Chapter 97 - Chapter 97

Chapter 97

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Translated by Jinmu

Read more at hivetoons.org

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The sightseeing trip to Japan has been decided.

Before leaving, Joo-hyuk stopped by his parents' house.

"What's this, is nobody home?"

His father, Bong Soo-chul, looked at Joo-hyuk with a grumpy expression.

"Do I not look like a person to you?"

"That's not what I meant..."

"Your mom went to a gathering, and Min-hyuk went to school."

Well, it doesn't matter if only his father is here.

He was just going to hand over the healing potion and leave right away anyway.

"Please take this."

"Eng? What's this?"

"It's something called a healing potion... please keep it as a household emergency medicine. Or drink it right away if your hip joint hasn't fully healed yet."

Bong Soo-chul tilted his head.

He knew what a healing potion was too.

"Son, are you teasing me because I'm not a player? This only heals injuries sustained inside the tower."

"This is different from the tower exclusive healing potions. It applies to wounds sustained outside as well."

"Really?"

"Hmm, if you're suspicious, maybe cut your finger a little with a knife..."

"Is that so? Give me your hand. Let's test it right now."

"...My finger?"

"Then should I cut my finger?"

Cutting a finger, he says.

Whiiing!

Energy shield activating unconsciously.

"Ah, anyway, I'm busy so I'll be going now."

He delivered the healing potion, and he had a lot to do.

Actually, the way to go to Tokyo is simple.

Does he need a passport, or a plane ticket reservation?

Still, he had to take care of this and that,

Phone overseas roaming, Yen exchange, clothes to change into, well, and so on.

So the trip would be tomorrow afternoon, together with Sir Gwangma.

If he goes to Japan, he should at least drink some sake before coming back.

With a drinking buddy he clicks with.

***

That night.

Under the cover of darkness, Chief of Staff Matsumoto Junichi of the Self-Defense Forces led his escort unit and advanced on Tokyo.

50 mobile armored vehicles prepared in advance. 20 tanks, 12 attack helicopters, and heavily armed Ground Self-Defense Force troops numbering around 5,000.

A coup d'état is a war of speed.

Occupy the capital as quickly as possible, detain high-ranking government officials, and seize control of the press and broadcasting stations.

'It's as good as succeeded.'

The declaration ceremony of the new Greater Japan will take place in front of the Tokyo Black Tower.

Together with the crowds supporting him.

***

Secretary of Homeland Security MacMillan, who had returned home after finishing his schedule in Korea, was sleeping in his house when he received a report on the Japanese coup d'état.

"What? ...My god!"

Have you ever seen such crazy bastards.

How long has it been since Kavalan's curse ended?

Whiiing! A phone call coming in right on time.

It was a summons from the White House.

Hastily throwing on clothes and arriving at the White House, President Lloyd, along with his aides, the CIA Director, and the Secretary of State, were gathered in an emergency meeting.

"Welcome, Mac."

"Am I a bit late?"

"No, we just started too."

The content of the meeting was discussing the progress of the Japanese coup d'état and countermeasures.

"It's too late to stop the coup d'état. It seems Matsumoto Junichi prepared thoroughly. The Japanese Diet has already been occupied."

Who can stop the army pushing in?

The Japanese police only mobilized for traffic control, assisting the army so they could move smoothly.

"What about Acting Prime Minister Usuda?"

"We can't know for sure at present, but it's probably correct to assume he's dead."

"What happened to the cabinet ministers?"

"There were none who resisted. Some expressed their support, sympathizing with the coup d'état."

"Then we should view it as a success."

"Yes, a military regime will be established."

What a peculiar country.

To think a coup d'état would happen in a situation where the Black Tower has been erected in the middle of Tokyo and the tip of the sword is right under their chins.

"What happened to the Korea-Japan temporary naturalization contract?"

"Since the coup d'état happened, we must consider it over."

US President Lloyd asked with a puzzled expression.

"Then how do they plan to clear the Tokyo Black Tower? The curse may have ended, but it's a tower they have to clear anyway. Are they going to ask us for help again?"

The CIA Director answered the President's question.

"It's information obtained from an executive of the Self-Defense Forces, but I heard Chief of Staff Matsumoto Junichi acquired an item called the Rune of Level Up..."

"Hm? What is that?"

"I heard it's an item that randomly increases your level from a minimum of 1LV to a maximum of 5LV, regardless of the tower's floor. It seems they plan to use that to clear it."

"Was there such a thing?"

The President turned his head to question Secretary MacMillan.

"Mac, what kind of item is the Rune of Level Up?"

