Chapter 103 - Chapter 103

Chapter 103

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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The 71st floor of the Chinese Black Tower (NO.3) was conquered.

However, the level 71 Chinese player Bailong fled with the 4-item gifts, even eliminating the new Chinese President.

The Public Security Bureau and the People's Liberation Army say they're pursuing Bailong, but how do they plan to find him?

If he changes his appearance with the Ring of Form Alteration, or uses the Rune Necklace of Liberation again, there is no way.

Bailong will try to escape China whatever it takes.

Well, they simply won't be able to catch him.

Following China, the countries closest to the 71st floor were three.

Korea, France, and the US.

Korea had no worries.

France was also negotiating with the Korean government.

Then what about the US?

Secretary MacMillan, Director Antonio, and player Gerald, who entered Korea to conquer the 70th floor.

"Gerald. After you conquer the 70th floor, you're going to climb to the 71st floor, right?"

"...Can I not?"

"It's not a matter of can or cannot. It depends on your will. Who could stop you?"

Gerald shrugged his shoulders.

"So what are you trying to say?"

"The items."

"Ah!"

The gifts received first upon climbing to the 71st floor.

"You can keep as many Elixirs of Rejuvenation or Disease Cure Potions as you want. It doesn't matter if you drink them, or well, sell them to someone, do as you please. But..."

Secretary MacMillan paused for a moment and continued.

"You must absolutely hand over the Rune Necklace of Liberation and the Ring of Form Alteration to the government. Otherwise, you might face some troublesome issues. This isn't a threat, but the truth."

That was true.

They were dangerous items.

The moment a player possessed the Rune Necklace of Liberation, they could be branded as a dangerous individual.

The same applied to the Ring of Form Alteration.

Since they could even change their own appearance and body shape.

Gerald pondered.

Items any player would covet.

However, the risks associated with possessing them were too great.

How could he stand against the US government?

It was much better to enjoy a prosperous player life while receiving the protection of the US just like always.

"Understood. I'll hand them over as soon as I receive the gifts."

"Phew."

"You made a good choice, Gerald."

Only then did Secretary MacMillan and Antonio heave a sigh of relief.

"Then when should we start conquering?"

"Since we arrived today, tomorrow..."

Right at that moment!

[Global Announcement: You have achieved the S+++ conquest grade for the 71st floor of the Black Tower (Korea).]

"Ah..."

"Huh?"

"Hmm,"

A global announcement that was no longer surprising.

In the past, it was a global announcement only heard by Korean players, but now it rings frequently.

"There are 3 pluses next to the S."

"Really, how do you have to conquer to get that?"

"Would he have received the gifts too?"

"I'll inquire with the Awakening Management Agency."

Gerald was surprised too, but his pride seemed slightly hurt.

"I will conquer the 68th floor of the Eastern Tower No. 1 right away today. Tomorrow the 69th floor, the day after tomorrow the 70th floor, I'll finish it in 3 days."

Thus, the US also began their climb.

***

The message indicating the completion of the Republic of Korea Black Tower conquest popped up.

As a global announcement heard by all ordinary people as well.

Even an S+++ grade record,

With 3 pluses.

Deputy Director Jeon Kwang-il of the Korean Awakening Management Agency immediately summoned Team Leader Lee Min-ah.

"Deputy Director."

"Welcome."

The 6-month collapse time limit given when a new unconquered upper floor was conquered, 180 days.

The collapse time limit displayed on the large electronic board in the agency lobby was 169 days; Player Bong Joo-hyuk had conquered the 70th floor about ten days ago.

"Could you check the progress?"

"I already checked."

The Republic of Korea Black Tower progress status window Team Leader Lee Min-ah checked.

[Location]: Republic of Korea, Gangwon-do Black Tower

[Completion]: 71st Floor

[Progress]: 72nd Floor

[Time Limit]: 349 days 23 hours 51 minutes 48 seconds

"It stacked. 180 days were added to the existing 169 days, totaling 349 days."

Jeon Kwang-il tightly clenched his fist and said.

"Done! Have the staff revise the date on the lobby's electronic board and prepare a press release to send to the media."

"Yes."

"Oh right! Let's state that the 4-item set is being kept by the state, by the Management Agency."

"Did Player Bong say he would give them?"

