Chapter 112 - Chapter 112

Chapter 112

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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A real estate company in Shanghai.

Ordinary on the outside, but in reality, the headquarters of the Triads in China.

Triad Boss Gu Liangchun sat facing a certain man across a table with bodyguards in tow, having a conversation.

"...Unbelievable. Is it really you, Bai Long?"

"Boss, I already proved it to you, didn't I? This current appearance was changed with the Ring of Form Transformation."

Bai Long.

The player who assassinated China's new Chairman Wang Yuan and fled.

That Bai Long, whom the Public Security and the People's Liberation Army were searching for with bloodshot eyes, appeared right before Gu Liangchun's eyes as if showing off.

Originally, Triad Boss Gu Liangchun and Bai Long were acquainted.

Because they formed guanxi in the past when Bai Long was China's top player.

"So what is it that you need?"

"30 million US dollars and a passport with a perfect identity, preferably Taiwanese or Singaporean nationality. However, it must have a history of player activity."

"You intend to continue your player activities as well, it seems."

"Then what else would I make a living with?"

Gu Liangchun smirked and laughed.

They say a player's abilities can be demonstrated in reality, but escaping China is extremely difficult.

What's the use of merely changing one's face?

Without an ID card, you cannot use long-distance transportation like railways, let alone airplanes.

The Rune Necklace of Liberation also has limits on duration and number of uses, so he wouldn't be able to use it hastily.

Moreover, he probably ran out of money too.

Seeing how he appeared looking like a beggar like this.

"The price?"

"I will give you the Elixir of Rejuvenation."

"That is insufficient, hand over the Potion of Disease Cure as well."

"Hmm, well, as long as you keep your promise."

Gu Liangchun nodded his head and said.

"Creating an identity is not difficult."

"It must absolutely be a player identity."

"Do not worry. When can I receive the elixir and potion?"

"Right after I arrive at a New York airport."

Bai Long planned to go to America.

His plan was to request naturalization from the American Tower Climbing Bureau afterward.

America is quite generous regarding player naturalization.

If requested, it is accepted immediately.

He also changed his face and body shape through Form Transformation.

If the newly acquired identity on top of that is perfect, how would they know he is Bai Long?

"First, show me the real things. Only after verifying the elixir and potion with my own eyes will I work on the ID card."

Bai Long furrowing his brow.

"Boss Gu, do you not trust me?"

"Hmm? You're the strange one here. What is so difficult about showing those?"

Gu Liangchun sipped the Pu'er tea placed in front of him and continued speaking.

"That necklace you're wearing on your chest, it must be the Rune Necklace of Liberation."

"...."

"If you activate that power, you could kill an old man like me, everyone in this room, in the blink of an eye."

Bai Long shrugging his shoulders.

"Boss Gu, what kind of person do you take me for saying such things? I am not a murderer who kills just anyone. The incident with Chairman Wang Yuan was an accident too."

What accident.

Did he think he didn't watch the CCTV?

"Yes, what the heck, I'll show you."

Sreureuk!

2 potion bottles coming out of Bai Long's inventory.

"This is the Elixir of Rejuvenation, and this is the Potion of Disease Cure..."

It was at that moment.

Clang!

A hole opened in the glass window, and,

Thwack!

Along with a sound, a red hole opened on Bai Long's forehead.

There wasn't even a scream.

Thud!

He slammed his head onto the table just like that and died instantly.

Blood also splattered onto Gu Liangchun's forehead.

Slowly wiping it off.

"Tsk tsk, my friend. You looked down on the Chinese government too much. Did you think they didn't know you and I have a guanxi relationship?"

It wasn't just him.

The Public Security must have approached everyone connected to Bai Long.

The Triads?

It had been a long time since they became puppets of the Chinese government.

People's Liberation Army snipers were already deployed here.

Even if the chance of Bai Long coming to him was less than 1%.

'I prayed, please don't come.'

He ended up appearing after all.

'Retarded bastard.'

It couldn't be helped.

He has to act according to instructions.

Because if he doesn't, he will also be entangled and killed together.

The very thought that a player could stand against national power was an enormously huge delusion.

No matter how much he liberated his power.

Pitter patter,

The sound of Public Security footsteps coming up the office stairs.

Gu Liangchun smacked his lips, tsk-tsk.

Because the Elixir of Rejuvenation on the table caught his eye.

However, he did not get greedy.

Trying to get 10 years younger, he might die 10 years earlier.

South Korea Awakening Management Agency.

Joo-hyuk reuniting with Deputy Director Jeon Kwang-il in the tower materials warehouse.

Various conversations went back and forth.

How many items are being sold at the Player Shop, whether scalping is running rampant or not.

The entire world is in shock.

Korea's national prestige went up.

They are monopolizing envy.

