Chapter 31 - Chapter 31

Chapter 31

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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Japan's tower climbing department was in a somber mood.

Director Tomoda was no exception.

He had been promoted to Director of the Tower Climbing Department directly under the Prime Minister, a key position of power, in recognition of his achievement in naturalizing Yoo Chul-min, but what was this disgrace?

The very achievement that facilitated his promotion had reversed into a trap holding him back.

Therefore, he couldn't put forth a single excuse even in the face of Prime Minister Kawaguchi's reprimand.

"What did they say the cause was? The reason he continuously failed the 57th floor in Japan when he succeeded perfectly fine in Korea."

"There was a disruption in his condition...,"

"He attempted it three times and failed, yet you use his condition as an excuse?"

"T-That's, he claims he doesn't know the reason himself."

Prime Minister Kawaguchi was also feeling suffocated.

An utter, humiliating disgrace on a live broadcast, approval ratings plummeting daily, and the time limit for the tower's collapse drawing near.

"The term 'chicken rib' perfectly suits him. Neither possible to throw away, nor of any use to keep."

"I am t-truly sorry!"

"A period of 40 days is absolutely not ample. If Yoo Chul-min fails to recover by then, how do you plan to take responsibility?"

"I am devising a plan."

"Speak of it right now. It better be a plan that aids in clearing the tower. Otherwise, you might find yourself transferred to an embassy in Africa."

Gulp.

After swallowing dry saliva.

"The plan is to request a temporary naturalization of a player from the United States government. Just for about a week."

"That is..., your plan?"

"Because I have experience as a diplomat, I possess some connections in the United States. I am confident. Please give me just one chance."

"Connections, haha."

Prime Minister Kawaguchi sneered at Tomoda as if he were pathetic.

"Do you possess more than me?"

"...Excuse me?"

"I asked if you possess more political connections in the United States than I do, the Prime Minister."

"U-U-uh, n-no, what I meant was...,"

"Leave for Congo, Africa, right tomorrow. Or submit your resignation if you don't want to."

Stupid bastard.

Does he think I'm standing here without knowing that?

To officially request a temporary naturalization, an immense price must be paid.

A mere few pennies won't suffice.

On a national level, they must concede numerous interests to the other party.

Furthermore, they would subsequently return to their home country anyway.

Because he despised doing that, he brought Yoo Chul-min over secretly.

'Sigh...'

He felt exactly as if he had sunk into a quagmire.

In truth, Director Tomoda's words held a point.

If Yoo Chul-min fails to recover, they would have no choice but to use the temporary naturalization card.

For now, he should at least inquire about the feasibility before an official request.

Because there's a possibility of being rejected even after mustering the resolve to request a temporary naturalization.

* * *

Nations with a single tower simply enter it, but how does one enter in nations with multiple towers?

When the system message appears, they can select and enter.

Like this.

[Please state the number of the tower you wish to enter.]

Therefore, the eastern tower in the United States is Tower No. 1 (NO.1), and the western tower is Tower No. 2 (NO.2).

The United States Department of Homeland Security, which governs tower climbing, tends to pay more attention to the western tower than the eastern tower.

For a similar reason as Japan.

Because the location where the western tower was erected is where the San Andreas Fault passes.

If it collapses here, the entirety of the western United States would be obliterated.

Currently, the world's highest-ranking player possessed by the United States is also prioritizing clearing the western tower.

Secretary of Homeland Security MacMillan asked Tower Clear Director Antonio.

"Right, they want to try renting the holy sword?"

"Player Gerald has been persistently pestering me, saying he wants to try using it right away."

"Tsk, tsk. Typical. His item obsession has flared up again."

"Isn't it the only Holy attribute item to date? They say the difference between it and a Light attribute item is tremendous."

"There is still plenty of time left for the 67th floor. What does he intend to do rushing the clear?"

"He wants to repeatedly clear the 66th floor. For experiential purposes."

Meaning he wants to verify the item's effects even if he has to pay a massive rental fee.

Secretary MacMillan was curious as well.

When hunting the Specter on the 66th floor of the western tower, they almost entirely exhausted the time limit.

It was exceedingly difficult.

