Chapter 41
Translator: Ace
Chapter: 41
Chapter Title: The Legendary Special Super Rare
Joo-hyuk sat in his officetel, eyes half-closed, quietly staring at the empty wall.
He had enjoyed himself for a week.
So, with two days left before his Random Summon cooldown ended, what did Joo-hyuk do?
A ritual ceremony?
No.
A simple offering?
He didn't do that either.
He was cultivating his mind through wall-facing meditation.
Because he needed to maintain his composure.
Just calmly.
Setting aside all desires.
He had to properly welcome a new family member, one he'd barely managed to get through a Trait Enhancement.
This was the final stretch of a long journey.
All's well that ends well.
Two days ago, Gyeon Dal-rae had said:
"We have already performed a ritual ceremony for the Trait Enhancement. Perhaps thanks to that, great fortune was achieved."
"However! Heaven guards against the greedy. If one knows no satisfaction and petitions for yet another wish to be granted, instead of great fortune, punishment is likely to follow."
It was very logical.
If you ask for one rice cake and get it, then throw a tantrum asking for another, you shouldn't get a cake but a slap on the cheek.
"Therefore, this time, it would be best to sever your desires through cultivation of the mind. Hold no ritual ceremony, make no offering, and simply face the Random Summon with a peaceful heart."
As expected of Gyeon Dal-rae.
No wonder she had secured the position of Heaven's Empire's top priestess with a snap of her fingers.
Following her advice, Joo-hyuk calmly began wall-facing meditation at home.
He had contacted his family in advance and turned off his smartphone for two days.
He even put up a 'Do Not Disturb' sign outside his officetel door.
He had also spoken with Bureau Chief Jeon Gwang-il from the Awakening Management Bureau two days prior.
During that call, he heard that Gerald Watson would be entering through Incheon Airport, but well, that should work out fine.
After all, a ten-million-dollar contract was already in place.
The summoned beings were also temporarily suspended from being called.
They agreed to gather on the day itself.
And so, he devoted himself to wall-facing meditation.
Truth be told, he didn't really know what wall-facing meditation was.
Just being alone with his thoughts.
Something Joo-hyuk was very good at.
The second day was the same.
Stare at the wall, sleep, wake up, watch TV, sleep again.
And so, finally, today arrived.
The day the Random Summon cooldown ended.
Soon, a new summoned being would appear.
After summoning everyone via Designated Summon,
"Welcome, everyone."
"Yes."
"Yep."
"..."
The atmosphere was solemn and serious.
Greed was forbidden.
Even a Rare would be enough.
After all, they said that with the current three-person setup, they could easily get an S++ rating up to the 50th floor.
'Still, if it were an SR... or if Heaven took pity and gave an SSR... or, going crazy, an LSSR...'
No, no!
Don't get greedy and ruin everything.
Joo-hyuk rose from his seat.
And moved to the center of the living room.
The summoning would begin the moment he opened his mouth.
The long-awaited moment had finally arrived!
With a nervous heart, he was about to speak when...
"Dugudugudugudugudugu..."
The sound was coming from Kosak's mouth.
Joo-hyuk flared up in anger.
"For goodness sake!"
"Assassin, be quiet!"
"Mr. Kosak, you're jinxing it!"
"...My apologies."
Just when things were going well, he had to overdo it like that.
'Hmm.'
He steadied his mind again.
"Random Summon."
It had started.
Whoosh!
A very small cluster of light floated in the air.
It was smaller than expected.
It'll probably grow, right?
However,
Whoosh!
The summoned being appeared too quickly, with hardly any special effects.
Poof!
"...Huh?"
"..."
"..."
"..."
What is that?
Is it a person?
What kind of person looks like that?
It resembled a fat hamster.
A small stature reaching only Joo-hyuk's waist, with a round, ball-like body. White fur, very short limbs, a small backpack on its back, and a hat on its head that looked like a round safety helmet.
"Hoe, Summoner. Hello."
"...Huh? Ah, yes, hello."
What in the world?
"..."
It's a worker?
And not even human, but beastfolk.
He knew the summonable targets included humans and demi-humans, but...
A worker meant a non-combatant summoned being.
Meaning it would be of no help in Tower climbing whatsoever.
What is this.
He did wall-facing meditation for two whole days.
