Chapter 362

Chapter 362
## Chapter 362

Howard Industry (2)

The arrival of visitors from other worlds and the subsequent rise of those who made it back served as critical junctures in human progression.

The reality of sorcery and paranormal gifts, once dismissed as mere fiction, shattered existing frameworks of understanding. Thrown into this tempest of transformation, mankind was forced to adjust simply to ensure its own survival.

Bureaucracies tasked with managing the supernatural sprang up across nations, alongside the World Returnee Association. While the Guardians operated openly to preserve societal order, malicious outcasts lurked in the dark, compelled by their own greed…

Caught in a whirlwind of international instability, the planet underwent a swift evolution. This metamorphosis extended far beyond the unique nature of the returnees themselves, encompassing the groundbreaking innovations and insights they imported from foreign dimensions.

Governments, conglomerates, and various factions poured monumental capital and assets into investigating the capacities of these awakened individuals, utilizing substantial payouts, coercive tactics, and even forbidden research.

They scrutinized concoctions and remedies capable of performing wonders, dismantled enchanted implements to comprehend their inner workings, and elite intellectuals isolated themselves, straining their minds to decode the mysteries of alien domains.

Yet…

…even after a prolonged era of investigation, their efforts yielded empty results.

The sole conclusion they reached was that the sorcery of foreign worlds simply could not be replicated using Earth’s resources.

Naturally, a handful of dogged investigators pressed on, refusing to throw in the towel… but the prevailing scientific consensus had already rigidified, and no fresh concepts or revelations seemed capable of shaking it.

Consequently, those holding the reins of power had little choice but to face reality and pivot.

Two decades slipped by.

Having adapted to these shifts, humanity grew comfortable with the altered state of existence.

Technical progress accelerated at a breakneck pace, steered by the indirect fruits of alien expertise. Clashes between Guardians and rogue elements in metropolitan sectors turned into everyday occurrences, while relics harvested from alternate realms transformed into ultimate luxury goods—emblems of opulence and authority far out of reach for ordinary citizens.

“Goodness, what is that? I haven’t noticed that wristband on you before.”

“Oh—this? It’s an enchanted device designed to project a protective shield if things get dangerous. My father got it for me because he worries too much.”

“Wow… where on earth did he manage to find it? I understood those pieces were incredibly scarce.”

“Honestly, I wish he had just gotten me a spatial distortion purse instead. It’s not like I encounter peril every single day.”

“It’s far better to possess it and never require it. That just means you are out of harm’s way. I think I’ll mention it to my own dad.”

“Would you like me to find out exactly where he sourced it? The contact might have a few more available.”

“Are you serious? That would be amazing!”

Sought after by many, possessed by few, and climbing continuously in worth.

The Blood Alliance, under the direction of Heterosis—the vampire coalition loyal to Heinz the Second—capitalized heavily on this economic environment to rapidly extend their dominion.

They presented scarce enchanted devices to the kin of prominent figures, quietly incentivized Guardians, supplied therapeutic mixtures to individuals caring for ailing relatives, and recruited common citizens, weaving their network tightly across the fabric of Korea.

Backed by their overflowing wealth, securing ‘unforced blood providers’ proved to be an effortless endeavor.

This involved direct extraction from willing individuals in exchange for financial compensation, rather than relying on standard storage bags.

This practice not only expanded the scale and caliber of their enterprise but also deepened the allegiance of the members toward Heinz, the mastermind who had orchestrated the entire framework.

And at this precise moment,

The Blood Alliance was poised to make another massive stride forward.

Emerging from the dark underbelly into the public eye.

Expanding outward from Korea to encompass the globe.

There was no force capable of obstructing their path.

—

“…Howard Industry?”

Yoon Ji-yoon, overseeing the Korean Returnee Association’s local branch, creased her brow as she verified the paperwork resting in her grasp once more.

Yet no matter how intently she scrutinized the text, the words remained identical.

“What exactly am I looking at?”

She shifted her gaze upward to meet her assistant, who had delivered the folder to her desk.

The core data was something the Association was already acquainted with… yet the sheer shock prompted her to query aloud regardless.

“Precisely what the text indicates: this outlines the active strategy of the Blood Alliance. They intend to transition their enchanted item marketplace into a legitimate commercial venture, scaling up operations significantly. The required licensing is settled, and the corporate entity has been officially registered…”

“Yes, I am well aware of those details, but…”

Cutting off her assistant’s report, she reverted her gaze to the pages, her features clouded with deep skepticism.

The previous maneuvers executed by the Blood Alliance had already proven astonishing.

They had somehow managed to operate entirely unhindered by the very authorities tasked with suppressing their growth.

Even within her own ranks of Guardians, a notable number exhibited hesitation when requested to square off against the Blood Alliance’s vampires, with some going so far as to cultivate private alliances with them.

‘However, this represents an entirely different magnitude of operation.’

An enterprise dedicated exclusively to marketing magical devices originating from foreign realms.

