Chapter 95

Chapter 94. How a Veteran Builds Up (1)

[Boundary-Breaking Mirror (Growth Type)]

Acquisition Difficulty: Overrank

Description: A special item of unknown origin. When used, it connects to a location of your choice on the 10th floor of the Tower of Trials. (Cooldown: 90 days, Duration: 30 minutes.) As the player grows, the floors that can be connected to also increase, as does the duration. (Up to one companion can be brought along.)]

While playing the Tower of Trials, you can discover a few game-breaking items or abilities.

One of them was the unique ability 'Fusion' obtained from the National Central Museum.

The 'Boundary-Breaking Mirror' currently in view also fell into this category.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Jinhyuk's heart raced.

Although officially obtaining the loyalty of a boss monster was a play that broke common sense,

'I never expected them to give me this.'

A reward that even a veteran would get excited about.

The reason he boldly suggested a break to Ellis was also due to his inability to contain this excitement.

'I need to gather what I need first.'

Once used, it would take 90 days to use it again.

He had to use the mirror under the best conditions.

Jinhyuk's mind raced.

He had already thought through everything he needed to do.

'First...'

Whirr!

Jinhyuk took out his phone and called someone.

—Click!

The other party answered the call before it could even ring once.

"Ah! President! What a surprise to hear from you. I was starting to think you had forgotten about us."

It was Kim Hee-woong, the front man of the Black Crow Guild.

Thanks to Jinhyuk, Kim Hee-woong's life had completely changed, and he had been managing the mid-sized Black Crow Guild quite solidly.

Jinhyuk awkwardly cleared his throat.

"I've been pretty busy lately."

So busy that I almost forgot about you.

"Haha. Of course, I understand. It's harder to find a channel where the president's face doesn't appear these days."

"Huh?"

"What, are you pretending not to know? You're the one receiving the most spotlight in Korea, no, the world."

Well, I do seem to have become quite famous lately.

Just stepping out would get people recognizing and talking to me.

"Enough with the pleasantries. How's the guild? Has it been running smoothly in my absence?"

"It's running so well that it's a problem. Players are flooding in, wanting to join because of you."

"Players joining because of me? Are there really that many?"

"Yes. We're screening them, but hundreds are pouring in every day, making it impossible to manage."

Hundreds every day?

What's going on here?

While I don't have a big appetite for growing the guild, it would be troublesome if Kim Hee-woong overworked himself.

'I should add a condition for joining: bald head, full-body tan, and wearing only a bikini.'

This would apply to everyone, regardless of gender or age.

Of course, I would have to accept those who still want to join despite this.

It would be better to keep such crazy people in the guild rather than make them enemies.

Most importantly, I can't help but respect veterans who know the true look.

"I'll adjust that myself."

"Please do."

"Also, has anyone tried to contact me? For example, from the Fight Dad side."

"Ah! Speaking of which, Fight Dad has been looking for you. They say they agreed to give you an exclusive dungeon instead of the antidote formula?"

"Actually, I contacted you because of that. I finally have some free time. So, can you arrange a meeting with the Fight Dad player, Kim Gi-tae?"

"It's possible, but when would you like it?"

"Arrange it as soon as possible. And while you're at it, book a famous concert and a Michelin restaurant for me. It doesn't matter if it's domestic or abroad."

"Huh? Why...?"

"Do I have to explain the reason to you?"

"Ah, no. I'll book the best seats for you."

The call ended there.

Jinhyuk smiled and put his phone away.

'You won't understand.'

Of course, Kim Hee-woong and anyone else wouldn't understand.

It was absurd to leisurely look for good restaurants and enjoy music at a time when one should be focusing on growth.

Especially considering that the 6th floor offers the best conditions for growth.

The 6th floor of the Tower of Trials, 'Elven Forest.'

Should it be called a kind of interlude?

The vast forest covering the entire 6th floor was the epitome of peace.

Moreover, if one simply spent 90 days here, the path to the next floor would open.

Players focused on honing their skills and leveling up during this period.

They would check in on the 6th floor and mainly explore dungeons and labyrinths from the 1st to 5th floors.

However,

'If you abandon the 6th floor just because it's meant for rest, that would be a foolish move.'

If you told a newly transferred soldier to lie down and rest,

or if you told someone who just got their first job, 'Since there's nothing to do, you can go home now, Mr. OO,'

would the superiors look kindly on it?

The Tower of Trials is the same.

Each floor has a purpose and a unique opportunity. No floor exists without a reason.

And Jinhyuk...

intended to spend the 90 days on the 6th floor perfectly.

Only.

In a way that only a veteran could.

'The concert and Michelin are just the groundwork for that.'

Jinhyuk carefully planned.

By the way,

'Those ear-sensitive guys. I'll see them again after a while.'

I'm already looking forward to it.

Just how surprised will they be when they see what I'm doing, and what good things will they spill as a result?

***

About an hour later, Kim Hee-woong contacted him again.

He was to meet Kim Gi-tae, a member of the Fight Dad guild, at a coffee shop near Yeongdeungpo.

Jinhyuk, arriving a little early, sipped a frappuccino topped with plenty of whipped cream.

'Sure enough, there's nothing better for relieving fatigue than a sugary drink.'

Unfortunately, the mint chocolate was sold out, so he ordered a chocolate frappuccino, which was decent enough.

