C310, 311, 312
Chapter 310: Round Table (4)
The Earth Witch is alive.
There are many reasons why I recycled this information.
And the first reason is that it allows me to mess with Auril Gabis, who was expecting me to reveal something amazing.
Like this.
“Huh…”
The old man let out a groan, looking at me with disbelief.
It warmed my heart.
Well, that wasn’t the only reason I chose this information.
The second reason…
…is that it’s a pretty useful piece of information.
The source is me. After all, how surprised was I when I first heard it?
I almost had a heart attack.
Although I didn’t show it like these guys.
In short, it’s perfect for pretending to be a big shot.
Swoosh.
I slowly observed the other members’ reactions.
Their reactions were uniform.
At first, they were all like, ‘Huh? What is he talking about?’, but then they realized what it meant and looked at one spot.
The center of the Round Table, where the jewel was.
Towards the place where the truth would be revealed.
“It’s green.”
The jewel emitted a green light.
“Then that means it’s true…”
“At least he believes it’s true.”
I chuckled, looking at the members who were exclaiming.
Yeah, this should be enough to prove myself.
‘Anyway, he didn’t tell them about this, right?’
The third effect.
I could figure out how much information Auril Gabis had shared with the other members by asking this question.
If he had casually shared this kind of high-level information with them, the jewel wouldn’t have emitted a green light.
‘Well, I had a hunch after seeing that he didn’t even tell them his name.’
Ah, for reference, there was a fourth reason.
To share information with the members.
After all, there was no mention of the Earth Witch being alive in the game.
I interpreted it as the old man, the game developer, intentionally hiding this fact.
Therefore…
‘Damn right, it’s always fun to reveal secrets.’
I had practically poisoned this group.
I didn’t know how lethal this poison was, or if it would just be a slight sting…
‘Judging by their expressions, it seems like a success.’
The four veterans had learned a secret that Auril Gabis wanted to hide.
It would definitely have a chain reaction.
In a way that Auril Gabis wouldn’t want.
“I can’t believe the Earth Witch is alive, I’ll have to research her.”
“The royal family must have known and hidden it. Maybe we can use this against them.”
The Ruin Scholar, who looked like a child, was looking at me with scholarly interest, and the captain of Orculus was excited, like a warrior who had obtained a good sword.
And…
“If the Witch is really alive… where is she now?”
…the woman repeated the same question I had asked Auril Gabis.
Damn, she’s smart.
“What’s your name?”
The woman in the fancy dress frowned at my question.
And she muttered,
“…Rabi.”
Rabi.
I didn’t even know if it was her first or last name.
No, I didn’t even know if it was her real name or an alias.
Damn it, I was going to ask her later…
“Why are you asking?”
The reason was obvious.
She was the only one here who didn’t know my name.
Of course, I couldn’t answer that way.
“Because you asked a stupid question.”
“…?”
“Is there a reason why I should answer your question?”
It would be ridiculous to use honorifics with them when I was even talking down to the Master, so I just spoke to her like she was my subordinate.
But could it be that she was offended?
“…….”
Rabi glared at me, biting her lip.
It was the perfect time to give her a carrot, judging by my one year of experience as Lion.
“But…”
“……?”
“…I might answer if you tell me something interesting.”
Rabi hesitated at my arrogant words and then nodded as if she understood.
And she looked at me after taking a deep breath.
“So you want us to prove ourselves. Fine.”
Her gaze was filled with competitive spirit.
It was a somewhat expected reaction.
Well, they were the elites gathered by the Master, so they must be proud. It was only natural for them to be angry after being talked down to by a stranger.
“…….”
And besides, the other members were also looking at me with a slightly provoked gaze.
Okay, then the bait was set…
‘Huh?’
I suddenly felt a gaze on me and turned my head.
Auril Gabis was staring at me.
‘What the hell is this guy doing?’ With that exact look in his eyes.
______________________
The order of the meeting was clockwise, starting with me.
In other words…
“It’s my turn now, right?”
…the second turn was the old man’s.
So I also listened intently.
