I Became the 1st Floor Boss of the Tower - Chapter 192

The aftermath of this so-called “friendly” match was strong. Despite its name, the contest was a clash of pride and a chance to assess each side’s combat prowess.

Ultimately, they had allied with Lostria, but that didn’t mean one party would never betray the other. While the general population believed that the higher-ups would handle things like these, experts had different opinions.

– This set of matches could be considered a demonstration of the Earth’s might.

The panel from China confidently stated their opinions.

– Why do you think so?

The host asked.

– If the Earthlings, considered the weakest among all races, performed at this level, isn’t that a good thing? We won a match at least, didn’t we? Our opponents were from a world developed with magic from the start, and they were all wizards.

– But we barely managed to win that one match.

– That’s because we only had the Chinese challengers participate in the recent matches. I think they did well enough. We can’t say China is weak.

– Then, what do you think about the matches between the Empire and the United States and South Korea?

– I think both the US and South Korea will win one match each due to Jonathan from the US and Lee Shin from South Korea. We can say China, the US, and South Korea are all at the same level.

– Oh, I see.

This was the analysis of a program that analyzed China’s recent match. While many criticized the panel, some Chinese shared the same view. In contrast, Samuel, WCA’s Chairman, who had accurately predicted the outcome, encountered numerous questions during the official press conference.

“You accurately predicted the outcome of China’s previous match. Did you expect everyone except Zhuge Yun to lose?”

“Any predictions for the upcoming US match?”

“Did you think that Zhuge Yun is better than the other four Chinese challengers?”

“What will the score be for the US and the Empire matches?”

Samuel was a bit embarrassed. He had anticipated China’s complete defeat and Tang Zihao’s loss. He had mentioned Zhuge Yun to boost the CCA’s morale, which led to this situation.

‘I mean… I can’t say it’s a bad situation, but…’

Samuel struggled to respond to the questions directed at him. Many had already pointed out that the wizards in the next matches would be stronger than the ones before. So, he found it difficult to confidently assure a victory for the US in the next set of matches.

“I think there will be three wins. I think the U.S. will win 3-2,” Samuel replied.

Since Chairman Samuel accurately predicted the outcome of the previous match, the reporters paid close attention to his predictions.

“The wizards from Lostria are strong. Besides, the ones to come next are even stronger than those who showed up in the matches in China. I won’t make an overconfident judgment this time. I will work hard as the Chairman of the US Challengers Association this time and not as the Chairman of WCA.”

The barrage of questions from the reporters did not end quickly, so Samuel had selectively answered the questions before concluding the press conference.

The day of the second set of matches was approaching.

***

“Mr. Lee Shin, now we have to choose the representative for our country,” said Shin Hyun-Woo, the Deputy Chairman of the South Korean Challengers Association.

‘What should we do…?’

This final set of matches in South Korea had become very important. The US had won the last set of matches with a score of 3-2. Even Lee Shin could not have predicted this outcome, highlighting the US side’s meticulous preparation to counter their opponents effectively.

‘I did not expect Jonathan to have grown this much.’

In Lee Shin’s past life, Jonathan had died while climbing to the 80th floor. However, this time, he had ascended to the 85th floor and even defeated the Empire’s lead wizard. Jonathan truly had the skills to be called the best challenger in the US.

‘Cha Yu-Min was a good stimulant for someone with strong jealousy and competitiveness like Jonathan.’

Jonathan’s growth to this extent was possible because Cha Yu-Min was still alive.

“Individuals from Japan, Turkey, Germany, and France have applied for the representative team,” said Shin Hyun-Woo.

Lee Shin scanned the list that Shin Hyun-Woo had handed over. They were all strong challengers in their own right, but no candidate stood out to Lee Shin.

‘I would have selected Natasha Polly had she applied.’

The German candidate was a skilled individual who had reached the 80th floor, but from what Lee Shin could see, that seemed like this individual’s limit. Lee Shin even thought that there was no need to test their skills. After reviewing the list, Lee Shin could get rid of his hesitation.

