Chapter 38 - Chapter 38

Chapter 38

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

Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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

Until now, he had received a total of 6 privileges.

To list them one by one,

starting with the first Trait Enhancement,

second, the skill copy, Shadow Step.

Third, the item Energy Shield Kit.

Fourth, the Random Box, Hunwon Thunderclap Staff form and Summoned Entity Rank Ascension Rune.

Fifth, Trait Enhancement re-selected as an encore privilege.

Sixth, the item Skill Cooldown Reset Ticket.

Besides those, one more Summoned Entity Rank Ascension Rune emerged as a tower clear reward.

Then what about this time?

What kind of privilege will it be?

The moment he opens his inventory and confirms the accumulation of 35 Platinum Badges, he can verify the privilege.

"Shall I go to the water purifier and scoop up some Purified water, sir? We must offer devotion, sir."

"I'll go scoop it up."

At that, Gyeon Dal-rae shook her head from side to side.

"Water received from a water purifier is not Purified water. It is merely a cup of tap water. If you offer devotion with such water, you might rather attract impurity."

It's true that it's tap water, but.

"Bizarre results that are entirely not what we anticipated might arise, so merely cleanse your heart and proceed to confirm the privilege."

Joo-hyuk stared at Gyeon Dal-rae's face with a subtle expression.

"What is the matter? Is there something on this humble girl's face?"

"Ah, no. Of course not."

Attracting impurity, huh...

When he performed a randomized summon with tap water received from a water purifier, who was the person called out again?

Was it because he attracted impurity?

I should absolutely never say it.

She might get hurt.

"Now! Then let's perform the verification."

"Summoner Bong, fighting, sir!"

"Please achieve the outcome you desire."

"I, Gobang, believe in the summoner's fortune."

35 lustrous Platinum Badges residing within the inventory.

The moment!

[A privilege is bestowed for accumulating 35 Platinum Badges.]

"Are we getting Trait Enhancement?"

"Uwaaah! We go, sir! We absolutely must go, sir!"

"Gajua (Let's go)!"

[Privilege: The item 'Golden Aegis of Warm Dawn' is bestowed into the Tower-Exclusive Inventory.]

"...Huh?"

[Privilege: The item 'Golden Mace of Cold Twilight' is bestowed into the Tower-Exclusive Inventory.]

"Eh?"

A whopping 2 items popped up.

"It's an item!"

"...Pardon, sir? An, an item?"

"Is it an item?"

"Is it items?"

Effect: Upon equipping, the user's focus improves, glaring flash, physical defense and magical defense strengthened, certain probability to reflect attacks back to the enemy upon successful defense.

Characteristic: Maintains equanimity amidst any status ailment. Absolutely cannot be destroyed.

Effect: Attack speed increased during combat, freezes targets, attack range increased, certain probability to activate Ice Field upon successful strike.

Characteristic: Guides enemies to the rest of twilight. Absolutely cannot be destroyed.

"Oooh! The effects are great!"

Although the desired Trait Enhancement didn't appear..., how great is this?

Joo-hyuk smiled in satisfaction.

'I'm extremely fond of them.'

Both are colored gold.

A perfect sword and shield (mace and shield) set item.

He can imagine himself bravely confronting monsters while holding these.

'Shall I give it a swing?'

Wow, they perfectly stick to the hands.

The weight is light too.

Meanwhile, the people watching that scene with worry.

Cossack spoke to Gyeon Dal-rae.

"Look at Summoner Bong, sir. His mouth is hanging by his ears, sir."

"Sigh, and such flashy items at that..., they will definitely catch the enemies' eyes."

"Will that person stay still, sir? He'll come out to negotiate again, sir. Saying 'I'll only catch 3', and then catching five, saying 'I'll catch five', and soaring madly into the sky, sir."

Gyeon Dal-rae nodding in agreement.

"This woman shares the same thought. To attach item wings to brilliant talent, on the day this acts as a trigger and he actively engages in battle...,"

Cossack's complexion turned pallid.

"Oh my, please don't say such things, sir. We're in big trouble, sir. What do we do about this, sir? Does the Princess not have a method, sir?"

Of course, she does.

"It is disloyal, but I must cling onto Young Master's pant legs and hang on. Shedding a bucketload of tears too."

"Will it work, sir? We used it once before, didn't we, sir?"

