Bloodline is Everything - Chapter 11

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

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【Bloodline is a Thug Chapter 11】

Chapter 11: Bloodline is Peculiar (2)

“Damn bastard.”
Kwon Ji-seok hung up the phone irritably. Still seething, he swept the objects on his desk onto the floor.
“How much do I need that inner core! And after he greedily swallows it whole, he says he can’t give it? What’s this nonsense?”
His anger refused to subside. He needed another stimulus to purge this foul mood.
Kwon Ji-seok dialed a number. After a brief ring, someone answered.
“Yeah, it’s me. Are you procuring those items I mentioned? You’ve already gathered half? Which ones have you gotten?”
The names of the items came through the smartphone speaker.
Ogerrite, Troite, Heavenblue, and so forth.
All were expensive materials requiring item crafting.
“Good. Keep up the work going forward.”
After the call ended, satisfaction gleamed across Kwon Ji-seok’s face.
“Hyung-nim Chanson, your skills may surpass mine, but your equipment certainly won’t.”

* * *

Three months had already passed since Kwon Han-ul became a bloodkin of Heukcheon.
Though I spent the time only on training and lessons, I felt not the slightest hint of boredom.
Rather, the opposite was true. I wondered if I had ever lived such a fulfilling period before.
Thanks to that, my ability stats rose visibly with each passing day.
Awakened One: Kwon Han-ul
Titles: Owner of Yong Hyun Moo Go, Owner of Yeouui Stone
Strength (C) 42.25 / Agility (C) 41.55 / Stamina (C) 43.24
Mana (C) 44.52 / Perception (C) 40.91 / Mental Fortitude (C) 42.18
Originally, the bloodkin of Heukcheon could raise all their stats to Grade B through the Yeouui Stone.
The time required for that ranges from a minimum of one year to a maximum of two years.
Yet in merely three months, I stood on the very threshold of Grade B.
It was thanks to the titles of Healthy Blood and Yeouui Stone. The more I thought about it, the more absurd my growth rate became.
It wasn’t just my stats. I had already achieved three stars in the introductory form of the Hyeonryong Seungcheon Art.
Everything progressed smoothly, yet there was one thing that bothered me.
The assimilation rate of the Black Dragon Blood remained stubbornly fixed at nine percent.
Once the assimilation rate reached ten percent, one ability would unlock. Given how much I had anticipated this, my disappointment only grew.
Perhaps I needed a different training method.
It was on such a day, while I was exploring various possibilities.
“Kwon Han-ul, it seems all of today’s schedule must be cancelled.”
I was in the middle of breakfast when Joo Ha-yeon suddenly spoke up.
“Is something the matter?”
Joo Ha-yeon replied to Kwon Han-ul’s confused expression.
“You’ll need to visit the workshop to have your equipment crafted.”

* * *

After finishing breakfast, I boarded the chartered aircraft.
The Heukcheon Group’s workshop was so massive that it wasn’t located within the Kwon Family estate itself.
It was situated in Jagang Province, right next to Pyeong-an North Province where the Kwon Family resided.
That’s why I had boarded the chartered aircraft to travel there.
“Originally, all bloodkin receive crafted equipment from the Kwon Family once their stats reach C-grade.”
Apparently, all materials, costs, and everything else involved are provided free of charge.
“Equipment crafted at Heukcheon’s workshop must be extraordinary.”
“At minimum, they’re Unique-grade C-tier equipment.”
Equipment and skills are divided by tier and quality.
Even with identical quality, performance varies depending on the tier.
Unique items, in particular, cause quite a stir in the Hunter industry the moment they appear.
And to think such items could be crafted rather than obtained from Dungeons.
This truly befits the Heukcheon Group.
Anyone would be left speechless with admiration.
“That’s truly remarkable.”
“Even this is considered low-grade by Heukcheon Group standards.”
“Low-grade?”
“The equipment being distributed now is merely starter gear. After that, depending on your achievements, you’ll receive or have crafted higher-tier equipment.”
To think they treat Unique items as starter equipment. I couldn’t help but whistle in amazement.
“Have you ever had equipment crafted during your time as a Hunter?”
“No. I never obtained materials remarkable enough to warrant it.”
Item crafting is typically commissioned to maximize the use of materials obtained from monsters.
As a third-rate Hunter, I had never acquired materials good enough to commission crafting.
“So I’m quite looking forward to this.”
It’s my first custom-made item, and my first Unique-grade equipment ever.
Having always struggled with Uncommon-grade equipment, Unique-tier gear was something I’d never even dreamed of.
And yet here I was, obtaining it so effortlessly.
“You should look forward to it. The Heukcheon Group’s workshop is world-class. I’m certain it will exceed your expectations, Kwon Han-ul.”
It had been a while since Joo Ha-yeon spoke with such confidence. I felt anticipation building within me.
“But will you really not tell me anything about my father?”
At the sudden question, Joo Ha-yeon’s expression grew troubled. She lowered her head as she spoke.
“I apologize. The Chairman issued strict orders that I cannot discuss this….”
Ever since my conversation with Kwon Ji-seok several months ago, I had asked Joo Ha-yeon about my father, Kwon Cheon. But she only repeated that she couldn’t answer.
“Besides, I don’t know much. Kwon Cheon left before I even joined the Heukcheon Group….”
“Then there’s nothing we can do about it.”
Kwon Han-ul cut off Joo Ha-yeon’s words and leaned back against his chair.
I gazed blankly out the airplane window as clouds drifted ceaselessly past.

