Chapter 8
Chapter 8
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 8
Chapter Title: The 14th Consecutive S++ Clear
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14 consecutive S++ clears.
While the grade itself is impressive, the fact that he's run non-stop for 14 days without a single break is also astounding.
Usually, it's extremely difficult to clear every day consecutively due to mental fatigue and injuries sustained in the Tower.
This is especially true past the 10th floor.
And then there are the injuries.
What happens if a player gets hurt in the Tower?
It applies in reality just the same.
That's why Tower-exclusive healing potions are necessary.
You don't have to consume them only inside the Tower.
You can drink them outside too.
The phrase 'Tower-exclusive' means it can only heal wounds sustained within the Tower.
Internal injuries, external wounds, poisoning... all status ailments incurred during a mission are cured.
On the other hand, it has no effect on injuries or illnesses obtained outside the Tower.
If it could do that, it would be valued at an astronomical price.
Joo-hyuk also had five healing potions he received as mission rewards.
But he hadn't even taken them out of his inventory.
There was no need to.
'First, I need to cash in the magic stones...'
He sold the 5.5 kg received up to the 10th floor.
'After I clear up to the 15th floor...'
The method for selling magic stones is simple.
You call, and a designated employee comes to collect the stones.
'No, I should drop by the Management Bureau first.'
Until now, he'd been diving in without any equipment.
He should at least wear a simple combat suit.
The Awakening Management Bureau had a specialized shop for players.
It would be good to find time for some shopping.
Anyway, let's clear the 15th floor.
Joo-hyuk performed a Designated Summon for John Kosak.
He's annoying because he doesn't listen, but still gets a 5-star rating.
"Bzzt!"
"Have you been well?"
"You always give me a perfect 5-star rating despite my grave sin of disobeying orders and committing insubordination. I don't know where to put myself."
"I understand. You couldn't help it."
"I am. I am filled with nothing but regret. A wretch like me deserves to die twice over."
He seemed aware of his fault.
"I won't tell you to take it slow from the 15th floor. Clear comfortably."
"Huh? Th, that's allowed?"
"Don't worry about it. Nothing will change anyway."
"I'll work hard."
The cat's out of the bag, so hiding it is pointless.
There's another reason for doing this.
If he records an S++ grade strategy on the 15th floor, he'll achieve 15 Platinum Badges.
Another perk is highly likely to be granted.
5 badges gave a Trait Enhancement perk, 10 gave a Skill Copy perk, 15 will...?
Greed stirred.
The more perks he accumulated, the safer he would be...
"Um, but, Bong Summoner-nim. I have something to say."
"What is it?"
"Starting from the 16th floor, it gets a bit tricky."
"Does it become much harder?"
"The strategy itself is easy. But getting an S++ grade might be difficult... S+ is possible though."
Meaning S++ is hard, but S+ is doable.
"Does S+ also give Platinum Badges?"
"No. Badges are rewards given only for the highest record. If it's not S++, there's no chance."
"I see."
It's fine.
He planned to strategize up to the 15th floor and rest for a few days anyway.
He needs a break.
Until now, Kosak did everything, so he had forgotten just how dangerous the Tower is.
Don't let your guard down.
Losing your initial caution is dangerous.
Self-preservation must be prioritised.
Living boldly and aggressively means you won't live out your natural lifespan.
Leisurely and at ease,
with perfectly prepared strategies.
The 16th floor is tricky?
He might not get Platinum Badges?
'That won't do.'
He must get Platinum Badges at least up to the 20th floor.
He can indulge his greed for safety as much as he wanted.
Joo-hyuk had a plan too.
He'll utilize the perks to the maximum.
First.
The perk received for collecting the first 5 badges.
Trait Enhancement, Simultaneous Summoning capacity of 2.
This is the core plan.
Its cooldown had about 2 weeks left, so he'd wait until then.
Second.
The perk received for 10 badges.
The Shadow Step skill copied from Kosak.
He needs to repeatedly use the skill to master it.
Third.
The perk he'd soon receive for 15 badges after strategizing the 15th floor.
Well, hopefully it's something good.
Lastly.
Visit the Player Shop to procure simple combat gear.
He's practically naked.
After that, he can start the 16th floor.
Safety, and more safety.
He must live within his means.
That's exactly how an Ordinary Guy lives.
'First, the 15th floor.'
From the 15th to the 20th floor is Goblin Worker extermination.
The point where humanoid green-skinned monsters appear.
