Chapter 328: The Orphaned Flower of the World (2)

The partnership between Joaquin and Parsy Academy was a natural consequence. There was nothing surprising about it.

For more than seven centuries, Joaquin Academy had effectively monopolized hero education, and now Parsy dared to challenge that power directly.

Parsy 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.

[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.]

For the past hundred years, voices had been rising in the United States, calling for the creation of their own academy.

Some politicians even began to mobilize around the idea.

[Is tradition simply unbeatable?]

A panelist threw out the question to stir reactions.

[Perhaps due to the experience gap, U.S. educational institutions haven’t been able to become a real rival to Joaquin Academy. (••)]

In short, the results didn’t measure up.

“No matter how much money you throw at it, talent doesn’t grow like mushrooms.”

In 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.

The United States was still the number one superpower. In this reality, too, it was a young nation.

While Korea boasted a thousand-year history, the U.S. had only existed for about three hundred years.

The 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.

It was a country that looked prosperous but lacked substance.

A 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.

That’s why they desperately tried to appear strong.

Rather than being surprised by Korea’s technological level, what they truly felt was envy. A toxic nationalism.

Only this time, that nationalism had been channeled in the wrong direction.

[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. (••)]

Are they insane? Spending that much on an academic exchange? If they have money to burn, they should just donate it.

And calling it “support” was just a label.

“That’s clearly a direct endorsement of Parsy.”

The event would be hosted at Parsy Academy. They weren’t even pretending—they planned to pour all the money into that one side.

[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… (••)]

“They’re not even trying to hide it.”

It 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.

[Though Joaquin Academy is located in Korea, NBS promises to ensure impartiality and will also provide coverage of Parsy…!]

The panelist didn’t even pause for breath. As I continued listening, my blood began to boil, so I turned off the TV.

‘This has gone completely off the rails.’

It 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.

Just seeing the reactions from the panelists and the public made it feel almost like the Olympics.

‘Damn Americans. Maybe they won’t cheat to make Parsy win, but…’

Their desire to see Joaquin lose was genuine. That’s why they were shouting it from the rooftops.

It was a strategy to divide.

“Most people will naturally want Joaquin to win.”

They were reinforcing the image of Parsy as the underdog, trying to get the public to sympathize.

If Joaquin won, it was expected, and if Parsy lost, they wanted to frame it as “at least they fought well.”

That was the general impression left by previous broadcasts.

Crack.

I clenched my jaw tightly.

“At this rate, Joaquin gains nothing.”

‘Should I just destroy it all from scratch?’

That thought crossed my mind, but I shook my head.

“Focus. You’re not alone in this anymore.”

I still carried some habits from my orphan days. Back then, I could do whatever I wanted without restraint, but not anymore.

Now I had a family to protect.

I stood from my chair and pressed my forehead against the window. As I cooled my head, I sorted my thoughts.

‘Joaquin needs to prepare thoroughly, too.’

The 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.

I stepped away from the window and dialed a number.

“It’s me.”

If Parsy and the U.S. were going to play the money game…

“I don’t need to explain.”

…Joaquin would answer with power and influence.

“Make it happen.”

I, Kang Geom-Ma, who started as an orphan, was now surrounded by people.

***

The 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.

After 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).

Of 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.

Anyway.

Thanks to that, LANCAM’s two franchise stars, All Mute Elizabeth and “Shaman” Rachel de Mura, began to shine even brighter.

And because their chemistry was excellent, their popularity skyrocketed. Within the U.S., they even rivaled the supremacy of the Heavenly Sword.

Rachel’s surprise attacks became part of All Mute’s daily life.

“Unni!”

Rachel, who never bothered with silly things like knocking, burst in with her eyes wide open.

Something was off All Mute had visitors. Three people, in fact—and they were all familiar faces to Rachel.

“You’re always so full of energy, Shaman~”

Iron Clan Chief Mao Lang, known as Relentless Iron.

“That’s youth for you. At that age, you could eat rocks, right?”

Saki Hina, Japan’s Prime Minister and Ryozo’s half-sister.

“…”

Chloe was also part of this impromptu summit.

By 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.

She 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.

“What are you all doing here?”

“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.

“Nya, hahaha! I figured I’d break the door if I knocked!”

“Excuses. Sit down.”

“No, that’s not the important thing right now.”

“You mean the White House siding with Parsy?”

