People often fall into gloom.
It's perfectly normal.
Feeling depressed because tomorrow is Monday.
Feeling depressed after receiving this month's credit card bill.
Feeling depressed while looking at clothes that no longer fit because you've gained weight.
Feeling depressed when a former lover suddenly comes to mind.
But these are merely fluctuations of emotion.
Once the problem is resolved or a bit of time passes, things improve as if nothing ever happened.
Depression, however, is completely different from simple emotional changes.
Depression is an illness caused by abnormalities in neurotransmitters and hormone secretion.
It absolutely requires medication.
If left untreated, the outcome is obvious.
It harms not only the person themselves, but others as well.
There was even an incident where a co-pilot from an airline, suffering from depression, deliberately crashed the plane he was flying, killing himself along with 150 passengers.
Guillaume Loiret.
France's top player at level 65.
His trait was [Monstrous Strength].
He had cleared the Black Tower's 64th floor and was currently challenging the headless knight, the Dullahan, on the 65th floor.
Guillaume had one fatal flaw.
Severe depression.
Right after being selected as a player affiliated with the French government, the illness struck him suddenly.
A player with depression?
Wouldn't the Tower make things better?
After all, your physical abilities improve and you gain magic.
But even after entering the Tower, his depression did not improve.
Even the Tower-exclusive healing potions were useless.
So Guillaume decided to die.
If he entered the Tower and fought monsters, it would naturally happen sooner or later.
He had no fear of death.
After all, he was charging in to die.
But an unexpected result occurred.
He threw himself in intending to die, yet the monsters were swept away like fallen leaves in the wind.
It was a kind of synergy effect.
Fearless charges that did not fear death, reckless attacks that paid no attention to defense whatsoever, and talent.
The Tower advanced with unstoppable momentum.
After reviewing Guillaume Loiret's body-cam footage of his Tower runs, the French government decided to invest in him.
Naturally, he was given runes to strengthen his trait.
So what were the enhanced traits?
[Enhanced Monstrous Strength]
His original Monstrous Strength increased to more than double.
[Focused Monstrous Strength]
In moments of crisis, all physical abilities greatly increase for a short time
(Cooldown: 24 hours)
[Indomitable Monstrous Strength]
When sustaining a critical wound, immediately restores vitality, increases Monstrous Strength, boosts physical abilities, and resets skill cooldowns
(Cooldown: 24 hours)
Three rounds of trait enhancement.
With this, how could he possibly die?
The resolve to die and the resolve to kill monsters.
The two blended together in perfect harmony.
Guillaume rose to prominence in an instant as a hero of France.
Everyone praised him.
Wealth and fame followed naturally.
The French government was aware of Guillaume's depression.
They carefully managed him through counseling and antidepressant medication in parallel.
And on top of that, it was kept under strict secrecy.
If people knew that France's hero was suffering from depression, what would they think?
His depression improved significantly.
No—almost completely.
That was, until he entered the undead zone.
The dark aura of the undead.
To a depression patient, it was practically poison.
The effectiveness of medication dropped sharply.
All kinds of negative thoughts tormented him.
He wanted to quit the tower immediately.
Especially after losing his beloved wife to cancer a few months ago, his symptoms worsened with each passing day.
But could he really quit?
When he knew how much expectation the French government and its people had placed on him?
"Guillaume, there's no one but you."
"Please save France."
"We must prevent the collapse of the Tower."
Honestly, he was sick of it.
What crime had he committed to deserve such a heavy burden?
The French government had even reserved the Holy Sword.
Next in line after Saudi Arabia.
But to Guillaume, it was hardly welcome news.
"What Holy Sword nonsense."
He wanted to let everything go and leave.
To him, life was hell, and death was salvation.
At last, Guillaume Loiret made his decision.
"The 65th floor? I'll clear it even without the Holy Sword."
He had a method.
A means by which he could break through not only the 65th floor, but perhaps even the 66th, 67th, 68th, and 69th floors.
He would do whatever was asked.
And then leave without regret.
To the place where his wife was waiting.
Nasser Al-Aboud.
Saudi Arabia's top player at level 66.
His initial trait was [Axe Warrior].
After five rounds of trait enhancement, it evolved into [Axe Master].
He possessed fifty combat skills alone.
From elemental attacks to various wide-area attacks, finishing moves, and ultimate skills, he had them all.
The axe Nasser usually wielded was a great axe nearly as large as his own body.
Since he was two meters tall, the axe was about that long as well.
True to being an axe warrior, Nasser's personality was macho and tough.
In a word, he was the textbook alpha male.
His Tower style reflected that personality perfectly.
Always strike first, smash with the massive axe, break, crush, cleave.
But even for him, the Specter on the 66th floor was too much.