Granted, businesses already existed that sourced and distributed such commodities, operating as brokers…

But the available inventory was desperately scarce, rendering it an ultra-exclusive luxury handled by a highly restricted circle of dealmakers…

“…Is an operation of this magnitude genuinely feasible? Retail locations spanning the entire nation? And… international offices? They have already locked down agreements with European syndicates?”

This transcended the boundaries of conventional brokerage.

Even if an individual managed to import a massive cache of enchanted tools to Earth, such a model lacked long-term viability.

‘It implies a production source is actively functioning. And a highly sophisticated one at that…’

Industrial manufacturing right here on Earth.

An achievement that global superpowers and sprawling conglomerates had abandoned as an impossibility… had been realized by an underground vampire syndicate hidden within Korea.

‘By what means? Even if they tracked down capable artisans, where are they sourcing the raw components? And in such immense volumes…?’

Her thoughts whirled in tangled patterns.

Owing to the mutual understanding maintained between Hahoe Mask, Phantom, and the Blood Alliance, the region had been experiencing an interval of unparalleled tranquility and order…

…yet she could discern the faint rumblings of a tempest gathering in the distance, an impending hazard forming on the horizon.

“Sigh, there is no sense in losing sleep over this just yet. The Association President will address these matters directly with state officials. My duties are confined to this branch.”

She had chosen wisely, opting for a secure and manageable role.

Exhaling deeply to steady her racing mind, she focused once more on the corporate filing.

“Howard Industry… They named it after Howard instead of Heinz?”

“The data we gathered implies that an individual named Howard serves as the linchpin for their magical tool manufacturing. However, Heterosis operates under absolute secrecy, preventing us from securing definitive validation.”

“…Their internal devotion is famously unyielding. Phantom’s capacity to command absolute obedience from any vampire, regardless of their lineage, remains his defining trait.”

In contrast to Hahoe Mask, who carried out tasks in isolation, Phantom—otherwise known as Heinz—was a commanding figure backed by a vast web of loyalists, comprising not only the Blood Alliance but also multiple vampire houses across the ocean.

One could argue he posed a far more complex challenge to domestic security than Hahoe Mask ever did.

He currently faced entry prohibitions from the vast majority of sovereign states, though such restrictions naturally meant nothing to someone of his caliber.

‘Should I attempt to initiate dialogue?’

Yoon Ji-yoon possessed a direct line of communication with Heinz, forged during their collaborative efforts to dismantle the Heaven’s Turn Society.

He had likely initiated this venture with that framework in place… yet the sheer vastness of the enterprise carried the risk of triggering an intense backlash.

‘His schedule is always incredibly demanding… I will have his representative forward my thoughts instead.’

Letting loose another weary breath, she moved her gaze to the concluding leaf of the dossier.

It displayed multiple graphics—captures of digital storefronts, promotional banners, and marketing signs—all executed with sleek professionalism and meticulous attention to detail.

“…What exactly is the meaning of this?”

“These are the marketing layouts for Howard Industry. They are launching an absolute media blitz. Despite not having initialized formal transactions yet, they are saturated across internet hubs and mainstream press channels with promotional content. They have even launched a dedicated digital portal and various social handles.”

“Well, look at that.”

She turned through the remaining sheets, her fingers coming to a halt as a specific entry arrested her focus.

“…Sourcing miraculous remedies? Along with… tailored, elite-tier magical implements? They aren’t exerting any effort to mask their intentions.”

A faint, ironic smile touched her lips before fading into a expression of deep contemplation.

When analyzed objectively, it followed a logical path.

Phantom, the identity assumed by Heinz, who controlled Howard Industry and commanded the Blood Alliance, existed as an apex entity. He had decisively crushed multiple rank 9 vampires, including the legendary ‘Duke’ who had once ruled the European supernatural hierarchy.

Backed by a reputation that terrifying, few individuals possessed the recklessness required to actively oppose him.

‘Without that looming shadow, the Blood Alliance could never have expanded to this degree, regardless of their financial persuasion. Those avaricious power brokers would have attempted to seize control of the entire operation.’

The vast majority of dominant factions remained acutely aware of his destructive path through Europe.

They would avoid provoking his wrath at all costs, unless they harbored a bizarre wish to be entirely drained of vitality and left as desiccated corpses in the dead of night.

“It intrigues me. Exactly how supreme is his self-assurance to display his hand so openly?”

Resting the documents flat against the surface of her desk, she rubbed her chin thoughtfully.

Their publicity campaign highlighted two primary guarantees.

A dependable, continuous inventory of extra-dimensional magical tools, alongside personalized, premium-grade gear.

She harbored no doubts regarding the baseline performance of their equipment.

The Blood Alliance had been quietly filtering these items into circulation for some time, and she had personally tested their efficacy through items gifted by Heinz to cement their working alliance.

‘Premium-grade… While they fall short of the mythic Special-grade tier, they still command immense value. And they possess the means to fabricate them to order?’

