The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player

The fourth round quest was straightforward.

Kill players.

But even within this main quest, there lay a hidden sub-quest.

• [A hidden sub-quest awaits!]

•

• Eliminate the Zone Representative within the given time limit.

• Successful completion ▶ Receive a Lottery Ticket for a Low-Grade Magic Stone.

• [You have completed the sub-quest!]

• [As a reward, you have received a ‘Low-Grade Magic Stone Lottery Ticket’!]

The reason Ryu Min killed Hwang Yongmin was revealed here.

To vanquish the Zone Representative and claim the reward for the sub-quest.

• [Low-Grade Magic Stone Lottery Ticket]

• Category: Consumable

• Rarity: Rare

• Effect: Obtain a random selection of 1 to 5 Low-Grade Magic Stones.

• Usage restriction: Until the next round, requires Trainee Rank or higher.

• Description: A limited-time item that grants you a chance to acquire Magic Stones through random selection. The item will automatically expire upon advancing to the next round. Its acquisition is influenced by your Luck stat.

“Excellent. I’ve obtained the desired reward.”

The Low-Grade Magic Stone Lottery Ticket allows you to potentially acquire up to five magic stones.

Since it’s a time-limited item, it must be used before reaching the fifth round.

“When I return, I should request some buffs from Juri.”

At that moment, a piercing scream shattered the air.

“Aaaah!”

“S-Someone’s been killed!”

“I saw it! Black Scythe did it!”

Upon witnessing the decapitated Hwang Yongmin, the onlookers erupted in screams.

Some gazed at Black Scythe as if he were a savage beast.

“So, when you had your blade ready to seize the position of the Zone Representative, you were silent. But now you try to feign innocence.”

Clicking his tongue, Ryu Min wiped the blood off the scythe.

A few players couldn’t hide their disgust, resorting to taunts.

“Hey, Black Scythe! Is that who you really are? How can you kill someone you don’t even know?”

“Don’t you have any remorse or tears to shed?”

“Murderer! You’re nothing but a murderer!”

A murderer?

Indeed, I killed Jang Seok-hyun.

But is that all?

I’ve ended the lives of countless individuals leading up to the twentieth round.

“They were all mere obstacles in my path.”

No matter how much I tried to explain, my reasons held no importance in their eyes.

All they needed was a scapegoat for their condemnation.

“They probably think they’ve found the excellent target.”

And just as expected, as I glanced at the players condemning me, they all shared the same thought.

I must tarnish the reputation of the Black Scythe.

“It’s truly absurd.”

A wry smile escaped me, provoking an outburst from the players.

“You! Do you find this situation amusing?”

“Are you a psychopath? What’s so funny about what you’ve done…?”

And then, a message materialized before the players.

[Player ‘Black Scythe’ has become the new Zone Representative of ESKS45-5.]

Upon seeing the notification of the change in Zone Representative, the realization dawned upon them.

The one who wielded a knife now also held a gun.

The players who had mocked me quietly lowered their hands.

Gulp-

Suddenly, silence fell upon the crowd as if everyone had turned into statues.

Ryu Min’s sneer deepened, emanating a sense of triumph.

“Why? Why aren’t you shouting like before?”

“…”

“Does my newfound authority as the Zone Representative suddenly fill you with fear?”

“…”

“Aha, so it seems you were afraid of the power I hold…”

“W-What are you implying…!”

The players stumbled over their words, taken aback by Ryu Min’s accusation.

Some slipped away through the crowd like frightened mice.

Their apprehension stemmed from the fear of Ryu Min’s leadership.

‘As the Zone Representative, I wouldn’t incite others to kill, as if that was my intention.’

For those inexperienced in the game, Ryu Min’s climb to Zone Representative’s position spelled despair.

It meant their chances of snatching the coveted position had plummeted.

Hence, others hoped for the downfall of the Black Scythe.

But if he would fall Black Scythe will drag others with him.

And then, it happened.

“Huh? L-Look at that!”

The crowd pointed their fingers towards Black Scythe.

More specifically, above his head.

“The color of the Black Scythe’s nickname has changed!”

Though he couldn’t see his own nickname since it hovered above him, Ryu Min understood.

“It must have transitioned from neon to crimson.”

Usually, killing someone wouldn’t trigger such a change, but this round was different.

Committing murder caused the nickname to take on this shade of red.

‘At the moment, it’s probably a faint shade of red. After all, I’ve only taken one life.’

The more lives one took, the darker the coloring became.

What was the purpose of implementing such a system for this round?

“Perhaps it’s to differentiate between murderers and non-murderers. Killing a murderer might relieve some of the burden of conscience.”

Taking the life of a murderer could alleviate guilt more than killing an innocent non-murderer.

After all, they were murderers.

They belonged to the same breed as monsters, extinguishing the lives of their fellow human beings.

“But the one who kills a murderer becomes a murderer as well.”

Once a murder was committed, the nickname invariably turned red.

In essence, they became the same as the murderers they targeted.

Despite deeming themselves dispensers of justice, in the eyes of others, they were merely killers—no different.

“Regardless, the change in nickname color will likely fuel mutual slaughter.”

However, everyone seemed hesitant to take each other’s lives.

In such moments, a little instigation was necessary.

“What is everyone doing? We don’t have time to hesitate, you know?”

“You, just stay put! You’re obsessed with murder!”

“If anyone sees me, they’ll assume I’m the only one desperate to kill the Zone Representative. What about those who fervently attacked Jo Joong-sik in the previous round? Were they chasing him for a kiss?”

“T-That’s…”

“Don’t be hypocritical; face the reality at hand. In a cutthroat society where we trample on others to rise, who among us wouldn’t raise a blade when faced with the choice to kill and survive?”

Amidst the silence, Ryu Min’s voice broke through.

“Of course, a truly virtuous person would choose not to kill. But let’s be honest, did you refrain from killing for the sake of others? Or was it merely a lack of courage that held you back?”

“…”

“Now is not the time for blank stares. If it bothers you so much, engage in a discussion, just like you did during the previous vote.”

With those words left hanging in the air, Ryu Min turned away.

“Do as you wish, whether it’s to kill or be killed,” as if the decision was left in their hands.

“Even without stating it explicitly, a fight is bound to happen. But…”

But by then, it would be too late.

“If I don’t speak up now, we’ll just waste time in pointless stagnation.”

However, that might prevent us from reaching the required number of achievers.

After all, this round’s rule was clear: failure to commit murder meant automatic elimination.

“Even if what I’m doing right now means promoting murder, it’s the path that will ensure the survival of more people.”

Ryu Min headed towards a secluded corner, arms crossed, keenly observing the unfolding situation.

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