Surviving the Game as a Barbarian Chapter 787: Upgrade (5)

I had no real reason to mistrust what I'd just heard. Seriously, isn't it far more believable that this jerk is issuing empty promises than that one of my senses is suddenly betraying me? Exactly, putting it simply...

"You've been around long enough to grasp the gravity of what you say, right?" I dropped my tone and delivered the words with an icy smirk. It all seemed utterly ridiculous. A Dragon Heart—one of the most elusive treasures out there—how on earth could a mere guildmaster possess such a thing—

"I fully understand the implications of my statement."

"...So you're claiming that you actually own a Dragon Heart?"

"To be precise, it's the property of the Guild."

What in the world? Is he messing with me on purpose? A disbelieving chuckle escaped me unintentionally, and the Guildmaster responded with a bold shrug.

"It's been gathering dust in storage for centuries. No one would even notice if it vanished. Plus, only the Guildmaster can access those premium items directly."

I found myself genuinely admiring his audacity.

"Incredible..."

I quickly pieced together his implication. If he held onto the Guildmaster role indefinitely, handing over a neglected Dragon Heart from the vault posed no issue. And that realization only heightened my respect.

"How do you intend to handle the fallout...?"

Does this man expect to only survive a handful more years? The Guildmaster seat isn't permanent. Even if he pulls it off for now, eventually he'll pass it to a successor.

"The instant they discover the theft of the Dragon Heart, you'll bear the blame, no doubt—but your whole family will suffer alongside you."

"That's nothing to fret over. My spouse and kids have enjoyed ample perks from my position. It's just that sharing in the repercussions of my downfall is their due as well."

"Incredible..."

For the second time in this brief exchange, I couldn't help but feel awed against my will. Is he truly deranged?

"Gamblers have a proverb. You familiar with it?"

"Which one?"

"Win big and settle the debts later."

"......"

"Regardless of the time it demands, I simply need to acquire another Dragon Heart and restore it before I retire, correct?"

Incredible...

I restrained a third burst of admiration and posed my last query.

"...Do you perhaps carry any barbarian ancestry?"

"Not a drop."

Of course... I hadn't expected otherwise.

***

The Guildmaster's proposal to accompany us was approved. Through Amelia's verification, we established that the Guild indeed held a Dragon Heart. I wasn't exactly eager to bring along a near-stranger into the labyrinth depths with us, yet...

'I can't pass up an opportunity like this. Who can predict when I'd stumble upon another one?'

Naturally, suspicions lingered. The pieces didn't quite fit. No matter the prestige of being Guildmaster, sacrificing a Dragon Heart merely to occupy an open slot in our clan? That rang false. True, it's Guild-owned, not his private hoard, but rumors suggested he'd fund a replacement himself down the line.

"I sense there's more to this..."

"His standing in the Guild appears precarious. Numerous foes. Likely his final desperate bet."

"Hmm..."

"If it nags at you, I'll probe further."

"Yes, please."

In the meantime, I resolved to await Amelia's probe into the Guildmaster's affairs.

"Time to head out. The others are expecting us."

"Got it."

Upon Amelia and me reaching the rendezvous point, the assembled Anabada Clan members in the open area welcomed us. It had been some time since I'd convened the full clan at the Sanctuary.

"Oh, finally arrived?"

"It's been ages, Kaislan. You been taking it easy?"

"Yeah, since no summons came, I've been lazing around fine... but who's that trio?"

"Two fresh additions. One's a visitor joining us for the labyrinth run."

"A visitor...?"

"I'll fill you in. Just pay attention."

Kaislan's gaze brimmed with curiosity, yet he restrained himself and retreated when I promised details.

"Apologies for cutting into your downtime, but I've got several matters to discuss right now. Top priority: the labyrinth's opening soon."

"Really...?"

"Haven't caught the dungeon's scent in forever."

Talk of the labyrinth ignited enthusiasm among the group. Unsurprisingly, nobody questioned the intel's reliability. As baron, chieftain, and famed explorer, my words carry the weight of credible sources.

"The other main point for gathering you is our latest enlistments."

I presented them individually with introductions. Arua Raven, ex-vice commander of the Mage Corps. Beleg Shusia di Tersia, savior of the fairies. Oddly, the names sparked little uproar. My past with Raven was public knowledge, and Beleg linked to Elwen.

"So the magic and archery roles get filled once more."

"A golden mage and a fairy legend... our clan attracts nothing but elites."

The revelations surprised them, but reactions stayed mild. All smooth—until Raven advanced and gestured at a figure.

"But why's the Guildmaster among us? Don't say he's enlisting too?"

Raven appeared utterly perplexed, mirroring the rest of the crew's expressions.

"Word is his role's wobbling recently..."

"Did he quit to sign on with us?"

Before whispers escalated, I intervened with a swift clarification.

"Ilia Adnus isn't an official member. He's tagging along as a guest for a few labyrinth ventures. Don't pry—it's complicated."

