Mosquito!

Sweet Potato, who had properly filmed its magic stone eating show, stretched satisfyingly.

Its small, adorably tiny wings and tail extended straight out.

Jinhyuk watched Sweet Potato with contentment.

He sincerely wished that this creature could eat its fill and grow heartily.

After all, the magic stones here werent mine to begin with.

Yes. Thats the most important part.

Its thrilling to grow using someone elses precious resources. Even if it guts the food bowl clean, there isnt a hint of regret.

Shall we see how much our Sweet Potato has grown?

Using Eyes of Gluttony, Jinhyuk checked Sweet Potatos status window.

[Due to level difference, the targets status window cannot be checked.]

As expected, he received this message. But

It doesnt matter.

Sweet Potato wasnt treated simply as another person.

[Due to the relationship between master and pet, level difference is disregarded.]

[Sweet Potato]

Race: Ancient Species ()

Age: 1

Level: 98

Strength 105, Agility 98, Stamina 90, Magic Power 192

Lv1 Acidic Saliva, Lv1 Feasts Time, Lv1 Acid Breath, Lv1 Flight, Lv1 Intimidate

Trait: When the Ancient Species engages in battle, the masters magic power is also consumed. A regular battle requires 5 magic power per minute, and intense battles demand 15 magic power per minute.

[Experience points are doubly supported. In other words, both the master and the pet can obtain experience points for the same monster.]

Born strong, but after devouring 35,000 magic stones, Sweet Potato boasted a ridiculous amount of magic power.

This is like having stats close to a Hatchling at level 1.

Its strong but the magic consumption for battle seems quite heavy.

Jinhyuk currently has 80 magic power.

If Sweet Potato were to be deployed in battle, hed barely last over five minutes.

And that time would be greatly reduced if I had to fight alongside it.

It would be best to think of it as a hidden card to pull out only when truly needed. Although he didnt expect to encounter such a precarious crisis

Life, as it goes, might just throw an unexpected curveball.

At that moment,

Thud!

The door opened, and a familiar middle-aged man entered.

It was Kang Byungchan.

What on earth has happened

His beaming face now a total mask of dismay.

Hmm. What can I say?

Its pathetic, in a way or not at all.

The cider that gushed down his throat tickled his throat.

The pent-up frustration from his broadcasting life seemed to have washed away in an instant.

Ma-magic stones. Youve used them all? Its a lie. Haha. This cant be real. Haha, yes. I must still be in bed, and this is surely a dream.

They say people refuse to accept reality when faced with immense shock.

Kang Byungchan chuckled repeatedly, as though he had lost his senses.

But does he know?

That this nightmare is not the end, but just the beginning.

Jinhyuk approached Kang Byungchan.

I feel a bit like Im fanning the flames, but its about time to receive compensation for the unfair contract you made with Lee Jongsoo.

What? Compensation, you say? What are you talking about?

What am I talking about?

Its strictly speaking a fee for appearing. Compensation for the wrongs you committed in the past is a separate issue.

If you commit two sins, you compensate in two ways.

Who tries to lump it all together?

Ever heard of separate issues?

Could it be After taking everything away, youre still unsatisfied? You demon! Are you even human? Huh? Are you a human?

Ill repay exactly as Ive suffered. If thats a fault, well. Ill take the blame. But arent you in no position to raise your voice right now?

Jinhyuks eyebrows twisted into a frown.

At the same time, a cold magic power began to seep out.

Magic power owned by an S-rank player.

A mere civilian

Naturally, couldnt last a moment.

Cough

Only then did Kang Byungchan realize the gravity of what he had said.

Hed been in such a panic, not caring what he blurted out.

Only now did he comprehend that he had provoked a monster that even the nation wouldnt dare to touch.

Make no mistake Remember who holds the knife right now.

After finishing his words, Jinhyuk activated the Broadcasting System.

Stored there was the video of the conversation they had the night before.

Not only did he pressure with force,

But he also bound him with evidence.

For Kang Byungchan, it was a no-win situation.

If you harbor any useless thoughts, youll see yourself on the 9 oclock news. The tyranny of a media person exploiting a helpless individual broadcaster Oh, imagine how itll buzz around election time, as candidates conscious of public sentiment swarm around like a beehive.

Kang Byungchan turned a shade pale when politics were mentioned.

He hadnt expected things to escalate to this level.

Please anything but that! That must never happen. I absolutely insist.

Ah. Dont worry. Your secret will be safe. That is, if you behave and comply, that is.

If he becomes a gentle retriever, we can maintain a good relationship.

But if he turns into a problem dog like a beagle or schnauzer, the lost magic stones will seem like childs play.

