The first regular meeting of the Rocket Store Task Force, led by Team Leader Yun Tae-seong within a corner of the Hunter Association’s situation room, had begun.
The beam projector hummed to life, displaying a large graph and numerical data on the front screen.
The graph clearly illustrated the changes in the hunter ecosystem since the emergence of the Rocket Store.
“Since the appearance of the Rocket Store, there has been a significant upward trend in the challenge rate of the Tower among rookie hunters.”
“According to our analysis, activity among beginner hunters tackling sections below the 5th floor has become notably more vigorous.”
“Even among the 20% of hunters who had never attempted the Tower before, a small but growing number are now starting to challenge it.”
The team members took turns reporting the relevant data, their voices slightly animated.
Not only was there an increase in hunter activity, but the most crucial metric—the survival rate—was also showing positive changes.
“The reach rate for the 5th floor, which we previously viewed pessimistically, is currently sailing smoothly toward the 50% mark. At this pace, it looks like we’ll hit the target within a day or two, well before the end of the month!”
Sighs of relief and low exclamations of awe broke out across the room.
Due to the new second condition added by the Tower, the Association had been agonizing over how to induce more hunters to challenge the climb.
However, the unexpected appearance of the Rocket Store had solved one of the Association’s biggest headaches, leaving the overall atmosphere highly encouraged.
“Since their lives are on the line, the fact that a safety net provided by the Rocket Store exists must be that significant to them.”
“It aligns exactly with your prediction, Team Leader.”
One team member sent a respectful gaze toward Yun Tae-seong.
The others nodded in unison, praising his exceptional insight.
“Setting up this dedicated team so quickly seems to have been a brilliant move.”
“There were certainly those within the Association who doubted Team Leader Yun’s judgment at first.”
“This will definitely rub Team Leader Seo’s nose in it.”
“Enough joking. Next report.”
“Yes. Next is the evaluation of the mercenaries.”
At Team Leader Yun Tae-seong’s word, another team member stepped forward.
Information regarding Barbarian Kargar and Paladin Leon was displayed side-by-side on the screen.
“First is Barbarian Kargar. He is a mercenary suited for boss battles or conquering floors 10 and above based on his overwhelming martial power. However, due to the high cost of 10,000 coins, he has limited accessibility for general hunters.”
Finishing that part of the report, the team member immediately pointed to the screen for Paladin Leon.
“In contrast, the newly appeared Paladin Leon is gaining immense popularity due to his affordable cost of 3,000 coins—only a third of Kargar’s price. The equipment buffs, weapon enhancements, and healing abilities he provides make stable Tower conquest possible for beginner hunters.”
Another team member added an interesting analysis.
“The analysis team believes that the Rocket Store’s actions seem to reflect the opinions of the hunter community. When people wanted an affordable mercenary, Leon was added as if in response. This implies that the owner of the Rocket Store is closely monitoring the situation to facilitate smooth climbing of the Tower.”
“That makes sense!”
“It’s a huge relief that he isn’t a villain. Based on his actions so far, he definitely seems to be an awakened person friendly toward South Korea.”
To those trying to grasp the identity of an unknown entity, the analysis that the Rocket Store owner was on humanity’s side provided a great sense of relief.
“While it’s remarkable news, let’s not get too excited. The meeting isn’t over yet.”
Team Leader Yun calmed the heating atmosphere of the conference room.
“Next report.”
“Yes. Moving on to the report on new products.”
This time, another team member came forward and pulled up information on the Snake Scale Protection Potion.
“Currently, this item isn’t receiving much attention among hunters, but our combat analysis department has judged it to be a highly efficient disposable protection potion. In particular, the ‘Slicing’ skill, which is the core ability of the 5th floor boss, the Goblin Chief, is extremely threatening to rookie tanks. Our analysis suggests that if the Snake Scale Protection Potion is consumed at the right time, this attack can be blocked without much difficulty.”
The team members nodded in unison as they listened.