To have to share information that more than half of the people here didn’t know?
There had to be something useful—
“Then tell us.”
Auril Gabis then shared his information.
“Miss Rabi, the Earth Witch is where everyone’s hopes lie.”
Damn it, this cunning old man.
He stole the information I was going to use next turn.
‘Well, he probably said it first because he expected that.’
He must have judged that he had to resolve this first after seeing me use my information recycling technique.
Swaaaaaaaaaa.
The jewel emitted a green light.
The members muttered their usual reactions.
“Where everyone’s hopes lie…”
“Is he talking about the labyrinth?”
“It could be interpreted that way, but it could also be referring to the outside world.”
Hmm, so they didn’t have any concrete ideas either.
“Well, we can talk about that later, so let’s continue.”
The meeting resumed as Auril Gabis took control.
The middle-aged man was next.
His name was…
‘Kagureas.’
Right, that was it.
Amelia said she had never heard of that name.
Maybe it was an alias.
“Haha, I don’t know what to say since it’s my first time.”
“Just relax. You must have something, right? An important story that others wouldn’t know.”
“Well, that’s true, but…”
Kagureas, the muscular middle-aged man, hesitated, looking at us, and then sighed.
“I can’t just brush it off with the Master here. I’ll just say it.”
“Go ahead.”
“There’s a portal in the basement of the royal palace.”
What…?
Everyone except for Auril Gabis exclaimed in surprise as the jewel emitted a green light.
“A portal? Is it connected to the labyrinth?”
Although there was no reason for him to answer since his turn was over, Kagureas shrugged and said,
“I don’t know for sure since I just happened to find it, but it doesn’t seem to be connected to the labyrinth.”
“This is… very interesting.”
“Then where does it lead…”
The four of them naturally looked at me and Auril Gabis as the Ruin Scholar muttered in his old-man-like tone.
“…….”
“…….”
They didn’t say anything, but their gazes were clear.
You guys know, right?
The eyes of those who were seeking answers, filled with questions.
“…Haha.”
Auril Gabis just laughed.
And I…
“…….”
…remained silent, as if I didn’t even move.
I had learned from experience.
That this would at least get me halfway there.
The Lion Style.
Second Form, Silence.
Ah, of course, I was still thinking.
‘A secret related to the royal palace… maybe he’s from the royal family.’
Kagureas.
Just what kind of person is he?
I was even more curious about him since I didn’t know anything about him, unlike the Captain or the Ruin Scholar.
But could it be that he didn’t like the silence?
“Well, then it’s my turn.”
The Ruin Scholar, who had been quiet until now, spoke.
And he shared his information without hesitation.
“The principle of the labyrinth’s cycle is life force.”
I was confused.
But it seemed like I wasn’t the only one.
“…Master Ruinjenes, can you explain it more simply? We’re not as knowledgeable about magic as you.”
“Simply, you say? Alright.”
The Ruin Scholar elaborated at Kagureas’ request.
“Contrary to what’s known, the labyrinth isn’t maintained by mana. It needs resources to circulate.”
It sounded like gibberish to me.
But Rabi seemed to know something about magic.
“…You’re saying that resource is life force.”
The Ruin Scholar nodded as she spoke in understanding.
“But what does that even mean? No one here is curious about the principle of the labyrinth.”
Kagureas said, as if he was dissatisfied.
Honestly, I felt the same way.
What’s the point of knowing that—
“Tsk, how annoying.”
Kagureas shut his mouth as the Ruin Scholar clicked his tongue.
It was a ridiculous sight, a muscular man being intimidated by a child, but I could understand.
The Ruin Scholar, despite his child-like appearance, had an intimidating aura.
“Can I explain instead?”
“Do what you want.”
Rabi spoke up for the Ruin Scholar, who seemed offended.
“If the raw material of magic stones is life force, it means that the labyrinth is maintained by life force. If I understood correctly… everything changes.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s not that humanity was rebuilt and this city was maintained because of the discovery of the labyrinth.”
Rabi said,
“It’s that the labyrinth is maintained because of this city.”