Right then,

Thud.

Footsteps filled with mana approached, different from those of ordinary people.

He knew without checking.

Kim Gi-tae, a ranked player from the Fight Dad guild.

"It's been a while, Player Kang Jinhyuk."

Kim Gi-tae bowed his head slightly. Despite the pent-up feelings, his tone was quite polite.

Jinhyuk smiled and greeted him.

"It's been a while since the test, indeed."

Of course, to be precise, it was different from back then.

Unlike the unranked kid he was then, he now had an S-rank rating.

Moreover, due to various achievements, the recognition gap between them was laughable.

That's why he's taking such a low stance.

'This is why you need power.'

Jinhyuk realized again.

What it means to have power and ability in this world.

Leaning back on the sofa, Jinhyuk spoke again.

"I apologize for not informing you about the mandrake's location. I was focused on climbing the tower and didn't have the chance to tell you."

"......Of course, you were."

Kim Gi-tae's face darkened.

He was holding back because the other party was a top-ranked player. If it were anyone else, he would have drawn his sword first.

However, Jinhyuk easily brushed off the gaze.

"In that sense, I want to slightly change the contract terms. I heard that Fight Dad has a few A-rank dungeons on the 3rd floor, right?"

10 exclusive dungeons on the 1st floor.

They were attractive at the time, but now that he's over level 30, they're not very useful.

It's not like he's going to play hide-and-seek with goblins now. If he's grown, he needs a dungeon that matches his level, right?

"So, instead of the 10 dungeons on the 1st floor, I want one of the A-rank dungeons on the 3rd floor... Is that what you're saying?"

"You got it right."

"Instead of telling me the antidote formula so late, you want to raise our side's conditions?"

"Exactly."

Not reviewing it once more,

I don't understand why he keeps asking the same thing like a parrot.

His face is red, so he seems angry...

Should I offer him a glass of cold water in a situation like this?

"......Player Kang Jinhyuk. What do you think we are?"

Hmm.

A tree that provides everything you need?

But I can't say that directly.

In such a situation, I can only use the universal excuse used worldwide.

"Due to inflation, the rise in raw material prices, and the increase in labor costs, I had no choice but to make this decision."

"That's...! We are not a charity. We didn't come here to accept such unreasonable demands!"

Kim Gi-tae stood up from his seat.

"Are you leaving?"

"If you're going to say such things, there's no point in talking anymore."

"Hmm. The 3rd floor labyrinth [Gray Temple]. As far as I know, Fight Dad has it, but the attempts to clear it have been failing, right?"

"......!"

Kim Gi-tae, who was about to turn around, stopped.

Surprised by the unexpected name.

"How did you know that?"

"I heard it from various sources. I have quite a wide network, you know."

Before coming here, he had received a list of dungeons owned by Fight Dad from Kim Hee-woong.

And the moment he saw 'Gray Temple' on the list,

Jinhyuk was sure.

Fight Dad wouldn't even dare to attempt to clear the labyrinth with their current strength.

And his prediction was spot on.

'Sure enough, he's reacting.'

He must be eager to obtain the treasure hidden in the temple but frustrated by the repeated failures.

Naturally, he would stop in his tracks when the topic of the labyrinth was brought up at the right time.

Now that the other party is showing interest, it's time to talk him into it.

To somehow reel him in and make things go as I want.

"I'm not saying I'll take the reward for myself. The Gray Temple is a 20-person labyrinth, so I can't clear it alone."

"......"

The most important thing is to reassure Kim Gi-tae by mentioning the system's rules.

"Moreover, it would be a significant loss for Fight Dad. It would be better to go with me, who has proven my skills, rather than losing more players in a half-hearted attempt."

"That's... true."

The second most important thing is to provide a plausible reason.

To make it clear that this isn't a disadvantageous deal because we're weak, but because we care about the players in our guild.

The third most important thing is to express regret.

The regret here isn't just a verbal apology.

It's about paying a price that makes the apology feel genuine.

"The mandrake can be bought from the basic shop on the 1st floor. You need to drink jasmine tea 11 times in a row, as recommended by the shop owner, to see the secret items hidden in the back room. It tastes terrible, but you have to endure it."

"......What!?"

Kim Gi-tae took a deep breath.

He hadn't expected Jinhyuk to reveal the mandrake's location first.

He seemed at a loss for words, and a moment of silence followed.

'If I do this much, he won't think I'm trying to deceive him.'

Kim Gi-tae nodded as if he had made up his mind.

"Understood. I'll discuss it with the guild leaders and let you know the schedule for the labyrinth."

He then smiled in satisfaction and extended his hand to Jinhyuk.

'Kang Jinhyuk. For a named player, you're too careless. It's a good thing for us.'

Given the opponent, he couldn't openly exploit him. Still, he had laid the groundwork to tilt the board in favor of the Fight Dad guild.

However,

Kim Gi-tae would never know.

The secret hidden in the Gray Temple.

"Haha. I'll leave it to you."

Jinhyuk also shook Kim Gi-tae's hand with a smile.

'Feel free to use the 1st floor shop as much as you want, even though you don't need it anymore.'

Drinking 11 cups of bitter jasmine tea would keep him running to the bathroom all night.

'I'll make good use of your labyrinth and guild members.'

Thus,

Each with their own thoughts,

The contract they had previously made was renewed.