Chapter 150
Chapter 150
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 150
Chapter Title: The Hamster Man Conquers the World
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The United States Department of Homeland Security.
Secretary MacMillan and Director Antonio were not attending the event in Pyongyang.
An invitation had come, but they politely declined.
They didn't want to unnecessarily provoke neighboring countries—namely China and Russia.
So, they were watching the event's proceedings via live television broadcast. The screen showed the Minister of People's Armed Forces, Go Sa-geuk.
"Hmm, he's appeared."
"Yes, currently the most enigmatic figure in North Korea."
"Where on earth did he pop up from? They say he has no relatives in North Korea, no connections, and his educational background and such are unknown."
"I believe he's from Player Bong's side. His supporter or subordinate."
"Subordinate? On what grounds?"
Just then, Go Sa-geuk's speech began. At the end of every speech, it was his habit to shout "Long live Ju-hyeok."
"Look, 'Long live Ju-hyeok'! Isn't that a curious coincidence?"
"What is?"
"Player Bong's name is Joo-hyuk."
"Haa, that's just the abbreviation for Main Identity Revolution, or Juche Revolution in Korean."
"Do you really think so?"
"You mean it's Bong Joo-hyuk's 'Joo-hyuk'?"
"That is my judgment."
Secretary MacMillan shrugged his shoulders. Antonio's speculation was too much of a leap.
Just a few months ago, North Korea was an enemy nation. The idea that its Minister of Defense was Player Bong's subordinate...
"Your delusions have been too severe lately. Don't go saying such things elsewhere. You might be treated as a madman..."
Right at that moment!
*Whoosh! Thud!*
"Huh?"
"Gasp!"
A North Korean soldier suddenly appeared at the event venue. The screen zoomed in for a close-up.
"Th-that's..."
"A nuclear backpack? Is that right?"
"I... I think so."
"Oh no!"
It was terrorism. A nuclear terror attack was about to take place.
At a gathering of North Korea's supreme leader, the head of South Korea's Awakening Management Bureau, and other high-ranking officials.
"...Is Player Bong perhaps at the event venue too?"
"Th-there."
A fleeting glimpse on the screen. A young man sitting in the back. It was Bong Joo-hyuk.
Secretary MacMillan shot up, clutching his head with both hands and shouting.
"Jesus! What is he doing? Mr. Bong! Tell him to enter the Tower quickly!"
"Perhaps he's used up all his entry counts?"
"Fucking! Damn it!"
"Good heavens."
Player Bong was someone who absolutely must not die. Earth's final bastion and savior.
Just Player Bong's existence had significantly reduced the burden regarding Tower conquest.
For that reason, the U.S. wanted to maintain a solid relationship with him, even gifting him a Trait Enhancement Rune.
But what if he died? The countdown to the Tower's collapse would begin.
MacMillan and Antonio could only stare blankly at the screen. There was nothing they could do from the other side of the globe.
Please, somehow, let Player Bong survive. Let him take refuge in the Tower, or escape outside the blast radius.
But then? An anomaly occurred. A white, furry lump captured on screen.
"...What is that? A giant hamster?"
"Uh, w-well, it... it doesn't seem human at first glance... no, is it human?"
Anyway, a hamster-human appeared. And it looked incredibly cute.
- Hweh!
As he reached out a hand behind the terrorist's back, *swoosh*, the nuclear backpack disappeared.
"..."
"..."
The terror threat vanished in an instant.
"I-Inventory?"
"That can't be. There's no way a non-Tower item could go into an inventory."
"Then what on earth...?"
The screen only showed the one furry lump hamster-human. The terrorist's face wasn't even visible.
The reporters must have instinctively realized it. Who to film. Where to focus.
Secretary MacMillan and Director Antonio just stared holes through the TV screen. They couldn't get enough of watching.
Beijing, China.
President Liu Zhao and the Standing Committee members were also gathered in one place, watching the Pyongyang event on TV.
Everyone was confident of success. Because Jang Chang-soo had descended into the center of the event venue wearing the nuclear backpack.
They harbored not a shred of doubt. Because they had made it so it would explode under any circumstance.
Press the detonator, it explodes. Drop the detonator from your hand, it explodes. If Jang Chang-soo is shot in the heart by a sniper and dies, it explodes.
Right. It's over. All that remained was how quickly they could seize the power vacuum after Kim In-jung's death.
They had already prepared countermeasures. They would use Kim In-jung's half-brother living in Singapore to dominate North Korea.
But what is this? An unidentified furry lump appears and swallows the nuclear backpack?
The nuclear backpack itself vanished. Without a trace.
"..."
"?"
"...Uh."
"Wh-what on earth?"
"Why did the backpack...?"
Perhaps they saw wrong? But this entire scene was being broadcast live on screen.
Did they fail like this? No, because of some nonsensical beast?
Everyone fell silent. No one could decide how to accept this absurd situation.
The event broadcast live. Many people in South Korea were watching it too. The ratings were over 20%.
