Chapter 97

Let us review the prizes earned from climbing floors 27 through 30.

[Floor 27 – Mindreader Eagle (A-rank) x 1]

[Floor 28 – Essence of Light x 20]

[Floor 29 – Essence of Darkness x 20]

[Floor 30 – King’s Crest (Bound) x 1, Ultimate Summoning Scroll x 1]

To begin with, he had pulled another Mindreader Eagle.

He had been anticipating a Rare-tier summon drop around this time, but he truly had not envisioned obtaining a duplicate Mindreader Eagle.

This worked out quite well.

He could simply hand it over to Jia and be done with it.

The overall utility of a Mindreader Eagle was exceptional.

A single one provided incredible benefits, so possessing a pair would naturally amplify their effectiveness exponentially.

Moving on, both the Essence of Light and the Essence of Darkness represented top-tier crafting components required for high-end gear and blueprint fabrication.

Merely retaining ownership of these items would yield incredible worth down the road.

He could potentially trade them away to an interested buyer, but there was no real incentive to do so.

Acquiring cash was no longer a pressing matter for him.

Furthermore, the prize waiting on floor 30 was completely mind-blowing.

Yet again.

He had acquired an additional ultimate summoning scroll.

Because of this, Baek Jinwoo now held a grand total of two ultimate summoning scrolls in his possession.

[B-rank: 94%]

[A-rank: 5%]

[S-rank: 1%]

These represented the specific drop rates tied to the ultimate summoning scroll, meaning his likelihood of pulling an S-rank tier had elevated to 2% now that he had two.

It seemed wisest to preserve these for the time being.

There were currently zero entities available in the marketplace, and even with the massive financial resources Baek Jinwoo commanded, securing one through standard means was virtually unfeasible.

Incredibly wealthy oil magnates, international hedge funds, and sovereign governments were all desperately tracking down the ultimate summoning scroll with intense fervor.

Whether the required sum amounted to 10 trillion or 20 trillion, any organization possessing the capital to meet that price tag was hyper-focused on acquiring it.

This desperation was entirely justified.

The inherent worth of an S-rank was undeniable.

The absolute zenith of raw capability!

Only creatures that commanded an incredibly overwhelming aura were granted the prestigious S-rank designation.

If an EX-rank felt like an entity that began within normal parameters before being adjusted into an overpowered state via modifications?

An S-rank was fundamentally overpowered right from the start. Merely by existing.

They were fundamentally built differently.

Controlling just a single one could elevate a country’s defensive capability by a factor of dozens, making it entirely logical that everyone pursued them relentlessly.

Regardless, it didn’t truly matter.

Baek Jinwoo was fully aware of the reality.

He recognized that if his own EX-rank companions were nurtured properly, they possessed the power to completely shatter any S-rank opponent they encountered, without question.

There was no point in risking everything on random probabilities. He needed to dedicate his energy to raising his current companions.

A mere fortnight remained before the commencement of the World League.

Word was that an official system alert would manifest exactly seven days prior to the tournament, meaning the current period required him to empty his mind and focus entirely on preparation.

Baek Jinwoo paused his progression through the Tower of Trials and dedicated his full attention to his standard training routine.

He conducted additional assessments on his guild associates and completed the configuration and refinement of their runes to the absolute limit of his current capabilities.

They hadn’t reached the level of ultimate graduation runes just yet, but they were sufficiently optimized to perform well.

Ultimately, everything came down to precise execution and control.

For the moment, this level of preparation sufficed.

The estate belonging to the House of Daesung.

Following a directive issued by the patriarch, Yu Byeongcheon, the members of the extended lineage convened together after a long separation.

Originating from Yu Daehwan, who managed the operations of the Daesung Group directly on the competitive front, the various branches of the Yu family extended outward extensively.

Naturally, Yu Jia attended the gathering as well.

“Jia, you’ve been incredibly swamped lately to the point that we can’t even get in touch with you.”

“That’s exactly what I was thinking. She has risen far above our level now. It seems we are completely beneath her notice these days, aren’t we?”

