Chapter 328: The Orphaned Flower of the World (2)
cLWtSThe partnership between Joaquin and Parsy Academy was a natural consequence. There was nothing surprising about it.vLKe
q4GFor more than seven centuries, Joaquin Academy had effectively monopolized hero education, and now Parsy dared to challenge that power directly.SzRT6oV
PBZ3GParsy Academy, which dared to go up against the already dominant Joaquin in the hero world, was a textbook example of an underdog rebellion—a topic that never failed to make TV stations salivate.g1Ohyj
f3rZSLA[Joaquin Academy enjoys great prestige as the world’s top institution for training heroes, thanks to its long-standing tradition and impressive record of graduates. But that doesn’t mean it has never had rivals.]hmfD
A5Q7rd4For the past hundred years, voices had been rising in the United States, calling for the creation of their own academy.NsH
MrrMvbSome politicians even began to mobilize around the idea.PECe
XYCfp7[Is tradition simply unbeatable?]CWYv
KiiOO7A panelist threw out the question to stir reactions.NvXQtvN
n1McQ[Perhaps due to the experience gap, U.S. educational institutions haven’t been able to become a real rival to Joaquin Academy. (••)]hqkmH
Xm6LuIn short, the results didn’t measure up.nhBwA
B6juEb“No matter how much money you throw at it, talent doesn’t grow like mushrooms.”lky
sXSZVIn this world, money wasn’t everything. No matter how rich you were, you couldn’t buy a “blessing.” That was precisely why the aristocracy didn’t collapse despite being stagnant and corrupt—because blessing couldn’t be bought.0HhcwL
J3AidThe United States was still the number one superpower. In this reality, too, it was a young nation.oiiluVd
7R2cOWhile Korea boasted a thousand-year history, the U.S. had only existed for about three hundred years.6Naow
T9vY5The nobles who took root in America were a minority. They all lived comfortably in their own countries and saw no need to start from scratch in the U.S.uBm0Mn
0kPT6It was a country that looked prosperous but lacked substance.f0oOd
mZFamTiA hollow nation, like a puffed-up candy with no filling. For someone like me, who had reincarnated, it was an ironic observation, but in this world, the U.S. had an inferiority complex toward Korea.ASlJPe
OXtoBhThat’s why they desperately tried to appear strong.1n2I03
4tE1PDkRather than being surprised by Korea’s technological level, what they truly felt was envy. A toxic nationalism.AwS8h
xCwkmKOnly this time, that nationalism had been channeled in the wrong direction.J04AW
NdG[Who would’ve thought! The U.S. has officially announced that it will fully support this academic exchange. Major investors are expected to fund the initiative, with a sum totaling one billion won! Not only will the existing prize money be increased, but the president has even announced his intent to lay the groundwork for this historic first exchange through a representative. (••)]rUCL
my42Are they insane? Spending that much on an academic exchange? If they have money to burn, they should just donate it.wpAW
6cHIqAnd calling it “support” was just a label.91B
qcPox“That’s clearly a direct endorsement of Parsy.”GB27
6oC74sThe event would be hosted at Parsy Academy. They weren’t even pretending—they planned to pour all the money into that one side.SndZ
EGIC[Lastly, this exchange will be broadcast simultaneously worldwide under U.S. leadership. Of note, in Korea, our network NBS holds exclusive broadcasting rights, so please… (••)]4naLZM8
vZx“They’re not even trying to hide it.”FbMtME
a0xr2O5It was obvious they didn’t have the courage to confront me directly. So instead, they used these underhanded tactics to express their dissatisfaction. After all, the U.S. president had died a tragic death right before the Second Great War against humanity for daring to provoke me.Dpg
