Chapter 45: Soul
"So, what about the Labyrinth of Souls and that prison?"
{Those are realms connected to the Tower, but not part of it. They exist independently.}
"Oh… okay."
Ethan frowned, processing that. The Tower wasn't just a structure—it had ties to entire dimensions.
"My first trial… that battlefield?"
{The three people you saved are alive again. The others remained dead.}
"Oh…"
He didn't know what to say to that.
He had done his best. Without his inventory or enough points to manipulate the trial, he had fought with everything he had. But it hadn't been enough to save everyone.
He shook off the thought. Dwelling wouldn't change anything.
"Are titles actually useful?"
Ethan had noticed something. Every time he earned a title, his soul and presence felt stronger. He didn't fully understand why—
And as he saw the Tower always willing to answer his questions for some reason he chose to directly ask.
{Titles are the only way to strengthen your soul. They are given for extraordinary deeds—good or bad.}
{They become part of your existence, your lore, your fable.}
{The more numerous and unique your titles, the greater your soul power—the stronger your presence in the universe.}
{And you will need immense soul power to reach S-rank. The requirement will grow exponentially with every advancement.}
{Once you reach godhood, your titles will be analyzed and your attributes, your characteristics of godhood will be determined.}
Ethan's eyes widened. Fuck.
That explained why so few reached S-rank. Soul power is the key.
He exhaled, overwhelmed. He had learned too much today.
"…Thanks, Tower. I need time to process all this."
{Understood.}
"Guess I'll start paying more attention to my titles…"
⸻
The conversation left Ethan with a newfound respect for the Tower.
It wasn't just a system of trials—it was something far greater. A mystery even the gods might not fully understand.
It made him rethink his approach to the trials.
If these challenges could bring people back to life, then he would give them his all.
He stretched. "Alright… I bet Esmeray and Anita are speedrunning their trials. I better keep up."
"Tower, start the sixth trial."
⸻
[Sixth Trial: The Cursed Merchant]
{Description: You are meeting Gobu, The Cursed Merchant. He cannot lie, but his words can be twisted.
Bargain with him, and take advantage of him to secure the best possible deal.}
{Time limit: One day.}
{Reward: Skill Upgrade Card.}
{Good Luck, O Giver.}
Ethan barely had time to finish reading before he found himself face-to-face with a goblin.
No—a golden goblin.
Gobu was covered in gold. Rings on every finger, bracelets, necklaces, teeth—everything.
Ethan suppressed a grin and politely extended a hand.
"Hello, sir. I'm Ethan."
Gobu eyed him with sharp intelligence. He immediately noticed Ethan's aura—peaceful, trustworthy, almost divine.
'Who the hell is this kid? And why did Divine Mother make me participate in some brat's trial? Tch. Annoying.'
{Gobu, do your job. You are being compensated. Do not complain.}
The Tower's voice thundered in his mind, making him flinch.
'Tsk… Understood, Divine Mother.'
He straightened his posture and forced a grin. "I am Gobu, The Cursed Merchant. A pleasure."
"I buy all things. I sell all things. Name what you desire, and I will give it to you."
Ethan listened carefully. What I need, huh?
Him? The Absolute Tycoon?
Is this guy cursing me?
Ethan smirked inwardly. I lack nothing. And even if I did, I could buy or create it.
This trial wasn't about need—it was about dominance.
Fine. Let's show him what true wealth means.
"That's an interesting offer, Sir Gobu." Ethan crossed his arms. "But what if I return the favor?"
"Tell me everything you desire—even the wildest thing you've ever dreamed of. I'll give it to you."
"But remember—equivalent exchange. You'll have to pay me something of equal value."
Gobu narrowed his eyes. Did this D-rank brat just claim he could grant anything?
His jaw clenched.
Gobu had a short temper. If someone looked down on him—he got angry. If someone mocked him—he got angry. And if he wasn't strong enough to retaliate, he'd pay someone else to do it.
He was one of the richest beings on the 10th floor. He didn't take insults lightly.
But… Ethan was special. Even the Tower had personally requested him to this test.
Gobu smirked. "Fine. I'll tell you my greatest desire. But if you fail to grant it, you will sign a slave contract and belong to me—forever."
His golden teeth glinted. "Are you up for it?"
Ethan didn't even hesitate. "I agree. But what if I do grant it?"
"Then I'll be your eternal slave."
"Deal."
⸻
Gobu chuckled darkly. "Alright, then. What I want the most is…"
He took a dramatic pause.
"I want to be handsome. I want my face to be the most beautiful in existence. I want to be as attractive as you."
He grinned. "And I don't mean temporary magic—I've tried that a hundred times. I want it to be permanent."
Ethan stared, stunned. The hell?
His greatest desire… is to be beautiful?
What a waste.
But Ethan kept his expression neutral. No mocking. No snide remarks.
He simply asked, 'System, what can make this guy permanently handsome?'
[He can either change race or drink the SSS-Grade Adonis Potion.]
"Would you be willing to change race?"
Gobu scowled. "No. I want to be the first handsome goblin in history."
"…Got it."
'System, how many karmic points did I earn from saving Castria?'
[One trillion karmic points.]
'Cost of Adonis Potion?'
[One billion karmic points.]
'Buy it.'
[DING! You have purchased SSS-Grade: Adonis Potion.]
A bottle materialized in Ethan's hand.
It was pink and glowing, with tiny heart-shaped flowers floating inside.
Ethan barely glanced at it before tossing it to Gobu. "Drink fast."
Gobu didn't hesitate. He snatched the bottle and chugged it in one gulp.
[You have gained the Potion: Aphrodite's Blessing (Stage-2 god grade) as x10,000 return.]
Perfect.
Meanwhile with Gobu…
A storm of pink energy erupted around him.
The air crackled with pink lightning and flames, swirling like an enchantment ritual.
Minutes passed.
Then the energy faded.
Where the goblin once stood—
Was a man of breathtaking beauty.
Lean, elegant physique. Pale green skin, otherworldly yet alluring. Piercing pink eyes that could entrance the weak-willed. Green-and-pink hair, luminous and striking.
His golden rings and jewelry only enhanced his newfound majesty.
Ethan blinked. "…Holy shit."
Is this possible to change this much with a potion ?
Gobu stared at his reflection in awe. He touched his face. His jawline. His perfect skin.
His hands trembled.
"I… I actually changed. My face… it's real."
Slowly, he turned to Ethan. His expression shifted—from anger and scorn to respect and awe.
Then, he knelt.
"I greet you, Master."
[Ding! Gobu, The Cursed Merchant, is now your eternal slave.]
[Sixth Trial Complete!]
[Your performance was spectacular! Additional rewards granted.]
Ethan exhaled.
"…See you later, Gobu."
And then he vanished, returning ti his rest zone.
Gobu remained, still stunned. Then, slowly—he grinned.
"I have gained a very… unique master."
And that grin—was beautiful.
{Ding! You have gained a new Title: The Handsome Goblin.}
Heheheh…let's discard The Cursed Merchant title now.
—End of Chapter 45—
A/N:
Thanks to you all, this book had received a contract invitation.
Thank you for your support. For supporting this newbie author. For giving your power stones and commenting.
I appreciate it.