Fundamentals (3)
Even before this, I knew that climbing the entire tower wouldn't be the end of everything. After all, our lives in reality differ from novels, and that end is always death.
But the weight of that vague realization back then felt entirely different now.
It made me understand once more why the constellations placed such importance on the challenger days when one could grow inside the tower.
It wasn't just Serpina arbitrarily prioritizing her growth. From her perspective, the weaker the disciple who would one day stand on the front lines with her, the greater the loss.
As the undying ember advised, the Fate Road was ultimately just a tool. I couldn't afford to forget that fact either.
'No time for complacency.'
With the strategy guides pieced together by the collective intelligence of those who'd already experienced it, I had to sweep up every reward available.
Even with occasional sabotage attempts in between, watching the gallery users' strategy tips and rapidly achieving results was highly effective at steeling my loosening resolve.
"Whoa, as expected..."
"Just in case, make sure to imprint the unicorn with its master's command. So it doesn't snap at others."
The day had come to hand over the unicorn to Lee Se-jin, as we'd agreed and discussed in advance.
I chuckled at her awestruck expression, having accepted the trade without a second's hesitation the moment I proposed it.
No matter how much of a unicorn it was, once it acknowledged a master, that master's command took priority.
As long as Lee Se-jin firmly imprinted her orders, it wouldn't go berserk at nearby men or the impure.
Otherwise, the unicorn's master could hardly ride it while operating with others.
"Thank you, unnie."
"It was a trade from the start."
Lee Se-jin stroked the unicorn's neck, beaming gratefully at me—it clearly delighted her—but this was strictly handing it over for fair compensation.
What I'd gained from Lee Se-jin was the choice of an S-grade weapon. A selection rather than random loot inherently held greater value.
Besides, an S-grade weapon was priceless even now, with the Advance Party having reached the 151st floor.
'Guess it's about time to swap out my weapon, it's been singing that tune.'
The weapon I'd used until now was Nemesion, also S-grade. A double-edged greatsword close to a massive blade wielded with both hands.
Some constellations fervently posting strategy guides insisted I ditch this greatsword for something lighter.
ㄴIf you're gonna whine about weapons, save it for when Reina gets a new one, please lol
Of course, they'd been lynched by other users countless times for telling me to stop blaming the weapon... but now they had a point.
"1. Grandir (S), 2. Sword of Evil's Demise (S), 3. Bangcheon Painted Polearm (S)..."
I openly displayed the options and muttered the list aloud.
The intent was obvious: show the choices to the constellations watching me and solicit their advice.
'By the time I log in tonight, they'll have reached a conclusion.'
After that, I pretended to mull it over and closed the selection window for now.
I didn't need a new weapon right this instant anyway.
Tossing out bait like this would have them tearing into it on the gallery, and by the time I connected, they'd hand me something close to the right answer.
I just had to feign deliberation as always, then slyly accept their "wisdom."
"One week until the 151st floor main dungeon exploration. Might as well use the remaining time to rest, right?"
"Yeah. We'll postpone the 41st floor. Shadis will get her first taste of descending to the lower layers."
According to the schedule from Kim Ji-eun—my de facto secretary and the guild's real power player—the timing was awkwardly in between right now.
I could train solo, but it wasn't enough for a round trip to the lower layers or tackling another dungeon.
"What should we do for fun? I've got guild work piled up anyway, so only about two days free."
Kim Ji-eun grinned mischievously as she asked.
In the past, I'd spend such downtime locked away solo in the underground training hall.
Hanging out with Kim Ji-eun was rare; at best, joint training to check on guildmates.
'Must've been boring as hell to watch. How did they even endure it?'
Looking back, my old self had been dull and dry.
No wonder the old-timers who'd watched from the start called themselves the "diehard squad."
They stuck around because they liked that side of me, but the flood of recent users didn't care for it.
Observer shows for celebrities weren't about airing mundane daily routines; for those treating challenger watching as content, they craved fresh experiences and novel thrills.
"Hmm, what to do?"
So this time, instead of brushing off Kim Ji-eun, I tossed the question back.
Her eyes widened—she clearly hadn't expected me to bite.
"You've really changed lately."
"Not to your liking?"
"No way. Absolutely not."
As I smirked at her dazed mutter, she frantically shook her head, hair flying.
"You might not know, Reina, but dig around and there's tons to do and enjoy in the tower. Stuff impossible outside."
"True enough."
The tower was home to people. An unchanging absolute.
A place where folks from wildly different worlds gathered, constantly hounded by death's shadow.
So they strove to reclaim what they'd left behind in their old worlds, while seeking new joys.
The underground arena I'd visited last time was surely one such spot.
"Shopping on the Earth Floor's fun, but it gets old if you do it daily."
Unlike me, Kim Ji-eun was all-in on such leisure and entertainment.
With her grasp of each floor's vibe, environment, and unique draws, she recommended the monster exhibition hall on the 78th floor.
"They capture dungeon beasts and put them on display?"
I clicked my tongue in amazement at the explanation.
A facility using tamers and capturers to snag real dungeon monsters for exhibit—definitely not in the original work.
'This is taking enthusiasm way too far.'
I couldn't help a dry laugh hearing how they'd desperately deployed spells and rituals to keep the beasts from escaping.
But my interest was undeniably piqued.
Until now, dungeon monsters were just things to slaughter.
Gawking at them leisurely, away from frantic battlefields? Any active challenger would be hooked.
And after all the grief I'd taken, I deserved some reward for myself.
"We didn't know during our climb, but it's a tower landmark now. If you haven't even heard of it, I get how hard you've had it."
At my reaction—like it was news to me—Kim Ji-eun sighed deeply.
Seemed our destination was set.
I could head to the 78th floor right now if I wanted, but...
"Going down like this?"
Kim Ji-eun eyed my usual baggy tracksuit up and down with a sigh.
"Remember? You owe me one favor."
She flashed a meaningful smile, bringing up the debt from the arena.
Unable to retort, I swallowed dryly.
I'd half-expected some wardrobe variety, but what was Kim Ji-eun plotting?
"Rankers dropping to the 78th won't cause a total uproar, but going too flashy draws the attention you hate."
She insisted on disguises to hide our identities.
Of course, I knew her logic was just an excuse to strip me of my gym clothes.
The silver-haired girl in dorky tracksuits was already infamous as one-of-a-kind in the tower.
"M-me, wear this?"
"It'll suit you perfectly."
But what she shoved at me went beyond tight jeans.
Cornered like prey under monster pressure, trembling with no escape, I faced her two offerings bearing down.
To me now, they terrified more than drawn blades.
"I'd love to make you wear both, but I'll give you a choice. Just show up tomorrow morning in one by appointment time."
Grinning wickedly, Kim Ji-eun left the two garments before me like talismans sealing a ghost, then departed.
'You jumped levels way too fast.'
One was a crop top baring the midriff; the other, those shorts dubbed dolphin pants.