The Count’s Youngest Son is a Player

Chapter 134

“How are the trainees doing?”

“They’re definitely growing at an impressive rate. I can see why you’re so interested in them.”

While in Mirage, Raul made it a point to visit the academy.

Currently, Dalton was in charge of the First Knight Order Academy.

As both the principal and an instructor, he was responsible for the academy’s swordsmanship training.

Dalton’s task was to identify individuals with high potential, aside from the players Raul had in mind from his past life.

“So, have you found any promising candidates?”

“Hm. Just as you said, I’m focusing on those with high basic skills, excluding the ones with innate abilities. There aren’t as many eager to join the guild as I expected, but attitudes are slowly changing. By graduation, we should see some meaningful results.”

“There’s no need to force anyone. With time, they’ll realize where their interests lie. Just make sure to take care of those few I pointed out.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t neglect those who might become my subordinates.”

Raul planned to manage the First Knight Order in two separate entities.

The original ‘First Knight Order,’ composed of Connect residents and directly under Raul’s command, and a player-exclusive guild managed by Dalton, called the ‘Purple Guild (First Player Guild).’

In Connect, each person could only join one guild, and a guild master could only run one guild.

However, Raul had a way around this through a special item:

『Brother Guild Creation Ticket』

Grade: EX

Effect: Allows the creation of a brother guild that shares guild effects with the original guild. The master can designate which effects to share between the guilds.

Restriction: After the creation of a brother guild, each guild’s reputation and rewards are calculated separately. Future guild upgrades must be done independently.

He received this consumable item as a guild reward from a main scenario quest.

Currently, the First Knight Order was at Medium Level 10, the highest level attainable in the system.

Being able to create another such guild was an unparalleled advantage compared to other player guilds.

The Purple Guild, Raul’s second guild, would have Bae Dohyun as the guild master and Dalton as the vice master, establishing it as an elite player-exclusive guild.

“In any case, I’ll be counting on you. You know how crucial this task is.”

“You can trust me. The other lords stuck in their ways wouldn’t even dream that we’re building such a secret force.”

Concluding their conversation, Raul transformed into Bae Dohyun and headed to the academy training grounds.

‘Time to set some new records today.’

***

It had been over two months since the first cohort of 600 trainees had enrolled in the First Knight Order Academy.

These first-term trainees were receiving systematic training provided by the academy, resulting in rapid improvements in their skills, far exceeding outside expectations.

Among the various educational programs, what truly set the academy apart was the ‘illusion magic circle’ used for simulated combat.

“Hey, Bae Dohyun just arrived at the First Training Ground!”

“Only a week since his last visit? I wonder how much higher he’ll set the bar this time….”

“Let’s hurry and watch. We might get lucky and see a party play.”

Cadets hurriedly flocked to the First Training Ground.

Within the academy, Bae Dohyun’s status was nothing short of ‘untouchable.’

He held the top position by a margin unreachable by anyone else.

Cadets who joined the academy after the clashes initially thought, ‘We’re all players, so we’ll close the gap eventually.’

However, once they started classes and received evaluations from the instructors, they had to accept the harsh reality.

‘He’s on a completely different level.’

Even the instructors acknowledged that Bae Dohyun didn’t need basic lectures, and so he was excused from most classes, participating only in a select few.

Though it was just a rumor, it was widely known that Bae Dohyun received special quests and missions from the First Knight Order, which made many players envious.

Naturally, this led to discontent, mainly from rankers who hadn’t sparred directly with Bae Dohyun but had performed well in skirmishes.

What silenced even this discontent was the virtual battles provided by the ‘illusion magic circle.’

The First Knight Order Academy offered trainees the use of a training ground equipped with the ‘illusion magic circle’ during their free time.

The ‘illusion magic circle’ came with three special programs—’Virtual Dungeon Time Attack,’ ‘Monster Coliseum,’ and ‘Mini Battlefield.’

Each program provided a standardized environment and monsters, allowing the academy to evaluate the trainees’ scores.

Scores were tallied weekly, and top-ranking trainees received bonuses and extra points, with the graduation exam set to follow a similar format.

As a result, even during off-hours, trainees didn’t leave the training ground, continuously striving to improve their skills and rank.

It wasn’t just about rewards and grades; it was also a matter of pride, as indirect comparisons of each other’s abilities fired up their competitive spirits.

The issue was that Bae Dohyun held the top record in all the programs.

For over two months since the start of the academy, no one had managed to break Bae Dohyun’s records, which was why trainees regarded him as the best.

Every week, when the scores reset, Bae Dohyun would appear at the academy to register new scores in the virtual battles first, prompting rankers to compete throughout the week to surpass those scores.

Murmurs spread amongst the crowd.

Bae Dohyun’s virtual combat performance was displayed on the magic screen in the First Training Ground.

“Is that monster setting another record?”

“I thought I’d finally catch up this time….”

Some of the rankers frowned slightly as they watched the screen, while most players followed Bae Dohyun’s movements with eyes full of admiration.

The instructors’ teachings were sometimes difficult for modern players to grasp.

However, Bae Dohyun’s movements offered a clear example of the direction players should aim for, providing plenty of learning opportunities.

