Surviving The Game as a Barbarian (Novel) Chapter 343, 344, 345

  

C343, 344, 345

Chapter 343: Comeback (2)

I ran countless simulations before coming to the Round Table.

After all, there had been a sudden gap of two years and six months. The members would definitely be curious about my absence.

‘Maybe someone even figured out that I’m Bjorn Yandel because our disappearances coincided.’

But I wasn’t too worried about that.

Only Amelia and Erwen knew I was alive.

I could dispel those suspicions just by showing my face at the Round Table.

The real problem would be after I revealed that I was alive…

‘Well, I’ll figure it out when the time comes.’

There was a more pressing matter.

How to explain my two-year and six-month absence.

I had run simulations, considering various scenarios, and I had reached a conclusion.

“Lion…”

“…You’re really alive.”

I didn’t have to explain anything, no matter how surprised or curious they were.

“Aren’t you going to move aside?”

“Ah… yes…!”

Clown, who had been standing frozen in front of the door, flinched and stepped aside at my curt words.

SoulQueens did the same.

Of course, she was much better than Clown, who was completely stunned.

“…You haven’t changed at all, have you?”

She observed me with an amused gaze as she moved aside. Although her relaxed tone bothered me, I didn’t show it.

I just ignored her and walked past.

Thud.

I sat down in my usual spot, acting indifferent.

“…….”

“…….”

A strange silence followed. The members stared at me, glancing at each other.

Their intentions were clear.

They wanted someone else to ask the questions.

‘Damn, it’s been a while.’

Could it be because I had been cooped up at home for the past few months?

I felt a liberating sense of power.

A few seconds passed in silence.

Thud!

The doors that had been open slammed shut.

It was past 3:10, and the entry period was over.

In other words, it meant that the meeting could begin.

Therefore…

“Are you going to keep standing there?”

I looked at Clown and SoulQueens and said,

“Sit down.”

I had a lot to hear from them.

And a lot to tell them.

______________________

“Pfft, I showed you an embarrassing side of me.”

Clown, who had been frozen against the wall, snapped out of his daze and sat down.

He looked at me with unconcealed joy.

“Welcome back, Lion.”

What the hell is this guy talking about?

Did he forget that I told him not to act so friendly last time?

Well, I guess he could have forgotten after two years and six months.

“…….”

I ignored him, and he chuckled, as if he had expected it.

“Reason.”

Stag Antlers was the next to speak.

“You disappeared for over two years, and now you’re back. Why?”

He stood up and asked me directly, his tone aggressive.

But my answer was already prepared.

“Well.”

“You’re not going to answer?”

Stag Antlers’ voice rose as I exercised my right to remain silent. It sounded like the tone the royal family used when interrogating someone…

I felt a bit sorry for him.

He had lost his edge after being away from the Round Table for two years and six months.

“I’m offended.”

I spoke as coldly as I could.

And…

Whoosh!

…I slowly unleashed my killing intent.

I had to re-establish my authority since I had been away for so long.

“…Ugh.”

Stag Antlers clenched his fists, as if in pain. It seemed like he was ready to listen, but I wasn’t satisfied. I continued to press him with my killing intent.

“Never.”

Stag Antlers’ neck bulged as I spoke.

He was better than Clown, who had been wriggling on the floor like a worm, but it wasn’t much different.

“Look down on me.”

Stag Antlers’ body slowly bent as I unleashed my full killing intent.

As if something was pressing down on his shoulders.

I looked at him with satisfaction.

“Yes, like that.”

Stag Antlers was now kneeling on the ground, looking up at me.

His arms, which were on the table to support his weight, were trembling. It seemed like he was reaching his limit…

But honestly, I was also reaching mine.

‘Ugh, my head…’

The killing intent vanished as soon as I felt a headache.

And at the same time…

“…Gasp!”

Stag Antlers took a deep breath.

Clown scoffed at the sight.

“…Pfft, you foolish and stupid human. Have you forgotten what to do when you have a question for Lion?”

“…….”

“Bring something interesting! Something interesting!”

Clown glanced at me as he spoke.

As if asking for my approval.

I ignored him again.

And after some time…

“Lion.”

A man’s voice broke the silence.

It was Crescent Moon.

The fairy who longed for the Stone of Resurrection more than anyone else at the Round Table.

