Surviving The Game as a Barbarian (Novel) Chapter 253, 254, 255

   

C253, 254, 255

Chapter 253: Open World (2)

Fierce flames blazing around the magic barrier.

Screams and cries.

The sorrow of those who had lost.

Nebarche Greenhope watched it all blankly and thought,

‘Just… where did it all go wrong?’

There was nothing more to see.

It all started with the Dragonslayer, Regal Vagos.

He had kidnapped the High Priest and used him like a slave, despite Noark’s objections, and eventually, his evil deeds were revealed to the world, leading the royal family to draw their swords.

But…

‘…Was it me?’

Nebarche didn’t shift the blame, he accepted it.

What was the point of dwelling on the past to escape the present?

He would eventually have to hold even the previous Lord of Noark, who accepted Orculus, responsible.

So…

“So, how is it? Do you think it turned out the way you wanted?”

…accept it.

That he was the one who created this outcome.

“Stay close.”

Nebarche continued walking, making sure he didn’t fall behind and leave the magic barrier. There was an old man in front of him, effortlessly using Levitation magic.

‘Belvev Ruinjenes.’

The old man who was called the ‘Ruin Scholar’ in his later years.

A mage who pursued knowledge his entire life, and a being who led countless people to ruin with that precious knowledge.

It was Nebarche who had sought him out, frustrated after hearing from Amelia that there was nothing they could do.

Back then, he had a firm belief.

‘The greater good.’

The royal family was wrong.

They had to overthrow their power and create a new world where the surface and the underground were united.

That was the right thing to do.

It should have been…

“H, hot…”

“Please, spare me. I’ll give you any amount of money…”

Lives were being burned alive and collapsing.

And his belief crumbled with every life lost.

Was this really the right thing to do?

To oppress those who didn’t even have the power to protect themselves in the name of the greater good?

Was this truly the path to a new world?

“Stop…”

Nebarche couldn’t hold back any longer and spoke.

The old man finally stopped and turned around.

With an expression as if he had heard something strange.

“Stop? I came here because I don’t want the balance of power to shift, but you were the one who asked for my help. If we stop now, the army that went to Noark will never return.”

He was right.

But…

“This isn’t what I wanted.”

“Really? Then what did you want?”

He was speechless.

What was he expecting when he sought out the villain of this era, the ‘Ruin Scholar’?

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Even I didn’t expect him to appear. I don’t understand what the problem is. We’re safe as long as he’s drawing attention at the royal palace.”

“Do you think I’m saying this because I’m afraid of dying?! I just… I just…!”

Nebarche couldn’t finish his sentence.

The old man then turned his back coldly and started walking again, as if he didn’t have time for this.

“You seem a bit tired.”

Even at that moment, hundreds of flames were flying from his hand, indiscriminately burning the city red.

“Discard your emotions and focus on the goal.”

“…….”

“It’s better than losing both.”

It was a calculating statement, typical of a mage.

Whoosh!

The heat grazed his skin as the magic barrier moved away, following the old man’s steps.

Nebarche involuntarily started walking.

His steps were filled with questions.

“Mo, mom… I, I can’t… bre, breathe…”

“It’s okay, my child… Mommy will be here. Until the end.”

What was at the end of this path?
________________________

It was raining.

It was the mages of the Magic Tower who made it happen.

Swaaaaa!

The guards who came from all over the city were also working hard.

A long line formed at the well.

They were passing buckets back and forth, throwing water at the flames.

And it wasn’t just the guards.

“Don’t be stubborn and come out if you’re tired! It’s only going to hurt you!”

There were explorers who lived nearby, and citizens who rolled up their sleeves to help after hearing the news.

People who gathered to overcome the disaster before them.

“Oh no, my house is going to burn down at this rate!”

“Hey, is that something to be saying now? There are people with families inside!”

“Both of you, carry buckets if you have the energy to fight!”

Of course, not everyone was helping out of a noble heart.

It was the same for me, who was standing here.

