Chapter 11
Chapter 11
Mad Black Mage's Tower Strategy
Chapter 11
"Impressive."
In the forest that had been completely destroyed by the battle between Seo-jin and the old man.
The old man gently touched a single streak of wound on his cheek.
Meanwhile, Seo-jin lay collapsed in a deeply carved pit, battered and bruised all over.
'Damn it...'
Seo-jin barely managed to struggle and spat out curses from beneath the pit.
He had prepared himself after hearing how the notoriously stubborn Fist King Choi Gang-hyeon was beaten like a dog and had humility instilled in him, but he never expected the old man to be this strong.
'The old man's full power surpasses me in my prime.'
He wasn't simply comparable to the boss monsters of each floor, but belonged to the strongest tier among the tower's natives.
At least on the same level as monsters with titles like Sword Saint or Martial Sovereign. Perhaps even at the level of floor administrators like Seo-jin's master.
He couldn't understand why such a monster was on the 2nd floor.
The old man channeled his energy from above the pit to restore Seo-jin's stamina and mana.
"Tsk tsk. I only intended to briefly examine your qualifications, but I became too interested and used my hand too severely. Come on out now."
Having recovered his minimum strength, Seo-jin finally climbed out of the pit and spoke as if reproaching him.
"Couldn't you have shown some restraint with your junior?"
No matter how experienced he was, wasn't this too much for a level 5 newbie?
"You're quite formidable, that's why. You are strong. This isn't empty flattery. You have the qualifications to become even stronger in the future. However, that strength will eventually consume you."
The old man warned while looking at the black mana circuits revealed on Seo-jin's skin surface.
"......"
Seo-jin had used all his power while fighting the old man, and the side effects were now manifesting as a consequence.
The mana circuits that had turned pitch black as if rotted and festering, dyeing Seo-jin's arm. This had spread beyond his arm to his shoulder and chest.
Even to Seo-jin's eyes, it looked more serious than during the tutorial test.
The old man looked at Seo-jin and said.
"The power of defying heaven that you wield is ultimately the same power as the dark beings that govern this world. Of course, you've cleverly exploited loopholes in contracts to escape their clutches, but that won't last very long either. Most importantly, your body can't endure it."
Seo-jin nodded silently.
As the old man said, unlike other black mages who used others' sacrifices as offerings, Seo-jin overworked his own body.
Though he was freer than other black mages who had contracted with demons, he was walking a much more arduous path than them.
"I'm aware of that much."
This was a path he had already walked in his previous life, so he knew it better than anyone.
And to solve that problem, he had received the Eye of Insight from the administrator and had come to find this old man.
Seo-jin suddenly looked at the skill book he had received from the old man and asked.
"So, will this book really help me?"
The old man nodded at this.
"Indeed. The book I gave you, the Primordial Unity Technique, is a cultivation method aimed at returning the balance of heaven and earth to its primordial state."
"The balance of the universe...?"
"Well, the name is grandiose, but ultimately it's a cultivation method that returns the caster's body to its original state. It should be able to stabilize the disordered flow of energy circulation and internal power in your body."
"!"
Seo-jin's head snapped up at the old man's explanation.
He smiled and continued speaking while examining Seo-jin's body.
"It seems you're drawing on your upper Dantian's power instead due to your middle Dantian's condition, and this can help with that too. This divine technique ultimately connects the human upper, middle, and lower Dantian as one."
"Indeed."
According to the old man's words, there couldn't be a more suitable secret skill for Seo-jin.
It would properly stabilize the flow of mana circuits twisted by black magic while connecting the upper, middle, and lower Dantian as one to enable mutual interaction.
It aligned well with Seo-jin's original goal of reducing black magic's penalties and cultivating abilities other than magic.
Just as Seo-jin's eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope, the old man poured cold water on it.
"However, even this isn't a complete solution."
"Is there a complete solution?"
To Seo-jin who asked with delight, the old man gave an answer that was logical but impossible to refute.
