Chapter 175: All Prosperity Shared (1)
Representatives of various forces, composed of humans and non-human species, swarmed around Jinhyuk.
“Again, it’s that guy.”
“Right. He finds all the tasty bits by himself.”
“I wonder if he’s going to explode from gluttony someday.”
“Seven, really. It’s truly remarkable.”
Envious glances poured from the surrounding players; their factions were but minor powers in comparison.
The largest forces, the ‘Empire’ and the ‘Spirit Realm,’ were all showing interest in Jinhyuk, so it wasn’t surprising.
Excluding the ‘Martial Arts Faction’ engaged in conversation at a table, essentially everyone was moving to recruit Jinhyuk.
“If it weren’t for him, we’d all be bones back in the labyrinth. So, mind your words.”
Maria, who had been silently observing, sharply rebuked them.
If Jinhyuk hadn’t made an additional agreement through the Empire…
Only a few would have survived the 25th floor.
Most were actually summoned back to the ballroom after struggling with various traps in the labyrinth.
“Huh. Looks like they’re all jealous of your brother?”
“Right, right. I heard it too.”
Casey and Judro giggled.
Creak…
There it was.
A small figure with a giant halberd scraped the ground.
It still contained unidentified blood on its blade despite the fray.
“If they can’t see, they don’t need to be jealous, right?”
“Yep! If they can’t hear, they’d be even calmer.”
What followed was a cryptic and chilling conversation.
And now, the lunatic siblings had even joined the fray.
Those who understood the pain of having them as enemies knew they were fighters devoid of rational choice.
“Well, that’s…”
“That may be true, but…”
“Calm down. We didn’t mean it that way.”
Their words sealed shut, perhaps hitting a nerve.
Truthfully, there wasn’t much they could say.
After all, it was a fact that Jinhyuk had saved everyone.
Meanwhile,
Penheimer approached Jinhyuk.
“Finally, we meet again.”
His face was slightly flushed.
Penheimer’s voice trembled thinly.
After a long wait, he could finally get his hands on the talent he desired.
“We’ve received a lot of help from you in the labyrinth.”
“Ha ha ha. You don’t have to mention it. We should be doing that much for a player who’ll join us.”
Penheimer let out a hearty laugh.
Um…
Jinhyuk awkwardly scratched his head.
It was never comfortable to break such a harmonious atmosphere.
At least he should manage his expressions as a matter of courtesy.
“Oh. I have something to say about that.”
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can choose the Empire.”
“What do you mean by that?”
Penheimer’s eyes widened at the sudden declaration.
How could this be happening? After all the investment they had made.
But…
“I know the Empire has given me a lot, but I think it’s a bit lacking for achieving my goals.”
Jinhyuk seemed apologetic as he absurdly spoke.
The Empire wasn’t sufficient for his goals.
The mid-ranking players might not understand the significance of this statement, but the other residents did.
The Empire sustained its vast territory, comprising seven kingdoms, with military power, a populace of millions, a strong economy, and a splendid culture.
Even the Administrator wouldn’t dare touch such a major force without good reason.
And here he was, saying it wasn’t enough?
‘What could possibly be his goal?’
‘Is he serious?’
‘Look at Penheimer’s face. He’s red as a beet. He looks like he’s about to scream.’
A dry gulp ran down the throats of the residents.
Penheimer, too, would dispose of a player if they were of no use, maintaining the decorum only to recruit new talent.
The air grew cold.
Everyone anxiously awaited Penheimer’s response to the rejection.
However, neither Jinhyuk nor Penheimer made a move.
The one who did was entirely unexpected.
“I am Mayrena, representing the Spirit Realm and Water Spirits.”
A noble water spirit with the appearance of a dignified woman smiled softly.
“We can offer substantial aid in your rise to power in the mid-levels. You may not know, but there’s no equal to us in the supporting division. We also have the fastest route to the 30th floor.”
If the Empire was not satisfactory, there might be a chance for them.
Mayrena quickly tried to appeal their strengths.
But…
“Sorry, I already have enough spirits.”
Jinhyuk refused once again.
The crowd grew noisy.
Rejecting the most promising forces in succession was completely unexpected.
Going with the turbulent Martial Arts Faction was out of the question.
‘If it’s not a major force… is he considering minor powers?’
‘But that doesn’t make sense. If major forces aren’t satisfying, joining minor ones will only make the climb harder.’
‘What on earth is he thinking, that person?’
Unable to comprehend Jinhyuk’s thoughts, the ballroom plunged into unprecedented chaos.
＊＊＊
“Phahaha! Right you are. He’s quite the entertaining human. I never thought I’d see the day when those high and mighty residents all looked like they had been sucking on lemons.”
Hasting laughed heartily, watching the entire situation from the second floor. Jinhyuk’s unexpected actions were quite amusing, as his smile kept twitching.
