Chapter 124
Chapter 124
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 124
Chapter Title: The Nine-Tailed Fox
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China.
New Chairman Wang Yuan had been killed by his own country's player, Bai Long, before he could even complete two months of his term.
The power vacuum needed to be filled quickly.
A new leader was elected at an emergency convocation of the Chinese Communist Party's National Congress.
Liu Zao, Chairman of the State of China.
He was 78 years old this year.
Though very aged, his experience was equally vast.
Therefore, his national policy direction also focused on stability.
Chairman Liu Zao was receiving a report from the head of China's Special Public Security Department.
"...There's been a disturbance in North Korea?"
"Yes, I heard Chairman Kim has collapsed and fallen into a vegetative state."
"How credible is this? Where did the information come from?"
"From Chairman Kim's closest inner circle. Of course, they're one of our people."
"Hmm."
North Korea too?
Has a curse been cast over East Asia?
China itself had lost two leaders in less than a year.
Lin Chaiming and Wang Yuan.
Still, there was no major chaos.
China's political system wasn't so fragile that the country would collapse from the death of a single leader.
But North Korea's situation was a little different.
In Chairman Kim In-jung's case, a clear succession structure had not yet been established.
If things went wrong, North Korea's political landscape could plunge into utter chaos.
"How should we respond?"
"Well..."
From China's perspective, North Korea was a chicken rib—useless.
Maybe in the past, but its utility value had plummeted now.
A new Black Tower for North Korean nationals had been established.
If North Korea had the know-how for tower climbing like South Korea, that would be one thing, but their situation was worse than China's.
What if they installed a pro-China regime in North Korea?
China would have to bear the burden of one more tower.
Namely, North Korea's Pyongyang Black Tower, conquered up to the 62nd floor.
Since it would essentially be a satellite state, they'd have to take responsibility for it.
"Leave North Korea be. They'll figure it out themselves."
"There's also the possibility of South Korean intervention."
"..."
That was actually the most troublesome issue.
South Korea was different from China.
It was a country that could handle having multiple towers.
Just in case,
what if South Korea started unification talks with North Korea, using Black Tower conquests as a bargaining chip?
"Surely they wouldn't intervene? Unification isn't something that can be achieved in a day or two."
That's right.
The two Koreas were disparate in every aspect—political, social, economic.
All they had in common was a shared language.
They were arguably closer to Japan, where the Korean Wave was currently booming.
Even if they tried, it would take a very long time.
They could deal with it then.
Right now, China's stability was paramount.
Along with preventing the collapse of the three towers.
That was the most urgent matter.
Chairman Liu Zao of China had no time to spare worrying about the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
Joo-hyuk was still in Namyangju.
He'd go home after conquering the 74th floor here.
'The 74th floor.'
Floors 71, 72, and 73 were related to Gobang.
So, would the 74th floor have a similar theme to the previous three?
A linked quest involving the backstory of one of the Summoned Beings, leading to a grade breakthrough.
If so, the target would be an SSR Summoned Being.
One of Kosak, Gyeon Dal-rae, Veronica, Razix, or Bardin.
'If I get another Grade-Up Rune this time, I'll need a lot of Platinum Badges...'
His cumulative Platinum Badge count so far was 91.
The physical badges left after equipping the Summoned Beings were 31.
That number might drop below 10.
But there was no need to worry.
The Summoned Beings' conquest of the S+++ grade would remain unchanged.
Plus, there was the North Korean tower.
Well, would there be no place to earn badges?
The Summoned Beings had also steeled their resolve.
In fact, two weeks ago, when the shut-in alchemist Alia Mari was summoned, they had secretly felt relieved.
An LSSR, an LSSR Summoned Being, had appeared via the scheduled Random Summon.
What if a combat class like a mage had appeared?
Their positions would have been threatened.
But it was a non-combat class.
A shut-in who holed up in their room just making potions.
Therefore, they didn't need to enter the tower.
What a relief.
Additionally, since the US had gifted him a Trait Enhancement Rune, his simultaneous summon limit had increased to 8.
Could they relax now?
Absolutely not!
Complacency was forbidden.
In two weeks, there would be another Random Summon.
Then the catalog list would grow to 10.
A month after that, it would be 11.
Unless something special happened, the number of Summoned Beings was destined to increase.
But trait enhancement had its limits.
Since the simultaneous summon number was limited, they could easily get cut.
