Became the Awakener the Whole World Obsesses Over (1)

Hwang Hee-chan. The undisputed strongest awakener in Korea. The legends he'd written were too numerous to count. Climbing to the 30th floor of Pilgrim's Tower was just the baseline. With specs that overwhelmed even those who'd cleared Challenger's Tower, he was the hero who'd stopped countless national disaster-grade gate breaks. In Korea, he was basically treated like a living legend. Hell, he was even featured in educational comics like What?—that said it all.

And this guy was pledging his life for someone.

Gulp.

'Which means...'

Naturally, his guild came to mind. Cheongwol Guild. Korea's number one guild, directly run by the massive Cheongwol Group conglomerate. Who could be so irreplaceable that their ace would stake his life on them?

There was only one person.

A chaebol heir with two Legendary traits. Broke through the 3rd stratum of Pilgrim's Tower, declared a push for the 4th, only to get stuck right before the boss floor. His name was apparently Hyun-seo.

'...a guy, right?'

The androgynous name made me tilt my head a bit, but whatever. After that, I just stared blankly at the screen.

40th floor might be Mount Everest for him. But for me? A few clicks, and done.

Maybe I could help?

'Normally, impossible.'

Under normal circumstances, no way. Party play was Easy Tower exclusive. Even if I reached 39F, he'd still have to solo 40F. Hell, we couldn't even meet—safe rooms were solo-only, to prevent reward stealing or whatever.

Normally impossible, but...

'With my traits, maybe?'

I was a Mythic trait holder, after all. What if I did this?

A strange certainty washed over me as I gripped my sword tight.

"...Space Slash?"

Slash—

I swung at empty air. My mind filled with images of slicing space itself, picturing a path to another safe room.

"...Urk!!!"

Something drained out of my body instantly. My head spun. I'd heard awakeners get dizzy from mana overuse—this must be it.

For a second, I regretted showing off, but...

The effect was real.

Screeech—!!!

"......Ah!"

My Rare-grade sword was lodged in empty air. I yanked it out, and a tiny gap opened. Just big enough to peek through.

Beyond it: an identical safe room, but with a slightly messy bed.

"...Eureka."

It actually worked. Mana shortage closed it quick, just a peek. But with growth? I could step through easy. And if I could do that, party play with him...

"Tch."

Couldn't cut upward, huh. Makes sense—otherwise, skip floors and farm rewards free. Even Mythic traits had limits.

'Still, someday I can help.'

I wasn't too down. Once we could meet, I could pass stuff through. Injured? Potions. Broken weapon? New one. Whatever he needed.

The price? Steep, sure.

'Chaebol heir, right? Won't sue his lifesaver over army exemption or nickels from his allowance.'

"Alright, let's reserve him first."

I tapped the status window.

Tap, tap—

My monumental first comment posted to the channel. Full of hope.

"...That should do it."

After posting, I closed the status window with a satisfied sigh. See you someday, chaebol heir. You lucky bastard dodging the army.

"...Move."

The harmless white light of Easy Tower filled my vision.

And just like that, my turbulent first tower climb ended.

Whoosh—!!

My body wrapped in a pillar of light. When I opened my eyes again, I was back in a familiar spot.

"Phew."

'10F prison vibe was stuffy, but better than caves.'

Ten hours ago, it was all wonder. Now? Meh. No reason to come back once business was done.

'Alright... there he is.'

"Hey, bro~!!"

I scanned around, then waved with my sword in hand. Not my new synthesized Rare-grade, but the junker with missing teeth and dull edge.

Its owner, the 0F bus driver duo regular, widened his eyes.

"...Huh? Wait, what?"

"Thanks for the loan~ Here ya go."

"Uh, uhh?"

I handed it over like tossing trash. He caught it reflexively, staring in confusion.

"Less than half ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠a day... how?"

"Your sword was just that good."

"Even combat trait newbies take three days solo."

"Handled like a dream."

