Surviving The Game As A Barbarian Episode 310

Round Table (4)

The Witch of the Earth is alive.

There are multiple reasons for recycling this information.

And the first reason is that it would allow me to mess with Auril Gavis, who was eagerly anticipating what information I would pull out.

Just like this.

“Huh…”

The old man could barely speak, managing only to groan with a look of disbelief on his face.

Seeing that naturally warms my heart.

Of course, this isn’t the only reason I brought out this information.

Now, the second reason.

This information is quite useful.

How shocked was I when I first heard it?

It felt like my heart almost dropped out of my chest

Although, unlike these people, I didn’t show it.

In other words, it’s perfect for pretending to be in the know.

Swoosh.

I slowly observed the reactions of the other members.

The reactions were uniform.

At first, they had a look on their faces that said, “Huh? What’s that supposed to mean?” Then, belatedly realizing its significance, they all focused their gazes on one spot.

The center of the round table where the jewel was placed.

Where the truth lies.

“It’s green.”

Soon, the jewel emitted a green light.

“So that means what he said is true…”

“At least, it means the speaker believes it to be true.”

I smiled as I watched the members exclaim.

Yes, this should prove my worth.

‘Anyway, it means Auril Gavis didn’t share this information with them, right?’

This is the third reason.

By asking this question, I can figure out how much information Auril Gavis has shared with these members.

If Auril Gavis had openly shared such high-level information with them, the light wouldn’t have come on like this.

‘Well, I had guessed as much from the fact that he hadn’t even told the members his name.’

Oh, and there’s also a fourth reason: the information would now be shared with the other members. 

After all, the game never mentioned that the Earth Witch was still alive.

I interpreted this as the old man, the game creator, intentionally hiding this fact.

Therefore…

‘Yeah, exposing secrets is always satisfying.’

Right now, I’ve essentially poisoned this group.

Whether this poison will be fatal or just cause a mild irritation remains to be seen…

‘Judging by the look on his face, it seems like a success.’

With this, the four veterans who participated in the gathering have learned the secret Auril Gavis wanted to keep hidden.

Surely, some sort of chain reaction will follow.

In a way that Auril Gavis did not want.

“No way, the Witch of the Earth is still alive? I suppose I should start researching that too.”

“The royal family probably knew and kept it hidden. This could potentially be their Achilles’ heel.”

The Ruin Scholar, who looked like a little kid, chewed over my words with an academic fervor, and the commander of Oricules gleamed like a warrior who had found a fine sword.

And…

“If the witch is truly alive… where is she now?”

The woman repeated the very question I had asked Auril Gavis.

Geez, this woman is quite sharp.

“What’s your name?”

At my question, the woman in the ornate dress frowned.

And then she quietly answered.

“…Ravi.”

Ravi.

A name that doesn’t reveal if it’s a first name or a last name.

No, I can’t even be sure if it’s her real name or an alias.

Tsk, I had intended to find out later, but…

“Why do you ask?”

The reason is obvious.

She’s the only one here whose name I didn’t know.

Of course, I couldn’t answer that honestly.

“Because you asked a foolish question.”

“…?”

“Do I have any reason to answer your question?”

It would be ridiculous to speak politely to these people when I don’t even do so with the Master, so I just treated her like an underling.

Perhaps she found it slightly humiliating?

“…”

Ravi bit her lip and glared at me.

As a first-year Lion Mask, I knew it was the perfect time to give her a carrot.

“But.”

“…?”

“If you say something interesting, I might answer what you want.”

At my arrogant words, Ravi hesitated for a moment, then nodded as if she understood.

She then closed her eyes and opened them again, looking at me.

“You want us to prove ourselves too. Fine.”

There was a competitive gleam in her sharp eyes.

It was somewhat expected.

After all, they’re the elites gathered by the Master, so their pride must be sky-high. It’s only natural that they’d be furious after hearing such words from a mysterious man they just met.

“…”

Moreover, the other members, besides her, also seemed slightly provoked by my words.

Okay, I think that’s enough bait…

‘Hm?’

I suddenly felt a gaze and turned to see Auril Gavis staring at me.

