[{"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-723":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},1327950,1764,"Chapter 723: Limited Time (2)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-723",723,"\u003Cp>Someone I know...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because I only saw him once when we were clearing the ‘Rift’ on Basement Level 1.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that was a ‘replicated’ form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, since there are some of you meeting me for the first time, let me introduce myself. I am Rabigion Commelbi Lapdonia.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The founding king of Lapdonia we met inside the Rift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Known among his people as the ‘Immortal King,’ the reigning monarch and tyrant who ruled this city for thousands of years through an unfathomable span of time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When we saw him in the Rift back then, we were greatly shocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only because it was hard to believe we had encountered such a historical giant...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But kings in Lapdonia always appear wearing masks...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in the royal palace, the heart of the nation, and in the propaganda pamphlets distributed, the king appeared masked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were many stories about security and preventing assassination, but the true reason was unknown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One thing was certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lapdonian kings always covered their faces with masks at official events as if it was tradition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why? Younger than expected?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the King of Apocalypse’s words, I quickly snapped out of it and chose my reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Yes, I suppose so.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I decided there was no need to talk about the ‘Immortal King’ we saw in the Rift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mentioning it might only stir up unnecessary trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha! But surely my voice didn’t sound like some old man’s all wrinkled up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luckily, once I agreed, the King of Apocalypse said no more and just smiled like a man in his forties hearing a compliment about looking young.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well then... before we go there, let’s get some fresh air.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will accompany you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing that, the knight started guiding us, and I followed behind the King of Apocalypse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step, step...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As we walked slowly, a path to the garden appeared, and for the first time in a long while, I saw the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘How long has it been?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hadn’t seen the sky in days, trapped inside that room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, of course, the sky was still as cloudy as usual—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How much longer do you think I’ll live?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Out of nowhere, a strange question flew at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...What do you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just what I said. Is it strange to talk about this? Even the Immortal Dynasty couldn’t achieve eternity in the end.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, when put that way, there was nothing to argue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though they lived almost immortal lives, they too were mortals who ultimately couldn’t escape death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Still, you seem well, unlike the rumors.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rumors, huh...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He casually tossed the phrase out with little expectation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the King of Apocalypse asked me a subtle question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aren’t you curious why I never leave the palace and stay locked away?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nodding here would be foolish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am curious... but not enough to insist on knowing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why? After all, I’m the king of a country.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s none of my business.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King of Apocalypse laughed heartily at that unexpected reply, and I just stood there embarrassed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I felt sorry for how amused he was, but it was obviously not what I truly thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t consider it none of my business at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Surely there’s a reason for this...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I was insanely—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Curious.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The whole world blinked at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few seconds, thunder rumbled, and I understood what had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning struck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right where we were standing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, are you unharmed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, no one was hurt by the lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A translucent shield surrounded the King of Apocalypse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need to worry. Tch, and here we go again just after I came outside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I couldn’t help but frown at his complaint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something about the way he spoke felt off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘A sudden lightning bolt from a clear sky, and yet he acts like it’s nothing...?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, thanks to the shield, no one got hurt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Does this... happen often?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I cautiously asked, and the King of Apocalypse laughed playfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Seems even the sky is eager to kill me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry. It should be quiet for a while now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm... that made me even more curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be connected to that ‘lots of sleep’ thing he mentioned before?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been a long time here as well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After walking a good distance, we arrived at an open space with tables and chairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with a clear look, there was nothing special except that it looked perfect for a picnic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this the place you mentioned earlier?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? Haha! You were thinking that on the way here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, despite all the time that’s passed, this place remains unchanged. Perhaps this is what eternity really means.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A place full of memories?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Yes. Many things happened here. Since we’re here, let’s rest a bit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I sat down on the grass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Partly worried I might break the king’s memory-filled chair by sitting, and also because sitting matched our eye levels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though we took our seats, the King of Apocalypse simply stared off into the distance lost in thought, and a quiet silence fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About five minutes passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This war was started by the prime minister.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Excuse me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pretending to oppose the Noark people in front, but secretly plotting with them to swallow this country whole. Is that so surprising?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, how could it not be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dropping such a statement out of nowhere with no buildup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wished he’d at least flash a warning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, really didn’t expect it? The intelligence bureau thought you were secretly guessing it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh... To be honest, I hadn’t entirely ruled it out... I wouldn’t say I predicted it, just didn’t exclude the possibility.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hearing such logical talk from that body is strange. What kind of person were you originally?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Just an ordinary office worker.