Chapter 28 - Chapter 28

Chapter 28

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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Director Park Kyung-soo prepared to stand before the press conference podium for the first time in a while.

He had suffered immense emotional distress.

To the extent that even the President, his friend and political companion, had suggested that he consider stepping down.

However, the situation was now completely different.

Not only had they overcome the crisis, but they had also delivered a massive counterblow.

All of this was thanks to Player Bong Joo-hyuk.

To think he brought an absolute item that could neutralize the undead's Dark Aura, on top of being the S++ rank clear record holder.

South Korea had become a nation possessing a holy sword.

While Player Bong Joo-hyuk would be the one earning the money, the Management Agency handling the rental procedures equated to an immense amount of power.

Regardless of the nation, the holy sword was indispensable starting from the 61st floor.

That is, unless another Holy attribute item appeared.

No, even if one did appear, they would still need to rent this one.

Because the difference between having one item and two was distinct, starting primarily with the level of safety.

Consequently, they had no choice but to be mindful of South Korea's stance.

Park Kyung-soo walking toward the press conference room.

His stride was as majestic and confident as the elevated status of the Awakening Management Agency.

Tap, tap, he squared his shoulders and raised his head high as he stood before the podium in the press conference room.

"I will now take questions."

Reporters raising their hands enthusiastically in a flash.

Upon pointing to one of them.

"First, please explain the effects of the holy sword."

Park Kyung-soo answered while referencing the paper he had drafted in advance.

"You can consider the core of the holy sword to be one thing. It is precisely the radiance. The radiance neutralizes the Dark Aura. While the enhanced attack power against the undead, steadfast mind, holy fire, and increased critical hit rate are also excellent, they are mere supplementary branches."

"Looking at the video, the radiance lingering on the sword appeared faint; is there no method to enhance it?"

"That is a regrettable aspect for us as well, but there is nothing that can be done about it at present."

Next question.

"Its exterior appeared remarkably dilapidated. The durability doesn't seem to be optimal."

"It can be repaired. There are master craftsmen commissioned by the Management Agency, and with an ample stockpile of Orichalcum, there are absolutely no issues with the sword's performance."

Next.

"Did the Management Agency purchase it? How much of the budget was expended?"

"While we are presently holding it, it is not an item we purchased."

"Then?"

"There is a separate owner of the item. It is not for sale, and exclusively available for rental."

"By any chance, what is the rental fee?"

"I will not disclose that."

Why inform them of that?

There was no need to decide in advance either.

Those who are thirsty will figure it out on their own.

For the one renting it out, a single word is sufficient.

Offer!

"Is there no way to know who the owner of the holy sword is?"

"We similarly cannot disclose the owner. The Management Agency will act as a proxy on behalf of the owner."

"Are there no restrictions on renting the item?"

"There are. A nation wishing to rent it must send a player to South Korea so they can borrow and use it in a controlled location. Since there are concerns about theft or loss, they must also sign a contract agreeing to take full responsibility."

"Can an ordinary player rent it individually?"

"No, we only accept requests on a national level. The nation must stand as the guarantor."

"What about other restrictions besides that?"

Finally, the moment he had been waiting for.

"Any nation is eligible to rent it, but Japan alone is ineligible for rental. I assume you all know the reason why."

Director Park Kyung-soo smiled brightly.

"Furthermore, I hereby declare that there will be absolutely no exchanges whatsoever related to the tower with Japan moving forward."

Not a single reporter asked if it was necessary to go to such lengths.

However.

"Is this a matter that has received presidential approval......."

"Would I make such a unilateral decision otherwise?"

"......."

"The act of poaching another nation's player is, in reality, no different from a declaration of war. Export/import restrictions? Diplomatic pressure? Let them try whatever they want, as much as they want."

Adding to that.

"Moreover, depending on the situation, another nation might be added to the list of those ineligible for rental."

This was aimed at China.

Because they, too, were frantic about poaching players with South Korean citizenship.

In any case, the press conference concluded.

Park Kyung-soo felt as if an agonizingly chronic indigestion had completely vanished.

Kya! Had another drink today.

Isn't there anyone who can translate and post the Japanese reactions?

I want to know too.

Post the Chinese reactions as well.

What's Yoo Chul-min's Instastar address? Gotta go mock him and come back.

That got shut down a little while ago.

