Chapter 7: First Shop

‘Six months… if I spend around 5,000 won a day on food, roughly how much is that?’

I checked my bank balance while preparing to enter the Tower.

The morning after obtaining a Relic on Floor 5.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

My current bank balance was roughly five million won.

Since I couldn’t do the math in my head, I immediately asked an AI.

‘About a million won. audit So if I stick to home-cooked meals and… hmm, buy various groceries and conservatively double that estimate, maybe around two million?’

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

Assuming around three million won would go straight toward monthly rent and various taxes starting right now,

My plan was simple and straightforward.

if I pinched every penny to the absolute limit, this was enough to hold out for a full six months.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

Going about daily life, you’re bound to slip up and get discovered naturally,

I knew full well that this status quo wouldn’t last forever.

Act as inconspicuously as possible to hide my identity for six months while building up my strength.

Where in the world does a completely airtight secret exist?

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

‘Still, I can delay it.’

and in the first place, hiding your identity 100% in South Korea is an impossible feat.

During that time, I would climb the Tower while keeping my name blank,

Six months.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

‘Not like I’m aiming to become the strongest or anything, just decent enough. aluminum Strong enough to sit at the negotiating table under my own name.’

and build a deck capable of standing up to outside pressure along the way.

If I grew strong enough, nobody would be able to push me around no matter who came knocking.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

Truthfully, six months was the maximum timeframe I had set for myself.

That six-month buffer factored in potential delays in case I faced life-threatening danger or got cold feet and stalled out on my climb.

In today’s world, the longer you hide being a Climber, the more inconvenient life becomes.

If I felt I could pull my own weight before then, I planned to reveal myself to the world right away.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

Having double-checked my current plan,

to enjoy any of that, I needed to grow strong fast.

From the tax breaks you get the moment you register as a Climber to all sorts of welfare benefits,

“Phew, shall we get going?”

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

This floor was none other than the Shop.

I stepped into Floor 6.

“Enter.”

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

Normally, when you enter the Tower, your vision blacks out for a split second before returning,

+++++ All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

and you start inside the Safe Zone.

I was looking forward to seeing what they had for sale.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

I realized I was inside a room.

Calling it a Safe Zone was generous—it was literally just waking up inside a circle drawn on the ground.

“Is this… a bed?”

It didn’t feel like a rest area at all; you were basically waking up on bare dirt staring at an unfamiliar ceiling.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

If I had to categorize it, I’d call it a studio apartment layout.

Not a medieval inn room either, but a genuinely sleek, 21st-century style room.

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

‘So bluntly put, it’s just a motel room?’

I wanted to see if there were any complimentary amenities I could pocket.

Seeing that there was even an en-suite bathroom inside, the quality was honestly top-notch.

Thinking that, I pushed myself up out of bed.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

They didn’t even stock something like Green Honey Plum?

The service itself isn’t great—I’d give it about 2.5 stars.

“Hmm, nothing around. advance No drinks either.”

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

The very first impression that hit me upon stepping outside was that it looked like an apartment complex.

Creeeak.

A marble corridor with windows lining the wall right outside the door.

Since there was nothing left to do in the room, I stepped out into the hallway.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

Glancing around continuously, I headed down to the first floor first.

To think I’d see the layout of an old-school Korean apartment building in a place like this.

There wasn’t an elevator, and since the building didn’t seem to have many stories, there were only stairs. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

‘What’s the theme here?’

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

What kind of theme was this Shop going for?

As I descended to the first floor with all sorts of guesses running through my head, the very first thing that caught my eye was—

‘So the second floor is lodging, and the first floor is like a commercial shopping arcade.’

Thud, thud, thud.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

“…Is this place really a Shop?”

“You’re awake? voyage Welcome.”

“People call it that, too. antique The name isn’t what matters.”

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

Judging by its build, it appeared to be male.

A being with a copper coin sitting where its face should be.

—an object head smiling kindly at me.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

“Ah… I see. adapt I’m Kim Jin-sung.”

