Chapter 55

[Translator - Helga ]

[Proofreader - Starfall ]

Chapter 55: Bringing in a New Recruit (3)

Kwon Hanul didn’t bother chasing after Mei Hong.

There was no need. It was obvious where she’d gone—the only place nearby was the camp, the base set up by the Hyukcheon Clan for regional clean-up operations.

What was more urgent now was the condition of the bloodkin. They were still alive, but they’d lost far too much blood.

Though he didn’t know them personally, he couldn’t just leave fellow members of the same clan to die.

After administering basic first aid, he loaded them all into his vehicle for transport.

Thankfully, the car was large enough to carry all the injured. He had to pack them in tightly, almost like cargo, but it worked.

Upon arriving at the camp, Kwon Hanul went straight to meet the administrator.

“Ahh… I knew something like this would happen eventually…”

The camp administrator sighed heavily upon seeing the wounded.

According to the full story, some of the bloodkin—those who had fallen behind Mei Hong in both skill and achievements—had independently planned to subjugate a Platinum-tier dungeon.

‘Of course. There’s no way the proud members of Hyukcheon would endure such humiliation.’

There was no way those prideful bloodkin could tolerate being outshone by none other than Mei Hong.

“Has Mei Hong come back here?”

That was what mattered more to Kwon Hanul. The bloodkin’s situation wasn’t his concern—Mei Hong was.

“As expected, you came looking for her. Mei Hong just arrived. But she went straight into the showers, so you probably won’t be able to meet her right away.”

“The showers?”

Kwon Hanul raised an eyebrow.

Seeing her hunt a monster wearing just a tracksuit, he’d assumed she was rather lazy. But it seemed she was surprisingly fastidious.

“It’s odd, right? Normally, even if she was covered in monster guts, she’d hold off on washing up, saying she didn’t know when the next dungeon would open.”

Even the administrator sounded puzzled.

In any case, meeting Mei Hong immediately was impossible. Kwon Hanul had no choice but to wait.

As he exited the administrator’s office, he saw Joo Hayun—who had said she’d wait outside—talking with a young man.

“Well then, Miss Joo Hayun, I look forward to working with you.”

“Please, feel free to speak casually.”

“I couldn’t possibly, not with someone who worked alongside the Chairman.”

A pureblood of Hyukcheon.

And a highly skilled one, at that.

As Kwon Hanul took in the young man, both he and Joo Hayun turned toward him, sensing his presence.

“Oh, so that’s the famed Trueblood everyone’s been talking about.”

The young man’s eyes gleamed with curiosity. It seemed he was more widely known by the title Trueblood than by name.

“Hello, I’m Kwon Hanul.”

“I’m Kwon Hyung-min! I’ve just been appointed as the captain of Unit 18!”

He’s no ordinary one, Kwon Hanul thought. As expected, he was a captain-level figure.

Still, Kwon Hyung-min didn’t seem to hold a particularly high-ranking position. The fact that his unit was referred to by number rather than name was telling.

“You’re in charge of an Unnamed Unit.”

“Yes, though I’m hardly worthy of the role.”

Kwon Hyung-min scratched the back of his head.

Unnamed Unit: A newly formed division without notable achievements, thus referred to by number instead of name.

All divisions within Hyukcheon start as Unnamed Units. Once they accumulate accomplishments, they’re granted an official name.

Named Units—those with granted names—represent the true fighting force of Hyukcheon.

“It’s an honor to meet you like this. I’ve heard plenty of stories about you…”

Kwon Hyung-min’s eyes scanned Kwon Hanul from head to toe.

“…The rumors weren’t exaggerated. If anything, they might not do you justice.”

His gaze shifted, gradually taking on a competitive edge.

Surprisingly, it was a thirst for challenge.

“If possible, I’d like to witness your power for myself.”

At that, Kwon Hanul chuckled.

“Even knowing I’m a Trueblood, you still want to test me?”

His words carried weight.

Among the many clans, including Hyukcheon, bloodlines determined one’s rank.

Mixedblood, Inferior Blood, Pureblood.

Between each class was an insurmountable wall.

And Kwon Hanul’s question implied: Do you really intend to challenge me knowing that?

“When the tiger is away, the wolf rules the mountain.”

Kwon Hanul looked puzzled. Wasn’t it supposed to be the fox?

“A wolf who’s ruled as king wouldn’t simply yield the throne just because a tiger suddenly appears—especially not when that wolf’s pride is on the line.”

Kwon Hyung-min’s mouth curled into a sharp, feral grin, revealing his fangs.

“And if that tiger hasn’t fully matured yet… well, no need to say more.”

