Chapter 69
Chapter 69
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 69
Chapter Title: 1+1 (2)
[Several hours later, at the entrance to the Panama Canal.]
"Ah, what the hell are these crazy bastards."
Stepping onto the deck of the USS Illinois in San Diego, American A-Rank Hunter Martin—better known to the public as Spear Wing—couldn't believe the scene unfolding ahead.
"No, what the hell are these lunatics doing?"
"...Taking their spots?"
"What?"
"Spots. I heard it's a term that pops up a lot in the Korean gaming industry?"
Martin jumped in surprise at the female hunter Crimson Witch, who had decided to join him on the battlefield and was now standing right beside him.
One reason was that she rarely mingled or chatted with anyone normally.
The other was her outfit—
"Are you cosplaying right now?"
"Yeah."
"Why?"
"Signed a contract. It's a collab deal—wear the costume, perform, and get paid."
"Whoa."
It looked exactly like something straight out of a comic book.
"You always hated people saying your ability was just like some comic book character..."
"Back then, I wasn't getting paid for it. Now I am. Anyway, are those guys even sane?"
Crimson Witch pointed at the masses piled up at the Panama Canal entrance.
"Do they really think blocking the canal with container ships will stop us from entering the Tower?"
"Hmm..."
The path leading into the Panama Canal entrance.
For some reason, three cargo ships had collided and were blocking the way in.
"When did the accident happen?"
"Five minutes ago."
"...Of all times, five minutes ago?"
"Pretty blatant, right?"
Rumble...
The Illinois began slowing down gradually.
Up until now, they'd been charging full speed ahead along the route, but they had to ease off before the canal entrance.
Especially with multiple cargo ships crashed right in front.
"Clearing those out is gonna take forever. Anything from the Panama side?"
"News says they're clearing it as fast as possible, but you think they're really trying? This is just them stalling."
"Why?"
"Who knows. Maybe people who got fat off the blocked canal, or folks who just don't like Master tackling the Tower. Oh, wait—you're one of that lunatic's fans, aren't you?"
"What are you talking about? Hand the presidency to a guy like that, and America turns into a gangster state."
Spear Wing cleared his throat and tapped the American flag emblem pinned to his shoulder.
"He sends Master to help countries suffering from Towers and then squeezes them for resources. Not that Master would actually do that."
"Right. The problem is... those kinds of people exist."
Crimson Witch made a circle with her fingers.
"While they strand those cargo ships, someone's plotting something to buy time."
"Ha, this is insane. They're not shorting Panama Canal closures or anything, so why block it like this?"
"Who knows, maybe they are. Imagine if Master wasn't around—what would happen to Earth?"
"Same as before, or worse—the cycle repeats. Rich folks trying to get even richer off it. Tsk."
Both hunters sighed in unison.
"That money's worthless if Earth goes under."
"Doubt it. They probably think they've got bunkers underground to ride it out."
"When all of humanity's doomed and we can't even escape to space yet?"
"Exactly why they're crazy... Huh?"
Rumble...
Suddenly, the Illinois started picking up speed.
"W-Wait a sec. Master? Master!?"
"He can't hear us yelling, but... you don't think he floored the boosters from the bridge, right?"
"...Jump?"
There was no sign of slowing down, stranded ships or not.
And—
BOOOOM!!
The Illinois treated the wrecks like mere obstacles and plowed straight ahead.
As if stepping over them with its bow guardrail, it literally climbed over the blockade and thrust its nose into the Panama Canal entrance.
"Ha, haha..."
Skreeeeech!!
For a moment, they worried about explosions or casualties under the ships, but the Illinois pressed on without hesitation.
"Crimson. Any signs of life in there?"
"None at all. They crashed on purpose—no way people were aboard."
As if it knew the ships were empty.
"What if they'd loaded them with people to threaten us?"
"...Wouldn't have blasted them with the main guns, probably jumped over instead?"
Passing the ships blocking the entrance, the Illinois proudly entered the Panama Canal and headed toward the Tower floating in the middle.
"Master's incredible."
"...Think he'll pop out and show his face once we enter the dungeon?"
The hunters' gazes turned toward the bridge—invisible from outside—sending trusting nods to whoever was inside.
And on the Illinois's bridge.
Beep-beep, bleep, beep-beep.
The bridge, operated entirely by the ship's computer AI, was empty of any presence.
Bleeep.
Countless screens glowed on their own, executing pre-programmed commands.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "They're really going all out with the nonsense. Dry, any word from the ship owners?"
"Hmm... Not total idiots, apparently. Culprits surfaced, but the big shots pulling strings? No digital trail."
Dry, steering with one hand, shook the hacking smartphone in the other.
"Looks like they used people to hand-deliver physical letters."
"Unbelievable."
"Dodged CCTV as much as possible, but there's vehicle traces up to a certain point. Keep digging?"
