The Fox in Sheep's Clothing

The question I had been waiting for finally slipped from Rian’s lips.

How did Korea manage to clear the 'Special Floor'?

Rather than a 'Hidden Dungeon' that might never appear or whose trigger conditions are a mystery, they were likely more desperate for information on the 'Special Floor' that was guaranteed to appear next month.

It was a question he was bound to ask, without me even needing to lead him there.

But the sooner it came, the better.

That way, I wouldn't have to burn through my bait.

"The Korean Special Floor? Well, we managed it thanks to starting off with a massive amount of potion doping."

Rian and Dylan’s expressions didn't change, but I instinctively knew that the answer I’d given wasn't enough to satisfy them.

Potion doping?

Did they think they were the only ones who went in without doing that?

It’s not like the potion effects don't apply; it’s just that your base stats get locked at 1.

And the Special Floor is where the reward efficiency is the highest, isn't it?

"The bundle of potions we used back then? I'll sell it to you for a mere 10,000 T.C."

This was the reason I had been waiting for this question.

To make a counter-offer.

Looking at him, it was clear.

He wasn't here for the sake of the United States; he was here for himself.

A fox wearing the skin of an American tiger.

If that was the case, things would move much faster.

"In exchange, I want information. Something detailed, specific, and I want you to answer follow-up questions."

I decided to play the role of the Wandering Merchant Rabbit for a moment.

The Truth Litmus naturally turned blue.

It meant he wanted information not just on the 50th floor, but beyond that.

For example, information that the state was trying to cover up.

You know, that kind of stuff.

The kind that money can't buy.

'The rabbit wanders as it pleases, and I can only offer recommendations.' That was the content Team Leader Oh Wontaek had publicly announced during the press conference.

That meant only one thing.

I couldn't designate where the rabbit would go.

It was a preemptive strike to block the flood of intrusion requests that would surely pour in the moment it was revealed that I could choose where to send it.

And do you know what that also meant?

For Rian Carter, the probability of the rabbit appearing in the American Tower was an 'uncertain gain.'

Even if the probability of the rabbit visiting the American Tower increased, it didn't mean Rian Carter was guaranteed to meet it.

"A potion bundle?"

"Yes. A potion bundle."

"If I have that, can I definitely clear it?"

A question that pierced the core followed.

"It depends on your Trait, but since you won't tell me your Trait, Rian, I can't give you a definitive answer."

In truth, I thought the chances of clearing it were quite high.

The US had been struggling on the 1st floor of the Special Floor until we appeared.

I figured that if they just had the Defense-Ignoring Damage (50%), it would be more than possible.

It felt like it unlocked the damage cap, ignoring the base stat lock.

When I sold a 50% Defense-Ignoring item to Seo Ian a while back, I saw her go absolutely berserk, asking why I had been 'hiding' such a thing.

It was strange.

It was just that the quantity was extremely low, making it hard to find.

Enchanters sold them too.

The way she described it as 'hiding it' felt very ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠peculiar.

And the fact I learned later was...

'The best Defense-Ignoring potion you could get from an Enchanter was only 15%.'

Up until now, the US must have been using 15% ones.

At 50%, that's nearly a threefold increase.

On the Special Floor, an Awakened's base stats are locked at 1.

You pump them up with potions and equipment.

The boss's barrier is so sturdy that you have to take Defense-Ignoring potions for a portion of the stats boosted by potions and equipment to actually land.

I actually wanted to call a higher price, but I held back for now.

Like a trial version.

I wanted to let him experience 'firsthand' that it was better to join hands with me.

I wanted to show it to others, with Rian Carter leading the way.

That way, people would cling to me even when I gradually raised the prices.

Controlling the supply and adjusting the prices was my job anyway.

Even if the maximum floor levels of other countries' towers rose and latecomers appeared, the first-mover advantage was not something to be ignored.

"Huh? Was that a question just now?"

Seo Ian glared at Rian with wide eyes.

"Ian. Let's not be too uptight."

"Fine."

I decided not to deduct this from his question quota.

"Uju. Can I add a condition instead?"

"Let's hear it first."

"Sell that only to me."

"Excuse me?"

"Hudson must never buy it. Well, he can, but I want to try using it first."

His eyes were serious.

As expected of this guy...

He wasn't the representative of the US...!

It was the moment my suspicion turned into certainty.

Then, Hong Jehun and Seo Ian suddenly crossed my mind.

I briefly thought that people are the same everywhere.

"Anyway, you want an exclusive deal?"

"Yeah, that."

