I’m the Only One With Two Towers - Chapter 125

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Only I Have Two Towers Episode 125

Exercising Influence

Before the System Message related to the Runner was broadcast.

“We’ll take a 15-minute break.”

Those who had participated in the summit rose from their seats.

The United Kingdom had decided to set upper limits for each country to protect its domestic steel industry and impose tariffs when those limits were exceeded.

Today was the day to determine those upper limits, and each country’s fortunes were mixed.

Before leaving the conference room, Japanese Trade Minister Masaru smiled.

At the end of his gaze was Korean Trade Minister Kim Woo-hyeok.

‘He must be dying inside.’

Indeed, Kim Woo-hyeok’s expression was dark, and for good reason.

The upper limit just given to Korea was 15%.

This was ridiculously low compared to China’s 30% and Japan’s 25%.

‘They should have invested properly in advance.’

China is the largest holder of British bonds.

Japan comes next.

The United Kingdom had no choice but to grant generous upper limits to these two countries.

‘And they shouldn’t have been so stubborn.’

It wasn’t as if Korea hadn’t been given options.

The United Kingdom, as a great power, had offered opportunities.

They said they would raise the upper limit if Korea would share technology and open markets for various industries it possessed.

But Kim Woo-hyeok had rejected this proposal.

As a result, the miserable figure of 15% was given.

Masaru called the Japanese Government to report.

“Yes. This is Masaru. It looks like we’ll reach an agreement at the 25% line.”

# Not bad. What about Korea?

“15%. Quite miserable.”

# Excellent.

Both the person on the other end and Masaru let out satisfied chuckles.

It wasn’t that they were concerned about Korea due to personal grudges.

It was simply the sentiment between nations.

Whether soccer or baseball, the sentiment that ignites whenever the title “Korea-Japan match” is attached.

Politics was no exception.

What if Japan, a relatively stronger nation, received lower results than Korea in this negotiation?

Even with absolutely good results, they would face a barrage of public criticism.

Though such a thing wouldn’t happen due to the overwhelmingly large difference in ratios.

“Yes. There don’t seem to be any variables, so I’ll contact you again once it’s finished.”

After hanging up, Masaru stretched with the most relaxed expression in the world.

And not far away.

Kim Woo-hyeok, looking deathly pale, leaned back in his chair.

‘This is worse than expected.’

A hollow laugh escaped him.

He had come to negotiate, but hadn’t even been able to have a proper negotiation.

The technology sharing and market opening proposed by the United Kingdom was tantamount to telling South Korea to give up all exports in industries other than steel.

It was absolutely unacceptable.

‘Their arrogance has gotten worse since the Tower appeared.’

In a world where Players equal national power.

The United Kingdom was far ahead of Korea in this aspect as well.

That’s why they could propose such unreasonable conditions.

‘I have no face to show Chairman Jin Tae-gon.’

The steel industry, which had made enormous contributions to Korean exports following automobiles and semiconductors.

Among them, Genex was a company that had contributed greatly to the nation’s development since long ago.

But 15%—it was a heartbreaking figure.

‘I hope it’s only the United Kingdom acting this way.’

This was likely just the beginning.

Today’s results would serve as precedent in future negotiations.

Korea would be seen by the great powers as a country that could be given just 15%.

“We’ll begin the final negotiations.”

Kim Woo-hyeok stood up with a devastated heart.

It was called negotiations, but it was really just a procedure to receive the final verdict on already determined figures.

“First…”

Ding!

Just as the British minister was about to speak.

A system sound suddenly rang out.

And everyone’s mouths fell open at the message that began to appear.

Each official’s phone rang frantically.

The British side in particular had become quite busy.

“We’re sorry, but we’ll take another 10-minute break.”

The British officials gathered together and held their heads.

“What does the Prime Minister say?”

“He says he’s in an emergency meeting.”

“The timing is bad. This should have been announced after the conference ended.”

“Exactly.”

The System is an absolute existence above all else.

Though its identity and principles haven’t been clarified, it’s a clear fact that the System possesses omnipotent power.

That System, with its incomparable massive influence, had promoted one Player’s achievements to the entire world.

Using the tremendous expression that he had saved Britain’s sun, no less.

“The reaction is explosive.”

The officials’ faces darkened.

From Tower Site, which boasts the world’s highest simultaneous users, to comment sections of articles in various media.

Praise was pouring in, saying that a Runner who was merely an individual had saved the nation of Britain.

But if Korea’s 15% upper limit were announced in this atmosphere?

All these reactions would surely turn into criticism and curses directed at Britain.

“Yes, Prime Minister. Yes. Yes. I understand. We’ll proceed that way.”

The Trade Minister who hung up the phone approached the microphone.

“Minister Kim Woo-hyeok. Please come here for a moment.”

Amid the tense atmosphere.

Behind-the-scenes negotiations between Britain and Korea began.

Jinhyeok’s group walked diligently across Snowdonia Park.

Jinhyeok was lost in serious contemplation.

‘Does the System like me? Or does it dislike me?’

Usually it was so unfriendly, but now it suddenly broadcast such a message to the entire world.

He couldn’t gauge the System’s stance at all.

He looked at his burning phone.

“Ugh.”

He quickly switched it to sleep mode.

He’d think about later matters later.

“Where’s Bungbung!”

“Did he abandon us?!”

“No. There are still two hours left until the promised time.”

He calmed down the angry Momo and Kancheo.

They finished their business too quickly, leaving them with time to kill.

