Surviving the Game as a Barbarian

GM, Jurben Havelion.

A player using a very unsettling nickname, Elfnunalove, and an old user who has survived in this world for over 20 years.

By the way, Versil also knows his true identity.

[Jurben Havelion. That's the GM's name.]

This was already revealed at the round table.

So I feel there must be a hidden reason why he recommended this guy.

"...If he's an Arcane Engineer, I know of him too. But realistically, can we even summon him? I heard he hardly goes outside."

To Amelia's sharp question, Versil nodded confidently as if it was no problem.

"Don't worry about that part. We have a friendly relationship."

'Though it might not work,' Versil hedged, but his voice carried confidence.

Why was he so sure?

Because there's no way Versil is truly close friends with that reclusive GM.

'He must be relying on some leverage he holds.'

But can you really get what you want by threatening someone with their identity? It seems even the royal family knows who he is.

Maybe it's a mutually beneficial relationship.

'Since the community disappeared, I'm curious what kind of situation he's in now.'

I've been interested in this guy for a long time, but was cautious to approach.

Lacking a legitimate reason, going straight to someone who's always holed up in the tower would get no audience and seem suspicious.

But...

"Not bad. Proceed with it."

If Versil acts as the middleman, we could probably meet him naturally.

"Yes. I'll go back and bring it up right away."

I was a little worried, but trusted Versil's personality to threaten tactfully without revealing his identity.

"Make sure to stress that this must be kept secret outside. And if he agrees to help, arrange a meeting. We'll need to see him first."

"Yes. I will."

With nothing more to do here, we wrapped up today's journey and returned to the city.

And...

"I'm going to the mage tower."

About three days after Versil left to talk to the Arcane Engineer,

"It's done. The Arcane Engineer will take a look."

The meeting was set.

The meeting with the Arcane Engineer was conducted with extreme caution and secrecy, like Cold War spies.

'Turn left here, open the third door beside the red roof building ahead, then go down... Ah, here it is.'

After winding through alleyways for a long time, we reached a building.

Descending underground stairs, we activated a magic circle like entering a secret market to enter a mysterious space.

Flash!

A fairly spacious room arranged like a study.

But no doors or windows could be found anywhere.

Apparently, it's a special space accessible only by magic...

"You're here. I've been waiting, Baron."

The man who was sitting on a sofa stood and greeted me.

'So that's what he looks like.'

I'd met him once in the city, but then he was disguised as Hans I, so this was the first time seeing his real face.

First impression keywords: youthful, skinny, glasses.

But I wasn't here to evaluate looks, so I just memorized his face and started talking.

"...Why so cautious?"

"Sorry for the trouble. Lately, I've had many enemies around me. Please understand."

Enemies...

Well, Ibaekho was the one who chased after him before.

"Anyway, nice to meet you. Jurben Havelion. I'm Bjorn, son of Yandel."

After a brief handshake, I sat down on the sofa that seemed like my seat—

Crack.

Hmph, barbarian discrimination from the start.

"That's fine, no need to apologize—"

...Huh?

Why should I apologize?

"Next time, buy sturdier chairs. Buying these makes you look like a discrimination supporter."

"Eh...? Ah, yes..."

"Buying chairs that barbarians can't sit on is the beginning of discrimination."

"...Haha, I'll remember that."

My impression was clearly dropping in real time, but I couldn't help it.

I had to be extra careful when talking to this guy.

Never look like a modern man; act barbarian.

Even if it looks a bit excessive.

Thunk.

I pushed the sagging sofa aside and just sat cross-legged on the bare floor.

Surprisingly, the eye-level difference wasn't noticeable.

No, I might have been a little taller...

"Anyway, thanks for agreeing to help. I didn't expect you to be friends with Versil. How do you two know each other?"

To avoid suspicion, I spoke as if knowing nothing.

From his point of view, he might think I was the one who sent Versil to threaten him.

"Haha... We're both officially affiliated with the mage tower. Naturally, we became friends."

"Oh?"

"So... what exactly do you want me to [N O V E L I G H T] investigate? Miss Gouland wouldn't tell me everything."

"It's about investigating the magic circle in the underground fortress. More precisely, how to activate it."

"The magic circle...?"

"Yes. It's a very ancient magic circle, and Versil said he can't handle it alone."

Getting to the point, the GM put his chin on his hand, looked thoughtful, and cautiously asked,

"Are you planning to go outside the city walls?"

...So you knew something too.

Since I was going to get help anyway, I answered honestly.

"Yes. Specifically, to go out and check on those bastards."

"...I see."

"Do you already know how to activate the magic circle?"

"No. Not really. I just got lucky to learn of its existence."

"You can't give a definite answer until you see it yourself?"

"Yes."

The GM's voice had no confidence and even seemed apologetic.

But...

'Why do I feel like he's just feeding me a line?'

Feeling strongly that he was trying to get by quickly, I said kindly,

"Don't worry. Even if you fail, I won't blame you."

"Ah, that's a relief."

"You just have to keep trying, right?"

"...Yes?"

What kind of 'yes' is that?

