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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: JayM
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“…We have to run.”
The words tumbled out of Mars’ mouth involuntarily.
He was right.
Jeong Yoo-shin’s party had never faced a large monster before.
They only had one life. They couldn’t afford to learn through trial and error.
Death was the end.
And this could be a gruesome death at that, becoming a monster’s meal.
“…”
Instead of replying to Mars, Jeong Yoo-shin narrowed his eyes and carefully surveyed the area.
He was looking for the holy relic.
It was the only thing they had to stop the Eldritch Wave.
Was this him being greedy?
Regardless, he couldn’t see the box anywhere.
Iron Mask had given the holy relic to that human warrior, Matt.
He continued to observe the area around the troll.
‘Shit.’
Jeong Yoo-shin’s eye twitched.
He saw Matt’s plate armor a short distance away from the Forest Troll.
It was mangled and twisted, almost unrecognizable. He wouldn’t have recognized it if Matt’s severed head hadn’t been lying nearby.
He suppressed the urge to vomit and continued to search.
‘Found it.’
He saw the holy relic sticking out of a torn backpack.
Unlike Matt, Huris the dark elf was nowhere to be seen.
‘Confirmed.’
Jeong Yoo-shin gently tapped Mars on the shoulder.
Mars jumped and turned his head sharply. His lips were trembling. He looked terrified.
‘Let’s go back.’
Jeong Yoo-shin gestured, and Mars nodded frantically.
They carefully made their way back through the bushes and reached a spot where a large tree stood.
Iron Mask, Kubo, the dwarf, and the elf mage were waiting quietly.
Jeong Yoo-shin approached them.
“I found the Forest Troll.”
The color drained from his party members’ faces.
Jeong Yoo-shin continued.
“I didn’t see Huris, the dark elf. Matt is dead. I just saw the troll tear apart one of Huris’ party members.”
“…”
A dark cloud fell over the party.
Could they sense the imminent danger?
They remained silent for a while, as if they were contemplating their death.
“We have to fight.”
The female dwarf, who had been silent, finally spoke.
“…”
Everyone was speechless.
The elf mage crossed his arms.
“Durin, that’s insane. Retreating is our best option. We need at least three parties to take down a Forest Troll. We’re outmatched.”
The others nodded in agreement. But Durin was resolute.
“If the Eldritch Wave comes, we’re finished. We can’t reach the teleportation stone in three days, even if we clear the 7th floor. It’s impossible.”
“Even if it’s an Eldritch Wave, aren’t they just Face Centipedes? The poison is dangerous, but I heard that there’s an antidote now, so there’s no need to worry too much.”
“You don’t understand. The monsters in each Eldritch Wave are different depending on the area.”
“What appears in the Forest area?”
“I don’t have time to explain everything. Just know this. Face Centipedes only appear up to the 5th floor. Once you pass the 5th floor, the monsters in each area are different. It’s better to fight the troll.”
“Who can withstand the strength of a monster that size? Someone has to be the vanguard. You’re suggesting a party that just barely graduated from novice level take the lead? Be reasonable.”
The elf mage said while shaking his head.
“I’ll be the vanguard. I’ll try to distract the troll.”
Durin, the female dwarf, replied.
The elf mage’s eyes widened.
“Durin, what are you saying? We have a better chance if you’re the attacker.”
“I’m the only one who can withstand its attacks. If you and that shameless dwarf priest cast support magic, it might be easier than we think.”
Kubo frowned.
Jeong Yoo-shin stepped forward.
“Durin, was it? I’ll take the lead. You attack from my side.”
“Why?”
Jeong Yoo-shin glanced at the halberd strapped to Durin’s back.
“I’m the only one wearing something resembling plate armor. And I have the Revenger and Venom Protection imprints. That’s why I should be the vanguard.”
The dwarf stared at Jeong Yoo-shin with wide eyes.
“You have some good imprints. You’re a lucky barbarian. Alright. But are you sure? Aren’t you afraid?”
“If something needs to be done, it’s better to have someone suited for the task to do it. And I’m a former monster dismantler.”
Since arriving in Labyrinth City, he had become more familiar with butchering monsters than seeing the smiles of the townspeople.
He sighed while thinking back.
The first thing he did after arriving in Labyrinth City was butcher monsters.
‘The story of a black-haired foreign worker becoming a butcher in another world’s Majang-dong*.’