Like the Mad Demon in the past, they might be summoned alone in the dead of night just to chug alcohol.
They had to work hard to imprint their necessity upon the Summoner.
Having each made that resolution, Joo-hyuk and the Summoned Beings entered the tower.
Spot!
The environment was a forest.
And a small path.
'Ordinary.'
Should they follow the path?
Once again, Gobang naturally took the lead.
A very small clearing was visible up ahead.
The path ended there.
'A dead end? When will the quest...'
Instantly, the quest list scrolled into view.
"...Huh?"
"Has the quest appeared?"
"Yes."
It had appeared, but.
"What is the content of the quest?"
"Catching foxes."
"Foxes... you mean like the Princess?"
"...Yes, you bastard!!!"
Not a metaphorical expression, but actual foxes.
First, the basic quest:
74th Floor Basic Quest
📍 Objective: Defeat 30 Cute Three-Tailed Foxes.
Three-Tailed Foxes.
Foxes with three tails.
It wasn't just the basic quest.
The additional optional quest, high-difficulty optional, and super high-difficulty optional were all about catching foxes.
3, 5, 7, and 9.
Three-Tailed, Five-Tailed, Seven-Tailed, and Nine-Tailed Foxes.
'We're going to catch them all.'
For now, let's keep walking.
As the party reached the small clearing.
Swish!
The environment suddenly changed.
"Huh?"
Before they knew it, the surroundings of Joo-hyuk and the Summoned Beings had transformed into a flower garden.
The Mad Demon made an expression as if he understood.
"An illusion array."
Gyeon Dal-rae also nodded.
"Indeed."
An illusion array.
He wasn't sure what it was, but it seemed related to visual deception.
Anyway,
'Where are the foxes supposed to be?'
Suddenly!
Pop!
Simultaneously, numerous foxes... foxes? peeked out from within the flower garden.
'They're humans.'
And children at that.
'This is problematic.'
But upon closer look, they gave off a fox-like feeling.
Though they had human forms, their appearance was slightly different.
White triangular ears on the sides of their heads.
Three tails on their rear ends.
"It is transformation magic. When foxes attain enlightenment through cultivation, or consume human livers, they gain a tail each. Starting from three tails, they can perform transformation magic."
As expected of Princess Gyeon Dal-rae.
There's nothing she doesn't know.
Anyway.
"Sigh."
Still, this isn't right.
Kill them?
How?
The young fox children were playing in the flower garden.
Their giggling, laughing, and running around made them look like heavenly children.
"Hmm."
"Shall we kill them?"
"Just give the order."
"Sergeant Veronica Caliber, target lock complete."
"Huehehe!"
Of course, the Summoned Beings showed not a hint of hesitation, but,
'Are they really unaffected? Even if they're foxes, they look so innocent and playful.'
Right then!
Pad pad, Gyeon Dal-rae stepped forward.
"Their true forms are completely different. They are beguiling you, Master. The energy foxes use for transformation magic is distinct from mana, aura, or internal energy. Even the Mad Demon likely cannot see through their true forms."
The Mad Demon agreed.
"The shrine maiden speaks the truth. To this old man's eyes, they also appear as children."
"This maiden shall perform a spell to reveal the true nature of those beings."
"Is that really necessary? We could just kill them all."
Gyeon Dal-rae smiled faintly and replied.
"Would this maiden ever worry about you, Mad Demon? I have no such intention."
"Huh?"
"It is solely to prevent Master's heart from being disturbed."
"..."
The meaning behind Gyeon Dal-rae's words.
I'm not performing this spell for you, Mad Demon, so shut up and stay quiet.
"Once I reveal them, you will understand. Whether they gained tails through cultivation, or through consuming human livers."
Gyeon Dal-rae lifted the bronze mirror hanging around her neck with a graceful motion.
And then,
"I command you, wicked beings! Cast aside your illusions and reveal your true forms! Jip Jip Yeo Yul Ryeong!"
Instantly!
Whoosh!
A brilliant light erupted from the bronze mirror.
Simultaneously, the true forms of the fox children were revealed.
"Kyaaak!"
"Kraak!"
"Kyeek!"
"Kkuk!"
Wow!
He was startled.
"As you can see, they are monsters. Creatures who became Three-Tailed Foxes by consuming human livers. They are sufficiently aged monsters, easily over a hundred years old."
Their fur stood stiffly on end, their eyes were a horrifying red, sticky drool dripped from their mouths, and they had sharp teeth and gleaming claws.
