Chapter 51 - Chapter 51

Chapter 51

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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Jeon Kwang-il loaded the ore onto a truck and rushed to the Player Shop workshop.

The metal workshop that repaired and manufactured players' weapons.

"Aren't you the Deputy Director? What brings you here personally..."

"A new tower material has been discovered, so I came to ask if it can be processed."

"Really? Let's take a look."

At the mention of a new tower material, the craftsmen gathered in a swarm.

When he showed them the ores loaded on the truck,

"Th-this looks like ore,"

"That's right. It is Adamant ore."

"What?"

"O-ore?"

"It's not a tower reward ingot?"

"Let me, let me take a look too."

Each of them grabbed an ore and couldn't hide their surprise.

To think they would see what they had only seen as metal ingots in the form of ore.

"We'll need to smelt it to know for sure."

"That is what I came to request of you."

The craftsmen crushed a few Adamant ores into small pieces with hammers, sorted them, put them in a small blast furnace, and melted them.

Since they had extensive knowledge regarding blacksmithing and smelting, the smelting process proceeded smoothly.

Melting the ore to extract the metal, filtering impurities from the molten iron, pouring it into a pre-made mold, and cooling it.

"It really is an Adamant ingot."

"The content is also remarkably high. At least 50% or more."

It's done.

The smelting is a success.

"Can you first make tools for leatherworking using this?"

"You mean tools used by leather craftsmen, not tower clearing equipment? I can make them quickly, but..., why on earth?"

"Because it's a secret... I apologize."

"Hahaha, I'm sure it is. Since it's state business, I'll make them for you quickly. I just need to make them with Adamant. How many sets do you need?"

"At least about 100 sets."

"Understood. I will contact you when they're done."

With this, the leatherworking issue is resolved.

Materials are abundant.

How much could it possibly take to make leather processing sets?

He's going to bring them more ore anyway.

Jeon Kwang-il called Go Yeon-ha.

"CEO Go, we have secured the leatherworking tools. Let's actively proceed with commercialization."

- Thank you. I will do my best to make proper products.

* * *

Joo-hyuk also received Jeon Kwang-il's call.

Saying the ore smelting finished very successfully.

The quality is also extremely good, he said.

Because the metal content is higher than expected, it seems over 1 ton of ingots will be produced.

When he informed Rajix, he waddled his round body from side to side, not knowing what to do with his happiness.

Seeing him that happy, well, they should go mine some more.

However, they couldn't just keep mining ore continuously.

The day is approaching.

Merely 3 days.

In 3 days, it will be time to welcome a new guest.

Along with clearing the 50th floor and checking the privilege.

However, right then, the news broadcast on the TV.

- F*ck, why are those oil country bastards coming to our country throwing a fit? They have Saudi Arabia right next door.

- There are rumors their relationship soured after backstabbing each other.

- Ah! The Rune of Trait Enhancement?

- Keukeukeu, Saudi Arabia must be cheering inwardly.

- What about the US? They'd jump at it if offered an oil field.

- Yep, currently in a contract with Japan. And oil fields were only valuable in the past.

- Doesn't Russia also have temporary naturalized players?

- Yep, currently in a contract with China. And the Russian player isn't a temporary naturalization specialist. He's just the top player.

- Wow! They just lend out top players?

- It's a dictatorship, so they have to do whatever they're told.

- Nam Ga-eun is our top player. They shouldn't be asking to borrow her shamelessly.

- Is she really?

- What?

- Is South Korea's top player really Nam Ga-eun?

- Aah! You're right. We have a separate top player.

- Still on the 49th floor for now, but well, he'll probably reach the 60s within two months?

Crown Prince Bin-Sala's desperate requests continued the next day as well.

- Keukeukeu, I expected this. Now he's not even being subtle and pointed it directly.

- He's saying, "Mr. S++ grade clear record holder, please watch the news." Offering an irrefusable amount of money.

- But when are those guys going back? It makes me anxious.

- What is the government doing? They should quickly kick them out.

- Seems they plan to stay for quite a while.

* * *

Joo-hyuk also saw the news, but he didn't have much interest.

If anything, he should have offered the Rune of Trait Enhancement.

Then he might have considered it.

Does he think money can solve everything?

