Chapter 117
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 117
Chapter Title: The Elves' Reward
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Ryu Min didn't alter his face.
He knocked the traitors out while still in his Black Scythe persona.
‘These guys are dead men anyway. Even if I don't kill them myself.’
Elves were colder than one might think.
Especially toward assassins who targeted their princess. They showed no mercy.
That was why Ryu Min hadn't hidden his identity.
After all, he would be the only surviving traitor.
*Poke, poke—*
He prodded the unconscious men with his foot.
One had his wrist severed, but the other two were unharmed.
‘They’re definitely out cold.’
He had chopped the back of their necks with the edge of his hand, backed by 464 Strength.
There was no way they'd suddenly wake up and expose Black Scythe as a traitor.
*Step, step—*
As Yugrito approached, Ryu Min lifted his head.
“…”
He didn't ask who Ryu Min was.
For now, he needed to calmly assess the situation.
Yugrito's gaze shifted to the rookie knight standing nearby.
“Jerif.”
“Yes!”
“Did you see what happened?”
“Yes! Four warriors from another world suddenly ambushed the carriage carrying the… ah, the young lady. One of them died from a gravity spell, and the other three, as you can see, were knocked unconscious by this gentleman.”
“And the princess? Is she safe?”
“The… ah, the young lady is sa—”
“There's no need to hide it. Her identity has already been revealed.”
“Ah, yes! The princess is safe. She is currently resting in the carriage, as she was quite startled.”
“So, you're saying this warrior from another world saved the princess?”
“That is correct. If he hadn't intervened in time, the princess would have been in grave danger.”
At those words, Yugrito bowed his head to Ryu Min without a second thought.
The rookie knight had no reason to lie, which proved the man before him was their savior.
“Thank you for saving our princess. If I may be so bold, could I ask for our savior's name?”
Ryu Min considered using a title but decided against it.
With no conscious traitors around, there was no need to hide his name as he had with the dwarven caravan.
“Black Scythe.”
“Black Scythe…”
Yugrito didn't take offense at the informal tone.
Instead, he repeated the name as if committing it to memory, then bowed his head once more.
“Thank you again, Sir Black Scythe. I apologize, but could you explain the situation? I don't understand why warriors from another world would target our princess.”
Ryu Min nodded and gave a simple explanation.
The werewolf attack was winding down, and this was more important than hunting.
It was a chance to build a relationship with the elves.
Yugrito’s eyes widened as he listened intently.
“Traitors? You mean there are traitors among the warriors from another world?”
“That's right.”
“Don't tell me they've joined hands with the Demon Archduke Plunikto?”
‘Demons? More like they’ve joined hands with angels.’
Ryu Min gave a vague response.
“I don't know about that, but I believe there are complex interests at play.”
“Ah… Then do you wish to take custody of them?”
“No. They have nothing to do with me.”
“In that case, may we deal with them according to our laws?”
“Do as you please.”
Yugrito looked down at the traitors and drew his sword.
*Slice— Slice— Slice—!*
Three swift strikes separated their heads from their bodies.
Ryu Min stared with surprised eyes, and Yugrito answered his unspoken question.
“Those who target the princess are to be executed immediately.”
He had killed them without mercy, though they could have been interrogated.
‘It is elven law that the words of an assassin cannot be trusted.’
The laws of the elves were terrifyingly strict.
But he already knew that.
“Sir Black Scythe. Thank you, truly, for saving the princess.”
‘How many times is he going to thank me? Just give me the reward already.’
He understood the depth of their gratitude, but if they were that thankful, shouldn't they show some sincerity?
He was slightly worried he might not get a reward, but he knew that wouldn't happen.
To the elves, saving their princess was a debt they must repay for a lifetime.
“Keeeeek!”
Just then, the last remaining werewolf was killed, bringing the situation to a close.
“Whew, finally killed them all…”
“Hey, look over there. Black Scythe is talking to the elves.”
The players who had fended off the attack now turned their attention to Ryu Min conversing with the elves.
“You’re right. But aren't those bodies players?”
“What happened?”
“Did the elves kill them?”
