Duke’s Son: Re

Chapter 37

Most players monopolized the knowledge and know-how they gained through research and experience.

It was a rational choice to win in competition and survive.

However, those holding the title of professor at the Lion’s Castle were different.

They were at least A-rank players.

While being active, they conducted research, taught classes, and wrote theses to promote the overall development of the player community.

They were people who deserved respect.

‘I have to leave a good impression, no matter what.’

The mana professor, Lee Soyoung. Her alias was none other than the Great Sage.

She was a giant among giants, having created dozens of mana techniques, including the Yin-Yang Formula, which was distributed to all Lion’s Castle students.

“Hello.”

About five minutes after the bell signaled the end of class, a child around 12 years old walked into the classroom through the open door.

She was a cute girl with plump cheeks and large eyes.

Her long black hair flowed down to her hips, shining like silk, making her look like a living doll.

The uniform she draped over her shoulders, which appeared excessively long like a coat, would give anyone who didn’t know her the impression that she had stolen her mother’s clothes.

She was none other than the Great Sage, Lee Soyoung.

No one knew her real age.

There was only a rumor that she had suffered a side effect of reverse aging while experimenting with new mana techniques.

‘Are those snacks for us…?’

The students, who had been quietly dissatisfied with the professor’s tardiness, were appeased when they saw the assistants trailing behind her, holding bakery shopping bags.

“Most players hit a wall and give up on growth. The point at which they encounter this wall varies according to individual talent and financial means. The talent in this context refers to a First Skill, and financial means refers to the ability to purchase good skill books.”

Lee Soyoung continued the class without any greeting from the podium.

“The more diligent one is in developing an outstanding First Skill, the more capable they are of shining in high-grade gates. The wealthier players who filled the remaining two skill slots with skills well-suited to their First Skill, and who have the decision to swap out those good skills according to the situation, can reach higher levels.”

Her ruby-like red eyes scanned the students.

“On the other hand, ordinary players face their first crisis at level 19.”

To earn significant experience at level 19, players needed to hunt monsters at level 20 or higher. Many realized the strength of D-rank monsters and gave up progressing further.

“The real crisis comes at level 39.”

The difference between D-rank and E-rank monsters was only statistical.

D-rank monsters were faster, stronger, and tougher than E-rank monsters.

However, c-rank monsters increased in the number of skills they used.

The difficulty of battles reached a different magnitude.

Let alone B-rank monsters?

They even gained higher intelligence.

Many players at level 59, who had been hunting monsters, were suddenly the ones being hunted and died off.

This is why B-rank players are considered the top 15 percent.

“Actually, a significant number of the faculty at the Lion’s Castle are players below B-rank.”

The first-year teachers were all B-rank players.

Their levels hovered in the early 60s. They had long given up on growth and retired from active play.

“Cultivating a good First Skill is within the realm of effort, but luck seems to play a part to some extent. Financial means in the early years is purely in the realm of luck too.”

At a slight flick of Lee Soyoung’s hand, an assistant fed her a cream puff from the shopping bag.

The students looked astounded as her cheeks puffed up with the pastry.

“There’s an unfair aspect to it. That’s why some players with an intent have begun to focus on mana.”

The power to control mana.

Lee Soyoung scribbled on the chalkboard with her small hand and placed her hand on her small belly.

“The mana that increases with every boost to the mana stat accumulates in the dantian, and it gets drawn out whenever you use a skill. Scholars focused on this point and researched ways to move mana without the help of skills. This resulted in the creation of mana techniques.”

Her long black hair swayed, a phenomenon caused by the outward flow of mana.

Behind her, it looked as if a night sky was unfurling.

“Mana techniques are means to leverage mana to produce effects somewhat resembling skills. The Yin-Yang Formula you all learned right after entering our school is one typical example. By diligently training in the Yin-Yang Formula, it will help you overcome the walls you will face soon.”

It was no exaggeration.

Jaehyuk also felt the excellence of the Yin-Yang Formula.

When he manipulated mana in accordance with the formula, the mana spread from his dantian throughout his body like Yin and Yang, slightly hardening his physique and aiding his balance.

Although still minimal, he sensed that it would be keenly felt as his stats increased.

“By now, you should understand the importance of mana techniques, right? Do your best to get accustomed to them by practicing regularly. The assistants will help you get a good grip on manipulating mana.”

The assistants, who lined up the cream puffs before Lee Soyoung, began coaching each student as they circulated through the classroom.

“Just as the principles of the Yin-Yang Formula emphasize, the core is the Diamond Hardening. Imagine hardening your body. However, immerse too deeply, and the mana consumption increases, leaving insufficient mana for skills. So, you must draw the line appropriately according to the situation.”

“Are you not concentrating? In this state, you’ll be nothing but a sandbag during next week’s duel evaluation.”

“This preliminary learning was prompted by the school’s view that your standard is too low compared to Class A. Since the professor spared her precious time, you should show your sincerity at the very least.”

“A mana technique is only meaningful when you can instantly activate it when you want. However great a mana technique might be, it doesn’t yield as dramatic effects as skills, so persistence is paramount.”

