Something Keeps Appearing in My Subspace - Chapter 310

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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310. Lottery Gate (4)
—Whoooosh!
The sphere of water engulfing Demon Realm Valley began to rotate. Strangely, it wasn’t spinning in just one direction.
Looking closer, the water sphere was composed of hundreds, thousands of streams.
Some of those streams rotated clockwise while others spun counterclockwise. What was happening inside remained unknowable.
All that could be felt was the tremendous roar the water created and the trembling of the earth beneath.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen this.”
Diluvian gazed at the water sphere with an expression of awe.
“Is this Nereion’s specialty?”
“Yes. Without the Day of Demon’s Blessing and Demon Realm Valley, he couldn’t have managed it in his current condition.”
Diluvian continued with some embarrassment.
“To be honest, I didn’t expect this was even possible. As you saw, his condition wasn’t good.”
It seemed Diluvian himself wasn’t confident of Nereion’s victory.
Unfortunately, the water was filled with Heuk-ha—black water—so there was no way to see what lay within.
I’d hoped to learn something from watching a battle between the former and current Grand Duke, but I could only grimace at the missed opportunity.
I wasn’t sure how much time had passed.
—Whoooosh!
—Splash!
The rotating water sphere began to slow its pace, then started to pour down. Well, the sphere was so massive that “pour” wasn’t quite the right word.
Flood—yes, flood was the proper term. Heuk-ha surged from Demon Realm Valley and spilled over.
“What—?”
Both the guild members and I flinched, but fortunately, the water didn’t flow where we stood.
Whether Nereion knew our location or the water simply avoided us, it flowed past on either side and down the mountain paths below Demon Realm Valley.
So much water had accumulated that for a moment, this valley felt like an island floating on the sea.
What was astounding was that the water seemed to spring from nowhere, flowing endlessly without ceasing.
“How is this possible? Where is all this water coming from?”
Diluvian chuckled at my question.
“From the Demonic Mana of Demon Realm Valley and from Nereion himself.”
“You’re saying he’s creating it from mana?”
“With this, all Demon Race will know of Grand Duke Nereion’s return.”
His form of address had changed. The fact that he now called him “Your Highness” suggested there was something only the Demon Race could sense.
And shortly after, someone walked out from inside Demon Realm Valley. It was Nereion.
“Whew. I’m genuinely relieved.”
While the guild members let out sighs of relief, I focused on Nereion. His presence had transformed. Even during his days as an unknown nobleman, there had been a formidable aura about him, but—
Now, with the Day of Demon’s Blessing, Demon Realm Valley, and his restoration as Grand Duke, an unmistakably potent force radiated from him.
‘If we fought now, we’d probably lose.’
Perhaps the reason we weren’t given the mission to subdue the Grand Duke was simply that we lacked the strength to do so.
Nereion smiled as he looked at me.
“I thought you might try to interfere.”
“You expected it?”
“The atmosphere felt off from the start. And more than that, Red Dragon kept slipping in and out during the fight—it was impossible not to notice.”
We’d done our best to hide, but it seemed difficult to escape the notice of a true master.
“I thought it would be right to believe in you.”
“Thank you. For believing in me.”
Nereion spoke with genuine sincerity.
“And Red Dragon as well.”
“Red Dragon?”
“Creshan noticed the dragon and became preoccupied. That gave me a bit more time.”
It wasn’t enormous help, but he was referring to the brief opening when his opponent’s attention had flickered to Red Dragon. Still, among masters, even that much makes a difference.
That Yong-yong and Mister ended up being useful in that way was something I hadn’t anticipated.
“I’m genuinely grateful.”
In this moment of relief, Nereion offered his thanks once more—a bow of the Demon Race, similar to what I’d witnessed when we first saved him.
“You are most welcome.”
I responded with a similar gesture of respect.
It was then that Diluvian rummaged through the supplies he’d brought to the foot of Demon Realm Valley. He produced a sizable box and handed it to Nereion.
“No expression of my gratitude could be sufficient, but please accept these.”
Nereion smiled and handed me an antique box. Was this the reward for this connected gate? I couldn’t open it here and now.
I needed to exchange final farewells with Nereion and Diluvian first.
“I shall not forget the service you have rendered, and I swear that wherever in the Demon Realm you may find yourselves, you will be received as honored guests.”
