The curse of averages cast down by Kabalon.
The countries selected in the first round began climbing the uncleared upper floors one by one.
Then, as if by magic, the tower collapse timers started running normally again.
Countries that could have done it but had been putting it off.
Starting with Mexico, followed by South Africa, the Netherlands, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan, they all succeeded in their clears and reset the tower collapse deadline to six months.
Gerald and Antonio from the United States, along with Minister Macmillan, also entered Korea through Incheon International Airport.
As soon as he arrived, Minister Macmillan voluntarily held a press conference.
"The Holy Sword is the savior and lifeline that prevents tower collapse across the entire world. No matter which country a player belongs to, if they lose or damage the Holy Sword, they will have to bear the wrath of the United States."
To anyone watching, it sounded as if the Holy Sword belonged to America.
"Additionally, we plan to propose to the Korean Awakened Management Agency that any player using the Holy Sword must have completed at least one trait enhancement and submit a psychological evaluation certificate."
In other words, if you're going to borrow it, do it properly.
They had learned their lesson from the Saudi precedent.
Anyway, Gerald arrived at the Awakened Management Agency.
He immediately borrowed the Holy Sword and headed out to clear the tower.
The result?
Of course—success.
This was no longer the dull radiance of the past.
It was a dazzling, brilliant radiance of victory.
Once wrapped in that glow, the Phantom Reaper's long-range dark aura attacks were completely useless.
And so, the list of first-round selected countries gradually shrank.
People felt relieved.
They had expected the tower collapse to begin at any moment, but once they opened the lid, it didn't even seem like a threat.
ㄴ Kabalon Duke (copy) is weak as hell.
ㄴ LMAO, this bastard acted like the world was ending when he cast that curse.
ㄴ Hey! This is Earth!
ㄴ Still, the 50th-floor range should reflect on themselves. Don't drag down the average.
ㄴ What's Japan doing? Saudi Arabia even had their king step in personally.
ㄴ Such a nuisance country. Aren't Japanese people supposed to hate bothering others?
Did Japan not want to clear it?
It wasn't that they wouldn't—it was that they couldn't.
Even the citizens seemed to have given up, their reactions tinged with self-mockery.
ㄴ It's over. Everyone, please leave Japan.
ㄴ Japan really is a backward country. www
ㄴ It's been that way for ten years already.
ㄴ If it collapses, will there be an earthquake?
ㄴ How could there not be? They say the sinkhole diameter is 10 km.
ㄴ Why aren't we requesting temporary naturalization?
ㄴ Let's get help from Korea. Apologize for what needs apologizing.
ㄴ I'd rather choose seppuku. Get lost, Joseonjing!
ㄴ Sigh… if only it weren't for those net-right-wing assholes.
Thus, excluding Japan, countries around the world breathed a sigh of relief.
It seemed as though the danger of tower collapse was diminishing.
But as if mocking people's relief, another world announcement appeared.
[World Announcement: The average floor level has still not reached Floor 70. Underperforming tower-climbing nations must make greater efforts.]
ㄴ Huh?
ㄴ Wh-what?
ㄴ Gasp!
ㄴ Again?
ㄴ Wasn't it supposed to be over?
[World Announcement: Twenty countries will be selected in the second round. Selection will be random.]
ㄴ Fuck this shit!
ㄴ Second round, 20 countries?
ㄴ Kabalon, you son of a bitch!
ㄴ Does that mean there's a third round too?
ㄴ First round 10, second round 20—then the third?
ㄴ This is insane.
[World Announcement: The clear deadline for Brazil's Black Tower is steadily decreasing.]
[World Announcement: The clear deadline for Germany's Black Tower is steadily decreasing.]
[World Announcement: The clear deadline for the Philippines' Black Tower is steadily decreasing.]
[World Announcement: The clear deadline for India's Black Tower is steadily decreasing.]
[World Announcement: The clear deadline for Croatia's Black Tower is steadily decreasing.]
.
.
The world fell back into chaos.
Because these world announcements could be heard by players and ordinary people alike, the shock was even greater.
Announcement of the second-round tower-climbing countries.
A full twenty nations.
Once again, Korea was not included.
Korean Awakened Management Agency.
Commissioner Park Gyeong-su said with a grin,
"Heh heh, Korea's out again this time. Wouldn't be so bad to be included at least once."
