Chapter 32
Chapter 32
Mad Black Mage's Tower Strategy
Chapter 32
"Administrator?"
A mysterious being that claims to be the Tower's administrator.
Everyone tensed at Nimrod's appearance, which exuded a strange atmosphere.
They had encountered native inhabitants of the Tower who ruled over each floor like the Hoakin Kingdom, but this was their first encounter with a being that managed the entire Tower.
"Could this also be some kind of test?"
"Should we try attacking first?"
"Don't move rashly."
While the team members were in confusion before Nimrod.
Sword Star Ju Won-jae stepped forward as their representative and spoke.
"Yes, Administrator Nimrod. I've heard about you from the former association president."
In the early days of the Tower's appearance.
There were no established rules or regulations.
Also, there was no system to classify climbers like now, no AI BABEL, and no standardized tutorials or tests.
It was truly a wild era where only chaos and confusion existed.
At that time, there was a person who first made a contract with the Tower's administrator, established the Tower Entry Management Office, and quelled the chaos - none other than former Climber Association President Han Kyeong-cheol.
After that, tutorials were created in the Tower to prevent reckless entry, and the Management Office and AI BABEL began overseeing climbing tests on the lower floors.
The mortality and injury rates of climbers were dramatically reduced from that time.
But he had only thought that the Tower's administrator was just a story that was passed down.
'To think he really existed.'
CREAK-.
Ju Won-jae gripped his sword while looking at Nimrod.
At the same time, he slightly assessed his opponent's strength as usual.
'He doesn't look particularly strong on the surface.'
Every spot visible was a weak point, to the extent that he could cut him down right now if he wanted.
But Ju Won-jae couldn't bring himself to draw his sword.
This wasn't because the being before him was simply a great existence that supervised tests and managed the Tower.
'I'll lose if we fight.'
Ju Won-jae coldly narrowed his eyes.
Because his instincts were warning him with all their might that he couldn't defeat him no matter what means he used.
The difference in the level of existence.
Ju Won-jae's characteristic, [Sixth Sense], was clearly informing him of that overwhelming gap.
Nimrod politely greeted the tense Ju Won-jae and the strategy team.
"Congratulations on reaching this place after overcoming hardships and adversity. Humanity's vanguard. This is truly a remarkable achievement. A fairy tale-like story that will be passed down for ages."
He continued speaking while extending his hand with exaggerated gestures.
"A story of heroes who throw away everything and climb the Tower to prevent disaster from befalling humanity. There couldn't be a more thrilling story than this, could there?"
THUD-.
"However."
Nimrod suddenly took out a staff, struck it on the ground, and hardened his gaze.
"Unfortunately, this place is merely a starting point."
At this statement like a bolt from the blue, Grand Mage Gu-ren immediately started squawking.
"What bullshit are you talking about? This place is just a starting point?"
How much time had it taken to climb to the 30th floor? Yet this was merely the starting point.
Even if they didn't express it as openly as Gu-ren, most of the strategy team including Ju Won-jae felt the same way.
In contrast, Nimrod continued speaking with a calm expression.
"Yes, the journey ahead will be different from what you've experienced so far. It's time to leave the warm greenhouse and face the Tower's true malice. From the Tower's 30th floor onward, the beings that govern each floor are the great beings of darkness that you call 'demons'. They will never take their eyes off you, anywhere, anytime."
"Demons..."
When Holy Knight Robert's expression hardened, Nimrod smiled.
"Of course, not all of them are hostile to climbers. They might help through contracts, or show favor without asking for compensation. Perhaps they might assist in climbing and ally with you. They might even sponsor you wearing the mask of constellations. But remember this."
An ominous light flickered in Nimrod's blue eyes.
"The fact that they enjoy someone's ruin and misfortune."
As Nimrod finished his statement, the strategy team murmured.
Following Nimrod's appearance as the Tower's administrator, information about beings called demons that governed each floor.
It was no wonder they were flustered.
