Chapter 216
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 216
Chapter Title: Information Sharing
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[Hero's Rune]
-Effect: Gain 1 stack (max 100) each time you save one person.
All stats increase by the number of stacks accumulated. Conversely, if stacks decrease, the increases decrease as well.
Consume 100 stacks to cast 'Hero's Protection' on one target you wish to protect.
While Hero's Protection is active, the caster can use 'Hero's Touch.'
└ Hero's Protection ▶ Activates the moment the target is attacked, providing an absolute shield that blocks any attack for 10 seconds.
Once cast, it persists indefinitely until activation.
Can only be cast on one target, and cannot be used on yourself.
If you accumulate stacks again and cast on another target, the previous one is canceled.
└ Hero's Touch ▶ Teleport to the location of the target under Hero's Protection or summon them to you.
Can only be used for 10 seconds immediately after Hero's Protection activates.
'I finally got it. The Hero's Rune.'
It was one of the 18 essential runes on the must-obtain list, particularly useful for protecting specific targets.
'When the target is attacked, they become invincible for 10 seconds, and during that time, I can use Hero's Touch to move to their location or summon them.'
For example, if he cast this skill on his sister, she'd enter a 10-second invincibility state if attacked by anyone.
At that moment, a notification would appear for Ryu Min, giving him two options.
Use Hero's Touch to summon his sister or move to her side.
'It's the perfect skill for protecting a sibling.'
On top of that, accumulating stacks boosted all stats, which wasn't bad.
It only applied while stacks were present, so it was more like a buff.
'But all stats up by 100? That's more than enough value for this rune.'
The condition was saving 100 people in peril, but that wasn't a concern.
There were plenty of people right here, after all.
'Just like when I acquired the rune, I can exploit the loophole.'
Summon a demon again and kill it, and it would count as saving people.
'The issue is that you can't save the same person multiple times.'
He'd already used up 100 people, so he needed new ones to fill the rest.
Fortunately, by the time all procedures were complete, the number of followers had exceeded 100, reaching 170.
This included both PleSeBa members and non-member players.
Considering there were 175 Korean players in total, it was practically everyone.
'Beyond expectations. To think so many gathered.'
He'd spent 1.7 million points, but it didn't feel wasteful.
Considering how easily he could rally players, it was actually a bargain.
'200 would have been better, but opportunities like this aren't one-time only.'
Judging that everyone who would come had arrived, Ryu Min set his plan in motion.
"Leader."
Heo Tae-seok nodded once more at the signal.
He'd already been briefed, so he knew it was time for the second demon seed summon.
As he passed through the crowd, he discreetly planted a seed in the ground.
Plop-
Planting the black seed was simple.
Just activate the skill, and it seeped into the ground like ink.
Heo Tae-seok gave Ryu Min a slight nod.
It meant the second summon was ready.
Ryu Min, timing it perfectly, adjusted his mask and gave the signal.
Whoosh- A stem as thick as a tree trunk burst forth.
"Kieeeek!"
Demons summoned randomly, so it was anyone's guess which one would appear.
Even Ryu Min couldn't help but be surprised this time.
'That's Requiem, one of the top-tier demon seeds?'
The players fell into chaos again at the sudden appearance of the second demon seed.
But only for a moment.
Crush-!
Ryu Min's scythe exploded its head, ending the situation instantly.
"Despite the warning, summoning another demon. It seems my words fell on deaf ears."
He spoke in feigned rage toward the imaginary foe, but his face hidden by the mask remained utterly calm.
In fact, he was smiling at the message floating before him.
[Hero's Rune Stack: 70/100]
[All stats increased by 70 due to Hero's Rune effect.]
'Good. Just 30 more stacks to go.'
At 100 stacks, he could use Hero's Protection to safeguard his sister.
No rush yet, so he could build them steadily without issue.
'That wraps things up.'
No, there was one more thing.
He had information to share with these 170 gathered followers.
Namely, the strategy for the next round.
'Can't just look after acquaintances anymore. The more people I save, the better.'
Thinking of the upcoming 16th round, it was best if as many players survived as possible.
No need to save villains, though.
'I peeked into everyone's hearts one by one, and none had personality issues. Sharing the strategy shouldn't cause problems.'
Of course, he had no intention of revealing the Prophet's existence.
He could just say he got the next round info from a special reward selection box.
"Shortly, there will be speeches from Leader and Black Scythe. Those who have completed registration, please enter."
Following Um Jun-seok's guidance, people filed into the building.
They took seats in the large worship hall that could hold 700, and Heo Tae-seok ascended the podium.
"Nice to see you all. Followers, I am the Reaper Church Leader, NoPainNoGay. My real name is Heo Tae-seok. I'm grateful so many came..."
Heo Tae-seok began his speech.
Nothing major, just a simple greeting.
Someone else would deliver the important message.
"...That's all from me. Thank you. Now, Black Scythe, whom you've all been waiting for, will speak."
Ryu Min, mask in place, stepped onto the podium and surveyed the room.
170 followers gazed solely at him.
