A Wimp's Strategy Guide to Conquer the Tower

*****

A welcoming banquet was held.

Food and alcohol were laid out, and people exchanged introductions amid noisy chatter—

the 17th floor of the White Tower was overflowing with life.

It felt like a village festival.

Only now did it truly feel like a place where people lived.

But for Juhyeok, worries piled up like mountains.

The living expenses would be enormous.

Even a rough calculation put it at over twenty times the current amount.

‘Still, I’ll just have to earn more.’

He was the head of the White Tower’s 17th floor.

If he was going to feed his family, he had to work even harder from now on.

*****

As the welcoming party gradually wound down,

he decided to first check the ownership-menu achievement rewards.

[Basic] [Layout] [Grant Residency Rights] [Resident List] [Auction House Status Board].

Among these, three new items had been added to the [Basic] menu alone.

Achievements for registering 100 residents, 200 residents, and 300 residents.

Three rewards in total.

So far, the unlocked [Basic] submenus numbered four:

Now, three more had been added.

One of them was—

‘What? A restaurant?’

Construct a large restaurant on the 17th floor of the White Tower. A summoned being with the Chef class is required.

‘So it is a restaurant.’

You could just copy and paste a restaurant and be done with it—why go through all this trouble?

In the kitchen, chefs prepare food using crops produced on the White Tower. Consuming this food permanently increases the stats of summoned beings and ordinary people. Cost: 100 tons of top-grade magic stones. Maintenance cost separate.

...Wow!

Turns out it wasn’t just a simple restaurant.

It was one that permanently increased summoned beings’ stats.

In other words, a buff-food restaurant—a buff restaurant.

‘Hmm. In a way, that makes sense.’

The buffs from the White Tower 17F environment, filled with spiritual energy, divine power, and magic.

On top of that, the base restaurant structure’s buff.

The crop buffs from Douwoo, the LSSR farmer.

And the cooking buffs from the Chef class.

For all those reasons, food made here was basically a panacea.

This had to be built, no question.

The cost was somewhat steep.

100 tons of top-grade magic stones—that’s 100,000 kilograms.

But top-grade magic stones were nothing.

Even with maintenance costs, selling a single smartphone at the auction house would cover it.

The problem was...

‘Do we even have a Chef class?’

A chef was mandatory.

Only then could the restaurant operate.

Juhyeok turned on his tablet and pulled up the summoned-being list.

Scrolling down—

‘There is one.’

Name: Karlus Maron

Rank: SR (Super Rare)

Class: Chef

Special Note: Head Chef of a Royal Court General Dining Hall.

Right.

Out of 338 people, how could there not be a chef?

A royal court chef would naturally be skilled at large-scale cooking.

Perfect.

‘I’ll build the restaurant later.’

*****

The second newly added item:

‘A workshop?’

Construct a large comprehensive workshop center on the 17th floor of the White Tower. Facilities include a blacksmith, alchemy laboratory, magitech workshop, and magic enchantment research institute. Summoned beings with appropriate professions are required for each workshop. Cost: 200 tons of top-grade magic stones. Maintenance cost separate.

That’s insane.

It also required 200 tons of top-grade magic stones plus maintenance—

‘Do we have the right professions?’

Alchemy, magitech, and magic enchantment weren’t a concern—but what about blacksmithing?

Checking the list again—

‘It’ll work.’

There were dwarf blacksmiths and miners, human alchemists, and plenty of mages.

‘Let’s build the comprehensive workshop center too.’

The last added item was—

A gate?

Install a bidirectional logistics warp gate on the 17th floor of the White Tower and at a designated external location. Large quantities of goods can be transported in and out through the gate. Living beings cannot pass through. Cost: 300 tons of top-grade magic stones.

‘...Oh!’

Exchanging goods with the outside.

Living creatures excluded.

Currently, this role was handled by Rajiks.

But it was extremely inconvenient.

