Trait Hoarder – Chapter 239

Dokkaebi Kingdom — Part 4

The Bottomless Pouch.

A treasure that could endlessly produce more treasures.

The Dokkaebi’ eyes went wide.

“Kim West, how do you even know about that?”

“Where did you hear about it?”

“We even hid it from King Jeongjo and that old man Dasan!”

Where did I hear about it?

From the game, obviously.

Seong Huiyeong, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up.

“The Bottomless Pouch? That’s… a real thing?”

“Of course. Not just the Dokkaebi—other races have similar artifacts, too.”

“I thought the Dokkaebi club was the Bottomless Pouch. Doesn’t it have a duplication ability?”

“It does, but with limitations. The Bottomless Pouch has no limits.”

The Dokkaebi club was indeed powerful.

But could it replicate Nectar or Ambrosia, the premium items of the game?

Could it duplicate Elixirs or Potions of Resurrection?

No.

But the Bottomless Pouch could.

That’s why it was only introduced after Episode 7.

By then, Nectar had flooded the market, and even if Ambrosia became duplicable, it no longer mattered.

“Kim West…”

Dangoma let out a heavy sigh.

“The Bottomless Pouch brings doom. You do know that, right?”

It wasn’t without its downsides.

In this world, every gain required an equivalent cost.

And the Bottomless Pouch’s cost was its curse—inevitable destruction.

In the game, this was represented as the Misfortune Gauge.

Every time you used the Bottomless Pouch, your Misfortune Gauge increased.

The rarer and more valuable the duplicated item, the faster the gauge filled.

And when it maxed out?

Total disaster.

— A dragon attack out of nowhere.

— Sudden teleportation to an impossibly high-level area.

— One of your legendary weapons shattering for no reason.

— Mana overload, rendering your character unplayable for an in-game year.

The list went on.

“I’m fine with that.”

I spoke with absolute confidence.

At the same time, I glanced at a shimmering trait within my heart.

“I can avoid that misfortune.”

[Heaven Defiance]

This trait was the key.

[Heaven Defiance] nullified any imposed laws—

And that included the Misfortune Gauge of the Bottomless Pouch.

I had abused this in the game.

Duplication after duplication.

Nectar, Ambrosia, Elixirs—whatever I wanted.

There was a cooldown, but it wasn’t so long that it was impractical.

Its only limitation?

It could only replicate physical items—not magic.

If I tossed in an enchanted sword, I wouldn’t get a copy of the weapon—

I’d just get a lump of its base material.

Throw in Black Tiger Sword, and all I’d get was black iron ore.

“You can avoid the misfortune? For real?”

“Yes.”

“You swear? You’re not lying, right? Misfortune isn’t a joke! You could fall into a dimensional rift for all we know!”

“Don’t worry. I wouldn’t ask for it if I didn’t already have a way to handle it.”

“Hmm…”

Dangoma looked around at the other Dokkaebi.

They all nodded.

“Kim West is smart! He must have thought it through!”

“Right, right! He’s a legend! He’ll handle it!”

“He even found the Manpasikjeok!”

“He set us free!”

“Give it to him! Give it to him!”

“Kim West deserves the Bottomless Pouch!”

Soon, the Dokkaebi were dancing as they carried over a palanquin.

Atop the palanquin sat a small jar.

Small enough to fit in one hand.

It looked exactly like it did in the game.

“Kim West, seriously, be careful. If you mess this up, it’ll be a disaster.”

“I’ll be careful.”

“Sword Star? The Bottomless Pouch is great, but wouldn’t it have been better to take the land? You already have the Dokkaebi club, so their abilities overlap. And half of a pocket dimension—that’s half of Korea. That’s huge.”

Seong Huiyeong clicked her tongue in disappointment.

Why was she disappointed when it was my reward?

I decided to give her a little glimpse of the truth.

“Half of Dokkaebi Kingdom is incredible. But it’s not worth as much as thousands of bottles of Nectar.”

“…Huh? Nectar? Why are you suddenly talking about Nectar?”

“This thing.”

I held up the Bottomless Pouch.

“It can replicate Nectar and Ambrosia.”

“…Excuse me?”

“I could start a Nectar factory.”

“HUH?!”

Seong Huiyeong’s eyes bulged.

