The Heavenly Demon Destroys the Tower - Chapter 84
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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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Episode 84
Beijing, China. National Security Bureau Conference Room.
Wang Swei, Deputy Director of the National Security Bureau, received news from Korea and his expression grew grave.
‘Director Jin actually failed…….’
An agent who had never once failed before.
Director Jin, famous by the codename “Scar.”
Since she joined the National Security Bureau, her achievements had been so exceptional.
That despite her youth, she had received an extraordinary fast-track promotion to the rank of director.
When she had announced this time too that she would conduct the operation through Department 1014 alone, full of confidence.
‘Of course she would drag Lee Kang-han here.’
Compared to the missions Director Jin had undertaken so far.
‘Kidnapping Lee Kang-han’ should have been simple work.
And yet.
‘Player Ability being usable in reality…….’
This was a variable she had never anticipated.
Until now, countless Players had awakened and raised their Levels.
But Diana Iron or anyone like her was just an ordinary person in reality.
On top of that.
“……What do you all make of that video?”
Deputy Director Wang Swei slowly surveyed the conference room.
Second in rank at the National Security Bureau, the Deputy Director oversaw all operational matters.
The advisors he had assembled in this room were the core operational staff of the National Security Bureau.
Talented individuals adept at gathering and exploiting information from around the globe.
Yet even for such people.
The content in that video was something they had never witnessed before.
“To use Player Ability in reality, and to manipulate such a space like that…….”
“We’ve never even heard of a case like this.”
Trapped in a place called the Demon Realm Territory, where summoned creatures dwell.
A Department 1014 agent living like a slave under the designation of “Lowest-Tier Believer.”
And Director Jin herself, Director of Department 1014.
Twisted into a horrible form after receiving the Bone-Binding Torment.
Each detail struck them with sheer shock.
“Had I known Lee Kang-han possessed such power. I regret it. I should have invested that ten billion yuan back then, after hearing about Director Jin.”
“……At that time, it would have been too large a sum to spend on a single Player.”
“Yes, that was a rational decision at the time……. Sigh. It seems kidnapping Lee Kang-han is now impossible, doesn’t it?”
“Yes. The Korean government will strengthen their security now.”
When Lee Kang-han had single-handedly subdued twenty-one agents.
If bodyguards were added on top of that, kidnapping him would become difficult.
Wang Swei abandoned any lingering hope of kidnapping Lee Kang-han.
And decided instead to prepare a response to Korea’s protest.
“How should we handle the Korean government’s protest?”
“Say it was merely the rogue conduct of Department 1014’s Director. The content in the video can be dismissed as a false confession extracted through torture.”
In the video, some agents confessed to having reported to superiors and proceeded with the operation.
But from the National Security Bureau’s perspective, that was something they could easily deny.
“Yes. Communicate our regrets to the Korean side unofficially, but make clear that this incident was Director Jin’s personal rogue conduct and has no connection whatsoever to the National Security Bureau or the Party.”
“Understood.”
“And inquire whether those people trapped in the Demon Realm Territory can be repatriated to their home country.”
“You mean those people?”
“Yes. If not all, then at least Director Jin.”
Although this mission had failed.
Compared to the other agents who answered readily when torture was mentioned.
Director Jin kept her lips sealed to the very end.
That kind of steadfastness was genuinely commendable.
“Understood. However, since they are likely emotionally overwrought at present, it would be better to proceed after some time has passed.”
“Mm. Yes. That would be wisest for now.”
And so, regarding this kidnapping attempt.
China took the position that it was ‘Director Jin’s personal rogue conduct. The National Security Bureau knew nothing of it.’
And as they conveyed their regrets to the Korean government through unofficial channels.
“What? Strong Lee nearly got kidnapped by China?”
At the White House residence in Washington, America.
President Alfred was reviewing an urgent report from the CIA.
“That’s correct, sir. However, thanks to Lee Kang-han’s prompt response, we actually managed to capture all the Chinese operatives.”
“What? A Player is still a civilian, isn’t he? How could he escape from the agents’ grasp?”
“According to intelligence, the Player Lee Kang-han is capable of using Player Abilities even in the real world.”
“You’re joking.”
President Alfred’s eyes went wide.
