Chapter 21 - Chapter 21

Chapter 21

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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His first item at last.

Not a Mana Stone or a Healing Potion.

Not the items received as privileges or purchased from the Player Shop either.

He meant an equipment item rewarded for successfully clearing a floor mission.

The probability of equipment item rewards is exceedingly slim.

They only appear very occasionally in the Player Shop as well.

Naturally, they sell out the moment they appear.

"I'm lucky."

A sword utilized by a Paladin, a holy knight.

However, it appeared vastly dilapidated even at a glance.

It lacked a scabbard, the blade was chipped in multiple places, the patterns seemingly engraved on the blade body were nearly entirely erased, and moreover, the hilt was tattered.

Contrarily, it was substantially large and heavy.

What purpose would a holy knight spreading the gospel employ such a colossal greatsword for?

Do they evangelize using a sword?

Do you believe?

No.

Then please die.

W-Wait, I beli......

You are too late. O straying lamb!

Slash!

Ghack!

Like this.

Yet, upon reading the description.

Effect : Amplifies attack power during combat against the undead, Flame of Sanctification, Unwavering Spirit, increases Critical Hit probability.

Limit : The effects are not applied against enemies other than the undead. Due to lacking durability, repairs are required after utilization.

Trait : A faint radiance infuses the user's sword and body.

'It had its specific use after all.'

Nevertheless, its limitations were clear.

Lacking durability, and practically just a standard sword against anything other than the undead.

Wait!

Didn't they mention the 60th floors are the undead segment?

He recalled hearing about it.

It might sell for an exorbitant price.

Still, he asked Barbarian Gobang if he wanted it just in case, but.

"A warrior relies on his fists."

"......."

He brought up the whole 'warrior' spiel at the drop of a hat.

To Cossack too.

"Oh my! Our Summoner Bong, sir, I am moved by your warm, ocean-like heart today as well, sir."

"Then would you like to have this sword?"

"Hehe, I have no need for such an inferior sword, sir. Please toss it in the recycling bin, sir."

"......."

"The gear I utilize, sir, this Wyvern leather armor and dwarven-crafted dagger, sir. They are the supreme grade, sir."

"Yes, yes."

It seemed none of them required a dilapidated sword since they were inherently so outstanding themselves.

Inevitably, he had to sell it as he initially pondered.

In order to sell the sword.......

'I have to visit the Player Shop,'

He would have to call in advance, summon a car, meet people upon arrival, and negotiate the purchasing price.

'Tsk, the procedures are rather cumbersome. ...I'll sell it leisurely.'

Since he planned to practice his skill proficiency while performing repeatable missions and concurrently gather Mana Stones before climbing the 30th floor regardless, he could just sell it all at once then.

'I wonder if it'll even sell considering how dilapidated it is.'

In any case, prior to disposing of it.

He simply had to try swinging it at least once.

Joo-hyuk stood before a full-length mirror gripping the sword.

"Hmm."

Does it look okay?

Instead of me holding the sword, it seems like I'm attached to the sword as an ornament.

"Hee, you look dashing, sir. Summoner Bong, sir."

Even a simple glance plainly revealed it didn't suit him, what 'dashing'.

'This man undeniably lived a past life as a sycophant. Capable of bringing down an entire nation effortlessly.'

Anyway, an ignorantly designed greatsword.

How utterly heavy and sluggish it appeared.

He didn't even know if it could be swung.

"Ugh!"

He gripped the sword's hilt with both hands and attempted to swing it but.

Sway, wobble.

Since he was merely an ordinary person outside the tower, he lacked the muscle strength to even lift this properly.

His upper body was dragged haphazardly by the sword's weight.

Sway, stagger, falter.

"Oh! You are executing it phenomenally, sir! You are a complete Paladin, sir."

"...What are you buying?"

"I said a Paladin, sir."

"I'm not buying."

"Nom?"

The conversation was peculiar, but.

"And does this really look like I'm doing well? When I can't even overcome the sword's weight and am merely swaying."

