The mood at Japan's Tower Climbing Bureau was one of deep mourning.
Director Tomoda felt the same way.
He had been promoted to Director of the Tower Climbing Bureau, a key post of power directly under the Prime Minister, as a reward for naturalizing Yu Cheolmin—and this was what it had come to?
The very achievement that had earned him his promotion had turned into a trap, snagging him by the ankle.
That was why, even under Prime Minister Kawaguchi's scolding, he couldn't offer a single excuse.
"So what's the cause? Why does Floor 57, which was conquered just fine in Korea, keep failing here in Japan, one attempt after another?"
"There was a disruption in his condition..."
"Three attempts, three failures, and you're blaming his condition?"
"W-well, he says he doesn't understand it himself."
Prime Minister Kawaguchi was at his wits' end.
Humiliated on live broadcast, approval ratings dropping by the day, and the tower collapse deadline drawing ever closer.
"'Chicken ribs.' That's the perfect word for it. You can't throw them out, but there's no use keeping them either."
"I-I'm sorry!"
"Forty days is by no means generous. If Yu Cheolmin hasn't recovered by then, how do you intend to take responsibility?"
"We are preparing a plan."
"Tell me right now. It had better be a plan that helps with the tower conquest. Otherwise you may find yourself reassigned to an embassy in Africa."
Gulp.
After swallowing dryly.
"We will request the temporary naturalization of a player from the United States government. Just for about a week."
"That's... your plan?"
"I spent time as a diplomat, so I have connections in America. I'm confident. Give me just one chance."
"Connections, is it. Haha."
Prime Minister Kawaguchi sneered at Tomoda as if he were pathetic.
"More than mine?"
"...Pardon?"
"I asked whether you have more connections in the American political world than I do, the Prime Minister."
"Uh-uh-ah, no, no, what I meant was—"
"Leave for the Congo in Africa tomorrow. If you don't like it, submit your resignation."
You idiot. Did you think I was sitting here because I didn't know that?
Requesting official temporary naturalization requires paying an enormous price.
A little money won't cut it.
At the national level, countless concessions and privileges must be handed over to the other side.
And besides, the player would eventually return to their home country anyway.
That's exactly why they had secretly brought Yu Cheolmin over instead.
'Whew...'
He felt as though he were sinking into a quagmire.
To be fair, Director Tomoda's words had merit.
If Yu Cheolmin couldn't recover, they'd have no choice but to play the temporary naturalization card.
At the very least, they should sound out the possibility before making any official request.
After all, if they staked everything on a temporary naturalization request only to be refused...
※ ※ ※
A country with a single tower simply enters it, but how does one enter in a country with multiple towers?
A system message appears, and you choose and enter.
Like this.
[Please state the number of the tower you wish to enter.]
So in America, the eastern side used Tower No. 1, and the western side Tower No. 2.
The US Department of Homeland Security, which oversaw tower climbing, paid more attention to the western tower than the eastern one.
For the same reason as Japan.
The western tower had been erected along the San Andreas Fault.
If that one collapsed, the entire western United States would be devastated.
Even America's world-class players were currently prioritizing the western tower.
Secretary of Homeland Security MacMillan asked Director Antonio, head of the Tower Conquest Bureau.
"So, someone wants to borrow the sacred sword for a trial?"
"Player Gerald keeps begging to try it out as soon as possible."
"Tsk tsk. Figures. He's come down with item fever again."
"It's the only divine-attribute item in existence so far, isn't it? They say the difference from light-attribute items is significant."
"There's still plenty of time left on Floor 67's clock. What's the point of rushing the conquest?"
"He's requesting a repeat conquest of Floor 66. As a trial run."
Meaning he wanted to verify the item's effects even at the cost of an enormous rental fee.
MacMillan was curious himself.
When they had cleared the Specter on Floor 66 of the western tower, they had used nearly the entire time limit.
It had been grueling.
For Player Gerald and for the support team alike.