Hahaha, what a completely transparent bastard.

* * *

The National Land Security Council Meeting held at the Japanese Prime Minister's Official Residence.

Cabinet ministers and high-ranking officials had congregated, collectively watching a video on a large monitor.

The clear footage of the 63rd floor of the Korean Black Tower.

Because it was a first-person perspective filmed via a bodycam, they couldn't observe the overall clearing process, but it was still more than sufficient to confirm the holy sword item's power.

The player, moving cautiously, lured the Dark Skeletons one by one using throwing weapons.

Creating a 1-on-1 situation, she ruthlessly sliced them apart with the holy sword.

The Skeletons, shrouded in Dark Aura, were helplessly sliced away.

The weapons and shields held by the Skeletons were severed along with them.

It would be no exaggeration to call it the absolute natural enemy of the undead.

This wasn't their first time seeing clear footage of the 63rd floor.

They possessed Yoo Chul-min's clear data, and there was also footage provided by America.

However, they had never seen such an outstanding performance like the one in that video right now.

And what about the clear time limit?

Yoo Chul-min took 12 hours, America took 9 hours.

On the other hand, Player Nam Ga-eun's clear completion time was a mere 2 hours.

That's right.

It was 2 hours.

And even that was only because she handled them carefully and cautiously; if she had been greedy, a 1 hour and 30-minute finish was also possible.

Does a single item change things that drastically?

Shouldn't they have brought that item over instead of Yoo Chul-min?

Silence flowed through the meeting room.

The officials' expressions were far from good.

Japanese Prime Minister Kawaguchi was the same.

He had held a press conference to drop a bomb on South Korea, but it didn't even detonate.

Instead, Japan ended up taking that bomb.

"A Holy attribute, you say, then the possibility of other Holy attributes existing besides that holy sword?"

"As far as what is currently known, that is the only one. However......."

"Keep talking."

"There is also a possibility that other nations possess one but haven't made it public."

Of course.

Could that truly be the only one?

If they searched, there would likely be more.

At present, it wasn't a desperately urgent item.

Since Japan was only on the 57th floor right now.

However, their pride had been severely bruised.

They had suffered an utterly humiliating disgrace.

The more Prime Minister Kawaguchi thought about it, the more his anger exploded.

What? They wouldn't rent the holy sword to Japan?

'Damn Joseonjings.'

Could there be any greater humiliation?

The approval ratings that had soared while naturalizing Yoo Chul-min were rapidly plummeting in an instant.

'Chikuso (Damn it)!'

He felt anxious.

A time where something to reverse the situation was desperately needed.

"When did Yoo Chul-min say he would clear the 57th floor?"

"He relayed that he would do it as quickly as possible. It seems he was provoked by the situation in South Korea."

"Hmm."

The 57th-floor time limit was quite far off, with 41 days remaining.

Originally, there was a highest-level Japanese player who was in the middle of clearing the 57th floor.

However, he died absurdly during the clear, which was why they had no choice but to bring Yoo Chul-min over.

Originally, they planned to clear it with about ten days left, but.......

'Should we just do it now?'

Perhaps it might be a good idea.

It would help boost the approval ratings as well.

"Good. Let's clear the 57th floor quickly. Package it nicely and promote it."

"Yes, I will push forward with it."

"Provide thorough support so there are no disruptions to his climb."

"Understood."

* * *

In Japan, apartments are a concept of multi-family housing for ordinary citizens.

Wealthy individuals reside in ultra-luxurious mansions.

And what about those even richer?

They live in grand, antique-style estates.

Estates with a pond in the garden, raising large Koi carp, those kinds of places.

The house Yoo Chul-min received from the Japanese government was precisely such a place.

"Fuck!"

Yoo Chul-min erupted with curses while browsing on his smartphone.

Because a situation completely opposite to what he had anticipated was unfolding.

After naturalizing to Japan, searching for articles on Korean portal sites every single day was one of his daily routines.

At first, it was entertaining.

The outpouring of broadcast news and internet articles.

The Awakening Management Agency being criticized, the National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (NIS))) and police being called idiots, people fighting and tearing each other down.......

But what was this?

The situation had completely changed.

He had gone so far as holding a press conference to taunt them, but.......

The Korean news articles were entirely filled with praise for Player Nam Ga-eun and the holy sword.

Of course, his name was there too.

