I Inherited the Basement of the Tower - Chapter 24

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Inherited the Basement 1 of the Tower – Episode 24

“…Yes, what the Open Guild discovered was indeed a special dungeon layer on the 5th Floor. Just as you inquired.”

The Team Leader of the Hunter Information Team at the Association Archives adjusted her horn-rimmed glasses as she answered.
Her voice was businesslike and sharp.
I nodded in acknowledgment.
It was as I expected.
Before Taesan, they discovered a special dungeon layer. The Open Guild—a place that transformed from an ordinary guild into one of Korea’s representative guilds.

‘The guild master was already famous for being quite the martial arts enthusiast.’

That said, they didn’t actually go around looking like beggars despite the guild’s name.
Rather, they gathered with the noble purpose of lower-ranked awakened individuals banding together to protect one another and exchange information—that was what made them “Open.”
Their characteristic was that they accepted anyone as long as they were awakened, even F-rank hunters.

‘…But after that, rumors spread that the guild master went mad, and they became extremely exclusive.’

I had also tried to join them back when I was abandoned by Taesan.

Get lost!

All I received was a barrage of curses in a voice that growled like a werewolf.
In every sense, they ceased to be “Open” and were shunned by the public.
My own memories of them weren’t pleasant either.
In any case, my preliminary research on Hunter Net had paid off.
Of course, if I were merely curious about facts everyone already knew, I wouldn’t have bothered coming to the Association.

“I heard the Association oversees all hunters and maintains records and manages information regarding skills and such.”

What I was truly curious about was my hypothesis—

“Is it possible to know what rewards the Open Guild master received?”

In other words, whether the special dungeon layer was connected to the children of the goddess Nix.
In that instant, the director’s eyes behind her glasses shifted.

“…So, you suddenly visit, and not only do you ask me personal questions when I’m already busy, but now you’re asking me to reveal the abilities of the Open Guild master, who leads one of our nation’s pillars?”

A sharp voice.
Well, I suppose she would be displeased.
I’ve been receiving special treatment lately—perhaps too much of it.
To overlook something this fundamental was careless of me.

“Ah, my apologies. It’s hardly a proper token of gratitude, but—.”

I extended my hand.
She hesitated and took a step back.

“What—!”
“Your body should feel considerably lighter now.”

I withdrew my outstretched hand, drawing the darkness back with it.
The Team Leader rolled her shoulders, noticeably more relaxed than before.

“Oh? It really does.”
“It’s one of my abilities. Of course, you’re welcome to record it.”
“…!”

The Team Leader’s eyes widened.
For a Hunter, skills are far more than mere personal information.
They’re closer to sensitive personal data prone to leakage.
They’re a livelihood, the secret to clearing dungeons, and a bargaining chip in negotiations.
That’s why she, the Team Leader of the Hunter Information Team at the Association Archives responsible for recording Hunter data, must have faced countless difficult situations.
So when a promising newcomer suddenly appeared and willingly revealed their abilities, she must be delighted.
My abilities were information so precious and valuable that even the Association President handled them cautiously and didn’t press for details.
And on top of that, a service that purifies murky energy through darkness—not quite a curse cleansing, but close.
I’d wager she’s currently experiencing the refreshment of eight solid hours of sleep after grueling labor.

“Ah, I see. So this ability is how you helped the Association President… I understand now. Kang Ha-jin, you really are a good person. My theory that rank and personality are inversely proportional was wrong.”
“I hear that often.”

Of course, my skills and abilities can’t be explained merely as healing or improving one’s condition—they’re versatile stats with broader applications.
But there’s no need to reveal all that.

“Hehe. Well, there’s no one as hot a topic as you right now.”

See? Despite the light jest, the atmosphere had already improved considerably.

“Then, about the Guild Master of Gaebang’s abilities….”
“That’s not possible.”
“….”
“Disclosing personal information is illegal.”
“The atmosphere was good just a moment ago, wasn’t it? Right?”
“…Ahem, hmm! Even using charm won’t work.”

