Bloodline is Everything - Chapter 23

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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 23】

Chapter 23: Bloodline Discovered (2)

A few days later, Kwon Han-ul returned to the Hukcheon Estate.
I was leisurely spending time at the mansion when it happened.
Joo Ha-yeon handed me a thin slate tablet the size of a notebook—a Memory Page capable of imparting skills.
“This is the Pocket Dimension skill the Chairman promised you. Since he’s been quite busy, I retrieved it personally.”
I accepted the Memory Page.
True to its nature as a Pocket Dimension skill, the Memory Page gleamed with the golden radiance denoting Unique quality.
I snapped the Memory Page in half, and it dissolved into luminous dust that absorbed into my body.
【You have acquired the skill ‘Goblin’s Secret Vault’.】
Goblin’s Secret Vault.
-Quality: Unique (S+)
-Description: Opens an invisible vault that goblins once used to hide their treasures. Can store up to 50kg of items.
As I activated the skill, a black void materialized in the air.
Testing it, I reached my hand into the void and felt a peculiar sensation.
“This is fascinating.”
“And please accept this as well.”
Joo Ha-yeon presented a large box. Inside were various items.
“What’s this?”
“Items necessary for dungeon raids and medicinal supplies for emergencies.”
I picked up a medicine bottle and examined the label on its surface.
“Mansumuchang Pharmaceutical Company… Is this that pharmaceutical company famous for charging millions of won per ointment?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Dungeons are inhabited by all manner of creatures that don’t exist on Earth. Consequently, modern times have seen the pharmaceutical industry flourish by utilizing such creatures to manufacture medicines.
Mansumuchang Pharmaceutical Company is one such enterprise. What distinguishes it is that it manufactures medicines exclusively from premium materials.
“I’ve heard that purchasing proper medicines from Mansumuchang requires tens of millions of won…”
I inspected the quantity of medicines in the box. Even at the lowest estimate, it easily exceeded hundreds of millions of won.
“Did the Chairman provide this as well?”
“No, this is a gift I prepared myself.”
I wore an expression of astonishment.
“I feel terribly indebted.”
“It’s customary for those around someone who acquires a Pocket Dimension skill to fill its contents.”
Joo Ha-yeon spoke as though I shouldn’t feel burdened, but my conscience wouldn’t allow it.
I resolved to repay her kindness without fail and gratefully accepted the gift.
Potent medicines are, after all, a second life itself.
“And this afternoon, you have a scheduled visit to the Heukcheon Vault.”
“I’m just going to pick something and leave. Do I need to make a reservation?”
“The Heukcheon Vault is protected by security systems hundreds of times more advanced than standard measures. That’s why it’s designed to open only at designated times.”
The Heukcheon Vault contained all of the Heukcheon Group’s treasures.
With stakes that high, there were naturally many who coveted this place. Security had to be airtight.
“Kwon Han-ul, have you given any thought to what item you’d like to obtain from the Heukcheon Vault?”
“I haven’t decided yet.”
“The Heukcheon Vault is incomprehensibly vast. You’d need to set aside at least a month to see everything. You should decide beforehand what you’re looking for.”
Given the Heukcheon Vault’s prestige, anything I took would prove beneficial.
But there was no sense in squandering such a golden opportunity carelessly.
“I’m not sure what I actually need.”
At present, there was nothing I felt significantly lacking in.
Three bloodlines no less, plus the Xian Long Ascension Technique. And the Flood Dragon Body Refinement and Dragon Pearl to boot.
Currently, I was flawless in every aspect—offense, defense, stamina, everything.
“I think spirit elixirs would be most helpful right now.”
“Would it be acceptable if I offered a recommendation?”
“By all means.”
“I would recommend acquiring movement techniques, particularly footwork methods.”
Movement techniques?
It was something I’d never even considered.
“But I have Aura Teleportation. Do I really need to learn movement techniques?”
The moment I acquired Dragon Horse Qi, I’d mastered Aura Teleportation with effortless precision.
My proficiency was at a level few could match.
“Your Aura Teleportation is exceptional, Kwon Han-ul. Against monsters, it’s more than sufficient. But the enemies you’ll face going forward aren’t limited to monsters alone, are they?”
Joo Ha-yeon was right. My true adversaries weren’t monsters but humans—more specifically, the bloodkin of Heukcheon.
“In combat against humans, the most crucial factor is footwork. Securing advantageous positioning, seizing opportunities to strike—all of it hinges on footwork.”
There’s a saying: amateurs build muscle; masters train their feet.
“In fact, you could acquire footwork techniques even now. The Heukcheon Group has numerous skills available for its bloodkin. They’re all excellent techniques, but…”
“They’re insufficient to stay ahead, is that it?”
Joo Ha-yeon nodded.
“Moreover, when fighting the Mei Family, footwork is paramount. Their techniques have peculiar aspects—if your footwork is inadequate, you’ll lose before you even have a proper chance to fight.”
“Understood. I’ll obtain footwork techniques from the Heukcheon Vault.”
“Thank you for heeding my counsel. Now, Kwon Han-ul, I have one more question for you.”
What else could there be? I turned my attention to Joo Ha-yeon’s words.
“Between a footwork technique that’s safe and excellent, or one that’s perilous but worth the risk—which would you prefer?”
“Obviously the second one.”
I answered immediately.
“My situation isn’t lenient enough to grow stronger safely.”
Pleased with my answer, Joo Ha-yeon smiled silently.
“Then I’ll now tell you which items you should bring back.”

