Chapter 75 - Chapter 75

Chapter 75

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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It was another global notice.

The 65th-floor S++ grade clear.

As expected, the media frankly expressed their anxieties.

However, follow-up articles followed shortly after.

- L So you're saying the Management Agency knew of Gobang's existence. Was I the only one surprised?

- L So he won't be clearing the 67th floor then.

- L Those two might just be people meticulously trained by the Awakening Management Agency.

- L We've agreed to call such people Elite Players.

- L No, not elites, but more like Special Forces soldiers who went through harsh training to become complete human weapons since childhood.

- L Hmm, for instance, a Super Soldier?

- L Say they make drugs using Mana Stones or herbs obtained from the tower and inject them; wouldn't they have that level of scientific technology?

- L Hahaha, a drug-manipulated superhuman, is this a movie script? Captain Korean?

- L Well, it does have some credibility. The giant is a Korean Hulk.

Deputy Director Jeon Kwang-il meticulously checked while reading the articles and comments.

As expected, the citizens' anxieties were subsiding.

'Perfect.'

Slyly letting slip that he knows something while vaguely glossing over the details.

He cut it off at a proper point.

However, it was too early to be relieved.

Right now, Player Bong Joo-hyuk's existence is overshadowed by Gobang and the Caucasian male summoned entity, but there's a risk of him being exposed at any time.

They must always keep in mind and prepare for the various perilous situations that might arise when Player Bong is exposed.

Because the Awakening Management Agency exists to protect players.

If it's the nation's top player, there's no need to even mention it.

Regardless,

Jeon Kwang-il read the documents placed on his desk.

A monthly settlement statement from HG Fashion regarding leather products.

The settlement statement is accurate.

The amount of leather put into the products, production costs, marketing costs, and the sales revenue.

But the sales volume is insignificant.

It feels like they are intentionally limiting the production of goods.

He understands the intention of wanting to raise the products' value.

'I don't like it.'

Currently, Wildflower & Basili's products have no stock to sell.

The items are people's wannabe merchandise.

Yet, HG Fashion seemed to have more interest in other aspects than in selling bags.

In short, the leather products were bait.

And that too, exclusively meant for a specific stratum of society.

In reality, the general public couldn't even catch a glimpse of the bags.

Not even the cheapest Lite quality products.

'I'm certain they're pulling a trick using the bags.'

They would pre-sell bags to globally powerful figures, corporate leaders, and politicians, or put them on the highest-priority reservation lists, all while securing other interests behind the scenes.

Buy our company's other products too.

Change your supply contracts with other companies to HG Group's affiliated companies instead.

Then we'll specially sell you a bag.

Consequently, the prestige and total sales of the HG Group soared uncontrollably to the sky.

The stock prices did the same.

Of course, on contract, there was absolutely no problem.

The sales payment for the leather would also come in soon.

He was just displeased.

They should be focusing on bag sales to maximize the profits going to Player Bong, but they're getting greedy over side income?

Is that all?

They were already predetermining that the Wyvern leather supply would naturally come to HG Fashion too.

HG Fashion had already finished registering the trademark 'Wildflower & Y' as well.

Even though the one distributing the rice cakes wasn't even considering them.

'CEO Ko Yeon-ha, I didn't see her like that but...'

Just as they say, your attitude differs before and after entering the bathroom.

He needed to wise her up.

That if she continues playing tricks like this, she could have the Basilisk hide supply taken away, let alone the wyvern hides.

Besides, he had already obtained Player Bong Joo-hyuk's permission holding full authority over the Wyvern leather supply.

Monopolization has many harmful effects.

For the Wyvern leather, it would be logical to forge a supply contract with another company instead of HG Fashion.

That way a competitive structure would form as well.

'Would Daehyun be good, or Ilseong.'

Truthfully, another solution exists.

Player Bong Joo-hyuk could just establish a company.

How simple is that?

However, due to his circumstances, he can't do that.

'It'd be a good idea to at least inquire about each company's intentions, shouldn't I.'

Jeon Kwang-il picked up the phone and pressed the call button.

Knock, knock, the door to the office opened, and an employee walked in.

"We have Ilseong Apparel's CEO Jung Dong-hoon, right? Put a call through to his secretariat. Ask if he's available for a brief chat."

"Yes, I will do so right now."

Shortly after.