With a look that seemed to say, ‘Who the hell is this guy?’

***

The order of the meeting started with me and moved clockwise.

So, simply put…

“Now it’s my turn, huh?”

The second turn belonged to the old man sitting to my left.

Naturally, I pricked up my ears.

In a gathering full of veterans, he had to reveal information unknown to at least half the group?

Surely, it would be valuable—

“Then I’ll speak.”

Auril Gavis revealed his information.

“Miss Ravi, the Witch of the Earth resides where everyone’s desires converge.”

Ha, this cunning old man.

That was the very information I planned to use next.

‘Well, he must have said it first because he predicted I’d try to recycle it.’

He likely judged that dealing with this first would allow him to see what real cards I was holding.

Swoosh.

The green light naturally came on.

As per tradition, the members each murmured their impressions.

“Where everyone’s desires converge, huh…”

“It likely refers to the labyrinth, doesn’t it?”

“That’s one interpretation, but it could also mean outside the city walls.”

Hmm, so even they don’t have a clear idea.

“Come on now, we can discuss this later. Let’s move on.”

Auril Gavis’s direction brought the conversation to a close, and the meeting proceeded again.

The next turn belonged to the middle-aged man.

His name was…

‘Kagureas.’

Yes, that was his name.

Amelia also mentioned she had never heard of it before.

It might be an alias.

“Ha ha, since this is my first time, I’m not sure what to say.”

“Just speak freely. Surely, you have at least one piece of important information that others might not know.”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

The burly, muscular middle-aged man, Kagureas, seemed unsure whether he should say it here as he looked around at us before sighing.

“With the Master present, I can’t just say anything, so I’ll go ahead.”

“Go on.”

“There’s a portal beneath the royal palace.”

What…?

As the green light came on, everyone except Auril Gavis burst out in surprise.

“A portal? Is it connected to the labyrinth?”

Though he had no reason to answer, as the turn had passed, Kagureas shrugged and answered.

“I stumbled upon it, so I’m not entirely sure, but it doesn’t seem to be connected to the labyrinth.”

“This is… quite intriguing.”

“Then where does the portal lead to…?”

The Ruin scholar mumbled as the four members’ gazes naturally turned.

In the direction of me and Auril Gavis.

“…”

“…”

No one spoke, but the question in their eyes was clear.

Surely, you two know something?

Having faced countless questions as the Lion Mask, I recognized the look in their eyes—the look of those hungry for answers.

“…Huh.”

Auril Gavis merely chuckled.

And I…

“…”

As always, remained silent without moving an inch.

Experience had taught me this.

If I just stay like this, it’ll work more than half the time.

This is the second form of the Lion Style:

Form Two, Stay Still.

Ah, of course, while I was executing the second form, my mind was working hard to sort through my thoughts.

‘A secret related to the royal palace… Perhaps he’s aligned with the royal family.’

Kagureas.

Who exactly is this man?

Unlike the Commander or the Ruin Scholar, who I know nothing about, I find myself even more intrigued.

But perhaps the Ruin scholar found the silence unproductive?

“Now it’s my turn.”

He didn’t waste time and immediately revealed his information.

“The labyrinth’s cycle is sustained by life force.”

As soon as I heard it, question marks formed in my mind.

But was I the only one?

“Lord Ruinzenes, could you explain it more simply? Unlike you, we are not versed in magic.”

“Simply? Very well.”

At Kagureas’s request, the Ruin scholar elaborated.

“Contrary to popular belief, the labyrinth is not sustained by magic. To maintain its circulation, resources are necessary.”

It all sounded like gibberish to me. However, the woman, Ravi, seemed to have some knowledge of magic.

“…So, the resource is life force?”

When she spoke as if she understood, the Ruin Scholar nodded.

“But what does that mean? I doubt anyone here is interested in the principles of the labyrinth.”

Kagureas spoke as if he was somehow dissatisfied.

Frankly, I felt the same way.

After all, what use is knowing this—

“Tch, troublesome.”

The Ruin Scholar clicked his tongue, and Kagureas fell silent.

Seeing the muscular man being cautious around the Ruin Scholar wasn’t entirely unexpected.

