Damn Necromancer - Chapter 143

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Spendthrift Necromancer (143)
The Demonstration
Whoooosh!
Vehicles streaking across the track from dawn till dusk, lap after lap.
Ever since Isabella had made her appearance, he’d already suspected the performance wasn’t fake, to some degree…….
But witnessing it with his own eyes was another matter entirely.
―There’s no way this is rigged, right……?
―It’s being broadcast live, drones and cameras all over the inside and outside of the car, and foreign press outlets are all here shooting?
―Wake up ㅋㅋ it’s Isabella, the promotional ambassador ㅋㅋ
―There’s not a single person who didn’t go all-in on Ilseong, right? ㅋㅋㅋ
―All the US battery companies are heading to bankruptcy rally ㅋㅋㅋ
―Hold tight ㅋㅋ the circuit breaker’s coming ㅋㅋㅋ
―Black Monday ㅋㅋㅋ
Panic selling.
The act of throwing stocks away in terror.
That’s exactly what the US stock market was doing right now.
Last night had been chaos too, but the shockwave was nothing like this. At least it had recovered after the circuit breaker triggered once.
Afterward, the index managed to hold around –2.6%, defending its ground reasonably well.
This time was different.
Each time Voltron completed another lap around the track, the indices began sliding downward in lockstep. Any dramatic rebound after the circuit breaker, like yesterday?
There was none.
Even laypeople who knew nothing about technology could see that 1,000 kilometers per charge versus 3,000 kilometers was an absolutely staggering difference.
The gap felt even wider to engineers.
The US battery industry?
All of it had lost the will to fight.
Wall Street was screaming too. America’s hegemony, maintained for decades. That held true not just for Gates, but for technology as well.
Naturally, stock prices had been soaring past peak after peak after peak. Even novice investors had been hearing the advice to just buy US dividend stocks if you didn’t know what else to do.
But the circuit breaker just tripped?
S&P –9%.
―9.1%.
―9.3%.
.
.
“Sell it all! Dump every last shred of battery-related stock!”
“Save us!”
The real problem was that this shockwave wouldn’t end with just today.
How many industries used batteries?
Apple alone was taking a beating of –5%, putting on a beautiful crash. There was nothing to stop the circuit breaker from tripping again tomorrow, or the day after.
The White House was in the same unprecedented chaos.
President Robert.
He exhaled a long sigh, head in his hands with a troubled expression.
‘Damn it.’
Tacit approval for battery industry entry.
That was one of the demands Kim Min-woo had made when they’d met last time.
Robert had agreed to it.
Batteries?
That was America’s domain of dominance.
Countless leading global companies had thrown down the gauntlet, but not a single one had succeeded.
That’s why.
He’d agreed to it.
But barely two weeks after agreeing, something bizarre showed up.
He summoned technicians and scientists and asked them:
“……What exactly is the performance level of that thing?”
“If you want a joke answer, we’d say it’s on the level of interrogating an alien. Our current US batteries can’t compete.”
“The technological gap is at least twenty years. The material composition is so complex that making a knockoff is virtually impossible.”
“Sigh…….”
Robert exhaled heavily.
Based on Korea’s recent import-export trends, it was safe to assume they’d already finished preparations for mass production. The enormous resources flowing in from China.
And seeing them continuously expand factories, he had to conclude that production itself wasn’t particularly difficult.
Of course, they probably couldn’t handle global demand all at once, so for now they’d only export to select nations…….
Even that alone was a death knell for the battery industry. The frantic lobbying in the corridors of the White House, the desperate pleas for salvation—that was just the icing on the cake.
They had every reason to panic.
Companies like Apple were already slashing their battery orders, desperately scrambling to establish connections with Ilseong.
Robert gathered his aides and spoke.
“……Let’s think carefully about what the best course of action might be here.”
“There are methods available—sanctions, embargoes, that sort of thing—to pressure Korea, but…….”
“It’s not that simple. Kim Min-woo and I have already signed formal contracts. They even include language about turning a blind eye to the battery industry. Of course, if we were willing to circumvent the terms, there are technically ways to implement such measures, but…….”
Then.
The CIA director spoke carefully.
“Mr. President. Kim Min-woo once kept the Chairman of China waiting in the middle of Beijing. He’s not someone with a mild temperament—he won’t sit still about this.”
“……I suppose not. That’s the problem. If he were to act—what do you think Kim Min-woo would do?”
“……He’d strengthen his alliance with China, sir. Since we’re the ones breaking our promise first, he won’t hesitate to approach the Chairman directly.”