“It doesn’t matter what you’ve been doing.”

He swallowed his anxiety and questions and said,

“Thank you for coming back.”

It was the perfect reaction.

I felt a bit guilty. He must have been worried sick while I was gone.

‘Should I give him a clue?’

I was thinking that when…

“Hmm, so everything’s settled now?”

SoulQueens spoke in a cheerful voice, changing the mood.

“Then shall we begin? I think we have a lot to talk about today.”

And so, the meeting began.

______________________

The order was quickly decided.

“Then Fox goes first.”

“…It seems that way.”

As always, it was clockwise.

But I would be the last one to go.

“Why did I have to sit here…”

It was an unspoken agreement.

They would share information first, and then I would evaluate it and share my own information in return.

That was how the Round Table usually worked.

“…I haven’t prepared anything special today, so I’ll just share what I was going to talk about here.”

Bersil, the Fox, was the first to share information.

It was a rather interesting story.

“The Dragonslayer, who disappeared after the High Priest kidnapping incident three years ago, has reappeared in the Dark Continent. According to witnesses, he’s much stronger than before, and it seems like he’s even overcome the ‘Dragon’s Curse’.”

News about the Dragonslayer, whom I had almost forgotten.

‘He overcame the Dragon’s Curse…’

It was unfortunate news, but I didn’t dwell on it.

Nothing would change even if he could use Dragon Speech.

I wasn’t the same person I was before.

Swaaaaaaaaaa!

The jewel on the Round Table emitted a green light, signaling the end of the first turn.

But then…

“Pfft, you’re clever, Fox.”

Clown chuckled and spoke to Bersil.

“…What do you mean?”

“That wasn’t the information you were originally going to share, was it? It’s something that could reveal your identity.”

“…….”

“And judging by Stag Antlers’ reaction, it seems like even the royal family hasn’t heard about this. Did you meet him yourself?”

“I won’t answer any personal questions.”

“Well, whatever. I’ll just ask that salamander bastard who he met in the labyrinth.”

Bersil frowned at Clown’s rude behavior and then remained silent.

The turn naturally passed.

“Then it’s my turn… now.”

It was Stag Antlers’ turn.

He avoided eye contact with me, his expression awkward.

It seemed like he was still affected by my killing intent from earlier.

But he cleared his throat and spoke, trying to act nonchalant.

“The royal family is going to issue a conscription order to all titled nobles soon.”

He was looking at Clown as he spoke, as if trying to gauge Noark’s reaction.

But…

“Pfft, you think I’m scared? It just means they’re desperate.”

…Clown just scoffed, and Stag Antlers didn’t react.

Crescent Moon spoke as soon as the green light went out.

“It’s my turn now.”

I was expecting something good since he had been diligently bringing information after being hooked by the Stone of Resurrection bait…

“Unfortunately, I haven’t prepared anything special.”

…but he had been caught off guard by my sudden appearance.

He seemed worried that I might be disappointed and stop coming.

“It’s about the Blood Spirit Marquis.”

But surprisingly, he shared something interesting.

“A few weeks ago, the Blood Spirit Marquis took most of the support funds the royal family gave to the fairies, saying she needed money. She didn’t give us a reason.”

It was practically a tribal scandal.

SoulQueens asked,

“But even the Blood Spirit Marquis can’t just take that much money without a reason, can she? The royal family’s support funds aren’t a small amount.”

“Of course, it’s an unusual situation. But the elders had no choice when she threatened to sell the Sacred Tree Bow.”

“…Sell the Sacred Tree Bow?”

“It’s embarrassing, but it’s true. But she said she needed the money for something important, so we have to believe that she has a reason.”

The other members couldn’t hide their unease at Crescent Moon’s explanation.

“Pfft, what the hell is that crazy woman planning?”

“If she needs that much money, it can only be for one thing.”

“Well, there’s going to be another bloodbath.”

I felt a strange sensation.

What kind of reputation did Erwen have?

No, wait…

‘She told me she had plenty of money… so she extorted it from her tribe?’

I was speechless.

I had wondered where she got the money to buy a mansion in one day…

‘What would happen if the fairies found out?’

I would be devastated…

Goblin cautiously spoke as I was lost in thought.

“Th, then… can I go now?”