Gulping nervously, Kang Byungchans body trembled slightly.

He must have realized that Jinhyuks words were not an empty threat.

I understand

Kang Byungchan nodded slowly.

Good.

Another useful chess piece had been acquired.

The 6th floor of the Tower of Trials.

Jinhyuk took out the Mirror that Breaks Boundaries from his subspace inventory.

Before meeting Sylvia and participating in the Elven Festival, he had one last thing to do.

you say you will teach a method to become stronger. Is this what you meant?

Cheon Yuseong looked at Jinhyuk and the mirror alternately with a face that couldnt hide his incredulity.

An assistant he had summoned to handle various chores(?) for the upcoming raid.

As a Sword Saint, hed do well in dealing with nuisances.

Of course, given his character, I phrased it nicely.

I promised Id teach him a way to get significantly stronger in a short period if followed me.

Why? If you breathe in the upper air, you can suddenly become stronger. If we use this mirror

I roughly know what this is, too. How did you manage to get your hands on such an absurd item?

Got a bit lucky, thats all.

Lucky Lets just accept that for now. But why do you need my help to conquer the upper floors of the tower? You could handle it alone.

Uh?

Cheon Yuseong hit the nail on the head, causing Jinhyuk to flinch.

Truth is, if you use this type of shortcut to get to the boss, additional named monsters appear.

They are nasty to deal with despite being completely worthless in terms of nutrients.

He had planned to have Cheon Yuseong play meat shield, but

This guy. Surprisingly cautious.

Apparently, after fighting over a hundred times, his intuition had sharpened.

Ahem. Its uhum, its because I care and want to look out for you. We shared an experience climbing the tower, theres a connection. Lets all do well together. That kind of sentiment.

Jinhyuk gave a lengthy excuse.

He flattered and cajoled him, stirring his heart.

But Cheon Yuseong still had a doubtful expression.

Damn it. I hate how quickly this little brat catches on.

Jinhyuk quickly changed the subject.

Oh. Before we start, theres something I have to tell you. Ive been operating under a bit of a cover identity. Thought I should inform you beforehand. Actually

I already know you are the Unknown.

Cheon Yuseong interjected, cutting short the conversation.

The certainty in his tone nailed it.

He completely equated Cheon Yuseong to Jinhyuk.

I cant be fooled just by editing. No one else but you has that unique movement. Ive known it from the beginning.

Is that so?

Thinking there was another player who could compete with you didnt make sense. Plus, with your trademark brooding, theres no one else I could imagine.

Hmm.

The last line was a bit bothersome, but it was unexpected.

This annoying leech was even capable of recognizing someone else.

Living to see you give such a remark.

Dont get the wrong idea. I acknowledge your greatness, but ultimately, the one who will surpass you is me.

What was I expecting from this battle maniac?

In the end, the only conclusion is a clash of blades.

Right I must have been stupid to be moved. Stupid.

Jinhyuk shook his head and turned around.

The banter was enough.

Now, it was time to move to a new floor.

Finally, its time to use this.

Jinhyuk lifted his head.

Places in the tower he had no business being seen on the 6th floor.

With the Mirror that Breaks Boundaries, rated as an Over Rank, they could reach the 10th floor in one go.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

His heart began to race.

Not because he was scared of going to the 10th floor while still underdeveloped.

But because of the rush of excitement at the possibility of reaching higher difficulty levels.

Its going to be fun.

Youd only have 30 minutes to stay in the upper layer.

But that was enough.

More than enough.

For a veteran player, 30 minutes was like 30 days for average players.

Jinhyuk channeled magic power into the palm-sized mirror.

Then, at that very moment,

Whoooosh!

[The Mirror that Breaks Boundaries is activated!]

[The targets are Player Kang Jinhyuk and 1 other (Player Cheon Yuseong).]

The surface of the mirror swiftly expanded and soon transformed into a massive gate.

It gave the same feeling as the gate Rick opened.

Well, its clear its an item that can interfere with causality to this extent.

A gate to the 40th floor or the one right before your eyes were both utterly preposterous.

Interesting. With such powerful magic, its indeed possible to skip the towers floors.

Cheon Yuseongs gaze narrowed.

So what floor are we aiming for?

Why ask the obvious?

Jinhyuk slowly opened his mouth.

Open the 10th floor.

He chose the highest floor he could reach between the 6th and 10th.

The home of the boss monster with [Invincibility].

[The gate is activated.]

[A path to the 10th floor, The Warriors Rest, opens.]

The surface of the gate rippled and then calmed down.

Predictably, a choice fitting for you.

Cheon Yuseong smirked and stepped toward the gate.