Who does he think the future wealthiest person in the world is?

He paid no mind to it and went around mining ore.

And the day drew closer.

One day before the randomized summon cooldown reset.

Joo-hyuk handed over the collected ores to the Management Agency and returned to the penthouse.

Beep-beep-beep-beep, click, as he opened the door and entered.

"Chung! Welcome back, sir?"

Today as well, Cossack was earnestly wiping the living room glass with a clean microfiber towel.

"The loyal subject Cossack, is cleaning assisting Rajix, sir. Hehehe."

"Hahaha, take it easy. Your body must not be in a very good condition."

"I am an SSR, sir. SSR. My body doesn't break down from just a mere flick to the forehead, sir."

"Yes, yes."

He saw everything how he almost died getting hit by a murderous flick to the forehead.

He brought it upon himself.

It was Cossack who first tempted him to make a bet.

Joo-hyuk had business with Gyeon Dal-rae.

Since she's a shaman, she should be able to tell fortunes too, right?

Joo-hyuk didn't really believe in this kind of stuff, but how could he not believe when he had vividly experienced the effects of the exorcism and talismans?

"This girl shall read a rice fortune. I cannot determine the detailed future, but we can at least peek into good or bad luck, fortune or misfortune."

Gyeon Dal-rae took a handful of rice from the rice dispenser in the sink.

And she scattered it across the dining table with a swoosh.

"Mmm."

Gyeon Dal-rae observing the scattered rice grains, sometimes prodding them.

Did something appear?

Is it good luck, bad luck, misfortune, or blessing?

"The divination result has appeared."

"Oh! What does it say?"

"Misfortune is blooming, but ultimately it is great fortune, and the root of disaster will arise, but it is a fortune that covers it up."

Huh?

It's an ambiguous riddle.

"Anyway, does it mean it's good?"

"Ultimately, yes."

"Okay, thank you for your trouble reading the fortune."

That's one thing done.

"Princess."

"Please speak."

"Let's slowly start the exorcism."

"I shall prepare it."

* * *

The next day.

Joo-hyuk took a taxi.

The location for the exorcism is Mount Mani in Ganghwa Island, as discussed previously.

He called out Cossack just the same to do grocery shopping and summoned Gyeon Dal-rae and Gobang near Mount Mani.

Because it's a place with many people passing by, Gyeon Dal-rae set up a taboo rope around the area where the exorcism would take place.

Finally calling Rajix too.

"Ho-eng?"

She said people wouldn't pay any attention once the taboo rope was set up.

Even if the drum echoed loudly.

They set up the offering table and held the exorcism.

Solemnly, seriously, and gravely.

Rajix also attached his round body completely flat to the ground and participated, letting out "ho-eng ho-eng" sounds.

After that, returning to the penthouse.

"Let's enter the 50th floor."

[You are entering the 50th floor of the South Korea (South Korean) Black Tower.]

The mission popped up.

[50th Floor Mission: Eliminate 60 Scorpions regardless of type and 1 King Scorpion.]

They commenced the clear.

Clenching their teeth tightly, as fast as possible, as they could lose the Platinum Badge if they let their guard down.

Joo-hyuk waited in the rear with Rajix so as not to get in the way of the summoned entities.

Rajix also had a serious expression.

Because he knew his fate would be decided depending on whether the Rune of Trait Enhancement appeared or not.

If he uses the randomized summon, there are 6 people on the catalog list.

Let's consider Gwangma a non-existent person.

Then 5 people.

If trait enhancement isn't achieved, he can only summon 4 people.

1 person is left over.

He could summon them alternately, but who would be the alternate member in this situation?

No one but the worker.

The King Scorpion appeared.

It's a formidable bastard.

Its huge pincers bit into the waist of the gigantified Gobang.

Crunch!

However, Gobang escaped by forcing the pincers open and snapping them backwards,

As Cossack's sword aura sliced off the tail stinger, he went under its relatively soft belly and mercilessly stabbed it with his dagger.

However, the bastard's exoskeleton was so thick, and its resistance was desperate, so it didn't end easily.

It was quite a fierce battle.

Of course, it was being thoroughly beaten up by SSR Gobang and SSR Cossack, but still.

It definitely seemed like they would absolutely need horizontally another damage dealer for smooth hunting.

