Chapter 16 - Chapter 16

Chapter 16

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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It wasn't that Joo-hyuk didn't know what Cossack was worried about either.

His awakening trait was Summoning.

Rather than fighting directly, having the entities called forth through summoning handle the majority of the player's combat power was the combat style of the Summoning trait.

There was no explicit need to fight.

It was especially true for Joo-hyuk.

He was an irregular, not an ordinary Summoning trait.

If he pulled high-ranked summoned entities, or increased the number of simultaneous summons via Trait Enhancement Runes or privileges, he could practically climb while playing around.

'I still have to clear the 21st floor anyway.'

Orcs appear from the 21st to the 25th floor.

A segment where fatalities had occurred consecutively in the tower's early days.

It was total chaos back then.

The number of people inexplicably going missing suddenly surged drastically.

Nowadays, a lot of high-performance items had been released, and clear success videos were easily accessible, so practically no players died here anymore, but.

'I should still be careful, right?'

Even though he had gained confidence, he had no intention of acting with reckless bravado.

'Who am I to do that.'

That person who was said to possess the identical trait and skills as him somewhere in a parallel universe.

Meaning, Cossack's previous summoner.

Did he die because he lacked capabilities?

He unequivocally would have been stronger than him.

He probably had wrapped himself with privileges as well.

Yet, he still died.

The world he lived in perished as well.

For that reason, he also well understood the feelings behind Cossack's concerns.

How could he not know why he kept sighing so deeply?

But I'm only human too.

I just started finding the joy of being a macho man.

Since I learned a new skill, I have to try using it.

'I just need to persuade him. Besides, the baseline is absolute obedience anyway.'

He summoned Gobang.

[Barbarian Meat Shield has been designated summoned.]

He summoned Cossack.

[John Cossack has been designated summoned.]

"...Loyaaalty! Um, I have arriiiived, sir."

Why was he acting sullen?

His shoulders looked slumped.

"Did something unpleasant perchance happen."

"......."

Was he acting like this because of the offensive skill he obtained yesterday?

Cossack opened his lips and continued speaking.

"...Acquiring an offensive skill might become poisonous, sir. Frankly speaking, it was incredibly perilous even during the 20th floor, sir. It was only fortunate because they were goblins, sir."

He was right.

Acquiring the offensive skill was the cause.

He likely thought he would step forward again to try out the skill, and that it might be dangerous because of that.

"I stayed silent when it was goblins, but from orcs onward, it's a no-go, sir. I apologize in advance, sir. I shall commit a mortal sin, sir. Invoking Summoned Entity Principle Clause 3, sir."

"...Eh?"

What.

The damn Clause 3?

The Clause 3 stating that a summoned entity's free will could manifest for the sake of the summoner's life, allowing them to disobey?

"Uh......."

"This is the only way, sir."

Let's stay calm.

As he experienced before, the recognized scope of Clause 3 was broad.

At this rate, he might not even be able to grip his mace once.

When you think about it, S++ clears were also tied to Clause 3.

Concluding the clear before the summoner fell into danger.

Furthermore, strengthening the summoner by deriving privileges through the accumulation of Platinum Badges.

He had seemingly concluded that his actions had crossed the line.

The intent to nip the bud of danger entirely.

"...Are you saying you'll tie me up or something? With a butterfly knot ribbon?"

"How could I tie you up, sir? Gobang will simply hold onto you safely, Summoner Bong, sir. I will handle the clearing alone, sir."

He looked at Gobang to see if he was really going to do that, but.

"......."

Gobang quietly averted his eyes.

These guys conspired together.

"Don't do that, just let it slide this once, I'll take it easy from now on."

"I cannot trust you, sir."

He was sharp.

Did he perhaps possess eyes capable of discerning the truth?

There's no other way.

Sincerity! He must treat him with utmost sincerity.

Mind control.

He repeatedly reassured himself internally.

He would be careful, very careful from now on.

He wouldn't blindly charge forward.

He would preserve his body.

He would prioritize safety above all else.

It's done.

"Really! I bet my everything on it! I will never step forward first again."

"...Is that true, sir?"

"Since doing nothing would be boring instead, I'll catch just one. Deliberately, slowly, isn't that much fine?"