Players are sending naturalization requests to Korean embassies in various countries, and despite Holy Water dropping, Holy Sword rentals are smooth.

Also, the progress of the French special envoy delegation,

That even though they are still making troublesome demands, the negotiations will conclude soon.

'Ugh, my ears are stinging, he has become talkative.'

Actually, Joo-hyuk had been sneaking glances at the Platinum Badge attached to Jeon Kwang-il's chest for a while now.

'Should I retrieve that again?'

When every single one is precious.

Of course, he would give it if asked for it.

Let's endure.

That is too petty an act.

'Still, with 5 badges, a summoned entity's LSSR grade skill upgrade is possible.'

Gathering dust becomes a mountain, gathering badges becomes LSSR.

'Haa.'

Still, not right now.

"You must have suffered a lot."

"Oh my, don't mention it. Thanks to the items you brought, our elite players' tower climbing has become very safe. High-Grade Mana Stones are also smoothly being mined."

His heart feels proud.

To think he tried to take away the badge of such a kind person.

"Oh right! Regarding the building you asked for previously."

"Ah, right. How did it go?"

"As a result of the Director looking into it..."

Jeon Kwang-il explained enthusiastically.

Saying a 61-story building in Gangnam came out on the market.

That negotiations are currently progressing smoothly, and since the talks are entirely finished, only legal procedures remain.

However, the price of the building was,

"...How much did you say?"

"It is 1.3 trillion won. It's a property that came out cheap because the parent company's financial situation isn't good."

"Uh..."

Joo-hyuk's heart plummeted with a thud.

'1.3 trillion won?'

No, it's true he said he'd buy a building, but he didn't even think up to the trillion-unit.

"Compared to Player Bong's social position, we should introduce an even better building than this, but this is the only one currently on the market, so."

"...."

Why are these people like this?

'What about my social position.'

Isn't he just an ordinary beta male of South Korea?

He just came this far thanks to getting one good awakening trait and meeting good summoned entities.

'Where do I look like someone who would casually throw down 1.3 trillion won?'

What should he do about this.

How can he buy a building that insanely expensive?

He only thought of a small neighborhood building.

The matter grew too big.

It grew as big as 1.3 trillion won.

Did he even have that much money in the first place?

Checking his account, it doesn't even reach half.

'Should I say I won't buy it?'

But they say the talks are all done.

"The Park & Kim Law Firm in charge of legal counsel for the Awakening Management Agency agreed to handle all duties on your behalf, so you don't need to pay special attention to it yourself."

"...Yes, yes."

It's scary.

Even when buying a 30 billion won penthouse, he trembled, wavering over whether to buy it or not.

To think the moment would come where he has to decide on purchasing a 1.3 trillion won, 61-story building in Gangnam.

"...Excuse me, I can get a loan, right?"

"Ah! Do not worry about that. We will introduce you to a bank with cheap loan interest."

Deputy Director-nim.

I am not a guy with such guts.

I'm just not showing it, but my heart is beating like a storm.

"And Rajix Corporation plans to launch Wyvern leather products soon. The Basilisk leather payment should also be coming in from HG Group, so."

"Ah!"

Right, he had forgotten.

There was Rajix Corporation.

It was a name Joo-hyuk came up with directly.

Thanks to Rajix, they were able to commercialize Wyvern leather, so naturally he should name it like that.

'Come to think of it, I'm the major shareholder of a company, aren't I?'

Holy Sword owner, building owner, major shareholder.

That's right.

He's a person who will become a triple owner, so a mere 1.3 trillion won is nothing.

His mind suddenly felt at ease.

He also gained confidence.

However, he couldn't be relieved.

He has to earn diligently.

If he impulsively buys this building, let alone Korean beef ribeye caps, he might not even be able to eat ramen for his three meals a day.

And how many dependents does he have?

A new summoned entity will also arrive soon too.

One arrives every month.

To think the weight placed on the shoulders of the head of a household would be this heavy.

Let's earn diligently.

He has to work his bones to the breaking point to feed his family.

Joo-hyuk spoke to Jeon Kwang-il containing firm resolve.

"It will be troublesome for you, but I will ask a favor again."

"Yes? What are you referring to? Should I look for one more building for you?"

Is this gentleman really trying to bankrupt a person.

"That's fine. The item sales agency."

"...Huh? Yes?"

"I have more things to sell, you see."

"U-uh, how much?"

Joo-hyuk designated-summoned Rajix.

"Ho-e,"

The Universal Top Servant appearing throwing his short arms up.

Jeon Kwang-il became tense.

Sir Rajix appeared.

Then don't tell me?

"Here, please stack them up neatly by category."

"Ho-eng!"

Rajix opened his subspace bag.

Items began to pile up.