"Young Master is deeply compassionate. Be it twice or thrice, he will absolutely not turn away from this humble girl's sorrowful heart."

Will that truly be the case?

Cossack feeling frustrated in his heart.

Why didn't the Trait Enhancement he wanted appear, and instead those things?

Isn't the summoner someone whose satisfaction is met only when he absolutely tries using an item or skill if one appears?

"We really should have offered devotion, sir. I regret it, sir."

"With that water purifier water? Actually, it might have been better that we didn't. Something even more hideous might have emerged."

At that, Gobang abruptly interjected and spoke.

"The warrior remembers. The summoner offered devotion with water purifier water and performed a randomized summon, and Princess Gyeon Dal-rae emerged."

"...Pardon?"

Gyeon Dal-rae tilting her head, wondering what he was talking about.

"Lord Gobang, your jo-joking is crossing the line. Indeed! Your head has become smart enough to joke."

"The warrior does not lie. Furthermore, I do not know how to joke."

"It's true, sir."

"..."

Her pupils trembled mercilessly.

Then,

"Aha! Now that I see it, it was no or-ordinary water purifier. T-To turn tap water into Purified water, seeing as this woman was called out, it is an incredible water purifier."

"It's not an incredible water purifier, sir. It's a regular water purifier, sir."

"...If this woman says so, please accept it as so."

"Yes, ma'am."

SSR Gobang abruptly opened his mouth.

"Anyway, since Trait Enhancement failed to materialize, it is our 3-person system for the time being."

"Right."

"That is so."

Simultaneously looking at Gyeon Dal-rae and Cossack.

"The randomized summon is not far off. The summoner will soon call a new individual. If so, who must step back?"

"..."

"..."

Cossack's complexion turned pale.

What was meant to arrive has arrived.

Gobang, capable of acting as both a tanker and a melee damage dealer.

Gyeon Dal-rae, who has already solidified her position as a buffer while also providing everyday assistance with talismans.

However, himself, an unremarkable melee damage dealer.

It's clear as day.

Over there, in the place swarming with souls subjugated to the tower,

which type of class would receive the best treatment?

Holy healers like buffers or saintesses?

Regardless of grade, they are royalty.

They are also the fewest in number.

Meat-shield tankers?

They are nobles.

Likewise, not many in number.

Then what about damage dealers?

They are the most numerous.

One must look at them categorized.

The magic-affiliated are middle-class commoners.

They're the relatively popular damage dealers.

Jobs are also quite plentiful.

Ranged-affiliated damage dealers are poor commoners.

Still, they are squeezed in.

Lastly, melee damage dealers.

They are commoners of the lowest class.

They are swarming in numbers too.

As you ascend to the higher floors, they often aren't squeezed in.

Cossack had experienced it himself.

For that reason, what if the newly called summoned entity is a ranged damage dealer, or a magic affiliate capable of AoE skills?

Gulp.

Cossack swallowed dry saliva.

In contrast, Gobang and Gyeon Dal-rae were exceptionally relaxed.

"A servant who feels they are unneeded must step aside on their own accord. Because a useful servant must fill that spot."

"That's right. That is the path for the sake of the summoner."

"..."

Cheap bastards.

So they're saying they themselves are secure, right?

Even so, what they're saying is a hundred times correct.

"...When that moment arrives, I'll make my resolve, sir."

Even if Summoner Bong took pity on him and squeezed him in until the end, it's a problem.

For smooth tower clears, he must scram on his own accord.

That is the desirable attitude of a summoned entity.

But how can he do that?

"By-by any chance, if we climb to the 40th floor, couldn't a Trait Enhancement appear, sir? If we strive diligently and rush the 40th-floor clear before the randomized summon...,"

The moment!

"Lord Cossack!!!"

"...Y-Yes, ma'am?"

Gyeon Dal-rae with a voice like the biting autumn frost.

"Climbing the un-cleared upper floors depends entirely on Young Master's decision. How dare a lowly servant try to interfere with Young Master's unique authority!!!"

"N-No, that wasn't my intention, but...,"

He tried to make an excuse, but.

"Does making Young Master Bong overexert himself for a servant like you put your mind at ease? As it is, my heart feels as though it will tear since he acquired weapons as a privilege...,"

"..."

