Chapter 12 - Chapter 12

Chapter 12

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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A cooperative climb between three individuals: Joo-hyuk, Cossack, and the Barbarian Meat Shield.

Yesterday the 16th floor, today the 17th.

[Entering the 17th floor of the South Korea Black Tower.]

[Physical abilities have been enhanced according to your level.]

[Traits and combat skills can be used.]

"Whew!"

Strength was welling up.

Bulging muscles, surging mana, sharpened senses as well.

If level 17 felt like this, he wondered how it would feel when surpassing level 30 or so.

Stretching in the safe zone, taking out his Adamant mace from his tower-exclusive inventory, and ziiing! Activating the Energy Shield as well, and placing his Healing Potions in his pocket for quick access.

"Mr. Cossack, Mr. Gobang, let's move."

"Yes, sir!"

"Gobang going."

The 17th floor was a sweep of Goblin Warriors.

Intelligent monsters capable of strategic and tactical movements, armed with shields, swords, and armor.

Upon venturing deep inside.

[17th Floor Mission : Eliminate 30 Goblin Warriors.]

The mission popped up.

The number to hunt was also 30.

At that exact moment.

Thud, thud, clomp, clomp, clomp!

Goblin Warrior units appeared in perfect ranks and files from three directions: the front, right, and left.

30 in each, making a total of 90.

Practically a company-sized troop.

They were orderly and disciplined.

Equipped with swords, shields, rattan armors, and helmets, they exuded the strong aura of elite soldiers.

How did other players tackle them?

As soon as the Goblin Warrior units appeared, they first retreated to the safe zone.

Then, after waiting a while before returning, the company-sized troops would have dispersed, and the Goblin Warriors would patrol in pairs of three, which they successfully cleared by luring and hunting them three at a time.

This process was extremely difficult.

If the number lured was not 3 but 6, they had to immediately declare mission abandonment.

It was somewhat easier for ranged-class players.

Since they could use skills from afar to pick off one or two at a time and flee to the safe zone.

However, Summoner Joo-hyuk,

"Mr. Gobang!"

"Summoner, called me."

"You can handle those guys, right?"

"Kill them all."

"Sweep them all away."

When he simply issued the command like this,

"Kuwaaaaaaah!!"

Thump, thump, thump, thump!

The Barbarian Warrior Gobang charged at the Goblin Warrior units.

The height of a Goblin Warrior was below 1.5 meters at best.

On the other hand, Barbarian Gobang was over 3 meters tall.

His entire body was muscle, making his breadth tremendously thick as well.

Furthermore, he was an owner of superhuman strength capable of plucking off a Super Demonic Beast Hydra's heads.

Papak! Papapapak!

Goblin Warriors were reduced to bloody pulps and launched high into the sky.

Weapons?

They didn't even lodge into him.

Armor?

It was torn to shreds.

"Wow, that ignorant Gobang bastard, he leaves me speechless, sir."

"......."

It was no different from a K2 Black Panther Tank crushing 90 public Ttareungi bicycles.

Strategy and tactics?

Those only worked when the sides were relatively matched.

Assassin Cossack also joined the fray.

[Notice : You have achieved the clear rank S++ for the 17th floor of the Black Tower (South Korea).]

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

Sprinting straight ahead.

Next was the 18th floor clear.

Goblin Assassins appeared on the 18th floor.

Surprisingly, they were monsters that utilized Stealth.

Because it was a remarkably low-tier Stealth skill, focusing one's mind allowed one to see their shifting, stealthy movements.

In a way, it was manageable.

Since simply seeing through their Stealth rendered them meaningless.

However, it was by no means an easy task.

Assassins were cunning.

They frequently employed tactics where one Goblin Assassin feigned its Stealth breaking to lure a player, only for an ambushing assassin positioned behind to launch a surprise attack.

Cossack was the one who performed brilliantly on the 18th floor.

Being someone who had reached the pinnacle as an assassin.

