People often feel down. It’s perfectly normal. Feeling depressed because tomorrow is Monday. Feeling depressed after receiving this month’s credit card statement. Feeling depressed looking at clothes that don’t fit because you’ve gained weight. Feeling depressed when a past lover suddenly comes to mind.
However, these are just changes in emotion. Once the problem is solved or some time passes, you get better as if nothing happened. But the illness known as depression is completely different from a simple change in emotion. Depression is a medical condition caused by abnormalities in neurotransmitters and hormone secretion. It must be treated with medication. If left untreated, the result is obvious. It harms not only oneself but others as well. There was even an incident where an airline co-pilot, suffering from depression, deliberately crashed the plane he was flying, dying along with 150 passengers[1].
Guillaume Loiret. A level 65 player, the best in France. His trait was [Monstrous Strength]. He had cleared the 64th floor of the Black Tower and was currently in the process of clearing the 65th floor’s headless knight, the Dullahan.
Guillaume had a fatal flaw: severe depression. The illness suddenly struck right after he was selected as a player for the French government.
A player with depression? Shouldn’t it get better in the Tower? Since physical abilities are enhanced and you gain mana. But even inside the Tower, his depression did not improve. The Tower-exclusive healing potions were useless.
So, Guillaume tried to die. He thought it would happen naturally if he fought monsters upon entering the Tower. He had no fear of death. He was charging in to die.
But an unexpected result occurred. He threw himself into battle to die, but the monsters were swept away like autumn leaves. It was a kind of synergy effect. A bold charge that did not fear death, a relentless attack that paid no mind to defense, and talent.
His Tower conquest was unstoppable. After reviewing Guillaume Loiret’s bodycam footage, the French government decided to invest in him. Naturally, he was given a Trait Enhancement Rune.
And the enhanced trait?
[Enhanced Monstrous Strength]: Existing monstrous strength more than doubled.
[Focused Monstrous Strength]: A momentary, drastic increase in all physical abilities in a moment of crisis (24-hour cooldown).
[Indomitable Monstrous Strength]: Immediately recovers vitality, increases monstrous strength, enhances physical abilities, and resets skill cooldowns upon receiving a fatal wound (24-hour cooldown).
Three trait enhancements. How could he possibly die with this?
The determination to die and the determination to kill monsters. The two harmonized in a bizarre way. Guillaume instantly became a hero in France. Everyone praised him. Wealth and fame naturally followed.
The French government also knew about Guillaume’s depression. They managed him carefully with counseling and antidepressant medication. It was also kept strictly confidential. What would people think if the hero of France was suffering from depression?
His depression had gotten much better. No, it was almost completely gone. Until he entered the undead section.
The dark aura of the undead. For a patient with depression, it was practically poison. The effectiveness of the medication also decreased significantly. All sorts of negative thoughts tormented him. He wanted to quit clearing the Tower right away. Especially after losing his beloved wife to cancer a few months ago, his symptoms worsened day by day.
But could he quit? He knew how much the French government and people expected of him.
- Guillaume, you’re the only one.
- Please save France.
- You have to stop the Tower from collapsing.
Honestly, he was sick of it. What sin had he committed to be burdened with such a heavy load?
The French government had also made a reservation for the Holy Sword. Their turn was after Saudi Arabia. But for Guillaume, it was not a welcome development.
“The Holy Sword, my ass.”
He would shake it all off and leave. For him, life was hell, and death was salvation. Finally, Guillaume Loiret made his decision.
“The 65th floor? I’ll clear it without the Holy Sword.”
He had a way. A means to break through not just the 65th floor, but perhaps the 66th, 67th, 68th, and 69th as well. He would do as they wished. And then, he would leave without any regrets. To the place where his wife was waiting.
***
Nasser Al Aboud. A level 66 player, the best in Saudi Arabia. His initial trait was [Axe Warrior]. After five trait enhancements, he had evolved into an [Axe Master]. He had 50 combat skills alone. He possessed not only attribute attacks but also various area-of-effect attacks, special moves, and ultimate skills.
The axe Nasser usually used was a great axe as massive as his own body. Since he was 2 meters tall, the axe was about that long as well. Befitting an axe warrior, Nasser’s personality was that of a macho tough guy. In a word, a classic alpha male. This personality was directly applied to his Tower-clearing style. Always strike first; smash, break, and chop with his giant axe.
But even for him, the 66th floor’s Specter was too much. Overwhelming physical stats, a dark aura that was difficult to even approach—it was his natural enemy. He had no choice but to borrow the power of the Holy Sword.