‘Raven.’

I felt lost as soon as I arrived at Karnon.

It was a fire on a completely different scale from a few factories burning down in the modern world.

Was Raven okay?

No, maybe…

‘Maybe, my ass.’

I punched myself in the jaw to wake myself up.

Thwack!

A healthy mind resides in a beaten body.

There was no time to be lost in thought.

First of all, Raven was a mage.

Knowing her personality, she would be enduring, even taking care of the people around her. Right, maybe she was even lucky enough to have stopped by the Magic Tower and avoid this situation.

“Hey, mage.”

I approached a mage who was in the middle of putting out the fire and revealed my identity. He looked at me favorably, even though I interrupted him while he was busy.

“Hey, mage? It’s been a while since I’ve been called that. Kekeke!”

It seemed like he had a good impression of me, regardless of my noble title.

“So what business does that Bjorn Yandel have with a mage?”

“Can you cast Cold Blood?”

“Is there even a mage who can’t cast that?”

The mage chuckled and cast the spell at my request.

「Character’s Fire Resistance is greatly increased.」

Phew, it’s less hot now.

“Are you planning to go in there?”

“My companion is inside.”

The mage who cast the spell on me nodded and then chuckled.

“But will that be enough?”

Huh? What? Is he making fun of me?

That thought briefly crossed my mind, but I was soon embarrassed.

Click.

The mage took out a message stone.

And…

“Ah, can you all hear me? I’m sorry to ask this while you’re all busy, but I have a favor to ask. Bjorn Yandel, the one you all know, wants to go into that fire to save his companions.”

He contacted someone and asked for a favor.

“If you have any artifacts or potions that can help with Fire Resistance, please send them to my personal lab’s designated coordinates. I’ll summon them here.”

What, is it like a group chat for mages?

I decided to just wait and see since it was an unexpected stroke of luck.

Replies soon arrived.

[Bjorn Yandel, he has a noble title now, so there shouldn’t be any problems with his credit. But if anything is damaged, I’ll bill you, just so you know.]

A grumpy old man’s voice.

[Okay. Most of my apprentices are in Karnon for support, but I’ll send everything I can from the remaining ones.]

A young woman’s voice.

[My precious apprentice returned alive thanks to him. I’ll send a scroll, tell him he doesn’t have to pay.]

A kind-sounding man’s voice.

[Bjorn Yandel, it wouldn’t be bad to have him owe us a favor. If he’s not eavesdropping, tell him to remember that it was our ‘Ioni’ school who sent the ‘Dragonfire Ring’.]

A calculating voice.

And…

[Aru? Don’t tell me you’re talking about that child?]

…a familiar voice.

‘This voice… is it the old man?’

If I remember correctly, it was the voice of the so-called old man.

The master of the large Artemion school, and Raven’s master.

“Hmm, it seems like it’s him. He’s nodding.”

[I’ll send everything I have right now.]

All the messages ended there.

Honestly, I was dumbfounded.

‘What the hell is going on?’

I just talked to a mage who seemed the most approachable to get the ‘Cold Blood’ spell.

But now that I see it, this is no ordinary mage.

Everyone in the group chat sounded like they were the head of a school, and one of the members was even the old man, the master of Artemion.

And that meant…

‘This guy is also not an ordinary mage.’

I asked out of pure curiosity,

“Who are you?”

He smiled and introduced himself, as if he had no intention of hiding it.

“Ah, come to think of it, I haven’t introduced myself yet. I’m Reven Arpegan.”

It was a name I had never heard before.

But I knew the school he mentioned next.

It was a mid-ranking school in the Magic Tower.

But I can’t believe the master of that school was this young.

“I’ll definitely repay this debt someday.”

“If that makes you feel better.”

After a few minutes, replies arrived one after another, saying they had transferred the items, and Reven Arpegan summoned everything from the coordinates.

‘It really is the Dragonfire Ring.’

It was full of rare items, starting with high-grade Numbered Items.

