[15F, Genkelope’s Abandoned Vessel]

“Ugh, so tired.”

Out of all the NPCs that required stigma to unlock, I first rescued the [Grade 1 Captain – Horner], [Chief Technician – Matt], and [Chief Scientist – Davon]. I still needed to release 4 more chief rank NPCs, but ran out of stigma.

“Excuse me, are you alright?”

I spent 2 streaks for the captain, 1 streak for the technician, and the last one for the scientist. I couldn’t even answer their questions afterwards. Who would’ve thought I would deplete all my stigma outside of battle like this? I looked at them while laying on the floor. I had carefully created these NPCs even when the settings grew messier. They could clear all the quests on the 15th floor for me if I simply let them be.

“Is there something wrong with your body?”

“No, I’m okay. I slightly overworked myself trying to deactivate the hibernation.”

“Oh, I see.”

Horner, a promising captain in his early 30s, sighed in relief.

“Actually, we’re from the Genkelope Zone on the 16th floor.”

The NPC began to explain their story. Their crew had been sailing through the [Tower’s Void] to escape from the demons that took over the 16th floor when unidentified creatures attacked their vessel. They concentrated all their efforts on Area 3 and hibernated to wait for help from the future.

“Hmm. So all of you came from the 16th floor?”

“We originally lived on the 15th floor, but another floor came into existence after we placed our ship in the tower’s void. In any case, we’re the last survivors of Genkelope.”

“…”

I nodded. The Genkelope Zone used to be an old residential area, but the demons destroyed it. Demons also grew stronger the higher they climbed. Horner looked at me with big eyes and continued.

“In addition to Area 3, thousands of people are sleeping in the depths of the ship’s basement. Other crewmen should be hiding in Area 1 and Area 2 as well.”

“Please help us!”

A young NPC came up to me and bowed before Horner could even finish.

— Please help!

— We beg you!

Behind him, a group of 50 or so NPCs whom I just released also followed. System notifications popped up in front of me.

[A massive quest has occurred — Recovery and Reactivation of the Vessel] [Extra7’s database has been registered in Area 3.] [Player Extra7 has been nominated as the owner of Area 3.] [You may now spend TP to renovate Area 3.] [You may relinquish these rights at any time.]

I felt pressured, but the ending I wanted also included them.

“That’s exactly what I’m here for.”

The atmosphere grew darker on the 15th floor, which sat in the middle of the tower. Demons had completely taken over the 16th, 17th, and 18th floors. No dreams, hopes, or humanity existed there. The stark scenery served as a warning to the human race in the Tower of Wish.

“Oh, so that means…”

“First, I’ll turn the power back on.”

I did the only thing I could do while lying down: spending money.

[Area 3 Management] [You have spent 50,000 TP to restore 12% of power to Area 3.] [Power has returned to Area 3.]

Fortunately, I saved up plenty of TP. Still, this ship sucked a lot of money. I wouldn’t be able to completely restore it even with a year’s worth of profit from Prestige. However, this ship would probably be worth it. Honestly, I didn’t know for sure since I skipped the details when writing about it. In the original story, Kim Suho believed destroying the tower would allow the souls trapped inside to finally rest in peace. He also wanted to make the selfish administrators pay, so he attacked relentlessly starting on this floor. The middle and latter half of the tower episodes became a mess.

“Now, I’ll get serious. Prepare yourselves.”

I began spending huge amounts of TP.

[You have spent 50,000 TP to reconstruct the basic medical facilities in Area 3 — AUTO BOT has been activated.] [Reconstructing basic training facilities — Shooting Range, Armory] [Extending basic defense facilities — Barrier Upgrade, Prison Transfer, Reformation System] [Reconstructing basic sanitary facilities — Bathhouse, Cafeteria, Dormitory] [Reconstructing basic survival facilities — Food Repository, Artificial Farms]

Something strange happened in Area 3 as the notifications popped up. Rays of light shone from the empty ceiling and various facilities appeared out of nowhere.

“Oh!”

“What kind of miracle is this?”

Cafeteria, bathhouse, shooting range, armory, etc. I only spent money through the system, but the NPCs hailed me like devotees in the face of God.

[The NPCs of Area 3 have accepted you as their savior.]

