[Max's POV]
This was something I least expected, Codex, available to everyone? That was huge. The Tower is so unfathomable that it had yet to explored fully. To apply something I created just because I was too lazy to name and focus on every skill or technique I used.
The System did say about consequences huh? This could be big step to revolutionize advancement — spells, arts, everything.
Now, I had a chance to get something, I started thinking about what I needed most — something I couldn't easily yet get but the Tower could give.
Only one thing came to mind, MYTH POINTS. Suddenly, I had an idea.
'A contract for royalty based on a percentage of Myth Points for every person using Codex,' I put forth my thoughts.
The system replied instantly.
[The Administrator accepts your proposal. You will get 20% of Myth Points used by every player to get Codex. Higher rank, higher charge]
'50%.' I said immediately.
[Not possible... 25%]
Bargaining with the Tower, huh? I couldn't help but laugh aloud. Fiona gave me a questioning look, one eyebrow raised.
"You'll know later," I told her.
'30%, not a point less.'
[Done. The system will send your contract in a few minutes. Codex update will be announced tomorrow morning]
[Congratulations on being the richest in the Tower]
A small smirk formed on face as I transported Fiona and myself to the First Floor and walked toward Silver Spire where dinner, and a long-awaited bath.
Today…was very productive.
– – –
[Fiona's POV]
My sleepy eyes opened to a soft blur of ceiling lights, rubbing them slowly until the haze dissolved. Only then did the peaceful environment around me become clear, too clear, too luxurious, too calm for the kind of life I had lived so far.
Pushing myself upright, my body reacting with a sharp jolt, and for a heartbeat I couldn't remember where I was.
Then yesterday returned all at once—and I collapsed back into the bed with a long breath.
So it wasn't a dream, none of it was, I really was out of my loop.
I sat there for a while, letting the reality sink into my bones, then inhaled deeply. We cleared two floors in one day. Yesterday felt impossible, but something in my gut insisted today would be the same. Boss Max wasn't normal. Nothing about the man was normal.
After freshening up and changing my clothes, I walked toward the door—only to freeze as a sharp, mechanical resonance echoed through the air.
A system panel materialized before me, with information.
[SYSTEM BROADCAST:] CODEX PROTOCOL DEPLOYED
A new Tab has been successfully integrated into all Player System profiles.
[Designation:] CODEX — Adaptive Arcane Grimoire.
[Purpose:] To streamline the creation, evolution, and mastery of Arts & Spells.
[CODEX: SYSTEM OVERVIEW]
– It is a self-evolving grimoire that records all Arts and Spells used by a Player.
– Analyzes mana structure, flow, formation, and weaknesses.
– Generates optimized variations and evolution pathways.
– Stores techniques in protected system-sealed memory (beyond skill slot limitations).
[CODEX: SYSTEM ADVANTAGES]
– Accelerated creation of personalized Arts and Spells.
– Automatic optimization and refinement.
– Evolution guidance based on the Player's combat patterns.
[CODEX: ACTIVATION REQUIREMENTS]
Activation of Codex requires Myth Points based on Rank Category:
— MORTAL RANKS —
E → B Rank : 100 Myth Points
A Rank : 150 Myth Points
S Rank : 200 Myth Points
SS Rank : 300 Myth Points
SSS Rank : 400 Myth Points
EX Rank : 600 Myth Points
— PLANETARY RANK —
1200 Myth Points
(Requirements continue for higher ranks.)
[SUPPLEMENTARY NOTICE:]
Codex sharing protocols follow existing Art/Spell sharing rules.
Sharing requires an additional Myth Point fee per recipient.
[CODEX TAB WILL BECOME VISIBLE UPON PAYMENT OF ACTIVATION COST]
– – –
The broadcast faded as abruptly as it appeared—leaving me with a sensation news.
So this was real, the entire Tower heard that.
A Tower-wide update for new tab for all Players.
I swallowed, trying to steady my heartbeat.
Boss Max… had hinted I would "see it."
But seeing and understanding were different things entirely.
Trying to apply common sense to him was pointless. I shook my head and headed out toward breakfast.
