[{"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-199":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},1327819,1764,"Chapter 199 Master Key (4)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-199",199,"\u003Cp>Master Key (4)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Key (4)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Stone of Resurrection is on the 9th floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finding the Stone of Resurrection with just this clue is practically impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crescent Moon probably knows this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s also a player who played this hardcore game.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But could it be that even this is like a godsend to him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wh, why…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crescent Moon asks me, pushing aside his joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seems genuinely curious, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…there’s only one thing I can say as ‘Lion’.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because it seems like it would be fun.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crescent Moon clenches his mouth shut for a moment, as if pondering the meaning of my words, and then he trembles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You… you’re a truly frightening person.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh? Suddenly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I just stare at him with my chin on my hand since I don’t understand what he means.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did he realize he made a mistake?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Please forget what I just said. I shouldn’t have said that. It doesn’t matter to me what kind of person you are. I would even offer my soul if it means I can obtain that item.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crescent Moon mutters with self-deprecation after declaring his resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, you probably already know about my situation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s a statement I can’t understand at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, how would I know?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why does he misunderstand like that?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I try to recall the events at the Round Table, but I can’t figure out the reason, so I just stay silent again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As always, that’s the safest option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As expected… you really knew.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don’t bother denying it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be a bit ridiculous to say I don’t know in this situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I just change the topic as if I’m not interested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s my turn now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone’s attention turns to me as I speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems like they’re expecting me to say something. I feel a strange sense of awkwardness and share one of the pieces of information I prepared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s information that’s interesting to hear, like the ‘Demonic Halfling’ one, but useless in practice. And it’s not even as impactful as the ‘Stone of Resurrection’.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft, I knew about this one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Clown looks at me with a disappointed expression, even though the jewel on the round table emits a green light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it’s not something I should be concerned about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the first place, even the Clown seems to think it’s his fault for not bringing anything interesting, rather than blaming me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If it’s okay with everyone, I’d like to continue. What do you guys think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meeting continues after the first round, as if they have a lot prepared since we skipped a month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I consistently share similar types of information and pass my turn, and soon the third round begins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I, I’ll be leaving after this turn.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goblin, who was the first, barely manages to pass his turn after receiving four red lights, and then finally raises the white flag.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But could it be that everyone else is also running out of material, although not as badly as Goblin?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, then I’ll stop here too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fox also declares her withdrawal, and it’s naturally decided that the meeting will end after this round.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m not particularly disappointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I think I’ve heard everything worth hearing.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although I had no idea how the situation would unfold after the conflict between Noark and the royal family, I’m starting to get a sense of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s the opposite of the rumors circulating in the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘As expected, the royal family has the upper hand.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although they suffered heavy losses from the subjugation’s failure, the underground city is in a similar situation. Judging by what they’re saying, Noark’s lockdown seems like a last resort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And since they’ve created unforgeable identification tags, I don’t have to change my plans too much. There doesn’t seem to be any immediate danger.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I subtly glance at the round table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The jewel is emitting a green light at the information Crescent Moon just shared about Orculus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Now only Mr. Lion is left.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone’s attention naturally focuses on me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes are sparkling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Geez, this is pressuring.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tap my fingers on the armrest, contemplating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What should I do for the finale?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I already have something in mind, but maybe there’s something more fitting for the current atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, something suitable comes to mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stop tapping my fingers and smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s not one of the pieces of information I prepared beforehand…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Goblin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ye, yes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goblin stammers, startled by my sudden question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I look at him and say,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come to think of it, you said something earlier. That ‘that old man’ might be a more skilled mage than the GM who created this community.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, ah! Ye, yes, I did, but…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goblin trails off as if he doesn’t understand my intentions, while Fox brightens up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t tell me, it’s information about the Master?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although she’s better than Goblin, who seems clueless…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wrong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I completely ignore Fox and speak to Goblin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if to say that they’re fundamentally mistaken about something, even though I let it slide earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This community wasn’t created by the GM. To be precise, it’s closer to him modifying an existing space into its current form.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I parrot the information I heard from Lee Baekho.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at the same time, everyone’s gaze turns to one spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The jewel embedded in the center of the round table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…It’s green.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m not surprised since it’s the expected result.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although I didn’t check it myself…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…I don’t doubt this information at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I can’t believe it wasn’t created by the GM.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft, this is news to me too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then who created this place?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The members, who were pouring out questions, all shut their mouths at the same time as if they had made a promise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And their gazes turn to one spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only one here who can answer that question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Okay, I think the aggro worked well.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I speak amidst the heightened silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a voice that betrays no expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without a single emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hope it will be more interesting next time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I say that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So that they’ll bring something more useful next time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>___________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…He’s gone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A heavy silence hangs in the air in the Round Table room where Lion left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason was simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His last words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be precise, the emotion behind those words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Is he angry at us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Clown scoffs at Fox’s muttering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft, Miss Fox, you overestimate us. Do you think we’re even worth him getting angry at?