Solo Max-Level Newbie - Chapter 382: The Sun’s Spring (2)

‘This is surprising.’

Jinhyuk’s eyes narrowed as he recognized the figure in front of him.

There was no way he wouldn’t know.

How could he not recognize it?

The mask adorned with geometric patterns.

The agile yet muscular physique.

Most notably, the overwhelming magic emanating from the body.

Player Unknown.

More precisely, a fake impersonating Unknown.

Step.

The figure of Unknown stood next to Snyder.

“Recently, there haven’t been many sightings of Player Unknown. I assumed he was with Player Kang Jinhyuk, but I heard that for some reason he chose to act separately,” Snyder said with an air of confidence.

Rumors of a rift between Jinhyuk and Unknown had been circulating on various communication channels. The two players, who had occasionally formed alliances, had grown distant, fueling speculation when both ignored numerous interview requests. The fact that Unknown was not officially listed as a member of the Veteran Corporation only added to the fire.

‘So, they’re trying to take advantage of that by pretending to be Unknown…’

Jinhyuk couldn’t help but give a crooked smile.

A bold opportunist, or just a plain fool.

‘Anyone else might be deceived, but they should know I am more than capable of identifying the real Unknown.’

And yet, did they truly believe they could maintain this charade in front of him? Or did it not matter whether he knew the truth or not?

Either way, it was intriguing.

“…So, what’s the reason for bringing this person here?”

“As you know, Player Unknown holds numerous accomplishments as a ranker. Even the Awakener Association made an exception for him to raid the Tower.”

Snyder puffed up his chest with pride, as if he had complete control over Unknown.

“No matter how strong Player Kang Jinhyuk is, tackling the upper levels of the Tower isn’t something to be taken lightly. Especially when one is venturing into the unknown for the first time.”

While no detailed information about the upper floors existed yet, it was widely expected that they would be several times more challenging than the middle levels.

A small elite team sounded good in theory but was prone to unpredictable outcomes.

“However, if you cooperate with us, we can provide a more comfortable path forward.”

Higher, faster, and with more stability.

In both financial and practical terms, support was being offered.

“It’s certainly… not a bad offer.”

“Does that mean you’ll accept our proposal?”

“First, I’d like to talk to Mr. Unknown. Let’s discuss after that.”

“…Understood. Just don’t drag it out too long,” Snyder said as he surveyed the surroundings once more.

He then stepped back, allowing Jinhyuk and the fake Unknown to have a private conversation.

Now, what will you do?

Jinhyuk looked directly at the impostor.

Unknown did not avoid Jinhyuk’s gaze.

A weary sigh escaped Unknown.

“I’m not one for unnecessary psychological games or mind tricks, so let me get straight to the point. I’m not really trying to pretend to be Unknown. This mask is just to grab your attention.”

He admitted it himself.

So, it was the latter.

“…Surprisingly honest. I thought you’d come up with more excuses.”

“I’m the type who dislikes wasting time. And you’re not someone who could be deceived even if I tried.”

“Then, since we both know the truth, why not take off the mask and talk openly?”

“Sorry, but I can’t do that. Just because I’m not Unknown doesn’t mean I need to show my real face.”

“Sorry, but I wasn’t asking.”

Jinhyuk’s fingers twitched.

Crackle… hiss!

Magic condensed, simultaneously activating ‘Barrier’ and ‘Glacial Shaping.’

[The 6-star ‘Sealed Domain’ is activated!]

[‘Glacial Shaping: Extreme Ice Arrow’ is activated!]

The ice particles swiftly formed into shape.

Three arrows sparkled before rushing toward the mask of Unknown.

At close range. And with speed optimized for an ambush.

However—

Thud! Thud! Thud!

The ice arrows crumbled into dust as they neared the mask and scattered.

“To attack so suddenly… as expected, you’re as troublesome as they say.”

There wasn’t even a sign of blocking, nor could Jinhyuk detect any magical reconfiguration.

Even the barrier had vanished without a trace.

What is this monster…?

“You…”

Jinhyuk started to say something, but Unknown spoke first.

“The meddling of dormant deities is becoming a real headache. Olympus and Ragnarok are issues, but what’s more annoying is that their actions triggered everything. Tsk. They’re fools, intoxicated by their own importance…”

Ordinary players couldn’t speak so freely about deities.

Very few had ever encountered one, and even then, they were bound in strict hierarchical relationships.

A resident…?

No, there were no residents with this kind of aura.

Not even an administrator.

And certainly not a deity.

There was only one possibility left.

“An Operator…”

“Ho, so you’re not completely clueless. At least I won’t find this conversation frustrating.”

A grotesque mouth appeared on Unknown’s mask.

A chilling red mouth lined with sharp, dense teeth.

“So, unlike the one who revealed their identity as Seyoung Eonhwan, you intend to stay hidden?”

“That one prefers to observe and not interfere.”

“I, on the other hand, am ‘The One Who Creates Variables.’ How should I put it? Ah, yes. I like to add a bit of spice to the usual boredom.”

This Operator was an unexpected factor that hadn’t existed in the early days of the Tower of Trials. (TL Note: Im not sure if Operator and Administrator are the same. Since the original character really translates to Operator. I’ll use Operator instead in the meantime. It might be a different power inside the Tower aside from “Residents” and “Administrator”)

In fact, it was Seyoung Eonhwan who had warned about the change on the 50th floor.

Then… who was this one?

