WeTried Translations
Translator/Editor: DereKimchi
Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried
◈ The Abandoned Tank is a Disaster-class Awakener ◈
Chapter 23
──────
A gas station on the outskirts of America.
Eric Halvorsen entered the convenience store, leaving the fuel nozzle inserted in his car. He bought a coffee and casually headed for the restroom.
Click.
But the moment he locked the door and stood before the sink.
“...”
His expression changed.
He opened his inventory and tore a Communication Scroll.
「...Status?」
A magic scroll that allowed brief communication with a designated target.
Eric, looking unlike his usual self, turned on the faucet.
Ruuush.
It was meant to prevent the other side from hearing what was happening here.
“I’ve been classified as a core member of the American Vanguard. The Association is also preparing to invest in me seriously.”
The other person soon asked.
「What about Kang Seong-un?」
Eric’s expression stiffened slightly.
“He’s beyond what we expected.”
「Are you referring to his combat strength?」
“Everything. Because of him, the pace at which America clears the Tower itself is changing.”
The Guardian’s Thrones.
And solo clears.
Every time Kang Seong-un climbed another floor, the benefits spread throughout America.
Anyone who had not seen it firsthand would have had no choice but to call it an exaggeration.
「That is why the plan is changing.」
Eric narrowed his eyes.
「Stay there as long as possible. Whatever it takes, remain close to Kang Seong-un. If possible, join the same Raid Party.」
“He is capable of solo clears. It doesn’t seem likely that he’ll form a Raid Party.”
「Then earn his trust.」
The other person spoke casually.
「Earn his trust. Become someone he needs, and observe from as close as possible what he sees in the Tower, what he chooses, and what rewards he receives.」
Eric listened in silence.
「There is no meaning in bringing back only the information the American Association knows.」
“I understand.”
「And what is the state of American support?」
It was less a question than a confirmation.
Eric answered at once.
“I haven’t received it yet, but Chairman David Miller has made promises. Support equal to that given to the Vanguards of other countries is expected.”
Only then did a faint satisfaction enter the other person’s voice.
「Good. But never be satisfied with what they hand you.」
“...”
「Give them reasons to give you more. Build achievements, prove your value, earn not only Kang Seong-un’s trust but America’s trust as well, and grow stronger.」
But the next words were serious.
「Your strength will ultimately become your homeland’s strength.」
At that moment, a scene from childhood crossed his mind.
A home that could not even be properly heated in winter.
The day he heard that his mother’s medical bills were overdue.
And the people from a government agency who came to see him for the first time a few days later.
If it had not been for them, Eric Halvorsen would not be who he was today.
That one fact was enough.
“Alt for Norge (Everything for Norway).”
For a moment, the other side of the communication fell silent.
Then.
「That answer is enough.」
Eric looked at the water running over the sink.
「Grow by taking what America gives you. Steal experience at Kang Seong-un’s side as well.」
“...”
「And when you have become strong enough...」
Eric’s gaze darkened.
「...Answer your homeland’s call.」
Eric replied quietly.
“Yes.”
「This time, it is your turn to repay your homeland.」
And then.
Pfft!
The communication ended.
Eric dropped the burned-out Communication Scroll into the toilet and flushed it.
Ruuush.
Listening to the harsh rush of water.
“...”
He stared at himself in the mirror for a moment before opening the door.
Click.
Outside was still ordinary.
The clerk at the register.
The cooling coffee.
The car parked outside the window.
Thud.
Eric walked out as if nothing had happened.
He would receive America’s resources and grow as part of America’s Vanguard.
Then he would stay as close to Kang Seong-un as possible.
There was no need to dwell on anything beyond that.
It had been decided from the start.
Vrooom.
The vehicle carrying Eric Halvorsen left the gas station.
Its red taillights faded toward the end of the road.
And then.
Sliiide.
In a corner of the gas station, in darkness untouched even by the streetlights, a shadow stirred.
The black stain clinging to the ground slowly rose and took human form.
A black coat.
Black gloves.
A man whose expression could barely be seen watched the departing vehicle.
A moment later, he touched his ear.
