No matter which country a player belongs to, if they want to rent the Holy Sword, they must come to Korea.
And they must use it in a controlled location.
Usually, the renting player comes along with their personal guards and one or two high-ranking officials who can take responsibility.
That was the case with the United States as well—only Director Gerald, Director Antonio, and their guards had come.
Norway and Russia were the same.
But Saudi Arabia was different.
Saudi royals, government ministers, state-affiliated players, and all kinds of random hangers-on came flooding into Korea.
The Awakening Management Agency, the Holy Sword rental site, was bursting at the seams.
Because of that, the Saudi side requested a change of venue.
Deputy Commissioner Jeon Gwang-il approved it, and Saudi Arabia rented out an entire hotel in Seoul.
It felt a bit uncomfortable holding things at a hotel again.
But when a customer makes a request, how could they refuse?
The grand ballroom of the Seoul Hilltown Hotel.
A lavish event hosted by the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Korea was underway.
Deputy Commissioner Jeon Gwang-il had come to the Hilltown Hotel as well.
And so had Team Leader Lee Min-ah of the Holy Sword Shuttle Team.
"It's a full-blown festival. A real festival."
"They don't seem to be considering failure at all."
"It's Nasser. Even without the Holy Sword, he nearly cleared the 66th floor. He killed eight of them."
The mission required killing ten Specters.
If he'd already taken down eight, that was basically a near-success.
"Ah, I'm hungry."
"Hold on a bit. Let's eat once Nasser enters the tower."
"Yes."
At this point, it was a national-level event.
They could've just quietly borrowed the Holy Sword and left.
"Nothing's going to happen this time, right? Like the HG Hotel terror incident?"
"Why? Do you want something to happen?"
"Hehe, of course not. The terrorists were broadcast live getting slaughtered—what idiot would dare show up now?"
That was true.
In any case, the preliminary event wrapped up.
It was time to enter the tower.
The Saudi Minister in charge of Black Tower management and top player Nasser approached Deputy Commissioner Jeon Gwang-il with an interpreter.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Hahaha, not at all. Then shall we proceed with the conquest?"
"Yes. We'll do it right here."
"…Right here?"
Nasser answered with a slight smirk.
"Is there a designated place to enter the tower? You can enter and exit from anywhere."
An impressive level of confidence.
And he was a player who had earned it.
"Understood. Team Leader Lee Min-ah?"
At Jeon Gwang-il's signal, Lee Min-ah pulled the Holy Sword straight out of her inventory.
Nasser Al-Aboud accepted the Holy Sword from her.
"Please use it well."
"Hahaha, no need to worry. I'll return it in perfect condition. I may not be on par with Korea's S++-rank conqueror, but… I'm quite a capable player myself."
As if anyone doubted that.
Nasser raised the Holy Sword high.
Cha-cha-cha-click! Click-click-click!
Saudi reporters and journalists from around the world furiously pressed their camera shutters.
And then—Spot!
Tower entry.
"He finally went in."
"How long do you expect it to take, Deputy Commissioner?"
"Well, I'd say at least four hours."
"Then I'll go grab something to eat. Care to join me?"
"Let's go. Might as well see what halal food tastes like."
The Hilltown Hotel soon turned into a networking venue.
Saudi government officials, politicians, business leaders, ambassadors from various countries, figures from the cultural and academic worlds—countless people had been invited.
With so many heavyweights gathered, reporters were everywhere.
The U.S. news channel CNM had obtained permission from the organizers and was roaming around conducting interviews.
A lot of time passed.
It felt like he should be coming out soon.
If it was a success, the Saudi players who came with him would know first.
System-wide announcements weren't only for S++-rank clears.
They also rang out during tower collapse countdowns.
And when an uncleared upper floor was successfully completed.
Like this:
[Notice: The 66th floor of the Black Tower (Saudi Arabia) has been conquered.]
Saudi government-affiliated players who had followed Nasser to Korea snapped their heads up and cried out.
