Chapter 52: Choi Ji-Won is Too Strong (3)

In the world of master strategists like Zhuge Liang, Sima Yi, and Zhou Yu, the mark of brilliance is achieving multiple gains with a single maneuver.

I may not be a majestic phoenix, but I consider myself at least a resourceful stork...

Thus, the plan I came up with hinges on Choi Ji-Won imitating my earlier efforts to liberate the second level.

Being able to catch the city’s master off guard is the most basic benefit.

But, by strategically placing Choi Ji-Won as the face of our campaign to conquer the second level, I stand to gain threefold.

First,

It allows me to remain in the shadows.

Sure, emerging as a celebrated Korean hero has its appeal...

But let’s not forget the complications of regression.

First of all, what should I even say about my trait? Even if it is passed off as something else at first, what if technology evolves to test such traits, akin to those hunter novels? Or what if there were people who had the ability to discern other people’s traits?

Let’s say my extraordinary luck lets me skate by with my trait for now.

Revealing information gleaned from regression is a delicate matter.

As an outsider, I could easily throw out information and disappear. But as a trusted ally, questions about the source and method of acquiring that information are inevitable.

Initially, excuses of chance or coincidence might work... but they won’t hold up forever.

Koreans, who’ve grown accustomed to the concept of ‘Towers’ through webtoons and web novels, will inevitably start thinking about ‘regressors’.

The sole Achilles’ heel of an infinite regressor is exactly that - to be found out of being a regressor. In such a case, taking center stage often brings more risks than rewards.

Therefore, putting Choi Ji-Won in the spotlight was an incredibly appealing option. After all, Ji-Won is destined to be revered as a hero of Korea. Adding a bit more to her fame won’t make much of a difference.

Now, the second point.

It strengthens the relationship between me, Choi Ji-Won, and firefighter Park Cheol-jin.

It’s not about becoming comrades like in previous iterations. It’s about deepening our business relationship.

Right now, our connection is limited to a brief acquaintance during the tutorial phase.

There’s gratitude for having been saved, but nothing more... it’s a vaguely defined relationship.

But let’s take another look at the two people in front of me.

Choi Ji-Won is set to emerge as a leading player representing Korea, and firefighter Park Cheol-jin will also make a name for himself.

What if I firmly mark my presence in their minds now?

It will surely be beneficial in the future, whether in the Tower or in reality.

Kim Jun-Ho, the trusted aide to Choi Ji-Won, who is treasured like gold or jade by the government? Wow, just the thought of it is thrilling.

Lastly, the third point.

I can help Choi Ji-Won secure a diamond-level reward.

Of course, it will also be a significant advantage for me to take an elixir to the third floor.

But I believe investing in Choi Ji-Won now is even more valuable.

If I establish a good relationship on the second floor, I’ll be able to count on Ji-Won’s help in the future.

Like outsourcing battles I can’t dominate on my own... (just like how the city’s master is a terrible match for me).

I was also curious to see how strong the already powerful Choi Ji-Won could become with an S-class trait.

Besides, there’s also the matter of repaying her help.

I’m not so heartless.

It pricks my conscience to think of exploiting Ji-Won and then callously turning my back, saying ‘Good job’ after wiping my hands clean.

Since I’ve already taken everything I need from the diamond rewards... it seems fair to let Choi Ji-Won have the last one. And pass the platinum reward to firefighter Park Cheol-jin.

“First, let’s start with the bronze-level residents of each street.”

And so, Choi Ji-Won, firefighter Park Cheol-jin, and I dispersed to our respective assigned streets.

Now the real work begins.

We collect the bronze-level residents’ boxes and enlist their cooperation to swiftly rally against the silver-level residents.

Isn’t this just a repeat of what we’ve done before? Technically, yes.

But the difference lies in the fact that Choi Ji-Won is leading the charge. I’m just there, hat pulled down over my eyes, occasionally lending a hand.

“Ladies and gentlemen, let’s fight. Let’s change this unfair system with our own hands!”

While I manipulated people with my curiosity and awe traits, Choi Ji-Won captivated them with her innate charisma.

Confident posture. Steadfast gaze. A radiant appearance.

Even Vin Diesel would look like a novice in the bewitching leather armor that, on her, exuded an air of elegance.

“...Wow.”

Our approach to dealing with the nobles was different too.

While I, fearful of being hit, hid among the residents and launched one-sided attacks, Choi Ji-Won just brazenly demolished the nobles’ mansions.

Choi Ji-Won must be levelless right now. She didn’t kill a single goblin in the tutorial and only increased her bonus stats through achievement levels, which wouldn’t match the stats she had when she had slaughtered goblins in the past.

Therefore, the strongest version of Choi Ji-Won I remember is the one who pushed the Minotaur into a swamp.