Despite his childlike appearance, the Ruin Scholar exuded an aura that made him difficult to approach.

“May I explain instead?”

“Do as you please.”

The Ruin Scholar, seemingly a bit miffed, let Ravi take over.

“The fact that life force is the primary resource for the labyrinth means that the labyrinth is maintained by life force. If I understand correctly… it changes everything.”

“What do you mean?”

“The rebuilding of humanity and the maintenance of this city weren’t because of the labyrinth.”

Ravi explained.

“It’s the existence of this city that allows the labyrinth to be sustained.”

My mind buzzed.

No, wait a minute…

Is that true? If that’s really the case…

“…The explorers who died in the labyrinth were nothing more than fuel. The royal family must have known this too.”

As if thinking the same as me, the Orcules Leader voiced the conclusion I had silently reached.

And…

“Well, that’s my understanding.”

Ravi shrugged and glanced at the  Ruin Scholar.

“At the very least, it’s certain that life force is the resource that keeps the labyrinth running. Suspicions about the royal family are a logical conclusion from this.”

“I… I see…”

“So, does that suffice? I think it’s worth as much as the vague information about a portal under the royal palace.”

The Ruin Scholar’s sharp words left Kagureas with an awkward smile.

“Ha ha, don’t be angry. People like me don’t understand unless everything is explained to us.”

…Is this man a barbarian?

There’s something oddly familiar about his manner of speech, but jumping to conclusions would be too far-fetched.

There were plenty of explorers like him, after all.

“Now it’s Miss Ravi’s turn?”

Auril Gavis’s words directed the group’s attention to the woman.

I found myself a bit excited too.

The previous two pieces of information were quite interesting, and this woman had directly accepted my provocation.

Even if she doesn’t surpass me, she’d want to prove she’s on a similar level.

“It’s my turn, then.”

Finally, she opened her mouth.

And revealed something I hadn’t expected at all.

“The ancient dragon is dead. You may not have known, but it happened more than 10 years ago.”

I was dumbfounded.

The way she spoke so solemnly, I thought she was going to reveal something extraordinary.

‘Is that it?’

I almost snickered, but the jewel glowed green.

Auril Gavis must have known, so the other three were hearing this for the first time.

“…I see. No wonder the dragon-tribe have been quiet lately.”

“So that’s the story.”

“It’s a shame that one who survived the age of immortals is gone.”

The three of them accepted the news as if they had just heard a difficult secret.

At first, it seemed strange, but then I realized it made sense.

The fact that the dragon slayer, Regal Vagos, killed the ancient dragon and stole the clan’s treasured sword wasn’t known until after the new ancient dragon was chosen.

‘That would have been around this time…’

I hadn’t studied history, so I couldn’t remember the exact year, but it seemed like it.

‘I didn’t expect that even these people wouldn’t know, though.’

I clicked my tongue in disappointment.

Had she not noticed my reaction?

“So, is this interesting enough?”

“Not really.”

I honestly didn’t see much value in it.

“That’s an unacceptable answer.”

Ravi glared at me, her pride wounded.

There was a hint of suspicion in her eyes.

She was probably wondering if I was deliberately downplaying her information.

‘No, if you were going to put up a fight, you should have brought something more interesting.’

For the sake of quality information, it was necessary to deflate her ego a bit.

So…

‘It’s time to bring out the third form.’

I tapped my chair lightly and spoke.

“Even though it’s not my turn, let me add something.”

“What do you mean—”

Whoa there, how dare you interrupt the Lion Mask?

If I play my cards right, I might be able to skip a turn for free, so I cut her off before she could finish her sentence.

“The one who killed the ancient dragon was a dragon-tribe member named Regal Vagos.”

“…What?”

The woman, who was about to retort, stopped in her tracks.

And after a brief pause…

Swoosh.

The jewel emitted a green light.

“…”

“…”

The silence that followed was something I was very familiar with.

In that silence, I looked at Ravi and spoke.

As if kindly explaining to a bug crawling on the ground.

“How about now? Are you satisfied?”

This is the third form of the Lion Style:

Form Three, Despising the Weak.