Chapter 103
Chapter 103
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 103
Chapter Title: The Rolling Dice
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China's Black Tower (No. 3), the 70th floor, was conquered.
However, the Chinese player Bai Long, who was level 71, had fled with the four types of gifts, even pushing aside China's new chairman.
Even though the Public Security Bureau and the People's Liberation Army were pursuing Bai Long, how could they possibly find him?
If he changed his appearance with a Shape-Shifting Ring, or used the Rune of Liberation Necklace again, there would be no way.
Bai Long would leave China by any means necessary.
Well, they just couldn't catch him.
After China, the countries closest to reaching the 71st floor were three nations.
Korea, France, and America.
Korea was not a concern.
France was also in diplomatic negotiations with the Korean government.
Then what about America?
Minister MacMillan, Director Antonio, and the player Gerald, who had entered Korea to conquer the 70th floor.
"Gerald. After conquering the 70th floor, you'll climb to the 71st, right?"
"...Is that not okay?"
"There's no reason it wouldn't be. It's up to you. Who could stop you?"
Gerald shrugged his shoulders.
"Then what did you want to say?"
"The items."
"Ah!"
The gifts received for being the first to reach the 71st floor.
"You can keep as many Potions of Rejuvenation or Disease Cure Potions as you want. You can drink them yourself, or, well, sell them to someone if you wish. But..."
Minister MacMillan paused briefly before continuing.
"The Rune of Liberation Necklace and the Shape-Shifting Ring must be handed over to the government. Otherwise, some troublesome things might happen. I'm not threatening you, just stating facts."
It was true.
They were dangerous items.
The moment a player possessed a Rune of Liberation Necklace, they could be branded as a dangerous person.
The same went for the Shape-Shifting Ring.
Something that could even change one's own face and physique.
Gerald pondered.
Items any player would covet.
But the risk that came with owning them was too great.
How could he stand up to the U.S. government?
It was much better to live a prosperous player life under America's protection, as he always had.
"Alright. I'll hand them over as soon as I receive the gifts."
"Phew."
"Good thinking, Gerald."
Only then did Minister MacMillan and Antonio let out sighs of relief.
"Then when shall we start the conquest?"
"We entered the country today, so tomorrow..."
Right at that moment!
"Ah..."
"Huh?"
"Hmm,"
The world announcements were no longer surprising.
In the past, they were full announcements only heard by Korean players, but now they rang out frequently.
"There are three pluses next to the S."
"Damn, how do you conquer a floor to get a grade like that?"
"Did he also receive gifts?"
"I'll inquire with the Awakening Management Bureau."
Gerald was surprised too, but his pride seemed slightly wounded.
"I'll conquer the 68th floor of Eastern Tower No. 1 today. Tomorrow the 69th, the day after the 70th. I'll finish it within three days."
And so, America also began its climb.
A completion message for the conquest of Korea's Black Tower appeared.
As a world announcement audible even to ordinary people.
Even the S+++ grade record,
Three pluses.
Korea's Awakening Management Bureau Deputy Director Jeon Gwang-il immediately summoned Team Leader Lee Min-ah.
"Deputy Director."
"Come in."
The six-month collapse deadline given for conquering a new, un-conquered upper floor, 180 days.
The collapse deadline displayed on the large electronic board in the Bureau's lobby was 169 days. Player Bong Joo-hyuk had conquered the 70th floor about ten days ago.
"Can you check the progress?"
"I already have."
The status window for the progress of Korea's Black Tower that Team Leader Lee Min-ah checked.
[Location]: Korea, Gangwon-do, Black Tower
[Completed]: 71st Floor
[In Progress]: 72nd Floor
[Deadline]: 349 days 23 hours 51 minutes 48 seconds
"It overlapped. The existing 169 days plus 180 days, totaling 349 days."
Jeon Gwang-il clenched his fist and said.
"That's it! Have an employee modify the date on the lobby electronic board and prepare a press release to send to the media."
"Yes."
"Oh! Regarding the four types of items, let it be known that the state, meaning the Bureau, is keeping them safe."
"Will Player Bong give them to us?"
"I don't know. I don't even plan on receiving them. But that's the safest place, isn't it?"
"I suppose..."
Jeon Gwang-il was relieved.
The extended collapse deadline.
