The Festival of Heroes! Celebrating the rise of the most promising rough gems in the whole world, the festival’s objective is to appreciate the young talents that shall carry over to the next generation! It is an exaggeration at best, and at its worst— it is definitely just a political maneuvering of Korea’s bigshots behind the scenes attempting to gain something.
For the Hero Association, it is the soothing of the masses.
For the Cadets of Cube, it is an opportunity for them to showcase their abilities in the hope for a Guild to scout them, or maybe even the Hero Association themselves. To summarize, it is for fame, fortune, and glory!
For the few parents of the Cube Cadets, it is to reunite and bond with their children, holding hopes and expectations for the best of them all.
For the others, the public, who has shown interest may gain valuable memories from participating in this festival. Maybe this is where they will find their soulmates, or maybe they will find their long-lost wife or something else entirely.
To others, it may also involve unsavory people like criminals for example the Chameleon Troupe, or maybe there are even experts from Vast Expanse and the mercenary circle milling around. For all God knows, maybe there is even a daring Djinn scuttling on the premise with the hope of achieving something.
These others also include an old man, silently strolling from the sky, mid-flight and invisible to most eyes. His white long hair and emotionless piercing eyes carry a pressure of authority to it. He wears a modest, yet stylish suit. Finishing his ensemble is a walking stick.
He is none other than the Immortal— Chae Joochul.
There are reasons why he has pushed to increase the scale of the Combat Exam. Because the Dhaeyun Corporation, his corporation, is among the biggest contributors and investors of Cube, he has much say, power, and influence over Cube. Though it isn’t absolute, it is enough for him to push something like this.
“Family first. That is the Code I adhered to since I began losing my emotions.”
Chae Joochul’s mind whirs, thinking critically about what he may gain by avenging the near harm that has been caused to his granddaughter. Because he is emotionless, a side effect of his Gift, he cannot find a reason to avenge Chae Nayun. It is quite convenient to have emotions. A person can just do anything he or she wants because they feels like it.
On the contrary, Chae Joochul cannot find himself doing something that goes against reason. That is why he needs to think of something that will benefit him and can stand as a reason so that she may avenge Nayun.
Though nothing irreversible has happened to Nayun, it is still the truth that harm almost has come to her. His Code demands him he avenge her.
“I have decided.” He says to no one in particular, but he lets the words out of his mouth as if confirming to himself that the choice he is about to make comes out of cold logic. He has to care for his family, and he shall do just that.
“I am here so that I can find a fiancée for Chae Nayun.” Someone strong, and already has a solid relationship with Nayun— perhaps someone like Kim Suho and Shin Jonghak, familiar names that Chae Joochul has become too familiar with from hearing either from Nayun’s mouth or others.
“Even if she doesn’t want to get married, it is fine.” Chae Joochul reasonably thinks that she can freely break the engagement when they come of age. Perhaps 20 or 21 years old. He decides he will give his full support to Nayun on this part. After all, family first.
“This way, whether Kim Suho or Shin Jonghak doesn’t want it, they will be tied to the Chae family. The two’s potential is certainly impressive. It is as if having another High Rank or possibly a Master Rank in the family.” He concludes.
***
It is strangely ironic.
Chae Joochul is not able to avenge his grandson, Chae Jinyoon, who has fallen from the effects of the Devil’s Seed in another timeline. In retrospect, it is because of Joochul’s Code of “Family first,” that he decides to hide Jinyoon’s fate.
The hurt and pain it will cause to his son and granddaughter is so devastating that he coldly decides it is better to hide Jinyoon’s death— a thinking process, not anyone will be able to deduce. At that time, gains and advantages of hiding Jinyoon have become warped decorating it as some form of conspiracy, hidden from the world.
***
The weekend passes by in the blink of an eye and the combat exams begin.
Monday’s exam is a duel.
Because of the importance of this particular event to each cadet, it is compulsory to attend. In fact, this is outside the co-curricular activities of the festival. These Duels are essentially among the core parts of the exam.
The exam is carried out in a simple way. Cadets can nominate cadets they want to fight. Each cadet has 3 nominations, and a nominated cadet cannot refuse a duel. These Duels are a staple for each year level since it is an important factor that changes the rankings… every time.
