Chapter 103 44. The Weak Ones Act Up
The Weak Ones Dare to Act Up
Episode 104
The second-ranked Park Ha-rin wasn't as soft as expected.
Realizing she wasn't being cooperative, the Thrones fell silent as if struck dumb.
To be precise, they kept their mouths shut for other reasons as well.
Grind—
Park Se-eun was grinding her teeth while glaring at the 11th Throne.
The other women, including Kang So-eun, were no different.
Their gazes toward Tirpe were far from kind.
"Auntie? You were nowhere to be seen when things went south, yet you somehow managed to survive, huh?"
"......."
Tirpe, who had earned their scorn, wore a dark expression before bowing her head.
"...I apologize. I have committed a sin worthy of death."
Her voice was utterly defeated as she offered her apology.
But.
"Tch. Wouldn't it have been better if you'd just died quietly? Guess you didn't want that. Fine—wait for me in the plaza later. I'll make sure to put you down properly."
...Their relationship was already beyond repair.
Honestly, Tirpe had brought this upon herself.
Even if I tried to mediate, things would only get messier.
But Park Se-eun... just because you gained some experience from the Incomplete Zombie, are you suddenly auditioning for a suicide mission?
『Park Se-eun's Stats』
[Strength 214] [Agility 192] [Stamina 172] [Mana 316]
『Tirpe's Stats』
[Strength 821] [Agility G-] [Stamina 321] [Mana G-]
...Do you have a death wish or something?
Park Se-eun didn't stop, relentlessly hurling vicious insults at Tirpe. Listening from the sidelines, I was on edge.
There was a real risk that Tirpe, pushed to her limit, might just slice Park Se-eun in half.
Even though Tirpe was cowed, I could only hope she wouldn't snap.
"You filthy bitch!"
Well, she's not filthy.
I'm the only man she's ever known.
Unable to take it anymore, I stepped in.
"Park Se-eun. That's enough."
A single dignified word from her oppa.
But instead of backing down, Park Se-eun redirected her fury at me.
"Whose side are you on right now? Did you fuck her or something?"
...What kind of vulgar language is that coming from a high school senior? And how the hell did she even guess? Cold sweat beaded on my forehead.
Then, Park Ha-rin's voice dropped low as she intoned:
"Shut up."
"......."
Park Se-eun immediately sat down and clamped her mouth shut. Her lips twitched like she wanted to say more, but under her elder sister's imposing command, she didn't dare move. This little brat. She should listen to her oppa properly.
At any rate, the farce only we could understand came to an end.
While we were busy with this, the other Thrones remained silent.
They were just watching our reactions.
"Ten million... Was that really a number achievable just by killing zombies and rescuing people?"
The 9th Throne, a woman named Federica, finally spoke.
Her crimson eyes locked onto me.
Her gaze scrutinized me meticulously, brimming with wariness in its depths. Not that she could see me properly through the light barrier anyway.
Meanwhile, I could observe her in detail.
The bra supporting her ample chest was as red as her hair.
Even the thong she wore to avoid visible panty lines under her slacks was red. Though she covered herself with a sharply tailored suit, her figure was undeniably alluring.
And despite that seductive aura, she was still untouched by men.
『Status Window』
——————————
Name: Federica Verati
Level: 38
Height: 175.1 cm, 62 kg
Titles: None
Occupation: None
Gender: Female (29)
Origin: Italy
Sexual Experience: Virgin (0)
Condition: Calm, Tense
+Stats
[Strength 189] [Agility 527] [Stamina 89] [Mana 388]
+Abilities
[She Never Misses]
+Skills
[The Target Never Escapes (Heroic Grade)]
[Cold Firepower (Heroic Grade)]
[Firearms Specialization (Rare Grade)]
[Vendetta - Blood Vengeance (Rare Grade)]
[Negotiating Table of Force (Rare Grade)]
[Back-Alley Ecology Assessment (Rare Grade)]
[Reload Shortening (Rare Grade)]
[Accelerated Gun Assembly and Disassembly (Common Grade)]
[Gunpowder Manufacturing (Common Grade)]
——————————
"She Never Misses."
An absurd ability.
The power to always hit her target—or to make the outcome land exactly as she desired.
And her talent was overwhelming.
Despite the short time, she had awakened the most skills among us.
(Well, I'm an exception since I've been stuffing myself with opportunities.)
'This Federica woman is a monstrous talent too.'
I glanced at Tirpe, who looked slightly sullen.
Noticing Federica's position, Tirpe gave a small nod.
—...Federica Verati, boss of the Verati Family, a traditional Sicilian mafia group in Italy. A formidable woman who surpassed her brothers with her unique ruthlessness and icy composure, rising to rule as the family's boss. She never trusts others easily, but once she grants her loyalty, she's someone you can rely on to the end.
...This world has way too many damn criminals.
And why are all the women in this rotten underworld so exceptional?
She subdued vicious mafiosi as a woman? How does that even work?
Federica's thoughts leaked through.
—...If they're dangerous, the only option is to put a bullet through their skulls.
...Well, judging by her cold, lifeless eyes, she doesn't seem like the type to back down.
