The TOWER PLAYER AWAKENING ADMINISTRATION had two major jobs.

Training elite Players to climb the uncleared upper floors of the Black Tower, and supplying Magic Stones—this new industrial resource—to the private sector.

In the Republic of Korea, everyone acknowledged it as the most important national institution.

That was why the TOWER PLAYER AWAKENING ADMINISTRATION was thoroughly protected from any political pressure, and any request it made was always handled with top priority.

Park Kyungsoo had held long-term power as Commissioner of the TOWER PLAYER AWAKENING ADMINISTRATION for over five years.

He had no ambition to climb to a bigger seat.

He was already planning a comfortable retirement—handing the job over to the Deputy Commissioner soon.

So he had absolutely no hesitation about exercising his authority.

“The lowest-level Player currently in the Administration is Level 39. It’s still not enough. But those people are a hell of a lot more important than the likes of you. They climb every day, supporting the high-level Players, trying to stop a Black Tower Collapse.”

Commissioner Park Kyungsoo’s voice boomed through the room.

“And what can you do? An old man who digs into elite Players over petty greed. If I strip the chaebol chairman title off you, what’s left?”

Chairman Jeong Seongtae couldn’t help but panic.

He had met countless public officials, but this was the first time anything like this had happened.

Truthfully, he had always had a lot of enemies.

In the process of growing Ilseong into one of Korea’s biggest conglomerates, he had made enemies by the truckload.

But what enemy stayed an enemy forever?

No matter how hostile things started, people laughed and talked over meals, yielded what they could, took what they could, lowered their guard, became “friends,” and...

Naturally, he had maintained a close relationship with Commissioner Park Kyungsoo too, through Magic Stone supply business.

Not so much enemies—closer to friends.

So what was this now?

Cursing him out. Screaming at him. To his face.

Only then did Chairman Jeong Seongtae’s mind snap fully awake.

He finally understood exactly what situation he was in.

Chaebol chairman?

A single phone call was all it took.

To the National Intelligence Service, the agency most closely tied to the Administration.

The National Intelligence Service’s cabinet had to be stuffed full of Ilseong Group files.

Let even one of those out, and it was over.

No—just leak it lightly to the media, and the result was obvious.

If it became known that a chaebol chairman had approached elite Players to pursue personal profit, what do you think would happen?

“Listen... I believe there’s been some misunderstanding—”

“Shut up, and start by telling me where you got this paperwork.”

“Uh...”

Park Kyungsoo continued with a face full of ridicule.

“Want me to say it for you? The first draft of this intel was made in the United States. But even there, they couldn’t be sure it was true. So they dumped it on Japan instead. To see what would happen.”

He had already figured out how these documents had ended up in Jeong Donghun’s hands.

“And Japan? Same story. They couldn’t move directly. But then, wouldn’t you know it, they had a useful tool—some guy with connections in Japanese politics, and also a chairman of one of Korea’s biggest conglomerates.”

Chairman Jeong Seongtae couldn’t even answer.

“But you weren’t any different. You didn’t know what would happen if you approached an elite Player recklessly, so you dumped it on your nephew instead.”

Yes. He knew everything.

“Even if you got caught, you probably thought it wouldn’t matter. Because you could do what you always do. Eat a meal with powerful people in a fancy restaurant like this, slip a little bribe, and it would all get smoothed over.”

BANG!

Park Kyungsoo slammed the table.

“But you stupid bastard! Even then, this is too far. You’ve lived that long and this is your judgment?”

Then, in a low voice—

“Should I handle it the old-fashioned way? Honestly, that’s the easiest and cleanest. Makes a good example, too.”

What was “the old-fashioned way”?

Simple.

He meant killing him.

This wasn’t an empty threat.

Park Kyungsoo was the kind of man who actually had the power to do it.

For the safety of elite Players, what wouldn’t the TOWER PLAYER AWAKENING ADMINISTRATION do?

It felt like he might really die.

Chairman Jeong Seongtae had no choice but to submit.

“...I’ll admit everything.”

“Admit it and that’s the end?”

“Spare me. Wh-what do I have to do?”

“Good. Listen carefully. I’ll open a way for you to live. Do exactly what I tell you.”

“Y-yes. I’m listening.”

Commissioner Park Kyungsoo began to speak.

Jeong Seongtae could only nod.

What else could he do?

If he wanted to keep his life, he had to do as he was told.

*****

While Veronica slept,

Juhyeok trained his breathing exercise—no, the Heaven-and-Earth Unity Art.

“Hoo... hooooo... hoo... hooooo...”

John Cossack, sprawled sideways on the sofa watching TV, stared at him.

“Got rhinitis, sir?”

Rhinitis, my ass.

“Hoo... hooooo...”

“Pollen allergy?”

“Hoo... hooooo...”

“You breathin’ too hard, sir. I’m concerned, sir.”

Seriously. He kept yapping right next to him.

It was ruining his focus.

“It’s called the Heaven-and-Earth Unity Art. A martial arts breathing method.”

“That a thing, sir? You learn it from some cult group, sir?”

