Chapter 69

◈ Chapter 69. Akshayan's Legacy (3)

[Quest: Trap Breakthrough]

Avoid the intricate traps and reach the portal.

Rewards will be given according to your ranking.

─Current Rankings

●1st Place: 1 minute 01 seconds

●2nd Place: 4 minutes 41 seconds

●3rd Place: 4 minutes 50 seconds

[Trap Breakthrough] Quest.

The rewards for the rankings.

These rewards would directly benefit the next quest, the [Tournament] quest.

Checking my inventory, a small mechanical device caught my eye.

[Quirnberg Ascension Lever - 3rd Floor]

[Grade: Unique]

[Restrictions: None]

[Effect: When used in the tournament, grants 9 points.]

[Description: An ascension lever that can be used at the center of the Quirnberg mechanical tower. When combined with the mechanical device, it allows you to ascend to the 3rd floor in one go. Despite its simple appearance, it is a highly sophisticated piece of technology.]

To secure three consecutive victories, and even three at that!

Considering the goal of the [Tournament] quest is 30 points.

The effect of the item was indeed impressive.

But I wasn't fooled.

'Is this the reward for my solitude?'

What's the point of giving me 9 points?

The teams I'll face will all have three members.

Even if I give them points, it's obvious I'll still lose.

So I started to think.

...I'll fight until the end.

I won't waste anything.

I'll bring everything I have to bear.

As my motto goes.

I didn't just skim through the description either.

'Simple in appearance, but a significant amount of technology is concentrated in it...'

If I were a humanities graduate like Lee Ho-yul, I might have just passed it by.

After a cursory glance at the mechanical device.

I would have thought, "It's more complex than it looks," and moved on.

But not Granfel.

If he were to open a magic book.

He would stay up all night to finish it.

If he were to pick up a sword, he wouldn't stop training until he was exhausted.

Would Granfel's body, after seeing such a description, just let it go?

"Hmm, interesting."

That would be impossible.

Indeed, I didn't use the [Quirnberg Ascension Lever - 3rd Floor] immediately.

I stood upright on top of the mechanical device.

And began to explore from that position.

"Complex circuits. The intricate technology that realizes them."

Granfel's talent and discerning eye told me.

"Remarkable."

Whoever the creator was, this was no ordinary item.

For a regular object, the exploration process would have been quick.

However, as I mentioned, the lever was extremely complex and intricate.

Just the types of minerals used numbered in the dozens.

The design of each component was perfect, making my skin crawl.

"An impeccable magical device."

After a long exploration.

I gave such an evaluation.

I was so focused that my eyes felt heavy.

'If there hadn't been a system for automatic victories, I might have been eliminated.'

I was so engrossed in the lever that I couldn't mount a proper counterattack.

But my talent was good.

In any case, I had completed the exploration process.

Thanks to that.

"I have been waiting for you."

Formally.

Confident enough to greet my opponent.

The source of that confidence?

Simple.

'I have grasped the basic structure and circuits.'

That means I have completed the most labor-intensive part of the exploration in the manifestation of magic.

Now I can interfere with the Quirnberg mechanical tower.

Just like interfering with a rock after completing the exploration process.

I can interfere with the mechanical device in my field of vision.

So.

"You don't seem to have any intention of greeting me."

I don't know why you're making that face.

But you've made a big mistake.

'Rejecting my sincere greeting, huh?'

Granfel's impression of the breach of etiquette.

My attitude towards the quest reward.

The moment these two opinions aligned.

I had no hesitation.

I summoned my mana.

Ultimately, victory or defeat is determined by who captures the gear floating in the center. It's not a fight, but a competition to secure the gear.

What are the chances of me losing now that I can interfere with the mechanical tower?

'I can just set up a mechanical wall and take it, right?'

To be honest, I'm confident there's no chance of losing.

"...I acknowledge my defeat."

...What's this?

Suddenly surrendering?

I was taken aback.

Well, maybe there's some conflict within the team.

Their expressions were serious enough.

It seems there's some situation, but it's none of my business.

"I respect your decision."

In case you change your mind.

I took the gear.

Even then, I was half-doubting.

Clank─!

Whir─!

Watching the opposing team's mechanical device descend.

And checking the quest window, it finally hit me.

─Current Points (Win: +3p / Loss: -2p)

●1st Place: 18p

●2nd Place: 13p

●2nd Place: 13p

Securing 3 points to take the sole lead.

Considering the 9 points I earned through the [Quirnberg Ascension Lever - 3rd Floor]...

Just one more victory.

Win once more, and I'll reach 30 points.

I can pass the [Tournament] quest in first place.

[Searching for an appropriate opponent team...]

[There are '0' teams with the same points.]

[Waiting for an opponent team.]

Looking at the message, I thought.

'Who else will surrender to me?'

But, not only did I get an automatic victory, but also a forfeit victory.

If I want to win by default, I should be careful not to overdo it.

*

The two teams leading the pack.

15p → 18p

15p → 13p

The moment their points switched.

The onlookers swallowed hard.

"First, one of the teams was the Rocks team, right?"

Shining's master, Rocks.

Rocks and his teammates didn't do any streaming or personal broadcasts.

The fact that they became joint leaders was revealed when the 4-win groups faced each other.

"Hey, my heart almost stopped at that moment!"

The overwhelming presence of Rocks, vividly transmitted through the opponent team's field of view!

A player ranking as high as 2nd.

One of the few players in the 400-level range.

When Rocks appeared.

The onlookers couldn't help but get excited.

