Chapter 80
Chapter 80
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 80
Chapter Title: The Shattered Holy Sword
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For players of any country to borrow the Holy Sword, they absolutely must come to South Korea.
And they must use it in a controlled location.
Usually, the player borrowing it, their accompanying bodyguards, and one or two high-ranking public officials who can take responsibility come along.
Even America only sent Gerald and Director Antonio, along with bodyguards.
Norway and Russia were the same.
But Saudi Arabia's case was different.
Saudi royalty, government ministers, state-affiliated players, and all sorts of miscellaneous people swarmed into Korea in droves.
The Awakening Management Bureau, the designated location for Holy Sword borrowing, was nearly bursting at the seams.
So naturally, the Saudi side also requested a venue change.
Deputy Director Jeon Gwang-il approved, and Saudi Arabia rented out an entire hotel in Seoul.
Though it felt a bit off that it was a hotel event.
But it was a client's request; how could they refuse?
Grand Ballroom, Hilltown Hotel, Seoul.
A grand event hosted by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Korea was underway.
Deputy Director Jeon Gwang-il also came to the Hilltown Hotel.
And Team Leader Lee Min-ah, the Holy Sword shuttle, was there too.
"Quite the festival they've got going. A real festival."
"It seems failure isn't even a consideration for them."
"It's Nasser. He almost cleared the 66th floor even without the Holy Sword. He did defeat eight of them, after all."
The mission required defeating ten Specters.
Eight is almost as good as a success.
"Ah, I'm hungry."
"Just hold on a little longer. Let's eat after Nasser enters the Tower."
"Okay."
This was practically a state-level event.
They should have just quietly borrowed the Holy Sword and left.
"Nothing will happen this time, right? Like the HG Hotel terror attack?"
"Why? Do you want something to happen?"
"Hoho, of course not. The terrorists were brutally defeated live on broadcast; what big-shot would dare show up now?"
A fair point.
Anyway, the preliminary events concluded.
It was time to enter the Tower.
The Saudi Minister of Black Tower Management and their top player, Nasser, approached Deputy Director Jeon Gwang-il with an interpreter.
"My apologies for the wait."
"Hahaha, not at all. Shall we proceed with the conquest now?"
"Yes, we'll proceed right here."
"...Here?"
Nasser chuckled as he answered.
"Is there a designated location for Tower entry? You can go in and out anywhere."
Incredible confidence.
But he was a player worthy of it.
"Understood. Team Leader Lee Min-ah?"
At Jeon Gwang-il's gesture, Team Leader Lee Min-ah smoothly retrieved the Holy Sword from her inventory.
And the player Nasser Al Aboud, receiving the sword from her.
"Please use it well."
"Hahaha, no need to worry. I'll return it intact. I may not match Korea's S++ grade conqueror record holder... but I'm also a fairly capable player."
I'm sure you are.
Nasser raised the Holy Sword high.
*Click click click! Click click click click!*
Saudi journalists and reporters from various countries frantically pressed their camera shutters.
And then, *spot!*
Tower entry.
"Finally, he's in."
"Deputy Director, how many hours do you estimate?"
"Hmm, I'd say at least four hours?"
"Then I should go grab a meal. Care to join me?"
"Let's go. I'm curious what Halal food tastes like."
The Hilltown Hotel soon transformed into a social gathering.
Saudi government officials, politicians, business figures, ambassadors from various countries, cultural and academic circles—many people were invited to the event.
So many bigwigs gathered meant journalists were everywhere too.
The American news channel CNM, with permission from the host, was moving around conducting interviews.
A lot of time passed.
It seemed about time for him to come out.
If he succeeded, the Saudi players would be the first to know.
Global announcements aren't only for S++ grade conquests.
They also sound during Tower collapse countdowns.
And when an unconquered upper floor is successfully cleared, a global announcement rings out.
[Notice: The 66th floor of the Black Tower (Saudi Arabia) has been conquered.]
