Duke’s Son: Re

Chapter 10

When Jaehyuk opened his eyes in the morning, he felt his body as light as a feather.

Of course, he usually felt refreshed after waking up. Although his sleep time averaged only four hours, his trained body and mind allowed him to recover quickly with minimal rest.

However, today his body felt particularly light. He felt so brimming with energy that he considered increasing the weight of the lead he usually carried around on his body.

“It’s because my stats have increased.”

Jaehyuk soon realized what was going on.

The night before, he had been delighted by a minor achievement during his practice. It was merely a slight sharpening of his technique. If Jaehyuk’s senses had been any less acute, he wouldn’t have even realized the improvement.

But now, it was clear that his stats had increased. And not just one specific stat, but all of them.

However, Jaehyuk had been quite exhausted yesterday. The remnants from his fight during training left him too tired to notice the boost in his stats.

“If my stats hadn’t risen, my body would have felt as heavy as lead.”

This was a discomfort non-awakeners had to endure. Most information in a non-awakener’s status window was locked. They couldn’t hear system messages or view their stat details.

“Great.”

How long had it been since his stats had grown at such a rapid pace? He felt as if he could fly with happiness. He felt grateful anew for the fact that he was still in his growth phase.

His walk to the dining hall felt like strolling on clouds.

Lion’s Castle.

Even though his father had defended it, it was a place that didn’t honor his father’s achievements and spirit.

This detestable cage, used at the whim of the government, appeared less gloomy than the day before.

Blending architecture reminiscent of medieval Europe from another world with modern structures seemed purely beautiful now, and he didn’t find the low-level students unpleasant in the slightest.

Yesterday, Jaehyuk had witnessed the perseverance of the B-rank students. Although they were just fledglings now, he saw potential for significant growth over the next three years.

It was a good stimulus.

Seeing those fledglings striving hard made him think he should work even harder.

“More than anything, forming my team is my top priority.”

Jaehyuk had to become stronger. He urgently needed the elixirs that could boost his stats.

He aimed to achieve high scores in team units, training, and competitions. There was also the need to eliminate penalty points.

“The key is deciding on the remaining two members.”

When forming a team, there were no specific restrictions. There was no need for them to be of the same grade or class; anyone with a shared purpose could be on the same team.

That’s why he had decided to include Baek Dojin in his team, despite him being a sophomore.

“Now that I have obtained that little rascal, I’m confident in achieving great results, no matter who else is added.”

Jaehyuk was capable of objectively assessing his own skills. He knew students at their level couldn’t handle him. Even if they were awakeners, they were all low-level.

On the other hand, Jaehyuk could overwhelm opponents with his skills.

“Unique cases like the silver-haired monster aren’t common.”

He was confident that he could achieve first place in team plays regardless of who else was on his team, except in the unfortunate event that his lineup coincided with the Silla family heir.

He knew that even the Silla heir would be tough to contend with, even with a dream team.

“No, it’s not like that.”

Unfortunately, the heir of the Silla family was a freshman too.

They would likely be competing with each other for the next three years, and it would be tiring to assume he’d have to lose to him every single time.

“If I awaken during this time, the situation might be reversed.”

To change his position, he needed a strong team.

“So recruiting random members is out of the question.”

After all, students who build excellent teams prove they have the qualities of a great leader. A high-level team could positively influence grades regardless of performance.

“Ah, hello?”

With these thoughts, Jaehyuk found a seat and was greeted by someone. It was the cheerful Dahui.

“You must be the amazing second place. Eat well.”

“…”

Dahui’s expression turned complicated. She felt no malice from Jaehyuk’s bright response, but his tone was a bit… off.

“Amazing second place…does he mean that sarcastically?”

She couldn’t help but recall the embarrassing scene she caused the previous day when she sobbed with her mouth smeared with sauce.

“Why, what’s wrong? Is your appetite gone?”

“Ahaha… I usually don’t eat breakfast, so it’s hard to adjust.”

“Really? Then give it to me, and I’ll eat it for you.”

“There’s no need…”

“No, give it to me.”

“I need to get used to breakfast, otherwise I won’t be able to keep up with the increasingly tough training ahead!”

“I’ve already touched the spoon. I’ll eat it, so bring yourself a new one.”

“…”

Was this high-level bullying?

