Spartan ended up staying with Boss. I, Kim Hajin, allowed it as his owner. I told him to liven her up as a good pet should.

“Huu.”

Spartan already followed her into her room. Then I looked over the items I’d been too busy to check. First, I examined the special consolidation ticket from killing Jin Sahyuk.

[Special Consolidation Ticket] A consolidation ticket formed from a special gift. You may strengthen a gift, piece of equipment, physique, or art by using this ticket.

This ticket existed on my smartwatch rather than in my inventory. Next, I took out the 3 items I obtained today.

[Trait Recovery Coupon] [Orb of Regeneration] [Mystic Key]

Finally, I checked my SP.

[Current SP: 4,483]

I had about 4,200 SP this morning and earned almost 300 SP in a single day after I made a name for myself on such a big stage. I only needed a little more to create a good gift.

“For now…”

I decided to use the special consolidation ticket. Obviously, I would strengthen Master Sharpshooter. I opened my status window to check its current level.

▷[Master Sharpshooter] [Intermediate rank] [Spirit attribute] [Evolving — Grade 4] [Proficiency EXP 95%]

◇[Master Sharpshooter] [Intermediate rank] [Spirit attribute] [Evolving — Grade 6] [Proficiency EXP 86%]

The first line was the real version and the second line referred to inside the tower. The restricted version was quickly catching up to the real one since stats and proficiency EXP increased faster in the tower. Players would regain their real abilities around the 9th floor, but that was a story for another time. I tapped the special consolidation ticket on my smartwatch.

[You have used the special consolidation ticket.] [Master Sharpshooter has increased in power.] [Master Sharpshooter has increased in potential.]

“Hmm.”

The ticket didn’t add anything special and only strengthened the gift’s fundamental effects. I decided to hold onto the other special consolidation ticket. I still wasn’t sure whether I should use it on the Desert Eagle or another gift.

[Trait Recovery Coupon]

My biggest gain from today would allow me to recover 1 of my 3 remaining traits.

▷[Random Consolidation System] [Low-intermediate rank] [Spirit attribute] [3 stage consolidation] ▷[Magic Dysfunction Physique] ▷[Medicinal Memory Physique]

Which one should I choose? I needed to carefully think. Recovering a trait didn’t just mean a simple boost in battle prowess. Another fortuitous event could happen just like how Dexterity evolved to Dwarf’s Dexterity. Should I choose the medicinal memory physique like I originally planned?

“No.”

I would’ve chosen the Orb of Regeneration for nothing.

[Orb of Regeneration] [Magic Artifact] An orb with the power of regeneration. Evolving Item – EXP [0/100] Lv.1 ???

An orb the size of a ping-pong ball that glowed green. It didn’t have a level and its only effect remained hidden: Lv.1 ???. However, I could easily check its description with my smartwatch.

Lv.1 Recovery and Regeneration

Its effect seemed to have a wide range. Simplicity was sometimes best. Not even I knew how wide its applications could be. I might become half-invincible if I brought this item out to the real world and leveled it up.

“And this key…”

[Mystic key] [Magic Artifact] A mystical key. Evolving Item – EXP [0/100] Lv.2 Unlocking

It was the same size as an ordinary key, but looked like it came out of a fairytale. Its surface glowed blue and made it hard to tell whether it was a solid or liquid. This mystical key’s use would also increase as it grew. It would gain offensive and defensive capabilities in addition to its unlocking ability.

“Alright.”

I decided to go with the trait that would allow me to use items more efficiently.

[Random Consolidation System]

“Come.”

I murmured as I tore the ticket in half.

[Choose the trait you wish to recover.] [Random Consolidation System] [Magic Dysfunction Physique] [Medicinal Memory Physique]

System messages popped up in front of me. Three traits I had lived without for a long time now. I chose the Random Consolidation System.

[You have recovered a trait!] [Random Consolidation System] [Low rank] [Spirit attribute]

The tower restricted its power, but I could still scan up to 5 items. The consolidation percentage dropped from [0-54%] to [-10-30%]. However, I felt more than satisfied since 30% could make a significant difference.

[You have acquired a new trait.]

I smiled as I held the Orb of Regeneration. Then I happily murmured.

“Scan.”

The number engraved on the orb was… 24%. My luck seemed to be working well. Piring— Someone sent me a message as I rejoiced.

CaptainBritain: Hajin, have you seen the community? Something huge happened at the palace today.

It came from Rachel.

“Oh right.”

I vaguely recalled seeing her among the 100 people in the palace. I didn’t get a good look since she sat among the gold ranks. It wouldn’t make sense if she weren’t there considering the English Royal Court guild made huge achievements as well.

I smile as I replied.

Me: Something huge?

