It was a grand journey.
Starting with the 36th floor conquest, climbing higher floors day after day, finally achieving the great feat of Trait Enhancement at the 40th floor.
Smiles never left the faces of the summoned beings.
Kozak seemed to have definitely put down his mental burden.
“This Kozak has wet his pants exactly twice in his life. Once when Master Summoner Bong walked on air, and the second time…”
“Click?”
“That’s right! Click! I soaked myself completely.”
“Hahaha. Surely you didn’t really wet yourself? It must be a figure of speech.”
“…”
“Y-you really did?”
“…Hehehe.”
Then Gobang added:
“I, Summoned being Gobang, saw it clearly with my two eyes. The assassin’s pants were wet.”
Simultaneously, Gyeon Dallae’s thunderous shout:
“You scoundrels!!! …Sigh, sir Kozak and sir Gobang, do you think at all before you speak? How could you be so crude! Anyway, it’s clear that Young Master’s desperate wish moved the heavens.”
The gut ritual must have been a stroke of genius.
They put more effort into the ritual than the conquest.
How solemn Gyeon Dallae looked walking on the knife back then,
“I am embarrassed. It was but a shallow skill. With proper musicians instead of a speaker, we wouldn’t have needed to spin the wheel at all.”
Gobang also wanted to boast about his contribution:
“I held the knife well. That’s why the princess maintained good balance on the blade.”
Kozak wouldn’t be left out either.
“If you desperately want something, the entire universe helps you. That’s the truth. I sincerely wished day and night, ‘Please let Master Summoner Bong get Trait Enhancement.'”
How heartwarming.
When everyone unites with one heart and mind, the impossible becomes possible.
Everyone’s wishes created a miracle.
“It was truly thrilling. When Master Summoner Bong raised both arms and shouted ‘Click!’ I suddenly lost all strength in my lower body and…”
“Sir Kozak, PLEASE!!!”
“Hehehe.”
In that critical moment when the roulette needle was about to move to the next sector,
The wheel moving 0.5cm to the right with a click!
‘Wow, I almost wet myself too.’
This must be why gambling addiction is dangerous.
Anyway, the result is good.
Very good.
So, the 41st floor tomorrow?
No way!
We’ll rest well for a while.
The protagonist of the previous random summon was Gyeon Dallae.
That was the 30th floor, right?
Since then, we’ve rushed all the way to the 40th floor.
Resting and conquering, then resting again—more than 20 days have passed.
Now, less than ten days remain until the next random summon.
Exactly 9 days.
Until then, we’ll just relax and enjoy ourselves.
“In that spirit, beef? Yes or no?”
“Gulp, w-we should be frugal. I’m not hungry even without eating. Hehehe.”
“Hahaha, then how about chicken after a long time?”
“CALL!!!”
Suddenly!
Ding-dong!
The doorbell rang at Juhyeok’s officetel.
“Shh!”
Who could it be?
Checking the intercom screen.
‘Hmm…’
It was Jeon Kwang-il.
Then the summoned beings…
‘Should I unsummon them?’
How nice it would be to have a big house at times like this.
They could just go to any room and lock the door.
The quick-witted Kozak stepped forward.
“Just unsummon us!”
“Should I?”
“Yes, sir!”
“It is time for me to depart.”
“Summoner, take care of yourself.”
So,
“Everyone, unsummon.”
Pop, pop, pop!
After confirming they were gone, Juhyeok turned on the TV, raised the volume, then opened the front door to greet Jeon Kwang-il.
“Welcome.”
“Hahaha, congratulations on your S++ conquest of the 40th floor.”
“Oh, it’s nothing to be proud of.”
“It’s causing quite a stir right now. News of the 66th floor conquest has been pushed aside.”
Sigh,
It’s troublesome to keep becoming famous.
I wonder how long I can keep my identity hidden.
“The reason for my visit today is that I have something to give you…”
“A penthouse? I already told you I won’t accept it for free.”
“No, that’s not it.”
Jeon Kwang-il placed the 007 briefcase he brought on the table with a thud and opened it.
“This.”
“…What? Is it a toy?”
“It’s the real thing.”
What came out of the bag was a pistol made of silvery metal.
“Why are you giving me a gun?”
“It’s for self-defense. If a suspicious person approaches, shoot them. Without mercy!”
“…Shoot? Just shoot them recklessly?”
“We’ll take full responsibility. You won’t be arrested by the police, charged, or put on trial.”
“…”
He meant he would grant immunity privileges.
“There was an attempted kidnapping of players recently. Fortunately, heaven helped and nothing happened, but there’s no guarantee it won’t happen again.”
“Ah! I see. But I don’t even have a gun license.”
“It’s fine. We’ve handled it legally.”
Juhyeok picked up the pistol from the bag.
Though he’d been in the military, this was his first time handling a pistol.