“I mean, she occupies the position of CEO at Yubaek after all… I am incredibly envious. Truly envious.”

While Jia was the firstborn daughter belonging to Yu Daehwan, her position within the grand family structure was that of the fourth granddaughter to her grandfather.

Faced with this sudden influx of commentary from relatives she had not encountered in quite some time, Jia offered a polite, simple expression.

“Please, cousins. Don’t speak about it in that manner. I merely poured myself entirely into an area that captured my fascination, nothing more.”

In the past, when this remarkably talented young woman had declared her intention to enter the corporate headquarters at the lowest possible entry-level position, how fiercely had these same individuals disdained her choices?

Yet, from that exact entry-level role, Yu Jia had managed to uncover an unpolished gemstone that radiated more brilliantly than any alternative asset, successfully securing that gemstone’s loyalty.

Through those actions, she had successfully solidified her father’s standing as an unassailable heir to the legacy.

Furthermore, she had established an entity that currently ranked as the most dominant organization and association within South Korea, rivaling the stature of the Daesung Group itself.

No individual possessed the standing to look down upon Yu Jia anymore.

To speak candidly, even Yu Byeongcheon himself would likely find it impossible to dictate terms to her at this stage.

“Setting that aside, what are your thoughts on this upcoming tournament? Do you truly believe our nation can secure a spot in the top four?”

“Baek Jinwoo doesn’t hold an official ranking at the moment. How powerful is he in reality?”

“He has to be among the top 100 globally, minimum. Did you fail to observe the qualification matches? He completely toyed with Kang Geonho as if it required zero effort.”

“Does that mean a top four finish is guaranteed?”

“It is likely just sensationalist promotion. Though because of those public statements, the selection committee managed to recruit precisely who they desired, which also led to the foundation of SKY, right?”

These relatives remained completely oblivious to the truth.

The general populace was equally uninformed.

I am sorry, but Jinwoo operates on a completely separate plane of existence compared to anyone else.

Even Yu Jia, who maintained the closest proximity to him, still found herself unable to fully comprehend the true nature of Baek Jinwoo.

She was incapable of even projecting the sheer scale of development he would display as time moved forward.

“The upcoming competitions will certainly provide excellent entertainment to observe,” she mused.

She remained standing while enjoying a glass of wine, permitting the ocean of ambient chatter to drift past her, until—

“Jia.”

Her father, Yu Daehwan, navigated through the crowd toward her.

“Father.”

“Your grandfather has requested your presence.”

“Has he?”

Offering a subtle nod toward her senior cousins, Yu Jia departed the main area with an aura of unbothered sophistication.

The remaining family members tracked her departure with deep expressions of envy.

“Unbelievable.”

“The patriarch requested her presence directly?”

“I am genuinely jealous of that level of self-assurance.”

Yu Byeongcheon was a deeply intimidating figure.

The very instant he detected the minor flaw in an individual’s conduct, he would deliver a terrifying scolding, and if an individual managed to lose his approval, he would sever them from the lineage records without an ounce of hesitation. He was profoundly ruthless.

His singular, unchanging focus rested entirely upon the advancement of Daesung.

Because of this rigid nature, the relatives actively avoided entering their grandfather’s proximity unless absolutely forced to do so.

And on the rare occasion he initiated a direct summons?

A physical shiver would run through them.

The mere concept of that interaction was sufficient to cause their legs to tremble.

“Grandfather.”

“Ah, you have arrived.”

Yu Byeongcheon manifested a massive grin the moment his eyes landed on Jia.

Following her entrance, he promptly ordered everyone else to clear the space.

In the eyes of Yu Byeongcheon, Yu Jia represented a stunning and exceptionally talented granddaughter.

Daehwan had provided a comprehensive update on her actions.

She had systematically identified and highlighted every single vulnerability present within their corporate rivals.

Furthermore, that was only a fraction of her contributions.

The overall public perception of the Daesung Group had experienced a massive positive surge, entirely due to her efforts.

