The Illegitimate Who Devours Weapons

[Translator - Helga ]

[Proofreader - Lucky]

Chapter 14

When the children of the Esteemed Martial Lee Clan reach the age of ten, they discard their childhood names through the Naming Ceremony. This ritual awakens the latent abilities within their bloodline and grants them their true names.

Unlike the Steel Selection Ceremony, which allows direct descendants and even relatives up to the fourth degree (tl/n:4th cousins kinda) to participate, the Naming Ceremony extends its challenge to collateral relatives with the Lee surname, up to the eighth degree—provided they have the will to take part.

However, the number of collateral clan members who actually attempted the Naming Ceremony was always low.

Even direct descendants risked death during the trials, so very few parents were willing to send their children into such danger.

That was why, in this Naming Ceremony, the only participants were Lee Hwa and me.

Unlike the grand and boisterous Steel Selection Ceremony, where the entire Esteemed Martial Lee Clan gathered, the Naming Ceremony was far more subdued, consisting only of a brief departure ritual.

And even then, hardly anyone had come to see me off.

"I'm sorry."

After finishing his speech on the podium, my eldest brother looked in Hwa's direction with a bitter smile.

A group of elders and high-ranking members of the clan had gathered around Hwa, offering their blessings and words of encouragement.

"What are you sorry for?"

"For… being born into this kind of clan."

I turned to my eldest brother with a surprised expression. It wasn’t something I ever expected to hear from him—someone who took immense pride in and had deep love for our clan.

"Enough, Myeongjeong. There's no need to say such things," my uncle interjected.

But my brother simply let out another wry smile.

"Little brother."

"Yes, brother?"

"Which Trial Chamber do you plan to challenge?"

"That's a secret."

For a moment, my brother looked taken aback by my response. Then, he let out a quiet chuckle.

"Is it because of that damned rivalry again?"

"No, it's not that."

"Oh, please. Do you think I don’t know you by now? Fine, I get it."

It seemed like he was convinced I would challenge the same Trial Chamber as him.

'But that’s not it at all.'

I didn't bother correcting him. There was no need to ruin this strangely warm moment right before our departure.

"Oh, my little one! I hate seeing you go, but you have to do exactly what I told you, okay?"

"Yes, Aunt, I will."

After a brief farewell with my aunt, I turned to my nanny.

"Nanny, I'm off."

"Yes, young master."

She gave me a simple nod, her face calm and unreadable.

She was probably putting on a brave front so I wouldn’t worry.

I grinned.

"Nanny, when I get back, I think I'll be craving for your cooking."

"...What?"

"I'm going to complete the Naming Ceremony safely and perfectly. So, get ready to make something delicious for me when I return."

Her eyes widened in surprise. Then, a bright smile spread across her face, and she nodded.

"Yes! When you return, I'll make sure to show off my best cooking skills!"

I gave her a cheerful smile before heading toward the vehicle prepared to take us to the trial grounds.

At last, the Naming Ceremony was about to begin.

* * *

The Naming Ceremony’s Island

The Naming Ceremony was held on a small uninhabited island near the western sea, in the northern regions.

It was known for its land, which changed color—either red or blue—depending on the concentration of mana in the atmosphere.

To the south, it bordered a danger zone. To the north, across the sea, lay the unexplored zones.

“The items being handed to you are tracking devices. Please wear them at all times unless absolutely necessary,” said the Shadow Sword Unit member who had escorted Hwa and me to the island, as he handed us a wristwatch-like device and a small brooch.

Though labeled as tracking devices, these tools had hidden features: they transmitted footage for evaluation, monitored heart rate and body temperature, and facilitated the delivery of emergency rations.

Twice a week, a small supply drop of field rations—block cakes—would be sent, guided by these devices.

“You are already aware of the details, so I will keep this brief. The tasks given to the young lady and young master participating in the Naming Ceremony are as follows.”

Survive.

Hunt.

And challenge the ‘Trial Chamber.’

The mana concentration and quality within the Island far exceeded that of the mainland.

Lingering here for too long could cause adverse effects on the body, and the island’s rich mana scent had lured countless monsters to its shores.

A special barrier had been installed, preventing creatures too powerful for children to handle from entering—aside from the island’s native guardian. Yet, even with such restrictions, the sheer number of monsters inhabiting the island was overwhelming.

“For three weeks, you must survive in the Island and prove yourselves by hunting monsters. Your performance in this trial will influence your future assignments.”

“The Trial Chamber will open for two days after the third week. It does not assess physical prowess alone, so be sure to reflect on everything you’ve studied and make your choices wisely before entering.”

The Trial Chamber was the true test of the Naming Ceremony. Only those who passed it would awaken the latent abilities within their Esteemed Martial Lee Clan bloodline.

“With that, I wish you both good fortune.”

With those final words, the Spirit Sword Corps member left the island.

As we stood in silence, staring at the ominous land before us, Hwa finally spoke.

