<Tower of Hanamja Floor 40 Strategy>
It was a grand journey.
Starting from the 36th floor, we climbed higher every day and finally achieved the feat of attribute enhancement on the 40th floor.
The summoned ones couldn’t stop smiling.
Cossack seemed to have finally unburdened himself.
“In my life, I’ve only wet my pants twice. Once when the summoner walked on air, and the second time...”
“Did you say ‘click’?”
“That’s right! Click! I was completely soaked.”
“Hahaha. You didn’t actually wet yourself, did you? It must be a figure of speech.”
“...”
“W-wait, seriously?”
“...Hehehe.”
Then Gobang chimed in.
“I, Gobang, saw it with my own two eyes. The assassin’s pants were soaked.”
At the same time, Gyeondalae’s thunderous shout erupted.
“You fools!!! ...Ha, Cossack and Gobang, what on earth were you thinking? How could you be so filthy in a safe place! Regardless, it’s clear the summoner’s earnest wish moved the heavens.”
The shamanic ritual must have been a masterstroke.
We poured more effort into the ritual than the strategy itself.
The sight of Gyeondalae riding the ritual blade was so solemn.
“I am ashamed. It was merely a trivial skill. Had proper musicians been present instead of speakers, we wouldn’t have needed to spin the wheel.”
Gobang also boasted of his contribution.
“I steadied the sword. That’s why the princess balanced so well on it.”
Cossack, of course, couldn’t stay silent.
“If you wish earnestly, the universe will aid you. That’s the truth. Day and night, I begged the summoner to grant me attribute enhancement.”
It was heartwarming.
When united in purpose, even the impossible becomes possible.
Our collective will forged a miracle.
“It was electrifying. When the summoner raised his arms and shouted ‘Click!’, all strength left my lower body...”
“Cossack, enough!!!”
“Hehehe.”
In that desperate moment as the roulette needle teetered—
Click! The wheel shifted 0.5 cm to the right.
‘Phew, I almost wet myself too.’
This is why gambling addiction is dangerous.
But the result was good.
Very good.
So, start the 41st floor tomorrow?
No way!
We’re resting thoroughly for now.
The last random summon had been Gyeondalae at the 30th floor.
From there, we’d raced to the 40th.
With breaks in between, over 20 days had passed.
Now, fewer than ten days remained until the next summon.
Nine, to be exact.
We’d laze and feast until then.
“In that spirit... beef, anyone?”
“Hmm, ah... Should save it. Not hungry even if I don’t eat. Hehehe.”
“Hahaha! Then how about chicken?”
“CALL!!!”
Suddenly—
Ding dong!
The doorbell rang at Juhyeok’s officetel.
“Shh!”
Who was it?
The intercom screen showed Jeon Gwang-il.
The summoned ones...
‘Should I dismiss them?’
How convenient a large house would be now—just lock any room’s door.
Quick-witted Cossack stepped forward.
“Just dismiss us!”
“Should I?”
“Yes!”
“It’s time to return.”
“Summoner, take care.”
So—
“Everyone, dismissed.”
Pop pop pop!
After confirming their departure, Juhyeok turned on the TV, cranked the volume, and opened the door.
“Welcome.”
“Hahaha! Congratulations on your S++ 40th-floor clear!”
“You’re too kind.”
“It’s causing an uproar. Even the 66th-floor clear is overshadowed.”
Ha. Troublesome fame.
How long could he hide his identity?
“I came to deliver something...”
“A penthouse? I refuse free gifts.”
“Not that.”
Jeon Gwang-il thudded a 007-branded bag onto the table.
“This.”
“...A toy?”
“The real deal.”
Inside lay a silver metal pistol.
“Why give me a gun?”
“Self-defense. Shoot any suspicious person without hesitation!”
“...Shoot? Just like that?”
“We’ll handle all consequences. No arrest, charges, or trial.”
Immunity, in other words.
“There was a recent kidnapping attempt. Heaven intervened, but no guarantees.”
