[WN] I Became the Genius Bastard of a Noble Dark Clan Chapter 54

 Chapter 54

Not a vague, fumbling touch like a blind man feeling an elephant, but a clear, resolute realization.

At that moment, Kris knew.

He had reached the 3-star realm.

“It’s all thanks to the Family Head. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have reached the 3-star realm this quickly.”

Cristian spoke with genuine sincerity.

Without Nordian’s help, it would have taken much longer… at least two or three more months.

…

Nordian couldn’t find words, remaining silent for a long time.

It was the most bewildering situation he had faced in almost ten years.

In the end, all Nordian could say was:

…Now, I will begin the proper guidance.

“Guidance?”

Cristian tilted his head.

‘Isn’t this enough? What more is there to teach?’

You’ve only mastered the incantations. Shouldn’t you learn how to properly wield Dark Magic?

“Ah.”

It was a natural progression.

Simply tossing out incantations wasn’t truly teaching.

Meanwhile, Nordian looked at Cristian and felt a slight regret.

‘I shouldn’t have let him learn the incantations alone. I never imagined he’d be this outstanding.’

He certainly hadn’t expected Cristian to succeed in mastering the Dark Magic incantations by himself.

The problem was that he had succeeded in learning them alone.

Without proper guidance, countless bad habits or misinterpretations of the incantations must have developed.

‘I need to perfectly correct any wrong parts.’

However.

“Unleash your Dark Magic.”

Cristian unleashed his Dark Magic.

The moment Nordian saw it, he was surprised once again.

‘There are no… errors?’

No, there weren’t none.

Nordian had intentionally taught some incantations incorrectly.

Cristian performed those parts differently from how Nordian had taught them.

The surprising thing was that this wasn't a bad change.

‘…He made it much more efficient. He modified the incantations himself?’

“As per the task you gave me, Family Head, I modified the incantations in my own way.”

…Task?

“Wasn’t it a task?”

Cristian spoke another baffling remark.

He thought that Nordian teaching him the wrong incantations was a task to apply and fix them himself!

Nordian pressed his lips together again.

He didn't know how many times he’d been left speechless in front of this boy.

‘To modify the incantations so freely. What kind of problems might arise?’

Each incantation was connected to the entire magic art.

Therefore, even a slight error in an incantation could cause fatal problems for the magic.

But he couldn’t say anything.

He couldn't find any issues with the incantations Kris had changed.

No, it wasn’t just that there were no problems.

‘…Doesn’t it seem even better than the original?’

It was absurd to think that the incantations a mere child had casually modified seemed better than those passed down for hundreds of years in the noble family. Yet, to Nordian, an 8-star mage, the incantations Kris had changed showed no apparent flaws.

Honestly.

‘…It’s like looking at a musical score touched by a genius of the ages.’

It wasn’t the work of a seasoned master.

Instead, it contained ideas that brilliantly surpassed the existing framework.

Of course, it wasn't something to judge lightly.

The incantations of a mental cultivation method needed to consider not only their immediate effectiveness in handling magic but also their complex influence as one’s realm advanced in the future.

However, even when his realm advanced later, it didn't seem like the parts Kris had touched would have a negative impact.

‘…Just what is he?’

Nordian swallowed a groan.

He knew the child's talent was overflowing.

But a genius?

He was far beyond that level.

How many times had he been surprised?

He was an incomprehensible monster.

Nordian himself was a genius, but their paths were completely different.

Two emotions simultaneously surged within him.

First, a trembling heart.

How long had he waited for a child like this?

But at the same time, a sense of caution, like being doused with cold water, arose.

‘I must guide him properly.’

He was a ray of hope met after a long wait, even resorting to the heaven-defying demonic arts that prolonged his lifespan.

He absolutely could not allow this hope to be needlessly crushed.

‘I need to teach him thoroughly.’

Originally, Nordian’s decision to personally instruct Cristian was half out of curiosity.

He wanted to see how extraordinary the vessel was, having absorbed over 90% of the Holy Black.

But his mindset changed.

He genuinely decided to impart proper guidance.

…Of course, this wasn't necessarily a good thing for Kris.

Nordian had an outdated view on education and was the worst kind of teacher—talentless at teaching.

He’d make his students suffer needlessly, give incomprehensible instructions, and then wonder, "Why don't they understand this?"

Nordian even made this resolve:

‘I need to drastically increase the training difficulty beyond what I anticipated.’

It was already extreme, so how could he possibly raise it further?

Fortunately, Kris was the best disciple.

One who could perfectly grasp any terrible teaching.

Be prepared. The teachings I will impart from now on will be anything but easy.

“The harder it is, the more grateful I’ll be.”

What do you mean?

“I believe that any hardship is an arrangement you, Family Head, have prepared for me.”

Cristian replied sincerely.

Having experienced two prior teachings (?), Cristian had already developed firm trust in Nordian.

Even if Nordian possessed a cold and venomous heart, the guidance he offered was genuine.

Having rarely experienced such pure guidance in the past, Kris was honestly grateful to Nordian.

‘Of course, he’s teaching me because he wants me to be useful to the family. But still, I’m grateful.’

Nordian scoffed at Cristian’s reaction.

You talk a good game. But you’ll regret it once the training truly begins. By then, it’ll be too late to regret.

