Chapter 72
Chapter 72
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 72
Chapter Title: The Human Weapon
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After finishing his business at the Awakening Management Bureau, Joo-hyuk quickly returned home.
His mind was racing.
Joy is something that grows when shared.
After quickly performing a designated summoning of his summoned beings,
"Please take a look at this freshly repaired, still-warm rune."
Joo-hyuk presented the Trait Enhancement Rune like a magic card.
"Gasp! T-trait enhancement? Is this a dream or reality?"
Kosak, bending his waist and scurrying over with quick steps.
"It was truly a splendid choice. What would we have done if you had listened to me back then and used the scroll on the holy sword?"
"It just felt right. I figured I should use it on this broken rune."
He rubbed his hands together and chimed in,
"Hehehe, as expected of Summoner Bong. You are brilliant."
"Hahaha, brilliant? I was just lucky."
"Oh my, isn't luck also a skill? Hehehehe!"
The other summoned beings also spoke,
"Good. Very good! The warrior is also very pleased."
"The heavens are moved by your sincerity, my lord. It feels as if a dance is flowing out on its own."
"Victory is assured! Infinite glory on the path ahead of you, Commander!"
"Hueeeee!"
Everyone rejoiced together.
"Please consume it while it's still warm. I shall fetch a glass of water so you don't get indigestion."
Kosak, was in his recent loyal retainer mode—the badge's effect was indeed significant.
Anyway, it's best to eat it quickly.
A repaired item with pieces haphazardly stuck together.
If you were not careful, the repaired part might fall off.
Joo-hyuk swiftly put the rune in his mouth.
The Trait Enhancement Rune melted smoothly upon touching his tongue and slid down his throat.
His status window?
[Trait] : Summoning (Simultaneous Summons: 6)
Fantastic. Six simultaneous summons—he felt full even without eating.
The congratulatory applause from the summoned beings. Joo-hyuk raised his hand in response.
"Let's proceed with the event."
"We're going straight into the random summoning?"
"No. That's the second part. The first part is the commendation ceremony."
Joo-hyuk said with a pleased smile, looking at Razix.
"Mr. Razix, step forward."
"Hwoeng!"
*Roll, roll. Clack!*
After taking out the Platinum Badge.
"For discovering the Trait Enhancement Rune fragment and rendering significant service to future tower climbing, you are hereby awarded this badge. The prize is one box of Jeju-grown organic, pesticide-free carrots."
"Hueeee,"
Joo-hyuk attached the badge to Razix's subspace backpack.
The sparkling badges now numbered a whopping three.
*Puff!*
He puffed out his chest and waddling around the living room on his short legs.
The others couldn't help but acknowledge it.
Thanks to Razix, the Summoner had become stronger and safer.
"Razix the worker! You're killing it!"
"Congratulations. You are the world's greatest manservant. You have every right to be arrogant."
"Quartermaster! I respect you. And I envy you."
"Amazing. Worker."
"Three badges. Aren't they heavy? I'll carry one for you."
"Huek!"
Razix's face was filled with happiness.
"The second part of the event is Random Summoning. Finally, one more person will join us."
The first meeting with a new person.
Whether that person is a man or a woman doesn't matter.
He just prays they are a normal person.
"And the third part is shopping. We'll be going all the way to the after-party, which is the fourth part. Be prepared."
"Huh? It seems time will be tight."
"We'll take about a three-hour break in the middle, then meet again for the after-party."
"I'm curious about the after-party menu."
"Hmm, we have the perception interference charm... How about a high-end buffet?"
"Eeek! Gobang might get kicked out."
"...Is that so?"
Well, does he eat that much?
The beef restaurant they went to before would be good.
This time, I'd have to tell them to prepare 500 servings.
"When the new comrade arrives, everyone treat them well. No hazing."
"Hehehe, as a senior, I will teach them everything from the ground up, step by step."
"The warrior will support them in every way, both materially and spiritually."
"I am confident in new recruit training."
"No matter how much of a dud they are, could they be worse than the Mad Demon?"