Go to a specific place, summon him, load the goods, then dismiss him again.

Rajiks already had so much to do.

Warehouse management, supply management for Tower raids...

Even now—

with the increased population, he was spinning around nonstop, cleaning everywhere.

The most expensive—but also the most useful—facility.

This was non-negotiable. It had to be built.

Two warp gates were required:

one inside, one outside.

Installing one inside the White Tower was easy enough.

But outside?

‘I’ll need to find a suitable location.’

Somewhere convenient for exchanging goods.

‘Should I ask CEO Jeong Dong-hun?’

And I should also call Commissioner Jeon Gwang-il.

I have a favor to ask anyway.

First, I need to get my house in order—

then climb the Black Tower’s 100th floor on Earth No. 1001 and achieve a complete conquest.

*****

At the Korean Awakened Management Agency,

Commissioner Jeon Gwang-il was working overtime again.

Work was piled up like mountains.

Countries all over the world were scrambling to offer nuclear weapons to one another.

Without intending to, Korea had become the world’s top nuclear-holding nation.

Of course, the weapons weren’t being given to the state, but to an individual.

The schedule for magic-gun reservations also needed adjusting.

The ammunition stock was nearly depleted.

‘I need to go to the White Tower and get more ammo.’

But these days, Player Bong and Dr. El were so busy—

he wasn’t sure they’d even have time.

Just then—

Bzzzzing!

His smartphone rang.

“Hm?”

It was Player Bong.

He’d been about to contact him anyway.

He answered immediately.

“Player Bong!”

Commissioner, have you been well?

“Hahaha, I’m always doing just fine.”

I just finished clearing the 100th floor.

“...Pardon?”

What was that supposed to mean?

The 100th floor?

Not Earth’s tower.

The highest cleared floor here was 91.

There hadn’t even been a global announcement.

Then—

“Earth No. 675, the parallel universe?”

That’s right. Fully cleared. The 100th floor.

“Ah!”

Let me explain how it happened.

Over the phone, Juhyeok gave a detailed explanation of the entire conquest of the Black Tower’s 100th floor on Earth No. 675.

Jeon Gwang-il could only listen in a daze.

Unbelievable.

A Tower could actually be completely cleared?

They even took over the control room?

Then—

“So you’re saying the Tower can either be erased entirely, or left intact by removing only the collapse deadline?”

That’s right. For now, we decided to keep the 675th Tower.

“Then what about our Earth’s Black Tower...?”

Better to leave it than remove it, right?

“Yes. At least for now.”

A wise decision.

Completely removing it would be premature.

If the Black Tower suddenly vanished, it would cause massive disruption to Earth’s industry and economy.

Especially magic stones.

Earth’s industries were rapidly shifting to rely on magic-stone energy.

If the supply were cut off—

The consequences would be severe.

Top-grade magic stones were practically room-temperature superconductors.

How many projects depended on them?

But if the Tower remained?

They could continue climbing it and mining magic stones without fear of collapse.

We’ll head to our Earth’s Tower next. Full conquest.

“Please take your time... don’t push yourselves too hard.”

What if something happened from rushing?

Climbing the Tower a bit later—what’s the harm?

What matters is Player Bong’s safety.

Oh! I also have a favor to ask.

“Anything at all. I’ll take care of it immediately.”

There will be new people coming to the White Tower.

“Ah! You mean random summoning?”

Yes.

Jeon Gwang-il knew well how Juhyeok summoned people.

“Hahaha, I’m curious who it’ll be this time.”

But the number is a bit large.

“Oh! Do you have skill reset tickets?”

It seemed Player Bong had received a huge number of rewards while climbing Earth No. 675’s Black Tower.

With skill reset tickets, the random summoning skill could be reused.

Three tickets meant three people.

Four meant four.

Ten meant ten.

At most, it would be around ten people.

“In any case, I’ll prepare everything—resident IDs, smartphone activation, bank account setup.”

All of that could be handled quickly.