"...This one?"

"Yup."

Of course, I kept a straight face. If they admitted ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠it was junk, no complaints.

And ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠they didn't.

"Uh, well... okay..."

"No rental fee, right?"

"We loan 'em so newbies clear 1F easy... but this dull thing in half a day...?"

"Top-quality blade. Anyway, I'm out!"

Brushed them off, turned, and tapped the glowing 'Return' button. My body lit up again.

"...Hooh."

'Morning already.'

I'd returned outside the tower. Acrid exhaust fumes greeted me, along with passersby stares.

Murmur murmur.

"Another Easy Tower climber."

"Guy should hit Normal even if it kills him, sheesh."

"Fresh awakener, what a waste."

"......"

Ah, shit. Getting mad shade. If I were a girl, no side-eye.

Sexism.

'What's wrong with Haanamja's Tower... nah, suits me fine.'

Less attention meant dodging Management Bureau eyes—perfect for me.

And it worked.

Whoosh.

'Hood up and walk...'

Pulled my hood low like I was embarrassed. Stares scattered.

Slipped back into society smooth. Grabbed cup ramen at a convenience store, hopped the bus like nothing happened. So routine, the tower felt like a dream.

"Status... whew."

'Not a dream.'

Thank god. Power overflowing, eight times stronger than pre-tower. Status window sparkled. No anxiety.

At the hospital, till my voice echoed in the lobby.

"Hi, here to see my sister."

"Hwi-min? Long time. Hang this and go."

Click— ID badge on. Could do it blind.

Steps to her room lighter than ever.

Creeak.

"...Oppa’s here."

Opened the door, dragged a chair close. My sister, Ryu Se-rin, lay demurely on the bed. Stroked her hair.

"Oppa awakened. Got some crazy strong traits."

"......"

"And... summon, ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Do-hwa."

"Kyeng?"

"Even the 1F boss you loved, I can call like this."

Held the fox monster Do-hwa like a doll for Se-rin. No reaction in her vegetative state. But awake? She'd squeal.

Just imagining made me smile.

"Kyeng-woong...?"

"Ah, Do-hwa. My little sis. Greet her quiet."

"Kyeng. Kyeng."

Do-hwa wagged happily. Fur flew. Hmm, dismiss for now.

"...Back inside. Summon release."

"Kyeng!"

"Ahem. Anyway, gonna make bank now. Found 20 potions already."

Dismissed Do-hwa, rummaged inventory. Potion in hand.

"See? These go for over 100 mil each. Or priceless."

"......"

"Might cure you with these? Hang on sec."

Stare—!!

Eyes strained. Mythic trait Dragon Eye. Maybe it'd reveal her cure. Even profs couldn't diagnose...

"......It really works."

Mythic traits, absolute GOAT. Omniscient cheat scans for sis. Blood didn't bind us, but she's my only family.

'Mom, Dad. Watch over us.'

Orphanage kids adopted, raised me like blood with love. Repayment day neared. Cheat-gained, sure, but save Se-rin—that's what mattered.

'Alright...'

"Fusion!"

Lined 20 potion bottles on the floor. Shouted fusion. Floor glowed brilliantly.

"...8 left."

Two potions in my trembling hand. Only 10F, and this haul. Dying to rush back. 11F+ took time, or I'd bolt now.

"Next time, oppa'll cure you for sure."

"......"

"Bored just lying? I'll leave the TV on—listen up."

Shaky hand grabbed the remote. Beep—! Planned to queue her fave awakener show and leave.

Flipped it on casually, but...

"...Huh?"

Perfect timing. Gate news.

"Whoa, big trouble."

Super-large gate—national disaster level. Hwang Hee-chan there, so fine overall. But casualties in the raid possible.

'Not my problem.'

No biggie. No break yet, early stage. He'd handle it.

That was the vibe... until

"...Oh?"

As I looked away from the TV, the boss's weakness popped into view.