He spent two full days staying home.
Partly to rest, and partly to calm down the overly excited summoned ones.
Juhyeok wasn't exactly fine himself.
He'd been directly caught up in a terrorist incident.
And people had died in the process.
"…No. I killed them."
It amounted to him killing them.
Someone had summoned Kosak and Gobang, after all.
On the surface, he acted as if nothing was wrong, but inside, Bong Juhyeok—the loser—had been deeply shaken.
To recover mentally, he didn't even enter the Tower and just took proper rest.
Cleaning while going hoeng-hoeng with Rajiks, grilling meat, feeding Veronica while she slept, cooking ramen as a palate cleanser, listening to Gyeon Dallae shout "You bastard!" at Kosak over noodle-cutting mishaps…
"…I feel a bit better."
After spending time like that, he sent everyone back once afternoon came.
Sometimes, you need time alone.
It had been a while since he drank alone.
He prepared alcohol and snacks—
An expensive whiskey bought at a department store, no less.
Something about a single-malt sherry cask.
He'd originally bought three bottles to drink with the summoned ones, but they all waved it off, saying it was too strong.
"I'm grateful, honestly."
Thanks to that, he got to drink expensive liquor by himself.
With the TV on, he poured it over ice into an on-the-rocks glass and sipped slowly—when the news happened to come on.
The heroes who appeared at the showcase terror site.
Sure, calling them heroes wasn't an exaggeration, but…
"…What a mess. Absolute chaos."
The news was full of wild speculation.
Before he knew it, Kosak and Gobang had been labeled S++-rank clear record holders.
"…Is that really a misunderstanding?"
As it turned out, the media had hit the mark exactly.
Buzz!
The phone rang.
It was Deputy Commissioner Jeon Gwang-il.
"Hello?"
—Player Bong, are you experiencing any discomfort?
"No. After resting a bit, I'm fine."
And I've even had a glass of expensive liquor.
—This may be bothersome, but I thought you should know…
The reason Jeon Gwang-il called—
First, he told him not to worry about the media.
There had been many interview requests, but they'd refused them all, and everything being reported was purely speculative.
Then, the identity of the terrorist.
It was certain he was Chinese.
At the same time, there was a strong possibility he was one of the rumored player kidnappers.
But since he was keeping his mouth completely shut, it would take time to confirm things definitively.
But—
"…Player kidnapping? Wasn't that just an urban legend?"
—It's happening in reality. Not just China—more countries than you'd expect are doing this. India is also under suspicion.
That sent a chill down his spine.
In some ways, humans were scarier than the Tower.
"So there are still kidnapped players being held somewhere in China right now."
—Yes. That's our assessment.
Bastards.
No matter how desperate they were, kidnapping people and forcing them into Tower clears?
What if they died?
No evidence would remain.
They'd just disappear.
And not just the kidnapped players—what about their families?
"…Haa."
His mood sank.
He'd been drinking alone to recover mentally, but somehow he felt even worse now.
"Should I call Mr. Kosak?"
At least to talk things out.
Three hours had already passed…
"Designated summon: John Kosak."
Fwoosh!
"Salute! Kosak reporting. …Eek! You actually drank that strong stuff? Your liver values are rising. Please restrain yourself."
Then Kosak realized he alone had been summoned.
"C-could this be a mission?"
"No. I've just got something on my mind."
"Hehehe, well done! And who might I be? Bong Summoner's right-hand man—there are no bad players in this world, Counselor Kosak is here to hear your worries."
Who are you calling troubled?
"It's not that, it's just…"
Juhyeok relayed Deputy Commissioner Jeon Gwang-il's story exactly as he'd heard it.
Kosak's expression gradually hardened.
"…A hundred deaths wouldn't be enough for those bastards."
"Right? I just feel bad for the kidnapped players. It's weighing on me. Kind of depressing."
"Aaaah, this Kosak is deeply moved by Bong Summoner's benevolent heart. My vision blurs with tears."
Moved, my ass.
I'm telling you I'm depressed.
Kosak suddenly stood up.
"May I step outside for a bit?"
"Why?"
"I'll go ask."
"Ask whom?"
"The one I spared."
"You know where he is?"
"I marked him beforehand, just in case he tried to run."
He'd seemed like an airhead, but Kosak was surprisingly meticulous.
Really, you shouldn't judge people by appearances.
"And if he doesn't tell you?"
"Then we negotiate."
You mean threaten.
"Even if you find out, what will you do with that information?"
"The decision is always the summoner's. We simply follow orders."
No helping it.
At least knowing would be better.
"Take your time. We can talk tomorrow. If you get hungry, buy something good with the money."
Juhyeok opened his wallet and handed Kosak a few bills.
"Oh, you didn't have to do that."
"It's allowance."
"Salute! Thank you very much. Then I'll be off. Hehehehehe."
Once Kosak left, the loneliness returned.
Was it because of the alcohol?
Wasn't there anyone to drink with?
