Chapter 31
Chapter 31
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 31
Chapter Title: Recognition-Disrupting Talismans
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The atmosphere in Japan's Tower Climbing Department was grim.
Tomo-da, the Director, was no different.
He had been promoted to the core position of Director of the Tower Climbing Department under the Prime Minister's direct authority, credited with naturalizing Yu Cheol-min. But what a mess this had turned out to be?
The very achievement that earned him his promotion had now transformed into a trap, ensnaring his own feet.
So, even under Prime Minister Kawaguchi's scolding, he couldn't offer any excuse.
"What was the reason again? Why do we keep failing the 57th floor in Japan, a floor they successfully conquered in Korea?"
"There have been... setbacks in his condition..."
"Three attempts, three failures, and you're blaming it on 'condition'?"
"W-well, he says even he doesn't understand why."
Prime Minister Kawaguchi was understandably frustrated.
Public humiliation on live broadcasts, plummeting approval ratings day by day, and the Tower's collapse deadline drawing ever closer.
"The phrase 'a chicken rib' fits perfectly. Can't throw it away, but keeping it is useless."
"M-my apologies!"
"Forty days is by no means a generous amount of time. If Yu Cheol-min hasn't recovered by then, how will you take responsibility?"
"We are preparing a plan."
"Tell me now. It should be a plan that helps with conquering the Tower. Otherwise, you might find yourself transferred to an embassy in Africa."
Gulp.
After swallowing dryly,
"We request temporary naturalization of a Player from the United States government. Just for about a week."
"That's... your plan?"
"I have some connections in the U.S. from my time as a diplomat. I'm confident. Please, give me just one chance."
"Connections, huh? Haha."
Prime Minister Kawaguchi laughed at Tomo-da as if he were ridiculous.
"Do you have more than me?"
"...Pardon?"
"I asked if you have more connections in American politics than I, the Prime Minister, do."
"Uh, ah, no, that's not what I meant..."
"Leave for the Congo in Africa tomorrow. If you refuse, submit your resignation."
You fool,
Do you think I'm doing this because I don't know that?
Requesting an official temporary naturalization requires paying an enormous price.
A few pennies won't cut it.
On a national level, countless interests must be conceded to the other party.
And besides, they would have to return to their home country anyway.
That's precisely why we secretly brought Yu Cheol-min here in the first place.
'Sigh...'
It felt like being stuck in quicksand.
To be fair, Director Tomo-da's idea had some merit.
If Yu Cheol-min doesn't recover, we'll have no choice but to play the temporary naturalization card.
But we should at least inquire about its feasibility before making an official request.
What if we muster the courage to request temporary naturalization only to be rejected?
※ ※ ※
For a country with only one Tower, you can just enter. But how do you enter a country with multiple Towers?
When the system message appears, you select and enter.
Like this.
[Please state the number of the Tower you wish to enter.]
So, in the United States, the East Coast uses Tower No.1, and the West Coast uses Tower No.2.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Tower climbing, tends to focus more on the Western Tower than the Eastern one.
For a reason similar to Japan's.
Because the Western Tower was erected on the San Andreas Fault.
If this one collapsed, the entire western United States was screwed.
Currently, the world's top Player held by the U.S. was also tackling the Western Tower first.
MacMillan, the Secretary of Homeland Security, asked Antonio, the Director of Tower Conquest.
"So, you want to borrow the Holy Sword for a test run?"
"Player Gerald keeps pestering me, saying he wants to try it out quickly."
"Tsk tsk, figures. His item addiction is acting up again."
"Isn't it the only Holy attribute item we've seen so far? They say there's a big difference compared to Light attribute items."
"But there's still plenty of time left for the 67th floor, right? What's the rush to conquer it?"
"He wants to repeatedly challenge the 66th floor. For experimental purposes."
Meaning he wants to verify the item's effects, even if it means paying a hefty rental fee.
