Chapter 55 - Chapter 55

Chapter 55

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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Ten days left until the countdown to the UAE tower collapse.

Even if the tower collapses, there will be no human casualties.

Having experienced the terror of the Mumbai tower collapse, people would have already fled the collapse radius by then.

However, what about the massive sinkhole?

If a hole with a diameter exceeding 10km appears in the UAE?

It must be stopped at all costs.

Assuming the clear failed, the message UAE-affiliated players would hear in ten days would likely be like this:

[Announcement: Progress on the UAE Black Tower is sluggish.]

[Announcement: The tower collapse countdown is activated.]

[Announcement: The countdown will stop upon successful clearance of upper floors.]

[Announcement: Time remaining until tower collapse: 23 hours 59 minutes 59 seconds.]

He didn't even plan to let it reach the countdown.

He'll finish the clear before that.

By his calculations, within 6 days including today.

He could clear two floors at once in a single day.

Which means the global announcement would go off twice a day.

In that case, it would cause another uproar.

Since he wasn't in a hurry, clearing one floor a day was enough.

[You are entering the 55th floor of the South Korea (South Korean) Black Tower.]

The final section of the griffons.

[55th Floor Mission: Eliminate 50 Griffons regardless of type and 1 Peacock-Feather Storm Griffon.]

[Completion Time Limit: Within 12 hours.]

[Completion Condition: All types of Griffons 0/50, Peacock-Feather Storm Griffon 0/1]

The boss, Peacock-Feather Storm Griffon.

Its tail is large, beautiful, and lushly attached like a peacock's feathers.

However, one must be careful.

Because its special move is a tail feather attack.

It scatters feather spears from the sky to the ground, carpet-bombing the area where the player is standing.

Dodging this is not easy.

The feather spears strike down very densely.

The clear begins.

Griffons flying around, completely filling the sky.

Veronica boldly aimed at a bastard flying right through the middle of the griffon flock.

Pew!

The bastard recognized Veronica.

Then the one next to it, the one next to that, the one following behind....

Add, aggro add.

5 of them descended in an instant.

However, Veronica pulled the trigger again towards other flocks.

Pew!

5 more with a time delay.

Pew! Pzzzt-pzzzt! Pzzzt-pzzzt...

Small magic bullets were fired continuously.

Not a single one ever missed.

However, the rapidly consumed Mana Stone ammunition.

"Quartermaster Rajix!"

Bullet reload.

"Ho-eng!"

Rajix sprinting out happily.

Roll, roll, roll, roll,

Previously, when gathering tower materials during repetitive clears, the main target was ores.

However, after summoning Veronica, he asked Rajix to increase the ratio of gathering Mana Stones.

To supply magic gun ammunition for the Mana Stone-eating hippo, Sergeant Veronica Caliber.

Clang-clang, clang-clang-clang.

Thump-thump, thump-thump-thump.

The sharp sound of drums and bells.

As they approached the ground, the griffon flock fell into confusion due to Gyeon Dal-rae's debuff.

They settled softly on the ground like pigeons grouped up to eat pecking feed.

Gobang systematically snapped the necks of the griffons that had turned into pigeons, and Cossack performed a sword dance with his dagger emitting a deep blue blade aura.

At the same time, Veronica's pull started again.

Gyeon Dal-rae's debuff.

Gobang and Cossack's melee attacks.

It didn't require much time to summon the 55th-floor boss, the Peacock-Feather Storm Griffon.

"Kyeeeeeek!"

A massive griffon spread its peacock feathers wide and appeared leisurely in the distant sky.

Veronica in a kneeling shooting stance.

Ziiiiiing!

Her magic gun glowing white-hot.

Bzzzttt!!!

"Kyeeek!"

The Peacock-Feather Storm Griffon descending after taking a hit to the body.

At the same time, swoosh-swoosh-swoosh! The colorful feathers turned into spears and fell all over the ground.

Gobang, having greatly increased his size, wrapped his arms around Cossack, Gyeon Dal-rae, and Veronica.

Joo-hyuk also hugged Rajix and activated his energy shield.

Of course, the feather spears didn't even fly near Joo-hyuk.

Outside the attack range from the beginning.

Because he's a rear commander.

He doesn't go to dangerous places.

After the bout of feather storm subsided, Veronica fired another large magic bullet.

Bzzzttt!!!

Thump!

The Peacock-Feather Storm Griffon allowed two full large magic bullets.

Could it possibly endure?

It came down stumbling and barely landed on the ground, but.

Flash! Flash! Flash!

Cossack jumped onto its head with Shadow Step.

Stab! Stab!

Blinding both its eyes with his dagger.

Gobang, who had enlarged his body, grabbed the head of the bastard that had fallen into a near-death state, twisted it, and spun it around.

Cra-a-ack!

[Announcement: You have achieved an S++ clear grade on the 55th floor of the Black Tower (South Korea).]

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

From now on, it was Joo-hyuk's time.

