Surviving the Game As a Barbarian [EN]: Chapter 309

The Earth Witch is alive.

There were several reasons why I chose to reveal this information.

First, it was a perfect way to mess with Auriel Gavis, who was eagerly anticipating what I would say.

Just like that.

“Huh…”

The old man, caught off guard, could only groan, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Seeing his reaction warmed my heart.

Of course, that wasn’t the only reason I revealed this information.

Now, for the second reason.

This information is quite valuable.

And the source is me. No wonder I was so shocked when I first learned it.

To exaggerate a little, it felt like my liver was about to fall out.

Unlike them, I didn’t show it on the outside, though.

In short, it’s perfect for pretending to be in the know.

Swoosh.

I slowly observed the reactions of the other members.

Their reactions were all similar.

At first, they looked confused, like, ‘Huh, what is he talking about?’ but then they belatedly realized the significance and focused their gazes on one place.

Towards the center of the round table where the jewel was placed.

Towards the place where the truth was contained.

“It’s green.”

Soon, a green light illuminated the jewel.

“Then that means what he said is true…”

“At least, it means the speaker believes it to be true.”

I chuckled as I watched the members express their admiration.

Alright, this should be enough to prove my worth.

‘Anyway, I didn’t tell them this, right?’

This is the third effect.

By asking myself this question, I can gauge how much information Auriel Gavis has shared with these members.

If Auriel Gavis was the type to freely share such high-level information, the light wouldn’t have turned on like this.

‘Well, I roughly guessed it from the fact that he didn’t even tell them his name.’

Ah, there’s a fourth reason, for reference.

It’s that the information is now shared with the members.

After all, in the game, there was no mention of the Earth Witch being alive.

I interpreted that the old man, the game creator, intentionally tried to hide this fact.

Therefore…

‘Of course, revealing what’s hidden is the best.’

Right now, I’ve basically released a poison into this group.

I don’t know yet how potent this poison will be, or if it will just be a slight tingle, but…

‘Judging by his constipated face, it seems like a success.’

With this, the four veterans who participated in the meeting have learned the secret that Auriel Gavis wanted to keep hidden.

Surely, some kind of chain reaction will occur afterward.

In a way that Auriel Gavis didn’t want.

“To think the Earth Witch was alive, I should start researching that side as well.”

“The royal family must have known this and hid it. Perhaps it could become their Achilles’ heel.”

The Destruction Scholar, with his youthful appearance, pondered my words with scholarly eyes, and the leader of Orculius’s eyes shone like a warrior who had obtained a fine sword.

And…

“If the witch is really alive… where is she now?”

The woman repeated the same question I had asked Auriel Gavis.

Seriously, this woman is quite sharp.

“What’s your name?”

At my question, the woman in the fancy dress frowned.

And she said quietly.

“…Lavi.”

Lavi.

A name that doesn’t even reveal if it’s a surname or a given name.

No, in the first place, it’s not even certain if it’s her real name or a pseudonym.

Tsk, I was going to look into it separately later.

“But why are you asking that?”

The reason is obvious.

She’s the only one here who doesn’t know my name.

Of course, I couldn’t answer like that.

“Because you asked a foolish question.”

“…?”

“Do I have a reason to answer your question?”

It’s strange to use honorifics with them when I’m talking down to the Master, so I spoke to them as if they were my subordinates.

But was she a little upset by that?

“…”

Lavi bit her lip and glared at me.

As a one-year veteran of being a lion [referring to his experience in the game], I could tell it was the perfect time to offer her a carrot.

“However.”

“…?”

“If you say something interesting, I might answer what you want.”

At my arrogant words, Lavi paused, then nodded as if she understood.

And she looked at me, opening and closing her eyes.

“You’re telling us to prove ourselves too. Fine.”

Her gaze, which seemed to be glaring, was filled with competitiveness.

It was a somewhat expected reaction.

Well, they’re the elites gathered by the Master, how high would their pride be? It’s natural to get angry if they hear such words from a mysterious man they just met.

“…”

Moreover, not just that woman, but the other members also had slightly provoked looks in their eyes after hearing my words.

Okay, it seems like the bait is enough for now…

‘Huh?’

I suddenly felt a gaze and turned my head, and Auriel Gavis was staring intently at me.

‘What the hell is this guy?’ That was the look in his eyes.

***

The order of the meeting starts with me and goes clockwise.