“How many people should I prepare for?”

Um... 338 people?

“...Pardon?”

What was he talking about?

Was this a joke?

But if it were a joke, 338 people was far too specific a number.

338 people have arrived.

It didn’t sound like a joke.

They’re all inside the White Tower right now.

Don’t worry. They won’t go outside and cause trouble. Most of them will be living only on the 17th floor.

“Th-then... may I come inside and take a look?”

Anytime. I’ll send you the roster. You can greet them too.

“Yes. I’ll wrap things up here and head over as quickly as possible.”

Better to see it with his own eyes.

*****

The 17th floor of the White Tower had originally been a free place with no special rules.

After all, only a handful of people lived there.

But now the situation was different.

338 new family members had arrived.

Rules were needed.

After setting up a stage and installing large speakers—

“Ahem—mic test, ahem! Nice to meet you all.”

Kosak stood on the podium, a gleaming platinum badge pinned proudly to his chest.

“Greetings. I am Bong Summoner’s first summoned being, his longest-serving comrade-in-arms, the Minister of the People’s Armed Forces of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea—ah, scratch that—recognized even by Yama himself, Grim Reaper, shield-wielding terror, Archangel Slayer, Kosak!”

Clap clap clap clap clap!

Thunderous applause erupted.

“I have a few things to tell you all. You’ll be living here for a long, long time. We need to build houses. We plan to construct at least 200 homes.”

Murmurs spread through the newly summoned beings.

Two hundred houses?

When would they build all that?

Were there architects or carpenters here?

They’d need materials too.

Couldn’t they just pitch tents and live like that?

Eh, houses? If you can lie down, that’s already a home—

“Quiet! Silence!”

Kosak raised his voice and restored order.

“You will form groups of two or three roommates per house and decide among yourselves.”

Roommates?

Were they telling them to form households?

“For reference, mixed-gender cohabitation is not permitted. Romantic relationships are prohibited for now. Even cold water has an order to it! Romance will be allowed only after Bong Summoner gets married.”

Well...

The summoned beings nodded in agreement.

“Next, restricted areas. Over there—the Seondo Tree.”

At Kosak’s gesture, all 338 newcomers turned their heads.

“You see those tempting Seondo peaches? Don’t they look delicious? But the day you so much as touch one—you will not escape severe punishment.”

A newcomer raised a hand.

“Go ahead.”

“Um... what kind of punishment...?”

“Expulsion. Permanent expulsion from the White Tower.”

“W-what?”

“Then you’ll live alone in the soul world. Bong Summoner will never summon you again.”

The newcomers’ faces turned pale with terror.

Expelled from here?

There was no one left in the soul world.

Everyone had already left.

Living alone there—death would be preferable.

Other rules followed.

Do not touch Douwoo’s crops without permission.

Do not dirty the White Tower—keep it clean.

In addition:

No stealing, no fighting, no shouting while drunk, treat outsiders warmly, always wear your name tag, and so on.

*****

“Lastly... Bong Summoner’s current simultaneous summon limit is 22 people.”

At the mention of summon slots, the newcomers’ eyes sparkled.

“The usual tower raid team consists of 14 to 16 elite summoned beings. That means there are 6 to 8 open slots.”

Whispers filled the air.

“Do you want to be part of the elite vanguard?”

“Yes!!!”

A thunderous roar answered him.

“Then challenge yourselves! Elite positions are open to everyone.”

A newcomer raised a hand again.

“Are only LSSR ranks eligible?”

Kosak shook his head firmly.

“Absolutely not. Do ranks matter? Look at Rajiks the Dimensional Farmhand over there.”

At the sound of his name, Rajiks paused mid-cleaning.

“Ho-eh!”

Rajiks asserted his presence.

“Our dimensional farmhand has been a core worker beloved by Bong Summoner since his Rare rank days. Except for old man Sisan Bloodsea, Bong Summoner always brought Rajiks along.”

