Chapter 23 : Something Not To Be Trifled With

“Hunter Kim Do Yoon-nim.”

On the day of the 4th-floor assault, seeing the manager he hadn’t met in a while, Do Yoon greeted him with a bright expression.

“It’s been a while.”

“Haha, thanks to you, Hunter-nim, my workload has increased…. Ah! I’m definitely not blaming you. For me, having more work is a

blessing.”

Is there anyone who likes work?

He was suspicious as he recalled his past days in the field, but since Do Yoon had been enjoying his recent clearing activities, he quickly

understood.

“I heard the story. Permission came down from the higher-ups immediately. They have very high expectations for Hunter Kim Do Yoon-

nim.”

At those words, Jo Ha Rin, who was lightly warming up beside them, approached.

“You’re not just packaging him up to sell him off easily, are you?”

“Ah…”

“It’s fine. It’s not Manager Choi Geon Woo-nim’s fault. The system is the problem, the system. It’s a structure where only the salaried people

lose out.”

“Ha Rin-ah. That’s deep.”

“Ah, sorry.”

Leaving Choi Geon Woo with a troubled expression, Han Ji Hyuk lightly cautioned her.

“I might have misspoken a bit. I didn’t mean to express dissatisfaction with the manager. It’s just that I’ve been too preoccupied with external

matters lately.”

Training, advertisements, education about the Tower, and other miscellaneous tasks.

Thinking about it, Jo Ha Rin once again felt an unpleasant emotion.

“I apologize on their behalf. It seems the exchange meeting is not far off…”

“Ugh… The exchange meeting.”

As soon as Jeong Ahyeon heard those words, she made a disgusted face.

All sorts of human characters, Hunters intoxicated with their own self-importance, gather in one place—

A gathering where it feels like everyone is shouting, “I’m the best in the world.”

In that event, which seemed to embody the law of the jungle, it’s the weaker group of Hunters whose backs are broken.

Hunters like Han Ji Hyuk, who possess a low progression rate.

“I hope at least Do Yoon-ssi can have an environment where he can focus on his growth.”

“…I also always prioritize that and am doing my best.”

“We all know how much the manager is struggling.”

With those words, the team headed towards the Tower in a somewhat awkward atmosphere.

“Identity confirmed.”

The soldier they had seen before confirmed the identities of the Hunters, including Do Yoon.

“You’re working hard.”

“Not at all, loyalty!”

When Do Yoon conveyed his pity, the soldier’s eyes reddened, and he saluted with a practiced posture.

“Let’s go, Do Yoon oppa!”

“Alright.”

Ahyeon, who had been staring intently at the scene from nearby, tugged firmly at Do Yoon’s collar.

Until they finally entered the Tower completely, the soldier’s gaze did not leave Do Yoon’s back.

A monster collapsed with a death cry.

He captured the corpse of the creature, which had the appearance of a giant reptile, on his phone screen.

“…Is that also related to your skill?”

“Yes.”

“I really don’t understand skills, even when I think I do.”

“It’s always tiring if you try to understand.”

Next to Han Ji Hyuk, who had a subtle expression, Jo Ha Rin helped him understand.

Do Yoon immediately attached the photo to a Gallery post.

[(My Post) Title: 4th Floor Monster.jpg]

[(Photo of a dead reptile monster)]

[-It looks something like this, any Bopgael members know anything?]

[ㄴ I’m a mob from Wine-jwa’s Tower, but I’ve never seen a guy like that. It seems the mobs have changed a few times since I last knew.]

[(My Post) ;;;]

[ㄴ But can you send photos like that from inside the Tower?]

[ㄴ Why not? If you send it, you send it.]

[ㄴ We might send it by consuming mana, but didn’t Newbie say he had to take it with that phone or something? It needs reception too.]

[(My Post) I didn’t think it would work either, but the status window took care of everything lol;]

[ㄴ The world is amazing.]

Title: It’s a ‘Scalelurker’~

Nickname: ShortEaredElf*

–They mainly inhabit dense forests and have scales with a camouflage effect~

–You’ll have to be careful of ambushes~ Though if it’s Newbie-gun, you’ll easily win even if you’re caught~

–Other than that, they’re just big?

–It won’t be difficult to deal with

[ㄴ How does Elf know that?]

[ㄴ Author) There’s a way to know everything~]

[ㄴ If you’re a Tower Master, aren’t your memories somewhat intact? You’re the ‘oldest,’ after all.]

[ㄴ Author) Why would that connect to this~?]

[ㄴ Uh oh.]

[ㄴ “In the Tower” “Strongest” “Master” And,]

[ㄴ “Oldest.”]

 

[ㄴ Isn’t this teasing?]

