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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Helga ]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]
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Chapter 9: The Bloodline Is Ridiculous (3)
“Hoo…”
Kwon Hanul let out a long breath, calming his overheated body.
Looking down, he saw Kwon Woojin sprawled out on the floor.
It was a decisive victory for Kwon Hanul.
When he glanced at the other bloodline members, they stood frozen with blank expressions. But the moment they felt his gaze, their bodies flinched, trembling in fear.
Just the mere act of looking at them was enough to make them nervous—proof that the branch family’s bloodline had been completely overwhelmed by Kwon Hanul.
Observing their reactions, a strange feeling welled up inside him.
It was an unfamiliar sensation, difficult to put into words. But it wasn’t unpleasant.
Never in his life had he been the one to dominate others like this.
“What are you all waiting for? Take him with you.”
Kwon Hanul gestured toward Kwon Woojin. Only then did the bloodline members snap out of their daze and rush over.
Even as they helped Kwon Woojin up, they kept darting wary glances at Kwon Hanul.
“Lord Kwon Hanul.”
A familiar voice called out to him. Before he realized it, Joo Hayun had stepped into the training hall.
“You did well.”
Her voice remained emotionless, but her eyes wavered.
Kwon Hanul had only been part of the bloodline for a single day, yet he had just defeated a member of the Black Dragon bloodline.
Even if Kwon Woojin was among the lowest-ranked, the gap between them should have been insurmountable.
“The chairman was pleased to hear about it.”
“You already reported it?”
“It’s that shocking of an event.”
“Well, whether he’s surprised or not doesn’t really concern me. Did he say anything about giving me something in return?”
“Actually, about that—”
At that moment—
“AAARGH!”
A sudden scream erupted, accompanied by an overwhelming killing intent.
Kwon Woojin, who had regained consciousness, was now glaring at Kwon Hanul with a crazed expression.
“Not yet! It’s not over yet! I refuse to lose to you!”
The sheer murderous aura radiating from him left the surrounding bloodline members too terrified to even think about intervening.
“AAAAHHH!”
Kwon Woojin’s pupils elongated, slitting like a snake’s.
At the same time, a dark crimson energy surged from his entire body, spreading out in waves that tore into the walls and ground.
What the hell is that?
It was nothing like the magic power he had sensed during their fight. This was far more intense, violent, and sinister.
“Kwon Hanul!”
Kwon Woojin launched forward. With every step he took, the ground cracked beneath him.
“Please, stay behind me,” Joo Hayun said, stepping forward.
But instead of retreating, Kwon Hanul pushed her behind him.
“Lord Kwon Hanul?”
“I’ll make sure he never dares to challenge me again.”
Kwon Hanul’s gaze turned icy as he fixed his eyes on Kwon Woojin.
* * *
“I’LL KILL YOU!”
Kwon Woojin swung his five fingers like claws, each tipped with a dark crimson energy.
Then, all of a sudden, Kwon Hanul vanished from his sight.
“…Huh?”
Before he could react, Kwon Hanul was already crouching directly beneath him.
“Kwon Ha—! Urgh!”
In an instant, Kwon Hanul shot upward, slamming his palm into Kwon Woojin’s chin.
A sharp impact rattled his skull, sending shockwaves straight to his brain.
Kwon Woojin collapsed backward onto the ground.
His second defeat.
He stared up at Kwon Hanul, his face filled with disbelief.
“How pathetic.”
Kwon Hanul’s voice echoed above him.
“Not only did you resort to a cowardly sneak attack after losing, but you also let your emotions cloud your judgment.”
The dark crimson energy Kwon Woojin had unleashed moments ago had been truly terrifying.
Under normal circumstances, it should have torn Kwon Hanul apart.
But Kwon Woojin had lost himself in rage. That was why he had fallen for such a simple feint.
“If losing to me bothers you that much, you’re welcome to try again.”
Kwon Hanul waited for his response.
Kwon Woojin remained silent for a long moment, then slowly lowered his gaze.
“I… I lost.”
“That all?”
Kwon Woojin understood immediately.
This time, he dropped fully to his knees and spoke properly.
“A… A branch family member humbly apologizes to a direct descendant.”
“I accept your apology.”
With that short response, Kwon Hanul turned and left the training hall.
Even after he had disappeared, Kwon Woojin remained kneeling, unable to lift his head for a long time.
* * *
“Well done,” Joo Hayun said as they stepped outside.
Kwon Hanul shook his head.
“You don’t need to flatter me.”
“That wasn’t flattery. Just now, you demonstrated the dignity of the main family.”
Kwon Hanul could only offer a wry smile.
“More importantly, what was that power he used earlier? It didn’t feel like magic at all.”
“You’re quite perceptive. That energy was not ordinary magic. It’s called Dragon Combat Aura, one of the powers of the Black Dragon Bloodline.”
Now that he thought about it, he recalled reading that every time his Synchronization Rate reached a multiple of ten, he would unlock new abilities.
