The path had opened.
Even if it was the back door.
So what if it was the back door?
If you accept the mission and get a clear judgment, it's all the same in the end.
"Whitey's been working hard too. I'm moved."
"Hmm… the White Tower probably isn't an ordinary existence. Won't it get angry if we call it Whitey?"
"It's a nickname, a nickname! It shows closeness! Isn't that nice?"
Is that so?
"Anyway, let's start with the Black Tower on Earth No. 675."
"All the way to the 100th floor?"
"Absolutely!"
A climb to the 100th floor.
If successful, many things would change.
They said the influence of our White Tower—Whitey—would grow stronger too.
With that power, together with Whitey, we'd fully clear the Black Tower on Earth No. 1,001 as well.
"Should we do a briefing?"
"Is there something to brief?"
"There's quite a bit. Things we need permission for too."
Permission?
What kind of scheme is he cooking up this time?
"Go ahead."
Kosak laid out his plan.
Juhyeok listened carefully.
"…What? Everyone's okay with it?"
"Yes, sir! Some even like it."
Well… it should be fine.
There were a few worrying points, but—
"Then let's proceed with the briefing."
"Yes, sir!"
No need to rush.
The elevator's back door was open.
We'd make full preparations before attempting the clear.
"Greetings! I am Kosak, acknowledged reaper of the underworld by Yama himself—Grand Archangel killer, Grand Archangel hunter, Grand Archangel devourer, Grand Archangel specialist butcher, Grand Archangel designated bully, Grand Archangel goodbye-man!"
Briefing begins.
"First, let me say this. Fully clearing the Black Tower on Earth No. 675 is not the end. It's only the beginning of our counterattack."
Juhyeok nodded.
The summoned companions nodded along.
"Then is fully clearing Earth No. 1,001 the end? No, it isn't."
Then what?
"Our true objective is advancing into headquarters. Ultimately, we will judge that cunning, vile, despicable, filthy, cruel, immoral, and evil bastard god."
All the way there?
"But as you know, that fucked-up bastard broke the rules. After witnessing Summoner Bong's achievements, he got scared."
Right.
That pathetic excuse for a god.
Of all people to be afraid of, he's afraid of a manlet?
"We can't just sit still either. Since things have come to this, we'll break the rules too."
Of course we will.
We already have.
"So we've invited some guests. Summoner Bong?"
Juhyeok nodded and sent a message on his smartphone.
At the same moment—
Spot!
Commissioner Jeon Gwang-il appeared.
He wasn't alone.
Alongside him appeared Team Leader Lee Min-ah, wearing a very confused expression.
"Oh! Team Leader Lee is here too. Welcome."
"…Ah, yes. Yes."
We'd talked before.
Commissioner Jeon alone was a bit stretched trying to support me, so we decided to bring in one more person.
To help with adaptation, we'd first issued her access to the residential zone.
Permanent residency would come later.
Lee Min-ah was fine—we'd met often enough.
She was probably the woman I'd talked with the longest in my life.
Excluding summoned companions, of course.
"We're in the middle of a briefing. Join us."
"Ah, yes. Understood, Player Bong."
Then another person appeared.
Spot!
"Greetings! Dear comrades of the White Tower, I entered the moment I received your call. Long live Juhyeok!"
Chairman Kim In-jung as well.
Why were they here?
Kosak—no, People's Armed Forces Minister Go Sa-geuk—spoke.
"Our Summoner Bong's great journey requires the comrades' help."
"With what?"
"Just say the word!"
Specifically—
"We need nuclear warheads. The more, the better."
"…What?"
Normally, nuclear fission reactions are prohibited inside the tower.
But from the 91st-floor missions onward?
They aren't conducted inside the tower.
They take place in other dimensions connected to it.
Which means—
Nuclear weapons are valid.
"So that's how it is? I'll prepare them at once."
Kim In-jung accepted immediately.
"Uh… um…"
Jeon Gwang-il, on the other hand, was at a loss.
"S-sorry, but South Korea doesn't have nuclear weapons…"
"We're not asking Korea."
"Then?"
"Ask the U.S."