Unable to retort, Cossack merely lowered his head deeply.

"Phew, y-yes ma'am. I'll gracefully step down, sir. It's been fun all this time...,"

That was when.

"Who told Lord Cossack to step aside?"

Before anyone knew it, Joo-hyuk had approached closely with glaring eyes,

"Did Gobang-ssi?"

"I-It wasn't me. I-I remained still."

"Did Princess Gyeon Dal-rae?"

"...No, I didn't. I-It's a misunderstanding. We were merely hypothesizing a 'what if' scenario."

He was angry.

Suddenly, out of the blue, who is stepping aside or not?

Inherently, when a timid person gets angry, they are the scariest.

Joo-hyuk nailed it down with a resolute voice.

"Listen well. I'd rather not climb the tower at all, but I will absolutely never leave anyone out. We go with this exact same member composition. Until the climb is over, especially...,"

Joo-hyuk and Cossack's eyes met.

Flinching, tears welled up in Cossack's eyes.

Looking at him, Joo-hyuk nodded his head, signaling him not to worry.

Ahhh,

Can you feel it?

This is exactly what fiery camaraderie is.

...No, let's remove the 'love'.

If done wrong, it might flow into a weird atmosphere.

Anyway, fiery friendship among comrades-in-arms!

He didn't mean to, but he overheard their conversation.

So the remaining randomized summon cooldown is about 15 days.

If he fails to achieve Trait Enhancement by then, only 3 positions will ultimately remain.

In the midst of that, what if a highly skilled damage dealer is summoned in the randomized summon?

It seems they had prematurely concluded that someone would have to step back.

He understands why they thought so.

Compared to Cossack, who is replaceable at any time.

Gobang and Gyeon Dal-rae hold solid positions that can absolutely never be removed.

However, not a chance in hell.

The possibility of Cossack stepping aside, there is not even a speck of it.

Who is to thank for him rising to this point?

Because Cossack paved the way.

He climbed by stepping on his back.

Thanks to him, he was able to function as a human being at least inside the tower.

"What will you do if a perfectly fully geared shield knight emerges from the randomized summon? Are you going to step aside, Gobang-ssi?"

"..."

"If a saintess or a priest emerges, is Princess Gyeon Dal-rae out?"

"..."

Everyone was a mute who had eaten honey.

Whether an imperial princess or a barbarian warrior, the majesty of the summoner subduing them with words.

'Was I cool?'

He probably was.

He could tell just by looking at Cossack's eyes, filled to the brim with gratitude and trust.

Ahhh,

Why am I so good with words?

Anyway, Joo-hyuk also became desperate for Trait Enhancement.

He will absolutely pull it off.

He will unconditionally secure it.

"Cossack-ssi."

"Yup!"

"Do you want Trait Enhancement? Shall we dash straight to the 50th floor?"

At that, shedding tears like chicken droppings again, Cossack answered.

"I understand Summoner Bong's heart for me well, sir. However, I am fine, sir. I could never forgive myself on the day you overexert yourself, sir."

"Let's just dash for it!"

"N-No, absolutely do not do that, sir."

"Then how about this?"

Joo-hyuk extended his pinky finger in a gesture promising to fulfill it unconditionally.

"Until the Trait Enhancement, I won't catch monsters and will stay back. I won't catch a single one. I won't even take weapons out of my inventory."

Cossack's eyes widened greatly.

Gyeon Dal-rae also showed a glad expression.

Gobang nodded his head as well.

"How is it? Is there anyone against dashing until Trait Enhancement appears?"

Gyeon Dal-rae swiftly answered.

"Since Young Master will not participate in battles, how could we possibly refuse? I shall shake the bells diligently until they shatter."

"Everyone do not worry, I, Gobang, will protect the summoner. I will accomplish S++ grade clears as well."

And,

"Is it a go for Cossack-ssi too?"

Overwhelmed with emotion, Cossack raised his hands high up and shouted desperately,

"G-go! It's a go, sir, a go! Go! G-ooo!!!"

"Good! Proceed! Starting from the 36th floor!"

Thus, the un-cleared upper floor climb of Cossack, for Cossack, by Cossack commenced.

* * *

Park Kyung-soo, the Chief of the Awakening Management Agency, and Park Il-joon, the Director of the National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (NIS))), held an emergency meeting.

