Barbarian in a Failed Game

It felt as if a bomb capable of erasing the terrain had stopped right in front of his face. Conrad’s strike, condensed into the form of a sword, was akin to the power Khan had unleashed in his previous duel with the golden dragon Areolus. A mere graze would have surely blown his head off.

‘Damn, I genuinely thought I was going to die.’

For the true warriors of Hoarfrost Gorge, dying at the hands of a strong opponent like Conrad would be a great honor, and they would have boldly faced their demise. But while Khan might appear to be such a warrior on the outside, at heart, he was just an ordinary office worker. It was a harrowing gamble.

‘If it weren’t for these eyes… I would have definitely died.’

He had a certain level of assurance. Conrad’s demand was for Khan to prove his words through actions. By personally testing him, a man of Conrad’s stature, second only to the emperor, would silence any further objections.

Of course, had Khan failed to prove himself, he would have been ruthlessly slain. Even someone like Conrad, among the continent’s mightiest knights, wasn’t free from the surveillance of Karyan’s Eyes.

Naturally, if it had been a full-fledged battle, Khan wouldn’t have survived. However, Conrad’s deliberate pacing allowed Khan to react, making the situation more manageable.

‘Moreover… the emperor.’

From beginning to end, the person Khan was most wary of was the emperor. The old emperor’s scrutiny, veiled under a guise of indifference, was palpable. Dispelling his suspicions was paramount. Under no circumstances could ‘Gordi Khan’ be marked as a dangerous individual in Emperor Friedrick’s eyes. Such a designation would severely hinder future operations.

“Then, let us skip the grand formalities and tedious procedures.”

And presently, the emperor’s scrutinizing gaze had considerably softened. Through Karyan’s Eyes, Khan could see that the negativity in the emperor’s mind had significantly diminished. It seemed his portrayal of a brave barbarian warrior had been quite effective.

“Your Majesty.”

“The court minister must have seen it too. The bravery that did not falter even before Sir Conrad. Moreover, in the brief confrontation just now, he proved his own strength.”

“However…”

“There are no objections.”

Deon, who seemed poised to oppose the emperor, backed down easily. It wasn’t so much that he objected to the exception made for Khan, but rather he took the initiative to raise objections so that other ministers wouldn’t have to.

“Indeed. A warrior from Hoarfrost Gorge, known in the borderlands as a dragon slayer and demon vanquisher. Recently, in the Empire, he even slew an elder elf from the Paradise Bank.”

“The Sword Demon did that, not me!”

“The intelligence department must have erred.”

The old fox!

Khan suppressed the urge to spit on the floor in irritation.

Even though Leniyar had already testified that she was the one who killed the Paradise Bank president, Serenil, and they had accepted that testimony, the emperor’s sly question—’Wasn’t it you who killed Serenil?’—implied otherwise. It was clear that while some suspicion had been alleviated, it wasn’t completely gone.

“The reason for arranging this meeting was to witness the warrior who ended significant turmoil in the border kingdoms. Additionally, we aim to duly honor those achievements.”

“I’m not here to accept any rewards!”

Suppressing his urge to show his irritation and maintaining his act as the rugged barbarian, Khan furrowed his brows at the emperor’s next words.

“I didn’t ask for your permission. The emperor’s role entails such decrees. As I mentioned, you have ended disturbances that the Empire itself should have quelled. Naturally, we must proclaim this achievement throughout the Empire, ensuring everyone knows the name of Gordi Khan, the warrior who vanquished dragons and demons. Isn’t that a great honor for a warrior?”

The emperor’s intent lay in the act of bestowing the reward itself. By personally commending the resolution of conflicts in the border kingdoms, the emperor reasserted the Empire’s dominance over the continent. Additionally, bringing Khan, a new superhuman, to the forefront was another of the emperor’s strategic moves.

‘Damn old fox.’

The direct commendation from the emperor was an unparalleled honor—most would consider it the highest privilege. However, from Khan’s perspective, it was the worst-case scenario; he was effectively being cornered.