“Should we grab something to eat?”

“Sounds good!”

“Momo will cook!”

After leaving the park, they looked around for a moment.

They found the perfect spot.

It seemed to be made for camping, as cooking was also possible there.

Momo pulled out well-dried firewood from her bag and stacked it up.

In an instant, she had created a campfire that would put any school retreat bonfire to shame.

Truly a friend with skillful hands.

“Kancheo, light the fire!”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Jinhyeok, who had been quietly watching, quickly reached out his hand.

Kancheo turned to look at Jinhyeok with his wrist caught.

“I think something strange just came out.”

When he made him open his tightly clenched hand, a handful of explosive clay appeared.

“Are you planning to blow everything up?”

“There’s nothing better than this for lighting fires.”

That might be true for buildings or mountains, but not here.

“I’ll light the fire, so Kancheo, make sure it doesn’t go out.”

“Yes, sir!”

He lit paper with a lighter and stuck it under the firewood.

Kancheo quickly ran over, crouched down, and blew on it with puffing breaths.

After some time, the fire spread to the firewood and began blazing brightly.

“I brought the fire to life!”

Kancheo walked over with his face covered in soot.

“I’m going to make tons!”

While Momo cooked after pulling out various ingredients, he sat Kancheo on his knee and wiped his cheeks.

“Hold this for a bit.”

He handed Kancheo his phone with a video playing.

Jinhyeok watched the video while wiping off the soot with wet wipes.

It was a video that had just been uploaded and hit number one on trending.

# Steel tariff negotiation summit. UK grants South Korea the highest ceiling of 40%.

“Why is this number one?”

He wondered if people these days were really interested in politics, but soon found out the reason.

# A dramatic agreement was reached. Korea’s previous ceiling was 15%, the lowest among participating countries. However, after messages related to the Runner system were distributed, the results changed dramatically.

‘So it wasn’t someone else’s business after all.’

Honestly, he didn’t even know such negotiations were taking place.

He reflected that he should pay more attention next time and scrolled through the comments.

@ Wow 40%? Wasn’t this the summit where Korea was expected to come in last?

@ They actually were in last place. Without the Runner, Korea’s steel industry would have just crashed.

@ This is bringing honor to the country. Shouldn’t steel companies do something for him? At this level, they should give him VVVVIP treatment.

‘That would be nice.’

He imagined the happy scenario of steel companies pooling together sponsorship money to gift him a private jet.

# The UK announced that the reason for the ceiling increase was because they completed additional negotiations that would benefit both Korea and mutual countries. While Japan and China expressed dissatisfaction, they couldn’t strongly oppose it since they had shown satisfaction with their current ceilings in previous negotiations.

@ Yeah, get lost. We’re number one.

@ Where are you trying to switch to now lol If you’re so upset about it, just take the runner.

Don’t say such unlucky things. What if they actually take you away?

No no, don’t worry no no, I’ll destroy Japan then.

@ Don’t you guys have a Runner at your place???

@ Jealous??

Jinhyeok nodded with a pleased expression.

‘The level of mockery is extraordinary.’

Truly a country famous for its sharp curses.

While Japan’s worst curses were “idiot” and “stupid,” Korea possessed a vast arsenal of insults that could tear opponents to shreds.

Perhaps due to this influence, their skill at roasting people was quite excellent.

“It’s done! Army stew and spicy stir-fried pork!”

“Ooh.”

Video watching ended there.

He took Kancheo and quickly went near the campfire.

Momo’s army stew was bubbling away.

True to the cook’s taste, it was packed with sausages and ham.

Jinhyeok was the first to ladle some broth and take a sip.

“How’s Momo’s army stew!!”

Jinhyeok gave two thumbs up.

It was moderately spicy and hot, just like grandma’s army stew.

“I was craving something spicy, this is perfect.”

“Please give me some too…?!”

Kancheo, who was holding out his bowl, suddenly lunged forward.

Kancheo kicked away Ellia, who was approaching with something in her hands.

“Old lady! What are you trying to put in the stew?!”

Ellia, who had fallen on her bottom, held out a potion.

“I was just trying to add a health tonic that increases stamina.”

Ellia got up while rubbing her bottom.

Momo, horrified, stood between the pot and Ellia.

“No! My army stew will die!”

Jinhyeok got up from his seat, went next to Ellia, and pulled away the growling Kancheo.

“Ellia is under special surveillance.”

“Special, you say. Good.”

Ellia only heard what she wanted to hear.

They continued their meal while keeping a watchful eye on her.

Momo’s cooking skills were getting better day by day.

The taste was good enough that she could open a Korean restaurant as a side business.

“The scenery is magnificent.”

Seira swallowed the ham she was chewing and looked around.

Dark and Jinhyeok also followed Seira’s lead and admired the scenery.

Just because they left the national park didn’t mean the beautiful nature disappeared.

“Ramen drop!”

“Put in five packs!”

After heartily eating even the noodles, Jinhyeok sprawled out on his back.

Kancheo said with a worried face.

“They say if you lie down right after eating, you’ll turn into a cat.”

“That doesn’t sound too bad.”

His full belly and the gentle mountain breeze blowing.

If it were daytime, he would have taken a long nap, but that wasn’t possible.

Jinhyeok opened his eyes and looked around at his friends.

“Should we go for a walk to help digest?”

They planned to make a quick trip before the helicopter arrived.

After struggling to get up, he pressed the button.

[Entering the 58th Floor of the Tower of Despair.]

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