Duke’s Son: Re

Chapter 4

A grand mansion located somewhere in Seoul.

“What? The son of Yaksha has enrolled in the Lion’s Castle? That damned Seol Soo-ah has finally made her move. I was worried I might see this day, which is why I hurried.”

An old man, who was pouring tea, performed his actions roughly. His discomfort was evident.

“The influence of a National Treasure is great, but I didn’t expect the process to be so seamless. Many people are uncomfortable with Kang Jaehyuk.”

A middle-aged man sitting across from the old man was sweating profusely.

“It’s not just many; it’s the majority. Yet, not stopping Seol Soo-ah means the situation is dire.”

“Certainly… Since the gates around the Gangwon Province became like that, the growth rate of the lower-ranked players has noticeably slowed. At this rate, it’ll be a while before there’s anyone to tackle the B-rank gates. I understand why they want to increase even one capable player.”

“Hmph, they didn’t expect to summon a tiger when they were only seeking a sprout’s aid. Foolish people.”

The middle-aged man didn’t quite agree.

The son of Yaksha, after all, was merely a 16-year-old boy, right?

Even if he graduated safely from the Lion’s Castle, he’d only be 19.

A tiger, really?

The old man, sensing the middle-aged man’s thoughts, spoke.

“The truth is, we lost a Swordmaster to Kang Jaehyuk.”

“A Swordmaster?”

The middle-aged man was in disbelief.

A Swordmaster.

Within the upper-tier B-rank players, it referred to a master of the sword.

Above all, they were experts in practical combat, skilled in handling murder.

In one-on-one fight, they were the strongest among the B-ranks.

“Of course, even players are human. If hit at vital points, they die. Perhaps the Swordmaster was just in bad condition that day.”

“Indeed… B-rank players tend to be less consistent. There are not infrequent cases where someone fails to demonstrate their capabilities and falls to a blind blade.”

“But even considering that, you can’t underestimate Kang Jaehyuk’s abilities. He probably bloomed his first skill and awakened as a player.”

“But isn’t he just Level 1? He has no record of entering a gate.”

Players were strong because they could increase their stats.

And to increase stats, they needed to conquer gates.

By hunting monsters or completing quests, they could level up.

“He wouldn’t have obtained a top-tier skill by chance, and he uses the Kang family’s sword-drawing technique, so it’s possible he took advantage of the Swordmaster’s opening.”

“A top-tier first skill… Are you suggesting it’s a bloodline skill?”

“That can’t be. It’s impossible to rank the Kang family’s bloodline skills. You speak so innocently.”

“Haha… Anyway, he’s a lucky guy.”

“That’s why bloodlines are frightening. What do you think sets apart the heroes who adapted and thrived immediately after the change 200 years ago from ordinary folks like us? It’s simple. We were not chosen by the gods of fate; they were blessed and loved.”

Crash!

The teacup in the old man’s hand shattered into pieces.

“We can’t give him time. Act immediately.”

“Yes!”

The middle-aged man who replied departed.

The old man, now alone, harbored a fierce greed in his eyes.

“To steal the swordsmanship that’s been protected for 200 years by the Duke’s house.”

It meant seizing even that fate.

Soon, my family would be blessed by the gods of fate.

“This place has such delicious food.”

‘How many bowls did he eat since morning?’

In the corridor leading to the classroom.

Kim Jinmyung frowned as he glanced at Kang Jaehyuk, who was following, rubbing his slightly full stomach.

As a mere teacher, he couldn’t comprehend how the blood of a family that produced two traitors managed to enroll in the Lion’s Castle.

‘They say anyone with potential can enter the Lion’s Castle, but there should be a limit. And that guy ended up in the class I’m responsible for… Damn, it feels like I’ve stepped in crap.’

The Kang family was on a political edge.

Being tangled with them could bring no good, yet he got thoroughly entangled.

‘Whether that guy stands out for good or bad reasons, it’ll only put me in a difficult position, right?’

He worried deeply whether this would have a negative impact on his performance review…

While Kim Jinmyung grumbled inwardly, the two reached the classroom.

1st-year Class B.

This was the class where Jaehyuk would be for the next year.

Kim Jinmyung, who entered the classroom first, announced to the students.

“You have a new classmate.”

The classroom buzzed with the teacher’s sudden announcement.

Having a transfer student appear just ten days after the admission ceremony was indeed a curiosity.

Especially since this was Class B.

The entire class consisted of awakened individuals.

Yet, their average age was merely 19.

The class was full of talents who bloomed their first skill in their late teens to early twenties.

Though compared to Class A, with an average age of just 16, they seemed somewhat(?) lacking.

‘Is another incredible guy coming?’

‘I don’t like having more competition…’

Amidst the students’ focused curiosity.

Kim Jinmyung signaled to Jaehyuk outside the classroom with his chin.

