Chapter 475: Ninety-Eighth Floor, Waiting Room (3)

Earth, after the events on the ninety-seventh floor.

[(Tower of Ordeal Special) The End Comes Into View — Where Do We Stand Now?]

As of 3:48 a.m. today, Kwon Su-Hyeok, widely known by the moniker “Light Su-Hyeok,” has successfully cleared the ninety-seventh floor of the Tower of Ordeal.

Based on the observed pattern, he is expected to take a brief respite of a day or two before advancing to the ninety-eighth floor.

Although no official information has been disclosed on Earth, judging by the power displayed by the “gods” appearing in the broadcasted footage and by Kwon Su-Hyeok’s own abilities, the prevailing theory is that the tower’s summit lies at the one-hundredth floor. In other words, the event that once brought immense shock to all of humanity appears to be nearing its end.

Given the countless speculations surrounding the tower, this article will refrain from adding to them. Instead, with only three floors remaining, we aim to shed light on the current state of the world.

What began as a joke similar to the “Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster,” the so-called “Kwon Su-Hyeok Sect” has steadily expanded its influence. Originating in the United States, it now operates websites in more than a hundred countries.

As Kwon Su-Hyeok’s achievements continue and the organization refrains from any cult-like behavior, along with openly disclosing all donations and financial records, the number of followers has continued to rise.

While some join in jest, many genuinely believe that Kwon Su-Hyeok will ascend to become Earth’s god, particularly in light of the surreal circumstances surrounding the Tower of Ordeal.

Meanwhile, the bar where Kwon Su-Hyeok was reportedly seen just before his summoning has become a viral spot, packed daily with visitors.

Countless flower wreaths wishing for his safe return now fill the entrance to the point that the storefront is barely visible. However, the establishment continues to report record-breaking sales. The table where Kwon Su-Hyeok and Ha Hee-Jeong were once seated now requires a waiting time of up to six hours.

In addition, a prominent American CEO publicly announced on social media his wish to collaborate with Kwon Su-Hyeok on a Mars colonization project. Reportedly, he arrived in Korea two weeks ago and has remained there since, awaiting the opportunity.

Tensions are also rising at an international level. Following the commencement of the ninety-first floor, North Korea redeployed the majority of its military forces toward the DMZ.

China and Japan have followed suit, conducting frequent military exercises and positioning their troops near the Korean Peninsula.

Even the United States, which has publicly expressed its alliance with South Korea, is no exception. According to current reports, three of its fleets are now stationed in the nearby Pacific...

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- minji0410: Wait, is that six-hour wait time thing actually real?

- zzamtangzzatang: I’ve been there. It’s not six hours for everyone, though. Just for that table lol. You can get the other seats in like two hours.

- minji0410: Is the food even good?

- zzamtangzzatang: It’s alright. Pretty average. It’s only this famous because of Su-Hyeok.

- ellend: No way, six hours for that one table?? F’real??

- darkhero: Yeah, the owner didn’t even wanna make a big deal out of it at first, saying something like the seating was random. But people kept making such a fuss that he finally had to set up a separate “Light Su-Hyeok table” line.

- phoenix: Lmao 😂

- ADEMO: That’s why people start lining up before dawn. Just to post proof pics later lol.

- pnpm: Are the other countries really strengthening their militaries because of Kwon Su-Hyeok?

- phoenix: I mean, it’s practically confirmed he’s coming back as a god. Of course, they’re on edge.

- tteutteum: Lol even if they’re not saying it outright, you know the big powers’ leaders are losing their minds drafting scenarios right now.

- darkhero: Honestly, I’m more blown away by that Mars project thing. Didn’t even see that coming.

- sikwoosikwoo: 😂 True! If you think about it, with Su-Hyeok’s portals, space travel is totally doable.

- ADEMO: You guys are nuts lol. Su-Hyeok’s out there fighting for his life, and that’s what you’re thinking about?

- zzamtangzzatang: Anyway, I just hope this whole thing wraps up soon. The stock market’s been going crazy, and I can’t trade properly these days.

