Chapter 220: Chapter 220 Monarch (4)

Monarch (4)

Monarch (4)

Raven, the mage of Team Apple Nark.

She was near the passage with her remaining companions.

The reason was simple.

She had also tried to move towards where the team leader was when the attacks on the knights stopped…

…but she couldn’t even think of passing through because of the thousands of people gathered there.

“Miss Ainar, can I ask you a favor? I can’t see well from here.”

She was a little over 150 centimeters tall.

She was much shorter than the average height of a human woman, so she sat on Ainar’s shoulders and observed the events unfolding in the center.

Although it was too far to hear anything, it wasn’t a problem.

She could just use magic.

“What are they saying?”

“It’s almost over. It seems like they’re going to split into groups of 300 and each break through.”

Raven relayed the events in the center to her companions in real time.

And it wasn’t just her, many other teams were doing the same. After all, everyone had at least one person with an ability like magic or Enhanced Hearing.

“What about Bjorn? What’s he saying?”

“Uh, that is… it seems like he’s coming this way. Ah, and a mage talked to him, as expected, it seems like Mr. Yandel is trying to gather a team.”

“Hmm, I see…”

Misha nodded slowly, looking worried.

It was understandable.

“We’re going north!”

“Is there anyone who wants to leave with me!”

Many clans and teams were already shouting, trying to recruit companions.

There were even famous explorers whose names were widely known.

And leaders of clans with fame.

There was even a place where three such clans had already gathered and formed an alliance.

But Raven said brightly,

“What are you guys worried about? You know that Mr. Yandel is no slouch in terms of fame, right? He’ll be able to gather 300 people, even if it takes some time.”

It was a clearly different behavior from usual.

She was usually the type to analyze the situation and just state the facts.

But…

‘Mr. Yandel would probably do this.’

She had learned something from following that barbarian.

That a leader can’t just act as they ple—

“Huh?”

Raven froze involuntarily.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“That mage said he would follow Mr. Yandel.”

“Wow, really? I heard he’s a really talented mage.”

“Yes, that’s true, but…”

Raven was bewildered.

Although it was good news, she was uneasy because she didn’t know the reason.

‘He could have gone to a much better place…’

Why would a mage like that join them?

She couldn’t understand it at all.

So she decided to be honest with her companions and ask for their opinions.

“Hmm, that mage said he felt like people would gather around Yandel? I think I understand what he meant.”

“You understand?”

“Because Yandel, that guy, is special. Even Raven, you know that, right?”

“I know?”

Just as Raven asked back as if she didn’t understand, Ainar shouted,

“Bjorn Yandel is a great warrior!!”

Great warrior.

She suddenly remembered what happened in the Crimson Fortress.

Throughout their long history, less than ten barbarians had officially received that title from the King.

But back then, she thought…

…as she looked at the 2-month-old barbarian who had passed out after doing everything he could…

…that he might really become one someday.

“You joined this team because of that too, didn’t you?”

“…That’s right.”

Raven nodded readily.

Urikfrit wasn’t wrong.

If she hadn’t felt anything special about that barbarian, she wouldn’t have joined this team.

“He has a strange power that draws people in.”

Raven finished her conversation with her companions and looked up to check where Yandel was.

It hadn’t even been that long…

[If it’s okay with you, we’d like to join you.]

[I think you’ll be able to save the most people.]

[Haha, a loyal guy is the most trustworthy in times like this. Take us with you too.]

…but countless explorers were already following him.

But maybe it was because of what Urikfrit said?

It didn’t seem strange anymore.

And she didn’t even doubt the mage’s intentions, who was the first to follow him.

“I’m… not the only one.”

There are people in the world whose backs you want to follow.

And…

[See, I told you. People would gather around you.]

[A mage’s intuition is usually accurate.]

…most of them leave great footprints.

__________________

One to two hours.

I expected it to take at least that long.

Even though all the valuable explorers had escaped through Dimensional Gate, there were still many explorers who were better than me.

I thought I would have to work hard to build a force that could compete with them.

But…

‘It’s probably because of this man.’

The situation was reversed when Kyle, the military mage with knowledge, strength, and natural charisma, joined me.

Melter Pend, a 3rd-grade explorer, brought his entire clan under my command, and it triggered a herd mentality.

It’s like panic buying.

Even if you don’t think it’s necessary, you feel like you have to do it when everyone else is.

“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”

“The hope of barbarians!”

“Follow the great warrior!!”