Cossack pondering.

"Trust me just this once! Safety first! Self-preservation!"

Then.

"If you insist... However! I will safely guard you right by your side, sir. I will intervene immediately should a dangerous situation arise, sir."

"Deal!"

"Loyalty!"

Phew.

What a relief.

Cossack's voice was vigorous.

The persuasion worked.

Meaning, since Cossack had mentally calculated the levels, armors, skills, etc., it meant it was safe to some degree.

Joo-hyuk felt relieved as well.

"Now then, shall we go?"

To the 21st floor.

[Entering the 21st floor of the South Korea Black Tower.]

Orcs appeared from the 21st floor onwards.

The specific type was the common Forest Green-Skin Orc.

Their individual combat prowess was superior to that of goblins.

If they had a weakness, however, it was their slightly lacking intelligence.

"Orcs are stupid, sir. Though they're definitely smarter than Gobang, of course, sir."

"I am smarter than orc."

"Yes, yes. Shut up."

They were said to be stupid, but look at those bastards' bodies.

Their entire bodies were muscular.

If he were ever caught by an orc, his limbs would be torn apart and he would die without even being able to use a Healing Potion.

It was a good thing he said he'd only hunt one.

"In any case, Summoner Bong, sir, please proactively utilize your Shadow Step, sir. It is perfect for deceiving orcs, sir. They will exhaust themselves purely chasing your shadows, sir."

"Put your worries aside, I'll only catch one, so leave it to me with trust."

"Yes, sir."

First, after equipping his gear in the safe zone.

"Wait a little bit. Let's just practice 10 times and then go."

Let's practice and go.

The clear would begin once the mission popped up anyway.

"You may do it 100 times, sir."

Joo-hyuk held his shield in his left hand and his Adamant mace in his right.

Skill, the 1st form of the Hunwon Thunderclap Staff, Thunder Falling Pursuing Soul.

Wooooong!

Mana concentrated on the mace.

The 1st form was a simple vertical strike.

However, its rapidity and internal force weren't simple.

Whoosh!

Bzzzt!

The mace crashing down like a streak of lightning.

'Is this it?'

One more time.

Whoosh!

Bzzzt!

He tried swinging it about five or six times like that, but.

"Hmm."

He wasn't satisfied for some reason.

Seeing that, John Cossack.

"Can you practice it properly when you have no target to attack, sir?"

"Right? I suppose I'll have to try using it in actual combat......."

"Still, plunging straight into actual combat is ill-advised, sir. Proper proficiency is required for it to be effective, sir."

"Then how?"

"There is a way, sir."

Cossack turned his head and looked at Barbarian Gobang.

"Gobang."

"Speak. Assassin."

"Kneel for a moment."

"A warrior does not kneel to just anyone."

"Not to me, to Summoner Bong, sir."

"Will kneel."

Thud!

Joo-hyuk and Barbarian Gobang's eye levels became roughly similar.

Then, a thought suddenly struck him.

He felt a premonition.

"...Uh."

He couldn't possibly mean that, right?

"Look! Here is a practice dummy Gobang, sir. Try bashing him forcefully, sir."

"......."

Sigh.

Has he actually lost his mind?

"Are you telling me to hit Mr. Gobang?"

"Isn't it fantastic, sir? He wouldn't even sustain a scratch even if you strike him with all your might, sir. He is optimal for practice, sir."

"......."

"Because I am frail... Hehehe."

Then Barbarian Gobang also chimed in.

"Summoner, you can hit me. It does not hurt."

"Have you heard him, sir? He says it is fine, so simply hit him 10 times and then begin, sir."

"......."

This was driving him crazy.

Whether it was Cossack telling him to hit him, or Gobang saying it was okay to hit him.

They were both exactly the same.

What was Joo-hyuk's choice?

It wasn't even worth pondering over.

"Let's go receive the mission."

"Ah, wait, even hitting him 10 times......."

"Shush! If you keep doing that, I might just charge out on my own, you know?"

"Yes, sir! I shall shut my mouth, sir."

Shortly after leaving the safe zone.

[21st Floor Mission : Eliminate 30 Forest Orcs.]

[Completion Time Limit : Within 4 hours.]