Occasionally, he would spontaneously form parties with some cadets for virtual battles. Those who participated often found their skills improving significantly, which made many cadets eager to join him.

Today, after setting another record, Bae Dohyun approached an instructor who had been waiting, and the instructor called out several cadet names.

“Cadet Menninger, cadet Kim Ilwoo, cadet Shigeru!”

“Yes!”

As they stepped forward, other cadets sighed in disappointment.

“Looks like he’s going with the rankers this week.”

“Tsk, I’m sure I could do better….”

The illusion magic circle training included numerous party-based programs, not just individual ones.

Bae Dohyun would form 4 or 5-person teams to run such dungeons, fostering interaction with other players.

After the virtual training ended and Bae Dohyun had exchanged feedback on the strategy with his party members, a few individuals approached him.

“How about a match with me today?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I already booked a spot last week!”

“Step aside, everyone! I’m here to avenge last week’s defeat!”

They were top-ranked players, including Wang Chunmyung.

Since Bae Dohyun didn’t frequent the academy often, rankers gathered to challenge him whenever the scores reset.

“Hoo. Don’t you guys ever get tired?”

Bae Dohyun, who had grown somewhat familiar with them, spoke casually, though their expressions showed they weren’t about to give up.

“I can’t graduate from the academy having lost to you. I’ll keep challenging you until I win!”

Wang Chunmyung, despite getting soundly defeated by Bae Dohyun every time, didn’t lose his determination.

Thankfully, his exaggerated mannerisms mimicking martial arts novels had diminished, allowing for normal conversations.

As a worthy runner-up, hardly anyone, except Bae Dohyun, could match him in one-on-one duels.

“That’s why you should follow the order. Stop rushing in with just determination every time you get beaten.”

The one scolding him with a glint in his eye was Louis Blake. Though he had lost to Bae Dohyun in the round sixteen, his martial skills were genuine enough to rival Wang Chunmyung.

Apart from those two, several rankers from mage or ranged classes also wished to duel Bae Dohyun. When sparring, no one at the academy could match Bae Dohyun’s synergy.

His skills were so advanced that others now realized he was adjusting to their level. Some, like Wang Chunmyung, still clung to the desire to defeat him.

“Huff. How about a 2v2 today?”

Bae Dohyun suggested, making the rankers’ eyes light up.

***

After spending another hour in the training ground, Bae Dohyun left, leaving several exhausted players catching their breath on the floor.

“Ah, that monster. I can’t beat him, not even once.”

Wang Chunmyung hit the floor weakly, frustrated.

“No matter how you look at it, Dohyun is an anomaly. It’s hard to believe he’s the same kind of player as us.”

Blake spoke with an exasperated expression. They had just lost to Bae Dohyun in a 2v1 match.

“Hmph. You just lack skill. Watch out, one day I’ll definitely defeat Bae Dohyun.”

With Wang Chunmyung’s resolve burning anew, Blake shrugged and changed the topic.

“Cheon-myung, have you decided yet?”

“About what?”

“The guild. Purple Guild, wasn’t it?”

This was a hot topic among rankers. Two months into the academy’s course, the talents of some individuals had clearly surfaced.

Some who had underperformed in the ranks during initial skirmishes were now rapidly improving, while others struggled regardless of their starting rank.

Consequently, the academy was now maintaining its own internal rankings based on the virtual combat program scores. The instructors subtly promoted the Purple Guild among these rankers.

“Well, I’m still thinking about it. Honestly, I’m not keen on joining any organization where I must take orders. That’s why I declined offers from guilds back home, but….”

“Hmm, I see. I’m considering joining. Initially, I wanted to create and run my guild, but the Purple Guild’s conditions made me reconsider.”

Wang Chunmyung smirked and asked, “What conditions were so appealing that you’d give up your guild?”

“I want to operate in the best guild with the best conditions. Seeing Dohyun, I realized it wouldn’t be easy to surpass a guild he’s in, even if I created one. So, I’d rather join him and help build the best guild.”

“Bae Dohyun….”

“Think about it. After the academy ends, you won’t easily come across Dohyun again. If you want to defeat him, wouldn’t it be better to work long-term in the same guild?”

“Hmm. Blake, do you have the Purple Guild brochure?”

“Why? Didn’t you receive one already?”

“Well, I was so mad about losing to Bae Dohyun that I threw it away.”

“Tut-tut. Just ask an instructor for another one. And calm your temper.”

“Tch.”

With this, rankers began seriously considering the Purple Guild.

***

A few days later.

After completing his visit to the academy, Raul toured various businesses in Mira, receiving financial reports and discussing future investments with the branch manager.

Three months into the open beta, the number of players had surpassed 30,000, and businesses targeting players were beginning to generate profit.

Given the continuous influx of players and the unexpectedly high number choosing free cities like Mira in the Ruben Kingdom, there was much to prepare.

As they were heads down reviewing business plans.

An emergency message came through the guild communication system.

「Master, something terrible has happened! Count Melvin has collapsed!」

Bernard’s urgent report turned Raul’s face pale.

(To be continued)