Chapter 72 - Chapter 72

Chapter 72

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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Finishing his business at the Awakening Management Agency, Joo-hyuk quickly returned home.

His heart in a hurry.

Joy multiplies when shared.

After quickly designated-summoning the summoned entities,

"Take a look at this piping hot rune that just finished repairs."

Joo-hyuk holding out the Rune of Trait Enhancement like an identity tag.

"Gasp! Tr, Trait Enhancement? Is this a dream, or reality, sir?"

Cossack approaching with hurried, short steps while bending his waist deeply.

"It was truly a magnificent choice, sir. What would we have done if you listened to me back then and applied the scroll to the Holy Sword, sir?"

"The feeling just came to me. That I should apply this to the broken rune."

Clapping his hands and rubbing his palms together in agreement,

"Hehehe, as expected of Summoner Bong, sir. You are brilliant, sir."

"Hahaha, what brilliance, I was just lucky."

"Aigoo, isn't luck also a skill, sir? Hehehehe!"

The other summoned entities as well,

"Good. Good! The warrior also feels very good."

"The heavens were moved by Young Master's devotion. It feels as if a dance flows out of its own accord."

"Certain Victory! Infinite glory on the path ahead for the Commander!"

"Ho-e-e-e-e!"

Everyone rejoiced together.

"Please consume it quickly while it's piping hot, sir. I'll fetch a glass of water so you don't get indigestion while eating it, sir."

Cossack in sudden loyal subject mode these days, the effect of the badge is definitely big.

Anyway, it's best to consume it quickly.

A repaired item with pieces patched together loosely.

If he's not careful, repaired parts might fall off.

Joo-hyuk quickly popped the rune into his mouth.

Melting softly as soon as it touched his tongue and sliding down his throat, the Rune of Trait Enhancement.

[Awakening Trait is enhanced.]

What about the status window?

[Trait]: Summoning (Simultaneous Summoning: 6)

It was fantastic. 6 simultaneous summons, he felt full even without eating.

Congratulatory applause from the summoned entities. He answered by raising his hand.

"Let's proceed with the event."

"Are we going straight into Random Summoning, sir?"

"No. That's the part 2 event, the part 1 event is a commendation for merit."

Joo-hyuk looked at Rajix with a pleased smile and spoke.

"Mr. Rajix, step forward."

"Ho-eng!"

Roll-roll. Clack!

After taking out a Platinum Badge.

"You have established immense merit for future tower climbs by discovering the Trait Enhancement Rune fragment, so I award this badge to you. The prize is a box of pesticide-free organic carrots from Jeju Island."

"Ho-e-e-e,"

Joo-hyuk pinned the badge to Rajix's subspace backpack.

A whopping 3 brightly shining badges.

Shrug!

Puffing out his chest as much as possible, Rajix waddled a lap around the living room on his short legs.

The others had no choice but to acknowledge it.

Because of Rajix, the summoner became stronger and safer.

"Worker Rajix! Your form is crazy, sir!"

"Congratulations. You are the best servant in the world. You have ample right to be arrogant."

"Quartermaster! I respect you. And I am envious."

"Incredible. Worker."

"That's 3 badges, sir. Aren't they heavy, sir? Let me hold one for you, sir."

"Hu-ek!"

Rajix's face was filled with happiness.

"The part 2 event is a Random Summoning. One more person will finally be coming."

The first meeting with a new person.

He doesn't care whether that person is a man or a woman.

Just hoping it's a normal person, please.

"And the part 3 event is shopping. We plan to run straight through to the part 4 event, the after-party. Be prepared."

"Eh? We might be short on time, sir."

"We'll take about a 3-hour break in the middle and meet again for the after-party."

"I am curious about the after-party menu, sir."

"Hmm, since we have Perception-Hindering Talismans too.... how about a top-tier buffet?"

"Hiek! Gobang might get kicked out, sir."

"...Is that so?"

True, does he eat a bit too much?

The beef restaurant we went to before would be better.

I should tell them to prepare 500 servings this time.

"When the new comrade comes, everyone treat them well. Don't be territorial."

"Hehehe, as a senior, I'll teach them step by step from one to ten, sir."

"The warrior will take care of them both materially and emotionally."

"I am confident in recruiting training."

"No matter how much of a dud it is, could it be worse than Gwangma?"

