Chapter 529
The magi-engineering city as it exists today was only possible thanks to a handful of great pioneers.
The sages known as the pillars of ‘Replor.’
And now.
All three sages were gathered in the ‘Crystal Tower.’
In the midst of heavy silence.
A massive screen appeared before everyone.
[Live footage is being broadcast.]
The video showed Jinhyuk and the rest of the group.
In a city that could be called the essence of dazzling civilization, magic, and mechanical engineering…
…a deep shadow had fallen.
Dozens of men and women, dripping with sweat, were endlessly repeating the same hard labor.
Especially Jinhyuk, whipping people from behind and driving them like slaves, looked no different from a demon.
For Replor’s magi-engineers, who valued creativity and ideas, it was an unpleasant sight.
“W-what a terrible….”
“This is an insult to magi-engineering!”
“Hahaha. This is absurd.”
Normally, they would just curse and ignore it.
No matter how much you pushed them like that, you’d never understand the depths of magi-engineering.
But….
[…It succeeded!]
[An incredible achievement has been accomplished!]
[You have left your mark on Replor!]
For some reason, this human named Kang Jinhyuk was clearing quests with ease.
Faster than any other outsider who had entered before.
Some of their eyes narrowed.
Vmmm!
In the footage, newly completed machines meshed together with precision.
As mana was infused, the gears began to turn with a loud clatter.
The linked quest completion rate was already 38%.
Even considering it was F-grade, it was an unbelievable pace.
Moreover, to twist parts of the linked quest and clear it—reaching a hidden quest route with less than a 0.01% chance.
Whether it was coincidence or not, at this rate, it might cause an incredible upheaval.
Because of this…
Johannes.
Ulkara.
Pradok.
The three sages of Replor had all gathered in one place.
To discuss how best to handle this situation.
More precisely…
They were doing their best to appease the figure standing by the window.
The Black Dragon ‘Pendragon.’
Leader of the Black Dragons—considered the most brutal and ruthless among dragonkind—and the true ruler of the 33rd floor.
Hair as black as obsidian.
An appearance so sculpted it was almost inhuman, displaying the limits of polymorph magic.
“Even with the three so-called smartest people gathered, you can’t give me a satisfactory answer.”
Pendragon showed clear displeasure.
The atmosphere in the room changed completely.
Even the golems protecting the sages stepped back.
The murderous aura was so overwhelming that even the crystal spheres froze over.
“Please wait. It’s true our opponent is unusual, but the hidden quest isn’t something easily achieved. Even we don’t know the exact conditions—how could someone who just arrived on the 33rd floor possibly know? Everything until now is surely just coincidence.”
Johannes hurriedly added an explanation.
‘Never provoke the wrath of a dragon… that above all must be avoided, no matter what.’
He knew better than anyone that if Pendragon were angered, all of Replor could be reduced to ashes.
“Worthless excuses.”
A black aura gathered at Pendragon’s fingertips.
A breath.
No, it was the [True Name Severance], a power only those given names among the Ancients could wield.
Though the size was smaller, the advantage was that a mere gesture could complete the technique.
“P-please calm down, great one.”
“We will handle it. The secret you’re worried about will never be leaked.”
Ulkara and Pradok bowed their heads repeatedly.
But then.
[A player has met the requirements for the hidden quest!]
[SSS-rank linked quest ‘Throne of Crimson Flame’ has begun.]
A completely unexpected status message appeared before them all.
The three sages’ faces twisted as if made of paper.
* * *
‘Ha. That’s clean.’
Jinhyuk clenched both fists as he checked the linked quest.
He’d put in a lot of effort and was getting anxious since it hadn’t led to the quest he wanted.
At last, he obtained the quest that would set everything on track.
[Eye of Gluttony] quickly scanned the details.
[Throne of Crimson Flame – Hidden Linked Quest]
Difficulty: SSS
Details: The path to enjoy the honor and glory held by the Fire Spirit King. Those who attempt this quest must uncover the secrets and seals of the vanished Fire Spirit King ‘Egoni.’ (Minimum party members: 1, maximum: 99)
Capture the fire spirits and obtain clues about Egoni, one of the disappeared Spirit Kings.
When you use the ‘Fire Key,’ a gate to the ruins will open.
To clear the 33rd floor, you must meet one of three conditions.
First, achieve a second advancement as a magi-engineer and leave your mark on Replor.
Second, clear one ruin, three labyrinths, and more than ten dungeons on the 33rd floor.
Lastly, clear all S-rank or higher linked quests.
None of these conditions were easy.
Among them, Jinhyuk had chosen the route famous for its brutal difficulty.
‘But the rewards will be that much sweeter.’
The Fire Spirit King Egoni was also closely tied to Replor.
And… the key to a secret the dragons would never want revealed beyond the 33rd floor.
“Ooooh!”
“I did it! It’s done!”
“SSS-rank… I actually got a hidden linked quest!”
“Mother, your useless son finally did it! I’ll be walking the path of flowers from now on!”
Everyone cheered.
For the past three days.
They’d really worked themselves to the bone without sleep or food.
So much so, the 18th-century industrial revolution would seem childish by comparison—they’d slaved away making magi-items.
