Chapter 28
Chapter 28
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 28
Chapter Title: The Ordinary Guy's Tower Conquest Method - 28
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Bureau Chief Park Kyung-su prepared to stand before a press conference for the first time in a while.
His heart had been through a lot.
Even the President, who was both a friend and a political ally, had suggested he step down.
But now the situation had changed.
Not only had they overcome the crisis, but they had also dealt a massive blow.
All of this was thanks to Player Bong Joo-hyuk.
An S++ grade conqueror who also brought back an absolute item that neutralized the Undead's Dark Aura.
South Korea had become a nation possessing a Holy Sword.
While the money would be earned by Player Bong Joo-hyuk, the fact that the Management Bureau handled the lending procedures was an immense power.
From the 61st floor onward, a Holy Sword was essential for any country.
That is, unless another divine item appeared.
But even if one did appear, they'd still have to borrow it.
The difference between having one item and two items was a matter of safety.
Thus, they would have no choice but to be mindful of Korea.
Park Kyung-su walked toward the press room.
His stride was as dignified as the elevated status of the Awakening Management Bureau.
Stomp, stomp. He squared his shoulders, lifted his chin, and stood before the podium in the press room.
"I will now take questions."
Reporters eagerly raised their hands.
He pointed at one of them.
"First, please explain the effects of the Holy Sword."
Park Kyung-su answered, referring to a prepared document.
"You can think of the Holy Sword's core as one thing: Radiance. Radiance neutralizes the Dark Aura. The boosts to attack power against Undead, Steadfast Spirit, Consecration, and critical hit rate are also good, but they are secondary."
"In the video, the radiance emanating from the sword seemed faint. Is there no way to enhance it?"
"That is an unfortunate aspect, but for now, there's nothing we can do."
Next question.
"Its appearance looked very worn. It doesn't seem very durable."
"It can be repaired. The Bureau has commissioned master craftsmen, and our orichalcum reserves are ample, so there is absolutely no problem with the sword's performance."
Next.
"Did the Bureau purchase it? How much of the budget was used?"
"We possess it, but it is not an item we purchased."
"Then?"
"The item has a separate owner. It is not for sale; only lending is possible."
"What is the rental fee?"
"I will not disclose that."
Why would he tell them?
There was no need to decide in advance.
Those who were thirsty would come to terms themselves.
The lender just needed to name a price.
Name it!
"Can we know who the owner of the Holy Sword is?"
"The owner's identity also cannot be revealed. The Management Bureau will act as the proxy on behalf of the owner."
"Are there any restrictions on item lending?"
"Yes. Countries wishing to borrow it must send their players to Korea, where they can use it in a controlled location. Due to concerns about theft and loss, a contract accepting responsibility must also be signed."
"Can ordinary players borrow it privately?"
"No, it will be handled at the national level. The state must provide a guarantee."
"Any other restrictions?"
The moment he had been waiting for finally arrived.
"Any country can borrow it, except for Japan. You all know the reason."
Bureau Chief Park Kyung-su smiled brightly.
"Furthermore, we declare that there will be no future exchanges with Japan regarding the Tower."
No reporter asked if such measures were necessary.
However,
"Is this a matter the President has approved...?"
"Do you think I would do this unilaterally?"
"..."
"Poaching players from another nation is essentially a declaration of war. Export restrictions? Diplomatic pressure? Let them try all they want."
In addition.
"Furthermore, depending on the situation, another country may be added to the list of those ineligible to borrow."
This was aimed at China.
They were also hell-bent on poaching Korean-nationality players.
Anyway, the press conference ended.
Park Kyung-su felt as if a heavy burden in his chest had finally lifted.
A National Security Council meeting was held at the Japanese Prime Minister's official residence.
Cabinet ministers and high-ranking officials gathered to watch a large monitor screen together.
The Korean Black Tower 63rd floor conquest video.
While the first-person perspective from the bodycam prevented observing the overall strategy, it was more than enough to confirm the power of the Holy Sword item.
A player, cautious, luring out Dark Skeletons one by one using thrown weapons.
Creating one-on-one situations and mercilessly slicing them apart with the Holy Sword.
Skeletons shrouded in Dark Aura were helplessly cut down.
The weapons and shields the skeletons held were also sliced through.
It was no exaggeration to call it the natural enemy of the Undead.
This wasn't the first time they had seen a 63rd-floor conquest video.
They had Yu Cheol-min's conquest data and the video provided by the United States.
But they had never witnessed such outstanding performance as in that video.
What about the conquest time limit?
Yu Cheol-min: 12 hours. USA: 9 hours.
In contrast, Player Nam Ga-eun's conquest completion time was a mere 2 hours.
That's right.
Two hours.
And that was while being cautious and handling them carefully. If she had been more ambitious, she could have done it in 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Does one item make that much of a difference?
Shouldn't they have brought over that item, not Yu Cheol-min?
