Chapter 104
Chapter 104
Mad Black Mage's Tower Strategy
Chapter 104
The tournament that decorated the finale of the 12th floor came to an end, and the awards ceremony proceeded under brilliant lights and the cheers of the audience.
1st place was Lee Seo-jin. 2nd place was Kim Se-yeon.
They each received awards under the aliases Supernova and Nameless.
Only the four great beings and Nimrod, the Tower's administrator, knew their real names.
3rd place went to Zieg due to the injured Austin's forfeit.
The great beings each hung medals around their disciples' necks and presented bouquets.
First was Gabriel.
"You've worked hard, Zieg. Process is more important than results. Please continue to strive forward."
"Yes, Gabriel-nim."
Next, Talis patted Se-yeon's shoulder.
"You did well, rookie. No, I'll acknowledge you as one warrior now, not a rookie anymore."
"......Thank you."
Finally, Rosaria leaned her head on Seo-jin's shoulder and congratulated him on his victory.
"You worked hard. Victory was natural, but it was still wonderful."
"Thank you. It's thanks to you."
If he hadn't pioneered the realm of Transcending Heaven True Scripture together with Rosaria, he wouldn't have been able to give a proper answer to Se-yeon's will.
Thanks to her help, he was able to respond to Se-yeon's martial way.
"Hehe, it is thanks to me. So, isn't there something you'll give me?"
At Rosaria's mischievous question, Seo-jin only shrugged his shoulders instead of answering.
Next was Nimrod.
As promised earlier, he bestowed a special award upon Seo-jin.
"Congratulations, climber...... Supernova. It makes my face burn to say it with my own mouth. Wouldn't it be better to reveal your real name?"
Nimrod started to say Seo-jin's real name but changed his words.
Seo-jin casually responded to his prank.
"It's not time yet."
"Well, if that's the case."
He shrugged his shoulders and extended his hand to Seo-jin.
"I grant you the right to climb to the 13th floor. Also, I'll specially provide the gift I prepared."
HWAK-.
Climbing authorization granted with brilliant light. And an All-Floor Teleportation Stone that floated up in front of Seo-jin.
A fist-sized crystal was emitting multicolored brilliant light.
Right now the teleportation range was limited to the 13th floor, but as higher floors opened, it would have greater value.
At the same time as receiving Nimrod's gift, an achievement notification also appeared.
[You have achieved the achievement '12th Floor Valedictorian'.]
"Everyone, please give warm applause!"
When Nimrod spread both hands, cheers and applause poured out from the audience as if they had been waiting.
"WAAAAH!"
Nimrod, who had been quietly listening to the cheers, raised his hand to restrain the audience and opened his mouth.
"Then, as promised before, is there anyone who would like to engage in a death match with Supernova to seize the gift?"
With his words, the cheers stopped as if it were a lie.
If there seemed to be some chance of winning, they could try challenging.
But the appearance Supernova had just shown was truly monstrous.
Except for the newcomer called Nameless, most wouldn't last even 10 seconds and would be eliminated in one strike.
Just fighting such an opponent would be an enormous burden, but to engage in a death match risking one's life?
This was like just offering one's neck to be killed.
"......"
Even with Nimrod's proposal, no one challenged. The atmosphere wasn't right for it either.
Nimrod looked around the audience with satisfaction and opened his mouth.
"Hehe, fortunately there are no foolish people courting death. Then, as a small consolation, I'll give one freely distributable stat to everyone gathered here."
TING-.
As soon as Nimrod's words ended, achievement notification windows appeared before the climbers' eyes.
[You have achieved the achievement 'Legend Witness'.]
[Distributable stats +1]
Nimrod had used his authority to create a new achievement and bestow favor upon the climbers.
"Is this real?"
"This is totally sweet!"
"I should brag about this later."
Since they were just watching and got a free stat, there was no one complaining about Nimrod's special treatment now.
"Well then, it's time to wrap up the tournament. But don't be too sad. A banquet has been prepared."
***
The dimly darkened night.
Though the tournament had ended and the day had grown dark, the heat that had warmed the 12th floor hadn't cooled at all.
A banquet for all climbers staying on the 12th floor began.
The location was the huge plaza where they had first set foot on the 12th floor.
Various magical lanterns hung on the plaza pillars, and countless light spirits floated in the air like fireflies, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
White and gold circular tents were lined up in the plaza, and inside them were warm foods steaming with vapor.
Dishes made from rare ingredients procured from each floor of the Tower, sweet fruits and drinks, and even strong liquor brewed by Valhalla's craftsmen.
It was full of delicacies that would normally be too expensive to even think of buying.
"Wow, there's even this?"
"Let's eat until we die!"
The climbers each filled their plates and cups with liquor and food to their heart's content and enjoyed their meals.
Though they had crossed swords with each other just a few hours ago, now they were clinking glasses and wishing each other good luck on their future journeys.
Normally, Seo-jin would also have eaten and drunk with his peers from this cycle to share their feelings.
However, since Seo-jin and Se-yeon didn't want to reveal their identities, they were assigned a separate tent and had an intimate meal time.
This could be called the champion's privilege.
Se-yeon munching and putting food in her mouth.
She ate quite heartily.
Seo-jin, sitting across from her, cut his steak and put it in his mouth while asking.
"You didn’t go easy on me."
The previous duel. Seo-jin won in the end, but it wasn't without danger.
It was such an intense battle that if he had been careless, it wouldn't have been strange if something got cut.
Se-yeon munched and answered.
