Chapter 41

Chapter 17. Enemy Within and Without (1)

5th Rank Knight.

Jin had anticipated it would take a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years to reach that level, as becoming a 5th Rank Knight at the age of 20 was the average in Runcandel.

However, Jin, who defeated 5th Rank Knight Kajin, is only 15.

Although Kajin underestimated Jin's full strength and was complacent, even if they fought again, Jin would still win.

"Beaten by the youngest... by you?"

"Hah, now you're lying. Does that even make sense? The youngest was only a 3rd Rank until recently. Even if you're an idiot, this doesn't make sense."

Mew and Ann, upon hearing Kajin's report, looked as if they couldn't believe it.

Of course, it was understandable. Jin didn't ambush Kajin, and Kajin didn't give any handicaps. In terms of practical experience and physical condition, Kajin was overwhelmingly better.

"I am ashamed."

"Maybe you let your guard down because the youngest is a pureblood."

"Or did you take money from the youngest?"

"Absolutely not, Miss."

"Then what? Are you really asking us to believe that the youngest became a 5th Rank in such a short time?"

"Not just me, but everyone in the training ground saw it. The aura was clearly above 5th Rank."

"Hah!"

Mew pressed her forehead, and Ann let out a hollow laugh.

"Fine. It was my mistake to expect anything from someone like you. Get lost."

As Kajin left, the two women looked at each other.

"Is this really the youngest showing his true colors to us?"

When Ann asked, Mew replied.

"No. He's showing his true colors to the entire family. We need to send him on a mission where he can definitely die... and involve our children too."

* * *

The Sword Garden suddenly became noisy.

The rumor that Jin had defeated Kajin and become the undisputed strongest in the intermediate class had spread even to the servants. However, among the servants, many, like Mew and Ann, didn't believe in Jin's achievement.

It was an unbelievable rate of growth. Only three people in Runcandel's thousand-year history had become 5th Rank Knights at the age of 15: the first family head Temar, Shiron, and Luna.

However, people only knew about Jin's achievement in swordsmanship.

'Swordsmanship 5th Rank, Magic 4th Rank, Spirit Energy 4th Rank.'

The 5th Rank in swordsmanship was an unexpected growth even for himself.

After returning from Memit, he continued his usual training with the blue stone, and before he knew it, his aura had reached 5th Rank.

During each break, while sustaining his sword with aura, the speed at which the aura accumulated in his body was tremendous.

This wasn't just because of his exceptional talent in swordsmanship.

It was a kind of synergy effect.

The three forces flowing in Jin's body: spirit energy, magic power, and aura.

Ordinary people couldn't understand this because they never dealt with all three forces at once, but Jin felt that they were interconnected.

When one of the three became stronger, it affected the others. The most influential was spirit energy. Recently, Jin experienced a 'spirit energy surge' and achieved significant growth.

As a result, a new path for the flow of aura and magic power was opened. For Jin, it was like winning the lottery without even buying a ticket.

'Now that I've openly revealed that I became a 5th Rank at 15, my brothers will start to take me seriously.'

Of course, he has reached a great level.

But he's not yet strong enough to face his brothers. The family's leaders could crush Jin at any time if given the chance.

Not just Mew and Ann.

Joshua, who has been designated as the next family head, and the other major brothers who are closely following him, will now have to pay attention to Jin.

Jin has now become a thorn in the side of those who aim for the throne of Runcandel.

Choosing Barisada at the selection ceremony could be dismissed as superstition, but truly showing his potential is a different matter.

'Keeping my abilities hidden for a while might not have been a bad choice.'

If he had revealed it around 18, it might have made those close to the throne more complacent.

However, Jin judged that the benefits of revealing it now outweighed the risks.

'From today, the fact that I became a 5th Rank at 15 will start to spread outside Runcandel. Various families and alliances will come to see me, and with more eyes on me, my brothers won't act recklessly.'

And most importantly, Shiron Runcandel, his father, will personally visit the Sword Garden.

He desperately wants a successor who can replace Joshua. After Luna, Shiron has never felt satisfied with his children.

But the only one who caught his eye, Luna, has no interest in the throne. She even observes from the sidelines, disliking the bloodshed among family members.

Therefore, no matter how strong she is, Shiron considers Luna unsuitable to lead the family.

Joshua, designated as the second-best successor, was a good choice in terms of personality. While not entirely satisfactory, he possesses sharp decisiveness, drive, and coldness.

Moreover, even if Joshua fails, there are alternatives.

Shiron also considers his second son Diphus, second daughter Lunthia, and third daughter Mary as potential successors.

