[Random Rune Piece]
-Category : Consumables
-Rank : Unique
-Effect : Randomly obtain a rune
-Usage Restrictions : Level 1 and below
-Description : An event item created for player. It cannot be used during level-up, so don't save it. Use it instead.
As the angel explained, the crowd looked on with curious expressions. Only Ryu Min, a veteran among them, wore a blank expression.
*They still don't understand how to use items or what a rune is.*
Runes are consumable items that can be acquired through hunting monsters or completing quests.
*In gaming terms, they function like passive skills.*
When a rune is used, it imprints itself onto the user, granting them the associated ability. Naturally, the more runes you have, the better. There's no limit to the number of runes you can obtain.
*If only I could gather a lot.*
The drop rate for runes rivaled that of unique items, making them difficult to find.
*The reality is that most people might not even get ten in twenty rounds.*
But that was only true for ordinary players.
*In my last regression, I had managed to acquire thirty runes.*
Because of my unique class and the plethora of available runes, I could become overwhelmingly powerful. Despite this, I had met my end at the boss's door without being able to showcase my skills.
*This time will be different. This is our final chance, and I need to become stronger than ever before.*
I must acquire not just thirty, but fifty or even a hundred runes. I need to gather them relentlessly to ensure I am exceptionally strong.
[You can use an item by holding it in your hand and saying 'use' inwardy.]
As the angel guided them on how to utilize the runes, they vanished one by one from the people's grips.
*Use.*
Just as Ryu Min invoked that command, the rune fragments shattered with a soft sound.
[You have used a random rune fragment.]
[Congratulations! You have obtained the 'Rune of Time Reversal!']
[The rune has been automatically imprinted onto your body!]
Despite the rune being engraved, there was no sign of expectation on Ryu Min's face. He knew what message would appear next.
[A remnant of the corresponding rune remains in the player's soul.]
[Imprinting failed due to rune characterics.]
Imprint failed. It was the outcome Ryu Min had anticipated. If one were to achieve a new imprint, they would gain the ability for infinite regression.
*I knew it wouldn't work, but it still stings. I can't shake the feeling that this is truly my last return…*
When he first returned and used the rune fragment, Ryu Min had hoped for a different rune. But that hope faded.
*I tried using it at various points in time, even just before leveling up… nothing changed.*
Regardless of what strategy he employed, the result remained the same. The elusive Rune of Time Reversal was the only outcome.
*That's why the imprinting failed each time.*
Even without gaining an imprint like everyone else, Ryu Min didn't feel like he lost anything. He still possessed the knowledge and experience from his ninety-nine previous regressions.
But then something unexpected occurred.
[You have been confirmed as the 100th Time Traveler through the remnants of the rune engraved in your soul.]
[You have acquired the tittle 'The Last Time Traveler.']
*What? A title?*
Though the imprint had failed, he received a title instead. This was an unprecedented occurrence, and confusion flickered across Ryu Min's face.
*Is this a title exclusive to the 100th regression?*
Realizing it was the final return, he glanced at the collection of rune remnants. A new title appeared in the previously empty title field.
Lightly tapping on the title, an information window emerged.
[Tittle : The Last Time Reverser]
-Obtaining Conditions : Acquire the 100th Rune of Time Reversal
-Effect : Upon death, you can remain as a spirit in the same spot for 1 minute. You can be resurrected at any time with full health restored. Upon resurrection, the tittle disappears as it is a one time ability.
*Resurrection?*
Initially, Ryu Min hadn't grasped the difference between titles and runes. Both functioned as passive skills.
But now he understood the distinction. Titles represent a higher-tier concept than runes.
*They're more potent and much more challenging to acquire.*
Instead of a rune, he had secured a title. That alone had to be advantageous. Moreover, unlike runes, titles can be displayed under a player's name.
*That means I can assert my presence to others.*
*But it's wise to keep the title of 'Last Time Traveler' under wraps.*
The ability still applies even without disclosing the title.
*Resurrection? This is an incredible gain.*
Even for Ryu Min, after 100 regressions, he had never encountered a title granting him the ability to resurrect.
*While priests can use resurrection spells tied to their class… I have never seen it manifested as a rune or item.*
Besides, this title fully restores health, outperforming most standard resurrection skills that only heal about 30%.
*Even though the title disappears upon resurrection, what's the harm in that?*
In a desperate scenario yielding no escape, the ability to revive is a blessing beyond compare.
[Havr you all engraved your runes?]
The people nodded in response to the angel. Some wore expressions of surprise as if they had received powerful runes, while others frowned.
[I can tell from your faces that your results are varied. Whether you received a beneficial rune or a poor one, accept the outcome as your human luck. Hehe]
The mischievous laughter struck a nerve, but nobody dared to complain in the angel's presence.
It was likely due to the angel's strong first impression.
[Now that everyone has finished the rune engraving, shall we jump into the real game?]
