Chapter 153: Barbarian Chief (5)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 153: Barbarian Chief (5)
There were three major advantages to becoming the chieftain. First, I wouldn't have to hide the fact that I had received a blessing. In addition, I could change the barbarians' illogical way of doing things, which had been in decline for decades, to my liking. Third, in the future, when I retrieved the Barbarian Genesis Treasure, I would be able to use it as I pleased.
It wasn't that being the chieftain was the only way. It was just a matter of how tribal policy had changed before that. The fact was that barbarians were a conservative race that valued tradition, but they had made progress (albeit little by little) under certain past chieftains, like using honorifics and showing courtesy to the king. They now also acknowledged the existence of evil spirits and sent their corpses to the Great Temple. Considering their long history, it hadn't been long since it was taken for granted that warriors would live in the city rather than the holy land. Maybe about six hundred years?
In the past, erasing essences at the temple was forbidden by the entire race.
It was actually pretty absurd that only this much had changed over thousands of years. Rather than saying that the chieftain had no authority to make changes, it would be more accurate to assume that a person who could do so had not yet appeared. Not only did the tribe's chieftain have overwhelming authority in matters of the tribe, but warriors tended to believe and follow most of the chieftain's words because they thought the chieftain was smarter than them. Well, even so, if reform began, there would inevitably be resistance, but that part could be changed slowly with enough time.
It's not a bad idea.
The shaman's suggestion only sounded ridiculous for a moment. The more I looked at it, the more it seemed like a very sound option. The problem was that it would take at least a few years to become the tribe's chieftain the normal way.
I heard that the current chieftain was once an adventurer on the eighth floor.
His exact adventurer's rank was unknown, but it was clear that it would take a long time to catch up to him in terms of combat ability.
I don't necessarily have to go all the way to the eighth floor.
My cut-off should be around the sixth floor. Not all tribal chieftains in the past were as strong as our current one. Even if they lacked strength in battle, as long as they had good leadership skills or sound judgment, they were promoted to chieftain of the tribe.
I need to gather my own supporters from now on. Even if it's not to become chieftain, having influence within the tribe will definitely be helpful.
Just as I finished gathering my thoughts—
"Warrior, you seem to have a lot on your mind. I'm hungry, so get out."
"Ah, oh... yeah. Sure. Enjoy your meal."
The shaman ordered me to leave. Jeez, he was the one who had lit the fire in my heart first.
Grumble!
Actually, I was hungry too.
***
When I left the shaman's tent around 9 a.m., I smiled bitterly.
Somehow, every time I come here, I end up wasting a whole day.
Still, maybe because I had passed out, my body felt more refreshed than it usually did when I woke up, and I felt ready to start the day like this. In that spirit, I grabbed one of the elders passing by. "Do you know where Ainar is?"
"I haven't seen her since the Forest of Warriors yesterday."
Hmm, could she still be there? I was a little worried, so I headed to the forest where the funeral had been held yesterday. A while later, I found Ainar lying in the bushes, drooling.
"B-Bjorn?"
"Did you sleep here?"
"I-I wasn't planning to, but..." Ainar looked away, embarrassed, as she wiped her spit with the back of her hand. Unfortunately, her eyes landed on Kiduba. "Oh..." As if waking up from a dream and facing reality, Ainar let out a short sigh. After sitting there in silence for a while, she carefully opened her mouth. "Hey, Bjorn?"
"Speak."
"Do you have anything to eat?"
Now that was a barbarian. I chuckled and set down my backpack. Then, I took out the preserved food I usually ate in the labyrinth and we ate together.
"Are you okay now?"
"I'm a little annoyed, but still better."
"Annoyed?"
"He deceived me. If he had been honest, I wouldn't have shown such an unsightly side of myself. Kiduba has made me act like a coward in front of everyone." Ainar snorted in anger, and I got the sense that she fully believed what she was saying. It was quite fascinating that she could overcome sadness and enter this stage of grief in just one day. "By the way, Bjorn, did something happen to you too?"
