Chapter 370: Chapter 370: Black Star (3)

Lion is Bjorn Yandel.

That claim was first made by SoulQueens.

Her reasoning was that Lion disappeared right after Bjorn Yandel died.

In other words…

‘This is over if I just have an alibi.’

Lion isn’t Bjorn Yandel.

That one sentence would dispel most of their suspicions.

[I heard he also absorbed the Ogre’s essence…?]

[I don’t think she would use a stand-in and call him ‘mister’…]

[Then it would make sense for the Golden Mage to omit that from her report.]

[He might have faked his death.]

After all, those suspicions were all based on the possibility that Lion was Bjorn Yandel.

Clown’s reaction was proof.

[Pfft, what are you guys talking about? Bjorn Yandel is dead.]

He didn’t react to the suspicion because he firmly believed that Lion couldn’t be Bjorn Yandel.

‘Damn, he’s two-faced.’

I wanted to smash his head every time I saw him outside, but he was surprisingly cute at the Round Table.

Ah, this wasn’t the time to be thinking about that.

It seemed like the others were starting to come to their senses.

“…….”

“…….”

Fox was the first to break the heavy silence.

“…Twenty-two years ago…?”

Her voice was filled with shock.

Well, it was understandable.

“Is… is that even possible? That would mean Lion has been an explorer for over twenty years…”

Goblin trailed off, and Stag Antlers naturally interjected.

“It’s not impossible. The GM was also summoned around that time.”

It meant that I joined the community around the same time as the GM, the oldest player.

“Pfft, I wonder if I’ll be like Lion if I kill people for another ten years.”

Right, Clown, you’ve been an explorer for about ten years, right?

It seemed like the others were also around that level.

“But Queen, why are you so quiet?”

Clown spoke to SoulQueens, mocking her for being wrong.

“Shouldn’t you apologize? Spreading such a ridiculous rumor about Lion being Bjorn Yandel.”

Clown, enjoying his position as the only one who was ‘right’, then glanced at the other members.

“You guys are the same! Bjorn Yandel? Even if that bastard is alive, do you think a small fry like him could even compare to Lion? Huh?”

“Haha… We were just thinking out loud, we didn’t really believe it…”

Goblin laughed awkwardly and trailed off.

Stag Antlers, on the other hand, took responsibility for his words.

“Now that I think about it… it was a bit of a stretch to assume that Bjorn Yandel is even alive.”

“…I actually don’t believe that Bjorn Yandel is an evil spirit. There are some suspicious aspects to the royal family’s announcement… And I’ve met him in person.”

Fox met me in person?

She was a high-ranking official who escaped through the dimensional gate, wasn’t she?

Hmm, maybe they met by chance at another time?

‘I’ll think about it later…’

Clown then agreed with Fox.

“Pfft, I agree. That barbaric idiot, an evil spirit? That’s ridiculous.”

Even Stag Antlers, who was usually at odds with Clown, agreed to some extent.

“Well… it was hard to believe that his behavior at the title bestowal ceremony was an act.”

“…You’re talking about the incident where he pushed Marquis Kudo in front of the Prime Minister and all the other nobles?”

“Huhu, I heard about it later. They say he claimed that the marquis had tripped and rolled forward.”

…How embarrassing.

Why are they praising me in front of my face?

‘Anyway, I think I’ve cleared their suspicions…’

I glanced around, and SoulQueens was still silent, lost in thought.

‘What is she thinking so hard about?’

I observed her, curious, and Clown changed the subject.

“Queen, how long are you going to stay silent? It’s your turn. Can’t you see Lion is waiting?”

He seemed to have interpreted my gaze as impatience.

What a sycophant.

“Ah, ah! Yes, that’s right… I should go…”

Anyway, did Clown’s urging work?

SoulQueens seemed to have snapped out of her daze. She took a deep breath and slowly spoke.

“…The royal family knows the GM’s identity.”

It was an interesting piece of information.

____________________

The Magitechnician, Yurven Habelión.

The head of a school and an idol to countless crafting mages.

But that was just on the surface.

His true identity was different.

The GM, the leader of Ghostbusters, the evil spirit community, and a legendary figure among players.

But…

Swaaaaaaaaaa!

The green light on the Round Table proved that SoulQueens’s information was true, and that it was something more than half of the members didn’t know.