Did he think I'd just go underground, check the magic circle, and accept if he said it was beyond his ability?

"I don't care if it takes months. Eventually, you'll succeed!"

"..."

"As the requester, it's not right to leave you alone. I'll stay with you."

In other words, I'll lock you up and watch you so you don't slip away.

"Since we're talking about it, how about we go right now?"

"...Yes?"

"I heard you're always holed up in the tower. No appointments anyway!"

"B-but I need to prepare equipment..."

"Don't worry! Just say the word and I'll tell Versil to bring it."

"I-I'll bring it myself. Without it, it's meaningless and hard to find just by description!"

Maybe realizing he might actually be dragged along, the GM's voice quickened.

"Hmph... You're not going to disappear, right?"

"...Yes?"

Seeing his stunned face, I laughed heartily.

"Hahaha! Just kidding! You wouldn't disappear! I'm not worried!"

"Ahaha... Is that so?"

"Even if something unavoidable happens and you can't come, I'll just come find you!"

"..."

When I said the mage tower is well known to me after visiting several times, his face paled, probably recalling the last mage tower raid.

And then...

"Don't worry. An hour is enough."

Leaving after those words, the GM really returned before an hour passed.

Going to Noark with the GM alone was no problem.

After all, I knew the way down to Noark well...

Step, step.

The knights patrolling the sewers were dealt with by the magic tools the GM had.

I worried the patrol might have magical detection tools, but it was needless.

'...His gear is strong.'

Should I really call him an Arcane Engineer?

His gear seemed superior to the knights', as they didn't notice him passing nearby.

"You said you made it yourself? What's it called?"

"It has no name... It wasn't made to be sold anyway."

"Why not sell it?"

"It requires very rare byproducts to make and has a very low success rate. That's why only one exists."

"Oh?"

Hearing that made me want it even more.

Is there any way to steal it?

As I pondered, the GM quickly changed the subject.

"The world has changed a lot. I never thought I'd see knights roaming the sewers."

"So you should go outside more."

"Haha... I will."

Uncomfortable or stressed by being outside, the GM said nothing until we reached Noark Plaza.

I tried to make small talk, but he just ignored it.

'Less fun than I thought.'

Personality aside, as long as he does his job well, it's fine.

"Here we are. Do you understand anything?"

"I'll take a look."

At the plaza, the GM showed expert flair, pulling out various equipment and tinkering.

Some time passed.

"Um..."

The GM approached me, walking quickly, as I watched from a distance to avoid interrupting.

"It's done."

At first, I didn't understand.

"...Done?"

"Yes. I wrote the formula to activate the magic circle here. If you follow this method, even a 4th-rank mage can activate it."

He handed me a parchment with elegant writing, but I found it hard to believe.

Could it really be finished this quickly?

Squinting skeptically and scanning the paper up and down, he added defensively,

"...It was easier than I thought. Ancient magic circles are my specialty."

"Then why couldn't you give a definite answer before?"

"That's a bad habit of mine. Sorry."

Well, I had no argument against that...

"So... is it okay to leave now since the work's done? I prefer eating dinner at home..."

Honestly, I didn't believe him.

Though I couldn't say that to his face.

"What do you mean the work is done?"

"...?"

"Haven't you tested it yet? Try activating it."

Giving a reasonable excuse, I held him back.

The GM sighed and nodded, unable to refuse.

"Yes... I'll prepare briefly, so please wait."

About five minutes later, he called me, saying he was done.

Approaching him, he counted one, two, three.

And...

Flash!

White light enveloped us, and when we opened our eyes,

'This place...'

The sight was familiar yet strange.

A wide circular corridor that a huge serpent could pass through.

One wall was blocked, carved with unknown patterns...

"That's the magic circle inscribed here. From what I've seen, the activation method seems the same."

"...Seems the same?"

"Uh... That was a slip of the tongue. It's not wrong, so don't worry."

"..."

"Oh, and one caution... be careful not to damage the magic circle. Unlike the one in the plaza, this one is exposed."

"What happens if it breaks?"

"There's a permanent restoration spell, but it will take at least a year to fix."

"...I see."

Better than never returning, but a year is still a big risk.

"Can't we use teleportation magic to return to the city?"

"Yes. Coordinates are set below the city, but since there's no trajectory, we're probably outside the protective magic circle."

Simply put, we're under the city but outside the barrier covering the entire city.

Still, something feels suspicious.

Of course, I don't doubt the truth of what he said.

But...

'Something's definitely suspicious...'

Arcane Engineer Jurben Havelion.

I get that he's a talented mage.

'But even so, how can he answer everything just by a quick glance?'

Even I, an outsider, feel something is off.

It feels like he's pretending not to know what he already investigated.

"Then I guess my work here is done... Shall I go back now?"

I hesitated at the GM's request.

There's no denying the work was done, but I felt reluctant to send him off just like that.

I expected it to take at least a few weeks, so I had been waiting quietly.

I actually planned to chat and find out more during the investigation.

So...

"We've come this far. Aren't you curious? Let's go together!"

"Yes?"

"Then I take that as permission!!"

No way I'd let him go easily.