Chapter 68 - Chapter 68

Chapter 68

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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US Department of Homeland Security, Washington.

Director of Tower Climbing Antonio ran to the office upon receiving Secretary MacMillan's summons.

Lately, since things have been exploding so much, he feels a bit anxious.

Sure enough.

"...Players requested rescue at the US Embassy in China, you say?"

"Yeah."

"And those are people claiming they were kidnapped?"

"Yes, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia.. a total of 8 people."

"Wait, putting aside the kidnapping, how did they escape?"

"They wouldn't talk about the details. Suddenly their confinement cell door opened, and when they came out into the hallway, all the guards were collapsed."

That's nonsense.

There is definitely a benefactor who rescued them.

Like those two players who instantly disposed of the terrorists at the HG Hotel fashion show venue.

"By any chance, those people from then...."

"I know what you're trying to say, but nothing is certain yet."

Antonio also agreed with Secretary MacMillan's words.

Because they would only know for sure after conducting an investigation.

"What is the White House's plan to respond?"

"We have to protect them for now, and we've already contacted the embassies of each country."

"And then?"

"We're contemplating it, it's quite a massive issue, you know."

"Right."

China's acts of kidnapping players.

Until now, it had merely floated around as rumors.

Because there was no solid evidence.

However, things are different now.

Witnesses have emerged.

A whopping 8 players of different nationalities.

"And this is intelligence that came in from the CIA side.."

Director MacMillan lowered his voice and spoke cautiously.

"It seems an accident has occurred to President Lin."

If it's President Lin,

"Ar, are you referring to China's supreme leader Lin Chaoming?"

"Correct."

"Wait, what kind of accident, an illness? An accident?...Surely it couldn't be a, assassination, could it?"

"They're placing more weight on illness, but that isn't certain yet either."

"...Is it to the level that we have to prepare for it?"

"They said it's quite serious."

A massive incident.

While the exposure of player kidnappings is also huge, a problem occurring to China's supreme power holder is an even more shocking matter.

"It will be noisy for a while."

"Very much so."

"You will suffer as well, Secretary."

"..."

Whom are you teasing.

When it will become difficult to even go home from now on.

"You should pay attention to the tower clears as well, how about discovering rookies taking this opportunity? We can't keep trusting only Gerald forever."

"...I am working hard."

"Only talking? Let's also possess an S++ grade clear record holder."

Antonio wanted that as well.

An S++ grade clear record holder of US nationality.

He was willing to serve them like an emperor.

But that is if they appear.

* * *

A terror incident occurring in the central area of Beijing.

However, Chinese media didn't even mention it.

Even though two roars echoed through the city during the early morning hours, and public security, soldiers, and even ambulances and fire trucks rushed around making a fuss.

The news broke first through the media of other countries.

That afternoon.

Exposés reported by an American news-specialized channel.

- I am Nguyen, a Level 57 player from Vietnam. I was kidnapped by China. Confined in a room, undergoing torture and threats, forced into Chinese Black Tower clears....

- I am Imisha, an archer from Malaysia. It has been over 3 years since I was kidnapped by China. Look at these wounds. Marks of torture. I want to see my family. The injustice in my heart....

- My name is Chang Chin-ping. I am not a Chinese player. My homeland is Taiwan. Keelung is my hometown. They kidnapped me saying we are the same Chinese people. There is a traitor inside Taiwan. That bastard's name is....

Players claiming to have been kidnapped came out in rapid succession to expose China's atrocities.

The entire world flipped upside down.

China kidnapped players and forcibly naturalized them to deploy them in tower clears?

Originally, it was an unconfirmed ghost story.

There was only circumstantial evidence, no material evidence.

However, a whopping 8 witnesses appeared.

All of them were players who had been declared dead inside the tower or processed as missing persons in their home countries.

The home countries of the kidnapped victims each issued statements condemning the Chinese government.

Punishment for those responsible, a direct apology from the Chinese President, establishment of compensation measures, and so on.