Even if he's climbing, he must check the privilege before going.

* * *

He also achieved trait enhancement.

There was also plenty of time left until the next randomized summon cooldown.

So, he wasn't as utterly desperate for the privilege reward as before.

Well, it would be nice if a Summoned Entity Grade Ascension Rune appeared.

To promote Quartermaster Rajix and pin an SR rank badge on him.

But obsessing too much over privileges isn't fitting for a real man.

Checking it coolly.

He didn't even hold an exorcism.

He's used it twice already, so it's boring now.

What the hell is an exorcism, an exorcism!

How ungraceful.

"I pray to you. I pray to you..." To whom is he praying for what?

Opening his inventory like a true man of the tower.

Checking the Platinum Badges, and even if it's an unwanted privilege, with a broad mind without any complaints,

"Confirm!"

[Accumulating 55 Platinum Badges, a privilege is granted.]

What is it.

Hand it over quickly.

A privilege item is good too, a Summoned Entity Grade Ascension Rune to promote Rajix to SR would be even better, and a trait enhancement would be the ultimate jackpot.

[Privilege: You can copy one of the skills possessed by a summoned entity.]

[Select the target.]

[Target: John Cossack / Savage Meat Shield / Gyeon Dal-rae / Rajix / Gwangma]

'Hmm.'

Is this good?

'It's a good one.'

It's a really good one.

One useful skill is worth more than ten items.

He knew just by looking at Cossack's Shadow Step, which he copied first.

Then whose skill among the 5 should he copy?

There are too many...

Joo-hyuk absolutely did not want a wide range of choices.

Phew, gives him a headache.

He prefers someone just deciding for him.

That's why he wore clothes his mom bought him, and only went to the hair salon he always went to.

When the skill copy privilege appeared previously, it was a relief that the choices were limited.

Because there was only Cossack anyway.

But not now.

Cossack, Gobang, Gyeon Dal-rae, Rajix, Gwangma, Veronica Caliber.

Let's look slowly.

Starting with Cossack.

[Cossack's accumulated star rating is above average.]

[The range of choices is widened.]

[List: Blade Explosion, Shock Break, Despicable Sneak Attack, Poison Dagger, Disturbance, Stealth, Invisibility, Polymorph, Lockpicking, Pickpocketing, Mugging, Safe-cracking, An Offer You Can't Refuse...]

...What is with this guy?

The further back he looks, there's a myriad of criminal skills.

What about Gobang?

[Savage Meat Shield's accumulated star rating is above average.]

[The range of choices is widened.]

[List: Diamond Skin, Rapid Regeneration, Gigantification, Roar of Ridicule, Steadfast Soul, Steel Head, Silent Provocation, Final Fighting Spirit, Shockwave, Solid Grip...]

Just as expected of a meat shield tank.

Sorry, but excluded.

No matter how much he wants to be a real man, he'll decline getting beaten up all the time.

Next is Gyeon Dal-rae.

Because her accumulated star rating is high, she also has diverse options.

[List: Bell of Encouragement, Bell of Weakening, Bell of Confusion, Drumbeat of Fighting Spirit, Talisman Art, Straw Cutter Riding, Divination, Sending Death Hex, Sending Karma Hex, Majesty, Scolding...]

He doesn't want to become a male shaman.

What about our reliable worker, Rajix?

[List: Subspace Backpack, Leather Gathering, Mining, Tanning, Herb Gathering, Blacksmith Repair, Survival Cooking, Cleaning, Campsite Construction...]

Skills definitely specialized for a worker.

What about Veronica's list?

[Veronica Caliber's accumulated star rating is above average.]

[The range of choices is widened.]

He didn't give it many times, but he consistently awarded only 5 stars.

[List: Magic Gun Marksmanship, Magic Bullet Concentration, Speed Step, Fade Magic Bullet, Magic Bullet Enhancement, Magic Bullet Volley Fire....]

Except for Speed Step, everything is related to the magic gun.

Even if he learns them, he probably won't be able to use them.

When he doesn't even have a magic gun.

Lastly...

[Gwangma's accumulated star rating is the lowest.]

[The range of choices is narrowed significantly.]

'Hmm.'

Gwangma.

He gave 1 star both times he summoned him, so it undeniably hit rock bottom.

Then are there absolutely no skills he can copy?

Fortunately,

[List: Blood Jade Astral Aura]

There was.

Although it was just a single one.

Objectively speaking, choosing LSSR (Legend Special Super Rare) (Legend Special Super Rare) over SSR is logical.

However, decision paralysis sets in once again.

Should he learn it or not?

He needs to be careful.

'Should I learn it?'

But to properly use the Blood Jade Astral Aura, he has to engage in bare-handed brawls.

Covered in blood and flesh chunks....

Also, even if he learned it, he didn't know if he could show power equal to Gwangma's.

'Then should I not learn it?'

Not learning it is also an unwise choice.

Honestly, if not now, when else would he learn it.