"If so, shouldn't there be a corresponding merit on this side too?"

Actually, this was an unexpected development.

I had intended to start the 'lining up' process with Rian Carter, but he was suddenly talking about exclusivity?

Of course, it wasn't that I couldn't do it, but there was no reason to do it readily either.

"You asked for information earlier, right? Unlimited provision of information from the 50th to the 55th floor, as far as I know. For your reference, from the 50th floor onwards, the background, monsters, and tricks are the same regardless of the country."

To prove his sincerity, Rian brought the Truth Litmus to his tongue.

It was the truth.

I glanced at Seo Ian, and our eyes met immediately.

It seemed she had been watching me for a while.

But I wasn't interested.

Information above the 50th floor could be sufficiently obtained by increasing the rabbit's appearance probability, and if all else failed, I could just put in the legwork myself.

"I don't think that's enough of a condition for an exclusive deal. I'll pass."

I refused without hesitation and looked at Seo Ian.

I was subtly asking if she had more to ask about the Selection Trait.

Because that was the only reason this Q&A session had been arranged, putting the reason for our meeting on the back burner.

"No? Really?"

No? Has he only lived a life of being deceived?

Perhaps he hadn't expected to be rejected. Rian asked back, his pupils dilated.

"Really."

Should I have used the litmus paper?

"Why?"

"Because I don't think that's a condition worth an exclusive deal."

"Don't you have to clear the 50th floor? And the floors after that!"

"I suppose I do."

"Then why are you refusing?"

"Does the US not need the rabbit?"

The initial requirement was, 'I'll give you information on the 50th floor, so increase the probability of the rabbit appearing in the US.'

It wouldn't do to lose track of the point.

"I need it. But even if the rabbit appears in the US, there's no guarantee it will appear in front of me, right?"

Rian's true intentions, which I had fully expected, popped out.

"And if possible, I don't want it to appear in front of Hudson!"

His very deep inner thoughts burst out one after another.

He even had a very serious face, stripped of all humor.

'These crazy people.'

I remembered Seo Ian saying something similar to me before, like 'Don't go to Hong Jehun.'

It's good to have a strong competitive spirit.

But good is good.

"Is that a question?"

At some point, the essence of the Q&A had become blurred.

Perhaps Rian Carter's Tower Merchant was in the form of a bright yellow snake?

I briefly had that thought.

"This isn't a question, it's a request. Anyway, you're saying you don't like the conditions?"

I nodded slightly.

Rian, who had returned to his smiling face, tentatively suggested another condition.

"Then how about this? I'll also tell you about the strategies that have been wrongly known in each country."

"Isn't that included in the information exchanged for the rabbit's appearance probability?"

Wait, look at this guy?

Was he trying to hide that?

A strange sense of betrayal.

When I narrowed my eyes, Rian waved his hands in denial.

"No, no! That's obviously included in the information above the 50th floor! I'm talking about information related to the Special Floor~"

Team Leader Oh Wontaek had said it once.

That the strategy for the Special Floor changes slightly depending on the boss.

Sometimes you have to break objects first.

Sometimes you have to deplete their HP simultaneously.

Anyway, he said there were all sorts of things.

And the fact that I know this now means.

"That's information that can also be provided by the Korean Association, isn't it?"

It means I have access to the information.

At my answer, the corners of Rian's eyes crinkled.

"Don't you think the Association might have wrong information?"

"No."

At my immediate answer, Rian paused for a moment.

"Uh... I misspoke. The Association doesn't have wrong information. But have you never thought that there might be information they know but don't disclose?"

Hmm. I just thought about it for a second.

"Actually, the information the Association discloses is closer to a 'safe method.' The information I can give you is a 'method to clear it quickly.'"

We did clear it narrowly this time.

Perhaps thinking the same thing, I briefly made eye contact with Seo Ian.

"But the Special Floor is originally safe."

That was how it was originally.

A hard rock that doesn't attack, despite having strong defense.

That was the common sense and formula regarding the Special Floor boss.

......That was certainly the case until we passed the phase.

"If you just go, that's what happens. But if you strategize differently, it changes. Think about it. Isn't it a bit strange? No matter how much of a difference there is in equipment, the base stats of Awakened are locked at 1. But isn't the difference in contribution between top-tier countries and the rest a bit strange?"

It felt very strange to hear 'think about it' from Rian Carter, but it was a plausible argument, so I couldn't bring myself to refute it.

But if this was a bluff, I'd be a bit angry.

It seems to be true.

If he's conscious enough to be wary, is it like top-secret information?