"Shall we begin?"

"I take charge first!"

"I go too."

Joo-hyuk remained in the rear.

Since he said he'd only hunt one, he had to keep his promise.

Gchwe! Kuek! Keukung!

Forest Orcs poured out in rows, letting out bizarre noises.

He remembered seeing it on Nutube.

A video of a player with the same Summoning trait clearing it by summoning a golem.

'Was the player's level 30 at the time?'

While recalling his memories, the Forest Orcs were being swept away.

At this rate, it might end before he even gets to hunt one.

Let's pick quickly.

In that instant!

A Forest Orc was separated from the group and left alone.

'That one is suitable.......'

Joo-hyuk met Cossack's eyes.

Can I catch that guy?

Nod.

Cossack nodded his head.

"Okay!"

Swawawat!

After approaching him in a single bound with Shadow Step.

"Kuek?"

Swat! Swat! Swat!

Making it dizzy with several afterimages to take its back.

Whoosh!

He slammed the mace onto its crown.

Bzzzt!

Craaack!

"Kieee......."

It collapsed with an electrocution alongside a caved-in skull.

"Oh!"

It was easy.

It was too easy.

'One more?'

No.

He felt a stinging gaze on the back of his head.

It would be a huge problem if Clause 3 was invoked.

[You have succeeded in the 21st Floor Mission.]

[Your Level has increased.]

[Reward : 2.1kg of Mana Stones]

[Notice : You have achieved the clear rank S++ for the 21st floor of the Black Tower (South Korea).]

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

The next day, during the Desert Orc subjugation mission in a wasteland terrain, he also hunted one.

[Notice : You have achieved the clear rank S++ for the 22nd floor of the Black Tower (South Korea).]

On the 23rd floor, in an environment encompassing a pitch-black cave and traps scattered throughout, he hunted one during the Cave Orc subjugation mission.

[Notice : You have achieved the clear rank S++ for the 23rd floor of the Black Tower (South Korea).]

On the 24th floor, upon a land flowing with crimson lava, he painstakingly killed one Volcanic Orc.

[Notice : You have achieved the clear rank S++ for the 24th floor of the Black Tower (South Korea).]

'Tsk.'

Hunting only one at a time was tantalizing.

But he had to build trust for the time being.

Now, the eagerly anticipated 25th floor.

After taking about a day off.

'Shall I pass over the rune on this occasion?'

He hadn't been able to give the item since both Gobang and Cossack were constantly with him all this time.

Thus, the next day, Joo-hyuk called Cossack alone.

"Loyalty! I have arrived, sir."

"Welcome."

"Did you not mention we were resting today, sir?"

"I did but... Ah! I picked this up on the way. You can have it."

"Yes, sir? Is it something to eat, sir?"

"No. Check it."

As if it was nothing. Adopting a nonchalant attitude, Joo-hyuk lightly tossed! the Summoned Entity Rank Ascension Rune to Cossack.

Cossack's pupils trembled the moment he caught it.

"Uh-uh-uh......."

He brought it close to his eyes, and even tried biting it.

In that instant!

"Huuck! Wh-What, what is this, sir? Is it a r-rank enhancement, sir?"

"Isn't it nice? Do you like it?"

"A-Are you genuinely g-giving this to me, sir?"

"Yes."

"...It is wonderful, sir. It is a rank ascension, I am deeply moved, sir."

Was he that happy?

"I am truly overjoyed, sir. With this, I will be able to protect Summoner Bong, sir, even better in the future, sir."

Since he seemed to be in a good mood anyway.

"Will you start the rank ascension now?"

"I cannot, sir. It is dangerous if rushed, sir. I must also prepare my mind, sir. I will do it after returning, sir."

It wasn't something that could be done just like that.

"Then I suppose I'll see you tomorrow after your rank ascension?"

"Yes, sir!"

He'll take care of it himself.

"Since you're here anyway, why don't you hang out for a bit."

"Then I shall watch TV......."

Cossack skillfully turned on the power with the remote control.

Joo-hyuk watched TV with him since he was feeling bored too.

Swoosh-swoosh-swoosh-swoosh!

The channels were flipping too fast.

"Let's just watch one thing. Just one!"