At that moment, Jeon Gwang-il raised his voice angrily.
"Commissioner!!! Why would you say that?!"
"Ah—ah, sorry, sorry. My mouth ran away with me. I just meant Korea has that much leeway…"
"Ah, come on!!!"
"…M-my mistake. I retract everything I just said."
Park Gyeong-su was living proof that words can become reality.
"If you're bored, please take on some other work. I'm so busy these days that even ten bodies wouldn't be enough."
"That's because you're trying to do everything yourself. Delegate the easy stuff to the staff."
"All employees haven't gone home for three days straight. It's so bad there's a rotten smell inside the agency."
"Oh dear!"
They were truly busy beyond belief.
Phone calls about Holy Sword reservations, adjusting schedules, managing elite players, guiding foreign players coming to borrow the Holy Sword.
"Give me some work too. Even as commissioner, I should help out."
"Well, it's fine. Later, maybe the corporate card—"
That was when it happened. Bzzzt! Jeon Gwang-il's smartphone buzzed loudly.
"May I take this call for a moment?"
"Who is it?"
"Player Bong Juhyeok."
"Huh?! Take it, quickly! Don't worry about me."
Jeon Gwang-il answered the phone.
"Yes, this is Jeon Gwang-il. Hahaha! Busy? Of course—when the world suddenly changes, you have to run yourself to death."
He replied with forced heartiness.
"But what's the matter… Ah! Yes, yes, the Kabalon Duke's original copy strategy—it is the optimal method… That's right. Average Floor 70 is achievable, but it'll take time. Yes, yes. Uh—what?"
His complexion suddenly changed.
"P-pardon me, I must have misheard. Could you say that again… Huh?! A-are you serious? N-naturalizing… y-you're naturalizing?!"
Commissioner Park Gyeong-su jumped to his feet as well.
"What? Naturalization? What are you talking about? W-wait! Let me hear too."
Jeon switched the phone to speaker mode.
— It's not permanent naturalization. It's temporary. To France.
"Even temporary naturalization is still n-naturalization. Temporary can become permanent later."
— That's why I'm asking the agency to handle it safely on my behalf. It'll only take two weeks. I'll briefly meet the Kabalon copy and come right back. Please.
"…"
Jeon Gwang-il couldn't bring himself to answer.
Neither could Park Gyeong-su.
A bolt from the blue had struck.
Player Bong Juhyeok's request for temporary naturalization to France.
"C-Commissioner, what do we do?"
"Why are you asking me?"
"Then who should I ask?"
"Well… still…"
After a moment of thought,
"Vice Commissioner, can you persuade Player Bong?"
"…It seems he's already made up his mind."
Even to Park Gyeong-su, it sounded that way.
"What about the possibility of permanent naturalization to France?"
"It's unlikely. He's definitely still in Korea, and he's not the type to lie."
"You're not planning to go to France in person later… right?"
"I won't. Not if the purpose is clearing the Black Tower."
One more question.
"Assuming Player Bong temporarily naturalizes, what risks could arise?"
"His identity could be exposed."
"There's no way Player Bong Juhyeok wouldn't have considered that."
"He knows. Given his personality, he definitely weighed everything before calling."
Park Gyeong-su nodded.
"Then let's process it. You go visit the French embassy."
"…Sigh. That's what we'll have to do. We don't really have the right to stop him anyway. How much should we tell France?"
"Make something up appropriately. Whether they find out later or not, that's their problem. And let's keep this matter between the two of us."
"Yes."
And so, Juhyeok's temporary naturalization to France was decided.
Juhyeok ended his call with Jeon Gwang-il.
He wanted to take time to think it over, but if he put it off, things could get ugly.
The second world announcement.
Another twenty countries selected.
Kabalon, that bastard—he was probably hiding inside the tower, enjoying this whole situation.
Juhyeok couldn't just leave it alone.
Shouldn't he show how scary a truly pissed-off underdog could be?
Of course, he wouldn't do it himself.
An underdog has an underdog's way.
Someone keeps bullying me. Please teach him a lesson.
"Designated Summon: Mad Demon."
Flash! The Mad Demon appeared.
"Summoner."
"It's been a while, Lord Mad Demon. Actually—"
"The demon race's Duke Kabalon has appeared."
"…Yes."
It seemed the restriction on the 70th floor had been lifted even for the Mad Demon.
