The underground facility had been transformed into a training ground that looked more like a medical operation theater than a martial arts dojo. Multiple monitoring devices surrounded a central practice area, while safety barriers hummed with protective energy. Park So-ra had spent the better part of the afternoon setting up qi measurement equipment, while Yoon Sung-min arranged reference materials and emergency protocols.
"The safety systems are as comprehensive as I can make them," Park So-ra announced, wiping sweat from her forehead. "But Min-woo, this is still incredibly dangerous. We're attempting to restore a technique that was broken for good reason."
Min-woo sat cross-legged in the center of the practice area, the "Void Swallow Technique" manual open in front of him. The ancient text seemed to pulse with a faint energy, and his system had been providing increasingly detailed analysis as he studied it.
[Void Swallow Technique - Complete Analysis]
Historical Background: Original technique of the Infinite One, designed for absolute defense
Core Principle: Convert attacking energy into usable qi for the practitioner
Original Effectiveness: Could absorb and redirect attacks up to God-tier level
Current State: Degraded to 5% of original capacity due to missing circulation nodes
Missing Components Identified:
Node 7: "Heaven's Gate" - Filters incoming energy type Node 12: "Earth's Foundation" - Stabilizes absorbed energy Node 18: "Human Bridge" - Converts energy to usable form
Restoration Method: Progressive reconstruction of missing nodes through precise qi manipulation Success Requirements: Perfect bloodline resonance + flawless technique execution Failure Consequences: Qi deviation, meridian damage, possible permanent martial arts disability
The First Attempt
Lee Tae-jun stood at the edge of the practice area, his expression serious but encouraging. "Remember, Min-woo, this isn't about succeeding on the first try. This is about establishing a foundation. Don't push yourself beyond what your body can handle."
But as Min-woo began reading the technique's opening passages, something extraordinary happened. His bloodline seemed to recognize the words before his mind could process them. The breathing pattern described in the manual felt familiar, as if he'd performed it countless times before.
[Bloodline Recognition: 94%]
[Genetic Memory Activation Detected]
[Warning: Partial consciousness overlap possible]
"I'm going to begin the basic circulation pattern," Min-woo announced, closing his eyes and placing his hands in the meditation position described in the manual.
As he started the first breathing cycle, the system activated multiple monitoring protocols:
[Real-time Monitoring Active]
Qi circulation speed: Normal Meridian stability: Stable Energy absorption capacity: Testing... Bloodline resonance: Increasing (67%... 71%... 74%)
The breathing pattern was unlike anything Min-woo had practiced before. Instead of generating qi from his dantian, the technique seemed to create a sort of vacuum, drawing energy from the surrounding environment. At first, it was just ambient qi from the underground chamber, but as his bloodline resonance increased, something more profound began to happen.
"His qi signature is changing," Ji-eun whispered, watching the monitoring displays. "It's becoming more... substantial. Like it has more density."
Kim Chul-su leaned forward, watching Min-woo with intense focus. "Is that normal for this technique?"
Lee Tae-jun's expression had shifted from encouraging supervision to sharp attention. "No. What's happening now shouldn't be possible at the basic level. He's accessing functions that should require months of preparation."
Unexpected Resonance
As Min-woo continued the circulation pattern, his system began displaying information that surprised even him:
[CRITICAL DISCOVERY]
[Missing Node 7 - "Heaven's Gate" - Partially Reconstructing]
[Bloodline Memory Providing Template]
[Reconstruction Progress: 23%... 34%... 45%]
The sensation was indescribable. It felt like unlocking a door in his mind that had always been there but never noticed. Energy patterns that should have taken weeks to learn were flowing as naturally as breathing. But more unsettling was the growing sense that he wasn't alone in his consciousness.
"Pathetic. Even with my bloodline, you're still crawling like an insect."
The voice wasn't his system—it was deeper, older, carrying a weight of centuries and unmistakable arrogance. Min-woo's eyes snapped open, but he didn't stop the circulation pattern.
"Did... did anyone else hear that?" he asked quietly.
The room fell silent. Everyone was staring at him, but their expressions weren't of concern—they were of awe.
"Min-woo," Ji-eun said softly, "your appearance... something's different."
Min-woo looked down at his hands and gasped. A faint golden aura was emanating from his skin, and his reflection in the monitoring screens showed subtle changes—his features looked more refined, more defined, as if an idealized version of himself was overlaying his normal appearance.
[BLOODLINE AWAKENING DETECTED]
[Current Awakening Level: 23%]
[Warning: Rapid awakening may cause identity confusion]
[The Infinite One's consciousness attempting direct contact]
First Contact
"Don't mistake this for kindness, heir. I'm not teaching you—I'm ensuring my legacy doesn't die with a weakling."
The voice was becoming clearer, more distinct from Min-woo's own thoughts, and distinctly cold. Around him, his friends and Lee Tae-jun watched with fascination and growing concern as the golden aura grew brighter.
"What's happening to me?" Min-woo asked, though he continued the breathing pattern as if his body knew exactly what to do.
"You're accessing memories that took me decades to accumulate. This technique is mine, not yours. But since you share my blood, I'll allow you to use fragments of my knowledge... for now."
As the voice spoke, Min-woo felt knowledge flowing into his mind, but it came with an overwhelming sense of superiority and disdain. Not just about the Void Swallow Technique, but about martial arts in general—principles and concepts were being forced into his consciousness rather than gently taught.
