The Veteran Player Already Knows

Chapter 11 - Supplement

“That is all.”

“…”

The surroundings were filled only with silence.

The regular meeting of the Hunting Alliance.

Everyone seemed at a loss for words at what Kim Jae-han had said.

“It's not just anyone, but Team Leader Kim Jae-han, who has a discerning eye for analysis, who is recommending him. So we'll try to trust him for now, but.”

Someone carefully brought up the topic.

“Are you genuinely requesting this?”

In his hand was a document Kim Jae-han had prepared and submitted.

An Information Control Request Form.

Completely blocking the ever-perceptive media was quite a difficult task even for a place like the Hunting Alliance.

Unless it was a matter of considerable importance, most requests were rejected at the application stage.

So it was understandable to question it, but.

Kim Jae-han replied with a blank expression.

“No.”

“…Pardon?”

“Even that was me holding back a lot. If I had my way, I would have used far more extreme methods to bring him over here.”

“…”

A look of fascination appeared on the faces of the others.

It was because they felt an ardent emotion, as if someone had fallen in love.

A man who wouldn't crack a joke even if he got a wife was reacting this proactively?

Was he actually into men?

“This is a first for you, Team Leader. Did that friend spray some pheromones or something?”

At the mischievous joke filled with that thought, the people gathered in the meeting room chuckled at the same time, but Kim Jae-han alone maintained his blank expression.

“Because he's worth it.”

And he continued speaking quietly.

In his mind, he was chewing over the reprimand that they were being too relaxed.

If they were to lose that man and have him snatched away by another guild, they would truly shed tears of blood.

His intuition, honed over long years in the guild, was screaming at him.

‘That guy is especially valuable.’

It was a fact that only Kim Jae-han himself knew for now, but that man had conquered the Tower by himself.

Conquering the Tower alone was an achievement possible only for a select few chosen Climbers.

This was even more so considering that the people who had even come close to such an achievement were now all world-renowned celebrities.

Just thinking domestically, the only one to have accomplished such a feat was Kim Kang-in, who was hailed as the strongest Climber in Korean history.

‘Moreover…’

Even that Kim Kang-in had not achieved such a feat at such a young age as that man.

At this point, it wasn't just a matter of ‘his future is promising’; he was no different from a lottery ticket that was already guaranteed to be a super jackpot.

In such a situation, what if this man's existence became known to other guilds?

‘It would be absolute chaos.’

The reason he was keeping that information to himself was in that context.

That kind of information was bound to spread around one way or another the moment it was spoken aloud.

‘Especially in times like these.’

The current ecosystem among the guilds was truly a battleground of ghouls.

As guilds began to earnestly attempt to expand their influence, aggressive Tower conquest activities were taking place, and in line with that, everyone was busy fattening themselves up.

If such a talent were to suddenly appear, everyone would covet him.

Especially the large guilds with keen ears and quick wits would rush in, foaming at the mouth.

In that case, what Kim Jae-han himself had to do here was also clear.

‘I must bring him in.’

And after bringing him in.

I must tie him down tightly so he cannot get far from the Hunting Alliance.

Because that guy named Kim Gyu-sik was a monster worth that much.

***

“I ate quite a bit.”

As soon as I returned to my dorm and was alone, I checked all the things I had acquired this time.

First, the Conquest Token.

As I said before, this wasn't just a trophy but an item that served as a kind of control panel.

“Let's see…”

When I pressed the button embedded in the center of the token, a window full of various small items popped up before my eyes.

It was an interface similar to my status window, but the difference was that this was visible to everyone, not just me.

And as soon as I checked its contents, a bright smile spread across my face.

‘This is it.’

The rights granted by conquering a zone were, in a word, enormous.

Just looking at the items listed in the window now.

Control over the Demonic Beasts, the status of all resources that can be gathered, and even the option to build various ‘facilities’ with this floor as a base.

At a glance, they were luxurious privileges that made my eyes spin.

These were things that not only bottom-tier guilds like Renegade, but even guilds with some power would drool over if they could possess them even for a short while.

In a situation where there were plenty of minor guilds that couldn't even enter the Tower to gather resources even if they wanted to, how much more so when one could freely control the ecosystem and environment of the zone and Field?

‘I've taken the first step.’

So, for now, this Conquest Token would be of immense help in my rapid growth.

‘And…’

I also scanned the materials I picked up around the Dryad.

