Chapter 65 - Chapter 65

Chapter 65

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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He spent two straight days staying home.

To take a rest and also soothe the highly agitated summoned entities.

Joo-hyuk is not completely fine either.

He was directly caught up in a terror incident.

In the process, people died.

'...No, I killed them.'

He essentially killed them.

Who summoned Cossack and Gobang anyway.

He acted like he was fine on the outside, but on the inside, he was a shocked inferior man, Bong Joo-hyuk.

To recover his mentality, he didn't even enter the tower and took a solid rest.

Cleaning ho-eng-ho-eng with Rajix, grilling and eating meat, popping it into the sleeping Veronica's mouth, boiling ramen for dessert, hearing Gyeon Dal-rae's scolding of "This guy!" at Cossack's slurping sounds....

'I feel a bit better.'

Having such a fun time, he didn't send everyone back until the afternoon.

Sometimes, alone time is also necessary.

Drinking alone for the first time in a while.

Preparing alcohol and snacks,

It was even an expensive whiskey bought at a department store.

A single malt sherry cask something-or-other.

Originally, he had bought 3 bottles to drink with the summoned entities, but everyone waved their hands saying it was too strong.

'I'm thankful for that.'

To be given the chance to drink expensive liquor alone.

While sipping from a glass full of ice on the rocks with the TV on, the news happened to come on.

The heroes who appeared at the showcase terror scene.

Sure, it's not insufficient to call them heroes, but....

'It's an uproar, an uproar.'

News rampant with all sorts of misunderstandings,

Suddenly, Cossack and Gobang became the S++ clear record holders.

'...Is it not a misunderstanding?'

Turns out the media got it exactly right.

The moment! Bzzzt! A phone call came in.

It was Deputy Director Jeon Kwang-il.

"Hello."

- Player Bong. Are you uncomfortable in any way?

"Yes, after resting a bit, I've gotten better."

I even had a glass of expensive liquor.

- It might be bothersome, but I thought you should know....

The reason Jeon Kwang-il called.

First, not to worry about the media.

He received many interview requests but absolutely declined to respond, saying it was purely speculative reporting.

And the identity of the terrorists.

It's certain they are Chinese.

At the same time, it's highly likely they are the rumored player kidnappers,

However, since they are keeping their mouths shut and not saying a word, it will take some time to uncover certainly.

But,

"...Player kidnappings? Wasn't that a ghost story?"

- It is something that is actually happening. Not just China, but surprisingly many countries commit such acts. India is also under suspicion.

It's chilling.

In a way, humans are scarier than the tower.

"Then even now, the kidnapped players must be imprisoned somewhere in China."

- That's right. That is our judgment.

Bad bastards.

No matter how urgent, to kidnap people and forcibly deploy them in tower clears.

What if they die?

Not even evidence is left behind.

They just disappear.

The kidnapped players are one thing, but what about their families?

'Phew,'

He feels conflicted.

He was drinking alone to recover his mentality, but somehow he feels even worse.

'Should I call Mr. Cossack?'

To chat together.

Since 3 hours have passed....

"Designated Summoning John Cossack."

Hwaaaat!

"Certain! Cossack is here. ....Heek! Did you finally drink that strong liquor, sir? Your liver enzyme levels will go up, sir. Please show restraint, sir."

Then Cossack, realizing he was summoned alone.

"I-is it perhaps a mission, sir?"

"No. I have a worry,"

"Hehehe, you did well, sir. Who am I! Summoner Bong's right arm, the counselor for problem children 'There Are No Bad Players in the World', this Cossack will listen to your worries, sir."

Who's a problem child.

"It's nothing else..."

Joo-hyuk repeated Deputy Director Jeon Kwang-il's story exactly as heard.

Cossack's complexion gradually stiffened.

"...Bastards who wouldn't be adequately punished even if they died a hundred times, sir."

"Right? Seeing those kidnapped players makes my heart feel a bit off. It makes me depressed too."