"Umm, there is something I was watching, so I am looking for a rerun, sir."

"You can just use VOD (Video on Demand)."

"Isn't it expensive, sir."

"What are you going to do saving that money! Just use VOD right now... Huh?"

It was then.

"W-Wait!"

Joo-hyuk said while pointing at the TV screen with his finger.

"What is the matter, sir?"

"Go back a channel."

"Yes, sir."

"Back, more, more... Stop!"

It was the terrestrial news.

A woman wearing a red headband was being interviewed by a reporter.

A highly familiar face.

'...Mom?'

It was Joo-hyuk's mother, Madam Hong Geum-ja.

But why was she appearing there?

* * *

Hong Geum-ja was in the middle of a one-person protest in front of the headquarters building of the Jinsaemmool Water Purifier Company.

Holding a picket sign written with slogans such as 'Opposition to Unfair Contract Termination', 'Improvement of Treatment for Water Purifier Managers', and 'Prevention of Corporate Power Abuse'.

She had made excuses to her family that she was going out to finding a job, but the place she came to every single day was in front of the water purifier company's headquarters.

She absolutely couldn't hold it in.

Because she was unfairly subjected to contract termination.

She had visited the house to replace the water purifier filter, but they told her to take out the food waste and do the recycling on her way out; did that make any sense?

Hong Geum-ja's personality was different from her husband's or her sons'.

She directly rammed into them.

She argued that she was someone who came to manage the water purifier, not someone who came to run menial errands.

Yet the company told her to apologize to the customer.

She hadn't done anything wrong, yet apologize?

What returned in the end was the termination of her contract.

For that reason, she set out on a one-person protest.

It had been over ten days since she started.

The broadcasting stations or the media didn't seem to have any intention of covering it.

The company probably blocked them.

During that time, the company's executives passed her by, but they only feigned ignorance, shooting glances full of mockery.

Hong Geum-ja bit her lip tightly.

She would never yield.

Right at that moment!

"Are you Madam Hong Geum-ja?"

A neatly dressed man in a suit appearing in front of her amidst her one-person protest.

Handing her his business card.

"Who are you?"

"Thank you for your hard work. I am Lawyer Lee Chang-seok from the Park & Kim Law Firm."

A lawyer?

And a Park & Kim law firm lawyer at that.

The finest law firm in South Korea.

It was renowned for not only defending large corporations but also handling legal counsel and representation for players upon receiving commissioned requests from national public enterprises, especially the Awakening Management Agency.

What was the significance of such a lawyer appearing here?

Hong Geum-ja spoke with a serious expression.

"Is the company saying they'll sue me or something? Tell them to go ahead. Because I won't back down."

"Hahaha! Not at all. It is the exact opposite."

"Excuse me?"

"Let us formally sue Jinsaemmool Co., Ltd. Our law firm will represent you, Madam Hong Geum-ja, entirely free of charge."

"...Wh-What did you say?"

The lawyer's completely unexpected words.

Did she hear him wrong?

She was dumbfounded.

Things like this shouldn't happen unless it was a scam.

"There is no need to worry. This is not a scam. It is part of a project aimed at helping the socially disadvantaged. It is something major law firms usually participate in... You'll find out shortly once you accompany me to the headquarters."

Hong Geum-ja pondered blankly for a moment.

"Umm, I'm not really sure what's......."

"Do you have a phone? We can record it here. We are establishing an oral contract."

She couldn't make heads or tails of the situation.

It didn't seem like a scam no matter how much she looked at it either.

What should she do?

Should she accept?

"Please trust me. I shall stake my honor. And we will absolutely win."

She deliberated for a long while.

Alright, since she had come this far, it was all or nothing.

"Fine. I will entrust my defense to you."

"You are refreshingly straightforward as expected. Let's see then......."

Lawyer Lee Chang-seok snapped his fingers.

"Shall we begin with the media campaign?"

"...Excuse me?"

In that instant!

Reporters and broadcast cameras flocking towards Hong Geum-ja.

"When answering the reporters' questions, it's fine if it's lengthy, so please speak in detail. We will edit it later anyway, so do not leave out even a single detail of the unfair treatment you have suffered thus far."

Hong Geum-ja had no choice but to nod her head.