47. Who to Kill
The Round 4 quest is simple.
Kill other players.
But as it's the main quest, there's also a hidden sub-quest this time.
[There is a hidden sub-quest!]
└Kill the Area Representative within the time limit
└Reward upon success ▶ Lowest Grade Magic Stone Drawing Ticket
[You have completed the sub-quest!]
[You receive a 'Lowest Grade Magic Stone Drawing Ticket' as a reward!]
This was why Ryumin killed Hwang Yongmin.
To kill the Area Representative and get the sub-quest reward.
[Lowest Grade Magic Stone Drawing Ticket]
-Category: Consumable
-Grade: Rare
-Effect: Obtain 1-5 lowest grade magic stones randomly.
-Usage Restriction: Until next round, Apprentice grade or higher
-Description: A limited-time item to obtain random magic stones. The item automatically disappears when moving to the next round. Affected by Luck stat.
'Good. I got the reward I wanted.'
The Lowest Grade Magic Stone Drawing Ticket is a ticket that can obtain up to 5 magic stones.
As it's a limited-time item, it must be used before going to Round 5.
'I should ask Min Juri for a buff when I return.'
Just then, a sharp scream pierced his eardrums.
"Kyaaaa!"
"A-a person died!"
"I saw it! Black Scythe killed him!"
People screamed belatedly seeing Hwang Yongmin's severed head.
Some looked at Black Scythe like a beast.
'When did they become hypocrites? They were ready to kill for the Area Representative position just now.'
He clicked his tongue and shook the blood off his scythe.
At that sight, some players pointed fingers and spat out words.
"Hey, Black Scythe! How could you just kill someone like that!"
"Do you have no blood or tears?"
"Murderer! You're a murderer!"
Murderer?
That's right. Because he killed Jang Seok-hyun.
Not just that.
He killed countless people up to Round 20.
'They were all trash who interfered with me though.'
Explaining would be pointless, as reasons didn't matter to their eyes.
They just needed a target for criticism.
'They probably think they've found a good target.'
Sure enough, looking at the criticizing players, they were all thinking the same thing.
That they should drag down Black Scythe's image.
'It's laughable.'
Perhaps angered by his sneering expression, the players raised their voices.
"You! Is this situation funny?"
"Are you a psychopath? What's there to smile about..."
Just then, a message appeared before the players' eyes.
[Player 'Black Scythe' has become the new Area Representative of ESKS45-5.]
At the message that the Area Representative had changed, people belatedly realized.
The man with a knife now also held a gun.
The players who had been pointing fingers quietly lowered their hands.
Gulp-
Suddenly everyone became mute as if they'd eaten honey.
Ryumin's sneer deepened.
"What? Not shouting like before?"
"..."
"Did you suddenly develop fear now that I've become Area Representative?"
"..."
"Ah, seeing how you fear Command Authority, you must be non-class changed players?"
"Wh-what are you..."
The players stammered, as if hit right on target.
Some hid among the crowd like mice.
They feared Ryumin's Command Authority.
'Seems they thought to instigate people to kill me when I became Area Representative, but that's not happening.'
Ryumin becoming Area Representative was a desperate situation for non-class changed players.
It meant the possibility of taking the Representative position became infinitely low.
So they tried to find fault and drag him down.
Hoping others would kill Black Scythe.
That's when.
"Huh? L-look at that!"
People pointed fingers at Black Scythe.
More precisely, above his head.
"Black Scythe's nickname color changed!"
Though he couldn't see his own nickname above his head, Ryumin knew.
'It must have changed from fluorescent to red.'
Usually it doesn't change even when killing people, but this round is different.
The nickname turns red like this when committing murder.
'It should be light red now. Since I only killed one person.'
The color deepens the more you kill.
What's the meaning of introducing this system in this round?
'Probably to distinguish murderers from non-murderers. It would ease the guilty conscience to kill murderers rather than innocent non-murderers.'
It would relieve guilt more to kill a murderer than an innocent non-murderer.
Because they're a murderer.
A human scum who killed another human.
'But those who kill murderers also become murderers.'
The nickname inevitably turns red when committing murder.
They become the same murderers.
Though they may consider themselves righteous judges, to others' eyes they're no different from murderers.
'Anyway, the nickname color change will encourage mutual slaughter.'
But everyone seems hesitant to kill each other, as if it weighs on their minds.
At times like this, a little instigation is needed.
"What are you all doing? There's no time to hesitate, is there?"
"Y-you stay quiet! You murderer!"
"If someone saw, they'd think I was the only one who wanted to kill the Area Representative. What about the people who eagerly pounced on Jo Jung-sik last round? Were you trying to kiss him?"
"Th-that's..."
"If you don't kill, you die. Don't you know that simple principle? Have you survived until now without knowing that? You should know if you live in a competitive society where you have to step on others to rise."
"B-but...!"
