Ryu Min is the main protagonist of the series, known by his infamous alias, Black Scythe. A 20-year-old from Seoul, South Korea, Ryu Min was once an ordinary student living a modest life with his younger brother, Ryu Won, after the tragic loss of their parents. His life takes a drastic turn when he is pulled into a deadly survival game that resets reality upon death. Now living through his 100th regression, Ryu Min has honed his skills, knowledge, and strategies to perfection, determined to survive and achieve ultimate victory.
Ryu Min’s unique ability to regress after death gives him an unparalleled advantage, allowing him to foresee events, manipulate outcomes, and stay steps ahead of both allies and enemies. Despite his cold and calculating exterior, he harbors a deep love for his brother, which remains his primary motivation throughout the series.
Appearance[]
Ryu Min[]
Ryu Min, has a striking appearance with a modern and somewhat intense look. He has short, slightly messy black hair that falls over his forehead, framing his sharp blue eyes, which give off a cold and serious expression. His skin is fair, and his facial features are well-defined with a sharp jawline.
Despite his relatively short height of 165 cm (5'5")[Spoiler 1], he exudes an intimidating presence, largely due to his cold, piercing gaze and the ominous black scythe he wields. His expression rarely shows emotion, giving him an enigmatic and stoic appearance.
Black Scythe[]
His in-game avatar "Black Scythe" has a tall and imposing build, standing at 180 cm (5'11"). He has a lean yet well-built physique, giving off an aura of strength and agility. His sharp facial features, including a well-defined jawline and high cheekbones, contribute to his intense and mysterious presence.
He has messy black hair that falls slightly over his forehead, adding to his brooding and enigmatic look. His most striking feature is his piercing red eyes, which give him a dangerous and Grim Reaper aura. They seem to glow slightly, making his gaze incredibly intimidating. His expression is typically serious and unreadable, hinting at a deep, calculating nature.
Black Scythe wears dark, tactical clothing, which is both practical and stylish, often consisting of black, red and gray tones with layered armor-like elements while wielding a huge Scythe as his weapon. His outfit is designed for combat or stealth, reinforcing his identity as a formidable warrior.
His overall appearance exudes deadly precision and quiet confidence, making him a figure that commands both respect and fear in the story.[13]
Personality[]
Ryu Min, also known as Black Scythe, possesses a complex and layered personality shaped by his many regressions. At first glance, he appears calm, calculating, and pragmatic, rarely allowing emotions to dictate his actions. His experiences across countless regressions have stripped him of unnecessary sentimentality, making him appear cold and detached. However, beneath his logical and methodical nature, there is a deep-seated determination to protect those he deems important.
His relationship with Min Juri reveals a rare glimpse into his softer side. Initially, he never paid much attention to her, but after realizing her potential as a buffer and an ally, he made a conscious effort to engage with her. Despite his calculated approach, he does show concern for her well-being, ensuring that she remains safe throughout the rounds. Min Juri, in turn, develops admiration for him, recognizing the strength hidden behind his stoic exterior. She seeks ways to connect with him, though his personality makes it difficult for him to form conventional friendships.
His interactions with his younger brother, Ryu Won, contrast sharply with his usual demeanor. To his brother, he is protective and supportive, ensuring he has a secure life despite the dangers he faces. Ryu Won senses the burden his older brother carries and tries to lighten it in small ways, such as handling household chores. While Ryu Min never explicitly expresses gratitude, he acknowledges his brother's efforts with quiet appreciation.
With figures like Ma Kyung-rok, he maintains a relationship built on mutual benefit and strategy. He understands the importance of alliances in the survival game and maneuvers carefully, never fully trusting anyone but utilizing them to achieve his goals. Ma Kyung-rok, a businessman at heart, recognizes Ryu Min’s capabilities and engages with him cautiously, knowing he is not someone to be underestimated.
Jo Yong-ho and other competitors often view Ryu Min as an enigma, a player whose motives are difficult to discern. While he does not seek unnecessary conflict, he will not hesitate to eliminate threats when needed. His tactical mind allows him to manipulate situations to his advantage, ensuring his survival while advancing his long-term objectives.