“That can go into your inventory too.”
“Oh! Really?”
“Yes, because it’s made from tower metal.”
Tower metal, huh.
That explains why it’s so light.
‘I wonder if it really goes in? Let me try.’
Attaching the magazine,
Click!
And then into the inventory… huh?
“…It’s not going in.”
“Um, y-you need to remove the magazine for it to go in.”
What’s this now?
“Gunpowder isn’t a tower item.”
“…”
If that’s the case, why make it from tower metal?
Regular guns and bullets can be taken into the tower if a player has them in their pocket, classified as personal belongings.
“We thought a tower metal barrel would be more effective, so we made it that way.”
“Is it better?”
“To some extent.”
This is why large firearms can’t be taken into the tower.
What’s the point of making the body from tower metal?
If you can’t load shells or rockets.
“I’ll keep it for now.”
“Oh! And your security will likely be strengthened. It might cause some inconvenience when you move around.”
What?
That’s not right.
“The contract specified relaxed security, didn’t it?”
“But given the times…”
“Make me an absolute exception. I’m planning to move soon. Somewhere without interference.”
“J-just a moment. Please reconsider. For players, it’s not the inside of the tower that’s dangerous, but the outside.”
That’s true, but…
‘I need to show him.’
It’s time.
I’ve been hiding it, but I’ll reveal it all at this opportunity.
Just how safe I really am.
“There aren’t many people in this world safer than me.”
“Pardon? What do you mean?”
“I’ll show you.”
Juhyeok quietly murmured.
“Energy Shield: Activate.”
Then,
Ziiing!
Starting from his bracelet and spreading throughout his body,
A translucent, milky protective barrier enveloped his entire body.
“Gasp!”
Deputy Chief Jeon Kwang-il was startled.
How many times has he been surprised because of Player Bong?
“…I-is that an item? One without a tower-exclusive modifier?”
“Yes, I received it as a conquest reward. It creates a shield that works outside the tower too. It’s very sturdy, probably enough to stop bullets.”
Jeon Kwang-il nodded unconsciously.
‘The Holy Sword, this protective shield item—the reward items given for S++ conquests are indeed different.’
Tower items usable in reality.
Mostly materials received as conquest rewards.
Magic stones, metals, herbs, leather, monster bones, etc., which can be applied in reality.
But since they’re conquest rewards, the quantities aren’t large. Herbs are sold for research purposes, while metals, leather, and bones are sold for player item crafting.
But it’s not just materials that appear.
Occasionally, finished items appear too.
Accessories that clear the mind, swords that slice through steel like radishes, defensive items that protect the target like this one.
Such items are priceless.
In a world where famous paintings or antiques are traded for 400 or 500 million dollars,
This protective shield item would be worth at least a billion dollars.
What’s a billion dollars?
As soon as its existence became known, Arab tycoons or American billionaires would come rushing with bundles of cash.
“T-that item, keep it absolutely hidden. Don’t sell it either.”
“Oh, why would I sell this? It’s my lifeline.”
“You’ve thought well.”
Now that I’ve shown it.
“Please continue with relaxed security. No, don’t assign any security guards at all.”
“Hmm, I’ll suggest it.”
Jeon Kwang-il left.
Three hours later.
After summoning the summoned beings again,
“Come on, let’s rest well. No conquests for a while. If you need anything, just ask. Shall I order chicken first?”
“Call, Young Master,”
“Call it is.”
“Click!”
And so they ate well and played well.
Sometimes going out too.
For an entire week.
※ ※ ※
American player Gerald Watson arrived at Incheon Airport with Director Antonio.
Countless security guards surrounded them from front, back, and sides.
There weren’t many people at the airport.
For someone as famous as Gerald Watson, you’d expect journalists to be lined up.
In truth, even the media didn’t know.
When he would be entering the country.
Because it was kept strictly confidential.
“Hurry up, Antonio.”
“We’re going to use it today anyway, so let’s take our time.”
“If you knew how long I’ve been waiting to get revenge on those wretched Dark Spectres, you wouldn’t say that.”
“Revenge? You conquered it in the end!”
“Look at Korea’s Player Nam Ga-eun. She did it in 10 hours. What about my pride!”
Director Antonio smirked.
Gerald had a point.
How difficult was conquering the 66th floor?
The conquest time limit was approaching, attacks barely worked against the Spectre’s dark aura even with light attributes, and it took over 2 hours to defeat just one.
Later, they reinforced items and struggled to reduce the time, finally succeeding in the conquest by using the full time limit.
And they had to do that difficult floor twice.
The West and East towers.
Now, with the Holy Sword,
They say it took 10 hours to defeat the Spectres with just one light attribute item and a sword.
“What are you doing? Run!”
“Seriously.”
The world’s best player.
But because of his young age, he has these impulsive tendencies.