Unconsciously, I looked at Dylan.

Right there.

I made eye contact with him, and he was frowning.

It would look strange to blink in this situation.

But the content of the status window changes moment by moment as time passes.

What I'm curious about is Dylan's current state.

Oh my. That person's flow of thought is completely Korean!

He's cursing that specifically?

The bottom line of the status window contained harsh content that was hard to even put into words.

I couldn't bear to look, so I turned my head.

Because it felt like that rough way of thinking would rub off on me.

The special information that Rian Carter said the Association was covering up was undoubtedly the truth.

And Dylan seemed to be so displeased with the current situation where Rian Carter was freely talking about it that it was causing such violent thoughts.

"Fine."

Before he changed his mind.

Or before external pressure could intervene, I called it.

Because it felt like information that only Rian Carter could provide.

Let's assume we somehow manage to establish friendly relations with other countries.

Even then, we wouldn't be able to know the concealed information that Rian was talking about.

Why, you ask?

Just imagine something goes wrong with that information.

They would obviously only release 'safe information' to avoid taking responsibility.

Not the 'method to clear it quickly.'

It would be rare to meet someone like Rian who holds information as a card for his own desires.

Besides, isn't it a not-so-bad condition?

First of all, Rian Carter is a talent who will become a very capable 'scoreboard.'

Lining them up on my side.

He will be the first.

Plus, since he belongs to the US guild founded by Hudson, there's a possibility this could lead to an alliance later on.

"Instead, there will be an exclusivity period."

"How long?"

"That will be decided by Team Leader Oh Wontaek."

It was a matter I hadn't thought about.

And since I wanted some time to decide on the duration, I briefly used Team Leader Oh Wontaek as a shield.

After that, more conversation followed.

"Anyway, with this, the Q&A is over, and we need to clear from the 50th floor, is there any strategy?"

"Hmm? Is it a deal that includes increasing the rabbit's appearance probability in the US Tower?"

"Yes."

I nodded slightly.

I'm not the one clearing it right now, but if I can procure higher-grade materials through intrusion, it's good for me and good for you. A win-win situation.

The difference between 4-star and 5-star is huge.

Legendary grade... I'm not sure.

I think it was a gamble...

"Look, Dylan. I told you I'd get it done, didn't I?"

It wouldn't be that he's getting temporary exclusive rights to potions in exchange for the unofficial information on the Special Floor that came up today.

It must be about the rabbit's appearance probability increase in the US.

As Rian spoke cheerfully, a displeased sigh escaped Dylan's lips.

He had already been cursing a lot with his eyes.

'Isn't he going to get into trouble on his way home?'

I felt worried.

It was largely influenced by the fact that I had peered into his rough state of mind with my Hawk's Eye earlier.

"But Uju! My questions aren't finished yet!"

"I said from the beginning that it's our side that ends the Q&A, didn't I?"

I had to cut him off before any questions about the 'rabbit' could come out.

As long as the Truth Litmus existed, if they asked specific questions, it would be hard to just gloss over it with lies.

"Can't you do a ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠little more?"

He smiled and seemed to be trying to sneak in more questions.

Is he crazy?

"I have a schedule after this today."

I said, gesturing to the clock on the wall.

"Then next time."

"We'll see."

Of course, I intend to be selectively blind.

'We'll see' is similar to the widely used 'Let's meet and have a meal sometime' among affectionate Koreans.

"Anyway, hurry up and release the information on the 50th floor."

This time, I gestured to the clock, urging him.

It was also an expression that there would be no more Q&A.

"The 50th floor can only be cleared with a party of at least 3 people. The map is wide, but it feels like time attacks are popping up one after another. Also... it's advantageous to have high agility as well as high damage."

I had already heard about the 3-person minimum.

Because Seo Ian and Hong Jehun had chased me down saying there were 3 footstools.

Anyway, having high agility is advantageous.

"The 50th floor is a 'chain structure mission.' It's a structure where if you clear one, the next mission immediately follows, so if you fail even one, everything resets."

Seo Ian, who had experienced failure, added an explanation.

"Ah, and it's better if the Traits don't overlap. The attributes of the guys change every time you enter, and once, we brought only fire-attribute Awakened and completely failed."

This was information I was hearing for the first time.

Seo Ian and Hong Jehun, who were blocked by the footstools, must have been kicked out due to mission failure before they could even try anything properly.

At Rian's words, I nodded and quickly ran a simulation in my head.

Now, let's set the standard based on Hong Jehun and Seo Ian, who can step foot on the 50th floor, and myself, who will be entering soon.

