Chapter 93 - Chapter 93

Chapter 93

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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It was decided.

Starting the clear right today.

Check before that.

[Name]: Bong Joo-hyuk

[Affiliation]: Black Tower (Republic of Korea)

Finally a Korean.

Due to his own will and the French government's nationality cancellation procedure, his Korean nationality was restored faster than expected.

Well, France is also under the curse and has to clear the 70th floor, but he can take his time with that.

He has two Multinational Tower Access Tickets, so there's plenty of time.

If France wants it, he will handle it.

In exchange for a price, of course.

Designated summoning of all summoned entities.

Except he didn't call Sir Gwangma.

Can he just deploy top-tier manpower anywhere?

"Cossack is here. Bonjour."

"Hello. Mr. Cossack."

"...Eehik? Isn't it Bonjour?"

"I am Korean."

"Aha! Chuung!"

Gobang, Gyeon Dal-rae, Rajix, Veronica, and Bardin too.

They all seemed to be in a good mood since they received badges.

"Shall we climb?"

And so began the climb on the first day.

The goal was the 67th and 68th floors, consecutive clears.

[Entering the 67th floor of the Republic of Korea Black Tower.]

It was truly the first time entering the Korean tower in a long time.

***

The incident where Gerald got into trouble while checking out the 68th floor.

Jeon Kwang-il and Director Antonio had agreed to keep the incident a secret at the time.

However, there were many people in the Holy Sword rental room.

Management Agency staff, medical personnel dispatched for emergencies, and players from other countries waiting for their turn.

Even if they signed a non-disclosure agreement, it spread from mouth to mouth and was bound to leak eventually.

The story first leaked from the largest player community site in the United States.

- Do you know that Player Gerald almost died to a Death Knight on the 68th floor? I heard it was a serious injury, pouring blood from his mouth.

L Oh my god! Is that true?

L I'm not sure. Just heard it as a rumor.

L I heard it too. I heard he couldn't even kill a single Death Knight.

L Not even one?

L He couldn't even leave a scratch.

L Hey, no way! He probably didn't take the Holy Sword.

L No, he did.

L Wait, what do you mean? He did that with the Holy Sword?

The rumor spread rapidly.

Because of this, Gerald, who was once the world's top player, lost face, but that was nothing.

To think he couldn't even deal with the 68th floor Death Knight with the Holy Sword.

Countries around the world grew tense.

Actually, until then, the 61st floor and above had been evaluated as an easier clear than the late 50s.

Why? Because of the Holy Sword.

Borrowing the power of radiance, the undead monsters were merely weak skeletons.

But they were blocked on the 68th floor.

If this was true, the 68th floor could become an insurmountable wall.

It was a crisis.

The damn curse of Kavalan.

10 countries in the 1st phase, 20 countries in the 2nd phase, 30 countries in the 3rd phase, and if it continues like this, 40 countries in the 4th phase, 50 countries in the 5th phase....

Almost every country's tower will be caught.

And they will stop at the wall of the 68th floor.

Of course, there is an alternative.

The proven player who managed to clear the 69th floor of the French Black Tower even without the Holy Sword.

Korea's S++ rank clear record holder.

His value only continued to rise.

Korea also became extremely nervous.

It's not a time to smile.

Players can naturalize at any time, after all.

L Keep your heads down, don't show your teeth.

L How many countries are in Korea right now?

L Probably most of the countries clearing the 60s floors? I heard there are no hotel rooms.

L They aren't approaching our top player, are they?

L Like they even know who he is.

L I think most countries know.

Every Korean citizen had experienced it.

The experience of the top player suddenly becoming a person of another country in an instant.

So this wasn't a situation to feel relieved about.

L Especially be careful of the US. Even Gerald failed. Then who do you think they will target?

L Don't tell me they'd try to poach an allied country's player.

L Allied country my ass, they just move according to their own national interests.

L What is the Awakening Management Agency doing? We must grab the S++ rank record holder even if we have to pay double the taxes.

In the midst of that, out of nowhere.

L Huh? The 67th floor clear just popped up. As a server-wide announcement.

L What?

L Oh....

L Already?

L Even if we're cursed, there's still time left.

L Why....

They knew it wasn't Player Nam Ga-eun.

