"Do it."
"Please do it."
The expression on Archangel Raphael's face didn't falter.
His expression was the same as always. However, the smile on his lips felt deeper.
"What kind of reward would you like?"
Typical of him, always extending his favor.
Instead of showing any frustration or anger, Raphael seemed to pass the baton to me, as if asking for a suggestion.
One mustn't be mistaken here. Normally, the one explaining is in the weaker position and the one listening is in the stronger position. The one proposing is weaker, while the one deciding is stronger.
If I make an unreasonable request and he dismisses it, it's all for nothing.
Thus, the key is for me to suggest a proper level of compensation. It should be a reward that's neither too excessive nor too scanty.
"I'll accept whatever you give."
Hence, I decided to simply accept whatever he offers.
Pondering over 'what kind of reward would be appropriate?' means I'd be playing into his hands.
In negotiations, one should always steer the conversation at their own pace.
"...You'll just accept whatever I offer?"
Archangel Raphael has, at least superficially, always shown a favorable stance towards humanity.
He wouldn't shamefully offer a trash reward. There's the dignity of an Archangel to maintain.
Meaning, Raphael would again be the one pondering over 'what level of compensation would be appropriate.' It's a counter-proposal, reflecting my reluctance to lose a power struggle against the Archangel.
"You're amusing."
Whether he grasped my intentions or not, Raphael shrugged lightly.
With a snap of his fingers, a silver ring appeared out of thin air in a bright light.
"In truth, I don't have a clear understanding of your current state. The Father has placed a restriction on such information. But from what I can tell, I believe this to be the most necessary reward for you. I can promise this with my honor."
I cautiously grasped the floating ring.
"...I can't see its options."
"Isn't it fun to find out?"
"...Given that I don't know its functions, the reward still seems insufficient. I think I should also receive the three diamond rewards we discussed earlier."
"Very well."
Although he verbally expressed that it might be insufficient... I instinctively knew otherwise.
From the ring in my hand emanated a holy and refreshing energy. It's likely not an ordinary item, as Raphael said.
I silently clenched the ring.
"Then... it was a pleasure meeting you, Junho."
As our conversation concluded,
At the moment Raphael was about to bid farewell,
I noticed the small angel trembling in Raphael's grasp.
"...The angel in your hand."
"Yes?"
"What's going to happen to it?"
"...Just a light punishment for neglecting its duties."
However, the shivering small angel and its pale expression told me otherwise.
It wasn't going to end with just a 'light punishment.'
"Just leave it here. We need someone to guide us anyway. And with the city's owner gone, someone needs to enforce the rules, right?"
Raphael gently released the small angel.
"Th-thank you! Thank you, Climber!"
With a face that quickly brightened up, the small angel thanked me.
"Then... once again, congratulations."
With a mysterious smile,
In the blink of an eye, Archangel Raphael disappeared.
The sky, once filled with cherubs, was now empty.
The square, once filled with hymns and trumpet sounds, quickly returned to its tranquil emptiness.
"Ugh..."
"Damn... my head..."
Around me, players started to regain consciousness one by one.
The divine atmosphere from moments ago had vanished, and the rough ambiance of the square returned.
"Um..."
The small angel, who had been sneaking glances, cautiously spoke to me.
"Thank you so much... but why did you save me? Not that I'm ungrateful..."
"...Just because."
Although the angel was a bit bothersome, the reason I saved it...
I had a feeling that Raphael was falsely blaming the small angel. Though called an angel, I hated seeing someone being used like a mere tool.
I felt the same about humanity... being toyed with by God.
- Hey, I reached the second floor, but the details here seem different from what's written online? There's a strange instructor and missions... are you guys climbing a different tower?
- That changed after Choi Ji-won faced off with an angel.
- Who's Choi Ji-won?
- The unofficial world's strongest. She defeated the second floor's hidden boss in a one-on-one duel.
- Nonsense. Michael Jeter from the US is stronger.
- I've been lurking in the US community, and they said Jeter got defeated by the city's owner. Isn't Choi Ji-won stronger?
Three weeks since the US President acknowledged the existence of the tower.
The hottest topic among players worldwide was the Korean, Choi Ji-won.
- It's just unbelievable. I thought I got stronger with my new abilities, but she's simply a monster.
- I couldn't even see her sword movements... she's on a different level.
The face-off between Choi Ji-won and the city's owner was watched by many.
She wields her sword unbelievably well. She has a ponytail. She's a beautiful Asian woman. Korean.
Because she traveled cities for a 'revolution' and drew so much attention, her appearance was well-known among players.
- Isn't this her? She looks identical.
