Chapter 50: The Secret of Bloodlines

“What do you know about bloodlines?” Luke broke the silence. “Specifically, bloodline skills.”

Across the tower platform, Allison lay down with his bag as a pillow and his wolf pelt draped over his shoulders. For a moment, he didn’t answer.

“Besides the obvious—like someone inheriting power from a parent—there are… other ways,” Allison finally said. “Sometimes a powerful being can grant their bloodline to someone else. That’s how you got yours. Same way I got mine.”

Luke’s brow furrowed.

Why would something like that… choose me?

“So where did the first bloodlines even come from?” he asked. “I mean, the first skills.”

That question brought silence. Heavy. Measured.

Allison exhaled, slowly.

“What I’m about to tell you… isn’t public knowledge.”

Luke sat up a little straighter.

“This is the kind of thing only the upper tiers of guilds and the World Government know.”

“And how do you know it?”

Allison just shrugged, his face unreadable. “I have my sources.”

Luke didn’t push.

He wanted answers about bloodlines. Especially his own.

“There are all kinds of bloodlines scattered across the multiverse,” Allison said, his voice quieter now. “Some are powerful. Others are useless. It all depends on who granted it—how strong they were.”

He lifted one hand. A thin layer of frost shimmered along his fingers, icy mist curling in the night air.

Luke watched in silence.

“The System exists everywhere out there,” Allison continued. “In nearly every universe. Ours… was one of the few that was excluded. Until recently.”

Luke narrowed his eyes, trying to picture it.

A civilization where the System wasn’t just some magical interface—it was the foundation of reality.

“Think of a bloodline as an inheritance,” Allison said. “The further a creature climbs the System, the stronger their legacy becomes. At a certain point, when they’ve reached true power, they can choose to pass that legacy on. But only once.”

Luke’s thoughts raced.

Only once.

Not just power, but intent. Purpose. Judgment.

“They don’t choose just anyone,” Allison added. “They pick someone… worthy.”

A chill ran down Luke’s spine.

So why did that being choose me?

Just thinking about it raised more questions than answers.

“It’s like succession,” Allison said at last. “A transfer of legacy.”

The silence after that said enough. Either he couldn’t say more… or he wouldn’t.

Luke didn’t press. But one more question still burned in his mind.

“What about class mutations?” he asked. “Are those related?”

Allison turned slightly. “No. That’s something the System grants directly.”

“Based on affinity?”

“Or how well you embody your class.” Allison folded his arms. “Two people can be the same class and still be nothing alike. Mutations are like… personalized evolutions. The System watches your growth. If you push far enough, if your path is clear—it offers a new one.”

Luke thought about that.

“So… you haven’t reached yours yet.”

Allison sighed through clenched teeth. Frustrated.

“Not yet. There are hidden conditions. Unique to each person. I just… haven’t figured mine out yet.”

Luke stared into the flickering sky above, his thoughts drifting back to something Allison had said.

Hidden requirements.

He hadn’t known class mutations worked like that.

So how did I meet mine?

His class changed after killing William. But it wasn’t just the level-up. Something shifted inside him that day. He remembered it vividly. A choice—one he didn’t fully understand at the time.

Maybe it’s not just about stats or strength…

Stolen story; please report.

Maybe it’s mindset.

“It’s kind of like the philosophy of names,” Allison explained.

“Philosophy of names?”

“There was this ancient culture, long forgotten, from another time, another world. They believed people were born without names and only received one when they came of age. The name wasn’t chosen, it was given, based on the person’s actions throughout life. Just like the system. Just like the classes we’re assigned. Interesting, right?”

Luke paused, thinking. Names and meanings… the system and classes.

“That’s how I got my name,” Allison continued. “My name is Allison, not because of who I am as an individual, but because of what the name stands for.” He looked at Luke. “I believe class mutation works the same way. You don’t choose it, it’s something you earn. Like a name that’s deserved.”

That thought lingered in his mind, coiling tighter with every breath.

Eventually, he noticed Allison had dozed off, his breathing slow and steady beneath the wolf pelt. The faint glow of starlight danced across his face.