[{"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-520":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},1328197,1764,"Chapter 520: One on One (3)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-520",520,"\u003Cp>Lee Baekho’s sudden comment had made the atmosphere heavy, but it didn’t last long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly regained his usual cheerful demeanor, and I didn’t mention it again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I couldn’t help but wonder…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…What would he be like now?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew about his past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few years before I woke up in this world, his identity had been revealed due to a teammate’s betrayal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he had become the person he was today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like me, he had been diligently clearing the labyrinth when his team disbanded, and he had to continue on his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His distrust of others was a natural consequence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if he hadn’t been betrayed…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What would he be like now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? Hyung, why are you staring at me? Did I do something wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just looking. Did you do something wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Hyung, you’re too much! Of course not. Haha.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyway, can we talk privately for a moment?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lee Baekho glanced at Hyunbyul, and she sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not like you two are dating.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, are you jealous, noona?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I’ll be back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyunbyul left the room without much fuss, as usual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was a little surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t seem to mind him calling her ‘noona’ anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had she finally given up on correcting him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe, so it’s just the two of us now? Let’s have a nice, private—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cut it out. I’m serious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, sir.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So what’s the rush? Why did you ask Hyunbyul to leave?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, that? It’s not really a rush…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then what is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I sat down on the sofa and rested my chin on my hand. Lee Baekho sat across from me and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hyung, are you really trapped in the labyrinth?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Time flows normally even after the labyrinth closes… that’s amazing. Have you found a way out?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, that’s a problem. Should I come rescue you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just focus on your own business.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe, I knew you would say that. And I can’t go anyway.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you outside now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. I thought there would be amazing discoveries out here, but there’s nothing. Not even a single rat. I should have stayed in the labyrinth and searched for the hidden area.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was wondering… why did you leave the kingdom?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I didn’t expect you to find the hidden area so quickly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So that was the reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had found it strange that he, who was so obsessed with the labyrinth, had left the kingdom at this point in time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hyung, how’s the hidden area? Tell me about it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For free?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come on… you’re curious about the outside world too, aren’t you? Let’s share information.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You said there was nothing out there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not yet. But my intuition tells me there’s a huge secret hidden out here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sounded like he was trying to sell me something, but I had a similar feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was something hidden beyond the walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t know what it was yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine. Deal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As expected of my hyungnim!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I told him about the 1st Basement Floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The variant and new species of monsters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The summoning books in the library.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The floating objects in the sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I didn’t mention the Elder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t feel guilty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hadn’t received anything from him yet, and he probably wouldn’t tell me everything he had discovered outside the walls either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Maybe I could learn something new if I discussed the Elder with him…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I couldn’t trust him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had a feeling he would betray me eventually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he was too valuable to just abandon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So that’s it for now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? What about the tree island? That was getting interesting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re still exploring it. I was taking a break when I was summoned here. I was so surprised.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s good. I was worried when Hyunbyul noona asked me if you were really dead. She looked like she was about to cry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, he was outside the walls, so he must have heard about it from Hyunbyul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't seem to read the forums.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hyung, I’m leaving now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? But you still have plenty of time left.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know, but I think I should go now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He grinned at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m spending time with Hyunbyul noona today. She was really worried about you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll be going now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Baekho, wait.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stopped him, and he tilted his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hesitated for a moment and then spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It might be unnecessary…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Being smart isn’t about keeping secrets.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What? Did I hear you correctly?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked confused, so I continued,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not about being secretive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Then what is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s about being afraid.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We were always thinking about the worst-case scenario.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>______________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lee Baekho left early, and Hyunbyul rejoined the chat room soon after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How did it go?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It went well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You ended early today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She asked casually, and I answered in the same tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He said he was spending time with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…W-What?! That… that liar!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are you so flustered? It’s not like it’s the first time he’s said something like that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s true… I guess…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said that, but she was fanning herself with her hand, as if she was feeling hot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been a while since I had last seen her like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I felt a surge of playfulness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Were you that worried?