Chapter 119
Chapter 119
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ace
Chapter: 119
Chapter Title: Prague's Haste, Washington's Gift, and Seoul's Supercars
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Prague, Czech Republic.
The executives of the Black Market Guild had gathered for an emergency meeting.
The deed was done.
There was no turning back now.
"We must conquer the un-cleared upper floors. That's the only way to minimize our losses."
"We have enough equipment, weapons, elixirs, and potions. The 71st floor will be a breeze."
It was the best plan they had.
"We don't even have to worry about the undead section. Even the dreaded Death Knight was nerfed, wasn't it?"
Guild Master Dmitri agreed.
They just had to climb.
The newly appeared North Korean Tower.
Even if the reward probability was lower than South Korea's Black Tower, conquering just the 71st floor would grant them the four-gift set.
"If only we had kept just one Tower Jumping Ticket... we wouldn't be in this mess."
"I regret that the most as well."
They had had many.
But after the Chinese government bought them and successfully climbed to the 71st floor in a show of force, other nations scrambled to buy them too.
Even at exorbitant prices.
If they had known, they would have kept at least one.
But they could still do it.
The executives gathered here were all players in the late 50s level range.
They had generously distributed the items the guild held in the black market to their members.
They were decked out from head to toe in full Tower reward gear.
And that wasn't all.
Holy Water, Elixirs, Potions…
Using their guild's organizational power, they bought up every supply that appeared.
Thus began the trial conquest.
The goal was to conquer three floors in one day.
First, a level 55 player would conquer floor 55, followed by a level 56 player, then a level 57 player.
The result was a success.
In fact, it was remarkably stable.
The investment was clearly paying off.
At this rate, they'd reach the undead section in no time.
Was it okay to climb without North Korean government permission?
What was the problem?
They had no authority or power over the Tower conquest anyway.
Would there even be a reason to change nationalities a year from now?
The North Korean Black Tower was practically becoming the property of the Black Market Guild.
No matter how he thought about it, nothing could go wrong.
Dmitri was certain of it.
***
Washington D.C., USA.
Secretary MacMillan carefully placed a Rune of Trait Enhancement into a high-grade steel case filled with cushioning material.
One of the two Trait Enhancement Runes purchased from the black market.
"To think a mere lump of stone like this costs 9.5 billion dollars."
"It's something you can't buy even if you have the money. Be thankful we managed to get one at all."
"I know. Anyway, good work."
Director Antonio shrugged his shoulders.
"Do you know what the second most expensive item is after this Trait Enhancement Rune?"
"What?"
"The Tower Jumping Ticket. Its price is skyrocketing."
"That expensive?"
"It lets you skip troublesome sections. It's useless above the 71st floor, though."
The Tower Jumping Ticket.
A quintessential re-evaluated item.
It was actually highly effective.
Once a player somehow climbed to the 66th floor, that was it.
Using the ticket was like an elevator straight to the 71st floor.
"I heard there are quite a few of them out there. Soon, many countries will be reaching the 71st floor."
"...By any chance, does North Korea have any?"
"Highly unlikely. Even if they did, they would've sold them long ago. It's a government that's quick to cash in any items they get."
"Tsk! They're insane, anyway."
"If only they'd used that money to improve player treatment..."
MacMillan agreed.
Temporary naturalization as a business scheme? It was a preposterous idea.
Suddenly, as if remembering something.
"Oh! Speaking of which, I heard some information from the CIA Director..."
"What is it?"
"He said the black market organization is deeply involved in this temporary naturalization player incident."
"Huh? The Black Market Guild? That's where we bought the rune from."
"Yes. To start a new business, they temporarily naturalized in North Korea..."
As Secretary MacMillan began his explanation, Director Antonio let out an incredulous laugh.
"Hahaha, they messed up before they could even start the business."
"How many people do you think commissioned the Rejuvenation Elixir and Disease Cure Potion?"
The Trait Enhancement Rune, whose reward probability had dropped significantly.
Instead, they planned to make new items the black market's main trade goods.
Rejuvenation Elixir, Disease Cure Potion—the demand was astronomical.
