Chapter 25
As I played around with the cute Nika, an alarm rang.
Checking my phone, it was a text message from the Association. It mentioned benefits for D-rank Awakeners.
Was there something like this before?
Among the numerous benefits, what caught my eye was the housing benefit.
It stated that for Awakeners purchasing their first home, part of the cost would be subsidized.
Have I ever seen such generous support in my life? Absolutely not.
I immediately pressed the call button, and as if they were waiting, they explained the benefits and even sent a link to properties pre-vetted by the Association.
Given the level of support, one suspicion crossed my mind.
“This isn’t voice phishing, is it…?”
“These are benefits exclusively for D-rank Awakeners.”
Though I was doubtful, those doubts disappeared as I browsed the property list sent in the file.
Living in a house like this with my sister…?
As I indulged in happy fantasies, the mention of “first-come, first-served” snapped me back. I quickly shouted the number “3,” which was listed on the property, and the representative said they would reserve it. They also advised visiting the house with an Association staff member to confirm it.
Thanking them, I hung up, but shortly after, another call came in.
“This is a follow-up from the Association. Am I speaking to Han Ji-an?”
“Yes, that’s me.”
“We’ll arrive in front of your house in 10 minutes, so please be ready.”
“W-What? In 10 minutes?!”
Before I could respond further, the call ended. Somehow, the voice sounded familiar.
I couldn’t pinpoint why, but it felt oddly recognizable.
Could this really be a scam? Nika and Lillian said they would come with me, so I quickly got ready and stepped outside, where a black sedan was waiting.
The door opened, and someone I recognized stepped out.
With striking blue hair, it was none other than Cha Mi-rin, the A-rank Awakener I had an unfortunate encounter with inside the Gate.
“It’s been a while, Han Ji-an.”
“O-Oh, yes, it has.”
She stared at me intensely before letting out a sigh and telling me to get in. Was she just going to let what happened last time slide?
“Um… Is that all you have to say?”
“Yes. Now, let’s go.”
Getting into the car, I couldn’t shake the fear of being abducted by the Association. Thankfully, it was just my imagination.
The car sped toward Seongsu-dong, entering an apartment complex overlooking the Han River. We took the elevator up to a spacious unit.
“This is one of the properties supported by the Association. I hope you find it to your liking, Mr. Han.”
“W-Wait, such a nice property…?”
“Since the new director took office, we’ve expanded benefits for ‘promising Awakeners.’ Even non-Awakeners affiliated with the Association receive these basic benefits. Of course, if you join the Association, you can enjoy even more privileges.”
She stared at me pointedly after saying that.
Her gaze seemed to say, “The benefits of joining the Association are beyond imagination. Are you really not going to? How long are you going to hide your strength?”
At that moment, Lillian coughed loudly, startling Cha Mi-rin.
“A-Anyway, let me continue the tour.”
The apartment had three bedrooms and two bathrooms. What stood out the most were the built-in air conditioner, washing machine, and refrigerator, all of which appeared brand new.
They were far superior to the old, worn-out ones in my current place.
“So… is that everything…?”
“If you decide now, I can help finalize the process.”
“I’ll do it! Let’s do it!”
“You can move in immediately. Shall I arrange for a moving company?”
“Yes, please!”
Have things ever progressed so smoothly before?
Everything happened quickly: the moving company arrived, I informed my landlord that I’d be leaving, promised to cover the rent until a new tenant was found, and exchanged well wishes.
From the balcony of my new apartment, I gazed blankly at the view. In the distance, I could see the Han River.
Was this real or a dream?
Pinching my cheek, I felt pain, so it wasn’t a dream.
“This is really real.”
“It’s real.”
Turning around, I saw Lillian smiling brightly.
Finally able to give her a proper room, I told her to pick one she liked, and we could shop for furniture tomorrow. She was thrilled.
“Can I turn it into a lab?!”
“A lab? Sure.”
“Really?! Thank you!”
She hugged me tightly, and I felt the soft sensation of her chest against me. It always left me flustered in moments like this.
As always, Nika came to the rescue.
【What are you doing?】
“S-Sorry!!”
