[{"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-472":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},1327692,1764,"Chapter 472: Friend or Foe (4)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-472",472,"\u003Cp>Clown wasn't the only one convinced by my statement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Auril Gabis is our enemy...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fox, who had once been a loyal follower of the Master, muttered with a hint of bitterness. Stag Antlers nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, he was always secretive, just like the royal family. And people who keep secrets usually have something to hide.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Queen, who had investigated Auril Gabis the most among the existing members, didn't object.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Auril Gabis is our enemy... I'll keep that in mind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said she would keep it in mind, but I knew she would immediately report to the GM and share her theories about Auril Gabis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, I had built a reputation for providing valuable information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he still seemed confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Is there something I'm missing? Why are you all accepting his statement so easily? I mean, if he had said Auril Gabis did something bad, I would understand, but... that statement was too subjective, wasn't it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a returning veteran, he had subtly pointed out the flaw in the Round Table system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his objection fell on deaf ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, but Wolf, you did the same thing, didn't you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same logic applied to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We all asked you for evidence. But Lion didn't provide any.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sounded a little indignant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if I said Auril Gabis wasn't our enemy, the jewel would still glow green. So who would you believe?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a sharp rebuttal, but the answer was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pfft, that's easy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We would believe Lion. Not some random newbie who suddenly appeared after all these years.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wolf looked dumbfounded, and Queen added,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, there's always a chance. If Wolf can provide us with concrete evidence...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Queen's words were a clear challenge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted to see what he was hiding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wolf had revealed his allegiance to Auril Gabis, but that was all they knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Evidence... Alright.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wolf didn't back down. He didn't seem fazed by their reactions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so the second round began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We went in order last time, so let's go in reverse order this time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pfft, feeling confident, are we?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I just thought it would be fairer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, I don't mind. I think Lion would prefer it this way too...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clown glanced at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was always trying to please me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hadn't been particularly kind to him...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, I'll start. I've been hesitant to share this because it's not entirely confirmed... but I have a feeling it will be a hot topic this time. Pfft.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clown, unusually verbose, looked around the table and said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We've all been wondering, haven't we? About the old man who led thousands of explorers out of the labyrinth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think that old man... was Auril Gabis.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, is that so?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an old story, but I was still interested. It was just Clown's speculation, though.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swaaaaaaaaaa!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The jewel glowed green, and the existing members didn't object.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Queen was the only one who spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can you tell us why you think so?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pfft, do I really need to? You all know who I am. My opinion alone should be enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well... I'll let it slide this time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it because of the new members?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Queen, who usually pressed for more information, let it go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wow... Clown, you're amazing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Compared to Lion? Not even close. Pfft...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said that, but he sounded pleased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Did he reveal that ambiguous information just to show off?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I dismissed the thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn't that desperate for attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, Butterfly, your turn. I'm looking forward to this. Pfft.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uh... I think my turn came too early.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Butterfly looked around nervously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's a portal in the royal palace basement.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn, that's the information I was planning to reveal...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Two of them, actually.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What? Two?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swaaaaaaaaaa!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The jewel glowed green, and the members started asking questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A portal? What does that mean? Can the royal family enter the labyrinth whenever they want?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hehe, I don't know? What do you think?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So... is my turn over?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Butterfly ignored their questions and ended her turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Queen's turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Recently—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Another political story? Those are so boring...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Queen hesitated for a moment at Butterfly's interruption and then started over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"About the dimensional collapse... the one the royal family can intentionally trigger. It actually happened. The most recent one was intentional.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Hee, is that so?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The jewel glowed green, but Butterfly seemed indifferent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather, she was glaring at Queen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'She's trying to one-up her.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had revealed information related to the previous topic, claiming it as her own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's another way to return to Earth, besides opening the Gate of the Abyss. It's dimensional magic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was related to her previous information. But no one criticized her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had added another line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's how Auril Gabis got here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Black, you're also suspicious now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The members were now interested in Black Mask's identity, and the meeting continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stag Antlers, Crescent Moon, Goblin, Fox.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all shared useful information, avoiding any world-altering secrets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Pfft, finally.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Wolf's turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone looked at him expectantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They knew what he was going to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would try to prove that Auril Gabis wasn't our enemy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then it would be my turn to refute his claim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a one-on-one battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've met the King. And I've glimpsed the secrets of this world.