Bloodline is Everything - Chapter 103

—————

This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

—————

【Bloodline is a Thug Chapter 103】

103. Mystery City (2)

My business with Mark Goldpixie had concluded.
I stepped outside with my bloodline kin.
“Maria.”
As we walked through the streets of Mystery City, one of my kin spoke up.
“I fear you’ve revealed too much to an outsider.”
“Hmm? Oh, you mean when I mentioned that the Ancestor’s treasure is among the championship prizes?”
I smiled as I spoke.
“Don’t worry too much. Mark Goldpixie is a fool, but he values his own life. He knows full well that we’d kill him if he so much as touched that object.”
The Sanchez Family.
There wasn’t a soul alive who didn’t know of our infamy—we possessed superhuman bloodlines.
No matter how high Mark Goldpixie’s social standing or how vast his wealth, he couldn’t stand against the Sanchez Family.
“More importantly, focus on the competitions. You know we need to win every arena, right?”
“But don’t we only need to win the Underground Arena? That’s where the Ancestor’s treasure is anyway.”
“Since we’re here, we might as well take all the prizes. Besides, my deal with Mark Goldpixie was to win every Colosseum.”
At my words, all my kin made expressions of annoyance.
“Since we’re committed to this, shall we make a wager? Who will claim victory first?”
“Better yet—whoever kills the most wins.”
“Idiot. That gives an advantage to whoever participates in the team matches.”
My bloodline kin showed no signs of tension whatsoever.
Victory itself was never the question for us—it was inevitable.
The real issue was what additional prizes we could claim.
“Um… Maria?”
Then, one of my kin spoke up—a girl with a very small frame.
“What if… in some remote chance… if we somehow failed to win every Colosseum, what would happen?”
“What the hell is this idiot babbling about!”
“Is she insane?”
Curses erupted. The girl wrapped her arms around her head.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!”
“Enough.”
Only when I spoke did the cursing stop. I looked at the girl and spoke.
“Larissa. Do you want to die?”
My face was smiling, but my voice dripped with murderous intent. Larissa Sanchez’s body went rigid.
“We haven’t even started, and you’re spouting such inauspicious nonsense? Should I tear out your tongue?”
Larissa Sanchez shook her head frantically.
“It’s a stupid question, but I’ll answer it anyway. What would you do if you failed to win the tournament?”
Maria Sanchez turned her gaze away from Larissa as she spoke.
“The Sanchez Family has no intention of ever giving up that item. So no matter what it takes, we will obtain it.”

