Chapter 73
Chapter 73
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 73
Chapter Title: The Third Conquest & The Unbearable Embarrassment
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This was the third conquest of the 64th Floor, the Ghouls.
And it was the fastest one among them.
Gobang alone swung the Human Holy Sword Bardin a few times, and before they knew it, it was all over.
There definitely seemed to be something like an elemental advantage.
Before the power of Radiance, the Dark Aura was no better than a candied hawthorn made of sugar water.
Spot!
Back at Joo-hyuk's penthouse.
Gobang hadn't released his Gigantification yet. The Human Holy Sword Bardin dangled and swayed limply in his hand.
"Vile heretics! Do not insult me, just kill me! Summoner, grant me the chance to die a martyr's death with dignity!"
"Radiance."
"Light!!!"
Whoosh!
Radiance illuminated the entire living room.
Seeing this, Kosak spoke with a pitying expression.
"Oh my, what a waste."
"Ah! You're right. I must have gotten into the habit."
Precious Radiance. It shouldn't be manifested willy-nilly when it's not for conquering Undead.
"Please wait a moment."
Spot! He disappeared, then...
Click, click, click, click!
Kosak turned off all the lights in the house.
Thanks to Radiance, the interior was still bright.
"We must save on the electricity bill, sir. You can manifest Radiance now."
"..."
The precious thing was the electricity bill? How evil. Truly evil.
At this point, one almost felt sorry for Bardin.
Perhaps this was the intended outcome from the start. He recklessly started trouble without any sense of the situation, for a fake madness at that.
Kosak was one thing, but Gobang was no pushover either.
That was clear from the sight of him swinging Bardin around without batting an eye...
"Should we send him back and just not summon him again?"
However, Gobang coolly objected.
"I will obey if the Summoner commands, but this warrior desires revenge. Our Princess was almost harmed. He must pay for his sin with his body."
Kosak agreed.
"This one is not a simple fanatic, sir. The attempt on the Princess was a thoroughly calculated action."
Calculated...?
"You mean he deliberately targeted the Princess?"
"Correct, sir. The Princess is a non-combat support Summoned Being with weak physical abilities. I would have understood if he had attacked me or Gobang instead."
It was like selective rage disorder or something.
"Moreover, their attributes are similar, sir. Both a Paladin and a Shrine Maiden are essential in Undead sections. If the Princess is eliminated, he remains alone. His value increases, sir."
Joo-hyuk thought he understood.
"So, if he makes the Princess unable to be summoned for 100 days, then the only person to rely on in this Undead section would be him?"
"That is correct, sir. He would secure a position."
And then he would torment them with talk of conversion and repentance.
"Mr. Bardin, was that truly an intended action? Be honest. It's an order."
"...Summoner, what need is there for a witch when this Paladin is present?"
It was an astonishing thing to hear a Paladin who believed in God, saying...
"Young Master Bong, not all religions prioritize good and evil as their foremost value. Faith is usually what is most emphasized."
That was true. The background explanation had said so too.
Lucius Bardin was more of a mere murderer than a heretic inquisitor.
If the god Nigel had truly valued good and evil, he would have stripped him of his divine power long ago.
The Nigel Papacy had also initially turned a blind eye and only eliminated him when pressured by public sentiment.
Both the god and the paladin were cut from the same cloth.
"Huh? Summoner Bong, it's getting dark, sir."
"Bardin, Radiance."
"Light!!!"
Gobang lifted Bardin high like a torch.
"Kya! The atmosphere is nice, sir."
The Holy Sword Bardin was now overhead-lighting Bardin.
"You fiend! How dare you treat Lucius Bardin, an apostle of God Nigel, like this! You shall be divinely punished—"
"Shh!"
Since when did an LED light bulb talk?
"From now on, don't say anything except 'Light!'."
"Ugh! Ugh! Ugh!"
"Don't even make 'ugh' sounds."
"..."
Nice.
The multi-purpose Bardin. Frankly, it felt like a waste to seal him away after just one use.
Originally, he planned to stop climbing after the 64th floor, but why not go up to the 66th?
It might also help with searching for Razix's item fragments.
"Summoner, it's getting dark."
"Radiance."
"Light!!!"
As for the Summoned Beings' thoughts...
"Shall we try climbing the 65th and 66th floors?"
"That would be good, I think. It would be a waste to keep a famous sword idle."
"I agree. Having used the weapon, the feel in the hand was better than expected."
"Oh my, the decision to climb is always Summoner Bong's to make, sir."
"Hooeng!"
"Staff Sergeant Veronica Caliber, just give the order. Victory!"
"Alright, let's make good use of the Bardin Holy Sword."
Then what about the existing holy sword? It could just go out on loan. Of course, it needed repairs too. For the customers.
Well, since he wouldn't need to use the weapon now, ho could put it away.
Joo-hyuk quietly recited.
