No matter what country a Player belongs to, they must come to Korea to rent the holy sword.

And it must be used in a controlled location.

Usually, the Player renting it, their bodyguards, and one or two high-ranking officials who can take responsibility accompany them.

In the case of the United States, only Gerald, Director Antonio, and bodyguards came.

It was the same for Norway and Russia.

However, the case of Saudi Arabia was different.

Saudi royalty, government ministers, national Players, and all sorts of hangers-on flocked to Korea in a crowd.

The TOWER PLAYER AWAKENING ADMINISTRATION, the rental location for the holy sword, was on the verge of bursting.

Thus, the Saudi side requested a change of location.

Deputy Commissioner Jeon Gwangil accepted, and Saudi Arabia rented an entire hotel in Seoul.

It felt a bit uneasy for it to be a hotel event again.

But it was a customer's request, so how could he refuse?

The grand ballroom of the Seoul Hilltown Hotel.

A magnificent event hosted by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Korea was underway.

Deputy Commissioner Jeon Gwangil also came to the Hilltown Hotel.

And so did Team Leader Lee Mina, the holy sword shuttle.

"It’s a regular festival. A total festival."

"I guess they aren't even considering the possibility of failure."

"It's Nasser, after all. He almost cleared Floor 66 even without the holy sword. He caught up to eight of them."

A mission where one must catch ten Specters.

If it’s eight, it’s practically a success.

"Ah, I'm hungry."

"Just bear with it for a bit. Let's eat once Nasser enters the Tower."

"Yes."

This was at the level of a national event.

They should have just quietly borrowed the holy sword and left.

"Nothing will happen this time, right? Like the HG Hotel terror attack."

"Why? Do you want something to happen?"

"Hoho, of course not. The sight of terrorists being ruthlessly taken down was broadcast live; what kind of bold bastards would show up now?"

That was a valid point.

Anyway, the pre-event wrap-up was finished.

Time to enter the Tower.

The Saudi Minister of Black Tower Management and the top Player, Nasser, approached Deputy Commissioner Jeon Gwangil with an interpreter.

"I apologize for keeping you waiting."

"Hahaha, not at all. Then, shall we proceed with the clear now?"

"Yes, we will proceed right here."

"...Right here?"

Nasser replied with a smirk.

"Is there a designated place to enter the Tower? You just enter and come back out from anywhere."

It was immense confidence.

Though he was a Player with the qualifications to back it up.

"Understood. Team Leader Lee Mina?"

As Jeon Gwangil signaled with his eyes, Team Leader Lee Mina pulled the holy sword right out of her inventory.

And Player Nasser Al-Aboud took the holy sword from her.

"Please use it well."

"Hahaha, nothing to worry about. I'll return it perfectly intact. Although I don't quite measure up to Korea's S++ rank record holder... I am quite a capable Player myself."

As if we didn't know.

Nasser held the holy sword high.

CLICK-CLICK-CLICK! CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK!

Reporters from Saudi Arabia and various other countries vied to press their camera shutters.

And then, SPOT!

Tower entry.

"He finally went in."

"Deputy Commissioner, how many hours do you estimate?"

"Well, won't it take at least four hours?"

"Then I should go grab a bite to eat. Won't you join me?"

"Let's go. I want to see what Halal food tastes like."

The Hilltown Hotel soon transformed into a scene of socializing.

Saudi government officials, politicians, business leaders, ambassadors from various countries, cultural figures, academics—many people were invited to the event.

Since it was a place where so many big shots gathered, reporters were also everywhere.

CNM, the American news channel, was moving around conducting interviews after receiving permission from the organizers.

A lot of time passed.

It felt like it was about time for him to come out.

If he succeeded, the Saudi Players would surely be the first to know.

Global Notices are not only heard during S++ rank clears.

Also during Tower Collapse Countdowns.

A Global Notice also rings out when a mission on an uncleared upper floor is successfully completed.

[Notice: Floor 66 of Black Tower (Saudi Arabia) has been cleared.]

Like this.

