Rewards Worth 12 Billion Won (2)

Before challenging the 2nd layer of Haanamja's Tower, I'd thoroughly researched the Strategy methods. Not because I'm some total scrub, but just 'cause I like to go all-in on prep for everything. And the results?

"......"

You're really something.

Yeah, that was pretty much it. That was why I'd just headed straight for the 2nd layer in the first place—and why I was asking Yu-na about Strategy tips now.

"Any awakeners who've kept Luca alive all the way?"

"...Huh?"

"She usually dies on the boss floor, right?"

NPC Luca. She's the sacrificial lamb meant to weaken the boss. You absolutely can't take down the 2nd layer's boss monster until Luca offers herself up as a living sacrifice to debilitate it. Even someone who'd cleared all 50 floors and came back for a redo couldn't manage it, or so they say. Just how strong is that thing? I figured Yu-na might know.

"There are tons of Strategy guides for after she's weakened it, but nothing online about before the sacrifice."

"Y-yeah... figures."

"You've got an info-type trait, right, Yu-na sunbae? Anything you know?"

"......"

Yu-na didn't answer for a long while. And when she finally spoke after that long silence...

It wasn't an answer to my question.

"You want to save Luca?"

"Well, yeah."

"Haa... I get it, but she's an NPC. Not a real person."

"Still, it'd be nice to save her."

"The whole 2nd layer is built around her sacrifice, you know? She goes off and dies on her own. No need to feel guilty."

Yu-na was gently trying to talk me out of it. But her eyes were full of pity—she clearly hadn't forgotten Luca's sacrifice either. That's why she was saying this to me. To ease my mind, even a little.

She's such a good person...

"Still, I'm gonna give it a shot."

But I had no intention of backing down. We'd spent the last couple days together and bonded a bit, plus...

"I've got a little sister who kinda looks like her."

My one and only sister, trapped in an unbreakable sleep. Se-rin overlapped with Luca in my mind. Sacrificing her just 'cause? Yeah... no thanks.

"That said, I'm not gonna risk my life over it. Human life matters way more than some NPC."

Of course, I wasn't planning anything reckless. After pocketing 12 billion won, dying without spending a dime? I'd haunt myself forever. I'd try it safely, within reason.

"...You mean that?"

"Obviously."

"Well, if that's the case."

Yu-na finally looked relieved. And with that, she spilled the beans on the 2nd layer boss. Priceless info you couldn't buy.

"It won't attack unless you strike first. Gives you plenty of time to scout around."

"It's asleep until Luca sacrifices herself."

"Even if you land a hit and start the fight, there's a delay. If your sneak attack doesn't even scratch it, tell Luca right then. You've got 10 seconds."

"Plenty of time."

"That's Easy difficulty for ya~."

A smile crept onto Yu-na's face. Was she just happy to help a junior? Seriously good person.

"Oh yeah, so you couldn't see its level?"

"...Appraisal failed. Level gap was too big."

"Ah."

Good person or not, not super helpful here.

Guess ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠I'll have to check it out myself.

"Thanks! I'll head out then!"

I bowed and turned to leave.

"Hit me up if you need anything~."

"Will do!"

And with that, I quick-marched out of the Cheongwol Guild building. Stepping outside, clear sunlight greeted me.

-Mutter.

"...Alright, back in we go."

Honestly, screw Strategy or whatever—I wanted to blow that 12 billion having fun. But hey, I was in Seoul for once. And I was almost done with the 2nd layer. Might as well clear it before I go.

Thinking ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠that, I started walking.

-Halt.

"......"

Gotta make a detour there first.

A moment later.

"Hm."

So this is the 19th floor. Kinda like a safe zone... where Luca realizes her role.

-Stare.

"Ah."

Luca glanced at the wall. Her mouth hung open blankly for a moment.

Then she smiled brightly.

"I-it looks like no one's here! That's a relief!"

"......"

Looking at her, my eyes filled with pity.

Smart enough to notice, but not much else.

She wouldn't know about the boss upstairs anyway. Probably pieced it together the second she saw that. Ah, I have to sacrifice myself. Or else I'll die, and my benefactor beside me too.

Her acting brave and composed despite resolving to die? Heartbreaking.

"Do-hwa, summon."

"Kyeng!!"

So first, I summoned Do-hwa, whom she likes...

Trait enhancement swap: Inventory.

"Snacks, come on out."

Rustle— I pulled out a bag stuffed with snacks.

I spread a mat on the floor, and boom— instant picnic vibes.

"Luca, wanna grab some snacks first?"

"...M-me?"

"Yeah."

"I'm fine! How could I after..."