Ah, it was his turn.

‘He’s a paladin from the Leathlas Church, right?’

I was a bit curious about what he would share since I knew his identity, unlike Clown.

“The main church has decided to send all its forces, except for the 1st Paladin Order, to join the royal army.”

What the hell, another war story?

I was disappointed, but I couldn’t help but chuckle.

‘The main church… he’s not even trying to hide it anymore. Or maybe his identity was revealed during the past two years.’

I continued listening, wondering what kind of conversations they had at the Round Table while I was gone.

“Pfft, you guys are so boring. Don’t you know how to entertain Lion?”

It was Clown’s turn.

He shook his head dramatically and then spoke, his eyes gleaming.

“Lee Baekho has the Stone of Resurrection.”

…Huh?

____________________

Clown’s casual announcement caused a stir.

And Crescent Moon was the most agitated.

He couldn’t hide his emotions and muttered,

“Lee Baekho… the one the royal family issued a secret assassination order for…? The Stone of Resurrection…?”

Crescent Moon seemed surprised to hear that Lee Baekho had the Stone of Resurrection, but I was different.

‘Why is Lee Baekho suddenly being mentioned…?’

It was an unexpected name, and I didn’t even know when he had become this famous.

He was just ‘that guy’ two years ago, a name only a few people knew.

And how did he get the Stone of Resurrection?

It was an item you couldn’t obtain without luck, even if you knew the conditions.

“How is it?”

I didn’t have time to space out.

“I thought you might be interested in Lee Baekho, so I brought it up.”

The jewel emitted a green light, and Clown subtly asked for my opinion. I hesitated for a moment and then answered,

“Indeed.”

It was more valuable than the previous information.

I was more interested in this than the war stories.

But I couldn’t be too impressed.

“It wasn’t bad.”

I gave him a lukewarm response.

After all, he would only bring me this kind of information if I showed some appreciation.

‘I should ask Erwen if she knows anything about Lee Baekho when I get back.’

I organized my thoughts and looked ahead.

“Clown, is that true?”

“You can see for yourself, can’t you?”

“Pl, please tell us more—”

“Pfft, I refuse.”

“…….”

Crescent Moon was being humiliated by Clown.

I felt sorry for him, but there was nothing I could do.

It was my first time hearing that Lee Baekho had the Stone of Resurrection.

‘Hmm, this makes it difficult to use the Stone of Resurrection as information… What should I share later?’

I observed the situation, thinking about what information to share next, and then SoulQueens clapped her hands, drawing attention.

And…

“Well, then it’s my turn, isn’t it?”

…she spoke in a seductive voice, looking at me.

“Lion hasn’t logged into Ghostbusters for two years and six months.”

“…….”

“Where have you been all this time?”

Haha…

____________________

All members of the community are forcefully summoned to this spiritual world on the 15th.

Well, there was a way to log out as soon as you entered…

“What do you mean ‘hasn’t logged in’?”

“It means what I said. There’s no record of him logging in.”

It was strange that there was no login record at all.

She must have confirmed it through the GM.

“So I thought he must be dead…”

She must have concluded that I was Bjorn Yandel.

I was the only famous person who died around that time.

But did Goblin sense a contradiction in her words?

“De, dead? But you were waiting for Lion, weren’t you?”

“No, I was waiting for the Master. The one who created this Round Table. I was hoping he might come back.”

“Ah…”

Goblin nodded, and everyone looked at me.

Their intentions were clear.

Swaaaaaaaaaa!

The jewel on the Round Table emitted a green light, so it was true that I hadn't logged in for two and a half years.

They were expecting an explanation.

“Ah, are you going to avoid answering again? Well, this isn't exactly interesting information for you—”

I cut her off and said,

“You’re being bold.”

“Then do I have a reason to be afraid?”

She looked at me confidently, as if she had a way to counter me, even if I unleashed my killing intent.

“Interesting.”

“Oh, so you’re going to tell us? What happened?”

I glanced at the jewel, which had lost its light, and then answered,

“It’s my turn now.”

“Are you ignoring me?”

“Well.”

It wasn’t ignorance.

It was punishment.

“Magitechnician, Yurven Habelión.”

I had to teach her a lesson to maintain my authority as Lion.

Even if it wasn’t through brute force.

