Chapter 42 - Chapter 42

Chapter 42

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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Jeon Kwang-il came out to Incheon Airport.

Since the precious clients mentioned they had finished their business and were departing the country, he must see them off.

"It is a relief that the holy sword experience was to your liking."

"Actually, it wasn't exceedingly to my liking."

"Pardon? Whatever do you mean?"

"Renting it as many as two times, yet you don't even offer a discount; this makes me feel a bit disappointed."

A complaint mixed with dissatisfaction from Director Antonio.

It doesn't seem like a joke, but rather his true feelings.

Disappointed my foot.

Where does he get off trying to bargain down the rental fee?

Although he had sensed it from before, Director Antonio is truly a cheapskate.

Presenting a holy sword rental fee of 1 million dollars previously and making a person dumbfounded.

Still, thanks to Player Gerald, they received it all.

He seems firmly enamored with the holy sword's effects,

Unconditionally declaring he will rent it one more time and throwing a tantrum right in front of him; how could he stop him?

"Be that as it may, from where did the owner of the holy sword purportedly acquire the item?"

"Well, who knows. Wouldn't they have received it as a tower reward? At least from the 50th floor or above?"

"Hahaha, an immense reward. ...Do they give items like that if you clear with an S++ grade?"

"As for that, I wouldn't know well either. Seeing as the holy sword owner is not the S++ grade clear record holder either."

He's trying to play tricks again.

He had been like that since yesterday.

Subtly probing to see if the Management Agency has grasped the identity of the S++ grade clear record holder.

Of course, Jeon Kwang-il absolutely did not get swept up.

"If you insist so much, Director Antonio, you can personally find the S++ clear record holder and ask them. And if you happen to find out, please tell me as well. We are also truly curious about who it is."

Director Antonio was a persistent person as well.

"Then if the opportunity arises perhaps..., would it be alright if I personally met the actual owner of the holy sword and expressed my gratitude separately?"

"While having come to the airport? Your flight departure time should also be near."

"Since it's a private jet anyway, we can go anytime."

"Ah, I see. However, the actual owner of the holy sword is an extremely busy person as well, thus communicating only via messages even with me. I shall convey your gratitude instead."

Antonio speaking with a smirk.

"Yes, yes, by all means, please do so."

He must be careful.

America is more dangerous than Japan or China.

If Player Bong Joo-hyuk's identity becomes known, how will America react?

They would attempt to take him away even by mobilizing all available means.

"Right! Mr. Jeon, I heard some good news..."

"Pardon? News, you say?"

"I heard you were put up as a candidate for promotion this time."

"How did you know that,"

"I also have ears. Since there are many people here and there telling me things, congratulations."

"...Thank you."

Information travels fast.

As expected of America, huh?

That's right.

As credit for the success of this 66th-floor clear, Jeon Kwang-il emerged as a candidate for promotion.

He is scheduled to be appointed to the position of Deputy Director of the Management Agency, which had been left vacant.

"Next time we meet, it will be as Deputy Director."

"Hahaha, I am embarrassed. Then, considering you have a schedule as well, please return safely. Since I have pressing matters to attend to, I shall take my leave."

"Yes. See you in a few months."

America is currently clearing the 67th floor, where the undead Phantom Reapers appear.

Since plenty of time remains, they will likely bash their heads against it a few times and ultimately come back.

Since they've tasted the holy sword.

How could they possibly endure not coming?

Anyway, 2 holy sword rentals.

20 million dollars in total.

26 billion won in Korean currency.

He desires to inform Player Bong Joo-hyuk of this joyful news, but currently, they are out of contact.

They had spoken on the phone beforehand.

That he plans to meditate for two days.

It is a common occurrence for players.

For them, who must clear the tower alone, the most important aspect is precisely maintaining their mentality.

Elite team members also do many things for mental recovery.

Doing yoga, listening to music, going camping, or working out at the gym like Player Nam Ga-eun.

In Player Bong Joo-hyuk's case, it would be meditation.

Let's not disturb him and wait until he calls first.

* * *

Gyeon Dal-rae frequently refers to Cossack and Gobang as 'Farmhands'.

But a real farmhand arrived?

Tossing him in the air, exchanging greetings,

As soon as the welcome ended, Rajix started by cleaning the house.

"Ho-e-o, please lift your feet, feet!"

Rajix rolling around while pushing a rag across the floor.

Whether he's wiping the floor with the rag, or wiping the floor with his own body, it's hard to tell, but.

Originally, a house where a man lives alone is not that tidy.

Unless he has mysophobia, at the very least Joo-hyuk's officetel belonged to the considerably messy side.

Yet it's being tidied up in an instant.

It changed so fast it was as if a video of the house transforming was playing at 3x speed.

Since his arms are short, Rajix uses tools.

He organized items using tongs taken out from his backpack.

When he picked up an item out of place and tossed it lightly, it found its place on its own.

'Is that a skill too?'

