Chapter 143

[The Level 40 guardian, ‘Cronotaur’ (S-rank), has been vanquished.]

[Praise is in order!]

[You have successfully cleared the 40th Floor of the Trial Spire!]

Excellent!

Stormy’s power had visibly surged.

Annihilation skills were devastating by nature, but completely wiping out a Floor 40 guardian in a single strike was remarkable.

Faced with the red dragon’s blazing torrent, the Cronotaur stood absolutely no chance.

Its ultimate ability?

The creature never even managed to activate it.

Confronted by such irresistible might, it was reduced to ashes without uttering a single groan.

“We’re done here. It’s finished.”

He was finally able to let out a relaxed breath.

Regardless of what kind of entity a rival player brought forward, Stormy alone possessed the capability to handle the threat.

Furthermore, as the days passed, that disparity in strength would only grow more pronounced.

At the very minimum, the period where he could be dominated due to a lack of raw power had concluded permanently.

“Excellent effort, everyone.”

A continuous seven-day march.

Nourishment, rest, combat—they had persevered through every hardship within that foul-smelling maze.

Though he would eventually need to conquer the 50th floor…

He also had to regulate the fatigue and mental strain of his companion spirits.

For the moment, relaxation was the priority.

Besides, he had an accumulation of clear rewards to evaluate, didn’t he?

Upon making his return to the city of Yubaek City, Baek Jinwoo exchanged short pleasantries with Yu Jia before making his way back to his residence.

“There really is no place like home.”

He had basic human comforts to consider.

His high-rise apartment, complete with its incredibly soft mattress and breathtaking panoramic views, was infinitely superior to a dark labyrinth.

“Whew.”

Thud!

Dropping his body onto the couch, Baek Jinwoo recalled his entities back from the field and began organizing the prizes he had accumulated.

[Floor 31 – All-Purpose Polishing Compound x25]

[Floor 32 – Master-tier glyph choice voucher (Account Bound) x2]

[Floor 33 – Cataclysmic Explosion Parchment x1]

[Floor 34 – Master-tier invocation scroll x10]

[Floor 35 – All-Purpose Polishing Compound x25]

[Floor 36 – Supreme invocation scroll x1]

[Floor 37 – Groteling (A-rank) x1]

[Floor 38 – Core of Radiance x25]

[Floor 39 – Core of Obscurity x25]

[Floor 40 – Monarch’s Emblem (Account Bound) x1, Ten-Century Frost Root x1]

The vast majority consisted of loot items he had encountered on previous occasions, but three specific drops caught his attention.

The Cataclysmic Explosion Parchment obtained on Floor 33.

The Groteling (A-rank) discovered on Floor 37.

And the valuable Ten-Century Frost Root earned from Floor 40.

Even an experienced individual like Baek Jinwoo had never laid eyes on such specific rewards until now.

What exactly are these items?

He chose to inspect the magical parchment first.

[Cataclysmic Explosion Parchment]

[Tier: S-rank]

[For a duration of 10 minutes, the attributes of all active entities are multiplied by two.]

[Upon the conclusion of the 10-minute duration, all active entities are instantly dismissed.]

“Well now.”

A high-grade consumable item of the S-rank variety?

The drawback was incredibly severe, but it possessed the potential to preserve his life during a catastrophic emergency.

It would be wisest to tuck this away securely.

Should the occasion ever arise where he needed to utilize it, it would almost certainly be during a confrontation on a guardian floor within the Trial Spire.

The higher into the heavens he advanced, the more frequently he would be required to risk absolutely everything.

Moving on?

The entity known as Groteling?

[Entity: Groteling]

[Classification: Astral Spirit]

[Tier: A-rank (Uncommon)]

• Worldwide population restricted to a maximum of 50 specimens.

[Level: 1]

[Attributes]

STR: 1, INT: 1, VIT: 1, AGI: 1

Health: 1,000 / Mana: 100

Critical Strike Probability: 20%

Critical Strike Magnitude: 20%

[Abilities]

• Culinary Mastery: Possesses peerless culinary expertise, completely comprehending the intrinsic traits of every food item and identifying the flawless cooking technique for each.