With a flourish of wings, the angel signaled, and a message appeared before everyone's eyes simultaneously.
ROUND 1
*Kil 100 goblins per person
[All areas]
*Participants : 1,801,029,290
*Achievers : 0/900,514,645
[Related areas ESKS45-5]
*Participants : 10,286
*Achievers : 0/5,143
"Kill 100 goblins?"
"The goblins from the game?"
"What does this area mean? Are they referring to where we are?"
The angel nodded as the participants mulled over the quest.
[That's the goblin you know. The area ESKS45-5 refers to your specific group.]
With a meaningful smile, the angel added
[I made it easy since it's your first round. You just need to kill 100 of them to return to Earth. It should be simple, right?]
*You really need to experience it to judge whether it's easy or not.*
Ironically, few shared Ryu Min's perspective.
"If it's a goblin, isn't it a ridiculously weak monster?"
"That's true. They are merely trash mobs in many games."
"This isn't as bad as I thought!"
"I expected an intensely challenging quest."
Participants eased up, believing the task was less daunting than they had feared.
*Underestimating this could lead to serious trouble...*
For Ryu Min, who fully understood the goblins' capabilities, trepidation filled his thoughts.
[I see everyone is feeling confident? Then, let's skip the further explanations and dive right in! Kyohohoho!]
The angel flapped their wings joyously.
Tseueueueu-
Tseueueueu-
Goblins, each the size of an elementary school student, emerged across the meadow.
They looked exactly like the goblins from novels and games.
"What is that? Is that a goblin?"
"Haha, it honestly feels like we're in a game!"
Despite the monsters appearing, the crowd showed little fear.
Even from a distance, the goblins, which reached only up to their waists, resembled small children.
Was it merely a response to having too much time on their hands?
Eventually, some even began to question their reality.
"This isn't a dream, right? It's like the lucid dreams I've only heard about."
"Have virtual reality games that we thought were mere fiction finally been commercialized? Were we kidnapped without even realizing it and subjected to a test?"
"Huh? That's a plausible theory!"
As the game-like scenario unfolded, their sense of reality and judgment grew foggy.
They felt emboldened enough to address the angel, who previously seemed threatening.
"Angel! Aren't you going to give us weapons or something? Those goblins have weapons."
[Weapons?]
All the goblins in sight wielded daggers or clubs.
The observing angel chuckled at the humans.
[There's no such provusion. You can either catch them with your bare hands or not. Oh and one more thing to add.]
"Uh?"
[Not all the goblins have been summoned yet.]
Goblins, doubling their numbers, began to swarm across the plains.
Initially, the field was vast and filled with green creatures, many more in number than the humans.
[The total number of goblins summoned so far is 50,000]
"F-Fifty thousand?"
[10,000 humans versus 50,000 goblins. Isn't that a fair fight?]
Only when the numbers turned unfavorable—five goblins for every human—did the crowd begin to grow anxious.
[Now, in a display of survival, humans and goblins shall fight to the death.]
As the goblins, previously watching the angel, took action, perhaps understanding his words, they charged fearlessly.
"Kiyaaaaak!"
The frontliners hesitated as the goblin horde barreled toward them without hesitation.
Seeing a goblin running at them with a weapon ignited fear in the hearts of many.
*It's normal to be frightened even when a dog charges at you, but facing a monster with a knife...*
Ryu Min nodded as he grasped the reactions of those around him and took a step forward.
This wasn't merely to garner attention.
*I'm ensuring my presence is felt among the crowd.*
First impressions matter.
To navigate this environment, displaying strength is crucial to deter unwanted attention.
*It's particularly essential to catch the angel's eye.*
That necessitates some impressive performance.
"Hey, look over here!"
"There! If you get closer, above…."
Those about to caution others on the impending danger quickly silenced themselves.
*Puck!*
A clean back kick struck the face of the leading goblin.
"Kkieeee…."
The goblin, suffering a broken beak, recoiled in pain.
*Chin-*
Ryu Min gripped its head with both hands and twisted sharply.
*Ppoddeuk-*
Ryu Min stood up, leaving behind the goblin that lay dying, tongue lolling out grotesquely.
He snatched the dagger from its grasp.
*Pok-pok!*
The dagger sank into the nape and back of a nearby goblin, swiftly emerging on the other side.
Before the goblin even fell, Ryu Min turned his body, his movements aiming for the next target like a lightning bolt.
*Phew!- Phew!-*
A pair of heavy thuds echoed as the air rushed from the chests of two goblins.
Instantly, four goblins had met their demise.
The fluidity of his movements resembled a skilled assassin in action.
"Squeak!"
Enraged, his fellow goblins hurled themselves at him, but Ryu Min's dagger outpaced them.
*Pitter-patter!- Pitter-patter!-*
Green blood sprayed everywhere, but Ryu Min remained unfazed, continuing his deadly swings.
This was sheer slaughter.
Onlookers around him gaped in astonishment at his overwhelming prowess.