Chapter 181 - Chapter 181

Chapter 181

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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Among items, there are things whose export overseas is prohibited.

Usually tower materials like High-Grade Mana Stones, or runes or tickets that have a decisive influence on clears, and tower reward items, etc.

For now, the Rune Necklace of Liberation.

An item whose bringing in and taking out are both prohibited.

Possession itself is illegal.

The state may be prohibiting it, but they are unable to actually detect it.

Since it's over if a player puts it in their inventory.

How do you find something that isn't even caught by airport security scanners?

Transactions are also accomplished simply.

Whenever and wherever, just meet and take it out from the inventory and it's over.

Of course, because account records are left behind, they usually trade with coins or bearer bonds but.

In that manner, China-produced Rune Necklaces of Liberation were spreading all over the world.

Japan was no exception.

The Japan tourism boom currently taking place.

The Black Tower that soared in the middle of downtown Tokyo.

It spread like a fad to take a photo with the Tokyo skyline including the Black Tower as the background and post it on SNS.

The US, Europe, Taiwan, China, Korea, etc.

Countless tourists flock to Japan and go after viewing the Black Tower in the heterogeneous city center.

Of course, among the tourists, there were also players who secretly brought the Rune Necklace of Liberation in their inventories.

A quiet bar in Ginza, Japan.

An old man and a fierce-looking young man sitting facing each other.

"Here it is. It's one that hasn't been used even once."

A single necklace placed on the table by the old man's hand.

"Since you are a player too, you can check it yourself, right?"

Nomura Daikinzo silently stared at the Rune Necklace of Liberation, then reached out his hand and checked the information.

Manifesting the player's abilities even outside the tower for 1 hour, and a total of 3 usages possible.

"Is it Chinese-made?"

"Then did you think it would be Japanese-made? Liberation necklaces are all Chinese-made."

Nomura is a Yakuza.

At the same time, he was also a player.

And an unregistered player not in the national computer network at that.

Awakening from a Yakuza status, a syndicate boss who currently manages a district in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

"Do I have to return this after using it?"

"Not a chance! As long as you accomplish the mission, the necklace is yours. Regardless of how many usages are left."

The so-called mission is nothing else but a contract killing.

He just has to kill one person, he says.

However, a considerably tricky target.

You can consider it almost impossible.

Even if you liberated your strength.

Because the target of the hit is also a player.

And a very well-known person.

A status you normally can't even approach.

"You know it is really difficult to kill a player, right?"

"I know. Because they can run away to the tower."

Right.

No matter how urgent the situation, they just have to enter the tower.

You'd just have to suck your thumb like a dog chasing a chicken.

"But do not worry. Because we can find out everything, whether the punk has consumed his daily entry chance or not."

Nomura pondered.

Killing a person is not difficult.

It's just because they aren't an ordinary punk, that's all.

"That person might be possessing a Rune Necklace of Liberation too."

"However, isn't his level lower than yours?"

That's true.

The target's known level is 31.

On the other hand, his own level is high to the point it cannot even be compared to that punk.

"Just succeed. We will do the cleanup. Then Shinjuku, Roppongi, Kabukicho, and Asakusa are your districts. No, I will hand over the entire Tokyo district to you."

"Huu."

Honestly, Nomura's heart is gradually being drawn to it.

Although it is difficult, if he succeeds, the subsequent rewards are also certain.

Since this old man in front of his eyes is an existence holding enough power for that.

"What about the Magic Power Sealing Scroll? I heard magic power itself gets nullified if you have that."

"It's an item that isn't in Japan yet."

"Are you certain?"

"Do you not trust my words? Do you think we would cause an incident without even doing that kind of preliminary investigation?"

Nomura nodding his head.

Right, he is not alone.

He just has to succeed.

Then they will take responsibility for all the aftermath regarding it.

"Alright. Let's do it."

"Keul-keul-keul, you thought well."

Request accepted.

"We will set the table. You just have to eat. How easy is it?"

"Understood."

Nomura did not think even a little bit that this job would fail.

Even if the target of the hit is wearing a Rune Necklace of Liberation like himself.

When their base levels differ by close to 30.

There's no way he'd fail.

* * *

Tower Managers know inside out about every matter occurring in the tower.

