〈A Wimp's Tower Strategy Guide 124〉
China.
The newly appointed chairman, Wang Yuan, failed to even complete two months of his term before being killed by a domestic player, Bai Long.
A power vacuum must be filled quickly.
At an emergency session of the Chinese Communist Party's National Congress, a new leader was selected.
Liu Zhao, President of the People's Republic of China.
Seventy-eight years old this year.
He was extremely aged, but that also meant he was rich in experience.
Accordingly, his governing philosophy focused on stability.
President Liu Zhao received a report from the Minister of China's Special Public Security Bureau.
"…Something has happened in North Korea?"
"Yes. We've heard that Chairman Kim has collapsed and fallen into a vegetative state."
"How credible is this? Where did the information come from?"
"From someone in Chairman Kim's inner circle. Naturally, one of our people."
"Hm."
North Korea as well?
Had East Asia been cursed?
China, too, had lost two leaders in less than a year.
Lin Chaiming and Wang Yuan.
Even so, there was no major turmoil.
China wasn't a country whose political system would collapse just because one leader died.
But North Korea was a bit different.
In Chairman Kim In-jung's case, a succession structure had not yet been firmly established.
If things went wrong, North Korea's political landscape could plunge into total chaos.
"How should we respond?"
"Well…"
From China's perspective, North Korea was a chicken rib—awkward and of little value.
Maybe it had mattered in the past, but now its utility had dropped sharply.
A new Black Tower under the North Korean nationality had been established.
Unless North Korea had tower-climbing know-how comparable to South Korea, which it didn't—even compared to China, it was worse.
If China were to establish a pro-China regime in North Korea?
That would mean one more tower China would have to shoulder responsibility for.
The Black Tower in Pyongyang, already cleared up to the 62nd floor.
It would be practically a satellite regime, meaning China would have to take responsibility.
"Leave North Korea alone. They'll sort it out themselves."
"There's also the possibility of South Korean intervention."
"…"
That was actually the most troublesome scenario.
Korea was different from China.
A country capable of handling multiple towers at once.
What if—
What if South Korea began reunification talks with North Korea in exchange for conquering the Black Tower?
"Would they really intervene? Reunification isn't something that happens in a day or two."
That was true.
North and South differed in politics, society, and economics in every respect.
The only thing they shared was language.
If anything, South Korea might have more in common with Japan these days, given the Korean Wave.
Even if they tried, it would take an extremely long time.
They could respond when that time came.
For now, China's stability was the priority.
And, above all, preventing the collapse of its three towers.
That was the most urgent issue.
President Liu Zhao of China had no room to spare to worry about the Korean Peninsula.
Juhyeok was still in Namyangju.
He planned to head home after clearing the 74th floor.
"The 74th floor, huh…"
Floors 71, 72, and 73 had all been related to Gobang.
Then would the 74th floor follow a similar theme?
A linked quest tied to one of the summoned beings, leading to a rank breakthrough.
If so, the target would be an LSSR summoned being.
Kosak, Gyeon Dallae, Veronica, Rajiks, or Bardin.
"If we get another rank-breakthrough rune, it's going to eat up a lot of platinum badges…"
The total accumulated platinum badges so far: 91.
After assigning them to the summoned beings, there were 31 physical badges left.
That number might drop below ten.
But there was no need to worry.
The summoned beings' S+++ rank clears would continue as usual.
And there was also the North Korean tower.
So where would they lack opportunities to earn badges?
The summoned beings, meanwhile, steeled their resolve.
To be honest, when Aliamari, the stay-at-home alchemist, had been summoned two weeks ago, they'd secretly felt relieved.
An LSSR summon was scheduled through random summoning.
If a combat class like a mage appeared?
Their positions would be threatened.
But she was a non-combat class.
A shut-in who stayed inside brewing potions.
Someone who didn't even need to enter the tower.
How fortunate.
On top of that, the United States had gifted them a Trait Enhancement Rune, increasing the simultaneous summon limit to eight.
Could they finally relax now?
Not a chance.
Complacency was dangerous.
In two weeks, there would be another random summon.
Then the catalog list would increase to ten.
A month after that, it would become eleven.
Unless something extraordinary happened, the number of summoned beings would inevitably increase.
But trait enhancement had limits.
The number of simultaneous summons was capped, meaning someone could get cut.
Like the Mad Demon in the past—called out alone in the middle of the night just to drink himself senseless.
They had to work hard and engrave their usefulness into the summoner's mind.