A significant portion of this success was the residual prestige generated as 「Yubaek」 rose to immense prominence.

Even young children were fully aware that Yu Jia belonged to the Daesung lineage.

“Tell me about the guild—are you managing its operations successfully?”

“Yes.”

“Yes, Grandfather.”

“Ensure you preserve your connection with Baek Jinwoo, and continue to provide him with excellent support.”

“Naturally.”

“I have shared this wisdom with you previously, have I not? This old man possesses the ability to gauge a person’s ultimate scale and potential simply by analyzing their gaze. That young man will undeniably transform into someone who alters the entire global landscape.”

“Your assessment is completely accurate.”

Jia offered a firm, affirmative nod.

As expected of the family patriarch.

His capacity to evaluate human potential operated on an entirely superior tier compared to the rest of the family line.

“And because of that,” Yu Byeongcheon structuralized his thoughts, his expression shifting into a calculating smirk.

“How much progress have you made regarding your personal connection with him?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Baek Jinwoo. That young man. When can we expect the marriage ceremony?”

“…Excuse me?”

Jia locked her gaze onto her grandfather with an entirely stunned expression.

What words had just escaped his mouth?

A marriage ceremony?

Had her hearing failed her?

“Please, Grandfather… That is—”

“A young woman who comprehends the immense scale of Baek Jinwoo’s worth surely hasn’t permitted all this time to pass without actively scheming to secure him permanently?”

“…Uh.”

…The truth was, she actually hadn’t done anything of the sort.

To claim she possessed zero personal attraction would be completely untruthful, but she had genuinely been consumed by an overwhelming workload.

Additionally, as more time drifted past, their dynamic had set firmly into this highly specific arrangement.

Romantic attachments?

It would feel highly unusual for such dynamics to emerge at this stage, and if they did manifest, they would likely serve as an impediment to professional operations. That was Yu Jia’s unshakeable stance.

“Analyze the entire situation through a strict commercial lens. The total value commanded by Baek Jinwoo surpasses your current calculations. Furthermore, speaking with total honesty, if he truly represents the figure of JinuGod whom even the Five Emperors view with immense respect… this old man anticipates nothing less than him securing the title of global number one.”

“I certainly concur with that assessment.”

“Securing the rank of global number one serves as its own validation, an independent font of authority, and an absolute truth. I am confident I do not need to reconstruct the historical reasons regarding why England successfully re-established its dominance over America.”

“…”

“Now, project a scenario where Baek Jinwoo establishes a permanent partnership with an entirely different woman.”

Uh…

Was such an outcome genuinely within the realm of possibility?

To begin with, the female individuals maintaining positions around his orbit…

There were quite a few, weren’t there?

Even a brief mental calculation revealed a number greater than she cared to count.

Every single one of them was remarkably attractive and packed with personal appeal.

Hong Ari, Oh Seonyeong, Hwang Jiwoo, Song Yeonhui…

Hmm.

Jia’s facial features experienced a slight involuntary twitch.

An abrupt, completely unexpected wave of annoyance washed over her.

“…Yes.”

“If you lack the capacity to ascend to the position of world number one through your own individual strength, the most efficient alternative pathway is to ensure the world number one belongs entirely to you.”

Belongs to me.

His logic was difficult to argue against.

Furthermore, Yu Jia could assert this particular truth with total certainty:

“Jinwoo is already someone aligned with me. And I am confident that I represent an individual of great significance to him as well.”

“Absurd statements.”

Yu Byeongcheon cut across her words without a moment’s pause.

“Do not attempt to lecture me regarding concepts of affection and comradeship. Connections forged solely from emotional sentiments do not endure. That is simply the biological reality of dopamine function. Those internal states persist for three years at the absolute maximum. Are you aware of the physical location where permanent connections are truly solidified?”

“Right here.”

The specific location Yu Byeongcheon indicated with his hand was Yu Jia’s midsection.

“W-what sort of statement are you making?!”

Her midsection?

Was his directive implying she needed to become pregnant?

This was progressing rapidly.

Far, far too rapidly.

