I Conquered the Tower with the EX-Class Character That I Raised - Chapter 82

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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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Chapter 82
The global landscape shifted dramatically.
South Korea, gasping on the brink of collapse, miraculously rose from the ashes.
Moreover, from the 71st Floor to the 94th Floor—territory humanity had never once set foot upon.
They now monopolized farming rights to the so-called “uncharted lands,” seizing cards that would shake the entire world’s balance of power.
“Tsk.”
Richard Sterling, the American Hunter Association Chairman, stared with disgust at the phone that had been abruptly disconnected, then hurled it directly at the marble wall.
Crack!
The latest-model smartphone shattered into pieces, scattering fragments across the floor.
“Insolent woman.”
Stroking his blonde hair, slicked back in a neat pompadour, Richard spat onto the floor with a contemptuous sound.
“Clean it up. And bring me a new one.”
The bodyguards in black suits standing at attention moved with the practiced ease of long habit.
One dropped to his knees and quietly swept up Richard’s saliva and the phone fragments, while another produced a pre-configured smartphone from his jacket and presented it respectfully.
Mechanical movements—the kind that suggested these outbursts were routine, not aberrations.
Without sparing them a glance, Richard snatched the new phone and snorted, moving toward the window.
“Hah.”
The vista of New York sprawled beneath his feet.
Since the Tower had claimed Washington and the city fell, New York—now America’s new capital, the “City”—had become Richard’s habit to gaze upon from above.
His success. His monument. His trophy.
The city itself was his achievement.
Buzz—
‘Hmm?’
Then.
A “dedicated phone,” kept hidden deep within his jacket, began to ring.
‘What could this be about, suddenly?’
“Everyone out.”
At Richard’s gesture, the bodyguards scrambled hastily from the room.
“What is it?”
Richard’s voice as he answered was far more cautious than it had been during his conversation with Min Ji-hee.
[Richard, I need you to handle something for me.]
The voice on the other end belonged to Iransu, the Pandemonium Guild Master.
Richard’s spine curved involuntarily—the posture of a junior employee receiving a call from someone far above.
“Of course. What do you need?”
[Set up a meeting with South Korea’s upper echelon. As soon as possible.]
“Understood.”
[And…]
Iransu drew out his next words deliberately.
Richard naturally held his breath.
[Have a little fun while you’re at it.]
“…Are you joking?”
[I’m about to send something your way.]
Thunk.
The moment Iransu finished speaking, something hard brushed against my feet.
‘?!’
I jerked back in alarm and glanced down to see a mana stone chunk glowing with a faint luminescence rolling across the ground.
‘Where did this suddenly come from…?’
Cold sweat trickled down Richard Sterling’s back.
Even with his sensory field perpetually open as an S-rank hunter, not a single fluctuation of mana had registered on his radar.
[Ah, your first time seeing this? If you’re my ‘contractor’, I can transmit objects through your shadow from anywhere.]
“…Impressive, indeed.”
If Iransu spoke true, that mana stone had erupted from Richard Sterling’s own shadow.
The straight-line distance from the West Sea off South Korea to New York was roughly eleven thousand kilometers.
Across that vast expanse, with no warning whatsoever, he had bridged the gap through nothing but shadow itself and transmitted an object.
‘…What exactly is Master’s ability?’
There was a time I thought it was magic wielded through shadow.
But there were far too many peculiarities to dismiss it as mere ‘shadow magic’.
Still, after observing for so many years, I prided myself on understanding most of his techniques, even if the true nature of his power remained a mystery…
‘Yet with this single move, he effortlessly widens the gap.’
Richard Sterling let out a hollow laugh and picked up the mana stone.
“Grade A. And high quality at that. Why would you give something so precious to me?”
[It’s not just a mana stone. Well, it’s more like… a monster ball, you could say.]
“A monster ball?”
[There’s a monster inside it.]
“…?”
Richard Sterling held the mana stone up to the sunlight.
Nothing was visible.
‘Something seems to shimmer inside, or maybe it doesn’t.’