“The royal family knows about him…”

It meant only one thing.

Not only had the royal family intentionally let the GM go…

“Then they’re probably working together. The GM and the royal family.”

…but they were also cooperating.

It would also explain why the GM didn’t seem concerned about the royal family’s threats during our meeting.

Then why did SoulQueens reveal this information at the Round Table?

I soon found out.

“Pfft, the GM is just like the rest of them. No wonder there were no rumors even though I told them to spread them.”

It was probably a warning.

She was telling them not to waste their time spreading rumors since it was pointless.

“Wait a minute, but isn’t this strange? The GM clearly considered the royal family as an enemy.”

Goblin pointed out the contradiction, and Crescent Moon answered with a bitter smile.

“There’s nothing more futile than believing in eternity. Especially not when it comes to humans.”

He was saying that no one could be sure if the GM’s initial intentions had remained unchanged.

“This could destroy the entire community.”

Stag Antlers sighed.

“Yes. All players will be anxious if they find out that the GM has sided with the royal family. Even me.”

The other members also looked at SoulQueens as Fox stared at her.

“Queen, tell us. You’re part of the management team, aren’t you? Why did the GM join forces with the royal family?”

“I can’t tell you that.”

“Then you’re saying we should interpret it ourselves—”

“But I can confidently say this.”

SoulQueens cut Fox off.

And…

“Let’s start with me this time since my turn is over.”

…she placed her hand on the jewel.

“The GM is someone who acts for the sake of the players more than anyone else.”

“…….”

“He would never sacrifice another player to the royal family. And it’s technically impossible with the community’s current functions.”

The jewel emitted a green light as soon as she took her hand off it.

“Haha, I feel a bit relieved now.”

Goblin laughed awkwardly, breaking the silence, and the interrogating atmosphere disappeared.

“It’s a good thing it’s technically impossible.”

That was probably the deciding factor.

The GM’s heart might change later, but at least the worst-case scenario was technically impossible.

“Well, if he could find out our identities with his authority, this wouldn’t have happened…”

“It seems like he’s in a mutually beneficial relationship with the royal family, not completely under their control.”

“It’s your turn now.”

SoulQueens quickly ended the conversation, not wanting to talk about it any further, and passed the turn to Clown.

“Pfft, this is interesting from the very beginning…”

Clown trailed off, as if choosing what information to share.

But did he find something suitable?

“Aha, this is perfect!”

He clapped his hands dramatically and placed his hand on the jewel.

“…I just learned about this recently, but it’s quite shocking.”

“You said dragging it out is just pathetic.”

“Pfft, but Goblin and I are different, aren’t we?”

Clown shrugged, and Stag Antlers nodded slightly.

“Why are you nodding…?”

Goblin muttered, as if hurt.

But no one cared about Goblin.

Clown had started talking.

“The Dark Continent is a real place.”

His words were difficult to understand.

“…It’s green.”

“But what does that mean? I don’t understand.”

“Pfft! It means what it says! I went outside and looked around, and I realized… this land we’re standing on is exactly like the 7th-floor Dark Continent! Well, there might be some minor differences in the terrain and structure, but…”

It was information that piqued my gamer curiosity.

“…If that’s true, then maybe that theory is also true.”

“You’re talking about the theory that the labyrinth isn’t a passage to another dimension, but a dimension created by someone?”

“The Crystal Cave, the Rocky Desert… maybe they’re all based on real places.”

It would be ironic if that was true.

Someone created the labyrinth based on this world, and then someone else created a game based on that labyrinth city.

‘I’m curious about the outside world…’

Would I ever get to explore it?

____________________

The second round, which started in reverse order, went smoothly without any red lights, but that was all.

‘Queen and Clown were good, but the other information is a bit underwhelming.’

It wasn’t helpful to me, regardless of its objective value.

Fox, for example.

She received a green light for revealing that the Blood Spirit Marquis had bought a mansion with a large sum of money and then used that mansion as collateral for another loan.

And Crescent Moon…

He sighed and said that the Blood Spirit Marquis had probably used the money to buy an essence.

And…

“Buying a house and even an essence… Pfft, that woman is obsessed! It’s not like Bjorn Yandel is going to come back to life.”

Their reactions were a bit hurtful.

“…Lihen Schuitz, I don’t know who he is, but he doesn’t sound like a good guy.”