The Saudi government Players who followed Nasser to Korea jerked their heads up and cried out.

"Ah!"

"O God!"

"Oh!"

"It's a success!"

The Hilltown Hotel ballroom became noisy with a buzz of excitement.

A moment later, SPOT!

Player Nasser reappeared holding the holy sword.

His face was drenched in sweat.

The sound of thunderous applause.

People flocked to congratulate Nasser.

Deputy Commissioner Jeon Gwangil also approached Nasser with a joyful expression.

"Congratulations."

"Hahaha, it took longer than expected. Sorry for making you wait."

As Nasser held the holy sword with both hands and pushed it forward, Jeon Gwangil received it carefully.

The holy sword was handed over to Team Leader Lee Mina.

To be stored in the inventory and taken back to the ADMINISTRATION.

Since it was used once, it had to be repaired.

Lee Mina tried to carefully put the holy sword into her inventory, but...

It was then.

CRACK! The sound of something splitting.

"...Gasp!"

On the blade of the holy sword, a small hairline fracture appeared right in the center.

"Wh-what?"

CRACKLE! SNAP!

The holy sword snapped right in two.

THUD!

A piece of the sword fell to the floor.

"...."

"...."

"...."

"...."

.

.

A silence flowed quietly.

CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK!

Camera flashes went off incessantly.

Everyone froze. The holy sword broke?

Everyone in the ballroom was swept with shock.

Neither Player Nasser, nor the Saudi government officials, nor the reporters spoke a word.

And the one sentence from Team Leader Lee Mina that broke the silence:

"...Oh? FUCK!!!"

Her very savory curse was carried by the CNM news waves and spread across the world.

They were watching the live broadcast in the U.S. as well.

Secretary Macmillan of the Department of Homeland Security blurted out in a voice just as savory as Lee Mina's.

"Motherfucker! Holy shit!"

Director Antonio also put both hands to his head.

"Oh my God!"

The entire world fell into shock.

If the holy sword becomes like that, how will we break through the undead section?

The whole plan is completely ruined?

An emergency was declared.

The worst-case scenario had occurred.

Jeon Gwangil rushed to the Player Shop workshop.

He met the best master blacksmith in Korea and asked.

"Mmm, I can attach it, but..."

"I-is that so?"

"However, there is a high possibility the effect will vanish. It broke right on the part where the pattern was engraved."

"Ah."

"You know as well, don't you? Even if you copy and engrave the pattern from a Tower reward item exactly, it doesn't become like the original."

It was over.

Completely ruined.

What to do about this?

A snapped holy sword of all things.

How meticulously had they managed it?

No matter how weak the durability is, it breaks this suddenly?

The responsibility must lie with Nasser.

The bastard has the Axe Master Trait, using an axe as his primary weapon.

No doubt.

He must have swung the holy sword wildly like an axe.

He probably hacked at the ground and hacked at stones.

"Nasser, you son of a bitch!"

Curses couldn't help but come out.

*****

Everyone has a beginner phase.

How many youths are there who never even grab the steering wheel after getting their license?

Juhyeok was one of them.

In any case, it was a situation he had to go through once to shed his beginner status.

So he boldly grabbed the wheel.

At first, he only drove looking straight ahead.

He didn't know if he might actually end up in Busan.

But as the driving time increased, he fortunately became more and more accustomed to it.

Checking the side {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} mirrors and rearview mirror, increasing speed, using the turn signals, stopping at a rest area in the middle to refuel...

Only then could he see the navigation screen.

The camping car that was only going straight exited the IC and turned back toward the direction it needed to go.

He had sent all the summoned entities back while driving.

It interfered with his concentration, and his clumsy driving skills were embarrassing.

The destination reached after five hours.

SCREECH! Finally parked.

'I've completely lost my mind.'

The sun was already setting.

It would be evening soon.

Still, he arrived safely.

The land he bought—no, the land the ADMINISTRATION bought for him.

It seemed the leveling work was finished; it was to the point where one could even start farming.

And a temporary container-style house was installed.

Electricity, water, and even sewage work were fully prepared.

