Chapter 16: Moon Shadow Technique (2)

On the day he received urgent news of unusual events, the Duke decided to teach Kallin the Moon Shadow Technique.

He didn't have this intention from the beginning.

Originally, he was looking for a magic cultivation method related to wind, as the child's mystery was wind.

And that was a time-consuming task.

The Kingdom of Haisen has many magic cultivation methods, but none of them were suitable for wind.

He had to search externally, but magic cultivation methods weren't common.

Usually, he had to buy or coerce distant relatives who had left the noble family to obtain them.

He also had to verify if the breathing techniques he found were complete.

It took six months to find a suitable breathing technique for Denif.

Therefore, he originally planned to teach Kallin a basic magic cultivation method.

A very general and pure magic cultivation method that wouldn't cause any trouble if changed later.

But the plan changed completely.

'He said that if that problem is solved, the child could become the best on the continent.'

Marhan wasn't someone who spoke lightly, and the Duke trusted his eyes completely.

Being the best on the continent isn't just a name. If Marhan said it, it was true.

Originally, he only planned to send a doctor, but he came back with everyone because of this.

His renowned doctor was on a mission in the empire, so he had to find a new one, but someone with similar reputation.

Of course, it was a bit disappointing that the new doctor couldn't solve the child's problem, but the original doctor would have been the same.

The condition was something even he, who collects information, had never heard of, so the gap between the two renowned doctors wasn't significant.

And regardless of the outcome, he planned to teach Kallin the Moon Shadow Technique.

The child's uniqueness was so remarkable that solving the problem was a minor issue.

'The best on the continent...'

This phrase had been lingering in the Duke's mind since he heard the report. Desire stirred within him.

He couldn't give up.

He could bring the doctor. No, with such talent, he must bring the doctor.

Even if he couldn't find the doctor soon, it didn't matter.

In ten years, the child would be 23. The Duke felt time was on his side.

Even if the doctor was old, he wouldn't die easily.

'Considering the Kingdom of Haisen's resources...'

Within ten years, there would be a chance to connect with the doctor.

The child's condition would pique the doctor's curiosity, and if he mentioned the talent, the doctor would definitely come.

Even if the doctor said it was incurable, it would be fine. Slow growth would be fine too.

As long as he raised the child.

Even if it was only on specific days, being able to use the best talent on the continent was a huge advantage.

He could prepare in advance and wait for that day.

Perhaps, while raising the child, he could discover the cycle of that day.

Of course, teaching the Moon Shadow Technique to a child who had only been there for a short time was originally impossible.

But Kallin's talent and his own self-assessment made it possible.

The Duke highly valued Kallin's diligence and intelligence.

He understood well even when things were explained vaguely, and he worked hard even when his body didn't cooperate.

Other servants, except for Marhan and Lena, also had very good opinions of him.

Though it was a short time, consistency was important.

Usually, orphans are similar to Kallin at first, but sincere ones are rare.

Most children pretend to work hard and then give up or reveal their true nature.

The weak are not good. The Duke himself was like that, especially with children picked up from the streets.

He had seen many who spoke false loyalty.

They might think they were acting well, but from a high position, it's usually obvious.

The Duke trusted his eyes and the eyes of the subordinates he brought in.

Since becoming the head of intelligence, there had been no major betrayals.

He was always cautious. He didn't trust anyone.

"Isn't it a magic cultivation method?"

The Duke looked at Kallin, who said this. Despite trying to hide it, his joy was evident.

In any case, the child was passing the Duke's test in this aspect.

Of course, this wasn't the end. Kallin would continue to be tested.

The Duke didn't trust anyone.

"You're wrong."

Kallin was confused. If it wasn't a magic cultivation method, what was it?

The Duke smiled at Kallin's puzzled expression.

"Not entirely wrong."

"Then..."

"I will teach you the Moon Shadow Technique."

A "technique" is a combination of magic cultivation and martial arts. It's not just a simple combination.

A single martial art and a perfectly matching magic cultivation method must combine to produce a synergistic effect to be called a "technique."

Usually, a grandmaster creates their own martial art and the corresponding breathing technique.

Of course, sometimes existing martial arts or breathing techniques are enhanced, but this is rare.

Knowing this, Kallin was genuinely surprised. Techniques were not common.

Even in the game, they were special skills only certain named characters had.

"Right now, I'm the only one who knows this in the continent."

"..."

Kallin's mouth hung open. The words meant the Duke was teaching him his secret.

Kallin found it hard to understand.

'How long have I been here?'

He had only been under the Duke for about two months. It wasn't enough time to gain trust.

Perhaps... it was a lie?

It was possible. As the head of intelligence of a country, he might know a few techniques.

It could be a way to gain psychological favor.

But it was a rare technique. The possibility was low.

Even if it was, teaching a technique was still surprising.

'I must be that remarkable for the probability to be high.'

Kallin felt embarrassed thinking this but believed it might be true.

The talent he showed on a good day was significant. It was enough to surpass the empire's terrorist, Denif.

