Bloodline is Everything - Chapter 182

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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 182】

182. Treasure Hunt (1)

A large hospital in Japan.
“…Sigh.”
In a private room reserved exclusively for VVIP guests, Kwon Mi exhaled a weary breath.
Dressed in a white hospital gown, she was unmistakably a patient, yet her desk was buried beneath towering stacks of documents.
“Why can’t I rest during this perfect opportunity?”
The Black Sharp Squad, one of Heukcheon Group’s elite combat divisions, had suffered devastating losses from Odin’s assault.
Ultimately, Kwon Mi had no choice but to decide on recuperation until all the Black Fang Corps Members recovered.
Moreover, Kwon Mi herself had yet to fully overcome the lingering effects of the curse, making rest absolutely essential.
Yet the very person who had made that decision couldn’t rest easy.
“I’ll hand over the work commissioned from France to the Heukam Corps, and I should ask the Heuksu Unit to handle the monster subjugation in the Yellow Sea.”
She needed to find replacements for the duties the Black Sharp Squad had been managing.
“I also need to start the reconstruction work on Takamine Hospital.”
There were countless other matters demanding her attention.
Kwon Mi flipped through documents relentlessly. Another sigh escaped her as a headache set in.
Then the hospital room door burst open. The discourteous action made Kwon Mi’s expression darken instantly.
“Who are you? Opening the door without even knocking….”
She turned toward the door in irritation. In that moment, Kwon Mi found herself speechless.
Kwon Seon-woo.
Her father and the Chairman of Heukcheon stood before her.
“It seems I was rather rude.”
“Oh, no, sir.”
Kwon Mi hastily rose from her chair, quickly straightening her appearance.
At her reaction, Kwon Seon-woo spoke with a composed expression.
“Be at ease. Isn’t this room yours?”
“Th-thank you for your consideration, sir. P-please, have a seat.”
Kwon Mi offered him a chair. Kwon Seon-woo sat down as though it were only natural.
Kwon Mi took the seat across from him. Though they were at the same eye level in identical chairs, she found herself unable to look directly at him.
“You must be busy, so why did you….”
She couldn’t even speak properly. Others would have been shocked to see the usually confident Kwon Mi trembling like this.
In truth, her father was an uncomfortable presence to her.
When she dressed carefully and prepared herself mentally, she could maintain her composure.
But unexpected encounters like this left her unable to do so.
“I felt this matter needed to be discussed face to face, so I came to see you.”
At those words, Kwon Mi tensed immediately.
I had suspected as much—that Kwon Seon-woo wouldn’t simply let this matter slide.
But I never imagined he would come directly like this.
“I heard the Black Sharp Squad suffered significant losses at the hands of Pandemonium’s rabble. You nearly died to Odin.”
“…Yes, sir.”
“Pathetic.”
Kwon Seon-woo clicked his tongue. Kwon Mi lowered her head in silence.
“Bearing the name of Heukcheon, yet defeated by such trash. I’m worried about how the world will mock Heukcheon because of this.”
“I have no excuse.”
Kwon Mi couldn’t even muster a defense. She and the Black Sharp Squad were the military force that symbolized Heukcheon.
Such a unit had suffered grave losses at the hands of Pandemonium’s villains.
There was no greater humiliation than this.
“I’ve already issued an extermination order against Aeon and Pandemonium. The Main House will move now.”
Kwon Seon-woo was not a man who tolerated blemishes on the family’s honor.
He was more like a rabid dog—unable to rest until he erased that stain and exacted retribution.
“At least you weren’t seriously injured.”
Kwon Seon-woo suddenly uttered those words.
Kwon Mi couldn’t help but be startled. What had she just heard?
“You were fighting Odin right beside me, yet I didn’t know. As the Family Head of Heukcheon, I’ve never felt such shame.”
Kwon Mi’s eyes merely blinked. She was too busy doubting her own ears.
The Kwon Seon-woo she knew would never apologize like this.
“I couldn’t brush this aside with a simple phone call, so I came in person.”
