Bloodline is Everything - Chapter 77
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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 77】
Chapter 77: Reversal (4)
Not everyone was celebrating Kwon Han-ul’s victory.
“We lost, we lost!”
Goriki Nana trembled with terror upon witnessing Ferdrans’ death, as if she might collapse from shock.
Now that she had betrayed Takamine Ryoko, Ferdrans was her only lifeline. Yet that lifeline had just been severed.
“W-what do we do?”
Takamine Ryoko asked Nomura Masataka.
Unlike her, who was drowning in confusion, Nomura Masataka assessed the situation with cold clarity.
“We need to escape.”
“What? E-escape?”
“Yes. If we’re caught here, it’s truly over. We have no choice but to run.”
“B-but… how can we possibly escape from the Hunters…?”
Nomura Masataka’s expression grew exasperated. She was utterly useless.
“Right now, everyone’s attention is fixed on that Kwon Han-ul. If we slip away quietly, no one will notice.”
Despite his explanation, Goriki Nana still looked reluctant.
Nomura Masataka abandoned any attempt to persuade her and moved first.
“W-wait for me!”
Goriki Nana hurried after Nomura Masataka. The two moved toward the entrance, their footsteps muffled as much as possible.
Fortune favored them. No one noticed their departure.
“W-we made it!”
“Shh! Be quiet!”
Nomura Masataka scolded her, then gazed at the entrance.
When Kwon Han-ul had entered, he had destroyed everything, leaving the staircase in ruins.
Fortunately, the debris was piled haphazardly enough that they could climb to the top.
“Just climb over this and we’re free!”
Nomura Masataka began ascending the rubble.
Once outside, that’s all that mattered. He still had many connections. With their help, he could reverse this situation…
“Where are you going in such a hurry?”
At the sudden voice, Nomura Masataka lifted his head.
Joo Ha-yeon stood before them.
“….”
Nomura Masataka felt every muscle in his body stiffen.
“What’s the situation down there?”
At Joo Ha-yeon’s question, Nomura Masataka glimpsed a ray of hope.
She still didn’t know they were traitors.
“What perfect timing! Your leader… Kwon Han-ul defeated Ferdrans!”
Nomura Masataka continued hurriedly.
“Miss Ryoko instructed me to relay this news quickly to those at the Mansion! That way, everyone can cast off their anxiety.”
“I see.”
“Then we’ll be on our way.”
Nomura Masataka and Goriki Nana attempted to pass by Joo Ha-yeon.
That was when it happened.
Joo Ha-yeon’s magic constricted around both their bodies. They couldn’t escape and tumbled to the ground.
“W-what is the meaning of this!”
“Did you really think I’d let you slip past with such obvious suspicion? How naive.”
At Joo Ha-yeon’s gesture, both their bodies lifted into the air.
“I don’t know what you’re planning, but you’re coming down with me.”
Their faces drained of all color.
* * *
Upon arriving at the Secret Shelter, Joo Ha-yeon hurled both of them to the ground.
“I’ve brought the ones who were trying to escape.”
“Thank you. I nearly let them slip away.”
At Kwon Han-ul’s words, Joo Ha-yeon’s eyes narrowed.
“You knew I was coming and deliberately released them, didn’t you?”
“How did you know.”
As the two conversed, Takamine Ryoko approached them.
“A-Miss….”
Goriki Nana trembled violently.
Even with her limbs bound and movement restricted, she desperately bowed her head toward Takamine Ryoko.
“I-I’m sorry. I, I lost my mind for a moment… P-please, spare my life….”
Takamine Ryoko’s gaze shifted to Nomura Masataka. He exhaled deeply and spoke.
“…I’ve lost.”
Unlike Goriki Nana, Nomura Masataka maintained an almost brazen composure.
“From now on, I leave the matter of disposal to you. Whether you turn us over to the police or not—do as you wish.”
At Nomura Masataka’s words, Takamine Ryoko shook her head.
“I have no intention of calling the police.”
Surprise flickered across both their faces.
“A-Miss…!”
Goriki Nana cried out with an expression of profound relief.
Whatever the reason, she seemed to interpret Takamine Ryoko’s words in the most favorable light.
“Two people alone couldn’t have planned and executed something of this magnitude.”
But that wasn’t what Takamine Ryoko meant at all.
“There must have been collaborators at the Mansion, the Hospital, and elsewhere. Isn’t that right?”
There’s a joke that if you spot one cockroach in a house, there are a hundred hiding behind it.
Takamine Ryoko had no intention of stopping at just these two. Even if they were the masterminds.
“I’m planning to hire new mercenaries to handle the mansion’s security. People accustomed to murder and torture.”
Only then did the two realize that Takamine Ryoko possessed genuine intent.
“You’ll need to tell us everything, even if we have to claw it out of your minds.”