“It’s alright. I trust your guidance, Family Head.”

Hmph. We shall see.

For a moment, Nordian and Kris’s gazes intensely met in the air.

And so.

The worst teacher and the best disciple met.

The result?

An endless symphony of astonishment.

Two more months passed.

That meant three months had passed since the bet with Marquis Langham.

“The promised deadline is almost here.”

Marquis Langham looked at the calendar.

Just one day left.

“And Cristian?”

“He’s still training, they say.”

“With the Family Head?”

“…It’s presumed so.”

Marquis Langham frowned deeply.

Only a select few, including Marquis Langham, knew that Cristian was receiving guidance from the Family Head.

However, Marquis Langham didn’t pay it much mind.

‘What bad luck, to receive guidance from father of all people.’

Marquis Langham had also received guidance from the Family Head.

He had only suffered and gained no achievements. He could unequivocally say it was a waste of time.

To waste precious three months, already a tight schedule, receiving the Family Head’s guidance.

He thought the fellow was truly unlucky.

Incidentally, Cristian’s achievements had not yet been reported to Marquis Langham.

‘Perhaps this is better for him. If he’s eliminated now, he won’t have to take the second test.’

The second young master’s test that Kris was to undergo.

Of course, it wouldn't be easy.

No, Marquis Langham planned to use the test as an excuse to eliminate Cristian.

It wasn't just due to ill will.

‘The Dark Magic Family needs a sacrifice. He’s just suitable enough.’

Just then, a report came from outside.

“Your Excellency, an envoy from the Houam Ducal Family is expected to arrive.”

Marquis Langham’s eyes deepened.

The Houam Ducal Family.

It was the family name of the 'Extreme Poison Magic Family'.

A rival and adversary located nearby.

Marquis Langham planned to sacrifice Cristian in a dispute with the Extreme Poison Magic Family, using the young master’s test as an excuse.

For the benefit of the Dark Magic Family.

Creak.

The training hall door opened, and Kris stepped out.

‘It’s been a while since I’ve been outside.’

Kris stretched.

He looked subtly different from before.

His eyes were deeper.

He had moved beyond the barely-touched realm of ‘3-star True’ and reached a complete 3-star realm.

To be precise, he had reached the very end of 3-star low.

To reach the cusp of the mid-realm in just two months was an unbelievable speed.

…Don’t become arrogant just because you’ve achieved a small accomplishment. You’ve only just taken your first steps.

Nordian spoke gravely.

Though his voice carried a chilling intensity, Cristian merely grinned.

For the past two months, Nordian had endlessly repeated warnings against arrogance.

Why?

Because no matter what he taught, Kris performed well, leaving Nordian with little else to say.

‘I guess the Family Head is a bit surprised by my genius too?’

True to his dignified status as a family elder, he didn't outwardly show much surprise.

But couldn’t one roughly sense it, even unseen?

Later, Nordian’s attempts to maintain his composure became so obvious that Kris barely managed to suppress his laughter.

Kris bowed his head to Nordian.

“Thank you for your guidance all this time.”

It was sincere.

It had truly been a great help.

More than anything, Kris was grateful to Nordian because he had rarely met anyone who had taught him solely for his own growth.

‘Is this… what a master is?’

Though he wouldn't dare call the Family Head his master.

Perhaps sensing the sincerity in Kris’s greeting, Nordian remained silent for a moment.

Don’t misunderstand. I didn’t give you special treatment.

“I know. Still, thank you.”

Nordian frowned disapprovingly.

Stop with the useless talk and go.

“Yes, understood.”

Watching Cristian’s receding figure, Marian spoke.

“Isn’t he truly amazing?”

Amazing, huh? He’s only just taken his first steps.

He grumbled, but Marian knew his words weren’t sincere.

Over the past two months, Marian, who had been beside Nordian, knew well how much Nordian had been astonished by that child.

“…Aren’t you going to help him?”

Help with what?

“…”

Marian fell silent.

Now, Cristian would face all sorts of checks and balances from the family.

There was a high possibility he would be crushed before he could truly soar.

If he can’t overcome such trials, then he’s merely that much of a person, to begin with.

“…Family Head.”

Moreover.

Nordian spoke indifferently.

Although I don’t particularly like it, he is my disciple. If he can’t overcome that much hardship, he’s not worthy of being my disciple.

Marian’s eyes widened.

Disciple.

Nordian had taught many people throughout his life.

But this was the first time Nordian had used such an expression.

Cristian didn’t know it, but Nordian truly regarded Cristian as his disciple.

‘I should report to Marquis Langham quickly and then relax. It’s been a while since I’ve loafed around.’

He was originally the lazy genius type.

He was exhausted from being worked hard non-stop for the past three months.

The second test wouldn’t start immediately, so he planned to spend his time until then idly rolling around in bed.

The thought occurred to him, so he asked a servant and dropped by the wine cellar to grab a few expensive bottles.

‘I hate ginger ale now!’

He wasn’t planning to drink alcohol.

His rigid ghost maid, Mary, wouldn’t allow it, so he couldn’t drink it as is. He planned to burn off the alcohol to make it non-alcoholic.

He was brimming with thoughts of taking a long, leisurely break when a voice he hadn’t heard before called out.

“Cristian?”

“??”

It was a girl he had never seen before.