"Ah!"
"Oh God!"
"Oh!"
"It's a success!"
The Hilltown Hotel ballroom grew noisy with excitement.
A moment later—Spot!
Player Nasser reappeared, holding the Holy Sword.
His face was drenched in sweat.
Thunderous applause erupted.
People rushed in to congratulate Nasser.
Deputy Commissioner Jeon Gwang-il also approached him with a bright smile.
"Congratulations."
"Hahaha, it took longer than I expected. Sorry to keep you waiting."
As Nasser held out the Holy Sword with both hands, Jeon Gwang-il carefully accepted it.
The Holy Sword was then handed to Team Leader Lee Min-ah.
She needed to store it in her inventory and return to the agency.
After being used once, it needed maintenance.
Lee Min-ah carefully tried to put the Holy Sword into her inventory—
And then it happened.
Zzt! A sound of something cracking.
"…Gasp!"
A small crack had formed in the middle of the blade.
"W-what…?"
Zzzzt! Crack!
The Holy Sword snapped cleanly in half.
Thunk!
The broken piece fell to the floor.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
.
.
Silence flowed quietly.
Cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-click!
Camera flashes went off nonstop.
Everyone was frozen. The Holy Sword… broke?
Everyone in the ballroom was in shock.
Player Nasser, Saudi officials, reporters—no one said a word.
Then, breaking the silence, Team Leader Lee Min-ah spoke.
"…Oh my? Fuck!!!"
Her extremely satisfying curse was broadcast across CNM's global news feed, spreading around the world.
In the United States, people were watching live.
Secretary Macmillan of the Department of Homeland Security shouted with a voice just as raw as hers.
"Motherfucker! Holy shit!"
Director Antonio grabbed his head with both hands.
"Oh my God!"
The entire world was plunged into shock.
If the Holy Sword was like that, how were they supposed to get past the undead section?
This was a total disaster, wasn't it?
An emergency was declared.
The worst possible scenario had happened.
Jeon Gwang-il rushed to the Player Shop forge.
After meeting Korea's greatest master blacksmith and asking him about it—
"Hmmm… I can reattach it, but…"
"T-then it is possible?"
"But there's a high chance the effect will be lost. Of all places, it broke right where the engraving is."
"Ah…"
"You know this too, don't you? Even if you perfectly copy and re-engrave the pattern carved into a tower reward item, it never becomes the same as the original."
It was over.
Completely screwed.
What were they supposed to do now?
A Holy Sword snapped clean in half.
They had managed it so carefully.
No matter how low its durability was, how could it break this suddenly?
The responsibility would fall on Nasser.
That bastard's main weapon was an axe—an Axe Master by trait.
No doubt about it.
He must have swung the Holy Sword around like a damn axe.
Chopped the ground, smashed rocks with it.
"Nasser, you son of a bitch!"
There was no way curses wouldn't come out.
Everyone has a beginner phase.
How many young people get their licenses and never touch a steering wheel?
Juhyeok was one of them.
And if you're going to get rid of the "rookie" label, you have to go through it at least once.
So he boldly grabbed the wheel.
At first, he just drove straight ahead.
He honestly felt like he might end up all the way in Busan.
But as driving time increased, he gradually got used to it.
He checked the side mirrors and rearview mirror, sped up a bit, used his turn signals, stopped at a rest area to refuel—
Only then did the navigation screen finally register in his head.
The camper van, which had only been going straight, exited at an IC and turned back toward the proper route.
He dismissed all the summoned companions while driving.
They were distracting, and honestly, his clumsy driving was embarrassing.
After five hours, he finally arrived at the destination.
Screeeech! Parked at last.
"My head's completely fried."
The sun was already setting.
It would be evening soon.
Still, he arrived safely.
The land he owned—or rather, the land the Agency had bought for him.
The leveling work seemed complete—good enough to start farming.
And there was a temporary container-style house installed.
