Chapter 137

It had been five days since the alliance between humans and dwarves was forged, and the fortress had undergone remarkable changes—both inside and out.

First, the fortress’s appearance itself had transformed.

“…Phew, is this finally done?”

“Ha! Did I really build this?”

If someone who had cleared the 11th floor in the past were to visit this fortress now, they’d likely exclaim, “Is this really the same place?”

The dwarves, realizing that storing all their supplies in a single warehouse was too risky, constructed two additional storage facilities. Now, even if one warehouse were breached, the others would keep the supplies secure.

And the walls… The walls had grown significantly taller. Initially, even the players doubted whether the pointed wooden barriers could be reinforced further. But by carving grooves and fitting them together like a puzzle, the work came together surprisingly well.

“All you did was lay the foundation, you brats. The real beauty of those walls lies within.”

Inside the walls, intricate magical circuits were newly engraved, enhancing the defenses to an unparalleled degree. The dwarves were so confident in their work that they claimed the infamous “madman” wouldn’t stand a chance of scaling the walls now.

But that wasn’t all.

“How in the world did you manage to catch such a huge bear?”

“Heh, it wasn’t easy. The climbers had to lend their strength. They say bear meat is great for stamina—let’s give it a try today.”

Over the past five days, the humans and dwarves discovered an important fact: the madman wouldn’t appear if they moved in large groups. Though this was entirely due to Kim Junho’s deliberate planning, the people believed, that “Even the strongest foe can’t take on sheer numbers.”

As a result, they began doing everything together—gathering water, hunting, chopping wood. This newfound unity fostered a sense of mutual respect between the humans and dwarves.

“Dwarves really do have exceptional skills. Their craftsmanship is on another level—so detailed, so precise. Indeed a true artisan’s touch.”

Humans openly acknowledged the dwarves’ dexterity. The meticulousness and dedication inherent to dwarven craftsmanship were leagues beyond what humans could achieve.

“The climbers, though—they’re absurdly strong. How can one person lift something like that?”

“Not just strength. They’re wise, too. They know so many fascinating things.”

The dwarves, in turn, admired the humans’ combat prowess and ingenuity. While much of their physical ability was thanks to the status screens provided by the Tower, and their creativity stemmed from the efforts of a few science-savvy players, the recognition mattered more than the details.

“No one’s going hungry anymore, right?”

“Of course not. In fact, we have extra meat—we’re planning to make jerky.”

“And the beer? What about my beer?”

“That’ll take two more days. Do you think finding barley in the forest is easy?”

“Damn it…”

The fortress had regained its vitality. Resources were more abundant than before, and the defenses had advanced to a new level.

Moreover, the time spent together allowed humans and dwarves to understand one another. The dwarves, inherently good-natured, found common ground with the humans, who were friendly and sociable. Bonds were formed over shared meals, even among those who once viewed each other as adversaries.

“Wait, they used to fight? You’d never guess!”

New arrivals to the 11th floor were often shocked to learn there had been conflicts between the two groups.

“I still… can’t fully forgive humans.”

“…”

“But I know… the humans here aren’t at fault. They’re good people. My friend… must have gone to a better place, right?”

“Of course. Without a doubt.”

The dwarves’ ten-day-long funeral rites had concluded two days prior. The lingering tensions had dissolved over time, replaced by mutual understanding.

“When this is over… I think I’ll start trading with humans again.”

“…Thank you.”

Though things would never return to the way they were, the dwarves forgave the humans, and the humans forgave the dwarves. Both sides acknowledged that neither was truly at fault.

“Then, now…”

One issue remained.

“We must… find the madman.”

The killer still lurked somewhere in the forest. For now, the players’ collective presence kept it at bay, but they couldn’t stay on the 11th floor forever.

“It has no means of obtaining a Transit Stone.”

Without a Transit Stone, it couldn’t leave the 11th floor. Even if it somehow acquired one, there was no guarantee it would use it.

Ultimately, for the sake of the dwarves and future players, there was only one solution.

“It must… be killed.”

The madman had to die. This was an undeniable truth, agreed upon by all.

But how? By whom?

Finding it was the first hurdle. Searching in groups of five would take an eternity, but splitting up would almost guarantee ambushes and losses.

Even if they found it, could they win?

Sure, the top-tier players might prevail in a fight. But winning without casualties? That was another matter entirely.