His elf master had taught him diligently, but his roots couldn’t be erased.
His unique swordsmanship revolved around mercilessly separating flesh and bone as he wielded his sword freely.
“You’ve been through a lot. Alright.”
The dwarf looked at Jeong Yoo-shin with pity.
‘The Forest Troll’s weakness is holy fire.’
He remembered what the human warrior in Ingrave had said.
“Kubo, what is holy fire?”
Jeong Yoo-shin asked.
“…It’s flames imbued with holy power. At least, that’s what we, the followers of the Fire Elemental God, believe. Why do you ask?”
“How do you make it?”
“Usually, high-ranking priests create it with divine magic. Intermediate priests consecrate oil. Why?”
“I’ll explain later. Do you have the Inferno Oil?”
“Yes, but… I can’t consecrate it yet.”
Kubo mumbled while scratching his head.
“Aren’t you an intermediate priest?”
“I just became an intermediate priest. When would I have the time to learn that?”
‘Shit.’
Jeong Yoo-shin racked his brain.
Oil.
He had the oil.
The problem was imbuing it with holy power.
‘Sacred Weapon.’
A plan began to form in his mind.
Jeong Yoo-shin, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly slapped his knee.
“Let’s come up with a plan before we go in. Listen.”
He gathered everyone and explained briefly.
“…What do you think?”
“Are you insane?!”
Mars, the rat beast-person, clutched his head.
“Have you lost your mind?”
“It’s like putting a bell on a cat.”
Everyone voiced their concerns.
“I’ll be the one putting the bell on the cat.”
Jeong Yoo-shin said calmly, and everyone fell silent.
“Skar, it’s too dangerous.”
Iron Mask warned.
“Iron Mask, someone has to do it. I’m the best suited for the task.”
Iron Mask remained silent, but he looked displeased that his party member had to take on such a dangerous task.
Jeong Yoo-shin stood up.
“Let’s start quickly. We don’t know when the Eldritch Wave will come, so we’re short on time.”
He checked his plate armor and slung his longsword over his shoulder.
‘This is uncomfortable.’
The shoulder armor restricted his movements more than his leather armor.
He would have worn lighter armor if he had known he would encounter such a large monster.
It was too late for regrets. He would think about it later, if he survived.
The six of them gathered under the tree.
“…”
“Let’s go.”
Jeong Yoo-shin slung his longsword over his shoulder and emerged from the bushes.
They maintained formation as they came out.
The troll, sensing their presence, turned its head.
The horrific stench, the pockmarked face, and the dispersing poisonous spores…
It was a nightmare-inducing sight.
But fear wouldn’t get them anywhere.
He activated his imprint.
[Venom Protection]
He gripped his sword.
The longsword crafted with care by Boron and Einhorfer.
His name was engraved on the blade. He didn’t need a separate epitaph.
Just as the troll was about to stand up…
Jeong Yoo-shin charged.
It was a reckless, swift attack.
The others scattered.
“Grooooar!!!”
The troll roared and raised its hand to strike Jeong Yoo-shin.
Whoosh!!!
The overwhelming weight of the blow created a sonic boom.
‘Shit.’
The troll’s fist was larger than two wardrobes combined.
A direct hit would be fatal. He quickly rolled to the side.
Boom!!!
The fist slammed into the ground, sending dirt and rocks flying, momentarily obscuring his vision.
Thud! Thud!
Rocks struck his helmet and armor and bounced off.
Amidst the dust and debris…
Jeong Yoo-shin, having rolled across the ground, sprang to his feet like a coiled spring.
He gripped his longsword with both hands and twisted his waist.
His target was the troll’s other hand, the one it was using to push itself off the ground.
He swung his sword.
Slash!!!
The sharp blade sliced through the troll’s wrist. The skin split open, revealing the layer of fat beneath.
Squirt!!!
A yellowish, pus-like blood spurted out, splattering his armor.
‘It’s too tough.’
He had intended to sever the tendons completely, but it was no use. Without pausing, he drew a dagger and plunged it deep into the troll’s wrist.
The dagger tore through the open wound and embedded itself deep within.
“Grooogh!!!”
The troll convulsed and swung its other hand.
At that moment…
[Slow Chain]
The elf mage’s incantation echoed through the air. The troll’s hand slowed down.
[Holy Fire Protection]
Kubo’s divine magic followed, enveloping Jeong Yoo-shin in flames.