"It's the first time I'm hearing of this item too, but..."

If MacMillan, who's in charge of tower climbing, doesn't know either,

"It seems we also need to secure it. Try finding it."

"Yes, I will look for it."

An item that only raises the level regardless of the floor.

"Judging by the effect, it might be even better than the Rune of Trait Enhancement."

However, MacMillan shook his head.

"Well, I personally think not."

"Why so?"

"First of all, level isn't everything."

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"Do you happen to remember Korea's top player who naturalized in Japan?"

"I remember. Yoo... what was his name?"

"Yes, his level was 66 at the time of naturalization. However, he failed the 57th-floor clear."

"Ah!"

President Lloyd wore an expression indicating he understood something.

"There are quite a few similar cases. As you go up to the higher floors, mentality, talent, equipment items, and skills become more important."

"Still, a higher level is bound to be helpful."

"That is correct. I just wanted to say that level isn't everything."

MacMillan continued speaking.

"On the contrary, the Rune of Trait Enhancement is extremely efficient. Because it enhances signature skills. And the number of newly acquired skills is enormous."

"Finish skills (fatal techniques) and Ultimate skills, these can only be learned through trait enhancement. You cannot learn them just because your level increases."

"And decisively, even if you raise your level, it's useless in the undead section. A situation where even four trait enhancements find themselves helpless."

Right.

President Lloyd also nodded as if convinced.

"Because of the dark aura."

"Yes, ultimately they will have to wield the Holy Sword. But will they be able to borrow it?"

"Korea would absolutely not rent it to them."

What if Acting Prime Minister Usuda had signed the Korea-Japan temporary naturalization contract with Korea?

They would have bought time to foster their own players, and renting the Holy Sword in the undead section would have proceeded smoothly as well.

"Well, let's observe the Japan issue a bit more."

For the US, there was a matter more important than the coup d'état.

"What do you think? Mac, shouldn't we mine High-Grade mana stones too? Corporations are making a fuss, and so are our sponsors."

The benefits of the 70th-floor clear.

High-Grade mana stones, restrictions on items being lifted, and even items without the 'tower exclusive' modifier appearing.

"Gerald is also positive about it. He agreed to clear the 70th floor."

"Good, if we're going to do it, let's do it quickly."

The 70th floor they have to climb someday anyway.

It might be good to climb it quickly.

However, the real intention of the powerful figures in the US was not High-Grade mana stones.

Information was circulating from here and there that healing potions without the 'tower exclusive' modifier had appeared.

Is that all?

What if things like elixirs or panaceas also came without the 'tower exclusive' modifier?

Health and eternal life are the dreams of all humans.

They might find a clue to that through clearing the 70th floor.

***

Finally, the day of the trip.

Joo-hyuk washed up as soon as he woke up and finished preparing for the trip.

Bong Joo-hyuk's first overseas trip in his life.

How could his heart not flutter.

In the past, he had gone to China using the Ring of Tower Exit.

But that wasn't for sightseeing purposes.

This is virtually his first experience.

He summoned all the summoned entities too.

They have to put their heads together and plan the trip.

Excluding the Demonic Beast Blood Wolf, since it's a trip just for people.

"We have to exclude restaurants where we have to wait in line. When are we supposed to wait?"

"The warrior will stand in line."

"Hoe?"

"As a result of this little girl researching on the tablet, this place is a hotspot."

"My Lord, please do not worry about lighting when taking photos."

"Sergeant Veronica Caliber! I will disassemble the magic gun and put it in the carrier."

Everyone making a noisy remark.

Since they roughly decided where to go, for the last part.

"Designated summoning of Gwangma."

Fhaaaaaash!

"Summoner."

"Sir Gwangma."

"You've returned home, I see. Is sleeping outdoors all over?"

"Yes, we're planning to go somewhere else."

"Where...?"

Joo-hyuk explaining the Japan trip plan to Gwangma.

"Ho-oh, well thought out. Occasionally cooling your head isn't bad."

"You're going with us, right?"

"...Me too? I don't mind, but I don't know if that would be behaving foolishly for my age."

"Oh, what foolishness. It'd be great if you went with us. Hahaha."

The summoned entities nodded as well.

They caught Kavalan together the other day, camped together, and got quite close to Gwangma thanks to that.

"Please wear this instead."

Joo-hyuk handed Gwangma a luxury suit he bought from a department store, shoes, and a fedora.

"Are these Earth's garments?"

"They will look good on you."

"If the summoner tells me to wear it, I must wear it."

Gwangma didn't decline.

