Chapter 5 (2/2)

—Give a better performance.

Although there were several other expedients like the catalyst that Su-hyeun used, they were just additives.

The crucial point was how high the level, the floor, and how to get a better performance to clear the trials.

And depending on the circumstances, it was better to find a way to get a better performance at certain levels instead of the predetermined.

[Will you advance to the next floor?]

There were two choices to this question.

Yes and No.

Most would choose “Yes,” as they would have decided to start the next floor of trials by quickly heading to the next floor.

But occasionally, there was another type of trial that is similar to the one Su-hyeun was at now.

A bonus mission that could be taken up after the trial ended.

“Where’s the end of this Colosseum?”

A fight that only had three battles.

Su-hyeun thought it was boring.

All his stats had increased, and now that he had his magic awakened, fighting would be a lot easier.

It was a pity to stop here. Also, it was apparent that the trial’s achievement level would get higher after clearing and getting more bonus missions.

No words were needed for the rewards. Plus, Su-hyeun was taking on level 10 of the trial at the moment.

Su-hyeun took on the Colosseum’s next challenge.

And the one after.

And….

[You have cleared stage 10 of the first floor.]

[There is nothing else after this.]

[You have flawlessly cleared the first trial.]

[You will be ranked according to your achievement.]

[You are ranked first.]

[You have gained 1000 achievement points.]

[All stats have been increased by 1 point.]

[Your magic factor has been increased by 2 points.]

[Your magic level has increased by 1 level.]

“Pant, pant—”

Su-hyeun looked at the great wolf that was the size of a bull lying on the floor.

This wolf, whose whole body had been raked, was called the “Raked Wolf.” It was a monster that had relatively keen senses.

It was hard for even a skilled magic awakener to deal with this beast, and it appeared on the first floor of the trials.

“I wondered what happened.”

He did expect that it wouldn’t be easy when he decided to clear all the 10 stages on the first floor.

But never did he expect to meet the Raked Wolf on the first floor.

“But still…”

As tough as it was, the reward was bountiful.

It was a given to be ranked first in the trials’ ranking. Su-hyeun was also ranked first in most of the records in his past life.

But he never expected to be able to gain a magic level of 2 on just the first floor.

“Status.”

[Name: Kim Su-hyeun]

[Magic Factor: 8] [Magic Level: 2]

[Strength: 28] [Agility: 29]

[Health: 28] [Reflex: 34]

[Fatigue: 55]

His overall stats had increased tremendously.

One would not have thought that he had just cleared the first floor of the trials.

This situation surpassed his expectations much more than he had imagined.

“Should I continue on to the second floor now?”

Su-hyeun shook his head at the sudden thought which surfaced in his mind.

“No. Let’s stop here for today.”

He could not ignore his level of fatigue now.

He needed enough rest, had used his achievement points, and was required to maintain himself. Furthermore, he could not ignore the reality.

“I’m returning.”

[Your qualifications are distinct.]

[You have cleared the first floor.]

[You will now exit the Tower of Trials.]

The world before Su-hyeun’s eyes changed once again.

* * *

Cut, cut, cut, cut.

Boiling, boiling.

As Su-hyeun stepped into the now-familiar room, he heard sounds coming from the living room — the sounds of soup boiling and some excellent cutting skills.

Su-hyeun opened his room door and went out to the living room.

“Oh, son, you were home?”

Shin Su-yeong, who was preparing dinner, turned around.

Su-hyeun nodded his head slightly and looked at the food set on the dining table. He was at a loss for words.

“Pork rib stew, stir-fried mix vegetable noodles, and bean paste soup… Why did you prepare so much?”

Although the house was small, the dining table had a sumptuous feast that would make many feel envious. Just by looking at it, one could tell it was a feast that needed a lot of preparations.

“My son just got discharged, so of course I have to prepare this much.”

“Didn’t you just come back from work?”

“That’s right. The soup is almost ready, so take a seat. I’ll get you a bowl of rice.”

“It’s alright. I’ll get it myself.”

Su-hyeun checked small the wall clock hung on one side of the living room. It had been well after 10PM.

Shin Su-yeong arrived back home after work at around 9PM.

If it were other families, their son would be eating alone at this time. Nevertheless, it seemed that Shin Su-yeong had been preparing dinner that late into the night every day after work.

As soon as the soup was done, Su-hyeun got his bowl of rice and sat down at the dining table. They turned on the television and started their meal.

—Recently, there has been an increase in the number of dungeons. When comparing the first-time dungeons that appeared back in 2013, in 2018, it was discovered that the number has multiplied by threefold.

As expected, the issues raised in the news recently were about dungeons and magical awakeners. As it was something Su-hyeun was used to, he did not show much interest in it.

“Aren’t you fascinated at it?”

“What about?”

Su-hyeun focused on his meal and replied to Shin Su-yeong’s question in a mundane manner.

If she asked about fascination, his answer was predetermined. To him, it was his daily life and lifestyle.

“Suddenly monsters and people with weird supernatural powers are appearing. These only came out in the comics and stuff that you liked when you were young.”

“Well, it has now come to reality.”

That’s right. It had become a reality.

—Meanwhile, the prices of energy sources and ether stones found in the dungeons continue to skyrocket due to its wide variety of uses. Though some people mentioned the dangers of the phenomenal dungeon outbreak, it still has had a positive impact on our society…

Of course, the reality wasn’t as hopeful as what was reported on the television.

“It wasn’t hope, but more of desperation.”

This happiness would not go on for long.

The dungeons that came to the world with a hopeful image would soon change into a huge disaster.

Knowing this fact, Su-hyeun could not accept the news that this was being reported as a trivial story.

They ended their meal, and Su-hyeun pushed Shin Su-yeong into her room, saying that he would do the dishes.

Su-hyuen went back into his room after he finished doing the dishes.

Creak—

“Mom, I’ve finished doing the.”

Su-hyeun’s voice turned softer.

During that short time, Shin Su-yeong fell asleep while lying against the wardrobe.

It seemed that she was quite exhausted, seeing that she might not have known how she fell asleep.

Su-hyeun looked quietly at the sleeping Shin Su-yeong before spotting a folded blanket on the side and covering her with it.

“Mother.”

Looking at her face, his insides turned.

He still felt awkward at that term. Even though he had decided to live as Su-hyeun, he nevertheless felt some awkwardness.

But…

Of course, it would be hard for anyone to understand why her devotion to Su-hyeun was so great.

“Just wait a while more.”

Only

He wanted to repay as much as he had received.

Even though it was a devotion that wasn’t directed entirely at him….

The end of this devotion must not lead to the end of this world.

“Even though I can’t become your real son…” he thought while he closed his eyes and held her hands.

“I’ll definitely make you happy.”

Certainly.

He would not have anyone die under his watch.