[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian":3,"chapter-surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-156":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Surviving the Game as a Barbarian",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1327776,1764,"Chapter 156 Lion (2)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-156",156,"\u003Cp>Lion (2)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lion (2)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ghostbusters, the community of evil spirits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My secret source of information that Misha and Ainar don’t know about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Alright, let’s do this.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turn on the computer first, deliberately ignoring Lee Hansu’s comfortable-looking bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The 12 hours that this community exists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s information I need to find out within that time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Orculus, Noark, Dragonslayer.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…but are now closely related to my survival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The books in the library have their limits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, books as a medium can’t help but be slow in terms of the latest information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[1~140,000 GP] All information related to Orculus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I post a request to buy information on the exchange and then open the chat room list. I judged that this might be more helpful than the exchange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Long Live Korean Independence] – 1 member online.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems like Lee Baekho entered the chat room as soon as the community opened. Well, he was very disappointed when he logged out last time. He was even anxious that I might not come back next time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a child who doesn’t want to be separated from their parents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Phew, he’s a rare one.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I feel a bitter taste in my mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The icon of misfortune who was dragged here on the day he was discharged from the military, and a veteran player who has survived in this world for almost 10 years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Lee Baekho is very friendly towards me…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…I can’t completely trust him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ah… well… I’m actually in seclusion, so I’m not that up-to-date on recent information.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said he was in seclusion back then. That’s why he introduced me to ‘Watchers of the Round Table’, saying that he wasn’t up-to-date on the latest information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glossed over it last time…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…but I can’t rule out the possibility that he might be a member of Orculus or the underground city of Noark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Even if he’s Korean, he’s just a stranger in this world.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I organize my thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maintaining a relationship with Lee Baekho has more advantages than disadvantages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So let’s subtly investigate his identity, but don’t push it, and try to discreetly gather information about Orculus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment I double-click…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hyuuuuung!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A large room reminiscent of a noble’s mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before I can even look around properly, Lee Baekho runs towards me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, Hansu hyung! Why are you so late?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I came right away…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was so worried that you might have died!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes are fierce, and his hair is messy as if he's been pulling it out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It hasn't even been 5 minutes since the community opened, and this is his reaction?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just how starved for human connection was this guy—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hyung, you can’t die yet! We haven’t talked about idols, or badmouthed politicians or the military. You’re the only one I can do that with…! And we have to talk about Dungeon Fighter Online!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, uh… so that was the problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, it’s ridiculous to expect normal human emotions from a guy who has survived here for 10 years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I chuckle and sit down on the chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop it. I’m not dying.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, sir. Then what should we talk about first? Ah, Lovely Lovely’s 3rd full album? That would be the best, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, who’s Lovely Lovely…?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I naturally change the subject since I’m not interested in the entertainment industry. I have a feeling he’ll get upset if I honestly say I don’t know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Let’s talk about the military.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ye, yes, sir! Oh, but come to think of it, weren’t you a public service worker, hyung?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I still went to boot camp, you know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is he not interested in boot camp stories? Lee Baekho makes a strange expression and then speaks cautiously,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hyung, how about we just talk about Dungeon Fighter Online…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I haven’t played that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whaaaaaat?!! Didn’t you say you were a public service worker?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lee Baekho is shocked as if he heard something unbelievable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But did he come to his senses belatedly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah! Sorry, hyung. I didn’t mean it like that. You know?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Yeah, let’s just do that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, sir…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere becomes awkward in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lee Baekho scratches his cheek, looking dejected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can understand his feelings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was so happy to meet a fellow Korean, but he realized that we don’t actually have much in common—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft! Puhahaha…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are you laughing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, hyung. Don’t you think it’s funny? The conversation we just had.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is it? I don’t know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What’s so funny about it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can’t really explain it, but it felt like I was back in Korea just now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I think I understand. What kind of feeling it is.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lee Baekho chuckles and then leans back in his chair. And we chat naturally instead of forcing a topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We talk about what we used to do for a living, and then the conversation naturally flows to the military.