They didn't look pleasant at all.
They were completely different from the commonly imagined fox form.
Compared to them, Hyeol-rang was at the level of a cute pet.
"Grrr!"
Hyeol-rang tensed up and lowered his posture.
"Hoeh,"
Razix, riding on his back, also pulled out his golden pickaxe.
"They're monsters alright."
"They look like they'd be good at scooping out human livers."
"Insignificant vermin."
"Daring to transform into children's forms to deceive people?"
"I'll put ten magic bullets in each of their heads."
Everyone was furious.
Joo-hyuk also felt less burdened.
"Let's deal with them. Quickly."
And the moment his words fell,
Bam! Bam! Bam!
Veronica's magic gun spewed fire.
Thud thud thud thud!
The Three-Tailed Foxes' heads exploded like fireworks.
Bardin was already in Gobang's hand.
As he was swung with great force,
"Light!!!"
Squeeaak!
Thwack!
A flail attack.
The Mad Demon stood still with his hands behind his back.
No need to step forward.
Why use a cow-slaughtering knife to kill a chicken?
He could move when it was time to deal with the Nine-Tailed Fox.
Meanwhile, Razix rode Hyeol-rang around here and there.
"Hoeh!"
Chop chop chop chop!
He harvested medicinal herbs from the flower garden.
Our reliable Razix.
There was a reason he had his golden pickaxe ready.
It seemed he had prepared to gather herbs.
Since they needed herbs for the shut-in alchemist Mari, he was diligently collecting them like that.
Now that he knew their true forms, there was nothing to hesitate about.
They were monster foxes who had gained tails by eating human livers and were easily over a hundred years old.
But for other players, it might be difficult.
Because they could be deceived by the illusion magic.
Continue.
74th Floor Additional Optional Quest
📍 Objective: Defeat 10 Vivacious Five-Tailed Foxes.
Swish!
The environment changed again.
This time, it was the courtyard of an elegant, old-fashioned mansion.
And there, ten five-tailed fox girls revealed themselves.
All ten of them.
Wearing clothes that, like humans, were very revealing.
"Welcome."
"Handsome oppa!"
"We've been waiting."
"Let's play quickly."
Kosak shrugged his shoulders and said.
"Even if they're foxes, they have an eye for people. They're saying I'm handsome, you know."
"..."
Let's not acknowledge that.
A curious point here.
What if the player was female?
"Naturally, the genders would change."
Probably.
Anyway, seeing the ten of them together like that...
"They look like a girl group."
"That's true."
"How about a 10-member girl group, Sexy Fox Girls? Ready to debut?"
Debut, what?
Are you planning to start an agency?
Their true forms would be completely different too.
This time as well, Gyeon Dal-rae lifted her bronze mirror.
"Oh my? Unnie, don't do that."
"I'll get angry?"
"Put that away right now."
"Crazy bitch, with your small chest!"
Twitch,
Gyeon Dal-rae's expression changed slightly, but,
Whoosh!
Light poured forth, and their true forms were revealed.
"Kyaooo!"
"Krrruk!"
"Kkuk kkuk..."
This time too, they were repulsive fox monsters.
Twice the size of the Three-Tailed Foxes.
"Do not hesitate. They are foxes who gained tails by eating human livers."
Joo-hyuk was unshaken.
His will was as solid as a rock.
"Mr. Gobang."
At Joo-hyuk's direction.
"Kuuooooo!"
Gobang's roar echoed.
Kyak! The Five-Tailed Foxes charged, making beastly cries.
Scratch scratch scratch! Scratch scratch!
They clung to Gobang's body, clawing and biting with their claws, but did they leave a single wound?
Dealing with ten was quick.
The battle ended blandly.
"Yes!"
A Multi-National Tower Usage Ticket after a long time.
This alone was worth two badges.
"Of course!"
Swish!
The environment changed again.
This time, it was the interior of the mansion.
It seemed to be a banquet hall.
Music was playing.
In the center was a splendidly laid-out feast table.
And five women dancing.
74th Floor High-Difficulty Optional Quest
📍 Objective: Defeat 5 Mature Seven-Tailed Foxes.
But?
'Hmm.'
'Um.'
'Ahem.'
Their hearts swayed like reeds.
The Seven-Tailed Foxes walked over gracefully.
They didn't know where to look.
Were they wearing clothes or not?
'At that level, they're definitely not wearing any.'
