The Immortal Vault and the Prodigy's Plea
I'd sent Lucifer and Gabriel over to the Bulmyeol Guild.
'Gotta collect the payment for taking out those demons.'
-I'll check if it's okay to team up with Sa Choiheon.
Gabriel said that as she headed to the Bulmyeol Guild.
She had the ability to discern good from evil and truth from lies in statements.
So she could verify if Sa Choiheon was trustworthy.
Of course, Sa Choiheon was an outstanding hunter even publicly. From what I'd seen, he didn't strike me as a bad guy.
'Still, better to be sure.'
I couldn't reveal my identity right now, so if I could get various kinds of help through Hunter Sa Choiheon, that would be ideal.
I ate the meal Lucifer had prepared and checked my items.
It was the reward from conquering the C-rank instance gate.
I needed to collect a total of five.
To make one for Gabriel too, that meant ten in total. Even combining all remaining dungeons, it would be hard to gather that many.
They said you could get them through trades or sponsorships with constellations too... but that function hadn't unlocked yet.
'Well, considering the performance of the replicas.'
I recalled Gabriel's performance during the death wave.
The real dedicated weapons would be even better.
They'd be worth the effort to collect.
'Getting stronger never hurts.'
I wasn't particularly aiming for the number one hunter ranking.
But in these turbulent times, power was never a bad thing.
After working hard to become a landlord, the thought of my buildings crumbling under a world boss... was horrifying.
With power, I could prevent such disasters.
'Anyway...'
I checked the shared vision link.
The two apostles had raided the cafeteria for the most ridiculous reason.
They were currently sitting at the table, chowing down.
'What the hell happened while I was away for a bit.'
Somehow, Bulmyeol Guild members were all seated around them.
Look at Sa Choiheon's dumbfounded expression.
Ignoring that, the two apostles were focused on their meal.
"G-Guild Master. What do we do?"
"Just eat first."
"You're making me nervous for no reason."
I knew the faces of Bulmyeol's members. They were famous enough to pop up with a quick internet search.
Teleportation user Yoo Jihun.
Azure Flame Mage Shin Ahyeon.
Natural Saint Joo Narin.
And the other two.
All top 30 rankers. There were even rumors online that they deliberately held back their rankings.
The problem was the frozen atmosphere.
Probably because of these two tactless apostles.
The Bulmyeol members ate while glancing warily at Lucifer and Gabriel. Only Sa Choiheon silently worked his chopsticks.
The guild members' chopsticks started moving faster and faster.
"W-Well then, we'll get going."
"Let's go tell Hunter Cheon Iryeong."
"Guild Master, we'll take a break. Get an autograph from Mumyeong Hunter..."
"Hey, read the room."
In the end, the guild members grabbed their trays and retreated first.
"......"
A moment later, Sa Choiheon, who had quietly finished his meal, stood up.
"Follow me. I'll open the warehouse."
"Wait a sec. Let me finish this."
"Five stars."
And so the suffocating meal came to an end.
Sa Choiheon led the two apostles onto Bulmyeol's central elevator. It headed underground.
"Any items you want?"
"I'll decide after looking."
"Fine, do as you like."
Underground awaited a massive steel door, firmly shut. It felt more like a bunker than a warehouse.
This place would probably survive even if the world ended.
Sa Choiheon placed his hand on it, and the door recognized his mana, beginning to open.
The revealed warehouse was...
"Oh, not bad at all."
Impressive enough to make even Lucifer whistle.
'Dazzling.'
It looked like something out of a movie.
The walls were lined with top-grade items, and glass display cases overflowed with weapons and accessories.
Blue mana flowed faintly from each case, preserving the items' quality.
It was even museum-sized.
"This area holds Unique-grade and above. Legendaries are further in."
This massive scale, and it was only Uniques?
It exceeded even the online rumors.
[Truth]
Gabriel, who had been staring intently at Sa Choiheon, sent me a telepathic message.
Her ability to discern truth in statements.
It worked on Sa Choiheon too.
"Plenty of people have their eyes on this place. Don't think I'd open it to just anyone."
A subtle brag.
[Truth]
So it was fact.
"This warehouse holds all the items I've and the guild members collected."
[False]
What a lie detector.
Wait, a lie?
[What?]
By the way, the telepathic thoughts were shared with Lucifer too. He immediately asked Sa Choiheon.
"This isn't everything, right? There must be even better stuff hidden somewhere."
Sa Choiheon smirked at that.
"Sharp one. Are you Mumyeong's brain? That's as far as it goes for now. No intention of showing more."
[Truth]
Good, Gabriel. Just let me know when needed from now on.
[Got it.]
Moving to the next sector following Sa Choiheon, display cases filled with Legendaries appeared.
The cases were made of much more luxurious solid wood.
How much did all this cost?
Weapons by type, consumables, materials—no gaps. It was like preparing for the apocalypse.
Nothing I could use caught my eye.
My current Extinction Sword was enough for weapons, and I wasn't desperate for armor yet.
