Convenience Store 24: The Tower of the End 1st - Chapter 80



Only Krnovel

Episode 80 Turret! Oh, Turret! (1)

I looked at the information on the kite shield she handed me.

Brown Dust Kite Shield

Description: A shield made by elaborately refining the hard outer shell of Brown Dust.

Content: When holding this shield, your health increases by 3 and you seem to be able to skillfully block threatening attacks.

Special: When holding this shield, you can use the ability, ‘Iron Wall’.

Restrictions: Only those with a strength level of 15 or higher can use this shield.

‘Wow, it’s an item with a special ability.’

Not all items are like that though.

Some of the best items among them have abilities like these.

‘But what ability does the iron wall have…? … Ah.’

I nodded after reading the description of the iron wall.

‘Not really.’

It is said that it makes your body as hard as an iron wall for 3 seconds.

It was an ability that could only be used once in a truly critical situation.

“hey.”

“Yes, old?!”

I put down my shield in front of Blood, who raised his head in surprise.

“Just this once. Next time, think carefully before you act. If you don’t, you’ll die early.”

“Oh, thank you… … .”

Just as I was leaving Blod behind and was about to go back into the convenience store.

Saint Sylvia blocks my way.

“You stole it, so why did you give it back to me?”

“I thought it would be more of a loss to try to sell it.”

“It looked fine on the outside, so I thought it was okay, but it was trash? Just ask them to give you something else.”

As she picked up the mace again and tried to go to Blood.

I quickly grabbed her arm.

“Haha, there’s no need for that. He’s already paid enough.”

I had an unforgettable experience of having my face sunk into a mace.

That should be enough.

“It’s so strange.”

“What is it?”

Sylvia, who was staring at me, spoke confidently.

“If you look closely, it seems like they are particularly lenient towards those trying to attack the tower.”

“… … .”

‘You’ve got a surprisingly sharp side.’

That’s not wrong.

It is true that they paid a little more attention to the players who were actually trying to conquer the tower.

“… … My standards apply equally to everyone. It must be my imagination.”

“Hmm, really? Or not.”

Just as Sylvia was about to go back into the convenience store as if it was no big deal.

A group of pioneers, including Lee Ji-soo, walked out of the convenience store.

“Are you going?”

Lee Ji-soo nodded to my question.

“I have to go. It’ll take quite some time just to get back up. And that cult leader was also the reason for the delay. Oh, and that’s not it either?”

“yes?”

“I guess it wasn’t so bad because I ate so well thanks to that cult leader.”

I followed her and chuckled.

“Anyway, be careful. Strategy is important, but if you die, it’s all over.”

“I know. But still, thanks.”

With that she shouts at the group.

“let’s go.”

* * *

After meeting the pioneers.

I also do business in the Demon King’s castle.

After safely purchasing the Demon King’s Jam Rotella from Majang Sicily, I returned home.

“Whey.”

I just threw my empty bags into the room, which was much larger than before.

I went into the bathroom and soaked in the hot water.

‘Whew, today was another fulfilling day.’

All planned transactions have been carried out.

In addition, it provided ample carrots to boost the morale of the pioneers.

‘But it can’t end here.’

It is an undeniable fact that pioneers are well-sharpened swords.

But what if the sword rusts or breaks?

So what if it gets to the point where it’s just unusable?

‘I did come up with a number of measures to prevent that kind of situation, but… … Ugh, I wish I had been recognized for conquering the tower.’

If that were the case, I would have had less worries than I do now.

‘The best thing is for the pioneers to clear the tower at a fast pace, but you have to keep considering variables.’

So, just in case the pioneers failed, they made a wood pack and sold the card packs to the tower.

If more raiders approach the raid with a sense of purpose, the raid on the tower will speed up.

‘Well, it would definitely be effective to announce on a large scale that everything would be destroyed if the tower was not conquered.’

However, it is impossible to know what effect that announcement will have on reality.

Above all, I wondered whether the raiders would believe what I said.

‘Most people probably think it’s a lie. It can’t be helped. I still can’t really feel it, so how much more so for other people?’

How can I convince others when I’m not even sure myself?

‘Destruction, destruction… … If it’s true, how much is left?’

I don’t know.

‘Well, first of all, I need to think of a way to make the raiders more active than they are now… … Is there a good way? If I look around the tower, maybe I can find new possibilities? Or what if I pretend to be crazy and go to a peaceful floor and cause a ruckus? If I destroy the base… … . Is that a bit much?’

I thought about it for a moment, then quickly put my head under the water.