The eastern tower, with its accumulated experience, had been cleared faster than that.
But a repeat conquest of Floor 66 while wielding the sacred sword?
How much time could be shaved off?
"And the rental fee? Have you settled on a figure?"
"We offered a million dollars, but they laughed in our faces."
"Hahaha! That's on you. Think of how many countries will want to rent it in the future. Would anyone lend it out dirt-cheap from the very start?"
"I was just testing the waters."
A single light-attribute item commanded a base rental fee of three million dollars.
Decent ones went for over five million.
"Say we wanted to borrow the sacred sword. What's the maximum we could offer?"
"I'd say up to ten million dollars. If the performance is good, that's actually cheap."
A fair point.
This, in a world where some countries couldn't rent at all.
Japan, that is.
"You're telling me rentals can be done at the national level?"
"Yes."
"Then rent it. We'll make the request officially through diplomatic channels."
They would give it a try while the chance was there.
In preparation for the Floor 67 conquest later on.
"In any case, this whole covert naturalization affair was Japan's fault. Pulling a stunt like that just to clear their own tower's Floor 57? Not befitting a gentleman. They should have negotiated first."
"As it happens, we've received contact from the Japanese Prime Minister's Office."
"What kind of contact?"
"An informal inquiry into whether a player under the Department of Homeland Security could be temporarily naturalized."
MacMillan gave a faint snort.
"Seems the player they naturalized failed to meet expectations."
"As you're well aware, Secretary, given the incident that occurred in Japan—"
"It could be a matter of temporary maladjustment. The environment changed, and the psychological burden of naturalization may still linger."
Such cases were quite common.
No matter how high a player's level, how many died on low floors because of psychological problems?
"If it were only that much, they wouldn't be requesting a temporary naturalization. It must be more serious than expected."
"Heh heh heh. Well then, by all means, tell them temporary naturalization is entirely possible."
"On what conditions?"
"We squeeze them for everything we can. We can collect the sacred sword rental fee from Japan while we're at it. Use this chance to drag the negotiations out until the collapse deadline. The more desperate they get, the more we can extract."
The towers were something humanity should confront together, but in reality, international relations were nothing of the sort.
One need only look at what Japan had just done.
"In any case, now that the existence of a divine-attribute item has been confirmed, we should acquire one ourselves, shouldn't we?"
"We've already sent word to every player in the country. If anyone is holding an item suspected of having divine attributes in their inventory, or obtains one as a reward, we'll buy it at a premium."
"Excellent! Proceed with that, and let's verify the sacred sword's performance first."
The item rental business had existed for a long time.
Temporary naturalization of players was the same.
Even the US kept naturalization-specialist players on hand.
Such things were only possible with accumulated trust between parties.
Otherwise, no one would even dare attempt it.
Accidents had occurred with great frequency in the past.
Someone would borrow an item, stash it in their inventory, and run. A temporarily naturalized player would never come back at all.
But none of that applied to the United States.
If anyone tried such a stunt?
Their first worry wouldn't be a tower collapse—it would be the bombers carried in by American aircraft carriers.
※ ※ ※
The day after clearing Floor 32.
Ju Hyeok called together all of the summoned ones.
The moment she arrived, Gyeon Dallae sat at the table drawing talismans.
Four in total.
On yellow talisman paper, she dipped her brush in red cinnabar and drew strange patterns and characters.
"So merely carrying these is enough?"
"It is indeed. They are Recognition Obstruction Talismans. People will perceive that you are human, yet they cannot discern your true nature. They will simply think, ah, some ordinary soul is passing by."
Merely hearing about it was impressive.
"The Seonhwang, the young lady's father, was also fond of them. He would wear a Recognition Obstruction Talisman and slip out into the night streets to indulge in secret excursions."
That, he understood.
Even an emperor must have felt stifled cooped up inside the palace.
The reason Ju Hyeok was doing this now was much the same.
Until now, the summoned ones had known nothing but home and the tower.
