Deputy Director Jeon Gwang-il was widely regarded within the Awakened Management Agency as the most textbook-perfect bureaucrat.
His achievements were remarkable.
The implementation of the elite player training project, the discovery of talented players such as Yoo Cheol-min and Nam Ga-eun, the establishment of magic stone and Tower material research institutes, the recruitment of master craftsmen nationwide to launch in-house weapon and equipment production facilities…
He was also competent, rational, and carried the dignity of a true leader as a boss.
For those reasons, he was extremely popular among the staff.
A textbook example of a successful public servant—
But here?
"This is Mr. Kosak, one of our team's ability users."
"I-I'm Jeon Gwang-il."
"Nice ta meetcha. I'm Kosak—the right-hand man of Summoner Bong, his rock-solid confidant, master negotiator, creative strategist, tactical genius, guerrilla warfare expert, rescue operations ace—that's me. Whehehe."
"…Ah, y-yes."
Completely different from the impression he'd had at the HG Hotel.
Back then, the man had been terrifying—now he looked more like an overly friendly dog wagging its tail.
He handed over a business card.
Next, the giant.
"Our team's tank and pillar."
"I am the barbarian warrior meat shield who exists solely for the summoner. Call me Gobang."
"Ah… I see. I'm Jeon Gwang-il."
At last, the meaning of Gobang was revealed.
Did people know?
That Gobang literally meant meat shield.
That the terrifying giant who could block bullets and crush terrorists with one hand was called that.
He handed over another business card.
"This is Princess Gyeondallae, our team's support."
"Greetings. You work hard for the affairs of the state. I ask that you continue to support Young Master Bong with both material and moral strength."
The dignity flowing from her wasn't metaphorical—she truly seemed like an actual princess.
So he respectfully offered his card.
"Thank you. This maiden does not yet possess a name card, so please accept this instead."
"Th-thank you."
Jeon Gwang-il received a sheet of yellow paper from Gyeondallae.
It looked like a talisman.
"Deputy Director, this is a very good item. A Luck Talisman. The effect is guaranteed, so please keep it on you at all times."
A luck talisman?
He didn't usually believe in superstition, but when Player Bong himself said the effect was guaranteed…
He carefully folded it and placed it inside his wallet.
"This is Staff Sergeant Veronica Caliber. She's the star of today's celebration—she was promoted."
"N-nice to meet you."
"Did you serve in the military?"
"Um, I was in the Marine Corps."
"Final rank?"
"Discharged as a corporal…"
"Ah! That must've been rough. Let's work well together from now on."
"…Y-yes."
Jeon Gwang-il was flustered.
Sudden casual speech aside—
The skintight full-body suit clearly outlined every curve. He had no idea where to put his eyes.
"Lastly, our team's ace, all-purpose housekeeper, and a member of the beastfolk race—Mr. Rajiks."
Rumble—snap!
"Hoheh, business card."
The adorable creature stood proudly, extending a short, tiny hand.
Jeon Gwang-il hurriedly handed over his card.
Grab!
"…!"
Ah!
Where in the world did such a creature come from?
Bright, sparkling eyes, a round little body—and it even spoke.
It was hard to tell whether it was human or hamster.
Now he understood what beastfolk felt like.
"Tower ore, basilisk hides, wyvern hides—all of it is brought back by Mr. Rajiks."
"Ah!"
"Hoeng!"
Rajiks puffed out his chest, hands on hips, chin lifted high, snorting proudly—
Behold me.
Cute and capable.
Truly perfect.
No wonder he was the ace.
"Alright, introductions are finished."
Finished?
"Player Bong, then the person Gobang is holding over there is…?"
"Oh! That's Lucius Bardin. He's currently serving as a holy sword."
What… what was he saying?
"…A h-holy sword?"
At that moment—
"As expected, you too are a heretic. Why is there not a single devout servant by the summoner's side? One day I shall smash your head with this flail and send you to repent in the bosom of the god—"
"Dismiss Lucius Bardin."
Spot!
"Don't worry. He's a good person, but he's deeply into a cult and has gone a bit crazy."
"I-is that so?"
This was awkward.
He wasn't going to criticize using a person as a tool, was he?
Even if the man was a fanatic, this bordered on abnormal labor exploitation.
It could escalate into a human rights issue.
Juhyeok quickly changed the subject.
"Ahem. Let's continue what we were doing. Staff Sergeant, step forward."
"Staff Sergeant Veronica Caliber."
Alright—this was the moment again.
This time, he couldn't mess it up.
Juhyeok focused.
The Deputy Director was watching too.
So what if the reinforced suit was a bit thin?