Crackle.
“Unauthorized communication confirmed.”
The man’s gaze remained fixed on the end of the road.
“We’ve got them.”
* * *
I was seated on the sofa to Miller’s right.
Four people sat across from us.
Marcus Reed.
Eric Halvorsen.
Sofia Alvarez.
Mei Lin.
They were the Awakeners America had intended to raise as the core of its next-generation Vanguard.
But in truth, each was a spy planted by their respective homeland.
I had not remembered it clearly at first.
It had happened long ago, even before my regression, and it had taken place in another country rather than South Korea.
But it had been such a major incident that, after searching my memories, I was able to recall the details.
The American naturalization fraud incident.
I did not know exactly when it would happen.
Still, I knew that the four people before me would receive every kind of support America had to offer, then return to their homelands and contribute to America’s downfall.
Why America of all places?
They had been naturalized before I was even recruited.
It was because America had suffered two disasters, leaving it lacking both the experience and equipment needed to counter magic scrolls.
That was why spies could operate so openly.
And considering their objective, it had to be America.
Like cuckoos laying their eggs in another bird’s nest, they sent their own talented people to America, where talent was needed, and let them grow. Once they achieved the growth their homelands wanted, they returned.
Through this, America lost the Vanguard it had poured its already scarce resources into, and truly fell into ruin in the era of Awakeners.
Because I already knew all of that, I had no choice but to monopolize the Elixirs under the pretext of solo clears, even if it was somewhat forceful, and delay support for them.
“...”
The room was quiet.
All four seemed troubled by the sudden summons.
All four had been called in at once, and I was here too.
Eric glanced in my direction once.
But when our eyes met, he immediately looked away.
He must have already guessed that he had not been called here to hear good news.
Only Miller calmly flipped through the documents.
Rustle.
One page, then another.
Only after reviewing them to the end did he remove his glasses.
“First.”
The four of them looked toward Miller.
“Let me say one thing before we begin.”
Miller’s voice was no different from usual.
Calm and polite.
“America was sincere about all of you.”
Was.
At those words, Marcus’s eyebrows twitched slightly.
Miller placed a document on the desk.
“Elixirs, rare relics, training facilities and personnel for clearing higher floors.”
Miller placed the last document down.
“And even the high-grade resources we will secure through future deals with other countries.”
His finger rested lightly on the folder.
“America had no intention of holding anything back from you.”
Eric asked quietly.
“Why are you saying this all of a sudden?”
Miller looked at him.
“We are not finished yet, Mr. Halvorsen.”
There was none of Miller’s usual slyness.
The person here was David Miller, Chairman of the American Awakeners Association.
“...”
Miller continued.
“America has suffered two major setbacks since the Tower appeared.”
America’s early failures had been fatal.
The vanished veterans.
The experience that had disappeared along with them.
America was a country with much to offer, but in the Tower, there were too many gaps that money alone could not fill.
“And now.”
Miller’s voice lowered slightly.
“We are trying to rise again.”
The Thrones we had secured one after another.
The resources entering through deals with other countries.
And me.
From America’s perspective, it had only now managed to find its footing.
“You all knew that as well.”
Miller folded his hands.
“How important this period is for America.”
Sofia asked carefully.
“Is that why you called us here?”
“That is correct.”
Miller nodded.
“The more important the time, the more thoroughly we must police ourselves.”
Inside.
The atmosphere in the room shifted faintly.
“Especially for America, which is vulnerable to various rare consumable items.”
He no longer hid the barb in his words.
“If we intend to climb high, we need to lay the foundation properly.”
Miller’s gaze swept across the four of them.
“And America does not build structures on foundations with bombs buried inside them.”
“...”
Marcus’s face hardened.
He seemed to understand now.
“What... do you mean?”
Instead of answering, Miller pushed a thick folder forward.
Thud.
“Let me give you the conclusion first.”
The four lowered their eyes.
“As of today, the American Awakeners Association is ending all support for you.”
“...”
“You are stripped of your status as Vanguard candidates.”
Tap.
“Your access to Association confidential information is revoked.”
