Chapter 168

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Translated by Jinmu

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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It was like that in the past.

The summoned entities’ grade elevation, grade breakthrough, and the place where a dead summoned entity had to wait in an unsummonable state for 100 days; all of it was the world of souls.

However, now it has completely changed.

The 17th floor of the White Tower replaces all of that.

First, the case of the Blood Wolf.

[Keong-keong-keong-keong!]

“…Ho, ho-e?”

It didn’t possess a physical body.

It couldn’t be touched either.

A blurry spiritual body.

So its keong-keong barking sound could also be heard like telepathy.

The method to restore it to original?

Joo-hyuk took out a single rune from his inventory.

Effect : Resurrects one dead summoned entity. Disappears once used.

An item he’s using for the first time.

How do you use it?

‘Usually you eat runes.’

But can it even eat?

Tuk, let’s toss it to it.

[Keong! Keu-reung, keung-keung.]

The Blood Wolf coming closer and swallowing the Resurrection Rune kkul-tteok.

It manages to eat the rune remarkably even though it’s a spiritual body.

[You have used the Resurrection Rune on the catalog-attached Blood Wolf.]

The result?

Hwa-a-a-a-at!

Clusters of light similar to when summoning appeared from here and there and rushed towards the Blood Wolf.

Cheu-pa-pa-pat!

The light gathered in one place, and the blurry spiritual body became clear before I knew it.

[The Blood Wolf’s 100-day unsummonable status has been lifted. Designated summon is possible.]

“Oh!”

It lived.

“Keong! Keong-keong-keong!”

The Blood Wolf making sounds directly instead of speaking like telepathy now.

“Ho-e!”

The two rolling around together making a fuss.

A heartwarming sight.

Don’t die again.

‘Makes my nose tingle for nothing.’

At that moment!

Tti-ring! An echoing notification sound.

Eng?

Could this possibly be?

[Achievement : You have resurrected a catalog-attached summoned beast who died in battle for the first time.]

“Assa!”

If it’s the first time, a reward should be given.

[An achievement reward is distributed.]

“Reward, come on in!”

[Going forward, tower entry is possible 4 times a day.]

“…Reward, go away.”

Ey shit.

Isn’t this too harsh?

‘How is this any different from telling an office worker to do overtime every single day.’

Should have given a White Tower-related reward instead.

Tower entry 4 times a day my foot.

Anyway, handled one, what’s next?

Sergeant Be’s grade breakthrough.

An experienced person would know.

Since our Fairy Dal-rae-nim has tried it.

“How is a breakthrough usually done?”

“In the world of souls, one just has to attach the badge bestowed by Gongja-nim and swallow the breakthrough rune, sir.”

“Aha!”

“The moment you eat it, you will fall into a state of suspended animation and become unable to move or speak, so…….”

Then?

“It seems a quiet place is needed. A place not interfered with.”

A quiet place, huh.

Joo-hyuk suggested to Veronica.

“Sergeant Be-nim, how about the top of the 61st floor over there?”

“Sergeant Veronica Caliber! I like it. I will break through straight up jjuk-jjuk like that building soaring high into the sky and succeed in promotion.”

“Good.”

“I will turn that Condor bird bastard into scattered pieces. Certain victory!”

“Certain victory!”

Thus, Sergeant Be entered grade breakthrough on top of the 61-story building, the White Tower landmark.

Secluded training commencement.

The expected time for grade breakthrough was 2 weeks.

And when Sergeant Be returns, the random summon cooldown will also return.

“What do we do, sir?”

“…Euhm, we play.”

“I will just make bracelets, sir.”

Euhyu.

“That damn bracelet, bracelet… you’ll spend all your years making bracelets.”

When Joo-hyuk retorted in a tired tone.

“It is all done for Player Bong-nim’s prosperity, sir. Where is a summoned entity as loyal as me, sir?”

That’s true, but.

“Honestly, just take old man Gwangma; if Player Bong-nim is not around, he slacks off and sips alcohol hol-jjak-hol-jjak alone, sir. He is a complete salary thief, sir.”

What?

To think he drinks alcohol alone.

Not drinking together?

This is disappointing.

However, Gwangma who was listening silently.

“Summoner.”

“Yes.”

“That… how many Resurrection Runes are there?”

“There’s two or three, why do you ask?”