Though it may seem like a way for the strong to bully the weak, Cube isn’t so stupid. The exam is designed to be fair, giving bonus points depending on the difference in the cadets’ rankings.
For example, if Kim Suho who is ranked 1 fights a bottom-ranked cadet, he will receive negative points even if he wins, while the bottom-ranked cadet will gain points even if he loses.
Furthermore, an ungraded element ‘fame’ encourages cadets to challenge stronger opponents.
There are thousands of cadets, numerous duel arenas, and limited time. Naturally, scouts from various countries’ guilds spectate high-ranking cadets. So if low-ranking cadets challenge high-ranking cadets, they will be able to appeal to these scouts even if they lose.
“Well, this is unexpected… Since when did I pick a fight with this bastard— Kim Fucking. Hoe. rack.”
Even with the mechanism promoting fairness and challenge… this just has to happen.
I am nominated by the rank 18 cadet, Kim Horak.
[Duel 1]
[Rank 18 Kim Horak vs Rank 1111 Hyon Hung.]
Even if Kim Horak wins, he will not gain more than three points. In a fight between rank 1111 and 18, it is obvious who will win.
“Hey! Doesn’t he know that I have a cast on my neck? I recently had an accident, so would he please give me slack.” I complain pitifully to the vending machine. I try not to be as attention-seeking as possible with my verbal franticness, fearing that Yi Byul might see my eccentrics as familiar.
Thankfully, my act as Savant is less crazy than I usually am. I just have to be careful not to show too much of my fighting abilities.
I pick up a can of iced coffee from the vending machine’s mouth. I drink it in a single gulp, crush the can, and toss it in the trash bin. I missed. I have a [Throwing Art], and I missed it. I am fucked.
I pick up the crushed can, and angrily slam dunks it on the trash bin.
I cannot even enjoy the surroundings. It registers to me that the scenery outside is completely different than usual. If I am to put it, it is touching and heartwarming. I can practically smell a flowery scent blowing in the wind. Yep. It is weird if this is my impression of it.
I walk solitarily like a lone warrior heading to battle. I watch the other cadets laughing and joking with each of and own family. Many cadets walk around with their own parents. Since last Friday, cadets have been staying with their families in the same dorm room.
“Where are you going?”
At the moment, someone calls to me like a cat. Her voice is reserved, but solid confidence backs her words. “If you are going to the duel arena, you’re going the wrong way.” Rachel points at my back.
When I turn around, I read ‘Parking Lot’ in bold fonts. I don’t get it. “What is the need for a parking lot?” Cube is set up on a fucking island!
Hearing my ridiculous complaint, Rachel explains. “Few came here with their private jets, helicopters, a few from nearer islands even used yachts. There is also a cruise ship, SS Anne, the only world-traveling ship around. Plenty of rich folks and distinguished guests appeared. The Hero Association is pulling no punches on making the best out of this festival.”
I leave Rachel on her own, thinking hard about how I can screw Kim Horak. In the background of my mind, I also try thinking of reasons as to why there seem to be a lot of VIP guests around. I notice Rachel still following me.
“Stop,” I order her. “There is a camera.” I don’t want to be seen with Rachel. The two of us share no connection at all. Not even friends, or rivals. We are simply classmates, and we have no further intimate contact than that.
“Huh? What is the problem? And why is that a problem?”
Normally, it isn’t a problem, because I basically own Cube though not as an acknowledged legal possession. A camera within Cube is as good as mine. But the camera in front of me is different.
“According to my AI System, this camera does not belong there. I believe it was swapped. The schematics of the entire thing are different. I’d rather not hack it willy-nilly. I think it is part of the Hero Association’s preventive measures.”
“Oh, good luck.” Rachel turns around.
Before she goes, she turns back at me once more asking out of curiosity. “Who is your opponent?”
“Kim. Hoe Rack.” I reply in half-jest mixing English words with Kim Horak’s name.
Rachel softly giggles, and then finally, she is gone.
Alfir
One of the less inspiring, but interesting developments of TNE is definitely Chae Joochul's confession of his code 'Familiy First' to Nayun when he was confronted about Kwang-Oh incident. When I learned that part, I felt like a lot changed.