"What do you mean?"
"It just feels like something did. Your expression is darker than it was the last time we met. If that's because of me, I just want to tell you that you don't have to feel that way on my behalf."
A darker expression, huh? "...It's not because of you, don't worry."
"If not me, who is it?"
"it's..." I considered coming up with an excuse but abandoned the idea a moment later. "Probably because a teammate of mine died."
"...I see. Is it okay if I ask what happened?"
I gave her a brief summary of what had happened on this expedition. Ainar quietly listened without any of her usual energetic interjections. When it was all over, she quietly recited the name as if not to forget it, then briefly expressed her condolences. "Riol Warb Dwalkie... I wish I had gotten to meet him before."
Ainar and Dwalkie, huh? It was tough to imagine the two together, but Dwalkie had even been best friends with the dwarf. They might have turned out to be good friends. Well, not that it mattered now.
A moment later, Ainar got up from her seat and made a sudden proposal. "Anyway, Bjorn, why don't you fight me?" she asked. "I want to see if I have become a warrior strong enough not to hold you back."
"You mean you want to join the team I'm assembling?"
"If you think I deserve it."
How barbaric. The fact that she didn't expect any bias from our friendship was a sign of how dependable she was. However, you had to draw a line between your business and personal lives.
"Ainar, aside from the wizard position, there is only one spot left. And I was thinking of having a wizard fill that role as well."
"Speak plainly."
I grinned. "What I mean to say is: do your best."
Ainar answered with a shout of, "Behelahhh!" and suddenly, a greatsword was in her hand and swinging for my neck.
***
Tank, Melee, Ranged, Wizard—all vital positions within the team had already been selected. However, thanks to Mr. Bear doubling as a scout, the spot that would have gone to a scout had become vacant, a kind of bonus spot. The identity of the team I would create would be determined by which class of character I put in that position. Would we have the instantaneous firepower of two wizards, or the steady damage of two long-range fighters? Or should I instead seek consistency and hunting speed with two close-range warriors? After much deliberation, I had decided to go with two wizards.
"B-Bjorn?"
"Did you sleep here?"
"I-I wasn't planning to, but..." Ainar looked away, embarrassed, as she wiped her spit with the back of her hand. Unfortunately, her eyes landed on Kiduba. "Oh..." As if waking up from a dream and facing reality, Ainar let out a short sigh. After sitting there in silence for a while, she carefully opened her mouth. "Hey, Bjorn?"
"Speak."
"Do you have anything to eat?"
Now that was a barbarian. I chuckled and set down my backpack. Then, I took out the preserved food I usually ate in the labyrinth and we ate together.
"Are you okay now?"
"I'm a little annoyed, but still better."
"Annoyed?"
"He deceived me. If he had been honest, I wouldn't have shown such an unsightly side of myself. Kiduba has made me act like a coward in front of everyone." Ainar snorted in anger, and I got the sense that she fully believed what she was saying. It was quite fascinating that she could overcome sadness and enter this stage of grief in just one day. "By the way, Bjorn, did something happen to you too?"
"What do you mean?"
"It just feels like something did. Your expression is darker than it was the last time we met. If that's because of me, I just want to tell you that you don't have to feel that way on my behalf."
A darker expression, huh? "...It's not because of you, don't worry."
"If not me, who is it?"
"it's..." I considered coming up with an excuse but abandoned the idea a moment later. "Probably because a teammate of mine died."
"...I see. Is it okay if I ask what happened?"
I gave her a brief summary of what had happened on this expedition. Ainar quietly listened without any of her usual energetic interjections. When it was all over, she quietly recited the name as if not to forget it, then briefly expressed her condolences. "Riol Warb Dwalkie... I wish I had gotten to meet him before."
Ainar and Dwalkie, huh? It was tough to imagine the two together, but Dwalkie had even been best friends with the dwarf. They might have turned out to be good friends. Well, not that it mattered now.
