Surviving the Game As a Barbarian [EN]: Chapter 157

The reason I brought up the sacred object at the meeting is simple. Aside from the fact that it’s information closely related to me, which is a bit concerning, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

‘First of all, it helps with my mystique concept.’ Isn’t it right after the clown hyped up the atmosphere? Rather than suddenly bringing up the labyrinth, this seems more plausible. That was the information you were curious about earlier, right? Here, I’ll tell you. It’s a reward. I figured that if I just threw it out there like that, the members who were expecting to hear some information would have nothing to say. And indeed, that judgment was correct. Far from being disappointed, their expectations of me seemed to have grown even more.

“…Do you perhaps know where the Master is?” At the fox’s words, I shrugged my shoulders. It meant that if you bring something interesting, I might tell you. Fortunately, the fox seemed to understand, clenching its small fist tightly, as if determined to hear it someday.

‘Either way, whatever they bring will be boring…’ My conscience pricked me, but I quickly shook it off. After all, isn’t this a business relationship where we meet wearing masks? It’s right to only care about my own gain. ‘Still, it seems like I’ve motivated them well.’ That was the second advantage I identified. The Round Table’s Watchers have a structure that makes it difficult to guarantee complete anonymity. Information that others don’t know means that you have access to that information.

‘Crescent Moon talked a lot about fairies, and the fox seemed to be more knowledgeable about the latest information on people or events than hidden pieces.’ Of course, unlike the goblin whose identity as a paladin was exposed, the other masks seemed to be keeping their distance. But to bring interesting information, they would have to reveal their hand. If I use this concept well, it will be a great help in deducing their identities. ‘I’m especially curious about the clown’s identity, though.’ In that sense, this was a good opportunity. They must be just as curious about my identity. Since I can only reveal information about the labyrinth in the future, I shouldn’t miss the chance to act like I know what I’m doing. It might be okay for the first few times, but if it continues like that, they might suspect that I only know a lot about game information and am actually a nobody. Anyway, that’s the third advantage.

[I want to buy information on who received the divine revelation.] The clown had already shown a strong interest in the divine revelation, and I judged that if the information was going to be revealed anyway, it was reasonable to use it like this. Of course, I’m not sure how much he’ll be able to find out. I don’t know how tight-lipped the people at the temple are. But… ‘I might be able to confirm it through him.’ If the clown, who is treated as a high-level member of the Round Table’s Watchers, can’t find out? Then I can rest assured. That means the secret is being well-kept. I was busy racking my brain while maintaining my chin-on-hand pose.

“Well, shall we go around one more time?” Under the fox’s lead, the second round began. This time, the start was also the goblin, but there were some twists and turns from the beginning. He received a red light and barely managed to get a green light on his next attempt… But the members all raised objections. “The saint’s real name. If you look for it, it might be useful somewhere, but…” “You’re trying to get by too easily.” “It might have worked in the past. But it’ll be difficult to get away with that now.” In the end, the goblin had to bring out new information that the members would recognize as useful, and he barely passed the turn to the next person. Ah, for reference, the information was also related to the temple. ‘The Second Paladin Commander, that’s the woman who was next to Crovitz when the divine revelation was given, right? I can’t believe that woman is a lesbian.’ It was information close to a scandal, but surprisingly, the members didn’t raise any objections. I think I know what they’re thinking. They must have judged it to be valuable information to seize the Second Paladin Commander’s weakness if they could get evidence. Because homosexuality is considered a very serious sin in this world.

“Well, it’s my turn.” The fox mask, who was next in line, talked about what double numbers items would be coming out at the Sky Auction House. “Using one piece of information twice.” The deer antlers complained, but it didn’t go as far as an objection. He also knows that double numbers are worth that much. Anyway, the turns continued, and secret information came out of the members’ mouths. The deer antlers mentioned information related to the royal family’s politics, and Crescent Moon mentioned that a fairy clan’s successor had committed a major crime and was stripped of their position.

“Hmm, it’s my turn now?” The clown, who had dropped the bomb of the six-person binding magic, also toned it down a bit this time and revealed ordinary information. Well, is it a bit much to call it ordinary? “Actually, the masks we’re wearing weren’t chosen randomly.” “What do you mean?” “The Master said that when you choose your mask for the first time, you choose the one that most resembles your fate.” It was quite interesting. It’s a bit ambiguous to call it useful information, though. “That’s why the goblin is looked down on by me. It means that he has a weak and moderately cunning fate.” The goblin mask, which was the target of the clown’s no-filter example, trembled. But did it look a little pitiful? “I don’t know about the goblin, but Clown, I think I know why you’re so annoying.” The deer antlers muttered sarcastically at the clown. However, the clown just laughed with a ‘pishish’ sound, without showing any sign of being upset.

