The day before the Tower Occupation Declaration.
Commissioner Park Gyeong-su had gone to the Blue House after receiving an emergency summons from the President.
Park Gyeong-su looked thoroughly exhausted.
Jeon Gwang-il cautiously asked,
"Commissioner, did everything go well?"
"Phew… I thought I was going to die trying to keep my face straight."
"Why did you have to manage your expression?"
"We got a request through the hotline from the North."
"…What?"
"Chairman Kim In-jung personally called our President."
This couldn't be—
"What did he say?"
"He said they don't have the ability to clear the Tower, so he wanted us to talk to Korea's S+++–rank raider."
"Uh…"
"He asked us to take it after changing the Tower's nationality to the Republic of Korea."
"…"
What was bound to come had come.
Well, he'd expected this, but still.
"How did the Blue House react?"
"Of course they were dumbfounded. They didn't even understand what it meant."
"They wouldn't."
Did that even make sense?
Take over a North Korean black tower—
What is it, a Lego tower made of blocks?
How are you supposed to take it?
When they first heard something like that, they probably wondered if he'd gone crazy.
Especially since rumors about Chairman Kim In-jung being seriously ill had been circulating lately.
Jeon Gwang-il and Park Gyeong-su had heard about it beforehand, so they weren't particularly surprised.
"What did you say, Commissioner?"
"I couldn't exactly say I knew. I said I didn't."
"And then?"
"They told me to ask Player Bong. I said I'd do that."
"Anything else?"
"What else could there be? Even the Blue House was in chaos."
There was nothing left to ask, anyway.
It had already been decided.
"So I'm going to call in a bit."
He looked almost enlightened.
"I'll just tell them that our S+++–rank raider, our top player, gladly accepted, right?"
They still wouldn't understand.
How are you supposed to take a tower?
Of course, once it actually happens, they'll go, Ah! So that's how it works!
And the next day—
A Tower Occupation Declaration rang out as a world announcement.
Tower Occupation.
Forced seizure, or occupation.
And a declaration, or a declaration of war.
Effect: Use the loudspeaker to declare a Tower "occupation" in the form of a [World Announcement]. Ten days after the declaration, the Tower of a specific country will be forcibly seized and incorporated under the user's nationality. Cancellation midway is possible. There is no limit to the number of uses.
Limitation: Can only be declared against countries whose Tower-clearing progress is below the global average. In addition, the target country is granted a "right to defend."
Taking over another country's black tower.
Is that all?
Not even close.
Just like temporary player naturalization, only the Tower's nationality changes.
So even if the nationality changes, the physical black tower remains in the original country's territory.
And if that tower isn't cleared?
It will collapse in the original country's territory.
That's not all.
For players of that nationality, it's as if the tower disappears—meaning magic stone rewards disappear as well.
A Tower Occupation Declaration is no different from an invasion.
That's right.
It's an item meant for war.
If it's used recklessly, without prior agreement.
Well, excuses can always be made.
You just fabricate some suitable justification.
"Your country doesn't have the ability to clear the Tower, right?"
"We'll take it over and clear it for you."
"We're sacrificing ourselves for countries at risk of tower collapse."
Doesn't that sound familiar?
The same logic imperialist nations used when occupying colonies.
That was why some groundwork was needed.
"Work's done, sir. Looks like you can use it now."
"No problems will arise, right?"
"We told everyone in advance. The Korean government's been notified too."
Good.
Let's take the tower.
Juhyeok took the Tower Occupation Declaration Loudspeaker out of his inventory.
He flipped the switch.
[Please designate the country whose Tower will be occupied.]
"Democratic People's Republic of Korea Black Tower."
[The Democratic People's Republic of Korea Black Tower's climbing progress is 62 floors cleared. This is below the average. Declaration is possible.]
These days, even 62 floors was below average.
Then again, most countries were already in the mid-to-late 60s.
European countries, even African ones, were climbing like crazy.
Trying to reach floor 71.
They needed to get there to receive the four-item gift set and high-grade magic stones.
Overall, things had gotten easier, making it possible.
On top of that, Tower reward equipment from the player shop and Holy Water imbued with divine power were coming out in large quantities.
[Do you wish to declare occupation?]
"Declare."
In that instant—
[World Announcement: A player affiliated with the Republic of Korea Black Tower declares Tower Occupation against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.]
He actually went through with it.
More world announcements followed.
[World Announcement: In 10 days, the nationality of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Black Tower will change to the Republic of Korea.]
A 10-day grace period.
[World Announcement: Defensive rights have been granted to players of Democratic People's Republic of Korea nationality.]
Defensive rights granted.
[World Announcement: To defend against the occupation, climb at least 5 floors of the uncleared upper levels of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Black Tower within 10 days.]
Five floors in ten days.
In other words, defense would be possible if they climbed one floor every two days.
[World Announcement: We wish the players of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Black Tower success in their climb.]
As if.
One floor every two days?
That's impossible.
It's not like North Korea has any level-60 players—and even if they did, the North Korean black tower is at the difficulty level from before the Kabalon strategy.
Even with holy water and holy swords, it would be tough.
