A Wimp’s Strategy Guide to Conquer the Tower (Novel) - Chapter 159
Chapter 159
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Translated by Jinmu
Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net
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Spot!
Director Jeon Gwang-il came back out to the Awakening Management Office tower materials warehouse in about 10 minutes after entering the 17th floor of the White Tower.
Exiting from the place he entered.
It was similar to the Black Tower’s method.
Jeon Gwang-il who is still bewildered.
“Is the pl, place I went in and came out of really, wh, where is it? Are you sure it’s a tower?”
“Yes, like I said earlier, it’s not the Black Tower but the White Tower.”
“What in the world…….”
“Didn’t you see people? They should have all been there.”
“I s, saw them, but.”
I was ignored for not being a permanent resident.
“You exited using a skill too, right?”
“Th, that is right.”
In a way, a White Tower specialized for players.
To the summoned entities, it’s a place like a waiting room so they can’t come out as they please, but players can enter and exit freely through skill registration.
If so, what about ordinary people?
What method will they, who are neither summoned entities nor players, use to become residents of the White Tower?
‘Well, I can find out later by granting a 1-day trial pass.’
For now, Joo-hyuk roughly explained what kind of place the White Tower is to him.
While clearing the Black Tower I achieved an achievement, and they lotted out a tower floor. It feels like a safe shelter, but other people can come in too.
Exactly this much.
Rather than explaining it lengthily, it seemed better for him to learn about it gradually while going in and out frequently.
Anyway, Joo-hyuk had another business for coming to meet Jeon Gwang-il.
“Excuse me, what is the market price for High-Grade Mana Stones these days?”
“It’s around 150 dollars per 100g. 210,000 won in Korean currency.”
The price has gone up quite a lot.
210,000 won for 100g, 2.1 million won for 1kg, 2.1 billion won for 1 ton, 210 billion won for 100 tons.
‘Was regular mana stone 50,000 won for 100g?’
About 4 times the price.
Perhaps it might rise more once the High-Grade Mana Stone materials industry goes into full swing.
‘The occupancy right is expensive too. It’s the price of one apartment in Gangnam, Seoul.’
To transmutate 1kg of Top-ma, 1 ton of High-ma is needed.
Meaning one occupancy right card is 2.1 billion won.
If you include Mari’s transmutation labor cost, it would be much more than that.
Come to think of it, the 1-day trial pass is extremely expensive too. Not to mention the monthly rent pass; it’s to the point where the permanent occupancy right would rather be cheaper.
‘On top of the occupancy right, decorating the 17th floor would consume a very large amount of High-ma.’
Now that the 76th floor’s mother lode is almost depleted, how to secure High-ma quickly?
“Would there be a way for me to purchase High-Grade Mana Stones personally?”
“…Uh.”
Jeon Gwang-il showing a look of difficulty.
“Because the state purchases all High-Grade Mana Stones and supplies them to the private sector, every process–purchasing, selling, distribution, supply–is left as a record.”
Of course.
Because it’s stipulated like that by law.
“So we have to report to the government on how we used them, so…….”
That’s right.
It’s not like the currently most important industrial resource can be spun out indiscriminately.
Even so, I can’t reveal that I’m purchasing High-ma to decorate the White Tower.
“…Is there no other route?”
“Euhm, there is a rumor recently that Chinese player peddlers are attempting to sell High-Grade Mana Stones overseas.”
“Really?”
“Yes, in areas near the borders of Russia, India, Vietnam, or North Korea, they contact brokers and sell them cheaper than the market price, they say…….”
“Ah!”
I heard the reason too.
It’s on a level of resisting the player oppression policy currently happening in China.
So they’re selling High-ma somewhere other than the Chinese government.
‘Tsk tsk.’
Poor Chinese players.
Being oppressed is not enough, to hand over the High-ma they risked their lives and received as a reward for a bargain price.
‘I should tell our Comrade Minister of the People’s Armed Forces to look into it once.’
I should buy it paying the proper price.
Helping the Chinese players too, while securing High-ma for the operation of the White Tower myself.
To do that, I must have ammunition.
Let’s empty out the bank account.
“Oh, right! How is the leather material inventory these days?”
“Even without that, I was planning to tell you, but we are currently short on inventory. I think we will inevitably need you to take some trouble for us.”
I knew it would be like this.
“I actually brought new leather anyway.”
“…New leather?”
Joo-hyuk took out the Apophis skin clipped as a sample from his inventory.
“How is it? Does it look okay?”
Startled Jeon Gwang-il.
It seems similar to Basilisk leather, yet not.
Looking closely, it looks like snake skin.