Heuk-ha flowed from Diluvian’s hand, wrapping around our bodies. Strangely, there was no immediate change to our physical forms.
Did it leave some kind of mark?
“From now on, you’ll receive considerable favor when you encounter the Demon Race. Even those from other worlds.”
Chun-bae provided the explanation instead. Though I wasn’t sure how often I’d actually meet demons going forward…….
The greeting wasn’t particularly long.
“I’ll extend an invitation soon. Right now there’s simply too much to handle.”
With the position of Grand Duke recovered, there would be countless matters awaiting him. Surely revenge would be among the first.
Only after Nereion and Diluvian departed could we finally examine the box.
“?”
“??”
“What the hell.”
There was no helping our shock—the rewards inside the box were as follows.
[Skill Rank Enhancement Token]
[Ring of Heuk-ha (S-Rank)]
[Flame Horse Ember (A-Rank)]
[Grimoire of Heuk-ha (A-Rank)]
* * *
An S-Rank ring, two A-Rank items, and a Skill Rank Enhancement Token—a Hidden Gate within a Hidden Gate delivered a lineup of rewards befitting the difficulty.
It was only natural that the guild members’ jaws dropped.
Especially the Skill Rank Enhancement Token. It could elevate one of our guild members’ skills to S-Rank.
“Count me out this time. There’s nothing I particularly need.”
After reviewing the list, Chul-gi was the first to step back from the distribution.
“I think the Skill Rank Enhancement Token should go to Han Chul. Min-jae, you’re okay with that?”
Min-jae was the only one among us without an S-Rank skill. But this time, many of the other rewards suited him well.
And Han Chul serves as the team’s shield. Presence is just as crucial as being the first guard.
An A-Rank Presence skill drew enemies’ aggression, but according to Chun-bae, an S-Rank version was even more potent. Even if a creature possessed intellect, once the skill activated, their gaze would snap toward him in an instant.
It was essential in major battles. I’d argue it’s even more important than my Territory Formation. It creates openings in masters’ defenses.
“Of course I’m fine with it. You already told me before, after all. That you’d naturally do the same for me given time.”
Min-jae nodded without the slightest reluctance. There were other rewards left besides.
The Grimoire of Heuk-ha, with its water-based magic, would prove remarkably effective in Min-jae’s hands.
‘He’ll gain even more advantage in combination with lightning magic. And it’ll be formidable on its own.’
I expressed genuine gratitude to Min-jae for Kim Han-chul’s consideration.
“Min-jae, thank you.”
“Thank you? That’s just natural. Actually, I’m the one benefiting.”
“Huh?”
“I’ll acquire another Skill Rank Enhancement Token anyway. I’m picking up a secret technique on top of it.”
The guild members laughed at Min-jae’s quip. What remained were the Flame Horse Ember and the Ring of Heuk-ha.
“Would it be alright if I took the Flame Horse Ember?”
The Flame Horse Ember was essential—it could elevate the rank of my flame talisman.
“Of course.”
“Oh, that’s fine by us.”
With all the guild members in agreement, there was one dissenting voice.
“Hmm.”
Chul-gi laughed in jest.
“Am I the only one against it?”
Everyone except him was in favor, but since it was plainly teasing, I smiled and played along.
“I’ll claim it by guild leader’s authority then.”
“Wow. Resign!”
“Huh? You. If Han Hye leaves, we’re in real trouble.”
“Ah, is that so? Then never mind.”
It was just the usual banter between us.
“As for the Ring of Heuk-ha……I think it’s best to give it to Min-jae. What do you all think?”
An S-Rank ring. Everyone had every reason to covet it, but it was tailor-made for Min-jae. It substantially enhanced his mana stat.
While it had no additional auxiliary effects, it came with mana efficiency enhancement and water-magic destruction amplification.
Combined with the Grimoire of Heuk-ha we’d just obtained, it was as if they were a matching set—and no one was more suited to him than Min-jae.
Min-jae himself had shown no lingering interest in the Skill Rank Enhancement Token after seeing this.
“I’m in favor.”
“By our guild’s principles, it should go to whoever it fits best.”
No one voiced any objection.
“Wow, we actually got S-Rank equipment……. I’m so grateful to all of you.”