I felt a chill run down my spine.
Wait a minute…
Is that true? If that’s the case…
“…So the explorers who died in the labyrinth were practically fuel. The royal family must have known about this.”
The Captain spoke, as if he had the same thought as me.
And…
“Well, that’s how I understand it.”
…Rabi shrugged and glanced at the Ruin Scholar.
“At least it’s certain that the resource that maintains the labyrinth’s cycle is life force. And it’s only natural to suspect the royal family based on that.”
“I, I see…”
“So, are we done? I think it’s at least as valuable as that ambiguous information about a mysterious portal in the royal palace basement.”
Kagureas smiled awkwardly at the Ruin Scholar’s sharp words.
“Haha, don’t be angry. People like me wouldn’t understand unless you explained everything.”
…Is this guy a barbarian?
I felt a sense of familiarity from his way of speaking, but it would be a stretch to assume his race.
There were many explorers like that.
“It’s Miss Rabi’s turn now.”
Everyone’s gaze turned towards the woman at Auril Gabis’ words.
I was also a bit curious.
The information from the previous two was very interesting, and this woman had directly challenged me.
She would want to prove that she was at least on my level, even if she couldn’t beat me.
“It’s my turn.”
The woman then spoke.
And she shared information that I didn’t expect at all.
“The Ancient Dragon is dead. You probably didn’t know, but he died over ten years ago.”
I was dumbfounded.
She said it with a serious expression, as if she was sharing something amazing…
‘But that’s it?’
It was almost laughable, but the jewel emitted a green light.
Auril Gabis naturally knew about it, so it meant that the other three were hearing this for the first time.
“…I see. No wonder the Dragonkin have been quiet lately.”
“So that’s what happened.”
“It’s a shame that he died after living through the era of immortals.”
The three of them nodded, as if they had heard a rare secret.
I was initially confused by their reaction, but it made sense when I thought about it.
The fact that the Dragonslayer, Regal Vagos, had killed the Ancient Dragon and stolen the tribe’s sword was only revealed after a new Ancient Dragon was chosen.
‘So it was around this time…?’
I couldn’t remember the exact year since I hadn’t studied history, but I think it was around this time.
‘I didn’t know they were keeping it a secret this thoroughly.’
I clicked my tongue in disappointment.
But did she notice?
“So, how is it? Is that an interesting story?”
“Well.”
I didn’t even understand why they were reacting like that to the death of the Dragonkin chieftain.
And why she was acting so proud.
The previous information was clearly much more valuable.
So I just said it honestly.
“I don’t find it particularly valuable.”
“…That’s hard to understand.”
Rabi glared at me, her pride hurt.
There was a hint of suspicion in her eyes.
She was probably wondering if I was intentionally ignoring her.
‘No, if you’re going to be arrogant, at least bring something more interesting.’
I had to put her in her place, for the sake of high-quality information.
Therefore…
‘It’s time to use my Third Form.’
I tapped my fingers on the table and said,
“It’s not my turn, but I’ll share something.”
“What do you mean—”
Hey, don’t interrupt me.
I quickly continued, not giving her a chance to interrupt, as if I could skip my turn for free.
“The one who killed the Ancient Dragon is a Dragonkin named Regal Vagos.”
“…Huh?”
The woman, who was about to protest, flinched.
And after a slight delay…
Swaaaaaaaaaa.
…the jewel emitted a green light.
“…….”
“…….”
A familiar silence.
I looked at Rabi and said,
“So, are you convinced now?”
The Lion Style.
Third Form, Contempt.
-------------------------------------------
Chapter 311: Round Table (5)
“Regal Vagos…?”
“I’ve met him before. He was an explorer with a very useful Dragon Speech.”
“A traitor who betrayed his tribe… this is interesting.”
The Captain and Kagureas briefly exchanged words after I spoke.
It was a meaningful conversation.
Interesting?
It made me feel uneasy hearing those words from the captain of Orculus.
But I looked away from them.
And I stared at one person.
“…….”
The woman in the fancy dress, Rabi.
