Chapter 36 - Chapter 36

Chapter 36

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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Gobang returned.

Become even more dependable.

When he was R Gobang, his style solely consisted of ignorantly bending, tearing, and crushing.

Conversely, the combat techniques of the new Gobang, meaning the Ne(w) SSR Gobang, had become extremely seasoned.

While he was still unarmed as always, he no longer fought purely relying on weight class but showcased formalized martial arts.

He focused the gaze of all the Minotaurs on himself while grabbing, spinning, tripping their feet to topple them, and even evading with agile mobility, breaking their necks when the opportunity arose.

"E-Even Gobang's f-fighting..., b-became cooler, sir."

He acknowledged it as well.

The ignorant R Gobang vanished.

The intelligent SSR Gobang replaced him in that spot.

"He got smarter, and his strength became even stronger, sir."

Well,

His head isn't particularly...,

Regardless, the catalog description was incorrect.

An ordinary(?) Barbarian Warrior?

How is that appearance ordinary?

No matter how much it has a question mark attached.

He occasionally displayed the appearance of his former self as well.

Swaaa-aack!

The charge of the SSR Gobang.

Pa-pa-pa-pak! Pa-pa-pa-pa-pak!

The packs of Phase 4 Minotaurs bounced away exactly like mannequins the moment they collided with his body.

"We can just stay still."

"Right, sir."

Although it would take a long time, it's a repeat mission so there's no need to execute an S++ clear.

"Hmm, if I'd known it would be like this, I would have brought popcorn... anyway, giving Gobang-ssi the Enhancement Rune was a good thing. To think he would change so much."

"This is a scam, a scam, sir! It completely breaks the balance, sir. I ascended through a rune enhancement too..., why does that bastard get double, sir? I resent it, sir."

Cossack lamented.

He also felt a sense of jealousy.

At that, Gyeon Dal-rae spoke.

"Lord Cossack, your jealousy is too severe. How can you reveal such a vulgar ulterior motive in front of Young Master?"

"...Just a manner of speaking, sir."

"However, since Lord Cossack is also Young Master Bong's useful tool, it might be good to possess pride as a servant."

"Hehe, is that so, sir?"

Cossack, swayed hither and thither by Gyeon Dal-rae's few words.

It seems Gobang and Cossack's intelligence have now become roughly similar.

'At least I'm smarter than them, right? Hmm, I should be. ...I must be.'

He absolutely has to be.

* * *

The 34th-floor repeat mission clear was ultimately completed solely by Gobang from start to finish.

Because exiting the tower returned Gobang to the diminutive 190cm warrior again.

They had sufficiently witnessed the might of the Ne(w) SSR Gobang.

Then what about the 35th-floor Minotaur King clear?

"As I said earlier, it breaks the balance, sir. If Gobang steps forward alone and the Princess shakes her bells, the game ends, sir."

Meaning they could consider the accumulation of 35 Platinum Badges as already achieved.

Then what privilege would be good?

The randomization summon cooldown reset is gradually drawing near.

If he pulls one more person, the catalog list becomes four.

'Trait Enhancement should pop up...,'

Weapons, items, skills, miscellaneous tickets.

What use is all this trash?

Only Trait Enhancement.

Please, Trait Enhancement.

Therefore,

"Excuse me, Princess Gyeon Dal-rae?"

"Did you call for me? Young Master Bong."

"I have something to ask..., about the Fortune Talisman you wrote for me previously. You said it was a minor fortune, but to what extent is it?"

Gyeon Dal-rae, pondering for a moment before opening her mouth.

"Umm, I shall draw an analogy using the artifacts of Earth. Being the only one exempted when playing ladder to decide lunch cost among close friends, suddenly finding a parking spot in an entirely full shopping mall parking lot, or succeeding in booking a concert ticket for a popular trot singer and becoming a filial child,"

It's incredibly good, though?

Isn't this a massive jackpot rather than a minor fortune?

"By any chance, if I attach the Fortune Talisman and achieve a Platinum Badge from an S++ clear on the 35th floor, can I receive the privilege I desire?"