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boot camp was funny too. I didn’t know there were so many crazy people in our country.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, the environment is what it is. Everyone becomes normal when they’re outside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right… that’s true. We didn’t expect to become like this either, did we? We’ll probably have to go to a mental hospital when we get back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t think we should talk about this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, but haven’t you thought about it, hyung? Killing if they’re in the way, killing if they’re suspicious, worrying about whether someone will hurt me when I meet them… human life… it feels like just a game character. We’re completely insane.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere becomes heavy, as if the lightheartedness from a moment ago was a lie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ll get used to it soon. Just like when you came here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brief silence follows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lee Baekho is the first to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyway, thank you, hyung. Honestly, I’ve been thinking lately if there’s even a point in going back. It’s not that I like it here… you know what I mean, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You might think it’s nothing, but at least it motivates me. It gives me hope that if I can laugh and joke around here, I’ll be able to do the same when I get back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hope…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I feel an inexplicable sense of dissonance from that word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I don’t pry further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s not at a stage where I can be certain, and there’s nothing to gain by stirring things up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, by the way, do you know anything about a group called Orculus?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I subtly bring up the main topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if it’s just to change the heavy atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I throw it out casually and focus on Lee Baekho’s reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s no noticeable change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Orculus? Why are you curious about them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asks for the reason first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He used to just answer any question I asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My doubts grow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who the hell is this guy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>_______________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You need a Genesis Artifact to reach the last floor, right? I was wondering if they stole it. Ah, you know that someone stole it, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I throw out the line I prepared without a moment’s pause, and Lee Baekho nods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, I know. So that’s why you asked… I’m relieved.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Relieved?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, it’s nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lee Baekho brushes it off and continues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyway, you even thought of that, hyung. Actually, I thought the same thing before.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you don’t think so now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No. I checked using various methods, and it doesn’t seem like it. After all, it’s been about half a year since all the Genesis Artifacts were stolen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All of them were stolen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, you didn’t know that? They were all stolen, from all six races. And on the same day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Phew, the elder said that other races might be in a similar situation…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So it was true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It doesn’t make sense realistically. Even if they could steal from other races, to steal from the Dragonkin and humans too? No matter how strong they are, they can’t do that. Well, I investigated just in case, but I couldn’t find any leads.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you don’t know who stole them either?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No. If you happen to find any clues, please let me know. As you know, if there’s a way to return home, it’s the only way, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I learned something unexpected while asking about Orculus out of curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He doesn’t know anything about the Genesis Artifacts either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I briefly entertained the delusion that he might be the final mastermind…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hyung, you’re not thinking about something else, right? Like competition or something. We can open the door together with up to five people. I’ll be helpful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, it’s not that…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can’t just tell him what I was thinking, so I make an excuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s just… it’s strange that you’re saying that to me. How would I find a clue that even you couldn’t find?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh, well, you have a point… But I feel like you’re a bit special, hyung. Actually, I felt that way from the moment I first saw you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I’m the one who’s speechless when you say that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, but you cleared the 10x version too, didn’t you? Don’t you think you’ll be similar to me in about 10 years? Honestly, I’m almost at the point where I can’t get any stronger…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving aside the part about not being able to get any stronger…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…I can feel Lee Baekho’s mental strength in his casual tone. He’s already assuming that it will take at least another 10 years to find the Genesis Artifacts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he’s not even thinking of giving up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of tenacity is that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right. Should I tell you something interesting? You probably don’t know about it. It’s a setting that wasn’t in the game.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s a huge underground city beneath the sewers. It’s called Noark.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Noark?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I try to maintain my composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s like my wish has been granted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can’t believe he brought this up first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. I thought of it because of Orculus. Actually, it’s their headquarters. You know about the Ormy Revolutionary Army, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I chuckle at the somewhat random name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ormy Revolutionary Army?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re those guys who occasionally appeared in events. They would come and ask you to join them in overthrowing the world if you gained a bit of fame.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For reference, accepting that event always led to a bad ending. I tried countless times, thinking there might be a hidden condition, but I couldn’t change it, as if it were a problem with the game’s structure itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Those bastards also created Noark. They all fled underground after their rebellion failed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Interesting. Anyway, so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s all. Their goals are similar, right? So I heard they’re cooperating with each other down there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cooperative relationship between Noark and Orculus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I also learned about this from the letter left by High Priest Ludwig.