Defense isn't happening.
Unless it were another country.
The world announcements ended.
[Tower Occupation Declaration has concluded.]
But the system messages weren't over.
[Upon tower acquisition in 10 days, the treatment of players affiliated with the occupied black tower will be decided.]
"Huh?"
What does that mean?
Treatment of players?
[Types of treatment decisions are: nationality inheritance via status window, or nationality erasure.]
"Ah!"
The residents of the occupied tower.
In other words, the treatment of colonial players.
Inheritance means accepting them.
Erasure means eliminating them.
Of course, that was only as far as the status window was concerned.
'What happens if they're erased?'
It would mean the player's nationality disappears from their status window…
'They wouldn't be able to enter the Tower.'
Of course, they could obtain a new nationality.
But what if they couldn't?
If a player is unable to enter the Tower for three months, their qualification is revoked.
'On the other hand, if the Tower nationality is inherited…'
Colonial players would be able to enter the Tower under the Republic of Korea's nationality.
Just like before.
Living in North Korea, but climbing the Republic of Korea Black Tower—
What should be done?
Inheritance? Erasure?
It was something that needed careful thought.
In truth, the real purpose of using the Tower Occupation Declaration Loudspeaker wasn't just to seize the Tower.
It was the first step of a long-term reunification plan.
Whether inheritance would benefit reunification, or erasure would—he had to weigh it carefully.
There was still a long road ahead.
But there was time.
Ten days was more than enough to think it through.
"I'm honestly debating whether to put a ribbon on Chairman Kim's head or not."
"…Is that so?"
"He listens better than I expected. It's kind of endearing."
The Mad Demon, who'd been listening nearby, chimed in as well.
"Then it'd be best to make use of him. If it goes well, no one will have to die."
"That's right. There are a few people who need to be dealt with, though."
"Who?"
"The hardliners in the North Korean military. With this world announcement, their asses'll be itching."
"Then what are you waiting for? Go crush them."
"I'll clean them all up soon."
A chilling light flickered in Kosak's eyes.
The Mad Demon chuckled.
"Don't even think about putting a ribbon on him."
"…Pardon?"
"Is there any need to advertise? It might burden our summoner."
"Yes, yes, sir!"
Phew.
Just how many people would die?
There was no helping it.
Things had already been set in motion.
The North Korean hardliners were a sufficient threat to Juhyeok.
They fully met the activation conditions of Clause 3, Article 3 of the Three Principles for Summoned Beings.
Juhyeok didn't want hardliners gaining power in North Korea either.
Was only he at risk?
What about his family?
All he could do was hope the loss of life would be minimized.
The world announcement that suddenly rang out—
It was enough to make people faint in shock.
The entire world was stunned.
Seizing a Tower?
Wait, was that even possible in the first place?
Even if Towers were tied to nationality.
It might have been an even more absurd situation than the Curse of the Kabalon Average.
The backlash was enormous.
Reactions erupted first in Korea, the country directly involved.
ㄴWow! Is this the age of Tower imperialism?
ㄴIf you can't handle it, hand over the Tower, bastard!
ㄴI don't get surprised easily, but this one's legit insane.
ㄴWhat's there to be surprised about? Player nationality changes—no reason Tower nationality can't.
ㄴShouldn't North Korea be happy at this point? They're being saved.
ㄴWell, maybe, but those guys live on pride alone.
ㄴThey won't sit still. Missiles are definitely flying.
ㄴI'm already at Soongsil Univ. Station. Deepest station in Seoul.
ㄴSo what happens to North Korean players? Do they get kicked out?
ㄴNo idea. Nothing like this has ever happened before.
ㄴI know a temporary naturalized player whose nationality is tied to North Korea—he's secretly hopeful.
ㄴHopeful?
ㄴSaying that if the Tower changes hands, he might become a Republic of Korea–affiliated player.
ㄴFuck that, no way! Who does that benefit?!
U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Secretary Macmillan and Director Antonio were in conversation.
"We contacted the Korean Awakener Management Agency. It's almost certain the declarer was Player Bong."
Macmillan nodded.
Who else could it be?
"An item, you think?"
"Most likely. Just look at the Tower Floor Invasion Ticket."
Even so—
Changing a Tower's nationality?
And by force, no less.
"Do you think North Korea will stay quiet? Shouldn't we be sending an aircraft carrier or something?"
"Well, I don't think you need to worry about that."
"Sir?"
"Chairman Kim In-jung of North Korea secretly made the request first."
"Ah!"
Meaning it had been agreed upon beforehand.
Well, considering who Player Bong was—
He wouldn't have used it thoughtlessly.
"And it's not like defense is impossible."
"In North Korea's case, it is."
"Right. Out of all 146 Towers worldwide, only North Korea's."
Because it was a pre-Kabalon Tower.
"This item might be a paradigm-shifter."
"What?"
"When countries reach floors that are no longer feasible to clear, don't you think some might deliberately ask to have their Towers taken over?"
"Ah!"
That was true.
No one knew how the Tower's difficulty would change in the future.
So what if it was judged to be impossible to clear any further?
"Well, it'll depend on what happens to players affiliated with the occupied Tower."