"You looked completely different, so I forgot for a moment."
"......"
Well, that could be the case.
Currently, Seo-jin was wearing the Mask of Ten Thousand Forms and disguised in a completely different appearance.
It wouldn't be easy to recognize his original appearance during urgent combat.
Seo-jin quietly cut his steak and continued speaking.
"I won in the end, but judging by the match content, you won."
"What?"
"Just as I said. Your skill surpassed me using only pure black magic."
The sparring match on the 4th floor. At that time, he had gone easy to avoid hurting Se-yeon.
But in this match, there wasn't even time for such complacent thinking.
The breathless assault felt similar to when he dueled with Lee Seo-mun.
Of course, compared to that complete monster, it was slightly lacking, but if Se-yeon reached a similar level to him, she might surpass him.
'This child developed power equivalent to the frontline strategy team on her own even before regression.'
A rough blade forged by wandering battlefields and hunting grounds without receiving any teaching from others, let alone help.
If he helped and taught her until such talent fully bloomed, just how much stronger would Se-yeon become?
It was both frightening and exciting.
As Seo-jin thought about that talent, he suddenly recalled Se-yeon's final strike.
The single particle that had crossed the Severance barrier and touched his cheek.
What exactly was its identity?
"Your final strike. What meaning did you put into that attack?"
A question thrown out of pure curiosity.
If she actively utilized the meaning or emotion contained in that attack, she could become stronger in the future.
To this, Se-yeon pulled her hat down low and was sparing with words.
"......It's, it's a secret."
"I see."
She must have circumstances she couldn't speak of.
Still, it was a good thing.
The fact that she harbored intense meaning and will itself meant she had the will to live.
She wouldn't stubbornly insist on dying like when they first met.
While they continued eating afterward, a familiar giant pushed aside the tent and entered.
"May I enter."
Talis, who had entered the tent before Seo-jin could even answer, belatedly asked for permission.
"Don't just eat between yourselves, mingle with others too. Can I call two more people here? They're the ones you faced in the semifinals."
The two who faced them in the semifinals would be Zieg and Austin, who took 3rd and 4th place respectively.
It would be useful to build relationships with talented people someday. Seo-jin didn't particularly refuse Talis's proposal.
Se-yeon also nodded in agreement.
"Fine. Come in."
Soon Zieg and Austin, each carrying plates, entered the tent.
"Nice to meet you."
"Thank you for allowing us to dine together, Lady, and Supernova."
The two greeted politely.
Seo-jin nodded to accept Zieg's greeting, but pointed his fork at Austin with a stern warning.
"If you act lecherous, I'll kill you."
"Though your words are frightening, I know you're a good person."
Austin knew that Seo-jin had shown mercy at the end.
If he were cold-blooded, he would have just left Austin alone whether he got hit by magic or not.
But he had adjusted the magic's trajectory at the end to prevent him from getting hurt.
Though his mouth was a bit rough, he judged that he wasn't an evil person.
"I won't be rude to the Lady, so don't worry."
"Your very existence is rude."
Austin shrugged his shoulders.
"Though various misunderstandings are spread in the world, I'm not such a shameless person. I just become an ally to women suffering from pain and loneliness."
"Sure, I bet you do."
Meanwhile, Zieg sat across from them and spoke to Seo-jin.
"I wanted to spar with Supernova-nim at least once, but it's regrettable."
Seo-jin looked at him and was lost in thought for a moment.
According to what he heard from Gabriel, Zieg had aptitude for Holy Swords.
Holy Knight Robert of the frontline strategy team had considerable animosity toward black magic, so his relationship with Seo-jin wasn't very good.
If this boy named Zieg grew smoothly and later took his role, it might be good.
He'd need a tank someday anyway.
'I need to raise talented individuals one by one to counter the strategy team led by Ju Won-jae.'
Working with existing figures would only repeat the mistakes of before regression.
There was a need to discover and develop outstanding talents who wouldn't fall behind the current strategy team.
'Right now I'm only properly raising Se-yeon.'
Adding to that, there was Han So-yul learning under Circe, and expanding further, Nam-gung Cheon was usable as a party member.
Since the current forces were lacking, it seemed like he could get help later if he properly supported these two and raised them as decent talents.
Of course, he had no intention of accepting just anyone because they were talented.
He'd have to gradually verify whether they were truly trustworthy people.
"I'll give you a match when there's an opportunity. But first, beat her."
When Seo-jin pointed to Se-yeon, Zieg showed difficulty.
"Ah, that might be a bit difficult."
At first, he thought he had simply lost due to carelessness.
But Se-yeon's skill shown against Supernova was extraordinary.
Even if he had fought with his best effort, he likely would have lost.
"Anyway, since we're gathered, let's all have a drink."
"Sounds good."
When Seo-jin raised his glass, everyone raised their glasses and clinked them.
JJAENG-.
***
Late at night when the banquet's heat had subsided.
The noisy clamor had also died down, and only occasional snoring or rainbow-vomiting sounds could be heard in the lull.
Seo-jin left the tent, leaving behind Se-yeon who was sleeping curled up like a squirrel.
He was then taking a walk while breathing the cool night air.
SAREUSEU-.
Mana particles gathered beside Seo-jin and soon transformed into a handsome figure.
Soon, Nimrod, the Tower's administrator who had taken form, walked alongside Seo-jin and spoke.
"Do you have time by any chance?"
"No."
Though Seo-jin replied coldly, Nimrod smiled cheekily.
"Even if you don't, please spare some time. I have something urgent to discuss."
