I Became the 1st Floor Boss of the Tower

Chapter 16

Lee Shin had spent most of his time doing research on death and souls during his last research period. The power Lee Shin had acquired through experiencing countless deaths, and the research materials left behind by necromancer and Great Dark Wizard Gene Ebrium had saved Lee Shin some time. Without these, Lee Shin would have had to spend at least twice the amount of time he did.

A Soul Scavenger was a mythical monster that gained a divine status by plundering and eating countless souls. However, he collapsed when the gods took away his heart. Lee Shin knew that if he had this monster’s heart, he could complete what he had planned. He needed the power to hold and subordinate the soul.

Lee Shin had decided to use that power. It was necessary for him to find someone who could replace him and assign them here in order to throw off the shackle that had been placed on him.

Fortunately, the Heart of a Soul Scavenger was sold in the Points Store. Even though it was a replica, that was enough. However, the problem was how he was going to get the Heart of the Soul Scavenger. Even though it was a replica, it was the heart of one who was once a mythical creature. He needed 3 million points to purchase that.

Considering the class of this mythical creature, 3 million points was not an unreasonable amount. However, this replica of a heart was of no use to the ordinary challenger.

‘I’m the only one who would need this for this kind of project,’ thought Lee Shin.

Typically, it was an absurd task to collect 3 million points here. However, now, there were poor people who had their way blocked. In the Undermost alone, there were more than a thousand challengers; if they paid just 3,000 points each, 3 million points would be collected pretty fast.

Of course, it would still take them some time to each obtain 3,000 points, but it was not something they couldn’t do. And honestly, considering what they had learned from Lee Shin, it was not a waste to give him the points.

How often would challengers get an opportunity to be trained by a former Great Mage? Lee Shin thought it was now the time to collect points legally.

***

[A challenger has appeared.]

Hwang Kang-Woong entered the room a moment after the system message appeared.

“Did you call me?” Hwang Kang-Woong asked.

“Please have a seat,” Lee Shin replied.

After Lee Shin and Hwang Kang-Woong sat down, face to face, May came in and offered them tea.

"We will have to start building a fort in the Undermost," Lee Shin started the conversation.

"What? Why? There's nothing in the waiting area on the first floor except us, no?” Hwang Kang-Woong was surprised.

“There is. It's just that people don't notice,” Lee Shin explained.

Hwang Kang-Woong became serious upon hearing Lee Shin’s words. Wouldn't it be dangerous if there was something else in the waiting area? People considered the waiting area a safe zone. Hwang Kang-Woong was lost in his thoughts for a second.

"But, Toeing said there was nothing else other than us," said Hwang Kang-Woong.

"Toeing does not know either," Lee Shin replied.

Lee Shin thought Toeing knew, but he was just pretending he didn’t know anything. A regretful smile creased the corners of Lee Shin’s mouth.

"No way... But then, how do you know something that the manager doesn’t?” Hwang Kang-Woong asked.

"... You'll find out later," Lee Shin replied.

“Okay, I see." Hwang Kang-Woong did not ask any more questions.

"It won't be easy to build the fort. No matter how skillful people got in terms of construction, the quality should not be compromised. You got it?” Lee Shin stressed.

"Of course, if the quality was going to be reduced just because it’s hard for the workers, we would not have even come this far,” Hwang Kang-Woong reassured.

"Thank you so much," Lee Shin replied.

"Would that be enough?" Hwang Kang-Woong asked.

Hwang Kang-Woong could tell that this was not what Lee Shin really wanted to ask him.

"Well, I think it would be time to get out of this place once the fort is finished,” Lee Shin continued.

"... For real?" Hwang Kang-Woong looked at Lee Shin with a blank expression, just like a person who heard something unbelievable.

"Yes, and aren’t you one of the top ten strongest people in the Undermost?" Lee Shin asked.

"Sorry? I'm just an architect though," Hwang Kang-Woong replied.

