C196, 197, 198
Chapter 196: Master Key (1)
As soon as I enter the community, I turn on the computer and check the chat room list.
And I freeze.
[Long Live Korean Independence] - 2 members online.
…Why two?
Did another Korean join this cycle?
No, but there's no way a newbie could find this chat room so quickly.
Click, click.
I double-click on the room title, feeling curious.
And unlike usual, a message appears.
[This room is temporarily restricted.]
[Remaining time: 9 minutes 51 seconds.]
What's this again?
I'm confused at first, but I soon grasp the situation. It's one of the room owner's privileges to restrict entry.
In other words...
'Someone visited Lee Baekho as soon as the community opened, and he locked the room to have a conversation.'
That's the most plausible explanation.
That someone must be an acquaintance of Lee Baekho's.
If they weren't acquainted, he would have kicked them out instead of locking the room.
'An acquaintance of Lee Baekho...'
I'm curious.
Lee Baekho is an old-timer who took an early version of the pill and can only use the community for an hour.
It's been well over 10 years since he entered this community, so he must know some people.
'But that person must also be someone who's been around for a long time, like Lee Baekho.'
In the first place, it was Lee Baekho who gave me the invitation code to 'Watchers of the Round Table'.
"Tsk."
I wish I could at least see the nickname of the person who's in the chat room.
I watch the countdown, feeling a bit disappointed, and the number of members decreases to one.
[Long Live Korean Independence] - 1 member online.
The entry restriction has also been lifted.
Did the visitor already leave?
That's when, as I enter the chat room...
"The person from your hometown that Baekho mentioned?"
Damn it, what the hell.
I hurriedly turn my head at the unfamiliar voice, and a Caucasian man I've never seen before is standing there.
No, wait, have I seen him before?
[Elfnunalove]
I'm momentarily dazed as I check the nickname above his head.
Surprisingly, he's someone I know.
It's the player who sold me information when I was asking around about the mage 'Shanel Pergan' after hearing the 'dimensional collapse' rumor.
[Actually, never mind. I think you're a fan of hers.]
I realized that I was a newbie here when he refused the 20,000 GP I promised him as a reward.
I even vowed to reach his level quickly.
But I can't believe he knows Lee Baekho.
'Wait, but where did Lee Baekho go?'
I quickly snap out of it.
He's also looking at me with a strange expression after seeing my nickname.
"Hmm, you're the person I saw back then."
Right, you recognize me too.
Since he's using the creepy nickname 'Elfnunalove', my nickname 'Elfnunna' must have stuck in his memory.
"Yes, it's good to see you again."
I keep my mouth shut, feeling a sense of unease.
Although I have many questions, sometimes just asking a question can reveal information.
I decide to wait for him to speak first.
Indeed, after a short wait, Elfnunalove, or Elov for short, scratches his head with an awkward expression.
"I'm sorry about this."
"Sorry about what?"
"It feels like I took away your friend from your hometown."
"...Are you talking about Baekho?"
Elov nods at my question.
"Yes, as you know, there aren't many Koreans here. I know how important it is to have someone from your hometown."
"No, I mean, I don't understand. Took him away...?"
This time, I'm not acting like a newbie, I'm genuinely confused.
I don't understand what he's talking about.
Don't tell me Lee Baekho left the chat room because of him?
No, but how?
Lee Baekho was clearly the owner of this chat room.
"It's as I said. You won't be able to see Baekho anymore, even if you come here. I left him alone until now because I thought he might be helpful... "
The Caucasian man continues.
"But unfortunately, he made a big mistake."
"...?"
"I was originally going to just leave, but I'm telling you this so you don't waste your time waiting. Well then, have a good time."
Elfnunalove leaves the chat room before I can even say anything.
I stare blankly at the empty space.
'Damn it.'
What the hell is going on?
_________________
I'm alone in the empty room.
'Made a mistake? Can't come here?'
My mind is racing.
But the more that's the case, the more I need to calmly organize my thoughts.
Who the hell is Elfnunalove?
I quickly reach a conclusion as I replay our conversation.
It's still just a hypothesis, but...
'He's definitely an administrator of Ghostbusters.'
Administrator.
Like 'SoulQueens', whom I met when I first came here, they're the ones who guide newbies and manage the community to prevent it from becoming chaotic.
Otherwise, this situation is inexplicable.