Did he do it wrong and get jinxed?
Joo-hyuk wasn't the only one.
Everyone's expressions were the same.
Razix the worker seemed to sense the mood.
In a shrinking voice,
"Hoe... should I go back?"
Sigh.
That innocent, guileless face.
And it was even cute.
It seemed to be a hamster-based beastfolk.
His heart ached, but.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Razix. I'll call you again later. There's no room for you right now."
"Hoeng, okay..."
"Summon Release."
Pop!
First summon: failure.
Nothing to be done.
If not now, when?
Joo-hyuk took a Skill Cooldown Reset Ticket from his inventory.
The way to use the ticket was to tear it.
"Let's try one more time."
"Consider it a sacrifice. But it was so cute."
"What good is cute? It has to help Summoner Bong climb the Tower."
"Summoner, it'll work this time."
He did another hour or so of wall-facing meditation.
This time, he approached it with true sincerity.
Form is emptiness, emptiness is form.
...But let's be just a little bit greedy.
"Mr. Kosak,"
"Yes?"
"Dugudugu."
"Yes, sir!"
Rip!
Tearing the ticket.
"Random Summon."
Simultaneously, Kosak's entrance music continued.
"Dugudugudugudugudugu..."
Whoooooooosh!
This time, something was different.
A multicolored cluster of light filled the room.
A brilliant light swirled wildly in the center of the living room.
This phenomenon was a first.
'Could it be?'
+ Achievement: First to succeed in summoning an LSSR (Legend Special Super Rare) grade being.
"Huh?!"
Did he hear that right?
He pulled an LSSR?
'Is this a dream, or reality?'
This is insane.
He never even imagined it.
Maximum dopamine levels.
A thrilling sensation rising from his toes to the top of his head.
Now, Trait Enhancement or whatever,
He didn't need to worry about it at all.
With the summoning of an LSSR, the party was complete.
Also, an achievement.
Right.
Of course, summoning an LSSR would come with an achievement.
Wow, a reward too?
'Talk about a two-for-one.'
He felt so grateful.
"..."
No, this was a reward he could do without.
It was telling him to work twice a day.
Anyway, let's welcome the LSSR.
The cluster of light gradually took on a human form.
Welcome. L-S-S-R Summoned Being.
Pop pop pop pop pop!
The form became clearly visible.
"Oh!"
An old man with a traditional martial arts robe, white hair and beard, appeared with a leisurely posture, hands clasped behind his back.
'A, a transcendent being has come to such a humble place.'
Joo-hyuk quickly checked the catalog entry.
"..."
The catalog epithets were somewhat chilling.
Public enemy of the martial world, Ten Mountains Blood Sea, the most heinous.
His name was Gwang-ma, combining the characters for 'mad' and 'demon'.
A little scary.
So he bowed at a ninety-degree angle, greeting him respectfully.
"Hello. It's a pleasure to meet you. I am the Summoner, Bong Joo-hyuk."
"This old man is also honored to meet such a distinguished person. You may call me Gwang-ma."
Wow!
His manners were excellent too.
He couldn't understand why someone like this was called the Mad Demon.
Instantly, Gwang-ma's background story flashed through Joo-hyuk's mind.
- There is a saying that the government and the martial world do not encroach upon each other. But the first martial artist to break that taboo was Gwang-ma. What started as a minor conflict between Gwang-ma and the government grew like wildfire, eventually spreading all the way to the Imperial Palace.
- Gwang-ma, who had stormed the Imperial Palace, beheaded the Emperor and hung his head in the marketplace. Ultimately, the Martial Alliance, the Evil Sect, and even the Demonic Cult declared Gwang-ma a public enemy. After a battle that lasted seven days and nights, Gwang-ma lost his life to the combined attack of the Martial Alliance Leader, the Evil Sect Lord, and the Demonic Cult Leader.
Simultaneously, scenes flashed through his mind.
The countless martial artists dying by his hand, Gwang-ma roaring with laughter, his face smeared with blood and flesh.
Gulp.
It was a bit unsettling.
But he must be incredible in a fight.
As a summoned being, he should at least obey, right?
Besides, there was already another crazy summoned being.
The mad assassin.
Gwang-ma opened his mouth.
"Those over there must be your existing comrades."