A moment later, Ainar got up from her seat and made a sudden proposal. "Anyway, Bjorn, why don't you fight me?" she asked. "I want to see if I have become a warrior strong enough not to hold you back."
"You mean you want to join the team I'm assembling?"
"If you think I deserve it."
How barbaric. The fact that she didn't expect any bias from our friendship was a sign of how dependable she was. However, you had to draw a line between your business and personal lives.
"Ainar, aside from the wizard position, there is only one spot left. And I was thinking of having a wizard fill that role as well."
"Speak plainly."
I grinned. "What I mean to say is: do your best."
Ainar answered with a shout of, "Behelahhh!" and suddenly, a greatsword was in her hand and swinging for my neck.
***
Tank, Melee, Ranged, Wizard—all vital positions within the team had already been selected. However, thanks to Mr. Bear doubling as a scout, the spot that would have gone to a scout had become vacant, a kind of bonus spot. The identity of the team I would create would be determined by which class of character I put in that position. Would we have the instantaneous firepower of two wizards, or the steady damage of two long-range fighters? Or should I instead seek consistency and hunting speed with two close-range warriors? After much deliberation, I had decided to go with two wizards.
"Behelahhh!"
However, as my spar with Ainar began, my uncertainties grew.
She's definitely gotten a lot stronger.
She'd had half a year of training in swordsmanship, stat increases from Forging, plus the rank-four essence she had inherited from the elder.
I didn't expect her to inherit that essence. She really is lucky.
Right now, in terms of power, she was almost no different from Missha. Considering the fact that she only had two essences, her potential in the second half was considerable. There was only one thing that bothered me.
This would make the team too melee-heavy.
Thanks to the essence of the Ogre, I was also able to deal damage. So, if Ainar joined, our team would have three melee fighters.
"Let's stop here."
"I can still go longer!"
"I know. But I don't think there's a point in continuing."
"...Am I not qualified?"
I firmly shook my head. "That's not it." Although I may not have been wearing armor, the fact was that she'd made me bleed even while Giantized. Needless to say, she had passed.
"Th-then can I come with you on your next expedition?!"
"Can you give me some time to think about it?"
"Ahh! Okay! O-Of course. Is one minute enough?"
"...One minute is too short, let's make it three."
"I can wait that long! As you know, I am very patient!"
I closed my eyes and ignored Ainar's subtle attempt to talk herself up. Since I'd already made the decision in my heart, it didn't take long. I just wanted to review it one more time.
Soon, I opened my eyes and looked at Ainar. I didn't have a necklace to put around her neck. "I hope we will work well together."
"W-Wait. That means...?"
"It is what you think."
Ainar, second daughter of Fenelin: Pass.
The reason Ainar had passed was simple, and it wasn't because I had fond memories of beating up Death Fiends with her. I had made my decision after looking a little further into the future.
I'll have to roll out two teams on the sixth floor, anyway.
On the sixth floor, operating in a small clan rather than a single team was ideal. The scale of the monsters and the strategies needed to survive were too much for five people to handle. I had assessed that it would make sense to send Missha or Ainar to the other team when the time came, since her potential for growth was obvious.
"Ainar, have you gotten an Imprint?"
"Not yet. As you know, I have no money..."
"I see. That's fine."
I'd explain the Imprint route to her in detail later. I concluded the conversation there. Ainar headed to the elder's tent to pack her things, and I waited outside to get my thoughts in order.
One wizard to go...
Actually, this was the biggest challenge in creating a team. Wizards were all snobs. Anyone who wasn't was bound not to be a proper wizard.
Whew, I'm already tired just from thinking of doing all of that legwork.
I was once again reminded that it was a good idea not to go with the two-wizards strategy. I was acquainted with two wizards, Raven and Ragna, but it wouldn't be out of the question for both of them to turn me down.
Once I get back, the first thing on my to-do list is raising Missha's and Ainar's adventurer ranks.
