Chapter 8 - Chapter 8

Chapter 8

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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14 consecutive S++ Rank clears.

The rank was impressive, but the fact he had run straight for 14 days without resting a single day was also astonishing.

Normally, consecutive daily clears were extremely difficult due to mental fatigue and injuries sustained in the tower.

This was especially true once you passed the 10th floor.

Also, injuries.

What happened if a player got hurt in the tower?

It was applied identically in reality.

That was why Tower-Exclusive Healing Potions were necessary.

It didn't mean you could only consume them inside the tower.

You could consume them outside as well.

The modifier 'Tower-Exclusive' meant it could only heal wounds sustained in the tower.

Internal injuries, external injuries, poisoning... every status abnormality sustained while progressing through a mission would be cured.

Conversely, it had zero effect on injuries or illnesses acquired outside the tower.

If that had been possible, an astronomical value would have been placed on it.

Joo-hyuk also had 5 bottles of Healing Potions received as mission rewards.

However, he hadn't even taken them out of his inventory.

Because there was no need to take them out.

'I need to convert the Mana Stones into cash first.......'

He had sold the 5.5kg he accumulated up to the 10th floor.

'After I clear up to the 15th floor.'

The method to sell Mana Stones was simple.

If he called, an employee in charge would come and collect the Mana Stones.

'No, rather than that, I should visit the Management Agency once.'

He had jumped in without a single piece of equipment so far.

He should at least wear a simple combat suit.

The Awakening Management Agency had a specialized shopping shop for players.

It might be good to make time to go shopping once.

Anyway, let's clear the 15th floor.

Joo-hyuk designated summoned John Cossack.

Although he was hateful because he didn't listen, he still gave him a 5-star rating.

[John Cossack has been designated summoned.]

"Loyalty!"

"Have you been well?"

"To receive a perfect 5 stars from you after committing the grave sin of insubordination and disobeying orders, I truly do not know what to do with myself, sir."

"I understand. You really had no other choice, did you."

"No, sir. I am only filled with apologetic feelings, sir. Someone like me deserves to die twice, sir."

He seemed to know he was sorry.

"I won't tell you to take it slowly starting from the 15th floor. Please clear it comfortably."

"Yes, sir? M-May I really, sir?"

"Do not pay it any mind. Since it won't change anything anyway."

"I will do my best, sir."

Since his cover was blown anyway, what use was there in hiding it.

There was another reason for doing this.

If he recorded an S++ Rank clear on the 15th floor too, he would achieve 15 Platinum Badges.

There was a high possibility another privilege would descend.

At 5 badges a trait enhancement privilege, at 10 badges a skill copy privilege, what about at 15?

He was getting greedy.

Because the more privileges he accumulated, the safer he could be.......

"H-However, Summoner Bong, sir. I have something to tell you, sir."

"Why?"

"Starting from the 16th floor, it is a bit ambiguous, sir."

"Does it get significantly harder?"

"The clear itself is easy, sir. However, an S++ clear might be difficult... Although an S+ is possible, sir."

Meaning although SS was difficult, S was possible.

"Does a Platinum Badge also drop for an S+?"

"It does not drop, sir. Badges are rewards given only for the highest record, sir. If it is not S++, it is out of the question, sir."

"I see."

It was fine.

He planned to clear up to the 15th floor and then take a few days off anyway.

He needed rest.

Because Cossack had been doing everything all this time, he was forgetting what a dangerous place the tower was.

He shouldn't let his guard down.

It would be a big problem if he lost his original mindset.

Thorough preservationism.

If he lived boldly and ambitiously, he wouldn't live his full lifespan.

Relaxed and comfortably.

With perfectly prepared clears.

The 16th floor was ambiguous?

He might not receive a Platinum Badge?

'That won't do.'

He had to get Platinum Badges until at least the 20th floor.

Being greedy for the sake of safety was fine no matter how much.

Joo-hyuk had a plan too.

