Chapter 214
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 214
Chapter Title: Black Scythe's Request
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A rural village in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province.
A sign with engraved Hanja characters hung on what looked like an ordinary house.
Reaper Church.
Anyone who saw it might report it as a shady cult, but fortunately, the villagers paid it no mind.
No, most of them didn't even know the house was being used as a religious facility.
Except for the Reaper Church followers.
“Master.”
“Oh, Cardinal Um.”
“What are you so deep in thought about?”
Heo Tae-seok, who had been engrossed at his desk, let out a dramatic sigh.
“It’s the finances, what else?”
Running even this shabby little place that barely qualified as a Reaper Church surprisingly cost money.
‘Weekdays we’re traveling the country recruiting new followers, weekends we hold gatherings and feasts to keep them from leaving... Expenses add up quick.’
And when you factored in the occasional overseas expeditions to snag more followers, the costs were no joke.
Especially the feasts—taking a bunch of people out for drinks, then second and third rounds, you were looking at least 500,000 won gone every time.
‘Doing that every week? No wonder we’re broke.’
And as the leader, with no real job, here he was lounging around like a bum.
“It’s my fault. I was too naive. Got ahead of myself without facing reality.”
“...That bad, huh?”
Heo Tae-seok answered with another sigh.
“Selling items has hit its limit too. We’ve sold everything worth selling for living and operating expenses. And now even the PlePle Market site is on the verge of shutting down...”
Whenever they needed cash, Heo Tae-seok had sold gear on PlePle Market, but that avenue was drying up.
Sure, he could try sites like used goods cafes, but they were a hassle compared to PlePle.
“Eeeesh...”
“Hmm...”
Cardinal Um Jun-seok watched the leader sigh nonstop, then offered an idea.
“How about collecting donations?”
“You think I haven’t considered that? I’d love to. But what if our hard-won followers bail over it?”
“If we’re honest about our situation with them, they’ll step up.”
“You think so?”
Heo Tae-seok wasn’t optimistic.
People were fine spending someone else’s money, but ask them to dip into their own pockets? They’d bolt.
No guarantee they’d stick around even if he laid out the truth and begged.
Who’d keep pouring time and now money into cult activities?
“Ugh, can’t predict how the followers will react, so I can’t promise.”
“Whew...”
That’s when they both sighed in unison.
Creak—
The front gate opened, and presence detection picked up one person.
“Who’s that? Regular meeting’s tomorrow...”
With no one expected, Heo Tae-seok figured it was a curious villager and stepped outside.
Only to freeze in shock.
“Gasp! B-Black... Black... Black Scythe!?”
The treasure and spiritual pillar of the Reaper Church had arrived.
“You recognized me as Black Scythe at a glance. First time we’ve met in reality, if memory serves.”
“Still, I’d know anywhere! How could I not with that outfit?”
Ryu Min’s face was covered, but he’d shown up in the otherworld gear deliberately meant to scream Black Scythe.
Heo Tae-seok, who’d partied with Black Scythe multiple times, couldn’t miss it.
No clue what brought him here, though.
“Meeting Black Scythe in the real world! I’m thrilled! But what brings you to this dump...”
“The church you built for me is a dump?”
“Ah, sorry. No offense, it’s just... as you see, it really is shabby.”
“Finances must be rough.”
“...Yes.”
“How many Reaper Church followers have you gathered?”
“We had about 30 besides me and Cardinal Um Jun-seok originally, but now it’s down to 10...”
“Lots died in Round 12, I guess.”
“Yes.”
The number of players left in South Korea was now 175.
Up to Round 11, there’d been 690, but Round 12 had taken out more than expected.
“All 10 are players?”
“Yes.”
Heo Tae-seok answered while gauging Black Scythe’s mood.
‘He here to inspect us?’
Like an officer touring the barracks, arms behind back?
Couldn’t help thinking that, with all the prying questions and glances around.
‘Nah. Probably just curious since he heard about the church.’
But Heo Tae-seok’s guesses were off the mark.
“I sought you out for one favor.”
“Pardon? A f-favor?”
When he could just command him?
Heo Tae-seok waved his hands in flattered protest.
“No need for favors. Whatever it is, just order me.”
“Can’t do that. You even founded a church for me. Shabby as it is.”
“Y-Yeah.”
“So I want you to relocate somewhere else.”
“Huh?”
Relocate?
Abandon this place and move?
“But as I said, we’re not in any shape to...”
“I’ll get you a building. Building new would be ideal, but no time, so buying an available church works. Thinking Seoul for location—what’s your take, Leader?”
“...”
Heo Tae-seok was dumbfounded.