"But you’re the Architect of the Wilderness," Lee Shin explained.

"Man… you already know," Hwang Kang-Woong, who had a blank look, now hardened his expression at Lee Shin's words.

"If you start climbing the tower, you will easily be a ranker," Lee Shin said confidently.

“No way, you overestimate me. Being a ranker is not that easy for me,” Hwang Kang-Woong smiled.

"I’m not overestimating you.” Lee Shin made it clear.

Hwang Kang-Woong would not be chosen as the strongest person in the Undermost, because his main focus was on architecture. However, if people were to choose the person whose growth was the fastest, they would definitely pick Hwang Kang-Woong.

This man was talented enough. Hwang Kang-Woong was never interested in becoming stronger. However, his skills improved rapidly ever since he asked Lee Shin how he could get stronger.

Moreover, every time he constructed a building, his title, Architect of the Wilderness, helped increase his abilities very quickly. The potential of this title was not something that one could belittle. If he were to build the fort, he would also become stronger.

On top of that, he was the richest man in the Undermost. From Lee Shin’s point of view, Hwang Kang-Woong’s potential for growth was outstanding, compared to the rest in the Undermost.

"We are not in Korea. You have to know when to hide yourself, but also show yourself properly when necessary," Lee Shin encouraged him.

"Alright, I will," Hwang Kang-Woong replied.

Hwang Kang-Woong was hiding his true abilities as the Architect of the Wilderness from people, but Lee Shin knew well about his skills. In Lee Shin’s previous life, another challenger had acquired this title. Since they used to be colleagues, Lee Shin knew about this skill better than anyone else.

"The reason why I said this is because I have to find a hidden place in the waiting area on the first floor," said Lee Shin.

"There is a hidden place?" Hwang Kang-Woong was surprised.

“Yes, there is. In fact, you are the only one who I can trust. Since it might be dangerous, strength is a basic prerequisite and it would be helpful if one knows the terrain well and has sharp senses," Lee Shin explained.

"Oh, so that place can be dangerous?" Hwang Kang-Woong asked.

"Yes, because the tower is a place where you can't let your guard down. You should never think it’s a safe place,” Lee Shin replied.

Since Lee Shin looked very serious, Hwang Kang-Woong committed his warning to memory.

"Potentially, it could be a place where there's a secret escape from the first floor," Lee Shin continued. Hwang Kang-Woong nodded as he listened to Lee Shin's words.

"Please find a place where the mana gets dissipated. If you manage to find even the smallest clue, please tell me right away. Even if you find it, you should never go there alone," Lee Shin explained.

"Okay, I got it," Hwang Kang-Woong answered.

"First of all, make it your priority to build the fort, and then take a look around the waiting area on the first floor while gathering the materials. Also, if you want to find the place where the mana gets dissipated, you will need to use mana actively," Lee Shin made it very clear for Hwang Kang-Woong.

"I'm still not very used to dealing with mana,” Hwang Kang-Woong replied in a quiet voice.

"I think you will be quite busy for a while. But don’t worry! I'll teach you well," Lee Shin encouraged him.

"Hahaha... I can’t even refuse it because it's such an important matter..." Although Hwang Kang-Woong spoke reluctantly, his eyes were more serious than ever.

"And lastly, I have one more favor to ask of you," said Lee Shin.

"Wow, you have a lot of things you want from this old man. What is it?" Hwang Kang-Woong asked.

"Please lend me some of your points," Lee Shin asked.

Hwang Kang-Woong looked puzzled at Lee Shin's words. Lee Shin had never asked to borrow points because he could not use points. He usually asked for items instead.

"Huh? You can't even use the points though, can you?" Hwang Kang-Woong asked.

"Well, the item that I want to purchase this time is quite expensive. I will have to borrow some points from each resident of Undermost,” Lee Shin explained his plan.

“You’re going to ask everyone?” Hwang Kang-Woong’s curiosity about the expensive item that Lee Shin was trying to buy grew.

