Chapter 27 - Chapter 27

Chapter 27

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

Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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

The day arranged for Player Nam Ga-eun's clear of the 63rd floor within South Korea's Black Tower.

Jeon Kwang-il hastened to an item crafting workshop located in the Seoul suburbs early in the morning.

He met a master craftsman who dedicated his entire life to blacksmithing.

"Elder, has the repair concluded?"

"The sword's material constituted Orichalcum metal. Since Orichalcum was abundant, the repairs posed no difficulties whatsoever, but......."

"Was there perhaps a discrepancy of some sort?"

"It inherently was a dilapidated sword possessing chunks missing in several places from the inception. Since the engravings eroded remarkably, identifying the original state is impossible. Hence, resolving the pre-existing damage was unachievable."

"Consequently, what transpired regarding the newly inflicted damage incurred whilst Player Nam Ga-eun utilized it?"

"Those aspects have concluded repairs comprehensively."

"Ah! Excellent. No issues persist."

The damage originally existing verbatim when acquiring the item was purportedly unavoidable.

The newly formed sections could undergo repair.

Still, what a monumental relief?

He simultaneously hadn't neglected depositing the rental fee to Bong Joo-hyuk.

The 1st rental was gratis, however, this presently represented the 2nd rental.

'I must deposit 1 billion won.'

In this tremendously urgent and grave circumstantial reality, is 1 billion won even considered money?

Additionally, discovering it originated as a benefit exclusively received owing to South Korea.

However, when renting it out to other nations, he intended to extort a minimum of 10 times exceeding this amount.

Jeon Kwang-il rushed towards the Awakening Management Agency bearing the repaired sword.

Every personnel member accumulated within the Management Agency's main auditorium.

Unto Player Nam Ga-eun, who remained waiting entirely equipped amidst the personnel.

"Here it is."

"Has the repair entirely concluded?"

"It didn't conclude comprehensively. The reason being......."

Jeon Kwang-il relayed the master craftsman's statements to Nam Ga-eun.

"Aha! Provided it's identical as the inception, it's sufficient. I must wield it with extreme caution."

"Do you genuinely intend to execute the clear immediately today?"

"I already articulated it. As long as I can withstand the Dark Aura, Skeletons are invariably mere bones."

Following meticulously inspecting whether the bodycam fastened to her chest operated properly.

"I shall return from the 63rd floor."

"I wish you luck."

"Everyone, let's gather strength together! Strength!"

The Management Agency personnel actively cheered her on concurrently.

"Fighting! Nam Ga-eun!"

"Please return safely."

"I'll hold my breath awaiting your return."

"Go display the terrifying dominance of a gym rat."

Waving her hand individually corresponding to each person.

"See you later."

Poof!

Nam Ga-eun disappearing.

The Management Agency personnel persistently remained motionless exactly where they stood.

Would it undeniably actualize as desired?

And precisely 2 hours elapsed.

Once again.

Poof!

She manifested.

"H-How did it proceed?"

Nam Ga-eun sketched a V-sign with her hand alongside a beaming smile.

"Clear Successful!"

And.

"Wowowowow!!"

A roaring cheer erupted enthusiastically, essentially threatening to dismantle the Management Agency structurally.

Nam Ga-eun aimlessly twisted her body while rubbing her nose, seemingly attempting to disguise her stinging nasal tip.

She identically understood.

Acknowledging it wasn't the byproduct of her remarkable inherent aptitude.

'Player Bong, sir, I am immeasurably thankful.'

If the holy sword item he bestowed remained continuously absent?

Indisputably a tower collapse.

'I definitely must procure a present for him.'

The rental fee is an autonomous transaction, a present remains exclusively a present.

What items do men intrinsically favor?

Jeon Kwang-il was furthermore overwhelmed with emotion.

If alongside the holy sword, navigating the 66th floor, nay, advancing smoothly toward the 67th floor would proceed without obstructions.

Then what concerning the 68th floor?