“Even the Egyptian deities seem quite puzzled.”
Rick sipped with a bitter taste.
Others might not know, but he had anticipated that Jinhyuk would act this way.
He had already refused the deities’ offers, players who could even ally with the highest deities without hesitation.
“Hmm. He’s even met and refused the Egyptian gods?”
“Yes. Rejected without mercy.”
Rick reminisced about the past.
Jinhyuk didn’t hesitate despite the chance to have the highest deities at his back, as if they weren’t enough for his ambitions.
Hasting’s face turned serious.
“He’s not satisfied even with the 40th floors…”
It was unbelievable, but it only meant one thing.
“He’s aiming for the peak.”
The untrodden realm that no one has reached yet.
The place where the beginning and the end of the world lies, a sanctuary inviolable.
“Perhaps that’s what it means.”
“Everyone has been affected by the tower’s arrival in their nature, more so than we realize. But, to have such audacity… frankly, I would like to peek into his head.”
Most were unaware,
The quick adaptation to reality,
The newfound ease to claim lives,
All were possible because of the tower.
Of course, even with that, not everyone could lose fear as Jinhyuk had.
Hasting stroked his chin.
“Put nicely, he has guts; put badly, he has nothing to lose. It’s fascinating from a spectator’s view, but reckless like walking a tightrope on purpose.”
“Maybe…”
Rick cautiously followed up Hasting’s thought.
“He’s having fun.”
“If he feared death, he wouldn’t be able to act so dominantly.”
Every moment in the Tower of Trials,
The process of growth and becoming stronger,
And the journey to the tower’s end,
All were enjoyable, hence attracting the attention of gods and residents.
“You might be right, my friend.”
Hasting nodded, acknowledging the possibility and waited with interest for Jinhyuk’s next move.
‘Show me.’
The reason behind all this commotion.
More importantly, how this chaos will be resolved…
＊＊＊
“Then, Mr. Jinhyuk, what is it that you want? What kind of force do you wish to ally with?”
A different individual spoke up.
Not a human, precisely.
With pale skin and antler-like horns, long emerald hair down to the waist, and four legs, it was an impressive sight.
‘Huh.’
Jinhyuk’s eyes narrowed.
A rare species had appeared.
The Dryads’ guide, a non-human species, ‘Yasysis.’
The leader of the third force vying for dominance of the mid-levels.
‘The Blue Horn tribe in person.’
Eventually, he would have to visit the ruins with Yasysis, but today was not the day.
Jinhyuk slowly opened his mouth.
“I won’t choose any force.”
He had no desire to subserviently grovel under the mid-level powers.
Whether they scuffle or strengthen their control over a few floors…
Isn’t that the concern of the involved parties?
“Do you mean to climb the tower without a force?”
“Not exactly. It would be inconvenient not to belong to a force.”
Instead…
“I’m considering creating a new force. One led and owned by me.”
“A new force… you mean to make one?”
At Jinhyuk’s words, Yasysis’ complexion changed, shocked just like Penheimer from the Empire or the Martial Arts Faction’s Yong Hosting.
“Hmm…”
“Absurd.”
They knew Jinhyuk did crazy things, but this was beyond understanding; it was madness.
“Do you understand what you’ve said? The balance of the tower, enduring for thousands of years… Are you aware of what it means for you, not even a year into this place, to form a new force?”
Yasysis raised his voice as if gravely insulted.
His pale face wasn’t mistakingly flushed with anger.
Given their perspective, Jinhyuk would be nothing more than a novice, oblivious to the tower’s ecosystem.
It was as if a toddler, yet to walk, declares to enter a battlefield. It was natural for their pride to be wounded.
But…
‘How cute.’
To me, their squawking and squabbling are just as annoying as any clueless newbie to the tower.
Of course, arguing here would just be a waste of energy.
Better to show them clearly.
“To create a new force, one must gain recognition from the existing powers… Isn’t that the rule of the tower?”
“…How do you know the tower’s rules? Just who are you…?”
“I have quite broad knowledge.”
“Knowing that doesn’t change the fact. You’re strong, sure, but not strong enough to create your own force.”
Yasysis shook his head.
On the contrary…
“Well, then I just have to show that I have the qualifications recognized by everyone.”
Jinhyuk smiled slightly.
And at that moment.
[Activating Unique Ability ‘All Prosperity Shared (萬祥共有).’]
Only 30 seconds were given.
But that was enough.
[Selecting the Unique Ability of ‘Elyss von Ataraxia.’]
[Comprehension of the target exceeds the conditions for activating the ability.]
[The Unique Ability ‘Blood Lord’ manifests!]
And with that short message…
…the watch turned crimson.
Simultaneously.
Kukukukuku!
An indescribable power pressed down on the ballroom.