“I will make the representative team with just South Korean challengers,” Lee Shin said.

“Sorry? Would that be possible? There are many strong individuals in other countries, though,” Shin Hyun-Woo replied with concern.

Lee Shin could understand Shin Hyun-Woo’s concerns because if only he ended up winning, South Korea would face a backlash similar to China.

‘I can’t let that happen.’

Luckily, South Korea had quite a few exceptional challengers. They were not just promising prospects with bright futures but fully developed challengers.

‘Cha Yu-Min, Baek Kang-Woo, Kim Kang-Won, Shin Ji-Won…’

Lee Shin thought that all of them were already outstanding challengers. Among them, Cha Yu-Min was on a whole other level, but the others were skilled too.

“Could you write down the list, please?” Shin Hyun-Woo asked Lee Shin.

“Yes,” Lee Shin replied.

Hyun-Woo handed him a paper, and he penned down the names on it. The names surprised Shin Hyun-Woo.

“Well, I can see why you chose them, but isn’t Mr. Park Joo-Hyuk kind of…” Shin Hyun-Woo muttered.

“It’s okay,” Lee Shin replied.

Lee Shin’s list comprised Lee Shin, Cha Yu-Min, Baek Kang-Woo, Kim Kang-Won, and Park Joo-Hyuk. Notably, the disparity in skill levels between the others and Park Joo-Hyuk was substantial. However, Lee Shin had a reason for that choice.

“Park Joo-Hyuk needs to face a strong opponent and grow. And this match should provide such an opportunity,” Lee Shin explained.

“But we still have Mr. Baek Hyun and Ms. Park Hye-Won,” Shin Hyun-Woo replied.

“Both of them won’t work. Baek Hyun will not be able to perform well under that kind of pressure, and compared to the two, Park Hye-Won is weaker,” Lee Shin explained.

“If Mr. Park Joo-Hyuk loses, there will be a strong public backlash,” said Shin Hyun-Woo.

“Don’t worry about it. He will win the match,” Lee Shin replied.

***

Robed wizards walked out of the glimmering Gate.

“Is it today?” Ade McNaois asked.

“Yes.”

Ade McNaois, the Leader of the Empire’s number one magical vanguard, adjusted his glasses and looked around. The sight of countless Earthlings staring at the wizards in awe was rather amusing to him.

‘Lee Shin, he said he would participate as a representative.’

The incredible magic control that Lee Shin displayed on the first day underscored his extraordinary skill. Yet, this alone wouldn’t suffice. Undoubtedly, Lee Shin stood as Earth’s mightiest individual. Earth’s combat prowess could have been formidable if several others possessed comparable abilities.

However, based on the previous matches, one could tell that others were ordinary. Lee Shin’s level of skill was a rarity, while the other’s skill level was what made the standard.

“Ade,” Para asked.

“Yes, Mr. Para,” Ade replied.

“In your opinion, how capable is that person named Lee Shin?” Para asked.

“I think he’s just slightly stronger than me,” Ade replied.

Although, in truth, he would not know that without going head-to-head.

“Oh, I see. To think there’s someone stronger than you, Ade. I want to get some insight into his magic,” Para said.

“But don’t go easy on him while you are enjoying yourself,” Ade replied.

“Don’t worry. Even if I’m obsessed with magic, I won’t let it get in the way of the Empire’s fate,” Para said.

“Thank you, Sir,” Ade replied.

Ade smiled with satisfaction as he looked at the elderly wizard before him. Para McMatain, the only Great Wizard of the Empire, had decided to join the match.

“I hope that person named Lee Shin can satisfy my curiosity. Haha.” Para McMatain laughed.

“But, please don’t forget that if the opportunity arises, you must kill him. And if that’s not possible, at least inflict a severe injury,” Ade said to remind him.

“All right, I got it. Stop nagging,” Para McMatain replied with a somewhat displeased look.

The Empire’s wizards advanced into the arena. About a hundred thousand onlookers had congregated in the arena in Daejeon. Some complained about the limited capacity in contrast to China’s, yet this arena was the best choice given South Korea’s options.