"Ahhh, this Cossack is touched by Summoner Bong's benevolent heart, sir. Tears are blurring my vision, sir."

Touched my foot.

When a person says they're depressed.

Cossack sprang up and said,

"May I go outside and come back, sir?"

"Why?"

"I'll go ask and come back, sir. Where they are imprisoning the kidnapped players, sir."

"Whom?"

"The guy I kept alive, sir."

"Do you know where he is?"

"I stamped him with a mark beforehand in case he ran away, sir."

He thought he was clumsy, but Cossack is incredibly thorough.

Indeed, you shouldn't judge a person purely by appearances.

"What if he doesn't tell you even if you ask?"

"I just negotiate, sir."

You mean threaten.

"What are you going to do if you find out?"

"The decision always lies with the Summoner, sir. We merely obey when commanded, sir."

He has no other choice.

Let's at least find out.

"Go and come back slowly. We can talk about it tomorrow. If you're hungry, buy something delicious to eat with this money."

Joo-hyuk opened his wallet and handed Cossack a few bills.

"Aigoo, you don't have to do this, sir."

"It's pocket money."

"Certain! Thank you, sir. Then I will go and come back, sir. Hehehehe."

With Cossack gone, he feels lonely again.

Is it because the alcohol is kicking in?

Isn't there anyone to have a drink with together?

Having a narrow social network, it's a bit sad in times like this.

Joo-hyuk opened the catalog in his status window.

One name among them.

'Gwangma...'

His name is listed in the catalog, but he has the lowest rating, and is a summoned entity called forth barely twice.

Honestly, he also feels a bit sorry.

Although his methods are aggressive, it's all for him.

Since every time they met, he gave a 1-star rating and practically chased him out.

Shall I converse with him until the summon time limit expires today?

If there's any change in his thoughts, while drinking together,

"Designated Summoning Gwangma."

Hwaaaak!

A cluster of light rose up.

And then appeared Gwangma.

"Summoner."

"Welcome."

Still frightening, but borrowing the power of the alcohol.

"I was thinking of sharing a conversation for a moment, if you are uncomfortable..."

"What is there to be uncomfortable about. I'm just grateful you even called."

Joo-hyuk and Gwangma sat facing each other at the dining table.

"Would you like a drink? I don't know if it'll suit your taste."

"Oh! This old man's mouth will experience luxury."

"I'll pour you a glass."

"How about the Summoner?"

"I should drink too. Since it's expensive liquor."

"Hahaha, you should indeed. Give it here. This old man will pour for you first."

In a way, Gwangma also seems like quite a pushover.

He got forcefully unsummoned and hit with 1-star ratings twice, yet he's smiling like that as if it's so great.

Trickle-trickle,

The glass was filled.

He drank a glass, and drank another.

Alcohol gives people courage.

Joo-hyuk asked Gwangma.

"...Your thoughts from our previous conversation haven't changed, right? Conquering Earth, uniting the world into one nation."

Gwangma let out a deep sigh.

"Phew, do you want me to change my thoughts?"

"Yes."

Then.

"Summoner, of course I can follow your command. If you tell me to change my resolve, I could answer right now that I will do so."

The atmosphere is good though?

"But can you trust me? This old man's obedience?"

"..."

Thinking about it quietly, he doesn't think he could trust him.

The 3rd clause of the 3 Principles is a decision made voluntarily by the summoned entity.

"All summoned entities have their own respective standards. If the Summoner is judged to be in danger, they can commit any act. Even if it goes against the Summoner's values."

Gwangma drinking another glass of liquor.

"My 3rd clause of the 3 Principles, that is a conviction stemming from my identity and life experiences. The true enemy lies within. If the inside isn't cleaned up, complete conquest of the tower remains difficult, I see it as such."

Somehow looking lonely, Gwangma's expression.

"Summoner, no need to try and persuade this old man earnestly. It'll just consume mental energy. If you ever judge this old man to be useful, you can just use me then."