To utilize his privileges to their fullest extent.

Firstly.

The privilege he received upon initially gathering 5 badges.

Trait Enhancement, capable of simultaneously summoning 2 people.

This was his core plan.

Since the cooldown had about 2 weeks left, he would wait until then.

Secondly.

The privilege received at 10 badges.

The Shadow Step skill he copied from Cossack.

He needed to repeatedly use the skill and become proficient in it.

Thirdly.

The privilege he would receive at 15 badges upon clearing the 15th floor soon.

Well, hopefully something good came out.

Lastly.

Stopping by the player shop to prepare simple combat equipment.

Since he was practically at bare body level.

Then he could start the 16th floor after that.

Safety, safety again.

He had to live within his means.

That was exactly how a timid man lived.

'The 15th floor comes first.'

[Entering the 15th floor of the South Korea Black Tower.]

The 15th floor to the 20th floor was about subjugating Goblin Workers.

The point where humanoid Green Skin Monsters appeared.

Because it was Goblin Workers on the 15th floor, their combat power wasn't large.

The real deal started on the 16th floor.

The 16th floor had Goblin Scouts shooting poison darts.

The 17th floor had Goblin Warriors wielding shields and swords.

The 18th floor had Goblin Assassins prowling around in Stealth.

The 19th floor had Goblin Shamans tormenting players with bizarre magic.

And the 20th floor involved dealing with all the types of goblins that appeared thus far, along with their boss, the Hobgoblin.

Countless players died or suffered severe injuries precisely in this section.

You needed talent to pass through this section and advance into the 20th floors.

Even with ample information, clearing it was cumbersome.

Goblins possessed intelligence.

They were incredibly cunning even.

Anyway, let's start.

Cossack whispered to Joo-hyuk with quite a tense expression.

"Please follow slowly and stick close to me, sir. If you fall too far behind, it will be dangerous, sir."

The 15th floor's environment was a dark forest.

As they moved inward, the mission popped up.

[15th Floor Mission : Eliminate 20 Goblin Workers.]

The mission popped up.

At the same time, the hunting targets came into view.

Thwack, thwack, thwack!

Goblin Workers were chopping a tree with tiny hand axes.

There were 5 of them in total.

John Cossack quietly whispered.

"We must eliminate them all at once, sir. If we make a mistake, those bastards will run away, sir. If even one bastard runs away, it will bring others back with it, sir."

"Then I will also......."

Joo-hyuk pulled out the kitchen knife he brought strapped to his waist.

"What, sir? Please put that hideous thing away, sir. You could cut your hand if you make a mistake, sir."

He swiftly put the kitchen knife away.

"...R-Right? It's better not to do it?"

"Yes, sir! However, since something might happen, please prepare to cast Shadow Step, sir."

Ssssss!

Cossack's body growing faint.

He gradually started assimilating with his surrounding environment.

'So that's Stealth.'

Would have been great to learn that one too.

Tiptoe, tiptoe.

Holding his dagger, Cossack approached a goblin that was frantically chopping wood with an axe.

Swish!

He unhesitatingly cut its neck off.

The Goblin Worker couldn't even let out a scream.

Blood spilled from its neck.

This time, two bastards at once.

Swish! Swish!

Only then did the remaining goblins realize the situation.

"Grrck?"

"Kkeck?"

They threw their axes aside and scattered in different directions, but it was already too late.

He stabbed the chest of one bastard trying to escape, bursting its heart.

"Kaaak!"

And the final goblin fleeing desperately using its short legs.......

P-ziiing!

A dagger tore through the air and flew.

"Kik!"

Thwack!

It flew and lodged itself precisely in the back of the bastard's head.

'...Wow!'

5 of them vanished in an instant.

"Moving out, sir."

"Hmm, you don't tie ribbon knots for goblin heads?"

"I also distinguish between time and place, sir. Besides, ribbons are only for humans, sir."