- AEISA: Maybe that’s because... you’re just bad at trading?

- zzamtangzzatang: Where do you live, huh?

- sonjeol2eok: Congrats, AEISA! You’ve won our giveaway! Please provide your address and phone number 😆

- ADEMO: Lmaooooooo.

***

[22 hours 13 minutes until the rest period ends. Please take a rest.]

A sharp, tearing sound echoed through the wasteland.

The Heart Sword, brimming with lightning, cleaved through the air twenty meters ahead of me. Soulbound landed in the same spot, striking precisely in sync with the Heart Sword. However, though no one was there, the weapon rebounded as if it had collided with a barrier.

Kwon Su-Hyeok rotated his wrist once, using the momentum to launch a horizontal slash through the empty space before him. He was currently simulating a battle in his mind against Kalain and Eternal Feast.

Standing off to the side, Poong-Lyeong watched quietly.

He is... a little different today.

Having spent countless hours by his side, Poong-Lyeong could sense even the smallest shift in Kwon Su-Hyeok’s mental state. It wasn’t a lack of focus. If anything, he was more deeply immersed than ever before.

To Poong-Lyeong, though, he seemed sharper, more on edge, and faintly impatient. It was understandable as the ninety-eighth floor was fast approaching, but that underlying impatience was unlike him.

What is causing it?

Of course, Kwon Su-Hyeok was too seasoned to display such emotions outwardly. His expression was actually brighter than usual. All that betrayed the difference was the slightest edge to his actions. Only Poong-Lyeong, who had been with him long enough to notice the subtlest tremors in the air, could tell.

Soon, Kwon Su-Hyeok sheathed his sword and walked toward Poong-Lyeong with steady confidence.

“Thanks for waiting. Let’s go.”

“No need to thank me. You’ve worked hard.”

Kwon Su-Hyeok rarely accepted assistance during training, leaving Poong-Lyeong with nothing to do but watch. It didn’t ask why its companion seemed restless.

Instead, it shifted the topic. “You seem more cheerful than usual today.”

“Yeah. I actually slept well last night.”

Kwon Su-Hyeok thought back to his rest. Perhaps it was because Ha Hee-Jeong had crossed his mind before he fell asleep, but for the first time in a while, he had managed to drift off peacefully.

He had even laid out initial plans for the ninety-eighth floor. As soon as it started, he would wave his hands, and again, right before it ended. Ha Hee-Jeong would recognize the signal immediately. Smiling faintly at the thought, Kwon Su-Hyeok stepped through the portal.

Behind him, Poong-Lyeong softly asked, “Are you not planning to visit Natalie or Seorden’s Forest this time?”

Kwon Su-Hyeok nodded lightly. “Nope. I don’t think I will.”

There was no real reason not to go, but neither was there a reason to. He simply wanted to remain focused on the present. Then, realizing this was the first time Poong-Lyeong had ever asked such a thing, Kwon Su-Hyeok paused on his way to the bath.

“Why? Did you want to go?”

“

Oh

, I don’t really...” Poong-Lyeong trailed off, unsure of whether it should mention it didn’t care.

In truth, it had brought it up for Kwon Su-Hyeok’s sake. While he was eager to enter the ninety-eighth floor and deliver his greeting to Ha Hee-Jeong as soon as possible, Poong-Lyeong didn’t know that. It only hoped that a visit to Natalie and Seorden's Forest would ease the inexplicable tension it sensed.

“To be honest... yes, I would like to go.”

“Yeah? Then let’s go,” Kwon Su-Hyeok agreed easily.

Perhaps because he had slept well, even the intense training hadn’t left him particularly tired. Since Poong-Lyeong wanted to go, there was no reason to refuse. It wouldn’t break his focus anyway. If anything, it would help him clear his mind.

“Wait here for a bit. I’ll wash up and be right back.”

As Kwon Su-Hyeok turned away, Poong-Lyeong smiled faintly, feeling a quiet sense of pride at being a reliable companion.

