Chapter 79
Chapter 79
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 79
Chapter Title: The Day Has Come
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People often get depressed.
It's perfectly normal.
Feeling down because tomorrow is Monday.
Getting depressed after seeing this month's credit card statement.
Feeling gloomy looking at clothes that no longer fit because you've gained weight.
Suddenly remembering an ex-lover and sinking into melancholy.
However, these are merely emotional fluctuations.
Once the problem is solved or a little time passes, you perk right up as if it never happened.
But the condition known as depression is entirely different from a simple mood swing.
Depression is an illness caused by imbalances in neurotransmitters and hormone secretion.
It absolutely requires medication.
If left untreated, the outcome is predictable.
It causes harm not only to oneself but to others as well.
There was an incident where a co-pilot of an airline, suffering from depression, deliberately crashed the plane he was piloting, killing himself and 150 passengers.
Guillaume Levalet.
Level 65, France's top player.
His trait was [Brute Strength].
Having conquered the Black Tower's 64th floor, he was currently tackling the Headless Knight Dullahan on the 65th floor.
Guillaume had a fatal flaw.
Severe depression.
Shortly after being recruited as a state-affiliated player for the French government, the illness suddenly descended upon him.
A player with depression?
Wouldn't it get better inside the Tower?
Since physical abilities improve and you gain magical power.
But even inside the Tower, his depression did not improve.
Tower-exclusive healing potions were useless too.
So, Guillaume decided he wanted to die.
If he entered the Tower and fought monsters, it would happen naturally, right?
He had no fear of death whatsoever.
Because he was charging in to die.
But an unexpected result occurred.
He threw himself in to die, yet the monsters were swept away like fallen leaves in the wind.
It was a kind of synergy.
A bold charge unafraid of death, a ferocious attack paying no heed to defense, and talent.
Tower conquest proceeded with unstoppable force.
After reviewing Guillaume Levalet's body-cam conquest footage, the French government decided to invest in him.
Naturally, he was given a Trait Enhancement Rune.
So, what was the enhanced trait?
[Strengthened Brute Strength]
Existing Brute Strength more than doubled. [Brute Strength of Concentration]
Momentarily increases all physical abilities drastically in a crisis (Cooldown: 24 hours). [Indomitable Brute Strength]
Instantly recovers vitality upon receiving a fatal wound, increases Brute Strength, enhances physical abilities, and resets skill cooldowns (Cooldown: 24 hours).
Three trait enhancements.
How could he die with these?
The determination to die and the determination to kill monsters.
The two blended together miraculously.
Guillaume instantly rose to become France's hero.
Everyone praised him.
Wealth and fame naturally followed.
The French government also knew about Guillaume's depression.
They meticulously managed him with counseling and antidepressant medication.
And it was kept strictly confidential.
What would people think if France's hero was suffering from depression?
The depression had improved a lot.
No, it was almost cured.
That is, until entering the undead section.
The undead's dark aura.
It was like poison to a depression patient.
The effectiveness of the medication also decreased significantly.
All sorts of negative thoughts tormented him.
He wanted to quit the conquest immediately.
Especially since losing his beloved wife to cancer a few months ago, the symptoms had grown worse day by day.
But could he quit?
Knowing how much expectation the French government and its people had placed on him.
"Guillaume, you're the only one."
"Please save France."
"We must prevent the Tower's collapse."
Frankly, he was sick of it.
What sin had he committed to be burdened with such a heavy load?
The French government had also reserved the Holy Sword.
Next in line after Saudi Arabia.
But to Guillaume, it was not a welcome thing.
"A Holy Sword? What Holy Sword?"
He would shake everything off and leave.
For him, life was hell, and death was salvation.
Finally, Guillaume Levalet made a decision.
"The 65th floor? I'll conquer it even without the Holy Sword."
He had a method.
A means to break through not just the 65th floor, but perhaps the 66th, 67th, 68th, and 69th floors as well.
They would grant his wish.
And then he would leave without regret.
To where his wife was waiting.
Nasser Al Aboud.
Level 66, Saudi Arabia's top player.
His initial trait was [Axe Warrior].
After five trait enhancements, it evolved into [Axe Master].
He possessed 50 combat skills alone.
He had elemental attacks, various area-of-effect attacks, finishing moves, ultimate skills, and more.
The axe Nasser typically used was a Great Axe as large as his own body.
With a height of 2 meters, the axe was about that long too.
True to an axe warrior, Nasser's personality was that of a macho tough guy.
In short, a typical alpha male.
His Tower conquest style perfectly reflected this personality.
