Farming in the Tower Alone [EN]: Chapter 351

Sejun raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on his lips. “So, let me be sure I understand. You’re asking if *I*, after Brachio tried to… well, you know… am willing to forgive him?”

Kaiser shifted his weight from one foot to the other, his voice barely a whisper. “-Yes… please?” He risked a quick look at Sejun, then quickly looked away, his dragon eyes darting nervously around.

*Oh, why did I open my big mouth?* Kaiser thought miserably. *This was a terrible idea.*

Sejun’s answer was important. If Sejun said no, Kaiser knew he would face not just Aileen’s cold anger, but Sejun’s disappointment too. And if Sejun was angry, calming Aileen would be impossible. He sighed inwardly. All this trouble… just for a chance to become a VIP at the Yongyong Market. He’d heard whispers among the dragons about the amazing things VIPs could get there – rare fruits, powerful magic items, even… he’d heard… *delicious* snacks. The thought of those benefits had been too tempting to ignore.

“Of course,” Sejun said, a thoughtful look on his face. “I believe in forgiveness.”

*Fortunately for Kaiser,* Sejun thought, *it’s also much safer to keep Brachio close, in a way. A dragon sent away angry could be more trouble later.* It was better to make a deal, to have Brachio agree not to cause harm again.

“-Really?!” Kaiser’s voice jumped up, full of sudden hope. He could hardly believe his ears!

Sejun chuckled softly. “But forgiveness isn’t free, Kaiser. I did almost lose my life, after all. There has to be… a small price.”

“-Of course, of course! Anything! Name it! What is the value of our precious Sejun’s life?” Kaiser asked eagerly, all his earlier worry gone.

“Five hundred billion Topcoins,” Sejun said, his voice calm as if he were ordering a cup of tea. He knew his worth had gone up recently.

“-Five hundred… *billion*?!” Kaiser repeated, his voice a little shaky now. “Okay! But… but if I get Brachio to agree, you *will* make me a Yongyong Market VIP, right? Promise?” This time, there was no hint of asking; it was almost a demand. He really, *really* wanted that VIP status.

*Wow,* Sejun thought, a little surprised by Kaiser’s reaction. *This VIP thing is more popular than I thought. Maybe I should tell them about VVIP and Platinum later… or maybe not, if it makes them this crazy.* He imagined the chaos if he refused Kaiser now, even jokingly. It was better to agree.

“Of course, Kaiser,” Sejun said with a nod.

“-Wonderful! Hahaha! Just wait here!” Kaiser vanished in a flash to speak to Brachio.

Moments later, Kaiser’s voice boomed again, though sounding slightly different, deeper, like it was coming from the statue itself. “-Sejun, Brachio says he doesn’t have 500 billion Topcoins… but how about these?” Suddenly, the black dragon statue opened its mouth, and instead of fire, it spat out a shower of glowing green orbs, each about the size of a large grape. They landed with soft *clunks* on the ground before Sejun.

*Clunk.* One of the green orbs rolled slightly as Sejun picked it up. It felt cool and smooth in his hand, pulsing with a faint, inner light. He focused on it, and words appeared in his mind:

\[>Authority: Extra Life> can absorb the life force contained in this green life orb.]

\[Would you like to absorb it?]

“Not yet,” Sejun murmured to himself. He wanted to be sure of the deal first. But he now knew he *could* take the life force. Intrigued, he examined the orb more closely.

\[Green Life Orb]

*An orb formed from the pure, overflowing life force of the Green Tower. It holds within it the immense vitality of that tower.*

*Usage Restriction: Stamina 1500 or higher, Mana 1500 or higher*

*Grade: SS*

Sejun could feel the power radiating from the orb. It felt… alive. He guessed it held about three times the life force of the orb he’d gotten from the Mantis Queen. *The Green Tower must be bursting with life,* he realized. That explained Ophelia’s tasteless crops. *Too much life force! Over-nourished!*

“Kaiser,” Sejun called out, a smile spreading across his face. “We have a deal.”

“Hahaha! Excellent! I knew you’d see reason!” Kaiser’s voice was full of triumph. He seemed to puff out his chest, even as a statue. He practically vibrated with excitement as he waited for Sejun to confirm the VIP status.