After each of them made that resolve, Juhyeok and the summoned beings ascended the tower.
[Entering Republic of Korea Black Tower, 74th Floor.]
Spot!
The environment was a forest.
And a narrow trail.
"Looks ordinary."
Just follow the path?
Once again, Gobang naturally took the lead.
Up ahead, a very small clearing came into view.
The path ended there.
"A dead end? When does the mission—"
At that moment, a list of missions appeared all at once.
"…Huh?"
"Did a mission pop up?"
"Yes."
It had appeared, but—
"What is the mission about?"
"Fox hunting."
"A fox… you mean a princess, sir?"
"…You little bastard!!!"
Not a metaphor—an actual fox.
Starting with the basic mission:
[74th Floor Basic Mission: Defeat 30 Cute Three-Tailed Foxes.]
Three-tailed foxes.
Foxes with three tails.
And that wasn't all.
The additional optional mission, high-difficulty optional mission, and ultra-high-difficulty optional mission were all fox hunting as well.
Three, five, seven, nine.
Three-tailed foxes, five-tailed foxes, seven-tailed foxes, and finally—nine-tailed foxes.
"So we're even hunting nine-tailed foxes."
For now, let's keep moving.
As the group reached the small clearing—
Swish!
The environment suddenly changed.
"Huh?"
In an instant, the area around Juhyeok and the summoned beings turned into a field of flowers.
The Mad Demon spoke with a knowing expression.
"A formation array."
Gyeon Dallae nodded as well.
"That is correct."
A formation array.
He didn't know exactly what it was, but it seemed related to illusions.
Anyway—
"So where are the foxes?"
In the next instant—
Pop!
All at once, countless foxes peeked out from within the flower field… foxes?
"They're people."
Children, at that.
"This is troublesome."
But looking closer, there was something fox-like about them.
They had human forms, but their appearance was slightly off.
White triangular ears on both sides of their heads.
Three tails attached to their backs.
"It is a transformation art. When foxes cultivate to gain the Dao, or consume human livers, their tails increase one by one. Once they reach three tails, they become capable of using transformation techniques."
As expected of Princess Gyeon Dallae.
There's nothing she doesn't know.
Anyway—
"Haa."
Still, this isn't right.
You want us to kill them?
How?
Young fox children are running around in the flower field.
Giggling and laughing as they play—just like real kids.
"Hm."
"Shall we kill them?"
"Just give the order."
"Senior Veronica Caliber, target locked."
"Hueeek!"
Of course, the summoned beings didn't hesitate even a little, but—
Is this really fine? Even if they're foxes, they're acting so innocent.
At that moment!
Step, step—Gyeon Dallae walked forward.
"Their true forms are nothing like this. They are bewitching the young master. The energy foxes use for transformation arts is of a different nature from magic power, aura, or internal energy. Even Lord Mad Demon likely cannot discern their true forms."
The Mad Demon agreed.
"The shaman is right. Even to my eyes, they look like children."
"This girl shall cast a spell and reveal their true forms."
"Is that really necessary? We could just kill them all."
Gyeon Dallae smiled faintly as she replied.
"Do you think this girl is doing it out of concern for Lord Mad Demon? I have no such intentions."
"…What?"
"I am merely trying not to disturb the young master's state of mind."
"…"
What Gyeon Dallae meant was clear.
This isn't for you, Mad Demon—so shut up and stay put.
"You will understand once they are revealed. Whether they grew their tails through cultivation, or by consuming human livers."
With a graceful motion, Gyeon Dallae lifted the bronze mirror hanging from her neck.
Then—
"I command the impure beings—cease your deception and reveal your true forms! By the urgent command of the law! (急急如律令)!"
In an instant!
Flaaash!
Brilliant light burst forth from the bronze mirror.
At the same time, the fox children's true forms were revealed.
"Kyaaaak!"
"Kraah!"
"Kieek!"
"Kekek!"
Whoa!
That was shocking.
"As you can see, they are monsters. They became three-tailed foxes by consuming human livers. Each of them is a demon that has lived for at least a hundred years."
Their fur stood on end, blood-red eyes gleamed eerily, sticky drool dripped from their mouths, sharp fangs and flashing claws exposed.
They were disgusting to look at.
Completely different from the foxes people usually imagine.
Compared to them, the Blood Wolf was practically a cute pet dog.
"Woof! Woof!"
The Blood Wolf lowered its stance, fully tense.
"Hoe,"
Rajiks, riding on its back, also pulled out his golden pickaxe.