Just lightly pinch with the tips of his fingers—
"Come on! Grab firmly! You act like such a man when smashing monster skulls!"
"Hey, it slipped!"
Kosak was immediately scolded by Gyeondallae and Gobang.
"Where did you learn such manners? How dare a mere servant raise his voice at Young Master? Do you need to be struck to come to your senses?"
"Assassin, tone it down. Or you're getting flicked."
"…S-sorry."
As expected of Gyeondallae and Gobang.
People needed gravitas.
Not constant clowning around.
Back to extreme focus—grabbing only the fabric.
Squish—his fingers sank in slightly, but he ignored it and pinned it on.
"Done!!!"
"Oh! Well done. Finger control was a work of art."
"Th-thank you. Victory! Veronica Caliber pledges her entire body and soul for the commander's boundless glory."
Watching this, Jeon Gwang-il looked utterly baffled.
Is it really that great?
It was just a simple metal badge.
Nothing special about it.
A small, silver rectangular piece.
And yet Veronica was teary-eyed with emotion—
And everyone watching looked at her with envy.
Come to think of it, everyone has one.
That cute little Rajiks even had three attached to the backpack on his back.
When Jeon Gwang-il examined the badge closely—
"Hoeng!"
Rajiks let out a smug snort, clearly saying, You don't have one, do you?
For a moment, Jeon Gwang-il felt mildly offended.
What is that thing, anyway…
This wasn't the time for that.
It looked like the badge ceremony was over, so he should get to the reason he'd come.
"Player Bong Juhyeok."
"Yes?"
"There's something I'd like to discuss…"
"Oh! I completely forgot. What is it?"
Jeon Gwang-il began explaining.
From the bizarre documents alleging the true ownership of the holy sword, to the routes through which they'd circulated, and how the issue had been resolved.
He also explained how Commissioner Park Gyeong-su had personally met Chairman Jeong Seong-tae of the Ilsung Group, and what kind of conversation they'd had.
On top of that, he expressed his dissatisfaction with HG Fashion manipulating leather products—and proposed that, this time, Bong Juhyeok directly acquire a company instead.
There was a suitable one.
Ilsung Apparel, which would soon be spun off from the group.
About 90% of its shares would be transferred free of charge—he only needed to decide.
Management?
There was no need to get directly involved.
A CEO named Jeong Dong-hun would handle everything.
And so on.
But Juhyeok frowned deeply, clearly troubled.
"…This is overwhelming."
"I'm sorry. We tried to keep your identity hidden, but then those strange documents surfaced."
"No, not that."
"Then what?"
"The shares. How am I supposed to accept them for free?"
"Ah!"
"I just want to keep doing what I've been doing—supplying leather…"
At that point, the summoned ones started chiming in one by one.
"Young Master, please accept. You are more than worthy. Simply reign."
"I agree. What about Rajiks's dignity as a worker? We skinned all that leather, and random people took the profits. From now on, Summoner Bong should take it all."
"Hoeng!"
Jeon Gwang-il also did his best to persuade him.
"They're right. You should own the company."
"Taking someone else's company feels a bit…"
"It's not taking—it's saving. If things go on like this, CEO Jeong Dong-hun will be unjustly driven out. Consider it saving a man's life."
A company…
Juhyeok couldn't decide easily.
Was he taking things too far? It was a little scary.
But as befitted a weak man, once people around him started blowing hot air, he puffed up like a balloon.
"…Should I give it a try?"
"Do it!"
"You must do so."
"Summoner, it would be best."
"Hoek!"
Well then—what's the harm?
"Let's do it!"
"Yesss! The beginning of Bong Corporation!"
"A joyous occasion indeed. Our top laborer must skin even more leather now."
"Hoee!"
But suddenly—
Gyeondallae's expression hardened, and she spoke in a chilling tone.
"However, there is one thing that cannot be overlooked."
"What…?"
"The treachery of those cunning Japanese. Young Master, please leave it to this maiden. I shall take this opportunity to properly discipline them."
Discipline how—throw out some flesh? Or karma?
"I'll go myself. Who do they think I am? I could make the Japanese prime minister suffer a forced cerebral hemorrhage like China's top leader—huh?"
…What?
"Wait. What did you just say you did to China's top leader?"
"…Huh? I didn't say anything."
"You did."
"Uh—well, um, while rescuing the kidnapped players, just incidentally…"
I knew it.
He must've triggered that damned Clause Three again.
"Unbelievable. No right to curse the Mad Demon anymore. You're a Little Mad Demon—Little Mad Demon."
"…S-sorry."
"Young Master, Kosak bears no fault. It was all this maiden's command. Please execute me."
