Juhyeok watched the news to the end with mixed emotions.
He knew his mother had been fired from her job, but to think she was going through such hardship, staging a one-person protest…
“Damn it!”
Anger welled up inside him. At the same time, he felt guilty. What good were two sons if they couldn’t even support their mother in times like these?
And how did she manage to find a lawyer? Park & Kim Law Firm wouldn’t come cheap, not by a long shot.
Kozak seemed to have caught on to the situation as well. In a chilling voice, he said:
“Summoner Bong.”
“What is it?”
“I’ll pay a visit to Jinsaemmul Company.”
“…”
Honestly, Juhyeok wavered for a moment. But…
“Don’t do that. Mom’s interview shows she’s found a good lawyer.”
“Yes, sir…”
He’d have to send some money later for the lawyer’s fees. So far, he’d accumulated 21kg of magic stones. That would be about 10 million won.
If that wasn’t enough, he could sell his energy shield kit…
Ring ring!
His smartphone rang just then. It was his father.
He must have seen Mom’s interview.
“Juhyeok. Did you see the news?”
“Yes, I did.”
“I called your mother too. She said not to worry. She’s hired a powerful lawyer, and it’s even free. Something about supporting the socially disadvantaged…”
Free?
He’d heard that sometimes prestigious law firms did pro bono work as part of their social contributions.
It seemed the heavens were smiling upon them.
“That’s great news. I was about to send money for lawyer fees.”
“Hahaha, where would you get money from? Anyway, don’t worry about your mom and just focus on what you’re doing.”
“I’m not worried. I know Mom’s personality. But how are you doing, Dad?”
“Oh, I’m fine. I got a call from Ilseong Hospital today…”
“Huh? Why from there?”
“The orthopedics department at Ilseong Hospital is running a rehabilitation project for hip joint surgery, and I was selected. They said the hospitalization and rehabilitation treatment would be free. So I’ve decided to be admitted.”
What’s going on?
“Both of us getting free services, hehehe. The heavens must be helping us. Your mother and I really are a match made in heaven.”
Ilseong Hospital was a major corporate hospital. There was no better place in Korea.
But he’d never had surgery there before. How did they get his patient information?
‘…This is strange.’
It wasn’t something he could just let slide.
‘Should I look into it?’
Just as he finished talking with his father, another call came in. It was his younger brother, Minhyeok.
“Bro! Did you see Mom’s interview?”
“Yeah, I did.”
“Wow! I had no idea. I’ve been such an unfilial son.”
“Me too.”
“So, about that money you gave me for a laptop earlier. I want to send it to Mom. The lawsuit will cost a lot, right?”
“What about you? Will you be okay without a laptop?”
“Hehe, it’s fine. I got a scholarship. A hefty one too, enough to pay tuition and buy a laptop. I guess this is the reward for living a good life.”
Well, well.
“…What kind of scholarship is it?”
“They said it’s a national scholarship. From the Awakened Management Office. They give out a lot of scholarships, apparently.”
By this point, Juhyeok understood the situation. He might be timid, but he wasn’t stupid.
‘It’s not the heavens helping us.’
He’d know for sure if he checked.
***
His mother’s unfair dismissal lawsuit was being handled by Park & Kim Law Firm. His father was getting free rehabilitation treatment at Ilseong Hospital. His brother Bong Minhyeok received a national scholarship at university.
All these events happened just recently. Could this be a coincidence?
It was obvious who was behind this.
‘The Awakened Management Office.’
Park & Kim Law Firm handled legal consultations for players, Ilseong Group was the largest buyer of magic stones in Korea, and crucially, the scholarship came from the Awakened Management Office.
To be honest, he was a bit angry. How could they do this without his consent?
He wanted to confront the Office Director directly, but…
‘He’s too high up.’
Instead, he contacted Team Leader Jeon Kwang-il, whom he was most comfortable with among the Management Office staff.
“This is Bong Juhyeok. If you have time, I’d like to meet somewhere quiet.”
“Of course, anytime. Have you eaten yet?”
“Um, not yet.”
“Then I’ll come pick you up. Let’s have dinner together.”
“…Okay.”
When was the last time he’d eaten with someone else? Not recently.
‘Come to think of it, not in the past either.’
Eating alone was the best. He could eat whatever he wanted, And didn’t have to wait for others to finish.
The restaurant Kwang-il took him to was a quiet Korean set menu place with private rooms.
