People commonly become depressed.

It is perfectly normal.

Becoming depressed because tomorrow is Monday.

Becoming depressed after receiving this month's credit card statement.

Becoming depressed while looking at clothes that no longer fit due to weight gain.

Becoming depressed because a former lover suddenly comes to mind.

However, these are merely shifts in emotion.

Once the problem is resolved or some time passes, one feels better quickly as if nothing had happened.

But the condition known as clinical depression is entirely different from a simple emotional shift.

Depression is a pathology caused by abnormalities in neurotransmitter and hormone secretion.

It must be treated with medication.

If left untreated, the result is obvious.

It causes harm not only to oneself but to others as well.

There was an instance where a co-pilot of an airline suffered from depression and intentionally crashed the plane he was piloting, dying along with 150 passengers.

Guillaume Loiret.

Level 65, the top Player in France.

His Trait was [Superhuman Strength].

Having completed the clear of Black Tower Floor 64, he was currently attempting to clear the Floor 65 boss, Dullahan the Headless Knight.

Guillaume had a fatal flaw.

Severe depression.

Immediately after being selected as a Player belonging to the French government, the illness suddenly struck.

A Player with depression?

Doesn't it get better in the Tower?

Physical abilities improve and one gains mana.

However, even after entering the Tower, the depression did not improve.

Even Tower-only healing potions were useless.

So Guillaume intended to die.

He figured it would happen naturally while fighting monsters after entering the Tower.

He had no fear of death.

Because he was rushing in specifically to die.

However, an unexpected result occurred.

He threw his body forward to die, but the monsters were swept away like autumn leaves.

It was a kind of synergistic effect.

A daring charge without fear of death, ruthless attacks that completely disregarded defense, and talent.

The Tower clear proceeded with the force of a breaking bamboo.

After checking the bodycam footage of Guillaume Loiret’s clear, the French government decided to invest in him.

Naturally, Runes for Trait Enhancement were provided.

So, what were the enhanced Traits?

[Enhanced Superhuman Strength]

Existing strength increased by more than double.

[Focused Superhuman Strength]

In moments of crisis, all physical abilities momentarily improve significantly (Cooldown: 24 hours).

[Indomitable Superhuman Strength]

Upon sustaining a fatal wound, immediately restores vitality, increases strength, improves physical abilities, and resets skill cooldowns (Cooldown: 24 hours).

Three Trait enhancements.

With this, how could he die?

The determination to die and the determination to kill monsters.

The two formed a staggering harmony.

Guillaume instantly rose as the hero of France.

Everyone praised him.

Wealth and fame followed naturally.

The French government was also aware of Guillaume’s depression.

They managed him meticulously, combining counseling with antidepressant medication.

Furthermore, it was kept strictly top secret.

What would people think if the hero of France suffered from depression?

The depression had improved a lot.

No, it was almost completely cured.

That is, until he entered the undead section.

The dark aura of the undead.

To a depression patient, it was at the level of poison.

The effectiveness of the medication also decreased markedly.

All sorts of negative thoughts tormented him.

He wanted to quit the clear immediately.

Especially after losing his beloved wife to cancer a few months ago, the symptoms worsened day by day.

But could he quit?

Knowing how much expectation the French government and the public placed upon him.

Guillaume, there is only you.

Please save France.

We must prevent the Tower Collapse.

To be honest, he was sick of it.

He wondered what sin he had committed to have such a heavy burden placed upon him.

The French government had also reserved the holy sword.

Next in line after Saudi Arabia.

But to Guillaume, this was not a welcome development.

"What holy sword?"

He would shake everything off and leave.

To him, life was hell, and death was salvation itself.

Finally, Guillaume Loiret made his decision.

"Floor 65? I'll clear it even without a holy sword."

He had a way.

A means to break through not just Floor 65, but perhaps 66, 67, 68, and 69 as well.

He would give them what they wanted.

And then he would leave without regret.

To the place where his wife was waiting.

*****

Nasser Al-Aboud.

Level 66, the top Player in Saudi Arabia.

His Trait was initially [Axe Warrior].

Since then, through five Trait enhancements, it evolved into [Axe Master].

He possessed 50 combat skills alone.

He held elemental attacks as well as various area-of-effect attacks, finishing moves, and ultimate skills.

Usually, the axe Nasser used was a great axe as massive as his own body.

Since he was 2 meters tall, the length of the axe was about the same.

True to an axe warrior, Nasser’s personality was hyper-masculine and tough.

In a word, he was a typical alpha male.

His Tower clear method reflected this personality exactly.

Striking first without exception, breaking, smashing, and hacking with the giant axe.

However, the Specter of Floor 66 was too much even for him.

Overwhelming physical stats and a dark aura that was unpleasant even to approach; therefore, it was practically a natural enemy to Nasser.

