The sunset painted the horizon with dazzling gold and crimson hues, a sight Ryan usually enjoyed. It calmed him, washing away daily worries.

  But today, Ryan frowned deeply, troubled. He wasn't worried about the bat; rather, cultivating the Mystic Unity Blood Essence Technique frustrated him. Despite having the technique and a newly acquired bloodline, he hadn't made any progress.

  Energy: 232

  Stamina: 45/46

  Strength: 30/31

  Spirit: 19/19

  Skills:

  - Iron Body Technique Lv.5

  - Five Tigers Blade Technique Lv.4

  - Thousand-Mile Leap (Minor Mastery)

  Bloodline:

  - Toxic Mist Bloodline (Basic)

  His awakened bloodline had potential, but without successfully cultivating Blood Essence, it felt limited.

  "Ryan, your shift is over," Deputy Captain Ethan Cole announced coldly, his face perpetually stern.

  Ryan wondered silently if Ethan suffered from chronic gloominess or perhaps resented Ryan's rapid promotion.

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  "Be careful tonight," Ryan warned with a mischievous smile. "Gray Mist Blood Bats prefer hunting at night."

  Ethan scowled deeper, clearly annoyed. Ryan smirked inwardly—Ethan deserved a sleepless night after his frosty attitude.

  Returning with the patrol team, Ryan headed for the dining area. As Deputy Captain and a freshly awakened bloodline warrior, he now enjoyed special privileges—private meals, abundant meat, and even precious Grade-H beast meat.

  But remembering his father, Ryan packed the meal carefully and hurried home.

  On his way, neighbors greeted him warmly, showering praise. He felt genuine warmth among these people struggling together for survival.

  Opening the familiar door, he found his father, Hank Carter, sitting awkwardly beside a gentle-looking woman mending clothes.

  Embarrassed, Hank stammered explanations, but Ryan smiled warmly. "Father, it's good someone cares for you. I'm happy."

  His sincerity warmed Hank deeply, though he quickly changed the subject. "I heard about Lucas Reed. That bat killed him?"

  Ryan nodded grimly.

  Hank sighed heavily. "In this chaotic world, rely only on yourself. Even bloodline warriors aren't invincible."

  Ryan nodded absently. "I'll cultivate diligently, but Captain Harris and Overseer Marcus are always busy."

  Unexpectedly, Hank brightened. "You don't have to rely only on current bloodline warriors."

  "What do you mean?" Ryan asked, intrigued.

  "Former bloodline warriors," Hank explained proudly. "Those who've lost their awakened powers due to severe injuries. Many still live here—once-powerful warriors hiding in plain sight."

  Ryan's eyes widened. "Who's strongest?"

  "Old Shen," Hank replied without hesitation.

  Ryan froze, picturing the clumsy old man responsible for ringing the settlement's bell—often incorrectly.

  "Old Shen was once nearly a Spirit Blood General," Hank sighed. "Tragically, injuries robbed him of his bloodline."

  Ryan immediately felt excitement: perhaps his Level-1 Skill-Stealing Card could still work on a former bloodline warrior!

  Eagerly, Ryan quickly said goodbye and hurried to the bell room. Before knocking, Old Shen's raspy voice called out, "Ryan, is that you?"

  Ryan froze again, surprised by Old Shen's sharp senses.

  "Yes, Elder Shen," he answered respectfully, stepping inside.

  As he greeted the old man, Ryan activated a Level-1 Skill-Stealing Card.

  Would this hidden master finally grant him the breakthrough he desperately needed?