Before the food arrived, Juhyeok cautiously brought up the matter:
“Why did you do it?”
“Do what?”
“My mom’s lawsuit, my dad’s rehab, Minhyeok’s scholarship.”
“…”
Kwang-il was silent for a moment before speaking.
“It was necessary.”
As expected.
“When there’s trouble at home, it’s impossible not to worry. Worry affects tower conquests, prevents you from performing at your best, and makes climbing increasingly difficult…”
His way of speaking seemed familiar somehow.
“Isn’t that kind of care only for elite team players? I’m just a regular contractor.”
Suddenly!
Slap, a contract was placed on the table.
“Then let’s sign an elite team contract right now.”
This guy came prepared.
“…I’m not confident yet. My talent isn’t that great.”
“Do you really think so?”
“…”
He had no response. How could the holder of 24 consecutive S++ grade conquest records claim to have no talent? That would be deception.
“I implore you. You’ve even experienced that incident with Choi Ho-seok. Please join the elite team and receive the treatment you deserve. You’ve earned it, Player Bong.”
Sigh. What should he do?
“If you sign the elite contract, you’ll immediately receive close protection on par with a VVIP. At the very least, incidents like before won’t happen again.”
Close protection, huh.
“I don’t like that. Having someone stick to me every day… And I won’t do conquest recordings either.”
One of the main reasons Juhyeok hadn’t signed an elite contract. The existence of Kozak and Gobang, and video recordings.
“We can negotiate the protection issue. As for video recordings, you can do as you wish.”
“How will you negotiate it?”
“You can live alone in a highly secure space. A place that guarantees personal activities, with protection only when you go out.”
This was tempting.
“Your family members will also be assigned bodyguards.”
Ah!
His resolve was wavering. In fact, it had been wavering for a while now.
His initial firm determination to never join the elite team.
But it couldn’t be helped. Back and forth, a life like a reed. Wasn’t that the hallmark of a wimp?
“…If I sign, you’ll provide a house, right?”
“How many square meters would you like?”
“Not for me, for my family. I plan to live independently, so I’d like to give the house to my family instead.”
“We’ll provide a house for your family and one for you, Player Bong.”
Wow, irresistible conditions. His resolve wasn’t just wavering, it was crumbling.
“An officetel is enough for me.”
“That can be arranged.”
“F-for my family, at least 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms?”
“Yes! We can do that.”
His swift responses were impressive, but… Had he gotten approval for all this? Wasn’t this beyond a team leader’s authority?
“Don’t worry. I’ve been given full authority by the Director.”
“…”
“The signature line is here.”
Juhyeok, as if entranced, reached for the fountain pen Kwang-il offered.
But then he snapped back to his senses.
“W-wait.”
“Huh? Suddenly…”
So close. Kwang-il looked disappointed.
“Please give me a little more time.”
“Ah, how long?”
“…I’ll decide tomorrow.”
“Alright. I’ll wait.”
Oh! While they were meeting anyway.
“I’ve accumulated some magic stones.”
“Yes, please give them to me. I’ll collect them.”
They had dinner, He handed over the magic stones, Now he had to reveal his awakening to his family. And about the elite contract too.
More than his father’s opinion, his mother’s permission was crucial.
He also needed to talk with Kozak.
Plus, after conquering the 25th floor and getting 25 Platinum badges, he needed to find out what the special benefit would be.
First, conquer the 25th floor. Then meet with his family.
Most importantly, he needed self-assurance.
Back home, Juhyeok spent the night pondering. True to his reed-like nature, he couldn’t easily reach a conclusion.
***
The next day.
Juhyeok woke up late, having tossed and turned all night. Today was the day set for conquering the 25th floor.
It was Saturday, so he’d finish in the morning. He might have to go home in the afternoon.
But first, he designated summoned John Kozak.
“At your service! The Special Super Rare assassin has arrived.”
Looks like he upgraded his grade. His appearance had changed a lot too. His build had grown, and his eyes looked fiercer. But his way of speaking remained the same.
“Welcome, SSR Kozak.”
“Hehehe, aren’t you going to call that R Gobang?”
Suddenly Gobang’s surname became R. R for Rare. Shortened to R-gobang?
“Well, I wanted to discuss something with you before conquering the 25th floor.”
“Oh my, of course. How could you converse with that ignorant R-gobang?”
“I met with a team leader from the Management Office yesterday…”
Juhyeok recounted his conversation with Kwang-il to Kozak.