"Lucius Bardin, Summon Release."
Spot!
He could take him out and use him again next time. Since he decided to use him, he should use him sparingly.
He also prepared healing potions.
"Let's head out soon. To go shopping. Ready to spend some money?"
"Haa, shopping, you say... this maiden is terribly nervous."
"Princess, pick whatever you like. I'll pay for everything."
"Warrior is content with athletic wear."
"Don't say that, get yourself a suit."
"Can't I just buy combat gear?"
"Let's look for military-style looks. Something you can wear over your reinforced suit."
And then...
"As for Mr.Razix..."
"Hooeng?"
This was tricky. What kind of clothes should he buy for him? He needed outdoor clothes first. Something that could sufficiently cover his hamster beastkin body.
"Do you have any work clothes, by any chance?"
"Hoo-eh, I have some."
Razix rummaged through his subspace backpack and pulled out clothes. They were trousers with suspenders. They looked like miner's work clothes.
"You had clothes? Why haven't you been wearing them all this time?"
"They're uncomfortable to move in. Hoo-eh-eh."
"Ah!"
That made sense. If they're uncomfortable, it's right not to wear them.
"Just wear them for today when we go out."
"Hooeng, okay."
Joo-hyuk and his party walked down the street. It was a bit too many people for a taxi. He needed to buy a car soon.
Perhaps because they were downtown, the department store wasn't far. The effect of the Perception Interference Talisman—no one paid them any mind.
It might be a little different when directly facing employees at the department store, but so what? Outwardly, they just looked like an ordinary Korean high school girl, a foreign worker, a tourist, and a severely obese child.
Finally, they arrived at their destination. The bombardment of the department store by a real man began.
They picked whatever they saw, swiped whatever they saw. They bought this, they bought that. Clothes, shoes, hats, various accessories—if the size fit and they liked it, they bought it without question.
The paper bags reached a point where they couldn't be held in hand. When it became inconvenient, they stopped by the restroom with the severely obese child, Razix.
"Put this in."
"Hooeng!"
Into the subspace backpack it went. Then shopping started again.
Eventually, even shopping began to tire them out.
Now he needed to send the Summoned Beings back, go home to rest a bit, and then call them out again. They still had to go for the fourth round.
Joo-hyuk exited the department store with his Summoned Beings.
But then, a smartphone store visible next to the department store caught his eye.
'An Apple Store. Should we stop by there too?'
He'd heard the new iPad was out. There was a time when owning one was a dream. He couldn't even dream of it back then because he had no money, but now?
"Do you want to wait here? Or you can come in with me."
"We shall wait outside. We can see inside clearly through the glass window."
"I'll be back after taking care of business."
Joo-hyuk went inside. In the past, he would have found it hard to even speak to an employee, but now he could speak confidently. His reliable Summoned Beings were waiting for him over there. And the formidable financial power to buy every single item in the store at once. What was there to be intimidated about?
Just say, "I'll take it!" and "I'll pay in full." Hand over the card, swipe it, receive the goods, and leave.
"Excuse me..."
"Yes, how can I help you, sir?"
"You have the latest model iPad, right? I'd like to buy that."
"Is that so? Just tell me which model you'd like."
Just as he thought. The conversation flowed smoothly.
"Apple iPad Pro 13-inch, 2TB, black color, Wi-Fi + Cellular, six units, please."
"...Six units?"
The employee flinched, surprised.
"I have people to give them to as gifts."
"And the payment?"
"By card. In full."
Joo-hyuk took out his card and handed it to the employee.
"Ah-ha, yes, I'll process the payment for you."
Ah-ah-ah!
He felt like he'd become a chaebol.
Beep-beep-beep-beep-beep! The card payment went through normally. Of course, it would—the credit limit was unlimited.
"May I ask your name...?"
Why ask for his name? Did the payment not go through? That might be it. Six Pads alone cost 18 million won.
"...It's Bong Joo-hyuk."
Then, the Apple Store employee cupped his hands to his mouth and shouted loudly.
"Everyone!!!"
Suddenly? What was he trying to do...
'...Ah! Oh, could it be?'
He'd heard about this somewhere. When you buy something at an Apple store, the employees...
"Please give me your attention for a moment."
Gasp! Ah, no way.
"Customer Bong Joo-hyuk has just purchased six of the latest Apple iPads, paying in full! Please give him a round of applause!"
Clap-clap-clap-clap! Whoo-hoo!
The sound of applause and whistles. Joo-hyuk's face turned as red as a beet. It was mortifying.
'...Ugh.'
He couldn't lift his head. Couldn't they have at least asked first?
His Summoned Beings watched this scene from beyond the glass window.
"Our Summoner is receiving applause from the people."
"Hoo-eh-eh-eh."
"As expected of Summoner Bong, sir. People are finally recognizing his greatness."
"An awl in a pocket will always show its point."
"I am proud of our Commander. Let's also applaud together."