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fox shuts her mouth, unable to refute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She remembers what the Master said earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Wouldn’t you have nothing to gain from participating here, at your level?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A secret gathering that ordinary players wouldn’t even know about. Fox had been using the information she obtained here to her advantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So it was hard for her to accept it at first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after hearing even the Master’s words, there’s no point in denying it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This place holds no merit for Lion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No, it’s not that there’s nothing…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fox can’t help but smile bitterly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I hope it will be more interesting next time.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something that would alleviate his boredom, even a little.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, entertainment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s the only thing Lion wants from this gathering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what have we been doing so far?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We couldn’t even do that properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And we’re just expecting him to tell us everything…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…We must have seemed pathetic.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right. He’s a different kind of person from the Master. Although they’re a bit similar.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fox tilts her head at Antler’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Similar? In what way?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crescent Moon answers,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At least since he came here, we haven’t felt the Master’s absence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’s starting to understand what he means.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Master was that special of an existence at the Round Table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was the one who gathered the current members, and he was the one who taught them valuable information and knowledge that no one else knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The difference is that Mr. Lion isn’t the type to volunteer like the Master. Pfft.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Volunteer…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What, am I wrong? Or do you really think the Master created this place to obtain information?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fox doesn’t refute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, she can’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything the Clown said is true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Master always knew everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he shared it generously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a teacher in a classroom full of students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft, in the first place, that’s why Miss Fox follows the Master so devotedly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fox doesn’t deny it this time either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You’re right. If I didn’t think he was volunteering, I wouldn’t consider him as a benefactor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This gathering has been maintained thanks to the Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just look at what happened recently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were only four regular members before Lion came. The members’ participation rate decreased significantly after the Master disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other members would only occasionally enter the chat room to check if the Master had returned and then leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I guess the others will also participate regularly if they know someone like this joined. Just like Mr. Goblin.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She feels a strange sensation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Fox pushes aside her emotions and focuses on the conversation the other members are having.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The topic is the Master, who reappeared after a year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, to be precise, it’s about Lion, who seems to be acquainted with the Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mr. Lion must be someone we’ve at least heard of. If the Master calls him ‘amazing’, he must be one of the best.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, he even treated the infamous ‘Corpse Collector’ like a child.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Child… Yes, he did say that. Pfft.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s time for deduction again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“His last piece of information is also meaningful. That the GM didn’t create this community… How could he even know that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, maybe he knows the GM.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You mean the GM who’s shrouded in rumors?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That might be the case for us, but he’s the one who calls the Master ‘old man’. There must be a world we don’t know about.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Clown asks Goblin, who seems genuinely impressed,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But why are you acting like this today? Last time, you treated everything he said as an exaggeration.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I didn’t know much about him back then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft, so your two eyes weren’t just for show?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goblin avoids the Clown’s gaze and coughs awkwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s when Antler speaks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“More importantly, am I the only one who felt it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I felt intent when the Master left.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, if you’re talking about that, I felt it too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait a minute, both of you. Intent? Are you saying he used ‘Whisper’?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fox is genuinely surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Whisper’ refers to an ability that can only be used in this spiritual space, a kind of telepathy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The principle is similar to killing intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s conveying your thoughts to the other person in the form of language.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But the Master said even he has trouble using that…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huhu, Miss Fox, why are you surprised again? Did you think Mr. Lion wouldn’t be able to do that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although it’s an annoying tone…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…I have nothing to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Come to think of it, it’s not that surprising, as the Clown said. He’s a man who unleashed that much killing intent from our first encounter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be strange if he couldn’t use ‘Whisper’.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyway, so you’re saying that the Master and Mr. Lion had a conversation before he left?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. They must have had something to talk about in secret.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And even Mr. Clown doesn’t know what they talked about?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course not. Both the Master and Mr. Lion are practically monsters!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fox clicks her tongue, unable to hide her disappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she could just know the content of their conversation, it might have been a clue to the Master’s situation…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kick, but it’s not like there were no gains.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes? Gains?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fox comes to her senses at the Clown’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Clown chuckles, pleased with her attentive posture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I, I didn’t feel anything at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please, can you elaborate a bit more?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mr. Lion’s intent! I couldn’t feel anything, even though he was clearly focusing it. Unlike the Master, whose intent I could at least faintly sense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fox, who has some knowledge about ‘Whisper’, freezes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s only natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he spoke in his usual playful tone, the content itself wasn’t lighthearted at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait a minute. You’re saying…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Clown reveals the ‘gain’ he obtained today on behalf of Fox, who can’t even finish her sentence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. Maybe Mr. Lion is an even bigger monster than the Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone is speechless at the shocking guess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence falls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s when Goblin cautiously speaks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Maybe the Master just spoke to him? Then it would explain why Mr. Clown couldn’t feel his intent… Ah, no, why are you all looking at me like that? I was just saying. Just saying. I didn’t really mean it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silence continues for a while.\u003C\u002Fp>",2123,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.064Z",1,"novelbin.me","6686c984f791b764f28c0addabb506476287c006db8ada665e0efa6bff1ae2b7","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-200","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-198",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]