How the Regressed Munchkin Chews Up the Tower - H.R.M.C.U.T Chapter 28 (Part 1):

“Ugh, I’m dying.”

Yujin opened his eyes.

It was morning when he had collapsed onto the bed, but not a single ray of light filtered through the window.

The sun had set.

Forcing his still-creaking body to move, Yujin sat up on the edge of the bed.

“This is gonna take another day, isn’t it?”

One day of rest clearly wasn’t enough to recover.

Who would’ve thought he’d end up wasting time like this?

Compared to his first run, his progress was beyond imagination, but even so, Yujin had no intention of slacking off.

His goal was to clear the Tower of Light as quickly as possible.

Yet here he was, unexpectedly burning through time, and it was enough to make him let out a hollow laugh.

“Well, it was worth it, at least.”

“Kraaaang-!”

Chunbae, clinging to his arm, let out a cry as if in response.

“You think so too, don’t you?”

Yujin stroked Chunbae’s head, then casually slipped his hand into the bear’s mouth.

‘After doing this a few times, I’m kinda getting used to it.’

The gross feeling had mostly faded.

If Chunbae had gagged or something, it would’ve been a different story, but that wasn’t the case, was it?

‘As long as it doesn’t hurt, it’s fine.’

It was undeniably useful, so he figured he could just squint and deal with it.

Glancing at Chunbae, who had its mouth wide open, Yujin finally pulled his hand out.

“Eugh.”

A purple gem the size of a fingernail.

It was an 『Enhancement Stone』.

“Now, what should I use this on to make it a famously good choice?”

First up, the 『Fire Dragon Blade [E]』.

“That’s like putting pearls on a pig.”

It was no different from sinking three billion won into tuning a ten-million-won compact car.

Utter madness.

‘Not a chance.’

Enhancing the 『Fire Dragon Blade [E]』 would only bump it up to a 『Fire Dragon Blade [D]』.

If that was the case, he’d rather sell it to that crazy woman at the Alchemist Guild.

At least he’d get around 10,000 Coins for it.

‘Plus, if the conditions are met, I can enhance it separately.’

So, the 『Fire Dragon Blade [E]』 was a pass.

“Hmm, 『Grace [C]』 is a bit iffy too.”

Enhancing it would make it a B-rank item.

Naturally, that would increase the amount of mana it granted Yujin.

But was it worth using an 『Enhancement Stone』 on?

“Not really.”

It was a waste to use an item so incredible it was called the lottery of the Tower on a mere C-rank item.

What about skills, then?

Yujin currently had three skills.

『Blink [E]』, obtained in the tutorial floor.

『Strike [E]』, acquired upon reaching the 1st Floor.

And 『Leap [D]』, earned as a reward after hunting the Earth Dragon.

The latter two, like the 『Fire Dragon Blade [E]』, weren’t worth considering.

The problem was 『Blink [E]』…

“It’s worth enhancing, for sure.”

If it had been a C-rank skill instead of E-rank, he would’ve chosen 『Blink [E]』 without hesitation.

The advantages that skill provided were just that significant.

But as it stood, it wasn’t enough.

“…Pass.”

Maybe looking at traits would be better.

“No, wait, that’s the only real option to begin with.”

『King of All Arms [S]』.

『Divinely Blessed Body [S]』.

He deliberately excluded 『Unity of Mind and Body [E]』 from consideration.

It was already sufficient as is, and enhancing it wouldn’t likely yield better effects.

The other two, however, were S-rank traits.

In his first run, Yujin hadn’t even seen such things.

He hadn’t even known S-ranks existed.

He’d heard rumors, sure, but he’d dismissed them as mere gossip.

“If I’m enhancing anything, it’s one of these two.”

What would happen if he enhanced an S-rank?

Would it become EX-rank?

Like 『Hourglass of Chronos [EX]』?

Or would it just add another S to the rank?

He didn’t know.

It was uncharted territory.

But one thing was certain: either choice would be a massive upgrade from what he had now.

‘If 『Hourglass of Chronos [EX]』 or 『Lantern of Life [S]』 were active, I’d pick those.’

Unfortunately, that wasn’t an option.

So, he had to choose between the two.

“Ughhh.”

A headache crept in.

A nonexistent decision paralysis tormented his mind endlessly.

『King of All Arms [S]』 allowed him to wield any weapon with mastery.

It had elevated the potential of 『Black Wing [C]』 all the way to 『Black Wing [A]』.

What if he enhanced it further?

‘Could it break past its limits?’

Beyond 『Black Wing [A]』, to 『Black Wing [S]』.

Or even further.

If that happened, 『King of All Arms [S]』 would be the ultimate cheat among cheats.

How many items had he been unable to use properly due to his limitations?

What if he could handle them to their absolute limit, no, beyond that?

He could become far stronger than in his first run.

His heart pounded.

The thought alone was thrilling.

With just a few of the items that came to mind, reaching the 100th floor would become so much easier.

But even so.

Yujin couldn’t bring himself to choose 『King of All Arms [S]』.

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!

•