How the Regressed Munchkin Chews Up the Tower - H.R.M.C.U.T Chapter 24 (Part 1):

“Hmm.”

Yujin nodded as he gazed at the two blood-soaked *slaves*.

‘As expected, they’re useful.’

The Sword Empress, Ishia, needed no introduction. It wasn’t for nothing that she was ranked as a Tier 0 recruit. Her swordplay was exceptional, almost unbelievable for someone with only a passive skill like 『Basic Swordsmanship [D]』. Though her movements were still rough around the edges, the way she sliced through a Red Goblin’s neck in a single strike was impressive.

‘If she keeps growing like this, she’ll be more than helpful.’

The 64th Floor. Back then, she had faced the Demon Dragon alone, burning herself out in the process. This time, Yujin planned to nurture her to a level far beyond that. He had the ability and knowledge to make it happen.

‘And….’

His gaze shifted.

A boy, panting heavily from exhaustion—Park Jihoo. Already renowned as the War Demon, his combat prowess was remarkable. Skills? None. Traits? None either. All he had was that massive metal gauntlet and sheer grit.

‘This guy’s not bad either.’

Unlike Yujin or Ishia, luck didn’t seem to favor him. Even after leveling up, he hadn’t received any notable rewards. Yet, he relentlessly pummeled Red Goblins to death. Though he tired quickly due to his incomplete growth, each punch he threw was no joke.

‘Like watching a wild beast.’

Both Ishia and Park Jihoo fought instinctively, but they were fundamentally different. Ishia wielded her instincts as a swordmaster, while Park Jihoo’s were akin to a feral beast—mercilessly tearing into any opening the moment it appeared. His movements were unrefined, rough as they come, but…

‘That makes them all the more deadly.’

Yujin was pleased. Finding one of his candidates was already a stroke of luck, but discovering that they were far more valuable than expected? There was no reason not to be satisfied.

‘Still, they’ve got a long way to go.’

For now, their strength was only enough for the 1st Floor, Terra. Even then, it wasn’t perfect. Without Yujin’s help, they would’ve surely fallen to the Red Goblins.

‘How am I supposed to raise these kids?’

Excitement mingled with a sense of daunting responsibility. To mold these fledglings into warriors capable of reaching the top of the Tower and seizing Apocalypse by the ankles…

“Ugh, my back’s gonna break.”

Raising them while pursuing his own growth meant he’d need to move far more relentlessly than in his first run.

“What level are you at?” he asked, turning to Park Jihoo.

“Level 10,” the boy replied.

“Hmm, and you?” Yujin glanced at Ishia.

“Same.”

Level 10. Compared to other players, that was a world apart. Most were likely still stuck at Level 1, with a few exceptional ones barely reaching Level 2. Numerically, their level was five times higher. In terms of actual skill, the gap was even wider. It wasn’t a slow pace by any means, but it wasn’t enough for Yujin.

‘Three waves of Red Goblins, and they’re *still* only Level 10?’

Sharing experience points had stunted Yujin’s own growth as well. He’d only managed to gain one level, barely reaching Level 14.

‘This isn’t enough.’

If he were alone, it might’ve been fine, but with these two burdens in tow, something drastic was needed to keep up.

‘What was the monster on the 1st Floor that gave the most experience?’

The Earth Dragon, of course—the boss monster guarding the 1st Floor’s gate. But its respawn time was a full day. While it offered a lot of experience, it wasn’t efficient.

‘Red Goblins are too few for three people to split, and Sulfur Deer give too little experience.’

He racked his brain. Despite recalling the countless monsters on the 1st Floor, nothing seemed better than the Red Goblin waves.

‘Is this the limit here?’

Objectively, their progress wasn’t slow, but it didn’t meet Yujin’s standards.

“Tch, no helping it.”

If the 1st Floor had no answers, there was only one option left.

“Let’s head up tomorrow.”

“…Up?” Ishia looked up, confused.

“To the 2nd Floor,” Yujin clarified.

“Oh.”

Ishia and Park Jihoo’s eyes widened. The 2nd Floor? Was that even possible?

“We’ve barely been here a day!” Ishia exclaimed.

“I-I heard you need to defeat a boss to go up,” Park Jihoo stammered.

The two glanced nervously at Yujin, their voices cautious. After the brutal day they’d endured under his command, they were understandably wary. If it had been mere torment, they wouldn’t have followed him so obediently. Even Park Jihoo, let alone Ishia, would’ve resisted with everything they had. Their personalities wouldn’t allow them to take abuse lying down. At the very least, they’d have rebelled against Yujin.

But they didn’t. And the reason was simple.

‘It’s helping us grow.’

The hunts they’d done with the shield-bearer, spear-wielder, and healer were child’s play compared to the grueling battles under Yujin’s iron grip. There was no time to celebrate a level-up or think about taking down one more monster. The Red Goblins came in waves filled with murderous intent and madness. Kill one, and two more charged in. Kill two, and four appeared. Hundreds of them, each stronger than the two of them combined. Without Yujin’s intervention, they would’ve died. It wasn’t hunting—it was a desperate fight for survival.

That’s why, despite their battered bodies and spirits, they listened to Yujin’s words.

“No need to worry about that. I’ve already cleared the way,” Yujin said.

“…What?” Ishia blinked, not understanding.

“I took down the Earth Dragon. The path to the 2nd Floor is open. Though, no one else can go up yet.”

Good heavens. It had only been a day since players were summoned to the Tower and arrived on the 1st Floor. And Yujin had already defeated the Earth Dragon, a boss monster?

‘Is that even possible?’

How could he be living in the same time as them? It was unthinkable.

“Anyway, going up will let us level faster than here, so that’s the plan.”

It wasn’t a suggestion—it was a unilateral decision. And so, Ishia and Park Jihoo had no choice but to follow Yujin to the 2nd Floor.

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Dangun

I'm currently Translating the following novels: "Labyrinth Exploration 101" & "The Monarch Who Levels Up by Devouring " If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

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