“Very well,” Sejun announced, his voice clear and strong. “From this moment, for the next thirty days, Kaiser is a VIP member of the Yongyong Market.”

“-Hahahaha! VIP Kaiser! That’s me!” Kaiser roared with laughter, already imagining the envious looks of the other dragons. He shot off like a green comet, eager to spread the news of his prestigious new status.

Just as the echo of Kaiser’s laughter faded, Aileen’s voice echoed in Sejun’s mind, a touch of playful demand in her tone. \[The Tower Administrator says she wants to be a Yongyong Market VIP too!]

Sejun smiled, but shook his head. “Aileen, my dear friend, no.”

\[The Tower Administrator is… disappointed.] He could almost hear a pout in her mental voice.

“But Aileen,” Sejun explained gently, “you are not just a customer. You are an executive! You *run* the Yongyong Market with me. VIP is for customers. We are… a team.”

\[The Tower Administrator… nods slowly, agreeing with your words.] He could sense her thoughtful agreement. \[The Tower Administrator wishes to emphasize… strongly… that you and she are indeed… a team.] This time, there was a warmth in her mental voice, a feeling of closeness.

Once his conversation with Aileen was done, Sejun held the Green Life Orb in his palm. “Absorb,” he commanded softly.

Instantly, a rush of warm, green energy flowed from the orb into his hand. He could feel it tingling, filling him with a sense of vitality. The orb in his hand seemed to shrink, the green light fading until it vanished completely.

\[>Authority: Extra Life> absorbs the life force contained in the Green Life Orb.]

\[The Life Orb is 100% complete.]

\[One Life Orb of >Authority: Extra Life> has been filled.]

\[The Life Orb is 100% complete.]

\[Two Life Orbs of >Authority: Extra Life> have been filled.]

\[The Life Orb is now 23.5% filled.]

Sejun blinked, surprised. Two full Life Orbs! He’d gained two extra lives from just one Green Life Orb! A wide grin spread across his face. “Hehehe,” he chuckled, a sound of pure delight. This was wonderful news, especially considering how slowly the Life Orb usually filled – only 0.2% each day.

Deep beneath the Land of the Tower, in the dark earth where the roots of the nine towers, and even the mysterious tenth, intertwined, Fire Flower was hard at work.

\[It’s tough… but let’s try a little harder!] Her mental voice was small and weary, but filled with determination. With a groan that seemed to rumble through the very ground, she shifted her enormous roots. They were like thick, living cables, reaching out to different towers.

From the Red Tower, her roots drew in fiery energy, sending it flowing towards the Blue Tower. From the Green Tower, they pulled in vibrant life force, directing it to the Brown Tower, which was slowly withering, starved of vitality. At the Purple Tower, her roots worked like filters, drawing out poison and burning it away with inner fire. The other towers… they had problems even Fire Flower couldn’t fix, but she still stretched her roots towards them, offering what little help she could.

She was holding five towers together, a silent, tireless guardian. \[Hehet. If I do this, Master will be a little more comfortable later, right?] Everything she did was for Sejun.

Around her massive roots, Ents – ancient tree-creatures, far larger and stronger than any seen within the towers – moved slowly, assisting Fire Flower in her task.

But even Fire Flower had her limits. \[Ah… I can’t do it anymore. I need to stop for today! I… I need Master’s touch!] Exhausted, she declared a break. The flow of energy through her roots faltered and stopped. Almost instantly, in the Brown Tower and the Green Tower, things began to worsen. Luckily, the Red, Blue, and Purple Towers were more resilient, thanks to the Flame Beans, the drought-fighting Watermelon, and the cleansing Green Onion.

“Zelga,” Sejun said, smiling warmly at her, “time to go back and grow more of those wonderful watermelons.”

“Yes, Farmer Sejun!” Zelga beamed, clutching the bag of boiled potatoes to her chest like a precious treasure. “And I will enjoy every single one of these!”

\[Reverse summoning the tower farmer Zelga of the Blue Tower.] With a swirl of light, Zelga vanished, returning to her tower and her beloved potato patch.

As Zelga disappeared, Theo let out a long, mournful “Nyaa… what a shame nyaa…” His whiskers drooped. The giant grilled fish was gone, and so was his chance to eat it.

