Chapter 50: Ask For His Help (1)
[Congratulations! You have achieved first place in the quest for this particular area!]
[Congratulations! You have achieved first place in the overall rankings for the quest!]
[Currently, ‘Black Scythe’ holds the top position in both the overall rankings and the designated area.]
[As the reward for ranking first in the designated area, you will receive an ‘Intermediate Rare Armor Selection Ticket’!]
[As the reward for ranking first overall, you will receive a ‘Special Reward Selection Box’!]
“An intermediate rare armor selection ticket… This is perfect timing for an armor upgrade.”
Ryu Min wasted no time and immediately redeemed the reward.
[You can now choose one of the following rare armors.]
[Please select your desired reward.]
└ 1. Shining Bronze Armor
└ 2. Crimson Assassin Suit
└ 3. Robe of Darkness
With only three options available, the selection was somewhat limited.
“I guess I’ll have to go with number 2.”
[Crimson Assassin Suit]
Category: Armor
Grade: Rare
Defense: 60
Effects: Agility +4, Attack Speed +5%, Movement Speed +5%
Durability: 600/600
Usage Restriction: Requires Regular grade or higher
Description: A crimson suit once worn by an assassin. Sometimes, it emits a faint scent of blood.
The options were quite appealing.
“Though it occasionally gives off a hint of blood scent, which could be problematic.”
Nevertheless, it was an upgrade from the skilled hunter’s worn leather armor Ryu Min had been using.
“I should detach the low-grade navy blue sapphire I embedded in the hunter’s armor later.”
Removing it wouldn’t make a significant difference, though.
Tapping the option where the navy blue sapphire was added prompts a message asking whether to detach it.
Ryu Min proceeded to open the special reward selection box, his final reward.
[You can now choose one of the following special rewards.]
[Please select your desired reward.]
└ 1. 50% Stat Increase Buff (Valid for 5 rounds)
└ 2. 5,000 Gold
└ 3. Information for Round 5
Unlike the previous round, there was no triple experience buff this time.
“But that doesn’t mean monsters won’t appear.”
In fact, the fifth round required actively seeking out monsters.
Furthermore, the difficulty level was slightly higher compared to previous rounds.
“It might be challenging for me, but other players will likely find it extremely tough.”
The fifth round posed a considerable challenge.
Even with a fair amount of accumulated experience, Ryu Min died four times in that round alone.
“Though if I hadn’t been so focused on sub-quests, I wouldn’t have died as much.”
At the time, he had been overly absorbed in the sub-quest rewards, leading to his demise at the hands of a monster.
However, he managed to discover the sub-quest and claim the rewards later on.
“Fortunately, it was worth the trouble.”
He remembered being pleasantly surprised by the rewards, which exceeded his expectations.
“This time, I’ll achieve first place not only in the main quest but also in all the sub-quests.”
Ryu Min chose the first reward.
Considering the difficulty, the stat increase would be immensely helpful.
“It’s not just the fifth round that’s difficult.”
The difficulty significantly spikes with each multiple of five rounds.
“Especially the fifteenth round is remarkably challenging.”
Even Ryu Min, who had already planned ahead, felt a slight tension in the air. But he had said everything that needed to be said.
“Have you all checked your rankings? Well then, shall we proceed with the elimination? Hehehe!”
“Just a moment…!”
“Archangel, please have mercy…!”
There was no room for excuses.
521 players who didn’t make it into the top ranks turned into a handful of ashes.
Amidst the scene, there was someone breathing a sigh of relief.
It was Hwang Yongmin.
“I… I survived. I barely made it.”
Hwang Yongmin was lucky enough to save his own life.
Unfortunately, none of his friends survived the elimination.
◀ ROUND 4 ENDED ▶
[Overall Rankings]
└ Survivors: 90,953,209
[Designated Area ESKS45-5]
└ Survivors: 521
[In a moment, your souls will return to your original bodies.]
[Round 5 will begin at midnight on May 1st, 2022. Congratulations on surviving. See you in the next round.]
***
An Sang-cheol, who had returned to reality, was in a hurry, running somewhere.
“Director!”
Beep! Click!
Using the master key, he opened the hotel room, revealing the CEO, Ma Kyung-rok, fast asleep on the bed.