Kwon Mi still couldn’t open her mouth. She wondered if she was dreaming.
“The Black Sharp Squad’s losses seem quite severe.”
“It’s… fine. If we integrate the Second Unit, we should recover quickly.”
A unit of the Black Sharp Squad’s standing had a Second Unit prepared separately for emergency reinforcement.
“Don’t strain yourself. I understand how heavy your burden must be. Many of your core members have fallen, so it won’t be easy to restore your former standing.”
Words of comfort from Kwon Seon-woo’s mouth—what a sight.
Kwon Mi gripped her wavering consciousness firmly.
“If you need anything, request support from the Main House. I will provide whatever is necessary for the Black Sharp Squad’s recovery.”
“Th-thank you.”
“But there are a few other reports that concern me…”
Kwon Seon-woo trailed off.
“I saw the report filed with the Information Bureau. It said Odin used a curse to suppress the Black Dragon Bloodline?”
Kwon Seon-woo asked with a grave expression.
The Black Dragon Bloodline was the greatest power of the Heukcheon Estate. Yet a curse that suppressed it?
It was a major incident that could potentially shake the very foundation of the Heukcheon Estate.
“The one-time artifact capable of dispelling it was used on the spot, so we couldn’t determine a countermeasure.”
“I apologize.”
“No, it’s enough that you’re unharmed.”
In truth, with Kwon Han-ul’s help, the curse could have been dispelled, but I couldn’t mention that.
That’s why Kwon Mi had no choice but to lie.
“This part bothers me too. You’re saying Kwon Han-ul was the one who ultimately defeated Odin.”
Kwon Mi took a moment to compose herself. Finally, that question had come.
“That’s correct. Odin suffered grave wounds, but I wasn’t able to finish him. Han-ul is the one who fought Odin and delivered the final blow.”
“…Kwon Han-ul actually defeated Odin?”
Surprise flickered across Kwon Seon-woo’s face.
Though Kwon Han-ul was exceptionally strong for his age, his opponent was a delegate of Pandemonium.
Even if he had been wounded, how could Kwon Han-ul have defeated someone the Heukcheon Group couldn’t afford to underestimate?
“I was quite shocked myself.”
Kwon Mi nodded calmly. Kwon Seon-woo’s expression grew even more skeptical.
Watching him, Kwon Mi smiled bitterly to herself.
What would his reaction be if he learned the truth?
The reality was that Kwon Han-ul hadn’t merely finished off a dying, wounded Odin.
He had fought a fully intact Odin and achieved an overwhelming victory.
“I never knew a complete transformation could change someone so drastically.”
But she couldn’t reveal the truth. This was Kwon Han-ul’s wish.
No matter how much she thought about it, there was no way to explain his sudden surge in power without exposing the bloodline’s secret.
“I understand that Kwon Han-ul played a significant role this time. However…if I submit the report as is, it will severely damage your reputation.”
The Black Sharp Squad symbolized Heukcheon’s absolute strength. Not only had they been overwhelmed by Odin, but Kwon Mi herself had been defeated.
“But I can’t lie about it either.”
Kwon Mi spoke without hesitation.
“Besides, won’t Han-ul become famous because of this?”
This was actually the real goal.
Kwon Han-ul’s reputation didn’t match his abilities. So Kwon Mi wanted to spread word of this incident and etch the name Kwon Han-ul across the world once more.
“…You’re showing that brat excessive consideration.”
“He’s my nephew.”
At the word nephew, Kwon Seon-woo’s expression went blank for a moment. Then he let out a dry laugh.
“But that brat Kwon Han-ul isn’t at this hospital. Where did he go?”
“He went to Afghanistan.”
Kwon Seon-woo’s eyes widened slightly at those words.
“…Afghanistan?”
“I heard the Mei Family Head’s Secret Vault is located there. So he went to open it….”
“To think he already obtained that information. It seems that brat Kwon Han-ul’s intelligence gathering abilities are better than I thought.”
“…Pardon?”
Now it was Kwon Mi’s turn to be surprised. Mei Hong had clearly said only they knew about it.
“Why are you so startled?”
“No, it’s just…did you also know about the vault being there, Chairman?”
“What are you talking about?”
Kwon Seon-woo frowned as he spoke.
“It’s not a rumor only I know about.”