Her lips parted slightly.
Her eyes were filled with shock.
“H, how did you…”
She was truly surprised, judging by how she even stuttered.
But there was no room for sympathy.
This was a world of ruthless competition.
Those who miss opportunities can’t become predators.
Therefore…
“Th, that’s impossible. Less than ten people know about this…”
I chuckled, looking at the confused Rabi.
And I spoke as if talking to a naive child.
“You’re young.”
She was probably much older than me, but what did it matter?
She didn’t know anything about me.
“…….”
Rabi’s reaction was immediate.
Her lips were tightly pressed together.
Her face was flushed, her gaze fixed on me.
And a single question in her eyes.
“You…”
Rabi then spoke.
“Just who are you?”
Whether it was my name, my identity, or anything else, she didn’t care, as long as she could learn something about me.
She asked me a very broad question.
“…….”
The other members also watched with interest, not interrupting.
They were probably also curious about my identity.
Rabi’s question must have scratched their itch.
But…
‘Okay, the atmosphere is perfect.’
…I already had my answer prepared.
It might be a bit cliché now, but that meant it had worked well so far.
I spoke leisurely,
“Well, there’s nothing I can’t tell you.”
The members’ focus intensified at my words.
Really? Is he really going to tell us something?
I could see the anticipation in their eyes.
I looked at them one by one and then continued,
“If you’re worthy.”
“Huh…”
The Captain gasped, and…
“So you’re saying we have to prove ourselves to hear your name? Whether we’re worthy of associating with you?”
…Kagureas, the muscular middle-aged man, asked boldly.
And I didn’t hesitate.
“Fortunately, you understood correctly.”
I agreed.
After all, this is the era of self-promotion.
There’s no need to be humble when there’s nothing to gain.
“…Where did this guy come from?”
The Ruin Scholar chuckled at my arrogant words.
Come to think of it, it was my first time seeing him laugh.
He had been sipping tea most of the time, looking bored.
‘I definitely got their attention—’
I was inwardly satisfied with the result when I suddenly felt a gaze on me.
It was Auril Gabis.
‘Geez, how uncomfortable.’
He was staring at me blankly.
Again.
‘What the hell is this guy doing?’
With that question in my eyes.
______________________
The meeting continued, moderated by Auril Gabis, despite the brief commotion.
“The King’s envoy visited the Lord of Noark three months ago. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find out what they talked about since they were very secretive.”
The Captain, who was the last one to go this round, shared that information and received a green light.
“Hmm! That’s interesting. I think this is the first time the royal family has directly contacted them.”
“Maybe that’s why…”
The Ruin Scholar muttered something meaningful, but it wasn’t very useful information to me.
What’s the point of knowing about the politics of twenty years ago?
The only thing I could learn from this information was that everyone who should know, including the royal family, was aware of the existence of the underground city.
“Then the next order is…”
Auril Gabis glanced at me after one round ended.
And he clicked his tongue, as if he was disappointed.
“We’ll have to do it again without this friend. Does anyone want to go first?”
Kagureas raised his hand.
“I’ll go first.”
“Ah, is that so?”
“I’d rather get it over with. I have something I want to say.”
“Then go ahead.”
And so, the second round began with Kagureas’ information.
“That… I obtained another Genesis Artifact.”
It was shocking information, despite his casual tone.
My mind went blank.
It was an item that had completely disappeared twenty years later.
But he’s saying he ‘obtained another one’?
‘Then he already had at least one?’
I almost gasped, but I barely managed to control myself.
But it seemed like I wasn’t the only one who was shocked.
“What? Is that true?!”
The Ruin Scholar jumped up from his seat.
Rabi was also excited.
“Wh, which tribe’s Genesis Artifact is it?”
“I can’t tell you that.”
“Then at least tell us how you obtained it…”
“How did I obtain it? I can only say… I was lucky.”
“How can you obtain that item by luck…”
“Ah, don’t be so harsh. To be precise, it’s closer to me obtaining the right to borrow it when I need it.”
Wow, this guy is amazing.
