The Abandoned Tank is a Disaster-class Awakener - Chapter 35

WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: DereKimchi

◈ The Abandoned Tank is a Disaster-class Awakener ◈

Chapter 35

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“Raaagh!”

Weapons rose with the shout.

Cannon barrels turned atop the walls surrounding the basin. Centaurs raised their javelins, while Avianae scattered above my head.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

The artillery fire struck first.

Flames burst from my chest and shoulders.

Hummm, hummm!

Layer upon layer of ripples spread over Shell.

Even as they pounded on it with everything they had, the shield provided by Shell still had plenty of strength left.

Click.

I released the Black-Iron Shield secured to my back.

The shield, enlarged along with Giantification, settled heavily into my left hand.

My gaze was fixed on the distance.

Machinae soldiers had set up artillery behind the collapsed wall.

Mages and archers crowded around them as well, ranged attackers gathered at a safe distance.

Crunch!

I planted my right foot forward.

I pulled my left arm holding the shield back behind me.

The moment I twisted my waist.

Crack.

The bedrock beneath my feet crumbled.

At the same time.

Whoooosh!

The enormous Black-Iron Shield spun across the basin.

Giantification had grown larger due to the increased skill power, and the Black-Iron Shield had grown with it.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

The flying javelins caught against its edge and snapped.

Fireballs exploded.

Despite that resistance, the Black-Iron Shield did not lose speed.

Cannon muzzles rose too late.

Blue protective barriers overlapped before the wall.

Kraaaash!

The battlefield shook.

The protective barriers collapsed all at once.

The middle of the wall caved in, then the entire thing flipped over along with the artillery.

Black figures shot into the rising dust.

Rumble!

The shield continued digging beneath them.

It plowed through the ground, leaving a deep furrow behind.

It only stopped after embedding itself in a stone pillar at the rear.

The pillar broke.

The archers positioned atop it were swept away with the debris.

[You have obtained 100 Abyss Points.]

...

100 Abyss Points.

It was no different from the mine.

They were all basic kill rewards.

That meant none of those who had built up achievements in the Abyss were mixed in yet.

Leaving those messages behind, I stared ahead.

One side of the basin was gone.

But.

Thud, thud, thud, thud!

Minotaurs were charging in.

The ones in the rear pushed forward, while those in front raised their long spears.

Swoosh!

An Ice Spear stabbed down from the cliff.

Crack!

Cold spread in a circle from the spear tip.

The hooves charging forward froze to the ground.

Boom!

I kicked off the ground and leaped.

My enlarged shadow fell over their heads.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The ground sank.

The frozen earth burst outward in a circle, knocking down the enemies nearby as well.

Spear shafts and shields snapped beneath my feet.

Using that foot as my pivot, I turned my body.

The greatsword stayed low, its enormous blade brushing the ground as it drew a semicircle.

Kraaaash!

The fallen front line and the enemies behind them were swept away all at once.

Four or five of them braced themselves with their shields pressed together.

More bodies piled up behind them, but it was useless.

Crack!

The shields split at the height the sword passed through.

One side of the encirclement around me was completely empty.

Flap!

The wingbeats overhead grew fiercer.

The Avianae scattered, then descended at once.

Spear tips aimed for my neck and eyes.

I plunged the greatsword into the ground and stretched out my left hand.

Whoosh!

The one at the front hastily folded its wings.

An Ice Spear skimmed past it.

Fwoosh!

The burst of cold covered their spread wings.

The bodies trying to fly up froze for a moment.

That was enough.

I grabbed two bodies in my hand.

Gripping them by their flapping wings, I swung them down and slammed them onto the Asuras that had approached too late.

Thud!

“Kiiaaagh!”

A scream erupted.

At that overwhelming sight of slaughter.

Thud, thud, thud.

One Centaur leaped over its companions and accelerated.

But.

Crack!

Blue light fell toward its escape route.

Hye-won's cold blocked the narrow passage.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

A creature fell in two, cleaved apart along with the ice wall blocking the passage.

“...”

With the Black-Iron Greatsword resting on my shoulder, I looked around.

At first, there had been enemies everywhere in the basin.

But now, only the trail I had left behind filled it.

The furrow carved by the shield.

The ground sunken beneath my feet.

The gaps opened wherever the sword had swept through.

And the messages that continued to rise between them.

