Raymond's idea had sparked from a momentary impulse, a fleeting thought that he decided to test, perhaps to gauge his own luck or to see if fate played a role. Regardless of the forces at play, Raymond found himself on the winning side this time.
Yet, amidst this triumph, he faced the daunting task of easing the palpable hostility emanating from the investigator. This endeavor was akin to treading on thin ice, especially considering his own physical fragility as an ordinary adult. Even with his magical abilities, which he could only display as a mere exhibition, Raymond knew he had to tread carefully.
"I'm a prodigy, so could you please hear me out? We're not capable of fighting, so let's talk," Raymond's words were bold, yet tinged with a hint of vulnerability.
On the other end of the spectrum, Sir Hones stood frozen, his anxiety palpable as beads of sweat formed on his forehead, each droplet evidence to his mounting apprehension. The mere mention of the general sent shivers down his spine, knowing all too well the repercussions of engaging with someone connected to such a figure.
With a gulp, Sir Hones finally gathered the courage to address Raymond. "Hey!" His voice was barely audible, a reflection of his inner turmoil. Turning to face Raymond, he whispered, "What are you really doing? I don't want to die like this."
Raymond couldn't help but snicker softly, shaking his head in response. "I have something valuable that could interest the general. Killing me now would serve no purpose to him. Even if he reports us as an anomaly, substantial evidence would be required. So... what will he choose?"
As thoughts raced through his mind, Raymond pondered the complexities of human nature. He realized that deciphering a person's true intentions was not a task accomplished through mere speculation. Human personalities were multifaceted, shaped by unique experiences and personal interests. It was a delicate dance of understanding, one that Raymond had to navigate with caution in this high-stakes encounter.
"Sir Investigator, please join us. Let's talk. We pose no threat, as you're well aware," Raymond's voice carried a note of assurance, despite the underlying risks of revealing vulnerability. It was a calculated move, one that relied on the investigator's intellectual acumen to discern the true intentions behind Raymond's words.
From the shadows, the investigator muttered to himself, a realization dawning. "This kid... he must have recognized me from that encounter." Slowly, hesitantly, the investigator stepped forward, weighing the potential benefits of engaging in this conversation. If Raymond truly possessed the intellect and potential described, aligning with General McWorthy could elevate the investigator's own status and influence.
Moreover, prodigies like Raymond possessed unique capabilities, able to access their profiles without the need for awakening. Their rapid progression and bright futures made them valuable assets, especially under the wing of someone as powerful as General McWorthy.
Attempting to deceive or oppose General McWorthy would be a foolish endeavor, given the general's formidable political clout. Additionally, considering the tight security within the village, it was unlikely that outsiders were involved in this intricate web of events.
It became increasingly clear to the investigator that Raymond had orchestrated this encounter, displaying a calm demeanor in the face of potential hostility. In contrast, the teacher seemed to play a peripheral role, acting as a conduit in this intricate dance of manipulation and strategy.
The notion of going against General McWorthy seemed implausible, given the general's influence and power. It appeared more likely that Raymond was leveraging his "prodigy" status to align himself with the general, using this encounter as a means to expedite the process.
"Can I trust you to convey my message to the general?" Raymond's question to the investigator was vague, reflecting a cautious skepticism.
The investigator paused, trying to decipher Raymond's intentions. "You're quite cryptic, kid. What's your name?"
"Raymond, sir," came the straightforward reply. In a society where family names held significance, the absence of one indicated a commoner status or deliberate concealment.
"So, you claim to be a prodigy. How did you come to this conclusion?" The investigator probed further.
"I believe such inquiries are more fitting for the general, sir," Raymond deflected, indicating that his status as a prodigy should be verified by higher authorities rather than discussed with an investigator.
"Well then, I'll inform the general about you and expect him to pay you a visit within this week. This is an important matter to us. And also the teacher, he should be in the special unit, not here. His sense would be useless as a teacher."
As the investigator vanished into the obscurity of the shadows, his words echoed in Raymond's mind, signaling a significant step forward in his plans. The weight of the promise made by the investigator hung in the air, creating a sense of anticipation and eagerness within Raymond. The reassurance that the general would soon be paying him a visit added a layer of urgency and importance to the situation.
Raymond basked in the aftermath of the encounter, a sense of accomplishment mingling with the satisfaction of having his talents acknowledged. The subtle nod to Sir Hones was both a silent agreement and a subtle acknowledgment of their shared understanding of the situation.
Turning his attention to Sir Hones, Raymond probed gently, "What is your Talent, Sir Hones?" Despite already knowing the answer, he posed the question to maintain the flow of conversation and to ensure no loose ends were left unaddressed.
"It's a secret," Sir Hones replied with a playful wink, indicating a level of camaraderie and trust between them. With a casual turn, he rejoined the students, seamlessly transitioning back into his role as an instructor.
For Raymond, this marked another milestone in his carefully crafted strategy. Yet, his mind remained vigilant, recognizing the need for thorough preparation before meeting with the general. Despite his knowledge of the general's characteristics, Raymond remained cautious, acknowledging the possibility of unforeseen changes.
Returning home, Raymond carried with him a renewed sense of hope and purpose. The thought of alleviating his family's struggles fueled his determination to succeed. He refused to let his family endure any further hardship, vowing to shoulder the burden himself.
However, amidst the weight of responsibilities, Raymond found solace in simple moments of joy with his family. Lilia's excitement over a butterfly's visit reminded him of the importance of cherishing these moments, even amidst challenges and uncertainties. With a gentle smile and a pat on Lilia's head, Raymond embraced the present, finding strength in the bonds of family and the prospect of a brighter future.