Chapter 88
Chapter 88
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 88
Chapter Title: The Unchanging and The Changed
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This year's blockbuster movies have tanked.
The collapse of the Tower, and the subsequent birth of a new one.
How could any film capture a spectacle like that?
Even though TV news broadcast the events from reality as they happened, it felt utterly surreal.
So much so that it felt jarring even to watch with your own eyes.
The middle of Tokyo.
A colossal, pitch-black tower that made the Tokyo Tower look like a toy.
Quite a few countries have towers located on their outskirts or in suburban areas.
But is there another tower standing so starkly alone amidst a forest of bustling skyscrapers besides that one?
How many casualties were there?
Rumors say the Prime Minister's official residence in Tokyo also collapsed.
"Phew..."
Crunch, crunch.
"Hmm."
Crunch, munch.
"Haaah."
Crunch, munch.
"..."
Munch, munch.
"Ah! Mr. Kosak! For goodness' sake!"
"...Yessir?"
"My head's about to explode from all this, and you're just munching on popcorn?"
"M-My apologies. Would you like some popcorn, sir?"
"…Give it here. The drink too."
"Yes, sir!"
How dare he eat alone, so shamelessly.
This wasn't the atmosphere for munching popcorn... but hearing the crunching from beside me was unbearable.
The collapse of the Tower, followed by the creation of a new one.
But it appeared in a terrible location.
If the third curse of the Demon Cabal were to activate on the Japanese Black Tower in that situation, it would be adding insult to injury—the worst of the worst.
'Why did he make that choice?'
To instill tension into the lax Tower conquests?
If that was the goal, it succeeded.
Because the world was turned upside down.
The collapse of Japan's Tower served as a wake-up call across the globe.
Governments of various nations moved swiftly.
Through dialogue, compromise, concessions, negotiations, and diplomacy, countries without the leeway to conquer their Towers received support from temporary naturalization Players, and the supporting nations received a satisfactory price.
'A small mercy within the misfortune, perhaps?'
Learning from the Japanese Black Tower collapse incident, the whole world was now joining forces.
Just then! *Bzzzt!* *Bzzzt!* A ringing smartphone.
Who is it?
The Deputy Director? But it's an unfamiliar number.
'Who's calling at a time like this?'
It's not a voice phishing scam, is it?
"Hello."
- Oh! Mista Bong, how are you? My Korean is not good. But I practiced a lot. This is U.S. Secretary of National... Homeland... Security, McMillan...
*Click!*
Joo-hyuk hung up.
Why is a foreigner calling? And what's this 'National Homeland Security'?
Even if it's a scam, it's a problem, and even if it's not, it's awkward.
What would we even talk about?
But then,
*Bzzzt!* *Bzzzt!* Another call came in.
Answering it.
- Bonjour, this is Michelle Audrien, the French Ambassador to...
*Click!*
Is my personal information leaked?
'I'm already feeling uneasy.'
Let's just turn the smartphone off completely.
Turning his head, Joo-hyuk.
Then, his eyes fell upon Lucius Bardin, the Holy Sword, sitting blankly in a corner of the living room.
Normally, he would have been dismissed with a Summon Release, but...
"Mr. Bardin?"
"..."
"You can tell me now."
"O Summoner! Repent, I beg you. Return to the embrace of Lord Nigel..."
"Mention of Lord Nigel prohibited. Calls for repentance prohibited."
"Ugh! Ughhh!"
Tsk tsk, when will he ever change.
"Mr. Bardin, you mention Nigel at the end of every sentence. Did you receive a divine revelation or something?”
"..."
"You didn't, right? Or rather, you couldn't. He's a vanished god. It seems you know that too."
"..."
A factual bombardment.
Perhaps because of that, Bardin couldn't answer.
Lord Nigel.
The god he had believed in all his life.
He thought he was an absolute, eternal, immortal deity, but,
The Summoner was right. The god had vanished.
The authority was gone, only the attribute remained.
And thus, he was abandoned.
Why wouldn't he know?
He just didn't want to admit it.