They recalled “Slicing,” which had been one of the biggest obstacles in conquering the Goblin Chief on the 5th floor.
“I believe we need to actively promote this point to the hunters.”
Team Leader Yun Tae-seong nodded at the analyst’s suggestion.
“Good. As soon as the meeting ends, organize those details and send them to the PR department. Make sure to emphasize it clearly so hunters can realize the true value of this potion.”
A team member quickly jotted down his instructions.
“Final report.”
At Team Leader Yun Tae-seong’s prompt, the team member in charge of the briefing picked up the microphone again.
This time, it was the topic everyone was most curious about.
It was the report regarding the identity of the Rocket Store owner.
“I’ll start with the conclusion. Regarding the owner’s identity, there are still no clues revealed.”
A heavy silence fell over the conference room.
Despite all the positive analyses, the fact that they had no idea who the owner—the source of it all—was, left everyone feeling frustrated.
Though many speculations were exchanged as to why he hadn’t registered with the Association despite being clearly a new awakened, no one even imagined that he was in a state of being trapped.
“Fortunately, through the Intelligence Department, we’ve confirmed there are no traces of this awakened person contacting influential overseas guilds or specific nations. He is staying thoroughly in hiding.”
“That’s a relief, at least. However, we shouldn’t be satisfied with this result. Not only the Association’s higher-ups but also overseas entities are keeping a close watch on information regarding the Rocket Store. The Association must be the first to obtain any related information. Do you all understand?”
“Yes!”
Once the report ended, Team Leader Yun Tae-seong quietly stood up.
Expectation and anxiety for an unknown future could be seen simultaneously on the faces of all the team members, including his own.
***
Has there ever been a time in my life when I’ve watched TV as often as I do lately?
Whether it was the past or being stuck in this room now, I can’t imagine daily life without a TV.
The news channel was broadcasting the official press conference of the Hunter Association.
“This is hopeful news for the citizens. Predictions indicate that the 50% reach rate for the 5th floor, which was the second condition presented by the Tower, will be achieved by today or tomorrow.”
Peace of mind found me as I heard the voice of the Association spokesperson on the news screen.
Since it was already certain that the top-tier hunters would clear the 20th floor without much trouble, at least this time, monsters wouldn’t be pouring out of the Tower in our country.
Next, a panel of experts appeared on the screen.
The host asked the expert a question in an excited voice.
“These are truly amazing numbers! What do you think is the cause behind this phenomenon?”
The expert panelist answered firmly without hesitation.
“Our analysis indicates the biggest reason is the influence of the Rocket Store. By providing items and mercenaries that dramatically increase the survival rate of hunters at an affordable cost, it has provided a stable stepping stone for rookie hunters to challenge the Tower.”
Another compliment for me?
Feeling a bit embarrassed, I changed the channel, only to find a combat analyst from the Association giving a briefing with a heated expression.
“Many hunters are overlooking this, but the Snake Scale Protection Potion is very effective at blocking ‘Slicing,’ the core skill of the 5th floor boss, the Goblin Chief.”
“Should it be consumed before the boss battle starts?”
“Rather than that, when the Goblin Chief’s remaining health falls below 20%, the boss uses a Fear skill. If you consume the potion immediately after that, you can minimize the damage from the powerful physical attack that follows.”
“Do you think the owner of the Rocket Store stocked the product with the same intention as you, Analyst?”
“Judging by the case of the mercenary named Leon who was added this time, there is a high possibility that is the case here as well.”
“As expected!”
Actually, no.
I just happened to stumble into that success.
More than that, I was surprised by the Association analysis team’s usage methods and felt relieved, thinking there would be no problems in my dealings with Lamia Narcia.
As soon as the analyst’s briefing ended, as if waiting, a system message popped up before my eyes.
[ Orders for the Snake Scale Protection Potion are surging. ]
“This isn’t even a home shopping broadcast, but the effect is great, isn’t it?”
