The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player - Chapter 81 (Part 1)

Chapter 81: Mr. Ryu (Part 1)

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Unlike the more unique classes like Buffer, Mercenary King, and Dark Knight, the Blacksmith class is a common class.

This means, there are a lot of other Blacksmiths that can replace Russell.

However, Ryu Min had a specific reason for embarking on a journey deep into the mountains of England. It boiled down to one simple fact: Russell was a rare talent.

The story about Russell surviving up to the 15th round was far from fiction. He had not only defied the odds but also reached the pinnacle of the blacksmith class.

‘Although he never hit max level and eventually met his end, he was the last blacksmith standing.’

Russell’s excellence extended to his personality, skills, and remarkable survival instincts.

‘If I can maintain a friendly relationship with such a talent…’

It would be incredibly advantageous as they progressed through the rounds. Furthermore, repairing the durability of the neckless was an added benefit.

‘The Blacksmith class shares some similarities with the Buffer, so having one around wouldn’t hurt.’

But unlike Buffers, blacksmiths didn’t need to be constantly present. Once they fixed or enhanced the equipment, their job was done.

Ryu Min cast a thoughtful glance at Russell; he seems to be torn between trusting him and doubting himself.

‘He could use some guidance in making this choice.’

For times like these, Ryu Min’s grasp of English honed through countless regressions, came in handy.

With a fluent voice, Ryu Min made his proposition.

“What I’m requesting isn’t too demanding. Just help with occasional equipment maintenance and cast a few skills when needed. In return, I’ll provide you with information about the next round. By doing so, you can rapidly enhance your strength, taking advantage of missed opportunities from the past.”

Russell hesitated, pondering the tantalizing offer of receiving future information in exchange for the use of his skills. However, his primary concern was trust.

– Ryu Min seems honest when he speaks, but can I really trust him?

Russell, caught in a dilemma, offered a compromise.

“Thank you for valuing my future, but I’m not entirely convinced yet. So, here’s my proposal: I’ll decide whether to continue the deal based on the results of Round 6.”

“Do whatever you feel comfortable with. I’m not asking you to sign a contract.”

Ryu Min wore a confident smile, believing that once Russell saw the prophecy come true, he would have no choice but to rely on him, just like Ma Kyung-rok.

“First, let me repair your items. And you can give me the information for Round 6 afterward.”

“Alright. Here.”

Ryu Min retrieved the Bead of Eternity from his inventory. With only 1 durability remaining, it was on the brink of shattering.

Without even checking the item’s information, Russell immediately cast a skill.

Pah-

As the bead briefly emitted light, the repair was complete.

“I’ve fixed everything here.”

Ryu Min accepted the item and checked its information. The durability was now [1,000/1,000], fully restored.

‘Great. Now I can start stacking again.’

Ryu Min grinned.

– I don’t know what kind of necklace this is, but it seems quite valuable if he’s willing to go through all of this trouble to repair its durability.

Although Russell could have easily read the item’s information, he had chosen not to, respecting the customer’s privacy. It was a professional and ethical approach.

“Thank you. The durability is fully restored now.”

“Now can you provide me with information for Round 6?”

“Of course. The 6th round is a quest…”

Ryu Min began unveiling various advanced information. Each revelation caused Russell’s pupils to widen and contract repeatedly.

“Um… if what you just said is true, I should try to gather strong allies as much as possible.”

“Yes, that would probably be helpful. The monsters are exceptionally powerful.”

Russell nodded reluctantly, but deep down, he still harbored doubts about whether the prophecy would come true.

‘Well, he won’t believe it until he experiences it firsthand.’

Ryu Min remained patient, knowing that Russell would find out the truth after Round 6.

To survive, he will have no choice but to grasp the thread of the prophet.

“Is the deal complete with this?”

“Yes, but…”

Ryu Min’s voice trailed off. There was still more business to be conducted with the blacksmith.

“Would you consider selling me some items?”

“Items?”

“Do you have [Black Iron Dust] by any chance?”

“…!”

Russell had been cautious until now, but this time, he couldn’t help but be astonished.

‘He actually saw that too!? Did he foresee all the items inside my inventory too?’

Russell didn’t know that predicting the contents of someone’s inventory was even possible.

However, his astonishment didn’t stop there.

“That item, sell it to me. I know you’re looking for work because you’re short on cash. I’ll pay you generously.”

‘…You know that I’m looking for a job too?’

It wasn’t a prophecy; Ryu Min was actually reading his thoughts, but to Russell, it made little difference.

“I’m genuinely amazed now. I believe you’re the prophet. And I apologize. Honestly, I had my doubts, thinking you might be trying to trick me.”

“No need to apologize. I only speak of what I’ve seen in the future. Whether you believe me or not is your choice.”

“You won’t be wrong about the information for Round 6 either, will you?”

With those words, Russell, who had been deep in thought, raised his head as if he had made up his mind.

“Do you need [Black Iron Dust]? I’ll just give it to you.”

“You’re giving it to me just like that?”

“I feel like I’ve received more than I’ve given. I’m not that shameless, you know?”

It seemed that he had belatedly realized the value of the information he received about Round 6.

Russell, with a smile, took out the Black Iron Dust from his inventory.

“Take it.”

Without hesitation, Ryu Min accepted it, and the item’s information came up.

[Black Iron Dust]

– Category: Inventory

– Description: Black-colored iron dust. Faint magical energy can be sensed.

‘He’s giving away this valuable item just like that.’

Strictly speaking, he had given it as compensation for the information.

However, Russell was unaware of the value that Black Iron Dust held.

‘It’s a material that falls into the God Tier, after all.’

It might be an item that could easily be obtained after Round 11, but for now, it was difficult to come by.

The likelihood of finding it by killing monsters, as Russell did, was slim.

‘Shouldn’t I be grateful for this?’

He received the information for Round 6 after all.

“Are you sure about giving this to me for free?”

“I’m perfectly fine with it. Honestly, I don’t even know what it’s used for. Only you, as the prophet, would know how valuable this item is.”

Russell had a hench after all.

– If he’s demanding it specifically, it must be quite important.

But he didn’t ask deliberately.

He didn’t seek to find out.

He thought that asking for more after already receiving help would be greedy.

‘Drawing a clear line and not crossing it. That’s Russell’s strength.’

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