Conviction.

It's true that it's hard to change.

But what in the world is eternal anyway?

Joo-hyuk poured liquor into Gwangma's empty glass again.

"It seems I can stay quite a while today."

"Yes, I won't send you back forcefully."

"Heoheoheo, how gracious of you."

Let's spend time together.

Have a lot of conversation too.

Whether he becomes immersed in Gwangma's conviction, or Gwangma in his, it will work out somehow.

Joo-hyuk also drank alongside him.

Back and forth until they emptied one bottle of whiskey together and opened a new one.

Gwangma also seemed to be in a good mood.

As if intoxicated, his face flushed red.

"Summoner, I have something to tell you. May I?"

"Haha, speak as you please."

"Is the tower collapse time limit of this world still 6 months?"

"Right."

"However, do not let your guard down. The collapse time limit could change at any moment."

"Pardon?"

What is he talking about?

"...Are you saying it could decrease?"

"That is correct. The tower is highly unpredictable. At some point it could become 3 months, or a month, even 15 days... truly cunning. Just when tower clears timed to the schedule are becoming a habit, it strikes the back of the head, you could say."

Fuck.

He suddenly feels anxious.

"I hope you always keep that in mind. And call this old man anytime you are needed."

"When and how is it going to change? A bit more detailed...."

"Because a restriction is applied, it is difficult to say any more."

"Ah!"

If it's someone at Gwangma's level, he must have climbed upper floors, and experienced the destruction of a world.

"Regarding the missions of the floors we have to climb next? For instance, what it's like on the 71st floor and above."

"That is the same. I don't even remember."

Gwangma too, and Cossack too.

There seems to be such a thing as a restriction.

Anyway, he just has to go up and see for himself.

That aside.

'Hmm.'

He suddenly became curious.

This is the 3rd summon so far, but he has never seen what kind of abilities Gwangma can display in the tower.

Joo-hyuk looked at the clock.

It's been close to 3 hours since he shared drinks with Gwangma.

About 10 minutes left until the summon time limit.

"Mr. Gwangma."

"Yes? Must I go now?"

"The time is indeed up, but would you like to enter the tower with me once?"

"Hahaha, that is no problem. Let us go."

Let's just spectate.

If we can fight together, we'll try fighting.

* * *

[You are entering the 61st floor of the South Korea (South Korean) Black Tower.]

"Truly a tower clear after a long time. I am merely grateful to the Summoner for giving me this opportunity."

"...An opportunity? It's me who asked."

"I will work hard. Let us extract a useful item taking this chance."

"Aigoo, I'm not even expecting anything."

The horrendously low probability item rewards.

They don't often give them even with S++ clear grades.

Moreover, right now is a repetitive clear; they wouldn't give an item.

"It is a floor where shoddy jiangshi appear. Though they are covered in demonic qi (Demonic Qi)."

"That's right. U-uh, the Holy Sword would probably be needed, right?"

"Put it away."

Hmm, I'm anxious though.

"We have to strip away the dark aura anyway. I learned a skill called Hunwon Thunderclap Staff, and it can be manifested through the Holy Sword as well..."

"Will there be time to use a skill? Stepping forward could get you hurt, so just watching is sufficient."

Wait, is this gentleman doing this too? Just watch again?

Gwangma and Joo-hyuk stepped out of the safe zone.

Gwangma stepping forward as if taking a stroll with his hands behind his back.

"There are two methods to deal with demonic qi. You can utilize a power that opposes demonic qi, such as holy energy, or...."

Woooooong!

"You can suppress it with a stronger demonic qi."

A gloomy, black-colored energy swelled up from his entire body.

Even more ominous than a dark aura.

"They aren't even comparable to an after-meal snack."

Worthy of a Demonic Demon (狂魔 / Gwangma).

There's a reason 'Demon' (魔 / Ma) is in his name.

"Let us finish quickly and exit. The Summoner must be tired as well, shouldn't you sleep comfortably."

