Chapter 52 - Chapter 52

Chapter 52

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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Late night.

Suite room in Ilseong Hotel, Seoul.

Crown Prince Abdul Bin-Sala of the UAE could not fall asleep.

Now there are only 15 days left until the UAE's tower collapse deadline.

Nevertheless, the reason he stayed here for 5 days.

He had expected that his request for temporary naturalization wouldn't be accepted.

Would the South Korean government willingly lend out their top player?

Still, an individual's thoughts might differ.

South Korea is known to guarantee the personal freedom of players to the utmost.

He bet his hopes on that.

So he persistently attempted to contact Player Nam Ga-eun personally, but... he was flatly rejected.

Her stance was that she wouldn't temporarily naturalize for even a single day, let alone 15 days.

Next.

He moved the South Korean media outlets.

To appeal to the S++ grade clear record holder of South Korea's Black Tower.

Offering the best conditions and requesting them to contact the embassy.

However, every phone call that came in was a prank call.

A situation where all attempts had misfired.

Only one choice remained.

To return to the UAE and beg the Saudi Arabian government.

However, Saudi's demands were too excessive.

Temporary naturalization is possible.

But in exchange, they must hand over the Rune of Trait Enhancement.

They also demanded land near the border.

An area with gas fields.

On top of that, an additional $1 billion in cash, 1 ton of Mana Stones, 1 ton of tower metal, 100 pelts of tower leather...

Even thieves wouldn't be such thieves.

But in return for that, they would clear the 60th floor, as well as the 61st floor 6 months later.

'It can't be helped.'

Until things return to normal, they have no choice but to sign a humiliating contract.

Because other countries will likely make similar demands anyway.

A neighboring country is better than a distant one.

Because they can't remain on bad terms with Saudi Arabia forever.

'I should return tomorrow.'

At that moment!

Beep! Click!

The door to the suite room opened.

'Hmm?'

Is it the security team?

He didn't call for them.

Drag, drag.

The sound of heavy objects dragging on the floor.

Curious, he went out towards the door.

"..."

A Western man was entering inside while dragging two collapsed bodyguards.

Furthermore, he had a shield and an iron club strapped to his back.

It was clear he was an intruder.

So he tried to avoid him, but their eyes met.

'Gasp!'

Bin-Sala inhaled sharply.

He just kept inhaling.

He needed to exhale, but he couldn't.

He couldn't even move his body.

He just stood there as if nailed to the spot.

The man was smiling.

That smile was incredibly spine-chilling.

The man who slowly walked over and sat on the sofa, as if it were his own home.

He pointed to the sofa opposite him with a gesture.

An expression to sit; his body finally moved only then.

His breathing also returned to normal.

Bin-Sala had no choice but to obey.

Tap, a piece of paper placed on the table.

He glanced at it subtly.

Two English words written down meaning translator and Korean.

'Is he Korean?'

Just looking at his appearance, he definitely didn't look like it.

Anyway, since he's telling him to call people.

Bin-Sala picked up the phone.

"C-can I make a call?"

Nod.

A gesture of permission.

Alright, I'll call them for you.

The translator, and the bodyguards too.

Bin-Sala sent a message with his smartphone.

Explaining the detailed situation, saying a suspicious person had intruded.

Then.

Rumble-rumble,

The bodyguards and attendants swarming into the suite room.

Each pointing their handguns at the suspicious person.

"Don't move!"

"Put your hands up! If you don't want a hole blown through your head."

"You guys protect the Crown Prince."

"If he even twitches a finger, shoot him."

Click! Click! Click!

Over 10 muzzles were aimed at him.

However, the man was relaxed.

Sitting on the sofa with his legs crossed.

"Who are you! How dare you... the Crown Prince..."

It was then.

Slash!

Slice, slice, slice, slice...

Flashes of light illuminating the dark suite room here and there.

Plop, thud-thud, plop-plop.

The front parts of the handguns, cut cleanly, falling to the ground.

At some point, the mysterious man was holding a short dagger in each hand.

Meaning he sliced the handguns with daggers.

Is that even possible?

With mere daggers?

Everyone was speechless at this absurd situation.

No, rather than it being out of shock, they just couldn't move.

A terrifying aura constricting the bodies of the bodyguards and attendants.

Their legs were trembling.

Their faces had also turned pale blue.

