Sun Mage Tower — Part 2
A strangely shaped tower.
That was my first impression upon seeing the Sun Mage Tower.
“Is that… a tower?”
“Yes. Quite unusual, isn’t it?”
It looked more like a floating sphere than a tower.
A massive golden orb, floating mid-air, seemingly supported by some kind of anti-gravity or levitation magic.
The golden sphere was enormous—easily hundreds of meters in diameter—and encircled by red magical arrays rotating around it like Saturn’s rings.
It looked like an artistic attempt to recreate the sun.
“They must’ve spent a fortune on this. Even the Superhuman Tower isn’t on this level.”
“That’s just how mages are. The other mage towers are just as extravagant.”
“How do they keep it floating like that?”
“What? Haha, it’s not actually floating.”
“Then…?”
“You’ll see when we get closer.”
Manager Choi accelerated, and the luxury sedan sped down the road.
As we approached a certain distance, the true form of the tower revealed itself.
It looked like a giant desk fan.
It turned out that the golden orb was held up by a sharp, cone-shaped pillar.
The structure reminded me of the Hanbit Tower from my original world.
I clicked my tongue inwardly.
“Is it using some kind of perception distortion magic?”
“Yes. They combined it with invisibility magic and a few other effects, but I don’t know the exact details.”
“That’s an obscene waste of money.”
“Well, you know how mages are with their need to show off. They’d rather die than look less impressive. Plus, there’s competition between the Four Great Towers.”
Now I was curious about what the other mage towers looked like.
I’d have to visit them someday if I had the chance.
Our car finally reached the tower’s main entrance.
Instead of guards, robotic golems stood watch.
The golems looked like medieval knights.
The axe in their hands burned with magical flames, and on the opposite arm, a small missile launcher gleamed with explosive spells.
A golem approached and emitted a laser from its eyes.
Soon, a mechanical voice echoed out.
[Vehicle Number ABCD-, carrying Level 3 Superhuman Warrior Kim and his escort. Purpose of visit: cooperation with mage tower research. Destination: Research Department. Verification complete. Welcome to the Sun Mage Tower, Warrior Kim. May your visit be fruitful.]
With a low hum, the gate opened, and a magical road extended over the cliff before us.
The Sun Mage Tower had been built atop a cliff, with the surrounding area dug out to create a steep drop.
“Is all of this really necessary?”
“A remnant from the World War. Back then, it was an era of everyone fighting against everyone else. Even on this narrow peninsula, the battles were brutal.”
True, World War I and II in this world had played out very differently from those in my original world.
Before I had time to dwell on these thoughts, we arrived at the Sun Mage Tower.
A magical spirit appeared, floating in front of us to guide our way.
[Welcome, Warrior Kim. Head Researcher Yoo Myungseok is waiting for you.]
“What about the car?”
[Please leave the keys inside, and we will take care of it.]
We exited the car.
The magical spirit shot a soft beam at both of us and the car.
A magic circle formed beneath our feet, and the car drove off on its own toward the parking area.
The magic circle lifted us into the air, guiding us into the tower.
You could call it a magical platform.
As expected from a mage tower, they were on the cutting edge of technology.
Even compared to what I’d seen in Seoul, this was advanced.
“You’ve arrived!”
Upon reaching the research department, a mage was already waiting to greet me.
An elderly man, with hair as white as snow, looking to be in his seventies.
But the subtle mana radiating from him was no joke.
Likely a Level 6.
He was the head researcher overseeing the Supreme Flame project.
I bowed respectfully to the head researcher.
“Thank you for the invitation. I am Warrior Kim, Level 3 Superhuman.”
“Haha, I’ve heard much about you. Not only did you survive the dreaded Curse of the Black Flame, but you also defeated that thunderous Cat Knight in single combat. And on top of that, you’re the world’s only bearer of the Black Flame.”
“You flatter me. I’ve heard of you as well, Mage Yoo Myungseok.”
“Oh? You know of me?”
“Of course. You’re the creator of the Sunfire and the apprentice of the Tower Master himself.”
“To think you know this man’s reputation… Warrior Kim, your network must be quite impressive.”
The head researcher chuckled, pleased.
In reality, I’d only remembered his name after hearing it from the magical spirit.
“Come, let’s get started. There’s much to do.”
“All I need to do is demonstrate the Black Flame, right?”
“Indeed. However, due to its nature, capturing data on Black Flame can be challenging. As you know, holy power and magic are often at odds.”
“Ah, so it doesn’t show up well on magical measurements?”
“You’re absolutely correct. I’m not sure we’ll be able to finish this today.”
“I came prepared to stay a few days, so don’t worry about it.”
“That’s very generous of you.”
The head researcher led me deep into the research department.
Since it was uncertain when we’d be finished, Manager Choi left, and I proceeded alone.
The facility was a mix of magical circles and scientific labs.
Screens on the walls displayed complex data in constant motion, and magical spirits flitted about, analyzing research material.
