Tutorial Escape: The Waiting Area's Indulgent Rewards
“Seojun!”
The moment a familiar voice called out, Namgung Seojun thought to himself, I'm alive.
He had successfully escaped the group tutorial zone. Once again, his Super Sense had proven spot-on. Touching the exit in the orc village had pulled him out of the group tutorial zone, and his body was fully healed.
My body's fine?
All the injuries from his fight with the orc chieftain—the severe back wound especially—had vanished completely.
“Seojun! Thank goodness. Really! You're covered in blood. Your armor's all torn up...”
Gisohee looked at his blood-soaked form and imagined the brutal battle he'd endured, her voice choking with pity.
“You really went through hell.”
“Thanks so much for everything in the tutorial.”
“Seeing you make it here safe—it's a relief.”
The other party members congratulated him on clearing it too.
With some breathing room now, Namgung Seojun checked his messages. A bunch of logs had piled up.
You have escaped the Group Tutorial Zone.
Achievement Unlocked.
It was a solid achievement that boosted all his stats, and there was one more.
You have slain the Tutorial Gatekeeper.
Achievement Unlocked.
The achievement for killing the chieftain orc gave him a nice +3 to his stats too. But the rewards weren't just achievements.
You successfully escaped the tutorial in 18 days.
Fame +300, Merit Points +900.
You won a 1:1 duel against the Tutorial Gatekeeper.
Fame +500, Merit Points +2000.
Fame and Merit Points too. But the real kicker is...
The next message was what he was most curious about.
You have reached Level 10.
You have awakened a new skill.
Wondering what skill it was, he opened his status window.
He tapped into the skill details.
Mutual Destruction? An Epic-grade skill?
Skill: Mutual Destruction
Grade: Epic | MP Cost: 100
Temporarily boosts attack power at the cost of drastically reduced defense, embracing the brink of death.
It must be from that final tutorial battle. The skill had awakened from his experience fighting the orc chieftain.
Could be useful if I play it smart. It had risks, but in the right hands, it'd be a powerhouse.
With rewards and status checked, his eyes fell on the party members waiting nearby.
“Everyone, great job getting through the group tutorial. Thanks for following my orders despite my shortcomings.”
“No way, Seojun. You were the best leader.”
“We cleared the tutorial thanks to you, Seojun. Seriously, thank you.”
“We're grateful.”
Their words filled him with pride.
“Now, relax for the remaining three days however you want.”
“Got it.”
“Understood. How about a group dinner tonight to celebrate clearing the tutorial? They have booze at the restaurant here.”
Kim Hoon's suggestion earned a nod from Gisohee, and with Namgung Seojun's approval, everyone agreed.
“Sounds good. Meet at the restaurant for a late dinner, then. Let's feast together.”
They set the dinner and dispersed. But Gisohee lingered by Seojun's side.
“Sohee-ssi...”
“Mind if I show you around? It's been six hours since we arrived, so I know the place well.”
She smiled, and he nodded without thinking. Success! she cheered inwardly, then pointed at the map stand by the entrance.
“This is the Waiting Area. The first stop for anyone escaping the group tutorial to rest. And the top priority is... here!”
She jabbed at a spot on the map.
“The guidance office. Gotta go there first.”
Following her lead, Namgung Seojun entered the nearby guidance office.
“Welcome.”
The greeter beamed as they entered. Guide: Emma, Level 52, Summoned. Job: Waiting Area Manager?
Her status via God's Eye was impressive. That job title marked her as the top dog here.
“Alright, Gisohee, you already got the rundown, right? Wait outside.”
Gisohee hesitated at the dismissal, but Emma gestured firmly for her to leave. With no choice, she stepped out.
Once alone, Emma extended a hand to Namgung Seojun.
“Let me introduce myself first. I'm Emma, the guide for this Waiting Area.”
They shook, then sat at her desk to chat.
“This place is called the Waiting Area. Only for those who've escaped the group tutorial—a reward zone.”
Reward, huh? He was curious what that entailed.
“All food and drinks are free while you're here. Just order at the restaurant.”
After the tutorial, he knew how precious that was. Still felt like small potatoes for a reward.
