Surviving The Game As A Barbarian Episode 126

Episode 126: High Rank Player (4)

A Level 3 Monster: Vandemon.

Among Level 3 monsters, it’s considered on the lower end, but due to certain spawning conditions, encountering one is a challenge, making it a sort of ‘rare species’ monster. 

That’s why I chose this as the first piece of information to share.

Even players in cheat mode might not have much experience defeating Vandemons.

And the chances of three people taking one down together are even slimmer.

‘Above all, knowing this wouldn’t be useful’

This was the biggest factor.

It’s difficult to encounter a Vandemon.

And killing one with three people is even harder.

This isn’t cheat mode where you can consume up to 30 essences easily. In other words, it’s the kind of information that you’ll be like, ‘’Oh, that existed? That’s interesting’

Yeah, that’s what it should have been…….

“Is that really true?! Oh, ah! I’m not doubting you. Really. You know?”

Starting with the fox mask, who suddenly stood up to ask a question before hastily adding an excuse, everyone’s reactions were somewhat peculiar. 

“……Defeat a Vandemon as a three member party?”

“If it’s a Vandemon, it’s definitely a Level 3 monster, is that even possible……?”

Their reactions were as if they had heard something ridiculous.

“Let’s move on then.”

I passed my turn as if it was nothing special.

It was actually an attempt to divert the attention focused on me, but thanks to my mysterious image, no one noticed.

‘Fortunately, the green light is on’

After the last turn, which was the Deer Horn, shared their information and received approval, one round was completed.

According to the notice I saw upon entering, from now on, it’s up to the participants to discuss whether to go another round or not……

“I’ll stop here for today.”

Crescent Moon, who didn’t prepare much, declared they would leave after the first round, leading the gathering towards a conclusion.

“Hmm, then I’ll also stop here for today. I’ll save what I prepared for the next meeting.”

“If Fox is leaving, then I’ll stop here too. I have other information prepared, but…… I’m not confident that those two don’t already know it.”

As Fox and Deer Horn expressed their intentions to leave for different reasons, the Clown looked at me with a subtle voice.

“What about you, Lion? I don’t mind continuing the meeting just the two of us—”

Tl/N- Bjorn is using the Lion mask as the later chapters suggest.

“I’ll also stop here.”

“Really? Why?”

I shrugged and kept my response brief.

After all, I too wanted to go through several rounds to gather information, but…

‘If it’s just the two of us, there’s a risk of being exposed.’

The risk was high.

Throwing out test information and getting a red light meant my newbie status could be revealed.

Exchanging one piece of information for another wasn’t very efficient either.

“Hmm, that’s a shame. To meet someone who could actually be of help to me for the first time, and for it to end like this.”

The meeting ended with the clown’s words dripping with regret.

But what’s this now?

“……”

Even after the meeting ended, everyone remained in the chat room, quietly observing the situation.

Though pretending otherwise, it wasn’t difficult to notice their interest was still directed at me.

They seemed to think I would leave some parting words before leaving.

‘……So, I was the star of today, huh.’

I smiled wryly but seriously pondered.

My first time attending the meeting.

Today, I managed to establish an ‘image’ that wouldn’t be looked down upon by the veterans here.

So, what would be the most appropriate action for this image?

“……”

Clown, Deer Horn, Fox, Crescent Moon.

I slowly looked over the four veterans I met today.

And then……

“That’s it.”

I simply left.

“He’s gone……”

As soon as Lion left, the Fox let out a long-held breath.

“Fox, are you okay?”

Crescent Moon asked her carefully.

The subject was missing, but the point was clear.

She had been in danger.

“……I’m fine.”

Killing intent.

The will to kill someone.

Usually, only those with keen senses can feel this intangible thing.

However, in this special space where minds intersect, the situation is a bit different.

“Are you really okay? Your fingertips have been trembling since earlier.”

Without the filter of physical bodies, exposure to killing intent imprints an overwhelming fear in the mind.

Of course, for most, that’s where it ends…

 

But in severe cases, the soul can suffer serious damage, with aftereffects even manifesting in the real world.

“It’ll stop soon. Fortunately, it didn’t go as far as mental contamination.”