She was also an excellent player, but she couldn't achieve an S++ rank clear.

It was clearly the top player.

The one externally known as Gobang.

And about 30 minutes later.

The community and SNS boards went crazy again.

L Heul.

L What is this?

L My goodness.

L No, why?

L What?

L Hmm.

A record of the Republic of Korea Black Tower 68th floor S++ rank clear.

What is this?

When the 67th floor S++ rank clear had barely been known for an hour.

68th floor S++ rank clear too?

L Why are you surprised? He cleared the 68th floor of the French tower too.

The successful clear wasn't the issue.

L It popped up twice in a row in one day, that's why.

L It's nothing strange. Did you forget the HG Hotel terror incident? There were two of them. That's why it's twice a day.

L Rumor has it that it's just one person.

L Hey, how can one person do it twice?

L Might be possible if there's an item that lets you enter twice a day.

L Is there such an item?

L Well, there's even an item that lets you jump tower floors.

L The more you peel, the more you find, like an onion.

L Is it two people, or one person? Which one is right?

L Shh! It's better left as a mystery for now. Let's not try to find out for nothing.

Meanwhile, breaking news broke on the press and TV.

A special presidential address?

It seemed something important would be said.

Shortly after.

The Korean President personally appeared at the Blue House briefing room.

- There is something the citizens need to know about the ongoing consecutive S++ rank clears of the 67th and 68th floors of the Republic of Korea Black Tower, which is why I have stepped forward like this.

Both domestic and foreign reporters came out in full force.

It was being broadcast live globally via satellite.

- Our proud top player of the Republic of Korea has taken a step forward to clear the 70th floor of the Korean Black Tower.

What does this mean?

A 70th-floor clear?

- We have obtained information that the original Kavalan, the entity behind the curse that has terrified the world, is hiding on the 70th floor of the Republic of Korea Black Tower.

The briefing room instantly became noisy.

The 70th floor of the Korean Black Tower is the hiding place of the original Kavalan.

How the hell did they know that.

- Climbing in advance when the clear time limit is still left is essentially an act of self-harm.

That was true.

No matter if they were cursed, they should use the clear time limit to its fullest.

- However, Korea and our player have decided to accept this sacrifice for the peace of the world. We will proudly accept any disadvantages that may come from it.

Cha-ra-ra-rack! Cha-rack!

Camera flashes constantly went off.

- Just tomorrow, the original Kavalan will be cleared by the Republic of Korea's S++ rank record holder. And thus, the Curse of the Average will disappear.

Ratings were soaring.

In Korea and around the world.

- I kindly ask you to send your generous encouragement and support to our player who has bravely thrown his body into this journey for peace. Thank you.

The briefing ended.

Reporters frantically raised their hands and asked questions, but the address to the nation ended here.

And people eagerly waited for tomorrow to come.

Will Kavalan's curse really end?

***

The French special envoy team also watched the presidential address in Korea.

The declaration of the end of Kavalan's curse.

How wonderful it would be if it happened just like that.

France can buy time.

Of course, that's not the end of it.

Regardless, the 70th floor of the French Black Tower must be cleared.

Benjamin, the French Prime Minister, gave instructions to his diplomatic officials.

"Let's anticipate what Korea will demand during the negotiation process. We need to know in advance to prepare."

US Secretary MacMillan and Director Antonio, whose mouths were dry from anxiety due to the unexpected accident that happened to Gerald.

"If the curse is lifted, we've put out the urgent fire."

"We're just passing the hump. We might have to make a decision for the 68th floor."

"Hoo, let's wait and see tomorrow before deciding."

Japanese Acting Prime Minister Chief Cabinet Secretary Usuda said,

"If the subjugation of the original Kavalan becomes a reality, we won't even be able to lift our heads in front of the Korean government from now on."

How big will Korea's influence grow in the international community?

Japan would be in a position where they had to lie flat on the ground to survive.

"If we are to request a temporary naturalization or sign a mutual tower collapse defense treaty, what do you think the Korean side will demand?"

Acting Prime Minister Usuda's secretary answered.

"What comes to mind right now would probably be apologies regarding the Dokdo issue, comfort women, forced labor, withdrawal of demands for a stake in Korean SNS companies, and the easing of tariffs related to import and export."

