The Death Tower Quest
When Mu-hyuk had first arrived on the Kairon Continent.
He had turned off Illusion TV while selling items at the Baekho Clan, but this time it was just a visit, so there was no need to do that.
Thanks to this, new viewers got to see the Baekho Clan for the first time, while longtime ones expressed nostalgia at the familiar sight after so long.
In the meantime, Mu-hyuk met privately with Baekho Un, the leader of the Baekho Clan.
"Hoo."
Baekho Un's eyes changed along with his exclamation of admiration.
"You..."
The pressure in that gaze bore down on Mu-hyuk.
What the hell?
This had never happened before.
A test?
In an instant, the pressure intensified.
Hup...!
Mu-hyuk's body tensed instinctively. It felt like Baekho Un could swing his sword at any moment.
Reflexively, Mu-hyuk shifted into a combat stance, ready to react.
Baekho Un's pressure felt utterly real. Mu-hyuk's shoulders twitched on reflex, one hand reaching for his shield, the other for his sword hilt.
At that moment, Baekho Un's pressure vanished as if it had been a lie.
"You've grown tremendously."
"Pardon...?"
Baekho Un looked genuinely impressed.
"You're the first outsider to withstand that level of pressure."
As Mu-hyuk had guessed, it was a test.
Even though he'd anticipated it, the impact was huge.
Who is this guy...?
They'd met several times, but he'd always seemed like an ordinary person.
Mu-hyuk had figured he must be skilled as clan leader, but he hadn't truly felt it until now. Today, he'd sensed just a fraction of that power.
To stimulate combat instincts with mere pressure.
He hadn't even imagined an NPC like this existed.
How strong is he?
One thing was certain: he far surpassed a level 180 elite imperial knight.
Stronger than me, without a doubt.
Maybe 250... no, over 300.
"Phew, that startled me."
"Haha, my apologies. Have some tea."
He lifted the teacup in front of him.
A fragrant aroma wafted up, calming Mu-hyuk's mind and body. A sip brought a refreshing coolness to his mouth.
"I don't know much about tea, but it's always great."
"Thank you."
Baekho Un stared intently at Mu-hyuk.
"More importantly, do you remember what I said before?"
"What you said before...?"
"That you should come back someday."
"Ah, of course. That's why I've visited occasionally."
"I see. Truth be told, I left those words because I had a favor to ask. But back then, I thought you couldn't handle it yet, so I didn't mention it."
"I understand."
"Now, you're worlds apart from then."
This was as good as saying he'd give a quest now.
"Will you hear my request? The reward won't disappoint."
"Of course."
"Straightforward, I like that. Do you know of the Tower of Death?"
"Pardon...?"
The sudden mention of the Tower of Death.
Is that tied to the quest?
"There's a 50-floor tower not far from here."
"I know of it."
"That makes this easier."
Mu-hyuk waited silently.
Baekho Un's tale began with a sigh.
"One of our Baekho Clan warriors got caught in a strange incident while helping an acquaintance. In resolving it, something went wrong, and that Tower of Death suddenly appeared."
This was new information even for Mu-hyuk.
Not opened by a user?
"The aura emanating from the tower was so ominous that we sent our warriors, but it couldn't be destroyed by skill alone. We found it required a key from a strange box. The time cost was too high, so we gave up. Still, it nags at me. A tower of ill omen created by our clan's warrior. I've always wanted to destroy it. Then I met you. I was thinking, if you grew a bit more, maybe I could ask."
"I see."
"I've heard outsiders welcome such requests."
"That's right."
"Good. Then, can you destroy that Tower of Death?"
Clear the Tower of Death
📍 Location: Near Maourim Small Town
🎁 Reward: Martial Arts Acquisition, Linked Quest
The Tower of Death near Maourim Small Town emits an ominous aura. Baekho Clan leader Baekho Un tried to rectify his clan warrior's mistake but failed. Clear the Tower of Death in his stead.
[Accept?]
Yes / No
The reward was martial arts acquisition.
Martial arts...?
He couldn't tell yet if it was good or bad.
But it couldn't hurt to learn.
Even without it, he planned to accept. The "linked quest" hooked him.
He'd never regretted a linked quest reward before, so he resolved to clear this one.
"One question."
"What is it?"
"It might be tough alone, so I plan to bring companions. Will they get sufficient rewards too?"
"Of course. No worries there. But there is a limit."
"What limit...?"
"Twenty people. No more than that. Otherwise, the rewards become burdensome."
Quest sharing up to 20, then.
"Including me, four."
"That's fine."
"Understood."
"Any other questions?"
"No."
"Then, will you take my request?"
"Yes, I accept."
"Thank you."
"I'll return after toppling the tower with my companions."
"Do that."
Mu-hyuk bowed and left the Baekho Clan.
Perfect timing?
A smile tugged at his lips.
He had to clear the Tower of Death anyway, and now he got a quest too. Like getting an extra reward for free.
Time to head out.
Before logging out, Mu-hyuk scanned the chat again.
The reactions were amusing.
Those who believed in him.
Those who worried.
Both cared about Mu-hyuk.
He felt grateful to the believers and wanted to reassure the worriers briefly.
You couldn't get this quest without high affinity with the Baekho Clan leader.
Even with that, under level 200 wouldn't pass Baekho Un's test.
Mu-hyuk hit 200 and took 3rd; 4th was 199.
No need to worry.
But explaining point by point was too much, and some info was sensitive.
After thinking, he spoke.
"Thanks for the concern, everyone. But your worries won't come true."
Mu-hyuk nodded.
A little chat's fine.
"Ask your questions."
Messages flooded in at terrifying speed.
"Whoa, too fast? Too many. I'll answer a few I see."
He checked their questions and answered non-sensitive ones earnestly.
"Plans after Tower of Death? Hmm. Gotta wander some. Main Episode 2 is hidden power, so aiming for that. Don't know how yet, but it'll turn up. That's it for answers. Tired now. And as you know, rest tomorrow. See you in two days."
He waved goodbye and logged out.
*
While Mu-hyuk slept.
Mu-hyuk's stream's blowing up. Sharing for those who don't know lol. Know you can get a Tower of Death clear quest on Kairon now? Mu-hyuk's #1 by miles, so no chance clearing now. But #2 group might? Super curious what reward they'd get! Quick guide: Learned from his stream. Head to Maourim Small Town north on Kairon Continent, to the martial arts clan-like...
They chatted and laughed.
The same post, translated, went up on North and South American sites.
Curiosity drew many into Illusion.
Maourim Small Town...
They headed there.
Along the way, eyes met others.
A strange camaraderie passed between them.
You too...?
They smiled, hiding their thoughts.
More gathered as they went.
Most shared the same goal. The shared purpose fueled curiosity and excitement.
Even more at the town?
As expected, Maourim Small Town teemed with users.