Chapter 111: 19th Floor. Magic World (6)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 111: 19th Floor. Magic World (6)
A brilliant gem, shimmering like starlight.
This was the core that had powered the golem.
It’s smaller than I thought.
It was barely the size of a fist. Yet, this small gem had animated a golem powerful enough to push Kang Jun-hyeok to his limits.
Its value was likely beyond measure. Kang Jun-hyeok smiled as he looked at the gem. Only then did the fallen Weed realize Jun-hyeok’s true intention.
[You madman...]
This man’s goal hadn't been to simply defeat him.
The core that moved the golem—its engine. His goal had been to obtain it without a single scratch. Realizing this, a chill ran down Weed’s spine.
Weed was by no means weak. He possessed the absolute reflection that repelled all attacks. Furthermore, the golem’s own performance was superior. Even for a man of Jun-hyeok's caliber, fighting him should have meant risking his life.
And yet, in such a life-or-death situation, he had moved not for survival or victory, but for the reward? Kang Jun-hyeok’s murmur confirmed his suspicion.
“I wanted to get the Gem of Reflection as well, but I suppose it wasn't meant to be.”
[...You.]
This wasn't the mindset of a human. No—it wasn't the mindset of any living being. He was something else entirely.
[What are you?]
What kind of life had he led to become like this?
Kang Jun-hyeok gave a thin smile at the question.
“Don’t worry too much. This is a good thing for all of us.”
[What does that...]
“It’s not something you need to concern yourself with. Besides, I don’t have time to explain.”
Kang Jun-hyeok shrugged. Deprived of its core, the golem began to grind to a halt.
“Farewell, Archmage. It was fun.”
[...Haha. I thought a mage would be the one to see me off at the end. I suppose one never knows how life will turn out.]
With those final words, the golem’s head slumped. It had completely ceased to function.
[Level Up.]
[Level Up.]
[Health +50]
[Strength +2]
[Speed +4]
[Internal Energy +1]
[Mana +3]
[Feat +2]
[Proficiency in Arcana Gem Magic has increased from D to C.]
[Proficiency in Divine Art has increased.]
[Proficiency in Mental Method has increased.]
[Proficiency in True Ancestor Awakening has increased.]
[Proficiency in Pixie's Wings has increased...]
As he leveled up, a long list of skill proficiencies rose. There were so many that they practically filled his vision. Kang Jun-hyeok wore a satisfied expression.
“...Is it over?”
As the area grew quiet, Tia, who had been waiting at a distance, cautiously approached. She gasped when she saw the gem in Kang Jun-hyeok’s hand.
“What is that?”
A fist-sized gem emitting a brilliant array of colors. Even from a distance, its worth was obvious. Its value was incomparable to anything else. Alprain let out a low groan.
“Is that the core that moved the golem? ...It’s magnificent. No, that word isn't enough. I cannot even begin to estimate its value.”
“You’ve worked hard.”
Kang Jun-hyeok pocketed the gem. It was a radiant treasure of immeasurable value. Though he was taking it as his personal possession, neither of the two questioned him. Tia sat down as if the tension had finally left her body.
“We really... we really won. Wow.”
Groans began to rise as the unconscious mages started to wake up. Kang Jun-hyeok spoke leisurely.
“Let’s clean up here, then.”
They helped the fallen to their feet and woke them. Then, they delivered the news.
The Archmage Weed. The golem containing his ego. Kang Jun-hyeok had defeated it alone.
The people were struck with awe. No one doubted the claim. This was because Alprain—the direct disciple of the Magic Tower Master and a genius who appeared once in a century—had declared it so on his own name.
A great commotion ensued, and things began to settle one by one. The Magic Tower Master, who arrived late after finishing his own tasks, expressed both shock and admiration.
Their attention turned toward Kang Jun-hyeok. And then, it turned toward the Arcana Gem Magic he was learning. Thanks to this, Tia was practically screaming with joy.
“There are so many people wanting to become my disciples! Sponsors are popping up left and right! I can barely keep up with the meetings!”
Her worth had finally been recognized. Her worn-out furniture had all been replaced with high-end pieces. She was currently living the happiest moments of her life.
“This is all thanks to you, Kang Jun-hyeok! Thank you so much, truly!”
She was sincerely grateful. Kang Jun-hyeok gave a small smile.
“It’s a good thing for both of us. Don’t worry about it.”
“Hehehe.”
Giggling, Tia suddenly remembered something and asked.
“By the way, what are you going to do with that gem?”
The brilliantly shining gem that had served as the golem’s core. She had tried to research it herself, but it was far too high-level for her to comprehend.
“Even the Magic Tower Master seemed to have no idea. I wonder where such a thing even came from.”
“You don’t need to worry. I know someone who can handle it.”
“O-oh, really?”
Tia looked puzzled. Even the ruler of the Magic Tower couldn't analyze the gem. If it was impossible for him, it should have been impossible for anyone in this world. She found it hard to understand how there could be someone who could handle it.
But Kang Jun-hyeok wasn't lying. The one who could handle it wasn't a being of this world.
“Anyway, it’s a good thing. My school is going to grow now.”
She clenched her fists. Springing up from her chair, she walked over to Kang Jun-hyeok. She grinned and held out her hand.
“I’ll be in your care from now on, too.”
“...Yes.”
Kang Jun-hyeok took her hand. At that moment, the world began to crumble.
[19th Floor Quest Clear.]
[Rewards will be determined based on your performance.]
[Calculating achievement rate...]
[Calculation complete.]
[Achievement Rate: 100%]
[Perfect Clear. Congratulations! Additional rewards will be granted.]
[The effect of the Title: Perfect Player has been added.]
[4,662 Gold has been rewarded.]