"Ho-e."

What class would be good?

"Let's everyone say what type of comrade you want. For reference, anyone is fine with me. Grade, gender, age, profession, it doesn't matter."

Cossack opened his mouth first.

"I wish a Saintess or a Priest would appear, sir. A dignified noble who lets it slide even if I slurp noodles without shouting at me in anger, sir."

Glare!

Gyeon Dal-rae glared at Cossack once, before saying,

"...A Holy Knight would also be fine. A wise Holy Knight who can offer genuine advice to Young Master instead of a cunning sycophant."

Veronica as well,

"If a capable Medic transfers in, I will teach them well as a senior soldier."

Gobang and Rajix too.

"If there's a Summoner-exclusive Healer, the warrior's mind would be at ease."

"Ho-e-e-e, me too."

Everyone wanted a comrade with the Holy attribute.

Joo-hyuk didn't exactly think it was necessary.

Even right now, things are running extremely smoothly.

But I should respect my comrades' wishes.

Since they can cast heals on Gobang who suffers alone tanking, and even synergize with the shaman Gyeon Dal-rae.

'Please send just one Holy attribute comrade. It would be really great if they are properly sane.'

And after that,

"Random Summoning!"

[Commencing Random Summoning.]

"Doo-goo-doo-goo-doo-goo-doo-goo..."

With the rhythm of Cossack's mouth, hwa-a-a-a-at! The summoning began.

Already the 7th Random Summoning.

Meaning six months have passed since he became a player.

It'll be someone decent, right?

Surely among all those myriad souls, there wouldn't be not a single normal soul.

A cluster of light gathered in one spot.

Then it gradually turned into the shape of a person.

"Oh!"

"I'm nervous, sir."

"A brilliant and bright light. It's a good premonition."

"Hu-e-e,"

Light completely filling the penthouse living room.

The light doesn't easily disappear.

Finally, pa-pa-pa-pat!

The new summoned entity finally revealing their appearance.

Clearly visible.

The class is also predictable.

"...A Knight?"

"Right. He is wearing armor."

"Ahh, please observe, it is brilliance."

"Is it a Holy Knight, sir?"

"Who's buying a horse?"

"A Holy Knight, sir."

It seems a Holy Knight is correct.

Armed in shining iron plate armor.

Macabre thorns densely studded on the surface of the armor.

The weapon held in their hand was also a metal flail surrounded by a silver film.

It's undeniably brilliance.

A weapon and armor that emit light on their own. Meaning, a Holy Knight of Brilliance.

A moment later the light disappeared.

Then the Holy Knight bowing his head to Joo-hyuk.

"Servant of Lord God Nigel and His glorious sword, Lucius Bardin, greets the Summoner."

"Haha, welcome."

Ahh.

He could feel it just by hearing the way he spoke.

A serious voice, a dignified attitude.

Finally, a normal summoned entity has arrived.

And a Holy Knight class at that.

'Then...'

Glancing into the status window categories.

- Name: Lucius Bardin

- Rank: SR (Super Rare)

- Type: Holy Knight (Human)

- Manifestation Duration: 6 Hours

- Satisfaction Evaluation: None.

- Re-summon Cooldown: 3 Hours (Applies after unsummon)

'Heretic Inquisitor?'

What is this?

Anxiety suddenly crept in.

'Somehow....'

Is it that sad premonitions are never wrong.

Finishing his greetings with Joo-hyuk, Lucius Bardin shouted loudly with a serious face.

"So the filthy heathens were all gathered here."

What the.

Joo-hyuk and the summoned entities all froze like ice.

"Cunning unbelievers! You are the culprits leading the Summoner down the path of heresy."

Gradually,

"Summoner! Do not worry. I shall guide you back to the righteous path. Let us repent and be embraced in the Lord God's bosom."

This is a huge problem.

He ended up drawing a fanatic.

Clank, clank.

Lucius Bardin in the thorned armor raised his flail and declared.

"I must make an example of someone."

His eyes turned toward Gyeon Dal-rae.

"A wicked witch I have not seen in a truly long time, you must be the main culprit who bewitched the Summoner! Repent through death."

Right at that moment!

Hwa-a-ak! A brilliance shining so brightly it was blinding.

Simultaneously, swish!

Bardin bringing the flail down onto Gyeon Dal-rae's head.