***

The rest area’s sunset painted the sky in soft and luminous red pastel hues. The dimming light filtered gently through the dining hall windows. Two days had already passed since Kwon Su-Hyeok had returned to the waiting room. Alexei and Ha Hee-Jeong sat together, sharing a simple dinner.

Ha Hee-Jeong idly prodded at her meat with a fork, prompting Alexei to glance at her with concern.

“Why are you eating so slowly?”

“

Hmmm?

Oh

, no reason.”

“

Hmm.

” Arms crossed, Alexei met her eyes. “What’s up?”

Ever since they had held hands on the plains, Ha Hee-Jeong had seemed better, especially since she had begun watching Kwon Su-Hyeok’s trials again. Despite that, she now appeared listless and deflated whenever the trials paused. Alexei was certain she knew why.

Ha Hee-Jeong couldn’t see him.

“It’ll start again soon. Eat up. You’ll need your strength if you plan to keep watching.”

By “watching,” she meant continuing to observe Kwon Su-Hyeok’s trial without a second of sleep. Sitting still and staring at someone for hours would be tedious, but things were different with him. He was climbing the tower alone on all of their behalfs. Compared to what he was enduring, this was the least they could do. They owed him that much and more.

Ha Hee-Jeong nodded slightly, the corners of her lips barely lifting. Alexei exhaled inwardly.

How did you ever hide it before?

To be honest, Ha Hee-Jeong had never been particularly skilled at concealing her feelings—anyone could read them easily enough. However, the depth of those emotions was something no one could have imagined. To Alexei, it was almost strange that such powerful feelings only surfaced so faintly.

Ugh.

Ha Hee-Jeong had always done her best to suppress her emotions in front of Kwon Su-Hyeok. Alexei didn’t know exactly why, but she could tell that a tangle of sorrow, worry, and fear was consuming Ha Hee-Jeong, even if she hadn’t asked. She could only guess that something profound lay between the two.

At first, she had thought it had to do with Ha Hee-Jeong’s prophetic ability, that perhaps she had foreseen something tragic about his future. When Alexei had gently asked Ha Hee-Jeong, she had simply said her skill no longer worked.

Even so, Alexei continued to wonder.

Perhaps a happy outcome no longer appeared when she activated her skill, or alternatively, she knew the end was near. Whatever the case, everyone in their party agreed on one thing: lately, Ha Hee-Jeong had grown noticeably anxious.

Indeed, ever since the ninety-first floor, she had suffered from frequent stomach spasms. It had never happened before, yet now the pain came suddenly and relentlessly. Neither magic nor her divine spells could soothe it.

It was entirely psychological.

This time was no different. Ha Hee-Jeong suddenly clutched her upper abdomen and winced in pain.

“Again? Your stomach hurts?” Alexei asked in a worried tone.

Before she could finish, however, the dining hall wall flared as it lit up. Instantly, the room erupted with noise.

“

Oh!

It’s Su-Hyeok!”

“It’s starting! Go get everyone!”

The ninety-eighth floor had finally begun.

Ha Hee-Jeong endured the pain as she turned her gaze toward the wall. There stood Kwon Su-Hyeok. The background didn’t even register in her sight. All that existed for her in that moment was Kwon Su-Hyeok’s figure, vivid and clear.

A sense of relief washed over her, easing the tension in her chest. It seemed he had been doing well, even in the waiting room. For some reason she couldn’t explain, his face on the screen began to draw closer than usual. Kwon Su-Hyeok was now filling the entire wall in a close-up, when he suddenly lifted his eyes toward the empty air.

His gaze appeared to be fixed on the invisible camera.

Ha Hee-Jeong felt as if their eyes had met. For an instant, she thought time itself had come to a stop. Kwon Su-Hyeok’s bright smile broke the stillness. Ha Hee-Jeong realized that the smile was deliberate, meant for her.

At that moment, the pain in her chest disappeared. Warmth spread through her heart, carrying away every trace of worry and fear. Amid the commotion of the climbers around her, Ha Hee-Jeong alone wore a calm, radiant smile, unaware of it herself.

Only Alexei, seated across from her, noticed the expression and quietly lifted the corner of her lips in response.