“Come in.”

“……”

The buzzing classroom fell silent.

The students were overwhelmed by Jaehyuk’s appearance.

‘Wow, he’s incredibly handsome.’

‘Tall. Is he a model?’

Admiration poured in.

However, the admiration soon turned to unease.

‘But… why does he look so fierce?’

‘He looks menacing. Is he a gangster?’

Shouldn’t he be in Class A instead of Class B?

The young transfer student boasted a charming appearance, but his eyes and expression seemed rather delinquent.

‘His lips are turning down… Why is he angry?’

‘A triangle mouth. Is he a cat or something?’

‘What do you mean, a cat?’

Anyway, that was the usual reaction…

‘For a young guy, look at those broad shoulders. His physique is something else.’

‘His hands are full of calluses and scars…’

A few students were not distracted by Jaehyuk’s face and focused on his trained body.

As expected from the high-caliber students of Class B, some demonstrated a discerning eye.

However, to Jaehyuk, they all looked like chicks.

‘There’s not a single student with a solid stance. They provide free tuition to these guys lacking even the basics?’

They should rather increase the noble pension…

By the time Jaehyuk’s face was filled with mischievousness.

“Kang Jaehyuk?”

Someone broke the silence.

As expected by Kim Jinmyung, there was a student who quickly recognized the identity of the new transfer.

Though he hadn’t expected it would be the young lady from the Suho Guild.

“Kang Jaehyuk…?”

Other students reacted hesitantly.

Even after hearing Kang Jaehyuk’s name, they couldn’t immediately recall who he was.

After all, it was 8 years ago that the media intensely covered the incidents of the Kang family.

Although occasionally mentioned, most media rarely highlighted the youngest son, a minor.

‘But how did she recognize him at once?’

Kim Jinmyung’s gaze fell on Park Haerin, who turned her head towards the window.

“Ah! Kang Jaehyuk!”

“The youngest from the Kang family?”

Finally, some students began to recognize Jaehyuk’s identity.

They muttered about being incompetent, traitors, terrorists, and a traitorous family.

“Haha.”

Kim Jinmyung felt a burst of relief.

Kang Jaehyuk.

The son of the Kang family, known for looking down on diplomacy, causing public outrage, and the brother of Kang Daesung and Kang Hyun-ah, who plotted a coup.

Yes, there was no way students would welcome such a person.

Naturally, he would undergo a hellish school life, and unable to endure it, he’d leave.

Feeling much lighter, Kim Jinmyung urged Jaehyuk.

“What are you doing without introducing yourself? You can’t possibly disrupt other students’ lessons just for you.”

‘Damn it all.’

Jaehyuk smirked as he glared at the name tags attached to the chests of those who had dared to mock his father as incompetent or ridiculed him.

He thought he had grown accustomed to cold stares filled with hostility and contempt, but it was a misconception.

Instead of becoming accustomed, the rage that had exploded due to recent events only simmered further.

“I’m Kang Jaehyuk.”

Of course, he didn’t outwardly express his feelings.

The night before, Jaehyuk had familiarized himself with the school rules. He had no intention of causing trouble and getting penalized on his first day.

Thus, he acted as diplomatically as possible.

“I have inherited noble lineage.”

“……?”

Students were slightly taken aback by the sudden declaration.

“How could I respond passively to those disrespecting my father to his face when I possess such a distinguished character?”

“……”

“Lee Jinsung, Chun Hyeji, Do Baesoo, assemble in front of me immediately after class ends. Although my instinct urges me to break your limbs right now, it’s class time, isn’t it? We seem to have some misunderstandings, so I’ll kindly explain using words. Anyone else harboring prejudice or dissatisfaction against the great duke Kang Daeguk should similarly come find me to receive a lesson.”

Father, I’m trying my best.

As the faithful steward advised, I’m also attempting to make friends.

Trying hard to ensure my dear father, who must be worrying about the son he sent away, could be at ease, Jaehyuk forced a smile.

It was the awkward grin he had practiced in front of the mirror that very morning.

“Kang Daesung and Kang Hyun-ah, feel free to disparage them without my permission. I often wanted to curse them but found nobody to join me. It seems there’s finally a solution.”

“……”

His quirky laughter and nonsensical words overwhelmed the students with a strange tension as they found themselves caught in a bizarre sense of enthusiasm.

In the midst of this Kim Jinmyung shouted in a trembling voice.

“Kang Jaehyuk, you have been penalized 10 points!”

“……?”

It had been countless time since he last conversed, properly(?), with so many people.

Even more so, interacting with peers was a first in his life.

Boisterously outgoing for a boy without realizing, Jaehyuk was suddenly overwhelmed by shock, leaving him flabbergasted.

Kim Jinmyung glared fiercely at him.

