Tower of Hanamja: Chapter 28
Director Park Kyung-soo prepared to hold a press conference for the first time in a while.
He had been through hell mentally.
Even the President—both his friend and political ally—had suggested he step down.
But now the situation had changed.
Not only had they overcome the crisis, but they’d also landed a devastating counterpunch.
All thanks to Player Bong Joo-hyuk, an S++ rank strategist who’d brought back a legendary item that neutralized the undead’s dark aura.
South Korea had become a Holy Sword nation.
Bong Joo-hyuk would reap the profits, but the Management Office’s control over the rental process was an immense power play.
From the 61st floor onward, no country could progress without the Holy Sword.
Unless another divine item surfaced, that is.
Even if one did, borrowing would still be necessary—the safety gap between owning one item versus two was undeniable.
Thus, the world had no choice but to tread carefully around South Korea.
Park Kyung-soo strode toward the press conference.
His footsteps mirrored the Awakening Management Office’s elevated status—confident and commanding.
With squared shoulders and chin raised, he stepped onto the podium.
“I’ll take questions now.”
Reporters’ hands shot up like fireworks.
He pointed to one.
“First, please explain the Holy Sword’s effects.”
Park consulted a prepared document.
“The Holy Sword’s core function is Radiance. This Radiance neutralizes dark auras. While it enhances undead attack power, fortifies mental resilience, applies sanctification, and boosts critical hits, those are secondary benefits.”
“The footage showed the sword’s Radiance appearing faint. Can it be strengthened?”
“That’s regrettable, but currently, no.”
Next question.
“The sword looks heavily worn. Is it structurally sound?”
“Repairs are possible. We’ve commissioned master artisans and maintain ample orichalcum reserves. Performance won’t be an issue.”
Next.
“Did the Management Office purchase it? What was the budget?”
“We possess it, but it wasn’t a purchase.”
“Then?”
“The item has a separate owner. It’s not for sale—rental only.”
“What’s the rental fee?”
“We won’t disclose that.”
Why would we?
There was no need to set prices upfront.
Thirsty nations would bid anyway.
The lender needed only one word: Negotiate.
“Can you reveal the Holy Sword’s owner?”
“No. The Management Office acts as their proxy.”
“Are there rental restrictions?”
“Yes. Countries must send players to use it under our supervision in controlled facilities. They must also sign liability contracts against theft or loss.”
“Can individual players rent it privately?”
“No. Only national governments with official guarantees.”
“Other restrictions?”
The awaited moment arrived.
“All nations may rent it—except Japan. You know why.”
Director Park flashed a radiant smile.
“Furthermore, we declare no future exchanges with Japan regarding the Tower.”
No reporter questioned if this was excessive.
However—
“Was this decision approved by the President...?”
“Do you think I’d act unilaterally?”
“...”
“Poaching another nation’s player is tantamount to declaring war. Trade sanctions? Diplomatic pressure? Let them try.”
He added,
“Depending on developments, one more country may join the exclusion list.”
This targeted China, equally desperate to poach Korean players.
With the press conference concluded, Park felt as if a weight had lifted from his chest.
└ Hah! Another win!
└ Someone translate Japan’s reaction already!
└ I wanna see too.
└ Post China’s response as well.
└ What’s Yoo Cheol-min’s Starstagram? Need to troll him.
└ That got deleted hours ago.
└ Hahaha, what a pathetic loser.
※ ※ ※
A national security council convened at the Japanese Prime Minister’s residence.
Cabinet members and senior officials watched footage on a massive screen—South Korea’s 63rd-floor Black Tower conquest.
The bodycam’s first-person perspective limited strategic analysis but sufficed to showcase the Holy Sword’s power.
A player lured dark skeletons individually using thrown weapons.
Each isolated foe was ruthlessly dismantled by the Holy Sword.
Skeletons cloaked in dark aura fell helplessly, their weapons and shields cleaved apart.
It was undead annihilation perfected.
This wasn’t their first viewing—they had Yoo Cheol-min’s data and U.S.-provided footage.
But nothing matched this performance.
Clearance times?
Yoo Cheol-min: 12 hours.
U.S. team: 9 hours.
