Pick Me Up!

Chapter 80: Continuing (2) (2)

[Both parties, gather in the square!]

Iselles voice, calling both parties, echoed.

Another meeting, just like yesterday. It seemed like we were intent on circling the 18th floor like we did before.

We dont have much time left until the climb.

I stood up from my chair.

The crumpled cup was back to normal. 

Velkist stood up as well.

When the second party reaches an appropriate level, well head there immediately. Be prepared so you wont regret it.

You should be careful too, Sumbae. It would be troublesome if you got caught up with me.

I like your confidence.

I chuckled and drew my sword from its sheath.

Eloka had gone into the magic library. She was looking for books related to casting.

That night.

[Skill Awakening!]

[Han ()s Basic Swordsmanship has reached Lv.8!]

I broke through to weapon skill level 8.

Preparations for the ascent had been steadily progressing even while I was training.

The equipment created this time was a D+ ranked leather armor. Considering the level of materials, it was quite a good grade. Several sets of leather armor were made and distributed between the first and second parties. In addition, Anytng steadily produced consumables like throwing daggers, antidotes, and healing potions.

Useful talent had also been coming up to the second floor.

First, there was a pharmacist who could make healing potions. She was assigned to the magic library.

Next, Dica, the guy who became an instructor, returned to the second floor. Dica came to me, since I recommended him as an instructor, and repeatedly bowed in gratitude. Besides that, a few assistants from the support group were mixed in.

The third party had also begun full-fledged activities.

The third party was progressing with a steep pace that surpassed the second party.

It was a necessary step. There was a possibility that we would need up to three parties for the 20th-floor challenge. After this challenge was over, it seemed that they would join the second floor as an official party rather than just a gathering of promising talents for the second party.

Hes preparing seriously for the 20th floor.

The 20th floor is tough.

Anyone who had seen the strategy I sent would know that.

Ive had my fair share of struggles on the 20th floor as well. Ive experienced exactly three total party wipes. But here, I couldnt afford a single failure, not on the 20th floor, nor on any future missions.

I knew just how absurd this condition was, but I had no intention of giving up.

I would use everything at my disposal.

And I would survive and return to Earth.

That had been my unchanged goal ever since I came here.

Whatever happens.

I closed the file.

Inside the file were records of boss types and various patterns for the boss battles. We couldnt know exactly which one would appear, but most of the strategies were memorized.

I looked up at the sky.

The sky was shrouded in a pale darkness.

A time when everyone was asleep. It was already the deep hours of the early morning, past midnight.

The competition would likely start tomorrow.

The leveling up for both parties has been completed since yesterday.

The distribution of enhanced equipment was also finished. 

Everyone has been noticed.

Its good because the timing is obvious.

I chuckled lightly.

I had done the same thing when I was a master. It was a signal of preparation before the strategy.

Then the next day,

The heroes would prepare on their own.

In the morning, I spoke to the people gathered in the dining hall.

Theres no training today. Wait until evening. Dont waste your strength recklessly.

All members of the first and second parties were present in the dining hall.

If there are any anomalies, report them. If youre too scared to go out, for whatever reason, then Ill actively try to speak up to the master.

Are you trying to get us synthesized?

Velkist laughed.

Caught ya?

I dont think its a joke.

Edis responded.

Second party, are you ready?

I looked at Edis and said. Behind her, members of the second party, including Roderick and Aaron, were seated.

Were pretty much ready. It seems like we can participate.

This time, youll also participate. Its different from the 15th floor.

We know.

And even though theyre not here, maybe even the third party.

I looked around at the heroes.

Master will take some time to connect. If theres anything left undone, do it. Write a will or whatever. For those who write wills, Ill personally tear them up if you die.

Do you think well be able to return safely from this mission?

Edis said to me with uncertainty in her eyes. I smirked.

Only if we do your job properly.

I stood up from my seat.

As a signal, people began to get up one by one and disperse. Some headed to the kitchen to order something delicious, while others went toward their lodgings. A group headed to the lounge as well. Amidst all this, some were writing wills.

Are you really going to write a will?

Dont pay attention to it, Eloka stuck out her tongue.

Eloka quickly folded the paper and headed to her room. It seemed like she intended to finish writing it in her room. The dining hall emptied out in less than a minute. I spoke to Aaron, who had been sitting quietly.

Make sure I dont break my promise.

Aaron smiled and placed his spear in his hand.

I have absolutely no intention of dying.

Good to hear.

Where are you going, hyungnim?

Im going to take a nap.

Of course, I had no plans to do anything leisurely.

I was planning to go through the data once more in my room, until Anytng connected.

The 20th floor was right in front of us.

I'm currently Translating the following novels: Pick Me Up! | A Frontline Soldier Awakened as a Gamer In The War! | The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!