* * *

The chartered plane arrived at the workshop district in less than an hour.
While the Kwon Family estate blended traditional Korean architecture with modern buildings, the Heukcheon Workshop was surrounded entirely by factories and industrial smoke.
“That wouldn’t happen to be a Dungeon, would it?”
Kwon Han-ul pointed toward a massive rectangular stone structure visible in the distance.
If my eyes weren’t deceiving me, that was definitely a Dungeon Gate.
“That’s correct. Resource-rich Dungeons are relocated here, and the materials are harvested for use.”
“…You’re saying you can move Gates? Is that even possible? I’ve never heard of such technology existing.”
“That’s understandable. It’s a technique unknown to the public.”
Joo Ha-yeon added that it was possible if certain conditions were met.
“The workshop is this way.”
Joo Ha-yeon led me toward a building that stood out even in this industrial area, distinguished by its massive chimney.
As we entered, heat washed over my face.
A furnace the size of a house occupied the center, with smaller furnaces branching out like circuits, and craftsmen around them hammering away diligently.
It was an anachronistic sight, utterly at odds with the modern world. Yet they weren’t deliberately choosing to work the old way out of difficulty.
Handling monster materials was impossible with modern technology.
They could only be worked through Crafting Skills, and even that was far from easy.
It wasn’t like a game where you press a button and items pop out.
You had to actually melt metal, tan leather, and so on—moving your body with your own hands.
As Kwon Han-ul and Joo Ha-yeon ventured deeper, a craftsman approached and asked.
“Have you come to place a commission? I apologize, but our orders are currently full, and without a reservation….”
“This person doesn’t need to wait.”
The craftsman’s expression turned confused. Then he suddenly understood what Joo Ha-yeon meant.
“A, a Main Family member? My apologies! I didn’t recognize you since this is our first meeting!”
“This person recently became a member of the Main Family, so it’s understandable you wouldn’t know.”
The craftsman’s eyes widened.
“Recently? C, could this be the rumored Pure Bloodline….”
Joo Ha-yeon nodded. The craftsman stared at Kwon Han-ul with sparkling eyes, as if meeting an idol.
His gaze was so intense that I felt the weight of it.
“Everyone, stop working! A bloodkin of the Main Family has arrived!”
The craftsman shouted in a resonant voice. All the craftsmen working stopped, setting down their hammers and tongs, and approached Kwon Han-ul.
“A bloodkin of the Main Family has come?”
“I’ve never seen this face before.”
The other craftsmen reacted the same way. The craftsman who had called them out proclaimed proudly.
“Listen and be amazed! This is none other than the bloodkin of Heukcheon who possesses the legendary true Black Dragon Blood!”
“What, what? This person has the true blood?”
The craftsmen gasped in astonishment. Moments later, their faces filled with curiosity as they stared at Kwon Han-ul.
“If he has the true Black Dragon Blood, surely he possesses some extraordinary talent, doesn’t he?”
“Creating specialized equipment for pure bloodline members is incredibly difficult. For a true blood, it must be even more demanding. But that makes it all the more worthwhile.”
