How to Survive as a Genius Spy in the Game Chapter 16 - Moonlight Technique (2)

On the day the duke heard about the peculiarities through an urgent report, he decided to pass down the Moonlight Technique to Carlyn.

It wasn’t something he had planned from the beginning.

Originally, he had been searching for a magic training method related to Winds. After all, the child’s mystic was Winds.

And that was a task that would take some time.

The Haisen Kingdom possessed many magic training methods, but there was nothing suitable regarding winds. They had to be sought from outside, and such methods were not common.

They had to either buy or intimidate those who had left their families to learn the techniques, as they were usually passed down within noble families.

Furthermore, it was necessary to verify whether the acquired breathing technique was authentic.

It took six months even to find a breathing technique that suited Denif.

So originally, the duke had planned to teach Carlyn a basic magic training method.

A versatile and straightforward method that wouldn’t pose any difficulty even if the training method changed midway.

However, the plan completely changed.

‘If we solve that problem, it could become the pillar that makes us the best on the continent.’

Marhan wasn’t someone who spoke easily, and the duke trusted him implicitly.

Being the best on the continent wasn’t just some random phrase. If Marhan said it, it meant it was true.

Originally, the duke had only intended to send a doctor, but everyone had returned together because of that reason.

The best doctor under his command was in the Empire due to a mission, so he had no choice but to find a new one. But their reputation was similar.

Of course, it was slightly disappointing to hear that they couldn’t solve the child’s problem, but the previous best doctor would have been similar.

It was the first time he had encountered such symptoms of gathering information, and the difference in skill between the two doctors wasn’t significant.

And, in any case, he had planned to pass down the Moonlight Technique regardless of the outcome.

The child’s peculiarities were remarkable enough that solving the problem wouldn’t be an issue.

‘The best on the continent…’

Since hearing the report, those words had been constantly lingering in the duke’s mind. His desire writhed within him.

He couldn’t give up under any circumstances.

If needed, he would bring a divine healer. No, if it was that level of talent, he must bring them.

Even if they couldn’t be found in the near future, it wouldn’t matter.

Even if ten years passed, the child would still be 23 years old. Duke felt that time was on his side.

Even if the divine healer had aged, they wouldn’t be called the Divine Healer for nothing. They wouldn’t easily die.

‘Considering the power of the Haisen Kingdom…’

Within ten years, there would be at least one occasion when they would be connected with the divine healer.

The child’s condition was intriguing enough to pique the curiosity of the divine healer, and mentioning their talent would undoubtedly attract them.

Even if the divine healer said the illness was incurable, it would be fine. Even if their growth was slow, it would be the same.

All he had to do was raise them. Even if it was limited to specific days, having access to the continent’s greatest talent was a tremendous advantage.

He just had to lay the groundwork and wait for that day.

Perhaps he would be able to identify the cycle of their arrival while raising the child.

Of course, it was originally unthinkable to teach the Moonlight Technique to a child who had stayed for a short time.

But what made it possible was Carlyn’s talent and his own assessment of what he had created.

The duke had raised Carlyn’s diligence and intelligence.

Even if he spoke in vague terms, Carlyn understood quickly and worked hard in every aspect, even when his body didn’t cooperate.

The feedback from the other staff members, aside from Marhan and Lena, was also excellent.

Although it was a short time, consistency was crucial.

Most orphans might resemble Carlyn at first, but few of them were sincere.

Most of them pretended to work hard but quickly gave up or revealed their true temperament. That was the majority.

Weakness was not kindness. Duke himself had been that way, especially if the child was brought from the streets.

He had seen those who spoke false loyalty more than once.

They might have felt they were good at acting, but when you were in a high position, you could usually see through it.

The duke trusted his own eyes and the eyes of his subordinates, whom he had brought under his command.

Since becoming the Chief of Intelligence, there hadn’t been a significant betrayal.

He had always been cautious. After all, no one truly believed in him.

“Is it a magic training method?”

Duke looked at Carlyn, who spoke those words. He tried to hide it, but a happy expression betrayed him.

In any case, the child was scoring points with the duke in that aspect.

Of course, this was not the end. Carlyn would continue to face tests in the future.

The duke didn’t trust anyone, after all.

“You’re wrong.”

Carlyn was taken aback by the duke’s words. If it wasn’t a method of cultivating magic power, then what was it?

The duke chuckled at Carlyn’s bewildered expression as he pondered.

“It’s not completely wrong.”

“Then…”

“I will pass down the Moonlight Technique to you.”

The term “technique” referred to the combination of martial arts and the cultivation of magic power. It was not as simple as just combining them.

A technique was called so when a martial art and a suitable method of cultivating magical power were combined to produce an enhancement effect.

Usually, a master created their own martial art and developed a corresponding breathing technique during its inception.

Of course, it was possible to add something to existing martial arts or breathing techniques, but the frequency of such occurrences was extremely rare.

Knowing this, Carlyn couldn’t help but be truly astonished. The technique was by no means ordinary.

Even in games, it was a skill possessed only by special named characters.

“For now, it’s something that only I know on this continent.”

“…!”

Carlyn stood there with his mouth agape, realizing that the duke was going to pass down his vision to him.

It was a difficult concept for Carlyn to grasp.

‘How long has it been since I came here?’

It had only been about two months since Carlyn came under the duke’s wing. It wasn’t enough time to earn his trust.

Could it be… a lie?

It was possible. As the Chief of Intelligence of a nation, the duke might know several techniques.

There was also the possibility that he was saying it to gain psychological favor.

However, it was a prestigious technique. The chances of that were slim.

Even if that were the case, the passing down of the technique was a remarkable event.

“It doesn’t please you?”

“No! I’m just too surprised…”

The duke raised the corner of his left mouth while looking at Carlyn. However, the atmosphere became heavier instead.