"Ah, I cannot give you a definitive answer regarding that. Even this humble girl does not know whether the desired privilege will be included in a minor fortune."

Judging by Gyeon Dal-rae's manner of speech,

It implies it might be difficult to receive the desired privilege.

Indeed!

Trait Enhancement is practically tantamount to the greatest privilege a summoner could possess.

The only thing comparable to it is an LSSR (Legend Special Super Rare) (Legend Special Super Rare) Grade Confirmed Random Summoning Ticket.

"Then by any chance, is there nothing more effective than a Fortune Talisman? Something that guarantees an absolute jackpot fortune."

"This humble girl's ability is feeble, so the Fortune Talisman is the limit. However,"

However?

Meaning there is something.

"If you receive Karma (Karma), it might be possible...,"

"Pardon?"

The Karma that Yoo Chul-min received?

"Depending on the Karma, the karmic retribution one must receive is driven forward far more rapidly and all at once. If it is Good Karma, the accumulated fruits of Great Fortune (Great Fortune) will be obtained immediately."

Karma, huh.

Bad Karma is misfortune.

Good Karma is a jackpot.

Let's think about it.

Whether it is truly acceptable to receive Karma.

'Have I lived kindly?'

It's bland.

There is nothing commendable to boast about.

At most, pushing an old man's handcart loaded with waste paper up a hill?

What about bad deeds?

Ay, my personality inherently wouldn't do such a..., wait!

'No.'

It might rather be closer to evil.

Because the number of times I tolerated injustice whenever possible wasn't just once or twice.

It would be better not to receive Karma.

Lest privileges and whatnot, even S++ clears become impossible.

"...Being too greedy would look ugly too, right? Let's leave it to the will of the heavens. I will be satisfied with the Fortune Talisman."

"Understood. I will write it for you with utmost sincerity."

Saying that, but please, Trait Enhancement.

However, what are Cossack and Gobang doing?

Gobang is the one watching TV.

It looks like a comedy program, and seeing him snickering suggests he understands the content.

'It's certain his head has gotten better.'

Then what about Cossack?

He is the one looking outside through the officetel veranda window.

Is there some entertaining spectacle?

His back figure is a little eerie, too.

"Cossack-ssi?"

"Yes, sir?"

"What are you doing? Since you're so quiet."

"I was looking at the scenery outside, sir."

"By any chance, are you dissatisfied that Gobang-ssi became an SSR?"

Waving his hands dismissively as if it was utter nonsense.

"Absolutely not. Because Gobang became an SSR, Summoner Bong has become much safer, sir. He's a dependable guy, sir."

Thank goodness.

Because it wasn't jealousy.

However,

"U-Umm, Summoner Bong, sir."

"Yes?"

"Could I ask a single favor of you, sir?"

"As many as you like."

"Please unsummon me now and summon me again around midnight later, sir."

Huh?

"Why?"

"Because there is a soccer match in a faraway country at night, sir. It's because I really want to watch it, sir."

"Aha, ...but did you like soccer?"

"I like it, sir. I definitely want to watch this match live, sir."

"Then fine, I'll do it for you."

"Thank you, sir!"

The cooldown for a Designated Summoning is only 3 hours.

He can call him at least twice a day.

What's so difficult about granting a favor?

'I should use this opportunity to drop by the Player Shop.'

Too many magic stones received as rewards had accumulated.

I should empty them out once.

* * *

Joo-hyuk arrived at the Player Shop using the car provided by the officetel security office.

Heading straight to the magic stone sales booth and weighing them.

Rounding the decimal point, it was 54kg, and evaluating the monetary amount, around 27 million won.

He handed them all over.

Since it'll be deposited later, let's do some shopping.

There weren't any extraordinary new products.

Still, while looking around wondering if he should buy some gloves, it occurred.

Suddenly.

"Player Bong,"

Turning back at the sound calling him.

"Ah! Team Leader Jeon."

Jeon Kwang-il looked around and spoke cautiously,

"If you have the time, perhaps a cup of tea in a quiet place...,"

"I'd love to."

Joo-hyuk went to Jeon Kwang-il's office together.

Quietly, just the two of them.

