<The Gentle Man's Tower Conquest Guide 33>
We successfully conquered the 33rd floor with an S++ rating and exited the tower.
Time for a quick break.
Kossack turned on the TV, saying it was time to watch a drama, but nearly all major networks were flooded with special broadcasts.
"Player Nam Ga-eun successfully conquers the 65th floor."
"Coming up next: the 66th floor conquest."
Kossack erupted in anger.
"What the hell is this? What’s so great about clearing the 65th floor? Huh? If Summoner Bong hadn’t provided the holy sword, she wouldn’t have stood a chance! I’m pissed, so pissed! Are they mocking our record of 33 consecutive S++ clears?"
Gyundallae interjected,
"Don’t get so worked up, Kossack. It’s just a temporary craze. Once the 66th floor is conquered, the news coverage will fade."
"Oh! Really?"
"Yes. In the end, only our lord’s achievements will remain. Forever!"
"Hehehe, well said."
Achievements, my ass!
They’re all their own doing.
What credit do I even get?
But Player Nam Ga-eun did it entirely solo.
Of course, items play a massive role in tower conquests.
As the saying goes, "It’s all about the gear"—a single high-quality item can flip the entire battle.
But a player’s skill matters just as much.
You need to wield items properly for their effects to shine.
'She’s incredible.'
Honestly, I’m jealous.
Even if I’m not at Nam Ga-eun’s level, I at least want the ability to protect myself in the tower.
'But right now, I’m just dead weight.'
Not that the summoned ones would ever see me that way.
It was the same during the 33rd floor.
I was too overwhelmed by the third-stage Minotaur’s size to land a proper mace strike.
'Just do what I can.'
Juhyuk decided to tackle the tower again the next day.
Yesterday: 33rd floor.
Today: 34th floor.
Two days straight.
The 34th floor of Korea’s Black Tower.
The mission: conquer the fourth-stage Minotaur.
Now, bull-headed monsters nearly 6 meters tall appeared.
"...They’re huge."
"Massive. Gotta crane your neck way back just to see their heads."
Ah!
Smashing their heads by jumping is impossible now.
Does this mean I can’t use the Mixed Origin Thunder Staff techniques anymore?
As floors increase, the monsters will only grow bigger.
Am I stuck hunting low-level orcs and trolls?
A sudden wave of gloom hit me.
This damn timidity, this cowardice—can’t I fix it?
While I agonized, the battle began.
Thud thud thud!
Clang clang!
Whoosh!
Gyundallae’s buffs spread across the 34th floor.
Empowered, Gobang and Kossack mowed down Minotaurs.
Meanwhile, Juhyuk hesitated.
I’d vowed:
Outside, a timid but gentle man.
Inside the tower, a bold and powerful man.
But facing these giants, my resolve swayed like reeds.
'Just attack the legs. Chip away with minor strikes until they collapse, then finish them.'
Not exactly the bold man’s way.
Seeing Juhyuk’s gloomy stare, Kossack—mid-fight with a Minotaur—rushed over.
"Summoner Bong, the bull’s head too big?"
"Yeah. I’ve hit my limit."
"Don’t fret. Who do you think I am? Kossack’ll fix it!"
"Huh?"
"But promise to take down just one. Few are left anyway."
A solution?
Intriguing.
"Fine. One."
"Quick decision! Impressive!"
Kossack turned to Gobang.
"Gobang, time to pay back all that beef you ate! You hogged four or five pieces while others had one!"
"Wh-whatever."
"Easy. Interlock your fingers—no, not like that. Like this."
Aha!
I see.
They’re making a hand platform.
"Oh! I step on it and jump?"
"Hehehe! Gobang’ll launch you!"
The scene unfolded in my mind:
Step on the platform, soar, then smash the bull’s head in a cool landing.
How epic would that be?
'Genius.'
Kossack’s always spot-on.
How does he know exactly what I need?
Alright. Let’s try.
"Gobang, lift me."
"Understood. Warriors lift their summoners."
Gobang braced himself.
"Going in."
Dash dash dash!
Juhyuk charged.
He stomped Gobang’s hand platform hard, knee snapping straight—
Whoosh!
He shot upward.
Gobang added his strength.
Whoosh!
His body soared.
Cool wind whipped his face.
A leap breaking all chains.
Incredible.
Glad I tried.
'Yeah, this is the bold man’s way.'
Higher.
Higher.
Higher...
'Huh?'
Why won’t it stop?
How high?
'...I’m screwed.'
Gobang’s strong but dumb.
He follows orders blindly.