“Meaning it is okay to kill him about two or three times.”

“Kill who…….”

“There is a guy like that. A puppy guy who occasionally stimulates this old man’s killing intent.”

It’s obvious who that is.

“This old man is extremely curious. About what happens when a summoned entity dies on the 17th floor of the White Tower.”

At those words, Cossack yelled in a burst of anger.

“Is Gwangma-nim in your right mind, sir? Resurrection Runes must be saved, sir. You cannot recklessly use them anywhere like that, sir. It seems your mind comes and goes as you age; if you really want to try it out, please try it yourself, sir.”

Ji-ing!

Gwangma manifested crescent moon sword-ki.

“Let us experiment right now. If I cut your neck, will it stay attached? Will it be separated?”

“Eu-hik?”

Spot!

Cossack running away.

Seu-pa-pa-pat!

Gwangma pursuing.

‘At that rate, he might really die someday.’

Because there is a Resurrection Rune, that is.

*

U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Secretary Macmillan conversing alone with Bureau Director Antonio in his office.

His expression was serious.

Because the content of their conversation was like that.

“So you’re saying that comes out in the lower floors of the Chinese tower. In other words, below the 71st floor.”

“Yeah, because of that, black market guild members are also moving to China.”

“Ha! Even black market guild members? Those bastards still haven’t come to their senses.”

“Since it’s a Rune Necklace of Liberation, it’s something any player would covet.”

An unusual event was occurring in China.

Said the Rune Necklace of Liberation comes out even in the lower floors of the Chinese tower.

Originally, it was a necklace that only came out from the 71st floor and above.

So it was an item that only state-nurtured players could acquire.

But lower floors?

Rumors were even circulating that players in the 30s floors received it as a reward.

Most ordinary players are low-level under level 60.

However, their numbers are extremely large.

It’s impossible to even figure out exactly how many.

There are also many players active without registering.

If this is truly a fact…….

“We probably won’t even know who acquired how many.”

“Problems will arise.”

“Yeah, it’ll become a huge social problem. It could be used as a tool for crime; imagine wearing this and robbing a bank.”

Robbing a bank is rather at an adorable level instead.

“Does the Chinese government grasp the situation?”

“They probably know. I don’t know if they’re establishing countermeasures, though.”

Of all places, China.

It’s a well-known fact that there’s conflict between the Chinese government and ordinary players.

Right now, it’s a situation where ordinary players are helplessly suffering from the government’s public power, but… if Rune Necklaces of Liberation are secured?

It means they’ll possess physical force capable of resisting public power.

If they make a misstep, a major catastrophe could occur.

Moreover, the black market guild members caught the scent too.

There’s a possibility it will be distributed worldwide.

“We shouldn’t stay still either.”

“Right. It’s no longer just China’s business.”

While conversing like that.

Macmillan discovered a strange point on Bureau Director Antonio’s wrist.

A bracelet?

It’s not a watch either.

What man wears accessory ornaments.

“Antonio, what is that bracelet?”

“Ah! This. I received it from a friend.”

“It makes me suspect your sexual identity. Are you planning to come out while you’re at it? Well, I don’t mind even if you do.”

“Goodness! Just because I wore one bracelet, do I become gay?”

“This is America! The country of machos! Anyway, who’s the friend who gave you the bracelet?”

“Director Jeon Gwang-il. He sent it to me via air delivery.”

“…Eng?”

Hold on a second.

A bracelet, and the Director of the Awakening Management Office sent it as a gift?

Could this possibly be?

“…By any chance, is that the Escape Obesity Bracelet?”

“Bingo! You know about it too, Secretary-nim.”

“How could I not! How is it? The effect?”

“It’s killer. I lost weight, and my blood pressure and sugar levels went down too.”

“Uh-uh… really?”

“Then would I lie? I think I also know who made this.”

Macmillan nodding his head absentmindedly.

That’s true.

If it’s not Mr. Bong, who else would it be?

However, the quantity is too much to consider it a tower reward item.

Perhaps he received something like a manufacturing method as a reward.

“Sell that to me. I’ll pay double the price.”

“I refuse.”

“You can just receive another one, right.”

“I have to ask for another one again anyway once the valid period passes, though.”

“Can you please not sell it to me?”

“You were just calling me gay a moment ago; how about you contact him directly yourself, Secretary-nim.”

