Chapter 18

FANSiA Originals and KakaoPage

I Became the Genius Bastard of a Noble Dark Clan

[Author/Original: Yuin]

[TL: Dekor]

[PR: Spades]

Chapter 18

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"I've been watching you closely all this time, Young Master."

"How was it?"

"You were impressive. Honestly, I was amazed."

Melin nodded calmly.

Over the past month.

There was nothing that hadn't been awe-inspiring.

It went without saying that he had achieved remarkable results in such a short period of time, but what stood out the most was the way he handled Cox.

Christien had proven that he wasn't just a man of great martial talent, but also possessed a profound depth of insight.

"I'm glad you think highly of me. Does that mean I've passed?"

Melin had decided to observe him for a month before choosing whether or not to become his subordinate.

"No, not yet."

Melin shook her head.

"Because we haven't confirmed the most important thing. Power."

Melin's blue eyes glowed brightly in the darkness.

"I may be a Dark Being, but I can't kneel to someone weaker than me."

Melin raised her aura.

As expected of someone at 4-Star Upper.

Even though she hadn't revealed her full power—being a Dark Being on the verge of reaching 5-Star—Chris felt his body instinctively tense.

It was a primal, physical reaction.

"I believe the promised one month isn't quite over yet."

"Hehe, that's true."

Melin calmed her aura.

She licked her lips slightly, as if disappointed.

"I'm eagerly waiting for the promised day to arrive. I'm looking forward to it."

Melin recalled the day she had dueled with Chris.

Even though he hadn't been a real match, he had pierced through a fleeting opening and seized victory. The thrill that had run through her when her guard was broken still lingered vividly.

What kind of performance would he show this time?

A shiver of anticipation ran through her.

"If you don't live up to my expectations, I won't be kneeling to you."

Chris nodded.

"Understood. But may I propose one condition?"

"What is it? You're not going to ask me to restrain my power again, are you?"

Melin asked back with a hint of disappointment on her face.

But Chris said something entirely different.

"No. On the contrary, I want us to fight that day without any restraints."

"!!"

"Not just lifting restrictions on Dark Energy—I mean a real fight, just like in actual combat."

Melin's eyes widened.

Just like an actual battle.

He was proposing that they use every possible means.

It was a welcome condition for someone like her, who preferred the thrill of life-and-death combat over formal, rule-bound duels. But she tilted her head in confusion, not quite understanding his intent.

"I have no reason to oppose that. But that would put you at a greater disadvantage, Young Master."

"You don't need to worry about that. In any case, I'll take that as your agreement."

Melin furrowed her brows, unable to read Chris's true intentions, but soon let out a quiet chuckle.

He was clearly plotting something, but she didn't particularly mind.

In any case, the gap between her and Chris was absolute. No trick could possibly bridge it.

"Do as you please. I won't care what kind of scheme you try. But allow me just one request."

Melin smiled faintly.

It was the smile of a predator eyeing its prey.

"Please put up a good fight and entertain me."

With those final words, Melin vanished, and Chris muttered to himself.

"Dumb brute of a woman…"

Chris glanced sideways at his own forearm.

Goosebumps still tingled across his skin from how his body had instinctively tensed up in response to Melin's aura.

It truly was an overwhelming difference in power.

So overwhelming, in fact, that he wasn't even sure he could hold out, let alone fight back.

But then, Chris said something unexpected.

"Just putting up a good fight… I don't like that."

While Melin hoped Chris would struggle with all his might and entertain her, Chris was thinking something entirely different.

On the contrary—

'I'll beat her.'

A completely absurd thought.

To beat a Dark Being at 4-Star—or rather, on the verge of 5-Star?

No matter how much of a genius Chris was, it was impossible.

Their difference in power was like a rabbit facing a lion.

Even if he drew upon the hidden power of light, it would be impossible to defeat Melin.

'But there is a way.'

Chris grinned slyly as he recalled the method.

'If I can't match her in ability… then I'll go with gear.'

Gear boost.

Enhancing his ability through weapons and equipment.

But even that was questionable.

There were limits to how much one could enhance themselves through gear.

But that was only in ordinary cases.

Chris had a way.

A way for a rabbit to bring down a lion.

A method only Chris could use.

He immediately began preparing.

* * *

"You're going to the manor?"

"Yes, Father."

Count Khazar tilted his head slightly, then gave a nod.

"Do as you wish."

"You're not going to stop me?"

"Why would I?"

"Well… you don't know what I might do at the manor."

"I trust you."

Count Khazar answered briefly.

In recent times,

He had come to know that his son had truly changed.

And not just that—

The time he had spent with Chris had been a string of wonders.

'Unbelievable talent.'

He had lost count of how many times a day he was shocked.

How should one describe Chris's talent?

A sponge that absorbs everything? A prodigy who learns ten things from being taught one? Those expressions didn't even come close.

It was insane.

Count Khazar had repeated that word to himself countless times each day.

Because what he witnessed with his own eyes was a continuous stream of unbelievable sights.

Watching Chris at work, he often felt like he was dreaming.

'…It's enough to inspire reverence.'

Count Khazar was startled by the thought that had suddenly crossed his mind.

Reverence?

But it was true.

His son was truly like a monster.

So did that make him dislike him?

Not a chance.

