Chapter 120 - Chapter 120

Chapter 120

===================

Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

===================

Joo-hyuk dropped by his family home.

It had been a long time since he'd seen their faces, so he should force himself to make time and at least eat out together with his family.

"Hmm, your face looks good these days? Are you getting skin care or something?"

"I feel like I've heard that before."

"Is that so?"

His father Bong Soo-cheol wearing a satisfied smile,

"As expected, my genes are working hard. Always live with a grateful heart."

"Excuse me, I think I take after Mom."

His Mom smirked from the side.

"Of course, Joo-hyuk takes after me. His skin is like that, and can't you tell seeing him running around doing player stuff?"

His younger sibling Min-hyuk seemingly full of complaints.

"Then what about me? Why is my skin bad?"

"Min-hyuk wench, you take after your father."

"Eyy."

"What? Are you ashamed to take after me?"

They exchanged brief pleasantries too.

Joo-hyuk took his family and went to the apartment parking lot.

"Let's go in my car. I've already reserved the restaurant."

Min-hyuk waved his hand dismissively and said.

"The camper? Why ride such a big car, how embarrassing? It must be hard to park too. Call a taxi."

This punk, do you think your older brother only has a camper?

"I have another car."

"Oh! What kind? Did you buy a new one?"

Instead of answering, Joo-hyuk took out a smart key from his pocket.

And as he pressed it, kok! in the parking space opposite of them,

Bu-reu-reung, along with a magnificent starting sound.

Flashing headlights.

"Heok!"

"Wh-what?"

"Oh my?"

Joo-hyuk said while smiling broadly,

"Get in. It's a Bentley."

The successful son's car.

"This car was yours? Oh my, you really succeeded, our son."

"Wow! It feels real seeing you drive a Bentley up, rich bro."

"I knew it as soon as I saw it. You are the Holy Sword owner, you should ride a car of that level."

It's heartwarming.

Putting everyone in the car.

"Should I give Mom a car? How about a Ferrari, a Ferrari."

"Cut it out. If I grab the steering wheel, my temper goes bad."

"...What about me? I know how to drive a Ferrari too."

"Father, you have a car."

"Hyung, I'll ride it."

"You, go get a driver's license first."

He spoke like this, but he plans to give them one each later.

The Bentley carrying his family passed Gangnam-daero.

It's visible.

The final decisive blow.

"See that building over there?"

"Where, ah! The 61-story one?"

"Actually, it's mine."

At that,

"Eyy,"

"That's a bit."

"How much is that worth."

He knew they wouldn't believe it.

"I'm going to decorate one entire floor over there and set up a museum. I plan to exhibit the Jikji Simche Yojeol, Oegyujanggak Uigwe, Wang ocheonchukguk jeon, Kim Hong-do's paintings, etc. that I own."

"..."

"..."

"..."

This time there was no response at all.

Ahhh!

There aren't many proper places to flex, so he should at least do it like this to his family.

It was a truly peaceful time.

Well, an incident occurred in North Korea, but would it have any relevance to ordinary people?

During the operation of the Black Market Guild, there were two types of countries Dmitri dealt with.

Countries that bought items and countries that sold items.

They buy items from places like India and Africa, and sell the items to America, Japan, and China.

Then what about North Korea?

Naturally, a country that bought items.

An item supply source for the black market distribution guild.

Therefore, contact with North Korean personnel couldn't help but be frequent.

Dmitri, who was a native of Russia, had a connection with a high-ranking North Korean official.

His name is Ri Yong-tae, rank is Deputy Director.

A kind of broker whose stage of activity is Europe.

Of course, he is also a player.

Originally, they only spoke over the phone.

Merely calling each other by their titles, Guild Master and Deputy Director.

Making a phone call to Ri Yong-tae,

"Deputy Director, it's the Guild Master here."

- Comrade Guild Master, it's been a while. Even if you hadn't, I was intending to contact you, for I heard a strange rumor.

"What rumor are you speaking of?"

- A rumor that the Black Market Guild temporarily naturalized to our Republic on an organizational level.

North Korea also knew.

Well, it's not like he didn't expect them to know.

Is there a need to hide it?

"Yes, that's correct. We jumped in to try and make a fortune, but the situation has turned completely difficult."

- Haa, I see.

Silence flowed for a moment, then.

- By any chance, the clear of the 62nd floor of our Republic's Black Tower, was it something you guys did?

Dmitri naturally,

"I swear it was not us. If we were going to clear it, we would have contacted you in advance, Deputy Director. Even if it's a temporary naturalization, climbing an unclear upper floor is a big deal."

- Hmm.

He must hide this.

Feign total ignorance.

- But why did you call?

"Is there any other reason for a merchant to call? It's because of items, of course. I'm calling because I'm curious if you possess any Tower Jumping Tickets."

