"The Ackerman family once served as military officers by the king's side, the royal family's sharp sword, and were considered nobility. But later, for reasons unknown, the king began to suppress and ostracize them. The once-proud Ackerman family lost their titles, their kin scattered, struggling to survive while still facing persecution. To escape this, I secluded myself in the deep mountains, where I met Yato, who had also been ostracized."
Hank paused, scanning my black hair and eyes carefully. "Actually, Jax, you are also part of the Ackerman family, though you don't know it yet. Tell me, have you ever felt a surge of immense power filling your entire body?"
I realized that Ackerman members were like Demon Hunters, but most had no idea how to fully awaken or control their power. They aged, got injured, and suffered like ordinary humans. Their abilities were limited to superior physical attributes and combat instincts, yet even in this state, their strength placed them at the peak of human combat potential and had earned them the position of the king's martial family.
"Uncle, are you talking about awakening?" I asked.
Hank nodded. "Yes. You are an Ackerman, Jax. Your ancestors were thorough—they even changed their surnames to hide their identity." Hank frowned and sighed. "It's a betrayal of the family's legacy. Has the Ackerman bloodline declined so much that its members feel no sense of belonging at all?"
"If you think it's acceptable, Uncle, I want to change back to my original surname," I said.
Hank froze for a moment. "Are you sure, Jax? Your ancestors changed your surname to distance themselves from the Ackerman family. If you switch it back, then..." He didn't finish, but I understood perfectly. To most people, the true strength of a Hunter is unimaginable, and schemes or politics are meaningless before it. Still, I needed a convincing reason for Hank.
I took a moment before speaking. "That doesn't matter. I am Ackerman by blood. No matter what my elders thought, returning to the family is what matters most to me."
Hank nodded slowly. "Alright. This is your choice, and I won't interfere. Besides, if you and Mikasa get married in the future, your children should carry the Ackerman name."
My face flushed immediately. "Uncle, what… what are you saying?"
Hank chuckled, rubbing my head. "Isn't it obvious? Mikasa likes you a lot. When she grows up and marries you, Yato and I will feel at ease."
"I… I…" I stammered, completely caught off guard. Hank laughed heartily, patting my shoulder firmly. "Perhaps it's a little too early to discuss this, but let's focus on hunting first. I'll also have Skog help you restore your surname."
As Hank walked ahead, a question suddenly came to mind. I quickly caught up with him. "Uncle, there's actually one more thing I don't understand."
"Oh?" Hank looked at me, curiosity in his eyes. "Go ahead and ask."
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