<Conquering the Tower of Hanamja: Floor 34>
Juhyuk's officetel.
Today, the air was thick with the smell of ramen again.
He’d declared he’d only eat ramen for a while.
After conquering the 34th floor: ramen. While resting the next day: ramen. Now: ramen again.
When he summoned Gyeondalrae and Kosak, they immediately headed to the kitchen and pulled out a pot.
How could anyone eat nothing but ramen for three days?
When Juhyuk suggested ordering delivery, they insisted on eating ramen for at least five more days.
They claimed it would put their minds at ease.
If that were the case, they should’ve shown some restraint earlier.
150 servings for four people? 150?!
‘I couldn’t even finish two servings properly.’
So he refused to join them for ramen.
He’d just order chicken later and eat alone.
Currently, only two summoned beings were cooking ramen: Kosak and Gyeondalrae.
And Gobang?
He couldn’t be summoned.
The catalog entry read:
[Catalog]: Barbarian Meat Shield (Summoning Unavailable)
Summoning unavailable.
He’d already asked about this.
What did "summoning unavailable" mean?
Just yesterday,
when Juhyuk pressed him, Kosak scratched his head and mumbled:
"Rank-ups are dangerous, see? Gotta strengthen the soul. So during enhancement... uh... there’s a chance of failure... or disappearing."
"Disappearing?!"
A surge of panic.
‘Did I accidentally poison him?’
But Kosak had returned safely before.
"What’s going on...?"
He’d heard warnings from Kosak before—rushing enhancements was risky, proper preparation was needed.
But he hadn’t realized it was this dangerous.
"You’re serious? He could vanish?"
"...Not entirely sure myself," Kosak hedged.
Juhyuk sighed.
This was maddening.
Then Gyeondalrae interjected:
"Worry not. True disappearance would erase his name entirely. His remaining on the list implies another reason."
Another reason?
Like what?
Was this just empty reassurance?
"During soul enhancement, there’s a minuscule chance of leaping two or more stages. In such cases, summoning becomes temporarily blocked for days."
"Oh!"
The anxiety lifted.
This might be good news instead.
As expected of Gyeondalrae, born of royal blood.
Her knowledge ran deep.
Zzt!
Juhyuk shot Kosak a glare.
‘You spouted nonsense without knowing the truth.’
Scaring him with talk of disappearance!
Kosak avoided eye contact, guilt written across his face.
Still, Juhyuk recalled similar concepts.
Game enhancement systems.
Using scrolls on gear, where luck sometimes boosted +1 to +2—a "critical enhancement."
If this was the same, it’d be a relief.
"Hehehe! Now that I think on it, the princess speaks truth," Kosak chuckled. "His soul’s pure as a flower-field frolicker. Pure souls enhance well!"
Relief washed over Juhyuk.
"Wait—if this is a two-stage enhancement..."
"Does that mean Gobang...?"
At Juhyuk’s question, Kosak’s shoulders slumped.
No ammunition left to scold him.
That was yesterday.
Gobang remained "summoning unavailable."
By now, they’d cooked all the ramen.
Kosak and Gyeondalrae sat peacefully at the table, slurping noodles.
No shouts echoed through the room.
Only one grievance lingered:
Tsk.
Over 3 billion won in his account, yet they ate ramen.
At least their skills had improved—perfect broth, springy noodles. Top-tier.
Future ramen would need upgrades: abalone, octopus, king crab, truffle, shrimp, pine mushroom, Hanwoo beef...
‘I’ll hit the market later.’
For now, let them have their ramen.
They’d added plenty of eggs and scallions, at least.
With Gobang’s return pending, tower climbing was on hold.
A planned break anyway.
Juhyuk opened his phone to check news.
Nam Ga-eun’s scheduled 66th-floor attempt at Korea’s Black Tower tomorrow.
Initially, they’d hidden the date fearing Japan-style failure, but her resolve made it public.
<"I’m not afraid. If I fail, I’ll try again.">
<"I’ve decoded the Specter’s patterns. Completed trial runs.">
<"The Holy Sword gives me confidence. Thanks again to its owner.">
Public reactions?