[He made a big mistake.]
Elfnunalove kicked Lee Baekho out of the room, even though he wasn't even the owner. No, he was probably the one who restricted entry to the room in the first place, not Lee Baekho.
Administrators have considerable authority within the community. In the first place, only administrators can permanently ban someone from the community.
And not just any administrator, but probably...
'...Wait a minute.'
I hurriedly return to my room and quickly open the inbox on my computer.
[Elfnunna, you have over 50 transactions. EXP +50]
[Member rank adjusted.]
[Orc -> Troll]
[Sender: Ghost master.]
Ghost Master.
The highest-ranking administrator of Ghostbusters, the one whose identity no one has been able to uncover, the one users call GM or the operator.
I suddenly remember a conversation I had with Lee Baekho.
[Do you know who the operator is?]
[Ah, I don't know either. Actually, I got the pill after raiding the Secret Police headquarters in the early days.]
[So they don't know who you are either?]
[But they probably have a guess. I also have a few suspects...]
[Who are they?]
[There are three of them, should I tell you all of them?]
Lee Baekho named three suspects at my question. They were all mages, and each of them was famous enough that everyone in the city knew their names.
Since it's Lee Baekho's guess, it's not entirely unreliable.
'The GM is a mage.'
Although it's not certain, I recall my first encounter with Elfnunalove, based on that premise.
[...Is it okay for you to just tell me this?]
[What does it matter? I'm not the master of that school.]
I had this thought when I saw him casually revealing the inner workings of the Tarutein school, which spread the dimensional collapse rumor.
This guy, he sounds like a mage.
I gulp as I reach a conclusion.
It might just be my delusion, but...
If my conclusion is true...
"Crazy."
I might have just met the GM.
_________________
I quickly return to my usual state after the unknown thrill.
Even if Elfnunalove is the GM, it's not a serious problem for me.
Well, his nickname is a bit unsettling...
But we're not enemies.
He won't come after me if my identity is revealed.
...Probably.
'Right, let's get rid of that first.'
I enter the forum and delete the comment I left on the Canadian friend's post, which is now blurred out.
It's practically impossible for them to identify me just from this, but I'm just being cautious.
While I'm at it, I delete all traces I left in this community. It's not much, except for a few comments I left on humor posts.
Once when the dimensional collapse rumor spread.
And once when I posted a request to buy information about Orculus after the battle with the Dragonslayer.
'So I can't meet Baekho anymore...'
After erasing all traces, I think about Lee Baekho.
I feel a bit disappointed.
Leaving aside the fact that I can't get high-level information from him anymore, honestly, it was fun hanging out with him.
'But what the hell did he do to get banned by the administrator directly?'
Although there's no way to find out the truth right now, it's not difficult to guess that it's closely related to the Noark subjugation.
It's the only major incident that happened recently.
Click, clack, clack.
I kill time by browsing the forum.
It's mostly just web surfing.
I even checked if Elfnunalove had any posts, but he didn't even have a single comment.
Ah, for reference, it's the same for Lee Baekho.
'...I should just lurk from now on.'
True veterans stay away from the community and just do their own thing.
I add a new rule to my community usage policy, using this incident as an example.
And after some time...
[03:09]
...it's time to enter the Round Table.
But this time, I don't wait until the last minute and just enter.
I judged that I could also get information from the small talk before the meeting, considering what happened.
'...They'll all be there this time, right?'
I start in the customization room as usual, quickly put on the navy blue suit I've been wearing, and put on the Lion mask.
Creak.
The door opens as if it's been waiting, and I follow the carpet and arrive at the large round table.
The Clown is the first to greet me.
"You're early this time, pfft."
It's his unique laughter that I haven't heard in two months because I skipped a month.
I approach my usual seat and observe the others.
'Crescent Moon, Antler, Fox.'
Including the Clown and me, there are five participants in this gathering. Fox, who makes eye contact with me, averts her gaze and speaks to everyone.
"By the way, Goblin is late today."
"Pfft, didn't he die? I heard the Paladin Order suffered heavy losses this time."
"...Let's hope not."
As expected, the main topic before the meeting is the recent subjugation.
"I'm surprised I even made it back alive. It was hell on earth. I regret participating so thoughtlessly."
"...I agree. I can't believe Noark had that kind of power hidden. When the first subjugation force was formed, I thought they could even conquer the royal palace with that much."
