[Translator - Helga ]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]
Chapter 5: The Bloodline's Astonishnt (2)
As soon as he dropped his spoon, Joo Hayun imdiately asked, "Does the food not suit your taste?"
"No, the food is delicious, but…"
Kwon Hanul picked up the spoon from the table and took another sip of the soup.
The sa ssage appeared again.
He hadn’t imagined it—his stats were really increasing.
"Is this even possible?"
For a Hunter, stats were their foundation.
This world was filled with powerful tools—skills, equipnt, potions, and artifacts with extraordinary abilities.
But to use them, one needed a solid base of stats. Without the required stats, even the most powerful items were useless.
And because of that, increasing stats was incredibly difficult.
The most traditional thod was to gain experience by killing monsters.
Other ways included consuming rare elixirs, absorbing mystical creatures, or equipping relics that boosted stats—but those were so expensive that only the wealthiest could afford them.
Yet, the Healthy Bloodline was increasing his stats just from eating food.
"As expected of an S rank ability…"
It was utterly absurd.
"But this is kind of disappointing. The increase is way too small."
Not even 0.1, just 0.01?
Sure, every spoonful of soup raised his stats, but the amount was frustratingly low. What was the point of such tiny incrents?
The irritation built up, making the back of his neck stiff. Hanul instinctively reached up and rolled his head in a slow stretch.
"Cough."
Hanul let out a small cough without realizing it.
Joo Hayun glanced at him.
"Lord Kwon Hanul?"
"A-Ah, it’s nothing. Just choked a little."
To test a theory, Hanul interlocked his fingers and stretched his arms upward.
‘Holy…!’
His heart pounded with excitent.
Stats were increasing just from stretching?
The sheer absurdity of it made his body heat up. He could feel his heartbeat accelerating—
And then, another notification popped up.
‘What the hell?’
At this point, it was beyond ridiculous.
"Lord Kwon Hanul, are you sure you’re alright?"
Joo Hayun asked again, concern evident on her face—sothing rare for her.
"I’m more than alright."
A smile crept onto Hanul’s lips.
"I feel amazing."
He had just discovered an insane way to close the gap with the Purebloods.
This was better than he could have ever hoped for.
"Lord Kwon Hanul…"
Joo Hayun still seed concerned.
"I think it would be best for you to turn in early today and rest."
"But it’s still early."
"Tomorrow morning, we depart for North Pyongan Province."
The ntion of North Pyongan Province made Hanul freeze.
"Wait… You an we’re going to the Hyukcheon Clan’s stronghold?"
"That’s correct."
The Hyukcheon Clan was so massive that ordinary territories couldn’t contain them.
So, they had claid ownership over the entirety of North Pyongan Province, establishing it as Hyukcheon’s domain.
North Pyongan Province.
Everything the Hyukcheon Clan had built was gathered there.
"Your first destination will be the Dragon Sage Martial Archive."
"And what exactly is that?"
"It’s the first place every mber of the Hyukcheon Bloodline must visit."
Joo Hayun’s lips curled into an intriguing smile.
"It’s also where you’ll face your first trial."
* * *
Kwon Hanul was at the airport with Joo Hayun.
"That plane over there… That’s not the one I’m taking, is it?"
"It is."
The plane Kwon Hanul was about to board was a private jet—his own personal aircraft, not just one operated by the Hyukcheon Group.
The fact that he had been given an entire jet the mont he beca part of the bloodline made him truly realize his new status within the Hyukcheon Group.
Upon boarding, he was t with an opulent interior.
Sinking into the plush sofa at the center of the cabin, he let himself relax.
"If you need anything, just let know. If not , the flight attendants are on standby at all tis."
"Can I get a al?"
"Yes. This jet is equipped with a kitchen and has a chef on board."
At this point, it was basically a flying mansion.
After a short while, the jet took off. Joo Hayun sat beside him, flipping open a book.
She was so stunning that even such a simple act was captivating to watch.
While Joo Hayun rested, Kwon Hanul adjusted his posture and stretched occasionally.
He was testing the effects of his "Healthy Bloodline ".
The scope of its influence was seemingly limitless.