* * *

The next day, lunch.

I left all the outside schedule to my clone and went into the tower.

‘Today, I’m going to do business, but I’ll also have to talk to the raiders a lot. If I have time, I’ll also look around the area.’

Strictly speaking, I am an outsider cosplaying as a strategist, not a strategist.

That is, even though I have seen videos of what kind of environment the raiders live in and what kind of life they live.

I don’t fully understand their reality.

‘If we understand the reality of the tower in detail, we will be able to better understand what the raiders want.’

In doing so, we may be able to find new ways to encourage players to be more proactive in conquering the top lane.

‘Of course, this would only be possible if the floor that fell today was a relatively normal floor.’

I put the luggage I brought on the floor and went to the window.

‘Let’s see. What floor are we on today… … Oh… … .’

In the distance, huge turrets could be seen lined up on high hills.

On the nearby road, halflings that were only about waist-deep were passing by.

‘We’re on the 41st floor again.’

It’s not such a bad situation.

No, it’s okay.

‘I was wondering how to get Eldragora anyway. I got lucky.’

I did ask Gus a question before.

He exercised his right to remain silent, perhaps because he had to hand over Eldrago to me.

‘I was really upset. Anyway, I really want to know where to get Eldragora.’

If you can continue to secure Eldrago.

Because it was possible to adopt Turret Aid as a regular menu item rather than selling it as a limited edition.

‘Well, it seems like there aren’t many raiders. Should I go out and take a look?’

Today, I came to the tower to do business, but more than anything, I came to see new possibilities.

‘I’d also like to see how halflings live.’

I put on the robe I had purchased in advance.

I went outside and locked the convenience store door tightly.

[Out and About]

‘This should be enough.’

I raised my head and stared ahead.

Tiny lights twinkle between the small houses built to fit the halflings’ physiques.

‘Oh, magic lights! How pretty.’

I knew that halflings could use magic too.

‘Now that I think about it, what did you say? I heard that the magic system is a bit different from that of the Baektap wizards. Oh, I remembered!’

While the monks of Baektap gather their strength by concentrating the energy floating in the air within their bodies.

I’ve heard that halflings convert their emotions into magical power and use it to create magic.

‘I don’t know how that’s possible, but I like the city background.’

I’ve seen various layers so far.

Certainly, civilizations that used magic had a level of sophistication that was superior to other civilizations.

It’s the same with brick houses that seem to be built close together but also have rules.

“This is a new artifact released by the Wrath Society among the Magical Societies! Come take a look! When you press it, flames will come out from underneath! Just charge it occasionally!”

“This is leather clothing made from a monster that came out of the gate!”

It was also interesting to see merchants selling by-products obtained from the gate.

I put aside my original purpose for a moment and went to see the halfling village.

At that time.

“evil!”

“AAAAAHHHH!”

From somewhere, angry shouts could be heard simultaneously.

‘What is this?’

I walked towards the direction where the sound was coming from.

[Emotion Control Center]

Let’s approach the building with the small sign on it.

The sound became louder.

‘… … What kind of place is this?’

I looked at the view beyond the low wall.

“AAAAAHHHH!”

“No! That won’t do! Fill your heart with more anger! Is that all the anger you have?!”

“Ugh… … .”

A fair number of halflings were screaming in front of the small gem.

Someone who appeared to be an instructor was encouraging them.

“AAAAAHHHH!”

“No. That’s just a rant. You have to be so full of emotions that your head is about to explode in order to use magic. Hey, trainee! Are you really sure you want to use magic?!”

“Ahhhhh!”

“It doesn’t look like it to me.”

A strange smile appears on the instructor’s lips.

“Phew, your mother is pitiful.”

“… … ?!”

“I feel so bad for you for enduring all that pain just to give birth to someone like you. Don’t you think so?”

“AAAAAHHHH!”

Whoosh whoosh-

The halfling’s jewel suddenly turned red after hearing the padrip.

The fireworks are flying.

“Oh! That’s it! This is it! If you do it, you can do it!”

“shut up!”

“Indeed, you are a friend who learns ten things by teaching one. You will soon be able to go to the front lines… … .”

Ppeukeok-

Have you failed to control your anger?

The halfling’s fist, having heard the scolding, struck the instructor squarely in the face.

“Someone who is shorter than me is bringing up my mom?!”

“Great… … Great!”

‘mom…….’

I blankly watched the scene and thought.

‘The teaching method is quite unique.’

That wasn’t the only place where the method was unusual.

“Hoooooooooooo!”

“Kueuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!”

In some places, they were wailing loudly as if they were in a funeral.

“Kiyathou!”

“Poohahahahahahahahahaha!”

Some halflings laughed so loudly that the corners of their mouths twitched.

‘I understand that you’re trying to use magic, but… … If someone saw you, they’d think you were in a mental hospital.’

Of course I respect that.

Because that’s probably part of the way they’ve lived so far.

‘I have to go somewhere else too… … .’

Just as I was about to take a step away from the emotional control room.

“hmm?”

A halfling came out of the emotion control room, saw me, and flinched.

It’s a pretty familiar face.

‘Oh, it’s Gus?’

Gus, the commander in charge of the turrets.

I never thought I’d see him in a place like this.

“Hey, climber. Climbers don’t know that trespassing is prohibited… … .”

“It’s been a while, Gus.”

“… … Do you know me?”

In response to his question, I quietly lowered my robe.

“Oh, it was you.”

He is polite, but somehow his speech sounds grumbling.

“Is Eldrago safe?”

“I sometimes have a drink when I feel like it.”

“… … You did as I said, right?”

“I use it by diluting it in water one drop at a time.”

Only then did Gus’ expression soften a little.

“Still, it’s not like you have no common sense.”

“But what is happening here?”

“What’s going on? I came to check if there’s anyone who can join the Magic Legion.”

I questioned his answer.

“Can’t the turret block it sufficiently?”

“What are you talking about? The Magic Troops are essential to operate the turrets. The Magic Troops are the ones controlling the turrets… … ahem… … .”

Gus, who had been suddenly coughing, speaks awkwardly.

“Anyway, the monsters at the gate are getting stronger by the day. So we need to get stronger as well. It’s right to prepare more thoroughly, even if it’s just for the sake of the future.”

“indeed…….”

I could sense sincerity in his answer as he prepared for the future.

“By the way, what are you doing here? I’ll tell you in advance, I can’t give you Eldrago.”

“Really? I wanted to know at least the location, but that’s too bad.”

‘It seems like he has no intention of telling me, so I guess I’ll have to try tempting him with some convenience store products or something.’

Eldrago is a problem for later.

I reached out and pointed to the emotion control center to focus on the task at hand.

“But, by any chance, can I use the magic of the halflings?”

“……what?”

“I’m pretty good at yelling, too.”

Gus looks at me quietly and then chuckles.

“How could it be possible? It may be like that in other places, but magic using emotions is a unique magic for us halflings. No other being can or will imitate it.”

‘It certainly won’t be easy. No, it might be close to impossible.’

Even if you learn archery from elves, does that mean you can use a bow as skillfully as an elf? That’s not true.

That doesn’t mean you’ll develop archery skills.

‘Because you can only use unique abilities, derived abilities, and abilities attached to items or titles.’

No matter how much you practice archery under an elf.

It may be a good bowman, but it’s hard to catch monsters.

‘If archery is like that, then there’s no need to even mention things like the elf’s unique elemental magic or the halfling’s emotional magic.’

If you are not of that race or an indigenous person, you cannot use it.

That was the conclusion the raiders reached.

Of course, there are those among them who have a crazy passion for learning.

[Then, if you marry an elf and give birth to a half-blood, wouldn’t that half-blood be a raider and be able to use spirit magic?]

There were also those who tried to conduct experiments, raising various questions.

But ultimately, we know that such experiments were a failure.

‘I’ve heard that there are actually players who married elves, dwarves, and even orcs, but they all failed to get pregnant.’

As far as I know, there has been no case of a half-blood being born on this tower yet.

‘Well, I don’t know what will happen later. Even if it is born, if it is destroyed, it will all be over.’

While I was smiling bitterly inside.

“… … Look. Hey!”

Rough shakes my arm roughly.

“Oh, yes. Why?”

“What were you thinking so deeply about? Anyway… … Ahem!”

He coughed a few times for no reason and then started to look at me for no reason.

“You said you tried Eldragora?”

“Yes. It was excellent, sweet and tangy. To be honest, I think it was much better than carbonated drinks.”

“… … Carbonated? Anyway, that’s it? Excellent, right?”

What on earth are you trying to say that takes so long?

Gus looks at me with eyes full of anticipation that almost feels burdensome.

“Your shop has a variety of products. Do you happen to have any food similar to Eldrago?”

“Similar food?”

‘It’s a similar food… … . Carbonated drinks have a similar nuance.’

However, it is a shame to compare Eldrago to carbonated beverages.