If the 72nd floor was conquered, another 180 days would be added to that.
Korea had become a blessed nation.
All thanks to a single player.
However, the issue of possessing the Rune of Liberation Necklace or the Shape-Shifting Ring might become noisy.
There was China's example.
If it became known that an individual, especially a player, possessed them, there would be an uproar.
Stating that the Bureau was keeping them safe would prevent such noise.
In truth, those items would be safest with Player Bong.
Would he even need something like a Rune of Liberation Necklace?
The Awakening Management Bureau's press release was distributed to news outlets.
And the news erupted all at once,
Joo-hyuk's party returned to the penthouse.
The first mission of the new Season 2.
He felt more indifferent than expected.
Whether it was because he didn't kill anyone directly, or because they were evil people, he wasn't sure.
Above all, the look in the eyes of the villagers he saved before exiting the 71st floor.
He could feel it clearly.
Their gratitude.
'That's enough.'
If he had left the Pommel mercenary members alone, the villagers would have died instead.
Thinking about it again, he did the right thing.
Let's examine the rewards received today.
First, the weapon.
Mace of the Destructive Thunderstorm.
Effect: When equipped, agility increases, critical hit chance increases, lightning skill proficiency improves, successful strikes have a chance to cast an electromagnetic storm.
Feature: Summons thunder and lightning. Paralyzes enemies.
It didn't have the Tower-exclusive modifier.
Therefore, the option effects applied in reality as well,
'Perfect.'
A versatile weapon usable both inside and outside the Tower.
He also received a Multinational Tower Use Ticket.
The more tickets, the better.
Next…
Potion of Courage
Effect: Maintains a strong spirit. Unshaken by external influences.
Limit: Duration 10 minutes.
'Hmm.'
Does one become a real man after drinking it?
He'll find out when he uses it.
And.
Tower-Exclusive Holy Water of Divinity
Effect: When drunk, contains the power of radiance. When sprinkled, weakens the dark aura of the undead.
Limit: Duration 2 hours. Effect only works inside the Tower.
'This is a bit...'
Literally holy water,
A potion targeting the undead.
Could it be used as a substitute for a holy sword?
It seemed so.
If a lot of these came out, he might have to quit the holy sword rental business.
'Well, I made a lot of money with the holy swords until now.'
Finally, check the special bonus.
It was about time something good came out.
Joo-hyuk checked his inventory.
Even though he had given badges to his Summoned Beings and some slots were empty, the number he acquired, 81, hadn't changed...
'Let it be something good.'
'...'
A dice? What's this now?
Taking it out of his inventory, it was a real dice.
Soft, elastic rubber material.
Much larger than a normal dice, but a colorful cube he could hold in one hand.
'Written characters...'
Each face had something written.
Six faces, so six types.
- Potion of Rejuvenation.
- Tower Floor Intrusion Ticket.
- Potion of Vitality Increase.
- Potion of Magical Power Enhancement,
- Rune of Summoned Being Resurrection.
- Grade-Certain Summon Ticket (One of SR, SSR, LSSR).
'They don't even give out Trait Enhancement Runes anymore.'
How stingy.
Do they think you can't get them anywhere else except as bonuses?
Ensure sufficient space when rolling the dice.
If any part of the body touches the rolling dice, or if external force is applied, the dice will be destroyed immediately.
'There are cautions too.'
Likely rules made to prevent cheating.
While the dice is rolling, you could say "Oops! My hand slipped," and touch it with your hand or an intangible force to make the desired face appear.
"That looks like a dice, sir."
"Yes. I got it as a bonus."
Kosak said with a sly smile.
"When it comes to dice, that's my forte, sir. A gambler who wins at the table, a sharper with hands faster than the eyes, if caught cheating, they don't just cut off your hand but your actual head..."
Yeah, yeah, there's nothing you can't do.
"Will you roll it now, sir?"
"I should."
"Tell me what item you want, sir. When it's about to stop, I'll just give it a little nudge from the side..."
Now he understood why the caution existed.
It must be because of people like Kosak.
"It says it breaks if touched while rolling. It won't work with magic or internal energy either. So step aside. If you mess with it and I can't get the bonus..."
"Eh? Ah, understood, sir."
Fortunately, the penthouse living room was quite spacious.
The Summoned Beings retreated to the edges of the living room.
