After finishing his business at the Awakened Management Office, Juhyeok quickly returned home. His heart was racing. Joy, when shared, multiplies.
After quickly summoning his designated familiars, he announced, “Come and see this freshly repaired, piping hot rune!”
Juhyeok held out the Trait Enhancement Rune as if it were a royal horse pass[1].
“Huk! A-a Trait Enhancement? Is this a dream or reality, sir?” Kozak scurried over, his back bent low. “That was truly a magnificent choice, sir! What would we have done if you had listened to me back then and used the scroll on the Holy Sword?”
“I just had a feeling. That I had to try this on the broken rune.”
Kozak rubbed his palms together, playing along. “Hehehe, as expected of Master Summoner Bong. You are so very wise, sir.”
“Hahaha, what do you mean, wise? I was just lucky.”
“Aigoo, isn’t luck a skill too, sir? Hehehehe!”
The other summons, as well.
“Good. This is good! The warrior is also very happy.”
“The heavens have been moved by my lord’s sincerity. A dance is flowing out of me on its own.”
“Victory! May infinite glory light the Commander’s path!”
“Hoeeeeee!”
They all rejoiced together.
“Please eat it quickly while it’s still warm, sir. I shall fetch a glass of water so you don’t choke while eating.”
Kozak was in full-on loyal subject mode these days. The effect of the badge was certainly significant.
In any case, it was best to eat it quickly. It was a repaired item, with the fragments hastily glued together. The repaired parts could fall off at any moment. Juhyeok quickly popped the rune into his mouth. The moment it touched his tongue, the Trait Enhancement Rune dissolved and slid down his throat.
[Your Awakening Trait is being enhanced.]
The status window?
It was fantastic. Six simultaneous summons. He felt full without even eating. His summons applauded, and he raised a hand in response.
“Let’s proceed with the event.”
“Are we going straight to the random summon, sir?”
“No. That’s the second part of the event. The first part is the public commendation.”
Juhyeok looked at Razix with a pleased smile and said, “Mr. Razix, step forward.”
“Hoeng!”
Tumble, tumble. Thud!
After taking out a Platinum Badge.
“In recognition of your great service in discovering the Trait Enhancement Rune fragments, which will be of immense help in future Tower ascents, I hereby award you this badge. The supplementary prize is a box of organic, pesticide-free carrots from Jeju Island.”
“Hoeeeee,”
Juhyeok pinned the badge on Razix’s dimensional backpack. Three glittering badges.
Puff!
Razix puffed out his chest and waddled around the living room on his short legs. Even the others had to acknowledge it. Because of Razix, the summoner had become stronger and safer.
“Worker Razix! Your form is insane, sir!”
“Congratulations. You are the world’s greatest servant. You have every right to be arrogant.”
“Quartermaster! I respect you. And I envy you.”
“Amazing, worker.”
“That’s three badges, sir. Aren’t they heavy? I can hold one for you.”
“Hwek!”
Razix’s face was filled with happiness.
“The second part of the event is the random summon. We’re finally getting one more person.”
A first meeting with someone new. It didn’t matter if they were male or female. He just hoped they were a normal person.
“And the third part is shopping. We’re going to run straight through to the fourth part, the after-party, so be prepared.”
“Ehh? I don’t think we’ll have enough time, sir.”
“We’ll take about a three-hour break in the middle and then meet up again for the after-party.”
“I’m curious about the after-party menu, sir.”
“Hmm, we have the perception-disrupting talismans… how about a top-tier buffet?”
“Eek! Gobang might get kicked out, sir.”
“…Really?”
Well, does he eat a lot? The beef restaurant they went to before would be better. This time, he would have to tell them to prepare 500 servings.
“When the new colleague arrives, please be nice to them. No hazing.”
“Hehehe, as their senior, I will teach them everything from A to Z.”
“The warrior will look after them, body and soul.”
“I am confident in my ability to train new recruits.”
“No matter how bad the pull, could they be worse than Gwangma?”
“Hoe.”
What kind of class would be good?