Of course, countries that were not the victims also condemned China.

If they don't want to be branded as a criminal nation, they must formally convey a sincere apology as soon as possible.

Like this, every single country around the world formally protested to China, yet the Chinese government didn't even respond.

Normally around this time, a spokesperson would appear on a domestic broadcast to blatantly claim it's a slander against China, an unfounded assertion, and that they will not forgive countries spreading false rumors without definite proof, yet.

China did a China.

Wow! Our country bravely avoided it. Because we're a developed country?

Like hell we avoided it, there was a similar attempt before. The hotel incident too.

What's happening now? Will China make a full bow on the ground?

Would they? They'll just feign ignorance.

But why are they completely silent?

Yeah, the whole world is cursing them together.

It's the right timing for excuses. We will absolutely not sit back against acts insulting the Chinese nation!

Are they taking this opportunity to build up their endurance?

This is unconfirmed information, but.

What?

Someone is admitted to a VIP room at Beijing University Hospital in China?

So what about it?

I have an acquaintance over there, and rumors that it's Lin Chaoming have been trickling out.

Ayy, there's no way, the Chinese President?

Rumors gradually spread.

China was shaking.

* * *

Joo-hyuk also watched the TV.

The kidnapped players were completely rescued.

How can he not trust them like this.

As expected of early members. Loyal subject Cossack.

"It is incredible. I cannot help but admire it. How did you rescue everyone without a single one falling behind?"

"I showed off some tricks, sir. Hehehehe."

"Phew, if you showed off your tricks twice, China would fall to ruin. Hahahaha."

"Actually, I did show off my tricks twice...."

"Pardon?"

"Pardon, sir?"

"What did you just say...,"

"Ah, nothing, sir. I didn't say anything, sir."

Moreover, Veronica too....

"Snore! Zzz, zzz,"

Since she's sleeping, let's not wake her up.

Anyway, the sense of discomfort hanging in a corner of his heart was entirely resolved.

"I truly feel like I want to compensate you at least. Pocket money like before?"

"Aigoo, please keep it, sir, I haven't even used all of what I received before, sir."

"Because I feel shameless just saying thank you with words."

"No, sir! A single warm word from Summoner Bong makes this Cossack's energy surge robustly, sir."

Even so, he can't just close his mouth and move on.

Anyone can praise with just words.

He said he didn't need money, buying him beef had been used up too often, and although it's difficult to buy them a car each,

He wished there was some symbolic reward.

Something that can remain permanently.

For example, something like a medal.

'...Wait!'

It just so happens there's something similar.

"Mr. Cossack."

"Yeah!"

"Shall I pin a medal on you?"

"...Pardon, sir?"

A medal, you say.

Cossack's expression showing he didn't understand why,

"You mean that thing pinned on the, the chest, sir?"

"Yes."

"Something shining brightly, sir?"

"Yes, a medal!"

The moment!

Veronica springing up from beside him.

"Sergeant Veronica Caliber!...Is, is it a reward medal, sir?"

Flinch!

The other summoned entities also reacted.

While engrossed in their own tasks, at the sound of a medal, they stopped what they were doing and turned their gazes to Joo-hyuk.

It's an unexpectedly explosive interest?

"I'll pin it on you. Come over here."

"...Uwaaaa."

Cossack stood awkwardly in front of Joo-hyuk with a stiffly tense expression.

Just pinning it on him isn't fun. Let's at least keep up appearances.

"Summoned entity Mr. Cossack!"

"...Y, yeah!"

Joo-hyuk opened his inventory and took out a Platinum Badge.

"You have made great contributions to safely returning the kidnapped players home through perfect planning and execution. Accordingly, I award you this medal, no, badge."

Cossack with his eyes wide open.

"Gasp!...Th, this precious thing."

"You are qualified to receive it, Mr. Cossack. Because you handled the task superbly."

"Uwaaaa, S, Summoner Bong, sir!"