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I asked, a teasing smile on my face, and she frowned and glared at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Do you want to fight?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh… no? Why would you say that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Seriously… you’re becoming just like him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had just been teasing her, and yet I was being scolded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't understand, but I quickly changed the subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How’s work?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s fine. I’m gaining Viscountess Peprok’s trust.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s she like?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…She’s a kind person. And naive. She’s been a little troublesome lately, though.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Troublesome?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t you know? It’s because of Bjorn Yandel.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It hadn’t been my intention, but I had inadvertently caused trouble for her twice now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, at least things are looking up. I saw the post on the forums. A lot of people believe it. And it has a lot of views. The news will spread throughout the city soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, it is. If it had been any later, your assets would have been seized, and your family would have been disbanded.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, it was a close call.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I was talking about your boss not bothering you anymore.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, really?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was openly testing me now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I would have to show her what a true barbarian was capable of when we met in person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She would never doubt me again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oppa, what are you thinking?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You had a sinister look in your eyes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re overthinking it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I cut her off before she could say anything more, and we spent the rest of the time reading and chatting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And after a while…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oppa, it’s time for me to go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, right. It’s already that time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was almost time for the Round Table meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I left the chat room and returned to Lee Hansu’s room. I checked the forums again and then entered the Round Table just as the timer was about to run out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A navy blue suit and a lion mask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had looked ridiculous at first, like I was wearing a costume… but now I was used to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alright, I was dressed…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step, step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…and I arrived at the Round Table. The other members were already there, waiting for me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s ridiculous. It has to be a lie.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, I’m not so sure. The comments on the post say it’s probably true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heehee, I know that guy! Didigo, right? The one with the weird roleplaying.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right, but he’s not someone to be ignored.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, he does seem to know a lot of things… Ah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They stopped talking and greeted me with their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Except for Clown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft, welcome, Lion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He even stood up and bowed like a medieval nobleman. I ignored him and sat down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Parab’s sitting next to me today.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goblin was sitting next to me, which was unusual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did he want to go first?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was curious, but I would find out soon enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s begin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gave the signal, and the meeting started without any delay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I assume you’ve all read the post on the forums. There’s a high probability that it’s true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…And?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That’s my information.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other members groaned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“’High probability’? What kind of information is that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft, then I’ll go next. There’s a high probability that Goblin’s brain capacity is 3kb!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heehee, Clown, you got that from the forums, didn’t you? That guy was so pathetic.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“P-Pfft…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clown chuckled awkwardly at Butterfly’s comment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he had anticipated the ridicule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I’ll present the evidence that supports my claim.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goblin continued, and the members, their curiosity piqued, listened intently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Evidence?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, so there’s more to it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He wouldn’t have revealed such a vague piece of information otherwise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goblin, seeing their interest, began his explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m good at using the internet. I love arguing, and my specialty is doxxing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What does that have to do with anything?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve been investigating the author of that post. I read all their posts and comments, looking for clues.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…And?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I couldn’t identify them, but I’m certain they’re a member of the Hex Clan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was genuinely surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other members looked confused, but I knew he was right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…He actually did it?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an unexpected talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know what to say.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Hex Clan… they were one of the sixty explorers who entered the hidden area with Bjorn Yandel…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Queen, what do you think? You’re close to the GM, so you must know something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Queen nodded, her expression a mix of surprise and confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I can’t believe it, but Goblin’s theory matches ours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. But… I don’t understand how he did it. We had to recover the deleted posts to reach that conclusion…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Deleted posts? What kind of posts?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There were quite a few. And they were all related to the Hex Clan. They kept praising the clan’s welfare system and then deleting the posts before the community closed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What? Were they advertising their clan on the forums?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was ridiculous, but Queen’s testimony changed the other members’ perception of Goblin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe… I’m glad my investigation was correct.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…What was this guy’s deal?\u003C\u002Fp>",1715,"2026-06-05T19:33:16.156Z",1,"novelbin.me","c547f128139dee18d6430378bd491e3dc742ed4fd75c3c103a3c9556a70e5aeb","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-521","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-519",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]