“Let’s all say what kind of colleague we want. For the record, I’m fine with anyone. Rank, gender, age, profession, none of it matters.”
Kozak spoke first.
“I’d like a Saint or a Priest, sir. A dignified noble who won’t yell at me and will let my noodle-slurping slide.”
Zing!
Gyeon Dallae shot Kozak a glare before speaking.
“…A Holy Knight would also be acceptable. A wise holy knight who can give my lord truthful advice, instead of a sycophantic flatterer.”
Veronica also chimed in.
“If a capable medic were to transfer in, I would train them well as their senior.”
And Gobang and Razix.
“The warrior’s mind would be at ease if the summoner had a dedicated healer.”
“Hoe-eh-eh, me too.”
They all wanted a holy-attribute colleague. Juhyeok didn’t think it was particularly necessary. Things were going very smoothly as they were. But he should respect his colleagues’ wishes. A healer could heal Gobang, who suffered alone while tanking, and could also create synergy with the shaman, Gyeon Dallae.
‘Please send just one holy-attribute colleague. It would be really great if they were mentally sound.’
And then,
“Random Summon!”
[Commencing Random Summon.]
“Drum-drum-drum-drum-drum-drum…”
With Kozak’s vocal drumroll, fwaaaah! The summon began. This was already the seventh random summon. It meant that six months had passed since he became a Player.
They’ll be a decent person, right? Among all those souls, surely there’s one normal one.
The motes of light gathered in one place, then began to form a human shape.
“Oh!”
“I’m nervous, sir.”
“It is a brilliant and bright light, my lord. I have a good feeling about this.”
“Huu-eh-eh.”
The light filled the penthouse living room. It didn’t fade easily. Finally, fwip-fwip-fwip-fwip!
The new summon finally revealed themselves. It was clear to see. He could even guess the class.
“…A knight?”
“Correct. They are wearing armor.”
“Aaaah, behold, my lord. It is radiant.”
“A Holy Knight, sir?”
“Buy what?”
“A Holy Knight.”
It seemed to be a Holy Knight. They were armed in shining plate armor. The surface of the armor was densely packed with sinister-looking spikes. The weapon in their hand was a metal flail, shrouded in a silvery membrane. It was undoubtedly radiance. A weapon and armor that emitted their own light. In other words, a Radiant Holy Knight.
A moment later, the light faded. The Holy Knight bowed his head to Juhyeok.
“Lucius Vardin, servant of the Divine Lord Nigel and His glorious sword, greets you, Summoner.”
“Haha, welcome.”
Aah. He could tell just from his tone of voice. A serious voice, a dignified demeanor. Finally, a normal summon had arrived. And a Holy Knight class, at that.
‘Then…’
He sneakily checked the status window category.
- Name: Lucius Vardin
- Rank: SR (Super Rare)
- Type: Holy Knight (Human)
- Manifestation Time: 6 hours
- Satisfaction Rating: None.
- Resummon Cooldown: 3 hours (applies after dismissal)
‘An Inquisitor?’
What was this? A wave of anxiety washed over him.
‘Somehow…’
Sad premonitions are never wrong, as they say.
Having finished his greeting with Juhyeok, Lucius Vardin’s face hardened as he shouted loudly.
“So the filthy heretics were all gathered here.”
Gasp.
Juhyeok and his summons all froze like ice.
“Cunning unbelievers! You are the very source that leads the Summoner down the path of heresy!”
It was getting worse.
“Summoner! Do not worry. I shall guide you to the righteous path. Repent and embrace the bosom of the Divine Lord.”
This was bad. He had summoned a religious fanatic.
Clank, clank.
Lucius Vardin, in his spiked armor, raised his flail and shouted.
“I must make an example!”
His eyes turned to Gyeon Dallae.
“It has been a long time since I have seen such a wicked witch! You are the main culprit who has bewitched the Summoner! Repent through death!”
At that very moment!
FWOOSH! A radiance so bright it was blinding erupted.
Simultaneously, SWOOSH!
Vardin brought his flail down on Gyeon Dallae’s head.
“Mr. Gobang!”
GRAB!