Chief Kim and the other superhumans were no different.

They all stared at the Bottomless Pouch in my hand, mouths wide open.

Tsk.

Don’t even think about it.

I quickly stuffed it into my golf bag, and only then did they snap out of it.

“I see… So that’s why you wanted it.”

“If he can produce Nectar… Oh god.”

“If there’s no limit to how much he can make… Sword Star is about to dominate the economy.”

“The Five Great Conglomerates might become six soon.”

I had no immediate plans to sell Nectar.

I had to stockpile it for myself first.

Hadn’t I earned enough already?

Yes.

But I was about to hit Level 8.

I needed a massive amount—not just a few bottles.

I needed an entire magic bathtub filled to the brim with Nectar.

When I hit Level 7, Gaia’s Blessing had taken care of it in one shot.

My experience bar had filled up instantly.

Would Level 8 be the same?

Even with Poca’s blessing, I still had a long way to go.

And I wasn’t about to go begging Thor or Gaia for another blessing.

Osiris? Shiva? Amaterasu?

I had no reason to meet them.

Osiris, in particular, might even turn hostile toward me.

I had unfinished business in Egypt.

So, the answer was simple.

A Nectar Bath.

In the game, drinking Nectar granted massive EXP—but it came with severe side effects, like mana overload.

I had suffered a lot from that in the early game.

To avoid that, the trick was to dissolve it into a magical solution and absorb it through the skin.

A wasteful luxury?

Maybe.

But with the Bottomless Pouch, I could afford it.

“If you ever decide to sell Nectar, let me know. I’ll buy it at a reasonable price.”

“Sure. I handle production, you handle distribution. As long as the terms are fair, I’ll supply as much as you need.”

“Deal?”

“Deal.”

Seong Huiyeong and I bumped fists lightly.

Behind us, Chief Kim gave a thumbs-up.

Seong Huiyeong chuckled, then straightened her posture, her expression turning serious.

“If we’re going to be business partners, we need to keep things clear and fair. Our headquarters may have been destroyed, but thanks to you, we’ve gained a lot—land, mining rights, an exclusive trade deal… It’s only fair that we compensate you for brokering all of this.”

Compensation?

That was… unexpected.

“If you’re offering, I’ll gladly accept.”

“For starters, I’ll give you a building in Gangnam. Warrior Security and Warrior Construction each have their own buildings, right? But they’re not exactly personal spaces for you. You should have one of your own.”

She was giving me real estate?

There was the Warrior Construction HQ, gifted by Gu Noin.

And the Warrior Security HQ, which had just been handed over to them by the Eastern Legion Captain.

Now she was giving me a third one?

That meant I was about to own a building worth at least 100 billion won.

Without even realizing it, I bowed instinctively out of gratitude.

“Wow, thank you. That’s… really generous.”

“That’s how much I value our partnership. I hope we can continue to build a productive and profitable relationship.”

“Of course. I’m looking forward to it as well.”

She was a future ally in my fight against the Old Father’s Cult.

It was in my best interest to keep our relationship strong.

“Oh, by the way. Have you made any progress in deciphering those documents from under the Han River?”

“Oh, that…”

Seong Huiyeong’s expression darkened as she shook her head.

“The encryption is sealed with a strange power. Even with our supercomputers, it’s taking a long time to crack.”

“I see…”

So, they’d layered multiple security measures on it.

This wasn’t just an ordinary code.

It was sealed by the power of the Dark Jaguar.

A lock on the cipher itself, the characters, and even the meaning within the text.

Honestly, a problem like this could be easily solved by priests.

All it would take is a hint that divine intervention was needed.

And Seong Huiyeong?

She had to know that already.

She must have realized that magic or divine power was involved in the encryption.

So why wasn’t she bringing in priests?

Because she had already smelled something foul.

Something dangerous.

Something she wasn’t sure she wanted to uncover.

“I’ll take a look myself when I have time.”

“Please do. You’ve performed miracles before, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you pulled off another one. I’ll be expecting great results.”

See?

She agreed immediately, as if she had been waiting for me to say that.

“Ahem.”

With business almost wrapped up, Choi Sunsoo stepped forward.