So it really won’t work.
Though she has a point.
Personal information is precious, after all.
Leaking it without consent would be utterly despicable.
I reflected on my actions.
If that’s the case, what else can I do?
I could sneak into the Archives and search while wearing detection sunglasses,
or visit Gaebang directly and convince them to consent.
The latter would be safer.
Even if they tell me to leave this time, I won’t.
If they’re uncooperative, I’ll test just how strong my level is—

“However.”
“…?”
“I can provide information about the Tower.”

She pointed with her finger at the paper I was holding.
It was a sketch of the marks from Nix’s children that had been in the Temple.

“Climbing the Tower and conquering dungeons is a Hunter’s duty. For that purpose, I can provide as much information about the Tower as needed. For the nation, for humanity.”
“Haha. Thank you. Gaebang will be grateful too. They almost had to close their doors today.”
“? Yes? Why would Gaebang Guild close? Did something happen there?”
“No. Thanks to the Team Leader’s quick response, the problem was just resolved.”

The Team Leader tilted her head in confusion, but continued explaining the marks.
As for the explanation, most of the marks were unidentifiable.
She only showed me the marks that Taesan had made public and the marks of the special dungeon floors from Gaebang recorded in the archives.
And.

Grin—.

“Thank you.”

That alone was enough.
A smile never left my lips.

Ah, this mark you’re referring to?

The mark she pointed to was—

This is the mark of Philotes, who governs desire, Master.

I had already learned this from my mentor.
Which meant my hypothesis was correct.

‘Each floor where the theme changes bears the mark of one of Nix’s children.’

The 5th Floor transformed into a grassland where Werewolves appeared.
The 10th Floor had a graveyard as its theme where the Undead emerged.
The mark on the 5th Floor belonged to Philotes, the god of desire.
The mark on the 10th Floor was Thanatos, who governs death.

‘That means Basement 1F also has one. The 7th Floor also has one. And all the other floors where special dungeon layers haven’t been discovered yet.’

They definitely exist.
The items already discovered—those I can’t help.
But the undiscovered items, I will absolutely secure them.

‘Wait for me, Dungeon.’

…Actually, someday even the already discovered items too.

* * *

After thanking the Team Leader of the Hunter Information Team at the Association Archives, I sought out the Association President.
I had raised the limit of Taesan’s special dungeon layer to level 10.
I had even uncovered the secret of the special dungeon layer.
Since I was visiting the Association building, it would be good to finish the conquest preparations.
Now all that remained was conquering the Underground Layer for my third quest, and as a reward, drawing new residents and….

“Then, I’d like to ask for your help.”

It was about crafting equipment for clearing the Tower by processing materials infused with sunlight.

“Hmm, so you need a blacksmith and an alchemist?”
“Yes. The most skilled ones available.”
“I understand. That’s not difficult. I’ll prepare a list of skilled craftspeople who meet your standards.”
“Yes. I’ll handle the persuasion myself, so you can just provide publicly listed contact information or shop locations.”
“Haha. Still, we’ll do our best to assist.”
“I’d appreciate that.”
“Oh, by the way—the payments for the meat have been coming through properly, yes?”
“Ah.”

I had forgotten about that.

Whoosh—!
[Hunter Net.]
[Current Withdrawable Balance: 21.8 Billion Won.]

Just looking at it made me laugh.

“Yes. It’s been coming in steadily.”

This was thanks to Yahwi’s consistent hard work.
Twenty billion won, no less.
Before the emergence of the Black Land, that was enough to purchase even the Signiels Resistance of Rote Tower, the second-highest after the Tower itself.
Of course, the world had changed. Values had shifted.
Now, a single intangible right—a clearing license—traded for hundreds of billions of won. I couldn’t afford to be complacent.
And perhaps sensing this gleam in my eyes.
Association President Yun Tae-sik carefully opened his mouth.

“Hunter. Actually, I had something I wanted to discuss regarding the meat. Do you happen to know of Chef Ahn Yeong-jae?”
“Oh, yes, I do.”