Around that specific juncture represented the optimal timeframe wherein Player Bong Joo-hyuk would ascend to the 60th floors.

He feels fundamentally more profoundly reassuring exceeding even the holy sword.

"Player Nam Ga-eun, please hand over the bodycam."

"Do you intend to disclose this immediately identically?"

"We absolutely must quell the citizens' prevalent anxieties."

"Yes, sir!"

The overarching situation reversed incredibly decisively.

* * *

He had rested extensively all this while.

Truthfully, the 28th floor clear was excessively facile.

To the extent that even Cossack nonchalantly observed his frantic rampage as a bystander.

The 30th floor constituted the domain where Twin-Head Trolls surfaced as bosses.

Perhaps it might encompass a semblance of mild entertainment.

'How numerous a quantity should I hunt?'

Retrospectively contemplating, Gyeon Dal-rae's incorporation inherently presented distinct advantages.

Because she effectively rendered Cossack entirely immobilized.

If he attempted browbeating him demanding, Please remain exclusively motionless, Summoner Bong, sir!

Then she might possibly unleash a thunderous reprimand proclaiming, You scoundrel! Your insolent behavior transcends boundaries!

'I should prudently evaluate the dynamic atmosphere and adequately hunt beyond 10 monsters.'

[You are entering the 30th floor of South Korea's Black Tower.]

Upon extracting his mace and shield alongside activating his Energy Shield, performing stretches sequentially to loosen his physiology, he surreptitiously stole a glance targeting Gyeon Dal-rae, but.

The visage of a delicate, slender maiden situated adjacent to Joo-hyuk.

Although her countenance unequivocally exhibited resolute fortitude, precisely what capabilities she could vividly demonstrate remained uncertain.

"Now then! You're uniformly prepared, correct?"

"Loyalty! Enduring combat for precisely the foremost occasion in considerable time generates power spontaneously, sir. Please persistently observe me, sir! I will cleanly sweep them definitively away, sir."

"I will exclusively handle everything. I shall invariably protect the Summoner even if doing so dictates perishing."

Thereupon.

"Ho-oh, I initially presumed you constituted lowly creatures inherently ignorant referencing etiquette, yet your mentalities are properly oriented."

"Hehe, i-is that so... truly?"

"You must apply your utmost dedication. The specific day Summoner Bong, sir, expresses disappointment entails you receiving heavenly retribution."

"Yes, sir!"

Goodness gracious.

What exactly signified that countenance?

Explicitly the countenance radiating profound pride originating from a fellow SSR exhibiting commendation.

Signifying the exact situation of a rolling stone displacing an embedded stone entirely.

Gobang spearheaded the vanguard.

Cossack tracked behind him closely.

Gyeon Dal-rae additionally advanced via light, nimble strides.

[30th Floor Mission: Exterminate 80 Trolls regardless of their designated classification and 1 Twin-Head Troll.]

[Clear Time Limit: Within 13 Hours.]

[Clear Condition: Trolls encompassing every comprehensive classification 0/80, Twin-Head Troll 0/1]

The absolute instant the mission surfaced.

Trolls commencing to manifest their figures incrementally one or two simultaneously.

However?

'Huh?'

Gyeon Dal-rae's behavior appeared profoundly anomalous.

Producing something sourced within the spatial interior characteristic of her expansive sleeves.

'...A portable speaker?'

She uniformly additionally possessed a USB memory drive precisely.

A precise speaker that automatically initiates music playback when the USB is inserted.

Why precisely did a Shrine Maiden carry such an item?

As Joo-hyuk steadily observed scrutinizing via a remarkably curious gaze.

"I am enormously ashamed. Ideally, an inherent drummer executing the drumbeats should persistently stand alongside me; however, since this humble girl perpetually travels solitarily, I formulated it inherently as a desperate, finalized contingency measure."

"Oh, yes, of course."

He fundamentally couldn't decipher precisely where she formulated it nor fundamentally why she required it, but.

