Chapter 19
The prologue of “Brave Hearts” begins with Tu-gwi Seo Jeong-jin searching for an orphanage to recruit a disciple.
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And at that orphanage…
“Seo Jeong-jin”
“You possess the talent of a hunter.”
He meets Kang Han-byeol.
In the game, their encounter was described as follows:
“Although it was regrettable for the children, there was no child that captivated Seo Jeong-jin’s heart. He reluctantly turned away from that place.”
…(omission)…
“Seo Jeong-jin suddenly stopped in his tracks. Ignoring the orphanage director’s doubts, he turned his body towards the garden.”
“There was no specific purpose. No, if anything, it was a feeling. He simply followed his instincts.”
…(omission)…
“Beyond that, there was something he sought. Seo Jeong-jin was drawn by an indescribable, unknown feeling.”
“Hence, that meeting was a mere coincidence, yet in a sense, it could be called inevitable.”
A man who lived crazed by killing monsters, resembling a bandit.
A boy who lost his family in an accident and closed off his heart, living alone.
In a world where spring petals fluttered, their first encounter was incredibly memorable.
So much so that it remains vivid in memory.
“Seo Jeong-jin”
“I will make you the greatest hunter.”
That’s how Seo Jeong-jin adopted Kang Han-byeol and taught her everything he had achieved.
From then on, the scene of a lifeless Kang Han-byeol living with Seo Jeong-jin, training, and rapidly growing into a protagonist-like figure quickly passed by.
Years passed like that…
“Seo Jeong-jin”
“I have nothing more to teach you. The rest, you must awaken to on your own as you venture out into the world.”
The year Kang Han-byeol turned 17.
Seo Jeong-jin issued the retirement order.
“Kang Han-byeol”
“I express my gratitude to Master. I will do my best to make sure that as Master’s disciple, I can let the world know of Master’s greatness as a hunter without shame!”
The prologue ends there.
After that, Kang Han-byeol heads to the Academy City and enrolls in the academy.
The game begins at that point.
Building a foundation to quickly grow by learning all sorts of combat skills from Seo Jeong-jin.
Also, overcoming past pains, showing a resilient character that doesn’t yield to obstacles.
***
“They must be in the midst of a lively adventure by now.”
Recalling the prologue of the game, I forced a bitter smile.
Although I wished to meet Kang Han-byeol and help her grow, sadly, I had decided to suppress that desire.
Until the main story begins, Kang Han-byeol could be left in Seo Jeong-jin’s care.
“If I were to meet Kang Han-byeol, I might unintentionally influence her character development and disrupt the story.”
It was different from Yeon Ha-neul.
Yeon Ha-neul appeared as a mid-boss with a separate ending, yet had minimal impact on the story.
Even if Yeon Ha-neul’s story were detached, it wouldn’t significantly alter the overall story flow.
On the contrary, approaching Kang Han-byeol, the protagonist intertwined with all stories, required special attention.
At least for now, when Kang Han-byeol’s character is evolving, it’s better not to interfere.
That was my judgment.
“Managing the heavens alone is overwhelming, and I’m busy with my own growth. How can I spare the attention?”
Of course, that was also a reason.
Regardless, I was curious about Kang Han-byeol’s news and had tried to inquire through my father, but it seemed to be in vain.
Meanwhile, the people at the banquet seemed quite unsettled.
“Lord Gaju, is that really true?”
“The Ghost Master took in a disciple…”
“The Ghost Master?”
“Which family does the child belong to?”
When asked about the rising powerhouse among the hunters of the same generation as the grandfather, the existence that was inevitably mentioned along with the current leaders of the Ten Clans was none other than Tugwi.
People couldn’t help but be curious when they heard that Tugwi had taken on a disciple.
To this, the grandfather replied,
“It seems he was called Strong Star. Two years ago, he adopted that child from an orphanage and took him on as his disciple.”
“It doesn’t mean he’s from any family. Maybe Tugwi didn’t have ties to any other family. He didn’t like being tied down, so he might have adopted a child with no background for that reason. Or, maybe he just wanted to raise a child who hadn’t been influenced by anyone.”
“How old is this child?”
“They say he turned twelve this year.”
“Then… some of the kids here will probably end up competing with him in the Academy City.”
“Yes, that’s likely.”
“Between ten and fourteen years old.”
The eldest grandfather, who was considered the most likely successor as the next head of the Shingeom Do-ga.
When the eldest grandfather spoke, the grandfather nodded.
Then he turned his gaze to the audience.
“He told me this. He said to me, ‘Let’s see which is stronger, my disciple or the child from our family.'”