The Festival of Heroes! Celebrating the rise of the most promising rough gems in the whole world, the festival’s objective is to appreciate the young talents that shall carry over to the next generation! It is an exaggeration at best, and at its worst— it is definitely just a political maneuvering of Korea’s bigshots behind the scenes attempting to gain something.
For the Hero Association, it is the soothing of the masses.
For the Cadets of Cube, it is an opportunity for them to showcase their abilities in the hope for a Guild to scout them, or maybe even the Hero Association themselves. To summarize, it is for fame, fortune, and glory!
For the few parents of the Cube Cadets, it is to reunite and bond with their children, holding hopes and expectations for the best of them all.
For the others, the public, who has shown interest may gain valuable memories from participating in this festival. Maybe this is where they will find their soulmates, or maybe they will find their long-lost wife or something else entirely.
To others, it may also involve unsavory people like criminals for example the Chameleon Troupe, or maybe there are even experts from Vast Expanse and the mercenary circle milling around. For all God knows, maybe there is even a daring Djinn scuttling on the premise with the hope of achieving something.
These others also include an old man, silently strolling from the sky, mid-flight and invisible to most eyes. His white long hair and emotionless piercing eyes carry a pressure of authority to it. He wears a modest, yet stylish suit. Finishing his ensemble is a walking stick.
He is none other than the Immortal— Chae Joochul.
There are reasons why he has pushed to increase the scale of the Combat Exam. Because the Dhaeyun Corporation, his corporation, is among the biggest contributors and investors of Cube, he has much say, power, and influence over Cube. Though it isn’t absolute, it is enough for him to push something like this.
“Family first. That is the Code I adhered to since I began losing my emotions.”
Chae Joochul’s mind whirs, thinking critically about what he may gain by avenging the near harm that has been caused to his granddaughter. Because he is emotionless, a side effect of his Gift, he cannot find a reason to avenge Chae Nayun. It is quite convenient to have emotions. A person can just do anything he or she wants because they feels like it.
On the contrary, Chae Joochul cannot find himself doing something that goes against reason. That is why he needs to think of something that will benefit him and can stand as a reason so that she may avenge Nayun.
Though nothing irreversible has happened to Nayun, it is still the truth that harm almost has come to her. His Code demands him he avenge her.
“I have decided.” He says to no one in particular, but he lets the words out of his mouth as if confirming to himself that the choice he is about to make comes out of cold logic. He has to care for his family, and he shall do just that.
“I am here so that I can find a fiancée for Chae Nayun.” Someone strong, and already has a solid relationship with Nayun— perhaps someone like Kim Suho and Shin Jonghak, familiar names that Chae Joochul has become too familiar with from hearing either from Nayun’s mouth or others.
“Even if she doesn’t want to get married, it is fine.” Chae Joochul reasonably thinks that she can freely break the engagement when they come of age. Perhaps 20 or 21 years old. He decides he will give his full support to Nayun on this part. After all, family first.
“This way, whether Kim Suho or Shin Jonghak doesn’t want it, they will be tied to the Chae family. The two’s potential is certainly impressive. It is as if having another High Rank or possibly a Master Rank in the family.” He concludes.
***
It is strangely ironic.
Chae Joochul is not able to avenge his grandson, Chae Jinyoon, who has fallen from the effects of the Devil’s Seed in another timeline. In retrospect, it is because of Joochul’s Code of “Family first,” that he decides to hide Jinyoon’s fate.
The hurt and pain it will cause to his son and granddaughter is so devastating that he coldly decides it is better to hide Jinyoon’s death— a thinking process, not anyone will be able to deduce. At that time, gains and advantages of hiding Jinyoon have become warped decorating it as some form of conspiracy, hidden from the world.
***
The weekend passes by in the blink of an eye and the combat exams begin.
Monday’s exam is a duel.
Because of the importance of this particular event to each cadet, it is compulsory to attend. In fact, this is outside the co-curricular activities of the festival. These Duels are essentially among the core parts of the exam.
The exam is carried out in a simple way. Cadets can nominate cadets they want to fight. Each cadet has 3 nominations, and a nominated cadet cannot refuse a duel. These Duels are a staple for each year level since it is an important factor that changes the rankings… every time.
