Chapter 23 - Bloodline is Everything

[Translator - Helga ]

[Proofreader - Starfall ]

Chapter 23: Detected Conspiracy (2)

A few days later, Kwon Hanul returned to the Hyukcheon Clan.

It was during a rare moment of relaxation at home when Joo Hayun handed him a thin, notebook-sized stone tablet—a Memory Page that could be used to acquire a skill.

"This is the subspace skill the Chairman promised you. Since he's been extremely busy, I picked it up on your behalf."

Kwon Hanul accepted the Memory Page.

As expected of a subspace skill, the Memory Page shimmered in gold, signifying its unique-grade quality.

When he snapped it in half, it disintegrated into glowing particles that were absorbed into his body.

Quality: Unique (S+)

Description: Opens an invisible storage space once used by goblins to hide their belongings. Can store up to 50kg of items.

Upon activating the skill, a black hole appeared in midair.

He reached into it to test it out, feeling an odd sense of displacement.

"This is amazing."

"And please accept this as well."

Joo Hayun handed over a large box filled with various items.

"And this is…?"

"Supplies for dungeon expeditions and emergency-use medical treatments."

Kwon Hanul picked up a vial and examined the label.

"Mansumugang Pharmaceuticals… wait, isn't this the company infamous for selling ointments that cost millions of won per jar?"

"Yes, that's correct."

Dungeons were home to countless creatures unknown to Earth. As a result, the modern pharmaceutical industry had significantly advanced by utilizing materials from these beings.

Mansumugang Pharmaceuticals was one of the leading companies in this field, known for using only premium ingredients to create high-end medicines.

"I heard that just purchasing a proper batch from them costs tens of millions of won…"

He checked the quantity inside the box. Even with a conservative estimate, the value easily exceeded billions.

"Did the Chairman provide these as well?"

"No, this is a gift from me."

Kwon Hanul's expression shifted to one of surprise.

"This is far too generous. I feel bad accepting it."

"It’s customary for those who acquire a subspace skill to receive provisions to fill it up."

Joo Hayun spoke nonchalantly, as if it were no big deal. However, Kwon Hanul couldn't take it lightly.

He decided to accept the gift with gratitude, vowing to repay the kindness in the future.

After all, in dangerous situations, high-quality medicine was as valuable as a second life.

"And in the afternoon, you have an appointment to visit Hyukcheon Vault."

"I'm just picking up an item. Do I really need a reservation?"

"The vault is secured with multiple layers of defense, hundreds of times more stringent than ordinary security systems. It can only be accessed at designated times."

Hyukcheon Vault housed all the treasures of the Hyukcheon Group.

Naturally, it was a prime target for many, making airtight security a necessity.

"Lord Kwon Hanul, have you decided on what you'll take from the vault?"

"Not yet."

"Hyukcheon Vault is unimaginably vast. Exploring it in its entirety would take at least a month. You should have a plan before going in."

Given the sheer scale of the vault, anything he chose would undoubtedly be beneficial.

But squandering such a rare opportunity was out of the question.

"I'm not sure what I need most right now."

At present, he didn't feel lacking in any particular area.

He possessed three items, the Black Dragon Ascension Art, the Imoogi’s Body, and the Eye of the Eclipse.

In terms of offense, defense, and stamina—he was already near perfection.

"Right now, elixirs seem like the most useful choice."

"If you don't mind, may I offer a recommendation?"

"Of course."

"I suggest acquiring movement skills, including footwork techniques."

"Movement skills?"

It wasn't something he had ever considered.

"But I already have Aura Step. Do I really need another movement skill?"

Ever since acquiring the Black Dragon Ascension Art, Kwon Hanul had mastered Aura Step, using it freely and effortlessly.

His proficiency was at a level few could ever hope to match.

"Your Aura Step is exceptional, especially against monsters. However, the enemies you'll be facing in the future won’t just be monsters, will they?"

Joo Hayun was right. Kwon Hanul’s greatest foes weren’t beasts but humans—specifically, the people of Hyukcheon.

"In one-on-one combat, footwork determines everything. Securing an advantageous position and seizing attack opportunities all come down to footwork."

There was a saying: Amateurs train their muscles; masters train their footwork.

"Actually, you could learn a footwork technique right now. The Hyukcheon Group has countless skills reserved for its members. They are all excellent… but none of them will help you get ahead."

"So, they’re not enough to surpass my competition?"

Joo Hayun nodded.

