TSOT#1 Chapter 34

The deep water spanned the entire floor. After swimming for a while, the team finally reached the stairs leading to the next level, emerging from the icy depths.

“How did we manage to breathe underwater so freely?” Yeon-joo asked as she pulled a “Dry Powder” item from her inventory and tossed it into the air.

“I used a barrier to create a protective field,” Joo-ah replied, wringing out her drenched hair.

The “Dry Powder” hovered briefly before dispersing with a soft puff, releasing fine white particles. In seconds, their soaked clothes, shoes, and hair returned to their dry state.

“Wow, that’s impressive! No wonder we could move so comfortably,” Yeon-joo said in awe.

A Hunter’s abilities varied greatly depending on their attribute. For Light-attribute Hunters like Joo-ah, they could generate energy tailored to their immediate needs. In this case, her barrier not only shielded them but also provided oxygen to survive underwater.

Chan-hee chuckled lowly as he adjusted his outfit.
“I thought you’d just panic and shake with fear, but you’ve surprised me.”

Joo-ah shrugged lightly, unfazed. Judging by Chan-hee’s earlier reaction, he had been genuinely astonished by her quick thinking and ability to manipulate magic while underwater.

“What floor is this?” Jae-rim asked, scanning their surroundings.

“It looks like the 93rd floor,” Yeon-joo answered, pointing at a faint number etched onto the dark wall near the stairway.

Chan-hee smirked.
“Perfect floor to climb further.”

Before his words even settled, a blue system window materialized before them.

[Bonus Quest Triggered!]

[Retrieve a pearl from the beautiful mermaid living underwater within 15 minutes!]

Success Reward: Teleportation Orb + Special Privilege for the next quest.

Failure Penalty: Death.

Above the water they had just emerged from, a timer appeared, though it hadn’t yet started counting down.

[If you wish to accept the bonus quest, enter the water. Once a single team member enters, the timer will begin.]

Yeon-joo frowned in irritation.
“They could’ve told us earlier! I wasted my last ‘Dry Powder’ for nothing.”

Chan-hee glanced at her, unimpressed.
“If the floor has this much water, a quest like this was obvious.”

He retrieved a large longsword from his inventory and strode toward the water.
“Stay here. I can handle this quest on my own.”

“What?!” Yeon-joo called out, alarmed, but Chan-hee had already dived back into the water. The timer began ticking the moment he disappeared beneath the surface.

Jae-rim, observing the countdown, spoke calmly.
“Let’s give him five minutes. If he doesn’t come back, we’ll go in.”

Yeon-joo sighed deeply, staring at the boundary between air and water. Meanwhile, Joo-ah muttered to herself in disbelief.
“Didn’t he say no solo actions were allowed?”

Her comment, directed at the now-absent Chan-hee, recalled his earlier reprimand about team cohesion when she had wanted to remain on the train. It seemed hypocritical for him to act solo now. However, it was evident from her teammates’ nonchalant reactions that this was a calculated move.

The bonus quest’s rewards were tempting. In addition to the Teleportation Orb, which allowed movement up to 10 floors, the Special Privilege made it particularly valuable. This privilege could enhance their chances of safely navigating the next floor’s challenges, including bypassing bosses.

Joo-ah rubbed her temples, feeling the beginning of a headache. Watching her new team’s approach to climbing the tower only emphasized how different this was from her past experiences.

At the ten-minute mark, Joo-ah stepped forward and began to speak.
“Maybe we should start heading in…”

Her suggestion was cut short by a loud explosion from the water’s center. A circular ripple formed before quickly vanishing.

“Oh? He’s back,” Yeon-joo pointed out as a shadowy figure swam toward them. Moments later, Chan-hee emerged, dragging something in one hand.

“You were cutting it close,” Jae-rim said with a smirk. Chan-hee tossed a pearl onto the ground and shook his hair dry with a casual shrug.
“I told you I could handle it alone.”

[Bonus Quest: Retrieve the Mermaid’s Pearl — Completed!]

Reward: Teleportation Orb received.

Reward: Special Privilege granted for the next quest.

Beside the silver pearl lay the lifeless body of a male mermaid. Yeon-joo retrieved her last “Dry Powder” and used it on Chan-hee, who returned to his pristine state.
“Thanks,” he said with a grin.

Yeon-joo examined the pearl before glancing at Joo-ah.
“Do you want it? It’s valuable, even if it doesn’t boost stats significantly.”

Chan-hee interjected with a mocking tone.
“Of course, give it to our poor D-rank. When else would she get her hands on something like this?”

Joo-ah smiled sweetly.
“I’ll pass, thanks.”

Chan-hee raised a brow, clearly not expecting her response, while Yeon-joo looked puzzled.
“Really? You could sell it for a good price.”

“I already have plenty of money,” Joo-ah replied, her nonchalant tone eliciting a scoff from Chan-hee and a chuckle from Yeon-joo. She promptly stashed the pearl in her inventory.

As Jae-rim prepared the Teleportation Orb, he turned to Joo-ah and extended a hand.
“When using the orb as a team, we need to stay close. It ensures we all arrive at the same destination.”

Joo-ah nodded, placing her hand lightly on his. His large hand enveloped hers firmly. Smiling faintly, Jae-rim asked,
“Aren’t you afraid?”

“Huh?” Joo-ah tilted her head in confusion.

“It’s just… You seem too calm for someone climbing the tower for the first time,” he remarked, his voice quiet but curious.

Joo-ah glanced away briefly before responding, “I’m nervous, but having you all with me gives me confidence.”

Jae-rim’s eyes widened slightly at her unexpected reply. She added with a bright smile, “Besides, our team is among the strongest Hunters. How could I not feel reassured?”

Yeon-joo laughed, giving Joo-ah a thumbs-up.
“That’s right! Trust us, we’ve got your back.”

Chan-hee raised his orb.
“Alright, let’s move.”

The team gathered their orbs, and a soft blue light enveloped them. Joo-ah glanced at Jae-rim, noticing he had yet to activate his orb.

“Hunter Shin Jae-rim?” she called. He snapped out of his thoughts, meeting her gaze with a faint smile as the blue light engulfed them all.