The Duke's Son :Re-Chapter 233

To say Korea’s government had fallen into chaos would be an understatement. Too much had happened in the ten days following Kang Jae-Hyeok’s rise in status.

“We need to strip him of his National Treasure candidacy status immediately!”

“No need to bring him to court. His crimes are clear; we ought to send the military to put him down.”

“The killings that took place during his candidate exam could be dismissed as accidents, but what about the rest? He illegally intervened in the Association’s president election, killing nine of the ten participating branch managers. He destroyed a military prison, causing hundreds of billions of won in property damage. And he then even killed General Cha Seung-Min! It’s clear what’s going on. Kang Jae-Hyeok is nothing but a young killer, abusing his status as a National Treasure candidate to wreak havoc and death. Are we going to sit idly by like this?”

A young killer... The moniker seemed to fit Kang Jae-Hyeok perfectly. Wherever the youth went, death always followed in his wake. He made Kang Dae-Seong’s and Kang Hyeon-Ah’s crimes look like child’s play.

“Not even the Yaksha treated his opponents with such barbarity,” concluded the politician.

Of course, in the world of players, the strong ate the weak. So, provided there was just cause, the government and society at large tolerated some level of battle and killing. After all, ordinary citizenry relied on players for protection, so without some flexibility, the government would sooner drive away high-level players—falling to gate outbreaks or invading countries—than achieve “peace” in the streets.

That said, there were limits to what they could tolerate. The government could still afford to come down hard on some players if need be—that was true in Korea or in any other country, and players knew this. Therefore, they usually restrained themselves from killing and acted with consideration for their impact on society at large. Even the Yaksha avoided killing recklessly despite occupying a high position. Indeed, many influential figures had stood in the Yaksha’s way at one point or another, but the Yaksha had often restrained himself, knowing that if he killed them outright, the result would be public unrest and chaotic infighting as organizations scrambled to fill the power vacuum left behind.

Of course, the Yaksha’s “merciful” solution was to only beat people until they were half dead...

A sharp-faced woman with dense white streaks in her hair looked at the people around the table, all of whom had flushed faces. She lingered a moment before speaking her thoughts.

“The Yaksha didn’t go so far because he didn’t have to. Until eight years ago, Korea revolved around the Yaksha. His words were the truth, and his will was the law. So there was no need for him to get blood on his hands.”

The woman spoke the truth.

During the Yaksha’s peak, the prestige of the Kang family had surpassed even that of the Shinra family. Let alone the Yaksha’s personal power, he also commanded hundreds of elite swordmen at his beck and call, and it was no exaggeration to say that the Yaksha had been the lynch pin for Korea’s continued flourishing. Accordingly, many people moved on his behalf to please him. Those who fell out with the Yaksha were naturally dealt with—whether that was by demotion or disappearing without a trace.

The sharp-faced woman, Ha Yul, paused to sip her tea. As a five-term member of the Ieongdo Party and a strong contender for the next presidential election, no one interrupted her, despite her unhurried cadence and behavior, although they very much wished to.

Ha Yul continued. “As you all know, at one point or another, all the great families rose through bloodshed to achieve the dominance they hold today. With the Kang family having declined over the years... It’s natural for there to be bloodshed once more, as Kang Jae-Hyeok reestablishes his family.”

Unable to help himself. One person questioned, “Restablish? Surely that’s ridiculous. The Kang family has completely collapsed and lost everything. It’s impossible for a few people to rebuild the wealth and reputation that was accumulated over two hundred years.”

Unbothered, or perhaps expecting someone to speak out, Ha Yul only smiled. “Actually, it is possible. But there’s only one way to erase the past shame and prove their dominance—and that is to exterminate those who’ve participated in harming the Kang family.”

Those who plotted against the Kang family or contributed to its downfall in exchange for money, power, or fame were perpetually wary of the Kang family regaining power. They would go to great lengths to interfere with Jae-Hyeok’s rise. After all, if it continued, they might one day meet a similar fate as Ji Cheon-Myeong.

“Since these people have a vested interest in holding the Kang family down, the only way up is through. Kang Jae-Hyeok isn’t sparring these people because if he were to, he has everything to lose and nothing to gain. Only by being ruthless can he eliminate future troubles and clear a path for his family to rise. Not to mention, the stronger his stance, the more people will hesitate to side with his opposition. Therefore, although his actions look cruel and intolerant, once you understand the stakes, his actions make perfect sense.”