Silence flowed through the conference room.
The officials' expressions were grim.
Japanese Prime Minister Kawaguchi was no different.
He had held a press conference and thrown a bomb at Korea, but it hadn't exploded.
Instead, Japan had caught the bomb.
"Since it's a divine attribute, is there a possibility that other divine attributes exist besides that Holy Sword?"
"As far as is currently known, that's the only one. However..."
"Go on."
"There is also the possibility that other nations possess them but haven't disclosed it."
Right.
Surely it can't be the only one?
If they looked, there would be more.
Currently, it wasn't an urgently needed item.
Japan was only on the 57th floor, after all.
However, their pride had been severely wounded.
They had been utterly humiliated.
The more Prime Minister Kawaguchi thought about it, the more furious he became.
What? They won't lend the Holy Sword to Japan?
'Those damn Chosun people.'
Was there ever such humiliation?
The approval rating that had soared when they naturalized Yu Cheol-min plummeted in an instant.
'Shit!'
He grew impatient.
It was a point where something was needed to reverse the situation.
"When did Yu Cheol-min say he would conquer the 57th floor?"
"He conveyed that he would do it as soon as possible. It seems he was stimulated by the Korean situation."
"Hmm."
The time limit for the 57th floor was 41 days, still quite a bit left.
Originally, there was a top-level Japanese player who had been conquering the 57th floor.
But that player had died during the conquest, forcing them to bring in Yu Cheol-min.
Originally, they had planned to attempt the conquest with about ten days left...
'Do it now?'
Maybe it's a good idea.
It would also help boost his approval rating.
"Good. Let him conquer the 57th floor quickly. Package it well and promote it."
"Yes, I will proceed."
"Provide thorough support so there are no obstacles to the climb."
"Understood."
In Japan, apartments were considered public housing for commoners.
Wealthy people lived in ultra-luxurious mansions.
What about those richer than that?
They lived in classical-style grand estates.
Those kinds of estates with ponds in the garden, raising large koi carp.
The house Yu Cheol-min received from the Japanese government was such a place.
"Fuck!"
Yu Cheol-min cursed, searching on his smartphone.
The exact opposite of the situation he had anticipated was unfolding.
After naturalizing to Japan, one of his daily routines was to visit Korean portal sites and search for articles.
At first, it was fun.
The flood of broadcast news and internet articles.
The Awakening Management Bureau being criticized, the National Intelligence Service and police being called idiots, people fighting and slandering each other...
But what is this?
The situation had completely changed.
They had even held a press conference to stir things up...
But Korean news articles were filled with nothing but praise for Player Nam Ga-eun and the Holy Sword.
Of course, his name was also mentioned.
The difference was that it was all criticism.
'Pathetic bastards.'
Comment all you want.
Do I take any damage?
Yu Cheol-min had also seen Nam Ga-eun's conquest videos.
The 62nd and 63rd floors.
Wait, was that place that easy?
He had been shitting his pants because of the Dark Aura.
It was all because of that Holy Sword, an item with a divine attribute.
If they had such an item, they should have handed it over to him earlier.
Then he might not have considered naturalizing to Japan.
'I should have dragged it out a little longer...'
No.
If he regretted it here, he would be the loser.
Living lavishly in Japan was enough.
Now that he was naturalized, he would quickly conquer the Japanese Black Tower starting from the 57th floor.
If he conquered that, he would rise as a Japanese hero.
The 58th floor too, and the 59th, and the 60th.
No matter how much the ants struggled, he would be the victor.
Yu Cheol-min thought so.
He believed it without a doubt.
After finishing the conquest,
Joo-hyuk ordered 10 tubs of the most expensive ice cream from a convenience store near his officetel.
That ice cream he used to ignore even when it caught his eye.
He had grown up a lot.
But it was okay.
With over 1 billion won in his bank account,
This time too, Gobang and Kosak, who only opened their lids and started shoveling it in after Joo-hyuk took the first spoonful, and even Gyeon dal-rae, smacked their small lips deliciously.
Having matched their rhythm once in the Tower, the three had grown much closer than before.
They chatted quietly while eating ice cream.
It was a nice sight.
He hoped they would get along well like this.
"Truly, my mouth is being treated to a feast. I have never tasted such sweet food even in the palace."
"Hehe, you'll be able to have as much as you want from now on, Princess. Summoner Bong is so generous, he never hesitates to bestow things upon us."
"That's right. You must never forget the Master's grace."
"Of course, that goes without saying. You know that too, right, Gobang?"
"Princess right, am loyal."
Look at them.
Now they're flattering each other.
But then,
"Lately, has there been anything troubling the Master's mind? Other than you lot."
Kosak pondered deeply at Gyeon dal-rae's words.
"Ah! There is one."
"There is? Such a heinous act! Tell me at once."
"There's a damn traitor named Yu Cheol-min. This bastard, believe it or not..."
