The prologue of Brave Hearts begins with Togui Seo Jeong-jin visiting an orphanage to take in a disciple.
And in that orphanage…
Seo Jeong-jin
—You possess the talent of a hunter.
You will meet Kang Hyeonbyeol.
The game describes their meeting as follows:
「Unfortunately for the children, he couldn’t find one who truly suited his heart. Seo Jeong-jin reluctantly turned his steps away from the spot.」
…(Omitted)…
「Suddenly, Seo Jeong-jin halted his steps. Ignoring the orphanage director’s confusion, he turned toward the flower bed.」
「There was no particular purpose. If there was, it was instinct. He simply followed what his senses told him.」
…(Omitted)…
「Beyond there, he knew what he sought. Seo Jeong-jin was drawn by an indescribable, inexplicable feeling.」
「Thus, their meeting was sheer coincidence, yet in another sense, it was inevitable.」
An elderly man obsessed with killing monsters, rugged like a bandit, and a boy who lost his family in an accident, surviving alone with his heart shut away.
In a world where spring petals flutter, the scene of their first encounter is incredibly vivid.
It remains etched in memory even now.
Seo Jeong-jin
—I will make you the strongest hunter.
And so, Seo Jeong-jin adopted Kang Hyeonbyeol, teaching him everything he had accomplished.
From then on, Kang Hyeonbyeol, with his lifeless eyes, grew into a protagonist-like figure through living with and training under Seo Jeong-jin, swiftly passing by.
Years later…
Seo Jeong-jin
—I have nothing more to teach you. The rest must be discovered by you in the world.
When Kang Hyeonbyeol turned 17, Seo Jeong-jin issued the command to descend the mountain.
Kang Hyeonbyeol
—I offer my gratitude to my master. I will strive to ensure that being your disciple is never a source of shame, and that the world knows you were an extraordinary hunter!
The prologue ends there.
Afterward, Kang Hyeonbyeol heads to the Academy City and enrolls in the Academy.
The game begins at this point.
Having learned all manner of combat skills from Seo Jeong-jin, he rapidly establishes a foundation for growth.
Moreover, he overcomes his past pain and shows a tenacious spirit unyielding to adversity.
He’s probably rolling around right about now.
Recalling the game’s prologue, I let out a wry smile.
I’d prefer to meet Kang Hyeonbyeol and aid his growth, but regrettably, I’ve decided to suppress that desire.
Before the main story begins, Kang Hyeonbyeol can be left to Seo Jeong-jin.
If I meet Kang Hyeonbyeol unnecessarily, it might influence his character formation and distort the story.
It’s different with Yeon Haneul.
Yeon Haneul appears as a mid-boss with a separate ending, yet oddly occupies little narrative weight.
Even if Yeon Haneul’s story is extracted, it doesn’t significantly alter the overall flow of the story.
In contrast, approaching Kang Hyeonbyeol, who is entangled in all the storylines, requires utmost caution.
At least during this period when Kang Hyeonbyeol’s character is evolving, it’s better to avoid involvement.
I made that judgment.
Managing Haneul is already overwhelming, and I’m busy enough growing myself—how could I possibly keep track of everything?
Of course, that was also a reason.
In any case, curious about Kang Hyeonbyeol’s news, I asked my father to look into it, but it seems he went to some trouble.
Meanwhile, the people in the banquet hall were visibly unsettled.
“Head of the household, is that truly the case?”
“Togui has taken on a disciple…?”
“That Togui?”
“Which family’s child is it?”
When mentioning a formidable hunter from the same generation as Grandfather, Togui was an existence inevitably brought up alongside the current heads of the Ten Great Clans.
Naturally, people were curious that Togui had taken on a disciple.
In response, Grandfather replied,
“I believe his name is Kang Hyeonbyeol. Two years ago, he adopted the boy from an orphanage to take him as a disciple.”
“So he’s not from any family—Togui hasn’t connected with another clan, then.”
“That guy, who dislikes entanglements, wouldn’t do that. Adopting a child with no background likely stems from that. Or perhaps he wanted to raise a child untainted by anyone’s influence.”
“How old is the child?”
“He’ll be twelve this year.”
“Then… some of the children here might end up competing with him in the Academy City.”
“Yes, that’s likely.”
“Around ten to fourteen years old, I suppose.”