“Phew…”
“Hmm? Oh, Director Ahn?”
Startled by the sudden commotion, Ma Kyung-rok rubbed his eyes and sat up.
“What’s going on here? I don’t remember summoning Director Ahn.”
“I apologize for intruding without prior contact. I came here urgently, thinking that something might have happened.”
“I see. Well, what happened? Weren’t you able to see the final results?”
“I did. You secured third place. But I was still worried. It was such a mentally intense round, wasn’t it?”
Ma Kyung-rok nodded in agreement.
“That’s why I collapsed on the bed as soon as I returned. I was mentally exhausted.”
“I mean, you killed 433 people…”
“If we count the duplicates, it’s probably even more.”
Although Ma Kyung-rok had a hobby bordering on psychopathy, this was the first time he had taken so many lives.
It was mentally draining.
“If I’m like this, what kind of monster is Black Scythe? To kill that many people… Is he even human?”
“He might be an active member of a special forces unit. If there’s someone in Korea with that level of audacity and skill… there’s no other way to see it.”
Ma Kyung-rok contemplated deeply.
“What is his true identity? How can he effortlessly dominate the entire competition and raise his level so significantly?”
The more he thought about it, the more impressed he became with Black Scythe.
“If only I could collaborate with Black Scythe, it would be so reassuring for breaking through future rounds.”
It was disappointing that they couldn’t meet due to being in different areas.
“We should ask the prophet about it later. See if they know anything about Black Scythe.”
As he pondered these thoughts, An Sang-cheol coincidentally brought up the topic of the prophet.
“It’s truly amazing. Round 4 unfolded exactly as the prophet had foretold. Honestly, I had my doubts until I witnessed it myself.”
“I completely agree.”
The two of them recalled Ryu Min’s prophecy.
‘Round 4 is not about completing monster-hunting quests. Instead, it’s a tragic battle where players kill each other. Be cautious and avoid falling victim to the blades of other players.’
“Just as the prophecy foretold, it came true. The information provided by the major shareholder was accurate.”
The two of them now had unwavering faith in Ryu Min as a true prophet.
“Now, what should we do, sir?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m referring to the prophet, Ryu Min. Are you seriously considering partnering with him…?”
“Of course. He holds a 31% stake, so what authority do I have? In essence, the fate of the company rests in the hands of Major Shareholder Ryu Min.”
“Does that mean you’re ready to completely overhaul the industry, as he suggested?”
“Why even ask? He believes the company can thrive. And…”
With resolute eyes, Ma Kyung-rok spoke.
“Regardless, we must make Ryu Min our ally. Don’t underestimate him because of his age, and don’t let your pride get in the way. Even if you don’t agree with his actions, support him unconditionally and stay in sync. That’s the only way.”
A cunning smile formed on Ma Kyung-rok’s lips.
“A prophet like him is a honey trap that can extract all the favors we desire. Do you understand?”
“Yes, I’ll be cautious when dealing with Ryu Min from now on.”
“Good. Call him right away. Confirm if Prophet Ryu Min is still alive while congratulating him on surviving.”
“What should I say during the call?”
“If he has time today, suggest having an evening party to celebrate survival. Tell him to invite his family if he has any.”
“Understood.”
“And make sure to invite Seo Arin, the actress, to the party.”
“Seo Arin?”
“We can’t afford to exclude an entertainer at a time like this, can we?”
A mischievous grin adorned Ma Kyung-rok’s face.
***
Thunk!
Ryu Min, dressed casually, stepped out of the Lamborghini.
Then, he waved his hand towards the woman standing before him.
“Hi.”
And there she was, Min Juri.
She also greeted him with a warm smile and waved back.
“Ryu Min! You look great!”
“Likewise.”
“What’s going on? We had planned to have lunch together first, right?”
“It’s a celebration for surviving. Don’t worry about the meal; I’ve got it covered.”
“W-who said I was worried?”
‘But I was actually worried.’
He could hear her thoughts, and even his slight surprise was palpable.
“Let’s go. I made a reservation at a fantastic place.”
“W-well… then, as shameless as it may sound, shall I enjoy the perks of having a wealthy friend?” Juri chuckled nervously.
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