"Nah, no need for you to handle it personally."
I took the smartphone from Dry.
"Hand it off to Intelligence—they'll find 'em."
"Might not."
"Doesn't matter right now. Just leave a warning."
With CIA and FBI on the move, they won't scheme easily.
They wanted time—we needed it too.
Time to clear the S-Rank Tower before they could conspire.
"Master. Why would they block the canal...?"
"Eh, power play, nya."
Kiharu answered Elaine's question.
"Master clears Panama's Tower, so Panama owes him something. They're rallying public opinion, pressuring congressmen to squeeze President Luigi."
"......."
"Partner. Anything you want from Panama?"
"Free passage rights?"
I pointed at the Panama Canal on the screen showing the Illinois just before Tower entry.
"Like an express lane for the Illinois? No tolls."
"What if ships are ahead?"
"They'd have the decency. We'd book ahead, stick to slots. Unless it's urgent—then straight in—but otherwise, clear time for the Illinois."
To zip between Pacific and Atlantic, free canal access is key.
But I don't plan to abuse it.
"Kiharu. Know why I skipped China's and Japan's S-Rank Towers for America?"
"'Cause you hate China and Japan?"
"Not just hate... They pulled that crap with Korea's S-Rank Towers."
Back then, yeah.
Jeju, Dokdo—articles about 'clear it, then hand over this' pissed me off.
Economically, politically? Smart move.
Europe even cedes territory officially for Tower clears.
"Towers risk lives, sure—but using 'em for bullying, profits, padding pockets... Possible, yeah."
If I'd grown up seeing that as normal.
"But as average Joe A, nah."
Watching news of helpless folks getting screwed? No way I'd squeeze excessive gains from S-Rank Towers.
Just two things.
Summon Shard from clearing S-Rank Tower (1/6).
Not literal item, but figuratively.
And genuine thanks from the heart.
If truly grateful, they'll offer 'this much is fair' on their own.
Of course.
If it's insulting—like treating me like a sucker—I don't step in personally.
President Luigi.
He'll handle the tuning.
"...Kiharu."
"Yeah."
"If President Luigi died or vanished, who becomes president?"
"VP takes over. Candidates push 'can't be without prez amid world threats' and prep elections."
"...About your ability."
"No dice, nya."
Kiharu shook her head firmly.
"Game terms: Works on player characters, not NPCs."
"Even with goddess power?"
"Possible, sure. But..."
She pointed at me, raising one finger.
"Remember—my resurrection stacks are always for you, partner."
"......."
"Whoever succeeds Luigi, someone's prez eventually. He said use him, right?"
"...Yeah. Guess hearing 'friend' so much made me think of him that way."
Friend.
Anyone making a 2 billion-view video and revenue? You'd prioritize their safety.
That's why—clear S-Rank Towers faster.
Summon the fifth, options explode.
"Commander. Right ahead—charge straight in?"
Perfect timing—we'd reached Crater Lake National Park.
A single Tower stretching from the massive lake's center.
America's second S-Rank Tower.
"Yeah."
"Eyes on us?"
"World's glued to Panama—no way anyone's at this quiet park... Well, it is S-Rank."
"Elaine, handle it."
"Yes, sir."
Car stops at the lot; Elaine hops out, opens my door.
"CCTV hack done~ Poof."
"Master. All good?"
"Do it."
Dry seizes all local data; Elaine opens the door, extends her hand.
And I—
"Pardon me."
Got princess-carried by Elaine.
Embarrassing? Hell yeah.
If spotted, mega awkward—but no time to chat.
Whoosh!
Elaine kicks off at full speed toward the S-Rank Tower.
World blurs; we're inside instantly.
"Tower, Master."
"Yeah. Tower. ...Elaine. Shouldn't you set me down?"
We're in.
I can walk now.
"If combat demands me, sure—but here?"
She gestures around.
Jungle like the Amazon rainforest.
Vast forest impassable by Illinois—we're in it.
"If I need to fight that far, I'll set you down. Focus on the Tower ahead, Master."
"......."
"Lying on a moving sofa gaming—comfiest position, right?"
Elaine grins, gripping my arm and thigh tight.
"No ulterior motives, I swear."
"Fair point~"
Tat-tat-tat!
"I'll guard you—so relax, Commander☆"
"...Gotta summon a suit character later. Mobile tank to carry me."
Comfy in her arms, but still.
"Whew. Good thing..."
Flicker.
"Even different Towers—control works."
The Illinois from the Summon Management app materialized.
"Wanna bet?"
"Bet?"
"I clear Panama Canal first with Illinois—my win. You guard me, clear here first—yours."
"......."
"Huh?"
Elaine gently sets me down, draws her waist sword.
"Alliance just this once, Dry."
"Sure, I'm game~"
"......."
"Commander."
Kiharu pats my shoulder.
"Think up your wish now, nya."
....
I have to win.