How to Conquer the Tower as a Nobody – 87
Before the countdown to the collapse of Japan's Black Tower began.
A small, old house in a tiny rural city in Gunma Prefecture.
The place where the player Yoo Cheol-min, who had been naturalized as a Japanese citizen, was hiding and living.
Self-Defense Force soldiers had surrounded the house.
The homeowner was gone.
Yoo Cheol-min had entered the tower.
Specifically, the 58th floor of Japan's Black Tower.
A Self-Defense Force officer stared at his watch.
Tick, tick, tick…
Time flowed on mercilessly.
The fixed time limit for the raid—14 hours—had passed.
But Yoo Cheol-min did not come out.
That meant not a simple failure, but death inside the tower.
"He's dead."
No one had expected success from the start.
Tower raids are largely a test of a player's mental strength.
What could anyone expect from an alcoholic player whose mind was addled by booze and drugs?
The officer picked up the phone and reported somewhere.
"It's a failure. Yoo Cheol-min died inside the tower. Yes, we'll withdraw."
After ordering their own domestically trained players on suicide missions inside the tower, there was no way they would simply let a naturalized player walk free.
The Japanese government mobilized every possible means.
They even actively engaged in diplomatic battles.
They contacted every country without exception that possessed a player capable of clearing the 58th floor.
It almost seemed like it would work.
The amount Japan offered was unimaginably huge.
But unfortunately, the list of countries selected for the second Cavalan Curse was announced.
A full twenty countries.
Brazil—one of the countries Japan had contacted—was included.
In this situation, which country would agree to temporary naturalization?
They said a third wave could happen, then a fourth, a fifth as well.
The United States had already sent its players who specialized in naturalization elsewhere.
They said they had no players to send to Japan.
There was, however, one country with some leeway.
South Korea.
The Chief Cabinet Secretary spoke to Prime Minister Kawaguchi.
"We must ask Korea for help. There is no other way."
"I know."
"I'll make a direct request through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—"
"No. Don't."
"Th-then?"
Prime Minister Kawaguchi bit his lip hard once before continuing.
"If we borrow the power of Korean players, we can avoid the tower's collapse. But our political lives will end that very day."
"Ah!"
"Can you bear that responsibility?"
Did they think a request for temporary naturalization would come for free?
If it were only money, that would be a blessing.
Territorial disputes between the two countries, national defense issues, economy and trade, historical issues, distortions of history, the return of cultural assets…
On every pending issue, Japan would have to step back.
And the Kawaguchi cabinet would bear that responsibility.
What good is avoiding the tower's collapse?
If you yourself are ruined.
At that point, losing the prime minister's seat wouldn't be the problem.
You'd actually die.
"It's better to face the tower's collapse. That way, we can find a breakthrough on the other side."
That was how Kawaguchi saw it.
"When a national crisis strikes, it becomes easier to unite the people."
"…"
The Chief Cabinet Secretary couldn't refute it.
The United States had successfully cleared two towers.
They were originally supposed to depart for the U.S. today, but the trip was postponed.
An S++-rank clear had suddenly erupted in France—there was no way they could ignore that.
The moment the U.S. became aware of it, they immediately activated their intelligence network.
And then they learned the truth.
The temporary naturalization of the Korean player Bong Juhyeok in France.
And immediately afterward, the nationwide announcement regarding France's Black Tower.
"So it really was player Bong Juhyeok."
Minister MacMillan spoke with an incredulous expression.
"This feels like we were properly sucker-punched. I thought he was just a decoy player put forward as misdirection."
Director Antonio felt the same.
"He didn't actually go to France, did he?"
"Our information says he stayed at home."
"And he didn't even use the Holy Sword."
"Yes. It was an S++ clear without the Holy Sword."
"That's insane. How on earth did he do it?"
To be honest, they still couldn't understand it.
"He probably repaired the Holy Sword himself,"
"And the supplier of the tower materials was likely Bong Juhyeok as well."
"Then what about those two who appeared at the hotel?"