'I could live here.'

Though it was a villa through and through.

'Is there a signal?'

He checked his smartphone.

Two antenna bars are alive.

He has phone service, and the road is paved.

This kind of land must be quite expensive even if it's in the outskirts.

His body feels stiff.

Since he came to an area with clear air, he started with breathing exercises.

"Whew, whewwwww..."

The energy moving inside his body.

The energy that was the size of a grain of sand at first had now grown to about the size of a bean.

The Blood Jade True Qi forming at his fingertips also became increasingly vivid in its red color.

'Am I going to become stronger than Cossack or Meatshield at this rate?'

Pfft, a hollow laugh comes out.

Not a chance.

How could I beat them?

BZZZZZT!

A call came in.

The name appearing on the smartphone screen.

'It's the Deputy Commissioner.'

Come to think of it, I believe they said someone was coming from Saudi Arabia today to rent the holy sword.

It seems money has come in again.

'Another 13 billion will be deposited.'

When will I spend all this money? I have to figure something out.

A way to spend money efficiently.

Should I invest in the stock market or something?

"Hello."

Um, Player Bong, I'd like to visit you briefly and have a word.

"Oh, really? That's fine, but I'm not at home right now."

Where might you be?

"Namyangju. The land I bought before."

I'll head there immediately.

Is something wrong?

His voice sounds bad.

Let's call the summoned entities.

"Oing? You've arrived, sir? That was faster than I thought."

"I step on it up to 80 km/h now."

"That's incredible, sir! As expected of Summoner Bong. You could enter an F1 race, sir. Hehehehe."

"Hahahaha, well, not quite that much."

The remaining goal is the highway speed limit.

I should try driving up to 100 km/h.

Only then can I join the ranks of alpha males.

"Mr. Rajix, let's take out the luggage."

"Hoe, okay."

Items poured out from the Subspace Backpack.

A large dining table and chairs, charcoal and a barbecue grill, dry firewood, a camping fire pit, various meats and vegetables, drinks, beer, and soju...

There was no need for something like a tent.

When would he set all that up?

He has the camping car and the container house.

First, a campfire was lit.

A dining table was placed next to it.

Glowing red charcoal was spread in the barbecue grill.

The atmosphere was killer.

"As expected, coming outside has more charm than staying only inside the house."

Gyeon Dallae also seemed to be in a good mood.

"I'll sing a song, sir. Isn't outdoor drinking and singing a Korean tradition, sir?"

What kind of bard does he think he is?

"...I don't think anyone wants to hear Mr. Cossack's singing."

"Didn't you know, sir? The absolute pitch who toys with melody and rhythm, the king of singers who turns the stage upside down, the natural-born singer-songwriter—that's me, Cossack, sir."

"I'd rather listen to Veronica's singing."

At that, Veronica woke up with a start.

"CERTAIN VICTORY! Sergeant Veronica Caliber! Loading one round of military song! Recoil is left-right recoil, military song is 'The Last'..."

She put her hands on her waist and swayed her body, and other things swayed along with it.

'Hmm.'

'Ahem.'

'Mm.'

They spent a long time eating, drinking, and playing like that.

Actually, outdoor camping was one of Juhyeok’s bucket list items.

He has overflowing money and plenty of time.

He’s doing everything he wants to do.

The next step is overseas travel.

There’s no need to take a plane.

Just use the Tower Exit Ring for the country he wants to go to, play quietly, and come back.

Illegal entry is a crime, but... well, so what?

He’s committed even worse deeds.

If he gets caught, he’ll just flee into the Tower.

Just then!

A car entering from far away.

"Gasp! Who is it, sir? A thief?"

"It’s probably the Deputy Commissioner."

"Aha."

It was indeed Deputy Commissioner Jeon Gwangil.

He got out of the car carrying a long bag.

"Deputy Commissioner, welcome, sir!"

Cossack welcomed him with a raised hand. Acting all friendly just because they've met a few times?

"You worked hard coming this long way. We've grilled some meat, let's eat together."

"Th-that is..."