"Nice to meet you. As you know, I'm Black Scythe. Due to circumstances, I can't reveal my face or real name—understand that."
The followers nodded.
They were curious about Black Scythe's identity, but it wasn't the priority now.
What info he would share was far more intriguing.
"I gathered you here to share vital information. Extreme secrets—not to be leaked elsewhere."
"Extreme secrets?"
Amid the murmurs, Ryu Min dropped his bombshell.
"I know about the next round. And I'm sharing it right here."
The buzzing hall fell silent as if doused in cold water.
No one had imagined knowing the next round in advance.
"You might wonder about the source, but it's simple. Taking 1st in the zone gives a Special Reward Selection Box. You can choose next-round info as a reward. I've often picked that to clear rounds easily."
Min Ju-ri was among the astonished followers.
'Ah... So that's why Black Scythe cleared rounds so effortlessly.'
She'd always thought his insight was incredible, but now it made sense.
"I'm revealing this now because I can't stand by as players dwindle further. That's why I'm sharing 13th round info—to survive together."
Forgoing personal rewards for the greater good of survival, willingly sharing info.
"Ah..."
"Black Scythe..."
The followers were uniformly moved by his magnanimity.
Some even clasped hands as if newfound faith had bloomed.
Seeing this, Ryu Min smirked beneath his mask.
'Survive as many as possible for the 16th round.'
His lips slowly unveiled the strategy.
* * *
[Sariel has not returned. Presumed dead.]
Some angels sighed at the thunderbolt news, but others scoffed.
"Hmph, knew it. If 7th fell, no surprise 6th did too."
Raguel, 5th in rank and Archangel of Justice, sneered.
He'd been displeased from the start that not him, but 6th, was sent.
"What was Michael thinking, judging it sufficient alone...?"
"Raguel. Daring to slander the chief Archangel in his absence?"
Gabriel's stern warning made Raguel pout.
"It's not wrong, is it? Sending that 6th fool reduced us from five Archangels. Clear misjudgment."
"Try saying that before Michael. See if you avoid the worm cell."
"......"
The worm cell was Heaven's punishment: solitary confinement swarming with bugs.
For fastidiously clean Raguel, silence was the only option.
"Enough complaints. Michael's judgment was sound. Sariel alone should have sufficed. Reaper class darkness and Archangel darkness aren't equal."
"Then why this?"
"I don't know."
"Even Gabriel of Prophecy and Revelation doesn't know?"
"My title comes solely because my body is ideal material for conveying God's word. This shell is merely a vessel for divine messages."
Raguel's brow stayed furrowed despite Gabriel's words.
Still, Black Scythe hadn't been captured.
"Your face says you're dissatisfied."
"Honestly, yes. If I'd gone, I'd have finished it cleanly."
"Who knows? Same result even if you did."
Raguel bristled at the nonchalant jab.
"Gabriel. Treating me like those 6th and 7th idiots...?"
"Watch your tongue—'idiots'?"
Turning at the grave voice, they saw an Archangel haloed in light.
Michael, undisputed 1st.
"Who insults gallantly fallen comrades as 'idiots'?"
"S-sorry."
Raguel bowed instantly to the dignified tone, unaware.
The culprit driving angels to doom stood before him.
"I admit Sariel's death was unexpected. My error."
"No, Michael. Your judgment was correct. Black Scythe was far stronger than thought."
"Indeed. I didn't expect Sariel to die."
It was sincere, not empty words.
He'd sent Sariel over Raguel thinking her weaker, but as a reaper's natural predator, he'd worried.
Whether Black Scythe would be dragged to Heaven, stripped of player status.
Whether his aspiration to become a god would be indefinitely delayed.
'But seems my worries were unfounded.'
Michael had already checked the Akashic Records and heard from Rubah.
'No injuries against Sariel?'
Thus, despite his grave expression, Michael felt relieved.
He believed Black Scythe could defeat the next Archangel too.
"Seems it's Raguel's turn."
"Really? Michael? Giving me the chance?"
"Yes. You execute judgment. As said, bring him alive. Can you?"
"Of course! Leave it to me! I'll drag that vermin—"
"No."
The interrupting voice turned the two angels.
Objecting was Gabriel.
"Raguel's strong, true, but risky alone. Better with 4th, Uriel."
"No, Michael! I'm enough alone!"
"Yes, send Uriel too."
Even 3rd Raphael chimed in, leaving Michael to ponder.
'Send 4th and 5th together? That's...'
Alone, Raguel seemed winnable for Black Scythe.
But adding Light and Flame Archangel Uriel? Concerning.
'Can Black Scythe beat both?'
Michael inwardly shook his head.
Even unscathed against Sariel, two might overwhelm.
Combat power and numbers differed vastly from Sariel.
"Michael. Decide."
Urged by Gabriel, Michael couldn't refuse.
No justification for solo Raguel.
"Better send both for certainty than repeat mistakes."
Muttering acceptance, Michael declared gravely.
"Uriel, Raguel—hear this. In 13th round, capture Black Scythe surely."
"Understood, Michael. Worry not."
"As commanded, neatly done."
The two replied confidently.