Surviving the Game as a Barbarian Chapter 793: Red Ocean (5)
Previously on Surviving the Game as a Barbarian...
Top Ten Clans, Top Five Clans, Top Four Clans...
Long ago, folks classified the biggest and most renowned clans in that manner. However, such traditions have vanished into the past.
Decades of political turmoil led to the disappearance or consolidation of numerous clans, and amid the turmoil, those old categorization methods naturally fell out of use...
Nevertheless, amid this chaos, one particular clan began rising swiftly, gaining widespread recognition.
The Golden Tree Clan.
A mere few years back, their fame was limited mostly to their leader, yet in the midst of the war, they showcased remarkable strategic skills, swallowing up and integrating other clans to expand at an astonishing rate.
Raven assessed the clan in these words:
“The Golden Tree Clan? Well, I've caught wind of their strong showing in the ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) war, but to be frank, it strikes me as them choosing simpler battlegrounds. That said, they appear quite well-prepared... If I were to place them, they'd likely fit at the lower end of the former Top Ten Clans ranking.”
“Adnus, what's your view on them?”
“Rumors swirl around them plenty, yet their power is undeniable. Word is, they maintain strong links with influential players in politics and finance. Rumor has it they're connected to Count Alminus... and regarding our Guild's third regional manager, those two are like inseparable companions.”
“Got it...”
Based on the Guildmaster's information, the Golden Tree Clan sent a total of ninety members into the Labyrinth on this occasion—positioning them as the fourth biggest group among all the clans.
This indicated substantial support from both the Royal Family and the Guild.
Without that backing, no such large contingent would have been permitted.
“But what do you mean by ‘their share of rumors’?”
“I've picked up whispers now and then about troubles within. It seems they drive their members extremely hard... although nobody has stepped up to confirm or reveal details. They must keep everything under strict control.”
“Driving members to their limits, eh...”
Was that the reason Bear Guy wore such a dour look when discussing his own clan before?
“That said, their reputation isn't poor at all. In fact, feedback on them tends to be favorable overall. They offer good pay, and instead of vending Essences, they hand them out to members, aiding their advancement.”
Hmm, that checks out...
The Guildmaster's take appeared spot on.
The last time I encountered Bear Guy, he'd consumed loads of fresh Essences and, consequently, earned a promotion to Tier-3.
“Avman... he'll be fine, won't he...?”
Even after absorbing this info, Misha displayed lingering concern, whereas Ainard buzzed with excitement over the prospect of crossing paths with Bear Guy on this island.
“Let's rush in there! Running into Urakburak right here of all spots—this must be an omen of luck!!”
Well, I wouldn't quite label it a fortunate sign...
“So, Yandel, what's your plan?”
“What do you mean, my plan? Naturally, we're heading inside.”
“Understood...”
After I stated my intent plainly, Amelia's face shifted to something peculiar.
As if she were biting back words she longed to share.
“Just say it. What's on your mind?”
“...Should you cross paths with the ‘Gold Ghost,’ don't go easy on him or dismiss his threat.”
Her caution prompted me to tilt my head instinctively.
Considering my habitual wariness—where I even test solid bridges before stepping over—why issue such a reminder?
“Do you have any direct knowledge of him?”
I probed further, yet Amelia only shared secondhand tales—gossip and historical accounts. She'd never encountered him personally.
This only heightened my intrigue regarding the ‘Gold Ghost.’
'What sort of fellow is he, really...?'
Well, I'll discover that shortly.
***
The Great Navigator, Pikma.
His enduring legacy has sparked endless discussions among those who came after.
Many claim he merely pioneered the mapping of all islands and created a global chart—far from the mythic explorer who unlocked every island's enigmas.
That's not entirely false.
Pikma failed to seize every concealed element on the islands in his lifetime.
However...
'How on earth could someone map out every single island?'
I believe that doesn't tarnish his stature.
Consider this.
The Labyrinth unlocks merely once monthly, and it seals shut once more eventually.
Life grants just one chance.
Your years aren't boundless.
Given these limits, revealing all mysteries across every island proves utterly unfeasible.
Unless you're juggling multiple game instances on a machine at once.
'Yet, he clearly held some insight into Skull Island.'
Catacoma.
Situated in the Grandrock region's distant eastern waters, this island drew these remarks from the Great Navigator Pikma:
'Either the simplest among them all, or the toughest.'
Spot on.
Skull Island appears deceptively mild on the surface, but probe further, and its true nature turns utterly upside down.
Indeed, that exact phrase fueled the popular belief in a hidden piece lurking on the island.
'Although it looks like nobody truly grasps “that.”'
Even the Ghost Busters member who once purchased intel on the island only learned of the “main boss”—nothing more—
“What in the world is wrong with these weaklings!”
Ainard burst out in frustration.
Judging by her tone, the monsters spawning on Skull Island failed to impress her.
'Can't say I'm shocked.'
Typical foes here hover around Tier-6.
“Ugh... When will a real powerhouse appear...!”