Beautiful women always carry a different aura when they're serious.
And whether man or woman, in front of a gun, everyone is equal.
"The zombies turned into black clouds and crossed Earth. Their trajectory suggested they were heading for Korea, but the details after that are unclear. It's as if the information was deliberately blocked... Just what happened in Korea?"
The question had been directed at me, but I wasn't the one who answered.
"Hmm? I don't think that's what's important right now?"
It was the Mexican man seated on the fourteenth throne—Brown.
Federica's red eyebrows twitched slightly. She crossed her arms over her ample chest and tapped her forearm with her index finger.
"Brown Carlos Juan Sanchez. I thought we were on friendly terms? The way you're speaking sounds like you're mocking me. Surely I'm mistaken?"
Brown, with his deep brown skin, let out a snicker.
Several gold teeth glinted in his smug grin.
—...The heir to Mexico's Jose Cartel drug cartel, who took over his father's position after the Zombie Apocalypse. A greedy, inscrutable man. He often gaslights people under the guise of public interest.
'Another fucking criminal.'
His fingers were adorned with thick gold rings, and his chest was covered in dense body hair—the very image of a wealthy Mexican.
Then again, unless you were the head of an organization, becoming a Ranker would be tough.
Brown adjusted his expensive sunglasses and rolled up his suit sleeves.
"Boss Veratti. If it came off that way, I apologize. I just meant we shouldn't dwell too much on the past—I wasn't trying to insult you. Right. More important than what's already happened..."
His greasy gaze shifted to me. I could practically read his thoughts, and it made me want to laugh.
"...is how we, fellow 'Earthlings,' should navigate The Tower from now on, don't you think? That seems far more productive."
Brown...
In Mexico, they usually called people by their last name, didn't they?
"What do you think, First, Second, and Third Place?"
Brown smirked, his expression slimy.
"You wouldn't be planning to use the Wish Ticket for personal gain instead of for the sake of Earth's people, would you?"
"......."
"......."
Park Ha-rin and Kang So-eun didn't respond.
Because I hadn't said a word.
"I've been wondering about this for a while. What the hell caused men's reproductive functions to suddenly disappear? Could it be because of the Wish Ticket you all claimed in advance? I'm starting to suspect that. Surely not, right?"
He kept prodding us.
Testing the limits of what we'd tolerate.
"More importantly, those absurd scores... There's no way to make sense of them unless you had prior knowledge. You wouldn't be hiding anything from us fellow Earthlings, would you? Ah, of course not. You wouldn't turn your backs on your own people knowing the dangers of The Tower, right? People have lost their home, Earth—they're in despair. Now, more than ever, we Rankers should unite humanity and combine our strength, don't you think?"
His words kept pushing for agreement, as if his stance were the only righteous one.
Subtly, he was using the lives of the masses as leverage.
As if he expected us to feel guilty over this.
"We're not asking for much. The Tower is capable of wiping out entire universes in an instant, isn't it? And who knows how vast it is? So, if you happen to know something, wouldn't it be better if we humans worked together to overcome this crisis? Surely... you wouldn't selfishly hoard information among yourselves while abandoning everyone else? People's lives are at stake here."
I was so bored I could yawn.
Showing a lighter side because of Park Se-eun had been a mistake.
They'd started looking down on us.
"Let's discuss the Wish Ticket later."
As I ignored Brown's rambling, the man on the thirteenth throne—Oscar—chimed in.
"I also believe the Wish Ticket should be used for the sake of Earth's people. We don't know what hardships await in The Tower, and sharing information while forming a Pentagon alliance among Earth's Rankers to climb together..."
He launched into a grand speech, but I didn't even listen with half an ear. Instead, I focused on Tirpe's muttering, which was far more pleasant to hear.
—...He's a U.S. senator. It's rare for these types to get along, but the sense of crisis must be strong. ...He probably feels threatened by the new era and wants to consolidate power to avoid being left behind.
The other throne-holders were subtly nodding along.
Our records had been overwhelmingly dominant, after all.
Of course they'd suspect we knew something.
No—they were certain of it.
That's why they were using the pretense of a "greater good" to pressure us into sharing information.
But what could I do?
"We're just asking you to share a little for the sake of our fellow Earthlings. Friend."
"Let's work together, Park Si-hyun."
I, who had faced nothing but ranked monsters from the Outer Dimension, could only sigh.
But me?
『Status Window』
Name: Brown Carlos Juan Sanchez
Level: 35
Height: 192.3 cm, 139 kg
Title: None
Occupation: None
Gender: Male (35)
Origin: Mexico
Condition: Nervous, Expectant
+Stats
[Strength 113] [Agility 79] [Stamina 377] [Mana 92]
+Abilities
[Keen Nose]
+Skills
[Scent of Desire (Heroic Grade)]
[Scent of Greed (Rare Grade)]
[Bear-like Distracting Gestures (Common Grade)]
『Status Window』
Name: Oscar Bilchen
Level: 36
Height: 183.3 cm, 83 kg
Title: None
Occupation: None
Gender: Male (41)
Origin: America
Condition: Nervous, Expectant
+Stats
[Strength 201] [Agility 199] [Stamina 192] [Mana 207]
+Abilities
[Pursuit of Balance]
+Skills
[Territorial Banner (Heroic grade)]
[Spear Mastery (Rare grade)]
[Persuasion (Rare grade)]
There's no way someone like me would feel threatened by the likes of you.