Even as she said this, the Fox felt dizzy.

What would have happened if the Lion had withdrawn his killing intent even a moment later?

Just the thought made her shiver.

Even if not to the point of madness, some form of speech impediment could have occurred.

“Who exactly is he…?”

Fox finally voiced her long-suppressed question.

A newcomer, a year after the Master disappeared.

Despite her high mental fortitude, she could barely withstand a few seconds of the killing intent.

It made her wonder what kind of experiences he might have gone through to reach such a level.

But the truly amazing part was something else.

“The moment he noticed I was at my limit, he withdrew his killing intent. Just like that, in an instant.”

“……So it wasn’t just my imagination.”

The suffocating killing intent disappeared in less than a second.

It’s hard to explain in words.

How could one instantly erase a willpower formed through extreme concentration?

Is it even possible for a human mind to do that?

‘Why did I even step forward at that time…’

As Fox regretted her rash action, Deer Horn spoke up.

“What do you make of what he said earlier?”

“About the Vandemon?”

“Yes.”

“It can’t be a lie… The light of truth was on, after all.”

Of course, the Round Table’s gem isn’t absolute.

If the speaker believes ‘truthfully’ without doubt, the gem emits a green light.

But…

“It doesn’t seem like he’s wrong, somehow.”

“I agree with that… That’s what makes it confusing.”

For the Lion’s information to be true, one condition must be met.

Three people defeating a Vandemon.

“I’m sure it can be done in the game, but it sounds too far-fetched to me.” murmured Deer Horn.,

“Maybe with a 50x mod? Though, I doubt Lion would have cleared it on such difficulty.” Crescent Moon laughed and Joined the conversation.

 At that moment.

“Hmm, it seems you all assume the Lion’s information must have come from the game.”

The Clown dropped a meaningful comment, bringing a momentary silence.

“……”

“……”

Of course, that silence was very brief.

All three quickly shook their heads and smiled.

“……Ha, as if that could be the case.”

“Clown, you always say weird stuff.”

Though they didn’t voice denial like the others, Fox felt similarly.

Defeating a Vandemon with three people, how could that be possible here when it’s difficult even in the game?

“Tsk, you all lack imagination.”

Clown clicked his tongue as if displeased.

“Let’s leave it at that, and I hope you’ll prepare more diligently next time.”

“Prepare what?”

“Information! Information! What the hell is this? A guy like him joins after so long. Will you take responsibility if he loses interest in this place? Who knows what he could have shared with us?”

“Look here, losing interest is an exaggeration—”

“Didn’t you hear what he said earlier? He was clearly disappointed, disappointed!”

“Er, erm……”

“If you really have nothing useful, at least bring something stimulating and fun. I won’t miss this opportunity because of you. Got it?”

At the clown’s taunt, the three kept their mouths shut.

They said nothing, maintaining an awkward silence.

 

The Round Table’s Watchers.

A secret place of exchange that most players didn’t even know existed, the three were proud to be part of it.

However…

[That’s it?]

That single remark shattered everything.

They realized everything was arrogance in the face of his seemingly mocking gaze. They involuntarily accepted it as he left without looking back.

The Round Table’s Watchers.

In the end, this too was just a well for some people.

***

‘It was an interesting place.’

I woke up with a sense of immense satisfaction.

Lee Han-soo’s room, where the bed and computer desk were crammed together.

After checking the time, I closed my eyes again.

‘The Round Table’s Watchers…’

The community that Lee Baek-ho introduced me to was more beneficial than I initially thought. It turned out to be the perfect source for the high-quality information I was lacking the most.

‘I’ll have to stick with it until it falls apart.’

Of course, this meant I had to keep up my act consistently.

Being discovered as a newbie wouldn’t get me kicked out right away, but attempts to uncover my  identity would become much more direct.

‘Anyway, I’ll sort out what information I can use from there tomorrow…’

I then shifted my thoughts.

[Sergeant Lee]

Lee Baek-ho.

The embodiment of misery, summoned here on the day he was discharged from the army to complete a game he couldn’t finish on leave.

To be honest, I still felt uneasy about it.

This was beyond mere coincidence.

‘I should thank Baek-ho when I see him next.’

