Chapter 65 – The Root of the Matter (5)

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“They really worry about the strangest things.”

Although there were some awkward moments, this leisure trip down to the 78th floor wasn’t bad at all.

It was a different and interesting experience, both for me and for those watching me, and it went as planned.

But it seemed there were some who didn’t feel the same way.

When I checked the forum late at night before bed, I could see traces of their concerns.

‘They’re worried I might go astray?’

It’s true that the reaction was strong because someone who used to train every day was now acting differently.

I understand why experienced constellations, who have watched many juniors, would worry, but at this stage, such concerns are just ridiculous overreactions.

After all, even in this moment, I haven’t lost sight of my goals and identity.

It’s not like I came here to relax just for my own sake.

In fact, most users who criticized and mocked those overreactions seemed quite satisfied after watching me all day.

As I had hoped, every decision I made from start to finish had a positive impact and response.

From the location I chose for relaxation to my outfit, everything had high satisfaction ratings.

Well, to begin with, my fan gallery users have a very low threshold because of my dry, monotonous life spent climbing the tower.

Honestly, I thought anything I did would get a good reaction.

‘Still, dolphin shorts are a bit too much…’

With a bitter smile, I did the last thing I needed to do.

I posted the photos and videos I had taken throughout the day on the forum.

This was my way of giving back to them, a kind of gift.

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ㄴ“I was wondering why you hadn’t shown up!”
ㄴ“Please, just come during the day for once!”
ㄴ“Why does Reina photos only show up when she’s sleeping? What does this newbie do during the day?”

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Comments poured in immediately.

As expected, most of them were cheering over the special photos and videos, but some unintentionally hit the mark.

‘Should I change my pattern? But I have no choice but to fall asleep to access the community.’

My heart raced at the comment asking why I only appeared when Reina was asleep.

I still don’t know why I can only access the constellations’ community, Fate Road, while I’m asleep.

If my identity were revealed to them, I can’t even imagine the consequences.

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ㄴ“Her body might be stiff with embarrassment, but she seems relaxed. She looks even better like this.”

ㄴ“Those who tell her to just train are clueless. Do they think “still waters run deep” is just a saying?”

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‘Do you really feel that way too?’

As I scrolled further, the comments were filled with reactions saying that I looked happy and relaxed while enjoying leisure time with Kim Ji-eun.

Those comments were quite insightful too.

Aside from my awkward behavior due to the embarrassing crop top, I was indeed feeling quite at ease.

In fact, this had been the case since I learned about and adapted to Fate Road.

Having a reliable last line of defense made such a huge difference.

All the growth I’ve achieved recently has been possible because of that sense of security.

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ㄴ“Time’s up. The war is starting.”
ㄴ“To those participating, let’s make sure we survive.”

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Almost simultaneously, the war that had been foretold began in a distant, unknown place.

A notice was posted that Administrator Serpina was absent.

I watched as posts about the constellations themselves, not the challengers in the tower, began to appear on the forum.

Perhaps this was a glimpse of the future that only I, in the tower, could know.

I couldn’t tear my eyes away.

***

“For me, it was a dream come true. It felt like a long-awaited dream had finally been realized.”

“It wasn’t bad for me either.”

“I feel like I made you too uncomfortable…”

The next morning, Kim Ji-eun, who had come to my room first, smiled contentedly but also seemed to be gauging my reaction.

She had pressured me into wearing those awkward clothes, but now she seemed apologetic, thinking I might have been too uncomfortable.

“I’m getting used to it now.”

I raised the corner of my mouth and shrugged my shoulders.

It wasn’t a lie. Compared to when I first wore it, I was starting to get used to it.

At least I wasn’t fidgeting or trying to cover my exposed stomach anymore.

In fact, it was more like resignation. No matter how much I tried to cover my stomach, my back would still be exposed, so it was like trying to fill a bottomless bucket.

“I’m glad to hear that.”

Kim Ji-eun’s expression softened, seemingly relieved.

Come to think of it, it wasn’t just the constellations who were satisfied with this outing—Kim Ji-eun was too.

She had spent time alone with me, dressing me up as she pleased, just like she had always wanted.

“You’ll be able to perform well in the 151st floor raid, right?”