[ㄴ lololololol]

[ㄴ Author) Newbie-gun, you work hard~ The kid just now, let’s have a 1-on-1 talk with me.]

[ㄴ F*cked lolololol]

[ㄴ I predict at least a one-month ban.]

[ㄴ That’s the minimum?]

[ㄴ Don’t try to know more…]

Having roughly farmed the information, Do Yoon neatly stood up.

“All done?”

“Yes, Hyungnim. Thank you for waiting.”

“What for, whatever it is, you have to be sure before you go.”

Do Yoon smiled at the trustworthy words and took out the Goblin Warlord’s curved sword from his inventory.

The inventory system, unlocked upon reaching level 5.

It was surprisingly convenient and highly versatile.

According to the Hunters’ simple explanation, goods obtained in the Tower from now on could be managed through one’s inventory.

With this, he could neatly store other goods he obtained.

Feeling satisfied, Do Yoon moved to find the next target.

Only ‘Jeong Ahyeon’ knew the location of the boss room on this floor.

Because she was the most recent Hunter among them, and also the one who knew the latest information about the lower floors.

“I guess I’m lucky. If the boss mob had changed again after your clearing, Ahyeon-ah, it would have been troublesome.”

If a Hunter from another world had discovered a hidden piece on the lower floors, the floor itself would have changed.

“Ah, no, no… I can only help up to the 5th floor, so I have to help diligently…! A-and. Do Yoon oppa learned how to deal with the monsters

here even before I needed to tell you.”

“That’s true. Sometimes it gets awkward.”

“That just means it’s safe. Do Yoon-ssi, don’t worry and just keep moving like that.”

Following Jo Ha Rin’s last words, Ahyeon resumed her guidance.

-Kwajik!

In the process, they hunted three more reptile-type monsters.

From the second one onwards, he got a good feel for it and could deal with them familiarly.

“It’s here!”

“Okay.”

“Do Yoon-ah, you’re going in right away, right?”

“Yes.”

Behind Han Ji Hyuk, who held his large shield forward, Cha Yoon Ha and Jo Ha Rin checked their respective equipment.

And so—

“Going in.”

The Hunter team entered the boss room.

[Entering the ‘Boss Room’.]

[Defeat the Boss Monster, ‘Tyrasilis’!]

-Thump! Thump!!

The master of the territory, noticing the intruders, moved.

There was no need to seek it out.

Because the master itself was approaching to greet the guests.

“Prepare for battle.”

“What’s the formation?”

“Same as before. We’re supporting Do Yoon.”

“Yes.”

Behind Do Yoon, who held his old shield and curved sword, Jo Ha Rin scanned the surroundings with daggers in hand.

There were no other subordinate creatures.

As if to emphasize that it was the true master of this boss room, it was guarding this place alone, aloofly.

“It’s coming!”

“Hyungnim!”

-Thump! Kwaang!

Giant footsteps that shook the ground.

The Hunters’ gazes turned towards the boss monster.

A giant lizard, covered in blood-red scales, exuding a majesty like that of an earth dragon.

“Krwoooooooaar!!”

With a roar that made their eardrums ring, the battle began in earnest.

“I’ll go first! Do Yoon, you get ready to find an opening for damage right away!”

“Yes!”

Han Ji Hyuk raised his giant shield and used a skill.

[Indomitable Shield]

The purpose was a defensive measure to block that massive blow.

Soon after, Han Ji Hyuk’s defensive skill and Tyrasilis’s attack clashed.

Do Yoon didn’t miss the opening and moved immediately.

He was used to fighting giant monsters.

The important thing was not to miss the gap between attacks.

-Tat!

Instantly reaching the vicinity of the boss monster, Do Yoon swung his curved sword.

‘Will it work?’

He wouldn’t test the waters like he did on the 3rd floor.

In this perfect damage window that had arrived, Do Yoon decided to inflict the most powerful attack he could.

[Acidic Digestive Fluid]

-Chiiiiik…!

A viscous liquid capable of melting anything seeped into the curved sword.

‘Daeseul-ah.’

Do Yoon expressed his gratitude to the boss mob who had taught him this skill and swung the curved sword with all his might.

On the minor wound created behind the sharp slash, a bubbling slime immediately adhered.

The boss monster, its eyes turning from Han Ji Hyuk due to the pain of its flesh burning, finally noticed Do Yoon.

“Do Yoon-ah! Dodge!”

“Yes!”

There was no time to feel doubt at the shadow engulfing his entire body.

Do Yoon instinctively threw his whole body to escape the point of impact.

-Kwaddeudeuk!!

The spot where Do Yoon had been until a moment ago was mercilessly gouged by giant claws.

If he had stayed there, Do Yoon’s fragile body would have been minced into an easy-to-eat state.