"Moreover, if you intend to fight the Mei Family, footwork is crucial. Their techniques are bizarre and unpredictable. If your footwork isn’t refined, you’ll lose before you even get a chance to fight back."

"Understood. I’ll retrieve a footwork skill from the Hyukcheon Vault."

"Thank you for considering my advice. Now, I have one last question for you, Lord Kwon Hanul."

What now?

He turned to Joo Hayun, listening intently.

"A footwork skill that is stable, safe, and effective—or one that is highly dangerous but holds the potential to surpass all limits. Which do you prefer?"

"Obviously, the second option."

Kwon Hanul answered without hesitation.

"My situation isn’t easy enough for me to afford a safe, slow path to strength, is it?"

Joo Hayun smiled silently, as if satisfied with his answer.

"In that case, I’ll tell you exactly what you should be looking for."

* * *

Hyukcheon Vault

The Hyukcheon Vault was located deep beneath the Hyukcheon Clan’s territory.

Kwon Hanul passed through five heavily guarded checkpoints before finally reaching the elevator that led to the vault.

As the high-speed elevator plummeted downward for several minutes, he finally arrived at its entrance.

"Hello! I’m Kwon Sujin, in charge of vault security!"

The vault's manager was a woman who appeared to be around the same age as Kwon Hanul.

"I’ve heard so much about you! You're a True Blood, right? I never thought I'd get to see one in my lifetime!"

"Nice to meet you."

"Oh, you don’t have to greet me! I’m from a branch family, so it’s not my place to receive a greeting from a True Blood… But thank you anyway!"

She was incredibly energetic.

"I heard you debuted in a Platinum-rank dungeon! That’s one of the rarest achievements in Hyukcheon’s history! You’re amazing!"

"I just got lucky."

"Lucky? No way! Solo-clearing a Platinum-rank dungeon is something that can never—ever—be done by luck alone! A low-tier Black Dragon Blood like me could never even dream of that! You're incredible!"

Kwon Sujin's eyes sparkled with admiration.

She looked at him like an idol fan meeting their favorite celebrity.

It was… overwhelming, to say the least.

"Please follow me! I’ll guide you to the Hyukcheon Vault!"

Kwon Hanul walked alongside her.

Beyond the elevator, a massive door—resembling the entrance to a fortress—came into view.

"We’ll now begin the security clearance process. Once the vault opens, you’ll have one hour to explore."

Kwon Sujin approached the door and initiated a series of authentication steps:

Fingerprint, iris scan, blood sample, hand vein scan, mana signature, mana pattern…

After dozens of verifications, sounds of machinery echoed from beyond the door.

The roar of engines, the grinding of colossal gears, and the clashing of heavy steel filled the air.

Slowly, the iron doors parted.

Revealing yet another elevator.

"Shall we?"

Kwon Sujin entered the elevator alongside Kwon Hanul. A quick glance revealed that the building had a staggering 30 basement floors.

The sheer scale of the place was overwhelming. And yet, they were only given an hour to look around.

Even if it was for security reasons, this was excessive.

“So, which floor would you like to go to? For reference, the first to fifth floors store potions and elixirs…”

Kwon Sujin briefly explained the layout of the facility.

“I’d like to go to the 30th floor,” Kwon Hanul interrupted.

Sujin looked impressed.

“You already know exactly what you’re here for! That’s amazing! Alright then, 30th floor it is!”

With a press of a button, the elevator began its descent.

After a long ride down, it finally came to a stop.

“Alright, feel free to look around! Just don’t forget—you’ve only got an hour!”

The interior of the Hyukcheon Vault resembled a warehouse-style megastore.

Tall, wide shelves made of reinforced steel stretched out in neat rows, each holding a variety of items.

Kwon Hanul wasted no time and started navigating the 30th floor. He had already gathered all the necessary intel from Joo Hayun.

He knew exactly where to go and what to take.

‘I’m supposed to find a pair of boots that glow bright blue.’

As he searched, he passed by an array of extraordinary items—each one remarkable in its own right.

Any hunter would have been left in awe at the sight of such artifacts.

But Hanul didn’t even spare them a glance.

Before long, he spotted what he was looking for.

Tucked away in a dusty corner of a shelf sat a pair of deep blue boots, covered in grime.

Grabbing the boots, he headed back to the elevator.

“You’re back already! That was quick… huh?”

Seeing the boots, Kwon Sujin’s expression turned to one of confusion.

“Wait… you’re really choosing those boots?”

“Is there a problem?”

“No, it’s just… well…”

Sujin hesitated, looking troubled.