Snake, snake… a snake?
“…Could this be, the 82nd floor?”
“Yes, that’s right. Apophis skin, it’s a sample.”
“Ah-ah-ah.”
You skinned Apophis too?
That huge thing?
“There’s whole skin too. In Rajix-ssi’s subspace backpack.”
“…….”
“I want to supply this,”
Apophis, known as an un-clearable giant monster.
However, to Player Bong, it’s just a leather shuttle.
Jeon Gwang-il examined the Apophis skin closely.
It’s beautiful and fine, but…….
“It is tremendously thick. And extremely heavy for its size.”
“Right?”
That’s why Rajix couldn’t skin it and gigantified Gobang skinned it.
While Rajix cleanly skinned Basilisks and Wyverns all by himself.
“And the patterns and motifs are significantly large-sized as well.”
“Because it’s a giant monster.”
“It seems the strength of the leather would also be far beyond a leather crafting knife. You would need a mechanical cutter manufactured with tower metal.”
Hmm.
“Fine processing might be difficult, so it seems it would be best to get an appraisal from an expert.”
If it’s an expert?
“I will inquire with CEO Jeong Dong-hoon.”
“Ah! Rajix Trading Corp’s CEO-nim?”
“Yes, actually he called yesterday too. Regarding the leather supply issue.”
“Is that so?”
The leather really is short.
The business I started myself, I should have paid attention and taken care of it.
Actually, Joo-hyuk hasn’t been playing around either.
How many things happened within one or two months.
“Should I try visiting personally once?”
“Of course! He will be extremely glad.”
I have to meet him once.
Even though it’s awkward meeting a stranger.
“Please just let me know when you will visit. I will try setting up an appointment.”
“Today doesn’t work, and I’ll drop by personally when I have time.”
“Understood. I will notify CEO Jeong in advance.”
My business is done too.
“I’ll be going now.”
“Ah! Already?”
Joo-hyuk said while shaking hands with Jeon Gwang-il.
“And the White Tower 17th floor, think of it as a vacation spot for the day and take a look around as much as you’d like. I’ll get you a monthly rent pass if you want.”
“…Monthly rent?”
“Since I can’t give you an occupancy right, but I can get you a monthly rent pass.”
Monthly rent pass.
Literally the right to enter and exit that place for a month.
Jeon Gwang-il nodded his head.
It seems nice.
It’s much better than a 1-day trial pass.
It gives a feeling of elevated status too.
‘Is there no Jeonse pass?’
Originally, the next step after owning a house is Jeonse.
*
Joo-hyuk who returned home.
What to do going forward has been decided.
Securing High-Grade Mana Stones for occupancy rights and decorating the interior of the 17th floor of the White Tower.
There is a limit to the high-ma received as clear mission rewards.
The mother lode is exhausted too.
I have to get them from the outside.
Since Chinese player peddlers are selling High-ma, preparing ammunition for purchasing.
Let’s focus on leather supply for the time being.
Apophis skin, and up to Basilisks and Wyverns.
But no matter how I think about it, Behemoth skin doesn’t cut it.
What’s pretty about skin that’s just pitch black?
So Behemoth is eliminated.
Planning to proceed with upper-floor climbing after sufficiently supplying leather.
The 80s floors are the giant monster section.
Maybe I’ll be able to see once I go up.
I mean giant monsters possessing skin that slaps Rainbow Basilisks’ cheeks.
On top of that, I also need to search whether High-Grade Mana Stone mother lodes exist in the 80s floors.
First, after calling out all the summoned entities resting in the White Tower at the penthouse.
“Designated Summon Mackenzie Dronac.”
Spot!
Peong-peong!
Sya-ra-ra-rat!
Firecrackers bursting from the sky, colorful confetti fluttering.
Mackenzie appearing at the same time with both arms stretched to the sky as if cheering ‘hurrah’.
“I, Mackenzie Dronac, the 9-Circle Magician appears!”
Summoning is really loud.
Does he appear like this every time?
“Did you brag well and come back?”
“Thanks to the Summoner, I was extremely satisfied. Kkil-kkil-kkil, those guys truly, went crazy with envy.”
He certainly looks in a good mood.
Because his body itself was shining bling-bling, sparkle-sparkle.
At that, the experienced Cossack asked with a smirk, as if fully knowing that feeling.
“Is it refreshing, sir?”
“Very satisfying.”
“I am not sure if you are not afraid of the aftermath, sir. I recall you also said you would kill him yourself when you meet him, sir.”
“That I did. But now I fully understand your feelings too. No, how can one hold back from bragging!”
Gwangma shook his head side to side with a glare as if he still didn’t like it.