Kwon Han-ul turned to Joo Ha-yeon with a question.
“Was it necessary to gather so many people? It seems you’re all quite busy.”
“Whenever equipment is crafted for a bloodkin of the main family, all the craftsmen are mobilized.”
“But this is merely initial equipment, isn’t it?”
“Regardless, it is equipment for someone of the main family.”
At Joo Ha-yeon’s matter-of-fact response, Kwon Han-ul found himself at a loss for words.
Given that these craftsmen belonged to the Heukcheon Group, their skills were undoubtedly exceptional.
Moreover, with orders already piling up, they had mobilized this many people just to craft equipment for a main family bloodkin.
‘The power of the main family is truly formidable.’
As Kwon Han-ul marveled at this, a gruff voice echoed from deeper within the workshop.
“You lot! What are you all doing standing around instead of working!”
The craftsmen parted like the Red Sea. Between them walked an elderly man with a heavy stubble across his face.
His face certainly belonged to an old man, but his body told a different story. Every inch of him was packed with muscle, as if he were a beast incarnate.
“Park Tae-sik, it’s been a while.”
“Huh? Ha-yeon, is that you? What brings you here? Another equipment order?”
“No. Today I’ve come to bring this person.”
Joo Ha-yeon gestured toward Kwon Han-ul. The moment Park Tae-sik saw his face, astonishment flashed across his features.
“…Kwon Cheon?”
Park Tae-sik shook his head vigorously.
“No, that can’t be right. So you’re the one. The legendary true blood.”
“Then you are indeed the master craftsman ‘Park Tae-sik’ that I’ve heard of?”
“What, you knew of me?”
Now it was Kwon Han-ul’s turn to be astonished.
Master craftsman Park Tae-sik.
The legendary artisan who forged the supreme weapon ‘Heavenly Destruction Sword’.
He was also widely known as the craftsman who had created more legendary equipment than anyone else in the world.
He had disappeared long ago, and everyone assumed he was dead. I never imagined he would be with the Heukcheon Group.
“Bringing this young pup here means you’re here to outfit him with initial equipment, I presume?”
“That’s correct.”
“Of all times, why now when I’m short-handed? And that Kwon Seon-woo has imposed such a troublesome rule.”
“If you’re short-handed, couldn’t you simply craft the equipment yourself, Park Tae-sik?”
At Joo Ha-yeon’s words, Park Tae-sik let out a derisive snort.
“Don’t be ridiculous. I don’t bother with such brats. If you want to see my craftsmanship firsthand, you need to prove yourself worthy of it.”
“Worthy, you say?”
Kwon Han-ul asked, his curiosity piqued.
Park Tae-sik’s craftsmanship was unrivaled across the entire world. If I could entrust him with the creation, there was no doubt I’d obtain something extraordinary.
“I only craft equipment for those with genuine skill. Otherwise, I only deal with those who pass my test.”
Perhaps later. But right now, Kwon Han-ul wasn’t skilled enough to catch Park Tae-sik’s eye.
Naturally, my attention shifted to the second condition.
Just as I was about to ask what kind of test he meant, I heard footsteps behind me.
Five or six men were entering the workshop from behind. One of them was a man I already knew well.
“Huh? You?”
That man, Kwon Ji-seok, pointed at me mockingly.
“What are you doing here!”