Now I realized that I had entered the world of veterans.
It wasn’t that difficult to obtain one Genesis Artifact in the game. You just had to clear the main character’s racial episode and become the chieftain.
The real challenge was the second Genesis Artifact.
You had to clear another race’s episode and obtain the ‘right to use’ it, or make a companion character the ‘chieftain’.
And that meant…
‘It’s actually possible to clear the game?’
I glanced at Auril Gabis.
His expression was unchanged.
In other words, it meant he already knew about this progress.
But why did this old man call them ‘failures’?
“Anyway, the reason I’m revealing this here is because… Master, you’re right, we’ve been together for a long time, but we’ve never really talked openly. But that needs to change now.”
Kagureas continued as I was lost in thought.
“Well, I have two. And if Miss Rabi works hard, we might be able to get another one since the Ancient Dragon is dead.”
“…Why are you saying that now?”
Rabi scolded Kagureas and then glanced at me.
But I had already heard everything I needed to hear.
‘Right, as expected, he’s from the Dragonkin tribe.’
“Ah, I apologize. I was being inconsiderate.”
Kagureas apologized like a man and then continued.
“There are three left. And if we work together, I think we can get them… What do you guys think?”
Although he seemed to be asking everyone, his gaze was fixed on the Captain.
‘Ah, come to think of it, those two were fighting last time.’
It was a gesture of reconciliation.
Then what about the Captain’s answer?
“…….”
He remained silent.
Kagureas then tried to persuade him.
“I know about your grudge against the King. But think rationally. They’re just relationships you built in this world. Think about your family back in your original world—”
“Stop.”
The Captain firmly cut him off.
And he unleashed a chilling killing intent, as if he had touched a nerve.
Kagureas also wiped the smile off his face.
“You really are trash. I thought we at least had the same goal.”
“…….”
“You said the royal family is the end of all questions? That you have to help me if you want to return? I was a fool to even consider it.”
“Kagureas, please stop…”
“But Miss Rabi, you heard him too, didn’t you? He doesn’t even want to return.”
“That’s not true. Why would he keep coming here if he didn’t?”
“It’s obvious, isn’t it? He can use us to kill the King. He’s just planning to use us as pawns. Am I wrong?”
The Captain also spoke coldly as Kagureas looked at him aggressively.
“You’re also hiding your true intentions, aren’t you?”
“What?”
“You said you believed that Master Ruinjenes could complete the dimensional magic, but you were actually gathering Genesis Artifacts.”
“…What’s wrong with that? It’s always better to have multiple options.”
“But there’s another reason why I objected when you tried to persuade Master Ruinjenes. If your goal is to gather all the Genesis Artifacts, then conflict with the royal family is inevitable, but you persistently tried to stop me.”
“Ah, you’re talking about that.”
Kagureas spoke confidently, as if he had nothing to hide.
“I have good intuition. I had a hunch that you were just a sweet-talking bastard.”
“…….”
The Captain didn’t say anything more.
He just glared at Kagureas, his killing intent intensifying.
I almost gasped.
‘…His killing intent is on another level.’
It was a world of difference compared to the Round Table members twenty years later.
My skin tingled and my breathing became heavy, even though it wasn’t directed at me.
That’s when…
“Haha, everyone’s getting heated.”
…Auril Gabis intervened.
And…
“Let’s end this here for today.”
…he said something unexpected.
“Everyone go back and rest, and we’ll see each other next time.”
…What?
Wait, he’s ending it here?
We haven’t even started properly.
He should at least let us finish one round. I had a plan…
“No—”
That’s when, as I was about to say something…
Flash!
…my vision blurred.
And when I opened my eyes again…
“…I’m already back?”
…I saw Amelia’s familiar face.
Damn it, so I was kicked out.
______________________
“How much time has passed?”
“About three seconds since you closed your eyes.”
Three seconds…
It was only natural for Amelia to look at me strangely.
It must have felt like an instant to her.
She probably couldn’t believe it.
“Here.”
Amelia handed me a glass of water as I reached for the nightstand.
