Chapter 97
Chapter 97
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 97
Chapter Title: The Day of the Coup
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The trip to Japan was decided.
Before leaving, Joo-hyuk stopped by his family home.
"What? Is no one here?"
His father, Bong Cheol-su, looked at Joo-hyuk with a displeased expression.
"Do I not look like a person?"
"That's not it…"
"Your mother is at a gathering, and Min-hyuk is at school."
Well, it didn't matter if only his father was home. He just needed to deliver the Healing Potion and leave.
"Take this."
"Huh? What is this?"
"It's a Healing Potion... keep it as a household medicine. If your hip still hurts, drink it right away."
Bong Cheol-su tilted his head. He knew about Healing Potions too.
"Son, are you teasing me because I'm not a Player? This can only heal injuries sustained inside the Tower."
"This one is different from the Tower-exclusive Healing Potion. It works on wounds received outside too."
"Really?"
"Hmm, if you're suspicious, you can cut your finger a little…"
"Oh? Give me your hand. Let's test it right now."
"...My finger?"
"Or should I cut mine?"
Cut a finger? Ziiing!
Unconsciously, the Energy Shield activated.
"Ah, anyway, I'm busy, so I'll be going."
He'd delivered the potion, and he had a lot to do.
Getting to Tokyo was simple in theory. He needed a passport, plane ticket reservations.
But he had to pack various things: phone international roaming, yen exchange, clothes to change into, and so on.
So the trip was scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, with Lord Gwang-ma joining.
When in Japan, he should at least try sake. With a drinking buddy who shared his taste.
That night.
Under cover of darkness, Japan Self-Defense Forces Joint Chief of Staff Matsumoto Junichi led his guard unit in a march toward Tokyo.
Fifty mobilized armored vehicles prepared in advance. Twenty tanks, twelve combat helicopters, and over five thousand heavily armed Ground Self-Defense Force troops.
A coup is a battle of speed.
Capture the capital as quickly as possible, detain high-ranking government officials, and seize control of the media and broadcasting stations.
'It's practically already a success.'
The proclamation of the new Great Japan would take place in front of the Tokyo Black Tower. With the crowds supporting him.
Back in the U.S., Homeland Security Secretary Macmillan, who had returned home after finishing his schedule in Korea, was asleep when he received a report about the coup in Japan.
"What? ...Good heavens!"
Have you ever seen such madmen? The Cabalan curse had barely ended.
Ziiing! A timely phone call rang. It was a summons from the White House.
He hurriedly put on his clothes and arrived at the White House, where President Lloyd, along with advisors, the CIA Director, and the Secretary of State, were gathered for an emergency meeting.
"Welcome, Mac."
"Am I late?"
"No, we just started."
The meeting discussed the progress of the Japanese coup and countermeasures.
"Stopping the coup is too late. Matsumoto Junichi seems to have prepared thoroughly. The Japanese Diet has already been occupied."
Who could stop an army rolling in? The Japanese police were merely mobilized for traffic control, helping the military move smoothly.
"What about Acting Prime Minister Usuda?"
"Unknown at the moment, but it's likely he's dead."
"What happened to the cabinet ministers?"
"None resisted. Some expressed support, siding with the coup."
"Then we must consider it a success."
"Yes, a military regime will be established."
A truly peculiar country. A coup even when the Black Tower stood in central Tokyo, with a blade at their throats.
"What about the temporary naturalization agreement with Korea?"
"With the coup, it should be considered over."
President Lloyd asked with a puzzled expression.
"Then how do they plan to conquer the Tokyo Black Tower? The curse is over, but it's still a Tower that needs to be conquered. Will they ask us for help again?"
The CIA Director answered the President's question.
"Information obtained from SDF officers suggests Joint Chief of Staff Matsumoto Junichi acquired an item called a Level-Up Rune…"
"Huh? What's that?"
"I heard it's an item that randomly raises your level from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 5, regardless of Tower floor. They seem to plan to use that for the conquest."
"Such a thing exists?"
The President turned to question Secretary Macmillan.
"Mac, what's this Level-Up Rune item like?"
"It's my first time hearing about such an item."