“This place… feels cursed.”

“It’s hardly the ideal place for people to live.”

Despite being a rocky island, it was covered in an overgrown primeval forest. The roots twisted together like tangled veins, and even though it was midday, the forest exuded an eerie, shadowed atmosphere.

With monsters swarming the area, even securing food would be a challenge.

“What’s your plan?” Hwa asked.

“Why should I tell you?”

“…You’re really stingy.”

Hwa opened and closed her mouth several times as if debating whether to say something.

Then, with a sudden glint of determination, she locked eyes with me.

“Hey. I need to talk to you.”

I didn’t avoid her gaze.

“So, you’ve finally decided.”

“Huh? What?”

“You’ve been wanting to say something since our training sessions, haven’t you?”

“W-What? How did you know?”

Hwa’s eyes wavered at my words.

“How could I not? Go ahead. I’m listening.”

Pressing her lips together, she took the brooch and wristwatch—still unworn—and stuffed them into her pocket.

As if to say she wasn’t planning on showing them to me again.

Then, from within her sleeve, she pulled out something small.

A glass vial.

I frowned as soon as I saw it.

“What’s that?”

“Poison.”

After saying that, Hwa looked surprisingly relieved.

I, on the other hand, forgot how to breathe for a moment.

"Its name is Dreamlike trance. A treasure from the Floating Dungeon. There are a lot of conditions to using it, but in short, once it enters your body, it disrupts your mana circuits for an extended period.”

A cold chill ran down my spine.

I stared at the glass vial in Hwa’s hand.

‘…So it really was that.’

If what she said was true, then this was without a doubt the very substance that had ruined my life in my past.

A poison that didn’t threaten life but instead crippled mana circuits. Colorless, odorless, leaving no trace—there weren’t many toxins with such distinct properties.

I had spent a great deal of time researching it after my return, so I had my suspicions.

But I never imagined I would see it before it had even been used—right here, right now.

‘Could it be that Hwa was responsible in my past life as well?’

No. That was impossible.

Dreamlike trance required very specific conditions to activate. In my past life, Hwa and I had barely interacted. That meant this was a consequence of my actions in this life.

"Who gave that to you?"

"I'm not telling you that."

Hwa clenched the vial tightly before hurling it toward a distant rock wall.

Paak!

With a small sound, the glass shattered.

"Now there's no evidence. That poison completely evaporates in five minutes."

Hwa looked at me with unwavering determination.

"I'm going to defeat you fair and square. I won’t rely on something like that. So you’d better go all out in this trial, too."

Hearing her declaration, the storm of emotions surging within me quickly settled.

‘Not that it really matters—I was already preparing for something like this.’

I closed my eyes for a moment, then slowly opened them.

"…I was going to go all out whether you said that or not."

"Good."

Hwa nodded.

"One last thing. Don’t head into the island’s center until you're completely prepared. The deeper you go, the more dangerous it gets."

"…."

"The mana concentration there is higher, so the monsters are stronger and more numerous. They fight fiercely just to survive, which makes them even more vicious."

"I know that already. But why are you telling me? Are you worried about me or something?"

"What? Worried?"

Hwa scoffed in disgust.

"Don’t say creepy things. I threw away that poison because I made a promise to defeat you fairly—I don’t want you dying like an idiot in some random place before I get the chance."

—Boooooo!

A loud horn echoed across the island. The trial had begun.

At that moment, a deep, resonant sound echoed nearby, heavy like the horn of a passenger ship.

"Then don’t die. I’m going ahead."

With that, Hwa leaped along the shoreline, heading westward across the island.

I stood still for a moment, gazing into the darkness lurking within the forest’s depths.

Then, without hesitation, I stepped into the primeval jungle.

Toward the island’s center.

* * *

In the command and control room of the Esteemeed Martial Lee clan's main house, a small map was being updated in real time on a large screen.

Below it, multiple screens were broadcasting live footage.

"As expected, the eighth is outstanding. The number of monsters she has already taken down is quite impressive."

It was Elder Council Head Lee Cheoljung. Stroking his beard, he spoke with satisfaction.

"This should be her first real combat experience. Well, who awakened their instincts? No way they’d be clumsy. What was it? Forty-seven days?"

Lee Cheoljung smiled slightly and turned to look at a man sitting in the corner of the meeting room—

Lee Joongkwan, the captain of the Blood Tiger Squad.

Watching the footage in silence, Lee Joongkwan finally spoke.

"That child was never at this level before. I expected her to take the full two months."

He still believed that. Hwa had exceptional talent, but that was it—just talent.

But something had provoked her.

The ninth.

That child had pushed Hwa, forcing her beyond her natural limits.

"Hmm. The eighth is certainly incredible. But I'm worried. Even following the textbook approach is dangerous enough, yet she keep fighting like that..."

This time, it was Chief Administrator Lee Taehong who spoke, watching Hwa’s screen with a worried expression.