He should moderate his flattery.

"That level is executing it phenomenally, sir. It is because physical capabilities and skills corresponding to your level are restricted outside the tower, sir."

It was a fact Joo-hyuk was aware of too.

"Tsk, will the restrictions ever be lifted?"

"There are instances where they are lifted, sir."

Huh?

What did he mean?

"The restrictions could be lifted? Meaning players can exhibit their abilities outside the tower as well?"

"No, sir. It is impossible outside the tower, sir."

"But you just said they could be lifted."

"That is......"

Cossack paused for a moment before continuing.

"The restrictions are also lifted if the outside world transforms into the tower, sir. That precisely signifies an omen of destruction, sir."

"Ah......."

That made sense.

If the real world, meaning Earth itself, became the tower?

It implied the boundary distinguishing the world and the tower would vanish.

Then the application of levels and utilization of skills would become possible.

"You mean that would happen if the tower isn't cleared, right?"

"Yes, sir!"

Well, it wasn't a groundbreaking revelation.

Even if Earth didn't explicitly transform into the tower.

What if massive sinkholes observable even from space emerged due to the tower collapsing because the un-cleared upper floors weren't cleared?

The newly spawned tower wouldn't commence from the 1st floor again either.

It initiates from the un-cleared upper floor of the collapsed tower.

And that would persist in not getting cleared until the very end, resulting in the tower regenerating, collapsing, regenerating again, and collapsing again.

What if the entirety of Earth transformed into completely ravaged, pothole-riddled land?

Whether the world transformed into the tower or not, it would meet its demise regardless.

That was the reason why they had to clear the tower.

'This makes me anxious.'

What's the point of me preserving my body alone with the mindset of safety first and self-preservation?

If everyone is going to die anyway.

Even the most neurotic coward couldn't help but sense a crisis.

* * *

The Japanese Embassy in Gwanghwamun, Seoul.

A quiet classic bar was located in the basement of the building across the street.

A place unrecognizable even as a drinking establishment since it lacked a signboard.

There were barely two customers, and the bartender was absent as well.

One of the customers was Counselor Tomoda, who was employed at the embassy.

The other was an individual supposedly possessing the identity of a South Korean player but... secretly a scout broker.

"They informed me they would review it positively if a few more conditions are added."

It wasn't a definitive answer, purely a response stating they would approach it positively.

However, even this was quite something.

Until now, making contact itself had been impossible.

The significance lay in having received a response.

"What conditions?"

"Here, please read this."

Counselor Tomoda read the note handed over by the South Korean player broker.

"Hmm, tell them these conditions are something we can sufficiently accommodate."

"Yes, I shall convey that."

"Then roughly when can we obtain a definitive answer?"

"Well, they did mention they have no intention of delaying it indefinitely regardless of the outcome."

"Hah! Are they implying they will decide after comparing it with the Chinese side's proposal?"

"Come on, do you really think that person would go to China? It'll take time since personal affairs must be sorted out first."

Given he was a broker hired by Japan, he couldn't help but say such things.

However, China wasn't an easy opponent either.

They were equally as desperate.

"Anyway, you know, right? It must absolutely be kept secret between you and me until a decision is finalized."

"Hmph! Do you take me for a fool?"

The culmination of their efforts until now would vanish if the South Korean government got wind of it beforehand.

"Still, I absolutely do not wish to be blindsided. Please exert your efforts so we are not disappointed."

"Please do not worry. He will ultimately head to Japan."

Counselor Tomoda nodded his head.

He had a good premonition.

He would definitely come.

"Setting that aside... I heard a record of 27 consecutive clears has emerged?"

"Yes, the media is currently still bustling with it."

"And their identity has yet to be revealed?"

"Well, they are keeping it hushed up, but it's only a matter of time before it becomes known. ...Why? Are you interested?"

"I would be lying if I said I wasn't."

He was extremely interested in truth.

If he could have it his way, he'd want to bring them to Japan as well.

"However, it is not urgent at present."

"Why so?"

