The Illegitimate Who Devours Weapons

[Translator - Helga ]

[Proofreader - Lucky]

Chapter 5

He was someone who had always looked out for me, a man of exceptional skill, and by no means weak in terms of martial prowess.

My Uncle, Chief Administrator Lee Taehong, was such a person.

But my answer was already decided.

"I'm fine, Uncle."

I cannot take my uncle as my teacher.

I don’t know the exact moment, but in my previous life, someone destroyed my mana pathways.

The incident during the Steel Selection Ritual was inevitable, but if I were to receive direct instruction from my uncle, it would only further provoke those who wish to harm me.

I have no desire to attract attention before I am fully prepared.

"…What?"

"I know how much work you do for the clan, Uncle. I don't want to burden you."

Uncle's expression tightened, as if he were displeased.

"A burden? I simply wish to make time for my nephew. There's no need to hesitate."

"I heard the government recently requested assistance regarding the Unexplored regions in the north."

Lee Taehong's eyes flickered.

"How did you…?"

"I overheard the bodyguards talking. I don’t know the details, but they said the administrative office has been extremely busy. And you’re the Chief Administrator aren’t you, Uncle?"

Lee Taehong let out a deep sigh.

A new government had taken office this year, and as always, every new administration prioritized stabilizing the Northern Unexplored regions.

Nothing had been decided yet—or rather, because nothing had been settled, the Esteemed Martial Lee Clan’s administration was overwhelmed with work.

That was why, despite wanting to visit me earlier, he could only come now.

"Besides, isn’t it a rule that we can’t formally serve a master until after our Naming Ceremony? If I were to receive your teachings, Uncle, it would put you in a difficult position."

"Tch! They even break the rules when they are suitable. Do you think they'd have the gall to call me out on it?"

"They wouldn’t say it outright, but it would still create trouble for you."

I looked at my uncle with a gentle smile.

He let out another sigh.

"Does this not bother you? All of your siblings are receiving the finest elixirs and training from the best masters."

"Just because no one follows a rule doesn’t mean I should ignore it too. And… I will prove myself, even without elixirs or a master."

"Hah…"

Lee Taehong could only sigh in admiration at the confidence in his young nephew’s voice.

‘Is this child really only nine years old?’

As he met my clear, unwavering gaze, a familiar face flashed through his mind.

And the moment he realized whom Lee Young reminded him of, his mouth opened slightly in surprise.

‘Elder Brother… Yes, he looks just like my elder brother.’

Eyes like these were rare.

And those few who possessed them had all left an indelible mark on history.

Lee Taehong let out a faint smile.

"But as your uncle, it still doesn’t sit right with me to do nothing for you. Is there anything I can help you with?"

I took a deep breath.

I had been waiting for these words.

"I want to visit the underground vault of the Secret Warehouse."

The Secret Warehouse—the place where the Esteemeed Martial Lee Clan’s countless treasures were stored.

And beneath it…

"The Secret Warehouse holds weapons that were sealed away for various reasons. Are you aware of that?"

"Those weapons remain locked away, unable to find a master, forgotten in the darkness. Every one of them must have a story… Isn’t that just too tragic?"

I spoke with as much innocent sincerity as a child could muster.

Uncle narrowed his eyes and observed me closely for a moment.

"Are you saying you want to see them simply because you feel sorry for them?"

"In the future, I will wield countless weapons. Each of them will share many stories with me. To properly honor the weapons that choose me, I want to see them. I believe it will help me understand how I should treat my own weapons moving forward."

"Haha, this kid…"

Lee Taehong let out a quiet chuckle.

For the first time, his nephew had said something that truly felt childlike in its innocence, yet the reasoning behind it was admirable.

"It's good to see you thinking that way. Alright, if that’s the case, I'll make it happen."

"Thank you!"

"But be warned—some of those weapons are classified as Demonic Relics, capable of devouring their wielders. I cannot allow you into the sealed chambers where they are kept."

Common, Master, Sacred Relics, Heavenly…

Among the many classifications of weapons, Sacred Relics and Demonic Relics could not be measured by mere ranking alone.

Especially Demonic Relics

"Yes, I wouldn’t want to see those either."

"The regular energy inspection is scheduled for tomorrow, so that would be a good time. Normally, it only takes an hour, but for you, I'll extend it to two. Will that be enough?"

I nodded with a bright smile.

Uncle ruffled my hair roughly with his large hand.

‘It’s set.’

I clenched my fist.

Now, I was ready to find that item.

---

For those seeking extraordinarily rare or seemingly impossible treasures, people often say:

"You'll only find that in the Lee Clan’s secret warehouse."

"They say the Lee Clan’s warehouse holds every treasure in the world."

The Secret Warehouse of the Esteemeed Martial Lee Clan was so legendary that such phrases had become common expressions. It housed artifacts comparable to those in the Vatican or the Mage Tower which were massive, nation-level organizations.

And because of that, its security was unparalleled.

A massive structure reinforced with the most advanced technology and layered with countless mystical arts.

Though it appeared to be a modern building on the surface, there were intricate geometric patterns adorned its outer walls—seals, enchantments, barriers.