"Pfft, but they were all defeated, right?"
"Clown, you're talking as if it's someone else's story."
"Then what is it? It doesn't matter to me how many people died. Right, Mr. Lion?"
"Well, I'm not interested."
I just rest my chin on the armrest and listen to their conversation, pretending to be bored.
Noark's dark mages.
The priest of Karui.
The inner workings of large clans that suffered heavy losses, stories about other races, and so on.
Information that's not valuable enough to be shared at the meeting is constantly flowing out under the guise of small talk.
'It's a good thing I came early.'
Just as I'm trying to hide my smug smile and listen to their opinions on the current situation...
"Oh, Mr. Goblin!"
...the Goblin Mask appears from beyond the open door.
"You're alive."
"Ah, yes. It was very dangerous, but God helped me."
The Goblin, naturally talking about God even though he's not from this world.
The Clown laughs mockingly.
"God my ass. You were probably hiding like a goblin. Pfft."
"No, Clown, why are you always like this to me?"
"Because you're easy to pick on?"
"......"
Goblin just chuckles as if he's speechless, even though he was openly insulted, and sits down in his seat.
'He's scared.'
At first, I didn't understand why Goblin was being so subservient, but come to think of it, it's only natural.
He's a paladin whose identity has been exposed.
There's no way he can openly antagonize the Clown, who looks strong.
Thud!
The door closes tightly as soon as Goblin sits down.
It means it's time to start the meeting.
"Lion, is our promise still valid?"
Crescent Moon asks me a question before we even decide on the order.
Although the subject is omitted, I understand what he means.
He's talking about the promise to give him information about the 'Stone of Resurrection' if I bring interesting information.
Crescent Moon looks determined as I nod briefly.
"Pfft, judging by your expression, you seem really confident this time."
"I'm just desperate. It's an item I need more than anything."
His answer is filled with the determination to find out about the 'Stone of Resurrection', no matter the cost.
"Then who should we start with?"
Just as we're about to start the game of who goes first...
Creak.
...the tightly closed door opens.
It's a phenomenon that's never happened before.
What? Another member? But no one can enter once the meeting starts, right?
That's what the rules say.
"...?"
It seems like I'm not the only one who finds it strange, judging by everyone's puzzled expressions...
Thud.
...The thick wooden door opens wide, and a figure appears.
It's a man wearing a plain white mask.
His only exposed skin, his hands, are wrinkled.
"Kekeke, this place hasn't changed at all."
An old man's voice comes from behind the mask.
A brief silence hangs in the air.
The Fox Mask is the first to regain her composure and speak.
"Master...?"
I realize it through her muttering.
Master.
It means the founder of 'Watchers of the Round Table'.
"But there's a mask I've never seen before. Who are you?"
The Fox Mask, who's been fooled by me several times, tilts her head at the Master's question.
"...Didn't you invite him, Master? I'm pretty sure he said that..."
Strictly speaking, I didn't say that.
I just subtly avoided answering and made her misunderstand.
But that excuse won't work.
'Damn it.'
What should I do?
My act might be exposed.
--------------------------------------
Chapter 197: Master Key (2)
Watchers of the Round Table.
A secret community created for the exchange of high-quality information.
When I first entered this place, the existing members were curious about my relationship with the Master.
The reason was simple.
It had already been a year since the Master, who used to recruit members through private messages, disappeared without a trace.
The members thought they might be able to hear about the Master’s whereabouts from me, and after the ‘Lion’ persona was established, it became a generally accepted truth that we were acquainted.
I responded with ‘no comment’ to all related questions.
[The answer is no.]
I was worried about the consequences if I said I knew him.
And I thought it wouldn’t suit my mysterious persona if I said I didn’t know him.
But could it be that I got greedy?
[…Do you happen to know where the Master is?]
At the second gathering, I shrugged at Fox’s question.
As if to say I wouldn’t mind telling her if she brought me something interesting. I rested my chin on my hand and acted nonchalantly, like an absolute being.
I clearly intended to deceive them.
“…Didn’t the Master invite him? I’m pretty sure he said that…”
Indeed, my intention worked well, as Fox’s voice was filled with confusion.
The other masked figures were also bewildered.
“Hmm, you’re saying I invited him?”
The Master touched his chin as if he had no idea.
The other masked figures’ gazes then turned towards me.