And with the discovery of a photo taken of Choi Ji-won at her father's funeral, her details quickly spread.
Choi Ji-won's name was firmly ingrained in the players' minds.
- I never thought it was possible to change the rules of a floor... her idea is incredible.
- I agree. While we were just thinking of better rewards, she considered changing the entire system.
Also, online it was believed that Choi Ji-won changed the rules of the second floor. Since most players were unconscious when the city's owner began rampaging, and those who were conscious were put to sleep by the archangel, the truth remained buried.
The story that 'Choi Ji-won miraculously regained consciousness after getting hit by the city's owner and then overpowered him' seemed plausible.
Of course, given Choi Ji-won's personality, if such false rumors spread, she would have clarified. But because Kim Junho didn't want to draw attention, Choi Ji-won accepted the rumors as they were.
The effects of the second floor didn't end there.
『Who is Ms. Choi?』
『[Koryo TV] A Korean admired by the US, shocking Japan, and making China tremble?!』
Even non-players and civilians, due to information restrictions, couldn't access detailed stories. But they could read other players' comments about how 'she was freaking amazing'.
"Wow... such a young woman getting worldwide recognition..."
"Our country really does produce great talents, huh?"
Thus, while not knowing what Choi Ji-won did, the general public proudly boasted about her.
"...Should I try going to the second floor? If I play my cards right, I could make some good money."
"...Something happened on the second floor, right?"
While players still on the first floor debated whether to move up after seeing the nationally spotlighted Choi Ji-won,
"...The real MVP was that guy."
"From just watching that short battle, he can replicate the hidden boss's techniques? Is that even humanly possible?"
"Choi Ji-won is important, but that guy is even more crucial. Pay attention to his talent."
Players who withstood the city owner's lightning saw Kim Junho use a flash spear to subdue the city's owner. While Choi Ji-won was impressive, the impact Kim Junho showed was on a whole different level.
Those who knew him rushed to share stories about Kim Junho, and those stories spread to other top players...
They didn't know his exact details, but rumors about 'Choi Ji-won's talented assistant' quietly spread among top players.
"Jeter, have you heard about the second floor?"
To the extent that even top players took notice.
- Should've just tried for the gold reward. I thought it'd be too tough, so I just took the silver.
- The angel with the small scroll is cute lol. Super friendly.
- Agree. The 'Judge' from the tutorial was such a jerk. - The Count Lee Hite seems like a hidden NPC. He's hidden in a corner of the city, but if you ask him, he gives a buff. The effect is really great.
- Have you seen the woman who claims to be the original owner of the city? She's really beautiful.
- Isn't that the one with the fluffy hair, and who has a bald adjutant? I think I've seen her recently.
- Can commoners also use this low-grade potion? I'm thinking of selling it.
"... Hmm."
After browsing the internet community, the second floor clearly showed improvements.
The 'No Violence' rule and the newly introduced 'Instructor' system were getting rave reviews.
Some said that the zeroth floor was just a basic qualification test, and the second floor felt like a real tutorial.
For those aspiring to climb the tower, the second floor will be a valuable level where they can learn combat skills and also get rewards. Given the nearly unlimited material resources, many people decided to stay longer to get accustomed to the combat.
Ultimately,
I didn't commit the crime I dreaded.
I succeeded in changing the second floor system as intended. People no longer have to commit unnecessary evils to get good rewards.
"...It's not a regression."
Regressing seemed like a bad choice here.
Firstly, there's no guarantee that I can repeat the same situation.
Considering the outcomes now,
Thanks to the huge concessions by the Archangel, the second floor was completely improved.
Plus, I obtained all the possible rewards. Having received an elixir as a diamond reward this time, there's nothing left unclaimed.
In other words... considering the outcome of the second floor strategy, I've achieved the results I wanted. There's no need to regress.
Another concern of mine is Archangel Raphael.
Though it's hard to gauge at my level, Archangel Raphael is an overwhelmingly powerful being, so much so that I can't even dare to look directly at him.
But imagine if I regress and face Raphael again.
Can I perfectly replicate my initial reaction when I first met Raphael, to the extent that even a transcendent being can be fooled?
If Raphael, after observing my reactions... somehow deduces my regression?
Right now, he seems unaware of the concept of 'regression' and has been consistently friendly towards me...
But there's no guarantee he will remain the same if he realizes my regression.
So... the plan to regress and redo the second floor is discarded.
Then, what I need to do is clear.
[Choi Ji-won]: 6 PM the day after tomorrow. Is that okay?
[Kim Junho]: Sounds good.
Without delay, I'll move directly to the third floor.
Before the world becomes even more chaotic.