Though it may seem like a way for the strong to bully the weak, Cube isn’t so stupid. The exam is designed to be fair, giving bonus points depending on the difference in the cadets’ rankings.
For example, if Kim Suho who is ranked 1 fights a bottom-ranked cadet, he will receive negative points even if he wins, while the bottom-ranked cadet will gain points even if he loses.
Furthermore, an ungraded element ‘fame’ encourages cadets to challenge stronger opponents.
There are thousands of cadets, numerous duel arenas, and limited time. Naturally, scouts from various countries’ guilds spectate high-ranking cadets. So if low-ranking cadets challenge high-ranking cadets, they will be able to appeal to these scouts even if they lose.
“Well, this is unexpected… Since when did I pick a fight with this bastard— Kim Fucking. Hoe. rack.”
Even with the mechanism promoting fairness and challenge… this just has to happen.
I am nominated by the rank 18 cadet, Kim Horak.
[Duel 1]
[Rank 18 Kim Horak vs Rank 1111 Hyon Hung.]
Even if Kim Horak wins, he will not gain more than three points. In a fight between rank 1111 and 18, it is obvious who will win.
“Hey! Doesn’t he know that I have a cast on my neck? I recently had an accident, so would he please give me slack.” I complain pitifully to the vending machine. I try not to be as attention-seeking as possible with my verbal franticness, fearing that Yi Byul might see my eccentrics as familiar.
Thankfully, my act as Savant is less crazy than I usually am. I just have to be careful not to show too much of my fighting abilities.
I pick up a can of iced coffee from the vending machine’s mouth. I drink it in a single gulp, crush the can, and toss it in the trash bin. I missed. I have a [Throwing Art], and I missed it. I am fucked.
I pick up the crushed can, and angrily slam dunks it on the trash bin.
I cannot even enjoy the surroundings. It registers to me that the scenery outside is completely different than usual. If I am to put it, it is touching and heartwarming. I can practically smell a flowery scent blowing in the wind. Yep. It is weird if this is my impression of it.
I walk solitarily like a lone warrior heading to battle. I watch the other cadets laughing and joking with each of and own family. Many cadets walk around with their own parents. Since last Friday, cadets have been staying with their families in the same dorm room.
“Where are you going?”
At the moment, someone calls to me like a cat. Her voice is reserved, but solid confidence backs her words. “If you are going to the duel arena, you’re going the wrong way.” Rachel points at my back.
When I turn around, I read ‘Parking Lot’ in bold fonts. I don’t get it. “What is the need for a parking lot?” Cube is set up on a fucking island!
Hearing my ridiculous complaint, Rachel explains. “Few came here with their private jets, helicopters, a few from nearer islands even used yachts. There is also a cruise ship, SS Anne, the only world-traveling ship around. Plenty of rich folks and distinguished guests appeared. The Hero Association is pulling no punches on making the best out of this festival.”
I leave Rachel on her own, thinking hard about how I can screw Kim Horak. In the background of my mind, I also try thinking of reasons as to why there seem to be a lot of VIP guests around. I notice Rachel still following me.
“Stop,” I order her. “There is a camera.” I don’t want to be seen with Rachel. The two of us share no connection at all. Not even friends, or rivals. We are simply classmates, and we have no further intimate contact than that.
“Huh? What is the problem? And why is that a problem?”
Normally, it isn’t a problem, because I basically own Cube though not as an acknowledged legal possession. A camera within Cube is as good as mine. But the camera in front of me is different.
“According to my AI System, this camera does not belong there. I believe it was swapped. The schematics of the entire thing are different. I’d rather not hack it willy-nilly. I think it is part of the Hero Association’s preventive measures.”
“Oh, good luck.” Rachel turns around.
Before she goes, she turns back at me once more asking out of curiosity. “Who is your opponent?”
“Kim. Hoe Rack.” I reply in half-jest mixing English words with Kim Horak’s name.
Rachel softly giggles, and then finally, she is gone.
Alfir
One of the less inspiring, but interesting developments of TNE is definitely Chae Joochul's confession of his code 'Familiy First' to Nayun when he was confronted about Kwang-Oh incident. When I learned that part, I felt like a lot changed.