The eldest uncle, the most prominent candidate for the next head of the Shinjeom Taoist Sect among the direct family, spoke on behalf of the rest, and Grandfather nodded.
Then, casting his gaze around the hall, he said,
“That guy also passed on this message to me. He wants to see who’s stronger between his disciple and our family’s children.”
“…”
“It’s a childish and obvious provocation, but we can’t very well ignore it. I believe our family must be far superior to any other—naturally, even more so than that guy’s disciple.”
At this point, it was impossible not to realize.
I anticipated what Grandfather would say next.
“So, I have high expectations for you all, who will face that guy’s disciple.”
“…”
“I hope you demonstrate conduct befitting the Shinjeom Taoist Sect’s stature.”
“Yes… We’ll keep that in mind, Head of the household…”
As expected.
Grandfather urged with a smile.
For those around ten to fourteen years old, who would meet Kang Hyeonbyeol in the Academy City, their expressions weren’t pleasant.
They reluctantly responded.
I suppose other clans are experiencing similar situations.
I echoed their response.
But I wasn’t flustered.
Knowing the game’s flow, I had anticipated this outcome long ago.
Togui likely provoked other clans as well, spreading news of his disciple.
As a result, in the game, Kang Hyeonbyeol garners attention from noble families from the start of his enrollment.
He gets entangled with noble families and frequently finds trouble…
Is that the fate of a protagonist who’s always embroiled in incidents?
He probably won’t have a day of peace.
Naturally, as Kang Hyeonbyeol’s party member, I…
Damn it.
“Si-eun, I believe in you.”
“I’ll live up to your expectations.”
“And Seung-woo.”
“Yes, Head of the household!”
Come to think of it, Grandfather had intended to offer encouragement to that guy.
At that moment, he called out to him.
The called-out guy straightened his back and assumed a proper posture.
“You, who are the same age as Togui’s disciple, will likely cross paths with him often. Show me what you’re made of.”
“…Yes! I’ll show you what I’m made of!”
Perhaps pleased by Grandfather’s recognition, Do Seung-woo confidently pounded his chest and answered.
“He’ll get taken down by Kang Hyeonbyeol and lose his standing in the family…”
He struts around, oblivious to his fate.
I clicked my tongue at the sight.
He continued to boast.
“My father taught me something, Head of the household!”
“Oh? What did Beom-jun teach you? Let’s hear it.”
“Yes, Head of the household!”
The third uncle puffs up with pride.
Do Seung-woo, drunk on Grandfather’s approval, speaks.
“A lion gives its all even when catching a single rabbit! Like that saying, I plan to fight with all my might, no matter who my opponent is!”
“Right, never be….”
Pffft!
“…”
Ah, jeez.
I couldn’t help but react while drinking water, finding Do Seung-woo’s overly confident remark both funny and absurd.
As a result,
“Ah, s*… This is bad.”
When I barely suppressed my laughter, gazes rained down.
Grandfather was looking at me too.
“Did something amusing happen?”
“…”
“Let me try to laugh too.”
Interrupting the head of the household was one thing, but laughing while he was speaking—lightly brushing it off could easily lead to a scolding.
“You again…”
My father let out a soft sigh.
Then, trying to explain the awkward situation on my behalf,
“Head of the household, Gyeon-woo was just drinking water…”
“I was asking Gyeon-woo.”
“…”
“Gyeon-woo, you explain.”
My father’s words held no sway.
Grandfather still waited with a kind expression for my response.
“Forget it.”
No choice.
Let it be.
If I get scolded, so be it.
I decided to speak honestly.
“Seung-woo’s remark was funny.”
“What are you talking about?”
Grandfather tilted his head in confusion.
Fortunately, he didn’t seem angry.
Instead, he seemed curious about what I’d said and urged me to continue.
I decided to elaborate.
“They say a lion gives its all when catching a single rabbit, but if a big lion is trying to fill its stomach with just one rabbit, wouldn’t it truly give its all? That seems a bit odd.”
“Tell me more.”
“Well, to put it bluntly…”
“…”
“If a lion exerts all its strength to catch one rabbit, isn’t the situation rather precarious? Wouldn’t that mean the lion’s life is on the line?”
“Head of the household! Do Gyeon-woo is speaking nonsense…”
“I didn’t ask you, Seung-woo.”
“…I apologize.”
“Continue.”
“In my opinion… Yes, the moment a lion tries to catch a rabbit, it’s already as good as finished. His confident claim just struck me as funny.”
