Chapter 118 - Chapter 118

Chapter 118

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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The black market's trading method.

In the early days, payments were made in dollars, but currently, it's unconditionally coins.

How are item trades done?

If it's an item with a not-so-high price, a guild member goes out directly and hands it over.

However, for things like expensive runes, a delivery accident might occur, so bank private safes are primarily used.

Because even if they trust the player guild members, it would be a big deal if they acted crazy, put the rune in their inventory, and bolted.

First, the item price is paid with various types of coins such as Bitcoin, Tether, Ethereum, Ripple, etc. on the dark web.

And once the deposit is confirmed, they employ an errand boy to hand over the key and password to the bank private safe containing the item, completing the trade.

What remains now?

They just need to slowly liquidate them into cash while managing it so the coin market price doesn't fall.

"I just got contacted that the trade has ended."

"Good job."

The trade for the Rune of Trait Enhancement ended quickly.

America must have been in a hurry.

The runes sold off were 2 pieces.

The price was 19 billion dollars.

Then again, Gerald, who was once the world's best, got pushed aside by the South Korea S+++ grade player and degraded into just a mediocre, ordinary player, so they must be anxious.

Actually, focusing investments like that on a single player is a foolish act.

Who knows what could happen later,

If an abnormality occurs regarding their personal safety in reality, that's the end of it.

Players are unexpectedly weak existences.

Even if they enhance their traits several times, it's useless if their mentality wavers.

In any case, the Runes of Trait Enhancement were sold.

Now the remaining rune is barely one.

This is not scheduled to be sold.

Because they don't know what will happen later, it's for emergency use,

The Guild Master of the black market organization.

No one knows his name.

His nationality hasn't been revealed either.

Only the fact that he's an early awakened player and is in his mid-40s.

Of course, would he not have a name?

It appears exactly as is on the status window.

His recently changed nationality as well.

[Name] : Dmitri Romanov

[Affiliation] : Black Tower (South Korea)

[Level] : 61LV.

The place Dmitri is currently residing is Prague, Czech Republic.

After temporarily naturalizing through the Czech North Korean embassy, he cleared the South Korea Black Tower up to the 60th floor and was preparing for the 61st floor.

The undead section he couldn't even dare to attempt previously.

Dmitri had also stopped at the 59th floor.

Because managing the black market was his main duty, was there a need to purposely climb the unclear upper floors?

He only occasionally did repeated clears of the lower floors.

From now on, he will climb actively.

Breaking through the undead section.

He also has Holy Water.

'I should clear the 70th floor within a month.'

The final 70th floor of the undead section.

The place guarded by the replica Kavalan.

He just has to pass this point.

It's not difficult because the undead's Dark Aura suffered a nerf.

Thanks to the South Korean S+++ grade clearer's clear of the genuine Kavalan, that is.

He heard information that the 71st floor is very easy as well.

Does he climb alone?

Not a chance!

About 30 top elite guild members selected for this operation also temporarily naturalized together.

They are all players who have enhanced their traits at least once or more.

If they get on the full-fledged track like that?

'I can get my hands on the Rune Necklace of Liberation.'

And the Elixir of Rejuvenation and Potion of Disease Cure too.

Results are slowly appearing.

Not to mention mining High-Grade Mana Stones, various items dropped as rewards.

'The core is the Rune Necklace of Liberation.'

That will absolutely never be sold.

If they secure a multitude of Rune Necklaces, the long-standing cherished desire of the Black Market Guild will be achieved in one breath.

Substantial military force.

Liberated players level 70 or above.

Superhumans who can use their abilities inside the tower in reality as well.

A powerful military force group strictly made up of players will be born.

In that sense...

'Shall I get a taste of the 61st floor today?'

Since he also has plenty of Holy Water, he could likely expect a clear success if he does well.

'Now, then, to en...'

Right at that moment!

[World Notice : A player overcrowding phenomenon has occurred in a specific nation.]

"...Huh?"

Suddenly?

The notice following simultaneously.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea nationality Black Tower constructed, climbing floors also up to the 55th floor, status window affiliation transfer impossible for 1 year.

"...What kind of dogshit is this!"

Dmitri hurrying to check his status window.