Like that.
The Saudi government-affiliated players who came to Korea with Nasser jerked their heads up and let out gasps.
"Ah!"
"Oh God!"
"Oh!"
"It's a success!"
The Hilltown Hotel ballroom buzzed with noise.
Moments later, *spot!*
Player Nasser reappeared, holding the Holy Sword.
His face was drenched in sweat.
Thunderous applause.
People swarmed to congratulate Nasser.
Deputy Director Jeon Gwang-il also approached Nasser with a joyful expression.
"Congratulations."
"Hahaha, it took longer than I thought. Sorry to keep you waiting."
As Nasser extended the Holy Sword, held carefully in both hands, Jeon Gwang-il gingerly accepted it.
The Holy Sword was handed over to Team Leader Lee Min-ah.
To store in her inventory and return to the Management Bureau.
It needed repairs after being used once.
Lee Min-ah was carefully about to place the Holy Sword into her inventory when...
That was when it happened.
*Crackle!* A splitting sound.
"...Gasp!"
A small crack in the middle of the Holy Sword's blade.
"Wha, what?"
*Creeeak! Snap!*
The Holy Sword snapped cleanly in two.
*Thud!*
The broken pieces fell to the floor.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
.
.
A silent stillness flowed.
*Click click click click click click!*
Camera flashes were popping incessantly.
Everyone froze.
The Holy Sword... broke?
Everyone in the ballroom was swept up in shock.
Player Nasser, the Saudi government officials, the journalists—no one could open their mouths.
And the one word from Team Leader Lee Min-ah that broke the silence.
"...Huh? Fuck!!!"
Her perfectly crisp curse spread across the airwaves of news channel CNM and out to the entire world.
They were watching the live broadcast in America too.
Secretary of Homeland Security MacMillan, with a voice just as crisp as Lee Min-ah's, spat out.
"Motherfucker! Holy shit!"
Director Antonio also brought his hands to his head.
"Oh my god!"
The whole world was in shock.
If the Holy Sword ended up like that, how did they break through the Undead sections? It's completely game over, wasn't it?
An emergency was declared.
The worst-case scenario had occurred.
Jeon Gwang-il rushed to the top blacksmith's workshop in the Player Shop.
When he asked the master craftsman, Korea's finest...
"Hmm, I can fuse it back together..."
"R-really?"
"But it's highly likely the effect will be lost. The part with the engraved pattern is precisely what broke."
"Ah."
"You know this too, right? Even if you copy and engrave the pattern from a Tower reward item exactly, it won't turn out like the original."
They were screwed.
Completely and utterly screwed.
What could they do?
The Holy Sword, snapped in two.
How meticulously had they maintained it?
No matter how low its durability was, for it to suddenly break like this?
The responsibility likely lay with Nasser.
He's an Axe Master by trait, using an axe as his main weapon.
No doubt about it.
He must have swung the Holy Sword like an axe, recklessly.
Probably slammed it into the ground, smashed it against rocks.
"Nasser, that son of a bitch!"
He couldn't help but curse.
Everyone has a time when they're a beginner.
How many youths get their driver's license but never touch a steering wheel?
Joo-hyuk was one of them.
It's a situation you have to experience at least once to shed the "beginner" label anyway.
So he boldly grabbed the wheel.
At first, he just drove straight ahead.
He might have ended up in Busan for all he knew.
But as his driving hours increased, he thankfully became more accustomed.
Checking side and rearview mirrors, speeding up a bit, turning on the blinker, stopping at a rest area to refuel...
Only then did the navigation screen become visible.
The RV, which had been going straight, exited the interchange and turned towards the intended direction.
He sent all the Summoned beings back while driving.
They were distracting, and his clumsy driving skills were embarrassing.
Five hours later, he arrived at his destination.
*Screech!* Finally parked.
'I'm completely drained.'
The sun was already setting.
Evening would come soon.
But he had arrived safely.