I asked for a lift—he gave his all.
My fault too.
Tower entry boosts physical stats: strength, agility, magic—all enhanced.
I stomped the platform too hard, not realizing.
Normal humans can jump high with proper leverage.
Action-reaction synergy.
Thus—
Whoooosh!
Still rising.
"Hahaha..."
Juhyuk laughed bitterly.
The absurdity numbed his fear.
'Will I die falling?'
Nah. Level stats’ll cushion it.
Just some pain. Healing potions ready.
He glanced down.
Kossack drop-kicked Gobang, blaming him for the excessive launch.
'Why’s he like that? He ordered it!'
'Reminds me of jungle trolls when Gobang shook trees.'
Gradually, ascent slowed.
Finally stopped.
Now, only falling remained.
Should’ve stayed put.
Shouldn’t have tried to show off.
Then—
Whooosh!
Juhyuk plummeted vertically.
"Yikes."
His lower body clenched.
Might actually soil himself.
But fear didn’t grip him.
Gyundallae readied a talisman to slow his fall. Gobang spread his arms to catch him.
With his size, a princess carry would be safe.
But the thought repulsed him.
Imagining resting gently on that hairy, hideous chest like a bride—
'...'
Horrifying.
Any way to land coolly alone?
A movie scene flashed: a hero in rocket boots soaring.
Anime robots too.
Wish I could fly like that.
Rockets igniting at his feet—
Suddenly!
'Huh?'
Energy pooled at his soles.
'Oh...'
Magic power.
It answered his will.
Resistance tingled. Falling slowed slightly.
'Is this...?'
Instinctively, Juhyuk activated Shadow Steps mid-air.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
"Huh?"
It worked. Shadow Steps in mid-air.
'This works!'
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Magic pushed against air, letting him step faintly.
Zigzagging down,
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Falling slowed further.
Juhyuk channeled all magic into his soles.
Meanwhile,
Below, Kossack, Gobang, and Gyundallae gaped.
"The summoner’s walking. In the sky."
"Y-yeah, I see it too."
In mid-air... a Shadow Walker?
Is that even possible?
Cossack recalled the words he had heard from the guild master of the Assassin Guild.
"If a Shadow Walker reaches the pinnacle, they can walk through the sky."
Back then, he'd laughed mockingly, thinking it was some ridiculous scam.
But now, he'd witnessed it with his own eyes.
Cossack finally understood.
"...Truly, our Summoner Bong, your talent is beyond measure."
"Your words ring true, Cossack. Who could have predicted we'd witness aerial shadow steps here?"
Juhyeok remained uneasy.
Though his descent had slowed considerably, the speed was still dangerous.
Would he stick the landing?
Could he touch down gracefully?
The ground loomed alarmingly close.
Then!
A Level 4 Minotaur directly below caught his eye.
Simultaneously, an idea flashed through his mind.
'...Hmm.'
Worth trying.
At the critical moment of impact, he swung his mace-wielding arm behind his shoulder.
'Falling Thunder Flash.'
The strike plunged straight into the Minotaur's skull.
Squelsh!
Crunch!
A flawlessly executed Falling Thunder Flash.
Its destructive power surpassed all expectations.
The Minotaur's upper body vaporized instantly.
Using the recoil, Juhyeok landed lightly.
Thud!
"Huff... huff..."
His breath came in ragged gasps.
This much was manageable.
'Did I accidentally...'
Juhyeok discreetly glanced downward.
His pants remained spotless.
Thankfully, no embarrassing accidents.
Clapclapclapclap!
The summoned beings rushed over while applauding wildly.
"M-marvelous! Such blinding talent! I couldn't replicate that!"
"The summoner deserves warrior's honors!"
"Ah, how can one shine so brilliantly? This lowly servant trembles before your glorious prowess. I implore you to exercise caution!"
Mortifying.
"Did I... do alright?"
"Magnificent! Not content with soaring heights, you perform Shadow Walker techniques mid-air! Breathtaking! Observe my trousers - soaked through! I've fully voided myself!"
"You vulgar oaf!!! Ah, no, Cossack-nim, must you always be so crude? This transcends mere boorishness!"
Thank you.
He'd soiled himself in my stead.
Truthfully, I'd been terrified.
I expected to helplessly flail before crashing into Gobang's embrace.
But this outcome?
Shadow steps actually worked in mid-air.
Maybe I do have talent after all.
Even I had to admit those aerial maneuvers looked spectacular.
I'd practically flown.
And the Falling Thunder Flash?
During activation, I'd felt it -
The cleanest strike imaginable.