Tap.
“The Elixirs and rare relics scheduled to be assigned to you are canceled in full.”
Tap.
“Your right to use Association facilities and equipment will also end at midnight tonight.”
Marcus’s fist twitched.
Creaaak.
The armrest of the leather sofa crumpled slightly in his grip.
“...”
Marcus’s eyes met mine.
Loosen.
The tension left his fist.
He seemed to know that getting angry was one thing, but breaking something here was another matter entirely.
Miller did not so much as move an eyebrow at the sight.
Instead, he continued even more comfortably.
“And documents concerning your identities and residency qualifications have already been delivered to the relevant American government agencies.”
Eric asked.
“...How much have you confirmed?”
The corner of Miller’s mouth lifted ever so slightly.
“That question only comes now.”
The folder opened.
The first photograph.
Eric entering the gas station.
And then.
“We have also obtained the contents of your recent communications.”
“...”
The expression vanished from Eric’s face.
Miller slowly read the contents.
“Take as much of America’s resources as possible.”
“...”
“Stay as close to Kang Seong-un as possible.”
Miller continued.
“Secure information and experience regarding high-floor clears.”
The final page.
“Return to your home country after becoming strong enough.”
After reading the information, Miller asked.
“Is there anything I have misunderstood?”
Eric did not answer for a long time.
Then.
“...No.”
A short answer.
Words that effectively acknowledged everything.
Miller nodded.
“Good.”
But in the next moment.
Flash!
Eric’s eyes moved.
So did Marcus, Sofia, and Mei’s.
There were no words.
Not even a nod.
Their eyes simply met once.
But I saw that brief instant.
Swish.
All four moved their hands at once.
Their inventories opened, and the scrolls each of them had prepared appeared in their hands.
【Scroll of Teleportation】
One of the most valuable consumable items.
By linking it to a particular location, it allowed instant travel there. For them, it was an emergency escape route connected to their homelands.
Their identities had been exposed.
There was evidence too.
In that case, they needed to escape before they were captured.
It was the natural choice for spies.
Except I was the variable.
I saw Marcus’s fingers grasp the Scroll of Teleportation.
Eric’s thumb pressed against the edge of his scroll.
Sofia twisted her wrist to tear the paper.
Mei was the fastest. She was already holding both ends of her Scroll of Teleportation.
All of those movements.
Sloooowly.
To my eyes, they moved painfully slowly, as if submerged underwater.
Thump.
Even the time it took for one heartbeat felt long.
I stood and moved.
With my first step.
Pop!
I erased the distance between Eric and me.
The strength in his right hand, about to tear the Scroll of Teleportation, was gathering at his fingertips.
I pressed the point between his thumb and index finger, where his grip was weakest, with two fingers.
“...”
He could not even scream.
He had not recognized the pain yet.
His grip naturally opened under that force.
Slide.
The scroll slipped out through the gap.
At the same time, I lightly pushed his elbow.
The direction of the joint twisted.
“...!”
Eric’s shoulder stiffened.
I could have applied more force and broken it, but I stopped just before that point.
Step.
My second step brought me to Marcus.
His fingers were already pulling at the end of the scroll.
I placed my palm over the back of Marcus’s hand.
Then I redirected the force in the exact opposite direction from which it was flowing.
Crack.
Marcus’s wrist folded inward.
The force he had intended to use to tear the Scroll of Teleportation vanished.
The Scroll of Teleportation floated into the air.
I casually caught it.
Sofia was third.
“...Ah!”
A moment too late, she recognized what was happening and tried to pull back.
The instant her heel left the floor.
Tap.
I entered her blind spot first.
Thud.
I struck the inside of her elbow with the edge of my hand.
The strength left her arm.
Swish.
Then I grasped her wrist as if wrapping it in my hand and twisted it halfway around, stopping just before the limit her joint could bear.
“Ugh...!”
Her fingers opened.
I caught the scroll before it fell.
Mei was last.
Her Scroll of Teleportation was already half torn.
Riiip.
The sound of paper splitting.
But my hand moved in before the sound did.
