The Monarch Who Levels Up by Devouring - M.L.U.B.D Chapter 17 (Part 1):

The clear progress score for the Tower of Babel could be checked even from the outside world.

Every midnight, with a one-day delay, the clear progress of each floor was broadcast to every nation.

The broadcast lists that drew the most attention from people were twofold:

– The competition among the tower’s vanguard.

– The tutorial score.

Among them, the tutorial score garnered the fiercest interest at the start of each month.

“Everyone, the day you’ve been waiting for has arrived.”

A self-proclaimed tutorial analyst.

To viewers, he was known as the “newbie betting guru,” BJ Raccoon, who rubbed his hands together excitedly as soon as the broadcast began.
[T/N: (너구리) means “raccoon” or “raccoon dog,” a playful animal in Korean folklore. The nickname fits his mischievous, gambling-focused persona.
In Korean internet culture, broadcasters (BJs) often use animal-themed or whimsical pseudonyms.
The name likely hints at his personality or style (e.g., sly, humorous, or scrappy, much like the raccoon dog in folklore).]

– Yo, Raccoon.
– Skip the intro and just analyze this batch already.
– Bro, who should we bet on this time?

The moment the broadcast went live, the viewer count skyrocketed.

BJ Raccoon’s main content was tutorial analysis.

When the tutorial stage began, prominent guilds, as part of their promotion, publicly released the stats and equipment of the promising talents they’d entered for that round.

Tutorial analysis content involved comparing the specs of these publicized prospects and predicting who would rank highest.

“This batch is a bit bloodier than usual, you know?”

– Why? Did Hwarang join the fray?
– Didn’t you see the news? Hwarang and Phoenix are clashing.
– There’s also a prospect from Shadow Guild—not a top-three guild, but still famous.
– Nah, who cares.
– Lol, this isn’t an ad.
– Yeah, never heard of them.

BJ Raccoon pulled up the data released by the guilds.

“Whoa, this time it’s Hwarang versus Phoenix.”

– Bro, we literally just said that.
– Raccoon-bai. (LOL, means Raccoon liar)
– Keep dodging and we’re turning this stream off.

“Ahem, Hwarang’s prospect is Player Park Jong-won, and his unique ability is *Master of Armaments*.”

– Master of Armaments?
– Oh, it’s that unique ability that enhances equipment stats.
– I’m a newbie, so I don’t get it. Is that good?
– Lol, baby gamblers everywhere.

The chat split between those shocked by Park Jong-won’s ability and those expressing confusion.

BJ Raccoon smiled with satisfaction.

“According to the Association, it’s an S-rank ability. It enhances the performance of equipped gear.”

– Item stat amplification? Sounds kinda meh.
– This is why newbies can’t keep up. World Rank 105, Judro, has that ability.
– Oil prince incoming~

Before the viewers could overheat again, BJ Raccoon brought up the next set of data.

“Phoenix Guild’s prospect is Oh Ji-Won, and this guy’s got *Ironman*. Damn, everyone’s stacked.”

– Ironman? Isn’t that a 20% stat bonus?
– Insane.
– Another S-rank after Master of Armaments.
– Today’s content isn’t betting—it’s national pride!
– Kyaa, barkeep!
– Raccoon, who’s got the edge in your opinion?

“Hwarang Guild’s Park Jong-won.”

BJ Raccoon answered without hesitation.

[Ironman] was a late-blooming unique ability.

The additional stat points gained per level became more significant at higher levels!

While *Ironman* came with supplementary effects, the opponent was just too tough.

‘Hwarang’s going all-in on this guy.’

A unique item, *Sound Blade*.

On top of that, they’d equipped him with at least [Rare]-grade gear.

All to maximize the effect of Park Jong-won’s unique ability, *Master of Armaments*!

“Ugh, kinda boring. If I had to pick one, it’s Park Jong-won.”

*Drrring—Drrring—*

Right on cue, the alarm set for 11:59 rang.

“One minute left.”

BJ Raccoon and the viewers all waited for midnight.

[AM – 00:00]

The moment midnight struck.

The clear status of each floor of the tower was published online.

BJ Raccoon rubbed his hands together and checked the results.

[Tower of Babel Tutorial – Korea Channel]

[1st Place – Yu Jin-Ho]

…

“My prediction was spot-on, right? Park Jong… huh?”

A flustered BJ Raccoon.

His eyes were met with a result completely different from what he’d expected.

– Yu Jin-Ho?
– Who the hell is that?
– Not even in a guild. Looked it up, nothing.
– A guildless newbie took 1st place? For real?
– Betting gurus in collective tears.

The chat’s fervor surged to a level incomparable to before.

At the same moment.

Not just BJ Raccoon’s stream, but people from all walks of life were stunned as they saw the first-day tutorial results.

The first to act were guild officials.

“First place without the backing of a major guild?”

“Look at the score. It’s insane. This is a historic record!”

“We need to find out who Yu Jin-Ho is, no matter what.”

“A player who outdid Hwarang and Phoenix’s prospects? Our guild has to recruit him.”

Guild officials had compiled more objective metrics than BJ Raccoon’s analysis.

Park Jong-won – 67%

Oh Ji-Won – 32%

Others – 1%

The probability of taking first place on the tutorial’s first day.

The calculations from the Association and various guilds were largely consistent.

The 1% was a figure that existed only in theory.

But that tiny probability had hit the jackpot.

Guilds across the country began tracking Jin-Ho’s movements.

“Secure the CCTV footage first.”

“Age, school, close contacts—find out everything.”

“Scour their SNS from top to bottom!”

The media, having caught wind of the unexpected news, was just as busy.

The three syllables of Yu Jin-Ho set Korea’s night ablaze.

* * *

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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