"I don't know. I have no intention of receiving them either. But isn't it the safest place?"

"True..."

Jeon Kwang-il felt relieved.

The extended collapse time limit.

If he conquered the 72nd floor, another 180 days would be added to that.

Korea had become a blessed country.

All because of a single player.

However, the issue of possessing the Rune Necklace of Liberation or the Ring of Form Alteration might become noisy.

There was the example of China as well.

If it's revealed that an individual, especially a player, possesses them, it would cause an uproar.

Saying that the Management Agency is keeping them will prevent any noise.

Actually, it's safest for Player Bong to keep those items.

Would he even need something like a Rune Necklace of Liberation anyway?

The press release from the Awakening Management Agency was distributed to media outlets.

And the news broke out simultaneously,

***

Joo-hyuk and the group returned to the penthouse.

The first mission of the new Season 2.

It felt calmer than he thought.

He didn't know if it was because he hadn't killed people directly himself, or because they were wicked people.

More than anything, the eyes of the villagers he saved before exiting the 71st floor.

He could feel it sufficiently.

Their feelings of gratitude,

'That's enough then.'

If they had left the Pommel Mercenary Company members alone, the villagers would have died instead.

Even thinking about it again, he did well.

Let's look over the rewards he received today.

First, the weapon.

Effect: Increases agility upon equipping, increases stun probability, improves proficiency in lightning-type skills, has a set probability to cast an electromagnetic storm upon successful hit.

Feature: Summons thunderbolts. Paralyzes the enemy.

It didn't have the tower-exclusive modifier.

Thus, the option effects applied in reality as well,

'It's just perfect.'

A multi-purpose weapon that could be used both inside and outside the tower.

He also received a Multi-National Tower Use Ticket.

The more tickets the better.

Next was...

Effect: Maintains a strong spirit. Unshaken by external influences.

Limit: Duration 10 minutes.

'Hmm.'

Do you become a macho man if you drink this?

He'll know once he uses it.

And.

Effect: Embraces the power of brilliance upon consumption. Weakens the dark aura of the undead when sprinkled.

Limit: Duration 2 hours. Effective only inside the tower.

'This is a bit...'

Literally holy water,

A potion targeting the undead.

Could it be used as a substitute for a Holy Sword?

It looked like it.

If a lot of these drop, he might have to fold his Holy Sword rental business.

'Well, I've earned a lot with the Holy Swords so far.'

Finally, checking the special privilege.

It was about time something good came out.

Joo-hyuk checked his inventory.

He was missing a few badges because he awarded them to the summoned entities, but the total number obtained, 81, hadn't changed, so...

[Providing a special privilege for accumulating 80 Platinum Badges.]

'Let something good come out.'

[Special Privilege: 1 Item Conversion Dice provided to the inventory.]

'....'

A dice? What's this again?

Taking it out of his inventory, it was an actual dice.

Made of soft and bouncy rubber material.

A colorful cube much larger than normal dice, though it could be grasped with one hand.

[If you roll the dice, it will convert into the item written on the top face. The chance disappears if you don't roll it within 1 hour.]

'Words, huh...'

They were written on each face.

Since there are 6 faces, there are 6 types.

- Elixir of Rejuvenation.

- Tower Floor Intrusion Ticket.

- Elixir of Stamina Increase.

- Potion of Mana Enhancement.

- Rune of Summoned Entity Resurrection.

- Grade Guaranteed Summoning Ticket (One of SR, SSR, LSSR (Legend Special Super Rare) (Legend Special Super Rare)).

'Things like Trait Enhancement Runes don't even appear anymore.'

How petty.

Do they think they can only be obtained through special privileges?

[Caution]

[Please secure enough space when rolling the dice.]

[If any part of the body touches the rolling dice, or if external force is applied, the dice is instantly destroyed.]

'There are also precautions.'

It seems to be a rule made to prevent tricks.

Because one could intentionally slip and touch the dice with their hand or shapeless aura while rolling it 'Oops! My hand slipped,' to make the desired face appear.

"That looks like a dice."

"Yes. I received it as a special privilege."

Cossack said with a sly smile.

"When it comes to dice, it's gotta be this Cossack. The gambler of the betting table, the Tazza whose hands are faster than the eyes, who cuts off real necks instead of wrists if caught cheating..."

