Chapter 68: 5th Floor (6)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 68: 5th Floor (6)
— Breaking News: Wang Kai of China, officially the world’s highest-level Climber, has died in battle against Saram123 on the 5th Floor...
The rumors of Wang Kai’s death, which had been spreading like wildfire, were finally confirmed. Media outlets across the globe scrambled to deliver the breaking news.
[Lemon: But seriously, this makes no sense. How did Saram123, who’s only Level 40, kill Wang Kai?]
[LizardTail: If you look at the difficulty of the Branch Towers he’s cleared, he was never actually at a Level 40 skill level.]
[Cocktail: I heard Wang Kai didn't even stand a chance... Surely that’s an exaggeration, right?]
[Heo Gang: I don't know. From what I’ve heard, the rumors are actually understating it.]
[Hando: Isn't the Security Force going to release an official statement or something?]
[French: I heard the Security Force is currently under a gag order.]
As the debate grew more heated regarding Saram123’s true strength, his nationality, and the specific reasons for his clash with Wang Kai, Alex, the Captain of the Security Force, posted a message on the communication window.
It was the official position of the Security Force.
[Mountain Range: This is Alex, Captain of the Security Force on the 5th Floor. I am here to clarify the facts and our position regarding the recent incident.
A dispute arose in Zone 3 between the Security Force and the Black Star Society over hunting ground territory. This led to a direct clash, resulting in several casualties on both sides. Five members of our Security Force were killed, and three members of the Black Star Society were killed.
In the midst of that situation, Wang Kai and I arrived at the scene. We agreed to settle the matter through a one-on-one duel, with the loser admitting fault. I lost to Wang Kai and conceded, but Wang Kai then attempted to massacre every member of the Security Force present.
At that moment, Saram123 intervened to protect the Security Force and mediate the fight. Saram123 repeatedly warned Wang Kai to stop, but Wang Kai ignored him and instead continued to threaten and attack Saram123. Ultimately, Wang Kai was killed by Saram123’s counterattack.
It was Wang Kai who attacked Saram123 first, and it was Wang Kai who ignored multiple warnings to stop. I want to make this point absolutely clear. Saram123’s killing of Wang Kai was a perfect case of self-defense, and our Security Force owes our lives to him...]
The long, detailed statement clarified the situation. It was the final nail in the coffin for the circulating rumors.
[SeaDragon: I knew it. Those Black Star Society bastards are always the same.]
[Fantasy: Saram123 killed someone? Honestly, whose fault do you think it was? It’s obvious the dead guy deserved it without even looking, right?]
[Necromancer: Wang Kai was a total lunatic. He actually dared to try and kill Saram123?]
[Webby: My brain literally can't process this... Unless you're determined to end the world, how can you do something that stupid?]
[WinterWind: For real, even someone with anger issues should suddenly find their self-control when facing him lol.]
[Coffee: China needs to release an apology or a statement right now.]
The arrows of public outrage were instantly aimed at the Black Star Society and China. A few Chinese Climbers tried to defend Wang Kai and criticize Saram123’s actions, but they were buried under a landslide of fury from the public.
It was a relief that Saram123 was stronger than Wang Kai; if Wang Kai had been stronger and something had happened to Saram123? The mere thought was horrifying. The world would have truly been doomed.
Soon, the Black Star Society’s statement was also posted.
[Dark Horn: The Security Force’s position is completely different from the truth; they are maliciously framing us.]
However, their account was the exact opposite of the Security Force’s. They claimed the Captain’s words were lies, that the Security Force had attacked first, and that Wang Kai had never threatened or attacked Saram123.
Rather, they claimed Saram123 had intimidated Wang Kai and then ambushed and killed him as he was trying to retreat... That was the summary of their lengthy statement.
[Bluebird: I literally have no words for this bullshit lol.]
[SafeDriving: They’re impressive in a different way, honestly.]
[Dofre: Saram123 ambushed Wang Kai... Do they seriously think anyone is going to believe that?]
Of course, since there were no other witnesses, only the Security Force and the Black Star Society members present knew the absolute truth. But the side the people believed was, naturally, the Security Force.
More accurately, they believed in Saram123.
Saram123 was the hero who had saved humanity multiple times, taken on penalties himself to nullify the 3-Year Rule, and sacrificed more for mankind than anyone else. Between Saram123 and Wang Kai, who would common sense suggest had instigated the fight?
Various nations, including the United States, issued strong statements condemning Wang Kai and China. And before long, the Chinese government’s official statement was released...
“These are lies, propaganda, and framing thoroughly concocted by forces hostile to China. We will never bow our heads against the truth...”
Even China’s official stance was: Wang Kai did nothing wrong, and we will never apologize. As the Chinese government, having lost Wang Kai, went into a frenzy, public opinion flared up even more.