Please bring them!
We'll buy them at any price.
"It's chaos in the US too. You should see how much wealthy old folks are salivating over it."
"Even President Lloyd is eyeing the Rejuvenation Elixir. He's getting on in years."
But the business was a spectacular failure.
They couldn't change nationalities for a year either.
"Well, they won't just sit idly by."
The Black Market Guild.
Its main members were players.
Skilled and experienced individuals.
Naturally, they would seek a countermeasure.
"I know. They'll climb. They're already climbing."
"Already?"
"According to information received today, the North Korean Tower conquest progress shows completion of the 57th floor."
"Hmm, three floors a day... It can't be North Korean government-trained players."
"Right. The black market players are climbing."
North Korea had no control over its own Tower climbing.
They could only stand by and watch.
What would happen now?
The Black Market Guild could become a power bloc within North Korea.
But here's one question.
"Does the North Korean government know? That the black market guild organization was involved in this temporary naturalization?"
"They probably know. You think those guys don't have ears?"
"Suddenly, this is getting interesting. I wonder how the North Korean government will respond."
MacMillan also nodded with a bitter smile.
Truly dynamic East Asia.
Incidents never cease.
China, Japan, and now North Korea.
"Anyway, when are you planning to go to Korea?"
"As soon as possible. I've already arranged the story."
This Trait Enhancement Rune was for Player Bong Joo-hyuk.
A gift specially prepared to foster goodwill with him.
The American benefactor who saved Gerald.
Thanks to him, both the Eastern and Western Towers had been climbed to the 72nd floor.
He also provided information that the basic mission for the 73rd-floor Chimera Hounds would be quite difficult, unlike before, so they should be careful.
Player Bong Joo-hyuk was a pioneer who shared information about the floors he conquered in advance.
All future information on un-cleared upper floors would come from him.
How grateful could they be?
A mere 9.5-billion-dollar rune?
Compared to what he had done and would do for them, it was a bargain.
***
Joo-hyuk was in a car heading to the Awakening Management Bureau.
It was a pre-arranged appointment. On the way, in the car with Deputy Director Jeon Gwang-il,
"So... nothing's happened, right?"
"Are you referring to the North Korean Black Tower?"
It would be awkward not to ask after the incident broke out.
"Yes. What else is there?"
Jeon Gwang-il sighed briefly before speaking.
"Hoo, we're still in a situation with far too little information. North Korea is a very closed society, after all."
He had expected as much.
What could the government do?
Joo-hyuk felt the same.
Well, just yesterday he had even considered seizing the Tower.
But considering the fallout that would cause, it didn't seem right.
However, thinking about potential problems or collapse of the North Korean Tower, and the persecuted North Korean players, his resolve wavered again.
"The National Intelligence Service is collaborating with American intelligence agencies to assess the situation, but it will likely take some time."
"...Right, right."
"The Americans will probably figure it out quickly. I'll contact you immediately if there are any changes."
You don't have to contact me.
Every time he learned something new, the burden just increased.
He shouldn't have asked.
"Ah! Speaking of America, I should mention that Secretary MacMillan will likely be entering Korea soon as an unofficial special envoy."
"...Is he coming to see me, by any chance?"
"Yes, that's correct."
A high-ranking official.
The American Secretary, no less.
He didn't have to come in person.
Meeting him felt burdensome.
Well, if he came bearing generous gifts in both hands, he could force himself to meet him.
"I heard he's bringing a handwritten letter of gratitude from President Lloyd for your efforts in rescuing Player Gerald."
"..."
A handwritten thank-you letter?
Aw, come on.
A letter?
Was that all?
A country that prints dollars couldn't just splash out, say, 300 million dollars?
A letter? Seriously.
A phone call would suffice.
Then a sudden thought occurred to him.
"By any chance, hasn't there been any contact from Mr. Kosak or Princess Gyeon Dal-rae?"
"Uh, ah, no, there hasn't?"
So there has.
Jeon Gwang-il had a flustered expression.
"Did they ask for the location of the North Korean Chairman's residence?"
