I Gave Up Being Stronger

Chapter 296

Harkoen was the head of one of Arvis’s Seven Great Families. If a family wanted to be recognized as a Great Family in the illustrious Arvis, merely possessing wealth was not enough. They needed a legacy of achievements and fame built over many years. Although its past glory had somewhat faded, the Harkoen Family undeniably still held a place among the Seven Great Families of Arvis.

“If we could assassinate the leader of one of the Seven Great Families...”

“We could achieve a tremendous feat...”

Normally, Harkoen would be untouchable, but the negative public opinion against her had reached a peak.

“It seems the other Great Families are quietly hoping for the same outcome.”

Although they were technically unrelated, the Seven Great Families were often lumped together in the minds of the populace, due to which people tended to think of them as a unit. Therefore, the other six families wished for Harkoen’s swift downfall.

The heads of these families convened an emergency meeting in the Helen Empire, orchestrated by Gridel. Gridel was a descendant of the legendary Swordsman Pisat and was considered a Sage of the Sword. He was the oldest among the seven family heads, rumored to be around 180 years old.

A young woman clad in a robe marked with a sun emblem, with striking red hair and eyes, frowned and voiced her discontent. “I knew Harkoen’s obsession would lead to trouble. I told you we should have broken her limbs a long time ago.”

This young woman was named Fyurel, and she was also known as the Mad Sorceress. “Why the hell are we lumped together with that doll-loving lunatic? Is her alchemy still considered outstanding? I don’t think so. She’s such a disgrace, yet we have been lenient just because she is the head of one of the seven families.”

After a tirade of caress, Fyurel turned her attention to a quiet woman sitting at the back. “What if we send someone from the Kyen Family to make it look like Harkoen killed herself?”

“That would be difficult,” the quiet petite woman responded promptly. Boredom was evident in her expression. Her voice was not loud but reached the ears of the six attendees clearly.

“Why? Are you scared?”

“Stop the meaningless provocation, Unnie. You have already proven your strength.”

“Unnie? You don’t get to call me that!”

“Okay, Lady Fyurel.”

Despite Fyurel’s aggressive demeanor, the petite woman remained unphased. She was Sara Kyen, the head of the Kyen Family, also known as the Mystical Family.

“Why are you acting all sus, knowing what the Kyen Family is like?” Kyen said.

Gridel tilted his head. He was puzzled by what seemed like a secret code of the Mystical Family. As the meeting’s convener, he felt compelled to clarify the mystery. “What do you mean by acting all sus? Is that some kind of a secret code?”

“It means why are you all suspicious and staying quiet,” Kyen replied

Gridel frowned, and the other family heads showed similar reactions.

“Of course, if I wished, there is no one in this world I can’t kill,” Kyen said.

Fyurel mischievously smirked. “Sure you can.”

“...”

“But it’s a different story if it involves people from the other six families. You all know the principles of my family,” Kyen said.

Six of the Seven Great Families originated from the great companions of the Demon King Garbinu.

Pisat, the Knight of Justice.

Feyler, the Universal Saint.

Heina, the Crimson Destroyer.

Victor, the Infinite Pilgrim.

Carvington, the Alchemist of Creation.

Goldium, the Shining Jeweler.

Historians recorded these names but speculated on an additional figure.

Shaquil Kyen, the Shadow of Darkness.

Shaquil was a name given to this figure by later generations; his true name remained unknown. The existence of Garbinu and the Six Great Heroes alone was not enough to fill several historical gaps; these gaps were instead filled by the mysterious Shaquil.

[These great heroes faced their own troubles, and someone had to resolve them. That someone was Shaquil, the Shadow of Darkness.]

While the Six Great Heroes were revered for their achievements, Shaquil was different. He was not a hero of Arvis but a problem solver for the Six Great Heroes.

[The vast wealth amassed by Shaquil through the Six Great Heroes is believed to be the origin of the current Kyen Family.]

This was widely accepted as truth. The Kyen Family, entangled in a complex web of gratitude and obligation with the other six families, abided by the principle of never harming members of these families.

“And above all...” Sara Kyen’s expression, which had been light-hearted, became serious.

Gridel sighed in relief. Having tutored Sara in swordsmanship in her youth, he felt he knew her well. ‘It is typical for her to joke around, but when she wears that expression, it means she is about to reveal her deep, sincere thoughts. It has always been the case since she was young.’

Gridel was looking forward to what the head of the mysterious Kyen Family would propose.

“I just don’t want to,” Kyen said flatly.

“...”

“Just kidding. Our family has ceased all external activities in recent years. I have no desire to step forward, and frankly, the Kyen Family has nothing to lose in this situation. The urgency is yours, not mine.”

The provocative comment silenced the other family heads, while Fyurel, the Mad Sorceress, could not help but laugh out loud. “Wow, I wish I could speak my mind freely like you!”

“Well, I learned it from the best. You are unmatched when it comes to speaking one’s mind freely, Lady Fyurel,” Kyen replied.

“Is that a challenge?”

“I don’t duel women, I’m straight. But I do know some who might be interested.”

“You little bitch...!”

Gridel intervened to calm Fyurel. “Lady Fyurel, please, show some patience. Sara is still young, you know.”