A safe shelter, water, food, fire—these were the essentials for survival in the wild.

Yet the eighth had abandoned all preparation, diving straight into combat. It was impressive, but also reckless.

"Haha, the General Overseer is always so concerned. How many children here have ever truly followed the textbook method?"

It was true.

Esteemeed Martial Lee Clan taught the principles of survival, but few adhered to them. They didn't need to. Their bodies were built to endure, and their instincts were razor-sharp.

"Hmm. But what is that one doing?"

Lee Cheoljung frowned as he looked at the lower screen—the ninth’s feed.

The ninth wasn’t fighting.

Instead, he was carefully making their way inland, moving deliberately, cautiously. If a monster appeared, he would hold his breath and hide, avoiding conflict altogether.

"Looks like he’s searching for a shelter," said Lee Joongkwan.

Head elder snorted, unimpressed.

"Hmm. Esteemeed Martial Lee blood, yet…"

"Scurrying around like a rat, avoiding fights. A coward through and through."

"…Preparing a shelter in a dangerous place should be considered prudent, not something to criticize," interjected Lee Myeongjung with a firm expression.

"Ahem. That is true."

"Haha, maybe we’ve been spoiled watching the eighth. Honestly, even reaching that level at this age is no small feat."

The elders chuckled, nodding in agreement.

All except Lee Cheoljung.

"In the Esteemeed Martial Lee clan, being ordinary is a sin."

His voice was quiet, yet it silenced the room.

"Wouldn’t you all agree?"

Lee Cheoljung smiled, the wrinkles on his face deepening with warmth.

It was a gentle, grandfatherly smile.

And yet, it commanded the entire room.

"Yes. When you put it that way… you’re absolutely right."

"The descendant of the Esteemeed Martial Lee clan acting like some ordinary commoner—what a joke."

The elders began chattering amongst themselves again.

Lee Myeongjung felt a suffocating weight in his chest as he listened.

‘How did our clan end up like this?’

Building a shelter was fundamental, even explicitly written in the survival code.

Even if most didn't follow the textbook rules, at least the basics were upheld. This wasn’t about being ordinary or extraordinary.

The elders knew this too. They were only looking at the youngest through tainted lenses because he was illegitimate.

‘Or maybe... it’s always been like this.’

Perhaps he had just failed to see it before.

If not for the youngest, he might never have realized.

‘But... why is that brat acting so steadily?’

The frustration in his heart was quickly replaced by unease.

He turned his head slightly, glancing at the Chief Administrator, whose expression mirrored his own.

‘That’s not how he should be acting. He’s the kind of guy who’d charge headfirst into a beast without hesitation... What is he up to this time?’

And he wasn't the only one.

Someone else found the youngest’s behavior strange.

‘Hmm. That brat’s not the type to act like this. The one who tested the instructors and even counterattacked me—why is he suddenly being so cautious?’

It was Lee Joongkwan.

Those who knew the ninth’s nature couldn’t understand this overly passive approach.

Soon, Young found a suitable cave and began inspecting the inside.

He burned mugwort and various herbs to drive out insects and bats, then skillfully wove branches together to conceal the entrance.

Not just by-the-book—his execution was expert-level. Even the more cynical elders watched with interest.

Yet Lee Myeongjung and the Chief Administrator still felt uneasy, and Lee Joongkwan remained suspicious.

Then suddenly, the ninth removed all the surveillance devices.

"Wh—What is he doing?"

"No, that brat—!"

The elders recoiled in shock.

The ninth mercilessly stripped off the bracelet and brooch that transmitted his video feed, tossing them to the ground. Then, he walked off and tore off a large tree leaf.

"Wh-Why would he...?"

Lee Taehong’s voice trembled.

And then—

Paf!

The screen went dark.

Everyone in the conference room sat there, mouths agape.

"Ha! As expected of an illegitimate child—he’s full of tricks."

Lee Cheoljung burst into laughter.

Lee Joongkwan burst into hearty laughter, clearly entertained.

Meanwhile, Lee Myeongjung and the Chief Administrator could only sigh and press their hands against their foreheads.

---

“No need to show them anything unnecessary.”

Right now, hunting wouldn’t do much for my evaluation. It was far more important to obtain what I needed on this island without being seen.

I could always start making a show of things when it actually mattered.

While I was at it, I tossed the Steel sword I had brought deep into the cave.

I only carried it because of other people's expectations.

But that average sword was nothing compared to what I already had on my finger.

Slowly, I roused my mana.

—Fwoosh!

The unassuming black ring on my finger, Boundless, trembled before seamlessly shifting into a dagger.

With continued training and increased mana reserves, the transformation was much faster now.

"Alright, time to move."

Since I was already inside the Scarlet Depths, I might as well make the most of it.

I flipped the dagger into the air, caught it effortlessly, and kicked off the ground.

[Translator - Helga ]

[Proofreader - Lucky]