"Th-that's,"
"Or the schedule for the Supreme People's Assembly."
"...."
Jeon Gwang-il couldn't answer.
Because there had been contact.
They had exchanged business cards during the badge award ceremony before, so they had his phone number.
But they told him to keep it absolutely secret from Player Bong, so he hadn't mentioned it first.
"They told you not to tell me, huh."
"Umm."
"Whether you tell me or not is up to you, Deputy Director, but you know what happened in China and Japan, right?"
"...Yes, yes."
"They're good people, but sometimes even I can't stop them."
Jeon Gwang-il flinched.
Player Bong was right.
Why would they want to know such things?
A bloodbath might erupt at the North Korean Chairman's residence.
But the terrifying Mr. Kosak insisted, citing some Principle 3, Article 3, that he absolutely had to know...
Just then, the car arrived in front of a large warehouse.
It was perfect timing.
Time to change the subject...
"Player Bong."
"Yes?"
"We're here. You can get out now."
"This is..."
It wasn't the usual material warehouse.
"It's a reserve warehouse. We call it Warehouse No. 2. It was prepared in case the main warehouse filled up. It's wider because there are no dividing walls."
But why Warehouse No. 2?
"As I mentioned before, the gifts entrusted by Crown Prince Bin Salman of the UAE are stored in Warehouse No. 2."
Ah! I remember hearing about that.
But what could it be?
These "gifts."
Jeon Gwang-il approached the massive locked iron door of Warehouse No. 2.
After recognizing his fingerprint and retina on the security device,
With a *grrrrrrr*, the door slid open sideways.
Simultaneously, the interior of the warehouse came into Joo-hyuk's view.
'Huh?'
What's this?
It's a parking lot.
It seemed they were using the empty warehouse as a parking lot.
Anyway, the parked cars were all nice.
Were they the cars elite players drove?
"All of these are the gifts."
"..."
Did he hear wrong?
Parked cars—no, supercars.
In short, expensive cars that were hard to buy even if you had the money.
"...All of these are gifts?"
"Yes."
Wow!
Stay calm.
Need to manage my expression.
Looking too excited would make him seem shallow.
Seven in total.
McLaren, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Bugatti, plus a Rolls-Royce and a Bentley.
Come to think of it, he remembered joking about a Bentley with Kosak during that reunion talk.
"The license plates are all registered. Insurance is also in place. The keys are all inside. You can drive them right away."
"...I see."
Man, this was too much.
Now, after being a Holy Sword owner, building owner, major shareholder, he was adding supercar owner to the list.
"And this too."
Deputy Director Jeon Gwang-il pressed a button on the Bentley's trunk.
It opened smoothly, revealing an aluminum case inside.
It looked like no ordinary case.
It felt like it would be stuffed with bundles of cash when opened.
But the items inside the case weren't cash.
'Watches?'
Wristwatches studded with dazzling gems.
Roughly counting, there were well over ten.
"I looked into it. These aren't just ordinary watches. They're all limited editions. I believe just one of these is worth over 1 billion won. This one is 2 billion, and this one is 3 billion..."
Ahhh.
Crown Prince Bin Salman.
You magnanimous, true gentleman.
All he did was conquer one Tower for them.
And just tossed them a couple of Tower reward items.
To give such gifts...
It's not about the money.
He was grateful for the thoughtfulness.
'The UAE is so much better than the US. Absolutely on fire!'
From now on, he'd regard the UAE as his big brother.
"Please relay this to Crown Prince Bin Salman for me. If he ever has any difficulties with Tower conquest in the future, I'll resolve them immediately."
"Understood."
He couldn't just stay quiet after receiving such gifts, right?
"It might be difficult to take all the cars at once, so you can just use this place as a parking lot and slowly, whenever you have time..."
"Wait a moment."
No need for that.
He'd take them all at once.
"Razix Designated Summon."
*Poof!* He appeared in a flash,
"Hoh-hehe."
"Oh, welcome. Mr. Razix."
"Hoh!"
Razix waved his hand in greeting to Jeon Gwang-il.