I felt a strange sensation as I examined them one by one.

“Luck is on our side.”

Actually, it was more than just luck.

What were the chances of the mage I randomly talked to being the head of a school and being so favorable towards me that he even used his personal group chat to help—

“Luck? That’s strange.”

Huh?

“It’s my first time seeing those people go to such lengths to help a complete stranger. Do you really think this was possible just because of luck?”

Reven smiled and continued as I tilted my head.

“I don’t know what they saw in you that made them want to help. But…”

“…….”

“…you earned this.”

Although it was a long-winded statement, as expected of a mage, I understood what he was trying to say.

It was embarrassing to hear it to my face.

Swoosh.

Reven patted my back with his skinny arm as I wiped my soot-covered nose, trying to hide my embarrassment.

“…You’re as strong as steel.”

He laughed awkwardly, looking at my unmoving body, and then made a request.

“Ah, come to think of it, I haven’t said this yet. If you have any strength left after saving your companion, please save the others too.”

It wasn’t a difficult task.

Okay, I’ll take it.

“I’ll try my best.”

“That’s reassuring to hear. Anyway, I won’t hold you back any longer, so go now.”

I then finished all the preparations by activating the ‘Orb of Fire’ I had obtained before.

「Orb of Fire activated.」

「All fire damage taken within a 15-meter radius is reduced by 50%.」

It’s the Barbarian Firefighter Mode.

“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”

Sortie.

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


Chapter 254: Open World (3)

I’m running through the flames.

“Huff, huff.”

Breathing in the acrid smoke.

Thud! Thud!

Sprinting through the debris of collapsed buildings.

Ah, the reason why my footsteps sound like this is simple.

I activated [Gigantification] to increase my Fire Resistance.

‘Just how far have I come?’

Although I tried to figure out my exact location while running, I didn’t know.

After all, I couldn’t even see the royal palace, which always gave me a sense of direction in this city, because of the smoke.

I had no choice but to keep running.

Whoosh!

Anyway, about an hour passed.

During that time, I learned two things.

First…

Whoosh!

…these flames engulfing me from all sides were definitely not from an ordinary fire.

Flames that weren’t just spreading, but exploding at regular intervals?

‘As expected, it must be mag—’

Kwaaang!

I quickly moved my shield towards the direction of the explosion, stopping my thoughts for a moment.

It was a red shield, different in price from the one I borrowed from the knights after hearing about the assassin.

「Lava Shield has absorbed the flames.」

「Character’s Soul Power is recovered proportionally to the amount absorbed.」

No. 4819 Lava Shield.

I brought it because of its passive stat of +30 Fire Resistance, but it was the item I was using the most right now.

‘Ha, I would have been screwed if I just entered without any preparation.’

Life is all about preparing for the unexpected.

I didn’t think I would ever use the ‘Soul Power recovery’ option since it only activated when attacked by skills or magic.

If it weren’t for this, I would have saved [Gigantification].

Then the second thing…

“…….”

…it was quiet everywhere.

Although the sounds of buildings collapsing and flames burning filled my ears…

…I hadn’t encountered a single survivor.

There weren’t even any screams, let alone cries for help.

‘…The good news is that there aren’t that many corpses.’

For reference, most of the corpses I encountered were lying face down, facing away from me.

They had run towards the inner part of the city, trying to escape the fire that started from the outskirts.

And the royal palace was also there.

‘I hope Raven made it there safely…’

I continued running through the flames, hoping that she had avoided this situation.

Because you never know.

According to the guard, the entire southern part of Karnon was engulfed in flames. And Raven’s accommodation was in the very center of the south.

‘It should be about time…’

Thud.

I stopped.

A stone structure was visible through the thick smoke.

Kwaaang!

Although it was in ruins from the constant explosions, I could still recognize it since it was such a large building.

The 3rd Public Transportation Platform of Karnon, the Imperial City.

I quickly scanned the surroundings and then froze.

‘Damn it.’