"Mr. Gobang!"

Snatch!

Gobang, who had been bracing himself in advance, caught the handle of the flail.

"Ha! What are you? A barbarian? I see. You are all in this together. You filthy seeds of the devil!"

Uggh, I can't listen to this anymore.

Joo-hyuk raised his hand and restrained him.

"Stop!"

"Heo-eo, Summoner, why do you stop me."

Bardin thoroughly agitated.

"You are currently being deceived. Please take refuge in Lord God Nigel and reclaim the light...."

"Mr. Bardin, don't open your mouth."

Joo-hyuk shouted sternly.

Then,

"Mmph! Mm, mmph! Mmph! Mmph!"

"Don't even make an 'mmph' sound, and don't move either."

"..."

At least he listens well.

"Phew,"

A sigh slipped out automatically.

Yeah, this is the fate of a beta male. My luck seemed too good lately, after all.

'Is the Princess okay?'

It seems Gyeon Dal-rae was unharmed, fortunately not having suffered any shock.

Bardin, unable to do anything under Joo-hyuk's command.

In front of him, Gobang with clenched fists, Cossack with his dagger, Veronica aiming her magic gun, and Rajix glaring fiercely at Bardin holding his golden pickaxe.

Taking this opportunity, a quick check of the background description.

- Lucius Bardin is a Heretic Inquisitor of the Nigel Holy Kingdom. He dedicated his life to judging and condemning heathens. The method of condemnation was execution; he killed, killed, and killed again with the Holy Flail. Unbelievers, heretics, apostates, or witches, all were subjects of Bardin's repentance.

- He had no brakes. He even refused orders to do things in moderation. Repentance or death; the Holy Flail never had time for its blood to dry. Feeling anxious about this, the Pope of the Nigel Holy Kingdom excommunicated Bardin, and the Holy Knight Order captured him, framed him as a son of a witch, and burned him at the stake.

'...Wow!'

Scenes flashing through his mind.

Repent!

- I, I will do it.

Do not lie!

- Sp, spare...

Smash!

Do you believe in the Lord God?

- I believe. I do.

You are an unbeliever.

- N, no, didn't you hear my words....

Smash!

A crazy fanatic.

Perhaps crazier than Gwangma.

The new comrade he had wanted so much.

It feels wrong to send him back.

Can he be rehabilitated?

"Mr. Lucius Bardin?"

"..."

"From now on, acts of hostility toward comrades are prohibited. If you do something like this even once, I will send you back immediately."

Bardin, still wordless.

"You may answer."

A desperate plea bursting out simultaneously.

"S, Summoner! It is not too late even now. Let us advance together on the path of repentance. We must offer praises and prayers. Please repeat after me. Lord God in Heaven, today as well, a little lamb has lost its way and wanders the dark wilderness..."

"Shh!"

"Mmph! Mm-mmph."

This won't do. There's simply no answer.

He can vividly see what would happen if that person triggered the 3rd clause of the 3 Laws of Summoned Entities.

No matter if it's 6 simultaneous summons, he doesn't want to include him in the party.

He'd rather wait another month and pull someone else.

"Return to where you were. Right now, unsummon...."

In that instant,

"Summoner Bong,"

Cossack, approaching closely and whispering,

"Please do not unsummon him yet, sir."

"Why?"

"I think there might be a use for him, sir."

"A fanatic?"

Where would he use him.

"This Cossack, your right arm, the genius of petty tricks, will resolve it, sir. Leave it to me, sir."

"Hmm."

Well then,

"Give it a try."

"Yeah!"

Though he was curious about what he was trying to do,

* * *

[You are entering the 64th floor of the South Korea (South Korean) Black Tower.]

As soon as they entered, Cossack and Gobang quietly chatting over there.

Why did they say to come to the tower?

Joo-hyuk still has no idea.

What exactly do they plan to do bringing a fanatic to the tower.

Are they trying to persuade him while hunting together?

While clearing ghouls, 'Die! Heathen!' what if a flail flies at the back of their heads, how do they block that?

It's entirely possible.

A mad Holy Knight wrapped in flawed faith, capable of discarding even a knight's pride for blind belief.

Cossack spoke while letting out a fishy smile.

"Gobang, let's start."

Jju-uu-uuk!

Gobang's Size Enlargement skill.