Most supported her, backlash against Yoo Cheol-min’s sudden naturalization fueling goodwill:
└ Failure’s okay!
└ Just stay safe. Retry anytime.
└ Holy Sword = guaranteed win!
└ Praying daily here.
└ 66th floor? Let’s storm the 67th!
└ 67th’s still miles away, idiot.
└ Fighting!
He might’ve even spotted his own comment.
‘Right—she promised an autograph.’
He’d claim it after her 66th-floor victory.
A visit to his family home was overdue too.
‘Could deliver Gyeondalrae’s talisman while there.’
Bzzzt!
A call interrupted. Team Leader Jeon Gwang-il.
"Hello?"
-"Belated congrats on 34 straight S++ clears."
What was this about?
The media buzz made sense—experts had called floors beyond 30 impossible for S++. Yet here he stood.
"Nam Ga-eun’s the real star. How’s her 66th-floor prep?"
-"Smooth. We lent a light-attribute item. Support team’s analysis predicts success. She’s confident."
"I believe it too. Send my encouragement."
-"Will do."
No flattery—she was legit.
-"Speaking of... about Yoo Cheol-min’s old apartment."
The apartment? Had they discovered Kosak’s visit?
"Why the apartment...?"
-"It’s vacant. No takers. We’ll transfer it to you if interested. Registration included."
"...Free?"
-"Yes, but you’ll cover maintenance fees."
Penthouse fees would be astronomical... but trivial against 3 billion.
‘Accept or decline?’
Not a snap decision.
"Give me time to consider."
-"Of course. It’s a token of gratitude for the Holy Sword loan."
A mere "token"?
He’d consult his summoned allies first.
※ ※ ※
Post-ramen cleanup, Juhyuk gathered Gyeondalrae and Kosak.
"I got a call..."
He detailed the offer, showing penthouse photos on his laptop.
Yoo Cheol-min’s seized Korean assets included this property.
"Kosak—you’ve been there. Impressions?"
"Yessir! So fancy! Rooftop garden an’ all. Could grow lettuce for beef wraps!"
Gyeondalrae studied the images.
"Grander than palaces I knew. A dwelling fit for your stature, my lord."
He agreed. But practicality over prestige—they needed space.
His "family" now outnumbered his original home’s. More summons might come. How to cram everyone here?
"Stay here or move?"
"Here’s cozy... but bigger’s better!"
"I concur," Gyeondalrae nodded.
"Hmm..."
I’ve made up my mind.
I need a big house.
The penthouse really caught my eye too.
But right now, his concern isn’t about whether to move or not.
Should I take it for free, or should I pay for it?
It’s not an easy decision.
So he voiced his opinion.
“Personally, I’m against taking it for free. Nothing in this world comes without a price. Capitalism is brutal. You’ll end up paying one way or another.”
“I think it’s fine to accept it. Compared to the kindness you’ve shown them, that house is just a small token of gratitude.”
Opinions were split.
Kossak’s argument was valid, and Gyeondalrae’s argument also had its merits.
What am I supposed to do?
If I take it for free, it feels like I’ll get a stomachache.
‘Should I just pay for it fair and square?’
The most expensive thing Juhyeok has ever bought is a 40 million won hand shield.
And even that was bought with a loan.
Since it was a matter of survival, let’s exclude that.
He’s not the type to splurge on things.
‘Impulse buying’ isn’t Juhyeok’s thing.
When he needs something, he goes to an online shopping mall.
If he finds something he likes, he saves it to his cart.
After that, he looks for similar products and adds them to the cart too.
He compares multiple items, considers the value for money, and selects the best one.
But does he proceed to checkout right away?
He has to check the reviews.
Why are the good reviews good?
Why are the bad reviews bad?
He even wonders if they’re fake reviews.
Only after weighing everything does he finally move the mouse to the checkout page.
Click right away?
No way!
He hits the back button and double-checks if this is really the best choice.