Kwon Hanul smiled, extending a hand. Without hesitation, Kwon Hyung-min took it.

At that moment, Dragon Aura surged through their clasped hands.

Kwon Hyung-min’s aura lunged aggressively, trying to invade Kwon Hanul’s body and stir chaos within.

But before it could even begin to rampage, Dragon Demon Aura devoured it whole. It didn’t even give the Dragon Aura a chance to resist—it was overwhelmed in an instant.

Kwon Hanul’s Dragon Demon Aura surged into Kwon Hyung-min’s body, causing his forearm to convulse as he groaned in pain.

“Guh…”

Coughing up blood, Kwon Hyung-min dropped to his knees. Still, Kwon Hanul didn’t let go of his hand.

Instead, he looked down at him and asked, “Care to continue?”

Kwon Hyung-min shook his head with a bitter smile. Kwon Hanul helped him up with a tug of the hand.

Brushing dirt off his knees, Kwon Hyung-min pulled out a business card and handed it to Kwon Hanul.

Kwon Hanul looked at him, clearly wondering why.

“My card. If you ever need help, just call. My unit and I want to maintain good relations with you.”

He seemed genuine, giving a respectful nod.

“Are you leaving now?”

“Yes, I’ve already been rejected by Mei Hong, after all. I sincerely hope things go better for you, Mr. Kwon Hanul.”

With that, Kwon Hyung-min departed. He staggered a bit, clearly suffering from internal injuries.

“Should I congratulate you?”

“For what?”

“For making Kwon Hyung-min submit.”

Kwon Hanul furrowed his brow.

“You call that submission?”

“Members of Hyukcheon are upright, but surprisingly simple. They’ll resist with all sorts of excuses, but in the end, they always follow strength.”

It was still a mindset Kwon Hanul struggled to understand.

But having made that prideful pureblood bow down wasn’t a bad feeling.

“He said he’d help if needed, right?”

“Handed you a card, didn’t he? He wasn’t lying.”

“Well, that works for me.”

Kwon Hanul pocketed the card.

“Any other teams show up?”

“While you were inside, three more Unnamed Unit captains came by.”

“That’s quite a crowd.”

“Oh, and a Named Unit’s here too.”

“A Named Unit?”

Kwon Hanul’s eyes widened. He expected Unnamed Units to compete for Mei Hong, but not an established Named Unit.

“Though they sent a representative, not the captain.”

“Why aren’t they reaching out? I’d at least like to know which unit it is.”

“They’re probably thinking the same.”

So... a standoff?

Kwon Hanul quickly realized the meaning behind what had initially puzzled him.

“…So, I’m being summoned for a formal greeting, huh.”

It was true that Kwon Hanul had grown stronger at an unprecedented rate—unparalleled, even on a global scale.

However, it was also true that he still fell short when compared to the true elites of Hyukcheon.

So of course, neither the commander nor even a mere representative would treat him with deference.

“By the way, what happened to Mei Hong?”

“She’s washing up. We’ll need to wait a bit.”

Just as Kwon Hanul clicked his tongue at the response, a sudden commotion erupted outside the building.

He and Joo Hayun looked through the glass doors toward the entrance.

A group of five people was approaching.

At the front of the group, Hanul locked eyes with someone.

He was an incredibly handsome man. Due to his small stature, it was hard to tell at first glance whether he was a man or a woman.

“Huh?”

“Oh?”

Both Kwon Hanul and the man recognized each other.

“Kwon Hudon?”

“H-Hanul, it’s you.”

When the Hyukcheon clan had gone to the Mei family, they had selected three representatives:

Kwon Hanul, Kwon Jiseok, and the third—Kwon Hudon.

Despite his nervous stammering and lack of confidence, his real strength was formidable.

“It’s been a while. Who are the people with you?”

“Y-Yeah, they’re my team members. The Patriarch gave his approval because we fought well during the Mei family incident.”

Even as he spoke, Kwon Hudon’s face looked unusually somber.

That was strange.

Receiving approval to form a squad within the Hyukcheon Group was a tremendous honor.

So why the gloomy face?

“B-By the way, are you here because of M-Mei Hong too?”

Kwon Hanul nodded. Kwon Hudon gave a shy smile.

Given his looks, even a simple smile was enough to create a picturesque scene.

“M-Me too. Honestly, I wasn’t that interested… but my mom insisted I had to bring her back…”

“Captain, why are you rambling like that?”

A brusque voice came from one of the men behind him—a bald man whose face was covered in scars.

“We’re on a tight schedule. Let’s move.”

“C-Can’t I talk just a little more…?”

“You didn’t forget what Lady Kwon Mi ordered you to do, did you? Do you want to get chewed out later?”