Despite his seemingly emotionless approach, Ryu Min does not lack a moral compass. He is willing to exploit the system, manipulate enemies, and deceive when necessary, but he does so with a sense of purpose. Unlike others who seek power for dominance or selfish desires, his goal is to finish the 20th Round. He does not relish in cruelty but sees it as a means to an end.
In essence, Ryu Min is a man shaped by hardship, strategy, and survival. He is neither purely cold-hearted nor wholly altruistic—rather, he operates in a grey area where logic dictates his choices, but his actions are guided by an unspoken desire to protect those who matter to him.
Background[]
Ryu Min's background is defined by hardship, struggle, and an unrelenting will to survive. He grew up alongside his younger brother, Ryu Won, after their parents' death left them to fend for themselves[14]. As the eldest, Ryu Min took on the responsibility of providing for his brother, working multiple part-time jobs while juggling school. His childhood was filled with financial instability and personal sacrifices, forcing him to mature quickly.
Despite his efforts to protect Ryu Won, Ryu Min was often the target of relentless bullying. Hwang Yongmin and his gang saw him as an easy target due to his quiet and seemingly weak demeanor. He endured physical assaults and public humiliation without retaliation, suppressing his anger to avoid further trouble. This perception of weakness followed him into high school, where even teachers overlooked him. However, those who saw Ryu Min as insignificant had no idea of the storm brewing beneath his silent exterior.
His life took a drastic turn when he was pulled into the survival game, an unforgiving contest where players fought for their lives through deadly quests. Unlike most, who entered the game blindly, Ryu Min possessed the Rune of Time Reversal. This meant that every time he perished, he would return to the past with all his memories intact. Through relentless trial and error across 99 regressions, he honed his skills, mastered combat techniques, and learned the inner workings of the game's mechanics. However, he failed because the condition for the 20th round required five players, and he was the only one left.[Spoiler 2] Ultimately, in the 100th regression, he decides to aim for a perfect strategy using the knowledge from his previous regressions.
In his 100th regression, On New Year's Day, the day the death game began, he returns and completes the 1st round. He then tricks a guide angel[15] into leading him to a secluded place, eliminates the angel, and obtains the Reaper class.
After returning to reality, he deals with the bullies[16] tormenting his brother, Ryu Won, and reports the exploitative meat shop owner he worked for, quitting his part-time job. Using information from his previous regressions, he buys a large number of lottery tickets, wins[17], and moves to a new place[18]. There, he meets Seo Arin and gains the attention of Ma Kyung-rok's right-hand man[19] during the 2nd round, leading to a connection with Ma Kyung-rok.
Later, he acts discreetly to avoid drawing attention and helps Jo Joong-sik gather votes to become the representative, concluding the 2nd round[20].
After returning to reality, he becomes acquainted with Min Juri[21], a classmate. Ryu Min had transformed into a calculating strategist, a master manipulator of events, and an unparalleled warrior. He no longer sought mere survival—he aimed for absolute victory. He meticulously shaped his identity as Black Scythe, an enigmatic figure whose very name instilled fear in both allies and enemies.
Throughout his journey, Ryu Min encountered key figures who would play pivotal roles in his rise to power. Min Juri, a classmate who noticed him getting bullied every time[22], came to admire and trust him as she uncovered his hidden strength. Ma Kyung-rok, the heir to a powerful conglomerate, became an instrumental business partner, facilitating Ryu Min’s influence in the game’s economy. Jo Yong-ho, an influential figure in the player world, sought to understand the depths of Ryu Min’s abilities, both wary of and intrigued by his foresight.
One of the most defining moments in Ryu Min’s past was when his younger brother, Ryu Won, was kidnapped by a criminal named Jang Seok-hyun during a previous regression. The event forced Ryu Min to reveal his regression ability in desperation, leading to catastrophic consequences. Learning from this, he became even more meticulous, ensuring that no one could ever exploit his vulnerabilities again. He later exacted brutal revenge on Jang Seok-hyun, leaving no room for mercy.