• Absolute Preservation: Food items handled directly by this astral spirit retain their optimal state of freshness.

What on earth is the meaning of this.

Even with his extensive background, Baek Jinwoo had never encountered an entity of this nature throughout his entire career.

Its appearance resembled a forest sprite, yet its primary function was preparing meals?

Furthermore, it shared the exact same A-rank Uncommon tier classification as the Mindreader Eagle.

Interesting.

Reflecting on past circumstances, the Yubaek organization regularly brought in temporary culinary staff whenever major functions took place.

Why not simply secure a permanent, dedicated chef on this occasion?

The associates belonging to the SKY Guild were perpetually subjected to intense, exhausting training regimens.

Their physical power and endurance capacities had already progressed far past standard human limitations.

Preserving physiques of that caliber necessitated a consistent intake of high-quality, balanced sustenance.

That wasn’t the sole benefit either.

Delectable cuisine served as an excellent method for lowering stress levels.

He would have to request it to attempt preparing some sweet pastries.

An unconventional entity of this sort was highly welcome as a refreshing change of pace.

He would sort through the specifics regarding this arrangement with Yu Jia at a later point.

Finally, the remaining object.

[Ten-Century Frost Root]

[Upon administration to an entity, permanently amplifies all core attributes by 50 points.]

“Incredible.”

A lasting 50-point inflation across every single attribute?

This was a massive stroke of good fortune.

Because the attributes derived from glyphs operated on a percentage-based scaling system, the greater an entity’s fundamental statistics were, the more terrifyingly effective those glyphs became.

With the entire team closing in on their optimal, final-tier glyph configurations, every individual attribute point carried immense weight—and now a medicine of this caliber had materialized?

However…

Which individual should receive this benefit?

“……”

The period of contemplation was brief.

Aso possessed the inherent capability to develop into a terrifying powerhouse entirely on his own, and Stormy followed a identical trajectory.

In that case, who was left?

From a strictly tactical viewpoint, the overall equilibrium of Drill Sarge was lacking a bit of polish.

“Drill Sarge.”

• I await your command, my sovereign.

“Consume this item.”

Precisely.

If he intended to commit resources, he would execute the investment thoroughly.

Baek Jinwoo retrieved the object from his storage space and tossed it forward with a light motion of his wrist.

Drill Sarge secured the item mid-air, his gaze expanding in sheer astonishment.

Given his profound understanding of the grand martial landscape, he identified the immense worth of the medicine instantly.

• A-an item of such grand value……!

Drill Sarge experienced a profound wave of gratitude.

The beneficial Trinity Rune, the restorative yin energy required to counteract his troublesome Nine-Yin Severed Meridian Syndrome.

It was entirely clear to him—his master was relentlessly assisting him in breaking past his pre-existing constraints.

“You have rightfully earned this through your dedicated service.”

Baek Jinwoo got to his feet and struck Drill Sarge encouragingly on the shoulder area.

Following that action, he shifted his attention toward the remainder of his assembled spirits.

“I will ensure the rest of you receive exceptional items when appropriate compensation presents itself in the future. Try not to feel abandoned.”

• Un-huh! I am perfectly content as long as I get sweet pastries.

Ramba gave a cheerful smile.

• Should Drill Sarge enhance his capabilities, the burden lessens for our entire group.

Stormy provided a composed reply.

Aso along with the Dhampir merely offered warm expressions, remaining mostly silent.

This was their distinct method of communicating that they would fully back Baek Jinwoo’s judgment under any circumstances.

Even though they function as my subordinate spirits……

Their internal camaraderie was truly exceptional.

He was well aware that other individuals’ entities frequently suffered from internal rivalries, but his own companions never displayed such petty behavior.

“Excellent, commencing from this moment we shall indulge in relaxation for precisely seven days, engage in minimal physical upkeep, and subsequently charge straight toward the 50th floor. Understood?”

