The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player - Chapter 248 (Part 1)
Chapter 248: The Second Mission (Part 1)
Whoosh—
The dark space suddenly brightened.
The place where everyone stood was a vast chamber that could hold up to two thousand people.
“Phew, now we can finally see.”
“It looks like we can use our skills properly now.”
“So, what could the second mission be?”
“Doesn’t the Black Scythe know? Judging by what he said, it seems like he’s aware of the strategy.”
“Why don’t you ask him?”
“N-no way. I’m not that curious. If you’re curious, ask him yourself.”
“W-well, I’m not really that curious either.”
Despite their words, people stole glances at Ryu Min.
They were curious to know if he was aware of what the second mission entailed.
But no one dared to ask him.
This was because Ryu Min’s expression and the atmosphere around him were ominous.
“He doesn’t look happy.”
“What’s up with him?”
“Is the second mission going to be difficult?”
Although people whispered among themselves, it wasn’t just Ryu Min whose expression was tense.
The followers of the Death Church were also nervously waiting for the next mission.
They already knew from Ryu Min that this mission was one where they’d be forced to kill or be killed.
A moment later, a message appeared, the one everyone had been waiting for.
[The second mission will now commence.]
└Kill each other.
└Within the 30-minute time limit, kill at least one person to pass.
[Only half of the participants, totaling 1,152, will pass.]
[Anyone who fails to pass within the time limit will be eliminated.]
[Successful participants may advance to the third mission.]
[Current number of survivors: 2,303]
[Time remaining for the mission: 00:29:59]
People’s eyes widened as they read the mission.
“W-what? We have to kill each other?”
“Like in Round 4?”
Unpleasant memories came to mind.
The death-filled Round 4, where they had killed and been killed to survive.
Gulp—
They swallowed nervously and looked at each other.
Already, some people’s eyes shone with a murderous glint.
Everyone cautiously kept their distance from one another.
‘Kill each other within 30 minutes…’
‘Now I understand why the Black Scythe’s face was so serious.’
To be honest, who would willingly commit murder unless they were a deranged psychopath?
What benefit would there be in killing someone?
But now, there was a clear benefit.
Survival.
Taking another’s life granted you the right to live.
Still, no one moved right away.
It was difficult to turn a blade on another, no matter the circumstances.
‘Now, we’re being forced to kill each other…’
‘What kind of twisted mission is this…?’
Companions who had survived together for 14 months suddenly became enemies.
Some hesitated, torn between ethics and morality.
‘Just close your eyes and do it.’
‘There’s no other way if you want to survive.’
‘The world is about stepping over others to climb higher. This is just another competition.’
Others rationalized that they had no choice but to kill.
Amidst this silent tension, the followers of the Death Church moved closer together.
They did so because of a command they had received earlier from the Black Scythe.
The second mission involves killing each other. It will likely be as brutal as it was during Round 4. However, don’t be swept up in the chaos. Do not participate in the killing. Do not even point your blades at each other. Just stay with your fellow followers and watch the situation. If someone attacks first, you may retaliate. But until I signal, do not act.
Don’t join the slaughter.
You can kill someone who attacks first.
Trust and protect one another as comrades.
Wait until I give the signal.
The followers gathered and trusted one another to carry out these four commands from the Black Scythe.
It was logical to wait and see how things unfolded, as they didn’t know what might happen.
They also had faith in the Black Scythe.
On the other hand, those outside of the Death Church were becoming restless.
“A-are we just going to keep watching like this? Shouldn’t we do something?”
A sharp voice responded to the outcry.
“What do you suggest we do? Kill each other?”
“If we don’t, we’ll all be eliminated. We have no choice.”
“If each person kills just one, then exactly half will pass.”
“Thanks, math genius.”
“Don’t be sarcastic. Do you have a better idea?”
“Me? I don’t have any ideas.”
“Then, why don’t we hold a tournament?”
“A tournament? What a dumbass!”
“Hey, just because this is another world, it doesn’t mean you can talk like that.”
“Say something reasonable. Who’s going to arrange the matches? And who’s going to face the Black Scythe?”
“The idiot who suggested the tournament can go first.”
“I’m sorry. That was stupid of me. So, do any of you geniuses have a better plan?”
“The Black Scythe would know, right? He knew the strategy for the first mission.”
“Black Scythe, do you know how to beat this mission?”
“If you do, please tell us.”
All eyes turned to Ryu Min, but he had nothing to say.
There was no other way than to kill.
Breaking the silence, Ryu Min coldly muttered.
“We have to kill. There’s no other choice.”
“……”
The answer wasn’t what the players hoped for, and they collectively sighed.
The more they thought about it, the more it seemed there was only one solution.
‘Do we really have no choice but to kill…?’
The system was set up so they had to kill each other.
It took them 10 minutes to realize this.
“We’re running out of time. Ten minutes have already passed.”
“If this keeps up, we’ll all be eliminated. At least half of us need to survive.”
“Then why don’t you start killing someone first?”
“W-well, that’s…”
A stalemate continued.
Even those who had experienced murder during Round 4 hesitated.
It was precisely because of that hellish experience that they were now reluctant.
In a way, they were not just competitors who had shared life and death for over a year; they were comrades.
‘Everyone is hesitating, just as I expected.’
Ryu Min had anticipated this standoff.
It had happened during Round 4 as well.
‘I need to break the ice.’
They needed to start killing.
For this, Ryu Min decided to use the Despair Cult.
His gaze met that of John Delgado, who stood in the distance.
‘Execute.’
John Delgado nodded slightly in response to the signal.
Before long—
Thunk—!