Area 3 appeared to be half the size of Yeouido and served as the central vessel’s core. The next step would be to enhance the facilities here and use them to free other areas such as [Area 1], [Area 2], and the [Hangar].

“You all must be hungry. Please eat first. Then focus on recovery and combat training for the next week. Tomorrow, the military expert over there…”

I glanced at the hibernation chamber and hesitated. The captain quickly explained, “That’s Colonel Erenner. He’s an experienced soldier with great combat skills and excellent command abilities.”

“Yes, yes. I’ll wake him up later. Let’s restore this place step by step.”

I printed a photo through the system.

“This is also for later when the ship becomes stabilized and players like me begin to appear. If you ever run across someone who looks like this…”

I handed the photo to Horner, who curiously looked at it.

“She’s a beauty. Is she your wife?”

“No, no. There’s no way she’s my wife.”

The most important facility on the 15th floor was the prison. Anyone locked up in Genkelope’s prison would be placed under system restraint. Of course, I couldn’t lock up just anyone with the captain watching me, but I could bully at least one player.

“Lock her up. She’s a criminal by the name of Jin Sahyuk. She’s brimming with confidence, so she’ll respond if you call her name. Keep that in mind.”

“Yes sir.”

I raised myself with a groan. “Kuuk. I’ll stay here until tomorrow.”

Boss told me to stay out of the mission, but I didn’t think I could.

“Spartan?”

Spartan flew back from his walk with Sannuri and sat on my shoulder. Horner widened his eyes at the handsome eagle.

“Just tell him if anything happens. We’re connected.”

***

[4 days later, 8-3F Atalos Royal Palace]

Only the chosen could access the sacred garden of Atalos. Rachel trained in this garden filled with jewel-like buds and soft grass.

“Try to accept the elementals more. Think of it like sprinkling magic power to make them happy. You don’t control them. You work with them. Remember that.”

“Yes ma'am.”

She became [Princess Araha’s Knight], the biggest rise in status for an individual player, and found a new elementalist teacher with Araha’s help.

“Then let’s try again.”

“Okay!”

Yuhael, Crevon’s best elementalist, was much more skilled than Shin Yeohwa, Earth’s best elementalist. The two couldn’t be compared in terms of teaching.

Rachel had suffered much humiliation and distress from her former teacher, Shin Yeohwa. She truly felt happy when Shin Yeohwa accepted her 4 years ago as a disciple. Then she found out about the 1 billion won per day tuition fee and her heart dropped. However, she promised to become a person worthy of such value and diligently attended the classes.

Shin Yeohwa would get angry over the smallest mistakes and needlessly spend half of class physically punishing her. At times, Shin Yeohwa would even beat her with a cane.

For such reasons, Rachel felt depressed whenever she had a lesson and her motivation gradually waned. The harsh training always wore her out, but she withstood it all with sheer willpower and became a full-fledged elementalist.

Shin Yeohwa’s envy continued even after their lessons ended. She purposefully spread the rumors about Rachel and Fenrir, but Rachel didn’t take any actions out of respect.

“Good job, Rachel.”

Yuhael operated completely differently and genuinely praised Rachel when she did well. She also mercilessly corrected Rachel’s mistakes when she didn’t do so well.

“You have a real gift. As expected of my student.”

Rachel bashfully smiled at Yuhael’s compliment. This benevolent teacher taught her the pleasure of learning. That didn’t mean Rachel hated or blamed Shin Yeohwa. Rachel still considered Shin Yeohwa one of her masters and thanked her like a fool for developing her skills in the beginning.

“Let’s stop here for today. Any more and you won’t be able to move tomorrow.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

Yuhael patted her on the shoulder as Rachel politely bowed.

“I look forward to seeing what kind of knight will be born when elementals meet with the sword.”

“Thank you.”

“Well then, I’ll take my leave. Rest well.”

“Yes. Thank you for your hard work.”

Yuhael disappeared into the distance with her wind elemental. Her usage of elementals truly opened Rachel’s eyes.

“Wow….”

Rachel wanted to become strong just like her. Rumors floated around that Lancaster recently formed a large force. No one knew what he was scheming as he traveled between Pandemonium and Africa, the land of monsters. Rachel desperately needed the power to defend against him.

