U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C.
Antonio, Director of Tower Ascension, rushed to his office after being summoned by Secretary McMillan.
With so many incidents exploding left and right lately, he felt uneasy.
Sure enough—
"…You're saying players requested asylum at the U.S. Embassy in China?"
"Yes."
"And they claim they were kidnapped?"
"Right. Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia… eight in total."
"No—kidnapping aside, how did they even escape?"
"They didn't give details. Just said the detention room doors suddenly opened, and when they came out into the corridor, all the guards were already down."
That was impossible.
There had to be helpers who rescued them.
For example, like those two players who had instantly neutralized terrorists at the HG Hotel fashion show.
"Could it be those people from back then…?"
"I know what you're getting at, but nothing's certain yet."
Antonio agreed with Secretary McMillan.
They'd only know after a thorough investigation.
"How does the White House plan to respond?"
"For now, we protect them. We've already contacted the embassies of their respective countries."
"And after that?"
"We're still deliberating. This is a pretty big issue."
"Yes, it is."
China's player kidnappings.
Until now, it had been nothing more than rumors.
There was no concrete evidence.
But now it was different.
There were witnesses.
Eight of them—players of different nationalities.
"And this came in from the CIA…"
McMillan lowered his voice and spoke carefully.
"It seems Chairman Lin was involved in an incident."
Chairman Lin—
"Y-you mean Lin Chai-ming, China's top chairman?"
"That's right."
"No, what kind of incident—illness? An accident? …Don't tell me an assassination?"
"They're leaning toward illness, but even that isn't confirmed yet."
"…Serious enough that we should prepare?"
"Apparently, it's quite serious."
A major incident.
The exposure of player kidnappings alone was huge—but trouble befalling China's supreme leader was even more shocking.
"Things are going to get noisy for a while."
"Very."
"You'll have a tough time too, Secretary."
"…"
Who was he kidding?
At this rate, he wouldn't even be able to go home.
"You should also keep an eye on tower clears. How about scouting new talent while you're at it? We can't rely on Gerald forever."
"…I'm working on it."
"Just words? Let's get ourselves an S++-rank clear record holder too."
Antonio wanted that as well.
An American S++-rank clear record holder.
He'd be willing to treat them like an emperor.
If only one would appear.
The terrorist incident in central Beijing.
Yet Chinese media didn't even mention it.
Two thunderous booms echoed through the city before dawn, and public security, soldiers, ambulances, and fire trucks swarmed everywhere—
and still, not a word.
The news broke first through foreign outlets.
That afternoon.
An exposé aired on a major U.S. news network.
"I am Nguyen, a level 57 player from Vietnam. I was kidnapped by China. I was imprisoned, tortured, threatened, and forced to clear China's Black Towers…""I am Imisha Shard from Malaysia. I've been kidnapped by China for over three years. Look at these scars—evidence of torture. I want to see my family. Please hear my injustice…""My name is Zhang Jinping. I am not a Chinese player. My homeland is Taiwan. Kaohsiung is my hometown. They kidnapped me, calling me a fellow Chinese. There are traitors inside Taiwan. One of them is named—"
Players claiming to have been kidnapped appeared one after another, exposing China's atrocities.
The world was thrown into chaos.
China kidnapped players, forcibly naturalized them, and deployed them to clear towers?
It had once been nothing more than an unverified urban legend.
There had been suspicion—but no proof.
Now there were eight witnesses.
All players previously declared dead in towers or listed as missing in their home countries.
Each affected nation issued statements condemning the Chinese government.
Demands for punishment of those responsible, a direct apology from the Chinese chairman, compensation measures, and more.
Even countries not directly involved joined in condemning China.
If it didn't want to be branded a criminal state, it should issue a sincere apology immediately.
Despite the entire world lodging formal protests, the Chinese government made no response whatsoever.
Normally, by now, a spokesperson would be on state TV shouting about slander, baseless accusations, and vowing to punish nations spreading rumors without evidence.
ㄴ China did what China does.
ㄴ Wow! Somehow our country dodged it. Is it because we're a developed nation?
ㄴ Dodged it? Apparently there were similar attempts before. The hotel incident too.
ㄴ So what happens now? Is China going to grovel?
ㄴ Like hell they will. They'll just deny everything.
ㄴ Then why are they totally silent?
ㄴ Yeah, the whole world's cursing them together.
ㄴ This is prime time for excuses. "We will never tolerate insults to the Chinese nation!"
ㄴ Maybe they're trying to build mental toughness?
ㄴ This isn't confirmed info, but—
ㄴ What?
ㄴ Someone's hospitalized in a VIP ward at Beijing University Hospital.
ㄴ So what?
ㄴ I've got a contact there, and there's a rumor going around… the name Lin Chai-ming.
ㄴ No way. The Chinese chairman?
The rumors spread further and further.
China was in upheaval.
Juhyeok was watching the TV as well.
Complete rescue of the kidnapped players.
