Richard suddenly ignored him after mocking him, and the boy’s expression grew dark.
Yet, he managed to restrain his emotions, realizing his opponent was just a little child—completely unworthy of his anger.
If others knew he had quarreled with a kid, they would only laugh at him.
He snorted at Richard before returning to his food.
"Old man, what kind of place is it?" Richard asked Mr. Joe.
"To the north of Apple Town, there’s a section of forest about half the size of the town. It’s called the Forest of Darkness, filled with many Beasts. It’s the training ground for children of this town who are just beginning to learn magic. Only those under seventeen are permitted to enter," Mr. Joe explained.
"What I know is, children who enter are given an artifact to record their performance. The more beasts they slay, the more points they earn. Once they reach a certain number, they are rewarded."
Richard was intrigued. A place that even granted rewards piqued his interest greatly.
"Who built it? The city lord?" Richard asked.
The city lord might be the strongest authority in Apple Town, but Richard doubted they could construct such a massive training ground.
"The Moonshadow Family from Night Valley City. They built it to support the surrounding towns and aid the Holy Star Kingdom in strengthening its Magi. Because of this, they received many privileges from the kingdom," Mr. Joe answered.
When he mentioned that family, Mr. Joe’s eyes gleamed with admiration.
Richard couldn’t help but ask, "What do you think of the Moonshadow Family?"
"They were incredibly powerful in the past, with figures who roamed the world. Though they’ve declined, they are still respected throughout the kingdom. Especially now, they have Lady Rebecca—acknowledged as the most beautiful woman in the realm. Her talent in magic is extraordinary. Even while still young, she has already become one of the strongest Magi. Those surpassing her are mostly far older. It is believed she will one day become world-renowned, just like her ancestors."
Mr. Joe’s tone was filled with admiration, yet also a trace of fear, whenever he spoke of Lady Rebecca.
"Young Master, you must never speak ill of Lady Rebecca. She is ruthless and has many hidden subordinates acting as her spies," Mr. Joe added in a hushed voice.
So she has many spies... Hmph, but she knows nothing about me, Richard thought.
The reason was simple—she hadn’t even bothered to check on her own son. Perhaps she had even forgotten she ever bore a child.
"Anyway, is the Forest of Darkness open at night?" Richard asked.
"No, no, only during the day. No one is allowed to enter at night," Mr. Joe replied.
"Looks like we’ll be staying in Apple Town longer," Richard murmured to himself.
"Young Master, Young Master! You’re here! I’ve been searching the entire city for you. Why didn’t you return home after coming out of the Forest of Darkness? Are you hurt?"
Suddenly, a maid in her twenties rushed in, panic in her voice, approaching the fifteen-year-old boy who looked visibly annoyed.
"Elsa, I’m fine. Go back. I’ll return later," he said.
"No, I must take you back. Young Master William, Madam is terribly worried about you. She scolded Sir for pushing you too hard. If you don’t return with me, I will follow you wherever you go," Elsa replied firmly.
"Young man, you’d better not act out too much. Don’t make your mommy cry from worry," Richard couldn’t help but comment as he and Mr. Joe left the restaurant.
He gave a cold smirk toward the fifteen-year-old, whose expression froze in disbelief.
Elsa too was shocked, hearing such words from a seven-year-old.
William nearly exploded in anger, but Elsa stopped him—clearly unwilling for him to get into a fight with a child half his age.
"Young Master, would you like to stroll around?" Mr. Joe asked from behind.
"No. Back home," Richard replied.
Tonight, he would simply absorb Aether until he fell asleep, ensuring he had more for tomorrow.
Since there were two rooms in Mr. Joe’s house, each of them took one.
Richard left his room dark after making sure it was safe and free of bats.
Sitting cross-legged on the floor, surrounded in complete darkness, he began absorbing Aether—which, he noticed, was easier in this city.
Compared to the Purple Rose Village, he felt he could absorb as many as four Aether here if he pushed himself.
But just as he started his training, unexpected notifications from the System appeared.
(Your Aether has increased from 876 to 877!)
(Your mastery of the Codex of the Dragon Emperor has risen from 25% to 30%!)
(Because your mastery of the Codex of the Dragon Emperor has reached 30%, one of your Innate Arcane Arts, Dragon’s Roar, has been unlocked!)
[Aether: 877/1000 ] +1
[Aether Accumulation: 877 ]
Codex of the Dragon Emperor (30%)
Codex of Moonshadow (4%)
[Innate Arcane Art from Codex of the Dragon Emperor:]
Dragon’s Wings (Locked)
Dragon Transformation (Locked)
The System’s boost came earlier than expected, but more importantly—it had granted him six advancements, five of which belonged to the Codex of the Dragon Emperor.
Richard felt a kind of evolution, a profound transformation, as his mastery reached 30%.
He could even sense his ability to absorb Aether had doubled.
The System seems to know exactly when I need strength... and gives me what I require at the perfect time, Richard thought.
He paused his training, lit a flame in his hand, and stared at the Aether Bottle that had slowly refilled with one Aether.
He drank it down without hesitation.
[Aether: 878/1000 ] +1
[Aether Accumulation: 878 ]
"But what about this Innate Arcane Art...?"
Richard knew all he had to do was roar while channeling Aether into it.
Yet, he wasn’t sure what the roar would sound like until he tried.
He worried it would be far more shocking than expected, and the last thing he wanted was for the house to be surrounded under the suspicion that a dangerous beast was hiding inside.