Surviving the Game as a Barbarian-Chapter 553: Deja Vu (2)

The royal decree had been issued.

Officially, the king could hardly be bedridden and issuing orders; this was surely a royal command authorized by the prime minister.

Yet, despite that, I had only one choice.

“...I will obey the royal decree.”

Unless I killed every witness and lied that I never received any royal orders, refusal was impossible.

“The royal family will remember Baron Yandel’s loyalty.”

Jerome’s gentle smile was infuriating, but I decided to focus on the positive side.

Joining the expedition and being under his command?

My freedom on the underground first floor would diminish, and there’d be no way to restrain him if he acted like a troll.

Unlike now, where I monopolize everything, loot would be divided according to fixed shares, and I’d be left to scavenge leftovers.

But...

‘With that force, we can do anything.’

It was basically like having a cheat key in hand.

At least from # Nоvеlight # now on, I wouldn’t face difficulties due to lack of “force” while exploring the underground first floor.

Whether it was the still unfinished Library Island, the Tree Island still half shrouded in mystery, or the Giant Island with colossal beings.

With this force, anything was possible.

In other words, the possibility of escaping this floor and returning to the city had skyrocketed...

“Now, shall we start by organizing the information? Do you have any logs? Explorers apparently keep logs to record their activities.”

Ugh, really trying to take it easy.

In an age where knowledge is wealth, meeting the royal army felt more like encountering a band of thieves.

Therefore...

“Before sharing information, I want to talk about the loot first.”

We decided to settle that issue first.

“Hmm, the loot?”

“Yes. The royal decree ordered you to explore under your command. It didn’t say anything about treatment.”

“That’s true. But don’t worry too much. Our expedition’s goal isn’t some petty money, and the royal family already said to ensure the baron’s convenience.”

“Still, I want to be clear about something.”

“The command over explorers under your command remains yours. Also, the income you earn from exploration is fully guaranteed except in one case.”

Command rights preserved and exploration income untouched.

A relief amidst misfortune, but ominously, there was a condition.

“One exception...?”

“This expedition is for the royal family, and more broadly for the bright future of the nation. Regardless of whether it’s essence, materials, equipment, or special magical items, if it’s something that has never existed before, our expedition will take it for public research.”

In other words, they would seize every first discovery.

Honestly, my first thought was, ‘Where do these bastards come from?’ but Jerome skillfully used the carrot and stick approach.

“But we promise not to touch anything you’ve already obtained... How about that?”

Of course, stating the obvious as if it’s a great favor.

Maybe his long experience as a commander?

I almost felt comforted hearing that.

“Promise is good.”

“Then it’s settled—.”

“But one more thing.”

Seeing Jerome try to wrap up, I hurriedly added.

“I’ll listen. Speak.”

“I want shares even in first discoveries.”

“That is impossible.”

“Even if my contribution is overwhelming in the process?”

“That remains the same.”

Tsk, so that’s a no-go.

His stubborn attitude was beyond imagination; no matter what I say, it’d be like preaching to deaf ears.

But I wasn’t about to end it here.

“Then grant me priority on the second discovery.”

“Priority...?”

“Yes. For research, isn’t one enough? You said you don’t care about petty money anyway.”

“Hmm... May I consult with the deputy commander for a moment?”

After I nodded, Jerome approached his subordinate and consulted.

About five minutes passed.

Then, after a magician lifted a voice control spell, Jerome’s voice was heard again.

“We want to grant Baron Yandel priority on significant contributions or items obtained independently. How about that?”

“Who defines ‘significant contribution’?”

“That is...”

“Don’t give me vague criteria. Excluding what I got on my own, give me priority on exactly three items. Just three.”

Jerome glanced at the deputy commander again.

Is that guy some kind of dedicated aide?

I’m not sure, but Jerome seemed to think no further consultation was necessary.

“Fine. For the second obtained achievements, we will grant Baron Yandel priority on three items.”