Um, so to put it simply…

“Now it’s my turn, I guess?”

The second turn is the old man sitting to my left.

Therefore, I also perked up my ears.

To have to reveal information that half of the people in this place full of veterans don’t know?

There must be some useful information—

“Then I’ll speak.”

Soon, Auriel Gavis revealed information.

“Lavi, the Earth Witch is in the place where everyone’s wishes are directed.”

Ha, this cunning old man.

That was the information I was going to use in the next turn.

‘Well, he must have predicted that and said it first.’

He must have judged that after seeing me use the information recycling technique, he had to solve this first to check my real cards.

Swishhhhh.

Of course, the light that turned on was green.

The members each muttered their impressions as a matter of course.

“A place where wishes are directed…”

“Does that mean the labyrinth after all?”

“There is room for such an interpretation, but it could also mean outside the city walls.”

Hmm, it seems like they didn’t have anything specific in mind either.

“Alright, let’s continue, we can talk about it later.”

With Auriel Gavis’s guidance, the conversation was organized and the meeting continued.

The next turn was the middle-aged man.

So his name was…

‘Kagureas.’

Yes, that was his name.

Amelia also said it was the first time she had heard that name.

Maybe it’s a pseudonym.

“Haha, this is my first time, so I don’t know what to say.”

“Feel free to speak. Someone like you must have something. An important story that others wouldn’t know.”

“That’s true, but…”

The muscular middle-aged man, Kagureas, looked at us, seemingly worried about whether he could say it here, then sighed.

“I can’t just say something random and pass it on with the Master here, so I’ll just say it.”

“Go ahead.”

“There’s a portal in the basement of the royal palace.”

What…?!

As soon as the green light turned on, questions burst out from everyone except Auriel Gavis.

“A portal? Is it connected to the labyrinth?”

Since his turn was already over, he didn’t have to answer, but Kagureas shrugged and even gave an answer.

“I also found out about it by chance, so I don’t know much, but it doesn’t seem like a portal connected to the labyrinth.”

“This is… very interesting.”

“Then where does the portal lead to…”

At the same time as the Destruction Scholar muttered in an old man’s tone, the gazes of the four men and women naturally moved.

Towards the direction where I and Auriel Gavis were.

“…”

“…”

Everyone kept their mouths shut and didn’t say anything, but the desire mixed in their eyes was too obvious.

You guys must know, right?

The eyes of those who have countless questions and seek answers, which I had experienced countless times while living as a lion.

“…Hehe.”

Auriel Gavis just laughed.

And I…

“…”

I remained silent without moving, as I always did.

I had learned this through experience many times.

If I do this, more than half of it will work.

It’s called the Lion Style.

Second Form, Staying Still.

Ah, of course, even while using the Second Form, my head was working hard to organize my thoughts.

‘A secret related to the royal palace… maybe he’s someone who belongs to the royal family’s faction.’

Kagureas.

I wonder what kind of person this man is.

Since I don’t know anything about him, unlike the leader or the Destruction Scholar, I’m even more interested.

But was he not satisfied with the time of silence flowing meaninglessly?

“Then it’s my turn now.”

That’s how the Destruction Scholar started, and he immediately revealed information without dragging it out.

“The circulation principle of the labyrinth is life force.”

As soon as I heard that, a question mark appeared in my head.

But was it just me?

“…Mr. Ruin Genesis, can you explain it a little easier? Unlike you, we are laymen when it comes to magic.”

“Easier, very well.”

At Kagureas’s request, the Destruction Scholar added an explanation.

“Unlike what is known, the labyrinth is not maintained by magic power. In order for it to circulate like it is now, resources are needed.”

From my point of view, it sounded like alien language.

However, did the woman named Lavi have knowledge of magic?

“…That means that resource is life force.”

When she spoke as if she understood, the Destruction Scholar also nodded.

“But what about it? No one here is curious about the principles of the labyrinth.”

Kagureas said, sounding somewhat dissatisfied.

Actually, I felt the same way.

After all, what would you use that for—

“Tsk, annoying.”

When the Destruction Scholar clicked his tongue, Kagureas shut his mouth.

It was like a muscular man was being mindful of a child, but it wasn’t an unbelievable sight when you saw it directly.

Even though the Destruction Scholar had the appearance of a child, he exuded an atmosphere that was difficult to approach.

“May I explain instead?”

