[Random Rune Fragment]
Classification: Consumable
Grade: Unique
Effect: Acquire a random rune skill
Usage Limit: Level 1 or below
Description:
This is a special event item created for players. Don't save it—use it. Once you level up, you won't be able to use it.
[As you can see, the Random Rune Fragment is a one-time-use item. It can only be used when you are at level 1, and it's the only unique item given at the beginning.]
People looked at the angel with curious eyes as she explained the item.
Only Ryu Min, who had already heard this explanation countless times, maintained his composure.
"I don't know what this is all about yet. I don't even know how to use this item—or what a rune even is," someone said.
A rune was a consumable item that could sometimes be obtained by defeating monsters or completing quests.
If explained in video game terms, it was similar to a passive skill.
Once used, the rune would be inscribed onto the user's body, granting a corresponding ability.
Of course, the more runes one possessed, the better.
There was no limit to the number of runes a person could obtain.
"That's assuming you can even get that many," Ryu Min thought.
The drop rate of runes was comparable to that of unique items, making them extremely rare.
"In reality, it's difficult to even obtain ten in twenty rounds."
But that only applied to ordinary players.
"When I last regressed, I had thirty runes."
As a rare-class player wielding numerous runes, Ryu Min had once become overwhelmingly powerful.
Yet even then, he had been wiped out before reaching the boss room—without ever revealing his true strength.
"This time has to be different."
This was his last chance.
"I have to grow overwhelmingly stronger than any previous regression."
Not just thirty runes—fifty, a hundred, even more.
He needed to obtain them frantically and become unbeatably strong.
"When you hold it in your hand, say 'use' in your mind to activate the item."
As the angel explained the usage, the rune fragments in people's hands began disappearing one by one.
"Use."
Ryu Min did the same.
Crack—
The rune fragment shattered in his hand.
[You have used a Random Rune Fragment.]
[Congratulations! You have obtained the 'Rune of Time Reversal.']
[The acquired rune is automatically engraved onto the player's body!]
Despite the announcement, Ryu Min showed no excitement or anticipation.
He already knew what message would appear next.
[The remnant of the rune's power remains within the player's soul.]
[Engraving has failed due to the nature of the rune.]
Engraving failed.
Just as expected.
If the engraving had succeeded, Ryu Min would have gained the ability to regress infinitely.
"I knew it wouldn't work… but it's still disappointing."
"This really is my last regression."
During his first regression, when he reused the rune fragment, Ryu Min had briefly believed he might obtain a different passive skill.
But it never happened.
"I tried using it at different times—after waiting, just before leveling up, everything I could think of."
The result was always the same.
The Rune of Time Reversal appeared every single time, as if predetermined.
"And that's why the engraving always failed."
Still, Ryu Min had never considered it a complete loss.
After all, he retained the experience and knowledge from ninety-nine regressions.
But then—
Something unexpected happened.
[Confirmation of the 100th use of Time Reversal through the remnant of the rune's power engraved in the soul.]
[You have acquired the title 'Last Time Reverser.']
"…What?"
"A title?"
Although the rune engraving had failed, he had gained a title instead.
This had never happened before.
Ryu Min's expression briefly stiffened in confusion.
"Is this a title only granted to someone who reaches a hundred regressions?"
It seemed the system had recognized his final regression through the accumulated remnants of the rune.
A new title had appeared under the 'None' category.
When Ryu Min lightly touched it, an information window appeared.
[Title – Last Time Reverser]
Acquisition Condition:
Use the Rune of Time Reversal for the 100th time.
Effect:
Upon death, the player may remain in a ghost state for one minute at the location of death.
Within that minute, the player may revive at any chosen moment with full health.
This title disappears after one use.
"…Resurrection?"
At first, Ryu Min hadn't fully understood the difference between runes and titles.
Both granted passive effects, after all.
But now, he knew.
Titles existed on a higher level than runes.
"They're more powerful… and far harder to obtain."
This was a massive advantage.
Instead of a rune, he had gained a title with resurrection capabilities.
And unlike runes, titles could be displayed beneath one's nickname simply by thinking about them.
"Still, it's better to keep the title 'Last Time Reverser' hidden."
The effect would activate regardless of whether the title was visible.
"Resurrection, huh…"
"I've obtained something incredible."
Even after regressing a hundred times, Ryu Min had never heard of a resurrection ability granted through a title.
"Priests have resurrection skills… but even those only restore about thirty percent health."
This was clearly a superior ability.
"Even if it disappears after one use—so what?"
In a situation where there was no future regression waiting for him, resurrection was nothing short of a miracle.