Could a player with an Axe Master trait use a Holy Sword properly? Why not? He just had to use the sword like an axe. Of course, a little practice would be necessary.
In two days, Nasser would depart from Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport on a private jet to Korea. The 66th floor of the Saudi Black Tower was as good as cleared.
***
The Awakened Management Office.
Jeon Kwang-il was talking with Director Park Kyung-soo.
“Hahaha, good work. It went very well. I can finally rest easy.”
Jeon Kwang-il and Director Park Kyung-soo were now partners who shared secrets about Bong Juhyeok. That was why he had told him every detail of what had happened at the penthouse. He had to, in order to properly support Bong Juhyeok. There were things that could only be done with the Director’s approval. The recent establishment of the company was a case in point, made possible by Director Park Kyung-soo’s intervention.
However, he did not mention the rescue of the kidnapped Chinese players or the cause of Chairman Lin Zhaoming’s death. Because he was supposed to have heard nothing. He told him everything else.
“I think we can proceed as planned. Jeong Dong-hoon is a capable person in his own right.”
“Can’t we just cut off all the leather going to HG Fashion while we’re at it?”
“We can’t do that. It’s already under contract. However, I am thinking of deleting the exclusivity clause.”
“Any legal issues?”
“None. We’re the ones in the position of power. A supplementary clause in the contract states that the exclusivity clause can be removed at any time.”
Director Park Kyung-soo nodded in satisfaction.
“Oh! What about the Korean citizenship issue?”
“As it happens, Player Bong Juhyeok mentioned the acquisition of Korean citizenship.”
“Oh? What did he say?”
“He said he doesn’t want his summons’ personal information to be recorded in the computer system or for them to be issued resident registration cards.”
“Hmm.”
Park Kyung-soo’s expression was one of regret.
“Instead, he asked if we could just get them smartphones. Burner phones or phones under an alias.”
That wasn’t difficult. Several Management Office employees were already using phones under aliases due to the nature of their work. But it was a bit of a shame.
“It would be perfect if they all acquired Korean citizenship.”
“We can’t approach this too hastily, sir. And in any case, all decisions are up to Player Bong.”
He knew from seeing it himself. He had only been there for a few hours, but the loyalty of the summons to Bong Juhyeok was beyond words.
“It’s more important to form a deeper bond with Player Bong Juhyeok than with them.”
“I suppose so.”
Then, Director Park Kyung-soo’s gaze fell on Jeon Kwang-il’s chest. The shiny badge.
“Hmm? What’s that badge? I haven’t seen it before.”
“Th-this, sir?… I received it from Player Bong.”
“…Why?”
“He said it was a token of his gratitude for my dedicated support so far.”
“Oh?”
“The summons also had at least one pinned to their chests. The beastman, Mr. Razix, had three.”
“Oh! Mr. Razix, I’d like to meet him sometime.”
Director Park Kyung-soo examined the badge closely.
“So why don’t I have one?”
“Sir?”
“I mean, the penthouse, the company establishment this time—I approved all of that or acted directly. I deserve one, too.”
“…I don’t know, sir. I’ll try suggesting it the next time we meet.”
“Don’t forget. Make sure you do!”
He would try to bring it up. Though the image of Director Park Kyung-soo standing in front of Player Bong Juhyeok for a badge ceremony was quite amusing.
“Anything else?”
“He’s thinking of buying a car and asked me to find out if I know any reliable used car dealers…”
“Huh? A used car?”
“Yes. He’s planning to buy a camper van.”
“He can buy any car he wants, why a used one?”
“He said it takes too long for a new car to be delivered.”
“Ah!”
It was true that a well-chosen used car could be as good as a new one. And he could guess why he wanted a camper van.
“That aside, which country is next for the Holy Sword rental?”
“Saudi Arabia. The schedule is in three days.”
“And the renter?”
“Nasser Al Aboud, Saudi Arabia’s top player.”
“There won’t be any problems, right?”
“He’s undergone five trait enhancements. There are no known risk factors.”
If a player has undergone five trait enhancements, what is there to worry about?
“And after Saudi Arabia?”
“France.”
“The schedule is packed. From now on, don’t report to me, just handle it yourself.”
Park Kyung-soo smiled contentedly. As expected, if you pick good subordinates, everything goes smoothly. The Tower clear, the Management Office’s operations, the Holy Sword rental. He wished things would continue like this.
***
Three days had passed since he cleared the 66th floor. During that time, he had been passing the time by occasionally doing repeat missions. Actually, he hadn’t planned on doing repeat missions either, but he couldn’t win against Razix’s insistence, so he had gone in and out twice. What could he do if the worker wanted to work?