“What's the issue, Ainard? Doesn't an easy path sound beneficial?”
“Misha! I crave foes that deserve a place in my life story!!”
“Oh... yeah, I overlooked that...? No idea myself, so check with Bjorn.”
“...Nah.”
“Why's that?”
“Asking Bjorn would get me chewed out by Emily Raines.”
“Ah...?”
hapless Ainard wilted right away and cast anxious looks my way, but honestly—Amelia's training had worked wonders.
If she ever mothers a child, she'd likely nurture someone highly capable—
“Yandel.”
“...Nothing odd crossed my mind.”
“What are you on about?”
“Ahem... So, why'd you summon me?”
“I suspect we've stepped into the Golden Tree Clan's domain.”
“They're close by?”
“No vital signs nearby, but evident traces of fresh activity mark this zone.”
I get it...
After all, we'd reached about the island's midpoint.
“Since we'll share this island for days ahead, it's wise to make our presence known.”
We pressed onward to the center, holding our path steady.
Soon, we reached the mouth of a cavern at the heart.
“...It's empty.”
Only a vacant space, plainly used before, welcomed us.
Yet that brief wonder faded quickly.
“My, my. How unexpected to encounter such a notable figure.”
Suddenly, scores of auras bloomed behind, paired with a slick tone.
Simultaneously, Amelia—our living sensor—murmured softly.
“...Yandel, they've got us encircled.”
No need to point it out.
A band of about ninety adventurers had boxed us in.
My frame stiffened briefly upon grasping this.
“If we caught you off guard, my deepest regrets, Lord Yandel.”
The prior voice belonged to a fair-haired man around his mid-thirties, advancing now—and Amelia leaned in to whisper:
“Quick note. That's artificial color. His natural shade is dark.”
What an oddly trivial fact.
Still, it blended seamlessly... Regardless, to the matter at hand.
“I'm Bill Ironred, head of the Golden Tree Clan. Feel free to address me as Bill.”
He presented himself with a wide, friendly grin.
Is that the expression that won over all those elite politicians and financiers?
No clue, but evidently, he wasn't some pushover.
“Pleased to make your acquaintance, Ironred. I wasn't anticipating such an elaborate reception.”
“Haha, apologies once more if we surprised you. We truly didn't foresee your arrival, Lord Yandel.”
Such an obvious falsehood.
“I understand.”
I inclined my head and idly eyed the ninety fighters stepping from the foliage.
Their emergence signaled one clear fact.
They'd spotted us prior to our awareness of them.
Thus, their scouting skills surpassed ours.
'And they pulled off a flawless surround with so many involved...'
Did he truly lack prior knowledge of our approach?
No, he was fully aware.
So, the sole purpose for assembling the group, cloaking them via stealth abilities, and springing this trap near the open area was—
'To establish superiority.'
In urban settings, adventurers act as merry spendthrifts, splashing coin and jests freely. Yet within the Labyrinth, they transform into predators.
For endurance, they merge with the wild, harboring poison within and puffing up their presence with fearsome displays.
Appear vulnerable, and teeth will sink in.
“Incidentally... quite the tricky spot, right? If I may inquire, Lord Yandel—are you pursuing him too?”
I couldn't pinpoint who “him” meant precisely, but I nodded and fired back the query.
“And if I am?”
My tone held a touch of sharpness, yet he showed no dismay—merely grinned anew.
“Haha, in that case, no helping it.”
“So you'll step aside?”
“Regrettably, no. I bear duties to my own team.”
“Then we vie for it?”
“Labyrinth spoils have no rightful claimant, do they? Whoever seizes it first claims victory.”
It grated a bit, but I had to concede the logic.
Rivalry holds no fault.
Trouble brews solely when one denies loss—or allows avarice to cloud judgment.
'From his bearing, though, he doesn't strike me as that sort.'
He proved remarkably conciliatory.
Due to my status and notoriety, perhaps?
Most probably.
Were our group minor and unknown, this reception would differ sharply.
“For an even contest, shall we settle on two terms?”
“Proceed.”
“No meddling in each other's efforts. And the first to unlock that cavern entrance earns the challenge privilege.”
“Sound fair?”
“Agreed.”
“Then we're aligned. May we both strive fully.”
“‘Strive fully’ sounds too casual.”
“...Hahaha. You're a witty one, Lord Yandel.”
I wasn't jesting. It was literal.
“Very well, we'll retreat for the moment. Considering our rivalry, of course.”
Thus, he bowed out courteously, prompting Raven to huff in annoyance.
“Hmph. As arrogant as the tales describe.”
“What specifically irked you?”
“He skipped any talk of alliance or splitting shares. Obviously assumes victory is theirs.”
Well... yeah, likely he does.
“But is that problematic?”
“Huh? Well, no... but... as leader, shouldn't you show solidarity with your team or similar?”
What?
That's hardly a leader's role here.
“Rest easy. We'll be the first through that cave door.”
Victory will be ours.