Dusting the shelves clean, putting clothes scattered everywhere into the washing machine, rinsing sink dishes with water and into the dishwasher, trash into the trash can, classifying and tying up various paper boxes, PET bottles, cans, and glass bottles by type.

Gyeon Dal-rae exclaimed in admiration.

"He is unquestionably the absolute best among the farmhands this woman has seen. How does he work so diligently even without being ordered to!"

After finishing all the organizing, Rajix placed both hands on his waist and shrugged, fully puffing out his chest while admiring the product of his work.

"Hu-eng!"

Unconcealable pride on his expression.

One cannot help but applaud.

Clap clap clap clap!

"You are incredible. Rajix-ssi!"

"Excellent. It would not be lacking even if I bestowed the title of Chief Farmhand, Madang-soe. Everyone must emulate him. This woman shall give you a hug."

"Ho-e?"

"He cleaned up everything Gobang messed up. Cool, sir. He is indeed a Madang-soe, sir."

"Ho-eng!"

Joo-hyuk fell for Rajix.

Gwangma?

If he took him around, he would probably purely wander outside saying he's going to conquer the world.

He even threatens to kill his fellow companions.

However, look at that diligent and highly acclaimed labyrinth worker, the round Rajix.

Can they even be compared in the first place?

- Rajix was always the worker counted as the very best among labyrinth adventurers. It is no exaggeration to say that bringing only Rajix reduces the difficulty of labyrinth exploration by more than half. Cooking, laundry, setting up a campsite, herb gathering, mining, tanning, weapon repair..., there was nothing he couldn't do. However, during a labyrinth exploration, he ended up being eaten by Apophis, the Giant Snake boss of the 93rd floor underground labyrinth.

The background description also proves Rajix's greatness.

However, it's a shame.

The situation is that they must part ways starting from the 51st floor.

A little while ago, they gathered separately, excluding Rajix, and had a whispered discussion.

"Rajix, he is cute, but there's no major benefit for tower climbing, sir. It's not like he's going to clean inside the tower, sir."

"He is cute, but this woman shares the same thought. It would seem advisable to take him around for 30 days and then replace him when the randomized summon occurs."

"Rajix is cute. He works well too. However, he is weak."

The opinions converged like that.

Taking him along strictly up to the 50th floor.

For the 51st-floor S++ clear, a damage dealer must absolutely be recruited.

It would be perfect if they are of the Magic or Ranged type.

The basic framework of an S++ clear is mob hunting.

Up to the 50th floor, since they are terrestrial monsters, it can be done sufficiently.

No matter how large and fast they are, if the enlarged Gobang firmly holds the aggro, Cossack crazily deals damage, and Gyeon Dal-rae's buffs are poured on top, the clear will be completed in the blink of an eye.

However, mob hunting the flying monsters that appear from the 51st floor onwards is not easy.

Because they fly.

Even when they come down to the ground, they harass players while floating in the air.

If they feel they're in danger, they also fly away to escape.

The absolute worst situation is a scenario where the light-weight Cossack or Gyeon Dal-rae is grabbed by a Wyvern's talons and dragged away flying; Joo-hyuk is also exposed to that danger,

They must clear them out as quickly as possible.

The conclusion is burst damage.

If it's a Magic or Ranged type, they can inflict attacks even at the moment they descend to drain their strength in advance; even if just one damage dealer is added, a mob hunt of four or five is quickly done.

He must unconditionally pull a damage dealer in the next randomized summon.

For that reason, Rajix stepping out starting from the 51st floor is the correct answer.

If perhaps Trait Enhancement happens one more time, maybe.

However, it's an extremely difficult matter.

"For now, in commemoration of a new member's arrival, shall we dive into the 41st-floor clear?"

As Joo-hyuk broached the topic,

"Loyalty! I am confident in S++, sir. Please just trust this SSR Cossack, sir."

"There is SSR Gobang too."

"This woman will assist Young Master with loyalty always."

"Ho-eng!"

Rajix also answered while raising his short arms up, but

what exactly is he going to do?

* * *

[You are entering the 41st floor of the South Korea (South Korean) Black Tower.]

Giant terrestrial beasts appear starting from the 41st floor.

The environment is a forest thick with short grass and trees.

[41st Floor Mission: Eliminate 15 Ironclad Basilisks.]

Ironclad Basilisk.

A giant reptile looking exactly like a mix between a crocodile and a lizard.

Its size is frightening as well.

Body length approximately 7m to 8m.

If you meet its eyes, your body becomes paralyzed.

And then your head gets chewed off just like that.

The cause is the Paralysis Beam.

If you get hit, you can't even run away.

The Paralysis Beam must be blocked.

Initially, many players fell victim to it, but now items capable of countering it have been invented, making it relatively stable.

However, for Joo-hyuk?

A Paralysis Beam or whatever.

Since there are 3 SSR heroes.

Plus one true man and a cute hamster.

"Now, now, let's clear quickly and have a team dinner. Team dinner! With that meaning, I will do 3 basilisks too. Call? Too few? I will catch 4."