The difference being that it was entirely uniform condemnation.

I'll be the one to kill Yoo Chul-min.

Isn't there a way to find out that bastard's address in Tokyo?

I hope you get hair loss and erectile dysfunction.

'Insignificant bastards.'

Post all the comments you want.

Will I even take a hit from that?

Yoo Chul-min had also watched Nam Ga-eun's clear videos.

The 62nd and 63rd floors.

Was that place really that easy?

He had practically shat blood because of the Dark Aura.

This was all because of the holy sword, a Holy attribute item.

If they had such an item, they should have handed it over to him from the start.

If so, he might have reconsidered naturalizing to Japan.

'Maybe I should have stalled for a little more time.......'

No.

If he regretted it here, it would mean he had lost.

Living lavishly in Japan was enough.

Since he had naturalized, he would rapidly clear the Japanese Black Tower starting from the 57th floor.

Once he cleared that, he would rise as Japan's hero.

The 58th floor too, and the 59th, and the 60th.

No matter how much the anti-fans threw a fit, he was the victor.

Yoo Chul-min thought exactly that.

He didn't doubt it in the slightest.

* * *

After finishing the clear.

Joo-hyuk ordered 10 tubs of the most expensive ice cream from a convenience store near his officetel.

That same ice cream he used to force himself to ignore and walk past even when it caught his eye in the past.

You've really grown a lot. Bong Joo-hyuk.

It's fine to do so.

With over 1 billion won sitting in his bank account, this much was nothing.

This time as well, Gobang and Cossack waited for Joo-hyuk to take the first spoonful before finally opening their lids and scooping it up, and Gyeon Dal-rae also savored it deliciously, her small lips moving nimbly.

Having synchronized their teamwork in the tower once, the three people had grown remarkably closer than before.

They were in the middle of chatting amiably while eating ice cream.

It's nice to look at.

I hope they get along well like that.

"Truly, my mouth is being treated to luxury. Even within the royal palace, I was never able to partake in food this sweet."

"Hehe, you'll be able to eat it to your heart's content moving forward, sir. Princess, Summoner Bong is so magnanimous that he spares nothing when bestowing things upon us, sir."

"That is correct. You all must also absolutely never forget Young Master's grace."

"Stating the obvious. You know it too, right? R Gobang?"

"Princess's words are right. I am always loyal."

Just look at them.

Are they brown-nosing a fellow summoned entity now?

However.

"Has there been anything disturbing Young Master's peace of mind recently? Besides you lots."

Cossack pondered deeply at Gyeon Dal-rae's words before answering.

"Ah! There is one, sir."

"There is? What an infuriating matter that would incite the wrath of heaven and earth! Speak of it at once."

"There is a goddamn scumbag named Yoo Chul-min, sir. Just imagine, this bastard......."

Cossack gleefully tattled about Yoo Chul-min.

Gyeon Dal-rae's expression gradually began to change as well.

"What did you say! Have you ever seen such a bastard deserving of a beating to death? For an individual possessing great power, devoting their absolute all to ensuring national peace and serving the country with loyalty would still not be enough; yet he dared to entrust his body to the Waegu (Japanese pirates)? Trully preposterous."

Gyeon Dal-rae's fair face flushed deep red.

"Just the thought of the Waegu makes me shudder. I will not let this bastard be. I shall ensure he pays the price without fail."

"Your words are righteous, sir. You truly are the Princess, sir."

Then, looking at Joo-hyuk.

"Young Master."

"Yes?"

"Can you obtain an item that Yoo Chul-min, that person, used? I know it will be a hassle, but please obtain it. This humble girl asks because it is absolutely necessary."

"I don't have anything. Even if I did, I wouldn't get it for you."

"Pardon?"

What was she going to do with that?

I can guess.

I am absolutely against this specific part.

If I had intended to do that, I would have sent Cossack to Japan from the very beginning.

Sneak onto a flight to Tokyo at the airport using stealth, cleanly swipe Yoo Chul-min's head, attach a ribbon to it, and it would end.

Cossack wanted to do it too, but Joo-hyuk told him not to.

Because he felt no specific need to go out of his way to kill Yoo Chul-min.

"He is a person who has forsaken human morality. If such a person is left alone, injustice will run rampant."

"Hey now, then he can go to Japan and commit his unjust deeds there."

"...What on earth."

