The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player - Chapter 99 (Part 1)
Chapter 99: The 7th Round Results (Part 1)
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Round 7’s main quest didn’t involve breaking free from a fantasy world.
‘The true quest was to resist temptation.’
The first challenge was a sub-quest: committing suicide.
The second, the main quest, was all about resisting temptation.
Round 7 was designed as a dual-layered fantasy experience, like this:
Most participants felt relief after completing the initial stage, thinking they had escaped the fantasy. But that wasn’t the case.
‘It’s not over until it’s truly over.’
Even what Seo Arin said about escaping the illusion was a deception.
Ryu Min’s advice to not fall for temptation was precisely for this reason.
‘If they remembered my words and resisted temptation, the main quest would be a breeze.’
Of course, he didn’t disclose anything about the sub-quest rewards since he needed to secure it for himself.
The sole reward that could only be obtained by one person, the “Rune,” was crucial when facing Yamti.
Tick-tock, tick-tock.
Seo Arin vanished, and Ryu Min gazed at the message that materialized.
[Main Quest ‘Escape Temptation Within 2 Hours’ Completed!]
‘Now, we’re truly breaking free from the illusions.’
The illusion was dissipating.
Seo Arin, the field, everything faded away.
What emerged was an expanse of pure, colorless space.
This was indeed the authentic escape from the illusion.
[Huh? Someone has escaped already?]
Priscilla, seemingly noticing Ryu Min’s movement, flew in from a distance.
[Who could be the first to resist temptation… Oh!]
As she drew closer, her eyes widened.
[Black Scythe?]
“Why the surprise?”
Ryu Min raised an inquisitive eyebrow.
She was too far away for her thoughts to be discerned.
Gradually, a smile crept across Priscilla’s previously astonished face.
[Hehehe, kehehehehe.]
“What’s so amusing? Something unfortunate?”
Disregarding the perplexed Ryu Min, Priscilla laughed heartily.
An intrigued Ryu Min inquired, “Hey, Angel? What’s the situation here?”
[Oh, right. This isn’t the appropriate moment. Congratulations on being the first to escape the illusion.]
“Illusion? Oh, was that it?”
To avoid any suspicion from the angel, he feigned ignorance.
[Please wait until the time limit elapses. Rewards will be distributed after the results are tallied.]
Subsequently, a beam of light descended, ensnaring Ryu Min.
Swoosh.
Ryu Min, who had comfortably been seated on the ground, surveyed his surroundings.
In this colorless expanse, numerous individuals stood with their eyes closed.
They were the ones immersed in the illusion.
‘They likely relocated us to a different setting after wagering on the illusion.’
The meadow we initially been in wasn’t the actual field of the mission.
Once you’re in the new field and you recognize it as an illusion, it vanished even before the round commenced.
‘The system establishes the illusion after some time has passed.”
Prior to that, despite being aware it was an illusion, it wouldn’t vanish.
Ryu Min’s ability to exert commands over himself was what helped him successfuly pass the mission.
‘Most of them are probably experiencing the illusion fantasy by now.’
The first illusion is about committing suicide, and it’s only a sub-quest.
Even if you couldn’t readily commit suicide, you wouldn’t be excluded from the list of survivors.
Only the chance to seize a reward would be forfeited.
‘What truly matters is the main quest. Resisting temptation.’
Following swiftly was the second illusion—temptation.
Just like the first illusion, the system enticed players based on their innermost data.
There existed a multitude of ways to be tempted.
Material temptation, romantic temptation, yearning to escape suffering, and so forth.
Different individuals faced different temptations.
‘In my case, Seo Arin confessed to me.’
What occurred if you succumbed to temptation and exhausted the allotted time?
Naturally, you would be disqualified.
Conversely, if you resisted temptation?
Your ranking hinged on how swiftly you resisted.
‘It’s better to resist quickly. Just like me.’
However, had he killed Seo Arin the moment she appeared, it wouldn’t have counted.
The timer began after you declined the temptation.
The reason Ryu Min had awaited Seo Arin’s confession lay here.
‘To eliminate her as soon as temptation began.’
It didn’t happen, but he would have manifested being with her within a second or so if he didn’t act quickly.
It had been the same in his previous life.
Ryu Min sighed and waited, somewhat bored.
[Time remaining until the end of the round: 01:30:51]
‘We still have an hour and thirty minutes left.’
It wouldn’t have been as tedious if he could see others’ illusions.
With that thought, while waiting, a few people stirred from their illusions.
“Wow! What’s happening!?”
“Where are we?” others asked, bewildered.
“What’s going on?” confusion was evident on their faces.
“Don’t come any closer! Huh?” someone urged cautiously.
“Even if you try to tempt me, it’s useless! I have someone I love… Huh?” another voice chimed in, filled with surprise.
The angel began to explain the simple truth, leaving those who had just awakened from the illusion scratching their heads in confusion. As time ticked by, more people found themselves encircled by the pillar of light.
Eventually, the time limit expired, and everyone snapped out of the illusion.
Snap, snap!
Priscilla clapped her hands, wearing a smile, [Now, everyone, let’s get our wits about us! You must all realize by now that everything you’ve witnessed was a mere fantasy. Let me share the quest details with you once again.]
A message window appeared, unveiling the quest details:
– Escape Temptation Within 2 Hours
– Commit Suicide Without Hesitation
– Success Leads to ▶ Reward Distribution
[As you can see, the main quest was all about resisting the temptation of the illusion. The hidden sub-quest was the challenge of committing suicide without hesitation.]
“What? Committing suicide was a sub-quest?”
“Ah, you mean that wasn’t the main scenario?”
“For heaven’s sake, how are we supposed to commit suicide in such a messed-up situation?”
“This quest is insane. Who can commit suicide without a second thought?”
Players voiced their discontent, seemingly having suffered some significant mental strain.
[Heh, seems like some people here are ready to explode?]
“…”
When Priscilla shifted her demeanor to seriousness, the crowd fell silent, as if she had poured a bucket of cold water on them.
[But don’t fret. I won’t be taking anyone’s life. I’m in quite a good mood right now.]
With a mischievous grin, Priscilla flapped her wings.
A results window appeared in front of everyone’s eyes.
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