"Because we require an individual whose capabilities have been verified."

Because what they required wasn't an S++ clear.

What was urgently required currently was a player capable of clearing the 57th floor of Japan's Black Tower.

Namely, Player Yoo Chul-min, who successfully cleared the 65th floor.

Assuming he joined them, they would have no worries up to the 65th floor of Japan's Black Tower.

"If Player Yoo Chul-min naturalizes to our side, a typhoon will blow violently soon."

The South Korean player broker agreed as well.

"Yes, both South Korea and Japan will unquestionably be shocked out of their wits. Merely thinking about it makes me tremble. I am also risking my life doing this since it's an unprecedentedly massive deal."

"Please set your worries aside. We will ensure the guarantee of your identity meticulously. Or you could even take this opportunity to cross over to Japan."

"Hahaha! Shall I?"

The naturalization to Japan of Player Yoo Chul-min, South Korea's iconic figurehead.

The term typhoon was inadequate.

The world would be completely turned upside down.

It might even instigate a Japan-Korea war if things went awry.

'War, you say,'

Counselor Tomoda chuckled softly.

They could sufficiently endure something like war.

Because a second Great Kanto Earthquake might occur if the Japanese Black Tower collapsed.

In truth, Yoo Chul-min was merely a makeshift measure as well.

Although he was acting haughtily, they anticipated that his clearing of the 66th floor Specters was impossible.

His limits concluded precisely there.

He would be solely utilized up to the 65th floor and then discarded.

The player they genuinely desired to possess was someone else.

He remarked it wasn't urgent but... precisely the record holder for S++ clears.

Had there ever been such a player globally prior to this?

Especially amidst setting an unprecedented record of 27 consecutive floors.

'South Korea truly is incredibly fortunate. How did such a player emerge from there?'

Particularly from amongst the subservient-minded Joseonjing (derogatory term for Koreans) at that.

* * *

How can one discern the progress rate of clears regarding the Black Towers in each country?

It was simple.

The player simply had to inquire the system.

"South Korea Black Tower Clear Progress Status Window."

Ding!

[Location] : South Korea Gangwon-do Black Tower

[Cleared] : 65th Floor

[Ongoing] : 66th Floor

[Time Limit] : 92 Days 13 Hours 34 Minutes 52 Seconds

It appeared like this.

Initially, no one even knew what the time limit signified.

Nor what would occur if the time limit was breached.

They only realized it following the collapse in Mumbai.

Since Joo-hyuk was also affiliated with the Elite team, he did develop an interest concerning the tower clear progress rate, but the tasks presented before him were of greater importance right now.

Merely the 27th floor.

He still had an incredibly long way to go.

He wasn't going to hastily ascend.

Tapping the sturdy stone bridge 100 times before crossing.

Wrapping himself in the accumulated Platinum Badge privileges.

To prevent even a single strand of hair from being harmed, securing everything he could practically assemble.

Safely, and ascending safely again.

'That's my original mindset.'

Adventures were prohibited.

Grasping his own place was mandatory.

He would leave the 66th floor to Elite players wielding higher levels than him.

Half the time limit before collapse still remained, and the nation surely had a plan as well.

'They'll probably clear it soon.'

Because South Korea possessed an unprecedented player known as Yoo Chul-min.

The task Joo-hyuk had to execute immediately now was clearing the 28th and 29th floors.

"Welcome."

"SSR Cossack greets you, Summoner Bong, sir. Loyalty!"

"R Gobang has come too."

Now he was calling himself R Gobang.

Wasn't that a nickname Cossack made up to tease him?

And yet he was acting like that as if it were his own name.

'Pathetic, how pathetic.'

A Barbarian Warrior who was deceived by everyone due to his limited intelligence and ultimately met his demise.

'I must obtain a Rank Enhancement Rune somehow and feed it to him.'

[Entering the 28th floor of the South Korea Black Tower.]

A jungle terrain.

Not a standard forest, but a jungle densely overgrown with colossal trees.

It was profoundly dark as not a single speck of light penetrated through.