"I have no idea either."
"Why did Bong Juhyeok temporarily naturalize as French?"
"That too… well, maybe just to see Cavalan's face? With the tower basically open all the way to the 70th floor."
The deeper they dug, the more questions arose instead of answers.
"I'd like to meet him once."
"Do you think the Korean Awakened Management Agency would allow that?"
"What's the problem? In a democratic country, who can suppress an individual's freedom?"
"…Then, Minister, you handle it yourself. I know nothing. I don't want to ruin my relationship with the deputy commissioner."
Minister MacMillan understood as well.
For a foreign politician to approach a state-managed elite—especially a top-tier player—was extremely rude.
But could he really suppress his curiosity?
"Oh, right. Japan seems intent on holding out."
"They seem to have already given up."
"It turned out just as you feared. Do you think it'll collapse?"
"Probably…"
In fact, there was a simple solution.
Improve relations with Korea.
If the Japanese government gave Korea what it wanted and begged them to stop the tower's collapse, that would be the end of it.
But they weren't doing that.
"What about the White House? There are plenty of pro-Japan advisers—they might order support."
MacMillan answered with a bitter smile.
"They said to wait and see."
"What?"
"We also have a tower located on a seismic zone. They want to observe what kind of effect a tower's collapse has on fault lines."
"…"
A tower collapse wouldn't be Japan's first.
The Mumbai Tower had collapsed as well.
However, there was almost no remaining data on exactly how the Mumbai Tower collapsed.
All that could be seen was a massive sinkhole.
The United States wanted to observe everything—from beginning to end.
The scene of Japan's Black Tower collapsing.
Thus, Japan would become a gigantic testing ground.
A place where the process and results of a tower collapse could be vividly observed.
Day 3 of French nationality.
Juhyeok smoothly cleared the 64th floor as well.
[Notice: You have achieved an S++ clear rating on the 64th floor of the Black Tower (France).]
[S++ Clear Reward: You have been awarded a Platinum Badge.]
Platinum Badge total: 70.
At the same time, he finished the repeat clear of the 64th floor.
Now, let's try assembling the fragments that Rajiks collected.
The main event is always postponed.
"Goodness! You collected this many fragments—merci?"
"Huh?"
"Let's put them together together."
"Hooeng!"
A heap of runes and ticket fragments.
But only a tiny portion of them could actually be matched.
The combination conditions were extremely strict.
Fail, fail, fail, fail. A streak of duds.
Still, once in a while—slide! click!
They stuck together, one by one.
Of course, completion was still a long way off.
"Hueh…"
Rajiks looked disappointed.
"Hey, why so down? We matched way more than before."
That was true.
The fragments Rajiks had gathered were not only numerous, but also high quality.
"Alright, alright—let's give a round of applause for our best worker, Monsieur Rajiks!!!"
Clap clap clap clap!
Anyway, the pre-event was over.
Next came the main event.
'Will a Trait Enhancement Rune come out?'
Most likely, once the French naturalization period ended, the random summon cooldown would reset.
If it came out at this moment, it would be perfect—
Juhyeok checked his inventory.
70 badges.
A number impossible to gather through normal climbing.
You'd need to clear the 70th floor to have 70.
[You will be granted special benefits for accumulating 70 Platinum Badges.]
'What is it?'
[Benefit: You will be given a start pack for high-floor climbing above the 71st floor, along with a commemorative bonus for clearing the 70th floor.]
'…Huh?'
A sudden start pack.
'And it's for climbing floors above the 71st?'
It seemed the system judged that since he had 70 badges, he had cleared the 70th floor.
So it was also giving a commemorative bonus for clearing the 70th floor.
'Well, I'm grateful if they give it early.'
But a start pack—does that mean a new beginning?
He had heard rumors before.
That things start to change at the 71st floor.
'Just what changes, exactly…'
[Benefit: Would you like to open the start pack?]
'Open.'
[Benefit: You have received a Tower Floor Intrusion Ticket.]