Inside the dining hall, Boss Max was already seated at the table—calm, composed as ever. I approached quietly, pulled out a chair, and sat.
"Good morning, Boss," I said.
He nodded. "Good morning, Fiona."
Before I could continue, Boss Max spoke.
"Did you see the Codex Announcement?" he asked. "Do you like it?"
His tone was neutral, but his eyes held a faint, unmistakable interest.
I nodded. "Yes. I read it carefully. It's incredible. Creating spells and arts used to be difficult, with so many requirements, but now… everything feels simplified and streamlined."
"I still need to test it to understand the practical benefits, but theoretically it changes everything. And since we're both E Rank, the activation fee is only 100 Myth Points." I paused "You have the Myth Points, right, Boss?"
He shook his head, not in confusion but in dismissal.
"I don't need it." He spoke.
I blinked. "Is there some problem with the Codex, Boss? Or… do you not have enough Myth Points?" I asked cautiously.
"No," he said calmly. "I don't need the Codex because I created the Tab."
For a moment, my brain simply shut down.
"WHAT!?" I exclaimed.
My spoon froze halfway to my mouth as I stared at him like he'd said he invented gravity.
"Boss… you don't talk much," I managed weakly, "but you're surprisingly good at making jokes."
Inside, a panicked voice screamed at me: He is not joking.
Noticing his silence, I leaned forward and spoke "Mr. Max… you're not suggesting that the System Broadcast we just heard… exists because you created the Codex Protocol?"
He didn't answer with words, he simply tilted a system panel toward us.
A contract, especially a SYSTEM CONTRACT. A royalty contract… tied to the Codex Tab.
My breath hitched, he hadn't lied, He hadn't exaggerated. He had created something that the Tower System itself integrated universally.
"Breakfast is getting cold, eat up.," Boss said casually.
My hands trembled under the table. I was staring at a man eating calmly after casually reshaping the way spells & art works for the entire Tower.
Legends described the Tower as absolute, the System as immutable and unchangeable. And yet here sat someone who'd altered it.
After finishing his meal, Boss looked at me. "Don't tell anyone about this. I don't want unnecessary interruptions in my life."
I nodded immediately. "Boss, you don't have to worry. Only suicidal idiots would try to mess with someone who can make a contract with the Tower System."
He nodded, satisfied. I finished my meal quickly, but the question burning in my chest refused to stay silent. When he stood up, ready to leave, I looked at him.
"Boss… I wanted to ask you something."
He turned. "Go ahead."
"Boss, what is your goal? You're powerful, intelligent, wealthy… and only on the 3rd Floor. You said you made a contract with me because you find it interesting and the disparity between my talent. I understand that."
"But I want to know what your real goal is.
I already decided to follow you regardless. But I just want to understand the path I'm walking with you."
He went quiet, not cold—just thoughtful. Then he spoke with a clarity that made the air feel heavier.
"At first, my goal was to dominate the Tower and rise to the top. But something changed."
His gaze drifted slightly.
"After spending two years in elven territory before coming here. There I formed my first ever bond with cute little girl."
"I realized I don't want to reach the top alone. I still want to dominate the Tower—that hasn't changed. But now I want people who can walk with me and share my journey."
He pointed at me lightly, "That's also why I offered you a contract."
Silence settled, his words carried quiet weight—memories, loneliness, strength… and something he rarely showed: desire for connection.
If he had stayed isolated…if he had remained alone…the Tower would have birthed a monster.
Taking this chance, I also spoke, "When I began climbing, I only wanted to restore my family name and escape the fear that had taken root in me. But meeting you yesterday… I wasn't even sure if I would survive at all. You saved me, gave me power. So my goal is still the same—but now I want to achieve it while climbing the Tower with you, Boss."
He nodded, holding my gaze, "Tell me about what happened to your family sometime."
"Definitely, Boss," I said softly.
He stood up, "Well, it was nice hearing about your goals, let's go. The monsters on the 4th Floor aren't gonna kill themselves."
'They probably would if they knew someone is coming to massacre them with hands in pocket,' I thought as I stood up.
Light swirled beneath our feet—and we vanished into the teleportation circle.