Chapter 101
Chapter 101
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 101
Chapter Title: The Hidden Card and the New Start
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Joo-hyuk summoned Gwang-ma.
As soon as he appeared, Gwang-ma seemed to sense something.
"Summoner, a new beginning, I see."
"Welcome. By any chance, have the restrictions been lifted?"
But Gwang-ma shook his head from side to side as he answered.
"Just a tiny bit. They are still mostly blocked. All that comes to mind is that the nature of conquering the Tower from now on will be different."
What would be different?
"Um, the exact mission details for the 71st floor too?"
"Only a feeling remains. The impression I received at the time was..."
"What was it?"
Gwang-ma pondered deeply before continuing.
"You, Summoner, will be greatly troubled. A decision will be necessary."
Why does he keep saying I'll be troubled?
Come to think of it, Kosak mentioned something similar before.
He said it was difficult to deal with.
Well, he'd find out when he went up, but...
Actually, he had no plans to climb the 71st floor for a while.
Once you entered, you had to conquer it.
If you left or abandoned the mission, you couldn't get an S++ grade conquest, nor the badge or special privileges.
Also, the biggest stumbling block.
The 6-month Tower conquest deadline.
Conquering it quickly would be a loss.
But Season 2 had begun.
The restriction on Tower conquests was gone.
Since conquering a new floor added to your conquest deadline, there was no reason not to do it.
Plus, the items.
Joo-hyuk had learned about them from the other Summoned Beings.
The Ring of Form Transformation, the Potion of Disease Cure, the Elixir of Rejuvenation, and the Rune Necklace of Liberation.
Joo-hyuk explained the items to Gwang-ma.
"...The Rune Necklace of Liberation, you say?"
"Yes."
"It's already appeared?"
"They said they'd give it as a gift."
"Hoho."
Gwang-ma's expression twisted into a deep frown.
"These cunning bastards."
"Who?"
"Who do you think?! The ones who created this situation."
"...Huh?"
So, who is that?
"I cannot explain the details."
Ah, why are there so many things you can't do?
"However, I do know when these items were supposed to appear."
Around when?
"Around the time the world is about to end. Items that accelerate the Tower's collapse, cause conflict between nations and Players, discord between ordinary people and Players, war between nations... items that become the root of all that turmoil."
That sounds about right.
Making people young, curing diseases, allowing Players to manifest their Tower abilities in reality while hiding themselves...
How could greed not arise?
Players would try to get their hands on them by any means.
Ordinary people would also burn with desire.
"Eventually, even the Rune of Liberation won't be needed, because the world will become like the Tower."
The situation kept escalating.
What should he do?
"First, let's go to the 71st floor and get the items..."
"Summoner."
"Yes?"
"Before that, let's go somewhere."
"Where to?"
"A floor with lots of monsters would be good. Preferably bipedal ones, and somewhat strong."
Where would be good?
Monsters that fit the criteria are Orcs, Trolls, Ogres, or Minotaurs.
"A floor with Minotaurs would be suitable."
So, Joo-hyuk and the Summoned Beings entered the 35th floor.
The mission was:
Floor 35 Mission
📍 Objective: Defeat 80 Minotaurs and 1 Minotaur King, regardless of type.
But why did they come here?
"Since the Rune Necklace of Liberation has been released, this old man can also do more for you."
Are you going to give me something again?
Is that a good thing?
"Summoner, what combat skills do you currently possess? Excluding Blood Jade Astral Qi."
Let's see...
[Combat Skills]: Shadow Step / Primordial Thunderbolt Staff / Blood Jade Astral Qi
"Shadow Step and Primordial Thunderbolt Staff."
This pitiful status window skill list.
Other people had at least several dozen combat skills, even excluding trait skills.
"That is sufficient. Then, try hunting the Minotaurs yourself."
Huh, what was he talking about?
"...Me?"
"Use only Shadow Step and Primordial Thunderbolt Staff. Take out your weapon as well."
"Ah! Yes, yes."
This was a new experience.
Gwang-ma was the first Summoned Being to tell him to hunt monsters himself.
'Hmm.'
But as with anyone, when actually put on the spot, he hesitated.
'Why is he suddenly telling me to fight?'
He always told me to hide quietly in the back before.
Did he come all the way here to hunt Minotaurs for nothing?
Should've just hunted Orcs.
First off, he was overwhelmed by their size.
It had been quite a while since he last hunted monsters.
When conquering the Minotaur floor before, their size was so huge he hadn't even hunted any above stage 3...