[Benefit: You have received a Rune of Summoned Being Resurrection.]
[Benefit: You have received a Tower Raid Mission Reset Ticket.]
[Bonus: You have received a Multinational Tower Access Ticket.]
[Bonus: You have received a Rune of Summoned Being Rank Upgrade.]
"Uh…"
There were items he had never seen before—three of them, no less.
First, the tower intrusion ticket.
Intrude.
By definition, it meant barging in without permission.
Effect: Allows you to intrude into a tower floor currently being raided by another player. Entry level requirements must be met. Usable from the 71st floor onward.
"…"
What?
Why intrude?
That would mean being in the same space as another player.
Next,
Effect: Revives one deceased summoned being. Consumed upon use. Usable from the 71st floor onward.
'Hmm.'
Does that mean it's dangerous enough for summoned beings to die?
Effect: Resets a tower raid mission when failure is anticipated. Consumed upon use. Usable from the 71st floor onward.
This, too, implied that raids would become extremely difficult.
He'd find out once he entered.
What kind of missions would appear.
But at this point, these weren't particularly necessary for Juhyeok.
The bonuses were more useful instead.
The Multinational Tower Access Ticket and the Rune of Summoned Being Rank Upgrade.
'The rune should go to Bardin—'
At that moment!
"Whoa…"
Kosak, who had been watching TV, let out a short exclamation.
"What is it?"
"Breaking news."
"Breaking news?"
"The Japan Tower is gonna collapse."
What?
Juhyeok walked over to the TV.
The summoned beings followed.
At the top of the screen was the countdown to the collapse of Japan's Black Tower.
There wasn't much time left.
"…For real?"
No—how did it get that bad?
Other countries were succeeding one by one, escaping the list of selected nations.
"Princess, did you cast some kind of curse on Japan?"
"Absolutely not, Your Grace. This humble one never did such a thing."
"Then why are they like that?"
"Superior Veronica Caliber! I didn't do it."
"Even the warrior doesn't know."
"Hooe!"
A statement from the Japanese prime minister was broadcast as well.
It was long-winded, but the gist was that they were prepared to accept the tower's collapse.
That crazy bastard!
"Kawaguchi doesn't even deserve to be an apartment residents' representative. The height of incompetence. Japan's really pitiful."
Kosak also seemed worried about Japan's tower collapse.
"They say Japan trips are the best bang for your buck. Wouldn't it have been great if our Summoner Bong went on a Japan trip and then it collapsed? Such a shame."
Incredible. Truly incredible.
Is that really the problem right now?
Juhyeok couldn't help anyway.
He had already used both of his tower entries.
All he could do was watch.
'Wow. Kinda want to conquer Japan.'
Of course, he shouldn't be thinking that.
The time of fate drew near.
[Notice: Time remaining until tower collapse: 6 hours, 38 minutes, 12 seconds.]
Near the western side of Mount Fuji.
Since it was mountainous terrain, it was quite far from any inhabited city.
There were a few small villages, but all had already been evacuated.
The Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant, about 15 km away from the tower, had also been shut down.
The Japan Self-Defense Forces, under an emergency security deployment order, were stationed around the tower.
The collapse drew ever closer.
If it became reality, it would be the second in the world.
[Notice: Time remaining until tower collapse: 4 hours, 51 minutes, 25 seconds.]
The cabinet government seemed to have already made up its mind.
The prime minister personally appeared to deliver a statement.
He began with dogeza, the traditional form of apology.
Despite his status as prime minister, he prostrated himself and pressed his head completely to the floor.
"This is humiliating. Japan's strength was insufficient. In the end, we failed to escape the curse."
"And yet, not a single country stepped forward to help us. Instead, they mocked Japan by imposing excessive, humiliating conditions."
"The spirit of Great Japan will not submit. Using this crisis as a stepping stone, we will arm ourselves as an even stronger Japan."
"According to consultations with experts, scholars, and scientists, the probability of a mega-earthquake caused by the tower's collapse is extremely low. The Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant is also outside the projected damage range."
