Chapter 115 : Floor 24. The Boss
[A Special Quest Begins]
[Return to Earth.]
[In one week, you will return to the land you abandoned. Survive there and then return. Rewards will be based on your achievements.]
[This quest cannot be refused.]
It was the second return quest. The ghost also realized it belatedly.
“Heading back again”
“Yes.”
“It seems too soon since the last time.”
Previously unknown, it was now understood that the High Gods were involved in these summonings.
This call was likely theirs as well. The High Gods were continuously sending them, the players, back to Earth.
“What could be the reason?”
“Who knows the will of those mad gods.”
For now, it was an unanswered question. Taesan opened the community board.
[PanJayeon[EZ]: Ah… This is driving me crazy.]
[ChoiGeumIn[Normal]: Where are they sending us this time? To demolish a nest of monsters, perhaps?]
The community was in chaos. Unlike the first return, where there was hope and anticipation, now there was only despair and fear.
They knew well the state of Earth – overtaken by monsters, and their power was not yet sufficient to contend.
For them, returning was a curse, not a blessing.
[KimNaYeon[EZ]: No! I don’t want to! I like it here! I don’t want to go back!]
This sentiment was especially strong among EZ mode players.
EZ mode is very easy. As long as they’re cautious and avoid pointless ventures, most can clear it.
Thus, to them, the Labyrinth didn’t feel like a place of despair. It was more like a cradle.
That’s why Earth felt like hell to EZ players.
Taesan knew it well since he came from there too.
‘But it’s still manageable for now.’
Survival was possible up to the second return. Even EZ players could manage if they were careful and stuck with others.
The real issue was after clearing; for now, surviving wasn’t too difficult. Taesan posted a message.
[KangTaesan[Solo]: How’s everyone feeling?]
[LeeTaeYeon[Solo]: Ah, Mr. Taesan.]
[KangJunHyuk[Solo]: Hyung.]
Even Solo mode players were despairing. It was already tough and challenging, and now they had to return to Earth again, causing frustration among them.
However, Lee TaeYeon and Kang JunHyuk were calmly comforting others.
[KangTaesan[Solo]: You seem calm?]
[LeeTaeYeon[Solo]: Well, I expected it wouldn’t be the end. Just didn’t think it’d be this soon.]
[KangJunHyuk[Solo]: But… we’re somewhat better off than others.]
They had worked desperately. They cleared the Labyrinth, became stronger, and eventually acquired powers far surpassing those in Hard mode.
[KangTaesan[Solo]: Have you reached the 7th floor yet?]
[LeeTaeYeon[Solo]: Yes. It’s embarrassing to compare with you, but I think we’re doing well.]
The 7th floor, where the Lizardman Knight appears, using proper swordsmanship, was thought to be quite challenging, but it seemed manageable.
[LeeTaeYeon[Solo]: We’ve become stronger. We can’t just leave others to die.]
[KangJunHyuk[Solo]: Ugh. I’m nervous. This is crazy.]
[KangTaesan[Solo]: There’s still a week left. Try to reach the 8th floor. There’s a trial by the God of Tests, Pride, that’s worth taking. It’s a good idea to take that trial and come back.]
The Trial of the God. Pride. This trial didn’t require risking one’s life. Since one could assess their limits and give up, it was a risk-free way to become stronger.
[LeeTaeYeon[Solo]: Really?]
[KangJunHyuk[Solo]: I didn’t know about that… Thanks, hyung. It’s tough, but we need to descend.]
[KangTaesan[Solo]: Just don’t overdo it and die. See you in a week.]
They should be fine. Taesan left a final message and turned his attention to the Hard mode players.
[KangTaesan[Solo]: How about you guys?]
[GeumJungGeun[Hard]: I’m okay… but my sister is having a tough time.]
[KimHwiYeon[Hard]: ……I feel like throwing up.]
Even through text, Taesan could sense the immense pressure they were under and chuckled.
[KangTaesan[Solo]: Try to relax. Isn’t it better to make your own decisions than to leave your life in someone else’s hands?]
[KimHwiYeon[Hard]: How can I relax when the lives of thirty thousand people depend on me…….]
[KangTaesan[Solo]: Really?]
Taesan remembered that KimHwiYeon managed over a hundred thousand people.
[KangTaesan[Solo]: But you know you have to do it, right?]
[KimHwiYeon[Hard]: ……I know. It’s just whining. Anyway.]
After brushing off her complaints, Taesan asked.
[KangTaesan[Solo]: How’s Hard mode these days?]
[KimHwiYeon[Hard]: It’s okay. There are still deaths, but the number has decreased, and we’re slowly making progress.]
Not a bad update. Hard mode players, apart from Solo mode, were the top-tier players. Each of them was precious.
After checking in, Taesan chatted for a bit more and then said goodbye.
[KangTaesan[Solo]: Then, see you in a week.]
[KimHwiYeon[Hard]: Ah. I don’t want to… I wish I knew what to do when I get back.]
[GeumJungGeun[Hard]: Unless you have foresight, that’s impossible.] [
KimHwiYeon[Hard]: I know. Just venting.]
Taesan closed the community window.
He knew what to do for the second return since he had experienced it.
But there was no certainty it would be the same.
“What will it be like this time?”
Something was bound to change.
Either way, it was a week away. His plan was to become stronger by then.
Taesan proceeded to defeat the 24th floor’s boss and checked the rewards.
[Baal’s Staff]
[Black Magic + 10]
[A staff made by the demon Baal out of boredom. Those of low stature might go mad just by touching it.]
“This should be offered to the Demon God.”
[??? used.]
[Spring Water Ring]
[Attack + 5]
[Defense + 5]
[Strength + 5]
[Agility + 5]
[A ring containing the essence of a natural spring. It can summon a small amount of clean water.]
