The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player
Chapter 57: The Abduction (1)

“Wow, it’s already 2 p.m. Can you believe it? Before diving into work, how about we grab a bite to eat?”

At the manager’s suggestion, the remaining trio eagerly nodded in agreement.

Their stomachs had been growling, likely enticed by the tempting smell of food wafting from the kitchen.

“follow me.”

Trailing behind the manager, they swiftly arrived at a cozy table.

The air was saturated with the mouthwatering fragrance of rich soybean paste stew.

“You know, this café is quite special. It’s a restaurant too.”

Grinning, the manager led them to a table, and the others took their seats in tow.

“Oh, Boss!”

Prompted by the manager’s call, the owner emerged from the kitchen, bearing a tray with bottles of water and cups.

She appeared youthful, perhaps in her early thirties, for someone in charge.

“How did the interview go? Everything alright?”

Though the final interview still loomed ahead, the manager feigned ignorance and responded with a smile.

“Absolutely! Thanks to you, we managed to conclude it in a peaceful setting, undisturbed by other patrons. Your support means the world to us.”

“Oh, no need to mention it. In fact, we’re grateful to have your business here, even compensating us for the space. This place has been so deserted, devoid of customers. We were struggling financially. Thanks to you, we can breathe a bit easier.”

“That’s a relief to hear. However, on the flip side, I feel apologetic. Today was your day off, yet I’ve inadvertently roped you into working…”

The owner playfully waved away the manager’s concerns. “Oh, not at all. Isn’t it customary to enjoy coffee after a meal at a café?”

With a mischievous smile, she coyly covered her lips with her hand.

The guy couldn’t help but nod at her charming smile.

“Well then, once you finish your meal, I’ll personally whip up some refreshing iced Americanos for each of you. Just give me a moment, and I’ll serve your food right away.”

As if prepared in advance, the owner promptly laid out the delectable spread before them.

The table overflowed with an array of banchan, those delightful side dishes.

And stealing the spotlight was the savory soybean paste stew, the pièce de résistance of the meal.

“Please, indulge yourselves.”

“Thank you so much, Chef.”

Grinning ear to ear, the manager gazed at the owner’s retreating figure, but swiftly averted his eyes.

“Ahem, I take it everyone’s starving? Go ahead, don’t be shy, and dig in.”

As if eagerly awaiting those words, the players seized their silverware, ready to savor the feast.

Black Flame Dragon devoured the food, swiftly devouring each dish.

“Looks like you were really hungry. Hehe.”

“Nom, nom, nom.”

Without bothering to retort to the manager’s remark, he remained focused solely on savoring the flavors before him.

“Indeed, enjoy your meal to your heart’s content. It will strengthen you for the final part of the interview, allowing you to give it your all.”

The players hesitated, glancing at the manager with questioning expressions. Discussing murder over a meal was undoubtedly disconcerting.

“Oh, my apologies. Perhaps this wasn’t the right time for such a subject, right?”

“…”

“I suppose not.”

Observing the manager’s expression of irritation, the players couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief as he once again lowered his head.

“If it made you uncomfortable, I apologize. However, please don’t hold too negative a view of murder. After all, isn’t it all part of encouraging unity among players?”

“Nevertheless, taking the lives of innocent civilians feels…”

Ryu Min’s words trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished. The manager couldn’t help but scratch his nose.

“Hmm, so it’s the fact that they’re innocent civilians that troubles you?”

“Yes…”

“Don’t fret. The targets I’ve selected are criminals.”

“Really?”

“Yes. So, there’s no need for you to bear the weight of a guilty conscience. Of course, as players aspiring to lead the world, you must possess a heart as resolute as Black Scythe’s, here.”

The manager flashed a mischievous smile, proudly presenting Black Scythe.

It was evident that he was already eyeing a leadership role for him.

‘Well, if Black Scythe were to join the café, he would quickly ascend to a prominent position.’