With the exception of Kosak, who had also visited Yu Cheolmin's penthouse.
Come to think of it, hadn't she gone to Smile Cash too, without being told?
He wanted to show them Seoul.
Go out together, share meals, stroll the streets, visit a noraebang or a PC café and play together.
Truthfully, if he hadn't signed the elite contract, he wouldn't have needed to go to all this trouble.
He could have come and gone freely from his old basement studio without anyone the wiser.
Though of course, Gobang the barbarian would still have been a problem.
But what could he do?
The contract was already signed.
"Princess, isn't there a chance Gobang gets recognized, being as big as he is?"
"The Recognition Obstruction applies to him as well. He is simply a tall man. So long as he is careful not to bump into anyone..."
That's what I thought.
"Gobang, watch your shoulders around people on the street."
"'Bbang?' Is that something to eat?"
Kosak, looking exasperated, stepped in on his behalf.
"He means be careful not to collide with people, you punk!"
"Understood."
Let's try it first.
Whether the talismans worked.
There would surely be limits.
For example, CCTV.
Judging by the talisman's nature, it was certain that footage through cameras would not be affected by the Recognition Obstruction.
But well, it wasn't as if every corner of the officetel had CCTV.
At the very least, none inside the units or the hallways. Only at the building entrances and for exterior surveillance.
A matter of privacy.
Who would want strangers watching every person coming and going from their own home?
Ju Hyeok slipped the talisman into his pocket.
Kosak too. Gyeon Dallae too. Gobang the barbarian too.
"Shall we head out now?"
"I am mighty nervous. 'Specially scared Gobang might get spotted. This fella's size is no joke."
"Do you dare make light of this princess's arts?"
"Aw, I'm just sayin' there's a chance, is all. No offense meant."
"Why, you—"
Ju Hyeok raised a hand and reined them in.
"Shh! Please, quiet."
Gyeon Dallae and Kosak—their personalities were so distinct that lately, clashes of opinion had cropped up now and then.
"Let's not fight among ourselves. When you two bicker, my heart sinks."
At Ju Hyeok's scolding, the two bowed their heads.
"And Princess Gyeon Dallae, please don't speak carelessly to Kosak either. He uses honorifics with you, so hearing 'this one' and 'that one' at the end of every sentence looks like a problem."
"For troubling the young master's peace of mind, this humble girl accepts her punishment gladly."
Gyeon Dallae had been born a princess.
Naturally, talking down to others had become habit.
But was this the Celestial Empire?
Even Ju Hyeok was startled sometimes when she barked at him.
It seemed wise to rein in her spirit while he had the chance.
"Then try using honorifics with Kosak."
"...What?"
"Now, please."
"Hmm..."
The summoned ones owed absolute obedience to Ju Hyeok's word.
And so, after a slight hesitation, Gyeon Dallae opened her mouth.
"Kosak. I believe I was too harsh. I will be more careful in the future."
"Yessir!"
"BUT! Toward any disloyalty or insolent, reckless conduct against Young Master Bong, I shall absolutely never stand idle!"
"...Yes, m'lady."
Wow.
Her spirit still hadn't broken.
Must be in her nature.
Now, let's really go out.
Ju Hyeok opened the officetel door and stepped outside.
The three followed behind him.
They took the elevator down to the first floor and passed the security office where the bodyguards were gathered...
'Hm?'
They really don't recognize me?
'Whoa!'
Normally, the moment an elite player stepped out, they'd be swarmed with questions—where are you headed, shall we escort you?
Apparently, they perceived him as an ordinary resident.
This officetel housed elite players, standard-contract players, even plenty of ordinary civilians.
Still, he couldn't be sure until he was fully out.
"Keep up the good work."
"Yes, sir."
It was confirmed.
The Recognition Obstruction Talisman.
Incredible.
It felt surreal.
Not a single person looked at him strangely.
"It's truly amazing, Princess Gyeon Dallae."
"It is no great feat."
"The talisman's effect is mind-blowing. As expected of you, young master's tutor."