He went to another room to change clothes and came out,

"Wow!"

Exclamations naturally burst forth.

White hair with a fedora, a neatly tied tie, and shoes and a suit.

Truly giving off the vibe of a stylish senior model.

He could even do a photoshoot.

It wasn't just Gwangma.

Bardin also stored the thorn armor he was wearing in Rajix's subspace backpack and changed clothes.

"Shall we get going then?"

[Entering the 1st floor of the Republic of Korea Black Tower.]

Entering the 1st floor,

[Using the Tower Exclusive Ring of Exit.]

[Please specify the nationality of the tower you wish to exit to.]

'Japan.'

[Specified. The next exit will be within a 10km radius of the Japan Black Tower.]

Simultaneously abandoning the mission.

[You have declared the abandonment of the mission.]

[You have failed the mission.]

[Exiting the Republic of Korea Black Tower.]

Swoosh!

Joo-hyuk and the summoned entities appeared inside a collapsed building next to the Tokyo Black Tower.

It was very close to the Black Tower.

It was safe to say it was right next to it, but there were no people because it was inside a building.

"Now, let's go out."

They came out of the building and headed toward the downtown area.

Right then!

"...Huh?"

Rumble, grumble, grumble.

Something huge was passing right in front of the group's eyes.

"Eing?"

"Hoeng?"

"Heo-eo."

No, why is that coming out of here.

Rumble, grumble, rumblllle...

A massive body, caterpillars turning and breaking the asphalt, a huge gun barrel.

"It's a tank, isn't it?"

"It's a tank."

"Why is a tank in Tokyo..."

"I wouldn't know either."

It wasn't just tanks.

Armored vehicles equipped with heavy machine guns were also parading through the streets of Tokyo in a line.

Followed by soldiers marching with guns and heavy firearms.

"Aha, they're shooting a movie."

"As expected of Dynamic Japan."

"We came at a good time for sightseeing. To even see a movie being filmed."

Since they all had Recognition Interference Talismans attached, no one paid attention to them, however.

"When it comes to movies, isn't it me, Cossack? The master of method acting, realistic stunt acting, delicate emotional lines that draw tears in 5 seconds, the handsome actor with great acting skills, it's Cossack. Hehehehe."

"If it comes to historical acting, I am confident. Would there dare be an actress who can follow this little girl."

"The warrior just needs to paint his body green and he's ready."

"If it's a martial arts film, then me too."

"Sergeant Veronica Caliber, I pride myself on being the most suitable person for a military film."

"God Bardin, I will handle the lighting. Light!!!"

"Hoe?"

Why are they being like this?

Did they come to shoot a movie?

They came for sightseeing.

But somehow, it doesn't look like a movie shoot.

In the midst of that, shouts heard from somewhere.

Are they extras?

The numbers were quite large.

People wearing headbands with the Rising Sun flag drawn on them, holding placards and pickets, and yelling at the top of their lungs.

As if everyone was excited, they were swinging their fists and yelling one phrase each as they walked.

"...What are they saying?"

"They act well. It looks real."

"Hoe,"

I don't think that's it.

Shall I run the translator.

These days, with the development of AI technology, it translates automatically as long as you have a smartphone.

Even the letters written on the pickets come out in Korean when you shine the camera on them.

So he launched the translation app and saw.

- We absolutely oppose the humiliating Japan-Korea temporary naturalization contract.

- Let us protect the glory of the Greater Japanese Empire!

- Let us disband the incompetent Japanese cabinet and rebuild Japan!

- The citizens of Tokyo support the loyal decision of the Self-Defense Forces.

"...."

It wasn't a movie shoot.

"It's the right-wing protest I've only heard about in words."

"Aha, anti-Korean groups?"

"Probably."

Furthermore.

- Kill the Josenjing (derogatory term for Koreans).

- Rape Korean women.

- Let's occupy Takeshima.

- Expel Korean residents in Japan.

- Declare war on Korea.

The more he listened, the more unusual the atmosphere became.

With tanks, armored vehicles, and armed soldiers.

Joo-hyuk searched the news on his smartphone.

There was no need to look for it.

The news that came up as soon as he searched for Japan on the portal site.

"...A coup d'état?"

What is this?

He came for a trip with an excited heart only for it to be bad timing...

'Should we go back?'

In that instant! Wooooooong!

A storm of aura swirling like a vortex.

It was Gwangma.

His entire body shone with blood-red strong aura.

Blood Jade Aura.

A lethal weapon in itself.

His expression was also stiff.

Murderous intent stealthily creeping up implicitly.