Since the flying monster section starts from the 51st floor, preferably a damage dealer capable of ranged attacks.

But honestly, does he really need to get one?

A damage dealer?

There is one here.

An already prepared damage dealer.

A level 50 damage dealer, wielding a mace and Aegis with an energy shield, freely using Shadow Step and Hunwon Thunderclap Staff, possessing dazzling talent.

Ranged?

Doesn't he just have to make them come down?

He also received a handgun.

He just needs to enter after getting it judged as personal belongings and fire away.

Or buy a crossbow from the Player Shop and roughly pull the flying bastards.

That's right.

He doesn't necessarily have to enhance his trait.

What if he skips randomized summon?

If he joins as a damage dealer, everything is solved.

However, the summoned entities' fussing became even more severe.

Rajix was also standing next to him, gripping his collar tightly with both hands.

They'll probably keep doing that in the future.

Because it's common sense that as the floor number rises, the danger increases proportionally.

In a flash, he remembered what Gwangma had said.

Saying that once Earth's Black Towers reach the 70s floors, they will collapse left and right.

It's not wrong.

Aren't they in a situation right now where they can't clear the late 60s floors without a holy sword?

One more thing.

How did Cossack's previous summoner die?

Comparing it to his own situation, he can guess without difficulty.

The floor numbers go up, but trait enhancement doesn't appear, and continuing the clear with limited personnel... Eventually, the summoner himself must have had to take on the role of a damage dealer.

If he dies, that's the end of it.

The summoned entities cannot come out to the outside, and the world is ruined due to the tower collapsing.

Taking everything into consideration.

The reason why the summoned entities are obsessing over trait enhancement is clear.

Alright, let's do as they want.

'How strong can I even get if I become strong on my own? Talent, my foot.'

Joo-hyuk's class is a Summoner.

The virtues of a proper Summoner?

'Drawing good summoned entities, increasing the number of simultaneous summons, raising them through rank ascensions... Such things are my role.'

He has plenty of time.

Excluding a few countries, the climbed floor numbers of countries worldwide are still in the 50s.

'Don't be impatient.'

Slowly.

Enjoying everything he can enjoy.

Receiving Platinum Badges and diligently gathering privileges.

And if a situation comes where it's tough with the current personnel?

'I'll just unleash Gwangma.'

At least inside the tower, he should obey his orders.

His worries gradually disappeared.

Joo-hyuk finally reached a state of comfort.

[Announcement: You have achieved an S++ clear grade on the 50th floor of the Black Tower (South Korea).]

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

Back to the penthouse.

The summoned entities were standing in the living room with exhausted expressions.

Now is the time to open the inventory.

So the summoned entities were very nervous.

On the other hand, Joo-hyuk was supremely peaceful.

"...A-are you going to check it now, sir?"

To Cossack, nodding his head containing the will that things will turn out well.

"Summoner, the warrior is always..."

To Gobang as well, nodding his head with a look telling him not to worry.

"This girl, no matter what the result turns out to be, only Young Master..."

Making eye contact with Gyeon Dal-rae and nodding his head with a benevolent expression.

"Ho-e-e-e..."

Stroking Rajix's head and nodding his head with a smile asking him to trust him.

If he doesn't center himself, who will?

'Let's open it.'

50 radiantly shining Platinum Badges.

[Accumulating 50 Platinum Badges, a privilege is granted.]

It began.

No matter how cold it is, a plum blossom tree breaks through adversity and fully blooms its buds.

The flower of the privilege will surely be the same.

It will eventually bloom fully and comfort the hearts of Joo-hyuk and the summoned entities.

Heaven helps those who help themselves.

[Privilege: One Multinational Tower Access Ticket (Single-Use) is issued into the inventory.]

'Hmm.'

Multinational Tower Access Ticket.

'Hmm.'

This ticket was given before too.

'Hmm.'

A total of 2 tickets.

"Hmm... This fucking piece of shit! Screw this!"

Isn't this going too far no matter what?

"I'm not doing it! I'm not doing it! I don't need it! Tower climbing? Tell them to play foot volleyball instead!"

No matter how he thinks about it, this is wrong.

"Screw it all!!! What kind of joke is this privilege?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying, sir! Who do they think they're messing with?"