“…”
“It may be a childish and obvious provocation, but we can’t just ignore it. I believe our family should be far superior to any other. Naturally, even more so than his disciple.”
By this point, it was unmistakable.
I could anticipate what the grandfather would say next.
“So, I have high expectations for you who will be competing against his disciple.”
“…”
“I hope you will show a demeanor befitting the status of the Shingeom Do-ga.”
“Yes… I will keep that in mind, Grandfather…”
Sure enough.
The grandfather smiled as he gave his instructions.
Between ten and fourteen years.
The expressions of those who would meet Strong Star in Academy City were not so good.
They reluctantly responded.
‘Perhaps similar situations are unfolding in other families.’
I followed suit with their responses.
But I was not flustered.
As someone who knew the flow of the game, I knew this situation was bound to happen.
Perhaps Tugwi had not only taken on a disciple from the Shingeom Do-ga but had also provoked other families by doing so.
As a result, Strong Star would garner the attention of the noble family from the moment he entered the school.
‘Getting involved with people from the noble family, constantly getting into disputes…’
Should we say it’s the fate of the protagonist who never has a moment of peace?
Naturally, as a member of Strong Star’s party…
Damn.
“If it’s Si-eun, I believe she will do well.”
“I will strive to live up to the expectations.”
“And Seung-woo.”
“Yes, sir!”
It occurred to me that Grandfather had originally intended to praise Seung-woo.
At that moment, Grandfather called him.
The one called stood up straight with his back straight.
“As a student of the Tugwi and the same age as that child, you will have many occasions to be involved with him. Show your true self.”
“…Yes! I will show my true self!”
Pleased to receive Grandfather’s approval, Seung-woo confidently replied, patting his chest.
‘I might end up losing to Ganghanbyeol and losing my place in the family….’
I sighed without knowing my fate.
I chuckled as I watched him.
He continued to boast even more.
“My father taught me something, sir!”
“Oh? Shall we hear what Beom-jun taught you?”
“Yes, sir!”
The third eldest grandfather raised an eyebrow.
Seung-woo, emboldened by Grandfather’s approval, spoke up.
“They say even a lion exerts all its strength to catch a single rabbit! Like that, I plan to fight with all my might, no matter who the opponent is!”
“Well, perhaps being overconfide…”
Pffft!
“….”
Oh no.
He had to stop blabbering like that.
Seung-woo’s overly confident babbling was amusing and bewildering, so I ended up just sipping my drink without reacting.
As a result.
‘Oh, darn…. I messed up.’
When I barely managed to hold back my laughter, all eyes were on me.
Grandfather was also looking at me.
“Did something funny happen?”
“….”
“Come on, let’s have a laugh together.”
Not only did he interrupt what I was about to say, but he also burst into laughter in the middle of speaking.
Grandfather kindly asked, but if I responded too lightly in this atmosphere, it would likely upset him.
“You, again….”
Father let out a small sigh.
And then, feeling embarrassed for me, he tried to explain the situation.
“Sir, Gyunwoo was just drinking water….”
“I asked Gyungwoo.”
“….”
“Gyungwoo, I wish you’d tell me.”
Father’s words didn’t have any effect.
Grandfather, with his gentle face, was still waiting for my response.
‘Oh well, I don’t know.’
There was no helping it.
Just let it be as it may.
When the spirit moves you, it moves you.
I decided to be honest.
“Seungwoo said something funny.”
“What do you mean?”
Grandfather tilted his head in curiosity.
Thankfully, he didn’t seem upset.
Instead, he seemed eager for my response, urging me to continue.
I proceeded with my explanation.
“They say when a lion catches a rabbit, it exerts all its strength. But if a large lion says it will fill its belly with just one rabbit, would it really exert all its strength? It seems a bit strange to me.”
“Go on.”
“No, it’s just… “
“….”
“If a lion is willing to exert all its strength to catch just one rabbit, isn’t the situation quite dangerous?”
“My lord! Dogyunwoo, that’s nonsense…”
“I never asked you anything, Seungwoo.”
“I… I apologize.”
“Continue.”
“In my opinion… Yes, at the moment a lion tries to catch a rabbit, it’s as good as over for the lion. But the lion confidently says it will do it, which is why it’s amusing to me.”
“….”
“If I have offended you in any way, my lord, I sincerely apologize.”
“….”
Even if it leads to trouble, let’s speak our minds.
Ignoring Father’s objections, I confidently spoke to Grandfather even as others sighed in the background.
Grandfather listened to my words without any visible reaction.
