Duke’s Son: Re

Chapter 33

Within the community, there existed various shops that sold all sorts of goods. The currency required here was known as community points. High-level players were desperate to earn points.

“I’ll buy any B-rank gate strategy guide from Japan for 10,000 points (1/5),”

“Buying all information about the La Vie en Rose guild from France (10/10),”

“Selling legendary-grade dagger. Offer your price (20/20),”

“Buying a ring that reduces mana consumption (1/5).”

All transactions within the community were conducted through points.

“2,000 points for sale. Only accepting US dollars (2/2),”

“Buying points infinitely with Chinese Yuan (1/20).”

The value of points overwhelmed cash and occasionally led to heinous crimes.

“Hiring for murder, points accepted. Can handle players up to A-rank (1/2).”

The market for points was so influential that it controlled lives, without any exaggeration.

『Points held: 174,000』

Jaehyuk was well aware of the value of points.

“Commoners would sell points earned from leveling up to fulfill their dream of owning a house,” he thought.

One level up equaled 1,000 community points. The higher the level, the harder it was to advance. Becoming a B-rank player required reaching level 60. However, B-Rank players were classified as the top 15 percent. Why? Because reaching level 60 was difficult. Receiving a boost from a party was a story applicable only to newbies. Beyond a certain level, one had to grow independently, whether by hunting monsters or defeating other players. To gain meaningful experience, it shouldn’t appear that significant external help was involved. Moreover, the target’s level had to be higher than one’s own to gain significant experience.

The prevalent belief was only half correct about aristocrats or the wealthy growing easily due to others’ boosts.

“I’m still only at level 10…”

Then why did he have so many points?

Caught in bewilderment, Jaehyuk reviewed his point acquisition history. He had gained a total of 9,000 points from leveling up. Setting one legendary achievement rewarded him with 50,000 points. Three miraculous achievements brought in 60,000 points. Eleven astonishing achievements earned him 55,000 points.

“I had accumulated a lot of achievements even before my awakening.”

The legendary achievements had been gained by slicing through the tribulation. Miraculous achievements were obtained during the Leech King raid, the fifth time he entered Transcendental Focus, and recently again during his tenth Transcendental Focus.

Among the eleven astonishing achievements, two were earned during the Leech King raid and while demonstrating in front of the lion statue. The remaining nine were accumulated during eight years of training.

He felt joy. The fact that all his efforts were being recognized. Simultaneously, he felt a chill. The reality that the efforts of the past eight years weren’t of value equivalent to an entry fee for someone else.

“I have a long way to go.”

Completing the quest at Lion’s Castle impeccably became even more vital….

After steadying his mind, he browsed the community a bit more before drifting into sleep.

***

“Jaehyuk! You were really cool yesterday!”

“When will you be nominated as a National Treasure candidate?”

The next morning, upon arriving at the classroom, Jaehyuk was surrounded by kids.

Students from class B genuinely congratulated him for awakening a bloodline skill. Of course, not everyone celebrated. A few wore noticeably complex expressions.

They were in disarray after discovering that Jaehyuk, who had showcased overwhelming aptitude in geographical adaptation training and performed impressively during the Leech King raid, was only a level 1 player without even a single first skill.

‘We thought he was on a much higher level than us.’

‘To think he demonstrated exceptional skills at the same level 1… or even a level below us.’

Such overwhelming talent invited jealousy.

“Is a bloodline skill really that impressive? Even if it belongs to the Kang family, wouldn’t it be weaker compared to ones from the Silla or Kim families?”

“True enough. If the Kang family were that incredible, it wouldn’t have collapsed.”

The moment students gathered at the back of the classroom and unhappily glared at Jaehyuk’s back, unable to hold back their grumbling.

“It’s unsightly.”

“Exactly. They should limit their jealousy; how can they belittle the duke household’s bloodline skill?”

Jinsung and Baesoo sneered. Stung by the truth, the students with flushed faces criticized them.

“And what makes you think you’re better for lecturing here when you also dislike Jaehyuk?”

“You’ve been bullied by him the most but have no pride? Instead of being straightforward like us and being jealous, you put on an act.”

“Jealousy my…”

Jinsung pointed at the cast on Jaehyuk’s arm.

“Do you know why that guy’s in a cast?”

“Isn’t it from the thunder-cutting?”

“Nope. He was fine then. He broke it while training alone at night.”

“… Breaking a bone from training?”

“He said he swung a sword so much his body couldn’t withstand it.”

“What a fool…?”

“He does seem foolish, doesn’t he? But, how many would swing a sword till their bones break? Then again,”

Jinsung chuckled.

“We have already done those foolish things several times ourselves as well.”

At that moment.

The students went silent.

Remembering the hellish training over the past fortnight.

“Do you recall nearly killing ourselves in the swamp following Jaehyuk around?”

“Yes, it allowed us to overpower class C in joint training. We performed better than their boastful red-grade cadet.”

Baesoo nodded, chiming in.

Gradually, the students’ gazes locked back on Jaehyuk’s back.

“For someone, it might seem foolish enough to appear moronic, but for him, it was just natural. We’ve directly experienced the results of that strenuous training.”

“…….”

“Hadn’t we felt great both when we overturned class C and defeated the Leech King? We should strive to feel that thrill once again.”

“… True.”

“We were really short-sighted.”

“Just days ago, we praised Jaehyuk, thanking him for being great. Now, talking about jealousy… my mind was too narrow. Damn, it’s embarrassing.”

B class’s average age was merely 19. Predominantly filled with kids who had yet to reach adulthood. Immaturity at times was natural.

Yet their resolve shifted promptly.

They replaced their embarrassing jealousy with faint respect and fierce determination.