[Name] : Dmitri Romanov

[Affiliation] : Black Tower (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

[Level] : 61LV

'....'

It changed.

His nationality changed.

He was affiliated with South Korea until just a moment ago.

Really?

"E-entering the South Korea Black Tower 61st floor!"

[You cannot enter a tower of a different affiliation.]

"My god!"

In a flash like this?

It simply didn't feel real.

Just why?

At that moment, the door opening with a fling,

"G-Guild Master."

Vice Guild Master Anton came in with a face that had turned pale blue.

"Anton... Don't tell me you too?"

"I-I was right in the middle of clearing the 59th floor, but I was forcefully ejected saying it's a tower whose nationality does not match."

"Ah..."

Dmitri hurriedly checked with other guild members too.

They were the same.

All of their nationalities had changed.

Entry into the South Korea Black Tower was impossible.

The tower they can enter is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Black Tower.

A place where the 55th floor is the unclear upper floor, so the reward probability is extremely low, and its utility value has fallen so it's dirt cheap, a place where they can only mine normal Mana Stones.

"Damn it all!!!"

Dmitri's hands trembled violently.

His breath was choked off in his throat.

To the point he couldn't even stand properly.

'It's completely... ruined.'

How much money did he invest in this business.

He's going to end up blowing it all away.

Everyone heard the World Notice.

At first, they couldn't grasp the situation.

What kind of absurd nonsense is that?

Saying a new tower is newly established.

The players who temporarily naturalized through North Korean embassies only realized after checking their status windows.

- Why can't I enter the South Korea Black Tower?

- My nationality changed?

- I got kicked out during a clear.

- Damn it! This is a scam! Give me my money back!

- Haa, do you know how much money went into temporary naturalization!

- Wow! That's a relief. I was just about to sign.

The front of North Korean embassies bustled with players.

People requesting the cancellation of temporary naturalization, people demanding refunds.

However, as if that would work.

Black Tower-related internet communities and SNS worldwide were also in an uproar.

Especially the Korean Tower Climbing Gallery, posts exploded.

-> Quick, welcome to the North Korea Black Tower!

-> It's free to enter, but not when you leave.

-> Long live the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Black Tower!

-> You bastard commies, I'm going to show you the taste of the People's Black Tower!

-> Hmm, reporting you guys to the NIS.

-> Kukuku, their straws got pulled out.

-> The true division of North and South starts now.

-> Are there level 55 players in North Korea currently?

-> Probably none among existing players? Setting aside temporary naturalization players, that is.

-> The majesty of North Korea! The nation possessing the world's most players relative to population.

-> I'd like to climb the South Korea Tower... Huh? This isn't the right place?

-> It's a thunderbolt out of a clear sky.

-> What can they do? They have no choice but to mine even normal Mana Stones.

-> Who can make a living by selling normal Mana Stones? They wouldn't even earn potion money.

-> But where is the newly generated Black Tower?

-> They say it's near Pyongyang.

-> Is it close to the Presidential Palace? By any chance, like Japan's...

-> No, it's not downtown Pyongyang, but still, wouldn't it enter the sphere of influence if it collapses.

-> What a shame.

-> Hey! Aren't you guys worried? A hole might be drilled in the Korean Peninsula.

The South Korean government was also on high alert.

The NIS moved busily to grasp the situation, and the entire military was on emergency standby to prepare for what might happen in contingencies.

The Awakening Management Agency was also out of its mind.

Director Park Kyung-soo making phone calls here and there.

"...A point 15km east of Pyongyang? What about human casualties? Ah! You don't know yet. Hmm, please contact me anytime if there are changes."

A Black Tower that sprouted up near Pyongyang.

Deputy Director Jeon Kwang-il also had an expression of disbelief.

"I feel weird. I want to laugh, but it's not a laughing matter."

"Same for me."

South Korea and North Korea, which had shared a single tower.

Due to this World Notice, North Korea's own Black Tower was generated.

Up until now, North Korea had parasitized the South Korea Black Tower and sucked out only the sweet juices with absolutely no risk regarding tower collapses.

But now they must bear the risks.

A tower collapse became not someone else's problem.

They have no choice but to be self-reliant.

"How must the temporary naturalization players be feeling? I heard nationality change is also impossible for 1 year."

