STCB 07

Chapter 7:

4. First Floor Trial (2)

“Holy crap. What’s that fire show?”

“Why don’t we have anything like that?”

“Did he buy it at the shop? Where’d he get the points?”

“……”

Shhhk—!

As the blade cut through the air, it conjured a wave of flames. The gnolls seemed to charge straight into it, as if willingly getting slashed.

It was only possible because Lee Jin-hyuk had perfectly predicted their movements.

The destructive force he now wielded was on a completely different level than when he used just two swords.

The other players could only gape in awe at the skill on display.

“That’s no ordinary technique. It’s like he’s one with mana.”

“That’s… art.”

After carving through the gnolls and clearing a path, Jin-hyuk arrived at the empty <Sanctuary>.

There, he tightly gripped the <Bloodstained Claw>, which the goblin chieftain had once wielded.

‘Now’s the time.’

Then, he crushed the <Gradri Petal Extract> he had kept close.

‘The second effect of <Gradri Petal Extract>: It drastically enhances the power of fire. Especially…’

Flick.

‘…when it explodes.’

[Skill <Blood Frenzy> has been activated.]
[All stats are amplified 5x.]
[Mana stat is amplified 10x.]

“Grrraaahhh!”

The stats amplified by the power of the Constellation <Bloodred Hair>, combined with the extract’s fire-enhancing effect—

Whoooosh!

Despite the burning pain, as if his entire body were melting, Jin-hyuk gritted his teeth and thrust the <Bloodstained Claw> toward the center of the sanctuary.

[The item <Bloodstained Claw> is overloaded with fire energy.]
*[Warning! The item <Bloodstained Claw> is breaking, unleashing a massive explosion.]

<Bloodstained Claw>
Grade: Rare
Type: Sword
[Attack Power: 30]
▶ Increases bleeding effect by 10%
▶ Destroys itself under specific conditions

As the holographic window indicated, the <Bloodstained Claw> had a hidden effect:

If the wielder channels fire magic with at least 50 mana points, it causes a massive explosion.

‘With this…’

Grip.

‘I can melt that ice sanctuary.’

Fwoooosh!

The flames surged and spiraled around the blade’s tip.

And then—it exploded.

BOOOOOOM—!

[Constellation <King of Muspel> bursts into laughter!]
[Constellation <Bloodred Hair> scoffs, warning that using her power recklessly won’t end well.]
[Constellation <Eternal Flame> leaps to her feet!]

“Shit!”

“Everyone, duck!”

“Oh god!”

Just before the explosion, Jin-hyuk threw the <Bloodstained Claw> and leapt away.

Even for him, facing that blast head-on would’ve been fatal.

“Argh!”

The shockwave ripped through everything nearby.

Rumble rumble…

Yelp!

Grrr!

Nearby gnolls were instantly incinerated by the blast.

Even Jin-hyuk couldn’t fully escape the force—he was thrown far back.

[You have destroyed the sanctuary! 10,000 points acquired!]
[This achievement will be included in your rewards!]
[Time remaining: 9 seconds]

With only 9 seconds left, Jin-hyuk had succeeded in destroying the sanctuary.

“Huff… Huff…”

Thanks to his preparations, he managed to avoid critical injuries.

“Phew…”

He wanted to spend the remaining seconds defeating gnolls for extra XP and points, but it was obviously impossible now.

He didn’t even have the strength to lift a finger.

[Time remaining: 0 seconds]
[<First Floor Trial> has ended!]
[Main Quest <Safe Sanctuary> cleared!]
[You may now freely enter and exit the first floor!]

Shiiiiing—!

“We—we did it!”

“We passed!”

“Ugh… does this mean I have to retake the trial?”

Light pillars enveloped the players who passed, including Jin-hyuk, transporting them to the first floor.

[Several Constellations are showing interest in you!]

‘Of course.’

Unlike the other players, Jin-hyuk’s body remained in place.

‘It’s about time the Constellations took notice.’

[You may choose one Constellation to become your patron.]

* * *

After clearing the first-floor trial, players could form contracts with the Constellations that approached them.

Constellations would offer support like items and skills to make players stronger.

In return, players would entertain them by climbing the Tower and meeting their expectations.

It was a mutual contract.

‘Constellations are just bored gods with no physical form who can’t interfere with the Tower directly.’

Flick.

‘That’s basically what “gods” are.’

Receiving a Constellation’s proposal was a rare opportunity for any player.

It meant they recognized you as extremely powerful—or extremely special.

[Constellations interested in you:]
▶ <Dawn King of Zhonghua>: Offers the position of “Second Apostle”
▶ <King of Muspel>: Offers the position of “Third Apostle”
▶ <Eternal Flame>: Offers the position of “First Apostle”

“……!”

Quite a few Constellations had sent proposals to Jin-hyuk.

But aside from the top three, the rest were irrelevant.

‘None of the others compare in name, power, or influence.’

Flick.

‘The <Dawn King of Zhonghua>. If I choose him, I’ll lack nothing in martial arts.’

The <Dawn King of Zhonghua>:
A human who reached the pinnacle of martial arts and unified the vast Zhongyuan continent.
Even after ascending the Tower, he rose to become a Constellation.
He was the First Emperor—Qin Shi Huang.

‘The <King of Muspel> would grant overwhelming fire and destructive power.’