"Mr. Bardin, let's not talk about conversion or repentance, and just get along. Honestly, being forced to be wielded like a sword all this time... it hurt my heart."
"Su, Summoner..."
"Is a person a sword? Huh? If you're a person, you should live like one. Right?"
Bardin's expression was desolate.
Joo-hyuk patted his shoulder.
He felt pity and compassion for him.
How vicious a person Bardin was as a Heretic Inquisitor wasn't important.
Was he an evil person?
By Earth's ethics, yes, he was evil.
Because he killed countless people for having a different religion.
But Bardin wasn't an Earthling.
He was a person from another world.
A world where gods existed, at that.
He was a faithful paladin, followed divine revelations, and was strict with doctrine.
He did his duty.
Because that was the right life for him.
Therefore, judging him by Earth's standards isn't right.
"Here."
Joo-hyuk handed the Summoned Being Grade-Up Rune he received as a special bonus to Bardin.
"Gasp! Th, this is..."
"Raise your grade and start anew."
"..."
Tears welled up in Bardin's eyes.
"O, O Light!!!"
*Whoosh!* Is this the radiance of emotion?
"Summoner..."
Ah, this is what a real gentleman is.
Touching the heart with sincere words, and adding a heartfelt gift on top.
Who could possibly resist?
Kosak seemed moved too.
He took a towel and wiped the tears glowing with radiance from Bardin's face, then said.
"Phew, the light seems weak anyway. I thought it might change if he was moved, but the light got even weaker. When will he become a proper holy sword?"
What a wicked destroyer of emotions.
"O Summoner."
"Yes."
"From now on, I, Lucius Bardin, am your loyal vassal."
"...Huh?"
"My Lord! I swear upon my name, Bardin, not an absolute obedience born of principle, but loyalty that springs from the heart."
No, I didn't want it to go this far.
"May the Light's blessing be upon My Lord!!!"
*Whooosh!*
"...Then, raise your grade and we'll see you later."
"O Light!!!"
"Bardin, Summon Release."
*Poof!*
The other summoned beings watched that scene intently.
Simultaneously, a shower of applause.
"Kyaa! That's so cool, My Lord. It's like reading a fantasy novel. So romantic."
"Hoeh."
"Warrior senses sincerity."
"Young lady, I am in admiration. A person who rules by virtue, not by force, is called a nobleman. Truly, the demeanor of a superior gentleman."
"Commander, I, Veronica Caliber, feel my heart burning."
"I feel the same way. Being next to Sergeant V makes me feel hot too."
How embarrassing.
What's the big deal?
Well, it feels good though.
The Korean Awakening Management Bureau.
The atmosphere was unsettled.
No matter how strained relations with Japan were, watching a Black Tower collapse in real-time was a very distressing affair.
And on top of that, the creation of a new tower.
The damage was greater than the collapse.
Because the tower that rose was right in the heart of the city.
"We should have just agreed to conquer it without any conditions."
"Hmph! Don't talk nonsense. Has there ever been a temporary naturalization without conditions until now?"
"We could have conquered it first and then..."
"You're too soft-hearted. Are we pushovers? Frankly, if they had just offered a single apology, things wouldn't have come to this."
Chief Park Kyung-su's firm tone.
"That stance will never change. Even if the Japanese archipelago is torn to shreds by the Tower collapse, we cannot accept a temporary naturalization request without compensation."
Team Leader Jeon Gwang-il agreed.
"...You're right. It's just... seeing innocent people get hurt because of those insane politicians made me say that."
"I feel the same regret."
That aside.
"What about France's response?"
"They'll likely make a move soon."
"The US too?"
"Naturally."
Now that Bong Joo-hyuk's identity was exposed, would they just sit still?
"Speaking of which, what if France refuses to restore his nationality?"
"What could happen? It would only earn Player Bong's resentment."
"I'm saying this because there's precedent."
"I understand what you're implying, sir, but it doesn't apply to Player Bong."
What Chief Park Kyung-su was referring to was the act of stabbing someone in the back after a temporary naturalization.
It's when, after forming a temporary naturalization contract for a set period, the country doesn't approve the renunciation of nationality and attempts a full naturalization.
