Chapter 279 - End of Round 17
★ Round 17 Results ★
[Integration Area CA-EA001]
1st. Black Scythe (Level 98, Reaper) - Gold used: 100,000,000
2nd. Min Juri (Level 73, Buffer) - Gold used: 50,000,000
3rd. Christine (Level 73, Priestess) - Gold used: 40,000,000
No player was surprised to see the results.
They were exactly what everyone expected.
Black Scythe already knew that his position would be determined by the gold used.
[The ranking method for this round is based on the amount of gold used!]
So, no one nodded at the additional explanations from the angels.
They already knew it.
That everyone would survive if they won the war.
And that there would be a generous reward.
They just didn't know what the reward would be.
Until the message appeared.
[Experience and gold are awarded to everyone as a reward for completing Round 17.]
[Due to the victory of the Kingdom Union, the experience and gold obtained are multiplied by 10.]
[Experience +47.68%]
[Gold +3,000,000]
[As an additional reward for the victory of the Kingdom Union, the God-grade item 'Condensed Aether' is awarded.]
[The Condensed Aether has been deposited in the inventory.]
The players were astonished by the much more generous rewards than expected.
"They're giving us 3 million gold?"
"Is it because we spent a lot of gold?"
"But the experience is even more incredible."
"I leveled up 10 times at once!"
Players in their seventies suddenly jumped to the eighties.
Although they only increased by 20 stats, the change in the first digit of their level gave them a notably greater sense of power.
"It's still too early to be surprised. If we survive Round 18, we'll get double the experience now."
Some are happy to grow quickly, but not everyone.
Ryu Min wasn't.
"Will I have to reach the maximum level in the next round?"
To go from level 98 to 99, it takes 10 times more experience than before.
Fortunately, they avoided the disaster of reaching the maximum level for now, but they couldn't avoid the amount of experience they would receive in the next Round 18.
"I wanted to delay reaching the maximum level as much as possible, but there's no other choice."
Although people were excited, the reward they should have noticed was not the experience, but the God-grade item that was so difficult to obtain.
"Condensed Aether?"
"Is this a God-grade material?"
"But, what is a God-grade item?"
People still didn't understand the value of the items they received.
"Maybe I should have tried to make a God-grade item."
They remembered obtaining a blueprint for God-grade gloves as a reward in Round 11.
Some might have tried to craft it and sell it in the player market.
"Or maybe I couldn't make it because I didn't have Condensed Aether?"
While other God-grade materials are relatively easy to obtain, Condensed Aether is not.
It is a rare item, one per person.
However, people didn't seem so happy.
Could it be because the angels didn't explain the value of the items themselves?
In the Unified Kingdom of Nations, it seems that victory has brought an exceptional reward. They even obtained God-grade materials! What? They don't know what God-grade means? It is the highest grade of item, barely reachable even after striving until Round 20.
"It's not the highest grade. Because Eternal exists," he commented.
But the angel didn't mention anything about it.
Was he hiding it on purpose or simply didn't know?
Either way, as the angel said, obtaining a God-grade item is like catching stars in the sky.
Although he himself possessed six of those items.
"Congratulations. You've reached first place in this area and completed the mission!"
"Black Scythe's current ranking is first place in this area."
"As a reward for reaching first place in the area, an 'Infinite Materials Bag' will be awarded."
"As a reward for reaching first place in the area, a 'Special Rewards Selection Box' will be awarded."
"This time as well, an Infinite Materials Bag as a reward."
Three consecutive materials bags.
It seems that these items are being awarded to gather materials and craft God-grade items.
He had already graduated from obtaining God-grade items and had to aspire to something more.
"You can choose one of the following special rewards."
"Touch the desired reward."
Temporary Skill - Collect (Valid only for Round 18)
Temporary Skill - Change Sides (Valid only for Round 18)
Information about Round 18
By using the Special Rewards Selection Box, standout reward options are revealed.
"A Change of Sides... it seems I have no choice but to use this."
Originally, Ryu Min had chosen Collect to eliminate the demons in Round 18, but the situation had changed.
Now, killing an angel was also quite beneficial.
◀ ROUND 17 ENDED ▶
[Integrated Area CA-EA001]
-Survivors: 286
"Soon, your soul will be transferred to the original body of your dimension."
"Round 18 will begin at midnight on June 1, 2023. See you in the next round. Congratulations on surviving."
*Michael sat in front of the table with a tense expression.
Soon, he would face the Archduke Demon face to face.
"I can't believe I'm so nervous..."
It wasn't the first time he negotiated with the Archduke Demon.
After six battles against demons, they were used to chatting through the screen if there was any matter to discuss.
But still, Michael couldn't help but feel tense.
"Much is at stake in these negotiations."
He had deceived the gods according to Black Scythe's plan and risked his life.
But that wasn't all.
"The outcome of these negotiations will determine the outcome of the war."