“Mmph…….”
“What’s more, our American Awakeners might lose their drive toward the future. Kim Min-woo’s instruction is worth that much. And then there’s the matter of Highest-Grade Elixir supplies. I imagine he’d distribute them as he sees fit.”
The scientific community weighed in with equally grim assessments.
“Mr. President. The technology Kim Min-woo has unveiled represents a kind of ultra-gap technology. If we impose sanctions, American companies won’t be able to use Slime Batteries either—we have to factor that in. Our competitiveness will suffer tremendously.”
“The military side faces serious problems as well. The underwater range of submarines equipped with Slime Batteries will be entirely different from those without.”
“……Yes, that’s true.”
Weapons systems had lost some of their dominance now that Awakeners existed, but that hardly made them irrelevant.
“So you think we simply have to accept it?”
The advisors fell silent.
America losing its technological hegemony. True, it was just in the battery sector, but the ripple effects would be far from negligible.
“……It’s a difficult situation. Considering everything, I believe compromise is the best we can hope for.”
‘This is maddening.’
Compromise?
Was that even possible?
Two parties could laugh together only when they shared mutual profit.
But what profit could America possibly share in this Slime Battery arrangement?
At best, Korea might transfer the technology and the two nations would monopolize it. But would they really do that graciously, using common sense?
He’d only met Kim Min-woo briefly, but the man was far from manageable.
He’d undoubtedly demand a very steep price in return.
Robert caught sight of his hairline receding further, and his expression grew melancholy.
“……Very well. I understand. All of you, you’re dismissed.”
Once the room had emptied, he exhaled heavily and picked up the phone.
In the end, no matter how he looked at it.
America had no choice but to reach out first.
* * *
‘Smooth sailing all the way.’
The Voltron kept racing forward as if it could run all night without breaking a sweat.
Unfortunately, Isabella hadn’t taken on the role of brand ambassador for the vehicle itself, but that was fine.
In fact, that absence only made the Slime Battery seem more genuine—the conviction spread faster. You could see it in the stock prices of American battery companies alone.
Then.
A call came through on his phone.
A very familiar number.
He smiled and picked up.
“Yes. This is Kim Min-woo.”
―This is Robert. I imagine you have a sense of why I’m calling.
“Have you reached a decision?”
―We’ll honor our commitment. However, I’d like to propose that we pursue mutual prosperity. If all the battery companies collapse, it becomes quite difficult for America as well.
“Of course. Mutual prosperity. Such a beautiful word.”
Living together.
What a fine concept it was.
Kim Min-woo was entirely willing.
Just so long as he held the leash.
“As it happens, I need many production facilities. I’ll share the technology with you. Just provide generous royalties. The contract term—let me see—around thirty years should do nicely.”
American battery companies?
Convert them all into Slime Battery production facilities. That would immediately satisfy the overwhelming demand and accelerate the market penetration of Slime Batteries dramatically.
Growing the market together with America would expand it far beyond its current size.
―……What percentage of sales royalties do you have in mind?
“Thirty percent of the profit margin should work nicely.”
―Hmm…… thirty percent seems rather steep, I must say. The battery industry won’t take kindly to it.
“Well then, if they won’t accept it, let them all go under. That’s how the world works—the incompetent fall away, don’t they?”
―…….
Robert fell silent.
―……Thirty percent is excessive. I’d hope you might show us some mercy.
True enough.
If I walked into negotiations asking for thirty percent, American newspapers would have a field day with the headlines.
Cartoons of Robert on his knees kissing my shoes, that sort of thing.
And with his reelection campaign looming, he’d want to avoid that spectacle.
“Then, Mr. President, you owe me one?”
―……Yes. I suppose I do. So if you might…….
“Very well. Twenty percent.”
―Twenty percent……?
“Let’s be honest with each other now. Factoring in market growth, this isn’t a proposal the United States can’t stomach. Twenty percent isn’t designed to strangle you.”
I’d intended to ask for twenty from the start.
But naming it first is amateur hour.
You have to bid high enough that the concession feels like a real win.
Robert had probably figured that out already.
Yet by accepting that he owed me a debt, he was signaling something deeper—his genuine desire to maintain smooth relations going forward.
A brief silence.
―……Very well. But tell me—is there anything else you’re hiding? Every time I hear from you, Kim Min-woo, my heart starts racing. And not in a good way.
