"You know that red-haired girl. She’s the commander’s daughter," Augus said, slightly surprising Richard.
The commander was the leader of the Sky Armor Legion in a province, a truly formidable figure.
In this province, the Eight-Star Province, he was without doubt one of the most powerful individuals.
The governor might outrank him in position, but that did not mean he was stronger or more influential.
If compared to Earth, he would be the equivalent of a Two-Star General.
Of course, in this world, everything was determined by individual combat strength. One could not obtain a position—let alone a military one—without the power to back it up.
It could be said that such a figure would fear no one in the province, except perhaps the Moonshadow Clan, who happened to reside here.
That clan had declined, once famed for an ancestor even stronger than the kingdom itself.
Yet now, with Lady Rebecca, the clan once again bared its fangs.
Regardless, the truth remained that even though Emma was just a little girl, if she went to Apple Town, the city’s lord would personally welcome her.
Richard, of course, was very surprised she had come to this village.
"What about her?" Richard asked, narrowing his eyes at Augus.
"I hope that in the future, I’ll become her husband. That way, I can receive better training," Augus replied.
But Richard was not surprised at his thought.
Living in a smarter environment, Augus had clearly begun to understand how the world worked, knowing what he needed to do to climb higher.
Of course, even if his talent was remarkable enough to let him associate with the commander’s daughter, his ambition was still far too lofty given his background as an orphan from a remote village.
Richard held back from mocking him, instead becoming more interested in what he was planning.
"What can I help you with?" Richard asked.
"Of course, help me make her fall in love with me. If you succeed, I’ll definitely help you in the future."
"I understand what you want. But what’s the plan?"
"That’s why I came to you. I want you to help me think of one. After all, you’re smarter than most kids."
At first, he thought the boy had come with some elaborate plan that required him to play a role. But no—he came because he wanted Richard to come up with the plan for him.
"I don’t have any skill in that. Go ask someone else," Richard replied bluntly, not bothering to play along.
"But you’re the only one I can ask. You’re the only one I can rely on," Augus said.
Of course, he didn’t look like he was begging. It was only his words; his expression was already starting to look forceful.
"If it were that easy, I’d just make her fall in love with me instead," Richard answered.
"You—" Augus’s eyes widened instantly.
"Augus, it seems you need to be reminded who the boss is..." Richard didn’t wait for him to show his anger.
He grabbed the boy’s armored collar, dragged him into the room, and shoved him down.
And Richard couldn’t help but be surprised by how heavy the armor Augus wore was.
If his movement hadn’t been sudden, he doubted Augus would have fallen at all.
’Has he already reached Tier 2?’ Richard thought, finding it hard to believe.
Although training with the Sky Armor indeed accelerated growth, this kind of speed meant Augus’s talent was extremely high.
"Richard, how dare you! You think this is the same as before!" Augus finally shouted.
But before he could stand, Richard raised his hand.
Something invisible struck him, his eyes and mouth opening wide.
He shuddered, and moments later blood trickled from his nose and mouth.
Richard had attacked with Wave, one of the elements he was attuned to.
Though it sounded ordinary, Wave was terrifying precisely because it was invisible.
Richard could even send his waves through matter—through Augus’s Sky Armor, through his flesh and skin, striking directly at his cells.
He could even carry other elements along with the waves.
If he had used any other attack, defeating a Sky Armor Knight would not have been so easy, since the armor granted such powerful defense.
Of course, he had gone easy. Otherwise, Augus would have died without even knowing how.
All he did was shake his organs.
Augus hacked violently, staring at Richard in horror.
Two years in the Sky Armor Legion had made him familiar with magic, as he often trained alongside Magi.
Without any need for explanation, he immediately realized Richard had just used magic. His perception, sharpened by wearing the Sky Armor, let him feel the magical energy when Richard unleashed it.
Yet he could not understand what kind of magic it was. He only thought it far too terrifying, crippling him instantly before he could even fight back.
This had never happened—since attaining Tier 2 Sky Armor, he had been able to spar with lower-class Aether Will Magi on even footing for a time before losing.
"Get out, now!" Richard said coldly.
Augus forced himself to stand, nodding repeatedly before stumbling out awkwardly.
The fear of Richard, which had only just faded, returned in full.
(Your affinity with the Wave Element has increased from 85% to 90%!)
(Your mastery of the Codex of Moonshadow has increased from 4% to 6%!)
Codex of Dragon Emperor (30%)
Codex of Moonshadow (6%)]
"So fast, even an extra point..." Richard was stunned by the sudden notification.
Not long after Augus left, Sister Lisa suddenly arrived.
"Richard, are you the seven-year-old boy who shocked Apple Town?" the woman asked with great excitement.
From the look on her face, she had just received the news and was now absolutely certain it was him.
"Yes, that’s me..." Richard saw no need to hide it, since she was already so sure.
Whether it was her or Mrs. Wilson, both already knew he had been training.
When she heard it, Sister Lisa drew a deep breath, her eyes gazing at him as if wondering if he was the same baby she had once taken in from his aunt.
Only seven years since that day—how could he already have reached this point?
"Sister Lisa, I hope you’ll keep it a secret. This could cause me trouble," Richard said.
"Of course, of course..." Sister Lisa nodded quickly.