Surviving the Game as a Barbarian-Chapter 723: Limited Time (2)

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