“Having already gained skills and awakened as players at such young ages, you all will become unimaginably powerful over the next three years. Upon graduation, you’ll likely become at least D-rank. Some might even ascend to C-rank players or higher. What do you think happens if such powerful beings can’t control themselves?”

“… Kang Daesung? Kang Hyun-ah?”

Jaehyuk, who had been gaping from the shock of being penalized, reflexively responded.

Kim Jinmyung intended to deliver a lengthy sermon based on the response but was momentarily speechless.

He had not anticipated hearing the names of Jaehyuk’s siblings as a response.

Especially not an undeniable answer…

“It’s quite surprising that you threaten your peers while I, the teacher, am right by your side. I’d love to expel such an ill-mannered and audacious person right away, but unfortunately, I don’t have the authority.”

“……”

The students.

Especially Lee Jinsung, Chun Hyeji, and Do Baesoo froze.

Jaehyuk glared at them menacingly as if he would kill them.

Even as the class teacher gave a lecture right beside him, Jaehyuk didn’t even pretend to reflect and instead continued to intimidate the students.

“Hey! Hey, you! What’s your deal anyway!?”

Kim Jinmyung’s face eventually flushed red.

Even as he blasted away in anger, he couldn’t calm his fury.

That’s because.

“Grrr!”

Jaehyuk, who was gritting his teeth, continued to glare at the students.

Kim Jinmyung’s words seemed to be pouring into deaf ears.

‘Does he have nothing to lose?’

‘Being the son of a great duke, of course, he has nothing to lose. Why did this kind of guy end up in our class…?’

‘Why did those idiots even have to mention someone else’s father?’

“Aren’t you going to proceed with the lesson? I really don’t want to waste any more of my precious time.”

Seeing that the situation wasn’t calming down, Park Haerin stepped forward.

Her sharp voice resonated in the chaotic classroom, ringing like a bell.

Thanks to her, Kim Jinmyung, who barely came to his senses, gestured roughly for Jaehyuk to find an empty seat.

“Ssshhh!”

“… Please just go to your seat.”

‘Wow, he makes that ‘sshhh’ sound with his mouth.’

‘Is there going to be a murder today?’

It was a moment when the first-year Class B students felt like the peaceful days before yesterday had disappeared.

“But.”

Suddenly turning serious, Jaehyuk looked at Kim Jinmyung.

“I haven’t awakened.”

‘At such a young age, you’ve already gained skills and awakened as players…’

Just a moment ago.

Kim Jinmyung had spoken as if the whole class had awakened as players.

Jaehyuk, no matter how agitated, wouldn’t miss such words.

It’s just he ignored what he didn’t wish to hear.

“The hell do you mean? Why are you in Class B if you haven’t awakened?”

“Huh? It was you who brought me here.”

“You! You addressing a teacher as you?”

“Given as you said, I am indeed uneducated.”

“What in the…”

Kim Jinmyung was perplexed on many levels.

Since meeting Jaehyuk, his mind was growing increasingly muddled as time went on.

‘Yes, please let him not be an awakened one.’

Please let this guy disappear from in front of my eyes…

Kim Jinmyung, filled with a desperate wish, opened the student records, but his face crumpled up immediately.

“You, you’re recorded as green.”

Hearing the word ‘green’, some students chuckled.

Glancing at their name tags, Jaehyuk asked back.

“What does that mean?”

“No! Didn’t you go through a mana measurement during admission!!”

“Oh… that?”

Jaehyuk recalled the milky white orb the director had given him.

“So?”

“Ugh… Mana measurement orbs are broadly divided into three types: beginner’s, active’s, and National Treasure’s. The beginner’s mana measurement orb used for new students here determines whether their first skill and stats are activated and evaluates the subject’s potential in a rough estimate. The orb turning green proves that your traits are capable of reaching D-rank player level.”

“I’m green?”

Jaehyuk recalled what happened the night before.

He knew he had held the orb, but did it… turn green?

At that moment, he was so captivated by the director’s gaze that he hadn’t confirmed properly.

He wasn’t an awakened, so he didn’t care about mana measurement anyway.

“Why am I green?”

“No! The result says green, so it’s green! Damn it! Yellow, green, blue, red, black! The beginner’s mana measurement orb evaluates a player’s potential with five colors, and the closer to black, the higher the possibility of becoming a high-rank player!”

“But I’m telling you I’m not a player.”

“……”

Kim Jinmyung felt his sanity slowly slipping away.

His vision blurred, and his consciousness seemed to fade.

Moments later.

Kim Jinmyung snapped out of it and shouted into Jaehyuk’s ear.

“Shut up and go sit down!!”

“Ugh… Such a hothead.”

“Aaagh! Aaaaaaah!!”

“……”

He’s doing it on purpose, isn’t he?

The students, having understood Kang Jaehyuk’s personality, subtly averted their gaze.