Inevitably, he had to borrow the power of the holy sword.

Could a Player with an Axe Master Trait use a holy sword properly?

Why not?

One just has to use the sword like an axe.

Of course, a bit of trial practice would be necessary.

In two days, Nasser would board a private jet at Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport to depart for Korea.

The clear of Saudi Arabia's Black Tower Floor 66 was as good as done.

*****

TOWER PLAYER AWAKENING ADMINISTRATION.

Jeon Gwangil was in the middle of a conversation with Commissioner Park Kyungsoo.

"Hahaha, good work. It turned out very well. My mind is finally at ease."

Jeon Gwangil and Commissioner Park Kyungsoo were in a relationship where they shared the secrets regarding Bong Juhyeok.

Therefore, he informed him of every detail that occurred at the penthouse.

He had to do so to support Bong Juhyeok properly.

Because there were matters that could only be realized if the Commissioner approved them.

The recent establishment of the company was also something accomplished because Commissioner Park Kyungsoo stepped in.

But he did not mention the rescue of the kidnapped Players from China or the cause of Chairman Lin Chaoming’s death.

This was because it was agreed that he had heard nothing.

Except for that, he reported everything.

"I believe we can proceed as planned. Jeong Donghun is a man of some capability."

"While we're at it, couldn't we just pull out all the leather going to HG Fashion?"

"Can we really do that? They are already under contract, but I intend to delete the exclusivity clause."

"Any legal issues?"

"None. We are the masters. The supplementary provisions of the contract state that the exclusivity clause can be removed at any time."

Commissioner Park Kyungsoo nodded as if satisfied.

"Oh! What happened with the Korean citizenship issue?"

"Actually, Player Bong Juhyeok mentioned something regarding the acquisition of Korean citizenship."

"Really? What?"

"He says he does not want the personal details of the summoned entities to be recorded for the issuance of ID cards or in the electronic system."

"Hmm."

Park Kyungsoo wore a look of regret.

"Instead, he asked to just be able to open smartphone accounts. Using burner phones or phones under aliases."

That was not a difficult task.

Given that several employees of the ADMINISTRATION use phones under aliases due to the nature of their work.

However, it was a bit disappointing.

"It would have been perfect if all those people acquired Korean citizenship."

"You shouldn't approach too hastily. And in any case, all decisions depend on Player Bong."

He knew from seeing it /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ firsthand.

Even though he was only there for a few hours, the loyalty of the summoned entities toward Bong Juhyeok was beyond words.

"It is more important to form a deeper intimacy with Player Bong Juhyeok than with them."

"I suppose so."

Then, Commissioner Park Kyungsoo’s gaze stopped on Jeon Gwangil’s chest.

A sparkling, shining badge.

"Hm? What is that badge? I haven't seen it before."

"Th-this?... I received it from Player Bong."

"...Why?"

"He said it was a token of gratitude for the sincere support provided so far."

"Is that so?"

"The summoned entities were also wearing at least one on their chests. Mr. Rajix, the beastkin, had three."

"Oh! Mr. Rajix, I’d like to meet him once myself."

Commissioner Park Kyungsoo examined the badge closely.

"But why isn't there one for me?"

"Pardon?"

"No, I mean, the penthouse, and this company establishment, it's all stuff I approved or moved on directly. I have the right to receive one too."

"...I'm not sure. I'll try making a suggestion the next time I see him."

"Don't forget, definitely!"

He would mention it.

Although the thought of Commissioner Park Kyungsoo standing before Player Bong Juhyeok for a badge bestowal ceremony was somewhat funny.

"Anything else?"

"He said he's looking to buy a car and asked if I knew any reliable used car dealers...."

"Eh? A used car?"

"Yes. He plans to buy a camping car."

"It doesn't matter what kind of car he buys, but why a used one of all things?"

"He said it takes too long for a new car to be delivered after purchase."

"Ah!"

Indeed, if you pick a used car well, it's as good as a new one.

He could also guess why he wanted to buy a camping car.

"Setting that aside, which country is next for the holy sword rental?"

"It's Saudi Arabia. The schedule is in three days."

"Who is the rental target?"

"Nasser Al-Aboud, the top Player in Saudi Arabia."

"There won't be any problems, right?"

"He has achieved Trait enhancement five times. There are no known unstable factors to date."

If a Player has achieved Trait enhancement five times, what is there to worry about?

"And after Saudi Arabia?"

"It's France."

"The reservations are full. From now on, don't report to me and just handle it on your own."

Park Kyungsoo had a pleased smile.

As expected, if you pick your subordinates well, everything goes smoothly.

The Black Tower clears, the ADMINISTRATION operations, and the holy sword rentals.