“The Mad Demon taught me.”

“...Yes, sir? Uh... when, sir?”

At that point, Juhyeok just told them.

The story of becoming drinking buddies with the Mad Demon, and the basic cleansing, and the martial arts transmission.

Gyeon Dallae practically floated as she bowed with a delighted expression.

“My congratulations. Though the Mad Demon’s temperament is twisted in a peculiar way, the martial arts he possesses are genuine. If you devote yourself, you will gain attainment.”

Meatshield, too—

“A warrior feels good when the Summoner gets stronger. Tell the Mad Demon I said thanks.”

Cossack wore a strange expression.

“I’m jealous, sir.”

“Of what? You want to learn martial arts too?”

“No, sir. If I were LSSR, I’d teach you a whole lot, Summoner Bong, sir.”

“You already taught me Shadow Step.”

“There’s better stuff than that, sir. Lockpicking, pickpocketing, mugging, blackmail...”

This guy was trying to turn someone into a criminal.

“Still, did you give the Mad Demon a badge, sir? A favor is a favor, sir.”

“Come on. Would he even like that?”

“If you offer it, he’ll lose his mind, sir. Receiving something from the Summoner is pure honor for a summoned entity, sir.”

So that was why—

Still, just in case, next time he had a drink with the Mad Demon, Juhyeok should casually float it.

There was a thing called a Platinum Badge, and if he wanted one, Juhyeok could give him one.

More importantly... when was Veronica going to wake up?

Whether it was Tower clearing or a promotion party, he needed to do at least one.

“Oh! Speaking of badges, sir—Staff Sergeant’s badge time, sir?”

“Yeah. She got promoted, so absolutely.”

In that instant—Veronica snapped upright.

“Staff Sergeant Veronica Caliber! I will prepare for the medal ceremony!”

“...”

Looks like “medal” was the magic word. She woke up immediately.

Since she was up, he might as well ask what he was curious about.

“Staff Sergeant. I couldn’t ask earlier because you were sleeping, but—did anything change when you got promoted to SSR?”

“CERTAIN VICTORY! I will report!”

First, she pointed at the goggles on her face.

“I can now spot weak points. I can precisely hit a monster’s weakest part with guided assistance.”

Veronica also explained her reinforced suit upgrades: improved defense, enhanced physical performance, camouflage function, even temperature regulation.

The original features had all been strengthened.

Her boots too—

Explosive speed, tactical leaps, and automatic sweat release for comfortable foot health.

Finally, her magic gun.

“The ammunition types have been subdivided. Heavy rounds are possible up to three shots. But more than anything, the biggest function is...”

She paused.

“Commander, I have a request.”

“Go ahead.”

“Please summon the Bardin Holy Sword.”

That was easy enough.

“Meatshield?”

SWOOSH! Meatshield enlarged.

And along with it, Lucius Bardin’s holy sword was summoned.

“LIGHT!!!”

The holy sword’s radiance flared.

CLICK!

Veronica raised her magic gun and aimed the muzzle at the Bardin holy sword.

What—was she about to shoot it?

“I will initiate attribute absorption.”

Attribute absorption?

At that moment—

ZZZZZT!

Bardin’s radiance was sucked into the magic gun.

“Hrk! M-my true light—stolen by this witch—!”

“Shh!”

“Mmgh!”

So that was it.

“Vacuum cleaner, sir.”

“Oh! Now I understand what attribute absorption means.”

“As expected of SSR. Absorb it, then spit it out.”

“Huh?”

Applause burst out of Juhyeok without him meaning to.

Veronica’s face filled with pride.

“With this, holy-attribute firing is now possible.”

Meaning the bullets could be imbued with holy-attribute.

“What about duration?”

“Temporary. It disappears after time passes. However, each time, I can recharge radiance and use it again.”

“Ah!”

Reliable Staff Sergeant Veronica was back—returned by equipment upgrades.

If that was the case, did he have two holy-attribute weapons now?

We’ll get to Floor 70 in no time.

It was just a shame the highest floor he could clear right now was Floor 66.

Floor 67 wouldn’t be possible for at least four months.

Unless the Tower’s time limits accelerated the way the Mad Demon predicted.

But he had to pray that didn’t happen.

Because the world could end overnight.

Well, it wasn’t like he had nothing to do.

Repeat clears for leather and ore, gathering fragments, messing around.

“Staff Sergeant’s awake, so let’s do the promotion party first.”

That was when it happened.

BZZZT—his smartphone rang.

It was Deputy Commissioner Jeon Gwangil.

He didn’t know what was going on, but he had to answer.

“Hello?”

This is Jeon Gwangil. Nothing unusual on your end, correct?

“Yep. Same old, same old. What’s up?”

I contacted you because there’s something I’d like to discuss. Could you spare some time? I’ll send a car now.

Now? He was about to do the badge ceremony and the ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) promotion party.

“Is it urgent?”

Uh, not urgent, but it’s something we should decide as soon as possible...

Hmm. That’s a problem. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Right now wasn’t great.

If he went to the Administration and came back, the summon time limits would all be over.