“…”

“…”

No one said it aloud, but everyone knew the truth. A victory without sacrifice was impossible. If the killer fought at full strength, there would undoubtedly be heavy losses.

It was an unavoidable reality.

As everyone fell into silent resignation before the inevitability of sacrifice...

“I have a solution.”

A lone hero stepped forward—Choi Ji-won.

“I believe everyone knows that I defeated the ‘Master of the City’ on the 2nd floor.”

“…That’s right.”

“As a reward, I gained a unique trait.”

“With this… I can win.”

“…Are you saying you’ll fight alone?”

“No, I must fight alone. Once this trait is activated, lightning will lash out indiscriminately. It’s safer if I’m by myself.”

“…If that’s the case.”

The players, swallowing their pride, agreed to leave everything to Choi Ji-won. Her past achievements were too remarkable to doubt, and truthfully, none of them were eager to risk their lives.

“Then… I’ll be on my way.”

And so it began.

Choi Ji-won versus the madman.

Their fateful battle was imminent.

***

“Are you here?”

“I’ve missed you.”

“I missed you too.”

Of course, everything leading up to this point had been staged. After all, there was no way I could actually defeat Choi Ji-won in a fight.

This was the core of my plan: the “Choi Ji-won, the Hero of the Fortress!” strategy.

I couldn’t remain as the madman forever. One day, I’d need to make my exit. And if I were to lose, it might as well be to Choi Ji-won, boosting her renown in the process.

What about the Heart of Thunder? Truth be told, Choi Ji-won had never activated it before. The skill’s risks were too high, and she’d never been in a situation where her strength felt lacking enough to warrant its use.

But this was the perfect opportunity—for her to gain fame and experience with the ability. Leaving traces of a legendary battle between Choi Ji-won and the madman would only add to her legacy.

“You’ve been through a lot,” I said.

“You too, Jun-ho. Have you only been eating grass this whole time?”

“…Better than the raw meat on the 10th floor.”

After spending five days apart, Choi Ji-won and I exchanged stories to catch up.

“All right, I’m far enough. It’s safe now.”

Finally, it was time to test the Heart of Thunder.

“Okay, I’m activating it.”

Choi Ji-won closed her eyes, focusing deeply.

-Whoom

The air began to tremble. Dirt particles rose from the ground, leaves floated midair, and the clear sky growled ominously.

As the peculiar energy surrounding Choi Ji-won reached its peak…

-CRACKLE!

A bolt of lightning struck from nowhere, flooding my vision with blinding white light.

“Urgh…”

Even with my eyes closed, the brightness was unbearable.

As my sight gradually returned, I rubbed my eyes and called out to her.

“J-Ji-won?”

“… …”

Crackle! Sizzle!

Choi Ji-won stood motionless, her entire body engulfed in blue sparks.

Where her eyes should have been, azure light poured out like streams, while electric currents rippled around her, licking the air like tongues of flame.

“You’re okay… right?”

Seeing her menacing form up close sent a wave of unease through me. Though I’d never used it myself, Heart of Thunder was clearly a last-resort ability, an S-rank skill no less.

Would it be strange if she lost control? Hardly. It’s practically a trope for protagonists to go berserk after unleashing a final trump card.

While the Master of the City had wielded this ability without issue, that was likely because she’d grown accustomed to it through her Mark’s power.

“Ji-won…?”

Still no response. 

As I fretted over whether I should prepare to regress or toss a potion from a distance…

“…Shut up. I’m fine.”

Her dry voice cut through the tension, blunt and matter-of-fact.

Though her glowing eyes obscured her expression, I could tell her brow was furrowed, and her lips were pressed into a cold frown.

“O-oh, okay…”

Relief washed over me—at least it wasn’t the kind of berserk I feared. But her mood seemed off. Had I done something wrong? Sure, we’d been apart for five days, but that was all part of the plan. Could she have disliked the plan itself?

“Idiot.”

“…”

“You dumbass.”

“…”

Choi Ji-won hurled insults at me, her voice filled with an uncharacteristic venom. Her frustration seemed genuine as if she were venting pent-up feelings. My heart sank. Had I really wronged her that much?

What could I have done to make the usually composed Choi Ji-won this angry? Wait a second…

This doesn’t feel like Ji-won at all.

Could it be?

“…Bung-bung?”

“…”

Choi Ji-won—or rather, a certain sword about three months old—nodded silently.

That’s right.

The one in control now… was none other than Bung-bung.​

– – – End of Chapter – – -

 

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