In any event, initiating the clear.

"Uwoaaaaah!"

Gobang vigorously sprinting forward whilst emitting a thundering roar.

Cossack exhibiting a fluid Shadow Step continuously.

What regarding Gyeon Dal-rae?

It was precisely at that specific moment.

Boom! Boom! Bo-boom! Boom-boom!

The profound resonating drumbeats reverberating radiating off the speaker.

Matching the rhythmic cadence flawlessly, Gyeon Dal-rae enthusiastically shook her bells.

Jingle-jingle-jingle.......

A remarkably peculiar harmonizing chorus amalgamating the drumbeats and bell chimes together.

Clatter-clatter-clatter!

The resonant sound generated by the blade identically intervened amidst the harmonious chorus.

Investigating further, the blade clutched inside her designated hand didn't constitute a tool designated for terminating monsters but fundamentally exclusively functioned toward synthesizing sound.

"The profound protection inherently manifested by the Deities of Heaven and Earth inherently persistently flanks Young Master Bong, hence you wicked aberrances uniformly immediately retreat!"

"......."

That uniquely designated reason precisely necessitated the speaker inherently.

Generating a remarkably abruptly bizarre scenario, initiating a Gut (Shamanic Ritual)... structurally within the Black Tower's internal domain?

Suddenly!

Whoooosh!

The bronze mirror distinctly draped over her neck illuminated radiantly reminiscent of an LED bulb primarily.

The energy undulation warmth steadily proliferating outward expansively.

"Ah!"

Mana continuously oscillating dynamically throughout his entire physical constitution.

Power inherently surging fiercely upward substantially.

Sensory perceptions escalating in persistent hypersensitivity.

'This undoubtedly is.......'

It strictly functioned identically as a buff.

Systematically augmenting the capabilities governing associated party members collaboratively.

Joo-hyuk explicitly wasn't the sole individual enduring the respective influences implicitly.

Gobang's physical frame systematically amplified exhibiting augmented colossal dimensions.

Concurrently generating his skin's transformation evolving vaguely dusky implicitly.

The explicit Trolls maliciously slashed Gobang's skin systematically employing their sharp characteristic claws, but.

Clang!

Synchronized with a characteristic metallic echoing sound, the specific Trolls' claws definitively snapped retroactively.

Cossack similarly initiated his frantic rampage uniformly.

His dagger's characteristic blade aura amplified exhibiting increased length alongside enriched obscure density, while concurrently his Shadow Step traversed distances escaping visual tracking capability definitively, flashing brilliantly consecutively whereas he identically orchestrated relentless blade strikes practically insanely.

"This exceptionally transcends logic, sir! Truly breathtaking, sir! Navigating sheer insanity, sir!"

The distinct Trolls equivalently uniformly experienced influences resonating from the drumbeats alongside the bell chimes identically.

However, exclusively contradicting any affirmative effects manifesting.

Simultaneously accompanying their explicit exposure facing the mirror's illumination coalesced with the characteristic blade's reverberations alongside bell chimes, the respective Trolls unequivocally remarkably systematically decelerated observationally.

A visibly palpable bewildered disposition explicitly painted vividly across those bastards' specific eyes identically.

Even the explicit signature regeneration capability arguably qualifying as a Troll's singularly dominant trait essentially dematerialized.

Consequently, remaining distinctly classified as specific Trolls inferior referencing Orcs.

Methodically ripped uniformly asunder originating by Gobang explicitly, alongside simultaneously subjected to meticulous dismemberment explicitly by Cossack exclusively.

The explicit drumbeats progressively augmented their rhythmic tempo uniformly.

Simultaneously corresponding equally modifying the bell chimes identically.

Boom-boom-boom-boom! Boom-boom-boom-boom!

Jingle-jingle-jingle! Jingle-jingle-jingle!

Clatter-clatter-clatter! Clatter-clatter-clatter!