“That’s the GM’s name.”

That there were consequences for defying me.

---------------------------------------------------

Chapter 344: Comeback (3)

[There is no record of Lion logging into Ghostbusters for two years and six months.]

I was quite flustered when I first heard it, but after thinking about it, there was no reason to be too afraid.

At least one thing was certain.

‘She probably only knows my nickname, ‘Elfnunna’.’

After all, even Auril Gabis couldn’t find out my real identity in the spiritual world.

Could the GM, who only inherited half of his power, do it?

It was impossible.

The problem was that if she knew my nickname, she could ban me from the community…

But that wasn’t a big deal either.

‘It’s not like I’ll die if I can’t participate in the community.’

On the other hand, I would lose a lot if I backed down.

She would realize that this was my weakness.

[Where have you been all this time?]

She would ask me even more direct questions. And it would only be a matter of time before my Lion mask was ripped off if I kept avoiding them.

So, in that case…

‘The best defense is a good offense.’

…I decided to take a gamble.

After all, this GM was the one who almost died after trying to ban Lee Baekho.

Like how nuclear weapons are a deterrent to war…

…I judged that the only solution might be to act even more boldly.

Well, I wasn’t sure what the outcome would be…

‘I’ll find out soon.’

I looked around.

“…….”

“…….”

A heavy silence.

Everyone’s gaze was fixed on one spot.

The center of the Round Table, where the jewel that distinguished between truth and lies was placed.

But I was looking at something else.

SoulQueens.

The GM’s companion who was participating in the Round Table wearing the Queen mask.

Her eyes, which had been relaxed until now, were filled with unease.

‘What the hell is going on?’ With that question in her eyes. As if she hadn’t expected this at all.

“…Uh, um…”

She wanted to say something, but her words were jumbled, and only a sigh escaped her lips.

Her hand was also trembling.

“Uh, uh…?”

She reached out, as if to stop me, but then she lowered her hand powerlessly.

She knew.

That she couldn’t stop anything with a gesture like that.

That the damage was already done.

Swaaaaaaaaaa!

The jewel emitted a green light after a brief pause, as if enjoying the attention.

And the brief silence ended.

“The GM… is the Magitechnician…?”

“Wa, wait a minute… I can’t keep up. Ho, how can he be an evil spirit… No, the GM?”

“…Pfft, it was worth waiting for you for over two years, Lion. Such a big secret from the very beginning.”

The members were all talking at once, the atmosphere chaotic.

But there was something worth listening to.

“I’m actually more surprised about Queen. There were rumors that she might be part of the management team, but…”

Right, I thought it was strange that she revealed the login records in front of everyone.

There was no reason for her to hide it.

It seemed like her identity had been revealed while I was gone. Hmm, or maybe she intentionally revealed it, considering her personality?

But that wasn’t important right now.

I continued to stare at one person, ignoring the others.

“Can you… handle it?”

SoulQueens, who had been standing with her head bowed, her hands on the table, glared at me.

But it wasn’t a threatening glare.

It was for a simple reason.

“Ca, can you… handle it…?”

Her voice was trembling.

Who would be intimidated by that?

“Even after doing this… how can you—”

I cut her off and said,

“You said you weren’t afraid.”

“……?”

“You’re trembling.”

“……!”

SoulQueens quickly looked down at her hands.

They were shaking uncontrollably.

Grab.

She grabbed her trembling wrist with her other hand and glared at me again. And then she took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind.

“Fine, that’s how you’re going to play it. I’ll go first this time.”

She placed her hand on the jewel and told anyone who wasn’t participating in this round to leave.

Of course, no one left.

And…

“Lion is Bjorn Yandel.”

The jewel emitted a light.

____________________

1. Lion is Elfnunna.

2. Elfnunna hasn’t logged into the community for two years and six months, and neither has Lion.

3. Therefore, Lion is Bjorn Yandel.

She must have been 100% certain, having reached that conclusion through a logical process.

At least until she entered the Round Table today.

Swaaaaaaaaaa!

The jewel emitted a light in the tense atmosphere.

“…It’s red.”

As expected, it wasn’t green.

This jewel didn’t distinguish between truth and lies.

It seemed like SoulQueens wanted to get back at me… but it was a meaningless struggle now that her faith had been shaken.