A spell that increased fire resistance, defense, and vitality, and also reflected damage back at the attacker. Only priests who served the Fire Elemental God could use it.
“Hup!!!”
Jeong Yoo-shin jumped, dodging the troll’s sweeping hand, and then darted closer.
He moved past the troll’s grounded hand and reached its back.
His sword flashed, and four quick slashes cut through the troll’s spine. Blood spurted out, and the troll roared.
“Grooogh!!!”
The troll’s gaze fixed on Jeong Yoo-shin.
‘Got it.’
He had successfully drawn the troll’s aggro.
The troll stumbled and finally stood up, grabbing a wooden club.
It was too big to be called a club. It was practically a whole tree.
One hit, and he would be done for.
‘Sigh. Now the real fight begins.’
The troll, its eyes bloodshot, raised the massive club high in the air.
Whoosh!!!
The tree trunk descended. Jeong Yoo-shin quickly rolled to the side.
Boom!!!
The ground shook violently, as if a bomb had exploded.
“Shit!!!”
Jeong Yoo-shin, sent flying by the shockwave, sprang to his feet and held his sword in a reverse grip.
[Ice Spear]
A sharp icicle spear flew through the air and embedded itself in the troll’s chest.
“Crooogh!!!”
The troll roared, its eyes widening.
Fwoosh!!!
Poisonous spores from the mushrooms on its back dispersed into the air.
The party members retreated while maintaining formation.
Jeong Yoo-shin, who had been charging forward, stopped abruptly.
‘Shit.’
The wound on the troll’s wrist was already closing.
He had heard that trolls had high regenerative abilities, but he hadn’t realized it was this fast.
The troll pulled out the icicle spear and threw it at Jeong Yoo-shin.
Whoosh!!!
He ducked and dodged.
The descending club shattered the ground, and the troll’s other hand swept across the earth.
Jeong Yoo-shin dodged every attack while jumping like a grasshopper.
It was a superhuman feat, impossible without his leveled-up stats, the buff magic, and his insane courage.
‘I’m going to die.’
He was already panting, his body drenched in sweat from running and rolling around in his heavy armor.
The troll continued to swing its club wildly as it relentlessly attacked Jeong Yoo-shin.
Boom!!!
Crash!!!
The ground, as if bombarded, became uneven and cracked.
Just then…
Iron Mask and the dwarf, having taken antidotes, charged while wielding their sword and halberd.
Iron Mask’s greatsword severed one of the troll’s fingers.
And the dwarf’s halberd sliced through the troll’s flesh and blood vessels like butter.
Slash!!!
Blood gushed from the troll’s body, soaking the ground.
“Graaaaaah!!!”
The troll roared and thrashed.
Jeong Yoo-shin, catching his breath, shouted.
“Mars!”
There was no sign of Mars, who was supposed to be finding a spot to bury the holy relic.
He quickly looked back to see Mars staring blankly at the sky.
“What the fuck are you doing?!!!”
Jeong Yoo-shin shouted.
“The sky… The sky is strange.”
“What…?”
Jeong Yoo-shin also looked up.
The brownish sky pulsed slowly.
Thump.
Thump.
Like a beating heart.
And then it began to turn black, starting from a single point.
“It’s an Eldritch Wave!”
The elf mage screamed.
“Shit!!!”
The change was sudden.
The green foliage withered, and a sweet, swampy smell, like something decaying, filled the air.
The changing environment unsettled them.
The momentary chaos disrupted the party’s coordination.
And once broken, their teamwork couldn’t be recovered.
The troll, seizing the opportunity, swung its club.
Whoosh!!!
The dwarf’s eyes widened. She tried to dodge, but it was too late.
Wham!!!
The club struck the dwarf.
“No!!!”
The elf mage screamed.
The dwarf’s body flew through the air, crashed onto the ground, and rolled to a stop in front of the elf mage.
“Durin!!!”
The elf mage screamed Durin’s name again and rushed towards her.
“Cough!!!”
Durin, her bones shattered, coughed up blood and then started laughing.
The despair of losing her companion.
The excruciating pain from her broken bones and torn organs.
The hopelessness of the approaching Eldritch Wave.
All of it, combined with the ‘law’ of the Forest floor, shattered Durin’s mind.
“Durin!!! Get a grip!!!”