To speak honestly, the two of them hadn’t even engaged in holding hands yet.

“Your father is designated to take control of this enterprise. And when that transition occurs, where does the entirety of that authority ultimately flow? Directly into your hands.”

“Visualize the scenario. The overall scale and influence of the Daesung Group, expanding concurrently alongside Baek Jinwoo as he makes his ascent to become the absolute number one globally.”

Ah.

Her grandfather shut his eyelids and experienced a slight tremor, visibly indulging in the mental picture.

A total titan of ambition.

She harbored no hatred toward her grandfather—in fact, she held deep admiration for his capabilities—but instances of this nature caused him to appear profoundly monstrous.

A creature whose entire existence was dedicated exclusively to the preservation of Daesung.

“And toward whom would that massive, fully-developed Daesung direct its entire economic capability? Toward Baek Jinwoo, naturally. A flawless mutual arrangement where both entities elevate each other to greater heights! Within that structure, your specific position would serve as the absolute keystone.”

Splendid.

The entire concept was perfectly acceptable, and speaking truthfully, it wasn’t as though she felt completely opposed to the premise, but…

The entire topic was incredibly sudden and moving at a ridiculous pace…

“Therefore, arrange an official introduction in the near future.”

“Pardon me?! An introduction for what purpose?”

“Extend an invitation for Baek Jinwoo to visit this estate.”

“Jinwoo?”

“He is destined to become my future grandson-in-law. Is it not completely reasonable that I should at least evaluate his countenance directly?”

“Grandfather!”

Jia’s words emerged in an elevated exclamation.

It was utterly impossible to introduce any reason into his perspective.

Did he possess even a shred of awareness regarding the sheer scale of Jinwoo’s current schedule…

“Cough, wheeze, hack!”

Right at that instant, Yu Byeongcheon’s physical form shuddered under the force of an intense, sudden coughing fit.

A heavy rattling sound echoed from his airway as he struggled to draw breath.

“G-Grandfather, are you alright?!”

“…This elderly soul possesses very few remaining days on this earth… If my personal granddaughter refuses to accommodate such a straightforward request…”

No!

That particular request was absolutely NOT straightforward!

“I might as well simply pass away. Oh, Daehwan! Daehwan, get in here immediately!”

Observing her grandfather’s blatant theatrical display, Jia released a profound, heavy breath.

How am I supposed to navigate this situation?

Should she simply proceed with presenting him an official invitation?

The entire dilemma was creating an intense headache for Jia across multiple fronts.

Baek Jinwoo officially transferred ownership of the Mindreader Eagle over to Jia.

“Oh… My sincere thanks.”

However, her verbal response felt uncharacteristically strange.

As if her mental focus was entirely scattered.

“Is something amiss? Do you find the creature unsatisfactory?”

“Not at all! I find it absolutely wonderful. I am so incredibly pleased I could literally perform a celebratory dance right this second.”

“…Then what is the reason for your demeanor?”

“I-it is nothing of consequence. I have simply found myself navigating a massive volume of thoughts recently.”

What could be generating that response?

Baek Jinwoo tilted his head slightly in confusion.

Ultimately, it was likely an insignificant matter.

The World League was rapidly approaching its start date. Her current state could easily be the result of stress brought on by a packed schedule.

“Listen, Jinwoo.”

“…By any remote possibility.”

“Yes, go ahead and speak.”

“N-never mind! The World League is practically upon us, so your absolute focus needs to remain anchored on that preparation.”

Whoosh!

Following those words, Jia completely disappeared from the spot.

What exactly dictated that behavior?

An unusual situation was clearly unfolding behind the scenes, yet—

The critical element demanding attention right now remained the tournament.

A single day.

Exactly twenty-four hours remained until hitting the one-week threshold prior to the start of the World League, the exact moment when a worldwide system alert was scheduled to manifest before the global population.

An event that every single person across the globe possessed awareness of, save for Baek Jinwoo himself.

He remained in anticipation of that specific moment, his pulse accelerating with deep excitement.