Even though they say nothing actually changes since only their status window affiliation changed.

"What else can they do? If they want to make a living, they have to clear the North Korea Black Tower for a year. If they don't climb, their awakening gets canceled."

Right.

If they do not enter the tower for 3 months, the system revokes their player qualification, so the tied-up temporary naturalization players have no choice.

They must climb unconditionally.

"By being greedy, they bit a bait they shouldn't have bitten."

"It's a full catch. They were caught by the boatload."

"The problem is that the North Korean government does not possess the ability to overcome this difficult situation on its own."

That was the case.

Up until now, North Korea never even thought about fostering players at the national level.

They merely engrossed themselves in how to exploit players.

"It would be nice if the North Korean government came to their senses even now."

"Ha! Could that be possible?"

Even if they do, it's too late.

The North Korean government doesn't have the ability to manage players.

"Anyway, it seems naturalized players will take the lead in North Korea's tower climbs."

Naturalized players have no choice.

To recover their principal, they must climb.

"They will quickly climb up to the 70th floor. To mine High-Grade Mana Stones."

The establishment of North Korea's Black Tower.

In a way, it's refreshing.

It's a gratifying event.

Does that mean they can just smile?

There are 2 towers on the land of the Korean Peninsula.

Penthouse.

Joo-hyuk was also in the middle of a conversation with the summoned entities.

Gyeon Dal-rae with a nonchalant expression.

"I knew it would turn out like this. There is no such thing as pleasure without responsibility in this world."

Everyone nodded their heads.

Meanwhile, Gwangma,

"Let us conquer North Korea with this opportunity. 3 hours is enough. Fortunately we have the Ring of Exit too."

As if he had been waiting, he advocated for northward unification.

Well, it was naturally expected that Gwangma would say something like this, but...

"Leave them be. North Korea will handle it on their own. It's not like they're lacking in player numbers."

The North Korean government probably isn't full of fools either.

There's no way they'd leave a tower collapse alone.

"This old man views that it will be difficult."

"Why?"

"The undead section might become an insurmountable barrier."

"Hmm, they can get Holy Water, and the undead section became easier too, right."

It was true in reality.

The Dark Aura was also weakened overall.

To the point where even ordinary players stepped up to clear it.

"Do you really think so?"

"Pardon?"

Are you saying it's not?

"What do you think is the reason the undead section of Earth's Black Towers became easier?"

"...Well, that's because the genuine Kavalan was cleared and the curse was broken."

The contents of the World Notice at the time.

The influence of the genuine Kavalan that affected the Black Towers worldwide disappeared.

And the stats of the 68th floor Guardian Death Knight, 69th floor Gatekeeper Lich, and 70th floor replica Kavalan also plummeted drastically.

"That is correct. Thanks to you, Summoner, bestowing your grace, the Black Towers of each country simultaneously received the benefit."

So what's the problem?

"However, the North Black Tower this time is a newly established tower. It has never been afflicted by Kavalan's curse, and consequently, there was nothing to be broken."

Huh?

"Because it was newly generated, there is a high possibility it hasn't been affected by the curse breaking."

"Eyy, no way! It must have been applied."

"We will only know when we open the lid. The undead's Dark Aura might be at the level prior to the genuine Kavalan."

What if Gwangma's conjecture is correct?

"They might somehow pass the early 60s floors. But the mid-to-late floors...."

They won't be able to climb.

Even Gerald almost died to the 68th floor Death Knight despite holding a Holy Sword.

"Therefore, the one player in the entire world who can clear the late 60s floors of the North Korea Black Tower is likely only you, Summoner."

"...."

This has become a headache.

Do I have to care about the North Korea tower collapse too?

"Hoho, if only we had the Tower Occupation Proclamation Megaphone at a time like this."

Euing?

Joo-hyuk's body flinched.

The other summoned entities did the same.

"M-megaphone? ...What is that?"

"What else would it be? Snatching the tower away from a nation lacking clear ability, of course."

"...Whoa! It's a fascinating item."

He must feign ignorance.

It's an item he doesn't know.

If they knew he received it as a privilege, they might pester him to use it right away.

"If we snatch the tower, what happens to the players with that nationality?"

"Even I cannot know that. We will know if we try snatching it."

Hmm.