“But this doesn’t seem like very important information.” “Yes. It’s a bit strange that the Master said that, but…” “Bring out something more helpful.” At the three people’s objections, the clown clicked his tongue. “Tsk, I gave you a clue about fate. Is this like casting pearls before swine?” While muttering that, the clown glanced at me. This time, I didn’t answer and just stayed still. Silence always gets you halfway there. “Then I’ll have to give you information that’s up to your level.” The clown soon brought out new information. It was about the Explorer’s Guild, and this time it passed without any objections. And so, it was my turn again. I revealed one of the pieces of information I had chosen in advance. It was high-level information, but it was so high-level that it was useless even if you knew it. “The Stone of Resurrection exists.” The moment I finished speaking, everyone’s gaze gathered at the center of the round table. And the moment the gem emitted a green light. “…” “…” Silence fell.

***

“Um, what is the Stone of Resurrection…?” The first to speak was the goblin. At his question, which he asked while looking around, the fox answered. “It’s an item that can revive people. Or, should I say, it’s a thing that’s known to be like that?” The ‘Stone of Resurrection’ was an item whose existence was only known by rumors even within the game. It was understandable. To get it, you had to meet insane conditions in an environment where luck was on your side. The first time I got it was purely by chance, and after that, even though I knew the acquisition conditions, I couldn’t get it. But how would these guys who came after clearing the cheat version know? “I-If you have that, can you really revive the dead?” Soon, Crescent Moon asked carefully. His voice was filled with excitement that he couldn’t hide. Does he perhaps have someone he wants to revive? “Yes.” As a reward for hearing a lot of useful information today, I gave a little service. “If you have the Stone of Resurrection, it’s possible to revive the dead.” There are complex requirements attached, but the effect itself is the same as what is known outside. But was that not enough to satisfy them? “Then, perhaps who has that item—” “Stop.” I coldly cut off Crescent Moon’s words and muttered. It meant that if you wanted to hear more, you should come back with information that was worth it. Soon, Crescent Moon also came to his senses. “Then, at least tell me what your interests are. I need that item.” Hmm, I didn’t expect this development… I thought about it for a moment. A quirky person who is bored and listless, and a lion mask who even participates in this kind of meeting to see if there’s anything interesting. Indeed, what would he have answered here? Soon, a suitable line came to mind. “I don’t know either.” The lion doesn’t even know himself. “What I’m interested in.” It’s a bit of a *chuunibyou* [a Japanese term for someone who acts like a melodramatic teenager] setting, but other than that, it’s a pretty good concept. If I dodge it like this, they’ll bring a wide range of useful information on their own, and… It’ll be easier to judge whatever they say as boring. “It won’t be an easy task. To entertain someone like you.” Soon, Crescent Moon let out a long sigh. His eyes were full of determination to find out. For some reason, my conscience pricked me, so I turned my gaze to the empty air while resting my chin on my hand. But did that look lonely? No one opened their mouths, and a moment of silence followed.

“Ahem! Well, then, what shall we do now? If everyone’s okay, shall we go around one more time?” Soon, the fox took on the role of the host and led the conversation, and the goblin raised his hand. “I’ll drop out at this point. I don’t have any more information that would satisfy you.” “Then I’ll drop out too. I prepared a few more just in case, but seeing today’s level, I’m not confident at all.” As the deer antlers also declared their absence after the goblin, it was naturally decided that the meeting would end. But, what is this again? ‘Ha, is it this again?’ Everyone is quietly looking at me without leaving. Come to think of it, it was like that at the last meeting too. They all pretend not to, but do they want to know my evaluation? Well, they must have been a little hurt last time. Because back then, I was clearly disappointed, saying, ‘Is that all?’ ‘…Then what should I say this time?’ After thinking for a moment, I made a decision. And after quickly scanning each of the different masks, I chuckled, as if to say their efforts were commendable. “I’ll look forward to the next time.” Thanks to you, I got some great information.