‘But the problem is, she doesn’t seem that flustered.’

Then why did she make a meaningless attempt?

I found the answer in Goblin’s question.

“Um, but Bjorn Yandel is dead, isn’t he? Lion is alive and right here… Why did you ask that question…?”

“There are many mysteries surrounding his death. Even his companions didn’t see him die.”

The possibility that Bjorn Yandel was alive.

She had asked that question with that in mind.

Well, she received a red light because she lacked faith.

“Pfft, even you should know that the jewel would emit a red light with that kind of speculation.”

“…I won’t answer that.”

SoulQueens looked away from me.

Come to think of it, maybe she was just testing me.

No, she definitely was.

She had been staring at me when the jewel emitted the light.

‘…Damn it, she’s testing me in this situation? This woman is relentless.’

I was worried about what she would think after seeing my reaction, but I tried to hide it.

But did she gain confidence because I was silent?

“…Anyway, we have to do it again since it’s red.”

SoulQueens casually said she would retry and glanced at me.

And…

“I can ban Lion from Ghostbusters at any time.”

…she received a green light after revealing that she was part of the management team.

It was a predictable action.

After all, the only penalty she could give me was to ban me from the community.

Unlike me.

“Pfft, I’d rather you didn’t do that. Ah, not that you can anyway.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Why would they leave me alone if I was banned? I’m from Noark, which you guys hate so much. You’re just keeping me around because you’re curious about our information.”

“…What does that have to do with anything?”

“Pfft, I guess that’s the answer. Anyway, that means you shouldn’t ban Lion. We don’t know what kind of stories he’ll tell us…”

Clown said firmly,

“You should know better than to do something you can’t handle.”

“…Something I can’t handle?”

“Yes. He knows the GM’s identity, what are you going to do to him?”

It was music to my ears.

He was scratching my itch.

After all, it wouldn’t sound good if I said it myself.

It was better for someone else to say it for me.

“…….”

I looked away from Queen, who was speechless, and met Clown’s eyes.

He was smiling.

‘Good job, right?’

With that look in his eyes.

____________________

Did she feel like she had gotten her revenge?

“Pfft, well, it’s not my place to say anything.”

Clown, who had said everything he wanted to say, spoke in a cheerful voice.

“Anyway, it’s my turn now, isn’t it?”

And so, the second round began.

And from the very beginning, I couldn’t ignore what he said.

“Speaking of Bjorn Yandel, that bastard… he might not actually be an evil spirit.”

Huh?

“Pfft, it was Lee Baekho who spread the rumor.”

…Lee Baekho?

He revealed my identity?

As I was inwardly shocked, Stag Antlers casually shared even more shocking information.

“But the original source was Misha Kaltstein, that woman.”

…Huh? Misha?

“It’s the same thing. She’s one of Lee Baekho’s companions now.”

No, what the hell is he talking about?

Why is Misha one of Lee Baekho’s companions?

“Pfft, fortunately, it’s green. Well, I knew you wouldn’t know that the cat girl had become one of his companions.”

I was getting dizzy from the influx of information, but I barely managed to maintain my composure.

And then it was the next person’s turn.

“…Phew, this isn’t easy.”

Goblin, who had received two red lights after sharing information about the war, finally succeeded in getting a green light on his third try.

It was about the internal affairs of the Leathlas Church.

It wasn’t surprising since he always sold out his church when he was cornered.

“It’s my turn again.”

It was Crescent Moon’s turn.

I was curious about Erwen, but his information was just okay.

It was about the war.

Stag Antlers was the same.

“Pfft, it seems like the royal family is serious this time.”

It seemed like it was important information, judging by how even Clown, who always mocked Stag Antlers, was being serious.

But the war didn’t matter to me right now.

My scattered companions.

Clearing my name.

I had a lot of homework to do.

So I was at least interested in Fox’s information.

No, to be precise, I was worried.

“A few months ago, a Double Numbered Item was acquired by the Alminus Central Exchange. An unidentified woman used it as collateral for a large loan, and the repayment date is approaching. We might see it at the exchange’s auction house soon.”

Don’t tell me… she’s talking about my Demon Crusher?

No, that can’t be right.

That kind Amelia wouldn’t do that.

“…….”