What the…
“Ah, uh… thank you.”
Amelia awkwardly looked away as I thanked her, flustered.
“So what happened?”
“Ah, that…”
Damn it, where do I even begin?
I couldn’t summarize it since so much had happened, so I just told her everything from the beginning. I thought she might be able to find something I missed…
“Wait, Auril Gabis apologized? To that ridiculous demand?”
“So?”
“…Never mind, continue.”
Amelia’s gaze, which had been becoming more and more meaningful as I told her about my battle of nerves with Auril Gabis and the Round Table…
…suddenly changed.
It was the gaze I had seen countless times at the Round Table.
“You… just what kind of person are you?”
------------------------------------------
Chapter 312: Legacy (1)
A high-class restaurant in the 7th District, known for its exquisite cuisine.
Arrua Raven had chosen this place for a long-awaited clan gathering.
It was her first time visiting this establishment.
Choosing a familiar spot would only bring back painful memories and worsen her mood.
"Aren't you going to order?"
"Not yet, not everyone's here."
Raven's curt reply made Avman shift uncomfortably in his seat.
An awkward silence hung in the air.
"Actually, everyone's here."
Ainar broke the silence.
"...Misha said she wasn't coming. I was hoping she might change her mind, but if she hasn't come by now, she's not coming."
"...I see. So it's just the three of us."
Raven couldn't help but sigh.
Two more sighs followed, echoing her sentiment.
It was a somber atmosphere, understandable given the circumstances.
"Raven."
"Yes, Mr. Urikfrit?"
"Have you... contacted Erwen? Did you tell her about this?"
"Yes, I sent her a letter. I told her we needed to discuss the loot from the last expedition and... Yandel's legacy, so she should come."
She had sent the letter out of obligation, but she didn't expect the fairy to show up.
Not after the way she left last time.
"Did she reply?"
"No, she didn't. I'm planning to send her share of the loot and everything by mail once we're done here."
"...I see."
"It's a shame that Misha isn't coming either. I thought she would definitely be here since she's the most important person in this matter."
Raven sighed again, looking at Ainar.
And she cautiously asked,
"...How is Misha doing? Is she okay?"
She was genuinely worried about her.
The last time she saw Misha was at the royal family's funeral procession. They were too far apart to talk, and the atmosphere wasn't exactly conducive to conversation.
So how was she holding up?
"...How could she be okay? She's been cooped up in her room all day, not even eating properly. I forced her to eat once, and she threw up."
"I see..."
"I don't even go home much these days. She seems uncomfortable when I'm around."
"Then where are you staying, Ainar?"
"At the sanctuary. But she seems to eat at least something when I'm not there. I just bought a lot of food and left it at the house."
"...That's good to hear."
"Raven, what do you think? Should we just leave Misha alone?"
"That's..."
Raven drew from her own experience over the past month.
"She's not eating because of guilt, I think. You know, the act of eating itself... makes her uncomfortable..."
She rambled, unlike her usual self, but Ainar and Avman nodded in understanding.
"Ah, that's it."
"I think I understand. But what should we do?"
"...I don't know how to help her. Maybe she needs some time alone, but I'm not sure if that's the right answer."
"Well, you wouldn't know the answer."
Ainar's words, though not malicious, made Raven feel both frustrated and sad.
Ainar was right.
If he were here, he would have known what to do.
"Let's order first. We'll get kicked out if we just sit here."
Avman sensed the mood and changed the subject. Raven also moved on from the heavy topic and helped choose the food.
"This restaurant is new to me, but the food is delicious. Why aren't you eating?"
"Ah, yes..."
They ate and chatted while enjoying the meal, and then they moved on to business.
"There's no problem with the loot distribution. We just have to split it equally among the five of us. The problem is the inheritance... Did you all see Yandel's will?"
"Ah, I saw it. There was nothing in it except for how to distribute the inheritance. Well, it was just like him..."
Avman trailed off and chuckled.
And he cautiously brought up a question.
"But isn't it strange?"
"Strange? What do you mean?"
"The distribution ratio. To be honest, I don't understand why he chose to distribute it like this."
