The Red Gourd—Honghoro, the crimson gourd Honse gave as a gift.
Thanks to it, the 89th floor was cleared.
What's next?
Obviously, the 90th floor challenge.
So, immediately—
[Entering Republic of Korea Black Tower, 90th Floor.]
An environment similar to the 89th floor.
A massive mountain straight ahead.
And a gloomy, overcast sky.
"Don't tell me this place too…?"
The administrator fled?
"Did it really run away? It's an Ancient Dragon, for crying out loud."
"Indeed. Ancient dragons have strong pride."
"Rather than fleeing, it's far more likely it laid traps and is lying in ambush."
"It would never obediently follow the administrator's demands—"
Ding!
[An error has occurred in the system.]
—
[By administrator authority, a world announcement will be broadcast to Earth 843.]
You've got to be kidding me.
[World Announcement: The 90th-floor administrator, One-Horned Evil Dragon , Blackhorn Evil Dragon Brachios, has left the Black Tower.]
[World Announcement: Due to the departure of One-Horned Evil Dragon Blackhorn Evil Dragon Brachios, mission generation for the 90th floor is impossible.]
"Pride, my ass."
"Wow! The Ancient Dragon ran away."
"…I never expected this either."
"Is it a retard dragon?"
"Hoat!"
Fuck!
"How utterly despicable. If it's going to be cleared anyway, why pull this stunt?"
"If it's a Blackhorn Evil Dragon, it sounds black too."
"And it's called an Evil Dragon—definitely a man-eater."
"Since we're here anyway, let's at least search its lair."
Tell the guest to wait a bit longer.
Is entertaining a guest the priority right now?
There's an order of importance.
Ssshaaaaak!
The green scout plane flew over the 90th floor.
They searched meticulously, centering on the tallest mountain.
Then—zap!
A signal came, leading them to a cave.
"This is it."
A massive space fit for a dragon to live in.
"Let's search. Hair, scales—anything."
They searched thoroughly.
Lighting the area with Bardin's Radiance and Mackenzie's fire magic.
Rajiks lay flat, crawling across the ground.
But—
"There's nothing, right?"
"Hmm, this One-Horned Evil Dragon seems like a neat freak. Not even ass hair—can't find a booger."
"It must have completely erased its traces."
Then there's nothing else to do.
We'll have to find another way.
Spot!
Back outside—
Honse lay sprawled out, sleeping soundly.
"He's totally knocked out."
"This guy's unbelievable. Sleeping so peacefully in a place crawling with tower monsters."
"Leave him be. Must be having a nice dream."
"Or maybe situations like this are familiar to him."
"From a distance, you can't even tell which one's the tower monster."
Juhyeok nodded.
No wonder the Sword Immortal tried to capture him and make him the final boss of the Immortal Realm's Black Tower.
Anyway—wake him up?
They approached quietly.
"Honse-nim? Honse-nim?"
"Mmm, kuh… ahwng."
"…Excuse me, Honse-nim?"
"You damn stone monkey bastard!!! Leave me alone already!!!"
"Oh."
"Same demon, yet you cling to the Sword Immortal and bully me? If you had any conscience—mmnya, kooool."
He was talking in his sleep.
Out cold.
Still, we should wake him.
Sleeping in the cold can mess up your face.
The Black Tower administrators of Earth 843 were in a panic.
Disaster had struck.
They had definitely expelled Partalon.
They'd even confirmed where he was hiding.
Finding him would be difficult.
Who would imagine he was hiding there?
Even if they did—how would they find him?
Still, they couldn't relax.
They'd received expanded administrator authority approval from headquarters.
Safety measures were prepared.
They modified the system.
Clears would only be recognized if the mission was active.
Essentially a trap.
Even if the summoner killed Partalon outside, the 89th floor wouldn't be cleared.
And they could indefinitely delay mission generation using that as leverage.
Whether the summoner found Partalon or not, failure was guaranteed.
It was a foolproof hand.