[Heh heh. Just joking.]
“…Why make such unsettling jokes?”
[My hobby.]
“I see. And then?”
[I’m giving it to you as a gift.]
“Oh. I couldn’t possibly refuse. South Korea is chronically starved for mana stones. A Grade A stone in a single negotiation? They’d go mad with excitement.”
[Right. If you’re going to do this… make it grand. A grand stage where many gather, so everyone can witness this ‘gift’ you’re presenting.]
“…Heh.”
Richard Sterling exhaled a satisfied laugh.
The image of himself presenting that precious mana stone as a gift, and that arrogant Min Ji-hee’s eyes widening in shock, filled him with pleasure.
That defiant woman who never broke, always quick to bristle and challenge him.
Imagining her finally swallowing her petty pride and bowing her head at his feet…
My mood was unbearably good.
‘As expected, dealings with Pandemonium are always satisfying.’
“Hehe…”
[Hehe…]
The laughter of two serpents, their true intentions sharply concealed, filled their respective spaces.
* * *
“All done.”
“Yes, you’ve worked hard.”
Feeling Jin Cheon-jin’s hands massage my shoulders, I reviewed the ‘Priority Negotiation List’ I had just finished drafting.
I had every detail memorized.
The reasoning behind the rankings as well.
But this document was meant to be reported to the Apostle…
Not a single typo could slip through.
[1. Italy]
“The Holy Maiden’s country. You decided to rank it first?”
“The grace the Saint has shown us… we must repay it without fail.”
Everyone had abandoned South Korea.
In fact, Italy itself had been among the nations that turned their backs on South Korea until just before Yereche’s visit.
Yet in the final moment, it was Yereche’s Italy that extended a hand and helped us clear Floor 94.
For the Korean Hunter Association, this was the first helping hand we had ever received…
Gratitude, and more gratitude.
Of course, that wasn’t the only reason.
“Floor 95 will certainly be a perilous journey to clear as well. Therefore, at this timing, we need to make it known to all nations that ‘South Korea repays its debts.'”
Once again, because no S-rank healer existed domestically, we had no choice but to borrow strength from abroad.
‘…To be precise, the Apostle procured it for us.’
Remembering that our combat power aside from tanks was failing, foreign assistance would always be necessary.
Until now, I had painfully learned that under the title of ‘a nation in ruin,’ we could receive no one’s help.
‘Now I must carry the title of ‘a nation that repays its debts’ and actively seek assistance.’
To do that, I had to repay Italy first and foremost, the nation that had extended its hand.
[2. United States]
“That’s unexpected.”
“Well… regardless of how repulsive Richard is, you can’t leave the United States out of the Hunter era.”
In the twenty-first century, the United States was already a superpower.
But after the Hunter era began, it had transcended even superpower status to become the undisputed strongest nation on Earth.
An abundance of Hunter resources.
A blessed starting floor of the 2nd level.
…Above all, the fact that they were the first to secure the ‘blessed 40th floor’—the layer where ‘Tower-made’ magic stones could be harvested most abundantly—and developed the magic stone industry gave them a tremendous advantage.
[3. China & Japan & Russia]
“Neighboring nations.”
“I intend to leave this entirely to the Apostle’s judgment. Each has its own merits and drawbacks.”
After checking off the final top ten, Min Ji-hee nodded with satisfaction.
“The Apostle should be arriving soon.”
Min Ji-hee had prepared a presentation.
At this very moment, when the great powers were pressing aggressively for high-floor farming rights in the Tower.
The Apostle’s judgment had to take precedence over everything else.
‘He thinks on a grander scale than I do, so he’ll definitely make a wise decision.’
* * *
“…and so, we wish to establish friendly relations in this manner.”
Min Ji-hee concluded her presentation with unwavering confidence.
‘Hmm, not a single mistake. Perfect.’
Inwardly smiling, I had just given myself a perfect score of one hundred out of one hundred for the presentation.
“…Min Ji-hee, you seem to be misunderstanding something.”
At the Apostle’s lukewarm response, my heart dropped with a thud.