The address Raven told me was right next to this place.

Of course, I didn’t know the exact location.

But what did it matter?

There wasn’t a single place that was intact.

“…….”

I held my breath and focused on the sounds, but I could only hear the damn fire.

Then what happened to Raven?

Did she escape in time?

“Arrua Raven—!!!”

I shouted with all my might, just in case.

I judged that she might be nearby, hoping for rescue.

But there was no answer, even after several shouts.

Therefore, I was about to resume my journey towards the royal palace…

[…Mr. Yandel?]

…when I heard a voice in my head.

It was the ‘Whisper’ spell that all mages could use.

[What? Why are you here?]

…So she really was nearby.

I would have been screwed if I had just left.

I shouted hurriedly, feeling both relieved and panicked,

“Where are you?!”

[Come a little further along the road on the other side of the platform, you’ll see me.]

I followed Raven’s instructions and arrived at a plaza.

Raven was near the central fountain.

With fifteen survivors.

Swoosh.

I entered the magic barrier that was blocking the flames, and I saw Raven standing proudly, despite her small stature.

“What are you doing here?”

Hmm, can’t she at least greet me?

As expected, reality is different from movies.

In movies, they would run and hug each other in this situation.

“Don’t tell me… you came all the way here because of me? Through those flames?”

What is she talking about?

“I was on a walk.”

I blurted out, feeling embarrassed.

I was truly relieved that she was safe.
_______________________

“By the way, why are you still here? You should have run away as soon as the fire started. Do you even have a brain?”

After reuniting with Raven, I first asked her what happened. Why was she still near our house, not even near the royal palace?

The reason was simple.

“That’s…”

Raven was using the temporary lab she had set up in her accommodation to utilize the knowledge she had newly learned.

So she didn’t hear about the fire in time.

“It’s convenient that the accommodation is near the platform, but it’s also noisy. I usually have noise cancellation activated, so…”

By the time Raven noticed the commotion, the surroundings were already engulfed in flames.

But it wasn’t too late.

She could have escaped if she wanted to.

However…

“They would have all died if I had just left.”

Raven decided to stay the moment she saw a woman collapsed on the street, holding a child.

After all, she was the type to stick to her morals as much as possible, even though she was rational.

She probably thought it would be fine back then.

That the fire would be put out soon.

She wouldn’t have expected it to turn into such a serious situation.

“…I apologize. I never dreamed that you would come all the way here because of me, through those flames.”

Geez, I told you I was on a walk.

“What apology?”

She’s acting like an adult, even though she’s so small.

“You did well.”

“…Yes?”

I looked at the survivors who were looking at me with uneasy gazes and said,

“We have to save those we can save.”

No matter how I looked at it, I couldn’t just see them as NPCs.

They were people, just like me.

Even if they called people like me ‘evil spirits’.

‘It seems like there are no nobles.’

I looked around and realized that most of them seemed to be ordinary citizens.

It wasn’t strange.

Even though it was Karnon, the Imperial City, 90% of the population was commoners. Those who lived and worked here for the convenience of the nobles.

“Um, but where did you get that equipment?”

Raven expressed her curiosity about my firefighter edition, including the Lava Shield, as soon as things calmed down.

As expected of a mage.

Her curiosity came first, even in this situation.

I briefly explained the origin of the equipment.

And Raven’s gaze changed slightly.

“That’s amazing. I can understand my master, but the others aren’t the type to do that.”

“You know who they are, even though I didn’t tell you?”

“I have a rough idea. The mage society is both wide and narrow, so we all know who’s close to whom.”

Hmm, I see.

But we couldn’t just keep talking about this.

“So how’s the barrier? Can you use it while we’re moving?”

Raven answered seriously as I got to the point, and she also changed her expression.

“I can. Although it will be much weaker.”

“So what do you think? Can we endure?”

“You’re using the ‘Orb of Fire’, right? If I cast ‘Cold Blood’ too, I think we can somehow endure.”

