Chapter 112: 20th Floor. The Stubborn Old Woman (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 112: 20th Floor. The Stubborn Old Woman (1)
[Title: Ugh, I’m seriously so pissed!]
[I wanted to kill that old hag!]
[Maruima Atsuya (22nd Floor): Looks like you cleared the 20th floor. It’s an infuriating floor, for sure. I bet there are actually a few players who really did kill her.]
* * *
“Greetings.”
Kang Jun-hyeok revisited the forge, which was filled with sweltering heat. The blacksmith looked up at him, his expression one of genuine surprise.
“I thought it would be quite some time before your next visit, but you’re here already. That’s unexpected. I take it you’ve found something useful?”
“I’m not sure if it will satisfy you, but I tried.”
“Hmph.”
The blacksmith watched him with an intrigued look, but then his eyes suddenly widened.
“Wait a moment… Eldiria? Is that you?”
[It has been a long time.]
“Did you also give up everything and become a part of the Tower, just like the Master of All Weapons?”
[Do not compare me to a coward like him.]
[A coward? Those are hurtful words.]
Eldiria clicked her tongue. The Master of All Weapons grumbled in response, but he didn’t seem truly offended. After observing the exchange for a moment, the blacksmith nodded as if he understood the situation.
“A link, then. Have you taken an interest in this boy? That is very unexpected.”
[It is none of your concern. Just do your job.]
“If that is what you wish.”
The blacksmith shrugged.
“So, what did you bring? Let me see.”
“Here they are.”
Kang Jun-hyeok set down the Void Gem and the Gem of Eternity. The blacksmith’s eyes sparkled with professional interest as he examined the two stones.
“You’ve brought some fairly decent materials.”
The Gem of Eternity was the driving force that operated the Archmage Weed’s golems; its value was beyond measure. Even Tia, the creator of Arcana Gem Magic, had been unable to fully decipher its secrets until the very end.
Yet, the blacksmith called such materials merely "fairly decent." It was an indirect testament to the blacksmith’s own legendary status.
“And if possible, I would appreciate it if you could use these as materials as well.”
Kang Jun-hyeok presented the Magic Tower’s Chief Staff and the Grimoire. The blacksmith paused when he saw the two pieces of equipment.
“You want magical equipment.”
“Correct.”
Kang Jun-hyeok gave a thin smile. The blacksmith stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“It’s closer to wanting an artifact than mere equipment.”
It wasn't exactly the kind of work a blacksmith would typically handle; it was closer to the craft of an enchanter. Kang Jun-hyeok asked, “Is it impossible?”
“Who do you think I am? Something like this isn't difficult.”
The blacksmith replied nonchalantly.
“Both gems are specialized for magic anyway. Even if you hadn't asked, I would have crafted them in that direction. Come back in two weeks. I shall put my all into making them.”
“Thank you.”
Kang Jun-hyeok returned the smile. He summoned Pixie and passed his memories to her. Pixie let out an exclamation that was half-groan, half-admiration.
[Alprain… It’s been a while since I’ve seen him. So that was his personality before he became all broken and tattered? And… Arcana Gem Magic.]
Pixie marveled at the school of magic created by Tia Lirinet.
[What kind of magic is this? As long as you have the gems, there’s no need for casting or mana consumption. It allows for near-infinite attacks. It’s at a level closer to an Authority than mere magic. To think such magic could even exist.]
Arcana Gem Magic was a wonder even to Pixie, who had traveled across the universe.
[It’s a pity. If she had been born on a better planet, her fame would have spread far and wide, but she died without a name.]
“It will become known now.”
After all, he would be the one wielding Arcana Gem Magic. Pixie laughed joyfully.
[I suppose so. Those were interesting memories. Here, take this.]
[320 Starlight has been acquired.]
Kang Jun-hyeok was satisfied. Pixie asked, [What are you going to do about the Gold?]
“I’m not using it yet.”
[Fine. See you next time, then!]
Pixie departed, and Kang Jun-hyeok took a well-deserved rest.
Three days later, Kang Jun-hyeok entered the 20th floor.
The quest for the 20th floor was simple: fulfill the requests of an old woman.
Based on the conditions alone, it didn't seem difficult at all, but there was a catch.
The problem was that the old woman’s requests were endless.
That wasn't all. The old woman had an incredibly eccentric and foul personality. Even when a player fulfilled her requests, far from being grateful, she would find any excuse to complain. She spat out all sorts of insults and, at times, would even strike the player with her cane.
If a player got angry and rebelled or resisted the old woman during the process, the chance for a Perfect Clear would vanish instantly. If they went as far as to attack her, the quest would end right then and there.
It was a floor that demanded extreme patience.
And that was an area where Kang Jun-hyeok was more confident than anyone else.
He fulfilled the old woman’s requests without a single word of complaint, even solving problems she hadn't mentioned. In the process, he gained her trust through his Acting and Persuasion skills.
The old woman, who had done nothing but hurl abuse at other players, gradually began to open her heart to Kang Jun-hyeok.
And finally.
“…You are different.”
The old woman acknowledged him.
“You are different from those fools who eyed my inheritance like a pack of jackals. I can feel that you truly care for me and treat me with respect. Even if that itself is an act, what does it matter when I am to die soon anyway?”