His true name: Surtr.
A colossal Constellation ruling Muspelheim, one of the star realms.

He probably took interest after seeing Jin-hyuk wield fire.

‘And <Eternal Flame>…’

Smirk.

‘Before regression, I had no interaction with this one.’

<Eternal Flame> was Hestia, one of the mythic-tier Constellations from Olympus, another star realm.

‘One thing’s certain.’

Gulp.

‘Even picking just one of them would guarantee smooth sailing to at least the 15th floor.’

It was even more shocking that they were offering Apostle positions—not just Devotee ranks.

‘Well, I appreciate the offers, but…’

Flick.

‘I’ll refuse.’

He had considered it briefly—those were all legendary names—but he ultimately decided against it.

Just like before, he had no intention of forming contracts with any Constellation.

There’s no such thing as power without cost.

If you accept a Constellation’s patronage, you must also obey their orders.

And Jin-hyuk had no intention of living at someone else’s mercy.

‘Still… feels good to be recognized early.’

“Thank you, but I’m not interested in a contract.”

Jin-hyuk stated firmly.

[Constellation <Bloodred Hair> snorts, saying she knew you’d refuse and didn’t bother proposing.]
[Constellation <Eternal Flame> respects your choice, though she’s clearly disappointed.]
[Constellation <King of Muspel> thinks you’re arrogant.]
[Constellation <Dawn King of Zhonghua> says to come find him anytime if you’re interested in ruling or mastering the sword.]

“Maybe I’ll see you again someday.”

While players took trials, the Constellations could watch.

And since they could influence the trials, there was no reason to stay on bad terms—even without a contract.

[You have not formed a contract with any Constellation.]
[Entering First Floor <El Land>.]

Only after rejecting all offers did Jin-hyuk finally enter the first floor.

* * *

The landscape was stunning—so peaceful it almost felt unreal.

Children’s laughter echoed on the wind.

“Have some fruit!”

“Oh my, a new player! Need your gear repaired?”

“Welcome, welcome!”

This was <El Land>, the first floor.

Thanks to an agreement between guilds to keep this place fight-free, it had remained a peaceful haven.

‘Still as peaceful as ever.’

Jin-hyuk smiled as he passed laughing children.

“Hahaha! We did it! We passed!”

“We actually made it to the first floor!”

“Screw this place! I’m never climbing again!”

“I have to reach my hometown floor though…”

Passing the rowdy pub, filled with drunk and cheering players, Jin-hyuk spoke to a staff member.

“Hello! What can I help you with?”

“How much for a room?”

“3 points a night for private rooms with confidentiality! 2 silver for regular rooms!”

Hearing that, Jin-hyuk handed over 3 points without hesitation.

‘Too much trouble to exchange, and I need the privacy anyway.’

“Thank you~!”

Led by a cheerful young attendant, he entered the room.

Shhhhh…

After rinsing himself with hot water, Jin-hyuk donned a robe and lay on the bed.

He’d paid 3 points—this room had solid security.

“Let’s check my rewards.”

[You’ve acquired 500 points.]
[You’ve acquired the Hunter’s Leather Equipment Set.]
[Item <Hunter’s Leather Jacket> acquired.]
[Item <Hunter’s Leather Gloves> acquired.]
[Item <Hunter’s Leather Boots> acquired.]

<Hunter’s Leather Jacket>
Grade: Normal
[Physical Resistance: 10] [Health +1]

<Hunter’s Leather Gloves>
Grade: Normal
[Physical Resistance: 10] [Magic Resistance: 5]

<Hunter’s Leather Boots>
Grade: Normal
[Agility +3]

Set Bonus (3-piece)
▶ [Strength +1] [Health +1] [Agility +1]

Despite being normal grade, the set was incredibly efficient for a trial reward.

It raised basic stats like STR, HP, and AGI while also providing both physical and magical resistance.

It was perfect for early-game use.

‘Nice.’

He had claimed all the basic rewards from the first-floor trial.

Now for the bonus.

[Player Lee Jin-hyuk’s final score: 10,204 points.]
[New record! You’ve earned additional rewards.]
[Your name and achievement will be publicly recorded in the <First Floor Archive>!]
[Level Up x3]
[Item <Eternal Frost> acquired.]
[Item <Burning Frost> acquired.]

‘Two items, huh.’

<Eternal Frost>
Grade: Epic
Type: Armor
[Physical Resistance: 100] [Magic Resistance: 50]
[+10 Mana]
▶ Never melts under any condition.
▶ Increases mana based on stored frost.

It was an epic-grade armor—made of ice, yet automatically adjusted to fit his body.

Despite being ice, it didn’t melt and wasn’t uncomfortable to wear.

‘Snug, not cold, and doesn’t restrict movement.’

He could even wear the Hunter’s Leather Jacket over it without any awkwardness.

Best of all, it slightly increased his lacking mana stat.

<Burning Frost>
Grade: Epic
Type: Accessory (Necklace)
[Fire Attribute: 1] [Water Attribute: 1]
▶ Absorbs and stores heat and cold.

The second item was a necklace with a core of fire-like frost.

It was often used by frost-elemental mages as a rare material.

Though labeled “epic,” it was worth even more.

It could absorb both fire and cold—opposing elements.

‘Mages, blacksmiths, enchanters… everyone wants this. It’s also a hidden piece material.’

Flick.