Groans arose from various directions.

Artificially moving mana without skills was a tremendously difficult task. It was natural that it would take time to get used to it.

“Recall the sense when using a skill. Remember how your dantian reacted when mana was drawn out and how the mana traveled through its pathways, then recreate that process.”

One hour, two hours, three hours….

The entire Class B concentrated hard, sweating profusely.

Having endured harassment from Jaehyuk during every training session, they were accustomed to maintaining focus.

Any break in concentration would have them thrown into swamps or tossed before monsters, so they improved to survive.

‘Wasn’t this supposed to be Class B?’

While savoring the flavor of cream puffs filling her mouth, Lee Soyoung tilted her head as she observed the students.

Each year, the mana department conducted educational events for freshmen ahead of the duel evaluations.

All classes except Class A were educated to bridge the gap with Class A, which entered with a higher level.

Minimum competition had to be established to incite motivation among students.

‘This is Class B, but their level has increased significantly compared to previous years.’

Scanning through the student records, her gaze rested on Jaehyuk.

‘Ah-ha. It’s because of that child.’

Kang Jaehyuk. The son of Yaksha, who attracted attention by blooming a lineage skill at the reassessment site.

The entire Class B was conscious of that single boy.

They secretly glanced at him, who skillfully maneuvered mana without aids, and elevated their concentration.

The sense of competition, indicating they didn’t want to lose, was palpable.

‘No… it’s more like they’re scared, rather than not wanting to lose?’

What, do they even get their homework checked by him later or something?

Detecting the peculiar atmosphere, Lee Soyoung shuddered abruptly.

‘Could it be that kid is taking after his dad’s personality, just like Daesung and Hyun-ah?’

Recalling her raiding days with Yaksha, she shivered and forced a smile.

‘W-Well, at least he won’t be living timidly.’

Indeed, considering whose son he was.

He’d surely live well, so I should avoid crossing paths with him in the future as much as possible….

With her eyes tightly shut, she ignored Jaehyuk and, next, focused on Park Haerin.

‘Buffer.’

Lee Soyoung had the insight to discern the main skill category of a target by analyzing the direction a player manipulated mana.

Different skill categories require different mana circuits.

A support class, giving buffs to allies, was quite rare. The Lion’s Castle held such in esteem.

Despite her low level, she should have been admitted to Class A. She wondered why the child was in Class B instead.

‘So, that stubborn guy from the Suho Guild was her father.’

Having guessed Haerin’s story from her student record, she proceeded to mark Lee Jinsung and Chun Hyeji.

‘Those two would do well to major in mana studies later.’

Although they paled compared to Jaehyuk, she had absolutely no intention of getting involved with Yaksha Junior….

Ding, dong, dang, dong.

As the education from adept assistants began to show results, the bell signaling the end of class rang.

Lee Soyoung brushed the sugar powder off her fingers and stood up from her seat.

“In a year, you’ll be incredibly busy with class, duel evaluations, survival games, dungeon strategies, raid experiences, team competitions, inter-class competitions, and international school exchanges. Be grateful that you can experience such a rigorous schedule ‘safely’, and I hope you work hard to advance.”

Those performing well will be rewarded with mana techniques beyond the Yin-Yang Formula.

Her closing statement excited the students as she briskly strode out of the classroom.

Feeling relieved after paying his respects and returning to his seat, Jaehyuk thought, ‘I’m glad I left a good impression.’

He felt Lee Soyoung’s gaze during the class. His diligence in training the Yin-Yang Formula seemed to have earned him her favor.

‘I succeeded in leaving a good impression, so I hope it leads to a good connection.’

“Hiccup!”

“P-Professor?”

Striding down the corridor with her uniform elegantly fluttering over her shoulders, Lee Soyoung suddenly faltered and sank to her knees.

An unexplained chill swept through her body, raising goosebumps all over her.

***

The rules for duel evaluations were straightforward.

Each week, students had to duel with two classmates. The school arranged the duel partners.

Initially, they matched students with similar levels; later, they matched them according to similar victory rates, dividing students into upper, middle, and lower ranks, awarding bonuses or providing additional education based on their ranking.

“I’ve arranged for you to match up with Kang Jaehyuk in your first duel. Although the level gap was significant, it wasn’t difficult since he’s a lineage skill holder.”

First-year Class A, Ha Kyungsoo. After having a conflict with Kang Jaehyuk and unjustly receiving demerit points, a teacher from the Steel Guild approached him, nurturing his grudge.

“Hmph, what’s there to brag about a lineage skill from a fallen family.”

“Haha, indeed. It’s evident that you’ll win, given you hail from a renowned spear family. However, to ensure your victory, I have prepared a gift for you. All I ask is a simple favor. Make sure he gets knocked out and sent to the infirmary.”

“I don’t need such things. I was destined to crush him even without your request, Sir.”

Sneering, Ha Kyungsoo still stashed away the gift.

“… Still, you never know, so I’ll keep it.”

After all, who in the world would refuse an artifact and elixir?

His face slightly red, he rationalized his choice.