* * *

The Heukcheon Vault was located deep beneath the Kwon Family’s underground levels.
Kwon Han-ul had to pass through five checkpoints guarded by heavily armed hunters before he could board the elevator leading to the Heukcheon Vault.
After descending in the high-speed elevator for several minutes, as if plummeting through the depths.
At last, I arrived at the entrance to the Heukcheon Vault.
“Welcome! I’m Kwon Soo-jin, responsible for the vault’s security!”
The vault’s manager was a woman who appeared to be around the same age as Kwon Han-ul.
“I’ve heard so much about you! You’re a True Bloodline, aren’t you! I never thought I’d actually see a True Bloodline in my lifetime!”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You don’t need to be so formal with me! I’m from the Branch Family bloodline, so I’m not in a position to receive greetings from you… but thank you anyway!”
And she was an exceptionally vibrant woman.
“I heard you made your debut in the Platinum Dungeon! That’s something you can count on one hand in all of Heukcheon’s history! You’re truly amazing!”
“I was fortunate to be able to clear it.”
“Fortunate? Clearing the Platinum Dungeon alone is absolutely, positively not something luck can accomplish! It’s something someone like me with a mixed Black Dragon Bloodline could never even dream of! You’re truly incredible!”
Kwon Soo-jin’s eyes sparkled with admiration. Her reaction was exactly like a fan meeting their idol.
It was considerably—no, extraordinarily—burdensome.
“Then please come this way. I’ll guide you to the Heukcheon Vault!”
I followed Kwon Soo-jin forward.
Beyond the chamber where the elevator had stopped, an enormous gate appeared—one that evoked the image of a fortress.
“Now I’ll begin the security disengagement procedure for the vault. Once the safe opens, you’ll have one hour to explore the vault.”
Kwon Soo-jin approached the gate and began going through various procedures.
Fingerprints, iris scans, blood samples, vein patterns on the back of the hand, magical attribute, magical signature—and more.
Once dozens upon dozens of authentication steps were complete, all manner of sounds began emanating from beyond the gate.
The roar of engines turning, the grinding friction of massive gears rolling, the thunderous clang of heavy iron colliding.
Gradually, the iron doors began to slowly swing open to both sides.
And what appeared was yet another elevator.
“Let’s go in!”
I boarded the elevator alongside Kwon Soo-jin. A quick glance revealed it descended to approximately thirty floors below.
The scale was truly staggering. And they were only giving me an hour to explore it all.
It was an unreasonably harsh restriction, even for security purposes.
“Which floor should I take you to? For reference, floors one through five contain elixirs…”
Kwon Soo-jin began providing a general overview of the vault. I cut her off and spoke.
“Floor thirty, please.”
At those words, Kwon Soo-jin responded with evident admiration.
“You’ve already done your research on what you want to take! You truly are amazing! Then I’ll take you to floor thirty!”
As Kwon Soo-jin pressed the floor button, the elevator began to move.
After descending for quite some time, the elevator finally came to a stop.
“Well then, take your time looking around! Don’t forget your time limit is one hour!”
The Heukcheon Vault’s actual appearance resembled a warehouse-style supermarket.
Tall, broad display stands made of steel reinforcement stood in rows, with various items arranged atop them.
Kwon Han-ul began wandering through the interior of the 30th floor. He had already obtained all the information from Joo Ha-yeon.
Where to go, which items to select. He already knew everything.
‘She said to find boots that shine a vivid blue.’
While searching for the boots, I could observe numerous extraordinary items.
Not a single one was unremarkable. The display was lined with items that would make any hunter’s eyes widen in astonishment.
Yet Kwon Han-ul paid no attention to the other items.
Before long, I discovered what I was searching for.
In a corner of the display stand, brilliant blue boots sat gathering dust.
Kwon Han-ul picked up the boots and returned to the elevator.
“You’re back so quickly! Wait… ?”
Upon discovering the blue boots, Kwon Soo-jin’s expression grew puzzled.
“You’re really going to choose those boots?”
“Is there a problem?”
“There’s no problem, but… ”
Kwon Soo-jin wore an expression of difficulty.
Such a reaction was entirely natural. The boots Kwon Han-ul had brought were in terrible condition.
Regardless of how the leather had been tanned, it was practically rags; the stitching was poorly done, and the shape and form were completely mismatched.
It was incomprehensible that such an item existed in the Heukcheon Vault.
“Would you like to choose something else?”
“It’s fine. I’ll select this one.”
“But… I understand.”
Kwon Soo-jin spoke as though she had no choice. Kwon Han-ul, clutching the boots, moved toward the elevator.
Then, suddenly, I stopped.
“Wait a moment.”
“Oh, are you going to choose a different item?”
Kwon Soo-jin spoke with renewed hope. But that wasn’t why Kwon Han-ul had stopped.
A strangely familiar aura had been detected.
Kwon Han-ul moved toward where the aura emanated from, stopping at the most remote corner of the 30th floor.
‘What is this? There’s nothing here… ‘
Looking around in confusion, I bent down and placed my hand on the floor.
Then a message appeared.
【Detecting True Black Dragon Bloodline.】
【Secret vault of owner ‘Kwon Hyun-moon’ discovered.】
【Proceed with authentication?】
My heart began pounding violently.
Just as with Yong Hyun Moo Go and the Yeouido Stone, Kwon Hyun-moon’s arrangements for the True Black Dragon Bloodline existed within the Heukcheon Vault as well.
What could possibly be inside? With thrumming anticipation, I reached toward the vault.
【Synchronization rate too low. Cannot open vault.】
Yet the arrangements within the Heukcheon Vault proved far less accommodating.
I tried again, but the result was the same.
‘I’ll have to come back later.’
In the end, Kwon Han-ul had no choice but to return to the elevator, leaving his regret behind.