“Kkeu-eung, understood.”

Secretary Macmillan’s physique was also exceptionally big.

Naturally.

Because he’s American.

America’s adult obesity rate is about 40% of the total adult population.

Meaning 4 out of 10 people are obese.

So America’s obesity clinic market is at the top level in the world.

It’s natural that the news of Korea Rajix Trading Corp’s Escape Obesity Bracelet was transmitted to America as well.

Wow! Really? It has an effect?

Look at YourTube. It’s totally just talk about that.

Hmm, I still can’t believe it.

This is real. I experienced it.

How?

I live in Korea; I luckily purchased it there.

Any news of them selling it in America?

Because the production volume is lacking… you have to go to Korea to buy it.

No, the place where the bracelet is needed the most is America. Go to the mart right now.

Koreans don’t need it. The obese people in that country are extremely normal in America.

It wasn’t just America.

The entire world began to pay attention to Korea.

Rajix Trading Corp, that is.

Overseas buyers visited Korea.

And probed intentions of exporting the Escape Obesity Bracelet overseas.

However, Rajix Trading Corp didn’t have exports in mind.

Especially when they’re lacking quantity even without that.

*

Joo-hyuk came home after a long time.

To show his face, and also having things to tell his parents.

“You were all here.”

“Of course we were always here. Only you weren’t.”

“Is that so?”

That’s true.

“Anyway, since our son who earns money well came, we should treat him well.”

“Please prepare a grand feast.”

“Yes yes.”

How long has it been since we gathered at the dining table together like this.

Well, it might be a problem if a grown, independent son comes home too often, though.

After gathering cozily and eating a meal, sitting in the living room and watching TV together.

As a news report about the Escape Obesity Bracelet happened to flow out.

“That bracelet, it’s obviously a scam just by looking at it. Tsk tsk. To think there are still people fooled by things like that.”

Father Bong Soo-cheol clicked his tongue.

Then Min-hyuk smirked pi-sik.

“Father, you don’t know anything. Do you know how long it’s been since that was proven to be real; the reviews saying it has an effect are overflowing.”

“Reviews can just be fabricated.”

“What about the sales volume?”

“That can be fabricated too. Since they’re selling it on the Internet.”

“…Is that so?”

“Anything I can’t obtain is all fabricated.”

“Aha.”

Tsk tsk.

Joo-hyuk clicked his tongue and said as well.

“If you’re covetous of the bracelet, you should just say so. Saying it’s all fake.”

“Then will you obtain one for me? I guess no matter how amazing you are, you can’t get… a bracelet. Right?”

Are you looking down on me?

Right at that moment!

Tti-ring!

A notification sound ringing from Joo-hyuk’s smartphone.

Checking it.

“Hyung, what text is it? A loan?”

“No, the US Homeland Security Secretary asking me to obtain one bracelet. This kind of solicitation is awkward.”

“…What bullshit is that?”

“It’s real. Let me show you.”

Joo-hyuk showed Min-hyuk the message that came from Secretary Macmillan.

: Mr. Bong! I would be extremely grateful if you could just obtain one bracelet for me. Please. I received a warning from my primary care physician due to my increasing weight recently.

Min-hyuk reading the message.

With a flabbergasted expression.

“An American Secretary sending a message in Korean. …And I’m supposed to believe this?”

“A bit much, right?”

Honestly, even he himself wouldn’t be able to believe it.

Anyway.

“Understood. I’ll give you each a bracelet. Actually, I prepared them in advance.”

Seu-seut.

Taking out bracelets from his inventory.

“Here, please take them.”

“What’s this? This?”

“The Escape Obesity Bracelet. Wear one each.”

“What?”

The family inspecting the bracelets closely here and there.

At first, they thought it was a replica, but looking closely, it’s not.

It was very intricate.

Moreover, it looked exactly the same as the ones seen on TV or SNS videos.

If so…….

“I, is it real?”

“Yes, I’ll bet the honor of the Bong family on it.”

“Oh!”

“Oh my? Th, this precious thing?”

Mom Hong Geum-ja stroked the bracelet with an ecstatic gaze and asked Joo-hyuk.

“But where did you get this? Heard you need luck to buy it no matter how much money you have.”

“Do you even know which company makes these bracelets?”

“Isn’t it Rajix Trading Corp.”

“That Rajix Trading Corp is my company.”