"Watching that ignorant Gobang bastard's clear must have been agonizing for you, sir. I shall demonstrate what a truly classy clear is, sir."

Taking down lackey Goblin Assassins was something he could do with his eyes closed.

John Cossack, demonstrating what true Stealth was.

Swish!

"Assassin disappeared. Cowardly. Bad guy."

"...He's not that bad of a person, though."

"Understood. Assassin is a good person. Going to help."

Thump, thump, thump, thump.

He advanced, but Gobang solely scratched his head.

He couldn't do anything.

Because he couldn't see them.

Even so, swinging his arms wildly about here and there,

Smack!

A Goblin Assassin lucklessly caught in his hand and reduced to a bloody pulp.

"Keck!"

Amidst that.

Swish, swish, swi-swish!

The sound of Cossack's blade strikes.

The kill count rising rapidly.

[Completion Condition : Goblin Assassin 7/30]

He was soundlessly fast.

The 17th floor was Barbarian Gobang's performance.

The 18th floor was Cossack's performance.

'What am I doing?'

He had spent 2 million won bringing home an Adamant mace, but it looked like he wouldn't even be able to swing it once.

Not on the 16th floor, 17th floor, nor the 18th floor they were currently clearing.

There was no particular need for him to fight, but.......

'Shall I give it a try?'

Trusting in the Energy Shield.

And the Shadow Step skill as well.

It was actually fun the more he used it.

Joo-hyuk moved in the opposite direction from Cossack.

While strolling leisurely along.

Sssrk!

'Huh?'

Spit!

A goblin revealing itself from behind, thrusting its dagger toward his back.

"Hut! Fuck!"

It was a crisis.

He had to evade.

Swat! Swawawat!

His body moved automatically the moment he became conscious of it.

Shadow Step.

But he didn't solely run away.

Since he had come here intending to swing his mace at least once.

What was the most effective method to retaliate?

A path was drawn in his mind.

Swat! Swawawawat!

Before he knew it, he had taken the Goblin Assassin's rear,

And with his sturdy Adamant mace,

Whoosh!

Craaaack!

Skull cracked.

"Kkik?"

Struck in a vital spot, the goblin flattened like a pancake.

Its kill count rising simultaneously.

'...I, I killed it?'

He killed it?

With a mace?

'...Umm.'

Although he was dazed by his first experience.

Only upon reaching the 18th floor had he finally succeeded in scoring a monster kill himself.

A truly monumental event.

This wasn't the time for that.

Another Goblin Assassin appearing out of nowhere.

"Kikik!"

Leap!

An approximately 1.5-meter-tall Goblin Assassin leaped high into the air, aiming for Joo-hyuk's neck,

'...This bastard.'

Swat! Swat! Swat!

Like blinking in and out of existence, Joo-hyuk vanishing and reappearing,

Whirling around the goblin and causing it to lose its senses,

Whoosh!

Crack!

Skull cracked!

"Keck!"

Another kill.

'Ah.'

His hands were trembling uncontrollably.

His heart was pounding.

Adrenaline surged through him.

It felt surreal.

It surprisingly wasn't half bad.

'One more?'

Without fail, another Goblin Assassin emerged.

Swat! Swawawat!

His body reacted first.

Ah!

The world slowed down.

The goblin's blade strikes felt like slow motion.

Swat!

Taking its back,

Skull cracked!

Smack!

"Keei......."

It didn't die in one hit?

Perhaps it was because he lacked a proper offensive attack skill.

Then,

Whoosh!

Craaaack!

One more strike.

Next?

Is there no more?

However.

[Notice : You have achieved the clear rank S++ for the 18th floor of the Black Tower (South Korea).]

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

It seemed he seemingly struck the final blow.

He had completed the mission himself.

'...This is more than I thought.'

Isn't this surprisingly good?

'Just how on earth did.......'

Even though he'd done it himself, he couldn't quite fathom it.

When he attempted to maneuver behind the Goblin Assassin with Shadow Step, it flawlessly followed the exact path he had visualized in his head.