Gobang, who had been prepared, caught the flail’s handle.
“Ha! What are you? A barbarian? So that’s it. You’re all in it together. You filthy spawns of the devil!”
Ugh, I can’t listen to any more of this.
Juhyeok raised his hand to stop him.
“Enough!”
“Hah, Summoner, why do you stop me?” Vardin was completely agitated. “You are being deceived. Please, return to the Divine Lord Nigel and regain the light…”
“Mr. Vardin, don’t open your mouth.”
Juhyeok shouted firmly. And then,
“Mmph! Mm, mph! Mph! Mph!”
“Don’t even make that sound, and don’t move.”
“…”
At least he was obedient.
“Hooo.” A sigh escaped him automatically. Yes, this is the fate of a wimp man. I was wondering why my luck had been so good lately.
‘Is the princess okay?’
Gyeon Dallae seemed fine. Thankfully, she didn’t seem to be in shock. Vardin couldn’t do anything under Juhyeok’s command. In front of him stood Gobang with his fists clenched, Kozak with his daggers, Veronica aiming her magic rifle, and even Razix was glaring fiercely at Vardin with his golden pickaxe raised.
He took the chance to quickly check the background description.
- Lucius Vardin is an Inquisitor of the Nigel Holy Kingdom. He dedicated his life to judging and condemning heretics. His method of condemnation was execution; he killed and killed and killed again with his holy flail. Unbelievers, heretics, apostates, or witches—all were targets for Vardin’s repentance.
- He had no brakes. He refused orders to take it easy. It was either repentance or death; his holy flail was never dry of blood. Feeling threatened by this, the Pope of the Nigel Holy Kingdom excommunicated Vardin, and the Holy Knights captured him, framed him as the son of a witch, and burned him at the stake.
‘…Wow!’
The scenes flashed through his mind.
Repent!
- I-I will. Do not lie!
- P-please, spare… CRACK! Do you believe in the Divine Lord?
- I believe. I do. You are an unbeliever.
- N-no, what are you hearing… CRACK!
A crazy fanatic. Perhaps even crazier than Gwangma. The new colleague he had wanted so much. It was awkward to send him back. Could he be rehabilitated?
“Mr. Lucius Vardin?”
“…”
“From now on, any hostile acts towards your colleagues are forbidden. If you do something like this even once, I will send you back immediately.”
Vardin remained silent.
“You may answer.”
At the same time, a desperate plea burst forth.
“S-Summoner! It is not too late! Let us walk the path of repentance together. We must offer hymns and prayers. Please repeat after me. Our Divine Lord who art in heaven, today another lamb wanders the dark wilderness, lost…”
“Shh!”
“Mmph! Mm-mph.”
This was hopeless. There was no solution. He could clearly see what would happen if this man activated the Third Principle of the Summons. Even with six simultaneous summons, he didn’t want to put him in the party. He would rather wait another month and pull someone else.
“Go back to where you came from. I am dismissing your summon right now…”
Suddenly,
“Master Summoner Bong,” Kozak approached and whispered. “Please do not dismiss his summon yet, sir.”
“Why not?”
“I think he may be of use, sir.”
“A fanatic?”
Use him for what?
“Master Summoner Bong’s right arm, the genius of cunning plans, I will solve this, sir. Please leave it to me.”
“Hmm.”
Well then.
“Go ahead.”
“Yeahp!”
He was curious to see what he would do.
***
[Entering the 64th Floor of the Republic of Korea’s Black Tower.]
Upon entering, Kozak and Gobang were whispering to each other in a corner. Why did they want to come to the Tower? Juhyeok still didn’t know. What could they possibly do by bringing a fanatic to the Tower? Were they going to try and persuade him while hunting together? How would they stop him if a flail came flying at their backs while they were fighting ghouls, along with a cry of “Die, heretic!”? It was certainly possible. A mad holy knight who was armed with a misguided conviction, one who could cast aside even a knight’s pride for his blind faith.
Kozak spoke with a vicious smile.
“Gobang, let’s begin.”
Grooooow!