"Congratulations on clearing the 66th floor. Player Nam Ga-eun was also incredible, wasn't she?"

"It's thanks to the holy sword Player Bong provided. We absolutely couldn't have done it if it wasn't for the holy sword."

Exchanging compliments,

A conversation flowing exactly like water.

It's definitely comfortable to converse with a familiar person.

"I have prepared what you asked for here."

"Oh! I needed this right about now."

Nam Ga-eun's autographs.

The quantity is far more than what he asked for.

"There are a lot."

"She said it was Joo-hyuk requesting it, so she wrote exactly this much."

I'm thankful.

I should personally express my gratitude later.

"Have you made a decision regarding the transfer of registration for the penthouse?"

It finally arrived.

"I apologize, but receiving it for free is too burdensome."

"You don't have to worry about that. We will absolutely never demand anything else in exchange for this."

"It's fine, it's not like I can't earn money, and I can just buy it when I earn money later,"

"Hmm...,"

An awkward expression on Jeon Kwang-il.

"Whenever you change your mind, please contact me. We will leave the penthouse vacant."

"Yes."

"However, I have one more matter of business."

"What is it?"

"It's none other than, in a few days, Player Gerald Watson from the United States is scheduled to visit Korea."

"...Uh, what?"

Gerald Watson.

How could he not know that name.

The world's highest-level American player.

His known trait is Magic Swordsman.

"Why?"

"Renting the holy sword is the objective."

Inquiries from foreign nations are finally trickling in, huh.

"What are the terms? How much did they propose?"

"Ten million per usage."

Ten million, huh, ten million.

Could it possibly be ten million won?

"I-Is it dollars?"

"Yes, that's right. Ten million dollars."

Good heavens!

Isn't that 13 billion in won?

"They claim it's for experiential purposes, but Gerald will use it personally."

Crazy.

As expected of America.

A wealthy nation that prints dollars.

Renting the holy sword isn't exactly like renting an electric scooter either,

And it's also a 1-time rental.

Entering the tower once and coming out, that is.

"I know you are not pleased. That it's merely that amount of money. When the negotiation team from America arrives, I will drag it out. We simply won't accept that mere ten million dollars."

H-Hold on.

What do you mean we won't accept it!

We should snatch it up instantly the moment they offer to pay it.

If we blindly raise the price, they might say, "Yeah right, we won't rent it for that money," and the negotiations could break down.

Furthermore, since it's for experiential purposes, they likely won't be in a rush either.

Additionally, the most crucial aspect.

Could the holy sword truly be the only Holy attribute item?

Even now, every nation must be glaring with their eyes lit up searching for one.

What if they secure another one?

We might not even be able to receive ten million dollars.

Let's receive it while we can.

It was said the effects of the holy sword are feeble from the 68th floor onwards anyway.

It can only be used up to the 67th floor.

The price must be reasonable for them to try borrowing it even for experiential purposes like this.

"Excuse me, ten million dollars seems reasonable. Let's accept it and lend it."

"...Pardon? We can receive more, though."

Giving strength to his voice.

"I'm afraid we might lose everything by being too greedy. I've decided. Please accept ten million dollars."

"U-Understood. Yes! And there's one more thing we extracted on a national level."

"What is it?"

"The withdrawal of anti-dumping regulations on magic stone steel products exported by South Korea."

Saying so, Jeon Kwang-il gauged Joo-hyuk's reaction.

"We are exceedingly truly sorry to leverage Player Bong's personal holy sword for national gain, but...,"

However, Joo-hyuk said,

"Oh! That's wonderful."

It's entirely sincere.

Just that much in exchange for acting as an agent for renting the holy sword and even bringing in customers is perfectly fine.

Sharing a few more words like this,

"Will the Management Agency also tackle the 67th floor slowly?"

"Yes, we plan to devise a strategy after at least 4 months have passed. Please maintain your pace and climb safely as well, Player Bong."

They appear to have found quite a bit of breathing room.

When previously they implored him to ascend to the 60th floors as early as possible.

Since it's possible to tackle the 67th floor moving at Player Nam Ga-eun's current pace.

"I'll be taking my leave now."

"If you ever change your mind later, please do not hesitate to contact me."