The ability to use Player powers in reality.
“Then he’s practically superhuman!”
“Yes. He single-handedly subdued twenty-one armed operatives, according to reports.”
“Unfazed even in the face of firearms…… What a shame, what a shame. Strong Lee should have come to America!”
Lee Kang-han stood out distinctly from other Players.
President Alfred had shown interest in him repeatedly and had pushed for his recruitment.
But his agent had indicated that Lee Kang-han himself preferred to remain in Korea for now.
So Alfred had swallowed his disappointment and merely kept track of Lee Kang-han’s news.
And now an incident like this had erupted?
“But why wasn’t this incident made public?”
“It appears the Korean government is attempting to resolve the matter through private channels with China.”
“Hmph! That won’t solve anything. They’ll just keep tiptoeing around China!”
And then.
Whoosh.
President Alfred reached for his phone.
“Mr. President? Surely you’re not going to……?”
His aide noticed the president’s posture—both thumbs poised over the screen—resembled his usual habit of posting messages on social media.
The aide asked cautiously, hoping for a no.
Alfred’s head snapped up.
“This is an opportunity to tell the whole world about their atrocities! I’m going to post a message to the entire globe right now!”
“S-sir, but this is a matter between two nations. For us—for you personally to step in……”
“A bilateral issue? So you want me to stand by and watch while incompetent Korea tries to cover this up? And I need to show Strong Lee who he can really trust!”
With that declaration, President Alfred proceeded to act.
Tap. Tap.
Belying his age in his seventies,
his fingers moved with surprising speed as he rapidly uploaded to social media.
[China attempted to kidnap Strong Lee through despicable schemes! Fortunately, this attempt failed, but it is an act of terrorism we cannot tolerate! China will pay the price!]
[Korea failed to properly protect Strong Lee! Not only that, they’re scrambling to cover it up! Disappointing! America is different! We can keep Strong Lee safe!]
[Strong Lee is the best Player! The best Player belongs with the number one nation! Come to America! I guarantee you the finest treatment and ironclad security! America always welcomes you!]
Three messages posted in rapid succession on Alfred’s social media.
At a time when the world’s attention was already focused on Lee Kang-han, who had destroyed four towers yesterday,
Alfred’s words became a nuclear bomb,
and were soon splashed across headlines worldwide.
* * *
[Breaking News – US President: “China attempted to kidnap the Heavenly Demon……a terrorist act.” Fierce Condemnation!]
[Chinese State Media: “US improperly interferes in Korea’s internal affairs…… attempts to defame China with false information,” they criticize]
[President Alfred’s Bombshell Statement via Social Media…… “Lee Kang-han, come to America!”]
[Government Statement: “We had no intention of a cover-up…… this simply emerged on social media during our response.”]
President Alfred was an active user of social media.
Because he was the US President, his words often made the news,
but no news had ever had such massive ripple effects as this.
-What? Lee Kang-han was kidnapped?
-Chinese operatives tried to kidnap him yesterday? ㄷㄷ
-Wait? What about destroying the towers then; he destroyed 4 towers yesterday
-After catching the kidnappers, he went to the towers
-Wow… insane ㄷㄷ He went to the towers even in that situation?
Just yesterday evening during the broadcast,
Lee Kang-han had appeared calm and composed throughout the game.
But it turned out he’d only entered after preventing a kidnapping attempt.
-Wait, he’s already destroyed 7 towers now…… he even stopped the Tower of Light for 2 months…… they benefited so much and yet why suddenly try to kidnap him? ㅠㅠ
-There were rumors about live ammunition? Because tranquilizer darts didn’t work ㄷㄷ
-Wow these crazy bastards ㅡㅡ If Lee Kang-han had been injured yesterday, he wouldn’t have been able to break the 4-tower achievement
-Can’t they just revoke China’s achievement benefits…?
Public support for Lee Kang-han was already running high thanks to yesterday’s achievements.
As soon as the kidnapping incident broke, public opinion turned hostile in a heartbeat.
Meanwhile, outside Lee Kang-han’s house.
“Lee Kang-han! Is it true that there was an attempted kidnapping?”
“Is it really the Chinese government’s doing?”
“What do you think of President Alfred’s proposal?!”