Strike first without fail, smash, break, and crush with the giant axe.
But even for him, the Specter on the 66th floor was too much.
Overwhelming physicality, a dark aura that made approaching difficult—so to Nasser, it was akin to a natural enemy.
He had no choice but to borrow the power of the Holy Sword.
Could a player with the Axe Master trait properly wield a Holy Sword?
Why not?
Just use the sword like an axe.
Of course, some practice might be needed.
Two days from the, Nasser would depart for Korea on a private jet from Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport.
The conquest of Saudi Arabia's Black Tower 66th floor was as good as completed.
Awakening Management Bureau.
Jeon Gwang-il was talking with Chief Park Kyung-su.
"Hahaha, you've worked hard. It turned out very well. Now I can finally put my mind at ease."
Jeon Gwang-il and Chief Park Kyung-su shared information about Bong Joo-hyuk's secret.
That's why Gwang-il relayed every detail of what happened at the penthouse.
To properly support Bong Joo-hyuk, it was necessary.
Because there were matters that required the Chief's approval to proceed.
Even the recent company establishment was facilitated by Chief Park Kyung-su stepping in.
However, he did not mention the rescue of the kidnapped Chinese players or the cause of Chairman Lin Chaoming's death.
Because it was agreed to act as if they hadn't heard.
Everything else was told in full.
"I think we can proceed like this. Jeong Dong-hoon is a fairly capable person."
"Can't we take this chance to pull out all the leather going into HG Fashion too?"
"Is that possible? Contracts are already in place... but I plan to delete the exclusivity clause."
"Any legal issues?"
"None. We are the client. The contract appendix states we can remove the exclusivity clause at any time."
Chief Park Kyung-su also nodded, looking satisfied.
"Oh right! What about the Korean nationality issue?"
"Actually, Player Bong Joo-hyuk mentioned something about acquiring Korean nationality."
"Really? What did he say?"
"He said he doesn't want the summoned beings' personal details recorded in the system, like issuing resident registration cards."
"Hmm..."
Park Kyung-su wore a regretful expression.
"Instead, he asked if we could just allow him to get a smartphone contract. Using burner phones or phones under pseudonyms."
That wasn't a difficult request.
Given that several bureau employees also use phones under pseudonyms due to the nature of their work.
But it was a bit disappointing.
"It would be perfect if all of them acquired Korean nationality..."
"We shouldn't approach too hastily. And ultimately, all decisions rest with Player Bong."
He knew from seeing it firsthand.
In just a few hours, the summoned beings' loyalty to Bong Joo-hyuk was beyond words.
"It's more important to form a deeper bond with Player Bong Joo-hyuk than with them."
"I suppose so."
Then, Chief Park Kyung-su's gaze stopped on Gwang-il's chest.
A shiny, glittering badge.
"Huh? What's that badge? Haven't seen it before."
"Th-this one?... I received it from Player Bong."
"...Why?"
"He said it was a token of gratitude for the sincere support provided so far."
"Is that so?"
"The summoned beings also had one or more pinned on their chests. Mr. Razix, the beastman, had three."
"Oh! Mr. Razix, I'd like to meet him sometime too."
Chief Park Kyung-su examined the badge closely.
"But why don't I have one?"
"Huh?"
"I mean, the penthouse, this company establishment—I approved or directly handled these matters. I'm qualified to receive one too."
"...Well. I'll suggest it next time we meet."
"Don't forget. Absolutely!"
He would bring it up.
Imagining Chief Park Kyung-su standing before Player Bong Joo-hyuk for a badge award ceremony was amusing, though.
"Anything else?"
"He wants to buy a car and asked if I knew any reliable used car dealers..."
"Huh? A used car?"
"Yes. He plans to buy a camper van."
"He can buy any car he wants, but why a used one specifically?"
"He said new cars take too long to be delivered."
"Ah!"
Well, a well-chosen used car can be just as good as a new one.
He could also guess why he wanted a camper van.
"By the way, which country is next for the Holy Sword rental?"
"Saudi Arabia. The schedule is in three days."
"The recipient?"
"Nasser Al Aboud, Saudi Arabia's top player."
"No problems, right?"
"He has achieved trait enhancement five times. No known risk factors so far."
If a player has achieved trait enhancement five times, what's there to worry about?
"Who's after Saudi Arabia?"
"France."
"The reservations are fully booked. From now on, handle it yourself without reporting to me."
Park Kyung-su smiled contentedly.
As expected, having good people under you makes everything go smoothly.
Black Tower conquest, bureau operations, Holy Sword rentals. He wished it would continue like this.
