Chapter 304: Chapter 301: Deep Waters Pool Party

“Well, it’s not too bad.”

Jinhyuk nodded his head as he looked at himself in the mirror.

Sunglasses, a white t-shirt, and denim shorts were his choices of apparel, quickly shopped for just before coming here.

“Wow, Boss. You look awesome?”

“Why don’t you dress up like this more often?”

Undine and Sylphid uttered small words of admiration.

At first, he just thought the department store staff were flattering him with empty compliments.

However, seeing the elemental spirits’ reactions, it seemed they were not entirely just sales talk.

No doubt, the biggest difference was due to his level of physical activity.

Even though he had been working out, there had still been a bit of flab from his long career as a BJ.

But ever since the Tower of Trials became a reality, he had managed to maintain a perfect physique.

His tight muscles, barely visible through the loose fit, and hair styled with wax must have played a part.

That’s when people started coming to the poolside, each in differently styled swimsuits.

The first to appear were Wolyeong and Cheon Yuseong.

“Master, I feel quite vulnerable in these unarmored clothes. Isn’t it somewhat risky? In case of an unforeseen incident, it might be difficult to protect you.”

Wolyeong, dressed only in swim trunks, looked visibly uncomfortable not having his sword with him.

On the other hand, Cheon Yuseong casually pulled out a beer from the cooler and claimed a sunbed.

“Hmm. Well, an occasional change of pace isn’t too bad.”

It’s not like he was at some celebrity photoshoot.

His statue-like appearance was as consistent as ever.

Just lying down and drinking beer he looked picture-perfect.

Then, Ellis, Teresa, and Andria joined the scene.

“Waaaah! Jinhyuk-nim, is this what they call a pool?”

“The weather in Europe has more cloudy days, but Korea seems much nicer. It’s not even cold considering it just snowed.”

Andria wore a white bikini that matched her snow-white hair, while Teresa chose a blue one that complemented her golden locks.

Wow.

In more than one way, they were both remarkable.

Especially Andria, who seemed to be getting used to her gumiho powers, fully manifested her fox ears and nine tails.

Lastly, Ellis, in a black swimsuit, gazed intensely at Teresa and Andria.

“…..”

Ellis poked Jinhyuk’s shoulder.

“Return me to my original form.”

“Why?”

“Quit the chatter and just do it.”

“No way. It consumes too much mana. Stay as you are.”

Snap!

“Cough?”

A clear handprint appeared on Jinhyuk’s back.

Why is she throwing a fit and making a fuss on such a fine day?

‘Such a total child, I swear.’

Jinhyuk clicked his tongue while shaking his head side to side.

Then, the real fun in the water began.

“Moggy! Moooggy!”

Goguma wagged his tail on top of a floating tube.

“Yes! Yes! Going again, Boss. Bigger waves this time!”

Undine energetically created waves in the water, just the right height for enjoyment.

But then.

“If you desire waves, allow me to create them for you.”

Amhwang entered the center of the pool, gathering his inner strength.

Whooosh!

In an instant, a massive wave rose from the end of the pool.

This needs to be stopped immediately.

If left unchecked, this vacation would end before it even began, with the pension potentially being swept away.

“Master.”

Jinhyuk opened his mouth calmly.

“What is it?”

“I’ve heard your martial prowess is unparalleled in the martial world. Truly a well-deserved reputation.”

“Hmmph! Well, it’s not incorrect.”

“So, how about a little wager with me for some light-hearted fun?”

“Huh? A wager with me?”

Amhwang’s eyebrows arched up with a mix of interest and curiosity.

“Of course, it’s all for fun. It’s not like I have any real chance of winning against you.”

“Fine. A bit of entertainment never hurts in such gatherings. What shall the contest be?”

“I heard that supreme experts can move things without touching them.”

“Ah, you speak of Hugongseopmul (虛空攝物). Naturally, I am capable of such a feat.”

“As expected. Your martial skills are truly beyond measure. I’m speechless with admiration today as well.”

Jinhyuk looked as though he was on the verge of tears, even pinching his thigh with his fingernails as if to shed a tear for real.

“Hmmph! Hmph! It seems my disciple does know a thing or two. It’s true, there are few in the martial world who can match me.”

Perfect.

The prey has taken the bait and is now in the box.

“Let’s make it a competition to see who can lift something higher.”

“Watch closely. I shall show you the pinnacle of my inner power.”

Amhwang’s gaze turned sideways, as if searching for something appropriate.

“I have decided.”

“Moggy?”

Goguma started rising slowly into the air, soaring over 10 meters.

To lift something as heavy as Goguma over 10 meters is truly impressive.

Who knows how deep his inner strength goes?

“The penalty shall be training in seclusion with me for the next ten years. There is much I’ll have to teach you.”

Amhwang grinned confidently as if asking if Jinhyuk dared to continue.

But the grin on Jinhyuk’s lips was even more pronounced.

“Now it’s my turn.”

[The unique ability ‘Triple Magic’ has been activated.]

[Levitation magic has been selected.]

“Moggy!”

Goguma smoothly soared higher, easily passing 50 meters above.

“Wait a second!”

Amhwang shouted in panic.

“That’s cheating, isn’t it?! It should be lifted with inner power. If you use another ability you possess, then…”

“I never said I would lift it with inner power, did I?”

“Uhh?”

“I merely said the one who lifts higher wins.”

Why bother with inner strength?