He hoped things would continue to flow just like this.

*****

Three days had passed since clearing Floor 66.

During that time, I spent my time doing repeat missions occasionally.

Actually, I wasn't even going to do repeat missions, but unable to win against Rajix’s pestering, I went in and out twice.

If a worker says he wants to work, what can you do?

I should find some time to play him the Pororo song.

The song containing the famous quote: "Playing is the best."

Juhyeok was rolling around alone in the penthouse.

He couldn't even sleep.

It was because his heart was swelling with anticipation.

Ah, today was finally the day.

He had waited and waited.

'I think the time is up.'

Why isn't there any contact?

At that moment! Bzzzzt! The smartphone rang.

"Wh-it's here!"

Juhyeok answered the phone with a trembling heart.

"Ah! Yes, yes, that's right. You're downstairs? I'll come down immediately."

He hurriedly took the elevator to the apartment's ground-level parking lot.

"Are you Bong Juhyeok?"

"Yes, that's me. Is it this car?"

"Hahaha, indeed. Please inspect it and just sign the vehicle takeover receipt."

It was an imported camping car bought used.

Because a new car takes too long.

However, it might as well be called a new car.

The exterior was gleaming, and the interior was neat and clean as if it had been newly renovated.

"The previous owner of this car only rode it three times. It's called used, but it's at the level of a new car."

"I like it."

"Registration, tax processing, and insurance are all completed, so you can drive it out right away."

After signing the vehicle takeover receipt, Juhyeok sat in the driver's seat.

'Should I leave right away?'

No need to hesitate.

Everything was already prepared.

First,

"John Cossack, Designated Summon."

SPOT!

"It's co—, huh! Wh-where is this, sir?"

"Heh! Guess."

Cossack looked around, rolling his eyes.

"Whoa, is—is this a camping car, sir?"

"Ding-dong! Correct."

"Is this the camping car they say you're happy when you buy it, and even happier when you sell it, sir?"

Where did he even hear that?

Anyway, I summoned all the rest.

"This is... a vehicle. It is large, so I like it."

Meatshield was also satisfied.

"Ah, you have finally acquired it. Your wish has been fulfilled, Master. I offer my congratulations."

Gyeon Dallae offered her congratulations.

"Hoe?"

Rajix also looked around with curious eyes, rolling here and there, and then immediately began cleaning.

Scrub, scrub!

The interior of the already clean camping car began to shine.

"Mmm."

Veronica forced her sleepy eyes open and discovered the temporary bed in the back of the car.

"Commander, for a moment, over there..."

"Sleep well."

"CE-CERTAIN VICTORY!"

Thud.

"Zzz, snore, honshoo!"

Seeing Sergeant Ve sleeping soundly, it really felt like a good purchase.

"Let's depart immediately."

"Awesome!"

"Hoe!"

First, I had to input the address into the navigation.

The destination was the land owned by Juhyeok located in Namyangju.

I started the engine.

Vroom.

Gear in drive, stepping gently on the accelerator.

Glide.

The camping car moved smoothly.

"Vroom-vroom, heading out, sir!"

The camping car carrying Juhyeok and his party entered the road.

It was very smooth so far.

Though there was one minor problem.

"Ex-excuse me, Summoner Bong,"

"What? Don't keep talking to me while I'm driving."

"Isn't—isn't this too slow, sir?"

What's slow about 40 km/h?

"Don't you know safety first? Safety first? This guy, he's lost his beginner's mindset."

"Mmm."

"If we speed and, huh? An accident happens, huh? Are you going to take responsibility?"

"My—my apologies, sir."

Gyeon Dallae spoke in a quiet tone.

"Master, pay no mind. There is occasionally a sort of person who has the audacity to bark orders from the passenger seat despite not even having a license."

"They are deluded, as if they were some sort of racing athlete. If it is truly bothersome, please discard him on the shoulder of the highway and move on."

"...Th-that is such a harsh thing to say."

I'm not sure if "barking orders" was the right expression.

But Gyeon Dallae’s threat was effective.

Even though we drove at a "speeding" pace of 50 km/h once on the highway, Cossack didn't say a word.

High beams flashing from behind.

Beep-beep, honking horns.

To Juhyeok, it felt like they were celebrating the purchase of the camping car.

Thank you.

And I'm sorry.

It's because I'm a coward, a weak man.

I have a closet license.

I'll try pushing it 10 km more to 60 km/h.

"Whoa! We just passed the IC, sir. We were supposed to exit there. Why are you only going straight, sir?"

No, why don't you know that a real man only goes straight?

"W-we can just go and come back."

"Master, please open the door. We must throw Cossack out."

"Summoner, stop at a rest area. I will finish the assassin and return."

"Hoek!"

But will we even reach the destination within today?

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