Chapter 62
I called the broker.
After only a few rings, a voice answered.
"Yes, this is One Star Management."
"... My head hurts."
Was this company name really okay?
It was a one-man company for now, and there was no need to introduce it to anyone.
But what was I supposed to do if I got famous later?
I pressed a hand to my forehead and got to the point.
"Could you maybe get me about ten more of those Spirit Essences from last time?"
"Ten? I'll look into it, but it'll probably be difficult."
Worry colored the broker's voice.
"Setting the price aside, the item itself just isn't common. The one I got this time was really just luck. Still, I'll ask around as much as I can."
"Yes. Then please do."
I answered briefly and hung up.
When the call ended, silence returned to the house.
I sank into bed and, almost unconsciously, picked up my phone to open the banking app. I checked the balance on the screen.
A number with so many zeroes it didn't even register at a glance.
A portion of the orichalcum sale proceeds had just been deposited.
Thinking about how there was still a lot more stock left to sell, that number would swell several times over from here on out.
I smiled in satisfaction.
Enough money to live idly, eating and sleeping, for the rest of this life—and the next.
The moment my dream target became reality.
"Mm.... Boring."
But after a little while, a strange feeling began to creep up.
In the quiet house, the only sound was the computer fan.
Lying alone in the empty space, the satisfaction from just a moment ago vanished like a lie. In its place, boredom and emptiness filled the gap.
Thinking about it, my first goal had already been achieved.
Living comfortably, with no worries at all, eating well and living well.
But I wasn't very happy.
"Is this it? It's less of a big deal than I thought...."
The sense of accomplishment from achieving my goal was far too short-lived. Once I actually had it in my hands, everything felt trivial.
I couldn't stand the boredom and turned my phone back on.
I wasn't trying to read new posts. I opened the gallery app and pulled up screenshots of posts I'd saved before.
[Title: Guys, is this good gear?]
[Title : I got a newbie skill book— is this good?]
[Title : Going to post proof for the 100-chicken ladder.]
I scrolled down and started rereading the hundreds of posts one by one.
The comments mixed admiration with jealousy. I read them over and over.
Then something strange happened.
It felt like my hollow chest was filling up with something again. My dead heart seemed to start beating once more. Color returned to my face.
"No matter when I read them, they're fun...."
I suddenly realized.
Money? Of course, it's good. Being able to laze around for the rest of my life is definitely great.
But still, there had to be this kind of thrill.
The thrill of receiving other people's attention, of taking all their envy and jealousy onto myself. That was the real force that kept me alive.
"Yeah, this isn't enough."
I wanted to show off something new again. I wanted to show people something even greater that would blow their minds.
I sprang to my feet.
It was no longer time to waste away in bed.
I sat down in front of the computer and started searching for information on the Tower.
Next target: the 27th Floor.
I imagined the new items and skills waiting there, along with new attention and fame. My motivation surged back through my body.
"But come to think of it, isn't the 27th Floor the spot where the old man next door parked?"
I had overlooked one important fact.
The 27th Floor. Jeong Manho next door's best climbing record.
The moment I clear the 27th Floor and reach the 28th, Daejeon Tower's highest-floor record will be updated. At that moment, ownership of Daejeon Tower will pass from Jeong Manho to me.
"If the tower owner changes, will my nickname be shown?"
[A new owner of Daejeon Tower has been born!]
[28th Floor First Clear: ㅇㅇ]
If an announcement like that appeared on the system used by hunters all over the world? Just thinking about it was enough to make me dizzy.
The moment my nickname, ㅇㅇ, was registered as the owner of Daejeon Tower, people all over the world would learn that I was in Daejeon.
In a situation where so many guilds and countries were already looking for me, it would be like advertising my location myself.
Of course, among the countless towers in the world, I didn't think anyone would care about a tower in a small city like Daejeon.
Still, the possibility itself was pretty unpleasant.
"Hmm...."
This wasn't something I could decide on my own. I needed someone to ask for advice. I sent a message to Pungdengi.
That was the contact information he had forced on me back when I registered as A-rank last time, even though I hadn't wanted it. Who would've thought I'd need to use it this soon?
[Got a minute? I've got something to ask.]
Not long after, a reply came.
[Yeah. What's up?]
I explained the whole situation. I asked whether there was any risk my identity would be identified if I took over Daejeon Tower.
[Hmm. That's a very important issue.]
Pungdengi seemed to fall into thought for a moment. A few minutes later, his reply arrived.
[Honestly, I don't really know either. I've never placed on the world rankings, so I don't know whether nicknames are linked or not.]
[Though I do remember that when I first became a tower owner, a window popped up asking me to set a new nickname. Maybe the nickname set then is what gets displayed. It might be separate from the existing ranking nickname?]
[I'm not sure. Sorry. Not much help.]
There was genuine apology in his words. I replied that it was fine.
[No, this is plenty. Thanks.]
Just confirming one possibility was already a gain.
After thinking for a moment, I decided that since the conversation had started, I might as well bring up something else too.
[Oh, and I've got one more thing to say.]
[What is it?]
[I found a manager.]
[A manager? Already? Who?]
[Did you sign with a famous guild? Did you check the terms properly?]
Pungdengi's reaction was exactly as expected. Questions packed with concern poured out.
[Nope. Just someone I know personally. He used to be a broker, but he's trustworthy.]
[A broker? Don't tell me he's the one who made your fake identity?]
[That seems like a really bad idea.... If you didn't know any companies, I can introduce you. I'll get you the best conditions too.]
[Nope, it's fine. Those places aren't my style. This is more comfortable.]
I calmly told him what I thought. With my stubborn attitude, Pungdengi seemed unable to press the issue any further.
I could almost picture Pungdengi sighing on the other end of the phone.
