The well-repaired holy sword was sent to the Administration.
The rental business would probably start soon.
Its performance had more than doubled compared to before, so customers would flock in, and money would flow in steadily.
I decided to return to the Cheongdam-dong penthouse tomorrow.
I hadn't been able to properly enjoy myself because I was busy repairing the holy sword.
Alright then, the badge-awarding ceremony.
The team's hope and cheat key.
"Rajiks worker, step forward."
"Hoeng!"
He rolled over—
Rumble, rumble—
Then snapped to attention!
Chin held high,
Chest thrust out,
Rajiks struck a proud pose.
"Wow! So arrogant."
"What if he is? The top servant is allowed to be."
"The warrior acknowledges it too."
"The quartermaster's charm is overflowing."
"Hooeng!"
Was it confidence, or conceit?
Well, he could have both.
"You have faithfully fulfilled your role as the household manager and, with remarkable skill, repaired the broken holy sword, thereby contributing to the maintenance of a steady source of income. In recognition of this, I hereby award you a badge. For reference, the number of badges awarded will be two."
Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!
Thunderous applause erupted.
Juhyeok took out a platinum badge from his inventory and attached it to Rajiks's backpack.
Poke!
"Hoeee—"
Four badges were now attached.
"I'll put one more on."
With this, the total number of badges would be five.
Poke!
But then—
Flaaash!
All five badges suddenly began to shine brilliantly.
"…Huh?"
Something happened.
'Don't tell me…'
Was this because he attached five badges? Probably.
For Juhyeok too, five platinum badges had been the condition for special privileges.
He'd received benefits for every set of five.
Did that same rule apply to summoned beings as well?
[The cumulative number of badges awarded to the summoned being Rajiks has reached 5.]
[The summoned being Rajiks has gained the summoner's trust and recognition.]
[Rajiks's badges have been reset.]
Flaaash!
Pop!
In the blink of an eye, all five of Rajiks's badges disappeared.
'Why'd they vanish? What a waste.'
But the summoned beings looked completely calm.
As if they'd expected this to happen.
[One of the summoned being's skills will be upgraded to LSSR rank.]
[The summoned being will choose which skill to upgrade.]
'What?!'
Did I hear that wrong?
So one skill gets upgraded to LSSR rank?
Unbelievable.
This was practically a special privilege.
No, but these people…
"You should've told me earlier!"
"Y-Yes?"
"That awarding five badges has this kind of effect!"
"T-There was a reason for that."
A reason, my ass—it upgrades a skill.
And to LSSR rank, no less.
A massive benefit that could change the entire meta of tower—
and they didn't say a word about it?
"Mr. Kosak, hurry and step forward."
"…Yeeah."
Kosak awkwardly stood up and came before Juhyeok.
"I'll skip the ceremony and just put the badges on you."
Kosak only had one badge.
Ah… it brought tears to my eyes.
Such a pitiful number for a founding member.
Until now, I'd thought of badge awards as nothing more than motivation for the summoned beings.
'If I'd known this would happen, I would've distributed all the badges evenly.'
Juhyeok pulled out a large stack of badges from his inventory and attached them one by one to Kosak's chest.
One, two, three, then four—bringing it to five.
"…"
What?
"Hm."
Nothing happened.
"…It's not shining?"
"That's because you attached them without meaning."
"Huh?"
Without meaning?
"Summoner Bong must truly believe that the badges are worth giving, and I must sincerely believe that I deserve to receive them. Only then does the badge effect manifest."
"Ah!"
So that's how it was.
"That's why we didn't say anything from the start. If you knew beforehand, the criteria for awarding badges would waver. The standards must be clear—for you, and for us."
I understood.
The circumstances had to align.
Only when the will to give and the will to receive came together would the meaning of five badges be realized.
"It's difficult. I'm always grateful, so I want to just hand out badges whenever."
Gyeondallae bowed deeply, as if she might take flight.