"Ah…"
"North Korea's firepower is too weak. As the People's Armed Forces Minister, I find that deeply regrettable."
Kim In-jung cleared his throat.
"Our Summoner Bong is working for world peace. Would it be right to refuse something as trivial as nuclear weapons? Ask for hydrogen bombs."
It wasn't wrong, but—
"Nuclear weapons aren't that simple an issue…"
"No need to overthink it. If the U.S. refuses, we'll ask Russia. We have the moral justification."
Kosak turned to Mackenzie.
"Old man Mac."
"Yes?"
"Play everything we've recorded so far."
"From where?"
"Dimensional storage, the Demon Realm, and the administrator's sins."
"Got it."
Mackenzie connected the filming smartphone to the monitor.
The footage began to play.
As time passed, the eyes of Jeon Gwang-il, Lee Min-ah, and Kim In-jung widened.
"You've all seen it, yes? How much our Summoner Bong is sacrificing for this world."
Kosak dabbed at his eyes with his sleeve.
He was getting into it again.
"Our Summoner Bong stands against the cunning and treacherous Black Tower. And you're worried about a few nukes? We'll handle everything—just hand them over."
That's right.
What good are nukes just sitting on Earth anyway?
Still, Jeon Gwang-il looked troubled.
This wasn't something that could be resolved with a few words.
"Commissioner Jeon."
"Yes?"
"How do you feel?"
"I still don't fully—"
"I understand."
Then—
"We'll give you copies of everything later."
"Ah…"
"Edit them appropriately and release everything publicly. The time has come. Once this is public, it'll justify the nuclear weapons request."
Jeon Gwang-il flinched.
All of it?
As Kosak said, it would create justification, but—
"Are you sure? This could expose Player Bong's abilities and traits."
"It's fine. Proceed as planned."
My name was already public anyway.
Even my school graduation photo had leaked.
And more importantly—
The purpose and masterminds behind the Black Tower had been identified.
People needed to know.
All people on Earth—they're victims and stakeholders alike.
"Once people see this, they'll understand why nukes are necessary."
"Ah…"
This would reveal the identities of the summoned companions.
But—
"So what?"
People needed to know.
That without them, Earth would've ended up like Earth No. 675.
They deserved recognition.
Still, it was polite to ask.
Some might not want to be revealed.
"If anyone's uncomfortable, just say so. We'll blur you out or remove you."
Silence.
No one?
Then—
"I have something to say."
Kosak raised his hand.
Don't tell me he wants to be removed?
"When introducing me, make it absolutely clear that I'm Player Bong's right-hand man. Put it in big subtitles. 'Civil and military genius, loyal retainer!' Emphasize that."
Then the demands poured in.
"I am Gobang the warrior. The meat shield who protects the summoner."
"I am Bardin the god. Introduce me as my lord's loyal servant."
"I am El, magitech engineer. Factory manager of the summoner's company."
"Major Veronica Caliber, former aide to the commander."
"I am Gyeondallae, chief steward managing the household of Young Master Bong."
"I am Gwangma, the summoner's guardian."
"I'm Diamat. The summoner's concubine."
…Concubine, my ass.
"Delete concubine. Our Summoner Bong won't be able to marry. Say 'reformed succubus.'"
The introductions continued.
"I am Ancient Green Dragon Crackers. The summoner's driver."
"I am the Great Flame Archmage, summoned… hmm. Filming director Mackenzie."
"Summoner. Farming. Food. That's my job."
"I'm Baekdana."
"Kyaruruk!"
"This one's Mannyeon."
Then—
"Grrr!"
"And I am… dimensional farmhand."
Blood Wolf and Rajiks, speaking after a long silence.
Ding!
Even Marie.
As if she'd been waiting for this moment.
Good thing no one asked for blurring.
Anyway, after all the self-promotion—
"We'll continue the briefing."
Kosak brought the room back to order.
"At this point, what we need to think about is a spec-up."
Agreed.
"This is a dangerous mission. We don't mind dying, but Summoner Bong must not. You need to become stronger so we can fight with peace of mind."
Hmm.