[You have obtained 100 Abyss Points.]

I brushed the debris off my shield.

Far in the distance, there was still a group moving.

When I turned toward them, they began to scatter.

But they could not escape the range of my enlarged body.

Crack!

Nor could they escape Hye-won's cold ability from atop the cliff.

* * *

Chinese Awakeners Association Headquarters.

Zhang Weilong, the chairman of the Chinese Awakeners Association, stood on the stage and faced the cameras.

“Korea's first Abyss raid has failed.”

Zhang Weilong's voice rang out from the stage.

“They sent their elite, yet only one person returned. Their Conquest Time Limit has been reduced by 100 hours, and they are unable to reenter for 24 hours.”

The reporters' hands moved busily.

“The cost of failure is clear. We knew that, and we prepared thoroughly.”

They pointed to the Vanguard behind them.

“The ten people standing here today are the result.”

Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!

Applause poured out.

One reporter raised a hand.

“Korea is also a world-class Awakener power. What gives you confidence in success when even its elite failed?”

Zhang Weilong gave a short laugh.

“Does Korea's failure mean China will fail as well?”

“Given the lack of internal information...”

“Just because that small country advanced a few floors first does not mean our national capabilities are equal.”

The reporter's words were cut off.

“Korea has called itself a major power based on the records of a few Awakeners. China has a system to select and train talent, then unite them into a single Raid Party.”

They looked straight at the cameras.

“Do not mistake the limits of a small country for the limits of a great power.”

Another reporter asked a question.

“Is there any possibility that you will request support from America's Awakener Kang Seong-un?”

“Kang Seong-un...”

Zhang Weilong looked back at the Vanguard.

“I will not deny the achievements of an individual from Korea. But must China wait while looking only at one person's schedule?”

“As part of international cooperation...”

“The door to cooperation is open.”

The answer was smooth.

“However, we have no intention of entrusting the rescue of our people to someone else.”

They placed a hand on the podium.

“This raid will prove it.”

Camera flashes went off in succession.

“Which country is the true Awakener superpower.”

The departure ceremony for the Chinese Abyss Raid Party, overflowing with confidence, was broadcast on a grand scale.

Red flags filled the entrance route.

The leader at the front raised a fist before the cameras.

“We will conquer the Abyss and return after saving the people!”

The nine people behind them made the same gesture.

“China's ten finest are now entering the Abyss!”

Along with the broadcaster's voice, the Raid Party vanished beyond the black boundary.

Headlines scrolled beneath the screen.

『Zhang Weilong: “The Limits of a Small Country Are Not the Limits of a Great Power”』

『Korea's Failed Abyss... China Moves to Prove It Is the Strongest』

『“We Will Not Entrust the Rescue of Our People to a Foreign Awakener's Schedule”』

* * *

Chairman's Office.

Click.

Zhang Weilong picked up a teacup.

Their interview was being rebroadcast on the screen.

“The domestic response has been good,” said an executive in charge of public relations.

“The anxiety that grew after Korea's failure has eased considerably.”

“There is no reason for us to be afraid just because Korea could not do it.”

Zhang Weilong set down the teacup.

“We need to show them clearly this time. I'm tired of that small country going on about being on the Tower's front line.”

Several executives nodded.

“They are calling Park Jun-hyeok a survival hero because he returned alone.”

They snorted.

“They are in a position where they must boast about one returning after losing nine.”

The vice chairman in charge of international cooperation did not laugh.

They set down a document.

“Chairman, we will continue maintaining our working channel with America.”

“Keep the line open.”

Permission came quickly.

“But do not make it look like we are begging for help.”

“...Understood.”

“If we succeed, they will be the ones asking first. They will ask how we cleared it.”

Zhang Weilong looked at the public relations executive.

“And prepare the return announcement thoroughly.”

“Yes.”

“Do not make the comparison with Korea too obvious.”

A smile rose to their lips.

“They will judge for themselves if we simply place the results side by side.”

Once the Abyss Raid Party succeeded and returned, the title of Awakener superpower would belong to China.

Of course, America had Kang Seong-un, but he was only one person.

If this Abyss raid failed, or if Kang Seong-un even died, then the title of Awakener superpower would unquestionably belong to China.

It was just as Zhang Weilong became certain of that.

[The Chinese Abyss Raid Party has been wiped out.]

“...”