This process repeats several times.
Sometimes it takes over 3 hours to buy one item.
In the end, after a long deliberation, the product he buys usually costs less than 10,000 won.
He even trembled while buying something worth 10,000 won… so what about an apartment?
Anyway, the discussion is going to take a while.
I’m thirsty, so let’s drink something.
“Let’s have some coffee while we continue. Through a delivery app…”
Kossak said.
“Delivery fees are such a rip-off. I’ll go get it. I’ve eaten a lot of meat, so I should save.”
“Really, how much is the delivery fee?”
“I can get there faster than delivery. It’s right nearby, so I’ll be back soon.”
If that’s the case, then fine.
“Here, use this card to pay.”
“Yes!”
“Just in case, grab the recognition disruptor and the access card key.”
“Got it. Let me take your orders before I head out.”
※ ※ ※
Kossak left the officetel alone.
The world that hasn’t collapsed yet.
People busily moving around.
Cars filling the roads.
Over there, in the abyss filled only with souls, just being able to bring my physical body back is something to be grateful for.
And now I can freely enjoy all the luxuries of the real world.
Summoner Bong should live forever, beyond the fixed lifespan of humans, like elves or dragons.
Just keep climbing the tower.
Among its rewards are treasures that extend human life.
Once you hit around floor 80, they start popping up one by one.
‘So, which café should I hit up?’
There are way too many cafés in Korea, enough to give you decision fatigue.
There are tons near the officetel too.
I don’t get why people chug that bitter coffee like water.
Even Summoner Bong sticks to iced Americano.
Meanwhile, Gyeondalrae goes for strawberry latte, and I’m all about sweet-and-sour grapefruit ade.
‘Let’s go to the biggest one.’
Some place called ‘Star’ or whatever.
It’s packed, so it must be good if that many people go there.
Kossak, carrying the recognition disruptor, opened the café door and went in.
‘Where’s the kiosk?’
He knows how to use it.
A few days ago, when he went out for beef in Seoul, he saw Summoner Bong operating it a few times.
He could just order directly from the staff, but he should try using it at least once.
So he approached the kiosk.
‘Huh?’
Kossak spotted some shady characters.
Two guys sitting at a table, drinks in front of them, tapping away on their phones.
‘Oh…’
It looked totally normal.
But he could feel it.
The heavy stench of blood coming off them.
‘What’s this?’
Kossak was an assassin.
He could spot his own kind instantly.
Instinctively, he started scanning them.
The tiny scars on their hands—probably from knives.
And that faint whiff of gunpowder from inside their jackets.
‘A gun?’
Their ankles looked off too.
Probably hiding knives.
Not just one, either—in their sleeves, at their waists.
In this peaceful world, two guys who’ve killed—no, slaughtered dozens—drinking tea near Summoner Bong’s place?
A coincidence?
No way.
But maybe they’re Korean soldiers or spies.
Kossak subtly shifted his steps.
He passed their table without turning his head.
First, he planted his magical tracking marks—swoosh, swoosh—on both of them.
They got up to leave, so Kossak put off ordering his drink and tailed them.
As soon as they stepped outside—vroom, screech—a sketchy van pulled up.
Clunk, door opens. They hopped in.
Through the café window, Kossak saw others inside the van too.
He tagged the van as well.
‘Let’s see if they show up tomorrow.’
Of course, they might have nothing to do with Summoner Bong.
But if there’s even a hint of connection?
Heh.
Kossak’s lips twisted into a smirk.
He was smiling, but his expression was chillingly terrifying.
His icy gaze froze everything around him.
A red tongue flicked between his lips.
‘Better stock up on ribbons.’
He planned to keep this from Summoner Bong.
After all, Clause 3 of the Summoned Being Rules had already been triggered.
Kossak went back inside, ordered his drink, grabbed his tray, and headed back.
Beep, beep beep!
He swung open the door, cheerful as ever.
“Chung! Hehehe, Delivery Kossak reporting for duty!”
“Nice work. Come sit down quick.”
“Yes!”