This enormous facility, with six floors above ground and one beneath, was the Secret Warehouse of the Esteemeed Martial Lee Clan.

"Are you that excited?"

Uncle smirked at me.

It seemed I had been unable to hide my enthusiasm. I let out an embarrassed laugh.

"Of course! I’m going into the Secret Warehouse!"

"Hah, well, it is quite the spectacle, isn’t it?"

Behind us, administrative officials from the clan’s governing body followed closely. Their gazes were not particularly kind, but none dared to show open displeasure in front of my uncle.

I looked up at him.

‘I never realized it before, but…’

Despite being of illegitimate birth, my uncle, Lee Taehong, had risen to the rank of the Esteemeed Martial Lee Clan’s Chief Administrator. Only now did Young fully realize how incredible that feat was.

No one knew better than he did how difficult it was for someone born a bastard to attain such a high position in their Clan.

“Halt.”

Clack!

The moment they approached the massive walls surrounding the Clan’s Warehouse, the guards stationed at the entrance crossed their spears, blocking our path.

“State your identity and purpose for visiting.”

“It’s the regular inventory check. I am Chief Administrator Lee Taehong, accompanied by the Military Supply Director, officials from each combat division, and my youngest nephew, Lee Young, who is here as an observer. Fourteen people in total.”

Taehong handed over the documents, and the guards took them inside for verification.

‘They do this every week… and yet, they’re this thorough.’

After a short while, the guards lifted their spears.

“Confirmed. The documents check out. You may proceed.”

Normally, all visitors would have to undergo additional security screenings, including inspections of their personal belongings. However, since this was a routine check, they were allowed to pass without issue.

‘Perfect. That’s exactly what I was counting on.’

I subtly felt the object hidden inside his loose-fitting coat and exhaled deeply.

“Young, I’ll have my secretary escort you to the entrance.”

“The keycard is for access, and the security token is for bypassing magical barriers. My secretary will hold onto the keycard, but you must keep the security token on you at all times.”

My uncle, clearly worried, emphasized his instructions while assigning his personal secretary to accompany me.

“This way, Young Master.”

The secretary’s voice was curt as he guided me down into the underground levels.

Descending the stairs, I let out a small, bitter smile.

‘…This brings back memories.’

The beige linoleum floor echoed with each step. The air was thick with the scent of metal and the oil used for maintaining weapons.

Up until this point, I had been excited. But now, as I stepped into the Warehouse, my excitement faded, replaced by quiet determination.

The first—and last—time I had entered this place was right before I was cast out of the Clan. It was the day I had returned Clear Echo, the sword that had chosen him during the Steel Selection Ritual.

They continued descending until, at last, a massive iron door loomed before them.

“Young Master, we’ve arrived. I will be waiting at the entrance. If anything happens, please call for me immediately.”

“Understood. Thank you.”

Thud—click—

As the keycard touched the scanner, the heavy iron doors unlocked with a deep, resonant sound.

“Hmm.”

A stale, musty scent drifted out from within.

It was no wonder this place was often called the Graveyard of Weapons.

The underground Warehouse stretched at least 200 pyeong (approximately 660 square meters), filled with rows upon rows of sealed weapons and artifacts.

‘Let’s begin.’

I hadn’t come here simply to browse.

There was a specific weapon I needed to find.

The blade I had chosen during the Steel Selection Ritual—Black Twilight (Heugya)—was currently unusable.

‘I don’t just need a decent weapon… I need its abilities.’

I needed it, Boundless!

Though it appeared to be an ordinary dagger, it had unique properties. It had been locked away here until its secrets could be unraveled.

And it wasn’t until my third brother, Lee Gunseong, discovered it that its true nature was revealed.

‘There are at least hundreds of weapons here… Finding one among them won’t be easy, but…’

At that moment, a dark aura flickered to life around my hand.

For someone like me, who could read the memories of weapons, this task wouldn’t be difficult.

It would just take time.

And with the two hours I had been given, I had more than enough.

‘Let’s do this.’

---

The black aura stretched out and coiled around the nearest dagger.

Time passed swiftly.

Among the countless weapons, I continued reading the memories of various daggers as I moved forward.

And then, I came across an unexpected discovery.

‘I can’t believe the Great Thief Clan was wiped out because of our Clan.’

My eyes gleamed as I grasped a particularly striking dagger.

The Infamous Gol Clan, once known as a Clan of thieves, had vanished without a trace one day.

But as it turned out, they hadn’t simply disappeared.

Seeking to elevate their reputation, they had infiltrated the Esteemeed Martial Lee Clan’s Warehouse, a place considered impregnable—and they had paid the ultimate price for it.

‘So this is the Gol Clan’s dagger technique…’

I returned the dagger to its place.

A part of me wanted to absorb all the knowledge contained within it, but I couldn’t afford to waste time. Just skimming the surface of its memories was enough.

‘Even a dagger from a different species… This place truly has all kinds of things.’

I continued my search, inspecting various weapons for nearly an hour.

‘Not this one either.’

I set down what felt like the thirtieth dagger.

