Convenience Store 24: The Tower of the End 1st - Chapter 97



Only Krnovel

Episode 97 New Menu, Sweet and Sour Apple Tea Apple Mint Tea

‘hmm?’

I stared blankly at the message.

‘You cleared the 52nd floor? Already?!’

I knew the pioneers were going to conquer the 52nd floor.

However, that period hasn’t even been a month yet.

‘Wait a minute. Didn’t it take almost 3 months to clear the 51st floor?’

But who would have thought that I would succeed in conquering the 52nd floor in less than a month?

‘Wow, this is really unexpected.’

It was true that I wanted the tower’s attack speed to be faster.

Of course, I didn’t know I would clear it this quickly.

‘This is really strange. This wasn’t even a quest floor.’

A while ago, in a space swarming with disgusting bugs.

I saw footage of pioneers retreating from the void after repeated battles.

That’s why I felt even more curious.

‘Did you find some kind of breakthrough? Well, you can just watch the video later or ask me directly. But if you keep up this pace, you’ll be able to get to the 60th floor in no time, right?’

Is it only the 60th floor?

You may be able to reach the top, the highest point, by beating out other towers.

‘Ehhhhh… … .’

I smiled faintly.

Is there anything more satisfying than having good things happen one after another?

‘Should I just go home first?’

I hurried back home, eager to check the compensation.

Then I went straight to look at the reward for clearing the 52nd floor.

[If you successfully pass through the Void Zone, you will be given the following rewards.]

[The title ‘First to clear the 52nd floor’ is given.]

[Rewards will be given to those who first clear the 52nd floor, and rewards will be paid out differently depending on performance.]

[‘Void Jar’ will be given as a reward.]

‘Oh!’

I feel this way every time I see this reward message.

It feels really strange that I can receive these rewards without even having to do anything on site.

‘Let’s take a look at the title first.’

The first person to reach the 52nd floor

Description: This is a title given to the first person to successfully clear the 52nd floor by safely breaking through and passing through the Void Zone.

Content: When holding this title, strength increases by 10.

‘Oh, giving 10 strength would be nice, right?’

But now, I’m more concerned about that empty jar.

Tiring-

[We have confirmed that the Endgame’s effect was causing an error in the target.]

[Due to an error, the target is forced to transfer the ‘Void Jar’ they are supposed to receive.]

[Transfer the object.]

That moment.

Bam-

A fairly large jar fell to the ground at my feet.

‘Hoo… … .’

I walked around the jar and examined its exterior.

‘Except for the fact that the color is a bit purple, there doesn’t seem to be anything particularly unusual about it.’

Because its shape resembles a jar commonly seen in the countryside.

I looked at the information on the jar.

Jar of Emptiness

Description: A jar used by the Bethelgeuse Empire. Its essence seems to have been transformed due to long-term exposure to the power of the Void.

Contents: If you keep the contents in a jar, the contents may spoil quickly.

‘… … Hmm? What does this mean?’

If you keep the contents in a jar, they will spoil?

‘Is it possible that it’s rotten?’

I felt puzzled and immediately returned to the kitchen with an apple.

Then I put the apples in the jar and just waited for time to pass.

About an hour passed like that.

‘Where should we go?’

I put my hand into the jar and tried to take out the apple.

Bam-

I felt something break in my hand.

Only the top of the apple dangled in my hand.

‘……hmm?’

Where did the kernel go and only the tip came back… … .

Only after I put my hand deep into the jar was I able to retrieve the kernels.

‘So this is what it means to change rapidly. It’s really messed up.’

Who would have thought that a perfectly healthy apple would change like this in just one hour?

‘Is it by any chance damaged?’

If it’s going to damage something, I’ll have to reconsider how to use this jar…

‘This is!’

After tasting the kernel, I completely abandoned that idea.

A slightly spicy taste and deep aroma.

This is a well-fermented apple cider.

That too is special grade… … No, it’s difficult to even rank it.

‘Oh my god. Is this what perversion is like?’

I looked at the jar with bleary eyes and slowly raised the corners of my mouth.

‘This is totally awesome?!’

“Clone!”

“Uh, why?”

A clone wearing cooking gloves and an apron pokes its head out of the kitchen.

“Go to the warehouse with the kids and bring me some apples! Lots!”

“… … An apple? Suddenly?”

The clone looked at me with a dumbfounded expression, but moved towards the warehouse with the other guys.

Meanwhile, I returned to the jar holding three bags of sugar.

“Did you wash it well?”

“I washed it very thoroughly… … but what are you going to do?”

“Huh?”

When the clones came back with apples, they all looked curious.

I said with a smile on my face.

“I’m going to try making fruit juice. If there’s any leftover, I’ll try making some jam too.”

“Fruit… … green?”

“Well, I’ll just watch it for now.”

First, I put the apples in a jar and sprinkled a lot of sugar on them.

Then, we layered it again with apples, sugar, and apples.