Tourists had started flooding the arena a week before the match, and the traffic was severe due to the influx of people from around the world. Sami Harrison had enjoyed her time touring Daejeon, but now was the time to start broadcasting. Her dedicated staff gathered to start broadcasting in front of the arena.

“Hello, ladies and gentlemen! This is Sami Harrison!” greeted Sami, looking highly excited.

She seemed very excited because she had secured exclusive interviews with the South Korean and Lostrian representative teams.

“Let’s go inside the arena now,” said Sami Harrison.

The arena was wide open. Though smaller in scale compared to China’s arena with only one screen, the technological advancement inside the arena was far superior to China’s.

“What you see over here is the ultra-high-level mana suppressor barrier native to South Korea. I want to test its performance, but it’s not operational right now,” Sami Harrison said.

# Do we have a way to test the performance?

# I know, right? What if it fails to block the mana and breaks through to hit Lee Shin?

# Yeah, for real. Everyone is going to die if that happens.

“Oh! Everyone, please don’t worry about that. I heard that the South Korean representative team tested the performance of this barrier, and they guaranteed that it couldn’t be breached. Lee Shin himself vouched for it, so you can feel relieved,” Sami Harrison added after seeing people worried.

# If Lee Shin guaranteed it, then it’s okay.

# Lee Shin said to be at ease? Then I’m at ease!

# Anyway, I wish the match would start soon.

“Now, let’s move on to the interview with the Empire’s wizards,” Sami Harrison said.

Sami headed toward the waiting room of the Empire’s representative team. Most of the wizards seemed to have left, leaving only one wizard.

“Huh…? I’m sure the interview was scheduled for this time…” Sami Harrison looked at the remaining wizard in surprise and then glanced back at the camera.

She had not anticipated this situation either.

# Hahaha.

# It looks like she’s startled.

# Ugh, these magicians! Don’t you know how to keep a promise?

She approached the wizard in the room to request an interview. He seemed quite old.

“Hello. My name is Sami Harrison,” Sami Harrison introduced herself.

“Well, nice to meet you. I’m Para McMatain,” Para McMatain, the Great Wizard, greeted her.

“We scheduled an interview for this time. Where did the others go?” Sami Harrison asked.

“Something urgent came up, so they left their seats momentarily. You can interview me,” Para McMatain said.

“Okay,” Sami Harrison replied.

# What could have happened to make them do that?

# What kind of trick are they up to again?

# I’m feeling uneasy.

Being a professional, Sami Harrison regained her composure and started the interview.

“Which side do you think will win the match this time, Mr. Para?” Sami Harrison asked.

“We will, of course. We have brought fairly strong individuals from the Empire,” Para McMatain replied.

“Oh, I see. Then what’s your prediction for the score?” Sami Harrison asked again.

“5-0. Well… I guess, depending on the situation, we might lose one,” Para McMatain said.

His confident reply made the viewers comment like crazy.

# Did he just say 5-0? Hahaha, is he serious?

# Wow, he is for sure snubbing Earth.

# No, no, he’s belittling Lee Shin, not just us Earthlings. He seriously thinks that Lee Shin would lose? Then, that would be the last day for Earth.

Certain Lee Shin would never lose, the viewers easily dismissed the wizard’s words.

“Then, which challenger are you worried about the most?” Sami Harrison asked.

“I heard that there’s a wizard named Lee Shin. I’d like to experience his magic,” Para McMatain said.

“Oh, I see. Mr. Lee Shin’s magic is truly amazing,” Sami Harrison added.

“People here seem to trust Lee Shin quite a lot, but… magic surpasses one’s imagination. I will teach Lee Shin a lesson today,” Para McMatain said.

# Does this old man want to die quickly?

# He’s out of his mind. Come on!

# You never know. That old wizard might be the Great Wizard if he is going against Lee Shin.

# Isn’t Mr. Lee Shin also a Great Wizard? Even if this old man is a Great Wizard, Lee Shin won’t lose to him.

# Just start the match already.

The Empire’s representative team seemed overconfident. Sami Harrison quickly finished the interview and was about to leave when Para stopped her.