Better to grab some safe options for now.
"Let's go for cooldown reduction items."
[Yes, understood. I'll grab the best one.]
My Instant Death cooldown was currently 26.3 days.
Reducing it as much as possible was my immediate goal.
Lucifer scanned the warehouse and spoke up.
"Cooldown-related items would be best."
"Cooldown reduction, huh. You want the expensive stuff. Come this way."
Sa Choiheon beckoned immediately. As Lucifer followed, he brought up another topic.
"I'd like to handle some of your other owned items too."
"I don't know your circumstances, but cash payments have limits."
"Why."
"Bulmyeol is the top guild. We get benefits, but also scrutiny and surveillance. Cash is tough, but trades are welcome."
That was enough for now.
Swapping out items I didn't need would still be a win for me.
A glass case containing a pocket watch.
Sa Choiheon unlocked it and spoke as he stood before it.
"Mumyeong, I'm grateful to you. Blocking the death wave successfully— no one else could have done it."
"You've realized Master's greatness too."
"Just stating facts."
[Truth]
Overestimation.
I hadn't even intended it.
But my lips curved up anyway.
Gabriel, glaring piercingly at Sa Choiheon, continued.
[Sa Choiheon. Originally a good person, broken by reality. Still a heroic type who sacrifices himself. Willing to sacrifice if needed. But harbors an unspeakable secret, like a trauma lingering in a corner of his heart...]
How deeply does she see?
Psych eval level.
[Seems safe to trust. Won't stab us in the back.]
Well, that's what she says.
[P.S. Master holds infinite potential as the strongest being in this world.]
Flattery won't get you anything from me.
Anyway, Hunter Sa Choiheon seemed trustworthy.
Lucifer naturally spoke up.
"Sa Choiheon, since we're at it, one more favor. A place to stay for a while would be nice."
"I'll prepare one. It's one of my hideouts I was planning to use—should be decent."
"What..."
Lucifer looked flustered at the easy agreement.
"You've done that much, so it's only fair to repay."
Sa Choiheon picked up the pocket watch from the case and said.
"Mumyeong, if you want to hide your identity, I won't pry. You must have your reasons."
The golden pocket watch was handed to Lucifer.
◈ Cooldown Reduction 35%
The highest reduction among items I'd gotten so far. 10% higher than the Devil Pendant, also Legendary.
A pure cooldown reduction item.
Just keeping it in the inventory activated the effect. Lucifer grinned and took the watch.
"Pretty good."
"Probably the best cooldown item in existence."
"So I can come back with items to trade later?"
"Anytime."
With the item in hand, Lucifer headed out of the warehouse with Gabriel.
Outside the massive steel door, Lucifer turned back.
"What're you doing? Not coming?"
Hunter Sa Choiheon wasn't following.
"......Coming."
At Lucifer's words, Sa Choiheon, standing with a serious expression, finally started walking.
'They're just leaving?'
Sa Choiheon's choice was a gamble.
Two apostles had come to Bulmyeol.
He'd opened Bulmyeol's warehouse to them.
At this point, their power was equal to or greater than his own.
If they'd wanted to loot the warehouse, they could have.
'......It ended as just a trade.'
No ulterior motives apparent. They'd come purely for the items via trade.
Mumyeong was no villain.
His actions and the current situation clearly placed him on humanity's side.
'Holding that much power... yet not abusing it arbitrarily.'
Mumyeong's existence was blatant overbalance.
Sa Choiheon had braced for potential coercion.
'An ally, then.'
Sa Choiheon felt the heavy weight in his chest lighten a bit.
As they boarded the elevator, Lucifer asked.
"Sa Choiheon, you said not to trust the Association."
"Yes, dangerous elements are mixed in."
"Ma-in, perhaps?"
"Yes. Top secret for now—keep it quiet."
"How'd you find out?"
Sa Choiheon answered without changing expression.
"I investigated."
It was his standard line to hide his regression. Lucifer eyed him suspiciously and quipped.
"Like with the Awakener Alliance... you sure investigate well."
Sarcastic tone, but Sa Choiheon took it in stride.
"Thanks for the praise."
Sa Choiheon spoke again.
"Mumyeong, I know you don't trust me easily either. That's why you don't show your face."
The apostle's smirking expression hid Mumyeong's. No way to know.
But Sa Choiheon continued.
"If you need info, I'll cooperate from my side too. Using my info network will surely help."
Sa Choiheon was cautious too.
A new possibility reached after several regressions.
He didn't want to miss this chance. He'd sworn to do anything to save the world.
"Really? You're being so cooperative it's suspicious."
"Is that the apostle speaking? Or Mumyeong..."
Hiss.
The elevator doors opened right then.
"W-Wait there!"
Hunter Cheon Iryeong was running toward them.
Lucifer frowned.
"Ugh, that brat."
"Fake Mumyeong-nim!"
Lucifer turned away, pretending not to hear. Cheon Iryeong called more seriously.
"Bread Bag-nim."
"Ugh."