Plus, that Minotaur King.
Over 6 meters tall, slightly smaller than a giantified Gobang.
'Do I really have to hunt it?'
He glanced back.
The Summoned Beings were looking at him with uneasy, hesitant eyes.
'...Tch, they could at least try to stop me.'
But at that moment!
Swish! Gwang-ma grabbed his left wrist.
"Do not worry. I will always be by your side. Let's start with Shadow Step."
Right. My hyungnim is next to me, what's there to worry about?
It's not like I'll die, right?
He's even holding my wrist tightly like this.
Joo-hyuk took out an Adamantine Metal Mace from his inventory.
A weapon purchased from the Player Shop.
It had no option effects, but it's sturdy.
'Let's go.'
Shadow Step towards the Minotaur.
Swat! Spot! Swawat!
Joo-hyuk approached, leaving afterimages.
Gwang-ma also moved along, holding his wrist.
'Hmm.'
It feels a bit strange for two men to hold hands and run.
Spa-pa-pat!
"Primordial Thunderbolt Staff."
"Yahp!"
Primordial Thunderbolt Staff, 1st stance of the 3-second form: Falling Thunder Soul Chaser.
Pachi-chichi...
The mace was brimming with the power of lightning.
He leaped up and smashed it down on the back of the stage 1 Minotaur's head.
Kwajik!
"Ummoo..."
The creature collapsed with a thud.
Oh yeah! It's nothing. He was just needlessly scared.
Gwang-ma also nodded and spoke.
"Well done. Let's do it a few more times."
"Yes!"
He could hunt as many as he wanted.
His confidence was revived.
The instinct of a true man stirred.
Spot! Spa-pa-pat!
Shadow Step became faster and more proficient.
Joo-hyuk moved swiftly.
Gwang-ma matched his steps, holding his hand.
Hand in hand.
Spot! Spa-pat!
Dancing with Gwang-ma.
Spot! Spa-pat!
Together, performing the Shadow Step waltz.
The stances of Primordial Thunderbolt Staff also bloomed one by one from the mace.
Pachijik! Pachat!
Falling Thunder Soul Chaser, Scattered Lightning Strikes, and the ultimate skill with a cooldown, Falling Thunder Flash.
Kwajik!
Stage 1 and 2 Minotaurs—he'd jump slightly and shatter their heads.
"Mmm..."
Stage 3 and 4 Minotaurs—he'd leap with all his might and crack!
"Meeeeer...."
He was so hyper-focused, immersed, wildly and mindlessly rampaging.
"That is enough. Let's go outside now."
"...Huh, we just started. I can hunt more."
"It is sufficient."
What could he do? He had to abandon the mission and go outside.
Spot!
Joo-hyuk and his party appeared in the penthouse.
Gwang-ma was still holding his wrist.
Then he said.
"The skills acquired in the Tower can be understood as a kind of automatic macro system. The system is programmed that way."
A martial artist from the world of Jianghu knows about macros too.
"For that reason, when a Player simply shouts the skill name, it automatically activates. Even without conscious thought, the mana moves on its own."
"However, no matter how macro-like it is, for the actual skill to be emitted, the mana must transform and move within your body."
He understood what he meant.
The principle of activating Blood Jade Astral Qi inside the Tower and in the real world was different.
The real-world Blood Jade Astral Qi required operating internal energy formulas, transforming ki, and emitting it externally in the form of stances.
"Therefore, this old man has grasped how your mana transforms within the Tower, what path it moves through, and what method of operation you use."
Was that why he held his wrist?
"Then you must unfold it with real internal energy, Summoner. Based on the Heaven and Earth Origin Art you learned in reality."
"...Ah!"
But is it possible to unfold Shadow Step with internal energy?
Maybe Primordial Thunderbolt Staff, but...
"There is a saying: All rivers return to the sea. No matter how diverse the paths, they eventually converge into one."
In an instant! Su-wooong!
Gwang-ma's profound internal energy seeped into Joo-hyuk's meridian points.
"Let's walk."
The internal energy moved to his lower body.
The energy gathering at the Yongcheon point on his soles.
Swish, he moved a step without thinking.
Swat! Swawat!
Shadow Step unfolded in the penthouse living room.
Swawat! Swat! Swat!
It worked. He did it.
"Memorize the flow of ki. Internalize the method of operation with your body."
Swa-wa-wat! Swawat!
Afterimages were created with each step.
Even though he was moving as if dancing with Gwang-ma, he could now use Shadow Step outside as well.
A shower of applause poured in.