Following another knock, the door opened,

"Deputy Director, I got through to CEO Jung Dong-hoon's secretariat. Shall I connect you right away?"

"Mm, thanks. Put it through."

The connection tone rang. Deputy Director Jeon Kwang-il picking up the phone receiver.

"Hello. This is Jeon Kwang-il. Is this CEO Jung Dong-hoon?"

- Uh-uh, yes, yes, th, this is Jung Dong-hoon.

Jeon Kwang-il tilting his head.

Strange.

CEO Jung Dong-hoon's voice was violently trembling. Did something happen?

And a moment later,

During the phone call, Deputy Director Jeon Kwang-il kicked his office door open and came out with a completely flushed face.

"Get a car ready immediately! I'm heading to Ilseong Apparel."

* * *

10 minutes before the phone call from Deputy Director Jeon Kwang-il came in.

Jung Dong-hoon, the CEO of Ilseong Apparel, let out sigh after sigh, as if the ground were going to collapse.

It was all written down in the documents.

Elite Player Bong Joo-hyuk, speculated to be the supplier of the Basilisk hides, and even the suspicion that he was the actual owner of the Holy Sword.

Of course, there was a basis for it.

The suddenly swollen cash flow, the fact that a top-tier penthouse in Cheongdam-dong was purchased in cash, too.

'Why did Uncle hand this document over to me?'

When he could've just personally contacted him.

Given the kind of person his Uncle is.

He's a conglomerate Chairman.

A titan among titans possessing a web of entangled connections universally spanning across political circles, the prosecution, legal circles, and even the National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (National Intelligence Service (NIS))).

There's not a single person who doesn't know the name of the Ilseong Group Chairman, even if they didn't know the name of the President.

His Uncle is a man who can get away with anything he does.

Yet even so, there was exactly one thing that he felt reluctant to mess with.

Namely, the Awakening Management Agency.

And the Elite Players they manage.

Of course, there wouldn't be any huge fallout, but getting on the bad side of the Awakening Management Agency would result in various bottlenecks.

Even so, he couldn't just brush it off either when a piece of useful information reeking of money had fallen into his lap.

But oh look? There was someone perfectly suited for the task.

Even though he's not his own child, his younger brother's child happens to be snugly sitting in one of the affiliated companies.

That was why he threw the document at him.

Telling him to make contact instead.

If he succeeds, good, and even if he fails, there will be no burden whatsoever on his Uncle.

Since he'll play innocent.

Saying 'I didn't know anything.'

Saying 'This is the first time I'm seeing this document too.'

Saying 'I couldn't properly manage my nephew,' he'd bow his head in apology once and pass over it safely.

In the end, only he himself would be punished.

He might have been aiming for that.

'This is a poisoned apple.'

No, it's not even an apple.

It's just poison.

If I carelessly touch it, I'll die.

Even if it meant stepping down from his CEO position at Ilseong Apparel.

Jung Dong-hoon closed the document folder.

An object that shouldn't have seen the light of day.

'I should seal it away, right?'

He has already lost his Uncle's favor.

Being kicked out is all that's left.

'Anyhow, it feels like the time to wrap things up slowly has arrived.'

Since a lot of stress had piled up serving as a CEO that didn't even suit his lot in life, settling down permanently in some appropriate countryside using this opportunity might be good.

Right at that time.

Knock, knock.

The secretary knocking on the office door.

"Come in. What is it?"

"CEO, there's a phone call from the Awakening Management Agency."

Pause!

Jung Dong-hoon's face turned stark white.

Cold sweat rolled down his spine.

His heart thumped wildly, thump, thump, thump, thump.

"Wh, for what reason?"

"Deputy Director Jeon Kwang-il said he wishes to speak with you."

Suddenly? Don't tell me they know everything?

"...Say I'm not here. That I'm out of the office,"

"Ah! Well, the, the thing is, I already told them you were in the office so,"

There's no other way.

"P, put them through."

"Yes! Understood."

Jung Dong-hoon received the phone call.

With a trembling voice.

"Uh-uh, yes, yes, th, this is Jung Dong-hoon."

Please let it be nothing.

"B, but for what reason...?"

- It's nothing else, but regarding the tower material leather supply, I had an inquiry so...

Tower material leather?

'Damn it....'

It's over. They know everything.

But he couldn't just die like this.

Jung Dong-hoon reflexively shouted.

