Surviving the Game as a Barbarian – 198



Episode 198: Master Key (3)

Master.

The person who created the private chat room called Watchers of the Round Table. As he disappeared without a trace the members all let out a sigh of relief.

“You really went away.”

“…I felt something different from when I left the chat room.”

“Yes just like when logging out…”

Their voices were filled with only questions.

Well I guess that feeling isn’t much different for me.

“Wouldn’t you be able to log out only if you go back to your room?”

“Rather than that when I listened to what you said it seemed closer to the feeling of being thrown away.”

The case is different from Lee Baek-ho in many ways.

She took the ‘starter pill’ from the beginning so the time limit was 1 hour.

On the other hand what about Master?

A person who was normally fine now has a problem.

That’s not reality either but when using the community called ‘Ghostbusters’.

But did you have similar thoughts as me?

“What on earth is Master going through?…”

“I don’t know what it is but one thing is certain.”

“Are you sure?”

The clown lowered his voice in response to the fox’s question.

“The thing that disappeared without a word for a year is related to GM.”

There was silence for a moment.

It’s not because it’s shocking but it’s just silence that arises because everyone is thinking about something.

In general the mood seemed to agree with his guess.

“Well that would probably be the most likely.”

“But there is a contradiction. “If the Master has really been sanctioned by GM how can he show up here again?”

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“He is such a mysterious person. Since this is a space created by magic isn’t it possible that some answer has been found through magic?”

“So that means he might be a more skilled wizard than the GM who created this community! “Our master.”

“It’s a very possible story. Fishit.”

From then on the members exchanged all kinds of guesses and I who found the content quite interesting just listened quietly.

Of course that time did not last long.

“…Does Mr. Investigator know anything?”

Before long attention naturally focused on me.

It was natural.

Wasn’t it me who pretended to be Lee Baek-ho and acted like an inspiration or something in front of them?

I guess you thought you might know something.

but….

“well.”

Do you have the ability to know that it is me?

I too am curious about his identity.

Of course I have no intention of saying that.

It’s out of shape.

“Yes I see. As expected Mr. Investigator….”

It is not appropriate for an ‘investigator’ to say that he does not know.

I don’t know if it feels like this.

“There is something to be said.”

I interrupted the fox and muttered briefly.

Then the tone of the fox’s voice which showed his disappointment suddenly rose.

“Things to point out? Is that really true! No this is not about suspecting Mr. Investigator…”

Before I knew it the fox’s pupils revealed through gaps in the mask were filled with anticipation.

Please note that this is the same for other masks.

‘…Actually I don’t have anything to point out.’

The modern man’s conscience that still remained stirred but he tried to ignore it and cut off the fox’s conversation again.

“Oh please tell me quickly. What happened to Master—”

“stop.”

“…to?”

The fox looked at me with blank eyes probably thinking I was going to tell him.

However there was no need to explain it in detail.

A simple shrug of his shoulders was enough.

Now there is no one who does not know the meaning of this gesture.

“It means bring something fun. Fish sit.”

If you want something from me you have to get something equivalent.

That is the iron rule established by the ‘investigator’ at the round table.

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So what answer will ‘Fox’ give?

“…great.”

It was as expected.

The person who seemed particularly obsessed with the Master’s current status and such was ‘Fox’.

“Still the hurdles are a little low for me right? “It’s not certain it’s just something to guess…”

I didn’t bother to answer and soon the fox let out a deep sigh.

It seems that he didn’t know that he would end up in this situation following the clown who bit into the rice cake called ‘Holy Relic’ and the crescent moon who turned his attention to the ‘Stone of Resuscitation’.

“For some reason I feel like my comrades have increased. “From now on both foxes and foxes will have a hard time.”

The fox smiled bitterly as if resigned at the words of comfort given by Crescent Moon.

This means that the quality of information will increase further in the future.

‘All that’s left are deer antlers and goblins…’

I put aside my satisfaction and opened my mouth indifferently.

“It’s boring.”

“….”

“Enough of the small talk right?”

“Yes let’s start the meeting soon.”

Now that we’ve finished making the rice cakes it’s time to harvest.