* * *

After leaving the Heukcheon Vault, Kwon Han-ul headed straight to the Mansion. He handed the boots to Joo Ha-yeon, who had been waiting there.
“These are the items you mentioned, correct?”
“Yes, you’ve brought them exactly as requested.”
“But are you sure these boots are the right ones?”
Kwon Han-ul spoke with evident skepticism. It wasn’t merely because of the boots’ unimpressive appearance.
Whirlwind Boots
-Quality: Unique (E-)
-Abilities
1. Cannot be destroyed under any circumstances.
The information displayed in the status window was equally unremarkable.
“Kwon Han-ul, in this world, not everything is as it appears. The status window is no exception.”
Joo Ha-yeon produced a small glass vial with a cork stopper. Inside the vial was a viscous liquid.
“What is that?”
“Demonic mana.”
Kwon Han-ul’s eyes widened.
Since dungeons appeared, countless monsters had emerged on Earth.
Among them, the creatures known as demons were so dangerous that they had formed legions and invaded Earth based on their high intelligence.
Even now, there were directives stating that demons must be exterminated without exception whenever they appeared.
“Isn’t demonic mana a hazardous material that individuals shouldn’t possess?”
“I happened to acquire it.”
Happened to acquire it?
Was demonic mana something one could casually obtain?
The more I learn about this person, the less I understand.
“When you pour this demonic mana onto the boots, something interesting happens.”
Without hesitation, Joo Ha-yeon poured the demonic mana onto the boots. Instantly, the description displayed on the boots changed.
The Seventh Leg of Marquis Bernac.
-Quality: Legendary (S+)
-Abilities
1. Cannot be destroyed under any circumstances.
2. Upon passing the demon’s trial, one can inherit the authority of Marquis Bernac.
“By slaying demonic monsters, you can obtain an item that grants you the ability to inherit their powers.”
Kwon Han-ul gazed at the boots with an expression of amazement.
“The trial must be passed, and there’s a significant drawback—failure could result in death—but a demon’s authority is worth that risk.”
A question suddenly occurred to Kwon Han-ul.
How could Joo Ha-yeon possibly know all of this?
The exact location of the boots, that they were an heirloom item, and even possessing the demonic mana necessary to awaken them.
I had always known Joo Ha-yeon was no ordinary person, but what she revealed today was shocking in multiple ways.
“So there was a reason you warned me in advance that it would be dangerous.”
“You don’t have to go through with this.”
“No, if I can’t overcome even this much, I can’t overcome anything.”
Demons grow stronger the higher their rank.
A marquis was the third-highest rank among demons. Such a being’s authority would possess immense power.
Kwon Han-ul steeled his resolve and put on the boots.
【The demon’s trial begins.】
A damp energy crept up my legs. Without resistance, it seized my body in an instant.
My vision darkened, then brightened again.
This was not the mansion. I floated suspended above a sky ravaged by tempestuous winds.
【Are you the one to inherit my authority!?】
A thunderous roar echoed across the heavens. A demon tore through the storm and revealed itself.
It bore a form resembling a human, yet towered at least five meters tall.
I could easily deduce the demon’s identity.
Marquis Bernac.
The master of this authority.