The feeling of a sharp blade pointing at their Adam's apple.

Moreover, the unrecognizable terrifying expression of the mysterious man.

It was impossible to tell whether he was smiling or angry.

The man pointed at the paper again.

Telling them to translate.

Bin-Sala glanced at the attendant who could translate Korean and spoke.

"Wh-who are you?"

The attendant translating.

Cossack did not answer the question.

Just,

"Bring the Rune of Trait Enhancement."

Flinch!

Crown Prince Bin-Sala reacting in surprise.

Rune of Trait Enhancement?

He absolutely cannot comply.

Even if he dies here.

So he was about to express his intent to refuse with the resolve to die.

"Even if you kill me..."

"I will clear the 60th floor for you in 15 days. Along with the 61st floor 6 months later."

Startle!

Bin-Sala stopped speaking.

"H-how? By you naturalizing?"

"No, no naturalization."

"...Are you making fun of me right now?"

Cossack continued with a fishy smile.

"Is there a player affiliated with the UAE here?"

"..."

Bin-Sala shut his mouth tightly.

Truthfully, he had brought one person with him.

Omar Hassan, a promising player being nurtured by the UAE.

He had also fed him trait enhancements twice.

But he was still level 27.

He had a long, long way to go to reach the 60th floor.

Bin-Sala always kept Omar around him.

Due to security reasons.

His side is the safest place.

Along with the Rune of Trait Enhancement.

But he's telling him to bring him over?

"So there is. Bring him right now."

"..."

"I won't kill them, they just fainted. However, if you don't listen, everyone dies."

And then.

"Want me to demonstrate?"

The killing intent filling the suite room grew even thicker.

It felt like their necks would be sliced despite him doing nothing.

Some attendants even flopped to their knees in extreme fear.

"Call him quickly."

Bin-Sala realized.

He must listen to that man's words.

Otherwise, everyone will truly die.

Everyone's heads will roll on the ground like the front parts of those handguns.

When he gave the order to his attendant with a glance,

A moment later.

Omar Hassan entered the room.

Cossack looked at him and asked.

"If you're a player, you should be able to verify items, right?"

Omar glanced at Bin-Sala once, then nodded his head.

Cossack pulled out a paper ticket resembling a yellow card from his pocket.

"Verify it, you can read the effects out loud if you want."

The moment he accepted the paper with trembling hands,

'Hmm?'

Omar's eyes widened.

"...A Multinational Tower Access Ticket?"

Bin-Sala with a curious face.

"Omar, wh-what ticket did you say it was?"

"It's a Multinational Tower Access Ticket. Saying you can enter any tower regardless of nationality..."

"What?"

"The system message informed me so."

To think it's a Multinational Tower Access Ticket.

Just as the name implies, it's intuitive.

Of course, it's his first time hearing of it.

However, there is no way Omar would lie, and since the system informed him so, it couldn't be a forgery.

Cossack, who received the ticket back, emphasized his words.

"I promise you. The UAE's Black Tower 60th floor will be cleared in 15 days. The 61st floor too."

A brief silence flowed.

The fear also subsided little by little.

Because they realized this man had come here with the purpose of making a trade.

Crown Prince Bin-Sala's brain spun rapidly.

A promise to clear the 60th floor in 15 days, and the 61st floor 6 months later.

It's incomparably better than Saudi's conditions.

No need to give away land, nor tower materials, nor money; absolutely nothing needs to be given.

Just a single Rune of Trait Enhancement.

But would this kind of contract be upheld?

What if he hands over the rune and the promise isn't kept?

Amidst that, Cossack pointed a finger at Omar.

"You."

"Wh-why again...?"

"I'll give you a gift. As a sign of goodwill."

"A, a gift?"

Cossack untied the mace and shield he brought and placed them on the table.

"Take them."

Omar, not knowing what was going on, stared at Bin-Sala, and soon picked up the mace and shield.

At the same time, an exclamation burst from his mouth.

"Ah!"

He was astonished.

He couldn't help it.

'What kind of items are...'

Effect: Improves user's concentration when equipped, dazzling flash, strengthens physical and magic defense, has a set probability to reflect attacks back to the enemy upon successful defense.

Characteristics: Maintains composure under any status abnormality. Absolutely indestructible.

Effect: Increases attack speed during combat, freezes target, increases attack range, has a set probability to activate Ice Field upon a successful strike.

