Chapter 8 - Bloodline is Everything

Chapter 8: The Bloodline Is Ridiculous (2)

"Oh, real manly of you. Shall we head downstairs then?"

The man grinned as he took the lead. His fellow branch family members immediately tried to stop him.

"Hey, are you out of your mind? What are you doing?"

"How are you planning to deal with the fallout of fighting a Trueblood?"

But the man ignored their protests and walked out of the training hall.

Kwon Hanul carefully observed his movements.

'Even the other branch family members are surprised. That means this wasn't planned.'

Someone had definitely put him up to this. Hanul was certain of it.

"What are you waiting for? You coming or not?"

Without a word, Hanul followed him downstairs.

Directly below the training hall was the sparring arena.

As expected of a place used by the Hyukcheon Clan’s bloodline, it was as vast and sturdy as a soccer field.

"Oh, by the way, my name's Kwon Woojin," the man said as soon as they arrived. "Since you're a great and noble Trueblood, I suppose you don’t need me to let you take the first move?"

"If I accepted such a gesture from a mixed-blood, that would be disgraceful, wouldn't it?"

Kwon Woojin's face twisted in irritation.

"Is that so? Then I won’t hold back."

Clenching his fists, he assumed a stance—one of the Black Dragon Twelve Ascendant Techniques.

Hanul took a stance as well, but compared to Woojin, his form looked unrefined.

That must have seemed amusing to Woojin because he smirked.

"Shall we begin?"

And with that, the fight started.

* * *

At the center of the sparring arena, Kwon Hanul and Kwon Woojin’s fight was in full swing.

"Oh my god…"

"How is this even possible…?"

The branch family members watching from the sidelines gasped in disbelief.

"This is absolutely ridiculous…"

"Even seeing it with my own eyes, I can’t believe it…"

Their gazes remained fixed on the fight, completely transfixed by the scene unfolding before them.

"How can someone be this bad at fighting?"

The battle was entirely one-sided.

Each time Woojin attacked, Hanul barely managed to block or dodge.

Even then, his movements were far from perfect, leaving him stumbling back with each blow—like a small boat being tossed around in a storm.

"What’s with this half-assed effort? You’re a Trueblood, aren’t you? Shouldn’t you at least put on a decent show?"

Woojin sneered as he relentlessly pressed forward.

His expression said it all—he was having the time of his life.

'What an idiot. He actually fell for such a cheap provocation and agreed to fight.'

If they weren’t in the middle of a match, Woojin would’ve burst out laughing.

'This is exactly why those born and raised outside the clan are so damn clueless. Does this guy seriously think he can challenge me with his pathetic D-rank stats?'

Woojin already knew everything about Hanul.

That he had spent his life scraping by as a third-rate Hunter. That all his stats were stuck at D-rank. And most importantly, that today was the first time he had ever received a martial arts tome from the Dragon Sage Martial Archive or awakened his Black Dragon Bloodline.

Woojin hadn’t done this research himself.

The person who had tasked him with this fight had provided him with all of that information.

'As long as I completely crush this guy, I’ll be welcomed into the Pureblood faction!'

That person had given him clear instructions:

Make sure Hanul was thoroughly broken—so much so that he could never recover.

They had even assured him that they would handle any consequences.

'Seriously, where else would I find such an easy opportunity?'

And there was one more reason this situation was perfect.

'If not now, when else would I get the chance to utterly humiliate someone from a higher bloodline?'

The Dragon Sage Martial Archive granted different levels of martial arts based on a person’s talent.

Naturally, those who mastered more advanced techniques became stronger.

Even so, the Hyukcheon Clan divided their ranks based on bloodline purity. And why was that?

Mixed, Inferior, Pure.

The power granted by the Black Dragon Bloodline grew stronger depending on its purity.

And the difference was absolute. No amount of individual talent could overcome the gap.

'But that only applies up to a certain point.'

Hanul’s stats were all D-rank.

Meanwhile, Woojin was B-rank.

Not only that, but he had already mastered several advanced techniques and could wield 30% of his Black Dragon Bloodline’s potential.

At this point, the fight between him and Hanul was no different from a battle between a seasoned predator and a helpless child.

