Chapter 277: The Strange Statue (2)

Chapter 277

However, the moment the blood touched the statue, something strange happened. It disappeared, like actually disappeared. Annie couldn’t help narrowing her eyes as the red liquid spread briefly across the black surface before being absorbed into the grooves carved along the statue’s body.

The markings began glowing faintly. Then two dim red lights appeared on the statue’s otherwise featureless face. That brief pressure it released that only she felt at that particular moment made her feel a chill travelling straight down her spine.

Kang Tae-hyun turned toward her.

"Now, Annie. Step forward and place your palm against the handprint carved into its chest. Once you have done that, try to inject your Primordial Essence into the relic."

Annie looked at the statue’s chest. There was indeed a handprint carved into the center, surrounded by several strange markings that were now glowing red. But she hesitated before looking back at the three supreme leaders.

"Before I do that, can someone explain what happened to the blood? I would rather not place my hand on something that might decide to drink me dry."

Lee Joon-woo smiled.

"Your concern is understandable, but the relic will not harm you. It requires a living sample to awaken. Blood is sufficient for that purpose. Once you inject your Primordial Essence, it will examine your energy and determine your realm."

"And that’s all?"

"That is all," Baek Do-jin assured her. "We have performed this test many times you have nothing to worry about."

Annie looked at the old man’s benevolent expression before giving a small nod.

"Very well."

She approached the statue and placed her palm against the handprint. The moment her skin made contact, what sort of felt like a faint vibration traveled up her arm. She swallowed before slowly releasing her Primordial Essence.

At first, nothing happened. Then after ten seconds the statue shuddered.

The red lights in its eyes burned brighter, and the strange markings covering its body illuminated one after another, leaving a deep humming sound that filled the cavern as Annie felt her Primordial Essence being drawn toward the statue.

It wasn’t that it was painful, but the sensation was certainly unusual. She strangely felt as if she were pouring water into a bottomless pit with no end.

Suddenly, a brilliant flash of red light erupted from the statue. Annie instinctively raised her other hand to shield her eyes as the entire cavern was illuminated. The humming grew louder for a brief moment before abruptly stopping.

When the light finally began to fade, a line of glowing red text appeared above the statue.

MASTER REALM.

For several seconds, nobody spoke. Only Lee Joon-woo exchanged a glance with the other supreme leaders, while Kang Tae-hyun’s previously stern expression finally relaxed.

Even Madame Purple could no longer pretend that Annie’s breakthrough was questionable.

The result was clear as day. This girl before her was now truly a Master Realm expert. A person who countries would fight tooth and nail just to secure as an ally

"Well, it seems Velvet Blade was indeed right," Lee Joon-woo said, a smile appearing on his scholarly face. "Congratulations, Master Annie. Reaching the Master Realm at your age, so to speak, is an extraordinary accomplishment. Heukryeon has not welcomed a new expert of this level in quite some time."

Kang Tae-hyun nodded.

"Your strength has been confirmed. You are no longer someone who can be treated like an ordinary Grade S Assassin. A Master Realm expert deserves some authority that truly reflects her strength."

Annie withdrew her hand and turned toward them.

Baek Do-jin stepped forward with a benevolent smile, looking every bit like a kindly grandfather who had just witnessed his grandchild accomplish something remarkable.

"Annie, you have done very well. Your breakthrough is not only a personal achievement but also a great addition to Heukryeon’s strength. Someone with your talent should not remain in an ordinary position."

He paused briefly before continuing.

"After discussing the matter with my fellow supreme leaders, we have decided to offer you a reward worthy of your accomplishment."

Annie lowered her head slightly.

"This junior is grateful for the supreme leaders’ consideration. May I ask what reward you have all decided to offer?"

Baek Do-jin’s smile widened.

"From this day forward, you will become the Vice Hall Master of Heukryeon’s Seoul Head Branch. Your authority will be second only to the three of us. You will have command over all the other branch’s personnel and resources, and the other members will be expected to respect your decisions. Naturally, certain important matters will still require our approval, but you will no longer need to answer to ordinary branch commanders."

Annie’s eyes widened, and a delighted expression appeared on her face.

"Vice Hall Master?"

"Indeed," Baek replied. "You have earned it. We hope you will continue growing stronger and help Heukryeon reach even greater heights. With a young Master Realm expert like you serving the organization, our future will certainly become brighter. Especially as you have a pretty decent chance of reaching the legendary, Transcendent Realm."

Annie bowed deeply.

"This humble junior accepts the supreme leader’s gracious gift. I will do my best not to disappoint the organization."

The three men appeared satisfied with her response. However, beneath her pleasant expression, Annie was sneering inwardly and cursing the old crooks.

Did they honestly think she was stupid?

Sure, she could be hotheaded and impulsive at times, and she had never been particularly good at hiding her emotions. However, that did not mean she was a fool who would accept every sweet word spoken to her without thinking.

The reason they were offering her such an important position because she had now become a top-tier expert. By making her the Vice Hall Master, they could bind her more closely to Heukryeon, give her responsibilities within the organization, and make it harder for her to simply walk away.

But Annie kept smiling without saying anything. After everything was settled, everyone walked to the portal and was sent back. Well, everyone except Baek Do-jin who stayed back. After making sure that they had all left, he knelt toward the statue and said...