“Trade secrets, I’m afraid. In any case, I’d appreciate if you’d convey this to the relevant CEOs. Make a show of your effort, why don’t you? After all, you did negotiate me down from thirty to twenty.”
―I’ll arrange a meeting with the battery company executives.
“One more thing—if they reject the first proposal, the next one will have higher royalties. Make sure they understand that.”
I’d delivered my warning.
Drag this out, and it’ll be America that bleeds.
* * *
The demonstration wrapped after thirty hours of continuous operation.
It ended in success, showcasing remarkable driving range.
And as the curtain fell,
tap-tap.
Isabella walked toward me.
She cleared her throat briefly.
“Spokeswoman here. Worked hard. Thirty hours sitting in that vehicle—I’m sore in places I didn’t know existed.”
“With your ability scores?”
“……Anyway, I did my best.”
“You’ve earned your rest. Go back home, relax, enjoy some good meals.”
I turned to leave.
Isabella grabbed my wrist urgently.
“Wait.”
“……?”
“……That’s it?”
“Is there something else?”
“The Heart Fist?”
“Heart Fist? What about it?”
“When I asked back then, didn’t you tell me to focus on being a good spokeswoman first?”
“I did. Wasn’t that the price for introducing you to those people? Surely you weren’t expecting to learn something like that just for running one demonstration?”
Her face flushed crimson as she spoke.
“……I’m not shameless. It’s just…….”
“Just what?”
“……You’re really sending me back like this?”
“Well, I can’t think of anything else I’d gain from you. Nothing left to ask, really.”
“……Is it the Tablet you want?”
“That? Why would something so trivial matter?”
“……Trivial? You valued it plenty back then.”
“The worth of things changes by the moment. You studied economics, didn’t you?”
A Tablet?
Isabella now wouldn’t trade three hundred of them for the Heart Fist.
She’d felt its power firsthand in sparring with King Kwon.
To a thirsty man in the desert, a cup of cool water is worth more than gold.
It was the same even now.
“What do you want?”
“I’m not entirely sure.”
“……Did you hold a grudge about the rejection back then?”
“I’m not petty enough for that. I simply don’t know what I want.”
It was about Voltron.
If you’re going to promote it anyway, bundle it as a set with something else and give it some real publicity.
East Asian vehicles aren’t the best, they said, and when they checked, they were disappointing — they turned it down completely.
Honestly, they weren’t wrong.
Ilseong vehicles did fall short compared to Western luxury cars — that was a fact.
But a fact is a fact.
How much must it sting to hear such a thing?
That’s all I’m saying.
“Then I should be going. I need to grow quickly if I’m to keep the four-month promise.”
“Wait, hold on! Is it an advertisement for Ilseong products you’re after?”
“I’m not sure. But one thing I’m certain of: if you want to learn something like the Fist of Heart, shouldn’t your side show some sincerity too? Whatever form that takes.”
“…….”
Isabella fell silent.
When you want something from someone, but don’t know what they want in return.
That’s always the most difficult position to be in.
Kim Min-woo understood this.
That’s why he was doing this.
The vaguer the request.
‘The more you can gain.’
Teach the Heart Fist just for a simple advertisement as Ilseong’s spokesperson?
The math didn’t add up at all.
“Go back home and think carefully. What do I need to give you before you’d be willing to teach me…….”
That’s when he was about to finish speaking.
● You are humanity’s “One Who Opened the Horizon”!
● You are aware of the world’s transformations!
● You have caused more than ten major powers to select special options!
● Achievement Points of 50…….
● First batch selection bonus of 150 points…….
● You possess an Achievement Vending Machine! Points are doubling…….
A familiar message appeared.
It was a message that popped up whenever he was bored — SS-rank Awakeners kept emerging, and the proportion choosing Necromancer had risen as well.
But there was one difference.
‘Additional bonus points?’
The eleventh Necromancer had appeared, granting additional bonus points. And because of that…….
● Total Achievement Points acquired have surpassed 3,000!
● “Gold” tier items are now unlocked!
● Exclusive merchandise for “Necromancer” has been generated! (10 hours until sale ends)
● The value of “Earth Credits” has risen enough to establish an exchange rate with Achievement Points.
● You have contributed most significantly to the rise in Earth Credit value. As compensation, you receive one special privilege.
● From now on, you can exchange Earth Credits for Achievement Points.
“What?”
Earth Credits.
This was the unit Lastan from the Heavenly Auction House used when talking about Earth money.
Which meant now…….
He could duplicate Achievement Points using actual currency?

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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