The training arena was crowded.
Victor stood on one side, holding a wooden sword.
Adrian stood opposite him.
The instructor raised his hand.
"Begin!"
Victor attacked immediately.
A burst of flame surrounded his sword.
Adrian retreated.
The first strike landed against the wooden barrier behind him.
The impact shattered part of the practice equipment.
"Running already?" Victor mocked.
Adrian didn't respond.
He watched Victor's movements.
The young noble was aggressive, but his attacks were predictable.
Victor launched another fire-assisted strike.
Adrian stepped aside.
His enhanced hearing helped him detect the slight movement of Victor's feet before the attack.
He moved inside the opponent's reach.
Their swords collided.
Victor's expression changed.
Adrian struck again.
The wooden sword slipped from Victor's hand.
Before Victor could recover, Adrian placed his weapon against his chest.
"Victory. Adrian von Valen."
The arena fell silent.
Victor stared at him.
"How did you..."
Adrian lowered his sword.
"Your attacks were too direct."
Victor clenched his fists.
But the instructor stepped between them.
"Assessment completed. Leave the arena."
Adrian turned away.
A notification appeared.
[Victory recognized.]
[Target: Victor Halbrecht]
[Inheritable bloodline detected.]
[Minor Fire Affinity]
[Inheritance conditions satisfied.]
[Proceed with inheritance?]
Adrian selected confirm.
Warmth spread through his chest.
This time, the sensation was different.
A small flame-like pulse moved through his mana channels.
[Inheritance successful.]
[Acquired Bloodline: Minor Fire Affinity]
[Primary Trait: Fire Mana Sensitivity]
[Secondary Trait: Improved Fire Resistance]
[Bloodlines]
Minor Beastkin Bloodline
Minor Fire Affinity
[Integration Status]
Beastkin: 34%
Fire Affinity: 12%
He closed the window.
Two bloodlines.
One more remained before he completed the system's first quest.
However, he had discovered something else.
The fire affinity had caused a slight reaction with his existing bloodline.
The system displayed a warning.
[Multiple bloodline integration detected.]
[Host should monitor compatibility.]
Adrian nodded.
He had expected complications.
He left the arena without celebrating.
Behind him, students were already discussing the match.
Some were surprised.
Others had begun questioning Victor's reputation.
Adrian didn't care.
He had obtained what he wanted.
Nothing more.