An armored vehicle and a bulletproof car for Gerald were waiting in front of the airport departure hall.
The same car that the US President rides in.
They had airlifted it via a US Air Force transport plane before his arrival.
Gerald and Antonio arrived at the Management Office by car.
Deputy Chief Jeon Kwang-il came out to greet them:
“Welcome. Mr. Watson, Director Antonio, I’m Jeon Kwang-il.”
“Nice to meet you. Just call me Gerald, and please show me the Holy Sword quickly.”
“Hahaha, you’re in such a hurry?”
“Y-yes, quickly.”
Jeon Kwang-il guided them to his office.
“Where’s the sword?”
Tsk,
He’s so impatient that there’s no room for other conversation.
“The rental fee hasn’t been deposited yet, but…”
Then Director Antonio stepped forward and said:
“We were planning to do it after arriving. Where should I send it?”
“To this account…”
“Hmm, the account is in the name of the Management Office. Not the owner.”
“Yes, since we’re acting as agents.”
Antonio looked disappointed.
He touched his smartphone a few times, then:
“Transfer complete.”
Jeon Kwang-il also touched his smartphone.
“Yes, confirmed.”
Then he opened a large safe on the office wall:
“Here it is. Let’s check the information first.”
Gerald eagerly took the sword.
“Oh!”
The sword’s information appeared in his mind.
Enhanced damage against undead, steadfast mind, sanctification, critical hits, and… radiance.
The drawback was that the sword was old.
Also, it was extremely large and heavy.
But it would feel different inside the tower.
“Can I enter now?”
“You must strictly adhere to the terms written in the contract. If you lose it or…”
“Don’t worry. That will absolutely never happen.”
He put the Holy Sword into his inventory,
Swoop!
Gerald disappeared instantly.
He probably teleported to either the Western or Eastern tower in America.
Since towers are entered according to nationality, regardless of the player’s location.
※ ※ ※
[Entering the America (NO.2) Black Tower Floor 66.]
[Your physical abilities have been enhanced to match your level.]
[Traits and combat skills are now available.]
Before taking out the Holy Sword, he equipped his light attribute gear first.
Flaaash!
Brilliant light enveloped Gerald’s body.
So bright it could blind the naked eye,
He also drew the Holy Sword.
Woooong!
A gentle light overlaid it.
‘Is this what they call radiance?’
It’s fascinating.
The faint radiance was consuming the brilliant light of the light attribute.
It’s definitely different.
Preparations for conquest.
Magic Swordsman Gerald cast his spells.
“Strength. Haste. Barrier.”
[Floor 66 Mission: Defeat 10 Dark Spectres.]
[Completion Time Limit: Within 15 hours.]
Far away, gray translucent birds flying about.
They were also enormous.
Like pterodactyls.
As large as they were, their dark aura’s range was also wide.
Physical attacks had no effect at all.
Only light attribute attacks could inflict some damage.
After first succeeding in conquering the 66th floor, he had sworn never to do repeat conquests.
Yet here he was, breaking that oath himself.
Let’s check quickly.
Could he really deliver a decisive blow to these creatures?
First, the pulling.
Magic Swordsman Gerald raised his hand and cast a skill.
“Magic Bolt!”
Tzupit!
A Spectre was hit by Magic Bolt.
Charat!
It stopped flying and changed direction toward Gerald.
Charararararat!
The Spectre charged forward with its dark aura.
It was the largest undead monster he had faced so far.
Even without the dark aura, its size alone was overwhelming.
Plus, it was a flying monster.
“Sharpness.”
After magically enchanting his sword to make it sharper.
He slashed the left wing of the creature with a Blade skill.
Surgeogeogeogeok!
The tip of the Spectre’s ethereal wing was cut off.
Chwararararak!
The Spectre lost its balance, flying erratically, emitting light, and thrashing about.
It’s dangerous to rush in at times like this.
After avoiding it for a while,
The Spectre pursued Gerald persistently, landing and taking off again.
Still, he evaded.
Occasionally firing magic spells.
‘Now’s the time.’
This time, the opposite side.
Seogeogeok!
The right wing was cut off by almost half.
After depriving it of mobility.
Gerald began his full-scale attack.
He cut off its tail, cut off its legs, stabbed its body, and finally, its head:
Sseokduk!
The writhing Spectre suddenly ceased all movement.
Hwaleuleuk! It even burst into flames.
‘…This is ridiculous.’
Is this really the 66th floor?
To defeat it so quickly,
About 20 minutes had passed?
With the sword in hand, it was as if the dark aura didn’t exist.
It’s even fun.
‘One rental isn’t going to be enough.’
It seems I need to postpone my departure.
I’ll definitely rent it once more for another ten million dollars.
It’s not even for unconquered upper floor climbing.
Twenty million dollars just to experience the Holy Sword.
But for Gerald, it wasn’t money he would miss at all.