The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player

Chapter 218: The Treasure Vault of Elsorium (Part 1)

Had it been about three minutes?

A flash of light shimmered from the distant warp gate.

Soon enough, they came rushing over, panting heavily.

It was the five elders, the true powers behind Elsorium.

“Huff, huff… it’s really the Black Scythe, isn’t it?”

“To think the Black Scythe himself would visit our elf village.”

It was funny that even though this was their first time meeting, these NPCs recognized his face.

Not just a vague recognition—they genuinely reacted as though they knew him when he read their thoughts.

‘Well, I did save the princess in the 8th round, so it’s not strange that my face became known… but I didn’t expect them to greet me so warmly.’

They treated Ryu Min like a hero who had saved their homeland, and he decided not to question it any further.

Honestly, trying to understand the reputation system logically when you could resurrect people from death was absurd.

“I apologize for the wait. Please, come this way! We will escort you inside the palace.”

“Very well.”

Ryu Min followed them, hands clasped behind his back as though he really were a hero.

If the elves wanted a hero, he would play the part.

“Please, step up here.”

The moment he stepped onto the warp gate, a bright light flashed, and he was instantly transported inside the palace.

“This way, please.”

Following the elders to the guest room, the maidservants resting there jumped to their feet in surprise.

“What are you doing! A distinguished guest has arrived, and you haven’t even served tea yet!”

“Y-yes! We apologize, Elder!”

The maids scurried off, leaving the elder behind with a beaming smile.

“Please, make yourself at home. We will bring you warm tea and food shortly.”

“Very well.”

Ryu Min leaned back in the chair, not refusing the offer.

They were treating him like a VIP, and he had no reason to decline. Besides, he had plenty of time since he had already completed his quest.

‘I’ve been to Elsorium a few times, but it still fascinates me. These elves live like humans.’

Their society resembled a typical kingdom so much that one could forget they were elves and not humans.

‘It probably means they interact a lot with humans. The items here weren’t made by them; they must’ve been imported from human society.’

Yet, officially, elves didn’t get along well with humans.

It made sense, given that elves, who cherished nature, wouldn’t be fond of humans, who destroyed it.

That was also why humans were often turned away at the entrance.

‘Still, they seem to understand the convenience of human goods, living in such impressive buildings.’

Some players likely chose Elsorium for reputation farming.

However, building a relationship with the elves wasn’t easy.

‘Among all the races, they are probably the hardest to win over.’

Unless you saved lives, like Ryu Min had in a specific situation, such treatment was unheard of.

“Here is the tea and refreshments.”

Ryu Min took the tea from the maid and sniffed it.

The strong scent of pine needles filled his nose, calming him.

‘Sometimes, a break like this isn’t so bad.’

Slurp—

Ryu Min drank the tea with a sense of ease.

He didn’t suspect any poison.

There was no reason to target someone like him, who was practically a hero to them, and he trusted the reputation system.

After about three sips, the elders returned, accompanied by someone else.

It was the Princess and the captain of the royal knights, Yugrito.

‘So that’s where they went—to fetch the princess.’

They probably discussed what they could give to the important guest who had arrived so suddenly.

And their solution was the princess.

‘They must’ve thought that by presenting the princess, they could solidify their relationship with me.’

As expected, reading the elder’s thoughts revealed he was thinking exactly that.

“Black Scythe, how is the tea? Does it suit your taste?”

“The aroma is quite pleasant.”

“It’s made from the Tiberi leaves we purchased at a high price from the Kingdom of Braham. It’s known to clear the mind.”

“It certainly has that effect. I noticed your elves seem to be in frequent contact with humans despite cherishing nature.”

“Well, we can’t stay isolated from the world forever. If there are good things to be learned, we should embrace them. That doesn’t mean we’re particularly friendly with humans, though. We still maintain neutrality… mostly.”

The elder glanced at Ryu Min cautiously.

“Unlike with other humans, we wish to maintain a positive relationship with the Black Scythe, if possible. Just as we have now.”

“I wish for the same.”

Did they think their relationship could fall apart? The elder, momentarily startled by Ryu Min’s words, broke into a hearty laugh before introducing the princess.

“Ah, I almost forgot to introduce her. You’ve met her before, haven’t you? This is Princess.”

“It’s been a while, Black Scythe. It’s an honor to meet you again.”

The Princess lifted her dress slightly and curtsied with grace.

The once-young princess had matured quite a bit since they last met.

—Heh, even the Black Scythe is human, huh? Can’t take his eyes off the princess.

—So it’s true what they say about humans—they can’t resist the beauty of our elven kind.

Meanwhile, the elders’ thoughts reached him.

Just glancing at the princess had sparked such strange misunderstandings.

“Well then, we’ll leave you two alone. We have some urgent matters to attend to.”

“Enjoy your time together.”

The elders excused themselves with tact, but Ryu Min wasn’t about to let them go so easily.

“Hold on. Aren’t you going to ask why I’m here?”

“Why… you’re here?”

“Didn’t you come to see the princess?”