* * *

“What? You came to get your starter equipment fitted? Pffhahaha.”
Kwon Ji-seok burst into derisive laughter.
“What’s so funny?”
“You’re just going to get your equipment with the Group’s support, right?”
“Of course.”
“You don’t have any additional materials?”
“I don’t.”
Kwon Ji-seok smirked again. I felt irritation rising within me.
“You lowborn wouldn’t know, but when Heukcheon bloodkin get their starter equipment, it’s customary to receive additional materials from their parents. That’s how they craft more powerful gear.”
And for Pure Bloodline members, since they belonged to the Main Family, the quantity and quality of additional materials were far superior.
“But you—a mere Branch Family bloodkin—are saying you’ll craft your starter equipment with only the Group’s support, so how could I not laugh? Right?”
Kwon Ji-seok’s laughter showed no signs of stopping.
“This is why lowborn trash can’t amount to anything. Your father left you nothing, so you have nothing to work with.”
Without realizing it, I clenched my fists tightly. Normally, I would have dismissed his mockery, but now anger surged through me.
Perhaps it was because of the newfound curiosity about my father that had just emerged.
“There’s no point wasting more time on you… Master Park Tae-sik?”
Kwon Ji-seok snapped his fingers. The men standing behind him arranged the iron boxes they were holding in a line.
Park Tae-sik frowned and asked.
“What is this?”
“Materials, sir. Please craft my equipment with these.”
Park Tae-sik opened each box one by one, examining the contents. With each box he confirmed, astonishment bloomed across his face.
“These are all rare metals infused with monster blood. They’re expensive and hard to obtain… How did you get these?”
“That’s a trade secret. Anyway, the equipment I want is….”
“Boys, we have a customer’s order. Remember it and make it yourselves.”
Park Tae-sik turned to leave. Kwon Ji-seok cried out in alarm.
“Where are you going? I came here to have you handle the crafting!”
“I don’t deal with greenhorns.”
“Me, a greenhorn?”
Kwon Ji-seok’s face showed clear shock. Park Tae-sik sneered with an air of inevitability.
“A man who hasn’t built a single achievement is nothing but a brat. So you want to become a professional?”
“Watch your words. I have no achievements because I haven’t received permission from the Chairman to form my own team!”
“That’s exactly the proof that you’re a brat. Anyway, there’s nothing for you here. Get lost.”
Kwon Ji-seok’s expression showed he couldn’t accept this at all. Then Park Tae-sik spoke with a sneer.
“Fine. How about this then? If you pass my test, I’ll craft it for you.”
“Really?”
“But if you fail, you leave this place without complaint. Understood?”
Kwon Ji-seok nodded without a moment’s hesitation. Park Tae-sik laughed and gestured.
“Good. Come this way… hmm, actually no.”
Then he turned to look at Kwon Han-ul and asked.
“Want to give it a try too?”

* * *

Park Tae-sik led Kwon Han-ul and Kwon Ji-seok to a warehouse in the workshop.
“The test is very simple. Find materials from Dragon-type monsters in this warehouse.”
Kwon Han-ul and Kwon Ji-seok looked around the warehouse with one mind and one purpose.
Given the scale of the workshop, the warehouse was far larger than any ordinary logistics facility.
How were they supposed to find Dragon-type materials in a place this vast?
Moreover, both of them were complete novices when it came to materials.
Even staring intently at the materials, they couldn’t tell whether they actually came from Dragon-types or not.
“Well then, show me what you can do.”
Park Tae-sik unfolded a collapsible chair, sat down on it, and fell asleep almost immediately with his arms crossed.
“This crazy old man. How am I supposed to find materials from Dragon-type monsters in here!”
Kwon Ji-seok ground his teeth in frustration. While he fumed, Kwon Han-ul walked through the warehouse examining the materials.
Horns, bones, teeth, hides, tendons—and more.
All manner of items were piled everywhere. But they were all cut up, making it impossible to distinguish them no matter how hard I looked.
【True Black Dragon Blood senses the power of dragons.】
…I thought there wouldn’t be any.
Kwon Han-ul’s face showed surprise as I picked up the hide in front of me. I felt a subtle magical power clinging to my fingertips.
【True Black Dragon Blood senses the power of dragons.】
It wasn’t a trick of the eyes. The same message appeared again.
‘Can things really go this smoothly?’
Kwon Han-ul took a moment to gather my thoughts.
With this, I could pass the test of Park Tae-sik, who was called the greatest master craftsman.
That alone would be cause for joy. But it wasn’t enough.
Watching Kwon Ji-seok struggle, it was clear that only True Black Dragon Blood could sense the power of dragons.
This worked out perfectly.
After all, I owed Kwon Ji-seok a considerable debt.
“Listen here.”
“Huh?”
“Wandering around aimlessly like this is tedious. Let’s make a wager instead.”
Kwon Ji-seok’s expression hardened.
“What nonsense are you spouting.”
“If you pass this trial, I’ll give you my inner core.”
At Kwon Han-ul’s condition, Kwon Ji-seok’s eyes widened.
“But if I pass the trial, you must kneel before me.”
Kwon Han-ul spoke while staring directly at Kwon Ji-seok.
“Kneel and formally apologize for every insult you’ve hurled at me.”

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

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