In fact, that was the most important part.
What would happen to them?
"We'll find out once the Tower occupation is complete."
"Right. What matters now isn't the beginning, but the outcome."
Macmillan was curious as well.
Just how this Tower occupation would ultimately end.
North Korea's internal situation also shifted rapidly.
Chairman Kim In-jung, rumored to be gravely ill, appeared in public.
He displayed his good health, inspected various industrial facilities, and even met and praised players climbing the Republic's Black Tower.
And around that time—
The Tower Occupation Declaration exploded across the world through a global announcement.
Pyongyang was thrown into chaos.
That South Korean player bastard dares to steal the Republic's Tower?
He'd clearly lost his mind.
This was a matter of pride.
How was this any different from a declaration of war?
They said defense was possible if five floors were cleared—but was that easy?
As everyone knew, the Republic's Black Tower was a pre-Kabalon Tower.
Condemnation rallies erupted all over Pyongyang.
Kill the South Korean player.
Let them taste the power of Juche's nuclear core.
Turn Seoul into a sea of fire.
We won't hesitate to go to war.
If the Dear Leader decides it, we obey.
The North Korean military in particular was showing ominous signs.
They looked ready to enter a state of war preparation at any moment.
In response, Chairman Kim In-jung convened an emergency All-People's Representative Conference.
North Korean military leaders and Workers' Party officials flocked to Pyongyang one after another.
And then, two days before the All-People's Representative Conference—
A series of massive incidents erupted in North Korea.
The Tower Occupation Declaration became trivial by comparison.
So shocking that even talk of war abruptly died down.
The Minister of the People's Armed Forces died in a traffic accident on the way to work.
The Director of the General Political Bureau died of a heart attack in his office.
The Director of the Reconnaissance General Bureau was found dead by the Taedong River.
A Marshal of the People's Army was found hanged in his home.
The Director of State Security jumped to his death from a luxury apartment in Pyongyang.
The Commander of the Korean People's Army Strategic Forces died of a cerebral infarction in the restroom of a missile base…
.
.
.
Key figures among the military hardliners were dying one after another.
All within the span of a day or two.
It was bewildering.
What on earth was this?
There was no evidence of assassination or sniping.
Most deaths were labeled accidents or suicides.
Of course, everyone knew they weren't natural.
But there was nothing that could be done.
North Korea's upper echelon began to fall silent.
Every single one of the dead had been a power holder who openly advocated war with the South.
An uneasy atmosphere spread across North Korea.
It seemed the All-People's Representative Conference might be postponed—but by Chairman Kim In-jung's will, it was pushed through.
At the Mansudae Assembly Hall in Pyongyang,
Chairman Kim In-jung and the highest leadership—key officials from the Party, government, and military—were all in attendance.
Many seats were conspicuously empty.
Everyone knew why.
And yet, beside Chairman Kim In-jung sat a single unfamiliar figure.
Judging by their demeanor, the two seemed quite close.
Chairman Kim In-jung rose from his seat.
Then—
"Before the representative conference begins, we intend to appoint a new revolutionary comrade to the now-vacant post of Minister of the People's Armed Forces."
A new Minister of the People's Armed Forces?
The previous one had died just days ago.
That position was equivalent to Minister of Defense.
An extremely important post.
And yet it was someone no one recognized?
"Comrades, please welcome Comrade Gosa-geuk with a round of applause."
Clap clap clap clap!
Thunderous applause erupted.
A man personally brought in by the Chairman.
Even if something felt off, you applauded first.
The new Minister of the People's Armed Forces, Gosa-geuk, stepped up to the podium.
"Comrades, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Gosa-geuk."
After greeting them—
"First, I offer my loyal and heartfelt thanks to the great Chairman for appointing me as Minister of the People's Armed Forces."
Clap clap clap clap!
"I, Minister Gosa-geuk, will devote my entire body and soul to spreading the Juche Revolutionary Spirit—abbreviated as the Ju-hyeok Spirit—to the entire world."
Clap clap clap clap!
"And with that, I will conclude my remarks with a chant of 'manse.'"
Gosa-geuk—no, Kosak—raised both hands high in the All-People's Representative Conference hall and shouted,
"Long live the Chairman!"
"Manse!!!"
"Long live the Democratic People's Republic of Korea!"
"Manse!!!"
"Long live the Juche Revolutionary Spirit!"
"Manse!!!"
"Long live the Ju-hyeok Spirit!"
"Manse!!!"
Kosak's face was twisted with madness.
"Long live Ju-hyeok!"
"Manse!!!"
"Long live Ju-hyeok!"
"Manse!!!"
"Long live Ju-hyeok!"
"Manse!!!"
Ju-hyeok's name echoed throughout the hall, yet no one questioned it.
The Juche Revolutionary Spirit.
Ju-hyeok.
Just a simple abbreviation.
The meeting ended anticlimactically.
Not a single word was spoken about how to respond to the Tower seizure.
Because everyone who could have spoken up was already dead.
Chairman Kim In-jung spoke only about other pending issues.
And so, North Korea did nothing.
Until the Tower was finally occupied.