Characteristics: Guides enemies to the rest of twilight. Absolutely indestructible.

At that reaction, Cossack let out a snicker.

He could tell just by looking at his expression.

He must have been greatly surprised by the item effects.

As Omar stood blankly holding the mace and shield, Bin-Sala asked,

"Omar, what is it?"

"These are both items that came from the tower. They are not crafted goods."

"Not crafted?"

"I-it's my first time seeing such items. They are absolutely not items you can acquire in the market."

"Is that true?"

"Yes. The option effects are also incredible. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them the strongest weapons. I feel like jumping into the tower to use them even now."

Bin-Sala staring at Cossack with an odd gaze.

"These items... have you come to sell them?"

"I told you. It's a gift of goodwill."

"Even if I don't give you the Rune of Trait Enhancement?"

"I don't snatch back what I've given. However, everyone here will just die, that's all."

That sounds like the same thing.

'A gift, he says.'

It seemed Omar liked those gears very much.

Seeing him holding the weapon and shield tightly and looking enraptured.

"If I just hand over the rune, will the tower truly be cleared?"

"I stake my name on it."

"What might your name be then?"

"Gobang."

Gobang.

It's a bizarre name.

Although that's not what matters.

"Crown Prince, I'll ask one thing, is the Rune of Trait Enhancement in this room right now?"

"No. Do you really think I'd carry something so important..."

"So it is here."

Cossack spoke while looking around the room.

"The living room? No, then that room? Not there either, perhaps the bedroom?"

A reaction came.

"That's correct. It was in the bedroom."

Gulp.

Bin-Sala swallowed dry saliva.

"I'll be frank."

"..."

"Besides killing people, I am also exceptionally good at torture."

What wouldn't he be capable of?

In a situation where he immobilizes people with just his gaze.

"If I torture you, you'll be able to personally offer up the Rune of Trait Enhancement with your own hands within 1 minute."

"Mmm."

"But I am staying still. Do not miss this opportunity."

He had no choice but to believe his words.

A man perfectly capable of doing so.

However, he hadn't killed anyone so far, and even gave them gifts.

Countless thoughts flashed through Bin-Sala's head.

Gobang, who offered to clear the tower for him without him naturalizing.

He also proved it with the ticket.

Who is he? By any chance, the S++ grade clear record holder?

Is he able to exert his abilities outside the tower as well if he has reached that point?

No, his identity doesn't matter.

Whether he can keep the promise, or if he'll take the rune and feign ignorance.

If only he could ascertain that it would be fine.

The agony was lengthening.

Despite that, the mysterious man named Gobang continued to wait for him.

He seemed likely to lose patience and resort to torture.

Even now, he is so terrified his heart is pounding, but he gradually feels a sense of trust.

A moment later.

Bin-Sala made a decision.

To stake his destiny on Gobang.

"Wait."

Bin-Sala, who went to the bedroom and came out holding a small aluminum briefcase.

Recognizing fingerprints, a briefcase that would explode as it is if the wrong password is entered.

Click!

Opening the briefcase, he stroked the rune for a while, and then,

"Here it is. Take it."

Cossack smiled and said.

"Congratulations. With this, you survived. The UAE will also be safe."

He finally acquired the enhancement rune.

Also getting rid of those hideous weapons.

"Let's keep today's matters a secret. There's nothing good about others finding out, right?"

Bin-Sala's body shivered.

For some reason, he felt relieved.

Because even though that mysterious man had achieved his objective, he still kept him alive.

"A-alright. As a secret..."

"Wait! Are you satisfied with the trade?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"The trade we made. You have to be satisfied. Both of us. This is a crucial matter."

"...I-I am satisfied."

"Yes, 15 days later you will be even more satisfied. 6 months later too."

And then, swoosh!

Cossack disappeared into the darkness.

Bin-Sala felt as if he had dreamt a dream.

Did he really do the right thing?

He will find out in 15 days.

* * *

Joo-hyuk was alone in the penthouse.

He sent Cossack out for negotiation purposes and unsummoned Gyeon Dal-rae, Gobang, and Rajix.

Honestly, he is worried.

He talked big with confidence and left, but...

An assassin doing a negotiation? He couldn't believe it.

Anyway, he confirmed the privilege, and all that's left is the randomized summon.