I tried to rationalize it, but I could feel everyone’s gaze on me.

‘Ah, it’s my turn.’

I didn’t have to think about what to say since I had already decided.

I slowly looked at them one by one.

They were all looking at me expectantly.

Except for one.

“…….”

SoulQueens seemed more anxious than expectant, perhaps because of what happened earlier.

Was she the type who had a lot of pride but was actually easily scared?

‘Anyway, that’s enough stalling.’

I tapped my fingers on the table twice and then looked at SoulQueens.

“You asked if I could handle it.”

It was my turn to answer her question.

Or rather, to ask her back.

Like Clown said…

…was she really prepared to handle it?

Gulp.

The moment Queen’s slender throat bobbed, I continued without hesitation.

“Your nickname is SoulQueens.”

Everyone’s gaze turned to the jewel as soon as I finished speaking.

I couldn’t help but chuckle.

Geez, I’m not even done talking.

“And SoulQueens’s real name is…”

Honestly, I didn’t know.

But I deliberately trailed off, looking at her.

If she didn’t react, I could just say something like, ‘I’ll save it for later,’ and pretend to be merciful.

“Hoo.”

The members’ eyes gleamed with interest as I paused.

Clown was the most enthusiastic.

After all, he had been humiliated by her before.

“Pfft, I hope she’s not a shut-in like the Magitechnician. It’s hard to kill those types. Hehehe…”

SoulQueens’s throat bobbed again at Clown’s creepy laughter.

Tap, tap.

I tapped my fingers on the table again.

And at that moment…

“…St, stop!”

…she spoke.

“Pl, please stop… I don’t want to reveal my identity here…”

Tsk, she should have just agreed from the beginning.

---------------------------------------------------

Chapter 345: Comeback (4)

SoulQueens finally surrendered.

It seemed like she had realized how foolish it was to try to gain the upper hand in our relationship…

“Pfft, what a funny woman. She was so bold when she revealed the GM’s identity, but now she’s backing down when it’s her turn.”

Queen endured Clown’s mockery without a word. It was a pitiful sight, considering her status at the Round Table.

But…

‘It would be a shame to end it here.’

…it would be foolish to just accept her surrender.

SoulQueens seemed to be sensitive to hierarchy.

It would be better to properly imprint it on her now.

Like I did to the goblin I met in the cave on the day I was summoned to this world.

Who was on top.

And who was below.

“Why…”

I tapped my finger on the table and asked,

“…should I?”

SoulQueens flinched at my short question and answered in a small voice,

“…If we stop here, we won’t be hostile towards you.”

It meant that they wouldn’t ban me from the community, and they wouldn’t even hold a grudge against me for revealing the GM’s identity.

I chuckled coldly at her uncharacteristically roundabout expression.

It sounded like a suggestion between equals.

“You still haven’t learned your lesson.”

I tapped my finger on the armrest again.

But there was a difference from before.

This time, I didn’t hide my displeasure.

“…Please tell me what you want.”

SoulQueens pleaded, watching my reaction.

Therefore…

“I don’t want anything from you.”

I spoke clearly, as if she didn’t understand.

“And I’m not afraid of you.”

At least on the surface.

Would I have been this aggressive if I was even slightly concerned about making an enemy out of the management team? I must seem like an uncontrollable madman to them.

So…

“I’ll ask you one last time.”

I asked SoulQueens again,

“Why should I?”

“Th, that’s…”

Of course, she couldn’t answer.

After all, everyone she had dealt with had their own desires. It was only natural for her to be speechless when she encountered someone who didn’t want anything and wasn’t even afraid of threats.

But…

“I…”

…she was a clever woman.

Threats didn’t work, and I didn’t even want anything.

I was just enjoying this punishment.

How could she persuade someone like that?

She finally reached an answer after a long contemplation.

To give up on persuasion.

And…

“I was… wrong…”

…to beg for mercy.

The last resort of a powerless person.

“Please… forgive me…”

“It seems like that stupid woman has finally realized her place. Pfft.”

SoulQueens ignored Clown’s mockery and lowered her head, just like I had told Stag Antlers to do.

And she looked up at me and spoke with difficulty,

“I’ll never… disobey you again… So please… forgive me for my mistake today…”

Honestly, I was impressed.

I didn’t expect her to be this humble. Was it that shocking to know that I knew their identities?