The visuals were overwhelming
Gulp,
The sound of swallowing dry saliva.
Joo-hyuk also stared off into the distant mountains.
Even though there were no mountains inside the banquet hall.
He occasionally stole glances out of the corner of his eye.
But Kosak stared openly.
"Climbing the 74th floor was a good decision."
"..."
"They're even more impressive than Sergeant Ver."
"..."
At Kosak's words, Veronica also seemed resentful, pushing out her chest, but it was insufficient.
Then!
"Hey!!! Everyone, get a hold of yourselves."
Gyeon Dal-rae's thunderous shout.
"Have you lost your senses? Those are merely monsters. It seems you feel no shame before Master."
That's right.
Princess Gyeon Dal-rae's words were a hundred times correct.
"It seems I must reveal the true forms of those fox hussies for you to regain your senses."
She stepped forward with her bronze mirror again, but,
"Um, Princess."
"Speak."
"Could you use the bronze mirror a little later?"
Was that a good idea?
Joo-hyuk almost nodded absentmindedly, but,
"...Why?"
"Well, I'm worried the mirror might break if you keep using it."
"What do you mean, how could a mirror break?"
"You know, it could crack."
That's right.
If overused, it could overload and crack.
"Kosak-nim,"
"Yes."
"If you don't want to die, shut up."
"Yes ma'am!"
Gyeon Dal-rae's electrifying gaze.
Don't underestimate the support shrine maiden.
She possessed the ability to kill anyone she wished with certainty.
Life Plucking.
Of course, she wouldn't remain unscathed either, but.
Regardless, if she allowed the released life force to hit, death was guaranteed.
Even the Mad Demon probably wouldn't escape unharmed.
"How vulgar you are, it's embarrassing to be seen by Master."
Joo-hyuk pretended not to know.
If he took sides here, he'd get dragged in too.
"...Um, why are you only picking on me?"
Surely he wouldn't drag me into this too?
"The Mad Demon is also staring with his eyes popping out."
Whew,
The Mad Demon, who had been blankly staring at the foxes, jumped in surprise when his name was mentioned.
"Huh? What did I do? This venerable one merely sharpened his vision to see through the foxes' magic."
"Sure you did."
"...Hahaha, well, it's good timing. I was just getting an itch to move, I might as well hunt some assassins instead of foxes."
Then!
Whoooosh!
Light erupted from the bronze mirror.
The mature Seven-Tailed Foxes vanished.
Five bipedal monster foxes.
Hunched backs, claws protruding like knives, long tongues, yellowish eyeballs, and they seemed easily over 2 meters tall.
Especially those mouths.
Torn all the way to the ears, capable of easily chewing through a human head.
"...Let's go."
His mood was ruined.
The battle began immediately.
"Gobang, provoke them!"
"Kuuooooo!"
Instantly, the Seven-Tailed Foxes clung to Gobang.
Zzzzing!
Strong energy gathered on the Seven-Tailed Foxes' claws.
Scratch! Scraaatch!
Gobang's flesh was torn apart.
Tssk, his pitch-black armor split.
Of course, it quickly regenerated, but.
They were not to be taken lightly.
Certainly, with seven tails, they were no joke.
Still, step by step.
One by one.
They were sliced by Kosak's dagger, exploded by Veronica's magic gun.
This time too, the Mad Demon did not step forward.
He merely stayed by Joo-hyuk's side.
Today was a lucky day.
Already two tickets.
Now, the final remaining super high-difficulty quest.
74th Floor Super High-Difficulty Optional Quest
📍 Objective: Defeat the Bound Millennium Fox, the Nine-Tailed Fox.
The bound Nine-Tailed Fox.
He didn't know why it was tied up, but.
"It's about time for this old man to move."
Of course.
It's a Nine-Tailed Fox.
"Proceed!"
Swish!
The changing environment,
This time, a dark basement.
And in the center of the basement, a Nine-Tailed Fox bound by golden ropes covered in talismans.
"...Oh."
A completely different appearance from before.
Not a child.
Not a girl.
Not a mature woman either.
A white-haired old woman full of wrinkles.
And,
"...Master?"
The voice that came from Gyeon Dal-rae's mouth.
Her trembling eyes, uncontrollable.
What?
Master?
The Nine-Tailed Fox is Gyeon Dal-rae's master?
Only now did he realize.
The theme of the 74th floor was Gyeon Dal-rae herself.