[Attempting ‘Resonance’.]

[Success!]

“…What?”

Hungry! Prey that has come after a long time! The amount is very small, but I will chew it thoroughly with gratitude….!”

Following the skill window that progressed on its own, a deep voice was heard.

Momentarily dizzy, Do Yoon looked up at Tyrasilis.

Wide, slit, bright yellow pupils were staring at Do Yoon.

“Hey.”

“A strange sensation. But I’m hungrier than that. I’ll think after I eat.”

He had long since abandoned the idea that all boss monsters would engage in friendly and cooperative dialogue.

Do Yoon guessed that this boss monster had ‘hit the jackpot’ on the misfortune spot he had been anticipating.

“Just die.”

Let’s go with the loser gets eaten…!”

In the urgent situation.

Do Yoon and his team began the hunt in earnest.

Title: Newbie’s Current Growth Potential

–First off, his mana resistance is high.

–He meets the basic conditions for long-term activity within the Tower.

–And it was said he can obtain information about hidden pieces through ‘Resonance’ or get direct advice on weaknesses from mobs.

–In addition, his clearing speed is known to be very fast.

–So, having come this far,

–Do you think he has enough qualifications to survive in the main event, the 5th-floor zone?

[ㄴ I admit his clearing speed from 1st to 5th floor is fast.]

[ㄴ But whether he can easily adapt to the 5th-floor theme zone is a completely different issue.]

[ㄴ PaperLover*) Because that’s where you have to seriously cooperate with other Hunters to clear.]

[ㄴ Can Newbie, from f*cking weak Earth, with inferior racial specs, really survive in that gap?]

Title: Earth Hunters are too weak, seriously.

–Just looking at the Hunters I occasionally encounter, I can tell.

–These guys are a race that has lived at odds with mana from birth.

–Just this alone is insurmountable; other worlds already have babies breathing and attuning to mana from birth lol

–The starting point is just different.

–Honestly, I think Newbie is amazing among new Hunters, but I see a bleak future for him from the 5th floor onwards.

]

[ㄴ Sht, just say yes even if it’s no.]

[ㄴ Author) ….?]

[ㄴ It’s not wrong, though. We need to be objective about what we see.]

[ㄴ Then should we just scratch our bodies and wait for the ejaculation timing? You die then, lolololol]

[ㄴ PaperLover) The atmosphere is getting too heated. Stop at an appropriate level.]

[ㄴ Does fighting among ourselves solve anything? lolololol It depends on what Newbie does.]

[ㄴ That too, but isn’t it about time we bring out the real foreshadowing?]

[ㄴ Author) What foreshadowing?]

[ㄴ Talking about the Master of the Forgotten Banquet Tower. If everyone in this Gallery wants Newbie to live, they should at least tell him

the basics.]

title: Matters concerning the Theme Stage are outside our authority.

Nickname: PaperLover*

–That’s the rule of the Gallery, and a matter agreed upon by each Tower Master.

–So, if Wine-jwa has no thoughts on it and doesn’t agree, we can’t forcibly tell Newbie what to do.

[ㄴ Then can’t we persuade Wine-jwa?]

[ㄴ Us? Mere mobs? A Tower Master?]

[ㄴ I’m Wine-jwa, and I’ve been persuaded lol;]

While everyone in the Gallery was carefully watching Wine-jwa’s reaction—

A post went up.

title: …………

Nickname: AgedWine*

–Everyone’s attention is scary…ㅠㅠ

–Usually, even if I troll like that, they ignore it, but now that they’re paying attention because of Newbie-jjang, I feel unfairly treated for some

reason…!

[ㄴ Even in this situation, all you think about is trolling and stirring sht.]

[ㄴ This is Wine-jwa alright lololololol]

[ㄴ It’s the usual Wine-jwa~]

[ㄴ No, so;; Are you really going to neglect him like this? Can you handle the aftermath if he dies?]

[ㄴ Hey hey hey]

[ㄴ AgedWine) Hoo… Are you threatening this one-jjang right now…?]

[ㄴ AgedWine*) It’s very impudent, but still, like the others are worried, I had no intention of abandoning Newbie-jjang…! This one-jjang

likes Newbie-jjang very very very much!]

[ㄴ ShortEaredElf*) Oh my~ How passionate~]

[ㄴ PaperLover*) Then]

While the Tower Masters were showing interest—

[-AgedWine*) If Newbie-jjang safely clears the 4th floor and returns, I will tell Newbie-jjang the story he is curious about…!]

The Theme Stage, a floor of the Tower where someone’s memories were embodied.

And the owner of such memories was, naturally.

The master residing at the very top of the Tower.

It was a floor imbued with a part of the ‘True Ancestor’s’ memories.