"Huu... huu... huu..." I panted nonstop as I tried to catch my breath. It had been a few days since I woke up from my 'weird dream'. During these few days, I had trained conscientiously in order to get stronger.
First, I had Alphonso sneak me out of the mansion and made him swear not to tell anyone. Meanwhile, he would cover for me that I was unwell. That way, no one would ask my whereabouts - not that they would have cared for it either way. I went into the deep mountains to train by hunting beasts. My effort was futile.
I was way too weak. Even terribly weak beasts were too strong for me. So, I figured I had to get stronger quicker. But thinking of all this, I noticed I had an advantage - money! I was a noble. Of course I'd have money. I went back to the town and into the marketplace to see whatever would catch my fancy.
The bad part though, was that I had no idea what I was going to buy upon getting there. The marketplace had shops everywhere: armor shops, weapon shops, food shops, etc. I strode around looking at goods that had been put on open display. I walked for a long time, yet nothing was good enough for me.
I turned a corner and saw a small crowd down the street. I entered the street and walked forward to see what was going on. Being as short as any other twelve-year old, I could not see what was going on in the large circle that had been formed. Trying to squeeze in had actually worked this time, though. I managed to squeeze into the centre of the gathering and finally saw what was happening.
Two men were on a younger one. Clearly, they had some sort of disagreement. They pounced at him with their fierce eyes filled with a fighting intent as they brandished their weapons which revealed a cold glint. Worst part was; the young man was unharmed.
Both men came at the younger one from both sides, blocking his escape paths. Where the hell were the guards of this damned marketplace? I cursed in my heart as I made the decision to move forward and aid the young, unarmed fellow; even if with only my words. After all, as a noble - or a son of one in this case - my words did carry some effect.
Having steeled my resolve, I was just about to step forward when something popped up right in front of my face. It had a dark red color that seemed a bit imposing, but ultimately made it extremely beautiful and eye-catching. This dark red material was indeed the system screen. What shocked me the most, however was not the fact that the screen popped up. It was what the screen showed that gave me a shock.
New quest received.
Defend the young man's honor and prevent him from coming to any bodily harm.
Reward: ???
'Huh. It is really unexpected... however, it does not matter. This is what I was planning to do anyway.' With a thought from my mind, I dismissed the dark red system screen from before my face and turned my gaze back into the rowdy circle. By now, the young man was on his back trying desperately to fight back against the burly man who had climbed atop him.
"Hei... Old sirs... " I started as I left the protection of the circle and entered into the centre of the circle, where the fight was hottest. Fiery gazes immediately shot in my direction. Apparently, some people watching did not wish anyone to intervene the good show they just got to watch. After all, these fights were not a common thing around here. If there was to be a fight, it would be a respectful challenge that would be issued; not a two-on-one.
Hot gazes converged towards me, including those of the two older men involved in the fight. It seemed as though they would attack and that made my heart jump involuntarily. If these old fellows were to attack me right now, it was likely that my ending would not be too good.
However, after seeing how I was dressed, they understood that I was a noble. Ergo, the fiery hot gazes were changed into warm welcoming smiles.
"Young master, please leave this little fellow to us. He deserves a real beating so we will help young master discipline him." The man inside the circle who was still standing said to me courteously in a somewhat bowing posture.
"I implore you two old sirs. On account of me, please let this young man go. Surely such good deeds of yours will not go unnoticed." I pleaded in a polite and gentle tone. Clearly, this got to some of the audience as they nodded their heads in agreement. Though it was possible they just nodded because I was a noble, as a sign of courtesy.
"Hee hee" Appearing to have understood the hidden meaning behind my words, the two older men laughed and withdrew slowly towards me. "Young master, please tell us just what kind of 'recognition' we will get from heeding these wishes of yours?"
I smiled as I understood what they meant. I dipped my right hand into my robe and drew out a pouch which I tossed over to the standing man. By this time, his companion had joined him, hence they quickly scurried off. Seeing this, everyone could only emit a soft sigh as the crowd scattered and went back to do their businesses.
I moved towards the young man on the ground and helped him to his feet. He immediately groveled at my feet, thanking - and embarrassing me - in front of a large number of people. I didn't actually give him much thought as I turned around, leaving him on the ground. My mind was more absorbed by that dark red screen and the message currently displayed on it.
Mission success.
Receive your rewards:
Level up.
Level: 2
Skill point +1
You have stood up to those much more powerful than you without any fear and have deterred them.
New skill unlocked: Dauntless (Passive).
Dauntless (Passive): Even when meeting stronger opponents and terrifying situations, User will be able to think extremely calmly. User's mental faculties will improve until either the threat is resolved or User dies.