The 15th floor has Goblin Workers, so their combat power isn't great.
The real thing starts from the 16th floor.
16th floor: Goblin Scouts that shoot poison darts.
17th floor: Goblin Warriors with shields and swords.
18th floor: Goblin Assassins that hide using stealth.
19th floor: Goblin Shamans that torment players with strange magic.
And the 20th floor: Eliminate all Goblin types encountered so far, plus their leader, the Hobgoblin.
In this section, numerous players died or suffered major injuries.
You needed talent to pass this section and advance to the 20s.
Even with sufficient information, strategizing was bothersome.
Goblins possessed intelligence.
They're even incredibly cunning.
Anyway, let's begin.
Kosak, with a somewhat tense expression, whispered to Joo-hyuk.
"Follow closely behind me. Don't get too far away."
The 15th-floor environment is a dark forest.
As they moved inward, a mission appeared.
Simultaneously, hunting targets came into view.
Chop chop chop chop!
Goblin Workers were chopping trees with small hand axes.
Five in total.
John Kosak whispered quietly.
"We must eliminate them in one go. Carelessly, they might run away. If even one escapes, it will bring others."
"Then I'll also..."
Joo-hyuk drew the kitchen knife he had brought at his waist.
"Huh? Put away that hideous thing. You might cut your hand."
Quickly putting the kitchen knife away,
"...Right? Better not to, right?"
"Yes! But just in case something happens, be prepared to activate Shadow Step."
Whoosh!
Kosak's body grew faint.
It began to blend into the surrounding environment.
'So that's stealth.'
It would be good to learn that too.
Creeping silently.
Kosak, held a dagger, approached a goblin frantically chopping with an axe,
Swish!
And cleanly severed its neck without hesitation.
The Goblin Worker didn't even scream.
Blood flowed from its neck.
This time, two at once,
Swish! Swish!
Only then did the remaining goblins realize the situation.
"Grrl?"
"Krek?"
They threw down their axes and scattered in different directions, but it was already too late.
One trying to flee was stabbed in the chest, bursting its heart.
"Gahk!"
The last goblin, desperately fled using its short legs...
Fwip!
A dagger tore through the air and flew,
"Kik!"
Thud!
Embedding itself in the back of its head.
'...Wow!'
Five disappeared in an instant.
"Moving."
"Hmm, you don't put ribbon knots on goblin heads?"
"I also distinguish time and place. And ribbons are only for humans."
"Okay! Fighting!"
"Hehehe, thanks for the support. I'll work harder."
The strategy was easy.
The weakest workers among the goblin race.
It would be different if they were combat professions.
It took longer than before.
About 10 minutes to kill 20.
But still.
'Oh! 5 more healing potions.'
10 total in inventory.
He did it.
15 consecutive S++ grade strategies.
15 Platinum Badges.
"Well done."
"Well done? I didn't do anything."
"Just being safely by my side is a great feat."
"Hahaha."
Embarrassed.
"Let's eat pizza today. Eat and relax watching TV."
"Yes!"
Time to check the rewards.
First, the magic stones.
Currently, the Tower-exclusive inventory holds 6.5 kg of magic stones acquired from floors 11 to 15.
If he sold this through the Awakening Management Bureau, it's 3.25 million won,
'Phew, this is why I can't stop climbing.'
The money earned from the Tower in half a month is more than two months' salary from two part-time jobs.
This is why awakening is called a blessing.
What if he reached the 20th floor without trouble?
The daily magic stone reward alone is 2 kg.
Selling through the Management Bureau means 1 million won a day.
No commissions or taxes either.
1,000,000 won a day.
He'd be living a 30 million won a month life.
In a word, it's the jackpot.
Safe Tower climbing.
Certain and steady rewards.
Preventing Tower collapse can be left to the talented elite teams.
But Team Leader Jeon Gwang-il called several times a day.
He tempted him, saying he'd never force him, just put his name on the elite team and receive benefits.
How annoying.
Preposterous talk.
Where in the world is there anything free?
It's obvious he'd get a nose ring.
Of course, as a Korean citizen, it's not that he didn't want to climb un-cleared floors and reduce the threat of Tower collapse.
But he's only at the 15th floor.
He has a long way to go.
Leave it to the elite team with ample support, currently strategizing the 66th floor.
Now, let's check the most awaited reward.
The perk granted for every 5 Platinum Badges.
What will it be?
'Energy Shield?'
What's this?
Taking it out of his inventory,
It was a plain metal bracelet without any decoration.