In truth, Ryu Min, too, held aspirations for a leadership position.

Participating in the interview wasn’t solely for the sake of obtaining the Rune of the Doppelganger.

It was a vital part of his plan to establish an alliance with the Players Haven Café.

‘If I want to rally players, it’s only natural to climb to greater heights.’

Securing a high-ranking position within Players Haven Café posed little challenge.

Just like this impersonator before his eyes, he could easily reveal to them his true identity as the Black Scythe and successfully pass the interview.

‘However, that isn’t the approach I desire. I have no intention of joining by resorting to the killing of innocent civilians.’

Regardless, ascending to a high-ranking position within Haven Café could wait for another time.

For now, obtaining the Rune of the Doppelganger took primacy.

As the meal drew to a close…

“Did you enjoy your meal?”

The owner approached with a playful smile, carrying a tray adorned with four iced Americanos.

“Here’s some coffee for a sweet ending.”

“Thank you, Chef.”

“No, I’m the one who should be grateful.”

The manager’s laughter evoked a reciprocal smile from the owner.

However, the warm ambiance was short-lived.

As the owner disappeared into the kitchen, a sharp remark escaped the manager’s lips.

“Well then, how about we enjoy our coffee and proceed with the final interview?”

“Who are we going to kill?”

Black Flame Dragon’s question elicited a sly grin from the manager.

“Originally, if any of you had someone you wished to eliminate, I planned to make them the target. However…”

Taking a deliberate sip through the straw, the manager continued.

“Since you claim to have no one in mind, we’re left with no choice but to abduct a preselected target.”

“Abduct?”

“Yes. After kidnapping the target, we’ll find a suitable location to dispose of the body. Then, the four of us will work together harmoniously, tearing the target to pieces. If you accomplish that, you will pass the interview.”

The plan seemed straightforward when put into words.

After all, they had killed multiple individuals during the 4th round.

But reality felt different.

-Killing innocent civilians in real life… It’s rather unsettling. However, if we do it together instead of acting alone, the burden of guilt may weigh slightly less.

Ryu Min read everyone’s thoughts starting with the manager; however, even the impersonator, who had committed numerous acts of fraud, hesitated to soil his hands with blood.

With an interest solely in money, he held no inclination for murder, so it was natural to be concerned.

‘Well, eventually, once he establishes a notorious reputation as the Doppelganger, he won’t need to rely on murder and such.’

While the impersonator worried about murder, there were others who didn’t.

A middle school student with a natural inclination for killing held a different perspective.

-If it’s not an interview but a real-life situation, it’s a breeze. What’s the harm in eliminating an ordinary civilian criminal? It won’t even make a dent in my reputation.

To Black Flame Dragon, who had already committed murder in reality, it appeared to be a trivial matter.

“Have you finished your coffee?”

“Yes.”

“Shall we get up then?”

As the manager rose from their seat, the players followed suit.

The owner appeared with a radiant smile.

“Oh, leaving so soon?”

“Yes, we’ve had a satisfying meal. Boss.”

“You’re welcome to stay a little longer.”

“No, thank you. We have urgent matters to attend to…”

Just as the manager spoke, an unexpected expression crossed his face, as if experiencing discomfort in his stomach.

“Oh no, I must have eaten too much… Where is the restroom?” Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ɴovᴇlꜰirᴇ.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

“Oh, if you go around the corner, you’ll find it.”

“Boss, may I ask for a favor?”

“A favor?”

“Could you prepare the car for me? As you can see, I’m in a rush…”

“Of course, I’ll be glad to help.”

The owner readily accepted the valet request and took over the keys.

As for the manager he immediately left for the restroom.

The owner walked to the van parked in front of the café and opened the door.

Creak—

As she leaned into the driver’s seat to get in…

“Ugh!”

Someone from behind grabbed the owner’s neck with a strong forearm.

Before she could even identify the assailant, the owner’s struggle ceased as she slumped down.

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