[Mirror that breaks down boundaries (Growth Type)
Acquisition Difficulty: Overrank
Description: When used as a special item of unknown origin, it will connect to any location on the 10th floor of the Tower of Trials (Cooldown: 90 days. Duration: 30 minutes). Layers that can be connected as the player grows also increase, and so does the duration of stay. (Can take one more person).]
As you play the Tower of Trials, you can discover a few deceptive items and abilities.
One of them was the unique ability Fusion, which could be obtained in the National Museum of Korea.
This time, the Mirror that breaks down boundaries was another such thing.
Ba-dump! Ba-dump!
Jin-hyuk's heart beat rapidly. Although it was a play that broke common sense, he had managed to obtain both this and the loyalty of a boss monster.
'I didn't expect to be given this.'
Non-standard compensation that excited even veterans.
He had told Elise that he needed a big break because he couldn't control his excitement.
'First, I need to get some necessary things.'
Once he used it, he would need to wait 90 days to use it again. The mirror needed to be used under the right conditions.
Jin-hyuk began working rapidly as he figured out what to do.
'First…'
Woong!
Jin-hyuk took out his phone and called someone.
Tok!
The person on the other side answered before it even rang once.
"Ah! President! Please tell me why you contacted me? I was wondering if you had forgotten about us."
It was Kim Hee-wong, the temporary head of the Black Crow Guild.
Kim Hee-wong, whose life had changed thanks to Jin-hyuk, was managing the guild and had decent skills at it.
Jin-hyuk smiled.
"I've been a bit busy."
He was so busy that he forgot.
"Haha. Of course, I understand. It's hard to find a channel these days that doesn't show our president's face."
"Uh?"
"Why are you reacting like that? Korea—no, the whole world is paying attention to you."
Actually, he had gotten quite popular. People were recognizing him in public nowadays.
"Enough with the greetings. How's the guild? Were things fine while I was away?"
"It's so good that it might be a problem. A lot of players are joining after seeing you."
"Players joining for me? Are there still people like that?"
"Yes. We've been taking in a few, but it's impossible to manage the hundreds of people coming in every day."
Hundreds each day?
What kind of mess was this?
He never had the greed to raise a guild, but this might lead to Kim Hee-wong dying from overwork.
'As a condition of joining, I'll have to include wearing a full-body bikini and being bald.'
But everyone could apply regardless of gender.
Of course, the final decision was left to the guild. It was better to take only sane people.
Above all, he had to respect veterans with experience.
"I'll take care of that."
"I'd like to ask you for a favor."
"Ah. Did anyone contact me? From the Fathers of Fighting?"
"Ah! I was about to contact the representative… um… they said there was a contract signed involving an exclusive dungeon in exchange for information about a cure?"
"Actually, I initiated that. We have some leeway now, so make an appointment with Kim Gitae on their side."
"That's possible, but when do you want it done?"
"As soon as possible. And while you're at it, make reservations for a famous concert and a Michelin restaurant. Domestic or overseas doesn't matter."
"Uh? Why do we…?"
"Should I explain the reason?"
"N-no. I'll do my best to get the best seats."
As the call ended, Jin-hyuk smiled.
'You don't understand.'
Neither Kim Hee-wong nor anyone else would understand.
At some point, people needed to grow up, and it didn't make sense not to go to the best restaurants or concerts.
Especially considering he needed to be in his best condition for the 6th floor.
The 6th floor of the Tower of Trials, also known as the Forest of Elves.
Should this be considered a pause?
Besides, if he spent all 90 days just planning and eating, the road to the next floor would inevitably open.
Players would focus on improving their skills and abilities during this period.
It was a way of getting an attendance stamp proving they had been to the 6th floor.
But…
'If I leave the 6th floor just to rest, that would be foolish.'
It would be like an employee who worked hard hoping for recognition, only to end up overworked.
The same applied to the Tower of Trials.
Each floor had a purpose and required specific skills. No floor existed without reason.
And Jin-hyuk—
More than anyone else, he planned to spend those 90 days on the 6th floor perfectly.
But…
In a way only a veteran would.
'Concerts and Michelin-star restaurants are the paving stones for it.'
Jin-hyuk made his plan step by step.
But…
'You idiots. I'll come see you again.'
He was already looking forward to it.