Lillian immediately bowed and apologized. When I told her it was fine, she glanced nervously at Nika and quietly slipped away.
I thought we had gotten closer, but maybe not yet?
Nika, looking upset, burrowed into my arms and began rubbing against me. When I told her she was my favorite, she perked up and started flying around cheerfully.
【I love it! I love it! I love it!】
She was so cute that I hurriedly reached for my phone to record a video. That’s when I noticed several missed calls and countless messages.
【Why aren’t you coming? Why aren’t you coming? Why aren’t you coming?】
【Why aren’t you answering your phone? Why aren’t you answering?】
【Where are you? Where are you? Where are you?】
It was the kind of obsessive messaging you’d expect from a yandere girlfriend.
Now that I think about it, I was so busy today that I didn’t contact my sister.
As I realized that, my sister called again. I had left my phone on silent all day and hadn’t noticed.
“It’s me.”
“Why didn’t you come? Why didn’t you contact me? Who were you with? Who’s the girl?!”
“Dear sister, every time you act like this, it really scares me.”
“Then why didn’t you come?”
“It’s a surprise, so I can’t tell you, but you’ll find out when you’re discharged.”
“What does that even mean?!”
I told my exasperated sister I’d visit her first thing in the morning and bring pudding. Only then did she calm down. Was this my fault somehow…?
As soon as I hung up, a blue notification window appeared.
【Cooldown has reset.】
Was it already time again? Come to think of it, I didn’t visit the Tower today. I should go quickly.
“Random Summon.”
【Congratulations! You have obtained the Housewarming Gift Best 1 Diffuser.】
Is the system spying on my every move and handing out rewards?
How did it even know I moved?!
A shiver ran down my spine as I felt a chill. Nika tilted her head quizzically, but on the other hand, meeting Nika thanks to this system wasn’t such a bad thing.
“Well then, shall we get going?”
【Okay!】
“Enter!”
【You are entering the Tower.】
As we reached the Tower entrance, a scream rang out.
“Kyaaa!”
Looking in the direction of the scream, I saw Lillian staring at me in shock.
…Did I forget to tell her? I did, didn’t I.
I apologized, and she said it was fine as she stood up, dusting herself off. Together, we opened the Tower and stepped inside. A message appeared.
【Would you like to enter the 14th Floor?】
Accept / Decline
“Accept!”
【You are entering the 14th Floor.】
───────────────
【14th Floor Mission: Defeat 100 Flame Golems!】
【Time Limit: Within 1 hour.】
【Restrictions: No AoE magic allowed.】
【Restricted Equipment: Swords, Staves.】
【Restricted Rules: Warrior’s Vow, Mage’s Pride.】
───────────────
Yesterday was a jackpot, but today is clearly a dud.
The 1-hour time limit is manageable, but no swords or staves?
And no AoE magic either? How am I supposed to defeat 100 Flame Golems in an hour?!
To top it off, with Warrior’s Vow and Mage’s Pride… does this mean I’m supposed to win with only my raw strength?
If I weren’t a Summoner, this would’ve been impossible.
…Wait, am I really a Summoner?
The Nika who had been adorably cuddling in my arms began to transform into a terrifying form. She looked even scarier than last time.
Thanks to the growth stones I’ve been feeding her every day, Nika’s appearance changes constantly, growing more fearsome by the day.
One of her fangs dripped saliva onto the ground, which immediately began to melt.
Did she acquire an acid attribute at some point?!
【Eliminate?】
“Yes, please. The Flame Golems don’t drop anything useful anyway.”
【Eliminate!!!!!!!】
A massive roar echoed, and a message popped up.
───────────────
【1 Enemy Defeated.】
───────────────
───────────────
【8 Enemies Defeated.】
───────────────
───────────────
【15 Enemies Defeated.】
───────────────
With a single roar, nearby Flame Golems were shattered to pieces.
Does a roar not count as AoE magic? Well, it was just a roar—who would’ve thought it’d obliterate monsters? Not even the Tower could’ve anticipated this.
Though I wanted to tremble alongside Lillian, who was visibly shaking, I had to maintain my composure as her master.
…But that’s asking too much.
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