Ju Won-jae extended his hand to quiet his party members and thought calmly.
Whether the beings governing each floor were demons or whatever, that's not what's important.
'What matters anyway is the 'Tower' system itself.'
If this person is really the Tower's administrator, now is the perfect opportunity to resolve long-standing questions about the Tower.
In such a situation, he couldn't waste this precious time with useless conversation.
"Administrator, how many floors does this Tower have? And what is there at the end?"
Ju Won-jae's judgment was quick and excellent, but Nimrod wasn't one to answer so easily.
"Well, you'll have to go and see for yourself. It wouldn't be fun if I told you in advance, would it?"
"Fun? Do you think we're climbing the Tower for entertainment right now?"
Fist King Choi Gang-hyeon clenched his fist and stepped forward, but Nimrod didn't mind and raised his hand.
[Shh-]
And when he brought his hand to his lips, the surrounding noise disappeared as if by magic.
In the unpleasant silence, only Nimrod's voice echoed all around.
"In honor of your achievements and to bless your future journey, I will answer only 'one' question. Choose your question well."
"..."
The strategy team's party members first swallowed their complaints, put their heads together, and came up with one question.
Shortly after, Saintess Kwon Ha-yeon stepped forward as their representative and asked Nimrod.
"What happens when we complete our climb and reach the end of the Tower?"
More important than the Tower's reason for existence or purpose was the result of completing the climb.
If that end was hollow and meaningless, there would be no need to work so hard, so this question was an important matter that would determine the strategy team's future direction.
To this, Nimrod smiled and answered.
"A time of choice awaits. It will be a great turning point for humanity."
"What the hell are you saying? So is it good? Or not?"
When Fist King distorted his face, Nimrod opened his mouth soothingly.
"Hehe, I can assure you that it will be the best ending for humanity."
At Nimrod's definitive answer, the strategy team finally felt relieved and strengthened their resolve.
"By the way."
Nimrod looked at the sword in Ju Won-jae's hand and smiled.
"Aren't you going to draw that sword?"
"...!"
"There was someone who attacked me out of nowhere not long ago."
Ju Won-jae twitched his eyelids and asked calmly.
"Are you saying there's someone else in this Tower who has met you?"
"Yes, it's someone I met recently. Currently a very famous person within the Tower."
"Don't tell me."
As if confirming Ju Won-jae's ominous premonition, Nimrod spoke.
"Yes, it's that person who is climbing the Tower, breaking each record you had set one by one. The world calls him a supernova, don't they?"
***
"I'll be going now."
The dim dawn. Witch Circe's cabin.
Seo-jin, who had finished preparing to leave, greeted Circe.
Although the time they spent together wasn't very long, it was an invaluable time for Seo-jin.
"Are you going straight to the upper floor?"
"Yes, I must continue climbing the Tower."
He had stayed longer than expected. Having taken about a week for recharging on top of that, it was time to move quickly again.
Seo-jin looked inside the window, searching for Han So-yul.
"What about that friend?"
"She's still sleeping. She just fell asleep not too long ago after training all night. Here, take this."
Circe took out a doll-like small body from her bosom and handed it to Seo-jin.
Its size was about the size of Seo-jin's palm.
It was a carving with delicately carved features and pretty clothes made for it.
It looked exactly like someone noisy.
"Is this for Hyeon-wol?"
"Yes, it's not a finished product, but it's enough for her to manifest temporarily when needed."
Circe looked at the air, precisely at Hyeon-wol floating next to Seo-jin, and spoke.
"Someday there will come a time when she needs to have a physical form to help my disciple. I hope you use it well then. Ghost, you haven't forgotten what I asked you, have you?"
[Of course not. And don't call me a ghost, you damn priests. You really resemble all the annoying things.]
"Keke."
At Hyeon-wol's complaint, Seo-jin and Circe looked at each other, giggled, and exchanged farewell greetings.
"I'll be going, Master."