"The Deputy Director is right here! He heard everything. Do you want to see me get arrested?"
Jeon Gwang-il stood there with his mouth hanging open.
They rescued the kidnapped players?
And the cerebral infarction of China's Chairman Lin Qiaoming a few days ago was intentional?
Looking uneasy, Juhyeok carefully asked,
"Am I getting arrested?"
"What?… Why would you?"
"About what you just said regarding the Chinese chairman…"
"I have no idea what you're referring to. I didn't hear anything."
"Oh… r-really?"
"Anyway, congratulations on founding your company."
Jeon Gwang-il's lightning-fast political instincts.
Kosak nodded in satisfaction.
"Indeed, an upright and fair official. Did you win the deputy commissioner position by rolling dice? I praise you."
"The warrior likes those who read the room well. Saving you was worthwhile."
Gyeondallae added,
"Though we support Young Master Bong from within, supporting him from without is equally important. In consideration of merit and reward, please bestow a badge upon the Deputy Director as well."
A badge?
"No, who am I to receive one—especially when there are those above me."
Jeon Gwang-il quickly replied,
"No, please. I would be honored to receive one."
"…Really?"
"Truly. I very much wish to."
"…."
Pinning it on wasn't difficult, but still…
Thus began another badge ceremony.
Gyeondallae proclaimed Jeon Gwang-il's merits.
"Deputy Director Jeon Gwang-il, for your devoted support of Young Master Bong, and for your great contributions to smooth Tower conquest and world peace, we hereby award you this badge."
The badge was pinned to his chest.
Jeon Gwang-il bowed his head, gazing at the glittering badge.
How strange.
It felt like receiving a presidential commendation.
In any case, he didn't know why—but for some reason, he felt very good.
The Next Day.
Juhyeok summoned his summoned beings again.
They'd had their fill of fun yesterday—today, it was time to climb the Tower.
Floor 66 clear.
The target was a large undead flying monster: Specter.
When footage from the body cam of America's top player, Gerald Watson, first revealed the undead monster Specter of the Black Tower's 66th floor to the world, people were plunged into despair.
It was completely different from any undead monster seen before.
The Specter's defining trait was its size.
It was enormous.
On top of that, it was a flying undead.
Physical attacks didn't work, and befitting its massive size, it emitted a wide-ranging dark aura.
Still, they somehow managed to take it down.
Gerald Watson barely cleared it with almost the full fifteen hours, with only three days left before collapse.
But that was only possible because it was Gerald.
The world's strongest player—a spellblade fully equipped with light-attribute items.
How were they supposed to kill that thing?
Even the U.S. had forced their way through.
It wouldn't be wrong to say the Tower's collapse had been inevitable.
Then, suddenly, a holy sword appeared.
It was practically a miracle.
The difficulty of the once-considered-impossible Specter plummeted.
But for Juhyeok—the true owner of a holy sword—it wasn't even necessary.
Because he had something even better: Bardin.
[Entering the Black Tower (Korea), Floor 66.]
Specter?
If he was aiming for an S++ clear, this would actually be easier than Floor 65.
Aside from raw physicality, the pattern was simple.
He received the mission.
[Floor 66 Mission: Defeat 10 Dark Specters.]
[Time Limit: 15 hours.]
"Let's take them out quickly and leave. We've got a second run to do too."
No matter how gigantic a Specter was, could it withstand holy-attribute weapons wielded by two SSR summoned beings?
Especially with Gyeondallae's buffs layered on top.
"Light!"
"Attribute absorption."
From the distant sky, a Specter descended, flying down wrapped in thick, pitch-black dark aura.
From Veronica's magi-gun, holy-attribute bullets fired in rapid succession.
Puhk!Puh-puhk!
The Specter's body ignited as the holy rounds struck.
By the time it hit the ground, it was already on the brink of death.
The finisher was Gobang, swinging the holy sword Bardin.
"Light!!!"
Wham!Fwoooosh!
"Damn."
Already killed one? Did that take thirty seconds?
"So what do I do?"
"Uh… cheer?"
"Fighting!!!"
At least do that.
[Notice: You have achieved an S++ clear rating on Floor 66 of the Black Tower (Korea).]
[S++ Clear Reward: A Platinum Badge has been awarded.]
[You may challenge Floor 67.]
[Exiting the Black Tower (Korea).]
Spot!
Juhyeok's penthouse.
Floor 66—also cleared with an S++ rating.
There would be no more upper-floor climbing for a while.
Time to just farm leather through repeated runs.
There were still over two years before entering the 70s.
Until then, he could slowly increase the number of summoned beings, strengthen their traits, and prepare.
I mean—
What big disaster could possibly happen?