The distinctly frantic, chaotic Hwimori rhythm exclusively.

Propelled fundamentally navigating the melodic rhythm spontaneously inciting uninhibited bodily movements identically.

Joo-hyuk's corresponding chest fundamentally eventually culminated exceptionally majestically definitively.

Vigorously sprouting fighting spirit exclusively, expanding emotional elevation definitively, brimmed confidence fundamentally, an implicit sensation essentially guaranteeing succeeding addressing absolutely anything whatsoever exclusively.

Trolls?

Systematically smashing these bastards' fundamental skulls fundamentally represented child's play primarily.

The ultimate manly man unequivocally approaches effectively.

I genuinely shall invariably meticulously capture unequivocally every single one definitively!

Consequently the precise simultaneous moment he actively initiated bolting comprehensively wielding his precise weapon fundamentally.

Grab.

The precise hand resolutely clutching onto his designated collar specifically originating backwards essentially.

'What on earth?'

Gyeon Dal-rae implicitly shaking her explicit head vigorously uniformly vocalized.

"I firmly interpret delegating the respective confrontation strictly exclusively unto your subordinate underlings constitutes explicitly the superior approach. Young Master, realistically please merely observe practically remaining exceedingly comfortable primarily."

Eh?

This fundamentally doesn't implicitly exhibit optimistic forebodings primarily.

"Umm, ...I exclusively intend inherently effectively securing essentially simply a negligible few monsters explicitly subsequently extracting myself identically however."

"Inherently addressing an exemplary gentleman essentially maintaining composure practically consistently precluding sprinting despite precipitation fundamentally constitutes intrinsic etiquette. For precisely what fundamentally inherent rationale would identically you specifically actively pursue explicitly aligning your shoulders effectively equivalent matching uniformly inherently lowly distinct entities identically."

"Intrinsically addressing myself personally recognizing myself effectively qualifies substantially referencing an identically lowly scoundrel additionally, precisely speaking? I personally essentially constitute exactly what characterizes unequivocally a fundamentally unmanly man explicitly. Unmanly man, explicitly."

"That specifically remains phenomenally exceptionally absurd primarily. An implicitly profoundly imposing alongside undeniably inherently righteous Young Master explicitly identical facing you, whereas excessively extending identical modest assertions identically uniformly manifests detrimentally identically."

He inherently possessed no time fundamentally remaining available for instances akin identically.

Should this identically persistently continue, essentially Cossack additionally Gobang fundamentally definitively ultimately terminate unequivocally every specific entity.

He effectively exerted physical force explicitly intending structurally actively subsequently extracting himself subsequently however.

Clasp!

She rigorously grasped his specific collar unequivocally adamantly definitively declining identically releasing entirely inherently.

"Sigh, I shall inherently essentially definitively capture fundamentally precisely one singular specifically."

"The inherently exclusive overarching safety addressing the exceptional Young Master fundamentally universally practically inherently maintains paramount supreme significance unmistakably."

This constitutes genuinely immensely frustrating specifically.

The specific kill count simultaneously increasingly continually augmenting dynamically.

The inherent maiden strictly actively prohibiting his corresponding advance securely.

Consequently generating an unavoidably identical scenario fundamentally.

"This strictly constitutes precisely an explicit command directly. Release your explicit grasp originating primarily from this specific hand. Expeditiously unequivocally!"

Upon articulating precisely identically implementing an exceptionally stern vocal tone actively.

"T, that undeniably fundamentally explicitly universally remains unallowable."

"I categorically decisively ultimately formalized essentially my distinct evaluation explicitly. Considering I inherently effectively maintain intentions actively universally departing uniformly, identically navigate deciding autonomously formulating identical reprimands alternatively universally uniformly declining inherently identically."

"H, ho, hold on......."

Abruptly Gyeon Dal-rae's distinct facial complexion fundamentally transformed universally identically exhibiting pallid distinct whiteness exclusively.