Even if Gwangma is crazy, what sin does the skill have?

There's no guarantee the skill copy privilege will appear again either.

As Joo-hyuk frowned and agonized, the summoned entities each chipped in a word.

"Young Master Bong, please learn the Talisman Art. Though you cannot expect much effect in the beginning due to your low realm, it will improve as you gradually become proficient."

That's a decent thought.

"Nah, rather than the Talisman Art, Stealth or Invisibility is better, sir. If you softly sneak around inside the tower, it becomes much safer, sir."

That makes sense.

"I recommend Diamond Skin or Rapid Regeneration. If your body is sturdy, you won't die easily."

What about Rajix?

"Ho-eng, you don't have to learn mine. I want to do all the work."

Right.

Rajix gets angry if you take away his work.

The expression of joy on Rajix's face when the electronic servant, Ro-cheong, was executed is still vivid.

What about Veronica?

"Snore, snore."

Nodding off.

She's sleeping very well.

Then what are their opinions on copying Gwangma's skill?

When he subtly floated the idea,

"...Are you talking about Gwangma's Blood Jade Astral Aura? Ah, this girl is afraid. Please practice prudence."

"A, absolutely not, sir. Blood, sir. Blood. There's blood in the skill name, sir. It gives me the creeps, sir."

"Summoner, it's fine if you don't learn it."

"Hu-e-e-e,"

"Snore, snore, slurp! Smack-smack."

All dissenting opinions.

It can't be helped.

Taking everyone's opinions into consideration.

"Yes, I will learn Gwangma's skill."

Trait of an inferior man.

He's timid, but when he rebels, he rebels.

To show that he's not someone to be trifled with either.

Why be like this? I'm this kind of person.

I won't just easily follow along the way you guys want!

"..."

"...Eh."

"Haa."

"Hu-eng."

Worried expressions.

He knows what they're worried about.

If he learns a skill, he'll want to try using it, and so he'll eventually participate in combat, and then it could become dangerous.

[Skill: You acquire Blood Jade Astral Aura.]

[The Blood Jade Astral Aura skill has been registered in the status window.]

Skill: Blood Jade Astral Aura

Description: Weaponizes the physical body by emitting formless energy. The power strengthens according to the level's mana. The range of the astral aura's application on the body widens according to proficiency.

'What about the status window?'

[Name]: Bong Joo-hyuk

[Affiliation]: Black Tower (South Korea)

[Level]: 56

[Trait]: Summoning (Simultaneous Summons: 5)

[Catalog]: John Cossack / Savage Meat Shield / Gyeon Dal-rae / Rajix / Gwangma / Veronica Caliber

[Trait Skills]: Designated Summoning / Randomized Summoning / Return Summoning / Return Summoning / Return Summoning / Return Summoning / Return Summon / Unsummon

[General Skills]: Tower Entry (2 times/day) / Tower-Exclusive Inventory

[Combat Skills]: Shadow Step / Hunwon Thunderclap Staff / Blood Jade Astral Aura

His heart soared magnificently seeing his status window packed densely.

He'll try using the Blood Jade Astral Aura inside the tower later.

Although he won't face monsters directly right away, he can at least increase his proficiency through practice.

Tower Entry 2 times a day.

Since he goes in twice, he has plenty of time to practice.

Now it's the Wyvern section.

56th floor Earth Wyverns, 57th floor Flame Wyverns, 58th floor Frost Wyverns, 59th floor Lightning Wyverns, and unusually, on the 60th floor, instead of all the wyverns, Venom Wyverns and the Wyvern Lord appear.

Going straight ahead.

Up to the 59th floor.

The media poured out reports after a long time.

Being a reporter in South Korea is very easy.

In a situation where issues burst out every single day.

- I told you, didn't I? Who's the top player in South Korea, no, the world?

- But, can he really pull off the Wyvern section too? I feel like it'll be tough.

- Hahaha, there are more than a few message board users who disappeared after saying that.

- Don't underestimate the defense of the 56th floor Earth Wyverns. It took ages to catch just one.

- I saw someone's video, wasn't it Yoo Chul-min's clear video?

- Nam Ga-eun did that too.

- Who cares? The players themselves are different to begin with.

Around the time the message boards were heating up.

- Oh!

- Gasp!

- What the?

- It's up.

- Again?

- Let's goo!

The global announcement heard by South Korean-affiliated players.

As if saying there's no difference between wyverns and griffons.

[Announcement: You have achieved an S++ clear grade on the 56th floor of the Black Tower (South Korea).]

9 days remaining until the UAE tower collapse.

[Announcement: You have achieved an S++ clear grade on the 57th floor of the Black Tower (South Korea).]

8 days remaining.

[Announcement: You have achieved an S++ clear grade on the 58th floor of the Black Tower (South Korea).]

7 days remaining.

[Announcement: You have achieved an S++ clear grade on the 59th floor of the Black Tower (South Korea).]

Up to 6 days remaining.

He kept rushing forward.