So This Makes Me a Successor Too?
The D-class labyrinth zone wasn’t particularly lively. Of the safety zones scattered within it, the 53rd Shaft stood out as one of the least bustling. It wasn’t home to a large population of other races, and being located at the far end of the first underground floor, it tended to draw in those of slightly weaker bloodlines who couldn’t quite keep up with the more elite groups.
Elves were occasionally spotted, but they mostly just hurried around with their spirit companions, chasing after who-knew-what.
Still, the safety zone attracted quite a few people looking to earn points through commerce, especially out here on the outskirts of the 53rd Shaft. Since it housed weaker species, they were clearly here more interested in points than in hunting.
That was why so many food stalls thrived in the area. Lee Do-hyeon’s party had been watching them with open curiosity.
“All these dishes are new to me.”
“There are quite a few that look really good.”
“Hmm, these seem perfect for a quick bite.”
Because shops run by races from other dimensions were common, Do-hyeon was marveling at the unfamiliar sights while secretly swallowing his saliva at the ones that smelled mouthwatering. Hana Rin, who had been so cocky with him back at the training center, was now back to her usual self. Ji Yu-chan, who had clashed with Do-hyeon in the arena, had also returned to his normal, quiet self.
All three of them wandered around, taking it all in, until Do-hyeon pointed at a place that looked decent and asked,
“What about there?”
Hana Rin and Ji Yu-chan turned to look at the restaurant that served food resembling familiar Earth dishes. Since it was so similar to Earth cuisine, they felt no hesitation sitting down. The staff approached—humanoid in appearance but with tails or animal ears—and handed over menus with polite smiles.
However, their gaze was sharp and suspicious, like that of a European shop that treated everyone with disdain.
“You have points, right?”
The moment they were treated like some kind of scum, Do-hyeon, Hana Rin, and Ji Yu-chan exchanged glances and let out a small, awkward laugh.
Thinking about it, this was their first time encountering discrimination after spending so much time in hunting grounds. And realizing that the species who had spoken that way were all villains made the feeling all the more fresh.
Do-hyeon waved a hand dismissively and reassured them, “Don’t worry,” while subtly using his aura. He didn’t go quite as far as adding the Dragon Slayer’s Will, but it was still more than enough.
“!!!!!!”
The animal-eared species, who had never felt such intense pressure even among D-class hunters, jolted in shock and collapsed into their seat, trembling.
Did it feel too severe? Yet Do-hyeon had no mercy for anyone who tried to discriminate against him, so he simply told them, “If you know what’s good for you, get out.”
“Y-yes, yes! I’m sorry!!”
Only then did the animal-eared species realize just how powerful Do-hyeon was and hurriedly fled the table.
Hana Rin and Ji Yu-chan couldn’t help but accept it as natural. After all, the Black Gates had made such brutality commonplace.
The world was far more savage and law-of-the-jungle than Earth. That was exactly why it was rare for someone like Do-hyeon to simply use pressure and end it there. If they had been dismissed like this, stronger species would have smashed the building apart.
Because only hunters were forbidden from attacking in the safety zone. They could destroy buildings, after all.
In fact, Do-hyeon’s behavior could almost be called gentle.
“It’s funny how immediately suspicion and discrimination are leveled at humans.”
“Exactly.”
They had just witnessed how deeply the human race was despised within the Black Gates. Even weaker species like the animal-eared people discriminated against one another.
That was why ordinary Earth hunters usually just ate the food provided in their lodgings, but Do-hyeon’s party had come out specifically for a casual meal to lighten the mood.
Discrimination hadn’t spoiled their appetites.
As they prepared to order after ignoring the rude waiter, one of the guests at the neighboring table whistled while glancing toward Do-hyeon’s group.
“Whoa, that’s some serious control.”
The compliment, delivered with genuine admiration, made Do-hyeon turn his head out of curiosity. What he saw was another race with human-like features but striking red eyes and horns protruding from their head.
Upon closer inspection, he noticed more horns behind her back as well. He didn’t know what species she was, but he could tell she was strong.
The fact that she was admiring Do-hyeon’s control already set her apart. Hana Rin and Ji Yu-chan watched her with caution, but Do-hyeon found her intriguing instead.
Pure, untainted admiration—without the slightest hint of hostility—prompted Do-hyeon to habitually use Analysis. Her eyes snapped wide open in surprise.
And Do-hyeon could see her status window.