- As if we had those. Even if we did, we'd have sold them long ago.

Then again,

North Korea, a place that sells off anything that makes money.

"And there is one more thing I'd like to ask; how does the government side plan to respond to this incident?"

- The Republic is already in a state of emergency even without that. Well, opinions convened that we must unconditionally climb up to the 71st floor first, but the method...

At this point, bringing up the main business,

"There is a video I acquired, I will transmit it to you first. Let's talk again after you watch that."

Dmitri transmitted the 62nd floor bodycam video to North Korea's Deputy Director Ri Yong-tae via smartphone.

Waiting a moment before calling again.

"Have you watched it?"

- Isn't this a bodycam video? This seems like an old video. The zombies are too strong.

"It is not old. It is a video I also just confirmed on SNS. The place filmed is the 62nd floor of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea nationality Black Tower."

- ...What?

Dmitri had already instructed a guild member in America in advance to upload the bodycam video to Nutube.

Under the title: North Korea Black Tower 62nd floor Dark Zombie.

Because they might doubt the source of the video.

- Th-This,

A sign of surprise could be felt across the smartphone.

- The Republic's tower?

"Yes, that is correct. You are a player too so you would know, Deputy Director, but it is an un-weakened Dark Aura. Undead from prior to the genuine Kavalan."

- How could this happen, then our Republic's Black Tower?

"As of currently, you may consider it impossible to clear. Even if you climb, you will be blocked at the 68th floor. Without Tower Jumping Tickets."

- Umm...

He's probably bewildered.

It's not like North Korea has the coping ability to defend against a tower collapse.

- The reason you showed this to me?

"Because I have something to propose."

- If it's a proposal?

"Shouldn't the tower be cleared? The mining of High-Grade Mana Stones that was suspended must also be resumed."

- How? Do you have a method?

"We will help. The help of the North Korean government is needed as well. Let us not only defend against a tower collapse but try climbing to the 71st floor. First..."

- Ahh, how can we talk about such an important matter over the phone?

Then?

- Shouldn't we speak face-to-face? Let's meet. I am currently staying in Berlin, where are you, Comrade?

He wants to meet?

Dmitri pondered.

- If we are only to do it over the phone, I will not listen to the proposal. We're not just buying and selling goods here.

Should he meet him, or shouldn't he?

It is a matter that requires discussion with the North Korean government.

Holy Sword rental, securing Tower Jumping Tickets, and the 71st floor 4-item gift set; matters like these cannot even be started without trust.

However, even while taking risks?

Is there a reason to be hasty?

Giving up is easier.

He only has to wait 1 year anyway.

He could rest comfortably during that time or travel somewhere.

'...No. It must definitely succeed.'

The reason he came forward like this.

He took the initiative and decided on the new business.

But it was stranded from the start.

He mobilized the entire assets of the guild and spread out a new business, if he fails without being able to do anything?

He will have to give up the Guild Master seat.

That's not all.

He must also take responsibility for the losses.

His life would be in jeopardy if things went wrong.

He had been the same.

He ruthlessly punished organization members who caused losses to the guild.

Under the pretext of establishing discipline, that is.

So he must make this business succeed without fail.

"Yes, let's meet. It should be fine to meet in front of Prague Station tomorrow. Around noon."

- Understood. Let us do that. Will you come out alone?

"As long as you also come out alone, Deputy Director."

- Good.

Dmitri hung up after setting the meeting place and time.

The next day.

Dmitri went to Prague Station.

It's a place bustling with people and tourists, so it's relatively safe.

If something happens?

He could escape into the tower.

He saw Deputy Director Ri Yong-tae far in the distance.

After pacing around for a while and confirming that he was alone.

"Comrade Deputy Director."

"...Is it the Guild Master?"

"Yes."

"Finally seeing your face. Let's walk a bit. The conversation seems like it'll be long."

"Let's do that. Since I know the geography of Prague well, please follow me."

Dmitri walked ahead.

Intentionally toward a road with many people passing by.

Deputy Director Ri Yong-tae sticking close beside him.

"Right. What is the proposal?"

Dmitri explained his plan.

Holy Sword rental is essential to breakthrough the undead section.

Because it's a transaction between nations.

There's no need to climb to the very end.

Exactly up to the 66th floor only.

After that, if they use Tower Jumping Tickets, it's an elevator up to the 71st floor.

Securing the tickets and the players who will use the Holy Sword will be taken responsibility by the guild, etc., etc.

"Anyway, if we succeed in climbing the 71st floor,"

Ri Yong-tae's sparkling eyes.

"You're saying you'll receive the 4-item gift set."

"That's right. The problem is renting the Holy Sword, but for that, negotiate with the South Korean government on a national level..."

"Ah, wait a minute."

Ri Yong-tae raised his hand to stop him.

"My shoelace came undone. Let's talk after I tie it."

