Chapter 23: It Existed, but It Didn’t.

From the 6th floor to the 9th floor, I swiftly cleared four floors in one breath.

But how?

To conquer a foreign country’s Tower, a ‘National Mobility Ticket’ was required.

This was one of the rare treasures of the Tower, quite difficult to obtain.

One might think it was acquired on the 5th floor or during the conquest of the next floors, but not at all.

During the entire conquest of multiple floors, I didn’t obtain a single mobility ticket.

Only this.

‘1-9 Floor Mobility Talisman (World)’

After defeating Malice Bastide on the 5th floor, I obtained a talisman that allowed free movement between the 1st to 9th floors of the Tower.

The effect of this talisman was the ability to instantly move to the Tower of any desired country at any time.

Thanks to this, without using any consumable tickets, I was able to assault Japan Tower as if coming and going from my own home.

Still, it didn’t feel good.

And that’s because—

‘I never imagined the Forgotten Knight’s Bundle would be based on probability.’

I naturally expected that clearing the Very Hard difficulty would guarantee obtaining the Forgotten Knight’s Bundle to regain my strength.

Along with the Knight Sword and Armor as bonuses.

That was an illusion.

There was a probability for obtaining the Forgotten Knight’s Bundle.

I don’t know the exact percentage, but it was clearly low.

Judging by the fact that during my ascent of the 6th to 9th floors of Japan Tower, I didn’t get a single bundle.

Because of that, my current power was only about 10% of my peak.

If I had obtained the Knight Sword or Armor to strengthen myself, things might have been different, but even that was denied.

However—

‘It’s not like I achieved nothing at all.’

By climbing, I wrested control of the 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th floors of Japan.

It was like setting a fire to Japan’s doorstep.

The media fussed, continuously lamenting the necessity of Ha Yeon Lee.

Thanks to that, Ikeda Kaito, who harbored Ha Yeon Lee, must have found himself in a somewhat awkward position.

‘Ha Yeon Lee. Chulwoo Shin. And Ikeda Kaito.’

When I think of them, there are more than a few suspicious points.

‘Was she really that captivating?’

Ha Yeon Lee?

Of course, she was beautiful.

Even after divorce, she was still in her vibrant twenties, and her skin looked better than before, as if she had spent money on it.

But that was all.

She wasn’t of the caliber that could seduce men everywhere with her breathtaking beauty.

So why?

I could understand Chulwoo Shin.

She was scouted by Shinhwa Guild, so there were plenty of opportunities to interact.

But Ikeda Kaito? They had no connections.

Even if they had met a few times, it would have been difficult to develop into a romantic relationship while working through the Guild.

‘There’s something.’

Once might be coincidence, twice is fate.

Ha Yeon Lee must be hiding some secret unknown to others.

And that secret is—

‘Enough to deceive my Insight Eye.’

The reason I focus on her is that she has an ability my Insight Eye failed to detect.

I definitely faced her once before.

But beyond her supporter skills, I couldn’t discern any other power.

Of course, Insight Eye isn’t perfect.

It can pierce through most essences, but it doesn’t include everything.

It’s the same on the Gritia Continent.

Didn’t they struggle for a while without identifying the true identity of those who ruled the Empire?

‘Perhaps it’s something like charm or mental domination. Being a supporter might just be part of the nature of that ability.’

Of course, whatever skill she awakened, even if it was an extraordinary power that seduced men, it didn’t matter.

I wished for the destruction of Ha Yeon Lee and everything surrounding her.

That way, Ha Yeon Lee would come to realize—

***

It’s useless, no matter who you meet, no matter what background you have.

And for that—

I took a step forward towards the Tower guarded by the Awakening Bureau officials who welcomed me.

“Welcome!”

Towards the 10th floor, where even greater rewards awaited.

***

Zurich, Switzerland

Inside a luxurious room decorated with antique ornaments.

At the center stood an oval table, surrounded by ten assigned seats.

Each seat was occupied by people dressed in unique outfits.

Heavy-looking medium armor and swords, robes and staves, martial arts uniforms and battle clothes.

They were an assembly from an untraceable era.

All their gazes fixed on a single point.

At that point—

“…First, thank you for responding to this sudden meeting request.”

Ikeda Kaito, dressed in loose samurai attire, bowed his head in gratitude toward those present.

Such a polite gesture was a rare sight.

And there was a reason for it—who was Ikeda Kaito?

One of the world’s top three Breakers, and the Guild Master of Oni, Japan’s premier Guild.

Even as a national leader, he would rarely bow so humbly, but here he was, showing utmost respect.

And that was because those gathered held statuses where it was only natural for him to bow.

As their attire showed, they too were Awakened.

Guild leaders ruling the United States, Russia, China, England, France, India, Italy, and more.

“Hmm, it’s good to see everyone after a long time, but I never thought Ikeda Kaito himself would organize a summit.”

A large man clad in armor reminiscent of a gladiator dominated the room.

What caught attention in his words was the ‘summit’—this secret gathering.

Not mere posturing, but a meeting only accessible to those qualified at the world’s pinnacle.

The requirement?

Successfully clearing the 60th floor.

Only Awakened or Guilds who have conquered the 60th floor can join this summit.

And those who succeeded worldwide were exactly the ten Awakened and Guild Masters gathered here.

“So, why convene this summit so urgently?”

An Eastern man wearing a golden dragon robe asked.

“I’ll be straightforward.”

With no time to waste, Ikeda Kaito got straight to the point.

“I intend to use the Summon Ticket.”

At this baffling declaration, a heavy silence filled the room.

Two reactions surfaced:

Some grimaced in anger.

