Chapter 5
Chapter 5
It Just Worked Somehow…?
[Did you see the Floor 1 ranking update?]
[Is it even possible to exceed 10,000 points?]
[15,398 makes no sense—is the tower bugged?]
[Looking for info on KimHunter]
[Why are you hunting Kim?]
[New Hard climbers, please comment]
The Climbers’ Plaza was in chaos.
Every new post was about the Floor 1 ranking.
I expected attention—
but not this much.
Posts were appearing far faster than before, and all of them were about me.
“The posting speed is insane… even in my past life it never got this wild…”
Ranking updates did happen back then—
but unless it was a high floor, it wasn’t a huge deal.
The score differences were never this big.
I opened the post that started it all.
[Title: What’s up with the new Floor 1 ranking?]
Author: GreatTigerKing
I got a notification that the Floor 1 ranking changed
Checked it and this guy KimHunter is #1 with a crazy score
Did I see that right?
You can go over 10,000 points??
Who the hell is KimHunter?!
How do I not know someone this strong?!
“…Notifications?”
It seemed all the previous joint #1 climbers were notified.
That’s why the plaza exploded so quickly.
Those people were all top-tier figures in this world.
And suddenly—
a new climber appeared, surpassing them by over 5,000 points.
Breaking the 10,000 ceiling no one had crossed.
Of course they would react.
“Good thing I hid my identity.”
Choosing my nickname carefully was the right move.
There are plenty of lunatics in this world.
Especially GreatTigerKing—
famous for loving fights.
If he knew who I was, he’d come looking for a duel immediately.
And he wasn’t the only dangerous one.
I read the comments.
It really updated? 15,398????
Is the tower broken or something? No one’s ever passed 10,000
QueenOfSociety) Does anyone know KimHunter?
Strong people usually clear Floor 1 early… so this is a new climber?
There was someone this strong who hadn’t awakened yet?
Whoever it is, they’ll get scouted everywhere
A lot of towers are near collapse right now
Which country are they from?
Is 15,398 even possible?
Probably a bug, it’ll get fixed soon
…
“…Hmm.”
Some were interested for reasons beyond curiosity.
Especially countries nearing tower collapse.
If a nation lacks a climber strong enough to push the top floor—
they fall.
Those countries would desperately try to recruit me.
Some even import climbers from other nations.
They’ve seen what happens when towers collapse.
“This makes sense from their perspective.”
To them—
I surpassed even heroes.
They’d think I could clear top floors instantly.
But in reality—
I wasn’t confident at all.
Goblins were easy because they were dumb.
But stronger enemies?
It wouldn’t always be as simple as pulling a trigger.
“I definitely can’t reveal myself yet.”
Joining another nation might seem beneficial—
but it’s dangerous.
I’m not even sure I can reach the top floors.
Without a gun—
I’m just an ordinary person.
And people in this world—
aren’t gentle.
If I take support and fail?
Some would kill me out of anger.
Especially the Brillord Empire I belong to.
If another country took me—
they might declare war.
Or destroy my family for leaving.
This empire didn’t conquer the continent for nothing.
They cooperate when needed—
but crush without hesitation.
And they saved my family once.
I had no intention of betraying them.
“…I need to stay quiet.”
If I run out of bullets—
I’m nothing.
Better to stay hidden.
And honestly—
being anonymous has advantages.
Like this.
[Title: Hello, this is KimHunter]
Author: KimHunter
I didn’t expect this much attention
A lot of people are asking how I got 15,398 points
I’m not really sure… it just worked somehow…?
“Heh… hahahaha!”
A villainous laugh slipped out.
A perfect chance to teach these people what bragging feels like.
I couldn’t resist.
My post instantly went viral.
He actually showed up
GreatTigerKing) What are you?! Fight me!
QueenOfSociety) KimHunter, may we speak? I’d like to invite you to a Brillord climbing party
What’s with a… it’s annoying
This post is infuriating…
Was there someone like this among the strong? Feels weird
So it’s not a bug?
HolySword) KimHunter, can we meet?
Who are you?
Imperial Affairs Office) Greetings. This is the Brillord Empire Foreign Ministry
GreatTigerKing) Where are you from?!
WHO ARE YOU
TELL US
Is this some mage tower homunculus?
LabSlave) We don’t make those
I’m going insane from curiosity
Can someone be stronger than the Hero?
Did the Demon King come back?
…
“Hahaha.”
I laughed as I read.
I didn’t reply.
Any more interaction would be dangerous.
Bragging is fine—
but crossing the line is not.
If my identity gets revealed later—
I’m finished.
Right now, they were stuck between irritation and curiosity.
“That’s enough.”
They’re desperate to know who I am.
Posting once and disappearing—
only made it worse.
Top climbers are usually known.
Someone like me—
was new.
And honestly—
their reactions were entertaining.
[Challenge Floor 2 of the Tower of Trials? (O/X)]
I closed the plaza.
Time to climb again.
You can only climb once per day.
After browsing and sleeping—
morning had come.
Click. Click.
I practiced reloading.
The gun’s lethality was proven.
The only risks—
missing shots or getting attacked while reloading.
But my accuracy was good.
Probably due to the trait bonus.
Even reloading felt natural.
Still—
it takes time.
So I practiced more.
Then checked my bullets.
“Floor 2 on Hard is three goblin warriors…”
I had seen guides on the plaza.
No info on Hell difficulty, of course.
So I estimated.
Hard = 3 goblin warriors.
Hell—
probably triple that.
Maybe hobgoblins too.
[Enhanced Revolver Ammunition]
If things get dangerous—
I’ll use these.
Only three shots—
but life comes first.
“Time to earn money.”
One floor = ten million.
My parents’ relieved smiles—
my sister’s happiness—
all flashed in my mind.
With a gun—
this is possible.
[Challenge Floor 2? (O/X)]
I pressed O without hesitation.
Light engulfed me—
and I entered again.
The cave looked similar—
but larger.
Brighter.
“Three…”
And there—
as expected—
three hobgoblins.
And dozens of goblins.
I didn’t hesitate.
I loaded—
enhanced ammunition.