Putting it on his wrist, it fit perfectly.
⚡ Energy Shield Kit
Effect: Protects the user with a shield that absorbs damage.
Limit: The shield disappears after absorbing a certain amount of damage. Can be reused after 5 hours.
Feature: Shield effectiveness is adjusted according to level.
Incredible!
Could it be this good?
The very thing he needed most.
Well done collecting badges.
It's practically full-body armor.
Is that all?
It's an item without a modifier.
There's a law for Tower items.
If the modifier 'Tower-exclusive' is in front, it can be used in relation to the Tower. If there's no modifier, it can be used in reality too.
For example, Tower-exclusive Healing Potion only works on wounds sustained inside the Tower.
Conversely, Magic Stones don't have the 'Tower-exclusive' phrase, so they can be used in reality.
'Then this too?'
Joo-hyuk cautiously uttered.
"Energy Shield."
Instantly!
Bzzzt!
A transparent energy membrane enveloped Joo-hyuk's entire body.
"...Hahaha."
It works.
He received a treasure of immense value as a perk.
If he sold this on the market, how much would he get?
1 billion? 2 billion? 3 billion?
'Sell it now and quit Tower climbing?'
No.
He's use it as much as needed, and when a burdensome moment came, it wouldn't be too late to sell it then.
'Shall I rest now?'
Climbing is on hold for the time being.
During that period, he could repeatedly clear the 15th floor.
Joo-hyuk truly rested deeply.
Until the Random Summon cooldown returned.
Only doing repeated 15th-floor clears.
Thus, half a month passed.
Therefore, no full announcements for S++ grade strategies rang out during that half-month.
Seoul, Hannam-dong Awakening Management Bureau.
Bureau Chief Park Kyung-su, with a serious expression, was talking with Team Leader Jeon Gwang-il.
"It's already been half a month, right?"
"...Yes."
Half a month since the last full announcement for an S++ grade strategy record, which was the 15th floor.
"What's the reason? Why isn't he clearing the 16th floor? ...Did he already clear it but fail to record an S++ grade?"
The Tower's difficulty isn't constant.
Sections that suddenly become difficult appear.
The 66th floor that Korea is currently clearing is like that.
Even after 2 months, no clue for a strategy has been found.
The 16th floor is a similar section.
The difference between the 15th floor's Goblin Workers and the 16th floor's Goblin Scouts is a chasm.
"That's not it. I subtly asked Bong Player a few days ago, and he said he hadn't even entered the 16th floor yet. That he's still not prepared..."
"What preparation?"
"I didn't hear the details. I was just told he's only doing repeated 15th-floor clears."
"Hoho, repeated 15th-floor strategies? He's not saying he'll park there forever, is he?"
"W, well..."
The possibility isn't nonexistent.
Even if he just played on the 15th floor, there's no hindrance to living.
It was getting worrisome.
If he were a normal player, he wouldn't even have this worry.
He'd just give up climbing, cancel the contract, and that's it.
But Bong Joo-hyuk was different.
Isn't he the record holder for 15 consecutive S++ grade strategies?
To be content with the 15th floor, with that amazing talent...
"Ah, what a disappointment. Heaven is heartless, giving such talent to a timid player..."
That's when it happened.
Bzzz.
A vibrating sound from Jeon Gwang-il's smartphone.
"...Huh?"
"What is it?"
"A message came. From Player Bong Joo-hyuk."
"Wh, what's the content?"
"He's coming to the Awakening Management Bureau? Says he wants to use the Player Shop."
Suddenly?
Player Shop.
"...Player Shop? Ah! C, could it be?"
A thought flashed in his mind.
"Team Leader Jeon, Player Bong Joo-hyuk, he's never used the shop, right?"
"That seems to be the case. When he came for the awakening confirmation, he was also bare-handed."
"Haa, then 'preparation' was actually about getting clear equipment."
"Correct. Equipment is expensive, so his intention was probably to raise money through repeated 15th-floor strategies."
Bureau Chief Park Kyung-su's face flushed hotly.
"How could I be so stupid!"
He was ashamed.
He was about to criticize Bong Joo-hyuk without even knowing that.
Why aren't there full announcements? Did he give up climbing? Such a waste of talent. Timid. He only grumbled, not even thinking about what situation the player was in while clearing the Tower.
"When Bong Player comes, support him with whatever item he wants at a bargain price. No, you can even give it to him for free."
"Yes! Understood."
You can repent for your mistakes.
As long as it's not too late.