[Translator - Helga ]

    [Proofreader - Starfall ]

    Chapter 5: The Bloodline''s Astonishment (2)

    As soon as he dropped his spoon, Joo Hayun immediately 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.

    Due to the effects of ‘Healthy Bloodline’, all nutrients in the food have been fully absorbed!

    Stamina has permanently increased by 0.02!

    The same message 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, equipment, 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 method 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 increments?

    The irritation built up, making the back of his neck stiff. Hanul instinctively reached up and rolled his head in a slow stretch.

    ‘Healthy Bloodline’ has detected your movement!

    This is a beneficial action for cervical spine health! Maximizing efficiency!

    Agility has permanently increased by 0.01!

    Neck flexibility has slightly improved.

    "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.

    This is a beneficial action for wrist health! Maximizing efficiency!

    Agility has permanently increased by 0.02!

    Wrist flexibility has slightly improved.

    This is a beneficial action for thoracic and lumbar spine health! Maximizing efficiency!

    Agility has permanently increased by 0.04!

    Lower back flexibility has slightly improved.

    ‘Holy...!’

    His heart pounded with excitement.

    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.

    ‘Healthy Bloodline’ has detected changes in your body!

    Heart rate has increased! Blood circulation is improving, activating bodily functions!

    Stamina has permanently increased by 0.01!

    ‘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—something 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 seemed 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 mention of North Pyongan Province made Hanul freeze.

    "Wait... You mean 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 claimed 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 member 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?"

    "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 something into view—a small, notebook-sized tablet of stone.

    No, not just any stone tablet.

    It was a Memory Page, an artifact capable of granting skills.

    And not just any Memory Page—this one shimmered 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 brimmed with confidence.

    A Unique Skill—an item worth billions the moment 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 some 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 meant nothing here.

    This was the one place where even branch family members could surpass the main family.

    “You think a nobody who’s been making a living hunting goblins will suddenly become something just by stepping into the Archive? Stop being so stubborn and take my deal instead. Send Hayun back to me, and I’ll give you this Memory Page—”

    “I’m hanging up.”

    At Kwon Hanul’s words, Joo Hayun immediately 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 me. I accepted a long time ago that I don’t have any talent.”

    Like any rookie, Hanul once had grand dreams when he became 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.

    Dragon Sage Martial Archive has detected the Black Dragon Bloodline.

    A message appeared, and the massive doors creaked open. Hanul stepped inside.

    Despite the building’s grand exterior, the interior was empty.

    He walked deeper inside.

    Dragon Sage Martial Archive is verifying the entrant.

    Hanul yawned as he waited.

    Hayun had said there was a chance, but Hanul had already resigned himself to the outcome.

    He had no talent.

    There was no point in getting his hopes up.

    Or so he thought—until it happened.

    An anomaly has been detected.

    Confirmed: Bearer of True Black Dragon Bloodline.

    Unlocking the personal archive of ‘Kwon Hyunmoon.’

    An unexpected turn of events.

    [Translator - Helga ]

    [Proofreader - Starfall ]