Kosak excitedly told Gyeon dal-rae all about Yu Cheol-min.
Gyeon dal-rae's expression gradually changed.
"What is this! Have you ever seen such a scoundrel who deserves death? One who possesses great power should devote all their efforts to the nation's peace and loyalty, yet he dares to abscond with the Japanese pirates? Truly absurd."
Her pale face flushed bright red.
"Just thinking about the Japanese pirates makes my blood boil. I will not let this scoundrel be. I will surely make him pay the price."
"Your words are righteous, Princess. Truly befitting of you."
Then she looked at Joo-hyuk.
"Master."
"Yes?"
"Yu Cheol-min, can you obtain something he used? I know it's troublesome, but please get it for me. I have a need for it, which is why I ask."
"No. Even if there was, I wouldn't get it for you."
"Huh?"
What did she plan to do with it?
He could guess.
He was absolutely opposed to that part.
If he had such intentions, he would have sent Kosak to Japan from the start.
Sneak onto a flight to Tokyo at the airport using stealth, slice off Yu Cheol-min's head, and tie a ribbon on it. Done.
Kosak had wanted to, but Joo-hyuk told him not to.
There was no need to kill Yu Cheol-min.
"He is one who has abandoned human morality. Leaving such a person be will allow injustice to run rampant."
"Eh, then you'd go to Japan and commit an injustice."
"...What do you mean?"
"He's Japanese now. Let's not interfere. As long as we eat well and live well, that's enough."
Then Kosak also chimed in.
"Summoner Bong's words are correct. As expected, you are wise."
"Right?"
"Of course. Since the shit has been swept away to Japan, hasn't Korea become cleaner?"
"That's right. Hahaha!"
"Hehehe."
Even when he saw injustice, he tried to endure it if possible.
That was his original life motto.
The complex human world.
Even if something seemed clearly wrong, the roles of perpetrator and victim could switch in an instant.
That's why his gear was always in neutral.
Above all, the most important reason.
He had no intention of sacrificing Gyeon dal-rae just to deal with someone like Yu Cheol-min.
She was a precious summoned being.
"Shedding flesh has backlash, you know. For a bastard like that, the Princess getting hurt? I'm against it."
Kosak scooted right next to Joo-hyuk and rubbed his palms together.
"I knew from the start why you were opposed. It's because Summoner Bong worries about the Princess. So benevolent, so wise, so awesome!"
Joo-hyuk's shoulders shot up.
Indeed, appropriate flattery was sweeter than ice cream.
But Gyeon dal-rae said,
"I am at a loss for how to respond to the Master's consideration. However! What I will shed is not flesh."
Huh?
If not flesh, then...
"I will shed karma."
What's karma?
"Any human action inevitably receives reward or punishment for their deeds someday. Cause and effect, what goes around comes around, they say."
So?
"If I shed karma, that retribution will come a little sooner."
"Ah."
"If Yu Cheol-min's karma is good, fortune will find him. If it's bad karma, misfortune will find him."
Fortune and misfortune.
Just that much?
"...Is there no backlash from shedding karma?"
"It is merely that fortune and misfortune are determined according to the principles of heaven and earth. No harm whatsoever will come to me, so please be at ease."
Well then,
"Thinking about it now, we can't just leave Yu Cheol-min be. If he abandoned human morality, he should at least suffer some misfortune."
Then Kosak also clapped his hands with a smack!
"Summoner Bong's words are right. One who violates morality must be punished. That's why I also tried to board a plane to Japan."
"Let's do it right away!"
"Hehehe, as expected, your thinking is flexible. How quickly you switch stances, this way, that way..."
That sounded more like an insult than a compliment.
Zing!
When Joo-hyuk glared, Kosak flinched.
"S-sorry."
He did know.
This is why sycophants throughout history never had good endings.
Getting something Yu Cheol-min used wasn't difficult.
He probably left everything behind in the house he lived in when he fled.
That aside, he hadn't checked what the special reward was yet, had he?
Checking the 30 Platinum Badges accumulated in his inventory, he saw:
Accumulation of 30 Platinum Badges
🎁 Reward: Item Skill Cooldown Reset Ticket has been issued to the Tower Exclusive Inventory.
"Oh!"
A skill cooldown reset ticket!
Awesome.
Beautiful.
"What did you get?"
"Ta-da!"
"Wah! That's really great. Congratulations."
"It's all thanks to you guys."
"Oh my, I'm embarrassed. What did we even do?"
"Hahahaha!"
"Hehehehe."
The atmosphere became warm and friendly again.
As Kosak said, it was a truly great item.
His abilities came from his summoned beings.
In that sense, a skill reset was the best reward.
Because he could use Random Summon one more time.
'Should I just use it now?'
Nah, that would be stupid.
A skill reset was the ultimate reversal card.
He should save it for when an impossibly difficult situation arose with no answer in sight.