While I was concocting a plan and wandering the holy land, a barbarian spotted me and called, "Bjorn, son of Yandel!"
"Kharon, son of Tarson?"
"Nice to see you! But what are you doing here?"
When I told him I came for business, Kharon said this was a great coincidence and asked me to say a few words to the young warriors. I thought about it for a while and replied that I would. Wasn't I in the middle of seriously pursuing the chieftain position? I did not intend to pass up on the opportunity to attract support. It seemed Ainar needed some time too.
"Really?! The young warriors will be delighted!"
Soon, I followed Kharon into an empty clearing. Dozens of young warriors had already gathered, and as soon as I announced my name, they exploded into fervent cheers.
"Bjorn, son of Yandel!"
"A great warrior!"
"Whooo!"
Although I knew this was a result of Kharon's brainwashing, it still gave me a weird high. I guess I'm a man like any other, huh?
"Behelahhh!" I felt like screaming, so I screamed.
The baby barbarians followed suit. "Behelahhh!"
This was a kind of ecstasy I had been unable to experience since Ainar left the team. Yeah, that was the stuff.
I tried my best to hide my satisfied smile and started to play the role of a guest lecturer in earnest. It wasn't too tough. Once I had them fight each other like barbarians, I roamed around and provided unlimited tips on how to bash their enemies' heads in, filling in any gaps in Kharon's lessons.
"When you get money, the first thing you should do is purchase a video recorder. It will come in handy if you are accused of being a looter."
I had no intention of putting a stop to Kharon's money-duplicating bug. It was a bit much even for me, but the victims were plunderers anyway, right? Fewer of them existing would make the world a better place.
"Now, all together. A good plunderer?"
"Is a dead plunderer!"
"The Adventurers' Guild?"
"Shouldn't be trusted!"
"If you meet a Hans in the labyrinth?"
"No! Go away! Unless you want to die!"
As I was drilling the things every barbarian adventurer needed to know into their heads, suddenly, goosebumps ran down my spine.
...Murderous intent?
Soon, I stopped teaching and turned around. Standing right behind me like a ghost, I saw a familiar barbarian with a large scar on his face, a long, braided beard, and even the distinct scent of sweat that suggested he hadn't washed in several days.
"Bjorn, son of Yandel." It was the chieftain. "Recently, I have received a lot of summons from the guild. Is this all your doing?"
I slowly shifted my gaze toward Kharon, who had assured me that the chieftain would not come to find us during training. He was already distancing himself from me, his face pale.
"Explain fast. Before I misunderstand you."
Ah, uh... um... Goddamn it.
"Behelahhh!"
However, as my spar with Ainar began, my uncertainties grew.
She's definitely gotten a lot stronger.
She'd had half a year of training in swordsmanship, stat increases from Forging, plus the rank-four essence she had inherited from the elder.
I didn't expect her to inherit that essence. She really is lucky.
Right now, in terms of power, she was almost no different from Missha. Considering the fact that she only had two essences, her potential in the second half was considerable. There was only one thing that bothered me.
This would make the team too melee-heavy.
Thanks to the essence of the Ogre, I was also able to deal damage. So, if Ainar joined, our team would have three melee fighters.
"Let's stop here."
"I can still go longer!"
"I know. But I don't think there's a point in continuing."
"...Am I not qualified?"
I firmly shook my head. "That's not it." Although I may not have been wearing armor, the fact was that she'd made me bleed even while Giantized. Needless to say, she had passed.
"Th-then can I come with you on your next expedition?!"
"Can you give me some time to think about it?"
"Ahh! Okay! O-Of course. Is one minute enough?"
"...One minute is too short, let's make it three."
"I can wait that long! As you know, I am very patient!"
I closed my eyes and ignored Ainar's subtle attempt to talk herself up. Since I'd already made the decision in my heart, it didn't take long. I just wanted to review it one more time.
Soon, I opened my eyes and looked at Ainar. I didn't have a necklace to put around her neck. "I hope we will work well together."
