Surviving the Game As a Barbarian [EN]: Chapter 258

“…….”

“…….”

Even after the gem’s light faded, the silence lingered. While they were still unsure if the post was true, the clown’s confirmation of its validity made the gravity of the situation truly sink in.

‘So, the outside world really is fine.’

What will happen to this city after the community activities end? Surely, the rumors will spread like wildfire.

‘Those damn Noark bastards.’

Hearing the truth from the clown’s mouth, Noark’s intentions became clearer than ever. The post wasn’t a personal, isolated confession. It was a planned operation to disseminate this information within the city using the community.

‘So, that’s why the clown is so forthcoming.’

The clown always hides behind a frivolous mask and speaks with emotional outbursts, but he’s not just a fool. For example, he remained silent about past incidents. As a member of the Orculys leadership, he couldn’t possibly be unaware, yet he never used that information.

[An assassin will soon be sent to Bjorn Yandel.]

This recent piece of information is a similar case. He spoke as if Noark was sending an assassin, but in reality, he was talking about a large clan’s assassination plot. By the way, the price he got for this was simple.

“By the way, Mr. Deer Antler, you’ve been quite active, haven’t you?”

The clown baited the real Deer Antler into action.

“Heh, I never thought they’d send the knights like that.”

From his perspective, he had taken the first step in tracing Deer Antler’s identity. He probably made his judgment then. Even if the assassination of Bjorn Yandel failed, this was more important.

“That unlucky bastard.”

Perhaps Deer Antler recalled the knights midway because he belatedly realized the clown’s purpose. The longer the trail, the higher the chance of getting caught.

“It’s fun to watch you two spar, but save that for later! Hey, Mr. Clown, if it’s okay, can I ask you a question?”

When the clown and Deer Antler showed signs of starting a battle of wits, Soul Queens skillfully changed the subject and asked a question.

“So, who is that old man? The one who teleported over ten thousand people at once with mass teleport. I heard he was the one who guided them outside.”

“That’s…….”

The clown trailed off, then gave an awkward laugh.

“Heh, it’s a secret. It wouldn’t be fun if I just told you, would it?”

He clearly didn’t know his identity. He shouldn’t act like he knows when he doesn’t. Having accumulated years of experience as a Lion, I could see through it and said a word.

“That old man wouldn’t have revealed his identity.”

It was a bonus to look down on the clown with a look that said he was playing a pathetic trick. The clown flinched as if his lie had been exposed. He seemed to be thinking, ‘How does he know that?’ On the other hand, Soul Queens looked at me with a strange gaze.

“Hmm, does that mean Lion, you know who that unidentified old man is?”

No, there’s no way I would know. I met her gaze and didn’t answer. It was Lion’s signature gesture, telling her to bring something interesting if she wanted to know. Soul Queens said, as if grumbling.

“Tch, then can’t you at least tell us what you’re interested in?”

Oh, but then the diversity of information would decrease. There was only one thing I could say. The same line I had said in a similar situation before.

“I don’t know either.”

Lion doesn’t even know himself.

“What I’m interested in.”

At my words, Soul Queens looked at me as if I was a strange person.

‘Okay, I think I’ve met my quota for today to some extent…….’

I pretended not to be interested in the following conversation and listened. The meeting, which had been temporarily suspended, was resuming.

“Then, I’ll go next.”

The second turn was taken by Goblin. By the way, this time, Goblin brought up information related to religion again…….

“You said there was a divine revelation a few months ago, right? I’ve finally found out who it was.”

What? Suddenly? I didn’t expect it to appear here, so I tried to maintain my composure.

“You’re useful for once. Heh, so who is it? What was the received relic?”

The clown, who had shown great interest in the divine revelation and relic at the time, straightened his posture. But was this the first time?

Goblin puffed out his chest and said.

“Bjorn Yandel. The one who received the divine revelation was that barbarian recently called ‘Giant’ in the city.”

The situation is getting interesting.

***

“Bjorn Yandel.”

It’s awkward for me to say, but that’s the hottest name recently.