【I feared my power would fade away. But how fortunate! How wonderful!】
Marquis Bernac laughed heartily as he dashed through empty air.
With each strike against the void, the storm intensified and thunder crackled.
I understood. This was the authority the demon possessed in life.
【Wait! You’re not a demon! A human? How dare a mere human attempt to inherit my authority!?】
Marquis Bernac’s brows shot upward. He circled around me, then erupted in fury.
【This insolent wretch must pay the price! I shall impose a trial many times more difficult and horrifying!】
The demon’s mana consumed the sky.
An overwhelming presence.
I felt my breath constrict.
【The trial I shall give you is… yes, let’s start gently. Survive at this height.】
Survive? What does that mean?
The moment I panicked, the sensation of weightlessness vanished.
“Gasp!”
My body began plummeting downward. Air battered my entire form.
When I looked down, I could see the ground.
From such a height, the earth appeared like a miniature model.
Survive from this height?
Bone-chilling terror consumed my entire being.
【If you survive this height, I shall grant you my authority.】
It was nothing short of madness. How could I survive this height without a parachute?
I flailed my limbs desperately, but it was nothing more than futile thrashing.
Kwon Han-ul’s body continued to plummet downward. I could not fathom any way to survive.
That was when it happened.
【The True Black Dragon Bloodline senses the demon’s power.】
【It rages at the demon daring to encroach upon its domain!】
Suddenly, Kwon Han-ul’s body froze in mid-air.
In that same instant, the dark clouds were torn asunder and the storm and lightning vanished.
【Ugh, uuuaaahhh!】
The demon suddenly shrieked. It cried out in disbelief.
【Impossible! This… how can a human wield a dragon’s power…? No, I cannot! I cannot! I will not bow to a mere human!】
A roar echoed from somewhere. In that moment, the demon’s body was torn to shreds.
【The True Black Dragon Bloodline absorbs the demon’s power.】
【Assimilation Rate 16% -】 18%>
【You inherit the authority and skills of Demon Marquis Bernac!】
“…Hah.”
I wondered if things could really resolve this easily.
Darkness engulfed my vision once more. When I opened my eyes again, the Mansion’s scenery came into view.
I lowered my head and gazed at my own ankle. A swirling tattoo had been inscribed there.
“Kwon Han-ul! You’ve passed the trial safely!”
Joo Ha-yeon exclaimed with relief.
“How was the trial? What method did you use to pass it?”
Joo Ha-yeon pressed me with questions, but I had no answer to give. After all, I had passed easily thanks to the Black Dragon Bloodline.
“Let’s test your authority first.”
I deftly changed the subject.
I closed my eyes and summoned the demon’s power. The air in the room stirred, and wind began to blow.
【You activate Marquis Bernac’s authority.】
【A gust of wind aids you!】
“Demon Marquis Bernac was renowned for his bizarre and uncanny movements. If you develop that authority, you’ll be able to create your own unique movement technique.”
Just then, Joo Ha-yeon’s phone rang. After answering the call, she spoke to me.
“Kwon Han-ul, the Chairman is calling for you.”
“What is it about?”
“He says a meeting is beginning regarding the team battle with the Mei Family.”
At last, it had come.

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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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