Surviving the Game As a Barbarian [EN]: Chapter 437

At first, I was just filled with a dazed feeling.

But, after Lee Baek-ho left and I stood there blankly, it slowly started to sink in.

“Hoo…”

He really left.

That bastard, even until the very end.

‘What was with that ‘poof’ thing…’

Still, I feel like I can finally breathe a little now.

I was so hyped up earlier that I didn’t even feel the fatigue.

“…”

I feel completely drained, just like the word itself.

My head is throbbing so much that it can’t even compare to when I stayed up all night drinking coffee during my college days for over three days.

‘Wait a minute, was that why that bastard was saying his head wasn’t working?’

Ah, whatever.

What does that even matter?

Thud.

I collapsed onto the sofa as if I was falling.

I desperately needed a mental break.

But…

‘Resting is for later.’

Instead of my head, which isn’t working well, I recite the things I need to do out loud.

“…First, I need to review everything before it gets too late.”

From our first reunion to when he ran away at the end.

I meticulously go over our conversation.

It’s my usual routine when something happens.

But is it because my head is throbbing so much that it feels like it’s burning?

I can’t clearly recall the changes in his eyes and expressions during our conversation.

“Ugh, my head hurts…”

The review process was like stepping on the gas pedal of a car with an empty tank.

My will to move forward is strong, but my head is getting duller and duller.

So, I focused on reviewing only the most important parts.

[Are you really Bjorn Yandel, Hyung?]

The bait he threw.

[It’s between you and me, right? You can handle that much. Of course?]

The fact that he readily gave up Misha as soon as he found out I was Bjorn Yandel.

[There’s a button here. And if you just press that button, you can go back to your original world right away.]

The expectation he openly showed towards me.

And…

[You’re lying while looking me in the eye.]

The disappointment that was as big as his expectations.

‘There was a lot…’

The thoughts I was slowly reviewing become hazy.

Maybe I’m a little satisfied.

I didn’t gain anything, but I didn’t lose anything either.

At least not today.

‘…Anyway, revealing that I’m Bjorn Yandel was part of the plan.’

Originally, I was planning to subtly probe his intentions, then reveal my identity, and then demand Misha’s return based on our friendship.

And if that didn’t work, I was planning to threaten him.

If I told him that I was the one who released Ben, I could also imply that I could put Ben back on him.

Well, I didn’t get to bring that up.

[Release Ben quickly. Or you’ll really die here.]

I thought that threat would be somewhat effective on Lee Baek-ho, who was hoping to return here so much that he even caused a mess in the city.

‘…But why did Lee Baek-ho go so far to release Ben?’

I suddenly had that question, but I didn’t think about it deeply.

Well, how would I know what’s going on in that guy’s head?

Maybe he missed hanging out with Koreans or something.

“…”

I closed my eyes and just let my thoughts flow.

‘What is he even expecting from me in the first place?’

I didn’t quite understand.

And that’s because.

[Instead, help me when I break through the 10th floor later.]

Help him on the 10th floor?

It’s nice to be highly regarded, but honestly, is Bjorn Yandel that good?

‘Hmm, if you only look at the growth rate, it’s not strange to have such expectations…’

But there’s something that bothers me.

Didn’t he realize that Bjorn Yandel was a demon at the Gnome Tree?

[By the way, when we meet next time, we’re strangers, okay?]

At that time, he coolly brushed it off.

He drew a line without even trying to build a friendship.

But…

‘It’s still weird…’

If he simply judged that ‘Bjorn Yandel’ didn’t have that much value back then.

What’s different now?

If we’re only talking about growth rate, it was even more absurd back then, and it was even the time when I was gaining fame and being called a hero and even got a noble title—

[You’ve been so nice to me since the first time we met!]

One of the things Lee Baek-ho said suddenly flashed through my mind.

‘From the beginning…?’

Yes, he was nice to me from the beginning.

Then what could be the reason?