[I'm curious, could you introduce us sometime? The way you talk makes me want to meet him once. It's not that I don't trust him. I'm just curious.]
[Yeah. I'll set something up sometime later.]
I agreed without thinking much about it. It'd be good for them to know each other.
Then Pungdengi brought up a topic we'd discussed last time again.
[Right. Oh, and let's start preparing the official A-rank Hunter announcement soon too. We'll decide the exact timing after talking again.]
[I'll also invite you to the A-rank Hunters-only group chat and the anonymous community. You can officially greet the others there too.]
The group chat for A-rank Hunters.
Hearing that, it felt a little more real. I really was about to step into the world of top-tier hunters.
Still, I wasn't exactly thrilled.
Especially if it was a chat room where real names were required.
[Is there any way to join without revealing my name? I just want to stay anonymous.]
Pungdengi looked a little troubled by my question.
[Normally that's not allowed, but.... Is there a specific reason you have to? There's also a separate anonymous community. The real-name chat room is run almost like an announcements board, so there probably won't be much to say anyway.]
[I feel like if people learn my identity, there'll be a lot of people who won't just sit still.]
[That's true.... I'll try talking to the others about it. But don't go causing trouble in there. If complaints start coming in asking who that is, it'll be a hassle.]
[Thanks, thanks.]
Soon after, Pungdengi sent me two invitation links. One was a website address, the other a group chat link.
I didn't click the link and join right away.
I was planning to go into the tower once today and then take my time checking things out.
I headed toward the tower with light steps. All the preparations were done.
***
[Entering the 27th Floor of the Tower (EXTREME).]
My vision shifted with the familiar system message.
"Is this what the scenery inside the castle gate looks like?"
The scenery of the 27th Floor reminded me of a city.
The problem, however, was that it was vertical rather than horizontal.
Collapsed buildings and broken roads clung to both walls of the canyon like barnacles. The tangled passageways looked like an anthill.
No matter how you looked at it, it was a city where no one could possibly live. What in the world was this city built for? I couldn't even guess.
"I came inside the tower only to be told to climb yet another tower? Haa... this is going to take a long time again."
A deep sigh escaped me on its own. Just thinking about climbing that horrible maze already made it feel like all the strength was draining out of my body.
It was while I was frowning and glaring at the labyrinth.
Thud.
The Sandworm, wrapped around my index finger like a ring, slowly loosened its body and dropped onto the sand at my feet.
I looked down at it with a puzzled expression.
[Sandworm offers to clear the way.]
No sooner had it said that than the little worm at my feet began changing at a terrifying speed.
RUMBLE-RUMBLE-RUMBLE-!
With a ground-shaking roar, its body swelled rapidly.
In an instant, Sandworm transformed into a gigantic body that looked like it could swallow a building whole.
Its gaping mouth opened, and the darkness inside beckoned me.
[Sandworm advises you to move to a safe place.]
I accepted its suggestion and stepped into its mouth.
The inside was cozy and comfortable, though still not something I could get used to. Just as I settled down...
RUMBLE-RUMBLE-RUMBLE!
The sound of the world collapsing reached me. As if the intricate maze meant nothing at all, Sandworm charged straight ahead.
The barricades of the labyrinth, made from buildings dozens of stories high, were torn apart.
Then it happened.
KWA-KWA-KWAAANG!
The automatic defense systems hidden throughout the labyrinth opened fire all at once. Shells and magic rained down on Sandworm's carapace.
But none of the attacks could stop our advance.
The attacks scattered uselessly against the hard carapace. Sandworm didn't even get a scratch.
RUMBLE-RUMBLE-RUMBLE!
Everything in Sandworm's wake collapsed. Debris from the labyrinth poured down. In an instant, an entire city was wiped out.
How much time had passed?
The thunderous roar that had shaken the world gradually subsided. When at last all vibration stopped, a familiar message appeared before my eyes.
[Congratulations on clearing the 27th Floor of the Tower (EXTREME).]
[First Clear Bonus applied!]
[Rank 1 Bonus applied!]
As expected.
I walked out of Sandworm's mouth. In an instant, the 27th Floor had been cleared.
One step closer to becoming the king of Daejeon.
Before that, it was time to take a look at the A-rank Hunters' group chat.
***
The two links Pungdengi had sent.
One was a group chat room, the other a website address.
"Let's try the group chat first."
The moment I tapped the link, a window appeared asking me to set up a profile.
After a brief moment of thought, I selected the default anonymous profile.
[Tiger Who Fell into a Sea of Tears has entered the chat.]
The moment I entered the chat room, the list of participants caught my eye.
Kim Suho, Jeong Taeyeon, Eun Mirae, Shin Seha. There were familiar names, of course, and plenty I'd never seen before.
The first to react the moment I joined was the friendly neighbor Jeong Manho.
[Jeong Manho: Oh, a newbie?]
[Jeong Manho: Kid, if you came in, you should start by introducing yourself first. What are you doing?]
An introduction? Hard. How was I supposed to describe myself?
Actually, I hadn't planned on doing much socializing in this chat room. I wasn't good at real-name socializing.
Originally, I hadn't even planned to join, but since they said announcements would occasionally be posted, I was just here to lurk.
While I hesitated, Jeong Manho pressed me.
[Jeong Manho: Why aren't you answering? Are you ignoring me while a senior's talking?]
[Jeong Manho: Do kids these days have no sense of hierarchy?]
Just as he kept pestering me, someone else jumped into the conversation.
[Jeong Taeyeon: Jeong Manho, did escaping youngest status make you that excited?]
[Jeong Manho: No, that's not what I meant....]
Jeong Taeyeon, the guild leader of Hwayeon. At her rebuke, Jeong Manho immediately sent a cowering emoticon.
Seeing that made me laugh. Then another new person joined the conversation.