The inheritance process began immediately.
A strange warmth spread through Adrian's chest.
His heartbeat accelerated.
His muscles tightened.
For a moment, he felt as though something was moving beneath his skin.
Then the sensation disappeared.
[Inheritance successful.]
[Acquired Bloodline: Minor Beastkin]
[Bloodline Quality: Low]
[Primary Trait: Enhanced Hearing]
Adrian exhaled.
A wave of new sounds entered his awareness.
The distant footsteps of students.
The rustling of leaves outside the training grounds.
The faint movement of a bird on the academy roof.
Everything seemed clearer.
He could distinguish sounds that previously blended into the background.
"Are you alright?" Enjoying the story? Read on at novelping.com.
Gareth's voice brought him back.
Adrian looked at him.
"Yes. Just tired."
Gareth laughed.
"That was a decent fight. We should spar again."
"I agree."
Adrian walked away.
He entered an empty corridor and opened his status window.
[Bloodline Status]
Minor Beastkin Bloodline: Acquired
Bloodline Compatibility: Stable
Inheritance Capacity: Limited
Adrian smiled.
It had worked.
But there was an important lesson.
The bloodline was useful, but not overwhelming.
That was acceptable.
He preferred reliable abilities over unstable power.
Later that evening, Adrian visited the academy library.
He searched for information about beastkin bloodlines.
The records described several variations.
Some enhanced hearing.
Others improved smell, night vision, physical strength, or reaction speed.
Adrian studied the information carefully.
His first bloodline had given him something useful.
A better ability to observe his surroundings.
He could now detect people approaching from behind and notice small changes in his environment.
It was an excellent ability for someone who preferred to work behind the scenes.
He closed the book.
"One down. Two more."