Temporary naturalization.
It's actually a funny term.
If it's naturalization, it's naturalization—why add 'temporary'?
Naturalization is, by definition, naturalization.
It permanently changes one's nationality.
One's residence changes, and immigration is required.
That's the case for ordinary people.
But Players are different.
A Player's naturalization involves system intervention.
And thus, the affiliation in the status window changes.
That is precisely temporary naturalization.
What does a Player's actual nationality matter anyway?
What's important is the affiliation in the status window.
Whether a Player lives in the US or Korea, they can only enter the Tower affiliated with their status window.
Temporary naturalization is proven by the status window.
The actual nationality remains the same.
In reality, it's no different from dual citizenship.
Although the system doesn't allow dual citizenship.
How is such a thing possible?
Because Player temporary naturalization is also part of the system's functions.
Whether coerced or decided voluntarily, if a Player's will manifests, the system intervenes.
In that way, under the system's supervision, a contract is formed between the Player's will and the approval of the target country.
A Player cannot change nationality by will alone, nor can a country arbitrarily force a Player's nationality.
The will and procedures of both contracting parties must align.
Then what about the home country?
The original country the Player belonged to before temporary naturalization.
Doesn't the home country's approval matter?
Taking Bong Joo-hyuk's case as an example, the approval of the Korean government wasn't needed during his temporary naturalization to France.
Why?
Joo-hyuk's original nationality, Korea, was naturally determined the moment he was born.
In other words, it wasn't a nationality changed by a system-supervised contract.
It was merely automatically registered in the status window upon awakening.
Unless something special happened, Players conquered and climbed the Tower of the country they were born in.
But what if they undewent temporary naturalization even once? The situation changed.
They become bound by contract.
Because the system intervened and changed Joo-hyuk's nationality to France.
A temporary nationality change permitted by the system.
However, to attempt another nationality change, the invalidation of the contract made under system supervision must occur.
In short,
Without the approval of the French government, one of the contracting parties, Joo-hyuk's status window affiliation cannot revert to its original state.
Well, if both parties are in agreement and neither wants to change nationality again, he just lives on as a French person.
No other contract is possible while an existing temporary naturalization contract is in effect.
A Player specializing in temporary naturalization for the US can only hold one country at a time.
To be dispatched to another country, the existing contract must be terminated.
The Player who was kidnapped to China was able to recover his original nationality because the Chinese government erased their temporary Chinese nationality to destroy evidence.
"That's why temporary naturalization can't be done recklessly. A country needs to have power so it can't be stabbed in the back."
"Or the Player needs to have power."
"Yes, that's right."
The reason the Awakening Management Bureau didn't stop Joo-hyuk's temporary naturalization.
He was a freer entity than any other Player.
Because he possessed actual military force.
"But Player Bong Joo-hyuk himself isn't a ruthless person, is he? On the contrary, his personality is rather timid. I'm worried he might get pushed around here and there."
Pushed around here and there?
Jeon Gwang-il's mouth itched.
Since he kept it a secret from Chief Park Kyung-su, he didn't know.
How China's Chairman Lin Chaoming died.
Whether an unfortunate accident or intentional murder, two national leaders had already died.
Please, let France not misjudge this.
If they're not careful, the French President's name could also end up on the death list.
Day 4 of French nationality.
The day of the 65th-floor conquest.
'Come to think of it, it was the Dullahan, right?'
It was a pretty tough floor.
The Dullahan itself wasn't difficult, but breaking through the forces of the massive undead legion and running made my mouth taste like blood.
'Ugh, just thinking about it...'
The tsunami-like wave of undead.
And on top of that, Razix's impulsive actions.
Of course, this time will be different. Very different.
What's changed from back then.
Veronica's promotion to SSR.
She can use the Holy Musket with her attribute absorption ability.
Plus, Bardin's promotion to SSR.
Since it's a one-rank promotion, one day is enough.
How much has changed?
The method is simple.
Just summon him and see.
"Lucius Bardin, Designated Summon."
Then, *Whoosh!*
*Poof!*
The heavily armored paladin appeared in the penthouse living room.