Lowering his posture tightly and delving into its blind spot, smoothly rotating his body to naturally position himself at its back.

Deep, lingering shadows left behind with every change in direction.

Slick and supple movements.

He had barely even practiced Shadow Step for very long.

'Did I really do that?'

Over there, the figures of Barbarian Gobang and Cossack standing blankly caught his eye.

One was merely staring blankly at him, while the other was shaking his head back and forth, exhaling deep sighs.

[You can challenge the 19th Floor.]

[Exiting the South Korea Black Tower.]

* * *

Hannam-dong, Seoul, Director Park Kyung-soo's Office.

Manager Lee Min-ah, a player and an employee of the Management Agency, shouted while clenching her fists.

"The server-wide notice has appeared. 18th floor, S++ Rank clear success."

"Excellent!"

"He's unstoppable. He must have prepared himself thoroughly indeed."

Director Park Kyung-soo's face flushed red with excitement.

"Honestly, if it were up to my feelings, I would completely expose him. That the South Korean 18-consecutive S++ clear record holder is directly this man!"

"You mustn't mention such things, even as a joke. We must quietly and covertly provide unstinting support so that he may ascend to the 60th floors."

"I just meant I'm that proud of him."

Bong Joo-hyuk was no longer a mere General contractor.

He was a super-special player who required more delicate care than even the Elite Team.

"The 19th floor tomorrow?"

"It is highly probable, but I wish he'd pace himself a little. His speed is far too rapid."

"Hmm, that's true."

It wasn't just the Management Agency.

The entirety of South Korea was in an uproar.

Since it was a server-wide notice broadcast to players affiliated with the South Korean Black Tower, it swiftly spread to the public as well.

Even on the network 9 o'clock news.

- A new wind is blowing through South Korea's Black Tower climbing. Although there was a 20-day hiatus, achieving a whopping 18 consecutive S++ Rank clears, an unprecedented record, and the history of tower climbing is currently being rewritten.

- Not only the players, but also the general public are marveling at this, and attention is focusing on just how far this record will continue. The mysterious player is currently estimated to be at level 19, and.......

- Debates regarding the S++ player's identity are also brewing. The prevailing opinion is that it is a new Elite player recruited by the Awakening Management Agency, however, the Management Agency remains tight-lipped regarding this matter.......

General and Elite players alike were highly invigorated.

South Korea's Mana Stone production volume plummeted upward out of nowhere.

General players contemplating giving up their climb resumed their clears, and those who had settled on lower floors attempted ascending to new floors as well.

The Elite Team players were no different.

Jealousy, competitive spirit, and pride.

We're the Elite Team receiving the nation's unstinting support, so why can't we do it?

Internet message boards grew heated as well.

Filled entirely with discussions regarding the S++.

18, it's 18.

Honestly, I thought he was done when the notice didn't sound for half a month. Supposed he died or gave up.

How many floors will he reach? 20th floor maybe, but the 30th floor seems tough.

I'll bet the balls of the guy writing the comment below me that he'll stop at the 20th floor.

I'm a woman, though? And he'll probably continue right through the 30th floors as well.

But about that person's identity. He must be an Elite, right?

If not an Elite, who else could it be? That's why they are hiding him so thoroughly. Afraid another country might poach him.

Nutuber players broadcasting on Nutube also joined in.

Generally ordinary contractors in their level 30s who showed their faces and broadcasted themselves.

- Look everyone, this is the 18th floor. The floor where the S++ record was most recently set. Do you see that blurry shape passing by that tree over there? Yes, it's an assassin. Let me try hunting it.

Hyung, you're level 35, what the hell are you doing on the 18th floor?

You think we don't know what the 18th floor is like?

Since you are here, why not try challenging the 35th floor again? I'll shoot you a grand in donations if you do.

You think he will? He barely managed to declare mission abandonment at the safe zone last time he challenged the 35th floor.

It was an explosive reaction.