The confident smile decorating their face disappeared.

“...What?”

The answer did not come from an Association executive.

[The penalty for clearing failure will be applied.]

[For the next 24 hours, Abyss entry by Raid Parties affiliated with China will be restricted.]

[China's Abyss Conquest Time Limit has been reduced by 100 hours.]

The cost Korea had paid, which Zhang Weilong had explained from the stage only moments ago.

This time, it was China's turn.

[Conquest Time Limit: 716:42:08]

Tick!

[Conquest Time Limit: 616:42:08]

“Connect me to the situation room!”

Zhang Weilong rose from their seat.

At the same time, the phone rang.

The secretary's office door opened.

“Chairman!”

“How long has it been since they entered?”

“...It has not even been thirty minutes.”

Zhang Weilong's jaw hardened.

“Survivors? Can we determine what they were attacked by?”

“We cannot contact the inside. The only thing confirmed is the system notification.”

“...”

At that moment, as if by coincidence, Zhang Weilong's voice came from the screen.

「Do not mistake the limits of a small country for the limits of a great power.」

Someone hurriedly turned off the screen.

China had criticized Korea for having only one survivor.

Yet China's Raid Party did not have even a single person return.

* * *

『Breaking News: Chinese Abyss Raid Party Wiped Out』

『Following Korea, China Also Fails... Conquest Deadline Reduced by 100 Hours』

『All Members Dead Within Thirty Minutes of Departure』

The broadcast screen changed.

The host, who had been explaining the Vanguard's equipment only moments before, put down their script.

Reports piled up in the chairman's office as well.

Requests for confirmation from the members' families.

Protests from each guild.

Government orders for an emergency response report.

Zhang Weilong picked up the follow-up team's roster first.

“Send them again as soon as the entry restriction is lifted.”

“We need to determine the cause of failure first.”

“Should we sit around doing nothing until then?”

The vice chairman spoke.

“Would it not be better to ask America about the possibility of support...?”

Zhang Weilong turned their eyes toward them.

“Have they succeeded?”

“...Nothing has been confirmed yet.”

“Then why are we already holding out our hands?”

The roster fell onto the desk.

“We are not the only ones who failed. Korea was defeated as well. There is no guarantee America will be any different.”

“We can begin discussions first.”

“What if Kang Seong-un cannot do it either?”

“...”

“Should China be the first to bow its head and ask for something that man cannot do?”

The vice chairman closed their mouth.

Zhang Weilong leaned back in the chair.

“Form the follow-up team first. Keep monitoring the situation in America.”

That was when it happened.

Knock, knock.

The chief secretary opened the door.

“An announcement has come from America.”

Zhang Weilong immediately lifted their head.

“Did they fail?”

“...No.”

The chief secretary turned on the screen.

『America's Abyss Clearing Progress Reaches 10%』

Zhang Weilong's gaze stopped.

It was an emergency announcement from the American Awakeners Association.

『As the American Raid Party progresses in its clearing operation, the return of some Briar Creek missing persons has been confirmed.』

Field footage soon followed.

Before the black boundary.

Light gathered in midair, and people appeared.

A child with a schoolbag.

A man in work clothes.

A woman who looked around without understanding what had happened saw the approaching medical staff and stepped back.

The rescue team soon guided them toward tents.

Staff carrying resident lists ran about.

A caption scrolled beneath the screen.

『Over 200 Initial Returnees Secured... Identities Being Confirmed』

No one in the meeting room spoke.

“It is only... 10%.”

Zhang Weilong said it.

“They have not conquered it yet.”

The vice chairman answered while staring at the screen.

“People have returned.”

“...”

“It has been proven that progress is possible. We need to contact them now.”

Zhang Weilong set down the remote.

“Verify the announcement first. That footage alone...”

“It is a live broadcast from field reporters.”

The chief secretary spoke.

“The identities of the returnees are also being confirmed.”

There was nothing left to say in response.

Even so, Zhang Weilong did not pick up the phone.

10%.

It could stop there.

America could fail in its next battle as well.

Zhang Weilong was watching the screen with that thought when the chief secretary's tablet rang again.

They read the contents, then looked up.

“There is an additional announcement.”

“...What?”

“The clearing progress has risen again.”

A new breaking-news banner covered the screen.