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? A guy like you was once a slave? The rulers of that world must have rotten eyes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“An office worker isn’t a slave, though...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? That’s what I was told.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apparently, the modern person who explained ‘office worker’ to the King of Apocalypse was very pessimistic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that’s not important.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you know why the prime minister planned such a thing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There is nothing in this world I don’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...Should I put Narcissism +7 in his stats?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I thought so for a moment, but then decided it was more like pure bad luck than narcissism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he really seemed to know everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So... why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Any guesses?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I really don’t know. I never thought the prime minister was behind it even after the Noarks appeared from his house.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No motive came to mind. If I had to choose, maybe greed for power... But even that was vague. The prime minister I saw wasn’t that greedy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha! That’s right. Even I think he’s timid and easygoing. But...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King of Apocalypse’s joking tone turned serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sometimes people have something they just can’t give up, no matter if it means losing everything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Somehow, those words hit deep in my heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What came to mind first was a mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind that mirror was me, and further beyond, the comrades I now valued so dearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So I grew even more curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was inside the marquis’s mirror?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...What was it for the marquis?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I asked nervously, swallowing hard, but the answer was disappointingly vague.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well... Heh, as I said before, it’s better to hear that from the person himself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I muttered a curse inside, but at least I gained something...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So... the ‘fox riding the tiger’ really meant the prime minister?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I asked subtly, the answer was affirmative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. Who else would be the fox besides the prime minister in this country?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, I don’t really know. To be honest, we’re a bit distant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Distant... Haha! You’re really an interesting one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All along, the King of Apocalypse kept smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was so funny in this conversation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe it was just because it’d been so long since he’d talked with someone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Well... the atmosphere isn’t bad so far.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn’t sure, but it seemed like continuing this kind of talk was the way to go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s get to the point and talk there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this where I’ll get to see ‘that’ you mentioned earlier?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King of Apocalypse nodded, the knight led the way, and we headed back to the Apocalypse Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If you’re coming back, why did you leave?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even going elsewhere in the palace, just back to that audience chamber where he had been holed up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then we took the elevator we used when first arriving, going straight down again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the doors opened, a gigantic test tube similar to the ones at Pantelion Lab was visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tch, so this is what he wanted to show.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why hide it so much?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I thought, but remained silent, figuring he’d explain since he brought me here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So... what is this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A life-support device.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even a dead person can survive inside here, hidden from the world’s eyes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...I see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, it was the secret behind the Immortal King’s near-immortal life. In the past, it could even extend lifespan. But after the last user left without explaining, it was never used again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know? I never thought I’d \u002FN_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t\u002F have to use this device. When I sat on the throne that seemed like it would never change owners, I swore I’d be different. I’d live and die as a human.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...So that’s no longer the case?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t you see? Lightning struck like judgment. My lifespan ended long ago, and this world is desperate to remove me for defying the natural order.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So that’s why you’ve been hiding inside and not coming out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“More or less, yes. Does it look pathetic?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, not really. Just feels cliché.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cliché?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. No one really wants to die. Even those who make extreme choices truly want to live. They just can’t live as well as they imagine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Interesting. Continue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s not much more to say. I just wondered how badly someone who has everything would want to live.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, those who reach the pinnacle of power on Earth often seek immortality at the end, and I didn’t think it was shameful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As living beings born to survive, struggling to live shouldn’t be blamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the inhumane events that happen along the way deserve all the condemnation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I actually think that desire is more human than anything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Fascinating. Especially since you’re not just flattering me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then will you withdraw the week-long imprisonment?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That depends on your answer later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then please speak frankly. We’re both people who value each day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I spoke more comfortably, the King of Apocalypse looked at me briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luckily, he didn’t find my boldness annoying, and soon a smile returned to his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been a long time. Someone I wanted to talk with appeared, and it’s none other than you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sounds like a compliment, but...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...Why does his gaze feel so sly?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chill ran down my spine without me noticing, but the King of Apocalypse didn’t care and continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From now on, you may leave the palace and act freely. Save those who must die or kill those who must live—do as you please.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it wasn’t free.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So what must I do in return?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before signing any contract, I asked, and the King of Apocalypse answered simply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kill the prime minister.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having heard the story before, the condition wasn’t surprising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I just nodded knowingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So he’s ordering me to do what he can’t himself...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s some nasty scheme hidden in this.\u003C\u002Fp>",1936,"2026-06-05T19:33:18.959Z",1,"novelbin.me","b7ca3eb362cb2c01d2ed8929ad08dde7f7755983b436ebb35ae8ef71fed4cfac","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-724","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-722",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]