The Duke's Son :Re-Chapter 188

“I wish the master good health!”

“I give thanks to all the young heroes!”

“Cheers!”

The Guardian Guild was special. Rarely would they challenge gates as an independent force. Instead, they took a supporting role by dispatching guild members at the request of other organizations or guilds.

Guardian specialized in defense, after all. Its players were unsuited for forming independent parties. Some people ridiculed Guardian as cowards who couldn’t do anything on their own, but most South Korean players were grateful to them; Guardian’s players were at the front lines in every party—inspiring reliability, trust, and camaraderie.

Perhaps for this reason, the celebration to commemorate Park Chang-Cheon’s recovery saw a constant stream of guests.

“Congratulations on your recovery, Master Park Chang-Cheon.”

“I tried to visit you several times but was refused by Jeong Jae-Uk...”

“Guildmaster, I’ve heard tell of your daughter’s outstanding feats as of late. You must be proud to have such a good child. Haha!”

Among the guests were high-level players with towering reputations, political icons, and business moguls—all there to share in the Guardian Guild’s joy.

Of course, that wasn’t the only reason they had come. Beyond old friendships, Korea’s heavyweights were looking to the future.

Park Chang-Cheon, South Korea’s number one tank... he was an irreplaceable talent, the perfect keystone for any party attacking top-grade gates. So of course, it didn’t hurt to be on his good side.

Especially now...

The boy at the center of recent headlines stood next to Park Chang-Cheon.

Kang Jae-Hyeok... a descendant of the Kang family, one of South Korea’s three great ducal families. He defeated Kwae Myeong-Su, a member of the Association’s Enforcement Department, with one strike. Reporters were describing him as the second coming of the Yaksha.

Behind gleaming eyes and winning smiles, the guests stole glances at the young master of the Kang family, assessing.

I don’t trust the vision of those trash reporters, but... I admit that few S-class players can subdue an A-class sword demon using pure swordsmanship.

Has Guardian truly decided to board the same ship as the Kang family?

Some were simply curious, while others were both curious and cautious, but none of the guests held malice while gauging this dazzlingly young master. In the first place, all who’d come to the celebration were on good terms with Guardian, and since they shared no personal grudges with the Kangs, it was best to maintain a harmonious relationship.

“Young Master Kang, it is nice to meet you on such a happy occasion.”

“I am amazed at Young Master Kang’s accomplishments. I hear that Master Park Chang-Cheon recovered thanks to your efforts. Do tell.”

“It’s rare to be considered a National Treasure candidate before becoming an adult. I look forward to your examination.”

The people surrounding Jae-Hyeok chattered in a friendly manner.

Many of the recent rumors were surely exaggerated, but they acted otherwise as they praised the boy. A friendly compliment never hurt.

Jae-Hyeok smiled. “I’m honored that so many celebrities recognize my face.”

“Surely you jest, Young Master Kang. With your looks, how could we forget you!”

“Indeed. Your face is like fine jade while your bearing is dignified. I feel happy just looking at you. If my daughter were five years younger, I would recommend her as a wife.”

“Does age really matter between a man and a woman? I just feel that I’m not good enough for her.”

“Oh my. You are so humble!”

Jae-Hyeok was an aristocrat.

He had been trained in social etiquette and speech from an early age. Every time he opened his mouth with a smile, the atmosphere became cheerful.

“This is the Yaksha’s son... ”

“He’s so different from what I imagined... Let’s go say hello, too.”

One, two, three... more and more people gathered around Jae-Hyeok. It reached the point where it seemed as if Jae-Hyeok were the star of the celebration.

His social skills are outstanding as well.

Park Chang-Cheon took a step back, using his condition as an excuse, and watched Jae-Hyeok with satisfaction.

The reason he hadn’t stopped his people from hosting this celebration was to repay his benefactors.

For Jae-Hyeok and the rest of Hae-Rin’s friends, as well as for that old pharmacist of Longevity Dream— Gam Woo-Seon—he wanted to let more people know about their abilities and raise their reputation.

The result?

“Ahhh! I can breathe. I can breathe! I can’t believe it... The rhinitis that plagued me all my life is gone without a trace!”

“I told you. Just one pill and the inflammation in your sinuses will disappear like magic.”

......

“My cloudy vision has cleared! This is truly divine healing!”

“Haha. It’s nothing so magical. How can I compare with the Saint?”

It was great. Both the children and the old pharmacist were surrounded by influential people and raising their reputations...

“Cute, you say? Why? Because I’m short? You think I’m cute like a three-year-old. Is that it? Huh? Huh?”

“I never said you were short... ”

...Well, except for Do-Jin. But in any case, things were going nearly exactly as Park Chang-Cheon had hoped.

After this gathering, they will be acknowledged wherever they go. It’s the least I can do, and it’s only the beginning. I’m truly blessed to have received help from them. Hae-Rin is my lucky charm; I won’t disappoint her with ingratitude.

He would surely repay each of them.

Park Chang-Cheon’s eyes were filled with determination as he fixed the faces of his daughter, her friends, and the Guardian Guild members who were like family in his mind. Then, he raised his drink high and made a declaration.