"The original or a copy?"
"For now, a copy. I plan to use the copy to find the original."
"Surely not the Korean tower? Summoner, did you go up to the 70th floor yourself…?"
"No. The French Black Tower."
"Ah! Then someone must have gone up using an exploit."
The Mad Demon nodded and continued.
"Summoner, if you've decided to seek out the original… are you planning to naturalize to France?"
"Yes. Just for a few days. Temporarily."
"Good. Very good."
As expected of Lord Mad Demon.
He saw through everything with just a few words.
"May I hold your wrist for a moment?"
"Go ahead."
Juhyeok readily offered his wrist.
Swoooosh. Energy seeped in.
"How much have you been training the Heaven-and-Earth Unified Origin Art?"
"I make sure to train at least one hour a day."
"Heh heh heh, as I thought."
"…Is my training insufficient?"
It felt like getting homework checked.
Should I have trained harder?
"No, it's just right. If you advance your realm too quickly, the harmony of essence, energy, and spirit will be disrupted. Excess is poison."
One hour a day was excessive?
"You have overwhelming talent."
"Me?"
"This can't be the first time you've heard that."
"…"
Kosak had said something similar before.
Juhyeok had taken it half as flattery, half as sincerity.
"Anyway, there's nothing to worry about. Still, don't let your guard down. If anything dangerous happens, summon me immediately."
Ah… what a considerate person.
"I've prepared some drinks. Care to join me for one?"
"I shall not refuse."
Juhyeok's third drinking session with the Mad Demon.
Given the times, it wasn't exactly appropriate to drink heavily, but this too was business.
"There's something I'd like to ask of you at the French Black Tower… if it wouldn't be too much trouble—"
At that moment! The Mad Demon frowned and turned serious.
"Hm."
Crap. Did I mess up?
"Summoner."
"…Y-yes?"
His expression wasn't good. Well, anyone would be annoyed.
If someone didn't listen to your opinions and then tried to ask a favor after pouring a few drinks, who wouldn't get angry?
"Uh, if you're displeased—"
"As I mentioned before, this old one is the summoner's sword and blade. In situations like this, you do not ask—you command. And I will gladly comply."
"Ah…"
That was what he meant?
Suddenly, Juhyeok felt embarrassed.
"I'm sorry. I didn't realize."
"If you're sorry, then let's take this opportunity to take over France. France is a presidential system, yes?"
"…"
"Ha ha ha… just a joke."
Was it really?
He really couldn't afford to let his guard down around this guy.
"Call me whenever you wish. If Kabalon is left alone, disaster will strike. What good is conquering a world full of holes from tower collapses? That is not something I desire either."
In any case, Juhyeok had secured the Mad Demon's full support.
Now all that remained was processing the naturalization paperwork.
The next day.
Lavieau Henri, Attaché at the French Embassy in Korea, headed to the appointed meeting place.
A request had come from the Korean Awakened Management Agency.
One elite Korean player wished to acquire French nationality for fifteen days.
The reason?
Simply to clear the French Black Tower for two weeks.
It was absurd.
A Black Tower was a Black Tower—what difference did it make?
Did he think clearing the French Black Tower would reward him with baguettes?
Under normal circumstances, it should have been rejected.
Temporary naturalization without permanent intent or a special purpose was unacceptable, no matter how exceptional the player.
Unless it involved climbing uncleared upper floors.
But the French Black Tower had already been cleared up to the 69th floor.
Entry to the 70th floor was possible.
An utterly unwanted achievement: the world's number one Black Tower progression.
All because of a horrific accident no one wanted to think about.
As a result, the French government was cornered.
Europe's troll nation that had triggered Kabalon's curse, the nuisance country that shortened the tower collapse deadline.
And yet, the Korean Awakened Management Agency was offering to defend France.
Claiming it wasn't France's fault.
That it was merely an accident caused by individual deviation.
The Korean agency, as the entity controlling Holy Sword loans, held more influence than any other national organization.
If they were willing to go that far, what couldn't France do in return?
Temporary naturalization?
Easy.
The procedures were already manualized, making it simple to process.
That was why Henri had hurriedly prepared the documents and come to the meeting place—a café in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul.
They had already spoken on the phone.
He'd asked about Juhyeok's appearance, so finding him wasn't difficult.
"Are you Mr. Bong Juhyeok?"