“Do as you please.”

Lavi opened her mouth, taking the place of the Destruction Scholar, who seemed somewhat sulky.

“The fact that the raw material of magic stones is life force means that the labyrinth is maintained through life force. If I understand correctly… everything is reversed.”

“What does that mean?”

“It’s not that humanity was rebuilt and this city was maintained due to the discovery of the labyrinth.”

Lavi said.

“It’s because this city exists that the labyrinth can be maintained.”

My head was spinning.

No, wait a minute…

Is that true? If that’s what she said, then…

“…The explorers who died in the labyrinth were nothing more than fuel. The royal family must have known that fact too.”

As if she had the same thought as me, the leader spoke out the conclusion I had organized in my head.

And…

“Well, that’s how I understand it.”

Lavi shrugged and glanced at the Destruction Scholar.

“At least, it’s certain that the resource that maintains the circulation of the labyrinth is life force. The suspicion about the royal family is a reasonable suspicion that can be derived from this.”

“Y-yes, that’s true…”

“Well, is that enough? It seems to have as much value as the vague information that there is an unidentified portal in the basement of the royal palace.”

At the Destruction Scholar’s sharp words, Kagureas smiled with an embarrassed expression.

“Haha, don’t be angry. People like me can’t understand anything unless you explain everything.”

…Is this person a barbarian?

I feel a sense of familiarity from his way of speaking, but it’s too much of a leap to conclude his race.

There are plenty of explorers like that.

“Now it’s Lavi’s turn, right?”

At Auriel Gavis’s words, gazes gathered towards the woman.

I was also a little excited.

The information from the previous two was very interesting, and this woman had directly received my provocation earlier.

She must want to prove that she’s at least on a similar level, if not suppressing my pride.

“It’s my turn.”

Soon, she opened her mouth.

And she revealed information that I had never expected.

“The Ancient Dragon is dead. You may not know, but it was more than 10 years ago.”

I was dumbfounded.

She said it with a serious face, so I thought she was going to reveal some great information, but.

‘That’s it?’

I was about to scoff, but a green light came out of the jewel.

Auriel Gavis would have known, of course, so it meant that the other three were hearing this story for the first time.

“…I see. No wonder the Dragonkin have been quiet recently.”

“So that’s what happened.”

“To think that the one who survived the age of immortals has died, it’s a shame.”

The three nodded as if they had heard a difficult secret.

At first, that sight was strange, but when I thought about it, it made sense.

The fact that the Dragon Slayer, Regal Bagos, killed the Ancient Dragon and stole the clan’s treasure sword was revealed after a new Ancient Dragon was elected.

‘So that was around this time…?’

I didn’t study history, so I don’t remember the exact year, but I think that’s how it was.

‘Even so, I didn’t know they were keeping it so secret that even these people wouldn’t know.’

I clicked my tongue as if I was disappointed.

But could she have seen that side of me?

“How is it, is this an interesting story?”

“I don’t know.”

In the first place, I don’t even know why they’re reacting like that to the fact that the Dragonkin’s chief died.

I don’t understand why she’s showing off with this either.

Isn’t it obvious that the previous information is much more valuable?

So I just continued honestly.

“I don’t feel any particular value.”

“…That’s an unacceptable statement.”

Lavi glared at me as if her pride was hurt.

There was also a hint of suspicion mixed in that gaze.

She must be wondering if I’m deliberately acting to ignore her.

‘No, if you’re going to show off, bring something more interesting.’

For the sake of quality information, it was necessary to deflate her ego at this point.

Therefore…

‘Is it time to bring out the Third Form?’

I tapped the chair meaninglessly and said.

“It’s not my turn, but I’ll do it one more time in advance.”

“What does that—”

Hey, how dare you when the Lion is speaking.

If I’m lucky, I might be able to pass the turn for free, so I continued speaking in one breath without giving her a chance to interrupt.

“The one who killed the Ancient Dragon is a Dragonkin named Regal Bagos.”

“…Huh?”

The woman, who was about to argue, stopped talking and flinched.

And after a slight pause.

Swishhhhh.

A green light entered the jewel.

“…”

“…”

Silence that was too familiar to me.

In that silence, I looked at Lavi and said.

As if kindly explaining to a bug crawling on the ground.

“How is it, are you convinced?”

It’s called the Lion Style.

Third Form, Disdain for the Weak.