Both Player Gerald and the support team.

The eastern tower was cleared earlier than that due to accumulated experience, but.

What if he repeatedly cleared the 66th floor while equipped with the holy sword?

How much would the time be reduced?

"What about the rental fee? Have you set an amount?"

"I proposed one million dollars, but they sneered."

"Hahaha! That's your mistake. Considering how many nations will rent it moving forward, why would they rent it out for a pittance from the very beginning?"

"I was merely testing the waters as well."

The base rental fee for a single Light attribute item is 3 million dollars.

Those with decent performance exceed 5 million dollars.

"Assuming we rent the holy sword, what is our maximum offer?"

"I believe up to ten million dollars would be acceptable. Assuming the performance is excellent, even that feels cheap."

True words.

In a situation where there's even a nation unable to rent it at all.

Meaning Japan.

"You said they can rent it on a national level?"

"Yes."

"Then rent it. I will officially request it through diplomatic channels."

They should try using it during this opportunity.

To prepare for when they clear the 67th floor later.

"Regardless, Japan is at fault for this recent surprise naturalization incident. Committing such an act just to clear their own tower's 57th floor? It was unsportsmanlike behavior. They should have negotiated first."

"Speaking of which, we received contact from the Japanese Prime Minister's Office."

"What contact?"

"An unofficial inquiry regarding the feasibility of temporary naturalization for a player affiliated with the Department of Homeland Security."

Smirk, Secretary MacMillan laughed.

"It seems the player they naturalized didn't meet their expectations."

"You know as well, sir, the happening that transpired in Japan."

"It could be a temporary maladaptation issue; the environment shifted, and there could also be lingering psychological pressure due to the naturalization."

Such cases occurred quite frequently.

No matter how high their level, just how many players die on the lower floors due to psychological issues?

"If it were merely to that extent, they probably wouldn't have requested a temporary naturalization. It seems surprisingly severe."

"Hehehe, well then, tell them temporary naturalization is more than possible."

"What about the conditions?"

"We should extort as much as possible. I suppose we can recoup the holy sword rental fee from Japan as well. Draw out the negotiations until the collapse time limit during this opportunity. They'll likely surrender more if they grow anxious."

Towers are an issue humanity must confront collectively, but in reality, that is absolutely not the case in international relations.

Just looking at what Japan did this time was proof enough.

"Regardless, since the existence of a Holy attribute item has been confirmed, we should possess one too, shouldn't we?"

"I have already sent a message to all domestic players. Informing them that if they happen to have an item suspected of having a Holy attribute stored in their inventory, or acquire one as a reward, we will purchase it at a high price."

"Good! Proceed with that separately and let us verify the holy sword's performance."

Item rental businesses have existed since the past.

Player temporary naturalization as well.

The United States also possesses players specializing in naturalization.

Such matters are only possible if mutual trust has been built.

Otherwise, one wouldn't even dare attempt it.

Accidents occurred incredibly frequently as well.

Renting an item, putting it in their inventory, and fleeing, or a temporarily naturalized player never returning.

However, that was a story completely inapplicable from the United States' perspective.

What if they committed such acts?

They would have to worry about the bombing from US fighter jets deployed by aircraft carriers before worrying about a tower collapse.

* * *

The day after clearing the 32nd floor.

Joo-hyuk summoned all his summoned entities.

As soon as she arrived, Gyeon Dal-rae sat at the dining table and began drawing talismans.

A total of 4 sheets.

Dipping a brush in red Cinnabar (Cinnabar), she drew bizarre shapes and characters on yellow Gwehwangji paper (Gwehwangji paper).

"Just carrying this is enough, right?"

"That is correct. It is a Recognition Interference Talisman. They will recognize you as a person, but they will not be able to discern your true nature. They will merely perceive it as 'some ordinary person is passing by'."

It sounded incredible just by listening.

"My father, the late Emperor, frequently utilized it as well. Attaching the Recognition Interference Talisman and venturing down to the marketplace for covert solo excursions."

He understood.

How stifled must the Emperor have been, confined entirely within the palace?

Joo-hyuk's reason for going out of his way to do this was identical to that.