I had made an incredible connection simply by entering out of a longing for a fellow Korean. Of course, I didn’t intend to remain in a one-way relationship.

Such a relationship was not what I wanted…

After all, Lee Baek-ho wasn’t just a pushover.

Yes, relationships last longer if both sides know that they must not overstep their boundaries.

With that thought, I ended my contemplation and sat in front of the computer to engage in community activities.

Unlike last time,  I sold small pieces of information for GP and spent the remaining time adapting to the atmosphere by visiting forums and chat rooms.

And so, my second round of community activities came to an end.

[Your character is moving to Raphdonia]

In Bjorn’s room, not Lee Han-soo’s.

I immediately checked my clock as I woke up.

Time had barely passed.

‘…If only it weren’t so tiring.’

Having stayed awake for about 12 hours more than my usual sleeping time, I felt considerable mental exhaustion.

Or was it just the aftermath of using killing intent?

Regardless of the cause, it was fortunate I had cleared my schedule for tomorrow—

“Bjorn! How long are you going to sleep, Nyang!”

Damn it.

I had barely closed my eyes when I saw Misha.

It seemed morning had already broken, as the window was bright.

“Just a bit more……”

“Nyang, what do you mean ‘just a bit more’? You always call me lazy. Did you spend the night at the library again?”

“Not this time.”

Since Misha was sensitive about meals, I obediently got up to eat with her, then collapsed back into bed.

And after a while

I then slowly opened my eyes to see the dim glow of dusk on the window glass.

“Waking up only when the sun is setting, what on earth did you do yesterday, Nyang?”

“I just had a bit of trouble sleeping.”

“…You?”

I feel a little bad for her, but I don’t know what to say. It’s the nature of a Barbarian’s body to fall asleep as soon as he sets his mind to it.

“But… were you here the entire time?”

“Would I be, Nyang? I finished morning training, met with Dwalki for a bit, and even went home.”

“What? Wait, you met with Dwalki…?”

“Yeah. He said he had some troubles, so I gave him some advice.”

Misha spoke as if it was nothing, but knowing Dwalki’s heart, I couldn’t feel the same.

In [Dungeon and Stone], emotional entanglements among comrades often led to bloodshed.

“So… what was his trouble?”

“Umm… it’s someone else’s trouble, though…”

Oh dear, making the barbarian feel left out.

“Why, are we strangers?”

“True… Well, since it’s you, Bjorn, I guess it’s okay to tell, Nyang.”

Showing a slight hint of disappointment made Misha spill the beans.

It turned out to be a common love consultation.

He had fallen for someone but was unsure whether to confess his feelings or not.

‘To think people actually do this…’

I chuckled but continued to probe for confirmation.

“So, what did you tell him?”

“Huh? Just to man up and confess?”

“I see…”

It was somewhat the expected answer.

Misha, who hasn’t been involved in a romantic relationship even at the age of twenty-five, clearly shows a lack of interest in such matters through her actions around me.

“But, um, speaking of which…”

Suddenly, Misha avoided my gaze and trailed off.

Her cheeks seemed unusually red.

Is it because of the sunset?

As I pondered, Misha suddenly grabbed my hand.

“Bjorn, if it’s okay, could you come with me to our house tomorrow?”

“…Come to your house?”

Confused by the context, I asked again, but Misha just nodded.

“Yeah, yeah. Would that be possible? I’ll do well in anything you ask in the future. Okay?”

Briefly puzzled by the situation, I soon understood.

She wouldn’t make such a fuss just to invite me over to her lodging.

“Are you saying ‘our house’ as in the main family house…?”

At my question, Misha bowed her head deeply.

“Yes…”

A tremble of nervousness passed through her hand.

Was the sun setting even more, or had the evening glow casting over Misha deepened?

Then, swallowing nervously, Misha added,

“My, my father wants to meet you… So, um… would you… come with me, nyang?”

An invitation from her parents.

It would be a lie to say I wasn’t startled…

Without hesitation, I responded.

“Alright.”

“…What? Really? For real? Wow! No take-backs, Nyang?”

“When do we need to be there by tomorrow?”

It felt like the inevitable was finally happening.