His journey from a bullied student to the most feared player in the game was shaped by betrayal, loss, and the drive to protect what little he had left. Every regression refined his mind, making him more ruthless, intelligent, and determined. Now, in his 100th life, Ryu Min is determined to reach Round 20 with his allies and emerge victorious, ensuring that this would be his final and most successful regression.
Abilities[]
- Rune of Time Reversal: The core of Ryu Min’s power, enabling him to return to a specific point in time upon death, retaining all his memories and experiences.[13]
- Master of Combat: Skilled in hand-to-hand combat, weaponry, and tactical warfare. His signature weapon is the black scythe, which he wields with deadly precision.
- Rune of Inner Thoughts: Grants the ability to read the surface thoughts of others, making it easier to manipulate and predict their actions.
- Rune of Slaughter: Boosts his stats significantly when engaged in combat, enhancing his speed, strength, and endurance.
- Rune Of Doppelganger: Creates a single clone, making him invisible and intangible for 10 seconds, he can control this clone at will, but the clone cannot attack, use skills or access his inventory.
- Strategic Genius: Possesses an extraordinary ability to plan, strategize, and adapt to any situation, often staying several moves ahead of his opponents.
- Enhanced Combat Awareness: His experience from 99 regressions allows him to anticipate enemy movements and counter them effectively.
- High Luck and Stat Growth: Invests heavily in Luck, increasing his chances of obtaining rare loot and landing critical hits.
- Fearsome Killing Intent: His mere presence can intimidate opponents, often causing them to falter in battle.
For more information regarding Ryu Min's Skills and Items, go to the following page: Ryu Min/Skills & Items
Relationships[]
- Ryu Won: His younger brother and the most important person in his life. Ryu Min’s desire to protect Ryu Won is his greatest emotional anchor, often influencing his decisions both inside and outside the game.
- Min Juri: An ally and classmate from the real world. Though initially indifferent towards her, Ryu Min grows to appreciate her loyalty and support in the survival game.
- Seo Arin: A rising actress and fellow player. Although she is a famous actress, Ryu Min initially had no interest in her and only knew her as a neighbor. However, she becomes one of his trusted companions to the point where he reveals his identity to her first. Seo Arin has a crush on Ryu Min, who saved her.
- Ma Kyung-rok: A powerful figure in both the real world and the game. Ryu Min views him as both an ally and a rival, often engaging in psychological battles with him.
Enemies[]
- Bae Taegyu: A school bully who targeted Ryu Won. Ryu Min ruthlessly dealt with him to protect his brother.
- Hwang Yongmin: A trashy individual who bullied Ryu Min, treating him like a loser and constantly tormenting him[23]. Ryu Min spared him once during a previous regression, but Hwang Yongnim immediately betrayed him. After that, Ryu Min uses him to the fullest before disposing of him.
- Jo Joong-sik: A self-proclaimed gang leader whose arrogance clashes with Ryu Min’s calculated demeanor.
- Briel: An arrogant angel who underestimated Ryu Min. Ryu Min’s defeat of Briel marked him as the first player to slay an angel.
For more information regarding Ryu Min's Relationships, go to the following page: Ryu Min/Relationships
History[]
The 100th Regression[]
Having failed 99 times before, Ryu Min begins his final attempt at beating the survival game. This time, he uses his knowledge of the future to take control, ensuring that no one can stop him. He starts by securing wealth and influence in the real world, using his knowledge to win multiple lotteries and invest strategically.[13]
Defeating Briel[]
In the early stages of the game, he encounters Briel, an arrogant angel who underestimates him. Using his foresight, he traps and kills Briel, making history as the first player to slay an angel. This act grants him special rewards needed for the Reaper Class, pushing him further ahead of other players.
Dominating the Early Rounds[]
With his deep knowledge of game mechanics, Ryu Min quickly secures top rankings in every round, effortlessly defeating stronger opponents through superior tactics. He builds alliances with powerful figures like Ma Kyung-rok, ensuring financial and political backing.
