The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player

Meanwhile…

Michael sat at the table, his expression tense.

Any moment now, the face of the demon grand duke would appear before him.

‘Why am I this nervous…?’

It wasn’t his first time speaking with a demon grand duke.

Having been through six Celestial-Demonic Wars, they had often held discussions to negotiate disagreements.

Even so, Michael couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

‘So much is riding on this negotiation.’

Following Black Scythe’s plan, he had deceived the gods and survived.

‘The outcome of this negotiation will determine the war’s victor.’

The 7th Celestial-Demonic War would take place once Round 20 ended.

Winning that war was the only way to satisfy the gods who supported the celestials—and ensure Michael’s own survival.

‘And… it’s my only path to becoming a god.’

While it was common knowledge that the system granted wishes to those who cleared Round 20, that rule didn’t apply only to humans.

‘The Wish Engine can turn a creation into a god.’

That was why Michael wanted to ensure Black Scythe survived until Round 20.

At his current pace, Black Scythe was the only candidate who could claim the Wish Engine.

‘But that’s only if we win the war.’

If you they in the 7th Heavenly Demon War, his wish to become a god will disappear like a bubble.

‘Even if I don’t get the wish in the end, I can’t lose the war.’

In the end, even if I have to throw away the Black Scythe, the war must be won unconditionally.

That’s why this negotiation with the Demon Archduke was important.

As soon as the screen turned on, the demon grand duke’s face appeared.

[Why do you keep calling me, busy as I am? What a nuisance.]

Plunictos grumbled as soon as he appeared, but Michael responded with a composed smile.

No matter what, in this negotiation, the one with the upper hand was the demon grand duke.

[I appreciate Your Excellency taking the time to meet with me despite your busy schedule.]

[Sir Michael. What is it you wish to discuss? I’d prefer to keep this brief.]

‘What a sly snake. Acting like he doesn’t know anything.’

Michael felt like snapping back at him, just as he had in the previous wars, but he held back and maintained his smile.

[Very well. Since you are busy, I’ll get straight to the point. Previously, you demanded that we hand over Black Scythe. I’d like to request an extension on that deadline… just a little longer.]

[If you’re talking about that, there’s nothing to discuss. If Black Scythe is not delivered by Round 18, war will be declared immediately.]

[I’m not asking for much. Just a short extension…]

[Denied.]

Plunictos was firm.

He even crossed his arms and turned his head away, making it clear that negotiations weren’t an option.

‘He’s only being this stubborn because he’s certain of victory if war breaks out now.’

Michael had anticipated this, but it still left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Having to beg the enemy to delay the war—it was humiliating.

‘But it’s better than losing outright.’

The Celestials had already lost the 6th Celestial-Demonic War. If they lost again…

Not only would Nemesis abandon them, but all the gods who had placed their faith in the Celestials would turn their backs as well.

Even the archangel Artaros.

‘I have to buy time, no matter what. If war starts now, we’re doomed.’

Michael, who had been steeling himself, suddenly shifted his expression into one of desperate pleading.

[Your Excellency, please reconsider. It’s not that we refuse to hand over Black Scythe. We just need one more round. Just until Round 18. On the day of the planned Friendly War, I will personally ensure that Black Scythe is delivered to you. I beg for your leniency.]

Michael pleaded, but Plunictos merely scoffed.

[Hah! Regardless, I won’t postpone the war. A deal is a deal. If Black Scythe is not in the Demon King’s Castle by the time Round 18 begins, war will commence immediately, as agreed. And, of course, I will personally descend onto the battlefield in my full power.]

[…]

Normally, Plunictos was forbidden from participating in the Celestial-Demonic Wars.

His power was far too overwhelming.

‘Rumors say he’s on par with Archangel Artaros.’

If someone like that joined the war at full strength, there was no need to guess the outcome.

The Celestials would be utterly crushed.

[It was your side that broke the rules first. I have every right to raise a complaint, and in return, I am permitted to initiate the war earlier than scheduled. I am also granted the right to fully manifest in battle. So don’t try to argue with me. The rules are absolute, and both sides’ gods have already approved them. There’s no point in trying to negotiate with me.]

[…]

There truly was no room for negotiation.

‘All I’m asking for is a single extra round…’

Michael bit his lip before exhaling a long sigh.

[Hah… I see. I suppose there’s no other option. Fine, I will give you what you want.]

[What do you mean, give me what I want?]

[Access to the Akashic Records.]

For the first time, Plunictos’ ever-consistent expression changed.

He hadn’t expected this.

But that surprise lasted only a moment.

Soon, the demon grand duke’s lips curled up slightly, as if he had been waiting for this offer all along.

[Are you saying you will grant us access to the Akashic Records?]

[Until now, only the Celestials have had access, per our agreement. But if you grant us the extension, we will share the access with the Demons as well.]

[No, no, no. Not ‘share.’ You must give exclusive access to us Demons.]

[That’s absurd. Do you know how much effort we put into securing that right? We cannot simply hand it over, not even if we lose the war.]

[I see. Then at least allow us to access it together.]

[…Fine. That much, I can agree to.]

[However, the war will still not be postponed. I will only extend the deadline for handing over Black Scythe to Round 18.]

[…]

Plunictos was a seasoned negotiator.

He never took the bait too quickly.

[So, if we hand over Black Scythe in Round 18, you will not immediately declare war?]

[That’s correct. As long as the Akashic Records access is granted to us as well.]

Michael had to suppress his expression.

‘What a damn bandit.’

The cost of a mere deadline extension was exorbitant.

But there was no choice.

‘If I want to delay the war, I have to accept these terms.’

Losing Black Scythe was regrettable.

But it wasn’t more important than the war itself.

[Very well. We have a deal.]

[Good. Then our negotiation is settled, correct?]

[Yes.]

[Don’t even think about going back on your word. This conversation has been fully recorded.]

[I wouldn’t dream of it.]

Plunictos smirked in satisfaction at Mikael’s answer, his sharp teeth showing.

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!