The old woman pushed off the floor with her cane and stood up from her chair.
Moving to a corner of the room, she opened a safe that had never been opened before. Inside, brilliantly shining gold coins dazzled the eyes.
“Here. This is the last of the legacy I leave behind. Take it. You are worthy of it.”
The old woman had accepted Kang Jun-hyeok.
However, Kang Jun-hyeok did not take the money. He shook his head and took the old woman’s hand instead.
“You are testing me until the very end.”
“I have no need for such riches right now.”
“Hmph. Are you pretending to be a saint?”
“It’s not like that.”
Kang Jun-hyeok shook his head.
“You will pass away before long anyway. Even if you live longer than I expect, you will return to the side of the gods sooner than I will. So, I just need to stay by your side until then. Then, your entire legacy will be mine.”
The old woman was left speechless by his utterly brazen answer.
“…You cheeky brat. You are shameless beyond belief. In the end, you were after my inheritance too.”
“I won't deny it. But until the moment you pass away, I will do my best and care for you with all my heart. This is not a lie. Is it wrong to expect a reward for such goodwill?”
Kang Jun-hyeok gave a thin smile.
After staring at him for a long moment, the old woman cackled.
“Shameless! Shameless beyond belief! But that is exactly why I like you! One comes into this world empty-handed and leaves the same way. What does wealth matter at the moment of death? I swear upon my life—after my death, all my property shall be yours!”
With those words, the quest ended.
[Persuasion skill proficiency has increased from D to C.]
[Acting skill proficiency has increased significantly.]
[20th Floor Quest Cleared.]
[Rewards will be determined based on your performance.]
[Checking achievement rate...]
[Check complete.]
[Achievement Rate: 100%]
[Perfect Clear. Congratulations! Additional rewards have been granted.]
[The effect of the Title: Perfect Player has been added.]
[8,412 Gold has been granted.]
[Players who have Perfect Cleared the 20th Floor: 1.]
[You are the only one!]
[Universe Announcement.]
[Please offer your congratulations! Everyone in the universe! A Perfect Player of the 20th floor has appeared. This is a feat that no one has achieved until now!]
[Feat +1]
He had achieved a Perfect Clear once again. Kang Jun-hyeok smiled.
As I thought, this was the right answer.
The condition to clear the 20th floor was to fulfill the old woman’s requests. Her personality was eccentric and sharp, constantly grating on the players' nerves.
However, there were quite a few players who didn't mind the old woman and cared for her with genuine goodwill. Olivia from his past life was one of them. She had refused the old woman’s offer to take the inheritance and had cared for her sincerely.
But even she had failed to achieve a Perfect Clear. While speculating on the reason, Kang Jun-hyeok had reached a conclusion.
The conclusion was that one must not simply show blind goodwill. The old woman’s final offer was a test. Instead of refusing, one had to boldly admit to targeting the inheritance while stating they would care for her until her natural end. That was the only way to achieve a Perfect Clear.
And that hypothesis was correct.
“She’s a damn difficult lady.”
To show selfless kindness and then reveal desire at the very last moment—there was a reason why no one had achieved a Perfect Clear until now, despite the relatively simple conditions.
“Eight thousand gold, huh.”
It was an amount of gold that made him want to whistle. His skill proficiency had also increased.
[Passive Skill: Persuasion]
• Rank: Lowest-Grade
• Proficiency: C
• Words and actions that make others accept your opinion. Beings of the Tower become significantly more conscious of your words and actions. They will listen to whatever you say. Even if you say something absurd, it will carry credibility.
The effect of the Perfect Player title was a +2% bonus to all future gold earned.
And one more thing.
His Feat stat had reached 99.
Just one more and it would hit 100. Once the Feat stat reached 100, a special benefit would be granted.
Normally, it would have taken quite a while.
A stat of 100 was not something easily reached. It was common for most players to not even obtain half of that. Even in his past life, he had to reach the mid-50s floors to hit 100.
Now, he was already on the verge of obtaining it. With a pleasant expression, Kang Jun-hyeok summoned Pixie and passed his memories to her. Pixie nodded, intrigued.
[Hmph. It was worth watching in its own way. Here.]
[130 Starlight has been acquired.]
Since the content itself wasn't particularly special, the reward was as he expected.
[You must have gathered quite a bit of gold by now. Are you still not going to use it?]
“It’s still not enough.”
[I’ll look forward to it. Then next is the 21st floor. Hmm.]
After thinking for a moment, Pixie smirked.
[This time, it’s going to be quite interesting.]
Pixie left after leaving those mysterious words. Kang Jun-hyeok knew exactly what she meant.
Three days later, Kang Jun-hyeok entered the 21st floor.
It was a small, old, and ruined space. Inside sat a single altar. A woman was depicted on the altar.
The woman looked very ordinary at first glance. However, countless emotions could be felt from her strangely distorted face: pain, hatred, deprivation, longing, envy, and fear.
And all those emotions converged into one.
It was jealousy.
The Master of All Weapons muttered.
[I wondered where she had gone, and here she was.]
[21st Floor Quest.]
[Pass the trial imposed by Zelesi, the God of Jealousy and a loser of the Great War.]