“Dragon Combat Aura is the first of the Black Dragon Bloodline’s abilities. It allows its wielder to harness the energy of a dragon. Have you heard of Aura before?”
“You mean that power only the highest-ranked Hunters can use?”
Aura was a force obtained by refining magic power to its absolute limit.
Its destructive potential and sheer might were said to be incomparable to regular magic.
“Dragon Combat Aura surpasses Aura.”
“…It surpasses it?”
"Not only does it surpass aura, but it’s also highly versatile. It can be spread out to intimidate monsters or concentrated to form a protective barrier."
The fact that such an immense energy was only the first ability left no choice but to be astounded.
"Mastering Dragon Combat Aura is incredibly difficult. You saw it for yourself, so you should understand what I mean."
Indeed, rather than wielding it, Kwon Woojin seemed to be overpowered by it.
"I've heard that the higher the purity, the easier it is to control. I look forward to the day you unlock it, Kwon Hanul."
Kwon Hanul was slightly surprised. It was the first time Joo Hayun had ever used the word expectation.
"Once your synchronization rate with the Black Dragon Blood reaches 30%, you'll be able to use Dragon Combat Aura. That’s why the initial goal for bloodkin is to—"
"Wait, you’re saying I need a 30% synchronization rate to unlock abilities?"
"Yes, that’s correct."
Kwon Hanul checked her Black Dragon Blood status again.
It was clearly stated that an ability would be granted at every multiple of ten.
‘Does the True Black Dragon Blood unlock abilities much faster than other grades?’
That alone didn’t seem to be the only difference.
‘Maybe it has more abilities than the others.’
It was possible that the True Black Dragon Blood contained hidden abilities that ordinary Black Dragon Blood didn’t have.
Judging from everything it had displayed so far, the possibility was high.
Current Synchronization Rate: 9%.
Not much longer now.
The day Kwon Hanul unlocked his first ability was fast approaching.
"Shall we move? I'll take you to the estate where you'll be staying."
Estate?
Kwon Hanul found the wording a bit odd but assumed it was just a figure of speech and didn’t dwell on it.
A few minutes later, however, he was utterly shocked.
He had never realized his mouth could open this wide.
"…This is where I’ll be staying?"
"Yes, it is."
"I don’t suppose you mean… the entire place?"
"That’s correct."
The place Joo Hayun led him to was a five-story traditional Korean mansion.
A hanok with five stories? It seemed absurd at first, yet somehow, it fit perfectly.
But that wasn’t the issue.
"I thought I’d just get a room."
"That’s the case for branch families. However, since you are of True Blood, you receive the same treatment as the Pure Bloods."
Inside the mansion, rows of servants stood in an orderly line.
"It is an honor to serve such a noble bloodline."
In unison, they all bowed deeply toward Kwon Hanul.
"Who… are these people?"
"They will serve you and manage this estate."
"…You mean they manage just this estate?"
"That’s correct."
Kwon Hanul let out a dry chuckle.
"Just yesterday, my biggest dream was to rent a 15-square feet apartment."
And now, he suddenly had a massive mansion and dozens of servants.
Reality was finally sinking in—he truly had become part of the Hyukcheon Bloodline.
At that moment, a delicious aroma wafted through the mansion.
"I requested a meal to be prepared in advance."
As soon as Joo Hayun mentioned food, the hunger Kwon Hanul had forgotten about hit him all at once. Without hesitation, he headed straight for the dining room.
The first meal at the Hyukcheon Household was nothing short of luxurious.
"This is a steak made by wrapping heavenly pig tenderloin in ant-leaf and flame-grilling it using the fire of a volcanic specter."
Each dish was accompanied by a detailed explanation from the chef, but to be honest, he didn’t really listen.
For Kwon Hanul, two things mattered:
One, the food was incredibly delicious.
Two, it enhanced his stats.
<"Healthy Bloodline (健康血) detects the food!
A highly nutritious meal!
Strength, Agility, and Stamina each increase by 0.1!">
Each bite increased his stats far more than usual.
Once the meal ended, thoroughly satisfied, Kwon Hanul accepted the tea that Joo Hayun offered.
Even just inhaling the aroma made his mind feel clearer—this was no ordinary tea.
"What kind of tea is this?"
"It’s made from the first sprouts harvested from the World Tree’s sapling."
"…Wait, you don’t mean that World Tree, do you?"
"It is exactly what you’re thinking."
A single leaf from the World Tree could purify an entire decaying lake.
That’s why nations across the globe kept their eyes locked on it.
And yet… they were making green tea out of its sprouts?
‘As expected of the Hyukcheon Group…’
He had already lost count of how many times she’d said that today.
"Tea made from the World Tree’s leaves has exceptional healing properties. You should drink it before it cools."
Kwon Hanul took a sip. A refreshing fragrance filled his mouth.
<"You have consumed an exquisite meal!
Your body is becoming revitalized!
Temporary regeneration rate increased for 12 hours!">
This wasn’t the effect of his Healthy Bloodline—it was purely the tea’s doing.
