The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player

Chapter 219: Iron Grey (Part 1)

While others were still pondering their regional choices, Russell immediately selected the Kingdom of Albitz without hesitation.

‘Mr. Ryu told me. There’s no need to do anything else—just wait for the Black Scythe in the Kingdom of Albitz.’

Though he had heard the strategy for the 13th round, the Prophet had mentioned there was no need for him to do any quests. As a blacksmith, mingling with the dwarves would raise his reputation more easily than for others.

‘The Prophet told the Black Scythe the exact method. His help is absolutely necessary.’

So, he waited endlessly in this spot.

Nearly an hour had passed.

‘C-could it be that he’s not coming?’

As he anxiously feared being stood up, a black shape appeared in the sky.

“W-what the…!?”

What had been flying like a demon with wings soon landed softly in front of Russell.

It was none other than the Black Scythe.

“Are you Russell Daniel?”

“Y-yes, that’s me. Are you… the Black Scythe?”

Even though names weren’t visible in this fantasy world, Russell knew instinctively that this person was the Black Scythe.

“Yes, I am the Black Scythe.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, sir.”

“There’s no need for such honors. I’ve heard about you from the Prophet. He told me to take special care of you, as you two are close.”

“The Prophet said that?”

When the Black Scythe nodded, Russell felt deeply moved.

‘To think Mr. Ryu would regard me so highly… He really is like a saint.’

Determined to make a better impression next time he met Ryu Min, Russell suddenly recalled something he had been told.

‘He said to prove my worth when I meet the Black Scythe, didn’t he?’

Thinking that there was no harm in solidifying his relationship with the Black Scythe, Russell mustered his courage.

“I’ve heard that you can help me grow, sir.”

“That’s what I’ve been told.”

“I know it’s presumptuous, but could you help me? I want to grow faster.”

“Hmm…”

“In exchange, I’ll cast a buff that will help you hunt! Just a moment… could I see your weapon?”

When Russell gestured as if to take his weapon, Ryu Min frowned.

“You want me to hand over my weapon?”

“Oh, no! You don’t have to give it to me, just let me touch it.”

When Ryu Min held out his scythe, Russell lightly placed his hand on it and chanted a skill. Then, an astounding message appeared before Ryu Min’s eyes.

[The effect of the skill ‘Weapon Polishing’ increases weapon attack power by 150%.]

[The buff will last until the end of this round.]

‘My attack power increased by that much?’

Ryu Min had vaguely heard about blacksmiths’ buff but had never personally experienced it.

“Your weapon’s attack power increased, didn’t it?”

“Yes, I’m surprised by how much it increased.”

“Haha, you’re not done being surprised yet. Could I touch your armor this time?”

When Ryu Min nodded and allowed it, Russell placed his hand on the armor. An even more surprising message appeared.

[The effect of the skill ‘Equipment Polishing’ increases armor options by 10%.]

[The buff will last until the end of this round.]

‘What? The options increased?’

Ryu Min brought up the status window for the Thanatos Black Armor he was wearing.

‘Defense: 2,200, +1.1 to all stats per level, 73.7% chance to evade when hit?’

The options had indeed increased by 10%.

“Your stats improved, right? I can buff all your equipment like this. Oh, except for accessories.”

“Really?”

“I’ll do it right now. Let’s start.”

As Russell applied buffs to the helmet, gloves, and boots, all of their stats increased by 10%. While not a huge increase, the fact that the item’s stats could be enhanced was significant.

‘For equipment like the Black Armor with probability-based options, I could potentially push the evasion rate to near 100%.’

Ryu Min hadn’t known blacksmiths had such skills.

As Ryu Min marveled, Russell smiled proudly.

“Surprising, right? Even I didn’t realize how efficient the Equipment Polishing skill was when I learned it at level 60.”

“Repair, Weapon Polishing, Equipment Polishing… what other skills do you have?”

“Ah, there’s one called Material Crafting, but it’s not a buff skill, so it’s not that useful. It’s a skill that allows you to gather junk items to create higher-level materials.”

Ryu Min nodded in understanding.

Materials could be bought with money, so it wasn’t a skill he needed. But it might be useful for Russell.

‘Still, the Weapon Polishing and Equipment Polishing skills are more than enough help.’

“Did it help?”

“Very much.”

Seeing Ryu Min’s satisfied expression, Russell internally cheered. He had clearly proven his worth.

“Let’s go. I’ll help you grow even more.”

“Thank you. Where are we going, though…?”

“The Prophet told me to head to a place called the Cargago Mountains. We need to find a dwarf city there.”

“Do you know the way?”

“Of course. I’ve got some connections with the dwarves.”

Ryu Min smirked as he changed his title to ‘Ahead of the Pack.’

Seeing words appear above Ryu Min’s head, Russell’s eyes widened.

“What’s that above your head?”

“It’s a title. It gives you various effects. If you strengthen your relationship with the dwarves, you’ll get one too, or so the Prophet said.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Let’s not waste time. Let’s go.”

“Um… sir…”

When Russell spoke again, Ryu Min’s tone turned sharp.

“What now?”

“A-are we going to fly again? I’m… I’m afraid of heights…”

“Don’t worry. We’ll walk. The dwarf city is underground, after all.”