***

After completing swamp adaptation training, Class B moved into actual combat.

Over thirty players dived into the swamp, engaging in fierce battles with monsters.

Gigantic leeches bigger than pythons, sonic-attacking mosquitoes, poison-spraying moths, centipedes with razor-sharp legs, and armoured trilobites used forests and swamps for cover, but with Jaehyuk’s training, Class B students easily sensed their presence.

『Level up!』

It was their first level-up since entering Lion’s Castle a month ago. Despite it being a significant milestone in becoming true players, all students’ expressions were disgruntled.

“Damn that Jaehyuk, that jerk…!”

“I can’t take it any more! Let’s settle it today, you damned bastard!!”

Merely five hours had passed since they had changed their mindset, persuaded by Jinsung.

Their respect and enthusiasm for Jaehyuk transformed into hatred.

Seething, they directed their killing intent towards him, not the monsters.

Every time they had an opportunity to finish a monster, he would obnoxiously pop up, blocking their efforts.

“What did I say? Winning like that only forms bad habits.”

Jaehyuk nudged Jinsung with his foot, indicating the centipede. He poked Haerin’s side, engaged in battle with it.

“Kyaaa!!”

Startled by the unsettling sensation, Haerin shrieked like a porcupine raising its quills, usually priding herself on her luscious blonde hair.

“See? Sure, you would’ve won just like that, but your waist might’ve been sliced in the process. Isn’t that a loss?”

Pausing next to her, Jaehyuk smirked as he shattered the centipede’s leg that nearly grazed her.

“You’re dead meat!!”

Leaping a meter into the air, Haerin aimed a kick at Jaehyuk.

Effortlessly dodging, Jaehyuk poked her side again.

“Your waist is flimsy. Do some conditioning.”

“Kyaaa!”

“…….”

The students turned to look at Kim Jinmyung.

Their faces signaled a plea to stop this craziness.

But Kim Jinmyung merely stood, arms folded, silent.

‘This is such a perfect lesson.’

There was always a reason behind Jaehyuk’s interference.

He calmed down excited students facing monsters, corrected wrong postures, and provided hints on achieving complete victory from what could have been half-win scenarios.

‘Why is it that you assist the students so diligently, Jaehyuk?’

Because you’re the duke’s son?

Just as when you stepped up for my sake, is it simply because of your noble’s obligation?

‘Even after being betrayed by the state and its people….’

Anyhow, a remarkable fellow indeed.

His very foundation was different.

Even an older man like me feels respect.

‘A noble… A genuine noble….’

As he marveled at Jaehyuk with great admiration.

‘This is entertaining.’

Jaehyuk tried hard to conceal his wicked grin.

Tormenting students like Jinsung, Baesoo, and Haerin—the ones he disliked genuinely—was exhilarating despite being a daily occurrence.

‘Those who sin must pay the price.’

He swore he wouldn’t forgive anyone who had insulted his father and family even once.

Yet, despite his feelings, he never crossed the line.

He ensured the students wouldn’t get injured by the monsters, giving them adequate assistance.

‘I do like their tenacity, though.’

Class B students bore resemblance to earthworms. The more trampled, the more they squirmed.

Their burning sense of revenge to repay in kind was laughable yet endearing.

‘Moreover, they did possess loyalty.’

Never in his wildest dreams had he expected them to aid him during the Leech King raid.

‘These youngsters…’

With a slight chuckle, he noticed Park Haerin isolated within the swamp and released mana through his sole.

Kwaaaaa!!

“Not just moving your body, use mana, too. Don’t you remember the mana utilization lessons every morning?”

“What the…”

The erupting torrent conjured by Jaehyuk left students, and even Kim Jinmyung, astounded.

Humans before awakening could increase their mana stat by training their mind.

Jaehyuk had consistently exceeded his limits by training his mind beyond his physicality.

Meaning his mana stat had already maxed even at awakening.

Interestingly, one of the core stats for knights was mana, and after awakening, he set achievements that boosted all his stats by 12.

As it stood, Jaehyuk’s mana stat was a staggering 80.

The intense display of mana control using the Kang family mana technique was enough to make Kim Jinmyung flabbergasted.

‘He might just surpass my mana stat shortly…?’

Kim Jinmyung’s current level was 65.

Being a mage, his mana stat was close to 140.

Though it wasn’t feasible for Jaehyuk to match his stat anytime soon, it felt plausible.

The Kang family’s mana technique amplified mana up to twice, depending on the concentration.

“That guy’s crazy, even with a broken arm… Aaaagh!!”

“Instructor! Save… Blub, blub!”

“Gasp! I’m coming now!”

Momentarily dazed, Jinmyung dove in to rescue the students swallowed by the swamp.

Meanwhile, Jaehyuk, in one swift movement, decapitated the monsters, suspended mid-air.

『Leveled Up!』

“… Thank you.”

It’s often said that facial structure is a reflection of one’s personality.

With a face resembling a cat, Haerin naturally came across as wary.

Though expressing gratitude to Jaehyuk, she maintained her distance, careful not to let him get close.

“You helped me before as well.”

On the first day at school.

When Kim Jinmyung had crossed the line, urging the lesson to continue promptly, the subtle support came from Park Haerin.

“… I didn’t help you,” she murmured, biting her inner cheek as she turned back to face the monsters.

‘Her expression seems gloomy.’

Was she the young lady of the Guardian guild?

‘A guild, huh….’

Jaehyuk’s eyes darkened dimly.

‘Those with fewer things to lose would act first, wouldn’t they?’

Now, with awakening, gaining experience even by eliminating another player was feasible.

Revving up seriousness, Jaehyuk tapped his cast.