Even Nomura Masataka couldn’t maintain his composure. Goriki Nana lost consciousness entirely, overwhelmed by terror.
As if she had no further business with them, Takamine Ryoko turned her back on the pair.
Then she bowed respectfully to Kwon Han-ul, expressing her gratitude.
“I’m grateful for Heukcheon’s assistance. Without you, Kwon Han-ul, I and the Takamine Family would have faced grave danger.”
“Not at all. I simply did what was necessary after accepting the request.”
“Such words are insufficient for the tremendous debt I’ve incurred.”
Takamine Ryoko lifted her head.
“Kwon Han-ul, should anything arise during your dungeon expeditions, please visit Takamine Hospital anytime. I’ll provide you with the finest service. Of course, the same applies to anyone you refer.”
Takamine Hunter Comprehensive Hospital boasts world-renowned medical facilities.
Even renowned hunters often turn away due to fully booked appointments.
The ability to access such a hospital whenever needed was an extraordinary privilege.
Of course, with Superhuman Blood and Healthy Blood, Kwon Han-ul would rarely need to visit.
But the situation differed for his team members and acquaintances.
“No, there’s no need to go to such lengths.”
While grateful, the offer felt overwhelming. Kwon Han-ul had simply completed his assignment.
But Takamine Ryoko had no intention of withdrawing her offer.
“This is also a decision for my own benefit. I’d like to maintain a good relationship with you going forward. After all, we never know what might happen.”
Takamine Ryoko added further.
“My grandfather maintained a strong relationship with Chairman Kwon Seon-woo and they helped each other. There’s nothing wrong with us doing the same, is there?”
Suddenly, Kwon Han-ul found himself wondering.
Could the Chairman have deployed him on this mission specifically to help him build connections with the Takamine Family?
Soon after, Kwon Han-ul shook his head.
That difficult old man would never do such a thing.
“I’ll gratefully accept your offer.”
Kwon Han-ul decided to accept Takamine Ryoko’s goodwill without reservation.
As she said, there was nothing harmful about it for either of them.
“Ah, there’s one thing I’d like to ask.”
“What is it?”
“Is it true that the Takamine Family has discovered a method for Rebirth Surgery?”
Surprise flickered across Takamine Ryoko’s face.
“Where did you hear that?”
“That man over there brought it up first.”
Kwon Han-ul pointed to Nomura Masataka.
“As you may know, we have recently developed a surgical technique to artificially induce Rebirth Surgery, but….”
Takamine Ryoko’s expression darkened slightly.
“The procedure is only theoretically established, so there are far too many uncertainties. Moreover, the materials required for the procedure are equally extensive.”
“Materials, you say?”
Takamine Ryoko rattled off the list. Kwon Han-ul’s expression turned incredulous.
“We’re talking about nearly a nation’s annual budget.”
“That’s precisely why I didn’t mention it.”
Kwon Han-ul glared at Nomura Masataka.
He’d spoken as though it would be burdensome but entirely feasible. The reality was starkly different.
In other words, he had no intention of helping at all—merely dangling false hope.
“He completely played me for a fool.”
“Pardon?”
“It’s nothing.”
Disappointing, but unavoidable. Just as Kwon Han-ul was about to set aside his regret, something surfaced in his mind.
Ferdrans’s final words before death echoed in his thoughts.
He’d said he’d accepted this commission to grow stronger.
What method could possibly make someone already at the apex of hunters even more formidable?
Complete transformation was the only answer.
“….”
Kwon Han-ul opened the subspace skill he’d inherited from Ferdrans—’Greed’s Treasure Vault’.
This subspace, capable of storing up to 300 kilograms, was already filled beyond 200 kilograms. Everything belonged to Ferdrans.
“Miss Ryoko, could you recite those medicinal materials you mentioned earlier?”
Takamine Ryoko, puzzled, recited the list once more.
Kwon Han-ul’s face brightened as he reviewed the subspace contents.
“Not all of it, but I’ve secured about half.”
“Pardon?”
“Once I secure the rest, I’ll contact you.”
Confusion flickered across Takamine Ryoko’s face, yet she nodded in understanding.
“I’ll be waiting whenever you’re ready.”
After concluding the conversation, I sought out Kwon Hu-don.
There was something else I needed to discuss with him.
* * *
—Hu-don! Thank goodness you’re safe!
Inside the crystal orb, I could see Kwon Mi’s tears streaming down her face.
—If something had happened to you too, then I…
“It’s okay, Mom. Don’t cry.”
Unlike usual, Kwon Hu-don was the one comforting Kwon Mi instead.
Yet even with his reassurance, her tears refused to stop.
“Mom, I’m sorry. You went through so much trouble building this team for me. And I’ve ruined everything.”
—Don’t say such things! As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters! And we can always build another team.
Kwon Mi’s eyes grew sharp and determined.
