Chapter 2

[Translator - Helga ]

[Proofreader - Starfall ]

Chapter 2: A Strange Bloodline (1)

A top-of-the-line OGMG sedan raced down the road.

Hanul Lee sat in the backseat, quietly taking in the car’s luxurious interior.

Spacious seating, high-end leather seats, and a fully automated system controlled by a single button on the right armrest.

Fiddling with the button, Hanul let out a dry chuckle.

For someone whose only experience with private transport was taxis, this was an unfamiliar sight.

“Mr. Hanul, thank you.”

A voice came from the front passenger seat. Hayun Ju was looking at him through the rearview mirror.

“I don’t recall doing anything worth thanking me for.”

“You made the decision to return to Hyukcheon.”

“That was just my own choice. Didn’t you say that if I joined Hyukcheon Group, they’d clear my debts and take care of my living expenses?”

For someone about to become part of Hyukcheon Group, a corporation known as the ruler of East Asia, his reasoning was almost embarrassingly materialistic.

Hayun seemed to share the sentiment, her expression showing mild disbelief.

“Mr. Hanul, you are a direct descendant of Hyukcheon. Does that not bring you any sense of pride or joy?”

“Wouldn’t it be a bit ridiculous to ask that to someone who grew up as an orphan for over twenty years?”

A brief silence followed.

Perhaps finding no proper response, Hayun subtly changed the topic.

“Adjusting to Hyukcheon Group will not be easy. You should be prepared.”

“I figured as much.”

Hanul’s nonchalant response caught Hayun off guard.

“If this were some third-rate comic, maybe things would be different, but this is reality. Even if I go to Hyukcheon Group, I’ll just be treated as an outsider.”

“You are not an outsider, Mr. Hanul. You are a direct descendant of the chairman—”

“I haven’t been properly educated, I barely have any skills aside from being a hunter, and let’s be honest—I’m nothing but dead weight.”

And that wasn’t even the worst of it.

“On top of that, my father supposedly ran away from Hyukcheon Group and had me on his own terms. Oh, I’m sure people will just love me.”

Another pause. It took a moment before Hayun finally spoke again.

“Then why did you decide to come with us?”

“I already told you. They’re paying my debts and giving me money.”

Hanul grinned.

“Why struggle as a third-rate hunter, unable to even pay rent, when I can go to Hyukcheon, get some dirty looks, and live without worrying about money?”

His reasoning was so bluntly materialistic that it left no room for argument.

“…By the way, where are we going now?”

“To meet the chairman.”

“I heard the chairman usually stays at Hyukcheon Manor. Isn’t that really far away?”

Hyukcheon Group was practically a kingdom at this point.

It had even claimed a territory in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula as its own.

“He usually resides at Hyukcheon Manor, but right now, he’s in Seoul for an important event.”

An important event?

As Hanul tilted his head in curiosity, the car came to a stop.

Hayun stepped out first and opened the back door for him. As Hanul exited, he was met with the sight of a massive skyscraper.

“Damn, that’s huge.”

It was taller and more imposing than any other building around it.

This was Blackpolis, a landmark of Seoul, known for its overwhelming size.

“Let’s go. The chairman is waiting for you.”

Hanul followed Hayun toward Blackpolis.

If there really was an important Hyukcheon event happening, it was already evident from the atmosphere at the entrance.

Heavily armed soldiers were stationed not only inside but also outside, controlling the perimeter.

Because of this, not even a single ant could be seen lingering near Blackpolis.

As Hayun approached, the guards at the entrance stepped aside.

“The elevator is this way.”

Just as she was speaking, the sound of heels clicking against the floor echoed.

A middle-aged woman, wearing heavy makeup, was striding toward Hanul.

Hayun bowed politely.

“Lady Kwon Mi, it’s a pleasure to see you.”

“Pleasure? Hardly!”

The woman snapped irritably and glared at Hanul.

“So, you’re Cheon Kwon’s son?”

Hanul searched his memory.

He had seen her somewhere before… but he couldn’t recall exactly where.

“This is Lady Kwon Mi, the chairman’s eldest daughter and second child. She is your aunt, Mr. Hanul.”