If Macmillan, responsible for Tower climbing, didn't know...
"We should secure some too. Try to find some."
"Yes, I'll look into it."
An item that only raises level, regardless of floor...
"Judging by the effect, it seems better than a Trait Enhancement Rune."
But Macmillan shook his head.
"I'm not so sure."
"Why is that?"
"Level isn't everything."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Do you remember the top Korean Player who naturalized to Japan?"
"I remember. Yu... something?"
"Yes, his level was 66 at the time of naturalization. Yet he failed to conquer the 57th Floor."
"Ah!"
President Lloyd's expression showed understanding.
"There are quite a few similar cases. The higher you go, the more important mentality, talent, equipment, items, and skills become."
"But a higher level still helps."
"Correct. I just wanted to say that level isn't everything."
Macmillan continued.
"In contrast, Trait Enhancement Runes are extremely efficient. They enhance signature skills. You also acquire many new skills."
"Finish skills, ultimate skills—these can only be learned through trait enhancement. You can't learn them just by leveling up."
"And crucially, raising your level is useless in the Undead section. Even four trait enhancements were powerless there."
That's right.
President Lloyd nodded as if convinced.
"Because of the Dark Aura."
"Yes. In the end, you must wield the Holy Sword. But can we borrow it?"
"Korea would never lend it."
What if Acting Prime Minister Usuda had signed the temporary naturalization agreement with Korea? They could have bought time to nurture their own Players, and borrowing the Holy Sword in the Undead section would have proceeded smoothly.
"Well, let's keep an eye on Japan for now."
For the U.S., there was a more important issue than the coup.
"What do you think, Mac? Shouldn't we also mine Advanced Magic Stones? Corporations are in an uproar, and sponsors too."
The benefits of conquering the 70th Floor. Advanced Magic Stones, items being released, even items without the Tower-exclusive modifier appearing.
"Gerald is also positive. He supports conquering the 70th Floor."
"Good. If we're going to do it, let's do it quickly."
The 70th Floor had to be climbed eventually. It seemed fine to go up quickly.
However, the real intentions of the American power brokers weren't about Advanced Magic Stones.
Information was circulating that Healing Potions without the Tower-exclusive modifier were appearing. And not just that—what if elixirs or divine medicines also appeared without the Tower modifier?
Health and immortality were the dreams of all humanity. Conquering the 70th Floor might provide a clue.
Finally, the day of the trip.
Joo-hyuk woke up, washed, and finished preparing for the trip. Bong Joo-hyuk's first overseas trip. His heart couldn't help but race.
In the past, he had been to China using the Tower Exit Ring, but that wasn't for tourism. This was essentially his first experience.
He summoned all his Summoned Beings. They needed to put their heads together to plan the trip. Except for Blood Wolf—this was a trip for people.
"We should exclude places where you have to line up. Who knows how long we'd wait?"
"Warrior will stand in line."
"Hoe?"
"Young lady, according to my tablet search, this place is a hotspot."
"My Lord, don't worry about lighting for photos."
"Sergeant Veronica Caliber! I will disassemble my magic gun and pack it in the carrier."
Everyone was chattering away with their comments.
They'd roughly decided where to go, so finally...
"Gwang-ma, Designated Summon."
Whoosh!
"Summoner."
"Lord Gwang-ma."
"You've returned home. Are you done with outdoor sleeping?"
"Yes, I'm planning to go somewhere else."
"Where…?"
Joo-hyuk explained the Japan travel plan to Gwang-ma.
"Ho oh, well thought. It's not bad to cool your head occasionally."
"You'll come with us, right?"
"...This old man too? It's fine, but I wonder if it's not foolish."
"Ah, nonsense. It'd be great if you came. Hahaha."
The Summoned Beings also nodded. They had hunted Cabalan together, camped together, and had become quite close with Gwang-ma.
"But wear this."
Joo-hyuk handed Gwang-ma a designer suit, shoes, and a fedora he bought at a department store.
"Earth's attire?"
"It will suit you well."
"If the Summoner says wear it, I must wear it."
Gwang-ma didn't refuse. He went to another room to change and came out.
"Wow!"