Who climbed to what floor, whether the clear was a success, or a failure, if it was a success, what kind of reward they took.

Then what about outside the tower?

How do they grasp the real world?

It is fastest to consume causality and scan the consciousness of a player who entered the tower.

Although they cannot know everything up to the minute details, they can still roughly grasp the major incidents currently occurring outside the tower.

Therefore, although very limited, they were also able to know the fact that the first Rune Necklace of Liberation crisis occurred in China.

An incident that started in Chongqing, China.

A whopping 50 or more deaths.

It's done.

The scattered seeds finally sprouted.

Now a chain reaction will occur.

The Rune Necklace of Liberation is a kind of virus.

As long as they witnessed the effect, they wouldn't be able to stay without using it.

In actuality, they did.

Starting with Chongqing, the use of the Rune Necklace of Liberation spread throughout all of China.

But?

An Engineer hesitatingly reporting to the Designer.

[...Excuse me, I hear a thing called a Magic Power Sealing Scroll came out.]

[Eung? What is that again?]

[If things go wrong, the Rune Necklace of Liberation might get neutralized.]

What the hell?

[The Rune Necklace of Liberation is a tower item. Until its usage period runs out, there's no chance of it breaking, and moreover, it doesn't break down.]

[That is.......]

The Engineer's explanation that followed.

Saying it doesn't interfere with the operating method of the Rune Necklace of Liberation, but binds the magic power manifested in the player's body afterwards.

It's the Summoner again.

It is certain that punk pulled a trick.

[What about the quantity? If there are only a few sheets, isn't it a tempest in a teacup?]

[I hear they print them out. That it entered a mass-production process.]

[.......]

Right.

I overlooked it for a moment.

Ma-Yeon-Gong.

That dog-like trinity.

[I hear the scroll's effect was proven in the US. They say they easily subdued a player using a Rune Necklace of Liberation. Without a single human casualty.]

[.......]

Anger surged up.

If I throw one thing, a countermeasure for that one thing comes out far too quickly.

It's to the point I can't even take any measures at all.

What do I do?

Do I have to scrap the plan?

This fucking Summoner.

It's to the point the inside of my head is burning white as my resentment bursts.

[Maker, push in more Rune Necklaces of Liberation.]

[But causality is.......]

[Do as I say. ...We are going to the end.]

Right, let's try it.

Who wins.

* * *

The world of souls.

The wish of the souls living there is being chosen by a Summoner to get out of this dreadful infinite prison.

Together with complete liberation from the subordination contract.

『Isn't it about time for the random summon schedule to approach?』

『I think it already passed.』

『Then who went out?』

『Well, that's something we cannot know. Since the bastards who went out once haven't been returning after the White Tower was created.』

『Still, they diligently bragged before leaving, no? The punks before did too, and the attention-seeker Magician bastard was the same.』

『I guarantee you, if anyone here was called out, they would have asked for the Summoner's understanding and returned here to make fun of us.』

『Now that you mention it, that's true. Right. How could they hold back on that?』

『If I was summoned too, I was planning to brag at least 3 times before getting my residency ticket.』

『But the fact that it's quiet means... Ah geez! We're getting worried. Are random summons not happening?』

『No way?』

『Could it be the Manager bastards again?』

『Huu, is there no one to inform us of the situation outside?』

The souls were worried sick.

Wondering if something perhaps happened to the Summoner.

* * *

Player-turned-Japanese Prime Minister Maeda was moving in a bulletproof official vehicle to attend a special lecture held at Tokyo University.

There was nothing special about the contents of the lecture.

The duties and rights he possesses as a Japanese player, and the blueprint for future tower climbing, Japan's 4th industrial revolution based on new resources like High-Grade Mana Stones, etc.

In that process, he planned to express concerns about the Chinese crisis and announce the decision to introduce Magic Power Sealing Scrolls from Korea.

However, his head is already throbbing and hurting.

Thinking about how right-wing organizations will rush in like a pack of dogs again upon this announcement.

Are we relying on Korea again.

There's no need for Magic Power Sealing Scrolls.

Us Japanese people's civic consciousness is #1 in the world.

There will be no accidents caused by the Rune Necklace of Liberation.

Rather, thoroughly investigate tourists entering from China or Korea.