A renowned chef who had gained public recognition through a famous cooking program.
The owner of an absolute palate—the first Korean to receive a Michelin three-star rating, a legendary chef.
Since I had enjoyed watching that program myself, there was no way I wouldn’t know of him.

“Why him?”
“Whenever distinguished guests visit from abroad—renowned Hunters or Association Presidents—he requests to prepare meals and builds connections that way.”
“I see.”
“James will be visiting from America soon. Chef Ahn Yeong-jae will handle the meal preparations as usual. But it seems Chef Ahn’s palate has become even more particular. He’s insisting it has to be that specific meat, nothing else.”

Yun Tae-sik paused before finally speaking.

“So that’s why I’m asking… could you procure some newer meat for us? Chef Ahn Yeong-jae and I will each provide generous compensation. Of course, we’d also like to establish direct dealings with Chef Ahn going forward.”

Ah.
So that’s how it was.
No wonder the Association President made the request first—it was unlike him.
He’s a patriot through and through.
America remains a superpower even after the Tower appeared. James’s exceptional stats and superhuman strength are what maintain that position. His visit is therefore a matter of national importance.

‘I know nothing of politics or diplomacy, but I’ve never seen Yun Tae-sik this earnest before.’

In simpler terms, it’s like when your mother’s fruit-cutting skills leave the principal visiting your home absolutely amazed.

‘Though I’m not sure if that’s an apt comparison, given my parents passed when I was young.’

In any case, he seems intent on saving face before Hunter James, and with such generous payment plus direct dealings with Chef Ahn Yeong-jae on the table, there’s not a single reason to refuse.

‘Besides, when our country’s standing rises, it feels oddly satisfying.’

Spending so much time with Yun Tae-sik must be rubbing off on me. Is this national pride? A nation with an incredible meat supplier and a chef of incredible skill, that’s what it is.
And the timing couldn’t be better.

“Excellent.”

*Grin*.

I smiled broadly as I spoke.

“I’ll prepare meat that hasn’t been revealed to the world yet.”

It’s the perfect timing to clear Basement 7 of the Tower anyway.
Yun Tae-sik broke into the brightest smile I’d ever seen from him.

“Ahahaha! Thank you so much! The moment I return, I can already picture James Hunter demanding the American Association President replace the chef first!”
“….”

Was this man always like this?

“Then, I’ll select a blacksmith and an alchemist next and contact you.”

Just as the conversation was wrapping up nicely and I was about to leave.
Thud.

“…?”

A sound echoed through the building.

“It seems the soundproofing in the Association building isn’t very good.”
“Ahahaha. No, that’s not it. Actually, it’s quite excellent. The Association has a Hunter-exclusive training facility, after all.”
“Then, what is that sound?”
“It seems someone is deliberately making that noise.”

The Association President picked up a remote from the table to satisfy my curiosity.

Beep—!

Then the monitor on the wall displayed the training facility’s CCTV feed.
Quite a number of Hunters.

“Huh? That guy.”

And there was a familiar face among them.

—Haaah!

A face drenched in sweat, extending a sword.

“That would be Hunter Park Seong-cheol. I imagine the two of you are acquainted.”
“The training facilities in Taesan aren’t poor, so why come here specifically?”
“Well, it’s that season, isn’t it?”

Are you talking about the Association President’s authority—the right to designate which special dungeon floors to conquer?
Since he hasn’t confirmed yet who he’ll use it on.
That’s why he’s making an appearance in a place like this, putting on a show.
Minor actions become rumors, rumors become reputation, and through public opinion, they become justification.

“By the way, I’m not particularly interested in who comes to the training grounds. I’ve only pulled up this screen for the first time today, anyway. Haha.”

The Association President’s contemptuous tone brought me a measure of reassurance.
At the same time, I tilted my head, my gaze still fixed on the screen.
For such a clichéd action of “that kind of season,” this seemed quite serious….

“Association President. Is there perhaps a microphone here that can reach all the way over there?”

Whoosh—.

There was.
And shortly after.

-…Damn it.

Park Seong-cheol’s mouth on the screen moved as if cursing.
It’s been a while since I’ve loosened up a bit.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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