"Let's clap vigorously, sir!"
Applause is naturally contagious. Even people walking down the street stopped to applaud. Even people passing by on buses clapped.
That day, Joo-hyuk almost fainted from unbearable shame.
Jeong Dong-hoon, CEO of Ilsung Apparel, had absolutely no interest in whatever was happening in China.
A kidnapped player escaping? Rumors of the Chinese supreme leader falling ill? What did any of that matter?
His own peaceful life was immediately under threat.
Jeong Dong-hoon had received a summons from his uncle, Jeong Seong-tae, Chairman of the Ilsung Group.
After his parents died in an unfortunate accident, leaving him alone, Jeong Dong-hoon, like anyone in a chaebol family, knew that before money, there was no blood or tears.
The Ilsung Materials that belonged to his father were taken by his relatives, and he was only handed Ilsung Apparel, a clothing fashion company.
Materials, construction, heavy industry, electronics, semiconductors... these were the main pillars of the Ilsung Group, while the fashion division was the smallest affiliate within the group.
But it was okay. Thanks to the Ilsung brand, it was the top fashion company in Korea.
Unlike his cousins, he had little ambition or greed. He didn't seek great ambition and just tried to maintain the status quo.
Fortunately, his subordinates were competent, and sales were rising.
Jeong Dong-hoon wanted to live comfortably. Having Ilsung Apparel, fitting his station, was enough. What more could he want?
But then, a bolt from the blue struck.
Meeting his uncle Jeong Seong-tae in the Chairman's office.
"Tsk tsk tsk, you good-for-nothing."
"At the time of the Management Bureau meeting, I was at the New York Fashion Show..."
"Quiet! Is that an excuse? You're always running off to foreign countries."
Truthfully, he went abroad because it was comfortable. Since no one knew him there, he didn't have to worry about appearances.
"Didn't you even know HG Fashion built a leather processing factory in Korea?"
"...I knew."
"And yet you didn't catch on?"
It was strange. Leather processing was originally a pollution-causing industry. Regulations were very strict. The cost of building purification facilities was enormous. They also had to consistently receive government supervision.
Importing leather from developing countries was much more efficient in terms of cost. Ilsung Apparel did the same.
"I... I'm sorry."
"Ugh!"
In truth, Chairman Jeong Seong-tae wasn't much different. He had also just sneered when HG Fashion's Ko Yeon-ha said he was holding a launch showcase for a new brand.
It's just bags, he thought.
But then came 'Wildflower & Basil.'
When he realized what the name 'Basil' meant, his head spun.
Commercializing Basilisk leather? Was that even possible?
Leather materials from the Tower were extremely rare. There wasn't even enough for players to make their own armor.
He thought mass-producing goods with it was absolutely impossible unless Tower reward leather items poured out endlessly.
But they did it. Bags that were still sold out everywhere. The whole world was in an uproar.
Overseas celebrities, famous politicians, CEOs of giant corporations. All were anxiously trying to get their hands on just one bag.
Along with that, the entire HG Group's status rose. Even the sales of all its affiliates shot up.
Chairman Jeong Seong-tae realized belatedly. This wasn't just a simple bag business.
"What are you going to do?"
"...The current management situation is fine, but I will formulate countermeasures."
"Countermeasures? Are you planning to go into the Tower yourself and skin a Basilisk?"
"..."
Jeong Seong-tae clicked his tongue. The more he looked, the more pathetic he seemed. An eyesore of a nephew. Just like his father.
"I will go to the Management Bureau personally and—"
"Forget it. Take this!"
Thud!
Chairman Jeong Seong-tae threw a file at Jeong Dong-hoon.
"This is..."
"I received information from a reliable source. A player who is a strong candidate to be the supplier of Basilisk leather."
"Huh?"
Jeong Dong-hoon hurriedly opened the file. It contained a person's personal information.
Bong Joo-hyuk... an Elite Contract player.
"Go meet him and secure a leather supply contract."
"I'll try my best. I'll ask the Management Bureau and—"
"You idiot! Do you think they'll give permission? Meet him secretly. This is your last chance. If you fail, I'll take everything you have."
Jeong Dong-hoon's vision went dark.
Meet an Elite player secretly and talk? A very dangerous act. Would the Management Bureau just stand by if he contacted an Elite player without permission?
The Korean Awakening Management Bureau had the power to cut down a mere fashion company CEO in a single stroke. Jeong Dong-hoon was no fool. He could guess his uncle's true intentions.
'He's trying to drive me out.'
To take even Ilsung Apparel, the last thing he had left.
Moreover, the authenticity of this information itself was doubtful. Did it make sense? A young man only 25 years old, the supplier of Basilisk leather?
"Will you do it, or not?"
"...I'll do it."
Maybe it was for the best. This might be the chance to throw it all away and live a quiet, reclusive life somewhere. It might be easier on his mind.