Chapter 233 - Promoting National Prestige
From this moment on, I, 'Gustavo', resign from dictatorial politics and surrender to 'Black Scythe'. We will abolish the system of slavery and lift all oppressions, including communications, trade routes, and more. I commit to never again appearing in public with a repentant heart for my past actions.
On the television screen, which had been silent for a long time, an incredible video was displayed.
The dictator ruling over Mexico declared himself stepping down.
With an apology.
"Is, is this real?"
"The face looks real, but..."
"Aren't they lying again to deceive us?"
People couldn't easily believe due to fear.
How could a monster among monsters who carried out a policy of terror withdraw so easily?
But it didn't take long for doubt to turn into confidence.
The television returned to normal, communications and internet were restored, and families who had been taken as slaves returned home.
Most importantly, in the streets, there was no presence of the players who once oppressed with fear at every opportunity.
They were gone in groups, as if they had moved elsewhere.
"Uh, have we really returned to normal?"
"Did Gustavo and the players really hide like this?"
It wasn't known where they had gone, but one thing was clear.
The freedom the citizens gained was thanks to the intervention of Black Scythe, as mentioned in the video.
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[Black Scythe, within a week, rescued six countries, including Mexico, Brazil, India, and China.]
[Black Scythe really did it! We express our gratitude to the citizens of each country...]
[The hero who saved countries in crisis, his name is Black Scythe.]
[President Yoon said he will continue to report on countries ruled by force.]
[Black Scythe, who saved hundreds of millions of citizens, desires no reward...]
Articles were published one after another.
Black Scythe's heroic acts were quickly reported worldwide.
The reactions of netizens, who previously mocked, changed notably.
Wow... He did it. He really is a hero, a hero.
This is a great opportunity to improve the country's image.
Shouldn't they give him a medal for this?
He doesn't need medals. Black Scythe for parliament!
I'm an immigrant in Germany, thanks to Black Scythe, our country's image has improved a lot. Really thank you.
Were there really countries where players were oppressed?
Just a few days ago, where was that country? Now we can't even see their trace.
Are the trolls who mocked Black Scythe now hiding like cockroaches?
I'm proud that Black Scythe is Korean!
Black Scythe is a God!
Black Scythe is truly a legend. I can only say he's amazing. To dedicate oneself so much for others...
Why are they praising so much? Hahaha. If I had power, I would help others too.
The comment above, this is the type who sits on his couch and criticizes while drinking soda.
Hahaha, that's funny.
Although it seems easy to say, it really isn't easy. Confronting injustice with one's life at stake... I simply respect.
"I believed in it. I believed that Black Scythe would use his power in the right place."
"Comments above, the guy who left them used to leave malicious comments. Don't believe him."
"Haha, see how they change their attitude when they're actually saving countries?"
"It's really disgusting. Those who leave malicious comments."
"But, how did they manage to film that video? Did they threaten them with firearms if they didn't obey?"
"What kind of firearm is useful against those who avoid firearms? They probably threatened them with a scythe."
"They could have just killed them directly, why the threats?"
"They probably killed them after filming the video. Do you really think they let them live?"
"They're cheap people even if they die. The leaders and the players who followed them below."
"They really did a good job filming the video. Not only does it show their surrender, but it can also serve as evidence. Plus, this action greatly elevated our country's position. It's an achievement no one else has reached."
"Yeah, they've become almost legendary figures."
"What does 'legendary' mean?"
Ryu Min let out a senseless laugh and tucked his phone into his belt.
"Well, I don't feel bad."
Just a week ago, he was considered arrogant and received many insults. Now, he had become a acclaimed hero.
Becoming a self-defense group and saving many people was natural for him.
"The comments said it would be difficult, but it was easier than I thought."
How could they retake the country from those who had taken it by force?
The answer was simple.
"If they took it by force, we can take it back the same way."
Eliminating all the garbage involved in the coup and coup d'état with an even greater force was simple.
However, after killing them, they had to ensure their surrender, rather than just displaying their bodies as evidence.
How?
"Just kill them and then transform into one of them and film a video."
Ryu Min could transform into a dead player thanks to a killer's mask.
The manipulation wasn't difficult.
"The information is just reading the hearts of those people and extracting what you need."
He had already discovered the names of the leaders who were trying to establish independent countries in China and India by reading Gustavo's and others' hearts. They, like the others, left videos after their death.
"After that, I saved two more countries. I also left a video for everyone to see."
As a result, in a week, Ryu Min had killed almost 400 players.
They were criminals who had killed while saving six countries in total.
"I've already saved all the countries I needed to."
It was safe to assume he was no longer receiving additional reports.
"However, I have no intention of stopping."
He had asked the president to inform him immediately if he received more reports.
Who knows if there will be other countries that need help.
"And if other countries ask for help?"
Every time that happened, Ryu Min would be ready to act as an apostle of justice.
It wasn't just to increase his worth and become a hero.
It was to prevent a world dystopia and reduce the number of players sacrificed at the hands of criminal players.
"Once I don the mantle of the avenger, I'll be able to prevent future crimes."