But what was this?
The 89th floor cleared?
[…Just who the hell is that bastard?]
It was maddening.
The administrators were sick with anxiety.
Was this how the Black Tower administrators of Earth 675 and 1001 felt?
Like inevitable death was marching toward them.
White Tower interference?
Did it squeeze out all its influence to help clear the floor?
[No traces of White Tower interference detected. The system recognizes this as a valid clear method.]
They nearly went insane.
[Do we have footage recorded when the summoner entered the 89th floor?]
[Uh… no. We didn't pay attention at all.]
Truthfully, the administrators hadn't cared whether the summoner entered the 89th floor or not.
They assumed it would fail anyway.
Instead, they focused all their power on Sync-Out Waves.
Trying to increase ambient mana density to push out giant beasts or colossal monsters.
[What about log records?]
[Those remain.]
[Tell me what they say.]
[Well… Partalon did return to the 89th floor. Then the mission was generated.]
Why did Partalon return to the 89th floor?
That was the biggest mystery.
If he hadn't returned, the mission wouldn't have generated, and the 89th floor wouldn't have been cleared.
[Defection?]
[The contract wasn't nullified, so that also—]
They'd done everything possible with their expanded authority.
Yet they were still beaten.
Only one floor remained.
If the 90th floor fell too, the game was essentially over.
Their only hope was Brachios.
At least he was an Ancient Dragon—surely he wouldn't be taken down so easily.
[He'd better stay hidden.]
Reinforcements from headquarters would arrive soon.
Until then, they had to endure—no matter what.
Martial Law Commander Jeon Seong-il was at the temporary National Assembly in Busan, with several lawmakers.
It wasn't an official meeting.
They were chatting in a lounge with a few close acquaintances.
The topic?
Absurdly enough—
"So you're saying you got a call asking to lift the entry ban?"
"That's right. I got a call yesterday—couldn't believe it."
"You too, Representative Park? I got one as well."
"Same here."
Requests to lift entry bans from overseas.
Who else but those who abandoned the country and fled.
So-called social elites—politicians, chaebol families, high-ranking officials, religious leaders, cultural figures, and the like.
"They offered huge sums. Said they'd pay a million dollars just to be allowed back into Korea."
"Those sons of bitches. No shame at all."
"If they had any shame, they wouldn't have fled in the first place."
Most had fled to the United States.
Some to Japan or China.
Others to Europe.
Honestly, it was understandable.
At the time, Korea's future looked bleak.
Repeated tower collapses, poor responses, monster waves—on the brink of annihilation.
But now they wanted to come back.
Because the situation had reversed.
Because Korea was now the safest country in the world.
Phones were ringing nonstop through every connection imaginable.
How shameless could they be?
"Do you know what they said? That they'd atone for their past mistakes and sacrifice everything for the development of the Republic of Korea."
What a joke.
Sacrifice?
They just missed the assets they left behind in their rushed escape.
"Anyway, Commander Jeon. We must be firm. We can't let those bastards back into Korea."
"Don't worry. They aren't Korean citizens anymore."
The government had already revoked their citizenship.
Remaining assets were confiscated through legislation.
"They'll be held fully accountable for their actions—"
At that moment—
Ding.
[World Announcement: Republic of Korea Black Tower 89th Floor Cleared! A Korean-nationality player has achieved an astounding—]
"Gasp!"
"Ah!"
"Oh!"
"Hurrah!!!"
"Finally!"
The lawmakers jumped to their feet.
"Hahaha! That's it. Only the 90th floor remains."
"It still feels like a dream."
"It was right to endure to the very end."
Commander Jeon was deeply moved.
Everything was coming true, just as he said it would.
How grateful could he be?
"Commander Jeon, where do you think he is right now?"
"Ah, I'm not sure."
Probably at the White Tower.
"If we hadn't approved his naturalization back then—just thinking about it gives me chills."
"Why don't we ask if there's anything we can support him with?"
"Yes. Anything at all. If the law's in the way, we'll change it."