Their eyes were filled with questions and curiosity about my identity.
“How did he get in here if he wasn’t invited by the Master?”
“Maybe he used an invitation code he received before?”
Goblin offered a guess at Fox’s muttering, and the Clown refuted it.
“Idiot. Don’t you know that invitation codes expire after a month?”
“…Is that true, Master?”
“What Clown said is true.”
“Then…”
Their gazes towards me became even more blatant as the Master agreed.
“Mr. Lion, why did you lie to me about knowing the Master…?”
Fox asked me cautiously.
I held my breath and closed my eyes for a moment.
It would be a lie to say I wasn’t flustered by the Master’s sudden appearance, but I would ruin everything if I lost my composure.
I quickly decided on my position.
“I didn’t lie.”
I never said I knew him.
You guys just misunderstood.
If I push forward like this, they won’t have anything to say.
‘Well, they might feel a bit of dissonance…’
From the killing intent that I half-stumbled upon to various other pieces of information.
I’ve shown them quite a bit.
They won’t be able to reach the truth that I’m just a cyberbully just from this.
Right, so…
“You didn’t lie?”
…let’s be shameless.
After all, that’s what the ‘Lion’ character is.
“That’s right. Do you have a problem with your ears?”
“Ah, no… that’s not it…”
Fox is flustered as our eyes meet, even though I didn’t unleash my killing intent.
I chuckled.
And I was about to deliver the line I prepared, saying that they were the ones who misunderstood, even though I didn’t say anything…
But that’s when…
“Everyone, stop it.”
…the Master spoke, looking at me.
“I don’t know the details of what happened between you, but he didn’t lie.”
‘…Huh?’
“Now I understand. Who you are.”
My heart skipped a beat.
Of course, it was just for a fleeting moment.
He knows who I am? That’s impossible.
He’s just the owner of a private chat room, how could he possibly—
“Kekeke. I thought you would be from the Tiger side.”
I shut my mouth at the Master’s laughter.
Not because I was hit where it hurts, but because I couldn’t understand what he was talking about.
I just chose to remain silent.
If you just keep your mouth shut, you’ll at least be in the middle ground.
“Or a soldier.”
That judgment was correct.
‘Soldier…’
Now I understand.
Who this old man thinks I am.
_________________
Sergeant Lee.
It’s the nickname of Lee Baekho, the unfortunate player who was dragged to this world on the day he was discharged from the military.
“Kekeke, there’s no point in pretending. You’re the only one I gave a code with no expiration date to.”
Come to think of it, it’s an understandable misunderstanding from the Master’s perspective.
After all, it’s the invitation code that Lee Baekho gave me.
There’s no way he could distinguish between me and Lee Baekho when we’re wearing masks.
‘…Should I consider this a good thing?’
I don’t know yet.
It depends on how close Lee Baekho and the Master were…
“I never expected you to come here. Didn’t you scold me, saying I was doing something stupid, when I first visited you?”
“…….”
“I’m a bit curious. What made you change your mind?”
I don’t need much time to reach a conclusion.
‘They weren’t close.’
The expression ‘scold’ doesn’t matter.
There are relationships where people are close even though they bicker.
But…
[Ah, I forgot to tell you. The pill I took was an early version, so I can only stay here for an hour.]
Lee Baekho can only stay here for an hour.
So he can’t even participate in this gathering, where the entry time is between 3:00 and 3:10.
But he doesn’t know this?
Something he told me as soon as we met?
‘I’m starting to get a sense of it.’
The Master doesn’t know Lee Baekho well.
In other words, it’s possible for me to pretend to be Lee Baekho.
“I shouldn’t be the one to say this, but wouldn’t you have nothing to gain from participating here, at your level?”
The Clown mutters grumpily at the Master’s words,
“…Pfft, nothing to gain? Master, are you looking down on us?”
“Ah, I’m sorry if you’re offended. But it’s because he’s that amazing.”
“Hmmmmm, I see…”
The Clown’s eyes sparkle at the Master’s praise.
I quickly check the other masked figures. They’re not much different from the Clown.
They’re just surprised.
Maybe even more so than when I shared high-level information like the ‘Stone of Resurrection’.
“I think this is the first time the Master has given someone such a high evaluation…”
“I can’t believe he’s at this level.”