I ignore the barbarians’ enthusiastic cheers and move forward.

It’s a feeling I’ve never experienced before.

“Take me with you! I won’t hold you back!”

Is this what it feels like to be a superstar arriving at the airport?

With every step I take, a new team, clan, or individual approaches me and appeals to their strengths.

So I raise the bar.

The reason is simple.

I’m the one in power now, according to the basic market principle of supply and demand.

“Tell me your role and rank.”

“5th grade, I’m alone now, but I was the guardian in my previous team.”

Guardian refers to the warrior role that stands at the forefront.

His skills must be decent if he’s 5th grade.

“Name?”

“Pel Akaberd.”

Pass.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Bjorn, son of Yandel. Get behind me.”

I continue recruiting as I move, only choosing the people I need.

‘There are barely any priests left since they all escaped through Dimensional Gate.’

It’s a shame, but it can’t be helped.

I have no choice but to fill the team with warriors and mages as much as possible.

Ah, and knights would be even better.

“…Kars Erimore.”

“Is there a spot for me and my companions? Three apprentice knights and one regular knight.”

Someone I know appears.

“I can’t believe you were abandoned too.”

“I guess an apprentice knight from an explorer background isn’t that important.”

It’s the knight from Baron Martoan’s family whom I met at the Count’s estate.

His personality isn’t bad, and he’s a former explorer, so he’ll be able to pull his weight.

And we even have a knight who can use Aura.

“Follow me.”

“Thank you.”

One step, two steps.

The number of people following me increases with every step I take.

I’ve already exceeded the 300-person limit just from the barbarians who decided to follow me, but I continue recruiting.

‘We’re just splitting into groups of 300 anyway.’

If we move along the same route, we can help each other in an emergency.

Although I didn’t expect to be able to gather this many people…

‘Alright, things are going well.’

That’s when, as I continue moving forward…

…I see one person in this huge crowd.

“Takelan.”

He’s standing there alone.

He didn’t join anyone’s team, and he didn’t even try to form one.

Maybe he just gave up.

“…….”

He avoids my gaze as soon as our eyes meet.

It’s clear that he wants me to pretend I didn’t see him and just pass by. But I’m a barbarian who has to do what I want to do.

I approach him and say,

“Follow me.”

I don’t know why I said that.

The words just came out.

“If you want to live.”

“Do you… think I want to live?”

He mutters as if he heard something strange.

“Lena was my wife.”

Right, that’s how it is.

“But why should I live?”

I answer,

“Someone has to deliver the news.”

It wasn’t my true intention.

Even at the moment of taking their own lives, everyone deep down desires to live.

Takelan also followed us until the end, even though he lost all his companions.

Was there a reason back then?

Well, I don’t think so.

But…

“Right, there was that…”

…people can get back on their feet more easily if there’s a reason.

“If you’ve come to your senses, get behind me.”

“…Why are you being so kind to me? You don’t even need me now.”

I answered honestly, selfishly.

“Because I’ll feel a little better if you survive.”

Using someone else to alleviate my guilt.

It’s similar to what that knight commander bastard did.

The only difference is that I know how cowardly I am.

“…….”

I don’t know what he thought after hearing my words.

But Takelan joined the group behind me after that conversation.

‘I spent a lot of time unintentionally.’

I continue to lead the group.

And I soon see my companions in the passage.

“Bjorn!!”

Misha and Ainar run towards me and greet me enthusiastically as soon as we’re close enough.

I roughly push them aside and talk to Raven.

“Raven, anything happen?”

“No…”

“That’s good. And you heard the conversation inside?”

“Yes, I did…”

Okay, then I don’t have to explain again.

“But why are you avoiding my gaze?”

“No? I wasn’t. Look!”

Hmm, really?

She seems strangely awkward around me.

Ah, is it because of the people behind me?

Well, even I think Army Commander Barbarian Mode is intimidating.

Raven regains her composure and speaks as I tease her,

“Anyway, with this many people… we can leave as soon as we finish counting them. It worked out well. We were running out of time.”

We were running out of time.

She’s not wrong.

But there’s one thing we have to do first.

Something that might be the most important thing in overcoming this crisis.

_________________

Kyle Pebrosk.

A 3rd-grade military mage with the title of ‘Iron Mage’.

He let out a hearty laugh.

‘I was wondering what he was going to do…’

He was a fascinating guy.

To gather all these people and the first thing he does is ask for their names.

“What’s your name?”

He approaches each person and asks for their name.