Electricity, water, and sewage were all fully set up.
"I could live here."
Even if it was just a vacation home.
"Does the phone work?"
He checked his smartphone.
Two signal bars were lit.
Calls worked, roads were paved.
Land like this would be expensive even in an outlying area.
His body felt stiff.
Since he was in an area with clean air, he started with breathing exercises.
"Hooo… hooooooo…"
Qi moving inside his body.
What had once been grain-sized was now about the size of a bean.
The Blood Jade Steel Qi gathering at his fingertips was also becoming more vividly red.
"Am I going to end up stronger than Kosak or Gobang at this rate?"
A dry chuckle escaped him.
No chance.
How could he ever beat them?
Bzzzz.
His phone rang.
The name on the screen—
"The Deputy Commissioner."
Come to think of it, today was the day Saudi Arabia was supposed to come rent the Holy Sword.
Looks like more money came in.
"Another 13 billion won, huh…"
How was he ever going to spend all this?
He needed to figure out an efficient way to use money.
Should he invest in the stock market or something?
"Hello?"
—Uh, Player Bong, I'd like to come see you briefly. There's something I need to discuss.
"Oh, sure. That's fine, but I'm not at home right now."
—May I ask where you are?
"Namyangju. The land I bought earlier."
—I'll head over immediately.
Something wrong?
His voice didn't sound good.
Might as well summon the others.
"Oh? You've arrived already? That was fast."
"I drive up to 80 km/h now."
"Incredible! As expected of Summoner Bong! You could enter F1 races! Hehehe!"
"Hahaha, well… maybe not that far."
The remaining goal was highway top speed.
He wanted to try hitting 100 km/h.
Only then could he truly join the ranks of real men.
"Mr. Rajiks, let's unload the gear."
"Ho-e, yes."
Items poured out of the subspace backpack.
A large table and chairs, charcoal and a barbecue grill, dry firewood, a camping fire pit, all kinds of meat and vegetables, drinks, beer, and soju…
No need for tents.
Who had time to set those up?
There was a camper van and a container house.
First, the campfire was lit.
The table was set beside it.
Red-hot charcoal was laid out on the grill.
The atmosphere was perfect.
"It certainly has a different charm being outside rather than staying indoors."
Gyeon Dallae seemed to be in a good mood too.
"I shall sing a song. Outdoor drinking and singing—isn't that a Korean tradition?"
Who did he think he was, some kind of bard?
"…I don't think there's a single person who wants to hear you sing, Mr. Kosak."
"Did you not know? Absolute pitch that plays with rhythm and tone, a king of singers who overturns the stage, a born singer-songwriter—that is me, Kosak."
"I'd rather hear Lady Veronica sing."
At that, Veronica jolted awake.
"Victory assured! Senior Sergeant Veronica Caliber! Military song—one round loaded! Recoil is lateral recoil, military songs are the final—"
She put her hands on her hips and swayed side to side—and something else swayed along with her.
"Hm."
"Ahem."
"Mm."
They ate, drank, and fooled around for a long time.
Truthfully, outdoor camping was one item on Juhyeok's bucket list.
He had plenty of money.
Plenty of time.
He'd do everything he wanted.
Next on the list: overseas travel.
No need to take planes.
Just use the tower exit ring of whatever country he wanted, quietly enjoy himself, and come back.
Illegal entry was a crime, but…
He'd done far worse things than this before.
If he got caught, he'd just run into a tower.
Right then—
A car approached from the distance.
"Gasp! Wh-who's that? A thief?"
"It's probably the Deputy Commissioner."
"Ah."
It really was Deputy Commissioner Jeon Gwang-il.
He got out of the car carrying a long, narrow bag.
"Deputy Commissioner! Welcome!"
Kosak waved enthusiastically. They'd only met a few times—why was he acting so friendly?
"You must be tired from the long drive. We're grilling meat—come eat with us."
"Th-that is…"
"Are you really not feeling well?"