Yes, yes, there's nothing you can't do.

"Are you rolling it now?"

"I should."

"Tell me what item you want. I'll lightly tap it from the side when it finishes rolling..."

Now I know why the precautions were created.

It must be because of people like Cossack.

"It says it'll break if touched while rolling. You can't even move it with mana or internal energy. So step back to the side. If you manipulate it for no reason and I don't get the special privilege..."

"Eng? U-understood."

It was fortunate that the penthouse living room was rather spacious.

The summoned entities stepped back to the edges of the living room.

Veronica, who was fast asleep snoring, was lifted by Gobang and placed against the wall.

"Now, I'm throwing it."

Lightly flick! Bounce!

Perhaps because it was made of rubber material, the dice bounced up from the living room floor.

Bounce, bo~ounce, bounce! Bounce! Bounce...

It has quite the elasticity.

It was indeed like a spring.

B-bounce! Bounce! Bo~oum! Bo~ounce! Bounce-bounce-bounce-bounce!

The height of the bounces got higher and higher.

It bounces crazily.

It bounces as if touching the ceiling.

It even angled sideways and changed direction after hitting the wall.

"It's like a bouncy ball."

"It is."

When is it going to stop?

The direction also couldn't be predicted.

The bouncing speed also got faster.

Then, Boooing! Bounce-bounce!

"Huh?"

The dice flying towards Rajix.

He might get hit by the dice at this rate.

'Wait!'

The precautions suddenly came to mind.

If the dice touches the body...

"Heok!"

This is bad.

"Worker Rajix, d-dodge it! If it touches your body, the dice breaks!!!"

Rajix was startled by Joo-hyuk's words.

"Hoe?"

Roll-roll-roll-roll, he hurriedly dodged.

B-bounce! Bounce-bounce-bounce-bounce-bounce!

The dice followed the rolling Rajix.

"Hueee?"

Rajix's eyes widened.

"D-dodge!"

"Ah, Best Servant..."

"Cheer up, Worker!"

"Light!"

"You don't even have a presence these days, if you break the dice too, you're finished!"

"Hoeeeeeng?"

Roll-roll-roll, roll-roll, roll-roll-roll.

Rajix crazily rolled around the living room a full lap dodging the dice.

Only then could he dodge it.

The speed at which it bounced and flew was as fast as lightning.

"...What kind of guided missile is this?"

"It's a bouncy ball guided dice missile."

Boooing!

The dice bounced hugely once again.

"Uh uh uh? The direction changed."

"This fucking!"

"O-oh my?"

It was towards Gyeon Dal-rae.

"Princess!"

"Kyaaaak!"

The dice chasing after her fleeing back.

"N-no!"

Crazy dice bastard.

At that level, it's a suicide bombing terror attack.

Is it trying to make contact on purpose to make the privilege disappear?

"Kkiyoooot!"

A bizarre scream burst out.

Narrowly, seemingly about to touch but not quite.

In an instant!

Swaaaak!

Gyeon Dal-rae sliding and going under the dining table.

"Oh!"

There was such a method?

If so?

"Everyone go into your rooms and close the doors!"

But would the cunning dice let that be?

Booooing! An ominous bounding sound.

The easiest prey here.

Who would it be?

"Gobang!!!"

"Heok! I-It's coming to the warrior."

"Damn it!!!"

Gobang was flustered.

As if terrified, he couldn't even move his body.

It was then.

"A warrior does not submit."

Lying down in the living room just like that,

Grab!

He lifted the massive sofa and covered his own body.

"Foot foot! Your foot is sticking out!"

Swoop! The foot going under the sofa.

Booooing!

The bouncy ball dice hit the spot where the foot had been sticking out and bounced up.

Almost touched,

"Hey! You cheap dice bastard!!!"

Right at that moment!

Booooing!

"...Heol!"

Is it really a living dice?

This time it was Joo-hyuk.

"C-cancel, sorry."

A quick apology was useless.

The pursuing dice.

S-pat! S-pa-pa-pat!

Joo-hyuk's shadows scattering in the living room.

"It follows! To the r-right, n-no, left... Uwaaah!"

Sleeping Veronica bolted upright.

"Master Sergeant Veronica Caliber! Is it time for guard duty?"

