Chapter 116
Chapter 116
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 116
Chapter Title: The Ordinary Guy's Tower Conquest Method
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Secretary MacMillan and Director Antonio, who had departed from the United States on a private jet, arrived at the US military base in Pyeongtaek.
There was Gerald, who had miraculously survived.
He had been secretly transferred from Seoul to Pyeongtaek yesterday.
The fact that Gerald had nearly died was top secret.
No one else was to know.
Inside the base.
Entering a heavily guarded building, Antonio and MacMillan finally met Gerald.
"Gerald!"
"Are you hurt anywhere?"
With an awkward expression, Gerald said,
"I'm sorry. I'm deeply regretting it. Something like this won't happen again."
Director Antonio hugged Gerald tightly and said,
"You're alive, that's what matters. Just don't do it again from now on."
"I've come to my senses now. I'll climb at a level that matches my abilities."
"Good, tell me in detail. What happened inside the Tower?"
"What happened, you ask..."
Gerald began to tell his story.
MacMillan and Antonio listened, nodding their heads.
In fact, they had already heard the general outline from Deputy Commissioner Jeon Gwang-il.
But they wanted to hear it directly from the person involved and fact-check.
"Gerald."
"Yes."
"The person who saved you, is it this man?"
Director Antonio showed a photo on his tablet.
"Ah! That's him. It's this person. Haah, I really don't know how to thank him,"
The man in the photo was Bong Joo-hyuk.
They had expected as much.
Who else could have pulled off such an incredible feat?
An excited Gerald poured out words incoherently.
"If he hadn't saved me, I would have died. My soul was about to be ripped out? You have no idea how horrifying an experience it was."
"I was so incredibly grateful, it brought tears to my eyes. I wanted to convey my sincere feelings, but since we couldn't communicate, it was so frustrating."
"I should learn Korean right away and formally thank him again. I should also give him material compensation, right? Even if I have to use my entire fortune..."
Gerald's voice grew louder.
MacMillan and Antonio understood him.
He was his savior.
"Calm down, compensation will be handled at the US government level."
"I'll definitely do it personally too."
"We'll talk about that later."
Suddenly, Gerald seemed to remember something.
"Ah! While we're at it, I'll conquer from the 68th floor of the Western Tower using the Holy Sword rental."
"Why?"
"Because the rental fee goes to that person. It might be pocket change, but still."
Antonio looked at him with puzzled eyes.
"...Did you know this man was the actual owner of the Holy Sword?"
Gerald chuckled and said,
"Do you think I'm a fool? Not only is he the actual owner of the Holy Sword, but he's also an S+++ rank conqueror. Who else but him could use an item to enter the American Tower and rescue me?"
Well,
"Alright. Do that. You, get some proper rest for now."
Closing the door and exiting the room, MacMillan said to Antonio,
"A Tower Intrusion Ticket..., must have been a reward from an S+++ rank conquest, right?"
"Of course. Could such an item appear as a normal reward?"
A truly extraordinary item.
Although, most Tower items are like that.
"Its name is suspicious, but for us in America, it was an item of salvation."
"An item's value depends on how it's used. It wasn't the item that was the salvation, but Bong Joo-hyuk, that person."
That's right.
Depending on how it's used, an item can be poison or medicine.
Multinational Tower Use Tickets, Tower Intrusion Tickets, they're all the same.
Forcing conquest of a specific country's Tower to induce collapse, or killing players from other countries.
But Bong Joo-hyuk did not do that.
He used a Multinational Tower Use Ticket to help a country whose collapse deadline was imminent.
He used a Tower Intrusion Ticket to rescue a player on the brink of life and death.
"Frankly, at first I thought he was a threat. He's an individual outside the scope of control, after all? And one with immense abilities at that."
That's right.
Nations do not look favorably upon individuals with great power.
"But now I think we need to change our perspective. America owes him a great debt."
"As I said earlier, he is already a savior to us."
"And his character is excellent too."
He intruded the moment he confirmed someone was on the 72nd floor of the American Black Tower.
Using that precious item without hesitation.
Would an ordinary person do that?
One's own interests usually come first.
"Moreover, it's not just us who received his favor."
It wasn't just America.
The United Arab Emirates an France too.
"We can't just sit still. Sufficient compensation must be provided at the government level. Hoo, how much should we set the compensation amount at."
