiercely as if they’ve encountered their sworn enemies, I smile bitterly. Ainar asks,
“Is there a reason why it has to be me?”
Actually, there isn’t.
I just thought Ainar would accept my request. But it would be strange to say no now.
“You’re the only one who uses a sword.”
“You want to learn how to fight swordsmen?”
“Yes.”
Ainar nods and immediately makes a decision.
“Alright. To enter the labyrinth with a wise warrior like you is something all warriors desire.”
It’s a much more positive response than I expected.
I might be able to push my luck a bit more?
“However, there’s one condition.”
“What is it?”
“I’ll take 80% of the loot.”
“…..?”
Ainar frowns at my unreasonable demand.
Is she offended?
I open my mouth again to add an explanation.
“I’m also paying for the cost of forming a team, aren’t I? And I promise, even with a lower percentage, you’ll earn much more than you would entering the labyrinth alone. Plus, I’ll cover all the other consumable costs—”
“Stop, there’s no need to explain further.”
“……?”
“Even if you talk about percentages and stuff, I won’t understand anyway. So just give me what you think is fair. I trust you.”
“…Alright.”
I have no choice but to admit that I underestimated the barbarian race.
“I’ll be in your care. Bjorn, son of Yandel.”
Ainar then approaches and slaps my back hard.
It’s so heavy that I can’t consider it a friendly gesture, but…
Well, I guess I’d better get used to it soon.
“I look forward to working with you.”
I’ve gained a reliable barbarian companion.
______________________________________
The next morning.
I visit the sanctuary with Ainar.
The sanctuary is a kind of communal child-rearing facility.
Barbarians who have left for the city send their children here when they are born. Since they have to be warriors until they die, they don't have the capacity to raise their children.
And barbarians who become adults and leave for the city repeat this process.
But that's not what I need to worry about right now.
“Bjorn, son of Yandel.”
As soon as we arrive, the chieftain comes out and welcomes us.
Damn, this is why I didn’t want to come here…
“It’s rare for a departed warrior to return. Have you come to learn to read like Ainar, the second daughter of Frenelin?”
I calm my pounding heart and shake my head.
“That’s not it. Chieftain, I came to the sanctuary for a different reason.”
“A different reason…”
The chieftain looks at me with interest.
Don’t get nervous.
I learned the barbarian way of speaking and how to address people from Ainar beforehand.
As long as I don’t make any mistakes, it’ll be fine.
“Tell me what it is.”
I take a deep breath and speak calmly.
“I want to receive a Spirit Engraving.”
Each race has its own unique characteristics.
For example, fairies handle spirits, dwarves handle artifacts, and so on.
Barbarians have “Spirit Engravings.”
In the game, it required a significant amount of money, so it was a growth method that couldn’t be used in the early stages, but…
Fortunately, I have over a million stones.
Therefore, after much deliberation, I made a decision.
Standing in front of this damn chieftain is still fucking scary, but...
“To be precise, I want to receive the ‘Undying Engraving’.”
There’s no doubt.
This is the best way to use my money.
I hope Erwen rejoins him later.
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