* * *
Zhongnanhai, China. A meeting of the Standing Committee.
The atmosphere in the conference room, where all members of the Standing Committee including President Ziyuan were gathered, was heavy and somber.
Wang Kai’s death. The damage China was suffering because of it was all-encompassing. Losing Wang Kai himself—the record holder for Hard difficulty and the world’s highest-level Climber—was a massive loss. Furthermore, the Mana Vein in Chongqing had been deactivated, as if his ownership of the Branch Tower had been voided...
And now that Saram123 was involved, China was facing a crisis in international politics, receiving condemnation and censure from the entire world.
Wang Kai, that reckless brat, had gone and left behind a massive pile of shit before dying.
President Ziyuan had devised a plan to overcome this situation. His power within the Party had already been growing precarious over the last few years due to economic and various other issues. If he were to simply admit fault now, on top of the damage already sustained, China’s prestige would hit rock bottom, which would serve as a catalyst for his internal standing to crumble once again.
The whole world was attacking China, but since ancient times, external attacks were an opportunity to solidify internal unity. This was all a plot by Western powers against China; an act of aggression. China was more skilled than anyone at framing things this way.
Externally, they would evade responsibility and let the situation drag on. Internally, they would incite and inspire the people—whose pride was wounded by Wang Kai’s death and whose dissatisfaction was mounting due to the global criticism—to solidify support. It was a perfect plan.
Saram123 hadn't said anything yet, but what if he threatened to give up on the raid again? Even then, Ziyuan intended to hold his ground until the end. Would only China be finished? The whole world would go down together.
Besides, looking at Saram123’s track record, there was no way he would actually give up on the Nightmare raid. Surely he wouldn't let all of humanity die just because of a lack of an apology.
“There is no need to waver. If we just hold our ground without backing down...”
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Suddenly, the sound of gunfire erupted from outside the conference room. President Ziyuan and the committee members jumped to their feet in shock.
“What is that sound?”
The doors to the conference room burst open, and agents from the Central Security Bureau rushed in.
“You must evacuate... Gack!”
At that moment, another agent flying in from outside slammed into the agent who had opened the door, pinning him against the wall. A figure walked into the conference room with a beaming smile.
“Everyone, please stay seated. You look quite startled.”
It was Ye Chenwei, China’s representative Nightmare Climber. Several agents followed him in, surrounding the President and the committee members.
Ye Chenwei took the seat at the head of the table. He smoothed back his slightly disheveled hair with a blood-stained hand. He looked around at the stunned President and committee members.
“I assume you all understand the situation?”
“...”
“Let’s keep this clean and orderly. If anyone wants to die an ugly death, raise your hand now.”
Naturally, no one raised their hand.
* * *
After the incident in Zone 3, I intended to stay away from the 5th Floor until the situation settled down to some extent.
Looking at the communication window and the news, everyone seemed to be taking my side and the Security Force’s side. I had expected as much. There was also a lot of chatter about my personal information—that I was Korean, a young man, what my face looked like, how tall I was...
Some of it was accurate, but there were even more false rumors, so I figured I didn't need to worry about that part.
[Chicken Sandwich: I am so glad you are safe, Mr. Kim. If there is anything you need my help with, please do not hesitate to ask.]
Villon also sent a message checking in on me. He said his heart nearly stopped when he heard the news. I replied telling him not to worry, as I didn't have a single scratch on me.
Anyway, I didn't post anything on the communication window myself. The Security Force had already said everything that needed to be said in their statement. And then the Black Star Society posted their rebuttal...
It was honestly laughable. I thought they might at least stay quiet, but they were actually framing me. Even the Chinese government stepped in and issued a statement that wasn't much different.
I didn't really think much of it. If you have no expectations, you can't be disappointed.
Keep barking if you want. What can you even do about it?
Just as I was thinking it was about time to head back to the 5th Floor, something unexpected happened again.
“...The death of Climber Wang Kai was clearly a disaster of his own making, and we deeply regret our Party’s failure in management. We express our profound regret and offer a sincere apology to Saram123. Furthermore, on behalf of the deceased Wang Kai, we apologize to the citizens of the world for putting the globe at risk through such foolish actions...”
Suddenly, China did a complete 180 and issued a new statement. Even President Ziyuan himself appeared, looking haggard, to read the apology. The following words were quite lengthy.
“...As the supreme leader of the Party, I failed to fulfill my responsibilities and caused national isolation by creating unnecessary external friction. Furthermore, along with my deteriorating health, I have realized that I no longer possess the political or moral qualifications to lead this great nation. Therefore, I, Ziyuan, have decided to immediately step down from all positions, including General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, President of the State, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, as of today...”
Wow. What is this?