"Please do. Take your time tying it..."

Ri Yong-tae bending at the waist.

Dmitri subtly stepping backward.

It was then.

Seu-reu-reuk,

A black van approaching from the side and stopping.

'Mmm?'

A van suddenly?

Dmitri felt a sense of unease.

'No way.'

At that moment!

Deu-reu-reuk!

The van door slid open sideways.

Simultaneously, Ri Yong-tae, who had been bending over, threw his body and pushed Dmitri into the van.

"Heok!"

Peo-eok!

Dmitri helplessly crumbling into the van.

2 thugs riding inside lunged at him.

"Th-This is...!"

Instinctively casting the tower entry skill.

Spot!

Dmitri's body disappeared in an instant.

Ri Yong-tae spoke with a regretful expression.

"That commie bastard, he sure is fast."

In the end, they missed the target.

"Comrade Deputy Director, what shall we do?"

"What do you mean what? Park here and wait. Turn off the engine too."

A player who entered the tower.

Are they losing him forever?

They can catch him.

They just have to keep waiting.

If they do, he's bound to come out eventually.

Because the place he entered is exactly the place he'll exit.

"Do you think we've kidnapped players just once or twice? We're more experts than China."

Ri Yong-tae took out a cigarette and bit it.

"It seems we'll have to wait a long time, so get some shut-eye."

Time passed quickly.

During that time, the van did not move a bit.

Regardless of whether they get a parking ticket.

And, Spot!

Dmitri reappeared inside the van.

"Damn it!"

He was helplessly caught.

Tower entry is once a day.

This is why they needed the Rune Necklace of Liberation.

"Look, kid, trying to play tricks. Did you think you'd be fine if you ran away to the tower?"

The North Korean intelligence agent plunging a syringe into the back of Dmitri's neck.

The medicine's effect spread quickly.

Thud!

"I've caught a Golden Goblin. Kkeol-kkeol-kkeol."

Ri Yong-tae laughed loudly as if satisfied.

He is the Black Market Guild Master.

Just how many treasures would be in his inventory?

"Let's hurry and go home. Since they acquired our Republic's nationality, shouldn't they at least step on the soil?"

He's a funny punk.

A mere player dares to try and negotiate with a nation?

It is certain that this punk cleared the Republic's Black Tower 62nd floor.

He just has to uncover it through torture.

At any rate, there is much work to do.

From renting the Holy Sword to securing Tower Jumping Tickets.

Even if it's not that, there are plenty of methods.

South Korea is right below them.

Holy Sword rental? Tower Jumping Tickets?

Is there a need to go through such complicated processes?

He just needs to demand them to do it.

To the South Korean S+++ grade clear record holder, that is.

Of course, a bit of intimidation will be mobilized in the process.

If the North Korea tower collapses, everyone dies.

Because the Republic's nuclear fire sticks will fly toward South Korea.

Just how many players have had their nationalities tied up due to this new(æ–°) Black Tower incident?

No one knows.

Only the North Korean government has a grasp of it.

The level ranges are also diverse.

From newbies to veterans.

Well, because the South Korea Black Tower back then was a treasure trove of abundance.

Meanwhile, a video was uploaded on Nutube.

Under the title of North Korea Black Tower 62nd floor Dark Zombie.

Zombies with a thick and dense Dark Aura.

Undead from prior to Kavalan, which have now disappeared.

Is it perhaps an old video?

It wasn't.

The date the video was taken was just the day before yesterday.

It's really not weakened undead?

How can they catch them if they're like that?

Isn't the collapse of the North Korea tower guaranteed?

However, North Korea surprisingly made no statement of position regarding the current situation.

Rather, South Korea was more of a hot topic.

News was pouring out every single day.

A panelist who used to be a player appearing on a terrestrial broadcasting debate program.

"North Korea's tower clear will likely be difficult. If it's the Dark Aura prior to Kavalan, they won't be able to cross the undead section."

"Even with the Holy Sword and Holy Water?"

"Did you not witness it? The video of Gerald almost dying on the 68th floor."

It was a pessimistic view.

"Six months from now, the tower might collapse. Pyongyang will probably fall within the sphere of influence as well."

"Then the solution is...?"

"The North Korean government probably doesn't have one. Perhaps if it were us."

"Ah! Are you speaking of the South Korean S+++ grade clear player?"

"It is the only method. I assure you there is no other."

If so, the expected actions of North Korea?

"First, they will probably formally request it. Speaking of a single Korean ethnicity, asking to clear the tower, in ways like requesting for a temporary naturalization of South Korea's top player."

The announcer frowned deeply and said.

"Temporary naturalization? If he transfers his nationality to North Korea now, he won't be able to get out for a year."

"Yes, it is absolutely prohibited. And there's no way our government would accept it."

"Then with a Multinational Tower Access Ticket?"