“Interesting.”
The stat increase was quite significant. It also had a special ability to summon water.
Trying it out, about three bottles’ worth of water flowed out.
That amount was not bad. Considering what was happening on Earth, clean water was essential.
“Now then.”
It was time to learn a black magic skill. Taesan looked uncertainly at Baal’s Staff.
“But how do I do this?”
Even though he wanted to learn by offering it, he didn’t know how. The Demon God didn’t give any explanation, so he had to experiment.
First, as with Lilith, he knelt and started praying. Praying to the Demon God while offering the sacrifice, power began to descend.
The Labyrinth’s dimension warped as a massive force was felt from beyond. Darkness expanded, and the Demon God appeared.
[Hmph.]
She crossed her arms with a look of annoyance. Her open dissatisfaction made Taesan uneasy.
“Why are you like this?”
[…No, it’s nothing. I can’t blame you for something I didn’t specify.]
The Demon God frowned.
[But from now on, offer anything derived from me to me. Got it?]
“Okay.”
If that’s what she wanted, there was no reason to refuse. Taesan immediately agreed, and seeing her mood improve, the Demon God spoke in a higher tone.
[You know why you called me. You’re preparing to leave, right?]
“You know about it.”
[I know everything about my own affairs. Annoying and lowly things, using such troublesome methods.]
The Demon God’s face showed mockery and scorn. She seemed aware of Taesan’s reason for returning to Earth.
“Perhaps…”
[You know I can’t tell you.]
“Not until I descend further.”
[At least… If you reach the 50th floor, I might be able to explain. Try to come down.]
The Demon God waved her hand. The staff in Taesan’s hand floated and flew towards her.
[This should be enough for basic black magic. Since you want to give them hell, consider it a service. I’ll give you something you’ll need right now.] [You have learned the basic black magic [Prayer to the Demon God].]
“What is this?”
[Something you’ll definitely need when you go out.]
The Demon God smirked.
[You’ll find black magic useful. You’ll thank me for it.]
“Thank you.”
It seemed she had given it some thought, so Taesan expressed his gratitude in advance. The Demon God smiled pleasantly and clenched her fist. The darkness began to fade.
[Don’t forget. The god who cares most about you is me. You know that, right?]
“I am aware.”
[Then, don’t die and come back. Those things won’t sit still, so it’ll be quite difficult. …Wait.]
The Demon God, turning to leave, grimaced.
[If it’s come to this, even those uninterested might interfere. I should declare it in advance.]
With those mysterious final words, the Demon God departed. The usually silent ghost murmured as if intrigued.
[This is really… intriguing.]
“What is?”
[Nothing. Just don’t want to get on your bad side. What did you get?]
“Seems like a rechargeable skill.”
[Basic Black Magic: Prayer to the Demon God]
[Proficiency: 1%]
[You can pray to the Demon God to draw upon the power she bestows. Using the skill enters you into a meditative state, accelerating the recovery of magi. During meditation, all stats and action speed are halved.]
“A recovery skill.”
Unlike mana, there weren’t many ways to recover magi. It seemed the Demon God had considered this. Indeed, returning to Earth meant leveling up was impossible, making magi recovery difficult.
Given that, as the Demon God said, it was a useful skill. Thanking her, Taesan was certain.
‘The Demon God knows.’
About Earth, his return, and his past.
If so, the High Gods likely knew as well.
Taesan moved to the next floor, floor 25.
[Floor 25 Quest Begins.]
[Defeat the boss of floor 25 and proceed.]
[Reward: Robe of Darkness]
[Secret Reward: ???]
“Are you here?”
At the entrance of the floor, the shop owner awaited. Instead of passing by as usual, Taesan asked.
“Can you show me the equipment available now?”
“Why all of a sudden?”
“I’ll be away for a while.”
“…Ah.”
The shop owner seemed to understand.
“Going out again? That’s odd. Wait a moment.”
The shop owner laid out various items. Each item clearly surpassed those seen on the 11th floor.
[Treasure Gauntlet]
[Decorated with treasures, this gauntlet looks more ornamental than functional. However, it’s quite practical for combat. Created by a blacksmith tired of nobility’s whims.]
[Attack + 45]
[50,000G]
[The Flute of Silence]
[A flute cherished by a minstrel who loved silence.]
[Using it prohibits the use of magic within its range for 10 minutes. This item can only be used once a day.]
[70,000G]
The quality was incomparably higher. If it wasn’t for the percentage ring he bought back then, he’d be regretting it now.
Taesan had about 40,000 gold after defeating the Guides.
As he browsed, a wrist guard caught his eye.
Whiplashes seemed to cover the wrist guard, moving as if alive.
[Wrathful Wrist Guard.]
[A wrist guard seeking to kill everything but its owner. Created on a whim by a witch. Hidden potential still exists.]
[Attack + 25]
[Defense + 1]
[40,000G]
“Why is this so cheap?”
“That one?”
Noticing what Taesan was referring to, the shop owner replied as if it was obvious.
“Would you want to buy it?”
“Yes.”
A wrist guard with an attack of 25 but no defense. For a typical adventurer, there’s no reason to use an item with ambiguous attack power and no defense. Hearing this, it made sense.
But not for Taesan.
“I’ll take this one.”
“Well, with your Ira Weapons Technique, it’s perfect. Got the money?”
“Yes.”
Taesan paid the gold and put on the wrist guard. The whips around it playfully struck Taesan’s arm.
“It seems to like you. Make good use of it.”
“Does it have intelligence?”
“Superficially, yes. It’s actually quite a high-quality item. If it was a proper piece, you couldn’t afford it with your current funds.”
The whips softly wrapped around Taesan’s arm.