Crescent Moon and Antler exclaim in astonishment. Ah, for reference, Fox flinches and hangs her head low as soon as our eyes meet.
It seems like she feels guilty for suspecting me earlier.
‘What should I do?’
My dilemma deepens as I see this.
There’s a saying, ‘crisis is an opportunity’, right?
Just by looking at the members’ changed gazes…
…if I succeed in pretending to be Lee Baekho, it will be a great help in maintaining my persona in the future.
‘And most importantly, I might be able to find out what kind of person Lee Baekho is through this old man.’
The return is certain.
Then what about the risk?
‘…There’s no real risk.’
Come to think of it, if it doesn’t work, I can just reveal that I’m Lee Baekho’s friend.
There’s an old saying, ‘birds of a feather flock together’.
Since the Master mentioned that Lee Baekho is an amazing person, his friend, me, will also be seen as on the same level as Lee Baekho.
‘Right, let’s do it.’
I break the long silence and speak to the Master first.
“What should I call you here?”
“Huh?”
“I can’t call you the same way as usual.”
“Why not? Just call me old man like you did before. And stop with those weird honorifics.”
“Alright, old man.”
I feel a chill run down my spine as I naturally change my attitude.
‘I almost screwed up from the start…’
I can’t believe they were on informal terms.
But thanks to that, I realize one more thing.
Lee Baekho is a proud Confucian Korean.
But to speak informally to an elder?
‘They weren’t just not close, they must have hated each other.’
I have a sense of how to treat him now.
Therefore, I naturally add another sentence to make up for my previous mistake.
“You have a strange taste. To refuse even when I’m trying to save face.”
It’s a line that implies I genuinely don’t understand.
Although I’m not sure if it worked…
…the Master laughs heartily.
“Kekeke! Right, that’s more like you. Anyway, let’s end this conversation here. Although I’m happy to see you again after so long, I don’t have time.”
“…Master, you don’t have time?”
“I can’t stay here for long due to some circumstances.”
“Yes? What happened that—”
“Stop.”
The Master cuts off the question with a brief mutter.
“I understand that Miss Fox has a lot of questions. Why I disappeared without a word, what I’m trying to say now. But I can’t tell you.”
“Is it that urgent?”
“No, it has nothing to do with time.”
Fox doesn’t push any further at the Master’s firm words.
Instead, she asks one more thing.
“Then… will you come back next time?”
“Well, I’m not sure. But I’ll definitely come back in a year. I might come sooner if something comes up.”
“Pfft, so you’re saying you came here today because you had something urgent to announce, Master.”
“You’re right, Clown.”
The attention that was focused on me shifts towards the Master at his shocking declaration.
It’s a perfect situation for me.
And the content itself…
‘He’ll come back in a year…’
In short, it means I don’t have to worry about my lies being exposed at every gathering.
However, my curiosity is greater than my relief right now.
‘He said he doesn’t have time, and it doesn’t seem like a lie… What kind of situation is he in? And what’s the urgent information he needs to share?’
I look at the Master, focusing on my hearing, amidst countless questions. And it’s not just me, all the masked figures are doing the same.
A strange silence falls.
“Kekeke, don’t be too nervous. It’s actually good news.”
The Master waves his hand as if to lighten the heavy atmosphere and then slowly opens his mouth.
And…
“A Bonding spell that can bind up to six people will be created within two years. It means the key to opening the Gate of the Abyss will increase to six!”
Silence falls upon the room.
The members exchange awkward glances and don’t say anything.
The Master tilts his head.
“Uh, why the long faces? I thought you would be more surprised…”
Well, it’s old news.
_________________
The creation of a 6-person Bonding spell.
It’s definitely valuable information, enough to shake the entire city for at least a few months once it’s known.
But…
“…You already revealed this? Eh, no wonder everyone’s reaction is so underwhelming.”
The Master clicks his tongue after learning that the Clown already shared it at the previous gathering.
“But it’s a bit unexpected. Clown, I didn’t think you would talk about something like that here. Have you finally warmed up to these people?”
“Pfft, there’s no way. I was just curious about their reactions.”
The Clown looks at me as he laughs.
The Master then subtly glances at me, following his gaze.
I’m nervous, thinking he might say something.
But…
Crackle.
That’s when the Master’s body starts flickering like a hologram.
“Oh, it’s already time to leave.”
“Master!”