Support.
Honestly, it felt shameless.
They'd received grace beyond imagination and hadn't repaid it properly.
—
Wait.
A thought flashed through Jeon Seong-il's mind.
"Gentlemen, I think I have a good idea."
"What is it? Say it."
"You know those people who fled?"
"Those bastards? Why bring them up?"
"We confiscated all their assets, didn't we?"
"Yes. They're scheduled to be returned to the national treasury."
"Instead of that—how about giving all those confiscated assets to him?"
"…Ah!"
That's good.
The lawmakers reacted positively.
They knew.
That Juhyeok was a player from another Earth.
Which meant—someday, he would leave.
Because this wasn't his home world.
"That's a good idea. Let's build a solid foundation for him here in the Republic of Korea."
"I agree. The longer he stays, the more it benefits us."
"Longer? We should make him settle down permanently."
"First, let's draw up a list of confiscated assets."
"There'll be quite a lot. Those bastards who ran away were absolutely obsessed with real estate."
"While we're at it, let's hold a press conference. Let everyone know."
Opinions converged.
"It's a far better use than just funneling it into the national treasury."
"It's not even difficult. Just draft a bill and get it passed."
"No one will oppose it."
"If China hands over Baekdu Mountain or Gando, we'll give that land to him too."
"Tsushima goes without saying."
Everyone agreed with one heart.
And then—
Ding!
Another global system notice rang out.
Something about the 90th-floor manager, Cheukgaksa Dragon, and how the creation of the 90th-floor mission was impossible, blah blah.
But no one was worried.
It would be cleared anyway.
By Player Bong Ju-hyeok.
White Tower, 6th Floor.
Ju-hyeok granted Honse a temporary residency permit.
He had wanted to give him permanent residency, but like the Sword Immortal and the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, Honse said he couldn't stay here for long.
Now it was time for a proper feast.
How grateful was he?
He'd even given him this precious red gourd.
First, repayment for the gift.
Rajiks dumped everything from the subspace backpack onto the plaza of the 6th floor.
Things he'd been keeping to give as gifts if he ever met the Sword Immortal, Yama, or the Great Sage Equal to Heaven again.
Electronic devices, snacks, all kinds of alcohol—even cigarettes that Yama liked.
They piled up like a mountain.
"These are return gifts. Put them all into the gourd that stores items."
"Uh—uhh, th-this is way too much."
"Oh come on. Compared to a treasure like the Chonghoro, these are basically trash, aren't they?"
"… Th-that's…"
The Honse Demon King stammered awkwardly, his face completely red.
"Th-there's something I need to c-confess, actually."
Hm?
A confession?
"The Chonghoro… it's a fake."
"… Ah!"
"The real one is called the Purple-Gold Red Gourd , but…"
So it was a counterfeit.
"The real Purple-Gold Chonghoro absorbs living beings and slowly melts them. Anyone below immortal rank can't even resist."
I see.
"But this fake can't melt them, and if the target is somewhat strong, it can't even absorb them."
But that's better, isn't it?
If it had been real, even Partalon would've melted inside.
He'd survived because it was a fake.
That was how they'd been able to clear the 89th floor.
The problem was—
"How strong do you have to be for it to fail to absorb you?"
"Compared to the people here…"
…
Honse gestured at the summoned beings passing by as he explained.
"This person won't work. That one will. But that guy over there is…"
I get how it works.
First of all, Resssal is a no-go.
If someone resists, they don't get pulled into the Chonghoro.
On the other hand, everything below Sssal is fair game.
The moment you call their name and they answer, they get sucked into the red gourd.
"Then why did Partalon get absorbed?"
He was at least Resssal-tier.
"That's because he was exhausted, and after being hit by the Judge's Hammer, his mental strength had collapsed…"
At that moment!
Kosak shot his hand straight up.
"Summoner Bong."
"Yes?"
"This Kosak wishes to personally experience the power of the fake red gourd. Please use it on me."