These were all valuables too.

[ Piece of Old Wood / Grade: Intermediate ]

[ A piece of wood that has been influenced by a fairy's Mana for a long time. It seems it can be used as a material for equipment. ]

Intermediate grade.

Even materials of this level were pretty good.

It was a level where a craftsman, if skilled enough, could create equipment that could be a game-changer in a real battle.

Of course, it was far from being comparable to equipment like a tactical weapon that could turn the tide of battle on its own, but for an individual Climber, that was more than enough armament.

The quantity... about 10 pieces in total.

This was a number with which I could create a decent piece of armor or a weapon.

‘Though I'll have to find a craftsman who can make it now.’

I had someone in mind, but it was hard to contact them right now.

But I would probably get to see them soon.

‘Lastly…’

I laid out the intermediate recovery potions I acquired as a quest reward.

I had no use for them right now, but.

I had something that could multiply their value several times over.

“You've been bored, haven't you?”

Muttering that, I took out a bowl shimmering with iridescent light.

[ Mysterious Vessel / Grade: Unique ]

[ A vessel that has held mysterious and precious liquids. It has gained a special effect from being influenced by powerful Mana. ]

[Effect]

[ ‘Item Synthesis’ possible with this item ]

[ Increased chance of Great Success when attempting ‘Item Synthesis’ ]

[ ??? ]

[ ??? ]

[ ??? ]

Well.

It was time to use this guy for the first time.

The goal was to keep synthesizing the recovery potions until I reached the highest possible tier.

Unlike the item synthesis that exists in the original system, I had a unique item with no cooldown or anything.

‘Well, since I have 30 of them…’

I could probably try with a light heart.

It would be a jackpot if I could get even one rare-grade item.

With that thought, I began to pour the recovery potions into the bowl.

But, you know.

Hmm.

[Synthesizing item…]

[Great Success! You have acquired a by-product.]

[Synthesizing item…]

[Great Success! You have acquired a by-product.]

.

.

.

This unique item.

I think it's more of a cheat than I thought.

***

“What's this bowl? I haven't seen it before?”

“Don't touch the Lord Bowl carelessly, unless you want to die.”

“…”

Seo Ah-in, who had just entered the dorm, wiped her face with an expression that said she didn't even want to reply.

A sense of lethargy was evident in her every movement.

Unlike me, who, thanks to the Dexterity skill, deftly handled various chores assigned by the guild and always got off work early.

This girl was really adapting to everything by banging her head against the ground.

She wasn't good at getting work done like Yoo Ho-jun, so.

It would be strange if she wasn't tired.

Compared to me, who was just lying on the bed, rolling around and fiddling with my phone, it was a world of difference.

[ The Climber Association today issued a formal protest against the religious group known as ‘Gusegyo’, which has been reported to be continuously disrupting the activities of guilds. In response, Gusegyo has…]

Hearing the news flowing from my phone's speaker, Seo Ah-in let out a sigh.

“They really look like people with nothing better to do. Just like you.”

“If you're just like me, it means you're so good at your job you don't have much to do?”

“…”

Seemingly unable to think of a comeback, Seo Ah-in just blinked her eyes before trudging towards her corpse-like self.

“You're a walking corpse, a corpse. Should I build a coffin for you?”

“Yes. Please make one so I can kill you and put you in it?”

Seo Ah-in retorted coldly and flopped onto the bed.

But, that looked a bit dangerous.

The dorm was incredibly small, so when three people lived together, storage space inevitably became cramped.

And in such a space, such a vigorous action would lead to fatal consequences.

“Hey, be careful…”

I opened my mouth to warn her.

But the junk that had been scattered near the bed was already mercilessly pouring down on her.

The expression of Seo Ah-in, who suddenly received a full-body massage, rapidly soured.

“Oh dear.”

“…You're really the worst.”

A faint mumble came from under the pile of objects.

“Why are you blaming me. You're the one who jumped without checking your surroundings.”

When I retorted that, Seo Ah-in also had nothing to say to that and quickly became quiet.

“…I don't know. I'm going to sleep, so be quiet. It's hard enough to lift my arms, and hearing your voice just irritates me.”

Seeing her just barely brush off the objects covering her face as she replied, it seemed she really was tired.

I chuckled and took out a potion bottle.

“Hey.”

“What now…”

I immediately uncorked the potion bottle and shoved it into Seo Ah-in's mouth, who was about to say something.