“That means you will become my unofficial successor.”

The duke had no children. He had no wife either.

Since childhood, he had been raised with the purpose of becoming the Chief of Intelligence for Haisen.

Although the duke was a member of a noble family, he had a more difficult childhood than anyone else, yet he had no complaints.

That was what the duke wanted. He didn’t want to create any weaknesses that could be exploited.

After all, the position of Haisen’s Chief of Intelligence wasn’t passed down through generations.

The Chief of Intelligence raised the next Chief of Intelligence. There were already several candidates at present.

A successor, you say?

Of course, Carlyn’s thoughts were tangled and complex as he didn’t know that.

The duke let out a bitter laugh.

“I’m not talking about you inheriting the duke title. It’s about being the martial successor.”

“Ah… I see.”

Carlyn quickly corrected his expression, which had become muddled.

“Are you disappointed?”

“No, not at all. How dare I…”

Carlyn hastily raised his head at the duke’s playful question.

“And for some reason, I feel like Denif might have told you, but I’m thinking of making you my godchild.”

“Yes.”

“Do you have any objections? If you don’t want to, you don’t have to. I don’t want to have a nominal godchild.”

“Could there be such a thing?”

The duke smiled at the satisfactory answer.

“Then, can you consider me your godfather, your father?”

It was a moment he had prepared for since hearing it from Denif.

He didn’t know how it would proceed, but Carlyn had thought of several words that would please the duke.

“I may not have experienced having parents, so I may not be like ordinary children, but I will regard you as someone more important than anyone else, Duke, and serve you faithfully.”

Carlyn deeply bowed her head.

“Very well. But…”

Duke smirked.

“Rather than faithfulness, filial piety would be better.”

Carlyn raised her head again and met eyes with Duke.

“Yes, Father.”

The duke burst into hearty laughter. He was clearly pleased.

Except for Denif, the other godchildren hadn’t been able to address him as a father until he asked them to.

“That will be all for today. See you again tomorrow. I will pass down the Moonlight Technique at that time.”

“Have a peaceful night.”

Carlyn turned around after bidding farewell.

It was a significant moment. Due to the nervousness, his heart was beating rapidly.

* * *

“Hmm. Is there any effect to it?”

Last night, the uke, or rather, now the godfather? Still, the title of Godfather felt a bit cringe-worthy.

The duke would also know that I didn’t say those words with one hundred percent sincerity.

We hadn’t had much personal interaction yet.

Since he extended his hand first, it must mean that I should reach out and come closer step by step.

Anyway, after meeting the duke, on my way back, I received some tea and decoction from a doctor named Hein.

It was similar to herbal medicine, but the way it was served made me feel eerie, like something from a historical drama.

The taste was terrible, especially the decoction. The tea was somewhat tolerable, although a bit bitter.

Anyway, there wasn’t much change.

Last night, I still tossed and turned in bed and my body felt equally heavy.

Well, you couldn’t expect immediate results.

Besides, the doctor said it wasn’t medicine but a tonic, so who knows.

These things usually take a long time to show their effects.

I didn’t remember well since it was a long time ago, but when I received herbal medicine once, I took it for one or two months.

I went down to the cafeteria first to eat, and Denif and Orhen walked over, blinking their eyes.

“I heard Father came last night.”

“Yes, I met him.”

Denif widened his eyes and asked curiously.

“Really? Did he only call you?”

He seemed a bit disappointed, indicating that he really regarded the duke as his godfather.

Well, he would become an imperial terrorist after all.

“Father brought a doctor with him.”

“Oh, because of your health? How did it go… Wait, did you say Father?”

Instead of answering, I smirked. Denif was taken aback.

“So, you became a godchild too?”

I nodded my head, and Orhen also looked slightly surprised. Denif jumped up in excitement.

“So, we’re all siblings now?”

“…Step-siblings.”

“Isn’t it the same thing? In a broader sense, siblings also include step-siblings.”

Orhen narrowed her eyes. It was an uncertain look, as if she wasn’t sure if Denif’s words were correct.

Usually, Denif said things that were incorrect, but this time he said something right.

Denif, who retorted nonchalantly, puffed up his chest and playfully tapped my shoulder.

“Then I’m your older brother. Hey, Carlyn. Call me ‘hyung’ (older brother).”

What nonsense is this again?

I glared at Denif with a puzzled expression, and he shrugged his shoulders with a shameless face.

“Since I became the first godchild, I’m your older brother.”

I looked at Orhen, seeking some sanity. Orhen, who had been lost in thought for a moment, nodded her head.

“…It doesn’t seem like a wrong statement. Carlyn should call me ‘noona’ (older sister).”

No way. Even Orhen?

What were these pairs saying? I couldn’t find words to express my faint sense of betrayal and astonishment.

“Well, then why do you two call each other by name?”

“We both became godchildren at the same time.”

Orhen nodded her head. They both had confident expressions. I realized my mistake.

I felt like I dug my own grave by asking.

“Well, I don’t know. I don’t like it.”

I stood up while saying that. I had to act according to the children’s standards.

Persistence was key.

“What? You don’t like it? The younger sibling has no manners. Seriously?”

I chuckled at Denif’s question. Perhaps because of that, Denif became more excited and started babbling.

“And why are you getting up before your brother finishes his meal?”

His audacious words at the age of thirteen made me feel dizzy and disoriented.

I sighed in response and turned away.

Since the duke said we’d meet today, I needed to prepare early.

Originally, it was Boutreaux’s class, but the hierarchy dictated that the higher-ups take priority.

I took a few steps and then stopped.

Well, they were technically my siblings, so wouldn’t it be good to give them some advice?

“It would be better to eat quickly today. Father said he would see us.”