Gobang’s giantification skill. He grew and grew until he reached the cave ceiling. With his massive hands, he snatched up the Inquisitor Vardin’s body. Vardin couldn’t even resist. The difference in their size was on another level. If Gobang was a full-grown adult, Vardin was the size of a small dog like a Shih Tzu or a Maltese.
“Eek! What is this? Put me down! You filthy barbarian, you are no different from a spawn of the devil!”
Gobang paid him no mind. He gripped Vardin’s two ankles firmly in his right hand.
“The warrior is ready.”
Then Kozak spoke to Juhyeok.
“Master Summoner Bong, please order that Inquisitor to manifest his radiance.”
Radiance? Why here…?
‘Are they conducting some kind of experiment?’
To see if the mad Inquisitor’s radiance was also effective against the undead.
“Mr. Vardin.”
“Summoner! For my sake, punish these heretics! Re-establish the law of the Divine Lord Nigel!”
“…I get it, so just manifest your radiance.”
He was a fanatic, but he was also a summon, bound to obey the summoner’s command. Especially if it pertained to clearing the Tower.
“Let there be light!!!”
FWOOOOSH!
The Holy Knight and Inquisitor, Lucius Vardin, manifested a brilliant radiance from his entire body.
Thump-thump-thump-thump!
Gobang advanced, swinging Vardin’s body around and around.
‘What? Swinging him? He’s swinging him? Don’t tell me…’
Flinch.
The horde of ghouls retreated in fear.
“Kyaaaak!”
“Kekek!”
“Keek?”
Gobang slammed the Vardin in his hand into the group of ghouls.
SWOOOSH! POW!
Fssssss…
‘That crazy bastard Kozak!’
He couldn’t believe it. Juhyeok finally realized what Kozak meant by Vardin’s “use.”
‘He’s a human weapon.’
A concept he had never even imagined. He had forgotten. Just how crazy Kozak was.
Gobang was the same. He swung Vardin around and around without a single change in his expression.
“Y-you fiend! What are you doing? You devils…”
Then, when Vardin’s radiance weakened,
“Master Summoner Bong?”
“…Alright.”
Juhyeok spoke to Vardin again.
“Mr. Vardin, manifest radiance.”
“Let there be light!!!”
FWOOOOOSH!
SWOOSH! SWING! SWING!
POW! THWACK! THWACK!
The ghouls hit by the radiance disintegrated into dust. One hit and it was over. Even a graze turned them to dust.
“Our Gobang has a weapon now, sir. The Holy Sword is no comparison.”
Kozak said it with a broad grin, so nonchalantly. Juhyeok stared at him with a dumbfounded expression. Was it just Juhyeok? Gyeon Dallae was shaking her head back and forth. Veronica was just standing there with her magic rifle in hand, her mouth agape.
“Hueh.”
Razix seemed so shocked that he dropped the golden pickaxe in his hand.
In the midst of it all, the radiance weakened again.
“…Mr. Vardin, radiance.”
“Let there be light!!!”
FWOOOSH! SWOOOOOSH! POW-POW-POW-POW-POW!
Aaaah! Poor Lucius Vardin.
He wasn’t a voice-activated LED bulb.
“Vardin, radiance.”
“Let there be light!!!”
Fwaaat! Pow-pow-pow!
“Radiance.”
“Let there be light!!!”
Pow-pow-pow-pow!
…It was actually kind of fun, once he got into it. And he didn’t seem to be getting hurt much, thanks to his sturdy armor.
“Let there be light!!!”
Fwaaaat!
Lucius Vardin was himself a Holy Sword. A human Holy Sword, cloaked in radiance, sweeping away the horde of ghouls.
Clap, clap, clap, clap!
Kozak clapped his hands in admiration.
“Amazing, sir! A weapon of incredible power! We could go straight to the 70th floor with this!”
“…”
Yes, a weapon.
‘I didn’t pull a summon. I pulled a weapon.’
Vardin’s madness was fake. Kozak’s madness, on the other hand, was real. Fake madness and real madness. The madness of an SR and the madness of an SSR. The difference between them was starkly, vividly clear.