The summoned entities looking on with envious eyes.

The assassin Cossack receives a medal from Summoner Bong.

It was an unprecedented event.

'A medal, ahhh.'

'Ahem, I am envious.'

'It must be nice.'

'Ho-e-e-e...'

A badge received as an S++ grade clear reward.

Currently, the number of badges Joo-hyuk possesses, including the one received from the UAE Black Tower, totals 63.

He received all the privileges he could get with them, so what's the point of just holding on to them?

But he found a use for them.

This is exactly when to use them.

Since completely rescuing players is also an act equivalent to an S++ grade clear.

The badge also had a pin attached to fasten it to clothes.

Joo-hyuk pinned the Platinum Badge on Cossack's chest.

"Thank you, sir! I don't know what to do with myself, sir. However, I will not be satisfied, sir. Until the day my entire chest is filled with badges, this Cossack will do my utmost to pledge loyalty to Summoner Bong with all my strength, sir."

Cossack raised both his hands high with a proud expression.

He puffed out his chest so the other summoned entities could clearly see the badge and spun once around the living room.

How could applause not erupt? Even though the sound was very quiet.

They are congratulating him, but they feel jealous.

I could also do well.

A Platinum Badge directly pinned by the Summoner.

How can I hold back seeing that?

"Next, Veronica Caliber, come forward."

Dash!

Veronica reacting like lightning.

"...O, oh my? Me too?"

"I have to give you one."

Veronica stood hastily, yet quickly, at attention in front of Joo-hyuk.

"Summoned Entity Veronica."

"Sergeant Veronica Caliber!"

"You have made great contributions by protecting the hostages and safely escorting them to a secure location with elusive magic gun marksmanship together with Cossack. Accordingly, I award you this badge."

"Certain Victory!!!"

He took out another badge from his inventory.

And the moment he was about to pin it on Veronica!

'...Uh.'

This is embarrassing.

Veronica puffed her chest out firmly to make it easy to pin.

What should I do?

Two massive somethings entirely filled Joo-hyuk's vision.

Furthermore, the enhanced suit she was wearing was in the form of full-body tights.

Meaning it stuck tightly to her.

Dangerous.

'...I can't just not pin it on her.'

Gulp.

Joo-hyuk swallowed dry saliva.

Oh well, I don't know.

With a trembling hand, he lightly pinched the fabric of the enhanced suit on Veronica's chest and tightly pinned the badge,

"S, Sergeant Veronica Caliber. This is the most honorable and proud medal among those I have received thus far. I will struggle fiercely for the commander's victory."

Applause lacking energy because they were so envious.

"Kyaaaak! It's a medal! A medal!!!"

Veronica jumped around the living room shouting hurrah.

On the other hand, Gobang tightly shutting his eyes, Gyeon Dal-rae letting out a sigh, Rajix mopping the floor while lying flat with an expression filled with despair.

However?

"Next, Summoned Entity Gyeon Dal-rae."

"...Pardon?"

Gyeon Dal-rae's eyes sparkled brilliantly.

"I, I shall receive your command."

"You have made great contributions by performing the prayer ritual to allow for the acquisition of the Trait Enhancement Rune with a click. I award you this badge."

"...Your grace is immeasurable. Why grant such a great reward to a lowly girl like me."

What great reward.

It's just one badge.

She's practically dying of happiness.

This makes the giver feel good too.

Clap clap clap clap!

The sound of applause gradually grew louder.

Because now expectation had risen higher than disappointment.

Even Gyeon Dal-rae received one.

Past contributions are applied retroactively.

If so?

"Summoned Entity Barbarian Warrior Meat Shield."

"I, I am here. I am coming too!"

Swoosh!

Gobang growing massive through Size Enlargement out of excitement.

"Shrink your body. You're too big."

Swoosh.

"You have plunged your body into a poison pit to protect your comrades during the 60th Floor Wyvern Lord clear. I award you this merit badge."

"Q, quickly...."