But the Choi Ji-Won of now seems stronger than that version.

Of course, that past Choi Ji-Won was faster, stronger, and more precise.

However, the current Choi Ji-Won, though physically inferior to the Minotaur-conquering version, shows a level of finesse and detail in her movements that is incomparably more sophisticated.

‘Has she completely adapted to her changed physical abilities?’

Three weeks is what was given to the genius that is Choi Ji-Won.

Over time, Choi Ji-Won has steadily grown. And Boong-Boong, too, must have matured over these three weeks.

There’s a reason why Choi Ji-Won will clear the 10th floor in just over a month and a week from now.

“...Improved a lot, haven’t you?”

After snatching the box from a knocked-out noble, Choi Ji-Won turns to me at my question.

“...I worked like crazy on the first floor. To become stronger than you were that day. I even refined my swordsmanship. Tailored it to my current physical condition.”

Saying that Choi Ji-Won lifts the corners of her mouth slightly.

Her adaptation to her altered physical abilities and the modifications she made to her swordsmanship were... overwhelmingly effective.

Of course, I am stronger at this moment, having stacked my Hero traits.

But... as Choi Ji-Won steadily builds her levels, and arms herself with high-quality traits and items…

I think she might become the strongest in the world.

“Pleased to meet you. I am the master of this city.”

Finally, she stood in front of the city’s master.

“Here, I’ll give you this diamond-mark... Just drop that bag and leave. Or would you rather fight me and win the freedom of the residents?”

Choi Ji-Won, pre-informed about the city’s master, doesn’t seem too taken aback by the sudden challenge.

“...Ji-Won?”

“...”

No, she was extremely startled. Choi Ji-Won’s eyes looked lost.

“...I don’t think we can beat her.”

Choi Ji-Won said, biting her lower lip slightly.

“That person... is a monster.”

The word ‘monster’ escaped Choi Ji-Won’s lips.

Even the fully adapted Choi Ji-Won seemed unable to match the city’s master.

“It’s okay.”

But that’s okay. Winning the fight isn’t the goal.

“That woman... She enjoys the fight itself. She won’t go all out from the start.”

Would I recklessly push Choi Ji-Won into a dangerous situation? There’s a plan.

I believed in the stories about Michael Jeter.

The city’s master hadn’t gone all out from the start. She toyed with Jeter, playing it like a game, and then struck hard at the very end.

I plan to exploit that moment of complacency.

“But…”

“You remember the plan, right? Do your best, but slyly aim for the spot I mentioned. As subtly as possible. I’ll strike the final blow while she’s caught off guard. Trust me.”

If something really goes wrong... I’ll regress before Choi Ji-Won gets seriously hurt.

“...I trust you.”

Hearing my words and steeling her resolve, Choi Ji-Won steps forward.

“You want to fight? Very well. I don’t dislike those with spirit.”

The city’s master nods with a satisfied smile, while the angel is visibly flustered.

“Um, um…! If you fight here…”

“It’ll be fine, right? Angel? We’ll make sure to control it so the residents don’t get hurt.”

“Uh… Fine! But I’m not taking responsibility!”

The angel, carrying a wooden board with the tiered rewards, grumbles and disappears somewhere.

“Fi, fight? With the city’s master? I thought they’d just talk it out? First, threatening with the boxes and…”

“Let’s get out of here. This isn’t right.”

The residents, who had flocked to the square like a swarm of clouds, quickly scattered back to their homes at the news of the impending fight, while players mixed among them cautiously peeked out.

“If I win, you’ll hand over that bag and leave.”

“...If I win, let’s end this class-system game.”

“Well, if you can win, that is.”

The square was now empty.

In the very center of the square, Choi Ji-Won and the city’s master stand facing each other.

The terrified residents had long retreated to their homes, and the alleyways were packed with players who had gathered to watch the fight.

Despite the presence of many onlookers, the square was eerily silent.

But this silence wasn’t cold; it was a heated calm, like the quiet before a storm.

“...Is this fight for real?”

A player swallowed nervously, almost without realizing it.

From the residents’ strange behavior, it was faintly sensed. Something unusual was happening on the second floor.

Then came this sudden uprising? Revolution? Whatever it was, something had happened.

At first, everyone was curious about what was going on...

But now, all the players understood the reason.

That woman. The woman with the ponytail was the cause of it all.

She had turned the second-floor upside down and was now about to face off against the city’s master.

Having faced life-and-death battles in the tutorial, they instinctively understood.

What they were about to witness would be a fight unlike anything they had ever seen.

“Looks fun, doesn’t it?”

The city’s master stretched her neck, loosening up.

“Whew.”

Choi Ji-Won slowly exhaled and drew Boong-Boong from its sheath.

At that moment, both Choi Ji-Won and the city’s master vanished.

– – – End of Chapter – – -

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