"They're definitely monsters."
"They look real good at ripping out human livers."
"Pathetic creatures."
"How dare they disguise themselves as children to deceive people?"
"I'll put ten magic bullets into each of their heads."
Everyone was furious.
Juhyeok felt the burden on his conscience lift.
"Take them out. Quickly."
And the moment the words left his mouth—
Pierce! Pierce! Pierce!
Veronica's magic gun roared.
Thud-thud-thud-thud!
The three-tailed foxes' heads exploded like fireworks.
Bardin was already in Gobang's hands.
As he was swung mightily—
"O light!!!"
Whoooosh!
Thud!
A flail-like strike.
The Mad Demon stood calmly with his hands behind his back.
There was no need for him to step in.
Why use a butcher's knife to kill chickens?
He'd move when it was time to deal with the nine-tailed fox.
Meanwhile, Rajiks rode the Blood Wolf back and forth.
"Hoe!"
Chop chop chop chop!
He harvested herbs from the flower field.
Our reliable Rajiks.
So that's why he brought the golden pickaxe.
Looks like he'd prepared in advance to gather herbs.
With the stay-at-home alchemist Mari around, herbs were in demand, so he was working extra hard.
Now that their true forms were known, there was no hesitation.
Fox demons that had eaten human livers and lived for over a century.
[Defeated Cute Three-Tailed Foxes 30/30]
[74th Floor Basic Mission Completed.]
[Level Up.]
[Reward: Mana Stones 1.4 kg / High-Grade Mana Stones 6 kg]
But for other players, this stage might be difficult.
They could easily be deceived by illusion techniques.
[Would you like to continue with the additional optional mission?]
[If you decline, the mission will be judged as complete and you will exit the tower.]
Proceed.
[74th Floor Additional Optional Mission: Defeat 10 Lively Five-Tailed Foxes.]
Swish!
The environment changed again.
This time, a courtyard of an old-fashioned grand mansion.
And there, ten five-tailed fox girls appeared.
All ten of them.
Wearing revealing clothes, very humanlike.
"Welcome~"
"Handsome oppa!"
"We've been waiting."
"Let's play quickly."
Kosak shrugged.
"No matter what, foxes really do have good taste in men. They're calling me handsome, ain't they?"
"…"
Let's not humor him.
Here's a question.
What if the player were female?
"Then of course their gender would change."
That makes sense.
Anyway, seeing all ten of them together like that…
"They look like a girl group."
"They do."
"How about a ten-member girl group—Sexy Fox Girls? Think they could debut?"
Debut my ass.
Are you planning to start an agency?
Their true forms would be just as disgusting.
Once again, Gyeon Dallae raised the bronze mirror.
"Oh? Unni, don't do that."
"I'll get mad, you know?"
"Put it away right now."
"You crazy bitch, and you've even got a flat chest!"
Twitch—
Gyeon Dallae's expression shifted slightly, but—
Flaaash!
Light burst forth, revealing their true forms.
"Kyaooo!"
"Grrrr!"
"Kekeke…"
Once again, they were filthy-looking fox monsters.
Twice the size of the three-tailed foxes.
"Do not hesitate. These are foxes that gained tails by consuming human livers."
Juhyeok did not waver.
His resolve was firm as stone.
"Mr. Gobang."
At Juhyeok's command—
"Kuuooooooo!"
Gobang's roar echoed.
Kyaaak! The five-tailed foxes charged, screeching like beasts.
Gagagak! Gagagak!
They clung to Gobang's body, slashing and biting with claws and fangs—but did they even leave a scratch?
Ten of them went down quickly.
The battle ended anticlimactically.
[Additional Optional Mission Completed.]
[Reward: Multinational Tower Access Ticket.]
"Yes!"
A multinational tower access ticket, for the first time in a while.
One of these was practically worth two badges.
[Would you like to continue with the high-difficulty optional mission?]
"Of course!"
Swish!
The environment changed again.
This time, the interior of the mansion.
It looked like a banquet hall.
Music was playing.
At the center stood a lavishly prepared feast table.
And five women dancing.
[74th Floor High-Difficulty Optional Mission: Defeat 5 Mature Seven-Tailed Foxes.]
But then—
Huh.
Mm.
Kh.
A heart swaying like reeds.
The seven-tailed foxes approached with light, graceful steps.
He didn't know where to put his eyes.
Were they wearing clothes, or not?
At that point, that basically counts as not wearing any.
Overwhelming visuals.
Gulp—
The sound of a dry swallow.
