Chapter 10 - Chapter 10

Chapter 10

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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Joo-hyuk was still shopping at the player shop.

The Adamant mace purchase was complete.

'I've prepared one weapon, so,'

What about armor?

In truth, he didn't need to buy it.

The bracelet-shaped Energy Shield Kit protected him from head to toe anyway.

Still, he should at least buy a pair of shoes.

Sturdy combat walkers.

Because the employee was a male, it was easier to strike up a conversation.

"These are combat boots made of Basilisk leather. The soles are hard and composed of Sectonium iron plates equipped with a self-repair function."

"Do these go into the inventory as well?"

"Haha, of course they do. They were entirely crafted from materials originating from the tower."

He loved it.

The design was fine too.

"How much are they?"

"Umm, 3 million won."

You must be joking.

They had to be at least 30 million won or more.

There was no need to refuse.

When they were offering to sell it at this price?

He had to buy it.

"Please give me a pair. In size 275."

"Yes, right here......."

He bought shoes too.

'Shall I take a look around some more?'

There was also a place selling potions.

It seemed they purchased items players acquired as rewards and resold them.

Beyond that, armor, helmets, gloves, gaiters, belts, knee and elbow pads... They had everything but nothing to buy.

Ahhh!

Energy Shield.

How incredibly good it was.

An integrated armor piece that unified all armor into one.

'It's a privilege, alright.'

Anyway, he was intending to look around more, but.

'Let's leave now.'

He could just come back again later if he needed something.

* * *

Joo-hyuk took about 4 more days off.

Slowly, at a leisurely pace.

Even while doing so, continuously repeating the 15th floor clear.

As he did, a desire to settle down here also sprouted.

However, he wanted to confirm it.

What sort of result he could achieve when he stepped onto the 16th floor having finished all his preparations.

'As soon as the Random Summoning cooldown returns.......'

Platinum Badges.

These were truly wicked objects.

Not the badges themselves, but the privileges handed out every 5 badges.

Initially, he had decided not to be greedy when he began climbing the tower, but the badges were a different story.

If he cleared the 20th floor, he would receive the fourth privilege, but what in the world would it be?

Another trait enhancement would be fine too, and items or skills that could be utilized in reality were good as well.

At any rate, there was merely one day left until his Random Summoning.

By tomorrow evening, a new summoned entity would reveal themselves.

The money had arrived in his bank account too.

The money from selling the Mana Stones.

Deducting the 5 million won spent on purchasing equipment left a substantial balance of approximately 13 million won.

'What am I going to do just sitting on this money?'

He should use it immediately.

So 2 million won to his father.

- What's this money? Did you win the lottery or something?

"I cashed out my savings plan. It must be troublesome for you to walk around, so please at least buy crutches. Or walking aids like the elderly use."

- ...I say. I actually have an eye on a nice fishing rod, you see?

"You don't even know when your rehabilitation will end, and you want a fishing rod? You're going to catch people, not fish."

- Buying one might cure me faster, right? I want to go fishing, you see.

"Use it however you see fit. If Mom scolds you, I don't know anything about it."

- ...Guess I'll buy crutches.

2 million won to his mom as well.

- Don't tell me you used private loans?

"I told you I cashed out a savings plan."

He had already used private loans in the past.

- If you're lying, you'll die by my hands. You know your mother's personality, right? You'll be no exception even if you're my son!

"Oh, c'mon! Have you only lived getting scammed? Please use it until you secure a new job. Your living expenses must be running tight anyway."

- Got it. But I'll consider it a loan. I'll write you an IOU.

To the bastard with the same genes as well.

"I deposited 2 million. Use it to supplement your tuition."

- H-Hyung, this huge sum of money... M-May I buy a laptop with this?

"Go ahead, since you're buying one, buy a good one. Permission granted."

- Loyalty! Thank you!

6 million won vanished in an instant, but he refreshingly flexed it.

But did he only spend on his family?

Joo-hyuk had a plan too.

He summoned John Cossack.

"Look at this. Nice, right? When I earn money later, I'm going to buy this car."

Upon seeing the picture of the dream car Joo-hyuk had always desired on the laptop he turned on.

"I oppose it, sir. Getting into an accident in a light car like this is disastrous, sir. You will be flattened if you collide with a truck, sir."

"What kind of car do you like, Mr. Cossack?"

"An unconditionally large car! Please choose a large car with a sturdy frame, and airbags that burst uncompromisingly even in a minor fender bender, sir."

With those words, what Cossack pointed at was a large limousine the likes of which a company chairman would ride around in.

"It makes you look too old."

"Does that matter, sir? Your safety, Summoner Bong, is the absolute top priority, sir."

"Oh! I didn't realize that. Hahahaha!"

"Hehehehe!"

As a matter of fact, he was told they would even give him a house and a car if he simply contracted with the Elite Climbing Team.

However, nothing in the world was free.

It was all debt.

