Chapter 14 : Seolha Meets Somi and Bbyak

“Sorry. I need to take this call.”

Seo Rin left the room and immediately called Woo min.

Suddenly, an item?

If it had been someone else, he might have just let it slide, but Woo min was different.

No matter what anyone said, he was an SSS-ranked player.

“Hello?”

– Yes, Seo Rin, are you very busy?

“No, why do you ask?”

– It’s not about me, but I made an item.

Made an item?

Not obtained one?

This is already unusual.

– I was thinking of selling it at the Gyeongmaejang, but this kind of item might need to be reported to the Association.

“Oh, what kind of item is it?”

– It’s a flower bracelet made from Bbyak’s feathers, but it’s a bit special.

A bit?

An item made from the feathers of an SSS-grade magical beast is just a bit special?

That’s impossible.

This is no understatement.

This is definitely broken.

“Yeah, yeah, feel free to speak plainly.”

– It generates flames and increases vitality.

A simple effect.

But one that can never be ignored.

Just having more than one effect already puts it on par with a rare unique item.

On top of that, the effect is good.

Items that emit their own light tend to be popular starting from the 30th floor.

Is that all?

It increases vitality?

This is practically a broken item.

Most players are exhausted because of their grueling schedules.

Climbing the tower, defending the gate.

To keep their combat senses sharp, self-care is essential.

They don’t have regular jobs, but 24 hours is never enough.

So fatigue is their everyday enemy.

Most fatigue recovery items don’t work well.

Americano? Just black water.

The only thing truly effective for fatigue recovery is items dropped from the tower.

Especially those related to Vitality Recovery Elements.

They’re so rare that players can’t get enough of them.

As player condition improves significantly, so do their chances of climbing successfully.

An item like that, made already… if it hits the Gyeongmaejang, it will easily go for over 20 billion won.

“Wait a moment. Do you have time this afternoon or tomorrow? I’m currently in a meeting with another player.”

He wanted nothing more than to rush there immediately.

But first, he had to resolve the issue with Seolha.

He needed to assess her condition and help however he could.

– Yes, please come comfortably. Oh, there’s one more effect on the bracelet.

“One more effect?”

It didn’t end there.

Another effect.

The CEO went crazy. This is top-tier craftsmanship.

– It absorbs surrounding heat, which apparently enhances its effect. Not sure if that’s useful.

A moment of stunned silence.

Finally, a clue to solve Seolha’s sealed 48 symptoms.

Absorbs heat?

And the effect improves because of it?

This isn’t just a crazy level.

This is a broken, game-breaking item.

20 billion?

Now it’s 30 billion, no, over 40 billion.

“Woo min, is there any chance the Association could lend the item? No, if you’re okay with it, I’ll visit tomorrow with you.”

– Together?

“Yes, I’m currently meeting with player Choi Seolha.”

– Choi Seolha? The Witch of Winter? The Korean number one player, right?

How could he not know?

Korea’s very own Superstar.

A cold appearance like ice.

Eyes as beautiful as snowflakes.

And skill unmatched worldwide.

Not just Korea.

Her fanbase was global.

“If you’re worried about the fact that being an SSS-ranked player might be leaked, we will guarantee absolute confidentiality.”

– Okay, then I understand. What time will you come tomorrow?

“I’ll be there by tomorrow morning.”

After hanging up, Seo Rin snapped out of her daze.

There was no time to stand there blankly.

She hurried back into the room and took Seolha’s hand.

Though she always acted coldly, Seolha couldn’t help but be startled by Seo Rin’s sudden gesture.

“Seolha, I think we can get the item on loan.”

“Suddenly? Where?”

“It’s nearby.”

***

The next day, early morning.

Ding dong.

She arrived right on the dot.

Two women appeared through the intercom.

One looked like a female lead straight out of an action movie.

That was Seo Rin.

Her beauty was in full bloom today as well.

But the cold-looking woman beside her?

Her eyes were just as dazzling.

Snow-white skin and blue eyes.

She looked like she’d just stepped out of a novel.

“Ah, hello.”

Cautiously opening the door, Seolha and Seo Rin were standing there.

Is this really real? This can’t be a dream.

Then it happened.

Bbyak Bbyak.

Bbyak and Somi poked their faces out from Seo Rin’s pocket.

True to the nature of magical beasts that see into a person’s soul, Bbyak made no effort to hide itself in front of Seolha.

“Oh my!”

Seolha was visibly surprised.

Her reaction was a little different than expected.

She had been told this was Choi Seolha, the Witch of Winter.

But her reaction was unlike what anyone had heard.

“Ahem, that’s not it.”

Seolha hurriedly made an excuse.

In truth, she had one fatal weakness.

She was endlessly weak to cute living things.

Her social media account was filled with pictures of adorable animals.

Though it didn’t suit her image and she hid it from everyone, the moment she saw Bbyak and Somi, she couldn’t help but react.

“C-cuteness overload.”

“Hahaha, the weather’s been getting colder lately, hasn’t it?”

Seo Rin quickly changed the subject and entered the house.

Seolha’s cheeks were red from her pale skin.

She followed nervously, feeling a bit embarrassed.

“May I see the item?”

Seolha got straight to the point.

Of course, she had her reasons.

If she didn’t say something soon, her face might explode.

“Yeah, well, it’s not difficult.”

Woo min nodded and looked at Somi.

Then.

Bbyak —

Somi appeared wearing a bracelet bigger than her body.