If anything, you should count yourselves lucky I don't find you utterly pathetic.
"You—should I call you Brown, or Juan?"
Brown snickered. He seemed to take my reaction as a positive sign, as if he'd successfully provoked me.
"You can call me Brown. We're close enough for that."
"Alright. Brown. And Oscar?"
"Yes. Please do."
Oscar smiled amiably as well.
To them, I said:
"I've memorized your faces."
"...?"
"...?"
For a moment, they froze, dumbfounded—but soon, derisive smirks crept onto their faces.
"Brown. Eight gold teeth. Currently wearing an Italian-made high-end *rance suit, and despite your sorry state, I can smell the cigar smoke from here. And why the hell are you snorting gold dust, you little shit?"
Brown's mouth hung open in shock.
"Oscar. Magic blonde hair. Wearing an American-made high-end **zen suit, wielding a spear, and even your shoes are high-end. Want me to name the brand too? Oh, and stop biting your nails. You'll ruin them."
Oscar, too, pulled his fingers from his mouth, his face twitching.
Here, the veil of light prevents us from seeing each other.
Which is why, now that their appearances have been exposed so completely, the fear they felt was all the more overwhelming.
"You don't know me, but I know you. And you're curious about the information I have? Then come find me yourselves later. If you've got the guts to act like you know me, then come and learn firsthand. Bring as many people as you want. I'll make sure you understand exactly why my score is so high."
『14th. Brown - 2,900p - <Excluded>』
『13th. Oscar - 3,500p - <Excluded>』
Weaklings who should be groveling at my feet, begging for my help.
They thought they were on equal footing with me, but they had no right to test me like this.
Maybe they'd forgotten, too caught up in the status they'd built back on Earth—
『1st. Park Si-hyun - 6,970,000p - <All-Time Climber Ranking - 1st>』
But here, I am the absolute authority.
"If you even think about getting in my way, you'd better be prepared. I'll chase you to the top of the Tower and slaughter you both. So stay quiet, don't cause trouble for anyone, and live meekly. That's the only role you're allowed, the only way you'll survive."
At my merciless declaration, their lips trembled.
Finally, Brown, unable to accept it, snapped.
"You—you're just going to abandon the people of Earth?!"
"Abandon them? Is that something a drug-peddling piece of shit like you should be saying?"
The voice came from Park Ha-rin, seated beside me.
Brown glared at her like he wanted to kill her.
"Hmm? Got a problem? Then come at me."
Park Ha-rin's throne began to glow with hostility.
"I'll take you on."
As she sneered, Kang So-eun's throne also lit up.
"You shouldn't have messed with Park Si-hyun."
One after another, more thrones began to shine.
Uuuuuung!
Out of the fifteen thrones, six remained dark—but the other nine erupted with light.
Tirpe's throne, along with the rest—all of them Korean nationals. The remaining thrones paled in comparison.
Looking at that light, I addressed the others.
"You've got some nerve, demanding information and Wish Tickets from us for free when you should be begging for mercy. Keep that attitude up—if you don't want to live long."
The remaining thrones fell silent.
"And if any of you even think about laying a hand on one of us... if you think you can hide from me, go ahead and try. The price will be paid by everyone here—everyone connected to you. Think carefully before you act. Keep your heads down and live quietly. Next time, I won't bother with words. This is the last mercy I'll show you as fellow Earthlings."
That was the end.
They managed to keep their expressions under control, but they couldn't hide the fear gnawing at their insides.
Right at that moment—
『「Class Selection Gate」 is now open.』
Behind us, an electronic code woven from mana materialized.
A translucent gate etched itself into the air.
Soon, the arch-shaped gates solidified into massive double doors.
Creeeak!
The mechanical-looking doors swung wide open.
From within the opened gate, light spilled forth—along with a powerful suction force. Our bodies began to digitize, breaking down into code as we were pulled inside.
Until the very last moment, the thrones didn't dare make a sound.
This was the price for underestimating me.
"There won't be a second chance."
With that final warning, my vision flooded with light.
#
Passing through the gate, another space unfolded before my eyes.
Ahead.
A massive door, so tall I had to crane my neck to see its top.
An arch-shaped gate, intricately crafted from machinery.
Beyond it—nothing but a pure white void.
A space where only this mechanical gate existed.
And standing before it—
Two girls, their faces eerily similar, like twins.
Expressionless, inorganic eyes. Artistic faces paired with plain figures. Mechanical traces visible across their bodies, like androids.
The girls standing politely on either side of the gate were the 「Mechanical Servitors」.
Administrators who handled the Tower's miscellaneous tasks—androids of the 『Perfecter of Machine and Space』.
The two girls, identical save for their hair and eye colors, bowed politely to me.
[Welcome.]
[We greet you.]
With graceful gestures, they motioned toward the gate.
[The great one.]
[Our creator awaits you.]