“What the hell are you talking about, Gridel? It’s because of old fools like you that this young brat lacks manners.”

The other family heads shared a similar thought. Although they were considered one unit, it seemed like they had some levels of hatred toward each other.

Fyurel slumped back into her chair. “Forget it. Talking to this bitch only tires me. Hey, Kyen, let’s meet in private later. I will take good care of you.”

“Sure.”

Fyurel scoffed and looked away. ‘People call her the lazy genius? That’s nonsense.’

In Fyurel’s perspective, there was no such thing as a lazy genius. Genius required diligence. Having undergone rigorous training from a young age and achieved numerous feats, Fyurel could not accept the idea of a lazy genius Kyen.

‘The Kyen Family will end with her generation. If not, I will end it myself.’

Sara seemed unfazed by Fyurel’s murderous gaze. “May I leave now? I have work piling up.”

Gridel’s face slightly brightened at her words. “Have you returned to your family? Oh, sorry, have you returned to your family, Lady Kyen?”

“Please, you don’t have to address me in that way. And no, I have not returned to my family, nor do I plan to.”

“...”

“I have always said families like that aren’t necessary. I would rather work a regular job with a steady paycheck and live a peaceful, modest life.”

“...”

The other family heads awkwardly coughed. They knew that the younger generation had different values, but Sara was exceptionally divergent. She had always dreamed of a simple work-life balance, which they had not taken seriously until now.

“There is time for everything. But moderation is key. Enjoy your rest in moderation. The head of the Kyen Family belongs somewhere special,” Grandel said.

Fyurel stood up abruptly, unable to bear it any longer. “I can’t stand this anymore. Maybe I should dig up our old master from his coffin. I am leaving. Whether you kill Harkoen or make it look like suicide, I couldn’t care less.”

As she walked past Sara, she shoulder-checked Sara and said, “Everything in moderation. That includes your attitude, you bitch.”

Then, Fyurel vanished through a warp portal.

“Regardless, as we are recognized as the Seven Great Families, someone must clean up the mess Harkoen has made. What do you all propose?” Grandel asked the remaining people.

***

Cha Jin-Hyeok had an epiphany. “Now that I think about it...”

He wondered why he had not thought of this sooner and why he had only considered the possibility of Harkoen sending Assassins after him.

“I can also hire Assassins too!”

He pondered whom to hire as an Assassin, whom to meet for this purpose, and what would make for the most interesting content for his channel.

‘It would be great if the Assassin had some connection to Harkoen.’

Whether the relationship was friendly or hostile did not matter to him. Having a connection would make it easier to build a narrative.

‘Hm... I wonder if I can get some good ideas.’

After experiencing the firepower of the Chul-Soo Land members firsthand, Jin-Hyeok logged into the exclusive app for Chul-Soo Land, called Chul-Soopia.

[No.1: Kyaaah! Chul-Soo is here!?]

Jin-Hyeok was startled. His login notification had not even popped up yet.

[Kim Chul-Soo has entered.]

With Chul-Soo’s arrival, about a thousand Chul-Soo Landers gathered.

[No.19: I’m so happy that he is here! Let’s all welcome him!]

[No.3: It’s a blessing T_T. I’m glad to be alive. T_T]

[No.882: Have you eaten, Chul-Soo?]

Jin-Hyeok felt a sense of pride. ‘The energy in here is no joke.’

Though the chat room had only(?) a thousand members, it felt like millions were present. The messages scrolled down at a speed so fast that reading them was nearly impossible. Seeing the exuberant Chul-Soo Landers, Jin-Hyeok could not help but reflect.

‘I only logged in to gather information...’ This was a clear mistake. ‘I forgot about my priorities, didn’t I?’

Engaging with the fans should have come first, not gathering information. It was okay to gain information through communication, but seeking communication solely for information was the wrong approach. Jin-Hyeok decided to adjust his attitude and joyfully engage with the Chul-Soo Landers.

‘But the enthusiasm is so overwhelming. How can I even interact with every single one?’

However, the situation changed with the appearance of Chul-Soo Land No.2

[No.2: Let’s keep our promises, guys~^^?]

The previously excited Chul-Soo Landers, as if on cue, suddenly stopped chatting in unison. No.2 (Kang Eun-Woo), who was managing the chat room, quickly posted a notice.

[*When Chul-Soo speaks, everyone must be quiet.

*Limit chatting to once every three minutes. (Do not repeat the same message.)

*Chul-Soo Landers must not fight amongst themselves.

*<Important> When grateful, respond only with ? . (Note: It is okay to use different colors for hearts, but the number of hearts must be 30 or less.)]

It was a serious notice.

‘The unity is impressive.’

Witnessing the exceptional unity of his fans, Jin-Hyeok felt his mood lift again. All he did was smile, and colorful hearts flooded the chat.

‘Ah... so this is what Eun-Woo was talking about.’

He now realized what Eun-Woo had meant by the notice. Jin-Hyeok had expected something significant to be hidden behind the important marker and asterisks, but it was quite simple. Seeing how earnestly they adhered to something so minor pleased him. Sometimes, it was necessary to be passionate even about the smallest things.

Being here felt like learning about life.