* * *

Kwon Myung-woo first brought his party to their lodgings.
Surprisingly, the accommodation Kwon Myung-woo had rented was no ordinary hotel. He had leased an entire mansion built on the outskirts of Mystery City.
Everything was equipped—from a massive swimming pool to gardens. It was far larger in scale than Kwon Han-ul’s mansion at the Heukcheon Estate.
“Seriously, even though we came in such a hurry, they’re offering us a place like this.”
Yet even such a mansion seemed beneath Kwon Myung-woo’s standards.
He wandered through the mansion complaining, and only then did he summon Kwon Han-ul and the others to the living room.
“So about that tournament I mentioned earlier.”
Kwon Myung-woo spoke from his seat on the massive sofa.
“I called it a death match, but it doesn’t necessarily mean one side has to die. If you declare defeat, the match ends immediately.”
At those words, Kwon Hu-don raised his hand and asked.
“But what if you can’t cry out in defeat?”
“Then you die.”
Kwon Myung-woo said it casually. Kwon Hu-don’s face went pale.
“Why are you so scared? Just win. How great is that? You gain experience. You can claim the championship prize.”
Kwon Myung-woo spoke with a smile.
“This city has plenty of money, so the championship prize is quite valuable. Ah, that’s right. All of you wear these.”
Kwon Myung-woo opened a subspace and pulled out a heap of masks.
“You must conceal your identities and participate in the tournament. These masks will be helpful.”
“We must hide our identities?”
Kwon Han-ul asked on behalf of everyone. Kwon Myung-woo nodded and explained.
“The Colosseum in Mystery City is perfect for gaining experience, but when you think about it, we’d just be entertainment for the nouveau riche. We can’t put the Heukcheon name on display in such a place.”
The name Heukcheon carried such tremendous power that it could not be used carelessly.
Much less could the Heukcheon name be used in a place like this.
“These masks aren’t artifacts, but they’re made from special materials. No matter how violently you move, they won’t come off, and they’re quite durable too.”
Kwon Myung-woo distributed masks to each member of the party.
“Next, I’ll tell you which Colosseum each of you will participate in. First, Hu-don.”
“Yes, sir!”
“You’ll go to the East Arena. That’s where team battles take place.”
“T-team battles?”
“Dozens of people fight in one location. If you slip up even slightly, you could get your belly pierced by a stray blade.”
Kwon Hu-don’s expression hardened. Soon, determination blazed in his eyes.
“I will definitely win and return!”
“Oh, and don’t wear the Black Dragon Scales.”
“…Pardon?”
At those words, the light drained from Kwon Hu-don’s eyes.
“If you use the Black Scale Armor, people will recognize your identity immediately, won’t they?”
“That’s… well, true, but… without the Black Scale Armor, I can’t do anything…”
“Exactly. That’s why you won’t use it.”
“Pardon?”
“Your Black Scale Armor is impressive. But you’ve grown too dependent on it—your combat experience is lacking.”
As Kwon Myung-woo said, Kwon Hu-don’s fighting style amounted to nothing more than donning the Black Scale Armor and charging forward.
“Once you experience a brawl, your perspective on combat will change. And while you’re at it, we’ll strengthen that fragile mentality of yours.”
At the word “fragile,” Kwon Hu-don’s face crumpled.
“Next, Mei Hong.”
“Yes.”
“You’re going to the West Arena. It’s where Hunters and Monsters clash in battle.”
“Is there a reason you’re sending me there?”
Given Kwon Hu-don’s example, it was clear that Kwon Myung-woo hadn’t assigned Mei Hong to the West Arena without thought.
That’s why she was asking.
“No.”
“…”
Mei Hong’s expression became indescribable.
“I’m sending you there to vent your frustrations.”
“Why should I waste time on something so pointless…?”
“You carry far too much anger in your heart. One day, that rage might destroy you. Anger knows no distinction between friend and foe.”
“But…”
“You said you wanted revenge against the Mei Family, didn’t you? In battle, the most important thing is a cool, rational mind. Your heart may burn with fury, but your head must remain cold.”
Mei Hong clamped her mouth shut. She said nothing, but she seemed to be growing convinced by Kwon Myung-woo’s words.
“Go. Face the anger within yourself. And find a way to control it. That is the task I’m setting for you.”
Next, Kwon Myung-woo turned his gaze to Gael Garsian.
“So your name is Gael Garsian, correct?”
“Speak.”
“You lack nothing. You’re well-disciplined, both mentally and physically.”
It was remarkable.
Even Kwon Han-ul had been criticized, yet Gael Garsian had not.
“Still, winning will be difficult. The South Arena you’ll enter is a dangerous place filled with all manner of traps.”
“It doesn’t matter where I go, but…”
Gael Garsian spoke flatly.
“I have no intention of following that order.”
At those words, everyone’s eyes widened.
As everyone doubted their own ears, Gael Garsian drove the point home like a wedge.
“You have no authority to command me.”