• HURRAH! Vacation time! I adore vacations!

Ramba glided across the space and activated the television monitor.

Drill Sarge voiced his appreciation once more before withdrawing to internalize the properties of the medicine.

Meanwhile, Aso and the Dhampir made their way up toward the highest level of the high-rise.

The massive form of LG was resting up there, and the pair appeared to take great pleasure in slumbering together while perched upon its massive frame.

Rolly undertook a defensive patrol outside, monitoring the immediate boundaries of the property, whereas the industrious Rune Dwarf had already slipped away to the crafting area, struck by inspiration and hammering away just as he always did.

And following that.

“What is your plan?”

Baek Jinwoo, remaining resting on the soft couch, directed his gaze toward Stormy.

• Yes?

Stormy tilted her head to the side in a curious manner.

“Are you not going to take a break?”

• My happiness is found right here beside you, Jinwoo.

Positioning herself at the extreme left edge of the seating arrangement, Stormy settled into a relaxed posture and allowed her eyelids to drop.

A gentle expression manifested across Baek Jinwoo’s features.

Stormy eternally possessed a deep longing for companionship and proximity.

Understood.

He would delay his own slumber until a bit later in the night.

On the historic date marking the revival of the authentic Burst Dragon, the absolute minimum gesture he could provide was remaining by her side.

“In that case, would you care to watch some television programming beside me?”

• I would delight in that immensely!

The duo viewed cinematics and kept up to date with the current broadcasts.

For the first time in an extended period, Baek Jinwoo experienced a genuine interval of peaceful downtime.

As the sun began to rise. The central headquarters of the Yubaek company.

The assembly hall was fully occupied by the elite members of the SKY guild whom Yu Jia had requested to appear.

Ranging from Hong Ari all the way to Hwang Jiwoo.

The full group of nine individuals, excluding Baek Jinwoo, were conversing in animated tones with inquisitive looks on their faces.

“What could possibly prompt her to call off our standard morning drills?”

“Incredible, isn’t it?”

“To be fair, none of us are going to protest a reprieve, but an event like this is practically unprecedented.”

“Hmm, do you suppose an issue of grave importance has surfaced?”

The designated second-in-command for the SKY organization was Hong Ari, while the primary strategist was Hwang Juwon, yet when it came down to actual execution, Yu Jia wielded far greater leverage than either individual.

The parent corporation Yubaek held a 100% financial stake in the SKY guild, and Yu Jia was the specific executive overseeing the daily operations of Yubaek.

In all honesty?

Even if those structural advantages did not exist, they would have followed her leadership without resistance.

Because they were fully aware that she was the precise individual their supreme leader placed his utmost reliance upon.

“Is everyone accounted for?”

Click.

The entryway unlatched.

Yu Jia stepped into the assembly hall outfitted in an immaculate white button-down shirt paired with tailored formal trousers.

The ambient noise vanished the instant the sound of her footwear reverberated through the space, and every single gaze locked onto her figure.

“The objective behind convening this assembly today is to deliberate on the secondary intake of new guild associates that our supreme leader indicated to us on a prior occasion.”

The secondary generation intake!

The countenances of the gathered associates instantly transformed.

A few individuals grew rigid. Others observed the situation with palpable curiosity.

Baek Jinwoo had issued a clear warning to them during the global tournament phase.

Maintain your absolute highest level of readiness.

Fresh associates were bound to be brought into the fold, and any individual who dropped behind in the internal rivalry would forfeit their designated position representing the country.

As a underlying current of competition settled across the assembly hall, Hong Ari raised an arm to speak.

“Will this secondary intake process deviate significantly from our initial recruitment phase?”

During the preliminary intake, they had simply grandfathered in the existing representatives of the national squad—excluding the members of Baekho—and made their determinations strictly on the basis of raw capability.

She had naturally assumed they would replicate that identical strategy on this occasion, but given that Yu Jia had gone to the length of bringing them all together…

There existed a strong probability that the methodology would undergo an overhaul.