"Yes, that's me. You're Attaché Lavieau Henri, right?"
"Please call me Lavieau. You're requesting temporary naturalization?"
"Mm, just about two weeks. Sorry for the trouble, Lavieau."
Attaché Lavieau Henri placed the documents on the table.
"Please fill these out by hand. Gender, age, name, and address—use this information."
Who would have thought—
That he would one day be signing naturalization papers.
"You understand how the system works, right? Player temporary naturalization isn't real naturalization—it's system-level naturalization."
"I understand."
He had looked it up in advance.
"Filling out paperwork alone isn't enough. The will of the player seeking naturalization is important. The intent to naturalize. Without that, it won't be processed properly."
That was why Juhyeok had to come in person.
If not for this, he would've sent Kosak in his place.
"The temporary naturalization period is fifteen days. After that, we'll meet again and proceed with the cancellation of French nationality."
Juhyeok carefully filled out the documents and signed at the end.
"All done. It'll take about three hours for the documents to be sent to the French naturalization office and processed. Check your status window later."
"Thank you."
The procedure was simpler than expected.
It was finished once two conditions were met.
The player's intent to naturalize, and official registration of the documents.
Canceling naturalization was the same.
The player's intent to renounce nationality, and the French government's approval to accept that renunciation.
Which meant forced naturalization was possible, too.
Torture or threats to change the player's mind, then forcing a signature on the documents.
After parting with Attaché Lavieau Henri, Juhyeok returned home.
The naturalization result would come soon.
How would he check?
By looking at his status window.
[Name]: Bong Juhyeok
[Affiliation]: Black Tower (France)
Like this.
'That's strange. My nationality changed.'
Even if it was only system-level.
Then first—his summons. Spot!
"Salute! Kosak reporting, sir!"
"Bonjour!"
"…Pardon?"
"I'm greeting you."
"Huh—wait, don't tell me—"
"Yes. From today onward, I'm French. Please call me Monsieur Bong."
"Y-yes, sir…!"
Then act like a Frenchman.
"Oh, Monsieur Gobang, let's have some Camembert cheese after the clear. With wine."
"…"
"Oh! Miss Gyeondallae."
"…Y-yes. Young master."
"Mr. Rajiks, always merci."
"Huh?"
"And you, Deputy—"
"Cool, cool, cool."
"He's asleep."
Alright, then—enter the French Tower.
No need to go to France in person.
From the penthouse, set the floor to 61.
Why specifically the 61st floor?
There was something he needed to confirm first.
[Entering the French Black Tower, Floor 61.]
Dark mummies were nothing.
"Let's finish this quickly, Monsieur Kosak."
"Yes, sir! Monsieur Bong, Summoner!"
He took out the Holy Sword.
"Light!!!"
Gobang and Kosak beat them down.
Thud thud thud thud!
[You have cleared the 61st-floor mission.]
[Reward: Magic Crystals 6.1 kg]
'…Hmm.'
[Exiting the French Black Tower.]
Spot!
Just as expected.
Juhyeok's current level was 67.
A six-level gap from the recommended level for Floor 61.
Looks like you don't get a badge with a six-level difference.
'Then what about Floor 62?'
He entered once more.
Honestly, going back and forth from the penthouse didn't make him feel naturalized at all.
Tomorrow, he'd use the Tower Exit Ring and go to France directly.
Tourism while he was at it.
[Entering the French Black Tower, Floor 62.]
Dark zombies.
Same deal.
"Light!!!"
Thud thud thud!
Gobang wiped out the zombies in the blink of an eye.
[Notice: You have achieved an S++ clear rating on Floor 62 of the Black Tower (France).]
[S++ Clear Reward: Platinum Badge awarded.]
"Oh!"
A five-level difference qualified for an S++ clear.
He even got a Platinum Badge.
How many was that now?
66 from normal clears,
1 from the multinational tower pass,
1 from Floor 62 of the French Black Tower after naturalization.
A total of 68 badges.
Two more for the perk.
And in the middle of all that—
French-affiliated players heard, firsthand, the full broadcast of the legendary S++ clear.
[Notice: You have achieved an S++ clear rating on Floor 62 of the Black Tower (France).]
Wait—what is this now?
Why is the S++ clear message coming from France?
READ MORE CHAPTER HERE-https://shinchan1.podia.com/