Three days had passed since conquering the 66th floor.
During that time, he occasionally just did repeat missions to pass the time.
Actually, he didn't even want to do repeat missions, but he couldn't resist Razix's persistent urging and went in and out twice.
What can you do when a worker wants to work?
He should make time to play President Bbo's song for him someday.
The song containing the famous saying, "Playing is the best."
Joo-hyuk was lounging around alone in the penthouse.
He couldn't sleep.
Because his heart was swelling with anticipation.
Ah, today is the day. The day he'd been waiting and waiting for.
'Seems like it's about time.'
Why isn't there any contact?
Suddenly! Bzzz! His smartphone rang.
"Wow, it's here!"
With a trembling heart, Joo-hyuk answered the call.
"Ah! Yes, yes, that's me. You're downstairs? I'll be right down."
Hurrying into the elevator and down to the apartment's ground-level parking lot, he saw...
"Mr. Bong Joo-hyuk?"
"Yes, that's me. Is this the car?"
"Hahaha, yes it is. Please inspect it, then just sign the vehicle acceptance form."
It was an imported camper van bought used.
Because a new car would take too long.
But it might as well be new.
The exterior was shiny, and the interior was clean and neat as if freshly renovated.
"The previous owner only drove this car about three times. It's called used, but it's practically new."
"I like it."
"Registration, tax processing, and insurance are all complete, so you can drive it out right away."
After signing the vehicle acceptance form, Joo-hyuk sat in the driver's seat.
'Should I leave right away?'
No need to hesitate. He was already fully prepared.
First,
"Designated Summon: John Kosak."
Spot!
"It's cold..., huh! Wh-where is this?"
"Heh! Take a guess."
Kosak rolled his eyes around, looking.
"Ugh, a c-camper van?"
"Ding dong! Correct."
"The one they say you're happy when you buy, and happier when you sell?"
Where did he hear that from?
Anyway, he summoned the rest.
"This is... a car. Big. I like it."
Gobang was satisfied too,
"Ah, you've finally acquired one. This maiden congratulates you on fulfilling the Master's wish."
Gyeon Dal-rae offered congratulations,
"Hweh?"
Razix also looked around with curious eyes, rolling them here and there, then immediately started cleaning.
Swish swish!
The already clean camper van interior gained a glossy sheen.
"Hmm."
Veronica forced her sleepy eyes open and spotted the simple bed at the back of the vehicle.
"Commander, may I rest there for a while..."
"Sleep well."
"V-victory!"
Plop,
"Zzz, zzzz, drrr..."
Seeing Sergeant V sleeping so soundly made it feel like life was truly good.
"Let's depart immediately."
"Awesome!"
"Hweh!"
First, I need to input the address into the navigation.
The destination is the land owned by Joo-hyuk located in Namyangju.
Start the engine,
Vroom.
Gear into drive, gently press the accelerator,
Glide,
The camper van moved smoothly.
"Bboong-bboong is leaving!"
The camper van carrying Joo-hyuk and his party entered the road.
So far, it was going very smoothly.
There was one minor problem, though.
"Um, Summoner Bong,"
"What? Don't talk to me while I'm driving."
"Aren't you going t-too slow?"
What's wrong with 40 km/h?
"Safety first, don't you know? Safety first? This guy, you've really lost your touch."
"Hmm."
"If you speed and, huh? Get into an accident, huh? Will you take responsibility?"
"S-sorry."
Gyeon Dal-rae opened her mouth in a quiet tone.
"Master, pay him no mind. There are occasionally those who, despite having no license themselves, dare to bark orders from the passenger seat."
"They delude themselves into thinking they're racing drivers. If he truly bothers you, just drop him off on the highway shoulder."
"...Th-that's too harsh."
Not sure if 'bark orders' is the right expression, but...
Gyeon Dal-rae's threat was effective.
Even when they got on the highway and sped up to 50 km/h, Kosak didn't say a word.
Flashing high beams from behind.
Beep beep, honking horns.
To Joo-hyuk, it felt like they were congratulating him on buying the camper van.
Thank you.
And I'm sorry.
It's because I'm a coward, an ordinary guy.
I have a closet license (a license kept unused for years).
I'll step on it a bit more and go 60 km/h.
"Ugh! We just passed the IC. We were supposed to exit here. Why do you keep going straight?"
Hey, don't you know real men go straight ahead?
"W-we can go back and turn around."
"Master, open the door. We must throw Mr. Kosak out."
"Summoner, pull over rest area. I'll handle assassin and come back."
"Gasp!"
But will we reach the destination today at this rate?