Eventually culminating dynamically.

"Uwaaah......."

Eh?

'Are you crying essentially?'

Tears distinctly steadily overwhelmingly welled prominently filling Gyeon Dal-rae's exceptionally voluminous comprehensive eyes universally.

'Wait, why fundamentally.......'

Joo-hyuk became distinctly extensively remarkably flustered dynamically.

Whatever happened identifying exactly when she identically instantaneously vociferously roared fiercely explicitly simultaneously concerning fundamentally generating auditory noises whilst consuming ramyun uniformly.

'Could it genuinely constitute explicit acting inherently?'

It identically genuinely inherently didn't definitively correspond structurally.

In reality, distinct teardrops phenomenally fundamentally uniformly definitively practically tumbled identically descending physically.

Does Gyeon Dal-rae's inherent designated response accurately typically exclusively universally effectively resemble exactly this precise behavioral expression strictly considering explicit absolute obedience correspondingly actively structurally inherently clashing identical facing explicitly the fundamental Third Clause referencing the Distinct Principles governing Summoned Entities explicitly?

Nevertheless, essentially explicitly considering additionally identically an exceptional SSR explicitly characterized inherently shedding teardrops universally excessively structurally implicitly appears somewhat universally phenomenally inherently overwhelmingly intensely excessive, realistically?

Suddenly!

Joo-hyuk directly effectively simultaneously explicitly interlocked identical essentially corresponding eye contact actively universally alongside Gyeon Dal-rae structurally.

Additionally unequivocally simultaneously attaining identical fundamental realization exceptionally.

The intrinsic sorrow alongside corresponding inherent underlying terror subtly persistently embedded distinctly identically fundamentally within her corresponding pupils structurally.

'...Oh no! Damn it all!'

Like a complete fool.

Why on earth didn't I realize this?

Summoned entities are not exactly summoned beasts to be evaluated solely on rank alone.

They were people.

They were actual human beings who possessed their own sets of emotions and rationality.

Is the background explanation for summoned entities in the catalog there for nothing?

If they were simple summoned beasts, why would anything like a background track be needed?

Cossack succumbed attempting to assassinate a Sword Master.

Although it was due to being deceived, Barbarian Gobang actively confronted the Super Demonic Beast Hydra courageously and succumbed.

Both fought fiercely and parted from this world.

Lingering attachments to life?

Neither appeared to hold onto anything resembling that.

But what about Gyeon Dal-rae?

Losing her father, betrayed by her trusted uncle, having even her young brother murdered, and yet flying a death curse for the objective of revenge knowing fully that it would kill her, what must her feelings have been like then?

She must have been terrified.

She must have been lonely.

She must have despaired.

She would have retained those exact feelings even after perishing.

She wasn't a strong girl.

Rather, she was incredibly weak.

She was just pretending to be strong to conceal her weakness.

A Chihuahua that barks a lot because it is weak.

It was exactly like looking at his younger brother Min-hyuk.

He exhibited that behavior plenty when he was young too.

"Are you scared that I might perish?"

"T-That is so."

"Should I refrain from proceeding?"

Nod, nod.

"Then I'll refrain. Let your heart remain at ease."

"I am overflowing with awe and gratitude."

What significance does catching one or two monsters hold?

Aren't I basically an unmanly man anyway?

Thanks to the buffs, I momentarily hallucinated that I was a manly man.

I ought to revert to my original state.

The skirmish concluded momentarily.

Even apace compared to when confronting the Orc Warchief.

The Twin-Head Troll perished the instant it emerged.

Gobang plucked off one head, and Cossack severed the remaining one.

The moment the mission success message appeared.

Cossack approached whilst panting.

He whispered into Joo-hyuk's ear.

"Wait, why is the Princess weeping?"

"...Something like that transpired."

"Could it peradventure be because I acted discourteously earlier, and Summoner Bong admonished her, sir?"