Soon the jar was filled with contents.

Swish-

I put the lid on the jar and gave it a thumbs up.

“This is the end!”

“That’s it? It’s simple.”

“Right? I showed you how to do it, so you can do it next time.”

Gloomy-

As Valina’s expression darkened, I looked at her and asked.

“Valina, why do you look so unhappy?”

“Hey, this is the expression you make when you’re happy!”

“Really? Then I’ll leave the making of the blue to you.”

“Uh… … .”

An hour passed by as I spent my time joking around with the guys.

‘Now let’s open it slightly.’

Honestly, I know I won’t get perfect results on my first try.

Still, I hope it works out well.

Dulleong-

Let’s lift the lid of the jar.

Before you know it, the melted sugar and apples are intertwined, showing off their elegant appearance.

‘Oh, at least the appearance looks okay?’

It doesn’t feel bad.

It feels like I’m looking at the plum syrup my mother used to make.

And then there’s the wafting scent.

You can tell just from the scent that this isn’t just any apple cider or apple jam.

I first had my clone and Balina transfer the contents of the jar into a large container.

Now that we know that it ‘matures’ when placed in a jar.

If you leave it in there for too long.

Because it might end up turning into cider.

‘I wonder if it would be okay to make alcohol in that jar… …? I think something really delicious would come out of it.’

But for now, the jam and apple cider at the cafe are a priority.

Now it’s time to taste what came out of the jar.

After mixing the apple cider vinegar and hot water in the right proportions.

‘Oh, let’s try kicking that too.’

In addition, finely chop the wintergreen and add it.

‘Okay, shall we try it now?’

I stirred the contents with a teaspoon and then brought the cup to my lips.

* * *

3 days later.

“Oh my, you must have been very cold. Thank you.”

“Haha, don’t mention it. I also do it as a side job. Anyway, thank you!”

Team Leader Seo gave money to the man who was standing in line for him.

Manager Kim, who was standing next to me, spoke quietly.

“Should I get a side job by standing in line instead?”

“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“No, I thought it would be quite salty.”

Team leader Seo chuckles.

“It might not be so bad to work part-time on the weekends. Anyway, I think this is stable enough, right?”

“I think it would be okay to wait about two hours.”

They continued their conversation, waving the hot packs they were holding.

“It’s amazing to see so many people even in this weather.”

“I think most of them are couples.”

“… … What’s so important about being a couple? The important thing is that you get to taste delicious food and drinks. You’re not complaining about coming with me, are you?”

“I have no complaints since it’s free.”

At that time, Manager Kim and Team Leader Seo were having a lively conversation.

Suddenly, Manager Kim’s eyes light up.

“Team leader, do you see that?”

“That? What do you see… … .”

Team Leader Seo wipes the fog off his glasses and looks again at the billboard blowing in the wind.

[New menu Apple Tea! Apple Mint Tea launched! Enjoy the warm winter with the sweet and fragrant flavor of apples!]

“oh?”

Team Leader Seo smiling brightly.

“Manager Kim, we feel so lucky. Don’t we?”

“I’ll drink Insung coffee. The new menu is good, but Insung coffee is just my style.”

“Manager Kim, T? Why can’t you sympathize? That’s why… … .”

Team leader Seo coughs awkwardly.

“Anyway, okay, Manager Kim, have coffee, and I’ll try the new menu.”

“Aren’t you just going to say that you don’t have a girlfriend?”

“Yeah. That’s why you don’t have a girlfriend.”

“I’m sorry, but the reason I don’t have a girlfriend is because I have too much work to do. If you adjust your work schedule, I will have a girlfriend.”

“Ah, when I see you talking nonsense like this, it kind of sounds like F… … .”

While two men were engaging in a playful argument.

“Next guest! Please come inside!”

Finally, it was their turn to speak.

“Would you two like to sit over here?”

“Thank you.”

Manager Kim and Team Leader Seo sitting by the window with a good view of the outside.

“Hey, Manager Kim. Don’t be so obvious. Just turn your head naturally and look to the side.”

Manager Kim followed his words, although he was puzzled.

“… … ?”

When I saw the familiar face of a man somewhere.

Manager Kim turned his head hurriedly.

“… … Aren’t you Team Leader Kang?”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

One of the evaluators of the Gourmet Guide.

Why is he, their rival, here?

“Are you here to reevaluate?”

“How long has it been since you gave me a star? Why are you already here to reevaluate me? You probably just came for a date.”

“Is this common?”

“what?”

“It’s about coming to a restaurant that has been evaluated by the evaluation agency.”

Team Leader Seo smiles bitterly.

“It’s not common. It’s rare for us to visit a restaurant we’ve already reviewed once again. It’s a burden and a burden on our minds.”

“Yes.”

“It’s the same thing. It’s a burden and a pain, but I come here because I can’t forget this taste.”

While they were having a small talk.

“I’ll serve you the drinks you ordered first. Apple tea… … .”