Others, wearing faint smiles of intrigue.

The side displeased spoke first.

“Are you planning to start World War III?”

A man clad in pure white armor matching his flowing blonde hair expressed quiet fury.

“Heh—Why would someone who understands this act so rashly? There’s more to say, so don’t rush me.”

A middle-aged man, intrigued by the situation, intervened wearing a white fedora and a perfectly fitted striped suit, mediating.

“Please continue.”

Ikeda Kaito silently thanked him with a nod and resumed what he had been unable to say earlier.

“You all know about the recent disgraceful incident between South Korea and the authorities.”

Everyone was aware, though unspoken.

How could they not be?

Japan, a member of the Four Powers, was shocked by the humiliating blow dealt by the underdeveloped Awakening country, South Korea.

“Many dismissed it as a foolish, minor incident caused by Koreans… but he crossed the line. He insulted my homeland and even humiliated my beloved.”

Control of Japan Tower, and the demand to hand over Ha Yeon Lee.

To Ikeda Kaito, that was an unacceptable boundary.

“So, you’re going to use the Summon Ticket just over a woman?”

Though invoking the homeland, it was clearly an international dispute.

Japan itself retaliated against South Korea, but their actions were thwarted and met with counterattacks.

Honestly, the ‘insult to the homeland’ was just an added justification; the real reason was the insult to his lover, Ha Yeon Lee.

In short, he intended to wield the powerful Summon Ticket simply because his lover was insulted.

“I’m maintaining proper decorum.”

Cold words that could frost over the air.

A sharp, piercing energy akin to a drawn blade filled the room.

“So, please refrain from crossing the line any further.”

This was no joke.

His gaze flickered with what seemed like madness.

“Hey, Samurai. Calm down. It’s a joke, a joke!”

A black man with dreadlocks braided as if one and wearing sunglasses and a headset acted exaggeratedly to mediate.

“Everyone, quiet.”

The shout quelled the rising chaos.

Silence, as if by magic, descended.

Even Ikeda Kaito’s murderous aura vanished.

At the very center of the oval table sat a man in a crimson suit straight out of a tokusatsu show, helmeted, scanning the surroundings once.

“The proposal to use the Summon Ticket has been made. So, I ask, where do you intend to use it?”

To his question, Ikeda Kaito answered, “South Korea.”

“South Korea, huh. As you know, according to the treaty we signed when joining the summit, Summon Ticket usage is only allowed against countries not part of the summit. South Korea isn’t a member, so use is possible, but there’s one more necessary step—a vote.”

A treaty is automatically signed when joining the summit.

The most important part: the use of the Summon Ticket.

Because it’s a powerful national offensive tool, its use between summit member countries is strictly prohibited.

If violated, the remaining countries agree to launch an all-out assault on the offending country.

Even if used against a non-member, the consequences must be considered, so majority approval of the summit members is required.

“Any last words before the vote?”

A call to present persuasive arguments to gain consent.

“As you all know, South Korea’s ranking is rising rapidly. They’ve already secured 5th place in the weekly rankings, and if they proceed to clear Very Hard difficulty, we don’t know when the rankings will change.”

Ikeda Kaito was smart.

He deliberately excluded Japan and his own interests, emphasizing this matter as for the public good.

“Crushing budding sprouts is the ruler’s prerogative. I request severe punishment using the Summon Ticket. Of course, Japan and I, Oni Guild, will bear all criticism and public opinion.”

“You only need to blow your nose without touching it.”

Yet, none present showed any agitation or emotion at those words.

“Then, let the vote begin.”

A moment for thought.

“All in favor of using the Summon Ticket, raise your hand.”

“Whoosh.”

Hands rose.

Of the nine others besides Ikeda Kaito, six raised their hands.

Though unspoken, this was expected.

Because the Summon Ticket was like a nuclear weapon in upheavals—a vital national attack tool.

They understood that it would be wasted here.

Moreover, targeting South Korea, which had been rising and needed checking.

Since Ikeda Kaito said Japan and Oni Guild would take all the blame, there was no reason to refuse.

“Six votes. My opinion won’t matter. Then, I approve Ikeda Kaito’s use of the Summon Ticket.”

The approval was finally given.

“Thank you.”

Ikeda Kaito bowed respectfully.

No time to hesitate.

Before Kim Si-won grew any stronger, the plan was to turn South Korea into a sea of flames.

“Swish.”

He pulled out the ticket.

Completely blackened, emitting an ominous dark red aura.

“Ssssshhh!” He tore it.

At that moment—

[Japan’s Ikeda Kaito has used a Summon Ticket targeting the nation (South Korea).]

[A summoned creature (Wyvern) designated in one of South Korea’s central locations will appear.]

The summoned creature of this ticket was a Wyvern.

A high-level boss monster with scales harder than steel and flames capable of reducing dozens to ashes in an instant.

Among boss monsters dwelling above the 50th floor, it was an extremely powerful, top-tier beast.

It had been summoned right in the heart of the city, so South Korea would have no choice but to remain silent for the time being.

No one knew when another boss monster might be summoned again.

‘Kim Si-won. Don’t forget this was all caused by you.’

And the root of this whole mess was Kim Si-won.

South Korea would curse him as the one who dared oppose great Japan.

“Then, with that, this summit is adjourned…!”

Just as the meeting was about to dissolve—

[The nation (South Korea) has defeated the summoned Wyvern.]

[The nation (Japan) that used the Summon Ticket is cursed by the Wyvern.]

[Wyverns frequently appear at Japan Tower, attacking climbers.]

An unbelievable message echoed through the room and across the world.