Chapter 14 - Chapter 14

Chapter 14

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

Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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

Awakening Management Agency in Hannam-dong, Seoul.

Director Park Kyung-soo receiving a report from Team Leader Jeon Kwang-il.

"Player Bong visited the shop again?"

"Yes, it happened without my knowledge, if I had known beforehand I would have gone down and attended to him myself."

"What did he buy?"

"A shield. And a small hand shield at that."

"Tsk, tsk, if only he had signed the Elite contract, we would have meticulously geared him up from head to toe......."

He had S++ cleared up to the 18th floor.

The 19th floor probably wouldn't be difficult either.

The problem was the 20th floor.

All types of goblins that had appeared thus far would appear all at once.

The mission time limit itself was 10 hours.

He didn't harbor any expectations for an S++ clear on the 20th floor.

It was a floor where merely clearing it within the time limit was considered a relief.

There were even players who wasted several months trying to get past this floor.

"What in the world are Player Bong's traits?"

"Considering he purchased a mace and a shield, we presume he is a close-combat class."

"Hoho, when stringing on full gear wouldn't even be enough."

Close-combat class.

They utilized powerful skills one strike at a time, but they were equally vulnerable in defense, thereby requiring protection for their entire body.

"Why didn't he buy armor and a helmet? It is one thing for his lower body or gaiters, but he must protect his head and heart to the utmost."

"That is also my concern."

Even if other regions sustained injuries, they had the margin of time.

Because they had Healing Potions.

However, a hit to the head or heart would result in instant death.

They wouldn't even be able to use a potion.

"I will somehow fabricate an excuse to bestow a complete set of armor upon Player Bong......."

Right at that moment!

Riiiiiiiiiing!

A phone call arrived.

Checking the caller ID, it was the police department exclusively dedicated to players.

"I will take this call for a moment. It is a call from the police."

"Answer it quickly."

"Hello. This is Jeon Kwang-il. What is the matter? Ah! An attempted item robbery, hmm, armed with a handgun......."

Crimes between players.

Likely committed by someone blinded by items.

It was something that happened occasionally.

The act of kidnapping a player possessing expensive items, torturing them, and robbing their tower-exclusive inventory.

Such crimes were vicious.

Because they usually murdered the robbed player to conceal the evidence.

Although it was kept a secret, those in the know knew.

The fact that a player's corpse went into the tower-exclusive inventory.

Therefore, the probability of it becoming the perfect crime was high as well.

It was only at this level because the application of skills and levels was blocked outside the tower.

What if players wielded the same power in reality as they did inside the tower?

A disaster far greater than the tower would strike.

"The presumed victim player mentioned my name, you say? Who is it? Age 25, male, ...Yes? P-Player Bong Joo-hyuk?"

What kind of bolt from the blue was this.

"Wh-What did you say? The victim... I-Is he alright?"

Jeon Kwang-il's complexion turned deathly pale.

Director Park Kyung-soo, listening beside him, was also astounded.

"My goodness! Is he hurt anywhere?"

"H-He says he isn't. However, he appeared s-slightly shaken."

"Go there immediately."

"Understood."

Jeon Kwang-il sprinting off hurriedly.

Left alone, Director Park Kyung-soo bit his lip tightly.

It was a misstep.

He shouldn't have considered only the dangers inside the tower.

Did players solely die inside the tower?

Many died outside as well.

'I should have established the Elite contract right from the start.'

Then the security escort issue would have been resolved perfectly.

He wanted to attach trained, official guards to him.

However, that wasn't something the Management Agency handled directly.

They had to request security from the police or the National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (NIS))).

But since they hadn't established an Elite contract with Bong Joo-hyuk.

The Management Agency was a national organization.

There was a designated procedure.

To assign security to a General player, reasonable grounds were necessary.

For instance, the fact that he was the S++ Rank clear record holder.

If he did that, a report would inevitably go up the chain of command, and his existence would ultimately be exposed to the outside.

Would the jackal-like scout brokers stay still?

It was certain that Bong Joo-hyuk would be placed in an even more dangerous situation.

He might even be forcibly contracted or kidnapped and dragged off to a foreign country.

So he thought it was safer to feign ignorance and leave him alone rather than attempting a hasty security measure.

But for something like this to happen.

'I can't drag this out any longer.'

No matter what, he will bring him in.

Into the Elite Team.

* * *

Joo-hyuk bound Choi Ho-seok with a twine rope and made a report call to the police.

He unsummoned Cossack and sent him back.

Cossack seemed somewhat disappointed, but the police would arrive soon, so what could he do.

The police arrived earlier than expected.

"Wow, he was struck properly on the back of the head."

"H-He isn't dead, right? ...Will self-defense be applied to this?"

"Well. We'll have to investigate that, but it seems to be a concussion for now. Since his heart is beating at the very least."

"Umm, h-he won't die, right?"

Seeing the police made him cower for no reason.

Even though he did nothing wrong.

Well, there were things Cossack did in the past.

It's all in the past anyway.

In truth, the moment Choi Ho-seok appeared wielding a gun, he was virtually already dead.