sCP[Though Joaquin Academy is located in Korea, NBS promises to ensure impartiality and will also provide coverage of Parsy…!]fZM
CHUNThe panelist didn’t even pause for breath. As I continued listening, my blood began to boil, so I turned off the TV.AyDkI2c
ogS02PX‘This has gone completely off the rails.’sesE9
WGZRQuEIt was already a large-scale event. But now, it wasn’t just the hero society watching—the entire world was. It had turned into an international spectacle.BSr
cuxTyXJust seeing the reactions from the panelists and the public made it feel almost like the Olympics.m9hzm
9Pl‘Damn Americans. Maybe they won’t cheat to make Parsy win, but…’rz1E
a5LfdTheir desire to see Joaquin lose was genuine. That’s why they were shouting it from the rooftops.VRl1O
zil7PJIt was a strategy to divide.f1riM
KmiRbk“Most people will naturally want Joaquin to win.”IDEm
GNOmLIThey were reinforcing the image of Parsy as the underdog, trying to get the public to sympathize.c8bD3Y9
C10PEIf Joaquin won, it was expected, and if Parsy lost, they wanted to frame it as “at least they fought well.”Wjn
bEhjmThat was the general impression left by previous broadcasts.SUgln2l
umb9MuCrack.HpiBs1K
8MVrAI clenched my jaw tightly.YPo
9oUFg“At this rate, Joaquin gains nothing.”cVrIq5
0UliRj‘Should I just destroy it all from scratch?’kOFKNn3
IUZFaa5That thought crossed my mind, but I shook my head.B1oiot
EXO4“Focus. You’re not alone in this anymore.”f1d5vR2
qwDXJI still carried some habits from my orphan days. Back then, I could do whatever I wanted without restraint, but not anymore.2jJVvvw
Yx0RNow I had a family to protect.bWaiS2
EnrvRFqI stood from my chair and pressed my forehead against the window. As I cooled my head, I sorted my thoughts.VBqQ
wlO‘Joaquin needs to prepare thoroughly, too.’4jGeJY
Vk7bD4The broadcast had already gone out, and we couldn’t avoid the world’s attention, so even after the event ended, I needed to make sure everything concluded in the best way possible.jBA5XXe
Mr2PtzI stepped away from the window and dialed a number.E5h
BPsKm“It’s me.”qKvA
uuiIf Parsy and the U.S. were going to play the money game…VgY4Wj
fIuBc“I don’t need to explain.”lmbdlAQ
gj1…Joaquin would answer with power and influence.vM71
o7f“Make it happen.”jxvQkEC
3OIeCI, Kang Geom-Ma, who started as an orphan, was now surrounded by people.uADt
l1yc***u6S
wq3qXlVThe hero agency representing the United States of America, Lancelot S.A., also known as LANCAM. It’s been ten years since they finally broke off their corrupt ties with political power.nm88
zaRAfter years of being pressured by the White House with accusations of tax evasion, they struck back with a flawless tax report, sending everyone packing (with the rulebook in hand).AfxWE
PrDjOf course, in true Uncle Sam fashion, they had to pay a horrifying amount of taxes—but freedom has a price, and it’s always bitter.1GySRHi
p0m9YAnyway.XQfW
mn481LThanks to that, LANCAM’s two franchise stars, All Mute Elizabeth and “Shaman” Rachel de Mura, began to shine even brighter.QYxFQH
vY7And because their chemistry was excellent, their popularity skyrocketed. Within the U.S., they even rivaled the supremacy of the Heavenly Sword.7mvU
XmaTRachel’s surprise attacks became part of All Mute’s daily life.tvB9Q2w
V2Yz“Unni!”XOLRR
tpcrbKORachel, who never bothered with silly things like knocking, burst in with her eyes wide open.joT7U
SpUG9Something was off All Mute had visitors. Three people, in fact—and they were all familiar faces to Rachel.lYOSXm
3OyQ“You’re always so full of energy, Shaman~”21b
H7SrIron Clan Chief Mao Lang, known as Relentless Iron.Lvj
GOw“That’s youth for you. At that age, you could eat rocks, right?”4slYks
orPbSaki Hina, Japan’s Prime Minister and Ryozo’s half-sister.Alk4DOO
5FacF“…”h1rBNR
JloPw9Chloe was also part of this impromptu summit.fWy