Doubtful stares aimed at me, but I deflected them like a steadfast tank. Still, I pivoted topics.

"Moving on, the third purpose of this assembly is to reveal the updated team lineups. We'll divide into two six-person squads for the labyrinth entry."

Once team splits came up, focus returned from the Guildmaster to me. Even reuniting on the sixth floor, which squad one joined mattered greatly to explorers. We typically merged into a twelve-strong force, but circumstances often demanded independent teams.

"The groups are set. Objections? I'll listen—but approval hinges on a majority vote."

I phrased it to evoke a modern, fair-minded chief, but the reception felt surprisingly lukewarm.

"...Hah!"

"Er, Miss ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) Raven? Why the chilly response from everyone?"

"Mr. Adnus, have you skimmed the clan rules?"

"Ahem..."

"It's explicit: the Clan Leader's single vote equals the entire membership's tally. Meaning, objections never pass."

"Oh... got it..."

Ahem... if it irks you, step up as Clan Leader. Truthfully, equal votes between chief and grunt would breed deeper injustice.

"Alright, kicking off with Team 1."

Dismissing the murmurs, I boldly declared the formations I'd crafted.

[Anabada Clan – Team 1]

Frontline: Me

Melee DPS 1: Misha Kalstein

Melee DPS 2: Kaislan

Ranged DPS: Beleg Shusia di Tersia (Guide)

Mage: Arua Raven

Non-combatant: Ilia Adnus

[Anabada Clan – Team 2]

Frontline: Sven Parab

Melee DPS 1: Ainard Prnelin

Melee DPS 2: Emily Raines (Guide)

Ranged DPS: Elwen Fornaci di Tersia

Mage: Riris Marone

Non-combatant: Auyen Rockrove

In my view, this formed the ideal setup. Naturally, not all approved. As anticipated, Elwen voiced the strongest dissent.

"Wait, isn't this an error? Why stick me in Team 2 over Team 1? What's going on!"

"...Please try to see the reasoning."

Truth be told, I hadn't wanted to place Elwen in Team 2. But alternatives were scarce.

"You're the one insisting against teaming with your uncle."

"W-Well, true, but... the fusion! Without me, who will you partner with for that?!"

"Fusion...? Yandel... you've merged with my niece...?"

Oh, my aching skull...

"It's nothing like that, so erase any misconceptions."

The "fusion" Elwen mentioned involved activating Elibaba Mode through [Spiritification]. I wrestled with this choice, but practically, we wouldn't require that pairing until after the sixth floor, making this arrangement workable.

"At minimum, explain! Why Team 2 for me?!"

I halted her sharper than typical.

"Stop it."

"...Huh?"

"Want a vote? Request it. Else, hold your tongue."

"......"

Heartbreak etched her face, stinging me as well—but yielding wasn't an option. Permitting Elwen's outbursts before the team set a poor precedent, and as leader, catering to them was worse.

Moreover...

"That's surprising. I figured I'd land in Team 2, yet... they shifted over here."

Fostering a mindset where Team 1 seems the "primary" force and Team 2 the "reserve" harmed morale. Every one is my clan's kin. All allies.

"Ms. Raines will probably helm Team 2. He placed the Bloodshade archer there to monitor the rookies. Prnelin... likely because she heeds Ms. Raines."

"Oh, is that the case, Ms. Marone?"

"Only speculating! Hehe, but thrilled to share the team."

"Commander must've seen us as a solid duo."

"Yeah, probably. Onward with our strong teamwork."

Now that I pondered, those pair... had grown quite chummy of late.

***

Post-team reveal, we shared a meal as a group. I believed fostering camaraderie before the labyrinth plunge would benefit all. Astonishingly, the Guildmaster lingered for the feast too.

"Ahaha... reason for my labyrinth venture with you? Apologies. It's a tale... I'll share it fully when the moment's right."

Perhaps the political acumen required for Guildmastery honed his interpersonal prowess. He fearlessly engaged unfamiliar faces in chat.

Yet, I couldn't shake the doubt— is a Guildmaster wise to engage in this now?

'Doesn't matter. Perhaps he cashed in leave or whatever. Not my concern.'

"Hah! You faced that ordeal in Branch 17? I'll look into it myself upon Guild return. Sincere regrets for the injustice."

"Oh, no need... but, uh, thanks."

Observing the Guildmaster warm up to the bunch, my eyes turned to Raven. Predictably, Raven—with dual explorer and martial creds—was integrating seamlessly. He already connected with folks like Misha and Ainard, and we'd tackled the first floor jointly, albeit in separate groups.

'The true issue... lies with him.'

Elwen's uncle remained aloof. He declined drinks politely. He replied graciously when addressed, yet never extended dialogues. It felt as if he shunned forging fresh ties.

'...Things will mend over time.'

Pushing interactions now struck me as hasty. Thus, I opted to observe. Then I circulated among them, enjoying the collective time.

At last...

"Baron Yandel makes his entrance!"

The investiture ceremony dawned.