Duke’s Son: Re

Chapter 29

“The Assiciation President really set the stage properly.”

The grand training ground was filled with a diverse crowd.

Not only were there students from Lion’s Castle and journalists, but there were also active players, broadcasting personnel, influencers, military, and political figures.

The result of Kang Jaehyuk’s reassessment for admission would spread across every corner of South Korea in less than an hour.

“Does that mean he’s confident in himself?”

The Assiciation President seemed certain that there had to be some misconduct concerning Kang Jaehyuk’s admission.

“Looking at the content made public by the media, it’s a reasonable suspicion.”

Kang Jaehyuk’s achievements were beyond imagination. The story of a Level 1 player playing a pivotal role in a C-rank raid was unheard of even in the annals of National Treasures.

“After today, the Kang family is going to collapse without leaving any shred of dignity.”

It seemed too harsh a price to pay for the mistake made by a young boy driven by folly.

There was a tenacious and venomous malice felt from the Assiciation President. He was an individual that should not be antagonized, even if the skies were to fall.

“Kang Jaehyuk is pitiful.”

Everyone makes mistakes.

Especially those made in youth are often covered by adults.

But Kang Jaehyuk was never given a single chance to recover from his mistakes.

Simply being born into the Kang family meant living a life with a heightened level of difficulty, destined to live blaming the world.

“… In the worst-case scenario, survival itself might become impossible.”

Too many people in the world desired the Kang family’s swordsmanship and mana control techniques.

Moreover, Jaehyuk was young, he had no guardian, and with this incident, he would likely incur public outrage.

The moment he stepped outside the protective bubble of Lion’s Castle, he would disappear without a trace.

“Uh…”

While there were those who pitied the young Jaehyuk, there were also those who despised him.

After all, he became the reason to put an end to the history of the Kang family, which had barely managed to keep going. They could not look kindly upon him.

Yet, the majority of people simply enjoyed the situation.

These were either those who were indifferent to the Kang family or considered them a thorn in their side.

Amidst a mix of tumultuous emotions.

“We will now proceed with the reassessment for the admission of student Kang Jaehyuk!”

The announcer on the stark stage, equipped with mana measurement devices and a large screen, shouted out with fervor.

“Uwaaahhh!!”

Cheers and applause erupted as if it were a festive occasion.

But until the applause died down, Jaehyuk did not appear.

“What? Did he perhaps run away?”

“Ha, to think that he’s the son of Yaksha.”

“Running away like a rat truly reminds me of Gwang Deseong. Haha.”

“The Kang family is finished. The honor built over 200 years has been soiled by the children of Yaksha.”

It was amidst the growing commotion.

The screen that had been showing the empty stage quickly shifted the camera view.

The cameraman’s dismay was palpable.

It was shaky and frantic.

“Huh…?”

As the screen incongruously showed the audience, the spectators began to turn their heads, one by one.

Towards the back of the audience.

A black-haired boy stood with a straight posture, wearing the uniform of Lion’s Castle.

His lustrous black hair and eyes that shone like polished lacquer.

Although he was still youthful, he was an astonishingly handsome boy.

“Please clear the way.”

The boy’s solemn voice, already holding a microphone, echoed through the speakers installed around.

Those bewildered by the scene drew closer, as he tilted his head slightly.

“Aren’t you moving? Should I just skip the reassessment?”

“Ah…”

Finally recognizing the boy’s identity, the audience parted to clear the way.

Step by step.

A path formed by thousands of people.

The boy walked along it with confidence.

In his leisurely and tidy steps was an elegant grace.

Rather than shrinking under the mass of emotions directed at him, he appeared to enjoy them.

As if it was natural for them to focus on him.

As if it was his duty to handle their gazes.

Step by step…

Who would regard him as a boy in a crisis?

As the tendrils of his hair swayed, his prominent nose and forehead were revealed, causing the women to gasp.

The subtle smile spreading across the boy’s lips charmed more and more people in real-time.

“I am Kang Jaehyuk, son of the great nation’s Duke, the National Treasure Kang Daeguk, who has dedicated his life to our country.”

Jaehyuk, who finally stood on the stage, introduced himself in place of the stunned announcer.

“Though the momentum of the Kang family has momentarily waned due to the distortions of history by those blinded by jealousy…”

Jaehyuk’s somber gaze swept over the audience seated in the rows.