CaptainBritain: Yes, take a look at the public forum. Ah, by the way, why weren’t you at the palace?

Me: Oh, um… I didn’t make enough contributions. I went back to Earth and only came back recently, haha.

CaptainBritain: Ah, I see. That’s okay, don’t worry about it too much. I can help you. I was rank 33 this time. :) 

I took a look at the public forum.

[Public Forum]

[Holy Jesus, Aileen and Rank 1 got into a fight at Medea’s palace.]

— I was there. I saw it myself, hehe.

— For real??

— Yep, apparently they were super strong. In the end, it looks like your talent determines where you’ll end up in the Tower of Wish.

— Nah, it’s all skills. Better go grind the ones you have (if any, hehe).

[Does anyone have footage from the palace?]

— You can record videos here?

— Yeah, you just have to buy an item from the player shop. I think it was called the one-use recorder.

— Someone’s selling the video. I already bought it and watched it. 

— How much did you pay?

— 50 TP. It was pretty intense. Rank 1 and Aileen were exchanging magic power. I would have fainted if I was caught between them.

— Damn, I want to see it too. Can you share it?

[Second wave of Essence of the Strait members, please leave your name here.]

— Essence of the Strait’s Yohei. I have arrived.

“…”

Over 300 posts appeared on the public forum every day and over half talked about me. Not to mention, they exaggerated quite a bit. I couldn’t complain as I stared at my smartwatch.

[You have gained 1 SP.] [You have gained 2 SP.] [You have gained 1 SP.]…

I finally found out why my SP kept increasing. I would probably gain an astronomical amount of SP if they discovered my identity, but that would turn my life upside down.

“I don’t even want to think about it.”

Tiring— I received another message.

CaptainBritain: Also, the English Royal Court guild became quite close with Prestige’s Riry Shop. Feel free to tell me if you want any potion or equipment…

That was actually my doing. I told Henry and Kiri to make things cheaper for Rachel.

[How? I heard the owner there is quite strict.]

I replied while pretending to be oblivious.

CaptainBritain: Ah… well (≧∀≦) It’s a bit embarrassing to say this myself, but it looks like the English Royal Court is fairly influential. We focused on working in Prestige while other guilds busily conquered the 4-5th floors. ^.^

Rachel seemed especially lively these days. She genuinely enjoyed the Tower of Wish where she was free from England’s burdens and Lancaster’s constant threats.

CaptainBritain: Oh right, we bought a plot of land too and crops started to grow on it. (๑>ᴗ<๑) You should come to see it later.

I couldn’t help but laugh since her messages sounded completely different from how she spoke.

CaptainBritain: Ah, sorry. I got too excited and talked for too long. :(

Me: No, it’s fine with me.

I could understand why she wanted to brag. She always had to keep a solemn image as the vice leader.

Me: You can use our messenger as a diary if you want.

CaptainBritain: Diary? lol It’s fine. Ah, we have a hunting session planned for tonight, so I have to go now. Let me know if you have trouble with anything. I’ll help to the best of my ability! (＞Д＜)

I hopped on my bed with a grin. Then…

[Sudden Quest!]

A quest popped up.

[Special Quest – What Medea Wants.] [Summary – Medea wishes to have your robe.] [Rank – low] [Reward – Favorable impression from Medea among others.]

“What?”

Was she thinking about my robe this entire time? She must’ve wanted it badly if a quest popped up. I checked the robe’s description once again.

[Lv.3 Masterpiece Robe Crafted by a Master Craftsman] Elegant yet not flamboyant, imposing yet not outlandish. A masterfully designed robe. Lv.3 Magic Seal: Has increased durability, Lv.4 Outward Appearance, Lv.3 Scent

I made the magic seal enchantment with stigma’s magic power.

“She must’ve really liked it.”

I could make another one whenever I wanted, so I decided to give it to her when the opportunity arose. I turned off the system and lay on my back. I felt tired, but needed to do one last thing before sleeping.

[Lv.3 Extraction and Permanent Materialization]

Extracting stigma’s magic power with this skill. It wouldn’t hurt today, right? After all, I had the Orb of Regeneration. I held the orb in my hand as I used the skill on stigma.

“Uuk!”

Alright, it still hurt. The pain seemed stronger than ever now that the skill grew to level 3. Intense pain swept through my body like a waterfall. I quietly closed my eyes like someone on his deathbed while foaming at the mouth.

***

I slowly opened my eyes to a dark room. However, I didn’t worry since Prestige always looked like this. Darkness completely shrouded the city without a single streetlight or torch.

However, a figure sat on the edge of my bed and coldly looked at me in the darkness. The only light in the room came from this figure’s eyes. Was it an assassin or a mysterious being in Prestige?