“He received the divine revelation, that guy……?”

The clown, who had suffered a lot from my main character, laughed as if he was dumbfounded.

“Hey, is this information really accurate? That guy isn’t even human, how could he receive a divine revelation?”

“That’s…… I also found it strange, so I looked it up, and it turns out that it’s not entirely unheard of. There have actually been a few non-human races who received divine revelations in the past.”

“Most of them left a big mark in history.”

Deer Antler added to Goblin’s explanation.

“So, stop suspecting Goblin without knowing anything. Besides, the gem glowed green, didn’t it?”

“That’s…….”

It’s not always accurate. He clearly wanted to say that, but the clown couldn’t finish his sentence. He was the prime example of that.

“Alright, alright, let’s stop it. You too, Clown. This time, unlike with you, the information is 100% accurate, so there’s nothing to worry about. I saw it and confirmed it myself.”

Huh? Saw it and confirmed it myself?

Then the story changes again. At first, I thought it was highly likely that Goblin had obtained the information that had spread. But he saw it himself?

‘……Then he was among them?’

When the third vine was cut, there were a total of five people around me. Three escort knights and Misha. And…….

‘Sven Parab.’

The vice-commander of the 2nd Holy Knight Order of Leatlass. Naturally, the suspect narrows down to one person. It was almost a given that Goblin was a former holy knight.

‘It’s really amazing. I never thought he was that guy.’

The gap between Goblin’s image at the Round Table and that dignified holy knight was considerable. Well, it wouldn’t be worse than me, though.

‘……Is this actually a good thing?’

Following the clown and Soul Queens, I found out Goblin’s identity. Perhaps one day, this information might be of great use.

“Then what was the relic? If it’s the Goddess of Stars, is it a relic related to fate?”

“Actually… I don’t know either. I can’t exactly go around asking about it…….”

Goblin confessed that he didn’t know anything about the relic’s abilities and ended his turn. Next was Soul Queens.

“On the day of rewarding the explorers who returned alive from the Palace of Glory, the royal palace sent an official document to the Magic Tower.”

“An official document?”

“Yes. It was a request to repair the labyrinth portal. After checking, it was in a very unstable state.”

With that, Soul Queens closed her mouth, and soon, light emanated from the gem. Green light, signifying passage. However, the members were not convinced.

“Even if this is the second time, isn’t that a bit shameless? Heh, who would use such trash information?”

“Well? Wouldn’t it look different depending on each person’s level? If the repair had been delayed even a little, a dimensional collapse could have occurred, right?”

Even with the clown’s sarcasm, Soul Queens didn’t budge and retorted. However, even Deer Antler sided with the clown this time.

“It’s not like a dimensional collapse is about to happen, and the information that the repair is complete is a bit….”

Indeed, there was nothing they could gain from this information. It was a bit different for me, though.

‘……If the repair is complete, it’s safe to assume that the experience copy bug is fixed.’

Well, then do I have to do a speedrun now to get the portal opening experience? Still, just in case, I’ll check it again next time I enter the labyrinth.

“I have nothing more to say. I sincerely believe that this information is not inferior to the information we heard today.”

Soul Queens showed a firm stance despite the members’ objections and finally got through.

“Oh, so you could do it like that…….”

Goblin, who had been rejected many times, seemed impressed that this method was possible. But knowing and doing are two different things. Even if Goblin tried, it wouldn’t unfold the same way. Not just anyone can do a barbarian-style forceful argument. You have to have the confidence that you’re the best.

‘This woman is really unique.’

Anyway, after Soul Queens, it was Deer Antler’s turn. Deer Antler said that when Karnon was engulfed in fire, one of the royal family’s treasures was stolen. It was the first time I had heard the name, but judging by their reactions, it seemed to be quite an important item. So, I’ll look into it later when I go out.

“Now it’s your turn, Crescent Moon.”

Finally, it was Crescent Moon’s turn. Throughout the meeting, he had been unusually quiet, showing a different side from his usual self, so I was quite looking forward to what information he would reveal. However, it turned out to be nothing special.