Government, military, and association members who seemed to strongly desire the downfall of the Kang family. That’s why they came here to gloat on a weekday.

He wished to declare.

That he would someday sever their heads and use them as the spark for the revival of the Kang family.

Wouldn’t his father awaken if he were to let him listen to their screams, borne from such vague expectations?

But he restrained himself.

Now was not the time.

Patience.

The skill Jaehyuk had painstakingly cultivated over the past eight years.

“… I will rebuild it and nurture it into a sword protecting the Republic of Korea. Dear citizens, please rest assured and wait only for the day of my graduation. That is all.”

With a gentle smile.

No one could stop Jaehyuk as he made a declaration contrary to everyone’s predictions.

This meant the brash ambitions of Yaksha’s son were broadcasted live nationwide.

“Moderator! Moderator, what are you doing! Take the microphone from that brat!!”

The association members had just regained their composure and shouted, but it was too late.

The audience had already erupted into fervent cheers and applause.

The response was of a different caliber altogether from when the announcer first introduced Jaehyuk.

Those who neither knew nor cared about the Kang family, particularly influencers with insight into current trends, were favorable towards Jaehyuk.

“Wow… Is that the bloodline of the duke? He’s still young but so confident. And he’s so dignified and handsome? Right, definitely. Even I, as a fellow man, am captivated.”

“I will revive the Kang family to protect the homeland. Wow, that line is killer, and the delivery is impressive. Did he receive etiquette education like noblemen from medieval Europe in dramas? If the Kang family was in ruin, they couldn’t have educated him like that? Then he must be naturally gifted?”

Influencers were running their personal broadcasts.

Jaehyuk’s heated reactions from viewers were subtly conveyed through their heightened tension.

“Kang Jaehyuk’s insane… Incredible…”

“Hey, Yaksha, are you watching?”

Dojin and Dahui gazed at Jaehyuk, who had unexpectedly changed the atmosphere with his appearance and speech, with eyes beaming with admiration, almost reverence.

Yujin let out a wry laugh.

“You never know what to expect from him.”

The seeming carelessness of the usual Kang Jaehyuk.

The righteous hero Kang Jaehyuk, who ran to help the students.

The image of a noble brimming with spirit and dignity, mocking the malice directed at him.

It seemed foolish to assess him based only on the mere fortnight they had experienced alongside him.

***

“Is that one crazy bastard or what?”

The face of Assiciation President Ji Chunmyung, who had jumped up from his seat while watching TV, flushed red.

It had been a mistake not to attend the events directly due to his reputation.

He should have been there to personally throttle the neck of the young bloodline of Kang before he could act up!

“What kind of attitude is that for someone who’s come to pay for their sins…! Why on earth did he suddenly pop out from the audience like it’s a concert? And why did the other idiots clear the way for him?”

Crash!

Unable to control his anger, Ji Chunmyung shattered the armrest of his chair.

“A lifetime of dedication to the country, Duke Kang Daeguk? Calling someone who tried to ruin the country a lifetime devotee…!”

Crash!

The armrest of the new chair that the chief secretary had brought was also broken immediately.

“Blamed the fall of the Kang family on those blinded by jealousy? Jealousy? Did he just accuse me of being blinded by jealousy and distorting history? That brat who doesn’t even understand duty and politics!!”

“Assiciation President, please calm yourself.”

The chief secretary, who again procured a new chair, cautiously spoke.

At this, Ji Chunmyung, barely regaining composure, steadied his breathing.

“Ugh, I suppose I lost some decorum because of that insane brat.”

“Thankfully, no one was there to witness it.”

“Yes… But, by the way, what was it that the brat just said? He claimed that he would resurrect the Kang family and cultivate it into a protective sword for the nation? Asking the citizens to rest assured? That insolent brat!”

Crash!

“…”

The regret of not having bought more chairs was clear as the secretary’s eyes wavered. Finally, Ji Chunmyung regained his complexion.

“Phew… Well, it’s okay. In fact, it’s better. Considering his boastful speech, the moment evidence of the misconduct comes to light, he’ll hit rock bottom. He’s digging his own grave as a foolish idiot.”

Did they intend to collude with Seol Soo-ah to tamper with the mana measuring device?

It wouldn’t work.

The mana measuring devices were directly prepared by the association. Three devices, just in case.