Furthermore, he didn't just mention killing him once, but multiple times.

If this wasn't suicide, what was?

In any case, even if the gun was fired, he would have been safe.

Because he had already turned on his Energy Shield.

However?

"Uuugh."

Choi Ho-seok regaining consciousness as he cracked his eyes open.

Joo-hyuk swept his chest in relief.

Fortunately, he wasn't dead.

As the police handcuffed him.

"Mr. Choi Ho-seok? You are under emergency arrest on charges of home invasion and special robbery."

Then Choi Ho-seok, rolling his eyeballs relentlessly.

"...W-Wait! It's a misunderstanding. A misunderstanding! I'm the victim. The perpetrator is this side."

Look at this guy?

"That bastard kidnapped me to his house and tried to rob me of my items."

"Then what is this handgun equipped with a silencer?"

"F-For self-defense. That guy tried to kill me, so I had no choice... You know how dangerous players are. Ah! And that bastard isn't alone. He has an accomplice, an accomplice!"

Wow!

Was it because he was an extrovert?

He spoke eloquently like flowing water.

Upon hearing that, the police officer in charge looked at Bong Joo-hyuk and asked.

"Was there another person?"

"No? I-It's just me alone?"

Examining Joo-hyuk with a suspicious gaze.

"It seems both of you will have to accompany us."

"No, the thief is that bastard."

Choi Ho-seok spoke while thumping his chest as if he was frustrated.

"My level is 34. If I clear a floor in the tower, I get over 3kg of Mana Stones. What exactly am I lacking to commit robbery?"

...I should have just left Cossack alone when he said he would dispose of him outside.

He's feigning innocence in this situation?

"On the other hand, that bastard is someone who solely clears the 10th floors. I approached him and he directly told me so. You can find everything out if you inquire with the Awakening Management Agency and check his registration date."

It was then.

Bang!

Team Leader Jeon Kwang-il of the Management Agency kicked open the front door of Joo-hyuk's house and bolted in.

Rejoicing at the sight, Choi Ho-seok shouted out.

"Team Leader, it's me, Choi Ho-seok. You know me, right? I'm the victim, yet I'm currently being falsely accused of......."

Smack!

The sound of a resounding slap echoed throughout the room.

"Uh? Why are you slapping my cheek......."

It wasn't just once.

Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack.......

Choi Ho-seok's head was jerked back and forth uncontrollably.

His face had already turned completely red.

Blood welled up at the corner of his mouth.

"You son of a bitch! How dare you spout such obvious lies!"

"...N-No, that's not it."

Grab!

Jeon Kwang-il grabbed Choi Ho-seok by the hair and growled.

"Choi Ho-seok, you motherfucker! You're going to prison from now on. How dare you attempt to kill a fellow player?"

"N-No, please listen to me."

"Your registration is revoked effective immediately. Whether you climb the tower in prison or whatever, I won't give a damn. Release? Don't even dream of it. If you want to escape, drop dead in the tower."

"Uh-uh... I-I'm telling you it isn't so."

Choi Ho-seok absolutely couldn't comprehend what was going on.

What is happening?

'Won't he even listen to me?'

Jeon Kwang-il spoke to the dispatched police officers.

"Take him away. The National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (NIS))) will be here shortly, so you can hand him over."

The National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (NIS)))?

The nation was exceedingly stringent regarding crimes targeting players.

If worst comes to worst, he might even be tortured.

'N-No!'

Choi Ho-seok pleading urgently.

"I was blinded by greed. P-Please have mercy......."

"Cut the bullshit! I know you're a repeat offender. We will uncover everything you've done. Go find a lawyer, you little shit, although there probably won't be anyone willing to defend you either."

And to the police.

"Oh right! You know the player arrest manual, right? This bastard might enter the tower while on the way to the police station, so if he disappears, wait at that spot, and capture him again when he re-emerges."

He then looked at Joo-hyuk.

"Player Bong Joo-hyuk, I am sorry. Are you hurt anywhere?"

"...I was just slightly surprised."

Jeon Kwang-il bowed his head so deeply it nearly touched the ground.

"I will prepare thoroughly so that an incident like this absolutely never occurs again in the future."

"Ah, yes."

Jeon Kwang-il with a distressed expression.

"I believe we will need to install a few more locks at your house for the time being."

"...Please do."

He wanted to take more definitive measures, but there were many eyes watching right now.

Other than requesting the police to enhance patrols.

A stifling feeling.

In any case, it couldn't be delayed any further.

The Elite contract, that is.

* * *

Time flowed on.

A sweeping commotion had drawn to a close.

The police offered to enhance their house patrols, but he declined.

They would probably knock on his door from time to time asking if everything was okay.

'Who in the world is as safe as me?'

Even when Choi Ho-seok intruded, he was more worried about the bastard dying than himself.

Let's return to his daily routine now.

He bestowed 5 stars each to Barbarian Gobang and Cossack.

[John Cossack has been designated summoned.]

"Loyalty! Did nothing in particular happen yesterday, sir?"

"Thanks to you. The police came and took that bastard away."

