Chapter 10
Chapter 10
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 010
Chapter Title: Beam!
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TOT's summit was convened on an emergency basis.
Tower of Trials. That's what TOT stood for.
A new record in the Tower meant national power.
The guild backed by a nation receives buffs?
It was enough to completely upend the global military rankings.
Hunters who could shrug off bullets and missiles.
The higher the rank, the more such monsters there were.
Superhumans only grew stronger with buffs.
Kang Gut-geon's case had proven it perfectly.
That's why the Tower of Trials summits were so crucial.
What buffs had been acquired.
How guilds were utilizing them.
Sharing and recording that info was the only way to prepare countermeasures.
It was all for the sake of peace.
And the host of this peace summit was, as always, the United States.
U.S. President Mark Rowaine spoke up.
He lightened the mood with a casual joke.
Tower of Trials summit turned Tower of Despair summit.
That was why the world's leaders had gathered today.
"As you've all seen, the system is trying to bring us new despair."
The system's malice targeted the remaining 66 nations.
The Earth Quest had appeared.
"Raid quests have popped up plenty of times in the past."
Mark Rowaine was right.
Earth Quests appeared now and then.
They were based on the Tower of Trials.
Clearing them granted massive rewards.
"Back then, it was easy to handle. We'd conquered up to the 50th floor, so the boss monsters inside were our main challenge."
The Tower of Trials remained unconquered.
But they'd climbed pretty high.
"78th floor. People thought 100 was the top, but things changed before we could even get there."
America had reached the 78th floor.
The current No. 1 hunter's achievement.
But in this era, it was meaningless.
The system had changed everything.
The tower's flip side. Tower of Despair.
It set the new standard.
"Overwhelming difficulty. Not tricky conditions—just plain hard."
Mana resistance too high.
That alone nullified most attacks.
Despair itself, just as the system said.
"Only one nation holds the top clear record right now."
No ties for first.
Just one country.
All eyes turned to it.
The leader there remained unflappable amid the dozens of stares.
Korean President Lee Su-hyeok.
He cleared his throat lightly and met their gazes.
"It got updated recently again. -4th floor."
Everyone here was an awakener.
You couldn't be president without knowing hunter ecology.
They all pulled up the record board in front of them.
Not even a hollow laugh escaped.
Not even a dozen minutes—just a few.
-1st floor was cleared in tens of seconds, right?
Right here, right now.
Who would dare call Korea a weak nation?
Was it really weakened by our checks?
A few national leaders harbored dark thoughts.
Nothing showed on their faces.
"President Lee Su-hyeok. It seems it's time to share some information."
We need to bolster our forces ASAP.
No telling what monsters we'll have to raid.
Clearing the tower first was priority one.
"Even if it's not a new record, it's meaningful. Just attempting the Tower of Despair grants massive rewards."
The No. 1 hunters had already hit their limits.
Ordinary elixirs were worthless to them.
But what came from the Tower of Despair was different.
"Elixirs with no restrictions whatsoever. It's time to reinforce our forces with them. So I'm asking this of you."
"President!"
"Mind your dignity!"
Mark Rowaine's sudden outburst.
He bowed toward the weak nation.
His aides frantically tried to stop him.
But he held firm.
He pressed on, bracing himself.
"A national leader's prime virtue is prioritizing the people's safety, isn't it?"
"Mm..."
Lee Su-hyeok let out a low groan.
This time, it felt burdensome.
Deep down, he wanted to say it.
Gather only the nations friendly to Korea and spill.
But too many issues.
'We really don't know either.'
JYS. What could you pinpoint from initials alone?
Countless registered hunters at the bureau.
They'd narrowed it to matching initials.
Tracked them down, interrogated.
Always came up empty.
A man who dropped from the sky.
That's what JYS was.
That's why this summit put them at a disadvantage.
They didn't know identity or info.
So improvise and deflect.
Fortunately, Lee Su-hyeok had a plan.
"We'll announce everything when the time comes. Please wait patiently."
"Is there a reason?"
"Of course. Do you know the current situation at Korea's Tower of Despair?"
They'd checked the news.
Hottest nation on earth.
So they knew the situation.
But was that a problem for awakeners?
"We can't even approach the Tower of Despair entrance."
Lee Su-hyeok added the clincher.
He displayed photos.
Excavation done, but everyone's backed off.
They're blasting water underground nonstop.
Construction underway nearby.
"From alpha particles to neutrons. Korea's Tower of Despair situation is utterly hopeless. Who'd have imagined such a vicious radiation mass buried underground..."
They'd awakened something nasty deep below.
It was blocking underground access.
Everyone knew this much.
Another nation jumped in, right on cue.
Mostly China and Japan.
"So JYS pierced that extreme zone to tackle the Tower of Despair? Unbelievable. Witnessing a human rights violation like this in the 22nd century. I'm appalled."
"Heavens, how are they feeding him? Are you properly supporting the JYS who saved Korea?"
Sneers poured in.
Followed by pressure.
"If I could meet JYS, I'd love to make a proposal. China is ready to operate the tower safely and provide full support."