“…”

“Drink it. It's good for you.”

Seo Ah-in glared at me as if she would kill me, but I paid her no mind and said so.

When I gestured for her to swallow quickly, she shook her head vigorously with the bottle still in her mouth.

A sense of defiance that she would never do it was apparent in her eyes.

“No, I'm telling you, it's really good stuff? I'm going to stay like this until you swallow.”

Still, she shook her head.

Well, then I have no choice.

I poked the bridge of her nose.

She was probably especially weak around this area.

“Pfft.”

With a sound of air escaping, the potion went gulping down Seo Ah-in's throat.

Seriously, she never listens.

“…I'll kill you. I'll definitely kill that bastard one day…”

The way Seo Ah-in was muttering while grinding her teeth looked like it could make frost form even in June.

I chuckled and replied.

“Whatever. How's your body feeling.”

“What could dramatically change just because I drank something you gave me? My whole body is aching so much I could die…”

As she said that and lifted her arm, Seo Ah-in's eyes immediately widened.

It was probably because her arm, which felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, suddenly went up smoothly.

“…Huh?”

“Much better than before, right?”

“…”

Unable to bring herself to agree due to her pride, Seo Ah-in began to touch her whole body with a disbelieving expression.

Compared to a moment ago when she couldn't even hold her body properly, there was a definite sense of vitality.

“H-How did you do that?”

“Why don't you check what you drank.”

Soon, she lifted the bottle that had been in her mouth and examined it closely.

For a few minutes, she squinted her eyes and stared at the liquid faintly sloshing at the bottom.

An ordinary person would probably just think it was a rather peculiar-looking liquid, but this girl would likely know what it was.

Because she was the daughter of a diamond-spoon family.

As expected, a sound of Seo Ah-in sucking in a sharp breath soon came from her mouth.

“…A Vital Potion? W-Where in the world did you get this?! They only make 1,000 a year! Even my family could never get it because the reservations were always full!”

By putting this and that in the bowl and mixing.

I decided to keep silent about the fact that this was the worst thing I got from item synthesis today.

“I'm just naturally talented.”

“…What in the world are you? Why are you in a guild that's on the verge of collapsing?”

“Well, I like it here.”

I said that and looked at her.

I also added a sentence with a meaningful resonance.

“Unlike you, who is forcibly tied down.”

“…”

Her expression stiffened, and Seo Ah-in turned to look at me with the eyes of a startled rabbit.

“…I've been thinking about it for a while now.”

She replied, swallowing dryly.

“Just what, and how much do you know?”

“I know everything except what I don't know.”

I grinned at her and continued.

“But don't worry. There will never be a day when you regret coming here.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Remember what I said when you came here?”

I had told her I would make her strong.

Stronger than anyone she knew.

“That wasn't a lie.”

Seo Ah-in stared at me silently for a long time.

Her eyes were a mix of confusion and hesitation.

She seemed unable to understand what I was thinking to say such things.

“What's in it for you?”

“It is a benefit. A huge one.”

Well.

It was obvious, but I made that offer because raising her would also help me.

In a situation where I had to suck up everything I could, was there any room for me to be a good-hearted volunteer?

To give a close example.

[ Fairy’s Core / Grade: Advanced ]

[ A core in which the energy of a fairy has accumulated over a long period. If consumed, your Mana capacity will permanently increase.

Upon consumption, Mana Stat +3 ]

The place where I had to get the ‘catalyst’ to combine with this right away was a place that could only be efficiently broken through if this girl was present.

The reason I gave her the Vital Potion for free just now was because her condition couldn't be compromised when we went there.

“…”

And, well.

There was also a secondary reward I could get by taking this girl with me.

In a way, that might be more valuable than the catalyst.

“In that sense.”

I spoke cheerfully to Seo Ah-in, who was still wearing a puzzled expression.

“I'll help you out tomorrow, so get off work early. There's a place we need to go.”

“A place we need to go?”

“Do you hate dark places?”

“I do.”

“That's too bad…”

“…”

Seo Ah-in's expression hardened.

“What about damp places?”

“…I hate them.”

“What a pity…”

The color drained from Seo Ah-in's face.

“Bugs?”

“…”

“Oh dear…”

Tears welled up slightly in Seo Ah-in's eyes.

“P… Please save me…”

She said that while trembling.

Yup.

Not a chance.