Farmboy becomes King with the Lust System

There was a flicker of excitement in his tone as he stood tall in front of the class, hands loosely clasped behind his back. His posture was relaxed, but his gaze was sharp, sweeping across the rows of students like he was quietly measuring each one of them.

The room, already restless from the earlier announcement, shifted again. The tension changed. It wasn't just surprise anymore. There was interest now. Curiosity. A hush fell across the classroom, like the air itself was holding its breath.

"We've decided that it presents a valuable opportunity". the principal continued, "Therefore, there will be an expedition of students, those capable enough, to clear out the dungeon and gain experience in fighting unpredictable beasts."

The room shifted all at once. Students straightened in their seats. Heads turned. There were gasps, hushed whispers, and wide eyes. Someone at the back actually dropped their pen. It clattered on the desk, but no one even looked. All focus was locked on the principal.

The idea of venturing into a dungeon, facing real monsters, and earning combat experience, it was thrilling. For a moment, the room brimmed with bright energy.

But then the principal raised a hand.

"However," he added, "only the top twenty students will be going."

The excitement crashed.

Groans echoed across the classroom. A few people threw their heads back in frustration. One boy muttered something under his breath, and a girl beside him slapped his arm and whispered urgently. Several voices rose at once.

"Only twenty?"

"That's not fair!"

"What about everyone else?"

"Why even tell us if most of us can't go?"

The principal didn't scold them. He just nodded slowly, like he'd been expecting the reaction. There was something almost sympathetic in his expression. He let the complaints run for a moment before raising his voice just enough to bring order again.

"I understand your frustration," he said, his voice softer now, as though he were addressing them more personally. "Truly, I do. But the dungeon is small, far too narrow to support a large group safely. We can't risk overcrowding or getting in each other's way in such a volatile environment. This is not a simulation. It's the real thing. Safety is still our top priority."

He paused, then allowed a small, knowing smile.

"And besides," he added, "this should serve as motivation. If you didn't make the cut this time, then use this as a reason to train harder. Study longer. Refine your skills. Grow. When the next opportunity arises, and it will, you'll be more than ready. You'll be one of the ones chosen."

A few students still looked disheartened, but others nodded slowly, the spark of determination flickering back into their eyes.

The principal adjusted the cuffs of his robe, gave the class one final nod, then turned and made his way out of the room.

Jae watched him go, shoulders slumping.

He knew before the announcement was even done that he wouldn't be part of the expedition. He hadn't made the top twenty. Not even close.

The room began to buzz again, this time with a mix of complaints, hopes, and excitement. Names were tossed around, who was going

Jae said nothing.

He kept his eyes on the door the principal had just exited from, trying to mask the sinking feeling in his gut. It wasn't just the thrill of the dungeon he was missing out on. It was the experience. The growth. The opportunity to prove himself.

"I know it sucks," Elise said gently, coming to stand beside him. Her voice was soft, almost apologetic. "But… I'll be going."

He looked at her, startled for a moment, but then nodded slowly. "Yeah. You're ranked in the top 5"

She gave him a weak smile. "You'll catch up soon don't worry."

He exhaled. "Maybe. For now, I can at least help you master that new technique. You'll need it in that dungeon."

Her smile grew, and she touched his arm lightly. "Thanks. I'd like that."

They exchanged a glance, quiet and sincere, before the classroom noise swelled again around them.

xxx

Elsewhere in the capital, the atmosphere was different.

The tall oak doors of the Duke's private room swung open with force.

Byun and his two brothers stepped inside, the echo of their entrance bouncing off the stone walls. They walked with purpose, but as soon as they crossed the threshold, Byun staggered slightly. His breath caught in his throat.

The pressure in the room was overwhelming.

It was like walking straight into a storm, one made of raw, churning power. The very air felt heavier, charged with the weight of authority and something else, something colder.

His father, the Duke, stood at the center of the room.

A tall man with broad shoulders and an aura that commanded absolute silence. His hair, a golden blond, was pulled back into a sharp ponytail that fell just between his shoulder blades. A dark full beard framed his angular face, giving him a presence both regal and intimidating.

He was speaking with a group of knights when they entered. His voice, deep and smooth, carried easily across the stone floor. But at the sound of the doors opening, he paused mid-sentence and turned.

With a simple flick of his fingers, he dismissed the knights.

The men saluted swiftly and exited the room, bowing their heads as they passed Byun and his brothers.

Byun stepped forward and bowed deeply.

"Father."

The Duke chuckled under his breath. "Byun, stop being so formal."

There was amusement in his voice, but something about the weight of his gaze made the laughter feel shallow, like the edge of a blade coated in honey.

Dae, Byun's younger brother, snorted.

"Don't mind byun father, he likes being performative," Dae muttered with a grin, hands shoved into the pockets of his dark pant.

Byun tensed. His fists clenched at his sides, and for a moment, his jaw tightened.

"It's not performance," he snapped. "It's called respect. Something you clearly lack."

Dae shrugged, not bothering to hide the smirk curling at his lips.

The third brother said nothing, eyes drifting between the two with a neutral expression. But the tension was there, an undercurrent that always flared when Byun and Dae were in the same room.