“Aunt? Don’t make me laugh! Who in their right mind would acknowledge that thing as family?”

Kwon Mi’s hostility was anything but subtle.

“You shameless brat! Do you have any idea where you are?! How dare you set foot in this place? Get lost this instant!”

“Lady Kwon Mi, this is inappropriate. Mr. Hanul is here under direct orders from the chairman—”

“Shut your mouth! Who do you think you are, interrupting me when I’m speaking? Just because Father dotes on you a little, you think you can do whatever you want?”

“That’s not what I meant, Lady Kwon Mi…”

“Then take it up with the Chairman.”

Both Joo Hayun and Kwon Mi turned their attention to Hanul. He responded with a nonchalant expression.

“If you don’t like me that much, go talk to the Chairman about it. I’m only here because I was told to come.”

“What? You insolent little—!”

Kwon Mi raised her hand. But before she could strike, someone caught her wrist.

“My, my. Little sister, what’s gotten you so worked up?”

“Brother! Let me go!”

“Calm down. There’s no need to get so riled up.”

A well-built middle-aged man gently placated Kwon Mi. His words seemed to have an effect, as her expression softened slightly.

“I apologize on my sister’s behalf. That was rude of her.”

This time, Hanul didn’t even need an introduction. The man was famous enough that it wasn’t necessary.

“I’m sure you recognize me. Kwon Hyuk. That makes me your uncle.”

Kwon Hyuk—

The eldest son of the Hyukcheon family and Vice Chairman of the Hyukcheon Group.

As the one who handled all of the group’s external affairs, he was effectively the second-in-command and presumed successor.

“I’m sure everything feels unfamiliar right now, being new to Hyukcheon. But you can always come to me if you need anything.”

He patted Hanul’s shoulder, exuding an air of warmth and kindness.

But Hanul could tell immediately.

There was nothing friendly about Kwon Hyuk’s gaze.

“Brother! What are you saying?! We need to kick him out immediately!”

“Tsk, tsk. Kwon Mi, Father summoned him. We can’t just act as we please.”

“So we’re just going to sit back and watch him walk into Hyukcheon?!”

As the two bickered—

Ding!

The elevator arrived at the first floor, and as the doors opened, an elderly man stepped out.

The moment she saw him, Joo Hayun’s eyes widened. She immediately fell to her knees and called out in reverence.

“I greet the Sky of Hyukcheon.”

The Sky of Hyukcheon.

There was only one person she could be referring to.

The Chairman of Hyukcheon Group.

Hanul’s grandfather.

Kwon Sunwoo scanned the scene before speaking.

“I came down because I heard Hayun had arrived, but what a mess this is.”

“Father! I absolutely cannot agree with this decision!”

Kwon Mi protested sharply.

For someone her age, she sure acts like a spoiled child.

Hanul clicked his tongue internally.

Kwon Sunwoo didn’t even spare Kwon Mi a glance. Instead, he turned to Joo Hayun.

“Hayun, is this truly the one?”

“Yes, sir. Without a doubt, he is Lord Kwon Cheon’s son.”

“You’ve done well.”

Kwon Sunwoo then shifted his gaze to Hanul, who met his eyes.

At a glance, the Chairman appeared to be nothing more than a frail old man. He was small in stature, his muscles had withered with age.

But his presence was something else entirely.

Hanul had encountered high-ranking Hunters before.

They possessed an aura that felt inhuman—an oppressive, beast-like intensity.

But Kwon Sunwoo was different.

Like the depths of a dark ocean.

Impossible to see how deep it went. Impossible to tell how vast it was.

All Hanul could feel was fear.

Fear of what might be lurking within.

Fear of the unknown dangers concealed in its depths.

“This is the first time we’re meeting in person, isn’t it?”

Hanul hesitated. He wasn’t sure how to address the man.

Should he call him Grandfather? Or refer to him as Chairman?

Before he could decide, Kwon Sunwoo spoke first.

“I had some curiosity about Kwon Cheon’s child… but this is disappointing.”

His tone was cold.

“To think you’ve reached this age and still haven’t awakened the Black Dragon Blood. This is exactly why I strictly forbade mixing our bloodline with common stock.”