[28th Floor Mission : Eliminate 20 Jungle Trolls.]

[Completion Time Limit : Within 4 hours.]

"Whew, Jungle Trolls, sir. It might have been slightly difficult if I had been an SR, sir. No, even as an SSR, an S++ clear would certainly have been challenging if I were alone, sir."

He could guess.

The reason why Jungle Trolls were difficult.

The bastards live amidst the trees.

Since their bodies are smaller than other Trolls, living in the trees is a possibility for them.

To catch them, one had to ascend the trees.

Because those bastards absolutely never descended to the ground.

"Then is it easy now?"

"Yes, sir."

"S++ clear too?"

"A piece of cake, sir."

"How?"

"What do you think we kept Gobang around for, sir? That guy is surprisingly useful, sir."

Cossack spoke while patting Barbarian Gobang's shoulder.

"Gobang, let's begin."

"Got it. I will do it all."

There seemed to have been some sort of communication.

Gobang bent his waist and pressed both hands onto the ground.

Exhibiting the stance of a track and field sprinter.

Simultaneously.

"Wooooooooh!!"

Gobang charged towards an imposing tree.

Crrraash! Boom!

What was this sound?

Did a bomb detonate?

That colossal tree shook violently like a vibrating smartphone.

Crunch! Crackle!

The sound of branches snapping resounded.

Rustle, rustle, rustle!

Leaves tumbled down in a shower.

"......."

What the hell?

Mom, that guy is scary.

Jungle Trolls reside amidst the trees.

Could the trees they inhabit be merely of moderate proportions?

They were stupendous.

More than twice as large as the tree deemed the largest on Earth.

Yet that shook from a shoulder bash?

Are you a human? Or a tank?

'He could make a living performing demolition work on buildings outside.'

How is Gobang a Rare rank?

No matter how limited his intellect is, considering that level of strength, shouldn't they categorize him as an SSR?

"R Gobang Summoned Entity! You are weak, sir, weak. Is that all you amount to, sir? Would we ever have a team dinner at this rate, sir?"

"Reflecting. R Gobang, going stronger."

Once again.

Dash, dash, dash!

Thwackkk!

Crrrash! Kraak!

The tree heaving as if its roots were being uprooted.

Simultaneously.

Thud, thud, thud! Thwack, thwack!

Jungle Trolls plummeting to the ground like chestnuts.

"Good work, sir. R Gobang Summoned Entity, a team dinner is possible henceforth, sir."

"Eat something delicious."

From this moment onward, it was the time of the SSR, Cossack.

He swept away the plummeting Trolls.

The sword aura gleaming on the dagger illuminated the dim jungle.

Slash, slash, slash, slash! Slash, slash!

The Trolls failed to even regenerate.

Because their heads were severed the moment they plummeted.

"Now then! Next, we will proceed to that tree, sir."

"...Y-Yes, you should."

Though they outwardly appeared haphazard.

These two were genuine powerhouses.

The clearing method was identical.

When Cossack pointed at a specific tree, Gobang went and crashed into it.

"Go! R Gobang, team dinner!"

"Uwaaaaaah! Team dinner!"

Kwa-kwa-kwa-kwak! Crack!

Whoosh, thud, thud! Thud, thud!

And once the Jungle Trolls dropped like chestnuts, Cossack harvested them.

It appeared exceptionally straightforward, but it was a clearing method that was never straightforward.

"I kind of want to try too......."

"Oh my! Certainly, sir, absolutely, sir, our Summoner Bong, sir, please do whatever you wish to do, sir."

The reason Cossack promptly gave his consent.

Since the Jungle Trolls plummeted to the ground from elevated heights, they had already sustained sufficient damage from the initial impact.

He merely needed to stroll over and strike the bastards who were dizzy and failing to regain their senses moderately, and that would suffice.

"It is over, sir. Hehehe."

"Yes, it's over. Hahaha."

[Notice : You have achieved the clear rank S++ for the 28th floor of the Black Tower (South Korea).]

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