"Japan would like to propose as well. We'd love to meet JYS, abandon this inhumane lock-in-and-clear method, and plan a far more humane, safe approach."
Then they reached their conclusion.
"So Korea's in danger right now?"
"How about we help with this raid?"
They smelled blood.
Already squeezed plenty from Korea.
Monster Impact apologies, intel fees, etc.
They planned to claw back more.
But Lee Su-hyeok just smiled.
"Your proposals are deeply appreciated, but we're fine."
Lee Ha-rin of Geon-gon Guild. He'd gotten her report.
"JYS isn't unable to come out. He can whenever he wants. We're respecting his will, and through him, we've secured safety measures for this incident."
JYS alone could safely enter and exit the tower.
Not inhumane.
Just honoring his wishes.
—A well-intentioned lie.
"So Korea will state its position when the time is right. Thank you for the proposals."
Lee Su-hyeok bowed politely, ending the exchange.
Clean, perfect shutdown of the controversy.
"Ahem, so sharing info is off the table, then."
Chinese Chairman Mao Lung kept pressing.
But the agenda was done.
It fizzled out.
"Then let's discuss establishing a real-time info-sharing system for when the raid happens, and swift contingency plans."
Mark Rowaine finally looked away from Lee Su-hyeok.
He got it now.
Hunter laws set by the international community.
No sob stories about "for humanity" would get info.
Pay the fair price.
And right now—with only -1 floor barely cleared.
Korea held -4 floor intel.
Korea was absolute top dog.
If they demanded it, you'd hand over everything for scraps of info.
All resources diverted to raid prep.
Emergency crisis.
No one could touch Korea.
'Thank you, JYS.'
All thanks to one powerhouse.
"I'm glad my report helped. Yes. We'll respond if something happens. President. Goodbye."
Lee Ha-rin ended the call.
Lee Su-hyeok's thanks.
Good timing on the report.
'JYS gave me a buff to protect Korea from the raid.'
What a coincidence.
He hadn't left the Tower of Despair.
But the buff timing was suspicious.
'You can't give this buff without leaving the tower and checking the situation.'
Lee Ha-rin checked the buff again.
Ah, JYS.
Always so gracious.
Without him, they'd still be stalled.
'And lately, the prayers are bearing fruit.'
Lee Ha-rin had founded a religion.
One believer. Worshipping one god.
That god's name was JYS.
"This prophecy too shall come to pass."
⟨ Prophet's Oracle ⟩
Lee Ha-rin finished her brief prayer and stood.
Time was approaching.
Most guilds were already gathered.
Outside the tower, beyond radiation reach.
Awaiting the raid's start.
Earth Quest: Succeed in the Raid
[00:03]
Just 3 minutes until raid portal opens.
Right on cue, another call.
Taeguk Guild Leader, Kang Gut-geon.
-Lee Ha-rin. You really not coming?
"I already explained everything. I have to honor JYS's will."
-Sigh, what the hell's his will? Why can't you just answer? So frustrating.
"Can't say. So focus on keeping yourself and your guild alive, Kang Gut-geon. That's what JYS wants too."
-Fine, got it. Told all the other leaders. They said if it doesn't go as you claim, it's on you. Not that I don't support you. We got help from a noble benefactor, after all. Hahaha!
Can't face JYS himself, so he jokes like that.
Only Kang Gut-geon understood Lee Ha-rin.
"Got it. Let's all do our best from our positions."
-Yeah. Let's cheer on our allied guilds!
No plans to buddy up with them.
Lee Ha-rin cut the call abruptly.
She pulled up the prophecy.
Another curt prophecy.
Honestly, not sure if it's even a prophecy.
Feels more like a message to her.
But if following it leads to a good outcome.
Isn't that prophecy enough?
'Gave me the perfect buff too.'
That's why Lee Ha-rin skipped the tower.
Geon-gon had set up camp near the hospital.
Time drew near.
All channels broadcasting live.
-Breaking now: Korea's top 10 guilds entering the raid gate! Geon-gon alone sits out the raid for unclear reasons...
Raid gate opened.
All prepared hunters rushed in.
Lee Ha-rin turned off the TV.
Stepped out, leaped to the rooftop.
Shuuu!
Body enhanced by her innate ability, Heavenly Killing Star.
Easy climb to the roof.
The distant tower visible to the naked eye.
"Hm. Tough after all, huh."
Dropouts already pouring out.
Faces pale as sheets.
Emerging from the massive gate, trembling.
Waiting paramedics helped them.
A few reporters stuck close.
Asking what they saw, the environment, etc.
They babbled incoherently.
"M-my, myy, my magic wouldn't come out. Sucked it all in. My mana too. N-next to me, my, my teammate too."
"It's over. Korea's done for! No hunter can stop what's coming out! U, uwaaa!"
Some lost their minds.
Howling, fleeing.
Nowhere to run.
Desperate escapes.
'What the hell's in there?'
Raid gates were special.
Gate breaks too.
Unlike normal gates.
Didn't explode if left alone.
'Must enter immediately upon spawn. Explodes if all entrants die or exit.'
So Lee Ha-rin counted.
Exited hunters.
Still inside.
