The Tower of Life (2)
“Did I pass?”
Seon Yul spoke casually.
Since he was wearing a helmet and a mask, his expression couldn’t be seen.
But whatever expression lay behind that mask, it was definitely calm.
“…You passed.”
Elzad couldn’t say anything more.
“Then is the next test defense?”
While Elzad was still dazed, Seon Yul was already preparing for the next step.
‘What on earth is this guy?’
Elzad stared at him, still wearing a baffled expression.
The attack she had just witnessed completely overturned her common sense.
Even more shocking was that she couldn’t even identify what kind of power it was.
Until now, Elzad had encountered countless ability users and Irregulars, witnessing all sorts of powers…
Magic, spirit arts, martial arts, sorcery, psychic power, superpowers, and more.
She had seen many kinds of abilities, but the attack that had pierced her wind barrier and even the shock-absorbing walls of the test room… she couldn’t understand it at all.
“As for the defense test… We’ll skip it.”
“Pardon?”
“There’s no need to conduct a defense test.”
“Does that mean I passed? Or failed?”
“You passed. Your qualification has been verified… I’ll issue your certification badge.”
Elzad judged that further testing was meaningless.
She had already seen an attack far beyond standard parameters; there was no need to check defense.
No matter how poor his defense was, with that level of offense, he would pass unconditionally.
“Thank you.”
From Seon Yul’s perspective, there was no reason to continue if the test was over.
“But before that, could we talk for a moment?”
“A conversation? Well… sure.”
Seon Yul casually nodded and agreed to Elzad’s sudden request.
“Which dimension are you from? Earth-007? Earth-444? Or perhaps… Earth-999?”
The dimensions Elzad mentioned were well-known for producing high-level Irregulars.
Especially Earth-999… though only a few had crossed over, all of them were top-tier climbers tackling the highest floors.
There was even a saying: ‘‘Trust and contract with Earth-999.’’
“Earth-104.”
“Earth-104? I’ve never heard of that.”
Even Elzad, with all her experience, had never heard of it.
That meant it was likely a newly connected dimension.
“It hasn’t been long since it connected to this world.”
“Ah…”
Elzad nodded in understanding.
“Earth-104… I’ll remember that.”
At that moment, she began another misunderstanding…
She assumed Earth-104 might be a special dimension like the others, capable of producing powerful Irregulars.
Seon Yul, of course, had no idea she misunderstood.
“Do you have any other questions?”
Seon Yul wanted to wrap things up and register as a climber.
“Do you plan to work as a climber?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Are you planning to be a freelancer?”
“There are types of climbers?”
“Yes. Some are freelancers who climb various towers freely. Others sign contracts with a specific tower and climb only there. Some multi-contracted climbers work with several towers.”
“Hmm… then I’ll probably start as a freelancer.”
“Would you consider signing with the Tower of Life instead?”
Securing a talented Irregular was equivalent to gaining national strength.
Elzad was trying to recruit him immediately.
“What’s different?”
“The support. Freelancers get only basic assistance. Contracted climbers receive convenience, information, and even high-grade item loans.”
A contracted climber was essentially a high-ranking government official…
Managed by the state, focusing solely on climbing.
However, it came with less freedom and pressure… but Elzad didn’t mention that.
“I’ll think about it.”
He had no intention of accepting.
He disliked belonging anywhere.
“It’s a great offer. Please consider it seriously.”
Elzad didn’t push too hard.
She knew how to handle Irregulars.
“I have a question too.”
“Go ahead.”
“You seem very strong… what rank are you?”
“Usually we don’t ask that, but I’m about Rank 7.”
“Ah, sorry.”
“It’s fine.”
She remained polite because she had an agenda.
“One more thing…”
“Yes?”
“If people in this world are strong, why rely on Irregulars for climbing?”
“That’s because…”
Elzad smiled slightly.
“The inside of a tower is fundamentally different. Mana density and even natural laws differ. Ability users from this world are weakened by 30% to 70% inside.”
“Ah…”
“You experienced weakness when you came here, right? It’s similar. But Irregulars can use their original power inside towers.”
Seon Yul immediately understood everything.
“Got it.”
“Of course, we still climb when necessary. But it’s inefficient, so we rely on Irregulars.”
“Thanks for explaining.”
“Anything else?”
“No.”
“If you have questions later… ah! Do you have a World Tree leaf?”
“A what?”
“You don’t know World Tree messaging?”
She took out small leaves marked with numbers.
“Write a message and throw it into the sky, it’ll reach me.”
‘So it’s like email.’
“And register for it, it’s essential.”
“How much is one?”
“About 0.05 kg of mana stones.”
Very expensive, in his view.
‘This world’s prices are insane.’
“Contact me later.”
She handed him the badge and left.
But she had no intention of giving up on him.
***
Meanwhile, she immediately went to meet Director Nelgado.
“Absolutely a jackpot. If we recruit him, we’re set for 10 years.”
“You’re serious?”
“I tested him myself. He destroyed a Level 6 barrier and pierced the wall.”
“…Did you get his contact?”
“He didn’t even know about World Tree leaves.”
“…Wow.”
“We have to recruit him.”
“So you want your punishment lifted?”
“Yes.”
“You still have a year left.”
“I know.”
“And you want it removed?”
“That’s how valuable he is.”
“And if I refuse?”
“I won’t tell you who he is.”
“…Hmm.”
After thinking…
“Alright. I’ll lift it and assign you to my team. Recruit him within four months, or everything is reversed.”
“Understood. I’ll definitely recruit him.”
For Elzad, the most important thing was escaping her punishment.
Even that alone made it worth it.
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