“Are you leaving already?” Para McMatain asked.

“Oh, since the others are not here, I want to end it here,” said Sami Harrison.

“But I mean, if there’s no one else, shouldn’t you interview me for longer?” Para McMatain asked.

“Sorry? Oh… well, I guess I can do that. Should I ask you a few more questions then?” Sami Harrison replied.

Sami Harrison awkwardly laughed and was held back for an additional thirty minutes by him before she could leave.

# It looks like that old man intentionally sent away the other wizards.

# He’s probably thirsty for attention.

# Haha. I felt nervous for nothing. He just wanted more interview time.

# LOOOOL

Sami Harrison headed toward the South Korean representatives’ waiting room. They were all present and waiting for the interview.

“Nice to meet you,” said Sami Harrison.

“Oh, you’re here.”

“Wow… An interview? It feels so awkward.”

“Long time no see, everyone,” said Sami Harrison.

South Korea’s challengers exchanged awkward glances with Sami Harrison. The team consisted of Cha Yu-Min, Baek Kang-Woo, Kim Kang-Won, Park Joo-Hyuk, and Lee Shin as the representatives for this round of matches.

“Let’s start the interview. First, Mr. Cha Yu-Min, you’re revealing yourself to the public after a long time. How do you feel?” Sami Harrison asked.

“Yes, I’m fine. I would like to start by apologizing for worrying everyone.” Cha Yu-Min stood up from his seat and apologized politely.

One of the reasons why Cha Yu-Min was so popular was his personality. He was humble, righteous, and kind. People simply could not dislike someone like him.

“After the incident, I heard you’ve become stronger. What do you think about this match? Do you think you’ll win?” Sami Harrison asked.

“Well… To be honest…” Cha Yu-Min muttered.

A smile appeared on his face.

“I am positive I can not lose,” Cha Yu-Min said.

Viewers cheered at Cha Yu-Min’s confident demeanor as he spoke with a smile. His attitude resonated with his past self, the former best ranker on Earth. If a humble person like him said that they would win, the probability of them winning was high.

“Well then…” Sami Harrison quickly concluded interviews with others and moved on to Lee Shin.

Everyone had been waiting for this moment.

“I have so many things I want to ask you, Mr. Lee Shin, but since you have a match ahead, I will keep things short,” said Sami Harrison.

“Sure, go ahead,” Lee Shin replied.

“Was there a specific reason for assembling a team like this?” Sami Harrison asked.

“Yes, there was,” Lee Shin replied.

“Could you share that reason by any chance?” Sami Harrison asked.

“I can’t reveal it now, but I will explain once the match ends,” Lee Shin replied.

“All right, I understand. How do you see the outcome of this set of matches?” Sami Harrison asked.

“I think it will be 4-1. This is my prediction,” Lee Shin replied.

Sami looked at him with surprise because his response was more specific than she had anticipated.

“Why do you think that?” Sami Harrison asked.

“Well, that’s also a secret,” Lee Shin replied.

“You seem to have quite a lot of secrets. All right then. Do you have any words for the opposing team?” Sami Harrison asked.

“Yes, I do. If they’re watching this, I have a proposal,” Lee Shin said.

“A proposal?” Sami Harrison looked surprised.

“Yes, that’s right,” Lee Shin replied.

Lee Shin’s sudden talk about a proposal drew Sami Harrison’s and the viewers’ attention.

“Since this is the final match, why don’t we make it more interesting? The loser of the match steps down, and the winner continues to fight until they lose,” Lee Shin suggested.

“Are you talking about the Winner’s Match?” Sami Harrison asked to confirm.

“Yes, I’d like to add one more thing,” Lee Shin continued.

Lee Shin looked straight at the camera as if directing his words toward someone beyond it.

“How about we make a bet as wizards? The loser has to grant one wish to the winner.” Lee Shin smirked. “If you want to decline, feel free to do so.”