『Hezway Paraxar』
『Trait: Dragon Emperor of Dawn [S]』
『Skills』
▶ 「Dragon Emperor’s Successor [S]」
▶ 「Spear Technique [A]」
▶ 「Dawn Radiance [A]」
▶ Spear Technique – 「Glowing Light Dragon Spear [A]」
▶ 「Dragon Scales [B]」
▶ 「Praise of the Dawn [B]」
▶ 「Breath of the Dawn [B]」
▶ 「Mana Manipulation [C]」
… (More)
『Abilities』
▶ 「Strength: 59」
▶ 「Agility: 59」
▶ 「Vitality: 58」
▶ 「Mana: 67」
※ She is a dragon.
※ Due to a species disparity, only one skill can be obtained.
[Analysis successful using 「Sword King’s Intuition [A]」.]
[2000 AP acquired.]
‘A dragon???’
He had heard rumors, but seeing it with his own eyes for the first time was something else entirely. Coupled with the S-grade trait he had never seen before in the Black Gates, Do-hyeon’s eyes sparkled. Even her stats and skills far exceeded those of Galacro.
He had trained hard all day today, but recalling how the three of them had gone all out against Galacro yesterday, he couldn’t help wondering if he could actually beat this Hezway.
‘She’s an incredible warrior.’
No wonder she had sighed in admiration at his mana control—she really was strong.
While Do-hyeon marveled and analyzed her status, Hezway caught Do-hyeon’s gaze. Scales suddenly began sprouting across her human-like skin as she took a defensive stance.
Churrr—
But nothing happened. Confused, Hezway looked at the party. The three of them were equally bewildered.
In the confusion, Hezway suddenly remembered this was a safety zone and hurriedly retracted her scales, yet the sensation from moments ago still lingered vividly.
When Do-hyeon tried to analyze her again, Hezway felt the entire world shaking around Do-hyeon, all of it flowing toward him, and blinked in bewilderment before murmuring,
“……Was that a spell?”
“No?”
“……Without mana flow, it didn’t seem like magic, but it was an incomprehensible phenomenon.”
“Hmm?”
“Ah, I think I get it now.”
“Hmm, Do-hyeon’s eyes are quite mysterious.”
“???”
Hana Rin and Ji Yu-chan nodded in agreement with Hezway’s words, as if they understood. Only then did Hezway relax her guard.
She had realized Do-hyeon hadn’t done it on purpose.
While Hezway sat in thought, the party finished ordering and thanked her for the recommendation.
“Thanks.”
“It was nothing special. I’m Hezway Paraxar. What about you three?”
The sudden introduction was awkward, but Do-hyeon answered without concern.
“Do-hyeon.”
“Hana Rin.”
“Ji Yu-chan.”
Do-hyeon’s party answered in order, and Hezway nodded while studying them.
“Hmm, I’ve just been promoted, so I won’t be seeing you in D-class anymore. But you three seem like you’ll be promoted soon. I hope we meet again someday.”
With that, Hezway stood, paid, and left gracefully. Hana Rin and Ji Yu-chan watched her go in awe.
It was their first time meeting an other race, after all.
Hana Rin added, still marveling at the mana control itself.
“The mana control is ridiculous, but she’s not a mage.”
Ji Yu-chan nodded in agreement.
“She’s an incredible spear master.”
“I knew she was from the technique class, but I didn’t know she used a spear.”
“You can tell just by looking. She’s a serious expert. Every movement is extraordinary.”
Hana Rin agreed with Ji Yu-chan’s admiration.
Anyone who saw her could immediately recognize she was no ordinary expert.
Do-hyeon had been watching the spot where Hezway had vanished for a long time.
And then he muttered,
“A spear master who’s also a healer.”
“What?”
“Huh?”
Both of them turned to him in confusion before suddenly remembering the menu recommendation and tilting their heads.
It was strange that a spear master would be a healer, but it wasn’t as if Do-hyeon was new to strange things.
They decided it was probably nothing and nodded.
“It’s our first time meeting friendly other races, so I’m grateful.”
“We wouldn’t have known without the menu explanation.”
The two of them chatted, but Do-hyeon didn’t reply.
He hadn’t thanked her for the menu.
Instead, he looked at the message floating before his eyes.
5000 AP consumed to acquire 「Dragon Emperor’s Successor [S]」 skill from Hezway Paraxar.
Current abilities exceed the original skill level.
Stats slightly upgraded compared to before.
Mana permanently increased by +7.
The acquired skill cannot be used at its original power.
‘Thanks a lot.’
Thanks to that, he had obtained a new S-grade skill.