However, he has no intention of summoning anyone right now.

He has to account for the failure of the negotiation.

Even if he has to take out Rajix, he must aim for the opportunity at the 55th floor.

Or go up to the 60th floor.

Even if the negotiation goes well, they have to climb up to the 60th floor, and even if it fails, they have to climb for the sake of the privilege.

But what if another non-combatant appears in this situation?

"Sigh."

Only sighs escape his lips.

He didn't even want to imagine it.

However, there is a card he can use to break through even the worst-case scenario.

Gwangma.

The strongest summoned entity of the LSSR (Legend Special Super Rare) (Legend Special Super Rare) grade.

Thinking about it, he's a quite reassuring presence.

If he had just been a little less crazy, they would have been together.

If only he hadn't said things like killing people in power or starting a war.

'Should I try calling him?'

His thoughts might have changed.

If so, he's someone who could definitely be utilized as a hidden card.

His heart inclines towards it more and more.

He wants to call him.

As for right now, he wants to check what he thinks.

'Ah, whatever! I'll just give it a try.'

Let's just do it.

Joo-hyuk opened the catalog list on his status window.

"Designated Summoning, Gwangma!"

[Gwangma has been designated summoned.]

Spot!

Gwangma, who finally reappeared.

His appearance is still that of a Taoist immortal.

"Summoner, I cannot express how glad I am to meet you again."

"...Yes. Me too."

Actually, he isn't really that glad.

"After being forcibly unsummoned by the summoner, I reflected deeply during that time. On what exactly I did wrong."

Oh!

Something is different.

"I realized that such extreme methods are not suited for this world. Beating people to death has its limits, it would take a long time, and serious side effects would arise."

"That's right."

Oh my!

Our Gwangma has changed.

"...Would you like something to drink?"

"I shall not decline. If it is given by the summoner, I must drink it even if it's poison."

Joo-hyuk took out a cold can of carbonated beverage from the refrigerator, click! Popped the lid open for him and handed it to Gwangma.

After drinking it refreshingly.

"It has been nearly 1,000 years, since I've tasted the food of this world."

He liked it a lot.

The smile on his lips proved it.

"In the first place, killing everyone in power was a foolish idea."

"Wow, not really foolish, just a bit extreme."

"Hahaha! That's correct."

While saying that,

"I am curious which country has the strongest national power in this world."

If he's talking about a strong country,

"It's the US."

"The US, you say, does a king rule it?"

"No. A president."

"Ah-ha! I see. Then we just need to turn the President of the US into a Soul-Lost Person and make him obey commands."

"...Pardon?"

What is a Soul-Lost Person again?

"There is something called the Great Soul-Losing Art. It is destroying a human's mind and turning them into an obedient puppet. It is a work that consumes a large amount of mental energy, so even I can only make one person per Great Art."

Why is it gradually?

"I just had to use the Great Soul-Losing Art on the US President and make him obey commands, have him launch a war of conquest on my behalf, pacify the world, and then unify it later, a simple matter, yet I couldn't think of that and foolishly..."

Sigh.

He's going crazy.

"Neither the summoner nor myself will have to get our hands dirty with blood. Of course, the war will cause immense damage, but it's a small sacrifice for the greater good."

"..."

"Let us quickly carry it out. Where is the US President? We must start moving from now if we are to make them start a war of conquest."

He hadn't changed at all.

"Mr. Gwangma?"

"Please speak. You will surely like it too. It is a stratagem devised through deep reflection."

"Your reflection is lacking. Your direction is completely wrong. By a lot."

"...Huh?"

Gwangma blinking his eyes.

At the same time, Joo-hyuk's lips parted.

"Return Summoning / Return Summoning / Return Summoning / Return Summoning / Return Summon / Unsummon."

"No, why do you keep..."

Spot! And,

[Gwangma's satisfaction rating has been scored as 1 point.]

He shouldn't have summoned him to ask.

He should just forget about it and do a randomized summon.

Right at that moment!

Beep-beep-beep-beep! The front door opened and.

"Chung! Summoner Bong's right arm, reliable confidant, master of negotiation, Cossack has arrived, sir."

Eh?

Already?

"...How did it go? What about the Rune of Trait Enhancement?"

"Hehehe, hehehehe, hehehehehe."

Cossack laughing frivolously as if he couldn't hold it back.

He could guess without even hearing it.