“Eh, yes?”
“Perhaps… you didn’t understand…”
The Apostle sighed softly, as if exasperated…
“The Tower’s resources are not shared with anyone.”
With a composed expression, he dropped a bombshell.
“…What.”
I hadn’t anticipated this.
“It’s all mine… no, ours.”
* * *
‘Why would I share such precious Tower resources.’
It made no sense.
And the United States, no less?
Right now, the place beeping loudest on the ‘aggression radar’ is there—the nation with the strongest hostility toward South Korea.
South Korea is me, after all.
Hostility toward South Korea is hostility toward me.
So there’s no reason to associate with such people.
‘Min Ji-hee probably doesn’t know information like that yet.’
But setting that aside, how should I put it.
Naive.
‘My Min Ji-hee has changed.’
After clearing Floor 94, did she become sentimental?
I truly never expected such words as ‘let us prosper together’ to come from that cold and calculating Min Ji-hee’s mouth.
—Kekeke. The time has come. Let us repay all the oppression and contempt we’ve endured.
—Kikikik. This is what America said to me 4 years, 3 months, 1 day, 19 hours, 33 minutes, and 24 seconds ago…
That’s what Min Ji-hee would do—pull out a ‘ledger of grudges’ meticulously documenting every single thing she’s suffered without omission.
‘Min Ji-hee. You’ve failed to be Min Ji-hee.’
Try to be more like yourself.
“Then I’ll reject all the interview requests that have come in.”
“?”
No, wait.
“Accept the interview requests.”
“Yes? But didn’t you just say you’d reject them?”
“Does she really not understand this…”
At those words, Min Ji-hee’s shoulders shrank like a crushed can.
Min Ji-hee really isn’t cut out for business.
Yet she blocks monster waves so well.
I immediately called Kang Hyo-jun.
“Send Lee Hyung-je up.”
[…Yes.]
Lee Hyung-je rushed to the Hunter Association conference room in an instant.
His face, freed from grueling work, had brightened considerably, and his eyes shot forth gratitude for being summoned…
“Golden Mine. Do one more job for me.”
“…Yes?”
Fat chance!
I immediately drop another work bomb on him.
“I, I’m already so busy right now…”
“I see.”
“I can’t even go home or eat properly. Maybe someone else could…”
“I see.”
“….”
“I see.”
As I stare at him as if asking if he has anything else to say…
Lee Hyung-je begins sweating profusely.
Answer quickly.
There’s only one possible answer anyway.
“…I, I’ll do it.”
“Good. Congratulations.”
My condolences, Mr. Lee Hyung-je.
You’re the best businessman in our country.
And the best in the world as well.
Leaving such talent idle would be a betrayal—not just to me, but to the nation itself.
“From this moment forward, you are appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of the Golden Foundation, Director of Special Operations, Head of Korean Tower Resource Management, and as the Korean Tower Entry Rights Distribution Special Task Force with full authority over Tower resource negotiations…”
“….”
“Do you understand?”
“Yes?”
“…From this moment forward, you are the Chief Financial Officer of the Golden Foundation…”
“I, I understand.”
Lee Hyung-je let out a long sigh and withdrew a handkerchief, dabbing his forehead with deliberate pats.
Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and gathered his thoughts.
When Lee Hyung-je opened his eyes again, they had transformed into those of a cold-blooded businessman and merchant.
“So, to summarize: my task is to sell the ‘Korean Tower’ as expensively as possible. Is that correct?”
I nodded in affirmation.
‘His comprehension is indeed swift.’
“But I need clarification on one point. What exactly can I sell? For instance, can I only sell farming permits for Floor 75 and below…?”
“You’re being naive again.”
I shook my head slowly.
At that moment, Min Ji-hee cast Lee Hyung-je a look of subtle kinship and pity—as if to say ‘you’re no different’—while Lee Hyung-je blinked in bewilderment.
It seemed I needed to spell out the answer for him.
“Lee Hyung-je, sell the right to meet with the ‘Task Force Commander.’ Tell them you’ll meet with whoever offers better terms first.”