"Ah, you mean that..."
Raven nodded, her expression mirroring his sentiment.
She had also been surprised.
She never expected him to specify that the inheritance be divided equally among the five of them.
She assumed most of it would go to Misha and Ainar.
But Bjorn Yandel was different.
He didn't specify who got what, just the ratio. They would have to decide among themselves who got which item, but the ratio was fixed.
And the reason for that was probably...
"You're trailing off, so I guess you have a hunch?"
Raven smiled bitterly and replied,
"It's obvious, isn't it? Why he did that."
The clever barbarian warrior had wanted this.
For them to not resent each other after his death.
For them to continue supporting each other.
"...We can't just leave Misha alone like this."
Yes, that's what he would have wanted.
___________________
Three days after the community session.
Amelia and I, fully equipped, visited the clan house.
And we met a man there.
"Nice to meet you. You're Iron Mask, right?"
His nickname in Noark was 'Pelic Barker'.
He was the leader of the clan where the young Rainwales sisters were 'runners'.
The clan had thirteen members, if I remember correctly.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Iron Mask."
I had another nickname, 'Thor's son Bjorn', but I just introduced myself with my main nickname.
It wasn't a big deal.
Nicknames were often used as aliases in this city.
"Come in."
We followed him into the clan house, and the smell of alcohol hit us.
The interior was stylishly decorated, and the clan members, all rough-looking individuals, were sitting around drinking and smoking.
It didn't feel like a criminal hideout.
"Would you like a drink?"
Pelic Barker offered me a bottle of alcohol as soon as we sat down on the sofa.
"No, thank you."
Amelia flatly refused, but I accepted the bottle.
It would be strange if neither of us drank.
We were here to join their clan, after all. Refusing alcohol in this city meant you didn't trust the other person.
So...
Click.
I lifted the chin guard of my helmet and took a swig.
Pelic Barker grinned.
"Good, good. I like your style. Ah, but can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"Why did you choose our clan?"
The answer was simple.
The Rainwales sisters were in this clan.
It was the best way to be near them when the incident happened five months later.
Of course, I couldn't say that.
"Emily said you were the ones who made the offer."
"But there are other good clans out there. Especially considering your reputation."
I gave him the answer I had prepared beforehand.
"A clan would be convenient, but I'd rather get a bigger share of the loot."
"You'd rather have the troll's head than the ogre's claw."
"Yeah, is there a problem with that?"
Pelic Barker stared at me intently, trying to gauge my intentions.
But it was futile.
I was wearing a full-face helmet, how could he possibly see my eyes?
I chuckled inwardly, and then...
"Ha! Hahahaha!"
He suddenly burst into laughter, his eyes gleaming.
Unlike Auril Gabis, he just seemed ridiculous.
Was he trying to act like some kind of mafia boss?
His voice even had a theatrical tone.
"Good, very good."
"What's so good about it?"
"I like you even more."
"So we're in?"
"Not yet."
Pelic Barker wagged his finger, acting like a mafia boss.
"We're a meritocracy. There are three ranks within the clan, excluding me, and the share of the loot is determined by your rank. But we don't know your skills yet."
"...?"
"Have you heard of the law of the jungle?"
"I have."
"Then this will be quick. If you want the troll's head, take it. And prove yourself. This is that kind of world—"
Ah, what was he going to say?
"I'll do it."
"...Huh?"
"You want to see if the rumors are true, right?"
"That's true, but..."
"Then it's settled. Why are you so talkative?"
I stood up abruptly, and Pelic Barker looked up at me with a startled expression.
Did he think I would back down if he acted tough?
I hate these kinds of side quests.
Skip them quickly.
"Just tell me. Should I kill you?"
"...Contests are only allowed between clan members. And you don't have to kill—"
Ah, how boring.
"Then who should I kill?"
I scanned the clan members.
One of them, a large man, flinched when our eyes met.
"It seems like he's my opponent."
"That's right. But you don't have to kill—"
Shut up, you're annoying.