“How about sharing your nickname? Even if you’re a former BJ I enjoyed, I should at least know the name of a loyal fan, shouldn’t I?”

“Oh, my. It’s rude of me not to introduce myself to a fan. Indeed, a nickname should be fine.”

The corners of Unknown’s mouth lifted slightly.

“Would ‘Tawny Owl’ ring a bell? I consider myself quite the dedicated viewer.”

Of course, Jinhyuk remembered.

A viewer who had once showered him with bizarre food donations on his broadcasts.

He’d even banned the viewer several times for their strange obsession with making him eat odd foods.

Damn it. Of all people, running into this psycho in real life…

“You’re not about to ask me to eat a bowl of sundae soup with some weird garnish, are you? And I doubt an Operator as high-ranking as you is here for nostalgia.”

“The reason I came here personally is that I want to join you in this raid.”

“…The Sun’s Spring?”

“Yes. There’s a reason I must accompany you.”

This just made things more complicated.

It was baffling enough that an Operator had appeared, but for them to want to join him in the 23rd-floor labyrinth…

“What’s your decision?”

“What else? What do you think I’ll do?”

Whether this was a poisoned apple or not was unknown.

But one thing was clear…

This was an opportunity to glean some insight into the Operator’s identity and motives.

“If you won’t get in my way, you’re welcome anytime.”

Jinhyuk accepted the proposal from Unknown.

Just then—

“Sorry for being late. I ran into someone on my way here and brought them along… hmm?”

Chun Yoosung, who was approaching with an apologetic smile, tilted his head in confusion.

He noticed the strange figures standing with Jinhyuk.

“Chun Yoosung… Player… Don’t tell me, you were the one Player Kang Jinhyuk was waiting for?”

Snyder’s face twisted in frustration.

But Snyder’s troubles didn’t end there.

In fact, they were just beginning.

“Well, well. What kind of mess is this?”

The person Chun Yoosung brought along was none other than Han Sangjin, the head of the Korean Awakener Association.

His scarred face betrayed his grim emotions as he took in the scene.

Seeing a foreign agent trying to approach Jinhyuk, whom Korea considered a national treasure, naturally sparked fury.

Meanwhile—

“Ah…”

Snyder trembled as if the world had come crashing down on him.

Of all times…

He had gone to great lengths to secretly enter the country, ensuring that no government official would catch wind of it, spending unimaginable resources and manpower to keep it hidden.

And yet, all that effort had gone to waste.

“This is quite amusing, Mr. Snyder. Are your actions here representative of the Titan Guild and the U.S. Awakener Association?”

“T-this is a misunderstanding. We didn’t mean it like that…”

“What do you mean, not like that? It’s clear as day that you’re trying to snatch our VIP away from us.”

Under Han Sangjin’s cold threat, Snyder was at a loss for words.

No matter how powerful the U.S. was compared to Korea, being caught red-handed in such an act could lead to severe consequences in their future relations.

In that desperate moment, a savior appeared.

“Ahem! Chairman Han, there’s been a misunderstanding.”

It was Jinhyuk who spoke.

“A misunderstanding?”

“Yes. Mr. Snyder here generously offered everything without charge. Out of a sincere desire to support humanity’s future.”

“W-without charge…!?”

Snyder gasped, stunned.

“W-what do you mean by that?”

“Isn’t that right? Or are you admitting that you did have some ulterior motives against me?”

Jinhyuk’s eyes turned cold.

“N-no, that’s not it… I mean…”

“Yes, take your time. I’m listening.”

“…”

Any denial would only confirm he had tried to poach a foreign asset.

But acting defensively would mean turning Kang Jinhyuk into an enemy.

A rock and a hard place.

In the end—

“…I surrender. Take it all. I concede.”

Snyder lowered his head, resigned.

＊＊＊

Han Sangjin and Snyder moved to continue their conversation elsewhere.

The so-called Unknown, or Tawny Owl, also left, saying he had something to take care of.

With only about an hour left before they had to head to the 23rd floor of the Tower, Jinhyuk and Chun Yoosung made their final preparations, checking equipment and supplies.

Clang!

Chun Yoosung, who had a new long sword at his waist, started the conversation.

“Is Alice not joining us?”

“She’s sitting this one out.”

Alice, Bellus, and Ophelia had agreed to move separately to make contact with Eden.

‘Since Kizakiel from Eden attacked my base, I’ll use that as leverage to extract as much as I can.’

Even if Eden claimed Kizakiel had been expelled, that wasn’t Jinhyuk’s concern.

Given how desperate Eden was for any clue about the Necronomicon, they’d have no choice but to comply with his demands for now.

“Teresa seems busy with Europe… The Masters have also left to handle affairs in Murim… So, it’ll be just the two of us tackling the labyrinth.”

“What’s wrong? Are you nervous, mighty Sword Saint?”

“Nervous? I just meant that we should remain vigilant.”

“Still, if it’s about wielding a sword, aren’t you the guy? Didn’t you defeat that Plum Blossom Swordmaster or whatever back in Murim?”

“That was… when he came down to the lower floors with restrictions. And you… you know this and still…”

Chun Yoosung’s pride was hurt, evident by the way his face scrunched up.

“Sorry, sorry. I didn’t really know.”

Honestly, I didn’t.

If he swings that thing outside, not even evidence can erase it. Seriously.

Jinhyuk waved both hands in mock apology.

“You two seem to be enjoying yourselves.”

The final member of their raid party approached, adjusting his mask.

It was Tawny Owl.