MacMillan shook his head and said,
"Money? What money! Is Player Bong Joo-hyuk some poor person?"
"That's true. That makes it even harder."
Antonio made a face as if he remembered something,
"Right! Earlier, when I was on the phone with Deputy Commissioner Jeon Gwang-il, I asked him in advance what Player Bong Joo-hyuk needed most."
MacMillan's eyes sparkled as he asked.
"Really? What did he say?"
"Trait Enhancement Runes. He said there's probably nothing else he needs."
Then, with a troubled expression,
"Trait Enhancement Runes, that's a difficult task."
"Haah, that's right. It's not something easily obtainable."
"What about the market?"
"Hard to say. Not sure if there's any stock left."
America doesn't have any in stock either.
If they did, they would have fed it to Gerald long ago.
The market Secretary MacMillan mentioned?
Literally, a place where transactions take place.
An intangible place where various items for players are secretly traded through very covert channels.
Namely, the black market.
A place that has existed since players first began climbing the Tower.
There is also an organization operating the black market.
But it is thoroughly shrouded in secrecy; no one knows who operates it or how large the organization is.
Even the US intelligence agency tried to track the black market but failed repeatedly.
Eliminating it is also impossible.
In fact, governments of various countries are the main customers of the black market, not individuals.
The Trait Enhancement Runes that Saudi Arabia or the UAE swept up, the Tower Jumping Ticket secured by China, the Level-Up Rune purchased by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.
Where did all those come from?
"Make contact with the black market. If necessary, we have to get it for him."
"Yes, this is a matter of pride. If we receive help and pretend not to know, it would disgrace America."
"He deserves to receive what he wants."
Also, the most important goal.
"We can also use this opportunity to make the relationship between Player Bong and America even closer."
He is someone we should befriend.
The Trait Enhancement Rune is just a very small investment for friendship with Bong Joo-hyuk.
"The problem is the price..."
"The last time we made contact, the purchased price was 5 billion dollars."
"Hmm."
But now it's become even rarer.
"It must have at least doubled."
"So 10 billion dollars?"
"Maybe even more."
"We'll have to get approval from the White House first."
In truth, ordinary, average countries find it difficult to readily spend large sums to secure Trait Enhancement Runes.
While there's nothing better for strengthening a player's abilities, the price is so high they inevitably hesitate.
But America is different.
Aren't they the country that prints dollars?
"If there's enough stock, buy two. One will be for Gerald."
"What if we can only get one?"
"Of course, it should go to Bong Joo-hyuk."
Tower climbing will become increasingly difficult in the future.
They couldn't even predict what will happen.
Just look at Cabalan's curse.
Didn't they witness with their own eyes how Japan suffered?
They needed insurance.
Reliable insurance named Bong Joo-hyuk.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Cheongdam-dong penthouse.
Joo-hyuk was in a very good mood.
So good his shoulders felt like they were soaring to the heavens.
Saving someone in crisis and receiving heartfelt gratitude.
You don't know the feeling unless you experience it.
How gratifying it was.
"So that bastard Gerald, don't tell me he just wiped his mouth? He didn't give anything?"
"Bastard? He's our Holy Sword rental customer, of course I received a thank you."
For some reason, Kosak's expression seemed dissatisfied,
"What did he say, hmm?"
"Umm... Thank you?"
In fact, he said more than that, but Joo-hyuk's English was lacking so he couldn't understand.
"And what did Summoner Bong say?"
"...You're welcome?"
Kosak slapped the floor with his palm and lamented.
"Aigoo, he just wiped his mouth. We got stabbed in the back. This is why you shouldn't just save people like that, hmm. Should've negotiated first, asking how much you'll give, hmm."
Tsk tsk, that mercenary spirit.
"When saving people, huh? If you expect compensation, huh? The meaning gets diminished, you know!"
Kosak still seemed resentful.
"It's America, a rich country, hmm? They should've coughed up at least 1 billion dollars, hmm."
No, this guy's got some nerve.
"Is 1 billion dollars a dog's name? 1.3 trillion won, the price of a high-rise building in Gangnam."
"Umm, that's true. But still, at least 500 million dollars..."
"They'll probably contact us separately later."
Honestly, he wasn't without expectations.
He saved America's top player,
If they said, 'Here's compensation,' and just wired maybe 300 million dollars into his account, how great would that be?
