A Deluge of Gift Requests
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The rookie player who had set the world ablaze just days ago—a newcomer who shattered records with overwhelming margins even on the 1st floor before vanishing without a trace—remained a hot topic on everyone's lips.
For Korea, a nation without any Extra-Spec players, the emergence of this super rookie had drawn massive attention from its people. Foreign powers and constellations were watching closely too, whispering that Korea might finally have an Extra-Spec player of its own.
But the super rookie's climb had stalled at the 1st floor. No one knew if he'd stopped there intentionally or if he'd challenged higher floors but failed to rank. Either way, there'd been no sign of him since.
...Was it just luck? Goblins happened to be clustered, so he cleared the 1st floor fast? The initial frenzy over the super rookie gradually faded.
Just when it seemed he'd be forgotten...
S-rank players couldn't pull this off, so Extra-Spec sounds right.
What happens if we get an Extra-Spec? Do we have to give him land too?
The highest rank within the standard player categories was S-rank. These were the strongest players under international standards—powerhouses dubbed one-man armies, though not quite enough to topple nations. Excluding countries that had crumbled trying to suppress such players, most integrated into national systems.
But some transcended those limits entirely. They were called Extra-Spec players—singular beings who could topple nations single-handedly. Their mere existence defied the established order. Forget assassinating leaders; they could annihilate entire armies alone. No nation could contain them.
All Extra-Spec players inevitably gained superlegal status beyond national authority. One in Africa ended a civil war solo, conquering warlords to rule as a dictator. China's Dragon Fairy was treated like an emperor by the people, holding a supraparty position above the Party itself. America's Extra-Spec secured autonomous rule over vast territories in exchange for federal affiliation.
Such overwhelming power. Governments saw them as headaches yet golden geese too. To access the massive mana stones from high floors—unlike low ones—nations needed an Extra-Spec player for special privileges. Plenty of players even immigrated for those perks. Even hunting the same amount in the Tower yielded extra rewards in countries with Extra-Spec record-holders.
Feared yet envied. That was why so many fixated on Min-su's new records.
Min-su's record updates sparked another massive wave of buzz. But it didn't stop at Earth.
Min-su became the player most witnessed by constellations during clears in history. No one saw his 2nd-floor clear, but word spread, drawing constellations like swarms of bees.
From the 2nd floor onward, he blitzed to the 7th, shattering records on every level. The constellations saw it clearly: his powers weren't innate but divine authorities from gods.
But there was a problem.
Looks like he's masking it with [Darkness].
That Monarch's been MIA lately...!
They couldn't make out the man's face or voice properly. The [Dark Lord]'s armor add-on blocked constellation starlight from revealing Min-su.
They knew this man held the key to gods descending to Earth. He was tackling Tower missions right there, yet his identity eluded them. Frustratingly, all they could do was suck their thumbs.
Finally, one constellation—knowing everyone watched—couldn't hold back and messaged Min-su directly.
"Getting a bit dicey around the 7th floor. Can't keep this up from the 8th onward."
[Overcoming Conqueror] asks if you can talk for a moment.
"...Huh?"
Min-su, fresh off clearing the 7th floor's hunt, blinked wide-eyed at the system window.
His first direct encounter with a constellation while climbing the Tower.
Players typically drew constellation interest for sponsorships or apostle contracts. Constellation starlight only reached inside the Tower, making it standard. But Min-su's unique ability had already netted him two—making him an honorary apostle—yet the Tower's system hadn't registered any yet.
Past visits: Rijet blocked them before, and yesterday Silvia did the same, preventing contact.
So this first message felt utterly novel to Min-su.
"Oh, hello?"
Whoa, a constellation messaging first! As expected of a true S-rank—scouting offer incoming! Man, once word spreads I'm S-rank, they'll all beg me to contract. Tricky, though. I can't become an apostle.
Despite those thoughts, Min-su couldn't stop grinning.
Had the constellations seen his face, they'd have doubted he was the one.
[Overcoming Conqueror] asks you to let her come to Earth.
"...Pardon?"
Earth? Not the expected pitch.
Min-su froze. Weren't they supposed to tempt with sponsorships and apostle offers? That's what YouTube showed.
Earth, out of nowhere. His smile faded.
Constellations couldn't come to Earth—not just because they were divine, but the Tower's bindings held them.
Yet here she was, asking him to let her go.
She knows I can summon constellations.
Silvia had said something similar. She'd sensed the [Dark Lord]'s traces and realized a way for gods to reach Earth.
This [Overcoming Conqueror] seemed convinced too, just like Silvia.
They haven't figured it's my summoning ability yet.
Identical reaction.
Constellations used to feel like distant gods up high... but after Rijet and Silvia, I see they're the pitiful ones suffering in the Tower.
Maybe that's why. He wanted to summon more to Earth.
Plus, a little interest in their divine authorities as bait.
"...I can send you to Earth for about six hours."
[Overcoming Conqueror] lights up, asking if it's really true!
"But... empty-handed?"
[Overcoming Conqueror] vows to grant any request if you send her to Earth.
[Overcoming Conqueror] has sent a gift.
"Oh my. How generous."
I could make a business out of summoning gods. Next time, summon in exchange for fighting alongside me? Honorary apostle status for divine authority is best, but begging for that feels a bit shameless.
As Min-su beamed, about to open the gift—
Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!
Letters of desperate pleas from countless constellations poured in, alongside "gifts" that were blatant bribes.
"...What is all this?"
Min-su gaped at the avalanche of messages piling up like mad, unable to close his mouth.