“Tsk tsk tsk, the things he does are totally…….”
Actually, Gwangma was in the middle of regretting too.
Because he received the occupancy right too fast and couldn’t brag.
“Mackenzie-ssi?”
“Summoner-nim, please speak.”
“I’ll give you an occupancy right.”
“Ooh-ooh-ooh!”
Hwa-a-a-at!
Two spotlights again.
‘…….’
It’s dizzying, but let’s adapt.
His nature is like that after all.
Joo-hyuk hung the one remaining occupancy right necklace on Mackenzie.
Seu-seuk, seu-seu-seu-seuk, seu-seuk.
– White Tower Resident : Mackenzie Dronac –
Clap-clap-clap-clap!
Congratulatory applause for becoming a complete family.
Next turn.
“Rajix-ssi, step forward.”
“Ho-e?”
Rajix stepping forward at Joo-hyuk’s instruction.
The continued badge awarding ceremony.
“Because you, despite being a non-combat class, splendidly overcame your own trauma by smashing the earthen pot of the snake bastard Apophis you met on the 82nd floor with your pickaxe, 2 Platinum Badges are awarded.”
“Ho-e-e-e.”
Clap-clap-clap-clap!
Rajix opening his mouth wide with a goofy smile.
There’s still more left.
“Because you, as the supply officer of the Bong Joo-hyuk division, splendidly supplied deficient military supplies by collecting massive amounts of rune fragments and ticket fragments, 3 Platinum Badges are awarded once again.”
“Ho-eng?”
What are you surprised about?
You have the right to receive it.
Rajix-ssi, hurry hurry receive the badges and go up to LSSR.
“Hoo-e.”
Right!
Preening his chest outwards.
Seems like he judged himself that he has the right to receive it.
Clap-clap-clap-clap!
With this, Rajix’s accumulated badges are 23.
If he receives just 2 more in the future, it’s LSSR breakthrough.
But?
“Euhm.”
Mackenzie staring intently at the badge awarding scene.
The undeniable greed hovering in his eyes.
“E-excuse me, Summoner-nim.”
“Yes?”
“To r-receive a Platinum Badge, what must I do…….”
“Ah… a badge?”
“Because I would also like to receive one.”
He seems to want one very much.
What to do?
Just attach one for him?
Gwangma answered instead.
“You must set up merits for the Summoner. How shameless, to ask for it for free!”
“Set up merits, you say?”
Preening his chest right in front of Mackenzie’s eyes.
“Look at this seat’s chest. It’s a whopping 6 badges. It means I set up merits 6 or more times.”
“Ah!”
“Though you wouldn’t be able to do it.”
“Why wouldn’t I be able to?”
Gwangma let out a pik! sneer.
“What would a magician who only cares about fireworks, spotlights, and aesthetic magic do? This seat is a body already recognized by the Summoner. Even that frivolous assassin.”
Hwa-reu-reuk!
Flaming Mackenzie.
“Th, this guy!”
“How is it being on the receiving end of bragging? Putting yourself in another’s shoes is used at times like this.”
Bu-deul-bu-deul.
Mackenzie’s whole body turned red.
A visual effect expressing anger.
A cloud the size of a fist flew over from somewhere, and ku-kung! kung-kung! dropped small flashing lightening strikes along with thunder sounds.
“Hmph! If I set up merits, I will receive a badge… well, that is not difficult. From now on, I, the 9-Circle Great Magician Mackenzie Dronac, will monopolize all the Summoner’s badges.”
Kwa-gwang! Jja-jan! Jja-ra-jan-jan!
Grand background music ringing simultaneously with the declaration.
It was a tremendous resolution.
I won’t have to worry about the 80s floors going forward.
“Now, today’s first attempt is the 82nd floor Apophis repeat clear. Are you ready?”
I’m curious.
Even if he’s an attention seeker, isn’t he a 9-circle great magician?
The destructive power of the magic he will show?
*
[Entering the 82nd floor of the Republic of Korea’s Black Tower (NO.1).]
Apophis repeat clear.
Received the mission.
Walking the underground passage of the dark labyrinth.
Seu-sa-sa-sa-sa-sa…….
Apophis appearing.
“Hoo-eng!”
Rajix, who overcame his trauma, glared at Apophis with an expression that it’s laughable.
And then pulled out the glinting and sharpened golden fleshing knife.
The giant monster of the labyrinth reduced to a leather shuttle for our universe’s great farmhand.
Commendable! Rajix.
“Now, then…….”
“Please wait a moment. Summoner.”
Another spotlight.
Mackenzie shining alone in the dark labyrinth spoke to Joo-hyuk with a tone full of confidence.