“I am deeply grateful to all those who’ve worried for me, those who’ve worked hard for Guardian during uncertain times, and those who’ve gathered here to congratulate Guardian and welcome me back. I am not an ungrateful man. From here on, I, Park Chang-Cheon, will be your shield and repay your favor tenfold!”

"Uwaahh!"

Thunderous cheers and applause rang out. The band started to play upbeat music. And the guests’ hearts became more open; forgoing platitudes, they joked with their new acquaintances while bickering with the old.

***

“Sigh.”

Jae-Hyeok came out to the terrace and undid his tie as he stood with his back to the night view of the city.

Beads of sweat trailed down his neck and collarbone before dispersing in the wind.

“When are we going home? How long do we have to hang out with these aunties and uncles that I don’t know?”

Do-Jin followed him and grumbled.

His cheeks, stained with shrimp sauce, were puffed in frustration.

Jae-Hyeok took out a handkerchief and passed it over. “It’s good to meet new people. Connections are important, especially this time. The connections we build here will spread our reputation and bring us more commissions and sponsors in the future.”

“Our reputation is already fine. Look at that!” Do-Jin pointed to a distant skyscraper, where along one face, a massive digital screen was broadcasting the news.

There, sitting across from a reporter was Ji Cheon-Myeong—a man who held a towering status as both the president of the Korean Players Association and a pinnacle S-class, someone who could undergo tribulation as he pleased. His mouth was moving, and the scrolling subtitles read: “Kang Jae-Hyeok’s National Treasure candidate examination will be held in ten days.”

“See,” Do-Jin said. “Your name is everywhere I go. Do you need more fame?”

“Fame gained through force and fame gained through social circles are different things. I don’t want to be seen as a powerful fool.”

By the way, what’s with that damn president... Am I not worth dealing with directly?

Jae-Hyeok was the one applying for the National Treasure candidate exam. Yet, the Association hadn’t bothered informing him of the exam date, instead leaving him to learn about it through the news, like everyone else.

He felt disrespected.

The same man who was strengthened by bringing down the Kang family was now trampling on his pride with his nose in the air.

Ding!

Butler Hwang: It is a high level of psychological warfare. Don’t be distracted.

Then a text message arrived from Butler Hwang.

The old man had served the Kang family all his life and personally witnessed Ji Cheon-Myeong’s methods in provoking the family head and firstborn heir. He needed only to turn on the news to guess how he might be feeling.

Jae-Hyeok: Yes, I won’t worry too much. Also, let me remind you. You might not be able to reach me for a while starting tomorrow. Since you know, don’t worry!

Butler Hwang: Yes, yes. Just remember, it’s good to be enthusiastic about training, but the diet cannot be ignored. Don’t be tempted by the greasy corruption of the mundane world. Eat fresh and healthy food.

Jae-Hyeok: Okay.

Jae-Hyeok’s gaze was still on the electronic board as he lowered his phone.

I’m sorry, Butler Hwang.

Butler Hwang’s advice was wise, but it did little to ease the fire burning inside his heart.

This raccoon-like bastard, Ji Cheon-Myeong.

Everything about him irritated Jae-Hyeok—from his relaxed gestures to the oily shine of his face to the way he clung to his presidential seat year after year, like an old piece of gum.

All of Ji Cheon-Myeong’s power came from stealing the Kang family’s property.

Thinking about that, Jae-Hyeok couldn’t calm down.

I am still lacking.

Jae-Hyeok gritted his teeth as he glared at Ji Cheon-Myeong and fiddled with the ticket in his pocket.

***

Late at night, after the party had ended, Jae-Hyeok logged into the Community.

[Welcome, player Kang Jae-Hyeok.]

[Current Community points: 813,100.]

In addition to his level skyrocketing and gaining numerous achievements, his victory over Kwae Myeong-Su had raised his Community points to a historic high.

Out of habit, Jae-Hyeok typed in several keywords related to Reinhardt, and a familiar chat room popped up.

[How to avoid the farmers and reach Area Nine (1/2).]

[500,000 points are required to enter the chat room.]

[Do you want to pay points to enter?]

The entry conditions were still absurd, demanding half a million points to filter out people seemed a bit too ridiculous even now.

This is definitely a room meant for National Treasures..

Jae-Hyeok logged out of the Community. Although he didn’t get any information about Reinhardt today, he didn’t have any regrets. In a way, it was a good thing; he once again realized how secret and valuable his Reinhardt ticket was.

Besides, I won’t be going in blind. I already have a guidepost.

With the list of names he’d received from the half-elf, he could relax that much more. Jae-Hyeok took a deep breath and took out the blue ticket.

[Would you like to use the Reinhardt Ticket?]

“Yes.”

[Entering Reinhardt.]

Inside the large and well-appointed VIP room provided by the Guardian Guild, Jae-Hyeok disappeared without a trace.

[Player: Kang Jae-Hyeok.]

[Affiliation: Earth.]

[Welcome to Reinhardt.]

Jae-Hyeok opened his eyes.

The vast sky was above him. In front of him, land stretched out so far that it was hard to fathom.

A wall spanned the horizon in the distance—vast, imposing, and traced end to end by a band of golden wheat fields.

Reinhardt.

He had arrived.