"Moved by your vast, ocean-like benevolence, young master, this maiden is overwhelmed. However, aside from the top servant, the rest of us have yet to perform deeds worthy of such grace, and thus cannot receive it."
Veronica added,
"Indeed. Commander, receiving medals for false achievements would be shameful rather than honorable. I will work harder. Certain victory!"
Gobang said,
"The warrior will try harder too. Then I'll receive the badge with pride."
There was no helping it.
They were human too, after all.
Each with firm personal standards.
'This really is like a character-training simulation game.'
I'd have to raise them properly, no matter what.
I should praise them even for the smallest effort.
'Wow, Mr. Kosak, did you put oil on your lips? You're such a smooth talker.'
'Princess Gyeondallae gives me strength just by existing.'
'Sergeant Veronika… she's just nice to look at.'
'Gobang hyung—always so reliable.'
If I keep this up, won't the standards for awarding platinum badges drop significantly?
That aside—
Which skill did Rajiks upgrade?
"Hoe, exploration."
"Oh!"
"I'll find much more, hoe."
Good boy.
Rune fragments and ticket fragments would be pouring in like crazy.
Anyway, we'd need a lot of badges going forward.
Was there anywhere new to acquire them?
Unfortunately, the next date for climbing an unconquered tower floor was still far off.
And there were only a few multinational tower access tickets left.
'There's no content. No content at all.'
Tower was great and all, but the one-pattern repetition was frustrating.
'Shouldn't things change a little?'
Maybe this is how max-level veterans feel.
The relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia was extremely close.
They had signed a mutual defense treaty, were military allies, and exchanges between politicians of the two countries were frequent.
The fact that the player Nasser Al-Aboud had been able to climb into the 60th floors was also largely thanks to American support in the form of light-attribute items.
Because of that, obtaining Nasser's 66th-floor bodycam footage wasn't particularly difficult.
Naturally, it was done secretly through unofficial channels.
Secretary of Homeland Security Macmillan and Director Antonio were the first to watch the bodycam footage.
A first-person bodycam perspective.
A hand gripping the holy sword came into view. At the same time, the sword was swung like an axe—
Crunch! Crack! Pow-pow-pow! Thud! Thud!
The blade of the holy sword split through the specter's torso, with enough force left over to dig deep into the ground.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
Dust and stone fragments flew everywhere.
The sword blade trembled violently, ringing with a sharp clang.
"He's insane."
"That's the guy who kept boasting about being some brave Arab warrior. Honestly, it was obvious even without watching."
"An idiot. Borrowing the holy sword and still having zero consideration for the next renters. This is why I hate macho types."
"What should we do? We can't just let this slide."
Macmillan pondered for a moment, then spoke.
"Release it on YouTube."
"On an official U.S. government channel?"
"What's wrong with your head? Ask sensible questions."
"Hahaha, I was just asking. Let's say a hacker group that loves freedom and peace hacked the Saudi government's network and uploaded it."
And so, the bodycam footage was abruptly released on YouTube.
The title was:
Naturally, the internet exploded.
ㄴ I knew it'd be like this.
ㄴ Using axe skills with a sword?
ㄴ Fucking executioner bastard.
ㄴ Pretending to be some macho tough guy when he's just a pathetic loser.
ㄴ Isn't there a way to seriously screw him over?
ㄴ The 67th floor is probably doomed. Let the Saudi tower just collapse already.
ㄴ Six months left… how are we supposed to wait that long?
ㄴ Hey, without the holy sword we're no different.
ㄴ True. At this rate, the Saudi black tower will collapse last.
ㄴ Damn it!
Saudi Arabia didn't stay silent either.
A Saudi royal and Minister of Tower Ascension Management, Majed, appeared in a special segment on national TV.
"We are not at fault. From the beginning, the holy sword lacked durability. Fatigue had accumulated over time. Player Nasser is not the perpetrator, but an unjustly accused victim."
"Saudi Arabia paid Korea an enormous rental fee. The sword was already returned. We paid ten million dollars, and now you say it's damaged and we're responsible?"