“Is your mana okay?”

“…I’ll have to try and see.”

As expected of a mage, Raven didn’t give a definite answer.

In other words, it meant it was a close call.

But neither of us said we should abandon them and leave.

“Everyone, you heard, right? We’re moving now, so if you have any objections, please speak up.”

Raven then explained the plan again to the survivors, and of course, no one objected.

“Then let’s go.”

We left the flames as soon as Raven finished preparing to change the barrier to a mobile type.

“How are you all doing? Are you okay?”

“I, I can endure, Mage-nim.”

Although the survivors were sweating profusely, it didn’t seem like they were getting burned.

And although they seemed to be having trouble breathing because of the smoke, Raven used wind magic to clear the smoke and replenish oxygen from time to time.

“Don’t fall behind.”

The Orb of Fire’s range was 15 meters.

I started jogging, adjusting our speed so that the survivors wouldn’t fall behind.

Kwaaang!

I blocked the explosions that occurred in front of us, and Raven took care of the back.

“How’s your mana?”

“It’s still fine, don’t worry.”

It was a relatively stable journey, except for the fact that Raven’s mana was constantly being consumed.

After some time…

“The flames are getting weaker.”

“Does that mean we can get out of here soon?”

“If my prediction is correct.”

It was good news after a long time.

Even the survivors, who were reaching their physical limits, started to show their tenacity, filled with hope.

But good news always comes with bad news.

“…There’s mana ahead!”

Raven suddenly shouted.

I hurriedly looked ahead.

And at that moment…

‘Damn it.’

…I saw a giant fireball.

I instinctively raised my shield to block it…

「Absorption limit exceeded.」

「Soul Power is greatly consumed proportionally to the amount absorbed.」

…but I felt my energy draining instead of recovering.

‘Crazy.’

A fire attack that the Lava Shield couldn’t block.

‘Just who the hell…’

I looked up.

The first thing I saw was the debris of the surrounding buildings floating in the air.

Rustle.

The burning stones were gathering and transforming into the shape of a golem.

I heard Raven’s dazed voice from behind.

“Mr. Yandel, this spell…”

“Stop, I already know.”

The 5th-grade summon magic, Flame Giant.

It was a spell I had seen before.

‘…No wonder the fire was so hot.’

I put strength into my hand holding the mace and continued to look ahead.

Thud, thud.

Although I couldn’t hear his footsteps…

…an old man and another man behind him were appearing from beyond the flames.

“I didn’t expect to see you here.”

The old man stopped and spoke.

“You’re lucky.”

Right, there’s no way it would be this easy.
_______________________

The Ruin Scholar, Belvev Ruinjenes.

‘I can’t believe I met him here.’

Although I felt a sense of dread…

…at least I learned one thing.

‘As expected, it was those Noark bastards.’

They were the ones behind this fire.

Well, come to think of it, it was only natural.

Who else would cause this kind of chaos in the city?

“Raven.”

I first gave an order, putting everything else aside.

“Take the people and get out of here. We’re almost there, so you should be able to do it without me, right?”

“But…”

Geez, don’t talk back.

“Listen to me. When did you ever lose by listening to me?”

An answer came after a moment of silence.

Through Whisper, not her voice.

[…I’ll bring them back as soon as possible.]

Raven then used wind magic to clear a path through the flames and disappeared with the survivors.

Unexpectedly, the Ruin Scholar just watched them leave.

I was prepared to stop him if he tried anything…

‘Right, it would be easier for you to deal with me if there’s no mage on my side.’

I could roughly guess his thoughts.

Although I felt a sense of dissonance, I judged that there was no reason for him to let them go so easily otherwise…

“Since when?”

Huh?

“I heard you were at the royal palace. When did you come here?”

What the hell is he talking about?

Before I could even tilt my head in confusion, the answer appeared before my eyes.

“Just now.”

A man in his twenties appeared from the flames, as if he had been there all along.

“Hey, wrong.”

“…Wrong?”