Everyone's focus narrowed down to a single question now.

What about the 19th floor, reputed to be excruciatingly mentally taxing?

What about the 20th floor, nicknamed the 1st Talent Detector?

Could a segment infamous for being remarkably difficult to even bypass be cleared with an S++ record?

* * *

Meanwhile,

The atmosphere in Joo-hyuk's studio apartment wasn't too pleasant.

Assassin John Cossack with a sorrowful gaze.

"Hhhhoooooooooo......."

He sighed heavily, enough to sink the ground.

"Haaaaaaaaaaah......."

What was wrong with him?

'Did I do something wrong?'

Regardless of Cossack sighing or not.

Barbarian Gobang was popping off the box covers of 10 large pizzas like candy wrappers and tossing them casually into his mouth one by one.

"Tell me, exactly what did I do wrong?"

"Umm, ah, well, regarding that,"

Hesitating and mumbling, unsure whether to speak or not, Cossack eventually opened his mouth.

"...It is far too fast, sir."

"What is?"

"The speed at which you are realizing your talent, sir."

"Eh?"

Did he mishear?

What kind of bullshit was this.

"Realizing talent, who? Don't tell me, me?"

"If not you, Summoner Bong, who else would it be, sir?"

He was at a loss for words.

"You're saying... I possess talent?"

"YYYEEESS."

A timid, cowardly player?

"Oh, c'mon! You're joking!"

"If you lack talent, Summoner Bong, sir, who in the world possesses it, sir?"

"Th-That's probably a misunderstanding, I guess,"

"You felt it yourself when you utilized your skill earlier, did you not, sir? It was a beautiful Shadow Walker, nay, Shadow Step, that even I would struggle to execute, sir."

Was it that impressive?

It was hard to accept.

However, even Barbarian Gobang of the Great Plains.

"Our summoner, flashed-flashed and struck well."

Being praised by those beside him like this, yet it didn't feel real.

Cossack continued speaking in a sorrowful tone.

"It will be troublesome if you awaken your talent this early on the lower floors, sir. You will increasingly find enjoyment in combat, sir. You will gain confidence as well, sir. Consequently, the danger level will also increase proportionally, sir. Being courageous equates to being dangerous, sir."

"I, I know that as well, of course......."

"If you had started wrapped up in 10 privileges or so, that would be a different story, but *Sighhh*, this is far too fast, sir."

"......."

"Did we not promise each other right from the start, sir? Safety first, self-preservation above all else!"

He was correct.

He certainly did.

But why did he do that again?

A direction completely contrary to his initial mindset.

He must have lost his mind.

However.

'Talent, huh.'

The memory was still vivid.

The thrill of a successful skill execution.

The feel and sensation of his first hunt.

'It's peculiar.'

Cossack had always insisted.

A courageous summoner became poison.

He fully understood and acknowledged it.

That was why he had preserved his body to the utmost.

'However......."

His thoughts had changed slightly now.

The exhilaration of tower climbing that had already taken root.

If he had never tasted it, maybe.

'Since I've already witnessed it, there's no turning back.......'

John Cossack, opening his mouth with anxious eyes.

"Summoner Bong, sir, from now on, you must not twitch a muscle and simply hide behind Gobang or myself, sir. Promise me, sir."

"......."

"Your level will naturally increase even if you stay still, sir. Please just wait until you receive 10 privileges, sir."

"......."

"U-Uh? W-Why, why are you not replying, sir?"

"......."

"P-Please answer me?"

"......."

"D-Don't tell me?"

"......."

"Oh my gosh! Oh my goodness! W-What are we to do with this?! He finds it entertaining. He finds it entertaining, this is a massive disaster, sir."

Barbarian Gobang giggled and smirked,

"Assassin, crying. Like an idiot."

"Shut it! You chunk of meat bastard who can't even tell up from down! I swear I'll boil you in a cauldron!"

His head was complicated.

Let's rest tomorrow.

He needed to think things over for now first.