I have a bad feeling about this.
"Basement alchemist Marie?"
Ding.
"How's the great demon heart processing coming along?"
"All five?"
"Excellent. Now, once Summoner Bong drinks all the enhancement elixirs—"
"Wait!"
Not a chance.
You want me to drink great demon hearts?
"I'm not drinking them."
"Um… why not?"
"Because I'm not."
Dragon hearts are one thing.
But great demon hearts? No.
What's the difference between demons and humans?
They look the same, probably genetically almost identical.
Absolutely not.
"There's a reason."
"Please explain. Otherwise, we invoke Rule Three, Clause Three."
Oh? Is that a threat?
So that's how you're going to play this?
Fine.
I'll refute it.
"Everyone. Where do you think my power comes from?"
The summoned companions fell silent.
"From player mana? From skills? From internal energy? None of that. The source of my power is all of you—the summoned companions. I'm strong because of you."
That's true.
"So rather than me, you should be the ones getting stronger. That's how it's supposed to be."
No objections, right?
"So, one great demon heart elixir goes to Mr. Kosak."
"Ah, no, sir. I—I…"
"Absolute obedience! This is a special gift I bestow."
"..."
One taken care of.
"Next drinker, Mr. Gobang."
"I don't need it. A warrior is already strong."
"You need to be stronger."
"..."
Two down.
"Mr. Bardin as well."
"M-my lord, why would a holy knight consume a great demon's heart?"
"You already accepted the Rite of the Netherworld—why act shy now?"
"..."
Three.
"And Ms. Diamat—let's have you eat a great demon heart and become a great demon."
"Hm? Is this affection for your beloved concubine?"
"You seem the most compatible. You're a demon too."
"..."
Four done.
Rule Three, Clause Three won't be invoked.
The logic is sound.
I excluded Lord Gwangma.
He's long past the stage of needing pills to grow stronger.
"B-but that's four total. One heart remains. Then Summoner Bong will…?"
"No. There's already an owner."
"…Who?"
Don't tell me you really don't know?
"Did you forget Mr. Jepetto? Doesn't ring a bell?"
"Oh!"
"These people have no compassion, no compassion! Huh? That gentleman was dispatched to the world of souls—he can't even enter the White Tower—and people feel no pity at all. Isn't it sad?"
The atmosphere turned solemn.
If we feed Jepetto Royal Blood, give him the Dao Pill, and a great demon heart, wouldn't he become roughly on par with the current summoned companions?
"And I don't need to drink that anyway. I've already gotten stronger."
That was the truth.
The enhancement elixir made from an ancient dragon's heart—
Marie had designed it so my body could absorb it slowly.
The absorption was nearly complete now,
after roaming the dimensional storage and the Demon Realm.
"On that note, how about I go do some warm-ups?"
Spot!
Juhyeok vanished.
Then, one by one, the summoned companions were called out after him.
The only ones left were Farmer Du-u, who had gone to tend the fields—
"Hmm."
"Hrm."
"Ahem."
—and Commissioner Jeon Gwang-il, Team Leader Lee Min-ah, and Chairman Kim In-jung, suddenly left awkwardly standing there.
"…Comrades, take care. I need to prepare the nuclear warheads."
Spot!
Kim In-jung left as well.
Lee Min-ah still hadn't fully processed things.
After deciding to accept the White Tower residential privilege, she had heard some explanations from Commissioner Jeon—but still.
This was unbelievable.
Player Bong, with a summoning trait.
Summoned companions who followed him with one heart and mind.
And some of them were familiar faces.
Kosak, Gobang, Gwangma, Rajiks—
Even Chairman Kim In-jung?
She knew he had a connection with Bong Player, but "Long live Juhyeok"?
That aside—
"Is it really okay to release this footage?"
"You heard them. They all said it was fine."
The people involved would be fine.
But the impact on the world?
"It's okay. It's time people knew—what Player Bong has been doing to prevent tower collapse."
"…Ah!"
This was the chance to reveal everything and gain international support.
Including the nuclear weapons Player Bong had requested.
[Entering the 88th floor of the Black Tower (Republic of Korea, NO.1).]