"So cool! You can run away well outside now, too."
"Young lady, my heart is finally at ease. Who could possibly chase our master now?"
"Sergeant Officer Veronica Caliber, efficient tactical mobility confirmed."
"Light! Blessings upon my lord!!!"
Razix, seemingly excited, started moving along with Joo-hyuk.
Rolling this way, rolling that way.
Before he knew it, Gwang-ma had also let go of Joo-hyuk's hand.
Joo-hyuk was now casting Shadow Step alone.
It's fun.
Shadow Step unfolded with internal energy.
A different feeling from inside the Tower.
No matter how spacious the penthouse living room was, moving like this made it feel far too cramped.
He wanted to unfold it freely in an open place.
Joo-hyuk was gradually falling into a state of no-self.
That's when it happened.
Kosak cried out in an urgent voice.
"Huh?! It's the Minotaur King!"
"...What?"
In an instant!
Ssu-sseut!
A huge shadow approached from behind Joo-hyuk.
"Eeek! Shit, you scared me!"
It was instinctual.
Energy concentrating in the mace.
Pachijik! Falling Thunder Soul Chaser was used right then and there.
Sswae-aek! Kwak! Taeng!
"...Huh?"
It was Gobang.
"...."
Joo-hyuk's mace had struck Gobang's head. Gobang had a dumbfounded expression.
Perhaps because he had just been hunting Minotaurs, when something big appeared, he reflexively swung the mace.
"Why are you there?"
"...The assassin pushed me."
That evil Kosak.
"Oopsie! It was Gobang. I thought it was the Minotaur King because it was so big. Hehehehe."
"..."
Should he hit him once?
"...Doesn't it hurt?"
"A warrior does not feel pain. Hit me as much as you want."
This felt a bit strange.
It was his best shot, though.
Guess it didn't even tickle?
"Kyaa! As expected of Gobang. Summoner Bong, to see if it's working properly, try hitting him a few more times."
"Should I?"
"Yahp!"
Joo-hyuk quickly closed in on Kosak.
Swawat! Swat! Swat!
"Ee-hik? Why me?"
"You said to test if it's working properly."
"H-hit Gobang."
"I don't want to."
"Euaaah! O-or how about Bardin? He likes getting hit too."
Swawat! Swat! Swat!
Joo-hyuk chasing, Kosak being chased.
"Ice!"
"So what?"
Is this some kind of ice tag game?
Razix, joining in the fun, rolled around.
"Hoe, tag!"
I said it's not ice tag.
The penthouse living room was filled with the shadows of Joo-hyuk and Kosak.
The Rune Necklace of Liberation?
Joo-hyuk was already liberated.
'Still, I can't seem to land a hit on Kosak.'
Whose skill is Shadow Step, after all.
However, Kosak's fate was sealed.
Thud! Gobang swiftly grabbed Kosak's collar.
"...Hik?"
And then, with a thick finger, to his forehead—
Thwak! Kwang!
Gobang's flick was accompanied by an explosive sound.
Kosak's head snapped back violently.
"Guk!"
Thud!
He collapsed flat on the living room floor.
The Summoned Beings looked upon the scene with satisfaction.
Gwang-ma also let out a soft laugh and spoke to Joo-hyuk.
"Summoner, enter the 71st floor conquest without me."
"Why?"
"Because they are sufficient."
"Then what about you, Gwang-ma-nim..."
Wouldn't conquest be easier if you came along?
"In the world of martial arts, there is a saying: A warrior must always hide 30% of their strength. Whether inside the Tower or outside, you must strike the enemy's weak point at the critical moment."
"Ah!"
"This old man is your hidden card, Summoner. The 30% of your combat power."
No way?
From what he saw, it's almost 70%?
Anyway, since he contributed, he should get a badge pinned on him.
"Hmm hmm, my chest feels heavy."
Before he knew it, Gwang-ma's 3-hour manifestation period ended.
With a satisfied smile, he returned to the other world.
Now, let's slowly prepare for the 71st floor conquest.
First, a call with Deputy Director Jeon Gwang-il.
After all, he needed to notify them that he'd be conquering the 71st floor.
The Management Bureau would be in chaos by now.
With a world announcement popping up.
In an instant! Ziiiiing!
A sudden incoming call.
It was Jeon Gwang-il.
'Hmm? I was just about to call him first.'
He answered the phone.
"Hello?"
- Player Bong, I have a request.
"Huh? What kind of..."
- Please go up to the Korean Black Tower's 71st floor immediately and secure the four types of items.