“Bu, but he’s strong, right? It’s hard to get that strong with just a few essences…”

“Those who have more are always greedier. To take advantage of a woman’s pain for his own gain… Shame on him.”

“Oh my, Stag Antlers, you’re quite the romantic.”

“Ahem…”

“The fairy tribe should also look into this. We only knew that she bought an essence, we didn’t know she gave it to a stranger…”

Damn it, they’re all going to investigate me…

‘If I could just take care of the Explorer’s Guild records…’

I had to find a solution soon.

“Haha, it’s my turn!”

Anyway, the next two, Goblin and Stag Antlers, were no different.

Their information wasn’t related to me, and it wasn’t particularly useful.

‘Well, it’s not like I can always get what I want.’

I dismissed my disappointment and glanced around.

It was finally my turn.

The atmosphere in the room had changed.

“…….”

Their gazes were filled with anticipation.

The air was so still that I could hear my own heartbeat.

And in that silence…

‘So, what should I do…?’

…I contemplated for the last time.

But I wasn’t going to change what I had already decided.

I opened my mouth.

“I’ve met Auril Gabis, the creator of [Dungeon and Stone].”

Right, I had to make it clear.

“……!”

“……!”

…that Lion couldn’t be Bjorn Yandel.

_____________________

“Phew… I’m tired…”

I collapsed onto the bed as soon as I returned to Lee Hansu’s room and closed my eyes, replaying the events of the Round Table.

‘It’s been a while since we went for three rounds.’

We had gone for one more round after the second one ended.

There was some useful information, but most of it wasn’t.

Therefore…

[It’s not like it will make a big difference if Goblin leaves. Let’s continue.]

[I don’t think anything interesting will come out.]

…I got up and left, ignoring Clown’s disappointed gaze.

If Goblin left, the majority ratio would decrease.

As always, one or two more people would leave if I didn’t take the initiative.

‘…And it’s true that there probably won’t be any high-level information.’

Okay, my head is working again after a short break.

I should spend the rest of the time browsing the internet.

Click, click.

I sat up and started browsing the forums.

“Keuh, keuh, keuh… these idiots…”

Damn it, why is this so funny?

What’s wrong with their brains?

“Kekeke…”

That’s when, as I was browsing the forums with one leg on the desk, laughing…

“…Huh?”

…I quickly sat up straight.

I rubbed my eyes and leaned forward, but the words on the monitor didn’t change.

[Long Live Korean Independence] - 1 user online.

Online? Who is it?

Could it be Lee Baekho?

No, the GM wouldn’t have unbanned him already…

‘And besides, it’s impossible for him to enter right now.’

Then is it just someone who’s bored?

Or a real Korean?

‘…Maybe there’s a Korean among the new recruits.’

Well, I would find out if I met them.

I double-clicked on the chat room.

And…

Click, click.

…the screen flashed white, and the surrounding space changed.

It wasn’t the usual empty lot or field, but a luxuriously decorated mansion.

The one that Lee Baekho, the room owner, had decorated.

‘What the, it’s a woman?’

I could see the back of a woman sitting in front of the fireplace.

[HS123]

I couldn’t tell her nationality from her nickname, but she was definitely Asian, judging by her hair and skin color.

Hmm, is she really Korean?

‘Well, I’ll find out if I talk to her.’

Although I preferred men, I didn’t mind talking to a woman.

If she was Korean, she might be willing to help me out, just like Lee Baekho did.

I made a noise to announce my presence.

“Ahem.”

“Eek!”

The woman flinched.

It seemed like she didn’t even notice me entering…

She smelled like a newbie—

“…Huh?”

…and then she turned around, startled, and our eyes met.

And at the same time…

“Uh…?”

“Uh.”

Her eyes widened.

Well, my eyes were probably also wide.

“Uh…?”

What the…

Am I dreaming?

Why is she here?

“Uh…”

My mind stopped working.

My mouth opened and closed like a goldfish, unable to speak.

And she was the same.

“Uh, uh.”

“Uh…”

“Uh…?”

But she recovered faster than me.

“Hansu… oppa…?”

She asked, her expression filled with surprise rather than joy.

“Hyunbyul…?”

I asked back, dumbfounded, and looked down.

A long skirt and a neat blouse.

And…

“Ha… you haven’t changed at all, have you?”

…black stockings.