“Because it’s Lee Han-soo, not Bjorn Yandel.”

No, that’s wrong.

[I believe you, you’re definitely Korean.]

Then is it because I’m Korean?

Hmm, that’s ambiguous.

Maybe it was just one condition.

He had been waiting in the empty Korean channel for over three years.

Waiting for a Korean who might not even come.

‘…Would a guy who’s so serious about his goals waste his time like that just because he’s lonely?’

Well, I don’t think so.

Even Hyun-byeol is Korean, but she was prickly with me, unlike how she was with me.

Then what is it?

Why was Lee Baek-ho forced to be nice to me from the beginning?

“This is crazy.”

I opened my eyes and jumped up.

And after absentmindedly looking at the mirror on the wall, I realized.

“Nickname.”

Yes, it’s the nickname.

A nickname I made by just adding a random letter to the one I used to use, not even knowing that it had become famous in the community.

[Elfnunna]

There’s no other explanation than that nickname.

Until now, Lee Baek-ho had never mentioned this nickname, so it was late for me to remember it.

‘No, the fact that he hasn’t said a single word about it is already weird…’

Just look at the ‘newbie room’ I first entered with this nickname.

[Elfnunna?!]

[Crazy, is that the person who wrote the stat summary?]

[Uh… wasn’t that person from the game company?]

[I knew it, that person was Korean! I knew it!]

Everyone who saw me was making a big fuss.

[I think they’re a fan of that person.]

The GM [Game Master] didn’t make a fuss, but they mentioned the name and were happy to see me.

[By the way, the sense for making nicknames…]

Even Hyun-byeol, who didn’t know anything about ‘Elfnunna,’ frowned at my unique nickname.

But, that obvious thing was missing from Lee Baek-ho.

That playful guy who seems like he loves farts and dinosaurs the most in the world.

‘He didn’t say anything after seeing this nickname…?’

It’s not certain yet, but maybe.

Maybe, he had been waiting.

From that day until now.

With a smiling face, hiding his true intentions—

“Um…”

The moment my thoughts reached that point, I heard a presence from the side.

“Oppa, what are you doing looking at the mirror…?”

It was Hyun-byeol.

***

‘The Baek-ho problem… let’s think about it when my head is clear…’

In the end, I didn’t get to rest much.

Should I just run away like this?

“…You were thinking something bad just now.”

“…I wasn’t.”

Yeah, it’s a bit ridiculous to cause trouble just because I’m a little tired.

“Hmm, your expression said otherwise…”

“I’m telling you, I wasn’t. More importantly, you were so harsh to Baek-ho, but why are you using semi-formal language with me?”

“What are you talking about? It’s nothing new.”

Then Hyun-byeol looked down at me with a pathetic expression and sat down on the sofa next to me.

A seat one space away on the three-seater sofa.

“There are so many seats, why are you sitting there so awkwardly?”

“Ah, there’s a line between you and me, Oppa. I can’t go any further than this.”

…It seems like she’s really upset because of my request to move seats.

If that’s the case, she should have just said she didn’t want to.

“…”

“…”

Silence continues as neither of us speaks first.

Actually, my relationship with Hyun-byeol was almost always like this.

We’re together, but it’s not noisy, and the quiet silence feels more comfortable than when I’m alone.

Ah, of course, that’s what it was like when we were dating.

‘…It’s so damn uncomfortable.’

In the end, I couldn’t stand it and spoke first.

“Hyun-byeol.”

“Yes.”

“…Why aren’t you saying anything?”

As I said that, I glanced to the side and saw her profile, her gaze fixed on the fireplace, not me.

Hyun-byeol answered without looking at me.

“Because you look tired.”

“…Huh?”

“Your expression is just like when you came back from work after getting chewed out a lot, Oppa. Or maybe even worse.”

Hyun-byeol, who added that side note, glanced at me.

“…Why? Do you want me to be noisy and bother you?”