“Ooooooh!”

The newcomers cheered with envy.

They all knew it.

Rajiks hadn’t been a popular summoned being.

But his life turned around.

First pick of the summoner.

Countless tower conquests made possible because of him.

The best worker. The best farmhand.

And he wasn’t the only one.

There were countless summoned beings here who had started from rock bottom.

The barbarian warrior Gobang.

The mad heretic inquisitor Bardin.

The vampire.

Baek Dan-a, who had been unsummonable by nature.

And the defectors.

Even that red wolf—Bloodfang.

How many here could defeat him?

All of them had reached the top with the summoner’s support.

That meant anyone had a chance.

“You can do it too. Use your own strengths—”

*****

At that moment—

Spot!

Someone entered the White Tower.

“Oh! A guest has arrived!”

Kosak pointed excitedly.

“That person is a high-ranking official from Bong Summoner’s homeland, the Republic of Korea! A benefactor who manages tower raids and helps with your nationalities and smartphone registration! Applause!!!”

Clap clap clap clap.

Commissioner Jeon Gwang-il was stunned.

He’d heard in advance, but still—

‘There really are 338 people...?’

These weren’t ordinary people.

They were Bong Player’s summoned beings.

Even the weakest among them would be the strongest if they went to Earth.

But... wasn’t it always like that?

Just a few more people, that’s all.

Still—what a mess this would be.

Issuing resident IDs and activating smartphones for all of them?

‘Another all-nighter, I guess.’

Just then—

Spot!

Another person entered.

“That man is the financial manager who works tirelessly to earn money for the White Tower’s household—CEO Jeong Dong-hun of Rajiks Trading! Please welcome him!”

Clap clap clap clap.

The newcomers applauded politely.

“Thanks to CEO Jeong, we can eat and live. Especially—mages, he is a disciple of Archmage Maeng. Please teach CEO Jeong some useful magic.”

Jeong Dong-hun stood awkwardly, unsure what to do.

He’d heard about this too—but it was still overwhelming.

And then—

Spot!

A third person appeared.

Kosak shouted in excitement.

“Everyone! Stand at attention! An incredible person has arrived!”

Who?

An emperor?

“The man who gave birth to and raised Bong Summoner—Bong Su-cheol, head of the prestigious Bong family! Please welcome him with thunderous applause!”

The summoner’s father?

How could they stay still?

Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!!

Whistles and cheers erupted.

Bong Su-cheol froze for a moment—

Then Spot!

He vanished in a hurry.

“He’s a shy man. Anyway—when outsiders visit, never scare them, greet them with warm smiles—”

*****

That was when—

Rumbleeeee!

The 17th floor of the White Tower suddenly began to shake.

What now?

An earthquake?

No.

From the northern plain of the plaza—

Cha-cha-chak! Cha-chak!

A colossal structure began rising, taking shape.

“It’s Bong Summoner!!!”

Kosak cried out in awe.

“Bong Summoner is building with hand gestures!!!”

That’s right.

He had merely raised his hand.

Yet a massive building rose—and opposite it—

Rumbleeeee!

Another multi-story building emerged.

What was that?

Two buildings erected from nothing in the blink of an eye?

But that was only the beginning.

Cha-cha-chak! Cha-cha-cha-chak!

A straight asphalt road formed.

“Bong Summoner is laying roads!!!”

Kosak screamed at the top of his lungs.

It was real.

A road stretched out across the ground.

And then—

Cha-cha-chak! Cha-cha-chak!

Single-family homes rose on both sides simultaneously.

“Bong Summoner is building houses!!! These are the homes you’ll live in! This is White Tower welfare!!!”

Unbelievable.

Houses too?

How—?

What had been empty wasteland moments ago

now held buildings, homes, and roads.

So this was how it worked?

Then that building earlier too—

The newcomers stood frozen, mouths agape.

They forgot how to speak.

If this wasn’t a miracle—

then what was?