Duke Wudewen had been in a fine mood lately. The child he’d picked up years ago was finally coming into his own.
But that good mood vanished the moment a messenger pigeon arrived…
The fools of Dakelos actually thought they could squeeze coin from his pockets?!
F*ck!
The duke’s fury flared.
Just as his temper peaked, Derek barged in—daring to question his decision.
*Heh. Still so immature. Needs another lesson…*
The duke’s thoughts were cut short by a sudden twist!
Derek raged with arrogant fury, his words striking straight into the duke’s heart!
*Holy crap—who said sons were leather jackets?*
This Derek he’d raised was a warm coat, melting the ice around his heart.
For the first time in years, the cold-blooded Duke Wudewen felt… moved.
“Excellent! Excellent, Derek! You truly are my son, Yuri Wudewen’s heir! You’ve not disappointed me!”
“Father, those peasants who insulted you deserve death! Incompetent trash can’t even handle a simple matter—yet they dare beg *you* for help? Do they even know their place?”
Derek didn’t need to act. His lines needed no correction.
His expression and tone were perfection—arrogance so sharp it cut the air.
When Derek turned tyrannical, not even Duke Wudewen could rein him in.
“Derek, we understand. Ignore that garbage…”
The duke’s comforting words died on his lips.
*Wait.*
*Wasn’t I the one furious?*
*Why am I calming* him *now?!*
Duke Wudewen froze, bewildered.
“Father, I know your mercy. But I cannot stand it! How dare these worms burden you with their petty worries?! If you spare them, they’ll never know their worthlessness. So… if you lack the will to deal with them, let me handle it!”
Derek’s plea was earnest, his icy eyes burning with righteous fury—as if he’d never rest until his father’s honor was avenged.
“You?”
“Yes, Father. Under your guidance, I’ve mastered the first-tier Lightning Bolt and Dark Bolt spells. Dark Bolt’s too conspicuous for public use, but Lightning Bolt? I can unleash it freely. After hearing Xinzel’s report on Dakelos, I had an idea: I’ll go there myself! I’ll punish those peasants in your name! I’ll fry those swine with lightning until they’re charred husks—and offer that glorious sight to you, my magnificent father!”
Derek’s cruel smile promised only ruin.
*Yes. I, Derek, am pure evil.*
…
The duke had always planned Derek’s education carefully.
The boy’s character was shaping exactly as he’d hoped—Duke Wudewen was deeply satisfied.
Yet he’d believed Derek still had much to learn… True evil was an art.
But now? He realized his mistake.
Some were born to rule.
Every gesture radiated the Witch Cult’s signature malice and dominance.
Derek’s brutality moved him to his core.
As Yuri Wudewen’s son, he didn’t just match his father—he surpassed him. With Derek’s rise, the duke’s own status in the Witch Cult would soar!
“Good! Good! Good!”
The duke beamed, pride warming his face.
Derek exhaled inwardly.
All that script rehearsal. All that facial acting. All that risky improv with this villainous father…
*Finally.* His Oscar-worthy performance paid off!
If the duke let him go to Dakelos, he could escape this deathtrap of a manor—legitimately!
“But…”
Derek’s heart lurched.
*Why the ‘but’ now?!*
“Derek, your magic just awakened. Are you truly ready?”
“Father, trust me. I’m *your* son, Yuri Wudewen’s heir! Lightning Bolt? Dark Bolt? I mastered them in days. Higher-tier spells? I’ll conquer them once my mana grows. Magic’s no obstacle. What *is* a problem? Wasting time shooting targets in the training yard. I’m itching to test my spells… on those peasants.”
Derek’s boastful tone hid a silent prayer: *Yuri, just let me go like a fart already.*
“True. Your affinity for lightning and darkness is exceptional. Prepare yourself. I’ll send advanced spellbooks to Dakelos for your studies. If you struggle, write to the capital—I’ll guide you.”
“I’ll make our name feared, Father. Those shameless peasants will learn the weight of Wudewen’s wrath!”
The duke’s foul mood evaporated. He threw his head back, laughing wildly. “HAHAHAHA!”
And Derek, having gotten exactly what he wanted…
“HAHAHAHA!”
Once more, evil laughter echoed through the manor’s most dreaded chamber.
…
Outside Derek’s room, Xinzel waited anxiously.
When Derek appeared, he asked softly: “Young Master Derek?”
Derek blinked at the question—then saw Xinzel’s worry.
“Relax.”
Xinzel’s shoulders dropped. His admiration for Derek deepened.
*Young Master Derek solves everything.*
As he thought this, a servant approached with a message.
Xinzel frowned.
*The duke summoned me right after speaking with Derek? What’s happening…?*
…
“Xinzel. You’re clever. You know why I spared you.”
Rarely direct, Duke Wudewen laid his cards bare.
“You wanted my assassination skills… to teach Young Master Derek.”
“Precisely. Your answer?”
The duke’s voice turned glacial.
Xinzel stayed silent.
Unfazed, the duke continued: “Derek leaves for Dakelos soon. You’ll accompany him as his guard—and his combat tutor. Teach him everything. In return… I’ll grant you freedom.”
Xinzel’s eyes lifted, hope flickering.
The duke produced a glowing magic contract. “Well?”
“No. Even if I teach him all I know… you’ll still kill me once I’m useless.”
Xinzel knew his worth too well.
“Worry not. This contract binds me. Fulfill your duty, and I swear—I won’t touch you.”
The duke’s smile was pure temptation, demonic in its sweetness.
…
When Xinzel left, the duke held a new contract.
Magic would prevent him from breaking his word…
*But…*
If his plan succeeded, Derek would have grown by then.
The boy he’d raised—Derek Wudewen—was a demon far crueler, far darker than himself.
Xinzel, walking away, also weighed the duke’s game.
Yuri Wudewen never forgave. Bound by contract or not, assassins would come for him later.
*But…*
By then, Derek—master of all Xinzel’s skills—would be strong enough to protect him.
…
Both men had bet everything on Derek.
As for the boy they pinned their hopes on…
Derek was overjoyed.
After months trapped in this suffocating manor, freedom was finally his.
On the verge of escape, he almost sang:
*“Goodbye, Father, tonight I set sail~
Don’t worry—I’ve got joy and wisdom to prevail~”*
“Ow!”
His face cramped before the first note.
*Damn. Overdid it with that evil laughter.*
*Sigh. Actor’s life… never easy.*