"Hue."
What class would be good?
"Everyone, say what type of comrade you'd like. For reference, I'm fine with anyone. Grade, gender, age, occupation—it doesn't matter."
Kosak was the first to speak.
"I'd like a Saintess or a Priest. A dignified noble who lets things slide even if you don't grovel and apologize."
*Zzzt!*
Gyeon Dal-rae shot a glare at Kosak, then,
"...A Paladin would also be acceptable. A wise holy knight who can offer sincere counsel to my lord instead of a sly flatterer."
Veronica too,
"If a capable medic transfers in, I will teach them well as a senior soldier."
Gobang and Razix as well.
"Healer for Summoner, warrior's heart would be at ease."
"Hueeee, me too."
Everyone wanted a holy attribute comrade.
Joo-hyuk didn't particularly think it was necessary.
Things were running very smoothly as is.
But he should go along with his comrades' wishes.
It would provide healing for Gobang, who suffered alone while tanking, and could synergize with Gyeon Dal-rae, the shrine maiden.
'Please send us one holy attribute comrade. It would be really great if they have their sanity intact.'
And then,
"Random Summon!"
"Dugudugudugudugudugu..."
Along with Kosak's mouth drumming, *Whoooosh!* The summoning began.
Already the seventh random summon.
Meaning it had been six months since he became a Player.
They'll be a decent person, right?
Out of all those countless souls, there can't not be a single normal one.
The light gathered in one place.
Then it began to transform into a human shape.
"Oh!"
"I'm nervous."
"It is a brilliant and bright light. I have a good feeling."
"Hueee,"
Light filled the penthouse living room.
The light didn't fade easily.
Finally, *Papapapap!*
The new summoned being finally revealed itself.
It was clearly visible.
The class was also guessable.
"...A knight?"
"Correct. He's wearing armor."
"Ah, behold, it is radiance."
"A Paladin?"
"What's the matter?"
"It's a Paladin."
It seemed to be a Paladin.
They were armed in shining plate armor.
Spiky thorns densely embedded on the armor's surface.
The weapon in hand was also a metal mace wrapped in a silver aura.
It was definitely radiance.
A weapon and armor that emitted their own light. Namely, a Paladin of Radiance.
A moment later, the light faded.
And the Paladin bowed his head to Joo-hyuk.
"I am Lucius Vardin, servant of Lord Nigel and His glorious sword, greeting the Summoner."
"Haha, welcome."
Ah.
Just from the way he spoke, you could feel it.
A grave voice, a dignified attitude.
Finally, a normal summoned being had arrived.
And a Paladin class at that.
'Then...'
He sneakily checked the status window category.
[Catalog: The Merciless and Brutal Heretic Inquisitor of the Nigel Holy Kingdom.]
- Name: Lucius Vardin
- Grade: SR (Super Rare)
- Type: Paladin (Human)
- Manifestation Duration: 6 hours
- Satisfaction Rating: None.
- Re-summon Cooldown: 3 hours (applied after Summon Release)
'Heretic Inquisitor?'
What is this?
A sudden sense of unease seeped in.
'Somehow...'
They say sad premonitions are never wrong.
Lucius Vardin, having finished greeting Joo-hyuk, shouted with a stern face.
"So the filthy heathens are all gathered here."
Huh.
Joo-hyuk and the summoned beings all froze like ice.
"Deceitful infidels! You are the ringleaders leading the Summoner down the path of heresy."
Gradually,
"Summoner! Do not worry. I shall guide you to the righteous path. Repent and let us embrace the bosom of Lord Nigel."
This is bad.
He had drawn a fanatic.
*Clank, clank.*
Lucius Vardin in his spiked armor raised his mace and shouted.
"I must make an example."
His eyes turned toward Gyeon Dal-rae.
"A wicked witch, seen after so long. You are the mastermind who has bewitched the Summoner! Repent through death."
Right at that moment!
*Whoosh!* A radiance so bright it hurt the eyes.
Simultaneously, *Crack!*
Vardin brought his mace down on Gyeon Dal-rae's head.
