[All aggressive actions are prohibited within the rest area. Climbers are invited to rest and relax as much as they would like. Time remaining: 43 hours 21 minutes.]0

The dining hall buzzed with activity, and the climbers seemed noticeably more at ease compared to the last rest area. I assumed it was due to the extended resting time, although maybe it was because everyone had grown more accustomed to life within the tower. 0

As my former party members and I walked through the different sections of the rest area, we exchanged greetings with the various alien beings I had transported here during the twenty-first floor’s hidden mission. 0

Many climbers were curious about these new faces, so I found myself sharing the newcomers' backstories with them. Given that over two hundred individuals from various species had suddenly appeared, their surprise was understandable.0

I was slowly scanning the dining hall when Hakin smiled at me. “Hyung, what was that about recruiting me? Oh, wait! You disappeared instead.”0

His teasing remark drew playful jeers from the rest of the party.0

“Boo! Su-Hyeok oppa, that was mean!”0

“Haha, you could’ve at least stayed with us for a floor or two before going solo!”0

Everyone’s vibe was light and humorous, so I chuckled while ruffling Hakin’s hair with a grin. “Alright, alright, my bad. How’s Hakin doing, anyway? From what I hear, he’s...0