The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player

Chapter 214: The Request of the Black Scythe (Part 1)

In a rural village in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do, there stood a house that appeared quite ordinary. Yet, hanging above its entrance was a sign with an engraved Chinese character: Sashinkyo (Death God’s Sect). At first glance, it seemed like a cult that might be reported to the authorities, but fortunately, the village residents paid it no mind. In fact, most of them didn’t even know the house was being used as a religious facility—except for the followers of Sashinkyo.

“Kyoju-nim.”

“Ah, Cardinal Eom.”

“What has you so deep in thought?”

Heo Tae-seok, who was sitting at his desk in deep contemplation, let out an exaggerated sigh.

“It’s the finances, what else?”

Maintaining a shabby house that they barely dared to call the Sashinkyo temple surprisingly cost more money than expected.

‘During the week, we travel nationwide to recruit new followers, and on the weekends, we hold gatherings to prevent them from leaving… It costs a considerable amount,’ he thought.

Occasionally, they even ventured abroad to find new followers, and the costs added up significantly. Especially during gatherings, the expenses were hefty—taking a group out for drinks and further entertainment would easily cost at least 500,000 won per outing.

‘Repeating this every week, it’s no wonder we’re running out of money.’

On top of all that, as the sect leader, Heo Tae-seok had no other job, so he was lounging around like an idle man, which added to his worries.

“This is my fault. I was too naive. I was too eager and didn’t see reality clearly.”

“…Is the situation that dire?”

Heo Tae-seok replied with another sigh.

“Even selling items is no longer a viable option. I’ve sold everything that could be sold to cover living expenses and operational costs. Plus, the Player Place Market site is about to shut down, so even that option is off the table.”

Heo Tae-seok had frequently sold equipment on the Player Place Market whenever he needed money, but that option was no longer available. Although he could try selling on other platforms like second-hand markets, it was far less convenient than Player Place.

“Ehh…”

“Hmm…”

Cardinal Eom Joon-seok, who had been watching Heo Tae-seok sigh deeply, came up with an idea.

“What about collecting offerings?”

“It’s not that I haven’t thought of it. I’d love to collect offerings, but what if we drive away the few followers we have left by asking for money…?”

“If we explain our situation honestly to the followers, they might step up.”

“Do you really think so?”

Heo Tae-seok was skeptical.

It’s easy to spend someone else’s money, but when it comes to parting with your own, people tend to turn away. Even if you plead and explain the situation, there’s no guarantee they won’t leave.

Especially if they’re already spending time on religious activities—who would want to stay if they also had to spend money?

“Well, I can’t be sure how the followers will react.”

“Ha…”

As both men sighed simultaneously, the sound of the front door opening reached them, and a presence was detected.

“Who could it be? Our regular meeting isn’t until tomorrow…”

Since they weren’t expecting anyone, Heo Tae-seok assumed it was just a curious passerby and went outside to check. But what he saw made his eyes widen in shock.

“Gasp! B-Black Scythe-nim!?”

It was the revered and spiritual pillar of Sashinkyo who had arrived.

“You recognized me as the Black Scythe right away. This must be the first time we’ve met in reality, right?”

“How could I not recognize you by that outfit?!”

Although Ryu Min’s face was hidden, he had deliberately shown up in the attire he wore in the otherworld, making it obvious who he was. Since Heo Tae-seok had partied with the Black Scythe numerous times, there was no way he wouldn’t recognize him.

Though he didn’t know the reason for this visit.

“To think I’d meet Black Scythe-nim in reality! I’m truly honored! But what brings you to this humble place…?”

“Do you think the sect you created for me is humble?”

“Ah, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just that, as you can see, it’s rather shabby…”

“It seems your finances aren’t in great shape.”

“…That’s correct.”

“How many followers does Sashinkyo have?”

“Originally, excluding Cardinal Eom and myself, we had about 30 followers, but now it’s down to 10…”

“I see, many must have died during the 12th round.”

“Indeed.”

Currently, only 175 players remain in South Korea. Until the 11th round, there were still 690, but the 12th round saw an unexpectedly high death toll.

“Are all those 10 followers players?”

“Yes.”

As he answered, Heo Tae-seok nervously gauged Black Scythe’s reaction.

‘Is he here to inspect us?’

Like a military officer inspecting a unit, was he here to see how things were going?

That thought couldn’t help but cross his mind, especially since Black Scythe was asking so many questions and looking around the place.

‘No, it can’t be that. He must have just come to see the sect that was established in his name.’

But Heo Tae-seok’s assumptions were completely off the mark.

“I’m here because I have a request.”

“A r-request?”