When there’s such a convenient and effective method like magic.

“That, that’s…”

“Just remember, you forgot to buy garlic to go with the meat. Just go straight down the road to get some for us.”

Maybe you could encounter a ten-ton truck along the way—that would be splendid.

A getaway to the northern wilderness and a few days of recuperation would be even better.

***

Several hours passed in this way.

It was only after a lively day that things began to quiet down at dusk.

Of course, the holiday wasn’t over.

It was just beginning.

Sizzle sizzle.

The aroma of grilling meat tantalizingly filled the air.

The highlight of a pension stay, without question, involves feasting.

Or, to put it another way, how scrumptious the meat, vegetables, and alcohol are.

“…..”

“…..”

Eyes met eyes.

Breaths became sharp, and eyes gleamed like prowling beasts, sparks flying between them.

Right then, a piece of meat reached the perfect level of juicy tenderness.

The air shifted abruptly.

Everyone instantly recognized that this was the most delicious piece at that moment.

Cht…

Thwack!

Ratatat!

Chopsticks cut through the air.

Activating their inherent powers to grab the first delicious slice.

A chopstick, which had vanished due to the ‘Shadow Killing’ technique, suddenly re-emerged, seizing the meat.

“I’ll dedicate the first piece to you, Master!”

However…

Using ‘Soul-severing Sword,’ Chuhon Saeyoung snatched the meat away from Wolyeong who had picked it up.

“Huh?”

“Hmph! Figures that’s the extent of the Demon Cult’s skill.”

Then, Amhwang rallied his Heukcheon Mahwanggong (Black Heaven Demon Emperor’s Power).

Dark energy surged along his wooden chopsticks.

“How dare you touch the Demon Cult’s food?”

Ka-boom!

Both the chopstick and the meat disintegrated into dust.

“What are you doing? There’s no grace in that!”

“It’s better to destroy it than to let the righteous faction take it. Especially from a slimy snake like you.”

“What now? You treat precious food so poorly, I might just have to stick the chopsticks through the center of your forehead. There’s a law outside the Tower that says so.”

“How amusing. A righteous faction lackey presumes to discuss the laws of the martial world and even those beyond the Tower? If you’re able, why don’t you just try it?”

Crack!

Amhwang’s muscles swelled as if they were about to burst.

But Chuhon Saeyoung stood firm, returning the intensity blow for blow.

A battle between a sleek Gangnam lady and a hefty, old neighborhood man who had just finished a heavy drink.

Hmm.

‘I’d rather be fighting the Black Goat.’

Jinhyuk pressed his temples with his finger.

Fortunately, Teresa invoked ‘Star’s Blessing’ to protect the remaining meat.

Otherwise, dinner could have turned into an unidentifiable mess of protein molecules.

At that moment…

“Jinhyuk-nim! Here, try this. I wrapped it up for you, hehe!”

Andria offered him a wrap with a bright smile.

She seemed to have put in an effort to learn from Teresa, as it seemed quite nicely done.

“In Korea, it’s traditional to wrap things up for family or friends. Hm. They say for someone you like, you fill it with affection by adding plenty of meat, garlic, rice, kimchi, and so on.”

Teresa relayed fervently from a flashing green search window.

“Thanks. I’ll enjoy it, Andria.”

Even in such times, there are still people who bring a bit of beauty.

Jinhyuk happily accepted the wrap and took a bite.

“Yeah. This is tasty?”

Proportions were spot on. Even included a double serving of meat.

Andria clapped her hands with bliss at the compliment.

Who would guess she’s a boss guarding a level of the Tower?

She’s nothing but pure innocence itself.

“My turn will be special? I tried making it Western-style.”

Teresa handed him her own wrap.

Oh ho! Instead of pork belly, she used sausage with mustard.

Eaten together with rice and fried eggs, it naturally drew out exclamations of delight.

But then…

“Wrapping… Such an interesting culture outside the Tower.”

“To honor my dear disciple, allow me to wrap one specially for you.”

Once more, a curious contest of nerves erupted.

“Chun Gongja. Here. Open wide. Ah-ah~”

“M-Master, please be mindful of your dignity…”

“Oh dear. Are you refusing something offered by your master? I might be so sad… I could die.”

“…All right.”

Cheon Yuseong sighed softly as he received a wrap containing not one, not two, but three pieces of meat.

‘Perhaps I feel a little pity for that thing being under such a master.’

Jinhyuk watched Cheon Yuseong with a sympathetic gaze.

“Phahaha! Poor lad. Righteous ones can never be as hearty.”

Amhwang loaded up burnt meat into a wrap, topped with an abundance of black kimchi.

“A man should eat in two bites, not more. Take it.”

No pity required.

Here resides an even greater monster.

Plus…

“I can’t lose…with the amount of love involved…uh-huh, not at all.”

Muttering to herself, Ellis frantically worked her tiny fingers.

Then she presented something the size of a basketball.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Eat.”

“Huh?”

“Eat it.”

“This?”

“Yes. Everything. Don’t leave a single bite. Got it?”

“….”

At first glance, it looked like a pagoda made entirely of meat, easily ten stories high if not more.

Just the lettuce alone was from thirty heads, and it seemed like she poured the entire rice cooker into it.

It’s hard to tell if this is an offer of a wrap or an assassination attempt; either Buddha would flee from this amount.

‘I need to get to the upper floors…fast.’

I must escape this hell as soon as possible.