Veronica, who had fallen asleep snoring, was picked up by Gobang and placed against the wall.
"Alright, here I go."
With a light swing! Thump!
Perhaps because it was rubber, the dice bounced on the living room floor.
Thump, Tooong, Thump! Thump! Thump…
It had quite some elasticity.
No, it was more like a spring.
To-thump! Thump! To-om! Tooong! Thumpthumpthumpthump!
The bounce height gradually increased.
It bounced like crazy.
It bounced so high it seemed like it would hit the ceiling.
It even ricocheted off the wall, changing direction.
"It's like a super ball, sir."
"It sure is."
When will it stop?
Its direction was unpredictable.
Its bouncing speed was also getting faster.
Then, Too-ung! Tung-tung!
"Huh?"
The dice flew towards Razix.
If this continues, it'll hit him.
'Wait!'
The caution suddenly came to mind.
If the dice touched a body...
"Gasp!"
This was bad.
"Razix, the worker, move, move! If it touches you, the dice breaks!!!"
Razix was startled by Joo-hyuk's words.
"Hweh?"
Rolling, rolling, he hurriedly dodged.
Too-ong! Thumpthumpthumpthumpthump!
The dice rolled after the fleeing Razix.
"Hwehweh?"
Razix's eyes widened.
"Move, move!"
"Ah, Head Servant…"
"Hang in there, worker!"
"Let there be light!"
"You barely have any presence lately, if you break the dice too, it's over, sir!"
"Hwehweheheng?"
Rolling, rolling, rolling rolling.
Razix rolled around the living room like mad to escape the dice.
Only then could he avoid it.
The speed at which it flew bouncing was like lightning.
"...What is this, a homing missile?"
"It's a super ball homing dice missile, sir."
Too-ung!
The dice bounced high once more.
"Uh uh uh? It changed direction, sir."
"Damn it!"
"Uh, oh my?"
This time it was headed for Gyeon Dal-rae.
"Princess!"
"Kyaaah!"
The dice chased after the fleeing girl.
"Ah, no!"
This crazy dice bastard.
At this point, it's a suicide bomber.
Is it trying to make me touch it on purpose to make the bonus disappear?
"Kiiyoooot!"
A shriek erupted.
Close, so close, almost touching.
In that moment!
Whooosh!
Gyeon Dal-rae slid under the dining table.
"Oh!"
That's a method?
Then?
"Everyone, go into a room and close the door!"
But would the cunning dice just let them be?
Too-ung! An ominous bounding sound.
The easiest prey here.
Who would that be?
"Gobang!!!"
"Huh! It, it's coming for warrior."
"Damn it!!!"
Gobang was flustered.
As if frozen in fear, he couldn't even move his body.
That's when it happened.
"Warrior not yield."
He just lay down on the living room floor,
Snatch!
He lifted the heavy sofa and covered himself with it.
"Your foot! Your foot is sticking out!"
Ploink! The foot retracted under the sofa.
Too-ung!
The super ball dice struck the spot where the foot had been and bounced up.
It almost touched it,
"You bastard! You cheap dice bastard!!!"
Right then!
Too-ung!
"...Holy!"
Was it truly a living dice?
This time it was Joo-hyuk.
"Sor...sorry, my bad."
Even a quick apology was useless.
The dice pursued him.
Spot! Spapapapapat!
Joo-hyuk's shadows scattered across the living room.
"It's following, sir! Oh, right, ah, no, left.... Uwaaah!"
Veronica, who had been sleeping, jolted awake.
"Sergeant Veronica Caliber! Is it your turn for guard duty?"
Too-ung!
"Uh uh uh? Sergeant V! Dodge!"
"...Did I hear wrong?"
"You can't get hit by the dice!!!"
"Kyaaah!"
Too-ung!
It was chaos.
Joo-hyuk and the Summoned Beings were running around in a panic from the tiny dice.
"Go away! Why towards me?"
"Ugh! O, it's coming!"
"I told you to go into a room!"
"The dice is blocking the way, sir. This bastard is no ordinary dice!"
"Dodge!"
"Eek!"
"Hwehwehehehek!"
Too-ung!
The damn super ball homing dice.
It went towards Kosak.
"S, sorry, sir. Forgive me, please. Uh-hee-heek?"