Seolha immediately clutched her heart.

“Wow.”

So cute, too cute.

What should I do? She wanted to grab those soft cheeks and squish them right away.

But.

On the contrary—

Two pairs of eyes stared back.

Seo Rin and Woo min.

Instinct and reason fiercely clashed.

If she broke down now, it would be over.

“Let me introduce you. This is Somi.”

Bbyak—

At Woo min’s request, Somi nodded.

Her fluffy body shook as she explained in her tiny way.

Of course, it was somewhat hard for humans to understand, but no one could ignore our Somi’s cuteness.

Look at that tiny tail wagging as she diligently explained.

More people should see this.

Then.

Not to be outdone, flapping her wings, Bbyak flew over.

She immediately perched on Seolha’s shoulder.

A finishing blow.

Seolha’s composure, which had been held in a delicate balance, completely collapsed.

Bbyak rubbed her face against Seolha’s cheek, utterly disarming her.

“Do you like me that much?”

In the world.

She had just clearly made a baby-like noise.

Is this the legendary ‘dog’?

The silence that followed was broken only by Seo Rin.

She smiled awkwardly.

“Choi Seolha really likes cute animals.”

A clumsy excuse.

You want to turn a blind eye.

But it was already too late.

“L-let’s get into the tower right away.”

Seolha quickly grabbed the bracelet, bowed her head deeply, and entered the tower.

She wanted to hide in a mouse hole if there was one.

Unfortunately, there was no mouse hole nearby.

Instead, there was a suitable place.

The tower.

Seolha hurriedly disappeared inside.

The narrow, cramped room was thick with awkwardness.

Only Woo min and Seo Rin sat silently.

“Th-then, shall we talk about the rental fee…”

“Yeah, well, that’s fine.”

The two exchanged awkward glances, waiting only for Seolha to come out.

***

[Entered Tower 48th Floor.]

Mission: Defeat 5 Giant Steel Centipedes.

Time Limit: 12 hours.

Like a fugitive, Seolha entered the tower.

Her face was burning hot.

How could she make such a mistake?

From the very start, there was the worry of how she’d get out.

But that aside, let’s climb the tower first.

She fastened the bracelet on her wrist.

Whoosh—

A bright light filled the surroundings.

The 48th floor of the tower begins in a damp underground cave.

Because of that, visibility was extremely limited.

But thanks to the bracelet, the area brightened.

Creeping along the cave walls were disgusting wriggling creatures.

The Giant Steel Centipedes.

As their name suggested, each was at least 15 meters long.

Their hides were as hard as steel.

“Ice Edge.”

Seolha raised her staff and cast a spell.

Dozens of icicles formed at the tip.

This was definitely different than before.

The water droplets didn’t fall.

She also felt vitality overflowing in her body.

It was like she had been fully rested all day.

Her body moved as if she were feather-light.

[Flower Bracelet imbued with the Power of the Phoenix] A sacred talisman containing the spirit of the immortal phoenix. This bracelet emits its own light and increases the wearer’s vitality. Its effect improves as it absorbs surrounding heat.

Just as the description said.

She didn’t feel any damp heat at all.

On the contrary, her vitality overflowed.

Maybe the mana quality was different.

The size of the Ice Edge was also much larger than before.

At this rate, clearing the 48 symptoms wouldn’t be impossible.

It was even easier than expected.

Crack crack crack—

Huge icicles flew toward the steel centipede.

The ice shards sliced through the air and hit the centipede’s body precisely.

A chilling, bone-tingling sound.

Kyaaah!

The giant centipede writhed in pain.

Unforgiving.

Another attack followed.

“Ice Wall.”

A giant ice wall rose from the floor, completely blocking the charging monster.

Then.

Koo-goong.

A massive block of ice fell from above.

It was Seolha’s finishing move for the weakened monster.

No matter how huge, nothing could survive that immense weight.

Its entire body must have been crushed.

Mission: Defeat Giant Steel Centipede 1/5.

Just as expected, the creature died inside the ice wall.

Only about ten minutes had passed.

It was much easier than she imagined.

No, it was beyond imagination.

Absorbing heat was not all.

The real effect was the vitality boost.

Although the exact number wasn’t written, she felt at least twice as powerful.

At this level, it was more than a legendary item.

Calling it mythical would not be an exaggeration.

In no time, she defeated another one.

The remaining creatures sensed danger and burst out of the ground, attacking all at once.

Normally, she should have defeated them one by one while dodging.

But this was different now.

She was overflowing with power.

“Ice Wall!”

First, she erected an ice wall.

“Ice Edge!”

She summoned dozens of icicles again.

This time, they were at least twice the size of before.

She pushed her mana to the limit.

So what? She still had energy to spare.

Bam bam bam!

She cleared the 48 symptoms in an instant.

[Reward] 10 Advanced Recovery Potions

[Reward] 10 Advanced Mana Recovery Potions

[Reward] 1 Duplicated Worn Elixir

[Reward] 2 Giant Steel Centipede Hides

[Reward] 480 kg Magic Stones

The rewards poured out.

To think that the difficult 48 symptoms would be climbed so easily.

That moment.

A blue light enveloped her entire body as she was intoxicated by her newfound strength.

She had forgotten that clearing the tower meant being ejected outside.

Not even an hour had passed.

Eventually.

Seolha appeared in the living room’s center.

The barely cooled awkwardness filled the room again.