***

This is now the 4th rally following the 3rd one where no one was present.

It started with goblins.

“We are putting our heads together at the Magic Tower to find a way to break through Noark’s barrier.”

When he first said that everyone was wondering if he was saying something obvious but everyone was convinced by the goblin’s further explanation.

“For your information it appears that a certain amount of sacred power is needed in the process and it seems that at least the time it takes for the barrier to be lifted can be shortened.”

“I guess it means that there was some research result.”

“Yes that’s right.”

To sum up the magic curtain protecting Noark could be removed any time soon.

Well I don’t know what it’s like in reality.

‘I thought Raven would take about 2 years…’

Afterwards the Goblin’s turn ended with the Magic Tower saying that they had set a goal of reducing the duration to 6 months.

Next up are deer antlers.

“The royal family produced a new type of dog tag. A magic tool in the form of an engraving that cannot be counterfeited. “It looks like preparations have been made for a long time but supplies to explorers will begin next week.”

“Starting next week… Isn’t that too helpful? “It’s not the type of information that can be used to gain advantage in advance.”

“Then one more thing. “We are keeping an eye on clans that have stopped exploring to protect themselves from the royal family.”

“What exactly do you mean by watching?”

“Looking at the atmosphere I don’t know but it seemed like there would definitely be a significant disadvantage in some way.

“…okay.”

Although it seemed like it didn’t want to show off the fox clearly looked relieved after hearing the information about the antlers.

Therefore I also memorized that reaction in my head.

‘There is a high probability that this fox belongs to a clan. He’s probably not a regular member so he’s probably a clan master?’

Of course it was still just a guess so I listened closely to what the next person said.

This time it was the fox’s turn.

“Large clans are preparing for a large-scale boycott.”

“What if it’s a boycott?”

“What can I say? We do not enter the labyrinth as a group. “There is already a lot of dissatisfaction due to the last subjugation war but there has been an incident recently that has added fuel to the fire.”

“Oh that’s right. “I know what it is.”

Crescent Moon joined in as if he knew the story.

“Are you Bjorn Yandel?”

huh?

Why is my name on here?

“yes. that’s right. “Originally they would have ended up with a fine and banished the innocent explorer to Biffron.”

Oh that…

“Enforcement is their domain but most clans interpreted this as a warning to us.”

“I don’t think public opinion will be good.”

“yes. “There is even talk that if I withdraw further from here I may be forcibly conscripted next time.”

The moment my name was mentioned my hands stiffened and my lips became completely dry but fortunately no one seemed to notice my reaction.

No one seemed interested in Bjorn Yandel.

‘I thought I was really losing my temper.’

Anyway the third turn ended with the fox giving a few additional answers to Deer Antler’s questions.

“Okay then who wants to be next? Continue clockwise?”

“…Can I start with you Clown?’

“Whatever you want.”

At Crescent Moon’s request the clown took the fourth order without saying anything.

The order of the person I was most looking forward to.

But maybe we couldn’t find ‘interesting’ information this time?

“Honestly I don’t think it’s something you would be interested in but I’ll give it a try anyway.”

Unlike when talking about binding magic the clown opened his mouth with the feeling that he was just going to pass his turn.

“We sent a few people up to the ground in Noark just before the blockade. The goal is to kill one explorer! “Isn’t it amazing?”

“Assassin… do you know who your target is?”

“well? “I don’t know that much but fish!”

The fourth sequence ends with a smile whose true meaning is hard to discern.

The clown didn’t even ask if it was fun.

Well from his perspective how would he know? This was the most interesting thing I heard today.

‘He’s an assassin sent from Noark…’

There was someone who came to mind as soon as I heard it.

Amelia Lane Wales.

Could this be one of the assassins they said was sent up?

Looking at his abilities I think he would be perfect.

‘Then the target you are trying to kill is Auril Gavis?’

Suddenly that thought occurred to me but somehow I felt like that wasn’t the case.

It didn’t sound like a lie to say that I was looking for something personally.

Anyway I’m going to think about this little by little.

“Now it’s my turn.”