With such a narrow social circle, times like this felt especially sad.
Juhyeok opened the status-window catalog.
One name stood out among them.
"Mad Demon…"
The name was listed in the catalog, but it had the lowest star rating, and he'd only summoned him twice.
Honestly, he felt a bit guilty.
His methods were extreme, but everything he did was for Juhyeok's sake.
Yet every time they met, Juhyeok gave him one star and dismissed him like he was shooing him away.
Maybe tonight, until the summon time limit ran out, they could actually talk?
Had his thinking changed without him realizing it?
Whether his thinking had changed or not, as they drank together—
"Designated summon: Mad Demon."
Fwaaaash!
A mass of light flared.
And the Mad Demon appeared.
"Summoner."
"Welcome."
Still frightening, but borrowing courage from the alcohol—
"I wanted to talk for a bit. If it's uncomfortable—"
"What discomfort could there be? Being summoned at all is something to be grateful for."
Juhyeok and the Mad Demon sat facing each other at the dining table.
"Would you like a drink? I don't know if it'll suit your taste."
"Oh! This old man's palate shall be indulged."
"I'll pour you a glass."
"And the summoner?"
"I'll drink too. It's expensive, after all."
"Hahaha, as you should. Hand it here—I'll pour first."
In a way, the Mad Demon really was a sucker.
He'd been forcibly dismissed twice and slapped with one-star ratings, yet he was smiling like that—what was he so happy about?
Glug glug.
The glasses filled.
One drink, then another.
Alcohol gives people courage.
Juhyeok asked the Mad Demon.
"…The thoughts you mentioned before—you haven't changed them, have you? Conquering Earth, uniting the world into a single nation."
The Mad Demon let out a deep sigh.
"Hoo… Do you wish for me to change my mind?"
"Yes."
Then—
"Summoner, of course I could obey your command. If you told me to change my resolve, I could answer right now that I would."
This was going better than expected?
"But could you truly trust it? My obedience?"
"…."
Thinking about it calmly, he probably couldn't.
The Third Principle, Clause Three—decisions made autonomously by summoned beings.
"All summoned ones have their own standards. If they judge the summoner to be dangerous, they may commit any act— even one that goes against the summoner's values."
The Mad Demon downed another drink.
"My Third Principle, Clause Three is a belief born from my identity and life experience. The true enemy lies within. If the inside is not purified, I believe complete Tower conquest will remain difficult."
The Mad Demon's expression looked strangely lonely.
"Summoner, there's no need to try so hard to persuade me. It would only drain your resolve. When the day comes that you judge me useful, you may use me then."
A belief.
Hard to change, indeed.
But then again—what in this world is truly eternal?
Juhyeok refilled the Mad Demon's empty glass.
"It seems you can stay quite a while today."
"Yes. I won't forcibly send you back."
"Heh heh heh, what an honor."
Let's spend some time.
Talk a lot.
Whether Juhyeok would be drawn into the Mad Demon's convictions, or the Mad Demon into Juhyeok's—something would change eventually.
Juhyeok drank with him.
Back and forth, until they emptied an entire bottle of whiskey and opened a new one.
The Mad Demon seemed to be in a good mood.
His face flushed red, as if intoxicated.
"Summoner, there is something I wish to tell you. May I?"
"Haha, say whatever you like."
"The Tower-clear deadline for this world—six months, is it not?"
"That's right."
"But do not feel at ease. One day, that deadline may change."
"What?"
What was he saying?
"…Could it shorten?"
"Yes. The Tower is ever-changing. One day it may become three months, or one month—perhaps even half a month. Truly cunning. Just when clearing the Tower to a fixed deadline becomes routine, it strikes you from behind."
Damn it.
A sudden wave of anxiety hit.
"Please keep that possibility in mind at all times. And summon me whenever you need."
"When, and how it might change—could you explain in more detail—"
"A prohibition binds me. I cannot say more."
"Ah!"
Someone like the Mad Demon must have climbed high floors, perhaps even witnessed worlds fall to ruin.
"What about the missions on higher floors we'll have to climb? For example, floors above 71?"
"The same applies. I do not even remember them."
The Mad Demon was like that, and so was Kosak.
There really did seem to be such a thing as a prohibition.
Either way, he'd just have to climb and see for himself.
That aside—
"Hmm."
Suddenly, he grew curious.
This was his third summon, but he had never once seen what the Mad Demon could actually do inside the Tower.
Juhyeok glanced at the clock.
Nearly three hours had passed since they started drinking together.
Maybe ten minutes left until the summon time limit.
"Sir Mad Demon."
"Hm? Is it time to go?"
"It is—but would you like to go into the Tower with me once?"
"Hahaha, no problem at all. Let us go."
Might as well watch.
If they could fight together, then fight.
[Entering the Republic of Korea Black Tower, Floor 61.]
"It truly has been a long time since I last cleared a Tower. I am grateful to the summoner for granting me such an opportunity."