Overwhelming physical power, a dark aura that made even approaching difficult—practically his natural enemy.
In the end, he had no choice but to borrow the power of the Holy Sword.
But could a player with the Axe Master trait properly use the Holy Sword?
Why can't I Do it?
Just use the sword like an axe.
Of course, it would require a bit of practice beforehand.
In two days, Nasser would depart for Korea on a private jet from King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia.
The conquest of the 66th floor of the Saudi Black Tower was practically already complete.
Awakening Management Agency
Jeon Gwang-il was in the middle of a conversation with Commissioner Park Gyeong-su.
"Hahaha, good work. Very well done. I can finally relax now."
Jeon Gwang-il and Commissioner Park Gyeong-su were already sharing information about Bong Juhyeok's secrets.
That was why Jeon Gwang-il explained in detail everything that had happened at the penthouse.
To properly support Bong Juhyeok, that was necessary.
After all, there were matters that could only be carried out with the commissioner's approval.
This company establishment itself had been successfully pushed through by Commissioner Park Gyeong-su.
However, he did not mention the rescue of the kidnapped Chinese player or the cause of Chairman Lin Qiaoming's death.
Those were to be treated as things he had never heard.
Aside from that, he told him everything.
"I think we can proceed as planned. Jeong Dong-hun is quite capable in his own way."
"While we're at it, can't we remove all the leather used by HG Fashion as well?"
"Would that be possible? The contracts are already signed. But we're planning to remove the exclusivity clause."
"Any legal issues?"
"None. We're in the dominant position. The contract appendix explicitly states that the exclusivity clause can be removed at any time."
Commissioner Park Gyeong-su nodded, clearly satisfied.
"Oh, right! What about the Korean nationality issue?"
"As a matter of fact, Player Bong Juhyeok mentioned something regarding acquiring Korean nationality."
"Oh? What did he say?"
"He said he doesn't want resident ID issuance or for the personal information of the summoned individuals to be recorded in government databases."
"Hmmm."
Park Gyeong-su wore a regretful expression.
"Instead, he asked that they at least be allowed to open smartphone lines. Things like burner phones or phones under assumed names."
That wasn't difficult at all.
Even some agency staff members used phones under assumed names due to the nature of their work.
Still, it was a bit disappointing.
"It would be perfect if they all acquired Korean nationality."
"We shouldn't push too hard. And in the end, all decisions rest with Player Bong."
Jeon Gwang-il knew from seeing it firsthand.
They hadn't even spent that many hours together, yet the summoned individuals' loyalty toward Bong Juhyeok was beyond words.
"Building a deeper bond with Player Bong Juhyeok is more important than anything else."
"That's true."
At that moment, Commissioner Park Gyeong-su's gaze stopped on Jeon Gwang-il's chest.
A badge that sparkled brilliantly.
"Hm? What's that badge? I've never seen it before."
"T-this one? …I received it from Player Bong."
"…Why?"
"He said it was a token of appreciation for the sincere support I've given so far."
"Really?"
"The summoned individuals were all wearing at least one on their chests too. Mr. Rajiks, the beastman, was wearing three."
"Oh! Mr. Rajiks—I'd like to meet him someday too."
Commissioner Park Gyeong-su examined the badge closely.
"But why don't I have one?"
"…Pardon?"
"I mean, I approved everything—the penthouse, this company establishment, and even personally handled some of it. I deserve one too, don't I?"
"Well… next time we meet, I'll try bringing it up."
"Don't forget. Make sure you do!"
He would mention it.
Imagining Commissioner Park Gyeong-su standing in front of Player Bong Juhyeok and holding a badge award ceremony was both amusing and absurd.
"Anything else?"
"He's planning to buy a car and asked if we could find a trustworthy used-car dealer."
"Huh? A used car?"
"Yes. He's planning to buy a camper van."
"He can buy any car he wants—why a used one?"
"He said ordering a new car would take too long before delivery."
"Ah!"
Well, if you choose carefully, a used car can be just as good as a new one.
And he could understand why Bong Juhyeok wanted a camper van.
"That aside, which country is next for the Holy Sword rental?"
"Saudi Arabia. The schedule is three days from now."
"And the recipient?"
"Nasser Al-Aboud, Saudi Arabia's top player."
"No issues, right?"
"He's completed trait enhancement five times already. There are no known risk factors so far."
If a player had achieved trait enhancement five times, there was little to worry about.
"And after Saudi Arabia?"
"France."
"The schedule's packed. From now on, don't report to me—just handle it on your own."
Commissioner Park Gyeong-su smiled contentedly.
Having the right people under you really made everything go smoothly.
The Black Tower conquest, agency operations, Holy Sword rentals—he hoped everything would continue like this.