"I'm going up to the 51st floor right now, abandon the mission, and come out. Don't stop me! Platinum? Throw it to the dogs."

"P-please calm down. It is all this girl's fault. I shall gladly receive the punishment for disturbing Young Master's mood with a clumsy divination and exorcism."

"Hoo-eng!"

It was a huge uproar.

* * *

Joo-hyuk took a deep breath for a moment.

He was too excited.

He should stay cool-headed at times like this.

"Dammit, the more I think about it, the more pissed off I get."

Then, Cossack read Joo-hyuk's mood and spoke.

"Since things have come to this... We must aim for the 55th floor privilege, sir."

Truthfully, that is the only way.

"...Can we achieve an S++ grade clear with this personnel?"

"Please proceed with the randomized summon, sir."

"There are 4 spots?"

"Th-that can't be helped, sir. We have to exclude someone until the 55th floor, sir."

Who? Gazes gathered in one place.

"Hoo-e..."

Naturally, the non-combat summoned entity, the worker.

"Let's cut Mr. Rajix?"

"With the feeling of shedding tears while executing Ma Su..."

Executing Ma Su my foot, is tower climbing the Romance of the Three Kingdoms?

"In that case, we can just exclude Mr. Cossack instead. Since we have Gwangma..."

Cossack's mouth shut tightly.

"Oh? Come to think of it, that's perfectly fine. If Mr. Rajix, Gwangma, and I, the three of us climb the 51st floor, there's no problem. Hahahaha. I should have done this earlier."

Everyone's mood became solemn.

"I, I was wrong, sir."

"The warrior is sorry to the summoner. To the worker as well."

"Th-that is right. Trait enhancement cannot be obtained only from tower climbing privileges. For example, it could be an item..."

Hold on!

That's right.

There is another way to obtain it.

"Come to think of it, there is someone who likely possesses a Rune of Trait Enhancement..."

"Gasp!"

Cossack leaped up and asked.

"Who is it, sir? Just tell me, sir. The loyal subject Cossack will go bring it right away, sir."

"That is..."

Joo-hyuk explained to the summoned entities.

Regarding the situation of the UAE.

The reason why the Crown Prince specifically came to South Korea.

And the uncomfortable relationship with Saudi Arabia.

The cause being competition over the Rune of Trait Enhancement.

The UAE monopolized them, which pissed off Saudi Arabia.

Perhaps, though it's not certain, he might be possessing a rune.

Joo-hyuk's story ended.

Cossack, who had been listening silently, smiled and said.

"Summoner Bong, please leave it to me, sir."

"...Leave what to you? Don't tell me, extortion?"

"Hey, I don't steal, sir. Now if you put a ribbon on it..."

Stealing would be better.

"There is one thing I am truly good at besides assassinations, sir."

"What is it?"

"Negotiation, sir. I will meet him directly and negotiate, sir. Towards a direction where both sides can be satisfied."

A quite confident expression.

He can guess what kind of negotiation he intends to conduct, but it's questionable if he'll hand it over obediently.

"...You really won't take it by force?"

"Yep!"

"You won't kill or injure anyone?"

"Yep!"

"So that it's a win-win and both sides are satisfied?"

"Yep!"

Shall he trust him?

According to his news search, Crown Prince Bin-Sala is still staying at a hotel in South Korea.

Renting out an entire floor.

"However! I need something, sir."

"Speak."

"First of all, please give me the shield and mace you received in the past, Summoner Bong, sir."

The items received as privileges.

The Golden Aegis of the Warm Dawn, the Golden Mace of the Cold Twilight.

It seems he's talking about those two.

"They're practically brand new."

"That is exactly my point, sir."

"You're going to negotiate with these?"

"No, sir. They are a gift, sir. Do we not need to look favorable before the negotiation?"

Hmm.

Now he's even taking weapons away.

It can't be helped.

Let's grasp at straws.

"Okay. I'll trust you for once. But! It's unconditionally a negotiation. Violence is prohibited. Instead, I won't blame you even if you fail."

"Yep!"

Suddenly, Gyeon Dal-rae's divination comes to mind.

Good luck after bad luck, fortune after misfortune.

He hopes it turns out that way.