Chapter 143

"The Tower of Qualification and the Tower of Choice were created by the same person." To his first question, the guide provided a crisp response. This meant that the Towers of Choice, spread across various beginner zones in the continent, were all erected by one individual.

"Then, the towers we will encounter later are all the same, right?"

"Yes."

Midgard—in this game, the places for testing were always in the form of towers. What varied were the names, internal structures, and the content of the tests.

"Of all structures, why towers?"

"Because there is the need to ascend."

"That person left those words behind?"

"Yes."

"Who is this person?"

"I cannot disclose that." This was one detail the guide would not reveal. Despite Seojin's variously phrased questions, the guide's responses were almost impenetrable.

"Is that person human?"

"Yes."

"How old are they?"

"I cannot disclose that."

"What about gender?"

"I cannot disclose that."

"What can you tell me about them?"

"I cannot disclose personal details."

"Then what can you say?"

"I can tell you about their words and actions."

'Words and actions…'

"Let me hear that at least."

In truth, that was what Seojin was curious about. Asking who the creator was, equated to wanting to know the process leading up to the establishment of these towers.

"I will convey it as it is." That was what Seojin wanted. The guide's expression changed. For the first time, shedding the impassive facade, the guide began to speak with a look of utter frustration.

"Everyone praises it as perfect, but this world has more than a few flaws. But it looks perfect to them. Do you know why?"

"Well… no I don't."

Seojin answered reflexively, feeling that was the expected response. The guide nodded.

"Right. That's how it should be. Because you yourself are one of those flawed things. You like this imperfect world because you're imperfect. Do you like this world?"

"…"

"Right, you can't really judge, can you? Because this space is all you're allowed. Anyway, that's how it is. An imperfect space for imperfect beings."

The guide was speaking passionately.

'It really sounds like a recreation of the speech, word for word.'

As the guide mentioned before, these must be the actual behaviors and words of the tower's creator.

"Funnily enough, I too am imperfect. I'm not trying to deny that. I like this world. What I don't like about it…" The guide tapped two hands on the table and leaned towards Seojin. "Is this place being called perfect. I know that imperfection meeting imperfection can paradoxically cause the pursuit of perfection, but ultimately…"

The guide paused, reverting to its previous emotionless expression.

"That's the end of the set reward."

"Reward?"

"But you have proven your worth, adventurer. You will receive the second-tier reward."

Second-tier reward. He didn't fully understand it, but fortunately, a system message appeared.

Very impressive. Seeing this message means you've completed this tower twice, haven't you?

Questioning the world, and not settling for reality. I like that. You deserve it. I hope you can find the answer.

"…?"

It was different from the other system messages so far. It felt like talking face to face with someone, almost like a message left for future generations.

But the guide didn't give him any room for contemplation. "Let's continue. Where was I? Ah yes, the meeting of imperfections can indeed cause the pursuit of perfection. I completely agree. They can compensate for each other's shortcomings. But the problem is…"

"…"

"It's not enough. Like… love, perhaps? When it comes to massive emotional issue, two people can work through it, assuming they are a good match for each other. But if the subject is an entire world…"

The guide narrowed its eyes, while pursing its lips in thought, then slowly waved its hand in the air.

"A multitude of elements are needed. It's something beyond the imagination of modern humans, almost like committing sacrilege against nature."

'Sacrilege against nature?'

He stroked his chin, arms crossed. All this time, the narrative was cryptic. Picking out some key phrases.

'Pursuing a perfect world through the combination of imperfections. What does that even mean? Is it about creating a world?'

Then it hit him. 'Is it talking about the developer?'

"I needed elements to assist me, so I added more. Numerous beings, each with their own purpose. The results were quite encouraging. A good decision, but still insufficient."

What was lacking? But the guide's narration stopped there.

"That's the end of the set reward."

"Wait, you can't just leave me hanging here…"

"But you have proven your worth, adventurer. You will receive the third-tier reward."

[You will receive an additional reward from Qualification of Intimidation.]

* * *

Additional reward.

The meaning was clear. It applied the message of rewards 'doubling' when clearing the auxiliary quest.

Incredible. I would have applauded if I'd seen it. But it was close. A little longer and you wouldn't have seen this message.

'Was there a time limit?'

It seemed plausible. If the speaker of this message was the developer, it could be set so that only those who reached this stage within a certain time after the game's launch would see it. The guide started speaking again.

"Did I mention how encouraging it was? But things took an unexpected turn. I might reach the desired outcome eventually, but the wait was immeasurable. So… I used a little trick."