The Healthy Bloodline’s own ability soon followed.
<"Healthy Bloodline detects the food!
A substance containing extraordinary energy!
Permanently increases poison resistance by 0.1%!">
So Healthy Bloodline had more functions beyond just increasing stats?
Just as Kwon Hanul marveled at the messages in front of him…
"Lord Kwon Hanul, this is a gift from the Chairman."
Joo Hayun retrieved something from her sleeve. A small, violet-hued orb.
"This is called a Core."
Kwon Hanul nearly spat out his tea.
"A Core? You mean the condensed core of power that only the strongest monsters possess?"
"You’re well-informed. And this particular one is especially rare—it’s from an Imoogi."
The Black Dragon Blood and an Imoogi’s Core.
Just hearing it was enough to send a shiver down his spine.
"It is said that if someone with Black Dragon Blood consumes an Imoogi’s Core, they gain an even more special ability."
Giving a reward like this… Quite generous indeed.
…Or so Hanul thought, before recalling something he had heard before.
"I've heard that consuming a core recklessly can be extremely dangerous."
A core was a concentrated mass of a monster’s power. If ingested improperly, it could lead to death in the worst case.
That was why consuming a core required thorough preparation.
"That's correct. In particular, an Imoogi's core contains an extremely potent poison, so it must be purified beforehand."
In other words, eating it means death.
"He must have given something to neutralize the poison, right?"
"The chairman only sent the core itself."
"Then… how am I supposed to consume it?"
"He said you should figure that out on your own."
Had the chairman gone senile?
Hanul briefly considered the possibility before realizing the truth.
"…This is a test."
Joo Hayun nodded.
The reason the chairman had so readily handed over the core was to see whether Hanul could find a way to detoxify it and safely absorb its power.
"Additionally, the chairman has decided to reward you for your victory over the branch family members."
"It's not another so-called ‘reward’ like this core, is it?"
"You will be allowed to choose one item from the Vault."
The Vault.
It was the repository of all the treasures amassed by the Hyukcheon Group.
And he was being granted the right to choose an item from there?
It was an opportunity far too good to pass up.
"However, there are two additional conditions."
Of course.
Hanul’s expression darkened slightly.
"The first condition is that you must complete your debut trial within six months."
"My debut trial?"
"As a member of the Hyukcheon bloodline, you must prove your capabilities by clearing a dungeon alone when the time comes."
Naturally, there were requirements to qualify for this trial.
"You must raise all your stats to at least B rank, reach five-star mastery in the Black Dragon Twelve Ascendant Techniques, and increase your Black Dragon Blood Synchronization Rate to 30% to be eligible for the trial."
"And I have to achieve that in six months?"
"That is correct."
That wasn't much of an issue.
With Healthy Blood and True Black Dragon Blood, Hanul had access to numerous benefits, including artifact privileges.
The real problem was the second condition.
"The second condition is that you must clear a Platinum-grade dungeon in your debut trial."
Hanul slowly set down his teacup.
Dungeon ranks were as follows: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Dire.
Dire-ranked dungeons were considered national disasters.
Platinum-ranked dungeons were deemed city-wide threats.
Normally, a large guild would be needed to clear one.
"Just to confirm… Do all Hyukcheon bloodline members take their debut trials in Platinum-ranked dungeons?"
"No. Most take their trials in Gold-ranked dungeons."
Even that was a major feat.
Clearing a Gold-ranked dungeon usually required a team of five top-tier hunters.
Attempting it alone would make it even harder.
And the same logic applied to Platinum-ranked dungeons.
"Is he seriously expecting me to clear a Platinum dungeon alone?"
"There have been precedents. Some pureblood members of the family have completed their debut trials in Platinum-ranked dungeons."
A single person clearing a disaster-level dungeon?
That was beyond ridiculous.
"It is said that if you raise all your stats to A rank or higher and master the Black Dragon Twelve Ascendant Techniques to seven-star proficiency, it becomes possible."
That was insane.
The higher one’s rank, the harder it was to progress.
Raising E to B rank was already difficult, but going from B to A was exponentially harder.
"This is too harsh."
"But, Lord Hanul, gaining access to the Vault is worth it."
For once, Joo Hayun's expression was more serious than usual.
"The Vault contains treasures that the Hyukcheon Group has collected from around the world. If you can obtain even one, it will be a tremendous advantage for you."
Hanul knew that.
But how was he supposed to meet those ridiculous conditions?
‘If I could just consume the core… it might be possible.’
There were countless legends about monster cores.
That they could transform one's body. That they could grant a monster’s power.
But without a way to neutralize the poison, the core was nothing more than a distant dream.
Hanul took another sip of tea to calm his frustration.
<Healthy Blood detects the food!>
<This is a substance brimming with immense energy!>
<Permanent Detoxification Resistance +0.1%!>
‘…Huh?’
Hanul's eyes widened.
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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Helga ]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]
Join our Discord for release updates!
https://discord.com/invite/dbdMDhzWa2
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