O71By the way, Chloe had found major success in the restaurant business. Her business skills were so sharp that she even managed to list her company on the U.S. stock market in a short time.dYJyVEQ
8xSShe had every right to be at such a high-level meeting. In the U.S., being rich is enough to be queen. Besides, she was part of the Auditore clan, so Chloe checked every box from multiple angles.8Y7Px
ESIi“What are you all doing here?”VVCJiK
myAMM8“We’re in the middle of a meeting. And Rachel, please… can you knock at least once?” said All Mute, putting her hand to her forehead, exasperated.zma
m080“Nya, hahaha! I figured I’d break the door if I knocked!”0BwZ
CKz“Excuses. Sit down.”cIVS9E
YAgIM“No, that’s not the important thing right now.”wwkhjlM
5G4w“You mean the White House siding with Parsy?”BV1Z8Cy
BoSFgiMao Lang smirked.dkKwWb
hDYCvOZ“That slipped out a little too quickly…”ViS
SCu4V0“We all got a call from the Heavenly Sword,” said Saki Hina, covering her mouth with a fan.2vaWR
BT6“If it weren’t for that, the four of us wouldn’t be here, right?”AqoBINO
cMpx“What the—why am I the only one left out!?”XKXBQuA
rD29A“Because you don’t lead any organization…”FtbJK
C0F2ORachel shot a look at Chloe, who said it matter-of-factly.D4P
dNR2“That little squirt has grown a lot.”27O
dTui02p“In some ways, more than you, Rachel.”WNX4hp
U8LDD2“……”SwJAb
A7Pd4n“Stop the drama and sit down already.”UHvoq
3zQTUbPouting, Rachel slumped into a chair—her posture a complete mess.lsF3Q
HXEK“A grown woman throwing a tantrum.”VqFqyK7
poRI4O8“She’s only grown physically!”yi9S
vlX“And just her chest. Deep down, still a child.”4O2TMiB
0ffnq“Hey, Chloe!”hKLN3dy
E6yDRiiAfter that mess, some order returned to the room. All Mute officially began to speak. Mao Lang, Saki Hina, and Chloe Auditore had all received calls from the Heavenly Sword.3SpakN
HHsPXWHowever, the detailed contents were only shared with All Mute, who had the most direct connection to the current situation. There were several reasons.RV8d
1fO7jKAFor one, Kang Geom-Ma had too much on his plate to explain everything in detail to all four. Also, among the other three, there would inevitably be subtle power plays over who got called first.3YQeC6x
C33All Mute wasn’t like that. She always prioritized her company above all.kLV6Hhh
oyT5“This is all I was asked to convey.”qe7
SS0Ehl“……”Q0o
XxXxHFj“……”PdZBM1
rIwLGxE“……”z9zKSI7
fXBCY51In that solemn silence, All Mute added.YZITM
mExq“It’s not mandatory. Heavenly Sword said he would respect each of your decisions. He was very honest about this being simply a call of destiny. So if any of you feel uncomfortable, you may step back. You all have great responsibilities. Please put emotions aside and respond practically.”QzPE1b
J711Ag“Japan will follow the will of the Heavenly Sword,” said Saki Hina, raising her folding fan.5zwG7
DQPZ“The director of Joaquin is my sister. Keeping quiet would only create a vague impression. That’s reason enough, isn’t it?”nFRVNJV
dyPdR“Not bad.”ULj
GojAll Mute nodded approvingly.mjq
cXyp“The Iron Clan will support Joaquin too.”3T9
wvrz6All Mute turned to Mao Lang.Lf8Nc
OnJ8Zu“What’s your justification?”EFkSoxX
dQSxH“If the U.S.—now a direct rival—supports Parsy, then China should support Joaquin, right?”qbqUhm
MPXtM4“Barely acceptable.”beab1
NLCLp1MSaki Hina and Mao Lang cast their votes for Joaquin and Heavenly Sword. Naturally, all eyes turned to Chloe.ZWxedR1
cFjDa0“I…”his7dg1
W8yCucYWhat she said next left everyone speechless. Rachel, who was sipping a drink, choked and stared at Chloe in shock.rtV
8Xuz“Cough, cough! Did I hear that right?”9fcx
skBbR“…I’ll do anything for the Heavenly Sword.”WrLUai
kqXYJwHChloe murmured deeply.uMSF
a9lcDS“Anything, really.”6gNsS
K5WSMHer eyes burned with a crimson-black flame.RIxIksA
jK3hhEn***5h8Q4J
4JnTime passed with cruel speed as we prepared under the public’s gaze. Though I was busy, it was all worthwhile. That was thanks to Princess Victoria diligently following my training plan.NRlsO