Hanul hadn’t misheard.

The Chairman’s attitude wasn’t just indifferent—it was outright hostile.

“This was a mistake. Bringing this worthless brat into Hyukcheon? Send him back immediately.”

With that one command, the Chairman turned to leave.

Kwon Mi’s face lit up with satisfaction.

“Exactly! A huge mistake indeed.”

But then—

Hanul spoke.

“You should’ve expected as much from someone who spent over twenty years as an orphan.”

Kwon Sunwoo paused mid-step.

“What did you just say?”

“What were you expecting from me? It’s obvious, isn’t it?”

“Are you mocking me?”

“Mocking you?” Hanul let out a dry laugh. “If I’d ever received anything from you, maybe I’d at least feel bad about disappointing you. But that’s not the case, is it?”

Kwon Sunwoo’s brow furrowed at the audacity of his words.

Joo Hayun and everyone standing behind her turned pale.

“It’s been a long time since someone dared to run their mouth in front of me.”

“My apologies.”

Hanul gave a slight nod before turning toward the front entrance of the building.

“You said you’ve never received anything?”

Kwon Sunwoo’s voice rang out behind him.

“I’ll make sure you never say something so foolish again.”

Then, his gaze shifted.

“Hayun, listen carefully.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“The coming-of-age ceremony will begin soon. Have this boy participate as well. Useless as he is, he should at least prove he’s capable of being a person.”

“I will follow your orders.”

Without hesitation, Kwon Sunwoo turned and left.

Kwon Mi stared in disbelief before quickly chasing after him.

“Father? What do you mean by that?! You’re not seriously considering accepting him into Hyukcheon, are you?”

Kwon Sunwoo didn’t even respond as he stepped into the elevator.

Kwon Mi hurried in after him.

“Well, I suppose I should go as well. Ah, and welcome to Hyukcheon.”

Kwon Hyuk gave Hanul a smirk before striding toward the elevator.

Once the three disappeared, the first-floor lounge suddenly felt empty.

“What a ruthless family.”

That was Hanul’s first impression of Hyukcheon Group.

“Lord Hanul, congratulations.”

“Congratulations?”

“The Chairman has acknowledged you, hasn’t he?”

“You call that acknowledgment?”

Hanul recalled Kwon Sunwoo’s words and demeanor from earlier. There was nothing remotely positive about them—certainly nothing that resembled recognition.

“More importantly, what exactly is this coming-of-age ceremony you mentioned?”

“It’s likely different from what you’re imagining, Lord Hanul. In the Hyukcheon family, the coming-of-age ceremony refers to the awakening of the Black Dragon Blood.”

“The Black Dragon Blood… You mean that Black Dragon Blood?”

“Yes, exactly.”

Hyukcheon’s power was never built on business acumen or by riding the tides of change. It was forged solely through strength.

Every member of the Hyukcheon bloodline was an exceptional Hunter. Those who had seen them in action often remarked that they seemed like an entirely different breed.

At the core of their power lay a unique bloodline trait, one that only manifested within the Hyukcheon family—the Black Dragon Blood.

“Children born into Hyukcheon are regularly gathered at the main house for the coming-of-age ceremony, where they awaken their Black Dragon Blood. Only those who succeed are truly recognized as members of the family.”

“The Chairman seemed downright disgusted that I’ve reached this age without awakening it.”

“Those with exceptional talent awaken the Black Dragon Blood naturally, without needing the ceremony. The less talent one has, the later the awakening tends to occur.”

Hanul let out a bitter chuckle.

Lack of talent? That wasn’t news to him. He’d barely scraped by as a third-rate Hunter all this time.

“What happens if someone fails to awaken it?”

“That has never happened before. However, you should be aware that the type of Black Dragon Blood you awaken will determine your status within Hyukcheon.”

“There are different types?”

“Yes. There are three ranks: Mixed, Inferior, and Pure.”

This wasn’t information that was publicly known.

“The higher the rank of the Black Dragon Blood, the greater the power it bestows. That’s why, within Hyukcheon, status is determined solely by one’s Black Dragon Blood.”

[Translator - Helga ]

[Proofreader - Starfall ]