"Mr. Gobang!"
*Snatch!*
Gobang, who had been prepared, grabbed the mace's handle.
"Ha! And what are you? A barbarian? I see. You're all in cahoots. You filthy spawns of demons!"
Ugh, I can't listen to this anymore.
Joo-hyuk raised his hand to stop it.
"Stop!"
"Huh? Summoner, why do you stop me?"
A very excited Vardin.
"You are being deceived now. Please convert to Lord Nigel and regain the light..."
"Mr. Vardin, don't open your mouth."
Joo-hyuk shouted firmly.
Then,
"Ugh! Mm, ugh! Ugh! Ugh!"
"Don't even make 'ugh' sounds, and don't move either."
"..."
At least he listens well.
"Phew,"
A sigh escaped him.
Yeah, this is the lot of an ordinary guy. I was wondering why my luck had been so good lately.
'Is the princess okay?'
Gyeon Dal-rae seemed unfazed; fortunately, she didn't seem shocked.
Vardin, unable to do anything due to Joo-hyuk's command.
In front of him, Gobang with clenched fists, Kosak aiming a dagger, Veronica aiming her magic gun, and Razix glaring sharply at Vardin while holding his golden pickaxe.
Taking this chance, he quickly checked the background info.
- Lucius Vardin is a heretic inquisitor of the Nigel Holy Kingdom. He devoted his life to judging and executing heretics. The method of execution was execution, killing, killing, and killing again with the holy mace. Infidels, heretics, apostates, or witches—all were targets of Vardin's repentance.
- There was no break. He refused orders to moderate. Repentance or death; the holy mace never dried of blood. Feeling uneasy, the Pope of the Nigel Holy Kingdom excommunicated Vardin, and the Paladin Order captured him, framed him as a witch's spawn, and burned him at the stake.
'...Wow!'
Scenes flashed through his mind.
Repent!
- Y-yes, I will.
Do not lie!
- S-spare...
*Crunch!*
Do you believe in Lord Nigel?
- I do. I believe.
You are an infidel.
- N-no, what are you listening...
*Crunch!*
A mad fanatic.
Perhaps even crazier than the Mad Demon.
The new comrade he had so longed for.
Sending him back felt wasteful.
Is reformation possible?
"Mr. Lucius Vardin?"
"..."
"From now on, I forbid any act of hostility toward your comrades. If you do this even once, I will send you back immediately."
Vardin remained silent.
"You may answer now."
Simultaneously, a desperate plea burst out.
"S-Summoner! It's not too late even now. Let us walk the path of repentance together. We must offer hymns and prayers. Please follow along. Lord Nigel in heaven, today also a little lamb has lost its way and wanders the dark wilderness..."
"Shh!"
"Ugh! Ugh."
It's no use. There's simply no answer.
He could vividly imagine what would happen if that person triggered the Summoned Being Three Principles, Clause 3.
Even with 6 simultaneous summons, he didn't want to include him in the party.
I'd rather wait another month and draw someone else.
"Return to where you came from. Summon Release, right now..."
In that instant,
"Summoner Bong,"
Kosak approached and whispered,
"Don't release the summon yet."
"Why?"
"I think he might be useful."
"The fanatic?"
What could he possibly be used for?
"Your right-hand man, the genius of cunning, will handle it. Please leave it to me."
"Hmm."
Well then,
"Give it a try."
"Yes!"
He was curious about what he intended to do.
Upon entry, Kosak and Gobang were whispering to each other over there.
Why did he suggest coming to the Tower?
Joo-hyuk still didn't know.
What did he plan to do by bringing a fanatic to the Tower?
Did he plan to persuade him while hunting together?
What if, while fighting ghouls, he shouts "Die, heretic!" and a mace flew at the back of his head? How would he block that?
It's entirely possible.
A mad Paladin, hardened with misguided beliefs, who could abandon even a knight's pride due to blind faith.
Kosak said with a sinister smile.
"Gobang, let's begin."