***

In the Round Table’s room where the lion had left, the goblin asked the question he had been holding back in a daze. “…Who is that guy, anyway?” “It’s clear that he’s not an ordinary person.” The deer antlers clicked his tongue briefly and answered, and the goblin let out a long sigh. He just said it to try and deduce it together. Why am I always treated like this? Soon, the goblin revealed what he had been thinking alone. “…Maybe he’s one of our people.” “Pishish, what are you talking about, Goblin?” “There are less than ten people in the main order who know about the divine revelation. Each one of them was at least a high priest or a commander-level figure. If that guy is one of them, it all makes sense—” “Ha, I was wondering what you were talking about.” The clown suddenly cut him off and snapped irritably. “That’s why you’re always looked down on. Why are you so simple-minded? Do you think that man is just a cardinal? A commander? Is that all he could be?” “But! If that’s not the case, it doesn’t make sense. It hasn’t even been two weeks since the divine revelation was given…” “Tsk, pathetic. Can’t you think that one of their hands or feet was involved?” “That’s absurd…” The goblin trailed off as if it were ridiculous. That’s because he knows how faithful the high-ranking officials of the temple are. They would never be under the control of an outsider. But what is this again? “Wait a minute, do you all think so too?” Everyone except him is readily accepting that absurd statement. “Because there’s no other explanation.” “To be honest, I thought he was a lone wolf. But it wasn’t that either…” “Perhaps we’ve come into contact with someone more powerful than we imagined.” At this point, I’m starting to wonder if it’s possible. Could it be that the man’s influence has reached even the core of the order? Of course, nothing was certain yet. So the goblin focused on the conversation that followed.

“Then let’s put our heads together for the remaining time. Even if we don’t know his identity, maybe we can find out what kind of person he is?” “That’s a good idea. Maybe we can find out what he’s interested in.” With the fox’s suggestion, a deduction through collective intelligence began. The goal is to find out the identity of the lion. “I’ll start. That person wasn’t even interested in double numbers. Maybe he’s so strong that he doesn’t need such things.” “The same was true for the Noah Arc subjugation plan. He didn’t even flinch when he heard it. It’s clear that he has eyes and ears in the core of the royal family.” “Pishish, I’m sure he’s killed at least thousands of people. To not even know what he’s interested in, I’ve only seen a few humans who are that broken?” Every time they talked about what they had observed, I wondered if they had been hypnotized as a group. The culmination of that was Crescent Moon’s guess. “Perhaps… that person knows all of our identities.” “What are you talking about, Crescent?” “When he first brought up the Stone of Resurrection, he was looking directly at me. As if he even knew about my story.” The goblin unknowingly let out a hollow laugh. I know he’s not an ordinary person, but isn’t this too much of a leap? ‘It seems more likely to be a coincidence… After all, the seat he was sitting in was right in front of me, wasn’t it?’ Of course, that was just a thought in my head. Because everyone was taking Crescent Moon’s words seriously. “Hmm, I was a little curious why he brought up the Stone of Resurrection, but that explains it.” The clown had completely accepted it, and the others also thought that the possibility was worth considering. The goblin was starting to get confused. Since all the smart people were saying the same thing, I started to think that it might really be possible.

“Ah!” At that moment, the fox clapped his hands and shouted loudly. “The mask! We have the mask.” “The mask… you mean?” “Yes. If we think about that mask, maybe we can get a sense of what kind of person he is?” “Hmm, if the clown’s words are true, we might be able to know what kind of personality he has.” “A lion…” Soon, the members each took turns talking about what came to mind when they thought of a lion. “Um, when I think of a lion, the first thing that comes to mind is the story of how they drop their cubs off a cliff as soon as they’re born.” “You mean the one where they only raise the ones that survive? That’s all a rumor. Well, to become that strong, they would have gone through something more harsh than falling off a cliff.” “Pishish, I can’t think of anything other than the king of beasts. Could it mean that the lion will become king someday?” “Hmm, he certainly didn’t seem like someone who would work under someone else.” “I’ve heard that lions were used as a symbol of the emperor in the East.” “A symbol of the emperor! This is quite interesting!” The goblin just listened quietly to what they were saying. As I was doing that, I suddenly had this thought. ‘Lions are polygamous… Could it just mean that he’s destined to have a lot of women?’ Of course, this time too, it was just a thought in my head. Because if I said it, they would just look at me pathetically.