“No.”

“Is that so? Then I’ll hold back.”

“Hold back?”

“Actually, there are so many things I want to ask, but I’m barely holding back. I don’t want to burden you, Oppa.”

Oh…

Is that so?

That’s…

“Thank you…?”

“…Whatever.”

I gave her a thank you, but Hyun-byeol turned her head away coldly.

…She’s embarrassed.

Geez, it’s not like I said something I shouldn’t have.

It’s making me embarrassed too.

“…Then I’ll rest a bit.”

“Okay.”

Honestly, I felt like I was going to die from exhaustion, so I decided to accept Hyun-byeol’s consideration.

Honestly, I felt like I was going to die from exhaustion.

It wasn’t just that I was emitting killing intent, but it was also the first time I had been exposed to such intense killing intent.

“…”

“…”

Peaceful silence continues.

It was like I had returned to Earth for a moment.

The only difference was that instead of Hyun-byeol turning the pages of a book, I could hear the sound of firewood burning in the fireplace.

How long did that time last?

Crack, crack, crackle-

I slowly opened my eyes, hearing the sound of sparks flying.

“Are you awake?”

“Ah, yeah…”

I was a little surprised.

I can fall asleep even in the spiritual world.

I feel like my fatigue has been relieved a little…

“How much time has passed?”

“About 1 hour and 30 minutes.”

Huh, then there’s still time left until the Round Table.

“You look a bit better now?”

“Thanks to you.”

“Then I’ll start.”

“Huh?”

Start? What?

I didn’t even need to ask the question, I knew right away.

“Oppa, who was that guy earlier?”

A question that was spat out as if she had been waiting for it.

“That guy?”

“I’m talking about Lee Baek-ho. He’s the one, right?”

The context was a bit strange, but it wasn’t hard to understand what she was saying.

I was just a little surprised.

“Yeah, he is.”

Hyun-byeol also knew about Lee Baek-ho.

Hyun-byeol, who received my affirmative answer, nodded with an ‘I knew it’ look.

“I knew it, I could see the crazy look in his eyes.”

“Wait a minute, but Hyun-byeol. Did you know who he was and still act like that?”

“So? Is there a problem? It doesn’t matter how strong the opponent is outside, it’s meaningless here, right?”

“Well, theoretically, that’s true…”

Seeing this, it’s clear that she’s a newbie.

I need to educate her in advance before she makes a mistake somewhere.

“It’s not always the case. There’s a skill that can only be used here.”

After that, I explained ‘killing intent’ to Hyun-byeol.

“The fact that souls are linked. And that the intangible energy is amplified and transmitted to the opponent. I understand that…”

As always, Hyun-byeol, who was quick to learn, seemed to have understood the theory, but it didn’t seem like she could grasp the actual substance.

“Honestly, I don’t really understand. The fear of dying? That can cause problems in reality?”

Actually, Hyun-byeol’s words weren’t wrong.

The killing intent of the fox, who was a member of the Round Table, was only to put a little pressure on the opponent.

“Ha, I can’t explain what it feels like in words.”

“Isn’t it just because your expression is lacking, Oppa?”

What are you talking about? How many novels have I read?

Well, not as many as her, though.

“Ah, it would be faster to experience it directly.”

It was a suggestion that I would never have made if it wasn’t for Hyun-byeol.

Wasn’t my mental strength at rock bottom and only recovered a tiny bit?

If I could, I’d like to postpone it and rest.

But…

‘But it’s Hyun-byeol.’

Yeah, I can handle that much.

“Then, shall we do it?”

“W-Wait a minute! Let me think about it—”

Why bother thinking about it?

This way is much faster and more accurate.

I immediately unleashed my killing intent, hoping that Hyun-byeol wouldn’t make a mistake outside.

“…Ugh!”

The change was immediate.

“S-Stop…”

Hyun-byeol, like everyone else except Lee Baek-ho, was making a painful expression.