'He's my son.'

Count Khazar whispered silently to himself.

He was a father.

And no father could help but feel joy when his son was this extraordinary.

His once-depraved son now brought him immense joy every single day.

Of course, he didn't show it outwardly.

Instead, Count Khazar simply said this:

"If there's anything you need, charge it in my name."

"Really?"

"Yes, anything."

Chris looked slightly surprised, then smiled.

'A blank check for spending money, huh. You're going to regret this.'

He had been racking his brain trying to figure out how to gather starting capital—wondering if he'd have to sneak out with one of the family treasures—but things had worked out perfectly.

"Then I'll be off."

"Go ahead."

With light steps, he headed to his room to prepare for his outing.

[Young Master… I have finished preparing.]

The Banshee, dressed in a lovely set of outing clothes over her translucent spiritual form, smiled sweetly.

[Since… it's our first outing together… I tried to… look nice.]

A banshee all dolled up—what nonsense!

The real problem was that she was actually pretty.

Aside from being a ghost, she looked truly cute and pure.

"…I never said you were coming with me."

[Hoho… You must be worried that I'll be uncomfortable. How touching. But… serving the Young Master is my joy… please don't worry.]

Chris frowned deeply.

'That's not it at all, okay?! And when the hell am I going to get a human servant?!'

Right after he'd shed his reputation as a delinquent, he had tried to kick out the banshee—only to be hit with a thunderous revelation from Count Khazar.

- A human servant? That's not allowed.

- What?

- Didn't that banshee form a master-servant contract with you, Christien?

Apparently, it had happened before Chris's soul inhabited the body.

Since it wasn't proper to make a high-ranking spirit like a banshee do maid work without justification, they had just made her form a full master-servant contract.

'With a Banshee by my side, no normal human would ever agree to become my servant. Argh! What kind of situation is this?! Why was I even born with a silver spoon if I have to be waited on by a ghost?!'

The one bit of relief was that it was a time-limited contract—once the agreed period ended, the contract could be nullified.

About five years left?

Chris had no intention of waiting that long.

'Once I raise my level in Black Magic, I'll force the contract termination myself.'

Truthfully, he had grown somewhat used to living with the Banshee, but he still couldn't give up the dream of being attended to by a human servant.

[But… I already finished preparing everything… Should I not go? I was looking forward to it.]

The Banshee said with a gloomy expression.

'Don't make that cute face… You're a Banshee, for crying out loud.'

Chris made a disgusted face.

Still, the Banshee clearly had feelings. She looked genuinely hurt, and he cleared his throat awkwardly.

"You're not allowed to show yourself in front of regular people."

[Young… Master?]

"And absolutely no releasing spiritual energy either. Got it?"

[Thank… you! As expected of the Young Master… you are truly the greatest!]

The Banshee flew gleefully through the air, clearly overjoyed.

Apparently, she had been itching to go out.

'How many years has she been in the manor again? I heard she's been a spirit for at least a few decades.'

It made sense that she'd be desperate to see the outside world by now.

"Anyway, time to hea—what are you doing here?"

Chris frowned at the unexpected visitor.

It was Therne.

"What are you planning to do at the manor?"

"Hmmm."

"You're not going off to do anything depraved again, are you?"

Therne picked a fight.

Chris crossed his arms and thought to himself,

'Why is this kid kind of cute?'

He decided to tease Therne a bit.

"Are you perhaps… worried about me?"

"Worried?! Why would I be worried about you, brother?!"

Therne jumped in protest.

"I just…!! I just don't want you to disgrace the family again!! You may be pretending you've changed, but who knows when you'll go back to your old ways!"

"You're right."

"What?"

"I'm going to gamble right now."

Therne blinked in confusion.

"Gam… What did you say?"

"Gambling."

Chris grinned.

"Father even gave me the stake money. Wanna come with me?"

Of course, Count Khazar had no idea Chris would use the money for gambling. But really, what did it matter?

Chris wasn't heading to the manor purely for the sake of gambling.

More precisely, he intended to use gambling as a pretext to squeeze something out of someone.

'Perfect timing. I needed a sucker to use as bait. That naïve brat will do nicely.'

Chris began reeling Therne in gently.

"If you're a Dark Being, you ought to know how to drink and gamble, at least. The Demon Emperor himself recommends legal, moderate gambling as a wholesome pastime, you know."

"..."

"Oh, but I guess you're too much of a goody-two-shoes to gamble, huh? A model student who only knows how to train. Gambling's kind of like a card game, though. Not that you've ever played one, right?"

"Card games… I've played them. I'm better than you."

"Really? That's impressive. Still, when it comes to gambling with real money, that's probably too much for you. I'll just go to the gambling house alone."

Why don't you go play your little card games like a child?

Gambling is for grown-ups.

Provoked by Chris's words, the thirteen-year-old Therne—fueled by competitive pride—snapped back.

"No, I'll come with you."

Therne had taken the bait.

"I need to see with my own eyes whether or not you cause any trouble. And while I'm at it… I'll humble you a bit. Gambling? That's no different from a card game!"

Chris let out a soft chuckle.

The emotion in Therne's eyes was a fierce desire to win.

A desire to defeat his older brother.

And… unlike before, there was something in those eyes that actually resembled that of a real younger sibling.