Rivalry with Hwang Yongmin[]
One of his most notable early conflicts is with Hwang Yongmin, a violent thug who underestimates Ryu Min’s power. In a brutal encounter, Ryu Min systematically dismantles Hwang Yongmin’s crew, instilling absolute terror in those who oppose him.
The Rise of Black Scythe[]
As the game progresses, Ryu Min’s reputation as Black Scythe spreads. His unparalleled lethality and tactical genius make him a feared entity, ensuring that few dare to challenge him.
Legacy[]
Ryu Min is not just another player—he is a legend in the making. With each round, he rewrites fate, taking absolute control of his destiny. His ultimate goal remains to survive and conquer the game that has taken his life 99 times before.
Warning: The following contains novel spoilers not yet in the Webtoon. Click Expand to view.
The Absolute God
Ryu Min, having transcended into a Transcendent, gains access to the system's advanced functions, including Clairvoyance, Time Stop, Rewind, Soul Possession, and more. With the guidance of Min Dojun, he decides to use the Illusion Prison to test Chronos's loyalty. Chronos, the God of Time, is revealed to be planning betrayal, and Ryu Min, with Min Dojun's help, sets a trap to expose and defeat him. Using the Illusion Prison, Ryu Min confirms Chronos's treachery and kills him, absorbing his power of time.
With Chronos's power, Ryu Min becomes even more formidable. He then confronts the primordial gods, Gaia (Goddess of Earth) and Chaos (God of Destruction), who had conspired against him. In a dramatic battle within a spacetime void, Ryu Min uses his newfound abilities and the power of Terra (a divine resource) to defeat both gods. He absorbs their powers of creation and destruction, becoming the Absolute God, the only being to transcend both humanity and divinity.
After the battle, Ryu Min stores the souls of Gaia, Chaos, and other gods in the Soul Gauntlet, an Eternal item that allows him to retain their powers. However, he decides not to destroy their souls completely, as doing so would cause him to lose their powers. Instead, he devises a plan to enact true revenge by subjecting them to the same suffering humans endured in the survival game.[24]
Ryu Min's Wish
Ryu Min returns to Paradise, where Min Dojun awaits. Min Dojun praises Ryu Min for his success but questions his decision to keep the gods' souls imprisoned. Ryu Min reveals his plan to use the system's functions to degrade the gods into ordinary humans and force them to participate in a survival game similar to the one he endured. This eternal cycle of suffering serves as his ultimate revenge.
The gods, now reincarnated as humans, are thrown into a brutal survival game where they must fight goblins and other monsters. They are stripped of their divine powers and forced to rely on their wits and strength as mortals. The once-mighty gods, including Gaia, Chaos, and others, are reduced to helpless humans, experiencing the same fear and desperation they once inflicted on others.
Meanwhile, Ryu Min reflects on his journey and his ultimate wish. With the Authority of Time still at his disposal, he decides to regress once more, but this time with a different purpose. Instead of seeking revenge or power, Ryu Min chooses to return to a time before the survival game began, creating a new worldline where he can live an ordinary life with his family. He regresses to 2019, the year before his parents died in a car accident, and uses his powers to prevent their deaths.
In this new timeline, Ryu Min lives a peaceful life with his family, cherishing the moments he once lost. He attends high school, reconnects with his younger brother Ryu Won, and even forms a romantic relationship with Min Juri, his former comrade in the survival game. Though he retains his player system and the Authority of Time, Ryu Min chooses to live as an ordinary person, avoiding conflict and embracing the simplicity of a normal life.[25]
As the story concludes, Ryu Min attends the New Year's bell-ringing ceremony in 2022 with Min Juri. The event, which once marked the beginning of the survival game, now symbolizes a new beginning for Ryu Min. He watches the countdown with relief, knowing that the angels and gods will no longer interfere in his life. The story ends with Ryu Min smiling, finally at peace, ready to live the life he had always wanted.[25]
Legacy and Final Moments
Ryu Min's legacy is one of resilience, sacrifice, and ultimate triumph. He begins as a human thrust into a brutal survival game, manipulated by gods and forced to endure countless regressions. Through sheer determination and the support of his comrades, he rises to become the Absolute God, surpassing even the primordial deities. His revenge against the gods is not just about power but about justice, as he forces them to experience the suffering they inflicted on humanity.