“Forgive my late introduction. arena I am Cooper. harbor Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Standing behind what looked like an information desk, he leaned his face eagerly toward me the moment he spotted me.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

“I am already aware. auction You’re a bounty hunter, aren’t you? abandon Rumors of you slaying the Red Orc Warrior are spreading like wildfire.”

As I did, I glanced surreptitiously around the room, noticing there didn’t seem to be any other customers besides me.

Without bothering to step back, I nodded and returned the greeting.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

“I couldn’t properly introduce myself yesterday. riddle I was far too exhausted.”

“Ah, aah, is that so.”

I played along with the Shop’s theme and kept the conversation going.

Oh, so that’s the lore here?

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

If the system’s judgment recognizes me as arriving fully healed,

“Haha, naturally. adjust Even without a scratch on you, the Red Orc Warrior is a notoriously tricky foe. audit It has claimed the lives of many Climbers on the lowest floors.”

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

does that mean it generates dialogue based on my current physical state plus my past achievements?

Piecing the puzzle together in my head one bit at a time, I spoke up.

And entering the Shop is framed as if I checked in yesterday?

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

“There are a total of three things you can do here!”

“Ah! adapt Your first time, you say. advance Since you brought proof of slaying the Red Orc Warrior, haha, I assumed you were a regular. alpha You even carry a Bounty Hunter’s Badge.”

“Since it’s my first time in a place like this, how do I use the facilities?”

Saying that, Cooper walked all the way out from behind the counter and sidled right up next to me.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

“First, upgrading your weapons! Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com. artist Unfortunately, our weaponsmith, Iron, only works once a day! auction He’s insanely skilled, though quite the lazy drunkard!”

At the end of his pointed finger stood a massive, burly man with a roaring flame where a human head should be.

Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with me, Cooper pointed a finger toward the farthest corner of the room.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

“And second! shadow Purifying your weapons! arena Those weapons you’re forced to use as you climb the Tower—you can remove one of them right here, just once! album Sadly, this isn’t free! abandon There is a fee of 50 Gold, and the price increases the more you use it!”

His arms were covered in thick hair, and his entire frame was so bulky and heavily inked that he looked like a character drawn in a gritty gekiga art style all by himself.

Where he pointed next sat something resembling a single-person study booth cubicle.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

“And finally, the main event you’ve been waiting for! atlas From yours truly, Cooper!”

A mirror was mounted on the wall, arranged so you had to sit at the desk and stare directly into your reflection.

Continuing his pitch, Cooper extended his finger straight back toward the reception counter.

It had the exact aesthetic of a fortune-teller’s parlor.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

As he spoke, Cooper’s face—no, his coin—began spinning round and round like a top.

“Purchasing a wide variety of Relics at bargain prices! arena Potions and Relics! attic We sell them at truly reasonable rates, so please show them plenty of love!”

Even with zero understanding of object heads, I could tell he was thrilled.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

Does that mean he doesn’t sell cards?

“You don’t sell any weapons?”

“Ah, aah, weapons are not in stock just yet. sphere A truly tragic state of affairs.”

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

“An excellent choice!”

I didn’t know if they were just out of stock here or what, so I nodded for now.

“Thanks for the explanation. matrix I’ll take a look at the shop first, then.”

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

Rubbing his hands together like a housefly, Cooper darted back behind the reception desk, and—

Creeeak.

Whoosh!

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

‘He’s selling two Relics in total, and three potions, huh.’

while simultaneously swinging open a small side gate so I could step inside.

—pressed himself flat against the wall so I could comfortably inspect the display,

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

Was that what they were normally called?

The Relic selection was small, though complaining wouldn’t fix anything, so I let it go.

‘He calls cards “weapons,” though.’

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

Or did things that appeared as actual weapons to everyone else simply manifest as cards to me?

“As for the Relics….”

Curiosity surged up, but since it wasn’t an issue I needed to worry about right this second, I tabled it for later.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

Doing my best to ignore him, I checked what Relics were on display.

The instant I mentioned Relics, the sound of a spinning coin echoed from against the wall.

Whirrrrrr.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

‘Is it because this is a lowest-floor Shop? riddle Pretty disappointing in more ways than one.’

or there was some rare VIP-only backdoor stock hidden away.