"Uh, I was just about to go up anyway. I plan to try conquering it while I'm at it. Is that okay?"
- By all means. The conquest deadline has lost its meaning now. Anyway, once you secure the items, do not hand them over to anyone and keep them in your inventory.
"Hmm."
- Especially the Rune Necklace of Liberation...
Huh? He seems to know its identity.
"Um, do you know what the Rune Necklace of Liberation is used for?"
- Yes, I'm not certain, but I have an idea.
"How?"
It wasn't even explained.
- Have you watched YouTube lately?
"No."
- Please check it out. The view counts are as high as the videos of Japanese anti-Korean protestors getting taught a lesson. Search for 'Chinese Beijing Tiananmen.'
What is this?
"I'll look now."
Joo-hyuk opened the YouTube app on his tablet.
When he entered the search term, several videos with tens of millions of views popped up.
Tiananmen Square in China.
It looked like an ordinary video.
A Chinese streamer was introducing Tiananmen Square.
But then, someone suddenly appeared in the background.
Sswae-ae-aek!
Someone was crossing the square at a terrifying speed.
How could a person be that fast?
Was it a manipulated video?
But there were too many similar videos for that.
From the side, from behind, from atop buildings, or from other locations.
- It's not manipulation. They were all accidentally filmed. The man running has been identified as the Chinese Player Bai Long.
"...A Player?"
- Yes. Bai Long's trait is High-Speed. It's presumed he used a Tower Jumping Ticket to reach the 71st floor this time and acquired the four types of items.
So he used the Rune Necklace of Liberation.
- There are also rumors of trouble concerning the safety of the new Chinese President, Wang Yuan. The Public Security and People's Liberation Army have designated Bai Long as a dangerous person and are currently pursuing him.
He understood.
The conflict had begun.
The dispute between nations and Players.
Joo-hyuk realized why Deputy Director Jeon Gwang-il wanted him to secure the four items.
If someone was going to take them anyway, he must have judged that Joo-hyuk was the better choice.
So, Joo-hyuk waited about 3 hours and then entered the 71st floor.
With Hyeol-rang included, Kosak, Gobang, Gyeon Dal-rae, Razix, Veronica, and Bardin.
Gwang-ma was the hidden card.
Let's finish the conquest and come back.
Would a world announcement ring this time too...
[Entering the Korean Black Tower 71st Floor.]
Finally, the first entry.
[You have reached the Korean Black Tower 71st Floor for the first time.]
Indeed?
[The 4-Type Congratulatory Gift Set has been sent to your inventory.]
'Oh.'
[The Ring of Form Transformation has been sent to your inventory.]
[The Potion of Disease Cure has been sent to your inventory.]
[The Elixir of Rejuvenation has been sent to your inventory.]
[The Rune Necklace of Liberation has been sent to your inventory.]
No world announcement, no global announcement rang.
But that was even more frightening.
No one would know who acquired them.
'Should I go get the mission?'
What's the 71st floor mission?
What if an S++ grade conquest is difficult?
There was a way.
The start pack item received from accumulating 70 Platinum Badges.
[Tower Conquest Mission Reset Ticket]
This is an item related to S++ grade conquests and Platinum Badges.
A ticket that gives you one more chance when failure is expected. If things go wrong, just reset it.
'That aside, where is this?'
He said it was a new beginning, and even the entry location was peculiar.
'Inside a house?'
It seemed to be a house made of logs.
There was an exit door ahead.
The inside of the house seemed to be a safe zone.
'Do I need to go outside?'
Joo-hyuk grabbed the doorknob.
Then, Ddee-ring! A mission appeared.
Floor 71 Basic Mission
📍 Objective: Defeat 20 Pommel Mercenary Group members.
⏰ Time Limit: Within 10 hours.
Additional Missions
⚔️ Optional: Defeat Vice Captain James of the Pommel Mercenary Group.
⚔️ High Difficulty: Defeat Captain Pommel of the Pommel Mercenary Group.
⚔️ Extreme Difficulty: Defeat the Necromancer Kate.
Completion: Pommel Mercenary Group Members 0/20
What is this?
The mission assignment method changed, fine, but...
"...Are they people?"
Really?
"They are people."
"They're human."
"Easy. Just give the order. I'll take care of it all."
"It is an easy mission. Do not worry."
"Sniper ready."
"Hoe..."
No, you guys.
The problem wasn't whether it was easy or hard right now.
We had to kill people.
'This is troublesome.'
Suddenly, he felt like abandoning the mission.