* * *

The Mei Family.
Though they were now being called fools who had been annihilated in a single day by the Kwon Family, they were far from being such an easy target in reality.
In the early days after Gates appeared, the Mei Family had grown under the full support of the Chinese Government.
The Chinese Government funneled every Gate that appeared within their borders to the Mei Family, leaving them untouched even when damage occurred, until the Mei Family could take control.
A single family came to monopolize every Gate across that vast land. All the relics and byproducts generated from those countless Gates flowed exclusively to the Mei Family.
Thanks to this, the Mei Family was able to establish itself as a world-renowned prestigious clan in an instant.
“But even the Mei Family had their limits. They could never surpass the Kwon Family.”
Though the Mei Family had grown under the favoritism of the Chinese Government, they were uniquely unable to match the Kwon Family.
Over their long history, the two families had clashed countless times, and most ended in victory for the Kwon Family.
“So starting from the third or fourth Family Head, surpassing the Kwon Family became their lifelong ambition.”
The Mei Family began preparing to surpass the Kwon Family.
They started collecting the finest treasures obtainable from Gates that appeared in China.
They traveled across the globe, amassing rare and precious relics.
“And the place where all of this has been gathered is precisely the Mei Family Head’s Secret Vault we’re heading to right now!”
Mei Hong exclaimed proudly, turning to look back. Kwon Hu-don and Gael Garsian, seated in the back, clapped their hands with faces full of anticipation.
“Oh, wow… I had no idea it was such an impressive place.”
“I thought it was merely a hidden cache for the Mei Family Head’s slush funds.”
“Tsk! Regardless, it’s a Secret Vault created by successive Mei Family Heads. Slush funds indeed!”
Mei Hong spoke indignantly.
“So you’re saying you can find this Secret Vault?”
“Of course. The Mei Family Head has taken me to the Secret Vault several times before. Each time, I memorized the path meticulously.”
“He took you with him? Why?”
At Kwon Hu-don’s question, Mei Hong’s expression became desolate.
“Why else? Because he saw me as nothing more than a convenient tool. He took me along without a second thought.”
Realizing he’d asked something unnecessary, Kwon Hu-don clamped his mouth shut.
“Wow, Hong, you’re truly remarkable. You memorized the entire path to the Secret Vault!”
“I’m fairly intelligent, after all.”
In the end, Kwon Hu-don chose to shift the atmosphere by complimenting Mei Hong.
Fortunately, it worked. Mei Hong spoke with a pleased expression.
“Trust me! I will guide you all to a land brimming with elixirs and relics!”
“Ooh!”
“Wow!”
Watching the three of them enjoying themselves, Kwon Han-ul offered a bitter smile.
“Everyone’s in high spirits.”
“It’s only natural when treasure awaits.”
Joo Ha-yeon, seated beside him, replied. She was pouring cool water from a thermos.
“Would you like some?”
“I’m fine with that.”
I had been feeling the heat anyway, so I drained the cold water Joo Ha-yeon offered in one gulp.
“This is my first time in Afghanistan. It’s incredibly hot.”
I gazed out the window of the rattling vehicle. Endless stretches of green landscape spread before me.
“This is my first time in Afghanistan. It’s different from what I imagined—there aren’t nearly as many deserts as I expected.”
“It’s a vast country. I’ve heard that Badakhshan, where we’re headed, doesn’t have much desert or wasteland.”
Our destination was Parshak, a major city in Badakhshan Province, located at the eastern edge of Afghanistan.
The plan was to use Parshak as a base to explore the Mei Family Vault.
“Hm?”
While admiring the scenery outside, I witnessed something unusual.
Two hunters in the distance were taking down an ogre.
The process of hunting the monster itself wasn’t particularly remarkable. The problem was that the ogre’s rampage was reducing the village to rubble.
In truth, it wasn’t a rare sight in Afghanistan.
I myself had witnessed similar scenes more than ten times.
“I’ve heard stories, but it really is a peculiar place. A nation where hunters slaughter monsters without regard for civilian casualties.”
Afghanistan, once infamous for religious conflict, now went by a different name.
The lawless land of hunters.
The emergence of Gates had plunged many nations into crisis, and some had even collapsed.
Afghanistan too had once teetered on the brink of state collapse.
Gates kept appearing, but lacking the power to suppress the monsters, the nation began to crumble.
In response, the Afghan government enacted an extraordinary measure.
They began opening their borders exclusively to hunters.
But that wasn’t all.
They granted hunters immunity—as long as they hunted monsters and closed Gates, they would face no legal consequences, no matter what they did.
It was an excessive policy, but it proved effective. Hunters from around the world flocked to Afghanistan.
The chaos caused by the Gates was swiftly contained. And a new Afghanistan was born—the lawless land of hunters.
“Ah, look there!”
Mei Hong cried out. Beyond the vehicle’s windshield, a massive city came into view.
“It’s Parsak!”