His previous opponents had always operated under the assumption that barbarian were an inferior species, which had led to moments of overconfidence that he could exploit.

However, once he became an emperor-endorsed barbarian, that element of surprise would vanish. His enemies would no longer underestimate him, removing any margin for error.

‘I don’t really have grounds to refuse.’

Having demonstrated the value he placed on honor, refusing an offer to elevate that very honor would seem contradictory. Of course, he could come up with dozens of excuses, but that would be counterproductive, reigniting the emperor’s dwindling suspicions.

He was out of options. Khan decided to accept the emperor’s reward for now.

‘For the time being.’

Since he had been played, it was only fair to return the favor with something even more substantial.

“Then I will accept it proudly! There’s no reason to refuse given treasures!”

Khan, playing the role of the simple-minded barbarian, gave a faint smile. The strategic battle with Emperor Friedrick had only just begun, and the first encounter ended with both sides landing a punch, making it an even fight.

‘Though this conflict started against my will, I have no intention of going down easily.’

What would the emperor do next, having failed to uncover answers from the most suspicious individual? With all accessible information already gathered, how would he proceed to gain new insights? The answer was clear.

‘He will have to seek me out again.’

*

“I think I need to meet that barbarian again.”

“Summoning him again? I thought you concluded he wasn’t the mastermind behind the events?”

“…I got the impression he wasn’t involved. Although I threatened him with rewards and a grand proclamation, he accepted it calmly.”

“That was a threat?”

“If he were indeed a shadowy figure, he would naturally avoid drawing attention to himself. It was the most effective form of intimidation.”

As many ministers exited, leaving only his trusted advisor Deon and Sir Conrad, the emperor murmured in frustration.

“I almost hoped he would react negatively…”

“To me, it doesn’t seem that dire. The prospect of a monster manipulating the Empire’s affairs from across the sea, yet possessing immense personal strength, is far more terrifying. And if it turns out there is no mastermind, isn’t that better?”

“It’s not that simple, Sir Conrad.” said Deon, his face grim.

“Throughout history, there have always been numerous factions operating within the Empire, but they have always been manageable within the imperial power’s reach. This time, however, it’s beyond the Empire’s control.”

“That serious…?”

“This unknown entity handled an issue that even the imperial forces decided to temporarily overlook, and they did so effortlessly. In the process, two of the Three Pillars are facing a leadership overhaul.”

“If individuals close to this shadowy figure fill the vacant leadership positions? Then more than half of the Empire’s foundational pillars would come under the influence of an unknown entity. The likelihood of such outcomes is high if this shadowy figure indeed exists.”

Emperor Friedrick massaged his temples, hesitating as he pondered.

“Think about the witnesses involved in this incident.”

“Ah—!”

Conrad exclaimed briefly, realizing why Emperor Friedrick and Deon were so gravely concerned.

“Two prospective apostles, the Archbishop of Levant, the paladin from Istantil…!”

“In addition, the Sword Mountain faction’s Sword Demon, who was vying with Cain Lichstaff for the next Sword Master position, is now effectively the next leader. There’s also the most promising genius from the Magic Tower involved, not to mention Sir Berta, the former deputy commander of the Paladins, who has been summoned back to the Empire…”

Deon, the royal advisor, marveled at the unseen “shadow” with a mix of awe and apprehension.

“If they chose to, they’ve gathered enough influential figures on their side to potentially dismantle the Empire from within.”

Moreover, the issue with the Paradise Bank couldn’t be ignored. Deon presented the latest report from the chief administrative officer.

“Recently, the operations of the Paradise Bank have come to a complete halt. The simultaneous absence of both the president and vice president is curious, especially given the bank’s passive response to the main branch being attacked. They’ve even blocked transactions themselves. The chief administrative officer suspects that the main branch’s ledgers may have been retrieved by someone.”

This also posed a problem.

The perpetrators behind the attack on the Paradise Bank were twofold: the Sword Demon and Gordi Khan. While there were testimonies about a dwarf appearing at the scene, they had vanished without a trace, making it challenging to extract any information.

However, this confirmed one thing.