And after hearing their name, he briefly shakes their hand.

“It’s nice to meet you, I’m Bjorn, son of Yandel.”

Someone even asked the barbarian why he was doing that.

They asked why he was wasting time on introductions when they didn’t have time.

And his answer was truly unbelievable.

“There are still many people whose names I don’t know.”

“So what? What does that have to—”

“It’s important to me. So don’t interrupt.”

The barbarian continued with the introductions as if it were a sacred ritual.

Most people thought it was meaningless.

Even Melter Pend, the leader of the Nartel Clan, who had his own experience and insight, felt the same way.

“…Is there a meaning behind it?”

Kyle smiled at his question, approaching him subtly.

“Melter Pend, why did you decide to follow him?”

“That’s…”

Melter Pend hesitated and then spoke.

“Honestly, I thought there must be a reason why you chose him, Mr. Kyle.”

“Right, that’s also a reason. But it’s not all. You have people you’re responsible for.”

“…Do you know about my situation?”

“I happened to hear about it. You received an offer from that commander bastard, but you refused because you couldn’t abandon the rest of your clan members, right?”

“This is… a bit embarrassing.”

“What’s there to be embarrassed about? I think it was a loyal choice. But to just follow someone else’s decision after going to such lengths to protect your clan members…”

“It’s hard to understand, even from my perspective.”

Melter Pend laughed awkwardly.

And he continued cautiously,

“This might sound strange, but I had a feeling. That it would be safest to stand behind him…”

“So you followed your intuition…”

“It’s quite common in this industry. After all, you die if you’re unlucky.”

“I’m not blaming you. Actually, everyone here is probably not much different from you.”

“Yes?”

Although Melter Pend tilted his head, Kyle just said something cryptic.

“Just watch. We’ll soon know whether it was a meaningless act or not.”

The two of them then observed the barbarian without saying anything. He was still asking for everyone’s name one by one.

“…Hans?”

“No, it’s Hanbus.”

“Ah, really? Nice to meet you! I’ll be counting on you.”

“The pleasure is all mine!”

He just asked for their name and briefly greeted them.

But something was different from the beginning.

“Teterud. Nice to meet you. That’s a nice axe.”

“Haha, that’s the highest compliment for a dwarf.”

“I’ll be counting on you later.”

“Damn right, don’t worry.”

The atmosphere was gradually softening.

The corners of their mouths, which had been tense as if covered in thorns, relaxed as they faced a battle where their lives weren’t guaranteed.

“Wait, why are you just passing me by?”

“I already asked you when we first met. Davers, was it?”

“Huh, you remember all that?”

“Because we’re companions who have to fight together.”

Melter Pend finally understood the reason for the change.

That barbarian was naturally gaining trust from all these people.

Just by asking for their names.

“Bjorn, son of Yandel. Are you really planning to hear all these people’s names?”

“Is there a problem?”

“No, I just find you to be a truly persistent guy. I’m Humble Elbertin. Let’s have a drink if we get out of here.”

“Humble Elbertin, I’ll remember that.”

“I can’t miss that. Me too! Me too!”

And the trust wasn’t just limited to those who had exchanged names.

The brief conversations they had while revealing their names could also be heard by others.

“We’re… no longer strangers.”

Melter Pend was truly shocked.

They were people who were forced into the same group, but they were strangers until today.

But now they know each other’s names and faces.

They even have a rough understanding of each other’s personalities from the conversations they overheard.

The personal relationship each individual had with that barbarian became a common ground.

They intertwined like a spider web, forming a bond.

“Bjorn Yandel, he… could it be that he calculated all of this…?”

“Well, I don’t think so.”

“It doesn’t make sense if he didn’t.”

“What doesn’t?”

“…Because people don’t usually do something like that without a reason.”

Kyle chuckled.

Indeed, that’s usually the case.

The same action usually leads to completely different results.

But…

“Don’t try to understand. You should know if you’ve studied history. There are always people like that in every era.”

Because their actions and results are incomprehensible to ordinary people…

…they are considered great.

________________

The long introduction session ended.

And the moment we finished dividing the thousand people into three groups, following Kyle’s advice…

“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”

…I couldn’t help but let out a battle cry with all my might, expressing my reverence for the ancestor god’s blessing.

“Haha… Hey, why are you shouting again? The other barbarians are also shouting because of you.”

Uh, sorry about that…

But it can’t be helped.

‘There’s no Hans among all these people.’

Isn’t this practically a revelation from the ancestor god?