The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player - Chapter 65 (Part 1)
Chapter 65: Orc Warrior (Part 1)
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Venturing straight into the Orc stronghold? That’s a recipe for madness.
And when that stronghold is big and comes with guard towers, you’re edging further into the realm of lunacy.
Especially when danger is perceived, the Orc patrols respond by blowing their horns, rallying their comrades.
And if over fifty Orcs heed that call?
Players find themselves left with no choice but to tread the path toward the afterlife.
‘But, mind you, this applies mainly to regular players.’
However, Ryu Min had a different perspective.
Oddly, blowing that horn turned out to be quite beneficial for him.
No need to tediously troll through each house for Orcs.
Even his decision to spare the guards until the very end was for this reason.
“Although, by now, they’ve all turned into lifeless bodies.”
About two hundred carcasses lay strewn across the ground.
No matter how fiercely the Orcs charged, they couldn’t breach the level 30 barrier.
“Handling Orcs easily starts around level 20. Beyond level 30, these creatures aren’t much different from Goblins, for me at least.”
In essence, it meant that the challenge was formidable for players currently hovering around level 10.
“Hence, Round 5 poses a considerable challenge. Monsters’ levels are high, and quantity poses another hurdle.”
If hundreds of players colluded and moved in unison, overcoming the Orcs shouldn’t have been too challenging…
“But alas, that’s the core of the issue.”
Players who once clashed swords in the previous round couldn’t now unite their strengths.
From the outset, this quest wasn’t designed to allow such cooperation.
“Regardless of the designer, it’s indeed cunning. They possess a deep understanding of human nature.”
While pondering this, Ryu Min’s gaze caught onto a certain individual.
“Is this the guy who was being attacked by the orcs inside??”
Drawing closer, Ryu Min couldn’t help but feel astonished.
“Jo Yong-ho?”
The nickname was unmistakable.
“Could this guy be the renowned Mercenary King, Jo Yong-ho?”
His job was “Mercenary.”
It belonged to the common melee class, well-versed in wielding a variety of weapons, much like a warrior.
“The composition of skills is strikingly similar to that of a warrior.”
If there was one sole distinction, it was that mercenaries needed to forge contracts with someone else to attain strength.
“Most mercenaries prefer not to venture alone; they seek companionship with acquaintances or engage in contracts with the Mercenary King.”
The Mercenary King.
The unique class capable of leading mercenaries through contracts.
When mercenaries entered into pacts with the Mercenary King, they gained additional enhancements.
It went without saying that mercenaries found every reason to establish contracts.
“The man standing before me is Jo Yong-ho, the sole bearer of the unique Mercenary King job.”
Encountering a Mercenary King in a setting like this was beyond imagination.
While concealing his astonishment, Ryu Min regarded Jo Yong-ho.
“haha… … Oh, no way? Black Scythe.”
Looking at Ryumin, Jo Yong-ho bows his head.
“Do you know me?”
“Everyone knows you. Is there anyone who doesn’t know the No. 1 Black Scythe?”
Jo Yong-ho, who said with a smile, glanced at Ryu-min.
-And… … I never thought I’d meet the No. 1 in the entire district here… Would he hate it if I suddenly reached out for a handshake?
When Ryu Min read his thoughts, he felt in him a sense of admiration for the strong.
In fact, he smiled at himself and was benevolent.
‘He doesn’t strike me as someone who would stab you in the back. But then again, that’s why he was able to get the job called Mercenary King.’
Qualifying as a Mercenary King demanded the qualities of a leader.
One had to lead his fellow men with a good heart.
‘I may be unfamiliar with him, but he doesn’t come across as a bad sort.’
He only knew his name; this was Ryu Min’s first encounter with the Mercenary King.
Due to Ryu Min’s preference for solo play, there hadn’t been opportunities to cross paths.
Furthermore, he didn’t require assistance from mercenaries.
“According to gossip, he once managed to survive beyond Round 10…”
However, after that, whether he lived or perished, Ryu Min remained uncertain.
‘No, he probably met his end. After all, surviving up to Round 20 was my achievement alone.’
While it was certain he had died, the specifics of when and how were elusive.
“Um, those Orcs over there… Did Black Scythe take them all down?”
Ryu Min nodded subtly in response to Jo Yong-ho’s query.
“Indeed, but…”
“Wow… That’s genuinely impressive. As expected from the number 1 ranked class!”
“Well, then.”
“Huh… What did I want to say again?”
“Just say it. I’m rather pressed for time at the moment.”
Jo Yong-ho hesitated for a moment before bowing his head.
“I appreciate it. Thanks to you diverting the Orcs’ attention, I managed to come out alive.”
“I didn’t even know you were here.”
“That’s right. It wasn’t intentional. Still, I received help, didn’t I?”
Reading his thoughts, Jo Yong-ho was genuinely grateful.
“Understood. Once you’re done here, gather your comrades and leave quickly. Don’t worry, I’ve taken care of all the Orcs.”
“Is that so? But how did you know that I have comrades…?”
With a subtle gesture, Ryu Min pointed to Jo Yong-ho’s back.
When Jo Yong-ho turned around, surprise swept over his face.
It was because his companions, who had been hiding, now stood there, a bit sheepishly.
“Why did you guys come out? I told you to wait!”
“We were worried you’d leave us behind, Hyungnim. Hehe.”
“You’re joking even now! As if I’d leave you guys behind.”
Ryu Min studied Jo Yong-ho and his companions closely.
“It seems they’re in a contractual relationship.”
He could tell from their expressions and gestures.
All four of Jo Yong-ho’s friends were mercenaries, contracted under him as the Mercenary King.
“So that’s why they’ve been hunting together and followed him into the stronghold.”
Ryu Min had concluded the reason for their presence.
They had come out of genuine loyalty to Jo Yong-ho, forming trustable bonds so quickly.
Quite the reputation for a Mercenary King.
As the mercenaries approached, they finally took in the situation.
“What’s going on?”
“Why are there so many dead Orcs?”
“Did Hyungnim hide his strength all this time…?”
“Was it an act, Hyungnim?”
“Guys, seriously? Joking at a time like this?”
Jo Yong-ho snapped, shooting Ryu Min a look.
Only now did the mercenaries notice Ryu Min’s presence, and they were taken aback.
“Whoa! Black Scythe?”
“Black Scythe, what’s going on…”
“What’s this about? Just came for a bit of hunting.”
The mercenaries responded with awkward laughter to Ryu Min’s casual response.
“Haha, right.”
“Y-You’ve already taken down around 200.”
The mercenaries didn’t harbor any negative feelings toward Black Scythe.
They were simply in awe of encountering the strongest of the strong.
“By the way, we watched that deathmatch too. You finish things in the blink of an eye, huh? Haha…”
“Let’s skip the chitchat. If you’re done here, leave.”
Ryu Min’s tone intentionally turned cold.
‘Once the Orcs are eliminated, the mid-boss should be appearing soon.’
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