Chapter 70
Chapter 70
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 70
Chapter Title: The Day of the 64th Floor Conquest
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Today was the day to conquer the 64th floor.
After conquering it, he'd return the Holy Sword and take a break for a while.
He needed to earn money from the rental fees and he should also visit his family home.
It had been a while since he last went.
'I wonder if they're using the money I gave them well.'
Joo-hyuk needed to tell them to spend it freely.
If they don't, he'd even threaten to give them more money.
He'd been pushing himself too hard lately.
It was about time to enjoy the fruits of his labor.
What's the point of just being happy looking at the numbers in his bank account?
Money only had meaning when you took it out and used it.
And the special privilege he'd receive after conquering the 64th floor.
If he received the privilege from this conquest, the next one would be at the 69th floor, which might take over a year.
Acquiring privileges through the normal path of tower conquest had become difficult.
Of course, if he used the multinational tower access ticket in between, it could be faster than that.
But if he was really thirsty for privileges, it might be worth considering other methods.
For example, temporary naturalization.
What if he temporarily naturalized to a suitable country, swept through their tower from the 1st floor to the highest floor, and came back?
With an S++ grade conquest rating, of course.
He should easily be able to get at least 55 Platinum Badges or more.
But even that wasn't certain.
Would the tower be that easy?
It wouldn't just hand out privileges left and right.
Even if he got a first conquest judgment, if the level difference was too large, the S++ conquest might not be recognized.
Also, temporary naturalization required caution.
It's a matter to consider only when absolute necessity arose.
Anyway, his expectations for this privilege weren't higher than before.
Was it because he had been collecting fragments of Razix?
He should just take it easy.
No need to push Gyeon dal-rae with good or bad omens and make her suffer.
In truth, Joo-hyuk's immediate task wasn't the privilege.
It was the Random Summon.
To summon, or to hold back.
"The deck is important, sir. Having multiple usable cards allows for diverse combinations and is advantageous for conquest, sir. Please summon."
That's right.
A tower conquest that borrowed the format of a game.
It's true that having a variety of cards was advantageous.
"It seems advisable to perform a Random Summon, young master. This maiden will follow solely the Young Master's decision. Please do not mind us."
"Reinforcement of troops is the Commander's prerogative. I hope you recruit good military branches to contribute to strengthening our combat power."
"This warrior thinks the same."
"Hooeng!"
The Summoned Beings were placing emphasis on summoning.
They naturally wanted things to go well for themselves.
And because Joo-hyuk understood that sentiment well, he couldn't help but hesitate.
'It's moving. It's moving.'
At this point, even the heavens should be moved and cough up a Trait Enhancement Rune.
"Let's receive the privilege first."
"Yes, sir!"
"It won't be difficult, right?"
"The 64th floor should be manageable, young master."
Then, let's go.
***
[Entering the Republic of Korea's Black Tower, 64th Floor.]
The 64th floor of the Black Tower is infested with Ghouls.
The terrain was a large cave with a high ceiling.
Holes were pierced up, down, and all around, like a honeycomb.
Sparse torches were mounted on the walls, but the light was weak, creating a very dark cave environment.
Dark Ghouls.
You could think of them as upgraded versions of zombies, but listening to the explanation, the difference was significant.
"Zombies were originally human, sir. They are based on the human body, sir. If you strip away their aura, they are weak, sir. Mummies and Skeletons are the same, sir."
"Ah-ha."
"Their brains are even rotten, sir. They're stupid and move only by instinct, sir."
On the other hand, Ghouls?
"They were born that way from the start, sir. Their race itself is the Ghoul race, sir. Their movements are natural and strong, sir. They don't creak like zombies, sir. Their brains are fresh, so they are clever, sir."
"Their bodies are also tough, sir. They don't cut well even with sword energy, sir. If you don't kill them properly, they revive through the power of darkness, sir. That's how demonic undead are, sir."
Gyeon dal-rae also nodded in agreement.
"Thus, the type of exorcism also changes, young master. From here on, it's not a purification exorcism but an exorcism to drive out evil spirits that is required, young master."
Then, let's go.
To catch evil spirits.
Dark Ghouls revealed themselves from holes in the cave walls here and there.
They didn't charge recklessly.
The crawled out in a crouched posture, they blinked their yellowish eyes and warily watched the Summoned Beings.
"Come at me!"
Gobang stepped forward alone.
"Kyaruk!"
"Khak?"
"Krrr..."
"Kekek!"
Spot! Papat!
The Ghouls clung to Gobang with swift speed.
They dug their sharp claws into his back, shoulders, legs, etc.
Gobang's body, covered in Ghouls.
Pashut!
Veronica's magic gun spewed fire.
Kosak approached using Shadow Step.
Simultaneously, Gyeon dal-rae's exorcism began.
Razix had also already rolled tumbling forward.
It seemed to be exploring the holes left empty by the Ghouls.
It should be fine to leave it be.
Razix was clever too.
He was smart and never went to dangerous places.
Even when digging, he looked around warily, on guard in case any Ghouls approached, while he worked.