Usuda nodded his head.

They can grant all of that.

What wouldn't they do to survive?

But the secretary's expression wasn't good.

It seemed there was something bothering him.

"Is there a problem?"

"I apologize for saying this in this situation, but.... the atmosphere in the Self-Defense Forces is unsettling."

"The Self-Defense Forces?"

"Public opinion within the Self-Defense Forces criticizing our visit to Korea itself is boiling over."

"Hmph! Are they trying to start a coup or something?"

"...The probability is very high."

Acting Prime Minister Usuda deeply furrowed his brow.

He had known about it for a long time.

The right-wing shift of the Self-Defense Forces.

But a tower has risen in the middle of Tokyo, would they commit such a foolish act?

Absolutely not.

Usuda was certain of it.

***

The next day.

As soon as Joo-hyuk woke up, he washed and ate.

He will eat well and finish all the clears in the morning.

Because the sooner Kavalan's curse is lifted, the better.

Thus, he entered the 69th floor of the Korean Black Tower.

Just like the French Black Tower, using the exorcism ritual with the large Dolby stereo speakers,

[Announcement: You have achieved an S++ rank clear for the 69th floor of the Black Tower (Korea).]

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

A light clear.

Let's see, how many Platinum Badges does this make?

Cumulative total of 78.

If he clears the 70th floor, 79.

'Tsk, I'm one short.'

Is there anywhere to fill it in?

First of all, he has two Multinational Tower Access Tickets.

The S++ rank clear of the 70th floor of the French tower is already gone.

Because he gave up on the clear.

The same goes for the United Arab Emirates Black Tower clear.

That's the 60th floor, so he won't be able to get it anyway.

'Well, I only need to fill in one.'

Anyway, the much-anticipated 70th-floor clear.

The place strongly suspected to hold the original Kavalan.

[Entering the 70th floor of the Republic of Korea Black Tower.]

"Ugh."

As soon as he entered, thick black fog surrounded him on all sides.

He couldn't see anything.

Not even the trail leading to the mansion.

Cossack said to Bardin.

"Hey, Holy Sword."

"Did you call, assassin."

"Radiance."

"You crazy heathen bastard! How dare you!"

"It's dark."

They did need light.

If he had known this, he would have brought a flashlight.

"Mr. Bardin."

"Yes, My Lord!"

"Radiance, please..."

"Light!!!"

Fwhoooosh! A little better.

Currently, Joo-hyuk's trait enhancement was,

[Trait]: Summoning (Simultaneous Summoning: 7)

And there were 6 summoned entities that entered the 70th floor. He still had one left.

"Designated summoning of Gwangma."

Fhaaaaaaaaash!

"Summoner."

"Welcome. Sir Gwangma."

"I will take the lead. You guys protect the summoner. If he gets even a single scratch, I will rip your limbs off."

Gwangma walking with long strides.

"Follow me slowly."

The remaining 6 summoned entities tightly surrounded Joo-hyuk on all sides as they walked.

'Hmm...'

He appreciated the thought, but. They were sticking so close it was uncomfortable to walk.

It couldn't be helped. He had to endure it.

Before he knew it, they were in front of the mansion's gate.

Wooooong! The fluctuating aura of Gwangma,

Swoosh! Kwaaaaang!

The door exploded from the aura blast he fired.

At the same time, stamping his foot powerfully on the ground with a thunderous stomp, Ku-gung! Kavalan's mansion vibrated.

Crack, crack, crack!

The ground splitting like an earthquake, the walls crumbling, the roof collapsing.

The building demolition expert Gwangma.

After mercilessly smashing the building from outside,

"Child, you should try too."

Veronica nodded at Gwangma's words.

Bardin quickly went first.

"Light!!!"

Swooooosh! Attribute absorption began.

Zzzzzing! Pa-pa-pa-ju-juk!

Jiggle!

A large holy attribute bullet passed through the broken door and exploded on the building's inner wall.

Kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa-kwaang! Ku-gu-gu-gu-gu-gu-gung!

She fired all 3 large bullets.

First, destroy the building.

Because they didn't know what kind of barrier traps might be there.

For Gwangma, such barriers were nothing anyway.

It was all for the summoner.

"Good."

Thick dust.

The half-destroyed mansion of Kavalan.