“Who told you to set a fire? Without my permission.”

Lee Baekho frowned, looking at the Ruin Scholar.

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

Chapter 255: Open World (4)

Explorers age much faster than ordinary people.

After all, the higher the floor they climb, the more time they spend in the labyrinth.

A single expedition could last for almost half a year.

‘But why is he so young?’

I briefly wondered about the secret to his youthful appearance as I looked at the man with platinum blonde hair slicked back in a pomade style.

And then I gulped.

There were more important things to process than his youthful appearance.

[I heard you were at the royal palace. When did you come here?]

Lee Baekho was at the royal palace when the city was burning.

[Who told you to set a fire? Without my permission.]

It was the Ruin Scholar who set the fire…

“Do you want to die?”

…and Lee Baekho was angry about it.

Then what was the reason?

Even the Ruin Scholar, the target of his anger, frowned as if he didn’t know.

“I don’t understand at all. Why are you hostile towards me? You also benefited from my actions.”

“Benefited, my ass. That King bastard isn’t going to come out just because you burned this place down.”

“Hoo, so the King really was your target?”

The Ruin Scholar’s eyes sparkled at Lee Baekho’s answer, as if he had thrown bait.

But…

“What? The King is your target?”

…Lee Baekho scoffed as if he was pathetic.

“You old man, you really don’t know anything. Well, whatever. I’m too lazy to explain.”

Lee Baekho waved his hand dismissively.

“…You’re more ill-mannered than I heard.”

The Ruin Scholar couldn’t hide his displeasure, as if he had never been treated like this before.

Of course, Lee Baekho didn’t even bat an eye.

“Yeah, you’re the one who’s ill-mannered, talking back and stinking like that. Ha, seriously, get some new dentures. The stench is reaching all the way over here.”

“Wh, what…?”

The Ruin Scholar was hit below the belt after just one sentence.

“How dare you…”

The winner was already decided, judging by how he was trembling with anger.

Well, I couldn’t even imagine that old man winning a verbal battle against Lee Baekho, who had inherited the spirit of a K-gamer.

“Alright, then let’s get to the point.”

Lee Baekho got to the point, ignoring the Ruin Scholar’s anger.

“So how are you going to take responsibility? My gukbap restaurant burned down because of you.”

That was the fundamental reason why he was angry.

“Gu, gukbap…?”

Although the Ruin Scholar didn’t even seem to understand, Lee Baekho continued to vent his anger.

“He was an NPC, but he was the one who made it the most realistic after listening to my suggestions. Ha, he even said he would make kkakdugi for me later…”

“…Don’t tell me there was an alchemy workshop in Karnon?”

“Alchemy, my ass.”

Lee Baekho spat on the ground.

“This is why I can’t talk to NPCs. Hansu hyung would have been angry with me.”

I flinched at the sudden mention of my name, but he probably would have been angry. I can’t believe there was a place in this city that could make gukbap.

‘…He should have told me! I haven’t even tried it yet!’

I felt anger towards both of them.

Of course, there was nothing I could do.

I just had to pretend to be a clueless barbarian and watch the situation unfold.

“So what do you want? I don’t want to make an enemy of you. I’ll compensate you if your workshop was damaged because of this incident.”

The Ruin Scholar then tried to negotiate.

It was a bit of a surprising sight.

The madman who set fire to the entire southern part of Karnon was trying to resolve this peacefully through dialogue? Just how high was Lee Baekho’s status for this old man to act like this?

Although I couldn’t be sure yet, one thing was certain.

“Pull out your dentures.”

“…?”

“You’re saying you’ll compensate me? If you’re really sorry, pull out all your dentures with your own hands. Then I’ll let it slide.”

He was a troublesome enemy, but a reassuring ally.

That was Lee Baekho.

“…I don’t know what you’re misunderstanding, but this isn’t some kind of denture—”

“Bullshit.”

Lee Baekho took a step forward, signifying the breakdown of the negotiation.