'Now, then...'
Joo-hyuk was determined to step forward this time.
After this conquest, the Holy Sword would be stored at the management office for a while.
Since many reservations were booked,
If he just stood still during this conquest too, when would he ever get to defeat even one?
He should properly use the Holy Sword this time.
Of course, it was scary.
But one of the Holy Sword's effects was Steadfast Spirit.
Perhaps because of that, courage was welling up vigorously even in the Ordinary Guy's chicken heart.
Coincidentally, the Summoned Beings were also preoccupied with fighting the Ghouls.
"Kuaaaaaa! Bring it on!"
"Sir Kosak, a Ghoul has attached itself to this maiden. Please deal with it."
"Roger! Princess, please stay a bit farther away, sir. The weakening debuff applies even if you don't get close, sir."
"Quartermaster! Ammunition resupply, please!"
"Hooek!"
Stealthily.
Joo-hyuk moved close to the battlefield.
The energy shield had been activated earlier.
Additionally, he had prepared to use Blink magic as well.
'That one looks suitable.'
A single Ghoul that emerged late from a hole and was loitering around.
Target acquired.
Gripping the Holy Sword firmly.
The image of himself drawn in his mind.
'Shadow Step pat-pat-pat, create an afterimage, then Blink to....'
Right then.
Shashat!
"Kyaaaak!"
"Ee-heek, shit, you scared me."
A Ghoul shot out like lightning from the hole on the immediate right and pounced on Joo-hyuk.
In the blink of an eye.
The Ghoul with its long black claws slashed diagonally across Joo-hyuk's upper body.
Tsupirit!
Chae-aeng! Pachijijik....
The energy shield shattered into pieces.
Simultaneously, it tried to bite Joo-hyuk's neck with its sharp, yellow fangs.
"You bastard!"
Woong! Joo-hyuk instinctively smacked the Ghoul's ear.
"Get lost!"
Seoreok! The creature's head was sliced off at an angle. Thump!
"Whoo,"
That was a surprise.
This was an area the party had already swept through once. It seemed it had been lying in ambush, hidden, without fighting.
"You came in without even turning on your blinkers?"
If it weren't for the energy shield, it would have been a disaster.
That aside.
'A slap cut its head off?'
I hadn't expected that.
It seemed the Blood Jade Astral Qi of the Mad Demon had activated automatically.
Along with the Holy Sword's radiance.
The radiance neutralized the dark aura, and the Blood Jade Astral Qi cleaved the tough Ghoul's head in half.
The core of the Holy Sword was originally its radiance.
Wielding the Holy Sword meant your entire body was influenced by its radiance.
It applied to skills as well.
You could tell by looking at the Norwegian player who had rented this sword.
His trait was long-range archer, not close combat.
He didn't have a single sword skill. How did he use it?
He said he gripped the bow's grip and the Holy Sword's hilt together with his left hand, pulled the bowstring with his right, and shot.
It was very cumbersome, but the arrows shot that way were imbued with radiance and dealt damage to the Specters.
It was the same for Joo-hyuk.
A collaboration between the Mad Demon's skill and the Holy Sword's radiance,
Suddenly there was a stinging sensation on the back of his head.
He glanced back.
'Hmm.'
The Summoned Beings had stopped their conquest and were blankly staring at him.
'They saw everything.'
Subtle expressions.
Worry, pity, regret, shame, self-blame, remorse... these emotions seemed to be mixed together complexly.
"Don't worry. I'm safe..."
That's when it happened.
"Kuaaaaaaaa!"
Gobang jumped high enough to reach the cave ceiling and performed a stomp.
Kuuuuuung!!!
Ghouls knocked down by the shock. Gobang mercilessly trampled the ones flattened on the ground.
Then, grabbing one Ghoul with his hand, he began smashing it against the ground.
Hwirrit! Kwajit! Hwirrit! Kwajit! Hwirrit! Kwajit....
"I'll kill you! I'll kill you all!"
Kosak also wielded his dagger, gleaming with sharp sword energy, with a hardened expression.
Defense? Evasion?
He didn't even attempt such things.
Unilaterally focused on attack.
Seoreok! Seoreok! Seoreok!
Ghouls being sliced apart.
Veronica was in assault mode. She didn't even bother with concealment or cover.
"Euaa! Die!"
Charging straight in, she shoved her magic gun into the screaming Ghoul's mouth, Kkak! and fired right there.
Pashushushut!
The Ghoul's head burst like a watermelon.
Poo-eok!
Gyeon dal-rae's exorcism also changed.
The rhythm gradually sped up.
Talismans flew from her hands.
Yellow paper filled the cave.
The moment the talismans touched a Ghoul's skin, they burst into flames.
Razix?
It wielded the golden pickaxe used for mining and mercilessly smashed the heads of fallen Ghouls.
"Hoek! Hoe! Hooek!"
Everyone was running wild.
How dare these filthy, despicable Dark Ghouls!
Lay a hand on the Summoner!
It was inevitable.
This was the most dangerous moment Bong Joo-hyuk had faced since climbing to the 64th floor.