“Correct, that is precisely the case.”

Yu Jia gave an affirmative nod.

She and Baek Jinwoo had already gone over the blueprint in comprehensive detail, and the foundational arrangements were progressing rapidly.

“On the previous occasion we were forced to act under immense time constraints, but moving forward with this secondary phase, we intend to implement a far more rigorous screening metric. Assessing raw capability and moral character is a fundamental requirement, but we desire to execute this progression in a gradual manner.”

“An elongated process?”

“Precisely. Our initial step involves identifying roughly 100 potential candidates, who will subsequently be subjected to a month-long trial internship program.”

Oh, a trial program!

The gathered associates began discussing the matter excitedly.

“That is actually an incredibly inventive approach.”

“A trial internship scheme…… That implies the management is intending an exceptionally stringent vetting operation.”

“Haha, meaning they intend to measure dedication and drive, rather than focusing exclusively on natural gifts.”

A trial program!

The guild associates experienced a sudden rush of anticipation.

Internal rivalry was certainly one aspect, but the prospect of imminently encountering the new subordinates who would be arriving below them triggered a sense of genuine eagerness.

“In that case, how many prospects will ultimately be retained upon the conclusion of this trial program?”

Hwang Juwon rested his jaw upon his left palm, his expression turning focused and intense.

“The ultimate top ten individuals.”

Yu Jia displayed a pleasant expression as she elaborated further.

“Furthermore, every single person in this room will actively engage in this vetting operation as official evaluators, overseeing their practical instruction.”

Ooh.

An additional wave of conversation spread across the gathered associates.

“Now that promises to be an entertaining venture. Functioning as evaluators, no less.”

“……Agreed. We have spent an eternity doing nothing but training ourselves into the ground—it is high time we participated in an activity of this nature.”

“What is the official start date? What materials must we assemble?”

“The upcoming candidates are fundamentally our juniors, correct? If we are going to execute this, let us establish a rigid seniority structure! Ha-ha-ha!”

Their shared passion was practically spilling over.

If they had been completely overshadowed by their supreme leader’s incomparable prowess up to this point……

From this milestone onward, they could finally display their own mastery before the incoming novices!

Indulge in a bit of boasting!

This presented the ultimate stage to display the refined capabilities they had been diligently polishing throughout this entire duration.

There was something profound about it.

It gave them the sensation that they had truly solidified their status as foundational pillars of the guild, you understand?

Hwang Jiwoo compressed her fist with immense intensity.

A mere handful of months prior, she amounted to nothing more than a thoroughly commonplace combatant……

Yet in the current moment, she was tasked with grading prospects meticulously selected from the absolute peak talent pool of the entire country.

This situation feels entirely surreal.

She was an indispensable component of the SKY organization.

“We are obligated to demonstrate to these rookies precisely what occurs when one confronts a world-tier competitor.”

“We must make a lasting impression right out of the gate.”

“I have perpetually harbored a desire to execute that specific maneuver. You know the one—’Observe the vast disparity in mechanical execution!’—and then proceeding to demolish the entire field utilizing a completely random entity.”

“……Such a feat is only achievable because you are referring to the supreme leader. You personally could never pull off an execution like that.”

“What did you say? Do you wish to wager on that?”

The collective volume of the guild associates escalated as their fervor mounted.

Yu Jia sensed their intense dedication and offered a supportive nod.

“The intake sequence is scheduled to launch shortly. I intend to collaborate directly with Drill Sarge to formulate the granular operational blueprint, and we will explicitly designate each of your individual responsibilities at that specific juncture.”

“Acknowledged!”

“Let us make this spectacular!”

Following that agreement, on the very next morning.

A single notification materialised upon the newly inaugurated SKY public forum.

[SKY Guild Secondary Generation Intake Notification – Hunting for Elite Talent to Embark on a Fresh Frontier!]

It served as the definitive spark that instantly reignited the competitive passion across the entire territory of South Korea once again.