—This time, I’ll gather people who will never betray you, Hu-don—people who will dedicate themselves to you with absolute loyalty. So don’t worry about anything and just rest and recover.
At his mother’s words, Kwon Hu-don’s expression became peculiar. He scratched his cheek before speaking.
“Mom, that won’t be necessary.”
—What do you mean?
“No matter how much I think about it, I don’t have the ability to lead people.”
—There you go again. I’ve told you before—everyone is clumsy at first! Things didn’t go well this time, but if you take this as experience, next time you’ll…
“Mom.”
Kwon Hu-don spoke in a calm voice. Kwon Mi found herself closing her mouth, overwhelmed by an inexplicable pressure.
“I’m sorry for disappointing your expectations. But this isn’t my path.”
Only then did Kwon Mi realize it.
Her son was usually the type to stammer and constantly gauge others’ reactions.
But throughout this entire conversation, he hadn’t shown a trace of that behavior.
—…So what are you planning to do from now on?
“I’ve already made up my mind. I’m not sure if it will work out, though.”
—Already?
Just as Kwon Mi expressed her surprise, she sensed a presence behind her.
Kwon Han-ul had drawn near.
“I came to check on things, and it’s my aunt?”
Kwon Han-ul gazed at the crystal orb with an intrigued expression.
—You…
Kwon Mi remained silent for a moment before finally uttering a single word.
—…Thank you.
“There’s no need to thank me. I didn’t save Hu-don because of your request.”
—You didn’t?
Kwon Han-ul turned his head to look at Mei Hong.
“Do you see that sword?”
—That is…
“When I came by last time, I returned our team member’s father’s keepsake. This was simply repayment for that.”
Kwon Mi couldn’t find the words. She barely managed to speak.
—…Still, I’m grateful.
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
Kwon Han-ul was turning away when Kwon Hu-don urgently grabbed his arm.
“W-wait, Han-ul.”
“You have something else to say?”
“I, well… that is…”
Kwon Hu-don’s eyes darted nervously as he spoke.
“I, I mean… I’m not the b-best fighter, it’s true… b-but I’m confident in my stamina, at least. S-so…”
“So what?”
“E-even as a grunt worker… if you’d c-consider me… for your team…”
Kwon Hu-don squeezed his eyes shut as he spoke.
“W-would you… w-wouldn’t you accept me…?”
“I’m fine with it.”
The approval came so quickly that Kwon Hu-don’s eyes widened in shock.
“R-really?”
“Yeah.”
“B-but I’m not even a good fighter…”
“You fought well earlier. What are you talking about?”
Despite being injured, Mark Griffin was a world-ranked hunter.
Kwon Hu-don had not only endured Mark Griffin’s attacks but had even brought him down.
Contrary to his self-deprecation, it was clear he possessed exceptional talent and skill among the pure-blooded members of the Heukcheon clan.
“I look forward to working with you.”
Kwon Han-ul extended his hand. After a moment of stunned silence, Kwon Hu-don grasped it.
* * *
“….”
The office of the Heukcheon Group.
Kwon Mi gazed at the scene reflected in the crystal orb, her fingers brushing against the corners of her eyes.
Her emotions were genuinely complicated.
She was delighted to see her son grow, yet she felt a pang of regret that he had placed himself under Kwon Han-ul’s command.
“Secretary Kim.”
“Yes, I am listening.”
“What do you think of Kwon Hu-don’s decision?”
The young man did not answer immediately. Kwon Mi sensed his hesitation and quickly added, “It’s alright. Please speak honestly.”
“It is a wise decision, in my assessment.”
“In what sense?”
“Kwon Hu-don possesses exceptional abilities. However, regarding the qualities required of a leader, I cannot help but express doubt.”
At her subordinate’s candid words, Kwon Mi bit her lip firmly.
“Have you not witnessed it? Kwon Han-ul is… that is no longer merely the level of genius.”
A greenhorn who had never even been mentioned among world rankers had defeated a villain from Pandemonium.
It was as absurd and preposterous as saying a newborn pup had slain a lion.
“You must accept this reality. Kwon Han-ul is a true bloodline bearer. Someday—perhaps very soon—the entire Kwon Family may find itself beneath his dominion.”
“Are you suggesting I ride on his coattails?”
“Indeed. There is a saying that the head of a snake is better than the tail of a dragon, but I respectfully disagree. The tail of a dragon can still soar through the heavens, can it not?”
Kwon Mi closed her eyes.
Secretary Kim’s opinion was not without merit.
“Then there is only one thing left for me to do.”
Kwon Hu-don had chosen to become the tail of the dragon.
If that were the case, then the head must flourish brilliantly so that the tail might also reap its rewards.
“Never did I imagine the day would come when I would champion my cousin’s son.”
With those words, Kwon Mi offered a bitter smile.
Saying so, Kwon Mi gave a bitter smile.
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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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