“Ah! But I lack a license.”
“Legally handled.”
Juhyeok lifted the pistol.
Military service hadn’t included handguns.
“This can enter your inventory.”
“Really?”
“Tower metal construction.”
Lightweight, as expected.
‘Let’s test it.’
Magazine attached—
Click!
Inventory attempt... failed.
“...It won’t go in.”
“Remove the magazine first.”
“Why?”
“Gunpowder isn’t a tower item.”
Then why tower metal? Regular guns could be carried as personal items.
“Tower metal barrels enhance effectiveness.”
“Did it?”
“Marginally.”
Hence why large firearms can’t enter—no shells or rockets.
“I’ll keep it.”
“Also, security will intensify. May inconvenience you.”
“Our contract specified minimal security.”
“But circumstances—”
“Make an exception. I’m moving soon—somewhere private.”
“Reconsider. Players face greater danger outside.”
True, but—
‘Time to show him.’
“Few are safer than me.”
“What?”
“Watch.”
Juhyeok chanted softly.
“Energy shield, activate.”
Zzzzzzt!
A milky barrier enveloped him from the bracelet.
“Gasp!”
Jeon Gwang-il stared, shaken.
“An... item? Without tower restrictions?”
“A clearance reward. Works outside. Sturdy enough to stop bullets.”
The team leader nodded numbly.
‘Like the holy sword... S++ rewards truly differ.’
Tower items usable in reality—
Mostly earned through conquest.
Including magic stones, metals, herbs, leather, monster bones, and so on, these materials can also be applied in the real world.
However, since they are rewards from clearing floors, the quantities are limited. Herbs are usually sold for research purposes, while metals, leather, and bones are used to craft player items.
But it’s not just materials that drop.
Occasionally, completed items appear as well.
Accessories that clear the mind, swords that slice through steel like butter, or defensive items that protect the target like that shield.
These items are beyond priceless.
In a world where famous paintings or ancient artifacts trade for $400 or $500 million, that shield item would easily be worth at least a billion dollars.
A billion dollars?
As soon as its existence becomes known, Arab tycoons or American billionaires would come rushing with sacks of cash.
“P-please, hide that item. Don’t even think of selling it.”
“Oh, why would I sell it? It’s my lifeline.”
“Good thinking.”
Now that I’d shown it off:
“Keep security relaxed. Actually, don’t assign any guards at all.”
“Hmm, I’ll pass along the suggestion.”
Jeon Gwang-il left.
Three hours later, he gathered the summoned players again.
“Alright, let’s rest properly. No floor clears for a while. If you need anything, just say the word. Should I order chicken first?”
“Call!”
“Call!”
Click!
And so, they ate well and enjoyed themselves.
Occasionally venturing out too.
For an entire week.
※ ※ ※
American player Gerald Watson entered Incheon Airport with Director Antonio.
Countless bodyguards surrounded them on all sides.
The airport was unusually empty.
For a celebrity of Gerald Watson’s stature, one would expect reporters to be camped out.
But the media knew nothing.
His arrival time had been kept strictly secret.
“Hurry up, Antonio.”
“We’ll use it today regardless. Let’s take our time.”
“If you knew how long I’ve waited to get revenge on that damned Dark Specter, you wouldn’t say that.”
“Revenge? You already cleared it!”
“Look at South Korea’s Nam Ga-eun! She cleared it in 10 hours. What about my pride?!”
Director Antonio chuckled softly.
Gerald had a point.
How brutal was the 66th floor?
The time limit loomed, the Dark Specter’s aura rendered even double-layered light attacks ineffective, and each kill took over two hours.
After painfully upgrading their gear to barely meet the deadline, they’d succeeded—but only just.
And they’d had to clear that hellish floor twice.
Once for the West, once for the East.
But a holy sword?
With just one light-based item and a sword, she’d taken down a Specter in 10 hours?
“What are you doing? Move!”
“Good grief.”