"As if I'd ever do such a thing. Furthermore, Mr. Cossack was chastised because you committed an act deserving of chastisement; why would I?"

"I am crestfallen, sir. I shall weep too, sir."

"Cry if you wish, or refrain."

Right then!

"You rascal!!! How dare you approach Young Master whilst besmirched with Yokai blood! Detach yourself at once. Shoo, shoo!"

"...Y-Yes, acknowledged, sir."

Heh.

Now that furious bellowing doesn't even phase me.

In any event, I need to treat her wonderfully.

So that she can live happily while she is here, at the very least.

Yet on another facet.

Both Cossack, and Gyeon Dal-rae alike.

Trying desperately by whatever means to stop me from entering perilous situations.

Their endeavors are truly profoundly moving. Deeply moving indeed.

Then, for the first time in a while.

A universal announcement rang out to all players across the Republic of Korea.

[Announcement: You have successfully achieved an S++ clear grade on the 30th floor of the Black Tower (Korea).]

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

Anyway, that constitutes an accumulation of 30 badges.

What could the ensuing privilege be?

* * *

Director Park Kyung-soo's unexpected declaration during the National Assembly's parliamentary inspection.

The clearance of the 62nd floor of the Korean Black Tower successfully, followed by the foreshadowing of the 63rd floor's clearance forthwith the next day, coupled with the assertion to clear the 66th floor within a solitary month.

The reaction was explosive enough to overshadow Yoo Chul-min's naturalization.

Player Nam Ga-eun's 62nd-floor clearing footage broadcast persistently on television spanning the entire day.

Her figure carving through zombies whilst wielding an immense, albeit visibly decrepit-looking sword; the gentle radiance was repelling the Dark Aura.

Are those zombies made of paper? So this is Holy power, it operates on a fundamentally different dimension from the Light attribute.

The clear time is ridiculously speedy. It feels fabricated.

What rationale would there be to do that?

Because public sentiment hit rock bottom, they might just be employing chicanery by fabricating a video to evade the backlash by any means.

Telling such an explicitly discernible lie? Do you assume the Management Agency consists of fools?

Agreed. Even if the Management Agency remains questionable, I trust Player Nam Ga-eun. Aren't you aware of how pristine her reputation is?

Regardless, the results arrive today. When we observe the 63rd-floor clearance results, we'll confirm.

The populace awaited in suspense.

They would soon find out.

Will Player Nam Ga-eun genuinely clear the 63rd floor sequentially?

And.

Breaking news erupted instantaneously.

It's here!!

Shout it out! 66th floor!

Everyone who claimed it was fabricated, show yourselves!

Even the time taken was a mere 2 hours.

I recall observing America's clearing footage. Didn't that require 7 hours?

The holy sword was a cheat item.

That scumbag Yoo Chul-min, serves him well. Should he have stayed put, he'd be utilizing that sword to clear the 66th floor.

The response was genuinely explosive.

Every internet bulletin board in the Republic of Korea was a whirlwind of festivity.

Also across short-form video SNS platforms, Nutube Shorts, Dils, and Tiptok, Nam Ga-eun's 62nd, and 63rd floor clearing footage was edited down into 1-minute segments and began circulating.

And the final crowning stroke.

A message exclusively ringing out to players holding Korean citizenship.

[Announcement: You have successfully achieved an S++ clear grade on the 30th floor of the Black Tower (Korea).]

Huh?

Omigosh...

That's insane!

What is it, what is it?

A universal announcement after quite a while.

Uhhh, if it's a universal announcement, could it perhaps be?

Accomplishing an S++ clear record on the 30th floor.

Wow, this practically constitutes a lethal dosage of national pride, doesn't it?

Player Nam Ga-eun's 2-hour clear of the 63rd floor was an immense source of catharsis.

But superimposed on top of that.

Someone, whose identity remains unknown.

A player who is undoubtedly Korean.

They poured a 30th floor S++ clear record rating over it.

Could the national pride addicts possibly withstand this?