“What?”

“Eng?”

“N, nonsense…….”

Joo-hyuk smiling triumphantly with the corners of his mouth stretched long.

“Where do you think Rajix Trading Corp’s headquarters is?”

“Heok!”

“Ah…….”

“Really?”

The family already knows that the 61-story building on Gangnam-daero is Joo-hyuk’s property.

“And actually, I am the world’s best player.”

“…….”

“…….”

“…….”

The living room becoming quiet at Joo-hyuk’s shocking declaration.

“I said it’s true? Do you not trust your son?”

“…….”

“…….”

“…….”

Everyone was mute like they ate honey.

“I mean, I drank alcohol together with Director Jeon Gwang-il, I’m best friends with North Korea’s People’s Armed Forces Minister Go Sa-geuk, Chairman Kim In-jung and I ask after each other’s health, oh right! You saw the message the US Homeland Security Secretary sent, right? That’s really him. I even received a letter of appreciation from the US President.”

“…….”

“…….”

“…….”

The reason Joo-hyuk’s family couldn’t retort was because it really seemed like it could be true.

Looking at his expression while saying he’s the world’s best player, it didn’t seem like a joke.

It was like that in the past too.

Even when he first awakened and claimed he signed an elite contract, they wondered what bullshit it was, but turned out it was a fact.

Afterwards, when he claimed to be the owner of the Holy Sword, they snorted telling him not to say absurd things, but that was also a fact.

So the declaration that he is the world’s best player now.

Don’t tell me this too?

The family’s eyes were wavering.

I understand.

They must be very surprised.

But what can I do?

They’ll be even more surprised from now on.

“By any chance, during the Pyongyang terror incident, did you see a hamster-looking person come out in the live TV broadcast and resolve it seu-seut!?”

There’s no way they wouldn’t know.

The footage is still circulating even now.

“Now, brace yourselves.”

For what?

“Rajix designated summon!”

Spot!

“Ho-eng?”

Rajix appearing in Joo-hyuk’s parents’ house.

“Oh my goodness!”

“Uwa-a-a-a!”

“It, it’s a hamster. Big hamster!”

Introductions to each other first.

“Mother, Father, this way is Rajix-ssi; Rajix-ssi, these are my family members.”

“Ho-e!”

“…….”

“…….”

“…….”

Where did such a cute life form come from.

The family still unable to shut their mouths.

“Cossack designated summon.”

Spot!

“Loyalty! Player Bong-nim’s right arm, the best errand boy of this era who always runs when called, the 17th-floor foreperson Cossack who catches salary thieves with fierce eyes is here, sir.”

Who is this person again?

“He is Cossack, or People’s Armed Forces Minister Go Sa-geuk-ssi.”

The quick-witted Cossack.

Rolling his eyes de-gul-de-gul, catching onto the unrolling situation.

“I am the Republic’s People’s Armed Forces Minister armed with the Juche revolutionary spirit. For the infinite glory of the great Bong bloodline, I shall deduce this one body. Comrade Joo-hyuk’s father, mother, hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!”

He’s overdoing it again.

Just bulk summon everyone.

“This girl shall offer her greetings. I am called Gyeon Dal-rae who attends to Gongja-nim.”

“The warrior is the shield that protects the Summoner. Nice to meet you.”

“Heo-heo-heo, this old man is called Gwangma. The Summoner’s saber and sword.”

“Let there be light!!! Blessings to the Bong family!”

“I am Mackenzie. I’m a magician.”

.

.

.

Suddenly increased people.

A crowded living room.

It was noisy like a marketplace.

The People’s Armed Forces Minister shouting hurrah repeatedly, an old white-haired man with eyes that give goosebumps just looking at them, a fairy in winged clothes bowing as if she’s about to fly away, a giant whose body grows ssuk-ssuk, a human whose body emits light, an elderly Westerner popping small fireworks above his head with a spotlight, a dog with crimson fur, a pale vampire, an alluring succubus…….

Dizzying.

A commotion.

The family all stood frozen stiff, shivering deol-deol.

What’s this.

Those people.

Scary.

In the midst of that, Rajix.

Rolling all over the house de-gu-reu-reu-reu.

“Ho-e!”

Seuk-seuk-ssak-ssak.

He was cleaning diligently.

He did it so well that not a single speck of dust was visible.