“What do you think? Should I join the elite team? Or stay regular?”
Kozak nodded and replied:
“I’m in favor.”
“In favor of what?”
“You’re a national power-level player, Summoner Bong. You should receive proper treatment.”
What national power-level? He couldn’t do anything without Kozak and Gobang.
“Can I do it? If I join the elite team, I might have to conquer the 60s, no, who knows how high I’ll have to climb.”
“It’s absolutely possible. As long as Summoner Bong stays safe and lives long.”
“…Isn’t my ability important?”
“Your safety is your ability, Summoner.”
What was he talking about? How was my safety relevant here?
“Where I came from, there were numerous Legendary Special Super Rare grade summonees. As long as you’re safe, Summoner Bong, you can eventually summon all of them.”
“Ah…”
“They’ll all absolutely obey you. They’ll do whatever you tell them to. As long as it doesn’t violate the 3rd principle.”
He understood what Kozak meant. What if a party formed with those beings?
“That’s not all. There are even some semi-divine monsters that transcend human limits, beyond grades.”
“…But I can’t summon beyond grades, right?”
“Not now. But later, when your summoning ability increases, you will be able to.”
Semi-divine beings transcending human limits.
‘I can’t even imagine.’
This was why he needed to stay safe.
“You’ll command a powerful army of summonees. You’ll be able to control them with a single gesture. 60th floor? 70th floor? No, 100th floor? It’ll be a piece of cake.”
He was right. It was just a matter of time.
“Stay safe and live long, consistently performing random summons. That’s your ultimate move and finishing blow, Summoner Bong.”
Considering the cooldown, he could do it 12 times a year. With cooldown reset ticket items, he could do even more. Of course, if his summoning luck was bad, it would all be for naught.
‘How long until the next random summon?’
He checked. About 19 days. If he could achieve characteristic enhancement during that period, it would be perfect.
Kozak continued speaking:
“But I have one firm request.”
“What is it?”
“The decision to climb unconquered floors must be entirely up to Summoner Bong’s will. There should be no external interference. This is crucial.”
“I decide on upper floor conquests?”
“It must be explicitly stated. Otherwise, all sorts of trash will make a fuss about why you’re not climbing unconquered upper floors. Then, unprepared…” He frowned, as if recalling a painful memory. “…You must not be dragged along. Anyway, as long as that condition is guaranteed, receiving state support is good.”
Kozak’s response was positive.
“Let’s conquer the 25th floor first. Let’s see what the special benefit is. We can get a Platinum badge, right?”
Smirking, he replied:
“Why are you like this! I’m SSR. SSR, Special Super Rare, SSR.”
Kozak’s advice was very helpful. A sufficient answer.
‘Good thing I asked.’
Juhyeok designated summoned the barbarian warrior Gobang.
[Barbarian Warrior Meat Shield has been summoned by designation.]
“Welcome.”
“I, absolutely obey summoner.”
Then Kozak said,
“Hey! R-gobang, you bastard, aren’t you going to greet me?”
“A warrior doesn’t greet just anyone.”
“You punk! I’m SSR! SSR!”
“…”
“I have two S’s before the R! S! S! R!”
How strange. The barbarian warrior was flinching and avoiding Kozak’s eyes.
“Just a measly R.”
“Assassin, b-bad.”
“Shut up! This is the difference between you and me, you R bastard!”
With a two-grade difference, even a barbarian warrior couldn’t help it?
‘Poor thing.’
If he got another summonee grade enhancement rune, he’d give it to Gobang. Who knows? Maybe he’d get smarter.
“Then I’ll be counting on you today too. I’ll take it easy and… um, maybe take down 2?”
“Oh my, our Summoner Bong, do whatever you want. This SSR will protect you.”
“Then how about 10?”
“The 3rd principle of summonees…”
“Okay! 3 it is.”
“Just this once.”
Kozak had become quite confident after his promotion.
[Entering the 25th floor of the Black Tower, Republic of Korea.]
The last of the orc section. Similar to the 20th floor, which was the last of the goblin section.
‘The mission…’
[25th Floor Mission: Defeat 100 orcs of any type and 1 orc chieftain.] [Time Limit: Within 10 hours.] [Completion Condition: All types of orcs 0/100, Orc Chieftain 0/1]
Orcs swarmed out. Forest orcs, desert orcs, cave orcs, volcano orcs.
Three of those would be his share.
Well, should he just take down three? If he had the capacity, he might sneakily take down one or two more.