"The best method is not to use that power at all. There is no way anywhere in this world to remain whole while wielding the power of defying heaven that goes against providence. If such a thing existed, who would bother training hard?"
"......"
It was theoretical but correct.
In wielding black magic that boasted tyrannical power, perhaps the price was essential.
Seo-jin was simply paying that price by exhausting his own body instead of having his soul stolen by demons.
Even so, acquiring the 'Primordial Unity Technique' that could minimize those penalties was like a great gift for Seo-jin.
"I'm grateful for your kindness, elder."
"There's nothing particularly to be grateful for. I also wanted to get rid of that book quickly. You can have it."
"......Is there some secret to this book?"
"It's harmless, so there's nothing to worry about. It'll just become a bit bothersome in the future."
"I can endure that much."
If it could offset black magic's penalties, a little annoyance was nothing.
Seo-jin pocketed the book and bowed politely to the old man, asking.
"What might your honorable name be, elder?"
Even if he couldn't take him as a master and learn under him, it would be good to know his benefactor's name.
The old man said quietly.
"I have no name. However, in 13 years, you will meet me again beneath Mount Gokseong. If there's a yellow rock beneath Mount Gokseong, know that it's me."
When Seo-jin raised his head again, the old man had vanished without a trace.
'A yellow rock.'
Was he the master of this forest?
Seo-jin decided to call the old man Hwangseokgong (Yellow Rock Duke) from now on.
And instead of chasing after him, he bowed his head in the direction the old man had disappeared to see him off.
***
After the battle with Hwangseokgong.
It was when Seo-jin was about to leave the forest with Baduki, who had been frolicking joyfully in the woods.
He spotted a person walking leisurely from across the wooden bridge toward the forest.
Due to the bluish dawn light, he couldn't confirm who it was, but judging by the attire, it appeared to be a mage.
TRUDGE- TRUDGE-.
Seo-jin could only identify the mage's identity after they came a bit closer.
A purple robe symbolizing a high-ranking mage. Neat shoulder-length bob cut and eyes that sparkled like a rabbit's.
She was Han So-yul, the leader of 'Taebaek', Korea's largest mage guild.
She was also the younger sister of Han Seo-hee, the president of the Climber Association.
Han So-yul was quite a promising talent who had also been active in Korea-led strategy groups, but.
'Unfortunately, she died in the siege battle on the 75th floor.'
If she had survived there, she would have been a great help not only in tower strategy but also in the subsequent collapse incident.
Her death was sad both personally and for humanity.
But separately from that, she was someone he had no reason to be happy to meet right now.
The only reason So-yul, who should be active in the upper floors, would be loitering here was one thing.
To investigate the identity and whereabouts of whoever had set the new record.
SQUEEZE-.
Seo-jin pulled his hood deeper over his head and waited for So-yul across from him to quietly pass by.
Since he had used all his strength in the battle with Hwangseokgong, he didn't even have the energy to run properly.
But despite Seo-jin's hopes, So-yul, who had suddenly stopped, spoke to him first.
"Excuse me. I have something I'd like to ask."
Seo-jin hid his blackened right hand behind his back and replied.
"......Please speak."
"Have you ever seen a very dangerous-looking person around this forest?"
A very dangerous-looking person.
'She's certainly not talking about me.'
Seo-jin wasn't dangerous at all; he was a kind mage who even picked up and returned the shoes of a mentally strange super-expert old man.
He was far from being dangerous.
Probably.
"Well, I'm not sure."
When Seo-jin feigned ignorance, So-yul didn't ask further and posed her next question.
"I see. I heard there was a dangerous person nearby, so I'm glad you're safe. But why are you in the forest at such an early hour?"
So-yul stared directly at Seo-jin as she questioned him.
Seo-jin looked at her strangely sparkling eyes and answered calmly.
"I'm in the middle of handling a quest."
So-yul's skill, [Eye of Discernment].
The glinting eyes were a sign that So-yul's skill [Eye of Discernment] was about to activate.