“…….”

“…….”

The other members were just watching me and SoulQueens, their mouths shut.

They were curious about whether I would accept her apology.

‘That’s enough hierarchy establishment…’

I looked down at SoulQueens and said,

“That’s better.”

Yes, that’s it.

______________________

“Queen’s nickname is SoulQueens. And I won’t tell you SoulQueens’s real name.”

I ended my turn and received a green light.

“Phew…”

The members all sighed in relief, the tension lifting.

SoulQueens was the same.

“Thank… you…”

She thanked me, as if she was peeling off her own skin. I didn’t answer, and an awkward silence followed.

Stag Antlers cautiously broke the silence.

“…What about the meeting? Are we going to continue?”

The second round had ended with my turn.

We usually went for four or five rounds, but it wasn’t strange to end it here.

Then what would they decide?

“I, I’m done…”

SoulQueens, who had been scolded earlier, spoke cautiously, watching my reaction.

It seemed like she would stay if I told her to…

But it wouldn’t change anything if she was the only one left.

“Then… I’m done too…”

Goblin, who had received two red lights and barely managed to pass this round, declared his withdrawal, and the meeting naturally came to an end.

‘Damn it, it’s over already…’

It was a bit disappointing that the Round Table, which I had returned to after two years and six months, ended after just two rounds, but it couldn’t be helped.

‘Well, at least I showed my face today. They’ll bring something more interesting next month.’

“…Pfft, then let’s all prepare more diligently for next month. Ah, of course, assuming Lion comes back!”

Clown glanced at me as he spoke to the other members.

It was a bit cute.

He really wanted to ask if I was coming back next month.

Swoosh.

I left the Round Table without answering his question.

And…

“Phew…”

…I lay down on the bed as soon as I returned to Lee Hansu’s room, taking a deep breath.

I was exhausted, perhaps because of the killing intent I had used earlier.

‘I’m going to sleep like a log until tomorrow evening.’

Of course, that was my future self. My current self started working.

First, organize the information.

‘I made a scene today, so no one will suspect that I’m Bjorn Yandel for now…’

I replayed the events of the Round Table.

My comeback performance seemed successful, but it wasn’t perfect. After all, I couldn’t stay hidden forever.

‘They’ll start suspecting me again as soon as they find out I’m alive.’

Of course, I had a few ways to deal with that.

I had gained several trump cards during my time travel.

‘I’ll think about that later…’

There was something more important.

No, honestly, I almost had a mental breakdown because of it.

[The original source was Misha Kaltstein, that woman.]

Misha Kaltstein.

Why did she spread that rumor…

[It’s the same thing. She’s one of Lee Baekho’s companions now.]

…and how did she become Lee Baekho’s companion?

I couldn’t connect the dots, no matter how hard I tried.

But if I had to guess…

[Lee Baekho has the Stone of Resurrection.]

…that seemed to be the key.

For example, maybe Misha had joined forces with Lee Baekho to bring me back to life.

‘…Is that just wishful thinking?’

Damn it, if only he had sent me back a year earlier.

The gap of two years and six months felt huge, and my frustration grew.

But what could I do?

‘Anyway, if Misha’s goal is to bring me back to life… what’s Lee Baekho’s goal?’

Well, I didn’t know.

I didn’t have enough information yet.

I hadn’t spent much time talking to Lee Baekho, and we were both from Korea.

And we had never had a sincere conversation.

‘…I’ll think about that after I find out more about Lee Baekho.’

I closed my eyes and continued organizing my thoughts.

The GM, Auril Gabis, Amelia, Noark, the royal family, and so on. I had countless things to think about.

“…….”

After brainstorming for a while, I sat back down at the computer and continued browsing the forums.

After some time…

‘I thought the GM or SoulQueens would send me a message, but there’s nothing.’

I moved the cursor.

I didn’t think I would find anything important even if I continued browsing, and it was almost time for the community to close.

Click.

The screen flashed as I clicked the logout button, and then darkness enveloped me.

A bedroom with all the windows boarded up, not a single ray of moonlight entering.

“Hehe, you’re awake…”

Erwen was looking down at me.

____________________

Erwen Fornachi di Tersia.

The current Pureblood and the contractor of the Spirit King.