Fox shouts in disappointment, but the flickering intensifies.
Even in this situation, the Master is only looking at me.
It’s a very unpleasant and unsettling gaze.
It’s like he can see through me just by making eye contact.
“Old man, do you have something to say?”
I can’t hold back and ask.
And at that moment…
[It’s not ‘old man’, it’s ‘geezer’.]
A voice echoes in my head like a Whisper spell.
It’s clear who the owner of the voice is.
[That damn brat called me that.]
Damn it.
No wonder it seemed too easy.
‘He knew from the beginning?’
My body stiffens slightly.
Of course, it’s so subtle that it’s hard to notice with the naked eye, and it only lasts for a split second.
But…
[Hmm, actually, your reaction was so natural that I was still confused. But seeing your heart rate increase, it seems like you’re really not that brat.]
Wait, he was just testing me?
[Don’t worry. There’s no reason for me to interfere with what you do here.]
“…….”
[I’m just curious, but unfortunately, I don’t have time today. Let’s talk again when we meet next time.]
With that, the Master’s body disappears before my eyes like fog.
“Ha.”
I laugh out loud.
It’s similar to how I chuckle when I experience something absurd.
There’s no one easy in this world.
---------------------------------
Chapter 198: Master Key (3)
Master.
The founder of the secret community known as the Watchers of the Round Table. The members all let out sighs of disappointment when he disappeared without a trace.
“Whew, he’s really gone.”
“…It felt different from when he left the chat room.”
“Yes, it was like… when he logs out.”
Their voices were filled with questions.
Well, I feel the same way.
“But you can only log out by returning to your room, right?”
“Judging by what he said, it seemed more like he was forced out.”
It’s different from Lee Baekho’s case.
He had a one-hour time limit from the beginning because he took an ‘early version pill’.
But what about the Master?
He was originally fine, but then something happened.
And not in real life, but in the ‘Ghostbusters’ community.
Did they have a similar thought to mine?
“What the hell happened to the Master…?”
“Pfft, I don’t know what it is, but one thing’s for sure.”
“What’s that?”
The Clown lowered his voice at Fox’s question.
“The fact that he disappeared for a year without a word is related to the GM.”
A brief silence fell.
It wasn’t because it was shocking, but rather a silence that arose as they each contemplated.
It seemed like they generally agreed with his guess.
“Well, that’s the most likely possibility.”
“But there’s a contradiction. If the Master was really sanctioned by the GM, how could he reappear here?”
“He’s a mysterious person. Since this is a space created with magic, maybe he found a solution using magic?”
“Th, th, then that means he’s a more skilled mage than the GM who created this community! Our Master is.”
“It’s a plausible story. Pfft.”
The members then exchanged various guesses, and I just listened quietly since it was quite interesting.
Of course, it didn’t last long.
“…Um, Mr. Lion, do you happen to know anything?”
All eyes naturally turned towards me.
It was only natural.
After all, I was the one who pretended to be Lee Baekho and called him ‘old man’.
They must have thought I might know something.
But…
“Well…”
How would I know?
I’m also curious about his identity.
Of course, I have no intention of saying that.
Geez, how embarrassing.
“Ye, yes, I see. As expected, even Mr. Lion…”
It doesn’t suit the ‘Lion’ persona to say he doesn’t know.
It would be better if it were like this.
“I have a guess.”
I cut Fox off and muttered briefly.
Fox’s tone, which was filled with disappointment, suddenly brightened up.
“A guess? Is, is that true? No, I don’t mean to doubt you, Mr. Lion…”
Fox’s eyes, visible through the slits of her mask, were filled with anticipation.
For reference, it’s the same for the other masked figures.
‘…Actually, I don’t even have a guess.’
My remaining modern conscience twitched, but I ignored it and cut Fox off again.
“Te, tell us quickly. What happened to the Ma—”
“Stop.”
“…Huh?”
Fox, who thought I would answer, looks at me with a dazed expression.
But there’s no need for a long explanation.
Just a slight shrug is enough.
No one here doesn’t know what that gesture means.
“So you’re saying you’ll tell us if we bring something interesting. Pfft.”
If you want something from me, bring something that’s worth it.
That’s the rule ‘Lion’ established at the Round Table.
Then what will ‘Fox’ answer?
“…Alright.”
As expected.
‘Fox’ was the one who was particularly obsessed with the Master’s whereabouts.
