Chapter 136
…In the Tower of Arrogance.
Park Chan-woo had once acquired two [Hidden Traits] — from the heart and life of the Great Warrior Kankun, and from the [Wish] of Adora, the Witch of Death.
One was [Eternal Sword].
It was an ability that allowed him to ignore the Abyss’s inherent restriction on “non-transferable items,” but only for swords.
That was why he could borrow the [Greatsword of the Immortal King] from Lee Hyuk-soo.
A sword that should have vanished and been destroyed was still able to be wielded in Park Chan-woo’s hands — all thanks to the [Hidden Trait: Eternal Sword].
And then there was [Annihilation Magic].
‘It destroyed fundamental magic.’
Magic had many classifications.
The three major ones were: Magic, Wish, and Absolute Magic.
‘Fundamental magic isn’t truly magic.’
The so-called “Racial Magic,” exclusive to each species, was closer to an inherent [Trait] rather than an ordinary spell.
‘And yet he destroyed even that.’
The [Annihilation Magic] could shatter those innate racial gifts.
For example, if the Doppelganger’s mimicry, the Fox Tribe’s charm, the Vampire’s bloodsucking, or the Werewolf’s transformation attempted to harm him — they would simply be obliterated.
To beings born with magic flowing through their veins, [Annihilation Magic] was their worst possible enemy.
Likewise, Park Chan-woo became their natural predator.
‘…A power that defies common sense and transcends logic.’
That was how he defined a [Hidden Trait].
In short, it was an ability that could “turn the tables.”
The two traits he possessed — [Eternal Sword] and [Annihilation Magic] — had each opened entirely new horizons.
‘I’ve never heard of anyone else gaining Hidden Traits before.’
Of course, even if someone had, they wouldn’t boast about it.
He wouldn’t have either.
Revealing one’s secret weapon and final safeguard to the world was nothing but stupidity.
If someone knew, they could prepare for it.
And so, curiosity sparked.
‘Sanctuary. A Hidden Trait carrying the very name of the Rift King himself.’
The third Hidden Trait.
[Absolute One, Sanctuary].
To be precise, it was classified as a “Class Hidden Trait.”
Whether it was tied to his [Magic Swordsman] class was still uncertain…
Ding!
《The ability of [Absolute One, Sanctuary] has been revealed.》
《[Absolute One, Sanctuary] is a Hidden Trait shared with [Cygnus].》
《Because [Cygnus] knows how to use it, it is shared between both of you.》
…As expected.
Since the trait was shared, only one side needed to understand its use.
‘That saves me the trouble.’
He had to discover the functions of his previous Hidden Traits by trial and error.
This time, he wouldn’t have to waste time guessing.
He quickly opened his status window.
Hidden Traits (Class Related):
(1) [Eternal Sword] – Temporarily wield any weapon recognized as another’s “sword.”
(2) [Annihilation Magic] – Destroys the “Fundamental Magic” possessed by a species.
(3) [Absolute One, Sanctuary] – Grants the right to inherit all [Thrones of Authority].
What did that mean?
Thrones.
As in, the seats of kings — positions of dominion and power forcibly obtained.
‘Inheritance rights. The qualification to ascend a throne. The ability to usurp power.’
In short, he had become a [Usurper].
To better understand, he asked Cygnus directly.
“What does ‘inherit all thrones of authority’ mean in the trait [Absolute One, Sanctuary]?”
「It means you can stand at the pinnacle of any species, Father.」
The pinnacle of a species?
So, he could become the master of an entire race?
“Regardless of species?”
「According to my mother’s will… yes, that seems to be the case. However, since it can only be used once, I must become the ‘King of Divine Beasts.’」
He would enter the Rift, step into the Sanctuary, and usurp its throne.
That was what Cygnus was saying.
But that meant only the right — not immediate power.
In other words—
“So there are competitors, then.”
「You’re correct, Father. I can feel it. My siblings were born across countless Abysses at the same time. In one hundred days, we must enter the Rift and compete to measure our growth.」
This was the first he’d heard of it.
Apparently, Cygnus wasn’t Sanctuary’s only offspring.
But even more surprising was—
“…Sanctuary’s children were all born at the same time?”
「Yes. I don’t know how many there are. But among my siblings and me, only one can seize the throne.」
Wait.
That was an entirely new revelation.
If what Cygnus said was true, then in one hundred days, he’d have to enter the Rift himself.
He could send Cygnus alone, but that was far too dangerous.
“In one hundred days, should I enter the Rift with you?”