Is agility on the high side?

Yes.

Perhaps due to the equipment, even Hong Jehun, who would have gone for full intelligence, seemed to have higher agility than me.

Do the Traits not overlap?

Yes.

Is it 3 people or more?

Yes.

"Is there any trick that would be good to know? I think I can manage the 3-person requirement."

At my question, Rian smiled meaningfully.

"The minimum is 3 people, but you'll barely clear it if you go in with a full party of 5, right?"

"Ah. Is 3 people too much?"

"It wouldn't be completely impossible, but to make that possible, you'd have to memorize and pre-determine insane levels of burst damage, timing, and movement routes. If there's a party that can pull that off... shouldn't those three be called monsters, not people? Ah, in Korean terms, it might be closer to 'old-timers' (go-in-mul)."

At that moment, Seo Ian shrugged beside me.

"Then we'll soon become 'monsters.' Especially me."

Our guild ace is truly consistent. She doesn't know what humility is.

Dylan was still watching from the side with an expressionless face, and Rian smiled, his eyes shining as if he were interested in Seo Ian's shameless answer.

"But Uju. Can I ask just one last question, really?"

"No."

I refused flatly.

The Special Floor came out, and the Hidden Dungeon came out.

Now, aren't the only questions left related to the rabbit?

"But there was something I couldn't ask earlier, is the Special Floor potion set you're selling an item obtained from the rabbit?"

It didn't seem like he hadn't learned Korean well enough to distinguish between yes and no.

It was truly strange.

Still, since it seemed I hadn't explained it properly earlier, I decided to add a bit more explanation.

"That's right. I usually hoard the high-quality goods the rabbit sells first."

"Then does that mean other Awakened can only purchase the remaining items?"

He was clearly a cunning snake whose inner thoughts couldn't be known until just a moment ago.

Now, he was liking it with eyes that anyone could see through.

And I had seen those eyes before.

The eyes inside the shining silver helmet often flashed with that kind of light.

Is it perhaps because of the check on Hudson, the eldest son of the US?

"That's right. And if you keep the part you just mentioned well, we'll be able to have exclusive dealings for a longer period."

I picked up the litmus paper tactfully.

Naturally, it turned blue.

At that, Rian smiled with delight.

He really is handsome.

Like this. I express my intentions visually and erase the topic of the rabbit.

Because from their perspective—no, from Rian's perspective—it would be more important to know what benefits he can get if he joins hands with me, rather than how much profit the US can extract through the rabbit.

"Then, can we take it that our deal is concluded?"

Rian's eyes crinkled even deeper.

If you look closely, he doesn't have a smiling face, but he's a person who laughs a lot.

"Yes. I'll connect you with Team Leader Oh Wontaek, so you can order the Special Floor potion sets through him."

Rian reached out his hand once again.

This time, it was a handshake filled with goodwill, not a show of force.

I grasped his hand.

"But how should I receive the Special Floor information and the 50th-floor information?"

I had intended to receive it directly, not through the Association from the start.

Team Leader Oh Wontaek and Yoon Jinki aren't the ones entering.

We are the ones entering.

"Uju. You have the business card I gave you earlier, right? If you have any questions about the 50th floor or above, contact me anytime."

Business card? Ah!

I didn't receive it directly.

Seo Ian handed it to me as if she were dumping her chores.

Anyway, having it is having it.

"Yes."

"Ah, damn. Give me one too!"

Seo Ian urgently reached out her hand to Rian.

Rian handed the business card to Seo Ian again.

"Ah, but when you contact me, please consider the time difference. Okay?"

He winked.

"Are you going back to the US?"

"Not that."

"Then why the time difference?"

"I still haven't adjusted to it."

He doesn't look like it, but if the person involved says so, what more can I say?

"Then we'll be off. I'll contact you again soon."

He waved his hand and turned his back.

Dylan, who had an expression as if he had a lot to say, opened the door first, and Rian turned around one last time and said to Seo Ian.

"Ah, and Ian. I hope we can meet in a private setting next time."

"Sure. Next time you come to Korea, I'll take you to a Chinese restaurant. There's something that looks just like you called pickled radish (danmuji), so let's go together."

"Haha, you don't refuse. I'll look forward to it, I'm serious."

Rian went out, smiling until the end.

As soon as the door closed, Seo Ian sat down on the chair and said.

"Ha, that guy. His way of speaking, really. He has a talent for provoking people. Makes me want to beat him up."