"Is he really sick somewhere?"

Indeed, his expression was not good.

Jeon Gwangil lowered his head deeply.

He opened the bag with trembling hands and said:

"I-I am sorry. I ended up breaking the holy sword."

What? He broke it.

"Um..."

It was true.

The holy sword in the bag was snapped in two.

"Whoa, it’s cut in half, sir. Just like my stocks."

"...You bought stocks?"

"My previous summoner bought them, sir. He invested his whole fortune and went bust. He couldn't sleep without alcohol, sir."

"Oh dear!"

"Was it called Kekeo stock? Ah! That one was in three pieces."

"..."

I should definitely not buy stocks. As expected, real estate is the best.

That aside, what to do about this? A reliable source of income is about to vanish.

Jeon Gwangil explained the reason it broke.

It is suspected that the Saudi Player, Nasser, used it roughly.

"It does not appear to be a fatigue fracture. If it were, it would have shattered into pieces, but for it to be snapped in half like this..."

"He probably used it recklessly because it wasn't his. Weapons must be treated as preciously as a lover."

"Ho-oh, I suddenly want to become Sergeant Ve's weapon, sir."

"Really? Shall I swing you around like Bardin?"

Thinking she really might, Cossack hurriedly changed the subject.

"Anyway, it’s a failure of management, sir. We must punish the Deputy Commissioner."

"I agree. Reward and punishment must be clear. Please punish him severely."

"To damage the supplies bestowed by the Commander, it’s worthy of being sent to a military tribunal. Prepare yourself, Deputy Commissioner."

Jeon Gwangil squeezed his eyes shut.

To be honest, he had nothing to say. Surely they won't kill him?

"Deputy Commissioner, return your badge."

"It is regrettable, but it cannot be helped. Please retrieve the badge."

"Return your medal."

Juhyeok yelled angrily, defending Jeon Gwangil.

"There they go again, overreacting. It broke because it was time for it to break. What fault does the Deputy Commissioner have?"

The summoned entities attempted a quick change of stance.

"Thinking about it, returning the badge was too much, sir. It would be better to replace it by cutting off one finger, sir."

"Shall I blow away his karma?"

"A flick to the forehead would be enough."

"How about making him run a hundred laps in full gear..."

Juhyeok clicked his tongue and said:

"You guys think you’re so innocent? What, cut a finger? Mr. Cossack!"

"...Yes, sir?"

"You have things you did wrong to me too, right?"

"I'm not sure what you mean, sir?"

"China."

"Th-that was already settled under the principle of double jeopardy, sir..."

Double jeopardy my foot.

"Shall we return the badge?"

"Aaaah!"

"Commander, I didn't even know Cossack was doing such a thing. All responsibility lies with Cossack."

"Sergeant Ve, you traitor!"

By the way, what is Rajix doing? He turned his head and saw.

"Hoe..."

Rajix was carefully examining the cross-section of the holy sword with a magnifying glass he had taken out at some point.

He also had a thick book that looked like an encyclopedia opened.

'Huh?'

That's right. I had Rajix, didn't I?

In the meantime, the effect of the human holy sword was so good that I had completely forgotten about the part concerning actual holy sword repair.

"Mr. Rajix."

"Huh?"

"Can you repair it?"

"Hoe, yes."

"Really?"

"Hoe! Rajix repairs the holy sword. I will receive a badge."

"Oh man, our Mr. Rajix is the best, the best! If you repair it, I'll give you two badges."

"Hweeeee?"

The summoned entities didn't stay still either.

"The miraculous weapon repair technician, the human glue who can stick anything back together—I, Cossack, will help as Rajix’s worker, sir."

"I shall also perform a prayer ritual for the holy sword's repair by his side."

"If it's about using strength, leave it to a warrior."

"I will give our Supply Officer a tight hug."

"I’ll be hugged along with him, sir."

At the news that repair was possible, Jeon Gwangil also bowed and said:

"Just say the word if you need anything. I will support everything."

"Hoeeee,"

Thus began Rajix’s holy sword repair operation.

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