Ha Yul thought, But it is indeed remarkable. He’s sixteen years old, yet his actions are like those of a hardened general’s. With his talent, cunning, and execution, he’s sure to reach heights far beyond even his father, maybe even raising Korea to compete with the top foreign powers of the world...

Ha Yul was lost in her thoughts for a moment before saying to the people with trembling expressions, “Kang Jae-Hyeok must’ve already collected evidence proving Cha Seung-Min’s involvement in the fall of the Kang family. There is no way he carried out these actions without any countermeasures.

“With that said, if there is anyone who has cooperated with Ji Cheon-Myeong or Cha Seung-Min, tell me now. Because from now on, our Jeongdo Party will support Kang Jae-Hyeok. Any potential threats need to be eliminated in advance.”

Ha Yul had conducted a thorough investigation into Jae-Hyeok.

The boy had taken control of the Shooting Club within three months of entering Lion's Castle and led a team centered around first- and second-year talents. Also during that same period, he networked with the heirs of Jaegyeong and Ocean, as well as the managers of Gugang. The exact nature of their relationship wasn’t public knowledge, but all three parties had done multiple favors for Jae-Hyeok. So it was clear their relationship was unordinary. In addition, Jae-Hyeok had recently formed alliances with Guarian and the Shinra family.

And if that weren’t enough, there was also evidence that White Night and Thunder Emperor were supporting him—that was something not even Ha Yul could achieve, despite having spent decades in the political arena.

He is an innate talent. Ha Yul’s heart began to beat faster. From swordsmanship to planning and calculating, skills that take others a lifetime to hone, he’s learnt by age sixteen...

As a Korean politician... no, as a citizen, Ha Yul found herself genuinely happy about the emergence of an outstanding talent.

“Eliminate? Are you saying they should leave the party?”

Those who had cooperated with Ji Cheon-Myeong or Cha Seung-Min during the Kang family’s fall wore ugly expressions.

“Leaving the party is the first step, yes.” Ha Yuel’s eyes were filled with certainty as she spoke. “As for whatever punishments Kang Jae-Hyeok brings their way later, that’s of no concern to me and the remainder of my party.”

“That... Isn’t that too much?”

Of the people around the table, all were surprised, but some became angry.

“How can you sell us to that brat? We are members of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea! Do you think we will be obedient?”

“Back then, all I did was participate in one vote! And all I gained was a bit of money!”

Eight years ago, the sentiment among the people had been clear: the Kang family’s ducal title should be revoked. When the bill was put before the National Assembly, some of them had voted in favor of it.

“Don’t you realize that taking money to participate in a vote is a problem in itself?” Disappointed, Ha Yul let out a scornful laugh and ordered them to leave. “Get lost. Ultimately, it’s not me who will decide your fate; it’s Kang Jae-Hyeok.”

Once everyone left, Ha Yul thought, by now, there must be an uproar going on in the other parties. Even some of the party leaders had close connections to Ji Cheon-Myeong and Cha Seung-Min. They will be making radical moves.

After learning of Cha Seung-Min’s death, many of Ha Yul’s peers had turned as pale as ghosts. It was clear they feared retaliation for their involvement eight years ago. Now, their backs were against the wall, and in their desperation, they would likely decide on an all-or-nothing confrontation.

But that had nothing to do with Ha Yul. Since she hadn’t done anything to hang her head about, what was there to fear? The Kang family was a ducal family that had protected Korea for generations. Those who haven’t offended them had nothing to fear from their second coming.

Have strength, boy.

Ha Yul was certain. So long as Jae-Hyeok could survive this final crisis and clean up the biggest culprits from the past, many more people would begin to support the Kang family.

***

“This way.”

After leaving prison, Jae-Hyeok headed to the Longevity Dream Health Store.

“It looks like malnutrition. It’s a good thing you brought her here instead of to the hospital.”

Old Pharmacist Gam Woo-Seon carefully selected the ingredients for a nutrient supplement decoction.

“Her stomach has shrunken, so the key to anything we give her is to modulate the burden we place on her digestion. The decoction I am making will be slow-release, and it is better than ordinary IV vitamin drips. Of course, the Saint’s recovery Skill would be even more effective.”

“She isn’t sick or injured, so relying on the Saint felt a bit inappropriate.”