The land he had purchased—no, the land the Management Bureau purchased for him—seemed to have been leveled already, ready for farming.
And a temporary container-type house was installed.
Electricity, water, and sewage were all fully equipped.
'I could live here.'
Though it was just a vacation home.
'Does the phone work?'
He checked his smartphone.
Two antenna bars were alive.
Phone calls worked, and the road was paved.
Land like this, even in the outskirts, must have been quite expensive.
He felt stiff.
He'd come to a place with clean air, so he started with breathing exercises.
"Hoo, hooooo..."
The energy moving inside his body.
The energy that was once tiny as a sesame seed had now grown to the size of a bean.
The Blood Jade Astral Qi condensing at his fingertips was also becoming a clearer, brighter red.
'At this rate, won't I become stronger than Kosak or Gobang?'
He let out a snort, a hollow laugh.
No way.
How could he beat them?
*Bzzzt!*
A call came in.
The name on the smartphone screen.
'It's the Deputy Director.'
Come to think of it, he heard the Saudis were coming today to borrow the Holy Sword.
More money must have come in.
'Another 13 billion won will be wired, I guess.'
When will he ever spend all this money? He needs a plan.
A way to spend money efficiently.
Should he invest in the stock market?
"Hello."
- Ahem, Player Bong. There's something I need to discuss with you in person.
"Ah, really? It's not difficult, but I'm not at home right now."
- May I ask where you are?
"Namyangju. The land I purchased before."
- I'll be right there.
What's going on?
His voice didn't sound good.
He should call the Summoned beings.
"Oh? You've arrived already? Faster than I thought."
"I can now drive up to 80 km/h."
"Impressive! As expected of Summoner Bong. You could even enter an F1 race. Hehehehe."
"Hahaha, well, not that far yet."
His remaining goal was highway top speed.
He needed to hit at least 100 km/h.
Only then can he join the ranks of real men.
"Mr. Razix, let's unpack."
"Hoe, yes."
Items poured out from the subspace backpack.
A large dining table with chairs, charcoal and a barbecue grill, dry firewood, a camping stove, various meats and vegetables, drinks, beer and soju...
No need for a tent.
When would he set that up?
He has the RV and the container house.
First, a bonfire was lit.
A dining table was placed beside it.
Red-hot charcoal was laid on the barbecue grill.
The atmosphere was perfect.
"Indeed, coming outside is more charming than staying cooped up indoors."
Even Gyeon Dal-rae seemed to be in a good mood.
"I shall sing a song. Outdoor drinking, singing, and dancing are Korean traditions, no?"
Who does he think he is, a wandering bard?
"...I doubt anyone wants to hear Mr. Kosak sing."
"Did you not know? The one who plays with pitch and rhythm with perfect pitch, the king of singers who turns stages upside down, the natural-born singer-songwriter—that is me, Kosak."
"I'd rather listen to Veronica sing."
At that, Veronica sprang awake.
"Victory! Sergeant Veronica Caliber! Military song, ready to fire! Recoil is side-to-side, the military song is the final..."
She swayed her body with her hands on her hips, and something else swayed along.
'Hmm.'
'Ahem.'
'Hm.'
They ate, drank, and played like that for a good while.
Actually, outdoor camping was also on Joo-hyuk's bucket list.
He had plenty of money and time.
He'd do everything he wanted to try.
Next on the list was overseas travel.
No need to take a plane.
He'd just use a Tower Exit Ring to quietly go to the country he wants, have fun, and come back.
Illegal entry was a crime... but, so what?
He's done worse things than that.
If caught, he'd just flee into the Tower.
Then!
A car was approaching from the distance.
"Gasp! Who could it be? A thief?"
"Probably the Deputy Director."
"Ah-ha."
It was indeed Deputy Director Jeon Gwang-il.
He got out of the car holding a long bag.
"Deputy Director, welcome!"
Kosak raised a hand in greeting. Acting so friendly after meeting just a few times?