“…”

I swallowed hard. I felt surprised, but didn’t panic. I could simply take out the Desert Eagle from my inventory and…

“Eh?”

Bright moonlight shone through the window. The white light washed away the darkness and revealed the figure’s appearance. She wasn’t an assassin. I was all too familiar with the person at the edge of my bed.

“You’re awake.”

Boss spoke as expressionlessly as always. How long had she been here? I made eye contact with her.

“Boss? What’s up?”

“Pasta wanted to come here.”

Boss shrugged. Pasta… Was she talking about Spartan? I glanced at my blanket. Spartan curled up next to me asleep.

So he still wanted to sleep with his owner. I grinned and stroked his back. Zzz— zzzz— Spartan lightly shook as I petted him.

“Then I’ll be leaving now.”

“Ah, wait, how was Spartan?”

“… He’s cute,” Boss muttered and got up from the bed. I held her back from leaving.

“Boss, you didn’t forget that we’re going to the 5th floor today, right?”

Her legs stopped. She slowly looked back and nodded with a bitter smile.

“Of course.”

“Okay.”

Boss left as I stretched. Koong, koong, koong. I could hear Cheok Jungyeong’s footsteps. It was time to train.

— Chirp, chirp.

Spartan also woke up and stretched on the blanket. I waited for him before heading downstairs together.

“You’re here.”

“Yeah.”

I greeted Cheok Jungyeong and sat cross-legged on the floor. Then I started with the breathing exercise for awakening spirit power. This breathing exercise normally tired me out after 30 minutes, but I should be able to do it longer now with the Orb of Regeneration.

Huu… huu…

I deeply breathed 15 times before opening my eyes as my back and waist began to spasm. I had yet to gain any insight or enlightenment like in martial art novels.

“Ah, so tiring…”

I looked around the hideout while resting. Spartan had run off and couldn’t be found.

“Where’d he go?”

“I cooked him. He’s in my stomach now.”

“…”

I closed my eyes and ignored Cheok Jungyeong’s dumb joke. Spartan and I could share our thoughts and vision. I wanted to give it a try. Soon, a blurry scene appeared before me. Spartan’s vision came into view. The area filled with steam. Was he near boiling water?

Where is this? Is he really being cooked?

I watched in astonishment. Then Spartan suddenly jumped and I finally got a better view. Boss was enjoying a warm bath with Spartan in the bathroom.

— What?

Boss seemed deep in thought and splashed some water at Spartan. Because of her sudden action…

“…”

I quickly cut off my visual connection with Spartan and opened my eyes. Chak! I slapped my cheeks hard.

“What are you doing, newbie?”

Cheok Jungyeong smirked. I couldn’t say anything about what I just saw. Let’s wipe it from my memory. I didn’t mean to peek, but if Boss found out… Honestly, I didn’t see much, none of the important parts. Just seeing her skin shouldn’t be a crime, right? Cough, this was all that bastard’s fault. I stood up.

“Ah, hey, where are you going in the middle of training?”

Cheok Jungyeong asked as I looked back at him.

“To cook a certain bird.”

***

[5th floor, Materialized Demon Realm]

I went to the 5th floor with the Chameleon Troupe members after properly scolding Spartan and checking up on Riry Shop. The materialized demon realm’s starting area was a harsh volcanic region that constantly spewed lava and black smoke.

“Newbie, what’s your plan for the day? Jain and I already registered with the third crystal stele.”

Cheok Jungyeong asked. The 5th floor contained a total of 15 crystal steles. They served as checkpoints since it wouldn’t make sense to start over every time you came back.

“I…”

I wanted to look for NPCs like Henry and Kiri that had been abandoned in the original story. Hidden quests might show up with hidden items like the dwarven steles. It shouldn’t take too long, but might be dangerous alone with the many strong enemies on this floor. Not to mention, it would be impossible to kill some boss monsters alone.

“Let’s split into two teams to explore.”

Jain and Cheok Jungyeong nodded.

“Alright, I’ll go with Cheok Jungyeong. We were doing a quest before.”

“Sounds good.”

Jain and Cheok Jungyeong went together and seemed surprisingly close.

“Then…” I looked back at Boss observing the volcanic region. Her eyes filled with curiosity at the demon realm.

“Boss? Do you want to come with me?”

I felt awkward around her for some reason. Boss briefly looked at me before nodding.

“Yeah.”

“O-Okay.”

I took out the dwarven supercar.

“H-Hop in.”

“Okay.”

Boss got on the dwarven supercar. “Why do you keep stuttering?”

“I, I wonder why. Maybe I’m having withdrawal symptoms from not smoking for a while.”

I could only make up a poor excuse.