However, Prime Minister Maeda decided on a frontal breakthrough.

Because right-wingers are people who find all sorts of fault just to put a scratch on him anyway.

'Tsk, to think they still cannot escape from the ghosts of the past.'

What should be acknowledged must be acknowledged.

Japan's bubble has completely popped.

The country currently leading the global Black Tower clears is exactly Korea.

Does he like Korea either?

He's just strategically pretending to be friendly.

To somehow prevent the Tokyo tower's collapse.

'Without knowing anything, at every single matter.......'

It was then.

Deol-keo-deong!

The car suddenly stopping.

'...Eung?'

Maeda felt something strange.

'Why?'

There's no way a vehicle carrying the Prime Minister would stop while driving, and on top of an overpass at that.

He feels a chilling sensation.

His chauffeur, attendant secretary, and bodyguard took no action and just stayed still.

"Hey? What are you all doing right now?"

There is no answer.

'Could this perhaps be.......'

Prime Minister Maeda's judgment was fast.

Why does he carry around a Rune Necklace of Liberation wearing it?

Because of the concern that an unexpected situation might occur by any chance.

It is exactly a case like right now.

So he muttered instinctively.

'Liberation.'

At that moment!

Geu-geu-geuk!

The car roof splitting apart.

Pu-uk!

A black spear piercing its way inside.

Maeda also reflexively pushed against the car's side door with his body and darted outside.

Kwa-jik! U-ji-kkeun!

However.

Tteu-kkeum!

A pain felt from his shoulder.

Pu-pu-pu-pu-puk!

Even outside the car, the black spear persistently aimed at Prime Minister Maeda.

Maeda evading by rolling de-gul-de-gul over the overpass.

Puk! Pu-puk! Pu-pu-pu-puk!

Fortunately he avoided his vitals, but Maeda's whole body was dyed red with blood from the spear's attacks.

However, he did not stay still either.

Pulling out a longsword, a tower reward item, straight from his inventory.

Chae-chaeng! Chae-chae-chaeng!

Seo-geo-geok, seo-geo-geok!

As he stepped backwards simultaneously with a counterattack,

One person finally entering his sight.

He couldn't know who it was.

Anyhow, it's a killer.

One who manifested a Rune Necklace of Liberation.

The unidentified assailant's upper garment was also cut away like rags from Maeda's attacks.

And an Oni tattoo of a terrifying shape engraved on the thug's chest.

"...Yakuza?"

It's not a fashion tattoo.

It really is a Yakuza tattoo.

The punk opened his mouth with a fishy smile.

"So you hid your level. A punk who's a Prime Minister."

Of course I should hide it then.

Since personal information as a Prime Minister is a state secret.

Prime Minister Maeda's known level is 31, but he is currently level 45.

"Do you think you'll be safe after pulling off a deed like this?"

"Uh, I will be safe. As long as you die."

Pa-at!

The Yakuza, or killer, fiercely rushed at Maeda in an instant.

Tseu-pit! Pit-pit-pit-pit!

Chae-chaeng! Chaeng-chaeng-chaeng-chaeng!

Maeda retreating backwards continuously at the fierce spear attacks imbued with magic power.

He is lacking in capability.

They activated Rune Necklaces of Liberation together, but this punk's level is higher.

Furthermore, the bodyguards who would be riding in the escort vehicles following behind aren't getting off either.

Meaning it's a trap drawn up in advance.

Nomura finding it strange was the same.

Even though he definitely inflicted mortal wounds on the punk, he wasn't collapsing yet.

Even his blood was stopping and his wounds were healing.

'He didn't even drink a healing potion... is it an item?'

One without the modifier tower-exclusive?

It seems to be so.

Because when Maeda's belt flashed brightly with a red light, the wounds he suffered on his body were recovering.

"Damn it, fucking hell!"

Seu-pa-pat!

Nomura charging while holding out his spear.

Maeda concentrated his mind closely.

He must dodge his body.

He will die if he stays here.

Spot!

Prime Minister Maeda turning his body instantly and running away.

He holds out.

If he holds out, he lives.

Although the punk's level is higher than his own, he also has means to hold out.

The greatest treasure he possesses.

Exactly the belt he is wearing.

Thanks to this, he raised his level by 14 in a short period of time too.