“Don’t worry, Theo,” Sejun chuckled, patting the cat gently. “I promise I’ll grill you another fish later.”

“Puhuhut! Really, Chairman Park?” Theo’s gloom vanished instantly, replaced by bright-eyed excitement. “You promise nyaa?”

“I promise.”

“Puhuhut! Then it’s okay nyaa!” Theo bounced happily. Then, his eyes gleamed with a new idea. “Chairman Park, lend me *this* nyaa!” He pointed a paw at one of the heavy gold bars Sejun had given him before. Theo, with his strange talent for burning wealth, could make it disappear faster than anyone.

“Of course, Theo,” Sejun agreed, amused. “It’s yours to borrow.”

“Puhuhut! Thank you nyaa!” Theo grabbed the gold bar with surprising strength.

*Flash!* In a burst of golden light, Theo ignited the gold. “Puhuhut! Now *I* am the real Golden Cat Theo Park nyaa!” he declared proudly, radiating golden light as the gold vanished in a puff of magical smoke.

“Hmph!” Ajax grumbled, not to be outdone. “I can shine too! Just watch!” He snatched the Light-Bearing Seed he’d been saving for a special occasion and crunched it down. *Crunch!* Instantly, his fur began to glow with a soft, golden light.

*Kkueng!* \[Kkuengi wants to shine too!] Kkuengi whined, looking from Theo’s brilliant glow to Ajax’s softer light with envious eyes.

Sejun chuckled. “Don’t worry, Kkuengi. You might not shine, but you can eat more than anyone.”

*Kkueng! Kkueng!* \[That’s right! Kkuengi *can* eat a lot!] Kkuengi’s tail wagged furiously, his gloomy mood instantly forgotten. Eating was definitely his superpower.

*Squeak!* \[Hey! Too bright! My eyes!] Fenrir suddenly yelped, covering his eyes with his front paws, his sensitive nose wrinkling. Theo and Ajax’s light was clearly bothering him, which only made Kkuengi feel even prouder. *The light is only blinding!* he thought smugly.

Just then, a tiny voice called out, \[Master!] It was Fire Flower, perched on Veronica’s palm, hurrying towards them from across the field.

*Hop!* As she got closer, Fire Flower leaped from Veronica’s hand, landing gently in Sejun’s outstretched palm.

“Fire Flower! You’re back!” Sejun exclaimed, his voice full of warmth. He gently stroked her leaves, noticing they felt a little dry and brittle.

\[Hehet. Yes, Master!] Fire Flower murmured happily, leaning into his touch. After all her hard work, this was the best reward.

\[Warm Touch of the Farmer Lv. 7 is activated.]

\[The leaves of the apple tree are *slightly* healed while being touched.]

Sejun frowned, worried. “Theo,” he said, his voice gentle but concerned, “Fire Flower’s leaves are still dry. Could you… maybe help heal her?”

“Puhuhut! Leave it to the Golden Cat Vice Chairman Theo Park nyaa!” Theo puffed out his chest, his golden fur practically glowing with confidence. *Press. Press.* He began to gently pat Fire Flower’s leaves with his paws, golden light radiating from his touch. Sejun joined in, adding his own gentle warmth.

They worked together for a long time, an hour passing by in a quiet rhythm of healing. But still…

\[Warm Touch of the Farmer Lv. 7 is activated.]

\[The leaves of the apple tree are *slightly* healed while being touched.]

Fire Flower was still not fully recovered. Their combined healing was simply too weak for a being of her immense power.

“What is it, Fire Flower?” Sejun asked softly, noticing her drooping leaves.

\[Hehet. Master, I’m okay now,] she whispered, trying to pull away from his hand, feeling guilty for taking up his time.

“No, no, you’re not okay nyaa!” Theo declared firmly. “The pride of the Golden Cat Vice Chairman Theo will *not* allow it nyaa! Chairman Park, lend me some *real* wealth nyaa!”

“Real wealth?” Sejun raised an eyebrow, but understanding dawned. “Ah, you mean… gold?”

“Yes nyaa! Lots of gold nyaa!”

