STGB Episode 502
Age of exploration(3)
After the butterfly’s turn ended, the roundtable discussion continued.
“The cheat version of Dungeon & Stone wasn’t created by Auril Gavis, but by another entity.”
The Wolf, once again, spat out information that might lower the players’ hostility toward Auril Gavis.
“How about this? Pssit. On this expedition, Noark successfully defeated the 8th floor layer lord.”
The Clown also passed his turn by sharing news of Noark’s rapid growth.
And so, my turn came.
“When you defeat the boss of Skull Island and reach the 10th floor, you can experience a special event.”
Under everyone’s focused gaze, I dryly shared one of the pieces of information I had and ended my turn.
“A special event, huh? That sounds exciting. Ah, of course, the war would have to end first for us to experience it. Psst.'”
Although it had been a while since I had shared any game-related information, the members didn’t find it strange at all.
After all, receiving a green light for game information meant it was valuable and not widely known…
“Come on, let’s all put in a bit more effort this time!”
The members, having been through many roundtable discussions with me, simply thought I was sharing this information because I found this round a bit dull
“Then… it’s my turn again, right?”
With the Queen starting a new round, I carefully listened to each piece of information, engraving it into my mind.
Among them were shocking revelations and useful tidbits for the future.
But I couldn’t focus on any of it.
The reason was simple.
Misha Karlstein is a traitor.
And not just any traitor—from my perspective.
Those words echoed relentlessly in my mind.
By now, two rounds had passed.
Even as the third round neared its end, the thought lingered.
‘…What does this even mean?’
Misha is a traitor?
Just when I thought she’d opened up and reached out to me… Is this Lee Baek-ho’s plan? His so-called ‘Plan B’?
Countless possibilities swirled in my head.
‘I need to hear more details.’
The Butterfly Mask had been the one to mention this intel.
But contrary to my expectations, there was no talk of Misha in the second or third round.
Meaning, if I wanted to hear more, I would have to take action first…
“Pssit, why is everyone so surprised? Don’t tell me Raphdonia fears Noark’s growth?”
So, how can I bring it up naturally?
If I suddenly ask why Misha is a traitor, it would definitely raise suspicions.
Considering that there were once rumors that Lion Mask is Bjorn Jandel’, I need to be careful with my words.
“……”
“……”
Ah, it’s already my turn.
By the time I came to my senses, everyone’s attention was focused on me in an awkward silence.
‘…Just one more round. I’ll wait one more round. If there’s still no mention of Misha, I’ll make my move then.’
With that thought, I opened my mouth.
“If you solo the Sky Lord, you can choose an active effect.”
It was one of those obscure pieces of information – hard to verify, but ultimately not very useful, even if true.
Swoooosh—
As the green light faded, a brief silence enveloped the table
Of course, it didn’t last long.
“Wait… is it really possible to solo a Floor lord…?”
“Well, if it’s 100x mode… maybe it’s possible somehow…?”
“Pssit, do you really think Mr Lion would say something like that if he had defeated it in such a mode?”
Since it was information related to Floor lords, there were no objections.
Honestly, even if I said I make soybean paste with miso, as long as the green light came on, everyone would probably assume there was some significant secret hidden behind it.”
‘So, is it the queen’s turn again?’
Thinking that, I glanced to the side.
“I think we’ve heard enough for this month, so let’s end it here for today.”
The queen declared her leave.
The other members quickly followed her lead, sensing the mood.
Unfortunately, the main reason seemed to be me.
“…Well, Mr. Lion does seem a bit bored today.”
“That’s too bad……. I thought you might be a little excited to hear that we’ve defeated the Lord of Hope… Pssit…….”
The clown sounded disappointed, having prepared something grand to capture my attention
Lost in thought, I had been silent throughout the meeting, and my turns were just filled with game-related information, which seemed to have caused this misunderstanding.
“Well… I suppose this is nothing to someone like you, Mr Lion.”
He sulked but promised to bring more “entertaining” news next time.
Phew, it’s hard to rally for another round in this atmosphere.
And so, the meeting concluded.
***
The day after visiting the community.
I got a good night’s sleep and woke up in the afternoon, only to find that Versil Gowland had come to visit and was waiting for me.
“What brings you here?”
I asked, somewhat anticipating the reason for her visit, but she insisted on speaking to me alone.
“Um… I’m not sure how this will sound to you, but… I’ve received information that Misha Karlstein might be a traitor.”
As expected, that’s why she came to see me the moment I woke up.
“Traitor”
“…It’s not certain. Well, it is certain, but… I don’t know the details.”
Vercil sounded unsure of the details and suggested that perhaps we should reconsider letting Misha join us. But I refused her firmly.
“I can’t make that kind of decision without solid proof.”
“Right… I figured.”
“Still, I’m not ignoring your concerns. I’m going to look into it as well. So would you dig a bit deeper and see what more you can find out?”
“…Got it. I’ll do some more investigating.”
“I appreciate it.”
Okay, with this, starting from the next Round Table, she’ll actively dig up information while wearing the Fox mask…
This reduces the risk of me exposing my identity.
“Then I’ll take my leave now. Call me anytime if you need anything.”
“Sure.”
After Versil left, a letter arrived in the evening.
“Mister! A strange letter came, I think you should check it out!”
Erwin pulled a letter from the mailbox.
The envelope bore a white tiger emblem. Already opened, the contents were written in characters that didn’t exist in this world—Korean.
[It’s what you asked for, hyung.]