"Yes, that's right. Let me introduce them..."
Huh?
Why are they like that?
Gyeon Dal-rae's face had turned pale.
Kosak was on full alert.
Gobang was frozen in place.
"That's enough. I have no desire to even exchange words with such insignificant creatures."
"...Uh."
A creeping sense of unease instantly washed over him.
Gwang-ma slowly moved his steps toward the veranda window and spoke.
"Summoner, may I ask you a few things?"
"Ah, of course."
"In this world, how many Towers have collapsed so far?"
Collapsed?
That's easy.
"Exactly one has collapsed."
"That's fortunate, at least. What's the highest floor currently reached?"
"The 67th floor. It's the floor where undead appear."
"Aha! So that's why it's only been one so far."
"Huh?"
"Once you reach the 70s, collapses will start happening en masse. Isn't that right?"
Joo-hyuk didn't answer.
He didn't even want to imagine it.
"As you know, Summoner, Tower collapse is a harbinger of doom. A collapsed Tower will be driven deep into the earth like a giant nail, transforming this world. Of course, with only one so far, it's not a problem yet."
Gwang-ma, who had been looking outside through the window, slowly turned his body and continued.
"Do you know the dirtiest aspect of Tower conquest?"
"I'm not sure..."
"That the Towers are divided by nationality. Each Awakened can only conquer the Tower of their own country. A truly cunning trick."
Towers assigned by nationality.
Many people found this strange because of that.
Even now.
"At the very least, Summoner, your country will be safe. Even with those pathetic creatures, you'll have no problem climbing the Tower."
His tone was gradually becoming concerning.
"But what good is it if only your country is safe? When the Towers of all other countries collapse and the entire world perishes?"
"This old man also does not wish for this world to perish. Having come to this world, I would like to stay with you, Summoner, for as long as possible."
That's a bit...
"So I will help you."
"...With what?"
"World conquest. Placing this world under your feet."
Out of nowhere...
World conquest?
He wasn't some shadowy mastermind trying to dominate the world.
Joo-hyuk just blinked.
"The world must be unified into a single nation. Then you and I can freely conquer every Tower in the world. By summoning me, you even received the benefit of re-entering the Tower, didn't you?"
Oh?
That's clever.
Forget temporary or voluntary naturalization—just merge all countries into one.
For example, if every country on Earth unified into the Republic of Korea, Joo-hyuk could enter any Tower.
World conquest.
A cliché trope from movies, novels, and comics.
But where else would you find a world conquest with a more righteous cause than this?
"First, let's organize your country. We'll start by killing the corrupt politicians who only fill their own bellies. Even if their numbers are in the hundreds of thousands. And then, Summoner, I will transfer all power to you."
"After that, we must go to another country. Starting with the nation with the slowest Tower climbing progress. Similarly, kill the powerful and subjugate each country, one by one. Then the point of doom will be pushed much farther away."
Now he realized.
The source of his unease.
He was a madman.
He was still crazy even after death.
Compared to this guy, Kosak was a pure, sane person.
National pride?
This kind of national pride would kill you the moment you drank it.
Hell no, hell no.
"I will get my hands dirty. Summoner, you become the ruler of this world and create a single nation."
Is that even possible?
Above all, he didn't want it.
Joo-hyuk clutched his pounding chest and barely managed to speak.
"...D-don't do that. That's an order. I don't want to be any ruler."
"It must be done. I cannot obey that order. To save you and your world, it is a necessary act."
And with a pride-filled smile,
"This is the third clause of this old man's Three Principles."
Damn it...
"Now, let's get going. To make you the pinnacle of power in this country by killing its leaders and politicians, we have no time to waste. So then..."
That's when it happened.
"Stop!"
Gyeon Dal-rae, overcoming her fear, raised her bell and shouted.
Ding-a-ling!
"Such an act cannot be justified by the third clause! What you intend to do is a transgression against the will of Heaven..."
"The will of Heaven? You milk-scented wench, waving a bell around, what do you know! This is all for the Summoner's sake."
Then Kosak also,
"Shut up! Is that for the Summoner's sake? I can't agree."
"Hahahaha! Haven't you also stained your hands with blood to protect the Summoner? So what?"
"I only eliminated direct threats."
"I am the same as you. Only the scope of the threat is broader."