"Hmmm."
Would it be okay?
Partalon had gone in and come out fine, but still.
"Go ahead. I'll endure it."
Well, if that's his wish.
Ju-hyeok opened the lid of the fake red gourd and aimed the opening at Kosak.
"Mr. Kosak?"
"Ready!"
In an instant—
Swooooooo!!! Whoooosh!
Energy poured out of the gourd and wrapped around Kosak.
But—
"Mwahahahahaha!"
Kosak didn't budge an inch.
Only the gourd shook violently.
Drrrrrrr!
"I am Kosak! So powerful that even the red gourd dares not absorb me, the ultimate summoned being!"
Wow!
Our Kosak.
He really is strong.
"It's too trivial. So boring I almost want to die. Look—I can even dance."
As if nothing was wrong, he was chatting away with Gyeondallae.
But something bothered Ju-hyeok.
He'd planned to use this to catch Cheukgaksa Dragon.
Stuff him into the gourd, release him on the 90th floor, take the mission, and deal with him.
'Will it even work?'
Cheukgaksa Dragon was an Ancient Dragon, far stronger than Partalon.
Seeing how fine Kosak was, it might have no effect at all.
"I won't get sucked in. Who could possibly suck me in?"
That was when—
Swoosh!
A massive shadow fell behind Kosak as he danced in front of the gourd.
"What is that? Gobang! Step aside. You're not ready yet. You might get sucked in if—"
Snap!
…
Gobang raised one hand.
"… Huh? Why is your hand—"
Then—
A blazing flick to Kosak's forehead.
Kwaaang!
His forehead snapped back violently.
Kosak staggered, nearly collapsing.
At the same time—
Suuuck!
Kosak was pulled straight into the red gourd.
"He got sucked in."
"He did?"
"He did indeed."
"He has been absorbed."
"He was absorbed."
"He has absorbed."
"Huh?"
Gyeondallae smiled with satisfaction.
The Mad Demon and Mackenzie looked refreshed.
And Honse Demon King, who had quietly stepped closer, said:
"When it doesn't absorb well, you just beat the shit out of them like that. You give them severe mental trauma."
Ah-ha!
Now I know how to use it.
Ancient Dragon?
If it won't go in, just beat the shit out of it.
Got it. Understood completely.
"Mr. Kosak? You can come out now."
Swoosh!
Kosak popped back out and collapsed on the floor.
"Uuugh…"
He still hadn't regained his senses.
Of course.
Gobang's flick wasn't just any flick.
Anyway, with the gourd's function confirmed, the party began.
All summoned beings on White Tower's 6th floor gathered together.
Today's guest of honor was the Honse Demon King.
They ate, drank, chatted, brought out a karaoke machine, and sang.
But then—
Ju-hyeok tilted his head.
"Lord Honse."
"Yes? Me?"
"You look like your body's getting faint."
"… Huh?"
It was true.
Honse Demon King's body was suddenly turning translucent.
His complexion darkened as well.
"I think I know what this is… It's time for me to go."
Ah…
"Couldn't you stay a little longer?"
"I'd like to, but my power's insufficient. If I'm told to go, I have to go."
Honse Demon King looked dejected.
"We didn't even treat you properly."
"Oh my, not at all! I've received far too much already."
"Quickly put those items into the gourd."
"Oh! Right!"
Honse hurriedly swept up the items.
Before long, the mountain of goods vanished completely into the gourd.
"I will repay this kindness without fail. Please come visit the Demon Realm anytime. I'll treat you to a cup of human-faced spider inner-core infused liquor…"
With final farewells exchanged—
"Then… goodbye."
Ju-hyeok waved with a regretful expression.
Take care.
And please don't ever become the final boss of the Immortal Realm's Black Tower.
Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!
Amid the farewell applause of the summoned beings—
Spot!
Honse Demon King vanished in an instant.
Well then.
The guest has safely returned.
Shall we go hunt Cheukgaksa Dragon next?
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