A gasp escaped. White hair with a fedora, a neatly tied tie, shoes, and a suit. He looked like a splendid senior model. Good enough for a photoshoot.
It wasn't just Gwang-ma. Bardin also stored his spiked armor in Razix's subspace backpack and changed clothes.
"Shall we go then?"
They entered the 1st Floor.
'Japan.'
Simultaneously, he abandoned the mission.
Spot!
Joo-hyuk and his Summoned Beings appeared inside a collapsed building next to the Tokyo Black Tower. They were very close to the Tower. Close enough to be right beside it, but inside a building, so there were no people.
"Alright, let's go out."
They exited the building and headed toward the bustling area. Right then!
"...Huh?"
Grrr, grr, grrrr.
Something massive was passing before their eyes.
"Huh?"
"Hoeng?"
"Heo."
No, why was that here?
Grrr, grr, grrrrr...
A heavy body, caterpillar tracks crushing the asphalt, a massive cannon barrel.
"A tank?"
"It's a tank."
"Why is a tank in Tokyo…"
"I don't know either."
It wasn't just tanks. Armored vehicles equipped with heavy machine guns were also lined up, passing through Tokyo streets. Soldiers were marching behind them with guns and medium-sized firearms.
"Ah, they're filming a movie."
"As expected, Dynamic Japan."
"We came to the right place for sightseeing. We can even watch a movie shoot."
They all had Interference Talismans attached, so no one paid them any attention, but...
"Movies? Is that me, Kosak? A method acting master, realistic stunts, drawing tears in five seconds, a delicate emotional line, a talented handsome actor, it's Kosak. Hehehehe."
"If it's a historical drama, I'm confident. What actress dares to follow this young lady?"
"The warrior is ready if you just paint me green."
"This old man is fine with martial arts films."
"Sergeant Veronica Caliber, I'm confident no one is more suitable for military films than me."
"God Bardin, I'll handle the lighting. Light!!!"
"Hue?"
Why are they like this? Did they come to make a movie? They came for sightseeing.
But it didn't seem like a movie shoot. Amidst it all, shouts could be heard from somewhere. Were they extras? The numbers were huge.
People wearing headbands with the Rising Sun flag, holding placards and pickets, shouting at the top of their lungs. Everyone seemed excited, swinging their fists, each shouting something as they walked.
"...What are they saying?"
"They're good actors. It seems real."
"Hoe."
It didn't seem like it. Should he run a translator? With recent AI technology, smartphones could translate automatically. Pointing the camera at the picket text would show it in Korean.
So he ran a translation app.
- Absolutely oppose the humiliating Japan-Korea temporary naturalization agreement.
- Protect the glory of the Great Japanese Empire!
- Dissolve the incompetent Japanese cabinet and rebuild Japan!
- Tokyo citizens support the SDF's loyal decision.
"..."
It wasn't a movie shoot.
"It's the right-wing protest I've only heard about."
"Ah, are they anti-Korean?"
"Probably."
Even...
- Kill the Chosun people.
- Rape Korean women.
- Occupy Takeshima.
- Expel the Zainichi Chosun people.
- Declare war on Korea.
The more he heard, the more unsettling the atmosphere became. Tanks, armored vehicles, armed soldiers...
Joo-hyuk searched for news on his smartphone. He didn't even need to search. News appeared as soon as he searched for Japan on a portal site.
"...A coup?"
What is this? He came on a trip with an excited heart, and it's a coup day...
'Should we go back?'
Suddenly! Whoooosh!
A swirling storm of qi erupted. It was Gwang-ma. His entire body glowed with a deep red aura. Blood Jade Astral Qi. A weapon in itself. His expression was also hardened. A murderous intent subtly seeped out.
"Um... Lord Gwang-ma?"
"What is it."
"Why are you gathering your qi like that?"
Gwang-ma looked at him with cold eyes.
"'Kill the Chosun people, rape Korean women, declare war on Korea'—hearing such words, how can one endure? It's no different from telling them to kill the Summoner."
Gulp. Joo-hyuk swallowed dryly.
"If they challenge us, it's only natural to accept. Don't worry. I'll clean it up neatly."