He’d procure a church building in Seoul?
“D-Did I hear wrong? You just said you’d get us a building...”
“Not giving it. I’ll buy it in my name. Anyway, Seoul work?”
“Seoul’s great, but it’ll be pricey...”
“What, 20 billion won tops?”
Heo Tae-seok’s jaw dropped again.
Talking 20 billion like it was a thousand-won bill from his wallet.
“What do you say?”
“Huh? Say to wh-what...”
“Will you relocate if I get you a place in Seoul?”
“Ah, th-that’s...”
Heo Tae-seok hesitated, worries piling up.
Ryu Min, who could read minds, knew exactly what was bugging him.
“No worries. I’ll cover all operating funds too. While we’re at it, here’s 100 million won for a year’s expenses.”
“Huh? 100 million?”
“Quit gawking and give me your account.”
Seeing Black Scythe pull out his phone, ready to transfer, left Heo Tae-seok dazed.
The sudden windfall felt unreal.
“Account, now.”
“Ah, yes. Nonghyup Bank, 291...”
Ryu Min transferred 100 million won on the spot.
Under Lost Ark’s name, so no risk of his real identity leaking.
Confirming the deposit, Heo Tae-seok stared in shock.
“C-Can you really just hand over that much so casually...”
“No big deal—use it for the church without guilt. Pocket change to me.”
With 100 billion in interest copying yearly, 100 million was nothing.
“Th-Thank you! Thank you!”
“No need to thank me. Means I’ll be involved in Reaper Church management from now on.”
“Involved?”
“I’ll give you an email—send me monthly expense reports. Gotta check for waste. You can handle that?”
“Oh man, of course! With 100 million, I can do anything!”
It was basically a blank check, but reports would keep it from feeling like free money.
People start thinking favors are entitlements if they go on too long.
“If it’s not enough, just say.”
“N-No! 100 million’s more than plenty! And a building too... Sniff.”
Heo Tae-seok wiped away a tear.
Must’ve been real tough lately.
“Sorry. Embarrassing the leader position like this. Finances have been absolutely awful. Feels like I can breathe now.”
“Not just charity. Like I said, I need a favor from you.”
“Anything, anything at all.”
No duel challenge, yet Heo Tae-seok groveled like a slave.
Money was power.
“You learned a skill called Black Seed at level 40. Plant it in the ground, summons a random demon.”
“Yes, I have it.”
“Hit level 60, so it upgraded. Probably summons stronger demons now, right?”
“That’s correct.”
“I want you to plant that seed at a spot I designate, then use the skill to summon a demon when I signal. Can do?”
Heo Tae-seok nodded without hesitation.
Not a tough ask.
Just use the skill at the spot.
“But how’d you know about my skill? Never used it in front of you, Black Scythe...”
“Saw another warlock use it.”
Total lie.
He’d learned from the Round 7 illusion.
‘Back then, Heo Tae-seok threatened to plant a seed in Min Ju-ri’s body and detonate it.’
Just a system illusion—no hard feelings.
Guy had started a cult voluntarily; no betrayal risk.
“That’s really all?”
“Yeah. That’s my only request. Do as I say, and I’ll set you up with a Seoul building, fund operations, even help recruit followers.”
“Followers too?”
“10’s pathetically low, no? Aim for at least 100.”
Heo Tae-seok’s mouth fell open at the unimaginable number.
“Th-That possible?”
“Totally. Power of money. Well, points, technically.”
“Points? What...”
“You know the cafe [Players Change the World]?”
Black Scythe threw a question instead of answering, but Heo Tae-seok replied readily.
“PleSeBa? Of course. I’m a member.”
“Post promos there to draw people in. Say we’ve set up a new church in Seoul.”
“Tried that. Didn’t get many.”
“Obviously—why come just ‘cause?”
“Then how...”
“Offer points. 10,000 per joiner.”
“Huh?”
Points were rarer than gold.
Hand them out as sign-up bonuses?
They’d swarm.
Especially now, when everyone desperately needed some.
“Everyone saw the Round 11 rankings—I’ve got 20 million points. Say Black Scythe is handing them out personally; no one’ll say no.”
“Y-Yeah, promise points and they’ll flood in like crazy.”
“Follower problem solved.”
100 people would cost 1 million points, but Ryu Min didn’t care.
He had plenty to spare.
‘More followers, the better. Devotees to me—easier to control in numbers.’
Plus, not gathering them for nothing.
To get Hero’s Rune as planned, he needed crowds around.
100-plus.
‘No way fewer than 100 show? We’re offering points.’
But Ryu Min didn’t know.
Far more would come than he imagined.