"Yes, I think it will be too much to borrow all from you,” Lee Shin replied.

"How much is it? I'm Hwang Kang-Woong. I'll just lend you the whole amount. Just say it!" Hwang Kang-Woong said in confidence.

Lee Shin hesitated to ask him to borrow the whole sum. He did not think Hwang Kang-Woong would have that many points. Even if he did, it was too big of an amount to borrow all from one person.

"No, I don't think… That's a little too muc—" Lee Shin was interrupted.

"Hey! Just tell me how much!" Hwang Kang-Woong, the richest man in the Undermost, wondered how much Lee Shin was trying to borrow.

"I need three…" Lee Shin replied quietly.

"Three… Three…? Wait, you need 3 million points?” Hwang Kang-Woong could not keep his mouth shut upon hearing such a ridiculous number.

"... Is it really 3 million points?" Hwang Kang-Woong asked again to clarify.

"Yes, it’s really 3 million points," Lee Shin replied.

"Are you sure?" Hwang Kang-Woong was skeptical.

"Yes, I’m sure," Lee Shin answered.

“...” Hwang Kang-Woong was speechless.

"...I don't need them right now," said Lee Shin after a long pause.

Hwang Kang-Woong smiled awkwardly at Lee Shin. It seemed like Lee Shin was thinking that he had asked too much from Hwang Kang-Woong.

"What on earth are you going to use it for?" Hwang Kang-Woong was curious.

"This is also a clue that will help us escape from the first floor. This one will bring more certainty than the one I mentioned previously," Lee Shin explained.

Hwang Kang-Woong felt his heart pounding while hearing Lee Shin's words. Looking at the figure alone, three million points seemed like a huge amount. However, the residents of the Undermost could possibly collect them if they worked together.

"I will contribute as much as I can,” Hwang Kang-Woong suggested.

"Thank you so much. I am not going to take it for free. I'll give you something in return." Lee Shin replied.

"Okay,” said Hwang Kang-Woong.

***

[Exclusive! Cha Yu-Min had reached the 80th floor! He is still maintaining his position as the world's top challenger.]

[Jonathan's absurd remarks on Cha Yu-Min achievement on the 80th floor were re-examined. The public is criticizing him.]

[The gap between Cha Yu-Min and Jonathan from the US had widened by four floors.]

[The president of the American Challengers Association is visiting the Korea Challengers Association to have a secret negotiation on how to attack the tower.]

[Korea will soon become the world's best.]

[Korea will be able to clear the first floor in a year! What is the reason behind that?]

.

.

.

The ripple effect of Cha Yu-Min’s achievement on the 80th floor was enormous, and countless articles and praise for him poured out. Previously, there were no malicious articles for Cha Yu-Min because of his character and abilities. However, it was different this time.

[Cha Yu-Min’s arrogant remark ‘Other countries should look up to Korea’ became an issue.]

[Cha Yu-Min did not answer properly to any of the questions regarding the disappearance of challengers on the first floor in Korea.]

[Is the Korea Challengers Association hiding the truth?]

[Cha Yu-Min got defeated by the boss on the first floor. Would it be the downfall of the top ranker?]

[‘Korea's first floor can never be broken through.’ Is Korea going to fail like this?]

[Challenger A's interview, ‘Cha Yu-Min cannot be called a humble person.’]

[The issue on Dokdo with Japan reignites, will Japan take away Dokdo from Korea?]

Chaos ensued in all the countries, and many of them tried to analyze Cha Yu-Min’s remarks. Were all of his words true indeed? Would it really be possible for Korea to be ranked as the top place?

Aside from whether that was true, the media had to undermine Korea. They could not praise Korea's potential, which had not been proven, just because of Cha Yu-Min's words. If the first floor was going to be liberated and Korea would eventually take the top spot, people had to weigh Korea down before that happened.

Meanwhile, Jonathan, who had been called Cha Yu-Min's rival, gradually became jealous of him.