Anyway, Joo-hyuk and the summoned beings were having a leisurely time.
Each watching TV, surfing the web on a tablet, taking a nap,
He had summoned Mari too.
He left out the Mad Demon.
If he put the two together, they might fight.
Razix, holding a tray with drinks and snacks, toddled along.
With his short arm, he tapped on the door of the room Mari was holed up in, then placed the tray in front of the door and went back.
A moment later,
Creeeak, the door opened slightly, a white hand swiped the tray inside, thud, the door closed.
"...Wow! Amazing, hmm. A shut-in hikikomori, extreme social anxiety disorder, hmm."
"But she seems to have opened her heart to Razix."
"Razix is a servant human, hmm. A hamster, hmm."
Was that why?
"But Summoner Bong, don't you have friends, hmm?"
"...."
What's this?
Looking for a fight?
"You should go out sometimes, meet friends, do hobby activities, it's good for mental health, hmm."
"...."
Does he think I'm not doing it because I don't know?
"Go to things like alumni reunions, hmm."
I'd need an invitation to go.
"Alumni reunions, how great are they, hmm?"
Kosak, looking excited.
"One day, you receive a notice that an alumni reunion is being held, and Summoner Bong quietly reveals himself at the gathering of alumni in beggar-like attire, hmm. Then the alumni will think like this."
How?
"Tsk tsk, Bong Joo-hyuk, are times tough lately? He looks like a jobless bum. He came to ruin the alumni reunion. How dare he come to the sacred alumni reunion in such shabby clothes? Isn't he just asking to be told to buy floor tiles?"
Hmm.
"But as everyone heads home after the reunion, Summoner Bong takes out a car key from his pocket and beep! presses it, hmm. Then, over there, a Bentley turns on its headlights with a magnificent engine sound... Kyaa!"
A story seen often somewhere,
"Everyone looks with surprised eyes, Ooh! Whose car is that? Their mouths hanging open, when Summoner Bong plops! gets into the Bentley."
This... is imaginable?
"The dismissive looks toward Summoner Bong instantly change to looks of envy, hmm. That car was Joo-hyuk's? He succeeded! Hearing that, he says one thing, hmm."
What does he say.
"That 61-story building over there, it's actually mine. Come visit sometime."
"...."
Has this guy been reading web novels lately?
"Reading chaebol stories, hmm."
"Yeah, yeah, enjoy your reading."
"Yes, sir!"
Well, it's okay not to go to alumni reunions.
How many friends did he have here?
Regardless of race, gender, or age.
The shut-in alchemist Mari is more of a concern.
She needs to become friends with the other summoned beings quickly.
Let's try having a conversation with her now.
Inviting her to a private chat room.
[Real Man]: Knock knock, what are you doing?
[Mari]: I'm playing on my tablet.
She's not getting into comment battles on weird sites or leaving malicious comments, right?
[Real Man]: Hey, when talking to other people, could you at least not swear?
[Mari]: I'll try
She's so normal like this usually.
[Real Man]: What kind of study is alchemy? Is it about making elixirs, potions, or potions?
[Mari]: That's right. If I have the materials, anything is possible. The most commonly used are medicinal herbs.
Medicinal herbs.
Tower materials whose true nature hasn't been revealed yet.
Research is ongoing, but still no meaningful results have come out.
But with Mari summoned, the day when medicinal herbs will be properly used is coming soon.
[Real Man]: What kind of medicines can you make?
[Mari]: Well, healing potions, or elixirs for magic power, strength, agility, wisdom, etc., or potions that permanently increase abilities too.
[Real Man]: Mass production?
[Mari]: As much as you want. As long as materials are sufficient
Not bad?
Potions also come as Tower rewards.
But the quantity is woefully insufficient and the price is high.
But mass production?
If they can be bought cheaply and in abundance, players will become even safer.
[Real Man]: Can you make other things too? For example, runes,
[Mari]: Runes?
[Real Man]: Trait Enhancement Runes.
[Mari]: Umm, that's impossible. Nectar or Elixir, maybe, but not that."
Nectar and Elixir?
[Mari]: Nectar is good. If you drink it, Summoner, you'll live a long, long time. Without aging and healthily.
[Real Man]: Like a rejuvenation potion?
[Mari]: That's the lowest grade nectar. A mere 10-year one.