“The evidence showing the cardinals receiving bribes from the Paradise Bank must have come from ledgers the bank kept. Securing those ledgers and bringing the cardinals to trial indicates there is definitely a mastermind. The Sword Demon and the barbarian must be connected to this mastermind in some way.”

“Your Majesty, it would be wise to summon the barbarian again and extract information from him.”

“…The court minister is right.”

Emperor Friedrick made his decision, his eyes gleaming as he issued his command.

“Send him a scroll. Include it subtly among the rewards we’ve promised him.”

“A scroll… an invitation to the Dark Chamber. It is indeed the perfect place for discreet conversation. But do you think that barbarian would recognize it? More importantly, would such a straightforward individual, willing to risk his life on his integrity, use something so suspicious? He seems to be working under that shadowy mastermind.”

“He will comply.”

“How can you be so sure, Your Majesty?”

Emperor Friedrick replied in a blasé manner as if the answer was obvious.

“That barbarian’s loyalty notwithstanding, the mastermind is an exceptionally ruthless individual.”

Currently, the emperor is the one in urgent need. By instilling this perception, he will certainly make moves to tighten the leash.

“Keep a close watch on the barbarian for a while. Note everyone he comes into contact with. Identify them. Report every detail meticulously.”

***

“Interesting.”

Back in Levant’s mansion, Khan gave a sly smile as he examined the reward bestowed upon him by the emperor.

『Space Movement Scroll』

There was no need to open the information window to identify this scroll. It was a relic connected to the “Dark Chamber”, an ancient artifact ensuring a secure and private environment for conversation.

The implication was clear.

‘They want to talk.’

Assuming his act had worked perfectly, Emperor Friedrick must have surmised that there was a shadowy mastermind behind Khan. This scroll was the emperor’s way of sending a message to that mastermind.

‘If you truly exist, let’s have a private chat.’

It was a kind of provocation.

‘It’s no wonder I’ve noticed more people around.’

Should the mastermind respond to the conversation, it would narrow down the list of potential suspects to those Khan had interacted with after receiving the reward.

To compile a list of these individuals, the emperor’s spies had been stationed around the mansion.

‘But things won’t go as they hope.’

From the start, Khan had anticipated the existence of the “Dark Chamber”.

It would be strange if a seasoned veteran, who had nurtured countless heroes, had never encountered the Dark Chamber.

Naturally, he had already prepared for this eventuality.

‘Whatever happens, it won’t go your way, emperor.’

—

*

Emperor Friedrick reclined in the rigid chair.

This “Dark Chamber”, created by the ancient ancestors, required the ultra-rare “Space Movement Scroll” for entry. Within, spatial divisions ensured complete isolation for uninterrupted conversation—a unique environment.

Given its rarity, there was little reason to waste a Space Movement Scroll here, but throughout the imperial history, the Dark Chamber had been employed occasionally.

Mostly, it was used when the emperor’s safety couldn’t be guaranteed during a standard meeting, or when absolute secrecy was required.

Whirrr…

A light appeared on the opposite side of the Dark Chamber shortly after the emperor had settled in.

The figure that materialized atop the coordinate magic circle was unexpected enough to leave the emperor visibly taken aback.

‘What race is this?’

With light brown skin, black hair, and dark brown eyes, this individual had an appearance unfamiliar in Midland.

He seemed to be in his late twenties but looked older due to his weary eyes, which made him appear closer to thirty. Though he had a slightly protruding belly, his overall build was solid. In terms of physique, he could easily be compared to a well-trained knight.

What stood out the most was the man’s bizarre attire. Throughout his long reign, the emperor had encountered people from numerous nations and seen their unique garments, yet this outfit was beyond his comprehension.

‘It worked perfectly.’

From the emperor’s reaction, the man confirmed that the item option of the “Disguise Robe of Mortalia” —disguise—had worked as intended. Khan, borrowing his appearance from Earth, inwardly smiled.

—

─Disguise: Designate a specific target. The target perceives the wearer in the appearance specified by the wearer.

TL’s Corner:
Round 2!