Finally.
It was time to enjoy the sweet fruit that comes after hardship.
Only around a hundred people in all of Tower of Trials history had ever received an SSS-grade quest.
Whether they’d succeed or not was beside the point. Just being part of that legendary journey made their hearts race.
“Thank you all for your hard work. This was only possible because of you.”
Jinhyuk expressed his gratitude.
“We can finally take a hot bath.”
“I’m going to eat meat and drink until I burst!”
“Don’t forget to sleep in a soft bed until evening.”
Everyone made a wishful comment, dreaming they could rest for at least a day.
But.
“Huh? What are you all talking about?”
Jinhyuk had not the slightest intention of letting anyone rest.
Of course not.
They’d only just gotten started—what rest was there to be had?
In this world, only the strong survive.
Jinhyuk crushed their hopes and held a light green key into the air.
[The ruin ‘Dark Volcano’ has been opened!]
[All members of player Kang Jinhyuk’s party have been forcibly summoned to the ruin!]
“No, no!”
“Aaaargh!”
The world turned pitch black.
When they opened their eyes again, everything had changed.
Fwoosh!
Rumble!
Magma spewed here and there, and half-melted gears lay scattered.
Only the dull, lifeless crystal spheres adorned the massive crater.
Everyone stared around blankly, stunned.
It was only natural, having been dropped at the entrance of a ruin out of nowhere.
No one expected to be dragged into one of the tower’s highest-difficulty ruins with no preparation.
Only Alice, Yoo Yeonhwa, and Lee Tae-min reacted quickly, checking their weapons and gear as if they’d expected this.
“Typical, hyung.”
“Well, we’ve got no choice. We’ll just do it our way.”
“Hmph. A volcano zone, this time.”
[Lee Tae-min activates Lv21 ‘Patrol Drone’!]
Wiiing!
Drones flew through the air, scanning the terrain.
“…Huh? Noona!”
But just then, Tae-min shouted.
“Gurgle….”
A bubbling sound came from behind a rock.
The boulders melted away, and dark red magma splattered everywhere.
Magma Golem.
One of the higher-tier golems, a machine weapon created by magi-engineering.
Its base level and attack power were on a whole different level compared to ordinary golems.
Boom boom boom boom boom!
Volcanic bombs rained down on the players who’d invaded the ruin.
Intense flames engulfed the area.
“Aaaargh!”
“D-dodge!”
“Anyone who knows ice magic, get moving!”
“Damn it!”
It was hopeless to expect much teamwork from mercenaries who mostly acted solo.
But, true to their experience, they weren’t easy prey.
Thud!
Tock!
The tanks drew the Magma Golem’s aggro with [Taunt], while the magic users cast [Water Attribute] and [Ice Attribute] spells.
Boom!
Bang!
Ice shards flew and all sorts of magic exploded.
But—
“What the…?”
“You’ve got to be kidding….”
Players pouring out their best attacks screamed in horror.
“Gurgle….”
Not a single scratch showed on the Magma Golem.
It was as if counter-skills didn’t matter—it stared at the invaders exactly as when they first met.
“Not enough firepower?”
“No way. How can the monster at the entrance be like this?”
“Wh-what’s happening?”
Panic was unavoidable.
It meant there was nothing they could do.
‘As expected, nobody here really gets it.’
Jinhyuk chuckled inwardly as he watched.
It was understandable.
If you didn’t know the right strategy, taking down a Magma Golem here was nearly impossible.
‘Only by using magi-engineering-related abilities can you deal real damage. Even I won’t be able to use more than half my original strength in this ruin.’
In other words.
This was Lee Tae-min’s moment to shine.
[Magma Golem activates Lv20 ‘Liquid Vomit’!]
Its mouth split wide, spewing thick magma.
A massive volcanic bomb, coated in magma, shot forward in an instant.
At that moment.
“Haaap!”
Yoo Yeonhwa, at the front, gathered her mana.
Her leg, glowing blue, unleashed a terrifying shockwave.
[Yoo Yeonhwa activates Lv22 ‘Scissor Kick’!]
Crack!
The volcanic bomb was split in two.
Her kick was so sharp, it was as if she’d cut the air with a sword.
“Move back, noona! You’ll get caught up!”
Next came Tae-min’s drones, unleashing a carpet bombing.
[Lee Tae-min activates Lv23 ‘Call of Duty’!]
Boom boom boom!
Frost bombs studded with crystal spheres exploded, freezing the Magma Golem solid.
The creature that hadn’t budged despite all those previous attacks was silenced in a single blow.
‘Good. Even better than expected.’
Jinhyuk nodded.
One of the goals for coming here.
It was to unlock the unique holy spears of Tae-min and Yeonhwa.
Not just for clearing the 33rd floor—he’d need to strengthen this side as much as possible to face that black lizard and the rest of the ancient dragons.
‘If things keep going this way, I should be able to unlock Goguma’s true name soon too.’
No need to rush.
But everything had to be perfect.
He measured every variable and possibility.
Even as he watched the battle unfold, Jinhyuk continued forming a blueprint in his head to conquer the summit of the Tower.
And this ruin would be the first step in determining the upper-floor conquest and everything that lay ahead.