Anyway, where to run away?

First, a bustling street with many people would be good.

The Black Tower erected in downtown Tokyo is seen in his eyes.

'There, I have to go there.'

The destination is the Tokyo Black Tower.

Tokyo's number one tourist destination.

Therefore, the place with the most people.

Maeda ran away frantically.

Nomura also closely chased after him.

* * *

White Tower 17th floor.

Joo-hyuk was currently receiving a call from his younger brother Min-hyuk.

- Hyung! Were you a spy?

Haa, this punk!

"I told you before too, didn't I. That I'm in an well-acquainted relationship with Chairman Kim."

- I mean, you shouldn't be well-acquainted. Unification is still far off.

"Be quiet! Hang up the phone!"

However, a call came from Mom too so.

- Son, you aren't going around meeting strange people these days, right? I trust my son. ...Right?

"Haa!"

Unable to help it, Commissioner Jeon Kwang-il stepped forward.

"Yes, yes, Mother-nim, it is an issue the government is entirely aware of as well. That is correct. So you do not need to worry."

Thanks to that.

- I knew this would happen. This man shivering asking what violation of the National Security Act this is, making a bigger fuss than our son.

That's right, Mom.

I've got Mom's blood mixed in me.

Differently from Father.

Indeed it was resolved when a high-ranking public official stepped forward.

"Thank you."

"Ha-ha-ha, don't mention it."

It's a relief Commissioner Jeon Kwang-il was right next to me.

Well, he comes in and out whenever he has a chance these days.

Since he's here anyway, talking about the clearance plans for the 80s floors too.

"If things go well, I think a clear method for the giant monster section above the 81st floor will come out."

"...Yes? H, how?"

"It's difficult to speak in detail, but you remember the Holy Sword rental for the undead section, right?"

"Yes, of course I do."

"Similar to that, there is a weapon currently in production, and if it succeeds, wouldn't we be able to catch the likes of giant monsters......."

"Uh-uh."

"It's still in the planning stage, so please don't reveal it anywhere though."

"A, understood."

I brought up the topic.

I just have to wait for Magical Engineer El to finish making the improved magic gun.

At that moment!

Tti-ring!

A notification sound ringing from Jeon Kwang-il's smartphone.

Checking the message and tilting his head gea-u-ttung, Jeon Kwang-il touched the You-Tube link attached to the text,

And was shocked, widening his eyes roundly.

"Heok!"

"What is it? Did something happen."

"Eu-eum."

While showing the smartphone to Joo-hyuk.

"They say two liberated players are fighting a battle in the city center."

"Is that so? Where? China?"

"It's Japan."

Japan?

Joo-hyuk looked at the smartphone too.

With the Black Tower in downtown Tokyo as the background.

A man in a suit wielding a longsword, and a man holding a long spear whose gross tattoos could be glimpsed through his torn clothes.

"Wow! Look at the tattoos. Is he a Yakuza?"

"Probably......."

"But I've seen this person a lot somewhere."

"It's the Japanese Prime Minister, Prime Minister Maeda Kenji."

"Aha, it's the Japanese Prime Minister, the Prime Minis, ...yes?"

What kind of situation is this?

"The Japanese Prime Minister and a Yakuza clashed with each other."

"...Is it an AI deepfake video?"

"No, it's reality."

My word!

The Prime Minister and a Yakuza?

What kind of feeling is this like.

King Kong and Godzilla.

Superman and Batman.

Alien and Predator.

It was exactly like this.

A plot that seems like it would only come out in Japanese animation or a live-action movie.

Yet that incident actually happened.

Right in the middle of Tokyo at that.

"A fight has broken out among scrubs, sir."

To someone, weakings.

"That belt the Japanese Prime Minister is wearing... It's a magical engineering item. It's the latest version too. It would be nice if I could disassemble it and research it."

To someone else, research data.

"It seems to be an automatic potion injector. The lowest-grade inventory magic formula will be engraved on the item. It is not my major field, but if I disassemble that belt I can figure out about the level of its magic power circuit diagram so......."

As expected of a Prime Minister, he's carrying around a good thing.

It'd be nice if I could even rent it later so Magical Engineer El can research it.

Anyway, there are all sorts of matters.

Indeed, who will win?