Though he must have anticipated it, Min-jae bowed repeatedly to the guild members, moved to tears by the moment.
[Gate ‘Lottery’ subjugation complete.]
[Experience acquired.]
[Level up.]
Since I’d gained one level fighting the Demon Race, I’d advanced two levels total in this Gate.
But the rewards themselves proved far more satisfying than that.
“Wow!”
What struck me as unusual was the emerald sea visible as we emerged from the Gate.
Beyond the pristine white sand beach, not only Association Staff but Resort personnel welcomed us as well.
It felt quieter than usual—normally there would be fans and reporters, but this time only a single Association journalist was present.
I found myself thinking that this sort of quiet peace wasn’t so bad after all.
* * *
[Dragon Guild reaches level 84!]
[Just 16 levels to the coveted 100!]
[American Superhuman now only at 81 level—the gap continues to widen!]
Still, with the Association journalist present, news of my level spread across the globe.
Three levels ahead of the Superhuman—though if he keeps running Gates, that margin will narrow.
“Ah, finally I can rest easy for a bit.”
We’d come to the Maldives for vacation. Since we’d entered the Gate early in the morning, we emerged in the afternoon.
The Resort had been preparing for us, so after I cleaned up, a party started right away.
“I’m afraid I must take my leave now.”
Han Chul stayed briefly at the party before departing. He mentioned taking a private jet to Hawaii, but the seaplane didn’t operate in the evenings.
Though he could have ridden Red Dragon, Han Chul himself seemed eager to reach Hawaii quickly.
“Thank you for your understanding. Safe travels.”
“Not at all, Guild Master. I’ll see you again in Korea.”
“Oh, don’t forget this.”
I handed Han Chul three B-rank Spirit Medicine bottles—one from my previous injury in the Subspace, the rest recently from the Farm.
“There’s no need to give me such things.”
“Please share them with your close colleagues.”
Since Han Chul had shown considerable thoughtfulness this time, I felt obliged to do the same.
Despite his repeated protests, I pressed the Spirit Medicine into his hands and sent him off.
The plans with my American friends had been postponed, so I hoped this would help them understand.
Then the real party began. There was even a singer doing live performances.
“Can I sing too?”
Min-jae stepped forward eagerly, singing a song for his girlfriend—though to be honest, his voice wasn’t particularly strong.
His girlfriend seemed delighted by it, though.
Association Staff were present, and as I sat quietly drinking beer, Seo-ung approached.
He asked his question with careful hesitation.
“Han Hye, may I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Are you perhaps a Regressor?”
“I’m sorry?”
“A Regressor. Someone who’s come back from the past…….”
“No?”
I found his question out of nowhere, but hearing him out, I could see his logic.
“The information you’ve given us hasn’t been abundant, but it’s all been accurate. And the unprecedented Designated Gate that appeared, plus how well you find Hidden Gates……”
It seemed my knack for finding Hidden Gates, combined with recent advice I’d given about Korea’s treasure vault, had raised suspicions.
The structure hadn’t changed yet, and similar incidents had occurred before.
“Surely that’s not the case.”
“You’re absolutely certain?”
“I find them through spatial sense. Everything I mentioned before was just conjecture.”
It wasn’t strange to be suspected this way. Ten years after the Gate crisis, hadn’t I awakened and become the world’s strongest level?
Moreover, I was the owner of Earth’s first dragon and Bone Dragon.
From an outside perspective, it wouldn’t be surprising to wonder if I’d experienced all this before.
Of course I hadn’t. Chun-bae’s existence made it seem plausible, but honestly, I sometimes wished I were a Regressor.
‘Next time, I’ll be able to find out what Mana Erosion is.’
After the party ended, I returned quietly to my room. I’d had a few drinks and was just settling down to sleep early.
—Buzz!
My smartphone rang. The number showed an international call.
Who was this?
Tilting my head in confusion, I answered—only to hear from someone I never expected.
“The Grand Duke.”
The voice calling me by that title belonged to Liu Zhen.
“How have you been?”
“I’ve been well enough. How about you?”
“Same here.”
Liu Zhen fell silent for a moment on the other end of the line, then spoke.
“There’s something I’d like to ask. Could you help me with it?”
An uneasy thought flickered through my mind.
If my suspicion was right…….
This sounded like he was asking me to help with a coup in China.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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