“But the bar is a bit lower for me, right? It’s not even certain, just a guess…”
I don’t answer, and Fox lets out a deep sigh.
It seems like she didn’t expect to be in this situation, after the Clown was baited with ‘sacred relic’ and Crescent Moon was obsessed with the ‘Stone of Resurrection’.
“I feel like I have a new comrade. You’ll have a hard time from now on, Miss Fox.”
Fox smiles bitterly at Crescent Moon’s words of comfort.
It means the quality of information will increase even further.
‘Now only Antler and Goblin are left…’
I push aside my smugness and speak nonchalantly,
“Boring.”
“…….”
“Enough with the small talk.”
“Yes, let’s start the meeting.”
It’s time to reap the harvest since I’ve thrown enough bait.
It’s already the 4th gathering, after the 3rd one where no one showed up.
Goblin is the first to go.
“The Magic Tower is working on finding a way to break through Noark’s barrier.”
At first, everyone reacted as if he was stating the obvious, but they all understood after Goblin’s explanation.
“For reference, it seems like they need a certain amount of divine power, and they should at least be able to shorten the time it takes to dispel the barrier.”
“So you’re saying there’s been some progress.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
To summarize, it means that the magic barrier protecting Noark might be dispelled soon.
Well, I don’t know how it will actually turn out.
‘Raven said it would take about 2 years…’
Goblin’s turn ends after he adds that the Magic Tower has set a goal of reducing it to 6 months.
Antler is next.
“The royal family has created a new type of identification tag. It’s a magic tool in the form of an engraving that can’t be forged. It seems like they’ve been preparing for a while, and they’ll start distributing it to explorers next week.”
“From next week…? Isn’t that useless? It’s not even the kind of information that can be used to gain an advantage beforehand.”
“Then one more thing. The royal family is keeping an eye on the clans that stopped exploring out of fear.”
“What exactly does ‘keeping an eye on them’ mean?”
“Judging by the atmosphere, it seems like they’ll definitely be punished somehow.
“…I see.”
Although she’s trying to hide it, Fox seems relieved after hearing Antler’s information.
So I also make a mental note of her reaction.
‘Fox, she’s highly likely a member of a clan. And not just an ordinary member, could she be the clan master?’
Of course, it’s still just a guess, so I listen to the next turn.
It’s Fox’s turn.
“The large clans are preparing a large-scale boycott.”
“Boycott? What do you mean?”
“What else could it be? They’re all refusing to enter the labyrinth. They’re already dissatisfied because of the subjugation, and there was a recent incident that fueled the fire.”
“Ah, you’re talking about that. I understand.”
Crescent Moon interjects as if he knows what it is.
“Bjorn Yandel, right?”
Huh?
Why is my name coming up here?
“Yes, that’s right. They exiled a perfectly fine explorer to Bifron over something that would normally end with a fine.”
Ah, that…
“Although it’s their jurisdiction, most clans interpreted it as a warning to us.”
“Public opinion won’t be good.”
“Right. There’s even talk that we might be forcibly conscripted next time if we back down any further.”
My hands clench, and my mouth goes dry the moment my name is mentioned, but fortunately, no one seems to have noticed.
No one seems interested in Bjorn Yandel.
‘Phew, that was close.’
Anyway, Fox’s turn ends after she answers a few more questions from Antler.
“So, who’s next? Should we continue clockwise?”
“…Clown, how about you go first?”
“Well, if you want me to.”
The Clown readily takes the fourth turn at Crescent Moon’s request.
It’s the turn I’m most looking forward to.
But could it be that he didn’t find any ‘interesting’ information this time?
“Honestly, I don’t think it’s something that Mr. Lion would find interesting, but I’ll try anyway.”
Unlike when he talked about the Bonding spell, the Clown speaks as if he’s just trying to get his turn over with.
“Everyone knows that High Priest Ludwig of the Stars went missing.”
“So?”
“The culprit was Orculus. They kidnapped him and were using him.”
“Do you know who the target is?”
“Well? I don’t know about that, pfft!”
The fourth turn ends with an ambiguous smile.
The Clown doesn’t even ask if I found it interesting.
Well, how would he know that it was the most interesting thing I heard today?
‘An assassin sent from Noark…’
One person comes to mind as soon as I hear it.
Amelia Rainwales.