And he said,

“Then what’s this?”

It was a statement that no one here could understand.

But a brief moment was enough.

Tadat.

He lightly pushed off the ground.

Whoosh.

And his figure disappeared in an instant.

I could only see fragmented scenes, as his Agility stat was so high that even my dynamic vision couldn’t keep up.

Lee Baekho clenching his fist.

The Ruin Scholar’s flustered expression.

And…

Swaaa!

…a magic barrier blocking their path.

It was the combination of ‘Danger Detection Support’ and ‘Barrier’, a magic combo essential for mages to survive in a roguelike world.

Judging by its purple color, the mana density was almost at its maximum.

It could even withstand the Ogre’s punch once.

But…

Kwagic!

…it couldn’t withstand Lee Baekho’s fist.

“……!”

The magic barrier shattered like glass.

And at the same time, the blue energy surrounding Lee Baekho’s fist also disappeared.

It wasn’t a meaningful achievement for the Ruin Scholar.

It was enough to prove it even with his bare fist.

Thwack!

The brief exchange ended, and Lee Baekho’s fist landed on the Ruin Scholar’s jaw.

Something white flew out along with blood.

“See, you were lying.”

Lee Baekho caught it in midair and clicked his tongue.

“Why would it come out if it’s not a denture?”

Even I thought he was crazy.
_____________________

“Are you really determined to see this through?”

Unexpectedly, the Ruin Scholar quickly got up after being punched. And he looked at Lee Baekho with an emotionless gaze.

“I won’t dodge if you attack again.”

“Wow, it’s my first time seeing a mage say that in close combat.”

Lee Baekho laughed as if he couldn’t believe it, but he didn’t seem to be underestimating his opponent.

After all, Lee Baekho was also injured.

‘Why is he injured?’

I still didn’t understand.

The Ruin Scholar cast another barrier after ‘Danger Detection Barrier’ was broken, and Lee Baekho broke through that too with his bare fist and punched him in the face.

And that was all the exchange I saw.

“Tsk.”

Lee Baekho spat blood on the ground and asked,

“What was that at the end?”

“Just a simple curse spell.”

“There’s no way I would be affected by a curse.”

“You should know this, at your level, right? Your body was temporarily immobile. I used that opportunity to complete the spell using your body as a medium.”

“Ah, so that’s why my Magic Resistance didn’t work.”

Lee Baekho nodded in understanding.

It seemed like it was a technique that most veteran mages in this world could use.

Ha, there was no such OP application in the game.

“But this doesn’t make sense. You did that in that short amount of time? It takes other mages at least a few seconds just to connect.”

“I’m the one who created this application, so I should at least be able to do this much.”

“Wow, so you were the one who created this damn technique?”

Lee Baekho glared at the Ruin Scholar as if acknowledging him as an opponent.

It was the same for the Ruin Scholar.

“I know about your situation. And I have a guess as to why you left the royal family.”

“So?”

“I’ll make you a tempting offer since we’ve met.”

“What is it? Tell me.”

Lee Baekho asked back, as if he was also curious.

It seemed like he was more interested in this than the revenge of the gukbap NPC.

I subtly stepped back, feeling a strange tension in the air.

That’s when…

“How about we finish him off first and then talk?”

…the Ruin Scholar spoke, turning his gaze towards me.

Ha, I didn’t expect this kind of development.

‘Damn it.’

My heart pounded.

My life was already on the line with just the Ruin Scholar, and if Lee Baekho joined in, there was nothing I could do.

Except for revealing that I was ‘Lee Hansu’ and appealing to his emotions.

“You can’t.”

Fortunately, Lee Baekho refused the Ruin Scholar’s offer, even though I was considering the worst-case scenario.

Because he knew I was a player.

It wasn’t because he couldn’t bear to watch me die.

“Then it would be like I’m doing what you want.”

It was just about taking the lead.

But could it be that the Ruin Scholar felt frustrated?

He spoke as if persuading a difficult child.