Having received the warden’s records detailing Kang Hyeon-Ah’s time in captivity, Jae-Hyeok had found no accounts of injuries or special illnesses. So although he wanted to, he felt too guilty to ask the Saint for help. After all, the Saint had his rules for patient priority. Jae-Hyeok didn’t wish to make him cross his principles.

“Tsk. Sometimes, you’re really too clueless,” Gam Woo-Seon muttered.

“......?”

“What harm is there in lying and saying that I am more trustworthy than the Saint?”

“... There are limits to lying.”

“Hmph. The Saint and I are practically the same. He just has a fancy title to go with it...”

Gam Woo-Seon grumbled as he finished selecting the ingredients. Then he started brewing the decoction.

Instead of ordinary fire, he used mana fire to give it special effects.

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

“I’m glad your sister is safe, but are you okay?”

Gam Woo-Seon had rarely seen Jae-Hyeok unscathed, and now was no different. His clothes were tattered, and his body was covered in countless injuries. Was that how a sixteen-year-old should be? Jae-Hyeok faced life-or-death struggles on a weekly basis. Although Gam Woo-Seo did admire Jae-Hyeok’s spirit and bravery, he also couldn’t help but worry about him.

“Of course,” Jae-Hyeok said with a slight smile as he watched Gam Woo-Seon carefully adjust his mana. “It’s much better than when I was struggling mentally.”

When it came to pushing his body to its limits, Jae-Hyeok had no fear. Even if he ended up exhausting himself or sustaining injuries, he would eventually recover. In comparison, wounds to the heart and mind were not so easily erased. Jae-Hyeok understood this better than anyone, which was also why he worried for his sister.

The condition of her cell had been far worse than he’d expected. With her having been treated little better than an animal for years, he feared that she might’ve come away from the experience with a mental illness.

“... Is that so?”

The conversation ended, and the room fell into silence.

Jae-Hyeok’s eyes were locked on his sister, while Gam Woo-Seon was focused on fanning the medicinal brew, his thoughts wandering on what Jae-Hyeok’s early life might’ve been like. Despite the silence, it wasn’t awkward.

The elder and the youth were at ease in each other’s company. They shared a moment of quiet serenity.

......

When the decoction came to an end, Gam Woo-Seon let out a sharp breath.

“Yes!’

This was the first time he created a unique-grade potion.

It was something that had been building up over the decades since he became a pharmacist.

As his Skills and stats increased, his mana became more refined.

He was so elated he nearly laughed, but something else suddenly caught his attention, and he paused in confusion before saying, “Girl, are you awake?”

Perhaps it was due to the improvement of his medical-related Skills, but Gam Woo-Seon had noticed that Kang Hyeon-Ah, who still had her eyes closed, was breathing steadily, and her pulse was close to normal levels.

Kang Hyeon-Ah’s elbow swiftly struck Gam Woo-Seon’s side.

“......!”

She muttered, “Tackless old man, what am I supposed to do if you reveal that?” 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Jab. Jab.

“Oof. No... more.”

With each jab, Gam Woo-Seon folded lower until he looked like a curled shrimp. He lacked the breath to even scream.

“... Gorilla.”

Jae-Hyeok remembered his nickname for his older sister when he was young.

“Jae-Hyeooooook～!”

Kang Hyeon-Ah ran over and wrapped Jae-Hyeok in her arms.

Pop.

“Sis... ter—”

“Jae-Hyeok!”

With tears sparkling in her eyes, Kang Hae-Hyeok further tightened her embrace.

“Oof!”

Pop. Pop!

Ah, that didn’t sound good... Gam Woo-Seon noticed Jae-Hyeok’s trembling arms and sighed.

***

At the same time, outside Longevity Dream health store.

“This is the place.”

Dozens of players, as well as several beastmen, emerged from the dark alleyway and swarmed the front gate of the health store.

Each of them was a talented mercenary—and under the patronage of some wealthy politicians, they were here to handle a job.

“You said I could kill all the witnesses, right?”

“Yeah. This time you can go to town.”

“Hehe! Okay, let’s go—”

Just then, a vast pressure settled over the area and sent the mercenaries crashing to their knees in mere seconds.

Yeon Ho-Ryeon, guildmaster of one of Korea’s top guilds, the Ocean Guild, stepped from the mouth of the alleyway and made his way leisurely through the group of mercenaries.

“That boy is mine to handle,” he said.

As one contending for the title of Earth’s Strongest, Yeon Ho-Ryeon’s presence alone settled the matter then and there.