VS Play (1)
One of the cheat rewards you could only get from the Tower itself, borrowing its power—that was high-grade gear infused with special strength.
In other words, you had to suck it dry down to the marrow before reaching the top.
But there was one problem: even the fan gallery users who wanted to hand her the answers were fiercely divided.
Well, it's not like there's one obvious right answer sitting there.
The Gale Sword, chosen as the goal because it was the latest and supposedly the most efficient and powerful, bordered on a whole new realm. You just had to reach it somehow.
And being the newest, it held vast unknown potential for future modifications or evolutions.
That was the biggest reason why the fan gallery users' opinions varied wildly.
"In the end, my choice is what matters, huh."
I bit my lip, having silently watched the gallery.
No matter how much the users argued, the decision was mine.
The ideal solution was to look at their strategies, pick the one I could pull off best, and execute it.
After hours of scrolling the gallery, the users' brawling opinions—each insisting they were right—seemed to boil down to three main camps.
The S-grade four-pronged sword Tellendar from the choice menu, the dual swords Blood Dragon Devourer, and the katana Muramasa.
Those who claimed to represent the public consensus were furiously posting and commenting, demanding one of these three.
Of course, the loud voices belonged to constellations versed in swords, while most users, like me, just watched blankly.
"You called?"
"Can you contact the exchange? I want to see a few weapons. Try them out."
Early morning, I shut off the community feed and woke up, immediately seeking Kim Ji-eun.
I'd gotten a good look at the constellations' debates. Even with the heated arguments over my weapon, narrowing it to three options was a huge win.
Now, I'd use that to toss out more bait.
"The exchange? What's up?"
"You know I got the S-grade weapon choice, right? Hard to decide. Gotta find something similar and swing it around."
I gave her a plausible excuse, fitting for her half-asleep, yawning state with eyes barely open.
If even she bought it with a nod, the watching constellations wouldn't suspect a thing.
"True, it's worth that much. But do you really need to switch weapons? Why not sell the choice itself and buy what you're missing?"
"...Nah, wanna try switching once. Got some advice too."
She tilted her head, pointing out I already had an S-grade, but I brushed it off as a recommendation from my contract constellations.
Serpina had indirectly praised the choice and urged me to use it well, after all.
This changes my entire build. Even with constellation strategies and Tower rewards, it's no easy feat.
I changed out of pajamas into my usual baggy tracksuit set, watching Kim Ji-eun trudge off to fulfill my order.
Too soon for everyday wear with my new outfits.
"Lady Reina, the exchange rep will visit this afternoon."
Fast.
And that afternoon, Federation-affiliated exchange staff arrived at our HQ, loaded with gear.
"You got the briefing right? I just wanted to borrow a few registered weapons from the exchange."
"We heard. But you're Moonlight Sword Radiance—no mere borrower."
The Federation ran certified exchanges to manage and broker gear trades for challengers.
Selling duplicate rewards for other gear was commonplace, and high-grade trades moved massive fees each time.
No wonder the rep groveled so obsequiously.
Only top rankers could snap up S- and A-grades like candy.
"As requested, we've brought various registered swords. Please, try them at will."
The rep directed staff to unpack before me.
Weapons easy to trade—no binding curses or wear restrictions—spread out, all 'swords' in diverse forms.
I'd mixed in extras for smokescreen, but my eyes locked on the four-pronged, dual swords, and katana-like single-edge.
"Well prepared. I'll put 'em to good use."
I smirked at their efficiency, rising to grab the foremost sword.
Rapier specialized in thrusts.
Not even on my radar, but for show, I headed to the underground training hall rapier in hand.
"Rough day ahead."
"Not our first rodeo."
Waiting was Marc, my guildmate—today's sparring partner for light weapon tests.
I chuckled; he was already in heavy armor, mace ready, laughing from behind his visor.
"For real?"
"When else would I get to touch you?"
His grinning weapon grip drew a dry laugh from me.
Unarmored light spar for me, but he'd go all-out.
It balanced things out. The gap between top rankers and others was that vast.
Just like how I still couldn't match the constellations' toes.
"Here I come!"
That's why Marc saw this as opportunity.
Rare chance to clash with his goal.
"...!"
"Bit different from before."
I slipped his wildly swung mace—whipping up a gale that tousled my hair—and raised the rapier, stepping forward.
The grip felt awkward in my hand.
But my stance and strike, sheathed in radiance, were far from clumsy.
Thanks to Advanced Sword Dance, one of my S-grade engravings guaranteeing mastery of any sword type.
It let me instantly grasp this first-time rapier.
No wonder constellations call the Tower the greatest opportunity.
Watching Marc helplessly pushed back deepened my realization.
This hellhole crawling with foes and monsters brimmed with chances to seize.
"How were they? Any winners?"
"Quality's solid."
Sorry for Marc rolling wrecked on the floor, but he wasn't even sandbag level.
After cycling through every sword type, I smirked at the rep.
I didn't yet get why constellations pushed specifics, but Advanced Sword Dance ensured no duds.
"Switching weapons will totally transform you from before."
"That was the plan."
"Changing a good path isn't easy... how do you..."
After the well-paid reps left.
Kim Ji-eun eyed me sparklingly.
My ruthless swaps of abilities and gear for higher realms struck her as cool and bold.
If I were in my right mind, no way.
I gave a wry smile.
Pre-possession me couldn't dream it—everything I knew was the world, barely keeping up.
This all stemmed from accessing Fate Road, peeking at the fan gallery and its constellations.
As possessor, Jeong Chan-su became my goal to outpace; now, those users showed new paths.
Following? That I could do.
"So, which weapon?"
"I'll mull it over. Might take it into the 151st layer assault."
I hinted at narrowing candidates.
Having shown them in action, gallery users would offer fresh takes.
I'd spy and follow through.