Daniel led Patriarch Kim and Kim Yuna to the rearmost cabin of the train. As the door opened, they were greeted by a vast space spanning the entire cabin, filled with strange, futuristic-looking machines that seemed straight out of a science fiction film.
Daniel had removed all the usual amenities from the cabin, leaving only the essentials for this operation, including a portal-like gate at the far end. The addition of numerous artifacts and machines made the space feel somewhat cramped.
"What is that thing?" Patriarch Kim asked, pointing at the portal-like structure.
"It's a teleportation gate," Daniel explained with a confident smile, introducing his latest invention. "This is a portable model that can be installed on large vehicles."
"A teleportation gate!? Are you serious?" the Patriarch asked incredulously.
Teleportation was considered an ancient and lost art due to the lack of mana in the modern era. While workarounds existed, like linking teleportation circles to natural mana fonts, no one was reckless enough to do so, as mana fonts were precious resources for mages.
"No, I'm quite serious, you can consider this a new model," Daniel replied. "The older model has been used for some time at our Order of Ember outposts around the world. As I said, this is a portable version."
Patriarch Kim pondered this information. Having access to such a device would be invaluable to the Kim family, but he remained skeptical. He believed Daniel could create a portal or teleportation device, but a portable one seemed far-fetched.
"Why did you bring this thing here?" Kim Yuna asked, still wondering about the purpose of the teleportation gate.
"That's why I asked you two to come along," Daniel said mysteriously, then instructed his employee to activate the gate. He gestured for the two Kim family members to follow him.
— Evening - Kim Family Estate —
Under the peaceful night sky, clouds obscured the moon and stars. It was 9 PM, a time when people typically rested or enjoyed the nightlife. Even within the Kim Estate, known for its strict training regimen, some freedom was afforded to its warriors during this time.
Beneath the main hall, where various swords were kept, a thick, condensed aura of resentment emanated from the demon mask assailant's blade. This dark energy seeped underground, into a forbidden area beneath the estate.
Deep underground lay the Kim Family Mausoleum, a chamber opened only upon the death of a direct family member or the hero of the family. It housed the remains of the Kim family's deceased, only those renowned and fallen in service of a noble cause granted the honor of being interred here.
But the mausoleum was now disturbed by the sword's leaking resentment. A crimson, blood-like aura thickened into a demonic mist, snaking its way towards the sarcophagi of the deceased. There were over twenty, evidence of the Kim family's long history and resilience dating back to the Joseon Dynasty.
Among the interred were legendary figures who had fought valiantly against the Mongol invasion, leading to many casualties among the family's aces and direct descendants. Some were the casualty of the war in later eras or just the deceased caused by the mortality of humans when their lifespan reached its end.
Suddenly, the stone lid of a sarcophagus was violently blown off from within. A withered hand emerged, gripping the edge as the corpse pulled itself up. The long rest had stiffened its body, making movement difficult.
Then, a sickly dark-green light seeped down from above, rejuvenating the corpse. This insidious light was potent necromancy, channeled through the sword in the archive.
"Young Master! Young Master!" The guard called out, trying to catch up, but his physical fitness and spell enhancements were no match for Kim Tae-sung's. He was quickly left behind.
Unsure of what to do, the guard decided to gather anyone he encountered and lead them to the helipad, where the Astral PMC soldiers were guarding the perimeter with powerful weapons capable of putting down the intruders.
Kim Tae-sung sprinted towards the main residence, where he saw many warriors struggling against the formidable intruders. He quickly intervened, saving one who was on the verge of losing their life.
Clank!
As their blades clashed, Kim Tae-sung felt the intruder's overwhelming strength. He activated his magic insignia at full power to enhance his own physical strength, but he was still at a disadvantage.
[If I can't match their strength, I must rely on skill!] Kim Tae-sung thought, quickly changing his stance and retreating a few steps before entering a state of extreme concentration.
The secret of the Kim family's sword arts was to identify the opponent's vital points and strike in the split second when they exposed an opening. Every movement had a weakness, a slight blunder that could be exploited with a decisive cut, cleaving through flesh, bone, and even steel.
Kim Tae-sung focused intently. As the enemy moved, he sensed their blade about to strike his neck. In that moment, Kim Tae-sung, a slight movement of his arm and shoulder, using magic to bolster his defense in that one point, gave them a small advantage...
...then, draw the blade and strike, aiming for the fleeting opening revealed when an opponent believes victory is within reach.
Slash!
Kim Tae-sung's blade flashed, cleaving the intruder in two, through flesh and bone. Nothing could withstand his strike.
This was the Kim family's secret technique: the state of extreme concentration.
"Huuu," Kim Tae-sung exhaled, releasing his state of concentration and surveying the scene. He saw that the warrior he had rescued was still alive.
"Retreat to the helipad!" Kim Tae-sung instructed the warrior. "Those foreigners will help us defend against the intruders!"
Although Kim Tae-sung harbored a strong dislike for foreigners, he wasn't foolish enough to ignore the reality of the situation. The foreigners' technology and overwhelming firepower could easily protect his clansmen, so he intended to utilize their assistance.
Just then, he spotted a familiar figure approaching him. It was his elder brother, Kim Chang-wook, the only one dressed like a salaryman.
"Oh! Hyung! This way! Let's retreat to the helipad, I'll help you!" Kim Tae-sung waved and walked towards his brother.
But as he approached, a malevolent glint flashed in Kim Chang-wook's eyes. His hand moved with lightning speed, a necromantic dagger materializing in his grasp, aimed at his unsuspecting brother's exposed neck. He intended to exploit his younger brother's trust as a weapon.