His upper body is bare, so there's nowhere to pin it.

With no other choice, on the pants that didn't tear even when he enlarged.

"Heoheoheoheo."

Gobang grinned broadly and swept his hand over the badge pinned to the waistband of his pants.

Is he that happy?

The moment! Roll-roll-roll-roll!

Rajix, who couldn't hold back as if in such a hurry, rolled out in front of Joo-hyuk.

"Ho, ho-e,"

Rajix stamping his feet and shooting anxious glances asking to quickly give him the badge.

Aigoo, how cute.

He's already blowing steam out of his nose profusely.

"Summoned Entity Rajix."

"Ho-eng!"

"You have made great financial contributions through gathering Basilisk hide and tower ores. Accordingly, I award you this merit badge."

"Ho-ek!"

For Rajix, he pinned the badge on his subspace backpack.

"Ho-e-e, g, good."

Bobbing up and down,

Rajix, savoring the joy while spinning his plump body round and round in place.

Joo-hyuk took out one more badge.

"Summoned Entity Rajix."

Huh?

Why call him again?

Surely he isn't going to take it away after giving it.

"...Ho-e?"

"You have performed an immense merit for the future tower climbs that will unfold by collecting rune fragments and ticket fragments. Accordingly, I award you one more badge."

"Ho-e-ek?"

Rajix trembled all over.

2? Only me?

The other summoned entities nodded their heads in acknowledgment.

He deserves to receive it.

Considering how many merits he's established.

"Hu-e-eng."

Tears welled up in Rajix's large eyes, but his face was full of happiness.

Are badges that good?

If I knew it would be like this, I would have given them sooner.

Indeed!

One physical badge is much better than hearing a hundred praises in mere words.

Joo-hyuk was also satisfied.

Later, I should also give privileges to the summoned entities who collect 5.

"Um, today's 63rd-floor clear is.... Dark Skeletons, so it wouldn't be too difficult, right?"

The expressions of the summoned entities suddenly turning grim.

"Trust and leave it to me, sir. Summoner Bong's right arm, the artisan of beef bone broth, Majang-dong's bone deboner. This Cossack will do it all for you, sir."

"Sergeant Veronica Caliber, the unerring magic gunner! The grim reaper of monsters, the milky white lone female ranger. I will sever each and every joint of the skeletons with magic bullets."

"Warrior Gobang, the avatar of regeneration, the meat shield tank, aggro expert, I'll pay for the badge I received."

"This girl, the top shaman of the Heavenly Empire, the pro of SSitgimgut, conductor of bell and drum, I shall shake the bells until my wrists break."

"...Why is everyone copying me, sir? The cha, characters overlap, sir."

And then,

"Ho-e-ek!"

As if saying to trust only him, Rajix pulled out the gleaming golden pickaxe, rested it securely on his shoulder, and shot a sharp glare.

'Hmm,'

It's a bit scary.

His greed for badges could be felt exactly as it was.

However, it was proper motivation.

* * *

[You are entering the 63rd floor of the South Korea (South Korean) Black Tower.]

The 63rd floor.

Dark Skeletons.

Skeletal bodies without a single patch of skin.

Incredibly hard.

At the level of metal, not bone.

A place where blunt weapons exert more power than bladed weapons.

A large glaive or greatsword is also fine.

However, perhaps because they were soldiers in their past lives, they attack not empty-handed, but holding shields, swords, blades, and spears.

[63rd Floor Mission: Defeat 15 Dark Skeletons.]

The mission dropped.

The party bouncing up and down.

An opportunity to establish merit.

Rajix, in particular, smiled ecstatically the moment he entered.

I can smell it. A smell.

The smell of holy energy buried somewhere deep inside the ground.

'Hu-e-e-e...'

Materials for the Holy Sword's repair.

Another Platinum Badge is vivid before his eyes.

Rajix is still hungry.

He will not stop.

Until he fills his entire subspace backpack with brightly shining Platinum Badges.