Joo-hyuk rode the car he came in on and left the Awakening Management Agency.

'Phew...,'

13 billion, huh.

I can purely consider my annual salary as pocket money.

If I'd known this would happen, I could have just bought the penthouse with money.

'...Is that not the case?'

I can't even buy it with 13 billion anyway.

Unless I lend it out twice.

Joo-hyuk returned home.

He pondered ordering chicken, but simply cooked ramen.

He must share the pain with the summoned entities.

And when midnight arrived.

"Designated Summoning, John Cossack."

[John Cossack has been designated and summoned.]

"Loyalty!"

"Watch soccer to your heart's content. I won't be able to see you off even when it's time to return, alright? Because I sleep soundly once I fall asleep."

"Yep!"

Tsk, what's so fun about watching a ball-kicking game.

I'll just sleep to my heart's content.

Cossack watching the soccer match.

Watching the TV screen for a while before standing up from his seat when he heard Joo-hyuk's rhythmic breathing from the bedroom.

And,

Pop! He vanished with a sound.

* * *

Near Joo-hyuk's officetel,

the basement of a building in a Seoul nightlife district.

The signboard read .

It seemed already permanently out of business.

Because the door was tightly locked, with outdated mail scattered on the floor, and the lights entirely extinguished.

However, there were people inside.

A total of 8 people.

Engaged in a secret conversation relying on dimly lit lighting.

In Chinese, not Korean.

"The selected targets, let's verify them one final time."

One of the 8 individuals placed photos onto the table one by one.

"...Name, Kim Mi-sook. Gender, female. Listed as having signed an Elite Team contract three months ago. Estimated to have reached at least the 30th floors."

"Next?"

"Name, Jang Dong-soo. Gender is...,"

"Next."

The photos continued to be placed.

When there were about fifteen sheets,

"Name, Bong Joo-hyuk. Gender, male. Elite Team contract signed slightly over two months ago. Speculated to be at least in the late 20th floors."

Bong Joo-hyuk's photo was also placed on the table.

"There are no problems with any of them."

It's inevitable.

Aren't they Korean Elite Team players of verified talent?

The leader arranged the photos of the players, including Bong Joo-hyuk's, and spoke.

"All are suitable as target subjects, so bring any of them. However! We execute the operation simultaneously on at least 3 to 5 people at the same time. It's an operation we can purely perform only once anyway. We must take as many as possible if possible."

If players affiliated with the Elite Team disappear, the Management Agency will be thrown into utter chaos.

Because this is an entirely different issue from voluntary naturalization.

Even so, there is no method other than this.

To prevent the collapse of the tower near Shanghai.

Kidnapping them and unconditionally deploying them once a day,

equipped with bodycams, to actively climb Chinese towers.

Until the 59th floor is cleared.

"Once we've grasped all their respective movement routes, we'll adjust the operation time to within 1 hour and...,"

However, right at that moment!

"Wow, our Summoner Bong looks incredibly handsome even in photos. He's the most handsome one here."

Deng Guanlin, a Senior Captain of the Northeast Special Forces Brigade attached to the Chinese People's Liberation Army, frowned and flared up in anger.

"Who told you to speak Korean? When we're amongst ourselves, speak Chinese..., Gasp!"

Deng Guanlin was startled out of his wits.

The number of people inside this room was exactly 8, including himself.

Yet currently...,

'9 people?'

Before he knew it, a bastard was standing next to him.

A man who looked exceedingly ordinary.

Who exactly is this bastard?

When did he appear?

Even the elites of the Special Forces Brigade hadn't ultimately noticed.

"Wh-who are you?"

"What did you say? Speak in Korean."

"...Who are you?"

Cossack revealed his white teeth and smiled brightly.

"Not gonna tell ya."

That appearance was excessively exactly like a demon.

"...K-kill this bastard!!!"

The soldiers of the Chinese Special Forces Brigade sprang up at Deng Guanlin's shout.

Fwaaat!

Suddenly, a dazzling light illuminated the dark space, and

Ch-fit!

Seo-geok (Snick)!

Roll, roll.

A single head rolled onto the table.