* * *

The time had finally come.

Tonight was the day of an important event.

Therefore, he visited the public bathhouse.

After fully immersing himself in the hot bath, he scrubbed his entire body rigorously with an exfoliating towel.

For his back which he couldn't reach, he used an automated scrubbing machine.

Because he still lacked the courage to strike up a conversation with someone else at the bathhouse and ask them to scrub his back.

Cleaning his body, avoiding impurities too.

Keeping his body and mind neat and clean.

He had to do that to pull well.

The Random Summoning cooldown, which had approached to within a mere few hours.

It was the time to pull one more reassuring figure to clear the 16th floor, and advance forward to the 20th floor, no, straight up to the 30th floor.

Finishing his bath.

Clipping his fingernails and toenails.

Changing into the new underwear and everyday clothes he had packed separately in his bag.

Joo-hyuk returned home.

He was hungry, but he decided to hold it in.

He would eat after doing his random pull.

Who would emerge?

He had to pull well.

The higher their rank, the better.

The rank of the insane assassin John Cossack was SR, Super Rare.

He had achieved S++ Rank clears at ultra-high speeds, with flawless perfection, all the way up to the 15th floor.

In fact, he said clearing the 16th floor, or even the 20th floors, posed no problem.

Only that recording an S++ Rank would be difficult.

'If only anyone who is Super Rare could come to my side too.......'

SSR, Special Super Rare, would also be good.

He didn't even wish for an LSSR (Legend Special Super Rare) (Legend Special Super Rare), Legend Special Super Rare.

First, John Cossack's designated summoning prior to the Random Summoning.

What if a strange person was drawn?

[John Cossack has been designated summoned.]

"Loyalty! Hello, Summoner Bong, sir! I am honored to be summoned today as well, sir."

"Welcome."

"Will you be performing the 15th floor repeating mission this time as well, sir?"

"No. We're heading up to the 16th floor."

"...Uh."

Cossack's expression stiffened as if he was troubled at those words.

He had mentioned it earlier.

That the clear itself was easy, but an S++ clear might be difficult.

Cossack also knew the fact that Summoner Joo-hyuk had already tasted the Platinum Badge privileges.

So he wished to earn those badges for his sake.

Pondering for a long while before clenching his fists.

"I will do my absolute best, sir. Even if this body were to die in the tower, I will absolutely secure an S++ record......."

"Don't worry. Because you won't be alone."

"Yes, sir?"

"My Random Summoning cooldown has returned. Let's try summoning one more person."

"Oooooh! Outstandingly clever, sir. Two people are definitely better than one, sir."

He raised a thumb up and continued.

"Summoner Bong, sir, you had everything planned out. Did you perhaps graduate from Seouldae, sir?"

"I'm a high school graduate, actually."

"Of course you are, sir. Hehehe, Seouldae wouldn't dare presume to hold a person like you, Summoner Bong, sir."

"......."

A rapid shift in attitude.

Appropriate and mood-lifting flattery.

It was certain.

Cossack had to have been a treacherous vassal in his past life.

What did it matter if he was a treacherous vassal?

Why did treacherous vassals receive love?

Hearing only honeyed words improved one's mood, and it helped alleviate stress and maintain mental health.

"Then I'll start."

"Yes, sir!"

He cleared his mind.

Amen, Hallelujah, Amitabha, Om Mani Padme Hum, Deities of Heaven and Earth, Amitayus Buddha, Abracadabra.......

And then.

"Random Summoning!"

Hwaaaaaaaaat!

Cossack, beating rhythm beside him.

"Dugudugudugudugu... the result is?"

At that moment!

A swarm of white lights converged and transformed into the shape of a human.

A rapidly growing human of light.

He continuously enlarged.

Continuously, continuously.......

'I-Isn't he getting too big?'

His head had already touched the ceiling.

And.

Papapat!

Finally, a form that fully revealed its appearance.

"Uh?"

"Hick?"

It was a human, alright.

However, a stature reaching close to 3 meters.

A bulk bigger and thicker than a bear.

Thick muscles.

Hair sprouting all over his body.

'...Is he a human or a monster?'

Joo-hyuk inspected his rank first above all else.

What would it be?

'...R? Rare, I see.'

It was slightly disappointing.

Since Rare was the lowest rank.

If only it had just one S attached to it.

Should he wait another month and perform a Random Summoning one more time?

'No. Why should I complain about a Rare? Moreover, his physique is extraordinary.'

It was then.

Swish!

"Hey, you moronic bastard!"

John Cossack, suddenly launching his body upward and delivering a dropkick to the newly summoned giant human.

Kwack!

Followed by him consecutively punching him.

Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!

"Why did it have to be you coming here? Trying to ruin someone's life?"

Cossack's sudden sudden acceleration.

He couldn't possibly be doing that because he pulled a Rare, right?

"Die! Drop dead! What? You dare glare? Lower your eyes! You bastard!"