"However, for the safety of our citizens, please complete evacuation to nearby shelters before the tower collapses."
Whenever a Japanese prime minister personally performed dogeza, the public's hearts usually softened.
It had always been that way.
The Japanese people quietly accepted it.
There were, however, those who resisted.
Mostly the younger generation.
Those who had never experienced the dazzling days of Japan's bubble era—alienated, impoverished youths whose ambitions had been worn down.
They took to the streets, demanding that Japan ask Korea for help and calling for countermeasures…
But their voices were thoroughly ignored.
Time continued to pass.
[Notice: Time remaining until tower collapse: 2 hours, 51 minutes, 25 seconds.]
The rest of the world also turned its eyes toward Japan.
What outcome would Japan's choice bring?
[Notice: Time remaining until tower collapse: 1 hour, 7 minutes, 34 seconds.]
U.S. Forces stationed in Japan entered a state of extreme alert.
Reconnaissance aircraft flew over the tower.
Broadcast helicopters?
They circled the tower from afar, timing their approach to capture the moment of collapse.
A sinkhole with an estimated diameter of 10 km.
Would the Ring of Fire react?
And now—
[Notice: Time remaining until tower collapse: 0 hours, 0 minutes, 59 seconds.]
One minute left.
[Notice: Time remaining until tower collapse: 0 hours, 0 minutes, 30 seconds.]
Then, 10, 9, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.
At that moment!
The tower began to sink into the ground.
In truth, the tower itself wasn't that wide.
Only about 500 meters in diameter.
If it collapsed underground, the resulting hole should have been about 500 meters wide as well—
But it wasn't.
Everything around it collapsed together.
Mountain ridges, valleys, grass and trees, rocks, abandoned houses.
Like a finger pressing down into a soft cake, a massive hole of unfathomable depth formed.
Tremors shook the Mount Fuji region.
An earthquake?
Or a volcanic eruption?
The Japanese people trembled in fear.
A repeat of the Great Kanto Earthquake?
But then—
Drrrk! Drrk!
The vibrations suddenly stopped.
The Mount Fuji area fell silent.
No sound could be heard.
All that remained was the enormous sinkhole.
It stayed that way.
No further changes.
No earthquake.
No volcanic eruption.
The Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant, 15 km away from the tower, was unharmed.
Prime Minister Kawaguchi, watching the collapse footage, clenched his fist tightly.
"It… it worked!"
The gamble had paid off.
They had avoided a mega-earthquake.
A probability as small as a needle's eye had come true.
The only damage was a massive hole with a diameter of 10 km.
"We… we survived."
"Congratulations, Prime Minister."
"Then, the address to the nation—"
That was when it happened.
The Tokyo Prime Minister's Residence began vibrating like a smartphone.
Crash!
Clatter-clatter-clang!
Glass shattered.
Crack-crack-crack!
The concrete floor split apart, and—
Tilt!
The building lurched sideways.
At the same time, the outside grew dark as if night had fallen.
"W-what is this…?"
Prime Minister Kawaguchi witnessed it through the shattered window.
Right next to the Prime Minister's Residence, as if bamboo shoots were sprouting—
Brrrrrk!
A gigantic tower burst upward, smashing through concrete and asphalt.
Overturned roads, cars shoved aside, collapsing buildings, people screaming.
No one had anticipated this.
A newly forming tower—in the heart of Tokyo?
Even the Prime Minister's Residence couldn't escape.
It collapsed completely under the impact of the tower's emergence.
A truly spectacular annihilation.
The real damage inflicted upon Japan that day was not from the tower's collapse—
But from the creation of a new tower.
And the misfortune was not yet over.
Author's Note
Correcting a setting error.
The section
"
has been deleted. It is an item that has already been used.
Clarification regarding nationality cancellation:
Two conditions are required to cancel temporary naturalization:
The player's will to renounce their nationality.Government approval permitting the renunciation.