"Excuse me... Sir Gwangma?"

"What is the matter."

"What are you planning to do, raising your aura like that."

Gwangma said with cold eyes,

"Kill the Josenjing, rape Korean women, declare war on Korea, how can I endure after hearing such words, it is no different from telling me to kill the summoner."

Gulp. Joo-hyuk swallowed hard.

"It is human nature to accept a fight if one comes your way, do not worry. I will clean this up thoroughly."

"...."

If Gwangma starts acting?

It is obvious that downtown Tokyo will turn into a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood.

"Couldn't you just close your eyes and pretend not to notice?"

However, Gwangma was furious to the top of his head.

"In this situation? Clause 3 of my three principles has already been triggered."

This is a big problem.

Trip or whatever, a great massacre will take place.

There's no choice.

I'll send him back for now, and then.

"I'm sorry. Gwangma, summon dis..."

Before he could finish his sentence,

"W-wait!"

Ssst, Gwangma's momentum fading.

"...I will try to endure it."

He returned to his original state.

It seems he calmed his anger.

I guess I shouldn't dismiss the summon.

"But these damn bastards!"

Again, Wooooooong!

Gwangma, burning blood red.

"Gwangma, summon dis..."

Ssst.

Gwangma relaxing his strength. A moment later,

"I simply cannot leave them a..."

Wooooooong!

"Gwangma, summon dis..."

Ssst, back to the original state.

But. Wooooooong!

"Gwangma, summon..."

Ssst. A battle of wits. Woooong!

"Gwangma sum..."

Gwangma trying to do something no matter what.

Joo-hyuk's absolute will to stop him.

The other summoned entities were also watching Joo-hyuk and Gwangma with exciting expressions, wondering who would win.

Gwangma must be tired too.

After doing that a few times, the aura storm quieted down, and the young blood jade aura on his body also disappeared.

"Hoo, summoner."

"...Yes?"

"I have a favor to ask."

A favor, he says.

"If it's something I can grant,"

"I fear I will catch an illness of frustration if I hold this in and let it pass. If this continues, I'll undergo Qi Deviation."

Hey, no way it's Qi Deviation.

"Please just let me vent my anger. I will not manifest anything like the Blood Jade Aura."

And then. Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap!

Gwangma sealing acupoints on his own body.

"I have suppressed my internal energy. So that I can only use about 1% of my original aura."

1 percent.

Would that be okay?

"I will just beat them a few times and come back. One hit per guy."

"Hmm."

Honestly, Joo-hyuk was angry too.

He went out of his way to lift the curse and give a grace period for the collapse of the Tokyo Black Tower, and what? Kill Koreans?

"...Really just one hit each?"

"I, Gwangma, promise on my name."

Ugh! I don't know anymore.

"Go vent your anger and come back. Please show mercy in your strikes."

Gwangma, welcoming Joo-hyuk's permission, said.

"Oh! Thank you. I will not kill civilians. I swear it."

Suddenly, Cossack also glanced at Joo-hyuk.

"Can't I go too?"

It wasn't just him.

Gobang, Veronica, and Bardin too.

"The warrior goes too. I will just give them one flick on the forehead."

"Sergeant Veronica Caliber, ready for civilian suppression operation."

"My Lord, please allow the wrath of god."

Even Rajix tapped his body with his short arms, imitating Gwangma as if sealing acupoints.

"Hoeeeek!!!"

Why is he acting like this too?

However, Gwangma raised his hand and restrained them.

"You guys protect the summoner. Do not interfere. There's not enough for me to eat as it is."

"...Yes."

"Hoe."

Thus, Gwangma walked toward the anti-Korean protest site.

"It has truly been a long time since I moved my body."

Walking confidently in a perfectly fitted luxury suit, a fedora on his head, and black shoes.

"Hello there! You bugs!"

When he said a word in a majestic voice.

"It's a Josenjing! A Josenjing has come!"

The organizer of the anti-Korean protest, who was inciting them with a microphone, pointed his finger at Gwangma and shouted.

"Catch the old Josenjing! Hang him by the neck!!!"

The anti-Korean protesters rushing forward in droves.

"Heo-heo-heo, these guys."

Gwangma waved his hand forward as if shooing away a fly.

The person running at the very front bounced into the air.

Thwack!

"Gah?"

Pitter-patter!

Along with teeth pouring down like corn kernels.

And so, Gwangma, having reduced his strength to only about 1% of his original ability,

"Let's play to our hearts' content."

Was dropped right into the middle of the anti-Korean protesters.

And that was only the beginning.