At that, Cossack vigorously shaking his head.

"Summoner Bong cannot participate, sir."

"No, why again?"

"You must protect Rajix, sir. Look, sir! How cute is he, sir?"

"Ho-eng?"

"What happens if he carelessly dashes forward and gets killed by a monster, sir? Summoner Bong, please protect Rajix, sir."

Now he's going to prevent combat using Rajix as an excuse?

"Then Cossack-ssi can look after Rajix-ssi."

"Ay, if I am tied down, what happens to the S++ grade clear, sir?"

"..."

Gyeon Dal-rae too,

"This woman also wishes to protect Rajix-ssi, but I must shake the bells. Young Master, please take on the highly important duty,"

Truly bad people.

He clearly told them he would participate starting from the 41st floor.

'Should I just! Call Gwangma one more time?'

Honestly, he was worried about Rajix.

What if he dies to a basilisk exactly like how he was eaten by the Giant Snake?

A fragile and weak hamster worker,

He must protect him unconditionally.

But then again, thinking quietly, were these the feelings the summoned entities had looking at him?

'...Hmph.'

Ay, no way!

'I'm a talented true man.'

Anyway, he'll take one step back just for today.

Because he's worried about Rajix.

The clear began.

Gyeon Dal-rae's bell sound buff.

Sizing up his body, Gobang grabbing the tail of a basilisk with one hand and slamming it to the ground.

Cossack's finishing move following up.

Piercing the basilisk's head with a dagger to scramble its brain.

Paralysis Beam?

It had zero effect.

Because Gyeon Dal-rae's buff neutralizes the Paralysis Beam and weakens it by applying a debuff.

The kill count rising in an instant.

Ah.

Joo-hyuk wanted to participate in the battle too.

Isn't he Level 41?

Furthermore, he barely received the privilege item set, yet he hasn't even been able to use it.

It can't be helped.

To protect the cute worker Rajix...,

"Gasp!"

Where did he go?

Rajix vanished in an instant.

Joo-hyuk scanned his surroundings, looking around.

'He was right beside me just moments ago.'

Right at that moment!

One white hairball was seen on the corpse of a dead basilisk.

'...When did he go over there?'

Pop!

He ran to the location where the hairball was seen using Shadow Step, but,

'...Vanish again.'

This is truly elusive.

A speed completely impossible to achieve with Rajix's short legs.

Is he perhaps teleporting?

"Ho-e-e-eng!"

A sound is heard.

Turning his gaze to look.

"...Hahaha."

This time, the hairball discovered beneath a tree on the opposite side.

'What exactly?'

He doesn't know the reason why he's bustling around like that either.

He ran over again, but it was already too late.

The hairball sighted here and there.

Watching how he moved, he rolls around.

'Wow! So he moves like that.'

Roll, roll, roll, roll (De-gu-reu-reu-reu).

He was so fast Joo-hyuk couldn't chase him.

Makes sense, since his body itself is round, it must be vastly faster than walking with short legs.

Anyway, after just chasing him around,

[Ironclad Basilisk Elimination 15/15]

[You have succeeded in the 41st-floor mission.]

[Your level has increased.]

[Reward: Mana Stone 4.1kg]

The clear ended.

As expected, the reward is purely mana stones.

[Announcement: You have achieved an S++ clear grade on the 41st floor of the Black Tower (South Korea).]

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

Pop!

Joo-hyuk and the summoned entities returned to the officetel again.

"Good work, sir."

"You have worked hard."

"Thanks to the summoner, it ended well."

"..."

What good work.

I didn't even get to hold the set items.

However.

"Ho-e-e-eng,"

Rajix shedding tears and sobbing.

...Why is he crying again?

"Are you hurt anywhere?"

"Ho-eng, no."

"But why are you crying?"

"The clear ended too quickly."

"Isn't it good if it ends quickly?"

"I could only gather this much. I'm so sorry. Ho-eng."

Gather?

Rajix fumbled and took something out of his small backpack.

Thud!

A massive, whole piece of leather from an Ironclad Basilisk.

"...It, it's leather."

"It's a whole piece of leather, sir."

How did he bring this?

It's not a mission reward.

Even if you receive a reward, they don't give a whole piece of leather like that.

They usually toss a tiny scrap of leather.

Next,

Thud-thud-thud!

Mana stones appearing to be at least 20kg or more.

"..."

And.

Pitter-patter-pat!

Countless unnamed weeds.

"...Herbs?"

Originally, the herbs received as a mission reward are a few roots of dried weeds.

These are fresh herbs that look like they were gathered just now.

How exactly?

Just moments ago, Rajix had said gathering.

'Meaning they aren't reward items...,'

He gathered them inside the tower?

'Was that a possible thing?'

No way.

If gathering inside the tower were a possible thing, there wouldn't be cases where the supply of materials runs out.

Joo-hyuk realized.

'I looked down on it too much.'

The ability of a worker, that is.

Suddenly, the small Rajix looked larger than Gobang.