How could he not trust them?
As expected of the original members. Loyal Kosak.
"Amazing. I can't help but admire it. How did you rescue everyone without a single casualty?"
"I just showed off a little skill, sir. Hehehehe."
"Man, if you show off that skill twice, China might collapse. Hahahaha."
"Honestly, I used my trick twice—"
"Huh?"
"Eh?"
"What did you just say…?"
"Ah, no sir. I didn't say anything."
Besides, Veronica was also—
"Hrmp! Khuul, khuul—"
She was asleep, so better not wake her.
Anyway, the nagging discomfort that had been stuck in the back of my mind was completely cleared away.
"I honestly feel like I should give you a real reward. Like before—some pocket money?"
"Oh no, please put it away. I still haven't even spent what you gave me last time."
"It feels rude to just say thanks with words."
"No sir! Just one warm word from you, Summoner Bong, and this Kosak feels his energy surging!"
Still, I couldn't just gloss over it.
Anyone can praise with words.
He said no to money, treating him to beef had already been overused, and giving him a car each was unrealistic.
It'd be nice to have something symbolic.
Something permanent.
Like a medal, for example.
"…Wait!"
There was something similar.
"Mr. Kosak."
"Yes sir!"
"How about I pin a medal on you?"
"…Eh?"
A medal?
Kosak looked completely baffled.
"Y-you mean the thing you pin on your chest?"
"Yes."
"The shiny, sparkly one?"
"Yes, a medal!"
At that moment—
Veronica sprang up beside them.
"Sergeant Veronica Caliber! I-is it a commendation medal?!"
Everyone froze.
The other blood-summoned reacted too.
They stopped what they were doing and turned their gaze to Juhyeok at the word medal.
Wow, that got more attention than expected.
"I'll pin it on you. Come here."
"…Uwaaa."
Kosak stepped forward stiffly, his face tense.
Just pinning it on him would be boring. Might as well make it ceremonial.
"Blood-summoned Kosak!"
"…Y-yes sir!"
Juhyeok opened his inventory and took out a platinum badge.
"For your great merit in safely returning the kidnapped players home through flawless planning and execution, I hereby award you this medal—no, this badge."
Kosak's eyes went wide.
"Huuurk! Th-this precious thing…"
"You deserve it, Mr. Kosak. You handled everything excellently."
"Uwaaa, S-Summoner Bong!"
The other blood-summoned looked on with envy.
The assassin Kosak receiving a medal from Summoner Bong—
There was no precedent for this.
"A medal… aaah."
"Tsk, I'm jealous."
"Must be nice."
"Hooeeeh…"
The badge was one Juhyeok had received as an S++-rank clear reward.
Including the ones from the Black Tower of the United Arab Emirates, he owned a total of sixty-three badges.
He'd already gotten all the perks he could from them, so what use was hoarding them?
Turns out, there was a use.
This was exactly the moment.
A complete rescue of players was worthy of an S++-rank clear.
The badge even had a pin to attach it to clothing.
Juhyeok pinned the platinum badge to Kosak's chest.
"Thank you! I don't know what to do with myself. But I won't be satisfied here. Until the day my entire chest is filled with badges, this Kosak will devote every ounce of strength to serving Summoner Bong!"
Kosak raised both hands high, his face brimming with pride.
He puffed out his chest and made a full lap around the living room so the other blood-summoned could see the badge clearly.
How could applause not happen?
It was quiet, but it was applause nonetheless.
They congratulated him—but they were jealous too.
I could do well too.
A platinum badge personally pinned by the Summoner.
How are we supposed to endure that?
"Next, Veronica Caliber, step forward."
Dash!
Veronica reacted like lightning.
"…Oh my? Me too?"
"Of course."
Veronica hurriedly—yet swiftly—stood at attention before Juhyeok.
"Blood-summoned Veronica."
"Sergeant Veronica Caliber!"
"For your great merit in protecting the hostages with your elusive magic-gun marksmanship and escorting them safely alongside Kosak, I hereby award you this badge."
"Certain victory!!!"
Juhyeok took another badge from his inventory.
And just as he was about to pin it on her—
"…Uh."
This is awkward.
Veronica pushed her chest forward to make it easier.
What should I do?
Two enormous things filled Juhyeok's entire field of vision.
On top of that, her reinforced suit was a full-body tights type.
Which meant it clung tightly.
This was dangerous.
"…I can't not pin it on her."
Gulp.
Juhyeok swallowed dryly.
Ah, whatever.
With trembling hands, he lightly pinched the fabric of Veronica's reinforced suit at her chest and click—
"Th-this is the most glorious and proud medal I have ever received, Sergeant Veronica Caliber. I will fight with blazing fervor for my commander's victory!"
The applause was weak—drained by envy.
"Kyaaaah! It's a medal! A medal!!!"
Veronica shouted hooray and bounced all over the living room.
