Chapter 91
Chapter 91
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 91
Chapter Title: Is This a Dream?
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‘Is this a dream?’
No Jun-yeop and the Archery Club members couldn’t believe what had just unfolded before their eyes.
They were at the point of suspecting they’d been poisoned without noticing and were now seeing hallucinations.
The sight of a first-year student blocking a pro player’s attack and landing a counterstrike was that unrealistic.
‘Does that even make sense?’
Everyone in the Archery Club acknowledged that Kang Jae-hyeok’s skills were exceptional.
But only in archery.
Even if House Kang was renowned for its swordsmanship, the Jae-hyeok they knew was a ‘genius archer’.
They never imagined he’d excel with a sword—using Quick Draw to shatter a core in one strike or wounding a pro player.
‘And his opponent isn’t just any player.’
The Archery Club members had clearly seen the blue aura around Yeon Ho-ryeong.
Distinctly tangible mana, even without a skill activation.
That was unmistakably the trait of an A-rank player.
‘House Kang!’
The name of the fallen noble house burned itself into the Archery Club members’ minds.
Once one of the three great families that upheld Korea.
While most of House Kang’s achievements and history had been forgotten, their martial prowess had been perfectly inherited.
Right here, in this moment, through that young boy.
“…What’s your name?”
Yeon Ho-ryeong asked, using mana to staunch his wound.
His trembling voice carried intense murderous intent and rage.
“Kang Jae-hyeok.”
Jae-hyeok didn’t hide it.
Hiding it would only arouse more suspicion in this situation.
“You’re impersonating that level 10 kid from not long ago? You damn brat—think you can mock me just because you got lucky and tasted my blood?”
When he’d become the target of that lightning-fast Quick Draw.
Honestly, Yeon Ho-ryeong had thought of Yaksha’s son.
He’d even doubted if the helmeted guy was really Kang Jae-hyeok.
But no matter how he thought about it, it didn’t add up.
Kang Jae-hyeok’s level during the entrance re-exam was just 10.
And in less than two months, he’d grown enough to fight an A-rank player like him on equal terms?
Forget Jae-hyeok—even if his father came back to life, it’d be impossible.
‘This has to be a scheme by those targeting Kang Jae-hyeok to sow discord.’
He’d grown suspicious ever since hearing about the praise for Kang Jae-hyeok at that tavern causing massive losses to their direct stores.
A guy with no skills who avoided the spotlight didn’t make sense as the Archery Club’s backer.
House Kang blood wouldn’t join the Archery Club unless they were crazy.
They’d be struggling to even get into the Swordsmanship Club.
“Whatever. I’ll rip off that helmet and expose who you really are.”
“Do it, then.”
Jae-hyeok scoffed.
Ever since the entrance re-exam was broadcast nationwide.
He’d anticipated that the forces who’d seized House Kang’s assets to grow their own would start watching him.
Daeyang was one of them.
‘And what if they are?’
After eight years of effort, Jae-hyeok had awakened a first skill surpassing House Kang’s bloodline skills, gaining unpredictability beyond others’ expectations. He could now induce information asymmetry.
Take right now, for instance.
If his growth had been within Yeon Ho-ryeong’s predictions, his identity would’ve been revealed the moment he used Quick Draw.
‘A hundred lies wouldn’t have fooled him.’
‘Daring to use Daeyang for your schemes?’
The one who boldly revealed the truth, and the one who’d been arbitrarily deceived.
The boy and the young man prepared to clash.
“…….”
Jae-hyeok rested his hand on the hilt, leaning forward and staying still, while Yeon Ho-ryeong ceaselessly shifted his feet, measuring the distance.
‘A Quick Draw master. Hard to approach.’
The moment he entered range, he’d be slashed.
Having experienced that the helmeted guy’s agility and strength were comparable to his own, Yeon Ho-ryeong shied away from a frontal clash.
‘He’s still young, so maybe mix in some feints.’
Thud—!
Yeon Ho-ryeong smirked viciously and charged straight ahead.
Slash—!
The instant the helmeted guy showed signs of drawing, he stepped back.
‘Inexperienced ones are always so naive.’
He’d taken the bait just as expected.
Elated, Yeon Ho-ryeong stepped forward again.
Twisting the right foot he’d used as a pivot during his retreat at an angle.
Naturally, his slanted shoulder rammed into the helmeted guy’s chest like a battering ram mid-draw.
Kwaaaaaang!!
The helmeted guy’s body flew through the air.
His ribs shattered completely, fluttering like a paper doll.
The already pitch-black helmet grew even darker from the blood bursting inside.
“Hahaha! Should’ve known better than to mess around, you brat!”
Blue aura surged from Yeon Ho-ryeong’s outstretched hand like a wave.
“Ah!”
Even Yeon Ho-ryeong himself marveled as the aura incinerating the helmeted guy lit up the sky bright blue in broad daylight.
He’d mastered [Daeyang Heavenly Wave Technique]—something he thought only S-rank could achieve—without realizing it. A shiver ran through him.
‘I gained another new insight without even knowing!’
He’d thought all his talent had been stolen by his younger sibling.
But reality was different.
Shortly after reaching A-rank, his talents had begun exploding.
He needed to tell his father soon and reclaim his rightful place…
“…Huh?”
Yeon Ho-ryeong flinched in surprise and clutched at his chest.
But his hand wouldn’t reach.
Looking down, he saw blood bubbling up from his chest.
He tried reaching again to block it, but failed once more.
He was definitely moving his hand, but it wasn’t visible.
“What…”
In panic, he looked around wildly, and his words caught in his throat.
Two arms lay rolling on the ground.
That tattoo—is it mine…?
Thud!
His eyes rolled back, and he passed out.
