The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player

The being that appeared was Nemesis, known as the Goddess of Vengeance.

The archangels, including Michael, respectfully paid their homage.

[We greet the Goddess of Ramnus, Lady Nemesis.]

It was only fitting, given the appearance of a deity-level figure.

However, Nemesis’s expression was far from pleased.

[Three out of the seven archangels remain. All because of one mere human. How disgraceful is this? Do you, who claim to be rulers of the heavens, feel no shame?]

[We have no excuses.]

[Excuses are worthless; raise your heads. I wish to see just how thick-skinned you are.]

[……]

The archangels lifted their heads, but could not meet her gaze.

[Tsk, tsk, judging by your expressions, you seem to have at least a shred of conscience left.]

Nemesis’s eyes shifted to Michael.

[Michael. You came to me asking for help in finding the human who harbored vengeance against the Black Scythe, correct?]

[Yes, that is correct.]

[Do you remember what I said back then?]

[Of course. You said that since we were using the artifact of a demon duke, we had to ensure success. Only then would Plunitos be satisfied with the worth of the sacrifice.]

[Exactly. And now, what has happened?]

[…Shamefully, we failed.]

[Do you know what consequences that failure has brought?]

Michael, who had been avoiding her gaze in remorse, met her eyes.

[What has happened?]

[Plunitos is demanding that we bring the Black Scythe, who killed his avatar.]

[The Black Scythe?]

[He threatened war if we did not deliver it by the 18th round.]

[Ah…….]

The archangels collectively opened their mouths in shock.

What started as an effort to capture the Black Scythe had escalated far beyond their control.

[He blames us for recklessly using the Resurrection Scroll. Of course, that is just the public reason; in truth, he is likely seeking an excuse to ignite war.]

[……]

The archangels remained silent.

Gabriel, in particular, felt unable to speak, knowing his plan had brought the threat of war.

[This incident could trigger the 7th Celestial-Demonic War. While war was inevitable someday, the timing has now been accelerated. We handed them the excuse they were waiting for.]

Nemesis’s frown deepened. Her brows had not relaxed since her arrival.

[To fight a war while the archangels are depleted due to the Black Scythe? A battle now would only lead to our defeat. Plunitos knows this and is seizing the opportunity.]

[Is there no way to refuse?]

[How can we refuse when the enemy calls for war?]

[……]

[If we had succeeded in using the Resurrection Scroll and sacrificed the soul of the Black Scythe, Plunitos would have been appeased. But since we failed, and he lost his avatar for nothing, he’s now trying to gain something out of this.]

[So, if we hand over the Black Scythe as he wants, war can be avoided?]

[That’s right. With the eyes of all gods on him, he cannot go back on his word.]

[At least there is a way to manage this crisis.]

Despite these words, Michael felt a deep anxiety. He might have to sacrifice his own ambition to become a god.

[The deadline is before the 18th round. Do whatever it takes to capture the Black Scythe and present him to Plunitos. I don’t like the idea of handing over the criminal who killed the archangels, but we must if we want to postpone the war.]

Nemesis, speaking as if in lament, looked at Gabriel, who had lowered his head in shame.

[I’ve heard enough. It was your plan, wasn’t it?]

[…Yes.]

[Gabriel, who once led us to victory in the last war and earned the gods’ favor, how did it come to this?]

[I apologize… It was all my fault.]

[I know. That is why you must take responsibility. You understand that the gods have high expectations for you in the next war, don’t you? Prove your worth and live up to your title.]

[I will bring results that meet your expectations.]

[Do not disappoint me again if you wish for my continued support.]

With those parting words, Nemesis glanced once at Michael and Raphael before tearing through space and vanishing.

Her final words were not solely for Gabriel. It was a warning for all three archangels.

‘Phew… this is serious. Who would have thought Plunitos would use the Resurrection Scroll as a pretext to hasten the war?’

Nemesis was right. A war now would spell certain defeat.

‘We need at least until after the 20th round to stand a chance. But if we don’t deliver the Black Scythe by the 18th round, war is inevitable.’

There was one way to delay the war: handing over the Black Scythe.

But that was easier said than done. And what about his own ambition?

‘Must I postpone my path to godhood once again?’

As Michael inwardly sighed, Gabriel’s eyes burned with determination.

Driven by his mission, he resolved to subdue the Black Scythe by any means necessary.

[Michael. Allow me to go in the 15th round.]

[……]

[I will subdue the Black Scythe and bring him to the heavens.]

[Gabriel, if you go alone, what do you think will happen? I will go with you.]

[Raphael. This isn’t your fight. This is mine to settle.]

[You’re wrong. Didn’t you hear what Lady Nemesis said? This is a matter for all of us.]

Michael, realizing that he could not abstain from this matter, spoke.

[Hmm, there is time until the 18th round, so let’s not rush.]

[But, Michael.]

[Listen to me. I don’t want to mess this up again.]

Gabriel, whose authority was now reduced, could only stay silent at Michael’s command.

[We need to be cautious. You know what happened to the other archangels who underestimated the Black Scythe. Even you suffered in this way.]

[If the three of us move together, we could subdue him for sure.]

[That’s true. But overconfidence is deadly. Remember the failures caused by direct assaults? Perhaps another strategy would be more effective this time.]

[Do you have a plan in mind?]

[I’m working on it now.]

[……]

The archangels fell silent, unaware of Michael’s stalling tactics.

I'm currently Translating the following novels: Pick Me Up! | A Frontline Soldier Awakened as a Gamer In The War! | The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!