“Alright,” Sejun agreed, trusting Theo’s strange abilities. *Faba bat!* With a thought, he allowed Theo access to the gold stored in his subspace warehouse.

*Talent: The power of wealth burned as insignificant wealth is now channeled into healing magic instead of attack.*

*Press.* This time, Theo’s golden light blazed even brighter, almost blinding. “Puhuhut! *Now* it’s complete recovery nyaa!” He pressed his brilliantly shining paw onto Fire Flower’s leaves.

Golden light flowed from Theo’s paw, bathing Fire Flower’s branches and leaves in a warm, shimmering glow. The light seemed to seep into her very being.

\[Warm Touch of the Farmer Lv. 7 is activated.]

\[The apple tree has been *completely* healed while being touched.]

\[The apple tree *grows a little* while being touched.]

Fire Flower’s leaves unfurled, vibrant and green once more. And at that moment, a wave of golden light pulsed outwards, briefly illuminating the entire Land of the Tower and the central nine towers in a soft, golden radiance.

\[Hehet. Thank you, Theo,] Fire Flower whispered gratefully, her voice stronger now. She snuggled into Sejun’s hand, feeling completely refreshed and loved.

Moments later, Sejun stepped into his subspace warehouse, ready to gather ingredients for lunch. He stopped dead in his tracks. The corner where he had carefully piled up his gold… was completely empty. Not a single gold bar remained.

“Theo!” Sejun called out, his voice rising in alarm. “Theo, did you… did you burn *all* of it?!”

“Puhuhut! That’s right nyaa!” Theo declared proudly, tail swishing back and forth. “I am the greatest Vice Chairman Theo nyaa! I saved Fire Flower!” He puffed out his chest again, clearly expecting praise. *I am so good at burning wealth nyaa!* he thought smugly.

But Sejun’s face was not showing praise. “Theo,” he said, his voice dangerously quiet, “do you even realize… what you’ve done?”

“Nya?” Theo tilted his head, his golden fur dimming slightly as he sensed Sejun’s tone. “Isn’t it good nyaa? I healed Fire Flower nyaa!”

“Yes, you did a wonderful thing for Fire Flower,” Sejun said, forcing himself to soften his voice. He knew Theo hadn’t meant any harm. “But… that was *all* of our gold, Theo. *All* of it.”

Theo’s eyes widened. “Nya?! All of it nyaa?” He hadn’t realized… he’d just seen gold and burned it, as he always did. “Oh… nyaa…” His ears drooped. “Then… then praise me *extra* quickly nyaa! I need Chairman Park’s praise to feel better nyaa!” He flopped onto Sejun’s lap, presenting his belly with a pleading look. *Please praise me and stroke me nyaa!*

Sejun sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips despite himself. “Okay, Theo,” he said, stroking the cat’s soft fur. “You did a very good job, Theo. You saved Fire Flower.”

Instantly, Theo’s purr rumbled through Sejun’s lap. Kkuengi and Ajax, sensing the petting opportunity, quickly joined in, nudging Sejun’s hands with their heads and showing their bellies too.

*Stroke. Stroke. Stroke.* Sejun’s hands moved back and forth, busily petting the three of them.

*Squeak!* \[Hey! Use *that* hand for *me*! The one that smells like sweet potato jerky!] Fenrir suddenly snapped, glaring at Sejun.

“Alright, alright, Blackie,” Sejun chuckled, reaching for a piece of sweet potato jerky. “Here you go.” He tossed a jerky to Fenrir, quieting the wolf, and continued to stroke the others, a warm feeling spreading through him despite the lost gold.

“You know,” Sejun murmured to himself, a thoughtful smile on his face, “thinking about it… I’m actually glad I didn’t take Topcoins from Brachio.” If he had, Theo would have burned those too, without a second thought.

Just as he finished the thought, a message flashed before his eyes:

\[Overcame misfortune with mental fortitude.]

\[Your soul is filled.]

\[Mentality increased by 5.]

Sejun stared at the message, then burst out laughing, a mix of amusement and exasperation in his voice. “Who are you kidding?!” he exclaimed, shaking his head. *Mental fortitude? After losing all my gold to a cat who just wanted praise? This tower has a strange sense of humor.*