"But you still extracted quite a bit of information. And there's still a lot left to extract."

Only then did my tension ease, and I leaned back comfortably in the chair.

"By the way, the pickled radish..."

Perhaps because the tension had eased, laughter leaked out even at trivial things.

"What about the pickled radish."

"There were other decent expressions like lemon or dandelion."

"What. The pickled radish metaphor was perfect. His head is yellow."

Seo Ian crossed her arms and shrugged.

She tends to follow my words unusually well.

But in these parts, she rebels unusually well.

"But, benefactor."

She rested her chin on her hand and stared at me.

"Can I trust that pickled radish? Guys who smile like that always stab you in the back, don't they?"

I chuckled.

"Ian, I have something more certain than the 'Truth Litmus.'"

"What is it?"

"An eye for people."

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

She paused for a moment and then laughed foolishly.

"Well, if the benefactor says so, it must be true. Then does that mean Rian is a person I can truly trust?"

"At least for now."

Seo Ian listened to me, thought for a moment, and nodded.

"Then what are you going to do now? When are you coming to the 50th floor, benefactor?"

"Ian. I haven't even climbed to the 45th floor yet. And shouldn't you prioritize your Selection Trait over worrying about my 50th floor?"

"Ah, I've made up my mind about that."

"Oh, that's good."

Seo Ian put both hands behind her head and stretched.

"Anyway, today wasn't bad, right?"

I nodded slowly.

That's right. It was a meeting where we were suspicious of each other and probing each other's inner thoughts at first, but in the end, we laid the foundation for cooperation.

A temporary contract.

In the meantime, we would use each other and go together as far as we could.

In a way, is this similar to the coexistence Team Leader Oh Wontaek mentioned?

"Ian. Then can you finish all your Selection Traits within today?"

Selection Trait. Actually, I didn't understand it well even after hearing it.

"Oh? I finished it while talking to you just now? It's something I can process in the status window. I'm really strong now. Probably."

"Probably?"

"Like the pickled radish said, a few skills I had changed, so I think I'll have to use them myself to know."

"Uh... that's good. Then let's go to the 50th floor tomorrow."

"Eh?"

Seo Ian raised her eyebrows.

"You said you haven't even cleared the 45th floor yet?"

"When did I ever clear 10 floors and enter your 40s?"

"......That's true?"

The only person who knows I'm the rabbit.

"Let's tell Hong Jehun that you used it because you had a summoning scroll. It would be strange if I suddenly entered the 50th floor."

"Sure. But is there such a thing?"

"I don't know. I've never seen or heard of it."

While we were making excuses to tell Hong Jehun, the phone in my pocket buzzed.

It must be about the contract issue with Rian Carter.

I caught my breath and pressed the call button.

And I immediately brought up the business.

It was an 'emergency call request,' after all.

First, I explained the situation.

If the counter staff doesn't know anything, I'll have to handle that work again.

If it's work I have to handle, why bother having counter staff?

"And Team Leader. About that exclusivity period, after talking with Enchanter Park Siwoo..."

Ah, right.

That's why I brought Seo Ian here.

"...Still, I'll talk to Enchanter Park Siwoo and let you know."

Unofficial information that the Association doesn't tell you on purpose.

Wouldn't it be better to consult with Park Siwoo about that?

"But Team Leader."

"By any chance, is there any undisclosed information about the Special Floor?"

"Yes."

He's more active than I thought.

"Can you do that ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠for me?"

Team Leader.

He's elderly, but full of passion.

Well, I had that feeling from the first time I saw him.

That's probably why he gets along so well with Yoon Jinki, who is in the passionate new employee position.

Anyway, Rian Carter was right.

Information that the country is covering up.

Is it like a 'path that can be cleared quickly but isn't safe'?

If so, doesn't that mean if 'safety' is secured, a 'highway' can be opened?

"Please look into it as far as you can for now."

Team Leader says not to have too high expectations.

But, what if something comes out?

What if that information is the same as the hidden information Rian Carter provides?

I'll be able to demand something other than information.

"Ah, and please tell them that the exclusivity period is until the Special Floor. Like our TF team moving."

Anyway, what they need is the Special Floor potion set.

What I need is the discarded information of the Special Floor.

Even if Team Leader Oh Wontaek finds that information and brings it, since it's already been talked about, I can't take it back.

But I can shorten the period to hit and run quickly.

Regardless of whether he's a second-in-command or whatever, he's a named player in the US.

Named player = big-handed customer and a very good source of material procurement.

My judgment was that there's no good in making enemies for no reason.