The succession structure was solidifying.

'Now, there's me.'

Jin's appearance has changed the landscape. Shiron is a person who gives opportunities regardless of age.

'Just like when I was in the beginner class, the results of this mission will be reported to my father. Along with my achievements... and he will give some instructions.'

Jin expected that Shiron's instructions would include two things.

First, a trial.

To see if Jin can overcome the age gap with the designated successor brothers.

Second, protection.

Once he shows his potential, direct attacks from his brothers are inevitable. Shiron doesn't want Jin to become prey before he even takes the test.

Jin is a special case. Shiron doesn't usually interfere in his children's conflicts.

"Gilley."

"Yes, young master."

"Soon, major families and organizations will request meetings with Runcandel. To confirm who the 15-year-old 5th Rank Knight of Runcandel is, who will soon be all over the news."

Not just the giant martial families like Evliano of swordsmanship, Kenga of spear, and Tuko of combat, but also national organizations like the Viment Empire's royal guard and special forces, and the Dragon King Knights. Even powerful groups like the Black Palace, the Ghost Corps, and the Black Dragon Corps will send people.

"Hey, our little one. What did you put on your face? Such shameless self-praise. Do they have nothing else to do?"

"To them, understanding Runcandel's movements is a very important issue. They all expect that my achievements will change the succession structure of Runcandel. They need to come and confirm it themselves."

Jin's confidence in this situation comes not only from his understanding of political trends but also from the stories he heard in his previous life.

When Luna became a 5th Rank Knight at 15, countless people flocked to the family. It was a legendary story among the brothers.

"Oh, you're so great. No one cares about a lowly black dragon like me."

"That's right. I know. Anyway, when the official letters requesting visits start to arrive, Father will come to the main house. He will probably hold a banquet."

"The family head will leave the Black Sea again. I'll prepare thoroughly."

"Thank you. And keep Murakan well guarded. If he sneaks in as a human and joins the banquet, it'll be over. Understand?"

"Am I a child? I know that much..."

"I will keep it in mind."

When Murakan glared, Gilley averted his gaze.

* * *

Two days later, the news started to be flooded with stories about Runcandel's youngest son.

Since Jin hasn't engaged in any public activities, the news reporters were in a difficult situation.

All they knew was his age and the rumor of being a 5th Rank.

Reporters with capital bribed Runcandel's servants, and capable reporters sought information from the Mitel Kingdom's portal guides or the Black Dragon Corps' third division, who had seen Jin.

They were the only ones who had directly seen Jin. However, the portal guides valued their lives, and the Black Dragon Corps despised the news.

Less experienced reporters, who didn't understand the world, thought that Runcandel might have spread false rumors to draw attention.

"Who is Jin Runcandel, anyway?"

It was understandable for such sighs to be heard among the reporters.

The Sword Garden was not a place where news reporters could freely enter, so they could only fidget and try to connect with other families that had the power to visit the Sword Garden.

A week later, in May 1795.

Letters requesting permission to visit the Sword Garden started to flood in, just as Jin had predicted.

"The butlers are busy replying to the letters, young master. According to Petro, even the royal family of Viment sent letters."

"The royal family? That's surprising. Even the mystics are curious."

"I find it more surprising that you predicted this situation, young master."

Gilley smiled proudly and continued.

"Also, the family head announced through Guardian Knight Kan that he will visit the main house. He will come in a month, and other families and organizations are also adjusting their schedules to match."

Despite the chaos caused by Jin both inside and outside,

There was no significant movement among the brothers. They continued their usual tasks and training, and so did Jin.

Of course, it was natural. At a time when all eyes were on him, trying to suppress Jin would be foolish.

Starting to suppress him would be like advertising that they are afraid of or dislike Jin, which would damage their reputation.

However, not everyone was foolish enough to avoid such actions.

"Y-Young master!"

The man who came to Jin with a tense face was the second butler, Petro.

Jin immediately thought, 'Here it comes. Mew and Ann must be up to their tricks again.'

Petro was drenched in sweat, having run all over the vast Sword Garden.

"Take a deep breath and speak slowly, Petro."

"Huff, huff! Thank you. Well... Young master, you've been assigned a mission. But the mission location is..."

"Where?"

"Colon Ruins."

"Ha! Colon Ruins? Young master, the leaders have gone too far this time. That's Zep's territory!"

"You're right... The leaders have gone too far. Lady Rosa is furious. Some of the leaders have already been summoned, so you should go see Lady Rosa too."

Jin nodded calmly.