Booooing!

"Uh uh uh? Master Sergeant Bae! Dodge!"

"...I didn't hear correctly?"

"You must not get hit by the dice!!!"

"Kyaaak!"

Booooing!

It was pandemonium.

Joo-hyuk and the summoned entities fleeing in terror from that tiny dice.

"Go away! Why towards me?"

"Uwaah! I-it's coming!"

"I told you to go into your rooms!"

"The dice is blocking it. This bastard isn't a normal dice!"

"Dodge!"

"Kyak!"

"Hoeeeeek!"

Booooing!

Fucking bouncy ball guided dice.

It went to Cossack, then.

"I-I was wrong. Please forgive me. Ee-hee-heek?"

Booooing!

Went to Bardin as well,

"My Lord! Please save your servant."

"How do I save you?"

Booooing!

The bouncing sound was also terror itself.

"Hiyyik?"

"Don't stick to me!"

"Then where should it go?"

"I don't know either!"

Booooing!

Joo-hyuk and the summoned entities scattering in panic just because of one dice.

The afterimages of Shadow Steps unfolding in the living room.

Roll-roll-roll, Rajix rolling without resting.

Bardin trembling and hiding behind the living room curtain.

Gobang not moving an inch under the sofa,

Booooing!

Sha-sha-sha-shak!

Veronica quickly crawling across the living room floor doing a low crawl.

Precautions,

Do not let it touch the body.

Do not apply external force.

Booooing!

This simple phrase turned the penthouse living room into a battlefield.

Booooing!

Floor noise? Is that the problem right now?

Finally, Boo~ooo~ooing!

It bounced up high once, then.

Smack!

It stuck to the floor as if nothing had ever happened.

"...."

Is it over?

It seems so.

"Phew."

"Hah."

"My goodness."

"No, what kind of dice..."

Checking the top face of the stopped dice.

"Huh?"

"It's a ticket?"

"It's a ticket."

"Grade guaranteed?"

That was it.

A ticket guaranteed to give out one of SR, SSR, or LSSR (Legend Special Super Rare) (Legend Special Super Rare) grades.

In an instant!

Hwaaaak!

The dice disappearing with a light.

In its place, a single red piece of paper was placed.

'Hmm.'

A ticket is a ticket, but...

"The type is?"

If it's an SR grade guaranteed summon ticket, it's as good as a dud.

It has to be at least SSR guaranteed.

Gulp, Joo-hyuk swallowed dryly, picked up the ticket, and checked the information.

The result is?

[You have acquired an LSSR (Legend Special Super Rare) (Legend Special Super Rare) Grade Guaranteed Summoning Ticket.]

"Heok!"

What is this sound?

Checking again.

"...LSSR (Legend Special Super Rare) (Legend Special Super Rare)! A legend popped up!"

Joo-hyuk raised both arms high.

"Kyaah! Cool!"

"Congratulations."

"The warrior is also happy."

"Hoeeeee!"

"My Lord! Light!!!"

"Commander, congratulations on the troop replenishment."

But...

"Is it a good thing?"

"Yep?"

"A decent person will come, right?"

"...Uh-uh, w-well."

Thinking about it quietly, it doesn't seem to be something to rejoice greatly over.

He would only know after opening the lid.

'Surely there wouldn't be another person like Sir Gwangma?'

What about the random summon cooldown?

[Random Summoning Re-use Cooldown remaining: 19 days 12 hours 45 minutes 15 seconds.]

'There's still a lot of time left.'

***

The next day.

After discussing with the summoned entities, Joo-hyuk decided to climb the 72nd floor.

The mission structure and reward method of the 71st floor yesterday.

It was true that it had changed enough to be called a new beginning.

Missions divided into basic mission, additional option, high-difficulty, and super high-difficulty respectively.

'First of all, it seems you receive a completion evaluation just by completing the basic mission.'

The additional missions seemed related to various rewards and the conquest grade evaluation.

Then what about the 72nd floor?

Would it be exactly the same method?

Would humans appear as mission targets here too?

He was about to check.

He hadn't used the Tower Conquest Mission Reset Ticket yet.

Because he could nullify it once even if a truly difficult situation occurred.

Thus, Joo-hyuk,

[Entering the Republic of Korea Black Tower 72nd floor.]