The guide's face broke into a smug smile. "It was successful. I prepared unique paths for the unique ones, not the common ones. They gladly took them. Do you know what happened?"

"The number of variables increased."

"You can't even imagine. The quantity and quality of variables drastically increased. Those few elements tried to completely revamp the misguided direction."

The guide looked truly delighted. Almost triumphantly so.

Yes! The guide punched the air, then leaned in closer. "Maybe you're one of them. If so, welcome. Only I knew you, but now you know me. An exhilarating moment. Alright, now finally…"

The guide glanced at its wrist. Nothing was there, but its face showed urgency. "I'm short on time. Ask me anything. But you only get one question. I'll answer if I can."

"That…"

"Ah, be careful. Questions like: will you really answer anything or can I really ask also count as questions. That's how it's programmed."

Only one question. Of course, he was curious about many things. Choosing wisely could yield immense benefits. But…

"This is live, isn't it?" His question was unrelated to their previous conversation.

"…What?"

"I said live. This is not recorded, right? You're actually inside this NPC's body, talking to me, right?"

Pfft.

The guide burst into laughter. Precisely, it was the developer's laughter within. After a long bout of laughter, the guide finally calmed down. "Such a funny question. This is the essence of imperfection. I wanted this, though it's unexpected. Being surprised is enjoyable."

Seojin didn't react.

It wasn't an answer, after all.

And then,

"Yes. It's live. I should be going now. Oh, here's a bonus for you."

The guide grinned as if sharing a secret.

"Those guys who created your profession? The team in the Korean branch. They were watching your test process live. Right up until you started talking to the guide."

"And you're the one who let them watch, aren't you?"

"Sorry. I couldn't help myself. That's all for the bonus. See you later."

The liveliness faded from the guide's face.

"That's the end of the set reward."

Returning to a blank expression.

Initially, Seojin planned to ask about the guide's identity, but now it seemed unnecessary.

"The conversation was sufficient. I'll visit again."

"Goodbye."

With a dry farewell, Seojin turned and left.

He exited the Tower of Qualification.

The stark white space gave way to bright, sunlit skies welcoming him. The excited chatter of other players reached his ears.

"It's over."

The Leagues of Deception and Intimidation.

And even the thoughts of the developer themself.

With rewards in abundance, Seojin headed to the cafe he had sought out upon first arriving in the capital.

Simultaneously,

-Rabbit, are you there?

He didn't forget to utilize that clue thrown by the developer as a bonus.

* * *

At the Korean branch of Hailstorm Co.

As soon as Jeong Seyeon arrived, she burst into the general manager's office.

"General Manager!"

"Who dares to… Oh? Miss Jeong?"

"Sorry, it's an urgent matter. I just received a message from Seojin."

Her attitude was rather bold, an action not tolerated for an average employee, but General Manager Kim nodded readily.

"Sit here, Miss Jeong. Hmm, Team Leader Baek?"

"Yes, sir."

"Finish up and wait outside. I'll call you soon."

"Understood, sir."

A rare scene unfolded where a team leader vacated his seat for an ordinary employee. But it was warranted, and neither Baek nor Manager Kim found it strange.

"So, what's up? It's not normal, to see you rush in like this."

"It's about the screen you were watching just now."

"Just now?"

"The process in the Tower of Qualification, you were watching it live, right?"

Manager Kim's face turned to shock.

"…How did you know?"

"Seojin knew. He said he was the one broadcasting the video here."

"Directly to us? Is that possible?"

"I'm not sure. But from what I heard…"

General Manager Kim Jeonsu's expression grew serious.

Even the most skilled player is just a player. But to send a video back to the company?

'…But if it's him, maybe it's possible.'

Perhaps he was favored by the developer. After all, the request for a Hidden Class was also unprecedented.

"Right. And?"

"He asks for a viewing fee."

"A viewing fee? Talk about extortion."

He chuckled. Not at all displeased.

After seeing Seojin's capabilities first-hand, he was more than willing to support whatever he wanted.

"I completely agree, Manager. But he also said this…"

"Speak up. It's okay."

"…So, he asked if you're going to pay for it or not."

"Kahaha!" General Manager Kim burst out laughing.

The request didn't sour his mood.

"Of course, we'll pay. Even if we refused, we should offer something. It's just that such a direct request is a first for me. How much did he ask for?"

"It wasn't money."

Typical of that man.

"Then it must be information. Whatever he wants, I'll gather and deliver it as soon as possible…"

"It's not game-related information, Manager."

"…Then what is it?"

To the puzzled Manager, Kim Jeonsu relayed Seojin's exact words.

"He said he needs information related to the developers of Midgard."