"Rather, we want to ask Korea—do you even intend to repair the holy sword? If you lack the technology and capability, seek assistance. Saudi Arabia is also willing to help sincerely."
He brazenly argued his case.
There was no sign of apology, let alone compensation.
From Saudi Arabia's perspective, it had to be that way.
Apologizing would mean admitting fault.
Minister Majed's interview was like pouring oil on a fire.
The entire world condemned Saudi Arabia.
Then, out of nowhere, a country stepped forward to support Saudi Arabia.
Japan.
Prime Minister Kawaguchi appeared on TV to deliver an official statement.
"Japan supports Saudi Arabia's position. Our two nations have signed a mutual tower-collapse defense treaty. Through smooth temporary naturalization and tower-material support, Japan and Saudi Arabia will advance toward the future together."
Then he turned his message toward Korea.
"The holy sword is a global public asset. Therefore, we formally request that if Korea cannot repair it, you hand it over. Japan will fix it. We possess sufficient technological capability to restore the holy sword."
The two countries stuck together tightly.
Saudi Arabia and Japan.
At the Korean Awakened Management Agency, they were watching Minister Majed's interview.
They also watched Prime Minister Kawaguchi's statement.
But no one got angry.
In fact, Director Park Gyeongsu wore a gentle smile.
"How cute."
"…Them, sir?"
"Not their looks. Their behavior—it's cute."
Jeon Gwang-il agreed.
Repair the holy sword for them?
Not even worth responding to.
It felt utterly trivial.
So trivial that it was almost endearing.
After all, did they even know Bong Player's abilities?
"When should we reveal the repaired holy sword?"
"There's no rush. Take it slow. To enjoy a refreshing soda, you have to swallow some dry sweet potatoes first."
"A lot of people are going to choke."
"What can you do? If you drink soda alone, it just stings your throat."
Director Park Gyeongsu spoke from experience.
Back when Korea's top player had secretly defected and changed nationality, he'd been dragged into a hearing and suffered—only to make a dramatic comeback at the last moment.
How could he forget that thrill?
"It's a shame Saudi Arabia still has six months before their next tower deadline."
"I find it more regrettable that Japan is still only in the 50th floors."
"I wish the deadlines would suddenly shrink. Ah! Except for us."
"Careful. Words have power. You'll be in big trouble if you say things like that outside."
"I was just thinking out loud. Just thinking. That mustn't happen."
Words carry weight.
The old saying was right.
The French player Guillaume Loiret made a decision.
He decided to carry out what he'd been contemplating.
France—his homeland.
Yet he resented it.
The French government bore much of the responsibility for pushing him this far.
They had always pressured him.
It was practically deliberate gaslighting.
Begging him to prevent the collapse of the French black tower and save France.
'Then who saves me?'
Even his wife, who had always comforted him, died of cancer.
She wasn't saved either.
'No… was she saved?'
Yes.
The answer had always been clear.
His wife was saved.
For him as well, death was salvation.
'Let's go together.'
Dying alone wasn't enough.
He would take his beloved France with him.
Flash!
[Entering the 65th floor of the French Black Tower.]
[Physical abilities have been enhanced according to level.]
[Traits and combat skills are available.]
The 65th floor.
He might die here.
But would the French black tower collapse because of that?
Not a chance.
The U.S., Norway, or even Korea could simply temporarily naturalize a player capable of clearing the 65th floor and continue the ascent.
Even if he disappeared, the chance of the French black tower collapsing was extremely low.
That couldn't be allowed.
France had to collapse.
So that no one could interfere.
Until the tower collapsed, and collapsed again, until French territory was reduced to complete ruin.
Guillaume pulled out an item he had kept carefully hidden in his inventory.
An item he'd received as a tower reward after clearing the 62nd floor.
Effect: Skips up to five floors of the tower. Your level increases accordingly. Skipped floors are considered successfully cleared.
From the 65th floor, skipping five floors meant reaching the 70th.