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had met the King?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...When?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Within the past year.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wolf seemed willing to answer their questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's an interesting story, but it's a little vague, isn't it? 'Secrets of the world'... that doesn't tell us much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Queen pointed out the flaw in his statement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I knew her well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was trying to suppress her excitement and extract more information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other members seemed to have noticed it too, but they didn't interrupt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They wanted to hear more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can't reveal the details to strangers. But I can tell you this much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wolf drew a line and said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Auril Gabis isn't our enemy. He's our ally.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The jewel glowed green throughout his statement, and his turn ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was my turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'He met the King... that's a bold claim.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The members seemed a little hesitant now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wolf looked at me smugly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I needed to assert my dominance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I mentioned a name that would overshadow even the King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Earth Witch, Ellis Groundia.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had told me not to open the Gate of the Abyss... but that wasn't important right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've met her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn't lying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>___________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Earth Witch, Ellis Groundia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mythical being who had brought ruin upon this world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment her name was mentioned, everyone fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Wolf.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were shocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had mentioned her before, saying she was alive... but meeting her was a different story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Earth Witch...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pfft... Lion, you always surprise me. I repent. I shouldn't have doubted you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clown was the most enthusiastic, but the atmosphere had clearly shifted in my favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King might be a powerful figure, but he was still just a human.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he hadn't even appeared in public recently, citing health issues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His reign hadn't even lasted 200 years yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn't compare to the Earth Witch, who had ruled the kingdom for over a thousand years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'There's also the speaker's reputation, of course.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Me, the mysterious and powerful figure at the Round Table, versus Wolf, the returning veteran who had been considered a nobody a few years ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Hehehe, I think we know who to believe now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's always a chance that Lion is being deceived by the Earth Witch—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh? But Wolf, you could be deceived too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And if one of you is being deceived, I think it's more likely to be you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What are you trying to say?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hehehe, I'm just saying... you seem more gullible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Butterfly giggled, and Wolf didn't respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew he couldn't win this argument.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, I think I'll be going now. It was good to see you all again. Lion, Butterfly, Black... see you next time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wolf declared his withdrawal from the Round Table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'He's running away.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he had said he would be back, so it wasn't a permanent departure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An awkward silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was looking at each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was time for me to take the initiative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah... Are you leaving?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was obvious, wasn't it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"See you next time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I left the Round Table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>___________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bedroom bathed in moonlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A woman's voice trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was because of the shocking news she had just received from the late-night visitor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What? He's... alive...? Bjorn is...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of shock, anger surged through her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You... you're incorrigible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was cold and sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lee Baekho just smiled awkwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's the second time I've heard that today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Get out. If you pull this kind of prank again, I'll—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Misha Carlstain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had used her full name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misha froze, and Lee Baekho's voice became serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm not joking. Bjorn Yandel is alive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Proof?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's all over the city. Just ask around tomorrow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lee Baekho then briefly explained Bjorn Yandel's recent activities, and Misha slowly began to believe him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bjorn is... alive...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mixture of emotions washed over her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Joy, sadness, confusion, anger...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...That bastard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah, he's a real piece of work. He tricked everyone, faked his death, and joined the royal—.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not him, you. You knew, and you didn't tell me...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah... sorry. I was trying to... process it. You should go outside more often.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A long silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man finally spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So... are you going to see him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course. Why do you think I've been with you all this time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To revive Bjorn Yandel. With the Stone of Resurrection.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know. Now get out. I need to pack. I'm leaving tomorrow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, I see...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man's tone was strange, and Misha flinched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What do you want to say? Just spit it out.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had a bad feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And her premonition was right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing much, just...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lee Baekho was smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have a favor to ask.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like he had done that day.\u003C\u002Fp>",1684,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.064Z",1,"novelbin.me","6aae381630a92a9b546ce5b66850b5fcc7bf494e2a5bb913aee1f1465aeff23a","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-473","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-471",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]