Secretary MacMillan was also curious.
When clearing the 66th-floor Specters in the Western Tower, they barely made it within the time limit.
It was extremely tough.
For both Player Gerald and the support team.
They cleared the Eastern Tower earlier due to accumulated experience, but...
What if they repeatedly challenged the 66th floor while equipped with the Holy Sword?
How much would the time be reduced?
"What about the rental fee? Have you estimated an amount?"
"We offered a million dollars, but they just scoffed."
"Hahaha! That's your mistake. How many countries will want to borrow it in the future? Why would they rent it out cheaply from the start?"
"I was just testing the waters."
Even a single Light attribute item has a base rental fee of three million dollars.
For decent ones, it's over five million.
"Assuming we borrow the Holy Sword, what's the maximum we can offer?"
"I think up to ten million dollars would be acceptable. If the performance is good, that's actually cheap."
That's true.
There are countries that can't even afford that much.
Like Japan.
"They said it can be rented on a national level?"
"Yes."
"Then rent it. I'll make an official request through diplomatic channels."
Might as well try it out this opportunity.
In preparation for conquering the 67th floor later,
"Anyway, this surprise naturalization incident is Japan's fault. Pulling such a stunt to conquer their own Tower's 57th floor? It was an unsavory act. They should have negotiated first."
"Actually, we received a contact from the Japanese Prime Minister's office."
"What contact?"
"An unofficial inquiry about the possibility of temporary naturalization for a Player belonging to our Department of Homeland Security."
Secretary MacMillan chuckled.
"Seems the Player they naturalized isn't meeting expectations."
"You know about the incident that happened in Japan, sir."
"It could be a temporary adjustment issue, due to the changed environment, or perhaps psychological pressure from the naturalization remains."
Such cases are quite common.
No matter how high-level, plenty of Players die on lower floors due to psychological issues.
"If it were just that, they wouldn't have requested temporary naturalization. It must be unexpectedly serious."
"Hehehe, well then, temporary naturalization should be possible, right?"
"What are the conditions?"
"We should squeeze them dry. We can even extract the Holy Sword rental fee from Japan. Use this chance to drag out negotiations until their collapse deadline. The more desperate they are, the more we can get."
While humanity should jointly respond to the Towers, international relations were nothing like that in reality.
Just look at what Japan did this time.
"Anyway, now that the existence of a Holy attribute item is confirmed, we should also possess one, right?"
"I've already sent messages to all domestic Players. If anyone has an item suspected of being Holy attribute in their inventory, or acquires one as a reward, we'll buy it at a high price."
"Good! Proceed with that, and let's first verify the Holy Sword's performance."
The business of renting items has existed for a long time.
The same goes for temporary Player naturalization.
The U.S. also has Players specialized in naturalization.
Such things are only possible when mutual trust is built.
Otherwise, you wouldn't dare attempt it.
Major incidents have also occurred frequently.
Like borrowing an item, stashing it in your inventory, and running away, or a temporarily naturalized Player never returning.
But from the U.S. perspective, that's a non-issue.
If anyone dared pull such a stunt?
They'd have to worry about bombardment from U.S. fighter jets carried by aircraft carriers before worrying about Tower collapse.
※ ※ ※
The day after conquering the 32nd floor.
Joo-hyuk summoned all his Summoned Beings.
As soon as she arrived, Gyeon Dal-rae sat at the table drawing talismans.
A total of four.
Using a brush dipped in red cinnabar ink, she drew strange diagrams and characters on yellow spirit paper.
"Just carrying this is enough, right?"
"It is so. It is a recognition-disrupting talisman. Others will recognize you as a person, but they cannot discern your true identity. They will merely think, 'Ah, it's just some ordinary person passing by.'"
Just hearing about it sounded impressive.
"His Majesty, the late Emperor, my father, also frequently made use of them. He would attach recognition-disrupting talismans and go out alone incognito into the market streets."