The world’s top-ranked player.
But his youth made him recklessly impulsive.
Ahead at the departure gate, security vehicles and Gerald’s bulletproof car awaited—the same model used by the U.S. President.
Shipped via U.S. Air Force transport before their arrival.
Upon reaching the management office by car, Team Leader Jeon Gwang-il greeted them:
“Welcome. Mr. Watson, Director Antonio. I’m Jeon Gwang-il.”
“Call me Gerald. Show me the holy sword. Now.”
“Hahaha! That eager?”
“Yes. Now.”
Jeon Gwang-il led them to his office.
“Where’s the sword?”
Tsk. His impatience left no room for small talk.
“The rental fee hasn’t been deposited yet.”
Director Antonio stepped forward.
“We planned to handle it upon arrival. Where should we transfer it?”
“Here…”
“Hmm. The account is under the Management Office, not the owner.”
“Yes. We’re acting as their proxy.”
Antonio’s face fell slightly.
After tapping his smartphone several times:
“Payment sent.”
Jeon Gwang-il checked his device.
“Confirmed.”
He then opened a massive wall safe in his office.
“Here it is. Let’s verify the information first.”
Gerald snatched the sword eagerly.
“Oh!”
The sword’s stats flooded his mind:
Undead damage boost, Steadfast Spirit, Holy Flame, Critical Strike, and… Radiance.
The downsides? It was ancient, massive, and heavy—though it’d feel different inside the Tower.
“Can I enter now?”
“You must adhere to the contract terms. If lost or—”
“Relax. That won’t happen.”
Storing the holy sword in his inventory—
Spot!
Gerald vanished instantly.
Likely to America’s Western or Eastern Tower. Players enter based on nationality, not location.
※ ※ ※
[Entering America (No.2) Black Tower – Floor 66]
[Physical abilities enhanced to match level.]
[Special traits and combat skills enabled.]
First, equipping light-based gear before drawing the holy sword.
Whoosh!
A blinding radiance enveloped Gerald’s body.
He drew the sword.
Hum…
A softer glow layered over it.
Is this Radiance?
Fascinating. The hazy Radiance seemed to devour the equipment’s brilliant light.
Undeniably different.
Preparing for battle, Mage Knight Gerald cast:
“Strength. Haste. Barrier.”
[Floor 66 Mission: Eliminate 10 Dark Specters.]
[Time Limit: 15 hours.]
In the distance, enormous grayish-translucent bird-like creatures soared—pterosaur-sized.
Their massive frames extended the reach of their dark auras.
Physical attacks were useless. Only light-infused strikes could chip away at them.
After first clearing this floor, he’d sworn never to return.
Yet here he was, breaking his own oath.
Let’s see. Can I really one-shot these bastards?
Starting with aggro.
Gerald raised his hand:
“Magic Bolt!”
Zzzt!
A Specter shuddered from the hit.
Screee!
It halted mid-flight, pivoting toward him.
Scraaaw!
The Specter charged, dark aura flaring—the largest undead he’d ever faced. Its sheer size was intimidating even without the aura.
A flying monster, no less.
“Sharpness.”
Enchanting his blade, Gerald slashed its left wing with a sword skill.
Crunch!
The spectral wingtip sheared off.
Screeee!
The Specter thrashed wildly, unbalanced.
Too dangerous to engage directly.
After evading its erratic lunges:
Now.
He struck the right wing.
Slash!
Half the wing severed.
With its mobility crippled, Gerald pressed the assault—slicing the tail, legs, stabbing the torso, finally decapitating it.
Thunk!
The Specter froze, then erupted in flames.
…Unreal.
This is Floor 66?
Twenty minutes per kill?
With this sword, the dark aura might as well not exist.
This is fun.
‘One rental won’t be enough.’
He’d delay his departure. Another $10 million to rent it again.
Not like he was tackling new floors—$20 million total for the holy sword trial.
To Gerald, every cent was worth it.