He was sure everyone would be shocked to see what he was doing—and how many good things would come from it.
An hour after contacting Kim Hee-wong—
The meeting with Kim Gitae was confirmed, and they decided to meet at a coffee shop near Yeongdeungpo.
Jin-hyuk arrived a little early and slowly sipped his frappuccino topped with whipped cream.
'As expected, there's nothing like sugar to relieve fatigue.'
Unfortunately, mint chocolate was sold out, but this was fine.
And at that moment—
Step.
Unlike ordinary footsteps, these were steps filled with magic.
He didn't need to look to know it was Kim Gitae, a ranker from the Fathers of Fighting.
"Long time no see, player Kang Jin-hyuk."
Kim Gitae bowed his head briefly. Despite the things piling up inside him, he spoke politely, and Jin-hyuk returned the greeting with a smile.
"This is our first meeting since the testing."
To be precise, it was.
Back then, he was just a player with an undecided rank.
Now, he was an S-rank, constantly appearing on television.
It made sense that Kim Gitae was being cautious.
'This is why power matters.'
Jin-hyuk leaned back in his chair and spoke.
"I apologize for delaying the discussion about Mandragora. I was busy climbing the tower."
"…Well, I can understand that."
Kim Gitae's expression clearly showed displeasure.
If Jin-hyuk weren't a top ranker, Kim Gitae would have already drawn his sword.
But Jin-hyuk didn't care.
"In that sense, I'd like to revise the contract terms. From what I hear, your guild controls a few A-grade dungeons. Possibly on the 3rd floor?"
Ten exclusive dungeons on the 1st floor had been attractive before.
Now, at level 30, they were useless.
He couldn't waste time chasing goblins.
"So instead of the previously agreed dungeons, you want one A-grade dungeon on the 3rd floor?"
"That's right."
"You said you'd tell us how to make the antidote, and now you want to raise the terms?"
"Yes."
Jin-hyuk disliked repetition.
Kim Gitae's face reddened.
Should he offer him a glass of water?
"…Player Kang Jin-hyuk. What do you take us for?"
Um…
A generous tree?
But he couldn't say that.
So he offered an excuse.
"This decision is unavoidable due to inflation, raw materials, prices, and labor costs."
"What…?! We're not a charity that exists to satisfy your absurd demands!"
Kim Gitae stood up.
"You're leaving?"
"If you keep talking like that, I'd rather leave."
"Hmm. The 3rd-floor labyrinth—Gray Temple. From what I know, you own it, but every attempt to clear it has failed."
"…!"
Kim Gitae froze.
"How do you know that?"
"I heard it here and there. I have a wide network."
The dungeon list had come from Kim Hee-wong.
The moment Jin-hyuk saw Gray Temple, he was sure.
They couldn't clear it.
'He's reacting.'
They wanted the hidden treasure but lacked the ability.
Now the guild was frustrated.
By bringing it up, Jin-hyuk seized control of the conversation.
"I'm not saying I'll take all the rewards. Gray Temple is a 20-person raid. It's impossible to clear alone."
"…"
The key was reassurance.
"Besides, continued failures would only cost you more people. Wouldn't it be better to move with someone who has proven his ability?"
"That… makes sense."
Justification mattered.
It wasn't weakness—it was efficiency.
Finally, sincerity.
"You can buy Mandragora at the basic shop on the 1st floor. Drink the jasmine tea from the shopkeeper 11 times in a row, and the hidden items will appear in the closet. It doesn't taste bad—just endure it."
"…Huh?!"
Kim Gitae hadn't expected the information so easily.
After thinking for a moment—
'He's not trying to deceive me.'
Kim Gitae nodded.
"I understand. After discussing it with the guild leaders, I'll send you the raid schedule."
He smiled and extended his hand.
'We can't afford to be careless with Kang Jin-hyuk.'
A solid foundation had been laid.
But—
Kim Gitae would never realize the secret hidden in Gray Temple.
"Haha. I wish us the best."
Jin-hyuk shook his hand.
'Make full use of the 1st-floor shops I no longer need.'
Drinking 11 cups of jasmine tea would keep them in the bathroom all night.
'Me—and the guild members who enter the labyrinth. I'll use everything.'
Everyone had their own thoughts.
And the contract was renewed.
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