"Have you all finished engraving your runes?"
At the angel's question, people nodded.
Some wore delighted expressions, clearly satisfied with their runes, while others frowned in disappointment.
"Such mixed reactions. Whether your rune is good or terrible, accept it. Luck is also part of strength. Hahaha."
Her laughter echoed, yet no one dared voice a complaint.
"Now that rune engraving is complete, shall we begin playing in earnest?"
As the angel spread her wings, messages appeared before everyone's eyes.
◀ ROUND 1 ▶
[Entire Area]
Participants: 1,801,029,290
Achievers: 0 / 900,514,645
[Designated Area ESKS45-5]
Participants: 10,286
Achievers: 0 / 5,143
Objective:
Defeat 100 Goblins per person
"Defeat one hundred goblins?"
"The goblins from the game?"
"What's the designated area? Is it where we are right now?"
As people murmured, the angel nodded.
"That's right. The goblins you all know. And Area ESKS45-5 refers to the group you belong to."
She grinned mysteriously.
"We made the first round easy. Defeat just one hundred goblins, and you can return to Earth. Simple, right?"
"It won't be hard or easy until you experience it," Ryu Min thought.
The others disagreed.
"Aren't goblins weak monsters?"
"They're just common mobs."
"Guess this won't be as bad as we thought."
"I was expecting something much harder."
The tension began to loosen.
But Ryu Min felt the opposite.
"If they take this lightly… they're going to regret it."
"Are you all feeling confident?" the angel said. "Then let's skip the explanations and begin the battle! Kyohohoho!"
Her wings fluttered excitedly.
Tsueueueuk—
Tsueueueuk—
Beyond the meadow, figures appeared.
Small, green monsters about the size of elementary school children.
Goblins.
"What is that?"
"A goblin?"
"Haha… it really feels like a game now."
Despite the monsters' appearance, no one panicked.
They were still far away, and their short stature made them seem harmless.
Perhaps confidence had taken hold.
Some even began denying reality.
"This isn't a dream, right?"
"Could this be some advanced virtual reality game?"
"Maybe we were kidnapped and tested without realizing it?"
"…That actually makes sense."
As the game-like elements piled up, people's sense of reality grew blurred.
Even those intimidated by the angel felt uncertain.
"Excuse me, angel! Aren't we supposed to receive weapons? The goblins have weapons."
"Weapons?"
Every goblin visible carried a dagger or club.
The angel sneered.
"You're on your own. Use your bare hands, steal theirs—it's your choice. Oh, and one more thing…"
Tsueeuk—
Tsueuk—
"Huh?"
"Not all the goblins have been summoned yet."
Suddenly, goblins flooded the field, far more than before.
Green bodies filled the horizon.
"So far, fifty thousand goblins have been summoned."
"F-fifty thousand?"
"Ten thousand humans against fifty thousand goblins…"
Unease spread.
"Well then," the angel said cheerfully, "fight like your lives depend on it—because they do. Humans and goblins, begin!"
At her command, the goblins charged.
"Kiyaaak!"
The front line of humans froze.
Creatures armed with weapons were rushing toward them.
Fear was natural.
"Even a dog charging at me would be terrifying—let alone a monster with a sword…"
Ryu Min stepped forward.
His movement drew attention.
"What's that guy doing?"
"He's alone—"
Ryu Min ignored them and waited.
He wasn't seeking attention.
He was establishing presence.
"First impressions matter."
If he wanted to avoid becoming prey to annoying gnats, he had to show strength.
"And I need the angel's attention."
For that—
A performance.
"Hey, over here!"
"Hey, don't go any closer—!"
Silence fell.
Thunk!
Ryu Min's kick snapped into the charging goblin's neck.
"Kiee—"
The hawk-nosed goblin beside it froze as its comrade collapsed.
That hesitation was fatal.
Click—
Ryu Min seized the goblin's head with both hands and twisted.
Squelch—
The goblin collapsed, tongue hanging lifelessly.
Ryu Min was already standing.
A dagger was in his hand.
Slash—
Stab—
Before the body hit the ground, Ryu Min had already moved.
Thunk! Whooosh!
The sound of air being forced from two goblins' chests echoed.
In a blink, four goblins lay dead.
His movements were smooth and seamless—those of a seasoned killer.
"Eekk!"
Another goblin charged.
Too slow.
Thunk! Thunk!
Thunk! Thunk!
Green blood sprayed as Ryu Min struck without hesitation.
It was pure slaughter.
The overwhelming display left everyone watching—human and goblin alike—stunned into silence.