[Detected: Shoulder Blade Movent Beneficial to Health!]
[Efficiency Maximized!]
[Permanent Agility 0.03!]
[Slight Increase in Shoulder Blade Mobility!]
Even minor stretches triggered its effects.
[Proper Sitting Posture Maintained. Beneficial to Spinal Health!]
[Permanent Stamina 0.02!]
[Slight Improvent in Balance!]
Simply sitting with good posture increased his stats.
[Gazed into the Distance! Beneficial to Eye Health!]
[Permanent Perception 0.02!]
[Slight Improvent in Farsightedness!]
Even looking out the window activated it.
[Hydration Restored! Thirst Resolved!]
[Permanent ntal Strength 0.02!]
Drinking water also triggered the ability.
‘Even sleeping increases my stats.’
A deep sleep significantly boosted his stats—his total attributes had increased by 0.5 just from resting well.
He had confird it when he woke up that morning.
Just as he was about to test if a nap would also have the sa effect, Joo Hayun spoke up.
"Kwon Jiseok is requesting a video call."
"What does that guy want with ?"
"One thing’s for sure—his intentions aren’t good."
For once, Kwon Hanul and Joo Hayun were in complete agreent.
"Should I just ignore it?"
"No, put him through."
He wanted to hang up on him, but there was sothing he needed to verify.
Kwon Seonwoo had warned him that while the mixed-bloods and inferior-bloods might accept him, the purebloods never would.
Rather than guessing, he wanted to confirm their attitude toward a Trueblood firsthand.
And, at the sa ti, he planned to return the insult he had endured last ti.
"I’ll connect the call now."
Joo Hayun pressed a button, and the ceiling panel lowered, revealing a hidden monitor.
The screen flickered to life, showing Kwon Jiseok’s face.
"Well, well. You actually had the guts to pick up my call?"
"If soone calls, you pick up. What, was I supposed to ignore it?"
"What the hell did you just say, you bastard?"
As expected, Kwon Jiseok’s attitude hadn’t changed at all.
"I called to give you a warning—"
"Before that, shouldn’t we take care of sothing first?"
"What?"
"Kneel."
The words left Kwon Hanul’s lips like an order.
Kwon Jiseok’s mouth slowly fell open in shock.
"Y-you… what the hell did you just say?"
"At the coming-of-age ceremony, wasn’t it made clear? Mixed-bloods and inferior-bloods must show proper respect to purebloods. Then naturally, purebloods should do the sa for a Trueblood, shouldn’t they?"
Kwon Jiseok’s mouth gaped even wider, saliva dripping down his chin.
"You—you little piece of shit!"
His face turned red with rage, and he started yelling.
"The son of a traitor! A bastard who carries the filthy blood of an outsider! And you dare talk back to ?!"
Seething, Kwon Jiseok thrashed like a madman.
"Do you think we, the purebloods, would ever welco a clueless orphan like you with open arms?!"
Listening to Kwon Jiseok’s outburst, Kwon Hanul was once again reminded of his predicant.
His dilemma was clear.
He possessed the Trueblood, yet his very existence made him an outcast within the family.
He was the son of a traitor—an outsider raised beyond the family’s walls.
From the perspective of the proud purebloods, he was utterly unacceptable.
"If you’re done talking, I’ll be hanging up now."
"Wait! I’m not finished yet!"
"What now? Don’t waste my ti. Get to the point."
"I heard you took Hayun with you! Who do you think you are, taking Hayun away from us?! Return her imdiately!"
"…How should I respond to that?"
Kwon Hanul turned to Joo Hayun.
Not that he needed her answer. Her face twisted in unmistakable disgust.
"You heard her. I’m hanging up."
"Do you have any idea how incredible Hayun is?! She shouldn’t be wasting away under the likes of you!"
"I already said I’m hanging up."
"Wait! In exchange, I’ll offer you this!"
Kwon Jiseok lifted sothing into view—a small, notebook-sized tablet of stone.
No, not just any stone tablet.
It was a mory Page, an artifact capable of granting skills.
And not just any mory Page—this one shimred in gold, unmistakably a Unique Skill.