His energy shield shattered in one hit, and he almost had his neck bitten by a Ghoul.
'...I'm going to hear about this too.'
The Ghouls were pitiful against the Summoned Beings' fury. Thanks to that, the conquest ended quickly.
[You have succeeded in the 64th Floor Mission.]
[Your Level has increased.]
[Reward: 6.4kg of Magic Stone]
Mission accomplished.
Naturally, the conquest grade as well.
***
Joo-hyuk's penthouse.
The Summoned Beings wore serious expressions.
"Warrior still stupid. Hit me."
"I deserve to die, sir... I'll forfeit my right arm, sir."
"It is due to this maiden's humble skills. Blame me."
"My field of vision was narrow. I am unqualified as a Ranger. I don't mind being dishonorably discharged."
"Hooee...."
Why are they all like this.
It's not like the conquest failed,
Of course, I knew the reason,
"Now, now, it was an excellent conquest. And I'm fine, aren't I?"
I just lightly took down one.
"My carelessness placed Summoner Bong in danger, sir. I have committed a capital offense, sir. Sniff sniff."
Kosakwas crying.
"Huh, heuk, sniff sniff A useless assassin like me is good for nothing, sir. Abandon me and summon a more capable dealer to fill my empty spot, sir."
He's really crying.
"It would be more stable to summon a smart knight rather than a stupid warrior."
"A soldier who fails in an operation cannot be forgiven. I will return my badge. Vi, Victory!"
"This maiden's heart is torn asunder, young master. Ah, cut off my head as an example, young master."
Even Razix.
"Hoo-e, hoo-eeeeee.... Hoo-e."
This is driving me crazy. They're acting like major criminals.
'They're overreacting.'
Were they doing this on purpose?
Because I participated in the battle?
That possibility was very high.
"Alright. I won't step forward from now on. I promise."
Then,
"Yes, sir!"
Thump! Kosak stops crying.
"A gentleman's word is as good as gold, young master."
Gyeon dal-rae bowed as if she's about to fly away.
"Warrior is hungry."
Gobang walks towards the refrigerator.
"Kuur..."
Veronica had already dozed off.
"Hoo-e..."
Razix stealthily began cleaning the room.
Huh?
I knew it. It was all a plan.
"You guys are really something!"
Joo-hyuk flared up in anger.
"What about me? My level is 64, huh? I had an energy shield, Blink, and even the Holy Sword, huh? You saw the Mad Demon's Blood Jade Astral Qi. Huh? I should be able to fight a little, why are you making a fuss about that?"
The Summoned Beings fell silent.
"Who are we? Comrades united in heart and mind across the boundaries of dimensions, aren't we? Mutual trust, if that crumbles, climbing the tower loses its meaning."
The Summoned Beings bowed their heads deeply, almost touching the ground.
"If you overreact like this just because I fought once, huh? Can we even move forward together? Huh?"
People should know their limits.
The mood was set. Then, about now...
"In the future, I'll also participate in conquests from time to time, so keep that in mind..."
Suddenly, their expressions turned stern.
"That won't do, sir."
"What if I still participate?"
"We will go on strike, sir. A solidarity struggle, sir."
"This maiden may faint, young master."
"Sergeant Veronica Caliber! I will commit insubordination and go to the brig."
"Hoek!"
Their expressions were resolute, showing they would never back down.
'It's not working.'
No choice.
"Alright. Alright. I'll act like an Ordinary Guy. Satisfied?"
"Oh my, an Ordinary Guy? Summoner Bong is an extreme alpha male, sir. Hehehehe."
Well, then, let's check the privilege.
Joo-hyuk opened his inventory.
[65 Platinum Badges accumulated. Granting Privilege.]
He wished they'd just give it directly.
Roulettes or ladders were dizzying.
...What could it be?
"Hmm."
First time seeing this.
Information?
Restore Scroll
- Restores a damaged item to its original state.
A simple explanation.
But he thought he knew what it was.
"What did you get, sir?"
"A Restore Scroll. It says it restores items."
"Oh! That's good, sir."
"Congratulations, young master."
"Hoo-e?"
Where to use it?
"Fix the Holy Sword, sir. It will become perfect, sir. Undead will melt away, sir."
The Holy Sword, huh...
'Not a chance,'
He could just leave the Holy Sword to Razix.
The Restore Scroll had a separate use.
Joo-hyuk took out the incomplete rune fragments from his inventory.
<Severely damaged ???... Rune (3/8)>
<Shattered ???... Rune (2/6) difficult to identify>
Now!
Which of these three is the Trait Enhancement Rune?
He couldn't tell yet.
Its identity would be revealed once more than half was pieced together.
If the assembled characters were 'Up' Rune, it becane <Level-Up Rune>... if 'Seung' Rune, <Summoned Being Grade-Up Rune>... if 'Hwa' Rune, <Trait Enhancement Rune>, like that.
Once confirmed, he'd use it immediately.
What about the Holy Sword?
The Restore Scroll should obviously be used on the Trait Enhancement Rune.