The two people had grown significantly closer recently through parliamentary audits.

It was to share the investigation progress of the 'Imperial Traditional Massage Mass Murder Case' that had recently broken out.

It wasn't a simple murder case.

It was a case involving an attempted kidnapping of the Elite Team.

Although the parties involved all ended up dead, of course.

"The bastards who croaked are highly likely all soldiers. And extremely well-trained ones at that."

"These sons of bitches..., any clear evidence on who plotted it?"

"Sigh, there is no evidence. If even one of those bastards were alive, we would have uncovered it through interrogation. But since they're all already dead."

However, circumstantial evidence points to China.

It can only be China.

In fact, it was widely spread, whether people knew it or not.

Rumors that China was enticing or kidnapping talented players targeting weaker nations.

But to think South Korea was included as a target.

He felt like South Korea had suddenly become a weak nation.

"Among the bastards' targets, the actual owner of the holy sword was also included."

"Ugh."

Park Kyung-soo's face flushed red with anger at the National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (NIS))) Director's words.

It could have almost resulted in a national catastrophe.

"It's unlikely they did it knowing. It was probably a series of coincidences."

Currently, Player Bong Joo-hyuk is only known as the owner of the holy sword.

The people who know he is the S++ grade clear record holder number exactly three.

Even the National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (NIS))) Director doesn't know.

"I shouldn't say this, but I'm almost thankful to that murderer bastard."

"Anyway, we must conduct a thorough investigation. How these bastards entered Korea, whether there are any remaining remnants, and also regarding the identity of the murder suspect."

"One more thing! The National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (NIS))) needs to pay more attention to security."

"Yes, I will keep that in mind. We have issued a general mobilization order not only for domestic organizations but also overseas ones. There should be good results soon."

If they find evidence confirming it was China's doing, they will absolutely not sit still.

"Speaking of which, didn't you say Gerald Watson from the US is entering the country in a week?"

"Yes. We've officially received a diplomatic dispatch."

"What do we need to do?"

"Nothing. They said they'd handle everything themselves, whether it's transportation or security."

"I suppose they would."

Considering they're bringing America's top player.

* * *

American Player Gerald Watson entered Incheon Airport along with Director Antonio.

An uncountable number of bodyguards surrounded them from the front, back, and both sides.

There weren't many people at the airport.

For a celebrity of Gerald Watson's level, one would expect reporters to be setting up camp.

In fact, the media is unaware.

When he is entering the country.

Because it was kept thoroughly secret.

"Hurry, hurry up, Antonio."

"We're going to try it out today anyway, let's go slowly."

"You wouldn't be saying that if you knew how long I've waited for the day I'll take revenge on that dreadful Dark Specter."

"Revenge? You eventually cleared it!"

"Look at South Korea's Player Nam Ga-eun. It was a 10-hour cut. What about my pride!"

Director Antonio chuckled.

Gerald's words holding a point as well.

How difficult was the 66th-floor clear?

The clear time limit approaching, attacks barely working even when swathed in Light attributes due to the Specter's Dark Aura, it took over 2 hours just to catch one.

Afterward, by further reinforcing items, they painstakingly shortened the time over and over, ultimately succeeding in the clear by fully utilizing the time limit, though.

They had to do that difficult floor twice.

The western and the eastern, that is.

But a holy sword, he says.

With one Light attribute item and a sword, it purportedly took 10 hours to catch the Specters.

"What are you doing? Run!"

"Good grief."

The world's top player.

However, due to his young age, he possesses such an impulsive side.

The security vehicles and the bulletproof vehicle Gerald would ride in were already waiting in front of the airport departure gate.

That car the US President purportedly rides in.

It was airlifted via a US Air Force transport plane before their arrival.

Riding the car, Gerald and Antonio arrived at the Management Agency.

Team Leader Jeon Kwang-il came out and,

"Welcome. Mr. Watson, Director Antonio, I am Jeon Kwang-il."

"Nice to meet you. Just call me Gerald, and please show me the holy sword quickly."

"Hahaha, were you in such a rush?"

"H, hurry up."

Jeon Kwang-il guided them to his office.

"Where is the sword?"

Tsk,

Being so impatient, I can't even say anything else.

"The rental fee hasn't been deposited yet."

At that, Director Antonio stepped forward and spoke.