“Yes! I saw it! That elf suddenly swung his sword and cut off their heads, just like this!”
Seeing this, Yugrito let out a small sigh.
“Hah, if I leave this be, it will only create a bigger misunderstanding. Under the circumstances, may I explain the situation?”
“Be my guest.”
As soon as Ryu Min gave his permission, Yugrito stepped forward.
“Warriors from another world. I know many of you must be curious about what just transpired.”
His voice, carried by a wind spirit, reached the ears of every player.
“First, allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Yugrito, Knight Commander of Elsorium. And these are not merchants or coachmen, but knights of Elsorium.”
As he revealed they weren't merchants, a murmur spread through the players.
“We were not transporting goods. Our guise as merchants was merely a smokescreen to protect our princess. I apologize for deceiving you, however briefly. I cannot disclose the full details, but I am telling you the truth now, and I ask for your understanding.”
The elves did not wish to harm their relationship with humans.
That was why the Knight Commander himself was clearing up the misunderstanding.
‘Whether that’s a fabricated setting for this world or a real one, there’s no way to know.’
Yugrito continued.
“Unfortunately, under the cover of the monster attack, a group sought to harm our princess. The dead humans here are those assassins. According to Sir Black Scythe, they were traitors.”
“Traitors?”
“Huh? The number of traitors really did go down!”
Checking the roster, they saw the number of traitors had dropped to one.
Little did they know that the sole remaining traitor was Ryu Min.
“I will not ask why there are traitors among you. Judging by your reactions, you seem to be just as confused. In any case, had it not been for Sir Black Scythe, our princess may not have survived. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sir Black Scythe once again.”
‘Alright, enough with the thanks.’
As Yugrito bowed to Ryu Min, the words he had been waiting for finally came.
“Sir Black Scythe. I have a gift I would like to present to you.”
Yugrito produced something from within his robes.
As Ryu Min quickly accepted it, a smile finally appeared on his face.
[You have received the ‘Elixir of Hyper-Regeneration’ as a reward from Yugrito, the Knight Commander of Elsorium.]
[Elixir of Hyper-Regeneration]
-Type: Consumable
-Grade: Legendary
-Effect: Regenerates the body for 10 seconds.
-Usage Requirement: Master grade or higher.
-Description: For 10 seconds, your body will regenerate instantly even if torn apart. However, it does not prevent mental collapse from the ensuing pain.
‘I finally got it. The Elixir of Hyper-Regeneration.’
As the description implied, it was an elixir that made one practically invincible for ten seconds.
‘If I time it right, I can come back to life even if I die dozens of times.’
It was, in essence, an extra life.
It was an item he needed to use in the 15th round, so he carefully stored it in his inventory.
“To give me something so valuable so readily. Thank you.”
“Is there anything in this world more precious than the princess's life? We elves owe Sir Black Scythe a debt we can never fully repay.”
[The elves' reputation of Black Scythe has increased from ‘Neutral’ to ‘Favorable’.]
Seeing the reputation change notification pop up, Ryu Min grinned.
“In any case, thank you.”
“It is we who should be thanking you.”
Just then, the rookie knight who had been waiting by the carriage approached Yugrito.
“Jerif, how is the princess?”
“She was startled, but she has recovered significantly. By the way, after I explained the situation, she said she wishes to thank her savior in person.”
“The princess herself? I understand. Sir Black Scythe, this way.”
As he and Yugrito approached the carriage, Yupinelsia stepped out as if she had been waiting.
The moment she did, a wave of shock went through the onlookers.
“Gasp!”
“Holy shit.”
“What in the…”
It was because her beauty was enough to put angels to shame.
“Hello, warrior from another world. My name is Yupinelsia of Elsorium.”
“Call me Black Scythe.”
Ryu Min spoke informally even to the princess.
Yet, neither the princess nor the other elves seemed to mind.
‘Now that my reputation is favorable, nothing I do will be a problem.’
As long as he didn't betray them, he could live a life of being treated well by the elves.
“I heard you saved me. I truly don't know how to repay this kindness…”
“There is no need. I only did what was right.”