That made sense.
How stifling must it have been for an emperor to be confined only within the palace?
Joo-hyuk's reason for doing this was similar.
Until now, his Summoned Beings had only been at home or in the Tower.
Except for Kosak, who had been to Yu Cheol-min's penthouse.
Come to think of it, he had also gone to Smile Cash without being told, right?
He wanted to show them around Seoul.
Go out, eat together, sightsee the streets, have fun together at a karaoke room or a PC bang.
Honestly, if he hadn't signed the Elite contract, he wouldn't have needed to go through this trouble.
He could have come and gone freely without worry from his old semi-basement studio.
Although Savage Gobang would still be a problem.
But what could he do?
He had already signed the contract.
"Princess, wouldn't Mr. Gobang's large physique make him recognizable?"
"The recognition disruption will apply. He will merely appear as a tall person. However, one must be careful not to bump into others..."
Is that so?
"Mr. Gobang, be careful not to shoulder-check people on the street."
"Bread? Something to eat?"
Kosak stepped in, sounding exasperated.
"He means be careful not to collide with people, you fool!"
"Got it."
Let's try it first.
To see if the talismans work.
There will definitely be limits.
For example, CCTV.
Judging by the talisman's nature, it likely won't apply to video recognition through cameras.
But still, CCTV isn't installed everywhere in an officetel,
At the very least, there aren't any inside the apartment or the hallway. Only at the building entrance and for external surveillance.
Privacy issues.
Who would like it if others could clearly see who comes and goes from their home?
Joo-hyuk put the talisman in his pocket.
Kosak did too,
As did Gyeon Dal-rae,
And Savage Gobang.
"Let's go out now."
"I am terribly nervous. I'm especially afraid this guy might be discovered. His physique is no joke."
"Do you dare look down upon this Princess's sorcery?"
"Hey, there's still a possibility, you know. Don't misunderstand."
"This guy?"
Joo-hyuk raised his hand to stop them.
"Shh! Please be quiet."
Gyeon Dal-rae and Kosak,
Their personalities were too distinct, so they occasionally clashed these days.
"Let's not fight among ourselves. When you two argue, my heart sinks."
At Joo-hyuk's scolding, the two bowed their heads deeply.
"And Princess Gyeon Dal-rae, don't speak rudely to Mr. Kosak. He uses honorifics with you, but ending every sentence with 'this guy,' 'that guy' seems problematic."
"This maiden accepts the crime of disturbing the Young Master's peace of mind."
Gyeon Dal-rae was a princess by birth.
Naturally, speaking down to others would be a habit.
But is this the Heavenly Empire?
Sometimes even he was startled when she raised her voice.
This was a good opportunity to humble her a bit.
"Then, please use honorifics with Mr. Kosak."
"Huh?"
"Quickly."
"Umm..."
A Summoned Being must obey their Summoner absolutely.
So, after a slight hesitation, Gyeon Dal-rae opened her mouth.
"Lord Kosak. I believe I was excessive. I will be mindful in the future."
"Y-yes!"
"However! I will absolutely not tolerate any disloyal or disrespectful rash actions towards Young Master Bong!"
"...Yes, ma'am."
Wow!
Her spirit remained unbroken.
It must be her nature.
Now, let's really go out.
Joo-hyuk opened the officetel door and stepped outside.
The three followed behind.
They took the elevator, arrived on the first floor, and passed by the guard post where bodyguards were gathered...
'Huh?'
They really don't know?
'Wow!'
Normally, if an Elite Player went out, they'd immediately ask where he was going and offer to escort him.
They must perceive him as just an ordinary resident.
This officetel housed Elite Players, regular contract Players, and even many ordinary people.
But we wouldn't know for sure until we completely left.
"Have a good day."
"Yes."
It was confirmed.
The recognition-disrupting talisman.
It's amazing.
The feeling was strange.
No one looked at them strangely.