The long-awaited fifth sequence has begun.

The main character of this turn is Crescent Moon who desperately wishes for the ‘Stone of Revival’. He seemed quite confident as he asked if his promise was valid.

What have you prepared?

“Do you all remember what I told you earlier about the traces of the ‘relic stealer’?”

“Of course.”

The rest of the masks nodded as Crescent Moon let out his sneaky rhyme.

Exactly except goblins.

“yes? “A relic stealer?”

A goblin who wasn’t attending the meeting at the time tilted his head but no one paid any attention.

“So what? “Is this information related to the Noble Phantasm of Creation?”

The fox spoke without hiding his curiosity at all and Crescent Moon nodded.

and….

“The Noble Phantasm of Creation no longer exists.”

He spat out shocking words.

***

The treasure of creation.

It is also the key to go to the last floor where the door to the abyss is located.

“…What does it mean that the Creation Noble Phantasm does not exist? “I don’t understand at all.”

“Is this information reliable? “Aren’t you the only one who believes that?”

“Fishit this is a bit shocking.”

“How can it be gone?”

As everyone was hoping for the players to return it only took a moment for chaos to fill the hall.

However to what extent was this reaction expected?

Crescent Moon just continued his explanation in a bitter voice.

“I wish I were mistaken. But this is undoubtedly true. “The Noble Phantasm of Creation does not exist anywhere in this world.”

“Are you saying it was destroyed?”

“At least that’s what we concluded.”

“Ha but that’s an indestructible item!!”

The goblin must have been so shocked that he raised his voice as if whining.

And then.

Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow

Green light emanated from the jewel embedded in the center of the round table.

This means that the above is true.

“Yes really… the Noble Phantasm of Creation may have disappeared.”

Deerhorn muttered in a hollow voice and there was silence for a while.

It was Crescent Moon who spoke first.

“So what do you think? “Did you have fun?”

It was a very difficult question to answer.

I tried to say it was no fun but…

‘How can you say it’s boring here?’

This is the crescent moon whose eyes were only focused on me the entire time I was reciting the information. I’m sure he must have caught on to the fact that I froze as soon as I heard that story.

‘What should I do?’

After thinking briefly I made a decision.

Calling it boring here is a bad choice.

therefore….

“You’re talented too.”

I admit that I would rather admit it.

Instead let’s cut the losses on the other side.

“That means….”

Crescent Moon’s breathing became heavy as if he thought that the ‘Stone of Revival’ was just around the corner.

I muttered briefly.

“To be honest I was quite impressed.”

Of course there is a lot to lose if you admit this.

Let alone telling him about the ‘Stone of Resuscitation’ Crescent Moon who got what he wanted will not ask for information as eagerly as he does now.

also.

It doesn’t fit the image I created of a detective.

The ‘Make the Investigator Laugh’ corner that you prepared with great care was cleared on the first try?

It’s not about losing face.

but….

Sigh.

There is no problem.

Aren’t I now not Bjorn Yandel but a dead person wearing a ‘investigator’ mask?

‘Okay I think this line will suffice.’

As soon as I finished the final inspection in my head.

I asked Crescent Moon.

“How on earth did you find out?”

What surprised me was not that the Noble Phantasm of Creation had disappeared but that it had become something else.

To be precise…

“There will be only a few people who know that the Noble Phantasm of Creation has disappeared.”

It’s unfortunate but it’s as if I already knew this.

“…!”

Crescent Moon’s eyes widened as he noticed the nuance.

But wouldn’t it have been difficult to realize that I was cheating?

Crescent Moon didn’t even suspect.

“…Yeah I guess you knew.”

He just seemed resigned with a weak subdued voice.

If this doesn’t work what can I do to satisfy myself?

That feeling of despair could be felt through the air.

It wasn’t a good situation for me.

“Fishish….”

Just look at the clown smiling awkwardly.

This will also affect all members who asked for the rice cake.

Yeah in that sense.

Eat.

I said laughing out loud.

“The Stone of Revival can be obtained on the 9th floor.”

It may be possible to give an encouragement award.

Honestly I feel a little sorry.