Player Nam Ga-eun: 2 hours.
Two.
And that was cautious play—an aggressive approach might’ve finished in 90 minutes.
All from one item?
Should we have targeted the sword instead of Yoo Cheol-min?
The room stewed in silence.
Officials’ faces darkened, Prime Minister Kawaguchi’s included.
Their attempt to bomb South Korea with a press conference had backfired spectacularly.
“If it’s a divine attribute, could others exist beyond the Holy Sword?”
“Currently, it’s the only confirmed one. However...”
“Continue.”
“Other nations might possess undisclosed ones.”
Exactly.
Surely it’s not unique?
More must exist.
Not urgent—Japan’s only on Floor 57.
But pride had been shredded.
Humiliation consumed Kawaguchi.
No Holy Sword for Japan?
Damn Chosun bastards.
Approval ratings skyrocketing after Yoo Cheol-min’s naturalization now nosedived.
Goddamn it!
They needed a reversal.
“When will Yoo Cheol-min clear Floor 57?”
“He’ll proceed ASAP, motivated by South Korea’s move.”
“Hmm.”
41 days remained until Floor 57’s deadline.
Japan’s top player had died mid-attempt, forcing Yoo Cheol-min’s recruitment.
The original plan—assault with ten days left—
Why not now?
It might salvage ratings.
“Proceed. Fast-track Floor 57. Market it aggressively.”
“Understood.”
“Provide full support—no excuses.”
“Yes, sir.”
※ ※ ※
In Japan, apartments house the masses.
The wealthy inhabit luxury mansions.
The ultra-rich?
Estate-dwellers with koi ponds and sprawling gardens.
Yoo Cheol-min’s government-granted home fit this category.
“Fuck!”
He hurled curses at his phone.
The situation had inverted—Korea’s Management Office, once ridiculed daily in news floods, now dominated narratives.
Even a press conference twisting the knife...
Korean news articles are filled with nothing but praise for the player Nam Ga-eun and the Holy Sword.
Of course, his name was mentioned too.
The difference is that it was all criticism.
└ "I'll kill Yoo Cheol-min."
└ "Isn't there a way to find that bastard's address in Tokyo?"
└ "May he suffer from hair loss and erectile dysfunction."
‘Pathetic bastards.’
No matter how much they comment,
it won’t affect me.
Yoo Cheol-min also watched Nam Ga-eun’s strategy video.
Floors 62 and 63.
Wait, was it really that easy?
He had been struggling due to the dark aura, but it was all because of the Holy Sword, a divine attribute item.
If he had such an item, he would’ve taken it for himself long ago.
If that were the case, he might’ve even considered naturalizing in Japan.
‘If only I’d stalled for a little more time…’
No.
Regretting now would mean losing.
He could just live comfortably in Japan.
After naturalizing, he quickly conquered Japan’s Black Tower starting from the 57th floor.
If he conquers it, he’ll rise as a hero of Japan.
The same applied to the 58th, 59th, and 60th floors.
No matter how much the haters rage, he’ll be the winner.
Yoo Cheol-min thought so.
He was utterly convinced.
※ ※ ※
After finishing the strategy,
Joo-hyuk ordered 10 tubs of the most expensive ice cream at a convenience store near his officetel.
The ice cream he used to ignore even when it caught his eye.
Bong Joo-hyuk had really come a long way.
But it’s fine.
With over a billion won in his account,
this time, when Joo-hyuk scooped a spoonful of ice cream, Gobang and Kosak finally opened the lid and dug in, while Gyun Dal-rae smacked her lips and savored it.
Having fought together in the tower, the three had grown much closer than before.
They chatted happily while eating ice cream.
It was a heartwarming scene.
I hope they continue to get along like this.
“My taste buds are truly spoiled. I’ve never tasted such sweetness, even in the palace.”
“Hehe, you can indulge as much as you wish from now on, Princess. Summoner Bong’s generosity knows no bounds!”
“Indeed. You must never forget his kindness.”
“Of course. You know that too, right, Gobang?”
“The Princess speaks truth. My loyalty remains unwavering.”
Look at them.
Now they’re flattering each other?