The Seventh Great Demon Battle was approaching the end of Round 20.
To win that war, not only would he have to satisfy the gods who sponsored the celestials, but he would also have to ensure his own survival.
"And if everything goes as planned, I will be able to become a god."
It was rumored that the system would grant wishes if Round 20 was conquered, but in reality, it wasn't just a story for humans.
"I could become a God by taking advantage of that desire of beings."
To achieve that, Michael had planned to keep Black Scythe alive until Round 20.
Judging by his actions, Black Scythe was the only option to seize the beings' desire.
"However, this is just the story after winning the war."
If they lose in the Seventh Great Celestial Battle, even the desire to become a god will vanish like bubbles.
"Even if you don't achieve your desires, you can't lose the war."
In the end, even if you abandon Black Scythe, the war must inevitably lead to victory.
That was the reason why negotiations with the Demon King were so important this time.
At that moment, the Demon King's face appeared on the screen.
"Why do you keep bothering busy people? It's annoying."
It was Plunictos, who began to complain as soon as he saw him, but Michael showed a gentle smile.
Regardless of what they said, this time, the Demon King was the king in these negotiations.
"Thank you for taking the time to come, Your Majesty."
"Michael, why have you called me? I hope this is resolved quickly."
"You seem as stubborn as ever. You know everything but act like you know nothing."
Although he wanted to rebut like he did during the last war, Michael smiled slightly.
"I understand. Since you're busy, let's get to the point. Earlier, you requested that I bring Black Scythe... well, if you could extend the waiting time a bit..."
"If it's not before the eighteenth round, I'll declare war immediately."
"I'm not asking for much. Just a little more..."
"I don't like it."
Plunictos was adamant.
He even crossed his arms and looked away.
Negotiation seemed completely off the table.
"He's probably being so inflexible because he knows he'll win the war if he starts it now."
Although expected, it was bitter.
The reality was that they had no choice but to yield to the enemies' insistence and postpone the war.
"However, it would be better than losing."
Even if they lost in the Sixth Great Celestial Battle, what would happen if they lost this time as well?
Not even Nemesis, not even the gods on whom the Celestials relied, could be seen.
Even the Archangel Artaros was absent.
"I have to buy time somehow. If the war breaks out now, it's a foregone conclusion that we'll lose."
Michael's determined expression turned into a plea, as if asking when it had become like this.
"Please, Your Majesty, don't say that. We're not saying we won't deliver Black Scythe. Please, just wait one more round. Exactly the eighteenth round. On the day of the friendly war, as scheduled, we will deliver Black Scythe. Please, have mercy."
Despite having tried to explain, Plunictos simply snorted.
"Bah, no matter what, I can't postpone it. A promise is a promise. If by the time the eighteenth round starts in the Demon King's Castle, Black Scythe isn't there, I'll declare war as agreed. And in the meantime, I'll intervene in the war with all my power as I am."
"..."
Originally, Plunictos couldn't participate in the Great Celestial Battle.
Because his power was too great.
"According to rumors, he's powerful enough to compete with Lord Artaros."
A Plunictos like that participating in the Great Celestial Battle with all his power?
The result was clear.
The Seventh Great Celestial Battle would end with the Celestials' defeat.
First, they've violated the rules. I can legitimately claim this and as compensation, I can start the war earlier. I can also participate directly in the war. So don't feel unjust. This is established by the rules and also agreed upon by both deities. So don't think about negotiating with me.
[...]
Once again, negotiation doesn't work.
'Just ask to wait one round...'
Michael, biting his lower lip, sighed as if he had no other choice.
"Ugh. There's no other choice. Alright, I'll do it."
"What are you going to give?"
"It's about granting access to the Akashic Records."
Plunictos's expression, which had been consistent throughout the conversation, changed.
An unexpected reaction.
But only for a moment.
It seemed that it was what he wanted, his smile widened.
"Are you really willing to give access to the Akashic Records?"
"Until now, only the celestials could use it according to the regulations of both sides... but if we delay the war, I will allow demons to use it as well."
"No, no, no. Not the demons, only the devils should be able to use it."
"It doesn't make sense. We won that right, and you expect us to give it up just like that. Even if we lose the war, that's hard."
"Is that so? Then can you at least share it with us?"
"Alright. I'll do it..."
"But the war cannot be delayed. I will only extend the promise period to 18 rounds."
Once again, he shows masterful skills due to his position as the highest demon authority.
He doesn't take the bait easily.
"So, if we deliver Black Scythe in the 18th round, you won't start the war immediately?"
"That's right. If you share access to the Akashic Records with us."
Michael had to carefully control his expression.
"There's no way to avoid it."
"Accepted. So, is the negotiation over?"
"Yes."
"Don't talk nonsense later. The conversation is being recorded."
"Any doubts?"
The answer seemed to satisfy Plunictos, who smiled as he revealed it.
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