Reporters from every media outlet had swarmed the place,
cameras in hand, bombarding him with questions.
“You cannot enter.”
“Please maintain order!”
Security personnel dispatched from the Presidential Office stood at the door, blocking them,
“Just a moment! We’re asking for an interview!”
“The people have the right to know!”
but the reporters refused to back down, locked in a tense standoff.
“It’s absolute chaos out there.”
“Sigh. It’s all President Alfred’s fault.”
Shin Yu-ri, who had entered Lee Kang-han’s house for the first time,
let out a weary breath as she watched the pandemonium outside.
“I’d heard President Alfred was addicted to social media, but I never expected him to post something so immediately—and at eleven at night, no less.”
“Eleven at night? Ah. That was the time in Washington, then.”
“Yes. That’s when the post went up.”
Does the man ever sleep?
Lee Kang-han clicked his tongue at President Alfred’s boundless energy, then a question occurred to him.
“But how did the Americans find out?”
“I’m not sure… It’s possible there was a leak from the Presidential Office. I’d say that’s more likely than it coming from the Chinese intelligence bureau.”
“True enough.”
“But by the way, are you thinking of going to America? The U.S. keeps reaching out.”
At Shin Yu-ri’s question, Lee Kang-han shook his head.
“I don’t know. I don’t have any particular desire to go right now. I’ve moved past needing large sums of money, and home is more comfortable.”
“I see… Well then, as I mentioned yesterday, how would you feel about moving?”
After confirming Lee Kang-han had no intention of emigrating,
Shin Yu-ri broached the subject of relocation.
“Moving? Is it for security purposes?”
“Yes. And with your address now known to everyone, it’ll become quite inconvenient as you continue your activities.”
Indeed, looking at all the reporters that had descended,
it was clear the address had already been shared around.
“There’s a residential area in Hannam-dong where Diamond-Tier Players live. The government provides security there, so if you move there, you’ll be safe. You won’t have journalists and crowds coming and going constantly either.”
“A residential area in Hannam-dong? Are there vacant houses available right now?”
“You don’t need to worry about that. So many Diamond-Tier Players have gone abroad that there are plenty of empty homes. The government also said they’d provide you with free housing.”
Not long ago, when Players were treated poorly in Korea,
there had been a mass exodus abroad, and its effects were being felt here too.
In truth, the Promising Gladiator’s Bracelet had even stopped bullets, so the need for security had diminished somewhat,
but experiencing another incident like yesterday would be tedious.
It was better to stay somewhere safe than to risk being ambushed at home again.
That seemed the wiser choice.
‘I still haven’t found out why the First Tower portal opened again while I was searching for my passport.’
Well, it wasn’t as if he’d be living abroad.
Once he picked up any leads, he could come and go from his Yongin house as needed.
Lee Kang-han resolved to make the move.
“All right. Let’s move.”
“Good decision! Then I’ll set everything up and we can complete the move within the next few days. I’ll have all the furniture ready, so just pack what you absolutely need.”
“Very well.”
“Then I’ll look into the best house available!”
After Shin Yu-ri went out,
Buzz-buzz-buzz.
Before long, his phone vibrated.
Kim Ju-young: Hey, you good?
Kim Ju-young: I was up late Friday and just saw the news now… What the hell is all this?;
—Yeah, I’m fine. Perfectly fine.
Kim Ju-young, who had belatedly caught wind of the news and sent a concerned message.
After exchanging a few words with him,
Kim Ju-young: Hey, want to grab a drink tonight? I’ve got some things I want to talk about…
Kim Ju-young had suddenly sent a message saying he wanted to discuss something.
The Heavenly Demon Shatters the Tower (Serialized)
Author │ Yeom Bi
Publisher │ Kim Ju-hyung
Published by │ J Plus Media Co., Ltd.
Marketing │ Han Jae-hyuk
Address │ 204, 288 Digital-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul (Guro-dong, Daelung Post Tower 1st)
Email │ [email protected]
Website │ www.jayplemedia.com
© Yeom Bi 2025
※ This work is published by J Plus Media Co., Ltd. in accordance with a contract with the copyright holder, and the contents may not be used in any form or by any means without the permission of the company and author.
Violation of this may result in criminal and civil legal liability.
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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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