With that, he extended his hand for a handshake, which I accepted.

“Take good care of things until we return to the city.”

“Likewise.”

Thus began an uncomfortable cohabitation.

After settling the loot agreement,

Our expedition of 38, centered on Clan Anabada, was temporarily integrated into the royal army.

Officially, we were the temporary 4th squad of the 1st expedition army.

Smaller than the other three squads of 60, but necessary to preserve my command rights.

Jerome did not attempt to redistribute personnel, and I did not demand it.

After the reorganization, we immediately held an information sharing session.

“Sir Vesillus, please go check the research materials.”

“Yes... It’s been a while, Miss Amblett.”

“Ah, hello...”

“Is the master doing well?”

“Hopefully...”

“Haha, come to think of it, I’m the one who should be delivering news. Enough greetings; hand over the research records. We’ll read them first and ask questions, and you’ll just answer.”

“...Here... it is...”

The top-ranked mage in the expedition took the materials the three of our mages had been studying and confiscated them.

And...

“Well then, Baron, please tell us what has happened.”

I had to start by explaining the characteristics of this floor and the islands we had visited.

Jerome’s greatest interest was the rainy season.

“A strange phenomenon. Monsters falling from the sky.”

“Don’t worry too much. There are a few safe places within the floor.”

So far, three safe zones were confirmed.

Library Island, confirmed safe through Hamshik.

The cave on Giant Island used as a hideout by the Hext Clan.

And finally, the village ruled by the Chief.

“Commander.”

“Haha, no need for such formalities, just call me ‘Seintred.’”

“Seintred... there’s something more you should know.”

Though hesitant, I shared information about the ‘Chief’ with Jerome.

“Dragon Knight Cornelius Brüngrid...?”

“A creature that claims to be such, for now.”

I wondered how his presence would affect the royal army, but it was a story they’d have to learn eventually.

Since the exit was there anyway, we’d have to go through.

“Do you know anything about him? There were many suspicious points during your time there.”

I told Jerome in detail about my encounters with the Chief, hoping to learn anything unknown—but he didn’t know much.

However...

“A monster impersonating Gabrilius’ companion... suspicious.”

Aside from knowledge, his decisiveness was impressive.

“First exploration should be that island.”

“...Going immediately?”

“Obviously suspicious. And since they speak our language, capturing and interrogating them to extract information would be reasonable.”

Um... that’s true but...

It was so obvious that I had no arguments left.

Thinking it through, it wasn’t really wrong.

‘With this force, it might be reasonable to just capture it right away.’

A method that looks ignorant becomes rational when done by a powerful person.

I knew that better than anyone.

‘But... why do I feel so uneasy?’

I decided to stop them for now.

“Instead of rushing, why not investigate other islands first?”

“Hmm?”

“Although the exit seems to be on that island, it looks like some conditions must be met to open it. We can find those first and then go.”

My judgment was to slowly explore the easier places, confirm how capable this expedition was, then head to Chief’s Island.

The force seemed sufficient for now.

But history tells us force isn’t everything.

“I’m not sure why we have to go that way, but since it’s the baron who came first, we shouldn’t ignore his words. Agreed. We’ll follow the baron’s suggestion.”

Okay, persuasion was surprisingly easy...

“Then, where do you think we should go first, Baron?”

Without hesitation, I answered.

“The library. Library Island seems best.”

We hadn’t yet farmed experience from the top-tier monsters.

After deciding the destination,

We went to the Rock Island shore and summoned the ships.

Four ships appeared, and the squads boarded their respective vessels.

There was a slight personnel change in the process.

“Sir Vesillus says we need more time to fully transfer research results. So, may I put those three mages on our ship? Of course, we’ll send three others to fill vacancies.”

“...Agreed.”

The three mages temporarily joined the expedition ships, and three others replaced them on our ship.

And then...

“Long... time no see?”

Unexpectedly, a familiar face appeared.

“Raven...? What are you doing here...?”