"..."
If Gwang-ma started acting? Tokyo would clearly turn into a sea of blood.
"Could you close your eyes and pretend you didn't hear?"
But Gwang-ma, furious to the tips of his hair.
"In this situation? This old man's Third Principle, Clause 3, has already been activated."
This is a big problem. Forget the trip; a great massacre would unfold.
There was no choice. He had to send him back first.
"I'm sorry. Gwang-ma, Summon Rele—"
Before he could finish,
"W-wait!"
Ssss, Gwang-ma's qi subsided.
"...I'll endure."
He returned to his original state. Seemed to have suppressed his anger. He wouldn't need to release the summon.
"But these damn bastards!"
Again, Whoooosh!
Gwang-ma, glowing red-hot.
"Gwang-ma, Summon Rele—"
Ssss.
Gwang-ma relaxed his strength. A moment later,
"I can't just let it go..."
Whoooosh!
"Gwang-ma, Summon Rele—"
Ssss, back to normal.
But. Whoooosh!
"Gwang-ma, Summ—"
Ssss. A battle of nerves. Whoosh!
"Gwang-ma, Su—"
Gwang-ma seemed determined to do something. Joo-hyuk's will to absolutely stop him. The other Summoned Beings watched Joo-hyuk and Gwang-ma's standoff with fascinated expressions, wondering who would win.
Gwang-ma seemed tired too. After a few rounds, the qi storm calmed, and the Blood Jade Astral Qi covering his body disappeared.
"Hoo, Summoner."
"...Yes?"
"This old man has a request."
A request.
"If it's something I can do..."
"If I endure and let it go, I'll get sick from pent-up anger. I might even suffer qi deviation."
Ah, surely not qi deviation.
"Please let me vent my anger. I won't manifest something like Blood Jade Astral Qi."
Then. Tap tap, tadadadak, tap tap!
Gwang-ma performed acupressure on his own body.
"I've suppressed my internal energy. I can only use about 1% of my original qi."
1% was 1%. That should be okay, right?
"I'll just go beat them up a bit and come back. One hit per bastard."
"Hmm."
Frankly, Joo-hyuk was angry too. After going through the trouble of lifting the curse and postponing the Tokyo Black Tower's collapse, what? Kill Koreans?
"...Really just one hit each?"
"This old man, Gwang-ma, swears on my name."
Ah, whatever!
"Go vent your anger and come back. Show some restraint."
Gwang-ma beamed at Joo-hyuk's permission.
"Oh! Thank you. I won't kill civilians. I swear."
Suddenly, Kosak also looked at Joo-hyuk.
"Can't I go too?"
It wasn't just him. Gobang, Veronica, Bardin too.
"Warrior goes too. Just one flick on the forehead."
"Sergeant Veronica Caliber, ready for civil suppression operations."
"My Lord, please permit the wrath of the gods."
Even Razix, with his short arms, tap tap tap tap, imitated Gwang-ma's acupressure on his own body,
"Hueeeek!!!"
Why is he like this too?
But Gwang-ma raised a hand to stop them.
"You all protect the Summoner. Don't interfere. There's not enough for me to eat."
"...Yes."
"Hoe."
And so, Gwang-ma walked toward the anti-Korean protest site.
"It's truly been a long time since I moved my body."
In a sleek, drop-dead gorgeous designer suit, with a fedora on his head, wearing black shoes, walking step by step.
"Hello there! You maggots!"
A booming voice shouted.
"It's a Chosun person! A Chosun person came!"
The anti-Korean protest organizer, holding a microphone and inciting the crowd, pointed at Gwang-ma and shouted.
"Capture the old Chosun person! Hang him!!!"
Urrrr, the anti-Korean protestors swarmed.
"Hehehe, these bastards."
Gwang-ma waved his hand forward as if shooing flies. The person rushing at the front was sent flying into the air.
Thwack!
"Khek?"
Thudududud!
Teeth poured out like corn kernels.
And so, Gwang-ma, having reduced his power to about 1% of his original ability,
"Let's play to our heart's content."
Was dropped into the heart of the anti-Korean protest.
That was just the beginning.