Bloodline is Everything - Chapter 14

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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 14】

Chapter 14: Bloodline Encounters (1)

Kwon Han-ul had been wrestling with training equipment in the Training Hall since early dawn.
He performed squats with a barbell bearing ox-sized plates on both sides resting across his shoulders, bending and straightening his knees in rhythmic repetition.
With each movement, the veins across his entire body stood out sharply. Sweat poured down like rain. The floor was already pooling with water.
【Healthy Bloodline detects intense movement!】
【All muscles have been severely taxed! Recovery proceeds rapidly through Healthy Bloodline’s effects!】
【All stats increase by 0.2!】
【Through the Jade Righteousness Stone’s effect, stats increase by an additional 0.1!】
Messages appeared with each of Kwon Han-ul’s movements. Yet he had no leisure to read them now.
His mind was entirely occupied by other thoughts.
‘In three months, the armor will be complete.’
A week had already passed since Kwon Han-ul visited the Workshop.
Naturally, he had accepted Park Tae-sik’s proposal. Who would refuse when the world’s greatest master craftsman offered to forge supreme equipment?
Park Tae-sik’s promised timeframe was three months hence.
It aligned perfectly with the debut match deadline the Chairman had set for Kwon Han-ul.
‘Not Unique, but Legendary armor.’
Park Tae-sik had definitively declared this armor’s quality as Legendary.
Legendary.
The word alone made his chest swell with anticipation.
True to its meaning of legend, Legendary equipment possessed extraordinary performance.
Some spoke of Legendary items as divine tools capable of performing miracles.
Moreover, this armor was designed by Park Tae-sik, the world’s greatest master craftsman, to maximize the power of the Black Dragon Bloodline and Black Dragon Twelve Celestial Martial Arts.
It would certainly far surpass ordinary Legendary items.
Kwon Han-ul’s thoughts had reached this point when it happened.
【All stats increase by 0.2!】
【Through the Jade Righteousness Stone’s effect, stats increase by an additional 0.1!】
【Strength (C), Endurance (C), Agility (C) convert to Strength (B), Endurance (B), Agility (B)!】
Kwon Han-ul quickly set down the barbell. With a thud, the floor trembled faintly.
Soon, changes began manifesting throughout his body.
Scorching energy surged through his entire frame like hot springs welling up from the earth.
His muscles swelled dramatically then contracted repeatedly. The bones throughout his body shifted and realigned themselves.
The strange phenomenon ended quickly. Kwon Han-ul wiped the sweat from his face and spoke.
“Status window.”
Awakened One: Kwon Han-ul
Titles: Owner of Yong Hyun Moo Go, Owner of the Jade Righteousness Stone
Strength (B) 0.00 / Agility (B) 0.00 / Stamina (B) 0.00
Mana (B) 0.02 / Perception (B) 0.01 / Mental Fortitude (B) 0.04
What had just occurred was a bodily reconstruction that happened when all stats reached B-grade.
Up to C-grade, one could be called human enhanced by steroids, but from B-grade onward, one entered the realm of the superhuman.
Thus, the body had to undergo a transformation befitting superhuman strength.
The reason Kwon Han-ul had been suffering through this grueling period was because the finish line was within arm’s reach.
While other bloodline members took a year to achieve B-grade, Kwon Han-ul had accomplished it in merely three months.
‘It’s all thanks to the Healthy Blood.’
Even when stamina bottomed out, complete recovery came within minutes. No matter how severely the body was pushed and damaged, it would be fully restored by the next day.
Thanks to the Healthy Blood’s power, Kwon Han-ul could sustain high-intensity training continuously.
As a test, I picked up the barbell I’d been using until moments ago.
150kg on each side made 300kg total, and with the bar’s weight added, it was considerably heavier.
What once required both hands to lift, I could now hoist with a single hand.
‘With this, I’ve now met the conditions to participate in my debut match.’
The conditions for a Heukcheon bloodline member to participate in a debut match were: all stats at B-grade or higher, the basic form of Black Dragon Twelve Martial Arts at 5-star or above, and synchronization rate of 30 percent or higher.
Kwon Han-ul had satisfied nearly all the conditions.
Stats at B-grade, the basic form of Soaring Dragon Ascension Technique achieved at 5-star.
Only the synchronization rate remained stuck at 9 percent and wouldn’t climb further, though I wasn’t particularly concerned.
‘I’ve already defeated Branch Family bloodline members with synchronization rates exceeding 30 percent, so it shouldn’t matter.’
Still, there was a slight regret.
Once synchronization reached 10 percent, a unique power would unlock. I was genuinely curious what kind of ability it would be.
‘Regardless, I’ve passed the first trial.’
The Chairman had told me to participate in the debut match within five months, yet I’d met the conditions in just three.
However, Kwon Han-ul had no intention of participating in the debut match immediately.
I still had to pass the second trial the Chairman had mentioned.
Solo clearing a Platinum-grade Dungeon.
‘To challenge a Platinum-grade Dungeon, I need all stats at A-grade and Soaring Dragon Ascension Technique at 7-star.’
No matter how much the Healthy Blood aided me, raising all stats to A-grade within two months was realistically impossible.
‘This condition was set to see whether I could consume it or not.’
Kwon Han-ul withdrew a small purple-hued orb from my pocket.
An Imoogi’s inner core.
My father Kwon Cheon had obtained it, and through the Chairman, it had come to me.
A supreme-grade inner core doesn’t merely raise stats.
Depending on circumstances, it can grant special abilities or elevate skill proficiency.
Consuming this inner core would raise not only my stats but also the proficiency of Soaring Dragon Ascension Technique.
This inner core too came with the condition of requiring detoxification first.
‘The poison resistance I’ve raised through the Healthy Blood is 50, and detoxification is 47. This should be enough to neutralize the toxin.’
Everything was proceeding smoothly.
Yet for some reason, my chest had been feeling heavy lately.
‘Could it possibly be because of Father?’
Even thinking about it myself, the reason was absurd. I grew up in an orphanage. I never knew my father’s face, let alone his affection.
Yet now, of all times, I found myself concerned about him.
‘The Master believes my father was driven out.’
I recalled what Park Tae-sik had said. Since it came from an outsider, I couldn’t trust it entirely.
‘But there’s a possibility… it could be true.’
A straight pine tree is always felled quickly. Because it’s valuable and has many uses.
And people are no exception to that rule.
‘What exactly happened to my father?’
And.
‘Why was I abandoned?’
Unanswerable questions continued to circle through my mind.
‘Is there a way to find out more details?’
As I was lost in thought, the Training Hall door burst open with a cacophony of voices.
“So anyway, that bastard back then, I absolutely….”
More than ten Branch Family bloodline members froze the moment they saw me.
They immediately lined up and bowed their heads toward me.
“We greet the Main Family bloodline!”
Their attitude was uncomfortably reverent.
Ever since the incident with Kwon Ji-seok spread through the clan, the way the Main Family bloodline members treated me had completely changed.
They feared and revered me. Whenever we crossed paths, they showed respect and made way for me.
I was finally receiving the treatment a pure bloodline should deserve.
I tried to pass through the bloodline members and leave the Training Hall.
Then, I suddenly noticed something.
“Your faces seem oddly familiar… Have we met before?”
At my question, every single Branch Family bloodline member dropped to their knees.
“We, we’ve committed a grave sin!”
“Th, that day’s incident is something we knew nothing about!”
“Kw, Kwon Woo-jin made that decision entirely on his own!”
I finally remembered.
Why their faces were familiar—they were the bloodline members who had been with Kwon Woo-jin.
While Kwon Woo-jin confronted me, they had done nothing to stop him and simply stood by.
They were now cowering, afraid I might hold them accountable for that sin.
“Where is this person called Kwon Woo-jin? I don’t see him around.”
“H, he… No, that bastard has been holed up in his room constantly these days!”
“He’s clearly hiding now that he’s realized what he’s done!”
The bloodline members cursed Kwon Woo-jin one after another.
‘I need to ask who was behind this.’
That day, Kwon Woo-jin’s actions had seemed strange in some way. I didn’t believe for a moment that he had acted alone.
“I understand. Then please continue your training and carry on.”
I resumed walking. The moment I left, the bloodline members let out a heavy sigh of relief.
“I didn’t realize today was the memorial day….”

