Chapter 26
Chapter 26
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 26
Chapter Title: Go, Stop (4)
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The two rookies had shaken off the Lycanthrope and broken through the floor.
To be honest, it would have been impossible without Regin.
“Other explorers might think this is a lie or bluff.”
“……”
“But I don’t think such suspicion is necessary.”
Chimihi smirked, lifting the corner of his mouth.
“If it were coincidence or bluffing, they wouldn’t survive in this Tower anyway.”
It was a gaze filled with conviction.
A conviction only someone who had experienced the Tower’s nature to the bone could have.
‘Anyone who isn’t truly skilled will die eventually anyway.’
Regin nodded in agreement.
He had felt the same countless times while playing DAT.
DAT, being a famous game, had various strategies and builds.
Among them was the so-called “easy build,” or “cheese strat,” as it was commonly called.
“Those who took this Tower lightly have all become fertilizer for this land.”
But their futures hadn’t been long.
Just as Chimihi had said, they had game overed and been buried in this land.
“That’s why you’re talking about the Saint’s Sword. It’s not something you absolutely must obtain.”
“You believe a true expert can acquire it, right?”
“Yeah. Just like I did.”
Regin gave a slight smile at the confident remark.
It was certainly the attitude befitting the strongest in the First Tower and the greatest swordsman in this western region.
“How about it? Does it make you want to challenge it? Oh, and that ‘sword’ is just in name... it’s not actually a sword.”
“……”
“Let me let you in on a secret: it’s an item that changes form to perfectly suit the user.”
It was information Regin already knew.
In this world’s lore, the first human to acquire the Saint’s Sword was a swordsman, so it got named as such.
In truth, the item had little to do with swords.
‘The Saint’s Sword would appeal to me too. There were even runs where I aimed for clears using it.’
An item that depended on how you used it.
If the opportunity arose, it was one Regin would consider taking for himself.
But that wasn’t for now.
“I have a lot to do. I might obtain it someday if the chance comes, but right now, returning to the village for resupply comes first.”
“A lot to do?”
“Yes. I’ve gained a lot of insights from this expedition. Things to reorganize too.”
“So you’re heading out of the Tower?”
“Yes. Once my planned tasks are done, I intend to come back.”
Regin continued with a smirk.
“Before that, I’m curious if Bern’s party can snag the Saint’s Sword.”
“......What?”
Chimihi, momentarily flustered, soon burst into laughter.
Regin’s words carried confidence.
Even if they prepped more thoroughly, no one else would take it from them—or so he believed.
If it got taken, he’d accept it as not being his path.
It was at that moment the thought crossed his mind: *A fun guy has climbed up.*
“By the way, Commander Chimihi.”
“Yeah?”
Regin looked at Chimihi with an unwavering expression.
Just as Chimihi had been sizing up the explorer named Regin, Regin was inwardly assessing Chimihi.
‘Chimihi is undoubtedly one of the powerhouses in this world’s lore.’
As he said, in this Tower world where only the strong survive, he was someone who lived long and boldly.
Anyone else might have played it safe here to earn his approval... but not Regin.
He was someone who didn’t need anyone’s validation.
‘But I’ve rarely climbed to the final phase with Chimihi. In that final stage full of variables...’
Regin was the one who could judge whether this man was necessary for him.
“If I bring back the Saint’s Sword, it becomes mine. Can you, Commander Chimihi, break through the 16th Floor without the Saint’s Sword?”
Cracks appeared on Chimihi’s face at the casually tossed question.
The hearty, relaxed smile that had been there vanished.
It was an unimaginable remark. Who in the 5th Floor could have dreamed Chimihi would hear such words from a rookie explorer?
His mind began to race hotly.
“......You.”
But the racing thoughts didn’t last long.
“......Haha! Right! I’m just an explorer who hasn’t reached the 16th Floor myself.”
Chimihi burst into laughter.
It felt like the most refreshing laugh he’d had in years.
He couldn’t call Regin’s attitude arrogant. He’d been the same in his youth.
Looking into Regin’s eyes, Chimihi grasped what he was thinking.
“Yeah. From your position, it’s natural to wonder. Just as I’m curious about your abilities, you must wonder how far this swordsman Chimihi can go!”
Chimihi continued, recalling words he’d spat at kingdom knights over a decade ago while facing them down.
“If you really bring back the Saint’s Sword, I’ll personally break through the 16th Floor for you! Then you’ll know my capabilities!”
Regin nodded calmly, neither laughing nor dismissing it.
“I’ll definitely come find you then, Chimihi.”
It was an attitude only someone who knew the Tower’s nature better than anyone and had experienced it deep in their bones could maintain.
At that gaze coldly assessing the prowess of one of the kingdom’s five great swordsmen, Chimihi couldn’t hold back and spoke.