"It's cool. I've got way too many— can't finish 'em alone. Gotta eat before they go bad."

I plopped down demonstratively and tore open a bread pack. Cheap factory-made stuff I'd bought to eat myself. Expiration date was today— had to chow down quick.

"Kkiiing...?"

"Do-hwa, you can't have this stuff. Here, chicken breast instead."

"Kyaeung~."

Gave Do-hwa the chicken breast. The one-plus-one deal from the convenience store, with days left on the expiry.

Luca sat demurely too.

"W-well, just a little then."

Rustle. Luca awkwardly opened her pack, glancing around before taking a bite. Her little lips worked it over.

Then her eyes went wide.

"Huuuum!?"

"Tasty, right?"

"M-mmgh!!!"

"Eat up."

"Uuuung!!!"

Soon Luca was shoving bread in her mouth. Forgetting all about sacrifice talk, scarfing it down. Not the reaction for cheap junk.

It wasn't cheap, actually.

Good to see her enjoying it.

What Luca was eating was from a popular bakery— nearly 10,000 won a pop, luxury stuff. Splurged with that 12 billion burning a hole in my pocket. I couldn't resist and filled up on conbini bread, but whatever.

"Huuuuum~! All gone~!!"

Thanks to that, worry vanished from Luca's face. Seeing Se-rin in her made me chuckle.

"Pfft, eating with crumbs all ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠over your mouth."

"Huum?"

"Lemme wipe it. Hold on~."

After that, we had some peaceful time. Luca ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠choked on bread, so I whipped out milk quick. Do-hwa eyed it begging, so I scolded her foxes can't have that. Luca sneaked her some and got caught, etc.

Hard to believe we were inside a tower— total heartwarming vibes.

"Huaa... Thanks for the food..."

"Tasty?"

"Yes!"

"Glad it suited you."

Meal done, I reached out and patted Luca's head.

...This should do it.

"Hey Luca, can oppa ask you something?"

"Sure?"

"Do you know what happens if you leave the prison?"

I asked as gently as possible. If I pulled off saving her, what then? No one's done it before. But maybe she knew.

"Hm... You'd be free?"

"Free?"

"Yeah! Dunno for sure, but then I could go see mom and dad!"

"Hmm."

Yeah, no real clue. Makes sense—she's an NPC. Can't grasp towers and such; why would she know this?

My hand patted her head busier.

"Kkiiing...."

"Do-hwa, I'll scratch your belly later, so shh."

"Neng!"

Do-hwa gave jealous puppy eyes, but I ignored it. She's climbing with me long-term, but Luca? Not so much. Our bond ends next floor, dead or alive. No spare attention for Do-hwa.

"Oh yeah, Luca. You were gonna sacrifice yourself just now. To weaken the one upstairs."

"Hic!? H-how'd you..."

"Oppa can tell~."

I tossed it out casually.

"Anyway, oppas super strong, y'know? Might be able to take it."

"B-but... that thing upstairs is on another level from the other orcs..."

"Still gotta try."

I'll do my best.

"Up there? There's a massive orc sleeping soundly. Won't wake till you attack."

"......"

"So, trust oppa and wait a sec?"

Your sacrifice comes after I scope it out. That's why I brought snacks. Had to stop her freaking out and offing herself.

She got it and nodded faintly.

"Thanks. Alright, Do-hwa, Luca— let's go."

"...Okay."

"Kyaeng!!!"

We headed for the portal. Whoosh— clear light enveloped us.

"Hmm."

Detoured to Pilgrim's Tower for rewards, straight into the boss floor.

"Eek...!!"

"Kyaeung...!?"

Luca gasped. Do-hwa backed away in fear.

The sight before us was that overwhelming.

Totally intimidating.

A massive orc sprawled asleep in the center of the stone floor. Twice the size of the trash mobs, skin dyed dark red. What to call it— felt like a Pilgrim's Tower monster all by itself? You could tell at a glance it was leagues above.

And that's...

My gaze swept the wall. Human skulls embedded everywhere. Probably kids like Luca, dragged here as sacrifices. Hundreds at least.

What a bastard.

Grip—!! My hand tightened on the sword.

"O-oppa... it's okay..."

"Luca?"

"If I sacrifice myself, that evil beast's buffs will drop..."

How'd she read my reaction? Luca put on a resolute face.

And seeing that, I...

"Aigoo, what'd you think I said?"

"...Hweh?"

"Said oppa's strong."

I calmed her casually. Yeah, untouchable on Easy Tower level. But I wasn't scared.

"Do-hwa, take her and hide in the corner real tight."

"Kyaeung...?"

"Don't worry. Back in 3 minutes."