Chapter 35: Lin Clan Estate
Terrence’s eyes widened after reading the notification. The golden translucent window remained open directly in front of him as he mentally assessed what had just appeared.
’What kind of progression is this? I can’t keep the Vampire Butler for myself? Why!’
Feeling devastated, as if the earth had suddenly swallowed him whole, his thoughts completely drifted away from their ongoing conversation. He totally forgot about the rumors of guardian beasts, and Klein’s voice turned into a muffled blur while their boots continued to clatter against the metal plates.
Terrence’s full attention remained locked onto the mission notification floating in his vision.
’Just why did it have to be triggered like this? Why this specific condition... And what even is a dragon? A Vampire is already a legendary S-Rank beast, named after mythical tales from before the great catastrophe. But a dragon?’
He had never seen or heard of a real dragon, but the assigned rank made complete sense. If the rating was double S, then it had to be an absurdly powerful entity.
’What even is an SS-Rank? Such a monstrous beast shouldn’t even exist in this world.’
However, he paused to give it a deeper thought. The idea of placing such a terrifying creature under his direct control meant he would never have to worry about being weak ever again. If such a beast really existed... wait, why was he even doubting it? Of course, whatever the System provided actually existed!
"Hey."
A sudden tug on his sleeve brought Terrence snapping back to reality.
"Are you listening to me?" Klein asked, tilting his head.
"Yeah?" Terrence offered a quick, slightly sheepish smile and a swift nod, completely out of the loop.
Satisfied with the fake response, Klein continued talking as they walked straight toward the Lin Clan estate. As they passed various slope-side establishments, the scent floating through the chilly air shifted into a strange blend of rich aromatics and cold iron. It was a unique combination, unlike anything Terrence had ever smelled in an urban environment before.
Still, there was another crucial detail he hadn’t fully tackled yet: the mission’s strict duration.
If a hard time limit existed, then there was almost certainly a harsh penalty for failure. While he didn’t know what that consequence might be, he knew he had to strictly abide by the 48-hour countdown.
Terrence felt slightly breathless as they finally arrived at the front perimeter of the Lin Clan’s estate. Looking up at the majestic giant gates, he temporarily forgot all about his initial reason for coming to this city regarding the A-Rank dungeon rift.
He stood there, thoroughly mesmerized by the craftsmanship and the intricate designs running along the thick steel bars of the gate. A coiled pattern he couldn’t quite identify wrapped around the vertical frame. The massive steel plates of the gate even featured a grand, sculpted emblem—something he couldn’t fully place, though it clearly resembled a massive, scaly lizard.
Klein approached a posted guard standing by the side entrance. After a brief exchange, the heavy gates groaned and opened just wide enough to let them pass.
Stepping inside, Terrence noticed the estate grounds were built into a natural alcove, blending deep shadows with moss-green stone and gleaming golden line art. To his right stood the massive, carved exterior of the main estate chambers, while to his left, a colossal insignia of the Lin Clan was sculpted directly into the sheer rock wall of the cliff.
"This is a really unique place," Terrence commented, his mind still divided. The other half of his brain was frantically running the math on his remaining time.
Having finally accepted the reality of the mission, he decided he would sell the Vampire Butler right after harvesting enough A-Rank beast cores. Surely, there would come a time later when he could acquire and use another S-Rank beast for his own battle team.
He let out a quiet sigh and forced his focus back to the present.
Klein smiled beside him as they ascended a short set of carved stone slab stairs, guiding them toward the heavy glass doors of the estate’s main building.
"Of course it’s unique. This place holds deep history," Klein said softly. "Unlike Suran City, which focuses purely on rapid expansion for the masses—which is why even the dangerous Fringe carries constant risk—Hanging City prioritizes complete safety. You could say it’s the sole reason people are able to live here in true peace."
Terrence gave a firm nod as they reached the entrance. The mahogany brown doors swung open smoothly, and an elderly butler in a sharp suit greeted them with a polite bow.
They stepped inside, instantly welcomed by the soft, warm light radiating from a grand chandelier suspended at the center of the ceiling. The room felt less like a private residence and more like the extravagant lobby of a five-star luxury hotel. Arranged neatly along the sides were plush leather couches, glass display cases filled with glowing trophies, framed historical documents, and even ornamental swords mounted directly onto the polished stone walls.
Terrence looked around, nodding with genuine admiration. This was a stark, welcome contrast to the Lee Family estate he had grown up in. His former family’s residence was cold, oppressive, and dark—at least from what little he cared to remember of it.
"Finally, you have arrived."
Klein’s face immediately lit up with relief as a tall, muscular figure stepped out from an archway to their right.
The man possessed dark hair sprinkled with grey facial stubble, his long hair neatly tied back. Standing at a towering frame of at least six feet, he naturally exuded an overwhelming, heavy aura—the kind of quiet pressure belonging to someone who had survived the harsh realities of the world long enough to become profoundly strong.
Terrence wasn’t entirely sure how to process the sudden weight in the air, but he was dead certain of one thing: this man was a powerhouse.
Klein stepped forward, bowing his head respectfully. "Patriarch Lin... I have brought you the thing that will kill the Patriarch of the Lee Family."