"Mr. Razix, we have those items we, uh, collected... I mean, received before, right?"
The treasures from the Necromancer dungeon on the 72nd floor of the American Tower they raided to rescue Gerald.
"Take them all out over here."
"Hoeng!"
*Swish-swish-swish!*
Items piled up in another corner of the warehouse.
"This batch, distribute one to each of our elite players for free. A gift from my heart."
"Uh, th-that, you don't have to..."
"And Mr. Razix!"
"Hoh?"
"You have mango juice, right? Take that out too."
*Swish!*
A large water container filled with yellow liquid was placed on the warehouse floor.
Jeon Gwang-il tilted his head.
'Is that really mango juice?'
But why keep it in a place like that...
"It's a Mental Fortitude Enhancement Elixir."
"An, an elixir?"
"Have our elite players each drink a paper cupful of this straight before entering the Tower. It should have a decent effect. I've tried it myself."
Then, Joo-hyuk whispered slyly to the dazed Jeon Gwang-il.
"This one doesn't have the 'Tower Exclusive' modifier. You should have a cup whenever you're thirsty too, Deputy Director."
"Gasp!"
Jeon Gwang-il, whose heart sank every time he met Player Bong.
He felt like he needed to take some heart-clearing medicine before meetings.
An elixir not exclusive to the Tower.
It was precious.
Hard to even see.
And this much of it?
But could he afford to take any for himself?
Mental fortitude accounted for more than half of a player's ability.
The elite players needed to drink it.
Joo-hyuk was in a good mood.
He came with no expectations.
Now to put the cars away.
"Mr. Razix, put the cars away for me. Except for that one, the Bentley."
He had to drive the Bentley himself.
*Swish, swish, swish, swish,*
The supercars disappeared one by one into the subspace.
Jeon Gwang-il remained silent even at that sight.
The adorable Mr. Razix touched the supercars and they vanished.
Nothing was surprising about that.
What's so surprising about putting a mere car into a backpack?
***
Prague, Czech Republic.
Black Market Guild Headquarters.
The guild members and Dmitri were advancing rapidly towards the 70th floor.
The next day, and the day after that as well.
Finally, they faced the undead section.
Dmitri was confident.
They would break through quickly.
Starting with the 61st floor.
The Dark Mummy, said to be the weakest among the undead.
A section that even ordinary players could conquer without Holy Water.
Dmitri didn't drink Holy Water either.
With his close-combat trait, he equipped a sword and shield and charged at the Dark Mummy.
"...Crazy!"
The dense Dark Aura.
Just getting close made his head spin.
He hastily gulped down Holy Water.
'I heard it was supposed to be easy...'
Wasn't the Dark Aura supposed to be weakened?
Was this the weakened version?
For just the 61st floor?
Still, he managed to kill it.
After a bloody battle that consumed three bottles of Holy Water.
Now he was worried about the 62nd-floor Dark Zombie.
The Dark Zombie was incomparably stronger and faster than the Dark Mummy.
The next day, Dmitri entered the 62nd floor.
'Hmm.'
He realized as soon as he arrived.
'This will be tough.'
Even after drinking Holy Water in advance and wrapping his entire body in the power of Radiance.
He barely managed to conquer it after consuming ten bottles of Holy Water, full doping with elixirs, and using potions.
However, Dmitri's confidence was utterly shattered.
Even if he died and came back to life, the 63rd floor seemed impossible.
The North Korean Black Tower's undead section.
It was completely different from other Towers.
It wasn't the time to question why.
If they couldn't conquer the North Korean Tower, they might have to twiddle their thumbs for a whole year.
Establishing a countermeasure was urgent.
It was impossible with the guild's strength alone.
'They had no choice.'
What they needed now was cooperation with the North Korean government.
They'd use North Korea to borrow the Holy Sword at the national level, or request conquest assistance.
North Korea or South Korea, it's all Korea.
The same ethnicity.
'First, I need to make contact with a North Korean government official.'
Dmitri didn't realize it at the time.
That he was severely underestimating the North Korean government.
And that was a very big mistake.