Chapter 196 Master Key (1)

Chapter 196 Master Key (1)

Master Key (1)

Master Key (1)

As soon as I enter the community, I turn on the computer and check the chat room list.

And I freeze.

[Long Live Korean Independence] - 2 members online.

...Why two?

Did another Korean join this cycle?

No, but there's no way a newbie could find this chat room so quickly.

Click, click.

I double-click on the room title, feeling curious.

And unlike usual, a message appears.

[This room is temporarily restricted.]

[Remaining time: 9 minutes 51 seconds.]

What's this again?

I'm confused at first, but I soon grasp the situation. It's one of the room owner's privileges to restrict entry.

In other words...

'Someone visited Lee Baekho as soon as the community opened, and he locked the room to have a conversation.'

That's the most plausible explanation.

That someone must be an acquaintance of Lee Baekho's.

If they weren't acquainted, he would have kicked them out instead of locking the room.

'An acquaintance of Lee Baekho...'

I'm curious.

Lee Baekho is an old-timer who took an early version of the pill and can only use the community for an hour.

It's been well over 10 years since he entered this community, so he must know some people.

'But that person must also be someone who's been around for a long time, like Lee Baekho.'

In the first place, it was Lee Baekho who gave me the invitation code to 'Watchers of the Round Table'.

"Tsk."

I wish I could at least see the nickname of the person who's in the chat room.

I watch the countdown, feeling a bit disappointed, and the number of members decreases to one.

[Long Live Korean Independence] - 1 member online.

The entry restriction has also been lifted.

Did the visitor already leave?

That's when, as I enter the chat room...

"The person from your hometown that Baekho mentioned?"

Damn it, what the hell.

I hurriedly turn my head at the unfamiliar voice, and a Caucasian man I've never seen before is standing there.

No, wait, have I seen him before?

[Elfnunalove]

I'm momentarily dazed as I check the nickname above his head.

Surprisingly, he's someone I know.

It's the player who sold me information when I was asking around about the mage 'Shanel Pergan' after hearing the 'dimensional collapse' rumor.

[Actually, never mind. I think you're a fan of hers.]

I realized that I was a newbie here when he refused the 20,000 GP I promised him as a reward.

I even vowed to reach his level quickly.

But I can't believe he knows Lee Baekho.

'Wait, but where did Lee Baekho go?'

I quickly snap out of it.

He's also looking at me with a strange expression after seeing my nickname.

"Hmm, you're the person I saw back then."

Right, you recognize me too.

Since he's using the creepy nickname 'Elfnunalove', my nickname 'Elfnunna' must have stuck in his memory.

"Yes, it's good to see you again."

I keep my mouth shut, feeling a sense of unease.

Although I have many questions, sometimes just asking a question can reveal information.

I decide to wait for him to speak first.

Indeed, after a short wait, Elfnunalove, or Elov for short, scratches his head with an awkward expression.

"I'm sorry about this."

"Sorry about what?"

"It feels like I took away your friend from your hometown."

"...Are you talking about Baekho?"

Elov nods at my question.

"Yes, as you know, there aren't many Koreans here. I know how important it is to have someone from your hometown."

"No, I mean, I don't understand. Took him away...?"

This time, I'm not acting like a newbie, I'm genuinely confused.

I don't understand what he's talking about.

Don't tell me Lee Baekho left the chat room because of him?

No, but how?

Lee Baekho was clearly the owner of this chat room.

"It's as I said. You won't be able to see Baekho anymore, even if you come here. I left him alone until now because I thought he might be helpful... "

The Caucasian man continues.

"But unfortunately, he made a big mistake."

"...?"

"I was originally going to just leave, but I'm telling you this so you don't waste your time waiting. Well then, have a good time."

Elfnunalove leaves the chat room before I can even say anything.

I stare blankly at the empty space.

'Damn it.'

What the hell is going on?

_________________

I'm alone in the empty room.

The Clown is the first to greet me.

"You're early this time, pfft."

It's his unique laughter that I haven't heard in two months because I skipped a month.

I approach my usual seat and observe the others.

'Crescent Moon, Antler, Fox.'

Including the Clown and me, there are five participants in this gathering. Fox, who makes eye contact with me, averts her gaze and speaks to everyone.

"By the way, Goblin is late today."

"Pfft, didn't he die? I heard the Paladin Order suffered heavy losses this time."

"...Let's hope not."

As expected, the main topic before the meeting is the recent subjugation.

"I'm surprised I even made it back alive. It was hell on earth. I regret participating so thoughtlessly."

"...I agree. I can't believe Noark had that kind of power hidden. When the first subjugation force was formed, I thought they could even conquer the royal palace with that much."

"Pfft, but they were all defeated, right?"

"Clown, you're talking as if it's someone else's story."

"Then what is it? It doesn't matter to me how many people died. Right, Mr. Lion?"

"Well, I'm not interested."

I just rest my chin on the armrest and listen to their conversation, pretending to be bored.

Noark's dark mages.

The priest of Karui.

The inner workings of large clans that suffered heavy losses, stories about other races, and so on.

Information that's not valuable enough to be shared at the meeting is constantly flowing out under the guise of small talk.

'It's a good thing I came early.'

Just as I'm trying to hide my smug smile and listen to their opinions on the current situation...

"Oh, Mr. Goblin!"

...the Goblin Mask appears from beyond the open door.

"You're alive."

"Ah, yes. It was very dangerous, but God helped me."

The Goblin, naturally talking about God even though he's not from this world.

The Clown laughs mockingly.

"God my ass. You were probably hiding like a goblin. Pfft."

"No, Clown, why are you always like this to me?"

"Because you're easy to pick on?"

"......"

Goblin just chuckles as if he's speechless, even though he was openly insulted, and sits down in his seat.

'He's scared.'

At first, I didn't understand why Goblin was being so subservient, but come to think of it, it's only natural.

He's a paladin whose identity has been exposed.

There's no way he can openly antagonize the Clown, who looks strong.

Thud!

The door closes tightly as soon as Goblin sits down.

It means it's time to start the meeting.

"Lion, is our promise still valid?"

Crescent Moon asks me a question before we even decide on the order.

Although the subject is omitted, I understand what he means.

He's talking about the promise to give him information about the 'Stone of Resurrection' if I bring interesting information.

Crescent Moon looks determined as I nod briefly.

"Pfft, judging by your expression, you seem really confident this time."

"I'm just desperate. It's an item I need more than anything."

His answer is filled with the determination to find out about the 'Stone of Resurrection', no matter the cost.

"Then who should we start with?"

Just as we're about to start the game of who goes first...

Creak.

...the tightly closed door opens.

It's a phenomenon that's never happened before.

What? Another member? But no one can enter once the meeting starts, right?

That's what the rules say.

"...?"

It seems like I'm not the only one who finds it strange, judging by everyone's puzzled expressions...

Thud.

...The thick wooden door opens wide, and a figure appears.

It's a man wearing a plain white mask.

His only exposed skin, his hands, are wrinkled.

"Kekeke, this place hasn't changed at all."

An old man's voice comes from behind the mask.

A brief silence hangs in the air.

The Fox Mask is the first to regain her composure and speak.

"Master...?"

I realize it through her muttering.

Master.

It means the founder of 'Watchers of the Round Table'.

"But there's a mask I've never seen before. Who are you?"

The Fox Mask, who's been fooled by me several times, tilts her head at the Master's question.

"...Didn't you invite him, Master? I'm pretty sure he said that..."

Strictly speaking, I didn't say that.

I just subtly avoided answering and made her misunderstand.

But that excuse won't work.

'Damn it.'

What should I do?

My act might be exposed.