“The Elven race has decided to replace the next pureblood due to internal affairs. They are looking for a suitable new candidate.”

It’s an internal matter of one of the six races, so it will be helpful in understanding the situation, but…… That’s about it for ordinary information. However, I couldn’t take my eyes off Crescent Moon. Because he was staring intently at me.

“I will bring something more interesting next time.”

This time, there was nothing useful, but it was an expression of his will that he had not given up on the ‘Stone of Rebirth’. Not bad. Actually, today’s information wasn’t so bad for me either.

‘But if they’re picking a new pureblood candidate, could I feed it to Erwen? If I could feed it to her, that would be amazing.’

As I was organizing my thoughts, I felt gazes on me. Ah, it’s my turn now. Instead of the few pieces of information I had prepared, I brought out something else.

“Using the Stone of Rebirth, you can revive up to two people.”

So, keep working hard in the future.

***

The Stone of Rebirth. Until I mentioned it, it was only considered a legendary existence, but now it had become a reality. Of course, information about this item is valuable. However, I thought that members who didn’t desperately need the Stone of Rebirth might be dissatisfied. It’s not information related to how to obtain it, just a simple piece of information that you can revive up to two people. Moreover, this is the third time I’ve used it. However…….

“…….”

“…….”

The members didn’t voice their complaints. Because the atmosphere wasn’t right for that.

“Two people… yes, I see…….”

Crescent Moon, who seemed to have lost someone dear to him recently, mumbled blankly at my words. A great desire was conveyed in his voice. Thus, a moment of silence continued.

“Well, this is just great, Crescent Moon, you made us waste one opportunity today?”

The clown said, regretting that my turn was wasted on the ‘Stone of Rebirth’, and suggested moving on to the next round. But…….

“I don’t have anything else prepared. I’ll end it here. I wouldn’t have come if it wasn’t for you, Lion.”

Crescent Moon didn’t even look at the clown, asked for the members’ understanding, and immediately left the Round Table. Goblin was in a similar situation.

“Oh, I’ve also resolved all my questions…… I don’t have anything I can use, so I’ll go now.”

Soon, Goblin also left, and Deer Antler, feeling a bit burdened to continue with four people, said he would stop here as well. Indeed, meetings are a bit tough with four people. Excluding the speaker, two out of the three must reveal information that the others don’t know to pass. But the amount of information you can get decreases when you provide one piece of information.

“Then how about we try it with three?”

“I don’t mind.”

The clown and Soul Queens took the position that they would do more if they could. In the end, the choice was up to me.

‘It seems like valuable information would pour out if we rotated like this with the three of us…….’

I was tempted, but I decided not to overdo it. I might get exposed as being a fraud. Thus, the meeting ended in the first round.

“If there was anything interesting, it would have come out by now.”

Following the Lion concept, I spoke arrogantly, turned my back, and returned to Lee Han-soo’s room. And after spending time browsing the posts, when the closing time came, I returned to my original body.

“Ah, this isn’t my house.”

The inn room in District 7, using Caron’s face and name. As soon as I opened my eyes, the worries I had put aside for a while rushed in.

‘Is Caron doing well?’

Caron is my alibi. If the GM was really targeting today, he would be watching Caron from afar now, checking if he was a player.

“Tsk.”

I want to check how it went as soon as possible. But if I go to where Caron is now, I might ruin things. Therefore, I endured with patience. And the next morning, after spending almost the entire night awake.

“Bjorn!”

As promised, I met Caron again at the sanctuary. The duration of the appearance change was 30 days, so we put on our masks again and returned to our original forms.

“Hehehe, seeing the dark circles under your eyes, it seems you had a great night?”

Ah, I made that excuse.

“……Thanks to you.”

I vaguely brushed it off and asked Caron everything that had happened yesterday. I judged that I shouldn’t have anything I couldn’t remember later. ……Actually, I was just dying of curiosity. I had entrusted it to him, but I had become anxious and imagined all sorts of things during the night.

“Ah, about yesterday?”

What exactly happened yesterday?