Would anyone dare to challenge the 70th floor?
With this, France's fate was sealed.
Without hesitation, Guillaume tore the Tower Jumping Ticket in half.
Screeech!
[You have used a Tower Jumping Ticket.]
[Please state the number of floors you wish to jump.]
"Five. Skip five floors."
[Tower jumping will now begin.]
Flash!
[Notice: The 65th floor of the Black Tower (France) has been cleared.]
[Notice: The 66th floor of the Black Tower (France) has been cleared.]
[Notice: The 67th floor of the Black Tower (France) has been cleared.]
[Notice: The 68th floor of the Black Tower (France) has been cleared.]
[Notice: The 69th floor of the Black Tower (France) has been cleared.]
And finally—
[Entering the 70th floor of the French Black Tower.]
Thus, Guillaume Loiret became the first person in the world to reach the 70th floor.
The setting was a dark forest.
And a road stretching straight ahead.
'Now… let's go die.'
Toward what he presumed to be the final boss of the undead section—the boss monster of the 70th floor.
[70th Floor Mission: Defeat the High-Ranking Demon Kabalon, Duke (Replica).]
[Time Limit: Within 20 hours.]
[Completion Requirement: High-Ranking Demon Kabalon, Duke (Replica) 0/1]
'A demon?'
And what was with this "replica" nonsense?
It didn't matter.
He'd come here to die—who killed him didn't matter.
Guillaume continued along the road.
Then he saw it ahead—a massive mansion.
The door leading inside was closed.
Creeeak—
Guillaume opened the door.
A long red carpet stretched inward.
At the end of the carpet stood a high dais and a chair.
And seated upon it—
"Welcome."
"W-What…?"
The monster… was speaking?
And in French, no less.
"You came up by exploiting a loophole. You skipped five whole floors."
That was when it happened. Sliiide—
"Ghk!"
Guillaume's body moved on its own.
Suspended in midair, he was dragged before the chair.
Grab!
The demon Kabalon, Duke, seized Guillaume by the throat.
But Guillaume didn't resist.
He simply stared at Kabalon with hollow eyes.
"Did you come here to die?"
"…"
"You've lived a hard life. I'll grant your wish—after first observing the world through you."
Then—
Ding!
A message rang out.
[World Announcement: Humanity has encountered a sentient demon for the first time.]
[World Announcement: The High-Ranking Demon Kabalon, Duke (Replica) is observing the world.]
"You've been too sluggish."
Sluggish? Tower climbing, perhaps?
"I'll help."
[World Announcement: The High-Ranking Demon Kabalon, Duke (Replica) has cast the 'Curse of the Average' upon the world's Black Towers.]
A world announcement.
Delivered to everyone living on Earth.
To players, as system messages; to ordinary people, translated into their native languages and delivered like telepathy.
[World Announcement: The average floor of Earth's Black Towers has been fixed at 70. Rapid tower climbing is required to meet the average.]
[World Announcement: Ten countries will be selected in the first phase. Selection will be random.]
The messages continued.
[World Announcement: The time limit for clearing the Black Tower of South Africa is gradually decreasing.]
[World Announcement: The time limit for clearing the Black Tower of Mexico is gradually decreasing.]
[World Announcement: The time limit for clearing the Black Tower of Saudi Arabia is gradually decreasing.]
[World Announcement: The time limit for clearing the Black Tower of America (USA) is gradually decreasing.]
[World Announcement: The time limit for clearing the Black Tower of Japan is gradually decreasing.]
Ten countries announced.
And finally—
[World Announcement: The Curse of the Average will be lifted only when the global average tower floor reaches 70, or when the High-Ranking Demon Kabalon, Duke (True Body) is defeated.]
Then Duke Kabalon spoke to Guillaume.
"I'll fulfill your wish now."
Crack!
Guillaume's neck snapped.
"I'll send your corpse outside. A kindness, from me to you."
Flash!
And just like that, Guillaume—now a corpse—vanished from the tower.