Then the appearance of the nuclear backpack terrorist. Ratings soared over 40%, and during the Razix appearance part, they broke 60%. They were still climbing steadily.
A merciless cuteness as if torn from an animation. A fatally round, heart-assaulting figure. Plus, a mysterious ability to make the nuclear backpack itself disappear.
It was only natural for people to go wild. Breaking news poured out.
Countless comments were posted on each article.
Catchphrases also emerged.
This wasn't the first time a Summoned Being's face had been publicly shown on video.
There were Kosak and Gobang at the Korean HG Hotel, and Gwang-ma who taught the anti-Korean protestors a lesson in the middle of downtown Japan.
But this time, Razix's impact was truly immense. South Korea, no, the entire world, was completely captivated by his charm.
Pyongyang.
The situation was quickly resolved.
Team Leaders Jeon Gwang-il and Lee Min-ah stepped in, protected Razix from the reporters' scrum and took him somewhere, while Gwang-ma and Kosak took responsibility for the terrorist Jang Chang-soo.
Joo-hyuk and Diarmat also left the event venue and moved to a secluded spot before finally entering the Tower.
And that night.
Joo-hyuk summoned all his Summoned Beings except for Hyeol-rang.
It seemed all the events he had experienced in Pyongyang were shared. Everyone was furious, relieved, and blaming themselves.
"Master! Please execute me. This foolish girl was ignorant. The crime of failing to grasp the gravity of the situation and failing to assist you, I deserve punishment."
"Ah, no, what did you do wrong? And it ended well."
Gobang also *thud*! knelt down.
"The warrior is still foolish. Even as a LSSR, he is dull. A wretch like me should die."
Was that all?
"My Lord! Please do not forgive this servant."
"Sergeant Officer Veronica Caliber! I will voluntarily go to the brig."
"Someone like me doesn't even deserve to drink blood."
Alchemist Mari, hiding in her room, was also sniffling, only her eyes peeking out from the door crack.
It turns out they had all been inciting other souls in the afterlife to hold protests for probability normalization and administrator punishment.
That's why they couldn't attend the event venue. Well, even if they had attended, there wouldn't have been much they could do.
Anyway, after a round of tearful reflection ended, Gyeon Dal-rae asked Kosak in a somber voice.
"What happened to that bastard?"
"We found out everything we could and handed him over to Kim In-jung. He's probably in the Pyongyang State Security Department prison."
"Ha! You mean you let him live?"
Gwang-ma answered instead.
"Do not worry, Princess. He's already a man marked for death. Each day will be agony. We let him live because killing him outright would seem like showing mercy."
One more thing. Did he act alone?
"What about the mastermind?"
"Who could it be? A country that dislikes Korean unification."
"Japan is already bowing its head on its own, so it must be China."
"Exactly."
"I understand."
And that was the end of it. The Summoned Beings said nothing more.
That's strange?
This can't be right.
'Hmm,'
If it were before, they would absolutely insist that the threat must be eliminated, that they must behead the Chinese politicians, and be jumping up and down in fury...
Have they completely become South Korean people now?
Or perhaps...
'Wait!'
Could it be?
He thought he knew what it was.
'It's already been activated.'
The Summoned Being Three Principles, Clause 3. The Summoned Being's autonomous judgment and actions are permitted to protect the Summoner's life. If this is the case, I can't even stop them.
'Oh dear.'
Something is about to happen in China soon. It's as clear as day.
But honestly, he didn't intend to stop them. Those who planned terror using a nuclear backpack.
If you intend to kill others, you should know that you yourself could die.
"Alright, alright, let's change the mood. We're moving on to the badge awarding ceremony."
They've earned it, so we should reward them one by one. But there's a shortage of badges. Selection and focus are needed. So, for the time being, LSSR Summoned Beings will have their badge awards suspended.
First, one badge each to the new members, Jepetto and Diarmat.
"M-Master!"
"I will serve you with everything I have."
And one for Sergeant V.
"Victory!"
Bardin as well.
"Light!!!"
With this, Bardin has accumulated 5. And thus, he upgraded one skill.
Seeing the light of glory become dazzlingly bright, I can guess which one he upgraded.
Finally, our Razix. Honestly, I'm not sure how many to give him.
Anyway, he wanted to pin as many as possible on him. So, proceeding with separate, individual awards.
Razix's current cumulative badge count is a total of 12. First.
"For your immense contribution in handling the reinforced monster of the 81st floor, the colossal monster Titan Behemoth, by transporting the nuclear warhead and a makeshift bunker, I hereby award you three Platinum Badges."
"Hweh!"
Pinning on three makes it 15.
*Whoosh!*
The badges vanished, turning into light. Another skill upgrade.
What on earth did he upgrade? He'd ask later.
There's still more.
"Furthermore, for your great merit in saving many lives by seizing the terrorist's nuclear backpack at the Pyongyang Awakening Management Branch opening ceremony event, I hereby award you three Platinum Badges."
"Hweh?"
Razix was slightly surprised. Will he accept? He should.