He asked just to be sure.
Cygnus replied as if it were obvious.
「Yes! As my guardian and father, you must attend. There, we will demonstrate our growth and be ranked. Any sibling without a guardian or parent cannot compete.」
…So it was confirmed.
If ranks were involved, this was no mere ritual.
Losing one’s divine beast parent within a hundred days of birth could cripple their growth permanently — hence the rule.
Everything connected into a single conclusion.
‘Sanctuary is weakened. He seeks a powerful successor.’
That was why Cygnus had desperately guarded the egg.
As the Rift King’s child and heir, continuing his father’s will mattered more than his own life.
…It all made sense now.
That was why he’d so willingly accepted becoming a “sacrifice.”
「And you too, Father, may choose one of the Thrones of any species to usurp.」
“……!”
So their traits weren’t entirely shared.
Park Chan-woo paused, deep in thought.
‘The Hidden Trait itself is shared, but its manifestation is unique to each user.’
His mind raced.
If possible, he could even become the ruler of the Dragon Race!
That insane transcendent dragon would never relinquish its throne — but just knowing it was possible filled him with exhilaration.
Excitement surged through him.
If Cygnus became the King of Divine Beasts, and he, the master of one of the Twelve Species—?
“Hmm…”
At that moment—
Han Min-oh regained consciousness.
“Wh–where… oh!”
Realizing his surroundings, Han Min-oh quickly scanned around.
When his eyes landed on Park Chan-woo, he bowed deeply.
“Th-thank you. You saved me again!”
“Think nothing of it.”
Park Chan-woo glanced over him once.
Tap.
He placed a hand on his shoulder.
Though Han Min-oh had been chosen as the nest for Cygnus, since the entire process was absorbed, he wouldn’t die.
However—
‘Seems there’s still some aftereffect.’
His mana wavelength had changed.
It pulsed more fiercely now — brighter and stronger than before.
Perhaps the brief link formed when Cygnus hatched had affected him.
Or maybe his synchronization with Park Chan-woo had triggered the shift.
Either way, it wasn’t harmful.
If anything, his latent potential was surging more wildly than ever.
Even his gaze and aura had transformed.
‘Even if his potential grew, his nature shouldn’t have changed this much.’
Was it the near-death experience?
Externally and internally, the change was undeniable.
And naturally so.
‘…Maybe because he’s saved me three times now, why does he feel so familiar?’
Han Min-oh stared blankly at Park Chan-woo.
The reason for his strange sense of closeness was the deep [Soul Synchronization] that had surpassed 100%.
Park Chan-woo’s fearless, forward-charging spirit had shaken Han Min-oh’s very being.
Han Min-oh had once been a coward.
Crushed by jealousy toward his brother, by resentment and pressure, he chose to hide from the world.
But now, that “trauma” was gone.
‘I feel like I can do anything.’
Confidence overflowed.
No more shrinking back.
No more regret.
His past despair had instead become “nourishment for the soul.”
‘The only one who can stop me is myself.’
That was what Han Shin used to say.
And only now did he finally understand it.
All along, Han Min-oh had been sabotaging his own potential.
He could have soared high — yet he’d crawled on the ground.
“The first meeting is chance, the second is fate, and the third is destiny.”
“…?”
Park Chan-woo frowned slightly at the sudden remark.
Han Min-oh’s eyes gleamed brightly.
“Even a brush of sleeves is considered fate. Fate is something the heavens tie together. I’ve been saved three times by you — that’s fate across three lives. I cannot let that pass by.”
“…You can let it pass.”
The longer he spoke, the itchier Park Chan-woo’s ears became.
Han Min-oh’s intensity was almost unbearable.
What was he building up to?
“To die is to live, and to live is to die! My life has always been that way — endlessly dying and striving to survive. But this time, I sought death… and lived. All thanks to you, Park Chan-woo.”
Honestly, he was satisfied.
For the first time, he felt he’d won against that damned fate.
When he had finally accepted death, Park Chan-woo appeared — and gave him life.
If that wasn’t divine providence, what was?
No. It wasn’t the heavens.
It was Park Chan-woo.
Park Chan-woo had saved him — commanded him to live — and so he would not waste this chance.
“…What are you trying to say?”
He couldn’t help but frown.
The man’s fervor was overwhelming.
And the moment Park Chan-woo finished speaking—
Thud!
Han Min-oh dropped to the floor and bowed deeply.
“Please, accept me as your disciple! I’ll devote myself, even unto death!”