She had been bestowed with the ‘Sacred Tree Bow’, a fairy treasure, and had become one of the Seven Strengths, earning the nickname ‘Blood Spirit Marquis’ for her achievements in the war.

And…

[Pfft, what the hell is that crazy woman planning?]

[Well, there’s going to be another bloodbath.]

…the only one among my companions who had dedicated everything to avenging me.

[No matter what anyone says, you’re Bjorn Yandel to me.]

The one who said it didn’t matter if I was an evil spirit.

But I couldn’t feel grateful or touched by her devotion.

It was too much.

Then why was she so obsessed with me?

At first, I thought it was because of her Obsession stat.

Goblin Archer, Steel Hill Chaser, Cannibal.

All three essences she had absorbed had the ‘Obsession’ stat.

And her sister’s death might have acted as a trigger.

But…

“Mister… do you want to go for a walk? The, the moon is beautiful tonight…”

…that was Erwen from two years and six months ago.

She had already replaced most of her essences, receiving generous support from her tribe.

The problem was that the new essences weren’t that great.

Patrol Golem Ertes from the Golem Island on the 6th floor.

+45 Defense Mechanism.

Kalban, a wolf monster with the unique characteristic of not attacking during the day, but attacking first at night.

+30 Impulse and +30 Distrust.

+24 Possessiveness from the 4th-grade monster, Metcrow, and -30 Control and +40 Deficiency from the other two essences.

They weren’t stats that would cause serious mental problems individually, but it was only natural for them to affect her real life when combined.

So I had been trying to avoid provoking her after realizing that.

Things could get out of hand if she snapped.

Right, that’s what I had been doing.

But…

“Ah, right…! I bought you a necklace… If you wear this, I can always know where you are—”

…I couldn’t avoid it forever.

This wasn’t my style.

Thud.

I swatted her hand away.

“…Huh?”

Erwen looked surprised.

“Mi, mister… are you… angry? Why…?”

She looked around nervously, trying to find the reason for my sudden change.

“Come to think of it… there was… a loose plank in the living room…”

I had almost ripped it off because I was feeling suffocated.

But did she interpret it differently?

“Amelia Rainwales. That woman, right…? She was here, wasn’t she? That’s why you’re…”

Erwen started rambling, her body trembling.

Her eyes were filled with killing intent.

Honestly, it was terrifying.

But…

“Amelia wasn’t here.”

…so what?

I couldn’t run away just because I was scared.

When I was falsely accused and imprisoned in the guild’s basement.

When I encountered the Dragonslayer in Lalkas’s Maze.

And even during the Noark War, which earned me the title of ‘Giant’.

I survived because I always faced my problems head-on.

Therefore…

“Why… why are you still calling her by her name?”

…I answered without hesitation.

“Because she’s my companion.”

Erwen’s response came after a brief pause.

“…Th, that’s… I, I told you I would be here for you, that you don’t need her anymore…!”

Right, she did say that.

But…

“Why are you the one who decides that?”

“Th, that’s…”

Erwen was speechless.

I didn’t feel sorry for her.

I spoke naturally, as if I was still wearing the Lion mask.

“How dare you.”

“……!”

Erwen’s eyes widened.

I activated my dormant muscles.

After all, what else could she do in her unstable mental state?

“…Who are you?”

“I’m Bjorn Yandel.”

“Li, liar… you’re an evil spirit…”

A black aura started emanating from Erwen’s body.

It was the darkness spirit she had mastered.

Thump, thump, thump, thump.

My heart pounded, sensing danger.

Although I was prepared, the pressure was still significant.

But I reminded myself.

‘Who am I?’

A barbarian warrior who had overcome countless hardships.

Giant, Bjorn, son of Yandel.

The only player who cleared the original difficulty.

The absolute ruler of the Round Table with a lion’s heart.

Clench.

My chest swelled with courage as I recalled my identity.

So before this feeling faded…

“It, it’s not too late, so tell me now. Th, that you made a mistake while you were asleep—”

“Erwen Fornachi di Tersia.”

…I said,

“There’s something wrong with your head.”

Right, if there’s a problem, we have to fix it.

“Just attack me.”

In the way I knew best. 

Trial

I like Korean novels (Murim, Dukes, Reincarnation, etc, etc, etc)

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