[WARNING: Hostile Consciousness Activity Detected]
[The Infinite One's consciousness: ACTIVE]
[Personality influence: 12%]
[Knowledge transfer method: FORCED INTEGRATION]
[Caution: Prolonged exposure may result in personality dominance]
[Node 7 Reconstruction: 67% Complete]
The Test
"Min-woo," Lee Tae-jun said, his voice cutting through the mystical atmosphere, "I'm going to test the technique. I'll send a very gentle qi attack toward you. Let's see if the Void Swallow can absorb it."
Min-woo nodded, feeling strangely confident despite having practiced the technique for less than an hour, though the confidence felt foreign, as if it belonged to someone else. "I'm ready."
Lee Tae-jun raised his hand and projected a small, controlled burst of qi—roughly equivalent to what a beginner might produce during basic training.
As the energy approached, Min-woo felt the Void Swallow Technique activate almost instinctively. His partially reconstructed Heaven's Gate node began functioning, analyzing the incoming energy and determining how to process it.
To everyone's amazement, the qi didn't impact Min-woo at all. Instead, it seemed to be drawn into his body, absorbed completely, and moments later emerged as a gentle aura around him.
[SUCCESS: First Energy Absorption Completed]
[Technique Effectiveness: 23% of original capacity]
[Energy Conversion Rate: 67%]
[Experience Gained: +25 EXP]
"Incredible," Yoon Sung-min breathed, checking his theoretical calculations against what had just happened. "According to my references, it should take months to achieve even basic absorption. He just did it in under an hour."
The Revelation
"Weak technique, weak user, weak result. But I suppose even insects can be trained to perform simple tricks."
As the voice faded, Min-woo felt the golden aura gradually diminish, though it didn't disappear entirely. The knowledge remained, but so did an unsettling sense that something predatory was now awake inside his mind. His system displayed a comprehensive update:
[Training Session Complete]
[Void Swallow Technique: Basic Level Achieved]
[Bloodline Awakening: 23% → 31%]
[System Synchronization: 71% → 78%]
[Time to Basic Mastery: Revised to 3-5 days]
[New Abilities Unlocked]
Basic Energy Absorption (up to Earth-tier attacks) Limited Bloodline Memory Access (with consciousness contamination risk) Forced Communication with The Infinite One's consciousness
[CRITICAL WARNING: Personality influence detected at 12%]
[If influence exceeds 30%, risk of temporary possession increases dramatically]
[Warning: Rapid advancement may attract unwanted attention]
The Concern
As Min-woo finally opened his eyes fully and the technique deactivated, Lee Tae-jun approached with visible concern overriding his pride.
"That was remarkable, but deeply troubling," he said seriously. "The energy signature you just displayed—it wasn't entirely yours. There was something else mixed in, something that felt... ancient and hostile."
Ji-eun stepped closer, her face pale. "Min-woo, your expression changed during the technique. For a moment, you looked like someone else entirely."
Kim Chul-su frowned. "How much time do we have?"
"If they have sensors in the area, probably until tomorrow morning. If they were actively monitoring, we might have minutes."
Min-woo struggled to his feet, feeling simultaneously energized and drained. "Then we need to move the training location."
"Agreed," Lee Tae-jun nodded. "I know a secure facility outside the city. But first—" He looked directly at Min-woo. "How do you feel? Any disorientation? Memory confusion? Identity issues?"
Min-woo considered the question carefully. The experience had been overwhelming, but he still felt like himself—just a version of himself with access to knowledge and abilities he'd never possessed before.
"I feel... enhanced. Like I'm more myself than I was before, if that makes sense. The knowledge doesn't feel foreign—it feels like remembering something I'd forgotten."
Ji-eun stepped forward and took his hand. "Your qi signature is definitely different. Stronger, but also more complex. Like there are layers to it now that weren't there before."
The Next Phase
Park So-ra began packing up the monitoring equipment. "Well, at least we know the technique works. Better than anyone expected, actually."
"Too well," Yoon Sung-min muttered, consulting his theoretical projections. "At this rate of improvement, Min-woo will be ready for the Lightning God's Descent technique within a week instead of a month."
Lee Tae-jun paused in his preparations. "That might not be entirely good news. Rapid advancement combined with consciousness contamination is a deadly combination. We'll need to monitor him very closely and develop countermeasures."
Kim Chul-su looked worried. "Countermeasures for what?"
"For the possibility that Min-woo might not remain Min-woo," Lee Tae-jun said quietly.
As they prepared to evacuate the underground facility, Min-woo took one last look at the Void Swallow Technique manual. Even now, he could feel it resonating with his bloodline, as if it were calling to him to delve deeper into its secrets.
"Enjoy this small victory, heir. But remember—every time you use my techniques, I grow stronger. Soon, you'll need me more than I need you."
The voice was fainter now, but carried a promise that made Min-woo's blood run cold. Min-woo nodded to himself, understanding that this was just the beginning of a war within his own mind that could either forge him into something greater or destroy everything he cared about.
[Day 1 of 89: Complete]
[Major Milestone Achieved: Foundation Technique Mastered]
[Next Objective: Secure Training Location and Begin Lightning God's Descent]
[WARNING: Consciousness contamination at 12% and rising]
[Recommended: Limit technique usage to prevent possession risk]
As they made their way toward the exit, Min-woo couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. The real challenge wasn't just mastering the techniques—it was staying ahead of the forces that would stop at nothing to prevent him from reaching his full potential.