* * *

“But if you order me, I will obey.”
Gael Garsian turned to look at Kwon Han-ul as he spoke. At those words, Kwon Myung-woo burst into loud laughter.
“That’s right, that’s the correct answer. You’re not my subordinate—you’re his subordinate. Ahahaha!”
Kwon Myung-woo clutched his belly, laughing as if he found it hilarious.
“What are you doing, Han-ul? Why don’t you give him an order?”
“Well… since we’ve come this far, go ahead and win.”
Gael Garsian bowed silently without a word.
“Good, those three are done for… now only you remain.”
Kwon Myung-woo’s gaze turned toward Kwon Han-ul.
“You’re going to the Underground Arena.”
At those words, Joo Ha-yeon beside him was startled.
“Kwon Myung-woo!”
“Why are you so surprised? Given his current level, there’s nowhere else suitable for him, is there?”
“But what if Kwon Han-ul is put in danger!”
“Him?”
Kwon Myung-woo spoke as if it were absurd.
“Considering everything he’s accomplished so far, he’d survive even if you threw him naked into an SS-rank Dungeon. What are you worried about?”
“Kwon Myung-woo!”
“My ears work fine. Stop shouting.”
Kwon Myung-woo frowned as he spoke.
“Every time I see it, Ha-yeon, you have a tendency to overprotect that guy. He’s neither your parent nor your lover…”
“Stop joking around.”
The argument between Kwon Myung-woo and Joo Ha-yeon dragged on. Unable to bear it any longer, Kwon Han-ul asked.
“What kind of place is the Underground Arena that you’re all so concerned?”
I understood it was dangerous, but I had no idea how dangerous it was, or in what way, or what kind of danger awaited there.
“It’s the largest arena in this city. It would be more accurate to say it’s where members of Mystery City settle their pride against one another.”
Kwon Myung-woo explained.
“Members of Mystery City send out participants they’ve brought with them. If a participant wins the championship, the member who sponsored them becomes famous as well.”
My brow furrowed slightly.
“Then the participants must be quite strong.”
“They’re not just quite strong.”
Joo Ha-yeon added.
“Those who operate Mystery City are world-renowned billionaires. The participants they bring are only formidable powerhouses.”
That was why Joo Ha-yeon had opposed my participation.
“It’s not just the participants who are dangerous. The members themselves will stop at nothing to ensure their participants win the championship.”
“You’re going to make me participate in a place like that?”
I turned to look at Kwon Myung-woo and asked. He coughed awkwardly.
“Your level is more than sufficient, isn’t it?”
Kwon Han-ul paused to consider.
He glanced back and forth between Kwon Myung-woo’s eager face and Joo Ha-yeon’s disapproving expression before speaking.
“I’ll participate.”
Kwon Han-ul answered without hesitation. Joo Ha-yeon exhaled a short sigh.
“Don’t worry, Joo Ha-yeon. How strong could the other participants possibly be?”
“Of course I trust Kwon Han-ul, but….”
Joo Ha-yeon wore a worried expression but said nothing more.
Her principle was to offer counsel without overstepping her bounds.
“That’s it! That’s the spirit! Well thought out!”
Kwon Myung-woo patted Kwon Han-ul’s back enthusiastically, beaming with approval.
“Ah, and use only the Banggyeokshik technique.”
Kwon Myung-woo suddenly added.
“Pardon?”
“You mustn’t reveal that you’re of the Heukcheon Bloodline. Hide all your powers and skills. Fortunately, the Banggyeokshik technique doesn’t show on the surface, so feel free to use it as much as you like.”
I was somewhat taken aback, but this much was within acceptable limits.
After all, I had followed Kwon Myung-woo here to practice the Banggyeokshik technique and reach the ascending form.
“And don’t use mana either.”
“…Pardon?”
But this final condition crossed the line severely.
“The other participants will use mana and skills freely, won’t they?”
“You still cannot use them.”
Kwon Myung-woo spoke with an unyielding expression.
“You must rely solely on your physical abilities.”
It was an extraordinarily harsh condition.
I briefly wondered if Kwon Myung-woo had truly come here to train me.
“It’s a bit demanding… but I’ll give it a try.”
Again, I spoke as if it were no great matter.
For someone of the Heukcheon Bloodline like myself, the penalty of not using mana was far greater than imagined. All the powers of the Black Dragon Bloodline consumed vast quantities of mana.
But I possessed more than just the Black Dragon Bloodline.
Superhuman Blood
I also carried a bloodline said to be the world’s greatest in terms of pure physical ability.

—————

This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

—————