“Every shop except the Merit Point store is free.”
Gear shops, general stores, clothing—all gratis. Gear and items mattered, but still not enough.
“Top-tier lodging is provided, and a free potion set from the Merit Point shop.”
Lodging and potions... felt almost standard.
“Impressive.”
The perks were nice, but he wasn't wowed, responding flatly before sipping the coffee on the table.
Eyes gleaming with anticipation for his next reaction, Emma continued.
“And every woman in this Waiting Area is available for your use. They'll all want to sleep with you.”
*Cough*!
Caught off guard, Seojun sputtered his coffee.
“Pardon?”
Satisfied with his shock, Emma grinned and repeated.
“Every woman here wants to have sex with you.”
Now that was a reward. The group tutorial's biggest headache for him had been his libido. Entering the tower had rejuvenated him, spiking his sex drive. He'd bottled it up through the ordeal.
“It's to help you unwind after the tutorial. No strings attached—pure reward. Also a nudge to adapt fast to the Tower World.”
She elaborated on the Tower World's main god.
“The Chief God encourages intercourse. Blesses new life. So this world's super open about sex.”
She gave him a sly smile.
“Just follow your instincts and enjoy.”
Her words ignited an urge in Seojun to jump a woman right then.
She added more details, then pointed to the exit as she wrapped up.
“Enjoy the rest of your stay. Come back anytime with questions.”
“Thanks.”
He thanked her and stepped out. But outside...
“Seojun.”
Gisohee was still waiting. As his lust stirred, she stuck close with a smile. And women everywhere teased him.
“Heehee, hello.”
Every woman they passed shot him flirty glances.
“If you're interested, just say. I'll give you anything you want.”
One boldly hiked her skirt, flashing her legs in outright seduction.
Emma had said the whole place was the reward, but seeing the women's aggression firsthand was shocking.
As his gaze wandered to them, Gisohee hooked her arm in his, demanding attention.
Squish...
The tantalizing feel of her perfectly sized breasts pressed against him.
Huh?
Only then did his eyes shift to her, but she played it cool.
“Seojun, clothing store first. Your clothes are bloodied—you need new ones.”
They headed to the nearby shop.
“Welcome.”
A stunning clerk greeted them—with a special welcome for Seojun.
“Group tutorial clearer, right? Free clothes. One outfit limit, so choose carefully.”
Seojun requested the most standard Tower World attire.
“Got it. Time to measure you.”
She started with the tape, a bit too handsy.
“Wow, such firm muscles.”
Her caresses were blatant temptation. But...
“Hey? Careful there.”
Gisohee watched from the side, giving her a look. The clerk backed off appropriately.
“Need time to prep it. Come back tomorrow.”
Seojun felt a twinge of regret; Gisohee urged him out.
Next, the gear shop.
“Welcome!!!!”
Another voluptuous clerk in a low-cut top latched onto him with explanations.
“Basic gear's free. Dagger... let me check your hand?”
She fiddled with it, then grinned.
“Looks like you can handle big daggers. Up to three free. And...”
“And?”
She whispered.
“Come alone sometime for extra service... the thrilling kind...”
*Ahem... *Cough*!
Gisohee cleared her throat again, and under her glare, Seojun grabbed his gear and left.
The general store... restaurant... cafe... same story. Women pushed temptations; Gisohee blocked them.
He wanted to connect with them, but her interference grated.
Finally, he resolved.
“Sohee-ssi, stop blocking me.”
“...”
She pouted slightly; he sighed deeply.
“You already succeeded anyway. Dinner's soon—no time for anything.”
“...”
“But no more interference. Let's split.”
Deflated, she said,
“Can we... talk after dinner?”
“Yeah. Better—dinner first, talk after.”
Resolved to settle things post-dinner, she parted ways.
With time left, Seojun headed to the Merit Point shop.
As he entered, a bright voice greeted him.
“Welcome! Come on in.”
Her striking, exotic look hit first: sleek figure, stunning beauty, dark-tinted skin, tail swaying from her hips, huge ears atop her head.
Seojun blinked in surprise; she laughed, used to it.
“First time seeing a beastkin like me?”
She was a cat beastkin.