The faint radiance enveloping his body.
"Oh!"
A softened impression.
But a profound gaze.
The paladin and heretic inquisitor, Lucius Bardin, upon seeing Joo-hyuk, immediately knelt on one knee and paid his respects.
"My Lord, Bardin, reporting as ordered."
He's definitely different.
He seems more earnest.
The catalog?
"Welcome. You look reliable."
"Seeing My Lord satisfied puts my heart at ease."
Who said people don't change easily?
Bardin, reformed.
"Kya! As I expected. With sufficient motivation, people can change."
"Just a moment ago, you said a black-haired beast isn't something you fix..."
"Our Holy Sword isn't black-haired, is he? He's blonde."
Anyway, let's enter the Tower.
It was a good idea to follow the practical opinion.
Not rushing up, but climbing steadily while farming items and obtaining Platinum Badges.
The summoned beings, now all promoted to SSR, including Bardin.
The endless undead visible even from the safe zone.
The conquest method remains the same.
Break through the undead legion and capture the Dullahan directly.
The party has changed.
Previously, Gobang stayed in the back.
Now, the tank is Lucius Bardin.
Razix and Gyeon Dal-rae climbed onto the shoulders of the enlarged Gobang.
"Let's go."
"Yes, My Lord!"
The reliable Bardin led the party.
"O Light!!!"
*Whoooosh!*
Ahhh! The dazzling SSR radiance.
The undead, staggering back just from that exposure.
Bardin's flail swung down like a thunderbolt.
*Boom!*
A shockwave of holy attribute swept across the battlefield.
*Crrrrrunch!*
The undead exposed to the shockwave crumbled without a chance to resist.
Was that all?
"Assault mode, Holy Attribute Buckshot loaded, Attribute Fire commencing."
*Pshhh! Pshhh! Pshhh!*
Veronica's Holy Attribute buckshot fire.
Previously, it was used to push back the undead, but now the goal is annihilation.
Undead hit by the holy attribute buckshot turned directly to dust.
Veronica was impressive, but Bardin was clearly demonstrating why paladins are the natural enemy of the undead.
*Booooom!*
The flail glowing with radiance danced.
Even that flail alone looked far better than the repaired holy sword.
*Clank clank.*
The glowing spiked plate armor, as expected.
Attacking undead were the ones who took damage instead.
Stomp, stomp.
Bardin walked forward.
Wherever he passed, a path was instantly formed.
The Dullahan?
It charged on its skeletal horse, attempting a mounted assault, but.
"O Light!!!"
*Squelch!*
With a single blow from Bardin's flail, the Dullahan and its skeletal horse were *squished!* and flattened.
Joo-hyuk was genuinely impressed.
Bardin, reborn not as a holy sword, but as a paladin.
He was majestic and stalwart.
He didn't even seem tired.
"Shall we go one more time?"
"My Lord, I await only your command."
So, an immediate repeat conquest.
Sweeping through the undead legion while slowly dealing with the Dullahan for Razix's item farming.
"O Light!!!"
The flail danced.
"O Light!!!"
On the 65th floor, Bardin was invincible.
"O Light..."
But then?
Bardin tilted his head.
He seemed somewhat unsatisfied.
Eventually, he stopped firmly and looked at Gobang.
"Heathen barbarian."
"What?"
"Lift me. And wield me."
"..."
"It would be more efficient."
"Got it. As you wish."
There was no time to stop him.
Gobang's large hands firmly grasped Bardin's two feet.
And then, as always, he swung him with monstrous force.
*Whoooosh!*
"O Light!!!"
*Crrrrrunch!* Bardin, being swung.
"This is it!!!"
*Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!*
The flail in his hand along with him.
"O Light!!!"
Joo-hyuk witnessed it.
"Yes, this is exactly the feeling!!!"
Bardin's satisfied smile.
"O Light!!!"
The gaze filled with madness,
"I am My Lord's holy sword!!!"
That was it.
Bardin had finally realized his purpose.
Kosak also seemed pleased.
"I told you, he's a pervert."
"..."
"People don't change."
This is insane.
What can you do?
It was his own choice.