The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player

Then it happened.

“Huh? What’s that?”

Suddenly, countless green lines appeared on the floor.

Each line, about shoulder-width apart, stretched out horizontally.

As people exchanged puzzled glances, the awaited message appeared.

[Before the third mission is revealed, please move to the green marked lines on the floor.]

[There are 1,152 lines, one for each survivor.]

“Marked lines?”

“Looks like we need to stand there.”

People moved as instructed without complaint.

“Does everyone stand on a line?”

“Oh? The line turns red when you step on it.”

“It’s like a parking guide light.”

The green lines on the floor gradually turned red as people found their spots.

Some scurried around, frantically searching for a place.

As everyone stood in their designated spots, they realized they were lined up in a row.

The final person stepped on the line, and a new message appeared.

[The third mission will now begin.]

└Endure the Pain.

└Endure without dying for 30 minutes to pass.

[A projectile that deals consistent damage will be fired every 2 seconds.]

[Each player will be targeted by one projectile.]

[The damage from the projectiles will gradually increase over time.]

[Successful completion will yield round rewards.]

[Current number of survivors: 1,152]

[Time left until the end of the round: 00:29:59]

“What is this? Endure the pain?”

“We’re supposed to endure for 30 minutes?”

There was no time to stay confused.

Before they could ask more questions, projectiles shot from the front.

Bang-bang-bang-bang-bang-!

The projectiles, like bullets, hit everyone squarely in the chest.

Each and every one.

“Ugh, w-what was that?”

“Black bullets?”

Bang-bang-bang-bang-!

Looking in the direction they came from, the projectiles were being fired at regular intervals from the other side of the hall.

As if bullets were being shot every 2 seconds.

Bang-bang-bang-bang-!

“We have to endure this for 30 minutes?”

“It’s not too painful, but it’s unsettling.”

The projectiles hit the chest every 2 seconds.

It felt like being lined up for a firing squad.

Unpleasant, but bearable.

It stung like being hit by a BB gun.

For those with high defense, it barely registered.

“Nothing to worry about.”

“If it stays like this, we can manage.”

“Don’t get too comfortable. Things can change quickly.”

“Yes, did you hear? The damage increases over time.”

“Oh, but if it’s this little damage at the start, we’ll be fine.”

“I’m a tank anyway, so no worries.”

Some worried, others reassured, and some even showed arrogance.

But they all shared one common ignorance:

Enduring pain was harder than they thought.

‘They call it enduring pain, but in other words, it’s enduring torture.’

Right now, the damage was minor, so many were confident, but their expressions would change after just 10 minutes.

‘In 10 minutes, they’ll be too overwhelmed to make a sound. By the 20-minute mark, they’ll be screaming for mercy.’

Imagine being pierced by a sharp needle every 2 seconds. No one could hold out for long.

‘After 5 minutes, it’ll feel like they’ve been stabbed 150 times. By the 25-minute mark, most will be on the verge of collapse.’

Of course, this applies to those with average defensive gear. Tanks might hold on a bit longer, but even they would struggle to last the full 30 minutes.

‘Before that, many will start leaving their positions, unable to bear the pain.’

For now, the atmosphere was calm, but after 10 minutes, some would try to hide behind others.

Then, the person in front would take double the hits they were supposed to, effectively becoming a human shield.

‘That will lead to inevitable conflict. In the chaos, people might end up fighting each other while bullets continue raining down. Everyone scrambling for survival will add to the confusion.’

The scene would become pure pandemonium.

Just wait for 10 minutes.

‘There’s a reason this round is called the “Extreme 15th Round.” Only fewer than 50 people ever made it through.’

Even the strong ones like Tae-seok, Russell, and Jo Yong-ho had failed at this round.

Christine, too, had not survived.

‘I remember back in the 11th round, I saved Christine from John Delgado’s summon by chance, but unfortunately, she died trying to save others here. Her wide-area healing skill left her defenseless, leading to her death.’

The moment Christine died, hundreds of others quickly succumbed, unable to withstand the pain.

They all fell like a dam breaking.

Once she was gone, people started using each other as shields, leading to more deaths.

Only those with strong defensive abilities like Ma Kyung-rok, An Sang-cheol, and a few other tanks and grand wizards survived.

‘Without healing, it’s nearly impossible to pass this round.’

That’s why Christine’s role in this mission was crucial.

‘This time, things will be different. I’ll make sure Christine stays alive, no matter what.’

About 5 minutes had passed.

The damage was now enough to be bothersome, and some people started using emergency treatment skills.

“Using emergency treatment helps a bit.”

“Let’s all hang in there together!”

“Can this be avoided?”

“I tried, but it’s too fast to dodge.”

The projectiles were faster than bullets, making them impossible to dodge.

Hiding behind someone else was the only way to block them.

Bang-bang-bang-bang-!

At around the 8-minute mark, the damage increased again.

Expressions around the room noticeably darkened.

Less than 10 minutes had passed, but people were beginning to feel the strain.

It was then that Christine activated her wide-area healing skill.

Swish—

A soft, green glow, like the light of fresh sprouts, enveloped everyone, soothing their pain.

It was a large-scale, continuous healing skill called [Sanctuary], affecting everyone within a 500-meter radius.

“Th-this is…”

“The pain is fading.”

“A Priest’s skill!”

The healing range was wide enough to include all 1,152 players, thanks to Christine positioning herself in the center.

“Everyone, stay in place! I’ll keep healing you!”

The continuous healing effect restored health with every passing second, washing away pain. The skill’s healing power was far superior to emergency treatments.

While the crowd calmed down, Christine’s own face grew pale.

She had excluded herself from the healing effect.

“Ugh, it hurts…”

“Don’t worry.”

A warm light wrapped around Christine’s wounds.

“I’ll protect you.”

Ryu Min, standing beside her, placed a supportive hand on her back.

Thanks to his temporary skill, Christine’s injuries were quickly healed.

Although her pain disappeared, she didn’t have time to dwell on that.

‘W-what do I do…?’

Her heart pounded so wildly, it felt like it might burst.

I'm currently Translating the following novels: Pick Me Up! | A Frontline Soldier Awakened as a Gamer In The War! | The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!