Three days had passed since conquering the 66th floor.
During that time, Juhyeok spent his days mostly doing occasional repeat quests.
He hadn't even planned to do those, but he couldn't resist Rajiks's persistent urging, so he went in twice.
What could he do? When a worker wanted to work, you let them.
One of these days, he should find time to play the "Bbo-President" song.
The one with the famous line, "Playing is the best."
Juhyeok was rolling around alone in the penthouse.
He couldn't fall asleep.
His chest felt swollen with anticipation.
Ah, today was finally the day. He had waited and waited.
Feels like it's about time.
Why hasn't he contacted me yet?
At that moment—bzzzt!—the smartphone buzzed.
"Yes! It's here!"
With trembling hands, Juhyeok answered the call.
"Ah! Yes, yes, that's right. You're downstairs? I'll come down right away."
He hurriedly took the elevator to the apartment's ground-level parking lot.
"Mr. Bong Juhyeok?"
"Yes, that's me. Is this the car?"
"Hahaha, that's right. Just inspect it, then sign the vehicle handover form, and we're done."
It was an imported camper van bought used.
A new one would take far too long to be delivered.
Still, you could practically call it new.
The exterior gleamed brilliantly, and the interior was so neat and clean it looked like it had just been completely remodeled.
"The previous owner only drove it three times. It's used in name only—basically new."
"I like it."
"Registration, taxes, and insurance are all taken care of, so you can drive off right away."
After signing the vehicle handover form, Juhyeok sat down in the driver's seat.
Should we leave right away?
There was no reason to hesitate. Everything was already prepared.
First—
"John Kosak, designated summon."
Spot!
"Chuuh… huh?! Wh-where is this place?"
"Heh. Take a guess."
Kosak rolled his eyes around, looking everywhere.
"Wah—i-is this a camper van?"
"Ding-dong! Correct."
"Is this that camper van people say makes you happy when you buy it, and even happier when you sell it?"
Where did he even hear that?
Anyway, he summoned the rest as well.
"This is… a vehicle. It's spacious. I like it."
Gobang seemed satisfied.
"Ah, you've finally acquired one. Young Master's wish fulfilled—this humble maiden offers her congratulations."
Gyeon Dallae applauded politely.
"Ho-e?"
Rajiks looked around with curiosity, rolling here and there, then immediately started cleaning.
Swish, swish!
Even though the camper van was already spotless, it began to shine even more.
"Hmmm."
Veronica forced her sleepy eyes open and spotted the compact bed at the back of the vehicle.
"Commander, just for a moment, over there…"
"Sleep well."
"V-victory assured!"
Thud.
"Kuul… zzz… snore!"
Seeing Senior Sergeant Be sleeping so soundly made it feel like the purchase had really been worth it.
"Let's depart immediately."
"Yesss!"
"Ho-e!"
First, he input the address into the navigation system.
The destination was Juhyeok's own land in Namyangju.
He started the engine.
Vroom.
As Kia gently pressed the accelerator—
Ssrrrk.
The camper van began to move smoothly.
"Bung-bung is goin'!"
The camper van carrying Juhyeok and his companions merged onto the road.
So far, everything was going very smoothly.
There was just one minor issue.
"E-excuse me, Summoner Bong…"
"What is it? Don't keep talking to me while I'm driving."
"I-isn't this too slow?"
What's slow about 40 km/h?
"Safety first, don't you know? Safety first. Seriously—you've lost your初心."
"Hmmm."
"If you speed and—huh?—get into an accident, huh? Are you going to take responsibility?"
"S-sorry."
Gyeon Dallae spoke up in a calm voice.
"Please do not trouble yourself, Young Master. There are occasionally those without even a driver's license who dare to sit in the passenger seat and tell others what to do."
"They delude themselves into thinking they're racing drivers. If he becomes too bothersome, you may simply discard him on the highway shoulder."
"…Th-that's a bit harsh."
Not sure if 'tell others what to do' was exactly right, but—
Gyeon Dallae's threat was effective.
Even after getting onto the highway and speeding at 50 km/h, Kosak didn't say a word.
High beams flashing behind them.
Horns blaring—honk, honk.
To Juhyeok, it felt like everyone was congratulating him on buying the camper van.
Thank you.
And sorry.
I'm just timid. A total wimp.
I've got a license that's basically decorative.
I'll push it another 10 km—to 60 km/h.
"Wah! We just passed the IC! We were supposed to exit there! Why are you only going straight?"
Don't you know real men go straight?
"Whatever. We can just go back around."
"Young Master, open the door. We must throw Kosak out."
"Summoner, pull over at the rest stop. I'll take care of the assassin."
"Hoek!"
But… will they actually reach their destination by today?