Having lost both arms and with his chest slashed, he’d lost a massive amount of blood.
‘Confusion is as terrifying a status effect as stun, they say.’
A long green gem dangled from an earring in Jae-hyeok’s ear, tinkling softly.
[Delusion Earrings]
Rank: Legendary
Every time the earrings shake, they have a normal chance of inflicting confusion on targets within a 1-meter radius.
*Skill cooldown reduced by 10%.
*Wearer is also subject to confusion.
As expected of legendary earrings, their power was tremendous.
The moment Jae-hyeok removed his helmet, the confused Yeon Ho-ryeong even saw hallucinations.
‘Thanks, Blake.’
He silently thanked the conscientious merchant, then suddenly looked up.
Byeon Seok-gu and the players, meeting his eyes, recoiled in horror and averted their gazes.
Jae-hyeok also wore sunglasses and a mask inside the helmet.
His face was still hidden, but that only made him more terrifying.
What kind of identity was he hiding so thoroughly?
‘It can’t really be Yaksha’s son.’
Byeon Seok-gu also considered it unlikely that the boy was Kang Jae-hyeok.
It defied common sense.
“Hmm…”
Meanwhile, Jae-hyeok pondered, letting his red sword hang low.
Today, he’d earned three achievements.
Two of them were legendary.
Destroying a C-rank Gate’s core as an E-rank player and defeating an A-rank player—worthy of legend.
‘If beating Yeon Ho-ryeong granted a miraculous achievement, maybe.’
But having already secured a legendary one, the odds of another from killing him were low.
‘Let him live.’
Jae-hyeok sheathed his sword.
It was the result of weighing the risks of killing Yeon Ho-ryeong against the uncertain reward.
‘Missing the experience is a shame, but not crossing the line is more important.’
Half-killing and fully killing were entirely different.
If Yeon Ho-ryeong died now, it’d be a disaster for Jae-hyeok.
“Oh, we won’t breathe a word of what we saw today.”
As he put his helmet back on, Byeon Seok-gu and his group hurriedly assured him.
They feared his blade might turn on them.
“For your sakes, you’d better treat Yeon Ho-ryeong.”
Jae-hyeok nodded and led the Archery Club down from the rooftop.
Only after their presence faded did Byeon Seok-gu’s group breathe easy.
“Judging by No Jun-yeop’s attitude, he seems like a first-year… from Silla?”
“Probably. Loren’s Korean isn’t that fluent.”
“I’d heard Silla Kyung was impressive, but I didn’t know he was skilled in illusions too.”
“Seemed like nature-affinity manipulation. Silla House’s potential has always been said to be boundless. More importantly, let’s treat Yeon Ho-ryeong quickly. We need to reattach his arms at least to keep this from blowing up.”
Daeyang’s influence was vast.
If it escalated, it’d backfire on them too.
Byeon Seok-gu’s group gulped dryly and doused Yeon Ho-ryeong’s body with their best potions. Potion addiction be damned—they had to save him first.
***
“Huh? You’re down earlier than expected.”
As they exited the building, Gu Gwang-seon was waiting.
President of Gugang Hotel.
The client for this mission.
“Why? Thought Yeon Ho-ryeong would give us a hard time and we’d be late?”
No Jun-yeop said coldly.
“You lured Lion’s Castle students here for a mission just to sanction them privately. You’ll pay the price. Lion’s Castle will formally protest soon—recommend you prepare in advance.”
He’d heard it from Jae-hyeok on the way down the stairs.
That Gu Gwang-seon must have known Yeon Ho-ryeong’s intentions.
He’d been doubtful, but Gu Gwang-seon’s tone confirmed it.
Gu Gwang-seon bowed his head to the threatening words.
“If there’s a price to pay, pay it we must. I’ll keep it in mind and reflect. And I promise nothing like this will happen again.”
The sly man.
Sensing the shift, he took a humble stance while eyeing future opportunities.
“I hope the Archery Club continues to interact with Gugang. If you graciously give us a chance to atone, it’ll benefit us both.”
“Thick-skinned bastard…”
Before No Jun-yeop could snap, Jae-hyeok stepped in.
“We’ll see how much sincerity you show before deciding whether to associate.”
“…I’m glad for the opportunity.”
Gu Gwang-seon’s gaze shifted from No Jun-yeop to Jae-hyeok for the first time.
‘No Sword Saint… Could this kid be why Yeon Ho-ryeong didn’t show?’
He couldn’t identify him, but Gu Gwang-seon didn’t mind.
What mattered was that the Archery Club had another useful talent besides the Sword Saint’s granddaughter and No Jun-yeop.
Quickly calculating, he wired ten times the promised fee to the Archery Club’s account.
“I hope to see the day the Archery Club represents Lion’s Castle.”
“If you want even scraps then, invest more aggressively.”
Confirming the astronomical sum yet acting like it wasn’t enough, Jae-hyeok bid Gu Gwang-seon farewell.
The Archery Club members followed him one by one to their bikes, half-dazed.
Overwhelming force dominating an A-rank, bold charisma assigning cleanup to Byeon Seok-gu’s group, cool-headedness turning a client into an investor.
Jae-hyeok’s display today was different from the blackfin tuna mission.
“…Any openings for right-hand man?”
Even the haughty No Jun-yeop was completely captivated by Jae-hyeok.
Jae-hyeok revved his bike with a mischievous grin.
“Who knows. I could use someone good at drills.”
“Drills? I’m great at drills!”
“Me, me too!”
“You cheeky bastards! I asked, so why are you jumping in?!”
The Archery Club members’ faces were all bright as they headed back to school.
Envisioning a future with Jae-hyeok, they buzzed with excitement.