"W-Wait. That means...?"
"It is what you think."
Ainar, second daughter of Fenelin: Pass.
The reason Ainar had passed was simple, and it wasn't because I had fond memories of beating up Death Fiends with her. I had made my decision after looking a little further into the future.
I'll have to roll out two teams on the sixth floor, anyway.
On the sixth floor, operating in a small clan rather than a single team was ideal. The scale of the monsters and the strategies needed to survive were too much for five people to handle. I had assessed that it would make sense to send Missha or Ainar to the other team when the time came, since her potential for growth was obvious.
"Ainar, have you gotten an Imprint?"
"Not yet. As you know, I have no money..."
"I see. That's fine."
I'd explain the Imprint route to her in detail later. I concluded the conversation there. Ainar headed to the elder's tent to pack her things, and I waited outside to get my thoughts in order.
One wizard to go...
Actually, this was the biggest challenge in creating a team. Wizards were all snobs. Anyone who wasn't was bound not to be a proper wizard.
Whew, I'm already tired just from thinking of doing all of that legwork.
I was once again reminded that it was a good idea not to go with the two-wizards strategy. I was acquainted with two wizards, Raven and Ragna, but it wouldn't be out of the question for both of them to turn me down.
Once I get back, the first thing on my to-do list is raising Missha's and Ainar's adventurer ranks.
While I was concocting a plan and wandering the holy land, a barbarian spotted me and called, "Bjorn, son of Yandel!"
"Kharon, son of Tarson?"
"Nice to see you! But what are you doing here?"
When I told him I came for business, Kharon said this was a great coincidence and asked me to say a few words to the young warriors. I thought about it for a while and replied that I would. Wasn't I in the middle of seriously pursuing the chieftain position? I did not intend to pass up on the opportunity to attract support. It seemed Ainar needed some time too.
"Really?! The young warriors will be delighted!"
Soon, I followed Kharon into an empty clearing. Dozens of young warriors had already gathered, and as soon as I announced my name, they exploded into fervent cheers.
"Bjorn, son of Yandel!"
"A great warrior!"
"Whooo!"
Although I knew this was a result of Kharon's brainwashing, it still gave me a weird high. I guess I'm a man like any other, huh?
"Behelahhh!" I felt like screaming, so I screamed.
The baby barbarians followed suit. "Behelahhh!"
This was a kind of ecstasy I had been unable to experience since Ainar left the team. Yeah, that was the stuff.
I tried my best to hide my satisfied smile and started to play the role of a guest lecturer in earnest. It wasn't too tough. Once I had them fight each other like barbarians, I roamed around and provided unlimited tips on how to bash their enemies' heads in, filling in any gaps in Kharon's lessons.
"When you get money, the first thing you should do is purchase a video recorder. It will come in handy if you are accused of being a looter."
I had no intention of putting a stop to Kharon's money-duplicating bug. It was a bit much even for me, but the victims were plunderers anyway, right? Fewer of them existing would make the world a better place.
"Now, all together. A good plunderer?"
"Is a dead plunderer!"
"The Adventurers' Guild?"
"Shouldn't be trusted!"
"If you meet a Hans in the labyrinth?"
"No! Go away! Unless you want to die!"
As I was drilling the things every barbarian adventurer needed to know into their heads, suddenly, goosebumps ran down my spine.
...Murderous intent?
Soon, I stopped teaching and turned around. Standing right behind me like a ghost, I saw a familiar barbarian with a large scar on his face, a long, braided beard, and even the distinct scent of sweat that suggested he hadn't washed in several days.
"Bjorn, son of Yandel." It was the chieftain. "Recently, I have received a lot of summons from the guild. Is this all your doing?"
I slowly shifted my gaze toward Kharon, who had assured me that the chieftain would not come to find us during training. He was already distancing himself from me, his face pale.
"Explain fast. Before I misunderstand you."
Ah, uh... um... Goddamn it.