“Oh, you can give it to me this way.”

“Thank you, enjoy your meal!”

A man who appeared to be the manager served us drinks.

“thank you.”

Team Leader Seo looked down at Apple Tea with eyes full of anticipation.

First, he bent down deeply and savored the aroma of apple tea.

A sweet, unobtrusive scent enveloped his sense of smell.

Colors begin to fill his mind.

‘First impression is white.’

One of the reasons why Team Leader Seo was able to rise to this position.

The ability to visually express taste and aroma.

Yes, that’s right.

Team Leader Seo is a synesthete.

A smile appeared on his lips.

‘This white is… … pearl white? No, it’s the color of apple petals. Nice… … .’

I hope I wake up from this illusion.

With your eyes closed, carefully bring the teacup to your lips.

Hororok-

“and.”

An exclamation that comes out without you knowing it, at the color that fills your field of vision.

Manager Kim, who was watching him, asks.

“What color is it this time?”

“Um… … Should I say gold? No, it’s not gold… … . I really don’t know what color to call this. Is there such a color on Earth?”

“I should order a drink too.”

“You drink coffee, right?”

“It’s the first time I’ve seen the team leader eat like this with a smile. I want to try it too.”

“What? I said that?”

I opened my eyes and felt the corners of my mouth, and they were indeed slightly raised.

‘I smiled unconsciously? It’s really scary… … .’

Team Leader Seo looked at the cafe owner standing at the counter.

You still look young, but you can express such taste.

He is a truly scary young man.

It’s still like this now.

What will happen as I grow further…?

‘I should come every week. I should write an observation journal.’

Hororok-

I took another sip of tea and looked outside.

White things are fluttering.

“It’s the first snow of the year.”

“That’s right.”

Beyond them, staring out the window in silence.

Not swayed by things like first sight.

Snow was piled up on the heads of those waiting.

* * *

15th floor, the Great Labyrinth of the Dead.

[Goooooo… … .]

“Let’s buy some armor with the money we’ve saved up this time. If we can somehow scrape it together… … .”

Outside the labyrinth, on the ground, there were both raiders heading to their destinations and the wandering dead roaming the streets.

“Ugh, there are so many people and dead people.”

A man sticks out his tongue as he watches the raiders walking down the street.

The colleague next to me shrugs.

“Honestly, isn’t it easier to hunt here than anywhere else? As long as you don’t go too deep into the labyrinth, the danger level is low, and you don’t have to worry about the natives. There aren’t many places better than here.”

My colleague is right.

It was scary because all the natives were dead, but there was no need to pay attention to them. After all, they were dead people who had lost their senses.

Certainly, the labyrinth was a good hunting ground, as long as one knew how to keep a proper line.

“Still, honestly, it makes me a little angry.”

“what?”

“You children of the Balanced Scales. Why are you charging admission to the labyrinth?

A man looks up at the massive structure with a look of discontent.

At the center of the structure, which is so wide that it could be called a palace.

The golden scale mark was clearly visible.

“So you only charge an entrance fee? You also throw away the price of items, and then you sell those items at a higher price on another floor! Aren’t you just some thieving bastards?”

“There’s nothing we can do. Even the famous clans are complaining, so what can we do?”

It’s annoying, but my colleague is right.

There was nothing good to be gained from the balance of the scales and the sledgehammer that was the head of the floor dealers, or rather, the floor dealers.

“But you have to eat in moderation! The more I think about it, the more pissed I get… … .”

“Shhh! Shhh!”

His colleague hurriedly stopped him, nodding to the side.

Thud, thud-

Two men wearing golden scales on their shoulders pass by them.

Only then does the colleague breathe a sigh of relief and say:

“Please, watch your mouth. What if you get caught by them? You know that if that happens, it’ll be hard to do anything!”

Carrying the scales and the scepter of balance does not mean becoming enemies with just one clan.

It meant turning the floor dealers and all clans that were ruling the national level into enemies based on the ‘Ruler’s Agreement’.

And the fate of those who escaped their sight was usually threefold.

Die, leave to find unknown territory yet to be discovered, or submit.

“… … Okay. I’ll be careful.”

“Yeah, let’s be careful. I’ve seen a lot of people die from talking nonsense. We shouldn’t end up like that… … .”

Suddenly, the eyes of the coworker who had been nagging me widened.

The man asks, seeming puzzled.

“what’s the matter?”

“Look over there, look over there… … .”

“Why? What is that… … .”

Gooooooooooo-

A giant dragon is flying in the sky, flapping its wings.

“Hey, Dragon Knight… … .”

And that wasn’t all.

Lovey …

A flash of lightning ripped through the sky in an instant.

“I, that’s… isn’t it a brainwashing? Huh… … .”

Plus, there are the Ice Magician, the Magic Spearman, and the Death Knight.

The rulers were all going to the home of the balance of scales.

“… … What on earth is going on?”