"Stop being hypocritical and face reality. Is there anyone who wouldn't pick up a knife when told their head would fall if they don't kill someone right now?"
Amid the silence, Ryumin continued.
"Of course, a good person wouldn't kill. But honestly, is that really for others' sake? Isn't it because you lack the courage to kill?"
"..."
"Now is not the time to be dazed like this. If you're really troubled, have a discussion like during the last vote."
Leaving those words, Ryumin turned away.
As if saying do as you please, kill or spare.
'Even without explaining in detail, fighting will break out anyway. But.'
By then it will be too late.
'If I don't say at least this much, they'll just waste time meaninglessly.'
If that happens, they might not be able to fill all the achiever spots.
The rule this round was that you fail without exception if you don't kill.
'Encouraging murder like this is the way to make more people survive.'
Ryumin headed to an empty corner and watched the situation with folded arms.
As if Ryumin's argument had an effect, voices of agitation arose.
"We can't just stay still like this. Shouldn't we do something as Black Scythe said?"
"So what are you saying we should do? Just chat?"
"Why are you taking it so sarcastically? I'm saying we should discuss what to do."
"What is there to discuss? Let's just grab one person each and fight. Or have a fair tournament."
"What's fair about a fight to kill each other? And a tournament? Did you come here to play?"
"What did you say?"
The murmuring grew louder and the conversation heated up.
As a discussion unfolded on one side, Seo Arin looked at An Sang-cheol.
"Wh-what should we do? Mr. Bodyguard? Do we really have to kill someone as Black Scythe said?"
"Of course we have to kill. Otherwise we'll die. What does the life of a complete stranger matter?"
"..."
For a moment, Seo Arin felt An Sang-cheol was unfamiliar.
It wasn't something a bodyguard who protects others should say.
"I completely agree with Black Scythe's argument. You should steel yourself too, Ms. Arin. Murder isn't a pleasant experience."
"You speak as if you've committed murder before."
"...That can't be. It's just speculation."
Seo Arin didn't miss it.
The moment An Sang-cheol flinched.
"Then who should we kill?"
"Let's decide that gradually after observing the atmosphere a bit. People are discussing that topic now anyway."
Following An Sang-cheol's gaze, people were talking enthusiastically.
"Let's stop this and decide who to kill!"
"Who are we going to kill?"
"Murderers. Let's kill people whose nicknames have turned red!"
"Why are you deciding that?"
"Life is precious! We shouldn't kill even murderers!"
"That's right! If we kill people, we'll just become murderers too!"
Opposing opinions burst out from all over.
Some players glanced at Black Scythe.
"Are you saying we should kill Black Scythe then?"
"Black Scythe? You must be crazy."
"How can we kill someone level 30?"
"We probably can't kill him even if we all rush him."
"Be quiet! What if Black Scythe hears..."
'I can hear everything, you fools.'
Ryumin inwardly clicked his tongue as he watched.
Some hurriedly turned their heads away due to his sharp gaze.
'Don't worry. I don't plan to kill yet.'
He planned not to step forward until the situation reversed.
Suddenly stepping forward and committing indiscriminate slaughter would be a minus factor.
'Even if I stay still, vermin will rush in on their own. I just need to wait for that moment.'
As Ryumin waited silently, the discussion heated up.
"Then what should we do! Someone has to die for me to live!"
"Instead of arguing like this, let's agree to kill criminals!"
"How will we distinguish criminals? What, are you going to ask people with criminal records to raise their hands? As if they'd confess so nicely."
"Damn, stop being sarcastic and give your own opinion then, you bastard."
"What? You crazy bastard, you think you can say whatever you want? Are you looking down on me because I'm a woman? You bastard? Should I kill you first?"
"Whoa, overreacting much. When did I ever mention women, damn it?"
The discussion scene suddenly started turning into a gender conflict.
"Hey, you two! Stop just talking and fight each other."
"Who are you to instigate?"
"That kind of bastard is worse. A dog bastard instigating from behind!"
"What? You damn dogs! I'll kill you all?"
"Kill us if you can! You son of a bitch!"
"You bastards!"
It was becoming a mess with shouting and cursing flying around.
The discussion atmosphere had long since disappeared.
But.
Though they talked about killing, no one actually took action.
They were afraid.
Of the consequences after being branded a murderer.
[Time remaining until round end: 02:50:13]
'It's almost been 10 minutes since Hwang Yongmin died. I should prepare soon.'
Ryumin unfolded his arms as he looked at the progress window.
People still weren't fighting as intended, but...
'No need to worry. They'll kill without hesitation soon.'
Ryumin knew.
That Hwang Yongmin, killed at the start, would act as a catalyst.
"Everyone stop just shouting and give realistic opinions... Hey! Are you listening to me? What are you all staring blankly at?"
The shouting player turned his head following people's gazes.
And he too couldn't help but gape like the others.
Because Hwang Yongmin, who they thought was dead, had revived in perfect condition.
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