So rejuvenation potions are the lowest grade nectar.
[Real Man]: What about Elixirs?
[Mari]: They vary by type. Enhancement Elixir, Resurrection Elixir, Healing Elixir.
Oh!
That's enticing.
[Real Man]: What do you need to make Elixirs?
[Mari]: The main materials needed for top-grade production are Dragon Heart, Phoenix Feather, Fruit of the World Tree, Top-grade Magic Stone..., and the Philosopher's Stone.
……What?
Where would you even find those?
[Mari]: I have the Philosopher's Stone. We just need to get the other materials.
It's those other materials that are the problem.
[Real Man]: Do you happen to know where to get them? Is it possible in the Tower too?
[Mari]: Of course. They all come from the Tower.
[Real Man]: From which floors?
[Mari]: At least above the 80th floor.
[Real Man]: Ah, okay.
Still a pie in the sky.
Does that mean dragons appear above the 80th floor?
'Hmm.'
Nothing was easy, as expected.
Even after summoning an LSSR-grade alchemist.
What to do?
Did he have to climb again?
Anyway, not now.
After Gobang returns.
[Real Man]: I'll work hard to find the materials and bring them to you. Since Ms. Mari doesn't need to enter the Tower, please work comfortably in your room.
The alchemist is a non-combat personnel.
Moreover, she likes being alone.
[Mari]: I can be helpful in combat too.
[Real Man]: That's a given. Just making elixirs for us will be a huge help.
[Mari]: Not elixirs, but, umm, I have something I made earlier.... I'll give it to you now.
'What is she giving?'
Suddenly!
Creeeak, the door opened.
Then, a round object the size of a basketball came rolling out, clunk clunk.
'Huh?'
Joo-hyuk went closer, picked up the object, and examined it.
It was a silvery metal sphere.
A perfect sphere without a single seam.
[Mari]: It's a Homunculus. A masterpiece only high-level alchemists can create. If there are enough numbers, they can even face a dragon.
Homunculus,
Latin for 'little person'.
[Mari]: I can make more for you. As long as there are enough of various Tower metals like Adamant and Orichalcum, rare medicinal herbs, and magic stones,
But it doesn't match at all.
'This is a Homunculus?'
It's not even shaped like a person.
Just a sphere.
Made of metal, so it's quite heavy.
What did he do with this?
Play ball with monsters?
[Mari]: Uh, sorry, but could you injure your finger and smear some blood on the sphere?
[Real Man]: How much?
[Mari]: A little.
.
Aww, I don't want to injure myself.
But let's do as she says.
Joo-hyuk went to the sink and pricked the tip of his finger with a kitchen knife to draw blood.
Then, when he touched the metal sphere.
Zzzzzzzing.
The sphere vibrated.
Simultaneously, it shone brilliantly.
Like the sun.
And then,
"Ah!"
He felt something.
Joo-hyuk and the metal sphere.
The two were now connecting.
He stood there blankly for a long time.
Simultaneously, he realized.
How to use this.
Joo-hyuk released the hand holding the metal sphere.
It fell to the floor with a thud!
Clatter clatter clatter!
Scattering pieces.
The pieces bounced on the floor, continuing to crumble.
Small pieces into even smaller pieces.
Even smaller pieces into even tinier pieces.
Finally, the metal sphere turned into very small silver grains piled on the living room floor.
Tiny silver grains.
But he could tell.
These weren't just simple fragments.
That each one was actually an individual Homunculus.
Joo-hyuk manifested his will.
Come to me.
Ssssssss!
The silver grains moved.
Coiling together like a living snake, they crawled up Joo-hyuk's clothes.
Sssssssssss!
What do they look like?
They're so small you have to look closely to see.
About 5mm each.
They are shaped like people.
Just a head, torso, and limbs.
No eyes, nose, or mouth.
'So this is why it's Homunculus, little person?'
To put it figuratively, they're like pictograms.
Symbols used to represent people, like on restroom signs, traffic signs, emergency exit signs, or to depict sports... the kind of symbols.
That's what the grain-like Homunculi looked like, roughly tens of thousands of them.
'They're like nanorobots.'
Controlled by his will.
This isn't an ordinary alchemical object.
It was made by LSSR-grade alchemist Ms. Mari.
And it can even be used in reality.
'I should practice.'
Until he became proficient.