"Ah, I haven't met him yet. I merely received data on Player Bong Joo-hyuk."

- ......

Silence flowing over the phone, and after quite a long time passed,

- Where are you inside right now?

"In the, the company office, but."

- Don't move a muscle and stay right there. Because I am heading over right now.

Beep! The phone disconnected without even hearing a response.

Jung Dong-hoon leaned the chair backward and scrubbed his face as if washing it.

'Should I run away?'

Though he didn't even know if there was a place to go.

* * *

Joo-hyuk's penthouse.

The summoned entities had all returned.

They didn't re-clear the 65th floor.

Since it wasn't a good environment for Rajix to explore either.

Well, seeing as I acquired the Rune of Summoned Entity Rank Ascension, that's enough.

Veronica is awaiting promotion.

Once she's promoted, all of them will be SSR or higher.

The first summoned entity Cossack.

At the time of summoning, his rank was Super Rare (SR).

Then he ate a Rune of Rank Ascension and became an SSR.

Gobang was a Rare (R).

So much so that his nickname used to be Egg-bang (R-bang).

Two stages jumped due to the blessing effect, becoming an SSR.

Gyeon Dal-rae was an SSR from her first appearance.

Thinking about it, she was the best pull.

Rajix also had a case similar to Gobang.

From Egg-worker to SSR worker, the world's best top-notch worker Rajix,

Lucius Bardin is... hmm.

Let's exclude him from discussion.

Since he's a Holy Sword.

Now all he has to do is wait.

For Veronica's return.

It usually takes about a day, so I should be able to call her tomorrow evening.

Anyway, a good thing happened, how could I just stay still.

I should share the joy by having at least a glass of drinks.

By myself?

I have a newly formed drinking buddy.

The summoned entity who has an unchanging conviction, habitually shouting world conquest; yes, the Legend Special Super Rare (LSSR (Legend Special Super Rare)) grade....

"Designated Summoning Gwangma."

Hwa-a-ak! Pa-pat!

"Oh! You summoned me again."

"Since you told me previously to call you whenever I feel like having a drink."

"Hahaha, thank you. You're the first summoner to think of me like this, everyone else shunned me."

I see.

He wasn't the only one who found Gwangma awkward to deal with.

"I prepared Chinese liquor today, but I don't know if it'll suit your taste."

"...China?"

Gwangma's expression changing strangely.

Soon after.

"Are they by any chance the nation causing trouble in this world as well?"

"...Uh, a, a little bit."

"As expected, they have many problems, tsk-tsk, even if it's a different world, just where on earth did that country go wrong from the start."

It seems the China in the multiverse, parallel worlds also had many problems.

"Summoner, if you're going to conquer the world, you must strike China first. Given their massive population, it won't matter even if several tens of millions of them die."

"..."

"Especially those holding political power, it's best to kill every single one without leaving any behind. If you leave them alive, they'll become the root of future disaster."

"..."

Still a tremendous Gwangma.

In a way, China may be the place most similar to the martial arts world he lived in.

Indeed, wasn't he killing people in the martial arts world?

He even killed the Emperor.

Gwangma's descriptive modifiers.

Public Enemy of Murim, The Worst Calamity in Jianghu, A Mountain of Corpses and an Ocean of Blood (Si-san-hyeol-hae).

"...Just have a drink."

"Hahaha, I shall accept gratefully."

Whoa, even his laugh is nerve-wracking.

Glug-glug, thus began the second drinking session.

Most Chinese liquors are strong.

Almost all of them surpass 40 degrees in alcohol content.

Various stories went back and forth.

Starting with the story about pulling a fanatic through a random summon and using him as a Holy Sword.

"You handled it exceptionally well. Perfectly suited for his usage. That guy Cossack, his head is better than I thought."

"I do feel slightly sorry for him."

"No. Such bastards are the most dangerous. Forcing one's own values onto the summoner is... hmm... ahem!"

"..."

A sudden silence flowing by.

It seems even Gwangma felt somewhat guilty.

Is this what they call spitting on your own face?

"O, of course, this old man is truly no different from Bardin either, honestly."

If I grab Gwangma and swing him, does he become a Demonic Sword?

Not that I would ever have reason to do so.

Trying to change the atmosphere, he also mentioned that he learned Gwangma's skill through the system's power.