"Yes, next time you come, tell me more of your stories. Stories from long ago, or perhaps."
'Stories from the distant future too.'
***
"Huh? He already left?"
A few hours later.
So-yul, who had just woken up from sleep and was half-asleep, asked back with a stupid expression.
Circe handed her warm frog soup and said matter-of-factly.
"He left at dawn. He said he was in a hurry to go."
"No, this person... didn't even say goodbye."
"Enough, you should go too. Haven't you pretty much finished with the basics?"
She couldn't keep someone who wasn't even a formal disciple indefinitely.
She had allowed her to stay considering her connection with Seo-jin, but it was about time to kick her out.
So-yul blew on her soup and answered.
"That's true. From now on, I think I can somehow learn on my own through self-study. Thank you for helping me. And this is really delicious."
So-yul quickly devoured the frog soup and gave a thumbs up.
Having received praise after always getting harsh criticism from Seo-jin, Circe's shoulders rose with pride.
"Mm-hmm, eat more."
"But how did you make that doll body just now? The eyelashes are long too, and it's really pretty. You have talent in art too."
"Well, that's right. Actually, this is..."
Having lived alone in the cabin for a long time, perhaps Circe had missed conversations with people too.
So So-yul, who had catered to Circe's mood during mealtime, carefully asked.
"But, Circe. Can I sometimes visit the cabin?"
"..."
"I'll bring gifts too. I won't bring other people to bother you, just by myself. And since it would be troublesome if I come too often, maybe once a year? Hm? Would that not be okay?"
It was a brazen request with obvious intentions, but seeing her approach so actively, her heart was swayed.
In the end, Circe allowed So-yul's visits.
If it became really bothersome later, she could just set up a barrier and kick her out.
"Make sure to keep those conditions."
"Awesome! Thank you, Grand Master!"
Circe detached So-yul who was clinging to her and pointed to the annex.
"Don't cling to me. You pack your things and leave too."
"Yes~"
Shortly after, So-yul, who had packed her belongings from the annex, came out of the cabin.
"Go on. I won't see you off."
"Yes, I'll see you again next time, Circe."
So-yul bowed and left the cabin. Circe watched her retreating figure and soon withdrew her gaze.
'Finally sent them all away.'
Circe lay comfortably on the sofa and sighed.
Following Seo-jin who barged in claiming to be a disciple, and then Han So-yul whom he brought.
While the time spent together was enjoyable, continuing for too long was quite exhausting.
'As I thought, I'm more comfortable alone.'
Circe lay on the sofa, closed her eyes while receiving the warm sunlight streaming through the window.
As she was enjoying the peaceful time that had come after so long, a scene suddenly caught her eye.
The scenery of the cabin, too quiet and silent, seemed to feel a bit lonely.
Was it because she had implanted too many various senses into the doll body? At this point, even unnecessary thoughts were arising.
'Next time I connect with the main body, I should remove some emotional functions.'
Because loneliness was an unnecessary emotion for a doll.
Just as Circe was about to temporarily disable all mana detection functions, turn her back completely, and fall asleep.
KNOCK KNOCK-.
Suddenly, knocking sounds came from outside the cabin.
Judging by the footsteps and mana fluctuations she could sense, it seemed Han So-yul had returned.
She thought she had left earlier, so why had she come back?
Circe asked irritably.
"What is it, again?"
So-yul spoke from beyond the door.
"Um, I was about to leave, but there seems to be someone standing outside the barrier?"
Circe got up from her seat and looked out the window.
A young girl pacing outside the barrier.
Black straight hair with eyes full of venom underneath. Still young but with beautiful features that promised a bright future.
The description matched exactly what she had heard from her disciple.
Moreover, the intense aura emanating from that frail body was definitely the child her disciple had mentioned.
Just as she sent one away, another one rolled in.
"Phew, do they think this is a daycare center?"
While thinking that there was never a peaceful day at the cabin, Circe gladly accepted the girl.
"Go and bring her here."