High-Grade Mana Stones, equipment items, colorful jewels, gold bars...

They literally piled up.

To the point of touching the high ceiling of the materials warehouse.

'...Wh-what is all this?'

Again?

Jeon Kwang-il merely watched absentmindedly.

What words are necessary in this situation?

The volume is greater than before.

It's not at a level where you can just say it's a lot.

Double, no, more than triple?

Is there really a treasure trove inside the tower or something?

"Can you sell them all for me?"

"...U-uhm, yes yes, I-I must sell them. I will sell them diligently."

When will he process all this?

Suddenly, as if remembering something, Jeon Kwang-il asked Joo-hyuk.

"Uhm, taking this opportunity, should we permit foreign players entry into the Player Shop as well? With this amount of volume, it seems that would be okay."

"That's a good idea. Let's do that."

Agree of course.

Doesn't it have to sell quickly to cover 1.3 trillion won?

Do only Korean players clear the tower?

Foreign players must also clear their domestic towers.

However, they will soon be sold out.

Just how many players are there worldwide?

Between 700,000 and 1.5 million.

Even if only half of them visit the Player Shop...

They won't just buy one, they'll buy two or three, three or four, five or six, just wildly buying them up.

'Just this won't be nearly enough.'

Isn't there anywhere else to get more?

Gwangma said so.

If it's not the Korean Black Tower but another country's Black Tower, there might be another treasure trove.

'Wait!'

An idea struck him.

Currently, he has about 6 Multinational Tower Utility Tickets.

Since they're items that drop frequently...

"What was it the French government requested?"

"They asked us to climb the 71st floor and hand over the 4-piece items... It is a very shameless demand condition. Isn't that saying they want to blow their nose without lifting a finger?"

Well, what's wrong with blowing their nose for them a bit?

"Tell them we will do it."

"...Pardon?"

"Instead, convey that the condition is I clear the France Black Tower up to the 73rd floor."

"Gasp!"

Jeon Kwang-il was startled in surprise.

Not clearing the 70th floor, but clearing up to the 73rd floor for them?

"Will they refuse by any chance? I wish they would accept, though."

Spacing out blankly for a moment before snapping to his senses.

"A-ah, no. There's no way they will absolutely decline. Would they dare refuse?"

True.

When the collapse deadline overlaps.

It means they'd earn 540 days of time.

"Then please take care of it. Since we must get the French government's permission first."

"Understood. I will report it to the Director."

Money!

He has to earn money.

Soon his bank account will be completely empty.

An empty bank account must be filled right away.

A worry suddenly coming to mind.

'Who should I entrust the building's management to if I buy it?'

No worries.

There's someone resting at home.

His father Bong Soo-chul.

Because his mother is there too.

Ahhh!

What a filial son he is!

Even providing jobs for his parents.

'But the France Black Tower will have treasure troves too, right?'

If it doesn't, it's a bust.

Well, even so, he can just be satisfied with acquiring badges.

Currently 85 cumulative.

The remaining physical badges inside the inventory are 53.

They were 57 until yesterday, but because he attached 1 to Cossack, 1 to Gwangma, and 2 to Rajix, it's like this.

'What if I clear the 70th, 71st, 72nd, and 73rd floors of the France Black Tower?'

The 70th floor is only an S++ grade, so 1 Platinum Badge, and starting from the 71st floor it's 2 each, so 7 in total.

Cumulative 92, physical 60.

He'll increase the number of badges, receive the privilege one more time, and additionally rob the Necromancer's Dungeon Treasure Trove and the Royal Palace Treasure Trove.

Isn't this killing four birds with one stone?

Director Park Kyung-soo, receiving Joo-hyuk's intention, immediately attempted negotiations with the French special envoy delegation.

We will receive the 4-piece gift set and hand it over.

Instead, let's sign a contract under the condition that we clear the France Black Tower up to the 73rd floor.

France could not refuse.

Rather, they welcomed it.

Because if the 71st, 72nd, and 73rd floors are cleared, 540 days of collapse deadline accumulates.

Joo-hyuk also conveyed his intention to the summoned entities.

After calling everyone with designated summons.

"I think I need to buy a building."

"Oh! Buildings are the best, sir. Isn't real estate ever-victorious, sir."

"This girl also agrees. If it is Young Master, would one building be a problem?"

Everyone had a pleased expression.

However.

"It's a bit expensive. So I have to earn more money."

"How much is it, sir? About 50 billion, sir?"

Gyeon Dal-rae snorted.

"Hmph! This house is 30 billion. You're buying a whole building, shouldn't it be at least 100 billion?"

Cossack clicking his tongue.

"Wow! That's really expensive, sir. With that money, there'd be some left over even if you eat Korean beef sirloin for the rest of your life, sir."