When he still ignored her, Gabriel forcibly twisted Lucifer's neck. Finally, he rubbed his neck and replied.
"What."
Hunter Cheon Iryeong steeled herself and spoke.
"Hunter Mumyeong. You might think it's weird, but..."
Words she couldn't say during the death wave.
She'd waited endlessly at Bulmyeol Guild for this.
Just one day, but her feelings were sincere.
"Please take me as your disciple!"
"Trouble. Big trouble."
Hunter Cheon Iryeong had latched straight onto Lucifer.
"I won't let go no matter what. Please! Even a little is fine. Teach me how to get stronger!"
"Let go."
As Lucifer ignored her and walked, Cheon Iryeong was dragged along. Desperate voice.
I rubbed my temples.
'Disciple...'
Hunter Cheon Iryeong was rank 3. Not someone to take as a disciple.
Who'd accept a crazy request like that?
"Please! I want to get stronger! I'm confident! I'll pay if it's money!"
"Money?"
Lucifer's voice perked up with interest at that.
No way he's actually considering it?
Besides, I had nothing to teach.
Instant Death and Weakling Extermination were just skills.
[I'll teach her. She won't be able to imitate anyway. Teach her one thing moderately and it's profit.]
"Follow me, brat."
Cheon Iryeong sighed in relief.
"Phew, money solves everything."
She's picking up weird common sense.
"Let's go to the training grounds!"
Cheon Iryeong excitedly led Lucifer to the training grounds. The two entered first.
Gabriel and Sa Choiheon followed.
"......"
An awkward silence hung.
[Master, give orders quick.]
Gabriel looked extremely awkward too.
Should ask something through her.
'He offered info. What to ask.'
Most needed was info on cooldown reduction items.
With those, no need to rely on reset coupons.
'The ma-in in the Association bugs me too.'
Beings powerful enough to mess up the death wave. If they're in the Association...
'Even Korea isn't safe.'
Thought it was just online conspiracy.
Awakener Alliance too— all sorts of things.
Then.
"Do you know about the Star of Prophets?"
Sa Choiheon, gazing at the training ground's glass wall, spoke first.
"First time hearing it."
"Not asking you. Asking Mumyeong."
"......"
Gabriel stiffened.
[......Master, I'm super embarrassed.]
I empathize completely.
Me too, secondhand embarrassment.
Star of Prophets?
I don't know either.
First time hearing.
No reply, but Sa Choiheon explained anyway.
"A group made of prophets. Most prophets belong there."
"Like Awakener Alliance?"
"No, completely different. Not villains. They just want to preserve the world."
Another rumor confirmed true.
Prophet hunters were extremely rare. Internet rumors of secretive groups approaching them post-awakening were real.
Sa Choiheon advised me.
"They'll visit you soon. They contact big future influencers in advance—that's their way."
"If I meet them?"
"Use them as much as possible. They'll try to use you too."
Then.
Boom—!
The training ground partition shook violently. Inside was filled with thick black smoke.
[Uh......]
Lucifer's flustered thought came from within.
[Master...... this brat's a genius?]
Genius, yes.
All Master genius hunter Cheon Iryeong.
Not just scamming money, huh?
[No, no. Seriously, anything I teach, she masters in 3 seconds. This level of genius is one-of-a-kind even dimension-wide. Let's raise her.]
What a sudden shift.
And raise her? I'm busy handling myself.
As I seriously debated Lucifer and Hunter Cheon Iryeong.
Bzzz—.
Hunter Sa Choiheon's smartphone rang.
"Excuse me."
Sa Choiheon stepped away in the training corridor and answered.
Call from his info broker.
Private operator, but with intel rivaling the Association or other agencies.
Sa Choiheon frowned at the info from the voice on the other end.
"Is that real? A dungeon with a phantasmal species discovered?"
Confirmation repeated, same answer.
The broker was a master of analysis and scouting skills.
Able to know dungeon info in advance.
Such a super-legendary beast slumbering in a dungeon discovered.
In Korea, no less.
Sa Choiheon's brows furrowed.
'Not supposed to happen at this time.'
Kero was no Korean legend. Guardian of the underworld gates in Greco-Roman myth.
Unlike demons like Belial spread worldwide by nature, this one wasn't.
Someone deliberately summoned the underworld's three-headed hound to Korea.
'Ma-in.'
Sa Choiheon easily guessed the inside story.
'The future's changing.'
The flow of fate altered by Mumyeong was accelerating in new forms in Korea.
"Got it. I'll pay for the info separately."
As he hung up, two shadows fell behind Sa Choiheon.
"Phantasmal species. You weren't planning to hog that delicious prey alone, right?"
"Oppose monopoly."
The two apostles had approached unnoticed.
Sa Choiheon narrowed his eyes.
"This isn't a joke. Phantasmal species are calamities that make demons look like pests. You know that."
"Know full well. That's why it's good."
Lucifer grabbed Sa Choiheon's shoulder with a sly grin.
"Guide us, no matter what."