“…”
“If I’ve offended you, I sincerely apologize.”
“…”
Even if scolded, I’d speak my mind.
Ignoring my father’s objections and despite sighs from others, I boldly addressed Grandfather.
He showed no reaction after hearing my words.
Or so I thought.
Then, suddenly,
“Haha! That’s quite absurd!”
“…”
Out of the blue, Grandfather burst into loud laughter.
His laughter was so thunderous it filled the entire banquet hall.
The family members stared at Grandfather, stunned.
Soon, Grandfather stopped laughing.
“Indeed… Your point holds merit. If a lion, the king of beasts, exerts all its strength to catch a single rabbit, its life might as well be over.”
“…”
“Reflecting on your words today, I’ll also consider whether they apply to me.”
“Uh… That’s unnecessary… You’re still in your prime, Head of the household.”
“I appreciate the sentiment. But I find value in the adage of constantly self-reflecting to avoid complacency.”
…That wasn’t my intention.
Grandfather seemed highly satisfied, adding his own interpretation to my words.
What could I say?
“I’ve gained Grandfather’s favor, so I’ll just go with it.”
Pointlessly clarifying would be odd.
I decided to let it slide.
Then, sensing a gaze, I looked at the opposite table.
“Do Gyeon-woo…”
The third uncle and Do Seung-woo were blushing in anger.
Their gazes were burning.
“As expected, I shouldn’t have explained.”
Their annoyance pleased me.
Feeling their stares, I chewed my meat with relish.
Eventually, it was time for Grandfather to ask about our family’s well-being.
Unlike with other families, Grandfather didn’t engage much with us.
“Is there any issue with the Songpa District branch?”
“Take care with the dampness.”
My parents didn’t catch his attention, and lacking topics to pique his interest, this was routine.
My parents nonchalantly answered the perfunctory inquiries, concluding the conversation.
My mother seemed relieved by the uneventful exchange.
Then, when it was my turn.
“Come to think of it, I haven’t mentioned it yet. I’m considering holding the evaluation match at a Gate.”
Grandfather looked at me, announcing it as if for all to hear.
People murmured again.
“Conducting it inside a Gate…”
“What’s the level?”
The evaluation match participants’ ages were set between 8 and 16.
A tender age.
Naturally, parents with children in that range voiced concerns.
In that situation…
“I’m planning for a Yellow Gate.”
“A Yellow Gate?”
“Head of the household, that’s a bit…”
Grandfather declared intent to challenge a Yellow Gate, higher than White and Gray, leaving people at a loss.
Then, Grandfather snickered.
“I understand your worries, so don’t fret too much.”
“…”
“The evaluation match will be held in a Gate our family’s hunters have conquered, with safety ensured. But complete safety can’t be guaranteed. Thus, participation in this evaluation match will be up to the individual’s discretion.”
“Discretion…?”
“In return…”
Grandfather paused, then observed those eligible for the evaluation match.
I was among them.
“I plan to bestow a family treasure upon those who meet my expectations in the evaluation match.”
“…!”
Bestowing a family treasure—
A considerably bold offer.
People were naturally astonished.
I felt much the same.
“What’s this about? After hearing about Togui, has he decided to step it up?”
Perhaps.
The news of Togui taking a disciple likely ignited Grandfather’s competitive spirit.
Just then.
“But, Gyeon-woo.”
“Yes?”
While explaining the evaluation match, Grandfather suddenly called me.
Our gazes met.
“I’d like you to participate. I want to witness firsthand how you defeated Seung-woo and how much you’ve grown.”
“…”
Got caught.
Seems I’m caught.
Grandfather’s tone was gentle, but his words carried an undeniable nuance.
It was the head of the household’s command.
I had to comply.
“Yes, I’ll show you.”
“Good, I’m looking forward to it.”
Perfect timing.
I was already racking my brain to acquire the Boldness skill.
[The target’s rank is too high.]
[Status window cannot be viewed.]
But if I ask Grandfather, who can emit Pressure and is so high-ranked that the status window is inaccessible, I might gain Boldness.
This was an opportunity to catch his attention—too good to pass up.
“Moreover, if I perform well, I might even obtain a treasure from the family’s vault…”
Killing two birds with one stone, a win-win.
I curled my lips into a smile.
And so, after the banquet concluded…
“Then let’s move to the next venue.”
The evaluation match began.
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