Meanwhile, Gobang shut his eyes tightly, Gyeon Dallae sighed, and Rajiks lay face-down on the floor, mopping with a despondent expression.
Then—
"Next, blood-summoned Gyeon Dallae."
"…Yes?"
Gyeon Dallae's eyes sparkled.
"I-I receive your command."
"For your great merit in performing the prayer ritual and contributing to the effortless acquisition of a trait enhancement rune, I award you this badge."
"…I am deeply honored. How could such a great reward be bestowed upon a humble girl like me?"
A great reward, my foot.
It's just one badge.
She looks like she's about to die of happiness.
But that just makes the giver feel good too.
Clap, clap, clap!
The applause grew louder.
Now, disappointment had turned into anticipation.
Even Gyeon Dallae got one.
Past achievements counted retroactively.
In that case—
"Blood-summoned barbarian warrior, Meat Shield."
"H-here! I'm going too!"
Swoooosh!
Overexcited, Gobang enlarged his body with gigantification.
"Shrink back down. You're too big."
Swoosh.
"For your merit in throwing your own body into a poison pit to protect your comrades during the Wyvern Lord clear on the 60th floor, you are hereby awarded a merit badge."
"Uh, um…"
With his upper body bare, there was nowhere to pin it.
So, with no other choice, Juhyeok attached it to the waistband of the pants that hadn't torn even after gigantification.
"Hehehehe."
Gobang grinned widely, stroking the badge on his waistband with his hand.
Is he really that happy?
At that moment—rolllll!
Unable to hold back, Rajiks came rolling right up in front of Juhyeok.
"H-hoeh…"
Stamping his feet, Rajiks shot pleading looks, desperate to have his badge pinned quickly.
Good grief, how adorable.
He was already snorting hot breaths like a steam engine.
"Blood-summoned Rajiks."
"Hoeng!"
"For your great contribution to our finances through the collection of basilisk hides and tower ores, you are hereby awarded a merit badge."
"Hoek!"
For Rajiks, Juhyeok pinned the badge onto his subspace backpack.
"Hoeee… I-it's nice."
Floaty, floaty—
Right there on the spot, Rajiks spun his chubby body around and around, basking in joy.
Juhyeok took out one more badge.
"Blood-summoned Rajiks."
Huh?
Why call him again?
He's not going to give it and then take it back, right?
"…Hoe?"
"For your collection of rune fragments and ticket fragments, which will play a pivotal role in future tower climbs, I hereby award you one additional badge."
"Hoeek?"
Rajiks' entire body trembled.
Two? I'm the only one with two?
The other blood-summoned nodded as if in agreement.
He deserved it.
Just how many achievements had he racked up?
"Hooeeng…"
Tears welled up in Rajiks' big eyes, but his face was full of bliss.
Are badges really that good?
If I'd known, I should've given them out earlier.
Then again!
One tangible badge is far better than hearing praise a hundred times.
Juhyeok was satisfied too.
Later, I should give special perks to any blood-summoned who collects five.
"By the way, today's 63rd-floor clear… it's Dark Skeletons. It won't be too hard, right?"
The blood-summoned suddenly looked solemn.
"Leave it to us, Summoner Bong's right-hand man, master of bone-broth extraction, Majang-dong butcher. This Kosak will handle everything."
"Sergeant Veronica Caliber, magic-gun sharpshooter with a hundred-percent hit rate! Grim reaper of monsters, the milk-white lone ranger! I'll sever every skeleton joint with magic-gun bullets!"
"Warrior Gobang, incarnation of regeneration, living shield tank, aggro specialist— I'll earn the badge I got."
"This girl, the greatest shaman of the Celestial Empire, professional of purification rites, conductor of bells and drums— I'll shake these bells until my wrists break!"
"…Why is everyone copying me? C-character overlap."
And then—
"Hoeek!"
Rajiks pulled out a gleaming golden pickaxe, slung it casually over his shoulder, and shot a fierce glare as if to say trust only me.
"Hm…"
That's a little scary.
You could practically feel his desire for badges radiating off him.
Still, the motivation was spot on.
[Entering the Black Tower of the Republic of Korea, 63rd floor.]
Floor 63.
Dark Skeletons.
Bare-boned bodies without a shred of flesh.
Incredibly tough.
Not bone anymore—more like metal.
Bladed weapons are less effective; blunt force works better here.
Great maces or greatswords do fine.
And as if they'd been soldiers in a past life, they don't charge in barehanded—they come wielding shields, swords, blades, and spears.
[63rd-floor mission: Defeat 15 Dark Skeletons.]
The mission dropped.
The party stirred.
A chance to earn merit.
Rajiks, especially, wore an ecstatic smile the moment they entered.
There's a smell. A smell.
The scent of holy power buried somewhere underground.
"Hooeee…"
Materials to repair a holy sword.
Another platinum badge gleamed in his mind.
Rajiks was still hungry.
He wouldn't stop.
Not until his entire subspace backpack was packed full, glittering with platinum badges.