“…Surely not?”
‘His intuition is sharp after all.’
“I see… so I just need to raise my own value?”
“Squeeze out every last drop.”
“And the Tower entry permits…?”
“A lure that seems within reach but remains just out of grasp. That’s what drives prey to madness.”
“Pacing and control are essential then. Now I understand why you summoned me.”
Lee Hyung-je nodded with conviction.
“The picture is clear. I’ll take it from here.”
Once the greatest merchant in the world.
A legendary trader who had earned the most points in the barren wasteland of South Korea through commerce alone.
Golden Mine had awakened from his long slumber.
Watching Golden Mine rise with renewed vigor, followed by Min Ji-hee in his wake.
I leisurely observed the radar display.
“Now then, let’s see how this prey moves.”
Nopi in my hand.
And the ‘Sword Spirit’ synchronized with it felt particularly reassuring today.
* * *
[Grand Open]
Korean Tower Floors 71–94 Unexplored Farming Rights Opening Celebration Package Now on Sale!
[General]
Farming Rights Negotiation Table ‘First Entry Lottery Ticket’ (100-Draw Package)
An opportunity for top-priority face-to-face negotiations with Commander Lee Hyung-je, who holds full authority over Korean Tower entry permit distribution!
Through lottery selection, we offer a mere ‘5-minute’ priority negotiation window.
Probability: 0.001%
(※ Ceiling System Implemented! Guaranteed Bronze Table Waiting Ticket upon 1,000 purchases!)
(First-come, first-served benefits—hurry!)
Price: Inquiry (Market Rate)
[Season Pass]
Floors 71–94 Early Bird Priority Negotiation Pass (Season 1)
Tired of tedious lotteries? Upon purchase, you’re immediately registered in the ‘Silver Tier’ negotiation queue with priority access.
30% reduction in waiting time, plus one complimentary bottle of water in the negotiation hall!
※This pass is valid only for ‘Season 1’. Next month, you must purchase a separate ‘Season 2 Pass’ to maintain negotiation eligibility.
Price: Negotiable
[Limited Edition]
VVIP Diamond Tier Special Waiting Pass (Ultimate Edition)
An elegant choice for global superpowers.
This is an admission ticket to the VVIP waiting lounge, which includes a one-on-one private meeting with Lee Hyung-je (maximum 10 minutes) and premium catering service.
Bonus Perk: Autographed poster from the Floor 94 clear party. (※ 0.1% chance of acquisition)
Price: Consultation required
[Essential Terms to Review Before Purchase (★★★★★)]
1. These products are NOT Floor 94 entry passes. They are tickets that grant you the right to negotiate the price of an entry pass.
2. If negotiations fail, the ticket purchase cost will not be refunded under any circumstances.
(Regardless of reason: mere change of mind, insufficient funds, tardiness to the negotiation table, etc.)
3. Even if you have acquired actual Tower entry authorization, you must separately purchase the essential survival DLCs: [Floors 70+ Clear Guide Parts 1–10], [Floors 80+ Clear Guide Parts 1–10], [Floors 91–94 Clear Guide Parts 1–10].
South Korea assumes no responsibility for total party annihilation resulting from non-purchase.
* * *
“WHAT THE FXCK?”
Richard’s face flushed crimson with rage as he read the official document bearing the Korean Hunter Association’s seal.
It was absurd.
What nation dared treat the United States this way?
“These vulgar, inferior creatures…!”
His hands trembled.
Richard shook as though he might tear the document to shreds.
Yet in the end, he couldn’t bring himself to destroy this ‘flyer’.
[1% discount with this official document]
[No meeting possible without this official document]
…It was those final two lines.
[Point of Sale: Hanam Fortress, near the Korean Tower]
“Prepare the private jet immediately!!!”
Richard carefully folded the flyer and tucked it into his breast pocket, then bellowed his command.
He couldn’t afford to bluff his way out of this—the bait was far too tempting.
Richard’s eyes gleamed with fury.

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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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