Juhyeok stared off at distant mountains.
Even though there were no mountains inside the banquet hall.
He occasionally sneaked a sideways glance.
But Kosak stared openly.
"Clearing the 74th floor was the right choice."
"…"
"They're even more impressive than Senior Veronica."
"…"
At Kosak's words, Veronica puffed out her chest in defiance—but it was no contest.
Then!
"Enough!!! Everyone, get a grip."
Gyeon Dallae's thunderous shout.
"Have you all lost your ability to discern right from wrong? Those things are nothing but monsters. Do they feel no shame parading themselves before the young master?"
That's right.
Princess Gyeon Dallae was correct a hundred times over.
"This girl must reveal those fox wenches' true forms to snap you all out of it."
She moved to raise the bronze mirror again, when—
"Uh, Princess."
"Speak."
"Could you maybe use the bronze mirror a little later?"
That… actually sounded reasonable?
Juhyeok almost nodded absentmindedly, but—
"…Why?"
"Um, using it too much might break it."
"How exactly does a mirror break?"
"Well, you know… cracks, or something."
That's true.
Overuse could overload it and cause cracks.
"Mr. Kosak."
"Yes, ma'am."
"If you don't wish to die, kindly shut your mouth."
"Yes, ma'am!"
A sharp, chilling gaze from Gyeon Dallae.
Just because she was a support shaman didn't mean she was someone to take lightly.
If she truly set her mind to it, she possessed the power to kill anyone without fail.
Releasing killing intent.
Of course, she wouldn't emerge unscathed either.
But once Gyeon Dallae unleashed that killing intent, death was guaranteed.
Even the Mad Demon likely wouldn't survive.
"Your vulgarity is so severe that it is shameful to even face the young master."
Juhyeok pretended not to hear.
If he took sides here, he'd get dragged in too.
"…Uh, why am I the only one being scolded?"
Don't tell me he's dragging me in too?
"Lord Mad Demon has been staring just as hard."
Phew—
The Mad Demon, who'd been blankly staring at the foxes, jumped when his name was mentioned.
"Huh? What did I do? I was merely sharpening my eyesight to discern the foxes' sorcery."
"As if."
"…Hahaha. Well, this works out nicely. My hands were itching anyway. I suppose I'll hunt assassins instead of foxes this time."
At that moment!
Flaaash!
Light burst from the bronze mirror.
The mature seven-tailed foxes vanished.
In their place—five bipedal fox monsters.
Hunched backs, blade-like claws jutting out, long tongues, sickly yellow eyes, each easily over two meters tall.
And especially their mouths—
Split all the way to beneath their ears, wide enough to chew up a human head with ease.
"…Let's do it."
The mood was ruined.
The battle began immediately.
"Gobang, taunt!"
"Kuuooooooo!"
The seven-tailed foxes instantly swarmed Gobang.
Ziiing!
Power condensed around the foxes' claws.
Slash! Slashslash!
Gobang's body was shredded.
The pitch-black armor split open.
Of course, it regenerated quickly—
But they were no pushovers.
At seven tails, they couldn't be taken lightly.
Still, steadily—
One by one.
They were cut down by Kosak's daggers, blown apart by Veronica's magic gun.
Once again, the Mad Demon didn't step in.
He simply stayed by Juhyeok's side.
[High-Difficulty Optional Mission Completed.]
[Reward: Tower Floor Invasion Ticket.]
Looks like today's a lucky day.
Two tickets already.
Now only the final ultra-high-difficulty mission remained.
[74th Floor Ultra-High-Difficulty Optional Mission: Defeat the Thousand-Year Fox Nine-Tailed Fox, Bound and Restrained.]
A bound nine-tailed fox.
No idea why it was restrained, but—
"It's about time this old man stepped in."
Absolutely.
It was a nine-tailed fox, after all.
"Proceed!"
Swish!
The environment changed again.
This time, a dark basement.
And at its center, a nine-tailed fox bound tightly by golden rope and talismans plastered all over it.
"…Huh?"
Completely different from before.
Not a child.
Not a girl.
Not a mature woman.
An old crone with white hair and a face full of wrinkles.
And then—
"…Master?"
The word slipped from Gyeon Dallae's lips.
Her eyes trembled uncontrollably.
What?
Her master?
The nine-tailed fox was Gyeon Dallae's master?
Only now did it become clear.
The theme of the 74th floor—
Was Gyeon Dallae.
READ MORE CHAPTERS HERE-https://shinchangreat.sellfy.store/