“Sword Star. Since you’re back in Korea, why don’t you visit the Warrior Construction HQ? Warrior Security and Warrior Construction have been expanding rapidly.”

I had been keeping up with the reports.

— Guro-dong redevelopment? Complete.

— Daerim-dong redevelopment? Secured.

— Next up: Geumcheon-gu and Gwanak-gu.

Warrior Security was maintaining order across all three districts.

I even heard that they had almost wiped out the criminal underworld.

This was the kind of moment where I should be on-site, sitting at the head of the table, solidifying my presence.

I gave Choi Sunsoo an apologetic look.

“I have to head out again.”

“Huh? Where?”

“Egypt. There’s something I need to take care of.”

“…Sigh. Sword Star. You do realize you’re living like a world traveler, right? I barely even get to see my own lord these days.”

“Come on, Director Choi. You know how it is.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know. Just let me vent for a second.”

But it was clear from his face—

He wasn’t doing great.

The glow he had gained from drinking an Elixir was long gone.

Dark circles under his eyes.

Deep wrinkles.

I had suddenly dragged him out here for work again today.

And even normally, he was single-handedly running both Warrior Construction and Warrior Security.

Sure, I paid him well, but money wasn’t everything.

‘This won’t do.’

I reached into my golf bag and pulled out the Golden Ruler’s Staff.

Tock, tock.

I tapped Choi Sunsoo’s back with it.

The Golden Ruler’s Staff.

A relic with healing power rivaling an Elixir.

The moment I used it, Choi Sunsoo’s face lit up.

His complexion brightened, his skin smoothened, and…

His hair—which had been thinning—suddenly grew back, thick and full.

“…Huh?!”

Choi Sunsoo blinked, patting his own face and hair in disbelief.

“L-Lord Sword Star. Was that really okay?”

“What’s the big deal? It’s mine.”

Then, after a moment of thought—

I simply handed it over to him.

“…Huh?”

Choi Sunsoo stared at me in shock.

“Bonus. It’s yours.”

“What?!”

“You know what it does, right? Just tap your back with it whenever you’re tired. It’ll clear your exhaustion instantly.”

“L-Lord Sword Star…”

For a moment, he was speechless.

Seong Huiyeong, who had been watching, let out a low chuckle.

“You have quite the affection for your subordinates.”

“Well, Director Choi is handling all of my work. The least I can do is make sure he doesn’t collapse. If I had given him this earlier, he wouldn’t have ended up in intensive care last time.”

“Lord Sword Star…!”

Choi Sunsoo’s voice trembled, his eyes misting over.

The Golden Ruler’s Staff.

A relic capable of resurrecting the dead, extending lifespans, and healing even the most severe injuries.

Not even the wealthiest conglomerates had something like this.

I patted his shoulder.

“I’d give you the Flame Bead or the Manpasikjeok too, but I still need them. Once I don’t, I’ll throw them in as a bonus.”

“This is too much! Flame Bead? Manpasikjeok? No, even this is too much! I’ve already received my bonus twice over—with my life! I’ll return it. Carrying something this valuable will just put a target on my back!”

“Oh? Who dares? If anyone tries to threaten or kidnap you, just drop my name. I promise you—whoever takes you will have their entire bloodline erased. If they think they can handle that, they’re welcome to try.”

“…Sword Star.”

“Still, don’t slack on security. You know how many enemies I have. You only have one life, so hire as many high-level bodyguards as possible. Got it?”

“Sir! I will serve you with all my heart!”

“Just keep doing what you’re doing.”

The only reason I can run around so freely is because of Choi Sunsoo.

If I want to keep my premium slave in top condition, giving him the Golden Ruler’s Staff is a small price to pay.

Besides, I originally received it because of that zombie virus outbreak.

With the preventive measures and cures already complete, I didn’t need it as much anymore.

And in the future? I could just use the Bottomless Pouch to mass-produce Elixirs.

“Still, since your disciples are returning to Korea soon, wouldn’t it be good to see them?”

“When are they arriving?”

“They should be back before the end of the month. Also, I heard that Janet and Kali have reached Level 6 in the Grand Rift.”

“Those two? Not bad. What about Nectar?”

“I sent them some from my private stock.”

They were growing incredibly fast—almost at the same rate as me.

That meant they had started with the right traits.