"Does it please you so?"
Gyeon Dallae beamed, flushed with the compliment.
Kosak, too—
"Best there is! Even Summoner Bong acknowledges you. How impressive!"
Gyeon Dallae answered Kosak's words with an odd little smile.
"Kosak, I accept your praise gratefully, but you, too, must strive, and strive again. Sweet words that tickle the ears may please Young Master Bong, but at times, offering him practical aid is the true way to serve his interests."
"...Y-yes, m'lady."
Oh my.
That struck the mark.
Her meaning was surely this:
Kosak, what is it you actually do?
Other than flattery, what do you even do?
Don't paper things over with a few pretty words—do something useful.
A scolding would almost be kinder.
That one hurts more.
Had it been pointless to make her use honorifics after all?
And he wondered—were there other talismans like this one?
For example, "Um, do you also have talismans that keep you healthy?"
"Of course. There is the Health Talisman. It allows one to live out their allotted lifespan well, free of petty aches and ailments."
Oh!
"I'll take three of those later..."
"Just give the order."
For Father, Mother, and my little sister.
"Um, what about something like luck?"
"We have that as well. The effect is not great, so it only applies to minor strokes of fortune."
"Three of that one too."
"Understood."
Ah ah!
Gyeon Dallae was back. 'She's a complete treasure trove.' I regretted it.
Why had I scolded her back then?
Honestly, she deserved to be flattered like a treacherous courtier.
"One more question."
"Yes."
"That is... um, a talisman that makes a girlfriend appear?"
"You mean the Fate Talisman? It raises the probability of finding a partner. I shall write one for you."
"I see. ...It's not that I need one, I was asking to give it to my little sister."
"..."
"Really."
Korsak quickly cut in.
"Right you are, sah. Naturally you'd be getting it for your dear sister. What would the honorable Summoner Bong even need a Fate Talisman for? Your mere presence already shines like an aura. If I were a woman, I'd ask you out on the spot. Hehehehe."
Nod nod.
Korsak really did have an eye for people.
Sometimes he was genuinely wise.
In any case, thanks to that, I was able to stroll the streets of Seoul comfortably with the three summoned beings.
Ju Hyeok and his party strutting about, sightseeing here and there like country folk.
Gobang, having received a warning in advance, wove his way away from the pedestrians—
"Hey! That's the road!"
"It's the widest spot here."
"You'll get hit!"
"Warriors are sturdy."
"Was I worried about you? I'm worried about the car that'll get totaled ramming into you."
Gobang scratched his head and stepped back onto the sidewalk.
Korsak seemed fairly familiar with modern conveniences, knowing the difference between road and sidewalk well enough.
"Korsak, was the world you were summoned to before like this too?"
"Kinda, sah. Similar, but nothing was intact. The buildings had collapsed, and the cars were rusted over. Actually seeing cars rolling along like that, I saw it for the first time after coming to this world."
"Ah."
It was a ruined world, wasn't it?
Gyeon Dallae was also calmly taking in the streets of Seoul.
And the people passing by as well.
"Everyone lives so busily. They do not seem to have any leisure."
"That's just how this world is."
"It seems abundant, yet the people's hearts appear impoverished."
She'd been hitting the nail on the head for a while now.
In any case, since we were out, we might as well roam to our hearts' content.
Honestly, this was a first for Ju Hyeok too.
Strolling down the street
with friends(?).
But what kind of friends were these?
A cold-blooded assassin, a savage warrior, the foremost royal shamaness of the imperial court.
"What shall we do now?"
"Let's go eat meat. Beef!"
"Ooooh! Expensive meat, sah. I'll eat mindfully."
"You can eat as much as you want."
"Um, but Gobang is here too, sah?"
Who cares! Let's order whatever we want. Eh? Don't be a coward!
"Sounds good, sah! I trust you, Summoner Bong!"
How much does he plan to eat? If you eat that much, you'll get sick of it.────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────