"He's a Japanese person. Let's not interfere. As long as we eat well and live well, it's fine."

Thereupon, Cossack agreed as well.

"Summoner Bong's words are correct, sir. Brilliant, as expected, sir."

"Right?"

"Of course, sir. Since the shit has been cleared away to Japan, hasn't Korea become clean, sir?"

"That's right. Hahaha!"

"Hehehehe."

Even when encountering injustice, he tolerated it if possible.

That was his original life motto.

The complicated human world.

Even when it seems crystal clear who is at fault, the perpetrator and victim swapping places happens in the blink of an eye.

Therefore, he always kept his car's gear in neutral.

But the most important reason of all.

He had no intention of doing anything to Yoo Chul-min if it meant going as far as sacrificing Gyeon Dal-rae.

She was a precious summoned entity.

"Launching a Death Curse (Death Curse (Sal)) comes with a rebound effect, doesn't it. The Princess suffering harm just to deal with a bastard like that? I'm against it."

Cossack cozied up right beside Joo-hyuk and rubbed his palms together.

"I knew from the beginning why you were opposing it, sir. Realizing that it stemmed from Summoner Bong's heart worrying for the Princess, you are benevolent, wise, and the absolute best, sir!"

Joo-hyuk's shoulders hiked up in a shrug of pride.

As expected, appropriate flattery is sweeter than ice cream.

However, Gyeon Dal-rae said.

"I am at a loss for words regarding Young Master's consideration. However! What this humble girl will launch is not a Death Curse (Death Curse (Sal))."

Huh?

If it's not a Death Curse (Death Curse (Sal)).......

"I will launch his Karma (Karma)."

What on earth is Karma again?

"Whatever a human's actions may be, they are bound to receive rewards or punishments for their deeds eventually. They call it causal retribution, or that all matters revert to their rightful state."

So?

"If I launch the Karma, they will receive that karmic retribution a little sooner."

"Aha."

"If Yoo Chul-min has accumulated Good Karma, good fortune will visit him, and if he has accumulated Bad Karma, misfortune will visit him."

Good fortune and misfortune, huh.

If it's only to that extent?

"...Is there no rebound effect regarding that Karma?"

"It merely dictates that good fortune and misfortune are decided according to the providence of the Deities of Heaven and Earth. Rest assured, no harm whatsoever will come to this humble girl."

Well then.

"Thinking about it now, we shouldn't just let Yoo Chul-min be. If he has forsaken human morality, we should at least let him experience some misfortune."

Thereupon, Cossack clapped his hands together! with a smack.

"Summoner Bong's words are correct, sir. A bastard who goes against morality must be punished, sir. That is precisely why I also intended to board that flight to Japan, sir."

"Let's do it immediately!"

"Hehehe, possessing a flexible mindset, as expected. How astoundingly swift your stance transitions; one moment it's this, the next it's that......."

This feels like an insult, not a compliment.

Glare!

When Joo-hyuk glared at him, Cossack visibly flinched.

"I-I made a mistake, sir."

Well, at least he knows.

This is why, since ancient times, the end of sycophants is never good.

Securing an item Yoo Chul-min used isn't difficult.

Because he probably left everything exactly as it was in the house he used to live in before fleeing.

On a side note, I haven't checked what the privilege is yet, have I?

When he checked the 30 Platinum Badges stored in his inventory.

[A privilege is granted for accumulating 30 Platinum Badges.]

'What is it?'

[Privilege: An Item Skill Cooldown Reset Ticket is issued to your Tower-Exclusive Inventory.]

"Oh!"

A Skill Cooldown Reset Ticket!

Awesome.

Beautiful.

"What popped out, sir?"

"Ta-da!"

"Whoa! That's genuinely spectacular, sir. Congratulations, sir."

"It's all thanks to every one of you."

"Oh my, I'm embarrassed, sir. What did we possibly do to contribute, sir?"

"Hahahaha!"

"Hehehehe!"

A harmonious atmosphere once again.

As Cossack said, an intrinsically excellent item.

His own abilities came from his summoned entities.

In that sense, a skill reset was the ultimate reward.

Because he could use random summon one more time.

'Should I just do it right now?'

Pfft, what a foolish action that would be.

A skill reset is the ultimate reversal card.

I should use it when I face an incredibly difficult situation with no other apparent solution.