yyTM‘I thought she’d slack off since we were in different positions.’Qk0aJP3
1V8rJTBut the princess was exemplary as a cadet. Despite a harsh schedule that would make anyone complain, she never did. In fact, we never had a single personal conversation. We simply did our duties and parted ways.CNKqm
SQUwzpEach time, Victoria seemed like she wanted to say something. She’d hesitate for a few seconds, then resign herself and leave without speaking.lzcw
QeqpAfter that intense training period, today I recommended she rest.I00
sWQfThough she refused at first, I insisted until she gave in. I told her rest is also part of building resilience. She reluctantly nodded.zM6Jv
SngN0oJ“I told you. No matter your position, as a cadet, you’ve done more than enough,”xDlPDTd
HRHHsaid Ryozo while tightening her bowstring. Her eyes remained fixed on the distant target.ouMRXz
WdyShe’d occasionally come to the academy’s archery range, saying nothing strengthens the mind like shooting arrows. I get that. I feel like thorns grow from my hands if I’m not holding a sashimi knife.m16y8H1
KFEqAnyway, I came here partly to see her and to say goodbye. Only one peaceful week remains—and after that, it’ll be hard to find time.ytCjKNT
s3wcLHDuring the exchange, there’d be a power vacuum, and Ryozo would be completely busy.3GO3
YAk“At least until the exchange ends, she’ll cooperate. After that, I don’t know.”jkU8
wPTeOI spoke from the doorway, addressing Ryozo.qjb
WlyL6“How are Leon and Abel doing?”ara
BDs4ie“The second-year cadet under Abel is barely hanging on. Not much talent, but got picked as a rep through sheer effort.”sMY0
X2hJIj“And Chaerina, your cousin that Leon is training?”3pFTYm4
tQOT62“Says she’s doing fine.”f9A1L
7DOLRyozo released her arrow. It hit dead center, vibrating on impact.6mHKOI
DabAfter looking at the target for a moment, Ryozo sighed. She placed the bow aside and slid to the ground against the wall.AErjsid
ybCeQX“In terms of raw talent, that girl’s probably even better than him.”M5GqSm
cx3jShe wiped her forehead with her hand.Bx96cv
hHsGNt“…Maybe, Geom-Ma, your bloodline is the finest in humanity.”dYu
rjvqI don’t think so. Neither she nor I are anything more than orphans of the heavens.TzihlW
HzOTc“…”CYK
cZsGviMaybe?Lv7i
qSzhCv“Come to think of it, this is where we first talked, Geom-Ma.”jzp
IqRmjBRyozo said suddenly.kh4bw
ngpAs‘Now that you mention it…’Z3P
pg5K9WI remember she skipped class and was napping. Her first words were, “Got any yokan?”yZS
jod9I threw a piece of sashimi at her while she glared like I was made of sandpaper.zTsgdF
D2nsMpp‘I was totally unhinged.’Ffq2TYp
AxqdCxTonight, I’m punching a hole in my blanket from the cringe. Ryozo, seeing my expression turn ash-gray, chuckled. Then, scooting only with her hips, leaned against my leg.rWvrJ9
7mkNZ“Mom, thanks for worrying about me. But don’t hate the cadets.”5eZptZQ
0kBThe sunlight lit up Ryozo. Its rays gently colored her face and cast our entwined shadows on the ground.zozh
GuCBN3U“Mistakes mean they’re growing.”Iu6Vl5
WrOkk“…….”4J4w2G
sUSShe’s right.bgu
CA7x“You’re starting to sound like a headmaster.”75nf
QtSGqRD“I learn fast, don’t I?”boi3UXi
GRKv8DJRyozo tapped her temple, grinning. I shrugged and laughed too.QzRffy
lxRRYWe chatted quietly at the archery range, then leaned on each other and dozed off. The spring breeze warmed the grass and us too.k2VL
euSHx6It felt warm.8A0Y
JGFyNAt least in this moment, I felt like the heavens were on my side—for real.cPQV
6yN3***PZ4
m0XBM2pOne week later.POO3z
hJeFinally, the day of the exchange had arrived.vKt
What did you think of this chapter?
Report comment
Please select the reason for reporting this comment. False reports may result in account suspension.
0 Comments
There are no comments yet. Be the first!