Ryu Min had officially declared that he would stop players' crimes and was acting accordingly.
The other criminals would hear the rumor and shrink like turtles.
"To control the criminals who don't listen, only the cudgel remains."
Laws don't apply to players who are outside the human category.
Players who transcend human categories are not subject to the law.
The only way to control them is by crushing them with an even greater force.
In the world of players, power is law.
As Ryu Min is doing now.
"The crimes of the players are largely resolved. Now the key is to resist with the remaining players as much as possible."
Of course, not all players can be saved.
Every round requires half to be discarded.
"So we must fill our surroundings with the necessary people. Like the people here."
In front of Ryu Min, there was a large crowd.
Nationalities were diverse, including the United States, Canada, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, among others.
They were all players who had come to join the Church of the Four Gods.
Perhaps due to a week of relief activities, the place was even more crowded.
"We must include in the Church only those we can trust."
Skill is important, but most importantly is whether they can be trusted.
Since the last round required a group of more than five people for the room boss.
"Mr. Black Scythe."
As Christine approached, Ryu Min stood up from his seat.
Beside him was a familiar face.
It was Nathan.
"He is my father. He is a priest of this congregation."
"Pleased to meet you. My name is Black Scythe."
Bowing his head in Korean-style courtesy, Ryu Min, a smile appeared on Nathan's lips.
"I am Nathan. I wanted to meet the man who helped my daughter."
Both shook hands.
Although they seemed to be meeting for the first time, in fact, they had already met in Korea.
"But at that time, he was a prophet."
Ryu Min smiled inside his mask, speaking in a softer tone than usual.
"We needed a place to conduct the interviews, thank you for lending it."
"Haha, it's nothing. You are the one who saved my daughter, it's the least I can do."
"Although this is formally an event of enrollment in another religion, don't you think this might offend God?"
"I don't think so. In the Bible, it says one must obey and submit to those who guide you. Aren't you someone who saves and guides many people? It may be a burden, but I even consider it a kind of reincarnation of God."
"Reincarnation of God, that's exaggerated."
"Haven't you saved many people with your power?"
"I only did what a man of power should do."
"With skill, personality, and humility... This no longer seems like the Church of the Four Gods, right? Hahaha!"
As she watched the conversation between the two, Christine breathed a sigh of relief.
Although she didn't show it, she was worried they wouldn't get along, as Black Scythe was cold and authoritative, while Nathan had a more innocent side.
"But it seems I worried for nothing. Black Scythe speaks with a softer voice than usual, and my father also receives him well."
She was pleasantly surprised to realize the conversation flowed smoothly. But then she heard a surprising statement.
"Are you by any chance married? Do you have a partner?"
"No. I'm not. But..."
"Haha, it's perfect! Turns out my daughter also doesn't have a partner. What do you think...?"
"Father! What are you saying now? It's embarrassing!"
Nathan could do nothing but stop here due to his shouting daughter.
"Well, anyway, please take good care of my daughter. Then..."
As Nathan left, Christine had to hastily manage.
"Oh, don't worry about what my father says. Sometimes he speaks like that in jest. American humor, haha..."
"I don't mind."
"..."
Why do I feel a sense of disappointment when you say you don't mind?
"Yes, yes, of course you don't mind. You wouldn't have any interest in anyone else, would you, Mr. Black Scythe? Oh, no, sorry."
Christine muttered, biting her lower lip.
"It seems there has been a misunderstanding."
Ryu Min decided he had to clear up the misunderstanding.
"It seems you think I have a special relationship with Yamti, but it's not like that at all."
"Really?"
"Of course. I only take her with me when I need her skills. There are no personal feelings involved."
"Ah..."
It was just a misunderstanding.
Christine's heart felt relieved.
"So, please don't misunderstand."
"Understood."
When he expressed it clearly and concisely, she felt relieved of the accumulated tension.
"It's time to go for the interviews."
Ryu Min interviewed the people waiting in the church one by one.
The questions were simple, three in total.
"Why do you want to join the Church of the Four Gods?"
"Because I respect Mr. Black Scythe."
"Do you have a criminal record?"
"No, I have lived an honest life."
"Finally, are you sure you will not disclose information provided by the Church of the Four Gods?"
"Of course. I am good at keeping secrets."
Ryu Min listened to the answers and evaluated his thoughts.
"He seems sincere. There are no personality issues."
Then, after considering several things, he announced the results immediately.
"Approved. Congratulations on joining the Church of the Four Gods."
"Thank you! Thank you, Mr. Black Scythe!"
Thus, regardless of their abilities, anyone who had no personality issues was accepted.
As a result, the number of followers of the Church of the Four Gods continued to increase.
Until it reached 400 people.
"Not bad as a result."
Although he couldn't bring all 400 people to the final round, they would all receive benefits for being followers of the Church of the Four Gods.
Anticipated benefits for the next round.
With a satisfied smile, Ryu Min finished recruiting followers and returned with the delegation.
The trip to the United States lasted a week and ended successfully.
And after three peaceful weeks, round 14 began.
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