-If Camilla is there, Rocks must be there too, right? 😂😂😂

-Rocks' teammates are so enviable, seriously 😂😂😂

-For real, even a bus doesn't have such a top-tier bus

Living up to the expectations.

Rocks secured the gear with overwhelming performance.

Even with the balance system applied to match the average level.

It was impossible to stop Rocks.

"Huff, huff. The experience value is really good, Mr. Rocks."

The higher the absolute level.

The more the experience needed for level-up increases exponentially in the Arcana system.

The difference in skill is naturally proportional to the amount of experience.

"Look at the members of the top teams! They all have at least one top-ranked player. Rocks, Camilla, and our South Korean player Nam Tae-min!"

Sure, the balance system exists.

But it's impossible to perfectly balance everything.

So the anticipation only grew.

"Then the other team must be Lee Ho-yul's, right?"

The overwhelming power shown during the Demon King Decarabia raid.

Some people even tried to guess Ho-yul's level based on his performance.

But there was no chance to accurately gauge Ho-yul's level this time.

Clank─!

"...Now, the mechanical device is starting to descend!"

The showdown for the sole lead.

Who will be the one to lose?

In the midst of the intense focus, what appeared was.

"Rocks?!"

It was Rocks.

Rocks, who recorded a loss and dropped to the 13-point group.

Questions from the opposing team rained down on Rocks.

"Was Lee Ho-yul up there? Is that right?!"

"No, is it really Lee Ho-yul? Someone needs to confirm."

"...But why do their expressions look like that?"

The vast amount of experience accumulated alongside the high level.

It meant he knew more than others.

Seeing as much as he knew.

Rocks' shock didn't easily subside.

'Clearly, he was alone.'

Rocks coldly evaluated himself.

Can I, alone, face three players?

No, that's impossible.

What about the balance system?

Rocks wanted to ask.

'There is an appropriate level for the rift.'

[Quirnberg Mechanical Tower Rift].

The appropriate level is a staggering 400.

Moreover, here, in the center where the tournament is taking place, the appropriate level is even higher at 450. Most players wouldn't even dare to step in.

'At least 300 levels...'

No, that's a very low estimate.

Even so, Rocks couldn't easily shake off his shock.

That is.

'If that's the case, Lee Ho-yul's level, even at the lowest estimate...?'

It would be equivalent to at least 900 levels.

After the Demon King Decarabia raid.

Rocks had estimated Ho-yul's level to be around 700.

He thought he wasn't underestimating.

'But he was far, far ahead.'

900 levels.

A number that he couldn't even dream of catching up to.

Compared to Ho-yul, it would be impossible.

But he was one of the top-ranked players.

He knew the effort required to level up.

That's why...

He began to understand Ho-yul's actions.

The supreme confidence.

The ability to easily ignore status effects.

The unknown, flashy skills.

And just a moment ago.

-You were waiting for us.

The calm greeting.

'...It wasn't strange to think so.'

Considering Ho-yul's level, everything made sense.

Realizing this, his head felt clearer.

'A bigger goal is always better.'

It felt like he had finally taken off a poorly fitting coat.

'When did I start looking down on others?'

No, he was always from the bottom.

Climbing from the bottom.

The underdog who gains more motivation.

Rocks' eyes changed.

"Still, it's too early to give up."

"...What?"

"Ultimately, the rule is to be the first to reach 30 points."

Even with Ho-yul as a massive obstacle.

There's no rule that says he must knock down that obstacle.

Why, defeating another team would also secure 3 points.

Perhaps the team members realized Rocks' intention.

"...That's right! Ho-yul has to wait for us too!"

At least one team.

Until the opposing team reaches the same points.

Ho-yul would have to stay and wait.

Rocks planned to use this system.

Rocks smiled at his teammates.

"Isn't it unfair? Only we have to feel the fear of Ho-yul."

"That's right. It was indescribable. That..."

"How could he greet us in that situation?!"

Sure, the turning point would be when a team secures at least 27 points.

Starting from when they have one win left.

'A strategy is needed.'

When Ho-yul faces a team that has secured 27 points.

They will face another team that has also secured 27 points.

Win before Ho-yul.

Reach 30 points before Ho-yul.

'This is the easiest way. No, this is the only way.'

Expecting to win against Ho-yul.

It seemed easier to adjust the points of other teams.

Rocks raised his sword.

"Ah, no! Mr. Rocks. We didn't plan to fight right away...!"

They only asked a question, but he drew his sword without answering.

The players, flustered, waved their hands.

'This is the last chance.'

Now that Rocks had a rough idea of Ho-yul's level.

He realized that competing with Ho-yul was meaningless.

No matter what rift or raid.

It would be impossible to outperform Ho-yul.

'This might be the last chance to surpass Lee Ho-yul.'

Snap─!

He couldn't miss this precious opportunity.

Rocks charging towards the gear.

But Rocks didn't know.

The existence of the [Quirnberg Ascension Lever].

Which could secure 9 points in one go.

What Ho-yul needed.

Was just 3 points.

And at the same time.

"Good job on making it up here, but I'm sorry."

Ho-yul had just secured the last gear!

.

.

.

As I expected, I secured an easy victory.

Blocking the players' movements with a mechanical wall.

I easily secured the gear.

"...Ho, Ho-yul. Mr. Lee, you were alone?"

"Yes."

"How, how did you get here alone...?!"

"Proper form and procedure must be followed."

"?!?"

They surrendered before.

This time, the players didn't react strongly.

They just had the same expression as if they had seen