"Okay! Fighting!"

"Hehehe, thank you for your support, sir. I will work even harder, sir."

The clear was easy.

The weakest workers among the goblin species.

It might be a different story for combat classes.

It took a longer time than before.

It took about 10 minutes to hunt 20.

Even so.

[You have succeeded in the 15th Floor Mission.]

[Your level has increased.]

[Reward : 1.5kg of Mana Stone]

[Reward : Tower-Exclusive Healing Potion (5)]

'Oh! 5 more Healing Potions.'

A total of 10 in his inventory.

[Notice : You have achieved the clear rank S++ for the 15th floor of the Black Tower (South Korea).]

[S++ Clear Reward : A Platinum Badge is awarded.]

[You can challenge the 16th Floor.]

[Exiting the South Korea Black Tower.]

He did it.

15 consecutive S++ Rank clears.

15 Platinum Badges.

"Great work."

"What great work, I didn't even do anything."

"Simply staying by my side safely is an incredible feat in itself, sir."

"Hahaha."

It was a bit embarrassing.

"Let's eat pizza today. Rest well while eating and watching TV."

"Yes, sir!"

It was time to check his rewards.

First, the Mana Stones.

Currently in his tower-exclusive inventory lay 6.5kg of Mana Stones acquired from the 11th floor to the 15th floor.

If he requested the Awakening Management Agency to sell this as well, it was 3.25 million won.

'Sigh, that's why I can't stop climbing.'

The money he earned from the tower during this half month was more than 2 months' salary from two part-time jobs.

This was why awakening was called a blessing.

What if he smoothly went up to the 20th floor?

The daily Mana Stone reward alone would be 2kg.

If he used the Management Agency to sell it, that would be 1 million won a day.

With no fees or taxes attached either.

It would be 100 a day.

He would be living a life of 30 million won a month.

In a word, wasn't this a total jackpot.

Safe tower climbing.

Certain and steady rewards.

As for preventing tower collapses, talented Elite teams could handle that exclusively.

But Team Leader Jeon Kwang-il had been calling him multiple times a day.

Promising he absolutely wouldn't force anything, and tempting him to just put his name on the Elite Team and reap the benefits.

How annoying.

What a ridiculous idea.

Was there anything free in this world?

It was obvious he'd be roped into something.

Of course, it wasn't that he didn't have the desire as a South Korean citizen to climb uncleared floors and reduce the threat of a tower collapse.

However, it was only the 15th floor now.

There was a long way to go.

He would leave that to the strongly supported Elite Team currently clearing the 66th floor.

Now, let's check the reward he had been anticipating the most.

The privilege given every 5 Platinum Badges.

What could it be?

[A special privilege is granted for accumulating 15 Platinum Badges.]

[Privilege : The item Energy Shield Kit is supplied to your Tower-Exclusive Inventory.]

'Energy Shield?'

What was this?

Looking at it after taking it out from his inventory.

It was a plain metal bracelet with no decorations.

It fit perfectly when worn on his wrist.

Effect : Protects the user with a shield that absorbs damage.

Limit : The shield disappears after absorbing a certain amount of damage. 5 hours must pass to use it again.

Characteristic : The shield's effect is adjusted according to your level.

My god!

Could it be this good?

It was an item he needed right at this moment.

It was a good thing he collected those badges.

It was practically equivalent to full-body armor.

Was that all?

It was an item with no modifier attached to it.

There was a rule for tower items.

If it had the modifier 'Tower-Exclusive' in front, it could only be used in relation to the tower, and if no modifier was attached, it could also be used in reality.

For example, Tower-Exclusive Healing Potions were only for wounds sustained inside the tower.

Conversely, Mana Stones didn't say Tower-Exclusive, so they could be used in reality as well.

'Then this too?'

Joo-hyuk mumbled softly.

"Energy Shield."

In that instant!

Ziiiing!

A membrane of transparent energy enveloped Joo-hyuk's entire body.