Then he’d have to wait three more hours.

The schedule would get tangled.

Should he tell him to come another time?

But it sounded important.

Wait.

Deputy Commissioner Jeon Gwangil.

A man who had personally witnessed Juhyeok’s ability.

He knew Meatshield, and he knew Cossack.

So then—

“Hold on a second.”

Yes. Take your time.

Then Juhyeok turned to the summoned entities.

“Is it okay if I invite one outsider? Deputy Commissioner Jeon Gwangil—”

“You are the head of this household. Do as you wish.”

“It’s your decision, Summoner Bong, sir. And the Deputy Commissioner already met us before, so it’s fine, sir.”

Right. They all knew him.

There was no reason to hide it now.

Juhyeok raised the phone again.

“Deputy Commissioner—could you come to my place? I can’t leave right now.”

Ah! I’ll come right away.

Perfect timing. He could introduce everyone.

And with everyone gathered, there were things he wanted to ask.

*****

Jeon Gwangil arrived at the Cheongdam-dong apartment’s underground parking garage.

After parking, he pressed the intercom at the penthouse-only elevator.

“This is Jeon Gwangil. I’m at the elevator.”

Yes, I’ll open it now.

The elevator doors slid open.

The moment he stepped in, the doors closed and it automatically rose.

The reason he had come to see Bong Juhyeok today was business—about establishing a company.

Chairman Jeong Seongtae had raised the white flag.

He was going to spit out all shares of Ilseong Apparel and separate it as an affiliate split from the group.

Jeong Seongtae’s shares would need to be transferred to Bong Juhyeok.

Of course, the final decision had to be Bong Juhyeok’s.

If he refused, they would have to find another method.

Honestly, Jeon Gwangil was worried.

His name was circulating everywhere.

The United States, Japan—now even among civilians.

The real owner of the holy sword.

A Player who could still clear Floor 65 at S++ even after returning the holy sword.

The only person bringing back basilisk and wyvern leather, supplying an enormous volume of Tower ore.

It was only a matter of time before the world learned what Bong Juhyeok could do.

Any country clearing the Tower would covet him.

They would use any means necessary to bring Bong Juhyeok to their country.

From Korea’s perspective, that was terrifying.

No matter what, they had to protect him.

That was the only thought in Jeon Gwangil’s head—

DING! The elevator stopped. Before he approached the front door—

Whew.

He checked his breath didn’t stink, fixed his hair, straightened his clothes, and then pulled the handle.

“I’m here. I came so fast I didn’t have time to bring anything—huh?”

He froze.

Jeon Gwangil hardened right there in the entryway.

Inside the home, Bong Juhyeok wasn’t alone.

Loud voices. Lively conversation.

“When you do a ceremony, the lighting matters, sir. Meatshield, raise the Bardin holy sword higher, sir.”

“Understood.”

“LIGHT!!!”

“Hey! Staff Sergeant! If you do attribute absorption, it turns off!”

“Ah—s-sorry. I didn’t even realize.”

“LIGHT!!!”

“Okay, great lighting, sir. Summoner Bong, now you can proceed, sir.”

“Staff Sergeant, forward.”

“CERTAIN VICTORY!”

Where was he?

Who were these people?

He recognized two of them for sure.

That white man and the giant—he had seen them at the HG Hotel.

But in the giant’s hand, there was an armored man.

His entire body glowed like a lightbulb, and in a voice that sounded strangely desperate, like it was clawing at your chest—

“LIGHT!!!”

And who was that young girl holding a bell?

Jeon Gwangil had never heard Bong Juhyeok mention a little sister.

There was another woman too.

An adult woman in skin-tight leggings, standing perfectly still.

A Pilates instructor?

Then why was there a gun slung across her back?

It looked like a toy gun.

“Summoner Bong, what are you doing, sir? Stop shaking and put the badge on already, sir.”

“...Staff Sergeant’s reinforced suit is too thin.”

“You pinned it on Princess’s chest just fine, sir. So it’s a size problem, sir?”

“Y-yes, you bastard!!!”

“Staff Sergeant Veronica Caliber! Commander, it is acceptable to grip firmly.”

“Aaah!”

“Opportunity, sir. You got permission, so grip firmly, sir.”

“...What opportunity is that supposed to be?”

“SUMMONER!!! What do you mean a badge for heretics!!! Why do you not pin one on me!!!”

“The lighting is talking again.”

“Shh! Light, no side conversations.”

“Mmgh!”

And the decisive finish—

“WHEEEEE!!!”

THUD-THUD-THUD-THUD!

A strange fuzzball rolled around the apartment.

“Huh?”

What was that cute little creature?

Then Jeon Gwangil’s eyes met Bong Juhyeok’s.

With an awkward expression—

“C-can I come in?”

“Oh! Yes, come on in. Everyone—Deputy Commissioner’s here, so applause!”

Jeon Gwangil’s mind went hazy all at once.

He didn’t even know why he was getting applauded.

This isn’t a dream... is it?

Was it really okay to go inside?

────────────────────────────────────

────────────────────────────────────