"There is a reason people always say building owner, building owner."

Joo-hyuk revealed the price of the building.

"It's 1.3 trillion won."

"...Yes, sir?"

"A 61-story building in a prime Gangnam location. 1.3 trillion won."

"Uhm, is that 1 trillion the 1 trillion I'm thinking of, sir?"

"Yes."

"Really?"

"Have you only lived being deceived? Do I look like Mr. Cossack to you?"

Cossack's face turned pale blue.

"This is a big problem, sir. We have to starve now, sir. We might have to run away hounded by loan debt, sir. Even if we sell this house, it's only 30 billion, sir."

Gyeon Dal-rae seemed to have received a big shock.

"Ahhh...."

She placed her fingers on her forehead, staggered, and fainted.

"Oops, Princess! Please get up, sir! You must stay firm at times like this, sir."

Gwangma also with a curious expression.

"Just how much money is 1 trillion? Is it something the Summoner cannot handle?"

"It is a bit expensive. But still, if I earn diligently..."

"Then what is the problem? You just buy it."

Thereupon, Cossack burst into anger and rebuked Gwangma.

"Are you ignorant of the ways of the world, Sir Gwangma! An elite player's annual salary is 12 billion, sir. If you save that entirely for 10 years, it's 120 billion, sir. You have to save for 100 years to reach 1.2 trillion, sir. Even then you're short 100 billion and can't buy the Gangnam building, sir."

Gwangma flinched! Startled.

With an embarrassed expression,

"Hoho, I-I didn't know it was that much."

Gwangma avoiding Cossack's fierce gaze.

"Is that all, sir? With acquisition tax, property tax, comprehensive real estate tax, maintenance fees... oh my, our Summoner Bong has become a building beggar, sir. A beggar, a beggar."

Veronica gulped down dry saliva with a pale expression.

Gobang and Bardin merely blank expressions as if they couldn't grasp reality.

However, only one person was different.

Rajix with a seemingly sneering expression.

"Ho-e-e-e-e."

A mere 1.3 trillion won?

He thumped his chest while looking at Joo-hyuk, as if telling him to trust only him.

Right, I have no one but our Rajix.

"Mr. Rajix, can you do it?"

"Ho-eng!"

"Good! Then let's do it."

Time is ample.

If they clear two floors a day, it's merely two days.

Coincidentally, they heard the contract with France was concluded.

First, after tearing a Multinational Tower Utility Ticket.

[You have used a Multinational Tower Utility Ticket.]

[Please state the country name and floor number of the tower you wish to enter.]

"France Black Tower, 70th floor."

[Entry conditions have been met. Will you enter now?]

"Enter."

Spot!

[You are entering the 70th floor of the France Black Tower.]

Step, step!

Joo-hyuk and the summoned entities walking toward the mansion where Cavalan is hiding.

Everyone's expressions were fierce.

Intense will for battle.

A single-minded desire to smash everything in sight.

Creak,

As they opened the door and entered, the copy Cavalan looking down upon the gathered crowd with a fishy expression.

"Welcome."

What the heck is welcome?

"Strike him!"

Rumble!

Pow pow pow pow!

"...Kuhuuk! Wh-what?"

I'm busy, you bastard.

Don't be an obstacle.

[Announcement : You have achieved the S++ clear grade on the 70th floor of the Black Tower (France).]

[S++ Clear Reward : A Platinum Badge is awarded.]

The global announcements scrolling up sequentially.

Blah blah benefits from the France Black Tower, blah blah High-Grade Mana Stone rewards.

No need to listen.

Exiting and coming out.

On to the next 71st floor.

Immediately receiving the 4-piece gift set.

"Only basic missions, sir?"

"Let's just sweep it all away."

He received item rewards too.

They're things that drop commonly.

Rune Necklaces of Liberation, Holy Water, things like that.

They should have just given one more Multinational Tower Utility Ticket.

"The bitch is locked on."

"Fire!"

Jjiiiiing!

Pa-ju-ju-juk!

Pow!

After even killing Kate running away like that.

[Announcement : You have achieved the S+++ clear grade on the 71st floor of the Black Tower (France).]

[S+++ Clear Reward : 2 Platinum Badges are awarded.]

Tomorrow is the day to rob two treasure troves.

But it seems like it will be insufficient.

If he only robbed about 10 treasure troves, he'd have absolutely no worries.

Is there any other tower to rob?

On this day, the French citizens who received the global announcement cheered.

That person has arrived.

The savior of France, that is.

Thanks to him, France rose to become the first country in Europe capable of being rewarded with High-Grade Mana Stones.

Various countries worldwide also fell into deep thought watching France's case.

Couldn't we just ask him to clear it for us without us having to exert effort to climb?

Because if so, it would be very comfortable and certain.