As she seriously pondered that, her friend who was sitting next to her whispered.

“From anyone’s perspective, it’s obvious bullying.”

“Did you read my thoughts?!”

“Of course~ Everything’s written on our adorable Dahui’s face.”

“She’s really clear. She wouldn’t show even if you put her in a water purifier.”

Jaehyuk added. He felt a strong fondness for Dahui. How could he dislike a kid who pledged to continue the great nation’s duke’s dedication and legacy?

He felt a deep desire to cheer for her forever.

“What’s the deal with you? You leave all the empty seats and come to sit here. Are you interested in our Dahui?”

Yujin, Dahui’s friend, warily assessed Jaehyuk. She had heard about Jaehyuk’s reputation. Although his appearance was certainly her type, she couldn’t bring herself to send a kind gaze his way.

“Yeah, I’m interested.”

“Ha, I thought you were faking it… What? What?!”

“Hiiik!”

The reactions were dramatic.

Yujin gasped in shock and Dahui looked horrified. Both girls hugged each other tightly, glaring at Jaehyuk with contempt. Unfazed, Jaehyuk continued stuffing food into his mouth and suddenly had a great idea.

“Alright. Dahui, you should join my team.”

“What? Wh-what should I join? Do you really mean the water purifier?”

“What are you talking about? I’m asking you to join the team I’m forming.”

“Pfft!”

Before Dahui could respond, Yujin burst out laughing.

“Why is this guy bothering Dahui? Is that his real intent? This funny kid. You’re just in B-Rank and Dahui is the second in the entire freshman A-Rank. And you think you could invite Dahui to your team? Are you eating manners for a side dish?”

“I’ll help you with training if you join our team. It’ll definitely be a great help to you.”

Yujin frowned at being ignored by Jaehyuk.

“Who plans on helping whom train? You seem to have misunderstood just by looking at Dahui’s typical demeanor, but when wielding a sword, she becomes a completely different person. That’s why her nickname is Sword Saint!”

“The Sword Saint is in the US; what are you blabbering?”

“That’s the real Sword Saint, this is just a nickname! Yet you, on the other hand, are just a 1-level player in B-Rank, right? In reality, you neither have the skills to help Dahui nor the qualification to work with her!”

“I’m not a player, though.”

“Ah, seriously? You meant that ridiculous rumor about how you insisted to the teachers you hadn’t awakened? Gyaahahah!”

Yujin couldn’t suppress her discomfort and began laughing uproariously again. Jaehyuk gave her a pitiful look before standing up.

“Anyway, seriously consider it. My offer to be of help isn’t just lip service.”

“Wait a minute!”

Dahui hastily stopped Jaehyuk who was about to leave. Jaehyuk halted and beamed.

“Glad you can decide quickly. As a second place, your situational judgment is qui—”

“Please return your tray! I had to clean up after you yesterday because you left it behind!!”

“… Hmm, well. If it’s your request, I’ll do it.”

That wasn’t a request.

It was something he should naturally have done.

Dahui was left speechless as she watched Jaehyuk’s retreating figure in astonishment. She found it hard to believe that he was the son of the great archduke of the Kang family.

“How shocking it was when I discovered Jaehyuk’s identity yesterday…”

“Parents and children don’t always resemble each other. Dahui, you know about the Kang Daesung and Kang Hyun-ah incident, right?”

“Yeah…”

“It’s unfortunate for you, but the Kang family are rebels. You’d better be cautious about getting involved with him. He’s likely only using you.”

Did she properly understand? Yujin grew concerned seeing Dahui’s innocent grin.

Kang Jaehyuk was also on her mind.

“Kang Jaehyuk… He’s more brash than rumors say. With that attitude, his school life will be difficult.”

Just now.

If someone other than her, like a regular A-Rank student, had been sitting next to Dahui, Jaehyuk would have been in serious trouble.

Neither she nor another A-Rank student would have been kind to Jaehyuk.

For daring to be a fallen noble.

For galling to try to match with an A-Rank student even though he was just B-Rank – insults would have rained down without restraint.

Knowing Jaehyuk, he would’ve responded in kind and been thoroughly beaten.

“Well, that’s none of my business.”

Yujin supported her chin with her hand and popped a cherry tomato into Dahui’s mouth.