Growing larger and larger until reaching the cave ceiling.

With his ignorant hands, he hoisted Heretic Inquisitor Bardin's body up with ease.

Bardin couldn't even resist.

The difference in physical size was an insurmountable wall.

If Gobang was an adult human, Bardin was the size of a small dog like a Shih Tzu or Maltese.

"Eek! What is the meaning of this. Put me down. Filthy barbarian, you are no different from the seed of a devil."

Gobang pretended not to hear Him.

He firmly grasped both of Bardin's ankles with his right hand.

"The warrior is ready."

Then Cossack spoke to Joo-hyuk.

"Summoner Bong, try commanding that Heretic Inquisitor to manifest his brilliance, sir."

Brilliance?

Why here....

'Is he trying to conduct some experiment?'

To see if the mad Heretic Inquisitor's brilliance works on the undead as well,

"Mr. Bardin."

"Summoner! Please punish the heathens for me! Establish the laws of Lord God Nigel."

"...Got it, so just manifest your brilliance."

Although a fanatic, he was also a summoned entity; he had no choice but to absolutely obey the Summoner's command.

Even more so since it was regarding a tower clear.

"Liiiiight!!!"

Hwa-a-a-ak!

The Holy Knight and Heretic Inquisitor, Lucius Bardin, manifested radiant brilliance throughout his entire body.

Thump-thump-thump-thump!

Gobang advanced forward while wildly swinging Bardin's body round and round.

'What the? He's swinging him? He's swinging him? You don't mean....'

Flinch,

The swarm of ghouls stepping back, trembling in fear.

"Kyaaaaak!"

"Ke-kek!"

"Kiiiik?"

Gobang striking that swarm of ghouls with the Bardin held in his hand.

Whoooosh! Smash!

Pa-sa-sa-sa...

'This crazy Cossack!'

I thought maybe just maybe, but.

Joo-hyuk ended up realizing the use for Bardin that Cossack mentioned.

'He was a human weapon.'

An unimaginably bizarre idea.

He had forgotten.

Just how crazy Cossack was.

Gobang was the same.

Without a single change in expression, he wildly swung Bardin round and round.

"Y, you bastard! What on earth are you doing? Devils...."

Then when Bardin's brilliance weakened,

"Summoner Bong, sir?"

"...Got it."

Joo-hyuk spoke to Bardin again,

"Mr. Bardin, manifest brilliance."

"Liiiight!!!"

Hwa-a-a-a-ak!

Whoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

Smash! Thwack! Thump!

Ghouls hit squarely by the brilliance scattered into dust. One hit and it was over.

Even a graze turned them to dust.

"Our Gobang has gotten a weapon now, sir. The Holy Sword doesn't even compare, sir."

Smiling brightly, speaking far too nonchalantly.

Joo-hyuk stared at him with a dumbfounded expression.

Is it just Joo-hyuk?

Gyeon Dal-rae slowly shook her head.

Holding her magic gun, Veronica's jaw just dropped wide open.

"Hu-e,"

Rajix dropped the golden pickaxe from his hand, seemingly shocked.

In the midst of that, the brilliance weakened again.

"...Mr. Bardin, manifest brilliance."

"Liiiight!!!"

Hwa-a-a-a-ak! Whoo-ooo-ooosh! Sma-sma-smash!

Ahhh!

Poor Lucius Bardin.

It's not like he's a voice-activated LED light bulb either.

"Bardin, brilliance."

"Liiiiight!!!"

Hwa-a-at! Sma-smash!

"Brilliance."

"Liiiiight!!!"

Sma-sma-smash!

...Doing it somehow feels strangely fun.

He didn't seem to take much damage due to his sturdy armor either.

"Liiiiight!!!"

Hwa-a-a-at!

Lucius Bardin was the Holy Sword itself.

A human Holy Sword wrapped entirely in brilliance, sweeping away the swarm of ghouls.

Clap-clap-clap-clap!

Cossack clapped his hands in admiration.

"Incredible, sir. A weapon of tremendous power, sir. We can go straight to the 70th floor with this, sir."

"..."

Yeah, weapon.

'I didn't pull a summoned entity, I pulled a weapon.'

Bardin's madness was fake.

On the other hand, Cossack's madness was genuine, and,

Fake madness and genuine madness.

An SR's madness and an SSR's madness.

The difference was too stark.