No Boss, You Said...
The next day, Han Serin and I submitted our hunter licenses at the tower entrance and waited to enter.
I still couldn't get used to it, no matter how many times I saw it.
"Arang, how far did you go last time?"
"Just tasted the first floor and came back out."
Standing beside me, Han Serin was dressed so casually, like she was out for a stroll.
Anyone would think she's some neighborhood bum heading out for booze.
Though she's way too pretty to pass for a bum.
"The first floor? Pfft, so you really just took a walk with Cha Eunwol and Kim Hyunah. Now that you're with me, how about we blast straight through to the fifth floor?"
"The f-fifth floor...?"
Was it okay for me to go that far?
I gawked up at her, ears perked straight up in shock at Han Serin's words.
"Isn't that dangerous? I heard the monsters get stronger the higher you go."
"Don't worry. Who do you think I am? I'm one of the rare S-rank hunters in Korea. I could climb to the twenty-fifth floor blindfolded—no need to fret at all."
Han Serin thumped her chest confidently, urging me to trust her.
Honestly, being S-rank means it probably isn't dangerous...
But her image didn't inspire much confidence. She looked like a total slacker who slept all day in her empty cafe. Still, Cha Eunwol had said she was on equal footing, so...
"Hmm... Okay. Let's just go up to the fifth floor, then."
"Good call."
Han Serin ruffled my hair like I was such a smart kid.
My ears rubbed against her hand, tickling like crazy.
"Ah, stop it! It takes forever to fix my hair every morning."
"Pfft, a little kid like you fussing over your hair every day?"
"...Of course."
Her mocking grin was seriously annoying.
...I hated dealing with tangles too, okay? It bugged me.
I glared at Han Serin, then glanced at her outfit again, a question popping into my head.
Was she really climbing the tower like that? No gear at all.
The other hunters waiting ahead of us were all decked out in shiny equipment. Han Serin, though? Nothing. Not even a little ring item like mine.
"Don't you bring weapons or gear?"
"Gear? For just the fifth floor? No need to go all out. It's all stored."
Han Serin grinned and thrust her hand into thin air.
Whirr—
Ripples shimmered in the empty space, and her hand sank right in. A moment later, she pulled out a sleek dagger glowing faintly.
Whoa... I want one of those.
"I saw that. Subspace Inventory, right? So jealous..."
"Yup. With this, no lugging bags around—super convenient."
If I had one, moving would be a breeze... I could stash power banks and never worry about my phone dying.
I tugged lightly at Han Serin's sleeve.
"I want one too... How do I get one?"
"Huh? This?"
Han Serin scratched her head awkwardly.
"These don't really hit the market. Boss drops from high floors or rare trades from tower residents. Crazy hard to get. I've only got the one."
"Aww... Bummer."
Money couldn't even buy it... What a letdown.
I didn't need it right now, but I wanted it now.
My tail drooped in disappointment.
"If you get an extra from a high floor later, sell it to me?"
"Hah, sure. If I snag one, our Arang gets first dibs."
"Promise...? No selling to anyone else."
Han Serin chuckled and messed up my hair again.
Our turn came. We passed through the tower entrance to the first floor and crossed the gate to the next level.
My vision flashed, revealing a vast blue meadow identical to the first floor.
"Huh? It looks just like the first floor."
"Yeah. Towers usually change environments or themes every five floors. Not always a hundred percent, but close enough."
"So... goblins here too, then?"
Remembering the goblin that had screeched "Nooong!" at me made my skin crawl.
...Worst nightmare.
As I grimaced, Han Serin scanned the area casually and stretched.
"Arang, straight to the fifth? No point wasting time."
"Huh...? What do you— Eek!"
Before I could finish, Han Serin scooped me up by the waist.
She tucked me under her arm like a lightweight bag and bolted.
Boom—!
"Kyaaah—!"
The ground exploded behind us as my view whipped backward wildly.
The insane speed stole my breath. Wind slashed my cheeks like blades; my head spun.
This'll kill me...!
"H-Heyyy...! Slow down... Mmph."
"Oh, sorry..."
She finally eased up, but it was still ridiculously fast.
...Is this what flying in a fighter jet feels like?
I swallowed the bile rising in my throat and leaned into Han Serin's hold.
How many minutes passed?
The goblin chieftain—second floor boss—appeared ahead. But before I could even make out its face...
Splat—!
Han Serin's fist flashed, and the boss's head burst like a watermelon.
...Didn't even get a look. Not that it was much to see.
"On to the third."
"Already...?"
Before I could protest, she hoisted me piggyback-style and dashed for the gate.
...I missed the guild leader.
"Hey, Arang. Baek Arang. Wake up."
"Mmm..."
Someone poked my cheek. I forced my heavy eyelids open.
My head throbbed, stomach churning, but I clung to Han Serin's clothes like a lifeline.
Look at all this sweat on my hands.
"Wh-Where are we...?"
"Fifth floor. Fifth."
Han Serin giggled and pinched my cheek gently.
"Huh? Already the fifth?"
I staggered to my feet. My blurry vision cleared, revealing the surroundings.
"Whoa..."
A gasp slipped out.
Nothing like the goblin-infested first-floor meadow.
A massive lake stretched before me, ringed by glowing moss and unfamiliar plants.
Nice cool breeze.
"Where's this? Any monsters?"
"The fifth is a peaceful rest spot. Kinda a breather floor."
Han Serin stretched as she explained.
"Goblins up to the fourth, but no boss here. Cross the lake, hit the gate to the sixth. Total safe zone."
"Like a safe zone in a game?"
"Pretty much."
No dangerous monsters? Tension melted away.
I could come here solo sometimes.
Nap on a rainy day? Perfect.
I scampered to the water's edge, squatting to peer into the crystal-clear ripples.
So pure, the bottom almost gleamed.
They said water this clean could upset your stomach... Safe to drink?
"Can you drink this?"
"Yeah. Cleaner than most, laced with mana—great for fatigue."
I leaned down and lapped at it tentatively.
Lick.
"Huh? It's sweet!"
A faint sweetness bloomed, chilling me to the bone with refreshing clarity. My motion sickness vanished instantly.
Dough with this... Would make killer bread.
"Hehe, this water's delicious."
I grinned and lapped more. Han Serin snorted behind me.
"Aigoo, like a cat drinking. Too cute."
"...It was a mistake."
Ugh... Why'd I lap it up? Could've cupped it in my hands...
I wiped my mouth with my sleeve and turned away from her.
"Hey, fish in here?"
"Fish? Duh. Hungry? Want me to grill some?"
"Kinda peckish... Four each?"
She poked my belly, hiked up her pants, and waded in with a splash.
"I'll grab 'em quick. Wait here."
"Yup!"
I crouched by the shore, tail swishing as I watched her go.
Sniff—
"...?"
Sudden hot breath puffed over my head.
What...? Something brushed my ear...?
Definitely living breath tickling it.
Han Serin's in the water...
Chills raced down my spine.
I gulped and slowly looked up.
"Gasp..."
Hovering above me was a house-sized, pure-white stag.
No boss, you said...