While I watched the activity, the head researcher excused himself briefly.
“Warrior Kim, would you mind waiting here for a moment? I need to make a few preparations.”
“Of course. Take your time; I’ll be here.”
“Thank you. In the meantime, feel free to introduce yourself to my assistants, and we’ll begin with some basic measurements.”
The head researcher’s assistants remained behind.
Despite their title, they weren’t to be underestimated.
Though called “assistants,” they held titles like senior researcher or lead researcher, and their levels ranged from 3 to 5.
One of them, a Level 5 mage—a man in his late twenties—extended his hand to me.
“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Senior Researcher Park Hyungjoo.”
“Warrior Kim. Pleased to meet you.”
“Shall we get started right away?”
He regarded me with a dispassionate gaze.
The kind of look one might give to a rock by the roadside.
Quite the contrast from the friendly demeanor of the head researcher.
But it was understandable.
He was higher level than I was.
And not only that, he was a mage Superhuman.
In this world, levels are king, and warriors and mages generally don’t get along well. After all, we’re natural counters to each other.
“Sure.”
It didn’t bother me.
I’d only be dealing with them for a few days, anyway.
All I needed to do was charm the head researcher enough to secure the Sunfire, and I’d be done here.
I followed the senior researcher to the measurement device.
A multi-focus three-dimensional magic circle took up the space.
At its center stood a glass chamber—a measurement apparatus.
I’d seen something like this before.
A strange sense of familiarity hit me.
‘An ultra-precise measurement device!’
In the game, this device only appeared as a single illustration.
According to the lore, characters obtained through gacha would bring back the measurement data from this device.
The summarized results were what you saw on character cards.
Everything about the character was listed there.
Height, weight, blood type, personality, starting traits, and even some hidden secrets.
I didn’t know if the ultra-precise measurement device in this world was exactly the same as in the game.
But one thing was certain.
It would be able to read all my traits and my growth potential.
Perhaps even… my Trait Swap ability.
There was no way I could enter that thing.
“You’re planning to use that on me?”
“Yes. It’s for preliminary measurements. It’s necessary for the Black Flame research to gather data on how it manifests and why it appears.”
It sounded plausible.
But all of that… for a mere membership card?
Like hell I’d do it!
I folded my arms and spoke bluntly.
“I refuse.”
“Alright, then please step insi—wait, what?”
“I said, I refuse. Bring out the contract. Does it mention anything about ultra-precise measurements? I agreed to demonstrate the Black Flame and cooperate with the research, nothing more. I never consented to ultra-precise measurements.”
“It’s a necessary procedure for the Black Flame research.”
“Then let’s call it off. I’ll be on my way.”
Who do they think they’re fooling?
The senior mage’s face remained impassive, but deep in his eyes, I caught a glimmer of anxiety.
It stank. Badly.
Whether it was the head researcher or someone else behind it, someone here was clearly after my information.
The senior mage quickly waved his hands in protest.
“Warrior Kim, I think you’re misunderstanding. This is a necessary procedure. Without a full understanding of your abilities, we can’t properly analyze the Black Flame.”
“Then you should have put that in the contract beforehand, shouldn’t you?”
“I apologize for the oversight in the contract wording. But breaking the contract over this is excessive, don’t you think? I’ll personally compensate you—let’s not make a scene over this…”
“We need to stick to the contract, as agreed! If we’re not following the contract, what’s the point of having one? If you’re changing the terms now, what’s to stop you from changing them again later? Can you take responsibility for that? Where’s the head researcher? Huh?”
I raised my voice on purpose.
With my warrior’s enhanced lungs, I didn’t need any special traits to project my voice; it resonated throughout the entire research department.
The bustling lab suddenly fell silent.
The senior mage clenched his fists, a faint red flush creeping into his face.
He was furious.
Here I was, someone who wouldn’t stand a chance against him in an official duel, challenging him in his own domain.
But if I didn’t push back hard now, they’d bleed me dry.
I glared, my hand resting casually near the hilt of my holy sword but not drawing it, my arms crossed as I continued to raise my voice.
“What is going on here?”
The head researcher returned just then.
The senior mage stumbled over himself to bow to the head researcher.
“Uh, it’s… Warrior Kim is refusing to undergo the basic measurements.”
“The basic measurements? Why? Warrior Kim, is there a problem?”
“If it were just basic measurements, I’d have no issue. But they’re trying to perform ultra-precise measurements. Am I crazy? Why would I expose everything about myself just because they ask me to?”
I gestured to the device.
Anyone could see it wasn’t an ordinary measurement tool but an ultra-precise one.
The head researcher’s eyebrow shot up dramatically.
Then, without warning, he slapped the senior mage across the face, hard.
A sharp, resounding slap echoed through the lab.
“Park Hyungjoo, you bastard! You’re at it again, aren’t you?”
“Head Researcher, this is a misunderstanding!”