* * *

As I stepped outside, Joo Ha-yeon was waiting. She handed me a towel and a water bottle.
“You’ve worked hard.”
“I’m the one who wanted to do this. But how did you know I was here?”
“You return every morning drenched in sweat. Your destination wouldn’t be anywhere else, would it?”
I took a sip of water and glanced sideways at Joo Ha-yeon.
Her appearance was neat and modest, but her features were anything but plain. Even after all these years of knowing her, I found my gaze drawn to her every time I saw her.
‘Make Joo Ha-yeon my ally?’
I recalled my conversation with Park Tae-sik.

* * *

This happened after I accepted Kwon Han-ul’s commission.
“Good. I’ll definitely complete the armor within three months.”
“Thank you.”
“Well, let’s set aside the official matters… May I ask you something?”
“What is it?”
“How exactly did you convince Ha-yeon?”
It was a question I couldn’t quite understand.
“That girl wouldn’t follow anyone’s orders except Kwon Seon-woo’s. Yet she’s sticking right by your side.”
“The Chairman ordered her to assist me, so that’s why we’re together.”
“You’re talking nonsense. That Chairman’s orders are exactly what that girl wouldn’t follow.”
“Even so, that’s how it is?”
“If anyone else had tried, they’d have been kicked out immediately… but since it’s Ha-yeon, even the Chairman can’t say anything.”
I wore an expression of confusion. Park Tae-sik frowned slightly.
“This guy doesn’t know anything about Ha-yeon.”
“I know she holds a high position and that Kwon Ji-seok tried to recruit her as a team member.”
“It’s not just Kwon Ji-seok. His older brother Kwon Chan-seong and every bloodline from the Branch Family are all desperate to take that girl.”
I knew Joo Ha-yeon was remarkable, but I hadn’t realized it was to this extent.
“Why does everyone want Ha-yeon so badly?”
“Because she has the skill for it. That girl has no bloodline, but she possesses extraordinary talent.”
“You don’t mean a Gift, do you?”
A Gift.
A special talent obtained only by extremely rare awakened individuals. Some called it not a talent but a superpower.
All famous hunters throughout the world are geniuses born with Gifts.
“For Heukcheon’s bloodline to succeed, they need to form their own team and operate externally. If you could recruit Ha-yeon into your team at that time, it would be an enormous advantage.”
Park Tae-sik added, crossing his arms.
“But it won’t be easy. Ha-yeon was taken in by Kwon Seon-woo when she was young. So she treats his word like gospel. It’ll be difficult to bring her to your side.”
“I had no intention of doing so anyway.”
Park Tae-sik’s expression grew peculiar at those words.
“Once you see Ha-yeon’s abilities, you’ll swallow those words.”