It seemed a coup had taken place in China.
* * *
The briefing room of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Photos of various key figures of the Chinese Communist Party, including President Ziyuan, were pinned to the screen in front.
“...The coup was carried out incredibly quickly and efficiently. It is estimated that they secured all members of the Standing Committee, including President Ziyuan, at once by targeting the time of their meeting.”
“That couldn't have been easy.”
“It appears they flipped some of the Central Security Bureau agents and simply broke through others, based on various circumstances...”
“If they mobilized Climber forces, it would have been a sure thing.”
The agent giving the briefing nodded.
“This coup would have been impossible unless it had been thoroughly planned from the beginning. They executed it boldly, taking advantage of the moment internal unity wavered after Wang Kai’s death.”
They forced the President to resign, stripped the President and the Standing Committee of their authority, declared a state of emergency, and formed an emergency response committee to secure a justification for seizing power without any friction. It was a seamless process.
He pointed a laser pointer at the photos, which were connected by lines like a spiderweb.
“The one who has currently seized full power of the Party is Hao Ran, the top man in the military. And the key figures confirmed to be involved are Long Weige, Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, and Xiao Lin, a member of the Central Committee...”
The laser pointer, which had been moving across the photos, stopped on one.
“...And most importantly, the core figure. Ye Chenwei.”
China’s Nightmare 4th Floor Climber. He was also the third son of Ye Chenze, a former Vice President and an elder of the Dajin faction, the largest faction within the Chinese Communist Party.
Because of this background, Ye Chenwei was someone the US had been watching closely for a long time. A man who could be called the elite of the Party’s elites was challenging the Nightmare difficulty at the front lines alongside America’s Taylor, excluding Saram123.
Since he was someone who rarely appeared in public, they hadn't grasped much about him until now, but...
“After synthesizing all the information, we judge there is a very high probability that this Ye Chenwei led this coup.”
“...Are you saying Ye Chenwei is the shadow power behind Hao Ran?”
“It’s difficult to determine exactly how much power Ye Chenwei holds, but the possibility is high.”
If that were the case, it meant a Climber had directly seized power over the Chinese Communist Party. The expressions of the CIA agents hardened grimly.
“This might be an unprecedented situation... We need to figure out what kind of person Ye Chenwei is in more detail.”
After the coup, using the mouth of former President Ziyuan, China suddenly took a stance of fully admitting their faults. Even that was an action with an unknown motive. Was it to add justification for the coup?
But rather than just being vague, fully admitting fault was an action that brought more loss than gain to China, no matter how you looked at it. Whether Ye Chenwei had truly seized power, why he was acting this way, and what his vision and goals were—the CIA agents couldn't help but feel a headache coming on, thinking about how busy they were going to be from now on.
* * *
[Dark Horn: The statement released by the Security Force is the absolute truth without a single lie, and everything was the fault of the deceased Wang Kai and our Black Star Society. We offer our deepest apologies to Saram123 for all the wrongs we have committed...]
After the coup in China, their attitude changed as if they had become different people. The Black Star Society, which had released the false statement, also posted a new apology to Saram123.
[Flowerbed: But aren't they bowing down a bit too much?]
[AssaultRifle: What do you mean 'too much'? If they have a human conscience, that’s what they should do.]
[Radki: I mean, for China, it’s unusual.]
People felt that things were finally returning to normal, but they were also a bit puzzled. While the situation shifted wildly over just a few days, Saram123, as expected, did not release any statement. Since he was that kind of person, everyone just accepted it.
The Wang Kai incident was being wrapped up like that, and public interest shifted from China back to the information revealed about Saram123.
A high-rise building in Beijing, China.
“Tell me how Wang Kai died. Exactly as you saw it,” Ye Chenwei said, sitting in a chair while fiddling with an object that looked like a rosary.
An executive of the Black Star Society standing before him answered in a nervous voice.
“I... I don't know. Saram123 fired something like a black beam.”
“And?”
“...When the black beam hit Wang Kai, he just vanished. That... that really is all.”
Ye Chenwei let out a chuckle. “I see. You may leave.”
The Black Star Society executive left the room. Ye Chenwei spun his chair around and looked down at the scenery outside the building.
“As expected...”
He truly was an incredible person. Of course, someone like Wang Kai couldn't even be compared to him, but to think there was such a massive gap.
Thanks to Saram123 killing Wang Kai, he was able to execute his plan at the perfect time. Now, most of the power of the Chinese Communist Party was within Ye Chenwei’s grasp. At the very least, China would no longer interfere with that man’s path.
Ye Chenwei smiled and continued to fiddle with the object in his hand. It was a rosary with a metal ornament in the shape of a person, engraved with the number 123.
It was a symbol no different from the emblem of the Cult of Saram123.