Clatter—

At that moment, something heavy fell to the ground with a dull thud and rolled across the floor.

It was a small, rusted lump of metal—so decayed it was practically rotting away.

The rust had accumulated to such an extreme degree that it covered more surface area than the actual metal itself. In fact, it was so corroded that it resembled a chunk of wood more than a weapon.

‘This much rust? Is that even possible?’

I reached down to return the lump of metal to its stand—but hesitated.

If I removed the rust and restored the handle just a little…

It was worth checking.

Slowly, I released my black aura.

“Ah?”

A dumbfounded sound escaped my lips.

The black energy, which had always obeyed my will, suddenly surged forward uncontrollably, pouring into the dagger in one massive wave.

A wave of dizziness struck me, My vision blurred.

And then—

Ilost consciousness.

* * *

When I opened my eyes, the world before me was drenched in red.

Even the sky was steeped in crimson, as if it were bleeding.

The moment I turned my gaze to take in these surroundings, my mind reeled.

It was a massacre.

Corpses—both human and monster—were strewn everywhere.

‘What the hell is this?’

The air was suffocatingly heavy. The stench of blood was so thick it made me want to vomit.

This memory…

It was completely different from any I had ever seen before.

Was I witnessing the memories of the weapon’s owner?

Or… was I actually standing in this place myself?

The entire scene felt surreal, like something out of a dream—lacking the weight of reality. And yet, every sensation against my skin was painfully vivid.

—Hoo…

A faint exhale reached my ears.

I turned toward the source of the sound.

There, amidst a mountain of corpses, stood a man—alone, drenched in blood.

His attire was ancient, something that belonged in a museum. In his hand, he held a chipped longsword, its tip dragging lifelessly against the ground.

Thud—!

The ground trembled.

The sound alone sent a chill racing down my spine.

Forcing my gaze away from the man, I turned toward the source of the noise.

A beast, wreathed in thick, swirling mist.

Each of its footsteps sent the earth into violent convulsions, as if the very ground itself was screaming.

Every breath it exhaled reeked of death—an acrid, poisonous stench rising into the air.

And the moment my eyes locked onto it—

—I forgot to breathe.

‘What the hell is that…?!’

It felt as if I had been cast into the deepest, blackest abyss.

Even breathing was painful. The air itself pressed down on me, stabbing into my skin like a thousand tiny blades.

Even someone like me—weak, inexperienced—could tell immediately.

This was not just a mere monster.

This was something beyond that.

Its very presence sent waves of terror through the atmosphere, warping the world around it.

Even nature itself seemed to recoil in fear.

I knew what creatures like this were.

‘An extinction-class monster…’

The ancient horrors that had emerged from the depths of the Blue Hole long ago.

Monsters so powerful they had devoured entire civilizations—now sealed away in an endless slumber.

The blood-soaked man lifted his gaze to meet the beast’s.

And then, he raised his sword.

‘No—! He’s going to die.’

That thing was destruction incarnate.

The idea of a mere human defeating it was impossible.

But then—

Shkk—!

A single flash.

No deafening explosion. No violent tremors.

Just one brilliant streak of light—slicing across the world.

And then—

The world itself… split apart.

A long, thin line traced diagonally across the beast’s massive body.

And then—

It collapsed.

I stared in utter disbelief, forgetting even to blink.

And then—

The man turned his head toward me.

—…?

His gaze was filled with curiosity.

He was looking directly at me.

I flinched.

But my body refused to move.

I could only stare, frozen in place, as the man slowly—very slowly—began to walk toward me.

The very same sword that had just cleaved the monster in two moved in eerie silence.

And then—

“Hah—!”

Thud.

I gasped, collapsing onto the cold ground.

Something heavy tumbled from my hand, hitting the floor with a dull clunk.

‘What… was that… just now?’

The oppressive weight of the air, the suffocating stench of blood—it all still lingered in my senses.

It was as if I could still feel it pressing down on me.

Had I just witnessed a memory?

Or… had I actually been there?

My clothes were drenched in cold sweat. It was hard to believe I was still in a dim, underground chamber.

Drkk—.

A deep, heavy vibration shook the floor.

The metal object that had fallen moments ago began to tremble.

Before my eyes, the thick, rusted layers that had encrusted its surface crumbled away.

The dull, yellowish lump of metal was shedding its decay, revealing a gleaming, sharp edge beneath.

It was unmistakable.

A dagger.

‘No way…’

I pressed the tip of my finger lightly against its blade. A tiny drop of blood welled up.

And then—

“I shall become the master of all afflictions.”

Like a sorcerer casting an incantation, I spoke the words, imbuing them with my power.

At that moment—

Vmmmmm—!

The dagger hummed, as if coming to life.

A clear light burst forth from the dagger.

Without hesitation, I channeled a fraction of my mana into it.

The moment my energy flowed in, the dagger responded as if it were a part of me, effortlessly absorbing my power.

‘I’ve found it.’

I gripped the dagger tightly.

Boundless.

The legendary treasure that my third brother had once obtained.

And now—

It was in my hands.

[Translator - Helga ]

[Proofreader - Lucky]