Gwangma raised his hand.

Right then! Swoong!

A massive, formless energy originating from his hand.

It was an astral aura shaped like a crescent moon, or a boomerang.

As soon as it formed, it was fired straight away.

Cheu-pa-pa-pa-pa...

The astral aura boomerang spun and swept through the Dark Mummies.

Pa-seususeuseu...

Dark Mummies shattering and disappearing like dust.

It was instantaneous.

There were Dark Mummies, but then they were gone.

The boomerang merely circled the 61st floor once.

That was the end. There was no second attack.

[You have succeeded in the 61st-floor mission.]

[Reward: 6.1kg of Mana Stones]

[Reward: Tower-Exclusive Ring of Exit]

"...Huh?"

"Is there a problem?"

"We really did extract an item."

"Oh! Is that so? Well, that worked out well. I seem to have covered the cost of the alcohol I drank."

It's a good thing I called Gwangma.

* * *

South Korean National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (NIS))) Building.

Underground, there was an confinement cell fortified like an iron fortress.

Xiaojun, wrapped in bandages around his severed wrist and wearing a suicide prevention restraint device, was perched on the bed.

He had just undergone an interrogation accompanied by an interpreter a little while ago and was confined again.

Of course, he hadn't said a single word.

Even though he knew Korean.

'Insignificant bastards.'

An interrogation by the incompetent National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (NIS)))?

They want me to open my mouth?

Before becoming the Deputy Director of the Special Intelligence Department, Xiaojun was a trained soldier.

He has experience being deployed in dozens of operations for player kidnappings.

Because the nature of the missions was such, he also received training assuming he was captured by the enemy.

He was confident he could endure any torture.

He even received truth serum endurance training.

He would endure until the end.

Then an opportunity would come.

Either escaping, or walking out confidently.

'I should get some sleep.'

To endure torture and interrogations, supplementing stamina is essential.

Fortunately, they feed him and let him sleep.

If it were China, what food?

They wouldn't have let him sleep either.

They seem to be acting this way thinking they are respecting human rights.

Xiaojun laid down on the bed.

He was about to slowly drift off to sleep.

Clack!

The sound of the confinement cell door opening.

What is it?

There hadn't even been a presence.

He sprang up and looked around. There was still no one.

"What in the......?"

It was then.

Swish!

A palm covering his mouth.

Simultaneously, a certain energy rushed into his body.

Xiaojun's body arched like a bow.

A horrific agony he had never experienced until now.

It felt like his muscles were tearing apart.

It felt like his bones were being scraped off with a file.

It felt like his internal organs were melting down.

He wanted to scream, but the sound wouldn't come out of his mouth.

"Kkeu-eup, eup-eup...."

"Shh! I just gave you a taste, what will you do if you can't endure this?"

The voice is familiar.

Right.

It was certain.

The person who cut off his wrist.

"From now on, I will ask a few things. You must absolutely answer in Korean."

Cossack whispered quietly into Xiaojun's ear.

"Where is the location holding the kidnapped players confined? If you intend to speak, just nod your head."

Xiaojun rapidly rolled his eyeballs around.

What should I do? At that moment,

"You won't do. Just rolling your eyes around, you still haven't come to your senses, huh?"

"Kkeu-eup!"

A severe pain rushing in once again.

Incomparable to the first pain.

"I was trying to let this go smoothly if possible, you know?"

"Eup! Eup-eup-eup!"

"Try enduring it well. Your mind will break down anyway."

"Eu-eup, kkeu-eu-eu-eup!"

He'd rather lose consciousness, but.

"Ayy, we haven't even started."

Xiaojun wanted to nod his head.

He was confident he could inform him of the exact location in Korean.

However, his head wouldn't nod.

Because the hand covering his mouth was holding his head firmly.

"Eu-eup, eu-eu-eu-eu-eup..."

No, please let me nod my head, I'm telling you I'll speak.