The elf mage frantically took out a potion and tried to give it to the dwarf. But it was useless. Durin had lost her mind to madness.
The troll grinned triumphantly, gripping its club.
Jeong Yoo-shin and Iron Mask were standing before it.
It was obvious who the troll was targeting. The one who had cut off its finger.
Iron Mask.
The troll raised its club high in the air.
Jeong Yoo-shin moved in a flash.
He had to protect the damage dealer. If Iron Mask fell, it was over for the vanguard.
He instinctively jumped in front of Iron Mask. Iron Mask shouted something, but he couldn’t hear it.
[Sacred Weapon]
Property imbuement.
Half-Ogre Gauntlets.
He recalled the strength of the half-ogre’s fist from their fight at the labyrinth entrance.
He squeezed every last drop of his mana, drawing on his vivid memory.
Whoosh!!!
The wooden club tore through the air and descended towards Jeong Yoo-shin’s head.
He gritted his teeth and swung his sword.
“No!!!”
Mars screamed.
Skar, standing before Iron Mask while wielding his toothpick-like sword, looked like a man about to commit suicide.
Jeong Yoo-shin’s longsword clashed with the troll’s club.
Boom!!!
A deafening sound erupted, and the troll’s arm was flung upwards.
Jeong Yoo-shin’s feet sank into the ground.
[Revenger]
Blue flames blazed in his eyes.
His knee joints ached, as if afflicted by gout. His shoulder and wrist bones were dislocated, and his muscles were torn.
The troll frantically swung its left hand.
‘I can’t block this.’
Wham!!!
Jeong Yoo-shin’s body flew through the air and crashed onto the ground. He rolled to a stop next to Kubo.
“Skar!!!”
His party members screamed.
“Kyaaagh!!!”
Jeong Yoo-shin staggered to his feet. The plate armor on his chest was dented, and his shoulder armor was torn off. His helmet was nowhere to be seen.
The shattered chainmail tore through his undergarment and dug into his flesh.
He should have collapsed and either died or gone mad.
Yet, Jeong Yoo-shin stood firm.
“Kubo, the Inferno Oil.”
Jeong Yoo-shin coughed up blood and extended his hand to the priest.
“No! Stop! Wait! Let me heal you!!!”
“I don’t need it.”
Jeong Yoo-shin threw off his mangled plate armor.
It was just getting in his way.
He snatched the Inferno Oil from Kubo and poured it liberally over his left arm. He also applied the Pain Relief Cream he had received from the warrior in Ingrave.
The black liquid flowed down his arm, soaking his fist.
‘Holy fire.’
He had originally planned to summon a Sacred Weapon, coat it with Inferno Oil, and then light it on fire.
But there wasn’t enough time. His mana was completely depleted.
He had enough left for one last Sacred Weapon.
Kubo’s lips trembled as he looked at Jeong Yoo-shin’s arm that was covered in black oil.
“S-Skar, are you… Are you crazy?”
Jeong Yoo-shin grinned as he took out his flint and steel. A dark energy surged within his blazing blue eyes.
Kubo trembled like a leaf.
Jeong Yoo-shin spoke.
“That’s me.”
And then he muttered softly.
“A fire-attribute swordsman from another world’s Majang-dong*.”
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T/N – Damn. I really love these sorts of fights. It shows just how badass the MC is, especially when you have someone to compare him with like the dwarf lady who went mad with just a single hit from the troll. If there’s one stat the MC excels at, it’s willpower.
*마장동 (Majang-dong) is a neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea famous for its large wholesale meat market. It’s essentially the butchering capital of Seoul.
If you find any mistakes, feel free to point them out in the comments.
Anyone else kind of hate Mars for not only getting distracted from his job of finding and burying the relic, but also distracting the entire party, which has already led to a psuedo death by madness?
I mean, fair. But in his defense, the Eldritch Wave starting to form on top of them as they fought the Forest Troll was going to distract them either way regardless of Mars bringing it up.
Still, he really should have picked up the pace instead of just staring at it blankly.
daaaamn what a guts like mc ! love it ! btw i think this might be the hardest labyrinth type of any story i even seen … not only the level of the monster in this low tier levels are insanely strong but the unique property of taking damage equal going insane of the labyrinth makes them a nightmare . at least bjorn in the other barbarian story has the advantage of knowing the lore of the world … in here the mc doesn’t have even that .