It's a little worrisome.

If the North Korean government lacks the ability to clear the tower, perhaps the method of bringing it over isn't a bad idea.

But what has Cossack been doing since a while ago?

Without saying a word.

'It makes me anxious when Mr. Cossack is quiet.'

Cossack was searching for something on the tablet.

Glancing over stealthily.

- Who is the Chairman of North Korea? -

- Location of the North Korean Presidential Palace -

- Locations of North Korean nuclear missile bases -

Unbelievable.

"Mr. Cossack?"

"Yep?"

"What are you searching that for."

"...Uh umm, just on the level of common knowledge."

"Anyway, it probably won't be of use? It's not information that comes out just because you search for it."

"I-is that so, sir?"

At that, Gyeon Dal-rae clicked her tongue and said.

"Tsk tsk, are you unable to distinguish reason, Mr. Cossack? How could you do such a foolish act!"

Right.

As expected, the wise Gyeon Dal-rae.

"The location of the Presidential Palace and such can be found out with just one phone call to Deputy Director Jeon Kwang-il."

"Oh! I didn't think of that, sir."

"Also, do you think resolving everything ends by merely killing the Chairman?"

"...Does it not, sir?"

"You must target the National People's Congress. The place where high-ranking communist party cadres and People's Army generals gather. You must deal with them all at once. Only then are there no future troubles."

"Oh my, I was an idiot, sir."

This is driving me crazy.

"Move together with Master Sergeant Be. We also have the experience of carrying out an operation together."

"Master Sergeant Veronica Caliber, I only need to know the location of the People's Congress Hall. I can clean them all up with 3 large-caliber bullets."

"Got it, sir. I will stick close! to Master Sergeant Be, sir."

Gwangma wearing a pleased smile,

"You guys have finally come to your senses. Yes, it is better to quickly clear away future threat factors right away. For the sake of the Summoner."

"Hehehe, this Cossack worries about Summoner Bong whether awake or asleep, sir. Please have no worries, Sir Gwangma."

"That is true. Mr. Cossack seems lacking, but he is a person who gets things done when he needs to."

Even Rajix.

"Ho-e! I'm going too. I have a pickaxe."

Seriously, what's wrong with them?

Did they get tainted because they hung out frequently with Gwangma?

Why are they using the North Korean Chairman as an excuse to pick a fight?

It's not like that person generated the Black Tower... Wait.

'Hmm.'

Thinking about it again, it's not like he has no responsibility.

If only they hadn't done the temporary naturalization business...

At that moment!

Clunk!

The door of the corner Alchemist opened.

And, sseueuk, a large water purifier bottle came out of the room.

Inside the water bottle, a yellow liquid was contained.

"Oh!"

Joo-hyuk immediately summoned the Homunculi and had them bring the water bottle.

Chak chak chak chak!

An elixir made with the sample created by Alchemist Mari.

The capacity is also enormous.

The water bottle's capacity is 20L.

Usually, a bottle of elixir that drops as a tower reward is 100mL.

Just that one bottle yields about 200 bottles of elixir.

What type of elixir is it?

[Elixir of Mentality Enhancement Transmuted by a Sage (Large Capacity)]

Effect : Upon consumption, mental strength is drastically enhanced for 10 hours.

A concise explanation.

There's no modifier saying tower-exclusive, and no limit either.

If so?

It means that it applies to reality and ordinary people as well.

Even so, it will probably never be supplied to ordinary people.

There won't even be enough for players to consume.

'Shall I try a drink?'

Jjo-reu-reuk,

Pouring it into a cup.

Drinking it in a gulp.

'It's mango flavor.'

Mentality enhancement.

It's not like his heart becomes bold or majestic like the Potion of Courage.

His mind merely became calm and changed to be stable.

A feeling that he could overcome whatever stress strikes from the outside.

'It would be nice to drink a glass of this whenever I get stressed.'

So what if one more tower appeared in North Korea?

If there's a need to clear it, he just has to clear it.

Additionally, with Platinum Badges, privileges, and treasure troves too.

'...Shall I experiment with the Tower Occupation Proclamation Megaphone with this chance?'

Why not?

It was originally one country anyway.

It's not like they're proposing reunification.

He's just saying let's snatch the tower.

Just the tower.