“Leave that guy to me. I will handle it alone.”
“…Will it be possible?”
Mackenzie replying with a bright smile.
“Ha-ha-ha, although the magic I showed you, Summoner, was nothing but a superficially flashy outer shell, I am also a Master who took responsibility for one magic tower, a great magician who pioneered the 9th circle; the likes of that snake bastard is nothing but a snack to stave off hunger.”
Ooh!
Full of confidence!
Good.
Let’s trust and leave it to him.
If he does well, I’ll give him a Platinum Badge too.
“Please.”
“Thank you.”
Mackenzie Dronac stepping forward.
The spotlight still shining on him following him.
A spell silently flowing from his mouth.
“Fire is the pure element composing nature, the light illuminating the darkness, the holy hotness burning dirty things, I command as one who realized fire.”
Mackenzie raised his hand.
“May the hottest fire in the world become a mass and fall like rain. Fire Rain!”
It was then.
U-u-u-u-u-u-u…….
A hot aura generating in the high midair of the underground cavern.
It was red clouds.
Clouds of fire with fearsome heat concentrated.
Hu-duk, hu-du-du-du-duk.
Fireballs the size of fists falling one by one.
And.
Hu-du-du-du-du-du-du-du…….
Like a shower, like a tropical squall, an enormous number of fireballs rained down towards Apophis.
Fire Rain, rain of fire.
Heat rising hotly.
“Barrier!”
Mackenzie blocked the heat approaching Joo-hyuk.
“Kya-a-a-a-a-ak!”
Apophis writhed.
It tried to dig into the ground and hide, but the fallen fire rain pooled on the ground and turned into blood-red lava.
There was nowhere to dodge.
“This is the fire spell of a 9-circle magician. Unextinguishable fire rain, the giant monster Apophis will not be able to regenerate and will burn completely black.”
…What?
No, what will happen?
It can’t regenerate?
Then…….
Tuk!
Surprised Rajix dropped the golden fleshing knife he was holding in his hand to the ground.
The other summoned entities shaking their heads side to side.
Sighs flowed out from everywhere.
“Ah!”
“Uh-eo.”
“Haa.”
“E-hyu.”
“Heo-heo.”
.
.
.
However, Mackenzie laughing heartily.
“Eu-ha-ha-ha-ha! Did you see it? This is exactly the magic of the Ruler of Flames, Mackenzie Dronac. Everyone is so surprised they have lost their words. Now, as I said, the Platinum Badge is… eum, uh… why?”
Would Mackenzie not have tact?
The atmosphere is unusual.
Looking at the Summoner’s expression, he sensed that something went wrong.
Then looking at Gwangma.
“D, did I do something wrong?”
“You did. Furthermore, an extremely huge fault.”
“What?”
“Would 11 of us have gathered because we couldn’t kill that single guy alone?”
“Then why?”
“Because of the leather. Peeling that whole thing and selling it brings in money you see. It just so happens the Summoner needs money too. Yet you bastard burned all of it.”
“Ah-ah…….”
It was then.
“Hoo-e-e-e-e-ek!”
Fully enraged Rajix’s roar.
At last, Mackenzie had to face the wrath of the universe’s great farmhand.
“Hoo-e-ek! Hoo-ek!”
“S, sorry.”
“Hoo-e-e-ek!”
Mackenzie ending up showing a weak appearance.
Would the jackals who caught that stay still?
“No, what on earth are we going to do if it’s all burned down?”
“We were even being careful with knife work in case the skin got damaged.”
“Can you not tell after just a glance? Why we came for the 82nd floor repeat clear?”
“Said to be a 9-circle great magician, but you’re useless.”
“Seems like giving him the occupancy right was for nothing, sir.”
“Ha! And he said he’ll get a badge doing that?”
“Is a person who has eaten enough age unable to judge the situation like that? Truly pathetic.”
“An aged old man is still playing with fire!”
“He’ll wet the bed at night. Guess we’ll have to put a diaper on him.”
“Punishment is needed. Can we not copy and paste a brig or a prison cell to the White Tower, sir?”
“Keong-keong-keong-keong!”
Criticism poured down.
“Do you know how to use anything other than fire attribute magic, sir?”
“I do, but the destructive power is quite…….”
“Probably only knows magic for disguising his outer appearance.”
“E-hyu, elder, just rest at home, sir. Instead of coming outside.”
“Tell him to just do farming in the White Tower!”
“Are you taking farming lightly, sir? Trying to burn all the crops to the ground?”
Mackenzie was completely out of his mind.
The spotlight that was shining on him had been turned off a long time ago.