* * *

“Miss Ha-yeon, if I were to form a team, would you help me then?”
Joo Ha-yeon answered Kwon Han-ul’s question immediately.
“I serve only the Chairman.”
Kwon Han-ul offered a bitter smile at the response he’d anticipated.
“Then there’s nothing to be done.”
“However, I believe I could assist you for a very brief period.”
But the next response was unexpected. Kwon Han-ul asked with a startled expression.
“Is it because of the Chairman’s orders?”
“Even without an order.”
What on earth did that mean? This woman occasionally left him bewildered.
“Dinner preparations are complete. Shall we return?”
Joo Ha-yeon led the way. Kwon Han-ul followed her toward the Mansion.
Then, something strange appeared in the distant sky.
Several massive transport helicopters were approaching, suspended beneath them the corpse of an enormous monster.
“What is that…?”
“It’s Eclipse.”
Joo Ha-yeon spoke from beside him.
“A monster with SS-rank danger level. The creature that completely annihilated Southern Africa.”
Kwon Han-ul had heard of Eclipse before.
The sea demon that nations had united to hunt, only to become the hunted themselves.
Since that day, the southern seas of Africa had ceased to belong to humanity.
“Why would that abomination…?”
“It appears Kwon Chan-seong has returned with his team.”
Kwon Han-ul recalled an article he’d seen not long ago.
An article about Kwon Chan-seong, the eldest son of the Heukcheon Group’s vice chairman and a world-class ranker, setting out with his subjugation squad to hunt Eclipse.
When he’d read the article, he’d thought that even a pure-blooded member of the family would struggle against Eclipse.
Yet Kwon Chan-seong and his team had hunted Eclipse as if to prove him wrong, bringing back its corpse.
To speak of the strongest, one must first look to Heukcheon.
Those words felt newly vivid now.
What manner of monster was Kwon Chan-seong, who had felled that creature?
Kwon Han-ul felt intense curiosity stir within him.
“Where are those helicopters heading?”
“Toward the Workshop, I believe. The dismantling team is stationed there.”
“Kwon Chan-seong must be on that helicopter too, right?”
“Most likely. With a monster of Eclipse’s caliber, there would be many who’d target it, so he’s probably aboard for escort purposes.”
“Let’s follow them.”
Kwon Han-ul changed direction toward where the chartered aircraft was located.
But something felt off.
The large transport helicopters carrying Eclipse’s corpse were heading toward where Kwon Han-ul was.
“Joo Ha-yeon? I think I might be seeing something wrong. Is that right?”
“It seems like you’re seeing it correctly.”
As the transport helicopters drew closer, they gradually reduced their speed.
Thanks to that, Kwon Han-ul could examine Eclipse’s body in meticulous detail.
The main body, reminiscent of a carnivore’s skull, was covered with dozens upon dozens of tentacles like an octopus.
What was truly horrifying was its size.
The main body rivaled a mountain in scale, and the tentacles seemed capable of uprooting skyscrapers.
Such a monster lay dead with its head split open.
Judging by the clean cross-section, it had clearly been cleaved in a single strike.
“How on earth…”
It was then that Kwon Han-ul felt a chill run through him.
With the screech of metal, the transport’s door opened. A dozen or so people leaped out from within.
They fell from three hundred meters in the air and landed as lightly as feathers.
One of them shouted loudly.
“I almost missed it since I’m seeing it in person for the first time!”
He appeared to be in his mid-thirties.
Above his handsome features radiated an uninhibited, bold aura. Yet despite this, an imposing gravity made him impossible to approach casually.
“Should I call you cousin, or should I use your name? Actually, titles don’t really matter, do they!”
The man strode toward Kwon Han-ul with great strides.
It felt as though a natural disaster—a typhoon or tidal wave—was bearing down, not a person.
“Nice to meet you! I’m Kwon Chan-seong!”
The moment Kwon Han-ul saw Kwon Chan-seong, he could be certain of one thing.
This man was the one who had cleaved Eclipse’s head in a single strike.
“I don’t much like beating around the bush! So I’ll be direct!”
Kwon Chan-seong extended his hand as he spoke.
“Join my team, Kwon Han-ul!”
It was nothing short of a bombshell declaration.

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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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