That skill had the ability to see through an opponent's level and profession.
[LV:5] [Unclassed]
Seo-jin's information was revealed to So-yul's eyes. So-yul's eyes lit up as she confirmed this.
'A level 5 beginner who hasn't even changed classes is in a place like this?'
It was a bit suspicious, but he seemed far from the black mage the siblings had mentioned.
The man before her wasn't even a black mage—he was a beginner who hadn't even changed classes to become a mage.
Moreover, he seemed unrelated to the new record incidents for the tutorial room and 2nd floor climbing test that were currently shaking the tower.
No matter how talented a genius might be, at only level 5, it would be impossible even to take the test.
The person who set the new record had likely achieved level 20 quickly through route optimization, changed to a hidden class, and then challenged the test.
So this man before her couldn't be the owner of the new record.
Just a somewhat peculiar individual.
"Hmm, handling a quest solo in a dangerous forest. There must be quite a reward involved?"
"......Yes, well."
So-yul withdrew her suspicious gaze and pulled out her business card to hand over.
"Judging by your attire, you seem to be a mage. If you're interested, feel free to visit our guild. Taebaek is always open."
Passing the entrance exam was a separate matter, but at least the door was open to everyone.
"Being a mage is quite a tough profession. Let's help each other out. This is a gift. Don't feel burdened."
What So-yul offered next was a basic enhancement stone.
This was essential material for item enhancement for beginner mages, and everyone hunted desperately to purchase these.
'I'm in a relatively comfortable situation, though.'
Unlike the wealthy Seo-jin, for ordinary mages this was like rain during a drought.
To just casually give away something like this. Was this what they called a veteran's generosity?
Since there was no particular reason to refuse, Seo-jin accepted and pocketed the enhancement stone.
"Thank you. I'll repay this debt someday."
"No, don't think like that and use it comfortably. Well, take care of yourself. Let's meet at higher floors."
So-yul bid farewell to Seo-jin and walked leisurely into the forest.
Seo-jin watched the forest until her figure completely disappeared.
Right after So-yul's figure vanished.
"Baduki."
GRRRR-.
Seo-jin summoned Baduki, mounted it, and fled the scene as if escaping.
***
"What an interesting person."
So-yul, who had crossed the wooden bridge and entered the forest.
She recalled that man who had shown no particular reaction even after seeing her business card.
He was clearly aiming to be a mage. Yet he hadn't been surprised to see her, the leader of South Korea's largest mage guild.
Though she wasn't afflicted with celebrity syndrome, it was quite an unfamiliar situation.
'Well, someone who comes to such an inefficient hunting ground might be disconnected from outside information.'
All sorts of people gathered in the tower, so he might be someone with no particular interest in outside news.
If he was someone who didn't watch the news at all, he might not know about her.
With such thoughts, So-yul proceeded deeper into the forest.
RUSTLE- RUSTLE-.
The deeper So-yul went into the forest, the stronger the sense of unease she felt.
'What is this?'
There was no sign of monsters.
She could sense small animals like birds and squirrels living in the forest.
But she couldn't feel even a trace of the monsters that were the predators feeding on these small animals.
A hunting ground without monsters. It was truly a strange occurrence.
'Let me examine this more closely.'
Thinking she might have sensed wrong, So-yul closed her eyes and concentrated again.
WHOOOM-.
Waves of mana spreading from her staff thoroughly searched the forest.
But the result was exactly the same as before.
So-yul's eyes snapped open as she gripped her staff.
'All the monsters have completely vanished.'
Moreover, that mana search had discovered one suspicious location.
A place where concentrated mana flows were strangely twisted.
Such places usually had dungeon entrances or dragon veins.
Perhaps there might be clues related to this abnormal situation there.
So-yul quickly moved to that location.
Racing through the forest and arriving at that place, So-yul.
What entered her sight was.
"Good heavens."
A massive pit carved out as if a small meteor had fallen.
And the sight of all the trees in the area toppled over, creating a wasteland.