It was only natural.

The boots Hanul had picked out were in terrible condition.

The leather looked like it had been tanned by an amateur, stitched together in a crude, patchy fashion. The shape was uneven, the form completely mismatched.

It was hard to believe such a thing had made its way into the Hyukcheon Vault.

“Are you sure you don’t want to choose something else?”

“I’m fine. I’ll take these.”

“Hmm… well, alright then.”

Reluctantly, Sujin gave up trying to dissuade him.

Hanul was about to step into the elevator when he suddenly stopped in his tracks.

“Wait a moment.”

“Oh! Are you changing your mind?” Sujin asked hopefully.

But that wasn’t the reason Hanul had paused.

Something felt strangely familiar.

Following the sensation, he walked toward the farthest, most secluded part of the 30th floor.

‘What is this? There’s nothing here…’

Scanning the area, he crouched down and placed a hand on the floor.

A message appeared before his eyes.

His heart pounded in his chest.

Just like with the Dragon Sage Armory and the Wishtone, Kwon Hyunmoon had left something here in the Hyukcheon Vault for the True Black Dragon’s Blood.

What exactly was inside?

Excitement thrummed through his veins as he reached for the vault.

But the Hyukcheon Vault was not so easily breached.

He tried again, but the result was the same.

‘Looks like I’ll have to come back later.’

With no other choice, Hanul left the vault behind and returned to the elevator.

* * *

Upon leaving the Hyukcheon Vault, Hanul headed straight for the mansion.

Joo Hayun was waiting for him.

He held out the boots.

“These are the ones you asked for, right?”

“Yes, you got them perfectly.”

“…Are you sure these are the right boots?” Hanul asked skeptically.

It wasn’t just because of how terrible they looked.

Storm Boots

Quality: Unique (E-)

Ability:

Indestructible.

Even the status window displayed unimpressive information.

“Hanul, not everything is as it seems. Even a status window has its limits.”

Joo Hayun pulled out a small glass vial, corked shut.

Inside was a thick, murky liquid.

“What’s that?”

“The power of a demon.”

Hanul’s eyes widened.

Ever since dungeons appeared, Earth had been overrun by monsters.

Among them, demons—highly intelligent and organized—had waged war against humanity, making them one of the greatest threats.

Even now, any sighting of a demon was met with immediate extermination orders.

“Isn’t demonic power something that shouldn’t be in a civilian’s possession?”

“Well… I happened to come across it.”

“…You just happened to?”

That wasn’t the kind of thing one accidentally obtained.

The more he learned about Joo Hayun, the less he understood.

“If I pour this onto the boots, something interesting will happen.”

Without hesitation, she poured the demonic power over the boots.

Immediately, their status changed.

The Seventh Leg of Marquis Vernak.

Quality: Legendary (S+)

Ability:

Indestructible.

Upon passing the Demon’s Trial, inherit the power of Duke Vernak.

“If you slay a demon, you can claim their authority.”

Hanul stared at the boots in astonishment.

“The catch is, you have to pass the trial—and failing means death. But the reward is worth the risk.”

A thought crossed Hanul’s mind.

How did Joo Hayun know all of this?

She had pinpointed the exact location of the boots, known about their hidden potential, and even had the necessary demonic power on hand.

Hanul had always known she was no ordinary person, but today was on a whole other level.

“So that’s why you warned me this would be dangerous.”

“You don’t have to go through with it.”

“No… If I can’t overcome this, I’ll never accomplish anything.”

The stronger the demon, the higher its rank.

And a marquis was the third-highest among them.

The power of such an entity would be immeasurable.

Resolving himself, Hanul slipped on the boots.

A dark energy surged up his legs, swallowing him whole.

His vision blurred, then cleared.

He was no longer in the mansion.

He was suspended in the stormy sky, lightning crackling around him.

<So, you are the one seeking my power?>

A voice boomed like thunder.

From within the storm, a demon emerged.

Standing over five meters tall, its massive frame exuded raw power.

Hanul immediately recognized him.

Marquis Vernak.

The rightful owner of the power.

Vernak laughed heartily, then bolted through the air.

With each step, the storm intensified. Thunder roared.

Hanul understood—this was the power the demon had wielded in life.

Then, Vernak’s expression shifted.

<Wait. You’re… human?>

His eyes narrowed in fury.

A wicked grin spread across his face.

Before Hanul could react, the ground beneath him vanished.

And he plummeted.

[Translator - Helga ]

[Proofreader - Starfall ]