Eternal Thief

Ace scanned the vault. Now that he had seen its inner workings, Ace’s mind began to race with new possibilities and plans. But for now, he would play his role and proceed cautiously. After all, even the slightest misstep here could alert the bank’s formidable security system.

Nonetheless, he was still amazed by Malservus’s detection ability, as she could instantly tell that this place was locked with a master lock.

“Master, how can you tell this place has a master lock?” Ace couldn’t help but ask since if he could learn this, it would be a tremendous help to him.

“Fufu~ and here you call yourself a Heaven’s Stealer? Well, I guess it’s not only natural since you seemed to be wasting your time in the Mortal Sky Heaven before, which didn’t have any master locks. “A master lock is made with complex mechanisms, and each mechanism has its own unique array of formations and runic patterns. This is the highest form of lock. Furthermore, a master lock can be used in different ways. You should also know that one of the requirements to create a secret realm is also having a master lock because without it, the space will crumble, and only a master lock can hold a secret realm together and lock it in place.

“Moreover, a master lock’s key is called a Master Key, which is the only way to open a master lock. A master key can be anything, and it can even merge into things that you can’t even imagine. Not only that, but the higher the master lock and depending on its design, the master key can have different functions and even have its own spirituality like a spirit weapon.

“It can also be programmed to create Alternative Keys that will give access to different parts of a master lock according to the will of the master key bearer. If the Master Key has its own spirituality, also known as the Master Spirit Key, the spirit will also monitor the entire master lock and even restrict an Alternative Key’s access or lock the entire mask lock like a cage if someone tries to break in or break out.

“This place is also created with a master lock, and if I’m not wrong, it’s probably an Ascension grade- 9 master lock. I can tell for three reasons. The first one is that this space you are in is actually just a tiny part of a complete master lock, which is a secret realm.

“The second is because the card you’re given is actually an ‘Alternative Key,’ which is programmed to give you access to this limited space in this entire secret realm.

“The third and the most important reason is that I’m proficient in space law and master locks because of my years of hunting treasures, so I can tell when I’m in artificial space locked with a master lock.

“Because a master lock will fully lock a space, the natural laws and Qi within are limited and give a unique undulation. Not to mention, the master lock and space law used here is very mundane.

“Let me tell you another thing just in case you still lock down on my expertise: the graves of extremely powerful individuals are also locked with a master lock most of the time because their bodies are nothing but treasure trove, and no one wants to be used as medicine herbs after they died.

“Now, you should understand how difficult it is to dig up ‘treasures!”” Malservus explained, her voice filled with pride and ridicule as if she enjoyed showing off in front of Ace.

Nonetheless, Ace was astounded when he heard the details about the master locks that even the system didn’t tell him. The system had just given him a general description of the master locks but didn’t tell him that a master lock was this terrifying.

Furthermore, now he had the entire concept of the bank security vault system and knew it was way above his league. Even if he had the universal key, he might not have the TP to unlock this grade-9 master lock, and he knew it was just one of the vaults under the prime heavenly bank!

Most importantly, he learned something new about Malservus, and he couldn’t help but say, “My horizons are really broadening today! You are really mighty and the epitome of a true peerless expert! Please accept a bow from your humble student!”

“Fufu… no need, after all, I promise to teach you a thing or two as long as you behave, and with how weak you are, you are of no use to me like this.” Malservus causally brushed it off, but Ace could feel that this arrogant woman was extremely pleased.

Ace was waiting for this exact moment as he quickly followed up with a fawning smile, “In that case, can you teach me about the master locks? After all, I can’t start ‘treasure digging’ without any prior knowledge, right?”

Now that he knew Malservus knew so much about master locks, he would be a fool not to learn from her, especially since he knew how costly using the universal key could be. Since the master lock was also a branch of rune crafters, he was sure that he could learn quickly.

“Oh? You want to learn about master locks?” Malservus didn’t seem surprised by Ace’s request; if anything, she sounded more content, “I can teach you, but you need to be at least a 5-Star Spirit Rune Crafter first since even the simplest master locks are at least ascension grade-5. From my observation, you seemed to be proficient in the true runes, which are not from this era, so your basics are solid. But your cultivation is still lacking!”

Ace was speechless, but he didn’t have words to retort to this statement since he knew Malservus was telling the truth. He could only grumble and put this matter on hold. Now that Malservus agreed to teach him, he just had to make sure she wouldn’t back down when the time was right.

At this moment, he finally shifted his focus to the security vault. Thinking about it, he took out a few treasures and placed them inside with a hint of cunningness in his eyes. After he made sure nothing happened, Ace was even more pleased.

The next moment, he took out the medallion and imbued his Qi into it, and the next moment, he vanished from the vault.

When Ace regained his sense, he was standing on the teleportation platform, and the Vault Warden stood in its initial place like a statue with its eyes closed. But when Ace appeared, the Vault Warden opened its eyes and looked at him impassively.

“I hope the vault met with your expectations?” He asked.

“It was even more extraordinary than the rumors make it. Thank you, senior, for your guidance.” Ace respectfully replied, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll take my leave.”

The Vault Guardian deeply stared at Ace for a moment before he nodded, “This way, please.”

Ace sighed in relief again before he walked towards the exit. A quirky glint flashed past his eyes, ‘I can really sense the Thief’s Mark, and with it, the vault is as good as exposed!’