‘Baek-ho was fine, though.’

Yeah, thankfully, the killing intent wasn’t broken—

“Stop… I said… stop… !”

Ah…

I was just going to give her a little taste.

“…”

I messed up.

***

Was the killing intent she experienced for the first time that shocking?

‘I didn’t even do much…’

Even though it was just a little taste, Hyun-byeol was complaining of extreme fatigue.

“But… I understand what you mean… I also understand why there can be aftereffects even after returning to reality.”

“Oh, I’m glad you do—”

“But I’ll be angry next time. If you do things like this without even asking for my opinion.”

“Understood.”

“…Oppa, are you angry at me about something?”

“No? I’m not? Why?”

“Haa…”

Why is this person so weird?

Hyun-byeol, who was muttering that, said she had a headache and needed to go out and rest, and quickly asked a few questions.

The first one was this.

“Oppa, you know about Bjorn Yandel, right?”

As soon as I heard that, I felt a chill down my spine.

What is it? Is she also trying to test me like Lee Baek-ho, noticing my identity?

To cut to the chase, thankfully, she wasn’t.

“…I know about him?”

“Is that so? Then do you also know? Whether Bjorn Yandel is really a demon or not?”

“Uh, well…? I’ve never met him…”

“Hmm, is that so?”

Hyun-byeol clicked her tongue as if she was disappointed, and I carefully asked back.

“But… why Bjorn Yandel?”

“Ah, it’s for work. I need to know for sure whether he’s a demon or not to make a plan later.”

A plan later…

I feel uneasy for some reason.

Hyun-byeol seems like she’s working as an office worker, not an explorer.

[My goal after becoming financially free was to gain power.]

Finding a way to return through power.

At that time, I just thought it was a means that was like Hyun-byeol.

But…

[I recently got in with a pretty high-ranking person.]

Who exactly is the ‘high-ranking person’ she mentioned back then?

If that high-ranking person is a marquis…

“Hyun-byeol.”

“…Yes?”

“Who are you working under right now?”

Hyun-byeol frowned at my question, which had lost all its playfulness.

“Oppa, I remember we agreed to draw a clear line on that issue—”

“The situation has changed from then.”

“…Yes?”

“Maybe I’ll accidentally kill you.”

“…”

“So, tell me. Who is it?”

When I asked again with a lowered voice, Hyun-byeol stared at me.

And…

“It’s Countess Peprock.”

She sighed and opened her mouth.

It was a name I had never expected.

It’s a good thing that names like Marquis Terserion or a duke’s family didn’t come out, but…

“…Countess Peprock?”

I never thought I’d hear this name here.

“Yes. I happened to form a connection and I’m working under her.”

Full name, Ragna Ritaniel Peprock.

The librarian and mage who I visited every day.

One of the members of the ‘friends gathering’ that I regularly attended during my newbie days when the information of 7th-grade administrator Shavin Emuer was valuable.

“Okay, is that enough?”

“Yeah.”

There were many things I wanted to ask, but I just nodded because I didn’t want to pry any further.

Yeah, I confirmed that she’s not affiliated with a marquis family.

For now, there’s no reason for Hyun-byeol and me to be hostile.

I’ll be satisfied with that for now—

“By the way, Oppa.”

Then Hyun-byeol said, placing one hand on the middle seat of the sofa.

“This time too…”

“…Huh?”

“In the end, you were the one who crossed the line first?”

Before I could answer, Hyun-byeol stood up, supporting herself with her hand on the sofa.

“Then, see you next month. I’m too tired today.”

After that, Hyun-byeol left the chat room after saying those words, and I didn’t need to stay here any longer, so I returned outside.

And…

[03:07]

I collapsed onto the bed and rested for a while, and soon that time came.

“Hoo…”

If I could, I’d just log out and go to sleep.

But…

Flash-!

Yeah, no matter how tired I am, I can’t miss this.