Chapter 310: Chapter 310: Round Table (4)

The Earth Witch is alive.

There are many reasons why I recycled this information.

And the first reason is that it allows me to mess with Auril Gabis, who was expecting me to reveal something amazing.

Like this.

“Huh…”

The old man let out a groan, looking at me with disbelief.

It warmed my heart.

Well, that wasn’t the only reason I chose this information.

The second reason…

…is that it’s a pretty useful piece of information.

The source is me. After all, how surprised was I when I first heard it?

I almost had a heart attack.

Although I didn’t show it like these guys.

In short, it’s perfect for pretending to be a big shot.

Swoosh.

I slowly observed the other members’ reactions.

Their reactions were uniform.

At first, they were all like, ‘Huh? What is he talking about?’, but then they realized what it meant and looked at one spot.

The center of the Round Table, where the jewel was.

Towards the place where the truth would be revealed.

“It’s green.”

The jewel emitted a green light.

“Then that means it’s true…”

“At least he believes it’s true.”

I chuckled, looking at the members who were exclaiming.

Yeah, this should be enough to prove myself.

‘Anyway, he didn’t tell them about this, right?’

The third effect.

I could figure out how much information Auril Gabis had shared with the other members by asking this question.

If he had casually shared this kind of high-level information with them, the jewel wouldn’t have emitted a green light.

‘Well, I had a hunch after seeing that he didn’t even tell them his name.’

Ah, for reference, there was a fourth reason.

To share information with the members.

After all, there was no mention of the Earth Witch being alive in the game.

I interpreted it as the old man, the game developer, intentionally hiding this fact.

Therefore…

‘Damn right, it’s always fun to reveal secrets.’

I had practically poisoned this group.

I didn’t know how lethal this poison was, or if it would just be a slight sting…

‘Judging by their expressions, it seems like a success.’

The four veterans had learned a secret that Auril Gabis wanted to hide.

It would definitely have a chain reaction.

In a way that Auril Gabis wouldn’t want.

“I can’t believe the Earth Witch is alive, I’ll have to research her.”

“The royal family must have known and hidden it. Maybe we can use this against them.”

The Ruin Scholar, who looked like a child, was looking at me with scholarly interest, and the captain of Orculus was excited, like a warrior who had obtained a good sword.

And…

“If the Witch is really alive… where is she now?”

…the woman repeated the same question I had asked Auril Gabis.

Damn, she’s smart.

“What’s your name?”

The woman in the fancy dress frowned at my question.

And she muttered,

“…Rabi.”

Rabi.

I didn’t even know if it was her first or last name.

No, I didn’t even know if it was her real name or an alias.

Damn it, I was going to ask her later…

“Why are you asking?”

The reason was obvious.

She was the only one here who didn’t know my name.

Of course, I couldn’t answer that way.

“Because you asked a stupid question.”

“…?”

“Is there a reason why I should answer your question?”

It would be ridiculous to use honorifics with them when I was even talking down to the Master, so I just spoke to her like she was my subordinate.

But could it be that she was offended?

“…….”

Rabi glared at me, biting her lip.

It was the perfect time to give her a carrot, judging by my one year of experience as Lion.

“But…”

“……?”

“…I might answer if you tell me something interesting.”

Rabi hesitated at my arrogant words and then nodded as if she understood.

And she looked at me after taking a deep breath.

“So you want us to prove ourselves. Fine.”

Her gaze was filled with competitive spirit.

It was a somewhat expected reaction.

Well, they were the elites gathered by the Master, so they must be proud. It was only natural for them to be angry after being talked down to by a stranger.

“…….”

And besides, the other members were also looking at me with a slightly provoked gaze.

Okay, then the bait was set…

‘Huh?’

I suddenly felt a gaze on me and turned my head.

Auril Gabis was staring at me.

‘What the hell is this guy doing?’ With that exact look in his eyes.

______________________

The order of the meeting was clockwise, starting with me.

In other words…

“It’s my turn now, right?”

…the second turn was the old man’s.

So I also listened intently.

To have to share information that more than half of the people here didn’t know?

There had to be something useful—

“Then tell us.”

Auril Gabis then shared his information.

“Miss Rabi, the Earth Witch is where everyone’s hopes lie.”

Damn it, this cunning old man.

He stole the information I was going to use next turn.

‘Well, he probably said it first because he expected that.’

He must have judged that he had to resolve this first after seeing me use my information recycling technique.

Swaaaaaaaaaa.

The jewel emitted a green light.

The members muttered their usual reactions.

“Where everyone’s hopes lie…”

“Is he talking about the labyrinth?”

“It could be interpreted that way, but it could also be referring to the outside world.”

Hmm, so they didn’t have any concrete ideas either.

“Well, we can talk about that later, so let’s continue.”

The meeting resumed as Auril Gabis took control.

The middle-aged man was next.

His name was…

‘Kagureas.’

Right, that was it.

Amelia said she had never heard of that name.

Maybe it was an alias.

“Haha, I don’t know what to say since it’s my first time.”

“Just relax. You must have something, right? An important story that others wouldn’t know.”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

Kagureas, the muscular middle-aged man, hesitated, looking at us, and then sighed.

“I can’t just brush it off with the Master here. I’ll just say it.”

“Go ahead.”

“There’s a portal in the basement of the royal palace.”

What…?

Everyone except for Auril Gabis exclaimed in surprise as the jewel emitted a green light.

“A portal? Is it connected to the labyrinth?”

Although there was no reason for him to answer since his turn was over, Kagureas shrugged and said,

“I don’t know for sure since I just happened to find it, but it doesn’t seem to be connected to the labyrinth.”

“This is… very interesting.”

“Then where does it lead…”

The four of them naturally looked at me and Auril Gabis as the Ruin Scholar muttered in his old-man-like tone.