The man pressed Hudon again, and Hudon’s shoulders sagged.

“T-Then I’ll see you later. I have to go…”

With that, Kwon Hudon entered the building with his team. Once they were gone, Kwon Hanul turned to Joo Hayun.

“He’s not in full control of his squad, is he.”

“I agree. Individually they seem skilled, but… they lack cohesion.”

Could that even be called a team? Hanul was skeptical.

“He’s not really leadership material. How did this happen?”

“Well, probably…”

“What did you just say about my Hudon?”

A sharp voice rang out from behind.

A middle-aged woman in a bright red suit appeared. Upon seeing her, Kwon Hanul sighed inwardly.

“Say that again! What did you just say?”

“You must have misheard.”

“Are you talking back to me now?”

Her brow furrowed. Kwon Hanul tried to pacify her with as gentle a tone as possible.

“Of course not. How could I possibly talk back to you, Aunt?”

Kwon Mi.

Youngest daughter of Heukcheon Chairman Kwon Sun-woo and Kwon Hanul’s aunt.

She stood before him now.

* * *

From their first meeting, Kwon Mi had never liked Kwon Hanul.

“Are you mocking me right now?”

And that hadn’t changed.

“Aunt? I don’t have a nephew like you!”

“Yes, I apologize.”

Hanul let her words go in one ear and out the other. She had always treated him this way.

“I only helped you during the Mei family incident because I had no choice—it doesn’t mean I accept you!”

Hanul bowed his head in understanding. He didn’t feel hurt. They had never been close anyway.

“Blood relatives of Hyukcheon must carry themselves with dignity! But you—born a mess and raised outside—you have neither class nor poise.”

“Lady Kwon Mi, please mind your words.”

Joo Hayun stepped forward. Hanul tried to stop her, but it was too late.

“The Chairman acknowledges Kwon Hanul. Any further insult to him is an insult to the Chairman.”

Perhaps realizing it was a delicate matter, Kwon Mi clicked her tongue and turned away.

“You’ve been lucky so far, gaining a bit of fame—but it ends here. Hudon will take the lead from now on.”

Hanul swallowed dryly. Her expectations seemed… excessive.

“Since you’re here, I assume you came to see that Mei family girl? Sorry, but she’s joining Hudon’s team.”

“You’ve already discussed it with her?”

“No.”

Hanul blinked in disbelief. She was boasting even without any agreement in place.

“But once she sees this, she’ll join us right away.”

Kwon Mi untied the bundle she carried at her side, revealing a sword’s scabbard.

Hanul immediately recognized it. After a moment of recalling, it clicked.

“…That’s the Foremost Sword Among All, isn’t it?”

“That sword originally belonged to that girl’s father. Then Maejung Jeilgeom took it and used it himself.”

There was a reason Kwon Mi was so confident.

“How did you come by it?”

“After the battle, I asked my uncle and acquired it. I contributed enough to deserve it.”

In truth, her contribution had been far greater—she had blocked most of the top experts of the Mei family’s main branch.

‘To think she’d use such a treasure just to bring Mei Hong over…’

If it was worthy of Maejung Jeilgeom, it had to be of immense value.

And she was offering it simply to recruit Mei Hong.

‘Is this all for Hudon?’

At least it showed how much effort Kwon Mi was putting into supporting her son’s team.

“Now that you understand, stop wasting time and leave. I’ll be taking that girl.”

Just then, Hanul’s eyes shifted to someone walking toward them—a woman with a familiar presence.

“It’s Mei Hong.”

Unlike before, she was properly dressed—not in sweats—and even wore light makeup.

Kwon Mi turned toward her, recognized her, and approached.

“How have you been?”

Mei Hong bowed her head.

“Lady Kwon Mi, it’s a pleasure.”

“I’m glad you recognized me. I came to take you with me.”

“I’m afraid I—”

“That sword used to belong to your father, right?”

Kwon Mi displayed the hilt of the sword.

“If you promise to come with me, I’ll return it to you immed—”

“Apologies.”

Mei Hong bowed again—and walked past her.

Caught off guard, Kwon Mi’s face stiffened in shock.

Mei Hong stood before Hanul.

“Alright.”

She suddenly said something unexpected. Hanul just blinked.

Annoyed, Mei Hong pouted.

“Ugh, I said I’m fine with it!”

“Uh… Fine with what exactly?”

“You came here to take me with you, didn’t you?”

“That’s right, but…”

“Well, I’m fine with it.”

Still bewildered, Hanul could only stare. Mei Hong spoke again, clearly this time.

“Please take me with you!”

[Translator - Helga ]

[Proofreader - Starfall ]