Fhaaaaaaash!

Pushing the dust aside, Gwangma strode confidently forward.

Joo-hyuk also stealthily followed behind.

A chair placed at the end of the ruined hallway.

A pathetic demon sitting there trembling violently.

In human terms, it looked like a shut-in loser.

It was Kavalan.

Looking like he had completely lost his fighting spirit.

Is that really the original?

"It's because his soul suffered a blow."

"Ah, back then?"

"Yes, when that bastard descended onto the copy, I touched him up a bit."

My goodness, he's still a 70th-floor boss.

"Doesn't it reset? Time has passed."

"If he were a copy, he would have reset and regenerated perfectly fine."

"Ah!"

"But a unique soul cannot be reset. Because he's the real one, not a copy."

That's right. This guy is a sentient being.

A player's physical injuries heal if they drink a healing potion.

However, when their mentality shatters, they naturally dread even entering the tower.

"Let's finish this."

Wasn't it already over?

Honestly, I feel sorry for him.

Feeling a bit uncomfortable too.

The original Kavalan was completely different in type from the tower monsters I had seen so far.

He's no different from a human.

Clearing the 70th floor is the same as killing a human.

Even if I'm not doing it personally, it's like a hit job carried out under my instructions.

"I think I know what you're thinking, I fully understand, but please stay firm, this bastard is merely a monster capable of thought."

Joo-hyuk found it hard to open his mouth.

Finally,

"...Please, let him go, without pain."

"Understood."

Gwangma walked forward.

Kavalan welcomed Gwangma with an empty smile, as if he had given up everything.

"Will you resist?"

"...What's the point? The result is already decided."

"That makes it easy then."

"Finish it quickly. I'm sick of this too."

"Thank the summoner. That you get to die peacefully."

Grab. Holding Kavalan's head.

Crack. Gwangma twisted it one full rotation.

Simultaneously, Crunch! Pop!

Kavalan's neck was plucked out by Gwangma's hands.

[Announcement: You have achieved an S++ rank clear for the 70th floor of the Black Tower (Korea).]

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

As the server-wide announcement rang out.

[World Announcement: The high-level demon Duke Kavalan (Original) has perished on the 70th floor of the Republic of Korea Black Tower.]

[World Announcement: The Curse of the Average placed upon the towers worldwide has been lifted as of this moment.]

[World Announcement: The boss of the 70th floor of the Republic of Korea Black Tower has been replaced by the copy Kavalan.]

The world announcements popped up frantically.

[World Announcement: The influence of Kavalan (Original) that acted upon the Black Towers worldwide has disappeared.]

[World Announcement: Due to the demise of the high-level demon Duke Kavalan (Original), the stats of the 68th-floor Guardian Death Knight will be significantly reduced. This will be applied simultaneously to all towers worldwide.]

[World Announcement: Due to the demise of the high-level demon Duke Kavalan (Original), the stats of the 69th-floor Gatekeeper Lich will be significantly reduced. This will be applied simultaneously to all towers worldwide.]

[World Announcement: Due to the demise of the high-level demon Duke Kavalan (Original), the stats of the 70th-floor copy Kavalan will be significantly reduced. This will be applied simultaneously to all towers worldwide.]

Stats significantly reduced.

So it turned out like this.

Then it should be easier.

[World Announcement: Benefits will be granted for clearing the 70th floor of the Black Tower.]

'Benefits?'

[World Announcement: The restriction on High-Grade Mana Stones is lifted, exclusively for the Republic of Korea Black Tower.]

[World Announcement: The restriction on various potions and elixirs is lifted, exclusively for the Republic of Korea Black Tower.]

[World Announcement: The restriction on weapons and equipment items is lifted, exclusively for the Republic of Korea Black Tower.]

'Oh!'

[World Announcement: The clear benefits will be applied to all floors of the Republic of Korea Black Tower. In addition, the reward probability will be significantly increased.]

'But did mana stones have grades? High-Grade Mana Stones, huh.'

He didn't quite know yet exactly what it meant that the restrictions were lifted, but

Since he could receive them on all floors, and the reward probability was significantly increased, he'd find out soon enough.

Anyway, it was a very sweet reward for the players belonging to the Republic of Korea, including Joo-hyuk.