I walked towards the large man with a murderous look, and he backed away, glancing at Pelic Barker.
A look of someone seeking salvation.
Pelic Barker finally snapped out of his daze and spoke.
"Wait! There's an empty lot behind us."
"Ah, we'll move there."
"And... you're not allowed to use abilities during the contest."
What? Seriously? No skills allowed?
He wanted us to fight with only our passive skills and base stats.
Was this the true spirit of Noark, a world of true men?
"Kill him without using abilities... Well, it doesn't seem that difficult."
I thought for a moment and then readily agreed.
But then...
Pelic Barker spoke in a barely audible voice.
"I'd prefer it if no one died..."
I was genuinely surprised.
"Then how can I get promoted?!"
"...Just get him to surrender."
"What? I don't have to kill him to get promoted?"
Isn't a bloody promotion battle the norm in these underground worlds?
And he was the one who talked about the law of the jungle earlier.
"What's going on? How is this possible?"
I stared at him, genuinely confused.
He looked back at me with a similar expression.
"You... haven't been in Noark for a month, have you?"
"So?"
"Never mind..."
Pelic Barker was the first to avert his gaze.
_____________________
A dark room with thick curtains covering the windows.
Misha Kaltstein sat up in bed, her eyes heavy with exhaustion.
Another day had begun.
She peeked through the curtains to check if it was daytime and then collapsed back onto the bed.
Sleep wouldn't come.
Her body was covered in sweat from the nightmares that plagued her sleep.
And her stomach ached with hunger.
"...Ugh."
Misha dragged herself out of bed.
And she stood in front of Yandel's room, the door she hadn't touched since that day. It felt like he would be sleeping inside, waiting for her.
But she couldn't bring herself to open the door.
Thump.
She turned away, her heart heavy.
And she went downstairs.
The first floor was as dark as the second floor.
The curtains were drawn to block out the sunlight, a courtesy to the visitors who came to pay their respects.
Misha muttered in a dry voice,
"They came and went again..."
A note from Ainar was on the dining table, written in her messy handwriting. It said she had filled the pantry, so check it.
Click.
Misha opened the pantry.
Rye bread and vegetables, the ingredients she often used for cooking.
Meat and fruits.
It was filled with the things she used to enjoy.
But...
"Ugh..."
The sight made her nauseous.
She couldn't even stand the smell.
Bjorn loved rye bread.
And meat, of course.
She always bought extra vegetables because Bjorn was a picky eater, and she often ended up eating them herself.
Misha closed the pantry door, feeling like she was going to throw up.
But she knew she had to eat.
If she didn't, her body would give out.
And Yandel wouldn't want that.
"Bjorn..."
She sat down at the table in the dark kitchen, her body slumping.
She sobbed for a long time, and then she got up and walked back to the pantry.
At that moment...
"Oh, you're here? I thought no one was home."
A man's voice came from behind.
'A burglar?'
Misha grabbed a knife from the counter and turned around. Despite her disheveled appearance, her movements were surprisingly quick.
But...
"Whoa, whoa, easy there."
The stranger grabbed her wrist and easily disarmed her.
She struggled, but he was too strong.
"It's been a while, and you greet me with a knife?"
"Been a while...?"
Misha looked up at the stranger's face.
It was dark, but she could make out his features.
He looked familiar.
He was human.
His skin was pale, without a single scar, as if he had lived a sheltered life. His platinum blonde hair was neatly combed back.
And most importantly...
[Cat girl, are you a player?]
[Huh? Pl, player?]
[I'm asking if you're an evil spirit.]
[Ah, ah, no... I'm not...?]
His unique, lighthearted yet chilling tone.
She remembered him.
"You're... that guy from before...!"
"You remember me? I'm Lee Baekho. I'll let you go, so just stay calm."
"...!"
The man with the strange name, Lee Baekho, let go of her wrist as promised.
Misha rubbed her sore wrist and stepped back.
Lee Baekho smiled reassuringly.
"Don't be so scared."
A shiver ran down her spine.
His smile didn't reach his eyes.
"I just have one question for you."