* * *

Kwon Han-ul stepped out of the vehicle and gazed at Parsak with admiration.
The roads were properly paved, and modern buildings stood throughout the city. The streets brimmed with vitality.
Though I wanted to explore further, I set aside my curiosity. There was someone I needed to find first.
“Hmm… The person my aunt sent should be here somewhere.”
In truth, Kwon Mi had opposed my trip to Afghanistan.
The Mei Family and Aeon were targeting me, after all.
But after my persistent persuasion, she relented—with one condition attached.
That condition was that I would always travel alongside the guardian she sent.
“Wow… Han-ul, look at that.”
Just then, Kwon Hu-don tapped my shoulder repeatedly.
“That’s Dual Blade Ghost Isaac—a world-ranked hunter in Triple Numbering! Oh, look over there! That’s Pressure from Lion Kick! I heard he’s the strongest in the Middle East. Wow, wow, woooow.”
Kwon Hu-don marveled at the hunters visible throughout Parsak.
From my perspective, it was more impressive that Kwon Hu-don remembered all these numerous hunters.
“This really is a lawless haven for hunters. So many famous hunters gathered in one place…”
Kwon Hu-don spoke as though dreaming. Mei Hong, standing beside him, rolled her eyes.
“Hu-don oppa, did you know that most of these people are weaker than you?”
“That, that’s… well, I know, but… isn’t it still amazing?”
“Not at all.”
At Mei Hong’s cold reply, Kwon Hu-don’s shoulders sagged.
“Aaaaah!”
Then someone let out a loud cry. Everyone in the area turned their attention toward the sound.
A short-statured East Asian woman stood there.
“Oh my! Sorry for being late! This is my first time in this city!”
Though her frame was small, her voice was as loud as a boiling locomotive smokestack.
The woman drew everyone’s gaze as she approached Kwon Han-ul.
As a result, people’s attention shifted to me as well. I suppressed my embarrassment and asked the woman.
“…Are you perhaps the person Kwon Mi sent?”
“Yes! That’s right!”
The woman straightened to attention as she spoke.
“Heukmi Unit Commander Kwon So-ri! I’ve come on Kwon Mi’s orders to assist you, Kwon Han-ul!”

* * *

“Please, everyone make yourselves comfortable! Ah, don’t worry—I’ve rented out this entire tea house for the day!”
Kwon So-ri guided the group to a traditional tea house located in Parsak City.
Though it was called a tea house, it was actually a three-story building used entirely for that purpose.
“I considered taking you to a hotel, but I thought since you’ve come to Parsak, you should experience the local culture, so I chose this place instead.”
Kwon So-ri spoke incessantly, living up to her chatty nature.
“You mentioned being the captain of the Heukmi Unit… but I don’t see the rest of your members.”
“Ah! I ordered them to hide themselves so they wouldn’t disturb your rest! Should I call them together now?”
“No.”
Kwon Han-ul hastily stopped her.
“From what I heard from my aunt, you’re in charge of the Heukcheon branch here in Afghanistan…”
“Yes, that’s right! There are about two other units under me, but since Kwon Mi asked me to handle this personally, I came myself.”
“I see…”
For every word spoken, two more tumbled out. Kwon Han-ul’s expression showed signs of fatigue.
“Wow… I was truly amazed! To meet the hero who defeated Odin so quickly!”
News of how Kwon Han-ul had helped Kwon Mi eliminate Odin had already spread far and wide. Afghanistan was no exception.
“Kwon Mi did most of the work. I simply finished what she started.”
“That alone is remarkable! Odin was a delegate of Pandemonium! If circumstances were different, I would have requested a match with you! It’s truly a shame!”
Kwon So-ri clenched her fists tightly. Her small, fern-like fists were quite impressive.
“When I only heard rumors, I was curious about what kind of person you were. But you’ve exceeded my expectations! I’m amazed you obtained that information so quickly!”
“Information?”
“Aren’t you here to find the Mei Family Head’s Secret Vault?”
In that instant, the atmosphere turned cold. Kwon Han-ul and the Heukam Corps exchanged glances.
“…So you knew about that.”
“Pardon? Kwon Han-ul, what are you saying? All the hunters coming to Parsak at this time are here because of the Mei Family Vault.”
“…What did you just say?”
When Kwon Han-ul asked again, this time Kwon So-ri’s expression turned blank with astonishment.
“You didn’t know? The rumors have already spread widely among the top-tier hunters.”
At her continued words, Kwon Han-ul’s eyes widened.
“The Mei Family Vault is hidden here in Afghanistan.”

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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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