Either my luck in this particular Shop was atrocious,

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

That held especially true on the lower floors.

‘If I had to pick, I’d much rather it be the second or third option. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com. ’

No matter how low the floor was, if you snagged a great Relic or a key card from a Shop,

In games like this, the value of a Shop is sky-high.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

‘Since he said he doesn’t sell cards, though, I’ll have to pin my hopes on the Relics.’

Anyway.

you could easily gain enough power to steamroll an entire run.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

That was a problem for later.

[ Relic – Auxiliary Tendon ]

‘Not that daydreaming changes the fact that everything right in front of me is pretty meh.’

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

[ Relic – Snap Out of It! ]

[ This Relic is stackable. ]

[ 180 Gold ]

[ Auxiliary Tendon : Growing an auxiliary tendon increases your strength. orbit All card damage increases by 1. ]

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

[ Snap Out of It! : Sharpens your focus when HP drops to 10% or below. ]

There were two Relics in total, and sadly, I couldn’t afford both.

[ 150 Gold ]

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

[ Explosive Potion – Throw at an enemy to deal 20 damage. ]

Assuming I bought a Relic, Auxiliary Tendon looked like the pick, which would leave me with 70 Gold remaining.

‘Since card removal is an absolute must, my budget is 250 Gold.’

That was plenty to buy a single potion, and sure enough, the prices lined up.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

[ 60 Gold ]

[ 50 Gold ]

[ Block Potion – Gain 12 Block upon use. ]

[ Energy Potion – Gain 2 Cost upon use. ]

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

It was a tough choice since I could only buy one, but here I decided to pick the Energy Potion without hesitation.

Clean pricing.

[ 50 Gold ]

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

“I’ll take the Auxiliary Tendon and the Energy Potion. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors. ”

Looking genuinely overjoyed,

“An excellent choice! silence Since your funds have been verified, payment has been processed automatically, and your purchased items will take full effect the moment you step outside the Shop.”

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

Finished with the counter, I walked over to the card removal booth.

The card removal process itself was nothing special.

‘Using the stations in order of distance works out nicely.’

Cooper was literally polishing his coin head with a handkerchief until it gleamed.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

The moment I sat down, my entire deck appeared inside the mirror, and all I had to do was pick a card to erase it.

‘Finally removed one.’

Naturally, the card I deleted was a Strike.

The problem was that I still had four more left to purge.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

‘The core of deck-building is trimming down your basic attacks and blocks.’

Vowing to stick strictly to rule number one, I headed straight over to where the blacksmith Iron was stationed.

Ideally, once I reached the endgame, I’d want to remove my Defends as well.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

In fact, it wasn’t just the sound—the stench of alcohol was overpowering.

Gulp, gulp, gulp.

Instead of the ringing of a hammer on an anvil, the only sound echoing from his corner was someone continuously chugging liquor.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

That mystery was solved almost immediately.

To think the smell of booze would hit my nose before the heat of the forge right beside him.

‘How much is he drinking? acoustic No… *how* is he even drinking?’

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

Hssssss!

The moment I reached Iron’s station, I saw him pouring liquor directly onto his own face—

which was to say, straight into the roaring flame.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

“What’s this, a Climber?”

Naturally, the alcohol vaporized instantly, filling the air with an overwhelming stench of booze.

So that was where the smell was coming from.

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

“A Bounty Hunter’s Badge… You’re the bastard who took down that Red Orc Warrior.”

Since there was nothing to gain from chatting with a drunkard,

I was ready to quickly upgrade my card and slip away—when suddenly:

“Yes, I’m here to upgrade a weapon.”

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

The unmistakable scent of a quest tickled my nose.

“…Then could you do me a favor too?”

“That’s right.”

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

×××

No way I could pass this up.

“Let’s hear it.”

Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

Nanashi: Thank you for reading!

Imma broke as hell so *cough* *cough* *wink*, in exchange I keep all the chs free what do ya say? :3

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Translation of Climbing Is Too Easy for a Card Game Addict - Chapter 7: First Shop by Indra Translations.

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