But then,
“Has anything troubled Summoner Bong lately? Aside from you lot.”
Kosak furrowed his brow at Gyun Dal-rae’s question.
“Ah! There is one thing.”
“There is? Speak quickly of this outrage!”
“There’s a wretched fool named Yoo Cheol-min. This bastard, you see—”
Kosak launched into an animated tirade about Yoo Cheol-min.
Gyun Dal-rae’s expression darkened.
“What! How dare such a vile creature exist? Those blessed with power should devote themselves to their nation’s peace! To think he’d grovel before the Japanese—unthinkable!”
Her pale face flushed crimson.
“The mere thought of those island devils makes my blood boil. I won’t let this worm escape justice. He will pay.”
“Your words are righteous, Princess.”
She turned to Joo-hyuk.
“Summoner Bong.”
“Yes?”
“Can we obtain an item Yoo Cheol-min used? I implore you—retrieve it for me.”
“No. Even if I could, I wouldn’t.”
“What?”
What’s she planning to do with it?
I can guess.
Absolutely not.
If I’d wanted him dead, I’d have sent Kosak to Japan ages ago.
Sneak onto a Tokyo flight, shave the bastard’s head, tie a ribbon—done.
Kosak had volunteered, but I’d refused.
No need to kill him.
“He’s abandoned his humanity! Leaving him be will spread injustice!”
“Eh, let Japan deal with their new troublemaker.”
“…What?”
“He’s Japanese now. Not our problem. Let’s focus on living well.”
Kosak nodded vigorously.
“Summoner Bong is wise! Truly visionary!”
“Right?”
“Of course! With that trash exported, Korea’s purity is restored!”
“Exactly! Hahaha!”
“Hehehe.”
I tolerate injustice.
Always have.
Human affairs are messy.
Even clear-cut villains can become victims in a blink.
That’s why I stay neutral—like a car in park.
Most importantly,
I won’t risk Gyun Dal-rae for that scum.
She’s precious.
“Physical retaliation has backlash. Should the Princess suffer for that trash? I oppose it.”
Kosak sidled up to Joo-hyuk, hands rubbing eagerly.
“I always knew your refusal stemmed from concern! Such compassion! Such wisdom! Peerless!”
Joo-hyuk’s shoulders lifted smugly.
Well-timed flattery beats ice cream.
But Gyun Dal-rae interjected,
“Your care touches me, Summoner Bong. But I won’t use flesh.”
Huh?
Then—
“I’ll use karma.”
Karma?
“All deeds bear fruit—be it reward or retribution. Cause and effect.”
So?
“Accelerating karma makes them reap consequences sooner.”
“Ah.”
“If Yoo Cheol-min cultivated good karma, fortune follows. If evil—misfortune.”
Just… fortune or misfortune?
That’s it?
“…Any backlash?”
“Heaven’s laws decide the outcome. I remain unharmed.”
Well then—
“Can’t let him off. If he’s abandoned humanity, he deserves misfortune.”
Kosak clapped excitedly.
“Summoner Bong is right! Rule-breakers must be punished! I’ll book a flight to Japan!”
“Do it now!”
“Hehehe, your flexibility astounds! Swinging this way, that way—”
That sounded like sarcasm.
Joo-hyuk glared. Kosak shriveled.
“My… my mistake.”
He knew.
Sycophants never prosper.
Getting Yoo Cheol-min’s belongings would be easy.
He’d left everything behind when fleeing.
Oh right—the special reward.
Checking his inventory’s 30 platinum badges:
[Special reward granted for 30 platinum badges.]
‘What?’
[Reward: Skill Cooldown Reset Ticket added to tower inventory.]
“Oh!”
A Skill Cooldown Reset Ticket!
Brilliant.
Magnificent.
“What’d you get?”
“Ta-da!”
“Incredible! Congratulations!”
“All thanks to you.”
“Oh please, we barely helped!”
“Hahaha!”
“Hehehe.”
The mood warmed again.
Kosak was right—this item was priceless.
His power came from summons.
This reset meant another random summon.
‘Use it now?’
No—that’d be idiotic.
This was his ultimate trump card.
Save it for true desperation.