During this time, the summoned entities had only ever been at home or in the tower.

Excluding Cossack, who also went to Yoo Chul-min's penthouse.

Come to think of it, he went to Smile Cash without even being ordered to, didn't he?

He wanted to show them around Seoul.

Go out, eat together, show them the streets, and go to a karaoke or PC bang to play together.

In truth, if he hadn't signed the Elite contract, he wouldn't have had to go through this trouble.

He could just freely pop in and out of the semi-basement apartment he used to live in without worrying about others looking.

Of course, Barbarian Gobang was a variable.

But what could he do?

Since he had already signed the contract.

"Princess, wouldn't Gobang be recognizable because of his massive size?"

"The recognition interference will apply. He will merely be perceived as a tall individual. However, as long as he is careful not to bump into anyone...,"

Is that so?

"Gobang-ssi, be careful of shoulder-bumping people while walking."

"Bread? Is it something to eat?"

As if frustrated, Cossack stepped forward instead.

"It means be careful not to bump into people. You punk!"

"Understood."

Let's try it first.

Whether the talisman works.

There will definitely be limitations.

For example, CCTVs.

Judging by the talisman's characteristics, it definitely won't apply to footage through a camera.

Even so, it's not like CCTVs are in every single location of the officetel.

At the very least, there aren't any inside the house or the hallways. They are exclusively for the building entrance and external surveillance.

A matter of privacy.

Who would enjoy someone glaring at exactly who comes in and out of their home?

Joo-hyuk slipped the talisman into his pocket.

Cossack too,

Gyeon Dal-rae too,

Barbarian Gobang too,

"Let's head out now."

"I'm terribly nervous. Especially scared that Gobang might get caught. This bastard's size is no joke."

"How dare you look down on this lady's arts?"

"Ay, just saying there's a possibility. Don't misunderstand."

"This bastard...?"

Joo-hyuk raised his hand to restrain them.

"Shh! Please be quiet."

Gyeon Dal-rae and Cossack.

Because their personalities were so distinct, there were occasional clashes of opinion recently.

"Let's not fight amongst ourselves. My heart sinks whenever you two argue."

The two lowered their heads deeply at Joo-hyuk's reprimand.

"And Princess Gyeon Dal-rae, please don't speak carelessly to Cossack-ssi either. He uses honorifics, yet attaching 'this bastard, that bastard' to the end of every sentence seems problematic."

"This humble girl shall accept the punishment for unsettling Young Master's peace of mind."

Gyeon Dal-rae was originally a princess.

Naturally, speaking down to others would have been a habit.

But is this the Heavenly Empire?

When she shouted, even he was startled at times.

It might be good to suppress her spirit a bit during this opportunity.

"Then try using honorifics with Cossack-ssi."

"Pardon?"

"Hurry."

"Umm..."

A summoned entity must absolutely obey Joo-hyuk's words.

Thus, after hesitating slightly, Gyeon Dal-rae opened her mouth.

"Lord Cossack. I believe I was too harsh. I will be careful moving forward."

"Yep!"

"However! I will absolutely not tolerate disloyal or disrespectful, rash behavior towards Young Master Bong!"

"...Yes, ma'am."

Oh my!

Her spirit still hasn't broken.

Must be her innate nature.

Let's genuinely head out now.

Joo-hyuk opened the officetel door and stepped outside.

The three people followed behind.

Riding the elevator and arriving at the 1st floor, they passed the security office where the guards were gathered...,

'Huh?'

They seriously don't know?

'Wow!'

Normally, if an Elite Player went out, they would have immediately asked where he was going and offered an escort.

They must be perceiving them as ordinary residents.

This officetel was a place where Elite Players, regular contract players, and even ordinary people resided in large numbers.

However, since he couldn't be sure until they were completely outside.

"Have a good day."

"Yes."

It became certain.

The Recognition Interference Talisman.

It's a jackpot.

He felt odd.

No one looked at them strangely.

"It truly is incredible. Princess Gyeon Dal-rae."

"It was nothing difficult."

"The talisman's effect is extraordinary. As expected from an SSR."

"Is that so?"

Gyeon Dal-rae smiled brightly, proud to receive a compliment.