"Hweheh..."
He stuck his chest out. A sign of acceptance.
Well, how great a feat was it? Pinning on another three makes a total of 6. From the remaining 23 badges, 13 are left.
The Summoned Beings looked envious.
*Clap clap clap clap!*
But the congratulations were sincere.
Why?
Razix deserved to receive 6. It's okay if he's arrogant.
Because he did something worthy of it.
Anyway, Razix's cumulative badge count is 18. Now he only needs 7 more to reach 25. If five skills become LSSR. The LSSR grade condition is met.
At this point, one question arose. What skill did Razix upgrade?
"Hweh, cleaning."
"...Pardon?"
Cleaning?
No, why...?
Suddenly!
*Swoosh!*
Razix pulls out a golden broom, a golden dustpan, and a golden sack from his subspace backpack.
'Hmm.'
Well, it doesn't matter. Whether it's cleaning or cooking, our Razix can do whatever he wants!
By the way, a big incident happened, but how is the Awakening Management Branch establishment proceeding?
He could call Bureau Chief Jeon Gwang-il and ask, but he must be incredibly busy right now.
"Turn on the TV. Let's watch some news."
"Yes, sir!"
Kosak pressed the remote with a *click*. *Tik!* The screen turned on and news started playing, but then?
"Hweh?"
Razix tilts his head. And rightfully so. Because his own face appeared on TV.
The scene of him tracing a V-sign with his fingers. It was a gesture asking for praise while looking at Summoner Bong.
"O-our worke has become a star."
"..."
It seems so. Only Razix's face kept appearing. They only show edited cute scenes. Showing things that already aired again.
"Change the channel."
*Tik!*
Razix's image.
*Tik!*
Razix again.
*Tik!*
Razix yet again. All channels seized by Razix!
"He's not just a star. He's a superstar."
Wow!
What should he do?
He wanted to keep cute Razix to himself. Now it's all out in the open?
The conspiracy meeting happened that night. After the badge ceremony and party, perhaps because he was tired, Joo-hyuk went into his room and fell asleep early.
Gwang-ma, Kosak, and Gyeon Dal-rae, three people, gathered inside the unlit bathroom.
Even though it's a bathroom, it's a penthouse. Plus, it's a space so clean that Razix cleans it every day, you could even sleep lying down.
"We don't need many. Just me and Diarmat going is enough."
"This old man will participate as backup. I can provide cover from afar."
"President Liu Zhao is a well-known figure, so activating the Tracking charm shouldn't be a problem."
The Three Principles Clause 3 had already been activated. The Summoned Beings moved with one heart and one mind.
Those who don't know their place dare to target the Summoner? In fact, this was a frequent occurrence in other worlds too.
Players killed not by the Tower, but by fellow humans. And thus, they brought about the world's destruction themselves.
Of course, it was also their own fault. They had been too complacent. So they were bitterly reflecting. They must prevent such things from happening before they occur.
Then? A sharp warning is needed.
But there's a problem. Will the Summoner allow it?
"He has a soft heart. We must absolutely not let him know."
"This old man knows too. That we must not cause him another worry because of us."
"But it must be done. For the Master's safety. We can just accept punishment later."
"That's right."
"Well said."
We must go secretly. By any means necessary.
"The biggest obstacle is how to get to Beijing, China. The physical distance is too far. It might take half a day just to get there."
"That is correct. We must pass through North Korea and the Manchurian plains."
"We can take a plane."
"Passports?"
"I have Bureau Chief Jeon Gwang-il's business card. I'll contact him without the Summoner's knowledge..."
Right at that moment!
*Click!*
The bathroom lit up.
"Gasp!"
"Oh my!"
"Hmm."
And then the door creaked open.
"I knew this would happen. Caught red-handed."
It was Joo-hyuk. He knew they were up to something. So he pretended to sleep and raided the scene.
Kosak, Gwang-ma, and Gyeon Dal-rae were utterly flustered. They fidgeted and made excuses.
"Huh, I, I was just going to take a shower."
"Uh, I, I also came to the bathroom because I needed to pee."
"...This girl came to fix her makeup."
Good grief.
"So, in one bathroom, at the same time, one is showering, one is peeing, and one is fixing her makeup?"
"I-Isn't it efficient?"
"Indeed. Killing three birds with one stone."
"Men and women are separate, but aren't we all like family anyway?"
Joo-hyuk chuckled. And then.
"If I escort you to the Beijing Tower tomorrow, will that do?"
At this unexpected statement, the three people's jaws dropped.
"To be honest, I was angry too. To stop unification, you set off a nuke? This is crossing the line by a long shot."
Right. If the plan had succeeded, how many people would have died?
The Summoned Beings lit up with joy. Each one smiled broadly.
"You've thought well, Summoner."
"This Kosak will finish it cleanly and return! I absolutely will not cause unnecessary bloodshed. I promise."
"It is a wise judgment for the greater good, Master."
If we let it slide, such incidents would surely happen again someday. To save more people, it was an unavoidable act.