What the hell was this bastard thinking, sending a letter in korean? What if someone else sees it?
Despite my nervousness, I read the instructions on how to get out of the city.
‘…It’s more complicated than I thought.’
Memorising and burning it immediately seemed impossible, so I folded it neatly and stored it in a subspace.
Having more options is always welcome.
But more variables mean more complications.
Regardless of what I want to believe, it’s better to be prepared.
So…
“Emily, can you look into Misha for me?”
“What do you mean?”
After explaining what happened at the Round Table to Amelia, I instructed her to investigate.
“I’ll try, but watching her all day increases the risk of being noticed. She wasn’t easy to handle the last time we met.”
“That sharp? Given the essences she’s absorbed, you should outrank her.”
“If she’s approached us with ulterior motives, she might be hiding other essences.”
“…Then don’t get too close. For now, just keep a close eye on her.”
“Understood.”
With Amelia handling the investigation, I spent the day resting before diving back into a hectic schedule.
With Amelia handling the investigation , I spent the day resting before diving back into my hectic schedule.
I visited the sanctuary to sell more land and met with the former chief to discuss the previous tribal meeting and gather advice.
I also met with Raven again.
“Record stones…? Are you talking about the Fragments of Records? The legacy of Gabrielius?”
“Call them whatever. Just find me any books or intel related to them. And don’t draw attention.”
“Got it. By the way… How are the preparations for the expedition going?”
“Everything is progressing smoothly. Well, we’ll only know for sure once we enter the labyrinth.”
“Right…? Nothing has been revealed yet. It’s a real exploration, after all. What about Versil Gowland…? How is she?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, mages are crucial for expeditions! Last time, she seemed clueless about history…”
“Well, she’s still fine. She’s good in combat and trustworthy. I’ll compensate for her gaps.”
“If… you say so…”
After meeting Raven, I began assembling the clan three times a week—the main aim being to help Misha integrate with the team.
“…I haven’t found anything unusual yet.”
After each gathering, I received reports from Amelia, but so far, she found nothing suspicious about Misha had been found.
Time continued to pass.
“…This will be the most prosperous expedition yet.”
Melbes sent support supplies.
Combat and support scrolls, various potions, exploration-specific numbered items, and more.
Whether in mountains, water, or fire, the supplies were diverse enough to continue the expedition in any environment, and the quality was top-notch.
‘This must have cost a fortune…’
It shows how much Melves expects from the “hidden area.”
It’s a bit burdensome, but I thought that as long as we achieve results, it’s worth it, so I focused even more on expedition preparations.
And so, the days continued..
“Bjorn…”
“It’s ‘Chief,’ First Elder.”
“Oh right, we’re in the sanctuary. I’ll be careful.”
As dusk fell, dozens of young warriors emerged from the shadowed forest into a moonlit clearing.
I grinned and raised my voice.
“Congratulations, young warriors! Today, you leave the sanctuary to rise as true warriors!”
Judging by their roars…
“BEHEL—RAAAAAAAAAH!!”
…This batch had no rookies.
***
The world evolves day by day.
If we consider Earth’s history, the most explosive period of human advancement was undoubtedly the modern era.
The 200 years following the Industrial Revolution marked the most rapid progress in human history.
So, what about the Barbarians?
When did this tribe experience its most explosive growth?
I can say without hesitation:
‘Right now.’
And the proof is right here in this clearing.
Even the tutorial dialogue has changed.
“Now, step forward one by one and choose the weapons and armor that suit you best!”
Numerous weapons and armor are displayed on the racks.
This is just the main course; the standard-issue gear had also been significantly improved.
“Come here. You don’t wear the greaves like that, like this.”
“Ah, thank you… It’s my first time wearing them.”
Instead of sending them into the labyrinth with just a breastplate, all auxiliary armor is provided.
Additionally, their bags are filled with compasses, water bottles, potions, and various exploration tools.
‘1 million stones per person.’
The cost per warrior has more than tripled, but it’s not a problem.
Because in our sanctuary, money literally comes from the ground.
“With this level of support, they’ll grow fast, earn money, and buy land in no time.”
It was still early days, but if everything proceeded as planned, the cycle of prosperity I envisioned would soon be complete.
“Ugh… This feels so tight!”
The young warriors, uncomfortable in their new armor, fidgeted and grumbled, , but they didn’t protest that they were fine without it.
Teenagers always have their idols, after all.
“Bear with it. You’ll get used to it soon.”
“But—”
“It’s not optional! A warrior has to wear armour! Just look at the Chief!”
“…….”
“If you want to be a great warrior, wear your armor!”
No warrior in our tribe looked down on armour anymore.
“…I’ll save up and buy myself a Litinium armor set!”
“Now, go! To where your destinies await!”
After distributing the gear, I grouped them in threes, cast binding spells with Vercil’s help, and sent them into the labyrinth.
“…I hope they all return safely.”
“Don’t worry, Aynar. Now that the Tower has banned barbarian hearts as a forbidden magical material, the number of plunderers targeting them should decrease.”
“You think so…?”
Well, even back when we didn’t bother giving the barbarians proper shoes, they still survived and returned.
With this level of preparation, a full survival rate was within reach.
‘I just hope they grow up fast. Then we can jack up the land prices even more.’
Once the last young warrior disappeared into the portal, I shook off my thoughts.
My duties as Chief were done.
“Mister…”
“It’s Not ‘mister.’”
“…Huh?”
“From now on, call me ‘Captain.’”
It was time to start the expedition.
Continue reading more chapters at henprogressive.com