Gobang also stepped forward.
"Obey the Summoner's words. If not, I will kill you."
"...How absurd. A mere fellow who has reached the Hua Jing stage dares to kill me?"
Gwang-ma's expression changed in an instant.
Ooooooo...
A storm of ki swept through the living room.
An overwhelming, unbearable pressure bore down on the three summoned beings.
"Ghk!"
"Huh-uhk!"
"Eek!"
Of course, Joo-hyuk was the only one exempt.
"Fine. I'll kill you. Then it'll be quiet for at least a hundred days. Ah! But I need someone to protect the Summoner in my absence, so I'll make an example by slaughtering just one. If that's not enough, one more."
Swoosh.
From where, no one knew, but Gwang-ma was now pointing a sword of thick, intense ki.
"Who shall die? The bell-waving wench? The arrogant assassin? The foolish oaf?"
That's when it happened.
"Mr. Gwang-ma?"
Gwang-ma turned his gaze, looking at Joo-hyuk with a benevolent smile.
"I thought you would try to stop me. But this, too, is the third clause of this old man's Three Principles—an expression of the sincere heart that wishes only to protect the Summoner."
"Actually, I didn't call you to stop you."
"Huh? Then what did you wish to say?"
Joo-hyuk quietly recited.
"Gwang-ma, Summon Release."
"Oh my..."
Pop!
Gwang-ma disappeared.
Just because he's an LSSR, so what?
Only then were the summoned beings freed from the pressure.
"Phew."
"Haah, haah."
"Huff, huff, I, I thought I was dead."
It wasn't good luck.
He had summoned something that should never have come out.
"Salt! Where's the salt?"
Gyeon Dal-rae hurriedly brought salt from the sink shelf.
"Ptui! Ptui!"
She vigorously sprinkled it on the spot where Gwang-ma had been.
Then she immediately opened the status window and went to the catalog entry.
"Isn't there a negative star rating? Or at least a zero?"
"Unfortunately, 1 star is the lowest rating."
Frankly, even 1 star was too good for him.
He got his revenge with 1 star.
Still, it was scary.
Was the summoned being grade indicating not strength, but level of madness...?
Maybe he should perform a ritual not for Trait Enhancement, but for Random Summon.
With a weary expression, Joo-hyuk plopped down on the sofa.
His startled heart was still racing.
The three, who had half lost their minds and returned, also sat on the floor.
"I, I'm never calling him."
But then Kosak said,
"Um, Summoner Bong."
"What?"
"No matter how crazy the old man is, he might be useful inside the Tower."
"I won't use him even if he is."
"Still, it might be good to think about it over time."
How forgiving.
Had he already forgotten the guy tried to kill him a moment ago?
"This maiden's thoughts are similar. Even a rusty nail can become usable if sharpened."
"I think the same. We'll need him on the higher floors."
Even Gobang and Gyeon Dal-rae.
"Alright. I'll think about it a bit."
Time passed.
He just sat silently, trying to calm his startled heart.
The summoned beings did the same.
After a considerable amount of time had passed,
Joo-hyuk opened his status window again.
"Catalog entries can't be deleted, right?"
"That is correct."
What a shame.
If he could delete them, he would have processed the deletion immediately.
'...Has it been 3 hours?'
He tapped Razix and gave him 5 stars.
Simultaneously,
"Razix, Designated Summon."
"Hoeng? Why 5 stars?"
"Welcome. Mr. Razix."
"Hoe... you said to come quickly?"
"Of course! We're comrades from now on. Hahaha."
His heart felt purified by Razix's cute appearance.
"Aww! Seeing you again, you're an angel, an angel!"
As Joo-hyuk made a fuss,
"That's right. He looks like a hard worker."
"How can someone be this cute?"
"Let's do our best from now on. I'm Gobang."
Overwhelmed by the sudden attention, Razix didn't know what to do.
"Alright, alright. To celebrate becoming comrades, let's give him a cheer."
"Hoeng?"
Heave-ho! Heave-ho!
Round and round, Razix shot up in the center of the living room like a volleyball.
At this rate, someone might spike him.
"Hoe! It's high. Too high!"
Well, even a worker who offers no help in conquest was a hundred, a thousand times better than Gwang-ma.
'But is his ability really just being a worker?'