Although the flavor and body that Eldrago possesses are overwhelming.

‘Even if I give you carbonated drinks, you won’t be satisfied.’

Carbonate is a lower-grade product of Eldrago.

Even if you give him something like that, Gus, who enjoys drinking Eldrago, will not be satisfied.

“It’s similar… … .”

“I guess there isn’t any. Well, it’s okay.”

Gus nods as if he fully understands.

“How many things have the same ‘class’ as that precious thing? To be honest, I think it’s safe to say that there aren’t any. I completely understand! I completely understand that you took that precious Eldragora!”

Gus looks at me with eyes that are a mixture of pride in Eldragora and a little resentment toward me.

“Of course. It was really delicious.”

“Ugh… … I guess so. Anyway, that’s it.”

Maybe he didn’t want to mention Eldrago anymore.

Gus changes the subject.

“Do you still have the whiskey chocolate from before?”

“I guess you liked that.”

“That’s not all. That Bear Beer you recommended? That was pretty good too. Oh, of course, it wasn’t as good as Eldrago.”

“… … .”

I asked him quietly, comparing Eldrago to other items.

“Do you have any children?”

“I have a daughter. But why are you suddenly asking that?”

‘I asked him if his children compare themselves to each other a lot, and luckily, it seems like he only has one child.’

In that moment, Gus’s expression hardens.

“I’ll tell you in advance that I would never give my daughter to a climber, so please don’t even think about it.”

“… … Ah, yes.”

‘I’m sorry to say this, but I also can’t stand women who come down to my waist.’

I cleared my throat and opened my mouth again.

“But, among the halflings who bought items, has there been any strange incident or unusual change?”

“No. And to think that such a change could be brought about by just food? That’s beyond common sense. I knew the rumors about you were true, but sometimes I think the rumors about climbers are exaggerated.”

Gus responds indifferently.

It seemed as though he did not believe the changes that had occurred on other floors.

“Anyway, we have whiskey chocolate.”

“Oh, really?!”

“But will that satisfy you?”

Gus looks at me as if he doesn’t understand my question.

“What does that mean?”

“We recently received additional new products.”

“… … New product?!”

I walked back to the convenience store with Gus, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

“Oh! Here we go! The climber is here!”

“It’s opening now, right? Isn’t it?!”

In front of the convenience store, there were already a large number of halflings and a small number of raiders mixed together.

It was a situation where I was just waiting for the convenience store door to open.

“Okay, please wait a moment.”

As I was about to enter the convenience store with Gus,

“Wait! Why are you letting Gus in first? I heard you have to wait in line?!”

“I wonder if that halfling has a wood pack?”

“Hey, no way… … would you have given it to a native who couldn’t even conquer?”

Halflings and raiders alike all voiced their discontent.

“that…….”

For a moment, Gus opened his mouth in embarrassment.

I said a word to the crowd.

“He said he wanted to inspect our store’s supplies in case there were any items needed for the turret’s development. That’s why I hope there is no misunderstanding.”

“Inspection? If it’s inspection, then what… … .”

Fortunately, the audience seemed convinced.

Gus breathed a sigh of relief.

“Thank you.”

“you’re welcome.”

“But is this okay? I wonder if it’s breaking your rules.”

I chuckled at his words.

“I just paid the price because I got something out of it. So I didn’t break the rules. Instead, come this way.”

I took him to a display case.

“This is… … Oh! There are definitely a lot more unique things than before. What is this unique tube? It looks like there’s something inside!”

“Oh, that’s called Apulo. It’s a snack that you bite into with your teeth to eat the contents inside the tube. Be careful, the tube isn’t meant to be eaten.”

“Oh! What a curious snack. So what is this thing with all these colorful beads in it?”

“Ah, that’s called a traffic light candy. Each color has a different flavor… … .”

I also presented him with various kinds of snacks, such as rice cakes and chukkani.

In fact, all the snacks I just introduced to him are junk foods that I enjoyed eating when I was young.

‘The problem was that I was so lost in my memories that I ended up buying a lot of stuff without even realizing it.’

While shopping online.

It was nice to discover snacks that brought back memories, but the downside was that I had to buy them in bulk.

That’s why we’re promoting these snacks more actively.

‘Oh! Now that I think about it, there’s a snack that’s a bit similar to Eldrago, right?’

I looked at Gus and asked.

“You asked if there was anything similar to Eldrago? How about this?”

A square shell that is half purple and half pink in color.

Gus looked at Gap with a puzzled look and said.

“Match… … Kung?”