Regardless, mission complete.
[34th Floor Mission Cleared]
[Level Increased]
[Reward: 3.4kg Magic Stone]
[Reward: Summoned Being Rank-Up Rune]
Another day, another Magic Sto- Wait.
"Huh?"
What's this?
"Gah!"
A reward. Just a normal reward.
Not even a special achievement bonus.
A Rank-Up Rune as standard loot?
Is the Tower complimenting my performance?
[Notice: Achieved S++ Clear Rating for Black Tower (Korea) 34th Floor]
[S++ Clear Reward: Platinum Badge awarded]
[35th Floor Challenge Unlocked]
[Exiting South Korea's Black Tower]
Pop!
The group materialized back in their officetel.
Juhyeok collapsed onto the sofa immediately.
"Wow."
Disbelief lingered.
Checking his inventory confirmed it.
'It's real.'
First, he discreetly summoned Cossack.
"Can this rune upgrade from SSR to LSSR?"
"Not a whit. Rune enhancements cap at SSR. LSSR exists beyond such means."
Understood.
Decision made.
This rune belonged to Gobang.
"Let's rest now."
"Yessir!"
"Your dedication shines brightly, but pray preserve your health next time. This humble one's heart nearly ruptured."
"Message received. Let's eat. What's everyone craving?"
As Juhyeok opened a delivery app, Cossack intervened.
"Hold your orders. We're on ramen rations."
"Why?"
"We gorged on Hanwoo, recall? Particularly Gobang - that whelp could fast for days. How many servings did he inhale solo?"
Gyundallae joined the reproach.
"No matter a servant's competence, none should keep gluttons. Ah! Not specifically meaning Gobang-nim, of course."
Me?
How many meat wraps vanished into that tiny muzzle?
Poor primitive Gobang.
He sat slumped, face nearly touching his knees.
Unacceptable.
Time for intervention.
"Gobang-ssi?"
"...Eat less... next time."
"None of that. Take this."
"Warriors endure hunger. Summoner should... huh?"
Gobang's eyes ballooned.
He recognized the rune instantly.
"Go rank up."
"..."
The massive warrior hung his head silently.
Shoulders quivered faintly.
'Crying?'
Years of accumulated grievances -
Scorn for his appetite, disdain for his simplicity.
Plip. Plip. PLUNK.
Tear droplets the size of apples cratered the floor.
"Again? Don't cry! Gah!"
Suddenly engulfed in a bearhug, Juhyeok's face pressed into Gobang's furry abdomen.
Coarse hairs tickled his cheeks.
'...Ugh.'
What fresh hell is this?
I'd rather tap-dance mid-fall than endure this.
But here I am.
Though... with his limited intellect, can he even use the rune properly?
Anxiety prickled.
※ ※ ※
Park Kyung-soo, Director of Korea's Awakened Management Bureau, received an official Holy Sword rental request from America.
He approved immediately, scheduling their visit.
Since Korea's 66th Floor conquest:
"Gerald Watson and Homeland Security's Tower Division Chief Antonio are inbound to Incheon Airport posthaste."
"So urgent? What's their hurry?"
Jeon Gwang-il's last call with Antonio was four days prior.
They'd lowballed with $1M rental fee, earning his scornful rebuke.
He understood their game -
Testing boundaries.
But this crossed lines.
"Are they tackling 67th Floor's Phantom Reaper?"
"Unnecessary haste. Much remains before then."
"Then?"
"Want to farm 66th Floor Specter for Holy Sword testing."
Gerald Watson.
America's top-ranked player.
His 66th Floor clear took thirteen grueling hours.
"Rental terms?"
"Ten million per attempt proposed."
"Other demands?"
"Lift anti-dumping measures on Korean Magic Steel."
"Hmm."
Pointless discussion regardless.
Bong Juhyeok set the final price.
"Ah! Also..."
"Yes?"
"The penthouse Yoo Cheol-min occupied..."
"Why? Not cleared yet? Burn his belongings."
"Scheduled. But Bong Juhyeok seems interested."
"Ah."
The confiscated property now belonged to the state.
As housing,
Bong qualified supremely.
Who else deserved it?
"I intended additional rewards... A residence suffices."
Holy Sword ownership justified everything.
Even the President remained ignorant of Bong's S++ records.
Need-to-know basis.
Though Holy Sword ownership reports had circulated.
Bank transfers would reveal his identity regardless.
"Excellent! Sanitize the premises for transfer. I'll secure approvals."
"Understood."
Perfect timing.
The officetel on 2 billion won salary always felt inadequate.