"...Hahaha."

It worked.

He had received a treasure of immense value as a privilege.

If he sold this on the market, how much would he get?

1 billion won? 2 billion won? 3 billion won?

'Should I sell it off immediately and quit climbing the tower?'

No.

It wouldn't be too late to sell it when a burdensome moment arrived after using it sufficiently.

'Should I take a bit of a rest now.'

Climbing suspended for the time being.

He could just repeatedly clear the 15th floor during that period.

Joo-hyuk truly rested properly.

Until his Random Summoning cooldown returned.

Exclusively repeating the 15th floor clear.

Half a month passed like that.

Consequently, the S++ Rank clear server-wide notice didn't ring for half a month.

* * *

Hannam-dong, Seoul, Awakening Management Agency.

Director Park Kyung-soo, wearing a serious expression, was having a conversation with Team Leader Jeon Kwang-il.

"Has half a month already passed?"

"...Yes, sir."

Half a month since the S++ Rank clear record server-wide notice stopped ringing after ending with the 15th floor.

"What could the reason be? Why isn't he clearing the 16th floor? ...Could it be he really already cleared it, but just failed to record an S++ Rank?"

The difficulty of the tower was not consistent.

Sections that suddenly became hard would appear.

The 66th floor currently being cleared by South Korea was exactly like that.

Even though 2 months had passed, they couldn't even grasp the basics for clearing it.

The 16th floor was a similar section.

The difference between the 15th floor's Goblin Worker and the 16th floor's Goblin Scout was an insurmountable wall.

"That is not the case, sir. I subtly asked Player Bong a few days ago, and he said he had not even entered the 16th floor yet. Saying he was not ready yet......."

"What preparation?"

"I did not hear detailed words, sir. He merely relayed to me that he was solely repeating the 15th floor clear."

"Hoho, repeating the 15th floor clear, he doesn't mean to permanently park himself on the 15th floor, does he?"

"I-I'm not sure, sir."

There was sufficient probability.

Because playing around solely on the 15th floor posed no hindrance to making a living in any respect.

He was becoming increasingly worried.

If it were a normal player, he wouldn't even have such concerns.

He would just assume they gave up climbing and simply cancel their contract.

But Bong Joo-hyuk was different.

Wasn't he the record holder for 15 consecutive S++ Rank clears?

To settle for the 15th floor while possessing such astonishing talent.

"Ah, what a disappointment. The heavens are so indifferent, to bestow such talent on a player with a timid personality of all things......."

It was at that time.

Bzzzzz.

The vibration sound ringing from Jeon Kwang-il's smartphone.

"...Huh?"

"What is it?"

"A message arrived, sir. From Player Bong Joo-hyuk."

"Th-the contents?"

"He says he will be coming to the Awakening Management Agency. Claiming he would like to use the player shop."

Suddenly?

The player shop, he said.

"...Player shop? Ah! S-Surely?"

A thought suddenly flashed in his mind.

"Team Leader Jeon, Player Bong Joo-hyuk, he hasn't used the shop even once yet, has he?"

"It seems so, sir. He was barehanded when I went to verify his awakening too, sir."

"Hah, so the preparation he mentioned was actually gathering combat equipment."

"That's correct, sir. Since equipment is expensive, his intention was likely to amass money by repeatedly clearing the 15th floor."

Director Park Kyung-soo's face flushed hot red.

"How could I be so foolish!"

He was ashamed.

He had been planning to criticize Bong Joo-hyuk without even realizing that.

'Why isn't the server-wide notice ringing? Did he give up climbing? His talent is going to waste. He's so timid.' Setting out complaints like this, he hadn't even thought about the circumstances and situations the player was climbing the tower under.

"When Player Bong arrives, fully support him by giving him whatever item he desires at a bargain price. No, you can just give it to him for free."

"Yes, sir! Understood."

Mistakes just needed to be repented for.

Before it was too late.