It was beyond that.

"What’s with these weak punches? Hit harder!"

Even after getting struck, he felt no pain.

There was no need to brace himself—his body barely registered the impact.

The sheer gap in their stats had manifested in a physical difference.

"If you're going to throw a punch, do it like this!"

Kwon Woojin clenched his fist. A surge of overwhelming mana gathered around it.

Black Dragon Twelve Ascendant Techniques – Beginner’s Stance

Iron Thunder Hammer – Heavy Strike Style

His punch tore through the air as it flew toward Hanul. He crossed his arms to block it.

The next moment, his body was sent flying, like a baseball struck by a bat.

"Hah. That one landed perfectly."

Woojin smirked in satisfaction. He could feel the impact—there was no way Hanul’s arms hadn’t shattered.

…Or so he thought.

But Hanul simply shook off his arms as if nothing had happened.

He was completely unharmed.

'…What?'

That attack had been anything but half-hearted. He had poured his full strength into it, striking with everything he had.

So how the hell had Hanul endured it?

'Urgh?'

Suddenly, a sharp pain flared through his body.

Specifically, in the spots where Hanul had struck him earlier.

'…What the hell is this?'

Given the overwhelming gap between them, this shouldn’t have been possible.

So why? How?

"I’ve heard the Hyukcheon Clan’s bloodline is filled with nothing but monsters," Hanul suddenly said, his voice laced with quiet amusement. "But it seems like rumors aren’t always reliable. Don’t you think?"

Woojin’s expression twisted with rage.

Fury boiled inside him.

Dark smoke began rising from his body.

Mana.

The very reason Hunters could stand against monsters.

The power that elevated mere humans into something beyond.

"Stand still, you bastard. I’ll rip your damn spine out."

Woojin leaped high into the air, then came crashing down toward Hanul.

The moment he landed, the ground trembled violently, throwing Hanul off balance.

Seizing the opportunity, Woojin lunged forward.

Black Dragon Twelve Ascendant Techniques – Beginner’s Stance

Iron Thunder Hammer – Heavy Strike Style

His mana-infused fist aimed to crush Hanul’s skull.

Hanul crossed his arms once more.

Black Dragon’s Ascension Art – Beginner’s Stance

Steadfast Arm – Defensive Form

Both of them used the same techniques as before.

But this time, the result was different.

Woojin’s Iron Thunder Hammer tore through Hanul’s Steadfast Arm defense.

Instead of breaking Woojin’s strike, Hanul himself felt a shock—like his insides had been struck directly.

"Kuh…!"

A cough burst from his lips, speckled with blood.

Seeing that, Hanul's rage only burned hotter.

"What’s wrong? You’re wincing over just one hit? A Trueblood shouldn’t be this weak!"

Black Dragon Twelve Ascendant Techniques – Beginner’s Stance

Bone-Crushing Kick – Heavy Strike Style

His shin smashed into Hanul’s side.

But at the last moment, Hanul twisted his body just enough to avoid a direct hit.

His clothes tore, and a shallow cut appeared on his skin.

"Stop scurrying around like a damn rat and do something! Aren't you supposed to be a Trueblood?"

Woojin’s relentless attacks rained down. Each time, the ground cracked, and the buildings trembled.

Hanul silently endured the onslaught.

Though, to say he was truly blocking would be misleading.

Each time a fist or kick connected, his muscles screamed in agony, his bones creaking under the strain.

It hurt.

It was exhausting.

More than anything, it was terrifying.

A man who couldn't even hunt a single orc properly was now fighting a monster beyond his comprehension.

But fear wasn’t an excuse to run.

Complaining wasn't an option.

Because this was his decision.

'Why… Why did I even agree to this fight?'

That question echoed in his mind throughout the battle.

The gap between them was obvious to anyone.

Their stats, their mastery of martial arts, their combat experience—

In every way, Hanul was inferior to Woojin.

'So why… Why did I choose to fight him?'

Normally, Kwon Hanul would never have even imagined this.

He was a third-rate Hunter. And for a third-rate Hunter to survive, the most important skill was assessing the enemy.

Then why?

Had he simply fallen for a provocation? No, that wasn’t it.