Then, a familiar system window floated up.
[ The request from Halfling Survival Chef O’Donnell has been successfully completed. ]
[ As a reward, you have obtained 3 of the Halfling’s Special Shade Grape Tarts and the related recipe. ]
Soon, a box containing the pies and the recipe arrived on the dining table via a rocket with its signature parachute.
A sweet yet slightly bitter aroma wafted from the box.
“I won’t even be able to hide this, will I?”
“Guardian, what is the source of this sweet scent I smell right now?”
As if on cue, Aria, who had been tending to the World Tree in the living room, flew straight to the dining table.
I picked up one of the three tarts and handed it to her.
“This is the reward for the request. This one is your share.”
“Really?”
Overjoyed, Aria took the tart and took a bite.
She closed her eyes for a moment, then nodded with a face full of happiness.
“Mmm… It’s really delicious! It’s the best thing I’ve ever eaten!”
Aria’s pure admiration brought a smile to my face in spite of myself.
“By the way, Guardian, aren’t you getting hungry? It’s already time for dinner.”
“Is it that time already? What do you want to eat today?”
“I want to try that round bread I saw on TV with cheese and all sorts of things on top!”
Aria said, making a circle with both hands.
I burst out laughing at the sight.
“Haha, you have a lot of things you want to eat. How did you live in Terra?”
“We mostly gathered and ate fruits or roots. I never imagined being able to eat such delicious things every day!”
I chuckled at Aria’s innocent answer.
“Well, thanks to you, I have one less thing to worry about when choosing the menu.”
I didn’t hesitate to order delivery from a nearby pizza place.
When the warm pizza was delivered a short while later, Aria’s eyes went wide.
“Wow. It’s so colorful and looks really strange!”
Aria carefully lifted a small slice of pizza I had cut for her.
She let out an exclamation of awe as she saw the long, stretching cheese.
“This is really delicious! Not as much as the Shade Grape Tart, but it’s salty and savory… Mmm.”
Aria closed her eyes and savored the taste as if she were in ecstasy.
In the meantime, I picked up a slice of pizza and fell into another thought.
It was because I hadn’t yet sent the items for the request I had already completed.
[ Procurement of a Large Quantity of Rocks ]
Requester: Barbarian Kargar
Content: There is an octopus head on this floor. It spits black water. It smells bad. My friend’s sword melted after being hit by the black water. Kargar and comrades cannot get close. Need more rocks. Rocks do not melt. Will throw them. Need more.
Reward: Physical labor (Mercenary system activation)
The first question that came to mind when I saw Kargar’s request after a long time was this.
“Just what floor are they challenging?”
Even the 25th floor boss, the highest floor challenged by the United States on Earth, wasn’t an octopus head.
Naturally, it hadn’t appeared on previous floors either.
“Does this mean Kargar and his comrades are tackling floors much higher than the Tower on Earth?”
I was curious about this information, but I wasn’t certain.
There was no proof that it had the same configuration as Earth’s Tower.
My concern lay elsewhere.
“Since I can pay with rocks found in the Tower, I gathered the rocks a long time ago.”
The problem was that, according to my own judgment, it didn’t seem like an octopus head could be dealt with using simple rocks.
What came to mind then was the Corrosive Resistance Potion being sold at Narcia’s magic shop.
“It was a potion I couldn’t buy before because my rank was too low.”
Fortunately, I can buy it if I complete the request I’m currently performing.
“Am I just meddling too much?”
If I just send the rocks Kargar asked for, the request will be completed.
“But if the ink the octopus head spits is enough to melt a sword, I wonder if it’s a boss that can be taken down just by throwing some rocks.”
Would my judgment—that physical damage is necessary after coating weapons with Corrosive Resistance Potion—be correct?
It was a kind of gamble.
The die was as good as cast the moment I didn’t send the rocks even after enough had been gathered.
“It’s not like a few more hours of delay will cause a disaster.”
I decided to push forward with my judgment.
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