He worked hard and tried to impress people, but...

If it wasn't for his talent, he wouldn't have been taught the technique.

"Do you not like it?"

"No! I'm just surprised..."

The Duke raised the corner of his mouth while looking at Kallin, but the atmosphere became heavier.

"That means you will be my unofficial successor."

The Duke had no children or wife.

He was raised to become the head of intelligence in Haisen from a young age.

Though he was from a noble family, he had a harder childhood than most, but he had no complaints.

It was what he wanted. He still didn't want to give anyone a reason to find his weakness.

The head of intelligence in Haisen wasn't a hereditary position.

The current head of intelligence trains the next one. There were a few candidates now.

Successor?

Of course, Kallin's thoughts were complex and tangled.

The Duke chuckled.

"I'm not saying you'll inherit the Duke's title. It means you'll be my martial successor."

"Ah... Yes."

Kallin, feeling embarrassed, managed to straighten his expression.

"Disappointed?"

"No. How could I be..."

Kallin shook his head hurriedly at the Duke's playful question.

"And somehow, I think Denif told you, but I plan to make you my adopted son."

"Yes."

"Do you have any complaints? You don't have to if you don't want to. I don't need a nominal adopted son."

"How could I?"

Satisfied with the answer, the Duke smiled.

"Can you consider me your godfather, or father?"

This was a moment he had prepared for since hearing from Denif.

He didn't know how it would go, but Kallin had thought of several responses to please the Duke.

"I've never had parents, so I might not be like ordinary children, but I will value you more than anyone and serve you with loyalty."

Kallin bowed deeply.

"Yes. But..."

The Duke smiled.

"Loyalty is good, but filial piety is better."

Kallin looked up and met the Duke's eyes.

"Yes. Father."

The Duke laughed heartily. He was definitely pleased.

None of the other adopted sons, except Denif, had called him father before he asked.

"Go to bed now. We'll meet again tomorrow. I'll teach you the Moon Shadow Technique then."

"Have a good night."

Kallin bowed and turned around.

It was an important moment. His heart was beating fast from the tension.

* * *

"Hmm. Is it effective?"

Last night, the Duke, or should I say, godfather now? The title still felt a bit awkward.

The Duke must know I didn't mean it 100%.

We hadn't had any real human interaction yet.

By reaching out first, he probably meant for me to take his hand and step closer.

On the way back from meeting the Duke, I received tea and a decoction from a doctor named Hein.

It was similar to Chinese medicine, but it looked like a poison from a historical drama when served in a bowl.

The taste was terribly bitter, but the tea was somewhat drinkable, though a bit astringent.

Nothing much changed.

I tossed and turned a dozen times last night, and my body was still heavy.

Well, you can't get full on the first spoonful.

The doctor said he didn't know what it was and gave me a tonic and tea instead.

These things usually require long-term use to see effects.

I don't remember clearly, but I used to take Chinese medicine for a couple of months at a time.

I went down to the dining room and was eating when Denif and Orhen came in, rubbing their eyes.

"Father came last night, right?"

"Yeah, I met him."

Denif's eyes widened.

"Really? He only called you?"

He seemed a bit hurt, showing he really considered the Duke as his father.

Well, that's why he became an empire terrorist.

"Father brought a doctor."

"Ah, because of your condition? Did it... wait, Father?"

I smiled instead of answering. Denif was excited.

"You became an adopted son too?"

I nodded, and Orhen looked a bit surprised. Denif was jumping around happily.

"Then we're all brothers now?"

"...Brothers and sisters."

"Isn't that the same? In a broad sense, sisters are included in brothers."

Orhen frowned, unsure if Denif was right.

Usually, Denif is wrong, but this time he was right.

Denif, nonchalantly, puffed out his chest and patted my shoulder.

"Then I'm the older brother. Hey, Kallin, call me brother."

What kind of nonsense is this?

I glared at him, and Denif shrugged with a shameless face.

"I became an adopted son first, so I'm the older brother."

I looked at Orhen, who was thinking, and he nodded.

"Seems like he's not wrong. Kallin should call me sister."

No. Orhen too?

What are they saying? I felt a slight betrayal and couldn't speak.

"Then why do you call each other by name?"

"We became adopted children at the same time."

Orhen nodded. They both looked confident. I realized my mistake.

I felt like I dug my own grave by asking.

"Ah, forget it. I don't like it."

I stood up, saying this. When dealing with children, you have to act like a child.

Being stubborn is the best.

"What? You don't like it? You're a disrespectful younger brother. Right?"

I smiled at Denif's question. He seemed even more excited and continued talking.

"And you can't leave the table while I'm eating."

His bold 13-year-old words made my head spin.

I sighed and turned around.

The Duke said to meet him today, so I needed to prepare early.

It was originally Bowt's class, but the superior always comes first.

I walked a few steps and stopped.

Still, they are nominal siblings, so giving advice might be good.

"Better eat quickly today. Father will be watching."