"…An opportunity? I was the one asking."
"I shall do my utmost. Perhaps we'll even draw a useful item while we're at it."
"Oh please, I'm not expecting anything."
Item rewards had abysmal odds.
Even S++ clears rarely gave them.
And this was a repeat clear—there was no way they'd give an item.
"A floor with crude jiangshi, I see. Though they are cloaked in demonic energy."
"That's right. Ah—shouldn't we use the holy sword?"
"Put it away."
Hmm. That made him uneasy.
"We need to strip the dark aura. I learned a skill called Honwon Lightning Staff, and I can use it with the holy sword too—"
"Will you even have time to use a skill? You may be injured if you advance. Simply watching will suffice."
Not again. Was he telling him to just watch, too?
The Mad Demon and Juhyeok stepped out of the safe zone.
Hands clasped behind his back, the Mad Demon walked forward as if on a leisurely stroll.
"There are two ways to deal with demonic energy. One is to use a power that stands in opposition to it, such as holy power—or…"
Wooooong!
"…to crush it with even stronger demonic energy."
From his entire body, a sinister black aura began to rise.
More ominous than the dark aura itself.
"They're not even worth being an after-meal snack."
So befitting of the Mad Demon.
There's a reason the word demon is in his name.
"Let's finish this quickly and head out. The summoner must be tired—you should get some proper rest."
The Mad Demon raised his hand.
At that moment—swoong!
From his hand, an enormous, intangible force took shape.
A blade of energy shaped like a crescent moon—or a boomerang.
The instant it formed, it shot forward.
Ts-papapapap…
The rotating boomerang of force swept through the dark mummies.
Pssshhhh…
The dark mummies crumbled and vanished like dust.
In an instant.
They were there—and then they were gone.
The boomerang had simply made one circuit around the 61st floor.
That was it. No second attack.
[You have cleared Floor 61.]
[Reward: 6.1 kg of magic stones]
[Reward: Tower-Only Ring of Exit]
"…Huh?"
"Is there a problem?"
"We actually got an item."
"Oh! Is that so? Well then, I suppose I've earned the price of the drink I had."
Calling the Mad Demon was the right choice.
National Intelligence Service Building, Republic of Korea.
Deep underground lay a detention cell secured like a fortress.
Xiao Jun sat on the bed, his severed wrist tightly wrapped in bandages, a suicide-prevention restraint fastened to his body.
He had just been interrogated again with an interpreter present, then returned to confinement.
Of course, he hadn't said a single word.
Despite understanding Korean perfectly well.
"Pathetic fools."
Interrogation, coming from an incompetent NIS?
They thought they could pry his mouth open?
Before becoming Deputy Director of the Special Intelligence Bureau, Xiao Jun had been a trained soldier.
He'd been deployed on dozens of operations to kidnap Players.
Given the nature of the mission, he'd also trained extensively for the possibility of capture.
He was confident he could endure any torture.
He'd even undergone resistance training against truth serums.
He would endure to the end.
And if he did, an opportunity would come.
Escape—or walk out proudly.
"I should sleep."
To withstand torture and interrogation, maintaining stamina was essential.
Fortunately, they fed him and let him sleep.
In China? Food?
They wouldn't even let you sleep.
Pretending to care about human rights, it seemed.
Xiao Jun lay down on the bed.
Just as he was about to drift off—
Click!
The sound of the cell door opening.
What?
There had been no footsteps.
He sprang up and scanned the room. Still—no one.
"What the…?"
Then—
Swish!
A palm clamped over his mouth.
At the same time, some kind of force surged into his body.
Xiao Jun's body arched like a bow.
Agony beyond anything he'd ever experienced.
As if his muscles were being torn apart.
As if his bones were being scraped with a rasp.
As if his internal organs were melting.
He wanted to scream—but no sound came out.
"Mmph, mmph…!"
"Shh! I'm just giving you a taste—what'll you do if you can't even handle this?"
The voice was familiar.
Yes.
Definitely.
The man who had severed his wrist.
"From now on, I'm going to ask you a few questions. You must answer in Korean."
Kosak whispered quietly into Xiao Jun's ear.
"Where are the kidnapped Players being held? If you plan to talk, just nod."
Xiao Jun's eyes rolled wildly.
What should he do? In that instant—
"No good. Just rolling your eyes—still haven't come to your senses, huh?"
"Ghhk!"
Another wave of searing pain surged in.
Incomparable to the first.
"I was hoping we could do this nicely, you know?"
"Mmph! Mmmphhh!"
"Try to hold out. Your mind's going to break anyway."
"Ughh, ghhhh!"
He wanted to pass out—anything to escape.
"Hey, we haven't even started yet."
Xiao Jun wanted to nod.
He was confident he could give the exact location in Korean.
But he couldn't nod.
Because a hand was clamped tightly over his mouth—and another gripping his head.
"Mmmph, mmmmmmph…"
No—please, let me nod. I'll talk. I'll tell you everything.