Juhyeok arrived on the 88th floor.
Why?
Obviously to clear it.
[88th Floor Mission: Defeat the Lesser Dragon, Sand Dragon.]
He planned to show the summoned companions that he was strong even without consuming great demon hearts.
To be honest, even Juhyeok didn't know his exact limits.
Level 96, enhancement elixir from an ancient dragon's heart, sacred energy shower, Dao Pill, Rite of the Netherworld, and the Judge's Hammer.
With all that, shouldn't he be able to take down a Sand Dragon?
What was there to fear?
One hit!
"Kuuooooo!!!"
A massive body swam through the sandy desert like an ocean.
It was huge.
And ugly.
"Hmm."
When the summoned companions fought it, it had seemed pathetically weak.
"…Did I bite off more than I can chew?"
Too late to back out now.
"Ahem, my throat's a bit dry."
"Hoe?"
Ssssh.
Rajiks pulled a drink from his subspace bag.
"No, not that—mango flavor."
"Hoeh!"
A potion of mental fortification.
"…And others."
Ssssh, ssssh, ssssh.
Potion of courage, vitality elixir, mana enhancement potion, strength boost, speed boost, agility boost…
Gulp, gulp.
Full buff stack.
Then an energy shield kit—
Ziiiing!
Protection activated.
Now he finally felt brave.
"Watch closely. I'll take down the Sand Dragon by myself."
Spot!
Juhyeok advanced.
The summoned companions watched his back silently.
"My heart is pounding like crazy. I know Young Master is strong, but still…"
"It's fine. He won't be hurt even a hair."
"Still…"
"Look at the thickness of the summoner's energy shield."
"Ah!"
"It's denser and sturdier than even my barrier."
"That's because of the shield effect."
The energy shield kit's feature:
its effect scales with the user's level.
In other words, it depends on the user's mana.
"The summoner's mana is on par with ours. So is the shield. Could a mere Sand Dragon break through it?"
And one more thing.
"Do you know where Kosak is?"
Come to think of it, he wasn't here.
When did he disappear?
"You can't see him, but I can. He's following right beside the summoner, hidden."
Then there's nothing to worry about…
They knew it rationally.
There was no way the summoner would lose to a Sand Dragon.
Rule Three, Clause Three hadn't activated either.
Because it wasn't dangerous.
Still, the summoned companions were anxious if the summoner even breathed heavily.
Would he get hurt?
Would there be psychological shock?
Meanwhile, Juhyeok took a deep breath while facing the Sand Dragon.
Let's do this.
He had to change.
A Grand Archangel was coming to kill him.
Ninety days remained.
He didn't know what kind of being the Grand Archangel was.
But at the very least, he didn't want to run away in fear.
'A summoner has pride.'
Let's go.
I'll kill it.
I can do this.
Gripping the Judge's Hammer—
Spot! Spapat! Spot!
Shadow Steps.
"…Where'd it go?"
It had been right in front of him.
It must have hidden in the sand.
It was nearby.
Like Lord Gwangma, he spread his internal energy to sense it.
'Feel the vibrations.'
It felt like becoming a Murim master.
'Where are you?'
Show yourself—
At that moment!
Suddenly!
"Kyaaaah!"
"Oh! Holy shit, you scared me!"
Reflexively, Juhyeok hurled the Judge's Hammer with all his strength.
Whirrr!
The hammer flew.
Then—
Thud!
The hammer struck the Sand Dragon's torso—
KWA-AAAAANG!!!
A massive shockwave erupted.
"Oh!"
This hammer's amazing.
Such power from something so small.
Of course it was.
The Judge's Hammer, saturated with Yama's touch over immeasurable ages.
Divine power had accumulated within it.
Naturally, it was on a completely different level from ordinary weapons.
And originally, gods don't wield hammers by swinging them—
they throw them.
You see it in movies too.
And when thrown—
Whirrr!
Clack!
"Yes!"
It comes back on its own.
Because it's a god's hammer.
Clap clap clap clap clap clap!
The 88th floor echoed with the applause of the summoned companions.