The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player

Chapter 209: Parking Lot (Part 1)

Ryu Min decided to meet Russell since he was already overseas.

There were some things he wanted to discuss in person, and he was also curious about Russell’s financial situation.

“Mr. Ryu! Long time no see!”

Russell waved enthusiastically as he approached Ryu Min at New York’s JFK International Airport.

Ryu Min came with a smile and shook his hand.

“Did it take long to get here?”

“Oh, not at all. I just watched a movie and took a nap, and it went by quickly.”

It takes seven hours to travel from the UK to the US.

It was quite a distance, so Ryu Min had initially planned to visit Russell, but Russell had insisted on coming to meet him instead.

“Are you hungry? How about we talk over lunch?”

“Oh, how did you know I was hungry? Let’s do that!”

Ryu Min took him to a steakhouse at the airport and ordered a variety of dishes.

“You seem pretty hungry. Think you can eat all this?”

“Oh, of course. If I want to keep up my strength, I need to eat this much.”

“Don’t worry about the bill. I’ll take care of everything.”

“Hey! What are you talking about? I should be the one paying. I can’t just freeload after getting a free prophecy. I’m quite wealthy, you know?”

When money was mentioned, Ryu Min remembered the advice he had given before.

“By the way, did you sell the stocks?”

“Oh, yes! I sold them as soon as I heard your advice. Thanks to that, I made quite a bit of money. It’s the first time in my life I’ve seen such a large sum in my account.”

“How much did you make?”

“Forty thousand pounds.”

Russell had invested 14,000 pounds in Ma Kyung-rok’s company.

Now, the investment had nearly tripled, becoming a substantial sum of 40,000 pounds—about 65 million Korean won.

With that money, he wouldn’t have to struggle with the cost of materials and could continue his crafting for years.

“You made quite a bit.”

“For someone like me who didn’t have much money, handling such a large sum… it’s all thanks to you, Prophet. So, about that bank account…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Ryu Min shook his head, as if he already knew what Russell was going to say.

“That money is all yours, Russell.”

“Huh? But you provided the initial capital, didn’t you? I should repay the loan…”

“Do you remember what I said when we first met?”

Russell thought for a moment and then nodded.

“You said you were investing in me based on my potential.”

“Yes. I’ve already placed an investment in you, Russell. I have no intention of withdrawing it until you reach the pinnacle as a blacksmith. Besides, I’m not someone who needs money.”

“…”

“Money should be with those who need it. So, use it, Russell. If you feel uncomfortable using borrowed money, just keep the principal and spend the rest as you see fit. After all, you earned it through your own investment.”

Strictly speaking, both the initial capital and the investment information had come from Ryu Min, so the money couldn’t really be considered Russell’s. However, since Ryu Min preferred to treat it as an investment, Russell could only accept it with gratitude.

“I understand your intentions, Prophet. Though I feel a bit shameless, I will use this money for my living expenses. Thank you, truly.”

“It’s nothing to be thankful for, really. But there’s something important I need to tell you, Russell…”

“Ah, that’s why you came here, right? Go ahead.”

Russell listened intently, prepared to hear what Ryu Min had to say, as Ryu Min spoke with a serious expression.

“Have you heard of the nickname ‘Black Scythe’?”

“Black Scythe? Of course!”

Russell wasn’t unaware of the rank one player.

“In the next 13th round, Black Scythe will come looking for you.”

“What? B-Black Scythe?”

Not only was it surprising that the top-ranked player would come looking for him, but how could someone he had never met find him?

“How does he know me?”

“He doesn’t, but he soon will. I’m going to tell Black Scythe to meet you.”

“What?”

The meaning behind those words was clear.

“W-Wait, do you mean you know Black Scythe in real life?”

“Yes. Somehow, we ended up becoming acquainted.”

Russell’s stunned expression gradually changed to one of understanding.

If Ryu Min was truly a Prophet, then it wouldn’t be strange for him to know the true identity of Black Scythe.

“To think you have the terrifying Black Scythe as an acquaintance… Haha, you must have nerves of steel too, Prophet.”

“Is Black Scythe that scary?”

“Of course. While others have just completed one lap around the track, he’s already finished ten laps on his own. He takes first place as easily as eating breakfast. In many ways, he’s a frightening person.”

It was understandable that others might feel that way.

“But what am I supposed to do when I meet Black Scythe…?”

“For you to grow in the 13th round, you’ll need Black Scythe’s help. To be specific…”

Ryu Min explained in detail the strategy for the 13th round and what Russell needed to do.

“Ah, so that’s why I need to meet Black Scythe… I understand.”

“I’ll talk to Black Scythe later as well, to make sure he comes to help you.”

“Do you think Black Scythe will agree to help me?”

“Since it’s my request, he’ll probably help. But just in case, prove your worth when you meet him.”

“My worth?”

“If you cast buffs with your blacksmith class, he’ll see the need to help you.”

“Ah, I see.”

Russell nodded, and as he did, Ryu Min smiled to himself.

‘With this, I’ve established a connection between Russell and Black Scythe.’

By playing the matchmaker, he had forged a link between them.

‘The blacksmith class is specialized in support, like a buffer. If we stick together until the 20th round, he’ll be extremely useful.’

As Ryu Min smiled, his phone rang.

The caller was Ju Seong-tak.

‘It must have started.’

He couldn’t stay seated any longer.

“Please excuse me for a moment.”

“Of course, take your time.”

After excusing himself from Russell, Ryu Min walked to a corner and answered the call.

“What’s the situation?”

-Ma Kyung-rok just arrived at a secluded warehouse. He’s pacing outside, smoking, as if waiting for someone.

“He’s probably waiting for the offering. What’s the location?”

-It’s at Bongbaesan in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province.

Hearing the location confirmed his suspicion.

It was Ma Kyung-rok’s usual hideout.

“Good job. Send me the exact location via text. Keep watching, and when the time comes, join Jeffrey and follow the plan.”

-Understood.

After ending the call, Ryu Min immediately contacted Jeffrey.

“Jeffrey. What about Christine?”

-She just arrived in Korea a little while ago.

“Good. Lead her to the location I’m sending. You remember what to say, right?”

-Of course.

“Then proceed immediately after this call.”

-I’ll carry out your orders.

After sending the location to Jeffrey, Ryu Min called Seo Arin.

This time, using the voice of Black Scythe.