That’s when it happened.
“Ha ha! Quite amusing indeed!”
“….”
Suddenly.
Grandfather burst into hearty laughter.
The laughter filled the dining hall so much that it silenced the family members who were watching Grandfather with concerned expressions.
Soon, Grandfather’s laughter subsided.
“Indeed… Your words make sense. If a lion, aspiring to be the king of beasts, goes all out to catch a single rabbit, it may mark the end of the lion’s life.”
“…”
“As you contemplate the words you spoke today, consider if they apply to me as well.”
“Um… There’s probably no need for that… Master, you are still in good health.”
“I appreciate you saying that. However, I find the proverb about constantly reflecting on oneself to guard against weakness quite valuable.”
…I didn’t mean it that way.
Grandfather, who added his own twist to my words, seemed quite pleased with himself.
In that moment, it was hard to come up with a response.
‘It seems I’ve gained Grandfather’s favor, so I’ll just leave it at that.’
There was no point in explaining further.
I decided to let it slide.
Meanwhile, feeling a sudden gaze on me, I looked towards the table opposite.
“Do Gyeonwoo….”
The third eldest and Do Seungwoo were both blushing intensely.
Their stares felt piercing.
‘I probably shouldn’t offer an explanation after all.’
It felt good to let them figure it out on their own.
So, I continued to enjoy my meal while sensing their gazes.
***
Before long, it was Grandfather’s turn to ask about our family’s well-being.
Unlike the other relatives, Grandfather didn’t engage in much conversation with our family.
“Is everything okay with the branch in Songpa District?”
“Remember to take care of the little one’s health.”
Since my parents were somewhat estranged, and there were no significant topics to pique Grandfather’s interest in our family, this was always the case.
My parents politely answered his inquiries without showing much emotion and ended the conversation.
My mother seemed relieved as the conversation ended smoothly.
Eventually, it was my turn.
“Come to think of it, I haven’t mentioned it yet. I’m considering holding the evaluation match at the gate this time.”
Grandfather turned his gaze towards me and suggested as if for the audience.
This caused a stir among the people.
“Holding it at the gate…”
“What about the grading?”
The age range for participants in the evaluation match was set from 8 to 16 years old.
It was an age with many shortcomings.
Those with children in that age group expressed their concerns.
In such a situation….
“I’m going for the yellow.”
“Yellow?”
“Lord, that’s a bit…”
When Grandfather stated that he would target the high yellow gate after the white and gray ones, people couldn’t help but feel awkward.
Upon this, Grandfather chuckled.
“I am not unaware of your thoughts, so don’t worry too much.”
“….”
“The evaluation tournament will take place in the gate targeted by the hunters of the family, ensuring safety. However, that doesn’t mean safety can be completely guaranteed. So, it’s up to each individual to decide whether to participate in this evaluation tournament.”
“Each individual’s decision?”
“Instead….”
Grandfather paused for a moment and then pointed to those who were of the age to participate in the evaluation tournament.
I was among them.
“For those who meet my expectations in the tournament, the family will give out one of the treasures we possess.”
“….!”
Giving out a treasure owned by the family.
It was quite a radical condition.
It was enough to surprise everyone.
I was almost in a similar state of shock.
“What’s going on? Did he decide to go all out this time after hearing about the return of the spirit?”
I don’t even know.
There was a good chance that the news of the spirit taking on an apprentice had ignited Grandfather’s competitive spirit.
And then it happened.
“But, Gyung-woo.”
“Yes?”
While explaining about the evaluation tournament.
Out of the blue, Grandfather called me.
Our eyes met in an instant.
“I really hope you participate. I want to see with my own eyes how you defeated the spirits and how much you’ve grown all this time.”
“….”
Caught.
It seems like I was caught, after all.
Though Grandfather’s tone was gentle, there was an undeniable sense of command in his words.
It was an order from the head of the family.
I had to comply with that order.
“Yes, please watch over me.”
“Very well, I’ll be expecting great things from you.”
Perfect timing.
I was already racking my brain to acquire the courage skill.
[The target’s caliber is too high.]
[Unable to view the status window.]
However, if one were to ask a grandfather with such high caliber that even checking the status window is impossible, one might gain courage.
To do so, attracting attention from the grandfather was a crucial opportunity.
That opportunity could not be missed.
‘Besides, if done well, one might even secure a treasure from the family report…’
Killing two birds with one stone, there was no better deal.
I raised the corners of my mouth.
And so, as the dinner party came to an end…
“Then let’s change seats.”
The evaluation round began.