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, what comes next is important.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How can I ask about the Dragonslayer without being suspected?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s when…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hyung, just in case, even if the royal family or the guild offers you a request, don’t go anywhere near anything related to them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I need to hear the reason first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, this will make the story long…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lee Baekho sighs and then quickly continues,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s this guy called Dragonslayer, and he really screwed up this time. It seems like he kidnapped a high priest and then lost him. Someone found a letter by chance and took it to the temple or something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gulp and ask,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…How did that happen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know the details either. They say he lost his memory and doesn’t even know what happened to him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lost his memory?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be related to the vine breaking?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I want to ask more, but Lee Baekho finishes his sentence quickly, not giving me a chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyway, what I’m trying to say is, they broke the agreement first, so a subjugation force might be formed, so don’t participate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re still alive down there. You’ll just get hurt if you get involved. Okay? Damn it, we’re already out of time. Hyung! See you next ti—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lee Baekho’s voice is cut off, and his figure disappears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He logged out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, he was kicked out because time ran out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>______________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Lee Baekho disappears…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…I return to my room and organize my thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, to be precise, I keep replaying one sentence he said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I don’t know the details either. They say he lost his memory and doesn’t even know what happened to him.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Considering the pill that the psychopath bitch fed me, it’s a plausible story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the problem is that I don’t know if it’s true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s possible that Lee Baekho heard a rumor fabricated by Orculus and then relayed it to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if it’s true…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It would explain the vine breaking.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It makes sense to some extent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This ring doesn’t sever the karmic connection with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It just delays it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So it’s just a matter of time before I’m found out.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they trace back to who delivered the letter, they’ll eventually find out about me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s also the issue of disposing of Dragonslayer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And besides, there’s a chance that Noark has a way to restore memories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What I have to do doesn’t change.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I sit back down at the computer and do what needs to be done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I check if there are any information sales posts, and if there are, I meet with the sellers and buy the information at a reasonable price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don’t limit myself to information about the Dragonslayer. Assuming that they could all become enemies, I gather information and more information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How much time has passed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[03:09]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s time for Watchers of the Round Table to open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I intentionally wait until there’s only 1 minute left before the entry time and then join the secret chat room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the charm of acting lies in the details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creak—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The closed door opens as I put on the Lion mask on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A red carpet stretches towards the room with the round table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hear a conversation in the distance as I slowly walk forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you think that person won’t come this time?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It wouldn’t be strange. Someone like him wouldn’t need us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, but who the hell is he?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s a voice I haven’t heard before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems like a member who didn’t participate last time…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s hard to explain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s an eccentric. So if you happen to meet him, be careful what you say. Otherwise, you’ll have a very difficult time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The newbie says at the senior’s experienced advice,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha, I really don’t understand. You’re all teasing me, right? Physical force doesn’t work, and he doesn’t even know my identity, so what’s so scary about him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft. There’s one thing, killing intent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What…? Even if his killing intent is strong, someone at our level can easily defend against it, can’t we?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The newbie mutters incredulously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, I continue walking and make my presence known.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The members sitting at the round table all turn their heads at the loud footsteps, and I quietly walk past them and sit down at the same spot I sat in last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been a while, Mr. Lion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone except for the Clown is silent, observing my reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But did he dislike the atmosphere?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The newbie laughs awkwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, uh… so, there really was a newbie? Haha.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I silently stare at the newbie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I unleash the killing intent I’ve been practicing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, if a newbie comes, you have to establish dominance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s the tradition here, isn’t it?\u003C\u002Fp>",2580,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.064Z",1,"novelbin.me","600fba019424ed81dfb710fd38d354a85d3d0ddec85526997fe5b1a5a78c29ef","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-157","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-155",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]