Could she be one of the assassins sent up here?
Judging by her stats, she would be perfect for the job.
‘Then is her target Auril Gabis?’
That thought briefly crosses my mind, but I don’t think so.
It didn’t feel like she was lying when she said she was looking for him for personal reasons.
Anyway, I’ll think about this later.
“It’s my turn now.”
The long-awaited fifth turn begins.
The main character of this turn is Crescent Moon, who desperately wants the ‘Stone of Resurrection’. Judging by how he asked if the promise was still valid, it seems like he was quite confident.
What did he prepare?
“Do you all remember when I mentioned the traces of the ‘Sacred Relic Thief’ before?”
“Of course.”
The other masked figures nod as Crescent Moon subtly starts the conversation.
Well, everyone except for Goblin.
“Huh? Sacred Relic Thief?”
Goblin, who wasn’t at the gathering back then, tilts his head, but no one pays attention to him.
“So what? Is it information related to the Genesis Artifact again?”
Fox asks, not hiding her curiosity at all, and Crescent Moon nods.
And…
“The Genesis Artifacts no longer exist.”
He drops a bombshell.
____________________
Genesis Artifact.
The key to reaching the final floor where the Gate of the Abyss is located.
“…What do you mean the Genesis Artifacts no longer exist? I don’t understand at all.”
“Is this confirmed information? You’re not just assuming it?”
“Pfft, this is shocking.”
“Ho, ho, how could they disappear?”
It only takes a moment for the room to be filled with confusion, as expected of players who all desire to return home.
But was this a somewhat expected reaction?
Crescent Moon just continues explaining in a bitter voice.
“I wish it were just my mistake. But this is an undeniable fact. The Genesis Artifacts no longer exist in this world.”
“Ar, are you saying they were destroyed?”
“At least that’s the conclusion we reached.”
“Bu, but they’re indestructible items!!”
Goblin raises his voice as if whining, perhaps because he’s so shocked.
And at that moment…
Swaaa!
…a green light emanates from the jewel embedded in the center of the round table.
It means that what he said is true.
“So it’s true… that the Genesis Artifacts might be gone.”
Antler mutters in a dejected voice, and a long silence follows.
Crescent Moon is the first to speak.
“So? Was it interesting?”
It’s a difficult question to answer.
I was planning to say it was boring no matter what…
‘But how can I say that here?’
Crescent Moon was staring at me the whole time while he was sharing the information. He must have even noticed me flinching when I heard it.
‘What should I do?’
I make a decision after a brief contemplation.
It’s not a good choice to say it was boring here.
So…
“You’re resourceful.”
…let’s acknowledge what needs to be acknowledged.
But let’s minimize the losses in other aspects.
“That means…”
Crescent Moon’s breathing becomes ragged, as if he thinks the ‘Stone of Resurrection’ is within reach.
I mutter briefly,
“Honestly, it was quite impressive.”
Of course, there are losses if I acknowledge this.
Not only will I have to tell him about the ‘Stone of Resurrection’, but Crescent Moon, having obtained what he wanted, won’t be as enthusiastic in asking for information.
And…
…it doesn’t suit the Lion image I’ve created.
For the ‘Make Lion Laugh’ corner to be cleared on the first try?
It’s a blow to my pride.
But…
Smirk.
…there’s no problem.
I’m not Bjorn Yandel right now, but a veteran player wearing the ‘Lion’ mask.
‘Okay, that’s enough for the line.’
As soon as I finish my mental check…
…I ask Crescent Moon,
“How did you find out?”
As if I’m surprised by something else, not the fact that the Genesis Artifacts are gone.
To be precise…
“There aren’t many people who know that the Genesis Artifacts are gone.”
…as if I already knew about it.
“……!”
Crescent Moon’s eyes widen as he notices the nuance.
But could it be that he can’t tell that I’m bluffing?
He doesn’t even suspect me.
“…So you already knew.”
He just looks resigned and defeated.
I can practically feel his despair, wondering what he has to do to satisfy me.
It’s not a good situation for me.
“Pfft…”
Just look at the Clown, smiling awkwardly.
This will affect all the members who were baited.
Right, so in that sense…
Smirk.
I chuckle and say,
“You can obtain the Stone of Resurrection on the 9th floor.”
I can at least give him a consolation prize.
Honestly, I feel a bit sorry for him.