“What do you mean? Orders came from above. Join the expedition.”

“Oh... you’re a soldier.”

“Really? I only just saw you now. You kept looking this way during our conversation; I thought you knew me.”

“I was just casually glancing around.”

“Oh... I see.”

Raven awkwardly twirled her hair with her finger.

A baffling gesture.

How could she expect to recognize anyone among 180 people?

Especially since she was short and hard to see.

“Anyway, good to see you. Get on the ship quickly. We’ll talk on the way.”

After boarding Raven and two unfamiliar mages, Ainard rushed over.

“Aruru!! It’s Aruru!! Aruru!!”

“Ah! Let go! It hurts!!”

“Sorry!”

Once Ainard let go, Raven sighed while smoothing her wrinkled uniform.

“Ms. Fnelin... is still the same.”

“From appearances, yes.”

“Appearances...?”

“She ate an essence, but there’s a problem... you’ll see once you check later.”

“Is that so?”

As we talked, Auyen reported the signal to depart, and we hurriedly set sail.

Whoooooosh—!

Leading was the Anabada, followed by three warships.

Our ship was no slouch, but seeing theirs made me feel a little intimidated.

At least the big one looked good.

Their 60 occupants seemed to have plenty of room on deck and ample common rooms.

“Seeing you again.”

“Yes. Hello, Mr. Raines.”

Upon Raven’s arrival, familiar members approached and greeted her.

Amelia’s greeting felt businesslike.

“Long time no see...”

“Ah... yes. Indeed.”

“...”

“...”

There was awkwardness between Elwen and Raven.

Well, not as bad as with Misha, at least.

“Hello...”

“Ah, hello, Ms. Misha...”

Phew, just watching them made me feel suffocated.

I thought they used to be close.

“I heard from Yandel... but this is the first time we meet, right?”

“Um... sorry... for disappearing without a word...”

“No, no! Ms. Misha must have had her reasons.”

Since the team broke up without fighting like Elwen, I couldn’t understand why they were so distant.

‘Or maybe that’s why it’s even more awkward?’

Maybe that’s true.

Raven didn’t even know where Misha had been.

But it was also awkward to ask.

“Anyway, I’m glad everyone is safe. We’d lost contact after descending to the underground first floor, so I was a bit worried.”

“A bit? That’s a bit disappointing.”

“...What are you really saying?”

After joking a little, Raven ignored it and turned serious.

Usually she’d just brush it off.

Her voice and tone suggested a higher-than-usual mood today.

“Anyway, do you know this?”

“You’ll have to tell me.”

“Sir Kaislan. The one who went on an expedition with Yandel before.”

“Kaislan? What, did he cause trouble outside?”

“No. He’s in this expedition too. But you haven’t seen him, I guess.”

Oh... another unexpected face.

I hadn’t expected another familiar person to be mixed in.

‘Kaislan is trustworthy.’

And his position was surely high up in the leadership, so if they were plotting something, chances are I’d know.

“What about Lilis Marone? She’s also from military mage background, didn’t she come?”

“Not that I recall. Ah, but we have her!”

“Her?”

Curious, I asked, and Raven, who liked to explain everything from the start, gladly answered.

“Sir Sven Parab. Paladin of the Reatlas faith.”

Huh, I never imagined he’d come too.

“Why? Don’t you remember? You went on expeditions together.”

“No... of course I do. I remember.”

Paladin Sven Parab.

Also known as Goblin Mask.

He’s known for an unbelievable ‘sixth sense.’

During the Ice Rock expedition, he displayed ridiculous intuition that helped the team multiple times.

At the Berzak incident, he felt something strange and used an excuse to skip entering the labyrinth.

“Raven, is there any news about him? Did he refuse summons or get sick on the day of departure?”

I asked just in case.

But Raven was shocked instead.

“Huh? How do you know he got sick that day?”

‘...Is this real?’

Suddenly, unease surged through me.