『America's Abyss Clearing Progress Reaches 20%』

『More Missing Persons Return... Total Rescued Reaches Approximately 500』

Zhang Weilong's hand stopped.

While they were belittling the meaning of 10%, America had raised it by another 10%.

New people appeared before the black boundary.

Medical staff pushed stretchers, and residents whose identities had been confirmed reunited with their families.

The same footage began appearing even on broadcasts that had been covering China's failure moments earlier.

『China's Raid Party Wiped Out... America Begins Rescuing Missing Persons』

They would judge for themselves if the results were placed side by side.

Zhang Weilong had been the one to say that.

“Chairman.”

The vice chairman approached the phone.

“Other countries are watching this announcement as well.”

Zhang Weilong's gaze moved.

“Even if America has spare forces, it cannot send them to every country that requests them at once.”

“...”

“Now is not the time to wait while doubting their success. We need to secure even the possibility of support first.”

Zhang Weilong looked at the screen.

The number of residents who had returned changed again.

“...Connect me.”

The vice chairman immediately picked up the receiver.

Zhang Weilong added.

“Directly to David Miller.”

The matter was urgent.

Click.

「Chairman Zhang Weilong.」

The hotline connected immediately.

Miller's voice through the receiver was relaxed.

Behind it, phone rings and voices could be faintly heard.

「Please state your business. I'm a little busy at the moment.」

Zhang Weilong opened their mouth.

“I saw America's announcement.”

「Yes. That is why I'm busy. The rescue operation is continuing.」

“Is the 20% clearing progress... true?”

「We announced it under the Association's name.」

It was a short answer.

「If you are calling to confirm that, shall I connect you to the staff member in charge?」

“No.”

Zhang Weilong hurriedly continued.

“I wish to discuss the matter of Abyss support.”

Miller fell silent for a moment.

「Support?」

“The dispatch of Kang Seong-un.”

「Ah!」

The sound of paper being set down came through the line.

「You see, I have a great interest in China. At the departure ceremony, I believe you said you had no intention of waiting for the schedule of one person.」

Zhang Weilong tightened their grip on the receiver.

“The situation has changed.”

「I see.」

Miller did not answer immediately.

Zhang Weilong spoke first.

“...China's Raid Party has been wiped out.”

「Yes, I heard the unfortunate news.」

“We would like to consider external support alongside forming a follow-up team.”

「And by external support, you mean you want one Awakener from Korea?」

Zhang Weilong's jaw hardened.

“Now, that matter...”

「It would be troublesome if I misunderstood. Is this not a request for someone to take the place of the great power capabilities your country emphasized?」

Zhang Weilong was speechless.

On the screen, a rescued elderly person was clutching a medic's hand.

Miller asked.

「Do you require Mr. Kang's support?」

Zhang Weilong closed their eyes, then opened them.

“...We do.”

「May I take that as an official request from China?」

“I am making this request as the chairman of the Chinese Awakeners Association.”

They spoke each word carefully.

“We want Kang Seong-un's support.”

「Understood.」

Only then did Miller's tone change.

「Then what will you offer?」

“We can discuss the cost.”

「First, I will state the conditions. Command authority over the raid will belong to the person responsible for the dispatch. Unauthorized duplication of the information provided and its transfer to third parties will be prohibited. China will guarantee the necessary equipment and on-site support.」

“You want us to hand over even command authority?”

「We intend to clear it using the method we have confirmed so far.」

Zhang Weilong looked at the screen.

『Total Rescued: Approximately 500』

China could not insist on its own method before that number.

“...Continue.”

「Please propose separate compensation. This must include assets, resources, and clearing information you can provide.」

“If we accept the conditions, when can you dispatch him?”

「I cannot promise a schedule yet.」

“You have already reached 20%...”

「There is still 80% remaining.」

Miller cut them off.

「There are Americans who have not returned as well. Clearing our own Abyss comes first. We must also confirm the scope of your country's entry restriction and Mr. Kang's own wishes.」

Zhang Weilong pressed their lips together.

“Then how long must we wait?”

「That is why I am asking for a proposal now. We cannot begin discussions from the start once a dispatch becomes possible.」

Another phone rang on the other end.

Miller briefly gave someone an instruction.

It was a short gap.

But for Zhang Weilong, it felt very long.

Other countries would be contacting them too.

Just like China.

And they might be offering better terms.

“...I will send a proposal.”

「We will review it.」