“Of course.”

After resting and having fun, it was time to get back to work.

At my mention of the 151st floor, her face stiffened momentarily before she nodded.

“Still, it’s a bit disappointing. Part of me thinks it wouldn’t be so bad to just live in the tower with you like this forever.”

“…Anyone would get tired eventually.”

Before heading back to the 135th floor where the headquarters was located, Kim Ji-eun muttered as we looked out over the steampunk-infused modern city from the rooftop of a hotel made of antique stone.

Climbing the tower is undoubtedly grueling.

After pouring everything into climbing one floor, an even harder floor awaits.

The fundamental purpose of the tower is to break through limits. In other words, you must test and surpass your limits each time to reap the rewards.

By breaking through those limits, you eventually become a constellation, a transcendent being.

How likely is it for an ordinary person to surpass their true “limits”? Do they even get the chance to face those limits?

Challengers are forced to do so on every floor.

“When we first started climbing the tower, it was a wild place, but look at it now. It’s becoming more livable. Abundant resources, loved ones… Maybe we could live comfortably here too. It’s only natural to think that way.”

Kim Ji-eun looked down at the scenery with a complicated expression, as if lost in thought.

As she said, the world within the tower is developing over time.

As the vanguard breaks through higher floors and conquers their dungeons, providing more resources, the standard of living will continue to rise.

It might even become a more advanced world than our homelands.

This is a space where multiple worlds, which would never have intersected, come together.

It’s no wonder that some challengers, constantly tested to their limits, give up their power and become mere residents. It’s the same reason why most of the old forces were more obsessed with maintaining their current power than climbing the tower.

‘Is this what the constellations were worried about?’

Corruption isn’t just about becoming lazy or losing motivation.

Even collapsing from exhaustion is akin to corruption from the constellations’ perspective.

Whether they become saints or sinners, troublemakers or community specters, they are the ones who overcame this and saw the end.

“Nevertheless, we must climb the tower.”

With a wry smile, I placed my hand on Kim Ji-eun’s petite shoulder.

At the beginning of my possession, survival was my only goal.

Back then, as an ordinary college student, I had possessed the body of a powerless girl, surrounded by enemies trying to kill me.

But now, things are different.

By following the original protagonist, Jung Chan-soo, I’ve already tasted what true growth is like.

Through Fate Road, I’ve already seen what fate has in store for me.

I won’t avoid it.

Because avoiding it doesn’t mean I can deny it.

“At the very least, I want to see the end of this world with my own hands.”

“Yes. If it’s you, Reina-nim… I’ll definitely follow you.”

Fortunately, Kim Ji-eun wiped away her worries and smiled brightly at my words.

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ㄴ“Did you see that? Huh? I told you it was unnecessary worry.”
ㄴ“Wow… this time it’s really…”

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The conversation Reina had with Kim Ji-eun on the hotel rooftop was, of course, being watched by the constellations of Fate Road.

Since they had been arguing and debating about it until Administrator Serpina stepped in, Reina’s unwavering declaration earned considerable admiration.

Those who had seriously worried about Reina’s corruption and overreacted were now left speechless.

“Guild Master, no matter what, this is…”

However, it wasn’t just the constellations who were watching Reina.

“If I get any closer, she’ll definitely sense my presence.”

At Kim Dong-soo’s hesitant words, Jung Chan-soo firmly shook his head and lowered the binoculars in his hand.

They were currently hiding on the rooftop of another building, several blocks away from where Reina was, secretly observing her.

‘As expected, there’s no need to worry.’

Jung Chan-soo had figured out what Reina was saying just by reading her lips through the binoculars.

The moment he confirmed her resolve and mindset, any lingering anxiety disappeared.

No matter what she did or where she went, as long as Reina remained the person he knew, that was all that mattered.

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ㄴ“Is this guy really insane?”

ㄴ“This is truly impressive…”

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Of course, many were shocked by his actions.

Author Note

A/N (Author’s note):
Thank you for reading.

Translator Note

T/N (Translator’s note):
I mean, fair enough for him, in his eyes, he created a welcomed variable who could stand by his side without his own interference. How lucky is that?

Though, still crush his balls.