“That’s my knight.”

The sound of applause caught her attention. Princess Araha watched from the corner of the garden as Rachel walked over.

“Have you been well, Princess?”

“Yeah. I’m having a lot of fun these days thanks to you. I got to see the martial tournament and theater rehearsals. I would’ve paid more attention to the Crane Feather Fan if I knew I’d meet you.”

“Hm? Crane Feather Fan?”

“Yep! It’s an incredible treasure that can help you wield elementals, but some ruffian stole it. Well, that’s a story for another time. Come in. You must be hungry.”

“Yes, Princess.”

Rachel kept a few steps behind. She walked elegantly and her gracious form amazed Araha.

“Wow, you must really be a princess.”

“Haha.”

“That’s right, do you have a boyfriend?”

Rachel smiled at the girlish question. “I don’t.”

“Then someone you like?”

“I… don’t.”

“Huh? You paused for a second there!”

“There isn’t one.”

Rachel calmly shook her head in disapproval. She didn’t know what it felt like to fall in love yet. With such thoughts, she casually checked her messenger. Most of the people she exchanged messages with belonged to the Royal Court guild, but she recently sent a message to Extra7.

[Hajin, which floor are you on? I’m on the 12th. If you’re nearby, would you like to climb togethrr? ^▽^?]

He still hadn’t replied. Was it because of her typo? He did seem fussy about grammar. Rachel pouted and stepped inside the castle.

“Come play pool with me tonight.”

“I don’t see why not. As long as Princess Araha finishes all her homework.”

“Hmph.”

In the palace hallway, portraits of former kings lined up against the wall. Rachel would always stare at one of the four kings.

[Arthur Von Atalos Pendragon.]

The embossed letters formed a familiar name. England’s legendary hero, King Arthur, had stabilized Crevon after being resurrected here.

“My great-grandfather is indeed handsome.”

Araha innocently murmured, which Rachel found to be quite cute. Then Rachel suddenly received a call from her messenger. She excused herself.

“Yes. This is Rachel.”

An urgent voice broke out.

— Vice leader! Genghis Khan’s artifacts have been discovered in Central Asia!

“Huh? W-What artifacts?”

— We found out about it too late. Looks like a battle is about to break out. The association and other guilds probably worked in secret.

Rachel blankly listened and finally realized why other guild leaders recently avoided her and many Essence of Strait and Frost Sanctuary members had left the tower.

“I understand. I’ll hang up now.”

Rachel clenched her teeth. Sadness and dejection slowly rose within her. She thought they had become comrades, but they still treated her like a stranger.

It couldn’t be helped since she belonged to a weaker guild. You couldn’t rely on others for information. You had to earn it yourself, so she couldn’t blame them. They could only blame themselves for being weak.

“Haaa…”

She felt quite upset, but inwardly denied it.

***

[Central Asia]

“Everyone on standby.” Yi Jin-ah, Essence of Strait’s vice leader, spoke in the cold underground tunnel.

“We’re entering in 10 minutes.”

Their team planned to enter through an underground tunnel and would take charge of the fifth basement. They had earned this site full of artifacts thanks to Yoo Yeonha’s political maneuvering.

“Everyone, inspect your weapons.”

At Yi Jin-ah’s words, the members all checked their weapons.

“Yi Jiyoon, please confirm your active buffs.”

“Yes! Every guild member has received a physical ability boost and a magic power application buff. Only Yohei and Shen Yuan received an application boost buff since their gifts relate to their attributes and only Weapon Master Kim Youngjin received speed-related buffs.”

“Good. Yi Jiyoon and the healers remain on standby at this tunnel’s midpoint.”

“Understood”

The supporters quickly answered and backed away. Vice leader Yi Jin-ah began roll call just before the Genghis Khan Grassland Operation.

“The teams will be divided as discussed beforehand. The team leaders will be me, Kim Youngjin, and Yi Yoonho. Please confirm.”

“This is Kim Youngjin with 11 team members.”

“This is Yi Yoonho with 12 team members.”

“Confirmed. Those next in line after the team leaders, please confirm.”

“This is Shen Yuan, vice leader of Team Yi Jin-ah.”