[Perfect Clear Reward: Obtained Weapon - Magic Tower's Chief Staff.]
[Perfect Clear Reward: Obtained Shield - Magic Tower's Chief Grimoire.]
[Perfect Clear Reward: Obtained Gem of Eternity.]
[Players who have Perfect Cleared the 19th Floor: 1.]
[You are the only one!]
[Universe Announcement.]
[Please offer your congratulations to everyone in the universe! A Perfect Player of the 19th Floor has appeared. This is a feat that no one has ever achieved before!]
[Feat +7]
“So it ends like this.”
Kang Jun-hyeok muttered as he returned to Earth. He felt a bit of regret that he couldn't talk with Tia a little longer. But the regret was short-lived. He began to check his rewards with a pleased expression.
[Passive Skill: Arcana Gem Magic]
[Rank: Mid-Rank]
[Proficiency: C]
[A magic that uses gems created by Tia Lirinet as catalysts. There is almost no mana consumption when using this magic. It does not require any talent for magic. By using gems as catalysts, the power contained within can be amplified and manipulated with near-perfection.]
The proficiency of Arcana Gem Magic had reached C. Among his skills, the only ones that had reached C were basic skills he had obtained from the start, like Swordsmanship or Observation.
In contrast, Arcana Gem was a magic skill. It was a Mid-Rank passive skill, making its proficiency much harder to raise. To have reached C already was beyond impressive; it was an impossible speed.
However, there was a problem.
I’ve used up all the gems.
He had been able to raise the proficiency so rapidly because he had used over a hundred gems. He didn't have any left to use on the next floor.
I could ask for more, but it would probably be difficult.
The gems he had obtained previously were gathered with everything the school had, so getting more wouldn't be easy. He wouldn't be able to use Arcana Gem Magic at the same level he did on the 19th floor. That part was quite disappointing.
But it’s not like there’s no solution.
Kang Jun-hyeok pulled out the brilliantly shining gem.
[Gem of Eternity]
[Rank: Mid-Rank]
[A brilliantly shining Gem of Eternity. A gem created by the Archmage Weed in his final years, putting forth all his effort to manifest the Philosopher's Stone. His efforts were not in vain, as he managed to touch a fragment of it. The energy contained within refills itself even after being consumed.]
“The Philosopher's Stone, huh?”
It was a nostalgic name. The gem’s effect was essentially a source of infinite energy. Although its rank was Mid-Rank, it was likely very close to High-Rank.
With this, he could solve his problem. Kang Jun-hyeok put the gem away and continued his inspection.
[Magic Tower's Chief Staff]
[Type: Weapon]
[Rank: Low-Rank]
[Attack Power +4]
[Mana +35]
[A special staff given to the winner of the Magic Tower’s annual tournament.]
[Magic Tower's Chief Grimoire]
[Type: Shield]
[Rank: Low-Rank]
[Defense +5]
[Mana +20]
[A special grimoire given to the winner of the Magic Tower’s annual tournament.]
A staff and grimoire for mages. Their stats were decent, but Kang Jun-hyeok wasn't a mage. He wouldn't have much use for them.
The Perfect Player effect was Mana +2. It wasn't much, but it was a fine bonus. These were the rewards from the 19th floor. After a moment of thought, Kang Jun-hyeok moved immediately.
“Blacksmith.”
Shwaaa.
A space filled with sweltering heat opened up. Kang Jun-hyeok stepped inside without hesitation.
* * *
Kang Jun-hyeok had Perfect Cleared the 19th floor.
That fact was announced to the world. On Earth, there wasn't much of a backlash. People simply thought, The Perfect Player got another Perfect Clear. It was amazing and wondrous, but it had become a part of their daily lives.
However, it was different elsewhere.
The Perfect Clear announcement wasn't meant only for Earth. It was a Universe Announcement. Earth wasn't the only planet climbing the Tower. Every being in the universe who had been given the qualification was climbing.
Somewhere in the universe, there was a planet similar to Earth. But it wasn't a blue planet. It was a world stained in crimson and obsidian, looking like a literal vision of hell.
Inside a small building on that planet, a woman spoke with a strange smile.
“A 19th-floor Perfect Clear has appeared. That’s probably the same guy who’s been Perfect Clearing everything so far, right?”
“...”
A man sat across from the woman. At first glance, he looked human. But he wasn't. He had the slit pupils of a snake and dark red horns.
A being that was human yet not human. A Half-Human Half-Demon.
The woman sidled up to him.
“Hey. Didn't you say that no matter how great someone is, a 19th-floor Perfect Clear is structurally impossible? I believed you.” The woman said softly. “Because you were the one and only player to clear the 18th floor. Oh, I guess you’re not the 'one and only' anymore?”
“Shut up.” The man replied to her playful words with irritation. “Stop getting on my nerves and get lost.”
“Aw, I’m just joking. Anyway, it’s interesting. Someone actually did the 19th-floor Perfect Clear that you said was impossible? And all those other Perfect Clears before it. I wonder what kind of guy he is.”
The woman hummed as she walked out of the building. Left alone, the man’s eyes darkened.
“...19th-floor Perfect Clear.”
It was structurally impossible. Even for a monster who had Perfect Cleared every floor so far. The man was certain of it because he was a magic genius who appeared only once in ten thousand years.
If it was impossible for him, then who on earth could possibly do it?
However.
[Universe Announcement.]
[Please offer your congratulations to everyone in the universe! A Perfect Player of the 19th Floor has appeared. This is a feat that no one has ever achieved before!]
The announcement appearing before his eyes clearly stated that he was wrong. Hostility flickered in the man’s eyes.
“I don’t know who you are... but you’re arrogant beyond belief.”
If they ever met, he would crush him and show him the true difference in their levels. The Half-Human Half-Demon made that vow.