"I intended to do it when we arrived. Where should I send it to?"

"To here...,"

"Hmm, the account name is set to the Management Agency. Not the owner."

"Yes, because we are acting as agents."

Antonio wearing a disappointed expression.

Lifting his smartphone and tapping it a few times before,

"The deposit is complete."

Jeon Kwang-il also tapped his smartphone.

"Yes, confirmed."

Then opening the large safe installed on the wall of the office and,

"Here it is. Please verify the information first."

Gerald hurriedly received the sword.

"Oh!"

Information about the sword appeared in his mind.

Damage to undead increased, steadfast spirit, holy fire, critical hit, along with that..., radiance.

If there is a flaw, it is that the sword is old.

Also, it is exceedingly large and heavy.

The feeling will probably be different inside the tower, but.

"Can I enter now?"

"You must absolutely abide by the conditions written in the contract. If you lose it, or perhaps...,"

"Do not worry. Because something like that will absolutely never happen."

Placing the holy sword into his inventory,

Pop!

Gerald vanished in an instant.

He has likely moved to America's western tower or eastern tower.

Because regardless of the player's location, the tower entered depends on nationality.

* * *

[You are entering the 66th floor of the America (NO.2) Black Tower.]

[Physical abilities are enhanced according to your level.]

[Trait and combat skills can be used.]

Before taking out the holy sword, Light attribute equipment first.

Fwaaaaak!

A brilliant light lingering on Gerald's body.

Enough to blind the naked eye.

He also took out the holy sword.

Vwooom!

A gentle light overlaid.

'Is this radiance?'

It's fascinating.

The faint radiance was devouring the brilliant light of the Light attribute.

It's certainly different.

Clear preparations.

Magic Swordsman Gerald chanted spells.

"Strength. Haste. Barrier."

[66th Floor Mission: Eliminate 10 Dark Specters.]

[Time Limit: Within 15 Hours.]

Far away, gray translucent birds flying about effortlessly.

Their size is immense as well.

They look exactly like pterosaurs.

As large as they are, the scope of their Dark Aura is also expansive.

Physical attacks didn't work at all.

Only Light attribute attacks could arguably inflict a slight amount of damage.

After first succeeding in the 66th-floor clear, he had sworn he would absolutely never do something like a repeat clear.

Yet to think he himself would break that vow.

Let's check quickly.

Whether he can truly land a solid blow against these bastards.

Pulling first.

Magic Swordsman Gerald raised his hand and cast a skill.

"Magic Bolt!"

Ch-fit!

One Specter struck precisely by the Magic Bolt.

Ch-rat!

Halting its flight, it shifted direction toward Gerald.

Cha-ra-ra-rat!

The Specter charging with its Dark Aura.

It was the largest among the undead monsters faced so far.

Large enough to be overwhelmed purely by its size, even without the Dark Aura.

Furthermore, a flying monster.

"Sharpness."

After sharpening the sword with magic enchant.

Using a blade skill, he slashed downwards at the bastard's left wing section.

Seo-geo-geok!

The tip of the Specter's ethereal wing was severed.

Chwa-ra-ra-rak!

Losing its balance, the Specter fluttered about and convulsed, flying erratically here and there.

Dangerous to rush in at a time like this.

Evading momentarily before,

the Specter persistently pursued Gerald while sitting on the ground, flying up, and so forth.

He ran away regardless.

Slyly firing off magic spells too.

'Now.'

This time the opposite side.

Seo-geok!

The right wing severed by half.

After depriving its mobility.

Gerald attacked in earnest.

Cutting its tail off, cutting its legs off, piercing its torso too, and lastly, the bastard's head,

Ssuk-duk (Thwack)!

The thrashing Specter ceased moving in an instant.

Fwa-reureuk! Even bursting into flames.

'...This is absurd.'

Is this really the 66th floor?

To dispose of it this quickly.

Has roughly 20 minutes passed?

Since he's holding the sword, it's tantamount to not having a Dark Aura.

It's even fun.

'1 rental won't satisfy me.'

Looks like I'll have to postpone my departure.

Spend an additional ten million dollars and unconditionally rent it one more time.

It's not even an un-cleared upper floor climb.

20 million dollars for the purpose of experiencing the holy sword.

However, against Gerald, it was by no means a waste of money.