“He’s a noble now.”

“So?”

“He’s a potential enemy since you’ve turned against the royal family.”

It was a rational statement, even to me.

But fortunately, Lee Baekho didn’t even listen.

“So what? I’m confident that I can control him, so mind your own business.”

The source of his confidence was obvious.

He knew I was a player.

He was confident that he could screw me over whenever he wanted, no matter how close I became to the royal family.

‘So it’s actually a good thing that he knows my identity…?’

“Then… I’ll have to move.”

The Ruin Scholar finally gave up on his desire to take me down, unable to break Lee Baekho’s stubbornness.

Well, I was probably less important to him than Lee Baekho.

“Ah, just so you know, I’m not teleporting.”

“Teleport…?”

“Teleportation. You go first. I’ll follow you. You can do whatever you want, but be prepared to die if you try anything stupid.”

“…Then I’ll be going.”

The Ruin Scholar then floated into the air with the man who seemed to be his servant.

It was Levitation magic.

“What are you looking at? Go first, I’ll follow.”

The Ruin Scholar stared at Lee Baekho for a few seconds and then disappeared beyond the flames.

I had overcome one crisis.

But it was too early to relax.

One of Lee Baekho’s characteristics was that he was unpredictable.

“Hey.”

“…What.”

I didn’t bother hiding my fear as I spoke.

Lee Baekho chuckled and then…

“I saved your life once, you know?”

…left after those words.

I was momentarily dazed.

‘Was he really just trying to take the lead when he told me not to die?’

Well, I still didn’t know.

But if it was true…

‘It’s a bit touching.’

I wiped my soot-covered nose with my hand.

“Tsk.”

Geez, this bastard.

He said he didn’t build relationships.
___________________

Raven arrived soon after Lee Baekho and the Ruin Scholar left.

“Mr. Yandel!”

Thanks to the Ruin Scholar’s reputation, there were many knights and military mages mixed in with the people behind Raven.

“We came to save… Huh? Why is no one…?”

Raven looked confused as she didn’t see the Ruin Scholar anywhere. The royal forces behind her also had similar expressions.

I quickly explained the situation before they misunderstood.

“So you’re saying that ‘that person’ who appeared during the assassination attempt came and started fighting the Ruin Scholar?”

“Yes, they suddenly started fighting and then disappeared.”

“Do you know why he was hostile towards the Ruin Scholar?”

“Well! I don’t know either!”

There was one reason why I simplified the story as much as possible.

I judged that someone might think Lee Baekho helped me based on this situation.

“You were really lucky.”

The knights didn’t doubt my statement since it was an incident involving such big shots.

“Then we’ll be going now.”

The royal forces stayed behind to investigate the area, and Raven and I left after watching them for a while.

The first to greet us were the survivors who were already outside.

The fifteen lives that Raven and I worked hard to save.

They all bowed repeatedly, their faces covered in soot.

Of course, it didn’t last long.

After all, they wouldn’t die just because I didn’t accept their gratitude.

“Huh? Where are you going?”

Raven asked as I turned around.

Honestly, I wanted to rest after that incident, but…

“I made a promise.”

“…Promise?”

I had told the mage, Reven Arpegan, that I would try my best if I had the strength after saving my companion, when I received the fire-attribute equipment and consumables.

Raven looked dazed for a moment, but she didn’t stop me or scold me for doing something meaningless.

“Go ahead. I’ll be helping the people here.”

Well, I guess it’s something like ‘let’s each do our best in our respective positions’?

I looked down at Raven as if she was a good girl and then stepped back into the flames.

And about 12 hours later, until the fire was finally put out by a downpour…

Swaaaaaaaaa!

…I saved 17 more lives.

It was a paltry number, not even enough to be a main episode in a movie or cartoon…

「Character’s fame has increased by +1.」

「Character’s fame has increased by +1.」

「Character’s fame has increased by +1…….」

「…….」

「…….」

…but it was my best.

Trial

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

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