"This is truly incredible. Princess Gyeon Dal-rae."
"It is not a difficult matter."
"The talisman's effect is mind-blowing. As expected of an SSR."
"Is that so?"
Gyeon Dal-rae smiled with pride at the praise.
Kosak also said,
"It's the best. Summoner Bong has acknowledged it."
Gyeon Dal-rae gave a subtle smile at Kosak's words and replied.
"Lord Kosak, I will gratefully accept your praise, but you too must strive, and strive again. Sweet words that tickle the ears may please Young Master Bong, but sometimes offering practical help is the true way to serve him."
"...Yes, ma'am."
Oh my.
She hit the nail on the head.
Her underlying meaning was probably this.
Kosak, what exactly do you do?
What do you have besides flattery?
Don't just get by with a few words; do something helpful.
A scolding would have been better.
That must hurt more.
Did I make a mistake telling her to use honorifics?
By the way, are other types of talismans possible?
For example,
"Hey, are there talismans for good health?"
"Of course there are. There are health talismans. They allow one to live well without minor illnesses within one's predetermined lifespan."
Oh!
"Later, just three..."
"You need only command it."
For my father, mother, and younger brother.
"What about, say, luck?"
"They exist. The effect is not great, so it only applies to minor fortunes."
"That one, three as well."
"Understood."
Ah!
Gyeon Dal-rae was impressive again.
'She was a complete treasure trove.'
He regretted it.
Why did he scold her earlier?
Honestly, Kosak deserved the scolding.
Acting like a sycophant, just flattering.
"Let me ask one more thing."
"Yes."
"That... um, well, a talisman for getting a girlfriend?"
"You speak of a fate talisman? It increases the probability of finding a partner. I shall make one for you."
"I see. ...It's not that I need it, I was asking for my younger brother."
"..."
"It's true."
Kosak quickly chimed in.
"Of course you are. Naturally, you intend to give it to your younger brother. Why would Summoner Bong need a fate talisman? Your mere existence radiates an aura. If I were a woman, I'd ask you out immediately. Hehehehe."
Nod nod.
Kosak really has an eye for people.
Sometimes he seems quite wise.
Anyway, thanks to this, he could now comfortably walk the streets of Seoul with his three Summoned Beings.
Joo-hyuk and his party strolled around, looking here and there like country bumpkins.
Gobang, who had been warned beforehand, walked carefully, avoiding people.
"Hey! That's the road!"
"This place is the widest."
"You might get hit!"
"Warrior sturdy."
"Who's worried about you? I'm worried about the car that would get wrecked if it hit you."
Gobang scratched his head and moved onto the sidewalk.
Kosak seemed familiar with modern civilization, understanding the distinction between road and sidewalk well.
"Mr. Kosak, was the world you were summoned to before like this too?"
"Yes. It was similar, but nothing was intact. Buildings were collapsed, cars were rusted. I only saw actual moving cars like that for the first time after coming to this world."
"Ah."
A ruined world, he said.
Gyeon Dal-rae was also calmly observing the streets of Seoul.
And the people passing by.
"Everyone lives busily. They seem to have no leisure."
"That's just how this world is."
"It appears prosperous, yet people's hearts seem impoverished."
She had been hitting the mark well since earlier.
Anyway, since we were out, we should enjoy ourselves to the fullest.
Honestly, this was a first for Joo-hyuk too.
The experience of strolling the streets with friends(?).
And what kind of friends were they?
A ruthless assassin, a savage warrior, and the Imperial Head Shrine Maiden.
"What shall we do now?"
"Let's go eat meat. Beef!"
"Oooh! Expensive meat. I'll eat mindfully."
"You can eat a lot."
"Um, Gobang is here too, you know?"
"Pfft! Let's order a ton! Hey? Don't chicken out!"
"Excellent! I trust Summoner Bong!"
How much could they possibly eat?
If they eat too much, they'd get sick of it.