“A fun guy has climbed up.”
There was no need to wonder if Regin’s words were bluff or rookie arrogance.
“I’ll watch your expeditions.”
If it was half-baked, the Tower itself would devour Regin.
If not... he’d confirm Regin’s true worth in the distant future.
* * *
Evening came.
Regin waited nearby, timing it for Manannan’s return.
Fully prepared to exit the Tower.
‘This is plenty.’
Regin looked at his bag.
It was an ordinary-looking backpack, and its contents were meager indeed.
But the key point was that the fruits of this expedition weren’t all in that bag.
Swoosh—
Regin lightly touched his bracelet.
‘Infinite Inventory.’
The inventory that removed limits on farming material items.
Because it was with him now.
‘This is an S-tier start?’
He had played DAT countless times, always striving for the best outcomes.
He’d filled in deficiencies each run, and knew exactly how to start for that.
If an account started unsatisfactorily, he’d boldly delete and restart.
‘The Soul Flower from the starting island, of course... even a whole Rafflesia. No run has ever started this abundantly.’
Once inside the game, there were no resets.
That made the expedition all the more cautious, but he’d nailed the first step.
‘I can do this.’
Grip.
Strength entered his hand.
For Regin, who must return alive, all these resources would be stepping stones forward.
He’d even drawn Chimihi’s interest with just a few words.
‘I still need to confirm if he fits the final phase, but at least he’ll be useful through the late First Tower.’
Maintaining his interest was important too. With hidden events in mind later.
In that regard, his gamble had paid off.
Chimihi was showing more favor than in any run.
‘I have to use every bit of this... without waste. That’s how I’ll continue to the next expedition.’
Of course, he had no intention of settling here.
Information, resources, connections... he’d use everything available.
Regin vowed he wouldn’t die in this Tower—he’d survive.
“Lady Manannan, you’ve truly worked hard. As expected of the famous explorer.”
“......O-overpraise.”
“A mage finally joining our party... it’s a real honor.”
At some point, laughter from people drifted from afar.
Looking closely, it was Bern’s party with Manannan in between.
Regin unconsciously smiled.
‘Good vibes. Looks like she passed.’
Manannan, back from testing for Bern’s party.
Their laughter meant she’d be partying with Bern’s group.
“Huh? Regin!”
Manannan waved from afar at Regin.
Then hurried over with Bern’s party.
Bern and the members gave Regin light greetings before heading to their tents.
“Did you fight well?”
“Ahem. Well... it was at least passing level.”
Manannan whispered, glancing beyond the tent.
“But it’s weird? They shower me with praise even for basic spells? I thought they were pranking me as a group.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Should I get cocky, or is there something I don’t know... it’s confusing.”
“But you’ve got some awareness.”
“Hey. I know my place. Even if I’ve got talent... I’m not casting spell-worthy-of-awe magic yet.”
Regin smirked and patted his shoulder.
“Bern’s party hasn’t been exploring long either. They look veteran, but lack real experience.”
“Oh?”
“They probably haven’t seen many mages. Elemental mages are rare to begin with.”
“Ah. That’s it?”
“Yeah. So don’t stress—just do what you do.”
“......Hmm. Got it. I’ll do my best. By the way, Regin.”
“Yeah?”
“You heading back to the kingdom now?”
“Yeah.”
With Manannan’s joining Bern’s party confirmed, Regin had no reason to linger.
After dinner together, Regin moved to the portal.
The portal right in front of the 5th Floor camp.
‘From the 5th Floor, there are escape portals.’
Unlike lower floors, portals for escape existed from here on.
The lack on 1st to 4th was a variable, but fortunately, from the 5th—the main stage—it was standard.
“Let’s go.”
Placing his hand on the portal created a blue gate emitting bright light.
“......Come back safe. Definitely.”
“What’s with that face? It’s not like we won’t see each other again. Oh, right.”
Regin glanced around and handed Manannan a pendant.
“A Flexys pendant from the raiders.”
“......Huh, yeah?”
“It’ll activate when I’m nearby again, so we can at least confirm each other’s survival.”
“......Tch. Using raider stuff feels off.”
After hesitating, Manannan pocketed the pendant carefully.
“We’re not in a position to be picky. Thanks. I know how they work. Contact when nearby. I’ll go with Bern to find you.”
*He’s adapting to this Tower in his own way.*
Regin smirked and waved.
“I’m really going.”
No more words needed.
*Stay safe, I’ll do my best too.* They exchanged such sentiments as Regin stepped into the portal.
Swoosh.
The odd sensation of portal travel. But this time, anticipation outweighed tension.
Material items in his inventory filled his mind.
‘Time to craft.’
The one way to elevate Order Crafter to DAT’s top job tier.
It was crafting special scrolls with these materials.