“This is Chae Nayun, vice leader of Team Kim Youngjin.”

“This is Yohei, vice leader of Team Yi Yoonho.”

“Good. Use the [Multiplying Letter] in case of any issues. Proceed!”

The 35 members took care of formalities and split off to 3 separate paths. Dadadada… Kim Youngjin’s team entered first and would take charge of the 1 km eastern tunnel. They went through the tunnel while carefully studying the area, but didn’t encounter any enemies.

[East, confirmed.]

Kim Youngjin sent a message through the [Multiplying Letter], an effective good they brought from the tower.

[West, confirmed.] 

[North, confirmed.]

Everything proceeded smoothly so far.

“…”

Kim Youngjin nodded to his members and silently approached the artifact excavation center. They moved as stealthily as possible, but a ray of light suddenly shone on them.

Doong!

The bright light revealed their surroundings and they calmly faced the enemies. Their team only consisted of elites who had gone through all sorts of struggles in the tower.

— I knew you’d come, you vermin.

A husky voice insulted them. The team gazed at the voice hidden in the dark.

“Get ready to fight.”

They all took out their weapons at Kim Youngjin’s order.

— You call djinns the evils of society, but you’re no different from us at the end of the day.

Koong, koong. Loud footsteps followed. Chae Nayun infused the [Lv.6 Jack Churchill’s Claymore] with her magic power. Kim Youngjin also grasped the sword once wielded by an ancient Korean warrior. Soon, dozens of djinns appeared from the dark.

“You’re here to steal our stuff, aren’t you?”

Their leader stepped forward. His hair stretched out like a mane and more hair covered his chest and chin. He easily stood over 2 meters tall and reminded them of a lion.

“We’re not here to steal. We’re here to exterminate humanity’s evils.”

“There you go with your shitty sophistry. Hahaha…”

The man laughed with his teeth baring. Then he stopped when his gaze turned to the woman next to Kim Youngjin. His smile disappeared and he widened his eyes. Chae Nayun frowned from his gaze.

“You’re lusting after a woman even in this situation? Stupid beast.” Kim Youngjin spoke to the man in contempt.

“Kuhahahaha!”

The man’s laughter resounded throughout the tunnel and a few guild members covered their ears. He pointed his huge finger at Chae Nayun.

“You! It’s you!”

“What’s this douchebag saying?”

“Hmm?”

He briefly paused at Chae Nayun’s dull response before nodding.

“Ah, you wouldn’t know me. Haha, I guess I’ll introduce myself. I’m sure you’ll be happy to find out.”

The man nonchalantly confessed as if talking about the day’s weather.

“I’m the one who killed your mom.”

***

Meanwhile, Bell scouted the area around Genghis Khan’s excavation site from above. He had turned his body into magic power and swam through the clouds.

His magic power eyes could see through obstacles, so he already finished grasping the general situation. Essence of the Strait, Frost Sanctuary, and Desolate Moon just entered one after the other. Creator’s Sacred Grace entered last with only 8 members and they headed towards the first basement level, the cheapest and most dangerous site.

“Where could they be?”

Bell continued to search for someone, but gave up 7 minutes later when he couldn’t spot any signs of them. That meant they already infiltrated with Jain’s gift at least 2-3 days ago.

“Give up, Sahyuk. We’re never gonna find them. Let’s just leave.”

— …

His partner didn’t seem to think so.

“Jin Sahyuk?”

— Shut up. I think I found him.

“Huh? Found who?”

She didn’t answer. He searched again to make sure, but couldn’t find anyone. Jin Sahyuk replied about 3 minutes later.

— Found you, shitty wolf.

Her voice overflowed with excitement. Bell asked in surprise.

“You did? Really?”

— Haa… Oi, Bell. We’re outside the tower, correct? We’re on Earth?

“We are, but how did you… No, I won’t ask. Instead, leave him alone until he makes his move.”

— I know, I know.

Her voice trembled as she clenched her teeth. She seems quite excited. Just how far can Kim Hajin drive her? Bell grinned.

— I have no idea what this bastard is planning.

The voice full of resentment couldn’t wait for revenge.

— But I’ll kill him at the most crucial moment.