His expression really didn't look good.
Jeon Gwang-il lowered his head deeply.
With trembling hands, he opened the bag.
"I-I'm sorry. The Holy Sword… it broke."
What? Broke?
"Uh…"
It was real.
Inside the bag lay the Holy Sword, snapped cleanly in two.
"Whoa, it's split in half. Like a stock."
"…You bought stocks?"
"My previous summoner did. Invested his entire fortune and got wiped out. Couldn't sleep without alcohol."
"That's rough!"
"Was it Kekeo stock or something? Ah! That one broke into three pieces."
"…"
Yeah—better not touch stocks. Real estate really was best.
But more importantly—what now?
Their reliable cash cow was about to disappear.
Jeon Gwang-il explained how it broke.
They suspected Saudi player Nasser had used it roughly.
"It doesn't seem to be metal fatigue. If it were, it would've shattered. For it to snap cleanly like this means…"
"He definitely abused it. Weapons should be treated like lovers—cherished."
"Oh? Suddenly I want to become Senior Sergeant Be's weapon."
"Really? Want me to swing you around like Bardin?"
It sounded way too plausible, so Kosak hurriedly changed the subject.
"Anyway, this is mismanagement. The Deputy Commissioner must be punished."
"I concur. Rewards and punishments must be clear. Punish him severely."
"Damaging supplies bestowed by the Commander—this warrants a court-martial. Prepare yourself, Deputy Commissioner."
Jeon Gwang-il squeezed his eyes shut.
Honestly, he had nothing to say. They wouldn't kill him, right?
"Deputy Commissioner, hand over your badge."
"Regrettable, but unavoidable. Confiscate the badge."
"Return your medal."
Juhyeok exploded and defended Jeon Gwang-il.
"There you go again, overreacting. It broke because it was time to break. What did the Deputy Commissioner do wrong?"
The summoned immediately switched stances.
"Come to think of it, taking the badge is too harsh. Cutting off one finger should be enough."
"Shall we erase his karma?"
"A flick on the forehead will suffice."
"Maybe make him do a hundred laps in full combat gear—"
Juhyeok clicked his tongue.
"You guys think you're innocent? Cut off a finger? Kosak."
"…Y-yes?"
"You've wronged me before too, haven't you?"
"I'm not sure?"
"China."
"Th-that was already settled under the principle of double jeopardy…"
Double jeopardy my ass.
"Shall we take your badge back?"
"Aaah!"
"Commander! I didn't know Kosak was doing something like that. All responsibility lies with Kosak!"
"Senior Sergeant Be, you traitor!"
By the way—what was Rajiks doing?
Juhyeok turned his head.
"Ho-e…"
Rajiks was carefully examining the broken cross-section of the Holy Sword with a magnifying glass.
He'd also opened a thick book that looked like an encyclopedia—the same one he'd taken out before.
"Oh?"
That's right. Rajiks was here.
They'd been so spoiled by the power of the human Holy Sword that they'd completely forgotten about actual Holy Sword repairs.
"Mr. Rajiks."
"Ho-eng?"
"Can you repair it?"
"Ho-e, yes."
"Really?"
"Ho-e! Rajiks repairs Holy Sword. Rajiks gets badge."
"Oh wow, Mr. Rajiks, you're the best! The best! If you fix it, I'll give you two badges."
"Hu-eeee?"
The summoned didn't stay quiet either.
"Miracle weapon repairman, the human super glue who sticks anything together—Kosak will assist Rajiks as a worker."
"This maiden shall perform a ritual prayer beside him for the Holy Sword's restoration."
"If brute strength is needed, leave it to the warrior."
"I will hug the quartermaster tightly."
"I'll hug too!"
Hearing that repair was possible, Jeon Gwang-il bent at the waist.
"If you need anything at all, just say the word. I will support everything."
"Ho-ee."
And so, Rajiks's Holy Sword repair operation began.
So what?