He absolutely couldn't comprehend it.

The reason why Cossack was acting like that.

He was going berserk as if he had encountered his sworn enemy.

"Just get lost from here! I said get lost! You utterly useless bastard!"

Cossack, throwing punches in a frenzy.

The giant who simply scratched his head with an awkward stance while being hit.

"Does not hurt. Feels ticklish."

"Alright! Let's see if you can say that after I slice your neck open. I will tie a beautiful ribbon on it for you."

He checked the catalog because of that.

- Name : Unknown

- Rank : R (Rare)

- Category : Barbarian Warrior (Human)

- Manifestation Duration : 10 hours

- Satisfaction Rating : None.

- Re-summon Cooldown : 3 hours (Applied after unsummoning)

Barbarian Meat Shield.

He didn't even have a name.

'A meat shield, just what kind of backstory does he have.'

But he was stupid?

Did that mean he wasn't smart?

He certainly looked the part in reality.

A massive upper body covered in scars, yet eyes that seemed far too innocent.

Even while being beaten by Cossack, he didn't resist once.

A highly intimidated attitude.

Cossack, panting heavily, possibly tired from beating him.

"Mr. Cossack?"

"...Huff, huff, please speak, sir."

"Please step aside for a moment. Let me converse with that person."

"You do not even need to know, sir. He is famous, sir. He is renowned for being an idiot in this field, sir. He can do nothing on his own, sir. He likely does not even know the Three Principles."

Then.

"I, I, I know the Three Principles. I memorized them diligently."

"Recite them then."

"Uhh, Principle 1 is the summoner's obedience... a, absolute life. Principle 2, the summoner's, umm... v, value conflicts as the top priority. Principle 3 is......."

What was he saying?

"Did you observe, sir? Such is the man he is, sir. You pulled a dud, sir! You must simply kill him to place him in an unsummonable state for 100 days, sir."

He's unsummonable for 100 days if he dies?

He learned that for the first time.

"...I'll handle it."

"Yes, sir."

Joo-hyuk asked the Barbarian Warrior, who was standing blankly with his head tilted.

"Your name is?"

"Do not know. Forgot."

"Do you know why you came here?"

"D-Do not know."

"What about the tower?"

"...Do not know. Do not remember."

It was certainly frustrating.

He looked at the detailed description.

- The Barbarian Meat Shield of the Great Plains Tribe, his physical abilities are top-tier, possessing the strength to snap a Giant Ogre's waist with a bear hug technique. However, he was far too stupid. To the point where he even forgot his own name.

- Eventually, deceived by a fake hero's trickery, he was chosen as a meat shield for a battle against the Super Demonic Beast Hydra. While fighting against the 9-headed Super Demonic Beast Hydra, he was struck by its acidic breath, but he did not die. Instead, he grabbed its jaw and ripped it apart. Experiencing the breath head-on, he plucked the heads off, plucking and plucking them off, however, his body melted down due to the accumulated acidic breath damage, and he ultimately died.

Ahhh.......

How could his fate be this tragic?

'So that's why he was a meat shield.'

Scenes flashed through his mind like a movie.

The Barbarian Warrior casually snapping the waist of humanoid monsters with an innocent expression.

Him rejoicing after simply receiving a single moldy loaf of bread from the people as a reward for slaying the monster.

Succumbing to the sweet talk of a slick-looking thug and meeting his end as a meat shield.......

Tears flowed on their own.

How kind must he have been to live a life constantly being treated as a pushover by people.

So what if he was a Rare?

And so what if he was an idiot.

Joo-hyuk grasped the Barbarian Warrior's hand, which was as large as a cauldron lid, and spoke.

"Welcome. Let's climb the tower together."

"I absolutely will do whatever you instruct."

What should he call him for his name?

Let's pull one from the catalog.

"Let's decide on a name first. Do you prefer Savage? Or Gobang?"

(TL Note: Yaman = Savage/Barbarian. Gobang = Gogi Bangpae/Meat Shield)

"...Do not know well."

"Pick just one. Savage? Gobang?"

"Gobang."

"Our dear Gobang, I'll make you happy. You trust me, right?"

"I am Gobang, I trust the summoner. Will do whatever instructed."

After that.

"Mr. Cossack, Mr. Gobang and I, the three of us are comrades from now on. I look forward to working with you."

Cossack, rolling his eyeballs relentlessly around.

"Of course, it must be that way, sir. Now that I look at him, he is a dependable meat shield, sir. I will teach him properly and turn him into a capable person, sir."

"Great, then let's enter the 16th floor right now."

"Yes, sir! ...Hey, Gobang! Why are you staying still? Aren't you going to answer?"

"Yes, sir."

"Do not copy me! You bastard!"

A timid, cowardly player, an insane assassin, and a Barbarian Gobang whose head was significantly lacking.

A chaotic party indeed.

Although he felt slightly uneasy.

'...It'll still run smoothly, right?'