Mao Lang smirked.

“That slipped out a little too quickly…”

“We all got a call from the Heavenly Sword,” said Saki Hina, covering her mouth with a fan.

“If it weren’t for that, the four of us wouldn’t be here, right?”

“What the—why am I the only one left out!?”

“Because you don’t lead any organization…”

Rachel shot a look at Chloe, who said it matter-of-factly.

“That little squirt has grown a lot.”

“In some ways, more than you, Rachel.”

“……”

“Stop the drama and sit down already.”

Pouting, Rachel slumped into a chair—her posture a complete mess.

“A grown woman throwing a tantrum.”

“She’s only grown physically!”

“And just her chest. Deep down, still a child.”

“Hey, Chloe!”

After 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.

However, the detailed contents were only shared with All Mute, who had the most direct connection to the current situation. There were several reasons.

For 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.

All Mute wasn’t like that. She always prioritized her company above all.

“This is all I was asked to convey.”

“……”

“……”

“……”

In that solemn silence, All Mute added.

“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.”

“Japan will follow the will of the Heavenly Sword,” said Saki Hina, raising her folding fan.

“The director of Joaquin is my sister. Keeping quiet would only create a vague impression. That’s reason enough, isn’t it?”

“Not bad.”

All Mute nodded approvingly.

“The Iron Clan will support Joaquin too.”

All Mute turned to Mao Lang.

“What’s your justification?”

“If the U.S.—now a direct rival—supports Parsy, then China should support Joaquin, right?”

“Barely acceptable.”

Saki Hina and Mao Lang cast their votes for Joaquin and Heavenly Sword. Naturally, all eyes turned to Chloe.

“I…”

What she said next left everyone speechless. Rachel, who was sipping a drink, choked and stared at Chloe in shock.

“Cough, cough! Did I hear that right?”

“…I’ll do anything for the Heavenly Sword.”

Chloe murmured deeply.

“Anything, really.”

Her eyes burned with a crimson-black flame.

***

Time 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.

‘I thought she’d slack off since we were in different positions.’

But 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.

Each time, Victoria seemed like she wanted to say something. She’d hesitate for a few seconds, then resign herself and leave without speaking.

After that intense training period, today I recommended she rest.

Though she refused at first, I insisted until she gave in. I told her rest is also part of building resilience. She reluctantly nodded.

“I told you. No matter your position, as a cadet, you’ve done more than enough,”

said Ryozo while tightening her bowstring. Her eyes remained fixed on the distant target.

She’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.

Anyway, 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.

During the exchange, there’d be a power vacuum, and Ryozo would be completely busy.

“At least until the exchange ends, she’ll cooperate. After that, I don’t know.”

I spoke from the doorway, addressing Ryozo.

“How are Leon and Abel doing?”

“The second-year cadet under Abel is barely hanging on. Not much talent, but got picked as a rep through sheer effort.”

“And Chaerina, your cousin that Leon is training?”

“Says she’s doing fine.”

Ryozo released her arrow. It hit dead center, vibrating on impact.

After looking at the target for a moment, Ryozo sighed. She placed the bow aside and slid to the ground against the wall.

“In terms of raw talent, that girl’s probably even better than him.”

She wiped her forehead with her hand.

“…Maybe, Geom-Ma, your bloodline is the finest in humanity.”

I don’t think so. Neither she nor I are anything more than orphans of the heavens.

“…”

Maybe?

“Come to think of it, this is where we first talked, Geom-Ma.”

Ryozo said suddenly.

‘Now that you mention it…’

I remember she skipped class and was napping. Her first words were, “Got any yokan?”

I threw a piece of sashimi at her while she glared like I was made of sandpaper.

‘I was totally unhinged.’

Tonight, 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.

“Mom, thanks for worrying about me. But don’t hate the cadets.”

The sunlight lit up Ryozo. Its rays gently colored her face and cast our entwined shadows on the ground.

“Mistakes mean they’re growing.”

“…….”

She’s right.

“You’re starting to sound like a headmaster.”

“I learn fast, don’t I?”

Ryozo tapped her temple, grinning. I shrugged and laughed too.

We chatted quietly at the archery range, then leaned on each other and dozed off. The spring breeze warmed the grass and us too.

It felt warm.

At least in this moment, I felt like the heavens were on my side—for real.

***

One week later.

Finally, the day of the exchange had arrived.