'Ten left now.'
Faster dropouts than expected.
Already on overseas news.
Raid status reports.
'Korea's gonna be first.'
Not for success.
For gate break.
Soon.
One left.
Dropout rate spiking.
Only Kang Gut-geon inside.
He got flung out.
His body reinforcement roar reached even here.
"Everyone, run!!!"
No. 1 Tower of Despair clearer.
But No. 1 raid failure speed.
No time to dwell on the shame.
Cracks spiderwebbed across the gate behind Kang Gut-geon.
Craaaack!
Fissures spread like shattered glass.
The dimensional door burst.
Rooooar!
A colossal monster emerged.
Storm-wrapped beast.
Its breath shaped ambient mana.
Blue particles sucked into its maw.
"W-what the hell is that?"
Its sheer size and pressure made her tremble.
From this distance, even.
Lee Ha-rin hugged her shoulders unconsciously.
Unseen monster. But strong.
How many S-rank hunters needed?
Several, at least, to take it down?
'Can't even gauge it. That monster.'
Could it really be slain?
In this crisis—by JYS alone?
"I believe in you, JYS."
Lee Ha-rin prayed.
Used the buff as requested.
Emergency Counter Formation.
Safe zone formed instantly.
All life shifted outside the radius.
A blink, and she landed safely.
A translucent sphere now before her eyes.
"This is the safe zone."
Lee Ha-rin stared at her creation.
First time seeing such a massive area.
Applies only to enemies and summoned.
Everything inside fully protected.
Meaning...
'JYS is in there.'
Lee Ha-rin approached the sphere, reached out.
No matter the force, impenetrable.
Craved to see him.
But reality denied it.
As regret chewed at her.
A grateful alert arrived.
+ Massive EXP gained!
+ Level Up!
+ Level Up!
+ Level Up!
Passive tough to level, synergizing with Heavenly Killing Star.
Jumped three levels at once.
In gratitude, Lee Ha-rin knelt.
Regardless of onlookers, prayed before the sphere.
'Please protect Korea, JYS.'
"What? Summoned me already?"
How long since I sent the message?
Pulled my hand from my pants.
Was scratching an itch on my butt.
Nobody saw, right?
Good, all clear.
I took a deep breath in the open expanse.
"Hoo, fresh air after so long."
Trapped in a giant sphere, sure.
But spacious compared to the tower.
Familiar Korean scenery around.
"What caused the emergency?"
Days pondering my new skill.
Couldn't use recklessly, so reread and mulled.
Real combat debut.
Enormous shadow overhead.
I looked up.
"You? Flying worm?"
Roooar!
Roared back at my words.
Mana Eater.
The culprit plunging Korea into crisis.
It began sucking ambient mana.
Familiar pattern now.
Captured it countless times in retries.
"Guess you're my first guinea pig."
I casually clapped my palms together.
Steepled hands aimed at it.
Middle fingers pointed like a gun.
Mana Eater's maw glowed blue too.
Breath attack incoming.
But I didn't dodge.
"Whose breath is stronger? Yours or my skill?"
I glanced aside briefly.
Toward Dawn University Hospital.
Where family was hospitalized.
Dying to go.
But not yet.
"Fire away."
Kwaaaaah!!!
World flashed at my mutter.
Blue pillar of ruin surged.
Changes in my palm too.
Dark interior blazed bright.
I recalled the skill.
(NEW!) Energy Release Lv 1
-Converts 1g of body calories to U-235. Triggers nuclear fission inside pressed palms, releasing massive thermal energy.
Hunters' aces: skills.
Mine was simple.
Convert eaten calories to uranium.
Body's self-power generation.
Nuclear fission energy surges.
Immense power condensed in my palm.
"Grk!"
Crackle! Zzzzap!
Air ionized around.
Sparking plasma sprayed everywhere.
Air boiled, road melted.
But I endured.
Rapid Digestion for massive strength boost.
Bore the palm pressure.
Body repeated destruction and regen in instants.
"Raaagh!"
Flashing agony matched the turmoil.
All endured.
Instant prep done.
Oncoming breath split.
―――――!!!
Beam shot between middle fingers.
Yellow thermal energy ray.
Sliced breath, space, the beast.
Mana Eater skewered on the yellow rod.
Rod vanished soon after.
Thud...
It plummeted pathetically.
Long body center blazed.
Sizzling black hole bored lengthwise.
Instant death.
Korea.
No. 1 raid failure speed.
But No. 1 raid boss subjugation speed.
Unaware of the new record.
I just gawked.
"Th-this is a Lv 1 skill's power?"
+ Energy Release Level Up!
No, Lv 2 now.
Anyway, expected weak at first.
Prep to dodge, even.
Unnecessary power.
But more surprises.
Earth Quest Clear!
🎁 Rewards distributed by contribution!
Earth Quest? Rewards by contribution?
"What's this?"
Dazed, but hey, rewards.
No reason to refuse.
Korea's might revealed to the world.
Fruits of one man's labor.
Flawless 100%.
No, nobody even scratched the Mana Eater?
'This real?'
Accidentally soloed the rewards too.
My jaw dropped.