"Probably. That would have the highest possibility."

"However, what if even that is not accepted?"

There was also a military expert in the debate hall.

"It will unconditionally lead to armed provocations. Because that is North Korea's method of action."

"In what way?"

"Well, launching ballistic missiles into the East Sea, or subtly encroaching on the Military Demarcation Line."

Even if one is not a military expert, it can be anticipated.

"And then they'll approach asking to converse. If things don't go their way, they'll conduct artillery fire towards the West Sea to create tension, and then step forward asking to converse again."

This is North Korea's method.

The so-called two-faced tactic of hardline and appeasement.

Making the citizens anxious with provocations, then whining behind their backs.

Thus, ending up getting what they want in the end.

The closest yet farthest country, North Korea.

Joo-hyuk and the summoned entities were also watching the news in the living room.

Joo-hyuk lying long on the sofa, moving the Homunculi here and there, and yawning widely.

On the other hand, the summoned entities were quite serious.

Cossack focusing on the news with his expression frozen coldly.

Sseueuk, sseueuk, Gyeon Dal-rae sharpening her sword on a whetstone.

Rajix standing up and sitting down, restless.

Veronica taking out her magic gun and maintaining it.

Bardin manifesting a subtle radiance.

Then Cossack,

"Summoner Bong, sir."

"Yes?"

"The weather is very hot, sir."

"But?"

"How about a bowl of refreshing cold noodles at a time like this, sir?"

"Oh! Cold noodles are nice. Shall we order some?"

Then shaking his head,

"Delivery cold noodles get all soggy and blown up so they can't be eaten, sir."

"Then?"

"Cold noodles must be eaten in their home region to have taste, sir."

Saying home region.

"As expected, cold noodles have to be Pyongyang Okryu-gwan cold noodles, sir."

"..."

"Using the Ring of Tower Exit to come out to the Pyongyang Black Tower, sir. And entering Okryu-gwan to slurp a bowl of cold noodles with a ho-ro-rok! Kyaaaah!"

I knew this would happen.

"Sir Gwangma must go together as well, sir. His stamina has fallen lately, so it's pitiful to see, sir. For summer health food, cold noodles are the best, sir. Go to Pyongyang and summon him, sir. And also while you're at it..."

"Stop."

"Yep."

What do you mean cold noodles.

Gyeon Dal-rae chose the frontal attack method.

"If North Korea is left alone like that, there will be future troubles. That is not all. Please take pity on the North Korean players who must be being exploited."

Hmm.

'North Korean players, huh.'

He had been thinking about it since before.

Since when he helped the kidnapped players escape from China.

The reality of North Korean players.

It has been famous since long ago.

Just looking at the testimonies of defector players, or the bodycam videos they brought.

Wouldn't they probably be the most pitiful people among players worldwide?

Monitored while being deprived of freedom, forced to enter the tower once a day, and after risking their lives to clear the tower, all the Mana Stones and items they receive are confiscated by the government.

Even doing so, do they provide good clear support?

Among North Korean players, there won't be anyone who enters a clear properly equipped.

What's the point of receiving equipment as tower rewards?

They have to hand it over exactly as it is.

To North Korean players, a bodycam is not a tool for clear analysis.

It is merely used to monitor whether they entered the tower, whether they are doing any funny business in the tower, and whether they are secretly using items instead of handing them over.

'They are pitful, indeed.'

If players receive treatment like that, problems will immediately occur in tower clearing.

Moreover, they have to break through the undead section from before Kavalan.

Actually, interfering in the North Korean situation might be being nosy.

Who is he to intervene?

However, he also helped the players kidnapped in China escape.

He also intruded into the America Tower and saved Gerald's life.

If he's going to be nosy, he should do it equally.

Is there any reason he can't save them just because they're North Korean players?

He has enough power to do so.

Now that a tower has been generated in North Korea.

Joo-hyuk can go to North Korea freely.

What does it mean that Joo-hyuk goes?

Cossack, Bardin, Veronica, Gwangma, Gyeon Dal-rae, and the Blood Wolf go too.

Excluding Gobang, who went to the other world for promotion, and our corner Alchemist.

Robbing the tower is also something to worry about.

If they lack the clearing capability, I should take it.

Temporary naturalization isn't possible, and there aren't many Multinational Tower Access Tickets either.

Extorting the tower and changing its nationality to South Korea is the best method.

Because then he can go in and out freely.

'Should I use the Megaphone or not?'

However, he also needs to deliberate on the risks that might occur because of it.

North Korea is a nuclear-armed state.

Make one wrong move, and it's war.

'The scale is getting bigger.'

What would Gwangma's opinion be?

Honestly, there's no need to even ask.

It would unconditionally be northward unification, but...

I should set a day soon and have a drink with Sir Gwangma.

Should I include our corner Alchemist too?