It was true that anger had ignited the flame. But when he accepted the duel, he wasn’t blinded by rage.

Beneath it all, there was confidence.

Yes, confidence.

Even he couldn’t fully understand it, but he felt certain. As if defeating a mere branch family descendant was within his grasp.

The moment the message appeared, Hanul could feel something shifting inside him.

The thrill of battle settled. Fear and anxiety faded into the background.

Woojin’s once blindingly fast movements were starting to come into focus.

And it wasn’t just his movements.

The timing of his breaths. His habits right before attacking.

He could see it all.

Then, the moment it hit 9%, his blood boiled.

It felt like he was carrying a volcano inside him, moments away from erupting. He wanted to rush forward and stomp Woojin’s head into the ground.

But he held back.

Not yet.

The fight hadn’t tipped in his favor just yet.

"Oh? So you’re just gonna keep blocking?"

Woojin’s stance shifted. The flow of his mana changed.

Black Dragon Twelve Ascendant Techniques – Basic Stance

Mountain-Shattering Palm – Heavy Strike Style

Not a punch—this time, an open palm.

A chilling energy surged through his strike as it slammed toward Hanul’s torso.

Hanul didn’t dodge. Instead, he met the attack with his own palm.

"You dumb bastard!"

A triumphant grin spread across Woojin’s face.

Mountain-Shattering Palm wasn’t meant to break things—it was meant to make them explode from within.

And Hanul had chosen to meet it head-on? His hand would be blown to pieces.

But then—

Hanul grabbed Woojin’s wrist and twisted.

Black Dragon’s Ascension Art – Basic Stance

Soul-Unbinding Strike – Willow Style

Woojin felt the strength drain from his body.

His knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground.

"W-What?!"

He tried to get up immediately.

But he was already too late.

Black Dragon’s Ascension Art – Beginner’s Stance

Flurry Strike – Unruly Blows

Hanul’s barrage began.

He targeted every vulnerable spot on Woojin’s body with ruthless precision.

"Guh! Kugh!"

With every strike, Woojin screamed in agony.

Unlike before, each of Hanul’s blows was crushingly heavy.

"W-Why does it hurt so much?!"

Because Hanul was no longer the same as before.

<‘Healthy Bloodline’ has detected extreme movement!>

<Strength, endurance, and agility have each increased by 0.5.>

Throughout the battle, Hanul’s stats had continued rising.

Now, he had reached a level where he could deal significant damage—even against someone with B-rank stats.

"Aaargh!"

Woojin let out an inhuman wail.

He had lost the will to fight.

All he wanted was for this to be over.

And suddenly, the attacks stopped.

Thinking it was finally over, Woojin slowly lifted his head.

That’s when he saw it.

A long shadow stretched over his face.

Hanul was standing over him, his leg raised high.

"W-Wait—!"

Black Dragon’s Ascension Art – Beginner’s Stance

Bamboo-Splitting Heel Drop – Heavy Strike Style

Hanul’s heel came crashing down on Woojin’s skull.

* * *

"Chairman, you’re being quite cruel."

Joo Hayun muttered as she walked through the training hall corridor.

The chairman grumbled over the phone.

"Kwon Hanul was being arrogant? But this is his first reward, isn’t it? Maybe something a little more—"

The chairman’s voice erupted into a shout.

Hayun pulled the phone away from her ear.

"Yes, yes, not a reward—a compensation. I understand. No need to repeat it."

Just as she was about to step into the elevator, something made her pause.

She could sense it—Hanul’s mana burning like wildfire.

And from experience, she knew what that meant.

A battle.

Not just any fight—one where lives were on the line.

"…Chairman, I’ll call you back."

Instead of the elevator, she sprinted up the stairs.

She reached the training hall in an instant.

"Kwon Hanul!"

She burst through the doors, calling his name.

And then she saw it.

Hanul, his heel crashing down onto a bloodline descendant’s skull.

From the impact, blood burst from Woojin’s eyes. His body crumpled to the floor.

For a long moment, Hayun stood frozen in place.

Then, she slowly pulled out her phone.

"…Chairman? I think you’ll need to increase the compensation."