"If you send Hayun back, this is yours! Think about it! When else would a bastard like you ever get the chance to learn a Unique Skill? You’d be a fool to pass this up!"
Kwon Jiseok’s voice brimd with confidence.
A Unique Skill—an item worth billions the mont it hit the market. He was certain Kwon Hanul would take the deal.
But Kwon Hanul’s reaction was lukewarm at best.
For two reasons.
First, he wasn’t in a position to command Joo Hayun.
And second…
"Why would I be interested in that when I can just learn martial arts techniques from the Dragon Sage Armory?"
Dragon Sage Armory.
Among the relics possessed by the Hyukcheon Clan, this was considered the most important.
The Dragon Sage Martial Archive was originally a place where the bloodline of Hyukcheon honed their martial skills.
But if that were its only function, it wouldn’t be regarded as the most crucial artifact.
The reason the Dragon Sage Martial Archive held such importance was that it housed the secret martial arts manuals of the Hyukcheon Clan.
“Hah, so this is what you’re relying on? Do you really think an idiot like you can obtain a proper manual from the Dragon Sage Martial Archive?”
“Well, there’s only one way to find out, isn’t there?”
“You think I don’t know? Weren’t you just so third-rate Hunter scraping by outside?”
The manuals one could acquire from the Dragon Sage Martial Archive depended on their aptitude.
Innate talent, natural disposition—those were the deciding factors.
The purity of the Black Dragon Bloodline ant nothing here.
This was the one place where even branch family mbers could surpass the main family.
“You think a nobody who’s been making a living hunting goblins will suddenly beco sothing just by stepping into the Archive? Stop being so stubborn and take my deal instead. Send Hayun back to , and I’ll give you this mory Page—”
“I’m hanging up.”
At Kwon Hanul’s words, Joo Hayun imdiately terminated the call.
“Lord Hanul, don’t let what he said get to you,” Hayun said.
Her voice was as calm as ever, but Hanul could tell she was trying to console him.
“The Dragon Sage Martial Archive recognizes even hidden potential when bestowing manuals. So…”
“You don’t have to comfort . I accepted a long ti ago that I don’t have any talent.”
Like any rookie, Hanul once had grand dreams when he beca a Hunter.
He had fantasized about becoming a top-tier Hunter, traveling the world, and leaving his mark.
But reality had been unforgiving.
He had no talent. Even taking down goblins was a struggle, and facing orcs was out of the question.
“I’m used to this kind of thing.”
Hanul’s tone was steady as he spoke.
Hayun silently watched him.
* * *
Daegwan County, North Pyongan Province.
A private jet touched down, and a man and woman disembarked.
“This is the Hyukcheon Clan’s estate,” Hayun said.
Hanul scanned his surroundings.
Elegant hanok-style buildings were scattered throughout, with towering skyscrapers interspersed among them.
It wasn’t just a village—it was a city.
A place built for a single clan, yet developed to such an extent that it was hard to believe.
“I’ll take you to your lodging.”
“I’d rather go straight to the Dragon Sage Martial Archive.”
“You don’t want to rest first?”
“Would it make a difference? You said the skills are determined by aptitude anyway.”
Hanul shrugged. After a brief pause, Hayun nodded.
“Understood. I’ll take you there.”
They got into a waiting vehicle and set off.
Despite the traditional hanok buildings lining the city, asphalt roads ran between them, creating a strange contrast.
When the vehicle stopped, they had arrived at a building the size of a gymnasium.
Unlike the other structures, which adhered to traditional Korean architecture, this one stood out in stark contrast.
Hanul approached the entrance, only to find it tightly sealed.
“Place your hand here. The Archive will recognize the Black Dragon Bloodline and open for you,” Hayun instructed.
Hanul did as she said, pressing his palm against the door.
A ssage appeared, and the massive doors creaked open. Hanul stepped inside.
Despite the building’s grand exterior, the interior was empty.
He walked deeper inside.
Hanul yawned as he waited.
Hayun had said there was a chance, but Hanul had already resigned himself to the outco.
He had no talent.
There was no point in getting his hopes up.
Or so he thought—until it happened.
An unexpected turn of events.
[Translator - Helga ]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]
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