Proof of Value (2)
The board reactions were explosive. Every post flooding in showed intense responses, most cheering and thrilled that I'd done well after watching my actions—finally venting that pent-up satisfaction. First goal achieved: satisfying the fan gallery constellations.
Fateful Instinct... yeah, I had that stocked away.
An unexpected harvest too. The ability I'd gotten first while climbing the tower: Fateful Instinct (A). Truth be told, I hadn't aimed for this one—it was the first A-grade ability from a random reward. Its effect was literally instinct-related, vaguely described as giving hints at moments that decide fate.
Honestly, I'd never felt its effects before. Almost every choice was based on my knowledge as a possessor, and what I thought were lucky breaks were mostly the fan gallery constellations helping out. It felt like a high-grade A-rank going to waste, something I'd planned to ditch soon. But seeing the board predict it as heightened instinct thanks to the ability from watching me act on my own hunches... maybe I'd keep it a bit longer.
"Lady Reina, are you there?"
I woke to polite knocking. "Come in."
Sitting up rumpled in bed, a stern-faced man entered. Outside the door, anxious Shadis waited with his colleagues. Right on schedule—he was a high-ranking Federation branch officer from the 30th floor who'd contacted me about visiting personally.
"It's just hard to grasp. They really tried to rob you, Lady Reina?"
"The statements are already done."
"But..."
"After entering the dungeon together, I saw value in her and entrusted her with my item, agreeing to meet upstairs. They knew that and still tried to take it—same as stealing from me."
Shadis entering the dungeon with me and becoming an ally was already witnessed and testified. So if I acknowledged her, she was mine. Harming my people? Retaliation was natural. Solid justification. Even if the other side was all dead and couldn't counter, he knew that and shut his mouth.
"No one seeking a trial out of injustice?"
"...No. Neither the victims' clan, Kroitz, nor our Federation will pursue a trial."
As expected, no trial. Their choice, but they knew how I'd retaliate.
"We're withdrawing."
He came to confirm no issues and leave. His face wasn't happy, but what could he do? Tower's law.
"Mind made up?"
"Yes. I'll wait at the 35th floor without fail."
After, I had my last talk on the 30th with Shadis, bandaged everywhere. No hesitation in her eyes now—just burning resolve.
"Whoa, this place is so damn gloomy."
The top forces now used the 135th floor as HQ—far below the peak 150th, since few whole groups reached there. Our guild, Over Moon's base, was here too. So I'd returned from the 150th.
Problem: the 135th's theme was a massive underground continent, Netherrack. Carved from bedrock, the huge subterranean city stayed dim even in daylight. Coming from the grand Earth-themed 30th made the contrast brutal.
"Lady Reina!"
Kim Ji-eun, waiting, rushed over clumsily. Normally she'd grin like a puppy greeting its owner and hug me, but today her face was awkward.
"You heard."
"Freaked me out at first."
She clutched her chest mentioning the five I killed on the 30th. She'd cleaned up most of my messes, so worry was natural.
"Sorry. Couldn't hold back after seeing what they did."
"Doesn't matter. Kill as many as you want. If it's what you desire."
I gave a wry smile and apology; her eyes sparkled as she casually dropped something terrifying. Kim Ji-eun now was the perfect follower—would die with me if asked. From our first meeting, but now she bordered fanatic worship beyond trusted comrade or subordinate. Reliable in tough times, but lately... a bit burdensome.
"So that dark elf girl Shadis... how much potential did she show? Saw her pic—pretty cute."
"Already checked?"
Topic shifted naturally to Shadis, the incident's cause. I flinched at Kim Ji-eun's faint smirk. Not for nothing—from unavoidable fan gallery facts.
Kim Ji-eun was my sole remaining comrade from before the fan gallery. Even I saw her charms; she had a contract constellation and its own gallery, but our fandoms were practically one tight-knit family.
Galleries overflowed with her stories—gaudy from the start.
Everything about Kim Ji-eun's true nature was laid bare there. All tied directly to me—emotions crossing from admiration to full obsession.
I knew it deep down.
Shocked by her raw desires bursting only in hidden spots, but no huge blow. I'd felt her gaze shift over time: from otherworlder who saved her life, to reliable comrade, to closest friend sharing unbreakable bonds, now to ultimate object of worship.
Constellations watching thought she hid it perfectly, but I, the subject, had sensed it vaguely.
So I wasn't dense or oblivious like the comments said. If Kim Ji-eun kept it quiet without pushing, I wouldn't shove her away. I'd saved her life and opened her path; she'd backed me ever since. Above all, I still needed my capable No. 2.
"W-what?"
A chuckle escaped seeing her look up. "Nothing. Let's go."
I patted her head. She just grinned happily.
Am I using even my closest ally's feelings?
I'd once observed protagonist Jeong Chan-su to learn everything—and did. Even exploiting those who love you? Learned from him.
"Thought you'd stay longer on the 30th."
"Can't. Continuous Bloodbath cycle's coming."
Wanted to linger in the refreshing lower floors, but no. Tower climbing wasn't just ascending—plenty else, especially for frontrunners avoiding lag.
"Continuous Bloodbath... eugh."
She grimaced at the mention. Only for those past 130th floor: a solo event dungeon cycling periodically. Pure PvE waves testing who kills most, survives longest.
Stuck top rankers post-dungeon clears relied on these for rewards. Scores fed rankings too.
"Unfair for mages."
"But mages dominate big defenses."
I smirked at her puffed cheeks and grumbling. True—firepower mages lagged vs. warrior-types like me aiming high.
"Doubt I'll hit 100 waves again. You'll go beyond, right Lady Reina?"
"Obviously. This time for sure."
My record: 115 waves. Jeong Chan-su's top rank 125—10 wave gap. Modest goal: over 120 for better rewards.
"Few days left—I'll prep full rest. Charter the north hot springs, just us two..."
"No time. Training. You too, everyone. Guild goal: 100+ waves."
"Hiiik?!"
She yelped in horror at my grin.