“…….”

“…….”

They didn’t say anything, but their gazes were clear.

You guys know, right?

The eyes of those who were seeking answers, filled with questions.

“…Haha.”

Auril Gabis just laughed.

And I…

“…….”

…remained silent, as if I didn’t even move.

I had learned from experience.

That this would at least get me halfway there.

The Lion Style.

Second Form, Silence.

Ah, of course, I was still thinking.

‘A secret related to the royal palace… maybe he’s from the royal family.’

Kagureas.

Just what kind of person is he?

I was even more curious about him since I didn’t know anything about him, unlike the Captain or the Ruin Scholar.

But could it be that he didn’t like the silence?

“Well, then it’s my turn.”

The Ruin Scholar, who had been quiet until now, spoke.

And he shared his information without hesitation.

“The principle of the labyrinth’s cycle is life force.”

I was confused.

But it seemed like I wasn’t the only one.

“…Master Ruinjenes, can you explain it more simply? We’re not as knowledgeable about magic as you.”

“Simply, you say? Alright.”

The Ruin Scholar elaborated at Kagureas’ request.

“Contrary to what’s known, the labyrinth isn’t maintained by mana. It needs resources to circulate.”

It sounded like gibberish to me.

But Rabi seemed to know something about magic.

“…You’re saying that resource is life force.”

The Ruin Scholar nodded as she spoke in understanding.

“But what does that even mean? No one here is curious about the principle of the labyrinth.”

Kagureas said, as if he was dissatisfied.

Honestly, I felt the same way.

What’s the point of knowing that—

“Tsk, how annoying.”

Kagureas shut his mouth as the Ruin Scholar clicked his tongue.

It was a ridiculous sight, a muscular man being intimidated by a child, but I could understand.

The Ruin Scholar, despite his child-like appearance, had an intimidating aura.

“Can I explain instead?”

“Do what you want.”

Rabi spoke up for the Ruin Scholar, who seemed offended.

“If the raw material of magic stones is life force, it means that the labyrinth is maintained by life force. If I understood correctly… everything changes.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s not that humanity was rebuilt and this city was maintained because of the discovery of the labyrinth.”

Rabi said,

“It’s that the labyrinth is maintained because of this city.”

I felt a chill run down my spine.

Wait a minute…

Is that true? If that’s the case…

“…So the explorers who died in the labyrinth were practically fuel. The royal family must have known about this.”

The Captain spoke, as if he had the same thought as me.

And…

“Well, that’s how I understand it.”

…Rabi shrugged and glanced at the Ruin Scholar.

“At least it’s certain that the resource that maintains the labyrinth’s cycle is life force. And it’s only natural to suspect the royal family based on that.”

“I, I see…”

“So, are we done? I think it’s at least as valuable as that ambiguous information about a mysterious portal in the royal palace basement.”

Kagureas smiled awkwardly at the Ruin Scholar’s sharp words.

“Haha, don’t be angry. People like me wouldn’t understand unless you explained everything.”

…Is this guy a barbarian?

I felt a sense of familiarity from his way of speaking, but it would be a stretch to assume his race.

There were many explorers like that.

“It’s Miss Rabi’s turn now.”

Everyone’s gaze turned towards the woman at Auril Gabis’ words.

I was also a bit curious.

The information from the previous two was very interesting, and this woman had directly challenged me.

She would want to prove that she was at least on my level, even if she couldn’t beat me.

“It’s my turn.”

The woman then spoke.

And she shared information that I didn’t expect at all.

“The Ancient Dragon is dead. You probably didn’t know, but he died over ten years ago.”

I was dumbfounded.

She said it with a serious expression, as if she was sharing something amazing…

‘But that’s it?’

It was almost laughable, but the jewel emitted a green light.

Auril Gabis naturally knew about it, so it meant that the other three were hearing this for the first time.

“…I see. No wonder the Dragonkin have been quiet lately.”

“So that’s what happened.”

“It’s a shame that he died after living through the era of immortals.”

The three of them nodded, as if they had heard a rare secret.

I was initially confused by their reaction, but it made sense when I thought about it.

The fact that the Dragonslayer, Regal Vagos, had killed the Ancient Dragon and stolen the tribe’s sword was only revealed after a new Ancient Dragon was chosen.

‘So it was around this time…?’

I couldn’t remember the exact year since I hadn’t studied history, but I think it was around this time.

‘I didn’t know they were keeping it a secret this thoroughly.’

I clicked my tongue in disappointment.

But did she notice?

“So, how is it? Is that an interesting story?”

“Well.”

I didn’t even understand why they were reacting like that to the death of the Dragonkin chieftain.

And why she was acting so proud.

The previous information was clearly much more valuable.

So I just said it honestly.

“I don’t find it particularly valuable.”

“…That’s hard to understand.”

Rabi glared at me, her pride hurt.

There was a hint of suspicion in her eyes.

She was probably wondering if I was intentionally ignoring her.

‘No, if you’re going to be arrogant, at least bring something more interesting.’

I had to put her in her place, for the sake of high-quality information.

Therefore…

‘It’s time to use my Third Form.’

I tapped my fingers on the table and said,

“It’s not my turn, but I’ll share something.”

“What do you mean—”

Hey, don’t interrupt me.

I quickly continued, not giving her a chance to interrupt, as if I could skip my turn for free.

“The one who killed the Ancient Dragon is a Dragonkin named Regal Vagos.”

“…Huh?”

The woman, who was about to protest, flinched.

And after a slight delay…

Swaaaaaaaaaa.

…the jewel emitted a green light.

“…….”

“…….”

A familiar silence.

I looked at Rabi and said,

“So, are you convinced now?”

The Lion Style.

Third Form, Contempt.