Relics classified as Special-grade, such as the sacred blade wielded by Saint Heinrich, were priceless treasures beyond calculation, meaning high-grade gear represented the absolute zenith of practical equipment available to an Awakened operative.

‘The implements I relied upon in my native world would merely register as intermediate-tier by Earth’s metrics.’

They had represented the absolute pinnacle within her dimension of origin, but the art of forging magical equipment had never truly matured there. Their culture focused heavily on perfecting internal personal power.

On the flip side, their mastery of alchemical arts was exceptionally sophisticated…

“Hm, perhaps… I ought to propose a reciprocal arrangement?”

She murmured softly to herself, her mind drifting to the therapeutic drafts she had preserved from her home realm.

Given her established rapport with him, she seriously doubted he would attempt to exploit her in a transaction.

The inaugural phase of their publicity blitz had officially commenced, ahead of their commercial debut.

The rollout of Howard Industry was advancing precisely as intended.

—

‘It appears my preliminary efforts are yielding fruit.’

The intricate administrative hurdles, including the incorporation of the business and the leasing of storefront locations, were moving forward without a hitch.

Aided by his strategic endowments and quiet financial arrangements, no meaningful roadblocks materialized, and numerous influential entities stepped forward to facilitate his progress, compressing the timeline significantly.

-Howard Industry? An organization dealing in magical devices? Does anyone have background on them?

└Implements from foreign dimensions? Is that even technically achievable? It reads like absolute deception.

└If it were fraudulent, major web engines wouldn’t be running their banners. It’s even getting broadcast slots on prime-time broadcasts.

└Every significant broadcasting network is running segments on it. It isn’t just the independent stations; practically the entire media landscape is discussing it. Is this a hidden branch of some massive corporate dynasty? The capital required for this exposure must be astronomical.

└This is completely unhinged;;

The promotional drive was achieving spectacular traction.

While he was actively establishing physical brick-and-mortar storefronts across the territory, he harbored no intention of anchoring his business strictly to physical real estate.

‘The digital network offers unparalleled convenience. It serves beautifully for both distributing information and completing acquisitions.’

Naturally, he had no intention of relying on standard postal services to transport commodities of such immense value.

He intended to utilize his own personnel to deliver the requested items straight to the designated coordinates of the buyer.

‘With operatives from the Blood Alliance personally managing the transit lines, no one will possess the foolishness required to disrupt the shipments.’

From asset protection and distribution logistics to consumer relations…

Commanding a labor force possessing such diverse capabilities streamlined the entire enterprise beautifully.

‘Furthermore, the vast majority of the Blood Alliance’s vampire population has aligned with Heterosis, rendering them immune to daylight vulnerabilities.’

Heterosis, which had originated as a modest gathering within the broader Blood Alliance—a collective of domestic Korean vampires—

…had ballooned in size, pulling in fresh adherents without requiring any active recruitment campaigns.

The broader vampire community recognized the sheer utility of integration, realizing the material perks far outweighed the minor friction of operating within a structured hierarchy.

‘And my directives have never been inherently exploitative or irrational.’

When down to basic truths, structural rank and submission were foundational elements within any functional syndicate.

Heterosis currently commanded upward of ninety percent of the total Blood Alliance infrastructure.

For all practical purposes, the two entities had merged into one.

“Nonetheless, securing my ultimate target will require an extended duration.”

Despite their established history of distributing magical implements within Korea’s clandestine markets, Howard Industry remained an unproven entity in the eyes of the general populace.

Skeptics would inevitably doubt their legitimacy, regardless of the scale of their media saturation.

It was fundamentally a waiting game.

‘But I possess the means to expedite the timeline. Integrating endorsements from public icons and initializing the distribution of alchemical remedies should do the trick…’

Enchanted tools were hardly the sole priceless commodities brought back from foreign realities.

Restorative mixtures, boasting seemingly supernatural regenerative properties, were equally coveted by the elite.

Because these items directly influenced physical health and longevity, their commercial viability was exponentially higher.

‘The manufacturing plant under Hubert’s supervision has likewise reached operational readiness. Gathering a sufficient assembly of alchemists required a fair investment of time.’

He had backed the venture by exchanging diverse seasonings and alternative scarce resources harvested between Auterica and Earth.

His philosophy centered on shared advancement and mutual benefit, rather than a predatory, extraction-based model.

“We will also require diverse public launch initiatives… though I shall delegate those logistics to the marketing professionals.”

His role would simply involve compensating them generously based on their metrics.

That sufficed for an overseer. There was no practical reason to micromanage the fine details of the corporate machine. He retained a wealth of highly capable and seasoned experts handling the execution.

‘My primary focus will remain the acquisition and supply of the inventory itself. Let’s see… regarding the high-grade enchanted tools intended for promotional showcases and exhibitions…’

Perhaps because his own posture had remained so casual,

The civilian response to the emergence of ‘Howard Industry’ manifested with a degree of intensity that far outstripped his initial projections.