Moreover, an examiner from the association’s side was already planted.

‘Regardless of any variable, we need not demand a status window share, and that’s it.’

With an expectation to quickly see the result blossoming within Ji Chunmyung, he laughed heartily.

***

“Before the reassessment, I shall confer an award upon you.”

The stage, having been finally quieted down thanks to the announcer’s desperate efforts, was once again abuzz.

Seol Soo-ah took to the stage.

The National Treasure Baekya.

No one expected someone who so fervently avoided media exposure to stand before so many cameras.

“I heard your exceptional skills led to an impressive feat. You kept the boss’s aggro and exposed five weaknesses, didn’t you?”

“The Leech King was quite sluggish.”

“So modest. Above all, it was commendable how you took the lead to save the other students. That’s exactly what your father used to do.”

Government, military, and association officials swallowed nervously.

They had spent a good eight years trying to let Yaksha fade from public memory.

Yet Kang Jaehyuk and Seol Soo-ah persistently mentioned him, making them frown with displeasure.

Regardless of that.

Seol Soo-ah handed a small glass bottle to Jaehyuk.

It was filled with a sky-blue transparent liquid, and even though it was sealed, a pleasant aroma wafted from it.

“This is Fairy’s Tear. It will help increase your stats.”

“Fairy’s Tear!”

Exclamations of shock flooded the area.

Fairy’s Tear was an advanced elixir that increased at least four stats upon consumption.

It was on a completely different level from low-grade elixirs that typically increased stats by fractional amounts, often showing little to no effect.

To bestow such a precious treasure, valuable even to a National Treasure, upon a mere student?

Were they truly in such a special relationship with the Kang family that they ought to be questioned but were hesitant?

“The pride of Class B, Kang Jaehyuk! The 11 students you saved from Class A are future pillars of Korea, and you protected them! As a teacher, I am immensely proud of you!”

It was thanks to Kim Jinmyung’s shouts that resonated with mana mixed in his voice.

At this point, even ordinary citizens began to realize just how significant a contribution Jaehyuk had made.

– Did he save 11 promising students from Class A? At this point, shouldn’t they overlook his misconduct if it happened?

– Rumor has it that one of those 11 was Chae Dahui.

– He really did protect the future of Korea, huh?

– Lion’s Castle was created to nurture excellent players, so why focus on misconduct or whatnot? We need to foster talents like him.

– Right! What on earth are we even doing now?

With Dahui, famously known as the sword genius girl, mentioned, the internet was also in an uproar.

Enthusiastic reactions and support poured out, enough to excite even the influencers.

“Announcer! Hurry up and proceed with the reassessment! Do you think we gathered here because we’re leisurely people?”

The association members pressured the announcer.

Almost wetting himself under Seol Soo-ah’s icy gaze, he felt a rush to move forward given the overall unfavorable public opinion.

“Alright. Let’s begin.”

With a gentle smile, Jaehyuk stood before the mana measuring devices.

“Ah, just before that.”

Swaaah…!

“…?”

The audience fell silent as if struck dumb.

Eyes wide open and mouths agape, they were at a loss for words.

Streams of light began pouring from Jaehyuk’s body and shot towards the sky.

A pillar of light.

An effect that occurred when the First Skill was equipped.

But the concentration of the light was extraordinary.

It swallowed the scene of midday with glaring brightness.

“Top-grade?”

“No…! That is not merely that!”

“Bloodline!!”

Everyone rose to their feet in amazement.

Click, click!

The journalists frantically pressed the camera shutters.

And it was at that moment.

Thunder cracked suddenly!

Dark clouds rolled in, swallowing the light-flooded sky. The booming sound of thunder rattled the area.

“Is this tribulation?”

A phenomenon that emerged each time an S-rank or higher player reached a certain level.

As if the heavens were warning not to grow any stronger.

Was such a terrifying phenomenon occurring during the First Skill equipping?

Neither the audience nor the viewers nor even Seol Soo-ah or the Assiciation President could hide their utter disbelief.

『Equipping First Skill .』
『The player candidate is awakening.』
『The of has discovered you and smiles upon you.』

– Noble one, I anticipate the chivalry you will write. This is a small gift from me.

『Iris’s Blessing neutralizes .』
『Experience suppressed by the curse seeps in.』
『Level increased by 9 as a reward for defeating the Leech King.』