"Oho! It is an honor that you learned my skill. Blood Jade Astral Aura, it's quite a decent martial art; once you reach a certain level of proficiency, it will become quite useful."

"I sent a few undead back to hell yesterday as well. Haha."

"It's a shame, I wish to evaluate your proficiency with my own eyes, but since this is reality."

"You can just enter the tower and check."

"Is that so? Hahaha."

He also talked about the HG Hotel terror incident.

Along with the story of crossing over to China using the Tower Exit Ring and rescuing the kidnapped players.

However?

"These tear-to-death-worthy bastards! I knew it! They dared touch the Summoner!"

His reaction is far more violent than expected.

"I am fine, though, all thanks to our summoned entities...."

"You blockheads. After going all the way there, you just rescue the players and return? You don't even know the basic principle of eradicating the source by pulling out the roots, with things like this, how can I place my trust in you guys?"

Gwangma, immensely enraged.

"You should've wiped them all cleanly out. Such an excellent opportunity. This won't do. I shall accompany you there one more time."

"...I don't really want to."

"Hmm."

Closing his eyes for a moment, thinking deeply, then.

"Soon enough, your true identity might become known."

"Well, eventually. Is there anything such as an eternal secret in this world?"

"Tsk-tsk, it's a huge problem."

What huge problem.

If I were alone maybe, but I have dependable summoned entities with me.

Gwangma's expression growing increasingly miserable.

"Summoner."

"Yes?"

"Do you know when players die the most? It is said that inside the tower is dangerous, but the reality is entirely contrary to that; it is right..."

"Yes yes, they die the most outside the tower, since even if a nuclear bomb drops, it's safe inside the tower."

"..."

Gwangma, trying to set the mood, felt embarrassed.

Yet it seems he has no intention of giving up.

"Without acting like that, let us take down China and Japan first. Aren't they close by? I'll kill as few as possible, so let's cross over using the Tower Exit Ring...."

"Aigoo, Elder, you're doing this again. Just have a drink instead."

"..."

He strikes the moment I show even a slight opening.

No chance in hell.

It seemed Gwangma's mood was also ruined.

His expression was heavily scrunched up.

"You truly have no intention of acquiring the world into your hands?"

"Yes."

"Alright then."

That moment!

Gwangma springing to his feet.

Why all of a sudden?

"It seems unavoidable, but I must trigger the 3rd clause of the 3 Laws of Summoned Entities."

What? Doing what?

Why trigger clause 3 here,

Gwangma tapped his fingers all across Joo-hyuk's entire body.

Tap-tap! Ta-ta-tak! Tap-tap!

He couldn't move a muscle.

He couldn't even part his lips.

His entire body froze stiff.

"At around the Legend grade, one can perform things that other summoned entities cannot even dream of."

Gulp.

Gwangma stepping around behind Joo-hyuk.

He didn't know what he was trying to do, but he didn't resist.

What can I do about it?

When he said he's triggering the 3rd clause of the Laws of Summoned Entities.

The ultimate objective of clause 3 is the Summoner's life protection and safety.

Thus, he likely wouldn't be in any danger, but...

"It's fine, let go of your strength."

Placing his two hands on his back,

"There are those crazy folk who transfer the internal energy they've accumulated unto others, commonly calling it transferring martial power, but there is absolutely nothing more dangerous than that. Consuming anything haphazardly is but a shortcut to Qi Deviation."

Uwoong.

Warm energy poured in through his back.

"Although, I can at least perform Bone Marrow Cleansing (Beol-mo-se-su) for you. To a body suited to learning martial arts."

Bone Marrow Cleansing? Martial arts?

"I intend to have you learn internal energy, rather than relying on the tower's power. Should it be internal energy, you will be able to utilize that power in reality as well."

Excuse me, at least let me know you're doing this after asking my consent....

"I shall teach you the method to train internal energy. And the method of operating the Blood Jade Astral Aura too,"

I don't really want to train, though?

That sounds arduous, how am I supposed to do that?

"Once you succeed in the Macrocosmic Orbit, it will continue to train you just from breathing. That is the characteristic of the Heaven and Earth One Origin Art."

Hmm. Just from breathing?

It's tailor-made for a beta male. If so,

"Breathe. And introspect. Realize the path through which the energy moves."

The energy pouring from Gwangma's palms was sweeping violently through Joo-hyuk's entire body.

"With this Summoner, may you become at least a little safer."

Yes. I will.