"Is it the death penalty, sir?"

"No way. He'll probably serve a few years and get out."

"...Umm, do you perchance happen to know the location of the detention center, sir?"

"I don't know. Nor should you try to find out."

"Yes, sir."

Next.

[Barbarian Meat Shield has been designated summoned.]

"...First time."

"What is?"

Gobang folding his fingers one by one.

"F-Five stars."

He knew how to count numbers, apparently.

Today was the 19th floor clear.

"Let's go."

[Entering the 19th floor of the South Korea Black Tower.]

The mission was to exterminate Goblin Shamans.

[19th Floor Mission : Eliminate 30 Goblin Shamans.]

In truth, they weren't significantly threatening bastards.

They were only goblins, would they shoot Ice Spears or cast Chain Lightning?

It was curses, binds, or pathetic fire arrows at best.

Among those, the one requiring the most caution was inevitably curses.

It was incredibly detrimental to one's mental health.

It induced hallucinations, caused enfeeblement, loss of motivation, induced depression... such things poured down relentlessly.

Since curses in particular stacked, they had to be killed quickly.

However, that was a story applicable only to players of a similar level bracket. It didn't apply to an assassin who was already insane, or a meat shield who had endured all manners of attacks purely by absorbing them with his body.

Thump, thump, thump, thump!

Gobang charging.

The physique difference between him and a goblin was like that between an infant and a full-grown adult.

He could just run over, ignoring curses and binds, and smash them, ending the fight.

Cossack, hiding behind Gobang to evade curses, was massacring the shamans by moving his body like lightning whenever an opportunity presented itself.

Swish! Swish-swish-swish-swish....

Flesh and blood scattered across the 19th floor battlefield.

'Then me too.'

Joo-hyuk wielding his mace and shield.

Ziiing!

The Energy Shield was standard.

Now to join the battle, confirm his talent with flashy skills.......

[You have succeeded in the 19th Floor Mission.]

'Eh?'

What the.

Already?

In the distance, John Cossack was grinning while drenched in crimson blood.

'Dammit!'

Did they finish it quickly on purpose?

'So I couldn't participate in the battle?'

[Notice : You have achieved the clear rank S++ for the 19th floor of the Black Tower (South Korea).]

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

Great.

He'd let it slide for today.

And the next day.

The long-awaited 20th floor clear.

[Entering the 20th floor of the South Korea Black Tower.]

Nicknamed the 1st Talent Detector, it boasted a fiendish difficulty.

A place where the 21st floor was reputed to be rather easier.

"It is incredibly dangerous here, sir. All the goblins will be appearing, sir. Poison darts from scouts, warriors adept at tactics, obscured assassins, shaman curses, and a fricking huge Hobgoblin atop all that, phew, it is terrifying, sir."

"......."

John Cossack making a huge fuss, trying to instil fear about how terrifying the 20th floor was.

"If I were you, I would remain on standby in the safe zone, sir."

Then, poking Gobang in the ribs.

"Summoner, do not have to do anything. I will kill them all."

Even Gobang joined the chorus.

[20th Floor Mission : Eliminate 100 goblins regardless of type and 1 Hobgoblin.]

[Completion Time Limit : Within 10 hours.]

[Completion Condition : All types of goblins 0/100, Hobgoblin 0/1]

[Failure Condition : Death or Mission Abandonment]

"Gobang, you head out first. Block them unconditionally with your body. Once enough aggro is drawn, I'll go out too. Got it?"

"I pull all aggro."

"Okay! Excellent!"

After that, Cossack subtly blocked Joo-hyuk's path.

As if to prevent him from advancing.

Thump, thump, thump, thump.

Barbarian Gobang, charging in like a tank.

Poison darts cascaded toward him.

Warrior units obstructed the path forward.

Assassins preyed upon the rear.

Curses and fire arrows rained down.

Exactly at that moment!

Ziiing.

Joo-hyuk sprinted out.

Energy Shield, Basilisk leather combat boots, mace and hand shield.

"Uh?"

John Cossack, who was leisurely picking his nose, was startled out of his wits and cried out desperately.

"S-Summoner Bong, siiiiir! You must noooooooot!!"

Swat! Swawawat!

Joo-hyuk advancing in a zigzag motion.

Swat! Swawawa.......

The Shadow Step spectacularly unfolded.

Afterimages left behind whenever he changed direction.

1, 2, 4, 8.......

Surrounded entirely by Joo-hyuk's shadows.

'Am I crazy?'

It seemed so.

At least for this brief moment, he wasn't a timid cowardly man.

He was limitlessly free.

Swat!

Taking the shaman's back, a strike from the mace.

Crack!

Swat!

A mace skull-crush to the warrior's head.

Craaack!

Incoming poison darts blocked with the hand shield.

Ting-ting!

Swat! Swat! Swat!

A speed untrackable by the eye.

Cossack let out a sigh.

A flawless Shadow Walker that even he himself would find difficult to emulate.

He had thought it was a relief that his summoner this time around knew how to preserve his own body, but.

He absolutely must protect him.

Even if he had to burn his very soul.