"You must be tired from the long journey. We grilled some meat; join us for a meal."
"Th-that's..."
"Are you actually unwell?"
His expression truly didn't look good.
Jeon Gwang-il hung his head low.
With trembling hands, he opened the bag.
"I'm... I'm sorry. I broke the Holy Sword."
What? Broke it?
"Ahem..."
It was real.
The Holy Sword, snapped in two, inside the bag.
"Whoa, it's split in half. Like a stock split."
"...Did you buy stocks?"
"My previous Summoner did. Invested his entire fortune and lost it. Couldn't sleep without alcohol."
"Oh no!"
"Something like KekeO stock? Ah! That one split three ways."
"..."
Better not buy stocks. Real estate is still the best.
Anyway, what should they do? Their reliable source of income was about to disappear.
Jeon Gwang-il explained the reason for the break.
It was suspected that the Saudi player Nasser used it roughly.
"It does not appear to be fatigue fracture. Had it been, it would have shattered into pieces. The fact it broke cleanly in half like this..."
"He probably just used it without care. Weapons should be treated as preciously as a lover."
"Oho, suddenly I wish to become Sergeant V's weapon."
"Really? Shall I swing you around like Bardin?"
Kosak, looking genuinely worried, hastily changed the subject.
"Anyway, it's negligence. The Deputy Director must be punished."
"I agree. Rewards and punishments must be clear. Punish him severely."
"Damaging supplies bestowed by the Commander? This calls for a court-martial. Deputy Director, prepare yourself."
Jeon Gwang-il tightly shut his eyes.
Frankly, he had nothing to say. Surely they wouldn't kill him?
"Deputy Director, hand over your badge."
"Regrettable, but there's no choice. Retrieve his badge."
"Hand over your medal."
Joo-hyuk flared up and defended Jeon Gwang-il.
"O-overreacting again. It broke because it was time for it to break. What fault does the Deputy Director have?"
The Summoned beings attempted a swift change in attitude.
"Thinking about it, badge confiscation is too harsh. Chopping off a finger as substitute would be better."
"Shall I erase his profession?"
"A flick on the forehead should suffice."
"Running a hundred laps in full gear..."
Joo-hyuk clicked his tongue and spoke.
"You all think you're blameless? What, chop off a finger? Mr. Kosak!"
"...Yes?"
"You've done wrong by me too, right?"
"I'm not sure what you mean?"
"China."
"Th-that was settled under the principle of non bis in idem..."
Non bis in idem, my foot.
"Shall I confiscate your badge?"
"Eek!"
"Commander, I was unaware Kosak did such a thing. All responsibility lies with Kosak."
"Sergeant V, you traitor!"
By the way, what was Razix doing? He turned his head to look.
"Hoe..."
Razix was intently examining the severed surface of the Holy Sword with a magnifying glass he had produced at some point.
And he had also opened a thick book that looked like an encyclopedia.
'Huh?'
Right. Razix was here.
He had been so focused on the Human Holy Sword's effectiveness that he had completely forgotten about the actual Holy Sword's repair.
"Mr. Razix."
"Hoeng?"
"Can you repair it?"
"Hoe, yes."
"Really?"
"Hoe! Razix will fix Holy Sword. Get badge."
"Oh my, our Mr. Razix is the best, the best! If you fix it, I'll give you two badges."
"Hueeee?"
The Summoned beings didn't stay quiet either.
"Miracle Weapon Repair Technician, the Human Glue that sticks anything back together, I, Kosak the worker, will assist."
"This maiden shall also perform a Holy Sword repair blessing ritual beside you."
"If it requires strength, leave it to this warrior."
"I shall definitely hug the Supply Officer."
"I shall hug you too."
Hearing that repair was possible, Jeon Gwang-il also bowed deeply and spoke.
"If you need anything, anything at all, just say the word. I'll provide full support."
"Hoe-eh,"
And so, Razix's Holy Sword repair operation began.