Elves were fond of words like ‘duty’ and ‘righteousness.’
Ryu Min had intentionally used such words to build rapport.
‘Leaving a proper impression on the rule-abiding elves will be helpful in many ways.’
Sure enough, the way Yugrito and the knights looked at Ryu Min subtly changed.
He was a lifelong savior, but a human was still a human.
However, his recent statement had slightly blurred the line they had drawn around humans.
‘I just need to gradually increase their favorability from here. Gaining the princess's favor, in particular, would be best.’
He knew what the elf princess liked, so it wouldn't be difficult.
“Princess, you should stay inside. I will guard the carriage. Even if it costs me my life.”
“Ah, th-thank you.”
Far from feeling burdened by his vow to protect her with his life, a blushing Yupinelsia quickly retreated into the carriage.
A faint smile played on her lips.
At that sight, Yugrito approached with a surprised look.
“I have never seen the princess smile like that before.”
“Is that so?”
“It seems your promise to protect her has put her at ease.”
“Then I am glad.”
Ryu Min nodded and spoke to Yugrito in a reassuring tone.
“I will protect the princess, so you just focus on getting us to our destination.”
“If you would do that, we would be most grateful.”
Yugrito smiled, relieved, and returned to the front lines as the battle continued.
“Kieek!”
“Kyaaak!”
Monsters continued to assault the elves and humans, and with each one, Ryu Min reaped experience with his scythe.
Throughout the thirty waves, not a single monster managed to get near the princess.
The great wall known as Black Scythe stood guard.
Witnessing his truly dependable presence, Yugrito approached and expressed his reverence.
“I knew you were no ordinary man, Sir Black Scythe, but I never imagined you were this powerful.”
“Is that so?”
“Thanks to you, we were able to escort the princess safely. Thank you.”
As he spoke his thanks, a hint of regret colored Yugrito's expression.
The time to part with their savior was approaching.
Yupinelsia, seeming to know this as well, poked her head out of the carriage.
“Um… Sir Black Scythe.”
“Yes? Is there something you wish to say?”
“It’s… never mind.”
Changing her mind, the princess quickly pulled her head back in, only to peek out again a moment later.
“W-we will meet again someday, won't we?”
Ryu Min replied nonchalantly.
“Yes. Don't forget me until then.”
“…”
Staring blankly for a moment, Yupinelsia retreated without another word.
‘She’s so shy.’
The elf princess, surprisingly, had a soft spot for cheesy lines.
Finally, the time came.
[Time to destination: 00:00:00]
As the timer hit zero, Yugrito halted the carriage and bid a crisp farewell.
“Warriors from another world, you have worked hard. We will not forget the kindness you have shown in protecting us to our destination. I hope to see you again with smiling faces.”
*Clop— Clop—*
The caravan began to move, and Yugrito gave Ryu Min a final nod.
Yupinelsia, having opened the carriage window, watched Ryu Min's receding figure with the face of a shy young girl.
[You have safely escorted the elven caravan to its destination.]
[Quest ‘Escort the Elven Caravan’ has been completed.]
[In a moment, all participants will receive experience as a reward for the successful escort.]
[The amount of experience granted is double the amount gained from the monsters you and your party hunted.]
As it concluded, the experience reward came in.
‘I’ve reached level 78.’
It was a satisfactory level.
More importantly, he had built a reputation with the elves and obtained the elixir he wanted. It couldn't be better.
As the time for parting came, Heo Tae-seok looked disappointed.
“Sir Black Scythe, it’s a shame we have to part ways now.”
“What's there to be sad about? We'll see each other again.”
“Ah.”
Those words seemed to move Heo Tae-seok, as his expression once again became dazed, as if he were smitten.
“W-will I be able to see you again too?”
Eom Jun-seok, who was standing beside him, asked timidly, and Ryu Min nodded.
That alone was enough for the man to grin from ear to ear in delight.
He felt less like a potential follower and more like a full-fledged one.
‘Now, shall I head to the human caravan?’
Ryu Min’s figure vanished.
One last caravan remained.
A caravan not to be protected, but to be destroyed.