"Is Cha Yu-Min finally crazy? He really thinks Korea can be at the top?” Jonathan asked.

"Well, if it’s Cha Yu-Min, I think he can say that. He is still the top ranker," Jenny laughed at Jonathan.

"Well, we are only four floors apart. And I will be catching up soon," Jonathan said confidently.

"You're just jealous. You’re still getting criticized because you said something similar last year,” Jenny, leaning against the table with a wine glass, laughed at Jonathan. Jonathan threw the wine glass on the floor at Jenny’s words.

"What the hell are you doing?” Jenny was surprised.

"Shut up! Cha Yu-Min! Cha Yu-Min! How many times are you saying his name? If you like him that much, why don’t you just migrate to Korea?"

"I’m actually considering that, but the association won't let me go,” replied Jenny.

"What? Are you crazy?” Jonathan glared at her.

"Get out of my way! I don’t understand why the top ranker in the US feels so inferior to just one Korean. That's why you're not attractive." Jenny pushed past him despite his threats.

She looked back at him once, opened the door, and left. Jonathan was shaking in anger.

"Cha Yu-Min…!" He stared at the door where she left and smashed the table he was holding onto.

* * *

In the president's office of the Korea Challengers Association, the president, the vice-president, as well as Cha Yu-Min, were talking about the press conference.

"Mr. Yu-Min, will you be alright?" Jeon Jae-Yong asked.

"Yes, I’m fine. I'm sorry I put you in too much trouble," Cha Yu-Min apologized.

Cha Yu-Min truly felt sorry about what he had said in the press conference.

"If what you said is true, this year would be the hardest year of all,” Jeon Jae-Yong answered.

"Mr. Jeon, I think we will need to contact the United States or the United Kingdom to strengthen our cooperation," Cha Yu-Min suggested.

"Hmm... But will they want to maintain their cooperation with us now?” Jeon Jae-Yong was skeptical.

The United States, the world's top contender, China, the world's second, and other countries such as the United Kingdom, Russia, France, Germany, and Japan were cooperating countries but also competitors at the same time.

So far, they had recognized each other's strengths, cooperating for mutual benefit. However, as of now, Korea was soon to either be eliminated from the alliance or emerge on top. Whether they forged ahead or fell behind, Korea could not be in the same group anymore.

"I’m just worried that you withheld too much information,” Shin Hyun-Woo, the vice president of the association, said anxiously.

Cha Yu-Min did not reveal what kind of boss was on the first floor. He did not say anything exact about what conditions the first-floor challengers were in, or why he believed Korea was soon to be the best.

"The reason I didn't reveal any of the information was to catch them this time," Cha Yu-Min explained.

There was an organization that believed the challengers were now the mainstream group, the people who should rule the world.

"Are you talking about ‘Reverse’?" He asked.

"Yes." Cha Yu-Min replied.

Reverse was a group of radicals who wanted to overturn the current rules and establish a new world order. They thought that non-challengers should submit to the challengers, because they were now the mainstream group, and make sure the world is centered around the challengers.

The problem was that there were many challengers who agreed to such ideas; and moreover, there were many ordinary people who worked under the challengers and behaved like servants. With Cha Yu-Min’s remarks, it was clear that they would come to Korea to launch their next move.

"Not only that, but I think it’s time to make a solid ally in Korea," Cha Yu-Min suggested.

"A solid ally?" He asked.

"Yes, we need to strengthen our system of cooperation in order to deal with our enemies in the future," Cha Yu-Min explained.

"Wait, what do you mean?" He was confused.

Cha Yu-Min became more serious.

"I don’t think I can tell you exactly yet. However, we have to get ready for the disaster that will soon come.” Cha Yu-Min was being very vague.

"A disaster? Can you be a little more specific?” The president and the vice-president were frustrated by Cha Yu-Min only speaking nonsense, but they could not rush him because of what he said next.

"And I will not be returning to the tower before the Dimension Gate closes," Cha Yu-Min declared.