Too-ung!
It went towards Bardin too,
"My Lord! Save your humble servant, please."
"How do I save you?"
Too-ung!
The bouncing sound itself was terror.
"Hee-heek?"
"Don't stick to me!"
"Then where should I go, sir?"
"I don't know either!"
Too-ung!
Because of a mere dice, Joo-hyuk and the Summoned Beings scattered in utter chaos.
The afterimages of Shadow Steps unfolded across the living room.
Rolling, rolling, Razix rolling without rest.
Bardin trembling and hiding behind the living room curtain.
Gobang not moving a muscle under the sofa,
Too-ung!
Shashashashak!
Veronica crawling swiftly across the living room floor in a prone position.
The caution,
Do not let it touch the body.
Do not apply external force.
Too-ung!
These simple phrases had turned the penthouse living room into a battlefield.
Too-ung!
Noise complaints between floors? Was that the issue now?
Finally, Too-oo-ung!
It bounced high once and then.
Plop!
It stuck to the floor as if it had never done anything.
"..."
Is it over?
It seemed so.
"Phew."
"Haah."
"My goodness."
"No, what kind of dice..."
Checking the top face of the stopped dice.
"Huh?"
"A ticket?"
"It's a ticket, sir."
"Grade-certain?"
That's right.
A ticket that guarantees one grade among SR, SSR, or LSSR.
In an instant!
Whoosh!
The dice disappeared with a flash of light.
In its place, a single red piece of paper lay.
'Hmm.'
It was a ticket alright, but...
"What kind?"
If it's an SR Grade-Certain Summon Ticket, it would be a dud.
It needed to be at least SSR-certain to be worthwhile.
Gulp, Joo-hyuk swallowed dryly and picked up the ticket to check its information.
The result?
"Gasp!"
What was this?
Checking again.
"...LSSR! Legendary grade!"
Joo-hyuk threw his arms up in the air.
"Kyah! Excellent, sir!"
"Congratulations, my Lord."
"Warrior is also pleased."
"Hwehwehehehe!"
"My Lord! Let there be light!!!"
"Commander, congratulations on replenishing your forces."
But...
"Is it a good thing?"
"Huh?"
"A decent person will come, right?"
"...Uh, well, I'm not sure."
Thinking about it calmly, it might not be something to celebrate too much.
You had to open it to know.
'Surely there won't be someone like the Mad Demon again?'
What about the Random Summon cooldown?
'Still a long time left.'
The next day.
After discussing with his Summoned Beings, Joo-hyuk decided to climb the 72nd floor.
The mission structure and reward system of the 71st floor yesterday.
It was true that it had changed so much it could be called a new beginning.
Missions divided into Basic, Additional Choice, High Difficulty, and Ultra-High Difficulty.
'It seems you get a completion judgment just by conquering the basic mission first.'
The additional missions seemed related to various rewards and the conquest grade judgment.
Then what about the 72nd floor?
Would it be the same method?
Would humans be the mission targets here too?
He intended to check.
He hadn't used his Tower Conquest Mission Reset Ticket yet.
If a truly difficult situation arose, he could nullify it once.
So, Joo-hyuk,
Spot!
It was dark.
Not a single point of light entered.
"Let there be light!!!"
Bardin automatically manifested radiance. The surroundings brightened.
All sides were stone-blocked rooms.
It felt like an underground stone chamber.
A corridor was visible ahead.
Probably, if he went out there, a mission would appear.
"Shall we go?"
Joo-hyuk's party moved their steps towards the corridor.
And.
Basic Mission
📍 Eliminate 30 Necromancer's Dungeon Chimeras.
⏰ Time Limit: Within 11 hours.
🎁 Progress: 0/30
Additional Choice Mission
📍 Eliminate 10 Dungeon Enhanced Chimeras.
High Difficulty Mission
📍 Eliminate 5 Dungeon Ruin Chimeras.
Ultra-High Difficulty Mission
📍 Eliminate 8th-Circle Necromancer Norma.
The mission appeared.
At least the basic mission target was not human.
The additional choice mission too.
The high difficulty too.
But?
The final mission was a human.
What's the plus alpha about?
'If it's Necromancer Norma...?'
She was the mentor of that bitch, Kate, whom he killed yesterday.
'This is a connected mission.'