However, Ryu Min's true victory lies in his ability to let go of his thirst for revenge and power. By choosing to regress and live an ordinary life, he demonstrates that his greatest wish was never to rule as a god but to reclaim the simple joys of family and love. His final moments are marked by a sense of fulfillment and peace, as he watches the New Year's bell-ringing ceremony, free from the chains of the survival game and the machinations of the gods.
Ryu Min's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to one's values. His journey from a powerless human to the Absolute God, and ultimately to a contented ordinary man, leaves a lasting legacy of hope and redemption.Quotes[]
- "I've lived this before. Do you really think you can surprise me?"
- "I don’t need friends. I need tools."
- "Survival is the only thing that matters."
- "If you stand in my way, you die. It's that simple."
- "Luck is just another form of power."
Trivia[]
- Ryu Min has multiple times, making him the most experienced player in the game.
- Despite his ruthless nature, he deeply cares for Ryu Won, his only remaining family.
- His preferred weapon is a scythe, which he uses with terrifying efficiency.
- He intentionally plays the role of a "weakling" at times to deceive opponents.
- He is the wealthiest player, having won multiple lotteries before entering the game.
- His nickname, Black Scythe, originates from the fearsome weapon he wields, symbolizing death and his ruthless efficiency in battle.
- He amassed significant wealth in the real world through strategic lottery wins, using his knowledge from previous regressions to predict outcomes accurately.
- His favorite strategy involves psychological manipulation, often exploiting his enemies' fears and weaknesses before striking.
- Ryu Min’s ultimate goal is not just survival but to protect the earth from doom and secure a future where he and his brother can live in peace.
Gallery[]
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Ryu Min/Gallery |
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References[]
- ↑ Webnovel Chapter 7: Backstab
- ↑ Webtoon Chapter 42
- ↑ Webtoon Chapter 43
- ↑ Webnovel Chapter 108: Round 8 Begins
- ↑ Webnovel Chapter 108: Round 8 Begins
- ↑ Ryu Min Grew Taller due to Rune of Devouring in Webnovel Chapter 282: Deal
- ↑ Webnovel Chapter 420
- ↑ Webnovel Chapter 291 Curse of Immortality
- ↑ Webnovel Chapter 354
- ↑ Webnovel Chapter 316: Skill Sharing
- ↑ Webnovel Chapter 227: God-Tier Weapon
- ↑ Webnovel Chapter 122: God Tier
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Webtoon Chapter 1
- ↑ He had an uncle, but the uncle abandoned Ryu Min and Ryu Won immediately after their parents passed away.
- ↑ Briel
- ↑ Bae Taegyu
- ↑ He used the information from his regressions in reality, such as winning the lottery and investing in stocks.
- ↑ He moved into a large 100-floor apartment. The tight security allowed him to feel safe even if he lost consciousness after becoming a player.
- ↑ An Sang-cheol
- ↑ The 2nd round involves no fighting; instead, players vote to elect a representative.
- ↑ Since they had so little interaction, Ryu Min didn’t even know Min Juri was in the same class. It wasn’t until the 20th regression, when they became close in the Angel's Game, that he found out.
- ↑ When she saw Ryu Min being bullied, she reported it to the police. At first, she thought of protecting him as the reporter, but after seeing Ryu Min work part-time with an unfazed expression despite the bullying, she realized he was strong and developed feelings for him.
- ↑ Hwang Yong-nim once came to Ryu Min’s old house, but Ryu Min had already anticipated this and left.
- ↑ Webnovel Chapter 354: The Absolute God
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 Webnovel Chapter 355: Ryu Min's Wish
Spoiler References[]
- ↑ With the Rune of Devouring, he was able to grow taller to 181cm.
- ↑ Originally, there was no player requirement for the 20th round, but Gaia manipulated the system because she was dissatisfied with Ryu Min’s current power.