Between the hands holding both ends of the scroll, I pressed one wrist down to collapse the axis of force and spread two fingers of the other hand.
Whoosh.
The paper slipped free.
“...!”
Startled, Mei reflexively tried to grab my arm.
Instead of pulling my arm away, I stepped inside.
At the moment the axes of her shoulder, elbow, and wrist aligned in a single line.
Slide.
I pushed lightly.
“...!”
The final Scroll of Teleportation entered my hand.
Only then.
“Urgh?!”
“W-What?!”
“No!”
Time began to flow again.
Whooom!
The delayed wind swept through the Association chairman’s office.
Flutter!
Several sheets on Miller’s desk stirred.
With that brief change, their hands were empty.
“...”
I looked down at the four scrolls in my hand, then slowly set them on Miller’s desk.
After that.
“...”
No one moved again.
No, they could not.
I looked at the four of them.
They were people who, at one time, might have climbed the Tower alongside me as members of America’s Vanguard.
“This is as far as you go.”
I spoke quietly.
The four looked at me.
“Nothing will change if you struggle any further.”
So.
“Pay for your crimes.”
If they had done wrong, they had to pay the price for it.
And they had lost even their only means of escape.
Moreover, knowing they were no match for me in combat, they did not dare make another move.
And so.
Settle.
Even the last tension remaining in the room subsided.
Only then did I return to my seat.
Swish.
I sat on the sofa.
“...”
Miller had not stood up from start to finish.
He simply glanced at the four Scrolls of Teleportation laid neatly on his desk.
Then.
Rustle.
He opened the next document.
“Then.”
His voice was as calm as usual.
“Let us continue our discussion.”
This time, documents were placed before Sofia.
“Records of contact with overseas handlers.”
Mei.
“Records of encrypted information transfers.”
Marcus.
“Unofficial funds received from institutions in your home country.”
One by one, he closed off every avenue of escape.
Their faces changed one after another.
“Then, are you going to detain us now?”
“That is not for me to decide.”
Miller calmly drew the line.
“Law enforcement and the government will decide that.”
Then he put his glasses back on.
“What I can decide concerns only the Association.”
After a moment.
“And the Association’s decision has already been made.”
He looked at the four of them.
“You are no longer members of America’s Vanguard.”
There was no time for excuses, no room for negotiation.
Marcus spoke in a stiff voice.
“We only followed orders.”
Miller looked at him.
“I know.”
“...”
“I also know that each of you has a homeland.”
Miller was truly calm.
“I have no intention of condemning even that loyalty.”
Marcus narrowed his eyes slightly.
“Countries act for their own interests.”
Miller straightened the documents.
“Your countries did so.”
Tap.
The folder closed.
“And America will do the same.”
“...”
No one could refute that.
Then.
Knock, knock.
There was a knock from outside.
“Come in.”
The door opened.
Association security personnel.
And several government officials entered.
They were people who had been prepared from the start to arrest them.
Only then did the four stand.
As Marcus rose, he looked at me briefly.
I met his gaze without looking away.
“...”
He soon turned his head.
Eric looked back at Miller one last time.
“I have one question.”
“Please.”
“...How did you know?”
Instead of answering, Miller smiled.
“Why would I tell you that?”
“...”
“You came to America to obtain information.”
He folded his hands.
“I am someone who protects information. And I have no intention of giving it to you for free, even at the very end.”
Eric closed his mouth.
The four turned around.
Click!
Agents trained to subdue Awakeners placed specialized handcuffs on them.
They would now be punished for their crimes under international Awakener law.
Of course, given the gravity of the matter, worse things might happen where no one could see.
As the four were led away.
“Ah.”
Miller’s voice stopped them.
Halt.
Their steps stopped.
“I have one request.”
They turned around.
Miller was still seated behind his desk.
In the same position as before.
But the air in the room was completely different from how it had been at the beginning.
“If you manage to make contact.”
Before they were detained, they would find some way to contact someone.
Miller slowly looked over the four of them.
“Please convey this exactly to your superiors.”
“...”
“America will remember very clearly the choice your homelands made today.”
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