*Groooow!*
Gobang's Gigantification skill.
Growing bigger and bigger until he reached the cave ceiling, Gobang.
With his monstrous hand, he scooped up the heretic inquisitor Vardin's body.
Vardin couldn't even resist.
The difference in size was on another level.
If Gobang was an adult human, Vardin was the size of a small dog like a Shih Tzu or Maltese.
"Eek! What are you doing? Put me down. Filthy barbarian, you are no different from a demon's spawn."
Gobang didn't even acknowledge him.
He firmly grabbed Vardin's ankles with his right hand, then,
"The warrior is ready."
Then Kosak said to Joo-hyuk.
"Summoner Bong, please order that heretic inquisitor to manifest his radiance."
Radiance?
Why here...
'Is he planning to conduct an experiment?'
To see if the mad heretic inquisitor's radiance is also effective against undead,
"Mr. Vardin."
"Summoner! Punish these heathens for me! Uphold the law of Lord Nigel."
"...Understood, so please manifest your radiance."
Though a fanatic, he is still a summoned being; he has no choice but to obey the Summoner's command absolutely.
Especially if it's related to Tower conquest.
"Light!!!"
*Whoooosh!*
The Paladin and heretic inquisitor, Lucius Vardin, manifested brilliant radiance all over his body.
*Thud thud thud thud!*
Gobang, swinging Vardin's body around as he moved forward.
'What? Swing him? Swinging him? Don't tell me...'
*Flinch,*
The horde of ghouls retreated, trembling in fear.
"Kyaaaak!"
"Kekek!"
"Kyeek?"
Gobang swung the Vardin in his hand, smashing into the ghoul horde.
*Whoosh! Thwack!*
*Crumbling...*
'This crazy Kosak!'
He had feared this might happen.
Joo-hyuk finally realized the use for Vardin that Kosak had mentioned.
'He's a human weapon.'
An idea he could never have imagined.
He had forgotten.
How crazy Kosak was.
Gobang was the same.
Without changing his expression at all, he swung Vardin around.
"Y-you bastard! What on earth are you doing? Demons..."
Then, when Vardin's radiance weakened,
"Summoner Bong?"
"...Got it."
Joo-hyuk again said to Vardin,
"Mr. Vardin, manifest radiance."
"Light!!!"
*Whoooosh!*
*Whoosh! Bang! Bang!*
*Thwack! Smash! Smash!*
Ghouls hit by the radiance turned to dust and scattered. One hit was the end.
Even a graze turned them to dust.
"Our Gobang now has a weapon. A holy sword is nothing in comparison."
Beaming, Kosak spoke far too calmly.
Joo-hyuk looked at him with a dumbfounded expression.
Was it just Joo-hyuk?
Gyeon Dal-rae shook her head side to side.
Veronica held her magic gun and just stood there with her mouth agape.
"Hue,"
Razix, perhaps shocked, dropped the golden pickaxe in his hand with a *thud*.
In the midst of that, the radiance weakened again.
"...Mr. Vardin, manifest radiance."
"Light!!!"
*Whoooosh! Whooosh! Thwackthwackthwack!*
Ahhh!
Poor Lucius Vardin.
He's not some voice-activated LED light bulb.
"Vardin, radiance."
"Light!!!"
*Whoosh! Thwackthwack!*
"Radiance."
"Light!!!"
*Thwackthwackthwack!*
...Actually, it's kind of fun.
He didn't seem to be taking much damage thanks to his sturdy armor.
"Light!!!"
*Whoosh!*
Lucius Vardin was a holy sword himself.
A human holy sword, wrapped in radiance all over, sweeping through the ghoul hordes.
*Clapclapclapclap!*
Kosak clapped his hands in admiration.
"Amazing. It's a weapon of tremendous power. We could go straight to the 70th floor."
"..."
Yeah, a weapon.
'I didn't summon a summoned being; I summoned a weapon.'
Vardin's madness was fake.
Whereas Kosak's madness was real,
Fake madness and real madness.
SR madness and SSR madness.
The difference was stark.