“You little punk! A Level 5, and instead of focusing on your magic research, you’re sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong? Poor Elder Jo, having you as a disciple. Should I cut off your hand this time? If you’re so eager to sell data, why don’t you do the research yourself and gather your own test subjects! How dare you throw dirt on my project? Do you realize there’s only one human on Earth with Black Flame? If this falls apart, will you take responsibility?”
“It’s… It’s not like that!”
“Not like that? Want me to pull up the CCTV? Huh? Should I call for a disciplinary committee in front of Elder Jo?”
“I… I apologize. I let my greed get the better of me.”
The head researcher yelled at him at the top of his lungs.
He definitely had a temper.
No wonder he was a fire-attribute mage.
The senior mage couldn’t hold out any longer. He bent at a 90-degree angle, bowing deeply, his head lowered in submission.
But it seemed the head researcher’s anger hadn’t cooled yet. He grabbed the senior mage’s ID badge and tore it off forcefully.
For a man over seventy, he had surprising strength.
“Get out! You’re no longer a senior researcher, or anything else!”
“Head Researcher!”
“I said, get out!”
The senior mage hesitated for a moment, then received another slap before fleeing.
Even as the one who had instigated this, I was taken aback by the scene.
As I stood there in a daze, the head researcher bowed to me.
“My apologies, Warrior Kim. You shouldn’t have had to witness such a disgraceful display.”
Seeing this elderly man, with his hair completely white, bowing to me made me feel somewhat conflicted.
This man was even older than my late father.
And honestly, watching him slap the senior mage so decisively had helped alleviate some of my anger.
I quickly helped the head researcher up.
“No, no, it’s fine. Please, stand up.”
“It’s all my fault for failing to manage my team properly. I shouldn’t have accepted him as a researcher, even though Elder Jo asked me to… Please forgive my lack of judgment.”
“Really, it’s alright.”
The head researcher reluctantly rose.
Could this all have been an act?
But when I looked into his eyes, they were too clear, almost like a boy’s.
Only guilt and regret shone there.
Even with all the betrayals I’d seen in my life, I could tell his remorse was genuine.
If this was acting, he deserved an award.
“That assistant… he has a history, doesn’t he?”
“Yes. The idiot once got entangled in gambling debts and tried selling off tower secrets. If not for Elder Jo, he would’ve been expelled long ago. He managed to restrain himself for a few years, but now he’s back at it…”
“So, what’s going to happen to him this time?”
“W-Well, about that…”
The head researcher’s pupils trembled, as if shaken by an earthquake.
Loyalty is indeed a powerful thing.
He’d probably slapped the guy more to minimize the fallout than to actually punish him.
Hurriedly, he made a gesture in the air, and his wristwatch began to glow with a magical shimmer.
“As an apology, I’ve upgraded your membership level. I wish I could offer something more substantial, but this is the best I can do.”
“Upgraded membership?”
“Yes. It should come in handy. You’ll be able to receive benefits at our tower’s facilities and partner financial institutions.”
Really?
Not bad.
It’d be useful for buying magical equipment and various materials from the shops.
And switching my banking to the tower’s institution wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
While I mulled over the offer, the head researcher finally mentioned a perk that piqued my interest.
“Oh, and you’ll also have access to our tower’s training facilities.”
“Training facilities? You mean the mage training courses?”
“Oh, you’re familiar with them?”
Of course I was.
There were a few traits you could acquire through the mage training courses.
I’d already secured several, but there were still plenty I hadn’t obtained.
The thought of picking up more traits made my mouth water.
“Of course. I’m well aware. Thank you, I’ll gladly accept.”
“Haha, I’m glad it pleases you.”
The head researcher chuckled heartily, giving me a meaningful look.
He seemed to be suggesting we let this incident rest with this arrangement.
It was a bit disappointing, but I couldn’t push too hard.
I was only a Level 3 Warrior, after all.
If I pushed a bit too far with a mage from one of the Four Great Towers, they could easily bury me in some back alley.
As proof of this, I could feel the hostile gazes from the surrounding staff.
Except for the head researcher, all of them were glaring at me coldly.
“Warrior Kim, shall we proceed?”
“Yes, whenever you’re ready.”
The head researcher personally oversaw the measurements, and everything went smoothly.
Every step was in line with the contract.
After finishing the measurements, I headed straight for the mage training area.
Specifically, the lightning magic training room.
The [Lightning Resistance] trait was within reach.
The final piece among the six elemental resistances. (TL Note: I have no idea. Until now he has adquired Cold, Fire, Water and Earth Resistances. Which means he still lacks Wind)
“What the…?”
“What’s a warrior doing here?”
“Isn’t he the guy from the research department earlier…?”
Had the rumor spread already?
Ignoring the wary stares of the mages, I activated the training program.
That’s when it happened.
Bzzzzzt!
My ring began to vibrate.
A shiver ran down my spine, and the back of my neck tingled.
–TL Notes–
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