Cossack as well,

"It's the best. Summoner Bong has acknowledged it. You are awesome!"

With a subtle smile, Gyeon Dal-rae responded to Cossack's words.

"Lord Cossack, I gratefully accept the compliment, but you too must strive, and strive again. Sweet words that tickle the ears may delight Young Master Bong, but occasionally offering practical help is the path to truly serving Young Master Bong."

"...Yes, yes ma'am."

Oh dear.

She hit exactly the bullseye.

Her true meaning was likely this.

Cossack, what exactly do you even do?

What do you do besides flatter?

Instead of getting by with a few words, do something helpful.

A reprimand would rather be better.

That probably hurts more.

Did I vainly tell her to use honorifics?

By any chance, are other talismans possible besides this one?

For example,

"Excuse me, are there talismans that make you healthy?"

"Naturally. There is a Health Talisman. It secures you can live well without illnesses within your allotted lifespan."

Oh!

"I'd like 3 sheets later...,"

"You need only command me."

For my father, mother, and sibling.

"Excuse me, what about something like luck?"

"It exists. Its effect is not remarkably substantial, so it only applies to minor fortunes."

"3 sheets of that too."

"I understand."

Ah!

I see Gyeon Dal-rae differently now.

'She's a complete treasure trove.'

I regret it.

Why did I scold her earlier?

Honestly, Cossack deserved to be scolded.

Sucking up exactly like a sycophant.

"I have just one more question."

"Yes."

"That..., well, um, a talisman to get a girlfriend?"

"Are you speaking of a Destiny Talisman (Destiny Talisman)? It increases the probability of finding a life partner. I shall write one for you."

"I see. ...I asked to give it to my sibling rather than needing it myself."

"..."

"It's true."

Cossack swiftly interjected.

"You don't say, sir. Of course, you intend to give it to your sibling, sir. Why would Summoner Bong need a Destiny Talisman, sir? A halo shines just from your very existence, sir. If I were a woman, I'd ask you out on a date immediately, sir. Hehehehe."

Nod, nod.

As expected, Cossack possesses a good eye for people.

Sometimes he's truly wise.

Anyway, thanks to her, they were able to walk comfortably on the streets of Seoul alongside 3 summoned entities.

Joo-hyuk and the group swaggered about, sightseeing here and there like countryside bumpkins.

Gobang, having been warned beforehand, walked with a sloppy stride while evading people.

"Hey man! That's the road over there!"

"This place is the widest."

"You'll crash like that!"

"A warrior is sturdy."

"Do you think I'm worried about you? I'm worried about the car that'll get totaled after crashing into you."

Gobang scratched his head and hopped back onto the sidewalk.

Cossack seemed to be accustomed to modern civilization, being well aware of the distinction between the road and the sidewalk.

"Cossack-ssi, did the world you were previously summoned to look like this as well?"

"No, sir. It was similar, but absolutely nothing was intact, sir. Buildings were collapsed, and cars were rusted over, sir. It wasn't until I arrived in this world that I saw a car genuinely rolling on its wheels like that for the first time, sir."

"Ah."

You said it was a ruined world, didn't you?

Gyeon Dal-rae was also calmly examining the streets of Seoul.

And the passing people as well.

"Everyone is living quite busily. They seem to lack leisure."

"This world is inherently like this."

"It is affluent, yet the hearts of the people seem impoverished."

She's been hitting exactly the bullseye since earlier.

Regardless, since we're out, we should roam around to our heart's content.

In fact, this was a first for Joo-hyuk as well.

An experience of swaggering down the street with friends(?).

Are they even ordinary friends?

A cold-blooded assassin, a barbarian warrior, and the imperial family's top shaman.

"What shall we do now, sir?"

"Let's go eat meat. Beef!"

"Whoa! That's expensive meat, sir. I shall eat tactfully, sir."

"You can eat a lot."

"Uhm, but Gobang is here too, sir?"

"So what! Let's order without holding back. Okay? Don't be intimidated!"

"Great, sir! I absolutely trust Summoner Bong, sir!"

Exactly how much could they possibly eat?

If they eat too much, they'll likely get sick of it.