Baek Sorin must have trained them well in real combat too.

Choi Sunsoo hesitated for a moment before continuing.

“Your disciples are desperate for your guidance. Especially Baek Sorin.”

“Her? I thought she didn’t need more training… Oh, she’s at Level 7’s doorstep.”

“Yes. She even mentioned it herself.”

“Wait. Level 7? One of your disciples?”

Seong Huiyeong’s disbelief was clear in her voice.

I gave her a slow, heavy nod.

“All of my disciples are geniuses. They’re growing at the same rate as Woojin.”

“In fact, Director Seo is also eager for your training.”

“I thought he learned plenty during our trip to Dokkaebi Kingdom… Ah. I get it now.”

I could feel it.

Not just Baek Sorin, but also Seo Woojin, Janet, and Kali—all of them were on the verge of Level 7.

For SSR-grade talents, Level 7 was the natural growth ceiling.

A bit more guidance, and I could push them through.

But not yet.

Right now, I come first.

Reaching Level 8 and preparing to counter the Saintess was my top priority.

After that?

I could focus on training my disciples.

Not just them—I’d also push Kim Chulkwon to Level 6 and check in on Kim Mabeob and Kim Saje.

“Give me one month.”

“One month?”

“Yeah. Tell my disciples, Chief Kim, Mabeob, and Saje to meet me at my house in a month. Oh, and take this too.”

I reached into my golf bag and started pulling out magical artifacts.

A Dragon Armor Set.

A Polar Accessory Set.

Just looking at the pile of high-grade items was enough to make everyone around me gulp.

“You heard about this, right, Director Choi? How I had a dragon’s corpse reforged into armor at Sun Mage Tower?”

“Yes. Kim Mabeob told me.”

“Distribute one set each to my disciples. Accessories included. They should be useful. Give a set to Chief Kim, Mabeob, and Saje too. I thought about giving one to you, but these require innate mana to function properly. A bit of a waste in your case.”

“Hah! Asking for more would be greedy. I’m already grateful for the Golden Ruler’s Staff.”

Choi Sunsoo hugged the staff with a blissful expression.

And he should.

Even if you combined the Dragon Armor Set and Polar Accessories, they still wouldn’t be worth as much as the staff alone.

“Don’t I get one?”

Seong Huiyeong suddenly cut in.

Wait.

Why would a conglomerate Chairman need this?

Even Geumo Group’s set was better than this one.

This armor was only special because of its materials—at the end of the day, it was still a mass-produced product.

“…Alright, I’ll give you one.”

Four sets for my disciples.

Three sets for the Kim trio.

That left three extras.

I could spare one for her.

And maybe hand out the last two as gifts.

The Legion Captains would probably appreciate them, even if they didn’t use them personally.

“Thank you. If I come across anything good, I’ll share it with you too.”

Seong Huiyeong beamed as she accepted the armor and accessories.

Without hesitation, she put on the Polar Necklace and Polar Ring.

Chief Kim and the security team immediately switched into flattery mode.

“You look amazing, Chairman!”

“It suits you perfectly!”

“Haha, thanks. And thank you, Sword Star, for the lovely gift.”

“It’s nothing. I’ve received plenty of help from you too.”

“I’d love to treat you to dinner sometime. How about it?”

“Ah, well…”

She shot me a playful smile.

Chief Kim and the security team looked at me with hopeful anticipation.

Even Choi Sunsoo clenched his fist in silent encouragement.

“How about we schedule it for a month later? I really don’t have time right now.”

The episode gaps were getting shorter.

Even now, my Prophet’s Ring was burning hot.

With Bright Eyes and Sixth Sense active, I constantly felt a weight on my neck.

This was a race—

Would I reach Level 8 first?

Or would the Saintess make her move before then?

For a moment, Seong Huiyeong’s face fell, but she quickly covered it with a bright smile.

“One month from now, then? Promise?”

“Yes. I promise.”

She held out her pinky, and after a quick hook-and-seal, she finally let me go.

I headed straight to the airport.

Hopped into a supersonic private jet.

Blasted off.

Destination: Egypt.

The stronghold of the Osiris Cult.

A water attribute nation.

A land of spirit-born beings.

A country on the African continent—

The fallen domain of a river goddess.

–TL Notes–
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