The Monarch Who Levels Up by Devouring - M.L.U.B.D Chapter 3 (Part 2):

Mana sensitivity was deeply tied to mental strength.

Since Divine Power resides at my crown, strengthening my soul was within reach.

With anticipation, I stimulated the mana within my body.

The mana responded instantly, writhing under my will.

‘0.1 seconds.’

My fist clenched.

Wow.

Several times faster than an average Player.

In my past life, reaching this level had taken years.

‘I’ll save so much time.’

Gaia’s Divine Power had supercharged my mana reaction speed!

Mana Sensitivity wouldn’t matter much in the Tower’s lower floors.

But the foundation I built now would create an overwhelming advantage in the higher floors.

An investment for the future.

‘It’ll also help when learning martial arts in the Tower.’

Unlike mana, mastering internal energy was far more complex.

If I obtained martial manuals in the Tower, I could integrate them much faster than before.

‘But what ability does Gaia’s essence grant?’

I opened my Status Window to check the new blessing.

[Blessing of the Primordial Earth Mother]
– Rank: EX
– Type: Passive
– Blessing Tier: 1

The blessing of Gaia, the origin of countless ancient divine lineages, including the Olympians.

Enhances the efficiency of earth-related skills and essences. While standing on solid ground, increases Health and Stamina recovery by 50%.

“Insane.”

The words slipped out before I could stop them.

A constant 50% Health and Stamina recovery boost just for standing on the ground?

And it also boosted earth-related essences without question.

And this was just Tier 1.

‘The Earth Mother Goddess really is on another level.’

Blessings had three tiers.

Tier 1 was the lowest, of course.

To strengthen it, I’d need to accomplish feats worthy of the god’s favor.

In my case, I’d basically stolen it via [Devour].

Zeus’s essence wouldn’t have given me a blessing this powerful.

‘I’ll make full use of this in the Tutorial stage.’

I adjusted my plans.

With Gaia’s blessing, I could afford to be more aggressive.

The Tower’s 0th Floor would open in fifteen days.

I was already looking forward to it.

The moment I lifted my hand from the temple floor—

*RUMBLE—!*

“E-Earthquake!”

“The gods must be angry!”

The ruins began collapsing—a final backlash from [Devour].

People scrambled away from the crumbling temple.

I melted into the crowd, disappearing without a trace.

—

I returned to Korea immediately.

My steps were light—I’d gained something far better than I’d planned.

‘Staying longer would’ve just drained my wallet.’

My military salary and most of my tuition savings had gone into this trip.

My bank account wasn’t empty, but a chill ran down my spine at the thought.

‘Consider it an investment.’

I forced a bitter smile.

Money would be easy to earn once I started climbing the Tower.

A safer bet than stocks or crypto.

Even back in Korea, I didn’t rest.

‘The tutorial starts on the 1st of every month. I’ve still got time.’

Six days left.

I scoured the country for places tied to myths, legends, and folklore.

Buying divine relics would’ve been easier, but my wallet disagreed.

Desperation breeds creativity.

If I couldn’t buy it, I’d find it myself.

“Found it.”

I wiped the sweat from my brow, murmuring in satisfaction.

My efforts had paid off.

A boulder the size of a house, nestled halfway up Jirisan Mountain.

A sweet, honey-like scent wafted from within the black rock—the essence I’d been searching for.

‘Got lucky.’

Placing my hand on the boulder, I activated [Devour].

[You have Devoured the Essence of Mighty Baby Uturi.]
[Essence Rank: Ancient.]
[Devoured Essence: 100%.]
[Skill Acquired: Monstrous Strength.]

[Monstrous Strength]
– Rank: ★★★
– Type: Active
– Effect: Strikes with 300% of the user’s Strength stat. (Weapon attack power is not included in skill multiplier.)

Mighty Baby Uturi—a legendary child warrior from Korean folklore.

A 3-star skill?

Worth the climb.

I clenched my fist.

* * *

November 1st – The Day of Reckoning.

Dawn broke on the first day of November.

The day of battle.

With my stats far beyond my past self, the tutorial didn’t worry me.

Entry started at 10 AM, so I headed to Jamsil early.

Korea’s Tower of Babel stood three kilometers south of Jamsil Bridge.

The area around the Tower was packed.

“Protective barriers certified by the Player Association, only 3 million won!”
“Essential Tutorial items! Heat-edged daggers with built-in cooking skills! 5 million won!”
“Cheap, cheap! You’ll regret not buying this in the Tutorial!”

Merchants hawk their wares with the determination to fleece every newbie’s wallet.

“Oppa, you have to come back alive from the Tower of Babel!”
“Pungnam Middle School Class of ’45, Kim Nam-joon, fighting!”

Families and friends had come to see off the Players entering the Tower.

Not an ounce of solemnity in the air—just a festival atmosphere.

As long as the Tower’s synchronization with Earth was below 50%, dying in a mission carried no penalty.

With no fear of death, people treated it like winning the lottery.

A chance at sudden wealth.

Everyone was drunk on dreams.

“Isn’t that Park Jun-seok? A Platinum-rank Player from the Hwarang Guild?”
“There aren’t even 50 Platinum Players in Korea.”

Platinum, huh?

That meant he’d reached Floors 51-60.

[Unranked: Floors 1–10]

[Iron: Floors 11–20]

[Bronze: Floors 21–30]
…

Player ranks changed every 10 floors, with promotion battles at key thresholds.

Since the Tower had appeared a decade ago, Platinum was impressive.

But I didn’t recognize his name.

Meaning he didn’t leave a mark in the distant future.

The ones I remembered were all monsters.

No—only monsters survived what was coming.

If we failed to stop the ancient gods’ invasion, everyone would die.

‘I can only rely on myself.’

Ignoring the crowd, I steadied my mind.

The Tower’s Tutorial.

I mentally reviewed the unique opportunities and essences available only here, steeling my resolve.

[The gates of the Tower of Babel are now open.]
[Those who have received the Tower’s invitation may enter.]

*GRROOOOAAAN—!*

The massive marble gates groaned as they swung open, revealing an abyss-like darkness.

A void that stirred primal fear.

The crowd froze.

I stepped forward, walking past them into the abyss.

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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