He would have to find some time to play him the President Pororo² song. The one with the famous line, “Playing is the best.”
Juhyeok was lazing around alone in the penthouse. He couldn’t sleep. His chest was swelling with anticipation. Aah, today was the day. He had waited and waited.
‘It should be about time.’
Why wasn’t he getting a call?
Suddenly! Vzzzt! His smartphone rang.
“It’s here! It’s here!”
Juhyeok answered the phone with a trembling heart.
“Ah! Yes, yes, that’s right. You’re downstairs? I’ll be right down!”
He hurriedly took the elevator down to the ground-level parking lot of the apartment.
“Mr. Bong Juhyeok?”
“Yes, that’s me. Is this the vehicle?”
“Hahaha, that’s right. You can inspect it and just sign the vehicle transfer certificate.”
It was a used, imported camper van. Since a new car would take too long. But it could have passed for a new car. The exterior was shiny, and the interior was so neat and clean it looked like it had been newly renovated.
“The previous owner of this car only drove it three times. It’s used in name only; it’s practically a new car.”
“I like it.”
“The registration, tax processing, and insurance are all completed, so you can drive off right away.”
He signed the vehicle transfer certificate. Juhyeok sat in the driver’s seat.
‘Should I leave right now?’
There was no need to hesitate. He had already prepared everything. First…
“Designated Summon: John Kozak.”
Fwip!
“Sir… huh! Wh-where is this?”
“Hmph! Take a guess.”
Kozak’s eyes darted around.
“Uwah, i-is this a camper van?”
“Ding-dong! Correct!”
“The camper van that they say makes you happy when you buy it, and even happier when you sell it?”
Where did he hear that?
Anyway, he summoned the rest of them.
“This is… a car. It’s big, I like it.” Gobang was satisfied.
“Aah, you finally bought one. Your wish has come true, my lord. This maiden congratulates you.” Gyeon Dallae offered her congratulations.
“Hoe?” Razix also rolled here and there with curious eyes, and then immediately started cleaning. Scrub, scrub! The already clean interior of the camper van started to shine.
“Mmm.” Veronica forced her sleepy eyes open and discovered the small bed in the back of the vehicle. “Commander, may I just for a moment over there…”
“Sleep well.”
“V-victory!”
Thud.
“Khooool, khool-khool, drrr-rrung!“
Seeing Master Sergeant Bae sleeping soundly, he really felt like he had made a good purchase.
“Let’s depart immediately.”
“Yes!”
“Hoe!”
First, he had to enter the address into the navigation system. The destination was the land Juhyeok owned in Namyangju. He started the engine.
Vroom.
He shifted the gear to drive, and gently pressed the accelerator.
Srrrrk.
The camper van moved smoothly.
“B-B-Beep-beep is on the move!”
The camper van carrying Juhyeok and his party entered the road. So far, everything was going very smoothly. There was just one minor problem.
“E-excuse me, Master Summoner Bong,”
“What is it? Don’t talk to me while I’m driving.”
“A-aren’t you going a little too slow?”
What’s so slow about 40 km/h?
“Don’t you know ‘safety first’? Safety first? This guy has lost his way.”
“Mmm.”
“If we speed, huh? And get into an accident, huh? Will you take responsibility?”
“S-sorry, sir.”
Gyeon Dallae spoke in a quiet tone.
“My lord, pay him no mind. There are often those who, despite not having a license, dare to be a backseat driver from the passenger seat.”
“They delude themselves into thinking they are some kind of racing driver. If he becomes too bothersome, you may just abandon him on the shoulder of the highway.”
“…Th-that’s so harsh.”
He wasn’t sure if “backseat driver” was the right expression, but Gyeon Dallae’s threat was effective. Even when he “sped up” to 50 km/h on the highway, Kozak didn’t say a word.
The high beams of the cars behind him flashed. Honks blared. To Juhyeok, it felt like they were congratulating him on his new camper van.
Thank you. And I’m sorry. It’s because I’m a coward, a wimp man. I have a closet license.³
I’ll step on it a little more, up to 60 km/h.
“Uwah! We just passed the IC, sir! We were supposed to exit there! Why are you just going straight?”
Doesn’t he know that a real man only goes straight?
“W-we can just go back and turn around.”
“My lord, please open the door. Sir Kozak must be thrown out.”
“Summoner, pull over at the rest stop. I will take care of the assassin.”
“Hoek!”
Are we even going to get to our destination today?